Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max review: A towering success

Apple Intelligence isn’t available at launch, but the features that are available make the iPhone 16 Pro Max a formidable phone.

I plan on skipping the iPhone 16 Pro Max for iPhone 16 Pro — here's why |  Tom's Guide

(iPhone 16 Pro  and iPhone 16 Pro Max)

Verdict
After four years of relatively unchanged designs, Apple increased the screen size on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, delivering a larger 6.9-inch OLED panel that makes a sizeable difference in daily use. Combine that with a bigger battery that lasts longer, an even more powerful chipset, and terrific cameras with a host of new features, and you get one of the best overall packages available today. While there are a few shortcomings — the Camera Control button isn’t all that it’s made out to be, and Apple Intelligence is yet to go live — the iPhone 16 Pro Max is an instant recommendation if you’re coming from an older device.

>>>A2830 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Pros
+Bigger OLED panel with ultra-thin bezels
+Better cameras than last year
+Class-leading hardware
+Outstanding battery life
+Good software with long-term updates
Cons
-No Apple Intelligence features at launch
-Slow charging tech
-Camera Control is fiddly to use

The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with the usual set of upgrades that we expect from Apple: it is faster in daily use, has better cameras, and the battery life is better than its predecessor. But there are other changes this year, notably around the screen. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch panel, but it isn’t that much bigger than its predecessor.

The increased screen size means you get an additional line of text, and the bezels are even thinner this generation. There’s also a new Camera Control button that unlocks additional controls and makes it easy to shoot photos and videos. While I was initially excited about the hardware button, it was unwieldy to use in the two weeks I tested the iPhone 16 Pro Max — it should have been integrated into the power button, similar to what ASUS did on the Zenfone 10 last year.

While there’s plenty of new stuff on the phone, there’s a glaring omission: Apple Intelligence. Apple’s much-touted AI features won’t be available until early 2025, and that puts the iPhone 16 Pro Max in an awkward position; the hardware itself is an iterative upgrade over last year, and you’ll need to wait at least three months to unlock what is arguably its best feature.
So should you wait until next year to buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max? Let’s take a look.

>>>A2866 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Design

Back view of iPhone 16 Pro Max against colorful background
Apple didn’t change the design of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the phone looks identical to its predecessor. The only way to tell both phones apart is that the latest device is taller and wider than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but other than that, they share the same design.

That means you get a titanium mid-frame with a glass front and back, and the glass protection is touted to be even better this year. While I tend to test the effectiveness of these claims with Android phones (inadvertently, most of the time), I wasn’t willing to risk that with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and I put it in a case shortly after setting it up.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max metal sides

The phone has the same flat sides with rounded edges, and the beveled sides make it easier to use than previous years. The build quality is predictably great, and while this isn’t a brand-new design, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is immediately recognizable. The phone retains IP68 dust and water resistance, and like last year, it can be submerged in up to 6 meters of water — most Android phones are only rated at up to 1.5 meters.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max angled view highlighting logo at the back

While the design itself hasn’t changed, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in an interesting Desert Titanium color option, and this is the variant I’m using. Apple switched out the Blue Titanium model of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with the new color option, and it looks terrific. The subtle gold hue looks great on the frosted glass back, and the color-matched camera rings and mid-frame give the phone a distinct character.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max back view showcasing camera modules

If you don’t like the color, you can pick up the device in White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Natural Titanium options instead. The camera housing has the same distinctive design as previous years, and is slightly raised; thankfully, there are no issues with usability.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is 4.1mm taller and 0.9mm wider than its predecessor, and the increased dimensions make it a bit unwieldy to use one-handed. It is taller than the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL, and only the Nubia Z60 Ultra dwarfs the iPhone 16 Pro Max in this regard.

>>>EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max side view with power button and Camera Control

A major highlight this year is the introduction of Camera Control, a button that sits to the right. It is an intriguing addition in that not many brands provide hardware controls for the camera, and it is versatile: you can use it to take photos with a short press, and a long press switches to video. The best feature is the ability to adjust zoom level by sliding your finger across the capacitive button, and a double tap allows you to unlock additional controls.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Control button

While the idea is undoubtedly novel, the button is in a non-optimal location. It’s awkward to access, and while adjusting the zoom level isn’t that much of a hassle, it was always a bother to switch to other controls. Then there’s the fact that video recording is only enabled as long as you press down on the button. After a week of use, I realized it was easier to just use the settings on the viewfinder to change controls than rely on the button. I also inadvertently pressed the button whenever picking up the phone off a table, and that was irksome.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max side view with volume buttons and Action Button

The left side of the frame contains the usual options: volume up and down, and the Action Button that debuted last year. The SIM card tray sits to the left as well, and you get the ability to slot in a physical SIM alongside an eSIM — if you’re outside the U.S. USB-C charging is intact, and it makes using the iPhone 16 Pro Max that much easier. I wrote about how the switch to USB-C last year allowed me to use the iPhone 15 Pro Max a lot longer than I usually would, and that’s true this year as well.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Pricing and availability

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max back highlighting matte texture

The iPhone 16 Pro Max made its official debut on September 9, and the phone went on sale globally on September 20. Similar to last year, the base model has 256GB of storage, and it is available in 512GB and 1TB variants as well — I’m using the 512GB model.

In a positive move, Apple is offering the iPhone 16 Pro Max at the same price as last year’s models, and this is true not just in the U.S., but also key global markets like the U.K. and Germany. This is what the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs in various regions:

iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB): $1,199 / £1,199 / €1,449 / NZ$2,399
iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB): $1,399 / £1,399 / €1,699 / NZ$2,799
iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB): $1,599 / £1,599 / €1,949 / NZ$3,199

CategoryApple iPhone 16 Pro Max
OSiOS 18.0.1 pre-installed, five OS updates
Display6.9-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, 2868 x 1320, Dolby Vision, 2000 nits max (HBM)
ChipsetApple A18 Pro, 6-core GPU, second-gen 3nm node
RAM8GB RAM
Storage256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear camera 148MP f/1.8 24mm, 1/1.28-inch sensor, 1.22um, sensor-shift OIS
Rear camera 248MP f/2.2 13mm wide-angle lens, 0.7um pixels
Rear camera 312MP f/2.8 120mm telephoto, 1/3.06-inch sensor, 1.12um pixels, 5x optical zoom, OIS
VideoProRes, Dolby Vision (60fps), 4K at 120fps, Audio Mix
Front camera12MP f/1.9 23mm, OIS, auto-focus
Ingress protectionIP68 dust and water resistance
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Emergency SOS via Satellite, UWB, dual-band GPS
SecurityFace ID
AudioUSB-C, stereo sound
Battery4685mAh battery, 30W charging, 25W MagSafe, 15W Qi2
Dimensions163 x 77.6 x 8.3mm, 227g
ColorsDesert Titanium, Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Display

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max home page
After four years of using 6.7-inch panels, Apple is increasing the screen size in the Pro Max series to 6.9 inches. The size difference is immediately evident when using the iPhone 16 Pro Max next to its predecessor, and what I like the most about is that the phone itself isn’t noticeably bigger; Apple achieved this by trimming the bezels, and the overall effect is quite striking.

In real-world use, that means you get an additional line of text when browsing. The OLED panel itself is one of the best on any phone today; it has ProMotion tech — dynamic 120Hz refresh — along with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The resolution is slightly higher at 2868 x 1320, but the pixel density is the same as last year, and the Ceramic Shield protection delivers 50% increased resilience against tumbles.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Dynamic Island highlighted

Overall, this is one of the best screens available today, and that’s evident when streaming HDR content or playing games. You get vibrant colors with excellent contrast, and while there isn’t as much customizability when it comes to color tonality, True Tone automatically tweaks color balance based on ambient light, and it does a good job in this regard.

I didn’t see any issues with brightness levels either, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is among the best in this area as well. That said, the Pixel 9 Pro XL got noticeably brighter in outdoor use, and Google somehow managed to outdo every other brand this year.

Dynamic Island is unchanged from last year, and while the pill-sized cutout is bigger than what you get with Android devices, it isn’t as unsightly as the previous notch. The ability to use this area for actionable things like music control and navigation alerts is still great, and while Android brands have tried to emulate it, no one came close.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battery life

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max USB-C charging
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger 4685mAh battery, and you get noticeable gains in daily use. I got an hour and a half of additional screen-time versus the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and that’s a sizeable achievement in and of itself. The phone lasts a day even with heavy use, and most of the time, I averaged a day and a half between charges.

The charging situation is where things aren’t any better. The iPhone 16 Pro Max takes an agonizing amount of time to charge, and while it gets to 45% in 30 minutes, it takes an additional 80 minutes to charge the battery entirely. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra don’t have fast charging either, these devices don’t take anywhere as long to charge, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to lag behind its rivals.

Chinese brands are in a league of their own in this area, with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Vivo X100 Ultra taking under 45 minutes to charge their batteries. That said, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has an advantage with wireless charging, with MagSafe now going up to 25W. The phone also works with the Qi2 standard — something Android phones haven’t gotten around to yet — and you can get 15W charging via a Qi2 stand.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t have drastically different camera hardware, with the phone using a similar 48MP main camera with sensor-shift OIS as last year. The 12MP telephoto lens is unchanged as well, and it delivers 5x optical zoom and OIS. There’s now a 48MP wide-angle lens, and up front is a 12MP lens with OIS.

