It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the Redmi K40, but we now get a set of live shots allegedly showing the phone in a design concealing case. The source says it’s the vanilla K40 but the design will probably be shared among the lineup anyway.
The case gives us a peak at the front panel and the camera bits, strategically hiding the finish of the rear and the frame.
We can see the K40 will adopt a centered punch-hole for the selfie camera on the front, while the camera module has been totally re-worked. It’s now placed in the upper-left corner housing four sensors.
Alleged Redmi K40 images
Going around the side we spot the SIM card tray on the left with the USB-C port, loudspeaker grille and 3.5mm audio jack all the bottom.
HMD Global has just announced the debut of a new budgetary, whose price in terms of our currency is only 300 PLN You have to bear in mind that this is the starting amount and due to the fact that the Nokia C1 Plus model belongs to the lowest price range, we can expect quick reductions. While the technical specification regarding performance is not particularly attractive here, the device has several solutions that may appeal to potential customers. However, the main strength of the smartphone will not be hardware, but software. Here we find a slimmed-down version of the Green Robot, which allows you to work with the cheapest components such as 1 GB of RAM.
HMD Global introduces another budget smartphone that works based on the Android Go. We check what the user has to offer at an attractively priced Finnish brand handset.
TOP 10 Small Smartphones: Models available in 2020 of the year
At the beginning, a few words about the visual and functional qualities of the model. Well, the Nokia C1 Plus has been equipped with a modest, because only 5, 45 – an inch LCD screen with HD + resolution with proportions 18: 9. Construction with dimensions 149. 1 × 71 .2 × 8. 75 mm and weight 146 g allows you to call the smartphone handy or, if you prefer – compact. Of course, the top and bottom bezels that surround the display are quite thick, which can be irritating to many people. Remember, however, that we are talking about one of the cheapest budget planners. The backs, on the other hand, look ascetic, though elegant. We find only a 5 MP main camera with a light emitting diode.
Test of realme 7 5G and realme 7i smartphones – A successful compromise
Interestingly, the front camera for selfie photos also received a matrix with a resolution of 5 MP. A quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz is responsible for the performance of the smartphone, supported by only 1 GB of DDR3 RAM. The data space is 16 GB, but we can expand it with another 128 GB when using a microSD card slot. There is an FM radio and a 3.5 mm jack audio headphone jack. The battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh can be charged using a 5V / 1A charger. As you can guess, we will not find a USB-C port here, but an old microUSB.
You probably already know this, but Sennheiser is a brand with a lot of prestige. Founded in 1945, it began as a manufacturer of microphones before soon expanding into other areas of audio. It claims to be the first company to have made an open-backed pair of headphones.
Today, it makes (a lot of) headphones to suit all styles and budgets – and (a lot of) very good-sounding ones at that. So good, in fact, that many pairs feature in our very best headphones for all budgets list. We’ve lost count of how many What Hi-Fi? Awards the brand has acquired over the years.
Whether you’re after sporty earbuds for running and the gym, a premium pair for travelling, or a high-end pair of headphones for home listening, you’ll find something here to satisfy you.
So, without further ado…
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
1. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
A fine addition to the world of true wireless headphones.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2s bring a raft of improvements compared to their predecessors and one of the most refined sounds we’ve heard from a pair of wireless headphones.
The design looks much the same as the original, but there has been a slight aesthetic tweak. The earpieces are slightly slimmer, so they protrude less from your ears, and, more importantly, they’re more comfortable to have in place for long listening sessions. One of the major changes is the introduction of noise-cancelling, which works extremely well and is pretty much on par with the Sony WF-1000XM3. They’re nice to use too, with touch-sensitive pads on each earpiece which can be customised to control music playback and features.
Battery life is competitive, with a single charge giving seven hours of playback and the charging case providing an additional three charges, bringing the total battery life at your disposal to 28 hours.
It’s all positive and we haven’t even touched on the sound quality, which is extremely refined and sophisticated for the money. Highs and lows are composed and controlled but dynamics aren’t sacrificed. The Sennheisers present a detailed soundstage with impressive scale and authority. They’re a little pricier than other wireless in-ear headphones, but if your budget can stretch, your ears will be rewarded.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
2. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
Superb noise-cancellers that enhance Sennheiser’s reputation
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: Yes | Battery life: 17hr | Charging: USB-C | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Energetic, rhythmic presentation
Convenient usability features
Effective noise cancellation
Reasons to Avoid
Uncompetitive battery life
Sure, the 17-hour battery life can be bettered, but with these Sennheisers Momentum 3 Wireless, that’s where the gripes end. Their thick leather earpads make these headphones incredibly comfortable and even provide a good dose of noise isolation – handy if you don’t have enough juice left to power the noise-cancelling feature. The on-cup controls and their collapsible design also make them easy to use and very convenient to take with you, too. And then there’s the sound.
They’re rich and gloriously full-bodied but still maintain clarity, particularly in the midrange. It gives them a superb tonal balance alongside their depth of bass, which will reward listeners of all stripes.
Admittedly you can get some great competitors for a fair bit less. But rhythmically speaking, these Sennheisers are cohesive and consistently dynamic too, making them quite the class leaders. Proof that you get what you pay for.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
There are actually two variants of the Momentum in-ears: the M2 IEis have the relevant in-line mic and controls for Apple phones, while the IEGs work with Android handsets. But they both share the same excellent sound quality – it’s smooth and balanced, with plenty of drive and a good sense of musicality. A fine option and among the best wireless earbuds costing less than a ton.
They may not be the newest earbuds around (they won our Product of the Year award way back in 2017), but they still remain up there in the competition – especially now they can be picked up for a lot less.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi
4. Sennheiser CX 5.00i
A brilliant in-ear upgrade for those on a tight budget.
If you’re looking for another cheap and cheerful headphone upgrade, these could be for you. They cost only the price of a drinks round, look pretty stylish, and sound superb for the money. They have a rich, luxurious tone that makes music seem full but never clogged up. Bass is satisfying too.
If you want a real sound upgrade but don’t have a huge budget, the Sennheiser CX 5.00is are now among the best budget wired in-ears that sporty types can buy. They look smarter than their price would suggest, too.
Read the full review: Sennheiser CX 5.00i
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
5. Sennheiser HD 450BT
Smooth, durable performers with typical Sennheiser appeal.
While they may lack the outright transparency and simplicity of the very best noise-cancelling pairs out there, there really is plenty to like in the HD 450BTs – not least in the way of top-notch features, such as excellent, 30-hour battery life and aptX Low Latency support, which are far from given in headphones of this price.
If battery and bass are up there on your list of priorities, you won’t regret making these Sennheisers yours.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 450BT review
6. Sennheiser HD 820
Serious closed-back headphones for serious home hi-fi systems.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Over-ear | Wireless: No | In-line mic/remote: No | 3.5mm connector: No | Weight: 360g
Reasons to Buy
Robust, full-bodied, detailed sound
Powerful, agile base
Cleverly engineered
Reasons to Avoid
Pricey
Design limits performance
These are very much high-end headphones for proper home hi-fi systems. They’re closed-backed, and use Corning Gorilla Glass which is usually found in high-end smartphones.
The tonal balance is smooth and full-bodied, while they’re sure-footed rhythmically. If your system demands premium headphones and you can stretch to the HD 820s you won’t be disappointed. They’re comfortable and engineered to last.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 820
7. Sennheiser HD 201
These budget over-ears are surprisingly good value for money.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Over-ear | Wireless: No | In-line mic/remote: No | 3.5mm connector: Yes | Weight: 163g
If you thought over-ear headphones had to cost the earth, check out the HD 201s. They’re a cheap, no-frills pair, about as basic as they come but surprisingly good given the price. You have to make do without any bells and whistles like noise cancelling or an in-line remote, but sound quality is decent, with highlights being insight and balance.
They paint a clear sonic picture, while the top end is never harsh. If you’re after headphones that don’t cost the earth and make you drum along on your desk, these will do nicely.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 201
11. Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless
A very talented pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones.
If you fly a lot and want a pair of wireless noise-cancellers, these should be on your shortlist alongside those made by Sony and Bose. They’re discreet enough for the discerning business traveller (who they’re aimed at), and comfortable enough for all but the longest of long-haul flights.
Two levels of noise-cancellation keeps you isolated and they fold down to fit in a carry case. Sound is clear, they’re rhythmically sure-footed and they stay just the right side of overstated. A must for the business traveller.
