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The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is so good that I wish I could use it on anything

The best Switch 2 controller is already here

Verdict

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a must-have gamepad for the new console. Much like the original, it provides an astronomically more comfortable gaming experience than the pack-in Joy-Con 2 controllers, and rivals some of the best in the business when it comes to overall feel, build quality, performance, and – of course – battery life, which continues to be best-in-class for any console.

Pros

+Luxurious build quality
+Unbelievably smooth thumbsticks
+Remappable buttons are a welcome addition
+Simply refuses to run out of battery
+NFC and gyro support

Cons

-It’s not compatible with PC (yet)
-No analog trigger option
-It’s not Hall effect

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Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: one-minute review

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller launched alongside the console itself, and I’ve been using it as my go-toSwitch 2gamepad since launch day. While I was already impressed with it at a Switch 2 hands-on preview event a few months back, actually having it at home has solidified it as perhaps my favorite controller of the year.

The mission statement is a simple one: provide an updated version of the excellent Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – easily one of thebest Nintendo Switch controllersfor that original console – while keeping the things players loved about that original model intact. I feel this has mostly been achieved with the Switch 2 Pro Controller.

It’s incredibly comfortable in the hands, sporting simply lovely build quality from chassis to buttons. The thumbsticks are ultra-smooth and responsive, and additions like two remappable buttons on the rear, as well as a headphone jack, are extremely welcome.

Furthermore, theoriginal Pro Controlleris remembered fondly for its frankly absurd battery life, lasting around 40 hours on a single charge. I’m happy to report that’s also the case with the Switch 2 Pro Controller; after three weeks of testing for a few hours most days, I’ve only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen.

So what’s holding it back from truly being the greatest of all time? Well, unlike the original Pro Controller, this new model isn’t currently compatible with PC. It’s likely we’ll need to wait for a Steam compatibility update, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens in the near future. I also would’ve loved a trigger lock feature, allowing players to switch between digital and analog sensitivities to suit a wider range of genres (analog triggers naturally work better for racing games, for example).

Lastly, Nintendo seemingly remains committed to not having Hall effect thumbsticks, which is a massive shame. What this means is that, eventually, I expect the Switch 2 Pro Controller to develop stick drift. Perhaps not as quickly as the Joy-Con 2 – of which there are already reports of users experiencing drift – but for a controller that costs as much as it does, the lack of sturdier Hall effect thumbsticks hurts. Doubly so, considering the sticks themselves feel fantastic during play.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: price and availability

$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
Cheaper on average than a set of Joy-Con 2 ($94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95)
A price increase in the US bumped it up from the originally planned $79.99

If there’s one potential criticism I can levy at the Switch 2 Pro Controller, it’s that it certainly isn’t cheap.

It’s available to purchase now from Nintendo’s own website as well as stocking retailers for $84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95. US folks have it slightly worse here due to a price increase that’s seen the controller’s RRP pushed up from the original $79.99.

Overall, though, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is cheaper in the US than a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99), while being priced the same as those in the UK (£74.99).

That said, cheaper alternatives do exist in controllers like the8BitDo Ultimate 2($69.99 / £59.99 – around AU$90). This is an exceptional controller that’s well worth looking into, especially as it’s recently received a firmware update to allow for Switch 2 connectivity.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Specs

	$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
Weight	8.3oz / 235g
Dimensions	5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch 2
Connection type	Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)
Battery life	Around 40 hours

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: design and features

Pleasing light gray-on-black aesthetic design
Adds GameChat and GL/GR buttons, as well as a headphone jack
Otherwise, very similar to the original Pro Controller

Put the Switch 2 Pro Controller side by side with the original model, and you’ll notice a lot of similarities. Its large face buttons are about the same size here, the d-pad is very similar, and the controller still uses digital triggers. I think an option for quicker triggers would’ve been nice here, via trigger locks, for genres like racing games. But there are some other upgrades here that I’m very happy about.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller adds some very welcome features. There’s a dedicated GameChat button like we see on the Joy-Con 2 for accessing the console’s bespoke voice chat system. Additionally, you’re getting a 3.5mm headphone jack, which – alarmingly – wasn’t present on the original Pro Controller. Lastly, a pair of GL/GR buttons on the rear of the pad can be remapped on a per-game basis, though I’ll touch more on those in the following performance section.

In terms of looks, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is simple, but pretty eye-catching. The semi-translucent look of the original has been replaced with a matte black shell. Meanwhile, the top that houses the bumpers and triggers – as well as the thumbstick shafts – have taken on a light gray coating that I think looks nice juxtaposed against the otherwise all-black gamepad. I wouldn’t say it’s winning any awards in the aesthetics department, but it’s a simple and elegant design that doesn’t look out of place.

