28 Apr
Blog

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Review: Still a Winner

xiaomi mi band 6 review

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 activity tracker

“The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is equipped with sensors that allow you to track your activities, simple software that makes it easy to use, and a comfortable fit for 24-hour portability. It's not for the serious athlete, but it's great for everyone else. "

  • Convenient and easy

  • Easy to use with a reliable app

  • Comprehensive sensor array

  • Heart rate monitor accuracy concerns

The Xiaomi Mi Band, or Mi Smart Band as it is often called, has always been one of the best low-cost fitness bands out there. Since the first was available in 2015, Xiaomi has updated it annually to keep up with new technological developments and it has only gotten better. The latest version is the Mi Band 6, which I've been wearing for over a week and the formula hasn't changed much.

It filled the space that the Honor Band 6, another inexpensive fitness tracker that surprised me with its capabilities and style, meant that while there is a lot of goodwill towards the Mi Band 6, it still has a tough job ahead of it had. Will Xiaomi's tried and tested wearable still work if others prefer a smartwatch-like design? That's how it went

design

Xiaomi didn't dare to look different from the look of the Mi Band 6, so it is very similar to the Mi Band 5 – a generous screen on a core module attached to a silicone band with a pin-and-hole connector to to hold it on your wrist. At 13 grams, it hardly weighs anything, is a little more than 12 mm thick and in the black color it is an almost completely incognito piece of technology. The module can pop out of the band so you can swap it out for lighter versions if you want the Mi Band 6 to stand out a little more.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen is a 1.56-inch AMOLED panel, versus the 1.1-inch AMOLED on the Mi Band 5, and it's sharp, colorful, and bright. I could see and see it in all lighting conditions, despite it there is no automatic brightness function. So I just set it to the maximum. Unfortunately, the screen isn't always on, but you can choose how long the screen stays on (up to 10 seconds). The wake up gesture is accurate and does not require excessive movement to be activated.

There are hundreds of different watch faces to choose from through the app, but don't think that this means you are spoiled for choice. There isn't much of a difference between them, and many of them are pretty unattractive. I tried to find even a handful that I liked. I chose one and didn't want to change it for another.

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 review claspAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi band 6 review pageAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 review wristwatchAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

I found it very comfortable and had no problem wearing it 24 hours a day. The pin-and-hole adjustment can be a hassle at times, but it's easy up here, and there are a variety of adjustments available so that it fits regardless of the thickness of your wrist. It doesn't get too sweaty, isn't annoying at night and the band itself hasn't collected any fluff either, so it looks neat and new for longer.

No, the Mi Band 6 isn't a style icon, but there's a reason Xiaomi hasn't strayed far from the established look of the Mi Band – because it works. Smartwatch-like fitness bands are fine, but there's still room for a more compact, less intrusive fitness band to wear next to a traditional watch. If you're looking for a fitness tracker that fits well, can be worn day and night, has a pretty screen, but isn't trying to be a smartwatch, this is it. It also looks a lot better than the many cheap smartwatches infiltrating Amazon's wearable space, and is a much better option overall.

Activity tracking

Before we get into the details, let's talk about the app. I used the Mi Band 6 with an iPhone 12 Pro. The Xiaomi app called Xiaomi Wear is available in the App Store. However, the band also works with the Mi Fit app developed by Huami, the company behind the Amazfit range of wearables, and maker of Xiaomi's wearables. Both integrate with Apple Health, but it's the Mi Fit app that I would recommend.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Confusing right? Yes, especially because Mi Fit – the app not developed by Xiaomi – is the better option as Xiaomi Wear has not been fully localized for use outside of China and there are still some options and menus in Chinese. Mi Fit might not be as attractive to look at, but it has all the information you need, stays connected with no hassle, and won't scare off newbies.

Let's move on to activity tracking. The band has 30 different training modes, six of which can be recognized automatically or activated quickly in the menu. The usual options like walking, running, and swimming are available, as well as a range of more unusual activities like street dancing, zumba, and boxing. I found the auto detection a bit arbitrary and started the workout myself.

The data collected in the app are well visualized. The graphs show heart rate, pace and heart rate zones as well as GPS routing when you grant access to the app. The simplicity is repeated throughout, with everything from sleep to stress data presented in a logical and clear manner. However, sometimes menus can be very dense and historical data can be difficult to find. The main screen in the Mi Fit app shows statistics about the band, including the remaining battery.

It requires some learning and does not look as modern graphically as the Xiaomi Wear app, but it offers all the information you need in one place and is also reliably synchronized. It also provides a PAI value, and the usefulness of this statistic increases the longer you wear the band. You need to read something about what this actually means though, as the in-app explanations are pretty bad.

How about the accuracy? During daily activity, the steps and calories burned were consistent with my Apple Watch, as were the SpO2 blood oxygen readings. However, the accuracy of the heart rate is less certain. A higher value tends to be displayed during exercise and when monitoring in the background. This may be a result of the strap being attached as it is not easy or convenient to get the pin-and-hole system really tight on your wrist. If you force a heart rate measurement, the results will be consistent with the Apple Watch at rest. This shows that there are some problems with the measurement.

For sleeping, I compared it to the Withings Sleep Analyzer under the mattress. It measured very similar total sleep time and REM sleep, but underestimated my deep sleep stage and overestimated my light sleep stage by about an hour each compared to the Withings. It shows a sleep value and also evaluates breathing during sleep. The discrepancy in the sleep stage is not a problem as it is not certain that the Withings sleep is 100% accurate. However, the breath measurements did not match the Withings, which in turn could have something to do with the fact that the band is worn loosely at night. Otherwise, the Mi Band 6 is a good sleep tracking partner for general use by someone without specific sleep problems.

The Mi Band 6's activity tracking is superb – comprehensive, easy to use, and presented logically for easy understanding

Other features include bike tracking for women, breathing exercises, alerts to remind you to move, and automatic stroke detection while swimming. I was struggling with the auto-pause feature, which seemed to pause my workout when I was still in the middle, forcing myself to dig into the settings and turn the feature off.

A software update can remove the heart rate monitor's slight overestimation and a few other accuracy concerns, but the rest of the Mi Band 6's activity tracking is excellent – comprehensive enough for the casual fitness fan, simple to use, and presented logically easy to understand.

Software and battery life

The Mi Band 6 is easy to use. Swipe up on the screen to see a vertical list of options that includes exercise modes and notifications, as well as features like alarms and a world clock, as well as access to the heart rate monitor, stress monitor, and SpO2 blood oxygen test. The order of the list can be changed in the app, as can features that can be accessed with a swipe to personalize the Mi Band 6. It's all relatively smooth, and once the features are placed in an order appropriate for your own use, it's very convenient to live.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The band displays notifications from your phone with moderate frequency, with most, but not all, of the warnings displayed on your wrist. For example, there appeared to be an issue with viewing Gmail notifications, but not with Twitter or Outlook. It may be due to the settings in iOS but I couldn't seem to solve it. It's a nice addition, but don't expect alerts to be that helpful as long messages don't display in full and there's no way to interact with them.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Xiaomi claims that the battery will last two weeks before it needs to be charged. However, it depends on your own use. If you want to take advantage of the continuous heart and stress monitoring features, track sleep, and record an exercise every day, it will take half that time. When used with all of these active features, the battery was 8% on the seventh day. Charging is quick but it is done using a short proprietary cable that is small and easy to lose.

Price and availability

The Mi Band 6 costs £ 40, which is roughly $ 55. It is available through Xiaomi's online shop in the UK. Everyone in the US has to import one, although the Mi Band 6 just like the Mi Band 5 finds its way on Amazon. One thing to watch out for is backing up the UK or "global" version, otherwise it will contain some China-specific features that will not work.

Our opinion

The Mi Band 6 is an excellent fitness band for people who are interested in their general health and want to track their daily movements and make improvements. I put it this way because the Mi Band 6 is not a serious fitness tracker for sports addicts. For example, GPS is not built in, and the accuracy concerns mean anyone seriously looking to improve their performance may find it inadequate.

All of this is reflected in the price. High-end fitness tracking products like the Suunto 7 or Garmin Forerunner 745 cost at least $ 500 and are far better suited for people who train for a marathon or are serious about a particular activity. If you aren't, there is a bit of pointless spending that much, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is great value when you consider what it can do and what sensors it contains.

Xiaomi has not broken its proven formula with the Mi Band 6, it remains a cheap, comfortable fitness band with a list of focused activity features and all the important sensors a modern tracker needs to keep most people happy.

Is there a better alternative?

The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2, priced at $ 60, has a similar design and is more readily available, but doesn't have an SpO2 sensor for improved sleep tracking or GPS. The Honor Band 6 is a great alternative if you prefer a bigger screen and a more traditional, clasp-style band. If you choose Fitbit, Fitbit Charge 4 is our recommended version, but it's much more expensive at $ 150. Sometimes there are decent deals out there to bring that price down a bit.

How long it will take?

The Mi Band 6 should be durable due to its simple plastic construction and be enclosed in the protective belt, which can be replaced inexpensively if it breaks. The entire tape has a water resistance of 5 ATM (50 meters), so it is suitable for swimming but not for diving. Provided Xiaomi has app support (both versions were updated in the last two weeks when this review was written), the Mi Band 6 will last for several years without any problems.

Should you buy one?

Yes. It may take some effort or patience to get one in the US, but it's a good fitness tracker at a very reasonable price.

Editor's recommendations




27 Apr
Blog

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga Review: Cool to the Touch

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

"The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is the best 2-in-1 convertible if you want to use it as a tablet."

  • Attractive and innovative chassis

  • Insanely thin and light

  • Solid performance

  • Excellent battery life

  • Great display for productivity users

  • The touchpad is too small

  • Expensive

Remember when Lenovo's ThinkPad line was the old standby, a collection of well-built and highly functional, but often boring, laptops? Well not anymore.

That's a good thing because what has been replaced is a far more dynamic line-up that keeps surprising. The latest example is the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga, an exciting addition to the convertible 2-in-1 category that – at least on paper – promises to rival some of the best laptops you can buy.

I received a midrange version of the laptop with a Core i5-1130G7, 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD) and a 13.5-inch display in the productivity-friendly 3: 2 aspect ratio and with a high QHD resolution (2,256 x 1,504). This is the only display option available, a potential vulnerability we'll discuss later. The price for this configuration is $ 1,685 after the e-coupon (list price is a crazy $ 3,369) which makes it a very top notch 2-in-1 device indeed. Let's find out if the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga has what it takes to achieve the best.

design

Let's start with that: Titanium is a really cool metal that is used in aircraft, among other things. Using it in a laptop is even cooler. What if it's only used in the lid of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga? It's there and while it gives the laptop a cumbersome name, I like it. It has a nice texture that plays with the ThinkPad's usual soft-touch material. At least I'm assuming this is the titanium I'm touching as the lid is made from both titanium and carbon fiber.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium YogaMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga lid openMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga TopMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga logoMark Coppock / Digital Trends

The rest of the case is made of a magnesium-aluminum alloy, which is supposed to make it both light and durable. While it's very light at just 2.54 pounds, there is a bit of sag in the lid and keyboard deck when some pressure is applied.

The HP Specter x360 14, the ThinkPad's most direct competitor, weighs 2.95 pounds and feels more solid – and both differences are noticeable. The difference in thickness is also noticeable, as the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is only 0.45 inches thick compared to the relatively bulky Specter at 0.67 inches. The Specter x360 14 is smaller than the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga – in particular, thanks to the smaller upper and lower bezels, it is not as deep and almost as wide. The Dell XPS 13, the best clamshell competition, comes in at 2.8 pounds and 0.58 inches thick. It also feels sturdier than the ThinkPad.