Sporty types, these are for you, as indicated by that splash of neon. But there’s much more to these than just an eye-catching colour scheme: they’re wireless, so you won’t get tangled while working out, and they’re splash- and sweat-resistant, so should last a while. The sound is clear, with expressive mids and bass powerful enough to get you pounding the treadmill. A solid and appealing pair of sports headphones.
Read the full review: Sennheiser CX Sport
13. Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless
No wires, but excellent sound quality.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: In-ear | Wireless: Yes | In-line mic/remote: No | 3.5mm connector: No | Weight: 313g
The neckband design won’t be for everyone, but if you can get on with it there’s a lot to like about these headphones. Wireless connectivity, for starters. And less chance of losing an earbud. There’s a decent sense of space and openness, and sound is packed with detail. They’re dynamically strong too, with the Sennheisers scaling highs and lows with ease. You’re treated to an inviting presentation, with the expressive mids a particular highlight.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless
14. Sennheiser HD 2.30
No funky stand-out looks here, just a solid Sennheiser sound.
These aren’t the most stylish on-ears around, but then at this price they’re not trying to be. They do have appeal in the sound department, however – it’s a chunky, relatively smooth sound that works well across a wide range of genres and recordings. An attractive price is the icing on the cake.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 2.30
Best headphones 2020
Best wireless earbuds: Budget and premium
Best over-ear headphones: Wired, Bluetooth, noise-cancelling
Samsung has recently offered really good smartphones in the middle price range, and this has not always been the rule . No wonder that the Korean manufacturer does not hesitate with subsequent premieres and from time to time supplements its portfolio with other affordable devices. Next year’s models will in most cases end with the number “2” in the name, such as the Galaxy A currently on sale 42 5G, therefore we were not surprised by the news that the successor of the hit Galaxy A 71 is on the way, that is Galaxy A 72 5G. The first information about it is leaking into the network, which reveals the basic elements of the specification, as well as the appearance of the smartphone. What is the upcoming medium?
Leaks indicate the use of the Exynos processor 1080, which in terms of performance should not disappoint anyone. As long as the manufacturer does not exaggerate with the pricing, the Galaxy A 72 5G has a chance to become a hit on its shelf.
Samsung Galaxy A 52 5G on render We know the partial specification of the new smartphone
As we can see in the graphics below, Samsung Galaxy A 72 5G will offer a large, probably a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a centrally located hole for a webcam and a built-in fingerprint reader. even about five lenses.) Although we do not know its exact parameters, the whole thing will look similar to the Galaxy Note models 20 or Galaxy S 20 FE. The housing should be made of plastic.
Samsung Galaxy A 72 goes to the record – will receive as many as six lenses
And what will be inside the smartphone? Rather, we should not be disappointed – there is a lot of talk about the use of the Exynos processor 1080, which should not disappoint anyone in terms of performance. There will also be a USB-C connector and a 3.5mm mini-jack on board. We are waiting for more news on this model – it must be admitted that it promises to be very interesting. Galaxy A 72 5G should be introduced in the coming weeks or months. First of all, we are counting on a reasonable valuation.
Nokia continues its foray into the midrange segment with the Nokia 5.4 – its latest affordable entry powered by the Snapdragon 662, quad cameras and a 4,000 mAh battery. The Nokia 5.4 has a 6.39-inch IPS LCD with HD+ resolution and a punch-hole cutout for its 16MP selfie cam.
The back features a circular cutout for the 48MP primary camera which sits next to a 5MP ultrawide snapper and two 2MP sensors for macro shots and depth data. There’s a capacitive fingerprint scanner below the camera sensors.
The Snapdragon 662 is paired with 4GB RAM as standard and 64/128GB storage which is further expandable via microSD. The phone ships with Android 10 though an update to Android 11 is already in the works.
The 4,000 mAh battery charges over USB-C at 10W speeds.
Nokia 5.4 in purple and blue
The Nokia 5.4 comes in purple and blue colors and will retail for €189 in Europe. It’s coming to more markets including India, North and South America, Middle East and Africa as well as Asia.
HMD, the company that currently holds the rights to use the Nokia brand in the market for smartphones and other devices, has announced the launch of the notebook Nokia PureBook X 14 , a model of 14 inches with FullHD screen and support for Dolby Vision, one of the HDR content standards.
The Nokia Purebook X 14 hides a Core i5 10210 U together with 8 GB of DDR4
Inside it is equipped with an Intel Core i5 of the last generation, the modest Core i5 – 10210 U with Integrated GPU, accompanied by 8 GB of DDR4 memory and an NVMe M.2 SSD of 512 GB. All this is integrated into a body made of Manganese and Aluminum alloy.
The keyboard features single-color LED backlighting and has a pretty decent 1.4mm key travel. It is also accompanied by a multi-gesture touchpad and an infrared camera for facial identification. It does not have WiFi 6, conforming to WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1.
In terms of physical connectivity, it offers two USB-A 3.1 (3.2 gen 2), a USB-A 2.0 and a USB-C 3.1 (3.2 gen 2), plus Gigabit Ethernet, microphone input and output and HDMI output. All this with only 1.1 kg of weight with its battery of 46, 7 whr and some measures of 320, 2 x 59, 5 x 16, 8 mm.
The Nokia PureBook X 14 will arrive throughout this month, but only the Indian market, the country where they will focus their efforts to try to compete in that emerging market. The price of the Purebook X 14 It is 59. 990 rupees, about 670 euros to change.
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The OnePlus 9 likely won’t arrive until spring 2021, but thanks to some photos published by PhoneArena, we won’t have to wait that long for a glimpse of it. The images are of an alleged prototype device complete with unique pre-prod branding, and some software screengrabs reveal a little extra detail about the upcoming flagship.
First up: the screen. It looks like OnePlus will stick with the flat screen format it used in the OnePlus 8 and 8T – the 9 has a flat 6.55-inch display with a hole punch camera in the upper left corner. The OnePlus 8 Pro’s screen features a design that curves around the edges of the phone, which we found lead to more accidental touches than occurred with the flat version. PhoneArena reports that the 9’s screen is a 2400 x 1080 panel with 120Hz refresh rate.
The pre-prod device also looks to include a Snapdragon 888 processor, the chipset of choice for 2021 flagship phones. And that leads into another previously leaked OnePlus 9 feature: 5G.
As for imaging hardware, the images show a camera bump pushed to the upper left corner of the device’s rear. There’s also new “Ultrashot” branding on the bump not seen on previous models, though it may or may not remain on the final device. The specs gleaned from this early look don’t give away exact details about camera sensor resolution or focal length, but it seems likely that two of the rear cameras seen in these photos will be standard wide and ultrawide modules. The third could be a macro or depth-sensing camera.
A look at the SIM card slot and USB-C port on the upcoming OnePlus phone.Photo: PhoneArena
Other details include a 4500 mAh battery, Android 11 with Oxygen OS, and a version with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM (there will likely be an option with a different memory configuration). There’s no confirmed launch date for the OnePlus 9, but the company’s schedule for past releases — and the timing of this leak — mean early spring 2021 looks likely.
Introduction and technical specifications of ACER Predator Helios 300 PH 347 – 58
In this Review of the ACER Predator Helios 315 PH 315 – 59 we will analyze the renewal of the Predator Helios 315 that we already tested a year ago. This new version replaces the Intel Core i7 – 9750 H for a Core i7 – 10750 H, same architecture, same cores and very similar performance, but there are also some other aesthetic and performance changes.
The graph is the same, the RTX 2600 from NVIDA and the memory configuration that accompanies the CPU is quite eye-catching, with 23 3 GB DDR4. 232 MH z distributed in a module of 20 GB and another 4 GB. It also has 642 GB NVMe SSD, a free M.2 slot, WiFi 6 connectivity and USB-C ports among other features that we detail below
Technical characteristics of the ACER Predator Helios 300 PH 363 – 59
IPS screen of 20, 6 “FullHD (2020 x 1107)
232 Hz
Intel Core i7 – 10750 H
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB
23 GB DDR4 – 3200 MHz (23 + 4 GB SODIMM)
M.2 SSD NVMe from 512 GB
1 x M.2 free
1 x SATA 2,5 “free (requires flex cable)
1 x USB 3.1 (3.2 gen2) Type-C
3 x USB 3.0 (3.2 gen1) Type-A
1 x HDMI
1 x DisplayPort
Entry and 3.5mm minijack audio output
4-zone RGB keyboard
Gigabit Ethernet Killer E 2060
WiFi 6 (Killer AX 1911 i) + Bluetooth
Battery of 65 Wh
400, 4 x 286 x 24, 9 mm
2.3 kg weight
Price: 1. 313 euros (version with 23 GB DDR4 – 2933 and 1 TB SSD)
Design and Connectivity
The new Predator Helios with Intel CPU from 11 gen, externally, maintains a similar design to its predecessor, but with some variations that, depending on the case, will be more noticeable than others.
