Coolsmartphone

AULUMU Launches CS03 Titanium Mag Buckle Quick-Release Band for Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

2026-04-29T16:02:18Z

Premium titanium magnetic buckle meets breathable nylon design with one-step quick release for all-day comfort and secure wear.

AULUMU, a design-led accessories brand focused on precision materials and functional innovation, today announced the CS03 Titanium Mag Buckle Quick-Release Band, a precision-engineered strap created for Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra users who want a refined balance of durability, comfort and effortless everyday usability. The CS03 builds on AULUMU’s growing reputation for material-driven wearable design, pairing a titanium alloy magnetic buckle with a breathable high-density nylon weave to deliver a strap that feels as premium as the device it attaches to.

The CS03 introduces a simplified approach to daily wear through AULUMU’s magnetic quick-release structure, enabling a fast one-step attachment and removal process without the need for repeated adjustments. This convenience-led design reflects the evolving expectations of smartwatch users who increasingly prioritise accessories that adapt seamlessly to work, travel and fitness routines. Once sized, the band snaps into place with a clean magnetic alignment and removes just as easily, supporting a smooth transition between activities throughout the day.

Key Specifications
• Titanium alloy magnetic buckle with scratch-resistant coating
• One-step magnetic quick-release system
• Dual-secure fastening with magnetic alignment and hook-and-loop closure
• High-density breathable nylon strap
• Includes long and short strap options
• Wrist compatibility approximately 145 mm to 225 mm
• Weight approximately 31 g to 32 g depending on strap length
• Designed for Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 1 and 2
• Available in multiple strap and buckle combinations

At the centre of the design is a titanium alloy magnetic buckle engineered for strength while remaining noticeably lightweight on the wrist. The buckle features a scratch-resistant coating for long-term durability and is paired with a dual-secure fastening system that combines magnetic locking with a hook-and-loop layer for added stability during movement. This structure ensures the band stays reliably in place during runs, gym sessions or daily commuting while maintaining a soft, comfortable feel against the skin.

The strap is constructed from high-density nylon chosen for its breathability and soft-touch texture. The material promotes airflow and reduces moisture build-up, making it suitable for extended wear in warm conditions or during high-intensity activity. Its flexible weave allows the band to contour naturally to the wrist, supporting a more personalised fit that remains comfortable from morning to night.

AULUMU includes both long and short strap options in every CS03 package, offering a broader wrist-size range without requiring additional purchases. This dual-length approach enhances usability and ensures a more tailored fit straight out of the box. The connector is engineered with a precise 1:1 fit for Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra models, maintaining a seamless visual integration with the device’s industrial aesthetic

The launch of the CS03 reflects continued demand for premium materials within the smartwatch accessory category. Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion make it an increasingly popular choice for users seeking a more refined, long-lasting upgrade over standard silicone or stainless steel bands. By combining titanium hardware with a performance-focused nylon strap, AULUMU positions the CS03 as a versatile option that bridges everyday comfort with elevated design.

The AULUMU CS03 Titanium Mag Buckle Quick-Release Band is available now in Black and Titanium via the official AULUMU website and Amazon for $59.98. It will also be available on Amazon UK from May.

About Aulumu
Founded in 2022, Aulumu is a forward-thinking design brand dedicated to creating high-performance gear that blends functionality with a bold, futuristic aesthetic. Inspired by the ancient Greek word “a?t?µat??”—a symbol of precision and efficiency—and influenced by the visual language of Cyberpunk, Aulumu fuses absolute pragmatism with distinctive design to redefine everyday tech accessories. Rather than producing standalone products, Aulumu is building a cohesive ecosystem of high-performance gear tailored for modern urbanites who value efficiency and individuality. Guided by its core ethos—“Precision & Efficiency, Pragmatism & Functionality, Confident Rebellion”—every Aulumu creation serves as an extension of the user’s intent, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the digital world with control, composure, and confidence.

Since its inception, Aulumu has introduced a range of innovative digital accessories, earned multiple utility and invention patents, and received international recognition, including the 2025 German Red Dot Design Award. With products now used by hundreds of thousands of customers across more than 20 countries and regions, Aulumu continues to establish itself as a trusted name in performance design and modern lifestyle innovation.

The post AULUMU Launches CS03 Titanium Mag Buckle Quick-Release Band for Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

TerraMaster D1 SSD Rugged Enclosure: Durable Waterproof Storage for Daily Outdoor Use.

2026-04-29T16:01:19Z

TerraMaster, a professional storage solutions brand, today officially introduced the D1 SSD Rugged Enclosure. Engineered for demanding environments, the D1 SSD combines aircraft-grade all-metal construction, IP67 water and dust protection, and 1.2-ton crush resistance with high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2 performance, silent fanless cooling, and broad device compatibility, making it an ideal solution for photographers, outdoor professionals, and mobile workers seeking secure, high-performance storage.

The D1 SSD features a unibody aircraft-grade aluminum alloy chassis that provides outstanding scratch resistance, corrosion protection, and durability under extreme temperature variations. Precision silicone seals ensure full IP67 certification, allowing the enclosure to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and full protection against dust and splashes. Its shock-resistant internal design absorbs impacts from drops and collisions, while the robust aluminum structure endures pressures up to 1.2 tons, safeguarding internal drives even under vehicle-level weight. These features make the D1 SSD a resilient companion in unpredictable outdoor conditions, construction sites, or any high-intensity work environment.

High-speed performance is delivered through a USB 3.2 Gen2 interface with UASP protocol and TRIM optimization, achieving sequential read and write speeds of up to 1020 MB/s. Large files such as 4K video or high-resolution photo collections transfer in seconds. The all-metal housing provides a heat dissipation area 2.5 times larger than typical enclosures, and the fanless passive cooling design ensures silent operation without sacrificing thermal stability.

Supporting up to 8TB of M.2 2280 NVMe SSD storage across PCIe 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 standards, the D1 SSD can store millions of high-resolution images or thousands of HD movies. Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, TVs, and OTG-enabled smartphones, the enclosure also supports one-touch photo backup via the TerraMaster TDAS mobile app, ensuring local storage for privacy-conscious users.

The D1 SSD suits multiple usage scenarios. Photographers and outdoor professionals benefit from rugged protection and instant backups, mobile professionals and students gain ultra-lightweight, pocket-sized storage for efficient on-the-go workflows, and general users or Mac professionals can use it as a quiet, stable, plug-and-play external or boot drive. Its combination of durability, speed, and versatility positions it as a professional-grade solution for virtually any data-intensive task.

Features :-

Portable SSD Enclosure with aircraft-grade all-metal construction
USB Type-C interface, compatible with USB 3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0
Bandwidth: 10 Gbps
Compatible SSD: 2280 M.2 NVMe (NVMe M Key/B+M Key)
Supported capacity: up to 8TB
Supported systems: Windows, macOS, Linux , Android, iOS
Weight: 146 g
Dimensions: 113.6 × 45 × 21 mm
IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
Fanless silent cooling design
One-touch photo backup via TDAS mobile app
Package includes enclosure, USB cable, case, and manual

About TerraMaster

TerraMaster is a professional brand specializing in innovative storage solutions, including network-attached storage and direct-attached storage devices designed for home users, businesses, and creative professionals. With a focus on performance, reliability, and user-friendly design, TerraMaster products are trusted worldwide for data management, backup, media production, and enterprise storage applications.

The post TerraMaster D1 SSD Rugged Enclosure: Durable Waterproof Storage for Daily Outdoor Use. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Plaud Note Pro – Review. The Credit-Card Sized Brain for Your Phone.

2026-04-28T06:56:53Z

It’s a Tuesday here at Coolsmartphone Towers, and the postie has just dropped off something that feels like it’s been beamed in from a future where we’ve finally solved the problem of my terrible handwriting.

I’ve been diving deep into the digital archives, scouring the wider web, and crunching through the data (think of it as me doing the hard yards in the library so you don’t have to) to bring you the lowdown on the Plaud Note Pro.

If you’ve been following my ramblings for a while, you’ll know I’ve got a bit of a love-hate relationship with “AI” gadgets. Usually, they’re just a fancy wrapper for a ChatGPT subscription that’ll be in a desk drawer gathering dust within a fortnight. But this? This credit-card-sized slab of aluminium might actually be the real deal.

The “Why Bother?” Factor.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room. You’ve already got a smartphone. It’s got a microphone. It’s got a voice memo app. So why on earth would you spend your hard-earned quid on a separate dedicated recorder?

Well, if you’ve ever tried to record a phone call on an iPhone without looking like a dodgy private investigator from a 70s B-movie, you’ll know it’s an absolute nightmare. Apple treats call recording like it’s a national security threat.

Then there’s the battery drain, the storage issues, and the sheer faff of trying to find that one specific minute in a three-hour meeting where your boss finally agreed to give you Friday off.

The Plaud Note Pro isn’t just a recorder; it’s basically an external hard drive for your brain. It’s the successor to the original Plaud Note, which was already pretty decent, but the “Pro” tag here isn’t just marketing fluff—they’ve actually put some proper thought into the hardware this time.

Design: Thinner Than My Patience.

When I pulled this thing out of the box, I genuinely thought I’d been sent a dummy unit. It’s 2.99mm thin.

To put that in perspective, that’s about three credit cards stacked together. You could slide this into your wallet and forget it’s there, which I almost did before realizing I needed to actually review the thing.

The build quality is top-notch. We’re talking matte aluminium alloy that feels premium in the hand—none of that creaky plastic you get from the cheap and cheerful recorders down at the local tech shop. The “Pro” model also introduces something the original was crying out for: a proper 0.95-inch AMOLED screen.

Now, look, I’m not saying you’re going to be watching Netflix on a one-inch screen, but having a visual indicator of your battery life, recording status, and which mode you’re in is a godsend.

On the old model, you were basically playing a game of “Red Light, Green Light” with a tiny LED, hoping for the best. Now, you’ve got 600 nits of brightness staring back at you, making it readable even if the British sun decides to make a rare five-minute appearance.

Snap it onto the back of your phone via MagSafe, and it looks like a sleek accessory rather than a bulky add-on. If you’re an Android user (the “proper” way to live, let’s be honest), they include a magnetic ring you can stick on your case. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it works.

The Hardware: Mics, Mics, and More Mics

Under the hood, Plaud has gone a bit mad with the microphones. While the original had two, the Pro packs four MEMS microphones and a dedicated Voice Processing Unit (VPU).

Why should you care? Because “Beamforming.” It sounds like something out of Star Trek, but in practice, it means the Note Pro can “focus” its ears on the person speaking while ignoring the bloke in the corner of the pub who’s had one too many and is shouting at the telly.

The range has been bumped up to 5 metres, which is plenty for even the largest, most boring boardroom meetings.

However—and there’s always a however—my deep dive into the user feedback shows a bit of a “pro” vs “casual” divide here. In its “Enhanced” mode, the AI can sometimes get a bit over-excited. It processes the audio so heavily that if someone turns their head or mumbles, the AI occasionally decides that word wasn’t important and clips it. If you’re a doctor or a lawyer where every “not” or “maybe” matters, you might want to stick it in “Endurance” mode. It sounds a bit noisier, but it’s more “honest” audio. It’s like the difference between a heavily filtered Instagram photo and a raw snap—one looks better, the other is more accurat

The Magic: Software and AI Tools

This is where the Plaud Note Pro earns its keep. Once you’ve finished your recording, you sync it to the app via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth 5.4. And then, the magic happens.