The ThinkPad would have benefited from smaller bezels all around, although the top bezel needed an extra size for some additional components (see the Security section below for details). The XPS 13 is the smallest model, but it doesn't have to mess with a more complex 2-in-1 hinge. Speaking of the hinge: The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is a bit stiff. Two hands are required to open, but the lid stays where it belongs in clamshell, tent, media and tablet modes. Note that tablet mode on the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is more comfortable than many other convertibles thanks to its thin case and 3: 2 aspect ratio, which is closer in size to a piece of paper.

What does this thin and light laptop look like? First of all, it hardly resembles its all-black ThinkPad siblings. It's a pleasant silver-gray color that eschews all embellishments except the logos. Even these are different than usual as the ThinkPad logo on the lid is more of a silver embossed version than the norm. white, although the "i" dot remains a flashing LED that shows information about the status of the laptop. Directly below it is a more pronounced X1 logo, which is a mixture of red and black and looks sharp against the ThinkPad logo. There is a barely visible Lenovo logo on the back.

Open the lid and you'll find a similar logo on the keyboard deck, the usual red TrackPoint studs, and the recognizable ThinkPad keyboard. The TrackPoint buttons above the touchpad skip the red accents, which I think works here. Overall, this is a very modern, yet conservative design that I really like, much like the gemstone design of the Specter x360 14 and the sleeker appearance of the XPS 13.

Lenovo Thinkpad x1 Titan Yoga Review Side View v2Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga HingeMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga side viewMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Unsurprisingly, with a machine this thin, connectivity is minimal. You get two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, one of which is used to power the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga, a Kensington lock port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. This means that if you need to connect multiple devices at the same time, you'll need dongles for older devices and a docking station. Wireless connectivity is state of the art with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, and there is an option for 5G or 4G LTE WWAN.

security

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga has the usual ThinkPad security features like the ThinkShutter privacy switch for the webcam and the fingerprint reader for the sensor. This also includes the HPD (Human Presence Device) technology and the software that I tested on the ThinkPad X1 Nano and found to be fast and reliable.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga - fingerprint readerMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Basically, HPD, configured in the Intelligent Security section of Lenovo's Commercial Vantage utility, uses radar to detect when a user is in front of the laptop and when that user is leaving. In the latter case, the technology first dims the display and finally – as quickly as it can be configured by the user – puts the laptop into sleep mode (especially into modern standby mode). As soon as the user returns within a 60-degree arc from the front of the laptop, the device wakes up and logs the user back in using Windows Hello. Once the infrared camera and face recognition are set up, the process is seamless. Go away, the laptop goes to sleep; When you return, your face will be scanned and you can go back to work.

The feature works well and is great except when you're running a long process that shouldn't be interrupted. For example, I had to turn off HPD during my lengthy benchmarks and battery tests unless I wanted to stay locked in front of the laptop. Otherwise my tests would be interrupted. Imagine a long video rendering session and you will get the idea. I tested the same technology on the Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 and found Lenovo's solution to be more reliable and seamless.

performance

My test device used the Core i5-1130G7, a version of the Tiger Lake Core i5 of the 11th generation with a lower thermal design output (TDP) of seven to 15 watts instead of the usual 12 to 28 watts of the Core i5-1135G7 and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.0 GHz versus 4.2 GHz. It contains Intel Iris Xe graphics with the full 80 execution units, but with a slower clock rate of 1.1 GHz compared to 1.3 GHz. All of this is to indicate that Lenovo has opted for a slower and cooler CPU for the Thinkpad X1 Titanium Yoga, which makes sense given the laptop's thin case. Note that the same CPU equipped the ThinkPad X12 detachable tablet I tested, which, as you can see in the table below, was slightly slower than the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga in most of our tests.

As you can see in the graphic, the ThinkPad keeps up in Geekbench 5, but falls behind in the other benchmarks. In the 3DMark Time Spy GPU test, it particularly outperformed the Lenovo Yoga 7i and its faster Core i5, but this was not reflected in real games. Otherwise, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga did exactly the performance you can expect given its CPU.

Note that where a machine offered switchable performance modes, I recorded results from the "normal" setting. In most cases – including the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga – there is only a slight difference between the "Normal" and "Performance" modes. An outlier is the HP Specter x360 14, which led the field in performance mode while its normal mode is a bit slower.

Geekbench
(single / multiple)		 Handbrake
(Seconds)		 Cinebench R23
(single / multiple)		 PCMark 10 3DMark Time Spy
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga (Core i5-1130G7) 1353/4852 251 1274/3705 4498 1339
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable
(Core i5-1130G7)		 1352/4796 185 1125/3663 4443 926
HP Specter x360 14 (Core i7-1165G7) 1214/4117 236 1389/3941 4728 1457
Dell XPS 13 (Core i7-1165G7) 1540/5432 201 1449/4267 N / A 1589
Lenovo Yoga 7i (Core i5-1135G7) 1357/4246 207 N / A 4565 913
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano
(Core i7-1160G7)		 1466/5139 180 1377/4550 4600 1549

The PCMark 10 results of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga were particularly interesting. It was slightly behind on the main score shown in the graph, but more importantly, it was particularly slow in the area of ​​content creation of the benchmark. This was carried over to our handbrake test, which encodes a 420 MB video as H.265, in which the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga was even significantly slower than the ThinkPad X12 Detachable. Overall, this laptop performs well for typical productivity apps, web browsing, media usage, and the like, but you don't want to use it to edit videos. I haven't included Apple laptops with their fast M1 chip or AMD Ryzen machines lately – these would have significantly outperformed the ThinkPad and wouldn't really be in the same class of laptops in terms of performance.

This laptop should not be chosen based on its gaming capabilities. I ran Fortnite at 1080p (in a window as the only full screen option was the display's full resolution where the performance would have been awful) and it has 23 frames per second (fps) in high graphics and 17 fps in epic graphics managed. That's about 10 fps slower than most other Tiger Lake laptops.

display

Lenovo built the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga on a 13.5-inch IPS display with a productivity-friendly aspect ratio of 3: 2 and a high QHD resolution (2,256 x 1,504). As mentioned earlier, the 3: 2 aspect ratio makes this thin and light laptop a superior tablet compared to most other convertible 2-in-1s – including the HP Specter x360 14, which has the same aspect ratio.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga screenMark Coppock / Digital Trends

But a display also has to look good, and this is where my colorimeter comes in. According to this device, the display of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga corresponds to the modern premium average in some respects and surpasses it in other respects. For example, it's pretty bright at 431 nits, well above our preferred 300 nit threshold and better than most of the others. The OLED display of the Specter x360 14 was “only” available at 374 nits, while the 4K display of the Dell XPS 13 was 420 nits. At 1,010: 1, the contrast of the ThinkPad display just exceeded our desired 1000: 1 ratio, which is less than that of the XPS 13 with 1,360: 1 and that of the HP with an incredible 374,200: 1.

The display on the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga was less impressive in terms of color. It managed 71% of AdobeRGB and 96% of sRGB, which is just average for premium displays. The XPS 13 4K display achieved 79% of AdobeRGB and 100% of sRGB, which is slightly better, while the Specter x360 14 had professional quality with 96% of Adobe RGB and 100% of sRGB. The ThinkPad's color accuracy was a DeltaE of 1.62 (less than 1.0 is excellent) compared to the Dell's 1.21 and the HP's 0.69. Gamma was just a bit too bright at 2.1 (2.2 is perfect).

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium YogaMark Coppock / Digital Trends

In practice, I find that it is a pleasant display to work on thanks to the high contrast that creates dark blacks on a white background and a lot of brightness. Creative professionals who crave wide and precise colors won't be satisfied, but productivity workers will love it. Dolby Vision support ensures that HDR (High Dynamic Range) content such as that provided by Netflix is ​​displayed. This is an excellent display for media consumption.

The audio quality was mixed. The volume of the two downward facing speakers was just loud enough and there was little distortion. However, the highs were blown out a bit, so the midrange could fight for attention. As always, there was no bass. The sound quality is fine for the occasional YouTube video. However, if you want to binge or listen to Netflix music, good headphones or bluetooth speakers are recommended.

Keyboard and touchpad

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga shares the same basic keyboard as the rest of the ThinkPad lineup, with identically shaped keycaps and excellent spacing. It's a bit flatter, with good travel, but not quite as deep as on larger ThinkPads. This is an improvement: I find that some other ThinkPad keyboards take too much force to register a click. Here the feeling is light, crisp and very precise, with a confident floor effect. It can't quite live up to my favorites, HP's Specter keyboards and Apple's latest Magic keyboard, but it's close.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga pen, keyboard, and trackpadMark Coppock / Digital Trends

The typical ThinkPad TrackPoint sits in the middle of the keyboard and works as usual if you're into that sort of thing. The main disadvantage is that it requires a number of buttons that take up space on the touchpad. That's a bummer, because one of the advantages of a larger display is more keyboard deck space for a larger touchpad. Lenovo didn't take advantage of that space, leaving behind a touchpad that is much smaller than it could be. For example, the touchpad on the Specter x360 14 is much larger. And this is no ordinary touchpad. It uses haptic feedback rather than physical buttons to register clicks. While it doesn't work as naturally as the Apple version, it is a decent solution. There's the usual Microsoft Precision touchpad support, so Windows 10 multi-touch gestures are well supported. Overall, it's an attractive touchpad – it's just too small.

The display is of course touchable and also reacts. It supports the Lenovo Active Pen that is included and supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt assistance. The pen is magnetically attached to the right side of the display. While it's not like other Lenovo pens that slide into a port for storage and charging, it's a full-size pen well worth the tradeoff.

Windows 10 Hello is supported by both a fingerprint reader and facial recognition. Both were quick and accurate. As mentioned earlier, you'll want to use face recognition to get the most out of its human presence detection features.

Battery life

The thin frame of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga only contains 44.5 watt hours of battery, which is not much for a laptop with a high-resolution display of this size. Given the general tendency of the ThinkPad to have a battery life that was above average, I wasn't confident that it would achieve impressive longevity.

As it turned out, the battery life wasn't great, but it was also terrible. In our web browser test, the ThinkPad managed 9.45 hours, an above-average performance, and exceeded both the seven hours of the Specter x360 14 and the slightly more than six hours of the XPS 13 4K. In our video test, which ran through a Full HD movie trailer, the Thinkpad X1 Titanium Yoga managed a strong 15.75 hours, 5.5 hours longer than the HP and five hours longer than the Dell.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium YogaMark Coppock / Digital Trends

I also ran the laptop through the PCMark 10 gaming battery test, which put a strain on the CPU and GPU, and it lasted three hours, much like the Specter x360 14 and about half an hour less than the XPS 13 4K. In the battery test for PCMark 10 applications, which gives the best indication of the productivity of the laptop, the ThinkPad was at the top of our database with almost 11 hours, about two hours longer than HP and Dell.

The net result is that the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga gives you likely a full day of battery life, and a few more. That's not too shabby for a machine with a high-resolution display and decent productivity performance.

Our opinion

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is a superior 2-in-1 convertible that offers the best of the HP Specter x360 14. It's thin and light, so it works well as a tablet, a rarity in this class of machines. It has a great keyboard and pen, solid security options, and a case that feels very modern and sturdy.

You won't love the performance when you're doing more than the usual productivity tasks, but if you don't want to get on with demanding tasks, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is for you. And it's partly made of titanium, which again is pretty cool.

Are there alternatives?

The HP Specter x360 14 is the most logical alternative. It's faster, slightly smaller, thicker, and heavier, and has a superior OLED display. The HP is also close to the same price as the ThinkPad, just with a Core i7-1185G7 and the OLED display, which makes it a far better value for money.

If you want a detachable tablet instead of a 2-in-1 convertible tablet, the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable is a great option. You get slightly slower performance and battery life, but the best detachable tablet available right now. It's also several hundred dollars cheaper.

If you don't need the flexibility of a 2-in-1, the excellent Dell XPS 13 is, as usual, a great choice. It remains the best overall notebook and offers better performance, a higher resolution display option in a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a chassis that is more robust and slightly smaller.

How long it will take?