Camera Control is a key hardware addition this time, and while it is good to quickly pull up the camera and take a photo, the button isn’t in the best location, and it isn’t intuitive to use. After trying out the button for a week, I went back to adjusting viewfinder controls the usual way.

What you’ll like better is the overhauled Photographic Styles, which now allows you to drastically change the look and feel of a photo. There are 15 preset tones you can use out of the box, but where the feature truly comes into its own is the ability to tweak these presets to your liking by changing the undertones and contrast selection. The result is that you get wildly different photos by switching up the tones, and there is extensive customizability in this regard.

I’ve always enjoyed shooting macros with iPhones, and the 16 Pro Max lets you take high-res macro shots. Video is an area where the phone continues to dominate, and this year, you can shoot 4K in 120fps with HDR, and that’s just incredible. The new ISP encoder able to handle the increased bandwidth, and what I like the most about this feature is that you can slow down footage to 60fps or 30fps after the fact via the built-in editor.

You can also record spatial audio, and it is enabled by default. What’s cool about this feature is that you can then reduce background noise, or create a cinematic effect with ambient noises pushed to the background. You can do this by selecting Audio Mix in the editor, and it works incredibly well.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t deviate too much from its predecessor when it comes to color rendition, with resultant daylight shots having good white balance and color accuracy. You don’t get saturated photos like Samsung’s phones or the contrast-rich images that are a characteristic of Pixels. The phone does just as good a job in low-light conditions, but it is a bit aggressive with smoothening details. That said, the new Styles give you incredible customizability with tonal balance, and you can easily change the look of your photos.

The wide-angle lens is similarly great, and it doubles as a macro shooter, giving you the ability to take close-up shots. There is some noise in low-light shots taken with the wide-angle lens, and while it has good color rendition, it doesn’t measure up to the Vivo X100 Pro in this regard.

The zoom lens is relatively unchanged, and it manages to deliver clean shots at up to 5x. You get usable photos at 10x as well, but there’s visible noise — more so than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Portraits are similarly great, and you get good background segmentation. That said, they’re nowhere as detailed as the Vivo X100 Ultra or the Find X7 Ultra; these two devices still have a distinct edge when it comes to portrait shots.

Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max does a better job than its predecessor, and it holds up incredibly well against the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Vivo’s X100 Pro and X100 Ultra and the Find X7 Ultra are much better in low-light situations and portrait shots, but as an all-round package, the iPhone 16 Pro Max does more than enough to stand out against its rivals.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: The competition

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max next to Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the obvious alternative to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It feels like Google went out of its way to make the 9 Pro XL look like an iPhone, and it does a good job in that regard. You still get a distinctive camera housing at the back, but the flat sides and chunkier design makes it feel like an iPhone in everyday use. The 9 Pro XL doesn’t have the same caliber of hardware, but it has an OLED panel that gets brighter, outstanding cameras, and the best AI features of any phone available today.

If you need a phone with plenty of power, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a good choice to consider as well. The software isn’t as good as what you get on the Pixel — or the iPhone 16 Pro Max — but you get seven years of updates, and Samsung bundles a decent set of AI tools with Galaxy AI.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Should you buy it?

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max back view against gold-colored background
You should buy this if:

  • You need an iPhone with a sizeable OLED panel
  • You want the best hardware on a phone
  • You need standout cameras
  • You want better battery life

You shouldn’t buy this if:

  • You want the latest AI features
  • You need the best charging tech
  • You have an iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great phone that promises to get even better when Apple Intelligence becomes available. You don’t need to wait until the AI features roll out if you’re looking to upgrade from an older iPhone; there are enough new features to distinguish it from its predecessors. The most noticeable difference is the bigger OLED panel, and while it makes the phone even taller, it is a welcome upgrade.

But what you’ll actually end up liking is the battery longevity; the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts significantly longer than its predecessor, and that in itself is enough of an upgrade to entice older iPhone users to make the switch. Other battery-related tweaks should curb battery degradation — something that was a major issue on the iPhone 14 series — and while the charging situation is in need of an overhaul, 25W MagSafe is a decent workaround in the meantime.

There’s little incentive to move if you’re already using the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but if you’re on an older device and are mulling an upgrade, you should get the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Xiaomi Power Bank 10000mAh 22.5W Lite launching globally soon

Xiaomi has created a product listing for the Power Bank 10000mAh 22.5W Lite on its global website, suggesting it will soon be available in more countries. The accessory allows you to charge three devices simultaneously, with features like a low-current charging mode and LEDs to indicate the remaining battery level.

Xiaomi is expected to launch the Power Bank 10000mAh 22.5W Lite worldwide. (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi Power Bank 10000mAh 22.5W Lite has appeared on the brand’s global website. The accessory launched in China in 2023 and is now expected to roll out to countries worldwide in the near future.

Xiaomi related:BP4R Battery for Xiaomi 14 Pro

The Power Bank 10000mAh 22.5W Lite can be used to charge three devices simultaneously via one USB-C and two USB-A ports. With support for PD and QC3+ fast charging protocols, the 22.5W output allows you to fully recharge a Nintendo Switch in 3.4 hours. An iPhone 14 could charge at 20W to 57% in half an hour or to 100% in two hours. According to Xiaomi, the 10000mAh capacity allows you to charge an iPhone 14 twice, a Nintendo Switch 1.3 times or a Xiaomi 13 1.7 times. You can recharge the portable power bank at 22.5W via the USB-C ports, fully charging in around 4.5 hours.

Other features include a low-current charging mode, LED battery level indicator lights and protection against nine issues, such as overheating and short circuits. The lightweight device weighs around 227g (~0.5 lbs), measures 148.4 x 73 x 15 mm (~5.84 x 2.8 x 0.6 inches) and is suitable for air travel. It is unclear when the Xiaomi Power Bank 10000mAh 22.5W Lite will reach other markets, and how much it will cost. As a guide, the accessory has an RRP of CNY 89 (Nz $20) in China. The product will compete with similar models like the Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W).

Xiaomi related:BP51 Battery for Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Summary

The Xiaomi Power Bank 22.5W Lite was designed to be a lightweight and portable companion for your smartphone, with a flat body that is easy to carry with your phone when you travel and won’t bulge in your backpack. The 2A1C port configuration supports 22.5W fast charging output for all ports and up to three devices can charge simultaneously.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Power Bank 22.5W Lite is a powerful, lightweight, and affordable portable power bank that offers multiple fast charging protocols suitable for most consumer electronics products on the market. Its compact design, low-current mode, and ability to charge up to three devices simultaneously make it an ideal companion for travelers and anyone on the go. Overall, the Xiaomi Power Bank 22.5W Lite is a great value for its price point and is sure to meet the needs of anyone looking for a reliable and efficient portable power bank.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Comparison: Which One Wins?

Each phone has its strengths, depending on what you’re looking for.

Samsung Announces New Galaxy S24 Price On iPhone 16 Release Day
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Expected Features and Specifications Revealed

It’s always an interesting challenge to see how the two best smartphone cameras fit together. I spent a week shooting photos with an iPhone 16 Pro Max and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, comparing everything from sharpness and color contrast to zoom ability. Both phones come into their own, but both have their moments when they steal the spotlight.

Let’s start off with some specs. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48-megapixel main camera with a wide-angle lens, a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. It also has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. The iPhone 16 Pro Max can shoot up to 4K video at 120fps.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, meanwhile, sports a 200-megapixel wide camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, 10-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom and 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It also has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, and can shoot up to 8K video.

It’s important to note that more megapixels doesn’t automatically mean better photos, as a phone’s software plays an important role, too. The best way to get the full picture is to test out the cameras in the real world. Also, while I’m comparing photos taken at the default setting on each phone, customization is becoming a bigger focus through tools like the new Photographic Styles feature and tone mapping on the iPhone. That way, you can bump up saturation or contrast however you’d like.

Price-wise, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at NZ$2,399 for 256GB of internal storage, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra will cost you 100 more for the same storage amount.

What’s new on this year’s iPhone lineup is the Camera Control button, which sits on the right side of the phone and lets you trigger the camera, snap photos and swipe to change settings like exposure, aperture and zoom. I’ve enjoyed using it as a shortcut to summon the camera, but don’t yet see the appeal of doing much else with it, especially when using the touchscreen (the old fashioned way) works just fine. Thankfully, iPhone case makers like Speck and Otterbox have quickly developed cases to make that new button easily accessible, if, like me, you’re trying to warm up to the concept while keeping your phone protected.

>>>EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Now, let’s get into the photos.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra photo comparisons

Waterfall on iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Waterfall on Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S24 Ultra.

iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Portrait mode

Galaxy S24 Ultra.

iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Điện Thoại Apple Iphone 16 Pro Max Tại Huyện Đăk Glong, Đắk Nông Giá Rẻ, Uy  Tín

iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Galaxy S24 Ultra.

