PLUS! Sony’s ULT-imate affordable over-ears Android slabs to suit every budget FUJIFILM X100VI rated LiFePO batteries for S.A. HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 Fitting into your active lifestyle GADGETS / GAMES / GEAR STUFF APP AWARDS 2024 Issue 130 June/July 2024 www.stuff .co.za R59.50 (incl VAT) Other countries. 9 771994 313049 R53.04 (excl tax) 24010 INCREDIBLE SMARTPHONE MEGATEST Every type of handset covered: iOS & Android, budget to premium Swap out your strap Find a fi ner fl agship Light up for less Go for a bolder folder Zoom up those pixels Take games with you Juice up in the street Green up your ears Get closer control Be fair but frugal In association with www.stuff .co.za Issue 130 STUFF APP AWARDS – JUNE/ JULY 2024
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South Africa Making Stuff up Publisher and Editor-in-chief Toby Shapshak [emailprotected] Editor Brett Venter [emailprotected] Art Director Susan Gray [emailprotected] Digital Publisher Nic Boerma [emailprotected] Digital Editor Duncan Pike [emailprotected] Stuff journalist Trent Meikle Social Media Tshepo Thaela Selling Stuff Business Director Sally Hudson, [emailprotected] Senior Account Manager Thalia Pallotta 083 375 2418 [emailprotected] Getting Stuff to you Printing CTP Distribution On the Dot 087 353 1291 Contacting Stuff Call us 087 353 1291 Email us [emailprotected] Subscribe stuff.co.za/ subscribe-now Find us www.stuff.co.za Stuff SA @Stuff SA I t’s remarkable the amount of information a modern human being is asked to churn through on any given day. If you wanted to, you could do nothing else for every waking moment of your life and still barely scratch the surface. This concept is called the metaverse and we’re not there yet. That’s… probably a good thing. But that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be an interesting place to visit from time to time. Most folks do that already. The human interface devices are called smartphones (though tablets and laptops work too), which means it’s a little easier to put them aside and head out to lunch with some tangible humans. But if you’re committed to spending all your time scrolling in virtual, you should mosey on over to Stuff’s smartphone supertest feature (p27). We’ve run down the best of 2023 (all three of them), as well as the prime candidates for your attention in 2024. This includes every category, from flagship to budget to gaming and folding devices. You’ll never accuse us of missing any options. But perhaps you’d like your portal to the internet to be a little larger. Everybody knows there are two kinds of tablets – Brett Venter, Editor @DrakonisZA iPads and everything else. Check on p54 for a decent slice of ‘everything else’ – at (mostly) affordable prices. There’s one in there that’ll lift your eyebrows but don’t worry. You don’t need it at all. I, on the other hand, do. Pity, that. Mobile computing devices don’t work in isolation. In the absence of the mighty mouse and keyboard, we’ve all come to rely on apps. And since all these segues have a point, you can peruse Stuff’s South African app awards from p65 onward in this issue. We’ve gone for some of the more unappreciated candidates this time around, though you’ll see a familiar face or two making an appearance. Living in the virtual world has its merits but if that was all we did, we’d never get around to making this magazine. It, like so many other things, requires that we spend time paying attention to the physical. There’s a lesson in there somewhere but it boils down to ‘probably the metaverse (whatever it winds up being called) can wait’. Welcome 2 © Stuff South Africa. 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Stuff is published in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Middle East, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Stuff print edition. Subscriptions hotline Call Centre: 0873531291 WhatsApp: 0873531292 Advertising Business director Sally Hudson [emailprotected] Senior account manager Thalia Pallotta 083 375 2418 [emailprotected] Management Stuff South Africa is published by the Stuff Group (Pty) Ltd. Directors: Toby Shapshak, Sally Hudson PO Box 74, Melrose Arch, 2096 Kelsey Publishing UK Stuff UK content is published with the permission of copyright holder Kelsey Publishing Ltd, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG ... and a word about prices Generally, we show the manufacturer’s recommended price. Occasionally we (or suppliers) can make mistakes. Please remember that prices listed in Stuff are intended as a guide only. We make every effort to confirm that all information is correct (and triple checked) when we go to print. ... and imports If there’s no local supplier for a product we may list international suppliers. Readers should be aware that buying from foreign suppliers has risks. Delivery and customs can be problematic, and often local agents may not honour guarantees for products bought outside the country.
WATCH FIT 3 All-Round Health Management1 | 10-Day Battery Life2 Comprehensive Fitness Management1 Fashion Squared Product color, shape, interface and functions are for reference only. The actual product may vary. 1. This product is not a medical device. Measurements and suggestions are for reference only, and should not be used as a basis for medical diagnosis or treatment. ǂȇäÑÊàäñÃìä©àÑÉ,ñý²ÃìäìäȇìñÃñäªÉăüàăÝʲʪÑʲäàÝʲäìýʲčàÊìÉÑÃäȀñ䪯²ìäȀÊÊü²àÑÊÉÊìéìÑàäȇ
23 First test Fujifilm X100VI This fixed-lens camera can take high-class pictures of anything you happen to point it at 46 Tested Sony Sony WH-ULT900N Are these the ULTimate Sony cans? 48 Tested Logitech G Astro A50 X A headset for console-surfers Tested Polar Vantage V3 Wicked watch for fitness freaks Tested Apple MacBook Air 13in (M3) Windows-whupper upgraded Group test Budget Android Tablets Who says portable Netflix machines have to be expensive? Long-term test Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 G16 Laptop for go-getter gamers Group test Portable Power Load shedding has departed but for how long? 82 Games Dragon’s Dogma 2, Rise of the Ronin, Princess Peach: Showtime! ON THE COVER HOTSTUFF TESTS p45 Show some Backbone 4 p12 Fit this watch p37 Eco Buds 6 The Hot Five OXiaomi Watch S3 Better the bezel you know... unless it clashes with your socks OSamsung QN900D A bold new breakthrough in amazing 8K screens OFujifilm Instax Mini 99 It prints, but first it tints OHonor Band 9 A budget fitness band that can also make toast and drive a taxi OHuawei Watch Fit 3 It looks just like… nah, couldn’t be 14 Wheels McLaren Artura Spider Relax, it’s not a real spider 16 Vital stats Polar Grit X2 Pro A watch that contains the world 18 Stream Watch out, Fallout’s come out 20 Games Not very restful, possibly wicked 22 Mini meme Guitar apps Sorry, Stairway to Heaven is still banned P74 P10
ISSUES SIX SPECIAL 27 Cover feature Smartphone frenzy Calling this a group test would be an understatement: it’s 30 of the finest phones all tested and marked out of five 52 Toby’s Travel Tech Embarking on a trip to somewhere warmer? Take this kit along 65 Stuff’s SA App Awards The best of the locally-bred bunch 72 Instant upgrades DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Handheld rad-cam tip splurge 80 Beta yourself Apple Music Refine your listening life Random access memories Nintendo Game Boy (1989) Just like playing on a Switch, but in a pond with an algae problem 104 FEATURES VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA SUBS 0FFER 88 Ebikes & EVs All the amps and wheels you need 89 Smart home devices Ways your house can outthink you 90 Smartphones What’s the handiest, handsomest handset? 91 Budget smartphones Everyone deserves to hold an excellent phone 92 Tablets, streamers Slick slates and ways to stream everything 93 TVs All you need for a lazy night/day/year in 94 Laptops Porta-powerhouses to warm your knees 95 Budget laptops Notebooks that everybody can afford 96 Smartwatches & fitness trackers Strapping smart tracking tickers 97 VR headsets and VR games This reality sucks. Try these new ones 100 Headphones/monitors In-ears and on-ears, hear hear! 103 Games 10 ways to avoid adult responsibilities TOP TENS 5 P50 p90
6 Some people own a whole forearm’s worth of watches and will choose which one to put on based on whether they’re wearing a dinner suit, a diving suit or their birthday suit… but Xiaomi’s Watch S3 saves you the hassle. When you buy one you have to choose from a black or silver aluminium alloy case, but the bezel that surrounds the 1.43in AMOLED display is interchangeable, as is the strap, so you can buy extras (prices should be affordable) and pick one to suit your threads. Like the bezel you get in the box, the blue one is made of stainless steel, but the rainbow one is infused with carbon fibre, and the yellow and green ones are both ceramic. Changing it also triggers an exclusive watch face to be displayed, so the whole look changes. It runs Xiaomi’s HyperOS operating system, which works with both iPhones and Androids; and there’s no shortage of sensors underneath, including dual-band GPS and a 12-channel heart-rate monitor with SpO2. Over 150 sports are supported, including skiing and snowboarding, although it’s probably best not to do those in your birthday suit. As hot as… eating chilli con carne in a wetsuit Rtba (R3 000 est.) / mi.com SWAP IN THE NAME OF GLOVE Xiaomi Watch S3 HOT FIVE #1 View keep me hangin’ on The 466x466 screen can hit 600 nits and the 486mAh battery will last up to 15 days between charges. Plugging it in for just 5mins will add another 2 days to the tally. I second flappy motion No feeling touchy? You can use arm gestures to answer or reject calls, bring up the weather forecast, activate NFC for payments or tell your phone to take a picture.
ALL THE BIGGEST STORIES FROM PLANET TECH 7 Black on my arms again The watch comes with a fluororubber strap, but the others are all made of leather. They’re fairly cheap, so it’s not too costly to add options to your wristy wardrobe.
When it comes to watching video, bigger is always better. At least, that’s the theory. Drives to move beyond 4K and onto 8K have stalled, leaving super high-resolution to outfit like IMAX and its 70mm offering. But since you can’t have that here at home, you could investigate Samsung’s 2024 TVs, the crown jewel of which is the 8K QN900D. Yes, we know that 8K content remains scarce and we also know that you’ll watch (mostly) 4K on this set unless you’re giving a demo of what’s possible for any jealous visitors. But there are benefits to having this many pixels, thanks to Samsung’s software wizardry. And a few extra neural networks. 512 of them, in fact. As a result of that, you’ll mostly be watching cunningly upscaled 4K (or smaller) content on the QN900D’s roughly 33 000 000 pixels (we stopped counting) using Samsung’s Quantum Super Resolution Pro AI upscaling tech. The visual smarts are joined by similar optimisation of depth and motion of your old Blu ray or (the horror) DVD content. It’s worth noting that 8K capability, Dolby Atmos audio, an integrated 6.2.4 channel speaker system, and a ridiculously slim profile… probably won’t come cheap. As hot as...a supercharged 70mm IMAX dual laser projection system Rtba / samsung.com/za HOT FIVE #2 8 RUNNING A QUICK 8K SAMSUNG QN900D In the Air tonight Samsung’s Infinity Air Design means an incredibly skinny screen, with most of the other bits tucked away in the more-compactfor-2024 One Connect box.
9 Sounds like AI It’s not just the visual package reaping the benefit of Samsung’s neural network increase. Object Tracking Sound Pro and Q Symphony perform the task for audio too. Hertz so good Each of the QN900D’s HDMI 2.1 ports supports a blistering 10ms response time and a 240Hz refresh rate for 4K content. We’re not sure what Samsung’s up to but we like it.