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is tough enough to withstand years of hard work and has the latest components. You should make a lot of productive work out of it. They also suffer from the inadequate, but industry standard, 1-year guarantee.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is the best 2-in-1 convertible that can be used as a tablet and offers solid battery life due to its attractive, thin and light design.

Editor's recommendations




26 Apr
Blog

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Review: It’s Not Quite Ultra Enough

xiaomi mi 11 ultra review top back camera

"The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra does everything you'd expect from a top smartphone in 2021, but introduces a few things you don't want and that gives the competition the edge."

  • 50MP camera takes great photos

  • Nice screen

  • Good battery life and fast charging

  • Focus problems frustrate you

  • The back screen isn't very useful

Xiaomi knows there is a battle for flagship phones this year. Samsung has knocked down competition so far with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and while the Galaxy S21 + and Galaxy S21 don't quite meet the same standards, they're still desirable phones. We've already looked at Xiaomi's S21 challenger, the Mi 11. Now is the time to check whether the Mi 11 Ultra can compete against the S21 Ultra or whether it doesn't quite live up to its name.

design

So you think the S21 Ultra is big and heavy? Get to know the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. It's a 234-gram plate made of Gorilla Glass Victus and ceramic with a huge camera module that takes up the top third of the back of the device. The total footprint is a bit smaller than the Galaxy phone, but the added weight and camera module mean it's still a serious handful.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The tapered edges, curved corners, and flat ends make it comfortable to hold, but the balance is easily disturbed, not that it's a surprise when you look into the camera. The module is almost weirdly large, protrudes several millimeters and is packed full of cameras and associated sensors as well as a second screen. Really. The Mi 11 Ultra has a screen in the camera module. I'll come back to that.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's good that the camera module is, how should I put it, noticeable. Otherwise, the Mi 11 Ultra isn't a very exciting phone. It is similar to the Mi 11, OnePlus 8 Pro, and various other phones with curved screens and shiny bodies. It doesn't attract a lot of fingerprints, but it's very slippery. Xiaomi comes with a basic case in the box and it is probably advisable to use it.

Screens

The Mi 11 Ultra's screen is one of the best I've used on a phone. It is 6.81 inches tall, has a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, HDR10 +, Dolby Vision support and a lot of brightness. There was never a time when I wished it looked different or had an additional function. There are always-on screens on the front and back of the phone for notifications and the time of day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Although the Mi 11 Ultra has a curved edge, the screen doesn't extend that far down, but it suffers from accidental touches. Suddenly adding blank lines to a piece of text, moving it to the notification shade when you don't want to, and opening the camera or dialer app is all done. It's not all the time, but it's enough to be annoying. If you're not a fan of curved screens, the Mi 11 Ultra won't change your mind.

Now we come to the rear window. It's a tiny 1.1-inch OLED that sits next to the cameras and makes it easy to take selfies when using the rear camera. This allows you to check your pose instead of just guessing. It also works as a constantly on screen that shows the time, battery level, and some notifications when the phone is face down. It is not displayed permanently on the screen and can be set to only stay on for up to 30 seconds. You can tap on it to wake it up.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Is it helpful? Not really. I usually have my phone open anyway, but when I haven't, I'll still have to tap the screen to see the time and negate any cunning advantage of watching the clock. For selfies, it's too small and too low resolution to do anything other than simple framing. You can see where you are in the shot but don't expect a lot of details. Yes, it allows you to use the rear cameras for selfies, so it's successful there, but not much beyond that.

When you return to the main screen, there is little to separate it from the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It's bright, vibrant, and detailed, and has a variety of custom settings for you to play around with. These include a Super Resolution mode for upscaling low-resolution content and several Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) modes that apply HDR effects to still images and videos. You can adjust the DCI-P3 color gamut for accurate colors, change the refresh rate, enable flicker, and also change the resolution.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, it is difficult to determine what makes a difference and where. I have the 4K Mitsubishi Evo X video from Woyshnis Media with the settings DCI-P3 color profile, 120 Hz, WQHD + resolution and super resolution and again with automatic color and 60 Hz, but without super resolution, and apart from the refresh rate, viewed the video looked very similar. Ultimately, with these settings, you can make the screen look and work the way you prefer, whatever it may be. Regardless of what I did, the Mi 11 Ultra's screen always looked great.

One final thing to note is that the Mi 11 Ultra comes with a factory-installed screen protector, but it quickly lifts up at the corners and even breaks off to the side after getting caught on something. I had to take it off for the photos here, which I almost never do with a test device, which suggests it may not be the best protection.

camera

The Mi 11 Ultra is the first phone to use the jointly developed 50-megapixel GN2 camera from Samsung and Xiaomi, which has a massive 1 / 1.12-inch sensor. This means that it creates the most eye-catching natural bokeh you've seen from a smartphone without the need for a portrait mode. It's really impressive and allows you to take photos that other smartphones, even the Galaxy S21 Ultra, can't.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, this massive sensor appears to be causing a few issues, including the frustrating inability to focus on something too close to the camera. From pets to food, I have more blurry shots than actually focused shots of all of these things due to the problematic focus of the Mi 11 Ultra. This is difficult because there is no indication on the screen of whether or not the camera is in focus, and tapping your subject will not help either as there is no visual cue that it is working as advertised.

If you stop taking photos of objects within about 30 centimeters of the camera, it will do much better. The main camera has a nice natural tone with just the right amount of color to accurately capture the atmosphere of a scene. I enjoyed it very much and seldom took a picture that I didn't like. Xiaomi has kept the appearance of the photos constant across the 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with very few differences in color and dynamic range, unless the lighting is particularly demanding.

Another 48-megapixel camera offers 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, and a ridiculous 120x zoom. The 5x zoom is excellent and I've used it a lot to better frame photos of flowers from a distance, even though it gets very close to the subject. As a result, it is unlikely to be as versatile and usable as a 3x optical zoom. The 120x zoom creates pixelated photos that you just want to delete.

I was impressed with the video capability. Optical image stabilization is very effective and keeps the camera steady when I'm walking or when it's mounted in a car. She records vivid, bright and very pretty videos. There are many different video modes that use Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to create unusual effects, just like the Mi 11, but they are a bit tricky and really only work in certain situations.

The small screen on the back of the phone next to the massive main cameras is undoubtedly an interesting addition, but it hasn't proven very useful. I may not take enough selfies, but even if I used it, the size is just right to frame your shot and nothing else. It's not as practical or innovative as the Asus Zenfone 7 Pro's flip camera system. It's also awkward because you have to activate it yourself in one of the Mi 11 Ultra's many camera menus. I'm not sure why Xiaomi didn't set it to automatically activate with a new, easier-to-access mode.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Mi 11 Ultra's camera is exciting and takes great photos most of the time. It is the first time the GN2 sensor has been used in a phone. Therefore, some problems are to be expected. Since it cannot be directly compared to others, it is not clear whether the focus problems are a Xiaomi software problem or not a camera problem. Put that aside – it is possible to bypass it once you know – and the Mi 11 Ultra's camera will capture great photos and videos that you'll want to share.

Performance and software

Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and 12 GB of RAM as well as 256 GB of internal storage space, the Mi 11 Ultra is an extremely powerful, top-class smartphone. I didn't experience any speed or smoothness issues. The Android 11 operating system is covered by Xiaomi's MIUI 12 user interface. It's the same as the Mi 11, and there are many of the same problems.

It's the best version of MIUI I've used, but it's still frustrating at times. Dark mode doesn't always work with other apps – for example, my black and white profile picture on Twitter looked negative – and the Settings menu is different from most other Android phones. It's not bad, just different, and you will have to spend some time learning its weaknesses before you feel comfortable.

I find that MIUI is a little buggy at times too, and those bugs seem to differ from phone to phone. I have noticed several times that the Mi 11 Ultra has dropped calls, which I have never experienced with the Mi 11. It didn't always happen and was mostly on lengthy calls. Xiaomi updates its software fairly regularly, which may mean that such issues will be fixed in the future.

The Mi 11 Ultra is an extremely powerful, top-class smartphone.

I've played both Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9: Legends, and while both were fluid and fast, Asphalt randomly paused until I tapped the screen to continue. It didn't work all the time and may have been a gaming bug, but given MIUI's other issues, it's worth pointing out. A lot of energy is consumed in gaming and an hour of Genshin Impact will quickly discharge 25% of the battery. You'll also have to get used to grabbing the massive camera module that is always under your hand and wiping the inevitable fingerprints off the lens.

Battery and security

The battery life of the 5,000 mAh cell is much better than that of the Mi 11. It is not enough for two days (mostly connected to Wi-Fi), but with light use it lasts well into the second day. Most of the time my days ended with around 40%. Use it frequently when you are out and about and it won't extend into a second day. This is what I would expect from a phone with similar specs to the Mi 11 Ultra.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra review feeAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi 11 ultra review back handsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi 11 ultra review topAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

A 67 watt charging brick is supplied along with a special USB Type-C cable. If you connect the phone at 3%, it will reach 94% in 30 minutes and the battery will be fully charged in 40 minutes. That's really fast given the 5,000mAh capacity and should mean you don't have to plug the phone in all night. The Mi 11 Ultra also has a 67W wireless charger if you use a compatible charger.

A built-in fingerprint sensor and a face release keep the Mi 11 Ultra secure. The fingerprint sensor can be a little slow, often taking around a second before the phone unlocks, while unlocking the face is very quick. So if you've enabled both of them, face unlock will have done its job before your finger touches the screen.

Price and availability

Xiaomi does not officially sell its smartphones in the US. So you have to import a Mi 11 Ultra if you want one. The phone is currently available in China, has been confirmed for India and is expected in the UK and Europe. The price has not yet been announced for the UK or Europe, but we know it costs the equivalent of $ 925 in China. We think a price of € 1,000 is likely, based on the € 750 price tag on the Mi 11.

Our opinion

The Mi 11 Ultra is a familiar Xiaomi story: Really very impressive hardware that has been disappointed by a few annoyances that should have been worked out. The main 50-megapixel camera takes great photos, and I really like the video performance, but focusing up close is random. The screen looks amazing, but there are still problems with the touch sensitivity of the curved sides. MIUI 12 is attractive and fast, but I found annoying bugs.

All of this spoils the Mi 11 Ultra and it's a shame. I can live with the size of the phone and the huge camera module and appreciate the high specs, but I don't accept fundamental issues that can make it annoying to use. When the hardware is this good on paper and you're dealing with a company as large as Xiaomi, those irritations just shouldn't be there.

The bigger problem with this is that the competition has largely resolved these issues, especially with the 2021 lineup. Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have great high-end smartphones at roughly the same price as the Mi 11 Ultra. While not perfect, they don't have the same basic problems as the Xiaomi phone. It's frustrating as the Mi 11 Ultra is otherwise a very capable and extremely desirable phone and should match or even better what these brands have to offer.

Is there a better alternative?

It is difficult to recommend the Mi 11 Ultra directly due to its availability. Assuming you're paying $ 1,000 for the phone, we'd recommend spending it on a OnePlus 9 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, or for a good deal, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. All three phones have great cameras, top-notch performance, and very attractive screens. In other words, everything the Mi 11 Ultra offers, just with the convenience of ordering on the spot.

How long it will take?

The glass and ceramic case should be durable in general use, and a case is included to protect the phone in case of serious problems. The Mi 11 Ultra also has an IP68 waterproof rating. Google Android updates may not arrive very quickly, but Xiaomi regularly keeps its own software up to date. There is 5G on board so you can connect to the fastest network. The phone's specs are the best you can get right now. It takes at least two years.

Should you buy one?

No. Buying the Mi 11 Ultra is still quite complicated at the moment, and there are more equivalent and better phones that are more readily available.

Editor's recommendations




25 Apr
Blog

Dyson Omni-Glide Review: You May Want to Ditch Your Swiffer

Dyson Omni-Glide cordless vacuum test articulation brush

"The most fun you will have since the Swiffer was invented scooping up debris on hard floors."

