30 Aug
Blog

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

Beats Studio 3 Wireless

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

  • Excellent design and controls

  • Very convenient

  • Excellent battery life without ANC

  • Easy pairing with Apple products

  • Expensive

  • Overwhelming bass

  • Bad quality wireless calls

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

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

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

Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

Beats Studio 3 Wireless "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-studio-3-wireless-1-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Studio 3 Wireless "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-studio-3-wireless-2-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Convenience, control and connections

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battery life

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

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

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

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

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

Noise cancellation

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sound quality

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call quality

Beats Studio 3 WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our opinion

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

Is there a better alternative?

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

How long will they last?

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

Should you buy it?

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

Editor's recommendations




29 Aug
Blog

Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush Review: Pearly Whites at a Steep Cost

Oral-B iO Series 9 hand held smart toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush

"With so much time devoted to development, it does justice to the best brushing performance."

  • Exceptional cleaning performance

  • Comes with four brush heads

  • LED ring helps with pressure sensitivity

  • Robust build quality

  • Expensive

  • Eats up battery

Earlier this year during CES 2020, I got a glimpse of Oral-B's new intelligent toothbrush: the iO series 9. I only had the opportunity to attend a single brushing session, but I got away from the intrigued experience. If a company has been developing a smart toothbrush for six years, expectations will surely be high. Months after this brief encounter, I've been better informed to tell you if it's worth the wait.

High tech in every way

I've owned several manual and electric toothbrushes, but the iO Series 9 is the first that I'd call downright imposing. While it looks like just another electric toothbrush from a cursory inspection, it's undeniably fancier to look up close and equipped with technology that makes it one step above the other. It's made of plastic, but much stronger than other brushes. The weight and the solid feel go together. A tiny screen displays battery life, brushing modes, and even an emoji face after each brush to evaluate my performance. Oral-B has put a lot of work into the brush mechanism, which consists of a frictionless, sleek magnetic drive system to create powerful micro-vibrations while brushing (more on that later).

Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush Display Close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Pearl white clean

To be honest, I am thrilled with how well this toothbrush cleans my teeth. When using one of Oral-B's entry-level electric toothbrushes in the past, I've never been convinced they are any easier to clean than Philips' Sonicare line. The iO Series 9 is a whole different beast. In fact, it's the best toothbrush I've ever used including the Colgate Hum that I checked out right before this one.

It's the best brush I've ever come across.

Part of his world class performance comes from his ability to see how much pressure I am applying while brushing my teeth. An LED ring around the toothbrush lights up red, blue or green to indicate whether it is too much, too little or just right. The Oral-B app does the same, but I prefer the visual representation of the light, even when brushing with my smartphone in hand. In addition, a distinctive vibration indicates when it's time to switch to another quadrant.

Thanks to its intense micro-vibrations, the Oral-B iO series 9 offers the best brushing performance I've ever experienced. I feel like my teeth are getting a polishing job in addition to a power wash – this is how my teeth feel squeaky every time. The hard-to-remove plaque buildup between teeth isn't completely eliminated, but to be honest, I haven't come across a toothbrush that is good at this. Sorry, you still need to floss.

Oral-B iO series 9 smart toothbrush brush your teethJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

After each brush you will see how much battery is left. Unsurprisingly, it's a battery eater, draining around 10% of its battery after each use. So yes, it will require frequent fees.

More of the same smart features

So far, most of the smart toothbrushes I've come across don't differ too much in their smart features. The Oral-B iO 9 tracks a total of six zones during the tour with the app, so that I can see exactly how well I brush each area. However, the tracking function is not available when the brushes are not guided, which is rather puzzling for something "smart". At the end of each brush, I get a score from zero to 100 to indicate my cleaning performance.

While it can tell me how well I brush each quadrant, part of me craves for more accurate brush dates. For example, I can spend a lot of time brushing the front of my teeth while neglecting the back, but it treats the two sides as one. It doesn't paint a true picture of my brushing and my habits. This is not an isolated problem, but a common problem shared by most of the products in this category. I want a smart toothbrush that learns my exact brushing habits and guides me to practical improvements. I don't want to clean to chase after a score.

Our opinion

Impressive cleaning comes at a price, which for the Oral-B iO Series 9 means more than $ 300 to fork. It's ridiculously expensive, but it's also one of the most advanced toothbrushes out there, and delivers a satisfactory clean every time. Fortunately, the purchase comes with a travel case and four brush heads, which saves the difficulty of buying replacements soon after. Even so, a two-pack replacement costs $ 30.

How long it will take?

I'm confident that with its considerable build quality, it will hold up for a while. Oral-B offers a 2 year warranty that covers defects but not normal wear and tear.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for an exceptional clean with connectivity features, it's hard to find anything else that comes close. You may be able to get similar performance with the other models of Oral-B, possibly with the iO Series 7 smart toothbrush for $ 200.

Should you buy it?

Yes, mostly because cleaning takes precedence over everything else. All intelligent functions and tracking are extra. If cleaning is unsuccessful, there is an error.

Editor's recommendations




29 Aug
Blog

Razer BlackShark V2 Review: Quality Gaming Headset For Less

Player with Razer BlackShark headset

Razer BlackShark V2 review: premium headset, good price

"The sound profiles are definitely the best feature of this headset."

  • Sound profiles and easy customization

  • Solid audio

  • Superior microphone performance

Player with Razer BlackShark headsetPhoto courtesy of Razer

The Razer BlackShark V2 – and with it the cheaper V2 X – offers exceptional performance at an exceptional price. The BlackShark V2 combines audio quality with the much rarer solid microphone performance.

THX game profiles are for sure the best feature of this headset.

The base price of $ 100 also makes this headset a great value. There are plenty of cheaper models out there, including the $ 60 V2 X, but few offer as many features as the BlackShark. Lots of the digital trends Top gaming headset picks Go for more than double the price of the BlackShark.

Sound profiles

THX game profiles are easily the BlackShark V2's best feature, allowing you to customize the EQ settings for each game individually. It comes with by default Profiles for several popular games including Apex Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Valorant. Not every game has a preset profile, but the Razer Synapse app makes it easy to change the settings regardless. You just have to do more of the work yourself.

The cheaper V2 X skips THX Spatial Audio right away, but you can add it through the app for $ 20. Given the total cost of $ 80 for the headset and app, this isn't a bad deal, and you get most of the best features of the flagship V2 at a slight discount. It also works a lot better than some of the spatial audio we've seen, and often tries not to mimic the feel of surround sound.

Many hardware and accessory manufacturers simulate how a product increases the “immersion” or the feeling of really being in the game. Most of the time this is just marketing, but that honestly feels amazing. For example, you can use the EQ settings to adjust the steps in first person shooters or the music and ambient sounds in a game like Death Stranding. This doesn't lead to consoles of course, but it's a fantastic experience on PC. But the right audio device can make a difference on consoles too, and the BlackShark V2 definitely did. I was thrilled to boot up Ghost of Tsushima and hear the rustle of the wind or Resident Evil 3 where I enjoyed using sound as a strategy.

The triple drivers are designed to isolate treble, bass, and midrange, the last of which is often ignored. It's a small difference, but I noticed the added detail.

Razer BlackShark headset on the deskPhoto courtesy of Razer

Microphone test

It's easy to ignore the importance of a headset's microphone quality. How often do you listen to yourself? But you've probably felt the frustration of a muddy-sounding teammate, or someone drowned out by background noise, especially when competing with game noise.

The microphone is very flexible and I found it easy to get it in an optimal position so that my AC power in the background was less of a problem. The foam microphone cover also smoothens the sound and avoids harsh consonant noises. This is especially important if you plan to use the BlackShark for streaming as well. Small details can mean getting a new follower or clicking a viewer off.

The microphone is also detachable, which is a nice bonus for Storage or travel, and it is more accessible for possible exchange. I also find that detachable microphones are usually longer and more flexible than built-in microphones that need to be folded up or rolled back into the headset.

When I work from home, my current favorite gaming headset often does double duty. I grab a headset for Zoom calls, Spotify sessions, and game breaks as soon as I'm practically signed out. Audio is less important for work meetings, but I got people to comment on how clear I sounded on a video call in addition to playing games.

Player with Razer BlackShark headsetPhoto courtesy of Razer

Mirror models

My biggest problem with both headsets is the look.

The BlackShark V2 and V2 X are very similar. They might be too similar. Both are very comfortable, have good microphone and audio quality, and are easy to use, but the more expensive V2 does everything a little better. The cheaper V2 X has slightly less advanced foam for its ear cushions, the cable is more rubber than threaded, it only plugs into a 3.5mm jack, and it doesn't have “advanced microphone control functions”.

What matters, however, is not the list of details. This is how they feel. And frankly, the differences feel relatively small in practice. This is less of a blow to the V2 than more proof of the V2 X. For anyone looking for a well-rounded entry-level headset, it's worth a look.

Nevertheless, I found myself in the direction of the full V2. As small as these differences are, they are still there. So if you are ready to drop that $ 100 then don't settle for not having to.

My biggest problem with both headsets is the look.

I feel like a helicopter pilot carrying them. And it's not just the microphone, the pillow, that surely amplifies this effect, a fact that I'd be happy to endure to improve fidelity. The headsets can only be described as bulbous. And I'm sure some of it is hard to avoid. Razer emphasized the BlackShark's triple drivers that are designed to deliver this fantastic sound. But I still didn't like wearing them for that reason. The headsets aren't heavy, but they look clunky and clumsy. And while I might care less if my gaming mouse isn't the most aesthetic, others can see my headphones.

