02 Sep
Blog

TCL 6-Series (R635) 4K HDR TV Review | Best Value in 2020?

"The 6 series from TCL offers the masses an amazingly good picture quality."

  • Very good brightness

  • Excellent black levels

  • Sharp mini LED backlight

  • Excellent HDR color

  • THX certified game mode

  • Complicated picture settings

  • Limited to 1440p for 120 Hz gaming

  • SDR color off somewhat

The 2020 6-series (R635) from TCL offers astonishingly good image quality and undercuts the price competition considerably. But you will have to work for it.

The 2020 TCL 6 series is the latest in three years, offering the best value for 4K HDR TVs. It features mini-LED backlight technology, player-friendly features, and Roku TVs that together deliver performance seen in an unprecedented 65-inch TV for $ 900 or a 55-inch model for $ 650 -Dollar. In fact, I'd say the new 6 Series is the best case yet because of its performance alone, that you don't have to spend a dime over $ 1,000 to get a great TV.

The only problem is that the 6 Series, just like the 2019 5 Series TV, requires skipping through enough picture adjustment frames so I'm afraid that many people may not experience the best it has to offer. Year after year, TV manufacturers point out research that suggests that most people don't change the picture settings of their TVs after they buy them. In the case of the 6 Series, many users could get a fraction of the power that TV is capable of.

However, if you're willing to invest some time and play around in the sandpit, so to speak, the TCL 6 series can be a remarkably rewarding TV.

TCL 6 Series 4K HDR TV Details (R635)

While we tested the 65-inch model 65R635, our test also applies to the 55-inch and 75-inch models.

Screen size Model number RRP
55 inches 55R635 $ 650
65 inches 65R635 $ 900
75 in 75R635 $ 1400

Out of the box

Nowadays I'm more of a surprise when a television isn't ready to use right away. It seems that virtually invisible frames and attractive building materials are now the default for everyone but the cheapest TVs. To be completely honest, I wasn't surprised that the 6 Series, despite the old wisdom that affordable TVs look a little cheap compared to their more expensive cousins.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Indeed, the 2020 6 Series is a smart-looking smart TV with near-invisible bezels on the top and sides and a modest edge of brushed metal on the bottom. Perhaps the smallest but most significant design change was that the typical circular power switch next to the Roku logo was banned and replaced by a less easily accessible power switch on the back. I'll make the trade off for the cleaner look.

The TV came with a few paper items, two AAA batteries, a Roku voice remote, two legs, four screws, and a composite video breakout cable.

configuration

If you want to stand on a bracket, installing the 6 Series legs is a breeze. Align the three small knobs on each leg with the ones on the bottom of the TV, screw in the included Phillips head screws, and you're done.

Before the final stand placement or wall mounting is complete, some clear protective plastic must be removed. Once that's done, you can start the long road to television readiness.

My memory may be failing me, but it seems to me that Roku TVs used to take less time to set up than they do today. I also feel like the Roku setup is generally ready for some improvement. Here you can find out what you're looking for and how I would like it to be improved.

When connected to Ethernet, it took a total of about 12 minutes for Roku to run the Roku Setup Wizard. You need a computer or mobile device with internet access and either an ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to the internet to continue.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

After accessing a Roku setup link on your computer or mobile device, enter a code that will appear on the TV screen. The TV will then download and install the latest Roku operating system update. It is shut down and then backed up.

You will be taken through a series of setup questions, presumably aimed at getting the necessary apps installed on the TV. From there, you have the option to let Roku know what kind of content genres you like and presumably re-adjust which apps are installed on the TV. After entering all of this information, the TV will download and install. Don't be shocked if the screen says it is downloading and installing 92 apps like I experienced.

Here's the thing: I don't need to pre-install all of the apps, and I don't want to wait for them to be installed either. After you've answered all of these setup questions, it's like the TV just installs what it wants. It is confusing.

What's even more frustrating is that the apps aren't arranged in an order that makes sense to me. You should take some time to put the apps in the order you want. I would love if Roku could reference my existing account and app arrangement and implement it on every new Roku device I set up – or at least make an option out of it.

In addition to the time it takes to get set up, it takes a while to go through all of the apps I subscribe to and enter usernames and passwords. It would be okay for Roku to access this information from previous setups and implement it in every new Roku device I set up, saving me a lot of time and frustration.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

With the Roku operating system, you can label your entrances and call them "cable box", "game console", "Blu-Ray" etc. However, unlike many Samsung and LG TVs, it is not smart enough to identify and label them automatically.

Once Roku TV is up and running, it's very easy to use. It's just that it can be a nuisance to get started.

Picture settings

While these earlier complaints are directly the responsibility of Roku TV OS, the problem I have with the TCL 6 series picture settings appears to be a shared responsibility of both TCL and Roku.

I usually don't dig too deeply into picture settings in my TV reviews as the process is traditionally straightforward. On almost every other platform – for example Android TV, LG's WebOS, Samsung & # 39; s Tizen – the picture presetting for film, cinema, ISF or Technicolor is by far the most precise and therefore the most pleasant for me. Choosing one of these presets and then turning off motion smoothing features is usually all that is required.

Surprisingly, it turns out that this is not the case with the last TCL TVs I tested. In contrast, the movie preset for SDR content feels dull and overly warm – this includes cable, satellite, standard Blu-ray discs, and any non-HDR content available through streaming services. There is a lack of powerful contrast and the colors appear muted and excessively warm.

Instead of talking any further about how weird this is, I just want to explain what settings I chose to get the best results.

For SDR, enter the picture settings menu by pressing the asterisk button while viewing SDR content. Again, this is a cable / satellite channel, standard Blu-ray or DVD, or streaming content not marked as HDR or Dolby Vision on the title screen. Scroll down to the picture settings and note that the TV is in low power mode. Turn this off by selecting the Normal Image preset. From there, scroll down and select Warm for the color temperature. Then turn Action Smoothing and Action Clarity. The last two add the "soap opera effect" which I don't like.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The process is similar for HDR and Dolby Vision. Start an HDR content on YouTube or with an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc, then select the normal HDR picture mode, the color temperature to be heated and deactivate Action Smoothing and Action Clarity.

For Dolby Vision, go to Netflix and start a track with Dolby Vision that appears on the title screen. Select either Normal Dolby Vision or Bright Dolby Vision, Color Temperature for Warming, and Action Smoothing and Action Clarity. Remember that you'll need to repeat this for each input that is fed an HDR or Dolby Vision signal.

Since the menu navigation is difficult to describe here, I recommend watching the video at the top of this post. There I go through the whole process.

Note that you will need to do this process for every input, including apps, as well as for SDR, HDR and possibly Dolby Vision in every input. It's a complicated process that I don't think most people will have patience for.

That is the riddle. I'm sure that choosing a picture preset that looks good for a particular viewer will be enough for many people, but given that this TV is a favorite among TV enthusiasts and many buyers who research and find It's high on the radar It's high on many best-of lists. I worry that some will bring it home wondering why the image quality won't overwhelm them.

picture quality

With the correct image settings, the TCL 6 series works very well, although with a little more user control I think it could look even better. I've reached out to TCL to clarify what's happening in terms of the under-hood image settings and I'll update this section accordingly.

For now, I can only report on the results of what I believe to be the most achievable consumer's image settings, which I have described above.

First, some brief specs for those who enjoy them. With a SpectraCal C6 measuring device that was created by a Xrite i1 Pro 2 and CalMAN software, I measured the peak brightness of the 6 series of the TCL in SDR mode at 700 nits and in HDR10 at almost 1000 nits (using the Standard window of 10%). .

For me, this is enough brightness for most viewing scenarios. Only in the brightest rooms I might want more. If you want a brighter TV for roughly the same price, I'd point you straight to the Hisense H9G Quantum.

I think the black levels on this TV are excellent, preserving the shadow detail that the Hisense H9G struggled with in my tests. In addition, with the settings I chose, I got very little light around light objects on a dark background. This helps maintain impressive contrast, especially when there are mailbox bars.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The brightness, black levels and general backlight control are due to TCL's pioneering work in mini-LED technology, which will be used in the 6 series this year but was reserved for the 8K 8 series last year. For the stranger, the mini LED backlight is a much more precise version of the standard LED backlight technology that has been around for years. In short, while a standard LED-backlit TV might only contain hundreds of LEDs, mini-LED uses tens of thousands of much smaller LED lights.

It's not enough to just have a lot more little lights at work. They need to be well controlled to enhance the viewing experience and I've found that they are actually well controlled by the TCL 6 series processing. I didn't see sluggish response times as the scenes got lighter and darker. In some very challenging fade-in tests, the 6 Series even performed exceptionally well.

The ready-to-use color reproduction is a little different in SDR, a bit oversaturated with reds and oranges. A professional TV calibrator can correct this, but hiring someone to do color correction will degrade the value of the TV. Aside from the SDR color, I immediately found HDR10 and Dolby Vision colors to be outstanding. If you want a more accurate, out-of-the-box color experience, you'll have to pay $ 500 more for the Sony X900H and be willing to sacrifice some brightness.

The movement of the 6 series is excellent without any jerking or jerking being noticed in content with 24, 30 or 60 frames per second (fps). The 6 series also avoids moiré, screen door and other common image processing errors. Fortunately, I also got a very uniform panel, with no spots or dark areas that cause the so-called dirty screen effect. Overall, the picture was exceptionally clean.

For upscaling lower resolution 720p and 1080p content to 4K, the 6 series is fine. As I often say, this upscaling can't work miracles, but it neatly captures cable / satellite and DVD content and makes it look great on screen. However, native 4K content is rendered very well.

Overall, the TCL 6 series has remarkable image quality, especially for the price. I just wish it was easier to achieve without all of the hyper-specific image settings required.

Play

When it comes to the game potential of the 6 Series, I have good news and somewhat disappointing news. The good news is that the TV's THX certified game mode looks amazing. Aside from the Sony X900H and X900G, no other TV comes close in terms of color accuracy and color temperature regardless of the smooth movement and generally clean finish.

Another feather in the 6 Series gaming cap is the way the micro-LED backlight delivers deep blacks while preserving shadow detail in low-light areas, which is especially handy for competitive first-person shooter games.

Yooo, the official TV for #callofduty, is also the first TV with THX certified game mode. https://t.co/OZrKi0igYQ

– THX (@THX) August 26, 2020

The TV also supports AMD FreeSync's variable refresh rate, up to 120 Hz. However, the 6-series HDMI ports do not support enough bandwidth to achieve both a 120 Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution. So if you want to play with next generation game consoles at 120Hz, the resolution is limited to 1440p. With many competitors like the Samsung Q80T and all LG OLEDs offering 4K at 120Hz, this seems like a missed opportunity.

Our opinion

Honestly, it breaks my heart not to give this TV 4.5 or even 5 stars out of 5. It comes so close, and if TCL can address what I consider to be an extremely complex process of image adjustment, I'll adjust my score. Otherwise, the TCL 6 series is an exceptional television that seriously undercuts the competition and offers top-notch picture quality to those who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

Is there a better alternative?

The only TV that can touch the TCL 6 series in its price bracket is the Hisense H9G for just $ 50 more (at the time of writing this review). The Hisense is a much bolder TV with higher brightness and a slightly more punchy HDR experience. However, the H9G lacks the solid gaming features of the 6-series, so gamers will want to stick with TCL.