Otherwise, there isn’t much to report on the design front beyond the fact that this is an incredibly comfortable asymmetrical controller that sits firmly in the hands. I find that the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s grips are of a perfect size, and the pad fits snugly in my hands with my index fingers set firmly on the triggers. I felt this way about the original Pro Controller, too, but its successor does feel ever so slightly more refined in this regard. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Performance

Thumbsticks feel excellent during gameplay
A frankly absurd amount of battery life
GL/GR buttons are actually a godsend

Right away, let’s talk about the thing that most people fondly remember the original Pro Controller for – its seemingly endless battery life. While there have been no noticeable improvements here with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, I can’t exactly say that’s a bad thing.

Yep, you can expect this new model to go the distance with around 40-45 hours of battery life. Since launch, on average, I’ve played my Switch 2 with the Pro Controller for around 1-3 hours daily.

Three weeks later, I have only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen. This is absolutely best-in-class battery life that leaves even the best Nintendo Switch controllers in the dust. It is worth noting that such a hefty battery does take some time to charge up again – around 3-4 hours to be exact – but do this overnight via USB-C and you’ll never need to worry about running out of juice.

Otherwise, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is just a joy to play games with. The thumbsticks are the real heroes here, feeling almost impossibly smooth and incredibly responsive during play.

This makes precise platformers likeSuperMario3D World + Bowser’s Furyor white knuckle racers likeF-Zero GXfeel fantastic to play (even if the latter still benefits more from the wireless GameCube controller’s button layout).

My one gripe here would be that the thumbsticks are not Hall effect, with Nintendo seemingly opting once again for more traditional potentiometers. It’s a frustrating commitment that we also see fromSonyandMicrosoftin their first-party pads, and as a result, it’s currently hard to gauge just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sticks will last before developing drift. That said, the thumbsticks here do feel decidedly sturdier than those on the Joy-Con 2, so I do expect them to last a good deal longer.

However, I think my favorite addition to the Switch 2 Pro Controller has to be the rear GL/GR buttons. We’ve seen remappable buttons like these on countless third-party controllers, but I really like how Nintendo has implemented them. By holding down the Home button while in-game, you’ll bring up a quick menu that lets you assign GL and GR as secondary inputs.

This works on a per-game basis, too, meaning you don’t need to constantly reassign them while you’re hopping from game to game. They can be an absolute lifesaver, too. InThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,for example, I bound the sprint and jump actions to these buttons, letting me still have access to camera controls.

Similarly, inHyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition,binding the left and right d-pad inputs to GL/GR let me cycle through my inventory of items without having to stop moving or adopt an awkward claw grip instead.

Otherwise, you can expect a controller that performs just as well as the original where it counts. Gyro aiming is still incredibly solid and accurate for games likeSplatoon 3,and you still have near-field communication (NFC) support for scanning amiibo figures in your favorite games. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller?

Buy it if…

You want a cheaper (and better) Joy-Con 2 alternative
Sure, you’re not getting the Joy-Con 2’s fancy directional rumble or their aptitude for co-op play. But given the lower US price point, higher comfort factor, and sublime thumbsticks and GL/GR buttons, the Pro Controller wins out for me.

You prefer wireless play
You’re absolutely laughing here, as the Switch 2 Pro Controller seriously goes the distance in terms of battery life, putting in an impressive 40+ hours on an average full charge.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a budget
While I wholeheartedly recommend the Switch 2 Pro Controller at its price point, I can’t say it’s exactly cheap. There are more affordable options around $10-$20 cheaper that do a similar job, such as the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate 2, or indeed the original Pro Controller.

You’ve had bad luck with stick drift
Without drift-resistant Hall effect sticks, I can’t say for sure just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s thumbsticks will last before developing drift. If you’ve fallen foul of stick drift in the past, you may want to consider some alternatives.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Also consider

If the Switch 2 Pro Controller isn’t exactly what you’re after, there are a couple of great alternatives for you to consider.