Our opinion

The Razer BlackShark V2 and V2 X are solid headsets with a good price. The V2 is certainly better, but those looking to spend a little less will not be disappointed with the V2 X either.

Is there a better alternative?

There are so many headsets out there that it is easy to paralyze yourself with choice. Yes, there are other good headsets out there at this price point, but the BlackShark V2 is better than average. And it works fine on all devices.

How long it will take?

Despite the design differences between the two models, both are robust. They are well built and should last a while. The BlackShark V2's THX Spatial audio and game profiles are a nice touch too. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more iterations of this function in the future.

Should you buy it?

If you are looking for a good entry-level to mid-range headset with quality audio and microphone in the market, definitely it. It works very well when you want to work on shape. If aesthetics are a must, they might not be for you.

Editor's recommendations




29 Aug
Blog

Samsung Odyssey G7 Monitor Review: Incredible Immersion

Samsung Odyssey G7 review dsc01546

"Samsung's Odyssey G7 should be the ultimate gaming monitor, but the flickering problem with G-Sync is holding it back."

  • Excellent color rendering

  • Beautiful design

  • Great curve for immersing yourself in games

  • Fast refresh rate of 240 Hz

  • Defective adaptive synchronization

  • Low static contrast performance

  • Curve off-center

Curved gaming monitors are not a gimmick. These wraparound screens offer a fun way to immerse yourself in game worlds without the need for clumsy VR headsets.

The new Odyssey G7 from Samsung extends the technology even further. For the first time, the screen curve, now 1000R, finally matches the curvature of the human eye. It is true immersion in games at its best.

I looked at the 32-inch version of the Odyssey G7 monitor, which has a native resolution of 1440p and a refresh rate of 240 Hz. It's certainly a one-of-a-kind gaming monitor, but with a widespread G-Sync flicker problem and $ 800 price tag, the Odyssey G7 has a lot to prove. Is the Samsung Odyssey G7 worth a spot on your desk?

design

When it comes to design, Samsung has done an admirable job. The first thing you need to do when unpacking the monitor is to attach the triangle base to the neck of the stand. Then insert the top of the neck into the back of the monitor, attach four screws, and lift the entire assembly out of the packaging. You will then be greeted with an absolute giant of an ad.

While 32-inch monitors are initially large, the 32-inch G7 from Samsung sets new standards. The stand is huge and the curve seriously brings the ends of the monitor far forward. Pushed all the way back on our desk, the sides of the panel protrude about a full foot forward so you really want to make sure you have plenty of room for the G7.

The intense curve of the G7 makes it a real centerpiece on your desk.

If you do, you will be pampered. The intense curve is a wonderful eye-catcher, and with the display so far forward it becomes a real centerpiece. The stand itself may be large, but it uses long, slender legs to give it a spacious feel and to leave plenty of room. The stand also has tilt and height adjustments. It can even turn into a portrait, though I can't think of any reason why anyone would want to do this.

The curve in our example was a bit uneven, with the sharpest point being a little off-center on the left. However, when you are immersed in a game, you forget about everything.

Cables can be run through the inside of the stand to keep things tidy. A headphone hook keeps your cans off your desk when you're not playing.

On the back of the display is Samsung's Infinity Core lighting that extends to the lower corners on the front. This doesn't really add much to the display, but it's implemented in a somewhat subtle way so it's not a problem – the front lighting elements aren't really visible from most seating positions.

Connections and controls

The connectivity of the G7 is minimal, but in a good way. It has two DisplayPort inputs and an HDMI connection as well as an integrated USB 3.0 hub with two connections. Power is supplied by a large power supply module that you want to hide somewhere under your desk.

Your only control mechanism is a directional button at the bottom of the display. Click it once to bring up the first selection screen, where you can choose between input source, picture-in-picture mode, and main menu.

In the main menu, the two most interesting submenus are the game menu and the picture menu. The game menu offers settings for the refresh rate, the black equalizer, the response time, the adaptive synchronization and the low input delay. You'll want to make sure you're set to 240Hz, and you can easily set the Response Time setting to "faster" with little entry delay as these settings don't seem to go beyond the control panel.

The black equalizer is set to 13 at the factory, which you might want to lower to around 10 for more accurate performance. By the age of 13, dark elements turn black a little too early, which gives a deeper picture but puts you at a competitive disadvantage in gaming as you cannot see details in the dark.

The Picture menu provides settings for managing colors, including settings for brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color adjustments.

picture quality

The panel used by Samsung is of the VA type and has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. This is a bit low for a 32-inch panel, but not a problem when gaming as higher frame rates are possible. In my tests, the color reproduction was also good, covering 100% of the sRGB storage space, 85% of the AdobeRGB storage space and 90% of the DCI-P3 storage space.

With support for 1.07 billion colors and a tested Delta-E (color deviation from real) of 1.25, this panel offers surprisingly good performance in terms of color space and accuracy. Note, however, that I only measured the center of the screen. There is a noticeable color shift at the edges, probably due to the curve that the VA panel bends to its limits.

I tested the maximum brightness of the display without HDR and recorded a number of 392 nits. This is above the typical brightness of 350 nits specified by Samsung, but is sufficient for brightly lit rooms.

Calibrating the display resulted in better colors but less brightness.

Where the monitor suffers a disappointment is the contrast performance. Samsung claims a static contrast ratio of 2500: 1, which is lower than the 3000: 1 VA panels normally produce. This is likely because it is bent to within an inch of its life, so I can forgive that. However, the example I have available doesn't provide a contrast ratio close to the Samsung numbers, with the highest number recorded ending up at 1480: 1 when dynamic brightness is turned off. These are very low values ​​for a VA panel, although it would appear that these numbers vary significantly from sample to sample.

Calibrating the display resulted in a slightly better color reproduction with a Delta-E of 1.09, but that decreased slightly from peak brightness to 370 nits, and the peak contrast ratio dropped to 1330: 1 – almost half what Samsung is promising.

The G7 also supports DisplayHDR 600, which means it should achieve a peak brightness of up to 600 nits. However, this only happens when the rest of the display is dark. With just eight vertical lighting zones, HDR performance is modest at best. It is best to leave it deactivated.

Overall, the image quality of the G7 can be rated as quite good, especially when you consider that it is a gaming monitor with a panel curved to 1000R.

Sacrifice practicality for game skills

I use a 32-inch 4K monitor as my own daily driver, so you can imagine the step from this to QHD with the same panel size being quite a success. I tried switching from the 32-inch Samsung G7 in my main work setup but to no avail. While the color reproduction is impressively good, especially for a gaming monitor, the resolution isn't high enough to work on, especially considering the distance the monitor is due to its large base. The curve also causes distortion which makes photo editing confusing.

While the Samsung G7 falls short when it comes to productivity tasks, the display changes to its original element as soon as you start a game. This is where the lower QHD resolution becomes an advantage as driving is much easier than 4K and high frame rates are provided for this monitor. I equipped the display with an RTX 2070 super graphics card, with which the frame rates in competitive games could be increased significantly to 150 frames per second (fps) and higher. And yes, that makes you a better player.

I don't know how Samsung did it, but the VA panel continues to deliver sharp, smudge-free images even at higher frame rates and extremely fast movements on the screen, making it very easy to track fast-moving subjects from competitive shooters. In Destiny 2, I was suddenly able to track fast-moving subjects with a sniper rifle and successfully land headshots at moving targets over and over again – which I couldn't reproduce on my 60 Hz 4K monitor.

Start the BLJR Busters UFO test and see three UFOs flying across your screen, one at 240 Hz (top), one at 120 Hz (center), and one at 60 Hz (bottom). The 60 Hz alien always runs a few pixels behind the 120 fps and 240 fps aliens. The 120 and 240 Hz aliens are practically neck to neck for on-screen position, but where the 120 Hz UFO is slightly blurry in its rapid movement, the 240 Hz alien is crystal clear.

The image provided is from a video taken with the camera to track the aliens, which makes a pretty good impression – but I couldn't capture how dramatic the difference is with my camera. The 240Hz alien is so crystal clear at high speed that you wonder why anyone would care about a 120Hz display.

The G7's 1000R curve makes games incredibly impressive.

I also launched Horizon Zero Dawn which recently launched on PC. At the highest settings, my PC only pushed around 70 fps into the G7, but the game ran incredibly smoothly and the curve just pulled me in and held me in place. The G7's 1000R curve might not work for productivity, but it makes gaming oh so impressive.

The deep black of the VA panel as well as the vivid colors and high brightness draw you further into the game. If you want to perform well in competitive games, then you should only look at the 27-inch version. However, this 32-inch panel is great for balancing the power of competitive gaming with the immersion in slow single-player gaming, story-driven games.

Address of the elephant in the room: G-Sync Flicker

As many people report on the internet, the G-Sync flicker problem also occurs. The Samsung G7 is technically not a true G-Sync monitor. Instead of using a G-Sync module developed by Nvidia, it is based on the adaptive synchronization protocol implemented in the VESA DisplayPort 1.4 standard.

This is not a problem in and of itself as many displays work well this way. But not the G7. Turn on adaptive sync. While you usually won't notice any problems using the desktop, problems do arise as soon as you start a game.