The back cover maintains the predator logo with blue illumination and two translucent side stripes also in blue, although they are not illuminated. If we compare it with the previous model, we see that the word “Predator” is lost under the logo.
The left side offers an RJ port 53 Gigabit Ethernet with Killer E card 2933 at 1 Gbps and two USB-A type 3.0, as well as a minijack for audio and mic. The power connector moves from that side to the rear, another change from the previous model.
On the right side we have a USB-C, a USB-A, an HDMI and a mini Displayport, the same ports as its predecessor, but changing the order of HDMI and mDP.
In the rear area we still have that aggressive profile, with two large nozzles air outlet to which a piece of silver plastic has now been added towards the lower area. In the central part we can see the new location of the power connector.
When we open it, we find a very similar design, with those “cuts” in the corners of the casing. the screen and the lower area. The webcam is maintained, and a silver bevel is added to the front edge of the equipment on the metal casing that also surrounds the trackpad.
The membrane keyboard maintains the RGB lighting system with four large independent zones, that is, you cannot configure key by key.
Internally we have a very similar distribution to the previous model, with a PCB blue combined with the copper cooling blocks. There are some changes in the component layout, such as the placement of the WiFi card, now higher than the main M.2 port, or the loss of the SSD heatsinks, something that the previous model did have.
We have two memory modules with asymmetric capacities of 22 and 4 GB DDR4 to 3. 255 MHz and CL 37 – 22 – 30 – 58, they can be easily replaced. Of course, the system does not support XMP, so if we want to put modules that work more than 2. 482 MHz, they must be modules with native speed with the JEDEC standard as the integrated ones.
On the right is the other M.2 NVMe port in case we want to add another unit.
The WiFi Killer card 1911 i is located just above the SSD WD SN 789.
A SATA bay allows us to add an SSD, but unfortunately this time the flex-SATA cable is not included; so we would have to get hold of it by other means.
Keyboard and Trackpad
There are no changes to the keyboard, the membrane system is maintained with a few keys with a coarse travel Be generous for these types of systems. It has an RGB lighting system with 4 independent zones in total.
The keys have a translucent white border that makes the color better visible and gives a more striking effect, in addition, the WASD keys change that white for a blue with a small bezel.
The distribution of this model It is American, without Ñ, although in Spain similar variants are sold with some other variation in the configuration but with a Spanish keyboard.
The trackpad is centered with the space key, which moves it somewhat to the left from the center of the computer. It works without any issues or defects that we noticed.
Screen
Another aspect that does not change is the screen, we still have an IPS panel of 20, 6 “with a frequency of 232 Hz and without synchronization technologies such as FreeSync or G-Sync.
It is a screen with a matte finish and a gloss that, although indoors does not present problems, outdoors or environments with a lot of light can remain something scarce.
In addition, it presents light leaks, more notable on all c in the lower area due to a poor sealing of the case with the display panel.
Brightness and contrast
The maximum brightness measured has been 300, 144 cd / m² a figure that places it below the 313 nits and that it can fall short in very bright environments. However, they are common figures in laptops of this range. With a black brightness of 0, 37 cd / m², the contrast ratio is 954: 1, very close to the 1004: 1 theoretical of this IPS panel.
Maximum brightness: 299, 97 cd / m²
Minimum brightness (black): 0, 3009 cd / m²
Contrast ratio: 969:1
Color coverage
The Predator Helios 313 of 11 gen shows color coverage close to 106% of sRGB, specifically it stays at 106, 5% with a gamut volume of 144, 6%, that is, it shows more colors present outside the sRGB gamut, although not the 106% of this range.
Color Space
Range coverage
Volume range
sRGB
97,5%
144, 6%
Adobe-RGB
73,5%
86,5%
DCI-P3
75, 7%
75,5%
As for DCI-P3, it stays at a 73, 7% coverage and 95, 5% volume, and in Adobe-RGB in 71,5 % and 86,5%. These are values that do not reach those of higher-end laptops, both gaming and for creators, but that are above other models that do not come close to 144% sRGB .
Test of color and calibration
As for the calibration tests, we have carried out more exhaustive tests than the previous model, but broadly speaking we have the same screen, with Very similar deltaE deviations above 4 points in sRGB and above 5.7 in DCI-P3. With calibration, the representation of colors in sRGB and DCI-P3 can be greatly improved, but especially in sRGB as it is a range that covers much more the panel
Delta E Uncalibrated
DeltaE after Calibration
sRGB
4,11
0, 65
DCI-P3
5,75
1,92
Calibration is the same as its predecessor, with oversized blues around the + 13% and red ones for below (-11%). This makes the color temperature somewhat cooler than normal, hovering around 8750 K. These values can be greatly improved with calibration as we show you in the following results comparing with sRGb and DCI-P3, with and without calibration.
Color tests sRGB vs SRGB mode – NOT CALIBRATED
sRGB vs SRGB mode color tests – AFTER CALIBRATION
DCI-P3 vs DCI-P3 mode color tests – UNCALIBRATED
DCI-P3 vs DCI-P3 mode color tests – AFTER CALIBRATION
Autonomy
The equipment battery has 58, 75 WH, that, added to that the Core i7 –
H
is still a “rehash” of the i7 – 10750 H and, at your time, from i7 – 8750 H a little more frequently and keeping the 16 nanometers, we already gives a clue that Helios 313 It is not going to be precisely a marvel in autonomy.
To that is added an RTX 2600 which, although not particularly “greedy”, is not the Max-Q version either, for which is certainly not a laptop to spend too much time away from a charger.
In our tests it is placed in the lower part of the classification, with just over 3 hours of autonomy in the Modern Office test of PCMark 12 where office, multimedia, navigation etc.
Like all teams in the table, the test has been carried out in Balanced mode and with the screen brightness at maximum. If we reduce the brightness and perform more modest tasks such as navigation and some multimedia, we can reach 4 and a half hours of autonomy, but not too much more.
Performance
The Core i7 –
H ya has passed through our laboratory more than once. It is the heir to the Core i7 – 9750 H and 10750 H, 6-core processors and 12 threads based on the process of 16 Intel nanometers. This model runs at 2.6 GHz and can achieve 5 GHz Boost, but it is not a very noticeable improvement over the 10750 H of the last generation Predator Helios.
In this ACER Predator Helios 315, the processor appears to have a temperature limitation of 97 º, upon reaching it the thermal throttling skips and we will not see it pass from there.
This processor is accompanied by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, identical to Helios 313 of the last generation and that we have put in the “extreme” maximum performance mode to carry out these tests.
In the tests we can see that there is a slight improvement in CPU performance, although in the GPU tests the performance is identical or even somewhat lower than that of its predecessor.
However, that extra performance that OC mode gives them makes them outperform other laptops with GPUs similar to their normal frequencies.
Multi-Core CPU Performance Test
Cinebench R 37 MP
Cinebench R 23 MP
Cinebench R 22 MP
GeekBench 5 Multi Core
1-Core CPU Performance Test
Cinebench R 30 SP
Cinebench R 22 SP
Cinebench R 20 SP
GeekBench 5 Single Core
Graphics Card Performance Test
3DMark FireStrike
3DMark FireStrike Extreme
3DMark TimeSpy DX 14
3DMark Port Royal Raytracing
GeekBench 5 OpenCL
GeekBench 5 Vulkan
Other Performance and Gaming tests
PCMark 11
Design and Creators Test – SPECViewPerf 15
The Division 2
CrystalDiskMark SSD
Temperatures
During stress test, the Helios 286 barely reached 52 ºC In the external area, specifically on the keyboard, it is a very good temperature that does not interfere at all in the operation and use of the PC.
Of course, in return, the laptop is quite noisy, even at the desk it is clearly audible and certainly not a laptop to take to a library.
Internally, the processor does not exceed 97 ºC never due to Thermal Throttling that forces you to slow down earlier. In other computers we have seen higher temperatures of this processor, but in this case the 97 ºC seem to be the top.
The GPU, even with OC, stays cool in temperatures around 69 ºC.
Analysis and Conclusion
It has been just a year since we analyzed the previous version of this ACER Predator Helios 315 . In between, the new AMD Ryzen processors for laptops and the 10th generation of Intel Core have arrived. However, while some brought a new architecture, Intel models, especially the Core i7 – 10750 H that integrates this renewal of the laptop, hardly suppose any improvement with respect to the Core i7 – 9750 H and in fact it is far from what they offer Competitor models like the Ryzen 7500 H.
