Pixel density is something Apple pays far more attention to than most PC builders. Problem is, achieving Apple's signature "Retina" display experience with one of the brand's own monitors is very pricey. But you can now get the very same 27-inch 5K form factor from the Philips 27E3U7903 for not far off half the price.
Up front and centre, this monitor matches the Apple Studio Display's 5K resolution and 218DPI pixel density. It's similar to the Apple panel in other ways, too. There's a comparable feature set with excellent connectivity including Thunderbolt 4, plus an integrated webcam and microphone array.
This Philips even apes Apple with its boxy, metallic chassis aesthetic, and flat-wide base and stand. What's more it even outstrips the Apple display by some measures. Philips has used the latest IPS Black panel tech to offer 2,000:1 static contrast, notably higher than the 1,200:1 ratio of the Studio Display.
Add in VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, broad colour support and other features aimed at creative pros and you have a super strong on-paper package. The one catch is that while the Philips 27E3U7903 is much cheaper than the Apple Studio Display, there are some very good 4K monitors available at a significant discount among our pick of the best monitors for MacBook Pro. You're going to have to really want that 5K thing to justify this new Philips panel.
It's obvious from the get go that the Philips 27E3U7903 is aimed squarely at the Apple Studio Display. That extends well beyond the basic 27-inch 5K form factor. The boxy, metallic-looking chassis and flat, wide stand and base, and glass screen cover all scream "Studio Display." Even the way the fixed power cable sticks out of the rear is awfully Appley.
Where Philips can't quite match Apple is for perceived quality. The 27E3U7903 is mostly plastic where the Apple monitor uses actual metal. So, it doesn't feel nearly as expensive.
The Philip's particularly chunky bezel also separates it slightly from the marginally slimmer Studio Display. To be clear it doesn't feel cheap, either. But to at least some extent, you can see where the extra money goes on the Apple alternative.
Connectivity is both another strong point and another overlap with Apple. Philips has given this monitor Thunderbolt 4 with 96W of power delivery, plus Thunderbolt out for display daisy chaining, another three USB-C ports, USB-A, HDMI and ethernet.
That's all tied together with full KVM switch functionality, picture-in-picture support and the aforementioned display daisy chaining. So, if you have multiple PCs, Mac, laptops, whatever, this display has you covered.
Next up, there's a webcam with AI-enhanced autoframing and a microphone array, which again is redolent of the Studio Display's Center Stage camera, plus stereo speakers.
For creators, there are features like a wide range of preset colour spaces including Apple's favoured Display P3 support, 99% coverage of the DCI P3 gamut, support for Calman Ready automatic calibration.
The Philips 27E3U7903 is also VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified. That level of HDR certification requires some level of local dimming. Philips doesn't quote the number of zones. But as we'll see this monitor almost certainly is limited to a very small number of edge-lit zones, as opposed to full-array local dimming.
Philips 27E3U7903: Performance
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Crispy 5K visuals
Very punchy backlight
Limited HDR capability
For 5K neophites, the first question is whether the upgrade in terms of pixel density compared to a 4K 27-inch monitor is obvious. And the simple answer is no, it's not an immediately apparent and dramatic improvement in subjective, experiential terms.
No question, fonts and text are that little bit crisper and clearer. But 4K on a 27-inch panel is pretty good in that regard too. So, the benefits of 4K are a touch more subtle than that. One benefit, for instance, is that the 3,008 x 1,692 virtual resolution option in MacOS works particularly well.
For some creative workflows, it's also very handy to be able to display a full 3,840 by 2,160 pixel 4K video stream in a window with space to spare for toolbars and controls.
But these are relatively niche upsides. For most users, it's questionable whether the price premium versus numerous cheaper 4K monitors is worth it purely for 5K, and I say that as someone who really appreciates high pixel density in computing displays.
With that in mind, the Philips 27E3U7903 needs to justify itself in broader terms. For starters, it's certainly very punchy. The maximum brightness in SDR mode is well beyond what most users will ever want to dial up.
However, it's good to have some brightness in hand, especially if you want to use this display in a setting with lots of ambient light. You'll have no problem burning that off with the Philips 27E3U7903.
That said, in that context you'll also have to contend with a fair bit of reflectivity from the glassy screen cover. That's a very Apple feature and something you either like or dislike. But it certainly adds to a sense of heightened contrast.
On that note, this is an IPS Black panel with getting on for double the static contrast performance compared to most IPS monitors. From that spec alone, you might expect a dramatic improvement in black levels. The reality is much more marginal. This monitor still has more light bleed than a VA monitor, let alone an OLED panel with perfect per-pixel lighting.
That's relevant for HDR performance, a notable weak point for this display. It has VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification and basic local dimming. But while Philips doesn't quote the number of zones, it's very likely to be around 16 edge-lit zones.
You can toggle the level of local dimming in the OSD. But in all honesty, this type of local dimming is barely any different from a dynamic backlight. Ultimately, this is not a true HDR monitor, even if it is pretty bright.
As for broader accuracy and factory calibration, that's a slight weak point. It's most noticeable when using an Apple laptop where the sRGB preset is actually a better visual match for Apple laptop than the Apple-default Display P3 colour space. To be clear, this is not a poorly calibrated display. But given the lofty price tag, it could be a touch better.
Finally, the integrated webcam is superior to a typical laptop camera, but not truly comparable to the Center Stage camera in the Apple Studio Display.
Philips 27E3U7903: Final verdict
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If you're a tech enthusiast, the very notion of 5K computing is pretty exciting. 5K has to be better than 4K, right? Yes it is, but the difference on a 27-inch display isn't hugely dramatic.
There are advantages, such as slightly crisper fonts and the ability to view 4K content with screen real estate to spare for toolbars and other interface elements. But the benefits are relatively marginal. And I say that as something of a high-DPI aficionado.
With all that in mind, the Philips 27E3U7903 needs to be absolutely excellent in broad terms to justify its premium pricing and not just by virtue of delivering that Apple Studio Display-style 5K experience.
Well, it certainly is excellent in terms of connectivity thanks to a plethora of ports, plus KVM switch and daisy chaining support. Elsewhere, the Philips 27E3U7903 is certainly good, but arguably not exceptional.