	Switch 2 Pro Controller	8BitDo Ultimate 2	Switch Pro Controller
Price	$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95	$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$90 (or $59.99 / £49.99 for PC-only model)	$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.95
Weight	8.3oz / 235g	8.7oz / 246g	8.7oz / 246g
Dimensions	5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm	5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm	5.9 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 152 x 106 x 60mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch 2	PC, Android (Switch/Switch 2 version sold separately)	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Connection type	Bluetooth, USB Type-C	2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB Type-C	Bluetooth, USB Type-C
Battery life	Around 40 hours	10-15 hours	Around 40 hours

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leica flagship launches in limited colors with brand-new camera grip

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is being re-released in three limited colors and, at the same time, is getting a brand-new camera grip that differs from the older Photography Kit in both design and functionality. Xiaomi has developed a brand new camera handle for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi has developed a brand new camera handle for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is getting three limited editions in purple, aquamarine and brown. The flagship was previously only available in white, black and silver. Xiaomi retains the two-part design of the back from the silver variant – one strip is made of silver metal, while the area underneath has a colorful leather cover.

This division gives the smartphone a look vaguely reminiscent of rangefinder cameras of yesteryear. Probably not a coincidence, given that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is primarily aimed at photography enthusiasts. Even more exciting is that Xiaomi has also unveiled a new Photography Kit, which is also available in the three aforementioned colors. This “fashion photography kit” features a much more rounded camera grip, making it appear “softer” and less prominent than the older Photography Kit.

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The range of functions has been reduced somewhat – the new camera grip only has a dedicated shutter button that also recognizes when it is half-pressed in order to, for example, lock the autofocus and autoexposure. There is also a button for starting a video recording. Weighing 42 grams, the new grip is also lighter, but likely lacks an integrated battery. Further details on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra can be found in ourdetailed review.

Price and Availability

Xiaomi has not yet confirmed when or at what price the new versions of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra or the new Photography Kit will be launched.

Android camera phone face-off: I compared the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro, and OnePlus 13 – and there’s a clear winner

Three titans of mobile photography face off

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in the Coral Mous case, the OnePlus 13 in its magnetic case and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in a Mous Limitless case

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in a Mous case (left), Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in a Mous case (right), OnePlus 13 (top)

There’s no denying that theiPhone 16 Procounts among thebest camera phonesin 2025, but if you’re not interested in usingApple’s wares, the Android side of the fence has a far more varied and versatile range of alternatives to consider.

Three of the best and brightest right now come from Google, OnePlus, andSamsung, whose 2025 flagships all boast top-tier performance and the latest AI smarts, while also touting some of the finest photographic abilities in the mobile space.

ThePixel 9 Prosports the series’ most advanced imaging hardware, backed by the brand’s ever-impressive AI-enabled post-processing magic. TheOnePlus 13once again features a camera system tuned by famed photography brand Hasselblad, and theGalaxy S25 Ultraoffers a variety of large sensors with Samsung’s richest image and video toolset to date.

Each of the scenarios tested in this comparison will include a category winner, but while one phone might demonstrate technical superiority over its rivals, ultimately, the best phone here depends on which you think took the best photos overall.

Some phones favor accuracy, while others deliver more stylized and striking shots, which might be more to your taste. Read on to see how these three camera kings compare.

Note:Unless otherwise specified, comparison shots in galleries are presented in the following order: Pixel, OnePlus, Galaxy.

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Specs comparison

Here’s how the three phones in question compare from a specs perspective:

	Pixel 9 Pro	OnePlus 13	Galaxy S25 Ultra
Price (at launch):	Pro: $999 / £999 / AU$1,699; Pro XL: $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849	Pro: $899 / £899 / AU$1,499	$1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,199
Chipset:	Google Tensor G4	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Main camera:	50MP, 1.2μm pixels, ƒ/1.68, 82° FoV, 1/1.31-inch sensor, OIS	50MP, 1.12μm pixels, ƒ/1.6, 85° FoV, 23mm, 1/1.4-inch sensor, OIS	200MP, 0.6µm pixels, ƒ/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3-inch sensor, OIS
Ultra-wide camera:	48MP, ƒ/1.7, 123° FoV, 1/2.55-inch sensor	50MP, ƒ/2.0, 120° FoV, 1/2.75-inch sensor	50MP, ƒ/1.9, 120˚ FoV, 1/2.55-inch sensor
Telephoto camera:	48MP, ƒ/2.8, 22° FoV, 1/2.55-inch sensor, 5x periscope optical zoom, OIS	50MP, ƒ/2.6, 32.8° FoV, 1/1.95-inch sensor, 3x Triprism periscope optical zoom, OIS	10MP, ƒ/2.4, 67mm, 1/3.52-inch, 1.12µm pixels, 3x optical zoom, OIS
Secondary telephoto camera:	N/A	N/A	50MP, ƒ/3.4, 111mm, 1/2.52-inch, 0.7µm pixels, PDAF, OIS, 5x periscope optical zoom
Front camera:	42MP, ƒ/2.2, 103° FoV, 1/2.51-inch sensor, dual pixel PDAF	32MP, ƒ/2.4, 90° FoV, 1/2.74-inch sensor, dual pixel PDAF	12MP ƒ/2.2, 1/3.2-inch, 1.12µm pixels, 26mm, dual pixel PDAF
Key imaging technology:	Pro controls, 10-bit HDR video, Magic Editor, Best Take, Add Me, Photo Unblur, Motion Mode, Real Tone, Night Sight, Astrophotography, Top Shot, Live HDR+, Video Boost	Dual Exposure Algorithm, Clear Burst, Action Mode, Livephoto, Smart Modes (stage, fireworks, silhouettes), Nightscape, Master mode, XPAN, 4K Dolby Vision video	ProVisual Engine, Reflection removal, Generative fill, Astrophotography, Pro Mode, Pro VideoMode, Dual Recording, Nightography, Instant Slow-mo, Photo Assist, Super HDR, Super Steady video

