Pipes Feed Preview: PCWorld & Tech Advisor

  1. Microsoft Edge’s VPN may protect less than you think—change this setting

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Microsoft’s Edge browser comes with its own <a href="https://explore.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/features/edge-secure-network-vpn?form=MT0160">VPN</a>, allowing users to protect their internet traffic from eavesdropping by routing it through an encrypted tunnel. However, US security researcher <a href="https://profincognito.me/about/">Sooraj Sathyanarayanan </a>has highlighted the limitations of this protection.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Essentially, Edge only encrypts traffic generated by the browser. Everything else, such as emails sent through an email client, DNS queries from Window, or operating system updates, remains unencrypted.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sathyanarayanan also explains that, by default, Edge’s VPN only activates when you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network or visit an unencrypted HTTP website. Fortunately, this can be changed. First, click on the cog icon in the bottom right-hand corner of Edge and open Settings.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Next, go to Privacy, Search, and Services &gt; Security and scroll down on the page. Make sure the toggle next to Use Secure Microsoft Edge Network is flipped to On, then select the All Websites option below it. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Keep in mind that Edge’s free VPN includes a monthly data allowance of 5GB. If you route downloads and video streaming through the VPN, you’ll use up that allowance quickly. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For most people, however, a VPN isn’t necessary when browsing from a trusted home network.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you do need full-device protection, consider a paid VPN from a provider such as <a href="http://www.cyberghostvpn.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CyberGhost</a> or <a href="https://nordvpn.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NordVPN</a>. Those will protect all of your PC’s data traffic.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <div id="review-body" class="review"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" class="review-logo" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ta-ed-choice-22-final-2-1.svg" alt="Editors' Choice" /><h4 class="review-title" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h4><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="experts-rating">Expert's Rating</h3><div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5." role="img"></div> <div><div class="review-columns"> <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Compact, pocket-friendly shape</li> <li>4:3 screen is great for movies and gaming</li> <li>Solid battery life and fast charging</li> <li>Great multitasking tools</li> <li>Surprisingly advanced video features</li> </ul> </div> <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>No telephoto camera</li> <li>Software needs some tweaks</li> <li>Gaming performance could be improved</li> </ul> </div> <h3 class="review-subTitle review-subTitle--borderTop " id="our-verdict">Our Verdict </h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Z Fold 8 is a truly exciting phone that feels different from anything I have used before. The 4:3 aspect ratio of the main display has lots of benefits, and as ever, Samsung’s software, build quality and support promise are among the best. It’s not perfect, though; the lack of a telephoto camera stings, and the cover display, in particular, creates some challenges, especially when used with one hand. It won’t be for everyone, but many are sure to fall in love with this device.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Price When Reviewed</p> <p>This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Best Pricing Today</p> </div></div> </div> <h3 class="review-best-price" id="best-prices-today-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8"> Best Prices Today: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 </h3> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record "> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <span>Samsung</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price "> <span>£1699</span> </div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8/buy/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss" data-vars-product-name="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8" data-vars-product-id="3200558" data-vars-category="Smartphones" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11290" data-vars-manufacturer="Samsung" data-vars-vendor="Samsung" data-vars-po="" data-product="3200558" data-vars-link-position-id="001" data-vars-link-position="Price Comparison Top" data-vars-outbound-link="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8/buy/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss" data-vendor-api="" data-vars-product-price="£1699" data-vars-product-vendor="Samsung" aria-label="View deal at Samsung for £1699" target="_blank">View Deal</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A new category of folding phones is emerging, and Samsung is leading the charge. The Z Fold 8 is the first globally available phone to adopt this new passport-sized form factor, and rumours say Apple will be following suit, with Xiaomi and Honor potentially hopping on the bandwagon, too.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This new design gives you a very compact, shorter, and wider device when it’s folded down, and opens up to reveal a more traditional 4:3 tablet shape. It’s a novel new approach that feels extremely fresh, but of course, it comes with compromises – which we’ll get into later.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung has positioned the Fold 8 in the middle of its Z Fold lineup. It’s cheaper than the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3202958/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-1-week-later-samsung-perfected-the-wrong-foldable.html">Z Fold 8 Ultra</a> (the natural successor to the Fold 7), which maintains the traditional taller and slimmer foldable design, and it’s more expensive than the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3197663/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-8-hands-on-time-to-pull-the-plug.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3197663/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-8-hands-on-time-to-pull-the-plug.html">Flip 8</a>. Is this the goldilocks foldable? I’ve been using it for the past week to find out.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>one of the most exciting phones available</p></blockquote></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="design-build">Design &amp; Build</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Glass back, aluminium frame</li> <li>210g, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 </li> <li>IP48 rated for dust and water protection</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 keeps the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2840708/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2840708/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review.html">Z Fold 7</a>‘s design language intact, with sharp, squared-off corners, and Samsung’s iconic traffic-light-style camera arrangement. The big difference, of course, is the shape.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>People have been using the term ‘passport-shaped’ for a reason; it’s genuinely about the same size. </p></blockquote></figure> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 2" class="wp-image-3201660" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When folded shut, the screen is about a full inch shorter than most typical bar-phones, and around a centimetre wider. People have been using the term ‘passport-shaped’ for a reason; it’s genuinely about the same size. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unfolded, the interior screen is almost the same size as an iPad Mini, but without the chunky bezels. So you get roughly the same screen real estate and aspect ratio, but in a smaller overall package – that’s much slimmer, too.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-16.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 16" class="wp-image-3201635" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The phone only weighs 21g, meaning it’s lighter than the non-folding <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html">Galaxy S26 Ultra</a>. It’s also incredibly slim; the device is just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, or 9.7mm folded shut.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The cover display is protected by Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3, while the back panel is made from Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The back has a matte finish that’s completely immune to fingerprint smudging, and the frame is colour-matched in matte aluminium.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When it comes to colours, you can choose between Graphite, Cream and Lavender options as standard, while Pistachio is exclusive to Samsung’s online and retail storefronts.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 2" class="wp-image-3195023" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Z Fold 8 has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner/power button and a volume rocker, and both are positioned very naturally. Somewhat oddly, this phone only has a single physical SIM card slot, though, so if you need more than one SIM, you’ll have to use an <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/741579/what-is-an-esim-2.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/741579/what-is-an-esim-2.html">eSIM</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is one of the most interesting phones I’ve used in recent years. It feels completely different to anything I’ve used before, and there are plenty of good and bad things that come along with this dramatic change in design.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I absolutely love the way two-handed typing feels on the wider cover display, as the keyboard is noticeably more spacious. But one-handed typing is a real challenge, as you really have to stretch your thumb to reach the other side of the screen. I say that as a man with pretty large hands; if you have smaller digits, it’ll pose even more of a challenge.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>it feels fantastic in your pocket, and it sparks excitement and curiosity every time you pull it out</p></blockquote></figure> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-21.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 21" class="wp-image-3201650" width="1200" height="676" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One other thing to watch out for is compatibility with car phone holders. It fits in my Ugreen car cradle without a case on, but it’s pretty tight, and I think it would likely be too wide with a case installed. Of course, this could be remedied with a MagSafe mount, but it’s something worth thinking about.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On a more positive note, it feels fantastic in your pocket, and it sparks excitement and curiosity every time you pull it out. It’s been a while since I’ve felt that. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="screen-speakers">Screen &amp; Speakers</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Outer: 5.5-inch, 1248 x 1972, OLED, 120Hz</li> <li>Inner: 7.6-inch, 1828 x 2448, OLED, 120Hz</li> <li>Stereo speakers</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both the inner and outer screens are brighter than last year’s Fold 7, now able to reach 3000 nits at peak. Samsung is one of the biggest display manufacturers in the world, so it won’t surprise you to learn that both screens look excellent.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>you get a much shallower crease that’s almost imperceptible when viewed head-on</p></blockquote></figure> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 13" class="wp-image-3201651" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just like its pricier sibling, the Z Fold 8 benefits from the new Flex Titanium screen tech. This means you get a much shallower crease that’s almost imperceptible when viewed head-on; it should stay that way for much longer and be more durable, too.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The phone also opens completely flat this time around, while the Z Fold 7 sat at a very slight V-shape. This means it feels even more like a tablet when you’re using it unfolded. Note that the phone is only open or closed, unlike what we’re used to from Samsung’s foldables and this means sacrificing an important software feature I’ll talk about later.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The folding screen coating has also been improved. It’s way less shiny, and it’s anti-reflective, so you’ll have far fewer distractions when using the main display. Foldables with a more matte finish on their screen, like the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3083746/oppo-find-n6-review-hands-on.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3083746/oppo-find-n6-review-hands-on.html">Oppo Find N6</a>, are even better at rejecting reflections, but they attract fingerprints like crazy. This is a nice middle-ground, as it’s not super shiny, but also doesn’t smudge up too easily.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-8.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 8" class="wp-image-3201647" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The bezel is nice and slim around the main display, and it’s mirrored exactly on the cover display. That said, they do look bigger on the cover display, with its more traditional glass coating. It’s no big deal, but I have a feeling this cover display will quickly start to look dated when wide foldables become more prevalent.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung has once again opted for a punch-hole selfie camera on the folding display, rather than using its under-display camera tech. That’s a good thing, overall, as it means you’ll look a lot better when using the main screen for video calls, but I think the positioning could be better.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The punch hole matches the one on the cover screen, which means it’s in the centre of the right-hand portion of the screen. I wish Samsung moved it into the corner, as this punch hole tends to interrupt the viewing experience in both portrait and landscape orientation. It’s not a dealbreaker, by any means, just slightly annoying.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-6.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 6" class="wp-image-3201648" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The speakers are quite good, but they’re not as full-sounding as the S26 Ultra’s. Not too surprising, given the size constraints. You get dual stereo speakers that fire from the top and bottom when the phone is folded shut. They’ll give you a stereo effect when watching landscape content on the cover screen, or vertical content on the folding screen.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Personally, I would have preferred the opposite orientation. YouTube videos and games don’t sound too great when you’re using the bigger screen in landscape mode, as all the sound is coming from the left side. Conversely, though, vertical videos sound great, so I guess it depends where your priorities lie.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="specs-performance">Specs &amp; Performance</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5</li> <li>12GB / 16GB RAM</li> <li>256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is powered by the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2918836/5-qualcomm-snapdragon-8-elite-gen-5-upgrades-and-features.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2918836/5-qualcomm-snapdragon-8-elite-gen-5-upgrades-and-features.html">Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5</a> SoC, and as ever, it’s a specially tuned “for Galaxy” version, which should unlock some extra performance. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">My sample is the base model, which comes with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. The 512GB model also gets 12GB RAM, and if you opt for the 1TB model, that’ll be bumped up to 16GB – but it’ll cost you a pretty penny.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>When it comes to gaming performance, the Fold 8 does a decent job, but I was hoping for more</p></blockquote></figure> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 5" class="wp-image-3201636" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With my normal usage, the Z Fold 8 was as rapid as the spec sheet suggests. Apps open quickly, multitasking is no problem at all, and it can run some graphically demanding games, too.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thermal performance, however, doesn’t seem to be the best. Even with light use, just browsing social media and messaging, I could feel the phone heating up around the cameras on the rear panel. Both screens dim quite significantly to reduce heat build-up in these conditions, and when you’re out in the summer sun, that can be quite frustrating. </p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-28.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 28" class="wp-image-3201649" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s nothing unusual about this behaviour; all foldables do it, but this one seems to dim a little quicker than most. Perhaps due to the lack of surface area available for heat dissipation.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When it comes to gaming performance, the Fold 8 does a decent job, but I was hoping for more. Titles like Genshin Impact are extremely well optimised, but the phone struggled more with Wuthering Waves. I needed to lower the graphics preset to “balanced” to get a smooth experience at 60fps, but even then I experienced dips into the low 40s.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-30.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 30" class="wp-image-3201642" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, Wuthering Waves is notoriously challenging (which is why I use it), and the phone fares a lot better in other titles. So it depends on what you’re trying to play. The upside is that games look superb on the folding screen. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Game UIs and cutscenes scale a lot better with this aspect ratio than your typical almost-square folding display, and the phone feels slightly more ergonomic, too. It’s even better if you dabble in emulation, as older titles in 4:3 make use of the entire display – PS1 games never looked so good!</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="cameras">Cameras</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>50Mp f/1.8 main sensor</li> <li>50Mp f/1.9 ultrawide</li> <li>Dual 10Mp f/2.2 selfie cameras</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has two cameras on the rear: a 50Mp f/1.8 main camera with a modest 1/1.57-inch sensor and a 50Mp f/1.9 with a 1/2.5-inch sensor. Compared to last year’s Fold 7 and the Fold 8 Ultra, it’s a big step down. There’s no dedicated telephoto, and far fewer megapixels on the main camera. However, it’s still a better showing than the Flip 8, which only has a 12Mp ultrawide.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>Photos have that signature Samsung style: very sharp, just vibrant enough, with high levels of HDR and natural colours</p></blockquote></figure> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-20.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 20" class="wp-image-3201640" width="1200" height="676" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You get a 10Mp selfie camera that pokes through either display, but they’re not identical. The one on the folding screen has a wider FOV, which is really nice for video calls. I would say it’s good for group photos, too, but the ultrawide on the back is far better, and the folding shape makes it almost as easy to use for selfies.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’ve taken pictures with a recent flagship Samsung phone, these cameras will feel very familiar. Photos have that signature Samsung style: very sharp, just vibrant enough, with high levels of HDR and natural colours that are unlikely to wow or offend.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can, of course, give photos much more personality if you delve into the filters – and I think it’s well worth doing so. They’re all highly customisable, and if you want something that really stands out, using filters is the way to go. You can also shoot in RAW if you want a more professional workflow.</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide" style="--aspect-ratio:calc(1200 / 900)"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 1" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201892" data-id="3201892" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 2" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201899" data-id="3201899" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 3" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201898" data-id="3201898" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 4" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201896" data-id="3201896" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 5" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201880" data-id="3201880" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 18" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201900" data-id="3201900" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-18.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 19" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201891" data-id="3201891" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-19.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 21" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201894" data-id="3201894" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-21.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 7" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201897" data-id="3201897" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-7.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 6" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201889" data-id="3201889" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-6.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 20" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201885" data-id="3201885" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-20.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 9" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201887" data-id="3201887" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-9.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 10" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201883" data-id="3201883" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-10.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 8" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201884" data-id="3201884" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-8.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the daylight, photos were solid. These cameras are very consistent and reliable; they don’t really have the wow-factor of Ultra-class flagship phones, but they’ll rarely let you down. At night, graininess can be an issue, but wide apertures on both of the rear cameras mean that motion blur isn’t too much of a problem, and images rarely look too dark.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The big drawback is the lack of a telephoto camera. It’s exceedingly rare to find a phone this expensive that doesn’t have one, and if you’re used to having one available, you’ll immediately notice the difference.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The camera app will still let you digitally zoom to 10x, but it doesn’t look that great when you do. Really, you can’t go much past 4x without a noticeable drop in image quality, and that feels incredibly limiting. You might not notice it every day, but the second you go to a concert, it’ll really sting.</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide" style="--aspect-ratio:calc(1200 / 900)"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 15" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201890" data-id="3201890" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-15.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 14" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201888" data-id="3201888" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-14.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 17" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201882" data-id="3201882" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-17.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 16" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201893" data-id="3201893" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-16.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 11" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201895" data-id="3201895" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-11.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 12" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201881" data-id="3201881" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-12.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8 Test Photo 13" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3201886" data-id="3201886" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-fold-8-Test-Photo-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Video performance is great with the excellent stabilisation and microphone quality that we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s flagship devices. The fact that you can unfold the phone and use the cover screen as a preview monitor makes this a neat little tool for vlogging, too.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Z Fold 8 also benefits from some of the newer professional video features that debuted on the Galaxy S phones. You can record at up to 8K 30fps on both rear cameras, and 4K 120fps on the main. There’s also Samsung’s excellent Log profile, the fancy new APV codec, and horizontal lock stabilisation.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are also a couple of new additions. There’s a mode called FanCam that lets you select a single subject from a wide shot, and it’ll automatically crop in and follow them throughout the frame in an aspect ratio of your choosing. Some new dual video recording options allow you to film your surroundings and your reaction at the same time, as well.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="battery-life-charging">Battery Life &amp; Charging</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>4800mAh battery</li> <li>45W wired charging</li> <li>20W wireless charging</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite being a lot smaller, the Z Fold 8 actually outdoes the Z Fold 7 with its battery capacity. Samsung is finally dipping its toes into Silicon battery tech, and as a result, there’s 4800mAh squeezed into this tiny, slim chassis.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also ups the charging speeds. You can now charge at up to 45W with a wire, and 20W wirelessly, compared to just 25W and 15W wireless on the Z Fold 7. It might not sound too impressive, with Chinese brands claiming 100W plus, but in reality, it’s just as quick as most of them. </p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>the Z Fold 8 saw me through an average day’s use without issue</p></blockquote></figure> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-23.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 23" class="wp-image-3201637" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In my testing, this was enough to go from completely dead to over 70% charged in just 30 minutes. If you’re keeping score, that’s a little faster than the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3179061/honor-magic-v6-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3179061/honor-magic-v6-review.html">Honor Magic V6</a>, which claims 80W speeds.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As for the battery life, the Z Fold 8 saw me through an average day’s use without issue. It’s very good, but I’ve been somewhat spoiled after using the Find N6 so much, with its 6000mAh capacity. Obviously, the Fold 8 can’t compete with that, but it’s good enough for most people’s needs. Just expect to be charging it every night without fail – and maybe earlier than that if you’ve been gaming.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="software-apps">Software &amp; Apps</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>One UI 9, based on Android 17</li> <li>New Now Nudge features</li> <li>New Galaxy AI and Gemini features</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 runs the latest version of Samsung’s One UI 9 software, built on <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3169762/ive-tested-android-17-heres-what-youre-missing.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3169762/ive-tested-android-17-heres-what-youre-missing.html">Android 17</a>. Fundamentally, it’s very similar to the software on all recent Samsung flagships, but this new form factor presents fresh challenges, and there are some new features to explore, too.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>you can now run three apps side-by-side in split screen mode to make full use of the wide folding display</p></blockquote></figure> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-26.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 26" class="wp-image-3201645" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To get the basics out of the way, One UI is renowned for its speediness and customisability, and all of that remains true. It looks slick by default, and there are almost endless ways to make it feel like your own. Samsung also promises 7 years of updates and security patches, so it’ll remain usable for many years to come.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">My one major criticism is that it feels cluttered right out of the box. Samsung has so many first-party apps and features, and it works closely with Google to implement all of its latest features, too. A lot of these apps and features are trying to accomplish the same thing. Should I use Samsung Wallet or Google Wallet, for example, and Gemini or Bixby? You get the idea.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This time, multitasking has been reworked, and you can now run three apps side-by-side in split screen mode to make full use of the wide folding display. It’s an excellent upgrade, and means you can get some serious work done on an impossibly small device.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-14.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 14" class="wp-image-3201661" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Now Nudge functionality has been expanded, and it’ll now appear in more places, offering actionable prompts like “add to calendar?” when someone proposes a date via text message. Gemini Notebook also comes preinstalled, which seems to be a rebranding of Google’s Notebook LM, as all my previous Notebook LM sessions appeared when I first opened it.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This tool lets you upload documents and then ask questions or generate content from those documents. It used to be restricted to things like PDFs, but it now works with audio, video, images, and more. Once uploaded, the AI can generate slides, infographics, a podcast – or you can use it like a regular chatbot and talk about your uploaded media.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-15.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 15" class="wp-image-3201644" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the new passport-like shape has plenty of benefits, I feel like One UI isn’t fully optimised for it yet. There are a few oddities that make the experience feel less polished than usual.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The one that bugs me the most is that I can only have up to four apps on each row on the cover display, while the home row can have five. Even the Z Fold 7 (the narrowest phone that Samsung makes) can have five apps on a row, so why, on this wider screen, am I stuck with four?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another annoyance is that the homescreen apps all jump about when using the phone unfolded and switching from portrait to landscape. So if you’re used to your apps being in a particular order, you’re sure to get frustrated. Perhaps more bizarrely, you can’t add an app to your homescreen in portrait mode on the folding display; it has to be in landscape. Again, I can’t fathom why.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As mentioned earlier, the hinge on the Z Fold 8 is either open or closed, so you can’t leave it semi-open like a laptop. This helps with opening and closing but means <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3198114/galaxy-z-fold-8-missing-feature-could-be-a-dealbreaker.html">there’s no Flex Mode</a>, which is a shame. This lets you do hands-free video calls, camera previews, and use half the screen as a control panel or gamepad for select apps.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Barring Flex Mode, I’m sure these will be ironed out in time, and they’re far from dealbreakers, but I feel like One UI needs some tweaks to let this form factor truly shine.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="price-availability">Price &amp; Availability</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available to pre-order now in most regions globally. In the UK, it’ll be in stores and shipping to customers from 7 August. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Z Fold 8 will set you back £1,699/$1,899/€1,999 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. That rises to £1,869/$2,099 for the 12/512GB version or £2,209/$2,499 for the 16/1TB variant.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I feel like Samsung has attempted to pull a fast one with the pricing. The Z Fold 8 is cheaper than the Z Fold 7 was at launch, which seems like a good thing, but it’s not really a successor to that phone. It’s a completely different shape and has less impressive cameras, so it’s not as high-end. In reality, the Fold 8 Ultra, which is very similar to the Fold 7, has received a £100/$100 price hike, as has the Flip 8. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As for the Fold 8, though, it doesn’t have any direct competition at the moment, so it’s hard to judge the value here. Sure, there’s <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3112491/huaweis-wide-foldable-beat-samsung-and-apple-but-i-dont-see-the-point.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3112491/huaweis-wide-foldable-beat-samsung-and-apple-but-i-dont-see-the-point.html">Huawei’s Pura X Max</a>, but that never launched outside of China. It’ll be interesting to see how Apple prices its <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/739361/foldable-iphone-release-date-price-specs.html">iPhone Ultra</a> foldable in a few months.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For now, you can check out how we rank the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724489/best-flip-foldable-phone.html">best foldable phones</a>.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-review-27.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review 27" class="wp-image-3201639" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="should-you-buy-the-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8">Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8?</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is an excellent phone, and the new shape provides some much-needed novelty to the market. When I first saw it, my reaction was “oh wow, that’s cool”. Everyone I have shown it to felt the same way, and after a week of use, I’m still excited by it every time I pick it up.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">My fear is that the novelty will start to wear off, and the small annoyances that I have detailed in this review will overpower the fun factor. That hasn’t happened yet, but it could.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unfolded, the new shape provides some very real benefits for gaming, content consumption, and reading, but the drawbacks are significant, too. The cover display can feel cramped, and it’s not very comfortable to use one-handed. The lack of a telephoto camera is also hard to deal with, and thermal limits mean that gaming isn’t as great as it could be.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As ever, it depends on what you want from your phone. As an avid photographer and gamer, it’s probably not the device for me, but the shape shows merit, and perhaps one of the coming wide-folds will be. As of right now, the Z Fold 8 is one of the most exciting phones available, and if the idea of an iPad mini that fits in your pocket appeals, you’re in for a lot of fun with this one.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="specs">Specs</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>One UI 9, based on Android 17</li> <li>Outer: 5.5-inch, 1248 x 1972, OLED, 120Hz</li> <li>Inner: 7.6-inch, 1828 x 2448, OLED, 120Hz</li> <li>Power-button fingerprint sensor</li> <li>Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5</li> <li>12GB / 16GB RAM</li> <li>256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage</li> <li>Camera:</li> <li>50Mp main sensor</li> <li>50Mp ultrawide</li> <li>Dual 10Mp selfie camera</li> <li>Up to 8K @ 30fps rear video</li> <li>Stereo speakers</li> <li>Single SIM + eSIM</li> <li>Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7</li> <li>Bluetooth 6.0</li> <li>4800mAh battery</li> <li>45W wired charging</li> <li>20W wireless charging</li> <li>81.9 x 123.9 x 9.7 mm (folded)</li> <li>IP48 certified</li> <li>201g</li> <li>Colours: Graphite, Cream, Lavender, Pistachio</li> </ul> </div></div></div></div>
  2. No, Linux didn’t actually hit 10% market share. Blame bots

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:48:53 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">News has been going around that Linux has finally crossed the 10 percent market share milestone among desktop PCs in North America, rocketing up from <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2851606/linux-market-share-just-crossed-5-percent-hitting-a-new-milestone.html">last year’s 5 percent milestone hit</a>. If you look only at USA figures, Linux’s July 2026 market share hit an even more impressive 11.87 percent, which its worldwide market share sits at 7.51 percent.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What’s going on? As it turns out, these figures—<a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/united-states-of-america">provided by Statcounter</a>—don’t quite reflect reality as it is.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Time and again, Statcounter astonishes the world with its data on operating system market shares. For instance, a very old version of macOS (Mac OS X, which was only in use until 2016) supposedly gained significant ground recently while the current version of macOS stayed small with a lesser market share. When strange occurrences like this happen, digging into the data can explain the unlikeliness.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In this case, it <em>appears</em> as if Linux is spreading like wildfire among desktop PCs, a development that’s <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/1vcpk8i/linux_desktop_market_share_has_hit_over_10_in/">being celebrated within the Linux community</a>. But <a href="https://www.windowslatest.com/2026/08/03/linux-didnt-just-eat-10-of-windows-market-share-ai-bots-are-inflating-the-numbers/">Windows Latest</a> took a closer look at the supposed figures and reached a different conclusion: AI bots.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to <a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/faq">Statcounter’s FAQ page</a>, here’s how it operates:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We calculate our Global Stats on the basis of more than 3 billion page views per month, by people from all over the world onto our 1 million+ member sites. […] We track the activity of third party visitors to our member websites. We do not calculate our stats based on the activity of our members alone.”</p> </blockquote> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In other words, Statcounter counts page views, not individual users or actual devices. Then, per Windows Latest:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If Linux-based agents or bots suddenly visited sites that use Statcounter’s tracking code, Linux’s number could rise, and Windows would lose market share because the numbers are measured on a 100% scale. However, it does not mean people have replaced Windows on their PCs.</p> </blockquote> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Is it possible for a desktop OS that has struggled to cross the 5 percent mark for years to suddenly spike up to 10 percent and beyond? Sure. But is it plausible? Not really. A doubling in market share within one or two months is simply farfetched, especially when a simpler and more plausible explanation exists: Statcounter’s tracking is being duped by web and AI bots masquerading as Linux traffic.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A comparison with data from <a href="https://radar.cloudflare.com/explorer">Cloudflare Radar</a> apparently confirms this. While Cloudflare Radar also shows a spike in Linux usage, that spike all but disappears when you filter for human-only traffic. As such, Linux’s growth over the past few months is likely much smaller than the numbers suggest.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung Galaxy users are currently reporting several issues that appear to be linked to the latest security patch released on 21 July. Complaints are mounting on <a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://r2.community.samsung.com/t5/forums/searchpage/tab/message?filter=location,dateRangeType&amp;q=Battery%20drain&amp;rangeTime=1w&amp;location=forum-board:in-community-sp-gs&amp;collapse_discussion=true&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Samsung forum</a> about rapidly draining batteries, unexpected overheating and unusually long charging times.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2219205/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-review.html">Galaxy S24 Ultra</a> and the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2583341/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-review.html">Galaxy S25 Ultra</a> appear to be the most affected models. It is not yet known whether other devices may experience similar problems following the installation of the update. However, it appears to be a software bug that prevents affected smartphones from entering sleep mode properly.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This means that the device can lose a full battery charge overnight, for example. Some users report that their smartphone was virtually fully charged before they went to bed. By the next morning, the battery level was down to just a few per cent.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The high energy consumption also causes the smartphones to become unusually hot. This poses an additional risk and can not only lead to faster battery wear but, in the worst case, also present a fire hazard. Performance is also affected.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Galaxy-S24-Ultra_review_4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Galaxy S24 Ultra_with S Pen" class="wp-image-2202694" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The affected devices are all running Samsung’s One UI 8.5 operating system, which has been rolling out since May. In addition, the latest security update has been installed, which patches several security vulnerabilities (<a href="https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see the official patch notes</a>).</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-you-can-do">What you can do</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the faulty security patch has not yet been installed on your device, it is best to wait until Samsung fixes the bug and updates the patch. This is because it is not clear whether other devices might also be affected by the battery issues.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If your <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724188/best-samsung-galaxy-phone.html">Galaxy smartphone</a> is already affected, you should handle it with particular care. Instead of charging the device overnight or leaving it on standby, it is better to switch it off completely. Do not expose it to further heat, such as direct sunlight, and do not place it in drawers or under pillows or duvets, so that heat does not build up.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s best to inform Samsung Support about the issue, even if it’s already known, so that you can be contacted as soon as a solution has been found. We expect Samsung to release a patch for this in the near future.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  3. OpenAI’s AI broke out. It’s time for digital disaster planning

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:06:11 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You’ve probably heard about the OpenAI hacking incident—where an AI agent escaped its testing confines and hacked a website on the open web.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When PCWorld staffers discussed <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3197936/ai-is-learning-to-go-rogue-and-hack-the-system.html">this development</a>, I was actually surprised by the reactions. One person described it as “the most terrifying security <span style="text-decoration: underline">and</span> AI news I’ve heard in recent memory.” In reverse, they seemed surprised by my relative calm.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Don’t get me wrong. I’m not unaffected. But I don’t think of AI as the problem.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Welcome to Safe Mode, your weekly report for pressing security and privacy news—and what steps to take next. Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox?</em><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/newsletters/signup"><em> Sign up on our website</em></a><em>! </em></p> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">AI is a tool. Whoever wields the tool sets the agenda. In this case, OpenAI ran a benchmark specifically to evaluate how well its new models can find and exploit vulnerabilities. And in its own way, the AI agent being tested did exactly that. It found an unknown vulnerability in its controlled environment, broke out to the open web, and hacked into a website called Hugging Face (a code repository for AI developers).</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I don’t find it scary OpenAI’s AI agent basically chose to cheat on its test. AI isn’t human. It also doesn’t operate independently, even if marketed as such. As Olivia Buzek, Staff AI Engineer at IBM said <a href="https://youtu.be/7eCM7jsfbeA?si=iAUARZgkmE7WgudH&amp;t=61">in a podcast</a>: <em>“Fundamentally…models by themselves cannot escape containment. They can only do the things that you give them the tools to do. So what that means is, you need to be very careful about what sort of tools you hand it.”</em> In this context, her reference to tools is about the type and level of access developers give to AI models.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Humans make AI. Humans determine how AI is configured. I’m much more concerned about the people developing AI. They are learning in real time the consequences of automating tasks and processes at dramatically bigger scale and speed. But they seem unprepared to protect the rest of us as mistakes happen.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead, AI companies have stayed quiet about the uglier parts of development. Hugging Face <a href="https://huggingface.co/blog/security-incident-july-2026">brought this breach</a> to light, not OpenAI. OpenAI <a href="https://openai.com/index/hugging-face-model-evaluation-security-incident/">identified itself as the source</a> five days later. Meanwhile, rival Anthropic just revealed it too has seen <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3203838/anthropic-admits-claude-hacked-real-companies-during-ai-safety-tests-too.html">Claude hack live websites</a>—sharing after the fact and as OpenAI dominates headlines.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">So what scares me is splash damage. I can see a future of consumers dealing regularly with the consequences of human decisions around AI design. We already can’t control the number of attacks on businesses, which lead to data leaks and other online security issues. Matters will worsen dramatically in a world where AI agents run amok, either accidentally or purposefully. AI models can continually hammer at a task without fatiguing.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-07-31-191703.png?w=1200" alt="OpenAI's website (July 31, 2026)" class="wp-image-3204041" width="1200" height="647" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">OpenAI’s unintended hack of Hugging Face has given us consumers a first real look into AI development’s messy rawness.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">OpenAI</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We of course as everyday users still have our voices, and we should use them. We should ask our government representatives to look deeper into regulation, to establish a structure for AI incident reporting and remediation. Only part of the tech industry’s major players have committed <a href="https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/open-secure-ai-alliance/">to open source solutions</a>; OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are conspicuously absent. Problems cannot be solved if kept secret.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We also need to be prepared for disaster. What would be considered unexpected and catastrophic now could become usual. This OpenAI incident has a similar vibe as the early days of the internet. Just think back to when a graduate student released <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_worm">a computer worm on the open web</a>—without any intent to cause the subsequent mayhem and financial damage. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As AI development bumps along, I can picture situations where AI amplifies human error to an extreme. Denials of service at massive scale. Wholesale, abrupt account lockouts in the millions. Etc.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Online security ultimately boils down to access, in my book. Those who should have it, do. And those who shouldn’t, don’t. But when that fails, you need a backup plan. You need a way to get yourself out of a sticky spot when established systems fail you. (Or at least, a way to cushion the impact.) So: Are you ready if your bank account were to become inaccessible? Your electricity shut off because your account was erroneously flagged as delinquent? Losing access to an important email, messaging, or social media account because its security was breached or the service was forced to go offline?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We tend to think of disaster preparedness for natural events—hurricane, flood, fire. But I think this OpenAI hacking incident is a warning about digital disasters. A harsh, cold slap of a new reality, where disruption to online systems will happen in just minutes. Whether such instances leave behind major destruction is up to AI developers. I’m not encouraged by their approach so far.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">(Just as I finished writing this, OpenAI says <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/openai-finds-evidence-other-ai-agents-escaped-containment-it-widens-hacking-2026-07-31/">maybe yet other AI agents escaped their sandboxes, too</a>.)</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="in-the-news">In the news</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI of course turned up in headlines repeatedly this week—not only did Hugging Face <a href="https://huggingface.co/blog/agent-intrusion-technical-timeline">release a detailed report</a> on how the attack on their site unfolded, but it turns out the same AI agent <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2el319vzr3o">hacked a few other sites</a> in addition to Hugging Face. And as mentioned just above, <em>other</em> AI agents may have snuck out on to open web, too.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But unfortunately, that wasn’t the only concerning news. Microsoft, Adobe, and even the Vatican fumbled on privacy and permissions, with the info only coming to light now.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/fabio-fistarol-61rBB5NXuUw-unsplash.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="St Peter Basilica (Vatican City)" class="wp-image-3204048" width="1200" height="801" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Security holes were found in a holy app.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Fabio Fistarol / Unsplash</p></div> <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-bad">The bad</h4> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Older versions of the Adobe Acrobat extension for Chrome <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/adobe-chrome-extension-flaw-let-sites-access-private-whatsapp-chats/">could leak your private WhatsApp chats</a>, due to a flaw. This issue has since been patched, so make sure you’re running version 26.5.2.3 or newer.</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>For more than six months, the <a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/security-flaw-in-vaticans-click-to-pray-app-leaves-over-700-000-global-users-exposed-app-has-been-leaking-user-data-for-over-six-months-and-still-does">Vatican’s official “Click to Pray” app leaked data</a> of over 700,000 users, including names and email addresses. Users should screen email and messages carefully, especially any asking for money.</li> </ul> <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-concerning">The concerning</h4> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Microsoft apparently tags Windows devices with <a href="https://www.extremetech.com/internet/microsoft-confirms-windows-has-a-global-device-id-you-cant-turn-off">a unique identifier</a>—and then can link activity performed on that device back to that ID. Jokes about hackers who don’t use Linux aside, the privacy implications still matter for us everyday Windows users.</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/a-device-hidden-in-cars-across-the-us-leaves-them-vulnerable-to-hacking-and-paralysis-patch-it-now/">Your car could be vulnerable to hackers</a>. Newer vehicles may have an exploitable aftermarket car security system installed, even if you never asked for one. Check to see if yours does; if yes, either update it to the latest firmware or remove it all together.</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Claude can now hook into 1Password to log into services on your behalf—a feature that <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3193217/claude-did-my-freshdirect-shopping-with-help-from-1password.html">my coworker Ben Patterson took for a spin</a> just before the OpenAI hacking debacle. This level of trust in AI feels particularly risky, so if you must use it, consider linking to a second account that holds just the passwords Claude would need.</li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="tip-of-the-week">Tip of the week</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-07-31-193443.png?w=1200" alt="California's DROP site for DELETE Act requests" class="wp-image-3204049" width="1200" height="800" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">State of California</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Like your privacy and live in California? You can request deletion of your information from <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3188311/how-data-brokers-get-your-information-even-if-youre-careful.html">data broker databases</a>, which create profiles on individuals that include full legal names, known addresses and phone numbers, social security numbers, relatives, and more. Data brokers otherwise openly sell access to these details.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To get started, head to the official <a href="https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/">DROP website</a>, which is free and managed by the state of California. Just one request applies to all data brokers registered with California (and they must register in order to avoid fines).</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">August 1 marks the start for when data brokers must begin deleting profiles. So if you’ve been waiting to put in your request—or to let your state know that you want a similar program, being a non-Californian—now’s the time.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google has offered us the clearest look at its big new feature for the Pixel 11 series – and has confirmed that the regular model might be the one to go for.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ahead of Made by Google 2026 on 12 August, where the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2515014/google-pixel-11-release-date-price-specs.html">Pixel 11 series</a> is set to be featured, the company has just released a revealing teaser video.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 30-second snippet runs through all of the Google services that many of us (including iPhone users) use. Think Gmail, Google Maps, and Gemini.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It then draws the really quite reasonable (in a way) conclusion as to what your next logical step should be. Buy a <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2791228/best-google-pixel-phone.html">Google Pixel phone</a>, of course!</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper youtube-video"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The next obvious move. Google <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Pixel11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pixel11</a> Pro. <br><br>Ask more of your phone. August 12.<br><br>Learn more and sign up for <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MadeByGoogle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadeByGoogle</a> updates: <a href="https://t.co/2L9DcqJ0yq">https://t.co/2L9DcqJ0yq</a> <a href="https://t.co/ImFuMdtXs5">pic.twitter.com/ImFuMdtXs5</a></p>— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) <a href="https://x.com/madebygoogle/status/2082497835291787485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixels-glow-up">Pixel’s Glow up</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whether you buy Google’s argument or not, the main interest here lies in the latter half of the video. Here we get a good look at the Google Pixel 11 Pro’s silhouette.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Only the outline of the phone and its signature camera bar are visible – plus the one signature feature. Google’s so-called ‘Pixel Glow’ (though recent leaks suggest it might be called ‘HiLight’) feature has been heavily leaked, and this is our best official look at it yet.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We see the camera flash lit up in multiple colours, confirming that some kind of advanced LED notification system is in play.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/google-pixel-11-pro-teaser.png?w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 11 Pro teaser" class="wp-image-3202600" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Google</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This was <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3192991/key-reason-to-buy-pixel-11-is-hidden-in-the-camera-flash.html">largely known</a> before this teaser. What was only suspected was that it would be exclusive to the Pixel 11 Pro – something Google has effectively just confirmed by labelling this video ‘Google Pixel 11 Pro – The Next Obvious Move’.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>if any manufacturer adds a flashing light system onto the back of a phone, you’d better believe I’ll be turning it off</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re at all dubious about the worth of such face-down notification systems – or just Google’s execution of it – then this could serve as all the encouragement you need to choose the regular Google Pixel 11 over the Pro.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="failing-to-take-the-temperature">Failing to take the temperature</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As we’ve noted before, Google is rumoured to be ditching one of the Pro line’s most <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3132532/google-pixel-11-pros-diabolical-trade-off.html">overlooked and unique features</a> for this ‘Pixel Glow’ system. In comes a psychedelic notification indicator, out goes the thermometer that was introduced with the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2101991/google-pixel-8-pro-review.html">Google Pixel 8 Pro</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Clearly not everyone found this feature useful. But as the youth vernacular goes, if you know you know (IYKYK).</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pixel-temperature-sensor.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="pixel temperature sensor" class="wp-image-3132534" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Using the Pixel Pro’s dedicated infrared sensor to measure the temperature of everyday objects – and even people – could be genuinely useful when you remembered it was there.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Would I choose to swap that for a notification light? Not personally. I’ve never seen the point of such systems in rival phones, such as <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3093072/nothing-phone-4a-pro-review.html">Nothing’s Glyph interface</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On the rare occasion that I’m putting my phone face-down on a table, it’s because I don’t want to be disturbed or distracted by it in any way – I’m choosing not to engage with my phone. As such, if any manufacturer adds a flashing light system onto the back of a phone, you’d better believe I’ll be turning it off.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Nothing-Phone-4a-Pro-4.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Nothing Phone 4a Pro 4" class="wp-image-3093083" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro employs its own ‘Glow’ system</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Jon Mundy / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="faint-glow">Faint Glow</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, there’s a chance Google will find something novel to do with this light. The tiny size of it, though, has me dubious that it’ll be able to match Nothing’s more extensive-looking Glyph system, which has supplied various forms of animated indicators and timers over the years.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m not willing to state that the Pixel 11 is going to be the preferable model just yet. I’ll need to see what improvements have been made elsewhere first (new camera tech would be nice), as well as the extent of those <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3199502/google-just-got-the-pixel-11-bad-news-out-the-way.html">confirmed price hikes</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What I’m dubious of is that the ‘Pixel Glow’ system is going to figure into my decision at all. And indifference would possibly be an even more damning response than outright hatred.</p> <div class="wp-block-product-widget-block product-widget"> <div class="product-widget__block-title-wrapper"> <h4 class="product-widget__block-title" id=""> </h4> </div> <div class="product-widget__content-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__title-wrapper"> <h3 class="product-widget__title" id="google-pixel-8-pro">Google Pixel 8 Pro</h3> </div> <div class="product-widget__image-outer-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__image-wrapper"> <img width="2000" height="1125" class="product-widget__image" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Google-Pixel-8-Pro_review_1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" alt="Google Pixel 8 Pro" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> </div> </div> <div class="review product-widget__review-details"> <img width="400px" class="product-widget__review-details--editors-choice-logo" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ta-ed-choice-22-final-2-1.svg" alt="Editors' Choice" loading="lazy" /> <div class="product-widget__rating-and-review-link"> <div class="product-widget__review-details--rating"> <div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5"></div> </div> <a class="product-widget__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2101991/google-pixel-8-pro-review.html" target="_blank">Read our review</a> </div> </div> <div class="product-widget__information"> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div>
  4. RAM is painfully expensive. Try these fixes before buying more