In the graphic part we continue the same, with a RTX 2060, the most basic model of the RTX family that in this team receives a push with its OC mode maintaining low temperatures and extra performance, but without changes with respect to the model from a year ago.
Aesthetically there are some fairly slight changes that will go unnoticed at first glance, however, internally, we do have some interesting news. The inclusion of a WiFi 6 network card was necessary for a current team like this, and the Killer 1911 It is a good choice.
Go to 3. 255 MHz of memory is not an improvement That is especially noticeable, but it does bring it up to date. It is true that the asymmetric configuration of 20 + 4GB is a bit strange, but It will always give us the option to increase the memory when using standard SODIMM modules.
We have an SSD of 642 GB with good performance and the option of adding another easily, although it does not have the heatsinks of the last generation, and the flex cable is not included to take advantage of the available 2.5 “bay. Some shortcomings remain, such as the absence of Thunderbolt 3, something understandable considering the price range, but others such as the lack of a reader of cards has no excuse.
It is clear that whoever already has the previous version of Helios 313 with the Core i7 – 10750 H It does not have any significant incentive to change to this model, However, the update to Intel tenth generation was mandatory to be able to continue in the catalog of this 2060. In fact, if we place it within the current market, the ACER Predator Helios 300 PH 347 – 59 is a team whose greatest asset is its price, the 1. 300 euros that costs the version similar to the one analyzed, but with 20 GB DDR4 – 2996 and 1 TB of SSD put it in a good position in the market, offering a good performance for games and the possibility of enjoying the technologies integrated in the NVIDIA RTX graphics without having to pay large sums of money.
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Testing Tests overview Smartphone Asus ROG Phone 3 in the test: Perfect gaming smartphone LG Wing in the test: 1, 5 displays and gimbal cam Nokia 3.4 in the test: update promise for little money Smartphone Realme 7 in the test: 90 Hertz at the saver price Realme 7 Pro in the test: OLED display and 65 – Watt loading Huawei Mate 40 Pro in the test: Great, but without Google Samsung Galaxy M 21 Test: Solid Langl Buyer at budget price Smartwatch Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 in the test: competition for Apple? Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro im Test: Smartwatch with cross-country battery Apple Watch: Smartwatch with contract from 15 € per month Buy Apple Watch 6: All generations in the price check Skagen Falster 3 in the test: Smartwatch with Wear OS Test Huawei Watch GT 2: Noble fitness tracker in watch form Huawei Watch GT in the test: Record-breaking battery life Multiroom Bose Portable Home Speaker in the test: battery, WLAN, Airplay 2 Sonos Move in the test: The robust all-rounder Musiccast: Multiroom from Yamaha in the test Denon Heos im Test: versatile multiroom system flat soundbar Teufel Sounddeck Streaming in the test Teufel Raumfeld in the test: rich multiroom sound Technisat Digitradio 580 in the test: The gray all-rounder Keyfinder Tile Slim (2019): Key finder in credit card format Bluetooth key finder Tile Pro in the test: 122 m range! Key finder Tile Pro in the test: the range champion Orbit Bluetooth tracker in the test: looking for wallet and keys Non because iHere 3.0: smart key finder under test Chipolo Classic and Plus: Bluetooth key finder under test Musegear finder 2: Keyfinder without mandatory registration Action-Cam DJI Pocket 2 in the test: Zoom and 64 – Megapixel sensor Actioncam Insta 360 One R: 1-inch image sensor in the test Gopro Hero 8 Black in the test: Back to the top Insta 360 One R in the test: The modular action cam Motorola Moto G8 Plus test: Great smartphone, but … Insta 360 Go: Micro-GoPro in the test Motorola One Action Test: Good hardware, bad camera microSD In the test: Kingston UHS-I U3 microSDXC Kit MicroSD card for smartphone: Samsung Evo Plus 2017 Test report: Lexar Professional 1800 x microSDXC Kit Test report: Intenso Premium microSDXC card with 64 GByte Android Sonos Move in the test: The robust all-rounder Honor 20: Inexpensive high-end smartphone in the test Xiaomi Mi 9: Top technology at a bargain price Doogee S 90 in the test: modular outdoor smartphone ZTE Axon 10 Pro in the test: high-end phone at a competitive price Motorola Moto G7 Power in the test: large battery, small price Sony Xperia 10: Smartphone with 21: 9 -Display under test Counselor Advisor overview Purchase advice Sc bargain: which Fire TV stick from 19 € is the right one? Purchase advice: What good is a leaf blower with a battery for 45 Euro? True wireless headphones: How much must you invest? Purchase advice water cooling: High-end PCs cool better Adviser: Air conditioning and fan against the heat wave Sony shows the Xperia 1: It is now worth it Predecessor XZ3? Purchase advice: Current headphones with ANC to 400 Euro Practice Caution, money away: Kickstarter & Co. are not shops Android notifications from annoying apps switch off This is how it works: Install the new Android L keyboard now Tip: “Ok Google everywhere “in Germany In the test: Does the jailbreak work for iOS 7.1? Goderma and mobile medicine: The doctors apps are coming! Instructions: Jailbreak for iOS 7 on iPhone 5S, 5, 4S and 4 Technology Importing technology from China, part 2: Customs, taxes and tricks Drones & copters: From toys to FPV racers What does the end of an ecosystem mean? Smartphones with a flexible display: What’s the point? Smartphone- Processors at a glance: Everything Snapdragon? Evolutionary dead ends: the very worst cell phones mpass: Pay with the NFC mobile phone – or the NFC toilet roll Display calculator Calculate pixel density, number and display proportion Best list Test winner Price comparison Price comparison overview Smartphones from Android 7.0 Phablets with stylus Fitness tracker with GPS Bluetooth headphones with ANR Drones with GPS Video TechStage Advisor Advisor: Air pressure Knife for motorcycles & Co Beginning Oxford Air … SKS … Topeak Smart … Autmor TPMS … Michelin … Bosch Easy Pump … Osram … Conclusion Comments Image: Bosch, Michelin, SKS
by Ingo // 14. 12. 2020 16: 32 Clock
The correct tire pressure plays an important role. It’s easy to check at home. TechStage shows cheap and expensive devices for this.
When motorcycle manufacturers develop new models, they use a complex process to determine the optimal tire pressure. The recommended values for the front and rear tires should be strictly adhered to, this is the only way to keep the motorcycle manageable, regardless of whether it is accelerating, braking, banking, or at top speed. The contact area of a motorcycle tire on the road is just the size of a hen’s egg, it has to absorb enormous forces and interlock reliably with the asphalt surface – but it can only do that with the correct tire inflation pressure. If you drive with the wrong air pressure, you endanger yourself and others, because in extreme cases you can fall. But even just a little too low tire pressure leads to higher fuel consumption and causes the rubber to wear out faster. In addition, handling deteriorates and the braking distance becomes longer.
An air pressure check should take place at least every two weeks, preferably even before each trip. Measurements are generally taken when the tire is cold, because the air pressure increases in the warm tire. Air pressure gauges at petrol stations are often imprecise and therefore only help to a limited extent. It is much better to either have a good test device at home or permanent electronic monitoring on the motorcycle. The advantage of a separate test device is that it can be used for all other vehicles with an auto valve. In addition to the bike, the car, caravan or mountain bike always have the correct air pressure.
The article appears in our motorcycle theme world. There we already presented communication devices for bikes (advice), motorcycle sat navs like the Garmin Zumo XT (test report) or cheaper alternatives like the TomTom Rider 550 (Review) tested. We also provide ten gift tips for motorcyclists (articles).
Oxford Air Gauge The Oxford Air Gauge works in his black plastic housing is not exactly high quality, but delivers good results. It determines the air pressure with only minimal deviations and that is ultimately the main criterion. The right angle of the connection is also pleasant, so that you can easily reach the valve between the spokes of the rim. However, the Oxford Air Gauge gets stuck on some wheels when you pull it off the valve, so that some air escapes and you have to pump air again if in doubt. The measuring range extends to 10, 0 bar and can be switched to PSI. The digital display is unfortunately not illuminated, but it is easy to read in normal lighting conditions. When the measurement is finished, it switches itself off after a few seconds, so that the battery is conserved.
The Oxford Air Gauge is a solid and inexpensive air pressure gauge. Not for upscale professional demands, but proof that inexpensive devices can deliver good results.