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Main sensor

Let’s start with the camera you’re likely to use the majority of the time: the main sensor. Below are shots taken without edits, as if you’d just opened the camera app, lined up your subject, and hit the shutter.

As a result, we can compare just how each phone’s camera has been tuned to handle everything from white balance and color reproduction to dynamic range and detail.

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Statue of Joshua Reynolds

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample statue OnePlus 13 camera sample statue Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample statue

This brightly backlit statue poses a good challenge for the average camera phone; not just because of the high contrast scene, but as a result of the muted tones of the stonework, which juxtapose the vibrant blue sky and bright clouds behind.

The Pixel produced the most technically impressive shot, with itsHDRalgorithm ensuring detail was retained even in the darkest areas of the scene. Lots of color information was retained, too, with accurate blues and reds in the sky and flag, as well as reflecting off the front of the statue itself.

One criticism would be that, perhaps, the HDR processing is too heavy-handed, resulting in a flatter and less dynamic image.

As for the OnePlus 13, what’s assumed to be a slightly more limited dynamic range, paired with heavier-handed processing, results in a more dramatic shot, with a darker overall appearance and more pronounced shadows.

While the stopped-down (i.e. decreased aperture) scene delivers richer detail in the bright cloud compared to the Pixel, the result is otherwise underexposed, while color depth appears lacking when comparing the RA poster in the right of frame.

Lastly, we have the S25 Ultra’s take: a Goldilocks result, which delivers better processing than the OnePlus but retains more shadows than the Pixel, resulting in a more dynamic image.

While exposure and colors look natural, as we’ve seen before, the large blocks of color – like the sky – highlight issues with image depth, showing obvious colour banding, not present in the Pixel’s images. Nonetheless, the Ultra produces the most appealing shot of the three here.

Winner:Galaxy S25 Ultra

Corner windows

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample window OnePlus 13 camera sample window Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample window

Each phone’s 2x zoom crops in on the main sensor, paired with some post-capture clean-up to produce a final image.

As discovered in ouriPhone 16 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra camera comparison, Pixel shots have a tendency to skew towards magenta hues, while the S25 Ultra’s sport a more true-to-life – but still distinct – green/yellow tint, and that’s apparent here.

The OnePlus’ shot here looks closer to the S25 than the Pixel, but arrives at a distinctly different conclusion with regards to exposure and contrast. It’s more dramatic and interesting, but lacks finesse, especially in the finer details.

Detail capture goes to the Pixel for presenting a more natural-looking image, while the Ultra serves up sharper detail at the expense of looking over-processed.

Winner:Pixel 9 Pro

Chelsea Flower Show

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample table OnePlus 13 camera sample table Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample table

This naturally lit close-up shot of a table arrangement at the Chelsea Flower Show tests for things like color science, depth of field, and lens distortion.

Aside from the fact that I didn’t realize until after the fact that the Pixel focused on the background instead of the foreground, like the other two phones, it performed admirably.

Contrary to expectations, the Pixel stopped down compared to both the OnePlus and Galaxy, resulting in accurate colors but slight underexposure versus the reality of the scene. Dynamic range, too, appears lacking compared to other Pixel shots, suggesting a degree of inconsistency not seen from the other phones’ main sensors.

The OnePlus 13 delivered a brighter and well-colored image, with a natural depth of field. However, the quality of the bokeh (background blur) just wasn’t as well handled as on the Samsung.

The result from the S25 Ultra was otherwise very similar to the OnePlus, although the brand’s penchant for punchy hue robs the shot of authentic color, with the magentas in particular pushing towards fluorescent.

