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I tested this ultra-expensive electric shaver from Philips – here’s why I’d buy it

12:35 pm | March 7, 2025

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige: one-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

UK and AU: Philip Shaver S9000 Prestige, SP9883/35
US: The SP9883/35 variant doesn't appear to be widely available from online US retailers, but you can find the very similar Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige (product code SP9886/89) on Amazon US.

If you’re in the market for a premium electric shaver, it’s well worth checking out the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige. This premium model is packed with Philips’ SkinIQ tech for an adaptive, delicate shave, a highly ergonomic design and waterproofing – meaning it offers an all-round excellent user experience.

For reference, I specifically tested the SP9883/35 variant of the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige – and this doesn’t come cheap. It’s available now in the UK and Australia with a list price of £699 / AU$999. Thankfully, though, it’s unlikely you’ll have to pay quite this much in all regions. For instance, I’ve spotted it going for much closer to £300 from a lot of UK retailers. Still, that’s quite a bit to spend on an electric shaver – so is it worth it?

Well, if like me you have pretty sensitive skin and are used to irritation after a typical shave – then I’d say the answer is yes. Whether I was having a wet or dry shave, the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige glided across my face with ease and never felt strenuous or sharp on my skin – something we always look for in our hunt for the best beard trimmers and electric razors. You can also adjust power to low, medium or high depending on what feels and works best for you.

But wait… there’s more. This easy-to-handle shaver harnesses SkinIQ technology and Ultraflex suspension, meaning the S9000 Prestige’s head can adjust its power and positioning depending on hair thickness and shaving angles. That makes for a super simple, rapid shaving experience – ideal if you need a quick trim before heading to the office. It also comes with a self cleaning station, which can get your shaver looking all shiny again after just one minute: pretty cool!

Is this model perfect? Not quite. The SmartClick trimmer – which you can easily click on to the top of the shaver – isn’t perfect for cutting down those overgrown hairs, as I found myself going over the same patches a couple of times. And when using the default shaver head, I still found it easier, personally, to get rid of the odd straggler with my manual razor – but your mileage may vary.

Otherwise, this is a top-class option that I’d highly recommend, especially if you want a shaver that’s going to play gentle. That’s not even mentioning the fact that this is a beautiful model with a handy display and solid battery life of one hour. And it comes with a wireless charging pad. Pretty convenient, right?

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige, alternate heads, self-cleaning station, cleaning fluid — (Image credit: Future)

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige: Price and specs

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review: design

Fantastic ergonomic grip
Premium metallic exterior
Interchangeable attachments

In terms of design, it doesn’t get a whole lot better than the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige. It has a premium-looking metallic build with an ergonomic rubber grip, which makes handling the shaver both extremely easy and satisfying.

On top of that, there’s a display on the face of the shaver that indicates the power level in use – between one and three – battery life, travel lock activation and more. Above that screen, you’ll find a few button controls: power on/off, power level down, and power level up. All of this makes for a pleasingly visual, straightforward user experience – something you’d expect from a shaver with such a high price tag.

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige with head detached — (Image credit: Future)

Another great aspect of the S9000 Prestige’s design is its support for multiple attachments. It comes with a few interchangeable heads including the default foil shaver, SmartClick trimmer and nose hair trimmer. These all easily clip on and off and are quick and straightforward to wash, thanks to the shaver’s great waterproofing. You also get a brush for cleaning tighter crevices – Philips have thought of everything.

There are even more goodies in the box worth mentioning, though. First of all, this model comes with a self-cleaning station and a quick clean pod. This contraption can both clean and lubricate your shaver in just one minute using the power from the S9000 Prestige itself. Philips says this is 10x more effective than a simple wash under water – I’m not sure I can speak to just how precise that is, but it did get the shaver spick and span when I tried it out.

On top of that, there’s a wireless charging pad that you can connect up to a shaver socket in your bathroom for some extra juice when you’re running low. This works fantastically well and your S9000 Prestige will make a beeping noise to let you know it’s building some battery life back.

Finally, you can pack the attachments, shaver and more into an expensive-looking carry-case that is included with the S9000 Prestige. It has a hardy exterior and plenty of room inside, making for a nifty travel companion. The pristine look and feel of the case feels pretty indicative of the overall quality you’re getting, design wise. With excellent build quality, a durable exterior and plenty of tasty extras in the box, you’re getting the full package with the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige.

Design score: 5/5

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review: performance

Comfortable, rapid shave
Harnesses adaptive SkinIQ tech
Pretty standard one-hour battery life

And the shiny exterior isn’t all for show, this shaver is a pretty neat performer too. Firstly, that firm-feeling grip I mentioned ensures seamless handling, regardless of what angle you’re trimming at. I found it to be a big step up from my usual electric-shaver, which can be a bit challenging to handle in tighter, more awkward positions.

But how about the shaving itself? Well, a standout plus here is that the S9000 Prestige is a not only smooth, but rapid operator. Within mere minutes I was able to achieve a clean shave using the Dual Precision rotating blades, which can achieve up to 165,000 cutting actions per minute. The blades took care of hairs growing in multiple directions with ease for the most part. I did, admittedly, have a few stragglers, which were easier to remove with my manual razor – but this really was a minor inconvenience.

Person turning on the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige — (Image credit: Future)

The default shaver head uses some pretty nifty tech to ensure you get a close shave, such as SkinIQ. This tech senses hair density on your face (or head) and adapts cutting power for a more gentle shave. It also has an ‘Ultraflex’ suspension system that helps the heads work along every contour of your face.

All in all, this is designed to deliver a more efficient, but also a more comfortable shave. And for me personally, that was greatly appreciated. I have pretty sensitive skin and the technology packed into this shaver helped to reduce a lot of irritation. As well as the adaptive SkinIQ tech, there’s an option to manually adjust the shaver’s power – which paired with the default head’s Hydro SkinGlide Coating, ensures a more relaxed shaving experience.

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige on wireless charging pad — (Image credit: Future)

If I was to be more critical, though, I have to say that the included SmartClick trimmer is a little underwhelming. After four days of growth – yeah, it wasn’t my best look – I tried to give myself a more even, neat look, using this trimmer on the lowest grade. It worked decently well, but just wasn’t as efficient as I’d hoped for, as I found myself going over the same patches on my face a fair few times. Also, this trimmer only has five lines to indicate the length it cuts down to, but I would prefer a measurement in millimetres – something my everyday shaver uses.

Meanwhile, you get a decent battery life of one hour out of the S9000 Prestige. That’s very much in-line with what a lot of hi-tech electric shavers can manage. But if you’re hoping for more, fear not. After every shave, you can simply pop the S9000 Prestige onto its wireless charging pad and get it fighting fit in no time. It takes three hours to get this shaver’s battery fully restored – not bad considering the use of wireless charging.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review: value

Very expensive list price
But regularly available with a considerable reduction
High cost does come with premium design and performance levels

OK, I won’t beat around the bush. If we’re talking about its list price, this shaver is very, very expensive. I’d argue a bit too expensive even. £699 / AU$999 is a lot of cash to spend, especially considering you can spend much less than that and still get a very astute shaver, like the Braun Series 9 Pro, for instance.

But I bring good news. You’ll rarely have to pay such an astronomical fee for this stylish shaver. In fact, I’ve seen it going for close to £300 in the UK via retailers like John Lewis – that’s more than 50% off! And that really changes the picture – in this price range, the S9000 Prestige is well-worth considering. Otherwise, it would be tough to recommend – even given its high-level performance.

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige resting on block — (Image credit: Future)

Ultimately, the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige is built to last and packs in a gentle, personalized shaving experience. You’re unlikely to need an upgrade or replacement in the near future if you pick this up, which really adds a lot of weight in the value department. And although I can’t overlook its sky-high list price, I’d still happily recommend this shaver in the knowledge that it’s regularly discounted.

Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige?

Buy it if...

You want ultimate comfort
Not only is the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige extremely comfortable to handle, but it’s kind to the skin in-use. That makes it the perfect shaving companion, even for those with sensitive skin.

You’re rocking the clean-shaven look
If you’re someone that likes to maintain your clean shave every day, or maybe every other day, this is a top-tier option. The rotating blades and suspension tech help you to dust off any facial hair swiftly and seamlessly, meaning you won’t have to waste all too much time perfecting your look.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Even though this model can be purchased at a significantly cut-price, it’s still not the most budget friendly. And at full-price, this one’s a no-go if you’re not looking to spend an arm and a leg. Even an alternative like the Reamignton T-Series Beard Trimmer and Hair Clipper can get the job done (if you’re in the UK) for less than £100, but there are tons of options out there.

You want a phenomenal option for short beards
The only thing about the S9000 Prestige I didn’t love was the SmartClick trimmer. Don’t get me wrong, it does work pretty well, but it’s not quite elite. Sometimes I needed to go over the same patches again and I also wished that it indicated, in millimetres, how short it cuts across its five levels.

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige: also consider

Braun Series 9 Pro
Like this Philips shaver, the Braun Series 9 Pro has the triple threat of a beautiful build, ergonomic design and excellent shaving performance. It takes just 50 minutes to get it up to full charge again and has a solid battery life of one hour to boot. Again – this one can achieve a great shave, whether wet or dry, so if you’re looking for a premium alternative, you can’t go wrong with this. Read our full Braun Series 9 Pro review.

Panasonic Arc6 review
Another fantastic wet and dry shaver is the Panasonic Arc6. Its battery life isn’t quite as long as this Philips model and it isn’t quite as elegant looking, but you still get a super-smooth shave and plenty of features, like a self-cleaning station. Read our full Panasonic Arc6 review.

How I tested the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige

Tested for one week
Used for a wet and dry shave
Trimmed for a neat stubble look and then went for a clean shave

I tested the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige for one week, ensuring to try out all of its various features and attachments. I typically keep my facial hair trimmed to around 2mm, so I used the SmartClick trimmer at first to replicate my typical shaving routine.

