Oukitel WP35: 30-second review

The Oukitel WP35 is marketed as a durable, slimline smartphone with a battery life that will outlast most. That gives you a relatively good idea about what to expect. However, while it is slimline compared to some of the larger rugged smartphones with a similar battery life, placed side-by-side against an iPhone 15 Pro or Vivo X100, it looks decidedly large and bulky.

But, while the iPhone struggles to see a day through without a charge, the WP35 will happily sit waiting for up to 60 days on a single charge. Sure enough, the phone was given a full charge, set up, and briefly tested, then set aside for a month before being retested. The battery level after the testing had dropped to 26%. Good for a phone that hasn't seen a hint of charge in over a month, albeit on standby. By comparison, during the test, the iPhone was left fully charged on standby for around 4 days before the battery depleted while the Oukitel WP35 was in use.

Aside from the fact that the phone can sit in standby mode for such a long period, the actual usage power drain is very similar. The phone draws down on the battery capacity at much the same rate as other phones when in use, the difference being that when it goes into standby, it draws almost nothing.

The battery itself has a capacity of 11,000mAh, and it is impressive that a battery of this size is contained within a rugged smartphone that is only 14.9mm thick.

Like all the best rugged phones we've had the chance to test, being able to survive in conditions that would break most phones is really what is at the heart of the Oukitel WP35. However, when it comes to performance, the Android 14 operating system powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, 24GB of RAM, and 256GB of expandable storage all ensure that the apps on the phone run at a decent pace.

Aside from the battery life, the big selling point of the phone is its durability, which is backed by the IP68 and IP69K ratings, along with military-grade drop resistance. Throughout the test, the phone was dropped, thrown, and sunk into water with little to no effect on the performance, although it did suffer a scuff or two. Underwater, while the phone remains functional, the touch screen and any interaction you would want stop. However, once removed from the water, a quick wipe-down is all that's needed for full functionality to return.

Another big focus of the smartphone is the camera, which features a 64MP main sensor and an 8MP night vision camera, giving you plenty of options. Overall, this is a solid and robust phone that will suit anyone who needs a tough phone that can be used away from civilization.

Oukitel WP35: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? Starting from $200?
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from Oukitel here

The Oukitel WP35 can be purchased from select retailers or directly from Oukitel's website by clicking here. Pricing is around £200/$200.

• Value: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Specifications

Oukitel WP35: Design

The Oukitel WP35 is designed as a tough phone for use in conditions that would break most other phones. While it's advertised as slimline, it is noticeably larger and more bulky than general consumer phones. Its weight of 388g further highlights that this is something other than a standard smartphone.

Despite the additional size, the design is very understated. The large 6.6-inch screen covers the vast majority of the phone's front with a small, minimalistic black border. The phone's thickness is just 14.9mm, which is impressive considering it contains a large 11,000mAh battery that helps to provide extended usage and standby times.

The overall finish is good, and the diamond pattern on the back adds to the general aesthetics while also providing a decent grippable texture, which is handy if you're wearing gloves.

A few buttons are located around the sides of the phone, including the power/fingerprint access, volume, and a customizable button that can be programmed as the shutter release, as used in this review.

Regarding the other rugged features, the phone is tested to meet IP68 and IP69K ratings, which essentially means that it is resistant to water, dust, and drops and can survive a dunk or two underwater for short periods. To further ensure that the phone stays in one piece and is usable, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

• Design: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Features

• 64MP Camera with Sony IMX682 1/1.73" sensor
• Android 14

The WP35 is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and, depending on the configuration, up to 24GB of RAM. Our review unit contained 8GB. While simple, this configuration makes it an ideal choice for professionals like engineers and those in the building trade. This combination ensures the ability to multitask with several apps open, including documents, cameras, and browsers.

If you are working on-site, then fast and reliable internet access is essential, and the WP35 is 5G enabled as long as there is a signal.