The Transcription (Powered by Whisper): Plaud uses OpenAI’s Whisper technology, which is arguably the gold standard right now. It supports 112 languages. I reckon it could probably handle a thick Glaswegian accent after three pints, though I haven’t tested that specifically yet. The accuracy is usually around 90-95%.
The Summaries: This is my favorite bit. You can choose different templates: Meeting Minutes, Brainstorming, Interview, or even a Class Lecture. The AI (using GPT-4o or Claude 3.5) takes that hour-long ramble and turns it into punchy bullet points, action items, and follow-up tasks

Multimodal Capture: New to the Pro is the ability to take a photo of a whiteboard or a slide deck within the app while you’re recording. The AI then “reads” the photo (OCR) and integrates that text directly into your summary.

“Ask Plaud” and Mind Maps: If you’ve got a massive 4-hour recording, you can literally chat with the recording. “Hey, what did the boss say about my holiday?” and it’ll point you to the exact timestamp.

The “Dodgy” Bits (Brutal Honesty Time)

Right, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Let’s talk about the bits that’ll have you gritting your teeth.

The Charging Cable of Doom: Plaud, my old mates, what were you thinking? In a world where everything—even the iPhone—has finally moved to USB-C, the Note Pro uses a proprietary magnetic charging pin. If you lose that cable while you’re on a business trip, you’re stuffed. You can’t just nip into a petrol station and buy a replacement.

The Cloud Tether: You need to understand that the “brain” of this device lives in the cloud. You can record offline (it’s got 64GB of storage, which is roughly 480 hours of audio), but to get that sweet, sweet transcription and summary, you have to upload it.
The Subscription Model: You get a chunk of free transcription hours when you buy it, but if you’re a power user, you’re eventually going to have to fork out for a subscription. In a world where we’re all “subscription-ed” to death, adding another one to the pile feels a bit heavy.

Real World Use: The “Everyman” Test.

I took the Note Pro out for a spin, and the “Smart Dual Mode” is genuinely clever. It uses sensors to detect if it’s snapped to your phone (for call recording) or sitting on a table (for meetings).

Capturing phone calls on an iPhone is smooth. You just slide the switch to the phone icon, and it captures the audio through vibrations in the handset (the VPU at work). No “beep” to alert the other person, and the quality is crystal clear.

In a meeting, it’s discreet. It doesn’t look like a “recorder.” It looks like a battery pack or a card holder. People don’t tense up like they do when you put a giant Dictaphone in the middle of the table.

The Verdict: Good Points vs Bad Points.

Conclusion: Should You Buy It?

Right, let’s wrap this up. Is the Plaud Note Pro worth your hard-earned cash?If you’re a journalist, a student who actually wants to pass their exams, or a professional who spends half their life in meetings wondering “what did we actually agree on?”, then yes. It’s a specialized tool that does its job brilliantly. It turns the chaos of a three-hour conversation into a 30-second read.

The Plaud Note Pro is available from Plaud AI for £169.

The post Plaud Note Pro – Review. The Credit-Card Sized Brain for Your Phone. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro: Two devices, one magic slider, and a proper win for our eyeballs – Review.

2026-04-26T10:08:37Z

Right, pull up a chair, get the kettle on, and let’s have a proper chat. We’re in 2026, and frankly, I’ve had enough. I’m sick of smartphones that are essentially £1,000 mirrors that happen to run WhatsApp. I’m sick of my eyes feeling like they’ve been sandblasted and then dunked in vinegar after twenty minutes of scrolling through the latest social media bin-fire.

Usually, when a new device lands on the Coolsmartphone desk, it’s a familiar dance. You unbox a glass slab that looks exactly like the one you bought in 2024, you worry about getting a fingerprint on the surgical-grade titanium within three seconds, and you wonder why you’re paying a grand for the privilege.

But then there’s the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro. This thing is the weird kid in the class who refuses to wear a tie and spends his lunch break reading a paperback in the corner. And you know what? He’s the most interesting person in the room. At about £260, this isn’t a phone trying to be a status symbol; it’s a tool for the “real world”—where the sun occasionally shines and we’d quite like our eyeballs to still function by the time we’re fifty.

The Screen: This Isn’t Just “Matte,” It’s Magic.

Let’s get stuck into the main event: that 6.9-inch FHD+ display. Now, don’t go thinking this is some slow-ass E-ink screen like you’d find on a dusty old Kindle. This is a proper, 120Hz LCD panel. But TCL has applied some serious voodoo magic here called NXTPAPER 4.0.

The “paper-like” feel comes from something called nano-matrix lithography. They’ve essentially etched the surface of the screen to diffuse light. Most phones are mirrors; this thing is a sponge. It eats reflections for breakfast. I took this out to a beer garden last Saturday—one of those rare British afternoons where the sun actually decided to show up—and while my mate was squinting at his iPhone like he was looking into a welding torch, I was reading the footy scores with zero glare. None.

TCL has also baked in Circularly Polarized Light (CPL). This mimics the way natural light bounces off a physical book. When you look at a standard OLED, the light is blasted directly into your retinas. CPL softens that blow. Combine that with a hardware-level blue light reduction that cuts the nasty stuff down to just 3.41%, and you’ve got a screen that is genuinely “comfortable.” It’s not just marketing fluff; after two hours of reading, my eyes felt normal. No “screen-burn” headache. No grit.

The Magic Switch: Mastering the Modes

The party trick here—and honestly, the best physical feature I’ve seen on a phone in years—is the NXTPAPER Key. It’s a dedicated physical slider on the right-hand side. It’s not a software button hidden in a menu; it’s a proper, tactile switch that feels like it belongs on a piece of high-end hifi gear.

Flicking this slider doesn’t just change the brightness; it changes the phone’s entire DNA. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Standard Mode (Slider Down) This is your “normal” phone mode. You get full color, 120Hz smoothness, and all the punch you’d expect for watching YouTube or playing games. Because the screen is matte, colors look a bit more “organic” and less like they’re being screamed at you.

Battery Life: In this mode, the 5200mAh battery behaves like a standard smartphone. You’ll get a solid day and a half, maybe finishing at 30% if you’ve been heavy on the GPS.

2. Color Paper Mode (The Middle Ground) One flick up, and the screen mutes. It softens the saturation and mimics the look of a high-quality Sunday supplement magazine. This is the sweet spot for browsing Chrome or reading comic books. It’s calm, it’s readable, and it’s much kinder on the brain.

Battery Life: You’ll notice a slight bump here because the phone isn’t trying to blast the full color spectrum at maximum vibrancy. It’s a marathon runner’s pace.

3. Ink Paper & Max Ink Mode (The Nuclear Option) Flick the slider all the way up, and the phone goes full monochrome. It mimics E-ink so well you’ll forget it’s an LCD. But TCL has gone further with Max Ink Mode. This mutes your digital notifications, clears the background clutter, and simplifies the UI to just the essentials (books, notes, etc.).

Battery Life: This is where things get mental. In Max Ink mode, TCL claims you can get 7 days of immersive reading or 26 days of standby. I managed to go from Monday morning to Friday afternoon on a single charge by living in this mode for my work emails and reading. It’s basically “Kindle Mode.”

Day-to-Day Life: Living with the “Anti-Slab”

What’s it actually like to live with? I’ve spent a week with this as my primary device, and it’s changed my habits in ways I didn’t expect.

The Morning “Retina Saver”

We all do it. You wake up, reach for the phone, and get absolutely blinded by the lock screen. Not here. In the morning, the NXTPAPER screen feels soft. It’s like looking at a high-quality magazine rather than a lightbulb. Browsing the morning news over a coffee was a joy because the matte finish makes text look incredibly sharp and “printed.”

The Commute & The Sunlight Test

On the train, sitting by the window usually means fighting with your own reflection. With the 70 Pro, the glare simply isn’t there. But there’s a social side-effect: people stare. Because the screen doesn’t look like “tech,” people on the bus were genuinely confused. “Is that a tablet? Is it a Kindle? Why isn’t it shiny?” It’s a proper conversation starter down the pub, mostly because people can’t believe how clear it is under the bright pub lights.

The “Work” Faff

I used the T-Pen (which has a tiny 5ms latency) to jot down notes during a Zoom call. Because the screen has that matte texture, there’s a tiny bit of “drag” when you write. It feels like a pencil on a notepad, not like a hockey puck on ice. I actually found myself taking more notes because it was satisfying to hear that subtle “scritch-scratch” sound.

The Evening Detox

This is where the NXTPAPER Key—that lovely physical slider on the side—comes into its own. Around 9 PM, I’d flick it into Max Ink Mode. The phone goes full monochrome and mutes non-essential notifications. Suddenly, the urge to doom-scroll Instagram vanishes because, frankly, cat videos look a bit rubbish in black and white. It turned my smartphone back into a dedicated e-reader, helping me actually finish a book for once.

Performance: MediaTek in the Mid-Range.

Under the bonnet, we’ve got the MediaTek Dimensity 7300. Now, don’t let the spec-snobs tell you this is “rubbish.” In daily use—switching between Slack, Chrome, and Spotify—this thing is buttery smooth.

It’s got 8GB of physical RAM, but you can “boost” it with another 16GB of virtual RAM (borrowed from the 512GB storage). Does 24GB of RAM make it a gaming god? No. If you’re trying to run Genshin Impact on Max settings, you’ll see some frame drops. But for everything else? It’s spot on.

And let’s talk about that storage. 256/512GB, plus a microSD slot that supports up to 2TB. In an age where Apple wants an extra £200 for a storage bump, TCL is giving you half a terabyte for free. Absolute legends.

The AI Bits (Actual Usefulness)

The 70 Pr features comprehensive AI-driven productivity and writing tools, including Smart Voice Memo for transcription/summarisation, real-time subtitle translation, and handwriting enhancement. It also includes Gemini AI integration for search and content creation, alongside AI-supported 50MP camera tools and optimised reading modes.

Smart Translation and Voice
The device breaks down language barriers with its AI Smart Translator suite, which includes face-to-face interpretation and real-time subtitles for any playing audio . It also features Instant Voice Memo 2.0 to provide highly accurate audio transcriptions on the go

Upgraded Productivity
TCL has baked in an AI text comprehension tool that lets you simply select and drag on-screen text to instantly translate, explain, or rewrite it . If you need to draft an email but are short on time, the AI writing assist can generate complete, polished messages from just a few prompt sentences . Additionally, you can hold down the power button to instantly summon Google’s Gemini assistant for weather updates or complex queries .

Next-Level Reading
Flipping the physical NXTPAPER Key puts the phone into a distraction-free monochrome “Max Ink Mode,” which unlocks a dedicated suite of AI reading tools . This includes an AI Outline tool for summarizing long articles, AI Q&A for digging into deeper insights, and a unique AI Podcast feature that converts your text into a two-host audio show .

Smart Handwriting
For those who prefer sketching or note-taking with the optional T-Pen stylus, the AI-powered handwriting recognition easily converts your off-screen scribbles into editable text . The software also includes intuitive tools to help polish your task planning and can even generate custom covers and bullet journals to boost your creativity.