On top of that, I also tried having a wet and dry shave with the default head attachment. I also made use of the included wireless charging pad and self-cleaning station to ensure the shaver was up to TechRadar Recommended standard.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed February 2025

UK regulator clears Microsoft’s $13B investment in OpenAI

8:06 pm | March 5, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: UK | Comments: Off

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Microsoft’s $13 billion investment in OpenAI following a 14-month investigation. The conclusion is that Microsoft’s latest investment does not require further investigation under the merger rules, as neither party would gain more control over the other. In particular, the CMA does not consider there has been a change of control by Microsoft from material influence to de facto control over OpenAI. Therefore, the Partnership will not be referred under section 22 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act). – CMA press release...

I’ve fallen in love with the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX 65% keyboard because of its brilliant touch bar and Hall effect keys

2:47 am | March 3, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Keyboards Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: Australia, ROG, UK, US | Comments: Off

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: one-minute review

Asus has introduced another fantastic keyboard with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX. This 65% board, which compresses only the most essential keys onto a short panel, offers immense functionality across several areas.

The drawcard of the Falchion Ace HFX is its incredible switches. While the standard Falchion Ace is available with three switch choices, the HFX only offers one tactile feel option – comfortable to the touch magnetic keys, making this Asus’ first hall effect keyboard. It’s one of the most satisfying keyboards to use that I’ve ever laid my hands on.

Despite not offering a wireless connection, it does include a dual USB-C arrangement so that it can quickly switch between two computers with a press of a button on the side, similar to how a monitor might switch between devices. A USB dongle or Bluetooth solution might have been more practical to pull this trick off, but it’s still a welcome ability.

The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard up close — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

More interesting to me is the return of Asus’ proprietary touch bar, a unique design element of the Falchion series that compresses media controls, volume, keyboard RGB brightness and other handy features into a touch panel, letting you adjust settings with taps and swipes of your finger. This feature rocked and is much more intuitive than a FN + key macro solution, though the depth of macroing with this keyboard is immense, allowing you to arrange quick commands, website hotkeys and quick Windows commands with a bindable keystroke.

With so much positive to say about the ROG Falchion Ace HFX, there aren’t many drawbacks, although the ones that are there might keep you from a purchase. This board doesn’t come cheap and is one of the most expensive options that Asus offers. The lack of a wireless variant will also leave buyers cutting down on cable clutter unimpressed, and those seeking wrist support will need to make a separate purchase.

More diehard keyboard shoppers will also be left unimpressed by the lack of hot-swapping functionality, and that there's only one switch type available (though the standard ROG Falchion offers three different options).

It’s a tremendous piece of kit. The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is one of the keyboards to beat in 2025, and it may be my favourite keyboard since the Logitech G PRO X TKL.

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: price and availability

The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

How much does it cost? $199/£239.99/$AU$359
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, Australia and other regions

The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is the fourth most expensive keyboard that Asus offers, below the base model Azoth, customizable Claymore II, and the extremely expensive Azoth Extreme. The price marked for the Ace HFX is reflective of the epic magnetic switches underlying its awesome-feeling keys, but given its 65% size profile, it lacks a lot of the typically essential buttons present in the higher-priced models, including a dedicated function row and numpad.

Not that you should feel you need to move up the range for said features, because the Falchion Ace HFX is more than competent and exclusive on its own terms. Compared to the competition, it’s one of the only options to offer magnetic switches on a 65% board. You may want to consider the Logitech G Pro X 60 if you want an even smaller board, or the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro 65 if you want greater customization, but there aren't many major brands offering magnetic switches right now.

Value: 4/5

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: specs

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: design and features

The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard with a keycap removed — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

More reserved ROG design
Brilliant build quality
Useful multifunction panel and dual computer support

Asus’ ROG gaming accessories are at their best when they don’t look too gamery, and the Falchion HFX looks fairly neutral compared to many other high-end boards offered by the manufacturer.

Available only in black, the one thing about this board that I would consider a tad excessive from a design perspective is the spelling out of ‘Republic of Gamers’ across the top. RGB lights behind each key are programmable with several lighting animations available.

At the top left, you’ll see an illuminated symbol, indicating which setting you’ve got your multi-function touch panel set to, cycleable with the press of a multifunction button in the top left. The panel across the back can be swiped with a fingertip, and can be used to adjust brightness and volume, change key actuation points, play and pause media, or even pull off any dedicated macros you have in mind. In the Armory Crate app, you can limit which functions the cycling button switches between, allowing for a more streamlined experience (I simply have it set to volume and media controls). This touch bar isn’t a new feature, as it’s been available on other Falchion models since 2022, but it works especially well on a small board like this.

There are also lights at the top right, indicating if win lock has been activated, if caps lock is currently on, and if ‘Rapid Trigger’ has been enabled, allowing for much quicker keystroke response times than whatever your preset mode is set to.

Your keyboard’s RGB lighting and per key actuation points can also be adjusted in the ROG Armory Crate app, where you'll find Speed Tap mode. This changes the function of the keyboard to allow for quicker directional changes by prioritising the last pressed in key – so instead of coming to a full stop when strafing in a game, you’ll move left to right or vice versa without lifting your fingers off the keys.

Design and features: 5/5

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: Performance

The back of the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

8,000Hz polling rate
Magnetic hall effect switches with five layer dampening
Useful competitive gaming features

The Asus ROG Falchion HFX is a gaming keyboard aimed at competitive play, through and through. It offers an exceptional 8,000Hz polling rate – an enormous amount of reports the keyboard provides your computer in a second, theoretically improving response time. As a result of this, click latency is as low as 1.1ms on average with the Falchion HFX.

The keys feel coarse in a comfortable way, allowing for satisfying tactile contact between your fingertips and your inputs. A raised dot on the W key allows you to position your hands for gaming without looking down, brilliant for low-light battle stations.

The actuation point of your keys can be adjusted readily on the fly using the multi-function touch panel, allowing for much more shallow keypresses if you so wish. Backing all of this up is the fact that the keys are magnetic, and well damped to allow for a satisfying press while also being quick and not too loud. On the less technical side, the keyboard has three adjustment angles with two sets of feet underneath.

Many of these features may go above and beyond the needs of a casual gamer and indeed are well past the desires of somebody just after a useful typing tool. But for a dedicated gamer, the ROG Falchion HFX might be the exact device for your hobby.

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will likely be disappointed by the lack of hot-swappable keys, and that there's only one switch to choose from. Thankfully, the base model ROG Falchion offers more switch variety – the Falchion HFX is more of a performance model with its magnetic keys.

Performance: 5/5

Should I buy the Asus ROG Falchion HFX?

Buy it if...

You crave good performance and feeling

The ROG Falchion HFX offers a brilliant intersection of form and function, contained in a 65% board and offering some of the first magnetic switches on a mainstream model.

You want to ROG out

With its lighting and key programming reliant on Asus’ Armory Crate, you’ll likely want this to compliment other Asus peripherals in your arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

The price isn’t right

The ROG Falchion HFX isn’t designed to be a budget winner, and it’ll be a poor fit if you want to save cash.

You want greater customization

Mechanical keyboard fans will likely crave hot-swappable keys, which the ROG Falchion Ace HFX does not offer.

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: also consider

Keychron C3 Pro

Compatible across Mac and Windows PCs, the C3 Pro offers a solid design and a nice price, though it won’t be a winner among serious gamers.

Read our full Keychron C3 Pro review

Corsair K65 Plus

Slightly larger at 75%, the K65 Plus is comfortable and wireless, though it is on the pricey side.

Read our full Corsair K65 Plus review

Logitech G Pro X 60

Logitech’s smallest gaming keyboard might be a welcome option if you’re after switches from a premium brand but in a tinier unit.

How I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX

I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX over four weeks, paired with other Asus products including an OLED monitor, mouse and headset. I used it exclusively on my Windows 11 gaming PC and played games including Marvel Rivals, Avowed, The Headliners and Forza Horizon 5. I also used it for some productivity tasks, such as for typing out documents.

Over that time I used it across several lighting settings, enabled different macros and put it in different positions, while constantly adjusting actuation points and diving into toggles in the Armory Crate app.

First Reviewed February 2025

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless vacuum review: superb suction but a flawed design

12:00 pm | March 1, 2025

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

Tineco Pure One A50S: two-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names in different territories:

US: Tineco Pure One A50S
UK: Tineco Pure One A50S Plus

For this review, I tested the UK version, which has an extra 'mini power brush' compared to the US version.

While it certainly has a few foibles, the Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum offers a decent combination of features and performance. I tried out the 'Plus' version, which comes with an extra detail tool, and while I wouldn't count it amongst the best cordless vacuums I've reviewed, it does come with some appealing features.

Its 60-degree or so swiveling floorhead and bendable wand make it easy to maneuver around furniture and under beds. The suction power is very impressive, too, effectively picking up dust, debris and even pet hair from various floor types. That said, I wouldn't recommend this model solely for dealing with pet hair because its floorhead feels very resistant on carpet and is therefore tiring to push and pull.

On the other hand, the smart DustSense sensor, which automatically adjusts suction power based on the amount of dirt detected, is genuinely useful and certainly contributes to more efficient cleaning. Battery life is reasonable, too, though larger homes might require a recharge for a thorough clean; and it has a larger bin than the norm which in turn reduces the need to empty it too often. However, while it performs very well at sucking stuff up, the A50S is let down by poor ergonomics and a few other niggling design details.

That's the short version; read on for my full Tineco Pure One A50S Plus review.

Tineco Pure One A50S review: price & availability

List price: $329 / £329
Launched: Fall 2024

The Tineco Pure One A50S has a list price of $329 / £329, which puts it in the mid-range price bracket for cordless vacuums. It's available to buy direct from Tineco, or via Amazon.

It's competitively priced when compared to other mid-priced cordless vacuums with similar features. However, there's some very strong competition out there, most notably the Dreame R20 which, while equipped with a smaller bin, is lighter in the hand and therefore easier to use.

