06 Jan
Blog

Roborock Dyad Review: Powerful Wet-Dry Vac at a Budget Price

Roborock dyad

Roborock Dyad in the test: An inexpensive wet-dry vacuum cleaner for everyone who hates dirt

RRP $ 449.00

"The Roborock Dyad has tackled the big task of tidying up after two dogs, two cats, and a handful of kids."

benefits

  • Edge-to-edge cleaning

  • 180 degree swivel head

  • Sufficient battery to clean the whole house

  • Space-saving all-in-one design

  • Payable

disadvantage

  • Charging time of four hours

  • On the heavy side

  • Limited self-cleaning

  • May not fit under counters

With two dogs, two cats and a handful of children, I have the ideal environment to try out a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. Every day brings a seemingly endless stream of dirt, dust and hair into my kitchen and living room. When Roborock introduced the new Dyad wet and dry vacuum cleaner, I couldn't wait to see how this cordless stick mop handles everyday dirt and more.

Space-saving all-in-one design

Roborock Dyad wet and dry vacuum cleaner

My typical arsenal of cleaning tools includes a dustpan, broom, small stick vacuum, Swiffer mop for easy cleaning, and steam mop for heavy cleaning. All of these items take up a lot of space in my closet and leave little room for anything else. It was with great pleasure that I cleared the closet and replaced all my brooms and mops with the only Roborock Dyad. It is an all-in-one in function and weight. At 11 pounds, the Roborock Dyad is heavy to carry. Fortunately, the rollers help move the device around when you are actively vacuuming.

The Roborock Dyad replaced a handful of cleaning tools, which saved me space, time and money.

The dyad saved space in my closet, saving me time and money. Instead of using multiple tools and tons of cleaning supplies, I was able to sweep and mop with one device. I didn't have to worry about finding the dustpan. I didn't have to buy expensive refills for the Swiffer or pads for my steam cleaner. All I needed was some water and I was ready to go. The Dyad is equipped with an LCD that monitors battery life as well as clean and dirty water levels.

Excellent for daily cleaning

Roborock Dyad LCD

The dyad did a reasonable job cleaning my dirty kitchen floors. It picked up all of the pet hair and dirt on my floor as long as I was vacuuming every day. The front and rear rollers can rotate in opposite directions and help pick up even the toughest of dust and dirt. If I waited a few days, the animal hair would build up and I had to lightly sweep before continuing with the dyad. Likewise, it did a good job on everyday stains but struggled with deep stains like those found under and around the refrigerator or stove. The rollers provide some scrubbing to help with light stains, but those stubborn, ground-in stains require a lot of elbow grease that the dyad just can't apply. Battery life was as expected. It routinely took up to 25 minutes so I could vacuum multiple rooms.

Reaches almost all corners and edges

The Roborock Dyad is definitely not a standard vacuum cleaner with the head square and securely aligned with the body of the vacuum cleaner. Instead, the Dyad has a head that can be swiveled 180 degrees, which gives the device an initially unsettling, easy-going feeling. With the dyad, the head can articulate itself freely in a semicircle. You press the vacuum cleaner and the head moves according to the contour of the room.

Roborock dyad height

It also has an edge-to-edge roller that allows the vacuum cleaner to get deep into the nooks and crannies of your room. The dyad is tapered to fit under counters, but only on one side. One side is low enough to fit under the counter, but the other side is too bulky. I could easily clean edge to edge between counters, but I had to be extra vacuum cleaning if I wanted to reach all the way under.

The rollers were great at picking up dirt, but the rimless design meant I couldn't vacuum under all of my counters.

Practical, but not self-cleaning

I love how the Roborock Dyad handles dirt. The dyad sucks all the dirt and water off the floor and directs it into a dirty canister. No need to wash a cloth or buy a Swiffer refill. When you're done wet and dry vacuuming, simply empty that single container and you're ready for the next round of cleaning.

The self-cleaning function cleans the rollers so that you can wipe immediately.

After docking, the Dyad has a self-cleaning function that automatically rinses the rollers over the fresh water tank. It only takes a few minutes to wash the rollers and collect the dirty water in the dirt bin. In contrast to the LG CordZero, which empties the dirty water into the base, the Dyad does not empty itself. You have to drain the dirty water before you can start cleaning again.

Our opinion

The Roborock Dyad is an affordable wet and dry vacuum cleaner for anyone looking for a two-in-one floor cleaner without spending a fortune. It thoroughly cleans your floors and stores all debris in a single, easy-to-empty tank.

Is there a better alternative?

The Roborock Dyad is great value for money. It cleans your floor and doesn't cost an arm or a leg. It's not cheap, but at under $ 500, it is achievable for most people. However, not everyone will like the feature set and stick form factor. If you don't mind spending a little more, you can upgrade to the LG CordZero which does a great job at cleaning your floors and has a full self-cleaning mode that even drains the dirty water for you. Those who prefer the autonomy of a floor-based robotic vacuum cleaner should consider the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro +, which itself vacuums and mops quietly.

How long it will take?

The Roborock Dyad has a solid construction that can withstand everyday household use. Roborock's limited warranty covers all problems caused by defects in material and workmanship when used under normal conditions for one year from the date of purchase. Just make sure you use the wet and dry vacuum a lot for the first year to try it out.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. For $ 449, the Roborock Dyad is a powerful, affordable wet and dry vacuum that picks up dirt, dust, and grime. Just measure out your kitchen cabinets to make sure the Dyad will fit underneath.

Editor's recommendations



12 Nov
Blog

Dell XPS 13 Black Friday Deal 2021: Cheapest Price Today

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There have been tons of amazing discounts and promotions for weeks as retailers got going earlier than ever this year. These include some of the best Black Friday deals we've seen in a long time. Of course, if you're looking for something specific, like Black Friday laptop deals, it makes sense to check out not just the big retailers, but some of the more popular tech stores as well. Take Dell Black Friday deals for example. There are tons of great deals out there in their store, even Dell XPS Black Friday deals on their latest XPS 13 laptops.

Dell XPS 13 Black Friday Deal 2021: Lowest Price Today

Person sits and holds Dell XPS 13 laptop on lap.

However, there are also stand-alone offers that are in the spotlight for some time. Right now, you can get the latest model of the Dell XPS 13 laptop for $ 650 with free shipping – that's $ 300 off the normal price! That's a great deal for a 13.3-inch Windows 11 laptop with an 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. You can check out this fantastic offer below or read on for more information on the XPS 13 laptop!

There's a reason the Dell XPS 13 9305 (2021) deserves a spot on our list of the best Dell laptops for 2021. It's powerful, offers great battery life, and is a "stylish trendsetter" that looks absolutely stunning. But much more is under the hood and offers a user-friendly and pleasant experience.

The full specs include an 11th generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor with clock speeds of up to 4.2 GHz. It also has 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM at 4267 MHz, a 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. The 13.3-inch FHD display runs at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 and has ultra-thin InfinityEdge bezels. You also get the Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2 × 2), Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity, and the CNC machined aluminum case, and all of this feels great thanks to its lightweight design.

You normally pay $ 950 for the latest Dell XPS 13 laptop, but they dropped the price by $ 300 thanks to a crazy Black Friday deal. That means you can grab it now for $ 650 with free shipping and have it delivered to your door within the next few days. If you're interested, act soon – we're already seeing some wait on the Dell website and it looks like this deal is in high demand!

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we carefully and independently choose what we cover. The prices, details and availability of the products and offers in this post are subject to change at any time. Make sure they are still valid before buying.

Digital Trends can earn commissions on products bought through our links, which supports our work for our readers.

Editor's recommendations



09 Sep
Blog

MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo Review: A Nice 2-in-1, At a Price

MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo sits on the tabletop.

MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo

RRP $ 1,900.00

"The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo does almost everything right – except for the price."

advantages

  • Modern and attractive aesthetics

  • Thin and light

  • Excellent keyboard and touchpad

  • Great battery life

  • Solid productivity performance

disadvantage

  • Lid is a bit flexible

  • Display is badly calibrated

  • Too expensive

When looking for a convertible 2-in-1 laptop, MSI might not be the first brand that comes to mind. It's best known for its gaming laptops, but the company makes several other lines of laptops aimed at general consumers and business users. For the latter, MSI offers the Summit line, including the new Summit E13 Flip Evo 2-in-1, which offers a 16:10 display and an extremely attractive design.

I tested the high-end configuration, which costs $ 1,900 and includes an 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 and a 13.4-inch IPS display in a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio. It immediately convinced me with its aesthetics and left a clear impression of quality. At a higher total price and without cheap basic equipment, however, the attractiveness remains limited.

draft

My first impression of the Summit E13 Flip Evo was that it bears a clear resemblance to the HP Specter x360 14. At least that's the case with my Ink Black version; the impression is not as pronounced with the Pure White color scheme.

I say this because the Summit E13 Flip Evo has case and display corners that are cut off at angles similar to the Specter x360 14, and the various edges of the laptop (including around the touchpad) are a familiar rose gold color. It's easy to tell the difference between the laptops, but it seems that MSI has adopted some aesthetic concepts from HP.

This does not apply to functionality – unlike the HP, the MSI does not have a USB-C port, which is conveniently placed in a corner. Regardless of its inspiration, the Summit E13 Flip Evo is a beautiful laptop with modern lines and attractive colors that add up to an overall elegant design. MSI makes a lot of the golden ratio (1,618) used to proportion the laptop, and I can't fault its math.

What I can criticize, however, are the large display bezels, which detract from the otherwise modern look. They're bigger at the top and bottom than they could be, and that makes the 13.4-inch laptop with its 16:10 display a little deeper than necessary. It's only a fraction of an inch away from the Specter x360 14 with its larger and taller 13.5-inch 3: 2 display, though it's a bit thinner at 0.59 inches compared to the HP's 0.67 inches.