Camera & Battery.

The 50MP main sensor has OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation). This is a big win. It means photos of the dog or a quick snap of a pint are sharp, even if your hands aren’t perfectly still. In daylight, the colors are natural—not that neon-vibrant look some Chinese phones go for. Night mode is “fine”—it’s not going to beat a Pixel, but it’s perfectly usable for a Facebook post.

The 5200mAh battery is a beast. On a “normal” day, I was finishing with 40% left. If you live in the “Max Ink” mode, the battery just refuses to die. The 33W charging is okay—takes about 75 minutes for a full juice—but given how long it lasts, you won’t be tethered to a wall often.

The Verdict

The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is a rebel. It’s for the person who is sick of eye-strain, loves reading, and wants a massive screen without remortgaging their house.

Good Points

The Screen: Genuinely revolutionary for your eyes. No glare, no fingerprints, no grit.
The Switch: The NXTPAPER Key is the most useful physical button on any phone today.
Storage: 512GB + MicroSD is a massive win for the consumer.
IP68 Rating: Properly waterproof. Great for reading in the bath or the British rain.
Battery: 7 days in reading mode is just mental.

Bad Points

Size: At 6.9″, it’s a bit of a pocket-burster.
Charging: 33W is a bit “last gen” compared to some of the 100W competitors.
Gaming: Not a powerhouse for heavy 3D titles.

Final Word: I’m chuffed with this thing. It’s not a flagship-killer in the traditional sense, but it’s a lifestyle-fixer. It’s honest, it’s affordable, and it’s actually “cool.” If you value your vision and your bank balance, this is the one.

Rating: 8.8/10 – A proper “Everyman” hero.

The post TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro: Two devices, one magic slider, and a proper win for our eyeballs – Review. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

MIXX launches the SoundQ DB5 portable speaker with IPX7 waterproofing, 12-hour playtime and multi-colour lighting display

2026-04-22T12:23:31Z

MIXX Audio, known for its premium yet affordable audio range, is pleased to announce the launch of the launch of the SoundQ DB5 Waterproof Shower and Travel Wireless Speaker, built for bold sound, vibrant visuals and all-day adventure. Compact, durable and easy to carry, it’s the perfect companion for outdoor days, travel and everyday listening.

The MIXX SoundQ DB5 is available, in a choice of navy or black, for an incredibly affordable £20 from MIXX and £21 from Amazon.

Engineered for versatility, the SoundQ DB5 features an IPX7 waterproof rating, allowing it to withstand splashes, steam and full water immersion, making it ideal for use in the shower, at the pool or on outdoor adventures. Its compact and lightweight design ensures easy portability, while the spring-loaded clip handle provides secure placement on a shower, handlebars or backpacks.

The speaker delivers clear, balanced audio in a small form factor, offering users a reliable sound experience whether at home or travelling. Bluetooth connectivity or Micro SD card playback, enables seamless pairing with smartphones and other devices, supporting wireless music streaming and hands-free functionality. With up to 12 hours of playtime, the speaker keeps music playing throughout the day. When time is limited, USB-C charging with a 15-minute quick charge enables it to power back up quickly.

Key features and benefits include:

IPX7 waterproof protection: Built to handle splashes, rain and full water immersion up to 1 metre, the IPX7 waterproof rating provides confidence for use in showers, by the pool or outdoors in unpredictable weather conditions.
Compact, portable design: Lightweight and travel-friendly, making it easy to carry in a bag or suitcase for music on the go.
Easy-clip, spring loaded handle: Ensures secure attachment to bags, bikes or a shower for hands-free listening.
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity: Offers quick and easy pairing with smartphones and other compatible devices for seamless audio streaming.
Micro SD card playback: Perfect for those who want to leave a phone behind.
Clear, balanced sound performance: Delivers consistent audio quality suitable for music, podcasts and calls.
Hands-free capability: Intuitive push-button controls allow users to play, pause, skip tracks and adjust volume directly on the speaker, making it easy to control music on the move. Users can also take calls directly through the speaker for added convenience.
Multi-coloured lighting display: Features integrated LED lighting that enhances the listening experience with dynamic colour effects, adding a vibrant and immersive atmosphere to any setting.
Durable construction: Built to withstand daily use in a range of environments, supporting active and flexible lifestyles.
Simple, user-friendly controls: Intuitive button layout ensures easy operation, even in wet conditions.

By combining portability, waterproof performance and dependable sound quality, the MIXX SoundQ DB5 Waterproof Shower and Travel Wireless Speaker offers a convenient, cost effective audio solution for consumers seeking flexibility across multiple environments.

About MIXX:

Welcome to MIXX Audio, where innovation meets quality in the world of consumer electronics. With 18 years of experience under our belt, we’re proud to be based in the UK, crafting premium audio products with the latest technology.

The post MIXX launches the SoundQ DB5 portable speaker with IPX7 waterproofing, 12-hour playtime and multi-colour lighting display is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Lexar expands SILVER PLUS series with new 2TB microSDXC UHS-I card delivering industry-leading read speeds and higher capacity.

2026-04-22T12:15:36Z

Building on the previous success of the SILVER PLUS series as DJI’s recommended microSD cards, the new capacity version brings higher capacity and better speeds and provides more options to be used with DJI models.

Lexar, a global leader in memory and storage solutions, today announces the expansion of its popular Lexar Professional SILVER PLUS range as it adds the 2TB microSDXC UHS-I Card version, bringing a new class-leading, high-capacity option for SILVER PLUS users.

Building on the range’s success as DJI’s recommended microSD cards, the new 2TB card offers creators greater flexibility with a broader range of capacities to suit different shooting needs, from casual capture to professional workflows. Providing both speed and reliability, the new 2TB model delivers the fastest read speeds in its class, offering up to 245% faster performance than standard UHS-I microSD cards.

As devices increasingly rely on fast flash memory, Lexar has engineered the latest 2TB addition to the SILVER PLUS range with speed at its core. Making it the fastest 2TB UHS-I microSD card in the industry, it delivers impressive read/write speeds of up to 255MB/s and 180MB/s. This performance enables seamless Full HD and 4K video recording, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted capture for videographers and gamers alike, Lexar will continue working closely with major host device brands to deliver even greater performance and expanded storage options.

The Lexar Professional SILVER PLUS microSDXC UHS-I Card is available in capacities from 64GB up to 2TB, providing scalable storage options for DJI users and creators using comparable high-resolution recording devices. The 1TB offers read/write speeds of up to 205MB/s and 150MB/s with lower capacity options the 64GB providing up to 205MB/s read speeds and up to 100MB/s write speeds. When paired with the Lexar RW360 (for 2TB) and RW310 (for 64GB-1TB) reader, users can fully unlock the ranges rapid read speeds, dramatically reducing transfer times for large files.

Rated V30, the card is built to support burst mode photography without dropped frames and to deliver stutter free video recording up to 4K 60FPS Ultra HD, making it an ideal choice for high performance mobile workflows.

Able to deliver up to 2TB of fast, reliable, and durable storage with the largest capacity option, the card is ideal for drones, action cameras, handheld consoles, and a wide range of mobile devices. As the official DJI’s recommended microSD cards, it is the ideal partner to the latest models that have been launched recently. It is also compatible with popular models from Insta360, GoPro, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck. With options to suit all and up to an expansive 2TB capacity, users can download the largest game titles, record extended 4K footage, and store entire libraries of burst photos quickly and with ease.

Built for durability, the card is rated IPX7 waterproof and engineered to withstand the demands of real-world use. It is wearproof, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, vibration-resistant, magnetic-proof, shockproof, and drop-proof, giving users the confidence to take it anywhere for photography, gaming, and content creation without hesitation. The Lexar Recovery Tool, available for download from lexar.com, helps retrieve files that may have been accidentally deleted, and the card is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

The Lexar Professional SILVER PLUS microSDXCTM UHS-I Card is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 521GB, 1TB from £39.99 from Amazon.

The post Lexar expands SILVER PLUS series with new 2TB microSDXC UHS-I card delivering industry-leading read speeds and higher capacity. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

CUKTECH Launches 30 Ultra Desktop Charging Station with 300W Power, Dual 140W USB-C and Real-Time Display for High-Performance Workspaces.

2026-04-22T12:01:12Z

New 5-port GaN charging station delivers up to 300W output with dedicated DC power, dual 140W PD 3.1 fast charging, intelligent power allocation, and a smart IPS display, all within a compact desktop-friendly design built for gaming and professional use.

CUKTECH, a technology brand focused on advanced charging solutions for modern devices, today announced the launch of the CUKTECH 30 Ultra Desktop Charging Station, a powerful and compact desktop charger designed to streamline high-performance setups across gaming, creative and home office environments.

The CUKTECH 30 Ultra Desktop Charging Station introduces a new level of power and versatility to desktop charging, delivering a massive 300W maximum output alongside a dedicated DC port that replaces bulky laptop power bricks. Designed with demanding users in mind, the unit is compatible with leading high-performance laptops from Razer, Alienware and ASUS, ensuring stable and consistent power delivery during intensive gaming sessions or professional 4K and 8K video editing workflows.

Central to the 30 Ultra is dual 140W USB-C PD 3.1 fast charging, enabling two high-powered laptops such as the MacBook Pro 16-inch to reach 50 percent charge in as little as 30 minutes. This makes the charger an ideal solution for creators and professionals working across multiple devices, including iPad Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, Dell XPS and Samsung Galaxy S26, while maintaining optimal charging speeds across all connected hardware.

The 5-in-1 design has been engineered to declutter desks by replacing multiple adapters with a single, compact solution. Its minimalist footprint and clean aesthetic make it a natural fit for both gaming desks and professional workspaces, helping to maintain a tidy and organised setup without compromising on performance. The inclusion of a smart 1.83-inch IPS colour display adds a functional edge, allowing users to monitor wattage, voltage and current across all five ports in real time for complete visibility and control.

Powered by advanced GaN technology, the charging station ensures high efficiency and improved thermal performance, even under sustained heavy loads. Intelligent power allocation dynamically distributes energy across connected devices, automatically adjusting output to suit products such as Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion systems to deliver the fastest and most efficient charging possible.

Safety remains a key focus, with a comprehensive multi-layer protection system that includes active temperature control, over-voltage and over-current safeguards. This ensures reliable, around-the-clock operation for valuable electronics including laptops, smartphones and gaming equipment. The device also supports 13 major fast charging protocols, including PD 3.1, PPS, Xiaomi 120W, UFCS, Huawei SCP, QC and AFC, ensuring broad compatibility across a wide range of devices.

Further enhancing its versatility, the CUKTECH 30 Ultra includes a selection of DC tips for brands such as Lenovo, HP and Acer, alongside a 240W PD 3.1 USB-C cable and a premium braided power cord. This all-in-one approach provides a complete charging solution straight out of the box, making it suitable for users looking to consolidate their power setup into a single, high-performance hub.