If you're smart about when you buy, you might be able to avoid paying list price too. At time of writing the UK version was discounted to £229 on the Tineco site, for example. The Black Friday sales tend to be an especially good time to shop for new appliances.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Tineco Pure One A50S specs

Tineco Pure One A50S review: design

Forward-bending wand for cleaning under beds
Handle a little awkward and uncomfortable to hold
No instruction manual included

Tineco – a sub brand of Ecovacs the robot vac company – has been producing innovative cordless vacs, wet and dry mops and carpet cleaners since 1998. The Chinese company is perhaps best known for the high level of 'smarts' it injects into the majority of its products. Chief amongst these is the interface, which invariably involves a (sometimes quite huge) colorful onboard LCD monitor that provides the user with all manner of information, often using animation for added pizzazz. Tech nerds (me included) love this kind of stuff, though I wouldn't say any of it makes Tineco's machines any easier or more efficient to use.

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum broken up into various components — (Image credit: Future)

However, while other models like the Tineco Pure One S15 Pro and PURE One S11 come with huge, colorful circular displays at the head of the hand unit, this model opts for a much smaller and less fancy info monitor that provides little more than three vacuum modes – Eco, Auto and Max – plus a couple of tiny icons that light up if the air channel is blocked or the brushroll is tangled. There's also a simple three-bar battery level indicator. Oh, and you thankfully don't get a trigger with this model – instead you tap a simple on/off button on the rear.

Close up of control screen on Tineco Pure One A50S vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

Elaborating on these power modes a little more, the A50S Plus uses a feature called DustSense that automatically adjusts the suction draw depending on the amount of muck it detects. Many modern stick vacs have this feature and it provides a good balance between cleaning efficiency and battery use. However, I find the 'Auto' power band description a bit confusing because from what I've noticed, both Eco and Auto use the DustSense function whenever the floorhead sensor detects some extra detritus. And you can hear the change in motor pitch as the power is increased, usually for just a few seconds.

From what I can gather, the Eco mode ramps the power up to the equivalent of Auto mode, and Auto mode increases its power to the equivalent of Max mode which doesn't use DustSense at all because it's already at maximum power. You still with me? This means that 'Auto' is actually a false flag and more like a medium mode. Not sure why Tineco's designers opted for this labelling but I'm guessing they called the equivalent of a medium mode 'Auto' for marketing reasons because, well, everyone uses auto mode on every device, right?

According to Tineco, the Pure One A50S Plus boasts 185 Watts of suction power which is rather confusing since most manufacturers use either Air Watts or Pascals when measuring their products' statistics (here's more on how to tell how much suction your vacuum has). All I know is that there is no shortage of suction power here, as I'll get into in more detail in the Performance section.

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum with wand bent forwards — (Image credit: Future)

Let's take a quick tour of the Pure One A50S Plus' handle design, starting with its ergonomics. The A50S Plus's handle is comprised of two grip sections, and your hand naturally gravitates to the rear handle because that's the area with the small protruding finger support. Also, this is the type of hand position that most stick vac manufacturers opt for.

However, I've found that if you use the rear section of the handle, the angular edge of the info screen mount digs into the flesh between thumb and index finger and rests on a pressure point that hurts after just a few minutes of use (Dyson's vacs have a similar effect). But worse than that, this position also involves bending the arm at the elbow which means your biceps and anterior muscles in the forearm end up holding all the weight, while the shoulder muscles take care of the pushing and pulling.

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum in handheld mode — (Image credit: Future)

Call me a loafer but I want an easier ride when doing one of the most mundane tasks in the home, so I tend to vacuum with a completely straight arm while performing a pendulum motion using mostly the top of my biceps and shoulder muscle group. I simply walk slowly forward while swinging the whole unit back and forth like a grandfather clock's pendulum. You should try it.

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum folded in half on the floor — (Image credit: Future)

However, if the handle on the vac is positioned in a way that involves bending the wrist and arm – like this and most other models – I immediately ask myself why manufacturers continue to insist on making models with right-angled handles on the rear when they should ideally be positioned above, and be smooth and circular in shape. Roidmi with its rounded rectangular handle on the X30 Pro, Miele's Duoflex models and Vax with its Blade series have managed it, so why has no one else cottoned on?

But I digress, because, as alluded to above, the Tineco A50S Plus does indeed have a second grip section at the top, though it's still not especially comfortable to use because the pinky finger is squashed in the process. It's not terrible but it's not brilliant either. Also, this model's weight – 3.3kgs with wand and main floorhead – is higher than other models I've tested – just over half a kilo heavier than the Dreame R20 I very recently reviewed – and that makes it feel heavy in the hand, especially during a long session on the pile.

Close up of bin on Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

While most stick vacs ship with a relatively small dust bin of between 0.5 liters and 0.8 liters, this one comes with a substantial one-liter capacity for longer cleaning sessions and fewer trips to the kitchen bin. The emptying mechanism is pretty much the same as all stick vacs, Dyson notwithstanding. In other words you awkwardly unlatch the bin section from the motor housing, and flip a latch to empty the contents. Since this bin is larger than most, clumped pet hair tends to fall out though it might involve a gentle tap of the unit against the inside of the kitchen bin. However, it can be a bit fiddly to fit the bin back onto the vac.

Since the inner mesh filter inside the cyclone section was as dusty as expected, I attempted to pull it out to give it a clean but it wouldn't budge. So I tried twisting it, still to no avail. I then reached for the accompanying manual only to discover that it was full of useless safety and troubleshooting information with absolutely nothing on how to use the machine, let alone remove the mesh filter. So I went online and downloaded the manual from the Tineco website but it was the same piece of safety literature. Needless to say the mesh filter is still firmly attached and perhaps it's designed that way – answers on a postcard please. [Ed's note: we contacted Tineco's PRs, who say the filter can be removed, although we're still not sure exactly how.]

Sponge filter inside Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

I was, however, able to access the washable sponge HEPA filter system, which works in tandem with said mesh filter to remove '99.9% of dust and debris as small as 0.3μm', one micrometer. This model also includes a scent block that clips under the battery to help keep carpet smells at bay. (This last feature is unusual but not unheard of – it's most associated with today's best Shark vacuums.)

Floorhead on Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum bent at an angle — (Image credit: Future)

Regarding the business end, this model comes with a sturdy articulating wand that can bend 90-degrees for easy access under beds and sofas, and a 23cm brush bar comprising two rows of chevron-shaped bristles designed for both hard floor and carpet. The roller brush can be easily removed for cleaning.

In general, the build feels clunky, unrefined, and less maneuverable than other vacuums I've tested – not just pricy models like those made by Dyson, but even more budget-friendly options from the likes of Dreame.

Close up of floorhead on Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

According to the blurb, the Tineco's 3DSense brush bar has built-in sensors that will automatically boost suction whenever it detects the edge of a skirting board. In fact you can see two small cutouts on each side of the floorhead's housing, which allow the suction to draw in air from the sides, along with any dust that's lurking along the edges. Nice. There are also two rows of stiff combs at the rear of the brush to prevent entangling of hair and cotton strands.

In order to help the brushroll collect larger particles on hard floor and when using it on carpet to help reduce friction, the floorhead is also equipped with an air intake switch that opens two little ports where the front of the head meets the floor. And, in a nod to the best Dyson vacuums on the market, this model's front headlight is green colored to make dust on hard floors more visible. However, unlike the Dyson, which uses a laser to highlight even the finest of particles, this model uses a simple green LED bulb. Nevertheless, it's still surprisingly effective.

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum floorhead glowing green to highlight dust — (Image credit: Future)

For use in handheld mode, the Tineco also comes packaged with a motorized upholstery brush, a detail nozzle with slide-down brush fitting and a wall mount that holds everything in one place. The rear handle position works just fine with this setup, though the body does feel heavy when held up high. Also, like the majority of cordless stick vacs, this model won't stand up on its own so there will be times during use when you'll just have to prop it up against something while you shift any furniture around.

Design score: 2.5 out of 5

Tineco Pure One A50S review: performance

Great suction performance
Decent running time
Too much suction resistance on carpet

The first thing you notice when holding the Tineco Pure One A50S Plus for the first time is the 3.3kg weight, which makes it feel a bit clunky when carrying it around – a bit like the equally hefty Dyson gen5detect. Personally, I think much of the weight comes from the wand and its over-engineered centre section where it bends at 90-degrees.

Since this vac only comes with one floorhead, which is designed more towards carpet use, it isn't as smooth sounding on hard floor as most hard floor-specific soft rollers. However, while the A50S has proved to be a very impressive cleaner on carpet (see results below), the design of the floorhead makes it feel very stiff to push on even medium-pile carpet, and that's with the little front air-intake wide open and the power in Auto (i.e. medium) mode.

Moreover, when the DustSense feature kicks in, it produces even more friction between the front of the floorhead and the carpet. Put another way, your arm will feel like it's had a good workout after just five minutes of cleaning, although the aforementioned pendulum action helps in this regard. In hindsight I would opt for vacuuming on carpet in ECO mode, which applies less downward suction to the floor and makes it that little bit easier to push.

The Tineco A50S's floorhead articulates up to about 60-degrees – less than a Dyson or the Dreame R20, but decent enough for easy steering around furnishings. However, it is a bit of a struggle removing the wand to swap over to any of the hand tools. The fit is very firm – which is good – but also tricky to release. Incidentally, while quite heavy to hold up in the air, the handheld side of it using the mini motorized brush head is efficient at doing the stairs, the car, the dog bed and sofas, and so on.

I tested the Tineco A50S's noise level and it's not too shabby. In ECO mode it registered at a pleasant 63dB at shoulder height, 66dB in Auto mode and a not considerably louder 69dB in Max mode.

Suction tests

As well as assessing general usability, I ran a series of suction tests. For my main hard floor vacuum test I scattered 25g of oats, flour, orzo pasta, crushed digestive biscuit and a few Coco Pops and set the unit to Auto mode. The motor started gently before the DustSense sensor ramped up the power as soon as it detected the extra debris.

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Debris laid out on hard floor ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)

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Results of hard floor suction test using Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum — ... and after (Image credit: Future)

Impressively, it collected everything – even the large pieces – in one sweep. Weighing the contents of the bin, it collected 24g in all but I'm betting at least 1g of the flour likely remained in the bin and around the mesh filter. And that's a great result in my opinion.