The MSI is only slightly heavier at 2.98 pounds than the HP at 2.95 pounds. It's larger in width and depth than the Dell XPS 13, which also uses a 13.4-inch 16:10 display, and the Dell is slightly thinner at 0.58-inches and lighter at 2.64-inches. Part of the added depth of the Summit E13 Flip Evo is due to the convertible 2-in-1 hinge, but even so, MSI could have made this laptop a smaller laptop with a little more attention to the bezels.

The construction of the Summit E13 Flip Evo is certainly top notch as it uses CNC machined aluminum to carve the lid and chassis from individual blocks of metal. The lid bends only slightly when you press it lightly and the LCD becomes distorted in the process. However, the bottom chassis and keyboard deck are solid and give the laptop a solid feel overall. Thanks to the lid, it's not as stiff as the HP Specter x360 14 or Dell XPS 13, but it is close. The hinge allows the lid to be opened with one hand, but it also makes it a little wobbly when you move the laptop.

At that price point, the Summit E13 Flip Evo is expensive in its $ 1,900 configuration. It's worth the premium given the high-end design of the laptop, but most users will likely be put off by the high-end price. The $ 1,600 configuration with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD is cheaper and on par with the competition. The Specter x360 14, for example, currently costs $ 1,460 for the same configuration as the $ 1,600 Summit E13 Flip Evo, but with a Core i7-1165G7 versus the MSI Core i7-1185G7. So it's $ 140 cheaper, but it also has a smaller processor.

With an identical configuration, the Dell XPS 13 costs almost exactly the same price at $ 1,620. MSI is asking too much to upgrade to 32GB of RAM, which most users in this class won't need.

Connectivity is good for a very thin and light laptop, with a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port and two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports with Thunderbolt 4 on the left and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port ( no Thunderbolt 4) with a 3.5mm audio jack and a hidden microSD card reader on the right. Wi-Fi 6E – the Summit E13 Flip Evo is the first laptop with the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard that supports an exclusive 6 GHz band – and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures wireless connectivity.

power

MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo easel, foldable, sitting on the tabletop.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In the Summit E13 Flip Evo, MSI activates the full 28 watts of the 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 and theoretically promises the best possible performance of the chip. However, according to our benchmarks, the 2-in-1 does not necessarily jump to the top among similarly configured laptops.

In Geekbench 5, the Summit E13 Flip Evo was in the midfield. MSI includes a utility to tune performance versus fan noise, and it made a modest difference in some tests. For example, the Geekbench score jumped to 1,519 single-core and 5,310 in performance mode. The utility also improved the laptop's Handbrake Score, which measures the time it takes to encode a 420MB video as H.265, from 207 to 178 seconds. Both values ​​are more competitive. The utility made less of a difference in Cinebench R23 and PCMark 10. In the last-mentioned benchmark, the notebook was in the midfield across all included tests, including Essentials (web browsing etc.), productivity (Office apps etc.), and Creation (video coding and more).

Overall, the Summit E13 Flip Evo was a fast laptop for its configuration, which included 32GB of RAM and a fast 1TB SSD, but it wasn't dominant among the Intel machines. As mentioned above, the $ 1,600 base configuration comes with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB solid-state drive. A model with 8 GB of RAM and less storage is not offered, which puts it behind its competitors.

In any case, the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo will be fast enough to keep up with demanding productivity workflows, but it won't please creative types who crave a laptop that can handle CPU-intensive tasks. For this you need an AMD Ryzen 5000 series chip, an M1 MacBook or a larger 45 watt Intel laptop.

Geekbench (single / multiple) Handbrake
(Seconds)		 Cinebench R23 (single / multiple) PCMark 10 3DMark time spy
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo
(Core i7-1185G7)		 1352/4891 207 1360/4392 4872 1751
Dell XPS 13 (Core i7-1185G7) 1549/5431 204 1399/4585 n / A 1380
HP Specter x360 14 (Core i7-1165G7) 1214/4117 236 1389/3941 4728 1457
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14
(Core i7-1185G7)		 1532/5415 207 1435/4409 4800 1648
Asus ZenBook 13 OLED
(Ryzen7 5800U)		 1423/6758 124 1171/7824 6034 1342
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) 1707/7337 n / A 1487/7547 n / A n / A

Like all laptops with Intel's built-in Iris Xe graphics (and AMD machines with Radeon graphics), the Summit E13 Flip Evo doesn't pretend to be a gaming laptop.

Its 3DMark Time Spy Score is inconspicuous and it only managed 26 frames per second (fps) at 1080p high settings in Fortnite. With the Epic graphics switched on, this dropped to 19 fps.

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Close up on the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo laptop screen.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I love seeing so many new devices with larger displays, especially in different sizes and form factors. The Summit E13 Flip Evo is such a laptop with a 13.4-inch 16:10 display in Full HD + resolution (1,920 x 1,200). That's the only choice that's unfortunate – I'd love to see a higher resolution display option.

Subjectively, the display seemed to me well suited for productivity tasks, as it was very bright and with good contrast, so that black text popped out of the white background (as an author, this is one of my most important display attributes). The colors seemed fine when looking at the display alone, though I did notice that things were a little out of place in color compared to some of the other laptops I had lying around.

This is where my colorimeter came in. So the display has some good and some not so good features. As I said, the panel appeared to be bright, at 471 nits (well above our 300 nit threshold), and the contrast ratio was 950: 1 – just below our preferred ratio of 1,000: 1. The colors matched at 73% AdobeRGB and 97% sRGB the average of the premium laptop (not creative). All of this is good enough for a machine in the Summit E13 Flip Evo's class.

The color accuracy was not so great with a disappointing DeltaE of 3.94. That explains my subjective impression. Gamma (how light or dark an image or video is displayed compared to the original) was also extremely poor at 1.4. I usually don't mention gamma as most laptop displays measure the 2.2 standard. However, the MSI's display is way too bright, which I noticed again when using the laptop.

Close up on close up of the screen and bezels of the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

It is possible that my device was poorly calibrated and could be repaired by anyone with the right tools – not many people have access to a colorimeter to do their own calibration. But it detracts from the experience of using the laptop including watching videos where the poor gamma has an impact. Creators will also find it too imprecise for their needs.

The sound was fine, with enough volume from the two down-facing speakers to enjoy a YouTube video without distortion when it was all the way up. The mids and highs were clear, but there was no bass. You will need a pair of headphones to enjoy Netflix and listen to music, but otherwise the sound quality is average for the class.

Keyboard and touchpad

Close-up of the trackpad and keyboard on the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The keyboard of the Summit E13 Flip Evo is characterized by excellent spacing and large keycaps with legible lettering and three useful levels of constant backlighting. The layout is standard for the most part and I was up to speed in no time. I enjoyed the 1.5mm of travel, especially considering the light switches that didn't cause fatigue. Floor motion was a bit soft, and I prefer the crisper HP Specter range of keyboards, but overall I found MSI's keyboard comfortable for longer tips sessions (like writing this review).

The touchpad was large and medium in size, but there is more room on the keyboard deck for a larger touchpad. It supports Microsoft's Precision touchpad drivers and responded well to Windows 10's multitouch gestures. The buttons were clicky and quiet, which is a nice combination. Apart from the fact that it would be a bit bigger, I have no complaints.

The active MSI pen is included in the scope of delivery and is attached magnetically to the lid or housing of the laptop. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt and is conveniently charged via USB-C. I found it to be as good a Windows Ink experience as any other modern 2-in-1 device I've used. The touch display also responded. An infrared camera and face recognition as well as a fingerprint reader on the palm rest offer Windows 10 Hello passwordless support. Both were quick and reliable.

Close up of the trackpad, keyboard, and fingerprint scanner on the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Interestingly, MSI has built a switch on the side of the laptop to electronically turn off the webcam. This is the same mechanism that HP used in some older Specter 2-in-1s, such as the Specter x360 13 and Specter x360 15. HP has since moved on to placing a key on the keyboard that closes a physical shutter over the webcam , but it's interesting that this is something else that MSI apparently borrowed.

I prefer the electronic version because it turns off the webcam completely and doesn't let hackers take advantage of it. The keyboard also has a button to turn off the microphone, another welcome privacy feature.

Battery life

MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo sits on the tabletop.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

MSI packed 70 watt hours of battery into the Summit E13 Flip Evo, which is a lot for a 13-inch laptop. In combination with the Full HD + display, I expected a good battery life.

That's exactly what I saw, starting with our web browsing test, where the 2-in-1 lasted about 11 hours. This is a strong score that surpassed the seven hours of the HP Specter x360 14 (an OLED display was used in our test device, so that's not a really fair test) and the Dell XPS 13 Full HD + with around 8.5 hours. In our video looping test using a local Full HD Avengers trailer, the MSI achieved 16 hours, which is also a good value. The XPS 13 only lasted 12 hours, the Specter x360 14 was well behind with 10 hours.

I also ran the PCMark 10 Applications battery test which got the Summit E13 Flip Evo to reach 13.5 hours. The Specter x360 14 ran for nine hours and the XPS 13 for 10.75 hours in this test, which makes the MSI's score impressive. In the PCMark 10 gaming battery test, which stresses the CPU and GPU, the Summit E13 Flip Evo scores 2.5 hours better than many laptops – although this test seems to demonstrate how hard a laptop runs on battery power instead of directly testing battery life .

Ultimately, battery life is a strength of the Summit E13 Flip Evo. It runs all day, leaving some time for evening work or Netflix bingeing. You don't have to worry about taking your PSU with you unless you really put a load on the processors.