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There has been a severe <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3116546/investigation-ram-prices-are-falling-dont-fall-for-it.html">memory shortage</a> for months. The main reason for this is the AI boom: large portions of DRAM production are being diverted to data centers and AI accelerators, leaving traditional PC manufacturers to struggle with rising prices.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to data from <a href="https://www.trendforce.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TrendForce</a>, prices for traditional DRAM rose by around 90 percent in the first quarter of 2026, depending on the segment. HP recently stated that RAM and SSDs now account for around 35 percent of a PC’s material costs – previously, this figure hovered around 15 to 18 percent.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-TrendForce-Ausblick.png" alt="RAM optimal TrendForce Ausblick" class="wp-image-3145491" width="989" height="484" sizes="auto, (max-width: 989px) 100vw, 989px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">TrendForce</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">No one currently expects the market to stabilize any time soon. Industry analysts, on the contrary, anticipate that memory prices will remain high until at least 2027. Anyone currently buying a new PC or looking to extend the life of their existing machine with a RAM upgrade will need to budget significantly more money.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If a purchase or upgrade is no longer viable within your budget, tuning tricks can help make optimal use of the available memory, allowing you to carry on with 8 or 16 GB of RAM. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="check-how-much-ram-your-pc-can-actually-use">Check how much RAM your PC can actually use</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first step towards an optimized system is a precise diagnosis of your current hardware. This allows you to determine how much of the installed memory the computer is actually permitted to use. This information can be found in the Windows System Information.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can open this by pressing the <em>Win-R</em> key combination and entering the command <em>msinfo32</em> in the Run window. In the opened program, look for the RAM details in the right-hand column. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The total capacity is shown as “Installed physical memory (RAM).” More important is the entry under “Total physical memory,” which shows how much Windows and programs are actually allowed to use. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The figure under “Total virtual memory” shows the sum of physical RAM and the paging file.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-msinfo32_1.png" alt="RAM optimal msinfo32 1" class="wp-image-3145494" width="829" height="419" sizes="auto, (max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Friedrich Stiemer</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Further information on RAM configuration and usage is provided by the Task Manager. You can launch it using the Ctrl-Shift-Esc key combination and switch to the “Memory” tab in the “Performance” menu. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Pay attention to the display at the bottom, right below the graph. There you will find a value under “Reserved for hardware.” This can be several hundred megabytes or over a gigabyte and it refers to the memory used by the processor’s integrated graphics card.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-Task-Manager_RAM.png" alt="RAM optimal Task Manager RAM" class="wp-image-3145493" width="1113" height="694" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1113px) 100vw, 1113px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>.</p></figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Friedrich Stiemer</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another important indicator is the “Committed” figure, which is usually displayed in a format such as “10.5/24.3 GB.” The first number indicates the total amount of memory currently requested by all programs, while the second number marks the absolute limit. If the first number approaches this limit, the system becomes unstable and will likely crash. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="optimize-ram-via-hardware-checks-and-uefi-settings">Optimize RAM via hardware checks and UEFI settings</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The built-in memory only helps your PC if it’s working properly. You should check whether the RAM has any faults before applying any optimization measures. The quickest way to do this is using the built-in tool “mdsched.exe” in the Start menu. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Select “Restart now and check for problems” to thoroughly test the RAM during the boot process. This Windows check subjects the memory to various test patterns to verify the physical integrity of each cell.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This procedure is useful for assessing major defects and analyzing frequent crashes. However, if you want to go into more depth, you should use the free program <a href="http://www.memtest86.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MemTest86</a>. This allows you to detect sporadic errors or errors occurring under extreme load.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the memory is working without errors, check whether it’s running with optimal settings. This includes dual-channel mode, which doubles the theoretical bandwidth and provides a massive performance boost, especially on systems with integrated graphics. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Open the Task Manager and look under “Performance &gt; Memory” for the entry “Slots in use.” If two modules are installed, it should say “2 of 2” or “2 of 4.”</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-Dual-Channel.png" alt="RAM optimal Dual Channel" class="wp-image-3145496" width="1000" height="562" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Friedrich Stiemer</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For absolute certainty, use the free tool <a href="http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPU-Z</a>. This tool explicitly displays “Dual” under “Channel” in the “Memory” tab when dual-channel mode is active. If it says “Single,” you must switch off the PC and swap the RAM modules around. For motherboards with four slots, it’s essential for signal stability and maximum speed to place the modules in slots 2 and 4. These are usually marked on the board as A2 and B2 or in identical colors.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The manual will tell you where to insert the memory modules in your PC for dual-channel operation. The correct arrangement minimizes signal reflections at the unused ends of the traces and is often a prerequisite for achieving high clock speeds stably.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can fine-tune the RAM speed in the UEFI settings. You can access these in Windows via “Settings &gt; System &gt; Recovery” and by clicking “Restart now” under “Advanced startup.” After rebooting, select “Troubleshoot,” “Advanced options,” and “UEFI Firmware Settings.”</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-Bios_DOCP.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="RAM optimal Bios DOCP" class="wp-image-3145497" width="1024" height="768" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Asus</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Look for memory profile options in the settings. On systems with an Intel CPU, these are usually found under “XMP” (Extreme Memory Profile). On systems with an AMD CPU, you’ll find them under “EXPO” (Extended Profiles for Overclocking). </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>On Asus motherboards, in the “Ai Tweaker” menu. </li> <li>On MSI, under “OC.” </li> <li>On Gigabyte, in the “Tweaker” tab. </li> <li>On ASRock, under “OC Tweaker.”</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Enable the appropriate profile (usually “Profile 1”) to unlock the maximum speed and optimized timings. Otherwise, the memory will often run at slower default speeds. Save the changes using the F10 key and confirm the restart so the performance gains take effect.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="find-and-disable-programs-that-consume-too-much-ram">Find and disable programs that consume too much RAM</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Many programs that consume memory are not immediately obvious. Memory shortages during operation are often caused not by the software you are actively using, but by the background processes.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You should sort the running processes on your PC by their memory usage. To do this, open the Task Manager and click on the “Memory” section in the top row. Under “Name,” you will see the active programs listed by memory usage. The browser is often at the top, along with other open programs like your email client or Office software. However, mixed in are processes that do not belong to any specific software.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-Task-Manager_ZugesicherteGroesse.png" alt="RAM optimal Task Manager ZugesicherteGroesse" class="wp-image-3145492" width="1064" height="694" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1064px) 100vw, 1064px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Friedrich Stiemer</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The “Details” tab, the penultimate icon in the left-hand column of the Task Manager, allows for a more precise analysis. To track down hidden reservations, right-click on any column header, select “Select Columns,” and tick the “Committed Size” box. This column now shows you the exact amount of virtual memory that a program has reserved – this is often far greater than the RAM currently in use.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To free up memory, you can also disable built-in features that constantly consume resources that are not essential for the PC’s operation. This includes, for example, the news and weather display in the taskbar. While informative, it constantly uses memory via the “Widgets.exe” process. You can turn them off by right-clicking the taskbar, then selecting “Taskbar settings” and disabling “Widgets.” </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The same applies to search indexing, which catalogues your files in the background so you can find them more quickly. You can save RAM here by setting the mode to “Classic” in the Windows settings under “Privacy and Security &gt; Search &gt; Search My Documents.” You can also exclude folders from indexing by clicking on “Add folders to exclude” and selecting the desired directories in File Explorer. This saves RAM, but results in longer wait times when searching for files.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are also services in Windows that can be disabled without any loss of functionality. You can launch the Services program by typing <em>services.msc</em> into the Windows search box. Then search for the entry “SysMain” and double-click to open its properties. Under “Startup type,” select “Disabled” from the drop-down menu.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This service, formerly known as Superfetch, analyzes programs and loads them into RAM in advance to speed up their launch. Disabling the service frees up memory. Apps may take a slightly longer time to load the first time they are opened after a restart.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-SysMain.png" alt="RAM optimal SysMain" class="wp-image-3145490" width="1116" height="597" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1116px) 100vw, 1116px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Friedrich Stiemer</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="reduce-ram-usage-in-your-browser-and-windows">Reduce RAM usage in your browser and Windows</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In everyday PC use, the browser usually takes up the most RAM. Here, too, you’ll find settings to reduce RAM usage.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For example, you can enable the built-in power-saving features. In Edge, go to “Settings &gt; System and performance” and look for the option “Automatically put tabs to sleep” in the “Performance” section. This feature freezes inactive tabs after a set time (one hour by default), which can reduce RAM usage by around 32 percent.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RAM-optimal-Edge_Speicheroptimierung_1.png?w=1200" alt="RAM optimal Edge Speicheroptimierung 1" class="wp-image-3145495" width="1200" height="603" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>. </p></figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Friedrich Stiemer</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In Google Chrome, go to “Settings” and “Performance” to enable “Memory Saver.” Chrome uses “Tab Discarding” here. The content of inactive tabs is removed from RAM and only reloaded when you click on them again.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Firefox users should enter <em>about:config</em> in the browser address bar and set the value of “browser.tabs.loadInBackground” to “false.” This prevents tabs opened in the background from taking up RAM. They are only loaded when you select them.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Windows 11, disabling AI features frees up memory. Recall, for example, regularly takes snapshots of your screen to create a searchable history. This is handy, but it constantly consumes resources and poses privacy risks. To disable Recall, search for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-click the entry, and select “Run as administrator.” Now enter <em>Dism/Online /Disable-Feature/Featurename:Recall</em>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can disable Copilot in Windows 11 Pro via the Group Policy Editor, which you can launch by pressing Win-R and entering the command <em>gpedit.msc</em>. Navigate to “User Configuration &gt; Administrative Templates &gt; Windows Components &gt; Windows Copilot” and set “Disable Windows Copilot” to “Enabled.” </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Windows 11 Home, open the Registry Editor via Win-R and the command regedit, confirm with “Yes,” and navigate to the left-hand directory tree. Follow the path “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the “WindowsCopilot” subfolder is missing, create it by right-clicking on the Windows folder and selecting “New” and then “Key.” Then right-click in the right-hand pane, select “New,” then “DWORD (32-bit) Value,” and name it <em>TurnOffWindowsCopilot</em>. Double-click to set the value to “1” and this will permanently terminate the background processes after a restart.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="use-the-page-file-as-a-ram-safety-net">Use the page file as a RAM safety net</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the system’s RAM runs low despite the optimization measures outlined above, the page file (pagefile.sys) on the SSD acts as a safety net. Never disable this file, as this will lead to instability and crashes.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To optimize the configuration, open the System Properties via Win-R using the command <em>sysdm.cpl</em> and navigate to the “Advanced” tab. Under “Performance,” click “Settings,” switch to “Advanced” in the new window, and select the “Change” button under “Virtual memory.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here, uncheck the box for automatic management and select your fastest SSD drive. Set the option to “Custom size” and enter the same value for both the initial and maximum size (around 1.5 to 3 times your RAM). This prevents Windows from having to dynamically increase the file size, which reduces the processing load and SSD fragmentation. Confirm by clicking “Set” and restart your PC.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <div id="review-body" class="review"><h4 class="review-title" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h4><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="experts-rating">Expert's Rating</h3><div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4 out of 5." role="img"></div> <div><div class="review-columns"> <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Sleek design</li> <li>Strong main camera</li> <li>Two-day battery life</li> <li>Bright screen</li> </ul> </div> <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Cluttered AI suite</li> <li>Pre-installed bloatware</li> </ul> </div> <h3 class="review-subTitle review-subTitle--borderTop " id="our-verdict">Our Verdict </h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite its unoriginal design, the Honor 600 Pro offers impressive performance with a camera system and battery life to match. If you can get it with a good discount, it’s a great buy.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Price When Reviewed</p> <p>This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Best Pricing Today</p> </div></div> </div> <h3 class="review-best-price" id="best-prices-today-honor-600-pro"> Best Prices Today: Honor 600 Pro </h3> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Honor+600+Pro">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Honor 600 Pro – a flagship-adjacent smartphone from the former Huawei spin-off – is barely bothering to hide its inspiration. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The flattened edges, the width-spanning camera bar, the vaguely triangular lens arrangement: it’s an extremely committed interpretation of Apple’s current design language. And yet it runs Android, and costs considerably less than a top-end iPhone.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 600 Pro has a decent camera system, long battery life, and performance under the hood that will more than satisfy most users. But by ditching its mid-range roots, does the phone lose some of its appeal? I put it through its paces to find out.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0000_Honor-600-Pro6.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="0000 Honor 600 Pro6" class="wp-image-3178823" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Adam Smith / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="design-build-deja-vu">Design &amp; Build: Déjà vu</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Honor 600 Pro is a supremely well-designed device – even if it is heavily mimicking the iPhone. Available in either black or golden white, the 600 Pro feels extremely sleek and premium to hold. At 195g, it’s weighty without being uncomfortable, with a physicality that cheaper devices can’t replicate. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The main difference between it and the iPhone is the dedicated AI button (also available on the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3125570/honor-600-review.html">Honor 600</a>), positioned beneath the volume and power controls on the right-hand side. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Its placement remains slightly awkward — as with the standard Honor 600, moving it higher would make it far easier to reach without regretting your grip, and would make me more likely to use the phone’s AI features.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Further thoughts:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The rear is made from translucent composite fibre, and the frame is matt aluminium</li> <li>IP68, IP69, and IP69K certified to handle submersion and high-pressure water jets</li> </ul> </div> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0001_Honor-600-Pro5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="0001 Honor 600 Pro5" class="wp-image-3178822" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Adam Smith / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="screen-speakers-what-a-looker">Screen &amp; Speakers: What a looker</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the same display as the Honor 600, its 6.57-inch AMOLED panel is bright, vivid and easy to spend time with. Colours land convincingly across a range of content, with deep blacks and accurate highlights, and though the truly eagle-eyed may feel it is slightly oversaturated, it’s unlikely to be noticed.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The addition of 3,840Hz PWM dimming is also a meaningful inclusion for anyone sensitive to flicker, and in the surprisingly bright conditions of this British summer, the panel’s output holds up well. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On the audio side, the stereo speakers handle the midrange with reasonable presence, and high frequencies come through cleanly. Like most phones at this price, though, the bottom end is thin.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Further thoughts:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Resolution is 1264 x 2728, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate</li> <li>Honor claims a peak brightness of 8000 nits </li> </ul> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="specs-performance-bold-under-the-bonnet">Specs &amp; Performance: Bold under the bonnet</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is where the 600 Pro makes its clearest case for the price difference over the standard 600. While the vanilla model runs on a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, the Pro steps up to the Snapdragon 8 Elite — last year’s top-tier mobile chip, and still among the most capable options in the Android market. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Everything moves quickly and confidently: app switching, multitasking, and demanding workloads sit within its comfort zone without apparent effort. Those coming from a mid-range device will notice the difference immediately.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The phone didn’t struggle with any higher-intensity games such as <em>Genshin Impact</em> or <em>Fortnite</em> either, and I was able to go multiple rounds without any issues with the frame rate or overheating. </p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Further thoughts:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>In the UK, the phone is only available with 12GB RAM and 512GB of storage</li> </ul> </div> <!-- Infogram block --> <div id="infogram_8f8ea973-89f9-4d32-82d5-6f6b0879d4d9" class="infogram-embed" data-id="8f8ea973-89f9-4d32-82d5-6f6b0879d4d9" data-type="interactive" data-title=""></div> <!-- Infogram block --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="cameras-detailed-and-delicate">Cameras: Detailed and delicate</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 200Mp main sensor is where the Honor 600 Pro makes its mark. This is a camera that rewards close attention to what you’re actually looking at, and when conditions are right, it delivers a level of detail that’s really impressive at its price.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shoot through a leaf and the individual strands of plant matter at the edge of a tear in its surface are fully resolved — not softened into an ambient smear, but individually distinct. </p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0000_Honor-600-Pro6.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="0000 Honor 600 Pro6" class="wp-image-3178823" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Adam Smith / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The depth of detail, though, doesn’t come at the expense of richness. The vivid orange of a butterfly’s wings sits decisively against the green of the leaf beneath it, neither bleeding into the other nor tipping over into artificial saturation. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Perhaps the most significant step up from previous Honor mid-rangers is in the telephoto. The 50Mp periscope camera reaches a 3.5x optical zoom (up from 3x on the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2789778/honor-400-pro-review.html">400 Pro</a>). Up to around 20x, image quality holds impressively: birds high in the trees maintain their texture, feathers and posture legible rather than dissolving into noise. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Beyond that, things soften, and at the maximum 120x, detail definitely takes a meaningful hit. But finding a usable image at that magnification on a phone that isn’t explicitly flagship-tier is still an achievement.</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide" style="--aspect-ratio:calc(1200 / 675)"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0009 Honor 600 Pro camera 10" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178837" data-id="3178837" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0009_Honor-600-Pro-camera-10.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0016 Honor 600 Pro camera 3" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178832" data-id="3178832" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0016_Honor-600-Pro-camera-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0010 Honor 600 Pro camera 9" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178838" data-id="3178838" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0010_Honor-600-Pro-camera-9.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0018 Honor 600 Pro camera 1" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178828" data-id="3178828" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0018_Honor-600-Pro-camera-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0011 Honor 600 Pro camera 8" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178834" data-id="3178834" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0011_Honor-600-Pro-camera-8.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0008 Honor 600 Pro camera 11" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178833" data-id="3178833" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0008_Honor-600-Pro-camera-11.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0014 Honor 600 Pro camera 5" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178829" data-id="3178829" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0014_Honor-600-Pro-camera-5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0012 Honor 600 Pro camera 7" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178827" data-id="3178827" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0012_Honor-600-Pro-camera-7.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0015 Honor 600 Pro camera 4" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178835" data-id="3178835" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0015_Honor-600-Pro-camera-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0017 Honor 600 Pro camera 2" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178836" data-id="3178836" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0017_Honor-600-Pro-camera-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="0007 Honor 600 Pro camera 12" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3178830" data-id="3178830" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 675" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0007_Honor-600-Pro-camera-12.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Against competition like the Samsung Galaxy S26, the 600 Pro slightly loses out. Honor’s colour science skews brighter and cooler — skies register as a touch bluer — and in many conditions this produces an airy, appealing result. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But it can’t quite handle contrast with as much sophistication, and photographing the slate roof and signage of the Catford Broadway theatre shows the 600 Pro unable to quite hold the tension between the dark slates and the lettering above – making the scene just slightly flatter.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Further thoughts:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The main camera shoots at 12.5Mp by default, with the full 200Mp mode needing to be activated manually</li> <li>Video tops out at 4K/60fps on the main camera and telephoto; the ultrawide is limited to 4K/30fps</li> </ul> </div> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0002_Honor-600-Pro4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="0002 Honor 600 Pro4" class="wp-image-3178825" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Adam Smith / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="battery-life-charging-built-to-last">Battery Life &amp; Charging: Built to last</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With a 6400mAh cell in the European model, the Honor 600 Pro has very good endurance. Two days off a full charge is achievable under moderate use, and pushing it harder won’t necessarily see you reaching for cable soon. The 50W wireless charging — absent entirely on the standard Honor 600 — is also a welcome addition here.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The one step backwards is in wired charging: at 80W, it’s a slight regression from the 100W on the Honor 400 Pro, which feels like an odd move given the larger battery to fill. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">After 15 minutes with its USB-C to USB-C cable and a 20W plug, the Honor 600 Pro reached 10% after 15 minutes of charging and 21% after 30 minutes.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Further thoughts:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>27W reverse charging is available for topping up accessories</li> <li>A charger is not included in the box</li> </ul> </div> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0004_Honor-600-Pro2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="0004 Honor 600 Pro2" class="wp-image-3178821" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Adam Smith / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="software-apps-a-lot-of-ai-looking-for-a-job">Software &amp; Apps: A lot of AI looking for a job</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 600 Pro runs MagicOS 10, Honor’s Android 16 skin, and it brings the same mix of strengths and irritations found on the standard Honor 600. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The interface is clean and navigates fluidly; the notification and control centres, the app drawer, the general sense of layout — it all moves well, even if the overall aesthetic owes a fairly obvious debt to iOS.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0005_Honor-600-Pro1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="0005 Honor 600 Pro1" class="wp-image-3178824" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Adam Smith / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The AI suite is where restraint would serve Honor better than ambition, as its scattergun approach to these features feel like the company does not know what users want AI for. While things like deepfake and voice cloning detection are helpful additions, they sit in the backseat. The more user-facing aspects – like the photo eraser, or transcription features, and Circle to Search work fine – but I’m still to find a situation where they’ve meaningfully changed my relationship with my phone.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Further thoughts:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The AI button is customisable and functions well as a camera shutter; one of its most genuinely practical applications</li> <li>Honor provides six years of Android upgrades and security patches </li> </ul> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="price-availability">Price &amp; Availability</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Honor 600 Pro is priced at £899.99 in the UK, in Black or Golden White, with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s available through <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=28529&amp;awinaffid=254429&amp;clickref=rss&amp;ued=https://www.honor.com/uk/phones/honor-600-pro/buy/">Honor’s official store</a> and third-party retailers including <a href="http://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=13303&amp;GR_URL=https://www.amazon.co.uk/HONOR-Ultra-clear-6400mAh-Long-life-Resistance-Black/dp/B0GZ6PQZR1?asc_refurl=https://www.techadvisor.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-7928211-14023759?url=https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8591425?&amp;utm_custom6=PLA&amp;deeplink=true&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;cmpid=GS001&amp;_%24ja=tsid:59157%7Cacid:804-627-9544%7Ccid:20269441415%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:7699775040836378160%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9044975&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=20269441415&amp;utm_term=8591425&amp;utm_content=shopping&amp;utm_custom1=&amp;utm_custom2=804-627-9544&amp;GPDP=true&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19671796504&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD9II9nxLW3UjnJNzbo_m1cT7sIM2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwo_PRBhDNARIsAEcVALWlGF3gvTXi-0f6p7NCYgT8jRQwGJstqJ1mY_6O2_Ss2yel1iqe1LgaAhGtEALw_wcB?sid=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argos</a>. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The price puts it up against <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-phone.html">flagship phones</a> from the likes of Apple, Google, Samsung and more. Not an easy task, though it can easily be found for a big discount on the RRP, making it more tempting.</p> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Honor+600+Pro">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="should-you-buy-the-honor-600-pro">Should you buy the Honor 600 Pro?</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Honor 600 Pro is a capable phone that earns its place in a crowded market. The camera’s performance is strong, the chip is powerful enough, and the battery will keep users going. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the software does mar this phone slightly, especially the AI features, it deserves serious consideration and, at a good discount, other manufacturers should watch their back.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="specs">Specs</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>MagicOS 10 (Android 16)</li> <li>6.57-inch AMOLED, 1264 x 2728, 120Hz refresh rate, 3840Hz PWM</li> <li>Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite</li> <li>12GB RAM</li> <li>512GB storage (256GB and 1TB available in other markets)</li> <li>200Mp f/1.9 main sensor (OIS), 24mm</li> <li>50Mp f/2.8 telephoto (OIS), 3.5x optical zoom, 80mm</li> <li>12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide, 112°</li> <li>50Mp f/2.0 selfie camera</li> <li>6400mAh battery (7000mAh international)</li> <li>80W wired charging</li> <li>50W wireless charging</li> <li>27W reverse wired charging</li> <li>Stereo speakers</li> <li>Nano-SIM + eSIM</li> <li>Wi-Fi 7 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7)</li> <li>Bluetooth 6.0</li> <li>USB-C</li> <li>156 x 74.7 x 7.8mm</li> <li>IP68 / IP69 / IP69K certified</li> <li>195g</li> <li>Colours: Golden White, Black (Orange available in other markets)</li> </ul> </div></div></div></div>
  5. Today’s best laptop deals: Save big on work, school, home use, and gaming

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:07:47 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re looking for an <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/699203/best-laptops-under-500.html">affordable Windows machine under $500</a>, a blazing fast <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/436674/best-pc-laptops.html">gaming beast</a> for those intense matches, or a portable 2-in-1 for school or work, you’ve got plenty of great choices right now. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Why you should trust us:</strong> It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 80 laptops every year. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-budget-laptop-deals-under-500">Best budget laptop deals under $500</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Centered-Image-with-Colorful-Background.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i" class="wp-image-3196630" width="1200" height="800" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Lenovo</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Our top pick: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i, <strong>$349.99 ($450 off at Amazon)</strong></strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Need an affordable laptop for the basic stuff? The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is the best value of the bunch and I’ll tell you why. Its Intel N100 processor is capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, email, and light productivity with ease. The 15.6-inch 1080p display is also sharp enough for work and entertainment, while the hefty $450 discount makes this one of the strongest budget laptop deals available.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-IdeaPad-Slim-3i-Lightweight/dp/B0H2YMP476/&amp;xcust=2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0">View Deal</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="amazon">Amazon</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-IdeaPad-Slim-3i-Lightweight/dp/B0H2YMP476/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i</a>, Intel N100 processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 FHD display/8GB RAM/128GB SSD storage/Windows 11 Home with Microsoft Office 365, <strong>$349.99 ($450 off at Amazon)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/acer-Chromebook-Plus-Laptop-Google/dp/B0DVCDZBWV/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Acer Chromebook Plus 515</a>, Intel Core i3-1305U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS touch display/8GB LPDDR5X RAM/256GB SSD storage/Chrome OS, <strong>$398.99 ($51 off at Amazon)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-buy">Best Buy</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lenovo-ideapad-slim-3i-15-6-full-hd-laptop-intel-core-i3-n305-2023-8gb-memory-128gb-ufs-arctic-grey/JJGSHX7VWQ">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i</a>, Intel Core i3-N305 processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/128GB UFS storage, <strong>$299.99 ($200 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-omnibook-3-16-2k-touchscreen-laptop-amd-ryzen-5-40-2025-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-glacier-silver/J3YH84S23V">HP OmniBook 3</a>, AMD Ryzen 5 processor/16-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/8GB RAM/256GB SSD,<strong> $458.95 ($321.04 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="adorama">Adorama</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/hp-17-cn3012ca-17-3-inch-laptop-i3-n305-8gb-512gb-ssd-refurbished/p/ihb96jnuar&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">HP 17</a>, Intel Core i3-N305 processor/17.3-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$379.99 ($219.01 off at Adorama)</strong></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-mid-range-laptop-deals">Best mid-range laptop deals </h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-34-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="HP OmniBook 3" class="wp-image-3135970" width="1200" height="800" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">HP</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Our top pick: HP OmniBook 3, <strong>$799.99 ($400 off at Microcenter)</strong></strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Need a little more oomph in the performance department? The HP OmniBook 3 fits the bill. With 16GB of RAM, it’s well-equipped for seamless multitasking, while the AMD Ryzen AI 5 430 chip can chew through more demanding workloads. You’re also getting a 14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen that’s sharp enough for streaming or productivity. At $799.99 ($400 off at Microcenter), it’s an excellent value for a capable day-to-day laptop.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.microcenter.com/product/707210/OmniBook_3_Next_Gen_AI_14-hv0005nr_14%22_Laptop_Computer_-_Glacier_Silver;_AMD_Ryzen_AI_5_430_20GHz_Processor;_16GB_DDR5-5600_RAM;_512GB_Solid_State_Dri&amp;xcust=2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="microcenter" data-subtag="2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0">View Deal</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="amazon">Amazon</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Vivobook-Copilot-Graphics-M1607KA-DS54/dp/B0DTWBM95H/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Asus Vivobook 16</a>, AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor/AMD Radeon graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$747.99 ($52 off at Amazon)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-buy">Best Buy</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lenovo-ideapad-slim-3i-15-6-full-hd-laptop-intel-core-i5-1335u-2023-16gb-memory-256gb-ssd-arctic-grey/JJGH3Q8PXV">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i</a>, Intel Core i5-1335U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, <strong>$599.99 ($300 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-omnibook-3-14-2k-touchscreen-laptop-snapdragon-x-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-copilot-pc-starlit-blue/JJGW3FLGVQ">HP OmniBook 3</a>, Snapdragon X processor/14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$649 ($280.99 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lenovo-ideapad-slim-3x-copilot-pc-15-3-2k-touchscreen-laptop-snapdragon-x-x1-26-100-2025-16gb-memory-256gb-ssd-luna-grey/JJGSH82JL5">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x</a>, Snapdragon X X1-26-100 processor/15.3-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, <strong>$649 ($250.99 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/dell-15-6-2k-touchscreen-laptop-intel-13th-generation-core-i7-1355u-2023-16gb-memory-512-gb-storage-carbon-black/J3K4L6QW5C">Dell Touchscreen Laptop</a>, Intel Core i7-1355U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$649.99 ($450 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="adorama">Adorama</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/asf1404v51bl.html&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">Asus Vivobook 14</a>, Intel Core 5 120U processor/14-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$549.99 ($100 off at Adorama)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/ihb5uh5uar.html&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">HP OmniBook X</a>, Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor/17.3-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, <strong>$799.99 ($549.01 off at Adorama)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="microcenter">Microcenter</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.microcenter.com/product/707210/OmniBook_3_Next_Gen_AI_14-hv0005nr_14%22_Laptop_Computer_-_Glacier_Silver;_AMD_Ryzen_AI_5_430_20GHz_Processor;_16GB_DDR5-5600_RAM;_512GB_Solid_State_Dri">HP OmniBook 3</a>, AMD Ryzen AI 5 430 processor/14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$799.99 ($400 off at Microcenter)</strong></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-gaming-laptop-deals">Best gaming laptop deals</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-34-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="HP Omen 16" class="wp-image-3038844" width="1200" height="800" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">HP</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Our top pick:</strong> <strong>HP Omen 16, <strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>$1,989 ($230.99 off at Best Buy)</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Want a gaming laptop that’s pretty beastly as far as performance goes? The HP Omen 16 is the one to spring for. With a Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 5060 graphics, it should deliver smooth, high-performance gaming. The 16-inch 1920×1200 144Hz screen also keeps visuals looking nice and crisp, while 32GB of RAM and a1TB SSD ensure fast load times and plenty of room for your library of games.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-omen-16-2k-144hz-gaming-laptop-amd-ryzen-9-8940hx-2025-32gb-ddr5-memory-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-1tb-ssd-shadow-black/JJGH2L954G" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="bestbuy" data-subtag="2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0">View Deal</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="amazon">Amazon</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-Laptop-165Hz/dp/B0FFDDFW47/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Asus TUF Gaming F16 (2025)</a>, Intel Core i5 13450HX processor/RTX 5050 graphics/16-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$1,099.99 ($200 off at Amazon)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-buy">Best Buy</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-victus-15-6-144hz-full-hd-gaming-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-7445hs-2023-16gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-rtx-4050-512gb-ssd-mica-silver/JJGH2L8JVV">HP Victus</a>, AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS processor/RTX 4050 graphics/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$955 ($519.99 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-omen-16-2k-144hz-gaming-laptop-amd-ryzen-9-8940hx-2025-32gb-ddr5-memory-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-1tb-ssd-shadow-black/JJGH2L954G">HP Omen 16</a>, AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, <strong>$1,989 ($230.99 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="adorama">Adorama</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/hp-omen-16-inch-gaming-laptop-core-7-240h-rtx-5060-1tb-refurbished/p/ihb9ll3uarab&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">HP Omen 16</a>, Intel Core 7 240H processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 165Hz display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD (refurbished), <strong>$1,249.99 ($1,449.01 off at Adorama)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/hp-omen-max-16-ak0047nr-16-inch-gaming-laptop-refurbished/p/hpb96s7uar&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">HP Omen Max 16</a>, AMD Ryzen AI 7 H 350 processor/RTX 5070 graphics/16-inch 2560×1600 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, <strong>$1,349.99 ($1,349.01 off at Adorama)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="newegg">Newegg</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTM5OSZia2Q9bmV3ZWdnLmNvbQ==&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.newegg.com/msi-crosshair-a16-hx-16-0-geforce-rtx-5060-laptop-gpu-2-4-5-3ghz-qhd-32gb-memory-1tb-nvme-ssd-gen4x4-ssd/p/N82E16834156876">MSI Crosshair A16</a>, AMD Ryzen 9-8940HX processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 2560×1600 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, <strong>$1,649.99 ($150 off at Newegg)</strong></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-premium-laptop-deals">Best premium laptop deals </h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Centered-Image-with-Colorful-Background-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="Asus Vivobook S16" class="wp-image-3196658" width="1200" height="800" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Asus</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Our top pick:</strong> <strong>Asus Vivobook S16, $1,005 ($194.99 off at Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Need a laptop that can keep up with work, streaming, creative projects, and everyday multitasking without slowing you down? The Asus Vivobook S16 is the one to buy. It pairs an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with 16GB of RAM and a roomy 1TB SSD, making it well-equipped for more demanding workloads. The gorgeous 16-inch 2880×1800 OLED display also offers vibrant colors and crisp detail, so everything from Excel spreadsheets to Netflix shows should look fantastic. </p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Vivobook-Copilot-Neutral-M5606KA-DS76/dp/B0DTVYQCPV/&amp;xcust=2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-550968-7-0-0-0-0">View Deal</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="amazon">Amazon</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/HP-OmniBook-Snapdragon-X1-26-100-16-fb0299nr/dp/B0GQ9STVTW/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">HP OmniBook 5</a>, Snapdragon X processor/16-inch 1920×1200 OLED display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$961.98 ($138.01 off at Amazon)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Vivobook-Copilot-Neutral-M5606KA-DS76/dp/B0DTVYQCPV/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Asus Vivobook S16</a>, AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor/16-inch 2880×1800 OLED display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, <strong>$1,005 ($194.99 off at Amazon)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Touchscreen-Snapdragon-Sapphire/dp/B0CXKTDD4J/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1</a>, Snapdragon X Plus processor/13-inch 2880×1920 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$1,199.99 ($300 off at Amazon)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-buy">Best Buy</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-omnibook-x-flip-2-in-1-16-2k-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-ultra-7-2024-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-copilot-pc-eclipse-gray/JJGQJRKGR5">HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1</a>, Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor/16-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD,<strong> $872 ($327.99 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lenovo-yoga-7i-2-in-1-16-2k-touchscreen-laptop-core-ultra-7-processor-256v-2024-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-copilot-pc-luna-grey/JJGH3KXVK7">Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1</a>, Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor/Intel Arc 140V graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$1,079 ($120.99 off at Best Buy)</strong></li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="adorama">Adorama</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/dell-pro-16-pc16250-laptop-16gb-512gb-ssd/p/deldyfpn&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">Dell Pro 16</a>, Intel Core 5 120U processor/Intel Graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, <strong>$1,024.99 ($474.01 off at Adorama)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/lgg14z90rqap.html&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">LG Gram 14</a>, Intel Core i5-1350P processor/14-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, <strong>$1,149.99 ($199.01 off at Adorama)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.adorama.com/asus-vivobook-v16-v3607-laptop-intel-core-7-240h-rtx-5060/p/asv3607vmds7&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">Asus Vivobook V16</a>, Intel Core 7 240H processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 144Hz display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, <strong>$1,489.99 ($209.01 at Adorama)</strong></li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Newegg</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTM5OSZia2Q9bmV3ZWdnLmNvbQ==&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.newegg.com/msi-venture-16-ai-16-fhd-touch-screen-intel-core-ultra-9-285h-intel-arc-graphics-32gb-memory-1-tb-nvme-ssd-gray/p/N82E16834156793">MSI Venture 16 AI</a>, Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor/16-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, <strong>$1,049 ($150.99 off at Newegg)</strong></li> </ul> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block"><h2 class="faq-block-title" id="faq"> FAQ </h2><hr class="block-horizotal-divider"> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">1.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-much-ram-will-i-need-in-my-laptop">How much RAM will I need in my laptop?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You’ll want at least 8GB, though 16GB is preferable, especially if you play games. Don’t buy <em>laptops</em> with under 4GB of RAM or 128GB of SSD storage—though on a Chromebook or a budget Windows machine, this configuration is acceptable. Check out our article on <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/395018/how-much-ram-do-you-need-in-a-laptop.html">how much RAM does a laptop need</a> for more in-depth info.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">2.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="whats-the-difference-between-a-chromebook-and-a-windows-laptop">What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The one big difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop is the operating system. Chromebooks run ChromeOS and Windows run, well, Microsoft Windows. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chromebooks make good everyday machines because they’re designed for browsing the web, checking e-mail, and so on. They use less resources and are generally more affordable than the Windows variety. They also don’t need antivirus protection. A Windows laptop is a lot more versatile in what it can do, and not just in terms of running local programs. You can really pump a Windows laptop up with a ton of RAM, storage, and so on.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">3.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="when-should-i-look-for-a-laptop-deal">When should I look for a laptop deal?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You’ll likely find the best laptop deals during Prime Day (mid-July), Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and back-to-school season (June-August). Sure, you’ll find good laptop deals throughout the year, but if you really want to save big, we’d recommend scoping out your favorite online retailers during those times.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">4.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="which-retailers-offer-the-best-deals">Which retailers offer the best deals?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can find all kinds of deals across a wide range of online retailers such as <a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTM5OSZia2Q9bmV3ZWdnLmNvbQ==&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.newegg.com/Laptop-Notebook/Category/ID-223">Newegg</a>, <a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTE0OCZia2Q9d2FsbWFydC5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.walmart.com/browse/electronics/all-laptop-computers/3944_1089430_3951_132960">Walmart</a>, <a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/laptop-computers/all-laptops/pcmcat138500050001.c">Best Buy</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Notebooks-Laptop-Computers/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=565108&amp;tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Amazon</a>, and so on. However, we’d recommend checking out deals from laptop manufacturers like <a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/deals/laptops/&amp;publisher_slug=pcworld&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=pcworld&amp;article_url=https://www.pcworld.com&amp;u1=rss">Lenovo</a>, <a href="https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8200811-15850788?sid=rssG&amp;url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/slp/weekly-deals/laptops&amp;processor=intel">HP</a>, and <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8200811-12839518?url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/scr/laptops&amp;sid=rss">Dell</a>. You’ll usually find many different configurations on sale and the discounts can be pretty darn steep.</p> </div> </div></div> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For more options, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/436674/best-pc-laptops.html">best laptops</a> available right now.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’re already halfway through 2026, and some of you may be waiting for the perfect opportunity to buy a new smartphone. Given the many new announcements, I can well understand why you might be tempted to snap up a top-of-the-range model. But personally, I don’t think that’s a good idea.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-price-is-too-high">The price is too high</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are people for whom a new device simply has to cost a fortune, as it has to be a sort of status symbol. I’ve never been one of those people. For me, the value for money has to be right above all else, and that’s certainly not the case with many of the newly released smartphones.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Admittedly, our list of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-phone.html">best smartphones</a> shows that top-of-the-range devices like the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html">Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra</a> or the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2891011/google-pixel-10-pro-xl-review.html">Google Pixel 10 Pro XL</a> are still playing in the top league. But the differences compared to the previous generation – or even to many <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723509/best-mid-range-phone.html">mid-range devices</a> – are becoming increasingly minor.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">So if you’re thinking of spending 1,000 to 2,000 euros on a new smartphone simply because it’s new or bears a big brand name like Samsung or Apple (<a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3155340/why-ill-never-swtich-my-android-for-an-iphone.html">I’d never buy an iPhone myself anyway</a>), then you’re letting yourself be blinded by marketing and embellished comparative figures.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra-review-35.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review 35" class="wp-image-3082186" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>Don’t be fooled by the stylish design. You’d definitely not notice the difference between an S26, S25 or S24.</p></figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The current memory crisis is doing its bit to drive up the cost of new devices even further. Or it’s leading manufacturers to simply install less RAM, following the example set by companies like Microsoft.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the end of the day, it’s your decision what you want to do with your money. But don’t complain when, in a few months’ time, the latest flagship model is already on your doorstep, offering nothing more than AI features and a 0.3 per cent performance boost.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Even our colleagues at Macworld, who usually celebrate every new Apple device, advise<a href="https://www.macworld.com/article/3187793/skip-the-iphone-ultra-something-better-is-coming.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> giving the upcoming iPhone Ultra a miss</a>. Take their advice and wait for genuine innovations instead.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s equally worrying when a tech CEO publicly says the best time to buy a phone was yesterday.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper youtube-video"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Memory is now the most expensive component in a smartphone. It's more expensive than the processor, more expensive than the display, and can account for more than 50% of the total hardware bill.<br><br>For Phone (4a), memory costs doubled between when we decided to build the device and… <a href="https://t.co/4dJdSDwd6T">https://t.co/4dJdSDwd6T</a></p>— Carl Pei (@getpeid) <a href="https://x.com/getpeid/status/2065316004293681187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="old-smartphones-last-longer">Old smartphones last longer</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ever since the EU decided that smartphone and tablet manufacturers must provide updates for their devices for five years and supply spare parts for up to seven years, there’s really no longer any reason to buy a new mobile every two years.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A device launched in 2025 will, in any case, continue to receive new features and security updates until 2030. So why start eyeing up the next, more expensive model just yet? There’s no need to rush, as your current smartphone will continue to perform well in the future.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, we’d all like our devices to receive the next major Android update as well (<a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3101592/android-17-is-here-these-phones-will-get-the-upgrade.html">these smartphones will get the update to Android 17</a>). As long as that’s the case, you don’t need to worry about missing out on anything (<a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3169762/ive-tested-android-17-heres-what-youre-missing.html">you can safely skip Android 17 because it offers so little that’s new</a>). But is that alone worth so much money?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’d say: no. Everything’s getting more expensive at the moment – whether it’s housing, petrol, food or travel. And having a great new smartphone should be the least of your worries, as long as yours isn’t broken.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Android-17-QPR1-Beta-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3" class="wp-image-3146891" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Chris Martin / Foundy</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="heres-a-better-option">Here’s a better option</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">So my recommendation is: stick with your current device for as long as you can. Or at least until the prices of storage media have stabilised again. Because everything new coming onto the market in 2026 will be affected by this.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I can’t say for certain whether things will improve in 2027. The developments fuelled by the hype surrounding artificial intelligence are simply too unpredictable for that. At some point, manufacturers will realise that a new generation of smartphones every year only makes our problems worse.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are, of course, exceptions. If your current smartphone breaks down or the battery life is no longer acceptable, you don’t have to put up with it. However, a new device should genuinely feel like something new, rather than a minor improvement that’s only really noticeable on paper.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s best to take a look at the devices that have come onto the market over the last two years and have <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/review/phones">performed well in our reviews</a>, or a <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html">budget device</a> as a stop gap. These are often available at a decent discount and will give you many years of enjoyment. That’s a promise.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  6. GMKtec NucBox K13 review: A mini PC that punches above its size