  • Compact design

  • The swivel head ensures effortless sweeping

  • Can get under most furniture

  • Good suction for its size

  • Shorter battery life

  • Comes with few accessories

Dyson is back with another new cordless vacuum cleaner. While it may seem like a never-ending cycle, this latest one is actually something else. Yes, it's an upright cordless vacuum, but it's specially designed for hard floors. That makes it more of a specialty cleaner than the all-purpose models the company is known for.

The Dyson Omni-Glide is one of three new models the company is introducing this year. As it stands, the Omni-Glide is positioned as a permanent replacement for the tried and tested Swiffer. At a whopping $ 400, however, it takes really serious substance to convince people to let go of their beloved sweeper.

Iconic Dyson design

Dyson's designs are iconic and as instantly recognizable as Apple and its iPhones. The Omni-Glide does not differ from other newer offerings like the mighty Dyson V11 series by the turbine-like shape, which makes Dyson's vacuum cleaner so naturally distinguishable. It also helps that it has the same bright purple and red accents that give its look a more approachable look.

Most notable here is how light and compact it is over previous Dysons. When you tip the scales to 4.18 pounds, the 6.68 pound weight of the V11 Torque Drive feels heavy in the hand – trust me, it'll catch your eye! This makes pushing the Omni-Glide around a breeze, while vacuuming up dirt from high spots with the splitting tool is also an almost effortless process.

Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum Review at high tideJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

If there is one persistent complaint I have about Dyson's cordless vacuum cleaners, it must be that you have to wall mount all of the included chargers. Again, with the Omni-Glide, it is no exception, and it is only a pain that it takes to do so. I'd rather have a standalone, free-standing base, similar to the LG CordZero A9 or Samsung Jet 90, both of which come with charging stations in the box that house some of the included accessories. Unfortunately, the splitting tool with the Omni-Glide requires a home of its own because there is no built-in storage space when it is not in use.

A swiffer with a permanent pad

With its omnidirectional Soft Roller Cleaner head, the Omni-Glide acts effectively like your traditional Swiffer sweeper without the need to purchase replacement pads. Instead, the soft roller gently combs hard floors while the vacuum is used. And since it sits on a poseable neck, there is no wrong way to move it around floors, furniture, edges and corners. The Omni-Glide is actually a lot of fun vacuuming because the articulation is so smooth – you can even move it back and forth without affecting the speed of the soft brush.

Dyson Omni-Glide cordless vacuum test articulation brushJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The advantage over a traditional Swiffer is, of course, that you don't have to constantly buy replacement pads. The soft roller cleaner head neatly collects small bits of dirt and debris, but I've found that large clumps of material or pet hair can be a challenge to pick up. Although there are few tangles visible on the rollers, I have found that hair can still collect on the ends. Fortunately, there is a latch on the roller head that makes it easy to remove the rollers, making it easier to access the ends where hair is piling up. I also appreciate how it can get into tight spaces, including under furniture.

The suction power of the eight radial cone system is not quite as high as that of the V11 torque driveThat's what I expected, as nothing has yet to outperform this model, but the Omni-Glide is still a sufficient cleaner for quick on-site mess.

Only for light daily cleaning

Because of its size and lightweight feel, the Omni-Glide doesn't have nearly as long battery life as some of the more complete, all-purpose cordless vacuums. In fact, the battery is designed to last up to 20 minutes before discharging and must be returned to the charging station. You can swap out the lithium-ion battery for another for continuous use, but a replacement costs a staggering $ 150.

The Omni-Glide is actually a lot of fun vacuuming.

Another reason it's not intended for heavy-duty cleaning is because of the 0.05 gallon dust bin, which is far smaller than other cordless vacuums. This small volume requires frequent emptying. Speaking of which, I'm happy to say that you don't have to worry too much about blowing dust back when emptying the container, as pressing the latch will safely eject the container's contents.

For the cost, it would have been really nice to get more specialized accessories with the Omni-Glide. The included splitting tool is cleverly designed – the brush attachment can be easily attached over the splitting tool – but you don't get anything else. I would have liked additional attachments that could help mop floors, or even some other type of roller to clean furniture, but you only get the combined splitting tool in the box.

Dyson Omni-Glide Battery Vacuum ReviewJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Considering the short battery life, small dust bin, and few accessories that are most effective for daily cleaning. It's the kind of thing best for everyday after-dinner use just because it's not intended for heavy, once-a-month chores.

Our opinion

In true Dyson fashion, the cost of the Omni-Glide will probably be the most challenging quality. The $ 400 price tag will surely make anyone hesitate to buy it, especially given the fact that you can get a Swiffer road sweeper kit for less than $ 20. That's a big gap, but the Omni-Glide's advantage is that it can collect larger and heavier debris than a Swiffer. It also functions as a handy handheld due to its compact design.

How long it will take?

Like all Dysons, the Omni-Glide is characterized by a robust build quality, although it is mainly made of robust plastic. I dropped it a couple of times and there is no indication of a performance compromise. It comes with a two year limited warranty that covers defects.

Is there a better alternative?

Absolutely! The Dyson V11 series performs much better and comes with more accessories. This makes them a far more versatile package – if you're willing to spend a few hundred more. If cost is a primary concern, that is Samsung Jet 90 and LG CordZero A9 are both wonderful solutions.

Should you buy it?

Yes, only if you live in a place that's mostly filled with hard floors and don't want the hassle of buying disposable pads.

Editor's recommendations




23 Apr
Blog

Polk React Review: Affordable, Expandable, And Smart

Polk React soundbar

"With its excellent film and music quality, it is a valuable addition to any TV room."

  • Sleek, flat design

  • Easy adjustment

  • Very good sound quality

  • Affordable wireless accessories

  • Alexa built in

  • No HDMI inputs

  • Playback controls are missing on the remote control

  • Requires Alexa for Wi-Fi streaming

  • No Chromecast or AirPlay

By far the biggest advantage of buying a soundbar is its simplicity. One speaker, two cables and bam! Much better sound than your TV alone. As soundbars add functions such as subwoofers, surround speakers or voice functions, their price and complexity also increase.

Polk's $ 250 React soundbar is designed to help. On its own, it's a smart speaker with Alexa technology that delivers decent virtual surround sound. But you can also bring the system to a full 5.1 setup by adding Polks $ 200 wireless subwoofer and $ 200 surround speakers.

Does this $ 650 investment compete or beat the competition? Let's try it out.

What's in the box?

Polk provides the React soundbar with everything you need to get started, including an HDMI cable, an optical cable, a remote control with batteries, a wall-mount template, and wall-mount hardware. There are loads of styrofoam to throw away (or recycle if appropriate facilities are available in your area) and a number of multi-purpose bags.

It gets very little attention as to what exactly is what you want in a soundbar.

design

At just 34 inches wide, the Polk React should easily be placed in front of almost any television. Because of its height of 2.2 inches, it is short enough to avoid blocking the underside of the screen (and any infrared receivers there). .

Polk React soundbarRich Shibley / Digital Trends

The (almost) completely dark gray, cloth-wrapped exterior is completely neutral and hardly attracts any attention, which in my opinion is exactly what you expect from a soundbar. I think it's far more appealing than Polk's first attempt at a smart soundbar – the $ 299 Polk Command Bar.

On the top, it looks like someone punched a hole the size of an echo dot in the speaker and then put an echo dot in it. This isn't far from the truth – that circular set of buttons and microphones is indeed the tell-tale sign that the React is an Alexa smart speaker, too.

In contrast to Sonos Beam or Arc or Bose Soundbar 300, the use of Alexa plays a central role in setting up the React. However, we will explain this further below.

The fabric housing of the React conceals two mid-range speakers, two tweeters and two passive bass radiators. Two LED displays are also faded out (until they light up): A long, segmented horizontal bar that serves as a level indicator for settings such as volume and bass, as well as Alexa's colorful, animated response cues and a small LED point that lights up depending on the source signal different colors (blue for Bluetooth, green for Dolby Audio, etc.).

The wireless React subwoofer, like so many other subwoofers, is a simple black box. However, thanks to its rectangular shape, it may be easier to hide behind or next to a couch than some of the more cube-shaped designs we've seen.

But I love the optional Polk SR2 wireless rear speakers. They have a fabric grille to match the React soundbar and a trapezoidal shape that gives them a lot of flexibility in placement. Their rubber feet allow them to sit comfortably on any surface, while the standard threaded holes for speaker mounting allow you to use a variety of third-party brackets and stands. Or you can just use the supplied mounting hardware. Surround speakers are rarely distinguished by their design, which makes the SR2 a refreshing change of pace.

links

Polk React soundbar inputsRich Shibley / Digital Trends

The response is pretty barebones from the connectivity point of view. You get a single HDMI ARC port for audio only, an optical port in case your TV doesn't support HDMI ARC, and a USB port. There is no analog input. So you can't count on being able to connect an external wired sound source such as a portable media player.

Setting up the React using the Alexa app couldn't be easier.

There is also no way to use the optical and HDMI-ARC as separate inputs. They are mutually exclusive. Connecting one of them will lock the other.

Setup and configuration

Yes, it is possible to use the Polk React soundbar on its own without setting it up for use with Amazon Alexa. If this is what you intend to do, I recommend finding another soundbar. The Alexa app is required for Wi-Fi access, multi-room audio and intelligent speaker functions.

The good news is that setting up the React couldn't be easier using the Alexa app.

Just place the soundbar and connect it to your TV. If your TV has HDMI ARC and you don't mind sacrificing an HDMI port on your TV, use that connection. This allows the soundbar to control the volume / mute of the TV and vice versa. Otherwise an optical connection is fine and does not affect the sound quality at all.

Plug in the power cord and open the Amazon Alexa app. Within a few seconds, the app automatically detects that the reaction is available for setup and prompts you to do so.

Polk React soundbar with remote controlRich Shibley / Digital Trends

Pro tip: If you've never downloaded or used the Alexa app before, take a few minutes to download it and create a new account, or use your existing Amazon account. Doing this before turning on React for the first time will make the process a lot smoother.

The Alexa app will walk you through a few steps like choosing the React location in your home and choosing a default music service.

If you choose to go for the wireless subwoofer or the SR2 environment, the process of adding it should be painless as well. All I had to do was plug them in and the React would automatically recognize them and connect wirelessly. A voice prompt even told me that the SR2 speakers needed to be updated before they could work, and the React bar did that update automatically and restart itself. I've never seen a hands-off setup like this before.

If you've used your TV's built-in speakers, the React will feel like a serious upgrade.

I say it should be painless because it was like that for me. However, our senior editor Caleb Denison also set up a React soundbar and found that adding the surrounds wasn't quite as smooth (see our video review above).

Sound quality

The React soundbar alone sounds very good considering its size and price. In contrast to many inexpensive loudspeakers, it ensures an excellent frequency balance. Higher registers like speech are clear and precise, the midtones are well rendered, and the bass is far stronger than I expected because the soundbar is based on passive bass radiators – not active drivers – for its deep end.

Polk React soundbarRich Shibley / Digital Trends

If you've used your TV's built-in speakers, the React will feel like a serious upgrade. Polk promises "big, detailed, virtual surround sound," and I'd say React largely lives up to that – at least in the "large" and "detailed" categories.

As far as simulating a real surround sound setup is concerned, it is not quite as successful as, for example, the Bose Soundbar 300. The React certainly offers a nice, wide soundstage that easily fills even medium-sized rooms with sound, but is not entirely successful Wraparound effect that the best virtual surround systems can achieve. This may be because the React bar is actually a two-channel speaker with discrete left and right drivers. If you need to virtualize one center channel, there isn't much room left for virtualizing two surround channels.

Polk offers four EQ presets: Music, Movie, Sports, and Night. Music and film sounded very similar to me. The night cuts most of the lower frequencies, making you less likely to disturb other people in your home who are trying to sleep. Sport should actually be called "speech" as it enhances higher frequencies for better clarity of dialogue.