How long it will take?

If the 6 Series has 4K 120Hz gaming, I'd say it would last longer than you need it to be. Without full support for everything the upcoming Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 can do, I can't say it's perfectly future proof, but that's a very specific gripe. For the vast majority of users, the TCL 6 series should bring years of pleasure.

warranty

TCL warrants parts and labor for one year from the date of purchase for non-commercial use. More information can be found here.

You should buy it

Yes. The TCL 6-Series is an excellent television, especially considering its price. It takes a little work to get the best image quality, but with our guidance and a little time, great performance can be achieved.

Editor's recommendations




02 Sep
Blog

Know Comfy Review: Fantastic-Fitting True Wireless Earbuds

Do you know comfortable earphones?

"The Comfy are the ear-friendly buds that live up to their name."

  • Super comfortable design

  • Secure fit

  • Good overall sound

  • Visually strange

  • Not special scope of functions

It takes a certain amount of confidence to put a name like Comfy on your new pair of true wireless earbuds. As a company, you almost have to be sure that these buds will feel great in every ear they come across, or otherwise.

That's the bet Know made on its $ 160 comfy wireless earbuds and marketed the wearables as a "fit" you've never felt before. Spoiler Alert – a gamble that paid off for Know. Double spoiler alarm – the right fit is not everything, especially with earphones.

Out of the box

Do you know comfortable earphones?Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

I previously learned with the Calm headphones that Know as a Company likes to do things a little differently, and I was expecting something similar in the Comfy earphone packaging. Expectations were met with small details like a card in memory of the Kickstarter supporters and circular sticky notes of the product and a rather provocative (for earphones) work of art “Listeners make good lovers” and a USB-C charging cable with the inscription “These Side “surpassed up” on one side of the USB end of the cable and “or this side up” on the other side. If there are points that can be earned for creativity, Know gets them all.

If there are points that can be earned for creativity, Know gets them all.

In addition to this USB-C cable, the Comfy earphones have a collapsible quick start guide and a well-made compartment with additional ear fins and ear plugs. These are standard accessories, of course, and the same level of normalcy applies to the Comfy Buds setup process. Pull them out of the charging case, find them in your mobile device's bluetooth settings, and you're well on your way to listening to your favorite song or podcast episode.

Bluetooth 5 technology is rightly implemented in the Comfy earphones at this price point. As with most earbuds with this technology, I was free of connectivity issues during the time I tested these buds. That includes the time I spent tidying up my yard while my phone was hanging around the house. With that in mind, I'd say these earbuds have a solid range.

design

Do you know comfortable earphones?Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Count me confused about the design of the Comfy earbuds because there is really a lot going on here. Right off the bat, I will confirm that they masterfully live up to their name, with earplugs that felt at home in my ears even after long periods of listening, and ear fins that kept the buds firmly in place during daily activities. In fact, wearing these buds felt a lot more natural than any real wireless earbud I recently tested. But when you pull those buds out of your ears and look at them, it's hard not to comment on how bizarre they look.

Wearing these buds felt a lot more natural than any real wireless earbud I recently tested.

That doesn't have to be badly bizarre, by the way. They are just different from most of the other true wireless earbuds I've seen. The Comfy thickens the classic golf tee stem that the Apple AirPods popularized, adds an elongated ear fin at the top, and uses pointless, tapered earbuds. Now there are different sizes of tips and fins, and again it's an incredibly comfortable fit for my ears. It is clear, however, that these earbuds are designed for function rather than form.

The charging case for the Comfy reminds me of a hockey puck or maybe an Amazon Echo Dot, depending on which visualization is best for you. It looks elegant enough to take up space on your desk or on your work-from-home surface. I don't think this case is as pocket-friendly as the AirPods or even the Google Pixel Buds 2, however.

Here's what I seldom say about true wireless earbuds with no physical buttons: I really like the controls on the Comfy. Everything is touch-based, with a swipe up or down on either handle serving as a volume control. The top of each stem also has a touch sensor that answers or ends calls, pauses and plays music, and switches between tracks based on how often you tap on it. I had a few glitches at first, but the Comfy controls eventually turned out to be just the right level of responsiveness to be functional, but not annoyingly sensitive like other buds I've tried.

properties

Do you know comfortable earphones?Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Know says the Comfy earbuds have around seven hours of listening time per charge, with a total of 28 hours of life with the included case, and I found these numbers to be mostly accurate. By comparison, these statistics are about right. The Google Pixel Buds 2 and Apple AirPods both have worse batteries, but other buds in this price range like RHA TrueConnect 2, Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Buds + give you more per charge. That being said, the Comfy are pretty close to these competitors and have a quick charge feature that gives you three hours after five minutes of a network, so they can get past this category.

An IPX5 weather resistance for the Comfy Buds is a nifty touch that offers the buds effective protection against sweat and water jets. You can get the same rating in cheaper options like the 1More Colorbuds, or you can spend the same amount of money and get better weather protection with buds like the RHA TrueConnect 2. As with the battery life, the Comfy are not noticeable here. Instead, they're just decent.

The Comfy earbuds have an automatic pause / play function and are compatible with both Siri and Google Assistant. For the third paragraph in a row, these are decent features. Unfortunately, in this price range, it is almost necessary to be more than "decent" to stand out above the massive amount of competing true wireless earbuds.

Audio quality

Do you know comfortable earphones?Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Let's look back at these earbuds for a moment. Although they used to make fun of them a bit, they prove to be a valuable part of the comfortable footprint by creating a seal against the outside of your ear canal, as opposed to tips that need to be plugged inside. The result is the superb passive noise cancellation you can hope for without the clogged ear discomfort that usually comes with this effect. I was able to listen from my surroundings for longer with fewer interruptions and not experience the kind of fatigue I got used to with tighter buds.

By the way, listening was an enjoyable experience overall. I found the Comfy to offer exceptional clarity and a very pleasant sound at normal listening levels. However, this sound was hit a bit at higher volumes, exposing some dazzlingly bright higher frequencies and a lower end that weren't as clean as I originally expected. However, these observations do not affect overall good sound when it comes to standard listening levels, especially when listening to acoustic tracks. A selection like Midlands Fast Hearts and Slow Towns showed me that if you don't squeeze them too hard, the Comfy earbuds are capable.

Similar to the features of the Comfy, the call quality was good with these earbuds. It just wasn't more remarkable than the countless other true wireless earbuds I've tested before. Both ends of my conversations went down well with the Comfy. But the same goes for the Google Pixel Buds or the Microsoft Surface Earbuds, or … you get it. Even so, perfectly functioning call quality is certainly better than if you handled them extremely poorly, as you would find it with the Raycon E55s.

Our opinion

Know Comfy true wireless earbuds are the ear-friendly buds they are designed for after their namesake. They're good in other areas too, but not good enough to stand out from alternatives in a hugely overcrowded field. If these buds were $ 40 cheaper, they'd suddenly be a lot more attractive. However, their $ 160 price tag makes it especially difficult for them to stand out.

Are there any better alternatives?

The $ 150 RHA TrueConnect 2 has better features for $ 10 less, and while they may not be as comfortable, they look slimmer than the Comfy. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro are bulky, less comfortable buds for $ 150, but they have great sound and excellent features that compete with the Comfy. Finally, the Jabra Elite 75t focuses on sound quality but offers good comfort and a slimmer profile.

How long will they last?

The Know Comfy comes with a one year warranty and I can't think of any reason why these buds shouldn't last well beyond that period.

Should you buy it?

If you're looking to invest in a pair of ultra-comfortable earbuds with features that won't let you down, I think the Know Comfy is a great option. However, if convenience isn't high on your wish list, there are better sounding buds with more impressive features at similar prices.

Editor's recommendations




02 Sep
Blog

Sennheiser MKE 200 Review: An Almost Idiot-Proof Rookie Mic

sennheiser mke 200 review 12

"The Sennheiser MKE 200 does little to record a video or to the weight of the camera, but it can significantly improve the audio quality."

  • Easy to use

  • Compact

  • Inside shock mount

  • Reduces background noise

  • No batteries required

  • Only good for short or medium distances

  • No indicator light

Nothing ruins video faster than bad audio, but sound is often neglected or completely forgotten by new videographers. With the Sennheiser MKE 200, newcomers to videography can simply plug it in and then keep forgetting the audio, but with less disastrous consequences than if they didn't use it.

Weighing less than 3 ounces, the microphone itself adds little to the weight of the camera. With no controls or batteries, the microphone also keeps the actual recording process simple and is as good as dummy-safe for newbies. The microphone developed for videos contains the right cables for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras as well as for smartphones with a headphone jack or a jack adapter.

As a photographer with minimal video experience – the MKE 200 is just the second video microphone I've tried – I'm exactly who the microphone is made for. While the MKE 200 doesn't have some of the higher quality features, it makes recording better audio almost as easy as plugging in headphones. I took the Sennheiser MKE 200 out for a quick jaunt to see if a $ 100 mic could really deliver better sound through an audio novice.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

What is a directional microphone?

The basic microphone integrated in many cameras is omnidirectional in nature. That means it picks up sound from all directions. A directional microphone like the MKE 200 picks up the sound coming from a certain direction. With a directional microphone pointed forward away from you, sounds behind the camera will be much quieter, if they are detected at all. Directional microphones deliver audio that focuses more on the content of the video than any direction. This particular microphone uses a supercardoid pickup pattern. This is a technical way of saying that it picks up sounds immediately surrounding the microphone best, with a larger area coming from the front and sides.

The MKE 200 is Sennheiser's most basic microphone from the MKE series. The other, more expensive options are not directional microphones, but so-called shotgun microphones. A shotgun microphone is an even more powerful directional microphone and reduces the noise behind the camera and on the sides. This captures even more focused audio than the MKE 200, but at a higher price.

The MKE 200 is not as ideal as a shotgun microphone, but by reducing background noise it delivers significantly better audio than the microphone integrated in cameras. Additional microphones are also usually more sensitive to noise and easier to equip, since you cannot put a windscreen on a built-in microphone.

Compact, palm-sized design

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The barrel-shaped housing of the Sennheiser MKE 200 is shorter than that of many additional microphones – the entire microphone could fit in the palm of my hand. Less than 3 inches long, the microphone does not increase the width of the camera, even with a mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z 5, and it stays within the distance between the viewfinder and the handle. It fits easily in a camera bag and takes up much less space than most lenses.

The microphone barely tips the scales to less than 2.5 ounces and obviously doesn't weigh the camera down. The biggest strain is simply the cable, but its spiral design and placement at the front of the microphone largely keep it out of the way on most cameras.

The MKE 200 is a real plug-and-play accessory – there are no controls or even batteries, which creates a minimalist look. The cable, which is exchanged between a cable designed for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras and a cable intended for smartphones, is held securely on the front of the microphone with a twist lock. A simple plastic dial locks the microphone's cold shoe into the camera mount. A tripod socket is also built into the bracket. If you're shooting with a smartphone, you'll need a case, gimbal, or some other type of shooting setup that offers a cold shoe or tripod mount.

Nothing protrudes from the microphone other than the cable and bracket, which creates a slimmer design and possibly adds to its durability. The shock absorber mount of the microphone, which muffles the noises when touching the camera itself, is located on the inside of the capsule. According to Sennheiser, this design not only helps increase durability, but also prevents balancing when working with gimbals.