The IPS Black panel is certainly nice, with vibrant colours and a very powerful backlight. But the subjective experience doesn't quite deliver on the expectations raised by the on-paper 2,000:1 contrast spec. Likewise, as with most, perhaps even all, HDR 600 monitors, the HDR experience is limited.
Slightly harder to forgive is the factory calibration. This is not a poorly calibrated display. But it's not as excellent as you might expect at this price point, albeit for the most demanding workflows, you'll be calibrating this monitor yourself, something for which it provides good support.
All of which means the Philips 27E3U7903 is ultimately a niche offering. If you're tempted by Apple's Studio Display but don't fancy the price, this is a very appealing and effective alternative. If you want the absolute best possible pixel density, then likewise. But for most users, there's better value to be had from a wide range of 27-inch 4K displays.
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days kick off on Tuesday next week, but there are some good deals available this week too – and you don’t even need a Prime subscription for them.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 took a couple of weeks off from discounts, but now it’s back at it – with $150 off its normal price, you can have the base 256GB model for under $1,000. Doubling the storage is a $120 upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
$150 off
Read our review
12/256GB - $950 at Amazon US
...
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days kick off on Tuesday next week, but there are some good deals available this week too – and you don’t even need a Prime subscription for them.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 took a couple of weeks off from discounts, but now it’s back at it – with $150 off its normal price, you can have the base 256GB model for under $1,000. Doubling the storage is a $120 upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
$150 off
Read our review
12/256GB - $950 at Amazon US
...
Whereas most of the best video doorbells are sleek, with the look and feel of a traditional doorbell, the same can’t be said of the Aqara G410. Like its predecessor, the G4, this is a decidedly chunky unit. The reason why soon becomes clear when you realise it’s powered by no less than six AA batteries (even the latest ‘long-life’ Blink device only has three and most have two).
While this might not be a massive issue when it comes to operation, it does make installation a little more challenging. Aqara provides a wedge mount for installing on a door architrave but the likelihood is you will have to install it on a flat surface because of its large size.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Furthermore, lack of waterproofing (IPX3 provides very modest protection against splashing) means you have to install in an enclosed or semi-enclosed (storm) porch rather than exposed to the elements – at least in the UK. Aqara provides screws and wall plugs for installation or alternatively there is a large and strong adhesive strip on the back of the device for placing directly onto a wall or front door.
Unusually, the indoor chime is also the hub of the Aqara system. It is here where you scan one QR code to sync the doorbell to the Aqara iOS/Android app and another to connect to various smart home platforms including Google Home. It is also here where you insert a MicroSD card (up to 512GB) to store video clips rather than paying Aqara from £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) a month to store all of your clips in the cloud. However, Aqara only provides a USB-C to USB-A cable so you will need a mains plug with a USB-A port to use.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Once set up, a 4:3 image appears in the app alongside a range of options to help you take control of your video doorbell. As well as the usual settings that allow you exclude or include parts of the image or adjust doorbell and/or chime volume, AI-based facial recognition is also included as standard. This allows you to add images of people who live in the house for the camera to store. It will then send you an alert if it spots that person leaving the house (and if it’s someone it doesn’t recognise it will say ‘lingerer detected’!)
Subscribers to the Aqara’s HomeGuardian service can also access additional functionality such as AI Video Search where you can enter keywords to search through videos more easily and AI Video Summary which will provide a one sentence summary of the video created – for example ‘courier in red T-shirt carrying parcel'.
Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: subscription options
Aqara HomeGuardian (1 device): £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) or £39.99 (about $55 / AU$80) per year
Aqara HomeGuardian (unlimited cameras): £7.99 (about $10 / AU$15) per month or £79.99 (about $110 / AU$160) per year
Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: price and availability
How much does it cost? Aqara G410 £129, $129
When is it available? Available from August 2025
Where is it available? UK/US
When the original Aqara G4 video doorbell was released back in 2023, it cost £119/$119 (although it is now available online for under £100 / $100). With the new model, Aqara has managed to maintain the same price point (give or take £10 / $10), at the same as making a shed-load of improvements. These include much better viewing angle, dual-band Wi-Fi capability and much improved video resolution (2K rather than 1080p) to name but a few.
Nevertheless, the new Aqara G410 is actually towards the upper end of the price range for a video doorbell with many devices now retailing for under £100/$100, albeit without local storage so you have to pay a monthly subscription fee to store video clips in the cloud. The advantage of the new Aqara model is that, while a monthly-subscription fee is available for advanced AI-detection features, you don’t have to pay it to store video clips. Instead, you can insert a MicroSD card in the smart home hub/chime and get pretty much all of the functions without having to pay extra.
So is the Aqara video doorbell worth the investment? Much depends on how you intend to use it. If you want to use it just as a standard video doorbell to talk to whoever comes to the front door then we’d say probably not. There are simply better, and definitely nicer looking, video doorbells out there. There’s no getting around the fact that the G410 looks cheap and plasticy, like something you would have bought from a Tandy store back in the day (if you are old enough to remember them!)
However, if you want to use it as part of a home automation system so, for example, the doorbell unlocks a compatible smart lock when it sees a face it recognises, then the Aqara G4 does represent much better value for money. For example, in this scenario it’s possible to imagine the Aqara doorbell taking centre stage – effectively becoming the brain of your smart home. Just don’t get it too wet as the limited IPX3 weather resistance means this ‘brain’ could stop working completely if you return from work in a downpour.
Value score: 3.5/5
Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: design
Easy installation
Chunky design
IPX3 weather resistance
Measuring 14.2 x 6.5 x 3cm (5.57 x 2.56 x 1.2 inches), there is no getting around the fact that the Aqara is big and ugly. Whereas most video doorbells on the market have the form factor of a chunky traditional doorbell, the Aqara has no such pretensions. Instead, it’s more like the shape of an old-fashioned door entry phone. At least it means it has a nice big, illuminated doorbell that visitors simply can’t miss.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
That it’s so big is largely down to how it is powered. Though it is possible to hard-wire the doorbell into your existing doorbell system, most people will probably use it as a stand-alone doorbell. This means installing no fewer than six AA batteries by unscrewing the panel in the back of the unit (standard AA batteries are provided).