Our opinion

The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo is a useful addition to the stable 13-inch convertible 2-in-1. It's fast, has a long battery life, and looks great. The lid is a bit flexible and a bit expensive in its high-end configuration, but I found it to be a comfortable laptop for real world use.

The problem is that there are a lot of competitors. The MSI is as good as most of them, just make sure you choose the right configuration to avoid spending too much.

Any alternatives?

The HP Specter x360 14 is a great alternative. It's not that fast (at least without activating the performance mode), but it has a spectacular 13.5-inch OLED display with a 3: 2 aspect ratio. It's almost as expensive as the MSI when configured with the OLED display, but it only comes with a maximum of 16GB of RAM compared to the Summit E13 Flip Evo's 32GB.

The Dell XPS 13 is another great option if you don't need a 2-in-1. It's just as fast, has good battery life, and is better built – there's a reason it tops several best-of lists.

How long it will take?

The Summit E13 Flip Evo is so well built that you don't have to worry about its longevity. In addition, it is future-proof equipped with modern components such as the fast Wi-Fi 6E. The one year warranty will always be disappointing.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. You will love using the Summit E13 Flip Evo; Just be prepared to pay a few extra dollars if you go for the high-end version.

Editor's recommendations



23 Aug
Blog

Govee RGB Strip Lights Review: Great Features, Low Price

Govee Strip Lights in a home

Govee RGB Strip Light Test: Great features without the high cost

RRP $ 39.99

"Equipping your home with intelligent light strips does not cost a fortune with Govee's offer."

advantages

  • Affordable price point

  • Lots of functions

  • Impressive music effects

  • Bright and vivid lights

disadvantage

  • Bad setup experience

  • Disorganized app

Strip lights add an element to the decor that normal lights simply cannot compete with. Think how many home theater setups you've seen with ambient lighting on the back of the TV or a string of lights under a chair. Not many. The problem is that the best light strips like the Philips Hue Lightstrip or the LIFX Z LED are sometimes prohibitively expensive, reaching prices of up to $ 70 or more.

Govee's RGBIC Strip Lights offer largely the same functionality as higher-priced models, but at a fraction of the cost. A 16.4-foot section starts at $ 23 while a 32.8-foot section starts at $ 49.

Installation and setup

Installing the Govee light strips is a simple task. All you have to do is plug the power adapter into the wall and hook up the lights to it yourself. A physical controller allows you to cycle through various color options and turn the device on and off, while 3M tape on the back of the strip makes it easy to mount on the underside of a counter, along the wall, or any other location around the lights place.

Setting up the strip light, on the other hand, is a bit strange. The Govee app isn't the best-designed application I've ever used, and when it came time to connect the lights to the Wi-Fi, it didn't auto-detect the Wi-Fi network and neither did I. not be able to choose from one of the available connections. I had to manually enter the network's SSID and password. Govee also has many different light strips to choose from, so you'll need to know the model number of your lights to find them in the app. The organization of the app leaves a lot to be desired.

Govee strip lights in a loft

However, after I completed this section of the setup process, everything else went smoothly. Note that unlike some RGB strips, the lights cannot be cut. RGBIC lights are controlled by a single IC chip, so cutting the strip on either side of the cut can cause malfunction, especially if you don't cut it in the right place. Also, the cut section cannot be reconnected to another power supply.

Another thing to be aware of is the heat generated by these LEDs. Most LED strips hardly get warm, but the Govee strips can get uncomfortably warm when rolled up. Make sure to unroll the strip before using it, even if you don't need the full length. Leaving it rolled will make the lights dangerously hot.

Features and performance

In the list of functions, the Govee RGBIC Strip Lights stand out. The lights are able to display up to 16 million different colors with their bright 5050 LEDs. The luminosity of these LEDs is impressive – they are significantly brighter than other LEDs in the same price range.

The lights can be controlled by a physical controller that provides access to a wide range of spot colors as well as multiple color changing effects. However, the best features are in the app. It gives users access to all of the top options for using the Govee strip light, including the timer function and the ability to manipulate the brightness or switch between the four different modes.

The luminosity of these LEDs is impressive.

the Music mode causes the lights to flash and change to the beat of the music. It will listen to music through the phone's microphone, but you can adjust the sensitivity if it picks up too much background noise. You can choose between the options Party, Dynamic and Quiet, as well as whether the music mode changes color automatically or you can select it manually. Party mode is the most hectic option and is the fastest to change the color option, while sleep mode offers the slowest transition. You can also choose from a number of other options, some of which don't make much sense because of their names: Shiny, Sprouting, Day and Night, etc.

Color mode is self explanatory and lets you change the colors of the light. However, there is more to it than just basic colors. You can set different segments of the strip to different colors, adjust the brightness, and much more. You can also save custom colors. With the “Recommended Color Schemes” function, you can choose between different styles, scenes and color adjustment methods to customize the appearance of your light strip. Some quick math shows that there are millions of different color combinations and setups just for spot colors, let alone the flashing light options.

the Scene mode offers more than 64 preset scenes for almost every occasion. The scenes are divided into Life, Emotion, Festival and Natural. I recommend either the Lightning or Deep Sea scene – both make impressive use of the lights and do a great job of imitating their namesakes.

The last mode available in the app is Home improvement. This mode allows you to create your own streak of light effects with a variety of adjustments. However, there are little to no instructions on how this mode works, so you can learn through a lot of experimentation and trial and error. I still haven't fully understood how it works, but the ability to create my own scenes and flickers was really impressive.

The Effects Lab is another feature worth trying out. It's divided into a color gallery, an effects lab, a gaming lab, and the Harmony lab. The last one – the Harmony Lab – really stands out. Each of the selections plays sound through your phone and has a matching scene. Some of these effects, like Rain Drops or Stream, create almost meditative experiences. The effects are calming and well beyond what I would expect from a series of light strips. You can turn off the sound at any time and also keep the flicker effect.

At full brightness, the lights are almost too bright to be viewed directly and they work best as ambient lighting. However, you can adjust the brightness between 1 and 100, with the lower section providing more than enough light without dazzling you.

According to the specification, this light bar only works with Bluetooth. However, I found that even with the bluetooth turned off, I could only control it via Wi-Fi.

Integration of intelligent assistants

The Govee Strip Lights work with both Alexa and the Google Assistant. Alexa can easily create routines, change the color of the lights or even activate certain scenes if you know their names. However, the wizard cannot set the lights to one of the effects from the Effects Lab.

Within the Alexa app you can change the color, set up scenes and create certain routines. You can also turn the lights on and off at specific times. I placed the lights in my loft as part of a playroom setup and they go perfectly with the rest of the decor in the room. Unfortunately, they cannot function as ambient lighting. I haven't found a way to connect them to the scene on a TV to match the ambient color on the screen.

Govee Strip Light Controller at night

Our opinion

My first impression of the Govee RGBIC Strip Lights wasn't that great. The setup process left me frustrated and confused with the lack of features that apparently should be included by default, but after that I learned to enjoy those lights. The wide range of features and color options is really impressive, and I really appreciate the physical controller. Some lamps I've worked with in the past, like the LIFX Z LED, don't include physical controls. Sure, it takes up more space on the cord, but when the phone is out of range or the lights aren't connected to a smart assistant, having a real button to press is useful. All in all, the pros definitely outweigh the cons, especially at this price point.

Is there a better alternative?

There are alternatives, but few better options at this price point. Philips Hue and LIFX both have light strips that are packed with features and tremendous construction quality, but both are also way outside the price range of Govee RGBIC lights.

The Twinkly Line has a lot of features and presets, but costs $ 67. You can also use ultra-budget on lights with no smart features, but which are only $ 8 for a 16.4-foot strip. If you want lots of smart features and smart wizard integration, the Govee RGBIC Strip Light is your best bet at this price point.

How long it will take?

The plastic on the controller isn't of the highest quality, but it doesn't feel overly fragile either. With proper care, these lamps should last for many years. Note, however, that the glue is intended for single use only. After you've placed the lights and peeled them off, they'll need help staying attached elsewhere. Even if you accidentally place it incorrectly and pull the lights off to put them back on, you will find that the section sags and comes off.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. At this price you will hardly find a lamp that comes close to this quality.

Editor's recommendations



16 Aug
Blog

Abode Cam 2 Review: Compact Camera With a Compact Price

Abode Cam 2 mounted on the wall

Abode Cam 2 review: compact camera, compact price

RRP $ 35.00

“The Abode Cam 2 leaves you pleasantly surprised with all of its functions. ”

advantages

  • Low price point

  • Small size

  • Higher frame rate than comparable cameras

  • Option to record 24/7 videos

disadvantage

  • No siren

  • Audio quality is not the best

Abode is a company similar to Wyze known for offering low prices without sacrificing quality. The newest product, the Abode Cam, 2 is no exception to this rule. For only 35 US dollars, this intelligent surveillance camera packs many functions into a (very) small housing and, thanks to its weatherproof rating of IP65, can be set up indoors or outdoors.

While the Abode Cam 2 may not be as fully featured as high-end models, it's affordable enough that almost anyone can buy one, and versatile enough to be used as a stand-alone camera system in a studio apartment, or as part of a much larger security system which is distributed over a house and a yard.

Setup and installation

The Abode Cam 2 uses a 10-step setup process that isn't all that different from the type of setup you would see with similar cameras, but it's not seamless. I've encountered a couple of issues with the setup. In one step, you need to show the camera a QR code that will be displayed on your phone. It took several tries (and a restart) for the camera to recognize the code.