>>>>EB-BS926ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G

The photos showed slightly higher overall brightness in iPhone 16 Pro Max photos, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra photos showed higher shades of each color. But both are very beautiful and striking, and I’m impressed by how little difference there is between them.

My favorite way to test portrait mode is by photographing a plant to see whether the camera picks up on any stray leaves of flowers and keeps them focused in the foreground. In this comparison, each phone does a comparable job in that regard, but I like how the S24 Ultra brightens the overall image and reduces a lot of those harsh shadows.

The iPhone 16 Pro lineup introduces 4K slow-motion recording at 120fps, while the S24 Ultra has a UHD slow-motion setting at 120fps. That 4K setting on the iPhone brings a crispness and higher level of detail that makes these videos pop — even if you don’t really find yourself recording in slow motion all that often.

In other, more everyday instances, I still prefer video on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, as footage looks sharper and colors are more true-to-life. But you’ll get smooth shots, especially when set to 60fps, on both devices.

Final thoughts
Given the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are some of the best camera phones you can get your hands on today, which images are “better” often comes down to personal preference.

I’ve always admired the vibrancy of photos captured on Galaxy phones; the higher saturation and brightness can offer richer-looking images, especially out in nature and with photos of people. But I also admire the sharpness of photos and videos on the iPhone, and how images tend to appear more true to real-life colors.

Night mode used to be something that clearly set the Galaxy apart from the iPhone, but Apple has upped its game in recent years, and images shot at night on both devices are almost indistinguishable in terms of quality. Portrait mode is also matching up more on both devices, as the iPhone used to be leagues ahead of its competitors in that regard. Both devices offer impressive zoom capabilities, though the S24 Ultra still takes the cake with that 10x optical zoom. And selfies are equally flattering, despite minor color differences, on both devices.

All this to say, no matter which phone you choose to spend your hard-earned money on, you hopefully won’t be let down.

Vivo unveils X200 Pro mini, its new compact flagship smartphone

vivo X200 Pro mini模型机

Vivo has just announced three new smartphones, and the smallest of them is the Vivo X200 Pro mini. All three phones belong under the same Vivo X200 series, but only two are ‘Pro’ phones, and this is one of them. In this article, we’ll focus on that phone alone. The Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro will be covered separately.

related:BA06 Battery for VIVO X100 V2308 V2309A

The Vivo X200 Pro mini is a compact flagship smartphone from the company
Vivo’s X200 Pro mini comes as a semi-surprise. It’s not a full surprise as we’ve known about its existence for a couple of weeks now. On the other hand, it’s quite surprising as Vivo does not have a habit of releasing compact flagship smartphones.

When it comes to design, it’s very similar to its siblings. The main differentiating point is the alignment of its camera sensors on the back. They have a rhombus shape, compared to two-by-two setup on its larger sibling.

The phone is made out of metal and glass, while it has flat sides. Its front and back sides are also flat, and as part of that a ‘Quad Curved Display’ is included. That is basically a flat display that has a 90-degree curve on all of its sides. It’s also known as a micro-curved display. A centered display camera hole is included too, and the bezels around the display are very thin, and uniform.

>>>>BA15 Battery for Vivo X100 Pro

It has the same ZEISS-backed camera setup as its larger sibling
A camera oreo on the back is included, along with ZEISS optics. That camera oreo does protrude on the back, though it could make for a nice anchor for your finger. We’ll have to wait and see.

This smartphone features a 6.31-inch 1.5K display. This is an LTPO AMOLED display, by the way, and it has a resolution of 2640 x 1216 pixels. The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC fuels this phone, the company’s brand new chip.

A 50-megapixel main camera (Sony’s LYT-818 sensor, 1/1.28-inch sensor, f/1.57 aperture) sits on the back. It is backed by a 50-megapixel ultrawide unit (ISOCELL JN1 sensor, f/2.0 aperture), and a 50-megapixel periscope tele-macro camera (f/2.57 aperture, 3x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom). The Vivo V3+ imaging chip is also included here.

A 5,700mAh battery is included, along with up to 16GB of RAM
A 5,700mAh battery is also included in the package. The phone supports 90W wired and 30W wireless charging. It also utilizes 12GB or 16GB of RAM (LPDDR5X Ultra Pro RAM) and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.0 flash storage, while it is IP68 certified for water and dust resistance.

OriginOS 5 comes pre-installed on the device in China, but if it launches globally, it will ship with Funtouch 15 OS, based on Android 15. The Vivo X200 Pro mini comes in Light Pink, Plain White, Simple Black, and Titanium Green colors. The Vivo X200 Pro measures 150.83 x 71.76 x 8.15mm, and weighs 187 grams.
The 12GB RAM model of the Vivo X200 Pro mini with 256GB of storage costs CNY4,699. Its 16GB RAM model is available in both 512GB and 1TB variants, and those are priced at CNY5,299  and CNY5,799 in China. The price tags will be different globally, of course.

vivo X200 Pro mini hands-on

The Vivo X200 Pro mini is the small phone of my dreams

vivo X200 Pro mini上手:潜望+5700mAh同档罕见坐实最强小屏旗舰- 电脑知识网

There was once a time when the Sony Xperia Z Compact carried the bastion of pocketable powerhouses. But as consumer priorities shifted, especially here in the East, smaller phones quickly ran out of favor. Remember how quickly the iPhone “mini” vanished to pave the way for the Plus?

One might argue functional limitations are to blame. You need a large battery. The next-gen camera stack needs space. Yet, every so often, some brand pulls a rabbit out of the proverbial hat. This time, it’s the Chinese smartphone powerhouse Vivo.

Earlier today, the company introduced its X200 series phones, and once again, cameras take center stage. But the biggest surprise of the event was a new “mini” member of the series — the Vivo X200 Pro mini. And it looks superb.

Related:BA06 Battery for VIVO X100 V2308 V2309A

A mean mini flagship

vivo X200 Pro mini上手:潜望+5700mAh同档罕见坐实最强小屏旗舰- 电脑知识网
Make no mistake. Unlike your typical Galaxy or Pixel, this one doesn’t make concessions. On the contrary, this “mini” seems like an absolute beast — and one with an unbelievable price tag that puts the competition in serious jeopardy.

Like the iPhone 16 Pro, the Vivo X200 Pro mini has a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 2640 x 1216 resolution. Yet, the peak brightness is an astounding 4,500 nits, nearly double that of the Apple flagship.

Running the show inside is MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chip, a top-tier silicon that goes all-big on the core architecture, omitting Arm’s efficiency cores in its entirety. The results are quite impressive, and according to media presentations, they even outclass Apple’s mighty A18 Pro, at least on synthetic benchmarks.
But it’s almost astounding how much tech Vivo has packed inside its phone. The X200 Pro mini is just a hair taller than the iPhone 16 Pro but narrower, thinner, and lighter than its Apple rival. But wait until you see what’s underneath that glass and metal chassis.

Somehow, Vivo managed to fit a massive 5,700mAh battery inside this phone. For comparison, regulatory filings put the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery capacity at 3,582 mAh. But let’s not merely look at the numbers.

Vivo has also delivered 90W wired charging, double that of Apple’s latest and greatest. You also get support for 30W wireless charging, which itself is quite impressive, though not as fast as OnePlus flagships.

>>>>BA15 Battery for Vivo X100 Pro

A no-holds-barred hardware package

vivo X200 Pro mini hands-on review - GSMArena.com news
The most impressive part, however, is the camera hardware. At the back, you get a trio of cameras, each backed by a 50-megapixel sensor. One of them is a periscope-style zoom snapper that relies on a tunnel-based folded lens system.

This telephoto camera is actually quite impressive, as it opens the doors for long-distance portrait capture and macro photography. Moreover, all three rear cameras, as well as the 32MP front camera, are backed by autofocus, which is a neat convenience.

Those might sound like figures solely directed at bragging rights. But I’ve used Vivo’s flagships over the past few years, and if there’s one aspect that these phones excel at, it’s the camera output. The video capture capabilities, in particular, are neck and neck with the iPhones and Galaxies out there.

On the software side, there are a bunch of AI tricks that mirror what the Galaxy AI or Apple Intelligence stack has to offer. To handle all that workload, the MediaTek silicon gets support from a minimum of 12GB RAM, though the higher-end version goes up to 16GB, paired with up to 1TB of storage.
Unlike Apple’s stingy approach, the minimum storage capacity starts at 256GB. We are talking about the fast UFS 4.0 storage modules here, but there’s more to the picture.

The Vivo X200 Pro mini’s build is IP69-certified, a rare feat for smartphones. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro only comes with an IP68 clearance. The final shocker, however, is the asking price.

An impossibly alluring mini phone

Vivo x200 Pro Mini in white.

All that smartphone goodness is crammed inside a package that starts at CNY 4,699, which roughly translates to around NZ $1,087based on the current conversion rates. That’s lower than the cheapest mainline iPhone this year and nearly a third of the iPhone 16 Pro’s sticker price.