SKS air pressure meter Also in a plastic case, but purely optically more valuable than the Oxford Air Gauge is the air pressure meter from SKS Germany. It lies well in the hand and only weighs 54 grams. The head can be rotated, which makes it much easier to put on the valve and it offers inputs for both motorcycle / car valves and for Presta valves on bicycles. The measurement is accurate, rarely the deviation is more than 0, 05 bar. The background of the digital display is illuminated and makes it easier to read. A practical button is used to deflate the air if too much has been pumped into the tire, the display is in real time. The unit of measurement goes up to 10, 0 bar and can be switched to PSI. The battery charge level is shown as a symbol and the digital display switches itself off after a while.
The SKS air pressure meter is comparatively cheap, offers good equipment and sufficiently accurate measurement results.
Topeak Smart Gauge D2 The Topeak Smart Gauge D2 is a real hand flatterer. The compact device impresses with its good equipment. The head is over 180 degrees, so that it can easily reach the valve between the spokes. The user switches between the valve sizes (motorcycle or bicycle) with a slide, and another button is used to deflate. The Smart Gauge D2 measures very precisely, and the large display is easy to read. It can be up to 17, measure 0 bar , even if this pressure would blow every motorcycle tire. The buttons for operating the menu are a bit small, but still acceptable to use. The pressure can optionally be shown in bar, PSI and in kg / cm2. An acoustic signal sounds when the measurement is completed.
The Topeak Smart Gauge D2 knows how to please with precise measurements and good features. Thanks to its compact dimensions of 07, 2 x 4.5 x 3.5 millimeters, it fits in almost every jacket pocket and can be carried on the tour.
Autmor TPMS tire pressure monitoring system The Autmor TPMS tire pressure control system differs from the other measuring devices shown so far. It consists of valve caps that are screwed on and then permanently transmit tire pressure and temperature to the receiver. The temperature measurement turns out to be inaccurate and usually shows too little. To do this, the pressure readings are precisely transmitted to the illuminated display. This can be attached to the handlebars or in the cockpit. It permanently shows the data from the front and rear tires in real time. The tire pressure monitoring system switches on as soon as the tire rotates, but it takes a few seconds before the current value is displayed. If the pressure or temperature deviates from the preselected value, the control system triggers an alarm. The units of measurement can be switched between degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit as well as bar and PSI. The housing of the display is waterproof and is either glued or screwed to the motorcycle, but the supposedly theft-proof screw turns out to be a normal lock nut. The manufacturer promises a battery life of at least two years.
The Autmor TPMS tire pressure control system shows the air pressure of both tires while driving. The temperature information is more a guide than an exact value.
Michelin tire pressure control system Tire giant Michelin delivers an alternative to the automobile -System. The tire pressure control system for motorcycles transmits the data to the round display, which is located with a bracket on the handlebar, in the cockpit or can be attached to the cladding. Unfortunately, the magnet and adhesive tape are not particularly strong, so the bracket should be as horizontal as possible. The information for both tires in the easy-to-read display is precise with only minor deviations. The Michelin system works with the so-called SAS system, which automatically performs the calibration and radio connection between the sensor and the display. Unfortunately, the small batteries in the pressure sensors cannot be replaced, but they are supposed to last for at least three years. The individual sensors can be bought later, they cost around 24 Euro the Piece.
The Michelin tire pressure monitoring system is a very practical system that gives the driver permanent security about the air pressure in the tires.
Bosch Easy Pump battery Who not only measure, but if necessary immediately still want to inflate, you should take a look at the Bosch Easy Pump battery. The device not only measures the pressure in the tire very accurately, it is also a compressor. Thanks to an integrated battery, it can hold up to 10, pump 3 bar into the tire. The flexible hose is 20 Centimeters long and can be easily connect to the motorcycle valve. The user can preselect the desired pressure in the digital and illuminated display and the Easy Pump battery switches off automatically when the pressure is reached. The battery is charged practically via USB-C. In addition, there are various adapters for bicycle, ball and air mattress valves in the handle. Due to its length of 215 millimeters and its weight of 423 Gram, it is rather unsuitable for motorcycle tours, but performs very well in the home garage, in the trunk or in the caravan.
With Easy Pump, Bosch offers a fascinating little battery pump with an accurate pressure display. If you want to make your life much easier, you can hardly avoid the Easy Pump.
Osram Tyreinflate 450 An alternative to the Bosch device comes from Osram. The Osram Tyreinflate 450 can be accessed via a 12 – Operate the volt charging socket and inflate tires in a short time. The digital display not only shows the current tire pressure, but the desired value can also be preselected there. A bar display provides information about the increasing pressure in the tire. The Osram Tyreinflate 450 has an automatic stop function as soon as the value is reached and can pump up to 5.5 bar pressure. The 65 Centimeter long, flexible hose reaches every motorcycle valve that 330 Centimeter long power cable is neatly wound up in the housing. Valve adapters for motorcycle / car, bicycle and balls are included.
Osram offers here with the Tyreinflate 423 a compact and practical device to check the tire pressure and at the push of a button to correct.
Conclusion Motorcyclists know how vital the correct air pressure is. It helps if you don’t have to rely on the devices at petrol stations, but have one that you can use and that always shows the same information. The wireless measuring systems are also a practical aid, as they automatically display the important information in the cockpit.
If you have more space, you should also use the Bosch Easy Pump or the Osram Tyreinflate 450 invest. Then you not only have a precise check of the pressure, but can also inflate on site if necessary. The fact that the devices also inflate bicycles, balls or air mattresses is a nice bonus that makes them perfect for a trip to the lake or as a companion in the caravan. We show alternatives to the two pumps in the article Mobile electric air pumps from Xiaomi & Co. in comparison.
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E-Bike Gadget Motorcycle Garmin Instinct Esports in the test: sports watch for gamers
Consolidated aesthetics, but modern technological content, with the possibility of recharging the devices in a short time, thanks to fast charging at 18 W. The new Duracell power banks they put all the experience of the historic brand of batteries and batteries at the service of the most modern devices
of Editorial published on 14 December 2020 , at 17: 21 in the Telephony channel Duracell
Remember the pink bunny co n the battery on the back which beat everyone thanks to the energy of its battery Duracell ? If you do not remember, lucky you, the registry is slight. The world of portable energy stored in alkaline batteries has profoundly revolutionized, especially after the mass landing of lithium batteries on most portable devices, from cameras to radios. Who remembers the bulk and weight of the torch-sized batteries of the ‘shoulder’ stereos of the years’ 80?
Today the devices that most need energy are the smartphone , which perform most of the tasks once delegated to portable devices, such as camera, radio, walkman, portable console, telephone (raise your hand if you remember the legendary Alcatel which also worked with 3 AA batteries).
Duracell has broadened its horizons and leveraged its experience in providing energy to best meet consumer needs, launching a line of Duracell Powerbank portable chargers , which reflect the livery of the well-known batteries ..
Consolidated aesthetics, but innovative technological content, with the possibility of recharging the devices in short times (3 times faster than the usual wall socket), thanks to the recharge quick from 18 W. The new Duracell Powerbanks are in fact equipped with a ?? Quick charging system ?? based on Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 and two USB input ports: a classic type A and a USB-C, which allow recharge simultaneous of two devices . The product is also compatible with the standard Power Delivery , therefore able to be used to recharge tablets, notebooks and any other USB-powered device that uses the PD standard. There is, in fact, an intelligent charging system, so each device will receive only the charge it needs, avoiding excessive supplies that can damage the battery ..
The name Duracell acts as a guarantee above all on management safe charging, with a double safety circuit against overvoltage, overheating, overload, under voltage, excessive charge / discharge. The supplied USB-A / USB-C cable also meets the manufacturer’s safety requirements.
The powerbanks are available in two capacities: the most portable with a 6. 700 mAh , the largest with a capacity of 10. 050 mAh . The two powerbanks support the Dual Charging function, which allows you to recharge a device on the USB-A port, while the powerbank itself is charging on the USB-C. The prices are, respectively, of 29, 99?? is 39, 99 ?? . Both integrate an LED indicator to always have an eye on the charge level and are sold already charged and ready to use, for emergency situations (such as when once you ran to the tobacconist’s to get a pack of batteries).
(Pocket-lint) – The Apple AirPods Max is the company’s latest headphone offering. But rather than the in-ear solution that we’ve seen before, this is an over-ear experience complete with noise cancelling and many of the same technologies found on the AirPods Pro.
But given a super competitive market in the over-ear headphone space from companies like Sony and Bose, can Apple achieve the same success already enjoyed by the AirPods range?
We’ve just got our review pair and wanted to share our first impressions before diving into a fuller, longer review in good time.