One of the standout features is the quality of the WP35 camera setup, which includes a 64MP main camera that is ideal for documenting job sites, inspecting progress, or showcasing completed projects. Alongside the main camera is an 8MP night vision lens, which helps to ensure clear images in low-light conditions, ideal for evening inspections or outdoor work at dusk. Additionally, the 2MP macro lens allows for close-up shots.

Along with the main camera, the WP35's 32MP front camera enables high-quality selfies, but its more important function is the ability to carry out video calls.

Protected behind the Corning Glass 5, the WP35's 6.6" 2.4K display produces vibrant colours and sharp detail and offers decent enough brightness that can be seen in most conditions easily.

Android 14 has been selected as the operating system for the WP35, which prioritizes user privacy with enhanced security features. On this phone, everything appears to work quickly, and all apps respond quickly.

The WP35's big feature is its impressive 11,000mAh battery, which has been designed for extended use in outdoor environments or during extended periods away from power sources. For anyone, such as engineers and tradespeople who spend long hours on-site or work in remote locations without easy access to charging stations, the WP35's extended battery life is a feature that will really stand out.

The phone's features are solid, and while not cutting edge when it comes to speed or performance, what this phone offers is a balance of what you need to make calls and run the apps and functions that are essential.

• Features: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Performance

• Will survive in most enviroments
• Good storage options

The Oukitel WP35, with its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and 8GB of RAM, delivers a decent all-around performance that is optimized for power efficiency rather than peak performance. However, there is an option to buy a phone with up to 24GB of RAM, which would boost application performance if you need to handle multiple files.

Through testing, the phone easily coped with most multitasking functions, such as having several Google Apps open and copying and pasting between them. The overall responsiveness and performance of the apps were also well-balanced. They should be more than enough for most professionals working with standard office-based applications in the field.

In benchmark tests, the WP35 demonstrated respectable scores: Geekbench showed a CPU Single score of 681 and a Multi score of 1907, while GPU performance reached 1277. These results highlight its ability to handle relatively intensive applications and graphics reasonably well, although it falls short when compared to mainstream consumer phones.

Battery endurance is a standout feature, thanks to the WP35's substantial 11,000mAh battery, the advanced management features that support it and the phone's power saving. The power management system allows the device to offer extended usage times, exceeding typical smartphones such as the iPhone 15 Pro. It is an ideal option if you work in challenging environments or need to work for days away from power sources.

Supporting the extended power from the battery is the rugged build that highlights that the phone has been designed with durability in mind. This is reinforced by military-grade drop resistance and IP68/IP69K ratings that show it can withstand water, dust, and shocks. Sure enough, in the test, the phone survived being dropped from a height, thrown, and submerged in cold water, and while the screen required that the moisture be wiped away before use, there were no other adverse effects on the usability of the phone.

In terms of photography, the WP35's 64MP main camera, 8MP night vision lens, and 2MP macro lens are all quite impressive. While it may not match the image quality of high-end smartphone cameras such as the iPhone 15 Pro, these three cameras perform well in real-world tests.

Images from the cameras capture detailed and clear images of a high enough quality to be suitable for professional applications such as surveys and evidence gathering. The default camera app, while straightforward, offers everything that most users will need when documenting work activities.

Benchmark scores like those from 3DMark - Wildlife (1231), Slingshot (3427), and Steel Nomad (133) - highlight the WP35's capability in handling graphical tasks and also show that if you want to game to a moderate degree, it is possible. However, this probably isn't the best choice for that type of use.

Overall, the Oukitel WP35 provides well-balanced performance, durability, and battery life that will be welcomed by many professionals. In reality, this is a phone designed to work beyond the limits of most phones. While it may not have the processing or graphics performance of most consumer units, it feels solid and will survive and work where other phones will not. It's also extremely well-priced.