You'll notice the black flicker in game menus and loading screens the most. It's also present when playing games at high frame rates, although it does so at lower frame rates too. On my panel, it was worst on the left and right edges of the screen, like a black vignette that keeps popping up.

This made adaptive synchronization unusable. Despite everything the G7 does to immerse you in the game, the flickering was so intense with adaptive sync enabled that it felt like I had a twitch in my eye. I searched the internet for a solution ranging from new cables to various settings to a firmware update, but nothing solved the problem. I also tested two 27-inch G7s, both of which had the problem, albeit to a lesser extent. It is best known and known as a known problem with this 32-inch sample.

The only solution for crack-free gameplay was to turn off adaptive sync and enable V-sync instead. Usually this is a sub-optimal solution as it may fix the tearing. However, stuttering and input lag become an issue as the display cannot adjust the screen refresh rate to match your frame timings.

When adaptive sync is enabled, the monitor waits for the GPU to shift a frame out, then immediately updates it to display it, and waits for the next full frame. Without this option, the display is updated 240 times per second, regardless of whether a new frame is to be displayed or not. When V-Sync is disabled and the GPU is halfway through rendering a frame, the display will show that half the frame, causing quick responses, but with cracks visible. With V-Sync enabled, the PC waits for the entire frame to be rendered and the panel to reach an update interval, resulting in tear-free images but also a short delay.

Samsung should take responsibility for the G-Sync flicker issue.

The monitor can display up to 240 fps evenly spaced apart from one second, even when running at much lower frame rates, so the images are displayed at almost the exact speed that the GPU is pushing them out. The lag caused by V-Sync is much shorter compared to a 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz monitor, even if your game is running at relatively low frame rates.

In some ways, the G7 is so fast that it doesn't need adaptive sync, and most people would barely notice the difference between V-sync and unbroken adaptive sync on a 240Hz monitor. But that doesn't change the facts: the 32-inch Samsung G7's adaptive sync is broken, and that's just not acceptable for a $ 800 gaming monitor when so many cheaper displays get it right. Given that price, I would love to see Samsung take responsibility for this issue and either come out with a solution, issue a recall, or remove G-Sync certification and lower the price.

Digital Trends has contacted Samsung for a comment and we will update this review as soon as we hear about it.

Our opinion

The 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 is an excellent gaming monitor with a curve that draws you into gaming like no other display. However, the problem with G-Sync flicker is hard to miss.

Classic V-Sync can still solve the problems. With a refresh rate of 240 Hz, you don't necessarily need G-Sync for smooth gameplay. However, it's a second-rate solution that is hard to accept when asked to pay $ 800 for a monitor. Until it is repaired, the Odyssey G7 remains faulty.

Are there alternatives?

If you want a 32-inch QHD monitor that is as fast as this one, with such a tight curve, with the deep black levels and vibrant colors that this VA panel offers, there isn't one.

The closest alternative is the Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ, but it's not that fast at only 144 Hz and doesn't have such a tight curve. Similarly, MSI's Optix MAG321CQR offers a monitor of the same size, resolution, but not as fast or curvy, despite being less than half the price.

How long it will take?

Samsung's monitors don't usually develop crazy problems, so I expect this to work for as long as you can expect from most monitors: at least five years. However, Samsung only gives a one-year warranty on the monitor, which is below the industry standard.

Monitor technology is also advancing rapidly, and I doubt it will be long before a competitor conjures up a product that performs similarly for less money. Combine that with the G-Sync issue, which likely can't be fixed and you can expect a sharp drop in value in your first year.

Should I buy it?

Not in its current state. The Odyssey G7's curve is still a great sight, but G-Sync's problematic implementation is a deal breaker.

There's one major caveat: if Samsung rolls out an update that fixes this issue, the Odyssey G7 will be back worth the $ 800 it costs.

Editor's recommendations




29 Aug
Blog

Pentax FA Star Series 85mm F/1.4 Review: Stellar Performer

Pentax-D FA Star-Series 85mm f / 1.4 in hand with lens hood attached

“Pentax fans have a winner. For everyone else, the Star Series 85mm is the best portrait lens you will never use. "

  • Very sharp

  • Excellent workmanship

  • Nice bokeh

  • Minimal vignetting

  • Minimal chromatic aberration

If you're a camera company that has made the decision to double up on DSLRs despite the surge in popularity of mirrorless cameras, you should at least have some lenses worth talking about. This is exactly what Ricoh, owned by Pentax, did with the slowly growing Star series, and the new HD Pentax-D FA Star series with 85mm f / 1.4 SDM AW is a shining example of optical excellence. This full-frame portrait lens can easily hold its own against the best 85mm lenses from other brands. In fact, it's a near-perfect lens – and at $ 1,900, it should be.

There is only one possible problem that is preventing most people from enjoying it: it requires a Pentax camera.

Mammoth size

The first thing you notice about the Sta-Series 85mm f / 1.4 is the world-eating size of the front panel. If you look into it for too long, you can get lost. This lens is a giant at 2.77 pounds – heavier than the already uncomfortably large Sigma 85mm f / 1.4 Art. Perhaps that's why it's called a star lens – it has enough mass to create its own gravitational field.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

With the lens hood attached, it looks like a much longer telephoto lens than just 85mm. Passers-by who saw me testing no doubt assumed that I wanted to watch birds.

But when you can handle the weight, you'll love how top-notch it all feels. The lens is completely weatherproof, the materials are luxurious, the focus ring is buttery soft, and even the lens hood feels redesigned, with a rubber collar on the front and a grippy inner surface. The hood snaps into place with a very short reach bayonet mount that is faster to use than most other hoods and is incredibly satisfying to do so. If ASMR were a lens, it would be the Pentax Star Series 85mm.

With 12 elements in 10 groups, the optical formula isn't really that complex, at least in terms of pure numbers. Despite the added weight, that's two elements less than the aforementioned Sigma 85mm Art. Numbers aren't everything, however, and Pentax has clearly made efficient use of the glass it contains, including three particularly low-dispersion Super ED elements and a single aspherical element.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

Pentax is also paying particular attention to its new autofocus system. The SDM motor has 1.3 times more torque than the 50 mm Star series lens, and the focus group contains, according to Pentax, a “greater number of optical elements than normal lenses”. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but the focus performance is certainly very fast.

The lens also uses an electronically controlled aperture which, according to Pentax, interestingly allows smooth exposure adjustments while recording video. By the way, almost every modern lens uses an electronically controlled iris, which tends to be more accurate than the older lever-driver style. Aside from smooth exposure changes in the video, this is helpful for consistency in things like time-lapse photography.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

The remaining specs include nine rounded bezel blades, a minimum focus distance of 33.5 inches, and a 0.12x magnification ratio. Spec sheet snoopers will find that these are all identical to the Sigma 85mm Art. It's almost as if Ricoh had some work to do in developing this lens (Sigma, which makes lenses for many different camera brands, stopped manufacturing Pentax K-mount lenses last year). Surprisingly, because of its additional weight, the Pentax “only” uses an 82 mm filter compared to the Sigma's 86 mm filter.

But the Sigma is $ 800 cheaper. So there is this.

Comparing these two lenses is, of course, nothing more than an academic exercise. One is available exclusively for Pentax, the other for every DSLR except Pentax.

Deep field

Aspherical elements and high torque focus motors are great, but I know that the only thing people really care about about an 85mm f / 1.4 is the bokeh. You want to see backgrounds that are forgotten, turning point lights into large, soft, gently overlapping circles. I assure you, dear reader, that the Star Series 85mm delivers all of this.

Environmental portrait shot with an 85mm f / 1.4 lens from the Pentax-D FA Star seriesDaven Mathies / Digital Trends

At 1: 1.4 wide open, your subject is brought to rest on a pillow-like bokeh cloud. The depth of field is so shallow that you can still achieve a decent separation of subject and background when the subject is relatively long. This is ideal for full body portraits or shots where you want to draw attention to a relatively small subject in a large setting.

As expected, there is vignetting at f / 1.4, but it's pretty mild. With f / 2.8 it's completely gone. The sharpness of the center is fantastic at any aperture, although the edges slope off a bit with larger apertures. I was impressed with how well a night sky was rendered at f / 1.4, and while an 85mm lens wouldn't be my first choice for astrophotography, this lens is sharp enough to handle it. It gets even sharper if you stop at 1: 5.6. However, in the real world, you should feel confident choosing an aperture for exactly the depth of field you want without having to worry about sharpness.

Vignette test at 1: 1.4 on Pentax-D FA Star-Series 85 mm 1: 1.4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/ image / digitaltrends /hd-pentax-d-fa-star-85mm-f14-sample-07-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https:/ / www. digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Vignette test, f / 1.4

Vignette test at 1: 2 on Pentax-D FA Star-Series 85 mm 1: 1.4 "class =" m-Karussell - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/ digitaltrends /hd-pentax-d-fa-star-85mm-f14-sample-08-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www . digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Vignette test, f / 2

Vignette test at 1: 2.8 on Pentax-D FA Star-Series 85 mm 1: 1.4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/ image / digitaltrends /hd-pentax-d-fa-star-85mm-f14-sample-09-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https:/ / www. digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Vignette test, f / 2.8

Vignette test at 1: 4 on Pentax-D FA Star-Series 85 mm 1: 1.4 "class =" m-Karussell - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/ digitaltrends /hd-pentax-d-fa-star-85mm-f14-sample-10-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www . digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Vignette test, f / 4

The chromatic aberration is particularly well controlled. I noticed some color fringes in defocused areas, as is common with any lens, but only extremely small stripes in the focal plane and only with large apertures.