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Debris on carpet ready for suction test — Debris scattered on carpet ready for suction test... (Image credit: Future)

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Carpet after suction test — ... and the results following the test (Image credit: Future)

For the carpet test I used the same pre-weighed 25 grams of ingredients and used the same Auto setting with the front air intake open. This test required one back-and-forth sweep to remove the majority of the debris and a few more quick passes to remove any evidence of flour.

Like the hard floor test, I measured the bin's contents but this time it said 26 grams because it had also collected some hidden dust in the carpet. Yes, it did take a lot of effort to push the floorhead on the medium-pile rug I used but, hey, it did the job and did it well.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Tineco Pure One A50S review: battery life

Lasts around 70 minutes in Eco, 17 minutes in Auto and 10 in Max
Will automatically drop to Eco mode as battery life runs low
Recharge takes just over three hours

Tineco states a maximum runtime of 70 minutes, which is up there with the longest you'll find anywhere. However, that figure is always for the lowest powered mode. However, I ran a test in Auto mode on a 50:50 medium-pile carpet and tiled hard floor mix and after seven minutes the battery depleted by two bars (from three). Nevertheless, it carried on running till around 17 minutes before automatically switching to Eco mode where it continued at lower power before coming to a stop at 20 minutes and 22 seconds.

In Max mode, runtimes are understandably shorter. I ran this test on hard floor only, because it's too powerful and creates too much friction on carpet. From full charge, it lasted just shy on 10 minutes in Max, before dropping to Eco where it ran until 12 mins 16 seconds before stopping.

Now I should add that most day-to-day vacuum tasks would likely be just one or two rooms unless doing a full spring clean, so 20 minutes in Auto mode is perfectly acceptable, especially given the the DustSense feature boosts the power and battery usage when it detects extra dirt. However, if you have a weekly cleaner who uses your cleaning tools to vacuum the entire home, this model may struggle to complete a whole three bedroom house with kitchen lounge, dining room and bathrooms on a single charge, especially if used entirely in Auto mode.

Now that the battery was completely flat, I fully recharged it and it took exactly three hours and four minutes, which is about average for a cordless stick vac. By the way, I did notice that the charging bar on the screen turns off after a set amount of time so you will need to press the power button while it's connected to the mains to check its progress. However, there is also a green light on the side that pulsates throughout the charging process so I would use that as a charging state reference.

Battery life score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Tineco Pure One A50S?

Buy it if...

You want great pick-up performance

This model sucks like a limpet, and aced all my suction tests.

You need a large bin

The A50S Plus ships with a larger-than-average 1-liter dust bin – closer to what you'd expect on an upright vacuum than your standard stick vac.

You want automatic suction control

The Tineco's DustSense feature works well, and will ensure an efficient clean that won't deplete the battery.

Don't buy it if...

Your strength isn't what it used to be

The A50S is difficult to push on carpet, and it's heavier than average too.

You need something light in the hand

There are lighter stick vacs on the market, and this one is especially weighty when used in handheld mode.

How I tested the Tineco Pure One A50S

I received the Tineco Pure One A50S Plus a few weeks ago so have had plenty of time to live with it and put it through its daily paces. Despite some annoying traits, it does vacuum well and I do rate the extra large bin. Aside from general vacuuming on both hard wooden flooring and carpets up to medium pile, I also tested it using a variety of ingredients – including some large biscuit crumbs – and it sailed through both floor-type tests. However, my overriding thoughts is that it feels a bit clunky when compared to other stick vacs I've used.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners.

First reviewed February 2025

Google Pixel 9a pricing for the UK and Canada leaks along with European price ‘confirmation’

10:03 am | February 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: Canada, Google Pixel, UK | Comments: Off

Not a day goes by without a new Google Pixel 9a leak, it seems, and today is no different. While we've already heard rumors about its pricing in both the US and Europe, today a new leak reiterates (or should we say, 'confirms' as much as any leak can) those prices, and brings us the UK pricing too. So, let's jump right in. The Pixel 9a with 128GB of storage will cost £499, while the 256GB model will go for £599. As revealed previously, it will be $499 and $599 in the US, respectively. Google Pixel 9a color lineup leaked image We also have more details about specific markets in the...

The Amazon Echo Show 21 is big and beautiful, and it’s changed how I control my smart home

7:05 pm | February 25, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Home Hubs | Tags: Amazon Echo Show, TV, UK, US | Comments: Off

Amazon Echo Show 21: two-minute review

The idea of combining a smart speaker with a flat screen is certainly not a new one for Amazon. Amazingly, it’s over seven years since the first-generation Echo Shows launched, and three since the original Echo Show 15 first arrived in homes. At that time, its 15-inch display made it the largest Echo device inside Amazon’s stable. But not anymore. That accolade now goes to the newly-launched Echo Show 21.

Essentially, the Echo Show 21 is a larger version of the latest Echo Show 15, complete with Alexa, built-in Fire TV, and an Alexa voice remote. It even features the same mounting bracket as the Echo Show 15, which is handy if you have multiple devices you want to swap over. Capable of being installed in portrait or landscape orientation, it’s best to think of the Echo Show as a rather large web tablet (albeit one with much better speakers). So, in the same way you might use an iPad to display a recipe in the kitchen or control your home’s heating, so you might use an Echo Show to do these things.

It’s much more than that, though. Once you’ve gone through the setup process, pairing the Echo Show with your home’s Wi-Fi and the Alexa voice remote, there’s the option of customizing it all. Usefully, because the Echo Show 21 has Fire TV built in, you can use it much like you would a smart TV. Buttons are provided on the Alexa voice remote for accessing Prime Video, as well as Netflix. Alternatively, you can press the app button to access other apps you have downloaded to your device such as Apple TV, Disney+, and YouTube. You also have the option to display images from your Amazon photo library when the device is not use.

However, the Echo Show really comes into its own with all the other widgets you can add. Just swipe down from the top of the display and hit ‘widget gallery’. There you will find everything you need to help you organize your life, from sticky notes to shopping lists and from calendars to daily reminders. It can also display local weather, so you're fully prepared when you leave the house.

Amazon Echo Show 21 running Spotify app — The Amazon Echo Show 21 is a good-looking device with an attractive wooden frame (Image credit: Chris Price)

Once you’ve made your choice, each of the widgets is then displayed on the home screen. And if you want more details, you only have to touch the screen to bring up more information. For example, while the weather widget shows the temperature for the next four hours, you can find out more information (such as the likelihood of rain and whether you need an umbrella) by pressing the weather option on the home screen to bring info up across the entire display.

Want to control connected devices within your home, such as your smart thermostat, lights, and home security cameras? There’s a ‘smart home favorites’ widget for that. Not only will this allow you to control options such as the temperature of your property, it will also do things like display footage from a connected video doorbell if someone comes to the door. Support is provided for Matter and Thread, which means you can use the Echo Show 21 as a Zigbee Hub.

Finally, also on board is the Echo Show 21 is a 13MP selfie camera (complete with privacy shutter) for video calls. This includes Alexa Drop Ins, which lets you get in touch via video or voice using other connected devices in the household. It’s particularly handy if you want to tell the kids that dinner is ready and they’re not responding to yells from the kitchen because they are on their devices.

Amazon Echo Show 21: price and availability

$399/£399.99 without stand, $100/£100 extra with stand
Available now
Available in the US and UK

Released in November 2024, the Amazon Echo Show 21 costs £399 or $399 direct from Amazon for the standard wall-mount installation (at the time of writing it's not available in Australia). However, if you want a desktop/counter stand you will have to pay an additional $100/£100 on top of that. That makes the Echo Show 21 the most expensive device in Amazon’s line-up, at $100/£100 more than the smaller Amazon Echo Show 15.

It’s not an excessive amount of money for what it is, but it's not an absolute bargain either. A decent 43-inch smart TV will now set you back less money, so it does seem a little pricey.

That said, the Amazon Echo Show 21 is much more than a smart TV. It offers much greater functionality and interactivity for starters, including the ability to control your smart home, music and calendars, as well as being able to stream content from video services.

Importantly, it also feels very solid and well made, with an attractive wooden frame around the outside. It certainly makes a nice addition to the kitchen, living room or office, especially if you are looking for all of the features of an Echo Show device, but with a bigger screen.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Amazon Echo Show 21: specs

Amazon Echo Show 21: design and installation

Mounting bracket for portrait/landscape orientation
Solid design with black wooden frame around 21.5-inch screen
Alexa voice remote

Designed to be mounted on the wall, the hefty Amazon Echo Show 21 comes with a metal bracket in the box (alternatively, you can buy a desktop stand but our review sample didn’t include one). This means you will need a drill, a level, and hammer for installation. Four screws and four wall plugs are provided in the pack, as well as paper wall-mount template that helps you drill holes into the right places.

Amazon Echo Show 21 on floor with wall mount, power adaptor, and remote — The Echo Show 21 is supplied with a bracket that lets you mount it vertically or horizontally on a wall (Image credit: Chris Price)

Once the bracket is installed, you simply slide the Echo Show 21 into place in either landscape or portrait orientation. I used it extensively in both modes, but personally preferred it in portrait because I found it better for displaying the widgets. Around the actual screen is a white background and around that is a black wooden surround, giving the Echo Show the look and feel of a large photo frame. Large speakers are built into either side of the display and on top (in landscape mode) are buttons for volume up/down as well as two pinhole microphones.

For privacy, there’s also a button that switches the microphones on and off (this glows red when activated) and a privacy shutter that covers the 13MP camera. The power cable needs to be inserted into a recess on the back of the display before it’s mounted to the wall, but at 1.5m it’s not overly long, which could limit your options when it comes to positioning it. Finally, you will need to pair the display with the Alexa Voice Remote (it is the same as the one you get for Amazon Fire Sticks).

Amazon Echo Show 21 power adapter connected — The power cable plugs into the back of the Echo Show 21, but isn't very long (Image credit: Chris Price)

This can only be paired with one device at a time, and can’t control skills and services outside the Fire TV experience. Also, while some video streaming services such as Amazon Prime can be fully controlled using the touch screen display, other services such as Netflix provide only limited functionality without the remote.