• Performance: 3 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Final verdict

The Oukitel WP35 is essentially a well-priced and well-balanced, durable, and reliable rugged smartphone that offers industry-leading battery life, making it an ideal solution for anyone working off the beaten track. The phone's combination of 5G connectivity, processing power, and solid camera setup makes it a versatile choice for both outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. While it may be bulky, despite its slimline boast, its performance and durability make it a decent investment for those needing a phone that can withstand more than most.

Should you buy a Oukitel WP35?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more durable devices, we've tested and reviewed the best rugged tablets, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

The Elegoo Saturn machines have become favourites with resin 3D printing enthusiasts, and opening the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, it's easy to see why. Firstly, it's well-priced in the lower mid-range bracket, yet it packs in a range of features that few competitors can match. 

Like many of the best 3D printers we've reviewed lately, the design once again reflects a futuristic look, and the company has gone to lengths to refine the detail and quality of this machine, elevating it above the Saturn 3 Ultra with a range of new features and significant design changes.

Building on the success of the Saturn 3 Ultra, this new model incorporates a 12K resolution screen, auto-levelling feature, and smart AI camera, a boost in print speed, a new tilting quick-release system, and, surprisingly, a slightly smaller print area.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Design

Starting with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra's design, which is directly aimed at enthusiasts with futuristic styling reminiscent of the gaming community, ultimately reflects Elegoo's focus on this machine and their user base, who have found the previous Saturn and other Elegoo machines ideal for high-detailed tabletop gaming models.

The all-black chassis with sleek, futuristic angles gives it a look that will appeal to some and seem gimmicky to others, although it has no bearing on the actual functionality of the machine. What does, however, are the smaller details that elevate the overall quality and ease of use. The most notable design feature is the hinged UV hood, which swings upwards, enabling easy access to the build area without requiring additional counter space. This is a significant improvement over traditional lift-off covers, making it more convenient to use, especially in tight spaces and ideal for use in education or small offices.

One of the big changes in the design is the tilting screen and tank, which helps speed up the release of the model from the film after each exposure due to the peeling rather than pulling motion. This mechanism has proved effective in other printers. Still, there is a slightly higher emphasis on ensuring that the machine is level and the tank isn't overfilled when setting up to avoid accidental resin spills.

Once lifted, the laser-etched build plate can be removed using the quick-release mechanism, which has filtered down from far more expensive machines and makes the removal of prints far easier. The laser-etched build plate helps to ensure excellent adhesion for prints while simplifying the removal process.

Overall, the updated design is far more refined than the previous generation, and while the aesthetics might not suit everyone, there's no doubt that the looks are striking.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Features

The Saturn 4 Ultra boosts the feature set seen with the Saturn 3 Ultra, all designed to enhance the machine's ease of use and print quality. Starting with the 12K monochrome LCD screen, which offers an impressive resolution of 11,520 x 5120 pixels and a 19-micron accuracy on the X-axis.

A feature that has suddenly become standard on resin printers is auto-leveling, although if something goes wrong, the level can be set manually.

New to this model is the built-in AI camera, which, in addition to monitoring the print process, can detect issues like warping and ensure that the build plate is clear before starting a new print.

The Saturn 4 Ultra also offers two printing modes: a high-speed mode for quick prints and a low-speed mode for detailed, high-quality prints. As we've seen with the previous generation, Elegoo offers plenty of connectivity options with a robust WiFi connection to the ChituBox App that enables remote monitoring and updates.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Performance

As with previous Saturn machines, the resin tank filling is a purely manual process, with the resin being poured directly into the resin tank. It's more important here than on previous versions of the machine to adhere to the max fill line mark. With the tilting tank, there is a likelihood that resin will spill if not filled correctly. Another point of note is that, due to the tilting nature of the tank, it's incredibly important that the table or surface you use is 100% level. There's no machine levelling gauge on the interface, which is a shame, and the legs on the machine are fixed, so the slight warp in the test bench that was caused by an overweight printer last month was compensated with by a few drinks coasters.