Specifications Snapshot:

Total Power Output: 300W maximum
DC Output: Dedicated high-power DC port for gaming laptops
USB-C Output: Dual 140W PD 3.1 fast charging (C1/C2)
Ports: 5-port charging (multi-device support)
Charging Protocols: PD 3.1 (140W), PPS (100W), Xiaomi 120W, UFCS, Huawei SCP, QC, AFC and more
Display: 1.83-inch IPS colour screen with real-time data monitoring
Technology: Advanced GaN chip for efficiency and cooling
Power Management: Intelligent dynamic power sharing
Safety: 9-layer protection including temperature, over-voltage and over-current control
Compatibility: Works with MacBook, iPhone, Galaxy, Dell XPS, gaming laptops and handheld consoles
Included Accessories: DC tips (Lenovo, HP, Acer), 240W USB-C cable, braided power cord
Design: Compact, space-saving desktop form factor with adjustable viewing angle
Functionality: Charge up to 5 devices simultaneously

The CUKTECH 30 Ultra Desktop Charging Station is available now on Amazon US, Amazon UK &Amazon EU for $159.99/ £139.00/€159.00.

The post CUKTECH Launches 30 Ultra Desktop Charging Station with 300W Power, Dual 140W USB-C and Real-Time Display for High-Performance Workspaces. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Honor 600 & 600 Pro: A Massive Battery and Enough AI to Order Your Nosh.

2026-04-22T11:03:40Z

Right then, pull up a chair and get the kettle on. The embargo has finally lifted, and I can finally talk about the new Honor 600 series. Honor has been on a bit of a tear lately, and their latest duo—the Honor 600 and the Honor 600 Pro—is looking to settle the “my battery is dead” argument once and for all.

We’ve seen the spec sheets, we’ve poked the buttons, and I’ve got some thoughts. If you’re tired of your phone giving up the ghost halfway through a Saturday night out, you might want to pay attention to this one.

The Big Battery Energy

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the 6400mAh battery. That is a proper unit. In an age where some “pro” phones are still hovering around the 5000mAh mark, Honor has gone and stuffed a massive cell into these things.

Both the standard 600 and the Pro model get this long-life battery with 80W wired SuperCharge. If you go for the Pro, you also get 50W wireless charging and 27W reverse charging, which basically turns your phone into a power bank for your mate whose phone is perpetually at 3%

The “AI Everything” Experience

It’s 2026, so obviously, there’s more AI here than in a sci-fi movie. Running on MagicOS 10 (based on Android 16), Honor has included a dedicated AI Button.

This isn’t just for asking the weather; it’s got:

AI Screen Suggestions: It tries to guess what you want before you do (slightly creepy, but helpful).
Booking Agent: It can actually help you book things.
AI Image to Video 2.0: For when your static photos just aren’t dramatic enough. You take a static photo, poke the AI button, and it turns it into a cinematic video clip. It’s not just a cheap filter; it’s actually intelligent. I’ve been turning boring shots of the park into something that looks like a B-roll from a high-budget documentary. I’ll be diving way deeper into this in the full review, so stay tuned for that.
Magic Color: Because real life isn’t quite saturated enough for Instagram.

Under the Bonnet: The Guts and the Grunt.

The HONOR 600 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform. This chipset features an octa-core CPU architecture designed for balanced efficiency and performance

The HONOR 600 Pro is equipped with the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. This platform offers a significant increase in processing power to handle advanced AI tasks and high-end gaming:

The post Honor 600 & 600 Pro: A Massive Battery and Enough AI to Order Your Nosh. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

MIXX launches B20S and B10C Business Headsets, delivering professional-grade communication for modern work environments.

2026-04-15T13:27:24Z

MIXX, known for its premium yet affordable audio range, today announces the launch of two new additions to its business audio lineup, the MIXX B20S Business Headset with Charging Dock and the MIXX B10C Business Headset with Charge Case and Dock. Designed to meet the evolving needs of hybrid workers, office professionals, and on-the-go users, both headsets deliver seamless connectivity, and all-day comfort. The B20S is available from MIXX for £99.99 and the B10C is available from MIXX for £89.99.

The MIXX B20S is engineered for immersive focus and uninterrupted productivity. Featuring active noise cancellation of up to 30dB, the headset effectively reduces surrounding distractions while offering a transparent mode for quick conversations without removing the device. Advanced beam-forming microphones with Clear Voice Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) ensure crystal-clear call quality by isolating the user’s voice from background noise.

With Multipoint Connect technology, the B20S allows users to connect simultaneously to a laptop and smartphone via Bluetooth or a wireless USB adapter, ensuring compatibility with leading platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Additional features include a built-in busy light to minimise interruptions, an intuitive raise-to-mute microphone for instant privacy, and up to 16 hours of talk time or 55 hours of music playback. Designed for long workdays, the B20S combines memory foam ear cushions, a padded headband and an adjustable mic arm for comfort and comes with a convenient charging dock for effortless desk organisation and charging

Complementing the B20S, the MIXX B10C offers a compact and versatile solution tailored for professionals who require flexibility and mobility. Equipped with Clear Voice ENC and a triple-microphone system, the B10C ensures superior voice isolation and consistently sharp audio across calls, virtual meetings, and customer interactions. The easy-access mute button and integrated busy light help minimise interruptions and maintain professional communication.

The B10C supports multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and includes a wireless USB adapter for seamless integration with professional communication platforms. Its lightweight design is paired with a flexible charging system, offering up to 7 hours of talk time with an additional 21 hours provided by the charging case, plus a red low-battery warning. The case doubles as a storage hub and docking station, ensuring the headset remains powered, protected, and ready for use at all times.

Both models reflect MIXX’s commitment to sustainability, featuring packaging designed to reduce plastic use and incorporate recycled materials sourced from responsibly managed forests.

The launch of the B20S and B10C reinforces MIXX’s focus on delivering reliable, high-quality communication tools for today’s flexible working environments. Whether at a desk, in the office, or on the move, these headsets are designed to keep professionals connected, comfortable, and in control of their audio experience.

About MIXX:

MIXX Audio, where innovation meets quality in the world of consumer electronics. With 18 years of experience under our belt, we’re proud to be based in the UK, crafting premium audio products with the latest technology.

Our mission is simple and clear: to provide superior audio experiences that are meticulously designed yet remain affordable. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality sound without breaking the bank. But our commitment doesn’t end when our products hit the shelves. With over 8 million and growing consumers enjoying MIXX products, we understand the importance of exceptional customer care. That’s why we treat every interaction with the same focus, respect, and importance as we do when we are creating the product.

With success comes responsibility, and at MIXX Audio, we take that responsibility seriously. We’re dedicated to minimising our environmental impact and ensuring customer safety. We’ve taken significant steps to reduce plastic in our packaging, source paper materials from sustainable forests, utilise 30% recycled plastic, and ensure that only lead and mercury-free components are used in our products.

At MIXX Audio, great sound, exceptional service, and environmental thoughtfulness are primary consideration with everything we do. Today MIXX products can be found is some of the UK’s leading retailers and internationally in ten other countries.

The post MIXX launches B20S and B10C Business Headsets, delivering professional-grade communication for modern work environments. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

HiDock Showcases P1 AI Voice Recorder with Bluetooth Earphone Call Capture, Multi-Mode Recording and the HiNotes 3.0 AI Productivity Platform: A Complete Workflow for Capturing, Transcribing and Organising Conversations.

2026-04-15T13:06:07Z

The first AI recorder to support Bluetooth earphone recording via BlueCatch, alongside three recording modes, bi-directional noise cancellation, and free transcription, paired with HiNotes 3.0 featuring AI-powered todos, smart labels, whisper note aggregation, multi-model AI support, and live translation.

HiDock, a leader in AI-powered communication tools, is inviting media to test and review the HiDock P1, its compact AI voice recorder designed for professionals who need reliable, high-quality call and meeting capture in any environment. Paired with the HiNotes 3.0 productivity platform, the P1 offers a complete end-to-end workflow for recording, transcribing, organising and actioning spoken information.

Designed for professionals, remote workers, and creatives who manage calls and meetings throughout the day, the HiDock P1 introduces a new approach to recording by enabling users to capture conversations directly through their own Bluetooth earphones. Powered by HiDock’s proprietary BlueCatch technology, P1 pairs with widely used earbuds including AirPods and Sony models, recording both sides of calls across platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Discord without the need for bots or intrusive software integrations. This approach addresses a longstanding limitation in AI recorders, particularly in environments such as cafés, airports, or shared workspaces where flexibility and privacy are critical.

At the core of the P1 experience are three versatile recording modes designed to adapt to different real-world scenarios. Call Mode leverages Bluetooth earphones and bi-directional noise cancellation to ensure clarity during phone calls and virtual meetings, even in noisy environments. Room Mode captures group discussions using super-wide-band audio, making it ideal for team meetings, interviews, and collaborative sessions without requiring earphones. Whisper Mode enables users to record low-volume, close-range audio by simply long-pressing the device, allowing for discreet capture of personal notes, ideas, or spontaneous thoughts on the move.

HiDock’s bi-directional noise cancellation technology further enhances recording quality by filtering background noise from both ends of a conversation. Unlike traditional active noise cancellation, which focuses only on the user’s side, the dual-core neural audio processor reduces distractions such as keyboard typing, traffic, or ambient chatter from all participants. This results in clearer recordings and improved transcription accuracy.

The device also introduces VoiceMark, a physical bookmarking feature that allows users to mark key moments during recording with a single press. These timestamps are automatically highlighted within HiNotes, eliminating the need to review entire recordings to locate important sections. A magnetic base allows the P1 to attach securely to laptop lids, whiteboards, or other metal surfaces for hands-free use, while tactile controls provide quick access to essential functions including volume, mute, call handling, Bluetooth pairing, noise cancellation levels, and recording.

With support for up to 8 hours of continuous recording, 64GB of local storage, and compatibility across Windows and macOS systems, the HiDock P1 is built to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. It supports 75 languages and is designed to work effortlessly with widely used communication platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for global users.

HiDock positions the P1 as a solution to common frustrations in the AI recording category. By eliminating the need for meeting bots, enabling transcription without mandatory subscriptions, and supporting existing Bluetooth setups, the device offers a more natural and flexible recording experience. The inclusion of free transcription and AI summaries further reinforces its value, allowing users to focus on conversations rather than post-meeting admin.

HiNotes 3.0

Complementing the hardware, HiNotes 3.0 represents a significant evolution of HiDock’s software ecosystem. Moving beyond basic transcription viewing, the platform introduces a redesigned three-pane interface that improves navigation and readability, alongside a new dashboard that centralises recent notes, upcoming tasks, and key updates in one place. The update focuses on turning recorded conversations into actionable outputs, helping users stay organised and follow through on key decisions.

AI-powered todo extraction is a central feature of HiNotes 3.0, automatically identifying action items within recordings and linking them directly to the exact moments they were discussed. Whisper Notes further enhance productivity by allowing users to combine multiple short voice recordings into structured documents, while Smart Labels enable automatic categorisation based on natural language descriptions.

The platform supports a range of leading AI models, including GPT-5.4, GPT-4.1, Claude Sonnet 4.6, and Gemini 3.1 Pro, giving users the flexibility to choose the most suitable model for different meeting types and content. Additional features include over 30 professional summary templates, customisable prompts, improved speaker identification, and direct integrations with tools such as Notion and Google Docs.

HiNotes also introduces Live Transcription and Translation, enabling real-time multilingual communication across languages including English, Chinese, and Japanese. Available in both Call Mode and Room Mode on the P1, the feature allows users to generate live transcripts and summaries without storing audio recordings, addressing growing concerns around biometric privacy. During its Beta phase, live sessions support up to one hour of continuous transcription, with extended capabilities planned in future updates.