That’s considerably more than most battery-powered video doorbells, which usually only require two or three AA batteries unless they’re powered by a rechargeable lithium Ion battery.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Installation is relatively straightforward. Aqara provides wall plugs and screws for mounting on the door or door frame. Alternatively, there’s a very strong adhesive strip for sticking both the doorbell and chime to a suitable surface. Also provided is a wedge-mount for installing at an angle though the likelihood is that this video doorbell is simply too wide to mount on most door architraves.
Importantly, the chime/smart home hub needs to be installed on the same Wi-Fi network as the doorbell, close enough so they can communicate with one another, but also in an area of the house where you are most likely to hear it from several rooms – such as a hallway. As noted earlier, the Aqara G410 will need to be enclosed in a semi-enclosed or enclosed porch to prevent it getting wet. It also shouldn’t be mounted too high in order to get the best view from the 4:3 shaped image. Aqara recommends a height of between 1.4 and 1.5m from the ground (around 4.5 to 5ft).
Design: 3/5
Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: performance
Good image quality
mmWave radar detection reduces false alerts
Complete smart home hub
There’s no doubt that when it comes to performance, the G410 represents a massive leap forward from its predecessor, the G4. Whereas the former unit offered 1080p resolution, the G410 boasts much sharper 2K (2048 x 1536 pixel) resolution. Aspect ratio too has been changed from a wide 16:9 to squarer 4:3 which is more suitable for capturing people coming to the door (although some of the latest doorbells now favour the square 1:1 aspect ratio for head-to-toe footage).
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On the downside, the video doorbell still lacks HDR support. However, we generally we found the dynamic range was more than sufficient for recognising visitors and monitoring deliveries during the day. More problematic was night vision which was not always that clear unless the PIR on my porch light was triggered. Alternatively, it is possible to program the Aqara to trigger a smart porch light if anyone approaches your door at night.
One really useful addition is mmWave Radar detection. We recently saw the technology used to great effect on a Baseus Security S2 outdoor security camera and the same’s true here. Indeed, the technology seems a big improvement over older PIR detectors which tend to be a little overly sensitive.
This feature drastically reduces the number of false alerts from passing cars and pedestrians walking past your house which can be a problem with some video doorbells.
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Other plus points include a very loud indoor chime (up to 95dB) – handy if you can’t always hear someone coming to the front door – and a reasonable speaker and microphone for talking to whoever is at the door. In fact it’s even possible to disguise your voice with various settings (anonymous, robot and clown). This may be useful, if say, you are a vulnerable woman and don’t want whoever is at the door to know you are home alone or simply for having fun with family and friends.
Finally, where this model really comes into its own of course is as the engine room of a home automation system. The G410 is now a fully-fledged smart home hub with a built in Matter Bridge and controller, a Zigbee Hub, a Thread border router and a dual-band Wi-Fi adaptor.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
However, it’s worth noting that while the camera is technically capable of 2K resolution, this is only available if the device is used exclusively within the Aqara app. For example, if it’s added to Apple HomeKit (or any other ecosystem), the resolution is downgraded to just 1600 x 1200 pixels. As a result, images via Apple Home Kit look less sharp.
Performance score: 3.5/5
Should you buy the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410?
Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 score card
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
Reasonable value for money if you just want to store video clips on a MicroSD card. However, if you want full AI functionality you will need to pay a sub from £3.99 a month.
3.5/5
Design
Powered by six AA batteries, this chunky unit feels quite cheap and plasticky. It doesn’t offer full waterproofing either – a failing for a video doorbell.
3/5
Performance
A big improvement over its predecessor with dual-band WiFi, better resolution and radar detection. However, image quality is reduced when viewing via smart home platforms.
3.5/5
Overall
While the Aqara offers reasonable performance and flexibility especially for fans of home automation, ultimately it is let down by poor, cheap design and lack of waterproofing.
3.5/5
Buy it if
You want to use as part of a smart home setup
Compatible with all the major smart home platforms (including Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home), the Aqara is ideal for pairing with home automation products.
You want a loud doorbell chime
The Aqara comes with a very loud doorbell chime (95dB) making it ideal for those who can’t always hear if someone is at the door.
Don't buy it if
The doorbell is likely to get very wet
Designed for an enclosed or semi-enclosed porch, the Aqara is not suitable for all homes because it only has very modest IPX3 weather resistance.
You're looking for compact unit
Powered by six AA batteries, the Aqara is a very chunky unit indeed – considerably larger than most video doorbells that fit neatly on a door architrave.
Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: also consider
Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera Hub
Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module
Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime
Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus
Subscription price
From £3.99 a month
From £2.50 a month
From £3.50 a month
From £4.99 a month
Viewing angle
175° horizontal
150° horizontal
154° horizontal
150° horizontal
Network connection
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHZ)
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Video
2K resolution
1440p Full HD resolution
1080p Full HD resolution
1536p Full HD resolution
Power
Mains or battery (6x AA batteries)
Battery (3x AA batteries)
Mains or rechargeable battery
Rechargeable battery
Hardware price
£129 (with chime/smart hub)
£59 (with Sync Module Core)
£129 (video doorbell), £29 (chime)
£129 (video doorbell), £139 (with basic chime)
If you're not sure whether the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 is right for you, here are some other options to consider:
Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2)
Powered by three lithium AA batteries, this latest video doorbell promises a long battery-life. Featuring a 1:1 shaped image, it’s ideal for capturing a head-to-toe image of people coming to the door.
Amazon-owned company Ring has firmly established itself as the ‘go to’ company for video doorbells. It offers several models including this wire-free model which also features a head-to-toe view.
A solidly built video doorbell, the Yale device offers good image and sound quality. However, streaming recorded content and speaking to people at the door can be a little slow.
The doorbell was set up in a storm porch to the side of the door
I regularly test video doorbells, much to the confusion of local postmen when I have several up at once and they don’t know which one to press! As an experiment, I decided to leave two up for a short while, a Blink Generation 2 video doorbell on the front of the door and the Aqara at the side of the storm porch.
Interestingly, I found that most couriers/postmen rang the Aqara drawn no doubt by the extremely large doorbell button in the centre. Ideally, I would have installed the doorbell in the centre of the door, but it’s extremely wide design made this impractical. For many, it’s lack of waterproofing will also prove a massive obstacle (it seems essential for any outdoor product, at least in the UK).