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:15:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <div id="review-body" class="review"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" class="review-logo" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PC-ED-CHOICE.png" alt="Editors' Choice" /><h4 class="review-title" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h4><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="experts-rating">Expert's Rating</h3><div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5." role="img"></div> <div><div class="review-columns"> <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Arc 140V graphics lead the way in integrated GPUs</li> <li>High AI performance thanks to a powerful NPU (up to 115 TOPS in total)</li> <li>PCIe 4.0 SSD with very high transfer rates</li> <li>5GbE LAN and two USB4 ports</li> <li>Latest version of Windows and AI tool</li> </ul> </div> <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>No USB-C port on the front of the case</li> <li>RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded</li> <li>Weaker multi-core performance than Ryzen competitors</li> </ul> </div> <h3 class="review-subTitle review-subTitle--borderTop " id="our-verdict">Our Verdict </h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The NucBox K13 is GMKtec’s first mini-PC featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake platform, and the switch has paid off. The Arc 140V graphics card delivers a frame rate that outperforms many AMD models. The PCIe 4.0 SSD is speedy, while the NPU equips the system for local AI tasks. Anyone looking for a small, energy-efficient computer for everyday use, media, and light gaming will find this a good choice.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Price at time of review</p> <p>This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Best Price Today</p> </div></div> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mini PCs have long covered a broad spectrum, from compact office machines to small workstations. With the NucBox K13, GMKtec is using Intel’s Lunar Lake chip for the first time and combining it with modern connectivity options. On paper, the device promises plenty of AI performance and decent graphics. We’ve tested the computer over several days and highlight where its strengths lie.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="nucbox-k13-design-and-build-quality">NucBox K13 design and build quality</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The NucBox K13 breaks with the familiar cube shape of other models. The case is flat and rectangular, measuring 7.32 × 3.46 × 1.44 inches and weighing around 18.44 ounces. With a volume of around 0.6 quarts, the computer is barely larger than a smartphone in terms of footprint and will therefore fit on any desk or behind a monitor.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-turm-mit-anderen-Minis.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 turm mit anderen Minis" class="wp-image-3152148" width="1200" height="677" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The matte top panel features the engraved GMKtec logo and an Intel Core Ultra 7 sticker. Fingerprints are barely noticeable. A striking green accent runs around the bottom edge, contrasting with the simple black front. The gaps are even, and the casing feels sturdy.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ports are conveniently distributed across the front and rear. At the front are two USB-A ports with 10Gbit/s, plus a 3.5mm jack and the green-backlit power button.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-vorne.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 vorne" class="wp-image-3152143" width="1200" height="535" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the rear are the power socket, two USB4 ports, HDMI 2.1, an older USB-A port, the RJ45 socket, a reset hole, and a Kensington slot. Cooling is provided by a copper turbine fan, which draws air in from the side and expels it at the rear. The external power supply delivers 100 watts and is pleasantly compact.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-hinten.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 hinten" class="wp-image-3152146" width="1200" height="535" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="nucbox-k13-specifications">NucBox K13 specifications</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Inside, the laptop is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, a Lunar Lake chip manufactured using TSMC’s 3-nanometer process. It combines four Lion Cove performance cores and four Skymont Spark cores. This gives the processor a total of eight cores and eight threads. The clock speed reaches up to 4.8GHz, while the base TDP is a modest 17 watts. Graphics are handled by the integrated Arc 140 V with eight Xe cores, clocked at up to 1.95GHz.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The NPU contributes up to 47 TOPS. The total performance of up to 115 TOPS advertised by Intel results from the combined AI computing power of the NPU, integrated Arc graphics and the CPU. The NPU alone does not achieve this figure.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-hwinfo.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 hwinfo" class="wp-image-3152157" width="1200" height="545" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The system features 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 8,533 MT/s. The memory is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded — a compromise also made by the <a href="https://www.pcwelt.de/article/3098008/gmktec-nucbox-k16-test.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NucBox K16</a> mini PC.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The system offers greater flexibility when it comes to storage. The test unit features a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, while a second M.2 slot allows for expansion up to 16TB.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-crystaldiskinfo.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 crystaldiskinfo" class="wp-image-3152171" width="1200" height="790" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In terms of connectivity, the K13 stands out with a feature that GMKtec has not included in any of its previous mini PCs: a 5Gbit/s LAN port. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The two USB4 ports transfer data at 40 Gbit/s, output DisplayPort signals and accept up to 100 watts of charging power via Power Delivery. Together with HDMI 2.1, up to three 4K displays can be operated in parallel.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is where the difference to the K16 becomes clear. The older model offers an OCuLink port for external graphics cards and no fewer than two 2.5Gbit LAN sockets. The K13 does not feature OCuLink and connects an external GPU via USB4 only. In return, it offers faster networking via its single 5Gbit/s port and a significantly more modern computing platform.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="windows-11-and-pre-installed-ai-software">Windows 11 and pre-installed AI software</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">GMKtec has got a lot right when it comes to the operating system. The test unit runs Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 with build 26200. The system is therefore up to date, eliminating the need for extensive post-installation updates. With the K16, we had previously found an outdated version that first had to be brought up to date via an update. The manufacturer has avoided this slip-up here.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-systeminformationen.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 systeminformationen" class="wp-image-3152154" width="1200" height="567" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One notable feature is the pre-installed AI software. However, it only became active after we had connected a webcam. An alternative microphone serves the same purpose, so an audio input must be available.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-cherry-ai-voice-sprachmodelle.png" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 cherry ai voice sprachmodelle" class="wp-image-3152160" width="786" height="278" sizes="auto, (max-width: 786px) 100vw, 786px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A launcher called Cherry AI then appears, allowing you to select from several models, including Doubao, Qwen, and DeepSeek. When asked about its advantages, the default assistant identifies itself as DeepSeek and highlights its free usage, large context window, and file upload capabilities.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-cherry-ai-voice-deepseek.png" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 cherry ai voice deepseek" class="wp-image-3152165" width="947" height="726" sizes="auto, (max-width: 947px) 100vw, 947px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This means it is an interface for cloud services, not a model running locally. For a device advertised as having local AI, this point is worth noting from a data privacy perspective.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="nucbox-k13-computing-power">NucBox K13 computing power</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In PCMark 10, the NucBox K13 achieves an impressive 7,695 points. This score places the device at the top end of the current range of mini PCs and is noticeably higher than the 6,836 points achieved by the NucBox K16. The K13 also holds its own against high-performance Ryzen AI systems: Models such as the Geekom A9 Max with Ryzen AI 9 are on a similar level, scoring around 7,700 points.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-pcmark10.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 pcmark10" class="wp-image-3152162" width="1200" height="828" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The sub-scores are consistently high, with 10,363 points in Essentials, 12,645 in Productivity, and 9,438 in Digital Content Creation. In everyday use, this translates to smooth system boot-ups, short loading times, and hassle-free multitasking.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The CPU profile in 3DMark highlights the platform’s distinctive characteristics. With 4,698 points at full thread utilization, the processor lags clearly behind the 16-thread Ryzen chips, such as the K16’s 6,691 points or the Ryzen AI 9’s figure of over 9,700 points. Eight threads set the limit here.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-cpu-profil.png?w=1200" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 cpu profil" class="wp-image-3152172" width="1200" height="767" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What is remarkable, however, is the single-thread score of 1,153 points, which is on a par with the most powerful AMD models. To put the results into context, it’s worth taking a look at the architecture: Lunar Lake was launched at the end of 2024 and was designed by Intel primarily for energy efficiency and AI acceleration.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When it comes to graphics, the picture changes. In Time Spy, the Arc 140V scores 4,006 points, comprising 3,743 graphics points and 6,661 CPU points. This outperforms the Radeon 890M found in current Ryzen systems, which typically scores between 3,000 and 3,900 points, and more than doubles the 1,762 points achieved by the Radeon 680M in the K16. In Steel Nomad Light, the K13 achieves 3,176 points at 23.5 frames per second, and in the ray-traced Solar Bay, it even reaches 11,827 points at just under 45 fps.</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide" style="--aspect-ratio:calc(1200 / 701)"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 steel nomad light" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3152161" data-id="3152161" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 701" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-steel-nomad-light.png?w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 time spy" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3152158" data-id="3152158" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 722" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-time-spy.png?w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 solar bay" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3152170" data-id="3152170" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 819" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-solar-bay.png?w=1200" /></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In practice, many titles run smoothly in Full HD with adjusted settings. Demanding blockbusters require reduced detail levels but remain playable.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The system is well equipped for AI tasks. The real strength of the Lunar Lake platform lies in the combination of the NPU, Arc graphics, and CPU, which can process specially optimized AI models significantly faster. In <a href="https://www.geekbench.com/ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geekbench AI Pro</a>, the NucBox K13 scored 2,767 points in the single-precision test, 27,876 points in the half-precision test, and 45,836 points in the quantized test on the Windows AI test path.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-geekbench-ai-npu.png" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 geekbench ai npu" class="wp-image-3152167" width="1012" height="517" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">These figures underscore that the mini PC is not only suitable for traditional office tasks but is also well-equipped for modern AI applications. In practice, however, the actual performance boost depends on whether an application specifically supports the NPU, GPU, or CPU.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The fast PCIe 4.0 SSD rounds off the picture: In CrystalDiskMark, it reads at 7,126 MB/s and writes at 6,384 MB/s. The K16, with its PCIe 3.0 drive, only manages about half that here.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-crystaldiskmark.png" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 crystaldiskmark" class="wp-image-3152166" width="817" height="521" sizes="auto, (max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="nucbox-k13-noise-levels-and-power-consumption">NucBox K13 noise levels and power consumption</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In everyday use, the NucBox K13 operates pleasantly unobtrusively. When using Office applications, web browsers, and streaming services, the fan usually remains in the background. It only becomes audible under prolonged load, without, however, drawing attention to itself with high-frequency background noise.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Lunar Lake platform also demonstrates its strengths when it comes to power consumption. In our test, the mini PC consumed just 8.3 watts when idle. Under load, power consumption ranged between 20 and 28 watts, depending on the workload. This makes the K13 one of the more energy-efficient models in its performance class.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Test-GMKtec-NucBox-K13-thermal-master.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="Test GMKtec NucBox K13 - thermal master" class="wp-image-3152173" width="1179" height="841" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1179px) 100vw, 1179px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Christoph Hoffmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thermally, the compact case also performed unremarkably. Using the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thermal-Master-P3-Resolution-Inspection/dp/B0FMDY9FJG?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thermal Master P3</a>, we measured a temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius on the case surface. Inside, the temperature was 37.5 degrees Celsius. Even after prolonged use, the SSD reached only 45 degrees Celsius. There were no indications of thermal issues or performance losses due to throttling during the test.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="nucbox-k13-warranty-and-guarantee">NucBox K13 warranty and guarantee</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">GMKtec provides a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on the NucBox K13. In the event of a warranty claim, the manufacturer will cover the repair costs, but the buyer is responsible for the postage costs to the service center. This means the warranty period is shorter than that offered by some competitors, such as Geekom, which offers three years.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When purchasing from an EU retailer, the statutory warranty of 24 months also applies. Therefore, buying from European suppliers is usually the better choice.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="should-you-buy-the-nucbox-k13">Should you buy the NucBox K13?</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The NucBox K13 marks GMKtec’s entry into the Lunar Lake class, and it’s a successful move. The Arc 140V graphics are among the best that integrated solutions currently have to offer. Added to this are a very fast SSD, a powerful NPU, 5Gbit LAN and the latest version of Windows. The compact chassis gives a high-quality impression.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The weaknesses are clearly identified: The RAM is limited to 16GB and cannot be upgraded. Under multi-core loads, the eight-core CPU falls behind current Ryzen systems. Furthermore, there is no OCuLink port for external graphics cards.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Compared to the K16, there is a clear reversal of roles. The K13 excels in graphics performance, memory speed, AI acceleration, and energy efficiency. The K16, on the other hand, offers more threads, OCuLink, and dual LAN. Anyone looking for a compact and energy-efficient all-rounder for office work, media playback, AI applications, and occasional gaming will find the K13 a good choice. For virtualization, rendering, or other highly parallelized tasks, Ryzen AI systems remain the more attractive alternative.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="technical-specifications">Technical specifications</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V (Lunar Lake, TSMC N3B), 8 cores/threads: 4 P-cores, 4 E-cores</li> <li>Clock speed: Base 2.2 GHz, Turbo up to 4.8 GHz, 12MB Smart Cache</li> <li>Graphics: Intel Arc 140V (8 Xe cores), 400MHz to 1.95GHz</li> <li>NPU: Intel AI Boost, up to 47 TOPS; total AI performance up to 115 TOPS (Int8)</li> <li>RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X, 8,533MT/s (soldered, not expandable)</li> <li>Internal storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (PCIe 4.0)</li> <li>Expansion: 2 × M.2 2280, up to 16TB in total</li> <li>Graphics output: HDMI 2.1 2 × USB4, up to 3 × 4K at 60Hz</li> <li>Front ports: 2 × USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s), 3.5mm jack</li> <li>Rear ports: 2 × USB4 (40 Gbit/s, DP 1.4, PD 100 W input), HDMI 2.1, 1 × USB-A 2.0, 5 Gbit RJ45, DC-In, Reset, Kensington</li> <li>Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (MediaTek MT7922/RZ616), 5Gbit LAN, Bluetooth 5.2</li> <li>Operating system: Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (Build 26200)</li> <li>Power supply: 100 watts (DC 20 V / 5 A)</li> <li>Dimensions: 7.32 × 3.46 × 1.44 inches </li> <li>Weight: 18.44 ounces</li> </ul> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google will unveil its Pixel 11 series of phones in just over a week. While just about every detail about them has leaked, we thought we might get a semi-surprise in a new accessory, but that’s now leaked too.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pixel Tag was <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3200463/google-pixel-tag-could-finally-launch-as-airtag-rival.html">spotted by name</a> in a previous leak, suggesting a rival to the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3042857/apple-new-airtag-2-tracker-has-3-reasons-to-upgrade.html">Apple AirTag</a>, but nothing more. Now further details about the Bluetooth tracker as well as an image of it have surfaced, via <a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/07/31/this-is-the-google-pixel-tag/">9to5Google</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It seems the Google Pixel Tag, to give it its full name, will be Google’s first <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724241/best-bluetooth-trackers-2.html">smart tracker</a>. A strange thing to say considering its Find Hub network. The leaked information gives it the model number GA12506 and the colour is called Fog Light.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pixel Tag has an oblong shape similar to that of the Fitbit Air’s main module. We can see a ‘G’ logo and what looks like a notification light, but sadly there isn’t an image of the other side.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/image.png?w=1200" alt="Google Pixel Tag leaked image" class="wp-image-3204520" width="1200" height="600" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">9to5Google</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While it means we can’t confirm if the device has a button or any indication of a removable battery, we can see that it doesn’t have any built-in method of attaching to a set of keys or similar – presumably you’ll have to buy a case if you want to do that.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s also unclear whether the Pixel Tag will come in any other colourways and what the specs are, such as if it features ultra-wideband. We also don’t know the price yet.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some translated marketing material for the tracker gives some info but nothing unexpected, such as a speaker:</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The Google Pixel Tag smart tracker helps you quickly and reliably locate your lost items using the secure “Find My Device” network. Never waste time searching for your keys, wallet or luggage again.” </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The Google Pixel Tag is a compact, lightweight and durable smart tracker that attaches discreetly to your most important items. Using Google’s extensive and secure “Find My Device” network, you can always check the exact location of your belongings via your smartphone. The tracker is equipped with a loud speaker for easy nearby search and is designed with your privacy and personal data in mind.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’ll find out all the details at the Made by Google launch event on <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3186491/the-pixel-11-launch-event-date-official-with-some-curious-changes.html">12 August</a>. Google may give away free Pixel Tags with the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2515014/google-pixel-11-release-date-price-specs.html">Pixel 11 phones</a> as an incentive.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  7. I use this free tool to control my Android phone from my computer

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:30:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy">Scrcpy</a> is a useful tool that lets you mirror and control your Android device from your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer. Oh, how I wish it was just built into every Android phone. Not only does it turn your phone into a window on your desktop, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first thing I use it for is typing. Answering long text messages or emails with a full-size keyboard is much faster than pecking away on a phone screen—maybe Gen Z can type faster on a phone, but not me. And that’s only the beginning. Scrcpy is also great for recording app demonstrations, taking screenshots, testing Android apps, and even playing mobile games with a keyboard and mouse or controller.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unlike many phone mirroring apps, Scrcpy is free and open source. It doesn’t require you to create an account or install anything on your Android device. Connect your phone to your desktop with a USB cable (make sure to enable USB debugging!) and you’re ready to go. Wireless mode is available too once you’ve completed the initial setup.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s very low latency too, so video streaming is smooth and the controls are quick. Also, because it runs locally, there aren’t ads or cloud services getting in the way. You can even copy and paste text between your computer and phone, drag and drop files, and open multiple Android devices at the same time if needed.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you spend a lot of time moving between your phone and computer like me, Scrcpy can save you the hassle of reaching across your desk every few minutes.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For more fun and helpful website and app recommendations, be sure to subscribe to our<a href="https://www.pcworld.com/newsletters/signup"> PCWorld Try This newsletter</a>.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">After seven years and eight generations, the Galaxy Z Fold is all grown up.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What began as a clunky, heavily compromised device has gradually morphed into a sleek and highly accomplished 2-in-1.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The latest <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2973892/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-wide-ultra-release-date-price-specs-ultimate-guide.html">Galaxy Z Fold 8</a> Ultra feels like a crowning glory. The culmination of almost a decade of hard work. A device which has pretty much perfected the book-style foldable form factor and basically eliminated compromise.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But after spending almost a week with it, I can’t help feeling that Samsung had the wrong vision all along.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="simply-stunning-hardware">Simply stunning hardware</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Let’s start with the good stuff. And believe me, there’s a lot of it!</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung has absolutely nailed the Z Fold 8 Ultra’s build quality. After <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3120286/the-galaxy-z-fold-7-helped-me-get-the-foldables-hype-finally.html">using the Z Fold 7 for several weeks</a>, I thought it couldn’t get much better. How wrong I was.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-10.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 10" class="wp-image-3195016" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">FlexMode is still exclusive to the Z Fold 8 Ultra</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">By ditching the Z Fold 7’s aluminium hinge for titanium, the Ultra gains a feeling of robustness that I didn’t think possible for a foldable. I’ve deliberately not been careful with it over the last week, aiming to simulate much longer-term usage, yet it’s shown no sign of weakness whatsoever.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Combined with a new layout of magnets and sloped edges, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is far easier to open and close than its predecessor. It also folds completely flat, making the crease even less noticeable. It can also be adjusted to basically any angle (unlike the Z Fold 8) in <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3198114/galaxy-z-fold-8-missing-feature-could-be-a-dealbreaker.html">FlexMode</a>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>I continue to marvel at just how thin and light this thing is</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It allows the gorgeous 8-inch internal panel to really shine. A resolution boost to 2256 x 2504 makes text, images and videos look even more crisp, while the 3000-nit peak brightness means it’s basically sun-proof in terms of visibility. Forget foldables – this is one of the highest-quality displays on any mobile device, period.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-9.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 9" class="wp-image-3195024" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It has to be held to be believed</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Elsewhere, I continue to marvel at just how thin and light this thing is. This has barely changed compared to last year, but a 215g chassis is basically identical to the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html">Galaxy S26 Ultra</a>, while its 8.9mm thickness when closed is only slightly chunkier than the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2930279/apple-iphone-17-pro-max-review.html">iPhone 17 Pro Max</a>. I still can’t quite work out how Samsung has managed to achieve this, but I’m certainly not complaining!</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I also have to talk about that Violet Shadow colourway. I fell in love with it during a brief hands-on session, and believe me, the novelty definitely hasn’t worn off. I’d hate to cover it up with a case, and with the Z Fold 8 Ultra’s top-tier durability, I’m very happy to go case-free.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0702.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cameras" class="wp-image-3194661" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Simply gorgeous</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Thomas Deehan / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One small blot is the continued IP48 rating, meaning it’s still not fully dust-proof. If that’s important to you, the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2930018/google-pixel-10-pro-fold-review.html">Pixel 10 Pro Fold</a> (and likely upcoming 11 Pro Fold) are your only options right now.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-software-is-better-than-ever">The software is better than ever</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Z Fold 8 Ultra is among the first devices to ship running One UI 9, Samsung’s <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3122614/android-17-release-date-new-features-eligible-phones.html">Android 17</a>-based skin. There are no groundbreaking new foldable features here, but it’s still the best software I’ve ever used on a foldable.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 8-inch internal screen is roughly equivalent to two 6.5-inch bar phones side by side, and it makes the 8 Ultra a stellar multitasking device. You can comfortably use three apps on the display at the same time, plus another in a pop-up.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Now-Nudge-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Now Nudge Z Fold 8 Ultra 1" class="wp-image-3195026" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Z Fold 8 Ultra is a superb multitasking device</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the other end of the scale, more apps than ever are optimised to make full use of the larger display. Almost all stock Samsung and Google apps are included, but a growing number of third-party ones are much more enjoyable to use. Instagram, Todoist and Spotify are my personal highlights, but there are nice surprises all the time.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="no-compromise-cameras-finally">No-compromise cameras… finally!</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ever since foldables emerged, camera performance has always felt like an afterthought.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the Z Fold 8 Ultra, Samsung is finally giving them the respect they deserve. While the 200Mp main lens is the same as last year’s Z Fold 7, the ultrawide has been bumped from 12Mp to 50Mp, making for a much more consistent experience across all lenses.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Z-Fold-8-Ultra-cameras.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Z Fold 8 Ultra cameras" class="wp-image-3195007" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">All three rear cameras are well worth using</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Initial testing has been really encouraging, with excellent images in a variety of scenarios. It handles some tricky lighting conditions really well and continues to produce detailed shots in low-light environments.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While switching to the ultrawide does mean some small compromises, it’s now even closer to the main lens in terms of image quality.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meanwhile, the 10Mp 3x telephoto lens makes zoom photos and professional-looking portraits a real joy. Taking a portrait selfie using it is a bit of a pain, but well worth it for the excellent results.</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide" style="--aspect-ratio:calc(1200 / 900)"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 5" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202986" data-id="3202986" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 10" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202983" data-id="3202983" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-10.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 11" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202988" data-id="3202988" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-11.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 9" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202984" data-id="3202984" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-9.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 8" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202985" data-id="3202985" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-8.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 7" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202987" data-id="3202987" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-7.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 12" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202989" data-id="3202989" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-12.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202981" data-id="3202981" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 13" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202990" data-id="3202990" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 14" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202982" data-id="3202982" data-aspect-ratio="900 / 1200" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-14-rotated.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=900" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 15" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202991" data-id="3202991" data-aspect-ratio="900 / 1200" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-15-rotated.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=900" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 6" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202978" data-id="3202978" data-aspect-ratio="900 / 1200" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-6-rotated.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=900" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 3" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202980" data-id="3202980" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img width="400px" loading="lazy" alt="galaxy z fold 8 ultra camera test 4" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3202977" data-id="3202977" data-aspect-ratio="1200 / 900" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-camera-test-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" /></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You do still miss out on the S26 Ultra’s dedicated 5x telephoto, but that only really becomes an issue when the subject is in the far distance, such as wildlife or an arena concert. In every other scenario, it matches one of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724277/best-camera-phone.html">best camera phones</a> in the world, which is impressive.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="a-flawed-form-factor">A flawed form factor</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">So far, so very good, then. But the Z Fold 8 Ultra has one fundamental flaw: its shape.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To achieve the bar phone-esque tall and narrow cover screen, Samsung has persisted with the near-square internal display.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0679.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra inner display" class="wp-image-3194658" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Thomas Deehan / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While that’s great for productivity, it falls well short for any kind of content consumption, including social media videos, YouTube and gaming. Simply put, most content is still designed for traditional 16:9 widescreens, meaning you’ll have to put up with big black bars above and below the content, or crop in and risk missing something crucial.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’ve spent nearly two months trying to ignore it on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and now Z Fold 8 Ultra to no avail. By contrast, the new <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3196523/i-tried-the-galaxy-z-fold-8-pre-orders-are-flying-for-a-reason.html">Galaxy Z Fold 8</a> has a much more familiar 4 : 3 aspect ratio, making it feel like an iPad Mini. And it’s not exactly bad for getting work done, either.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>there are some underrated upgrades on the Fold 8 Ultra, but nothing to justify this sort of expenditure</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For all but the most dedicated mobile productivity enthusiasts, the Z Fold 8 offers a better all-round package. And that’s before we even get to the price…</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pricing-makes-it-unattainable">Pricing makes it unattainable</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you thought the Z Fold 7’s price was an issue, the Fold 8 Ultra only makes things worse.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A starting price of £1,899/$2,099.99 is £100/$100 more expensive than its predecessor – almost certainly due to the ongoing global RAM shortage.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sure, there are some underrated upgrades on the Fold 8 Ultra, but nothing to justify this sort of expenditure. Unless you can find a bargain contract deal, it’s simply not worth the outlay for the vast majority of people.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0890.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra" class="wp-image-3194641" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Z Fold 8 is the most expensive of Samsung’s latest foldable lineup</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Thomas Deehan / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The proposition is soured further by the Z Fold 8, which undercuts its sibling at £1,649/$1,899.99. Not cheap by any means, but a much more attractive proposition.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ultimately, it looks like Samsung has spent years honing the book-style form factor, only for it to be cannibalised by a much superior form factor. As impressive as the Z Fold 8 Ultra’s hardware is, it’s looking almost impossible to recommend.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, plenty could change between now and my full Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review. Look out for that soon.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  8. A Microsoft subscription isn’t your only option — this lifetime Office license is just $32.97

    Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>TL;DR:</strong> Ditch recurring Microsoft 365 payments and get a lifetime license to <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license-10?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17687&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license-2026-07-30&amp;utm_term=SALE-329540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows</a> for just $32.97 through August 9 (MSRP $219.99).</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead of adding another yearly subscription to your budget, you can <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license-10?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17687&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license-2026-07-30&amp;utm_term=SALE-329540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">own Microsoft Office</a> Professional 2021 outright. Right now, a lifetime license is on sale for just $32.97 through August 9 (MSRP $219.99).</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This version comes with:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Word</li> <li>Excel</li> <li>PowerPoint</li> <li>Outlook</li> <li>Publisher</li> <li>Access</li> <li>OneNote</li> <li>Teams (Free version)</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">These apps are a slightly older version of the same software available through Microsoft 365. They may not have the new AI integrations, but that just means you have a streamlined interface that won’t change with every mandatory update Microsoft puts out.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This lifetime license is tied to one computer and doesn’t require renewals or monthly payments.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Get a <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license-10?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17687&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license-2026-07-30&amp;utm_term=SALE-329540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Office Pro 2021 lifetime license</a> on sale for $32.97 until August 9.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://cdnp0.stackassets.com/354e8666f719e32f6e8fc82855e1018051d61d46/store/b8bd31273b98d3e15276ed23da3f17781ed57799f118a2c127aefa02700e/sale_xxxxx_primary_image.jpg" alt="" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License<a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license-10?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17687&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-office-professional-2021-for-windows-lifetime-license&amp;utm_term=SALE-329540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See Deal</a></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change.</em></p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <div id="review-body" class="review"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" class="review-logo" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ta-ed-choice-22-final-2-1.svg" alt="Editors' Choice" /><h4 class="review-title" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h4><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="experts-rating">Expert's Rating</h3><div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4 out of 5." role="img"></div> <div><div class="review-columns"> <h3 class="review-subTitle review-subTitle--borderTop " id="our-verdict">Our Verdict </h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Brand New Day’s version of Spider-Man is one that fans know best, and something that the MCU has been missing. Peter Parker never gives up on New York and those he loves, no matter what life throws at him. However, the dynamic, comic book-inspired pace loses momentum in the final act. </p> </div></div> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the run-up to the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, star Tom Holland shared how he and the writers had done extensive deep dives into the fandom online – trawling Reddit and other sources to try and capture exactly what fans of the web-crawling franchise wanted from their next superhero epic.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As both an Entertainment Editor who has followed this production closely and someone who has been terminally online for a good portion of my life, I can say with great confidence that they have succeeded in that task.  </p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>As just one of two Marvel movies in 2026, it sets a high bar for Avengers: Doomsday to follow later this year</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first half of Brand New Day feels like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a comic book. Director Destin Daniel Cretton went to painstaking lengths to achieve shots that mimicked covers of previous issues, while characters – both heroes and villains – popped in and out of the story, showing a glimpse of the sort of life Peter Parker is now living post No Way Home. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper youtube-video"> <iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlYpMCkhDa8?start=13&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’ve seen criticisms that having such a large roster of characters left the film feeling overstuffed, but that’s not the case for me. Part of what makes Brand New Day have such an impact is proving Spider-Man’s loyalty to the people of New York, and we can’t necessarily see that with just a small handful of supporting cast members.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’ve followed the rumours and speculation as I have, you’ll be vindicated by some reveals and bemused by how wrong some of the ‘leaks’ were – credit to the publicity team for keeping fans guessing throughout the production process.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are many direct references to popular memes, and even deep cuts to the dark depths of fanfiction and Tumblr art – all of them left me cackling in my seat. While the humour isn’t necessarily as overt as previous Holland films, the moments that do are timed with perfection.  </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper youtube-video"> <iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1eONa8Nx_jQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Plus, too many jokes would clash with the main theme, in which Peter Parker suffers… a lot, emotionally and physically. Believe it or not, that’s something fans have weirdly been hyped for.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Now dragged into adulthood, this more mature Spider-Man cannot help but torment himself by following the lives of his former closest connections, Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) and Michelle Jones/MJ (Zendaya), despite them having no recollection of him. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Peter’s depression is a focal point of the story, with the superhero shutting down friendships before they could start – a self-defence mechanism that ultimately results in some dire consequences. His mental state is also captured by the swinging sequences, which have a newfound dangerous edge to them.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cretton has brought his love for practical stunts and choreography from Shang-Chi to this film, with sequences filmed on location to capture thrilling fights unlike anything we’ve seen before. While a small detail, Peter wears his suit and mask for most of the film – and it’s a real suit, not a CGI overlay as it has been previously. It moves with him, and that makes it feel more real and grounded. </p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>Cretton has brought his love for practical stunts and choreography from Shang-Chi to this film</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Brand New Day falls short of perfection in the last act, where we get an exposition dump with Sadie Sink’s character that bogs down that rapid, graphic-novel style pace that has held the film together so well. It’s clear that despite Spider-Man moving away from cosmic threats, his story has another part to play for the greater MCU. But while this movie is happy to reference many areas of this sprawling world, it’s ignored one key thing.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I do welcome the return of Jon Bernthal as Punisher, who is more comedic than expected but somehow makes it work. That said, it feels like a missed opportunity to not discuss any of the events from the show he originates from – Daredevil: Born Again. I didn’t need cameos from Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) or the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2629271/is-spider-man-4-setting-up-to-make-kingpin-the-villain.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2629271/is-spider-man-4-setting-up-to-make-kingpin-the-villain.html">Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio)</a> but not even having a throwaway line about the pandemonium of New York City during this time is odd, as the events would have had direct consequences for Peter.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But these shortcomings cannot take away from the heart of the film. While it’s not got the crowd-roaring moments of No Way Home, it’s a love letter to the fans and the most authentic representation of Peter Parker we’ve seen – I’d argue even above the iconic Tobey Maguire trilogy.  </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper youtube-video"> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXGGmtkgee7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:500px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXGGmtkgee7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"> <div 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12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a></div></blockquote><script async src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> </div></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="should-you-watch-spider-man-brand-new-day">Should you watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day? </h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a return to glory for the MCU. While casual viewers will like it, fans of Peter Parker will adore it thanks to the raft of elements included to make this movie truly feel like a comic book brought to life.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s a fantastic follow-up to No Way Home, but also plants the seeds for something fresh. That’s a tough balancing act to achieve, and Cretton largely succeeds. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The final act does stall the pace, but as the credits roll you’ll realise that the five years between the last Spider-Man film and this one were worth the wait. As just one of two <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/731808/how-to-watch-marvel-movies-and-series-in-order.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/731808/how-to-watch-marvel-movies-and-series-in-order.html">Marvel movies</a> in 2026, it sets a high bar for Avengers: Doomsday to follow later this year. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Spider-Man: Brand New Day is out now in cinemas. UK viewers can get tickets from <a href="http://cineworld.co.uk/films/spider-man-brand-new-day/ho00014579" data-type="link" data-id="cineworld.co.uk/films/spider-man-brand-new-day/ho00014579">Cineworld</a>, <a href="https://www.odeon.co.uk/spider-man-brand-new-day/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.odeon.co.uk/spider-man-brand-new-day/">Odeon</a> and <a href="https://www.myvue.com/film/spider-man-brand-new-day" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.myvue.com/film/spider-man-brand-new-day">Vue</a>, while US viewers can buy them from <a href="https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day-78598" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day-78598">AMC</a> and <a href="https://www.fandango.com/spider-man-brand-new-day-2026-243819/movie-overview" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.fandango.com/spider-man-brand-new-day-2026-243819/movie-overview">Fandango</a></em></p> </div></div></div></div>
  9. Best mini PC deals: Top Intel and AMD picks for performance, gaming, and more

    Sun, 02 Aug 2026 22:32:11 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="top-amd-mini-pc-deal-picks">Top AMD mini PC deal picks</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E5-Desktop-Computer-Display/dp/B0GS8BRTNF?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E5-Desktop-Computer-Display/dp/B0GS8BRTNF?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Bosgame E5</a>—$269 (29% off on Amazon)</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-E1-Computer-Computers-Business/dp/B0DP23FPKY?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-E1-Computer-Computers-Business/dp/B0DP23FPKY?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Kamrui Pinova P1</a>—$319 (26% off on Amazon)</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-P6-LPDDR5X-Computers-PCIe4-0/dp/B0FPC1J2L3?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-P6-LPDDR5X-Computers-PCIe4-0/dp/B0FPC1J2L3?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Bosgame P6</a>—$540 (16% of on Amazon)</li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="top-intel-mini-pc-deal-picks">Top Intel mini PC deal picks</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M2-Pro-i7-1195G7-Preinstalled/dp/B0D79439GH?th=1&amp;tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M2-Pro-i7-1195G7-Preinstalled/dp/B0D79439GH?th=1&amp;tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M2 Pro S</a>—$470 (15% off on Amazon)</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-Windows-14450HX-Computers-Business/dp/B0FXWDD1ND?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-Windows-14450HX-Computers-Business/dp/B0FXWDD1ND?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Kamrui Hyper H2</a>—$600 (14% off on Amazon)</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-Mini-Air12-Business-Computer/dp/B0CLXQ6KW5?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-Mini-Air12-Business-Computer/dp/B0CLXQ6KW5?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GEEKOM Air12</a>—$299 (25% off on Amazon)</li> </ul> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whether you’re looking for a productivity mini PC, something for gaming, or just a budget-friendly machine with a small footprint, we’ve got you covered. The team at PCWorld continually sorts through all of the daily mini PC sales and puts together a curated list of the best deals available.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Finding the right deals can be tricky, however, because there are so many things to consider, from the configuration to the price. Fear not! I’ve been covering mini PC deals for a long time<strong>—</strong>and PCWorld has tested thousands of PCs over four decades<strong>—</strong>so let me help you out. I select our favorite deals by thoroughly examining the list of specs, overall design, user feedback, and general value. The RAM, SSD, and CPU all matter significantly in mini PCs, and if you’re not careful, you may select a “bare-bones” rig that makes you bring your own memory and storage. All of the picks below are hand-selected for not only their performance, but most importantly, their value.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’ve also included some helpful answers to common questions about buying a computer at the bottom of this article. If you’re considering a laptop instead, be sure to check out our <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/550968/best-laptop-deals-3.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best laptop deals</a>, or for more desktop choices check out <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/813362/best-pc-computer-deals.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/813362/best-pc-computer-deals.html">best computer deals</a> roundup instead<strong>—</strong>each are updated daily.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Updated August 2, 2026 to reflect the latest deals and pricing.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-deals-on-amd-mini-pcs">Best deals on AMD mini PCs </h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image-1.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3204275" width="1200" height="874" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E5-Desktop-Computer-Display/dp/B0GS8BRTNF?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E5-Desktop-Computer-Display/dp/B0GS8BRTNF?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Bosgame E5</a>, Ryzen 3 5300U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support—$269 (29% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E5-Desktop-Computer-Display/dp/B0GS8BRTNF?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E5-Desktop-Computer-Display/dp/B0GS8BRTNF?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Bosgame E5</a> for $111 off on Amazon is my favorite budget mini PC deal of the week. The Ryzen 3 5300U and 16GB of RAM offer solid performance for browsing, office work, and everyday multitasking. Its 512GB SSD also provides enough storage for most people without pushing up the price. Support for three displays and dual Ethernet ports makes this an especially good option for a home office setup.<br></p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image_8facf9.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3147867" width="1200" height="892" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-E1-Computer-Computers-Business/dp/B0DP23FPKY?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-E1-Computer-Computers-Business/dp/B0DP23FPKY?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Kamrui Pinova P1</a>, Ryzen 4300U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support—$319 (26% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another good budget deal this week is the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-E1-Computer-Computers-Business/dp/B0DP23FPKY?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-E1-Computer-Computers-Business/dp/B0DP23FPKY?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Kamrui Pinova P1</a> for $111 off on Amazon. With a Ryzen 4300U processor and 16GB of RAM, you can expect solid multitasking and browsing performance. The option to connect up to three 4K monitors makes this a good option for an entertainment hub as well. It doesn’t have quite as much performance oomph as the two options above, but it’s even cheaper and doesn’t cut too many corners to get to this price point either.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_8fe596.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3199302" width="1200" height="1029" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-P6-LPDDR5X-Computers-PCIe4-0/dp/B0FPC1J2L3?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-P6-LPDDR5X-Computers-PCIe4-0/dp/B0FPC1J2L3?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Bosgame P6</a>, Ryzen 9 6900HX/24GB RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support<strong>—</strong>$540 (16% of on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For something with a bit more power, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-P6-LPDDR5X-Computers-PCIe4-0/dp/B0FPC1J2L3?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-P6-LPDDR5X-Computers-PCIe4-0/dp/B0FPC1J2L3?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Bosgame P6</a> for $120 off on Amazon is worth a look. The main draw here is the Ryzen 9 processor which is good for content creation and even some lighter 1080p gaming. The 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM is also nice, but just be aware that since it’s soldered to the motherboard you won’t be able to upgrade in the future. Still, 24GB should be more than enough for everything outside of heavy 3D rendering or demanding video edits.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M6-Ultra-Upgraded-Computers/dp/B0FLJQW1RD?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M6-Ultra-Upgraded-Computers/dp/B0FLJQW1RD?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M6 Ultra</a>, Ryzen 7640HS/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support—$600 (14% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just like the other configuration I mentioned above, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M6-Ultra-Upgraded-Computers/dp/B0FLJQW1RD?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M6-Ultra-Upgraded-Computers/dp/B0FLJQW1RD?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M6 Ultra</a> for $100 is a great deal. It’s a sneaky powerhouse mini PC deal for users who want desktop-class performance in a tiny chassis. The Ryzen 7 7640HS delivers strong multitasking and creator performance, while the included 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD make it ready for demanding workloads right out of the box. Support for up to Triple 4K and WiFi 6 completes the package, making this a really good midrange mini PC deal to take advantage of right now.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Upgraded-Computers-M6-Ultra/dp/B0H69CC1P6?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Upgraded-Computers-M6-Ultra/dp/B0H69CC1P6?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M7 Ultra</a>, Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U/Radeon 680M/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/Oculink/quad 4K support—$650 (24% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Upgraded-Computers-M6-Ultra/dp/B0H69CC1P6?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Upgraded-Computers-M6-Ultra/dp/B0H69CC1P6?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M7 Ultra</a> for $200 off on Amazon is a strong mini PC for work and light gaming. Its Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U and Radeon 680M graphics provide plenty of power for demanding productivity tasks and less intensive games. You also get a great value thanks to the 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a generous 1TB of onboard SSD storage. The bonus here is the Oculink port, which lets you connect an external graphics card for more serious gaming. Dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports and two USB4 ports round out this well-equipped machine.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ACEMAGIC-V1-Computers-Desktop-Display/dp/B0DMCRSBNT?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/ACEMAGIC-V1-Computers-Desktop-Display/dp/B0DMCRSBNT?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Acemagic Mini PC</a>, Ryzen R2544/16GB RAM/256GB SSD/triple 4K support—$339 (15% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you need a compact everyday computer, this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ACEMAGIC-V1-Computers-Desktop-Display/dp/B0DMCRSBNT?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/ACEMAGIC-V1-Computers-Desktop-Display/dp/B0DMCRSBNT?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Acemagic Mini PC</a> for $60 off on Amazon is another option worth considering. Its Ryzen R2544 processor—a lesser known, powerful budget CPU—and 16GB of DDR4 RAM can handle web browsing, productivity apps, and general office work. The 256GB SSD is a bit small, but it should be enough if you’re willing to store most of your files <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/407149/online-cloud-backup-services-carbonite-idrive-backblaze-livedrive.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/407149/online-cloud-backup-services-carbonite-idrive-backblaze-livedrive.html">in the cloud</a> or on an <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/406861/best-external-drives.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/406861/best-external-drives.html">external drive</a>. It also supports up to three 4K displays, making it an inexpensive option for a multi-monitor entertainment machine.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-deals-on-intel-mini-pcs">Best deals on Intel mini PCs</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image_cd022a.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3133125" width="1200" height="948" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M2-Pro-i7-1195G7-Preinstalled/dp/B0D79439GH?th=1&amp;tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M2-Pro-i7-1195G7-Preinstalled/dp/B0D79439GH?th=1&amp;tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M2 Pro S</a>, Core i7-1185G7/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support—$470 (15% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M2-Pro-i7-1195G7-Preinstalled/dp/B0D79439GH?th=1&amp;tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-M2-Pro-i7-1195G7-Preinstalled/dp/B0D79439GH?th=1&amp;tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M2 Pro S</a> for $80 off on Amazon is a nice midrange Intel mini PC option if you want something compact but still reasonably powerful. The Core i7-1185G7 remains a capable chip for productivity and multitasking workloads, while 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD give it a balanced feature set for everyday computing. Triple 4K display support is also a welcome bonus for office users who run multi-monitor setups. It’s a solid all-around mini PC at this price.<strong><br></strong></p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image_3cf638.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3135473" width="1200" height="699" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-Windows-14450HX-Computers-Business/dp/B0FXWDD1ND?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-Windows-14450HX-Computers-Business/dp/B0FXWDD1ND?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Kamrui Hyper H2</a>, Core i5-14450HX/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support—$600 (14% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-Windows-14450HX-Computers-Business/dp/B0FXWDD1ND?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-Windows-14450HX-Computers-Business/dp/B0FXWDD1ND?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Kamrui Hyper H2</a> for $100 off on Amazon is an excellent deal on a surprisingly powerful Intel-based mini PC. The Core i5-14450HX is a high-performance laptop-class chip with plenty of cores for demanding multitasking, productivity, and even light creator workloads. Paired with 32GB of RAM and a roomy 1TB SSD, this compact system feels far more premium than its price suggests. It also supports triple 4K displays, making it a great fit for office setups or home workstations where screen real estate matters.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image_d96c6a.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3158570" width="1200" height="1174" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-Mini-Air12-Business-Computer/dp/B0CLXQ6KW5?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-Mini-Air12-Business-Computer/dp/B0CLXQ6KW5?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GEEKOM Air12</a>, Intel 7505/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/dual 4K support—$299 (25% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">My favorite Intel ultra-budget deal right now is the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-Mini-Air12-Business-Computer/dp/B0CLXQ6KW5?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-Mini-Air12-Business-Computer/dp/B0CLXQ6KW5?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GEEKOM Air12</a> for $100 off on Amazon. It’s an excellent entry-level mini PC for everyday computing, especially if you need a reliable machine for office work, web browsing, streaming, or light home-office duties. The Intel 7505 processor beats most other budget CPUs at this price point and is surprisingly capable. Plus, the inclusion of 16GB of DDR5 RAM will help keep the system feeling snappy enough. GEEKOM also has a strong reputation for build quality among mini PC brands, making this Air12 a solid value option for users who want an affordable, compact desktop without sacrificing reliability.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-K15-Processor-Computer-Expansion/dp/B0G7F2TD4W?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-K15-Processor-Computer-Expansion/dp/B0G7F2TD4W?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec K15 AI</a>, Core Ultra 5 125U/32GB RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support/Oculink—$670 (18% off on Amazon)</strong></strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This deal for $150 off the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-K15-Processor-Computer-Expansion/dp/B0G7F2TD4W?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-K15-Processor-Computer-Expansion/dp/B0G7F2TD4W?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec K15 AI</a> AI on Amazon stands out thanks to its generous 32GB of DDR5 memory. This alone makes it an excellent choice for heavy multitasking, productivity workloads, and running multiple applications simultaneously. Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125U processor delivers modern efficiency features and AI-enhanced capabilities. Support for multiple 4K displays and an Oculink connection for hooking up external graphics card means this mini PC could easily become a gaming station as well.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-NUC-Pro-Ultra-Quiet-Thunderbolt/dp/B0GZ5NRJ5R?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-NUC-Pro-Ultra-Quiet-Thunderbolt/dp/B0GZ5NRJ5R?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Asus NUC 13 Pro Tall</a>, Core i5-13420H/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/quad 4K support—$650 (23% off on Amazon)</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-NUC-Pro-Ultra-Quiet-Thunderbolt/dp/B0GZ5NRJ5R?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-NUC-Pro-Ultra-Quiet-Thunderbolt/dp/B0GZ5NRJ5R?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Asus NUC 13 Pro Tall</a> for $200 off on Amazon is a strong Intel-powered mini PC for everyday work. Its Core i5-13420H processor and 16GB of RAM can handle demanding multitasking, while the 512GB SSD provides a decent amount of onboard storage. Connectivity is outstanding: Thunderbolt, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi 6E, and support for up to four 4K displays. It also comes with Windows 11 Pro, making this compact and quiet machine a good fit for a home office or business workstation.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block"><h2 class="faq-block-title" id="mini-pc-deals-faq"> Mini PC deals FAQ </h2><hr class="block-horizotal-divider"> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">1.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-should-you-look-for-when-buying-a-mini-pc">What should you look for when buying a mini PC?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first thing you have to check off your list is just what configuration you need to get your job done. Are you going to use your new mini PC for browsing only? Then a cheap budget-friendly device with a decent CPU and 16GB of RAM will do the trick. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Do you want it to be able to juggle a bunch of apps and not choke on 50 browser tabs? Then a more powerful CPU and at least 32GB of RAM would be better. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Do you want to do some light gaming in your downtime? Look for a device that comes with a GPU or Occulink connectivity to hook up an external GPU instead.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Are you looking to utilize the mini PC as a home server? Your priority then should be a large SSD—2TB or more.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are devices for each and every one of these scenarios, and they’re all quite affordable. The best part is that mini PCs are… well, small, so they can be placed practically anywhere depending on your intended use and available space. They also support multiple monitors out of the box, which makes it easy to replace your old, larger desktop and you won’t even need to pay for extra hubs.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">2.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="can-a-mini-pc-replace-a-desktop-computer">Can a mini PC replace a desktop computer?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For most people, the answer is “yes”! Mini PCs are definitely powerful enough to replace desktops for most users, especially if you’re going to use it for work, browsing, or streaming movies. If you want something for photo and video editing, or even gaming, there are models that allow you to do that, but they’ll cost a bit more. If you’re into hardcore gaming, however, you’re still better off with a proper gaming PC or laptop.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">3.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="can-a-mini-pc-run-modern-games">Can a mini PC run modern games?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mostly, yes. But it will ultimately depend upon the mini PC you buy and which modern games you want to play. Some high-performance mini PCs can run modern AAA games. You might not be able to run them at the highest settings though, and performance will depend heavily on the specific hardware.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you do want to game on a mini PC, look for powerful models with dedicated discrete GPUs such as an Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon rather than integrated graphics. Alternatively, you can opt for cloud streaming services to game on less powerful mini PCs, which bypasses the need for high-end hardware. </p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">4.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="which-mini-pc-brands-are-reliable">Which mini PC brands are reliable?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some of the most reliable mini PC brands are Minisforum, Beelink, GMKtec, and Geekom. Of course Apple’s Mac minis are also excellent computers if you prefer using macOS. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Brands such as Asus, Lenovo, HP, and Dell all make high-quality smaller-footprint PCs, but they might not fill the same niche and/or they are typically more expensive.</p> </div> </div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Specifications have leaked for what could be one of the best phones of 2027 – and you won’t be able to buy it.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3122410/oneplus-16-display-specs-leak.html">OnePlus 16</a> appears to be firmly on track for a late 2026 launch, and established tipster Digital Chat Station has just popped up with a broad specification summary.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to a <a href="https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5325248170038287" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weibo post</a> from the leaker, the OnePlus 16 will run on the as-yet-unannounced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and will be fronted by a 6.78-inch LIPO display with bezels that are both uniform and ultra-narrow.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The tipster reckons that the overall design will be unchanged from the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2966442/oneplus-15-review.html">OnePlus 15</a>, with the same flat surfaces and square camera module.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OnePlus-15-REVIEW-camera.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="OnePlus 15 REVIEW camera" class="wp-image-2970345" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The OnePlus 16 should look a lot like the OnePlus 15</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">They also state that the OnePlus 16 will launch in <strong>October 2026</strong> – again, much like the OnePlus 15’s late 2025 launch.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A little further down the ensuing chat thread, the tipster adds that the OnePlus 16 will pack an almighty 9000mAh battery.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Essentially, then, the OnePlus 16 is shaping up to double down on everything that made the OnePlus 15 stand out – namely performance and battery life.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What we don’t hear is any word on the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3150220/oneplus-16-camera-specs-leak.html">phone’s camera set-up</a>. This was arguably the weak point of the OnePlus 15, with a triple camera configuration that was generally considered a regression from the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2562174/oneplus-13-review.html">OnePlus 13</a> before it.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OnePlus-13-review-camera.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="OnePlus 13 review camera" class="wp-image-2569053" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Will the OnePlus 16 restore some of the OnePlus 13’s camera lustre?</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="its-not-for-the-likes-of-us">It’s not for the likes of us</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’re trying to convince ourselves that we’re not quite as invested in any of this as we would once have been.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier this month, OnePlus <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3190509/should-you-buy-oneplus-phone-us-europe-exit-confirmed.html">officially confirmed</a> that it was withdrawing from the European and US markets. Going forward, there will be no new OnePlus devices launched outside of Asia.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Let’s not pretend that this latest OnePlus 16 news isn’t a bummer for us here in the West, though. The OnePlus 15 remains one of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-phone.html">best phones</a> on the market, particularly thanks to its blazing-fast performance and incredible battery life.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you can pick one up in a fire sale as OnePlus (or more likely its third-party retail partners) flogs any remaining stock, it’s still worth considering.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As we’ve noted before, <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3190509/should-you-buy-oneplus-phone-us-europe-exit-confirmed.html">OnePlus has promised to stick to its software and security update promise,</a> while parent company Oppo isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it looks set to fill the gap that OnePlus has left to some extent.</p> <div class="wp-block-product-widget-block product-widget"> <div class="product-widget__block-title-wrapper"> <h4 class="product-widget__block-title" id=""> </h4> </div> <div class="product-widget__content-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__title-wrapper"> <h3 class="product-widget__title" id="oneplus-15">OnePlus 15</h3> </div> <div class="product-widget__image-outer-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__image-wrapper"> <img width="2800" height="1575" class="product-widget__image" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OnePlus-15-REVIEW-back-handheld.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" alt="OnePlus 15" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> </div> </div> <div class="review product-widget__review-details"> <img width="400px" class="product-widget__review-details--editors-choice-logo" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ta-ed-choice-22-final-2-1.svg" alt="Editors' Choice" loading="lazy" /> <div class="product-widget__rating-and-review-link"> <div class="product-widget__review-details--rating"> <div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5"></div> </div> <a class="product-widget__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2966442/oneplus-15-review.html" target="_blank">Read our review</a> </div> </div> <div class="product-widget__information"> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div>
  10. This HP EliteBook refurb flips into a tablet without flipping your budget — now $389.99