Together, the HiDock P1 and HiNotes 3.0 deliver an end-to-end solution for capturing, organising, and acting on spoken information. The hardware focuses on making recording seamless and unobtrusive in any environment, while the software ensures that recorded content is transformed into structured notes, actionable tasks, and meaningful workflows.

Key Specifications and Features — HiDock P1

BlueCatch Bluetooth earphone recording for calls and meetings
Three recording modes: Call Mode, Room Mode, Whisper Mode
Bi-directional noise cancellation with dual-core neural audio processing
VoiceMark physical bookmarking for timestamped highlights
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
600mAh battery with up to 8 hours recording time
64GB local storage
Dual F6 ECM microphones with up to 1536 kbps recording quality
Supports 75 languages
Compatible with Windows, macOS, Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Discord, FaceTime, WhatsApp and more
Magnetic mounting design and tactile physical controls
Free transcription and AI summaries included

Key Features — HiNotes 3.0

New three-pane layout with redesigned note navigation and dashboard home
AI-powered to-do extraction with timestamp linking to recordings
Whisper Notes for combining short recordings into structured documents
Smart Labels for automatic categorisation using natural language
Support for 7 frontier AI models including GPT-5.4, GPT-4.1, Claude Sonnet 4.6, and Gemini 3.1 Pro
Live Transcription and Translation for real-time multilingual meetings
Recording-free transcription option to support privacy-sensitive use cases
30+ professional meeting summary templates and customisable prompts
Improved speaker identification with smart renaming suggestions
Integration with Notion and Google Docs for streamlined workflows

The HiDock P1 is available at an RRP of $169 from the HiDock website and Amazon.

About HiDock
Founded in 2014, HiDock is a leading innovator in personal communication devices. Its audio DSP technology has powered more than 500,000 devices across applications ranging from smart home systems to automotive and teleconferencing solutions. The company’s customers include global brands such as Acuity Brands, Bang & Olufsen, Lavazza, Iveco, Newline, and TP-Link. HiDock continues to focus on advancing AI-powered communication tools designed to enhance productivity through better, more efficient interactions.

The post HiDock Showcases P1 AI Voice Recorder with Bluetooth Earphone Call Capture, Multi-Mode Recording and the HiNotes 3.0 AI Productivity Platform: A Complete Workflow for Capturing, Transcribing and Organising Conversations. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

TCL EXPANDS UK QLED TV RANGE WITH NEW GOOGLE AND FIRE TV MODELS

2026-04-15T10:16:21Z

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Ultra-large, Mini LED and Google TV brand, has today announced the launch of a range of new QLED models in the UK, including the P8L-UK QLED Google TV, P7L-UK QLED Google TV and V6D-UK QLED Fire TV.

TCL’s latest additions feature both Google TV and Fire TV that greatly enhance its portfolio of award-winning televisions, providing smart software options that inspire consumers to enjoy content in a variety of ways.

P8L-Series

TCL P8L-UK series available in 85”, 75”, 65” and 55” combines QD-Mini LED dimming, QLED, 4K HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AiPQ Processor and 144Hz for powerfully precise contrasts, sharp and colourful HDR picture quality. On top, with Game Master including HDMI 2.1, ALLM, 144Hz VRR, 288Hz Game Accelerator*, FreeSync Premium and improved TCL Game bar you will be able to play like a Pro.

TCL P8L Series models also feature the most advanced Smart TV system ever: Google TV with Google Assistant built-in. Easy access to the content you love thanks to integrated Hands-Free Voice Control: you can talk directly to your TV. With Miracast & Google Cast & Airplay 2 you can easily cast your mobile, tablet or laptop onto your big TCL TV.

Thanks to the complete HDR format support (including HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision) this TCL TV lets you fully enjoy HDR movies, sports, and games. It supports Filmmaker Mode that enables a more cinematic experience by disabling all post-processing so the movie or television show is displayed as it was intended by the filmmaker.

The P8L-UK series is offered from 55” – 85” and indicative retail prices are as follows:

55P8L-UK – £649.00
65P8L-UK – £849.00
75P8L-UK – £1,049.00
85P8L-UK – £1,399.00

P7L QLED Series

TCL’s P7L Series is a 4K QLED TV available in 85”, 75”, 65”, 55”, 50” and 43”. The model uses an HVA panel and upgraded Colourful Quantum Crystal material to provide 93% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space and high light efficiency. The HVA panel employs nanoscale film-layer techniques to create a butterfly-wing-shaped liquid crystal molecular microstructure. This structure precisely controls the light passing through the liquid crystal layer, significantly improving the contrast of the panel.

The P7L uses TCL’s AiPQ Processor with AI features like the AI Cinematic Agent and the AI Gaming Agent with Gamebar. It uses Google TV, bringing a range of streaming apps alongside support for Google Assistant and Google Cast. It is also compatible with Miracast and Apple AirPlay 2, with connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 5 and an HDMI 2.1 (eARC) port. Plus, there are integrated Onkyo speakers, with 2.0 channel systems for the 43-inch to 75-inch sizes, and a 2.1 channel system for the 85-inch model. Each version has a slim, unibody frame with a bezel-less look.

The P7L-UK series is offered from 43” – 85” and indicative retail prices are as follows:

43P7L-UK – £399.00
50P7L-UK – £449.00
55P7L-UK – £499.00
65P7L-UK – £699.00
75P7L-UK – £899.00
85P7L-UK – £1,299.00

V6D-UK Fire TV Series

The TCL V6D Fire TV Series combines 4K HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, a slim bezel-less contemporary design and Fire TV. On top, with Game Master including VRR and ALLM this TV is the best companion to enjoy any HDR movies, sports and games. TCL Fire TV is the latest generation of television featuring complete Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa.

Thanks to ultimate 4K HDR picture quality and access to movies and TV shows you love, it delivers a TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote Control with Alexa integrated button lets you do everything you’d expect from a remote – plus, easily launch apps, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control compatible smart home devices, and more, using your voice.

The V6D-UK series is offered from 43” – 75” and indicative retail prices are as follows:

43V6D-UK – £379.00
50V6D-UK – £399.00
55V6D-UK – £449.00
65V6D-UK – £599.00
75V6D-UK – £699.00

C6K-UK TV Series

TCL’s C6K-UK QD-Mini LED TVs are designed to deliver premium innovation to suit all budgets, with stunning picture quality, smooth motion and immersive sound. The C6K-UK series has established itself as a popular choice for families looking to upgrade from an older LED TV to a reliable, feature-packed home entertainment system.

With support for both Dolby Vision IQ & HDR10+, the TV automatically adapts brightness and contrast based on room lighting, making every scene pop even during those rare moments of Autumn sun. With integrated ONKYO 2.1 sound system, it brings a more immersive experience to any film or TV show.

The C6K-UK series will be available at a range of major UK retailers nationwide and online stores, indicative retail prices are as follows:

50C6K-UK – £579.00
55C6K-UK – £649.00
65C6K-UK– £799.00
75C6K-UK – £1,049.00
85C6K-UK – £1,449.00
98C6K-UK – £1,999.00

The post TCL EXPANDS UK QLED TV RANGE WITH NEW GOOGLE AND FIRE TV MODELS is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Gadhouse Launches Miko Cassette Player Blending Retro Analog Sound with Bold Japanese-Inspired Design.

2026-04-10T09:50:35Z

Stylish translucent design inspired by the 1985–1995 cassette era, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, built-in recording capabilities, USB-C/iPhone power support and portable analog playback combine in Gadhouse’s first cassette player.

Audio lifestyle brand Gadhouse today announced the launch of the Miko Cassette Player, a retro-inspired portable cassette player that pairs classic analog sound with contemporary design and wireless connectivity. Marking the brand’s first cassette-based product, Miko expands the Gadhouse retro-tech lineup with a device created to celebrate the enduring appeal of cassette culture while making it easier than ever to enjoy analog audio in the modern era.

Specification Snapshot

Clear stereo analog cassette playback
Bluetooth 5.3 transmitter for wireless headphones and speakers
3.5 mm stereo audio output
Built-in directional microphone for recording
3.5 mm jack input for recording
Five-button control system: play, fast-forward, rewind, stop and record
Translucent front cover with aluminum logo detailing
Materials: ABS and PC construction
Flywheel: 28 mm
Motor: 1.8v–3v
Output Level: 350 mV @ 32 O (1 kHz, 0 dB reference)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 50 dB
Supported impedance range: 32 O
Weight: approximately 192 g
Power: AA battery powered with USB-C power input
Ability to be powered by USB-C iPhone devices
Available colours: Smoke (GAD6701) and Mint (GAD6702)

Designed with both nostalgia and modern usability in mind, the Miko Cassette Player combines the warmth and character of traditional cassette playback with practical features that suit everyday listening. With its lightweight portable form factor and striking translucent casing, the player captures the spirit of the cassette’s golden era while integrating modern technology such as Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for fast and smooth pairing and simplified playback controls.

The Miko Cassette Player has been engineered to deliver clear stereo playback that highlights the distinctive warmth and character of analog recordings. Whether revisiting classic cassette collections or discovering the format for the first time, listeners can enjoy an immersive audio experience through either wired or wireless listening setups.

Modern connectivity features help bridge the gap between classic and contemporary listening habits. Integrated Bluetooth 5.3 functionality allows the Miko Cassette Player to wirelessly connect to compatible headphones or speakers, while a traditional 3.5 mm stereo output ensures compatibility with wired audio equipment. This flexibility allows cassette enthusiasts to enjoy their music using both vintage and modern listening devices.

Ease of use is central to the player’s design. A simple five-button control system provides intuitive operation, allowing users to play, fast-forward, rewind, stop and record with minimal effort. A built-in directional microphone also enables quick recording, making the device suitable for capturing ideas, voice notes or new mixtapes directly onto cassette.

“Almost a year in the making, our team has obsessed over every detail of Miko,” said Petch Watcharaphon, Co-founder of Gadhouse. “We’re excited to introduce our first cassette product from Gadhouse. With such an eye-catching design, she truly has an attitude all her own, drawing heavy influence from the 1985–1995 era.”

The player’s design draws strong inspiration from cassette culture between 1985 and 1995, an era known for expressive industrial design and vibrant audio aesthetics. Miko’s translucent front cover gives the device a distinctive visual identity while also celebrating the mechanical beauty of the cassette format itself. Careful attention to materials and build quality ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight form factor suitable for everyday portability.

Weighing approximately 192 grams, the compact cassette player is designed to accompany users throughout the day, whether at home, commuting or relaxing outdoors. The device pairs especially well with Gadhouse’s Wesley Headphones, creating a cohesive retro-inspired listening setup that blends classic styling with modern comfort.

The launch of the Miko Cassette Player also marks the beginning of a broader push by Gadhouse to support the revival of cassette culture. Alongside the new player, the company plans to introduce its own line of blank cassette tapes and accessories later in 2026, further expanding options for music lovers who enjoy the tactile experience of analog recording and playback.

Hopefully I get a unit in for a full review as readers of a “Ahem” certain age remember them fondly.