In addition to the circular navigation pad and usual forward/rewind and home buttons, the remote includes an Alexa option with a pinhole microphone for use instead of the smart display’s far-field microphones. As with other Alexa devices, you can change the wake word of the Echo Show 21 – handy if you have several Amazon devices near to one another.

Design score: 4.5/5

Amazon Echo Show 21: performance

Crisp 1,920 x 1,080 display
Maybe a little too bright
Much improved sound system and onboard 13MP camera

The largest display in Amazon's Echo series, with nearly double the viewing area of the Echo Show 15, the Echo Show 21 certainly cuts an imposing figure once mounted on the wall. In fact, it seems more like a much larger smart TV than a glorified touch screen display with built-in Alexa, especially when mounted in landscape mode.

Amazon Echo Show 21 mounted on wall — With double the viewing area of the Amazon Echo Show 15, the Echo Show 21 makes a real statement when mounted on the wall (Image credit: Chris Price)

Boasting a highly reflective 1,920 x 1,080 display, the Echo Show 21's picture quality is excellent, delivering crisp, bright images. However, it’s arguably a little too bright especially when watching video content. The first thing I had to do once I switched the display on was to swipe down from the top to turn the brightness down. However, switching adaptive brightness does help a little, automatically adjusting brightness levels based on the ambient light levels in the room. Turn down the room’s lights and the screen will dim too, turn them up and the screen will brighten.

Also on board is a proximity sensor, which adjusts what’s on the screen when you aren't actively using it. When no one is nearby, it closes the control panel and rotates through a variety of screens. For example, it could display various content suggestions such as jokes or football scores or act as a large photo frame, cycling through images in your Amazon picture library. It will also support multiple users, switching between different profiles using facial recognition when the camera is active or via voice recognition instead.

Split image showing two setup screens on Amazon Echo Show 21 — The Amazon Echo 21 features various widgets that let you see information at a glance, and what's displayed can change depending on your proximity (Image credit: Chris Price)

One of the criticisms of previous Echo Show devices was the poor quality of the onboard camera. Thankfully this has been addressed with the Echo Show 21. Supporting auto-framing, 3.3x zoom and noise reduction technology, the built-in 13MP camera works extremely well – whether you're using Alexa Drop In to tell the kids that the dinner is ready, or calling someone for a business meeting. However, if you are worried about privacy you can always cover up the camera using the Camera Shutter button on top of the display, as well as switch the onboard microphones off.

Some reviewers thought sound from the first Echo Show 15 was poor, Amazon has decided to improve it considerably on the new generation smart displays (both 15- and 21-inch versions). In fact, sound on the latest 21-inch model is surprisingly punchy, thanks to reasonably large side mounted speakers complete with two 2-inch woofers and two 0.6-inch tweeters (the previous Echo Show 15 only had two 1.6-inch tweeters).

Split image showing side profiles of Amazon Echo Show 21 — The Echo Show 21 works well in landscape mode for entertainment, but it really shines as a smart home hub in portrait mode (Image credit: Chris Price)

Over a period of three weeks, I listened to a range of music from various streaming services, including Spotify and Amazon, and found the experience really enjoyable. However, it’s fair to say that the Echo Show 21 still only offers sound quality as good as a modest smart TV, so if it’s a high-quality home cinema system you want, you're best looking elsewhere.

In summary, when it comes to performance, the Echo Show 21 comes highly recommended. And while I think it is rather more successful in portrait mode as a touchscreen home hub, it also doubles as a pretty decent smart TV in landscape mode for sitting back and watching streaming video content.

Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Amazon Echo Show 21?

Buy it if

You want a large touchscreen display

At 21.5 inches, this is the largest of all the Echo Show devices, offering nearly double the viewing area of the Amazon Show 15. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to display lots of widgets or simply want a bigger picture for streaming video content.

You need to consult recipes while cooking

Ideal for mounting in the kitchen, the Echo Show 21 is a perfect companion for when you're cooking. It’s also great for looking up recipes on the internet or listening to music when you are preparing the ingredients for a meal.

You want to control smart home devices

Providing support for Matter and Thread, the Echo Show 21 is a really good way of controlling your home. And because it has such a big display, you can see footage from connected security cameras really clearly.

Don't buy it if

You just want to watch TV

Put simply, there are much better and cheaper displays out there for watching TV/streaming services. Unlike the Echo Show 21 these can be connected to a TV aerial too for those who still like to watch good old fashioned TV channels.

You want a portable smart display

Designed to be mounted permanently on the wall, the Echo Show 21 is a big heavy beast requiring specialist installation, unless you pay even more for the table-top mount.

Amazon Echo Show 21: also consider

If you're not sure the Amazon Echo Show 21 is the right smart hub for you, here are a couple of other options to consider:

Amazon Echo Show 8 (3^rd gen)

The latest generation model boasts better audio, faster performance and added support for Matter, Thread and Zigbee. The only big thing that holds it back is its uptick in price.

Read our full Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) review

Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd gen)

The new generation 15-inch Amazon Echo Show offers much better audio quality than its predecessor, putting it on a par with the new 21-inch model. Amazon has also upgraded the auto-framing camera for improved video calls.

How I tested the Amazon Echo Show 21

I mounted on the wall in my home office for three weeks
I used it in both landscape and portrait modes
I tested it both as a home hub and smart TV

To get a good grasp of what a product like the Echo Show 21 can do, you really need to spend as much time with it as possible. That’s because it offers so much functionality! Even after three weeks I’m still finding apps I can download and new things I can do with it.

As I installed it in my home office, I used the Echo Show 21 mostly for listening to classical music while I was working and for features such as the checking the weather before taking the dog out for a lunchtime walk. But I also used it for other things too, including watching video content, turning the heating up and down and viewing images from Amazon Photos.

Personally, I preferred it in portrait mode, although using it landscape mode might work better if you have it installed in the living room or a bedroom. However, you ideally need to use the Echo Show for its advanced smart home control features to get the most out of it. Read more about how we test.

First reviewed February 2025

AirPods Pro 2 gain hearing aid functionality in the UK

7:17 pm | February 24, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: UK | Comments: Off

Back in September, Apple announced a clinical-grade Hearing Aid mode for its AirPods Pro 2 users. The feature was first introduced in the US following approval by the FDA, and Apple has now confirmed it is making its way to the UK. The hearing aid feature is now available as an OTA software update for AirPods Pro 2 users in the UK. After updating to the latest software version, users will see a new Hearing Test that assesses their hearing range. AirPods Pro 2's Hearing Test Following the test, users will receive a personalized hearing profile that boosts sounds in their...

I’ve spent 20 hours rocking with the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition and it’s a decent if nonessential way to play the rhythm game

5:00 pm | February 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: Guitar Hero, PC, UK, US | Comments: Off

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: One-minute review

The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition is a brand-new variant of CRKD’s Neo S controller. Functionally, the controller is the exact same as the regular one, but this specific variant comes bundled with a 5-fret attachment designed for Fortnite Festival and other rhythm games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

The fret attachment slots into the bottom of the controller via the headphone jack, and from there it’s good to go. The obvious comparison is that of the Guitar Hero: On Tour series of games, which featured a similar attachment for the Nintendo DS. However, the issues that plagued that release over a decade and a half ago still persist here.

The fret buttons are small with very little spacing in comparison to a regular guitar controller, and holding the controller in the guitar form can become quite uncomfortable – especially with bigger hands. I’ve tested the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret for three months or so now and found it difficult to play for over a couple of hours.

The biggest issue is that there’s no good way to strum in guitar-led rhythm games. The default option is to tap the RB button, which is useless when you have to strum in quick succession; meanwhile, mapping it to the stick works slightly better, but it’s still no substitute. If you’re looking for a way to play rhythm games casually, then it’s more than serviceable. But anyone looking to seriously delve into the genre is better off looking for a more suitable controller like the PDP Riffmaster.

The controller features an Xbox layout and has Bluetooth connectivity, making it great for the PC. However, it doesn’t connect to Xbox consoles (although this is promised in a future update). It does connect to the Nintendo Switch – but it’s awkward to play due to the buttons being swapped around from the usual Nintendo layout.

Neo S Fortnite Festival Edition — (Image credit: Future)

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Price and availability

List price: $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95
Available in the US via the CRKD website
Available in the UK via Argos and Amazon

The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition launched back in November 2024 and costs $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95 – making it $10 / £10 / AU$20 more expensive than the regular NEO S controller. However, it’s currently the only way to get the five-fret attachment for the controller. It’s compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, smart TVs, and mobile devices at the moment, with Xbox support promised to arrive later down the line.

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Specs

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Design and features

Guitar attachment designed for rhythm gaming
Bespoke Fortnite Festival design inspired by the game
Programmable back buttons and fret buttons

One of the Neo S controller’s main gimmicks is the litany of custom designs available, such as one inspired by the Nintendo Famicom color scheme, 90’s-style translucent variants, and collabs with the likes of Rocket League and Hellboy.

The Fortnite Festival edition is a purple variant with a wavy design that features different shades of purple, while the d-pad, shoulder, and back buttons are bright pink. Meanwhile, the back of the controller is a solid purple shell. It’s a lovely-looking controller until you notice the gaudy Fortnite Festival logo slap-bang in the middle. A more subtle Fortnite design or emblem would’ve been preferable.

This design isn’t extended to the guitar attachment, which is also just a solid purple – although the lighter pink does appear at the fringe of each button. When the attachment isn’t on the controller, it does feel a bit flimsy, like the plastic could snap very easily.

This doesn’t help when getting it onto the controller can feel quite fiddly. You need to pop it on at an angle before pushing the top into the ridges, but lining the bottom up can be a bit cumbersome. This attachment comes with a Velcro strap, which you pop in between the controller and guitar, making it easier to hold like a standard guitar neck.

The Guitar attachment features five buttons to emulate the classic Guitar Hero formula; these buttons are automatically mapped to the buttons used for each lane in Fortnite Festival.

The controller comes with three modes: one for Easy, Medium, and Hard modes in-game, another for Expert, and another for Pro mode (which is the one designed for guitar controllers). You can swap through all three of these modes by holding down all five frets, with the LED on the attachment changing color to represent another mode. You can also rebind these buttons to be used in regular games, although the position of them may not make this the most optimal.