    Sun, 02 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>TL;DR: </strong>For $389.99 (MSRP $549.99), this refurbished HP EliteBook 830 G8 is a <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11p-refurbished?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17689&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11pro-refurbished-2026-07-31&amp;utm_term=SALE-329609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">convertible laptop with 32GB RAM</a> and a 16.5-hour battery.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Business laptops with real specs tend to come with real price tags attached, especially once you start adding RAM, security features, and a touchscreen into the mix. The <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11p-refurbished?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17689&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11pro-refurbished-2026-07-31&amp;utm_term=SALE-329609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HP EliteBook 830 G8</a> skips that tradeoff. This refurbished, grade-A convertible laptop is $389.99, down from $549.99.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Under the hood, you’re getting an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of DDR4 memory, and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, enough to handle multitasking, business apps, and video calls without slowdown. The 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen folds into a 360-degree convertible design, so it <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11p-refurbished?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17689&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11pro-refurbished-2026-07-31&amp;utm_term=SALE-329609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">works as a laptop or a tablet</a> depending on what you’re doing.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Security is built in too, with HP Wolf Security features like HP Sure Start and HP Sure Click protecting against evolving threats. Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6 keep connectivity fast, and the battery lasts up to 16.5 hours, with HP Fast Charge restoring 50 percent in about 30 minutes.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This unit arrives in near-mint condition with minimal to no visible wear.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Get the <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11p-refurbished?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17689&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11pro-refurbished-2026-07-31&amp;utm_term=SALE-329609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HP EliteBook 830 G8, refurbished and near-mint</a>, on sale for $389.99 (MSRP $549.99).</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://cdnp3.stackassets.com/e094e22410d85491ff3ae5f4c3b7d85602686a0b/store/324d0d595eab3cb0bc93d313ebaa3c937419758ac4bb03c00816cb6bcc41/product_347535_product_shots4.jpg" alt="" style="width:655px;height:auto" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">HP Elitebook 830 G8 (2020) i7 32GB RAM 256GB SSD WIN11PRO (Refurbished)<a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11p-refurbished?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17689&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=hp-elitebook-830-g8-2020-i7-32gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win11pro-refurbished&amp;utm_term=SALE-329609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See Deal</a></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change.</em></p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 isn’t even in shops yet, but attention has already turned to its next big thing. The internet is a fickle thing.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Dutch website GalaxyClub has published claims about the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3116211/samsung-galaxy-s27-release-date-price-specs-rumours.html">Samsung Galaxy S27</a> series – specifically the battery tech within the S27 Pro and S27 Ultra.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to <a href="https://www.galaxyclub.nl/samsung/galaxy-s27-pro/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the website</a>, the Galaxy S27 Pro model will carry a 5200mAh battery, while the range-topping Galaxy S27 Ultra will come equipped with a 5700mAh or even 5800mAh cell.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The former will be a brand new model, so there isn’t too much to say about these claims. However, the latter follows directly on from the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html">Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra</a> with its 5000mAh battery, which was the sixth consecutive year of the same figure.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That would represent a 14 to 16% increase, which could prove to be a meaningful upgrade.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra-review-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review 13" class="wp-image-3082208" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="samsungs-battery-history">Samsung’s battery history</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’ve been waiting for Samsung to increase the capacities of its batteries in the Galaxy S series for some years now, as rivals such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Honor have moved well beyond it.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company has been understandably cautious about pushing the envelope with battery technology given its complicated history with exploding handsets – an issue that <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3139545/samsung-galaxy-s24-battery-explosion-reported.html">popped back up</a> quite recently.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This rumour would appear to confirm that Samsung is finally adopting Silicon Carbon (Si-C) technology, which enables the use of far denser batteries, producing bigger batteries without increasing phone thickness.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The same website recently claimed that both of these phones will feature 50Mp main and ultra-wide cameras, and that they could also feature a new 16Mp square front camera, rather like that of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2941896/apple-iphone-17-review.html">iPhone 17</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’ll likely have to wait until January for Samsung to announce its new Galaxy S line-up. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2973892/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-wide-ultra-release-date-price-specs-ultimate-guide.html">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra</a> and Z Flip 8 reviews.</p> <div class="wp-block-product-widget-block product-widget"> <div class="product-widget__block-title-wrapper"> <h4 class="product-widget__block-title" id=""> </h4> </div> <div class="product-widget__content-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__title-wrapper"> <h3 class="product-widget__title" id="samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra">Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra</h3> </div> <div class="product-widget__image-outer-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__image-wrapper"> <img width="2000" height="1123" class="product-widget__image" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra-review-7.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> </div> </div> <div class="review product-widget__review-details"> <img width="400px" class="product-widget__review-details--editors-choice-logo" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ta-ed-choice-22-final-2-1.svg" alt="Editors' Choice" loading="lazy" /> <div class="product-widget__rating-and-review-link"> <div class="product-widget__review-details--rating"> <div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5"></div> </div> <a class="product-widget__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html" target="_blank">Read our review</a> </div> </div> <div class="product-widget__information"> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div>
  11. Stop renting your software and own it with this $50 PDF editor

    Sat, 01 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>TL;DR</strong>: <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17690&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription-2026-07-29&amp;utm_term=SALE-329448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PDNob Pro</a> is a PDF management toolkit that utilizes AI to help you manage your PDFs easily. Grab lifetime access for just $49.99 (reg. $349.95).</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the year 2026, ownership is everything; and one of the best places to start is with PDF management. Take, for example, <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17690&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription-2026-07-29&amp;utm_term=SALE-329448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PDNob Pro PDF Editor’s lifetime subscription</a>. For just $49.99 (reg. $349.95), you’ll own a piece of software that lets you do everything from OCR text extraction, to editing, to merging, to conversion, and to annotation.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">PDFs are the universal gold standard of file archiving, sharing, and accessibility. Just about everyone uses them, which is why many companies have decided to stick us all into subscription purgatory. But why pay to use Adobe when you could <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17690&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription-2026-07-29&amp;utm_term=SALE-329448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">own an AI-powered PDF editor</a> that does the same job while also allowing you to ask questions about your document, generate accurate summaries, and translate content instantaneously?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What’s more, your subscription also comes with 20GB lifetime cloud storage, access on up to two devices simultaneously, and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and iOS. So, if you’re looking for flexibility and the ability to make quick edits onto complex documents, why not try it out?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Get this <a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17690&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription-2026-07-29&amp;utm_term=SALE-329448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PDNob Pro PDF Editor lifetime subscription</a> for just $49.99 (reg. $349.95).</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://cdnp0.stackassets.com/9c834184bc3ca722b529c5f7365ea8e782fb138b/store/3e4c1f7bbacc8dde358b66c5924623c8d2753beaa0477e28e5248db1376d/product_347366_product_shots3.jpg" alt="" style="width:662px;height:auto" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">PDNob Pro PDF Editor: Lifetime Subscription<a href="https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=pcworld.com&amp;utm_content=PS-17690&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=pdnob-pro-pdf-editor-lifetime-subscription&amp;utm_term=SALE-329448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See Deal</a></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change.</em></p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung’s new wide foldable is arguably the most exciting it’s ever launched. But there’s a nasty secret lurking within the hinge.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2973892/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-release-date-price-specs.html">Galaxy Z Fold 8</a> adopts a much shorter, squatter design than the book-style <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2973892/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-release-date-price-specs.html">Z Fold 8 Ultra</a>, enabling a wider internal screen that’s perfect for entertainment.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, it’s stuck with just two positions: open or closed. And that puts it at a major disadvantage compared to the Ultra. Let me explain.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-let-the-flex-out">Who let the flex out?</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On the surface, both the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra have a very similar hinge. Both use the new ‘Flex Titanium’ design, allowing it to feel more durable and significantly reduce the appearance of the crease.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the Ultra has a key advantage. It lets you open the device at almost any angle between fully open and fully closed, just like a laptop. By contrast, the Z Fold 8 is limited to the two extremes, meaning it can’t be left freestanding on a table.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 2" class="wp-image-3194998" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This isn’t possible on the Z Fold 8</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a result, you lose one of Samsung’s signature foldable features: Flex Mode. It removes useful features such as hands-free video calling, instant camera previews and easy group photos. You also miss out on a dedicated control panel for the likes of YouTube and Netflix, plus a separate gamepad for some mobile games.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Credit to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TPMwv0aF_m8">Basil at tech_edit</a>, who first brought this to our attention.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="a-potential-dealbreaker">A potential dealbreaker?</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whether you view the loss of Flex Mode as a dealbreaker will depend on how you use your phone. If you’re happy with a phone or tablet with nothing in between, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will suit you just fine.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But if you love the extra versatility of a screen that can be adjusted to almost any angle and be used hands-free, you’ll need to step up to the Z Fold 8 Ultra.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s unclear why Samsung decided to omit Flex Mode from the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The most likely explanation is to reduce costs, with the company having to design a brand-new hinge in the midst of a global RAM shortage that’s dramatically pushing up tech prices.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-10.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 10" class="wp-image-3195016" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Flex Mode has been a signature Galaxy Z Fold feature for years</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Nonetheless, it means that the Z Fold 8’s hinge is a downgrade compared to the Ultra, and every single Galaxy Z Fold since the original in 2019. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That, and the missing telephoto lens, appear to be the main reasons for its £200/$200 lower price tag. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, I still loved using it in my <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3196523/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-hands-on-the-foldable-i-didnt-know-i-needed.html">Z Fold 8 hands-on</a>, despite the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3196572/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-is-a-triumph-you-probably-shouldnt-buy.html">Z Fold 8 Ultra arguably being peak foldable</a>.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  12. Windows 11’s next big priority: Making 8GB PCs less painful to use

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:19:04 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As it turns out, Microsoft’s experiment with a Surface with 8GB of RAM probably wasn’t an experiment after all. Microsoft’s Windows chief said Friday that PCs with 8GB of RAM will be a focus going forward.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In fact, Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s head of Windows + Devices, said that the company would be investing in several areas, including voice, family, and improving the so-called out-of-the-box experience within Windows, which involves setting up a new PC. In addition, Microsoft will be concentrating on “Memory optimization for 8GB [PCs] and above.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In March, Microsoft and Davuluri committed to <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3093997/windows-11-reset-microsoft-pledges-more-speed-stability-and-control.html">major improvements within Windows</a>, improving speed, stability, and control; <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3094026/windows-11-is-finally-fixing-two-of-its-most-hated-design-choices.html">redoing the Start menu and the Taskbar</a> to include more flexibility; and <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3094068/microsoft-tells-windows-update-to-chill-after-years-of-complaints.html">giving users more control over Windows updates</a>. Microsoft also promised to <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3094059/microsoft-says-windows-11-will-get-faster-as-it-scales-back-copilot.html">scale back Copilot</a>, which it did by reducing the ubiquity of Copilot in Microsoft’s native apps. Since then, Microsoft has made changes to the Windows Insider program, previewed changes to the Taskbar and Start menu, quieted the Windows widgets, and made changes to File Explorer as well.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Streamlining Windows’ memory consumption has bubbled up to become a key priority, especially as rivals like Apple have launched optimized Macs (aka the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3084190/macbook-neo-review.html">MacBook Neo</a>) with 8GB of RAM that showed off Apple’s tight integration between its operating system and its internally designed silicon. The Windows world has been able to respond with <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3172230/sub-1000-surface-pcs-debut-but-with-a-catch-8gb-of-ram.html">8GB versions of the Surface Laptop</a> and other PCs, but historically the limitations that has placed on performance and tab management <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3087610/will-apples-macbook-neo-kill-budget-pc-laptops-or-save-them.html">has made a PC with 8GB of RAM a liability</a>, rather than a positive.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Nomad-MacBook-Neo-Indigo-Tempo-Dusk-Apple-Watch-band.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Nomad MacBook Neo Indigo Tempo Dusk Apple Watch band" class="wp-image-3094215" width="1200" height="800" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Like it or not, the MacBook Neo has become one of the most influential products of 2026, strictly because of its introductory price and configuration.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Nomad</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Microsoft hopes to change all that. For one, there’s there’s the WinUI 3 framework which governs many of the elements within Windows. Chris Anderson, a developer on Microsoft’s WinUI team, <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3199779/microsoft-admits-its-windows-11-apps-hog-ram-a-fix-is-coming.html">recently identified WinUI 3 as a key area for development</a>, which Davuluri echoed. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We’ve steadily been introducing several improvements to the memory efficiency of Windows, from taking advantage of a more efficient memory allocator to reduce overhead across apps and components, continued tuning of WinUI 3 so that apps built on it use less memory by design, as well as driving efficiencies across Chromium and Webview2 components when they appear in the operating system,” Davuluri wrote on a <a href="https://x.com/pavandavuluri/status/2083221255436812418">post on X</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-focus-for-the-the-end-of-the-year">The focus for the the end of the year</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Davuluri, that process will continue through the end of 2026. “We’re going to take everything we’ve learned since March and keep listening and closing the loop on your feedback,” he wrote. “The signal from you is clear: keep going. We intend to.”</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Windows-11-taskbar-example-image-Microsoft.png?w=1200" alt="Microsoft Windows 11 moveable taskbar sample" class="wp-image-3094949" width="1200" height="728" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Being able to move the Taskbar was one of the earliest and most highly-demanded aspects of the revamped Windows initiative. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Microsoft</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In his own words, here’s what Davuluri identified as the priorities for Windows through the end of the year.</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>“<strong>Onboarding and setup.</strong> Delivering a faster and more efficient out-of-box experience.</li> <li><strong>Memory optimization for 8GB and above.</strong> Reducing Windows memory footprint to deliver a fast and responsive Windows experience across the PCs customers use every day.</li> <li><strong>Family. </strong>Providing a faster set up and making it easier for families to access useful parental controls.</li> <li><strong>Voice. </strong>Making voice more natural and fluid to interact across the apps you use every day.”</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To date, Microsoft’s <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications?msockid=09062f8591fc6f5118ba396290b86e71&amp;r=1">hardware requirements for Windows 11</a> specify just <em>four</em> gigabytes of RAM, not eight. Still, virtually everyone who has owned a low-end PC knows that even eight gigabytes is pushing it. What Microsoft hasn’t publicly specified are the Key Performance Indicators, or performance metrics, for determining the acceptable performance and responsiveness of a low-end PC. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Otherwise, experienced Windows users know that there’s room for improvement in other areas, as well. Microsoft’s OOBE process is enormously complex, with user interactions required from inputting a Microsoft account to asking whether the user wants to restore from an established backup, Establishing boundaries for screen time within Microsoft’s family environment are actually effective, though that process might be better communicated to both parent and child, especially as the usage limits approach.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m intrigued, too, by what Microsoft intends to do with voice interaction. I still don’t see users latching on for privacy reasons and performance anxiety — and that’s before rivals like Anthropic’s Claude demonstrate that a keyboard still remains <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3202921/i-tried-chatgpt-voices-keyboard-free-future-it-still-needs-a-keyboard.html">a critical element in interacting with AI</a>. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I still agree, though, that Microsoft’s Windows Insider meetups remain exceptionally valuable chances to hear from and provide feedback to Microsoft engineers and product managers. If you’re reading anything here that you particularly agree (or disagree) with, start keeping an eye out for future Windows Insider meetups. </p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Which Samsung flagship should I buy?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Once upon a time, it was a relatively simple decision, with just two or three models to choose from. Six soon became the baseline, but what about eight?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If Korea’s <a href="https://en.etnews.com/20260727200001">Electronic Times</a> is accurate, we could be looking at four high-end <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724188/best-samsung-galaxy-phone.html">Samsung Galaxy phones</a> in the first half of 2027, before another quartet later in the year. While appealing in principle, this expansion would be a nightmare for prospective buyers.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="too-much-of-a-good-thing">Too much of a good thing</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m a big fan of Samsung phones, regularly recommending them to family and friends. But pinpointing exactly which model to get is already an arduous process, with dozens of models to choose from.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Flagships have been mostly immune to this, but I’d argue that 2026’s six-strong lineup is already pushing it. </p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>the S27+ and S27 Pro appear to be targeting the exact same type of buyer</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3197663/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-8-hands-on-time-to-pull-the-plug.html">Galaxy Z Flip 8</a> is a lazy ‘upgrade’ that’s more expensive than last year’s <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2843147/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7-review.html">Flip 7</a> while offering no clear-cut benefits. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3080347/samsung-galaxy-s26-plus-review.html">Galaxy S26+</a> sits in no man’s land, with the much cheaper <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2938173/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-review.html">S25 FE</a> offering everything most people need in a 6.7-inch phone.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-8-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 4" class="wp-image-3195053" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Galaxy Z Flip 8 should be the last in the series</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Four models would’ve made much more sense:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Galaxy S26 – compact, (more) affordable bar phone</li> <li>Galaxy S26 Ultra – ultra-premium bar phone</li> <li>Galaxy Z Fold 8 – folding phone for entertainment</li> <li>Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra – folding phone for productivity</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">By going in the opposite direction, Samsung risks confusing buyers like never before. Especially by adding a model which makes no sense…</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pro-oh-no">Pro? Oh no</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung’s non-folding flagship lineup is already bloated, so why does it want to make things worse?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A fourth, ‘Pro’-branded phone would only muddy the waters. It’s likely to sit between the Plus and Ultra in terms of price, but I highly doubt there’s a gap in the market. At least the short-lived <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2778222/samsung-galaxy-s25-edge-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2778222/samsung-galaxy-s25-edge-review.html">Galaxy S25 Edge</a> had a unique selling point; the S27+ and S27 Pro appear to be targeting the exact same type of buyer.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Plus-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus 13" class="wp-image-3065519" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">What could a Pro model offer that the Plus doesn’t already?</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If Samsung deems this necessary, I’d be totally baffled, and I test smartphones for a living. How can you expect less tech-savvy members of the public to make an informed decision?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In my experience, when faced with a dilemma like this, people tend to opt for the most premium model to avoid “missing out”. But the Ultra is total overkill for most people, and buying it often leads to massive overpayment for features they don’t use. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="four-fold-frustration">Four-fold frustration</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The second half of Samsung’s so-called “4+4” strategy isn’t quite so egregious, but I still don’t love it.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>2027 would be a terrible time for a second generation of tri-fold</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite <a href="https://x.com/UniverseIce/status/2075075643017142419">rumours of its cancellation</a>, <a href="https://en.etnews.com/20260727200001">Electronic Times</a> has included the Galaxy Z Flip 9 in the 2027 lineup. After <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3197663/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-8-hands-on-time-to-pull-the-plug.html">testing the Flip 8</a>, I really don’t think Samsung should bother. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the other end of the scale, Samsung looks set to revive its Galaxy Z TriFold line, after <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3027530/samsung-galaxy-z-trifold-hands-on.html">the original</a> was discontinued in March following just three months of sales. </p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-TriFold-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold 3" class="wp-image-3027612" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Samsung should hold off on launching another tri-fold</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Britta O’Boyle</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While I admire its ambition, 2027 would be a terrible time for a second generation of tri-fold. The CEO of SK Hynix, the world’s second biggest memory maker, told <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/articles/sk-hynix-ceo-sees-worst-182328326.html">Reuters</a> earlier this month that next year will be “the worst year in the industry’s history from the supply perspective”.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With a high price tag likely one of the main reasons for the original’s short lifespan, I can’t see things getting any better next year. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Focusing on the Z Fold 9 and Z Fold 9 Ultra would be a wise move, especially with Apple <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/739361/foldable-iphone-release-date-price-specs.html">set to enter the foldables fray</a>.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  13. 8 PC gaming upgrades under $100 that don’t feel cheap

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:30:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gaming on a budget doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated enthusiast, finding the right accessories can make the precious hours you get to spend in front of your computer that much better… without emptying your wallet.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’ve dug around and found some of the best PC gaming accessories under $100. Not only will you get top-notch performance, but you’ll get great value too. Let’s dive into the gear that proves great gaming doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-listicle-chart-block wp-block-product-chart product-chart"> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="upgrade-your-mouse-razer-basilisk-v3-x-hyperspeed">Upgrade your mouse: Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Razer-Basilisk-V3-X-Hyperspeed.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Razer Basilisk V3 X Hyperspeed" class="wp-image-2916165" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Razer</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the main things you need for your gaming setup is a proper mouse. There are so many options out there, but we’re particularly in love with the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXBC26X8/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed</a>. With an 18K optical sensor, nine programmable keys, and Chroma RGB, this one’s speedy, versatile, and gorgeous. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C13PZX7/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Basilisk V3</a> is also a solid option with a 26K DPI optical sensor and 11 programmable buttons. If you’re into MMOs, then the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGJT87N2/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Naga V2 HyperSpeed</a> may be better with its 19 buttons and 30K sensor.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXBC26X8/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed at Amazon</a></p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C13PZX7/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Razer Basilisk V3 at Amazon</a></p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGJT87N2/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-1" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF1"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="elevate-your-laptop-while-expanding-its-ports-mukiya-usb-c-dock-stand">Elevate your laptop while expanding its ports: Mukiya USB-C Dock Stand</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mukiya-laptop-docking-station.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Mukiya laptop docking station" class="wp-image-2916362" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Mukiya</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re on a gaming laptop, then you’ll get a ton of mileage out of a USB-C laptop docking station stand like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWTQ1Z7Z/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">this one by Mukiya</a>. Not only does it support nine different angles, but it also has an integrated dock with ports for 4K HDMI, two USB-A, one USB-C for data, one USB-C with 85W of passthrough charging, as well as SD and microSD card slots. It’s the ultimate accessory for a decked-out gaming laptop.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWTQ1Z7Z/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Mukiya USB-C Dock Stand at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-2" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF2"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="add-more-screens-and-accessories-to-your-laptop-anker-14-in-1-docking-station">Add more screens and accessories to your laptop: Anker 14-in-1 Docking Station</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Anker-docking-station-14-in-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Anker docking station 14 in 1" class="wp-image-2916365" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Anker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want an even more versatile docking station than the Mukiya above and you don’t need the laptop stand feature, then this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF52HF6D/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Anker 14-in-1 Laptop Docking Station</a> is a great option. It comes with two 4K HDMI ports and another 1080p VGA port, enabling you to add three displays to your gaming laptop. It also has several USB ports, a USB-C PD port with 100W max charging power, SD and microSD card slots, and a Gigabit Ethernet port for stable online gaming.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF52HF6D/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Anker 14-in-1 Docking Station at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-3" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF3"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="upgrade-your-audio-quality-creative-pebble-pro-desktop-speakers">Upgrade your audio quality: Creative Pebble Pro Desktop Speakers</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PebblePRO_MHL.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Creative Pebble Pro" class="wp-image-1932618" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Creative</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Laptops (and monitors) don’t come with high-quality integrated speakers, so you’re going to need a proper pair if you want to properly enjoy the movies and TV shows you watch and the games you play. For their price, these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXW25R3D/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Creative Pebble Pro Desktop Speakers</a> are absolute gold. They have a minimalist design, they come with Bluetooth 5.3 support, and they have customizable RGB lighting.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXW25R3D/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Creative Pebble Pro at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-4" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF4"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="chat-online-in-ultimate-comfort-turtle-beach-stealth-600-wireless-headset">Chat online in ultimate comfort: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless Headset</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lead_edited_fd9fe7.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3" class="wp-image-2348668" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominic Bayley / IDG</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re into online multiplayer games, then you need to be able to keep in touch with friends on Discord. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYWDPYF4/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless Headset</a> is one of our favorites, not only for PC gaming but also while working, while on your phone, and even while gaming on the Xbox One and PS5. It delivers up to 80 hours of battery on a single charge, has a noise-cancelling mic, and it’s super comfy. While its MSRP is usually over $100, you can often get it on sale for below that.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYWDPYF4/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-5" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF5"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="organize-your-controllers-razer-controller-charging-stand">Organize your controllers: Razer Controller Charging Stand</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Razer-xbox-controller.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Razer charging stand for Xbox" class="wp-image-2916368" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Razer</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I love gaming on a PC with a proper controller, but keeping those controllers charged can be a chore most days. Well, not if you get one of these Razer charging stands that double as a charger <em>and</em> a stand to rest your controller while it’s recharging. You’ll need to grab either the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9L25J5S/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Xbox version</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ8WZS9T/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">PS5 version</a> depending on what you have.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9L25J5S/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Razer Charging Stand (Xbox) at Amazon</a></p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ8WZS9T/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Razer Charging Stand (PS5) at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-6" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF6"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="get-a-better-keyboard-logitech-g413-se-gaming-keyboard">Get a better keyboard: Logitech G413 SE Gaming Keyboard</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Logitech-G413-SE.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Logitech G413 SE" class="wp-image-2916371" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Logitech </p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gaming keyboards are great for gamers, obviously. They’re speedy, comfortable for long sessions, backlit so you can find the keys even when gaming at night, and deliciously tactile. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z6X4NK3/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Logitech G413 SE</a> is a full-sized keyboard that features PBT keycaps that are resistant to both heat and wear and tear. There are also 12 function keys available to control media, toggle lighting, and more. While there are so many other gaming keyboards we could recommend, this one’s a good value pick because it’s from a top brand yet still well under $100.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z6X4NK3/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Logitech G413 SE at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-7" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF7"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading " id="perfect-your-monitor-ergonomics-huanuo-flowlift-dual-monitor-arms">Perfect your monitor ergonomics: Huanuo FlowLift Dual Monitor Arms</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Huanuo-dual-monitor-stand.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt=" HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand" class="wp-image-2916373" /></figure><p class="imageCredit"> HUANUO </p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Monitor arms serve double duty: they lift your monitors up to free up precious desk space, and they raise them to proper height with precise adjustments to minimize eye strain and poor posture. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5SY43L/?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Huanuo FlowLift Dual Monitor Arms</a> are ideal for dual-monitor setups, with two independent arms that each tilt, swivel, and rotate as needed. Each arm can hold monitors from 13 to 32 inches and up to 19.8 pounds. In this price range, these arms are nigh unbeatable.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5SY43L/&amp;xcust=2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-2916003-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Huanuo FlowLift Dual Monitor Arms at Amazon</a></p></div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-8" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF8"}'></div> </div> </div> </div></div> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google has rolled out a fix for a battery drain issue that was affecting some Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 smartphones, but not everyone is convinced that it has succeeded.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ever since the March Pixel Drop, Pixel users have been reporting a strange <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3114885/pixel-battery-drain-bug-introduced-with-march-update.html">battery drain issue</a> that could see phones dying well before the end of the day for no apparent reason.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google claims to have fixed the bug on <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2433849/google-pixel-9-review.html">Pixel 9</a> and <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2912595/google-pixel-10-review.html">Pixel 10</a> series phones in its July update, with the problem now listed as ‘Fixed’ on its <a href="https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/525509065#comment143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IssueTracker</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2350881/google-pixel-8a-review.html">Pixel 8a</a> and <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2669555/google-pixel-9a-review.html">Pixel 9a</a> owners, apparently, will need to wait until the September Quarterly Platform Release for their own fix.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Google-Pixel-10-review-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 10 review 2" class="wp-image-2914904" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Pixel 10, pre-battery drain bug</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Chris Martin / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="bug-unsquashed">Bug unsquashed</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, it’s not certain that the bug has been squashed in quite the way it has been claimed. As <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-idle-battery-drain-fix-3692737/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Authority</a> points out, there’s no specific mention of an idle battery drain issue being fixed in the July Pixel update changelog, making it difficult to pin down precisely what has been changed.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">More worryingly, reports of battery drain issues have continued to come in following the July update. Over on the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1v9s6fg/marked_as_fixed_severe_idle_drain_kepler_spi_irq/?solution=caa44397637326a8caa44397637326a8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Pixel Reddit page</a>, a number of users claim that their phones are still experiencing excessive battery drain.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It hasn’t been a great year for Google’s Pixel series when it comes to bugs. There have been <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3182797/google-pixel-missed-call-and-sound-popping-bugs-reported.html">numerous bugs</a> afflicting the Pixel phone series over the past few months, while <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3173018/android-17-nightmare-first-week.html">Android 17’s rollout</a> last month brought with it a fresh litany of bugs.</p> <div class="wp-block-product-widget-block product-widget"> <div class="product-widget__block-title-wrapper"> <h4 class="product-widget__block-title" id=""> </h4> </div> <div class="product-widget__content-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__title-wrapper"> <h3 class="product-widget__title" id="google-pixel-10">Google Pixel 10</h3> </div> <div class="product-widget__image-outer-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__image-wrapper"> <img width="1920" height="1080" class="product-widget__image" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Pixel-10-Lemongrass-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" alt="Google Pixel 10" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> </div> </div> <div class="review product-widget__review-details"> <img width="400px" class="product-widget__review-details--editors-choice-logo" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ta-ed-choice-22-final-2-1.svg" alt="Editors' Choice" loading="lazy" /> <div class="product-widget__rating-and-review-link"> <div class="product-widget__review-details--rating"> <div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5"></div> </div> <a class="product-widget__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2912595/google-pixel-10-review.html" target="_blank">Read our review</a> </div> </div> <div class="product-widget__information"> </div> </div> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> </div></div></div></div>
  14. Best monitors 2026: Top picks for gaming, 4K, HDR, and more