Pricing and availability

The Gadhouse Miko Cassette Player is available for $99 USD / £59.99 GBP from Gadhouse global partners and directly from the Gadhouse website with Amazon, HMV, Currys, Tesco and John Lewis expected to stock soon.

From April 30^th, Miko will be available in a bundle with the highly acclaimed Gadhouse Wesley Retro Headphones for $149/£109

About Gadhouse

Gadhouse blends retro-inspired design with modern technology to redefine music experiences and celebrate classic audio formats. The brand focuses on creating distinctive audio products that combine nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary functionality, helping to bring iconic listening formats to a new generation of music enthusiasts.

Visit https://gadhouse.com/ for more information

The post Gadhouse Launches Miko Cassette Player Blending Retro Analog Sound with Bold Japanese-Inspired Design. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Kindle-ing the Fire: Amazon Bricks the Classics (and My Heart)

2026-04-08T18:03:57Z

Right, let’s get into it. This one hits home for me because, if you’ve been following my ramblings here at Coolsmartphone for a while, you’ll know I’ve been a bit of a Kindle obsessive.

I’ve been there since the very start—clutching that original, weirdly-angled first iteration with the scroll wheel and the “Next Page” buttons that were far too easy to press by accident. I’ve owned almost every model right up to the massive, pen-toting Scribe I use today. So, believe me when I say, I’ve got a lot of love for the e-ink family.

But even with my fancy Scribe sitting on the desk, this latest news from Amazon feels like a bit of a kick in the teeth for the “old guard” of readers.

Amazon is Closing the Book on Older Kindles: What You Need to Know

From May 20, 2026, Amazon is officially discontinuing support for any Kindle device released in 2012 or earlier. If you’re still rocking a Kindle Keyboard or that indestructible Kindle 4, the clock is officially ticking.
The “No More Downloads” Deadline

Now, don’t panic—your current library isn’t going to vanish into a digital black hole. If your books are already downloaded, you can keep reading them until the battery finally gives up the ghost.
But here’s the rub: after May 20th, the “Store” button on your device becomes a decorative antique. You won’t be able to buy, borrow, or download anything new directly. And—this is the big one—do not factory reset it. If you do, you won’t be able to re-register it, and your trusty companion becomes an expensive coaster.

The “Consolation” Prize
Amazon is trying to soften the blow with a 20% discount on a new Kindle and some eBook credit. It’s their way of saying “thanks for the 18 years of loyalty, now please open your wallet.”

Having gone from that chunky 2007 original to the sleek Scribe, I can tell you the new screens are gorgeous and the speed is lightyears ahead. But there was something tactile and honest about those early Kindles that didn’t need a backlight or a stylus to feel “proper.” Consigning working hardware to the landfill just because the software is “too old” feels like a proper shame.

Is your Kindle on the list?
If your device has seen more than a decade of summers, it’s probably on the hit list:

Kindle 1st & 2nd Gen (The legends)
Kindle DX & DX Graphite (The giant ones)
Kindle Keyboard (Still the best typing experience, let’s be honest)
Kindle 4 & 5
Kindle Touch
Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation)

Our Take

Look, as someone who’s lived through every iteration of the Kindle journey, I get it. Tech moves on. But for those of us who still have a soft spot for the “clicky” buttons of 2010, this is the end of an era.

If you’re still holding onto your old Paperwhite, enjoy these last few weeks of shop-side access. After May, it’s either the 20% upgrade path or a very long relationship with a USB cable and a PC for side-loading.

What do you reckon? Are you sticking with your vintage Kindle until it truly dies, or is this the excuse you needed to finally grab a Scribe? Let us know!

The post Kindle-ing the Fire: Amazon Bricks the Classics (and My Heart) is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

TRIBIT launches the StormBox Micro 3: a rugged, pocket-sized speaker with big sound and smart versatility.

2026-04-06T22:16:33Z

TRIBIT, a global brand which aims to make high-quality audio accessible to all, is pleased to announce the launch of the StormBox Micro 3, a compact yet powerful portable speaker engineered for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday listeners alike. This follows the success of its predecessor, the Micro 2. Combining rugged durability, immersive audio and innovative mounting flexibility, the StormBox Micro 3 is designed to go wherever life takes you, without compromising on performance. It is available from TRIBIT and Amazon for £62.99/$64.99/€64.99/CA$89.99. There will be a 30% early bird discount on the TRIBIT site running until 12th April.

Built for the toughest conditions, the StormBox Micro 3 delivers SGS-certified IP68 dustproof and waterproof protection and 1.22-metre military-grade drop resistance, ensuring reliability whether on the trail, at the beach, or navigating daily commutes.

Its standout 2-in-1 mounting system offers unmatched convenience. Users can strap the speaker securely to backpacks or bike handlebars for active adventures, or snap it magnetically onto cars, tents, lockers, and other surfaces for hands-free listening. This dual functionality makes it equally suited for high-intensity activities and relaxed, stationary use

Despite its compact size, the speaker packs impressive audio performance. With 13W output power, a 48mm NdFeB driver, and dual coaxial passive radiators, the StormBox Micro 3 delivers crisp clarity and deep, punchy bass. The integrated XBass feature enhances low frequencies, creating a fuller, more immersive listening experience.

Designed to keep up with long days outdoors, the StormBox Micro 3 offers up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, with fast charging that fully powers the device in approximately two hours. For added convenience, a quick 15-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback. A built-in battery indicator keeps users informed at a glance.

Connectivity is equally robust, featuring Bluetooth 6.0 with AAC/SBC support and a stable wireless range of up to 45 meters, ensuring uninterrupted sound even in dynamic environments. For an expanded audio experience, users can activate True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing to connect two speakers for rich, spatial sound.

The speaker also integrates seamlessly into modern lifestyles with app-controlled customisation, offering 7 presets, a 9-band EQ, and a sleep timer for personalised listening. A built-in microphone enables clear hands-free calling and voice assistant control, making it ideal for multitasking on the go.

In a unique addition, the StormBox Micro 3 includes reverse charging capability, allowing it to function as a backup power source for smartphones and other essential devices, an invaluable feature during outdoor excursions.

Compact and travel-ready, measuring just 112 × 108 × 45 mm (4.41 × 4.25 × 1.77 inches), the StormBox Micro 3 delivers powerful sound in a pocket-sized form, making it a perfect gift for adventurers and music lovers alike.

The post TRIBIT launches the StormBox Micro 3: a rugged, pocket-sized speaker with big sound and smart versatility. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Bumpboxx Unveils the BB-777:A 270W Modern Boombox Re-Imagined From an ’80s Icon – The most well-made & thought-out Boombox of all time.

2026-03-25T09:51:27Z

Bumpboxx proudly announces the launch of the BB-777 , a high-powered portable boombox that unites classic analog formats with modern digital performance in one fully integrated sound system. Delivering up to 270 watts of power through a multi-speaker architecture featuring dual super woofers, precision tweeters, and a chambered bass enclosure, the BB-777 produces deep, room-filling sound with unmistakable physical presence.

Key Specifications

270W power output
Multi-driver architecture featuring 2 × 6.25” super woofers with independent gain control, 2 × 6.25” coaxial speakers, and 2 horn tweeters
Dual cassette decks with recording and high-speed dubbing
Suction-load CD deck supporting CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 formats
Direct USB recording from cassette, CD, and radio sources
USB audio playback supporting MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, and ACC
AM / FM / FM Stereo / Shortwave radio capability
Two wired microphone inputs with independent volume and echo control
Up to 15 hours of battery life on a 97.6Wh TSA-approved rechargeable battery
Interchangeable battery pack support
Internally chambered housing with bass ports and an active fan-cooled amplifier
Dimensions: 29.6 × 6.5 × 15 inches
Weight: 28 pounds (12.7kg)

Engineered to play virtually every format in circulation, from Bluetooth streaming and USB playback to CDs, dual cassette decks, radio, auxiliary input, and wired microphones, the system also enables direct USB recording from tapes, CDs, or radio broadcasts. A TSA-approved rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of cordless operation and supports interchangeable battery packs for extended sessions. Multi-voltage 100–240V AC compatibility ensures reliable use in virtually any country worldwide without the need for external converters.

Inspired by the legendary GF-777 of the 1980s, an icon from the 80’s, and rebuilt for modern reliability and performance, the BB-777 is designed to be bold, versatile, and unapologetically loud.

Performance & Acoustic Architecture

The core design focus is volume, depth, and strong acoustic projection. The system delivers 270W power output through a precision-tuned multi-driver configuration:

2 × 6.25” Super Woofers with Independent Channel Gain for deep, controlled low-frequency performance
2 × 6.25” Coaxial Speakers for balanced mids and detailed clarity
2 Horn Tweeters for crisp, high-frequency projection
Internally Chambered Housing with Bass Ports to enhance acoustic efficiency and low-end response
Fan-Cooled Amplifier to ensure thermal stability during extended high-volume playback

All-Format Playback & Recording

The BB-777 is designed as a true multi-source system, eliminating the need for external devices or adapters:

Bluetooth Connectivity for wireless streaming with TWS support for pairing two units wirelessly
USB Audio Playback supporting MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, and ACC
Dual Cassette Deck with Recording and High-Speed Dubbing
Suction-Load CD Deck with CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 compatibility
AM / FM / FM Stereo / Shortwave and Standard Wave (ST) Radio for local and international broadcasts
Auxiliary Input with RCA adapter for plugging in your favorite external sources

The system also enables direct USB recording from cassette, CD, or radio, allowing users to digitize physical media with ease.

Performance & Voice Functionality

Designed for social settings, performance, and interactive use:

2 Wired Microphone Inputs with independent volume and echo controls
2 Built-In Microphones for spontaneous recording
Headphone Output for private listening

Battery & Power System

Built for mobility without sacrificing output:

TSA-Approved 97.6Wh Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
Up to 15 hours of playback on a single charge
4–6 hour recharge time
Interchangeable battery pack support for extended sessions
Battery life meter for real-time power monitoring
100–240V AC input for worldwide compatibility without voltage converters; plug adapter may be required.

Display & Portability

The BB-777 combines full-size presence with practical mobility:

4.5” Dot Matrix LCD Display for playback status and system information
Removable Magnetic Front Grilles for maintenance or customization
2 Screw-On Telescoping Antennas for improved radio reception
Integrated shoulder strap for transport

Primary Benefits

Iconic ’80s Design, Rebuilt for Today:
Revives the legendary boombox silhouette with real buttons, a solid volume knob, physical input switches, and full-size presence, combined with modern connectivity and battery-powered freedom. It restores the tactile, hands-on experience of classic sound systems while integrating today’s digital functionality.

All-Source Audio Freedom:
Plays and records music from virtually any source, including Bluetooth, USB, CD, dual cassette decks, multi-band radio, microphones, and auxiliary devices, consolidating analog and digital playback into one fully integrated system.

High-Impact, Physical Sound:
Delivers up to 270W of peak power through a precision-tuned multi-speaker architecture with super woofers, coaxial drivers, horn tweeters, and a chambered bass enclosure, producing deep, room-filling sound with clarity and projection.

Portable Power with Long Playtime:
Runs up to 15 hours on a TSA-approved rechargeable battery with interchangeable battery-pack support, enabling extended listening sessions without reliance on wall power.