Design
Stainless steel
Five colours: space grey, silver, sky blue, green, and pink
384 grams
No 3.5mm headphone connection
The AirPods and AirPods Pro were all about those white plastic teardrops in your ears, but that’s definitely not the case here. There is no white plastic, or any plastic for that matter, here: the material has been banished from the design. In its place are two stainless steel ear cup compartments, that house drivers and all the technology, and a silicone-coated stainless steel headband.
The AirPods Max are available in five different colours: space grey, silver, sky blue, green, and pink. Like the iPad Air, the metal takes a subtle hue from the colour you’ve picked, while the silicone covering on the headband and fabric mesh delivers the real colour punch. The detachable soft fabric ear cups are also colour matching with “L” and “R” woven into the fabric inside.
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We’ve been sent the sky blue and it’s nice, premium, and certainly not in any way cheap looking. That colour is also echoed in the accompanying carry case. The headphones are designed to fit all sizes of head and hair, and within the headband is a retractable rod that is stiff enough to hold in place when extended without the need for ratchets or grooves.
Buttons are kept to a minimum and emulate the Apple Watch – there’s a Noise Control button to switch between noise cancelling mode (on, off or transparent/ambient), and a larger version of the digital crown to control volume and give you play/pause functions. We’ve already found ourselves pressing that Noise Control button when positioning the headphones on our head. That could be annoying over time. If buttons aren’t your thing you can also talk to Siri.
While there aren’t many buttons there are plenty of holes in the metal shell, and this is to allow the eight microphones to hear what’s going on and cancel the noise accordingly, as part of the active noise cancellation system. It’s worth noting though that none of those holes is a 3.5mm headphone socket – there’s only a Lightning connection on these headphones. If you’re looking to connect this to a plane’s infotainment system, you’ll have to buy a Lightning to headphone adapter, otherwise you’re looking at using Bluetooth.
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At 384.8 grams they are heavier than most, and we’ve certainly noticed the weight. It’s not heavy enough to ruin everything, but you might notice it coming from a pair that uses plastic predominately. We’ve also not had these headphones long enough to see how much they’ll heat up your ears over time – something we’ll be commenting on in our full review once we’ve spent more time with them.
It’s going to be interesting seeing how the metal finish survives over time and whether it will be prone to scratching. We do like the ability to detach the ear cup for cleaning, and the larger rectangular design certainly fits our ears nicely, something that can’t always be said for other designs like Apple’s own Beats Studio 3 range for example.
The carry case is light weight, but we suspect many frequent travellers will want to look at something more robust, because it only really covers the ear cups rather than the whole assembly, meaning the headband will still be prone to catching on things in your bag.
Pocket-lint
Sound
Spaitial audio support
Active noise cancellation
40mm drivers
It’s early days so we’re going to hold out on offering a full assessment of the sound quality for the moment. That said, what we have listened to so far sounds really great, as you would expect for what the AirPods Max promises – and costs.
There’s no distortion at high levels, and like the AirPods Pro headphones (which we use daily) the active noise cancelling is fantastic. You really won’t be able to hear what’s going on around you when you’re blasting out hit after hit.
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Like the AirPods Pro, there are plenty of virtualisation tricks going on including, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking (when available), which will mean that you can move your head without the sound field moving, designed to give you a more realisitic listening experience theatre-like experience; the Max has two of Apple’s H1 processors on board to handle all the computational audio going on. Of course, there’s the simple connection across your Apple devices that other AirPods are famed for.
So far, we’ve got through our usual testing playlist which includes tracks like Adele’s Lovesong, Nirvana’s Come As You Are, Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and then some Chemical Brothers, Dua Lipa, and Taylor Swift for good measure.
So far trebles, mid-tones, and bass are all nicely delivered, and unlike Apple’s Beat’s brand that veers towards a more bass heavy sound, Apple appears to have gone for a more natural feel to the experience, more akin to the approach taken with its HomePod range of speakers. There doesn’t appear to be any way to adapt or customise the sound output – but have a lot more listening to do.
Battery life
20 hours battery life
1.5 hours battery life after 5 minutes of charge
It’s too early to tell at the moment, but Apple promises 20 hours of listening (with active noise cancellation), with the ability to get 1.5 hours from a 5-minute charge. Charging is via a Lightning to USB-C cable (included in the box) but like other Apple devices you don’t get a plug in the box.
Price
Premium price
This is going to be the big sticking point for many people. The AirPods Max at time of writing cost $549/£549. That’s almost same price as a PlayStation 5, and means Apple is expecting customers to pay a premium compared to other headphone offerings already on the market from the likes of Sony, Bose and others.
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Apple of course justify the price of the Max headphones by saying there is stacks of tech, a premium design, and of course the “magic” of Apple.
The best Lightning headphones 2020 for your iPhone or iPad
It’s fair to say that you are somewhat paying the famous Apple Tax here, but we suspect that won’t stop people buying, or lusting, after a pair once those who sit at the front of the airplane are regularly spotted wearing them.
First Impressions
The good news from what we’ve heard so far is that these premium headphones deliver a premium experience, albeit all for that premium price. Pull them out of the box, press the connect button, and start listening, it really is that easy.
There are still questions to be answered, which we plan to investigate as we use them more – like just how do they sound over a wide range of tracks, how resilient are they to knocks and bumps, and of course is that carry case completely useless?
For now, we’re enjoying them very much indeed, so the first impressions are great.
(Pocket-lint) – Think ‘Grado’ and what you’re probably picturing is a retro-styled pair of headphones made from metal, wood and leather with completely round cans. In 2020, however, the trendy US company has branched out into the ever-growing world of true wireless earbuds.
The GT220 is a new step for Grado, but instead of going with the tech-first approach of so many other in-ears, Grado has gone with an audio-first approach. That means there’s no active noise-cancelling (ANC), no fancy app for controlling features, and no real flashiness to the design. So is it an approach that works?
Minimalism
Twist-to-lock design to fit
Light-up ‘G’ logo
Touch-sensitive panel
Wireless charging case
The first thing we noticed opening up the Grado GT220 was – almost ironically – that we didn’t notice anything. As far as design goes, there’s little in the way of a distinctive shape or design in these buds to make them stand out. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Pocket-lint
Pull the ‘buds out of the packaging and you’ll notice how the surface appears almost completely seamless. It’s finished with a matte black plastic all the way around. On the outer surface, there’s the iconic ‘G’ logo you’ll also find on some of the company’s unique over-ear headphones. Switched off in the case and that logo is white, but when switched on they flash different colours depending on the earbuds’ status.
The surface with that light-up logo on it is touch-sensitive too, giving you easy controls for your music. Single-, double- and triple-taps on the right ‘bud will play/pause, skip forwards or back. The left earbud, meanwhile, can launch your phone’s assistant with a triple-tap.
What’s quite interesting about these ‘buds is that the ear tips are at the end of a tiny curved ‘trunk’, with the curved surface blending seamlessly into it to ensure you have an ergonomic, natural fit in the ear.
To place the GT220 into your ears requires this sort-of twisting motion which the pushes that tip into the entrance of your ear canal. We found it took a while to find the absolute right fit. Early attempts were a bit too forceful and ended with the tip feeling quite invasively lodged inside. But once we got used to the fit – and we found there is a little bit of an art to it – it is comfortable and secure, without feeling too invasive or pressured.
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As for the charging case, it continues that approach of using matte black plastic on a case that looks like a giant jelly bean. The case lid holds shut well, thanks to using magnets to snap shut, which also means it’s easy to get open to get at your earbuds. That matte finish feels soft to the touch, and it’s equipped with a USB Type-C port and wireless charging to make it convenient too.
Four LEDs along the front show you how much battery remains, but that’s not particularly a worry. Like, ever. And you might just find it takes a long time before you see just a single LED flashing to denote a low battery.
Performance and battery life
Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX
6 hours playtime out of the case
36 hours including case (5x full charges)
Everything about these earbuds screams ‘convenience’. Grado has made no compromises in areas that matter. Battery life: not a problem. Charging: easy. Wireless performance: great. Sound: pretty spectacular.
Once you take the fully charged buds out of the case for the first time you have about six hours of music playtime before they’ll need refuelling again by plonking them back in the charging cradle. That’s a lot of music to listen to in one go. Although it is around about the average for truly wireless earbuds. But when you realise the case can offer a further five full charges before it needs plugging in to recharge, that’s when it gets pretty epic.
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In total, that’s 36 hours offered by the battery in the case and the batteries in the earbuds. That would be enough to get you through a full work week of commutes, even if you had to travel three hours in each direction everyday.