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Need a new monitor for your PC? I’ve combed through scores of options to find the best monitors on the market right now. These picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the latest models from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands.  </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While my favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, I also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance. After all, not everyone needs the same features from a monitor. You can find out more about how I evaluate monitors and what specs matter most below my list of recommendations.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Why you should trust PCWorld for monitor reviews and buying advice: </strong>It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on PC hardware experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.</p> <div class="wp-block-product-chart product-chart"> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-1"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="Dell U2724DE" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="dell-ultrasharp-u2724de-best-monitor-overall"> Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE – Best monitor overall </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2974a8b"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE - Best monitor overall" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/dell-ultrasharp-u2724de-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Attractive and functional design</li> <li>Class-leading Thunderbolt and USB connectivity</li> <li>IPS Black improves contrast</li> <li>120Hz refresh rate</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Most competitors offer 4K resolution</li> <li>No HDR support</li> <li>Adaptive sync has some caveats</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Dell+U2724DE">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-dell-ultrasharp-u2724de">Who should buy the Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE?</h3> <p>Dell’s Ultrasharp U2724DE is an incredibly versatile monitor that will satisfy most users. It’s great for home office productivity, good for gaming, and can handle more serious content creation workflows, like photo and video editing. </p> <p>The U2724DE has an IPS Black panel that roughly doubles the monitor’s contrast ratio (compared to other IPS monitors). It can’t beat a more expensive OLED or Mini-LED panel, but it’s still alluring. It also lacks the burn-in worries of OLED which, although unlikely to occur in mixed use, might become an issue if you spend all day working in Excel and plan to keep your monitor for as long as possible.</p> <p>Dell pairs the IPS Black panel with an enhanced 120Hz refresh rate. Upping the refresh rate greatly improves motion clarity and makes the U2724DE a viable display for gamers. That’s a big deal. It means you can buy one monitor for both work and play. </p> <p>The U2724DE goes all-in on connectivity. Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort-in and -out, and HDMI are present. It even has a 2.5G Ethernet port. These features are ideal if you plan to connect a laptop over USB-C, as the U2724DE will greatly expand the laptop’s connectivity. </p> <h3 class="" id="dell-ultrasharp-u2724de-further-considerations">Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE: Further considerations</h3> <p>Resolution is the only notable downside. The U2724DE is a 1440p monitor, while many competitors in its price bracket offer 4K. This is often the trade-off made to hit monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate. For 4K goodness see the Dell U3225QE below. Just know that it’s almost 50 percent more expensive.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2164596/dell-u2724de-review.html" target="_blank"> Dell U2724DE review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-9" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF9"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-2"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="Acer Vero B247Y G" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="acer-vero-b247y-g-best-budget-monitor"> Acer Vero B247Y G – Best budget monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af29a5100"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Acer Vero B247Y G - Best budget monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Acer-Vero-B247Y-G-monitor-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Solid build with ergonomic stand, tripod mount</li> <li>Good image quality for the price</li> <li>Easy-to-read menu system </li> <li>120Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Lackluster cable management</li> <li>Only one HDMI and one DisplayPort</li> <li>No USB ports</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Acer+Vero+B247Y+G">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-acer-vero-b247y-g">Who should buy the Acer Vero B247Y G? </h3> <p>Value shoppers who want a good-quality, versatile monitor at a budget price will be pleased with the Acer Vero B247Y G. This 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor stands out with its surprising 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync support, making it suitable for both productivity and PC gaming. It also provides great image quality for a budget display, with above-average scores in contrast ratio and brightness, as well as good color performance. </p> <p>Build quality exceeds expectations, too, with a fully ergonomic stand that offers height, tilt, swivel, and even pivot adjustments—a rarity in budget displays. The monitor’s clear on-screen menu system provides easy access to various image settings, while the inclusion of both modern (HDMI, DisplayPort) and legacy (VGA) connections ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.</p> <h3 class="" id="acer-vero-b247y-g-further-considerations">Acer Vero B247Y G: Further considerations</h3> <p>Though it’s possible to find a less expensive 24-inch 1080p monitor, the Vero B247Y G justifies its slightly higher price through quality-of-life improvements, and it still manages to limbo under $150 when discounted (which it often is). It’s hard to find a more well-rounded budget monitor.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2629636/acer-vero-b247y-g-review.html" target="_blank"> Acer Vero B247Y G review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-10" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF10"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-3"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="Pixio PX248 Wave" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="pixio-px248-wave-best-budget-gaming-monitor"> Pixio PX248 Wave – Best budget gaming monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af29c4f74"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Pixio PX248 Wave - Best budget gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pixio-px248-wave-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Attractive design, especially in unique colorways</li> <li>Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent</li> <li>Solid color accuracy and respectable gamut</li> <li>Good motion clarity</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Built-in stand only adjusts for tilt</li> <li>Just two video inputs</li> <li>Awkward menu controls</li> <li>Color temperature skews cool</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Pixio+PX248+Wave">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-pixio-px248-wave">Who should buy the Pixio PX248 Wave?</h3> <p>This is a great budget monitor for gamers who want more than a no-frills display. The Pixio PX248 Wave distinguishes itself from other budget options with a colorful, stylish design, and solid motion performance, for an enticing price of $159.99.</p> <p>Pixio offers this monitor in four colorways: black, white, blue, and pink. The latter two are rather special, as only a handful of monitors — like the more expensive <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/785960/samsung-smart-monitor-m8-review.html">Samsung M8 Smart Monitor</a> — offer similarly out-of-the-box colors. The stand matches the monitor’s colorway, and Pixio even offers an optional color-coordinated monitor arm for those who want to go all-in on a particular desktop vibe.</p> <p>The monitor’s 24-inch Fast IPS display boasts a 200Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid motion. Image quality is reasonable, too, as the PX248 Wave delivers respectable color accuracy and coverage, making it suitable for both gaming and casual content creation. It has built-in speakers, too.</p> <h3 class="" id="pixio-px248-wave-further-considerations">Pixio PX248 Wave: Further considerations</h3> <p>Despite its visual appeal, the PX248 Wave sticks to the basics with connectivity, which includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. USB connectivity isn’t available. The included stand is also basic, as it only adjusts for tilt, and the menu controls could be more user-friendly.</p> <p>Most competitors at this price point have a similar display panel wrapped in a more generic black, gray, or charcoal case. Pixio’s PX248 Wave manages to match them in image quality and beat them on looks, yet it stays on a budget.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2318513/pixio-px248-wave-review.html" target="_blank"> Pixio PX248 Wave review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-11" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF11"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-4"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="msi-mpg-272urx-best-gaming-monitor"> MSI MPG 272URX – Best gaming monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af29e504a"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="MSI MPG 272URX - Best gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/msi-mpg-272urx-3.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>26.5-inch 4K OLED panel looks sharp</li> <li>Great contrast and color performance</li> <li>Strong motion clarity</li> <li>Respectable HDR performance</li> <li>Lots of connectivity including USB-C</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Design is a bit bland</li> <li>Gamma, color temperature slightly off-target</li> <li>4K OLED panel carries a premium price</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=MSI+MPG+272URX+QD-OLED">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h2 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-msi-mpg-272urx-qd-oled">Who should buy the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED?</h2> <p>For anyone who wants a high-performance gaming monitor, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED should be at the top of your list.</p> <p>This 26.5-inch display delivers stunning 4K resolution with an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate in a cutting-edge OLED panel. It’s an excellent choice for gamers who want both visual clarity and fluid motion. With its 240Hz refresh rate, the MSI delivers fast-paced gaming yet maintains the deep contrast and vibrant colors that OLED monitors are known for. It also supports Adaptive Sync for smooth frame pacing.</p> <h3 class="" id="msi-mpg-272urx-qd-oled-further-considerations">MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED: Further considerations</h3> <p>The QD-OLED panel offers excellent contrast and color accuracy, which makes it a solid pick for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys watching HDR movies. Connectivity is also generous, with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C inputs, as well as 98 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging laptops or tablets. The design is a bit plain, but the stand is sturdy and fully adjustable, which is far more important.</p> <p>The MSI MPG 272URX is more expensive than 1440p OLED alternatives, which can be found for under $800. But if 4K clarity and a fluid 240Hz refresh rate are what you’re after, this monitor is worth the investment.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2595386/msi-mpg-272urx-review.html" target="_blank"> MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-12" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF12"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-5"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="MSI MPG 341CQR" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="msi-mpg-341cqr-best-ultrawide-monitor"> MSI MPG 341CQR – Best ultrawide monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2a1802c"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="MSI MPG 341CQR - Best ultrawide monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/msi-mpg-341cqr-qd-oled-x36-2.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Useful design with small stand and ergonomic adjustment</li> <li>Includes USB-C with up to 98 watts of Power Delivery</li> <li>Wide range of image quality adjustments</li> <li>Great image quality in SDR and HDR</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Not the most attractive design</li> <li>3440×1440 resolution is adequate, but not sharp</li> <li>HDR brightness is only competitive in some situations</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=MSI+MPG+341CQR">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-msi-mpg-341cqr-qd-oled-x36">Who should buy the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36?</h3> <p>The MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is the ultrawide monitor for shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice image quality or versatility. Its 5th-generation Samsung tandem QD-OLED panel delivers effectively infinite contrast, a wide color gamut spanning 100 percent sRGB and 98 percent DCI-P3, and excellent color accuracy, making it a serious contender for creative work as well as gaming. Its 360Hz refresh rate delivers great motion clarity, and the monitor’s VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification provides solid real-world HDR performance.</p> <p>Connectivity is a strength. A USB-C port with 98 watts of Power Delivery means you can drive the display and charge a MacBook or thin-and-light Windows laptop through a single cable—a feature that’s still not guaranteed on gaming monitors.</p> <p>The price also works in the monitor’s favor. At $899.99, the MPG 341CQR sits just under the $1,000 mark, which makes it a good value given its excellent image quality and extensive feature set.</p> <h3 class="" id="msi-mpg-341cqr-qd-oled-x36-further-considerations">MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36: Further considerations</h3> <p>Pixel density is the major trade-off you accept with any 34-inch 1440p ultrawide. At roughly 110 pixels per inch, the MPG 341CQR is noticeably softer than a 27-inch 4K panel. It’s not a dealbreaker for most uses, but if sharpness matters you’ll need to stick to a widescreen panel. The monitor also ships without speakers, so budget for external audio.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3166248/msi-mpg-341cqr-qd-oled-x36-review.html" target="_blank"> MSI MPG 341CQR review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-13" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF13"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-6"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="dell-ultrasharp-u3225qe-best-4k-monitor"> Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE – Best 4K monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2a3bb78"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE - Best 4K monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dell-u3225qe.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Functional, professional design</li> <li>Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Ethernet, and 140 watts of Power Delivery</li> <li>New generation of IPS Black boosts contrast ratio</li> <li>Excellent sharpness from 31.5-inch 4K panel</li> <li>120Hz refresh rate with VRR</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Contrast ratio is good for an IPS panel</li> <li>HDR brightness is decent, but contrast remains limited</li> <li>Doesn’t have speakers</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Dell+Ultrasharp+U3225QE">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-dell-u3225qe">Who should buy the Dell U3225QE?</h3> <p>This is a great choice for professionals who want a top-of-the-line home office monitor. The U3225QE has it all: a sharp 31.5-inch 4K IPS Black panel with excellent color accuracy and an above-average contrast ratio for a productivity monitor. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness, making tasks like scrolling through documents and multitasking smoother. The ergonomic stand provides height, tilt, swivel, and portrait mode adjustments, and the anti-glare coating ensures comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.</p> <p>In addition to all that, the U3225QE’s mitigates the need for external docks and adapters, with generous connectivity. It features Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports with 140W of Power Delivery—enough to charge most laptops—along with HDMI, DisplayPort, and a secondary DisplayPort for daisy-chaining multiple monitors. A built-in 2.5Gbps Ethernet port ensures a fast and stable wired network connection, a rare feature among monitors. It also offers six USB-A ports, a pop-out USB hub with quick-access USB-C and USB-A ports, and KVM switch functionality for seamless switching between two connected PCs.</p> <h3 class="" id="dell-u3225qe-further-considerations">Dell U3225QE: Further considerations</h3> <p>While it lacks built-in speakers and its HDR performance is limited, the U3225QE’s extensive connectivity and high-quality display make it a standout choice for professionals who need a central hub for their workspace.</p> <p>Want a smaller version of this monitor? Check out the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8200811-12839518?url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-ultrasharp-27-4k-thunderbolt-hub-monitor-u2725qe/apd/210-bqhr/monitors-monitor-accessories&amp;sid=2-1-813361-1-0-0-0-0?sid=rss" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Dell Ultrasharp U2725QE</a>. It has a similar 4K IPS Black display panel and Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C connectivity.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2618102/dell-ultrasharp-u3225qe-review-the-best-home-office-monitor-yet.html" target="_blank"> Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-14" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF14"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-7"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="Asus ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="asus-proart-display-5k-pa27jcv-best-5k-monitor"> Asus ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV – Best 5K monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2a66e77"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV - Best 5K monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/asus-proart-display-5k-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Extremely crisp 5K panel</li> <li>Great color performance</li> <li>Includes USB-C with 96 watts Power Delivery</li> <li>Lots of menu options and customization</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Contrast ratio is fine, but not great</li> <li>Only 60Hz; motion performance suffers</li> <li>HDR performance doesn’t stand out</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Asus+ProArt+Display+5K+PA27JCV">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-proart-display-5k-pa27jcv">Who should buy the ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV?</h3> <p>The ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV is perfect for content creators, programmers, designers, and anyone who values ultra-sharp image quality and accurate colors for productivity work. </p> <p>With a true 5K resolution (5120×2880) on a 27-inch panel, the ProArt Display 5K packs an incredibly crisp 218 pixels per inch. That’s much sharper than 5K ultrawides and nearly matches Apple’s Pro Display XDR. Text is crisp and hi-res photos look lifelike.</p> <p>The ProArt Display 5K’s color performance and brightness solidify its position. The monitor covers 100 percent of both sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, plus 91 percent of AdobeRGB, making it ideal for content creation. Its impressive 578-nit brightness ensures excellent visibility in any lighting condition, too.</p> <h3 class="" id="proart-display-5k-pa27jcv-further-considerations">ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV: Further considerations</h3> <p>Most compelling is the PA27JCV’s unmatched value proposition. At $800, it’s the most affordable true 5K monitor available as of early 2025. While it has some limitations, like a 60Hz refresh rate and modest contrast ratio, these are minor tradeoffs. It delivers super-sharp 5K resolution, professional-grade color performance, and outstanding value.</p> <p></p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2525938/asus-proart-display-5k-review.html" target="_blank"> Asus ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-15" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF15"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-8"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="Asus ProArt PA32QCV" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="asus-proart-pa32qcv-best-6k-monitor"> Asus ProArt PA32QCV – Best 6K monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2a93003"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ProArt PA32QCV - Best 6K monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/asus-proart-pa32qcv-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Tack-sharp 6K resolution at a new low price</li> <li>Attractive design and highly functional stand</li> <li>Thunderbolt 4 with some downstream USB connectivity</li> <li>Many image quality options</li> <li>Great brightness and good color performance</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Modest contrast ratio</li> <li>HDR is supported but doesn’t look its best</li> <li>Only 60Hz with limited Adaptive Sync support</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Asus+ProArt+PA32QCV">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h2 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-asus-proart-display-6k-pa32qcv">Who should buy the Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV?</h2> <p>If you want a 32-inch 6K monitor that delivers exceptional sharpness and strong color performance without the sky-high prices usually attached to this resolution, the ProArt PA32QCV is an easy recommendation.</p> <p>It’s ideal for professionals, prosumers, and creatives—especially Mac users—who need precise visuals, solid brightness, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with 96 watts of power delivery. While it doesn’t claim the very top spot in every technical category, particularly in contrast and HDR performance, its combination of resolution, usability, and value is unmatched.</p> <p>The ProArt also benefits from attractive design, a highly functional ergonomic stand, and a wide range of options that provide precise monitor adjustment. These features make it easy to tune and calibrate the monitor to fit your needs.</p> <h2 class="" id="asus-proart-display-6k-pa32qcv-further-considerations">Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV: Further considerations</h2> <p>Shoppers who want additional features should know there are other 6K monitors that provide more connectivity or higher-end capabilities.</p> <p><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1815061/dell-ultrasharp-u3224kb-review.html">Dell’s UltraSharp U3224KB</a>, for example, offers an IPS Black panel, integrated 4K webcam, Ethernet, and more powerful Thunderbolt 4 power delivery, making it a great fit for heavy collaboration workflows. MacBook users may also want to look at Apple’s Pro Display XDR, which offers unmatched HDR brightness and contrast alongside its impeccable build quality.</p> <p>There’s a big problem with these alternatives, though: They’re outrageously expensive. The Dell U3224KB is currently $2,800 and the Apple Pro Display XDR starts at $5,000. Most people who want 6K resolution will be better off buying the PA32QCV and keeping the extra cash in their wallet.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2873124/asus-proart-pa32qcv-review.html" target="_blank"> Asus ProArt PA32QCV review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-16" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF16"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-9"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="viewsonic-colorpro-vp16-oled-best-portable-monitor"> Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED – Best portable monitor </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2ab4917"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED - Best portable monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/viewsonic-vp16-oled-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Versatile, useful stands</li> <li>Good connectivity, cables included</li> <li>Numerous image quality customization options</li> <li>Top-tier image quality even at default settings</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Speakers are included, but weak</li> <li>Pricey for a portable monitor</li> <li>No HDR</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Viewsonic+ColorPro+VP16-OLED">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-viewsonic-vp16-oled">Who should buy the Viewsonic VP16-OLED?</h3> <p>If you want a monitor that you can easily transport for content creation work, the Viewsonic VP16-OLED will fill that role with aplomb. This impressive monitor combines a class-leading image quality with a unique and useful stand.</p> <p>The VP16-OLED has a 15.6-inch OLED panel with 1080p resolution. It delivers outstanding image quality, scoring top marks in color accuracy, gamut, and contrast. The VP16-OLED’s performance is superior to many full-sized OLED monitors—and completely smashes portable competitors. This makes the VP16-OLED ideal for photographers, videographers, and other content creators. </p> <p>The monitor has a versatile stand. It can be used as a kickstand, as is true of most portable monitors, or expand to hold the monitor upright. The stand includes two USB-C ports, either of which can be used to provide power and video input to the monitor. It also offers a micro-HDMI port for use with devices that lack USB-C. </p> <h3 class="" id="viewsonic-vp16-oled-further-considerations">Viewsonic VP16-OLED: Further considerations</h3> <p>Viewsonic bundles the monitor with several cable types and a USB-C power brick, so you don’t have to buy additional adapter cables or accessories. </p> <p>There’s just one problem: It’s expensive. The Viewsonic VP16-OLED retails at $399.99, more than double the price of a basic 1080p portable monitor. That’s tough to justify if you just need a second monitor to display Slack and Twitter, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you care about image quality.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1500398/viewsonic-colorpro-vp16-oled-review.html" target="_blank"> Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-17" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF17"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-10"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="BenQ RD280U" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="benq-rd280u-best-monitor-for-coding"> BenQ RD280U – Best monitor for coding </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2ada90f"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="BenQ RD280U - Best monitor for coding" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/benq-rd280u-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>28-inch panel with 3840×2560 resolution</li> <li>Attractive and functional design</li> <li>Good range of connectivity</li> <li>Useful extra features</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Only a 60Hz refresh rate</li> <li>HDR is supported, but sub-par</li> <li>Expensive for its size</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=BenQ+RD280U">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-benq-rd280u">Who should buy the BenQ RD280U?</h3> <p>The BenQ RD280U is the best monitor for coders thanks to its unusual 3:2 aspect ratio, which is much taller than a conventional widescreen. The extra height is great for viewing more lines of code simultaneously and reduces the need for constant scrolling back or forth. </p> <p>Beyond its unique aspect ratio, the RD280U’s image quality is ideal for long coding sessions. The monitor’s IPS panel delivers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, ensuring code remains clear and legible from any position. The 28-inch display panel has a crisp 3840×2560 resolution, which helps to render small fonts. It also has a matte finish that reduces glare, making it ideal for various lighting conditions.</p> <h3 class="" id="benq-rd280u-further-considerations">BenQ RD280U: Further considerations</h3> <p>The monitor has a MoonHalo ambient light and an automatic night mode, both designed to reduce eye strain during extended use — a crucial consideration for programmers who often work long hours. Connectivity is another strong suit of the RD280U, with a versatile array of ports including USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of USB Power Delivery. Programmers can easily connect and charge a laptop.</p> <p>Priced at $599.99, the BenQ RD280U is relatively expensive for a monitor of its size, but its long list of unique features makes it an easy recommendation for coders. The added cost is justified by the fact no competitor offers the same features at any price.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2442871/benq-rd280u-monitor-review.html" target="_blank"> BenQ RD280U review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-18" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF18"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="other-notable-monitors-weve-reviewed">Other notable monitors we’ve reviewed</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3186295/alienware-aw3426dw-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3186295/alienware-aw3426dw-review.html">Alienware AW3426DW</a>: Combines just-the-basics design with an excellent five-layer tandem QD-OLED panel to deliver great image quality at an affordable price.</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3146050/lg-ultragear-evo-gx9-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3146050/lg-ultragear-evo-gx9-review.html">LG Ultragear Evo GX9</a>: A big, expensive OLED with a razor-sharp image and plenty of HDR punch</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3125742/ktc-h27p3-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3125742/ktc-h27p3-review.html">KTC H27P3</a>: Among the least expensive 5K monitors available, but with decent image quality and excellent sharpness</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3113204/acer-predator-x27-x1-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3113204/acer-predator-x27-x1-review.html">Acer Predator X27 X1</a>: A solid choice if you want a 4K QD-OLED monitor at a more approachable price</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3106098/hyperx-omen-oled-27q-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3106098/hyperx-omen-oled-27q-review.html">HyperX Omen OLED 27q</a>: In many ways a typical budget OLED monitor, but its color performance makes it really stands out</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3100082/dell-ultrasharp-32-u3226q-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3100082/dell-ultrasharp-32-u3226q-review.html">Dell Ultrasharp 32 U3226Q</a>: A feature-packed, and pricey, 4K QD-OLED monitor with great color performance and a built-in colorimeter</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3086342/gigabyte-mo27q28g-review-a-great-entry-level-oled-monitor.html">Gigabyte MO27Q28G</a>: A great entry-level OLED panel</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3065016/samsung-movingstyle-m7-review.html">Samsung Movingstyle M7</a>: Both a portable display with a unique rolling stand and a smart TV</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3061170/dell-ultrasharp-52-thunderbolt-hub-monitor-review.html">Dell Ultrasharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor</a>: Has the size and ports to play a central role in a multi-tasking productivity environment</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3009957/benq-pd2770u-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3009957/benq-pd2770u-review.html">BenQ PD2770U</a>: Built for professional content creation</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2987078/asus-rog-swift-oled-pg27aqwp-w-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2987078/asus-rog-swift-oled-pg27aqwp-w-review.html">Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W</a>: Delivers best-in-class motion performance and a long list of bonus features</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2973519/ktc-27m1-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2973519/ktc-27m1-review.html">KTC 27M1</a>: A good choice if you want a display for gaming and productivity on a budget</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965883/samsung-odyssey-g7-g75f-review-a-big-monitor-with-limited-appeal.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965883/samsung-odyssey-g7-g75f-review-a-big-monitor-with-limited-appeal.html">Samsung Odyssey G7 G75F</a>: One of many 32-inch OLEDs today</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2876158/asus-rog-strix-oled-xg32ucwg-review.html">Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG</a>: Competitive in the sea of 32-inch OLEDs that supports dual-mode functionality at 4K/165Hz or 1080p/330Hz</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2900743/msi-pro-mp165-e6-review.html">MSI Pro MP165 E6</a>: A budget portable monitor with a surprising degree of flexibility</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2827524/dell-32-plus-4k-qd-oled-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2827524/dell-32-plus-4k-qd-oled-review.html">Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED</a>: Delivers great image quality, solid audio, and good motion clarity, at a competitive price</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2805386/arzopa-z1fc-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2805386/arzopa-z1fc-review.html">Arzopa Z1FC</a>: A budget portable monitor that can game</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2777440/alienware-aw3425dw-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2777440/alienware-aw3425dw-review.html">Alienware AW3425DW</a>: Forgoes extra features to deliver stellar SDR and HDR image quality at an aggressive price</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2772322/msi-modern-md272upsw-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2772322/msi-modern-md272upsw-review.html">MSI Modern MD272UPSW</a>: A solid smart TV powered by Google TV OS</li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2762020/asus-proart-pa32ucdm-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2762020/asus-proart-pa32ucdm-review.html">Asus ProArt PA32UCDM</a>: Delivers pro-worthy OLED image quality and high refresh rates, but limited connectivity holds it back</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-we-test-monitors">How we test monitors</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Our monitor guides are based on testing by freelance and staff contributors with decades of combined experience. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While we rely on our eyes for an initial impression, we thoroughly test each monitor with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. This specialized hardware can objectively measure a monitor’s brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, luminance and color uniformity, gamma, and many other aspects of image quality. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Using this tool helps us detect strengths and weaknesses that don’t stand out at a glance and guarantees that a change in lighting conditions or monitor location won’t skew our impression.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For more details, see our article on on <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2285790/how-we-test-monitors-at-pcworld.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2285790/how-we-test-monitors-at-pcworld.html">how we test monitors at PCWorld</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-curated-this-article">Who curated this article?</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/author/mattsmith" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/author/mattsmith">Matthew S. Smith</a> is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics, including the universe of computer monitors. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, Lifewire, and other technology publications.</p> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-choose-the-best-monitor">How to choose the best monitor</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are literally hundreds—and perhaps thousands—of monitors to choose from. Choosing one from the crowd can be difficult, but knowing the key traits of a monitor will help you make your decision. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="resolution">Resolution</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most monitors are available in 4K (3840×2160), 1440p (2560×1440), and 1080p (1920×1080) resolution. A higher resolution provides a sharper, more attractive image and is generally preferable. There’s nothing wrong with 1080p, however. It remains the baseline and is by far the most popular resolution sold today. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="connectivity">Connectivity </h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Look for a monitor with a connection supported by your computer. HDMI and DisplayPort are the most common. USB-C is rising in popularity because it can charge connected devices, such as a laptop.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="refresh-rate">Refresh rate </h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but a higher refresh rate (such as 144Hz) will make motion look smooth and crisp. This is most appealing to PC gamers, as improved motion performance is most noticeable when panning the camera in a 3D game. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="adaptive-sync">Adaptive sync</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This technology also improves motion performance. It does so by keeping a monitor’s refresh rate in sync with the video input from your computer. <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/423202/g-sync-vs-freesync-amd-nvidia-monitor.html">Our guide to FreeSync and G-Sync </a>provides more detail.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="hdr">HDR </h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Many 4K monitors support HDR, but often the HDR performance is lackluster. The HDR will function, and may look superior to SDR, but it won’t approach the quality implied by the spec. To ensure a quality HDR experience, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/394712/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hdr-on-your-pc.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/394712/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hdr-on-your-pc.html">everything you need to know about HDR on your PC</a> to learn more.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Want to know more before you make a decision? <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/535837/monitor_buying_guide.html">Our monitor buying guide</a> explains the nerdy details of monitor specifications. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id=""></h2> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block"><h2 class="faq-block-title" id="faq"> FAQ </h2><hr class="block-horizotal-divider"> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">1.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-monitor">What is the best monitor?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The best monitor overall is the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2164596/dell-u2724de-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2164596/dell-u2724de-review.html">Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE</a>. This 27-inch IPS display with 2560×1440 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and extensive connectivity options can truly do it all, from productivity to gaming. It’s solidly built, has ergonomic adjustments, and top-of-its class image quality. </p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">2.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-cheap-monitor">What is the best cheap monitor?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are monitors that are cheaper than the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2629636/acer-vero-b247y-g-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2629636/acer-vero-b247y-g-review.html">Acer Vero B247Y G</a>, but none that are nearly as good for the price. Hovering around $150, the 24-inch, 1080p B247Y G exceeds its price range with a 120Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync, a fully adjustable stand, and above-average image quality. A truly great value!</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">3.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-size-of-monitor-should-i-buy">What size of monitor should I buy?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Monitor size depends on personal preference and location. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A 24-inch monitor is fine for a desk that is around 24 inches deep, or less. Its small size will still be sufficient because the monitor is closer to you.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most people, however, will want to go with a 27-inch monitor. The added size will make the monitor easy to see. This also opens up a wider range of 4K monitor options, as 4K is very rare on a 24-inch monitor.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Larger monitors, such as a 32-inch widescreen or 34-inch ultrawide, are great for deep desks and people who want an immersive experience. Monitors this large can serve as a TV replacement in a small room. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Displays of even larger size, such as 42-inch or 48-inch HDTVs, are best for home theater setups or an unusually large office. You’ll want to sit four to six feet away from a display of this size.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">4.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-display-input-is-best-hdmi-vs-displayport-vs-usb-c">What display input is best? (HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. USB-C)</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">USB-C is the best display input for most people. It works by bundling DisplayPort into USB-C, so offers all the same features as DisplayPort. Yet it retains the features of USB-C including optional support for Power Delivery to charge external devices. This is why <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/612470/you-should-buy-a-usb-c-hub-monitor-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html">we recommend a USB-C monitor for most people</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">DisplayPort is generally second-best. It supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI. This input is particularly common on desktop computers. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">HDMI comes in third due to lower resolution and refresh rate support. This is improved by HDMI 2.1, but this feature remains hard to find and often adds to a monitor’s price.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">All three of the options above handle 1080p at 60Hz, which is the most common resolution and refresh rate available today. It’s also important to buy a monitor that has an input compatible with your PC.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">5.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="are-all-monitors-compatible-with-windows-and-macos">Are all monitors compatible with Windows and MacOS?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Modern monitors are compatible with all recent versions of Windows and MacOS. They’re plug-and-play, which means the monitor should display an image without the need to install driver software or mess with Windows or MacOS settings.</p> </div> </div></div> </div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-content">Related content</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/monitors/reviews">PCWorld monitor reviews</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/813301/best-gaming-monitors.html">Best gaming monitors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/813361/best-4k-monitors.html">Best 4K monitors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1389780/best-home-office-monitors.html">Best home office monitors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1470449/best-ultrawide-monitors.html">Best ultrawide monitors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1377172/best-usb-c-monitors.html">Best USB-C monitors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1787210/best-portable-monitors.html">Best portable monitors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2000722/best-monitor-arms.html">Best monitor arms</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2652267/always-hit-the-wrong-buttons-on-your-monitor-try-this-hack.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2652267/always-hit-the-wrong-buttons-on-your-monitor-try-this-hack.html">Always hit the wrong buttons on your monitor? Try this hack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2542608/multi-monitor-setup-the-best-tips-for-windows.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2542608/multi-monitor-setup-the-best-tips-for-windows.html">How to configure a multi-monitor PC setup like a pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2479763/5-reasons-why-your-monitor-is-not-set-up-correctly.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2479763/5-reasons-why-your-monitor-is-not-set-up-correctly.html">5 simple monitor adjustments everyone should make</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2113897/1080p-1440p-4k-which-monitor-resolution-is-the-right-one.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2113897/1080p-1440p-4k-which-monitor-resolution-is-the-right-one.html">1080p, 1440p, 4K: Which monitor resolution should you choose?</a></li> </ul> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the best things about buying a new phone in 2026 is that if you want flagship specs but don’t have the budget to cover flagship costs, you’re in luck. Thanks to a thriving market of mid-range handsets, you can now get devices from Google, Samsung and even Apple that cost just a fraction of their most expensive options, but carry a lot of the same tech.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The only real trade-off is that the processor might not be quite as powerful as their top-tier siblings, and there’s usually a bit of high-end camera tech missing just to entice buyers to go further up the chain, but otherwise, the latest mid-range phones offer everything most users need without breaking the bank. Thanks to the hard work of our tech experts, we know which mid-range phones are actually worth buying.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’re testing phones costing between £300/$300 and £700/$700 as being part of the mid-range crowd. Devices that go below that amount can be found in our round-up for the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html">best budget phones</a>, while the top performers at the higher-end can be spotted in our guide to the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-phone.html">best phones</a> overall.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">All of the phones listed here have been used by a member of our team as their main device for at least a week, seeing how they perform across all manner of tasks and applications. We go through this in-depth testing process with every phone we review to ensure that you’re always paired with a handset that’s worth your hard-earned cash.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a id="chart"></a>Best mid-range phone reviews</h2> <div class="wp-block-product-chart product-chart"> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-1"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="1. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="1-samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-best-overall"> 1. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE – Best Overall </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2d5b1ee"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Samsung Galaxy S25 FE - Best Overall" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-review.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Flagship design and build </li> <li>Strong main and selfie cameras </li> <li>Impressive battery life </li> <li>One UI is slick and intuitive </li> <li>Seven years of updates</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Supporting cameras could be better</li> <li>Charging still only 45W </li> <li>Qi2 wireless charging needs a case </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Samsung+Galaxy+S25+FE">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>After years of underwhelming Fan Edition phones, Samsung has finally nailed it with the S25 FE. Essentially, it takes nearly everything that made the flagship <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2620007/samsung-galaxy-s25-plus-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2620007/samsung-galaxy-s25-plus-review.html">Galaxy S25+</a> so good and drops the price into mid-range territory.</p> <p>There are some compromises, most notably in the supporting cameras, but the main and selfie lenses are good enough that you can ignore them. The excellent build quality, gorgeous 6.7-inch display and top-class Snapdragon 8 Elite performance speak for themselves, while the 5000mAh battery won’t let you down.</p> <p>Samsung also continues to excel on the software side, with One UI 8 its best effort yet. Alongside seven years of software, it’s a key reason to buy the phone over rivals.</p> <p>The Galaxy S25 FE isn’t the best value mid-ranger by any means. But if your budget is £700/$700, there’s no better option right now.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-samsung-galaxy-s25-fe">Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?</h3> <p>Anyone who wants the absolute best mid-range phone and doesn’t mind paying close to the limit.</p> <h3 class="" id="samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-further-considerations">Samsung Galaxy S25 FE : Further considerations</h3> <p>Look elsewhere if you want the best value mid-range phone or need a versatile camera system.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2938173/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-review.html" target="_blank"> Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-1" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF1"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-2"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="2. Google Pixel 9a" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="2-google-pixel-9a-best-software"> 2. Google Pixel 9a – Best Software </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2d7fecc"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Google Pixel 9a - Best Software" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/google-pixel-9a.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Attractive display </li> <li>Strong main and selfie cameras </li> <li>Excellent software </li> <li>Seven years of updates</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>No telephoto camera </li> <li>Slow charging </li> <li>Polarising design</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Google+Pixel+9a">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>The Pixel 9a isn’t perfect, but it is very easy to recommend, even with the arrival of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3100019/google-pixel-10a-review.html">Pixel 10a</a> – it’s nearly identical and can now be found much cheaper. If you want a no-frills mid-range phone experience that will serve you well for many years, this is it.</p> <p>That’s not to say it doesn’t have any standout features, though. The 6.3-inch P-OLED display is excellent, especially with that silky-smooth 120Hz refresh. Opting for the same Tensor G4 chipset as the flagship Pixel 9 phones means performance is excellent too.</p> <p>And in the 48Mp main lens, you’ve got a superb camera for point-and-shoot photography. The 13Mp selfie sensor is impressive too, while the 13Mp ultrawide can hold its own. It’s just a shame there’s no telephoto lens for proper zoom photography.</p> <p>But the Pixel 9a is arguably even more impressive on the software side. Slick Android 15 software is backed by a class-leading seven years of updates and useful AI features, even if you don’t get the full set here. Pixel phones are also first in line to get Android 16 and future major versions when they arrive.</p> <p>While battery life is decent, slow 23W wired charging is probably the biggest disappointment, while the nondescript design won’t be for everyone. But if you just want a solid mid-range phone that handles almost all the fundamentals well, the Pixel 9a is the handset for you.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-google-pixel-9a">Who should buy the Google Pixel 9a?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for a no-fuss mid-range phone that gets all the basics right, or anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on photos from the main camera.</p> <h3 class="" id="google-pixel-9a-further-considerations">Google Pixel 9a: Further considerations</h3> <p>Look elsewhere if you care about zoom photography or fast charging.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2669555/google-pixel-9a-review.html" target="_blank"> Google Pixel 9a review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-2" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF2"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-3"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="3. Nothing Phone (4a)" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="3-nothing-phone-4a-best-value"> 3. Nothing Phone (4a) – Best Value </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2d98344"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Nothing Phone (4a) - Best Value" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Nothing-Phone-4a-REVIEW-back-angled.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Iconic Nothing design</li> <li>Great display</li> <li>Ad-free Nothing OS user experience</li> <li>Excellent cameras for the price</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>A little chunky</li> <li>Minimal performance gains</li> <li>Software support could be longer</li> <li>Loses Glyph Fill Light in camera</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Nothing+Phone+%284a%29">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>Easily one of the most exciting brands currently operating in this space, Nothing continues to push the boundaries of what we can expect from mid-range devices with the Nothing Phone (4a). Unlike a lot of cheaper phones, the (4a) is immediately striking, and although it isn’t a major overhaul from the equally brilliant <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2624191/nothing-phone-3a-review.html">Nothing Phone (3a)</a>, there’s still a lot to like.</p> <p>On the back, Nothing has revised its usual look to be a bit more streamlined than before. Instead of the mechanical styling of its predecessor, the Phone (4a) looks almost space-age, and the Glyph Lights system has been condensed into a Glyph Bar comprised of seven blocks. The blocks will flash to indicate various notifications and the single red block at the bottom can be a useful indicator to let people know when you’re recording video.</p> <p>The display is now much easier on the eyes as it’s a larger 6.83-inch panel, peaking at 4500 nits of brightness and offering a resolution of 1.5K. It’s a joy to look at, and it’s only made better by how striking the composition of Nothing OS continues to be. Nothing’s software is right up there with the likes of Apple, Google and OnePlus in terms of offering an uncluttered experience that’s dripping with sophistication.</p> <p>The upgraded main camera does a great job of capturing colour in a way that doesn’t feel saturated, although it would be nice if the phone offered greater control when it comes to managing bokeh intensity in photos. We would have liked to see more of a performance leap as the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 doesn’t go far enough, but given all you get elsewhere with this device, the Nothing Phone (4a) presents a very compelling package.</p> <p>If you love Nothing’s design language but you want a bit more power to go with it then the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3093072/nothing-phone-4a-pro-review.html">Nothing Phone (4a) Pro</a> is a great alternative to consider. Because of its higher price tag of £499/$499, we don’t think that the value proposition is quite as solid as the standard Phone (4a), but it’s still a great phone nonetheless.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-nothing-phone-4a">Who should buy the Nothing Phone (4a)?</h3> <p>Anyone who thinks that modern phones look too homogeneous. </p> <h3 class="" id="nothing-phone-4a-further-considerations">Nothing Phone (4a): Further considerations?</h3> <p>The device is beaten by Samsung, Apple and Google for long-term software support. You can also get better performance from the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3079349/nothing-phone-4a-review.html" target="_blank"> Nothing Phone (4a) review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-3" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF3"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-4"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="4. Honor 600" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="4-honor-600-best-display"> 4. Honor 600 – Best Display </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2da5650"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Honor 600 - Best Display" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Honor-600-8.png" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Excellent 200Mp main camera</li> <li>Strong two-day battery life</li> <li>Bright, punchy display</li> <li>Stylish design</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>No wireless charging</li> <li>Pre-installed bloatware</li> <li>Basic ultrawide camera</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Honor+600">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>Last year’s <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2784451/honor-400-review.html">Honor 400</a> was a terrific handset, and one of the best you could buy around the £400 mark if you prioritised having a great screen and a competent set of cameras to boot. For its follow-up however, the brand has gone in a slightly different route for the Honor 600 with a much higher price tag, but for all that you get in return the uptick is easily worth it.</p> <p>The most obvious change is in the design, which takes more than a few cues from the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2942715/apple-iphone-17-pro-review.html">iPhone 17 Pro</a>, and although it might seem derivative, there’s no denying that it feels great in the hand and looks very much like a flagship phone. Working even more in the phone’s favour is the dazzling 6.57-inch display which can reach a peak of 8000 nits.</p> <p>For context, that’s even brighter than what the eye-wateringly expensive <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html">Galaxy S26 Ultra</a> and <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3120298/oppo-find-x9-ultra-price-release-date-features.html">Oppo Find X9 Ultra</a> can achieve, and it means you’ll never find yourself squinting when trying to line up a shot in broad daylight. Speaking of which, there’s now a 200Mp main sensor on the back that can capture some of the most stunning photos possible from a mid-range device.</p> <p>The battery has also been given a boost, jumping up to 6,400mAh, although there still isn’t any wireless charging to speak of, which was less of an issue with the Honor 400 but more glaring now that the 600 is pricier than the Pixel 10a which does pack the feature. There’s the usual MagicOS bloatware that comes with any Honor phone, but it’s not enough to derail the tremendous value here.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-honor-600">Who should buy the Honor 600?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for the brightest display on a mid-range phone.</p> <h3 class="" id="honor-600-further-considerations">Honor 600: Further considerations</h3> <p>The lack of wireless charging gives the Pixel 10a a clear advantage.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3125570/honor-600-review.html" target="_blank"> Honor 600 review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-4" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF4"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-5"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="5. Motorola Edge 70 Fusion" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="5-motorola-edge-70-fusion-best-battery-life"> 5. Motorola Edge 70 Fusion – Best Battery Life </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2db0d66"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Motorola Edge 70 Fusion - Best Battery Life" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MotoEdge70Fusion4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Huge battery life</li> <li>High-quality display</li> <li>Unique colours and textures</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Messy AI experience</li> <li>Bloatware</li> <li>Short update offering</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Motorola+Edge+70+Fusion">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>Motorola is in a rather fascinating position right now in that the brand keeps showing up the competition in a handful of areas. The flagship <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3062204/motorola-signature-review.html">Motorola Signature</a> has one of the most competent camera arrays around, like the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3181570/motorola-razr-70-ultra-review.html">Razr 70 Ultra</a> continues to show Samsung what can be done with the flip phone concept, and now we have the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion which, thanks to a huge 7,000mAh onboard, triumphs against its mid-range fellows on pure longevity.</p> <p>Admittedly, Motorola has employed a rather odd pricing strategy for this phone as there is a version with a 5,200mAh battery, but instead of being made available at a significant discount, it’s only £10 less than the larger variant so it makes absolutely no sense to opt for the lesser phone. With the 7,000mAh cell in tow however, the Edge 70 Fusion is capable of providing genuine multi-day battery life between charges. We were able to get two days of use under most circumstances, which means you’ll never have to worry about battery anxiety over the course of a single day.</p> <p>There’s 68W wired charging available so you can get the phone back to 100% pretty quickly when you need to, although as you might expect for a phone of this price, there’s no wireless charging to speak of. It’s helpful that the Edge 70 Fusion has such a long battery though because it’s a device that absolutely shines when it comes to entertainment. The likes of Netflix and Disney+ have rarely looked so good as they do here on the 6.78-inch OLED display, enhanced by the 5200 nits of peak brightness.</p> <p>There is an impressive 144Hz refresh rate on board, although the limited Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset means that you won’t be getting the best experience when it comes to gaming, but if that’s your main concern then you can always opt for a Poco phone instead. As a final note, we would like to see Motorola either move away from AI or double down with greater resources because Moto AI in its current state is a mess and not worth using.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-motorola-70-edge-fusion">Who should buy the Motorola 70 Edge Fusion?</h3> <p>Binge-watchers who want a great screen and even better battery to keep up with their day.</p> <h3 class="" id="motorola-70-edge-fusion-further-considerations">Motorola 70 Edge Fusion: Further considerations</h3> <p>The phone is beaten by others when it comes to long-term software support.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3160676/motorola-edge-70-fusion-review.html" target="_blank"> Motorola Edge 70 Fusion review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-5" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF5"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-6"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="6. OnePlus 15R" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="6-oneplus-15r-best-design"> 6. OnePlus 15R – Best Design </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2dbe4fc"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt=" OnePlus 15R - Best Design" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/OnePlus-15R-review-back-handheld.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Excellent performance</li> <li>Great user experience with nice AI additions</li> <li>Monster battery life</li> <li>Super-fast charging</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Downgraded design</li> <li>No telephoto camera</li> <li>Software support could be longer</li> <li>No wireless charging</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=OnePlus+15R">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>The OnePlus 15R is a clear downgrade compared to the flagship <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2966442/oneplus-15-review.html">OnePlus 15</a>, but it remains a compelling phone that offers impressive value for money. </p> <p>Its headlining features – stunning Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 performance and incredible battery life from the 7400mAh silicon-carbon cell – clearly elevate it above most mid-range rivals. Add in rapid 80W charging, a strong main camera (the same sensor as the 15) and OnePlus’ signature software experience, and it becomes an easy recommendation.</p> <p>However, there are key compromises to be aware of, most notably in the removal of its predecessor’s telephoto lens and a less distinctive design, which will be viewed by many as a downgrade. There’s also no wireless charging.</p> <p>But if you care about the fundamentals of a great mid-range phone and are willing to accept some trade-offs, the OnePlus 15R is a fine choice.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-oneplus-15r">Who should buy the OnePlus 15R?</h3> <p>Anyone who wants the absolute best performance on a mid-range phone or excellent battery life.</p> <h3 class="" id="oneplus-15r-further-considerations">OnePlus 15R: Further considerations</h3> <p>Look elsewhere if you need wireless charging or the versatility offered by a dedicated telephoto camera.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3005763/oneplus-15r-review.html" target="_blank"> OnePlus 15R review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-6" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF6"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-7"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="7. Xiaomi 17T" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="7-xiaomi-17t-best-telephoto-lens"> 7. Xiaomi 17T – Best Telephoto Lens </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2dc8e92"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Xiaomi 17T - Best Telephoto Lens" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Xiaomi-17T-Review-7.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Excellent main and telephoto cameras</li> <li>Compact and attractive design</li> <li>Feature-packed software</li> <li>Solid battery life &amp; charging</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>No wireless charging</li> <li>Not the longest software support</li> <li>Plastic frame</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details "> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record "> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/Xiaomi-Logo.png" alt="Xiaomi" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price "> <span>£649</span> </div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.mi.com/uk/product/xiaomi-17t/buy/" data-vars-product-name="Xiaomi 17T" data-vars-product-id="3154741" data-vars-category="Mid-range smartphones" data-vars-manufacturer-id="15959" data-vars-manufacturer="Xiaomi" data-vars-vendor="Xiaomi" data-vars-po="" data-product="3154741" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.mi.com/uk/product/xiaomi-17t/buy/" data-vendor-api="" data-vars-product-price="£649" data-vars-product-vendor="Xiaomi" aria-label="View deal at Xiaomi for £649">View Deal</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2912742/xiaomi-15t-review.html">Xiaomi 15T</a> range reminded us yet again of why the brand is a staple in the mid-range space, as very few companies offer quite the same level of value. In the 17T series however, Xiaomi has followed a similar path as the Honor 600 range by largely moving away from its mid-range roots with a set of price tags that push it further up the chain. Only the regular Xiaomi 17T from the series can still be considered mid-range at £649, but you get a lot more in return for the uptick.</p> <p>The biggest upgrade of the bunch is a big win for photographers as the Xiaomi 17T now packs a 50Mp 5x telephoto lens, which absolutely decimates the 2x equivalent found on its predecessor. This now goes hand in hand with the 50Mp main camera and a 12Mp ultrawide to provide a very versatile set-up in this category.</p> <p>You’ll have more scope to make use of those cameras throughout the day, too, thanks to the much larger 6500mAh battery that’s now under the hood. While it would take a more conservative user to stretch the phone to two days of use, the available capacity does mean that most people will struggle to drain the battery over the course of a single day, so you’re unlikely to come up against any moments of battery anxiety when trying to catch a train home.</p> <p>Although there is reasonably fast 67W wired charging, there’s no wireless charging, which is a shame given the higher price tag. On that same thread, the fact that a phone like this can have a plastic backing, when it’s so close in price to flagship territory, is a little absurd. There is a speedy MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra chip under the hood, however, and with 12GB RAM to rely on, it’s great for everyday performance.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-xiaomi-17t">Who should buy the Xiaomi 17T?</h3> <p>Camera-first buyers who also want a sizeable battery to last them through the day, or maybe two</p> <h3 class="" id="xiaomi-17t-further-considerations">Xiaomi 17T: Further considerations</h3> <p>Some cheaper rivals have wireless charging and longer software support.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3154746/xiaomi-17t-review.html" target="_blank"> Xiaomi 17T review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-7" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF7"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-8"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="8. Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="8-xiaomi-poco-x8-pro-max-best-performance"> 8. Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max – Best Performance </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2dd39d3"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max - Best Performance" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Poco-X8-Pro-Max_-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Excellent value</li> <li>Great performance</li> <li>Lovely display and speakers</li> <li>Massive battery and speedy charging</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Mediocre ultrawide camera</li> <li>Not the longest software support</li> <li>Bloatware</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Xiaomi+Poco+X8+Pro+Max">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>For a good while, it was the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2991893/poco-f8-pro-review.html">Poco F8 Pro</a> that held this spot as the go-to mid-range phone for performance, so it’s only fitting to see the phone leapfrogged by another option from the same brand, this time the Poco X8 Pro Max. Just like other phones within Xiaomi’s budget-friendly Poco stable, this phone goes all in on performance.</p> <p>Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s, which is just a step down from the full fast Dimensity 9500 found within the high-end <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2950432/oppo-find-x9-pro-review.html">Oppo Find X9 Pro</a>. Regardless of whether you opt for the 256GB model or its slightly more expensive 512GB alternative, both versions come with a whopping 12GB RAM that the chipset can rely on for more demanding tasks. For most people, this will feel like flagship-level performance, especially when diving into 3D games like Wuthering Waves, as we clocked a steady 60fps in our playthrough.</p> <p>Working in tandem with the phone’s gaming credentials is a gorgeous 6.83-inch 120Hz OLED display, which can reach 3,500 nits of peak brightness. It’s a true visual feast that’s then emboldened by the stereo speakers on board that offer up plenty of depth and bass. If you’re playing/streaming at home then it’s great to comfortably rely on these speakers without needing to reach for a pair of earbuds.</p> <p>As if that wasn’t enough, there’s an 8,500mAh battery on board that can be topped up at 100W (yes, you read that right). All of these specs are practically unheard of for a mid-range phone, and they make the X8 Pro unbeatable on performance alone. Where the phone isn’t quite able to compete is on software, as there’s an unfortunate amount of pre-installed bloatware to deal with, and there are just four years of OS updates which is bettered by Samsung and Google.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-xiaomi-poco-x8-pro-max">Who should buy the Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max?</h3> <p>Power users who need a mid-range phone that can keep up with heavy tasks and gaming.</p> <h3 class="" id="xiaomi-poco-x8-pro-max-further-considerations">Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max: Further considerations</h3> <p>With just four years of OS updates, there are better long-term options available from Samsung and Google.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3101590/xiaomi-poco-x8-pro-max-review.html" target="_blank"> Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-8" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF8"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-9"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="9. Samsung Galaxy A57" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="9-samsung-galaxy-a57-5g-best-for-ai"> 9. Samsung Galaxy A57 5G – Best for AI </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2ddd8e6"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Samsung Galaxy A57 5G - Best for AI" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Samsung-Galaxy-A57-2.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Sleeker and more durable design</li> <li>Sharp user interface</li> <li>Strong 6-year software support</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>More expensive</li> <li>Cameras much the same</li> <li>Not the strongest performer for the money</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Samsung+Galaxy+A57">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>As much as we love Samsung’s mid-range phones for being reliable options that are easy to recommend, the Samsung Galaxy A57 is fairly iterative for updates, and if you’re not fussed about having the latest tech, then the previous-gen <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2637609/samsung-galaxy-a56-review.html">Galaxy A56</a> is arguably a better buy. However, there’s still a lot to like here.</p> <p>Something we love to see is the push to make mid-range phones as durable as their flagship counterparts, and with an official IP68 rating, the Galaxy A57 is now better equipped to handle an accidental dip in a body of water. The design has also been slimmed down, coming at just 6.9mm (down from 7.4mm), making it feel more svelte and premium in the hand.</p> <p>Under the hood is the more powerful Exynos 1680 chipset, which pairs with a 13% larger vapour chamber for improved performance during more demanding tasks. It’s not a complete beast for gaming, and you’ll get on better with a Redmagic device if that’s your main concern, but it fared well during a few rounds of The Division Resurgence. </p> <p>As is now customary for Samsung’s non-flagship phones, you’re getting a promised six years of support for the Galaxy A57, which is ideal for rinsing as much value out of the phone as possible, especially as it now costs slightly more. The phone now has a starting price of £529/$549.99, which isn’t a massive uplift in price, but definitely noticeable given that you have so many compelling mid-range options that don’t go above the £500/$500 mark.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-samsung-galaxy-a57">Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A57?</h3> <p>Those who want premium Samsung style and One UI software.</p> <h3 class="" id="samsung-galaxy-a57-further-considerations">Samsung Galaxy A57: Further considerations</h3> <p>The Galaxy A56 is very similar but is now available for a lot less.</p> <p>Read our full <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3117374/samsung-galaxy-a57-review.html"><strong>Samsung Galaxy A57 review</strong></a></p> </div> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-9" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF9"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-10"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="10. Apple iPhone 17e" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="10-iphone-17e-best-value-iphone"> 10. iPhone 17e – Best Value iPhone </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2de7c39"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="iPhone 17e - Best Value iPhone" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Apple-iPhone-17e-review-1-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Lovely, compact design</li> <li>Great performance</li> <li>Brilliant battery life</li> <li>MagSafe now included</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Display only 60Hz</li> <li>Charging tops out at 20W wired</li> <li>No Camera Control button</li> <li>Doesn’t have iPhone 17’s front camera tricks</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Apple+iPhone+17e">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>It’s no secret that when the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2655122/apple-iphone-16e-review.html">iPhone 16e</a> launched, we were all scratching our heads, trying to understand who it was designed for when you could just pick up a previous-gen option like the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2115274/apple-iphone-15-review.html">iPhone 15</a> for around the same price or even less. Well, Apple’s mid-range replacement to the SE range now makes a lot more sense in the iPhone 17e – a solid all-rounder that’s sure to please a decent group of people.</p> <p>There are quite a few reasons why this newer handset stands out, chief among them is the inclusion of MagSafe, which was such an odd omission on the 16e. Now, you can use the plethora of MagSafe-enabled accessories with the 17e, including chargers, wallets, power banks and stands, which improves the overall usability of the phone.</p> <p>Elsewhere, there’s the newer A19 chipset, which is the same CPU found in the pricier <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2941896/apple-iphone-17-review.html">iPhone 17</a>, and it does a great job of showing off iOS in its best light. Throw in the move to having 256GB storage as standard (at no extra cost) with the more durable Ceramic Shield 2 on the display, and it quickly becomes apparent that the 17e isn’t just a good mid-range pick, it’s a solid iPhone overall.</p> <p>Because this is a ‘budget’ device as far as Apple is concerned, you do have a few returning caveats such as the absence of an ultra-wide camera, and pretty slow charging that caps out at 20W, but these issues won’t be dealbreakers for a lot of people. The real allure is in long-term value, as the A19 is Apple Intelligence-ready and is set to receive the latest iOS updates for many years to come.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-iphone-17e">Who should buy the iPhone 17e?</h3> <p>Apple enthusiasts who want an inexpensive (by Apple standards) upgrade.</p> <h3 class="" id="iphone-17e-further-considerations">iPhone 17e: Further considerations</h3> <p>Even though it can take great pictures, the 17e’s camera system isn’t as versatile as most other mid-range phones.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3084859/apple-iphone-17e-review.html" target="_blank"> Apple iPhone 17e review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-10" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF10"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="other-mid-range-phones-tested">Other mid-range phones tested</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although the phones listed above are the 10 mid-range phones that we rate higher than anything else available right now, they are far from the only contenders that we’ve come across. As this particular sector continues to grow, we’ve found ourselves inundated with mid-range phones, many of which have come close to being included and that are worth bearing in mind.</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3093072/nothing-phone-4a-pro-review.html"><strong>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro</strong></a> – Easily one of the most stylish phones you can buy in 2026. Although it didn’t quite make the cut, with the cheaper Nothing Phone (4a) offering better value, there’s still a lot to like, with the rear-facing Glyph Matrix helping to keep you aware of any notifications or incoming calls without needing to pick up the phone. The all-metal build is also a rarity amongst mid-range phones, and it makes plastic-backed phones feel dated by comparison.</li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2850849/fairphone-6-review.html"><strong>Fairphone (Gen 6)</strong></a> – If sustainability is your main concern, then look no further than Fairphone. This phone is designed to be taken apart with ease, so if you need to replace any components, such as the camera lenses or the battery, then you can do so without any major hassle. The phone also destroys most of the competition on long-term support, with Fairphone promising eight years of updates from the time of launch. For a phone that’ll last you well into the future, you won’t find a better buy.</li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3037235/xiaomi-redmi-note-15-pro-plus-5g-review.html"><strong>Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+</strong></a> – For anyone who just wants a large screen and a durable build quality at a reasonable price, the Note 15 Pro+ is worth a look. At just £429, it has a competitive price tag, but it’s the large 6.83-inch AMOLED display, working in tandem with Dolby Atmos-powered speakers, that makes the phone such a great pick for entertainment. The performance isn’t as good as what you’ll find elsewhere, but if that doesn’t bother you then there’s plenty to enjoy.</li> </ul> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fairphone-Gen-6-8.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Fairphone Gen 6 exposed battery" class="wp-image-2850880" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Thomas Deehan / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hungry for more? Here are a few other mid-range phones we’ve tested, including previous-gen options:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3136097/samsung-galaxy-a37-5g-review.html">Samsung Galaxy A37</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2798989/samsung-galaxy-a36-5g-review.html">Samsung Galaxy A36</a> / <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2637609/samsung-galaxy-a56-review.html">A56</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3004417/honor-magic-8-lite-review.html">Honor Magic 8 Lite</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3064661/nubia-redmagic-11-air-review.html">Nubia Redmagic 11 Air</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3013788/xiaomi-redmi-note-15-pro-review.html">Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2624191/nothing-phone-3a-review.html">Nothing Phone (3a)</a> / <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2624046/nothing-phone-3a-pro-review.html">(3a) Pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2572846/oneplus-13r-review.html">OnePlus 13R</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2979610/motorola-edge-70-review.html">Motorola Edge 70</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3100019/google-pixel-10a-review.html">Google Pixel 10a</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3006394/nubia-redmagic-11-pro-review.html">Nubia Redmagic 11 Pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2991893/poco-f8-pro-review.html">Poco F8 Pro</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="mid-range-phone-news-that-could-affect-your-buying-decision">Mid-range phone news that could affect your buying decision</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Anyone hoping for the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3046701/oneplus-nord-6-release-date-price-specs-ultimate-guide.html">OnePlus Nord 6</a> to finally make its way to the West, with its massive 9,000mah battery in tow, will now be sorely disappointed. After plenty of rumours hinting as much, OnePlus has now confirmed that <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3190509/should-you-buy-oneplus-phone-us-europe-exit-confirmed.html">it will be pulling out of its operations in the US, UK and Europe</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While you can still find OnePlus phones from certain retailers, the brand itself no longer offers them through its own channels, with the intent being that parent company Oppo will largely step in to take OnePlus’ place on the global stage. If you already have a OnePlus phone then fear not as the company has confirmed that it will honour outstanding commitments with regard to software updates, but the OxygenOS overlay which populates OnePlus phones will be swapped to Oppo’s ColorOS.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_0511.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="OnePlus Nord 6" class="wp-image-3097161" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Thomas Deehan / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="can-i-get-a-better-phone-deal">Can I get a better phone deal? </h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The prices displayed in our list of the best phones are updated daily, making sure you always see the top phone deals. Our recommendations are based on design, performance and typical value, among other things, but with retailer and mobile operator prices changing daily, we cannot factor in deals in the same way. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Remember that a great deal could make a phone that appears lower down this list more attractive than one that sits at the top.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2073307/when-is-amazon-prime-day-best-tech-deals.html">Amazon Prime Day</a> is the big sales event of the summer, while <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/en-gb/black-friday">Black Friday</a> is saved for the final weekend of November (although some retailers tend to offer their discounts for the entirety of the month). Keep an eye on the January sales, too, as well as other sales around specific holidays such as Easter. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another way to get a great deal is to consider buying a refurbished phone. Not only will you get it cheaper, but it’s also more eco-friendly. Alternatively, <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3037645/what-is-raylo-phone-and-tech-subscription-explained.html">Raylo’s subscription service</a> is a helpful tool for picking up phones and other tech in an alternative way.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="how-we-test-mid-range-phones">How we test mid-range phones</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Like any smartphone, the true test of a mid-range phone is in regular, everyday usage. So, that’s exactly what we do.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For every mid-range phone we review, we put our personal SIM in it (or set up an <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/741579/what-is-an-esim-2.html">eSIM</a>) and use it as our main device for at least a week, often much longer.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This length of time allows for insights that just aren’t possible in a few days, such as camera testing in a range of different environments and long-term battery life impressions. To enable comparisons, we also run a specific set of benchmarks on every mid-range phone, but don’t rely on these to draw any significant conclusions.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/739131/how-we-test-smartphones.html">Read more about how we test smartphones</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="why-you-should-trust-tech-advisor-for-mid-range-phone-reviews-and-buying-advice">Why you should trust Tech Advisor for mid-range phone reviews and buying advice</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tech Advisor has been covering mid-range smartphones ever since the category was defined following the original iPhone’s release in 2007 and Android’s arrival a year later. In the nearly two decades since, we’ve tested phones from every mid-range phone maker you can think of, including Apple, Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Motorola, Nothing, Xiaomi, Honor and many more.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">They continue to form a core part of our coverage, offering an attractive middle ground between low-cost budget phones and high-end flagship handsets. We review new mid-range phones every month, drawing on the many decades of combined experience from an expert in-house team and trusted contributors.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-curated-this-article">Who curated this article? </h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Our full-time <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/author/anyroncopeman" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/author/anyroncopeman">Mobile Editor, Anyron</a>, is the lead on this list of the best mid-range phones. He spends almost all his time testing, reviewing and writing about phones and is often among the first in the world to get hold of the latest models. Our <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/author/chris_martin" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/author/chris_martin">Managing Editor, Chris</a>, who has been testing phones for 15 years, provides assistance.</p> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-choose-the-best-mid-range-phone">How to choose the best mid-range phone</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When choosing a mid-range phone, you should consider these things: build quality and design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, software and value for money.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">At Tech Advisor, we define a mid-range phone as costing between £300/$300 and £700/$700 when bought outright, though contract prices will vary significantly depending on availability, the network you choose and how much data you need.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have limited money to spend, we’d suggest looking at our <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html">best budget phone</a> round-up first. And only return here if you don’t find something that suits your needs.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Buying a phone outright will usually give you the best value, but we appreciate that finances in the real world don’t always accommodate such big one-off purchases. If you can afford to buy the phone outright, you’ll obviously also need to factor in the cost of the plan.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block"><h2 class="faq-block-title" id="faq"> FAQ </h2><hr class="block-horizotal-divider"> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">1.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-mid-range-phone">What is the best mid-range phone?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This will vary depending on your needs, but the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2938173/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-review.html">Samsung Galaxy S25 FE</a> is the best mid-range phone for most people. Despite undercutting more premium handsets, it still feels like a flagship in the hand and with a massive 6.7-inch AMOLED display, it’s a great all-rounder for browsing the web, streaming entertainment and gaming on the go.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">2.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-cheap-mid-range-phone">What is the best cheap mid-range phone?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The best cheap mid-range phone for most people is the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3079349/nothing-phone-4a-review.html">Nothing Phone (4a)</a>. It offers a compelling blend of unique design, highly customisable software and great battery life, all for an impressively low price.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">3.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-does-mid-range-mean-in-phones">What does mid-range mean in phones?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s no technical definition, but at Tech Advisor, we define mid-range phones based on price: anything that costs more than £300/$300 but less than £700/$700 if you buy it SIM-free.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Anything cheaper than that is a <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html">budget phone</a>, while anything more expensive is a <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-smartphone.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-smartphone.html">flagship handset</a>.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">4.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-mid-range-iphone">What is the best mid-range iPhone?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple currently only sells one mid-range iPhone – the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3084859/apple-iphone-17e-review.html">iPhone 17e</a>. Although there are a few caveats to bear in mind, it is a much better phone than its predecessor, and finally worth recommending to those who want the Apple experience for less.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the true bargain hunters out there, we’d suggest looking at previous-gen flagship models such as those from the iPhone 15 or 16 series, which are available at mid-range prices. Opting for a used or <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/742717/best-refurbished-phone-deals.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/742717/best-refurbished-phone-deals.html">refurbished phone</a> can also reduce prices significantly, as well as being more eco-friendly.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">5.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-mid-range-samsung-phone">What is the best mid-range Samsung phone?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Currently, the best mid-range Samsung phone is the aforementioned Galaxy S25 FE. However, if you want to save a bit of cash, then the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3117374/samsung-galaxy-a57-review.html">Samsung Galaxy A57</a> is also worth a look as it offers a thin and light design, an impressive software experience (including plenty of AI features) and long software support.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">6.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="why-are-some-mid-range-phones-not-available-in-the-us">Why are some mid-range phones not available in the US?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re based in the US, you’ll notice that not all of the best mid-range phones are available. Unfortunately, that’s because many of the biggest Chinese phone manufacturers simply don’t sell their products in the US.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chinese phones are a great choice in the mid-range market because they regularly balance very good specifications with a lower price than you’d expect. The likes of Xiaomi, Poco and Oppo often offer excellent value, but for anyone in the US, they’ll be import-only, so make sure they support your carrier if you can find them via the likes of Amazon.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">7.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-much-ram-is-good-for-a-mid-range-phone">How much RAM is good for a mid-range phone?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That depends on what you plan to use it for, but we’d recommend 8GB as a minimum. Assuming the chipset is capable enough (we’ll indicate in full reviews whether that’s the case), this will allow you to perform all everyday tasks without running into any issues.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, if you want to use your phone for more demanding tasks such as gaming, we’d recommend 12GB or more. Many of the most powerful phones on the market have 16GB of RAM.</p> </div> </div></div> </div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-content">Related content</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/review/phones">Phone reviews</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/news/phones">Phone news</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723509/best-mid-range-phone.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723509/best-mid-range-phone.html">Best mid-range phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html">Best budget phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2791228/best-google-pixel-phone.html">Best Google Pixel phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724188/best-samsung-galaxy-phone.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724188/best-samsung-galaxy-phone.html">Best Samsung Galaxy phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724292/best-xiaomi-phone.html">Best Xiaomi phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724969/best-oneplus-phone.html">Best OnePlus phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724734/best-oppo-phone.html">Best Oppo phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724489/best-foldable-phone-2.html">Best foldable phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724337/best-battery-phone.html">Best battery life phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724277/best-camera-phone.html">Best camera phones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723395/best-dual-sim-phone.html">Best dual-SIM phones</a></li> </ul> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> </div></div></div></div>
  15. Samsung warns the RAM shortage will last through 2027, maybe 2028