It’s a shame because there is much to like about this product, including its compatibility with all the major smart home platforms, accurate motion detection and local as well as cloud storage. But without waterproofing and an impractical design it is simply difficult to recommend the Aqara G410 to TechRadar readers.
The Humanscale Freedom is not your average chair. It's not just another ergonomic chair. It's designed by ergonomics pioneer Niels Diffrient to remove complexity. Diffrient removed levers, knobs, dials, switches, and other controllers and created a chair that adjusts to your body naturally, along with any movement you make.
I have tested many of the best office chairs and have yet to find one like this. It feels like a different class of luxury, like moving from a budget car to a luxury vehicle. The Humanscale Freedom is luxurious, iconic, ergonomically excellent, and wildly expensive.
Humanscale Freedom: Price and availability
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
The Humanscale Freedom Headrest that I have here can be customized to stay just under the $2,000 mark at $1,997.00, on sale now for $1,605.00. However, if customized to the max, this chair could cost nearly $6,000. My build included the standard task chair, the advanced duron arms with textile, graphite frame color, the Corvara Chrome-Free Leather in Onyx with Vanilla Stitching, a standard foam seat pan, the tall cylinder 5", standard hard casters, fireproofing, and the standard matching base. Due to the leather, this took a longer time to create, especially since it was custom all around, but once I got it delivered, I was floored. It's an art piece, it's exquisite. It's unlike anything else that I have or will ever have in the future. Depending on your material choice, this kind of chair could take beyond 8 weeks for delivery, but if you choose the right materials, you could get this down to two weeks.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Humanscale Freedom: Unboxing and First Impressions
Once I waited my eight weeks to get this chair, I was eager to use it. Thankfully, unboxing was unbelievably easy. I opened the box, added the chair to the base, cut a few ties holding the moving pieces together, and I was good to go.
Right off the bat, I knew this chair would stand out among all of the chairs that I have tested. This one is unlike anything else I have tried. It looks unique, functions uniquely, and is made with the most genuine and premium materials I have experienced. This chair feels like that classic car that someone has in their collection, or the luxury furniture that is meant for looking, not touching, and for sure not sitting on, except it's very much made to sit on, and then uniquely conforms to your body. This piece isn't just a chair, it's art you can experience.
Humanscale Freedom: Design & Build Quality
Specs
Height range: Fits 5'0"–6'4", 100–300 lbs Recline: Weight-sensitive, self-locking recline at 20° Arms: Moves with the back, no knob or button adjustment Headrest model: +5-inch adjustment Warranty: 15 years Weight: ~43–49lbs depending on model
At the end of the day, this can be described as an ergonomic chair. However, when you start to look at functionality, features, materials, and design language, you see that this chair was re-imagined from that basis on. This is an ergonomic chair, yes, but unlike almost all other ergonomic chairs, this one does not have dials and knobs and tension controls -- no, it moves with your body, as your body does. Its contoured cushions roll backward as you do, leaning with you, while supporting you. The armrests move with the backrest, staying in a helpful position even when reclined. Additionally, with my leather materials, I can be assured that not only is this piece made with luxury materials, but I'm also covered by a warranty, knowing that this chair will last for well over a decade and beyond.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Humanscale Freedom: In use
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Visually, I love this chair. It's gorgeous. It's a statement piece I hope to always have in my home office from now on. Sitting in it, though, does take a moment to get used to. I've gotten so familiar with the functionality of so many chair companies that the lack of functionality is as shocking as a new Tesla owner getting into their vehicle for the first time. The change from a gas and brake pedal operating as it does in a standard vehicle, the familiarity with a key, or at minimum a key fob, and the need to shift, start the car, and more being stripped away in the push for minimalism and seamless usability is much reflected in the push from other chairs to the Humanscale Freedom. It's the Tesla of the ergonomic chair market. Instead of shifting into gear, adjusting the settings with knobs, or feeling like you need to press buttons to begin your experience with this chair, you can sit down without thinking, and the chair handles the adjusting. It's that easy.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Comfort-wise, it takes a minute to get used to, I won't deny that. But once you get used to it, I've really enjoyed the chair overall. I've had this chair in my rotation for a month now, and I still love it just as much. The weight-sensitive recline feels natural, the lumbar support is excellent, but my headrest feels a tad loose, which may be because I extend it to maximum due to my height. Much like in a Tesla, once you trust the design and intentionality of the vessel, the experience improves. And that is precisely what I have found to be the case with the Humanscale Freedom.
Humanscale Freedom: Final verdict
The Humanscale Freedom is not the chair for most people. I would rarely recommend this chair to the average Joe or to a mass purchaser. But, once you know that this level of customization, this quality level, this comfort level, and this ease of use exist, you'll wish you could have it. If you want to have the ease of not having to adjust every dial precisely to your needs or else the chair won't work right, if you want to be able to customize a chair, if you want to have premium materials and you are okay with the premium price, then this chair would be very hard to beat if you tried.
Should you buy a Humanscale Freedom?
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Value
Luxury pricing for a luxury item, but solid long term option if you want something that will last
3.5 / 5
Design
Iconic look that feels more like art than a chair
5 / 5
Hardware
Unique adjustments, and futuristic feel when making changes to how you sit
4.5 / 5
Performance
Excellent support once you learn how it works and get used to it
4 / 5
Overall
Ergonomically wonderful, while also doubling as a featured art piece. This piece is wonderful if your budget is equally accommodating.
4.5 / 5
Buy it if...
You want a beautiful, aesthetic, fabulous chair The Humanscale Freedom won't just blend in with other chairs, it's unique looking and feeling, made with quality materials
You want a chair that will last With a massive warranty and genuine leather, minimal moving parts and quality engineering, this chair is sure to last longer than cheap chairs with poor materials.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You like having controls to adjust While the adjustments are mostly still there, the controls, dials, knobs and switches to maneuver your chair around are not.