Unfortunately, I found the NEO S Fortnite Festival Edition quite uncomfortable to hold after long sessions – more so than the discomfort of a regular guitar controller. However, it’s far more comfortable in wireless mode, as the USB-C port at the top of the controller gets in the way otherwise.

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Performance

Solid battery life
Easy to set up
Custom button mapping requires using a mobile app

The NEO S works straight out of the box with a USB-C cable connection to PC, or by holding the CRKD button and left on the d-pad to enable Bluetooth connection for PC or mobile. For the Nintendo Switch, it’s as simple as holding the CRKD button while on the controller connect screen. The NEO S Fortnite Festival Edition’s battery life lasted around eight hours from my testing. I didn’t notice much difference in battery drain when using the guitar attachment.

The controller is fully remappable; however, if you’re looking to remap the buttons, you’ll need to do so in the CRKD app. This extends to the Guitar attachment too, which can be mapped to any button on the controller and works even outside of Fortnite Festival. However, there’s no way to actually select and enter a song in Fortnite Festival without using the regular controller.

The default mapping for the strum bar is the bumper buttons, which is fine for casual play, but the issues become apparent once you’re faced with fast-moving songs like Metallica’s Battery. While a strum bar would allow you to alternate directions for faster moments, tapping one button makes this tiresome, or near-impossible in some cases. You can remap the control stick to work as a strum bar, which feels like the ideal solution, however, I couldn’t get this to work in Fortnite, but it does work in fan games like Clone Hero.

CRKD was founded by former RedOctane staff – who created the original Guitar Hero controllers – meaning that these buttons feel in line with the original series (namely the DS Guitar Grip). However, if you want to play this style of music game seriously, I’d recommend investing in a proper guitar controller.

Should I buy the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition?

Buy it if...

You want a way to play Fortnite Festival Pro Mode or other guitar games
At the end of the day this controller is made with this in mind. It works for playing these modes casually and allows players the chance to experience the classic genre without forking out a lot for a guitar controller.

You’re getting a NEO S and like Fortnite Festival
For only $10 / £10 / AU$20 more I don’t see much reason not to pick this version up compared to the regular NEO S if you have even a passing interest in Fortnite Festival. Considering this is the only way to get the guitar attachment currently, I’d say it’s worth the upgrade.

Don't buy it if...

You plan on playing guitar games seriously
While it’s definitely possible for someone to tear it up with the NEO S Fortnite Festival Edition, the setbacks make this hard. If you were playing the likes of Metallica or Slayer on Guitar Hero, I’d invest in a regular guitar controller.

You have big hands or fingers
The NEO S is quite snug as a controller and the guitar attachment follows that form. The buttons on the guitar attachment do the job, but are very small and don’t have much space between them, making it easy to double-fret.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the CKRD NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition? Here’s how it compares to the other Guitar Controller on the market and a more regular pad for reference.

PDP Riffmaster
This is a great alternative because the PDP Riffmaster is the only proper guitar controller on sale right now. PDP was responsible for the last batch of Rock Band 4 guitars, so these are almost exactly alike.

For more information, check out our full PDP Riffmaster review

GameSir Nova
If you’re looking for a good Nintendo Switch and PC controller with stats comparable to the NEO S at a cheaper price point then the GameSir Nova may be up your alley. However, this obviously doesn’t support the Fortnite Festival guitar controller addon, but you are still able to play the mode with a regular controller!

For more information, check out our full GameSir Nova review

How I tested the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition

Tested for around 15-20 hours
Used it to play Fortnite Festival and Clone Hero on PC
Used it as a regular controller on Nintendo Switch

I’ve been using the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition on PC and Nintendo Switch since mid-December 2024 (so just under two months). During this time I’ve played a bunch of Fortnite Festival, but my true love affair has been with Clone Hero. I tested the controller in a variety of different musical situations: acoustic tunes that rely on strumming patterns with multiple notes, thrash tunes that require a ton of fast-paced strumming, and songs with wailing guitar solos (yes, I did play Free Bird).

In my experience, it worked best in slower songs and songs with a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs due to my issue with the strum bar. The highlight of this experience was playing a custom chart of the full Flood album by They Might Be Giants, which featured a lot of piano (among other instruments) charted to Guitar Hero’s clear notes, which didn’t require me to strum.

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: One-minute review

The real highlight of the JBL Quantum Stream Talk are its design and feature set, which punch above its budget-friendly price point.

It’s super compact and very stylish, with a robust stand that incorporates metal elements to look and feel premium. It’s incredibly easy to adjust and position too, thanks to a small, foam-footed base and a smart swivel mechanism that allows the microphone to be rotated by a full 360 degrees.

The prominent LED ring indicator is a smart inclusion and something that you wouldn’t necessarily expect at this price point, providing a convenient and easy way to check whether the microphone is muted and even adjust some basic settings on the fly.

That said, the recording quality is a let-down out of the box. Its default configuration sounds very jagged and does a poor job of cutting out background noise. Luckily, the compatible JBL Quantum Engine software gives you everything that you need for better recordings. With a few settings tweaked, namely the EQ profile and noise reduction level, it’s perfect for chatting with friends or dialing into meetings - but still not clear enough to rank among the best microphones for streaming.

If you're interested in picking up a streaming microphone on a budget, there are options out there that look and feel substantially worse, but sound noticeably better such as the AKG Ara. If you can wait for a sale, you can regularly find old favorites like the Blue Snowball for not that much more than the price of the JBL Quantum Stream Talk which offers far more bang for your buck.

A close up of the JBL Quantum Stream Talk. — (Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Price and availability

Costs $49.95 / £39.99
Available via Amazon and JBL
Easy to find in the US and UK

The JBL Quantum Stream Talk is readily available from both Amazon and JBL in the US and UK. It costs $49.95 / £39.99, making this the cheapest entry in the JBL Quantum Stream line right now. At this price, it’s a good value option overall for general use, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable choice that doesn't take up a lot of space on your desk.

That said, those seeking a microphone for content creation would be better off waiting for a sale and spending a little more on something like the HyperX DuoCast - which routinely drops down to around the $60 / £40 mark and offers higher quality recordings.

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Specs

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Design and features

Stylish and compact
Feels premium
Good set of features

The JBL Quantum Stream Talk is very stylish for a microphone of its price. It’s compact, with a circular plastic base complete with a small foam ring to help keep it in place on your desk.

It has a simple stalk-like design, with a cylindrical metal column and a small plastic capsule connected by a ball joint that allows it to be rotated a full 360 degrees. Also joining the column and capsule is a short wire with an orange and black braided that introduces subtle splash of color.

At the end of the capsule is a translucent ring illuminated by an LED. This is a bright green by default, turning red when the microphone is muted. The option to dim or even turn off this light would be appreciated, but it’s not particularly intrusive either way.

On the base, you will find a gray JBL logo and an adjustment dial. It's a good size and can be used to adjust the monitoring headphone volume when you’re connected to a 3.5mm headphone jack on the rear. It can also be pressed down to quickly mute the microphone, or held for a few seconds to adjust the microphone gain - indicated by the mic’s LED turning purple. It’s all very intuitive and one of the biggest reasons to consider the JBL Quantum Stream Talk.

While the microphone itself is a single unit, there is a removable USB-C cable. This is a good 6ft length and feels high-quality, matching the orange and black aesthetic of the wire found on the mic.

While I very much like the integrated stand setup, you should bear in mind that this microphone cannot be mounted to a boom arm unlike other budget picks, so is not suitable if that’s your preferred setup.

The JBL Quantum Stream Talk muted and rotavated. — (Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Performance

Audio quality isn’t great out of the box
Sounds much better when you tweak the EQ
Noise reduction also helps

When you first plug the JBL Quantum Stream Talk into a computer, a popup automatically appears asking whether you would install the compatible JBL Quantum Engine Software - a convenient feature that saves you from having to dig around on a support website to find it. I would highly recommend installing it, as I found that tweaking the microphone’s settings is almost essential.

Out of the box, I was unimpressed with its performance - recordings sounded choppy with a flat, almost nasal quality to them. Booting up Discord for a quick call, background noise was very noticeable, as was any movement of the surface on which the mic was placed. This is a little strange, as the JBL Quantum Stream Talk uses a super-cardioid pickup pattern that should, in theory, really help it hone in on just your voice.

Still, you can achieve decent sound with the JBL Quantum Engine Software in hand. For me, the sweet spot was enabling the “Bright” EQ profile, which bumps up the level of almost every frequency, and turning up both the noise gate and noise reduction settings to medium. Listening back to recordings made with Audacity, my voice sounded a little sharp but otherwise more than ideal for casual chatting. With a few more tweaks, I am sure I could get it to sound even better.

JBL notes that the microphone is compatible with the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch too. Plugging it into my PS5, it provided significantly better sound than the integrated microphone of the DualSense Wireless Controller but is not up to par with any of the mics on the best PS5 headsets. Still, the option to use this model with your console is appreciated and increases its utility somewhat.

That said, this is also marketed as a streaming microphone and I am hesitant to recommend it for that purpose. If you’re able to spend a little more, you can find models that sound better out of the box.

This is doubly true if you’re shopping over a sale period, where the likes of the iconic Blue Snowball routinely have their prices slashed to just $20 / £20 or so more. Still, if your budget really can’t extend beyond the $49.95 / £39.99 mark and you just need something quick, this should just about suffice until you’re able to upgrade.

Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream Talk?

Buy it if...

You want a small microphone
The JBL Quantum Stream Talk is a good option if you’re looking for something compact - its small size makes it easy to fit on your desk and it’s very stylish overall.

You want a good set of features
Its LED indicators, useful mute button, and decent set of options in the JBL Quantum Engine software all help the JBL Quantum Stream Talk punch above its modest price tag.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a content creator able to spend more
If you’re keen to get into streaming, then I would recommend spending a little bit more on a model that sounds better out of the box. Alternatively, wait for the sale and pick up a favorite like the Blue Snowball for cheap.

Also consider...