So far, the phone has only been launched in China, but given Vivo’s history, the X200 Pro mini could soon appear in other markets across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Market availability aside, Vivo’s compact flagship once again proves that small phones can be mighty — and that they can go toe-to-toe against the large-screen flagships without making any compromises.

It’s just a cherry on top that while doing it, they can dramatically undercut the Pro iPhones on the price scale while surpassing them at practically meaningful parameters like battery capacity, sensor resolution, and build resilience.

Take some lessons, Samsung and Google!

Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera and launch details tipped by prominent leaker

Xiaomi 15 Ultra could come with the same periscope telephoto camera as the Vivo X200 Pro (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be one of the brand’s premium smartphones featuring the next-gen Snapdragon 8 series SoC. It’s now tipped to launch within the first quarter of 2025 and will reportedly feature an upgraded periscope telephoto sensor compared to its predecessor.

>>>>BP51 Battery for Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Xiaomi will be among the first brands to launch smartphones featuring the next-gen Snapdragon 8 series SoC. The name of this 3nm mobile chipset has not been confirmed yet, but it may be called the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, Snapdragon 8 Extreme Edition, or Snapdragon 8 Elite. However, leaks around the phones that are expected to feature it are still rolling out in full force.

The latest one comes from Digital Chat Station, a prominent Weibo leaker, who shared some key information about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. According to the tipster, the top-end phone will be launching after the Chinese New Year, which begins with the appearance of the new moon.

That suggests that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra could launch within the first quarter of 2025. This timeframe aligns with the launch timeline of its predecessor, which launched in February of this year.

Besides sharing the possible launch timeframe, Digital Chat Station has also reported on the periscope telephoto camera of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. It’s said to be the same 200 MP Samsung HP9 sensor that’s found in the Vivo X100 Ultra and the X200 Pro models. This periscope sensor is reported to offer 4.3x optical zoom.

As for the other three cameras, a previous leak suggested that the primary camera will be a Sony LYT-900 50 MP primary sensor, while the ultra-wide is said to be a 50 MP IMX858 sensor. The second telephoto will reportedly be a 50 MP IMX858 sensor. So, only the periscope telephoto camera may change in the upcoming flagship.

>>>BP4Q Battery for Xiaomi 14

Digital Chat Station's recent report on Xiaomi 15 Ultra (Image source: Weibo - machine translated)

Digital Chat Station’s recent report on Xiaomi 15 Ultra (Image source: Weibo – machine translated)

I put the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner

It’s the matchup we’ve been waiting for

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung came out swinging for the fence with the launch of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, largely propelled by the slew of Galaxy AI features included on the device. It’s been the top contender in our best Android phones list since then, but Apple’s new flagship is the matchup we’ve been waiting for. That’s why an iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra face-off is necessary to once and for all have a definitive winner as our best phone.

Given how things turned out in our Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max comparison, it inherently gives the newer iPhone 16 Pro Max an edge edge heading into this matchup. That’s because there’s an 8-month gap between the arrival of these two devices, giving Apple the advantage of having the newer handset.

We’ll look at all aspects surrounding the two phones, including their battery life, software, displays, AL features and much more to tell you exactly which one offers more value. These phones don’t come cheap and they’re the epitome of the ultra premium segment that come with extra features you don’t find in other phones.

In this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra showdown, there can only be one that comes out on top. Let’s get started!

>>>>EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Specs

 Galaxy S24 UltraiPhone 16 Pro Max 
Display6.8 inches QHD+ AMOLED (1-120Hz)6.9 inches OLED (1-120Hz)
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Apple A18 Pro
RAM12GB8GB
Storage256GB, 512GB, 1TB256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Battery5,000 mAh4,676 mAh
Rear Cameras200MP main (f/1.7), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 50MP 5x telephoto f/3.4), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4)48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x telephoto,
Front Cameras12MP (f/2.2)12MP
Size6.40 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches
Weight8.22 ounces8 ounces

For now, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is enjoying the time it has left before sailing into the sunset at the start of 2025. Despite offering the richer software, its age is beginning to show and this comparison proves that. Unless you can find Samsung’s phone at a good discount somewhere, you might hold off and save your money on the Galaxy S25 Ultra next year. It’ll be a decent wait for it, but we anticipate bigger upgrades that will make it a more formidable challenger.

Related:EB-BS926ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Design

iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand

(Image credit: Future)
To be fair, both phones make slight alterations with their designs, but they mostly follow the same design language as previous phones. While both phones have flat edges that let them stay upright on their own, that’s about where their similarities end.

Samsung’s design is boxier looking, evident in the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s hard angled corner. You could argue that Samsung’s design looks like the more boring of the two, but it’s much harder to comfortably use one-handed because it’s larger and heavier. While the S24’s titanium frame gives it a premium look, the overall look can’t compare to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S Pen.

(Image credit: Future)
But to be fair, Apple’s design is mostly recycled too. Still, its rounded corners, lighter weight, and slimmer frame make it feel much more manageable. It’s still massive in size, but it helps that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is accompanied by a more solid construction that makes its design feel polished.

Another difference worth pointing out is that the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with the S Pen, which discreetly tucks into the lower left corner of the phone when it’s not being used. Not only does it help in giving off that paper meets pen experience, but it’s also a handy tool for other functions — such as acting as a remote control for the camera.

Meanwhile, Apple introduces the Camera Control button to give users better access to the most popular settings and tools to take better photos. It’s unique in the sense that it can sense swiping gestures in addition to pressure sensitivity, which frees up the Action Button to do other things.

Winner: Draw

>>>A2830 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Display

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra display running colorful vide.

(Image credit: Future)
In the past, Samsung has historically featured the bigger display, but that changes with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This is a shakeup because the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a 6.8-inch Super AMOLED panel.

There’s a lot to like about both OLED displays because they’re perfect for just about everything, from reading an ebook with ease thanks to their high resolutions, all the way to catching up on your favorite streaming shows because of their exceptional viewing angles and rich colors. Believe us when we say you’ll be enchanted by just looking at them. They’re that good!

 iPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Delta-E color accuracy (lower is better)0.240.25
DCI-P3 color gamut coverage (%)80.498.5
Peak brightness1,5531,363

However, today’s phones are mainly judged by how bright they get — and in our testing, it’s the iPhone 16 Pro Max that’s brighter. It reaches a peak brightness of 1,553 nits, which makes it more visible to the eyes with direct sunlight. Even though the Galaxy S24 Ultra earns a respectable mark of 1,363 nits, it doesn’t get as bright when compared to the iPhone. For this reason, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is our choice here.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy Ultra S24: Cameras

Taking a photo with the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

(Image credit: Future)
Without spilling the beans on which has the better cameras, it’s worth noting that these two phones have everything for shooting photos and video with unprecedented quality. Apple fashions a familiar triple camera setup as before that consists of a 48MP main shooter, refreshed 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto with 5x zoom. On paper it matches the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s setup, which includes a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom, and a 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom.

These cameras are no doubt versatile in covering all the ranges, but each has their own charm with the experience. Take the new Camera Control button with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is a button on the phone’s side that allows you to quickly take photos much like an ordinary shutter button on a mirrorless camera. One unique way Apple makes Camera Control stand out is how it can also sense how hard your pressing; it recognizes swiping gestures, too. That makes it easier to zoom and go through all of the iPhones modes and settings.

But the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera app is more suitable to handle the needs of power users and enthusiasts. That’s because it features proper manual controls for photos and video recording, while also throwing in several others like dual recording. And while it lacks a similar shutter button, the S Pen can be leveraged to take photos as well by pressing down its button.

We’ll briefly touch up on the most important areas with their cameras, but our 2 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra better dives into the differences.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max photo sample macro camera

iPhone 16 Pro Max shooting

A cat sleeping

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra shooting

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Performance

It came out to a draw between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max with their performance when we put those two phones to the test, but this time there’s a clear winner. Based on a new 3nm manufacturing process, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s A18 Pro chip proves it has the muscle power to handle whatever we dish out to it.

In Geekbench 6, the iPhone 16 Pro Max widens the divide by posting single and multi-core scores of 3,400 and 8,341 respectively. That’s a much bigger increase from the iPhone 15 Pro Max and it certainly shows when you’re using Apple’s phone and notice the instant response and zippy feel.

iPhone 16 Pro Max running a game.

(Image credit: Future)

 iPhone 16 Pro MaxGalaxy S24 Ultra
Geekbench 6 (single-core/multicore)3,400 / 8,3412,300 / 7,249
3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited (fps)107.53121.81
Adobe Premiere Rush time to transcode (mins:secs)0:210:42

Despite its newer hardware, the iPhone 16 Pro Max still can’t eclipse the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powered Galaxy S24 Ultra when it comes to graphics processing. In 3DMark’s Wild Life Unlimited test, the Galaxy posts an impressive average frame rate of 121.81 fps, which is smoother than the 107.53 fps rate that the iPhone averages.

And finally, there’s our Adobe Rush Premiere test that times how long it takes a phone to transcode a video. Between them, the iPhone posts a faster time of 0:21, which is nearly half the time it takes the Galaxy S24 Ultra to complete the same task.

