The HP 325 FHD is a surprisingly good-looking webcam. The left and right edges are fully curved, giving a nice pill shape to the overall look. The camera is dead center in the chassis, with the HP logo to the left and the microphone to the right. Everything about the webcam head design is well-balanced and appealing.
The USB-A cable is hardwired to the webcam, which is nice for convenience, but it does mean that if any part of that cable breaks, then you've lost the whole device. The fact that the cord comes out of the back also means that the overall aesthetic is slightly affected for the worse.
The webcam head is able to rotate 360 degrees thanks to the ball head mechanism, and it rotates beautifully smoothly, staying in whichever position you leave it in. There is also a privacy monitor clip that can be attached to the camera. This is a removable part, which means the chances of losing it are somewhat high (depending on how careful you are, naturally).
(Image credit: Future)
After unboxing the device, it's very clear why this webcam is so affordable. Almost every part of the HP 325 FHD is plastic and it's about as far from premium as it could get. This is no problem for the main webcam unit, as it's robust enough. I tried to crush it, bend it, and warp it, but it resisted admirably.
The hinge, on the other hand, feels pretty cheap, and I could have broken it if I tried. The hinge could also benefit from being stiffer so that it clamps more strongly on the laptop. I really liked the Opal Tadpole webcam because of the spring-loaded clip (the hinged part includes rubber pads, to keep your laptop or monitor free from scratches).
(Image credit: Future)
The final notable part of the design is the 1/4-20 UNC thread that is located on the bottom of the webcam. This makes it possible to attach the webcam to a tripod if you want to use it for streaming an event or something similar.
Moving away from the design and build quality, let's discuss the image quality. In reality, it's not too bad, but you really need to help it along the journey. Given poor lighting, this camera really comes up short. But with natural daylight that is evenly spread across your face, the webcam performs absolutely fine. That said, we also have to remember that this webcam is under $35 (£50 / AU$50) - and temper our expectations accordingly.
The 1080p resolution sets this webcam apart from a lot of its competitors and the additional pixels on top of 720p help push it up a little in terms of image quality.
(Image credit: Future)
Some webcams are incredibly good at managing a wide dynamic range but this isn't one of those cameras. If you need a lens and sensor that will deliver results no matter what setting you're in, then I would stay away from the HP 325 FHD webcam.
One of the positive points of the camera is that it has a 66-degree viewing angle. This is ideal for those who want to get multiple people into a shot, including couples who are on FaceTime with their relatives or teams in a business meeting.
(Image credit: Future)
When we're on a video call, we don't just want to look great – we also want to sound great. This is where the HP 325 FHD webcam really starts to struggle. The single microphone array just isn't enough to avoid distortion and noise, which makes it pretty much unusable for audio. Instead, you'll want a separate microphone that delivers better results.
Overall, the HP 325 FHD webcam struggles with some elements of its build quality, the lack of quality in low light, and the poor audio performance. But there's also a lot that's commendable here: the price makes it impressively affordable, the webcam looks great, and it provides a good level of image quality if the lighting conditions are right.
(Image credit: Future)
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HP 325 FHD webcam picture quality under good lighting (Image credit: Future)
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HP 325 FHD webcam picture quality under low light (Image credit: Future)
HP 325 FHD webcam: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $34 / £49.78 / AU$51
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? The US, UK, and Australia
The HP 325 FHD webcam is available in the US, UK, and Australia. Priced at $34 / £49.78 / AU$51, this webcam is definitely budget-friendly, but there are cheaper options out there. It's currently part of our best webcams buying guide, sitting in the 'best budget' category.
Entry-level options usually top out at 720p resolution, whereas this HP webcam boasts 1080p. You might think it should therefore attract a higher price tag, but actually, given the overall image and video quality, this price seems a decent enough fit – the HP 325 FHD is great value overall.
If you're after a more premium product, then you'll want to take a look at something like the Elgato Facecam Pro or Logitech C920.
Value: 4.5 / 5
HP 325 FHD webcam: Specs
Should you buy the HP 325 FHD webcam?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want a cheap webcam At $34 / £49.78 / AU$51 you'll only find a few alternatives that are any cheaper. That 1080p video resolution helps the HP 325 FHD webcam stand out from some of its budget competitors.
You want a travel webcam The HP 325 FHD is small, lightweight and folds up into a compact size. If you need a travel webcam then this hits the spot.
You want a trusted brand HP has been in the tech industry for decades and is well-regarded in many markets. The firm might not be as well-known for webcams but it's still a household name.
Don't buy it if...
You want a 4K webcam The HP 325 FHD webcam tops out at 1080p and even at that resolution it only offers reasonable picture quality if the lighting is really good.
You're usually in low-light settings The HP 325 FHD webcam doesn't perform well when light is lacking. If your office space or studio doesn't have good lighting then you'll need a webcam that performs better in these environments.
HP 325 FHD webcam: Also consider
How I tested the HP 325 FHD webcam
I used the webcam with FaceTime
I tested its general performance as well as special features
I tested the camera under a variety of lighting conditions
This webcam from HP was incredibly easy to set up, and I was up and running in no time. I tested every feature available using FaceTime, and made sure to give the camera a good run in different lighting conditions, including bright and low-lit rooms.
Distant Desktop emerges as a noteworthy contender in remote access and management software. This software solution facilitates seamless connections between computers over the internet, making it ideal for various use cases, from IT support to remote team collaborations.
Let’s look at Distant Desktop’s features, advantages, drawbacks, pricing, and the primary audience.
Distant Desktop: plans and pricing
Like many other remote desktop solutions, Distant Desktop offers a free trial version with limited features. However, a professional subscription is required for long-term use and full access to all features. Fortunately, the cost for your organization is easy to determine.
You can purchase between one and 10 licenses at a time, and the price per license starts at $22.90 when buying at least 10. A single license is $49.95. These licenses are only required for the controlling side; there’s no license requirement for the remote controller.
Distant Desktop: Features and utilities
When testing Distant Desktop, several features stood out, including:
Accessibility Across Devices
Access your remote desktopDesktopnywhere using a Windows, Mac, or Android device. Distant Desktop offers a simple setup with no installation or registration required, allowing you to connect to other computers effortlessly. Just download and run the application, and you're ready to go.
Fast and Reliable Performance
Experience high-performance remote access optimized over years of use. The software dynamically adjusts the speed based on connection conditions, ensuring a reliable and efficient remote desktop experience.
User-Friendly Interface
Ease of use lies at the core of Distant Desktop's design philosophy. Its interface and settings are minimalistic and elegant, making it one of the easiest remote desktop software to use, regardless of your level of technological proficiency.
Enhanced Security
Distant Desktop optimizes security by utilizing AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for protection and employing SRTP (Secure Realtime Protocol) for secure video, audio, and file transfers.
Simple File Transfer
Securely send and receive files and folders from your computer to a remote host with just a few clicks. Transfers are seamless and ensure the integrity of your files.
Support for Multiple Connections
With Distant Desktop, you can connect to several computers simultaneously, a feature invaluable for administration and remote technical assistance. You can also allow multiple partners to connect to your PC concurrently.
(Image credit: Image by Lalmch from Pixabay)
Efficient Communication
Integrated voice and text chat functionalities facilitate easy communication with your remote partners. You can converse through text or use a microphone and speakers/headset for voice chats.
Demonstration and Training
The View-Only mode allows others to access your desktop, making it perfect for presenting digital products, educational training, or remote demonstrations.
Unattended Access
For ongoing accessibility, install Distant Desktop as a service. This will enable you to connect anytime using a static ID and password.
Direct Commands and Allowlisting
Control your remote computer more effectively with direct command features such as system keys, lock, reboot, and shutdown. Leverage allowlisting to ensure only trusted IDs gain access to your PC.
Distant Desktop: Setup
(Image credit: Distant Desktop)
Whether you're a freelance professional, a part of a remote team, or someone providing technical support, setting up Distant Desktop is straightforward and efficient. This guide will walk you through each step, helping you easily navigate the setup process.
Begin by visiting the official Distant Desktop website. Here, you will find the "Download" option prominently displayed. Distant Desktop is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android devices, ensuring a wide range of usability. Click on the download link suitable for your operating system to start the process.
One of the conveniences of Distant Desktop is that it doesn't require a traditional installation process. Once the download is complete:
For Windows or Mac: Locate the downloaded file and run it. There's no need to go through an installation wizard; the software is ready to use once executed.
For Android: Install the app from the downloaded file, then open it once the installation is complete.
To connect to another computer remotely, you'll need the ID and Access Code of the target computer. On the main screen of Distant Desktop:
Enter the computer's ID into the "Remote Desktop" section and click "Connect." You'll then be prompted to enter the Access Code.
Share your computer's ID and Access Code, displayed on the main screen, with the person you're giving access to.
Distant Desktop comes with a variety of settings that you can customize based on your preferences:
Unattended Access: Set up unattended access by selecting the option to install Distant Desktop as a service. This allows you to connect without needing someone at the host PC.
Voice and Text Chat: Utilize the built-in voice and text chat options for communication with remote users.
File Transfers: Explore the settings for secure file transfers to ensure your documents are shared safely.
Distant Desktop: Pros and cons
Distant Desktop offers several advantages over disadvantages. These include:
Pros
1. User-Friendly Interface: The interface is intuitive and easy to use, catering to users of all skill levels.
2. Portability: The software is portable and can be run directly from a USB drive or other storage device without needing installation. This provides flexibility for users who need to access it from various devices.
3. Cost-Effective: Distant Desktop offers a free version, which is particularly beneficial for individuals or small businesses on a tight budget.
4. Lightweight: It has minimal system requirements and can run without formal installation, making it suitable for older and smaller devices.
5. Fast and Reliable: The software delivers high performance and automatically adjusts speed based on connection conditions, ensuring a smooth remote desktop experience.
(Image credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock)
Cons
1. Limited Advanced Features: Compared to more established remote desktop solutions, Distant Desktop may lack some advanced features desired by larger enterprises.
2. Support and Documentation: As a minor player, the level of support and available documentation may not match those of more prominent companies.
3. Platform Support: Primarily focused on Windows, Distant Desktop may not offer comprehensive solutions for users of other operating systems, such as MacOS or Linux.
4. No Mobile App: Currently, Distant Desktop does not have a dedicated mobile app, which restricts remote access to devices with a compatible web browser.
5. Lacks Centralized Management: For larger organizations, the absence of centralized management features can pose challenges in deploying and managing remote access across multiple users and devices.
1. Limited Advanced Features: Compared to more established remote desktop solutions, Distant Desktop may lack some advanced features desired by larger enterprises.
2. Support and Documentation: As a minor player, the level of support and available documentation may not match those of more prominent companies.
3. Platform Support: Primarily focused on Windows, Distant Desktop may not offer comprehensive solutions for users of other operating systems, such as MacOS or Linux.
4. No Mobile App: Currently, Distant Desktop does not have a dedicated mobile app, which restricts remote access to devices with a compatible web browser.