Winner:OnePlus 13

Macro

All three phones possess a dedicated macro shooting mode, which uses their respective ultra-wide sensors to allow you to get as close as 2 (in the case of the OnePlus 13) to 3cm (the Pixel and Galaxy) away from a subject in order to capture minute close-up details.

Below, we’re comparing macro shots of an orange rose, captured using both the dedicated macro mode on each phone and their main sensors.

Ultra-wide

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample macro ultrawide OnePlus 13 camera sample macro ultrawide Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample macro ultrawide

Although accurately colored, the Pixel’s post-processing removed much of the high-contrast information from the image, stripping out specular highlights, resulting in a very flat image.

By contrast, the OnePlus 13 actually did the best job of retaining color information and managing dynamic range, detail, and depth of field.

The S25 Ultra’s result looks pleasing at first blush, save for the fact that it completely miscolored the subject. Its penchant for heavier post-processing results in the sharpest final image, but this comes at the expense of more artifacting and distortion towards the edge of the frame.

Winner:OnePlus 13

Main sensor

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample macro main

OnePlus 13 camera sample macro main Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample macro main

It’s a similar story when using these phones’ main sensors; however, the Galaxy S25 Ultra does a much better job of correctly coloring the image. It’s almost as if the algorithm Samsung is using assumes that, as most photos of roses are red, the one in this image should be colored as such, but that’s just speculation on my part.

Nonetheless, the Pixel’s result is still too flat, while the OnePlus delivers the most dynamic and appealing shot overall.

Winner:OnePlus 13

Zoom

If you’re familiar with the last few generations of Samsung’s Ultra series, you’ll know that they come equipped with the most competent optical hardware for telephoto photography.

The S25 Ultra boasts both a 3x and 5x optical telephoto snapper, along with a 100x ceiling, which, although not necessarily usable at full extension, allows for effective long-range capture at magnification below this threshold, all the way down to 10x.

Such powerful photographic hardware doesn’t automatically grant the Galaxy the win, however.

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample 0.5x zoom

Pixel 9 Pro at 0.5x zoom

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample 1x zoom Pixel 9 Pro at 1x zoom

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample 2x zoom

Pixel 9 Pro at 2x zoom

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample 5x zoom

Pixel 9 Pro at 5x zoom

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample 10x zoom

Pixel 9 Pro at 10x zoom

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample 30x zoom

Pixel 9 Pro at 30x zoom

The Pixel comes with the most limited focal range of all three phones, topping out at 30x magnification. 30x shots are pretty soft but remain usable, which can’t be said for the peak of its rivals’ respective zoom ranges.

At every focal length before its maximum, the Pixel 9 Pro’s zoom impresses. Even at 10x, you’re getting crisp details, authentic colors, and great dynamic range.

OnePlus 13 at 0.6x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 1x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 2x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 3x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 6x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 10x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 20x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 30x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 60x zoom

OnePlus 13 at 120x zoom

There’s minimal color distortion and impressive management of white balance, exposure, and dynamic range throughout the OnePlus’ zoom.

However, over-processing – especially past 10x magnification – leads to excessive edge detection and erroneous contrast management. The fact that shots at the phone’s maximum 120x zoom range are still usable impresses, though.

Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample 0.5x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 0.5x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 1x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 2x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 3x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 5x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 10x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 30x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample 100x zoom

Galaxy S25 Ultra at 100x zoom

Besides its punchier color science, the zoom shots out of the S25 Ultra deliver everything that the Pixel does but across a wider array of focal lengths.

Sure, it’s 100x maximum isn’t readily usable, but Samsung’s post-processing here is more elegant than OnePlus’, meaning it takes the crown.

Winner:Galaxy S25 Ultra

Low light

Modern phones use all sorts of tricks to capture decent images when there’s minimal light available, from longer exposure times to bracketing and compositing.

These three use all these tricks and more to capture worthwhile images in low light. And for reference, the first image below is a representation of how dark it actually was when capturing these images, so you know just how much work each phone has done to produce its resultant shot.

A reference shot for the real-world lighting conditions in this scene

Standard Photo Mode

Google Pixel 9 Pro camera sample low light

Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample low light

Imagine you opened your phone’s camera, didn’t switch to Night mode, and just snapped a shot. That’s what this first sample emulates.

The Pixel captured decent detail and color corrected as close as possible to the colors you’d see if these potted plants had been shot in daylight. The OnePlus, meanwhile, nailed the white balance but lacks the same degree of detail retention.