Oh, and there just isn't any distortion. At all.

I have to get really pedantic to find a bug with this lens, but let's go: while the blur circles aren't perfectly rounded 1: 2 in the center of the frame at f / 1.4, they extend in Rectangles. If you stop after f / 2.8, you can see the angular shape of the iris leaves in the blur circles. "Onion rings" also appeared in my test shots of LED string lights. It's all awful, I know.

Seriously, the Pentax 85mm f / 1.4 is a beautiful lens, and checking its little flaws is nothing but a waste of time. If you believe in the Pentax Belief and can win two grand, just step out and shoot, focus on your art, and trust this lens to keep making gold.

Astral plane

Products like these make being a reviewer great because I can try something new that I really enjoy, but that I would never actually buy for myself. I mean, did you think I would switch to Pentax?

And there is the problem. The Star Series 85mm feels like a dream, a utopian experience separated from reality. It could be the Pentax, not the Pentax.

I tested the lens on a Pentax K1 Mark II, which is a full-frame DSLR with an older but still excellent 36-megapixel sensor. I didn't want image quality – although I think this lens will go for even higher resolutions – but it's still not good enough for this lens. The 33-point viewfinder autofocus system lacks the flexibility and accuracy to actually use it. They are basically fixed to single point AF and the “focus and reformulate” shooting method. This is not the easiest way to get sharp results with an aperture of f / 1.4. During this test, as impressed as I was, I could only imagine how much better the lens would be with Sony's real-time eye AF or flawless subject tracking from Canon in the EOS R5.

The K1 Mark II has never been my favorite DSLR, but most of the flaws are simply that of format. DSLRs simply cannot offer the advanced focus features that mirrorless cameras take for granted. A couple of extraordinary lenses might have been enough to get people back to Pentax – if they didn't have to get people back to the DSLR first.

But the optimist would say that this lens is trend-setting. If Pentax can make such a great lens, maybe there will be an equally great DSLR soon. I think there is still room for innovation in DSLRs, but they have been moving away from the mainstream for years. Perhaps Pentax can be the one to rule this new niche realm?

After all, Ricoh is apparently good at working on the sidelines. The GR III is a neat little camera that was built for a select few street photographers. This Pentax lens is aimed at a similarly small group of customers. The brand may never be a high-volume competitor, but that doesn't mean the Star Series 85mm is any less of a triumph for those who can (and can afford) use it. Whatever your reasons for sticking to your Pentax DSLR, you have another big one right now.

Our opinion

Like the quiet, introverted kid in the back of the class who passes the test but doesn't say a word, Pentax continues to use some stunning lenses with little fanfare. Even the CameraVille, possibly the only Pentax-focused YouTuber, doesn't have a handy video at the time of publication. Compared to influencer-obsessed Sony and Canon, that's … kind of nice.

Of course, a lack of fanfare can simply signal a lack of fans. But for all of the confusing decisions Pentax has made with cameras (remember the Q?), I can still admire it when I make lenses like this. The Pentax-D FA Star Series 85mm f / 1.4 is as good as it gets – though most people will never get a chance to try.

Enjoy this moment, Pentax shooters. You finally have time to be happy.

Is there a better alternative?

No. The options for third-party Pentax photographers are slim these days. In many ways, this lens feels like a response to the lack of alternatives. However, in addition to being a great option, this is the only option. Vacuum or not, this is a brilliant portrait lens.

How long it will take?

Any professional lens will easily outlive the life of your camera, and this one is no different. I just hope the Pentax brand doesn't survive.

Should you buy it?

If you are ready to reiterate your commitment to Pentax and DSLRs, then yes. It may be gigantic and expensive, but the Star Series 85mm is a thank you to the Pentax believers who have kept it up for so long. Enjoy it; you deserve it.

Editor's recommendations




28 Aug
Blog

1More Colorbuds Review: Vibrant Colors, Detailed Sound

1More coloruds

"The Colorbuds combine great design with solid properties and exceptional sound."

  • Light design

  • IPX5 weatherproof

  • Valuable sound quality

  • Solid codec support

  • Mediocre Bluetooth range

  • Functional but limited control

When 1More released Colorbuds in July, the audio company said the vibrant, new, true wireless earbuds aim to "bring fashion and audio together." With color options like Midnight Black, Twilight Gold, Sakura Pink or Spearmint Green, it has nailed an end to that combination straight out of the gate.

The other end, of course, requires a little more research. As much as the eye-catching hues of the $ 100 worth of 1More Colorbuds may speak for you, knowing exactly what you're getting into in terms of audio with these tiny, affordable earbuds is just as important.

Out of the box

The Colorbuds and their charging case are waiting to greet you as soon as you open the box. They are kept in the light color you want. I chose Spearmint Green and to be honest, these buds are way more "Spearmint" than "Green". My significant other said it looked like I had mini easter eggs in my ears. I don't know if this is the look 1More is going for, but I didn't mind.

1More colorudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

There are three additional pairs of earplugs in the box, a USB-C charging cable, a quick start guide, a warranty card and, to my pleasant surprise, a sticker. It's mostly standard material that comes with a pair of real wireless earbuds, but the sticker was a nice added touch.

Here's the deal with setting up the Colorbuds: it's not difficult, but you have to follow the directions. There are small strips of plastic that must be removed from each bud and then put back into the case to activate them. Don't make the mistake of forgetting a strip, then using standard bluetooth pairing and taking a walk straight away to find that mono sound is stuck with a bud not yet on. Trust me it's a minor but insane inconvenience.

The Colorbuds have Bluetooth 5 technology, which normally allows an automatic cycle in terms of range and connectivity. But for some reason the Colorbuds don't seem to have the range I enjoyed using other buds with the technology. I couldn't get to the other end of my house without my audio noticeably dropping out, while I could go into my yard without other products falling out. Maybe it's just my special pair, but they didn't have the range I expected from Bluetooth 5 earbuds and headphones.

design

Aside from the Apple AirPods, which weigh 4 grams each, the Colorbuds have a simple size advantage over many more expensive products. They are 4.1 grams per bud and therefore significantly lighter than heavyweights in the industry such as Google Pixel Buds 2, Samsung Galaxy Buds + and Amazon Echo Buds.

1More colorudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The case is comparatively more compact and weighs 40 grams compared to the 40 gram housing of the AirPods. Run out the numbers and it equates to earbuds that feel extremely light in your ears with a sleek case that won't be a factor in your pocket. The earbuds themselves have what 1More calls "optimized ergonomic design," and since the marketing sounds like it sounds, I kind of have to agree with that. They fit flush in your ear and make you feel safe, yet comfortable.

They fit flush in your ear and make you feel safe, yet comfortable.

There are no physical buttons on the Colorbuds, just touch controls on each bud. When I first played with them, I was so ready to write about the Colorbuds being another pair of true wireless earbuds to avoid volume controls that seem so obvious and harmful when unavailable. Then I downloaded the 1More Music app and was mostly relieved that the touch controls are programmable and can include volume commands.

The remaining problem here, from my point of view, is that in the current configuration of the Colorbuds there is really only room for two different controls. There is no single control here, only double and triple control. If you can set four different commands (play / pause, track forward or backward, volume up or down, and voice assistant) you will have to choose two and lose the rest. I chose to track forward / backward and volume up / down but can't say I didn't miss asking Alexa for help.

properties

The earphones most comparable to the Colorbuds in terms of features and price are possibly just one of their close relatives, the 1More Stylish. A couple of important things to remember before I go any further: The Stylish first hit the market when the standards for true wireless earbuds were very different from what they are today. While the Stylish originally retailed for $ 100, you can now find it cheaper for $ 20 than the newer $ 100 Colorbuds.

1More colorudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Let's talk about the battery life: The Stylish offers a playback time of 6.5 hours with one battery charge and a total of 24 hours of battery life with the charging case, as well as a quick charge option that gives you 2 hours of time after 15 minutes in the case. In comparison, the Colorbuds are slightly worse at 6 hours per charge and 22 hours with the case. That's better than the roughly 5 hours found in the Pixel Buds or AirPods, but at a time when earbuds like the Samsung Galaxy Buds + and Sony WF-SP800N can dive into double-digit playback times and the best of options, not considered great will hit there at least 8 hours per charge. At this price, I give the Colorbuds a pass for the battery life. Note, however, that there are better options.

I'm a fan of the IPX5 weather resistance of the Colorbuds, which outperforms the Pixel Buds 2 (IPX4) and products like the Apple AirPods and Sony WF-1000XM3 with no weather resistance. It offers the Colorbuds solid protection against water and sweat, making them an effective training option. They may not be the budget true wireless product I would choose for athletic activities – that would probably be the Anker Soundcore Spirit X2, which despite its unconventional ear hook design has IP67 weather resistance and nine hours of battery life – but they are in a pinch suitable .

I'm a fan of the Colorbuds' IPX5 weather resistance.