The plastic construction isn't surprising for a budget accessory, but it doesn't seem like it breaks easily with typical use. A puffy windshield (or a dead cat for the audio) is also included and feels great too.

A novice friendly experience

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

As an audio novice, the MKE 200 was easy to set up for me. The three-step instructions are right on the box: slide the microphone into the hot shoe, plug the cable into the microphone and lock it. Then plug the other end into the camera.

The only possible mishap I can think of is installing the microphone backwards and accidentally amplifying everything behind the camera. Because of the shorter design, it's not that obvious which direction the microphone is going. The cable comes out from the front and the name is on the back, which may feel a little contrary to what was expected. Even most audio novices will install it correctly. When it's backwards, the longer part of the barrel points backwards and the cable covers the viewfinder and raises red flags that something is not quite right.

The plug and play design makes using the MKE 200 a pleasure. You can plug it in and forget about it, so you can focus on the content of the video instead. I forgot to turn on the other battery powered microphone that I tried before, and the MKE 200 doesn't even allow for that beginner mistake.

While the lack of any controls is a good thing overall, there is no indication that the microphone is working properly either. A simple green indicator light would have been a helpful addition.

Amplified audio

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Although I was designed to boost audio in front of the camera and soften audio behind the camera, I was still impressed with the audio quality and reduced background noise of the MKE 200. The volume quickly decreased behind the camera, while the noise in front of the camera were kept intact.

While the background noise was reduced, the MKE 200 picked up more subtle nuances than the camera's built-in microphone. I was able to catch my cat's purr, which was barely noticeable without a microphone, and the hum of the bees.

The windshield eliminates the crackle normally associated with large gusts of wind. I was able to blow directly on the microphone and only heard the sound of the air moving without the typical wind distortion.

The main disadvantage of the MKE 200 is that as a directional microphone and not as a shotgun microphone, noises that are further away from the camera can also quickly become quiet at the front. It's not a microphone that I'd use to record video with a zoom lens, but it's perfect for pairing with a 24-50mm lens and subjects that are relatively close to the camera.

The MKE 200 is easy to use and offers good audio quality to the non-professional ear. But to be clear, as a photographer, I may have lower standards than an audiophile. I found the MKE 200 less susceptible to echoes than the last budget microphone I used, as background noise was better eliminated. However, vloggers and beginners should be satisfied with the audio from this simple microphone.

Our opinion

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The easy-to-use MKE 200 is a great microphone for vloggers and avid videographers who find learning audio daunting. The plug-and-shoot design means that no settings need to be made or batteries charged. The compact microphone still manages to reduce background noise and pick up more subtleties than a camera's built-in microphone. It's not ideal for working with longer zoom lenses, but that's not unexpected for the price.

Is there a better alternative?

The MKE 200's biggest competition likely comes from the $ 100 Rode VideoMic Go, but there are a few key differences. The Rode's shock mount is external and may not be as durable in the long run as the MKE 200's. Cell phone users will also need to purchase an accessory for smartphone compatibility. On the flip side, the Rode also has a slightly different polar pattern that picks up less sound directly behind the microphone. This could be a more ideal solution for videographers who also want to cut down the sound recording from the sides.

How long it will take?

The MKE 200 comes with a two-year guarantee. The internal shock mount is mostly plastic, making the microphone more durable than other budget options.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're new to audio or just looking for a cheap microphone, the Sennheiser MKE 200 should be at the top of your list. It's small, incredibly easy to use, includes a smartphone option, and has an internal shock mount for added durability.

Editor's recommendations




01 Sep
Blog

Asus ZenFone 7 Review: The Selfie Connoisseur’s Choice

Asus Zenfone 7 Pro review forehand

Asus ZenFone 7 Pro Review: The Best Selfie Camera You Can Get on a Phone

"Thanks to the motorized flip camera of the ZenFone 7 Pro, the phone has the most versatile selfie camera available."

  • The reversing camera is equipped with numerous functions

  • The front camera is the best you can get

  • Bright, colorful screen

  • Long lasting battery

  • No water resistance

  • Heavy

For the ZenFone 7 Pro, Asus has brought back the motorized flip camera it introduced for the ZenFone 6, but added to its list of capabilities and features to make this phone a dream phone for selfie lovers. Anything you can do with the rear camera – wide angle, 8K video recording, super sharp telephoto – you can do for selfies, and that is what makes it very special indeed.

The rest of the spec has also been improved, and therefore the price has increased over the previous model. So should you still consider the ZenFone 7 Pro if selfies aren't that important to you? Let's find out.

design

Asus wants to build your muscles. The Zenfone 7 Pro weighs 230 grams, significantly more than most large flagship devices. Take this and the 240-gram ROG Phone 3 to step up the intensity of your home workouts. It's 9.6mm thick and you really notice the size and bulk of the Zenfone 7 Pro when you compare it to its closest competitors, the OnePlus 8, LG Velvet, and iPhone 11. The weight is fairly evenly distributed but is definitely biased towards the top of the phone due to the motorized flip camera module.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera module is a significant improvement over the Zenfone 6. It sits flush with your body and doesn't move when you shake the phone around. This largely prevents annoying rattles. It's made of strong and light liquid metal, but it's bigger than the Zenfone 6, but I think that's why it looks better. The engine has been revised compared to the original and is quiet and fast. However, the software often prompts you to perform a recalibration check, especially after the phone has knocked.

The larger flip module isn't the only visual enhancement. The narrower bezels around the screen give the phone a modern look, and moving the fingerprint sensor to the side does the same. The sensor performs various functions, e.g. E.g. a double tap to open the Google Assistant, or it can be programmed to open an app of your choice. Fortunately, adding new features didn't affect the speed or accuracy of the fingerprint sensor and it works very well.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The back of the Zenfone 7 Pro is made of glass, but it doesn't really feel like it and is so slippery that it feels like it's been greased at the factory. The panel feels warm and is surprisingly flexible. An almost hollow sound is heard when typing. The green, almost blue color is attractive, but the tactility of the panel itself isn't as comfortable as on the OnePlus 8 Pro or LG Velvet, or as comfortable to hold as on the Huawei P40 Pro, and without a lot of grip, the weight sometimes means two hands are required to keep.

The glass back doesn't feel cheap, but I doubt the durability, which is an issue with a phone this size, weight, and smoothness. Asus may know this as it has two sleeves in the box – one sturdy and one transparent. I suggest you use one. The fact that the otherwise perfectly acceptable-looking ZenFone 7 Pro is 40 grams heavier than the ZenFone 6 is an unfortunate misstep and makes life with it harder than it should be.

screen

Bigger, wider, brighter and more colorful sums up the differences between the ZenFone 7 Pro and the ZenFone 6. It's a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and an aspect ratio of 20: 9. Asus even used the special tuning that makes the display of the ROG Phone 3 on the 7 Pro so pretty . Asus isn't wrong about brightness either, it's stunning and even makes the iPhone 11 Pro look a little dark.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, it's not that natural to look at. When you watch Carfection's Ferrari F8 Spider review on YouTube, the road isn't as atmospherically gray as it is on the iPhone, and the yellow car pops off the screen with such aggression that you reach for your sunglasses. If you like high-energy AMOLED screens with borderline radioactive colors, the ZenFone 7 Pro won't disappoint. However, watching videos shows the slightly quiet sound from the stereo speakers, and it would have been great to hear the same brilliant Dirac audio from the ROG Phone 3 on the ZenFone 7 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's worth talking about the screen's overall responsiveness here. The 90 Hz refresh rate should be considered standard at this price point, but it is significantly enhanced by a one millisecond response time and a 200 Hz touch sample rate. What does that mean? The ZenFone 7 Pro always feels snappy, responsive and fluid regardless of the app used. Coupled with some software tweaks for speed, the phone always feels modern and powerful.

The flip camera eliminates the need for a notch or hole punch and improves film viewing. If you notice the notch or hate the punch, the ZenFone 7 Pro's pretty, uninterrupted screen is just what you want.

camera

The Asus Zenfone 7 Pro has the best selfie camera in the business. With selfies filling your gallery app, this phone gives you plenty of opportunities to get creative, with a variety of features, modes, and general capabilities than any other selfie camera you've used before. How is that possible? It is Asus' decision to use the motorized flip module to turn the rear view camera into a front camera.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You get a 64-megapixel Sony IMX686 main camera sensor with an aperture of f / 1.8, 8K video recording and optical image stabilization, as well as a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with optical image stabilization and a 3x optical zoom. Features include 4K time-lapse video recording, slow motion video at 4K and 120 frames per second, and special features like auto panorama and motion tracking.

To make this clear, all of these features are available in the selfie camera and the results are dramatic. The colors are vivid, the exposure is just right, the edge detection in portrait orientation is excellent. When was the last time you took 8K video with a selfie camera or took a sprawling 113-degree selfie with an extremely wide frame? With the ZenFone 7 Pro, you can do all of this and more.

The flip module itself has been redesigned and redesigned to be more robust, faster and more powerful. It requires regular calibrations, but according to Asus, the endurance tests are good for 100 flips a day for five years, which makes it twice as powerful as the ZenFone 6 module. It's also adjustable. You can move the module from flat to completely upside down in 0.5 degree increments, which is very fluid.

From a technical standpoint, it's a work of art and enables some fun features. The automatic panorama function is excellent, with very effective seams and a really large scale. It is not immediately clear how to best take advantage of the module's adjustable angle. However, if you start experimenting, you will find that often it is not about the photos you can take, but rather the benefits of holding the screen at an angle that you can properly frame different shots, such as picture taking. B. from below without guessing the frame or lying on the floor.

asus zenfone 7 pro review wide angle "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-wide-angle- 640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAZenFone 7 Pro wide angle Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review standard "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-standard-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7ZenFone 7 Pro Standard Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review 3x zoom "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-3x-zoom- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAZenFone 7 Pro 3x zoom Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I'm also impressed with the consistency between the standard and wide-angle camera, where shots from both appear similarly dynamic, although photos can be a bit boring at 3x optical zoom. It also repeatedly warns that you are too close to a subject and may move back for better focus when taking close-ups, even though the final photo is properly focused.

Overall, though, I had a lot of fun using the ZenFone 7 Pro's camera and figuring out how best to use the fun motorized module. I also don't feel like I've scratched the surface of what it can do, and that's a good feeling. It's unfortunate that the flip module adds to some of the phone's drawbacks – weight and lack of water resistance, for example – but the ZenFone 7 Pro is the phone of choice for selfie aficionados.

Software and performance

The Zenfone 7 Pro uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Here's how it works in some benchmark tests, but the phone didn't complete a Vulkan test on 3DMark and crashed halfway. The same problem occurred with the ROG Phone 3.

Geekbench 5: 3125 multi core / 980 single core

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 7,706 (OpenGL)

These values ​​are slightly lower on the Asus ROG Phone 3, but it has less RAM, similar to the OnePlus 8. I played Asphalt 9 Legends and Hill Climb Racer without any problems and the phone didn't get hot either. However, it feels warm during extended periods of time where a number of apps are used and calls are made.

asus zenfone 7 pro review apps "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-apps-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro evaluation fingerprint sensor "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-fingerprint- sensor- 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAThe side-mounted fingerprint sensor has programmable linking functions Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro check settings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-settings-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review cases "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-cases-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Two cases come with the Asus ZenFone 7 Pro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus is stuck when it comes to 5G. If it wasn't added, the phone would be cheaper, but its long-term appeal could suffer, while the addition leads to the price increase being accepted. Unfortunately, the only way to get it was to include it and so the price went up. 5G is for the future and currently offers few benefits to regular consumers, even if there is no 5G connectivity in an area where you live.