Want to weigh up your options? Here are two gaming microphones to consider alongside the JBL Quantum Stream Talk.

AKG Ara
The AKG Ara is a decent alternative at a similar price. It sounds better out of the box but lacks the gain control, looks worse, and feels cheaper in the hands.

For more information, check out our full AKG Ara review

HyperX DuoCast
The HyperX DuoCast is frequently available on sale for only slightly more than the JBL Quantum Stream Talk. This entry-level streamer mic offers better sound, two distinct polar patterns, and pleasant RGB lighting if you’re able to stretch the budget.

For more information, check out our full HyperX DuoCast review.

A close up of the branding on the JBL Quantum Stream Talk. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Talk

Used for over a week
Tried with PC and console
Tested with calls and local recording

I used the JBL Quantum Stream Talk as my daily driver for over a week. During that time I tested it with both PC and console with a range of tasks including making calls to friends, recording audio files locally, and attending virtual meetings for work. I made sure to thoroughly test the compatible JBL Quantum Engine software, experimenting with its features to find the best setup.

Throughout my time with the microphone, I compared my experience with my hands-on testing of other models all across the price spectrum ranging from the likes of the Blue Snowball to the Blue Yeti and SteelSeries Alias.

Oppo Find N5 review: Two-minute review

The Oppo Find N5 rear panel, folded, waterfall in the background — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

UPDATE 21 / 02 / 2025: Since the publishing of this review, Oppo has confirmed that the Find N5 will not be launching in the UK. We will update this review if and when availability information becomes known.

Additionally, the Find N5 supports 80W wired charging, not 90W as previously reported.

Oppo had one mission when making the Oppo Find N5: make the world's thinnest book-style foldable. It's a testament to the company's phone making skill that it not only succeeded, but produced such a powerful, enjoyable, and good-looking device along the way. For my money, this is the direction folding phones should be heading in, and using the Find N5 feels easier and more seamless than the folding devices I've used in the past. It's a strong contender for the best Oppo phone I've ever used.

The standout feature of the Find N5 is its design. The phone unfolded measures just 4.21mm thick, which is thinner than an iPad Pro and only beaten in the foldable space by the tri-fold Huawei Mate XT. It really is amazing to hold the Find N5 for the first time, and this slimness never stops being genuinely convenient. I'm here to tell you that this isn't a gimmick: the Find N5's profile is a big part of the reason the phone feels so useable. Even at a folded thickness of 8.93mm, it's barely bulkier than an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The displays are both great, and both the largest you'll find on a book-style phone, at 6.62-inches for the cover screen and 8.12-inches for the inner display.

The Find N5 has got the hardware power to challenge the premium slab flagships too. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage make the sole configuration a powerful one, and Oppo has made every effort to improve the historically middling battery life of the average folding phone with a huge 5,600mAh silicon-carbon cell. In the case of the Find N5, slim does not mean slow. Looking at the competition, the thicker and heavier Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, with its smaller battery and less powerful internals, seems a bit archaic by comparison.

It's not without compromise, though. In order to attain such a slim profile, the camera system has been scaled back compared to the previous generation Find N3 (still sold worldwide as the OnePlus Open) and results can vary from great to pretty undesirable. There are also a few software bugs, but I'm aware some of this will be due to developers not optimizing for the foldable form factor.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the Oppo Find N5. It's a huge step towards foldable devices that don't feel at all constrained by their form factor, with a barely-visible crease, two great displays, and a very reasonable battery life. Any imperfections aren't impactful enough to stop this feeling like the folding phone of the future. If it wasn't for its limited availability, the Find N5 would be a shoe-in for our list of the best folding phones.

Oppo Find N5 review: Price and availability

The Oppo Find N5 unfolded, rear panel and cover screen visible, on a wooden table — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

International pricing TBC
Availability TBC, not available in the UK
Costs around £1500 in Singapore

Oppo hasn’t revealed pricing for the Find N5 yet, so we haven’t yet got a take on the value for money the phone offers. The phone has been confirmed to cost the equivalent of around £1500 in Singapore, but we're still waiting for further details.

As for availability, Oppo has no distribution in the US so it’s overwhelmingly likely the Find N5 won’t launch there. We aren’t quite sure of the full extent of the Find N5’s availability, either.

We’ll update this section once the phone’s pricing is officially available, but until then keep reading for a detailed review of the Oppo Find N5.

Keep in mind that if and when we hear of the Oppo Find N5's official availability and launch price in other regions, our overall verdict and score could change.

Oppo Find N5 review: Specs

Oppo Find N5 review: Design

The Oppo Find N5, unfolded, side angle, waterfall in the background — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

4.21mm unfolded thickness, 8.93mm folded
Comes in two colors, black and white
Crease is barely noticeable

The Oppo Find N5 is one of the most impressively designed phones I’ve ever used – actually, rewind that – the Oppo Find N5 is one of the most impressively designed things I’ve ever used. Unboxing the phone for the first time was one of those rare “wow” moments: the Find N5 is truly incredibly thin. At a folded thickness of 8.93mm it’s about half a millimeter thicker than an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and at an unfolded thickness of 4.21mm it’s even slimmer than a 2024 iPad Pro. Holding it side-by-side with the 5.8mm-thick OnePlus Open (the previous generation Find N3 in all but name) really highlights the progress Oppo has made in the past two years.

The Oppo Find N5 also nails the ever-crucial hinge: Oppo is calling its hinge the Titanium Flexion Hinge, and what this means is that Oppo has used 3D-printed titanium alloy to create a hinge that’s more resilient and rigid while being 26% smaller than the previous generation. I noticed that the hinge has real resistance to it, feeling solid when open between around 20 and 120 degrees, and snapping open or shut on either side of this range. Oppo says the hinge should last for 10 years of normal use, though this will naturally vary between users.

The Find N5 opens nearly completely flat, and that smaller hinge makes less of an impression on the inner display, too – the crease is really only visible when the screen catches the light in a certain way, and it’s effectively invisible when you’re actually using the phone. Oppo says the crease on the Find N5’s inner display is 10% narrower and 50% shallower than the already impressively unobtrusive crease on the OnePlus Open. The crevice running down the middle of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 looks absolutely comical by comparison.

The crease on the inner display of the Oppo Find N5 — It's difficult to get the crease on the Oppo Find N5's inner display to show up on camera (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

The rest of the chassis is made of aluminum, with a glass cover screen and fiber rear panel. The bezel around the inner display is made of a thick plastic that conceals strong magnets to hold the phone shut, and the inner display itself is covered in a plastic coating. I had no durability concerns with the sturdy outer frame of the phone the inner display can be dented by anything hard, even a fingernail, so be cautious. Buttons are standard fare, with a volume rocker, ringer switch, and power button doubling as a fast fingerprint scanner.

The Find N5 pushes the boat out in terms of water resistance, and as far as I’m aware is the first folding phone to carry both an IPX8 and IPX9 rating for protection against water ingress. There’s no certified dust resistance though.

Oppo has a great track record when it comes to aesthetics, and the Find N5 is no different. In global markets the phone is available in either Misty White or Cosmic Black, and the white unit I tested featured a cool marble effect similar to the pearlescent material used for the Oppo Find X8 Pro. It’s a subtle touch that adds a hint of luxury, and contrasts nicely with the slimmed-down black camera island. Ergonomically, the phone’s rounded edges make it reasonably comfortable to hold when unfolded and decently usable one-handed, at least for right-handed users.

If I had one note about the design of the Oppo Find N5, it’s that the edges are so slim that it can actually be a little tricky to get enough purchase to open the phone. Then again, there’s not much Oppo can do about that while continuing to make these phones thinner, which if you ask me is a much more important goal. Overall, the Find N5 is a marvel of engineering that feels good to use – you can’t ask for much better than that.

Design score: 5 / 5

Oppo Find N5 review: Display

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The Oppo Find N5 inner display, waterfall in background — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

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The Oppo Find N5 cover display, waterfall in background — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

6.62-inch cover screen
8.1-inch inner display
Both screens are bright and sharp with 120Hz refresh rate

Though Oppo has leaned on the Find N5 being the “world’s thinnest book-style folding phone” in marketing, the displays here are class-leading in a different way. The Oppo Find N5 sports the largest displays on any phone of its type, with a 6.62-inch cover screen and massive 8.12-inch inner display, and both are sharp, bright, responsive panels that make just about anything look excellent.

The Oppo Find N5 features an 8.12-inch folding inner display, with a resolution of 2248 x 2480 pixels, peak brightness of 2100 nits, and variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz. At an almost-square aspect ratio of 9.9:9, the Find N5 is a great choice for watching videos, taking photos, and reading articles. This screen is a touch dimmer than the inner display on the OnePlus Open, which is noticeable but not an issue: I found the Find N5 to be more than serviceable in a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.

The Oppo Find N5 and OnePlus Open, unfolded, on a wooden table — Next to the OnePlus Open (right), the Oppo Find N5 (left) is visibly larger (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

By surface area, the Find N5’ inner display is larger than an iPad mini’s, which makes it a great choice for multitasking. As for the cover screen, the Find N5 goes well beyond the idea of a backup panel, with a sharp and contrasty 6.62-inch panel that makes one-handed use not only viable, but genuinely enjoyable. Both displays support the Oppo Pen stylus, sold separately, which opens even more productivity possibilities.

The cover display boasts a resolution of 1140 x 2616 pixels, peak brightness of 2450 nits, and that same variable 1-120Hz refresh rate. At an aspect ratio of 20.7:9 it’s a touch slimmer than the conventional 19.5:9 employed by the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25, but wider than the 22.1:9 cover screen on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The Oppo Find N5 open to Google Maps — Google Maps is a fantastic experience on the large inner display. (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

Switching between the two displays remains as easy as opening and closing the phone. Opening the phone will instantly continue your activity on the inner screen, while jumping from the inner to outer screen requires a swipe up to keep things going. These are two great panels that really feel like they work together as part of one cohesive system.