When it comes to the resin tank is held in place by simple screws that enable you to bolt it down tight onto the tilting screen. This design feels a little less refined than the rest of the printer. The print platform, by contrast, is fixed onto the vertical by means of a quick-release lever, which makes it quick and easy to remove after a print has finished.

Starting the print process, the machine's speed is notable. While not the fastest of the new wave of quick resin machines, it produces prints at a decent rate and high quality. The initial hit rate for successful prints was high, but looking closely at the finer detail of thin surfaces, such as the wings on the dragon, small holes were noticeable. As the kilos of resin ran through the system, there was a slow decline in the hit rate of successful prints, but shifting the print area around maximized the use of the tank's film before a switch was needed.

After a new film was installed through the usual unbolting and bolting process and a quick check of the levelling was carried out, the print process resumed with the same accuracy and speed. Again, using the fast resin, most prints produced were of excellent quality; however, thin walls and surfaces tended to show some holes, while more solid or highly detailed surfaces were absolutely fine. Ultimately, for producing characters and jewellery and anything that needs absolute print accuracy, this printer is superb. The only issue can be with some large, thinner-surfaced models, such as the dragon with the large, smooth, thin wing areas.

When it comes to overall print quality and what you can print with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, the size suits a wide range of uses. The fast resins are great for quickly producing small to medium-sized models with plenty of detail, while the slower, more standard resins are better for more general use. This quality makes the machine an ideal choice for anyone looking to print their characters for tabletop gaming, modellers wanting to produce parts, and jewellers who need a solid, fast printer to produce prototypes of designs.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Final verdict

The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is a superb resin 3D printer that brings professional-grade features to a consumer-friendly and reasonably-priced model. The printer's 12K resolution and auto-levelling capabilities deliver complete ease of use, and the print quality and accuracy are superb, making it a great solution for both beginners and experienced users.

The smart AI camera and dual printing modes help detect some print issues, although not all, and the dual printing modes enable you to switch from fast printing to slower and more accurate with absolute ease.

While some of the features are a bit basic, they compensate for the camera, AI, and high print resolution. This is a well-priced printer that offers the quality of printers many times its value.

The printer has a wide range of applications. While the looks are slightly futuristic, it's not over the top and will fit in well in the home of a 3D print enthusiast or a professional studio. While the main push for this printer in the past has been for the modelling community, the accuracy and surface finish are certainly something that product designers should consider. The functions, features, quality, and accuracy also make this a great choice.

Should you buy the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?

If you're looking for a 3D printer that combines ease of use with performance, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is an excellent choice. Its high resolution and smart features make it ideal for detailed prints and professional applications such as prototyping. However, if you require absolute precision in AI detection or want an almost completely hands-off machine, then maybe look to invest a little more.

Buy it if...

Don't buy if...

For more crafting tools, we tested the best laser engravers. 

The Elegoo Saturn machines have become favourites with resin 3D printing enthusiasts, and opening the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, it's easy to see why. Firstly, it's well-priced in the lower mid-range bracket, yet it packs in a range of features that few competitors can match. 

Like many of the best 3D printers we've reviewed lately, the design once again reflects a futuristic look, and the company has gone to lengths to refine the detail and quality of this machine, elevating it above the Saturn 3 Ultra with a range of new features and significant design changes.

Building on the success of the Saturn 3 Ultra, this new model incorporates a 12K resolution screen, auto-levelling feature, and smart AI camera, a boost in print speed, a new tilting quick-release system, and, surprisingly, a slightly smaller print area.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Design

Starting with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra's design, which is directly aimed at enthusiasts with futuristic styling reminiscent of the gaming community, ultimately reflects Elegoo's focus on this machine and their user base, who have found the previous Saturn and other Elegoo machines ideal for high-detailed tabletop gaming models.