Founder Story & Brand Legacy

Bumpboxx was founded in 2016 with a simple belief: music is meant to be shared out loud. Inspired by the energy of 1980s boombox culture and the communal spirit of breakdance and street sound systems, the brand was built as a response to the growing shift toward private, headphone-based listening.

Over the past decade, Bumpboxx established itself by creating modern portable systems that celebrated scale, presence, and physicality.

Yet as the company approached its tenth anniversary, the team set out to build something more ambitious, a definitive statement piece that honored the golden era of boombox design while meeting contemporary expectations for reliability, battery freedom, and format versatility.

The result is the BB-777.

Developed over nearly three years, the project required significant engineering investment and a commitment to reviving mechanical formats rarely seen in modern audio hardware. Dual cassette decks, a CD mechanism, full-scale acoustic architecture, and modern battery integration were not added for nostalgia alone, but to create a fully functional, all-format system designed for long-term ownership and for those who still have music collections across legacy formats and want to bring them back into active rotation.

For Bumpboxx, the BB-777 represents more than a product release. It marks a decade of persistence, cultural continuity, and belief in the power of physical sound.

Availability

BB-777 will be available on Kickstarter. Early backers will have access to a Super Early Bird price before full retail availability. Campaign details and launch updates are available on the official campaign page.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bumpboxx/bb-777-the-iconic-boombox-perfectly-recreated?ref=bvax22

The post Bumpboxx Unveils the BB-777:A 270W Modern Boombox Re-Imagined From an ’80s Icon – The most well-made & thought-out Boombox of all time. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Flipping Heck, Moto! The Razr 60 Ultra (Hot Red) Review.

2026-03-24T12:51:10Z

Motorola sent over the Hot Red version of the Razr 60 Ultra, and honestly? It’s not just a phone; it’s a cry for attention. If the wood version was for the person who spends their weekends at a gastropub in the Cotswolds, the Red one is for the person who wants everyone in the room to know they’ve arrived.

The Good, The Bad, and The “Meh”

The Good Stuff	The Not-so-Good Stuff
That Red Leather: Grippy, fingerprint-proof, and looks absolutely stunning.	The Price: It’s a lot of dough. You’re paying for the engineering “wow” factor.
The Cover Screen: I do 90% of my tasks without ever opening the phone.	The Heat: That Snapdragon 8 Elite gets warm when it’s working hard.
The Hinge: Solid, smooth, and has a very satisfying “clack” when shut.	Camera Zoom: No telephoto lens means distant shots look a bit “watercolor.”
Moto Actions: I will never stop “karate chopping” for my torch. Ever.	Updates: Motorola is still a bit slow compared to Google or Samsung.

Design and Build: “The Ferrari in Your Pocket”

I’ll be blunt: this Red is loud. It’s a deep, saturated crimson that Motorola calls “Hot Red,” and it’s finished in that premium vegan leather (or “fancy plastic that feels like a steakhouse menu,” as I like to call it).

The texture is brilliant. It’s grippy, which is a godsend because dropping a folding phone is a one-way ticket to a very expensive bad mood. Unlike the wood version, which felt a bit “academic,” this one feels energetic. It’s got that tactile, pebbled finish that caught the light even in the dimmest corner of my local.

The hinge is where the real engineering magic happens. Moto has moved to a titanium-reinforced setup this year. It feels incredibly sturdy; there’s no lateral wobble, and the “flick” action is addictive. Motorola says it can handle 35% more folds than the last model, which is great for those of us who use it as a fidget toy.

Folded up, this thing is a masterpiece. It’s roughly the size of a double-stuffed Oreo (but less crumbly). It fits in my “coin pocket” on my jeans—you know, that little pocket no one uses except for maybe a spare pound coin? It fits in there. If you’re tired of phones that feel like carrying a roof tile in your pocket, this is your salvation.

The “Real World” Build:

IP48 Rating: It’s finally got some decent dust and water protection. You still shouldn’t take it for a swim, but if you get caught in a British downpour while waiting for the bus, it’ll be fine.
The Weight: At 199g, it’s got enough heft to feel “expensive” without being a literal brick in your pocket.
The Crease: Yes, it’s still there. If you tilt the 7-inch pOLED screen under a bright light, you’ll see the dip. But honestly? Within ten minutes of scrolling, your brain just deletes it.

The Screen(s): “Double the Fun”

The Razr 60 Ultra is basically two phones in one.

The Outer Display: This 4-inch AMOLED panel is the best in the business. While Samsung makes you jump through hoops to use real apps on their cover screen, Moto just lets you get on with it. I’ve spent entire morning commutes replying to emails, checking Google Maps, and even watching YouTube clips without ever opening the phone. It’s bright, too—peaking at 3,000 nits, so you can actually see it when the sun finally decides to come out in the UK.

It’s 165Hz as well, so it’s just as smooth as the big screen inside. There’s something properly satisfying about flicking through your emails on a tiny square screen while waiting for the kettle to boil. It makes you feel like you’re living in the future we were promised in the 90s.

The Internal Display: “Wait, Where’s the Crease?”

When you finally decide to flip it open—usually with a dramatic thumb-flick that makes you feel like a Bond villain—you get a massive 7-inch pOLED display.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the crease. Yes, if you turn the screen off and hold it at a 45-degree angle under a spotlight, you can see it. But in actual, real-world use? You honestly don’t notice it. Your thumb glides over it, and because the screen is so bright (we’re talking 3,000 nits peak brightness), the light just washes over the dip.

It’s a 165Hz panel, too. Scrolling through long articles or “X” (still calling it Twitter, sorry) is buttery smooth. It’s a tall screen, though—22:9 ratio—which means it’s brilliant for movies, but a bit of a stretch for one-handed use if you’re trying to reach the top. Luckily, Moto’s software is clever enough to help you out there.

The Cameras: “2x the Fun”

Right, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the cameras. If you’ve been following the “Flip Wars” for a while, you’ll know that the cameras on these things usually feel like a compromise—a bit like trying to fit a V8 engine into a Mini Cooper. You just run out of space.

But with the Razr 60 Ultra, Motorola has stopped playing around. They’ve gone for a Triple 50MP setup: a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP selfie snapper inside. It’s the most consistent camera system I’ve seen on a flip phone to date.

Photography: “Social Media Gold”

In broad daylight, the Razr 60 Ultra is a beast. Motorola has teamed up with Pantone for “color validation,” which sounds like marketing fluff but actually translates to photos that don’t look like they’ve been dragged through a neon filter.

The Main Sensor: It’s a 1/1.56″ sensor (bigger than last year’s), and it shows. Photos have a lovely natural depth to them. If you’re taking a snap of your Sunday roast, the focus is sharp and the background blur (bokeh) looks “real” rather than “AI-smudged.”
The Ultrawide Switch: Interestingly, Moto ditched the telephoto lens from the 50 Ultra and went back to an ultrawide. While I miss the zoom, the 50MP ultrawide doubles as a Macro lens. You can get properly close to things—I’m talking “seeing the dust on a Lego man’s head” close.
Low Light: This is usually where flip phones fall apart and start crying. The 60 Ultra holds its own. Thanks to the bigger sensor and the Moto AI Photo Enhancement Engine, night shots are clean. It’s not quite a Pixel 9 Pro or an S25 Ultra in the dark, but it’s no longer a blurry mess.

The “Cheat Code” for Selfies:

The best thing about this phone isn’t the internal camera—it’s using the external screen as a viewfinder for the main 50MP camera. You’re essentially taking selfies with the best lens on the phone. It makes every other selfie camera look a bit rubbish by comparison.

Video: “The Return of the Handycam”

This is where the Razr 60 Ultra gets properly fun. It can shoot 8K at 30fps, but the sweet spot is 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision.

Adaptive Stabilization: Moto AI is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. I took this for a walk in the park, and even with my shaky “too much caffeine” hands, the footage looked like it was on a gimbal.
Camcorder Mode: This is the highlight. Fold the phone 90 degrees and hold it sideways. The UI instantly shifts—you get a big record button under your thumb and a zoom slider. It feels like you’re back in 1996 filming a family holiday, but with 2026-level clarity.
Horizon Lock: If you’re filming while moving (or if you’ve had a few pints), this keeps the video level even if you tilt the phone. It’s clever stuff.

Everyday Carry (EDC): The Real World Test

We’ve all had those phones that look great on a spec sheet but are a pain to live with. The Razr 60 Ultra is the opposite.

Battery Life: They’ve managed to cram a 4,700mAh battery in here. For a flip phone, that’s massive. I’m easily getting through a full day of “power usage”—emails, Bluetooth music, too much YouTube—and still ending the day with about 15-20% left.

Charging: It supports 68W wired charging. If you’ve forgotten to plug it in overnight (which I do constantly), a 15-minute blast while you’re getting dressed gives you enough juice to get to lunchtime.

The Moto “Magic”: I can’t write a Moto review without mentioning the gestures.

The Karate Chop: Shake the phone twice to turn on the torch.
The Twist: Double-twist your wrist to launch the camera. These are the most useful features in mobile history. Period. No hunting for icons in the rain; just chop and go.

Right, let’s talk about the “brains” of this crimson beauty. Usually, reviewing phone software is about as exciting as reading a manual for a microwave, but Motorola’s Hello UI (running on Android 16) is actually a bit of a breath of fresh air.

It’s essentially “Pixel-lite”—it looks and feels like clean, pure Android, but with some clever “Moto-isms” sprinkled on top that actually make your life easier rather than just cluttering up your app drawer.

Software: “The AI That Actually Listens”

Motorola has jumped on the AI bandwagon, but instead of just giving us a glorified chatbot, they’ve added Moto AI. There are three features I’ve actually used more than once (which is a record for AI):

Catch Me Up: If you’ve been away from your phone for an hour and your WhatsApp groups have gone into meltdown, this gives you a bulleted summary of the chaos. It’s like having a personal assistant who actually pays attention.
Pay Attention: This is brilliant for meetings or, let’s be honest, trying to remember what your partner asked you to get from the shops. It records, transcribes, and summarizes conversations.
Next Move: The phone looks at what’s on your screen—say, a flight confirmation—and suggests your next step, like adding it to your calendar or looking up the weather in Ibiza.

Everyday Use: “The 90% Rule”

The biggest surprise about living with the Razr 60 Ultra? I hardly ever open it.

Because that 4-inch cover screen is so big and functional, I find I’m doing about 90% of my “quick” tasks on the front. I’m checking train times, replying to texts (the full QWERTY keyboard is tight but usable), and controlling my music without ever seeing the big 7-inch screen.

The “Fidget Factor”: Let’s be honest: you’re going to flip this phone. A lot. The new titanium hinge is incredibly satisfying. It’s got a “springy” snap that makes you want to open and close it just for the sake of it. In a world of boring slabs, there’s a tactile joy here that’s hard to put into words.

Battery & The “Pub Test”: With a 4,700mAh battery, this isn’t just a “morning-to-early-evening” phone anymore. I’ve taken this out for a full day of work, followed by a long evening at the pub, and I’m still hitting the pillow with 15% left.

The “Emergency” Charge: If you do run low, the 68W charging is a beast. You can get a day’s worth of juice in about 10 minutes. It’s fast enough that “battery anxiety” basically disappears.