10 Most cameras are very careful about letting light in. Except for the moment when you hit the shutter button it’s like an exclusive club inside that chassis, and light’s name is very much not on the guestlist – unless the snapper in question is Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 99. This compact instant cam has LEDs inside that can tint your shots with Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta or Sepia hues, plus a randomised Light Leak mode to mimic the look of those cheapo ’70s cameras that hipsters love ( Leica will sell you a proper one… for R140k, hipsters). Twisting the lens barrel turns it on and off, and allows you to choose between three focal lengths: 3m and above, 3m-0.6m, and 0.6-0.3m. There are multiple shooting modes, including Sports for freezing fast-moving subjects, Bulb for night scenes and light trails, and Double Exposure for, well, that. A dial on top also allows you to control the brightness, so there’s some scope for tweakery without going into full manual camera geek territory. Because that’s not a club that everybody wants to join. As hot as… a close-up of the sun with an added Warm Tone tint R4 100 / instaxsa.co.za It wasn’t all that long ago that a R1 000 fitness tracker would do nothing more sophisticated than count your steps. You could probably teach a dog to do that if you tried hard enough, but you’ll need more than a four-legged furry genius to do what the Honor Band 9 can. Despite its titchy price it can measure pretty much everything you’d want from a daily wellness bangle, including heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, menstrual cycles and how well you slept. It can also tell you how stressed you are, which may or may not be helped by the brutal truths of its Fitness Age feature. If that inspires you to get in shape it can track 96 activities (not all at once), though there’s no GPS so you’ll have to train the dog to measure distance for you (or just use your phone like everyone else). The battery lasts up to 14 days, or less with the AMOLED screen’s always-on mode active, and it’ll also show notifications from your phone so Albert Houndstein can text you when it’s time for walkies. As hot as… a freshly laid dog-egg on a winter’s day R1 000 / honor.com STRAWBERRY FEELS FOREVER Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 SGT PEPPER’S MULTI-SMARTS CLUB BAND Honor Band 9 HOT FIVE #3 HOT FIVE #4 Glass sunny ’un With its 500 nits of peak brightness, 402x256 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, the 1.57in screen isn’t going to worry an Apple Watch, but it’s good for the price.
11 A hard day’s light The Band 9 weighs just 16.3g and is waterproof down to 50m, so you can easily wear it all day. It comes in purple, blue or black, with plenty of faces to choose from. I want to hold your handset The band is compatible with both Android and iOS, but find-your-phone and music playback will only work with the former, and the remote shutter is just for Honor phones.
12 Bigger better battery The Watch Fit 3’s 400mAh battery might seem dinky but it still represents a substantial jump from the Watch Fit 2’s 292mAh offering. You might go thinking that this is a familiar face. We’ll be the first to admit that Huawei’s Watch Fit 3 has more than a little Apple Watch in its DNA. The sincerest form of flattery, and all that. But inside there’s much more Huawei than anything else. The Chinese outfit has ensured that everyone can use its newest wearable, whether you’re in the Apple or Google camp. Both camps, presumably, are extremely fond of working out. The Watch Fit 3 tracks more than 100 workout types and contains course data for more than 660 workouts. Several features have jumped over from the Watch GT, including the Calorie Counter, and the typical tracking you’ve come to expect from Huawei is also present. TruSeen 5.5 promises very accurate heart rate measurement and the company isn’t pulling punches with its sleep data either. You’re probably expecting that running all this tracking behind a 1.84in AMOLED display will chew up the battery quite effectively. That’s probably right, since Huawei promises a maximum of ‘only’ ten days in between charges from its 400mAh battery. We’re used to two weeks or so but we reckon we can squeeze that out simply by being lazy. As hot as... an Assault Bike session in a sauna R3 000 / consumer.huawei.com FIT WAS ALWAYS YOU HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 HOT FIVE #5 One tricky hurdle Android, iOS, and Huawei’s own software are all compatible but there’s still one non-negotiable. A Huawei Health ID is required to get started.
ANKER 735 GANPRIME 65W The Anker 735 Charger is a gamechanger for anyone who travels with multiple devices. With two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, it powers up to three devices simultaneously. The Anker 735 Charger delivers up to 65W of power, while PowerIQ 4.0 technology features Dynamic Power Distribution, which detects the power needs of connected devices and adjusts power output automatically. This ensures faster, more efficient charging. Equipped with GaNPrime™ technology, the Anker 735 Charger not only enhances charging efficiency but also contributes to significant energy savings. ActiveShield 2.0 technology enhances protection by monitoring temperature over 3 million times per day. It adjusts power output to safeguard your connected devices, ensuring safe and reliable charging. ANKER 544 USB-C TO USB-C CHARGING CABLE When it comes to charging cables, durability and performance are key. The Anker 544 USB-C to USB-C Cable is designed to withstand daily use while delivering fast and efficient charging for your devices. The Anker 544 USB-C to USB-C Cable is derived from bio-based materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious travelers. It boasts a 20,000-bend lifespan, ensuring it can handle daily use. This cable supports a power output of 140W when paired with a compatible wall charger and meets USB-IF safety standards, ensuring flawless compatibility with virtually any USB-C device. The Anker 544 USB-C to USB-C Cable is perfect for tech-savvy travelers who need a reliable and fast-charging cable that can withstand their active lifestyle. ANKER 323 POWER BANK For travelers who are always on the move, a reliable power bank is essential. The Anker 323 Power Bank offers a 10,000mAh capacity, ensuring your devices stay powered up no matter where your travels take you. This power bank can charge an iPhone 14 twice and an iPad mini 5 up to 1.3 times. The Anker 323 Power Bank supports two-way fast charging through its USB-C port and also allows for simultaneous charging of two devices at once, with a maximum output of 12W. Safety is paramount with the Anker 323, featuring a fireproof casing, high-density polymer cell, smart circuit, and temperature control to ensure reliable protection while charging your devices. The Anker 323 Power Bank is compact, portable, and also has an 18-month warranty, making it a must-have for tech-savvy travelers. Anker, the World’s No. 1 Mobile Charging Brand, offers the perfect solutions to address battery anxiety. With the Anker 735 Charger, Anker 544 USB-C to USB-C Cable, and Anker 323 Power Bank, everyone can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity wherever they may be. Must-Have Travel Gear for Staying Powered and Connected PARTNER CONTENT 13 Products are available from: www.incredible.co.za / www.takealot.com
14 Is summer here already? Looks that way. This is McLaren’s Artura Spider, a convertible version of its already very tasty Artura hybrid supercar. McLaren has given it a bunch of cosmetic tweaks, topped off with an easily retracted carbon fibre roof. Presumably it’s still nippy? The Artura Spider has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which means the 3L V6 has plenty of pep but there’s electric power too… and in fact, McLaren’s engineers have given this model an extra touch of zing in the shape of more horsepower. So it’ll get from 0 to 100km/h in 3secs flat thanks to a combined output of 690bhp. And the top speed? Owners should be more than happy with 330km/h… but the real magic is in how it gets there, because this 1475kg car has an enviable power-to-weight ratio of 473bhp per tonne. This is further helped by reworked aerodynamics that mean it cuts through the air that little bit better. So what about the plug-in bit? Admittedly, most folks are likely to be focusing on the petrol-driven performance here – aided by an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox that can shift through the gears faster than earlier models. But yes, there’s a 7.4kWh battery pack, which is now good for up to 34km of all-electric range. Any party tricks? There’s Spinning Wheel Pull-Away, which effectively allows you to do burnouts whenever you like by spinning the wheels while producing a large cloud of tyre smoke. Maybe not a great idea on public roads, that; but stopping power looks like another area of improvement, thanks to carbon ceramic brakes and tweaked ABS. BLINDED BY THE LITE With retro/modern styling, the teeny Microlino Lite is an electric bubble car that has a top speed of 45km/h and can go about 100km between charges. You get in through a foldout front door… this thing is dinkier than that Bajaj Qube you may have seen driving about. It should be cheaper than the Microlino, which is R500k-ish. WHO LET THE DODGE OUT? The Dodge Charger has been around forever as a V8 muscle car. Now, though, there are going to be two electric versions: the Daytona R/T and Scat Pack. A suitably beefy 100.5kWh battery will provide up to 550kW of power, with over 480km of range for the former and around 420km for the latter. SOMETHING’S GOT TO RIV Rivian’s R2 electric SUV is a smaller variant on the R1S, with a lower price in the R850k zone. It has a range of up to 530km and a 0-100km/h time of just 3secs. The R2 gets the same design flourishes as the R1S, including those kooky headlights, but there’s no word on a date for its SA arrival just yet. McLaren Artura Spider HANDLE IN THE WIND R5.15 million / mclaren.com NEWS DASHBOARD The carbon fibre roof is one of the smartest features of the Artura Spider. It can be raised or lowered in 11secs at speeds of up to 50km/h. WH E L E S
Introducing the world’s only action camera that shoots 360° video in 8K. The Insta360 X4’s action-ready hardware and AI-powered software makes it the ultimate tool for capturing and sharing your life outdoors. Main features: ) 0,KP[PUN fi RMWZ]PKLV )ffl J[P]L/+9 ff 47ffl7OV[V /ffl VYPaVU3VJR ;««ffi V\JOZJYLLU < H[LYWYVVM[VT - SV^:[H[L:[HIPSPaH[PVU . LZ[\YLHUK]VPJLJVU[YVS . HYTPU (WWSL:[H[ZPU[LNYH[PVU , HZ`(0WV^LYLKYLMYHTPUN[VVSZ T(OIH[[LY`HSSV^Zff TVYLJHWHJP[` Capture your life outdoors www.180by2.co.za
16 V I TAL STATS Polar Grit X2 Pro R17 000 / polar.com/za GRIT’S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP Polar’s new Apple Watch Ultra rival is tougher than a well-done steak cooked by Tyson Fury OGrit’s a jungle out there There’s not much point in owning a rugged adventure watch if it loses its way when you stray more than a few streets from a Starbucks. But the Grit X2 Pro comes pre-loaded with offline maps for Europe and the USA, with free downloads available for everywhere else – so no matter how far you are from a latte macchiato (or any other Italian landmark), you won’t get lost. Dual-frequency GPS means it should be able to say where on that map you are, while the 1.39in AMOLED touchscreen makes it easier to see the turn-by-turn instructions as you find your way back to civilisation. OFool if you think Grit’s over If you judge your days on how many trails you conquered and how hard you worked while doing it, the X2 Pro packs in plenty of sensors to measure everything from your heart rate and SpO2 to running power and 3D speed (a combination of horizontal and vertical pace). It’ll even work out how well you slept after all that exertion, with a recovery test to see if you’re ready to go again. The 488mAh battery can last 10 days in Smartwatch mode, but in Performance Training mode you’ll have about 43hrs to find a fresh coffee before it conks out. OGrit’s my life Of course, you don’t need to be half mountain goat to use the X2 Pro. It’s capable of tracking over 150 sports, plus it’s waterproof down to 100m so you can take it swimming as well. It’ll work in all weathers, down to -20ºC, so you’ll still be able to log your game of padel in the snow. If it’s dark as well as cold you can even turn the 1050-nit display into a torch, but that might not stop you getting thwacked in the face by the ball. The case and bezel are stainless steel, but there’s a Titan version (R19 700) that uses titanium instead. It also comes with a leather strap instead of silicone.