You have a budget If money is going to play a factor in your chair choice, this one probably won't make the cut, unless your "Budget" is very high, or if the chiar is the most important part to your renovation
The iQOO 15 is coming soon - the brand just confirmed some of its specs yesterday. Today, the iQOO 15 was spotted in two certification databases: SIRIM in Malaysia and the EEC platform in Europe. These certifications are necessary pre-launch approval steps, and they signify that we're getting ever closer to the device's official announcement.
iQOO 15 certifications
The iQOO 15 has the model number I2501, as revealed by these certifications. It's already been confirmed to sport the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, support for wireless charging and USB 3.2, IP68 and IP69 dust and water...
The iQOO 15 is coming soon - the brand just confirmed some of its specs yesterday. Today, the iQOO 15 was spotted in two certification databases: SIRIM in Malaysia and the EEC platform in Europe. These certifications are necessary pre-launch approval steps, and they signify that we're getting ever closer to the device's official announcement.
iQOO 15 certifications
The iQOO 15 has the model number I2501, as revealed by these certifications. It's already been confirmed to sport the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, support for wireless charging and USB 3.2, IP68 and IP69 dust and water...
Huawei as a brand isn’t a strong one in the US, UK and Australia right now – particularly not in the phone stakes, considering the US ban on Huawei telecomms equipment is still in place. However, the company is making outstanding smartwatches and reports record global sales. Serving up high-quality fitness kit in a classic dress-watch package like this, at a relatively low price, I can see why. There’s an awful lot to like about the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro.
For one thing, it’s a fitness powerhouse. The battery life, which in the 46mm version is said to last for up to 21 days, lasted a full two weeks in my testing with multiple GPS-enabled workouts, and those workouts were full of comprehensive, actionable metrics. I wore the Huawei Watch GT6 Pro in the gym, and tested its GPS credentials during outdoor runs and walks.
In a stationary cycle fitness test, I compared the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro to both an industry-standard heart rate monitor (the Polar H10) and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Its heart rate graph matched the Polar’s without any statistically significant differences, and its average heart rate reading was only off by 1bpm, matching that of the Ultra. I was certainly satisfied with the accuracy from the TruSense heart rate monitoring system.
Heart rate is the foundation of on-wrist wellness – the lynchpin of health, wellness, sleep and stress tracking. I found Huawei’s TruSleep algorithm very representative of how I felt each morning, wearing it to bed each night over a four-day period. It’s so accurate, that after a rough night full of very vivid dreams, the watch even stated “REM sleep accounted for 32% of your overall sleep, which is a little high and may indicate excessive dreaming”. Spot on. I’ve been testing wearables for many years, and it’s rare I get caught off-guard with an immediate level of insight.
(Image credit: Future)
The Huawei Watch GT 6 offers battery life of 10 days or 14 days, depending on whether you choose the smaller or larger model, while the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro (which I tested) offers, can run for up to 21 days on a single charge. It’s a lot longer than the Ultra 3’s 42 hours, at any rate, and worthy of any of the best Garmin watches.
I also tested the watch's skin temperature tracking, blood oxygen detection, arrhythmia analysis, and even emotional wellbeing feature, which attempts to interpret your various metrics as indicators of your current mood. I found this a little woolly, but generally accurate: it certainly never mistook workouts as extreme stress, or told me I was having a panic attack during a Sunday morning rerun of Frasier.
The display, a 1.47-inch AMOLED screen, is bright and clear even in intense sunlight, reaching an Apple Watch Ultra 3-rivalling exact brightness of 3,000 nits, and is sensitive to ambient light, adjusting based on brightness. Its case and bezel is made of titanium, while the non-pro versions of the watches are comprised of stainless steel.
What’s stopping me from scoring it higher is not the quality of the device itself, nor the total value of the package; it’s Huawei’s awkward ecosystem. Most people are using a phone that runs Android or iOS operating systems, and thanks to the US ban, Huawei struggles to work seamlessly with either one. Huawei Health can be downloaded through AppGallery on your phone’s browser, but you can’t use Google or Apple’s Maps, Wallet, emails, or products from App stores on Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Instead, you only get basic notification and call functionalities.
You can get notifications from WhatsApp messages, but can’t install a WhatsApp app for the watch. Huawei’s own functionalities are limited, too. You have to download a separate Petal Maps app from your phone’s browser if you want to use its Maps functionality, and you can’t use the wallet functionality without a Huawei phone with proprietary software.
While Huawei Health can interface with Strava, Komoot and other third parties, being unable to use third-party apps on-watch to their fullest extent causes the watch to fall down a little as a communication extension or convenience tool. However, if you’re looking for a top-flight fitness tracker at a low price and you don’t mind skimping on apps such as WhatsApp or Spotify, the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro is easy to recommend.
Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
£329.99 in the UK (around $445 / AU$670)
The vanilla GT 6 starts at £229.99 in the UK (around $300 / AU$465) for the 41mm version
Same price for the 46mm version
The Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro is available for £329.99 in the UK (around $445 / AU$670). The Huawei Watch GT 6 starts at £229.99 in the UK (around $300 / AU$465) for the 41mm version and 46mm version alike.
It is currently unavailable in the US due to the communications ban, although some Huawei products are available in Australia.
Scorecard
Category
Comment
Score
Value
A very well-priced fitness watch.
4/5
Design
Looks great, with wonderful build quality.
4/5
Features
Frustrating compatibility issues mar a great wellness experience.
2.5/5
Performance
Very accurate metrics and long battery life.
4/5
Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro: should I buy?
Buy it if...
You want a fitness tracker first
As a fitness tracker experience rather than a complete smartwatch, it’s hard to beat.
You like the look
The Huawei GT series look like dress watches, and are made of premium materials such as titanium and stainless steel.
You crave accuracy
During my tests, the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro was as accurate a smartwatch, in terms of metrics, as I’ve ever used.
Don't buy it if...
You need a smartwatch loaded with apps
You’re better off looking at a smartwatch to match your phone through Google, Samsung or Apple.
Also consider
Garmin Venu X1
The best Garmin smartwatch for most people, a system-agnostic gem.
The TCL QM9K is the final TV series the companylaunched in 2025, and it was clearly saving the best for last. As the company’s flagship mini-LED TV series, it arrives packed with the highest level of performance, along with the latest and greatest features, with some of those exclusive to the QM9K.
A key exclusive feature of the TCL QM9K at launch is Google TV with Gemini. This adds the Gemini AI chatbot to what is otherwise the same Google TV smart interface found on many of the best TVs. Gemini enables you to conduct not just content searches, but research on essentially any topic, from dinner recipes to ancient Roman civilization, using the TV’s built-in far-field mic.