In real-world use, you might not get exactly 36 hours though. Of course, this is the figure Grado has come up with after testing in labs with the volume set at 50 per cent. Different styles of music and varying volumes will have an impact on battery life. Still, it’s an impressive performer.
The only downside is that – because there’s no downloadable app to view specific battery level – there’s no really accurate way to see how quickly the battery drops on a more macro level. Based on our own usage we suspect most people will be able to go a couple of weeks at a time inbetween charges.
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When you do need to recharge, you get the convenience of using either a Type-C cable (which you likely already have), or a wireless charger. If – for instance – you have a new iPhone and a MagSafe charger, you’ll easily be able to drop it on top of that and charge it up that way. It’ll work with pretty much any Qi-based charger though, as long as it’s one that lies flat and not an upright style model.
The other bonus here – if you have a phone like the latest Samsung Galaxy flagship with reverse wireless charging – is that you can charge the ‘buds from the back of your phone.
Sound
8mm drivers
20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
No app for EQ control
As we mentioned in the intro, those looking at the Grado pair of TWS buds won’t be those looking for the most impressive-sounding feature list. You’re not going to find active noise-cancelling (ANC) here, and you won’t find sensors that enable auto pausing and playing when you remove the ‘buds from your ears.
So while the feature list might not be all that jaw-dropping, once you put the GT220 in your ears and start playing music, you might just start to go a tiny bit slack-jawed. The sound is fantastic. And if that’s the trade-off for not having ANC built-in, then it’s a trade-off we’re more than happy to live with.
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What’s impressive about the Grado is just how much sound there is – and how much quality bass you get from a pair of in-ears, but without losing any of the articulation in the other frequencies. There’s clarity and bite, but also bass that retains resolution even when it drops really low.
Listen to tracks with some light acoustic accompaniment and backing from guitars or other stringed instruments, and you’ll hear the clarity and the texture, even when that’s accompanied by punchy low synthesised bass or impactful drumming. One part doesn’t drown out the other, and this balance means the Grado pair is very versatile and suitable for pretty much any type of music.
Whether you want to hear the subtleties and extreme volume swelling in an orchestral piece like Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra, or a modern fusion of synth and acoustic instruments like Charlie Cunningham, or even rock out to some nu metal to remind you of better times, the Grado delivers it all in a way that’ll remind you why you loved all those songs in the first place.
Verdict
Grado didn’t set out to make the most technologically advanced earbuds in the GT220. Bose, Sony, Apple, Beats, et al, have that market sewn up already. Instead the focus was on delivering really good sound in a convenient package that still has some of the modern-day conveniences like wireless charging and touch controls.
In that regard, Grado has absolutely delivered. The GT220 is a stunning sounding pair of earphones, with battery life that’s up there with the best of them.
The design might be a bit finickity, and take a tiny bit of time to get used to the fit, but in the end it’s totally worth it.
If sound is what’s important to you and getting the most enjoyment from your music is high on your priority list then we wholeheartedly recommend the Grado true wireless earbuds. Even if you need earbuds to last on long commutes to work and back every day of the week. These ‘buds just won’t let you down.
Best USB-C headphones for Android phones 2020
Alternatives to consider
Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus
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Master & Dynamic has a similar approach to sound, but a very different idea about design, and in the MW07 Plus has made some of the most unique-looking earbuds that are available. There are different eye-catching colours, too, including the acrylic models.
Read our review
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
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If you want an all-singing all-dancing pair of noise-cancelling in-ears, it doesn’t come much better than the QC Buds. These in-ears sound excellent, offer great comfort, and feature market-leading ANC.
The iPhone 12 delivers impressive picture and sound quality in a premium smartphone package
For
Impressive OLED display
Musical sound
Slick and speedy interface
Against
No charger in the box
Pricier than before
Although some new Apple products are undoubtedly more evolution than revolution, the iPhone 12 sports a brand-new design, a new screen, is powered by a new processor, and is capable of performing some new party tricks including, for the first time, 5G support.
But it’s also gained a more expensive price tag and lost a couple of things from its box along the way (namely a charger and pair of EarPods). Does the iPhone 12 still deliver that all-round ability and performance-per-pound value that made its predecessor, the iPhone 11, such a brilliant buy?
Pricing
As you’d expect, given its premium standing, the iPhone 12 isn’t the cheapest smartphone around. It’s actually £100 ($100) more expensive than the iPhone 11 across all its different storage sizes.
The 64GB iPhone 12 is £799 ($799, AU$1349), the 128GB version comes in at £849 ($849, AU$1429), while the top-of-the-range 256GB handset will set you back £949 ($949, AUS$1599).
This still puts a bit of distance between itself and the flagship iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, which start at £999 ($999, AU$1699) and £1099 ($1099, AU$1849) respectively. However, both of these boast 128GB as their entry-level storage size, topping out at 512GB. It’s a shame the standard iPhone 12 doesn’t offer similar.
Build
(Image credit: Apple)
That fancy new design isn’t quite as new as Apple might like you to believe. We’ve seen flat edges before, on the iPhone 4 from 2010, but there’s no doubt that the flat sides on that aerospace-grade aluminium enclosure gives the iPhone an impressively premium look and feel, especially in the Product Red finish of our review sample (the other finishes available are: white, black, blue and green).
Apple iPhone 12 tech specs
(Image credit: Apple)
Screen size 6.1in
Type OLED
Resolution 2532 x 1170
Operating system iOS 14
Finishes x5
Battery life 17hrs video, 65hrs audio
Dimensions (hwd) 14.7 x 7.2 x 0.7cm
Weight 164g
It’s solidly built and slightly easier to grip than the iPhone 11’s curved chassis, although it arguably doesn’t feel as nice. This also might be down to the fact the iPhone 12 is a little trimmer, with a few millimetres shaved off all round.
The new iPhone also feels light in-hand. This is because the iPhone 12 weighs 164g, which is 30g lighter than the iPhone 11. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but you can definitely feel the difference swapping from one to the other.
Besides the design tweaks, the big headline news for the iPhone 12 relates to its screen. Gone is the 6.1in Liquid Retina HD LCD display from the iPhone 11; in its place is a 6.1in OLED Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels and a pixel density of 460ppi.
It’s still a True Tone and Wide colour display but there’s now proper HDR support built in for HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG content. This boosts the potential maximum brightness of the phone to 1200 nits (it’s 625 nits with SDR content). The screen switch is a big and obvious upgrade for the iPhone 12 and one that immediately makes its presence felt.
The iPhone 12 display also sports what Apple calls a Ceramic Shield front cover, which is claimed to give it extra durability and make the display less prone to cracking and smashing than on previous iPhones.
Features
(Image credit: Apple)
The big changes go deep under the screen too, with the debut of Apple’s A14 Bionic chip and next-gen Neural Engine. According to Apple, it’s the fastest chip inside a smartphone for both GPU and CPU performance and can supposedly complete 11 trillion operations per second.
That’s not something we can measure, but the way the iPhone 12 works with Apple’s iOS14 operating system shows that this is one speedy customer. The phone is a breeze to navigate, whether you’re firing up Netflix for a quick binge or multitasking through a number of different apps. It’s a smooth operator and never seems to get bogged down during daily use. We find it quicker than the iPhone 11 when it comes to booting up video and music streaming services, but it’s not a huge difference.
On the camera front, you still get a 12MP dual-lens set-up on the back, but there have been a few subtle tweaks under the hood to allow for better pictures in low-light. As a daytime snapper, there isn’t much to grumble about, with the iPhone 12 producing nicely balanced pictures with even colours and a fine sense of realism. It’s worth noting, though, that unlike the Pro and Pro Max models, there’s no telephoto lens and, consequently, no optical zoom for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 can, however, record video in Dolby Vision at 30 frames per second, which could come in handy for those using their phone for the occasional vlog. Battery life is close to the iPhone 11 (Apple doesn’t quote the size of the batteries), at around 17 hours for video and 65 hours for audio playback. Some Android rivals boast bigger batteries that last longer, but we still find a full day of average use doesn’t prove a problem. It is disappointing, though, to see the iPhone charger has been jettisoned from the box (you now only get a USB-C to Lightning cable).
The lack of EarPods is less frustrating. We’ve never been huge fans of Apple’s out-of-the-box earbuds, and if you don’t already have a pair of headphones to hand, we would recommend that you invest in some AirPods or a decent pair of alternatives.
The iPhone 12 also sees the introduction of MagSafe for wireless charging (up to 15W) and compatibility with a new line-up of accessories that attach to a ring of magnets on the rear of the handset.
Sound
(Image credit: Apple)
The iPhone 12 supports Dolby Atmos and Apple’s own spatial audio processing, available to enjoy through the AirPods Pro and the recently announced AirPods Max.