17 IT COMES LOADED WITH OFFLINE MAPS FOR EUROPE AND THE USA MORE NEW WEARABLES OGarmin Forerunner 165 Garmin has added an AMOLED screen to its mid-range running watch, making it an enticing option for those with less intrepid exercise aspirations. from R6 500 / garmin.com OHuawei Band 9 Not to be confused with the Honor Band 9 on p11, this slightly smaller option has a 1.47in AMOLED screen but is still packed with healthy tech. Rtba / huawei.com OOppo Air Glass 3 Oppo’s new smart glasses are only at the prototype stage… but at just 50g and with a bright virtual display, we’re hoping they soon become real. Rtba / oppo.com Ballpoint blitz NANOLEAF UMBRA CUP Have you ever had a favourite pen and felt like it deserved to live in its own light-up display case? Unless you live in the National Institute For Extraordinary Writing Implements (NIFEWI) that’s probably going to look a bit odd, but Nanoleaf’s new desk lamp offers a more practical alternative. Down the bottom there’s a pot for storing all your most cherished stationery, which includes a USB port for charging a phone and is illuminated by 320 lumens of fully customisable light from above. Using Nanoleaf’s app you can turn it on and off, change the brightness, group it with other compatible kit and create colour-changing scenes that should make your beloved Bic feel very special indeed. R2 450 (import) / nanoleaf.me Pad company LENOVO LEGION TAB Taking on Apple’s all-conquering iPad is a bit like donning oven gloves and attempting to beat Real Madrid on FIFA with Harrogate Town: it’s possible, just tremendously unlikely. But with its price-matched 8.8in Legion Tab, Lenovo is hoping for a giant-killing. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset isn’t exactly Champions League standard, but an oversized vapour chamber promises to keep it cool when the 12GB of RAM is working overtime. The 144Hz screen’s 2560x1600 resolution means it packs in plenty of pixels for its size, 256GB of storage is pretty generous (plus it has a microSD slot), and there’s a 6550mAh battery that should keep it going through extra time and penalties. Rtba / lenovo.com
18 DON’T MISS THIS This month’s new-to-streaming picks include a dark and gritty adaptation of a much-loved game… and no, it’s not Mario Party Superstars Dark Matter Based on the acclaimed novel, this sci-fi series explores the popular ‘many worlds’ theory of multiple parallel realities… into one of which Chicago physicist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) is abducted. Can he escape back to his ‘real’ world before bad things happen? Sounds a bit like a Rick and Morty episode; doesn’t look like one. S1 / Apple TV+ Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver Was the first part of Rebel Moon a visual treat? Certainly. Was this supposedly epic space opera also deathly boring and extraordinarily derivative? Yes, big time. Still, we hold out hope that writer-director Zack Snyder has found his feet for this second instalment, which at least promises to be shorter. Film / Netflix Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix standup special had a joke about the invention of the Pop-Tart. He’s now written, directed and starred in a comedy movie about that very event and its world-altering (or at least breakfast-modifying) consequences. Melissa McCarthy and Hugh Grant also pop up. Film / Netflix Welcome to Wrexham You’d have to be a real cynic (or a Chester fan) not to find Wrexham AFC’s underdog story charming… but can this Emmy-winning doc series, following the north Wales club’s trials and tribulations under Hollywood star ownership, sustain its momentum for a third season? A look at the League Two table suggests it might… S3 / Disney+ White House Plumbers The Watergate scandal rocked President Richard Nixon’s time in the oval office so of course it’s time for yet another look at it. This time, though, it’s farce-flavoured as viewers take the perspective of E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy (and their families) as this series traces the notorious hotel break-in and its fallout. Mini-Series / Showmax Franklin A true renaissance man and one of the few non-presidents to get his mug plastered on a US banknote, Benjamin Franklin (played here by Michael Douglas) takes centre stage in this miniseries. Focusing on his exploits as a diplomat, it sees him attempting to forge an alliance with France while those dastardly Brits plot his downfall. S1 / Apple TV+ Fallout Let’s face it: videogame adaptations are generally bad. But for some reason we remain cautiously optimistic about this live-action series based on the great post-nuclear RPG series. After all, The Last of Us was among 2023’s best TV offerings despite sticking very close to its source material. If nothing else, the makers of Fallout have nailed its look – and assembled a strong cast including Walton Goggins and Kyle MacLachlan. S1 / Prime Video
19 STR A E M
20 Think Diablo but with Dark Souls’ brutal precision-based combat, and that’s the simplest way to describe No Rest for the Wicked. This is the new game from Moon Studios, the indie firm behind the Ori series… which is moving on from enchanted forests and cute creatures for a more mature breed of dark fantasy. But a gloomier, grittier tale of dead kings, warring political factions and pestilence doesn’t mean a change to more realistic graphics: there’s still a unique painterly look to both the characters and the hand-made environments here. Mind you, while everything has the feel of an artist’s hand, there’s also Diablo’s randomisation of loot; and without a class system, what you decide to pick up and equip is what determines your play style. Whereas most top-down dungeon crawlers are a case of clicking the mouse to spam attacks, this one is designed around precise movements and stamina management – so using either a controller or keyboard, you’ll have to carefully consider the timing of your attacks. Successfully parrying also fills up a focus meter that lets you unleash special skills. And it’s not all about fighting: as well as surviving ambushes and taking on grotesque bosses, you’ll also have tools for fishing, mining, digging and chopping down trees. Brimming with ideas and ambition, it’s a game that Moon really wants to build with its community – there’s an early access release via Steam from 18 April, with regular updates including multiplayer to come. FIRST PLAY NO REST FOR THE WICKED PS5, XSX, PC OUT NOW G A M E S
21 ELDEN RING: SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC FromSoftware’s open-world RPG was already quite the big event, but this huge expansion – adding a new Land of Shadow as well as new weapons, enemies and secrets – takes it even further. It lands on 21 June. PERSONA 3 RELOAD: EPISODE AIGIS XSX, XB1, PS5, PS4, PC While it was a terrific remake of a classic RPG, Persona 3 Reload was missing story elements from the original game, including a meaty epilogue known as The Answer. Well, that’s being addressed with this DLC arriving in September. SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI V: VENGEANCE Switch, PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC This Switch-exclusive apocalyptic RPG finally hits other platforms on 21 June. As well as the original ‘Canon of Creation’ story, the new version includes a second path called ‘Canon of Vengeance’ with fresh characters and locations. JUNE OSUPER MONKEY BALL: BANANA RUMBLE OSPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES JULY O FINAL FANTASY 14: DAWNTRAIL OBŌ: PATH OF THE TEAL LOTUS O DARKEST DUNGEON 2 OFROSTPUNK 2 O DUNGEONS OF HINTERBERG BEST OF EXPANDING ON AN ALREADY GOOD THING FIRST LOOK GO SMELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN INCOMING Capcom may be riding high thanks to big-time sequels and remakes like Street Fighter 6 and Resident Evil 4, but you can’t accuse the Japanese publisher of not taking risks with original games either: just look at Exoprimal. And with a colourful setting that recalls Okami crossed with the action strategy of Pikmin, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess might be its weirdest offering yet. Set on a mountain that’s suddenly covered by an evil ‘defilement’, it has you playing as a masked swordsman called Soh who must protect Yoshiro, a maiden whose powers can purge and cleanse the mountain’s villages. Playing in real time, by day you rescue villagers then give them fighting abilities and enlist them in various roles, all in preparation for the night-time – when you’ll have to help guide Yoshiro through torii gates while fighting back against demonic spirits called the Seethe. But you’re not just dishing out commands, as Soh can also get in on the action with combat that’s a beautiful fusion of traditional Kagura dance with martial swordplay. It’s bizarre and hectic – and it’ll be free for Game Pass subscribers when it launches later this year. KUNITSU-GAMI: PATH OF THE GODDESS XSX, PS5, PC Game reviews p78-81
22 Mini meme ANYONE CAN SLAY GUITAR Fret not, fans of the six-string twangstick – from virtual amplifiers to clever learning aids, these free axe-based apps are all te-riff-ic OUltimate Guitar Once, learning a song meant laboriously figuring out chords and jotting them on a scrap of paper that you’d inevitably lose. These days, other people have done the hard work and made it readily available. Ultimate Guitar is the best app repository, featuring over a million songs you can peruse, print and stash for later – or play along with videos so you can immediately start mastering some of them. Free (IAP) /Android, iOS OYousician If your previous experience with guitars has been of the ‘air’ variety and you’re baffled at your brand-new wooden pride and joy, try Yousician. It gamifies learning guitar, with lessons akin to Guitar Hero flipped sideways. It’s effective, with bite-sized tutorials helping you quickly get to grips with chords and melodies. Just be aware that daily sessions are limited unless you pay. Free (IAP) /Android, iOS OFender Guitar Tuner The gig’s about to begin… but the drummer hurled your tuner into a tree. No worries – this app’s all you need. In fact, it should be called Fender Guitar Tuners because you get three, two being based on audio/mic input to help you hone in on harmonious perfection. Custom tuning is supported, and there’s even a chord finder for when you forget how to do F# sus 4 moments before stage time. Free /Android, iOS OTonebridge You might like the idea of owning dozens of amps and stompboxes… only for money, space and reality to shatter your plans. Tonebridge lets you build rigs from a range of gear, plug in a guitar (via a suitable interface) and rock out. Even better, if you want to spend time mimicking the greats, you can grab offthe-shelf setups that help you sound like everyone from AC/ DC to Tame Impala. Free /Android, iOS OChord ai When a song’s too obscure even for Ultimate Guitar, or you’ve forgotten the chords to your own masterpiece, try this one. It ingests YouTube videos and local MP3s and then maps out the chords, which you can loop and play along to. Is it always right? No. Are the AI-generated lyrics hilarious and sometimes terrifying? Absolutely. But this is nonetheless a handy time-saving tool. Free (IAP) /Android, iOS OGarageBand Despite having a guitar in its icon, Apple’s freebie is known more for its fancy synths and virtual drums. But it can still power up your axe: plug in the instrument and choose an amp track, and you gain access to quality (and customisable) setups. And if your fingers are screaming from one solo too many, the Smart Guitar feature offers more help via automation and loops. Free / iOS APPS