The contextual, conversational Gemini lets you ask follow-up questions without losing the thread, and for those concerned about privacy, queries get deleted after 10 minutes. Other Gemini capabilities include image generation, and the screensavers you create can pop up on the screen automatically when you enter the room, thanks to the TV’s built-in presence sensor (another QM9K exclusive).
On the picture-quality front, the QM9K features a mini-LED panel with up to 6,500 local dimming zones, and TCL’s Halo Control System works to minimize incidences of backlight blooming – something it does remarkably well. The result is an exceptionally bright picture with powerful contrast, deep, uniform blacks, and detailed shadows.
Other features that enhance the QM9K’s picture are an AIPQ Pro processor, a wide viewing angle feature, and an anti-reflective screen. Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats are both supported, and the TV features Filmmaker Mode and is IMAX Enhanced.
The QM9K’s Audio by Bang & Olufsen speaker system provides potent Dolby Atmos sound with clear dialogue and an impressive level of bass for a TV. And if you want even better sound, the QM9K is one of the first TVs to support Dolby FlexConnect, which can output wireless Atmos sound to the company’s Z100 speakers and Z100-SW subwoofer, as well as automatically configure the system for optimal performance.
TCL’s Zero Bezel design for the QM9K reduces the screen’s bezel width to 3.2mm for a striking, “all-picture” look. An adjustable height pedestal stand provides solid support and can clear space for a soundbar, and the TV's edges taper in at the sides to give it a slim profile.
A respectable number of gaming features are provided on the QM9K, including two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming. A pop-up Game Bar menu lets you make quick adjustments, and a Game Accelerator 288 feature enables 288Hz gaming at 1080p resolution.
TCL QM9K review: Price and release date
The QM9K's high brightness and refined local dimming help to bring out fine details in images (Image credit: Future)
Release date: September 2025
65-inch: $2,999.99
75-inch: $3,499.99
85-inch: $3,999.99
98-inch: $5,999.99
The TCL QM9K is available in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes. As TCL’s flagship TV, it is priced higher than other series in the company’s mini-LED TV lineup, with the 75-inch model I tested priced at $3,499 at launch. To put the QM9K’s price in perspective, the step-down TCL QM8K mini-LED launched in May at $3,199 for the 75-inch size, and is now selling for around $2,000.
Similar to the QM8K, prices for the QM9K are already starting to drop, with the 75-inch model having been reduced to $2,499. Other flagship mini-LEDs in a 75-inch size that the QM9K is competing with include the Samsung QN90F (currently selling for $2,099) and Hisense U8QG (currently selling for $1,899).
TCL QM9K review: Specs
Screen type:
QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:
144Hz
HDR support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:
Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:
Google TV
HDMI ports:
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in tuner:
ATSC 3.0
TCL QM9K review: Benchmark results
TCL QM9K review: Features
The QM9K has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, plus two HDMI 2.0 ports (Image credit: Future)
Wide viewing angle and anti-reflective screen
Audio by Bang & Olufsen
Google TV with Gemini
The TCL QM9K features a high-contrast display panel with a wide viewing angle and an anti-reflective screen. A Halo Control System with a 23-bit controller and dynamic light algorithm is used to minimize blooming from the TV’s mini-LED backlight, which provides up to 6,500 local dimming zones, and the company’s AIPQ Pro processor is used for upscaling and noise reduction.
High dynamic range support includes both the Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ formats. The QM9K is also IMAX Enhanced certified and features a Filmmaker Mode picture preset, a new addition to TCL TVs in 2025.
The QM9K’s Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speaker system features Dolby Atmos support, and there's pass-through for DTS:X. Upfiring speakers for Atmos height effects are located on the TV’s top surface, and there are dual subwoofers on the back panel.
TCL’s Zero Border design for the QM9K provides a disappearingly thin bezel that allows for virtually the full screen area to be filled with the picture. A built-in sensor can be configured to turn the TV on when it detects your nearby presence, and it will then be switched to ambient mode, displaying artwork or photos. A built-in far-field mic lets you use voice commands to control the TV, and there’s also a built-in mic on the backlit remote control that lets you do the same.
The QM9K is the first Google TV with Gemini AI, which lets you carry out contextual, voice-based content search, among other things. Gemini can be used to control Google Assistant smart home devices, and the TV additionally works with Alexa and Apple HomeKit and jas AirPlay and Chromecast built-in support.
Gaming features include 4K 144Hz support on two of the TV’s four HDMI ports, FreeSync Pro, and Game Accelerator 288, which lets you game in 1080p resolution at a 288Hz refresh rate. There is also a Game Bar onscreen display that lets you make gaming-related adjustments without having to exit to a menu.
Features Score: 4.5/5
TCL QM9K review: Picture quality
The QM9K's high brightness and anti-glare screen make it a great option for bright room viewing (Image credit: Future)
Exceptional brightness and contrast
Rich color and excellent detail
Wide viewing angle
When I previously reviewed the TCL QM9K’s step-down sibling, the TCL QM8K, one of that TV’s high points was its exceptional brightness. In my testing, the QM9K proved to be even brighter than the QM8K, with a measured peak HDR brightness of 3,322 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 3,811 nits in Standard mode. Fullscreen HDR brightness was also impressive, with the QM9K hitting around 660 nits in both Filmmaker and Standard modes.
The QM9K’s HDR color gamut coverage was also very good, with the TV measuring 96.7% for UHDA-P3 and 79.7 for BT-2020. Color point accuracy was similarly good, with the Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen, with a result lower than 3 being undetectable by the human eye) averaging out to 1.8, and to 2.8 for grayscale accuracy.
The QM9K’s high brightness, combined with its extended, accurate color and refined local dimming translated into an exceptional picture. Watching the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on 4K Blu-ray, a scene where Spider-Man battles the Green Goblin had powerful contrast, and it caused the scene’s psychedelic color palette to pop more than I’m used to seeing on most TVs. The film’s animated textures were also displayed with a high level of detail, giving it a near 3D-like effect.