5. Lacks Centralized Management: For larger organizations, the absence of centralized management features can pose challenges in deploying and managing remote access across multiple users and devices.
Who should use Distant Desktop
Whether you are an IT professional maintaining servers, a freelancer juggling projects from home, or a business looking to streamline operations, Distant Desktop software is a compelling choice. It empowers you to take control of your work environment. Let's explore the types of users who would greatly benefit from employing this dynamic tool.
One of the primary beneficiaries of Distant Desktop software is IT professionals and support teams responsible for maintaining a company's IT infrastructure and providing support. With features like unattended access, direct commands, and the ability to manage multiple connections simultaneously, Distant Desktop allows IT personnel to troubleshoot issues, update systems, and manage networks without being physically present. This dramatically reduces response times to technical problems and increases the efficiency of operations.
Work location flexibility is a significant perk for remote workers and freelancers, but it often comes with the need for reliable tech tools. Distant Desktop provides a secure and intuitive interface, ensuring that these professionals can effortlessly access their work computers from anywhere. This facilitates the easy transition between home and office environments or while moving, thus maximizing productivity and the freedom to work from anywhere.
In education, remote desktop software like Distant Desktop can revolutionize how educators engage with their students. Teachers can offer real-time demonstrations and tutorials by sharing access to resources on their desktops. Online trainers can also benefit by showcasing software applications and workflows to remote trainees, making their sessions interactive and engaging.
(Image credit: Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay)
SMB owners, who often operate with limited resources, can leverage Distant Desktop to provide their teams access to company resources from remote locations. This flexibility can lower operating costs, such as office space and utilities, while maintaining productivity. Furthermore, the ease of collaboration and file sharing that Distant Desktop supports ensures that team members can work efficiently on shared projects regardless of their physical locations.
Designers, artists, and video editors sometimes need powerful hardware to run their applications, which may only be available on some devices. With Distant Desktop, they can remotely access their main workstations from a laptop or secondary device to utilize the full power of specialized software without replicating their setup or transferring large files back and forth.
Data analysts and researchers often work with sensitive data and complex analytical tools installed on secure, dedicated systems. Distant Desktop ensures their work is conducted safely and compliantly without compromising data security and integrity.
Even casual users can find Distant Desktop helpful. It brings a sense of ease and convenience to your computing. Assisting family members with technical issues becomes a breeze as you can connect to their system and solve problems without physical intervention. It also allows accessing personal computers while away, providing the convenience of grabbing files or checking on downloads without being in front of the PC.
Distant Desktop: Final verdict
Distant Desktop is a reliable platform that provides a range of functionalities for remote desktop access. Its secure and user-friendly interface makes it suitable for various purposes, including client support, remote team management, and personal computer access. With a robust set of features, Distant Desktop is designed to cater to a wide array of needs, ensuring convenience and efficiency for users.
Its key features include file transfer capabilities, multi-monitor support, clipboard sharing, and session recording. These features make it a versatile tool for businesses and individuals looking for an effective remote desktop solution. What sets Distant Desktop apart is its robust security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication, prioritizing protecting sensitive data and ensuring a safe remote desktop experience.
Overall, Distant Desktop stands out as a comprehensive and reliable platform that combines advanced features with a user-friendly interface, catering to the diverse needs of remote desktop users.
Android phone maker Fairphone has long enjoyed thriving in a niche it built for itself: its mobiles are second to none in terms of their eco-friendly credentials, with each and every model boasting sustainably sourced materials in their respective designs, upgrade-preventing longevity, and recyclable packaging.
The Fairphone 5 brings all that and more – perhaps too much more, given that it’s the brand’s most premium smartphone yet with a price tag that fits.
Released two years after the Fairphone 4 in 2021, this new Android phone continues Fairphone’s schedule of biennial device updates, though there was no Fairphone 4 Plus, so the brand’s usual trend wasn’t strictly followed.
All of Fairphone’s typical promises are back here in force: the fifth-gen mobile is easily repairable, with parts you can remove with a screwdriver and replace with equivalents bought via the brand’s store. The company is set to support the Fairphone 5 with at least five years of software updates, too, so you can keep using it for half a decade, at least. Plus, many of the parts used in the Fairphone 5's design are from renewable sources, or reused from recycled phones.
So, for the Fairphone 5 – more so than any other mobile on the market – you can rest assured that you’re picking the greenest option.
(Image credit: Future)
That’s important because, besides the eco credentials, the Fairphone 5 is like its predecessors in that it’s not very competitive for its price. You can spend the same amount on another Android phone and get better cameras, a more powerful processor, or a bigger screen. So, you do need to balance these factors when considering this device.
What’s new here, and slightly surprising, is that Fairphone is eschewing its previous design choices. Previous phones from the brand have typically had specs on par with low-end or mid-range rivals, but the Fairphone 5 is grasping up towards the top end – a move it partly, but not wholly, pulls off.
That’s best illustrated with the cameras, as the front-facing and both rear sensors each sport a 50MP resolution, and you can see clear improvements in the handset’s AI scene optimization too. But the latter goes much too far on one of the cameras, resulting in ultra-wide snaps that are a hideous mess.
Not all of Fairphone’s premium attempts are as mixed a bag: the screen has seen a significant spec improvement, making it wonderful to watch content on, while the chipset is also a lot more powerful than we've typically seen in previous Fairphone handsets; you can finally play games without taxing the hardware too much.
The improvements across the board are matched with a fairly significant price hike over the Fairphone 4, to shift the Fairphone 5 into the premium territory.
It feels as though Fairphone is trying to court a new audience with its latest mobile, one which typically picks the new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy and wants top-end phones. This may work out, though it means some fans of the brand, those with limited funding, might be left behind.
The Fairphone 5 was announced at the end of August 2023 and released in September, roughly two years on from its predecessor. That follows Fairphone’s biennial cycle.
The handset costs £649 (roughly $800 / AU$1,250), which is a fair step up over the £499 (around $670, AU$930) entry price of the Fairphone 4, though that entry had a £569 (about $770, AU$1,060) equivalent with a more comparable 8GB RAM capacity and 256GB storage (this mobile received a price cut when the 5 was announced). Either way, you’re paying more for this phone than for its predecessor.
That price hike puts the Fairphone 5 much closer to – but not quite on par with – the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15. It lives in a no-man’s land between premium and mid-range mobiles, a category that doesn’t see as many entries as it should. As a result, this feels like a cost-saver’s alternative to the current batch of premium smartphones.
The Fairphone 5 provides some spec increases over its predecessor, for a mixed bag of mid-range and premium features.
Fairphone 5 review: design
(Image credit: Future)
Repairable and moddable design
Made from sustainable and recycled materials
Fairly chunky in the hand
Fairphone is harking back to the noughties with the design of its newest phone. The Fairphone 5 unit that we tested has a see-through back, so you can peer into the inner workings of the device (well, to its battery mainly, but that’s still something!). To my judgemental eyes, this isn’t quite as attractive a look as the olive green of the Fairphone 4 we previously tested, but luckily there are black and blue versions of the phone on sale too.
It’s fair to give Fairphone devices quite a lot of leeway when it comes to design, and that’s because they’re doing something quite different. The Fairphone 5 has a modular design that lets you remove and replace broken components, and it’s really simple to do, whether or not you’re an expert engineer. Plus, you can remove the back of the phone and battery with your hand (remember when all smartphones let you do that?).
This is a rugged phone too, one that’ll survive tough bumps or drops. It has a MIL-810H durability rating – that’s a military-grade standard, so you know it’s solid – and the phone also has IP55 certification against splashes and dust ingress. So, don’t take it for a dive, but this handset will survive all of life’s unexpected accidents otherwise.
I say all this to acknowledge the justification behind some of my issues with the phone’s design.
The Fairphone 5 is big and heavy, perhaps big and heavy enough to put off users with smaller hands. Measuring 161.6 x 75.8 x 9.6mm, and weighing 212g, this handset is surprisingly hefty, and we can imagine that some might not like the way it feels in the hand.
The phone has a USB-C port – no 3.5mm headphone jack, as Fairphone is one of the many brands to drop this – and on its right edge, it has two volume keys as well as a power button embedded in a fingerprint scanner. The sensor for this scanner is hair-pullingly unreliable, mind, and I often found myself rubbing my thumb on it as though it was a magic lamp about to grant me a wish.
Design score: 4 / 5
Fairphone 5 review: display
(Image credit: Future)
6.46-inch Full HD+ display
Bright and vibrant screen
Big upgrade over the predecessor
The Fairphone 5 has a 6.46-inch display, so you’ve got more screen real estate than the 6.3 inches of the Fairphone 4, but that size increase is just one of the many improvements.
The display is OLED now, with Fairphone having ditched LCD, and it also has a higher refresh rate at 90Hz. There’s a maximum brightness of 880nits and a higher resolution of 1224 x 2700 too.
All of these changes combine to ensure that the Fairphone 5 is great for watching shows, scrolling through social media and playing games; with a noticeably better viewing experience across the board than its predecessors.
The display is broken up by a ‘punch-hole’ cut-out for the front camera, with Fairphone finally moving into the future and ditching the notch, and while this doesn’t really provide much of a user experience benefit (on this or any other phone!), it does give the Fairphone 5 a more modern look.
Display score: 4 / 5
Fairphone 5 review: software
(Image credit: Future)
Stock Android 13 is nice and clean
Five years of software upgrades
8-10 years of security updates
If you’re a fan of clean software, then you’ll like the Fairphone 5. Like the best Pixel phones and Nokia phones, Fairphone’s mobiles use near-stock Android, just as Google intended.
The handset runs Android 13, and the main perks of this most recent version of Android is a remodeled Google Wallet (for all your payments) and improved connectivity with Android tablets. Plus, you’re getting the nice clean look of stock Android with little bloatware, smart circular icons and a handy app drawer.
While many phone makers pledge two or three years' worth of software updates to their new devices, Fairphone wants to make sure you keep using your Fairphone 5 for as long as possible, so it’s bumping that figure up. It’s pledged to update the Fairphone 5 for at least five generations of updates (so, until Android 18 at least) and, between eight and ten years worth of security updates.
So, if you’re the kind of user who really likes to have the newest build of Android, the Fairphone will be perfect for you.
Software score: 4 / 5
Fairphone 5 review: cameras
(Image credit: Future)
50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide
50MP front-facer
Noticeable AI processing improvements, but some issues
One upgrade the Fairphone 5 brings over its fourth-gen predecessor comes in the camera department: the two rear cameras are now both 50MP (over 48MP) and the front camera is also 50MP (over 25MP).
An upgrade was needed, as the Fairphone 4’s weak camera performance was one of our main gripes with it. And the fifth-gen model really is an upgrade – as long as you steer clear of one of the three cameras.
Pictures taken on the 50MP f/1.9 main camera don’t quite compare with snaps you’ll take on the best camera phones, but they look decent for the price, and you've likely got the AI processing to thank for this.
The Fairphone 4 didn’t have much to offer in the scene optimization department, but that’s different here. Pictures look rich, vibrant and appealing, and the camera offers sufficient detail too.