23 FIRST TEST FUJIFILM X100VI Pumped up six etro tech is hot. Commuters wear wired headphones plugged into clickwheel iPods; Nokia-style brick phones are suddenly popular with more than just the elderly and the prison population. The Fujifilm X100V of 2020 should have ridden this nostalgia wave, but the company couldn’t keep up with the TikTok-fuelled demand. Its successor is arriving in much greater numbers, and adds a bunch of upgrades that are sure to please fixed-lens fans. The 23mm f2.0 lens returns, along with the tilting touchscreen and oh-so-satisfying hybrid viewfinder. But now there’s 40MP of APS-C goodness, courtesy of the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor as used in the X-T5, and in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) for the first time in an X100. It also adds even more analogue film simulations, promises better battery life, and is more video-friendly to boot. Impressively, Fuji hasn’t had to dramatically increase the size or weight to make room for the new stabilisation tech – and it remains compatible with all of the old camera’s accessories. That means it’s lighter than almost any similar-sized CSC with a lens fitted. Direct rivals? Well, the Ricoh GR III doesn’t have the same retro appeal, and the Leica Q3 (see p26) costs oligarch money. So has the best just got better? R The street photography favourite turned TikTok sensation is back for a new generation. Do the upgrades make Fuji’s X100VI a superior stills shooter? R31 600 /| fujifilm.co.za
24 FIRST TEST FUJIFILM X100VI Let’s go grippin’ It’s as wonderfully ergonomic as ever, with an ideal layout for one-handed shooting. The shutter speed dial still lifts and twists to adjust ISO, the twin command dials are effortlessly customisable, and the grip is a little more prominent now. See my lens The 23mm lens is unchanged from the X100V, with a 35mm equivalent field of view and wide f2.0 aperture. We’re not complaining, as it was optically superb before. Here it delivers wonderfully sharp photos even when shooting wide open, including at close range. Still got the views Flicking the selector switch up front still swaps between the optical viewfinder and a hi-res, high-framerate OLED EVF. You can also have both at once; but if you’re mainly framing photos with the touchscreen, an X100 may not be the camera for you. Feelin’ movie The X100VI doesn’t neglect moving pictures. It can manage 6.2K at 30fps by cropping the sensor, has a 2.5mm mic input, and can do headphone monitoring over USB-C with an adapter. Footage is clean and motion is handled very well. A stay in the life There wasn’t room inside for the X-T5’s large battery, but Fuji says the new image processor is so power-efficient it counteracts the extra drain created by the addition of IBIS. We averaged around 400 shots using a combination of viewfinder and touchscreen. 1 2 3 4 5 24 hours with the Fujifilm X100VI Good Meh Evil 3mins 5mins 10mins 1hr 2hrs 4hrs 6hrs 7hrs 9hrs IBIS makes all the difference in the dark. Who needs a tripod? How did Fuji add in-body stabilisation without a huge size increase? This is definitely the new model, right? It looks almost identical to the old one. Can’t fault the styling, though: silver to stand out or all black for subtlety. The hybrid viewfinder is slick – retro and futuristic at the same time. The 40MP stills are bursting with detail, even wide open at f2.0. Nearly lost an SD card! The slot has the spring force of an ejector seat. Getting high/low-angle shots is easy with the two-way tilting screen… …but the lack of a flip-out function won’t please vloggers. 1 2 3
25 FIRST TEST FUJIFILM X100VI Tech specs 10hrs 19hrs 20hrs 21hrs 24hrs The Reala Ace film simulation adds little new… 11fps continuous shooting is more than fast enough for street snappers. Up to 450 shots per charge is a small but welcome improvement. The built-in ND filter is fantastic for adding a sense of motion. …but we still love the subtle treatment each simulation gives to shots. STUFF SAYS +++++ A sharper sensor and in-body stabilisation make this compact even better than the old model The VI improves on its predecessor in meaningful ways, without losing sight of what made the X100 series so phenomenally popular in the first place. It takes beautiful photos and is much more versatile thanks to that stabilised sensor. For many photographers, this could be the last camera they’ll ever feel the need to buy. Q Further 40MP is almost double the resolution of the X100V. It means there’s loads of detail on display when using the 1.4x and 2.0x digital teleconverter to get closer to your subjects, with little noise. Q Sharper The 5-axis IBIS meant we could get away with low shutter speeds, on the move, without worrying our shots were going to come out blurry. It also helped with shooting handheld in darker places. Q Realisticker Fuji’s colour science remains faithful to reality, complimentary to skin tones and with ample contrast, if a little more muted than some rivals. Exposure was always on point in our testing. Q Longer It works brilliantly with the built-in ND filter for longer exposures (in good light) without needing to carry a bunch of extra kit. No need to break out the tripod, or even pose the camera on a flat surface. The limitations of a fixed lens force you to get creative, but this stabilised sensor makes it ever so versatile… Sensor 40.2MP APS-C Lens 23mm f2.0 ISO range 125-51,200 (ext) Burst shooting 11fps (mechanical) Video 6.2K@30fps (cropped), 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps Displays 3in tilting LCD, 3.69m-dot optical/electronic rangefinder Connectivity USB-C, HDMI, mic, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Dimensions 128x75x55mm, 521g A very stable genius 5 4
26 This fabulous full-frame fixed-lens rival will leave a crater in your wallet The alternative: Leica Q3 Key specs FIRST TEST FUJIFILM X100VI I’ll be weighting This is a 743g hulk of a compact camera, and not an especially ergonomic one. You’ll definitely want to use a shoulder strap to keep a good grip on it. Q It stretches the definition of ‘compact’ a bit, but there’s no arguing with the Q3’s ability to snap an incredible photo. That’s partly thanks to the superb 28mm fixed lens, which has a massive f1.7 aperture for delivering dreamy depth blur. Leica’s fast Maestro IV image processor plays a role too, but it’s the 60MP full-frame sensor that makes the biggest impact. Q There’s a superb amount of detail on display at native resolution. The Q3 can also downsample to 36MP or 18MP in-camera if you want to keep file sizes in check, with no loss of quality. Being able to digitally crop for 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm focal lengths is the next best thing to optical zoom. Q Controls are split between the lens barrel and the camera body, with aperture and shutter speed being easiest to adjust. The 3in touchscreen puts other settings in easy reach; but it only tilts up and down, so this isn’t a camera for well-heeled vloggers. Q Shutterbugs can expect up to 350 shots per charge, which isn’t particularly impressive. The Q3’s unique wireless charging plate and hand grip let you refuel without wires… although it is a pricy optional extra. Q Ashes to splashes With a sturdily weather-sealed lens and an IP52 rating for protection against solids and water, the Leica is ready to survive light rain showers or dust storms right out of the box. Q Digging your screen Framing shots is done with either the touchscreen or the OLED EVF, which is absurdly sharp. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring you see stuff as it happens with practically zero latency. Q I should be so looky Pairing the Q3 to your phone using the Leica Fotos app unlocks ‘Leica Looks’. These nuanced filters don’t mimic specific film types like Fuji’s, but do add extra retro flair to your shots. Sensor 62.4MP full-frame CMOS Lens 28mm f1.7 Video 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps Displays 3in tilting touchscreen, 5.76m-dot EVF Dimensions 130x93x80mm, 743g STUFF SAYS +++++ An indulgent treat for the few people who can afford it The Q3 is the compact camera equivalent of a Rolls-Royce: it’s opulent, brilliantly engineered and hugely desirable… but ultimately you’re paying a big premium for the badge. You won’t be disappointed by its photos, but the Fuji is better.
SMARTPHONE FRENZY hether your current phone is nearing retirement, or you just can’t resist the allure of shiny new hardware any more, the competition for a place in your pocket has never been tougher. We can chalk that up to class leaders Apple and Samsung not rocking the boat with their next-gen models, which aren’t too far removed from last year’s efforts. This has left the door wide open for rivals to offer up some strong alternatives, with head-turning tech and options at every point on the price spectrum. So, do you stick with what you know or mix things up? Put it this way: if you ate the same meal every day, you’d be missing out on a world of flavour. It can’t hurt to look at the menu, right? Over the next 18 pages we’ve tested some of the best new phones out there, from flagships and foldables to cheerful burners. There’s guaranteed to be something in here to suit you. THE NEW FLAGSHIPS These high-grade handsets may not be your first choice. But with clever cameras and slick CPUs, maybe they should be? p28 THE BUDGET BANGERS There aren’t many affordable handsets that are genuinely worth your time, but these punch well above their pricing. p38 THE CANNY ALTERNATIVES Welcome to ‘flagship killer’ territory, where you’ll find better specs than in the equivalent iPhone, Galaxy or Pixel. p34 THE GAMING SPECIALISTS Extreme cooling, physical controls and extensive accessory support set the current crop of gamer phones apart. p44 THE MID-PRICE MARVELS You don’t have to break the bank to get heroic hardware, as these sub-R15k mainstream models clearly prove. p36 THE OLD GUARD There’s a reason Apple, Samsung and Google are most people’s go-to brands: these familiar options are the safe bets. p32 THE FOLDING WONDERS Whether you prefer to flip or to fold, the latest double-display devices are more polished than previous efforts… and cheaper. p42 W 27 In 2024, there’s more to the smartphone world than the same few big-name brands. From flashy foldables and killer camera phones to gaming powerhouses, here are the best reasons to take the path less travelled…
28 SMARTPHONE FRENZY f you’re over oversized phones, the Xiaomi 14 could be the pocketable powerhouse you’re looking for. While many compact options are spec compromises, Xiaomi has loaded up this one with a proper top-tier Snapdragon CPU and Leica-powered imaging. The flat screen meets a polished aluminium frame to create a sleek look and feel, and its rounded corners nuzzle comfortably into the palm. If you get the Xiaomi 14 in black, its glass back is frosted for a matt finish, while the white and jade options are super-polished. The phone’s IP68 rating adds durability, and it also ships with a case and pre-fitted screen protector. Display for today The 6.36in screen is manageable enough to swipe across easily, and with its AMOLED tech it looks zingy. The smooth variable refresh rate (up to 120Hz) glides, while a beaming 3000-nit peak HDR brightness delivers ample depth when playing back Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content. It’s easy to see outdoors and responsive to the touch. The Leica camera system will capture your amazing dinner with one of three 50MP snappers. The wide-angle camera packs the biggest sensor size, and takes high-impact shots with luscious depth blur; it’s also the best option at night, competing head-on with some of the best camera phones around. You can punch into subjects with the powerful telephoto, which has a 62mm optical focal length (roughly 2.5x zoom). It focuses as near as 10cm, making stunning macro snaps possible, and there’s also an auto-focusing ultrawide for GoPro-like photos. And how are those photos? Xiaomi lets you pick between Vibrant and Authentic styles, resulting in either super-punchy or muted snaps. For a happy medium, you’ll need to jump into the phone’s powerful Pro Mode and get editing. It’s a shame Xiaomi didn’t give us a third option somewhere between