The camera also provides continuous, audible prompts to display the code, which doesn't make the process any less of a chore. However, once it got past that one step, the rest of the setup went smoothly.

After I completed the setup, the Abode Cam 2 immediately started working. I was able to stream and control the camera easily. By default, it can sit flat on its base, but it comes with a mounting kit that allows you to simply screw the camera to the wall if you want to place it high above the floor.

The power cord is six feet long – more than enough to be placed near the ceiling in most homes.

Abode Cam 2 sits on the windowsill.

Features and Specifications

The Abode Cam 2 streams and records videos at 1080p and 30 frames per second. It has a 121 degree field of view that allows you to see a large chunk of the room, which makes mounting this camera in a corner the perfect place to keep an eye on everything. You can speak through the camera with two-way audio, and Starlight-based night vision provides clear images even in almost pitch black conditions.

You can also set up the Abode Cam 2 to record video 24/7.

The really standout feature of this camera is how compact it is. Measuring less than 5 inches per side, the Abode Cam 2 is tiny – and perfect for tucking away in a corner for unobtrusive surveillance. If someone is up to no good and is on the lookout for cameras, it can be particularly difficult to spot, especially if it blends in with the background.

The camera automatically places a frame around anything it identifies as a person, and you can take pictures from within the app. You can also record video clips with just one touch of a button. All recorded videos are displayed in the timeline under the video feed in the app.

It's worth noting that the camera's speaker is almost mute by default. It is difficult to hear what is being said through the speaker unless the volume is turned up to almost maximum and the sound comes through slightly distorted. There's no siren either, but I imagine one could be included with an update. If the video feed is mirrored, you can rotate it 180 degrees within the app.

You can also set up the Abode Cam 2 to record video 24/7. It uses a rolling storage system that deletes the oldest videos first. The camera can be configured to record a short video clip when it detects motion, and you can adjust the detection area for more accurate results and fewer false positives. This feature costs $ 9 per month, but it covers every camera on the network.

The camera is integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can view live video from both applications. Alexa also lets you set up routines that the Google Assistant doesn't offer.

Is it private?

All security cameras have been intensified, especially those without physical privacy screens. Although the Abode Cam 2 does not have a physical data protection lock, you can deactivate the camera within the app under a special sub-heading Data protection. It's not immediately obvious, but you can also delete videos from your timeline by going online to Abode's online portal. This seems like the only way to delete footage. There is also no local recording function.

Although the privacy features could be a bit more robust (and every camera should have a physical privacy lens), the Abode Cam 2 is roughly on par with other cameras in terms of security. The app allows you to lock it when you leave and requires FaceID or a PIN to access it again.

Close-up of the Abode Cam 2 power connector.

Our opinion

The Abode Cam 2 is a pretty simple device. There is not much in the package – just the camera itself, the power adapter and cable, and the mounting kit. But it's so affordable and budget-friendly that you don't expect much, and the Abode Cam 2 will leave you pleasantly surprised with all of its features.

Is there a better alternative?

The Wyze Cam v3 offers many of the same features, but also offers 14 days of free cloud storage as well as local storage via a microSD card. It also includes a siren and works with IFTTT via Alexa and Google Assistant. The Wyze Cam v3 fits the Abode Cam 2 for the same price. The Abode Cam 2 is characterized above all by the fact that it offers more images per second for a smoother video feed.

The Blink Mini is also aimed at a similar audience. This camera is also $ 35, is easy to set up, and has clear audio, but it comes at the expense of less than razor-sharp video. It's not the best option, but it's nowhere near the worst either.

How long it will take?

The build quality is not the highest, which is one of the reasons for the low cost. Even so, the Abode Cam 2 doesn't feel cheap and its weather resistance rating suggests longevity. If cared for, the camera should continue to work for years, though I wouldn't expect it to survive a hard fall. It comes with a one-year warranty that protects it from defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes. At $ 35, the camera is affordable for almost every budget and has a wide variety of features. Although it lags slightly behind the Wyze Cam v3 in terms of functionality, its small size and higher frame rate reduce to what is really important in a surveillance camera: better surveillance and security at home.

Editor's recommendations



10 Aug
Blog

AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT: 1080p Gaming for a 1440p Price

AMD RX 6600 XT sits on a table.

AMD RX 6600 XT

RRP $ 379.00

"The AMD RX 6600 XT is a solid 1080p card at a time when GPU options are few and far between."

advantages

  • Smooth 1080p gaming

  • Doesn't take much strength

  • 1440p gaming possible

  • Support for FidelityFX Super Resolution

disadvantage

  • A little too expensive

  • Poor content creation performance

  • Poor ray tracing performance

Budget and 1080p gamers haven't had many graphics card options in the past few months, and AMD's new RX 6600 XT tried to solve that problem. It's a card that can deliver smooth 1080p gaming at high frame rates, and it uses a stripped-down core to alleviate some supply issues. But its price stretches the definition of what it means to be a budget graphics card.

AMD could have priced the RX 6600 XT almost anywhere for under $ 500 and still selling cards like there's no tomorrow. At $ 379, it nestles in a comfortable spot between Nvidia competition, and if you can get one at list price on launch, you won't find another card that works this well for the cost.

But should you? $ 379 is an attractive price given the current market conditions, but the RX 6600 XT still has to pile up the competition after the market launch boom ended. The Radeon RX 6600 XT is a solid card, but it is flanked by two great Team Green cards that are making their money.

design

AMD does not publish a reference design for the RX 6600 XT, so you are limited to options from board partners. For this test, I got my hands on MSI's RX 6600 XT Gaming X card, which uses a traditional dual-fan design.

AMD has shared designs from other partners, some of which include three fans, but most should come with two. Regardless of the model, the RX 6600 XT uses a single 8-pin power connector and requires at least a 500W power supply.

AMD RX 6600 XT sits on a table.

My device measured 10.88 inches long, which is what the slightly protruding bezel made. Each model is a little different – especially the triple fans – so double check before you pick one up. A standard dual-fan design should be no longer than the length of an ATX motherboard (12 inches).

During the test, the card stayed cool, peaking at around 62 degrees Celsius in Cyberpunk 2077. It is important to mention that in a Be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 Rev. 2, which is a full tower chassis with a little more space for cooling. Your mileage may vary.

A welcome feature on my review unit was a backplate that was missing from the competing RTX 3060 I tested. At least one board partner design has a backplate based on the images provided by AMD, but this may not apply to all designs.

Specifications

The RX 6600 XT builds on AMD's existing RDNA 2 architecture, which we have seen in action over and over again. However, it is built with the Navi 23 GPU core, which is otherwise only found in AMD's workstation class Radeon Pro W6600 and W6600M. This marks the debut of the Navi 23 for the desktop audience.

An important note about Navi 23 compared to previous versions: It is much smaller. That means AMD can squeeze more GPU dies onto a wafer, which should help with supply. It's still built using chip maker TSMC's 7nm node, but with a smaller size, AMD can make more chips with each manufacturing pass.

Arithmetic units Shading units Game speed Increase speed Storage capacity TDP price
Radeon RX 6600 XT 32 2,048 1.97 GHz 2.59 GHz 8GB DDR6 160W $ 380
Radeon RX 6700 XT 40 2,560 2.32 GHz 2.58 GHz 12 GB DDR6 230w $ 480
Radeon RX 6800 60 3,840 1.82 GHz 2.11 GHz 16GB DDR6 250w $ 580
Radeon RX 6800 XT 72 4,608 2.02 GHz 2.25 GHz 16GB DDR6 300W $ 649
Radeon RX 6900 XT 80 5,120 2.01 GHz 2.25 GHz 16GB DDR6 300W $ 1,000

Regardless, Navi 23 builds on AMD's existing architecture, so we can make many comparisons with the rest of the range. Compared to the next level, the RX 6600 XT saves around 20% of the compute units (CUs) with a price difference of 20%. That would make sense if all the other specs are the same, but they are not. The RX 6600 XT corresponds to the boost clock of the RX 6700 XT, but comes with 4 GB less GDDR6 memory.

The RX 6600 XT shows a decent value compared to similar gaps in the range.

Still, it is better than a few other steps in the series. If you're switching from an RX 6800 to an RX 6700 XT, there's about a 20% price difference for a 40% difference in CUs – and that move also reduces 4GB of RAM. At least according to AMD's own list, the RX 6600 XT shows a decent value compared to similar gaps in the range.

There's no reason to compare it to Nvidia on the spec front – I'll touch on the better brand in the sections to come. However, the price of the RX 6600 XT in comparison to the competition should be emphasized. At $ 380, it's between Nvidia's RTX 3060 for $ 330 and the RTX 3060 Ti for $ 400.

The RTX 3060 Ti is also equipped with 8 GB of memory, while the RTX 3060 is equipped with 12 GB. When looking at prices, the way forward is clear. The RX 6600 XT should do a little below an RTX 3060 Ti and about 20% less than the RX 6700 XT. But does it do that?

Games

1080p benchmarks for the RX 6600 XT.

1440p benchmarks for the RX 6600 XT.

The RX 6600 XT is aimed at high refresh rate 1080p monitors. And based on my average frame rates, it hits that brand well. In the five non-ray tracing games I tested, it averaged 117.6 frames per second (fps), making it a great option for 1080p monitors with a 144Hz refresh rate. The 1440p performance is only slightly worse with an average of 86.6 fps.

Before you get to the individual results, it is worth looking at the average values ​​I have collected. At 1080p, the RX 6600 XT sits between the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 3060 where it should, and slightly outperforms the last-gen RX 5700 XT. The price difference between the RX 6600 XT and its closest competitor, the RTX 3060 Ti is around 10%.