The all-black chassis with sleek, futuristic angles gives it a look that will appeal to some and seem gimmicky to others, although it has no bearing on the actual functionality of the machine. What does, however, are the smaller details that elevate the overall quality and ease of use. The most notable design feature is the hinged UV hood, which swings upwards, enabling easy access to the build area without requiring additional counter space. This is a significant improvement over traditional lift-off covers, making it more convenient to use, especially in tight spaces and ideal for use in education or small offices.

One of the big changes in the design is the tilting screen and tank, which helps speed up the release of the model from the film after each exposure due to the peeling rather than pulling motion. This mechanism has proved effective in other printers. Still, there is a slightly higher emphasis on ensuring that the machine is level and the tank isn't overfilled when setting up to avoid accidental resin spills.

Once lifted, the laser-etched build plate can be removed using the quick-release mechanism, which has filtered down from far more expensive machines and makes the removal of prints far easier. The laser-etched build plate helps to ensure excellent adhesion for prints while simplifying the removal process.

Overall, the updated design is far more refined than the previous generation, and while the aesthetics might not suit everyone, there's no doubt that the looks are striking.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Features

The Saturn 4 Ultra boosts the feature set seen with the Saturn 3 Ultra, all designed to enhance the machine's ease of use and print quality. Starting with the 12K monochrome LCD screen, which offers an impressive resolution of 11,520 x 5120 pixels and a 19-micron accuracy on the X-axis.

A feature that has suddenly become standard on resin printers is auto-leveling, although if something goes wrong, the level can be set manually.

New to this model is the built-in AI camera, which, in addition to monitoring the print process, can detect issues like warping and ensure that the build plate is clear before starting a new print.

The Saturn 4 Ultra also offers two printing modes: a high-speed mode for quick prints and a low-speed mode for detailed, high-quality prints. As we've seen with the previous generation, Elegoo offers plenty of connectivity options with a robust WiFi connection to the ChituBox App that enables remote monitoring and updates.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Performance

As with previous Saturn machines, the resin tank filling is a purely manual process, with the resin being poured directly into the resin tank. It's more important here than on previous versions of the machine to adhere to the max fill line mark. With the tilting tank, there is a likelihood that resin will spill if not filled correctly. Another point of note is that, due to the tilting nature of the tank, it's incredibly important that the table or surface you use is 100% level. There's no machine levelling gauge on the interface, which is a shame, and the legs on the machine are fixed, so the slight warp in the test bench that was caused by an overweight printer last month was compensated with by a few drinks coasters.

When it comes to the resin tank is held in place by simple screws that enable you to bolt it down tight onto the tilting screen. This design feels a little less refined than the rest of the printer. The print platform, by contrast, is fixed onto the vertical by means of a quick-release lever, which makes it quick and easy to remove after a print has finished.

Starting the print process, the machine's speed is notable. While not the fastest of the new wave of quick resin machines, it produces prints at a decent rate and high quality. The initial hit rate for successful prints was high, but looking closely at the finer detail of thin surfaces, such as the wings on the dragon, small holes were noticeable. As the kilos of resin ran through the system, there was a slow decline in the hit rate of successful prints, but shifting the print area around maximized the use of the tank's film before a switch was needed.

After a new film was installed through the usual unbolting and bolting process and a quick check of the levelling was carried out, the print process resumed with the same accuracy and speed. Again, using the fast resin, most prints produced were of excellent quality; however, thin walls and surfaces tended to show some holes, while more solid or highly detailed surfaces were absolutely fine. Ultimately, for producing characters and jewellery and anything that needs absolute print accuracy, this printer is superb. The only issue can be with some large, thinner-surfaced models, such as the dragon with the large, smooth, thin wing areas.