The surrounds are not used at all when streaming music, which seems like a big missed opportunity.

The soundbar is a really fluid player when it comes to music too, but that's where the Wi-Fi connection comes in, activated by the Alexa app. The React has Bluetooth so you can stream music from any smartphone, tablet or computer. However, you will get significantly better quality if you stream using the services available in the Alexa app or via Spotify Connect.

Polk React Soundbar Subwoofer

Polk React Soundbar SR2 Surround Speakers

My only complaint is that the Alexa app doesn't support some services. Tidal and YouTube music are particularly absent. And since the React doesn't have AirPlay or Chromecast, you'll need to use Bluetooth if your favorite service isn't listed.

The addition of the wireless subwoofer does exactly what you would expect. Low-end bass goes from something you hear to something you feel, an important component for action movie fans.

Finally, adding the SR2 wireless surround speakers makes up for the lack of depth. As Denison points out in his video review, to get the most out of them, you need to turn up the volume on these speakers. Annoyingly, the surrounds are only for 5.1 soundtracks. They are not used at all when streaming music, which seems like a big missed opportunity.

Control and ease of use

The React's remote control is nothing special, but that's a good thing. It's comfortable to use, has dedicated buttons for all important settings, and although it's not backlit, the white labels on the black, rubberized surface are easy to read even in a fairly dark room. If you don't want to say "Alexa" before issuing a voice command, you can press the appropriate Alexa button instead.

I especially like when you add the SR2 wireless speakers. The remote control offers you volume controls and balance controls only for these channels.

The only missing component is playback controls when streaming music, which is an odd omission. Given the React's generous music options (including MP3 storage on a USB device), you'd think there was at least one play / pause button.

Polk React Soundbar Remote ControlRich Shibley / Digital Trends

The remote also seemed to be having trouble relaying its infrared commands to the soundbar. I had to adjust the angle of the remote further as I pointed it at the bar – sometimes the button registered immediately, sometimes not at all.

In the instructions, Polk warns that a light source aimed directly at the soundbar's IR sensor can cause interference, but I'm pretty sure it won't.

When you include Alexa in the equation, control is taken to the next level. Not only can you use the React for the myriad of tasks we can assign to smart speakers, such as: B. to inform us of the weather forecast or set reminders, but you can also access music or podcasts from the available services.

Using Alexa or the Alexa app to control music playback is simple but limited. You can access songs, albums, and playlists, but there is no way to add new favorites or create playlists. All of this must be done in the app of the respective service. It certainly can't be compared to what Sonos has to offer, but then again, the Sonos Beam costs considerably more.

I wish you could use Alexa for TV based commands e.g. For example, turning the TV on and off, or changing inputs (something you can do with the Bose Smart Soundbar 300), but that's not included in the React at the moment.

Our opinion

While it doesn't offer the same versatility as other smart soundbars like the Sonos Beam or the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, the Polk React is great value for both movies and music and can be easily and cheaply converted to a true 5.1 Surround be expanded sound home theater system.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a midrange soundbar that doubles as a smart speaker, there is simply nothing on the market that comes close Polk React for the price.

If you're willing to spend $ 150 more, you can do both Sonos Beam and Bose Smart Soundbar 300 Choose from a voice assistant, better music streaming options, and better multi-room audio. However, upgrading to full surround sound systems costs considerably more.

If all you want is a simple, no-frills soundbar, this is it Vizio V21 It's hard to beat at just $ 180 including a wireless subwoofer.

How long it will take?

Polk Audio has a reputation for making solidly built speakers, and the React seems to be following that trend. The amplifier is guaranteed for one year and the speakers for three years. I assume it will take many years to come.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Polk React is easy to use and sounds great for both movies and music. The ability to inexpensively expand it and use it as a smart speaker are practical extras.

Editor's recommendations




22 Apr
Blog

NieR Replicant Review: As Flawed and Engrossing as Ever

Nier replicant

Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139 … – PlayStation 4

"NieR Replicant is still the same flawed game it was in 2010, but a much-needed touch-up makes its fantastic story shine."

  • Fantastic story

  • Fully developed characters

  • Exciting new content

  • The much-needed visual upgrade

  • Repeated struggle

  • Outdated gameplay

  • Blunt side quests

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… tries to rewrite history. The action RPG is an updated version of NieR, a cult PlayStation 3 game that received a lukewarm reception when it launched in 2010, the game that was doomed to dark.

That is, if the players can overcome the problems they had with it. That's the tricky thing about remakes of this type. In a way, they're tied to fate. The new version brings updated graphics and gameplay improvements, but it's still the same PS3 game with all of its strengths and flaws kept true to the original.

While the update can't solve basic design issues, the much-needed improvements from NieR Replicant finally let the fantastic story of the original game shine. Players may rush for a challenging experience to get there, but few games are as narratively bold and mystifying as this one.

A haunting journey

The opening sequence of NieR Replicant is about as arresting as it comes. Players are instantly introduced to an apocalyptic environment filled with jumbled shadows, creepy beings that look like they're half torn out of reality. We meet a panicked boy who tries to protect his sick little sister while the two are in a shabby building. There's a massive battle in which the hero quickly shoots to level 30, followed by a deeply disturbing leap in time over 1,300 years into the future.

This is just the beginning of a haunting story that continues to fascinate. Over a century later, the same brother and sister live and survive in a humble village founded long after the collapse of humanity. The game begins by finding the boy to track down magical spells called Sealed Verses that can cure his sister's mysterious illness but barely scratch the surface. It's a completely unpredictable story that is a page-turner for video games. The less you know about it, the better.

A notable change here is that NieR Replicant uses the protagonist from the Japanese version of the game. When NieR originally started in the US, the optimistic brother turned into a gruff old man who wanted to save his daughter. The change makes a huge difference. The hero feels more vulnerable and it makes the journey more personal.

Perhaps NieR was barely ahead of his time, but like his hero, the story has not aged a day all these years later.

The story is striking, but it's the characters that give it soul. Along the way, players encounter companions like Grimoire Weiss, a presumptuous, sentimental book, and Kainé, a warrior with a mouth as fierce as her blade. Each character receives a fully realized arc on the way to the true end of the game. Like NieR Automata, the game features multiple endings that require players to repeat parts of the game multiple times. It's an unnecessarily demanding barrier that is sure to put some off, but I was more than ready to move on to achieve a closure that is really paying off.

There's an alternate timeline where NieR is the early 2010 PS3 release, which raises the bar for video game narratives than it did for 2013's The Last of Us. Both titles have strong character work and use similar ones Tricks to hide information from players. Perhaps NieR was barely ahead of his time, but like his hero, the story has not aged a day all these years later.

Bronze, not platinum

If it looks like I've spent a lot of time praising the story, it's because the gameplay is where there are problems. Most importantly, it was not developed by PlatinumGames, which NieR Automata managed. Those hoping for the same action the studio is known for will be disappointed with the downgrade.

The combat systems are similar on their surface. It is an action role-playing game that has players with oversized weapons hacking through shades. The difference is that NieR Replicant's swordplay is a one-button affair. Hacking involves pressing the attack button over and over while playing the same combination. It's a repetitive system that makes some of the game's later fights feel like they're being conducted on an autopilot.

Nier replicant

The fight has been redesigned for the game to feel a little closer to NieR Automata, but there's only so far that it can go. Although it feels more fluid, small changes can hide not fully cooked actions that barely change over the course of 30 hours.

A magical system helps solve some of these problems. Players can assign four different spells to their controller's triggers, adding a little more versatility and range to the battles. Basic actions like dodging and blocking also need to be mapped to buttons. Therefore, players should adapt their toolset to suit their play style. The game's "word" system is a nice touch too. Defeated enemies can drop a magic word randomly that can be applied to any weapon or ability. These can increase attack power, add effects to weapons and much more. Customizing a loadout requires more brainpower than actually using it.

The fight has been redesigned for the game to feel a little closer to NieR Automata, but there's only so far that it can go.

The mileage will vary here. The story is awesome, but is it worth fighting your way through pesky battles to get there? That depends on how much the narrative and characters appeal to players. I was invested enough to get my way, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't rush through battles to get to the cutscenes.

Replicate the original

When it comes to remakes (or "version upgrades" as director Yoko Taro calls it), NieR Replicant brings a lot to the table. The most important thing is to reconnect the 2010 game with its superior sequel. NieR and Automata have long felt completely separate, but the new pass unites them. The visual boost, fantastic re-recorded music, and combat improvements finally make these games feel like they are part of the same universe.

At least NieR Replicant makes it easier to put up with the mistakes with a more modern paint job that is easy on the eyes and ears.

Replicant is also bringing some new content to the game, which is a welcome addition. There's a new quest that blends in seamlessly with the story, adding more depth to an underdeveloped area of ​​the original (but also adding length to the repetitions required). There's one more piece of new content that is downright spectacular. I'm not going to spoil the fun, but it sure is the main selling point for NieR fans hungry for deeper lore.

Nier replicant

All of the new aspects are great, but there are a lot that can't be fixed. Side quests are mostly lifeless retrieval missions, the story tirelessly takes players into the same handful of areas, and the game's female lead is still wearing incredibly revealing lingerie that barely qualifies as clothing.

Some of the issues people had with the original game are actually fixed here because they're too embedded in the core design. Anything but a remake in the style of Final Fantasy VII could not have completely rewritten history. Perhaps NieR is a phenomenal work of storytelling trapped in a mediocre action RPG. Nevertheless, at least NieR Replicant makes it easier to endure the mistakes with a more modern paint job that is easy on the eyes and ears.

Our opinion

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… confirms that the original NieR was way ahead of its time and way behind it. The story is incredibly compelling and only gets better with new content added. On the other side of the coin, the repetitive gameplay feels dated, even by 2010 standards. Those who push their way through the 30-hour adventure will be rewarded with a daring odyssey. In hindsight, it may even outperform NieR Automata, but it's hard to blame someone who'd rather watch everything on YouTube than play it for themselves.

Is there a better alternative?

NieR Automata remains the more polished and fun game of the two. Those who haven't played it should start there and come back to it if they want more.

How long it will take?

Reaching the true end takes a total of 30-35 hours. Beat the game once takes closer to 20, but believe me when I say that by the time you stop there, you'll only have played half the game.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Those who believe the gameplay is king may want to have clear control, but the story here is unlike anything out there.

Editor's recommendations




22 Apr
Blog

Garmin Venu 2 Review: Superb Tracking With Superior Battery

garmin venu 2 review 2s

"The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is near the height of fitness trackers and smartwatches."

  • Up to 11 days of battery life

  • Detailed tracking of important health data

  • Health alerts keep users informed about stress

  • Dozens of workout routines

  • Numerous dials

  • High price

  • iPhone users cannot reply to messages

The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is proof that Garmin has successfully changed direction from car-mounted GPS devices to incredibly powerful, useful wearables. This smartwatch can do more than just display messages – it monitors a whole range of health information. It will also yell at you when your vitals get too out of whack. Think of the Garmin Venu 2 / 2S as your personal, health-focused Jiminy Cricket.

Minimalistic design

The Venu 2 has a simple yet elegant design. The all black band, face and bezel give the Venu 2 a subdued look, but the minimalist design goes with any outfit. It can easily take the place of a "fancier" bracelet without spoiling the overall look.

The Venu 2S is optionally available with a white band with a gold bezel. It also has a slightly smaller screen at 1.1 "compared to the 1.3" screen on the Venu 2. There are two buttons on the right side of the band that, along with the touchscreen, control most of the Garmin's functions. The band has approximately 20 micro-adjustment slots so you can get the perfect fit regardless of the size of your wrist.

The best part is that the smartwatch is convenient. I wore it to bed every night for two weeks and it didn't feel uncomfortable once, unlike many other wearables I've tried. The Garmin Venu 2 is lightweight and will quickly become a standard part of your everyday life. I don't feel it when I'm wearing it, but I definitely feel it when it's not on my wrist.