There's no such mystery to the software, as Asus continues to build ZenUI into a neat, easy-to-use, and relatively bloat-free version of Android, as we've seen with the ROG Phone 3 and ZenFone 6. There are a number of improvements here that increase speed, such as: B. Cut the phone startup time to 13 seconds and speed up everything from loading thumbnails to unlocking the phone with the fingerprint sensor. It's clean and tidy and I have no problems with it.

battery

Asus talks a lot about extending the battery life, not really daily, but about the life of the phone. It includes graphs and data on how overnight charging, wireless charging, mega-fast wired charging, and other bad habits of the battery (at least according to Asus) reduce the cell's capacity to hold a charge for years. Measures have been taken for the ZenFone 7 Pro to reduce long-term battery degradation and to keep its capacity longer.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The cornerstone of this battery care system is a slow charge option, where the battery is 80% charged when you first plug it in at night and the last 20% is zapped just before the scheduled wake-up time. You can set this to only charge the battery at set times or not to fully charge it to protect it over time. If you dive even deeper, you can shut down apps, prevent them from starting automatically, and limit background activity as well.

ZenFone 7 Pro battery mode options Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Wireless charging isn't on board due to concerns about Asus' battery and one such feature that takes up even more space in the already large phone. That didn't stop the ZenFone 7 Pro from coming with a quick wired charger, however. The zipper is 60% in 35 minutes and 100% in 90 minutes. The useful life is good, but not incredible. With moderate usage, I've spent two days on the ZenFone 7 Pro's battery, but with heavy usage with camera, games, and video calls it's really difficult, and around 11pm on those days. The battery had dropped to 5%.

Make no mistake, you are not scared of a day here but don't expect it to be two full days if you use it hard.

Price and availability

Asus has announced the Taiwanese and European price for the ZenFone 7 Pro, but has not yet confirmed the US price. It costs 799 euros, which is the equivalent of $ 950. Based on how Asus has converted prices in the past, the ZenFone 7 Pro could cost around $ 799.

The final release date has not yet been confirmed, but Asus acknowledges that it has been difficult to find a ZenFone 6 for sale and has announced that the ZenFone 7 Pro will have a bigger range on offer. We'll update here as we learn more about availability in the US.

Our opinion

The ZenFone 7 Pro's flip camera makes it the absolute best selfie smartphone you can buy. Coupled with the great software, pretty 90Hz screen, and thoughtful features like battery saving technology and 8K video recording, the ZenFone 7 Pro is a good value even at a higher price point than the ZenFone 6. However, if selfies aren't yours, the phone's size and weight are too heavy compared to others in its class.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The biggest downside to the ZenFone 7 Pro is the overall size and weight of the device. If you are concerned about this, there are several much slimmer and lighter phones available for roughly the same price. The $ 700 OnePlus 8 is a great everyday phone with reliable software and a good camera wrapped in a 180 gram case. The $ 600 LG Velvet also weighs 180 grams and looks even better than the OnePlus 8, is waterproof, and has a great screen.

Alternatively, the iPhone 11 is still priced at $ 700, though a replacement is in sight, with plenty of power, good battery life, and a powerful camera. Do you want something else? Check out the $ 700 Motorola Moto Edge with its stunning screen, great battery life, and unusual design.

How long it will take?

The ZenFone 7 Pro isn't waterproof, but it does come with a decent, sturdy case that should protect it from too much damage. The phone's specs are good, and Asus promises that two major Android software updates will be available for the ZenFone 7 Pro, including the Android 11 update that will be released by Google later this year. However, the time frames for these updates vary. Coupled with Asus' efforts to ensure that the battery stays fresh over time, it means the phone will last at least several years depending on your needs.

Should you buy it?

Yes. For selfies, there's no other phone that comes close to the ZenFone 7 Pro, and luckily the rest of the phone is impressive too.

Editor's recommendations




01 Sep
Blog

How To Get Glowing Skin

Beautiful, glowing skin. It's what many of us want from our skincare routines, but what does it actually mean to have skin that glows? Skincare experts describe the characteristics of glowing skin as follows:

  • Hydrated and moist
  • Smooth texture with minimized pores
  • Healthy coloring thanks to good blood circulation in the skin cells
  • Uniform coloring

A radiant complexion is healthy. However, when you factor in daily stress, pollution, lack of sleep, and even age, it's no wonder you can achieve this Radiant skin is at the top of everyone's most coveted list.

Depending on your skin type – especially those with naturally oily pores or dry, flaky and dull texture – achieving a glowing complexion may seem impossible. But here's the good news: With consistent skin care regimen with effective products and some lifestyle changes, anyone can turn a dull complexion into one that is glowing and glowing.

How to Get Radiant Skin (Naturally)

While good skin care is important to maintain a glowing and healthy complexion, some lifestyle habits are also critical to adequate nutrition and benefits for skin cells. Daily exercise, a healthy diet, and proper hydration are not only important to your overall health, they also work wonders for your skin!

Woman drinking water

Drink water all day

As the largest organ, the skin longs for water. If you stay hydrated, you will notice some positive changes such as:

If you don't keep track of your water intake, dehydration will quickly develop (even mild!). Aside from the cognitive and physical effects of dehydration, a lack of water also affects the appearance of your skin. When you're dehydrated, skin cells struggle to perform even the most basic of functions, such as cell turnover. This slows down the shedding of dead cells and, over time, builds them up, resulting in a dull complexion, clogged pores, and breakouts.

One of the easiest ways to improve the appearance of your skin is to stay hydrated. Beneficial in many ways, both inside and outside the body, water helps flush out toxins and excess sodium while promoting blood circulation and elasticity in cells. If you have frequent breakouts or skin problems such as eczema, Drinking enough water every day increases blood flow to skin cells, which is essential for flushing out impurities and building up in pores. If you make water an important part of your daily habits, you will notice a decrease in breakouts, blemishes, and overall pore size.

Eat your antioxidants

A diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants plays an important role in skin health. It's no secret that ingredients like sugar and processed foods remove important nutrients from your skin and make it look less than great. Foods high in sugar, fat, and limited vitamins or minerals make the skin more prone to breakouts, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and breakouts. Certain foods, like dairy or wheat, can even cause inflammation in some people, which leads to reactions that cause the skin to become blotchy, thin, and prone to further problems.

Instead, look for foods that are high in antioxidants. The benefit of eating these foods is that you can fight back against aggravating factors that lead to signs of early aging, such as: B. Free radicals. When free radicals are created, they weaken the body and skin at the cellular level, making them more susceptible to damage and causing a noticeable decrease in healthy, glowing skin cells.

Dermatologists recommend including such ingredients in your daily meals:

  • Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes
  • Ginger known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
  • Chia seeds, rich in omega-3 fatty acids that nourish and strengthen skin cells

An antioxidant-rich diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables also plays an important role Protecting the skin from free radicals or environmental stressors such as ultraviolet rays. Polyphenols like resveratrol are particularly useful in keeping skin cells healthy and fighting harmful free radicals.

Woman doing yoga exercise

Get exercise, especially yoga

Another effective way to improve skin and maintain a glowing complexion is through daily activity. You don't have to run marathons to get beautiful skin – something that has as little impact as Pilates, a daily walk, or yoga will have many benefits for the skin too!

Exercise, like water, is an effective way to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Daily activity causes the blood to pump, which in turn increases blood flow and sweating – nature's way of "detoxifying" the body. When you exert yourself enough to build up a little sweat, you're encouraging your body to release nutrients, hormones, and oxygen where you need them most – on your skin! Oxygenated blood benefits skin cells by replenishing and nourishing them to give them a natural, colorful glow.

yogaIn particular, it has often been touted as a way to feel balanced and calm, but did you know this is also beneficial for skin health? Dr. Genieve Burley explains, “Moving your body is medicine. It enables detoxification by flushing all organs, increases breathing, lubricates joints and strengthens muscles. All of this leads to healthier and happier skin. "

Try face yoga or facial massage

Incorporate it as part of your daily habits Face yoga or massage into your skin care routine. Using a few simple techniques, facial massage benefits the skin by:

  • Promote blood circulation
  • Promote detoxification and lymphatic drainage
  • Improving elastin and collagen production to increase the elasticity and tone of the skin

Try incorporating a few simple steps into your morning or evening skin care routine using your fingers or a useful tool like a jade roller or Gua Sha stone. The key to an effective one The facial massage uses a product that glides or slides easily over the skin – cleansing oils, facial oils or serums are good choices! The combination of the pressure (not too tight) on the facial muscles with healthy botanical skin care products allows for improved blood flow and circulation while using glowing ingredients.

Professional treatments for glowing skin

Have you ever wondered what you can do in the treatment room to give the skin that much needed lift? Skin stimulating treatments – for example, with microcurrents or microneedles – are best performed professionally with a trained beautician to achieve safe, visible results and combined with botanical ingredients. Find out if your spa is currently open, offer virtual or face-to-face consultations, and if these types of treatments are currently on offer.

Book a microneedle treatment

For people with crisis areas, including acne scars or enlarged pores, stimulant treatments like microneedles offer enhanced benefits. A microneedling tool, also called a derma roller, has tiny needles of various sizes that create microchannels or tiny holes in the top layer of skin. By creating these microscopic channels, the tool encourages new collagen production to repair the skin for a more even and smooth texture. Additionally, by creating microchannels in the skin, effective skin care ingredients can penetrate deeper areas for better results.

Professional treatments like microneedles are also effective in trying to reduce the appearance of uneven dye due to melasma. For problems like sun damage or melasma, always turn to a professional for advice on how to safely whiten and exfoliate in a safe and beneficial manner.

Microneedling is also a powerful way to deep exfoliate exfoliation and promote cell turnover – something to consider if you want to minimize the appearance of pores and slow the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Enhance yourself with a microcurrent facial

Another beneficial treatment for improving skin health is a microcurrent facial. Microtreatment facials are used in the treatment room and use different wavelengths of electricity to lighten, tighten, and plump the skin. At the same time, collagen production and blood flow are increased to give the skin a radiant, firmer appearance. Other ways microcurrent facials improve your complexion include:

  • Increase in cell repair and activity
  • Detoxify and reduce puffiness
  • Improving muscle tone for definition
  • Firming the skin to minimize the appearance of pores

Get glowing skin with these products

Your skin care is the last leg that makes up the trifecta of radiant, beautiful skin. It forms a healthy foundation for skin with proper nutrition and exercise. Whether a treatment such as a “hot” face mask is used regularly or lightening ingredients are included in the routine, there are many ways to move from dull or dull skin to a glowing and healthy home treatment.

Don't forget about "hot" treatments

There are many reasons why masks – as well as "hot" or warming masks – are recommended for glowing, healthy skin! The benefits of frequent masking – especially when choosing masks with active, potent ingredients – include:

  • Lighten the complexion and minimize dark spots
  • Refinement of the appearance of pores
  • Deeply moisturizing skin cells
  • Absorb excess oil and unblock clogged pores
  • Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Add to this list the benefits of a mask that is hot or warming, like the turmeric energy treatment with citrine gemstones from our new gemstone collection. Hot treatments include ingredients that help warm the skin, such as paprika or zeolite. The warming sensation opens the pores and awakens the skin, revealing an energized complexion. Eminence Organics representative Alicia Hawthorne shares that treatments that make the skin feel hot usually lead to this "A healthy glow and firm looking skin."