By default, snaps are taken at a 12.5MP resolution, but you can bump that up to 50MP if you'd prefer. That’s the case for all the cameras, though we’re not sure you’ll want to do so for the ultra-wide…
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A 1x zoom picture - swipe along to see how this looks as an ultra-wide (Image credit: Future)
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The bizarre texture smoothing on the grass is distracting! (Image credit: Future)
The Fairphone 5’s secondary camera is a 50MP f/2.2 snapper with a 121-degree field of view, and it’s absolutely horrendous for photography. I could – and will – explain why, but checking out the camera samples above will show all.
Many of the ultra-wide pictures taken featured startling amounts of over-smoothing, with significant detail lost in a way that plasters over textures; not to mention, lots of grain in darker (and sometimes even lighter) parts of images.
I took pictures in Starfield’s photo mode that looked more realistic than these photos. It’s possible that these issues are from the Fairphone 5’s AI optimization being a little overzealous, an issue which could be fixed with software updates, but at the time of my testing… well, you can see the results for yourself.
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A selfie taken in standard selfie mode. (Image credit: Future)
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A selfie taken in Portrait mode, with its only difference being that the camera is held further from the subject. (Image credit: Future)
Luckily this isn’t an issue on the front-facing camera; selfies look detailed and reasonably bright. One interesting quirk is that, if you switch to portrait mode, the camera zooms in to 2x – you’ll need to stretch your arm in order to frame your snap well. Portrait shots had impressive depth perception, so the bokeh background blur was accurate, though some of our selfies were a little desaturated compared to non-Portrait alternatives.
Video recording goes up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps, and thanks to having the same sensor resolution, the front camera lets you record in 4K too.
There’s a fairly limited selection of other modes on the phone: slow-mo video recording, night mode, pro mode and panorama. No time-lapse, then – a surprising omission, given how commonplace this option is with many other smartphone cameras.
Fairphone 5 camera samples
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Camera score: 3 / 5
Fairphone 5 review: performance and audio
(Image credit: Future)
Qualcomm QCM6490 is fit for purpose...
... but no powerhouse for gaming
Stereo speakers but no 3.5mm headphone jack
Fairphone mobiles have never been performance powerhouses, but the Fairphone 5 does at least have a good enough processor to handle light gaming and similarly intensive processes.
The mobile packs the blandly-named Qualcomm QCM6490, a chipset that hasn’t been used on a smartphone before – it’s not one of Qualcomm’s mobile-first offerings, and is actually intended for IoT devices, rather than smartphones.
So, we turn to Geekbench 5 to evaluate the chip: the average multi-core score was 2940, which is on par with a top-end phone from yesteryear (read: 2020) or a mid-range phone nowadays.
When I put the Fairphone 5 through my ‘gaming tests’ (i.e. hours of gaming), it mostly performed well – there was the occasional stutter or lag, but it didn’t have much of an effect on performance. The handset isn't perfect for gaming, but it’ll do.
Unlike its predecessor, there’s only one variant of the phone: it has 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. There is, however, also a microSD card slot to expand that storage, so you don’t need to worry if you're ever running low on space.
The phone has stereo speaker output, though the down-firing one is noticeably louder than its earpiece equivalent. This performs how you expect for a smartphone speaker: fine for gaming or streaming, though missing the soundstage of an actual loudspeaker, and getting tinny at higher volumes.
Performance score: 3 / 5
Fairphone 5 review: battery life
(Image credit: Future)
Fairphone devices always seem to have limited battery life on paper, yet they often outperform those figures in practice, and that’s the case here.
You’ll find a 4,200mAh power pack inside the Fairphone 5, which is smaller than the 5,000mAh unit that every new phone and its mother seems to be equipped with these days (though that's nothing to turn your nose up at). However, between the battery-efficient software, small screen and sprinkling of Fairphone magic, the handset does fare better than you'd expect.
In the testing period, the phone generally lasted through a day of ‘standard’ use (i.e. how a non-phone-tester uses their device). If you're an intensive user, you might struggle to get the device to hit the 24-hour mark, but given the chipset, the Fairphone isn't really a phone for that kind of user anyway.
If you're struggling with battery, a lunchtime boost will suffice to see you through to that second evening. It'll have to be left on charge for the entirety of your lunchtime, because the Fairphone 5's recharge speeds aren't exactly rapid. At 30W, there’s technically been a speed boost here over the 20W fourth-gen mobile, but it’s still a far cry from the fast charging you'll find on the latest phones from Xiaomi or Oppo. You’ll have to plug the device in for over an hour to go from empty to full.
Battery score: 3.5 / 5
Should you buy the Fairphone 5?
Buy it if...
You care about the planet The eco-friendly credentials of Fairphone and its devices make the Fairphone 5 the device to buy if you consider yourself an eco-warrior.
You want a long-lasting phone Between its durable build, five years of security updates and the fact you can remove and replace parts of the phone, the Fairphone will serve you for years.
A good screen is important One of the biggest improvements over the Fairphone 4 is the 5's display; it's higher-res, bolder and quicker to refresh than its predecessor.
Don't buy it if...
You're on a budget Because of its spec upgrades, the Fairphone 5 isn't as affordably priced as its predecessors, which may put off people who want a green yet low-cost handset.
You don't use facial recognition The Fairphone's fingerprint scanner is fiddly and annoying to use. However, if you use facial recognition unlocking (or a PIN or password) you'll be fine.
The Fairphone 4's specs are okay for you The Fairphone 4 saw a price drop when its successor was announced, and it has similarly impressive environmental credentials to the Fairphone 5.
Fairphone 5 review: Also consider
The Fairphone 5 is hard to compare to rivals, because of its unique niche, but here are some other mobiles you might want to consider.
Fairphone 4 The Fairphone 5's predecessor is slightly weaker in most areas specs-wise, but it's just as good for the environment and is cheaper too.
Google Pixel 7 At a similar price to the Fairphone 5, the Google Pixel 7 is slightly smaller and doesn't impress in the battery department, but it has a fantastic camera.
How I tested the Fairphone 5
Review test period = 2 weeks
Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
I've used several Fairphone mobiles before and really respect what the company is doing, so I was excited to test this newest phone. I was given the transparent version in its only configuration: 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage. I was also sent the official Fairphone screwdriver, which you can use to remove its parts.
For two weeks I used the phone as my normal driver: I played games on it, took photos with it, texted from it, and so on. Y'know, everything you do every day on your phone!
I worked on TechRadar's phones team for several years and so have lots of experience using smartphones of all shapes and sizes. I conducted the site's review of the phone's predecessor and also spoke to Fairphone about its development. Since leaving TechRadar, I've continued writing freelance reviews of gadgets for the site.
Having software at your disposal to record your screen, webcam and more, is crucial when designing tutorials, or just showing someone how to quickly fix a software-related problem.
We’ve tested out many of the best screen recorders (and the best free screen recorders for that matter). Some of these need a download, others work in your browser, and some come bundled with your computer. So, what can third-party screen recording apps offer? A host of extra features you never knew you needed. With that in mind, we put Wondershare DemoCreator to the test.
Wondershare DemoCreator: Pricing & plans
The export options are clear and simple, and include a wide choice of formats (Image credit: Wondershare )
A good number of options, from perpetual licenses, to rental agreements, including business and student prices
Wondershare offers various different purchasing options, which are nearly identical, whether you use a Mac or PC. A perpetual plan is on offer for those who like to own their software, for $80. If renting your applications is something you're into, you can do so with a quarterly plan for $30 per quarter (puzzlingly this option is the only one that's Windows only), or an annual plan for $60 per year.
Businesses have their own deal: $70 per year per seat, or $100 for the perpetual plan. The more users you bring in, the cheaper each seat gets. Annual costs for students is $30.
There’s also a seven day free-trial option for those who wish to explore the features before committing themselves. You can check out DemoCreator by clicking here.
Pricing & plans: 5/5
Wondershare DemoCreator: Recording
Choosing which part of the screen to capture, which mic to use, and which webcam to record with, is all very easy and very well-managed (Image credit: Wondershare )
An excellent series of options, clearly laid out and simple to use. Shame there are so many security settings to get through on a Mac, but this needs only be done once when setting up your software
The first stage, aside from checking preferences, and online tutorials, is to setup your recording parameters. You’ll find quite a few options are open to you, including the ability to schedule your recordings should what you need to capture will be at a time you won’t be around.
There are multiple settings for various features you wish to record at the same time. ‘Zone Capture’ for instance focuses on the portion of the screen you’d like DemoCreator to capture. This can be a window, the full screen, or a selected portion of it. What we really liked, when trying this on a Mac, was the fact our iPhone was immediately detected, allowing us to not only use it instead of our Mac’s inferior webcam, but we could also choose it as the audio source as well. Nothing needed to be turned on. It was just available by default, which was great.
Not so great was the amount of permissions we had to give to get the whole thing working. Yes, DemoCreator guided us through each of them, but it felt like there were way too many of these to enable - sometimes increased computer security can be a nuisance. We didn't encounter this when trying DemoCreator out on a PC.
Your webcam’s image can be set as a standard rectangle, or a circle, and you even have the option of using AI to automatically remove the background, although you need a high-end computer to handle this in real time (there’s a filter in the editing section should yours not be up to the task).
Once all your options are set as you like them, click on the big red ‘Rec’ button for DemoCreator to do its thing. You’ll find control options top right of the screen, but bear in mind whatever you see on the screen will be recorded, so if you don’t want them there, close them down (DemoCreator always reminds you of the keyboard shortcut to stop the recording when starting a new one).
Recording: 4.5/5
Wondershare DemoCreator: Editing
The editing interface is well-organized and easy to use (Image credit: Wondershare )
A good series of tools on offer, giving you access to a pretty robust editing studio - although it has some limits
When it comes to editing your footage, you’ll find DemoCreator is a very capable editor. It’s certainly much better than most bundled apps, and even some of the best free video editing software we’ve tried - but it can’t hold a candle to the best video software like Premiere Pro and Resolve (not that you’d expect it to). Still, what it offers is quite extensive, and could easily solely be used for moderate video editing if you’re so inclined, as you’re not limited to media captured by DemoCreator: you can easily drag and drop additional footage, audio or images, right from your Desktop, onto the app’s Media Library.
The interface is very clear and simple. You have your media and other tools such as filters, transitions and annotations, top left, your preview screen is top right, followed by an inspector panel, and your timeline takes up the whole of the bottom of the interface.
Scroll through the various effects, transitions, subtitles, etc, and add them by dragging and dropping (Image credit: Wondershare )
You get to work on multiple layers, and in fact DemoCreators records your screen, webcam and audio as separate layers, giving you great flexibility when editing your project (or at least that’s the idea - more on that later).
You’ll find the number of tools to be quite extensive, from effects, transitions, captions, sound effects, the list is extensive, and each section is subdivided into various categories to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. There’s even an online store where you can download additional resources. Some are free, but most would have to be paid for. The same applies for some bundled tools: any of them with a diamond in their thumbnail cannot be used for free. Sure, you can use them as you explore the app, but when you’re ready to export, you’ll have to choose a paid plan if you wish to have these effects in your project.