This section wouldn't be complete without mentioning the auto-pause feature built into the Colorbuds, which pauses the audio when you remove a bud and resumes the tunes when you put it back in. We have already seen this feature on many earphones. But it's also a feature that has been strangely omitted from a growing number of products. It's a welcome surprise to have it in this price range.

Audio quality

From true wireless earbuds like the Stylish to wired buds like the 1More Dual Driver ANC Pro, 1More's track record of developing valuable sound is nearly flawless. The formula for success is no secret either: most of these products have powerful drivers, excellent codec support and professional tuning.

1More colorudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

I think with the Colorbuds, it's safe to add another (pun!) Pair of wearables to this list. You're on the 1More checklist with a balanced full-range anchor at the center of the sound, support for the aptX / AAC / SBC codecs, and voting from a Grammy-winning sound engineer. The result: you sound great.

To be more specific (and more specific), they sound great for their price. For $ 100, the Colorbuds give you a more than adequate level of clarity, good low end, and solid stereo separation. With these earbuds, it just feels like an all-rounder, a master of nothing, which is honestly a win for the cost. I couldn't peck and wish these buds moved through frequencies more fluidly instead of sometimes blurring them, but that hardly seems fair for buds of this stature and price. The Colorbuds shouldn't be up to the Sony or Sennheiser standard, but they certainly meet the expectations we have of 1More hearing aids.

The Colorbuds shouldn't be up to the Sony or Sennheiser standard, but they certainly meet the expectations we have of 1More hearing aids.

The company has also touted the call quality of the Colorbuds, which have four microphones and built-in noise-canceling technology. As is the new norm, I couldn't test these earbuds out under the excitement of a daily commute, but for the environments I found myself in, from a quiet home office to the sidewalk of a busy street, the Colorbuds were amazingly efficient at holding both of them My conversations end clearly.

Our opinion

The 1More Colorbuds' battery life is worse than their older cousin, and there are some built-in control limitations. But those are small prices for great design, solid overall features, and exceptional sound in the latest version of 1More.

Are there any better alternatives?

If ear hook designs don't turn you off, the $ 80 Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 has better features for $ 20 less. Plus, the older 1More Stylish has similar features for a reasonable discount. But the Colorbuds have a design and features that make them more attractive than some much more expensive competitors.

How long will they last?

The Colorbuds have a one-year guarantee and an IPX5 rating for weather protection. I would be more concerned about losing a bud on the couch than damaging it.

Should you buy it?

Yes. For $ 100, the design, features, and sound of the 1More Colorbuds all match the bright colors they're dressed in. They are meant to be fun and fun for the budget conscious, and that is exactly what they are.

Editor's recommendations




28 Aug
Blog

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Review: Giant Soundstage

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Earbuds Review Earbuds 1

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro

"As with a personal concert, the Liberty 2 Pro can beat the best – and win."

  • Incredible audio quality

  • Solid call quality

  • Good battery life

  • Wireless charging

  • Excellent noise isolation

  • Special value

  • Bulky design

  • Fiddly buttons with no functions

I'm going to break our valuation tradition here and just come out and say it: The Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro are truly exceptional. If you've already considered these, then don't need to read any further: buy them.

But if you're wondering why I'm so in love with these particular buds, I have a lot to say. They're not perfect in all aspects, but if sound quality is paramount to you and you crave detail, balance, and a tremendous soundstage, you can't get better than the Liberty 2 Pro right now – especially not in its $ 150 price range .

No, that's not an exaggeration.

A luxurious box

The first time I pulled the Liberty 2 out of the shipping box, I let out an audible "wow". The product box is the prettiest I've ever seen of an audio product on my huge pile. Its triple style is covered in some sort of texture that feels like a high quality matte paper magazine. On the inside of the folding cover are stunning graphics of the company's audio hardware design. The two buds and the charging case are displayed behind a transparent plastic cover.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earphones rating earphones 11 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/anker-soundcore-liberty-2- pro -earbuds-earphones-review-11-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5AAAAEAAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Earphones Rating Earphones 12 "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/anker-soundcore-liberty-2- pro -earbuds-earphones-review-12-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5AAAAAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earphones rating earphones 13 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/anker-soundcore-liberty-2- pro -earbuds-earphones-review-13-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5AAEAEAAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earphones rating earphones 14 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/anker-soundcore-liberty-2- pro -earbuds-earphones-review-14-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5AAAAAEAAThe box has a very satisfactory texture which hopefully can be seen here. Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Under this paper and plastic tub you will find a very large pile of paper documents (based on the excess paper that is also contained in the Spirit X2, this could just be a Soundcore thing), a charging cable and six (!) Additional silicone earbuds and two extra wings that help keep the buds in place when carried. The seven earplug sizes offered here are well above the industry average and certainly contribute to comfort (more on that later).

Given the sturdiness of the box and the plastic tubs it contains, I can't agree with Anker when it comes to sustainability, but at least they seem to have given their all on the first impression. I've seen worse eco-friendly cardboard boxes that had a lot less impact. This box is so beautiful that I would like to keep it as long as I have the buds.

Chunky, bulky design

The Liberty 2 Pro has almost everything right outside of the design. Here, however, they stumble.

Let's start with the case: it feels a lot bigger than it needs to be, and the buds aren't sitting in it intuitively.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

That doesn't mean I think the case is big, but it is certainly one of the bigger ones I have on hand. It's bigger than the Master and Dynamic MW07 just because the sides are so dramatically rounded, but it's thankfully smaller than the Sony WF-SP800N and WF-1000XM3, both of which are almost obtrusively large. It's almost twice the size of the Jabra Elite 75t. I don't think I'd have such a big problem with the case if I didn't think it was made bigger for the design, not because it had to be. It seems to waste a lot of space, and the bottom of the case (where the battery appears to be) is so thin and relatively light that I just have to think that there is a better way to design it.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earphones rating earphones 9 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/anker-soundcore-liberty-2- pro -earbuds-earphones-review-9-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5AAAAAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Earphones Rating Earphones 10 "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/anker-soundcore-liberty-2- pro -earbuds-earphones-review-10-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5AAEAEAAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Although the lid slides backwards satisfactorily, the buds are set particularly deep into the case and, oddly enough, sit in the holder. Most of the buds on the market snap down with either the earbuds (like the WF-1000XM3) or the antennas (like the Airpods). The Liberty 2 Pro are designed to sit on their side in their case, which makes taking them in and out a process that I need to actively think about to make sure I'm doing everything right. I've been using these for a few weeks now and every time I still have to play around with them.

Next, let's talk about the buds themselves: they're bulky.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

You won't notice their girth when you wear them, but they protrude significantly from your head and everyone around you will be very aware of the buds. They are impossible to ignore.

One final note: although the Liberty 2 Pro lets you pause / play / skip, turn it on and off, and answer / hang up calls, the button to do it is extremely small and poorly positioned. It's a tiny button on the top of the right earbud and reset. You certainly won't accidentally press this button, which is probably a nice perk, but it's a lot easier to control your phone or smartwatch.

This tiny button is no fun. Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

There's also no way to control the volume on the buds yourself, which is another nuisance. But since, due to the fiddly buttons mentioned above, I'll likely be using my phone to manage which song I'm listening to right now, that's probably not that big a deal.

Features and comfort

When the design doesn't get in the way, we can talk about the good things – and there are a lot of good things.

While they don't have as long battery life as their sport-loving brother, the Spirit X2, the Liberty 2 Pros have an excellent 8 hour battery life when you look at comparable performance-focused earbuds. Another three fees in this case increase the total listening time to 32 hours. They last at least as long as the Sony WH-1000XM3s, are better than the 19.5 hours you get from the Panasonic Technics TWS AZ70s, and far superior to the sad 14 hours of the Master and Dynamic MW07s. They don't match the 13 hours of the Sony WF-SP800N or the 9.5 hours of the RHA TrueConnect 2, but they beat the Jabra Elite 75T, which only took about 7 hours in our tests.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

After a charging time of just under 10 minutes, you also get 2 hours of listening time. The charging case is also compatible with USB-C and wireless Qi charging, which is impressive.

Soundcore has an excellent app that is compatible with the Liberty 2 Pros that allows you to convert the EQ from the standard sound profile (which is honestly pretty good) to one of 10 suggested calibrations by professional music producers, your own EQ, or a personalized one change a sound profile that is compiled based on a hearing test that you can perform through the app.

Personally, I enjoy making a custom EQ based on my own preferences, but it was interesting and even fun to try out my favorite songs with different calibrations from the industry pros. The personalized profile through the app felt kind of great, and the profile it created for me wasn't my favorite. I applaud the effort, but stick with the custom EQ.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Unfortunately, the Liberty 2 Pro doesn't have a sensor that detects when a bud is removed from your ears. Hence, you have to stop the music manually.

The Buds support a wide variety of codecs including aptX which is good to see.

Soundcore makes a solid argument that earbuds don't need active noise-canceling technology based on how good they are at noise isolation. When they are worn and playing music even at low volume, the sound is so well isolated that I could swear they had noise canceling. While they're not the best to wear on a plane with no music, they do a great job without the ANC.

This noise isolation means the buds will be quite snug against your ear. If you are particularly sensitive to pressure in your ear canal, it can make you feel tired. Personally, I like the fit. I use the smallest ear plugs and fins and they stay in my ears very well. I could wear them for hours without any problems.

Soundcore makes a solid argument that there is no need for active noise cancellation technology in earphones.