1440p showed similar results, but with a larger 18% difference between the RTX 3060 Ti and the RX 6600 XT. The RTX 3060 and RX 6600 XT were much closer with only 6% difference. Of course, such averages don't tell the whole story, so let's go through some individual tests to get a clearer picture.

I tested the RX 6600 XT on a machine that rocks an Intel Core i9-10900K, 32GB of RAM, and an Asus Tuf Z490-Plus motherboard. All of my tests were performed on a Crucial MX500 2TB hard drive with the latest version of Windows 10. Unfortunately, I didn't have an AMD processor to test Smart Access Memory, but you can expect a 5-10% increase in support for games if you have a current Ryzen processor.

Starting with the simplest fight, the RX 6600 XT took home a GPU score of 9,644 in 3DMark Time Spy. That's about 11% faster than the RX 5700 XT and RTX 3060, which were only one point apart in this test. As you'll see in other reviews, the RX 6600 XT comes close to the RX 5700 XT in most games. Here it actually shoots forward.

However, the RTX 3060 Ti resets the RX 6600 XT. It got a graphics score of 11,706 – a difference of about 19%. This also applies to the RX 6700 XT, which took the crown in 3DMark with a graphics score of 12,068.

AMD RX 6600 XT installed in a computer.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is one of the games that preferred the RX 6600 XT over the RTX 3060 Ti. At 1080p with ultra high settings, the RX 6600 XT averaged 83 fps. That is within one frame of the RX 5700 XT, but still five frames ahead of the RTX 3060 Ti. The RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 Super lagged behind the field with 64 fps and 66 fps, respectively, while the RX 6700 XT again with 100 fps was ahead of the pack.

At 1440p Ultra High, the RX 6600 XT and RTX 3060 Ti swapped places. The AMD card reached 60 fps while the Nvidia card came in at 64 fps. The RTX 3060 was significantly lower at 51 fps, while the RX 6700 XT still showed its dominance at 76 fps. I've found similar results at high settings, with the RX 6600 XT outperforming the RTX 3060 Ti at 1080p but falling short at 1440p.

The Vulkan-based Red Dead Redemption 2 painted a slightly different picture, with the RX 6600 XT being closer to the RTX 3060. The RX 6600 XT averaged 68 fps at 1080p Ultra Quality, while the RTX 3060 averaged 65 fps. The RTX 3060 Ti showed a difference of 21% compared to the RX 6600 XT with an average of 84 fps.

I've seen similar performance at 1440p Ultra Quality, with the RTX 3060 Ti leading the way at 70 fps. The RX 6600 XT showed a difference of 24% to the RTX 3060 Ti with an average frame rate of 55 fps. As with 1080p, the RTX 3060 was only slightly behind the RX 6600 XT with a difference of 4%.

AMD has kept its promise to deliver 1080p gaming at high frame rates.

Civilization VI again showed a dominant lead for the RTX 3060 Ti, although the RX 6600 XT came closer than it was in Red Dead Redemption 2. The RX 6600 XT averaged 161 fps at 1080p Ultra settings, while the RTX 3060 Ti averaged 194 fps reached, which corresponds to a difference of about 19%. The RX 6700 XT was ahead of the other cards with an average of 219 fps.

I've seen similar scaling on 1440p Ultra. The RX 6600 XT achieved 137 fps and the RTX 3060 Ti achieved 163 fps, while the RTX 3060 lagged behind at 119 fps. Here the RX 6600 XT sits exactly where it belongs – right between the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 3060.

Battlefield V produced similar results. The RX 6600 XT averaged 139 fps at 1080p Ultra settings. The RTX 3060 showed a difference of 12% at 123 fps and the RTX 3060 Ti showed a difference of 9% at 152 fps. The RX 6700 XT was able to prevail again with 164 fps.

At 1440p Ultra settings, the RTX 3060 Ti pushed itself even further in front of the RX 6600 XT. AMD's card averaged 100 fps and Nvidia's average 123 fps – almost a difference of 21%. The RTX 3060 was close to the RX 6600 XT at 97 fps, while the last generation RX 5700 XT achieved a slightly higher 110 fps.

AMD RX 6600 XT on a wooden backdrop.

Fortnite showed a closer race between the RX 6600 XT, RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti. The RTX 3060 Ti led at 1080p Epic settings at 143 fps, but the RX 6600 XT was not far behind at 137 fps (only a 4 %). The RTX 3060 lags behind the group with 132 fps. All three cards scored well above the RTX 2060 Super and the RX 5700 XT – both of which never broke 110 fps – and showed some significant improvements over the previous generation.

The 1440p Epic showed a more dominant lead for the RTX 3060 Ti, where it averaged 100 fps. That's about 21% less than the RX 6600 XT, which averaged 81 fps. With an average of 86 fps, the RTX 3060 is a better comparison point to the RX 6600 XT at 1440p.

Overall, you can expect a performance difference of around 10% between the RX 6600 XT and the RTX 3060 cards, as the price suggests. At 1080p, the RTX 3060 Ti and RX 6600 XT are about a 5% price difference for a 10% difference in performance. With the RTX 3060 there is a price difference of 14% for a performance difference of about 11%.

Within AMD's own product range, the RX 6600 XT performs according to the specifications. Even with the memory gap between the two cards, the RX 6700 XT and RX 6600 XT show a difference of around 20%.

However, when I use the previous generation the RX 6600 XT shows some problems. The RX 6600 XT only marginally outperformed the RX 5700 XT in my tests, which was released for $ 399 two years ago. The RX 6600 XT is only $ 20 cheaper and only slightly more powerful. It includes ray tracing that the RX 5700 XT lacked, but that's not exactly the generational improvement I would have liked.

Still, AMD has kept its promise to deliver 1080p gaming at high frame rates, even if there are some slightly better options available from Nvidia at list prices.

Content creation

Gaming is the focus of the RX 6600 XT, so it is not surprising that the card takes a back seat when creating content. Here I ran tests using the Blender and PugetBench benchmarks for Premiere Pro. The RX 6600 XT can run both programs, but there could be a better option if your focus is more on it than gaming.

PugetBench for Premiere Pro benchmarks.

Blender benchmarks.

In Blender I did three test renderings and averaged the times. When it comes to supporting CUDA and OptiX rendering in Blender, the RTX 3060 Ti is unsurprisingly. However, the RX 6600 XT still managed to beat the RTX 3060 by about a 11% difference. Nevertheless, the RTX 3060 Ti and RX 6700 XT showed a clear lead.

PugetBench for Premiere Pro favored the Nvidia cards even more. The RX 6600 XT recently scored a total of 625 points, while the RTX 3060 Ti received 807 points. Note that PugetBench takes into account a number of features in Premiere Pro, so the endnote doesn't just rest on the shoulders of the graphics card.

I was surprised that the RX 6600 XT shows up a bit in my Blender review, but overall it's not a great card for content creation. It's powerful enough to work in apps like Blender and Premiere Pro, but if you use those apps a lot, Nvidia still has the edge.

Super resolution and ray tracing

Normally, Nvidia would have a clear lead over AMD with Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and ray tracing. This is not the case with this generation. The RX 6600 XT also comes with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and has access to a DLSS-like function in the form of FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR).

I took Control and Cyberpunk 2077 to test ray tracing. I ignored DLSS in all of the testing to see how the RX 6600 XT would hold up in a fair fight. Like other cards in the RX 6000 series, it clearly lagged behind the Nvidia competition.

Cyberpunk 2077 ray tracing benchmarks.

Control ray tracing benchmarks.

In Cyberpunk 2077, the RX 6600 XT showed about a 79% decrease when switching from the Ultra preset to the Ultra RT preset, while the RTX 3060 only saw a 53% decrease. Remember, this is with DLSS disabled. Even without the upscaling advantage, the cards of the RTX-30 series from Nvidia handle ray tracing better than the RX-6000 series.

1440p Ultra RT was not playable on any of the cards I tested. As a reference, the RX 6600 XT only achieved an average of 3 fps in this mode. The most powerful card, the RTX 3060 Ti, averaged just 23 fps.

Ray tracing is challenging regardless of the hardware used, but Nvidia's cards can still handle the heat better than AMD's.

Control was much more forgiving. It's at least playable with ray tracing enabled at 1080p, but the RX 6600 XT still showed a 54% drop and the RTX 3060 only showed a 38% drop.

At 1440p, the RX 6600 XT dropped 62% – 47 fps to 18 fps – with ray tracing enabled – while the RTX 3060 dropped 40%. I used the RTX 3060 as a benchmark as it was the closest competitor in these tests, but the RTX 3060 Ti showed similar dips when turning on ray tracing.

The difference here makes sense. Nvidia uses dedicated ray tracing cores, while AMD opts for a "ray accelerator" packed into each computing unit. Ray tracing is tough regardless of the hardware used, but Nvidia's cards can still handle the heat better than AMD's – and the RX 6600 XT doesn't change that.

AMD RX 6600 XT over other graphics cards.

In the case of an Nvidia card, I would point out DLSS to increase ray tracing performance. AMD has an alternative in the form of FSR, but Nvidia usually bundles ray tracing with DLSS, while FSR is a bit scattered. That could change over time, but Nvidia's cards still have the best of ray tracing features.

As my tests show, you really need an upscaling function to run ray tracing at playable frame rates. AMD has this feature now in the form of FSR, but many popular ray tracing titles – including Cyberpunk 2077 and Control – don't yet support the feature.

Nevertheless, FSR is available to you with the RX 6600 XT. As we found in our FidelityFX Super Resolution test, it is a very powerful upscaling feature that can significantly improve your frame rates. Image quality isn't quite as good as DLSS, but the differences are easy to forgive when everything goes well.