In fact, you cannot export your footage without login into a Wondershare account. Thankfully it’s free to have one, and if you’re not using any premium effects, you can export your project immediately, although it will bear a watermark.
Editing: 4/5
Wondershare DemoCreator: Issues
Sadly we ran into a few glitches on Mac (Image credit: Wondershare )
There are a lot of glitches that need to be fixed (including some usability improvements), to make this software truly great
For all that’s good about DemoCreator (and there is plenty that’s good), it is not sadly without its faults. In the course of our exploration, we encountered a number of glitches which could potentially be a deal breaker, depending on how you work.
Probably the most minor one is the audio volume. There’s a (premium) Denoise option, and you can increase the volume slightly to 120%, but there doesn’t seem to be a normalized feature, meaning if you’re used to speaking sotto voce, you might have to change the way you express yourself.
More of an usability issue, but when adding a new clip, it has to be dropped above the others. If there’s no room in the lower layers, you then have to manually drag up all the clips you wish to be above that new one. We wish you could drag a clip to where you want it to be, and all the others move to allow you to put it exactly where you need it, like you can in Final Cut Pro, for instance. It would be a heck of a timesaver.
Then there are Mac-specific issues, which feel pretty serious. As we mentioned before, you can add different clips taken elsewhere into your project - which is great. But we discovered that if you add a video shot vertically, even though you can zoom into it to fill the screen of a widescreen project, any transition, filter, anything you can apply to it, will retain its original dimensions, which might be great if you’re looking for an unusual effect, but for most cases it just makes the tool unworkable. Works great on a PC though.
Another Mac-specific glitch we found was with the webcam recording. We mentioned earlier how great it is for DemoCreator to save everything as separate layers. This means you can move them around, or even remove portions entirely… but on a Mac, not only is the webcam clip separate, it’s also burned into the screenshot layer, meaning that when you move it or resize it, you’ll then find another copy forever present wherever it was when you recorded your session. That happened when connected to an iPhone or with the built-in webcam, and it totally crippled that feature as far as we’re concerned.
Should I buy Wondershare DemoCreator?
No issues found when testing on Windows (Image credit: Wondershare )
Buy it if...
You’re looking for a cross-platform screen recorder, you need a robust built-in video editor, and love having the option of renting or purchasing your software.
Don't buy it if...
You need software that works the same on a PC and on a Mac, the glitches we discovered feel like a deal-breaker for Mac users (although do download the trial version just to make sure).
Need to work with PDFs online, and be able to edit and convert documents to other formats? Then HiPDF from Wondershare is about as accessible as they come.
We’ve reviewed the best PDF editors and even the best free PDF editors, but very few offer AI capabilities. So, how does Wondershare HiPDF execute its artificial intelligence feature-set, and is it any good? We put the software to the test.
Wondershare HiPDF: Pricing & plans
A simple subscription plan, and an option to try out most features for free, gives you a relatively good balance of options
Although you can access HiPDF for free, arguably its most useful tool is hidden behind a paywall. The free option lets you work with files that are at most 20MB in size, and comprise up to 100 pages. AI tools are also present but to be frank what you can do with them for free essentially amounts to a taster for what’s on offer.
There are three subscription plans available: a monthly option, currently set to around $6 per month, or a yearly one which would be the equivalent of $3.33 per month. Subscribing grants you access to Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tools, faster file processing, and more AI tokens. Oh and the icing on the cake is no more ads. The third plan is to vastly expand your AI token amount: just under $10 a month for 2,000,000 (the other plans grant you 50,000, while a free account only has 5,000).
Wondershare also offers a 30-day money back guarantee. You can check out HiPDF by clicking here.
Pricing & plans: 4/5
Wondershare HiPDF: Tools
With this service, OCR means preserving selectable text from a PDF to another format, and you can only have that if you pay (Image credit: Wondershare )
All the tools you'd expect, though some feel limited or show a cumbersome workflow
Whether you elect to go for a subscription or a free trial, you’ll need to create a free Wondershare account before proceeding further.
Everything is done online. You’ll find a menu bar which lets you access all available tools, with a few of the most popular ones highlighted to that menu’s right.
If you’ve used such online PDF tools before, you’ll feel right at home with HiPDF. There are however some serious limitations, especially if you elect to work with HiPDF’s free version. For instance, all tools that allow you to convert PDFs to another format, whether it’s a Microsoft Office document (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), or HTML, will turn your file into non-editable, and non-selectable text. Yes the formatting is preserved, but there’s not much you can do with it once it’s in its new format.
To sidestep that limitation, you’ll need to opt for the ‘OCR’ option, which is a premium tool, and hence only available once you pay. As with many of the best OCR software solutions we’ve tried, you might’ve expected ‘OCR’ to be connected to scanning, but here it means recognising text which is already selectable, and preserving it in the new format.
Converting other formats to PDF was a better affair, and not only did the process work fine (a little slow, but that was to be expected for a free account), it automatically downloaded once complete, giving us a perfectly preserved version with selectable text to boot.
The various tools designed to organize your PDFs work flawlessly. With them, you can merge files, split them, and rearrange pages. It’s a shame though there isn’t an ability to do all of this in one go. We can easily imagine a scenario where you need to extract pages from a file, which will download two documents, with the pages you want in one and those you don’t in another. You’ll then need to reload the correct pages with other PDFs you wish to merge them with, which will download the merged version, and finally you need to re-upload that merged file to rearrange the pages within it. It’s a very convoluted, inefficient, and slow process. But it works.
Replacing text is a cumbersome affair (Image credit: Wondershare )
Other tools include the ability to work with images, such as extracting them from a PDF, cropping and resizing them, and converting them to another format. Not really PDF related per se, but it’s good to know they’re available nonetheless, should you need them.
Finally, you’ll find some tools designed to protect your PDF by embedding a password into it, or removing said password (as long as you know what it is of course). The redact tool created a rectangular block over your chosen text. You even get to choose the colour. As for the signature tool, you do get to add your own - be it text based, drawn, or from an imported image - but you won’t be able to fill in other blank fields. For that, you need to head over to the Edit tools.
‘Edit PDF’ lets you add text fields, highlight existing text, add shapes and images, and sign a document (a better alternative than the sole signature tool mentioned above, if you ask us, as you can do so much more besides). For dedicated tools for this task, we've reviewed the best eSignature software solutions. The ‘Replace Text’ is very primitive. It works as a search and replace tool. With it you can look for a word or a text combination, and replace it with another. But you can do it only once: this will download the new PDF. Should you wish to make further alterations, you’ll have to upload that new file and change it again. Very time consuming. On the plus side though, all of these tools can be used for free.
Tools: 3.5/5
You can use HiPDF to sign and fill in a document (Image credit: Wondershare )
Wondershare HiPDF: AI
The various AI tools are interesting, like being able to translate a PDF (Image credit: Wondershare )
An interesting assortment of AI-based tools to help you interact with any PDF. They all work well - shame the tokens run out so fast
HiPDF offers a certain number of AI-based tools, some of which are very similar to what Google already offers for free, such as translation. But others are more interesting: who wouldn’t want to ‘Chat with PDF’ or even get AI to ‘Explain PDF’, right?
All available services work as advertised and as expected. You’ll find the original document on the left, and any interaction you have with it will appear on the right, be it a translation, a summary, or a question and answers session with the AI about the content of said document.
Only problem is, this service works with tokens and even though you start with 5,000 of them, you’ll find they get gobbled up in a flash. In our experiment, we were able to ask one question, get one translation done, or request one summary. We ran out after that each time.
AI: 4/5
You can even ask AI a question about the content of a PDF (Image credit: Wondershare )
Should I buy Wondershare HiPDF?
HiPDF has loads of tools, including an easy to use redaction feature (Image credit: Wondershare )
Buy it if...
If you’re in the market for some simple tools to edit your PDF documents, or convert files to and from PDF, and enjoy toying with AI features
Don't buy it if...
You don’t fancy conversion tools that only work properly (ie allow you to select converted text) if you subscribe, and are no fan of AI.
The Victrola Hi-Res Onyx is a welcome surprise in this touch-above-entry-level bracket, offering customary entry-level versatility coupled with the form and features of quality manual turntables twice the price. It helps, too, that it looks a bit swankier than most of its competitors.
The Hi-Res Onyx is a highly capable turntable with a built-in Bluetooth encoder, that enables you to cast your vinyl audio out to any Bluetooth device of your choosing. Its Qualcomm aptX Adaptive capabilities up the fidelity factor (hence the ‘Hi-Res’) – making for the slickest wireless audio you’ll have heard in a while.
The Hi-Res Onyx performs admirably as a straight-up turntable too, with a decent Audio-Technica cartridge and a fine-enough phono preamp built in for ease of use; a toggleable auto-stop protects the condition of your stylus, while counterweight and anti-skate mechanisms let you dial your turntable in perfectly for the protection of your records.
There are some points of friction, from the imprecise counterweight set-up to an ineffectual dust cover, but these are trifles against the greater successes of the Hi-Res Onyx. It’s not quite for everyone, but it does a fantastic job for most – and particularly so for its price. One of the best turntables to have graced our testing process in some time then? You betcha.
Victrola Hi-Res Onyx review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
$399 / £399 / AUS$625
Launched on Sept 7, 2023
Victrola has made a point of graduating from the entry level in recent years, with a slew of turntable designs that reach beyond the bedroom bookshelf towards a fertile market of accessible hi-fi record players. This, the Hi-Res Onyx, is a further graduation from a stand-out model with limited reach: the Sonos-compatible Victrola Stream Onyx.
These stream-y record players join a plurality of designs from manufacturers old and new, all vying for the same hot property in a still-emerging space for the turntable market. The union of analogue and digital is by no means new, but the valuable integration of Bluetooth technology into something like a turntable has proven difficult for many – until, perhaps, now.
Victrola Hi-Res Onyx review: Specs
Victrola Hi-Res Onyx review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Manual turntable with auto-stop and built-in phono stage
Bluetooth streaming
Counterweight and anti-skate
In a welcome break from the vast majority of other Bluetooth-enabled turntables, the Hi-Res Onyx is a calibrate-able two-speed manual turntable, with an adjustable counterweight and an anti-skate mechanism to ensure both pristine playback and the safety of your records.
This commitment to playability follows in the Hi-Res Onyx’s choice of cartridge, again a step or two above those commonly found on cheaper players. The Onyx comes with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E moving-magnet cartridge, a budget cartridge on Audio-Technica’s roster but one which delivers excellent sound for its price and against competition. A toggleable auto-stop function further protects your recs, and protects the stylus too.
A lot of manual turntables below £400 would stop here, but the Hi-Res Onyx is made of… more… stuff. There’s a switchable phono preamp built in, allowing you to plug the Onyx into most anything; Victrola are kind enough to supply a high-quality RCA cable with a ground lug, too. The rub of the unit, though, lies in its wireless attributes.