Synthetic benchmark tests are great to objectively compare both phones, but the iPhone by and large exhibits smoother responses with normal, everyday tasks such as opening apps and scrolling.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Battery

Gaming on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

(Image credit: Future)
Even though Apple doesn’t list the battery capacity in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the company does say that it’s bigger than the power pack inside the iPhone 15 Pro Max. But honestly, it really doesn’t matter because the iPhone 16 Pro Max posts an unbelievable time with our battery benchmark test.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s time of 15 hours and 41 minutes was one of the best when it launched, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max exceeds that with a better 18 hours and 6 minutes time. In our best phone battery life list, it places the iPhone in the third position only bested by the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and OnePlus 12R, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra finds itself in the sixth position.

 iPhone 16 Pro MaxGalaxy S24 Ultra
Battery Life (hours:minutes)18:0615:41
Recharge Level in 15 mins29%39%
Recharge Level in 30 mins55%79%

Over on the recharging side, the Galaxy S24 Ultra easily edges out the iPhone 16 Pro Max thanks to its faster 45W wired charging speed. The S24 Ultra is able to get up to 39% in 15 minutes, then to 79% in 30 minutes. In contrast, the iPhone gets to 29% and 55%, respectively.

Sure, the faster charging speeds of the Ultra are great, but there’s a bigger disparity between their battery life that gives this one to Apple.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Software and AI

Apple’s software has always been intuitive to use, and that’s no different with iOS 18 running on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. On the surface, the latest software update doesn’t shake up the experience as much as previous releases, but it’s nice to see that Apple pays more attention than ever before in giving more customization, personalization, and privacy with its software. We detail everything new and exciting about it in our iOS 18 review.

But the greatest part about the software has nothing to do with iOS 18 at all; instead, the focus is on the features that are unlocked with Apple Intelligence. We’ve been using Apple Intelligence with the iOS 18.1 beta to fully get a grip of what it’s able to do, and for the most part, it elevates the experience to the same level as Samsung’s Galaxy AI. There are handy summarizing tools that gives us oversight to our most important notifications, a new Siri that’s much more conversational, and magic of the Photo Clean Up tool — all of which exists to some degree with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung’s One UI 6.1 goes deeper by offering a slew of features that cater to power users. Not only can we access useful AI-assisted features such as Circle to Search and Google Gemini, but Galaxy AI features enhance the overall experience. Generative AI is clearly well represented in stuff like Generative Edit for removing reflections and unwanted subjects in photos, as well as how Instant Slow-Mo turns any video recording into a slow motion clip.

We also can’t neglect to mention how the S Pen adds to the S24 Ultra experience. It’s a valuable tool with many purposes with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, including the ability to instantly take notes without unlocking the phone, signing PDFs, and using it as a remote shutter for the camera. If that’s not enough to convince you how the Galaxy S24 Ultra is meant for power users, the phone also packs one of the most underrated phone features you’ll find — Samsung DeX. This allows the Galaxy S24 Ultra to mimic the experience of a traditional desktop PC, which is still something you won’t get with the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

All of these are reasons why the Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to have the more compelling software.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Verdict

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which phone will win? |  Laptop Mag
After putting the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra through the seven categories we’re grading them in, the final tally gives a clear win to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This shouldn’t be too much of a shock given how their releases are spaced significantly apart from one another, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max getting the upper hand in many areas. Most notable, it has a brighter display, better cameras, and longer battery life.

 iPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Price (15 points)1311
Design (10 points)99
Display (15 points)1412
Cameras (20 points)2018
Performance (15 points)1514
Battery and charging (10 points)98
Software and special features (15 points)1415
Total (out of 100)9487

For now, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is enjoying the time it has left before sailing into the sunset at the start of 2025. Despite offering the richer software, its age is beginning to show and this comparison proves that. Unless you can find Samsung’s phone at a good discount somewhere, you might hold off and save your money on the Galaxy S25 Ultra next year. It’ll be a decent wait for it, but we anticipate bigger upgrades that will make it a more formidable challenger.

Dell XPS 13 (9350) review: Lunar Lake on defense

Intel faces off against Qualcomm in Dell’s XPS 13.

Dell XPS 13 9350 With Intel Lunar Lake Processors Launched: Price,  Specifications | Technology News

Verdict
The Dell XPS 13 gets long battery life thanks to Intel’s Lunar Lake. While its design is attractive, the touch-based function row is difficult to use as it prioritizes form over function.

>>>>90V7W Battery for Dell XPS 13 9343 9350 JD25G 5K9CP DIN02

Pros
+Long battery life (with LCD display)
+Attractive, minimalist design
Cons
-Capacitive function row isn’t as good as dedicated keys
-No headphone jack
-Pricey

Dell’s XPS 13 is finally available with multiple CPU options. Where previously it only ever came with Intel processors, it’s now available with both Intel’s Core Ultra 2 “Lunar Lake” chips and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite. The competition to be among the best ultrabooks is on.

We tested the Snapdragon version previously, and while Dell’s design is as divisive as ever, it’s hard to argue with a mix of performance and power. That gave us high hopes for the Lunar Lake model.

What the Intel version offers is more app compatibility, and long battery life, but the performance isn’t as good as Qualcomm’s. If you want a Dell XPS 13 with an x86 processor, the XPS 13 (9350) is for you. But if you’re not worried about app compatibility, the Intel versions are challenged by Dell’s embrace of Qualcomm.

related:GM456 Charger for Dell XPS 13-L321X XPS13- 4040SLVUltrabook

Design of the Dell XPS 13 (9350)

Dell XPS 13 9350, Intel Core i5-6th Gen. CPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 13.3 inch  FHD Display – Shabab Al Madina Computer
While Dell first introduced this chassis in 2022 with the XPS 13 Plus (which isn’t that long ago in the scheme of laptop designs), I feel like I’ve seen it many times before, as Dell has released multiple versions across two chip companies.

The XPS 13 is all aluminum and clean lines, with a black lid (at least on our model) and deck. Opening reveals what continues to be Dell’s series of most controversial laptop design choices: a capacitive touch row above a keyboard with no spaces between the keys (Dell calls this “zero-lattice”).

Dell XPS 13 9350

That all adds up to a svelte 11.62 x 0.60 x 0.58-inch package that weighs 2.7 pounds. The Snapdragon version, the XPS 13 (9345), has the same dimensions and weighs 2.62 pounds. Apple’s 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches and 2.7 pounds, while the Asus Zenbook S14 is 12.22 x 8.45 x 0.51 inches and 2.65 pounds.

>>>related:PW23Y Battery for Dell XPS 13 9360 13-9360-D1605G D1705 RNP72 0RNP72 TP1GT 0TP1GT

Dell XPS 13 (9350) Specifications

CPUIntel Core Ultra 7 258V
GraphicsIntel Arc 140V
NPUIntel AI Boost (47 TOPS)
Memory32GB LPDDR5X-LPDDR5x-8533
Storage512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Display13.4-inch, 1920 x 1200, InfinityEdge, 120 Hz
NetworkingIntel Wi-Fi 7 BE201, Bluetooth 5.4
Ports2x Thunderbolt 4 over USB Type-C
Camera1080p, IR
Battery55 WHr
Power Adapter60W USB Type-C
Operating SystemWindows 11 Pro
Dimensions (WxDxH)11.62 x 0.60 x 0.58 inches (295.3 x 199.1 x 15.3 mm)
Weight2.7 pounds (1.22 kg)
Price (as configured)$1,599.99

Keyboard and Touchpad on the Dell XPS 13 (9350)
As long as Dell sticks with this XPS design, the keyboard and touchpad will continue to be controversial.

I don’t have much of a problem with the “zero-lattice” keyboard. Despite looking different from most of the market, the 1 mm of travel feels deeper than expected. On monkeytype, I needed to take some extra time to get used to it, but even at my slowest I was at 99 words per minute.

Dell XPS 13 9350

But I’ll never be able to fully accept the function row, especially for the delete and escape keys. A capable function row is just too important, and you shouldn’t have to look down to change the volume, screen brightness, or even hit escape or CTRL + ALT + Delete (the latter of which is on the function row). We’re going into our third year with this design, and it’s time for Dell to give up and add buttons. Is this system extremely pretty? Yes. But when I use this function row, it feels like Dell chose to make a sleek system rather than a usable one.

I feel a bit less strongly about the touchpad. I’m into haptics, but I still wish, even after using several models, that Dell would put a border around the touchpad, like Apple does on the MacBook Air. It’s better for usability, and while I never veered off of the touchpad, it gives me a sense of confidence to know the borders.

Upgradeability of the Dell XPS 13 (9350)
To remove the bottom of the laptop, you need to remove six Torx screws from the bottom of the laptop. One of the screws on our unit stripped, but Dell’s publically available owner’s manual shows that the rest of the process is identical to what we’ve seen on other XPS 13 systems with this design. (If you do go looking for the manual, make sure you don’t find the one for the previous XPS 13 (9350) released almost a decade ago).

Dell XPS 13 9350

You can remove the base with just your fingers once the screws are out. That being said, inside, the only replaceable parts are the battery and the SSD. The RAM has never been upgradeable in the current XPS 13 design, but in this case, that’s because it’s actually on the CPU package.