As for the S25 Ultra, heavier processing presents seemingly sharper imagery, even if that results in a slightly more synthetic overall appearance. As for color correction, it presents a similar result to the Pixel, but with increased saturation, resulting in a loss of color accuracy towards the edge of the frame.

Winner:Pixel 9 Pro

Night Mode

Galaxy S25 Ultra camera sample night mode

You’ll get better Night Mode shots depending on how still you hold each phone, as they can detect hand-shake and shorten exposure time to compensate.

Night Mode images taken in the hand last three seconds in the case of the Pixel and OnePlus, and eight for the Samsung.

However, set these phones down on a flat surface or use a tripod (and in the case of the OnePlus, actively enable Tripod Mode too), and those shutter times jump to 10 and 25 seconds – in the case of the latter two phones, at least. The Pixel seemingly didn’t feel the need to use a longer exposure, making its result all the more impressive.

The main difference between the Pixel’s own standard and Night Mode shots is even more accurate colors and significantly improved fine detail, while the phone also keeps noise and grain in check. And it’s much the same story with the OnePlus 13.

Activating Night mode on the S25 Ultra delivers the most meaningful improvement against its base Photo Mode result, with greater detail capture and more accurate colors. That said, against its rivals, it still lacked the same degree of fidelity overall.

The OnePlus renders a scene with more detail across the entirety of the frame, but the Pixel’s result is in a league of its own.

Winner:Pixel 9 Pro

Astrophotography Mode

Pixel 9 Pro

Galaxy S25 Ultra

If you lock the Pixel and Galaxy down in a tripod, you also gain access to an Astrophotography Mode, designed to let you capture the night sky. This is something the OnePlus 13 lacks entirely.

In the case of the Pixel, the shutter icon in Night Mode changes to show that the option is available. Tapping it results in a protracted capture time of approximately 4 minutes.

The process of taking astrophotography shots on the S25 Ultra is a little less elegant, if only because it isn’t a feature within the phone’s native camera app. Instead, you have to download Samsung’s separate Expert RAW camera app, wherein you’ll find the Astrophotography Mode, with the option to capture short (three-minute), medium (six-minute), and long (12-minute) exposures.

Whilst novel, neither result here is particularly mind-blowing (although I have seen Astrophotography Mode on both phones lead to some impressive results in other scenarios). The Pixel leads on sharpness, while the S25 Ultra’s image is considerably brighter and more vivid, but also much, much softer.

Winner:Tie

Video

Shooting4K60fps footage on a windy, sunny beach proved an interesting challenge for our three Android champs.

All three demonstrated excellent image stabilization and fast autofocus. While it’s a closely run race between the Pixel and the OnePlus, Google’s phone demonstrated better exposure control (you could see the OnePlus stopping up and down, as it tried to compensate for the available light), as well as marginally clearer audio.

Provided you’re comfortable with Samsung’s signature, more saturated look, however, the S25 Ultra delivered the most attractive footage overall. It offers vibrant-but-realistic colors and the most impressive wind noise reduction and voice separation of these rivals, by quite a margin.

Both the Pixel and Galaxy also allow for AI-backed targeted noise reduction after the fact, to further improve audio quality and reduce background din; another feature the OnePlus 13 lacks.

Winner:Galaxy S25 Ultra

Conclusion

Over the seven categories and 12 sets of photos and videos in this comparison, the S25 Ultra proved to be the overall champ, with key strengths in zoom and portrait photography, as well as video capture.

Our guide to thebest camera phonesdescribes Samsung’s flagship as “the best camera phone for influencers,” and I’m inclined to agree with that assessment given its ability to take dramatic photos that explode with color.

The Pixel 9 Pro is great at capturing fine detail without leaving images over-processed; not to mention it continues the series’ long-standing talent for low-light mastery.

Meanwhile, although the OnePlus 13 may still have some catching up to do, it shouldn’t be discounted, considering its talent for macro shots and portrait flexibility.

Ultimately, whichever phone has the right strengths for your needs, there are no bad options here.

DOES A FACTORY RESET REMOVE A COMPUTER VIRUS?

Lenovo laptop showing options for resetting PC

Even if you’re cautious, there’s always a chance that a virus could sneak onto your PC. Sure, Windows does have built-in security to block malware, but all it takes is one wrong click. Maybe it’s a sketchy link, a shady browser extension, or a random file from a site you probably shouldn’t have trusted. If your PC is acting weird and showing signs of malware, you might be wondering if a factory reset can fix it.

A factory reset wipes everything on your PC, including your apps, photos, videos, and files. It also reinstalls Windows and puts all your settings back to how they were when you first got the computer. In most cases, a factory reset should get rid of any viruses or malware hanging around. It’ll also make your PC run like new and fix any performance issues or software glitches you’ve been dealing with.