The Hi-Res Onyx is so named for its Bluetooth transmitter, which supports the high-fidelity Qualcomm aptX Adaptive and HD codecs as well as Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio. With this mode, you can stream your vinyl audio out to any Bluetooth receiver, be they headphones or speakers in rooms afield. The mode is pretty seamless, in pretty much every sense, being accessed by a single press of the Hi-Res Onyx’s single front-facing button. It’ll pair with your receiver of choice instantly, and automatically re-pair with the same next time you switch modes.
I would switch to Bluetooth for kitchen listening, then switch back to the wired connection on returning to the living-room; the switch-back is immediate and immaculate, with no pops, clicks or abrupt pauses – a genuine and welcome surprise that dramatically improves its practicality.
Features score: 4.5/5
Victrola Hi-Res Onyx review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Impressive fidelity
Rich, fulsome bass
Occasionally obvious wowing
At this price (and with the right initial set-up), the Hi-Res Onyx is hugely impressive. The relative fullness of the built-in phono pre-amp, the relative quietude of the motor, the relative smoothness of record playback… Relative to players from premium brands, there’s always going to be room for improvement, but relative to other mainstream entrants at this price or even slightly above, ‘impressive’ is the word (and ‘relative’ the second word).
Wye Oak’s Civilian + Cut All The Wires: 2009-2011 double-album is a fave go-to review album, mostly because it’s great but also because there’s a great degree of dynamic shift from song to song. No Words is a plaintive, near-fragile track with lonely electric guitars and a leaping vocal, handled with care by the Hi-Res Onyx; the guitars chime, there’s silk in Jenn Wasner’s voice, and the sparse kit cuts through without pulling focus.
Electricity, on the other hand, is a rich and boomy hit of maximalist folk-noise – and does a better job of showing the Hi-Res Onyx’s relative(!) shortcomings. Mid frequencies get a little lost in that prominent, fulsome low end, while some treble elements are unwarrantedly boosted; a missing guitar moment here, an over-prominent hi-hat there.
A more ostentatious record, in CANT’s Dreams Come True, speaks more to the Hi-Res Onyx’s strengths. Too late, too far’sbooming kicks, searing synths and mounting voices fill the field, well-separated and delightfully wide, while BANG’s stacked line-up of deep subs, shimmering leads and drowned vocals are distinct, legible yet cohesive. However, the quieter last tracks of Side A and B respectively reveal some unfortunate speed dysregulation, as the pianos and broken vocals of (brokencollar) and Bericht warp a little too far for comfort.
The Bluetooth streaming mode, which describes the ‘Hi-Res’ bit of the Hi-Res Onyx (on account of its aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec support), is innervatingly good. I am usually something of a Bluetooth curmudgeon, but a combination low-difficulty pairing and strikingly detailed sound has won me round. Wye Oak’s Holy Holy is a gratifyingly full-spectrum listen, and there’s nothing missing from the heft Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs For The Deaf – …Millionaire and First It Giveth sounding as bombastic as they always should.
Sound quality score: 4/5
Victrola Hi-Res Onyx review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Smart, understated monochrome aesthetics
Smooth and ergonomic interactivity
Cool design forfeits ease of calibration
With regard to setting-up, the Hi-Res Onyx is a relative cinch. Far from the plug-and-play practicality of cheaper units, there is some assembly required – but this is no bad thing. One such assembly step, though, reveals a small sting in the turntable-design tail.
Before we get to that, I’d like to acknowledge the fun of the Hi-Res Onyx’s aesthetic design. Aesthetically speaking, the Hi-Res Onyx is a demure thing. It’s an obelisk of sorts, wedded to matte black and almost impressively so at that. Were it not for the white hairs of the household cat, the Onyx would be a Clarke-ean monolith amidst a sea of kooky mid-century hi-fi furnishings. It’s hard not to use the word ‘sleek’ to death when it comes to designs like this – though I suppose I have now, so there.
This commitment to ineffable quasi-minimalism leads to some neat flourishes. The tonearm cradle, for instance, is of uniform material, and holds the tonearm in place with a concealed magnet as opposed to a plastic clip. This is swanky – and kinder on the tonearm if you forget to unlatch it before you use the tonearm lift.
Another flourish brings with it a frustrating moment, though. The counterweight is a pleasing object, fastened smartly in place on the tonearm’s rear by a small, knurled grub screw. Indentations on the tonearm’s rear indicate where to affix the counterweight, but they don’t quite corroborate with the recommended tracking force for the cartridge; I had to use a digital tracking force scale to ensure it was set correctly. Pleasing as this counterweight is to handle and place, conventional screw-back counterweight designs (with the numbered calibrator wheel) aren’t as fiddly.
Not to ‘and another thing’ this section, but another, separate, gripe emerges with respect to the dust cover Victrola provides. It’s a smartly-designed, single plastic sheet, moulded to arch over the resting tonearm and conforming with the contour of the platter. However, it only protects the tonearm and platter when the turntable isn’t in use. It’d be nice to have a more conventional kind of lid, particularly for this writer – whose cats pose an eternal and existential risk to the preservation of beloved records in-play.
The Hi-Res Onyx is smart-lookin’ and smart to use. Where it wins many points for being smooth in style and ergonomics, it unfortunately drops one for occasional impractical awkwardness.
Design score: 4/5
Victrola Hi-Res Onyx review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
Practical and versatile for its price bracket
A quietly-featureful bargain
At a shade under $400 / £400, the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx pitches itself a tad above the entry level, putting itself in ‘somewhat serious investment’ territory for the average household. That money, though, is buying you a discrete and practical unit that outplays most in its range.
It’s rare to find such a fully-featured turntable with this kind of tweakability at this price point. The result is something that can work to most hi-fi briefs – a quietly versatile machine that excels in its class.
Really, this turntable is a bit of a bargain – and straight-up convenient, at least for those who haven’t already poured money into a comprehensive hi-fi system. If you own a phono preamp, you probably don’t need any of this turntable’s flashier attributes, at which point you should be looking elsewhere in the market anyway. For most, then, this is a valuable advancement on the tried-and-tested entry-level formula.
Value score: 4.5/5
Should you buy the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx?
Buy it if...
You’re a techy minimalist The Hi-Res Onyx is an unimposingly smart machine, in looks and in-side. Though low-profile, it makes just enough of a statement to be an asset to your living space.
You’re a household headphone-wearer The Hi-Res Onyx’s high-quality Bluetooth connectivity is a real gift, even if only for making it possible to blast your faves while doing the dishes.
Don't buy it if...
You already have an extensive hi-fi setup Those with an existing hi-fi setup might not necessarily benefit from the Bluetooth-streaming function – and might not need the built-in preamp either.
You want a long-term hi-fi mainstay Brilliant as the Hi-Res Onyx is in its space and for its price, there are equivalently priced, no-nonsense manual turntables elsewhere that may better suit the long term – whether from minor improvements in design or from general upgradeability.
Victrola Hi-Res Onyx: Also consider
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 Cambridge Audio was first to market with an aptX HD-compliant Bluetooth turntable, and it’s a doozy. The Alva TT V2 is pricey, but the price buys you a stable direct-drive record player that looks, sounds and feels a million. See our full Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 review
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Audio-Technica’s AT-LP120XBT-USB is a polymath turntable, with aptX Bluetooth transmission, a USB output for digitising records and a plethora of DJ-adjacent tools. See our full Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB review
How I tested the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for 3 weeks
Used as primary turntable in living-room hi-fi system
Predominantly tested through Cambridge AV amplifier and Celestion speakers, as well as a Soundcore Bluetooth speaker
The Victrola Hi-Res Onyx became my primary living-room turntable for a month. The RCA outputs fed my dependable Cambridge Audio Azur 540R amplifier and Celestion F1 bookshelf speakers; for Bluetooth, I connected to my Soundcore Motion 300 speaker. I used personal favourite records with which I am intimately familiar, and with which I was able to get a feel for the Hi-Res Onyx’s character both wired and wirelessly.
Platform reviewed: PS5 Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC Release date: August 30, 2024 (August 27 for Gold and Ultimate Edition owners)
Star Wars Outlaws promises the excitement of being a scoundrel and rogue in the famous sci-fi universe - and it delivers brilliantly on this, with everything being housed in an authentic Star Wars setting, aesthetic, and experience.
Everything in this action-adventure game from serial third-person open-world makers Ubisoft (its Massive Entertainment studio, specifically) combines to make for a fulsome, moreish, and compelling experience. Be it undermining the crime syndicates, stealthing through strongholds with your companion Nix to steal specific treasures, roaming the lands for experts to learn skills from, or soaking up the beautiful worlds and vistas on offer, there’s rogueish enjoyment around every corner. There are Ubisoft fingerprints all over Outlaws too with new variants on The Division’s pulse mechanic, eavesdropping from Assassin’s Creed, and the hacking from Watch Dogs; while it’s familiar when such things all come together, the payoff is a thrill.
It’s not totally blemish-free, however, and some characteristically Ubisoft open-world-isms, including quest repetition and labored and pedestrian traversal sections which are grating and make the experience stutter.
Far, far away
(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
Outlaws’ open-world experience not only offers an open-world experience for discovery, exploration, and enjoying beautiful places that channels the pedigree Ubisoft has for making beautiful and expansive worlds. Outlaws serves up some incredible vistas and stunning environments - that aren’t covered in a carpet of question marks - to explore. but a desire and deliver them authentically too.
Complementing that is a dedication to Star Wars authenticity in everything from aesthetics and styles, to audio and overall ambience. It really is a true Star Wars experience and feels like it constantly, earning its place in the universe’s canon (Outlaws officially takes place between the The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi films). The beeps of droids and machines, the alien-language chatter in cantinas, the construction of buildings, ships, and apparel all feel ripped right from the screen.
This is on top of beautifully realized landscapes such as the expansive emptiness of Tatooine or the lush verdancy of Akiva, and wonderfully immersive and detailed cities like the wintry urban setting of Kijimi City (my personal favorite place in the game so far).
Getting between these planets is easy and smooth in Kay’s spaceship, The Trailblazer, with the transitions between space travel, landing, and exiting the ship being exceptionally cool and swift. On-planet travel on a speeder is a little less exciting, particularly after a while, however. It was fun for a while, getting to know how this shopping cart-come-wheel-less-motorcycle accelerates, handles, and turns, but it didn’t take me that long to start comfortably relying on fast travel locations or bombing in straight lines on my speeder between locations.
You like me because I'm a scoundrel
(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
Navigating these worlds and places as protagonist Kay Vess with her animal companion Nix, however, is what truly brings the game to life.
Kay is a likable protagonist and is a tremendous ‘normal’ person to explore the galaxies through, free from The Force and all that lightsaber nonsense. The Han Solo inspiration is clear, though she’s a rogue and scoundrel who stands on her own two feet with clear strengths and distinction between her and Harrison Ford’s iconic character.