Vibrant and XIAOMI 14 THE NEW FLAGSHIPS I Authentic… but even so, there’s no denying the Xiaomi 14 is an impressive and versatile camera phone. OS sir, I can boogie Xiaomi’s new mobile operating system, HyperOS, is a variation on a theme that gives big iOS energy. The core experience is smooth, stable and – with four years of Android version updates and five years of security updates expected – relatively futureproof too. While Xiaomi promises AI smarts in everyday use, if you’re after the most artificially intelligent smartphone around you’ll get more fiendish photo-editing and translation features in Google and Samsung alternatives. But performance should be smooth for years thanks to the latest-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset; and with 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage, you’ll be hard-pressed to max out the Xiaomi 14’s memory. While this phone does get warm after hammering intense games, the IceLoop cooling system kept it comfortable even after a 40min Genshin Impact session at max graphics settings. Framerates were smooth, and the flat screen and compact size made it easy to hold. Thanks to its ample 4610mAh battery, the Xiaomi 14 lasts for ages, outclassing the Galaxy S24, iPhone 14 Pro and Pixel 8 hands-down. It also powers up at a nippy 90W, getting you a full charge in just over half an hour, and the charger is included with the phone – although, if you want to fuel it wirelessly at its 50W max speed, you’ll need to pick up a Xiaomi Qi charger separately (for around R2 500). So while the Xiaomi 14 doesn’t quite check every box with its heavy interface and awkward photo options, it remains a pocketable beast and a good-to-great phone in almost every respect. from R21 000 (import, for now) / mi.com Key specs O 6.36in 2670x1200 120Hz OLED O Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 O 256/512GB O 50+50+50MP rear, 32MP front O 4610mAh O 153x72x8.3mm, 193g Shape of my smart Are phones marching towards a design singularity? The rounded corners and flat glass say yes; the square camera bump says maybe not just yet. STUFF SAYS A pocketable all-rounder that lasts for ages, with fine cameras and lots of power ++++,
D THESE... SMARTPHONE FRENZY Playing with IR Xiaomi continues to support IR blasters in its flagships, only here it’s hidden away next to the rear camera lenses rather than being built into the phone’s top edge. Spray it loud The stereo speakers are small yet mighty, and surprisingly bass-heavy. They get plenty loud, and overall clarity isn’t to be sniffed at for the likes of YouTube and podcasts. 29 XIAOMI SMART BAND 8 PRO Hundreds of built-in watch faces and quick-release straps make this square-faced fitness watch something of a style icon. The 1.74in AMOLED screen is plenty detailed and sensors can track more than 150 different sports and activities, for an impressive 14 days between charges. R1 500 (est.) / mi.com HIDIZS SD2 HIFI DONGLE DAC This pint-sized plugin is perfect for those still lamenting the death of the 3.5mm port. At just 6g you’ll quickly forget it’s even plugged into your phone’s USB-C port, while its 32-bit DAC will make the sound of your trusty old wired headphones sweeter than ever. R1 350 / amazon.com
30 SMARTPHONE FRENZY THE NEW FLAGSHIPS f you’re after a flat-screened, specced-out Android phone with long battery life, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is exactly that. Its huge 6.78in AMOLED screen is perfect for watching videos and gaming; and matched with expansive stereo speakers and HDR support across Amazon and YouTube, this is a dream media mobile. Running rings around Apple and Samsung with its battery specs, this Zenfone packs a huge 5500mAh cell, easily getting you through a full day – and with 65W fast charging and a power brick in the box, plus the option of going wireless, fuelling up is nippy and nimble. That’s the AI – like it? Asus is taking a leaf out of Samsung’s book by adding AI to everything – so whether you want to summarise a transcription, live-translate a phone call or generate a wallpaper, there’s an automated feature for that. Some elements (like the transcription) work well; others (like the call translator) are clunky. And some – notably the AI wallpaper – feel like a swing and a miss. With so many top-class phones cropping up with stellar cameras now, the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s photo skills are a letdown. The gimbal-stabilised system has plenty of promise, but with poor photo processing, an ultrawide camera that misses out on autofocus and a modest zoom, this setup hardly feels ‘Ultra’. On the plus side, with ample storage, stellar gaming performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a clean interface and a headphone port, despite its shortcomings the Zenfone 11 Ultra is fun to use and could be a fantastic choice if you find it at the right price. R28 000 (grey import) / zeekonline.co.za Key specs O6.78in 2400x1080 144Hz OLED OSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 O256/512GB O50+32+13MP rear, 32MP front O5500mAh O164x77x8.9mm, 224g ASUS ZENFONE 11 ULTRA I Bright lines The glossy geometric Asus logo etched into the matt glass back panel is a nod to the firm’s Zenbook laptop lineup, which has been rocking the same pattern for a while. Everybody, hertz! A 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rate is only half the story: the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s display can reach a heady 144Hz in games, for an even more fluid feel. STUFF SAYS Brilliant for gaming, but multi-flawed and overpriced +++,,
SMARTPHONE FRENZY ore expensive than the OnePlus 12 or Pixel 8 Pro, Honor’s latest flagship needs to be excellent… and for the most part, it is. Available in a vegan leather green or glass-backed black, its curved frame, front and back make it totally cornerless for a comfortable hold, though it is big and heavy. With IP68 resistance to water and dust, it’s also competitively durable. The 6.8in LTPO OLED display looks stunning, with a peak HDR brightness of 5000 nits. So outdoor viewability is excellent – but watching HDR content can be uncomfortable as it gets so bright, especially in dark rooms. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 plus 12GB of RAM, the Magic6 Pro delivers flagship performance, and the 512GB storage goes some way to justifying its oomphy price. Helplessly scoping The Honor Magic6 Pro feels like a true flagship camera phone across all three of its snappers. Photos with the 180MP periscope zoom look great up to around 8-10x, although beyond that there’s a lot of AI processing at play so they can get a teeny bit ‘uncanny valley’. Honor’s MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14, offers a user-friendly daily experience with preinstalled Google apps alongside Honor’s own. This is the best software we’ve seen from the brand to date, delivering smooth performance and plenty of room for customisation. A huge 5600mAh battery keeps the phone alive for a day or more, while 80W wired and 66W wireless charging power it up quickly… but it doesn’t come with a charger, so you’ll need to buy one directly from Honor to capitalise on those speeds. from R28 000 / honor.com Key specs O6.8in 2800x1280 120Hz OLED O 512GB O 50+180+50MP rear, 50MP front O Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 O 5600mAh O163x76x8.9mm, 229g HONOR MAGIC6 PRO M Tapper’s delight There’s an iOS influence on the software side: Magic Capsule lets you tap the cutout to see media playback controls or active timers. But it’s no Dynamic Island. A view to a pill That pill-like camera cutout up front hides the hardware needed for 3D face recognition, similar to Apple’s Face ID. It’s secure enough for banking apps. 31 STUFF SAYS Superb battery life, loads of storage and premium styling ++++,
APPLE iPHONE 15 PRO MAX SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA GOOGLE PIXEL 8 PRO 32 Apple’s most specced-out phone zooms further, feels lighter, looks sleeker and upgrades the power to almost games console levels: if you haven’t seen Resident Evil Village running on it, you’re missing out. But it’s also a mighty expensive option, so why would you pick it over a Galaxy or Pixel… or indeed a OnePlus? Well, to anyone already sold into the Apple ecosystem, this handset is as good as it gets. You’ll love the new titanium build, slimmer bezel and more immersive screen, and yes, even the Dynamic Island. It all feels like the best big phone Apple has ever made. If USB-C her, say hello The camera also gets a boost with a new 5x telephoto lens, building on the last gen’s resolution bump for the main sensor while adding a host of pro-grade video features, including recording ProRes files to an external drive via USB-C. Did someone just say USB-C? Yep, that’s new too – working in tandem with the A17 Bionic chip to put a production studio in your pocket for easy external drive and card-reader hotswapping, with the App Store’s class-leading suite of creative software. from R31 500 / istore.co.za Key specs O6.7in 2796x1290 120Hz OLED OApple A17 Pro O256/512GB/ 1TB O48+12+12MP rear, 12MP front O4441mAh O160x77x8.3mm, 221g Samsung might have overtaken Google on the AI front, but the Pixel 8 Pro is still a seriously smart contender and a sterling camera phone, outclassing Galaxies and iPhones alike for photographers. This is the first pro-grade Pixel to pack a flat display and the quality is superb. All the better to see its snaps: three hi-res cameras with large-aperture lenses deliver some of the best low-light performance of any smartphone, and luscious macro photos too. You get a winning balance of contrast, saturation and shadow… and plenty of AI-ification, whether you’re taking a group shot and want to swap someone’s gurning face, or just need to tidy up video. Take me, I’m years Running Android 14 and featuring extended software support for up to seven years, this Google handset will run fresh apps for a verylong time. But it’s not perfect. Two areas where the Pixel 8 Pro falls behind Apple and Samsung are performance and battery life. It does occasionally run warm, and doesn’t handle the demands of gaming as well as its big rivals. R27 000 (import)/ connecteddevices.co.za Key specs O 6.7in 2992x1344 120Hz OLED OGoogle Tensor G3 O128/256/ 512GB O50MP+48MP+48MP rear, 10.5MP front O5050mAh O163x77x8.8mm, 213g The S24 Ultra has got to be the most in-your-face AI phone of 2024. On top of its S Pen and quad camera mix (features neither Apple nor Google can match), Samsung’s 6.8in-screened behemoth is an extravaganza of robotic cheating. The first place this kicks in is with the cameras – specifically, zooming. Samsung dials back the optical reach in favour of a larger sensor and more digital smarts. It’s super-impressive… though we do prefer the Pixel 8 Pro’s cameras. Bot stuff And with the S24 Ultra, everyone’s a linguist. Phone-call interpreting across a host of languages works well – and this phone can even summarise meetings for you, identifying multiple speakers and creating organised notes using bullet points. The S24 Ultra’s final AI trick involves questionably clever photo edits: make a subject vanish, move it, get rid of reflections – nothing’s off limits. Thankfully, though, even if you never use a single AI feature you still get a stellar phone with a stunning design and screen, and top-end performance to boot. from R30 000 / samsung.com/za Key specs O6.8in 3120x1440 120Hz OLED OSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 O256/ 512GB/1TB O200+12+10+50MP rear, 12MP front O5000mAh O162x79x8.6mm, 232g STUFF SAYS USB-C and a 5x zoom camera top the list of steady upgrades +++++ STUFF SAYS Truly phenomenal for photos, plus more AI smarts than ever +++++ STUFF SAYS A do-it-all phone with fantastic AI features and a glorious screen +++++ THE OLD GUARD SMARTPHONE FRENZY Turn to p91 and you’ll find most of this trio at the top slots… but do they do enough to fight off the upstarts?