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:27:26 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Everything is still getting more expensive thanks to the ongoing AI-driven memory and shortage crisis. It’s why laptops, PCs, flash drives, SSDs, routers, and smartphones are spiking in price.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">And it doesn’t look like the situation will be any better next year. Kim Jaejune, Executive Vice President of Samsung’s memory chip division, <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4927404-samsung-electronics-co-ltd-ssnlf-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript">recently explained</a> at an analyst conference that the shortage is expected to continue all the way through 2026 and well into 2027—in fact, the supply difficulties are even predicted to persist until 2028.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The increased demand, primarily driven by the push for more AI data centers that need tons of RAM and GPUs, has largely gone unmet this year. Existing orders are being carried over into next year, which is likely to exacerbate the already tense situation. As a result, prices could soar even higher, if not remain at a similarly high level.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="why-ram-is-so-scarce-at-the-moment">Why RAM is so scarce at the moment</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Large companies enter into multi-year contracts with memory manufacturers. Only when those agreements expire can sufficient capacity open up for new orders. The growing interest in AI data centers, which drink down RAM even faster than the water they need to stay cool and operational, has exploded global demand for memory. In response, memory manufacturers have shifted their sales from consumer to enterprise, where higher profits are possible.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meanwhile, the construction of new semiconductor manufacturing facilities (i.e., more RAM output) is progressing too slowly and will take several years before they can start supplying new stock. Other memory manufacturers, including SK Hynix, ADATA, and Micron, have confirmed that the situation will worsen in 2027 before it can ease again.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">From worse to worst, smaller manufacturers could collapse under the intense pressures of the current market conditions. RAM production is not only time-consuming but also costly and requires precise planning. New brands have little chance to prove themselves in this sector before they’re up against the big names.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Further reading:</strong> <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3058805/outsmart-the-ram-crisis-with-these-5-tips.html">How to outsmart the RAM crisis: 5 tips</a></p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Pixel 11: In summary</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Google’s upcoming flagship range of Android phones</li> <li>Set to launch on 12 August 2026</li> <li>Tensor G6 chip could use a much more powerful CPU, but fall behind rivals on GPU capabilities</li> <li>Similar design to Pixel 10, with Pixel Glow feature now teased</li> <li>Removable batteries could be a new feature, alongside proper face scanning and a slimmer foldable phone</li> <li>Colours and prices seemingly leaked through early Amazon listings</li> <li>The phones could be using all-new camera lenses</li> <li>The Pixel 11 Pro models might ship with less RAM</li> </ul> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of all the handsets to debut in 2026, very few have quite as much excitement attached as the upcoming Google Pixel 11 range, and it isn’t hard to see why. Not only do these phones have the opportunity to build upon the already solid foundations of the current Pixel 10 crop, but after showing off the AI-centric features of Android 17, the expectation is that Google’s next phones will represent a major shift forward for Gemini.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the addition of Pixelsnap (Google’s MagSafe equivalent), a telephoto camera on the base model and a wealth of software upgrades that actually help usability, the Pixel 10 range currently sets the standard as some of our favourite Android phones on the market, and when looking at the smartphone industry as a whole, Google is in a unique position to put itself forward even more.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2586501/samsung-galaxy-s26-release-date-price-specs.html">Samsung Galaxy S26 range</a>, while competent, represented a very minor upgrade on what came before, and there are plenty of rumours floating around right now that Apple is looking to debut only it’s Pro level phones (as well as the folding <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/739361/foldable-iphone-release-date-price-specs.html">iPhone Ultra</a>) in September, and that the iPhone 18/18e, plus the iPhone Air 2, <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2582644/apple-iphone-18.html">will be pushed back to March</a>. By releasing four phones at once, with just the right amount of upgrades, Google could be faced with an open goal.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, we’ll have to wait and see if Google can actually stick the landing with its next generation of phones, but anyone who might be considering a pre-order thankfully doesn’t have to wait to get an idea of what’s in store. There have been a large number of leaks and rumours regarding the Pixel 11 range and we’ve collated them here for your perusal.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="when-will-the-google-pixel-11-be-released">When will the Google Pixel 11 be released?</h2> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>In summary</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Expected to be announced on 12 August 2026</li> <li>Made by Google event will take place in New York</li> </ul> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Google Pixel 11 range is expected to be released in <strong>2026</strong>, during <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2849734/google-pixel-10-launch-every-new-device-announced.html">Google’s annual summer event</a>. The company’s Made by Google launch event will take place on <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3186491/the-pixel-11-launch-event-date-official-with-some-curious-changes.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3186491/the-pixel-11-launch-event-date-official-with-some-curious-changes.html"><strong>12 August</strong> in New York City</a>. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google used to launch new <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-phone.html">phones</a> in October, but has now moved it forward for the last two generations.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pixel-11-Made-by-Google-launch-event-invite.webp" alt="Pixel 11 Made by Google launch event invite" class="wp-image-3186520" width="780" height="438" sizes="auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Google</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2587620/yes-there-are-already-rumours-about-the-google-pixel-11.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rumours</a>, the Pixel 11 series is once again to include as many as four devices. If Google does the same as the last couple of years, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will get a later release date than the other models.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">These documents confirm the codenames for the 2026 Pixel devices, with the Pixel 11 series adopting bear-themed names, such as ‘cubs’ for the standard Pixel 11, ‘grizzly’ for the Pixel 11 Pro, ‘kodiak’ for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and ‘yogi’ for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For context, here are the launch dates of previous generations:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2912595/google-pixel-10-review.html">Google Pixel 10</a>: August 2025</li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2433849/google-pixel-9-review.html">Google Pixel 9</a>: August 2024</li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2102919/google-pixel-8-review-2.html">Google Pixel 8</a>: October 2023</li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/1351748/google-pixel-7-review.html">Google Pixel 7</a>: October 2022</li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/722747/google-pixel-6-review.html">Google Pixel 6</a>: October 2021</li> </ul> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/1969467/google-pixel-specs-comparisons.html">Learn more about all previous Google Pixel phones</a></p> </blockquote> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Source:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/exclusive-pixel-10a-pixel-11-codename-3516163/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Authority</a> | <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/962313/made-by-google-pixel-11-launch-event" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.theverge.com/tech/962313/made-by-google-pixel-11-launch-event" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Verge</a></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="how-much-will-the-google-pixel-11-cost">How much will the Google Pixel 11 cost?</h2> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>In summary</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Google is expected to raise prices this year from last year’s £799/$799</li> <li>However, models are expected to start with 256GB of storage</li> </ul> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Given the current state of the tech world when it comes to price rises, it would have been quite surprising if the Pixel 11 range kept things business as usual. After all, Samsung increased its prices for the Galaxy S26 range and although they have yet to happen, Apple has confirmed that it will be raising the prices of iPhones at some point in the future. With that in mind, Google made the rather smart decision of <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3199502/google-just-got-the-pixel-11-bad-news-out-the-way.html">confirming matters ahead of time</a>, likely so that it’s less of a talking point once when Pixel 11 phones are actually unveiled.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When speaking in an interview, Google’s Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat explained, in no uncertain terms that the company had “shielded our consumers from supply fluctuations for as long as possible,” but the “economics have fundamentally shifted and we’re not immune to that.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While we won’t know the full extent of these price rises until Google pulls back the curtain on the new range, the latest rumours have it set that a $100 increase could be on the cards. This would have the most entry-level phone, the Pixel 11, carry a price tag of $899 which puts it right in line with the Galaxy S26.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pixel 11 Pro could exceed the $1000 mark for the first time with its lowest tier set at $1099, and that would potentially jump to $1299 for the Pixel 11 Pro XL. At the very least, there’s an accompanying rumour suggesting that Google will do away with the 128GB variant of its phones completely, so users will have access to 256GB by default.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Only time will tell if these price increases end up hurting the overall sales of the Pixel 11 range, or if more people might turn to the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3100019/google-pixel-10a-review.html">Pixel 10a</a> as a potential upgrade instead in order to avoid those higher costs.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Source:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.dealabs.com/magazine/google-pixel-11-on-vous-devoile-les-prix-et-la-date-de-sortie-en-exclusivite-61540" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.dealabs.com/magazine/google-pixel-11-on-vous-devoile-les-prix-et-la-date-de-sortie-en-exclusivite-61540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dealabs</a> | <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-11-us-pricing-specs-leak-3687082/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Authority</a></p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Google-Pixel-9-Pro-Fold-review-34.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review 34" class="wp-image-2454254" width="1200" height="672" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="what-specs-and-features-will-the-google-pixel-11-have">What specs and features will the Google Pixel 11 have?</h2> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>In summary</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>New Tensor G6 chipset with big CPU implications and only minor GPU changes</li> <li>The biggest changes could be made to the cameras, with new main lenses across the board</li> <li>Only minor design changes are expected, although Midnight and Pine colours have been teased</li> <li>Pixel Glow could deliver light-based notifications so you can avoid getting drawn into the display</li> <li>Removable batteries might appear on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, alongside a slimmer build</li> <li>A new MediaTek modem for faster network speeds</li> <li>All new colourways with green being a constant across all models</li> </ul> </div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-listicle-chart-block wp-block-product-chart product-chart"> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixel-11-design-build">Pixel 11: Design &amp; Build</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Given just how reluctant Google has been to massively overhaul the design of its smartphones, not since the camera bar turned into a visor for the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2433849/google-pixel-9-review.html">Pixel 9</a> onwards, we aren’t expecting massive changes here. The latest rumours have largely confirmed this to be the case but there are a few smaller design tweaks to not only make the new Pixel phones look more svelte, but also improve their overall usability.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With Google previously stating we can expect a redesign every two or three years, it seems it’ll be the Pixel 12 series which will bring larger changes in 2027.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Starting with the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3102252/google-pixel-11-design-leak-highlights-two-changes.html">Pixel 11 design, via CAD-based renders</a>, it seems extremely similar to the Pixel 10 with only two design tweaks. That is a smaller bezel around the screen and an all-glass camera bar rather than a metal section around the flash.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The size is supposedly the same, apart from the phone being 0.1mm thinner. Note that the colour is for illustrative purposes, as it’s simply based on the Lavender colour of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3100019/google-pixel-10a-review.html">Pixel 10a</a>.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-11-design-leaked-front-and-back.webp?w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 11 design leaked front and back" class="wp-image-3102256" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Onleaks / Android Headlines</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Next up is the Pixel 11 Pro, which tells a similar story to the regular model. The renders appear to confirm an almost identical design with the same glossy frame as before, with the new all-black camera bar.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The main thing to note is that the temperature sensor appears to be missing from the back. This normally sits below the flash within the camera bar and could signal the loss of the unique, albeit niche, feature.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-11-Pro-leak-front-and-back.webp" alt="Google Pixel 11 Pro leak front and back" class="wp-image-3103374" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Onleaks / Android Headlines</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">And here’s the Pixel 11 Pro XL render showing the same thing.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Google-Pixel-11-Pro-XL-leaked-design.webp" alt="Google Pixel 11 Pro XL design" class="wp-image-3105903" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Onleaks / Android Headlines</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, a handful of renders have appeared online showing a very similar build to the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2930018/google-pixel-10-pro-fold-review.html">10 Pro Fold</a>, to the point where you might mistake one for the other at a passing glance. However, if you look closely then you’ll notice that the flash and microphone have been brought into the camera bump itself to create a uniform look. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While it’s unlikely that this move alone will result in any benefits to the camera chops of the 11 Pro Fold, it does look a lot cleaner from a design perspective.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-11-pro-fold-render.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3083650" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">OnLeaks x Android Headlines</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What is more interesting are the renders showing the 11 Pro Fold on its side, seemingly indicating that the phone will only be 4.8mm thin when unfolded, and 10.1mm thick when closed up. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Admittedly, this is still a step behind the competition (the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2840708/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review.html">Galaxy Z Fold 7</a> and the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2886709/honor-magic-v5-review.html">Honor Magic V5</a> are just 4.2mm and 4.1mm thin when unfolded), but it’s a marked improvement on the 10 Pro Fold which felt a bit chunky in the hand.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shifting gears to the Pixel 11 Pro XL, the initial concepts of what this phone might look like come not from a set of renders but rather case company Thinborne that has (accidentally?) unveiled its corresponding phone case a little ahead of schedule.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-11-Pro-case.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3083654" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">ThinBorne</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While there’s only so much we can decipher from a case, the camera cut-out does hint at there being a slightly larger but stouter camera bump. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If true, this should stop the cameras from jutting out in your pocket, which feels like an ever-increasing problem in 2026 (you can spot the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3028628/honor-magic-8-pro-review.html">Honor Magic 8 Pro</a>’s camera bump from a mile away in jeans). Whether this also translates into a change of sensors onboard for the Pixel 11 Pro XL remains to be seen.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In terms of colourways, we’ve had plenty of hints over what might be in store thanks to <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3156408/google-pixel-11-wallpapers-leak.html">leaked wallpapers which typically tie in with the design</a> on the back of the phone in question, but now we’ve had our best look at the devices yet thanks to a handful of Amazon listings that have since been taken offline but were spotted just in time.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-10.37.18.png?w=1200" alt="Pixel 11 Leaked Colours" class="wp-image-3190477" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Credit: 9to5Google</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the standard Pixel 11, you’re looking at a total of three colourways: Fuchsia, Moss and Midnight. The Fuchsia model, in particular, feels like the most striking, taking on an almost neon-like style of pink.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You’ll have a bit more room for expression with the Pixel 11 Pro thanks to four colourways including Pine, Sterling, Light Fog and Dune. Just as before, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to carry the same array of options.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-10.38.52.png?w=1200" alt="Pixel 11 Pro Fold leaked colours" class="wp-image-3190487" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Credit: 9to5Google</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Things are a bit more pared back for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with just two models available to buy, coming in either Pine or Midnight. The one constant throughout the range this year is that Google is really leaning into having a green option available for each phone, which isn’t something we’re displeased about.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Sources:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.androidheadlines.com/google-pixel-11-pro-fold" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Headlines</a> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=803X112721&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.androidheadlines.com/google-pixel-11&amp;xcust=4-1-3102252-1-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3102252/google-pixel-11-design-leak-highlights-two-changes.html">(2)</a> <a href="https://www.androidheadlines.com/google-pixel-11-pro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(3)</a> <a href="https://www.androidheadlines.com/google-pixel-11-pro-xl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(4)</a> | <a href="https://thinborne.com/products/pixel-11-pro-xl-case" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thinborne</a> | <a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/04/23/pixel-11-pro-fold-wallpaper-leak/">9to5Google</a> <a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/07/13/this-might-be-the-pixel-11-in-three-colors-gallery/?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(2)</a> <a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/07/28/google-pixel-11-battery-size-uk-price-leak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(3)</a> | <a href="https://t.me/mysticleaks/184" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mystic Leaks</a></p> </div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-11" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF11"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixel-11-display">Pixel 11: Display</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google is likely to continue with high-resolution OLED displays in the Pixel 11 series, with improvements to brightness, colour accuracy, and refresh rate.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The only news we have on this front is that <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3111352/pixel-11-set-to-beat-iphone-18-to-this-key-upgrade.html">Google is tipped to be using Samsung Display’s top-of-the-line M16 OLED panel</a> for the Pixel 11 range, which will beat the iPhone 18 Pro phones to the punch (and Samsung Mobile’s Galaxy phones, too).</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s little in the way of detail, but it should bring the best for brightness, colour, lifespan and power efficiency.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If Google doesn’t change the size of the displays relative to the Pixel 10 series, here’s what the screens in the Pixel 10 are:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Pixel 10: 6.3-inch Actua OLED, 3000 nits</li> <li>Pixel 10 Pro: 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED, 3300 nits</li> <li>Pixel 10 Pro XL: 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED, 3300 nits</li> <li>Pixel 10 Pro Fold: 8-inch Super Actua Flex LTPO OLED, 3000 nits</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Given current trends, the Pixel 11 series could go beyond the current cap of 120Hz refresh rates, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-pixel-10-pro-xl-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="google pixel 10 pro xl 3" class="wp-image-2884902" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s screen</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Anyron Copeman / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Source:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-11-face-unlock-3494465/">Android Authority</a></p> </div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-12" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF12"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixel-11-performance">Pixel 11: Performance</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just like clockwork, Google will be moving over to a new chipset for the Pixel 11 range with the Tensor G6. Although this will come as no surprise to anyone (a new Tensor chip has been a mainstay with each new generation for years), there are a few upgrades this time around that could have a huge impact on performance.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the first tidbits we came across was from before the Pixel 10 had even hit store shelves, with a report indicating that the new Tensor G6 would be made with a more efficient 2nm process, which could have huge implications for how well the CPU performs on a daily basis.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper youtube-video"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Google’s Tensor G6 smartphone chip will be made with TSMC’s 2nm production process, media report, citing unnamed supply chain sources, and adding the Tensor G5 was transferred to TSMC from Samsung and will be inside Pixel smartphones later this year. Meanwhile, Tesla’ AI 5 chips…</p>— Dan Nystedt (@dnystedt) <a href="https://x.com/dnystedt/status/1936955306397086001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This rumour has since been corroborated elsewhere and what’s even more impressive is that the Pixel 11 range will supposedly be the first smartphones anywhere to have the new 2nm process, crucially beating Apple to the punch by about a month. Given that Apple is usually the first company to market with the latest innovation from TSMC, this is a big win for Google.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Going one step further, it now seems as though Google will be moving over to <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3127292/google-pixel-11-tensor-g6-specs-leaked.html">using Arm’s latest C1 Ultra core</a>, which can rack up a clock speed of 4.11GHz. For comparison’s sake, that’s the same clock speed found within the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, which powers the super flagship <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2950432/oppo-find-x9-pro-review.html">Oppo Find X9 Pro</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Given just how much Google has been pushing forward with on-device AI operations, a more efficient Tensor chip could also give Google greater scope for more complex AI-driven tasks in the future.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another report hints that, alongside the Tensor G6, Google will be moving away from a Samsung-branded modem (which has typically been the norm) to one produced by MediaTek. </p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Google-Pixel-9-Pro-Fold-review-29.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review 29" class="wp-image-2454265" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The modem in question is the MediaTek M90, which packs a handful of noteworthy features, including support for sub-6 and mmWave 5G data, alongside satellite connectivity. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ability to establish a satellite connection during emergencies is now a commonly expected feature on flagship phones after Apple kicked off the trend with Emergency SOS, so it makes sense that Google would want to leapfrog the competition here.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s also worth mentioning that MediaTek’s modem could be more energy efficient when paired with the Tensor G6, paving the way for better battery life. We won’t know for sure until we get our hands on the Pixel 11 phones for testing, but it is a nice thing to imagine – especially as some of the Pixel 10 models aren’t great in this area.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One rumour that’s still a bit up in the air is whether or not Google will stick with having a 128GB model for its 2026 phones or if it’ll follow the likes of Samsung and Apple and jump to using 256GB as the starting rate. There’s conflicting information out there so it may be a case of not quite knowing for sure until Google officially unveils the phones.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Less positively, the latest Pixel 11 rumblings are now suggesting that although the CPU performance should be better than before, <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3127292/google-pixel-11-tensor-g6-specs-leaked.html">the new GPU won’t be that new at all</a>, instead using a PowerVR CXTP-48-1536 that first hit the scene all the way back in 2021.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Pixel-10-Pro-Fold-review-18.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Pixel 10 Pro Fold review 18" class="wp-image-2931715" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although the PowerVR GPU might provide a slight bump over what’s capable in the Pixel 10 range, this will still be a big letdown if it comes to pass as it ignores the criticism currently levelled at the Tensor G5. Gaming performance on any Pixel 10 phone just isn’t up to the standard of what you’d expect from a flagship device, with the latest <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2586501/samsung-galaxy-s26-release-date-price-specs-ultimate-guide.html">Galaxy S26 phones</a> running rings around them. For the gamers out there, you may want to go elsewhere for your next upgrade.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What’s interesting is that, in what is certainly a reaction to the current memory crisis being fuelled by AI development, it now seems the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL will ship with two different RAM SKUs, one with 12GB and the other with the usual 16GB.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For context, 16GB RAM has been the standard on Google’s Pro-level Pixels ever since the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2474414/google-pixel-9-pro-review.html">Pixel 9 Pro</a>, so to see the company backtrack on such a core spec is telling about the current state of the industry. This might mean that the 12GB variant is necessary in order to still offer the 11 Pro and the Pro XL at the same price as their predecessors.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Sources:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-10-and-pixel-11-camera-ai-features-3494468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Authority</a> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-11-us-pricing-specs-leak-3687082/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(2)</a> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/tensor-g6-mediatek-modem-2-3686559/?shem=dsdf,sharefoc,agadiscoversdl,,sh/x/discover/m1/4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(3)</a> | <a href="https://t.me/mysticleaks/144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mystic Leaks</a> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=803X112721&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://t.me/mysticleaks/161?comment=48458&amp;xcust=4-0-3127292-0-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3127292/google-pixel-11-tensor-g6-specs-leaked.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(2)</a> <a href="https://t.me/mysticleaks/163" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(3)</a> | <a href="https://x.com/dnystedt/status/1936955306397086001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dan Nystedt</a> | <a href="https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20250621700063-430501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ctee</a> | <a href="https://www.androidheadlines.com/google-pixel-11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Headlines</a> | <a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/07/13/pixel-11-tensor-g6-upgrade-tsmc-2nm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">9to5Google</a></p> </div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-13" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF13"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixel-11-cameras">Pixel 11: Cameras</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The camera setup on the Pixel 11 series is shaping up to be one of the most advanced seen on a flagship phone, with Google leveraging both hardware and AI to enhance photo and video quality.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the standout features expected in the Pixel 11 is a next-generation telephoto lens that supports up to 100x zoom. This impressive zoom capability, aided by machine learning algorithms in Google’s Tensor G6 processor, could aim to rival or even surpass similar features offered by competitors like Samsung.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 100x zoom will allow users to capture remarkably detailed images and videos, even from a great distance, setting a new standard for smartphone zoom quality.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We know some of the Pixel 10 phones can do 100x Super Res Zoom, so the Pixel 11 should at least match this.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We also saw the regular Pixel 10 gain a telephoto lens, albeit not to the same quality of the Pro models. Again, a triple rear camera array could now be the standard for Pixel phones.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Pixel-10-Lemongrass-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 10 Lemongrass 2" class="wp-image-2883754" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Chris Martin / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pixel 11 is also rumoured to include an upgraded Cinematic Blur mode, enhancing the immersive ‘bokeh’ effect in videos. This feature is expected to support 4K video at 30 frames per second, providing a cinema-like quality that elevates video storytelling.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition, a new ‘video relight’ option may be introduced, allowing users to adjust lighting conditions within a recorded video, simulating real-time lighting changes to add depth and drama to scenes. This feature is reportedly powered by the Cinematic Rendering Engine in the Tensor G6, which significantly reduces the power drain typically associated with blurred video recording.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Google-Pixel-9-Pro-Fold-review-27.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review 27" class="wp-image-2454276" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another exciting addition is the Ultra Low Light Video mode, also referred to as Night Sight video, designed to improve video quality in dimly lit conditions.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unlike previous Night Sight video modes, which required cloud processing, this feature will reportedly operate entirely on-device, thanks to the advanced image processing capabilities of the Tensor G6 chip.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Android Authority reports that Google has designed the Ultra Low Light Video mode to perform best in environments with ambient light levels between 5 and 10 lux, approximately the brightness of a dimly lit room or candlelight.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Google-Pixel-9-Pro_review_13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 9 Pro review 13" class="wp-image-2457629" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">By bringing this process fully on-device, the Pixel 11 series might offer its users the ability to capture brighter, cleaner low-light videos without requiring an internet connection.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although concrete specs regarding the lenses of these new phones are scarce, it now appears likely that the Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will share an all-new 50Mp main lens while the 11 Pro and the 11 Pro XL will be sharing a different but also new 50Mp main lens alongside an upgraded telephoto lens.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If these rumours come to pass then the camera department could have a significant uptick across the board, which would certainly help the new Pixels to stand out against the current crop of camera darlings from Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Sources:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-10-and-pixel-11-camera-ai-features-3494468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Authority</a> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-project-toscana-3641601/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(2)</a> | <a href="https://t.me/mysticleaks/163" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mystic Leaks</a></p> </div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-14" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF14"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixel-11-features-including-pixel-glow">Pixel 11: Features, including Pixel Glow</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A growing mountain of rumours suggests that Google will be looking to adopt its own version of Nothing’s Glyph lights, known as Pixel Glow. Of course, because we have the aforementioned renders, it’s clear that the concept won’t be using the exact same design philosophy, which is rather spread out on Nothing phones, but rather the idea of using lights to indicate certain notifications when the phone is placed face down.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Early mentions of it in Android 17 said it “uses subtle light and color on the back of your device to inform you of important activity”.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Google-Pixel-11-with-Pixel-Glow-feature-official-teaser.png?w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 11 with Pixel Glow official teaser" class="wp-image-3192998" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Google</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following Google’s announcement of the Made by Google event, an updated landing page on the official store not only confirms the Pixel 11 by name but also shows Pixel Glow for the first time.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This puts any possibility of it going around the edge of the camera bar (as possibly <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3145369/google-pixel-11-with-pixel-glow-previewed-at-i-o.html">teased at Google I/O</a>), or even being housed in the ‘G’ logo on the back of the phone a bit like the Apple logo on the back of older MacBooks.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead, it appears to be simpler and hidden in the camera flash. The short video showing it in action gives us confirmation it is multi-coloured but not much more. It’s possible that you will be able to set favourite contacts to specific colours so you silently know who is calling you without looking at the screen.</p> <div id="id6a70af2e278de" data-media-id="ae2VvURP" data-title="Google Pixel 11 with Pixel Glow official teaser video" class="jwplayer"></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although the Pixel 11 range is set to benefit from Pixel Glow, it does seem that Google is looking to take something away in exchange, namely the temperature sensor. Originally introduced way back on the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2101991/google-pixel-8-pro-review.html">Pixel 8 Pro</a>, the temperature sensor did often feel like a half-baked concept, particularly as there was no obvious benefit to having it at launch, and it felt more like the tech was reliant on third parties to justify its existence, so we’re not that fussed that it’s being removed.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">What is a shame is that, after rumours that a proper equivalent to Apple’s Face ID is in development and would debut on the Pixel 11 range, it now appears that the tech is going to miss the launch entirely and will likely be pushed back to feature in next year’s phones.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Not having a proper face-unlock will put the new Pixels, especially the higher-priced ones, at a disadvantage against certain Androids like the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3028628/honor-magic-8-pro-review.html">Honor Magic 8 Pro</a>, which has a front-facing 3D scanner that looks not at all dissimilar to Apple’s Dynamic Island.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Sources:</em></strong> <a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/04/16/pixel-glow-laptop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">9to5Google</a> | <a href="https://t.me/mysticleaks/163" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mystic Leaks</a></p> </div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-15" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF15"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixel-11-battery-charging">Pixel 11: Battery &amp; Charging</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While battery specifications for the Pixel 11 series are yet to be revealed, there is one interesting tidbit that’s made its way into the rumour mill: the possibility of a removable cell.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Largely thanks to Apple and its insistence on a uniform chassis, pretty much all companies have ditched the concept of removable batteries, even though the feature was once a staple of mobile phones at large. According to a recent patent, however, it seems as though Google is thinking about resurfacing the concept, potentially for the Pixel 11 Fold.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pixel-11-Pro-Fold-Battery-Patent.png?w=1200" alt="Pixel 11 Pro Fold Removable Battery Patent" class="wp-image-3037196" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">US Patent</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Given that Pixel’s foldable phones require a lot more power in order to keep their larger internal screens powered up, having a quickly swappable battery could be a lifesaver for intensive users. There’s no telling whether or not Google is considering the feature for other phones in the Pixel 11 range but it’s something we’d love to see, especially as it would make the phones a far more viable long-term option in the face of battery deterioration.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google may also introduce faster charging speeds and improve battery life to meet the demands of the upgraded hardware and AI functionalities.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Pixelsnap-Charger.png?w=1200" alt="Google Pixelsnap charger" class="wp-image-2880960" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Google</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Beyond these rumours, the larger hope is that Google may also introduce faster charging speeds and improve the overall battery life to meet the demands of the upgraded hardware and AI functionalities.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">After all, the Pixel 10 series gained Qi2 magnetic wireless charging – like MagSafe – built-in, with the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2880930/exclusive-feature-is-a-key-reason-to-buy-the-pixel-10-pro-xl.html">XL model getting 25W wireless speeds with Qi2.2</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hopefully, all the Pixel 11 phones will get the faster Qi2.2 standard and the 45W wired speed of the Pixel 10 Pro XL.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Sources:</em></strong> <a href="https://hypertxt.ai/blog/tech-news/pixel-11-pro-removable-battery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hypertxt</a></p> </div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-16" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF16"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pixel-11-software">Pixel 11: Software</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pixel 11 series’ software experience is expected to be deeply integrated with Google’s latest advancements in AI, offering features that simplify and enhance everyday interactions with the device. Thanks to a report, we get to know some of them.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the anticipated software enhancements is the ‘Speak-to-Tweak’ feature, which allows users to make voice-based adjustments to their photos. By simply speaking commands, users can tweak image settings such as brightness, contrast, and saturation, making photo editing more intuitive and accessible.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Additionally, the Pixel 11 series may feature ‘Sketch-to-Image,’ a tool that converts rough sketches into detailed images, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy AI. This feature is likely to be particularly useful for creative users looking to generate artwork or visual content from simple sketches.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another software innovation, tentatively titled ‘Magic Mirror,’ is rumoured to be in development, though specific details remain unclear. This feature may introduce new AI-based customisation options for photos or videos, potentially enhancing personalisation or beautification features within the device’s photo and video editing apps.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Google-Pixel-9-Pro-Fold-review-35.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review 35" class="wp-image-2454270" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pixel 11 series may also debut with an array of always-on health monitoring tools, thanks to the nanoTPU technology embedded within the Tensor G6 chip.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This suite of ML-based features could include sleep apnea detection, snoring and cough detection, and even fall detection, making the Pixel 11 a powerful device for health-conscious users.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The series may also include new fitness-oriented features like ‘Running ML,’ which provides real-time feedback for runners, including coachable pacing and balance analysis, helping users to optimise their training routines.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to these advancements, the Pixel 11 may extend support for Google’s ‘Quick Phrases,’ a feature allowing users to perform certain actions without fully activating Google Assistant.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The potential for enhanced Quick Phrases could streamline everyday tasks, such as answering calls or controlling smart home devices, making the Pixel 11 series phones highly responsive devices that seamlessly integrate with users’ lives.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="400px" loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Google-Pixel-9-Pro_review_12.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Pixel 9 Pro review 12" class="wp-image-2457636" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We now know a lot more about what Google has in store for the wider ecosystem with <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3122614/android-17-release-date-new-features-eligible-phones.html">Android 17</a>, which includes a big emphasis on Google AI performing tasks on your behalf, alongside features that prioritise your wellbeing like Pause Point. Google and Samsung phones will be the first to benefit from the updated software, so fans can expect to enjoy Android 17 fresh out of the box with the Pixel 11 range.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Sources:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-10-and-pixel-11-camera-ai-features-3494468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Authority</a></p> </div></div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-17" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF17"}'></div> </div> </div> </div></div> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That’s all we know about the Pixel 11 series so far, but we’ll be updating this article all the way up to launch when new rumours and leaks arrive.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> </div></div></div></div>
  16. Not just PCs: Roku hikes prices up to 60% as RAM crunch drags on