Health traits

The health features are where the Garmin Venu 2 really shines. This smartwatch takes almost all of the best features of fitness trackers and smartwatches and combines them into a single tool that has been used at almost every point in my day.

Battery life

The first thing to note is that this iteration of the Venu includes some new features that will bring it far more usefulness than before. The most important among these is the battery life. The first time I buckled up the Venu 2 was around noon on a Friday. I didn't take it off to recharge until the next Thursday evening – almost seven full days.

It has the range to provide charge for more than a week.

According to its specifications, the Venu 2 can last up to 11 days on a single charge as long as it is in smartphone mode (meaning the built-in GPS beacon is not used). I received a lot of notifications throughout the day that probably drained the battery faster than usual, but with minimal use I can easily believe it will last that long on one charge. It also charges quickly – just 10 minutes is enough to restore a single day's charge while four hours fully restore the battery.

Like the previous Venu, the Venu 2 can store songs in its on-board memory (although this version can store up to 650 songs instead of 500). Playing music and using your GPS will reduce battery life to just eight hours on a single charge. Still, it's impressive that the range is more than a week or less than a day, depending on the activity.

Health surveillance

Another useful feature is all-day health monitoring. This allows the Venu 2 to collect various health metrics throughout the day, including your heart rate, stress level, breathing, and even your pulse ox – your blood oxygen levels. Checking these stats can give you a good idea of ​​your fitness level, but you don't have to find out for yourself.

Another new feature is called Fitness Age. It gives you a rough estimate of the age of your body compared to your chronological age. You can check your fitness age on the Garmin app for suggestions on how to improve. For example, this could indicate that you are lowering your BMI or increasing your activity level during the day.

The new built-in workouts can help with this. The HIIT workouts help you keep track of your time and allow you to set up custom timers and intervals, while the Advanced Strength Training Tool keeps track of your personal bests at a glance and shows which muscle groups were trained during the workout .

Sleep score and health snapshot

The last two functions go hand in hand. The Sleep Score gives you an estimate of how well you slept on a scale from 1 to 100, as well as suggestions on how to improve your sleep. It shows you how long you've been through each phase of sleep – a useful feature when you're trying to get the most out of your lack of sleep.

If you want a complete overview of your health, you can use the Health Snapshot to do a 2-minute workout while the Garmin Venu 2 records your heart rate, breathing, stress and other measurements. At the end of the workout, you will receive a report of your score and a rough estimate of your health.

Body battery

The body battery is a really interesting feature that is frighteningly accurate. It measures your overall energy level from 1 to 100 based on how well you slept the night before, how much activity you have during the day, how much stress you are, and more. At the beginning of the day you can see how much you “charged” during the night, and during the day you can see how much energy is “used”.

In my time with the Venu 2, the value of the body battery is about what I feel. Every time I feel tired or have trouble concentrating, the body battery value is below 40. At least it has given me greater awareness of the ups and downs of my energy throughout the day, especially the slump after lunch.

Other properties

Aside from its numerous health features, the Garmin Venu 2 also functions as a smartwatch. You will receive notifications from your phone right on your wrist. One of the few downsides to the Venu 2 is the inability to respond to messages like the Apple Watch can.

The Venu 2 works with Garmin Pay so you can do your shopping without ever having to withdraw cash or a debit card. At a time when everyone is still trying to avoid touching objects, this feature is a fantastic option.

If you're struggling to motivate yourself to exercise, the Garmin Connect app can help. I know competition is the best way to get me going, and the ability to earn badges through badge challenges makes me want to fill my profile with whatever I can. You can also view a news feed to see how your friends fared compared to yourself this week.

And if you decide to customize your watch face to suit your personality, there are several watch faces to choose from in the Connect IQ Store. You can even create your own watch faces with pictures from your phone.

In the Connect IQ Store you can also install various music apps like Spotify or Amazon Music, navigation apps like Find My Car and even other training apps like a tracker for elliptical trainers or inline skating.

Price and availability

The Garmin Venu 2 and 2S are available now at Garmin.com for $ 400. It has not yet been announced whether it will be available from other retailers.

Our opinion

The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is incredible technology that brings many features into one small package – and has enough customizations that you can change to be unique to your lifestyle. It's a full-fledged fitness tracker with most of the features you'd expect from a smartwatch. If iPhone users could reply to messages or post a social media post right from the watch, it would be perfect.

The depth of health monitoring features make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to get fit. However, it's especially useful for people who want to shed a few unwanted pounds before a big event. For example, if you have a wedding in a few months and want to make sure you look good in your suit, the Venu 2 / 2S will help you keep track of which exercises are best for you.

However, the $ 400 price tag is steep. As much as I enjoyed using the Venu 2 / 2S (and will continue to do so), $ 300 seems like a better price – that is, all of the advanced sensors explain the cost. It's worth noting that the screen is a little too easy to scratch for a $ 400 device. There is a small blemish on the face after banging the clock against the wall.

Ultimately, however, it's a great watch – and the health warnings are the icing on the cake. You can set your Venu 2 / 2S to notify you when your heart rate or stress level exceeds a certain level. This can remind you to stop, stand back, and take a breath.

Is there a better alternative?

The Fitbit Charge 4 offers many of the same fitness tracking features (as well as GPS) for just $ 150. While it doesn't have all of the smartwatch features, if you're looking for a fitness-only tracker it's hard to justify spending an extra $ 250.

The Apple Watch SE is another cheaper option for $ 325, especially if you're an iPhone user. At the moment, the Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is still aimed more at Android users than iPhone users (although I had no difficulty connecting or operating mine via iOS).

How long it will take?

With proper care, the Venu 2 / S should last quite a long time. Even so, the screen is a bit fragile and easily scratches. Be careful, but don't worry about water – the Garmin Venu 2 / S is rated at 5 ATM, which means it should withstand a pressure of around 50 meters. You should be able to shower with the water without worry. It comes with a 1 year limited warranty that covers defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes, without a doubt. The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is the best fitness tracker I've ever used, and it will continue to be used for the months to come as I get in shape for my upcoming wedding.

Editor's recommendations




20 Apr
Blog

Honor Band 6 Review: Fitness Tracking Done Right

Honor ribbon 6 rating

Honor Band 6 review: just what a fitness tracker should be

"It's exactly what a good fitness tracker should be – inexpensive, not too big, and with an emphasis on full health monitoring features and some welcome extras."

  • Compact and light

  • Excellent sleep tracking

  • Useful smartwatch-like notifications

  • Very inexpensive

  • USA import only

  • No always on the screen

It's probably best to think of the Honor Band 6 not as a simple fitness tracker as it counts more than just your steps, but for a lot less money than a smartwatch. All of the health monitoring sensors and technology you'd expect are inside, and Honor has added some smartwatch-like features, just like the Honor Watch ES. Does this make the Honor Band 6 a desirable hybrid device or is it a messy amalgamation that doesn't really know what it's supposed to be? I found out.

design

The Honor Band 6 is shaped like the Honor Watch ES, only smaller and less complicated, and that does it just right. The Honor Band 6's plastic case features a 1.47-inch touchscreen on the front, a single button on the right, and Honor branding on the left. It's chunkier than the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2, but because it's very light, it'll never bother your wrist. Despite the taller 11mm profile, I've worn it with shirts and overnight without any problems, and the solid strap has plenty of holes in it to make adjustment easier.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are three colors available – black, gray, and pink – but the incognito black or gray goes best with this. It's not particularly stylish, but because it doesn't try too hard, it's not offensive to the eye. All the time I wore it, I didn't want to hide it under my sleeve out of embarrassment, but I didn't want to show it off either. Most of the time, I've forgotten it's there until somehow it reminds me.

The small, simple body comes closer to a traditional fitness tracker and so much the better.

It may not sound like it, but that's a compliment. Honor's decision to bring Band 6 closer to the smartwatch and further away from a basic fitness band was a risky one. Design can quickly become overwhelmed and in the end it doesn't serve anyone very well. That's what happened with the Watch ES, but the Band 6's small, simple body gets closer to a traditional fitness tracker and so much the better.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen is a winner. The 194 x 368 pixel resolution makes it sharp enough to be conveniently viewed and read, the thin frames keep it from looking cheap, and it's very responsive and easy to press because of its well-assessed size. Unfortunately, there is no screen available so either press the button or the screen to activate it, or raise your wrist. Gesture recognition is quick and accurate, but it's annoying that the screen doesn't wake up automatically to show notifications when they arrive.

Using the Honor Ribbon 6

The Honor ribbon 6 does the design of a hybrid fitness tracker right, but what about the functionality? With its big screen, the Honor Band 6 has more smartwatch features than you can expect at this price point. I connected it to an Apple iPhone 12 Pro using the Huawei Health app and it has proven to be reliable at showing notifications even though there is no way to interact with them. However, the text shown is clear and extensive. It has a variety of general features, including the weather, a stopwatch, a timer, and the ability to ping your phone if it's misplaced.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The focus remains on fitness. It's not that drastically different from Honor fitness bands I've tried before, but that's not a negative. There are 10 different training modes – including running, walking, biking, swimming, rowing, and elliptical training, plus a free training mode – for indoor and outdoor use that covers all common basics. However, the list looks anemic alongside fitness products from Amazfit, which often have more than 100 different training modes. The question is how often do you go climbing, surfing, or kayaking? If the answer is never, then the Honor Band 6's 10 modes will likely be just fine.

The Band 6 recognizes workouts automatically or can be started manually in a very short time. The menu is navigated by swiping and tapping, while the physical button on the side of the case acts as the home and back button. It's smooth and fast, and I had no problem controlling the Honor Band 6 on my wrist.

Data-rich exercise records are displayed on the watch. Distance, pace, speed, cadence, steps, step and heart rate are recorded during a walk and presented in an easy-to-read format. It's annoying that these records on my iPhone couldn't always be easily synced to Huawei Health, making it difficult to build historical trends.

Health traits

In addition to normal fitness tracking, the Honor Band 6 measures heart rate, blood oxygen content (SPO2) and stress. It also tracks sleep and has an app for breathing exercises. You can choose to have constant heart rate and stress monitoring, but the SPO2 values ​​must be recorded manually. How do the results of the Honor Band 6 compare to the Apple Watch Series 6?

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I recorded a 55 minute workout with both of them. The Honor Band 6 claimed I took 3,058 steps and burned 417 kilocalories with an average heart rate of 120 beats per minute. The Apple Watch showed I took 5,738 steps and burned 380 kcal with an average heart rate of 122 beats per minute. Throughout my use, the Honor Band 6 has underestimated the number of steps compared to the Apple Watch. The difference is considerable, but it may not affect overall health statistics as heart rate and calorie expenditure are very similar.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Blood oxygen measurements are taken quickly, and the results are consistent with those from the Apple Watch. The usefulness of the feature outside of sleep tracking or mountaineering is questionable, but it's always good to have more health-related data to spot any discrepancies. The Honor Band 6 also features a menstrual cycle tracker.

The sleep tracking is excellent and Huawei's TruSleep is one of the best systems I've used. The automatic sleep detection is very precise and assesses my sleep and wake times correctly on most days, even if I don't get out of bed immediately. The data provided is detailed – duration, stages, and breathing – and assigns a sleep score with guidance on how to improve your sleep patterns.

Honor ribbon 6 rating sleepAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Honor Ribbon 6 Rating Huawei Health AppAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Honor Band 6 Review Huawei Health App NotificationsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The combination of all of these statistics helps build a complete picture of your overall health with minimal financial outlay. The Huawei Health app shows all the collected data in a clear and precise way. The Huawei Health app is available for iOS and Android. It's easy to set up and sync, and the app provides plenty of information, as well as ways to customize the clock with different watch faces.

Battery life

Honor claims the Band 6's battery will last 14 days before it needs to be charged. However, this is either optimistic or it depends on when all features are turned off. During my time with it, the battery has dropped about 10% every day when using heart rate and stress monitoring and tracking my sleep. If you add a workout every other day, you get a maximum of 10 days of one fee. That's still decent, but not what Honor says.