Our opinion

In a perfect world with list prices and GPUs on the shelves, I would definitely recommend the RX 6600 XT's RTX 3060 Ti. It's only $ 20 more expensive and performs better almost anywhere. The RX 6600 XT is a bit overpriced at $ 380 – it should be closer to $ 350 given its performance. However, having an extra $ 30 is hard to argue with considering how expensive graphics cards are right now.

Much of this depends on what card you can find and what the price is. When starting at the list price, the RX 6600 XT is a slam dunk in view of the popular graphics cards. When the initial inventory is gone, you should classify the RX 6600 XT between the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 3060 in terms of performance and take the offer price from there.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, the RTX 3060 Ti is a better alternative. However, given the price of graphics cards and the difficulty of finding them, the list price doesn't say much. If the price of the RX 6600 XT is between the RTX 3060 and the RTX 3060 Ti, it's a great 1080p card for high refresh rate monitors.

The other alternative is the RX 6700 XT, which even outperforms the RTX 3060 Ti, albeit at an additional cost.

How long it will take?

The RX 6600 XT is set to last for the next few years for 1080p gaming. If you want to use features like ray tracing or want to upgrade to a higher resolution, you will probably feel the weaknesses of the RX 6600 XT within a few years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The RX 6600 XT is about $ 30 too expensive, but still a lot cheaper than any other card you can buy right now. However, if you're missing out on the launch boom, consider upgrading to the RTX 3060 Ti instead if you can find it at a reasonable price.

Editor's recommendations



05 Jul
Blog

Lockly Duo Smart Lock Review: Steep Price for Convenience

Lockly Duo Smart Lock

Duo ™ Smart Lock

RRP $ 450.00

"The Lockly Duo replaces both your door lock and your deadbolt, but the price is just too high."

advantages

  • Replaces both locks on your door

  • Open and lock both locks with one handle

  • Precise fingerprint sensor

  • Random number pad for security

disadvantage

  • Some design problems

  • App is just ok

One of the biggest problems I've encountered with smart home door locks is that they tend to replace the deadbolt or latch. The Lockly Duo replaces both. I have mixed feelings about this lock setup, but I think those mixed feelings come from dealing with the unknown rather than from Lockly's mistakes. I know that it was nice that both locks were intelligent and accessible by fingerprint, key or code for a change.

Lockly behaves in an unusual way. Both the door lock and the deadbolt are controlled by a single door handle. A push-down unlocks both locks, a pull-up locks both locks. It definitely takes getting used to, and despite its strangeness, I like this mechanism. It's just easier to have a single handle that releases both locks, even if it's unusual.

Installation and setup

Setting up the lock required a bit of work and some complex mechanisms. The lock is designed to cover a latch and door handle that are either 4 "or 5½" apart. My door is 5 ½ inches so it worked. Or at least if my latch handle had been drilled to the right size. To attach the cover plate to my door, I had to sand about a quarter of the door. It's not Lockly's fault. The cover plate itself is also significantly larger than the door lock on the outside, so it doesn't look that great.

With the Lockly Duo, there is a clear gap between the locking mechanism and the door handle.

On the inside there is an additional mechanism that mounts between the door lock and the door called the connecting plate. This plate connects the bolt and the door lock with the single handle. It's not a bad device, but it does add a complexity to the lock that I wasn't expecting. In addition, the connecting plate is not flush with the door handle. It's not particularly noticeable, but if I hold a flashlight to the end of the lock, I can see the light on the other side.

There is no shortage of smart locks on the market, but none of them control both the trap and the bolt.

The Lockly Duo also has an integrated wired door sensor for the Lockly security system. I didn't install this as I already have a Vivint security system installed. But the fact that it's wired to the door handle and I couldn't remove it was a bit annoying.

properties

Once installed, use the Lockly app to set up PINs and fingerprints for users. The fingerprint sensor is located on the side of the door lock and a screen above the door lock shows the buttons for the codes. Most of the time the screen is turned off. A single tap usually turns it on, although occasionally I had to tap it a second time to wake it up. The numbers displayed are randomized into four buttons with three digits per button. This ensures that repeated tapping of the same point for the same codes does not develop a wear pattern. After entering your code, you can press some sort of "Enter" key below the keys, but there is no indication that the key is an Enter key. At first glance it looks like a fingerprint, so I initially confused it with the statement: "Sure, you can enter a code, but don't forget the fingerprint sensor." The button needs a better design, or it just has to "Enter" say.

The Lockly Duo uses a fingerprint sensor or a code to allow access.

The fingerprint sensor works very well, although I'm not convinced the placement is the best. When you have a door handle on the left side of the door, your natural instinct is to reach for the door with your left hand. But when you do, your fingers are pointing away from the sensor. The fingerprint sensor is a bit too cumbersome to use a thumbprint, so you end up reaching across your body to scan a finger on your right hand and then actually using your left hand to open the door.

software

The app also lets you lock and unlock the door, and is supposed to be able to pair it with the Google Assistant, but I couldn't get this to work. The app itself is pretty simple and easy to understand. You use it to set fingerprints and PIN codes. Setting up fingerprints works similarly to setting up a fingerprint on your phone. You press your finger on the sensor several times until the app tells you that you're done.

The app also allows you to activate "Welcome Mode" and this is one of my other main problems with the lock. Welcome mode means your door will stay unlocked on a schedule. That's nice, but in the summer when people come in and out all day it would be nice if there was a button or button that you can use to unlock the door. The only way to toggle the welcome mode on or off is currently through the app. That is not optimal.

Our opinion

Overall, this is a decent device with some oddities (and a price tag) to get used to. It's a great concept to be sure of. Using one door handle is much easier than locking and unlocking two locks individually. You still get the security of a dead bolt along with the convenience of a single door handle. There are some quirks here, like the inability to leave the door unlocked without using your phone and the oversized mounting plates for the lock. The handle also sticks out quite a bit which actually bothered my screen door. Many of these are minor issues that can certainly be fixed in a 2.0 product.

But at $ 450, you really don't want any compromises from a door lock. That's way more than double the average smart door lock on the market. That's a high price to pay for a little comfort. I usually leave my door lock unlocked because only my bolt was smart up to the Lockly. Having a door lock that works for both the deadbolt and the deadbolt is great, but I'm not convinced that $ 450 is great.

Is there a better alternative?

The Lockly's fingerprint reader and code field both work great. There's no shortage of smart locks on the market – check out our list of the most popular smart locks – but none of them control both the trap and the bolt. Is that the best in the world? It is certainly convenient. There were times when I would lock myself out of the house when I forgot to unlock the doorknob. With this lock, that's never a problem.

For roughly the same price, the ultimate Smart Lock is available in the Lockly Vision. It is the Swiss Army Knife among intelligent locks because it offers all modern conveniences, but also serves as a video doorbell. If you prefer something a little more discreet, the Level Touch looks like an ordinary deadbolt lock on any door and doesn't have the distracting keypads and bulky bolts normally associated with smart locks. And finally there is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, which is characterized by its moderate price, easy installation and incredible security features.

How long it will take?

I have no reason to believe this door lock won't hold. It is built from durable materials. The locks are backed by a five-year guarantee on mechanics and workmanship and a two-year electrical guarantee. The gap between the lock plate and the door handle makes me pause, but it's inside so it should be affected by rain. In general, I have no complaints about the durability.

Should you buy it?

No. There are certain reasons why you wouldn't want this lock from a functional standpoint. If your door has no awning or other weather protection, you will find that the fingerprint sensor and the code board are very sensitive to rain and practically no longer work. If you don't like the aesthetics of the door handles and prefer doorknobs, you should insist.

But the main concern I have is the pricing which is very high. Put simply, you can buy a smart door lock and bolt and still have money for a few battery packs before you hit that price threshold. Lockly needs to bring the price down before it is considered a solid buy.

Editor's recommendations



26 Jan
Blog

TCL 5-Series (S535) 4K HDR TV Review | The Price is Right

TCL 65 "5 series 4K UHD television

"The TCL 5 Series is well above its price"

  • Local dimming backlight with full array

  • Fixed black levels

  • Excellent backlight control

  • Extended color gamut

  • Low entry delay

  • Doesn't get particularly bright

  • HDR isn't impressive

  • Setup process involved

The TCL 6 series TVs get a lot of press, but what about the 5 series? Perhaps the reason it didn't get that much attention is because it was never really a remarkable television. Until now.

With the 5-series 4K HDR TV (S535) now packed with many of the 2019 6-series features, TCL offers similar performance to its 6-series predecessor at a much cheaper price. Let's see if it works.

TCL 5 Series 4K HDR TV Details (S535)

While we tested the 65-inch model S535, our test also applies to the 50-inch, 55-inch, and 75-inch models.

Screen size Model no RRP
50 inches 50S535 400 dollars
55 inches 55S535 $ 450
65 inches 65S535 $ 630
75 in 75S535 $ 1200

First impressions

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

This TV was much thinner than expected – especially for a TV with a local full array dimming backlight system. There are practically no bezels on the edge, just a thin aluminum strip on the bottom. While the TV's plastic feet feel a little light and cheap after unpacking, their slim appearance is quite nice, and the feet can be placed in two different positions: wider towards the edges of the TV or closer to the center for a smaller footprint. Additionally, the feet offer some cable management, although we found it difficult to get more than a few HDMI cables into each cable.

Entrances

TCM 5 Series HDMI Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The 5 series has four HDMI 2.0b inputs, ARC on the fourth input. The ports aren't HDMI 2.1 capable, so you won't get any next generation gaming features like variable refresh rate or 4K at 120Hz. But it can handle 4K up to 60Hz, which should be fine for most people. While this TV isn't a powerhouse for next-generation gaming, it is still a good TV for casual gaming, especially due to its low input delay of around 11 ms in game mode.