One of the clearest demonstrations of this is in her relationship with Nix, her animal companion. Nix feels like much more than ‘just’ a sidekick or travel buddy; there’s clearly an incredibly strong bond here, with the pair doing everything together. They even eat street food together in wholesome quicktime events which is a great microcosm of their relationship - the food even ends up giving Nix bonuses or extra little skills to deploy, too. As a result, I quickly became very invested in their relationship, which helped one particular rescue mission particularly resonate with me.
Best bit
(Image credit: Massive Entertainment)
Living out a Star Wars scoundrel fantasy as a normal person in the sci-fi universe is one of Outlaw's greatest strengths. I’ve consistently had the most fun when I’m scratching around cities for credits, chasing weird parts for my gear, stealing items to play off syndicates against each other, and tracking down experts to teach me skills.
In practical application, however, Nix accentuates and complements Kay’s scoundrel and thief-like action in-game. Nix can help in combat by taking enemies out temporarily, and is a great boon in stealth, recovering items, powering off devices, and distracting guards while you stay undetected.
This scoundrel roleplay you can engage Kay in is perhaps the greatest strength of the game, too. On a micro-scale and macro scale: from the moment to moment, sneaking, lockpicking, and hacking through bases to lift high-value items, planning searches for parts and upgrades for your, blaster, speeder, or ship, and going on a multitude of missions and side quests to change your standings with the crime syndicates, it’s a brilliant rogue’s life.
In fact, planning and engaging in all the scoundrelly side content in the game is where most of the game’s best depth and interest lies: there’s so much to do and think about and you can get so much out of contracts, intel chasing to fill out your journal with tasks and quests, loitering in places to pick up on overheard conversations, and general exploration, while the mini-game of Sabacc (a card game) is a seriously moreish addition. Where’s the standalone version, Ubisoft?
Never tell me the odds
(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
The missions and quests in Star Wars Outlaws have some of the best places and environments in the game. They’re very deliberate settings that make for great self-contained adventures, such as the rusting remains of huge ships.
These come further alive when applying Key’s stealthy and sneaky approach, taking advantage of the multiple routes that are almost always open to you. Stealthing through missions to quietly turn off alarms, set off distractions, silently take down guards, and sabotage equipment is a thrill. It reinforces the fact that Kay is a normal person, a thief, and a rogue, and so has to reply being sneaky. Perfecting infiltrations as such a comparatively underpowered character is incredibly satisfying.
However, such missions also house some of my biggest frustrations with the game. There is some annoying checkpointing in some which can lead to big chunks of progress lost if you make the smallest mistake. Some of the side quests too can fall into the trap of being repetitive, following that very well-trodden and familiar pattern of: ‘go to the place, infiltrate the place, find the thing in the place, shoot some baddies in the place, leave the place.’ Almost all missions will involve similar infiltration tactics too, such as finding vents to bypass areas, scaling cliff edges and building ledges, and climbing ladders. There are a lot of ladders.
It certainly doesn’t help that traversal feels very plain. While Kay’s grappling hook is a great tool to have, it can only be used in a few spots and with quite sluggish animations. Worse still, the Uncharted-esque scaling of walls and grates feels boring, overly simplistic, and is just highly forgettable.
A rogue's toolkit
(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
That said, completing said missions with the rest of Kay’s abilities and toolset is a highlight. While she can ‘slice’ (hack) her way into security systems and computers by cracking (simple) codes by matching symbols, her data spike is the best of the bunch and demands some skills to use. It has you match inputs rhythmically to a click sound and light flash on the lock to break it open by matching the pattern.
In a clever twist on leveling up and acquiring skills and abilities, Kay has to find the right expert to teach her said abilities. It makes sense and matches the scoundrel lifestyle she leads - she only gets better at things when she learns them. As a result, skills feel truly earned. This also neatly ties in progression to world-building - and vice versa - successfully making you and your actions feel part of an active world, not someone passing through it to pick up points transiently.
I didn’t collect all the experts on my playthrough and definitely missed out on some helpful tools and abilities as a result, so it really is worth gathering them up when you have the chance.
Another brilliant skill is Kay’s slick adrenaline ability that enables her to tag and dead-eye blast enemies. It’s not something I haven’t seen before, but still feels worthy of Han Solo himself and is even more satisfying when hightailing it across a landscape while being chased by stormtroopers.
Speaking of blasters, Kay has three types of ammunition by default: basic plasms, an Ion one for disrupting shields and some enemies, and a charged powerful shot. Her blaster can also be upgraded as you go, offering different variations of delivering blasts, boosts to recharges, and more.
Hand-to-hand combat is okay on the whole, with each punch delivering a decent level of impact. There are some cool moves or finishers that can happen depending on where you are, though the stealth takedowns are a bit disappointing. They feel sluggish and the time they take Kay to perform can be annoying when you’re trying to quickly move between targets or areas undetected.
Playing the game
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Another major factor to consider is the crime syndicate and reputation system - it’s a seriously meaningful mechanic that tangbily impacts how you play the game.
There are four crime syndicates, with at least two inhabiting each world vying for power and influence. Kay has to make the best of fluctuating relationships with all of them and her reputation quickly changes along a scale with every completed mission. The four different stages of approval noticeably change how the factions interact with you, from goons that shoot you on-site all the way to getting preferential treatment and exclusive access.
While you can earn favor from all the syndicates separately, it’s incredibly difficult, bordering impossible, to achieve this at the same time - instead you’ll have to constantly balance being in favor with some with being out of favor with others. This adds jeopardy and meaning to your choices, forcing you to think carefully about decisions, such as dialogue choices that can sway the outcome of a mission in an instnat, and what quests you want or need to do.
It's a familiar combination, sir, but it checks out
Much like other Ubisoft open-world games, when each element of Star Wars Outlaws comes together it makes for some compelling magic that’s brilliant fun.
Part of me feels frustrated by the flaws in the game and the truly amazing adventure that it could have been, but then another part of me can’t wait to get back to being an inter-planetary scoundrel, navigating the seedy underbelly of the Outer Rim. It has its faults but Star Wars Outlaws is easily one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played this year and must for any Star Wars fans.
Accessibility
Star Wars Outlaws has numerous accessibility options, and its dedicated menu splits them up into five areas: gameplay, cognitive, colors, vision, and hearing. We’ve attached images of all of them below to give you an insight into what’s on offer.
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As well as the dedicated difficulty options in the accessibility menu, there are also a host of other options that can be played around with to get the right balance for you, from visual changes to mini-game mechanics.
Should I play Star Wars Outlaws?
Play it if...
You’ve been yearning for an open-world Star Wars game and experience Star Wars Outlaws is a tremendously fun open-world game to explore. It simply magical to mess around in the rich settings it has and the wider Star Wars universe and is perfect for fans to immerse themselves in.
You want to be an interplanetary rapscallion Working in the underworld of the Star Wars universe is a joy and makes for some really fun experiences, missions, and political machinations. If working like a rogue is of interest to you, then this is going to be a winner.
You revel in Ubisoft-style open-world games If you enjoy playing other open-world adventures from the developer where there’s plenty to do and get your teeth into, then Outlaws will be perfect thanks to its abundance of compelling side content.
Don't play it if...
You want a bombastic lightsaber-wielding Force-driven adventure One of Star Wars Outlaws’ greatest strengths is playing as a regular person with no special Jedi-like abilities. If you’re all about lightsabers and slicing down imperial guards, then you should try the Star Wars Jedi series instead.
How I reviewed Star Wars Outlaws
I have played roughly 25 hours of Star Wars Outlaws and managed to complete the main storyline as well as a host of other quests, missions, and exploration. However, I still have plenty to do, including recruiting a couple of experts, so I’m excited to jump back in.
Playing the PS5 version, I tested both graphical (performance and quality) and resolution (full screen, 16:9 and 21:9) settings. I found the performance mode better for play and quality making the worlds look even more beautiful. When it comes to resolution I found the fullscreen option was superior as the cinematic one removed a whole lot of screen and game instantly.
I tested the game with a regular DualSense Wireless Controller, and played the game on my Samsung Q6F 4K QLED TV and Samsung HW-J6500 curved soundbar I also played some when plugged into the PS5 Pulse Elite headset and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset. I also played a fair chunk on my PlayStation Portal combined with my Pulse Explore earbuds and found the game was a great match for the PS5 remote play device.
The AiDot Welov P200 Pro Smart Air Purifier is available for $159.99 from the AiDot website and Amazon. While reviewing, there was a flash sale on the AiDot website where the price was reduced to $59.99, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for future sales.
The $159.99 price isn’t bad for an air purifier that comes with Matter 1.2 connectivity and useful in-app features. However, value for money is impacted by the fact that the P200 Pro only reports on PM2.5 – particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter, such as dust or pollen – so the data provided is nowhere near as detailed as some other air purifiers in this price bracket.
At present, AiDot only supplies the Welov P200 Pro within the US, and it's only available via Amazon US.
Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review specs
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: design
Cheap-feeling, flimsy design
Easy-to-use controls
Underlighting
The AiDot Welov P200 Pro looks pretty utilitarian – although its dark grey cuboid shape has been jazzed up to a degree by spacing out the ventilation holes into a geometric pattern. It has a square footprint with rounded corners and dimensions of 9.5 x 9.4 x 20 inches. Its dark grey color sees it stand out in the crowd of other air purifiers we’ve tested, which are often white. It's only a shame then, with its decision to opt for a dark color, that AiDot doesn't appear to have used any recycled plastic in the design, since darker plastics are less likely to show any discoloration or impurities that may be present.
Overall build quality feels cheap and flimsy. The unit sounded particularly hollow when handled, and the surrounding panels feel thin and flexed easily. This flimsiness was even more apparent when removing the HEPA filter through the screw-in hatch in the base, which also felt low quality.
(Image credit: Future)
The screen on the top of the air purifier uses a mixture of printed-on symbols and LEDs. This is a little different from many of the purifiers I’ve tested, which often rely only on LEDs for the controls. Having permanently visible control symbols is useful, allowing you to find them easily even if the LEDs are off for Sleep mode. Speaking of the touch controls, they’re very responsive and easy to use.
Note that the unit displays a warm white underlight around the base. This could prove useful if the purifier is placed somewhere that it could pose a trip hazard in the dark, for example, but it can be switched off if desired.
(Image credit: Future)
Design score: 3 out of 5
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: features
Useful app
Limited IAQ data
Matter 1.2 connectivity
The AiDot Welov P200 Pro has some useful features for the price, but it’s somewhat limited in areas that we'd expect more when it comes to air purifiers. One of its more nifty features is the Matter 1.2 functionality, enabling it to connect to Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit and others. The Matter QR code for pairing is located on the back panel, and my iPhone 12 Pro had no issues scanning it before subsequently linking it to my Alexa app.
The P200 Pro only detects and reports on PM2.5 – fine particles, such as dust and bacteria – so I was only able to gain part of the story about my indoor air quality (IAQ). There are no readings for microfine particles, such as soot, smoke and some bacteria, nor coarse particles such as pollen, mold and dander. There’s also no measure of the relative humidity, temperature, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or carbon dioxide, figures that many other air purifiers provide.