When it comes to overall print quality and what you can print with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, the size suits a wide range of uses. The fast resins are great for quickly producing small to medium-sized models with plenty of detail, while the slower, more standard resins are better for more general use. This quality makes the machine an ideal choice for anyone looking to print their characters for tabletop gaming, modellers wanting to produce parts, and jewellers who need a solid, fast printer to produce prototypes of designs.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Final verdict

The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is a superb resin 3D printer that brings professional-grade features to a consumer-friendly and reasonably-priced model. The printer's 12K resolution and auto-levelling capabilities deliver complete ease of use, and the print quality and accuracy are superb, making it a great solution for both beginners and experienced users.

The smart AI camera and dual printing modes help detect some print issues, although not all, and the dual printing modes enable you to switch from fast printing to slower and more accurate with absolute ease.

While some of the features are a bit basic, they compensate for the camera, AI, and high print resolution. This is a well-priced printer that offers the quality of printers many times its value.

The printer has a wide range of applications. While the looks are slightly futuristic, it's not over the top and will fit in well in the home of a 3D print enthusiast or a professional studio. While the main push for this printer in the past has been for the modelling community, the accuracy and surface finish are certainly something that product designers should consider. The functions, features, quality, and accuracy also make this a great choice.

Should you buy the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?

If you're looking for a 3D printer that combines ease of use with performance, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is an excellent choice. Its high resolution and smart features make it ideal for detailed prints and professional applications such as prototyping. However, if you require absolute precision in AI detection or want an almost completely hands-off machine, then maybe look to invest a little more.

Buy it if...

Don't buy if...

For more crafting tools, we tested the best laser engravers. 

The Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo comes at a time of real shift in the industry. 3D printers are evolving and starting to break away from the open-source look and DIY nature of the construction that has helped the technology get off the ground. While these new machines are still steeped in the open-source community, the hardware and customizations are enabling each company to branch out and offer something slightly different with each machine.

Anycubic is one of only a few entry-level companies that have been consistent with the quality of its machines over the years. While the design has been a little futuristic, the speed and print quality have meant that they have often been the printer of choice for many enthusiasts.

The latest release is the Kobra 3, and like many of the best 3D printers we've tested, it's gone more than a simple overhaul. This is one of the finest machines yet to be released. What makes it special is the balance that Anycubic has struck with this printer combo. It enables multifilament prints and has a workflow and software that are just about the best we've seen.

Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo: Design

The design of the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo comes in two parts: the 3D printer and the multifilament box, both of which are highly refined and available separately if needed. Starting with the printer is of the bed-slinger Cartesian design with an all-metal build. This is different from the metal and plastic combo build of previous Kobra models; here, the product design department has given the machine a complete overhaul. This means that from the base to the frame, the entire printer is more refined and consumer-friendly, with wires generally tucked neatly away and tubes and cables that can be fastened together easily.

That metal frame does mean that the printer is relatively weighty, which helps reduce vibrations, ultimately improving print quality. Everything about the printer is well-finished and reflects the mid-range price point. What really stands out, however, is that this is a mid-range printer, but it packs in the quality and features that you would have paid many times the price for not too long ago.

The design of the printer incorporates all the usual features and has a large touchscreen monitor to help you navigate the settings and print options. While, as standard, it doesn't feature a camera, there is the option to add one, and likewise, the range of accessories does seem to be evolving quickly.

Alongside the printer is the multifilament box, the Anycubic Ace Pro. This is a drying box that feeds the printer up to four filaments. What's interesting is that there is an expansion port. Anycubic has highlighted that an expansion to eight colours is coming soon.

Again, as with the printer, the design of the box is really well thought through and of exceptional quality. As with the Bambu AMS system, you simply pop in the filament, and it is then automatically pulled through the system, making it nice and easy and ultimately failsafe.

The printer's design is refined and a huge step forward for Anycubic. The addition of the multifilament Ace Pro boosts this system further, enabling a huge number of options for enthusiastic 3D printers.

When it comes to getting the printer ready to print, from the box to print-ready, it takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on experience. The overall design is so simple, and most of the parts are pre-prepared; it's really just a case of bolting in the upright, connecting a few cables, and then feeding in the filament once the tubes are all in place. As you start the process, it does seem a little complicated, but once you have everything laid out, you realize it is, in fact, very simple.