Select the Best face mask for your needs and make sure you incorporate it into your skin care regimen several times a week for the best results.

Product selection

Turmeric energizing treatment

VIEW PRODUCT

Choose lightening ingredients

For many, a radiant complexion is a balanced or even tonal one. Whether you've developed signs of sun damage or if you feel like your skin is looking slightly dull, turning to antioxidants and natural ingredients to lighten and improve the appearance of the skin is what you need. When choosing the right skin care product for a glowing makeover, look for lightening ingredients like turmeric, stone harvest, and licorice root.

Turmeric in particular is popular with many dermatologists and beauticians. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for the body inside and out, it gives the skin a natural glow while also improving collagen production, soothing breakouts and cleaning pores.

Exfoliating for glowing skin

If you do not regularly contact a physical or dead skin cells chemical peel, now is the time to start! “Exfoliating removes the barrier of dead skin cells that are clogging the skin and reveals fresh new cells underneath. This allows the products to penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective. " says Alicia.

When the skin is properly polished and fresh, the light will reflect off the skin, giving rise to the idea of ​​a radiant glow. Jennifer Graf, An assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City declared. "Your complexion looks radiant when it's smooth enough to reflect light. Dead skin cells accumulate, scatter light and dull the skin."

After cleansing, use an exfoliating product two to three times a week as part of your regular skin care routine to keep the skin looking healthy and fresh. For better results, consider using charged products like the turmeric energy treatment to get an exfoliator that leaves the skin looking silky and glowing.

Hydrate with facial oils

After exfoliating, it's important to use deeply moisturizing ingredients to nourish newly exposed skin cells. Face oils in particular are one of the best skin care products for locking in moisture and making the skin look radiant. In our new gemstone collection, Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil with Pink Tourmaline Gemstones is a solid face oil that melts into the skin for deep, regenerating hydration.

Plant substances rejuvenate and soften the appearance of the skin – especially if your complexion looks stressed, dull or tired. Look for marula, hemp seed, and camellia oils for skin that looks radiant, plump, and rejuvenated.

Product selection

Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil

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Tap your inner positivity

While there are a variety of treatments and products that can lighten and smooth the skin, a beautiful natural glow always starts from within.

Wellness begins with a good foundation for diet and exercise, as well as skin care that strengthens and moisturizes the skin. And for some, a balanced life also means looking inward and adopting a positive mindset, as well as utilizing natural botanicals or crystals to provide relaxation and bring inner peace to an otherwise busy everyday life!

Eminence Organics' new gemstone collection harnesses powerful botanical properties and combines them with the uplifting energy of gemstones like citrine and pink tourmaline to bring wellbeing to all aspects of your being – from the inside out.

Would you like to learn more? Connect with one Eminence Organics Spa partner for a virtual or personal consultation and learn more about product recommendations and available treatments.

01 Sep
Blog

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Review: The AMD Ryzen 4000 Flagship

Lenovo Ideapad Slim 7 review 01

"The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 is a genre-bending laptop that does anything hard to beat for its price."

  • Incredible performance

  • Tiny footprint

  • Record battery life

  • Can handle light games

  • The screen is a little dark

  • Small palm rests

Disorder. It's not a word I idly use, but what AMD's Ryzen 4000 processors have been doing over the past eight months fits the definition. These chips offer the performance you previously paid dearly for, both in size and price.

So far, however, few laptops have been designed from the ground up to use these chips.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 should always be an example of how disruptive Ryzen 4000 can be. After many months of delay, the time has finally come to attempt a seemingly insurmountable task – being a laptop that can be ultra-slim, extremely powerful, and extremely affordable at the same time.

Have AMD and Lenovo just done the impossible?

design

The IdeaPad Slim 7 revolution is not broadcast high. It's not ugly, but it's also not attention grabbing. It's not far from Lenovo's current crop of conservative, dark gray laptops with rounded edges and an all-metal chassis. The design alone makes it difficult for you to pick this out of the wide range of similar looking laptops from Lenovo. It's reportedly offered in a possibly more eye-catching "Orchid" color option, but I haven't set my eyes on it yet.

In a sense, that's a shame. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 surpasses our traditional laptop categories in many ways. This is a tiny laptop. It's only 0.58 inches thick, thinner, and slimmer than the MacBook Air. It weighs only 3.1 pounds and fits the 13-inch MacBook Pro – and yet has an 8-core processor like the gigantic MacBook Pro 16 -Inch. That is the unique offering of this fascinating laptop.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is possibly the best size comparison. The IdeaPad Slim 7 is a little smaller in almost every dimension, if not by much, and even has the larger 14-inch screen. More importantly, these two laptops share a 25-watt processor. That's 10 watts more power than your standard 13-inch laptop, which contributes to the unique performance of these laptops.

You'll find a healthy selection of ports on the sides of the laptop. On the left side, the IdeaPad Slim 7 has two USB-C ports, HDMI and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. On the right side, the IdeaPad Slim 7 offers two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, the power switch and a micro SD card slot.

Since this is an AMD laptop, you won't get Thunderbolt 3, a proprietary Intel technology. However, USB-C is still a versatile port. Each USB-C port can be used for charging, connecting to a monitor, transferring files, and connecting peripherals. You can't power an external graphics card, but these ports are very powerful for this laptop.

My only real complaint is that you can't charge the laptop from the right as both USB-C ports are on the left. It defeats the point of USB-C's versatility.

performance

A 25-watt, 8-core processor in a small laptop is a fascinating requirement, but only if it can actually deliver significantly better performance. I started my tests with Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R20, two benchmarks that can give a comprehensive picture of the CPU's performance. The IdeaPad Slim 7 particularly impressed with its multi-core performance. Amazingly, Geekbench 5 Multi-Core was only 9% behind the much larger Dell XPS 15 with its 45-watt eight-core processor. In the meantime, it was 23% ahead of the 13-inch MacBook Pro (with a 10th generation Core i5) and 16% ahead of the Acer Swift 3 (with the Ryzen 7 4700U). No laptop in this size class has the cores and threads that fit the IdeaPad Slim 7.

For a more realistic test, I encoded a 4K video in Handbrake, with performance limited to the CPU. Here, too, the IdeaPad Slim 7 and its Ryzen processor with eight cores knocked out the competition. It even beat some 45 watt six-core laptops like the HP Envy 15 or the Asus ROG Strix G15.

(pullqutoe) For a laptop of this size, the IdeaPad Slim 7 belongs to its own performance category. (/ pullquote)

The only place the IdeaPad Slim 7 can't really compete with these larger laptops is in video editing. Normally I wouldn't try Premiere Pro on a laptop this small, but I had to try the IdeaPad Slim 7. It took an hour and 18 minutes to export a two minute 4K project to ProRes 422. The higher clock speeds and discrete graphics of larger laptops like the Dell XPS 15 or MacBook Pro 16-inch help them finish the same test in well under 10 minutes.

This does not mean that the IdeaPad Slim 7 cannot be used for content creation workflows at all. If you are working with lower resolutions, less demanding codecs, or lighter applications, the IdeaPad Slim 7 should work just fine. It's just not a real replacement for one of those larger laptops. If portability isn't important, even a cheap gaming laptop like the Dell G5 SE can handle video editing far better than the IdeaPad Slim 7 for roughly the same price. For a laptop of this size, however, the IdeaPad Slim 7 belongs to its own performance category.

Interestingly, Lenovo also sells an Intel version of the IdeaPad Slim 7. But here's what you get: It's $ 150 more expensive, has half the memory, and only has a quad-core CPU. The only thing the Intel model has on its side is the Nvidia MX350 discrete graphics card, but AMD's built-in Radeon graphics outperform it. There's no reason to buy it through the AMD model.

Apart from the Intel variant, Lenovo does not offer any configurations. That could change in the future, but for now, this model with 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD is the only option. I really wish a 16GB model was offered to pair it better with the high-core processor.

Game performance

You can play games on this laptop! Yes it's true and it's kind of a miracle. The Ryzen 7 4800U comes with eight Radeon graphics cores. This is easily the best discrete graphic I've ever seen on a laptop. It holds great promise for the future of AMD's Radeon graphics.

In the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, it is 29% faster than the Dell XPS 13 with its integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics. It even outperforms discrete entry-level graphics such as the Nvidia MX350 in the Asus ZenBook Duo. The result is decent low-end performance in modern games.

These are easily the best discrete graphics I've ever seen on a laptop.

Take Fortnite, for example. As long as you keep the graphics settings at medium or below, the games play pretty smoothly. You'll find it hard to get up to 60 frames per second (fps) without tweaking the 3D resolution slider a bit. For the first time, however, Fortnite can be played without any problems with built-in graphics.

A less GPU-dependent game like Civilization VI will perform even better. The IdeaPad Slim 7 struggled to keep up with the Ultra settings, but averaged 45 fps on Medium. That's still a long way from what 15-inch laptops with discrete graphics can do, but again, you can play Civilization VI without having to resort to low graphics settings. This is really impressive for a laptop with no games.

The only real competition the IdeaPad Slim 7 has in this form factor is the GTX 1650 version of the Razer Blade Stealth. While you can get better frame rates on this computer, it's also far more expensive.

Keyboard and touchpad

This keyboard is not my favorite. The trip feels very short and the buttons have a muddy bottom effect. I prefer the Dell XPS 13, MacBook Air, or HP Specter x360. It didn't take me long to get used to it, however, and I like the curved shape of the keycaps.

The keyboard backlight doesn't have its own key, but Fn + Space is a solid replacement. The backlight is very bright – to the point where I would like a lower brightness setting.

My main problem with the keyboard is its location. The keyboard is farther from the screen than most laptops to make room for the speakers and ports. The result is less space for the touchpad and palm rests underneath. If you have small hands you're fine, but those palm rests were too small for me so I had to dig the edges of the chassis into my palms. It's not a comfortable position to type in for a long time. Laptops like the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex also suffer from this problem.

The touchpad performs better and offers a smooth tracking surface and enough space for swipes and gestures with two fingers. The click feels solid, although it's a little louder than I'd like it to be.

Battery life

When comparing AMD with Intel, there was no clear winner in terms of battery life. Until now. I don't know if it's the big 60 watt battery or the efficient 7 nm processor, but the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 is an absolute champion when it comes to battery life. This can disappear from the wall all day – and a few more.

In our lightest test of repeating a local video file until it died, the IdeaPad Slim 7 lasted over 18.5 hours. This is one of the best times I've seen on a laptop that isn't a Chromebook or ARM-based laptop.

The real record was set in our web browsing test. The IdeaPad Slim 7 lasted over 16 hours here, which was only surpassed by the Qualcomm-powered Lenovo Flex 5G. That's an insane lifespan for a load.

As my daily driver, I found that the IdeaPad Slim 7 could easily survive a whole working day despite my heavy multitasking, music streaming and countless open apps.