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:26:14 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The RAM in my desktop PC, which I bought in 2024 for about $200, is now worth almost a thousand bucks. The production shortage driven by “AI” data centers has affected memory, storage, and finished devices like laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets—<a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3203764/samsung-warns-the-ram-shortage-will-last-through-2027-maybe-2028.html">with no end in sight until at least 2027</a>. Pretty much anything with memory chips inside it is getting squeezed, and the humble Roku streaming gadgets are no exception.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.roku.com/products/players">Prices for all Roku streaming devices have been bumped up</a>, from the ultra-basic Roku Streaming Stick all the way to the Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar SE. They’re all on sale at the “old” prices, so Roku is likely selling through current stock made with already-procured components.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are the prices compared to an Internet Archive version of the page <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20260701102638/https://www.roku.com/products/players">from the start of July</a>: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Roku Streaming Stick: <s>$29.99</s> $39.99</li> <li>Roku Streaming Stick Plus: <s>$39.99</s> $59.99</li> <li>Roku Streaming Stick Plus (Fox One bundle) <s>$59.98</s> $79.99</li> <li>Roku Streaming Stick 4K: <s>$49.99</s> $79.99</li> <li>Roku Ultra: <s>$99.99</s> $149.99</li> <li>Roku Streambar SE: <s>$99.99</s> $149.99</li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Stick 4K is getting the worst of it, with a 60 percent price increase. Prices on Roku-branded full TVs are harder to track, since the display panel will be the biggest part of their component production cost. Based on a random sampling and Amazon historical prices, it looks like Roku smart TVs haven’t been affected yet.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Streaming gadgets don’t need tons of hardware power—we’ve gotten really good at efficiently running apps and streaming video on Arm-based hardware, even in 4K. But the sticker shock is going to hurt folks who just want a cheap way to watch something on a screen and don’t like the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2490054/smart-tvs-are-spying-on-you-how-much-do-manufacturers-really-know.html">spyware-infested OS</a> that comes on their non-negotiable smart TVs. (Not that Roku is innocent there, as the once-beloved Roku system is now <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/home-entertainment/how-to-stop-roku-fire-chromecast-tv-from-tracking-you/">clogged up with ads and spyware</a>, too.)</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">And yeah, this is because of the RAM crunch. <a href="https://thedesk.net/2026/07/roku-raises-prices-memory-component-shortages-blamed/">TheDesk.net confirmed with a Roku executive</a> that the price increases are because of “shortages in computer memory and other components caused by the artificial intelligence rush.” This is, in fact, why we can’t have nice things.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Two new Samsung Galaxy S26 FE leaks have convinced us that you probably shouldn’t be holding out to buy one.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just last month, our Mobile Editor, Anyron, wrote an opinion piece arguing that the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3159290/galaxy-s26-fe-shouldnt-exist-if-these-leaks-are-true.html">Samsung Galaxy S26 FE didn’t need to exist</a>. This was based on leaks concerning the phone’s likely minimal upgrades.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Now a fresh pair of leaks has added fuel to such a pessimistic outlook.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="first-charge">First charge</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first new rumour comes from <a href="https://www.91mobiles.com/hub/samsung-galaxy-s26-fe-spotted-ul-demko-listing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">91Mobiles</a>, which notes that the Galaxy S26 FE is going to support 45W wired charging.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It seems the phone has appeared on UL Demko certification, revealing its charging capabilities in the process.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This isn’t calamitous news by any means – 45W was as fast as Samsung phone charging got until relatively recently, when the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html">Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra</a> bumped things up to 60W.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But the point is, it’s another specification that adds nothing to the brilliant <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2938173/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-review.html">Samsung Galaxy S25 FE</a>, which was already at 45W.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-9.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="samsung galaxy s25 fe 9" class="wp-image-2897023" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Anyron Copeman / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="overcharge">Overcharge</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Indeed, the only charge increase here could be the one that Samsung demands of its customers.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">French website <a href="https://www.dealabs.com/magazine/samsung-galaxy-s26-fe-on-connait-deja-ses-prix-en-france-61599" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dealabs</a> claims to have learned Samsung’s European pricing for the Galaxy S26 FE – and it’s not looking good.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apparently, the entry 128GB model will cost €799, while the 256GB step-up will cost €899, and the range-topping 512GB will set European customers back €1,099.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the report notes, this would represent a significant increase over the price of the Galaxy S25 FE, which cost €749 / €809 / €929 when it launched less than a year ago.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="samsung galaxy s25 fe" class="wp-image-2897025" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Anyron Copeman / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That’s a €50 increase for 128GB, €90 for 256GB, and a scarcely believable €170 for 512GB. Ouch.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the UK and US pricing follows suit, we could be looking at starting prices of £699/$699.99. It’s still cheap enough for us to consider it a <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723509/best-mid-range-phone.html">mid-range phone</a>, but only just.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="time-to-go-vintage-shopping">Time to go vintage shopping</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As we learned previously, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE probably won’t be significantly slower than its predecessor. Its Exynos 2400 chip isn’t going to be obliterated by the Galaxy S26 FE’s Exynos 2500, that’s for sure.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Elsewhere, the specs are likely to be very similar, and the display of the Galaxy S26 FE could even be a little worse.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It all reaffirms our view that 2026 is the year to go vintage shopping. Buying last year’s model has never been more appealing, thanks to a combination of incremental upgrades, occasional downgrades, and AI gold rush-induced price hikes.</p> <div class="wp-block-product-widget-block product-widget"> <div class="product-widget__block-title-wrapper"> <h4 class="product-widget__block-title" id=""> </h4> </div> <div class="product-widget__content-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__title-wrapper"> <h3 class="product-widget__title" id="samsung-galaxy-s25-fe">Samsung Galaxy S25 FE</h3> </div> <div class="product-widget__image-outer-wrapper"> <div class="product-widget__image-wrapper"> <img width="4032" height="2268" class="product-widget__image" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-review.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" alt="Samsung Galaxy S25 FE" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> </div> </div> <div class="review product-widget__review-details"> <img width="400px" class="product-widget__review-details--editors-choice-logo" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ta-ed-choice-22-final-2-1.svg" alt="Editors' Choice" loading="lazy" /> <div class="product-widget__rating-and-review-link"> <div class="product-widget__review-details--rating"> <div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5"></div> </div> <a class="product-widget__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2938173/samsung-galaxy-s25-fe-review.html" target="_blank">Read our review</a> </div> </div> <div class="product-widget__information"> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div>
  17. Anthropic says Claude hacked real companies during AI safety tests

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:48:07 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just last week, OpenAI shared scary details about how a group of its models went rogue and plundered the servers of another organization. Now Anthropic is coming clean with frightening Claude tales that are all too real.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a detailed report, <a href="https://www.anthropic.com/news/investigating-incidents-cybersecurity-evals">Anthropic describes a trio of incidents</a>, including one occurring as early as April, of Claude models hacking outside companies over the internet during “capture-the-flag” exercises designed to test their capabilities.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In one incident, Claude Opus 4.7 hacked into an outside production database over the internet, and continued the hack even after realizing the company it was attacking was real. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In another occurrence, Claude Mythos 5 uploaded a bogus Python package to PyPI, the public Python repository. The malicious package was downloaded and installed by 15 real-world companies, including a security firm, Anthropic admitted.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the third attack, an internal Claude model that was never released used “basic and well-known cyberattack techniques” to hack a company’s “internet-facing application,” assuming it was part of the “capture-the-flag” exercise. The silver lining is that the Claude model stopped attacking once it realized the target company was real.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In each case, the Claude models were supposed to be operating in walled-off test environments with no internet access. But Anthropic now says the models actually <em>could </em>reach the internet due to a human “misconfiguration,” leading the models to believe that the real companies they were attacking were part of their training exercises.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, are we talking another case of <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3197936/ai-is-learning-to-go-rogue-and-hack-the-system.html">“frontier” AI models run amok</a>? For its part, Anthropic is blaming human error for the real-world hack attacks, not the models themselves.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We saw no evidence in any run described here of a model pursuing a goal of its own,” the Anthropic post-mortem said. “Instead, the models did what their evaluation asked — though in most cases, they did so while holding a false belief about whether the environment was real.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Anthropic went on to declare its “cautious optimism” that the “risk” of similar AI attacks happening again “can be overcome” with “tighter monitoring and controls around evaluation infrastructure.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, the just-revealed Claude incidents illustrate one of the biggest fears of advanced AI: namely, that with the wrong instructions and/or a false sense of “situational awareness,” even the best-intentioned AI models are capable of doing very bad things.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although there’s often so much chatter about high-end tablet options from the likes of Apple or Samsung, the industry has come such a long way in recent years that it’s now possible to get certain features on the best budget tablets that were once locked away to more premium picks.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While there’s definitely some compromise involved as you have to decide which features you prioritise the most, you can now get a great budget tablet for everything from entertainment to productivity, reading and even a bit of gaming. Whatever it is you have in mind, you’ll be able to find it from our ongoing ranking of the best budget tablets to buy.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Informed by the testing of our tech experts, all of the options featured on this list are recommended purchases, and we’ve broken them down into the areas they excel in so you can get straight to the budget tablet that best suits your needs. We’ve also made sure that most of the tablets featured don’t cost more than £300/$300, but there might be the odd small exceptions, including the most recent entry-level iPad for those who simply have to have an Apple device.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Given the sheer amount of budget tablets that get released in any given year, these rankings are subject to change quite a bit throughout 2026, so make sure to check out the section at the end regarding any upcoming news or launches you should be aware of. If you decide that you’d rather save up to get a more powerful device then our guides to the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723368/best-tablets.html">best tablets</a> and the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723363/best-android-tablet.html">best Android tablets</a> have you covered.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a id="chart"></a>Best budget tablet reviews</h2> <div class="wp-block-product-chart product-chart"> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-1"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="1. Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="1-xiaomi-redmi-pad-2-best-overall"> 1. Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 – Best Overall </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2e7efc7"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 - Best Overall" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Xiaomi-Redmi-Pad-2-review-6.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Sleek design</li> <li>Decent screen</li> <li>Excellent quad speakers</li> <li>Solid battery life</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Slow charging</li> <li>Basic cameras</li> <li>Software quirks</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Xiaomi+Redmi+Pad+2">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>You might know Xiaomi’s Redmi line from the world of budget smartphones. But with the Redmi Pad 2, we’ve seen just how good its tablets can be.</p> <p>Despite costing just £169 in the UK (sadly not available in the US), it offers plenty of compelling features. You can look forward to a premium-like design that feels a lot more expensive, a solid 11-inch, 90Hz display and a superb quad speaker system. Throw in decent performance and solid battery life, and you’ve got yourself an excellent all-rounder.</p> <p>Compromises are inevitable at this price, and here they come in the form of just 18W charging, hit-and-miss Xiaomi software and basic cameras that don’t offer much.</p> <p>But when you’re paying so little and getting so much, it’s easy to recommend the Redmi Pad 2 to pretty much everyone.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-xiaomi-redmi-pad-2">Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for a solid budget tablet that gets almost all the basics right.</p> <h3 class="" id="xiaomi-redmi-pad-2-further-considerations">Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2: Further considerations</h3> <p>Look elsewhere if you care about top-tier software or fast charging. Expect our review for the Redmi Pad 2 Pro in due course.</p> </div> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-18" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF18"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-2"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A11" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="2-samsung-galaxy-tab-a11-best-small-design"> 2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 – Best Small Design </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2e8bdf6"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 - Best Small Design " src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-A11.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Stylish &amp; highly portable</li> <li>90Hz refresh rate</li> <li>7 years of software support</li> <li>Even cheaper than before</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Painfully slow charging</li> <li>Basic cameras</li> <li>Some bloatware</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Samsung+Galaxy+Tab+A11">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>Two years after one of our favourite budget tablets ever, Samsung has replaced the Galaxy Tab A9 with the Tab A11 (there was no A10) and you’d be forgiven for thinking I forgot to change the photo here.</p> <p>The new model looks identical because Samsung has used the exact same chassis, though this means it’s still super compact and lightweight – and still stylish.</p> <p>Much of the spec sheet is the same, too, but the Galaxy Tab A11 comes with a few upgrades in key areas as well as a price reduction, which is rare these days.</p> <p>The screen now has a higher refresh rate (previously reserved for the + model) for smoother interactions, the front camera quality is better for video calls (though is still fairly basic) and you now get a whopping seven years of software support, including OS versions, which matches flagship devices.</p> <p>Considering that cheap tablets this size are rare, we can forgive how similar the device is to its predecessor, thanks to the improvements and cheaper price.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-samsung-galaxy-tab-a11">Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for a cheap tablet that’s highly portable.</p> <h3 class="" id="samsung-galaxy-tab-a11-further-considerations">Samsung Galaxy Tab A11: Further considerations</h3> <p>Consider the higher spec model for double memory and storage, therefore, better performance over time. Look elsewhere, including the A11+, for a larger screen.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2976282/samsung-galaxy-tab-a11-review.html" target="_blank"> Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-19" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF19"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-3"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="3. Apple iPad (A16)" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="3-apple-ipad-a16-best-for-apple-users"> 3. Apple iPad (A16) – Best for Apple Users </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2eaa883"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Apple iPad (A16) - Best for Apple Users" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Apple-iPad-A16-11.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Great performance for the basics</li> <li>Lovely and lightweight design </li> <li>Good battery life </li> <li>Double the storage of the predecessor</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>No anti-reflective display </li> <li>Slow charging </li> <li>Accessories not included </li> <li>Doesn’t work with Apple Pencil Pro</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Apple+iPad+%28A16%29">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>So we’re breaking the rules slightly with one, as Apple’s entry-level iPad carries a price tag of £329/$349 and upwards, which is above the £300/$300 limit we set for entries into this article. But the reason why this iPad gets a pass is that it can regularly be found at a price just below that. </p> <p>At almost every major sale, we’ve seen significant discounts for the iPad (A16), so if you ever spot it at full price, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to wait for long before another discount appears.</p> <p>What’s impressive is even at its full RRP, the iPad (A16) is something of a bargain given that you’re still getting the same core iPadOS experience that you can enjoy with the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2686340/apple-ipad-air-m3-review.html">iPad Air</a> and the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2953824/apple-ipad-pro-m5-review.html">iPad Pro</a>, but for a lot less. This includes intuitive multitasking (something that’s only been improved with iPadOS 26), exclusive Apple apps and seamless connectivity with devices like your AirPods.</p> <p>In fact, multitasking works so well on the iPad (A16) that if you want to use it as a productivity device, you can absolutely do that (within reason). The large 11-inch display works well for typing up documents or kicking back with a bit of Netflix, and the stereo speakers onboard carry a surprising amount of depth for a tablet of this size.</p> <p>While the A16 chipset does a solid job with everyday performance, it is unable to run Apple Intelligence, and so the iPad won’t be privy to any of Apple’s AI-focused updates in the future. Still, given that Apple Intelligence has a long way to go before reaching the heights of Google Gemini or Galaxy AI, it doesn’t take away from everything that makes this iPad great.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-ipad-a16">Who should buy the iPad A16?</h3> <p>Apple users who want a simple tablet for productivity and entertainment.</p> <h3 class="" id="ipad-a16-further-considerations">iPad A16: Further considerations</h3> <p>It’s not compatible with Apple Intelligence or the Apple Pencil Pro.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2786892/apple-ipad-a16-review.html" target="_blank"> Apple iPad (A16) review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-20" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF20"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-4"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="4. Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="4-xiaomi-redmi-pad-2-pro-best-display-for-outdoor-use"> 4. Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro – Best Display for Outdoor Use </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2ec309d"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro - Best Display for Outdoor Use " src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Xaomi-Redmi-Pad-2-Pro-review-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Gorgeous optional Matte Display</li> <li>Amazing battery life</li> <li>Brilliant quad speakers</li> <li>Face unlock</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Basic cameras</li> <li>Processor isn’t ‘pro’</li> <li>Limited brightness</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Xiaomi+Redmi+Pad+2+Pro">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>We were already massively impressed with the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 when that came to market, as it completely showed up Samsung by offering more bang for your buck in pretty much every category. Well, that sentiment only continues with the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro to the point where, if you’re thinking about picking up the entry-level iPad A16, it’s probably worth considering the Pad 2 Pro instead, so long as you don’t mind siding with team Android.</p> <p>Easily the biggest upgrade here is the addition of an optional matte-finish display which acts as a coating to dispel reflections. It’s a great bit of tech, especially as it makes the tablet much easier to use when outdoors or in a cafe where there’s a lot of natural light pouring in, but the fact that you can get it on a tablet that’s this affordable is mindblowing. For context, you can only find it on Apple’s range by opting for the premium-level <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2953824/apple-ipad-pro-m5-review.html">iPad Pro</a>.</p> <p>The matte display is also more conducive to digital notetaking and drawing, as using the included magnetic stylus feels more closely in line with using pen and paper. The one downside to having a matte display however is that it doesn’t appear as bright as a normal display, so you may find yourself cranking up the brightness more often than not to compensate.</p> <p>Still, it’s a small downside when you consider that the tablet packs a massive 12,000mAh battery. With such a huge cell onboard, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro can work brilliantly as an all-day device. During a single charge you can browse the web, respond to emails, catch up on a few episodes of your favourite show and still have juice left in the tank.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-xiaomi-redi-pad-2-pro">Who should buy the Xiaomi Redi Pad 2 Pro?</h3> <p>If you’re likely to use a tablet outdoors more often than not.</p> <h3 class="" id="xiaomi-redi-pad-2-pro-further-considerations">Xiaomi Redi Pad 2 Pro: Further considerations</h3> <p>The matte display version, while great, isn’t as bright as other tablets.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3200699/xiaomi-redmi-pad-2-pro-review.html" target="_blank"> Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-21" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF21"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-5"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="5. Amazon Fire Max 11" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="5-amazon-fire-max-11-best-for-productivity"> 5. Amazon Fire Max 11 – Best for Productivity </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2ed8fa6"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Amazon Fire Max 11 - Best for Productivity" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Amazon-Fire-Max-11-review-screen-outdoor.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Nice screen</li> <li>Optional keyboard and stylus</li> <li>Great handwriting recognition</li> <li>Good performance</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Limited selection of apps</li> <li>No Google</li> <li>Only 64GB base storage</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Amazon+Fire+Max+11">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>Amazon has a lot of great affordable tablets within its Fire range, but if you’re a productivity user who needs a tablet that can ideally work as a laptop replacement on occasion then the Amazon Fire Max 11 is the easy one to go for. This tablet has been designed specifically with work in mind as there’s an optional stylus and keyboard case made for the Fire Max 11 which we recommend picking up in order to make the most out of it.</p> <p>The keyboard in particular feels nice and tactile, so if you want to draft up some reports in Google Docs or shoot off some emails in Outlook, you can do that here. Of course, because this is a tablet, it can also work better as an entertainment device than a typical laptop. You’ve got quick access to streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix, and the stereo speakers do a great job of projecting audio, so you don’t immediately need to reach for a pair of headphones if you’re watching something at home.</p> <p>The 11-inch 2K screen is also a joy to use, as it’s wide enough to let documents sprawl out, but the detail from that resolution also means that you’re getting a great reading experience too. Throw in the fact that the battery can last for up to 14 hours at a time and it’s hard to argue with the Fire Max 11 as a whole, especially when you can usually pick it up massively reduced during any of Amazon’s Prime Day sales events.</p> <p>The one area where the Max 11 does fall behind its closest competitors is in app support. Because all Fire tablets use Amazon’s own-brand Fire OS, you don’t have access to the Google Play Store which means that you can’t natively install key Google apps like Docs, Drive or Gmail. Instead, you’ll have to access them via the built-in web browser. It’s definitely a trade-off, but when you consider that the Fire Max 11, with all its accessories, is cheaper than buying an iPad with an Apple keyboard and Apple Pencil, it’s worth considering as an alternative.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-amazon-fire-max-11">Who should buy the Amazon Fire Max 11?</h3> <p>Productivity users who are tied to a budget.</p> <h3 class="" id="amazon-fire-max-11-further-considerations">Amazon Fire Max 11: Further considerations</h3> <p>Without the Google Play Store, you’re limited in the type of apps you can download.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/1958241/amazon-fire-max-11-review.html" target="_blank"> Amazon Fire Max 11 review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-22" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF22"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-6"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="6. Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="6-samsung-galaxy-tab-a11-best-big-screen-samsung"> 6. Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ – Best Big Screen Samsung </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2eee907"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ - Best Big Screen Samsung" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Samsung-Galaxy-A11-Plus-8.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Excellent seven-year software support</li> <li>Clean, proven design</li> <li>Solid quad speakers</li> <li>Reliable performance</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Display struggles off-angle<br></li> <li>Arguably overpriced given the competition</li> <li>Still no fingerprint sensor</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Samsung+Galaxy+Tab+A11%2B">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>The Galaxy Tab A11+ is an underwhelming update which adds very little to the overall experience. But the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2169737/samsung-galaxy-tab-a9-plus-review.html">Tab A9+</a> was already such a solid device that its successor is undoubtedly worthy of inclusion.</p> <p>Essentially, the upgrades boil down to improved performance, slightly better battery life and more storage, making it a more well-rounded device.</p> <p>Of course, the main selling point compared to the regular Tab A11 is its larger 11-inch LCD display, which is a real highlight. When combined with impressive audio from the quad speaker system, it’s ideal for watching movies and TV.</p> <p>The familiar design still does the job, while Samsung’s One UI 8 software is well-suited to tablets. A seven-year software update promise means the Tab A11+ is future-proofed, too.</p> <p>A fingerprint sensor is one upgrade I’d have loved to see, but there are no real dealbreakers here. The Tab A11+ is a reliable budget slate that should stand the test of time.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-samsung-galaxy-tab-a11">Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for a big-screen budget tablet with great software.</p> <h3 class="" id="samsung-galaxy-tab-a11-further-considerations">Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+: Further considerations</h3> <p>The regular Tab A11 is cheaper and still offers everything most people need in a budget Samsung tablet.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3014414/samsung-galaxy-tab-a11-plus-review.html" target="_blank"> Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-23" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF23"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-7"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="7. Lenovo Tab Plus" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="7-lenovo-tab-plus-best-for-entertainment"> 7. Lenovo Tab Plus – Best for Entertainment </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2f05813"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Lenovo Tab Plus - Best for Entertainment" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lenovo-tab-plus-review-7.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Great screen and speakers</li> <li>Useful built-in kickstand</li> <li>Superb battery life</li> <li>Durable yet sleek design</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Underwhelming performance</li> <li>Only two major OS updates</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Lenovo+Tab+Plus">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>If you’re buying a budget tablet just for consuming content, as many people are, the Lenovo Tab Plus is a fine choice.</p> <p>It excels at the fundamentals of a great video-watching experience, with a high-quality display (90H, FHD+, LCD) delivering rich colours and impressive brightness. It’s ably supported by eight JBL speakers, which deliver very solid audio across a range of scenarios. </p> <p>Alongside a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing and strong battery life, the appeal of the Tab Plus is there for all to see.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the performance is compromised to the extent that it can’t go any higher in this list. And while general performance is good, software support is frustratingly limited.</p> <p>Overall, the Lenovo Tab Plus is a compelling choice for entertainment, but best avoided if productivity or gaming are priorities for you.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-lenovo-tab-plus">Who should buy the Lenovo Tab Plus?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for a budget tablet that excels at watching TV and movies.</p> <h3 class="" id="lenovo-tab-plus-further-considerations">Lenovo Tab Plus: Further considerations</h3> <p>Look elsewhere if you need a device for productivity or gaming.</p> </div> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-24" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF24"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-8"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="8. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="8-amazon-fire-hd-8-kids-pro-2024-best-for-kids"> 8. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (2024) – Best for Kids </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2f1eb28"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (2024) - Best for Kids" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/amazon-fire-hd-8-kids-pro.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Attractive, slim design</li> <li>Decent display</li> <li>Good child-friendly features</li> <li>Affordable price</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Poor performance</li> <li>Software takes some getting used to</li> <li>Disappointing cameras</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Amazon+Fire+HD+8+Kids+Pro">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro adds a few child-friendly features to the familiar Amazon Fire tablet experience.</p> <p>These include a commitment to durability, with an included protective case (available in several designs) and a two-year replacement guarantee. On the device itself, you also get robust parental control features to keep an eye on what your child (it’s designed for ages 6-12) is up to and set limits.</p> <p>However, to get the most out of it, you’ll need a subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers access to a range of shows and games from the likes of Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and Nickelodeon. After a free first year, it costs at least £4.99/$5.99 per month.</p> <p>Elsewhere, all the usual Fire tablet limitations apply here, including a basic display, limited performance and a low-quality camera.</p> <p>However, as you’re buying this for a young child, none of it matters too much. The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro performs well as a child-friendly tablet, which makes it easy to recommend.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-amazon-fire-hd-8-kids-pro">Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for a simple tablet that’s suitable for young children.</p> <h3 class="" id="amazon-fire-hd-8-kids-pro-further-considerations">Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro: Further considerations</h3> <p>Look elsewhere for a ‘proper’ Android operating system.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2513781/amazon-fire-hd-8-kids-pro-review.html" target="_blank"> Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-25" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF25"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div> <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item " id="product-chart-item-9"> <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper"> <h2 data-p_name="9. Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="9-amazon-fire-hd-8-2024-best-under-100-100"> 9. Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) – Best under £100/$100 </h2> </div> <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large"> <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper"> <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"6a70af2f45142"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img width="400px" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) - Best under £100/0 " src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_3734.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-body"> <div class="product-chart-columns"> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Good battery life</li> <li>Handy Micro-SD slot</li> <li>Clean design</li> <li>Compact and comfortable</li> </ul> </div> <div class="product-chart-column"> <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3> <ul class="product-pros-cons-list"> <li>Limited performance</li> <li>Nearly unusable camera</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__information"> <div class="product-widget__information--rrp-wrapper"> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-label"> </span> <span class="product-widget__information--rrp-value"> </span> </div> <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details check_on_amazon"> <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label"> Best Prices Today: </span> <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types"> <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison"> <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent "> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Retailer</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon"> <div class="price-comparison__image"> <img width="400px" src="https://www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-b2b-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"></div> <div> <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon./s?k=Amazon+Fire+HD+8+%282024%29">Check</a> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span> </div> </div> <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent"> <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header"> <div> <span>Product</span> </div> <div class="price-comparison__price"> <span>Price</span> </div> </div> <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer"> <span class="price-comparison__footer-text"> Price comparison from Backmarket </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-content"> <p>When you buy a Fire tablet, you have to be aware of the compromises that come with it. When it comes to the latest Fire HD 8, that’s the basic performance and a rear camera you should pretty much never use, plus the usual limited app selection from the Amazon Appstore.</p> <p>However, as a device for the basics, there are reasons to recommend it. The 8-inch display is decent for the price, battery life is strong, and the storage (starting at 32GB) can easily be expanded via a Micro-SD card.</p> <p>It makes the Fire HD 8 an ideal device for watching TV and movies, casual gaming and reading e-books – especially via Amazon’s Kindle app. The software experience is also fairly user-friendly, though I’d highly recommend paying the extra £10/$15 to remove ads.</p> <p>Another positive is the compact, lightweight design, which means you can take the Fire HD 8 almost anywhere with you.</p> <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-amazon-fire-hd-8-2024">Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)?</h3> <p>Anyone looking for a compact tablet that’s suitable for young children or basic use.</p> <h3 class="" id="amazon-fire-hd-8-2024-further-considerations">Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024): Further considerations</h3> <p>Look elsewhere if you want more than basic specs or access to a full app store.</p> </div> <p class="product-chart-review-link"> Read our full <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2532247/amazon-fire-hd-8-2024-review.html" target="_blank"> Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) review </a> </p> </div> <div class="advert"> <div class="container advert__container"> <div class="advert__content"> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-26" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.UK_B2C_PCAdvisor.co.uk/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF26"}'></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="other-budget-tablets-tested">Other budget tablets tested</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although the entries in this list make for great options for anyone shopping around the budget end of the market, if you want to try and stretch the value of your money even further, it’s worth considering previous-generation offerings from the bigger brands within this space. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For example, while the base-model iPad features here, you’ll also be able to get the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/1376870/ipad-2022-review.html">2022 iPad</a> (which isn’t that much different) for even less if you shop around. We’ve also seen older iPad Mini models go for just a fraction of what they cost at launch.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The same logic can be applied to older Samsung tablets, as their value tends to drop more sharply than it does with Apple iPads. The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2167900/samsung-galaxy-tab-a9-review.html">Samsung Galaxy Tab A9</a> is over two years old now (halfway through its OS updates) and has been replaced with the Tab A11 – we recommend you get the new model.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Xiaomi-Pad-8-main-image.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="The Xiaomi Pad 8 in its Smart Keyboard, on a table by some plants." class="wp-image-3070142" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Tom Bedford / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Alternatively, there are quite a few options that just miss the cut-off by being slightly too expensive for this list, but are still worth considering if you can stretch your budget just a bit further or you see a special offer price. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3070062/xiaomi-pad-8-review.html">Xiaomi Pad 8</a> (above) is the perfect example of this, as it crams so much in that its £399 asking price seems reasonable, such as the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and a massive 9,200mAh battery.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are the other budget tablets worth considering:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2368593/xiaomi-poco-pad-review.html">Poco Pad</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2764150/xiaomi-pad-7-review.html">Xiaomi Pad 7</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2976411/lenovo-idea-tab-review.html">Lenovo Idea Tab</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2865639/nubia-pad-pro-review.html">Nubia Pad Pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2689236/lenovo-idea-tab-pro-review.html">Lenovo Idea Tab Pro</a></li> </ul> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Xiaomi-Pad-7_review_15.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Xiaomi Pad 7 review 15" class="wp-image-2611632" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="budget-tablet-news-that-could-affect-your-buying-decision">Budget tablet news that could affect your buying decision</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’ve tapped into the tech news cycle as of late, you may have spotted that <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3190509/should-you-buy-oneplus-phone-us-europe-exit-confirmed.html">OnePlus is now pulling out of Western markets</a>, with parent brand Oppo looking to take its place. If you still have a OnePlus tablet then fear not, as the company has explained that it will honour ongoing commitments with regards to software updates and security patches, but the trade-off is that all OnePlus phones and tablets will move over to using ColorOS, which is the overlay currently used by Oppo products.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a result, we’ve removed any applicable OnePlus tablets from this list as they can no longer be found new, but with that said, if you can find them for a reasonable price second-hand and they’re still within their promised update cycle then they might be worth considering.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="can-i-get-a-better-budget-tablet-deal">Can I get a better budget tablet deal?</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">By their very nature, budget tablets are already reasonably priced for those who don’t want to spend too much, but if you want your money to go even further then you can use the deals widgets above that accompany each entry in this list. All of these widgets are able to scour the web for the best prices across all major retailers, saving you from the drudgery of doing all the research yourself. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Alternatively, <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3037645/what-is-raylo-phone-and-tech-subscription-explained.html">Raylo acts like a subscription service for tech</a> so that you can get the latest devices without paying the full price upfront.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you can delay your purchase for a little bit however then you’ll be able to nab an even better deal during one of the year’s biggest sales events. Those who have followed our coverage of <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/en-gb/deals/tablets">tablet deals</a> will already know that <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/en-gb/prime-day">Prime Day</a> and Prime Big Deal Days (typically July and October) are two amazing opportunities for Amazon Prime subscribers to save big on budget tablets, especially Amazon’s own-brand Fire tablets which go for just a fraction of their original price.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For those who aren’t signed up to Prime, your best chance to save is during the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/en-gb/black-friday">Black Friday</a> sale which takes place at the end of November each year. Practically every retailer tries to get in on the action here, so you’ll see the likes of Amazon, Currys, John Lewis and more aggressively reduce their prices in order to outdo one another, which just makes it a great time for consumers.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="how-we-test-budget-tablets">How we test budget tablets</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the case of every tablet that we review, whether it comes with a budget price tag or it’s aimed at the higher end of the market, our experts use the device as their own for at least a week to determine how it performs in everyday use, across tasks such as streaming video, gaming and web browsing. We also put each tablet through a series of industry-standard tests, such as Geekbench and PCMark, so that you can know right away how much power is available and what strain the battery can be placed under.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/739131/how-we-test-smartphones.html">Read more about how we test tablets</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="why-you-should-trust-tech-advisor-for-tablet-reviews-and-buying-advice">Why you should trust Tech Advisor for tablet reviews and buying advice</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As one of the oldest consumer tech websites in the UK, Tech Advisor is committed to providing unbiased and thoroughly researched reviews that let you know right away whether a device is worth your hard-earned cash. We’ve covered the breadth of tablets from the launch of the first iPad to the latest laptop-like iPad Pros, so you can rely on our expertise to help you with your buying decision.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-curated-this-article">Who curated this article? </h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This buying guide was put together by <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/author/chris_martin">Anyron Copeman</a>, Mobile Editor of Tech Advisor. While Anyron has reviewed more budget tablets than any of us can realistically remember, he has also reviewed countless top-tier tablets, so he knows whether or not a more affordable option is going above and beyond to offer high-end specs at a reasonable price.</p> </div> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Xiaomi-Pad-7_review_11.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Xiaomi Pad 7 review 11" class="wp-image-2611624" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-choose-the-best-budget-tablet">How to choose the best budget tablet</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When it comes to buying a budget tablet, just like buying one of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html">best budget phones</a>, you need to recognise that there’s going to be some compromise involved in order to keep the cost down. While this means that you won’t be picking up a tablet that can go toe-to-toe with the super powerful iPad Pro, most budget tablets nowadays do excel in at least one or two areas – you just need to decide which features you care about the most.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For instance, if you want a tablet for streaming films and TV shows or downloading and watching them offline as you travel then you’re going to want two things: a great screen and solid battery life to back it up. It’s still quite rare for budget tablets to have OLED displays, but IPS panels do the trick just fine, offering up lots of colour for content on the move, while a larger battery cell (around 8000mAh or above) will have you set for plenty of hours of entertainment.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re more concerned with having a tablet that’s better suited for gaming or even a spot of productivity such as sending emails or arranging your schedule, then you’ll want to focus more on the processor that’s included, and use the comparative charts of our benchmarking tests to see which budget tablets are able to take on a higher strain.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If in doubt, click through to our full reviews of each tablet to find out more.</p> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block"><h2 class="faq-block-title" id="budget-tablet-buying-guide"> Budget tablet buying guide </h2><hr class="block-horizotal-divider"> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">1.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-screen-size-do-i-need">What screen size do I need?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That depends on what you’re planning to use it for. If portability is a top priority, consider something around 8- to 9-inch, which means it should be light enough to take anywhere with you.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For mainly at-home usage, consider something bigger. At least 10-inches will ensure there’s plenty of room for full-size video or video calling that everyone can comfortably see.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But if you’re planning on using a tablet for serious work, an even larger screen will probably suit you better. Above 12-inch means it’s a comparable size to many laptops and makes it capable of genuine multitasking.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Look for an IPS screen (or better yet, an OLED screen), as this technology is almost guaranteed to offer superior colours and viewing angles versus a basic TN display. IPS panels usually offer decent brightness and contrast, too.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Resolution isn’t as important as you might think. Pixel density is a better guide: you need fewer pixels on a smaller screen and vice versa. Look for at least 220 pixels per inch (often abbreviated to ‘ppi’ or ‘dpi’) to keep things looking crisp.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">2.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-much-storage-do-i-need">How much storage do I need?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most budget tablets have limited storage, though some offer the flexibility of expansion via a microSD card. Make sure you check this before you buy.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Without it, you’ll want at least 64GB (this should be the bare minimum available now anyway). Most people will be better off with either 128- or 256GB, with 512GB and higher reserved for people who store a lot of files locally.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just remember, a few GB of that storage is taken up by important system files that can’t be deleted, so the actual usable total will be slightly less.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">3.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-good-do-the-cameras-need-to-be">How good do the cameras need to be?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For most tablet manufacturers, rear cameras simply aren’t a priority. People aren’t going to be going around taking photos like they would with a smartphone – instead, you really just want something for document scanning and the occasional quick snap.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, some budget tablets don’t even ensure that, so it’s worth checking. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The front-facing lens is much more important, given its use for video calling. While a higher megapixel count is often better, try to also find a sensor that can capture video at Full HD (1080p) or higher, which will ensure crisp footage.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For more guidance, we have a camera section in each of our tablet reviews.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">4.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Which processor should I look for?<br></h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Flagship processors such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and MediaTek Dimensity 9400 are generally the most capable, but you won’t find those on budget tablets.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead, for each device you’re considering, look at which other phones or tablets are already using it. If it’s new, see where it sits within the company’s lineup – if it’s the least powerful it makes, there may be cause for concern.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In general, it’s best to look for a processor made by either Qualcomm, MediaTek, Google or Apple, which are known to be generally reliable. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But don’t pay too much attention to clock speeds (in GHz) or even RAM. It’s easy to be fooled into believing a tablet will (or won’t) perform well, based on numbers alone.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Read our reviews to find out how each tablet handles in the real world.</p> </div> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">5.</span> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-tablet-software-is-best">What tablet software is best?</h3> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Across the 10 devices in this article, three different operating systems are represented.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The most popular is Android, and there are lots of budget Android tablets to choose from. However, each manufacturer offers a slightly different take on Android, so it’s worth researching these to see which one you prefer. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Also, the fact that a tablet is running Android doesn’t automatically make it good. There are plenty of relatively unknown brands out there which offer a sub-par experience.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While based on Android, Amazon’s Fire OS is fundamentally different. It’s a much simpler software that’s built around Amazon’s own apps. Plenty of third-party apps are available, but the Amazon Appstore has a fraction of the selection on the Google Play Store.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last, but very much not least, is iPadOS. It’s only available on Apple’s iPad, though there are only minor tweaks compared to iOS, which runs on the iPhone. iPadOS uses Apple’s own App Store instead and is the best option if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem or you want an easy-to-use tablet.</p> </div> </div></div> </div> <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-content">Related content</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/en-gb/review/tablets">Tablet reviews</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/en-gb/news/tablets">Tablet news</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/en-gb/deals/tablets">Tablet deals</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723368/best-tablets.html">Best tablets</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723363/best-android-tablet.html">Best Android tablets</a></li> </ul> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> </div></div></div></div>
  18. These 5 mini PCs make laptops look wildly overpriced