• Design: 4.5/5

Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo: Features

The standout feature of the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo is its multifilament printing capability, enabled by the Anycubic Ace Pro module. This box is fully enclosed once the lid is closed and enables you to print with up to four different filaments. The Ace Pro is reminiscent of other multifilament boxes on the market. Still, Anycubic has refined the design here with the auto filament feeder, lid lock, and the fact that it doubles as a dry box to ensure that your filament is in the best possible condition prior to being fed into the printer itself.

The printer supports a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. Using this box, you can have all filaments lined up and ready to go without needing to switch materials. It also means that multifilament prints, where ABS and PETG may be mixed for a water-resistant box or a wheel with a tyre, can be printed as a single piece in one go.

The printer features a relatively large LCD, and finally, Anycubic has updated the look and style of its interface. It's quite a makeover and a huge improvement from the old style. Navigating this interface with the touchscreen functionality is also extremely easy, and the ability to select the filament you want to use prior to printing is a great addition.

A common feature across all 3D printers these days is the automatic bed levelling system, which ensures that the print bed is primed and ready, ensuring excellent first-layer adhesion. The Kobra 3 also packs in all the usual features, including a filament run-out sensor and power loss recovery.

When it comes to features that separate it from past Kobra models, the speed takes a huge hike up to 600mm/s; the print area is an impressive 250 x 250 x 260mm, the 300ºC hot end is full metal, there is a LAN connection, and there are AI detection features.

• Features: 4.5/5

Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo: Performance

Anycubic has supplied a decent number of test prints on the machine, so you can get started as soon as you power on and the machine has fed the filaments through the system. The first couple of single filament prints that ran through the system looked impressive, with a smooth surface and excellent dimensional accuracy.

On the machine, alongside the single filament prints, are the multifilament ones. Again, the printer performs with the same quality as with the single filament models; the only difference is the speed. While not significantly slower, the filament swap does take a few seconds, so the more complex the model and the more changes in material, the longer it takes. This is ultimately a similar system to the Bambu AMS and works just as well. The same issue is also occurring with the filament waste piling up by the side of the printer. Where the Anycubic version differs from the Bambu option is that it's overall less aggressive and feels far less likely to jump off the desk with the speed at which it's running.

After checking the single and multifilament models, I found that the quality of the print is exceptional. The multifilament option, while far slower than single-filament printing, produces prints of the same high quality, which is reflected in the benchmark test results.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo: Final verdict

2024 is seeing a change in 3D printing. They're faster, better made, produce high-quality prints, and print with multiple filaments. The Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo is currently one of the most balanced solutions out there, with the single and multifilament options working with absolute ease and precision.

There are a few minor thoughts around the design, such as the open frame approach, which makes it unsuitable for educational and some office use. While the open design works well for the bed-slinger design, it does limit the types of materials you can successfully print with. However, the use of the dry box does boost the quality of ABS and other material prints. But then, with ABS, you have the fumes, so an enclosed printer with a filter is the only option.

The screen is another point to highlight. The ribbon at the back twists into location and feels like it could be a weak point over time, especially since it's on the same side as the filament that gets spit out. The cable was always there as I cleaned up the filament pile after each price. It's a small thing, but the screen also has quite a large border, with the viewable area being quite a bit smaller. A top-edge screen would have been more aesthetically pleasing against all that work on the new and superb interface.

Those points aside, this is one of, if not the best, bed-slinger 3D printers out there at the moment, and it has some really stiff competition. It just feels refined and a real progression on the excellent Kobra 2 run. It's a solid machine with plenty going for it, but more than anything, it's reliable. The older Anycubic Kobra 2 machines became a constant in many workplaces due to their simplicity, affordability, and price. Here, Anycubic has produced a direct evolution and one of the most reliable, high-quality, and well-priced machines on the market.