The QM9K’s impressive detail carried over to Ripley, which I streamed in 4K with Dolby Vision from Netflix. Watched in the TV’s Dolby Vision Dark picture mode, textures in clothing and objects were clearly visible, and it gave the picture a strong sense of depth. The show’s black and white images looked completely uniform, and subtle gray tones were easily revealed.
Test patterns on the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray confirmed that the QM9K’s CrystGlow WHVA Panel worked as well in maintaining uniform color and contrast over a wide viewing angle as the TCL QM8K did when I tested it. The disc’s local dimming torture tests also confirmed the effectiveness of TCL’s Halo Control System at minimizing backlight blooming in high contrast images.
With its Ultra Wide Angle feature, the QM9K's picture looks uniformly good over a range of seating positions (Image credit: Future)
The only area where the QM9K stumbled a bit was in its motion handling. Watching a scene from the James Bond film No Time to Die, where Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, there was a fair amount of judder, although this could be eliminated by making adjustments to the Custom mode in the TV’s Motion menu without introducing too much “soap opera” effect.
There was also a very slight degree of vignetting at the edges of the screen, an effect likely related to its Zero Border design. This was mostly visible on test patterns, however, and I rarely spotted it on TV shows or movies.
The QM9K’s anti-reflection screen proved effective at reducing screen glare from overhead lights and maintaining picture contrast. I did see some reflections from lamps when placed in the path of the screen, but it was minimal and mostly an issue for dark images.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
TCL QM9K review: Sound quality
The QM9K's Audio by Bang & Olufsen speaker system features upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects and dual subwoofers on the TV's rear (shown) (Image credit: Future)
Audio by Bang & Olufsen with Beosonic interface
Dolby FlexConnect support
Potent sound with good directional effects
TCL doesn’t provide much in the way of audio specs for its TVs, but the QM9K does have an Audio by Bang & Olufsen Dolby Atmos speaker system with upfiring drivers and built-in subwoofers. There’s no DTS Virtual:X processing, but DTS:X pass-through is supported.
The QM9K is also compatible with Dolby FlexConnect, which lets you use the TV with the company’s Z100 wireless FlexConnect speakers and Z100-SW wireless subwoofer. FlexConnect automatically configures and calibrates the system from the TV, and it gives you the freedom to position the speakers anywhere you want in the room, not just in the standard home theater positions to the side of the screen, or behind you to the sides.
One notable feature related to the Audio by Bang & Olufsen on the QM9K is its Beosonic interface, which becomes available when you select the TV’s Custom sound preset.
The graphic interface features a cursor that allows you to move between Relaxed, Energetic, Bright, and Warm quadrants to adjust the sound to your liking. Using this, I was able to warm up the TV’s too-bright sound, though I ended up leaving the Movie preset in place for most of my testing.
Overall, I found the QM9K’s sound to be pretty potent, with clear dialogue and a good helping of bass. When I watched the chase scene through the town square in No Time to Die, the crashes and gunfire had good impact and directionality, and the sound of ringing church bells in the Dolby Atmos soundtrack had a notably strong height effect.
I imagine many viewers will be fine with using the QM9K’s built-in speakers, though I’d recommend adding one of the best soundbars or taking advantage of its FlexConnect feature to get sound quality that equals the picture.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
TCL QM9K review: Design
The TV's pedestal stand can be installed flush or at an elevated height (shown) to accommodate a soundbar (Image credit: Future)
ZeroBorder design
Height-adjustable pedestal stand
Full-size, backlit remote control
TCL’s ZeroBorder design minimizes the QM9K’s bezel to a vanishingly small 3.2mm, giving it a true “all-picture” look. The panel itself has a two-inch depth, although its sides taper inward in a manner that gives the TV a slimmer look when viewed from the side.
A pedestal stand comes with the QM9K in screen sizes up to 85 inches, while the 98-inch version features support feet. The stand is made of metal covered with a faux brushed metal plastic, and it has two height positions, with the higher option clearing space for a soundbar.
Connections on the QM9K include four HDMI ports (one with eARC), two USB type-A, Ethernet, and an optical digital audio output. There is also an ATSC 3.0 tuner input for connecting an antenna.
TCL’s full-size remote control features a backlit keypad. The layout is uncluttered, and includes three direct access buttons for apps (Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube) plus an input select button, and a Free TV button that takes you to the TV’s free and ad-supported streaming channels portal.
Design score: 4/5
TCL QM9K review: Smart TV and menus
Image 1 of 2
The QM9K's Google TV smart interface with the Gemini AI icon, (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
Google TV's Live TV grid guide (Image credit: Future)
Google TV with Gemini AI
Live program grid with broadcast channels
Quick menu for basic adjustments
The QM9K is notable for being the first Google TV with Gemini AI chatbot support. This feature lets you essentially carry on a conversation with the TV using either the set’s built-in far-field mic or the remote control’s mic.
Using Gemini, you can ask a question like, “Show me a list of Samurai movies from the 1960s to the present.” The contextual nature of Gemini search lets you then ask follow-up questions to drill down deeper, such as “Show me the ones with an 80% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score that are available on HBO Max or Netflix.”
Gemini has much more in its bag of tricks: You can ask about anything you want, from questions about astronomy or astrology to recipes to top attractions to see when visiting cities. It can create news briefs with video links and also generate images from prompts (“Fantasy twilight landscape with white deer”) to use as screensavers.
The QM9K features a built-in presence sensor, and it can be configured to activate your AI-generated screensavers, or even a rotating photo gallery drawn from a Google Photos account, automatically when you enter the room.
A Live TV portal in Google TV provides a grid guide of broadcasts pulled in by the QM9K’s ATSC 3.0 tuner, including NextGen channels, and these are displayed along with Google TV Freeplay and TCL free ad-supported TV channels. Google TV gives you multiple options to sort these, including by genre (Reality TV, News, etc.) or antenna-only.
Both AirPlay and Chromecast built-in are supported by the QM9K, which also works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
The QM9K's quick menu lets you easily adjust basic settings (Image credit: Future)
There are extensive settings in the QM9K’s menus to satisfy picture and sound tweakers. The Brightness section of the Picture menu provides multiple gamma settings and contrast adjustments. For sound, there are various audio presets, including a custom Audio by Bang & Olufsen Beosonic adjustment that lets you EQ the sound based on parameters like Bright, Relaxed, Energetic, and Warm.