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:32:33 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Laptops are great if you need portability, but they’re also expensive. You’re paying for a lot of hardware that may not matter if your computer never leaves your desk. Since laptops cram all of their components into a single device, they’re much more expensive to manufacture and ship, especially in today’s economy.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That’s where mini PCs shine. These tiny desktops pack surprisingly powerful hardware into a box that can fit in the palm of your hand, yet they often cost a fraction of the price of a similarly powerful laptop. That means more of your money goes toward the processor, memory, and storage instead of the built-in screen and battery. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The tradeoff, of course, is that you’ll need to supply your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. But if you already have those sitting on your desk—or you’re replacing an aging desktop—that’s hardly a drawback. With that in mind, here are five mini PCs that deliver outstanding value.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Productivity with a side of gaming</strong></h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GMKtec M6 Ultra</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_7d5609.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196268" width="1200" height="925" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This bad boy goes for about half of the price of a laptop with the same components. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Upgraded-Computers-M6-Ultra/dp/B0FLDC98GC?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M6 Ultra</a> retails for $550, but is often on sale. It comes with a Ryzen 5 7640HS processor which is a highly-capable 6-core 12-thread CPU that punches well above its weight with multitasking and AI workloads. The Radeon 760M integrated graphics can even run older AAA games on medium or high settings as well.<br><br>Also, the 16GB of DDR5 RAM at this price point is hard to beat—I’ve seen laptops with older DDR4 RAM being sold for way more. And it comes with excellent connectivity including USB4, HDM 2.0, and a DisplayPort for connecting up to three 4K monitors if you want.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Upgraded-Computers-M6-Ultra/dp/B0FLDC98GC&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the GMKtec M6 Ultra at Amazon</a></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Powerful desktop replacement</strong></h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GEEKOM A6</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_d13520.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196270" width="1200" height="1183" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want a mini PC that can replace a full desktop without breaking the bank, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-A6-Compact-Aluminium-Computer/dp/B0DRP316J1?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GEEKOM A6</a> is a good choice. It packs an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, an 8-core, 16-thread processor that’s powerful enough for demanding productivity work, photo editing, light video editing, and heavy multitasking. On top of that, it comes with 1TB of onboard SSD storage which is very generous considering you typically need to drop quite a bit more to get a laptop with that kind of storage.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The rest of the package is just as impressive. It comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory, a speedy PCIe 4.0 SSD, USB4 support, Wi-Fi 6E, and enough ports to drive multiple high-resolution displays. While similarly equipped laptops often cost hundreds more because you’re paying for the built-in display and battery, the A6 puts almost all of your money toward performance instead. It goes for $649 on Amazon, but it’s on sale right now for $100 off.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/GEEKOM-A6-Compact-Aluminium-Computer/dp/B0DRP316J1&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Geekom A6 at Amazon</a></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Strong everyday PC on a budget</strong></h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kamrui Pinova P2</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_3f3cfc.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196271" width="1200" height="933" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-GK3-2-5-inch-Ethernet-Business/dp/B0BC7S9R5C?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">KAMRUI Pinova P2</a> proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable everyday computer. Powered by AMD’s modern Ryzen 5 7330U it has plenty of performance for web browsing, office work, video calls, streaming, and light photo editing. It easily outpaces the aging processors still found in many budget laptops, making it an excellent value if your computing needs are more practical than demanding.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The specs are equally solid for the budget-level price. You get 16GB of LPDDR4X memory, a 256GB SSD for fast boot and load times, and support for up to three 4K displays through its good selection of video outputs. The compact design takes up almost no desk space, runs quietly, and uses very little power. It can be found for $340 on Amazon, but I’ve seen it drop below $300 on sale.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/KAMRUI-GK3-2-5-inch-Ethernet-Business/dp/B0BC7S9R5C&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Kamrui Pinova P2 at Amazon</a></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Premium option for prosumers</strong></h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GMKtec M8</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_13db5e.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196273" width="1200" height="841" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0G1YHHH86?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">GMKtec M8</a> hits a sweet spot between price and performance. Its AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H is a fast 6-core, 12-thread processor that has more than enough power for office work, creative projects, programming, and heavy multitasking. The integrated Radeon 660M graphics can even handle some light gaming and the included Oculink port means you can hook up an external GPU to make this into a serious gaming PC if you want.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Where the M8 really stands out is connectivity. It comes with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, USB4, HDMI, and USB-C. Add in 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and a fast 512GB PCIe SSD, and you have a mini PC that outclasses many mid-range laptops selling for much more. The M8 retails for $480 on Amazon, but it’s currently on sale for $390.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0G1YHHH86&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the GMKtec M8 at Amazon</a></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Outstanding performance per dollar midrange</strong></h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bosgame P6</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_465ad9.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196274" width="1200" height="1029" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want the excellent power for your money, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FPC1J2L3?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">BOSGAME P6</a> is tough to beat. It packs AMD’s Ryzen 9 6900HX, an 8-core, 16-thread processor that’s built for demanding workloads like video editing, software development, and running tons of applications concurrently. The integrated Radeon 680M graphics are also among the best you’ll find without buying a dedicated graphics card, making this an excellent choice for light gaming as well.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The generous specs continue with 24GB of DDR5 memory and a fast 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, giving you plenty of room for large projects and years of everyday use. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, and support for up to three 4K displays. Comparable laptops with this level of hardware typically cost way more as they add in premium displays and batteries that jack up the price. The P6 goes for $640 on Amazon, but it’s on sale now for $100 off.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FPC1J2L3&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Bosgame P6 at Amazon</a></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="affordable-peripherals-for-your-new-mini-pc">Affordable peripherals for your new mini PC</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>An inexpensive monitor that doesn’t skimp on image quality</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_7b55cd.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196261" width="1200" height="1098" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Need an inexpensive monitor to go with your new mini PC? This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/acer-V247Y-Gbmix-Anti-Glare-UM-QV7AA-G03/dp/B0FD86SHJF?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Acer 23.8-inch display</a> is an affordable option that won’t wipe out your savings from skipping a laptop. It uses an IPS panel for wide viewing angles and accurate colors, has a sharp Full HD resolution, and supports refresh rates up to 120Hz over HDMI for smoother scrolling and everyday use.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also includes an anti-glare coating, built-in speakers, VESA mount support, and Acer’s suite of eye-care features to reduce eye strain during long work sessions. It’s often available on Amazon for around $100.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/acer-V247Y-Gbmix-Anti-Glare-UM-QV7AA-G03/dp/B0FD86SHJF&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Vero V247Y G at Amazon</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Budget friendly work and gaming mice</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_a9690f.png?w=866" alt="" class="wp-image-3196266" width="866" height="1201" sizes="auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-LIGHTSYNC-Wired-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B07YN82X3B?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Logitech G203 LightSync</a> is our favorite ultra-budget wired gaming mouse thanks to its comfortable design, sturdy build quality, and 8,000 DPI sensor that’s highly accurate and does well in most gaming scenarios. The G203 goes for $35 on Amazon, but it’s often on sale.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-LIGHTSYNC-Wired-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B07YN82X3B&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Logitech G203 LightSync at Amazon</a></p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_dd73a1.png?w=606" alt="" class="wp-image-3196265" width="606" height="1199" sizes="auto, (max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re looking for a wired option, then go for the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Razer-HyperSpeed-Wireless-Esports-Gaming/dp/B0CF4DJM7F?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Razer Viper V3</a>. It’s one of the best wireless mice you can buy without spending a fortune. It weighs a featherlight 82 grams and comes with a 30,000 DPI optical sensor for ultra accuracy and tracking. It connects over a 2.4GHz wireless and runs on a single AA battery. While it typically retails for $70, it’s down to $50 right now.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/Razer-HyperSpeed-Wireless-Esports-Gaming/dp/B0CF4DJM7F&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Razer Viper V3 at Amazon</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A workhorse keyboard that’s easy on the wallet</strong></h3> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_5d8064.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196264" width="1200" height="826" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A mechanical keyboard is one of the easiest ways to make your desk setup feel better every day, and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keychron-Mechanical-Programmable-Hot-Swappable-Shine-Through/dp/B0F43V6CW1?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">Keychron C3 Pro</a> delivers far more than you’d expect for the price. This 80 percent keyboard saves desk space and the tactile Super Brown switches offer really satisfying feedback without being overly loud. The C3 Pro can be had for $55 on Amazon, but it can dip as low as $45.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/Keychron-Mechanical-Programmable-Hot-Swappable-Shine-Through/dp/B0F43V6CW1&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the Keychron C3 Pro at Amazon</a></p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/image_e6bb92.png?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-3196262" width="1200" height="313" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want something more for gaming or space is at a premium, then the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/G-Skill-67-Key-Mechanical-Keyboard-Injection/dp/B0BSLCT417?tag=pcworld02-20&amp;asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com">G.Skill KM250</a> is a great choice. Its 65 percent layout keeps the arrow keys while trimming the number pad and function row, making for an ultra compact footprint. It also comes with hot-swappable switches, customizable RGB lightning, and solid build quality. The KM250 goes for $45 on Amazon, but I usually see it go on sale for $35.</p> <p class="cta wp-block wp-block-button"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/G-Skill-67-Key-Mechanical-Keyboard-Injection/dp/B0BSLCT417&amp;xcust=2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0&amp;sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed?flatplan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-0-3196242-7-0-0-0-0">Get the G.Skill KM250 at Amazon</a></p></div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Phone myths are hard to dispel because they often contain a grain of truth or date back to a time when they were actually true. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, technology moves on quickly. The danger is that anyone who clings to outdated assumptions will make the wrong decisions – for example, when installing updates or choosing apps.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are five of the biggest myths and why they’re wrong.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="myth-1-all-third-party-app-stores-contain-viruses">Myth 1: All third-party app stores contain viruses</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Android users usually download their apps from the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps">Google Play Store</a>. However, there are also good reasons to use alternative app stores: for example, because an app is no longer available on Google or is only available in a version that isn’t supported by your mobile device.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sometimes, Android phone owners are blocked from accessing the Google Play Store for political reasons, making them heavily reliant on APK files from alternative sources. However, third-party stores are often assumed to be full of apps that contain malware.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/the-traitors-google-play-store.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Google Play Store - 'Where to watch' The Traitors" class="wp-image-2975744" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, this is only partly true. Whilst there are undoubtedly dubious sources out there, there are also numerous alternative app stores that place great emphasis on security.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Probably the best-known alternative app store is <a href="https://f-droid.org/">F-Droid</a>. It offers only free apps available under open-source licences, with installers generated directly from the F-Droid server. All apps are therefore signed by F-Droid, which is intended to guarantee their security.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://de.aptoide.com/">Aptoide</a>, on the other hand, also features applications that are not open-source, as well as paid apps. Aptoide describes itself as ‘community-oriented’: this means that any user can create and manage their own app store and upload their own apps to it. Aptoide acts as a package manager, which also scans all the apps on offer for viruses.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://apkpure.net/de/">APK Pure</a> and <a href="https://www.apkmirror.com/">APKMirror</a> are two great alternatives that we personally rely on at Tech Advisor when our regular benchmarking apps aren’t available, and we’ve never run into any security issues. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Each store has its own app, which you can download as an APK file via the store’s website. To install it, you must grant the app you’re using – i.e. your browser or file manager – the necessary permission to ‘Install unknown apps’ via its settings.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">And this is precisely the reason behind the preconception that third-party app stores are riddled with viruses: granting permission to install unknown apps also provides hackers with a way in to your smartphone. You should therefore grant this permission very carefully and, if necessary, revoke it immediately after the desired installation.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Smartphone-Mythen-Advanced-Flow.png" alt="Smartphone Mythen Advanced Flow" class="wp-image-3190041" width="720" height="314" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>Google is making sideloading APK files more complicated</p></figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Verena Ottmann</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Incidentally, so-called ‘sideloading’ – that is, installing APK files outside the Play Store – will no longer be as straightforward in future. Google plans to introduce the ‘Advanced Flow’, a one-off security measure for apps from unverified developers. This requires users to first enable developer options, then confirm that they are not being coerced.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The mobile device then restarts, and the user must log in to prevent unauthorised remote access. After 24 hours, the download becomes possible following re-authentication. This authorisation can be set for seven days or indefinitely.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="myth-2-wi-fi-and-bluetooth-make-it-easy-for-hackers">Myth 2: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easy for hackers</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We rarely give much thought to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on our mobile phones in everyday life. Both functions are almost always enabled, whether at home or on the move. But can hackers actually gain access to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as is often claimed?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In principle, having Wi-Fi enabled carries several drawbacks or risks: the so-called MAC (Media Access Control) address, which uniquely identifies your smartphone, is continuously broadcast whilst searching for Wi-Fi networks, which <em>does</em> drain your battery more quickly.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It can also leave your device vulnerable if, for example, a hacker sets up a fake hotspot to which your mobile connects. In this case, it’s best to disable automatic connection in your Wi-Fi settings, and <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2576581/turn-off-wifi-when-leaving-home.html">turn it off when you leave home</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another potential risk is the list of saved Wi-Fi networks, which can reveal your location. Many Wi-Fi networks worldwide are recorded in so-called location databases. This data is used, amongst other things, to locate devices more quickly even without GPS. </p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Android-17-WiFi-and-mobile-data-quick-settings.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Android 17 WiFi and mobile data quick settings" class="wp-image-3105633" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Chris Martin / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the name of a Wi-Fi network is unique or has been chosen individually, its approximate position can sometimes be geolocated. If attackers gain access to the list of saved Wi-Fi networks, they can cross-reference the names against such databases. If a network name contains clues such as an address, a surname or a town, it is possible to deduce your personal whereabouts (in extreme cases, even your home address). You should therefore regularly clear the list.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hackers can also exploit an activated Bluetooth function on your smartphone, although they must be in proximity to do so: under ideal conditions, Bluetooth allows a maximum range of up to 240 metres, but in practice this is more like 50 metres. The connection is also usually protected by a PIN. To protect yourself against hackers, you should never accept connection requests from Bluetooth devices you do not recognise. You should also regularly delete old connections.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">By the way: Be particularly careful when providing a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hotspot (tethering). If possible, do not display the network name publicly, and do not forget to switch the hotspot off again when it is no longer needed.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, if you take these necessary precautions, there’s no reason to be worried about hackers accessing your Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connections.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="myth-3-public-wi-fi-hotspots-should-always-be-avoided">Myth 3: Public Wi-Fi hotspots should always be avoided</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As already described in the previous section, a Wi-Fi function that is constantly switched on can provide an opportunity for hackers to attack. This naturally also applies to public Wi-Fi hotspots. Nevertheless, it is not advisable to generally advise against using a public Wi-Fi hotspot.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sometimes it’s simply necessary to connect to the Wi-Fi on offer – usually free of charge – at a station, an airport, in a café or on a train. </p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Nothing-Phone-3_review-7.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Nothing Phone 3 review 7" class="wp-image-2840697" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the key here is to always use a VPN. With a VPN connection, data traffic between your mobile device and the Wi-Fi hotspot is encrypted and routed via dedicated servers, protecting it from hackers. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recommended VPN services include <a href="https://nordvpn.com/">NordVPN</a>, <a href="https://surfshark.com">Surfshark</a>, <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7928211-15367168?sid=rss&amp;url=https://www.cyberghostvpn.com">CyberGhost</a> and <a href="https://protonvpn.com">ProtonVPN</a>. You can activate your chosen service via the corresponding app or in the Android settings under ‘Network &amp; Security &gt; VPN’.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="myth-4-older-versions-of-android-are-insecure">Myth 4: Older versions of Android are insecure</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to an <a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/android-version-market-share">estimate by Statcounter</a>, in May 2026 just under 54 per cent of all Android mobile devices worldwide were still running Android 14 or an older version – meaning that more than half of all devices are using an operating system that is at least three years old. As a result, these smartphones do not receive important security updates and are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For example, Android 15 includes an anti-theft feature that automatically locks the device, as well as a ‘Private Space’ that runs apps and data separately from the rest of the system. Android 16 offers more flexible access rights to images and biometric identity verification, whilst <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3122614/android-17-features-release-date-eligible-phones.html">Android 17</a>, amongst other things, restricts apps’ access to contacts. It can therefore definitely be said that an outdated operating system poses a security risk.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/descargar-android-14-beta.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Logo de Android 14 en un móvil" class="wp-image-1509178" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the security of your mobile device depends not only on the Android version, but also on security updates, which, amongst other things, patch security vulnerabilities. And these are not linked to the Android version, but depend on the smartphone manufacturer and the device itself. So make sure you have the latest version of the security updates installed.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You’ll find the menu option in Settings under ‘Privacy &amp; Security &gt; System and Updates &gt; Security Update’ or similar. The entry shows you the date of the last update; tapping on it will install a new version, if available.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, if no updates – whether Android or security updates – have been available for your mobile device for some time, you should consider buying a new device. Otherwise, you can only use the device securely if you cut off all internet and other connections.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="myth-5-the-camera-and-microphone-are-spying-on-you">Myth 5: The camera and microphone are spying on you</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On every smartphone, the built-in microphone is switched on by default so that the virtual assistant can hear voice commands. Apps also often request access to the smartphone’s microphone or camera. However, both are components that hackers can use to gain access to sensitive information.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s only natural to suspect that your own smartphone is spying on you. But Google and other providers have strict privacy measures in place to ensure they’re only listening to the wake word.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’d like extra peace of mind, open Quick Settings and tap the pencil icon to open edit mode. In the ‘Privacy’ section, you’ll find the two tiles ‘Camera access’ and ‘Microphone access’, which you can add to Quick Settings by tapping the plus sign. To enable or disable access, tap the relevant tile.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/android-17-mobile-data-toggle.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="android 17 mobile data toggle" class="wp-image-3126135" width="1200" height="675" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Foundry</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The third level of deactivation operates at the sensor level and therefore requires Developer Options to be enabled. If this menu is not yet enabled on your smartphone, go to ‘About phone’ or similar in the Settings and tap the ‘Build number’ entry several times until a message appears stating that you are now a developer. Under ‘System &gt; Developer options &gt; Quick Settings tiles for developers’. Enable the “Sensors off” option to make the corresponding tile available in Quick Settings. Add it as described above and enable it. If an app now attempts to use the camera or microphone, it will receive an error message and will usually close immediately.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you don’t want to set your smartphone to such restrictive settings, but simply wish to keep an eye on access to the camera and microphone, you have two options: Since Android 12, a coloured LED in the status indicates when an app is accessing the camera, microphone and/or location. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Alternatively, you can go to ‘Privacy &amp; Security &gt; Privacy settings &gt; Permission manager’ (or similar) in the settings to see which apps have access to the camera and microphone, and revoke permissions if necessary. In addition, the ‘Privacy Dashboard’ under ‘Privacy &amp; Security’ shows which apps have accessed the camera and microphone in the last 24 hours.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  19. Windows 11’s right-click menu is about to get faster and less cluttered

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:31:23 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to information provided to <a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-plans-to-fix-windows-11s-slow-context-menus-with-major-overhaul-designed-to-improve-performance-and-reliability-new-compact-menu-design-will-be-faster-and-user-customizable">Windows Central</a>, Microsoft is developing a new, more compact version of the context menu (i.e., the right-click menu) in Windows 11, which should be faster to use.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The current menu can be slow because both Microsoft’s own apps and third-party programs can add their own actions and options to the menu, cluttering it up. The new design will prioritize the most frequently used functions and avoid loading all extensions at all times.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Microsoft is also working on a new customization feature that will allow users to choose which apps and commands appear in the context menu. They can show or hide specific actions and apps, and change the order in which these actions and apps are displayed in the context menu.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Windows Central, the menu at the very bottom will also get a new option called “Customize,” which allows you to change the menu options and settings at any time.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s still unclear when this feature will be introduced and rolled out to all users, but Windows Central says the update could be released as early as this year. It’s part of Microsoft’s <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3199779/microsoft-admits-its-windows-11-apps-hog-ram-a-fix-is-coming.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plan to make Windows 11 faster and better</a>, which will also include a <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3198036/windows-11-is-finally-retiring-ui-relics-from-the-windows-95-era.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant redesign of the user interface</a> to be based on WinUI 3 and no longer on legacy code.</p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A new era of foldables has finally arrived – and I’m so here for it.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724489/best-flip-foldable-phone.html">folding phones</a> first debuted in 2018, we’ve seen tweaks, refinements and yet more tweaks to the same basic and ultimately flawed design – an awkward, near-square internal display that can’t replace a <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723368/best-tablets.html">tablet</a> for most people.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A new breed of so-called “wide” foldables aims to address that exact issue. After going hands-on with the first mainstream example, Samsung’s confusingly named <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3143340/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-wide-release-date-price-specs-rumours.html">Galaxy Z Fold 8</a>, I have just one question: why did no one think of it sooner?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With <a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/07/28/galaxy-z-fold-8-selling-faster-than-samsung-expected/">pre-orders reportedly selling much faster than Samsung expected</a>, it seems like I’m not the only one.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-foldable-design-ive-been-waiting-for">The foldable design I’ve been waiting for</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For years, it’s felt like the tablet element of book-style foldables has been an afterthought. Not anymore.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the 7.6-inch internal screen is the star of the show. It’s a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED, of course, but it’s the 4:3 aspect ratio that matters most.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>the Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels much closer to a Galaxy Tab Mini in your pocket</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is far closer to a traditional 16:9 widescreen format than any foldable (aside from Huawei’s China-exclusive <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3112491/huaweis-wide-foldable-beat-samsung-and-apple-but-i-dont-see-the-point.html">Pura X Max</a>), and it transforms the viewing experience. Even though we’ve had similar designs in the past, such as the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/735209/microsoft-surface-duo-first-gen-everything-you-need-to-know.html">Microsoft Surface Duo</a> and the original <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/1983985/google-pixel-fold-review.html">Pixel Fold</a>, this feels different.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When I watch videos on the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2840708/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review.html">Galaxy Z Fold 7</a>, the huge black bars (letterboxing) above and below the content make it feel a bit pointless. They aren’t gone entirely on the Z Fold 8, but their dramatic shrinkage makes TV, movies and YouTube feel much more immersive.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">And, if you want to crop in for a true full-screen experience, far less of the actual content gets cut off. It also feels incredibly intuitive in landscape mode, where digital books and comics fit perfectly and feel right at home.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8" class="wp-image-3195041" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is undoubtedly the big selling point of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Sure, the Z Fold 7 and new <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2973892/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-release-date-price-specs.html">Z Fold 8 Ultra</a> might be better productivity devices, but for entertainment, this design is unmatched.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels much closer to a Galaxy Tab Mini in your pocket. As someone who prefers to reserve productivity tasks for a laptop, I absolutely love it.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="small-phones-are-back-sort-of">Small phones are back! (sort of)</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To accommodate the wider internal screen, Samsung has also made big changes to the cover display. It’s noticeably shorter and wider than the Z Fold 8 Ultra, making it feel like taking a trip back in time – just with much slimmer bezels.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>When closed, the Z Fold 8 is a wonderfully compact device that’s easy to use one-handed</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, there’s an unintended side effect of this design: the display is just 5.5 inches. That’s absolutely tiny by modern standards, where huge handsets are the norm.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When closed, the Z Fold 8 is a wonderfully compact device that’s easy to use one-handed. It’s impressively lightweight and comfortable to hold, while also being surprisingly pocketable.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 13" class="wp-image-3195017" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 10:16 aspect ratio takes some getting used to, but vertical content such as TikTok videos and mobile-optimised news articles still looks great. I can’t think of any scenario where the design of the cover screen would cause an issue.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m not about to suggest that you ditch your trusty <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/722754/apple-iphone-13-mini-review.html">iPhone 13 Mini</a> for the only modern device with a comparable screen size. But it’s a nice benefit of an internal screen that serves most people much better.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="cheaper-than-you-might-expect">Cheaper than you might expect</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With a brand-new form factor and top-of-the-line hardware, I was bracing myself for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to be eye-wateringly expensive.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But it’s not. Sure, a £1,699/$1,899.99 price tag isn’t cheap by anyone’s measure, but it is £200/$200 cheaper than the Z Fold 8 Ultra and a £100/$100 saving compared to last year’s Z Fold 7. In the context of the ongoing global ‘RAMageddon’ nightmare, it could’ve been a lot worse.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can pre-order one now from the <a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=http://samsung.com/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung UK</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8/buy/galaxy-z-fold8-256gb-unlocked-sku-sm-f971ulvaxaa/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss">Samsung US</a> websites, plus plenty of networks in both countries. The Z Fold 8 will begin shipping from 7 August.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>whether you buy one will likely hinge on whether it can replace your phone <em>and </em>tablet</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It could also look a lot better once the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/739361/foldable-iphone-release-date-price-specs.html">iPhone Ultra</a> launches, with Apple rumoured to price it as high as $2,500.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As usual, whether you buy one will likely hinge on whether it can replace your phone <em>and</em> tablet. For most people, basically every book-style device has failed that test, but the Z Fold 8 might just be the one that bucks the trend.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 4" class="wp-image-3195050" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="camera-and-battery-question-marks-remain">Camera and battery question marks remain</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In most areas, I don’t have a single concern regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s hardware.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both displays are stunning, with an anti-reflective display ensuring much better visibility than the Z Fold 7, even under harsh demo area lighting. The new titanium hinge is a joy to use, feeling both easier to manipulate and much tougher than previous aluminium versions.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>I’m concerned that battery anxiety could still be a serious issue</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">And, as we know from the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is an incredible performer. Regardless of what you want to do, the Z Fold 8 will almost certainly be able to handle it.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, cameras appear to be the main compromise. The Z Fold 8 has a pair of 50Mp lenses (main and ultrawide), meaning there’s no room for the telephoto lens that’s crucial for zoom photography and realistic portrait-style shots.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 5" class="wp-image-3195034" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On a £1,700/$1,900 phone, that’s hard to stomach, and it puts huge pressure on the main sensor to be top-notch. Early signs in the demo area were promising, but not reflective of the real world.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Then there’s the battery situation. The Z Fold 8 has a 5000mAh cell, which is bigger than the Z Fold 7’s 4400mAh, but still feels worryingly small in 2026. With two screens to power and a high-end chip under the hood, I’m concerned that battery anxiety could still be a serious issue.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">45W wired charging is a little underwhelming but standard for Samsung, but the continued lack of Qi2 magnets is a real shame. Like all <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724188/best-samsung-galaxy-phone.html">Galaxy phones</a>, you’ll need a case to make use of the fastest and most convenient wireless charging, which isn’t ideal for a foldable.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-10.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 10" class="wp-image-3195022" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It doesn’t help that all four colours of the Z Fold 8 – ‘Lavender’, ‘Cream’, ‘Graphite’ and online-exclusive ‘Pistachio’ – look stunning in person. I wouldn’t want to cover any of them up!</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">We already know that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 won’t have the best cameras, battery or charging in the business. But if any of these become weaknesses, they could well be dealbreakers. Considering how gorgeous and enjoyable to use the Z Fold 8 is, that’d be a real shame.</p> </div></div></div></div>
  20. Hurry! This Ryzen OLED laptop with 16GB of RAM is only $650

    Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:10:47 -0000

    <div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <div class="promo_wrap promo_wrap_sticky" id="sticky-promo-block"> <div class="row_wrapper"> <div class="column_wrapper"> <p class="eyebrow">50 percent off current price</p> <p class="promo-title"><strong>HP OLED laptop with 16GB of RAM for $650</strong></p> </div> <div class="more_btn"><a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-omnibook-x-flip-2-in-1-14-2k-oled-touchscreen-laptop-amd-ryzen-ai-5-430-2026-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-copilot-deep-espresso/JJGWKYZY27/sku/6668002" target="_blank" class="sticky-promotion-view-deal-link" data-vars-link-position="Floating Conversion Unit">SEE DEAL</a></div> </div> </div> <script> (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); </script> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Finding deals for laptops that I’d actually buy for myself is getting hard in 2026, <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/3172230/sub-1000-surface-pcs-debut-but-with-a-catch-8gb-of-ram.html">bordering on impossible</a>. But today Best Buy is offering a unicorn, a diamond in the rough, a laptop with decent specs at a decent price. Specifically, this HP 14-incher with an OLED touchscreen, a recent Ryzen CPU, <a href="https://ncls1.com/irk?enk=bz10dXRoMjEmcz0yNTcyNTEmYj0xNTQ2OSZia2Q9YmVzdGJ1eS5jb20=&amp;subid=pcworld.com&amp;di=rss&amp;d=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/hp-omnibook-x-flip-2-in-1-14-2k-oled-touchscreen-laptop-amd-ryzen-ai-5-430-2026-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-copilot-deep-espresso/JJGWKYZY27/sku/6668002">and 16GB of RAM for $649.99</a>. That’s allegedly $750 off the retail price. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You also get some goodies from Microsoft — <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/learning-center/microsoft-college-offer-ultimate-college-bundle">a free custom Xbox controller and a year of Office and Game Pass</a>. Not bad at all. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The HP Omnibook X Flip 2-in-1 14 kind of sounds like a Marvel comic from the 80s, but it is, in fact, a laptop. The screen is particularly impressive to me, a 14-inch, 16:10 number with an OLED panel. It’s also a touchscreen that folds back on itself — handy for a desk setup with an external keyboard and monitor. 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage isn’t incredible, but it’s the baseline of what I’d consider for a Windows 11 laptop. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But the processor is pretty great for a budget machine, too. The AMD Ryzen AI 5 430 is a mouthful, but what you need to know is that it’s a quad-core design with Zen 5 architecture. That means great performance and solid graphics even without a discrete card — this thing should be able to handle games at about the same level as the Steam Deck, maybe a bit more. Not bad, considering the entire laptop is cheaper than Valve’s handheld right now. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Other highlights include double USB-C and USB-A, full-sized HDMI, and an IR camera for Windows Hello face scanning. a 59 watt-hour battery won’t win any marathons, but it should get through a day of browsing and videos with no trouble. The only thing in the HP Omnibook X Flip 2-in-1 14 (deep breath) that might turn you off is the “deep espresso” brown colorway, but I kinda like it. <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2833635/hp-omnibook-x-flip-14-review.html">You can read PCWorld’s review of this model</a>, but please be aware that the review unit has a faster CPU, more RAM, more storage, and a screen upgrade.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Best Buy is offering this model at $649.99 on sale, which is exactly $650 off its “comp value,” $750 off the official retail price on HP’s online store (where it’s on sale for $1000). The actual price of laptops during the RAM crunch is constantly fluid, but trust me when I say that $649.99 for <em>any </em>laptop with 16GB of RAM is a good deal right now, and the OLED screen and decent processor are nice bonuses. We don’t know how long this deal will stick around. </p> </div></div></div></div><div id="remove_no_follow"> <div class="grid grid--cols-10@md grid--cols-8@lg article-column"> <div class="col-12 col-10@md col-6@lg col-start-3@lg"> <div class="article-column__content"> <section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung’s new foldables are here, and there’s <em>a lot</em> to talk about.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">That includes two book-style devices for the very first time. Despite its name, the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2973892/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-wide-ultra-release-date-price-specs-ultimate-guide.html">Galaxy Z Fold 8</a> is a brand-new device, with the rebranded <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2973892/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-wide-ultra-release-date-price-specs-ultimate-guide.html">Z Fold 8 Ultra</a> the natural successor to last year’s <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2840708/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review.html">Z Fold 7</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’ve seen a picture of the two side-by-side (like in the image above), you’ll instantly notice the difference. So, is this just a choice between a short, squat device and a taller, narrower one?</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Absolutely not. While the design might have you leaning in one direction or the other, the device you choose will be different in several key areas.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Want to know what we think of them? Read our hands-on opinions of the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3196523/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-hands-on-the-foldable-i-didnt-know-i-needed.html">Galaxy Z Fold 8</a> and <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3196572/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-is-a-triumph-you-probably-shouldnt-buy.html">Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-design">The design</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Let’s start with the obvious. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and 8 Ultra look very different to one another, and that makes them suited for distinct purposes.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Fold has always been pitched as a productivity machine, but Samsung is leaning into this even further now it’s an ‘Ultra’. Its dimensions and 215g weight are identical to the Z Fold 7, meaning the 8-inch internal display has an area equivalent to two of the 6.5-inch cover screens next to each other. </p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Now-Nudge-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Now Nudge Z Fold 8 Ultra 1" class="wp-image-3195026" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Ultra is designed for split-screen multitasking</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a result, it’s a far superior option for multitasking, which is a core component of a lot of screen-based productivity. New features such as ‘Now Nudge’ are designed to take advantage of it, with a single tap of the AI-generated prompt taking you to a useful split-screen view.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">By contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is much shorter and wider. Its 5.5-inch cover screen can feel awkward for vertical video or one-handed usage, but the real advantage comes once you open it up. Instead of an almost square screen, the 7.6-inch internal panel adopts a much more traditional 4:3 aspect ratio, making it much better suited to traditional widescreen content.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 4" class="wp-image-3195050" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You could easily mistake this for a regular small tablet</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want a device for watching movies and TV shows, or even to replicate a familiar tablet experience, the Z Fold 8 is a much better choice. It’s also significantly lighter, coming in at 201g.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">To put it another way, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is ideal for TikTok and YouTube Shorts, including if you want to watch two videos at the same time. But if long-form content or gaming is your bag, the Z Fold 8 is a superior option.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-cameras">The cameras</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Given how expensive these devices are (more on that later), you’ll want to use them as your main smartphone. As such, the camera systems need to be up to scratch.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra have some camera specs in common, including a 50Mp ultrawide with a 120-degree field of view and 10Mp front-facing lenses on both displays. But that’s where the similarities end.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Samsung has given the more expensive Ultra a much more comprehensive camera system, equipping it with the same 200Mp main lens as last year’s Z Fold 7. While the lack of an upgrade may be disappointing, at least it isn’t the downgrade you’ll find on the Z Fold 8. It gets the same 50Mp sensor as the Z Flip 8, a device which is far cheaper.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-12.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 12" class="wp-image-3195049" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Not quite the S26 Ultra, but a big step up over the regular Z Fold 8</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">From our experience with last year’s Z Flip 7 (which had the same lens), it’s a very capable camera, albeit a significant step down from the 200Mp.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">But arguably the most jarring aspect of the entire Z Fold 8 experience is the lack of a telephoto lens. While the Z Fold 8 Ultra misses out on the <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3081359/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review.html">S26 Ultra</a>‘s 50Mp, 5x periscope telephoto, it retains the 10Mp regular one, enabling 3x optical zoom.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-12.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 12" class="wp-image-3195031" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">What happened to the telephoto lens?</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a result, zoom photography will almost certainly be a weakness of the Z Fold 8. It’ll be entirely reliant on digital zoom, which simply crops in on the main camera rather than retaining true quality. If you care about this or convincing portrait-style photos, the Z Fold 8 Ultra will almost certainly be the better choice.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, it’s important to note that the Z Fold 8 Ultra is unlikely to seriously threaten the S26 Ultra and the other <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724277/best-camera-phone.html">top camera phones</a> for photos or video.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-battery">The battery</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are the first Samsung phones to include a silicon-carbon (Si-C) battery. Hurrah!</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It means the capacities of both are improved compared to the 4400mAh Z Fold 7, but don’t expect the huge capacities to rival some Chinese phones.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 4" class="wp-image-3195050" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Z Fold 8 has a smaller battery than the Ultra, but not by much</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead, the Z Fold 8 has a 4800mAh cell, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra bumps that up to 5000mAh. However, that extra 200mAh could be offset by the larger screens, especially as both use the highly efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.</p> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1200" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 5" class="wp-image-3195045" width="1200" height="674" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Will the Z Fold 8 Ultra’s larger battery ensure it lasts longer?</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Luke Baker</p></div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The phones are identical in terms of charging, with 45W and 20W wireless speeds. But there’s still no built-in Qi2, so you’ll need a case if you want to take advantage of magnetic charging and accessories.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-colours">The colours</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are both available in your standard two colour options: ‘Graphite’ (dark grey) and ‘Cream’ (off-white).</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the Z Fold 8 adds a light purple ‘Lavender’ to the mix, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra offers a much bolder ‘Violet Shadow’.</p> <figure class="wp-block-jetpack-image-compare"><div class="juxtapose" data-mode="horizontal"><img loading="lazy" id="3195023" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-2.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 2" width="2000" height="1123" class="image-compare__image-before" /><img loading="lazy" id="3195001" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all" alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 3" width="2000" height="1123" class="image-compare__image-after" /></div><figcaption>The Z Fold 8 (left) and Z Fold 8 Ultra colour options</figcaption></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s a similar story for the shades of green, with a lighter ‘Pistachio’ hue on the wide model but darker ‘Green Shadow’ on the Ultra. These ones are also exclusive to the Samsung store.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-price">The price</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Make no mistake, both foldables are extremely premium devices, and that’s reflected in the price. However, there is some variation between them.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at £1,699/$1,899, while the Fold 8 Ultra will set you back at least £1,899/$2,099. It sandwiches the Z Fold 7’s price at its launch last year – £1,799/$1,999.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both are available to pre-order now, ahead of their 7 August release date. While contract deals are likely to be competitive, if you want to save a little bit of cash, the Z Fold 8 is the way to go.</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8/buy/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss">Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the UK</a></li> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8-ultra/buy/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss">Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in the UK</a></li> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8/buy/galaxy-z-fold8-256gb-unlocked-sku-sm-f971ulvaxaa/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss">Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the US</a></li> <li><a href="https://howl.link/link/?url=https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8-ultra/buy/galaxy-z-fold8-ultra-256gb-unlocked-sku-sm-f976uzvaxaa/&amp;publisher_slug=techadvisor&amp;exclusive=1&amp;article_name=techadvisor&amp;article_url=https://www.techadvisor.com&amp;u1=rss">Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in the US</a></li> </ul> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just remember, there are plenty of great <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723383/best-budget-phone.html">budget</a>, <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723509/best-mid-range-phone.html">mid-range</a> and even <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724318/best-phone.html">flagship phones</a> which cost a fraction of the price.</p> </div></div></div></div>