They aren't the most comfortable earbuds I've tested, but they strike a very good balance between comfortable and safe. I have a hell of a lot of time holding the Sony WF-1000XM3 in my ears and the very comfortable Master and Dynamic MW07s do a very poor job of isolating. For me, the Liberty 2 Pro are the goldilocks of this situation: They are exactly right.

Incredible soundstage

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro has a wider, richer soundstage than any other earbud I've tested in 2020. You can keep up with the raw bass performance of the Jabra Elite 75T and have a deeper and more robust projection of that bass. Compared to our usual standard, the Sony WF-1000XM3, the Liberty 2 Pro offers a bigger sound and a stronger bass without losing details. The XM3s sound great, but they lack detail. The Liberty 2 Pro is both sturdy and detailed, which is surprising and impressive.

That's right, I think they sound better than an earbud that costs almost twice as much.

The Liberty 2 Pro are the closest thing to the professional over-ear studio monitors I've seen in an earbud.

While I really have to pause and listen carefully to find out the background details of Katy Perry's Daisies on both the Sony and Jabra, this is clear and obvious on the Liberty 2 Pro. In Hans Zimmer's No Time for Caution, I have the feeling of sitting in the Imax Theater and seeing Interstellar again for the first time.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

When I listen to music through Liberty 2 Pro, I feel like I'm in the middle of my personal theater with my favorite band playing just for me. Somehow, Anker Soundcore managed to give me all the details about lows, mids and highs that I crave while keeping my balance flawless. Even if I change the EQ so that the bass is as high as possible, it never overpowers any of the other levels. The detail is still there.

The Liberty 2 Pro are the closest thing to the professional over-ear studio monitors I've seen in an earbud. While studio monitors tend to be more neutral in their projection to maintain balance and bring out details, the Liberty 2 Pro somehow manages to give me the nice depth and warmth that is great for easy listening without sacrificing that balance and criticism to need detail. I can't get enough of the music these buds offer, the sound is so extraordinary.

If sound quality is most important to you, the Liberty 2 Pro are hard to beat.

For me, the Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro are the new standard.

Call quality

I am pleased to announce that the call quality with the Liberty 2 Pro is very good for both parties. Not only can I hear the other side of the conversation very clearly, but they can also hear me clearly. They're not the best for calling out of all of the earbuds we tested – the Apple AirPods Pro are better – but they do a great job.

Anker Soundcore says they achieve the solid call quality through four microphones and uplink noise cancellation and voice isolation. I'm not familiar with their jargon or their technology, but I can say it works very well which makes these buds great not only for music but also for work.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Our opinion

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earbuds may not be the prettiest buds out there, and their charging case is a bit cumbersome, but they make up for all of this with the best audio quality you can expect from true wireless earbuds. At $ 150, they not only dominate their price segment and beat the excellent Jabra Elite 75t and RHA TrueConnect 2, but they go even further and beat well beyond their weight class against buds that can cost twice as much. If sound quality is most important to you, the Liberty 2 Pro are hard to beat.

Is there a better alternative?

In all honesty, if audio quality is most important to you, no. We haven't found a better-sounding pair of buds for $ 150. Sound isn't everything, however. If you want to get closer but want to get smaller and more comfortable buds with a tiny charging case, the Jabra Elite 75t are great. The RHA TrueConnect 2, Happy Plugs Air 1 ANC, and Samsung Galaxy Buds + are also in the $ 150 range and are worth considering.

How long will they last?

Anker Soundcore offers an incredible 18 month guarantee on its products that is way above the norm. The build is solid too. I expect these will easily take several years.

Should you buy it?

Definitely yes. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro are standout headphones with the best high quality, detailed soundstage we've seen in real radio buds. You want her.

Editor's recommendations




28 Aug
Blog

Harman/Kardon Soundsticks 4 Review: What’s Old is New Again

harman kardon soundsticks 4 anniversary edition Bluetooth rating 20. 1

Harman / Kardon Soundsticks 4 Rating: What is old is new again

"The Soundsticks 4 are a classic design that has been updated for modern times. They sound great."

  • Classic yet updated styling

  • Warm, accessible sound

  • LED in the subwoofer is a nice touch

  • Supports bluetooth and 3.5mm jack

  • Great value for money

  • The subwoofer must sit on your desk

  • No EQ customization options

  • Does not come with an aux cable

The Harman / Kardon sound sticks are classic. I can't say that I personally owned any of the earlier iterations released since 2000, but I can say I knew someone who did. In college, these were the computer speakers you had to own.

But how is the new $ 300 Anniversary Edition Harman / Kardon Soundsticks 4 holding up 20 years after it was launched and some updates to keep it up to date? The design is unique and largely unchanged from the original, but how well do they work and, more importantly, how do they sound? Let's get into that.

Out of the box

The Soundsticks 4 are packaged very simply, and I'd say that's a good thing. Although originally launched along with the iMac in 2000, Harman / Kardon doesn't seem to be continuing the packaging trend that Apple is following with hard cardboard and a ton of plastic. While there are a few here, the main and inner packaging is made from standard cardboard and foam, which has made the soundsticks safe on their travels to me. It's not particularly sustainable packaging, but neither is it the worst we've come across.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The Soundsticks 4 are delivered with a left and right speaker unit with four drivers, the subwoofer, a power cord and ready to use. Given that these are primarily computer speakers, I found it strange that Harman / Kardon didn't come with a 3.5mm audio aux cable, especially since the Soundsticks 4 support the hard-line In accept. The only instant connection option you have is Bluetooth. This works, but is not ideal for me. Sure, I like bluetooth, but as a past life video editor, I have a hard time trusting wireless connections when listening critically. Television companies have set themselves up to be known that they typically don't have an HDMI cable in the box, but computer speakers don't have such expectations. If you want to provide the input, specify the cable.

Clear mood

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

If you weren't familiar with the soundsticks prior to this version, they always had this transparent build that originally looked great for the time, especially with the iMac they were designed for. But 20 years later, the emphasis on using clear plastic with electronics has decreased significantly. It doesn't look bad by any means, but in 2020 the design aesthetic is extremely unusual and likely polarizing.

On a video call with the soundsticks in the background, someone rightly asked me if it was a humidifier.

Thanks to the white and gray used throughout, the design has aged pretty well in my opinion.

But I kind of like her. Personally, I think they don't look bad at all next to a 27-inch iMac. Compared to the original, the Soundsticks 4 use significantly more opaque parts that perfectly frame the clear parts. I think if this entire system were as see-through as the original in 2000 it would be pretty garish, but thanks to the white and gray used throughout, I think the design has aged pretty well.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Table top in mind

Harman / Kardon are continuing a strange design decision: All three parts should sit clearly on your desk. The left and right speaker units have no controls to speak of. Instead, these are located on the front and back of the subwoofer. The volume, which you can probably only control from your computer, is toggled by two raised white buttons on the front of the subwoofer, while the buttons for power and Bluetooth connectivity are on the back. When you change the volume, turn on the device, or connect to a Bluetooth device, the LEDs in the subwoofer light up differently. This means that you should be able to see very clearly that it lights up, which you probably wouldn't notice if it were on. The typical subwoofer location on the floor under the desk.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

I suppose the idea is that you don't want to "hide" the subwoofer under the table because of the design, but it's not particularly convenient. The submarine is quite large, which means that it takes up a large part of your workspace. I don't know all about you out there, but my desk isn't that big. It's big, but putting up my laptop stand, monitor, and podcasting microphone doesn't leave much room for other items. The left and right speaker arrays are thankfully pretty thin and easy to hide, but the subwoofer will take up a lot of space. The sub is powerful too, which means you can definitely feel it shake the table when it plays music. I'm not a huge fan of this when I'm trying to work.

If you are thinking of just laying it on the floor, you might just know that the sound quality is going to deteriorate. I'll go into the sound quality breakdown in the next section, but know that I tested the sound with the sub both on the table and below and the audio quality was noticeably worse with the sub on the floor.

Sound sticks sound good

I can point out the lack of an aux cable and the need to have all three parts on one table, but all that's worth it for audio quality: the Soundsticks 4 sound fabulous.

The soundsticks 4 sound fabulous.

I was honestly surprised at how good the sound quality was from what were, for me, the thin, small arrays. Sure, they had four drivers apiece, but since they were so small, could they really do that much? Well, not only do they make a lot, they're rich and sound full in a way that seems to defy their sleek design.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Sagres from The Last Man on Earth comes through completely and in detail, with the nuanced lyrics blending wonderfully into the bass. The Decemberists “Once in My Life” is my go-to for selection of detailed vocal audio. While not perfect, the Soundsticks 4 do a very respectable job of recreating the lead vocalist's high-pitched timbre-focused voice. These speakers definitely put more emphasis on the lows and mids than the highs, but the result is a very warm and rich sound, albeit a little less detailed than other speakers and audio equipment. In their price range and especially for computer speakers, I really like what I hear from them.

As mentioned earlier, the bass seems to work a lot better in filling audio when it's at the same level as the left and right speakers. If you place the subwoofer on the floor, the music will sound noticeably less saturated.

If you limit the sound sticks to a lower volume, they cannot provide a particularly balanced EQ.

I also noticed that the sound quality deteriorates when the Soundsticks 4 are played at less than half their maximum volume. If you limit the sound sticks to a lower volume, they cannot provide a particularly balanced EQ.