Battery Life on the Dell XPS 13 (9350)
Intel’s big promise with its Core Ultra Series 2 (“Lunar Lake”) chips has been making x86 more efficient than ever. But with the new XPS 13, that will also heavily depend on what kind of screen you get. Dell loaned us a second unit with identical specs, except for a 2880 x 1800 OLED panel. It showed a surprisingly wide difference in battery life.
The laptop with a 1920 x 1200 LCD screen ran for 17 hours and 29 minutes (though part of that may have been held back by one outlier run in our average). The version with the higher-resolution OLED panel lasted just 8 hours and 40 minutes. Me? I’d take the lower resolution screen for the tradeoff.

The leader in this test was the Snapdragon version of the XPS 13, model 9345. That version, also with the 1920 x 1200 screen, ran for 19:31. The Asus Zenbook S14, using the same chip as this laptop, had a longer battery life with an OLED panel at 13:51.

Heat on the Dell XPS 13 (9350)
We grabbed some skin temperature measurements while running our Cinebench 2024 benchmark gauntlet. The system was fairly cool considering how stressful this benchmark is. The keyboard hit 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit, while the touchpad (or at least, the part of the deck where the haptics are) reached 88.7 F. The hottest point on the bottom, in a corner near the vent, measured 101.3 F.

Webcam on the Dell XPS 13 (9350)
The 1080p webcam on the Dell XPS 13 (9350) was serviceable in good light. It’s color accurate, and while it’s not the sharpest I’ve ever looked, I would use this webcam on important video calls. I never had an issue with the IR camera for Windows Hello, which was swift and reliable.

For those who want to blur backgrounds or experiment with filters, Lunar Lake can use Windows Studio Effects.

Software and Warranty on the Dell XPS 13 (9350)
Dell has its fair share of software preinstalled on the system, but it’s not overwhelming.

The primary app is MyDell, which has options to see other Dell applications, customize audio and adjust your display’s color profiles. There is a link for making network changes in another app, but it didn’t have an application for that on our review unit.

Dell Digital Delivery lets you install software purchased with your system, while SupportAssist gives you easy access to your service tag, performs hardware scans, and, surprisingly, features a working section to optimize your Wi-Fi network. Huh.

There’s also a trial of McAfee (Dell also includes a bookmark in the Edge browser, which cheapens the experience a bit).

Like most Windows notebooks, there are some links in the Start menu to the Windows store, including apps like Spotify and LinkedIn. Intel includes its Intel Unison app.

Bottom Line
The latest Dell XPS 13 prioritizes efficiency over performance. If you get the version with the 1920 x 1200 screen and forego OLED, you can get almost 17 and a half hours of battery life. Not bad.

But there’s still the fact that there’s another XPS 13 out there, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite version, that lasted longer on our tests and offers stronger performance. What Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 chips offer here are x86 compatibility. For those who do most of their work in a web browser, the XPS 13 (9345) with Snapdragon may be a better choice.

If you’re worried about software compatibility, though. That makes x86 the only game in town. That being said, other Lunar Lake laptops, like the Asus Zenbook S14, offer a more traditional design, including a headphone jack and standard function keys that are more accessible. It’s great to see Dell offer a variety of processors in its flagship laptop. Now it’s time to make it work for a greater variety of people.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max review – Lots of small improvements for the top smartphone

(Photo: Daniel Schmidt, edited generatively)

Ahoy, camera button! The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s largest smartphone. Its display has once again grown and this year, a dedicated camera button has found its way onto the iPhone. However, it has more to offer than just that, even if Apple Intelligence isn’t yet available in the EU.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max follows last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. Amongst other things, the smartphone has been given a more modern SoC, which forms an important basis for the new Apple Intelligence. Unfortunately, the AI functions from Apple won’t be coming to the EU for the time being and even in the US, they will follow at a later date.

Aside from a new chipset, its camera has been given a new ultra-wide-angle sensor, Wi-Fi 7 is finally on board, it features an improved Ceramic Shield and has a dedicated camera button. In addition, the iPhone is said to be even more sustainable, as it is now easier to repair and is manufactured using more recycled materials.

Also:A2830 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (iPhone 16 Series)
Processor:Apple A18 Pro 6 x – 4 GHz
Graphics adapter:Apple A18 Pro GPU      Memory:8 GB, LPDDR5
Display:6.90 inch 19.55:9, 2868 x 1320 pixel 458 PPI, Capacitive, Super Retina XDR OLED, Ceramic Shield, LTPO 1 – 120 Hz, Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, glossy: yes, HDR, 120 Hz
Storage:256 GB NVMe, 256 GB
, 238 GB free
Weight:227 g ( = 8.01 oz / 0.5 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)   Price:NZ$2,399
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

>>>>>A2866 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Case – A new color for the 16 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to rely on a frame made of a titanium alloy and weighing in at 227 grams, it is a little heavier. According to the manufacturer, it has a thickness of 8.25 millimeters, while we measured 8.3 millimeters. The camera hump has grown a little, now adding an additional 4.3 millimeters (15 Pro Max: 4.1 mm), resulting in a build height of 12.6 millimeters at the thickest point.

Even so, the iPhone 16 Pro Max isn’t top-heavy and feels comfortable to hold despite its size. Its build quality is great and the feel of the materials is excellent. All the gaps are tight and even. Only a slight creaking noise could be heard when trying to twist it. The SIM slot cover sits flush with the frame and even the tray for the nano-SIM is made of metal.

The Apple smartphone is IP68-certified, so it is dust and waterproof. It also complies with the IEC standard 60529, meaning it can be submerged to a depth of up to six meters for at least 30 minutes without any problems. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in Natural Titanium, white, black and Desert Titanium. The latter is the color of our test device.

(Photo: Daniel Schmidt)

>>>>>A2850 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Connectivity – The iPhone 16 series with a camera button

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max - Apple

(Image credit: Apple)
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a fast USB 3.2 port (Gen 2), which achieved high transfer rates of 498.85 MB/s in our copying test with a connected Samsung 980 Pro (Asus ROG Strix Arion Case, USB 3.2 Gen. 2). External data carriers can be formatted with all file systems commonly used by Apple, and FAT32 and exFAT are also supported. The interface also supports wired image output in Ultra HD at up to 60 frames per second and HDR.

The action button is also on board once more and adding to this on the opposite long side of the phone is a dedicated camera button. In itself, this isn’t really anything new, as you can also find this feature in other phones, such as the Xperia 1 VI. However, Apple has come up with some new ideas, as the button is also a sensor surface that can recognize pressure and swipe gestures and is protected by sapphire glass. The camera can be launched directly using this button—a long press starts a video recording, and you can use swipe gestures to change the depth of field, for example. An upcoming update will also allow different pressure levels to be recognized in order to control the autofocus and exposure even more effectively. Whether the button represents added value probably depends on personal preference. In any case, it already works very well.

Moreover, the phone comes with a 2nd-gen ultra-wideband chip (UWB), Bluetooth 5.3 as well as NFC.

Top
Left: SIM, volume, action button
Right: power, camera control
Bottom: speaker, microphone, USB, microphone

Software – The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with iOS 18
The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes delivered with iOS 18 and in our test, it ran using version 18.0.1. It will likely receive updates for at least five years. iOS 18 sees Apple having added lots of customization options and laying the foundation for Apple Intelligence.

These are AI functions that are intended to enable intelligent image and video editing, for example to remove unwanted objects or people from images. Apple’s AI can also summarize, write or correct texts. Siri should also benefit by filtering out slips of the tongue or answering follow-up questions. The first version will be rolled out in the US with iOS 18.1, with other English-speaking regions to follow by the end of the year. Only the EU has been left out in the cold so far, which Apple justifies with uncertainties in connection with the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). It will therefore probably not be available before the first quarter of 2025, but Apple wants to create the linguistic basis by then. Why Samsung and Google, among others, are already able to offer very similar and even more AI functions in Europe will probably remain the Californians’ secret.

Cameras – New ultra-wide angle and Ultra HD at 120fps

The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s front-facing camera has remained unchanged, and it comes with an autofocus once more. The photos look great and there are lots of settings options. You can record video in Ultra HD at best (60fps, Dolby Vision).

The main camera has a 48-MP sensor which uses optical image stabilization with a sensor-shift (Gen 2). A 3D sensor shift also stabilizes the zoom, which again allows 5x optical magnification and 25x digital magnification. New, however, is the 48-MP ultra-wide-angle sensor which also serves as a macro lens.

The primary camera uses pixel binning and usually takes pictures at 24 MP (12 and 48 MP are also possible). The resulting shots look good overall and can be customized individually or using predefined settings via the photography styles if required. Compared to the competition, however, its slightly lower dynamic range is noticeable in the lake scene. The iPhone also delivers a strong performance in low light.
The main lens nominally shoots with a focal length of 24 mm. However, 28 and 35 mm can also be used without loss via a sensor crop. 5x optical zoom is available for longer focal lengths and can also be used digitally up to a tenfold magnification. A maximum of 25x zoom is possible, the results of which can be seen during post-processing, but they are basically still okay as long as their use doesn’t go beyond social media. The image stabilization works very well and keeps things looking stable even at longer focal lengths. However, the camera button can hardly be used in this case, as its pressure point is very firm, which can quickly lead to the camera shaking when zooming.