Display and speaker

If the IdeaPad Slim 7 has one notable flaw, it is the screen. It uses a 14-inch 1080p panel that does the job, but not with a lot of grace. The screen is a bit dark and only reaches 247 nits. This is both the 300 nit threshold that I like to see in laptops and the result of strong glare. When watching a movie with dark scenes, the first thing to do is to turn off any light in the room. The contrast is the only bright spot at 1,370: 1.

The display is also a slight shade of green, although it is adequate in terms of gamut and color accuracy. Unfortunately, a 4K 100% AdobeRGB model for professionals is not offered.

I was pleasantly surprised by the speakers. You're right on the keyboard deck, pointing at your ears – which does wonders for the clarity of the audio. These still don't replace a decent bluetooth speaker, but for the occasional music or video watching, they get the job done.

Our opinion

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 may not be the true flagship AMD wants. Its screen is lackluster and the design is far from remarkable. Thanks to its fantastic performance, long battery life and impressive integrated graphics, the IdeaPad Slim 7 surpasses the possibilities of small laptops.

Are there alternatives?

There are many Ryzen 4000 laptops out there that aren't as powerful as the IdeaPad Slim 7 but are available at a cheaper price. The most obvious option is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14, which is not as powerful but is a lot cheaper. The HP Envy x360 13 is another good example of a cheaper AMD laptop with a little less performance.

If you're willing to pay a few hundred more dollars, the Dell XPS 13 is a better designed laptop. Performance and battery life can't quite keep up with the IdeaPad Slim 7, but the small form factor and better display make it worth the additional cost.

How long it will take?

The IdeaPad Slim 7 should last at least three or four years, which is normal for laptops. Due to the limited configuration options, you may want to upgrade the memory or memory yourself in the future, but everything is soldered up.

Lenovo offers a standard one-year warranty. You are on your own past.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's the best laptop you can buy under $ 1,000.

Editor's recommendations




01 Sep
Blog

Is There a Magical Rep Range for Hypertrophy?

Most people are familiar with the relationship between rep ranges and the targeted effects they have on the body during strength training. The heaviest load that can be lifted at a given weight correlates with the maximum forceWhile anything you can do over 20 times or more clearly means muscle endurance.

However, somewhere between these two ends of the spectrum lies muscle hypertrophy. Some coaches and coaches claim that ten reps is the magic number, while others believe a range of 8-12 is more accurate. So what is it Will I grow a huge biceps if I do 4 sets of 8 or 3 sets of 12?

In all honesty, it doesn't matter, there is no magic window and the answer is more complicated than you think.

How do you gain muscle?

While you may be scratching your head and wondering why rep ranges aren't as important to building muscle as you previously thought, it's important to understand how muscle hypertrophy occurs in the first place.

There are three ways in which one can improve muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway, which results in increased muscle cross-sectional area

  1. The first path is through increased muscle tension created by using a heavy load while performing an exercise over the entire range of motion. As a muscle spends more time under a certain weight, and then the load increases, the time under tension (TUT) increases. 2 By using slower paces, rest periods, and increased weight, the TUT can be increased dramatically for a given exercise.
  2. The second method of increasing muscle hypertrophy is through muscle damage, most of which is associated with severe pain or delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) that is felt several days after a hard workout
    This pain occurs due to small microcracks in the muscle fibers themselves, especially with eccentric and concentric muscle contractions. If enough time is given for recovery and proper nutrition, The muscle fibers repair themselves and allow one to handle a slightly more significant stimulus next time.
  3. The third method by which muscle hypertrophy occurs is through metabolic stress. This strain is often associated with the use of lighter weights for a higher range of reps, and is associated with the burning sensation felt when lifting.2
    As the muscles contract and relax continuously, blood buildup and muscle cell swelling occurs.1 This metabolic stress restricts blood flow and ultimately induces muscle hypoxia, which in turn enables metabolites such as lactate and hydrogen ions to build up. These metabolites induce an anabolic effect that leads to molecular cell signals for increased hormonal responses in the body.

Each of these three methods play against each other and should be used in a complementary manner in order to achieve the best possible training results.

What matters

Understanding what drives muscle hypertrophy from a physiological perspective easily explains why subscribing to any rep range is not optimal for exercise.

By manipulating the three aforementioned variables, the volume load you exercise with can be controlled. This is possibly one of the most important considerations when looking for muscle hypertrophy.

Volume load is a simple formula that you can calculate as:

Sets x repetitions x loading = volume loading

Increasing the volume exposure through a properly periodized program will ensure that the body is stimulated more and ultimately it adapts.

For example, take the aforementioned number of reps / sets of 4 x 8 or 3 x 12. If I were to lift 4 sets x 8 reps x 100 lbs, that would be 3,200 lbs versus 3 sets x 12 reps x 100 lbs 3,600 lbs .

My 3×12 would probably give more significant results if all things were the same like Tempo and TUT because it's a bigger stimulus.

Now imagine if I did 4 sets x 8 reps x 150 lbs = 4,800 lbs, versus 3 sets x 12 reps x 120 lbs = 4,320 lbs. In theory, my 4 x 8 would be better for muscle hypertrophy.

You can see that the rep range is just one factor in the equationThis means that increased volume load can be achieved in a number of ways without actually having a magical repetition area.

What is interesting, however, is that anywhere in the range of 8 to 12 reps still seems optimal for inducing muscle hypertrophy because it finds a balance between moderate weight and a reasonably high rep range

Trying to do 50 reps with 10 lbs will only result in a volume load of 500 lbs, while 5 reps with 100 lbs can get the same result in less time.

Conversely, it would take 10 sets of 1 repetition at 300 pounds to reach 3,000 pounds.

In contrast, 3 sets of 10 reps at 100 lbs would equate to the same volume load, although a much longer rest period between sets would be required for each set of 300 lbs.

However, keep in mind that this is related to muscle hypertrophy. Volume loading is required for muscle strength, but it doesn't play nearly the same role as it does for muscle building.

Plus, there's only so much volume that you can process before insufficient recovery. That's another article for another day.

All in all, I hope you have a better understanding of how muscle hypertrophy occurs and how to manipulate your workouts. You can't get stuck in a dogmatic routine after doing an arbitrary number of repetitions just because you always thought it was best.

Doing a little research and looking for deeper answers is essential if you really want to understand how training works. Thanks for reading, as always.

References

1. J. Jones E., Bishop P, K. Woods A., and Green J. "Cross-sectional area and muscle strength: a brief review." Sports Medicine (Auckland, NZ) 38: 987-8. 994, 2008.

2. Hornsby WG, Gentles JA, Haff GG, Stone MH, Buckner SL, Dankel SJ, Bell ZW, Abe T and Loenneke JP. "How does muscle hypertrophy affect strength and athletic performance?" Strength & Conditioning Journal 40: 99-111, 2018.

3. Loenneke J. P., S. Dankel, Z. Bell, S. Buckner, K. Mattocks, M. Jessee, and T. Abe. "Is Muscle Growth a Mechanism for Increasing Strength?" Medical Hypotheses 125, 2019.

31 Aug
Blog

Is There a Magical Rep Range for Hypertrophy?

Most people are familiar with the relationship between rep ranges and the targeted effects they have on the body during strength training. The heaviest load that can be lifted at a given weight correlates with the maximum forceWhile anything you can do over 20 times or more clearly means muscle endurance.

However, somewhere between these two ends of the spectrum lies muscle hypertrophy. Some coaches and coaches claim that ten reps is the magic number, while others believe a range of 8-12 is more accurate. So what is it Will I grow a huge biceps if I do 4 sets of 8 or 3 sets of 12?

In all honesty, it doesn't matter, there is no magic window and the answer is more complicated than you think.

How do you gain muscle?

While you may be scratching your head and wondering why rep ranges aren't as important to building muscle as you previously thought, it's important to understand how muscle hypertrophy occurs in the first place.

There are three ways in which one can improve muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway, which results in increased muscle cross-sectional area

  1. The first path is through increased muscle tension created by using a heavy load while performing an exercise over the entire range of motion. As a muscle spends more time under a certain weight, and then the load increases, the time under tension (TUT) increases. 2 By using slower paces, rest periods, and increased weight, the TUT can be increased dramatically for a given exercise.
  2. The second method of increasing muscle hypertrophy is through muscle damage, most often associated with severe pain or delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) that is felt several days after a tough workout.2 This pain is due to small microcracks in the muscle itself, particularly on the fibers for eccentric and concentric muscle contractions. If enough time is given for recovery and proper nutrition, The muscle fibers repair themselves and allow one to handle a slightly more significant stimulus next time.
  3. The third method by which muscle hypertrophy occurs is through metabolic stress. This strain is often associated with the use of lighter weights for a higher range of reps, and is associated with the burning sensation felt when lifting.2 As the muscles contract and relax continuously, blood build-up and swelling of the muscle cells occur. 1 This metabolic stress restricts blood flow and ultimately induces muscle hypoxia, which in turn enables metabolites such as lactate and hydrogen ions to be built up. These metabolites induce an anabolic effect that leads to molecular cell signals for increased hormonal responses in the body.

Each of these three methods play against each other and should be used in a complementary manner in order to achieve the best possible training results.

What matters

Understanding what drives muscle hypertrophy from a physiological perspective easily explains why subscribing to any rep range is not optimal for exercise.

By manipulating the three aforementioned variables, the volume load you exercise with can be controlled. This is possibly one of the most important considerations when looking for muscle hypertrophy.

Volume load is a simple formula that you can calculate as:

Sets x repetitions x loading = volume loading

Increasing the volume exposure through a properly periodized program will ensure that the body is stimulated more and ultimately it adapts.

For example, take the aforementioned number of reps / sets of 4 x 8 or 3 x 12. If I were to lift 4 sets x 8 reps x 100 lbs, that would be 3,200 lbs versus 3 sets x 12 reps x 100 lbs 3,600 lbs .

My 3×12 would probably give more significant results if all things were the same like Tempo and TUT because it's a bigger stimulus.

Now imagine if I did 4 sets x 8 reps x 150 lbs = 4,800 lbs, versus 3 sets x 12 reps x 120 lbs = 4,320 lbs. In theory, my 4 x 8 would be better for muscle hypertrophy.

You can see that the rep range is just one factor in the equationThis means that increased volume load can be achieved in a number of ways without actually having a magical repetition area.

What is interesting, however, is that anywhere in the range of 8 to 12 reps still seems optimal for inducing muscle hypertrophy because it finds a balance between moderate weight and a reasonably high rep range

Trying to do 50 reps at 10 lbs will only result in a volume load of 500 lbs, while 5 reps at 100 lbs can get the same result in less time.

Conversely, it would take 10 sets of 1 repetition at 300 pounds to reach 3,000 pounds.

In contrast, 3 sets of 10 reps at 100 lbs would equate to the same volume load, although a much longer rest period between sets would be required for each set of 300 lbs.

However, keep in mind that this is related to muscle hypertrophy. Volume loading is required for muscle strength, but it doesn't play nearly the same role as it does for muscle building.

Plus, there's only so much volume that you can process before insufficient recovery. That's another article for another day.

All in all, I hope you have a better understanding of how muscle hypertrophy occurs and how to manipulate your workouts. You can't get stuck in a dogmatic routine after doing an arbitrary number of repetitions just because you always thought it was best.

Doing a little research and looking for deeper answers is essential if you really want to understand how training works. Thanks for reading, as always.