Speaking of EQ: The SoundSticks offer no way to manage this at all. This is generally fine as the soundsticks sound pretty good right away, but I miss being able to tune them to my preferences. You can feel the bass, but it won't knock you off your seat. If you want the incredible, chattering bass from our computer speakers, you should probably look elsewhere.

Since it's a bluetooth speaker when using Spotify on mobile you can change the EQ in the settings there, but I found that increasing the settings there actually pushed the soundsticks 4 too hard and there was a lot of bad audio -Cracking occurs. What I heard was like the peak of audio signals and it was like they couldn't compensate for the digital signal pushing them too far. I blame Spotify more than the soundsticks, but with no option to customize the sound in any other way, the experience was disappointing.

Our opinion

The Harman / Kardon Soundsticks 4 are a fantastic take on a classic design, with just enough updates to get them fit in 2020 without deviating too far from the classic look. Aside from a few minor flaws, they sound fantastic and are good value for money.

Are there any other options?

If you're really craving the classic look that the Soundsticks 4 bring to the table, it will be difficult to find anything like it. If you don't mind being a little more understated, I really like mine Edifier R1700BT Speaker. However, they are not compatible with a dedicated subwoofer. Similarly, in our roundup, we recommend the best computer speakers too Aperion Allaire or the Audioengine A2 +. You will find that these are all a bit cheaper than the soundsticks, but none of them come with a subwoofer.

How long will they last?

Although they are made almost entirely of plastic (at least on the outside), they feel sturdy. Since they shouldn't move much I would expect these to last for years.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if this style is your thing. They sound great and while you will need to create a lot of desk space to support them, they are well worth it for the sound and aesthetics.

Editor's recommendations




27 Aug
Blog

Beats Solo3 Headphones Review: Style Leads The Way

Beats Solo3 rating headphones Solo 3 8

"The price for the Beats Solo3 is geared towards style and compatibility and a bit high for just average sound."

  • Multiple color options

  • Great battery life

  • Strong compatibility with Apple products

  • Bad bass

  • Tight fit leads to hearing fatigue

Beats was about brand and style, as well as sound quality and features. So it's not surprising that all of the on-ear / over-ear options have more color choices than the pre-audio specs.

The Beats Solo3 are the company's most accessible headphones in terms of price, but that doesn't make them cheap. At $ 200, they still hit the high-end personal audio market despite their lower status among the Beats options. Where does the Solo3 end up in a headphone market that has become very competitive in recent years? Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

The Beats Solo3 are simply delivered. In a few layers of cardboard packaging you will find the headphones, a soft carrying case, a USB-A-to-USB-Micro-B charging cable and a small carabiner (for grinding onto the soft case and for attaching to things, I. guess). Beats also comes with a number of booklets that clearly explain setup and use, and a sticker in case this is your jam. Although the headphones accept a 3.5mm jack connector that bypasses the power requirement, the Solo3 headphones don't come with one. For the price, I'd think including such a simple cable would be a breeze, but Apple is for you.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

I'll say the packaging was free of excess plastic which means you can probably easily recycle most of it anywhere, which is lovely. Here we award points for sustainability.

Build and design

The color of the Beats set that was sent to me for review is Satin Silver which is basically white. They're straightforward and clean looking, but in my opinion they're the least interesting options besides maybe the matte black. As for style, Beats nailed it down the line with its headphones as some of the other options look amazing.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The build quality is also solid. The hinges are made of polished chrome, the ear cups are well padded, and while the outside of the cans is plastic, the headphones don't feel cheap. The headband isn't particularly sturdy, but the ease of the Solo3s mixed with the strength of the clamping pressure on the ears makes me try that.

Speaking of clamping pressure, it's significant. The Solo3 headphones are on-ear headphones, not over-ear headphones. Hence, the cups rest right on your ears and press into the sides of your head when you wear them. I don't have a particularly large head and it's narrower than round. Nevertheless, the auricles press pretty hard against my ears until wearing the Solo3s becomes uncomfortable even after a short time. I could only wear them for an hour at most before I became significantly tired. In short, these headphones are very small. So if you have a bigger head, chances are that these are even more uncomfortable for you than you are on mine.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The Solo3 weighs only 215 grams, is well distributed and makes it easy to carry or carry. I mentioned that the headband didn't feel as sturdy, and that's because the padding over the band that's on top of my head isn't very soft. It didn't bother me too much, but the Beats Solo Pros and Studios have a much more padded headband so it was disappointing to see fewer pillows here.

The soft case that came with the Solo3 is nothing special. You can use the included carabiner to attach it to the inside or outside of a bag if you wish. The case is quite compact, which is a plus, but it just won't win design awards for its looks.

Beats Solo3 Review headphones Solo 3 5 "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-solo3-headphones-review-solo- 3 -5-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

suggests solo3 review headphones solo 3 4 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-solo3-headphones-review-solo- 3 -4-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In the right auricle there is a micro-USB charging port and the power switch. The left auricle has a 3.5mm jack input on the bottom and on the side of the mug with a button to pause, play and skip tracks and two buttons for volume control. I like the physical buttons on the Solo3s as opposed to a touchpad on other headphones, as the tactile feedback lets me know I'm using the controls correctly while wearing the headphones (since I can't see what I'm pressing).

Compatibility and battery

As an Apple brand, the Beats headphones provide the best user experience with an iPhone, but are also fully compatible with Android devices. The Solo3s feature Apple's W1 chip, which provides additional functionality when used with Apple products, including support for “Hey Siri” and multiple headset listening (when using other Beats or Apple products). The headphones and their remaining battery life are also displayed when they are held near the iPhone.

As an iPhone user, the Beats Solo3 headphones slipped straight into my portable library.

As an iPhone user, the Beats Solo3 headphones have slipped into my portable library with ease, just like when I added the AirPods Pros and my Apple Watch. Pairing was quick and easy, and jumping to additional sources was quick, even though they don't support Bluetooth multipoint. I hope that using the Solo3s across multiple Apple products will be even easier when Apple releases auto headphone handover with the next operating system.

The battery life of the Solo3 headphones is very good.

The battery life of the Solo3 headphones is very good: 40 hours between charges. They even offer a quick 10 minute charge for 3 hours of listening. This is some of the best battery performance you can ask for a headphone on the market right now. It would be the best if it weren't for the recently released Jabra Elite 45H with a 50 hour battery life.

Audio quality

Beats did an excellent job of making the audio from these headphones as appealing as possible. For an audiophile, these are as close as I can imagine. However, they are harmless to the average listener.

It's a perfect line for a brand like Beats.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The sound from the Solo3 headphones is center-controlled, with the higher registers as well as the lows and bass playing a lesser role. That doesn't mean the bass isn't there – it is. The Solo3 headphones just don't pump bass the way I like it sometimes, or seem to have the ability to present it at any depth.

The sound stage is particularly narrow because the areas are compressed into a small space. On Sias Chandelier, the bass sounds overworked and mushy, but her vocals come through well enough. Similarly, Hans Zimmer's No Time for Caution doesn't have the "oomph" it should and can't boost the drama high enough for my taste due to a weak bass signal. As crescendos, the bass gets a bit choppy and unrefined, which again leads me to believe that these headphones cannot output clear bass when a song demands it.

These headphones cannot output clear bass when a song requires it.

The fact that the bass isn't strong on the Solo3 is confusing as a punchy bass is pretty much a big part of the typical beats sound. Perhaps it is good that these offer a break from what is usually stronger in the lows, or it would be disappointing if you bought these and expected the same beats sound.

Beats also doesn't offer a way to optimize the EQ. So you hear what you get out of the Solo3 headphones.

Unless you're really looking for a powerful bass that will rock your jaw, the tone is easy to hear and generally pleasant. It's that center-headed audio that's damn easy to hear. Warm and approachable, most people will like it well.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Our opinion

The Beats Solo3 headphones rely heavily on their style and Apple connectivity for audio quality to make their $ 200 high price tag. For many it will be worth it. But it's a very competitive market, and Beats might have a hard time convincing the well-informed that these doses are the ones to get.

Are there any better alternatives?

At $ 200, both the Know Calm and Razer Opus are solid options. The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are also in this price range and are worth considering. If you're looking to spend less, the Jabra Elite 45H are half the price, but sound much better, despite lacking the firm grip of the Solo3. In all four cases, you may have to sacrifice style and compatibility, but you will get better sound. It depends on your preference.

How long will they last?

When micro-USB is on the way out, it can be annoying to have that extra cable with you when the rest of your technology is set to USB-C, especially if you're using Apple products and are already using a lighting cable. Apple's 1-year limited warranty applies to Beats products. The build quality is solid.

Should you buy it?

Maybe. The thing is, they are expensive for average audio performance but they look great and compatibility with Apple products is nice and hard to miss. You need to balance what's important to you and determine if the Beats Solo3 headphones meet these requirements.

Editor's recommendations




27 Aug
Blog

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 Review: The Legacy Continues

Lenovo Ideapad Slim 7 review Thinkpad X1 Yoga Gen5 01

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5

"The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 continues the old ThinkPad legacy without missing out on modern features."

  • Excellent workmanship

  • Tactile keyboard

  • Additional security functions

  • The pen is included

  • Convenient port selection

  • Thick bezels and outdated design

  • Too expensive

  • Uses Comet Lake processors

ThinkPads don't change. The decades-old design is part of its enduring legacy, and its looks have become iconic over the years.