Windows offers more than one way to reset your PC, so it’s important to pick the right one. If you go with the option that keeps your files, it may not fully remove the malware. If you’re on Windows 11, you can head to Settings > System > Recovery. For Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery. Then, click the Reset PC button, and you’ll see two options. Pick the “Remove Everything” option to wipe everything clean.

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Why a factory reset is not 100% effective

Microsoft Defender Offline Scan on Windows 11

While doing a factory reset can help remove malware, it may not always work. Some viruses are sneaky enough to survive even a full reset. This usually happens when the malware has infected something deeper, like the BIOS or your motherboard. Since a factory reset doesn’t affect those areas, certain types of viruses can stick around, even after you’ve wiped everything. These are often known as rootkits, and they’re especially good at hiding. A rootkit can let the attacker take full control of your PC and steal your data without much effort.

If your PC keeps crashing with a Blue Screen of Death, or you notice strange changes to your browser or system that you didn’t make, it might be a sign of a rootkit. This kind of malware isn’t very common, but if you feel your PC might be infected, try running the Microsoft Defender’s Offline Scan. It works outside of Windows after a restart, which helps it catch and remove anything trying to hide. Here’s how to run it.

Click the search icon on the taskbar, type “Windows Security”, and hit Enter.
Go to the Virus & threat protection tab.
Click Scan options.
Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now.
Finally, click Scan to confirm.
The scan should only take about 15 minutes. Your PC will restart during it, so make sure you save anything you’re working on first.

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How malware could come back even after a reset

Doing a factory reset deletes all your personal data, so you’ll probably back everything up to a hard drive or flash drive first. But if one of those files is infected with malware, or if the backup drive itself has something nasty on it, the malware could sneak right back in after the reset. Before you copy anything back over, it’s important to scan the backup drive using a different computer.

Malware can also hide in other external devices like a USB hub, printer, or Wi-Fi adapter. That usually only happens if some sketchy, unsigned firmware gets installed. It’s rare, but it’s still worth being careful and protecting your system.

Windows Security does a solid job of protecting your system, but it’s still wise to have an antivirus program just to be safe. Microsoft also suggests keeping your PC up to date with the latest security patches. And, of course, you should follow the best security practices. Try to avoid clicking on suspicious links, don’t open unknown attachments, and only install apps and software from sources you trust. Doing all of this should help keep your PC safe from viruses and other threats.

How to cancel PlayStation Plus

Sony’sPlayStation Plus subscriptionservice has evolved over the years, initially beginning as a way to get new games each month, then giving access to online multiplayer. Now, the service has built upon both of those features, functioning a lot more likeGame Pass Ultimateand offering a lengthy catalog of games for a monthly fee, although it doesn’t add its own first-party games to the service right away. It still gives you new games each month and enables online play just as before, but now you have the option between Essential, Extra, and Premium for various prices and features.

As subscription prices have gone up, PS Plus might be a bit too much to stay subscribed to all year. Sony doesn’t make it simple to cancel, and there’s a somewhat sinister auto-renew change that may end up costing you.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

If for whatever reason you want to cancel your PS Plus membership — whether you have the Essential, Extra, or Premium version — you can do so from your smartphone, computer, or a PlayStation console itself. It’s not the most complicated process, but knowing the steps before you start will no doubt save you time. Here’s how to cancel your PlayStation Plus subscription. The PlayStation 5 payment and subscriptions menu. PlayStation
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How to cancel PlayStation Plus on PS5 and PS4

First, you should be aware of how to cancel your subscription from a PS5 system, as it’s the most straightforward. You can also cancel from a PS4 console, and the process is nearly identical to its current-generation counterpart.

Step 1:From the home screen, navigate to theSettingsmenu.

Step 2:SelectUsers and Accounts.

Step 3:From theAccountmenu, selectPayment and subscriptions.

Step 4:Navigate toSubscriptionsand selectPlayStation Plus.

Step 5:Then, selectCancel subscriptionon the bottom left.

Step 6:You’ll be brought to a screen that asks you if you’re sure you want to cancel. SelectConfirm cancellation. This will end your services on the next expiration date, coinciding with however long your subscription is due to last. You’ll be able to enjoy the benefits until that expiration date.

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How to cancel PlayStation Plus through a browser

If you don’t currently have access to your PS5 or PS4 system but still want to cancel your PS Plus membership, you can do so via a web browser on a computer and/or smartphone, and it’s pretty simple, thankfully!