References

1. J. Jones E., Bishop P, K. Woods A., and Green J. "Cross-sectional area and muscle strength: a brief review." Sports Medicine (Auckland, NZ) 38: 987-8. 994, 2008.

2. Hornsby WG, Gentles JA, Haff GG, Stone MH, Buckner SL, Dankel SJ, Bell ZW, Abe T and Loenneke JP. "How does muscle hypertrophy affect strength and athletic performance?" Strength & Conditioning Journal 40: 99- 111, 2018.

3. Loenneke J. P., S. Dankel, Z. Bell, S. Buckner, K. Mattocks, M. Jessee, and T. Abe. "Is Muscle Growth a Mechanism for Increasing Strength?" Medical Hypotheses 125, 2019.

30 Aug
Blog

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Review: Falling Behind Rivals

Lenovo Thinkpad X13 Yoga review 06

"Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga"

"The ThinkPad X13 isn't small, fast or durable enough to keep up with its toughest competitors."

  • Solid build quality

  • Great keyboard and touchpad

  • Good corporate support

  • Short battery life

  • Not as small as many rivals

  • Expensive

The traditional ThinkPad uses a 14-inch screen. However, with the trend towards thinner bezels and smaller laptops, Lenovo has started to downsize the old ThinkPad design a bit.

That was exactly the goal of the ThinkPad X390 Yoga, and now Lenovo has introduced its replacement, the ThinkPad X13 Yoga. The basic form factor of this laptop is kept while the internals are updated.

I got a configuration for $ 1,275 (on sale from $ 2,126) with a Core i5-10310U vPro CPU, 16 GB of RAM, a 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD), and a Full HD IPS Display viewed. Is the X13 keeping up with the rapidly evolving competition, or has this design fallen behind?

design

The ThinkPad X13 looks identical to its predecessor, the ThinkPad X390 Yoga, but there is one big difference: The materials used in the case. The X390 uses a carbon fiber hybrid material for the lid and magnesium for the lower part. The ThinkPad X13, on the other hand, is made entirely of a mixture of carbon fiber, nylon fiber and glass fiber, which is said to be both light and durable.

However, this change of material has a disadvantage in terms of processing quality. I found the lid to flex a little too much. There is a certain amount of keyboard flex and even the bottom of the case is under pressure. It's not the toughest ThinkPad I've ever used. It has always been a hallmark of the brand.

If you're a fan of the ThinkPad look, you're a lucky camper.

Lenovo says it put the X13 through its usual extreme ritual of military certifications and torture tests, and assures us that it is "one of the toughest in its class." With 13-inch laptops, both the HP Specter x360 13 and Dell XPS 13 feel more solid. When considering other business-class laptops like the Dell Lattitude 7400 2-in-1, I'm not sure the X13 lives up to Lenovo's expectations. However, the keyboard is splash-proof, which is a plus and isn't very common.

Otherwise, X390 and X13 are roughly identical. They are the same size, 0.63 inches thick and 2.76 pounds in weight. That's better than the Specter x360 13, which is 0.67 inches thick and weighs 2.88 pounds, but it's slightly thicker and heavier than the 0.58-inch XPS 13, which weighs 2.65 pounds. In terms of width and depth, however, the X13 is quite large compared to some of the other current 13-inch clamshells and 2-in-1 models.

Take another look at the Specter x360 13 and the XPS 13 – both are tiny compared to the X13 as the bezels are much smaller and are almost an inch smaller in each dimension. The X13 is the smallest ThinkPad, but it has relatively large bezels at the top and bottom, which give it a little more size than the new normal.

Aesthetically, the X13 is a ThinkPad through and through. It is completely black, has the usual ThinkPad logo in the corner of the lid with the red LED battery indicator above the “i”, the obligatory red TrackPoint nubbin in the middle of the keyboard and red accents on the TrackPoint keys. That's it for Bling, and it remains a good look that is both attractive on its own and holds almost the entire ThinkPad line together. If you're a fan of the look, you're a lucky camper.

Connectivity is excellent for such a thin and light laptop. You get two USB-C 3.1 ports (one with Thunderbolt 3 support), two USB-A 3.1 ports, a full-size HDMI 1.4 port, an Ethernet expansion port (which of course requires a dongle), and a microSD Card reader. Wireless connectivity is cutting edge with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

performance

In reference to its business customers, Lenovo equips the ThinkPad X13 with Intel vPro processors, which enable connection to company systems to improve security, manageability and stability. My test device was equipped with the 10th generation quad-core Core i5-10310U vPro, which turned out to be a competent but unspectacular performer.

In Geekbench 5, for example, the X13 achieved 1,041 points in the single-core test and 2,781 points in the multi-core test. This is a bit behind other laptops with Core i5 CPUs, such as the Acer Aspire 5 with its Core i5-1035G1 (1,129 and 2,899) and the Dell Inspiron 14 5000 with the same processor (1,169 and 3,197). When I searched our rating database, I didn't find a single 10th generation Core i5 that the X13 beat in this benchmark.

In our handbrake test, which converts a 420MB video to H.265, the X13 took almost five and a half minutes to complete. The Aspire 5 was 15 seconds faster and the X13 40 seconds slower than the Inspiron 14 5000. The Acer Spin 3 with the same Core i5 was over a minute faster. Once again, the X13 was at the bottom of the pile of similarly equipped laptops.

That doesn't mean the X13 is a slow laptop. It's not – it's more than fast enough for productivity tasks and media consumption. It's not as fast as the non-vPro competition, however, which means you'll pay more for extended enterprise support than you would for extra performance.

The X13 also has the basic Intel UHD graphics, which means it is not a slot machine. You'll want to stick to older titles with lower resolutions and graphical detail if you want to gamble at all or play the occasional Windows 10 games.

display

My test device was equipped with a 300 nit Full HD IPS display (1,920 x. 080). According to my colorimeter, it's almost the average for premium displays today. As I mentioned earlier, this is a good thing as today's average display is exceptional for productivity work and multimedia consumption. Only creatives who need extremely wide and precise colors will be disappointed with most premium displays.

The brightness was a bit low at 274 nits (we want to see premium displays with 300 nits or more) and the contrast was 860: 1 (1,000: 1 or more marks a higher quality display). There aren't any terrible results either, but they're a little below average. You have a little trouble in bright environments and black text on a white background doesn't show up as often, which is important to me as a writer.

Note that we did not test the Full HD displays on the HP Specter x360 13. Instead, we tested the HP with an AMOLED display, which was very bright and with incredible contrast. However, our Dell test unit was Full HD, albeit in a 16:10 aspect ratio, and it was also very bright and had much higher contrast.

The colors of the X13 display were average at 96% sRGB and 72% AdobeRGB. Again, both HP and Dell exceeded those numbers, with the Specter x360 13 reaching 100% and 98% and the Dell 97% and 77%. Most premium laptops fall in the same range as the X13, however. The X13's color accuracy was 1.45, close to 1.0, which is considered excellent. This is better than the Dell 1.53, but not as good as the HP 1.29. You'll find plenty of premium laptops that are over 2.0, which makes the X13 a reasonably accurate display.

I didn't have any issues using the laptop screen during my review. This usually involves writing most of the copy on the verification device. I also watched Netflix and found the experience pleasant enough. This is a good display, but not a great one, although Lenovo does offer some other, brighter displays as upgrades that may offer better overall performance. The high-end display offers the privacy guard function from Lenovo, with which the display can be made illegible from the sides.

The display features Lenovo's ThinkShutter that moves to physically block the webcam. However, this is no longer a unique feature. For example, the Specter x360 13 has an electronic version that removes the webcam from the system.

The sound was surprisingly good, with enough volume and no distortion at full force. There's little bass, which is normal on all Apple MacBooks, but the mids and highs were crisp and bright. The two downward-facing, Dolby-tuned speakers are good enough for watching Netflix alone. However, for the best audio quality, you will need good headphones or a solid bluetooth speaker.

Keyboard and touchpad

The ThinkPad keyboard is another icon of the line and has long been one of the best on the market. The X13 has the standard version and offers the usual large buttons, generous spacing and a consistent and controlled mechanism that is very precise. It does have a bit of strength, however, and requires a little more pressure to activate a keystroke than some other keyboards.

I like a lighter feel, so I prefer the latest MacBook Magic Keyboard, as well as HP's Specter keyboard (and recently Envy) on the Windows 10 side. However, if you like a bit of pressure, or are just a fan of the ThinkPad keyboard in general, you will love the X13.

The touchpad is a bit smaller than it could be due to the buttons on top that operate the TrackPoint nubbin. Microsoft's Precision touchpad drivers are available, making the touchpad responsive and providing excellent support for Windows 10 multi-touch gestures. The TrackPoint is there for those who prefer it too, and it works as smoothly as ever.

The display is touch sensitive and precise. No complaints there. And it supports the Lenovo ThinkPad Pen Pro with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity (other laptops like Microsoft's Surface line and the Specter x360 support 4,096 levels). The Pen Pro slides into a port on the side of the X13, which not only provides convenient storage, but also doubles as a charger. The main disadvantage of the Pen Pro is its size – it's smaller than a "real" pen and doesn't feel as natural when you write and draw. Without the spring mechanism, the pin cannot be removed from the slot even on a flat surface.

Windows 10 Hello login support without a password is provided on my test device by a fast and responsive fingerprint reader that offers the additional security of storing all fingerprint information on a chip. The other display options add an infrared camera for facial recognition.

Battery life

The X13 has 50 watt hours of battery life, which is not as much as some others (the Specter x360 13, for example, has 60 watt hours) but isn't terrible for a 13-inch laptop with a Full HD display. I would expect decent, if not very good, battery life.

I didn't get that. In fact, the battery life was downright disappointing.

Starting with our most demanding Basemark web benchmark test, which put a strain on the CPU and GPU, the X13 lasted a little over three hours. That is way below average, but not a terrible score. The Dell XPS 13 lasted almost five hours, while the Specter x360 13 with its power-hungry AMOLED display lasted almost four hours.

The battery life was downright disappointing.

In our web browser test, which best mimics the longevity of productivity, the X13 failed in just under six hours. That's a bad score. The XPS 13 ran for almost 12 hours, while the Specter x360 13 was almost the same as the X13 despite its display. In our video test, in which a local Full HD Avengers trailer is looped, the X13 didn't quite make it to eight hours. The XPS 13 lasted 14.5 hours and the Specter x360 lasted about 10 hours.

In short, the X13's battery life is hard to figure out. It should take longer, but it doesn't. You might spend an entire day doing very light productivity tasks, but you will likely need to carry your charger with you.

Our opinion

The ThinkPad X13 is the smallest ThinkPad you can buy, and that's all it has to offer. If you're looking for a ThinkPad that won't weigh you down or take up a lot of space in your backpack, this is the best option. But its performance, build quality, battery life, and display lag behind the competition. It's also relatively expensive at $ 1,275, and starts at a retail price of $ 2,126.

Is there a better alternative?

The HP Specter x360 13 is a great choice if you are sold with a 2-in-1 device. It looks better, is just as solidly built, if not more, and offers a spectacular display option. When you choose a low-power display, you get incredible battery life that dwarfs the X13. It's also $ 1,200 with a Core i7 CPU and 512GB SSD, which also makes it a cheaper choice.