The remote control and the operating system

TCL 5 Series Roku remote controlDan Baker / Digital Trends

The biggest difference in remote control between the 6 and 5 series is that you lose voice control. In terms of user experience, the Roku operating system has a "slightly updated" feel and the system now includes AirPlay and HomeKit as well. Adjustments to the picture settings, sound and other settings must be selected and adjusted separately for each input. Hence, between these settings and other mandatory software and app updates, you'll need to be patient to get this Roku TV working.

picture quality

Let's get to the picture, which has some admirable properties. The 5 series has very good black levels for its price, partly because of its VA panel (which unfortunately means that viewing outside of the angle is not great), but also because of its local dimming backlighting system – you can't destroy the blacks, but still provide deep blacks and minimize all kinds of halo effects around light objects on a dark background that you may get from systems with lower backlighting.

TCL 5 seriesDan Baker / Digital Trends

Unfortunately, the backlight system of the 5 series does not offer a very high peak brightness. We hardly noticed any difference between SDR brightness and HDR peak brightness, regardless of whether we saw HDR 10 or Dolby Vision. In fact, it could be questioned whether this should actually be called an HDR TV, given that the brightness isn't enough to really give you the sparkling highlights of high-performance HDR. The contrast is there, but the peak brightness is not, so the HDR images don't pop as much as with other HDR TVs.

"It's an absolutely respectable television."

The color benefits from using quantum dots, so you get a wider gamut. However, due to the lower brightness potential, you will not get a significantly increased color volume.

Overall, I think the picture quality will be an improvement over what someone could get from a midsize TV about four years ago. It's a completely legitimate TV, and we'd even say it beats its price.

Move

The 5 Series is also good with movement. There's still a tiny bit of motion blur on fast-moving objects, but it's not very easy to spot, so it works well enough for sports content. The 5 series has a native 60 Hz panel, so that a more even movement can be achieved without avoiding the so-called “soap opera effect”.

For movie content, 24 fps content looks very smooth and there is no stuttering, which is fantastic for a TV at this price point.

Sound quality

As for sound quality, let's put it this way: get a soundbar. It lacks depth and not a lot of bass, resulting in thin sound quality. Dialogue clarity also suffers, so a soundbar would be a good idea for most people.

Play

TCL 5 Series GamingDan Baker / Digital Trends

As mentioned earlier, this TV does not have HDMI 2.1 ports and therefore does not support variable refresh rate or other high-end features such as automatic low latency mode. At 4K 60 Hz with a small input delay of 11 ms in game mode, however, casual gaming works great. The only problem – back to what we said about image quality – is that if you want to get something out of the HDR gaming experience, you'll need a slightly brighter TV.

Our opinion

TCL 5 Series Roku TvDan Baker / Digital Trends

The TCL 5-Series is a great all-purpose TV that caters to those who aren't very picky about HDR performance. The TV's use of quantum dots expands the gamut of color for a rich picture, while the solid full array backlight controls provide better black levels and better reduced halo effects than almost any other TV in its price range. While it won't get bright enough to do HDR impressively, most people who just want a solid TV at a reasonable price probably won't find this deal-breaker.

Is there a better alternative?

There is only one TV that competes with the TCL 5 series in its price range and that is the Hisense H8G Quantum, which sells for roughly the same price, runs Android TV instead of Roku TV, and can get significantly brighter. The TCL, while not as bright, has better color accuracy. Otherwise, competing LG and Samsung televisions will not offer quantum dots or full array backlights and will not be able to compete in terms of black levels and backlight control.

How long it will take?

So far, TCL's track record in terms of build quality looks pretty good. We expect the 5 Series to serve owners for many years to come.

guarantee

TCL offers a one year limited warranty. You can find more information about TCL's TV warranty here.

Should you buy it?

Yes. For those looking for a quality TV that performs better than what is usually expected for the price, the TCL 5 series is one of the best budget-friendly options out there.

If you want cheaper TV options, you can also consider the best 4K TV deals currently available.

Editor's recommendations




20 Oct
Blog

Beats Flex Review: Bigger Bass, Bigger Battery, Tiny Price

Beats Flex

Beats Flex Review: More Bass, More Battery, Half the Price

"12 hours of battery life, great sound, and a mind-boggling price make it hard to beat."

  • Good price

  • Cozy

  • Very good sound quality

  • Very good call quality

  • Easy pairing with Apple products

  • Fast charging is slower than BeatsX

  • Using controls can be a little tricky

  • The USB-C charging cable does not fit normal USB ports

  • No official IPX rating

Previously, the cheapest BeatsX headphones for $ 100 were the BeatsX for $ 100. With their balanced sound, easy pairing with iPhones, and great call quality, they were a great choice for Beats fans who wanted something smaller and cheaper than the brand's classic foldable wireless headphones.

But the BeatsX was released in 2017 and the wireless headphone market has changed a ton since then. True wireless earbuds have become very affordable, and the connectivity issues that once plagued these devices have largely been eliminated. As a result, the BeatsX looked unnecessarily expensive due to its bulkier design behind the neck.

Answer from Apple: The $ 50 Beats Flex. They have all the features like the BeatsX that the Flex replaces, but at a dramatically lower price point that keeps them going when people are thinking of a new set of earbuds.

Did Apple have to cut too many corners to bring the Beats Flex to their remarkably low price, or are these the beats to beat?

Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The BeatsX was already one of the most responsible headphones I've come across, and the Flex goes even further. The plain black cardboard box isn't much bigger than a deck of cards, there is practically no plastic inside or outside, and everything is easy to recycle. This is how all of our technology should arrive.

Inside the box you'll find the Beats Flex, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, three sizes of silicone earbuds (in addition to the factory-installed ones) and some paper documentation, including the de rigueur Beats sticker.

design

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00006-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00007-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00008-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Beats Flex is available in four colors: Beats Black, Flame Blue, Smoke Gray and Yuzu Yellow.

They use the same hybrid cable design as the BeatsX, which combines a flat, tangle-free wire and a thicker, rubberized neck section that springs back into its U-shape no matter how hard you twist and turn it. The flex is a bit thinner, but just as robust.

You never have to worry about losing an earbud. There's no such thing as a bulky charging case to stash in your pocket or purse.

At both ends of the U there are elongated plastic housings that house the battery, electronics (including the W1 Bluetooth chip developed by Apple) as well as the USB-C charging port and power / pairing button. Apple has concentrated most of its redesign (cost reduction?) Efforts in these plastic cases. Instead of placing the microphone and controls in an inline pod on the cable of the left earbud, they are now in the left housing.

The earbuds themselves are the same size as the BeatsX, although Apple claims there is a new proprietary layer driver inside.

They can really take a full day before needing to be plugged in.

It may seem a bit strange that the Beats brand is still making behind-the-neck wireless headphones while a new set of true wireless earbuds hit the shelves every day, but there is still a market for this style. You never have to worry about losing an earbud, there is no bulky charging case to tuck in your pocket or purse. When you want to have a conversation, just pull the buds out of your ears and let them dangle. For people who routinely have to switch back and forth between listening to music and listening to the world around them, it's a much more convenient design.

Battery life

With just eight hours of battery life, the BeatsX has been ruined not only by other wired wireless earbuds but also by some of the new true wireless earbuds. For example, JLab's Epic Air ANC can live for eight hours with the ANC on and 12 hours with the ANC off. And that's before you consider the extra juice in their charging case.

The Beats Flex may not have a charging case, but with 12 hours of continuous use, they can really last a full day before needing to be plugged in.

The strange thing about the Flex is that overall battery life is better than its predecessor, but fast charging is worse. You now need 10 minutes to get a 1.5 hour boost, while the BeatsX can give you two hours of extension after a five minute charge.

Maybe this is somehow related to the switch from the Apple Lightning connector on the BeatsX to the USB-C connector on the Flex.

Switching to USB-C makes a lot of sense when chasing the Android community like Apple seems to be doing with the Flex, but choosing how to do it is confusing.

The included USB-C to USB-C charging cable is an immediate problem for anyone who doesn't own another USB-C device. There's just no way to plug the cable into anything other than a USB-C charging port, and Apple didn't include a USB-C charger in the box. If you have a current MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, this is not a problem. Both computers have connectors that can be used for this purpose. However, if you're still rocking an older computer, or literally an iPhone, there's a good chance you can't top up (or buy) the Flex without an Amazon order Apple's USB-C charger for $ 20).

Convenience, control and connections

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The sound of an earphone depends a lot on how it seals against your ear canal. With four sizes of silicone tips to choose from, most people should be able to get a secure and comfortable fit with the Beats Flex. The standard set of tips is the medium size, and these turned out to be very convenient for me.

The behind-the-neck design is also very comfortable. You barely notice its presence and the rubberized texture prevents it from sliding around while you move.

As long as you properly grip the earbuds, their flat cables will stay away from your face. Twist them and the opposite will happen.

The placement of the controls in the plastic housing (compared to the inline controls on the BeatsX) makes it a bit more difficult to use. The volume rocker is easy to operate with precisely defined clicks. The multi-function button used to control play / pause, skip forward / backward, answer / end of calls and access Siri (or Google Assistant) has only a small travel and practically no click.

This can make it difficult to know if you pressed it exactly. Since it's attached to the inside of the case, you have to squeeze it with your index finger – unless you're reaching across your neck with your right hand – something that was harder for me to do accurately than my thumb. You will get used to this arrangement quickly enough and you never risk accidentally pulling out the left earbud when using them.