(Image credit: Future)
The PM2.5 readings themselves didn’t tell me much, but the air quality level was communicated via the indicator light on the top of the purifier’s front panel, and the color of the line in the graph in the AiDot app. I found that the graph wasn't particularly responsive, failing to show the P200 Pro detecting that the IAQ reduced to moderate levels when I conducted a test with dry shampoo. The PM2.5 levels didn’t align during the dust test, either; however, after a while, the graph indicated a brief spike in airborne particulates, although this only reports a level of 25 PM2.5, when the reading direct on the P200 Pro stated 50 PM2.5.
Aside from the less-than-informative graph, I found the app useful for controlling the P200 Pro remotely. I could easily change the fan speed and enable Sleep mode, turn off the night light or display, and enable the child lock. I could also set a timer so that the unit would automatically turn off after a set amount of time, and create automations so The Welov would turn itself on and off without me needing to do anything.
(Image credit: AiDot)
There is an Outdoor Environment section in the app that provides ratings of environmental factors based on your geographical location, rather than monitoring the air via the P200 Pro. Once your mobile device's location has been shared, this section shows the risk of wildfire, the humidity and pollen levels in your area. According to this feature, in Bath, where our head office is based, there's a high level of mold, but low levels of grass, ragweed and tree pollen. Since this feature used my phone's location, I could update this at home, or while out and about. It was interesting to learn which pollen types were the most prolific wherever I was.
Features score: 3 out of 5
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: performance
Lowest fan speed is whisper-quiet
Purified contaminated air in under 2 minutes
Readings on app don’t often align with display
While the lackf of labs means I can't present any scientific data on the impact of the AiDot Welov P200 Pro on air quality, what I can tell you is the results from day-to-day use and the odd curve-balls that I threw its way – such as bombarding it with dust and dry shampoo.
I found that the Welov P200 Pro wasn’t very sensitive to ambient dust levels; the readings remained low in both the TechRadar reviews office and my home, despite dust being visible in both locations. It was more sensitive than the Shark NeverChange purifier, however, which regularly stated that there were zero levels of PM2.5 in the air. In contrast, the P200 Pro detected small levels at all times. These levels never rose above 5 PM2.5, however, and continuously bounced randomly between readings of 1–5 every two seconds, so I can’t vouch for the reliability of this reading.
(Image credit: Future)
I sprayed dry shampoo around the air purifier. This change in IAQ was quickly detected and the reading on the app and the LED screen rose above 350 PM2.5; this caused the indicator light on the purifier to turn red, indicating that the IAQ rating was poor. While the app reading aligned on this occasion, the color reference and classification on the graph didn’t change from "Good", which suggests that the app needs some improvements in order to be considered trustworthy. Since the Welov was in Auto mode, the purifier’s fan sped up to its top speed in response to the presence of dry shampoo, and the reading lowered to 7 PM2.5, within two minutes.
However, our benchmarking air quality monitor was still showing air quality as poor. This was because the P200 Pro can't detect VOCs in the air, only particles of 2.5 microns or larger, meaning that the fan speed reduced as a result of the positive reading, when it ideally should have continued on the higher speed. After manually setting the fan back to max speed, the P200 Pro was able to clear the strong fragrance of the dry shampoo from my bedroom in 10 minutes.
To determine whether the Welov P200 Pro could detect higher levels of dust, I repeatedly kicked up the corner of the rug in our music testing room. This stirred up a fair amount of dust and the purifier detected this increase in about 30 seconds. With the P200 Pro in Auto mode, the fan sped up automatically once the particle levels raised above 50 PM2.5 on the LED screen, and it took the purifier about a minute to bring levels back down to 1 PM2.5.
(Image credit: Future)
I tried out the Sleep mode feature overnight and found it sufficiently quiet to not impact my ability to fall asleep. Welov advertises that the P200 Pro can be as quiet as 23dB; on measuring noise levels using an app on my iPhone 12 Pro, I saw a reading of 27dB, which wasn’t as quiet as AiDot suggested; but it wasn’t miles off. Although the Welov was quiet enough, the purifier's sound was a little high-pitched, reminding me of the high-pitched noise of crickets you hear in remote-location horrors, when everything goes quiet right before a jump scare. This wasn't a thought I needed popping into my head at 1am.
On awaking, I didn’t notice that the air felt different to any other morning, which is in contrast to my tests of the Shark NeverChange, where the air felt noticeably fresher upon waking. Personally, I feel this could be due to the very low fan speed in Sleep mode, meaning the rate of air being pulled through is fairly low.
I tested the air purifiers sound levels from the lowest to the highest manual fan speeds. The lowest speed gave a reading of 35dB, which is equivalent to a whisper. Meanwhile, the middle speed registered at 62dB, which is similar to the noise of a normal conversation, and the highest fan speed was 71dB, which is close to the sound emitted by a washing machine.
Performance score: 2.5 out of 5
Should I buy the AiDot Welov P200 Pro?
Buy it if...
Easy to use app While the app may not provide the most detailed data on air quality, it’s useful for controlling the purifier remotely, enabling you to easily switch between fan modes, enable a child lock, and set up automations.
You want Matter connectivity Thanks to the QR code on the back of the purifier, it’s really easy to connect the unit to Google Home and the like. There are also options in the device settings in the app to create Siri shortcuts or connect to Alexa.
You want to know about outdoor air quality Share your location with the AiDot app and it shows a really helpful breakdown of the Outdoor Environment readings, including the humidity, wildfire status and various types of pollen levels.
Don't buy it if...
You want detailed insights into the IAQ The only data available on the display screen and on the app is the PM2.5 reading, which covers particles such as dust or pollen. There appears to be a lack of communication between the display screen on the purifier and the data in the app, as the graph didn't depict the change in air quality that occurred during testing.
You want high-end design The P200 Pro looks pretty utilitarian, and even when it comes to build quality, the cheap-looking, thin plastic doesn't make it appealing. However, if the simple design is in a bid to keep the price down, I can't complain.
You want a compact purifier Standing at just over 20 inches, this air purifier is better suited to being placed on the floor rather than on a table top. Due to the nature of air purifiers, it can't be put in a corner out of the way, so be prepared for it to become part of the furniture.
Welov P200 Pro review: Also consider
Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier Slightly cheaper but with a lot more going for it, we rated the Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier an impressive four and a half stars, and for good reason. We were really pleased with its performance and smart features, and the useful companion app was informative and easy to use.
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier If you want more coverage, but don’t want to sacrifice more space for the privilege, take a look at the Shark NeverChange. It's capable of purifying up to 650sq ft in an hour, and is slightly smaller than the P200 Pro. The downside? It hasn’t got a companion app to keep tabs on your air quality.
How I tested the Welov P200 Pro
I used the Welov P200 Pro for one week
I tested it in multiple environments
I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols
I tested the Welov P200 Proin the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom at home.
I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled the strong fragrance left over from the latter.
I left it running in my bedroom overnight to determine whether it disturbed my sleep. I tested the sound levels using a sound level meter on my phone and assessed the controls and how easy it was to change the filter.
Flexispot is a reputable office furniture company focusing on highly ergonomic, high-quality office furniture, so we were excited to try out the company's C7 Lite office chair.
An earlier iteration of the model is one of our selected best office chairs (you can check it out in our Flexispot C7 review). The chair has proved so popular that the company has revitalized the model with the lighter version, the C7 Lite.
But how does it fare against rivals and an original that's earned a place in so many workspaces? We put the C7 Lite to the test.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
FlexiSpot C7 Lite: Unboxing & first impressions
The C7 Light is packaged very similarly to the C7. Everything is secure, and the package is relatively small and compact. In the box, there are the chair parts, necessary assembly tools, and the instruction booklet. The instructions are clear and easy to read, helping me assemble the chair in 36 minutes, from unboxing to adjusting the settings to fit me perfectly.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Right away, I noticed simple comfort and decent lumbar support. I could easily adjust the seat height so my legs could comfortably rest on the seat with my feet flat on the ground. If you ask my 5-year-old son, I am 6'1" or 1029'25" (he's pretty good with measuring, but he's also five). I can easily adjust this chair to fit my impossible height. The armrests are comfortable and supportive, and the backrest is breathable and firm. Lastly, the headrest provides support without pushing my head too far forward.
The Flexispot C7 Lite is built with durable foam and mesh backing. This provides support and comfort while allowing the chair to be breathable in warmer workspaces. Especially for those who use this chair in a larger office space, you can't always control the temperature, so making sure your chair is breathable so you don't sweat is a massive benefit.
The overall design is modern and sleek, so this chair will likely fit in with any office design.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
FlexiSpot C7 Lite: In use
At the time of writing this review, my team and I had been using this chair in rotation with our collection for 64 days. Over this time, the C7 Lite has remained sturdy and in good shape. For those longer office days, this chair has remained comfortable for hours on end, and so far, nobody has needed to switch out the chair partway through the day or anything like that.
Since I have had a few people use this chair, I have seen just how easy it is to adjust to any one person. The seat height, reclining features, armrests, and so on are easily changed on the fly, even when sitting in a chair. The lumbar and neck supports are easy to adapt and support any height.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
While this chair is designed for those who are a bit more petite in stature, I have had myself and several other non-petite-framed individuals sit in and enjoy it for long periods of time.
All in all, this chair has been great to use. I have no real complaints other than it feels like a light chair. It is alright because it also comes at a low price. But, it is good to note that for those interested in the chair.
FlexiSpot C7 Lite: Final verdict
The FlexiSpot C7 Lite delivers exceptional comfort and support for anyone, particularly petite frames, making it a standout choice in the ergonomic chair market. Its combination of adjustability, build quality, and price point makes it an excellent investment for those seeking a more comfortable seating solution. If you are in the market for a new office chair and on a budget, want something lightweight, or are more petite, check out the Flexispot C7 Lite Ergonomic Office Chair.
Improving your workspace? Pair the Flexispot C7 Lite with the best standing desks.
The Zenbook Duo has always been a bit of a curious laptop. These Asus portables lie on the fringes of what you’d expect from high-end premium notebooks, bringing something of a gimmick to the forefront to differentiate the Zenbook.
For the uninitiated, the Duo in the name refers to the fact that this Zenbook packs two separate screens. Now this specific edition for 2024 has twin OLED panels, both offering a 2,880 x 1,800 resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate. Both screens are 14 inches, and both are fixed together, with the laptop’s internal hardware interlinked between the two displays. Keyboard and mouse support is provided by a Bluetooth solution that can simultaneously pseudo “wirelessly” charge off the bottom display as well (there’s a pin connector basically).
(Image credit: Future)
It’s a very different laptop design, then, and one that brings some major caveats with it. In particular, cooling with the Zenbook Duo takes a hit because of the real-estate that those twin screens take up, and the need for this device to be relatively thin. Higher spec models of the Zenbook Duo (2024), like the one we’re reviewing here, are decent enough in short-term bursts of activity, but struggle with any form of prolonged and demanding CPU workloads. Gaming in particular feels sluggish and is often on the verge of being unplayable, even at 1080p resolution with medium settings.