If you're not sold with a 2-in-1, the Dell XPS 13 is a great alternative. It looks better too, is solidly built, has better performance, and has much better battery life. With the same configuration as the X13, you save about $ 175.

When you need the added security and manageability features of vPro, the HP Elite Dragonfly is a more modern and feature-rich commercial laptop.

How long it will take?

The ThinkPad X13 is designed to last as long as you possibly need the laptop. The components – especially Thunderbolt 3 and Wi-Fi 6 – are up to date and will keep you connected for years. The one-year warranty is disappointing, especially for a business-class machine.

Should you buy it?

No. The ThinkPad X13 doesn't have much going for it unless you're a die-hard ThinkPad fanatic.

Editor's recommendations




30 Aug
Blog

Beats Studio 3 Wireless Review: Who Let The Bass Drop?

Beats Studio 3 Wireless

"A great design suffers from mediocre ANC and a lack of low-end oomph."

  • Excellent design and controls

  • Very convenient

  • Excellent battery life without ANC

  • Easy pairing with Apple products

  • Expensive

  • Overwhelming bass

  • Bad quality wireless calls

When the $ 350 Beats Studio 3 Wireless debuted in 2017, we didn't get a chance to review. If we had done that, we might have come to the same conclusion as other reviewers: These are really decent Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headphones.

In the personal audio world – especially in the world of wireless headphones – three years is an eternity. During that time, Sony, Bose, and pretty much every other major brand have launched new top-of-the-line wireless ANC headphones – two new top-of-the-line models in Sony's case – while Beats was content to keep everything running on the Beats Studio to let 3 wireless.

Given the activity of the competition, can Beats justify the Studio 3's high price tag? Or were these beats struck?

Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

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The Beats Studio 3 Wireless are large headphones and come in a large box. Fortunately, it's 100% cardboard and you won't find any hard-to-recycle materials like foam or plastic inside.

In addition to the Studio 3 headphones, you get a zippered hard case, a micro USB charging cable, and a 3.5mm analog audio cable with an in-line set of remote control buttons and a microphone.

Beats also throws in a small snap hook in case you want to attach the tote to a backpack or purse.

design

I'll be honest: I've never been a huge fan of the earliest designs from Beats, with their shiny white, red, or black headbands. It always seemed to me that they should draw attention to those who wore them – not something I'm looking for.

However, the Studio 3 comes in a variety of colors, including the blue of my review unit – a shade that is only slightly lighter than the navy and has a satin finish. It's tasteful and muted, with little chrome accents on the hinges and earcups to remind you that these aren't $ 80 headphones.

The best thing about the Studio 3 Wireless, however, is the fully integrated headband and earcups. This design is unique to Beats and gives these headphones a sleek and minimalist look. It also creates a very slim profile, reducing the “Princess Leia effect” to a minimum.

This theme of visual simplicity continues into the controls, which are virtually invisible. In the left auricle there is play / pause, call acceptance / end, forward / backward jump and access to the voice assistant via the central "b" logo, while the volume is controlled via the plastic ring that circles the logo.

The only other control is the tiny power switch on the right auricle, which doubles as a power supply, bluetooth pairing and ANC on / off. Directly below this button is a five-LED light strip that serves as a quick reference for the remaining battery life.

Like many full-size headphones, the Studio 3 folds up for storage, but the ear cups don't rotate to lie flat. This makes them a bit bulky and explains why the snap hook is included – the hard travel case is bulbous and easy to slip into a backpack only if you have plenty of extra space. Despite the fact that the ear cups don't lie flat, the Studio 3 is more comfortable when worn around the neck than many over-ear models I've tried – here, too, their minimalist design helps.

The Studio 3 manages the balancing act with a fit that is both very secure and very comfortable.

My only minor criticism of the design of these cans is the padded underside of the headband. It's covered with a grippy silicone rubber surface that prevents the Studio 3 from moving. However, this material is a dust and dirt magnet that needs to be wiped off regularly with a damp cloth to keep it clean.

Convenience, control and connections

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Studio 3 Wireless aren't the lightest full-size headphones you can buy – that honor goes to the Sony's WH-1000XM4 – but they are certainly among the most comfortable.

The trick for headphone comfort is to manage the delicate balancing act between headband padding, clamping force, ear pads (size, shape and padding) and the materials used.

The Studio 3 manages this balancing act with a fit that is both very secure and very comfortable. You may have seen people exercise or even jog with these doses, and while that's not a choice I would make, the Studio 3 makes it possible – something I say about the majority of full size headphones that I have , can't say I checked.

You may notice some strange dents in the ear pads in the attached photos – ignore them. The headphones had been in her pocket for a long time before I removed them, and about an hour after I took these photos, they had bounced back.

The controls are also very well executed. I'm a fan of physical buttons. In my experience, they just work. Touch controls – even the best – can't respond quickly. Not only are the Studio 3's buttons large and easy to find and use (amazing as they are seamlessly embedded in the auricle pivot), they are also precise. There is no guesswork – press, click, done.

Yes, there's a pretty audible click when you're using them, but I make a quick click when I don't have to repeatedly tap a touch control.

Just two things are missing: a wear sensor that automatically pauses your music when you remove the headphones would be awesome (Apple's AirPods, AirPods Pro, and the WH-1000XM4 already have this), as well as a pass-through mode that allows you to They feed in outside noise for a while.

The Studio 3's wireless range is excellent – much better than most wireless headphones.

As with all Apple-made headphones that use the W1 or H1 wireless chips, Bluetooth is a delight on the Beats Studio 3 Wireless. To pair them, just turn them on a few inches away from an unlocked iOS device with iOS 10 or later and you will be instantly notified that your Studio 3 is ready to use. Just tap once and you're done.

There's no Bluetooth multipoint (which lets you connect to two devices at the same time), but Apple does this almost as well, allowing you to switch between Macs, iPhones, and iPads with just one click.

The Studio 3 is also compatible with Apple's audio sharing feature, which allows two W1 or H1 equipped headphones or earphones to listen to content from an iOS device at the same time. This function will be available for more devices with Bluetooth Audio LE. However, it is currently exclusive to Apple.

Unfortunately, audio sharing, simple pairing, and device switching are not supported on Android devices.

As a Class 1 Bluetooth device, the Studio 3 has excellent wireless range – more than 300 feet outdoors – much better than most wireless headphones. I was able to leave my iPhone in the house and still had a reliable signal when I stood two doors down from a house across the street.

Battery life

The battery life on the Studio 3 Wireless is either mediocre or excellent, depending on how you plan to use it.

With ANC enabled, you get 22 hours of playtime, which is just a bit better than the $ 400 Bose noise canceling headphones 700 after 20 hours, but not as impressive as Sony's $ 350 WH-1000XM4 after 30 hours.

However, if you don't use the ANC feature (which seems to gobble up the battery life), you get an excellent 40 hours, two hours more than the Sony's.

The quick charge function is average and with 10 minutes plug time you get 3 additional hours of playtime.

Speaking of plugs: The Studio 3 uses the Micro-USB format, not the newer and more common USB-C connection. This is hardly a deal breaker, but for most people it means another cord to remember when you hit the streets.

Noise cancellation

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Studio 3 Wireless has what Beats calls "real" ANC. The company claims to "continuously locate, isolate, and suppress outside noise in real time in order to reproduce the sound as it was intended". That sounds great, but in reality I'd say the ANC is average and certainly not as good as what you'll find with the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 or the Sony WH-1000XM4.

When no music is playing, the ANC produces a noticeable hiss, preventing a convenient way to simply find some peace and quiet.

Background noise is definitely reduced when the ANC is on, and Beats is right on one point: there is no noticeable change in audio quality between on and off modes.

However, when there is no music playing, the ANC creates a noticeable hiss that prevents these cans from being a pleasant way to simply find some peace of mind. Why exchange the sound of an airplane's engines for a soft hissing sound?

I also noticed that the ANC mode was struggling to compensate for windy conditions and sometimes accidentally amplified the wind tone instead of erasing it.

The good news: the Studio 3 Wireless does an excellent job of passive noise isolation, which makes ANC a nice but not critical feature.

The bad news? This passive noise isolation is so good that I want a passthrough mode even more – especially when making calls.

Sound quality

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

I'd always viewed Beats as a bass-forward company, which definitely goes for other products like the Powerbeats Pro.

So it was a complete surprise that the Studio 3 Wireless doesn't fit this shape at all.

This is the same complaint we had with the Solo3. Not only is the bass not the main part of their sound signature, I'd even say it was forced to return to the mid and high ranges.

On the one hand, there will definitely be a group of people who like the idea of ​​a less booming beats set – maybe fans of the famous “neutral” or flat EQ that audiophiles praise.

But I don't count myself among them. I like tons of frequencies so when I listen to a deep, sad track like Hans Zimmer's Time, I get that hair-raising low-end bass that feels right in your stomach. The Studio 3 just lacks that kind of bass, and since you can't change the EQ, you can't compensate for it by adjusting other frequencies.

Before you take this as a sign that you should add the Studio 3 to your "other" column, you should note that although these cans disappoint the bass heads, they still produce an excellent, detailed sound in the mids and highs.

For music with a powerful voice, especially for music created by the greatest divas of our time such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga or Adele, Studio 3 provides energy and clarity.

And if you like it loud, these cans are happy to be ready, with no hint of distortion or pain-inducing volume bumps.

Despite Beats' roots as a brand adopted (and promoted) by legendary hip-hop and rap artists, these particular Beats headphones are better suited for genres that are a little less lowdown-thumped.

Call quality

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

I recently tested the BeatsX, a set of wired bluetooth earbuds, and praised them for their call quality. I believe that their in-line microphone – placed close to their mouth – is the secret of this success.

I'm even more convinced now after making a few calls to Studio 3 Wireless, which can't withhold a candle from the BeatsX.

The Studio 3 doesn't seem to have any gain issues as the voices were perfectly audible in terms of volume, but clarity is another matter.

Most of the time, it sounded like listening to my caller through a few layers of fabric. I could feel what they were saying, but it was very exhausting.

Granted, my chosen location was something of a torture test – a very busy street with lots of truck traffic – but even during the lull in vehicle activity, it was never a great experience.

I suppose the silver lining is that the included analog cable with inline microphone should make it so easy to plug in the cable and press the rotary dial when it comes to better call quality.

Our opinion

With its excellent design, controls, and no-ANC battery life, the Studio 3 Wireless is still a great choice for those who don't prioritize big bass, whisper-quiet ANC, or wireless calling. But at $ 350 you really have to guess what they have to choose over the competition.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes indeed. I mentioned the $ 400 Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and the $ 350 Sony WH-1000XM4 in this review, and I think both are arguments for getting out of Beats Town. Choose the Sonys if you value customization, comfort, and sound quality. Choose the Bose if ANC and call quality are high on your list.

How long will they last?

The Beats Studio 3 Wireless comes with a one-year warranty from Apple, which can be extended with an optional AppleCare purchase. I think they will last for many years with normal use, although you can expect the battery capacity to decrease over time. Overall, they are very well built, with first class materials and durable metal parts for heavily used areas such as hinges and slides.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but I think you should wait to find them on sale for $ 250 or less. If you're an Apple believer, some of Apple's wireless features may be worth the Studio 3's high price tag. But make sure you understand the weak points and are in good working order – especially call quality and lack of low-end bass – before you put your money on it.

Editor's recommendations




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