Videos can be recorded in Ultra HD at best, with frame rates ranging from 24 to 120fps, including PAL formats at 25, 50 and 100fps. Dolby Vision is also on board again. If required, videos can be recorded in ProRes, provided an external data carrier is connected to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. You can even do so at a high frame rate. These 10-bit HDR recordings are possible in Ultra HD at up to 120fps, but require more storage space due to their lower compression and are limited to 8 minutes. The new 120fps recordings make impressive slow-motion videos possible, including Dolby Vision. Spatial videos for Vision Pro (1,080p @ 30fps) can also be recorded.

Apple promises nothing less than studio quality for its microphones, and they actually proved to be very low-noise during our test. With the new Audio Mix tool, the sound post-processing of videos is very extensive and you can even suppress unwanted noises outside the image, which can also be graded and works wonderfully in everyday life.

A macro image shot with the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Sustainability
The packaging of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is completely plastic-free and, according to Apple, the smartphone is made from over 25 % recycled materials and features a high recycling rate. You can find all the details on Apple’s website, including detailed sustainability reports on most of its products.

Apple has additionally improved the iPhone’s repairability, as confirmed by our colleagues at iFixit. Many components are now easier to access and can be replaced without damaging the device. However, Apple still doesn’t sell spare parts to private individuals.

Compared to the 15 Pro Max, our 256-GB version’s CO2 footprint over its entire life cycle has only been slightly reduced from 75 to 74 kg CO2e. The 1-TB version uses 3 kg less.

Communication and GNSS – Wi-Fi 7 without 320 MHz

The iPhone comes without 320 MHz support, halving its potential data rates.

The iPhone comes without 320 MHz support, halving its potential data rates.
At first, there was great joy: Wi-Fi 7 at last! But then a little disillusionment set in, as the iPhone 16 Pro Max only supports up to 160 MHz and is therefore just as fast as when using the Wi-Fi 6E network.

While its transmission rates to our reference router, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 (Wi-Fi 6E, 6 GHz), reached a peak of 1,435 MBit/s when transmitting, we noted 1,427 MBit/s with Wi-Fi 7 to an AVM Fritz!Box 5690 Pro (Wi-Fi 7, MLO, 6 GHz). For comparison: the Xiaomi 14 achieves 2,382 MBit/s on the same AVM router, whereby the 2.5 GBit port of the router is the bottleneck, as the Xiaomi even manages up to 3,957 MBit/s on the TP-Link Archer BE800. However, the iPhone’s transmission performance is still stable and MLO is also supported.

When it comes to mobile communications, the Apple smartphone is exemplary, as it supports a large number of frequency bands for all standards, so it should be able to establish the best possible connection worldwide.

Telephone functions and call quality
When held up to your ear, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers natural voice sound and also does a good job of suppressing annoying ambient noise—provided it isn’t too loud. In loudspeaker mode, the iPhone also performs well, but the user then sounds somewhat muffled.

The Apple smartphone still supports a physical nano SIM card in Germany, where this test was carried out, and can also be expanded with an eSIM. Dual SIM operation is also only possible with eSIMs. In the USA, the phone no longer comes with a physical SIM card slot.

The dual SIM function can be configured extensively during setup: A primary call line must be defined, which can be individually adjusted later for each contact. Both phone numbers can be used for FaceTime if required. Mobile data can be set to one SIM, but the cell phone can optionally switch to the other line if the primary line is too weak. One small drawback is the lack of dual app support. Although this can be compensated for via apps from the App Store, there is always a charge.

Accessories and warranty – Now without a sticker
Apple has further slimmed down the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s scope of delivery, but it still comes with a SIM tool and a USB-C cable. The latter is again covered in fabric. However, there is no longer an Apple sticker included.

The range of optional accessories continues to grow, not least thanks to protective covers from Beats , which are also MagSafe-compatible. If you still need a suitable power supply unit (30 watts), you will have to invest US$39 for the rather bulky original model.

Its warranty only lasts for 12 months. You can also take out an optional insurance package called Care+. This costs a one-off fee of US$199 and includes unlimited repairs in the event of accidental damage, express replacement service and priority support. Depending on the damage, additional charges may apply. Theft and loss can also be insured for US$269, which covers up to two cases per year. If you prefer, you can also pay for the service on a monthly basis (US$9.99 or US$13.49), which has a minimum term of two years, but can also run for longer.

(photo: Daniel Schmidt)
The beats cases are an attractive alternative. (photo: Daniel Schmidt)

Battery life – The iPhone 16 Pro Max with over 18 Wh
Power consumption
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has quite a low power consumption which has been greatly improved compared to the 15 Pro Max, especially when switched off. Compared to the competition, its consumption is higher with maximum manual display brightness, but this is due to its higher luminosity.

The iPhone can be charged at 4.5 to 30 watts but it actually doesn’t work as effectively. Using a 30-watt power supply from Apple, the 4,685 mAh battery can be charged to 54 % within 30 minutes—the 80 % mark is reached after one hour and the iPhone needs a further 64 minutes for the remaining 20 %. All in all, this is a very long time, but it also saves battery power.

7.5 watts can be used wirelessly via Qi and 15 watts using Qi2. Up to 25 watts are possible with a MagSafe charger. The iPhone can charge other devices via USB-C at up to 4.5 watts.

Verdict – The bar has been raised again

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a good total package. Although it only comes with some minor improvements compared to last year’s model, the leap is still big if you’re coming from an iPhone 13 Pro or an older model. The smartphone boasts a brilliant display, great performance and a versatile camera setup.

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is clearly no bargain, but it is a true powerhouse.

From a hardware standpoint, Apple has done lots right—only its lack of the 320-MHz band for Wi-Fi 7 is a little confusing. We would also like to have seen at least one high-res codec for Bluetooth.

Its charging speeds aren’t particularly fast, but this is because Apple has placed its focus on the longevity of its energy storage units. Even so, a little more could definitely have been possible.

Why the new Apple Intelligence functions aren’t being released directly in Europe remains questionable. By the time this happens, Samsung’s Galaxy AI will have been on the market for more than a year.

Within the Apple universe, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the measure of all things; if you prefer smaller smartphones, then the iPhone 16 Pro could be a viable alternative. If you’d like to make use of AI functions immediately, then you should take a look at the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Magic6 Pro, which also has a lot going for itself.

>>>>EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Price and availability
You can purchase the new Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max directly from Apple, as well as from most major online retailers, including Amazon.

Sony LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open review: Two designs, one clear champ

Sony LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open review: Two designs, one clear champ

SONY’s LinkBuds range has two main purposes. First, it gave the company a platform to launch radically different designs, such as the first generation of LinkBuds in the shape of doughnuts. It also allowed SONY to develop the LinkBuds S, a more traditional product that offers a taste of its flagship product at an inexpensive price.

Two years after the launch of LinkBuds and LinkBuds S, SONY has introduced a completely new product and improved on the original. With LinkBuds Fit, the company has developed a suite of fully functional, comfortable earbuds with impressive sound. With LinkBuds Open, SONY has tweaked its unique open wear mode by updating some of its tools. Next up is the third product in the LinkBuds trio, the LinkBuds Speaker, which is designed to seamlessly integrate with two pairs of new earbuds when you get home or to work. This is what I’ve been saying about these products since SONY launched them, so be prepared because you’re going to get three reviews for one price.

>>>>Z52H Battery for Sony LinkBuds S WFLS900N/B WFL900/H

LinkBuds Fit

Sony LinkBuds Fit Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds | Violet - Limited  edition | WF-LS910N/V
Sony flexes its mobile audio muscle on the LinkBuds Fit, combining great sound with tons of features.

Pros

  • Tiny, comfy design
  • Surprisingly big sound
  • Lots of handy features

Cons

  • ANC performance is lacking
  • Battery life
  • Call quality is fine, but not great

>>>>>Z52H Battery for Sony LinkBuds S WFLS900N/B WFL900/H

Sony’s LinkBuds S were a low-key hit in 2022. They have some of the great features from the 1000X line, with a similar overall shape, too. Small and comfy.With this year’s LinkBuds Fit, Sony has debuted the next progression in its active noise canceling (ANC) LinkBuds.
This is the option for people who prefer a closed design and a secure fit. Sony completely redesigned the LinkBuds Fit, aiming for the optimum shape for most people. To get there, the company made the main housing a lot smaller, as the whole thing tucks almost entirely into your ear. There’s a so-called Air Cushion silicon support wing that’s hollow instead of solid. This allows more flexibility, and honestly it’s more comfortable since you can tuck it into the ridges of your ears however you need to. The combination of the smaller size and the Air Cushion make the LinkBuds Fit some of the most comfy in-ears I’ve tested. Even though they plug your ears closed, they never become a burden, even after hours of constant use.