Step 1:First, visit theSony Account Management pageand log in using your PlayStation credentials.

Step 2:SelectSubscriptionsfrom the list of menu options on the left. It’ll ask if you want to go to another page, so confirm this to move on to the next step. Browser page with account info for PS Plus.

Step 3:Once you arrive at the next page, a new list of options will appear on the right side of the screen, one of which isCancel Subscriptionat the bottom.

Previously, there was the option toTurn off Auto Renewthat would prevent you from being charged once your current subscription ran out. Now that this option is gone,Cancel Subscriptionserves that same purpose – it won’t instantly end your subscription. This confusion has caused many users to think they have to wait until the end of their subscription to cancel and end up forgetting and getting charged again.

Step 4:SelectConfirm Cancellationand you’ll be all set.

What happens when you end your PlayStation Plus subscription?

It’s important to be aware of what happens when you cancel your PS Plus membership. After your subscription end date (which is clearly displayed during the cancellation process), you’ll lose access to any games acquired via PS Plus. This means you won’t have access to any of the monthly games, titles from the PS Plus collection, or any games available from the catalog across Essential, Extra, and Premium memberships. You also won’t be able to play online multiplayer (with the exception of free-to-play games).

If you decide to resubscribe, you will gain access to any of the aforementioned games included with PS Plus.

The best student laptops in 2025: top tested picks for college and school

These are the best laptops for students across all budgets and preferences

MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open

Picking the best student laptop can be difficult, whatever level of learning you’re at. Balancing value, performance, and battery life is vital, since you’ll need a laptop that can handle a full day of classes and study sessions but won’t break the bank.

We’ve rigorously tested every laptop in this guide for our in-depth review process, including synthetic benchmarks, graphical performance, battery testing, and general real-world use. If a laptop has made it into the list below, you can be confident that it’s been carefully selected by yours truly as a worthwhile inclusion.

Our current number one pick is theApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)- since the release of the M4 models, you can often find this one at a discounted price, but that M3 chip is no slouch, so you’re still getting plenty of bang for your buck. If you’d prefer something even more affordable, theAcer Chromebook Plus 514is a stellar choice. Whichever laptop you decide on, know that you can buy in confidence with batterymap’s combined expertise at your back.

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The best student laptop overall

New MacBook Air 13-inch with M3 being used in a cafe

1. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

The best student laptop overall

Specifications

Best for:All students

CPU:Apple M3 (8-core)

Graphics:Integrated 10-core GPU

RAM:Up to 24GB Unified Memory

Screen:13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display

Storage:Up to 2TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Excellent performance
+Fan-less design
+Very good battery life
+Lower price

Reasons to avoid

-Base specs are a bit weak
-External monitor support feels compromised

Buy it if:

✅ You want great performance:Apple’s M3 chip is a powerhouse, delivering top-notch all-rounder performance with 14+ hours of battery life.

✅ You like to stay on the move:Weighing just 1.24kg, the 13-inch model of Apple’s flagship laptop is easy to take with you wherever you go.

Don’t buy it if:

❌You’re on a tight budget:Although the M3 model is a year old now and can often be found below retail price, it’s still a fairly premium laptop.

❌ You prefer Windows:While macOS is great, some software is only available on Windows, and if you’re used to Microsoft’s OS already, making the switch can be tough.

The M3 MacBook Air 13-inch might be last year’s model, but that’s preciselywhyit takes the crown of the best student laptop. A healthy generational price cut on the 2025 M4-powered model means that you can now frequently pick up the M3 version ofApple’s signature laptop at a discounted price at most retailers.

And here’s the thing: the M3 MacBook Air is still an absolute powerhouse of a laptop. In our review, we gave it a rare five-star score, citing its boosted performance in virtually every area, new AI features, and excellent display. It also boasts solid battery life, around 14 hours in our tests, and is even capable of a bit of gaming – and it does everything without a whisper thanks to its fanless design.

It’s honestly hard not to recommend it, especially since it can now be commonly found at prices comfortably below its $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,799 launch price. If you’re willing to wait for a sale event, you can pick one up at a ridiculously low price; our deals hawks recently spotted it on sale forjust $699 at Best Buy. I’m not beating about the bush here: that’s an insane deal, and I’d recommend it to just about any student.

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The best laptop for students on a budget

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 open on desk with pink background Close-up of keyboard on Acer Chromebook Plus 514, on desk with pink background Close-up of left-side ports on Acer Chromebook Plus 514, on desk with pink background Back of Acer Chromebook Plus 514, on desk with pink background Close-up of webcam on Acer Chromebook Plus 514 with pink background