Beats Flex Audio SharingAs with all Apple wireless headphones that use the company's W1 or H1 wireless chips, pairing the Flex with an iOS device is a breeze. Just turn them on and wait for your iPhone to show you the one-tap pairing animation. If you own more than one Apple device, switching the Flex from one to the other is also a breeze.

It's almost as seamless on Android devices, too, as long as you download the free Beats app first.

The Flex doesn't have a wear sensor that allows you to automatically pause your music when you pull out an earbud. However, it has the next best thing: a sensor that pauses and plays when the earbuds magnetically snap in and out. It doesn't help if you just remove a single bud, but it's more convenient than stopping manually.

The Beats Flex are also compatible with Apple's audio sharing function, which allows two headphones or earphones equipped with W1 or H1 to listen to content from an iOS device at the same time.

It turned out to be a great way to compare the sound quality of Beats Flex and BeatsX (more on that in a minute).

The BeatsX missed out on being a Class 1 Bluetooth device, but the Flex has this feature too, which means a much greater wireless range – up to 300 feet.

Sound quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Given that the Beats Flex costs half the price of the BeatsX, I was prepared for a drop in sound quality, but that's not the case: they sound great.

For the price, these things rock.

Not only are they very closely comparable to the BeatsX, with an even stronger bass-forward sound signature, but also very close to the AirPods Pro, which is five times more expensive.

They don't quite match the AirPods Pro in terms of the width and depth of their soundstage – the flex keeps things a little closer to your head – but for the price, too, these things rock. To get a really noticeable improvement in audio quality, you need to spend between $ 200 and $ 300.

I still wish Apple offered at least some basic EQ adjustments for bass and treble. The flex is so tuned that the vocals are not quite as pronounced as I would like them to be. I think some small EQ tweaks could fix this, but that's just not an option.

Some people may prefer the way the flex has been tuned thanks to an even more pronounced lower register than the BeatsX, which is particularly good for rap, hip-hop, and a variety of club and EDM sub-genres.

Call quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the things I loved about BeatsX was the call quality. Crystal clear and ideal for separating voices from background noise. You were the next best thing to actually holding your phone to your face.

The secret was where the microphone was placed. Positioned on the left earbud wire, it was ideal for voice recording. The Beats Flex are almost as good, but the position of the microphone on the flex neckband results in a slightly poorer quality.

Your voice is still very clear under most circumstances, but background noise is not filtered as well. They don't drown you out like real wireless earbuds do, but they're more noticeable than the BeatsX.

The only thing that would make calling on the Flex better (other than moving the microphone) is a listen-through mode so you can better hear your own voice.

Our opinion

If you prefer the back of the headphone design, the Beats Flex has everything you could want, at an amazing price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you need a longer battery life, Sony makes several models with a battery life of 15 to 20 hours, such as: B. the bulkier model C400 and the WI-C310.

However, if you are an iPhone user, the Flex is still a better choice because of its great integration with the Apple ecosystem.

How long will they last?

The Beats Flex are well built with durable materials and connections. They come with an Apple one-year warranty that can be extended with an optional AppleCare purchase.

And although I don't have an IP rating for dust or water protection, a source at Beats tells me that the Flex are actually quite capable of handling a sweaty workout. The USB-C charging port is waterproof and the controls are all sealed against moisture.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. For the price, the Beats Flex are a killer value that Apple owners in particular should definitely consider when looking for a great alternative to buying a set of true wireless earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




06 Oct
Blog

Dell S2721QS Review: 4K Basics At A Great Price

Dell S2721QS

"The S2721QS from Dell is a simple, no-frills 4K monitor with excellent build quality and an excellent warranty."

  • Excellent workmanship

  • 3 year advance guarantee

  • Clear 4K picture

  • Accurate colors

  • Inconspicuous connectivity

  • Basic equipment

  • Not a lot of bandwidth for photo editors

Dell's 27-inch USB-C monitor is a good buy at around $ 400 – but what if you don't care about USB-C and want a sharper image? For this audience, Dell developed the S2721QS, which offers a 4K IPS panel and simple connectivity for practically the same price. In fact, it's currently reduced to just $ 340, making it one of the more budget-friendly 4K monitors out there. But is it good enough to make our list of best monitors?

design

The Dell S2721QS comes in a large, slim white box. As you unpack, you will be greeted as usual with one of Dell's excellent stands. This has a slightly different design than the P- and U-series monitors, with the back of the foot rounded and the sides angled inward. It's also lighter in color and the neck has a more slender profile than before.

The height, tilt, and rotation settings in portrait mode are valued by home office users as they enable healthy posture

You lose the swivel function on the stand, but that's not a huge loss at the price, and you keep the great height adjustment, tilt and rotation to portrait – the most important options. As the monitor is designed for use in the (home) office, these adjustments are particularly appreciated as they help you maintain a healthy posture.

The rest of the display is inconspicuous. Boring, but not bad. The back of the monitor is made of durable white plastic, which makes the monitor look like a giant piece of chiclet chewing gum. It looks professional, has slim bezels on the top and sides of the display, and fits in most homes and offices.

However, if you're looking for something a bit more stylish, then you must check out Dell's ultra-thin S2719DC instead.

Connections and controls

At that price, of course, concessions have to be made, and those are additional features. The Dell S2721QS is a monitor and little more. It has two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort connection. You won't find any USB-C connectivity here, nor a built-in USB hub or any other luxury. The only extra is the inclusion of built-in speakers. They're nondescript and sound thin, but they make a sound loud enough to be heard. So this is a win.

The OSD in the Dell S2721QS offers a fair number of options for a monitor of this type, but some are missing. The OSD is unusually pixelated for a 4K monitor. It has brightness and contrast controls, PiP settings (picture-in-picture), RGB color adjustments, sharpness, response time settings and much more. What is missing? We found that there is no way to adjust the white point temperature, which by default deviates a little towards the cold side. This adjustment is common even with monitors at this price.

With the buttons below, the OSD is always within reach, although in practice you rarely, if ever, have to get involved.

picture quality

Since Dell's S2721QS doesn't score high on features, you can see how the image quality affects it.

With a 4K IPS panel (3840 x 2160 pixels), it offers an incredibly sharp picture, especially when you consider that it gives you that resolution at a diagonal size of only 27 inches. You'll have to rely heavily on Windows screen scaling, which doesn't work too well, but that's not the monitor's fault (macOS image scaling works better). 4K video, pictures, and general usage look extremely sharp, but older programs may look small or blurry. Even so, you'll only find a sharper image on Apple's 27-inch iMac 5K or a 24-inch 4K monitor.

Dell's numbers indicate a brightness of 350 nits and a static contrast ratio of 1300: 1. Our tests showed that the monitor is capable of exceeding these brightness levels and hitting almost 400 nits, in contrast, at 790: 1, it's a bit disappointing. After calibration, it improved to 940: 1.

Since the S2721QS from Dell offers 4K resolution on a 27-inch panel, the image is extremely sharp

Dell claims 99% coverage of sRGB storage space, which is what you should expect from most midrange monitors. Our tests confirmed this number, and we also measured 76% AdobeRGB coverage and 82% of DCI-P3 storage space. If you only use this monitor for internet browsing and basic office tasks, it will work just fine.

You need to look for a full color gamut monitor like the Acer ConceptD CM2 if you need anything for color grading in photography and video editing, or you risk cropping – a phenomenon where colors may appear correct to you when you are at the end of your monitor's gamut, but look more intense on someone else's display or in print.

Gaming performance

Why is there a segment here for gaming performance? This is not sold as a gaming monitor. However, Dell has equipped the S2721QS with Adaptive Sync technology, which is based on AMD's Freesync, and in our tests we also confirmed G-Sync support for Nvidia cards.

The 60Hz refresh rate won't make you the most competitive player on the online battlefields, but adaptive sync will take care of the tearing and some stuttering. Of course, the 4K resolution means you'll need a ton of GPU grunt to get anywhere near the 60Hz refresh rate. Due to the adaptive synchronization, frame rates between 30 and 60 frames per second should still appear fluid thanks to uniform image stimulation. In other words, you'll have a clearer and more consistent experience than without FreeSync or G-Sync support.

Of course, for a more playful monitor, check out 144Hz displays like the Razer Raptor 27. Note, however, that you will likely have to sacrifice resolution to get a higher refresh rate, as most monitors offer 1440p or 1080p resolution at around 60Hz. This Dell can be useful for gamers who prefer extreme image quality over high frame rates, as it delivers a razor-sharp and attractive image.

Our opinion

If you are looking for a solid 4K monitor at an affordable price, the Dell S2721QS is probably the one for you. Apart from the sharpness, it is not outstanding in any area, but more than sufficient for everyday use. It delivers a clean, crisp image with no major imperfections to distract you.

This monitor also has great build quality with a solid range of ergonomic options. Think of this as Dell's entry-level option for a 4K monitor while maintaining great materials quality and warranty and you are on the right track.

Are there alternatives?

Absolutely. If you're not interested in the elaborate stand or material quality, LG offers a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor with similar specs for significantly less. LG also has the 27BL85U, which comes similarly outfitted with an equally impressive stand for roughly the same price, and this one includes USB-C. If you're looking for something in this format and resolution, but with a wider color gamut for photo work, the Dell U2720Q may be better for you, albeit at a higher price.

How long it will take?

The Dell S2721QS should have a lifespan of at least five years, of which Dell covers three years with an advance replacement warranty. This means that in the event of a disaster, the company will send you a new (refurbished) monitor first and then let you return the old one after you are set up.

Should I buy it?

Yes. If you want a simple, no-frills 4K display, you can't go wrong with the Dell S2721QS.

Editor's recommendations




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