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga, however, has always been a deviation from the norm. With an aluminum case, touchscreen, and included stylus, it's not your father's ThinkPad – that's the saying.

Now in its fifth generation, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga has been updated with the latest internals, and sky-high prices remain. My test unit was $ 2,303, and even the base model is a whopping $ 1,439. Does the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 live up to the venerable ThinkPad legacy? Let's find out.

design

The aluminum case is the standout feature of this laptop, which is strange to say. Since the days of the early MacBook Air, the silver color scheme has been brought to death. Of course, not every silver laptop is created equal, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 gets it right. It's a discreet dark gray – dare I say "Space Gray" in tone.

The aluminum material makes it even more robust than your average ThinkPad. This builds on the brand's pedigree for great build quality, and it's even more important for a convertible laptop with a 360-degree hinge. The X1 Yoga should be used as a laptop, but it should also be rotated in "media" mode or even turned upside down in "tent" mode. It's a device that you should touch, and that's what durability is important for. The aluminum also helps in reducing fingerprints for which the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is known.

Whether it's the distinctive keyboard or the TrackPoint node, you won't confuse this with a MacBook.

The hinge is constructed tightly – maybe even a little too tight. Like most laptops, it cannot be opened with one finger and requires a two-handed grip to pull it apart. However, the aluminum adds to the weight of the device. It comes in at just under three pounds, which is over half a pound heavier than the X1 Carbon.

Outside of the aluminum, the X1 Yoga is a ThinkPad through and through. Whether it's the distinctive keyboard or the TrackPoint node, you won't confuse this with a MacBook or anything else.

Thick bezels are also part of this specialty. On all sides, they're not as slim as I would expect from a laptop released in 2020, even when compared to some other 14-inch laptops from Lenovo. The lower chin is a particularly notable culprit. Other 2-in-1 laptops like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 or the HP Specter x360 can maximize screen space better.

Ports

ThinkPads have always offered a wide variety of ports, and the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is no exception. On the left side there are two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a USB-A port, HDMI and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Lenovo's proprietary mechanical docking connection is connected to one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports and can be helpful when setting up a new home office. However, the dock itself is sold separately.

On the right side you will find another USB-A port, the power switch, a Kensington lock and the pen slot. The included pen, the ThinkPad Pen Pro, is a great addition. Many manufacturers such as HP and Dell charge a surcharge for a pen and do not offer a housing for the device. Unfortunately, the ThinkPad Pen Pro cannot be pulled out when the laptop is flat on the table. Other pen slots, such as those used by Samsung, have a spring mechanism that allows them to pop out.

The pen itself is light and simple, precise enough to take notes and scroll through web pages. For a pen that's better for illustrating, consider using either an Apple Pencil or a Surface Pen.

The ports on the right have been moved towards you to make room for a sizeable exhaust vent. The location of the vent also means that if you're right-handed and want to use an external mouse, a wave of hot air will be pushed towards you. Plus, the single USB-A port is in an awkward spot where cables can dangle.

Although the device has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, both of which can be charged, I would have preferred if Lenovo split them up. Charging from both sides of the laptop can definitely come in handy.

Keyboard and touchpad

ThinkPads are known for their keyboards. I understand why – that extra travel in the keys is a rare feature these days. After a few days of typing, I began to appreciate the luxury of this long trip. The slight concavity of the keys is comfortable, and the additional force exerted on the key presses ensures tactile precision.

But I have to admit, I have problems with the layout of this keyboard. In line with ThinkPad tradition, the X1 Yoga still swaps the fn and ctrl keys on the left. The different layout bothers me every time I type on a ThinkPad computer and it never stops being frustrating. It took me several days to type Ctrl + T and Ctrl + Z incorrectly to unlearn the layout.

But there is more. ThinkPads use the standard half-size arrow keys that are just below the rest of the keys. That alone can cause me to trip a bit, but placing PgUp and PgDn keys right next to them is additionally problematic. As a touch typist, I can't tell you the number of times I accidentally jumped to the page because of small errors.

Touch typists have to unlearn some keyboard commands.

My final layout complaint is about the keyboard backlight. While the ThinkPad X1 Yoga has a backlight, you will have to rely on the Fn + Space keyboard command to turn it on. Neither of these layout problems is new to ThinkPad users, but they are an issue for those who came from other laptops or keyboards.

As always, the touchpad hardware buttons are located above the touchpad for easy access while using the TrackPoint. The red nub in the middle of the keyboard is an icon and a unique feature. However, if you want to rely mainly on the touchpad, the buttons take up valuable space where a larger touchpad surface could have been. My fingers often ran against it while wiping with two fingers or gesturing with three fingers. The glass touchpad itself feels precise and smooth, and the click is quieter than other laptops.

The fingerprint scanner is unfortunately to the right of the touchpad. I would prefer something built into the keyboard itself, but the reader that comes with it is good. Above the screen, you also get an IR camera for Windows Hello face recognition and a 720p webcam.

Display and speaker

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 has a 14-inch 4K display. However, you can also go for a 1080p model that will save you a few hundred dollars. However, the 4K display is brighter, sharper and more colorful. The maximum is just under 500 nits, which is bright enough to overcome glare even in brightly lit rooms. Although the X1 Yoga Gen 5 is not like the ThinkPad X1 Extreme OLED, in contrast it does well at 1,020: 1.

The colors are a bit mixed up though. For a 4K display, I expect the broadest possible color range and precise color accuracy. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is a bit behind some of the leading companies in this area, such as the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Specter x360. While 86% of Adobe RGB is better than the average laptop, the color accuracy isn't quite up to par. Professional photo editing or graphic design are not the type of work the X1 Yoga Gen 5 is good for.

The 1080p screen is a better choice for most potential buyers as it translates into longer battery life.

The speakers face down and are located under the edges of the case. Unsurprisingly, the audio quality is a bit squishy. The speakers don't have the quiet highs of many laptops, but they won't impress you either.

performance

Despite the desire of the X1 Yoga to be more attractive, all ThinkPads are business computers at heart. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 pays tribute to that legacy with the latest 10th generation vPro Core i7 processors. These are business-specific chips from Intel that provide additional security and manageability features that your IT department will appreciate.

The decision for vPro over a normal processor of the 10th generation has one disadvantage: pure speed and graphics performance. The Intel Core i7-10610U vPro is a quad-core processor, but it belongs to the older 14nm Comet Lake variant. The newer Ice Lake processors, like those of the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 or the HP Specter x360, are said to be faster. This was true for Cinebench R20, where the XPS 13 was 10% faster than the X1 Yoga Gen 5 in both single-core and multi-core tests.

The business class processor results in a slight performance penalty.

The X1 Yoga Gen 5 wasn't the fastest in real world performance either, such as when it came to video encoding in Handbrake. Laptops like the XPS 13 and the 13-inch MacBook Pro blow it out of the water thanks to their improved multi-core performance. The new generation of AMD laptops extends this lead even further. Unfortunately, choosing a business processor with additional security features still results in a slight performance penalty.

I'm not saying the X1 Yoga is a slow computer for everyday tasks. Creating multiple 4K monitors, extensive multitasking, and even light content is no problem.

Graphics are the only performance area where the difference is most evident. Comet Lake processors use Intel's terrible built-in UHD graphics, while laptops like the XPS 13 2-in-1 or the Specter x360 have the option for Intel's improved Iris Plus graphics. Neither of these will turn your laptop into a hardcore slot machine, but Iris Plus is at least enough to get past lighter games on low settings.

Battery life

All 4K laptops have battery life issues. More pixels mean more power to power them, and the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is no different. It took me about five hours in my daily use which consists of lots of multitasking and browsing tabs but not lots of heavy applications. That's not bad, but you can't safely stay away from an electrical outlet for an entire day at work.

In our lightest test, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga lasted 7 hours and 49 minutes while looping a local 1080p video file. The HP Specter x360 lasted almost two hours longer in the same test, despite a 4K OLED panel. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga matched the battery performance of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

Our heaviest test is the Basemark web benchmark, which simulates the battery life in a heavy application. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga ran out of juice after just two hours, which is not uncommon for a 4K laptop.

Our opinion

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is a modern business laptop, but it still has a commercial heart. This is no excuse for some of his cumbersome design choices, especially the beefy bezels. The ThinkPad X1 brand still has its advantages, especially when it comes to the keyboard, TrackPoint, and world-famous build quality. The included pen is also a unique feature that is unique to the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex.

Is there a better alternative?

There are two ThinkPad X1 alternatives to Yoga: the X1 Carbon and the X1 Extreme. The X1 Carbon is lighter and the X1 Extreme is bigger and far more powerful. Neither the aluminum housing nor the 2-in-1 functions.

Both the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and the HP Specter x360 13 are better 2-in-1 laptops for the average person, with better performance and a more modern design. Both are cheaper than the X1 Yoga, but neither are business-class laptops.

If the business pedigree is a must, both the HP Elite Dragonfly and Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 are worthy rivals of the X1 Yoga.

How long it will take?

The ThinkPad brand is known for durability and the X1 Yoga Gen 5 is no different. It should take up to five years, although the standard warranty is only one year.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The X1 Yoga won't win conversions in its fifth generation, but it's a good choice if you're upgrading from an older ThinkPad.

Editor's recommendations




«‹5758596061›»