SMARTPHONE FRENZY Shape some action Tweakers will love the new action button, which is super-customisable; an early favourite was using it to jump into the camera app, where it then doubles as a shutter button. Bloody well bright There aren’t many phones you can see perfectly while outside in direct sunlight without having to take your shades off. The Pixel 8 Pro is one of them. Armor believer The S24 Ultra is the only phone rocking Corning’s new Gorilla Armor glass. It’s more scratch-proof than ever, and uncannily good at cutting pesky light reflections. 33 BELKIN BOOSTCHARGE PRO 2-IN-1 WIRELESS CHARGING DOCK WITH MAGSAFE 15W This compact cradle can juggle an iPhone, an Apple Watch and a pair of AirPods all at once. MagSafe charging will top up their batteries, and the phone mount is ideal for iOS 17’s StandBy display mode. R3 150 / amazon.com MOUS LIMITLESS 5.0 CASE Qi2 will eventually bring MagSafe-style magnetic charging to Android phones… but until it does, MagSafe-compatible cases like these are the next best thing. Mous has models for a wide range of handsets, including the three on the left, in a bunch of colours. R2 800 / amazon.com
34 SMARTPHONE FRENZY THE CANNY ALTERNATIVES he OnePlus 12 might be the most low-compromise phone at its price point. It crams in a striking design, an excellent screen, bang-up-to-date processing power and truly premium innards. While past OnePlus phones have struggled on the camera front, the 12 gets a revamped setup and Hasselblad-tuned photo processing, as well as one of the biggest batteries out there. Add fast wired and wireless charging to the mix, and while it misses out on the AI skills of Google and Samsung phones, everything else about this one makes it easy to recommend. The 12’s curved glass front tapers into a metal frame, while a big circular camera array enjoys pride of place around the back. The rounded sides make it feel soft – OnePlus has even optimised the screen to work when wet, ideal for finding your way home on a rainy day. Do they know nits’ crispness? The screen is sharp, with a silky 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. Its party trick is getting eye-searingly bright when playing HDR content – up to 4500 nits – but even in daily use it looks superb. The powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip plus OnePlus’s Dual Cryo-velocity cooling system mean gamers are covered; and with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of fast storage, you’ll struggle to slow down or fill up this phone. Every camera impresses for the price, with OnePlus’s HyperTone engine nailing photo processing in most situations and Pro Mode offering up manual controls for experts. The OxygenOS experience is nippy and smooth, and the huge 5400mAh battery can creep into a second day – plus it refuels in a flash. from R22 000 (grey import) / connecteddevices.co.za Key specs O6.82in 3168x1440 120Hz OLED OSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 O256/512GB O50+64+48MP rear, 32MP front O5400mAh O164x76x9.2mm, 220g T ONEPLUS 12 Two colours A textured green finish with matching metal frame makes the Flowy Emerald option stand out; Silky Black is the far more subtle alternative, and hides fingerprints well. STUFF SAYS A compelling iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel alternative +++++
OR TRY THESE… FAIRPHONE 5 NUBIA Z60 ULTRA SMARTPHONE FRENZY Focusing on repairability, recycled materials and fair labour practices, this is a very special smartphone. For the fifth edition, Fairphone has added a smooth OLED display, a more powerful CPU and improved water-resistance. Though slightly chunky, it’s secure in the hand with rounded corners and an aluminium frame. The new OLED display is vibrant, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes for a smooth scroll; performance is decent, although the cameras are mediocre. If you want to go really ‘alt’, get the Murena version (R15 700): it’s the same phone but running a uniquely private and secure OS. from R15 000 (import) / fairphone.com Key specs O 6.46in 2700x1224 90Hz OLED O QCM6490 O 256GB O 50+50MP rear, 50MP front O 4200mAh O162x76x9.6mm, 212g The Z60 Ultra rethinks phone cams with three lenses matched to photographer-favourite focal lengths. Its 35mm main camera is the equivalent of a 1.5x zoom on an iPhone, the 18mm ultrawide gets loads in frame without giving you a fisheye look, and the 85mm lens is poised for portraits. Even if Nubia’s photo processing isn’t the most refined. And the rest of the Z60 Ultra also breaks the mould with its super-boxy look and 6.8in AMOLED display with invisible selfie camera. It also has a giant 6000mAh battery that lasts for ages, and flagship processor power for solid gaming performance. from R20 000 (grey import) / techwarehouse.co.za Key specs O 6.8in 2480x1116 120Hz OLED O Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 O 256/512GB O 50+50+64MP rear, 12MP front O 6000mAh O 164x77x8.8mm, 246g STUFF SAYS Makes up for its average specs with ethical cred and repairability ++++, STUFF SAYS An off-the-wall photography-focused phone that’s fun to use ++++, GOOGLE PIXEL 8 Average battery life aside, the Pixel 8 is a tidy almostflagship with a fine camera, a clean Android feel and AI flourishes. R20 000 (import) / connecteddevices. co.za Stuff says ++++, SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 Loaded up with Samsung’s AI tools, the S24 is a great compact all-rounder. from R21 000 / samsung.com/za Stuff says +++++ APPLE iPHONE 15 Enjoy the Dynamic Island and USB-C port, the latest iOS and Apple’s freshest apps without the Pro Max price tag. from R20 000 / istore.co.za Stuff says +++++ Slider wahey The old OnePlus alert slider makes a welcome return here. As well as letting you pop the phone onto silent in your pocket, it’s quite satisfying just to flick back and forth. 35
36 SMARTPHONE FRENZY iaomi’s mid-range arm, Redmi, is known for nailing value. But in recent years it’s also toyed with maxed-out specs in certain areas… and punchier prices. No phone makes this point more clearly than the Note 13 Pro+. At R16 500, this Google Pixel 7a rival combines curved glass with half a TB of storage and a wildly hi-res 200MP camera. To look at, the Note 13 Pro+ strikes us as a flagship wannabe from a few years ago. It has a 6.67in display that curves in at either side, but misses out on the slimline profile of true top-tier handsets. And the frame is plastic, though it has a metal-like finish and feels weighty. Redmi delivers an exceptional AMOLED display that dazzles with vibrant colours, a crisp picture and a peak brightness of 1800 nits, making it easy to see outdoors. Streaming content looks excellent, and the stereo speaker setup also creates decent sound separation. Supermassive back hole This is the second year that Redmi has squeezed 200MP and OIS into a Note’s rear camera, and we can confirm this one is no slouch. For a start, all those pixels mean you can technically capture a billboard-sized print photo by shooting in 200MP mode. But the large physical sensor size of 1/1.4in also explains its impressive low-light performance, while photo processing gives rich and balanced results. Enthusiasts can even dip into the Pro mode for manual shooting, though it won’t capture RAW photos. Alas, there’s a big ‘but’ that holds the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ camera system back: the other two. Both the 8MP ultrawide and the 2MP macro are mediocre in all but the brightest environments, and even when lighting is ideal the fixed-focus macro can struggle to produce a usable shot. It’s also worth noting that this phone can take a second to actually grab a photo, REDMI NOTE 13 PRO+ THE MID-PRICE MARVELS X probably owing to the massive number of pixels being pushed and the modest processing power within. Speaking of power, modest it may be, but the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset keeps things ticking along nicely for everyday tasks (other than processing 200MP photos). It can even handle bouts of 3D gaming, although when it comes to games you can get better value from Xiaomi’s other sub-brand, Poco, in the X6 Pro reviewed on p45. Rock the bloat It’s a shame Redmi crams its MIUI interface chock-full of bloatware – and bases it on Android 13 rather than the latest version of Google’s mobile OS, Android 14. Also interesting is the absence of Xiaomi’s new HyperOS (as found in the 14 on p28), which in principle makes the Note 13 Pro+ feel a little dated out of the gate. Thankfully, with a massive 512GB of storage as standard when bought from Xiaomi’s online store, there’s plenty of space for a tonne of offline content, and new for the Redmi line this year is an in-display fingerprint scanner for even more of a premium feel. A high-capacity 5000mAh battery that charges at 120W, plus modest power demands, mean this phone goes for over a full day even with relatively heavy use, and recharges in under 20mins. If you want loads of storage, a brilliant curved screen and a seriously impressive main camera, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ could be the best option around – even if its camera package can’t topple the Google Pixel 7a, and its power falls behind the cheaper Poco X6 Pro. from R16 500 /mi.com Key specs O6.67in 2712x1220 120Hz OLED ODimensity 7200 Ultra O512GB O200+8+2MP rear, 16MP front O5000mAh O161x74x8.9mm, 205g I get a brick out of you Rapid charging speeds are great, but they’re not worth shouting about if you’ve got to go out and buy a compatible power brick. Happily, Redmi still puts one in the box. STUFF SAYS A fast-charging, clear-snapping option with loads of storage and a great screen ++++,
D THESE SMARTPHONE FRENZY This must be the pace Apps don’t spring open with quite the same zip as on a pricier phone, and web pages take a little longer to render, but you’ll have no major grumbles with everyday usability. Thumb might stray The in-display fingerprint sensor is close to the bottom, so one-handed unlocking is a bit tricky. It’s quick, though, and a step up from the brand’s old side-mounted scanners. 37 ANKER NANO POWER BANK (30W) There’s no need to pack a spare USB-C charging cable if you have one of these in your backpack: it’s got one built in. This on-the-go refueller is good for 30W rapid charging, is small enough to slip in a pocket, and has enough capacity to charge most phones twice over. Rtba / anker.com SKULLCANDY ECOBUDS These low-carbon wireless earphones will help you protect the environment as well as your bank balance. The case does away with a built-in battery; instead it has an integrated USB-C cable that can draw power from your phone whenever the buds need it. R1 100 / amazon.com
38 SMARTPHONE FRENZY THE MID-PRICE MARVELS espite not being the leader of Honor’s line, the Magic6 Lite gives off big flagship energy while undercutting many of its competitors. Honor has a reputation for affordable phones that resemble far pricier models, and this is no exception: with its curved-edge glass, slim build and metal-effect frame, it exudes a premium feel. Available with a plastic (black or green) or vibrant vegan leather (orange) back, this phone has a five-star rating for drop protection, making it durable despite its sleek design, with the front glass made of three layers that should be able to withstand a 1.5m impact from any angle and live to tell the tale. Honor’s also sealed it up to IP53 for dust and splashes. The 6.78in AMOLED display has deep blacks, and its peak brightness of 1200 nits makes it easy to see even in direct sunlight. It also has a tiny bezel for a near-borderless view, especially on those curved sides. Mind you, while it’s a pleasure to look at, its speakers lack depth so you’ll want to pair it with headphones. Chancing in the dark Packing a triple camera with a whopping 108MP resolution for the main sensor, the Magic6 Lite takes detailed and colourful shots, though the lack of optical stabilisation hampers low-light work, especially when set against the Pixel 7a’s night snaps. The 5MP ultrawide and 2MP macro also fall behind the competition. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 teamed up with 8GB of RAM, this Honor delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks – and the battery life is truly excellent. R8 100 (grey import) / connecteddevices.co.za Key specs O6.78in 2652x1220 120Hz OLED OSnapdragon 6 Gen 1 O256GB O108+5+2MP rear, 16MP front O5300mAh O164x76x8mm, 185g D HONOR MAGIC6 LITE Don’t worry, be appy There’s a bunch of Honor apps pre-installed, along with a few third-party ones. But they don’t eat up much space and can be uninstalled easily if you’re not a fan. STUFF SAYS Superb design, screen and battery… shame about the photos +++++