Accessing these settings is done by pressing the gear icon on the remote control or by clicking the same icon in the Google TV home screen. Another option is to press the quick menu icon on the remote, which calls up a menu at the screen’s bottom with a range of picture and sound setup options.
Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5
TCL QM9K review: Gaming
The QM9K's Game Bar menu (Image credit: Future)
Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support
FreeSync Premium Pro and Game Accelerator 288
12.9ms input lag is average
Gaming features on the QM9K include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming. There is also a Game Accelerator 288 feature that lets you game at 288Hz in 108p resolution and a Game Bar onscreen overlay for making quick adjustments to gaming-related settings.
The QM9K’s bright, contrast-rich picture makes all manner of games look great. Performance is also responsive, with the TCL measuring at 12.9ms when tested with a Leo Bodnar 4K input lag meter.
Gaming score: 4/5
TCL QM9K review: Value
The QM9K's full-size, fully backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)
Priced higher than top mini-LED competition
Less extensive gaming features than competition
Google TV with Gemini enhances value
The TCL QM9K is a fantastic TV, but its raw value is taken down a notch by the fact that there is plenty of great mini-LED TV competition in 2025.
At the time of writing, TCL had already lowered the price of the 75-inch QM9K by $1,000 to $2,499. Even so, other 75-inch flagship mini-LED TVs such as the Samsung QN90F are now selling for $2,099. The QM9K has higher peak HDR brightness than the Samsung, and it also beats competitors such as the Hisense U8QG on that test. But the Samsung has superior gaming features and performance, and its great overall picture quality was one of the main reasons why it earned a five out of five stars overall rating in our Samsung QN90F review.
TCL’s own step-down mini-LED TV, the TCL QM8K, also provides very impressive picture quality, and it features the ZeroBorder screen, ultra wide viewing angle, and anti-reflection screen features found in the QM9K.
I’d have said that Google TV with Gemini, which is currently exclusive to the QM9K, was its ace-in-the-hole when it comes to value, but that feature is also coming to the QM8K at some point in 2025, and it should also be available as an upgrade for the Hisense U8QG. The QM9K is the only TV of the three with a built-in presence sensor, so that is one exclusive feature the QM9K can claim.
Value score: 4/5
Should I buy the TCL QM9K?
A Gemini-generated fantasy image, used as a screensaver (Image credit: Future)
TCL QM9K
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Google TV with Gemini, Dolby FlexConnect and comprehensive HDR support
4.5/5
Picture quality
Exceptional brightness and refined local dimming combined with a ultra wide viewing angle feature and anti-reflective screen make this a great all-around TV
4.5/5
Sound quality
Very good built-in sound from Audio by Bang & Olufsen Dolby Atmos speaker system
4.5/5
Design
ZeroBorder screen minimizes bezel for all picture look. Adjustable height pedestal stand can clear space for a soundbar
4/5
Smart TV and menus
Google TV is enhanced by Gemini AI, plus the quick menu provides easy access to basic settings
4.5/5
Gaming
4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro supported, but only on two HDMI ports
4/5
Value
A bit pricier than most of the current flagship mini-LED TV competition. Step-down QM8K model is a better overall value
4/5
Buy it if...
You want to watch in a bright room The QM9K’s high brightness and anti-reflective screen make it a good option for viewing in bright rooms. An ultra wide angle feature also makes it a good choice for viewing sports with groups.
You don’t want to use a soundbar The QM9K’s built-in Audio by Bang & Olufsen speakers deliver clear dialogue, good bass, and immersive Atmos effects. Many viewers likely won’t feel the need to add a soundbar.
You want a TV with sophisticated AI The QM9K’s Google TV interface features the Gemini AI chatbot, which takes content searching and other smart TV-related activities to the next level.
Don't buy it if…
You want to save some money The QM9K’s step-down sibling, the QM8K, also delivers a bright picture with refined local dimming and has many of the same picture quality and sound features. TCL says the QM8K will also be getting Gemini in a future update.
You’re nervous about AI Google says that any queries made to Google TV using the Gemini AI feature are erased after 10 minutes, but those with serious privacy concerns may want to tread lightly.
TCL QM9K: Also consider...
TCL QM9K
Samsung QN90F
TCL QM8K
Hisense U8QG
Price (65-inch)
$2,999
$2,499.99
$2,499.99
$2,199
Screen type
QLED w/ mini-LED
QLED w/ mini-LED
QLED w/ mini-LED
QLED w/ mini-LED
Refresh rate
144Hz
165Hz
144Hz
165Hz
HDR support
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV
Google TV (with Gemini)
Tizen
Google TV
Google TV
HDMI ports
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
4x HDMI 2.1
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
3x HDMI 2.1
Samsung QN90F Samsung’s flagship mini-LED TV is priced even lower than the QM9K following a series of discounts. This TV has superior gaming features and an even more effective anti-reflection screen, though it lacks TCL’s Google TV Gemini feature.
TCL QM8K The QM8K is the step-down model in TCL’s mini-LED TV lineup, but it also has a bright picture with effective local dimming, plus an ultra wide viewing angle feature and an anti-reflective screen. The QM8K is also slated to get Gemini added to its Google TV interface in a future update.
Hisense U8QG The Hisense U8QG also has exceptional brightness and is slated to get the Gemini feature added to its Google TV interface in an update. Compared to the TCL QM9K, its picture quality isn’t as good at off-center seats, and its built-in speakers aren’t as good.
Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)
I spent about 15 viewing hours in total measuring and evaluating
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests
When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-the-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments.
I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.
Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources – you can read more about this process in our guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar.
For the TCL QM9K, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.
The Lava Agni 3, unveiled last October, is due for a successor. The Indian handset maker hasn't announced the launch date of the Agni 4 yet, but it has teased the smartphone on its website, revealing that the Agni 4 is scheduled to arrive in November.
[#InlinePriceWidget,13396,1#]
The teaser shared by Lava confirms that the Agni 4 won't feature a secondary display on its rear, like its predecessor, Agni 3, and it will also have a different rear camera layout.
Like the launch date, Lava hasn't revealed the Agni 4's specs either, but expect the brand to kick off its promo campaign...