Price and availability

The Honor Band 6 is available in the UK for £ 45 / US $ 62 through Amazon. Although Honor stated that Band 6 would come to the US through their own online store, it has not yet done so, so US buyers will have to use an import service. For example, it's $ 52 on AliExpress.

Our opinion

I found the Honor Band 6 very easy to live with and its wide range of features is useful. It is crucial that it is not overwhelmed with pointless features like the Watch ES's personal trainer or a clunky design. It maintains the simplicity of a regular fitness tracker while integrating an attractive screen and simple but helpful smartwatch-style functions. Trying to be everything to everyone is usually not a good product, and the Honor Band 6 does the right mix.

It has just the right level of complexity when it comes to health monitoring, with easy-to-use features (some of which are automated) and enough sensors to provide an informative view of your daily health. It won't satisfy the hardcore athlete, but it's more than enough for ordinary people. This is the Honor Band 6's strong point – it does what a good fitness tracker should do without messing with features that don't matter at this price point.

Honor hasn't raised the price above $ 100 either, which is where smartwatches appear that look like watches. Instead, it's the kind of fitness tracker that you should buy instead of the mostly terrible cheap smartwatches available on Amazon. It's a different world in terms of build, polish, and performance. Only availability affects the Honor Band 6, but if you are ready to put in the effort, it is definitely worth it.

Is there a better alternative?

The Honor Band 6 is very affordable, and it's difficult to find a competing fitness tracker with the same features for the same price. The $ 50 Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is our affordable fitness tracker. It's not as feature-rich as the Honor Band 6, but it's more readily available.

Outside of the US, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 will likely be the biggest competitor as it offers very similar features. While the final price has not yet been confirmed, it will likely cost about the same as the Honor Band 6.

How long it will take?

The plastic housing, the strong silicone band and the water resistance of 5 ATM ensure that the Honor Band 6 does not break so quickly. Even if treated roughly, it should prove to be durable. Provided the software is kept up to date and the Huawei Health app is supported, the Honor Band will last 6 years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Honor Band 6 is an affordable, feature-rich fitness tracker that also manages to take advantage of some helpful smartwatch-like features.

Editor's recommendations




19 Apr
Blog

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED 4K HDR TV Review (QN65QN90A)

"The QN90A is a TV knockout."

  • Impressive brightness

  • Fixed black levels

  • Excellent overall contrast

  • Brilliant color

  • Ideal for playing

  • One HDMI 2.1 input

  • Possible screen uniformity issues

If the chatter I see online is any clue, a lot of people have questions about Samsung's Neo QLED TVs. I'm happy to say I have answers. AND some opinions on it. Let's take a look at the QN65QN90A Neo QLED TV, a device that comes with thousands of mini LED backlights and nearly 800 zones of local dimming.

But does it look great? Let's find out.

Jump to: Out of the box | Details | User experience | What is Neo QLED? Test results | About this brightness | Color | From the sweet spot | Image quality | Sound quality | Play | My attitude

Out of the box

A quick fix to the video review (above): Samsung strongly recommends not using the stand mounting method as in the video – and I have to agree. I may prefer my method, but there is a reason manufacturers create these instructions and I would hate it if someone had a bad experience because I made up my mind to become a villain and disregard the instructions. So do what I say (now) and not like me and we'll all be right like rain.

The assembly of the stand is a bit precarious, no matter how you proceed. A positive note, however, is the appearance of the stand. While the TV will flex a little on the stand, this is a safe arrangement. Because it is centralized, there is less of a concern that a media stand has to be wide enough to support it.

Of course, if you're wall mounted – and if so, I recommend Samsung's own no-gap wall mount bracket for the best look – the stand isn't an issue.

Everything else about the unboxing experience is great. There's not a lot of lint, just a bit of plastic peeling off the edges of the TV, and when you're done you're staring at a very attractive TV with almost invisible bezels and a surprisingly thin profile.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED 4K HDR details

While we tested the 65-inch model QN65Q90A, our test also applies to the other screen sizes available in the series.

Screen size Model no RRP
55 inches

QN55QN90AAFXZA

 $ 1,800
65 inches QN65QN90AAFXZA $ 2,600
75 in QN75QN90AAFXZA $ 3,500
85 in QN85QN90AAFXZA $ 5,000

User experience

Spoiler Alert: I have very few negative things to say about this TV, but one thing I would love to see is the Samsung smart TV interface is being redesigned. That doesn't seem like a big deal if Chromecasts with Google TV and Roku sticks are so cheap these days, but if you used the TV's apps and the like, we'd all benefit from a little update to Tizen.

Samsung QN90A TV streaming and appsDan Baker / Digital Trends

Fortunately, Samsung gets almost all good apps, sometimes before others. If you want to use intelligent assistants, you can choose from the most popular options. We like to have decisions.

While we talk about menus and the like, I have to say hello to Samsung for making this TV so easy to set up and tweak. Choose your preferred SDR picture settings and do some HDR picture adjustments. These are global – across all HDMI inputs and apps – which is a great remedy for headaches for all of us. So yes.

What is this Neo QLED about?

Now let's talk about this Neo QLED business. Neo is Samsung's trademark for its mini backlit LED TVs. You can still get QLEDs with standard LED backlighting – these are a little cheaper – or you can raise extra cash and get into a Neo QLED. For those unfamiliar, mini LED backlighting means the TV has thousands of tiny LED lights instead of hundreds of larger ones. It also has a lot more control zones – just under 800 on this set. In theory, this means that the TV should be able to get brighter, especially on HDR highlights, while keeping bloom and halo effects at bay – this is where you get a glow of light around a bright object on a black background and have a long time the plague of LCD-based televisions.

Samsung QN90A TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

Samsung QN90A TV close-upDan Baker / Digital Trends

Samsung QN90A TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

Samsung QN90A TV close-upDan Baker / Digital Trends

I'll get into brightness, uniformity, and black level performance soon, but first I'd like to point out that the backlight system seems a little slow. I noticed that when a bright image comes up on the screen after a darker scene, the television says, "Oh, I need to get lighter," and then it does. It may take a second for the TV to catch up at times. To be clear, this is something you don't see often when looking at most of the content – but I've seen it in the content at times before I started taking measurements and noticing it on color window test patterns. It's not something to be upset about, just an indication that there may be room for improvement.

Test results

Speaking of measurements, let's ditch a little. I tested the QN90A with Portrait Display's Calman software, an X-Rite i1 Pro meter, and a SpectraCal C6 meter. In SDR movie mode without adjusting the brightness setting from 23, I got 275 nits straight away, which is great for SDR in most cases. You can increase the brightness to a maximum of 50, and I measured 638 nits with my meter. When I jumped back to HDR in movie mode, I got about 1,583 nits. In standard mode, the TV shot past it and hit just under 1,900 nits – 1867 to be precise.

Samsung QN90A TV remote controlDan Baker / Digital Trends

Now I've seen some comments about these peak brightness numbers being disappointing and I'll have to respectfully disagree. More is not always better. Take the Hisense H9G, for example. The maximum HDR brightness in a similar movie frame setting was a little over 1200 nits, and yet I found it to be unobservably bright at times, most likely due to the processing. On the flip side, the Vizio P-Series Quantum X-Series measures a bit brighter, but honestly, I'd rather see this TV (I'll explain why in a moment). My point is that I am completely satisfied with the HDR presentation of this TV. Part of it has to do with the black levels and backlight controls. Let's look at that.

Brightness, black levels and contrast

I often use a test pattern where white boxes are placed in each corner of the TV screen on an otherwise black background. In this case, I did. I started with SDR and if I look at the pattern with the naked eye you would probably see a little bit of halo around the edges of the white boxes.

Samsung QN90A - flourishingDan Baker / Digital Trends

The HDR enhancement makes the boxes brighter and again it seems like there is more halo, albeit much less than on previous TVs, including the already excellent Samsung Q90T from last year. However, over the years I've learned that bright images on a black background in a dark room can play tricks on the eye.

The brightness and contrast of the QN90A are excellent.

In the video above, you can see that I cover the white box with a piece of cardboard up to the edge. When I do this, the halo or blooming appears noticeably reduced. Why? It has to do with our vision. This isn't the time for an anatomy lesson, but anecdotally we've seen the same pattern supposedly blooming on an OLED TV, and yet we know it can. On an OLED, the black pixels are black. Totally turned off.

What I'm saying is that sometimes what we find blooming when we're in a pitch black room with a white box in our eyes doesn't actually bloom. Don't get me wrong, it's blooming here, but it's less than I've seen in the past, and let me be clear here – the black uniformity on this TV is excellent.

Samsung QN90A Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The problem of shadow detail (often referred to as Black Crush) – or a lack of it – is always an issue, especially for players who need to see details in the shadow in order to play competitive first-person shooters. So I ran low-luminance and high-luminance star field patterns and found that the QN90A came out of black very well. For those who want to purposely increase black for gaming, Samsung offers an adjustment of the settings for just such things.

To sum it up, the QN90A's brightness and contrast are excellent.

colour

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

In the film preset, my measurements immediately indicated that red was a little too far ahead, so I undid that a bit in the two-point white balance menu, and – bam – the color mixing of this TV has reached an extremely impressive area. With HDR, the TV sometimes overshoots or undershoots some colors. Again, this isn't perfection, but the color on this TV is scary good.

From the sweet spot

One of the dangers of using a VA LCD panel is that off-axis issues, blooming, and color shifting become very apparent. I think one of the things that impresses me the most about the QN90A is the off-axis viewing experience. You can see that there is more blooming from the extreme side, but even less than in the Q90T last year, which was again well ahead of the pack. There's also very little color shift – overall, it's one of the best off-angle TVs we've tested here. That means a better place in the house for everyone.

The anti-glare agent is also excellent. If a lot of light comes into the room and you're watching a dark scene, you might see a rainbow effect, but I'd argue that this is better than looking in a black mirror.

Real picture quality

Enough with the nerd stuff. What does this TV look like when you watch normal content in SDR or HDR? It's really damn good. This is proven to be a better TV than the previous Q90T, and that was a pretty good TV already – I know, I repeat myself.

This TV has a very fast response time, which is great news for gamers and movie fans alike.

The images are lush and vivid, colors and HDR highlights pop, and the superior black levels convey a sense of depth that you normally can't get with an LCD-based television. I did notice some screen evenness issues with large swaths of light colors, but overall there was very little dirt-screen effect.

The movement processing is a mixed bag. This TV automatically removes all stuttering from 24p movie content – there isn't even a setting you can access to turn this off, which I think will be fine for most people.

But stuttering. That’s a different story. This TV has a very fast response time, which is good news for gamers, but for movie fans – just like with OLED – stuttering effects can occur. The only way to counter that is by smoothing motion, which creates a soap opera effect that most people seem to hate far less than I do. So maybe it's not a big deal. Movie fans will likely want to choose the lowest setting they can tolerate.

Sound quality

The sound quality of the QN90A is above average. There's not a lot of bass – that's typical – but overall it's balanced and bearable while many of the TVs I test make me wince. It's a little strange that you have to turn the volume up pretty high to get a normal volume in the room, but I suppose that means more precise control over the volume levels.

I'll say that Samsung's object tracking sound is pretty effective too, but not on par with a Sony OLED where the screen is the speaker. Samsung's soundbars go well with the TV, and the Samsung Symphony sound, where the TV's speakers work together with the soundbar, is particularly impressive.

Play

This TV is an excellent choice for gaming because it has remarkably low input lag – less than 10 milliseconds in game mode for all resolutions at 60 Hz and less than 6 milliseconds for all resolutions at 120 Hz. The TV also supports Freesync, but unfortunately no G- Sync. I'm not sure if this is a huge loss for most people as the variable refresh rate is there regardless.