OR TRY THESE ONEPLUS 12R SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 FE SMARTPHONE FRENZY Here’s a great-value combo of processing power and impressive features across the board. The 12R brings back OnePlus’s offset circular camera bump and alert slider, and its 6.78in screen beams with a peak brightness of 4500 nits. It packs 16GB RAM with 256GB storage and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset – which is stellar. A huge 5500mAh battery keeps it going for ages and the 100W wired charger powers it up fully in less than half an hour. The main camera is competitive at this price, although – as so often – the macro and ultrawide cameras fall short. But be in no doubt, the OnePlus 12R is a value champion. R15 400 (grey import) / connecteddevices.co.za Key specs O 6.78in 2780x1264 120Hz OLED O Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 O 256GB O 50+8+2MP rear, 16MP front O 5500mAh O 163x75x8.8mm, 207g A lower-cost alternative to the S23, the FE has premium styling, a great screen and an IP68 rating against water and dust. The user interface is almost identical to top-end Galaxies, adding a refined feel to day-to-day tasks, and it’s being updated with some of the S24’s AI smarts as well. Even the main camera holds its own in its price range, although zoom performance is lacklustre. Gamers should look elsewhere given its modest power… and the S24 on p35 isn’t that much pricier, so we definitely wouldn’t call the S23 FE a no-brainer. Find it at the right price, though, and it could be an excellent cheaper option. R13 000 / samsung.com/za Key specs O 6.4in 2340x1080 120Hz OLED O Exynos 2200 O 128/256GB O 50+12+8MP rear, 10MP front O 4500mAh O 158x77x8.2mm, 209g STUFF SAYS Ideal for gamers who don’t need wireless charging or top-class cameras +++++ STUFF SAYS Looks and feels great, though some will miss the full-fat S23 ++++, HTC U23 PRO A good enough screen, 256GB of storage and wireless charging are all wins that compensate for a poor camera, making the U23 Pro a decent buy. R9 500 (import) / htc.com Stuff says ++++, PIXEL 7a With wireless charging, a killer camera and the promise of years of updates, this is a fantastic option. R10 100 / droneworld.co.za Stuff says +++++ APPLE iPHONE 13 Pocketable size, nippy A15 Bionic chip, Apple’s latest version of iOS… if R15 000 is your limit, this is the best iPhone. from R14 000 / istore.co.za Stuff says +++++ Face in the hole The punch-hole cam lacks the 3D scanning tech found in the Magic6 Pro. So face unlocking is a bit more basic here, and not secure enough for banking apps. 39
40 SMARTPHONE FRENZY he Nothing Phone 1 came out with a see-through back, ‘glyph’ lights and wireless charging at a confusingly low price. Then came the Nothing Phone 2, adding power and refinement to the mix. Now a third instalment, the Phone 2a, arrives as the budget option, piling on the plastic and paring back the specs. But did Nothing strip things back too much? The Phone 2a is a style departure. Gone is the glass and metal; now it’s a plastic bonanza. But it’s light for its size and feels great in the hand, with the back curving into the frame for a soft hold. It also gets streamlined glyph lights to keep costs down, complete with a redesigned look for the transparent back. When so many budget options go with a formulaic look, the 2a is a breath of fresh air. Its screen feels like an extension of the phone’s design, with a very Apple feel. Screen quality is strong thanks to a smooth 120Hz AMOLED panel that showcases zingy colours, supports HDR and, at 6.7in, is a great size for anyone after a big picture. Dots fired Nothing OS 2.5, built atop Android 14, looks clean. It’s a stylised set of menus, icons and typical Android systems, while still packing loads of customisation options, dot-matrix flourishes and minimal bloat. With three years of promised Android updates, the Phone 2a serves up decent longevity and also includes ways to eke out extra from your glyph lights: flip your phone over to silence it, activating the lights for notifications; fire up Glyph Timer to watch a visualised countdown on one of the light strips; or even compose your own glyph ringtone in 8-bit blip splendour. This is all seriously standout stuff for a budget phone. While Nothing has stripped back the camera this time around, the Phone 2a NOTHING PHONE 2a THE BUDGET BANGERS T still has two 50MP rear cameras and a 32MP selfie job – the same numbers as the much pricier Phone 2. This time, though, the main camera uses a slightly less impressive sensor, and the ultrawide misses out on autofocus. Despite its more accessible positioning, the Phone 2a still delivers detailed and visually pleasing images, although it falls slightly short in low light compared to more expensive options. It can also take a second to register a photo, so benefits from a steady hand and does a better job of stationary subjects than moving ones, especially when the light drops. The positioning of the camera is also a bit silly – it’s exactly where a finger might rest – so expect unwanted pink blobs in your ultrawide photos and videos. When the chip comes in Performance from the Dimensity 7200 Pro chip is impressive, despite its fairly modest on-paper spec: the Phone 2a delivers smooth operation and capable gaming performance for the price. Paired with up to 12GB RAM, and an additional 8GB via RAM Booster, it can even handle split-screen working across multiple apps and 4K CapCut video edits. With a 5000mAh battery and 45W fast charging, the Phone 2a lasts longer than any Nothing before it and powers up in around an hour. The upshot is, pretty much everything about this phone is good to great for the price. For anyone who needs a classy camera above all, the Google Pixel 7a is a better choice. For virtually everything else, though, this is one of the finest affordable handsets around. from R8 700 / cernotech.net Key specs O6.7in 2412x1080 120Hz OLED ODimensity 7200 Pro O128/256GB O50+50MP rear, 32MP front O5000mAh O162x76x8.6mm, 190g I’m so wired Nothing has ditched wireless charging, which is a shame. It really set the old Phone 1 apart when you’d otherwise have to spend way more to go cable-free. STUFF SAYS Despite more modest specs and less bling, the 2a is a stylish budget triumph +++++
Y THIS… SMARTPHONE FRENZY All white now This is a distinctive phone no matter which colour you go for. But if you really want those circuit cutouts to stand out, best avoid the black option. My generatin’ Nothing has put its own spin on Android’s new AI wallpaper generator. It’s found in the home-screen customisation menu and can produce pleasing pics in a few seconds. 41 MOTOROLA G34 Most mobiles in this price range tend to be 4G-only affairs. Not the Motorola G34: with a 5G modem on board, it’s possibly the cheapest way to get your mobile data up to speed. Moto hasn’t skimped on niceties either: it has a smooth 120Hz screen and a huge 5000mAh battery. Daylight camera performance is on par for the money, even if the secondary macro snapper is a token inclusion. But performance is undeniably entry-level. Phones in the next price bracket up should have longer lifespans, with hardware that can better keep pace with Android’s increasingly demanding system requirements and an extra year (or more) of software updates. Still, for bargainy 5G right now, this Moto absolutely fulfils the brief. R4 400 (import) / itworkup.co.za Stuff says +++,,
42 SMARTPHONE FRENZY THE FOLDING WONDERS he Honor Magic V2 is the first big-screened foldable to feel like a traditional phone when closed. It’s no more cumbersome than a big iPhone or Galaxy. With a nice-sized front screen and a great-feeling hinge, it also edges ahead of both the Google Pixel Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 when it comes to usability. It isn’t all positive on the design front, mind: unlike Google and Samsung’s flagship folders, the V2 lacks an IP rating for water-resistance. Still, the titanium hinge is rated for 400,000 folds, so it should be relatively life-proof provided you keep it out of the bath. You get two OLED screens, both with 120Hz refresh rates and plenty of pixels, so visuals are punchy and sharp whichever one you’re gazing at. The kickstand case in the box is also a nice touch and makes the V2 a fine streaming phone, though the speakers aren’t the best. Ticket to wide We managed to get great shots from the triple camera. There’s a 50MP wide and a 50MP ultrawide, while the 2.5x zoom cam offers 20MP resolution. This mix may not topple pricey flagships in terms of clarity or reach, but for a foldable it’s competitive. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Magic V2 delivers solid performance even for gaming, and with 16GB RAM you can expect seamless multitasking. The 512GB storage capacity is also exactly what we’d expect at this price. Incredibly, Honor made the world’s thinnest foldable the one with the biggest battery in its class: the V2’s 5000mAh cell lasts longer than its key rivals. It also charges quickly at 66W, although it misses out on wireless charging. R39 000 / honor.com Key specs O7.92in 2344x2156 120Hz OLED + 6.43in 2376x1060 120Hz OLED OSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 O512GB O50+50+20MP rear, 16MP front O5000mAh O157x145x4.7mm (open), 157x74x9.9mm (closed), 231g HONOR MAGIC V2 T Creased lightenin’ The Magic V2 achieves featherweight status by having a hinge made of titanium – the phone world’s new favourite metal – and using two crazy-thin batteries. Creased lightnin’ As you’d hope for a modern foldable, the central crease isn’t too obvious. You can feel it as you drag your fingers over the pre-installed screen protector, though. STUFF SAYS It’s expensive, but it’s also impressive on every front ++++,
OR TRY THESE… ONEPLUS OPEN SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD5 GOOGLE PIXEL FOLD SMARTPHONE FRENZY The Hasselblad camera system in the Open is the best of any folding phone, taking impressive photos across all conditions. Neither of the two screens feels like a compromise, and with its flat sides this phone is easy to hold. On paper the 11.7mm profile is skinny, although that doesn’t account for the hefty camera bump. OnePlus’s UI is fantastically optimised for multitasking, and the Open has been updated to Android 14 since launch. Its 67W charging and long-lasting battery are a boon; the one thing it can’t offer is wireless charging. R43 000 / connecteddevices.co.za Key specs O7.82in 2440x2268 120Hz OLED + 6.31in 2484x1116 120Hz OLED OSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 O512GB O48+64+48MP rear, 20+32MP front O4805mAh O153x143x5.8mm (open), 153x73x11.7mm (closed), 245g The Z Fold5 is both impressive and underwhelming. If you’re after a big-screened foldable with zingy AMOLED displays, smooth refresh rates and wireless charging, it’s a smart shout. But the narrow outer screen and high price hold this one back. The front display feels cramped, its cameras aren’t the best around, and at base spec it packs half the storage of the cheaper Honor. Where Samsung edges ahead is repairability: you shouldn’t have any trouble getting this one fixed if it ever needs it. from R38 000 / samsung.com/za Key specs O7.6in 2176x1812 120Hz OLED + 6.2in 2316x904 120Hz OLED OSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 O256/ 512GB/1TB O50+12+10MP rear, 10+4MP front O4400mAh O155x130x6.1mm (open), 155x67x13.4mm (closed), 253g There’s a lot we like about the Pixel Fold. Its front screen is an excellent size – wide enough for comfy typing, with top corners that are easy to reach one-handed. It’s also IPX8 water-resistant and feels seriously solid. But it doesn’t unfold totally flat (by design, apparently), the screen has a serious crease and large bezels, and its rivals multitask better. Still, while its RRP was steep on launch, it is frequently discounted; so with one of the better cameras on a foldable, it’s worth a sniff at the right price. R44 000 / connecteddevices.co.za Key specs O7.6in 2208x1840 120Hz OLED + 5.8in 2092x1080 120Hz OLED OTensor G2 O256/512GB O48+10.8+10.8MP rear, 8+9.5MP front O4821mAh O159x140x5.8mm (open), 140x80x12.1mm (folded), 283g STUFF SAYS Undercuts the competition and packs the best camera in its class +++++ STUFF SAYS Reliable Samsung quality that iterates rather than innovates ++++, STUFF SAYS Slick software and capable cameras, but it’s showing its dated origins ++++, 43 MOTOROLA RAZR 40 ULTRA The Razr’s back, combining a huge cover screen (for a flip phone) with some bold colour options and features we love – wireless charging, IP52, relatively stock Android – marking a return to form for Moto. Those rear cameras aren’t class leaders, but this is the best design in the clamshell world. R21 000 / techwarehouse.co.za Stuff says ++++, SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP5 A big cover screen means the Z Flip5 can do a lot when closed. When open, its quality display shines and its nippy internals glide, with plenty of oomph for split-view tasks. The rear cameras are very ‘Samsung’ (super-vivid if not true to life), but the battery isn’t the best. from R23 000 / samsung.com/za Stuff says ++++,