Still, pricing isn’t entirely unreasonable. In the US the Zenbook Duo (2024) retails on average for around $1,829, and in the UK about £2,000 or so, and you get some serious hardware in the laptop. It is, however, still more of a MacBook alternative rather than a serious work machine, and certainly not one of the best laptops around. For that, you’ll need to look at the Asus Zenbook Pro instead.
Asus Zenbook Duo (2024): Price and availability
How much does it cost? $1,829 / £2,000
When is it available? It's on sale now
Where can you get it? Newegg in the US, or Currys in the UK
At least on the surface, the Zenbook Duo appears to be remarkably good value for money. In our review model, Asus crammed in an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (Meteor Lake) processor with six performance cores, eight efficiency cores and two low-power cores (22-threads in total). This CPU has a rated maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, and sports a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for accelerating AI tasks. You get 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM (soldered, of course), and for storage you’re looking at a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
The biggest selling point, though, has to be those twin OLED displays. They’re vibrant, punchy, and really do make this laptop a joy to use, helping to justify the price tag.
There are a number of different Zenbook Duo (2024) models out there right now, and you can pick up one with a Core Ultra 7 processor, and a 1TB SSD plus 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM for a lot less than our review model here. Although be warned that lower-end variant does come with lower resolution (1080p) screens (and a slower refresh rate).
Price: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Asus Zenbook Duo (2024): Specs
Here are the specs for the Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) at a glance.
Asus Zenbook Duo (2024): Design
OLED screens are phenomenal
It all feels impressively premium
Some interesting hardware decisions
Okay, let me be clear here. I’ve been testing laptops for years, and have toyed around with a number of top-tier premium solutions, many of which have been Asus devices. The Zenbook Duo, from a purely physical perspective, is an absolutely outstanding notebook. Those dual screens are beautifully crisp, with an impressive response time (7.6ms MPRT when tested), and a buttery smooth refresh rate to cap it all. They’re bright, colorful, and gorgeous to behold.
(Image credit: Future)
The Duo’s not short on ports either, certainly not for a slim laptop. You get two USB Type-C, one USB-A (rated at 5Gbps), HDMI out, and a 4-pole 3.5mm analog jack as well. The keyboard (plus trackpad) is a Bluetooth affair, and, although not exactly thrilling with a simple design, it’s got an impressive battery life, and connects seamlessly to the Duo via magnets (and also charges pseudo-wirelessly via a pogo-pin off the Zenbook, as well).
The internal hardware is a little bit on the curious side, however. This particular model comes with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, which is quite a thirsty – and toasty – chip. It has an NPU built in, making the processor somewhat more potent at handling AI operations (although nowhere near as powerful as a dedicated GPU), but it does require some serious cooling to keep all that potency in check. I’ll talk a little bit more about that later.
(Image credit: Future)
Other specs include 32GB of LPDDR5X soldered memory clocking in at an impressive 7,647MHz, and a 2TB WD SN740 M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD, which although hefty in capacity, does lack in some respects in terms of performance (I’ll come back to that, too).
Overall build quality is impressive, with tiny screen bezels, and the integrated webcam isn’t obtuse by any means. Asus has really done an incredible job of making this feel and act like a premium device.
(Image credit: Future)
You can use the Zenbook Duo in all manner of configurations. Detach the keyboard and run it wirelessly and you’ve got a flat screen on your table, and one propped up in front of you. Alternatively, you can pop the stand out on the bottom screen (the underside of the laptop) and perch both screens up on a table fairly seamlessly. You can also disable that bottom screen entirely by positioning the keyboard on top of it too, and even flip it onto its side, and run both displays in portrait mode, side-by-side.
It’s just a fantastically seamless experience all round really, and it’s a party trick that never quite gets old. Although one thing to note: if you do flip the Zenbook so both screens are portrait, you lose access to at least some of those ports on the bottom.
Design: 4.5 / 5
Asus Zenbook Duo (2024): Performance
Day-to-day use is fine
CPU throttles during longer more intense workloads
SSD performance is underwhelming
Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) benchmarks
Here's how the Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) performed in our suite of industry-standard benchmarks and game tests.
Geekbench 6:
Single - 2,330
Multi - 11,645 3DMark:
Night Raid - 23,008
Solar Bay - 11,989 CrossMark: Productivity - 1,533
Creativity - 2,060
Responsiveness - 1,350
Overall -1,709
Cyberpunk 2077:
1080p - 17.8fps (Medium)
Total War: Warhammer III:
1080p - 16.3 (Medium) Final Fantasy XIV:
1080p -37.3 (Medium) CrystalDiskMark:
Read: 5,242MB/s
Write: 4,813MB/s Cinebench R24:
Single-core - 106
Multi-core - 429 PCMark 10 Battery Test: 8h 4m
I ran the Zenbook Duo through a gamut of tests to really weigh up its worth and see just how it performs, covering everything from longer creative CPU workloads, to gaming, to AI operations and everything between. Across the board, the Asus laptop is pretty average, which is a challenging thing to say when looking at an $1,800 laptop. Clearly the bulk of the manufacturing cost is spent on the displays.
The Core Ultra 9 185H is a hot and hungry CPU by its very design. Run the Zenbook Duo through any relatively short benchmark, like Geekbench 6 or CrossMark, and it’ll typically spit out some fairly decent numbers. Geekbench gives it a score of around 11,645, and by comparison, Asus’s Vivobook S 15, with its Arm-based Snapdragon X processor, flirts with 13,864 (19% faster) in that test. The Acer Swift Go 14, with its Core Ultra 5 125H, manages 10,809 (7% slower) as well.
(Image credit: Future)
Throw something a little more intense at the Duo, though, and soon enough the heat issues become apparent. In Cinebench 2024 the Zenbook Duo scored a paltry 429 in the multi-core test. The Core Ultra 5 in the Acer Swift managed 636, and the Vivobook S 15 an impressive 925 by comparison. That is a big difference, and it’s mostly down to clock speed falling off a cliff as the Zenbook throttles under the thermal load.
Then there’s the storage. Top-line sequential figures generally come out fairly well here. The 2TB drive produces 5,242MB/s read and 4,813MB/s write speeds, about on par with an average PCIe 4.0 SSD in a laptop, most likely due to a larger onboard cache. Where it falls apart a little is in the random 4K writes. The SN740 managed only 120MB/s whereas the 500GB Kingston drive in the Swift hit 227MB/s, and the drive in the Vivobook S reached 211MB/s. Random 4K benchmarking reflects Windows and game-loading performance, so that’s not so great to see here.
(Image credit: Future)
Speaking of gaming, at 1080p on medium presets, it is possible to eke out some semi-tolerable performance. Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail managed 37.3 frames per second (fps), but Total War Warhammer 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 (without XeSS and no ray tracing) were both under the 20 fps mark. Enable XeSS and Cyberpunk jumps up to a 26 fps average, but it’s still not exactly comfortable for many modern titles. The results are predictably worse at the Duo’s native resolution on low graphical presets, with even Final Fantasy’s Dawntrail benchmark clocking in at just 22.1 fps.
For AI testing I used UL Procyon’s AI Computer Vision benchmark with Float16 accuracy. Under CPU power alone, and in Windows’ Machine Learning API, the Zenbook Duo scored just 28, whereas again the Core Ultra 5 in the Swift Go managed 32 by comparison. Matters do improve if you switch to using the integrated GPU in that scenario, with the Zenbook landing 230 versus the Swift’s 194, but it’s still not a patch on a dedicated GPU which typically reaches well above the 1,000 mark, if not much higher (an RTX 4080, for reference, nets a score of around 1,940).
(Image credit: Future)
For day-to-day work then, the Zenbook Duo is a good pick. Its crisp displays and smooth desktop experience are beautiful to behold. However, if you are looking at any major rendering operation, or something that involves consistent workloads over a longer period of time, you are going to be severely limited by that Core Ultra 9 chip. Unfortunately, the difference between the Core Ultra 7 and the Ultra 9 mostly comes down to professional-grade features, rather than a reduction in core count, so you’re not likely to see improved performance with lower spec models either.
Performance: 2.5 / 5
Asus Zenbook Duo (2024): Battery life
Battery life is solid
Intel chips still lag behind Arm, though
The Zenbook Duo comes with a 75WHr battery as standard, paired with a 65W charger. It’s rapid enough to charge up, although not the fastest by any means. I used the Zenbook Duo as my daily driver for around two weeks or so, and found it to be more than adequate for holding a day’s worth of charge in the office.
I also benchmarked it utilizing a mixture of tests in PCMark 10. The video test in particular, with 50% screen brightness and no audio, managed just over eight hours before the device hit 3% charge. Gaming, as you’d probably expect, was far more demanding (and tested at 75% screen brightness), lasting for only a smidge over two hours before meeting the same fate.
That’s not bad, all things considered – and the fact Asus has even managed to cram in a 75WHr battery is nothing short of impressive. The Acer Swift, which has a 65WHr battery (about 13% smaller), only lasted for six hours in PCMark’s video test. Still, in both scenarios those are solid numbers, certainly for laptops with x86 chips. Neither of them, however, hold a candle to the Snapdragon X Elite in the Vivobook S 15, which lasted a phenomenal 12 hours.
Battery: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2024)?
Buy it if...
You’re looking for a versatile notebook with stunning screens There’s no denying those twin 3K OLED panels are phenomenal to look at, with high refresh rates, a solid response time, and beautifully crisp colors. These screens themselves make the Zenbook Duo a tempting proposition.
You want a premium notebook ideal for office productivity work The Duo is perfect for those looking for a Windows alternative to a mid-range MacBook. It might not have the clout of an Arm processor, but if you’re not into that, this Zenbook will have you covered.
Don't buy it if...
You’re a creative with longer, more demanding, workloads Rendering video? Working with large datasets? Managing AI workloads? This isn’t the laptop for you. Thermal throttling seriously hinders its overall performance by no small margin.
You’re looking for the best battery life Similarly, Intel’s Core Ultra series may be better than its past mobile CPU offerings, and those from AMD, but Meteor Lake still doesn’t hold a candle to the Snapdragon processors now out in the wild.
Asus Zenbook Duo (2024): Also consider
Asus Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ It’s the Arm-based Snapdragon chip in this notebook that really dominates in performance terms, but it’s all bundled together with a beautiful design, plus phenomenal pricing.
Acer Swift Go 14
This laptop is far more affordable than the Asus Zenbook Duo. What it lacks in extra screens, it makes up for with stellar performance for the price – plus it’s still an OLED display here, too.
With all the laptops I get in for review, I aim to use them for at least two weeks as my daily driver, answering emails, using them for work, doing a bit of light content streaming (Netflix, YouTube and Spotify), as well as some light Photoshop work and gaming too. I also run them through a myriad of benchmarks designed to push the laptops to the absolute limit of their potential, to ensure that they perform well in any scenario, not just day-to-day office use.
I’ve been reviewing laptops and PCs for well over nine years now, and have evaluated many, many devices in that time. Intel’s Core Ultra chips are certainly a step in the right direction, but I can’t help but feel that the time of x86 chips might be coming to an end.