Should You Buy the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo?

If you are looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable 3D printer, the Anycubic  Kobra 3 Combo is the one for you. It is perfect for beginners or experienced users who want multifilament printing without breaking the bank.

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WatchGuard’s FireboxV is one of the best firewall software options and will appeal to businesses that want to virtualize their security services and avoid the extra cost of an on-premises hardware appliance. It’s now available in five versions, after WatchGuard responded to customer requests and added a budget-priced Micro model.

Targeting smaller sites with up to five users, FireboxV Micro is restricted to two virtual CPUs (vCPUs), a maximum firewall throughput of 1Gbit/sec and five branch office VPNs. If your needs change in the future you can upgrade to a Small, Medium, Large or XLarge model by applying a new license key, and there are no compromises on features: all versions offer precisely the same security measures as WatchGuard’s hardware appliances. FireboxV supports Hyper-V, VMware plus KVM on CentOS.

For testing, we installed it on a Dell PowerEdge R650xs rack server running Windows Server 2022 and the Hyper-V role. It’s a simple process: we downloaded the virtual disk, created a new VM with two vCPUs and assigned two virtual switches for external WAN and trusted LAN connections.

Initial appliance and security policy configuration is aided by a browser-based wizard. During this phase, you can opt to retain the local web console and send the appliance’s activity logs to your WatchGuard cloud portal account.

Alternatively, you can enable full cloud management, which disables the local interface and provides remote access to all appliance configuration settings.

WatchGuard FireboxV Micro: Pricing

WatchGuard keeps things simple by offering two licensing options, and the price for a three year Total Security subscription is £2,204 exc VAT. This enables every security service WatchGuard has to offer, including gateway antivirus, anti-spam, web content filtering, application controls, intrusion prevention services (IPS) and an advanced persistent threat (APT) blocker with cloud sandboxing.

In addition, TSS activates WatchGuard’s RED (reputation enabled defense) cloud-based URL filtering, ThreatSync XDR for collection, correlation and automated responses to threat events, and DNSWatch to monitor client DNS requests and block access to known malicious domains.

WatchGuard FireboxV Micro: Interface and use

FireboxV Micro requires a minimum 2GB of virtual memory, but we gave ours the recommended 4GB so we could enable the Cylance AI-based IntelligentAV malware scanning engine and use WatchGuard’s full signature set for the IPS and application control services.

The configuration wizard defaults to mixed-mode routing, which requires each internal LAN port to be defined as a separate interface. All FireboxV versions support up to ten virtual interfaces so you can add extra ports and extend protection to different network segments.

The local web console provides easy access to all security policies and functions, but we decided to go fully cloud-managed by registering the appliance with our support account, allocating it to our site and choosing the management and monitoring option. The process is different to the hardware appliances: we had to reset our FireboxV back to factory defaults, run through the wizard again and upload the encrypted payload file created when we registered it with our cloud account.

It took only five minutes to complete, after which the FireboxV disabled its local web interface, took all further settings from the cloud and provisioned full access for remote configuration. All security functions are easily accessible and from the portal’s content scanning page, you use slider bars to enable the gateway AV, IntelligentAV, APT blocker and spamBlocker services.

Anti-spam policies are available for SMTP, IMAP or POP3 traffic where you allow, deny or tag spam messages in their subject line for ongoing local rule processing. From the network blocking section, you can control botnet detection, IPS, custom blocked URLs and ports plus detection of Tor (The onion router) exit points. 

WatchGuard’s application control service presents over 1,250 predefined app signatures, while web content filtering offers 130 URL categories for blocking or allowing.

WatchGuard FireboxV Micro: Final verdict

WatchGuard’s FireboxV Micro is ideal for SMBs that want to virtualize all their network protection. It’s a cinch to deploy, supports local or cloud management and delivers an incredible range of security measures at a very affordable price.

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