Display score: 4.5 / 5

Oppo Find N5 review: Software

The Oppo Find N5 app drawer — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

Android 15 with ColorOS 15
Great multitasking features
Bloatware on a phone of this caliber is ridiculous

I’ve been a fan of the software experience on Oppo phones for quite some time now – ColorOS 15 (based on Android 15) is one of the cleanest, fastest, and most customizable implementations of Android on the market, and Oppo has gone out of its way to ensure the experience translates well to the folding form factor; the UI as a whole remains blisteringly fast. Default apps and AI are all fine, but I imagine most users will head for the pre-installed Google suite and Gemini for their general application and AI needs.

In many ways, ColorOS still feels like an imitation of iOS, and the projection of the OS onto the folding form factor can feel like a bizarro mashup of iPhone and iPad features. The three dot multitasking menu is here, directly lifted from iPadOS, and allows you to activate split screen or floating windows with as many as four apps at once (three in split view and one floating). Originality aside, this works very well, and I was surprised by just how much the Find N5 could handle. I also like the pop-up that appears when you switch between two apps frequently, which suggests putting the two in split screen.

There’s another unique productivity feature that Oppo has added to the Find N5, but it isn’t installed by default. The new O+ Connect app for Mac allows the Oppo Find N5 to control Apple computers remotely, with real-time screen mirroring and a virtual keyboard appearing on the phone screen. This, building on previous file sharing functionality between Oppo phones and iPhones and iPads via the same app. O+ Connect works wirelessly over LAN, though Oppo wouldn’t tell me the exact latency. I’m not sure how useful this is in practice, but the idea of seeing Adobe Premiere Pro or Ableton Live on such a small screen is genuinely novel.

As is standard with Oppo phones, the customization on offer is world-class, with gorgeous live wallpapers and various ways to change fonts and colors across the UI. Regrettably, though, the phone comes preloaded with a handful of bloatware apps that most people won’t use – frankly, it’s frustrating that a phone of this price and calibre comes with any bloatware whatsoever. This is a luxury phone: it’s more about respect for the customer than any sort of actual inconvenience. That said, once you get the app drawer looking how you want it, ColorOS sails smooth.

Software score: 3.5 / 5

Oppo Find N5 review: Cameras

The camera island on the Oppo Find N5 — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

50MP main camera
8MP ultra-wide camera
50MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom

The OnePlus Open – a.k.a the global version of the Oppo Find N3 – made waves by being the first folding phone to sport a properly flagship-grade camera system – it also had one of the largest camera bumps we’ve ever seen. With the Find N5, Oppo has prioritized a slim build to the point that the camera system has had to be scaled back. The cameras here are still usable, good even, but definitely where the compromises needed to produce the world’s thinnest book-style foldable are most acutely felt.

The Find N5 comes equipped with a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 50MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Across the board, we see a reduction in resolution compared to the previous generation, though the main and telephoto cameras have larger sensors (Oppo hasn’t shared the sensor size for the ultra-wide). This translates to brighter images at the cost of a bit of granular detail. The main camera is decent and reliable, producing expressive photos in daylight and holding its own in darker environments too. The reach and depth of field offered by the 3x telephoto camera is especially impressive, while the 8MP ultra-wide is a mystifyingly low-spec choice that is hard to get good images from.

The OnePlus Open and Oppo Find N5, folded, rear panels and camera systems visible, on a wooden desk — Next to the OnePlus Open (left), the Oppo Find N5 has a visibly smaller camera system - but this comes at the cost of some performance. (Image credit: Jamie Richards Future)

The Find N5 also sports two identical selfie cameras – one punch-holed into each display – and they’re simply below par. Both are stuck at a measly 8MP and produce low-detail, low-contrast images. As the Find N5 is a folding phone, you can of course take selfies with the main camera, using the cover screen as a viewfinder, but that’s not really a replacement for a decent selfie camera – especially if you’re trying to be subtle.

As for the actual photography experience, the folding form factor allows for a lot of freedom with how you take your pics and videos. The inner screen works incredibly well as a massive viewfinder, and you can use the lower half of the screen as a gallery while shooting. Equally, the phone is slim enough that taking photos with the screen folded is just as pleasant. As for video, the phone maxes out at 4K 60fps.

The high-end cameras common to today’s flagship phones require a certain amount of physical space, which Oppo may have been unable to accommodate in such a slim frame. Alternatively, designing such a slim phone might have just been too expensive a process to make a better camera system cost effective. Either way, I respect that making the world's thinnest folding phone comes with some compromises, and the Find N5 can still take great photos – but this camera system is a noticeable backwards step.

Camera score: 3 / 5

Oppo Find N5 Camera Samples

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Five London phone boxes in a row — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

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A church against a cloudy sky — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

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A policeman on a motorcycle stopping traffic — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

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A London bus wrapped in pink advertising — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

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Two ducks on grass — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

Oppo Find N5 review: Performance

The Oppo Find N5 inner screen open to Call of Duty Mobile — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

Snapdragon 8 Elite (7-core variant)
16GB of RAM
512GB of storage

Oppo wasn’t messing around when it decided on the internal specs of the Find N5. This is a seriously powerful phone equipped with the latest mobile hardware and a massive amount of memory. There’s only one configuration to choose from, but with specs like these, you’re very unlikely to be disappointed.

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, the Find N5 has more than enough hardware power to handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. The phone flew through day-to-day tasks and sessions of Call of Duty Mobile with no fuss, only warming slightly during the most intense multitasking.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset found within the Find N5 is the lower-powered 7-core variant, but you wouldn’t notice it in normal use. The large screen, responsive UI, and powerful internals come together to provide a consistently excellent experience.

However, I did encounter some glitchy behavior during my testing period. On one occasion, the phone fully locked up when switching between the cover and inner screen, which required a restart. Other times, apps would become unresponsive due to a change in aspect ratio or switching screens. Some of this will be for app developers to sort out, and Android 16 should bring features that force developers to make apps that deal better with changing aspect ratios, but it’s still something to be aware of.

Overall, despite a few hiccups, you should find that the Find N5 flies through whatever you throw at it, with enough storage to last years of normal use and enough memory to keep up as applications and AI get more complex. It's the first folding phone I've seen that I'd consider a genuine productivity tool.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Oppo Find N5 review: Battery

The bottom edge of the Oppo Find N5, waterfall in background — (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

5,600mAh silicon-carbon battery
80W wired charging
50W wireless charging

It’s generally accepted that folding phones will have a shorter battery life than their candy-bar counterparts, due to the use of inefficient split battery cells, and the increased power draw of a large inner screen. With the Find N5, Oppo has made every effort to counteract this trend, but there’s only so much that can be done within the bounds of folding phone design.

With a – say it with me – class-leading battery capacity of 5,600mAh, the Find N5 can make it through a day of mixed use without having to think too much about charging. That battery is larger than the cells found in either the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and I found myself not really worrying about charging overnight or to 100% before leaving the house. That’s partly thanks to the adoption of silicon-carbon battery technology, which allows for a much higher power density. If you do get down to 1%, the phone enters an ultra-low power mode that keeps essential functions active until you can top up.

Charging is really no chore, as the Find N5 supports some truly rapid charging speeds. The phone supports up to 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging over Oppo’s proprietary AirVOOC standard. That’s excellent, not just for a folding phone but for a smart device in general – there are laptops that don’t support charging this fast. Oppo quotes a 50-minute charge time from 0-100%, but I found this took around 45 minutes with an Oppo 80W charger.

I did notice the battery draining a touch faster than on modern slab flagships, but then again I also noticed an improvement versus the OnePlus Open. Relative to other folding phones, this is a winner, but compared to slab phones there’s still a little catching up to do.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Oppo Find N5

Buy it if...

You want the thinnest folding phone

The Oppo Find N5 is only beaten by the tri-fold Huawei Mate XT when it comes to thinness, and while we wait for the latter device to come to global markets the Find N5 reigns as the thinnest foldable money can buy. This is a futuristic piece of tech that feels very much ahead of the curve design wise.

You want a powerful mobile device

With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16GB of RAM, the Oppo Find N5 takes on everything you throw at it with ease. The inner screen is great for multitasking, and games run very well so long as they support the squarer aspect ratio. You won't be left wanting for hardware power.

You want two great displays

The Oppo Find N5 stuns with both its cover screen and large folding display. Not only are these the biggest screens found on any book-style folding phone, they're bright, sharp, and rich with color and contrast, making the phone a winning choice for viewing videos, movies, and photos.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best cameras

The cameras on folding phones are rarely up to the standard of their slab phone counterparts, but the Find N5 takes another step back in the photography department to attain its slim profile. These cameras are fine, but nothing to write home about.

You want something familiar

I'm a big fan of Oppo's ColorOS Android wrapper, but for users who are more accustomed to Samsung or Google phones there may be a bit of a learning curve. Ironically, the amount of, ahem, inspiration Oppo takes from iOS may make jumping ship from iPhone a touch easier.

Oppo Find N5 review: Also consider

OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open is still on sale from OnePlus directly, as well as select third-party retailers and networks. As mentioned, this is the Find N3 in all but name. Since OnePlus isn't releasing its own foldable this year, this is the closest you'll get to the Find N5 in the US.

Read our OnePlus Open review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Though the Find N5 bests the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in many ways, there's a reason so many people choose Samsung's iconic foldable over the competition. Great cameras, familiar software, and integration with the Samsung ecosystem make this phone a compelling choice.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review

Oppo Find X8 Pro

Want a beautiful, powerful Oppo phone with none of this folding malarkey? Get the Oppo Find X8 Pro and enjoy one of the best camera phones ever produced.

Read our Oppo Find X8 Pro reviewView Deal

How I tested the Oppo Find N5

I used the Oppo Find N5 as my main smartphone for a period of one week, putting it through daily use cases like watching videos, listening to music, scrolling through social media, and reading articles, as well as more intentional tests like gaming sessions and timed charging. The model I tested came in the white color option and came with the standard 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Using the Find N5 as my daily driver over a week or so also gave me a sense of how useful or annoying the positive and negative attributes of the Find N5 are, particularly how the phone holds up ergonomically over time. I then applied my broad knowledge of the smartphone market and journalistic training to assess the performance and value of the Find N5.

For more on our smartphone testing process, be sure to take a look at how we test phones for review.

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