Fortnite on the Samsung QN90A TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

Fortnite on the Samsung QN90A TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

Games on the Samsung QN90A TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

Caleb gaming on the Samsung QN90A TVDan Baker / Digital Trends

Either way, HDR gaming is great on this TV too, with very little crushing of the blacks. If you're playing a really dark game, you can turn up the blacks a bit for slightly better shadow detail. I didn't really need to play it in a dark room, though. The TV comes out of black pretty well and retains most of the shadow detail. However, it's the bright highlights that really sold me. Games popping on this TV.

On the other hand, the TV only has one HDMI 2.1 input. So if you own both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, you'll have to manually swap them out, or opt for a full-featured HDMI 2.1 A / V receiver to switch between them. Add a gaming PC to this mix – and it's more of the same.

My attitude

With only one HDMI 2.1 input, no Dolby Vision and a smart TV interface that can withstand a facelift, the Samsung QN90A is not a perfect TV. But by the most sensible measures it is really excellent. Setting all the numbers aside, I like to do a simple gut check – I watch a lot of TVs and some of them are a letdown, some are okay, some are great, and some are real knockouts. I have to put the Samsung QN90A in this last category. I just love to see it.

Is there a better alternative?

At this point, I haven't tested a better LCD TV than the QN90A. I'm excited to see what the Sony X95J looks like this year, and LG's top-notch TV looks promising too, but it's hard to imagine that the QN90A will be significantly outperformed. Another alternative could be the brighter LG G1 OLED, although it comes at a pretty high price.

For more options, check out our best 2021 TVs.

How long it will take?

Although the QN90A only offers one HDMI 2.1 input, it supports the latest and greatest in connectivity and backlight technology. It should last owners for many years.

warranty

Samsung offers a one-year parts and labor warranty for home use and a 90-day parts and labor warranty for commercial use.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The QN90A is a remarkable television with excellent picture quality.

Editor's recommendations




18 Apr
Blog

Acer Aspire 5 2021 Review: Budget laptop takes a step back

Acer Aspire 5

"The horrific display on the Acer Aspire 5 ruins a decent, inexpensive laptop."

  • Solid connectivity

  • Superior expandability

  • Good keyboard and touchpad

  • Cruel display

  • Chassis is too flexible

  • Mediocre battery life

  • Poor performance

The Acer Aspire 5 has been one of our favorite laptops for a few years now and has earned a spot on our list of the best budget laptops. Currently, the 2020 version of the Aspire 5 is listed as the best Windows 10 laptop under $ 500, a major segment that the computer dominates. Acer has introduced a slightly redesigned Aspire 5 for 2021 that features the latest 11th generation Intel Core CPUs and makes some significant changes to the case design.

I received an entry-level model with a Core i3-1115G4 CPU with Intel UHD graphics, 8 GB of RAM, a 256 GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD) and a 15.6-inch full HD display (1,920 x 1,080). This Aspire 5 configuration is priced at $ 480, which is in the sub-$ 500 segment that previous models owned. Can Acer keep its track record with the latest Aspire 5?

design

Acer has optimized the design of the Aspire 5 for 2021. The biggest change is a new hinge that angles the case back several degrees to allow better airflow and to support the keyboard. It's a welcome change from an otherwise mundane design.

As before, the lid is made of aluminum, while the rest of the housing is made of plastic and the rigidity is the same as before. The lid is curved quite a bit, while the keyboard deck and the bottom of the case are a bit stiffer, but still yield to light pressure. Some other budget laptops, like the Lenovo Yoga C640, Lenovo Flex 5 14, and Acer Swift 3, have solid build quality.

Acer Aspire 5Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Aesthetically, the Aspire 5 is pretty bland, with an all-black color scheme punctuated with some chrome-plated Acer logos. If you don't care about the looks of a laptop and are solely focused on the price, the Aspire 5 will satisfy your taste. But it is by no means noticeable. Other colors will be available, including a silver scheme, which is probably more attractive than my boring black review unit.

The Aspire 5 is not a small laptop as the bezels are still too big for modern machines. The side bezels aren't too thick, but the top and bottom bezels could be made smaller, resulting in a laptop that is wider and deeper than usual. The Aspire 5 weighs 3.64 pounds, down from 3.97 pounds in the previous version and is 0.70 inches thick, which is reasonable for a 15-inch laptop.

A particularly nice design feature that the Aspire 5 has in common is its expandability. Accessing the inside of the computer is relatively easy, allowing users to swap out RAM and SSD. Acer also includes a kit for adding a 2.5-inch drive to an empty bay, making it easy to expand storage with an SSD or rotating hard disk drive (HDD). This kind of expandability is rare and welcomed here.

Acer Aspire 5 side viewMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Acer Aspire 5 USB portsMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Acer Aspire 5 closed side viewMark Coppock / Digital Trends

As with many budget laptops that aren't as thin and light as some previous models, connectivity is mostly a strength. On the left, you get an Ethernet port, a full-size HDMI port, two USB-A 3.2 ports, and a USB-C 3.2 port (no Thunderbolt 4 support here). On the right side you will find a Kensington lock slot, a USB-A 2.0 port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Wireless connectivity is cutting edge with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

performance

Acer Aspire 5Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

My test device was equipped with a Core i3-1115G4, an 11th generation dual-core CPU that operates at a full TDP of 12 to 28 watts, but contains Intel UHD graphics instead of the newer Intel Iris Xe. According to our series of benchmarks, this is a slow laptop. Starting with Geekbench 5, only 1,215 points were achieved in single-core mode and 2,544 points in multi-core mode. This is well below the usual Tiger Lake value, which usually exceeds 1,500 in the single-core and 5,000 in the multi-core area. In fact, it is beaten by some newer Chromebooks running the Android version of Geekbench 5, which is usually on the slow side. Even the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 with an Intel Core i3-10110U got close to 1,003 and 2,179.

In our handbrake test, which encodes a 420MB video as H.265, the Aspire 5 took exactly five minutes, which is at best 50% slower than the slowest Tiger Lake laptops we tested. This is the first 11th generation Core i3 that we tested. Therefore, faster CPUs run on all of our comparison laptops. For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable, a Windows 10 tablet with a Core i5-1130G7 (a slower Core i5), took just over three minutes to complete the test. The same applies to Cinebench R23, another video rendering test in which the Aspire 5 only manages 1,247 in single-core mode and 3,128 in multi-core mode. The difference between the Aspire 5 and the detachable ThinkPad X12 (1,125 and 3,663) wasn't that big, but most other Tiger Lake laptops were again significantly faster.

The Aspire 5 only achieved 3752 points in the PCMark 10 Complete test, our lowest score ever. In the Essentials part of the test, only 8,220 were achieved, in productivity 5,975 and in content creation only 2,921. The detachable ThinkPad X12 scored 4,443, 9,999, 5,936 and 4,157, respectively. As in our other tests, the Aspire 5 is well behind the field.

I found the Aspire 5 to be fast enough for basic tasks like surfing the Internet and working with office documents in real-life use. For $ 480, these aren't terrible results. We didn't test the previous versions of the Aspire 5 using the same set of benchmarks, so we can't directly compare their performance.

display

Acer Aspire 5 screenMark Coppock / Digital Trends

I'm not going to crush words here: this is the worst ad I've ever reviewed. This fact was evident when I first started the Acer Aspire 5 and logged into Windows 10. The display has a noticeable bluish cast which I believe is the result of a cruel contrast and elements on the screen may be difficult to see.

My colorimeter agreed. The brightness was very low at 211, which means you'll struggle to see the screen in a bright office setting. The contrast was confirmed to be extraordinarily poor at just 60: 1 (our threshold for a great display is 1000: 1 and an average budget display is 600: 1). The colors were also poor at just 53% of sRGB and 40% of AdobeRGB – both of which are the lowest in our database, and the typical midrange and premium displays score 95% and 70% or more, respectively. To add insult to injury, the accuracy was also among the worst I've seen with a DeltaE of 10.7 (less than 1.0 is considered excellent and most laptops are below 3.0 in the worst case) ). Only the gamma of the display was where it should be at 2.2.

Nobody will like this display.

In actual use, the colors were washed out, the black text was rather gray, and the display was completely uncomfortable. It's my new standard for "terrible display" and it left a terrible taste in my mouth as a result. Nobody is going to like this display unless they've never used a laptop before and I would pity them for getting such a poor impression of the state of the art. Acer has to get another panel because this is just terrible. The 2019 and 2020 versions of the Aspire 5 were much better.

The audio wasn't much better than the display. The volume was inadequate for all but the occasional YouTube videos, although there was no distortion when turned all the way up. The mids and highs were clear enough, and as always, there was little to no bass. The two speakers aren't bad, mind you, they just don't offer much better than budget quality.

Keyboard and touchpad

The Aspire 5 has a fairly typical island-style keyboard with backlighting, black keycaps and white letters. The keys are a bit small, but also offer a comfortable spacing with the dedicated (but tiny) numeric keypad. The switches are very light weight, with a nice push button and a comfortable bottom effect. This is one area where the Aspire 5 shines and offers a typing experience that is better than many budget laptops.

Acer Aspire 5 keyboardMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Acer Aspire 5 close up of keyboard and screenMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Acer Aspire 5 trackpadMark Coppock / Digital Trends

The touchpad is surprisingly good too, as it's pretty big and responsive. It is a Microsoft Precision touchpad and therefore offers reliable support for the multitouch gestures of Windows 10. It also exceeds the household norm.

Unsurprisingly there is no touch display, and as always, I miss it. There is also no Windows 10 Hello support, neither face recognition nor a fingerprint scanner. This is something we've been seeing on budget laptops lately, and so its omission is noticeable here.

Battery life

Acer has equipped the Aspire 5 with a 48-watt-hour battery, which is not much for a 15-inch laptop. Even with the slower CPU, I was disappointed with the battery life on this version.

In our web browsing test, which ran through a number of popular websites, the Aspire 5 managed just under seven hours, two hours less than the 2019 version with a Core i3, but three hours longer than the 2020 version with a Core i5. In general, that's not a terrible score, but the Aspire 5 is still in the lower bracket of our database. In our video loop test, in which a Full HD Avengers trailer is played until the battery is empty, the Aspire 5 achieved 9.5 hours. That's about 3.5 hours less than the 2020 version and less than 10 hours that we would like to see in this test. Again not a terrible result, but not great either.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Finally, I ran some PCMark 10 battery tests. The first, the gaming test, evaluates how long a laptop will last when the CPU and GPU are under stress. The Aspire 5 came in after 2.25 hours, an average score. In the application test, which is the best measure of the longevity of productivity, the Aspire 5 shut down after almost eight hours at the lower end of our database. The detachable ThinkPad X12, for example, managed over 10 hours.

Overall, the battery life of the Aspire 5 was mediocre. If you're doing typical productivity work, you can get through a work day for a fee. The laptop uses a proprietary charger, but you can charge USB-C in a pinch if you happen to have an adapter handy.

Our opinion

I would love to say that the 2021 Acer Aspire 5 retains its spot as our best budget under $ 500 laptop. Unfortunately not, thanks to slow performance and a poor display. The 2020 model is still on sale, and you'd better stick with it.

Is there a better alternative?

As I just mentioned, the 2020 Aspire 5 is a better choice than the 2021 version. You get a much better display and similar build quality for roughly the same money, and you won't be giving up much on performance and battery life.

If I were looking for a cheaper machine in this price range, I would consider a powerful Chromebook option, and there are plenty of that.

The Lenovo Flex 5 14 with its AMD Ryzen CPU is another alternative. The display is smaller at 14 inches but has better battery life, is much faster, and the display won't embarrass you in public.

How long it will take?

It's not the most rugged laptop, but I suspect it can be solidly used for a few years – and that's about what you would expect for the money. They have up-to-date components, including Wi-Fi 6, though Thunderbolt 4 isn't a bummer. The one-year guarantee is also no cause for celebration.

Should you buy it?

No. The display is really terrible which ruins the experience with this laptop.

Editor's recommendations




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