One of the best things about the LinkBuds S was the impressive sound quality for the price. That continues on the LinkBuds Fit as Sony offers balanced tuning right out of the box. There’s crisp highs, ample mid range and snappy bass throughout most genres.Vol. 2. Plus, the company’s DSEE Extreme upscaling can help restore some audio quality lost over compression for Bluetooth streaming. Audio presets and a 5-band EQ are here for adjustments, but I didn’t even think about using them.

The sound capabilities of LinkBuds Fit are on full display in BONES UK’s Soft. Crunchy guitars, humming basslines and punchy kick drums provide a full, deep sound field with textured sounds floating around. Interestingly, LinkBuds Fit’s heavy rhythm has nuances, not just the rhythm of one note. All this sound improvement is partly due to the earbuds inherits the dynamic driver X and the integrated processor V2 audio chip from 1000X. The WF-1000XM5 has more surround sound, but not much, as SONY has narrowed the gap between its flagship model and the LinkBuds line – for now.

>>>>723741 Battery for Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony LinkBuds Fit Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds | Violet - Limited  edition | WF-LS910N/V

Features like Adaptive Sound Control, multipoint Bluetooth and Speak to Chat make their return on the LinkBuds Fit from the LinksBuds S. But Sony has gone well beyond those with a host of new conveniences. The company took a page from Apple’s book and now allows you to answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking your head. There’s also a built-in voice control that doesn’t require your phone’s assistant, something akin to what Bose offers on the new QuietComfort Earbuds. And because the earbuds are so small, there aren’t onboard touch controls. Instead, Sony employs the Wide Area Tap gestures from the original open-design LinkBuds. They work really well, but I will never be comfortable tapping my upper cheek to make adjustments.

Perhaps the only area where the LinkBuds Fit fall well short of the WF-1000XM5 is ANC performance. I’d call this active noise reduction more than cancellation. You’ll get some relief from constant sources like white noise machines or a raucous fan, but these earbuds don’t silence them. They also struggle mightily with human voices, so if you sit near a chatty coworker, you’ll have to crank up the volume to compensate.

For calls, the LinkBuds Fit will give you better-than-average voice clarity, which means you’ll sound better than if you’re on speakerphone. The earbuds also do a decent job of blocking background noise, although I noticed a slight delay in them picking up sounds that began during calls. Sony also boasts that this model has its “best ambient sound,” and while I’m not ready to bestow that honor, the audio mode does have a natural quality that makes it pleasant to use. Plus, a new Auto Ambient Sound feature can automatically adjust the level of transparency when you encounter a noisy environment.

With the LinkBuds Fit, Sony says you can expect up to five and a half hours with ANC on and 21 hours total when you factor in the case. There are a lot of advanced features at work here, and those have an impact on power consumption. With the volume at a comfortable 75-80 percent, I only managed around four hours and 45 minutes. That’s with noise-canceling active as well as Voice Control, Speak to Chat and DSEE Extreme all enabled. The good news is that Sony offers a tool called Auto Battery Save that will disable the latter three tools, as well as any EQ tweaks, to conserve power. This will extend things beyond the 5.5-hour mark, but not by a ton.

The LinkBuds Fit are a massive advancement over the LinkBuds S. In fact, they’re some of the best earbuds Sony has ever made. But they aren’t without a few significant faults. My primary gripe is ANC performance, and though it’s the only one, it’s a biggie. Like it usually does on the 1000X line, Sony has packed in a ton of features here, and for the most part they work as advertised. It’s clear the company is taking notes from the competition with the Apple-esque head gestures and automatic sound adjustments, in addition to the Bose-like built-in assistant. But, somehow, Sony managed to innovate and keep the price tag exactly the same as the LinkBuds S.

LinkBuds Open

The LinkBuds Open show progression from the first-gen model, but they’re still uncomfortable.

Pros

  • Improved sound quality
  • More features than the previous version
  • Unique design

Cons

  • More expensive than their predecessor
  • Still uncomfortable
  • Good sound requires some tweaks

The original LinkBuds were wonderfully weird. After years of very normal-looking earbuds (besides the Xperia Ear Duo), Sony took a big swing in early 2022 with the donut-shaped, open design model that sought to provide all-day wear while keeping your earbuds unobstructed from your environment. They were different, but they were unique, with their own drizzle of Sony’s special sauce. However, overall comfort was a big issue, and one the company sought to remedy on the follow-up with the LinkBuds Open.
To start, Sony reduced the overall size of the IPX4-rated LinkBuds Open. Like the LinkBuds Fit, this model also has the Air Cushion silicon support that’s more flexible. That’s a big improvement from the small hump meant to stabilize the first version that didn’t offer much added support. Unfortunately though, the casing for the ring-shaped driver that sits in your ear is still hard plastic. After about 45 minutes, it became uncomfortable, and after several hours it was downright unbearable. On the bright side, the cheek-based Wide Area Tap controls are back and they’re reliable, if not slightly awkward.

Sony made two key adjustments to improve the sound quality on the LinkBuds Open. First, it built a revamped ring-shaped driver and paired it with the Integrated Processor V2 chip from the 1000X line. These two changes make for louder sound and richer bass, according to Sony. And the claim holds up. You’ll only need around 65-70 percent volume, unless you suffer from some degree of hearing loss. And there is more pronounced low-end tone, though you’ll have to coax it out with an EQ tweak.

By default, the stock tuning is heavily reliant on treble, which means vocals tend to overpower most of the mix. However, Sony’s EQ tools actually help balance things out, and adding more mids and bass makes the LinkBuds Open’s sound profile more well-rounded. After this adjustment, the kick drum thumps under vocals and guitars, an improvement over the default sound profile for Better Lovers’ thunderous, crunching single “A White Horse Covered In Blood.”

The casing for the ring driver is still very rigid.

Like it did with the LinkBuds Fit, Sony brought over a lot of the handy tools from the 1000X earbuds to the Open. Those include multipoint Bluetooth and Speak to Chat, but Adaptive Sound Control automation isn’t here. Sony did add its voice assistant, Adaptive Volume Control and head-gesture recognition for answering calls. The company also offers a fit check via your phone’s camera, something it’s done for other products to check your positioning for 360 Reality Audio. Most of these work well, though in my experience Speak to Chat is still tripped up when I coughed or cleared my throat. And it seemed to be even more sensitive on the LinkBuds Open than other models I’ve tested.

Thanks to the design, the LinkBuds Open are nice to wear during calls since, well, you can hear yourself. However, the quality of your voice on the other end isn’t as clear as what I encountered on the LinkBuds Fit. It will get the job done, but I did sound slightly muffled. And background noise, while subdued, is noticeable at times when I’m talking.

Sony says you should be able to eke out eight hours of use on the LinkBuds Open, a significant improvement over the five and a half hours on the first LinkBuds. Indeed, I had no trouble hitting that number during my tests with DSEE Auto and other power-taxing tools enabled. If you find yourself in a pinch, Sony devised a faster quick charge solution that gives you an hour of use in three minutes. What’s more, Auto Battery Save from the LinkBuds Fit is in play here, automatically disabling advanced features when you hit 20 percent battery to extend listening time.

The LinkBuds Open offer some improvements over the first-gen model, but Sony hasn’t addressed an inherent issue with the design. Simply put, they aren’t comfortable to wear for longer than a few minutes and that will be a problem for a lot of people. I understand the outer shell around the ring driver has to be robust enough to protect it, but there needs to be even the slightest bit of cushioning to relieve the pressure. If Sony fixes that, it will have a more compelling product rather than a novelty.

LinkBuds Speaker
Sony LinkBuds is the first Bluetooth speaker series with wireless charging  and IPX4 protection
The LinkBuds Speaker is designed to be a stationary companion to Sony’s earbuds and headphones, but it doesn’t offer anything more than that.

Pros

  • Tiny but loud
  • Charging dock is included and convenient
  • Auto Play routines are handy

Cons

  • Pricey for the size
  • Restrained bass, absent mid range

The LinkBuds Speaker is an unexpected part of the new LinkBuds lineup. It’s a small Bluetooth speaker that’s designed to be your go-to device when you’re stationary, and is equipped with several features that sync with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open in a bid to make your life easier – at least in terms of listening to music or podcasts.
The LinkBuds Speaker won’t win any design awards, but that’s par for the course with small Bluetooth speakers. Up top are volume and playback controls which you can also use to start music from select streaming services with one tap (Amazon Music, Spotify and Endel). There’s also a microphone for calls, if you’re okay with a no-frills speakerphone option. Around back, the power button sits at the bottom just above a USB-C charging port. There’s also an attached loop here so you can hang the LinkBuds Speaker on a hook or carabiner. That USB-C port is technically the backup charging method though, since the IPX4-rated speaker comes with a charging cradle that connects via metal contacts on the bottom.

All three of the new LinkBuds products are compact for their respective product categories.

The LinkBuds Speaker works with Sony’s new Sound Connect app for access to various settings. There’s one key feature I’ll discuss since it’s unique to this device. First, the app allows you to set up routines so that your music starts at specific times during the day. There’s also an automatic switching element to this that works with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open, along with additional support for the LinkBuds S, WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5. All of this is managed in the Auto Play section of the app.