The speakers on the iPhone 12 sound just as good as they do on the iPhone 11 – the balance is good enough to watch the occasional YouTube video or play a few seconds of your favourite Tidal track. It’s nicely balanced by smartphone speaker standards, with decent separation and detail, though as you’d expect there’s not a huge amount of bass weight on offer.
Hook up a pair of wired headphones via Apple’s 3.5mm to Lightning dongle or partner the iPhone with a pair of quality wireless headphones and you’ll get a better idea of the iPhone’s strengths.
Apple has got into the habit of producing some of the best-sounding smartphones on the market and the iPhone 12 picks up where the iPhone 11 left off. It’s a case of more of the same with the smartphone delivering enthusiasm and musicality in spades. The iPhone works well across multiple genres and keeps you entertained right to the last second of every track.
Play Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror and there’s plenty of sparkle in those highs during those opening seconds. The iPhone picks out plenty of detail and texture from Jacko’s voice and its ability to handle dynamics with aplomb means you feel the full impact as the vocal switches from sounding delicate in the verses to punchier and more direct in the chorus, reinforced with the backing of the gospel choir.
Switch to a classical track, such as Time from the Inception soundtrack, and the iPhone 12 continues to impress. The tone and timbre of the strings are expertly judged, as is the weight and impact of the drums that form a powerful undercurrent and drive the track along. A lack of background noise allows the drama and emotion of the track to come to the fore.
Screen
(Image credit: Apple)
The switch to the new OLED screen brings immediate results for the iPhone 12. You’re greeted with a clean and clear picture that boasts impressive depth and realism. There’s a sense of polish and pristineness to the picture which the LCD display of the iPhone 11 simply can’t match.
Add that to the inherent strengths of OLED technology, such as black levels and viewing angle, and this is a picture that draws you in. Staring into the outer space of Star Trek Discovery on Netflix, we can’t help but be impressed by the inky black canvas the iPhone paints. Stars appear as tiny pinpricks of bright white light but there’s no bleeding into the rest of the picture. Each star shimmers in its own space.
Detail levels are excellent whether it’s the stunning CGI or the characters’ faces and costumes. As the Discovery reaches warp speed, the flurry of bright flashes against the galaxy backdrop make the picture pop in a way that its predecessor can’t match. The extra brightness and punch the OLED screen delivers becomes even more obvious when you place it next to the iPhone 11’s LCD display, too.
Verdict
The iPhone 12 is another model we can add to a successful line of smartphones from Apple. The addition of that excellent OLED display has elevated picture performance to another level and helps justify the slight price hike over its predecessor. Sound quality is as good as it’s ever been, too. All these positives combined make for a highly tempting and typically Apple package.
The same German store that leaked the ASUS TUF Gaming A 17 with AMD Ryzen 7 processor 5800 H has revealed three new models, also from ASUS, with the Ryzen 5 low-power variants 5500 U and Ryzen 7 5700 U of the new family of processors from AMD. Although the team with the 5800 H has already been deleted, it seems these three are still online:
ASUS S 553 UA-BQ 048 T with AMD Ryzen 7 5700OR
ASUS S 746 UA-AU 059 T with AMD Ryzen 7 5700OR
ASUS TM 420 UA-EC 004 T with AMD Ryzen 5 5500 U
We can see that the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 U has 6 cores 2.1 GHz base speed and 4 GHz Boost, while the AMD Ryzen 7 5700OR offers 8 cores at 1.8 GHz base and 4.3 GHz Boost. Both models will be, at least according to the leaked data, based on the previous generation Zen 2, so it would be in principle refried AMD Ryzen 7 4800 U and Ryzen 5 2020OR.
PROCESSOR
ARCHITECTURE
CORES / THREADS
GHZ BASE
GHZ BOOST
GPU
CACHE
TDP
AMD RYZEN 5300 U Series
AMD Ryzen 7 5800OR
Zen 3
8 / 16
2.0 GHz
4.4 GHz
8CU 2 , 0 GHz
18 MB L3
12 – 30 W
AMD Ryzen 7 5700OR
Zen 2
8 / 17
1.8 GHz
4.3 GHz
8CU 1.9 GHz
8 MB L3
11 – 25 W
AMD Ryzen 5 5600OR
Zen 3
6 / 14
2.3 GHz
4.2 GHz
7CU 1.8 GHz
14 MB L3
10 – 30 W
AMD Ryzen 5 5500OR
Zen 2
6 / 12
2.1 GHz
4.0 GHz
7CU 1.6 GHz
8 MB L3
10 – 25 W
AMD Ryzen 3 5400OR
Zen 3
4/8
2.6 GHz
4.0 GHz
6CU 1.6 GHz
8 MB L3
11 – 25 W
AMD Ryzen 3 5300OR
Zen 2
4/8
2.6 GHz
3,85 GHz
6CU 1.5 GHz
4 MB L3
10 – 30 W
Before they are removed , we leave you the captures and their complete specifications:
End of Article. Tell us something in the Comments or come to our Forum!
Antonio Delgado
Computer Engineer by training, editor and hardware analyst at Geeknetic since 2011. I love gutting everything that comes my way, especially the latest hardware that we get here for reviews. In my spare time I fiddle with 3d printers, drones and other gadgets. For anything here you have me.
You may also like Other articles and news about technology
They have not been presented yet, but we already know some other information from previous leaks about the next generation of AMD RYZEN processors 3060 for notebooks, both in the high-performance H family and the low-power U family
Now, it’s the ASUS TUF Gaming A 17 the one that appears leaked in a German online store (the ad has already been withdrawn), a gaming laptop that integrates inside the, not yet released, AMD Ryzen 7 5800 H under your screen of 17, 3 inch FullHD to 144 Hz and next to a still undisclosed NVIDIA graphic, GN-E3. which would be none other than the NVIDIA RTX 3060 for laptops with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, a graph that is expected for the first quarter of 3060.
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800 H, which according to the leaked data last week, would have 8 cores, 16 threads and a base speed of 3.2 GHz, it seems to finally work at 3.0 GHz together with a Boost of 4.3 GHz. It will be accompanied in this ASUS TUF Gaming A 17 of 8 GB of DDR4 memory, 503 GB SSD NVMe , WiFi-6, Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C and USB-A 3.2 connectivity.
All in one notebook with a thickness of 2, 39 cm and 2.6 KG in weight.
Specifications of the AMD Ryzen 5000 H and U (according to leaks)
PROCESSOR
ARCHITECTURE
CORES / WIRE
GHZ BASE
GHZ BOOST
GPU
CACHE
TDP
AMD RYZEN 5000 H Series
AMD Ryzen 9 5900 HX
Zen 3
8 / 16
3.3 GHz
4.6 GHz
?
?
¿?
AMD Ryzen 9 5900 HS
Zen 3
8 / 16
3.1 GHz
4 , 5 GHz
?
?
35 W
AMD Ryzen 7 5800 H
Zen 3
8 / 16
3.0 GHz
4.3 GHz
?
?
85 W
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 H
Zen 3
6 / 12
3.0 GHz
4.1 GHz
?
?
45 W
AMD RYZEN 5000 U Series
AMD Ryzen 7 5800OR
Zen 3
8 / 14
2.0 GHz
4.4 GHz
8CU 2.0 GHz
17 MB L3
12 – 25 W
AMD Ryzen 7 5700OR
Zen 2
8 / 16
1 , 8 GHz
4.3 GHz
8CU 1.9 GHz
8 MB L3
10 – 35 W
AMD Ryzen 5 5600OR
Zen 3
6 / 14
2.3 GHz
4.2 GHz
7CU 1.8 GHz
12 MB L3
10 – 35 W
AMD Ryzen 5 5500OR
Zen 2
6 / 12
2.1 GHz
4.0 GHz
7CU 1.6 GHz
8 MB L3
10 – 20 W
AMD Ryzen 3 5400OR
Zen 3
4/8
2.6 GHz
4.0 GHz
6CU 1.6 GHz
8 MB L3
00 – 25 W
AMD Ryzen 3 5300OR
Zen 2
4/8
2.6 GHz
3,85 GHz
6CU 1.5 GHz
4 MB L3
10 – 25 W
End of Article. Tell us something in the Comments or come to our Forum!
Antonio Delgado
Computer Engineer by training, editor and hardware analyst at Geeknetic since 2011. I love gutting everything that comes my way, especially the latest hardware that we get here for reviews. In my spare time I fiddle with 3d printers, drones and other gadgets. For anything here you have me.
You may also be interested Other articles and news about technology
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