44 SMARTPHONE FRENZY THE GAMING SPECIALISTS ith more subtle styling than its predecessors, you might wonder if this Asus really is a gaming phone… until, that is, you see the customisable dot-matrix light effects on the glass rear panel. Well, it’s true that the slim chassis puts it more on a par with mainstream mobiles… and a few features have been sacrificed for that. Front-facing stereo speakers are out, and the hidden selfie-cam has become a potentially distracting punch-hole type. On the plus side, the touch-sensitive air triggers remain. Most importantly, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (with 16GB RAM) is as quick as it gets. Big titles including Arena of Valor and Genshin Impact have been specially optimised for the hardware and speedily on the 165Hz OLED display. Icon see clearly now The ROG take on Android now goes harder on the ‘gamer aesthetic’ than the phone itself, with icons that are all angles and dark colours. Asus does give you the option to stick with Google’s more familiar UI during setup, though. Few gaming phones truly deliver on the photography front, but the ROG Phone 8 Pro gives it a good go. A gimbal-stabilised main snapper and 3x telephoto are the highlights. Clumsy HDR processing and a night mode that leans heavily on long exposures mean image quality falls behind popular flagships. If gaming matters most, but you felt previous ROG Phones were a bit too one-dimensional to make them your only smartphone, you’ll find plenty to tempt you in this latest version. from R26 500 (grey import) / techwarehouse.co.za Key specs O6.78in 2400x1080 165Hz OLED OSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 O512GB O50+32+13MP rear, 32MP front O5500mAh O164x77x8.9mm, 225g W ASUS ROG PHONE 8 PRO Borne in my side Dual USB-C ports (one at the side, one at the bottom) let you charge comfortably while gaming – and give the official cooler add-on somewhere to plug in. STUFF SAYS Despite weak cameras, this is still the best gaming phone ++++,
NOW ADD THESE... REDMAGIC 9 PRO POCO X6 PRO SMARTPHONE FRENZY If you want to spend a bit less on your gaming phone, the Redmagic 9 Pro combines ROG Phone 8 Pro power with an inbuilt fan, shoulder triggers, RGB lights, a huge 6500mAh battery, and arguably the best screen for gaming in this test. Plus its under-display front camera creates an uninterrupted view, with a slimline border and 120Hz smoothness. While the cameras aren’t great, the interface isn’t as polished as the competition and Redmagic’s software promise of two years of security updates and one year of Android isn’t ideal, it’s still a fantastic option for gamers in search of maximum value for their cash. R23 500 / techwarehouse.co.za Key specs O 6.8in 2480x1116 120Hz OLED O Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 O 256/512GB O 50+50+2MP rear, 16MP front O 6500mAh O164x76x8.9mm, 229g Gamers after head-scratchingly good value should check out the Poco X6 Pro. Its 512GB storage, 12GB RAM and Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset mean it has room for hundreds of games and offers class-leading performance. And all of that is matched with dual speakers, a punchy 120Hz AMOLED screen with a 2160Hz touch-sampling rate, and a striking yellow colour option. Poco phones have a lot of bloatware, their interfaces are heavy, and the X6 Pro’s camera loses out to some similar-priced alternatives like the Pixel 7a. But if you’re after gaming grunt and storage space, nothing can touch this mighty budget player. R10 500 / itworkup.co.za Key specs O 6.67in 2712x1220 120Hz OLED O Dimensity 8300 Ultra O 512GB O 64+8+2MP rear, 16MP front O 5000mAh O 161x74x8.3mm, 190g STUFF SAYS What it lacks in software refinement, it makes up for with power ++++, STUFF SAYS Get past the bloatware and this is the budget gaming champion ++++, Crazy crazy lights The rear lights display a camera icon when you’re taking pictures, and can show the time or remaining battery life when the phone is laid face-down. 45 BACKBONE ONE (2ND GEN) Now that Apple has finally embraced USB-C, it doesn’t matter which side of the smartphone divide you sit on: the refreshed Backbone controller will play nicely with your handset. Magnetic adapters give an improved fit and the D-Pad is now more responsive. R2 700 / playbackbone.com XGIMI HALO+ On-the-go gaming is fun on the small screen, but a whole lot better at cinema scale. This Full HD projector has a battery good enough for 2.5hrs of entertainment, and built-in Chromecast lets you pair your smartphone without wires. All you need is a blank wall big enough to do it justice. R12 000 (import) / xgimi.com
TESTED S O N Y W H - U LT 9 0 0 N GOOD MEH EVIL The hardshell case is great Design is light but sturdy Touch controls are a bit spotty Wired mode is just as good. Bass mode is okay, we guess. Sony’s got a new set of over-ears, aimed at folks who love great sound but have no idea how it works. Sony only went and dropped an audible surprise on our laps recently. The WH-ULT900N over-ears turned up at our offices with only a little notice and before they were official. We got to go hands-on with the Japanese giant’s affordable overs before anyone else and were mighty glad of the chance. The design language is all Sony, down to the cup and headband proportions. Build is more lightweight than you’d get from a premium pair of headphones but no less sturdy for that. Truth be told, the floatiness on our skull promoted longer listening sessions. As did Sony’s frankly excellent audio. Just like its C700N earbuds, there’s a very specific focus for the 900N and it is audio. Everything else is good enough but Sony’s engineers were all about the sound. It’s priced accordingly, if it’s in stores by the time you read this, and it’s also priced appropriately. R5 000 / sony.co.za Sony’s ULT-imate Warrior 46 week or so later, tapping to play Weight just a minute Sony’s worked out how to balance 300 grams on your noggin without making it feel heavy at all. Generous padding, lightweight plastic construction, and just enough give in the headband help this along. But audio makes up for that
TESTED S O N Y W H - U LT 9 0 0 N Q Canceller Noise cancellation is present and better than expected, though not as good as you’ll find from Sony’s premium lineup. Turn the volume up and you’ll be lost in your own little world. . Q Compacter Sony’s XM5 over-ears are great but there’s one drawback – they don’t fold down as small as previous incarnations. The ULT900Ns do, curling up nicely so you can tuck them away without any fuss at all. Q Collider Bass is really the focus here, with the shiny ULT button switching between three intensities. We left ours at the neutral position but those seeking doef will find it represented here. Q Container A relatively neat hardshell case comes in the box with the WH-ULT900Ns. It won’t handle being run over but it’ll keep ‘em protected in your carryon luggage while you’re doing the airport thing. Sony’s over-ears aren’t budget but they’re not premium either. These four features come close to the latter. 40mm dynamic Bluetooth 5.2 SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive ANC 30hr battery life 307g STUFF SAYS ++++, Sony’s WH-ULT900N cans aren’t audiophile-grade but they’ll comfortably live on your skull all day. That’s good enough for us. Thumping great build Key specs We’re really not sure who Sony is trying to compete with here, but it really doesn’t matter. Taken on their own, this is a comfortable set of over ears that make concessions to build and some features but focus on what’s important – excellent sound. 47 Got a hold on me Another premium feature is a cup-to-mute option. Hold a hand over the right ear cup and audio dips without shutting down. You can easily speak to your deskmate before slipping back into blissful flow. Don’t worry, be ‘appy Sony’s excellent app lets you tweak audio profiles to your liking, if you’re an audio nerd who is slumming it a little. For everyone else, the main presets will take care of almost all your audio needs. For everything else, there’s the ULT button.
TESTED LOGITECH G ASTRO A50 X 48 Logitech’s latest gaming headset comes with a dock that means it works with PlayStation, Xbox and PC. So does one size really fit all? QWith the mic permanently affixed and an abundance of controls on the right earcup, there’s no mistaking this for anything other than a serious gaming headset… but considering the price, we were hoping for a more premium feel. It’s sturdy enough to survive the odd bout of gamer rage at least. QThe headband and adjustable earcups are nicely padded, and the clamping force is spot-on, but they’re not breathable enough to stop your ears getting a bit sweaty after an extended Call of Duty session. At 363g, this is not the lightest headset either. QWith 40mm graphene drivers inside, gunshots have plenty of impact, the sound of breaking glass is brilliant textured, and tyre squeals are suitably shrill without becoming sibilant. There’s plenty of bass too. The spatial sound modes are precise, and the stereo soundstage is satisfyingly wide. QThe Logitech G app includes an equaliser, though you can’t apply specific EQ profiles to each device. There are some options for the mic too… and while Logitech’s ‘broadcast quality’ claim is a stretch, our CoD teammates had no complaints about clarity. QThe battery is supposed to last up to 24hrs before it’ll need to be recharged. The base station is such a convenient way to top up, We had to make an effort not to dock the headset so we could test that; it turned out to be about right. The Astro A50 X isn’t the most luxuriously built gaming headset, and it certainly isn’t the cheapest, but it works with all the consoles living under your TV and you don’t have to muck about with dongles and adapters. For a certain subset of gamers, that will easily justify the added expense over more mainstream rivals… but if you don’t split your play time equally between Xbox, PS5 and PC, it’s harder to recommend. Everybody knows this is pro ware… but is it worth R10k +? Dockin’ in the free world STUFF SAYS About as versatile as gaming headsets get, but at a dizzying price ++++, Drivers 40mm dynamic Connectivity Bluetooth, 3x HDMI 2.1, 3x USB-CBattery lifeUp to 24hrsWeight 363g Q Out on the weak end Pressing the PlaySync button on the headset instantly switches the active audio and video signals. At least, it does between Xbox and PS5. There’s no video passthrough for PCs, so you’ve got to change that manually. Q Separate bays The charging dock also acts as an HDMI switcher, with clearly labelled inputs for your consoles. It plays nicely with 4K@120p signals and VRR games, with no extra input lag or decrease in image quality. Rtba (R10 000 approx.) / logitech.com Tech specs Don’t let it string you down You have to supply your own HDMI cables and you’ll probably want to buy some cable ties as well, or it can get very messy.