The “Niggles” (Because Nothing is Perfect)

It’s not all sunshine and red leather. A couple of things to keep in mind:

The Update Situation: Moto is promising 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches. It’s… fine. But when Samsung is offering 7 years, it feels a bit like Moto is leaving the party early.
Proximity Sensor Quirks: Occasionally, when I’m listening to a WhatsApp voice note on the cover screen, the phone thinks it’s near my ear and cuts the audio. It’s a minor bug, but it’ll make you swear under your breath once or twice.
The Heat: That Snapdragon 8 Elite is a powerhouse, but in a thin folding body, it can get a bit “toasty” if you’re playing heavy games for more than 20 minutes.

If you’re going to live that “folded life,” you need to set up your outer screen like a pro. You don’t want to be flipping that phone open every time Auntie Brenda sends you a picture of her cat on WhatsApp.

Since you’re rocking the Hot Red version, you want apps that are fast, punchy, and actually make sense on a 4-inch square. Here is my “Starter Pack” for the Razr 60 Ultra’s external display:

1. The “Quick Comms” Tier (The Essentials)

WhatsApp / Telegram: Don’t just look at the notification; pin the whole app. The 60 Ultra’s screen is big enough for a proper QWERTY keyboard. It’s perfect for those “Yeah, see you in 10” or “Don’t forget the milk” replies without ever seeing the main screen.
Google Phone (The “Google” version): Pro tip: The stock Moto phone app can be a bit shy about living on the home screen. Download Phone by Google from the Play Store. It lets you add your “Favourites” as a tile, so you can call your mum or the takeaway with one tap.

2. The “Out and About” Tier (The EDC Heroes)

Google Wallet: This is a non-negotiable. With the phone closed, a quick double-tap of the power button (or just holding it near the reader) and you’ve paid for your pint. It looks properly futuristic in Red.
Google Maps: This is the Razr’s “killer app.” Having your walking directions on the small screen while you’re navigating a busy street is a godsend. It uses less battery and you don’t look like a confused tourist holding a giant glass slab.
Citymapper / Uber: Similar to Maps, checking how far away your driver is or which platform your train is on is much easier on the “mini” screen.

3. The “Wait, I’m Bored” Tier (Time Wasters)

Stack Bounce: It comes pre-installed in the GameSnacks panel. It is the ultimate “waiting for the bus” game. It’s simple, addictive, and runs at a buttery 165Hz.
YouTube / TikTok: Yes, you can watch video on the front. It’s a bit small, obviously, but for a quick “how-to” video while you’re cooking or a bit of mindless scrolling in a queue, it works surprisingly well.

4. The “Moto Magic” (The AI Bits)

Moto AI “Catch Me Up”: Pin this to your side-panel. It uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite to summarize your mountain of notifications into three or four bullet points. It’s the first thing I check every morning.
Gemini: Use the “Look and Talk” feature. You don’t even have to press a button; just look at the closed phone, and Gemini pops up to answer your questions. It’s great for “How many grams in an ounce?” when your hands are covered in flour.

Pro Tip: The “Full Screen” Toggle

Not every app knows it’s living on a square screen. If an app looks a bit wonky (like the camera lenses are cutting off the buttons), do this:

Swipe up from the bottom of the outer screen to see your recent apps.
Tap the “Full Screen” icon (it looks like a little square with bits missing) at the bottom of the app card.
This forces the app to scale around the cameras. It’s a game-changer for apps like Instagram or Reddit.

The “Pro Setup” Launcher

If you want to be a real power user, download Pixel Search. Put it as one of your four main shortcuts on the bottom row. Now, you can tap that, type the name of any app on your phone, and launch it directly on the cover screen—even if it isn’t officially “supported.”

Conclusion

So, after living with the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra in its “Hot Red” glory for a few weeks, it’s time to deliver the final verdict.

I’ll be honest with you—at the start, I thought this might just be another expensive fashion accessory. We’ve seen enough “luxury” phones that have the soul of a cardboard box and the performance of a wet weekend in Bognor Regis. But Moto has actually gone and done it. They’ve made a flip phone that doesn’t feel like a compromise; it feels like the future of how we actually use our blowers.

The Final Verdict: “Properly Brilliant”

If you want a phone that stays out of your way when you’re busy but turns into a cinematic powerhouse when you’ve got five minutes to yourself, this is it. The Hot Red finish is the cherry on top—it’s tactile, it’s loud, and it makes every other glass-and-metal slab in the room look positively ancient.

Is it perfect? No. The zoom could be better, it gets a bit “toasty” if you’re playing Call of Duty for three hours, and the price tag will definitely make your bank manager’s eye twitch. But for the first time in years, I’m excited to take a phone out of my pocket. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it fits in my jeans. What more do you want?

The Star Rating

4.5 / 5 Stars

“The first flip phone that feels like it’s finished the job. A stunning, powerful, and properly usable piece of kit that finally makes the ‘slab’ feel like a thing of the past.”

Final Thought

If you’re still carrying around a giant phone that feels like a brick in your pocket, do yourself a favour. Go find a shop, have a play with the Razr 60 Ultra, and flick it shut once. You’ll get it. It’s not just a phone; it’s a bit of joy in a world of boring tech.

Nice one, Motorola. You’ve done us proud.

The post Flipping Heck, Moto! The Razr 60 Ultra (Hot Red) Review. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

BOOX Launches Go 10.3 (Gen II) Series: Ultra-Thin E Ink Tablets for Digital Nomad

2026-03-18T09:18:42Z

BOOX, a global leader in E Ink technology and innovation, has announced the release of its Go 10.3 (Gen II) Series, featuring two new 10.3-inch ePaper tablets designed to create a distraction free space for reading, thinking, and developing ideas. The series includes the Go 10.3 (Gen II) and Go 10.3 (Gen II) Lumi, both engineered to deliver an ultra-portable design, with a InkSense Plus stylus included

Light Options for Different Work Environments

The Go 10.3 (Gen II), like its predecessor doesn’t have a front light layer, providing ink-on-surface visuals with exceptional calarity under direct sunlight. The Go 10.3 (Gen II) Lumi incorporates adjustable dual-tone front lights, enabling users to transition between cool daylight tones and warm amber glows for varied lighting conditions. Both models feature a high-definition 300 PPI monochrome ePaper display optimized for outdoor readability.

At just 4.6 mm thin for the standard model, and 4.8 mm for the Lumi version, the Go 10.3 (Gen II) Series maintains a sleek design while housing a 3700 mAh battery. Meaning that not accounting for Wifi and bluetooth, the tablets can last weeks on a single charge. The size supports a nomadic work style without compromising battery performance

Advanced Writing and Organization Tools

The tablets come with the InkSense Plus stylus, which supports 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels and tilt recognition. Users can access digital tools including Lasso, Insert, Outlines, and Tags to organize handwritten notes, sketches, and brainstorming sessions.

Android 15 Integration with Distraction Management

Running Android 15, the Go 10.3 (Gen II) Series provides access to Google Play Store apps. An upgraded Octa-core processor powers multitasking and app performance, so this generation is fast while maintaining an eye-friendly, distraction-reduced interface. The tablets include 64GB of storage and support 26 digital file formats, allowing users to carry extensive document libraries. The built-in NeoReader app offers customizable reading and annotation capabilities for digital books.

Designed for Digital Nomads

The Go 10.3 (Gen II) Series delivers sunlight-ready clarity, ultra-thin design, and focused tools for those on the move. Built to support work-life integration and reduce screen fatigue, these tablets act as an anti-burnout tool that enables seamless work

The BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II) Lumi (with front light) is available for £429.99/€449.99/US$449.99 (US Market) and US$429.99 (Standard) and the Go 10.3 Gen II is available for £399.99/€419.99/US$419.99 (US Market) and US$399.99 (Standard) from BOOX (US) and BOOX (EU).

About Onyx BOOX

BOOX is a global leading E Ink electronic brand of Onyx, specializing in E Ink tablets and monitors ranging from 6 to 13.3 inches. Designed to minimize eye strain and enhance productivity, BOOX caters to a diverse audience that includes professionals, academics, and individuals who aspire to more. BOOX combines E Ink with an Android operating system, providing its users with flexibility, cutting-edge hardware, and advanced software. More product info is available at https://shop.boox.com/.

The post BOOX Launches Go 10.3 (Gen II) Series: Ultra-Thin E Ink Tablets for Digital Nomad is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Twelve South Power Capsule – Review.

2026-03-13T17:10:43Z

Right, pull up a chair and let’s talk about that moment of pure, cold-sweat-inducing dread. You know the one. You’re in the middle of a field at a rainy festival, or maybe you’re three pints deep in a pub that has “character” (meaning no working power sockets), and you look down at your phone.

5%. It’s always 5%. It never stays at 10% for long, does it? It just dives off a cliff. Suddenly, your £1,200 “pro” glass slab is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. You can’t call an Uber, you can’t pay for your kebab, and you definitely can’t prove to your mates that you actually saw that niche indie band on the second stage.

This is where Twelve South steps in with the PowerCapsule. They sent us the 5,000mAh version—the “Dune” one, which is basically a very posh way of saying “sandy beige”—and I’ve been living with it stuck to the back of my phone for the last week.

Is it a game-changer, or just another overpriced battery brick? Let’s dive into the “Twelve South PowerCapsule 5K” and see if it’s worth your hard-earned spondulicks.

Good Points

Proper Classy: That zinc alloy and cactus leather combo is top-tier.
Slim-ish: Doesn’t turn your phone into a defensive weapon.
Qi2 Speeds: 15W wireless charging is the “Goldilocks” zone of speed and heat.
Pass-through: You can plug it into the wall at night and it’ll charge your phone and itself.

Bad Points

A Bit Pricey: You’re definitely paying a “design tax” here.
Capacity: 5,000mAh is a “daily boost,” not a “weekend warrior”.
Warmth: Can get a bit toasty if you’re using the phone while it’s charging.

The “Ooh, That’s Fancy” Design

Now, usually, power banks are boring. They’re either black plastic rectangles that feel like they came out of a Christmas cracker, or they’re those massive “emergency” bricks that weigh as much as a small dog and require a backpack to carry.

Twelve South doesn’t do “boring.” let be honest Apple wouldn’t stock Twelve South Products in there stores if they weren’t quality items. They’ve gone all out here. The frame is a “satin-finish zinc alloy.” In English? It feels cold, metallic, and expensive. It’s got a proper weight to it that makes you feel like you’ve actually bought something quality, rather than a piece of tech destined for the “drawer of forgotten cables” in six months.

But the real talking point is the back. It’s covered in “cactus leather”. Yes, you read that right. Instead of skinning a cow or using that “vegan leather” that is actually just fancy plastic, they’ve used plants. It’s got this lovely soft-touch feel and a “pocket-angle” embossed pattern that looks like something you’d find on a high-end wallet. It’s grippy, it’s warm to the touch, and it doesn’t make that horrible “clack” sound when you snap it onto the back of your phone.

The “Science Bit”: What on Earth is Qi2?

If you aren’t a massive tech geek (and bless you if you aren’t), you might be wondering why “Qi2” is written all over the box.

For years, if you had an iPhone, you had “MagSafe.” It was great. Magnets! Alignment! Fast-ish charging! If you had an Android, you just had “Qi,” which was a bit of a faff because you had to align it perfectly or it would just get hot and not charge.

Qi2 is basically the rest of the world catching up. It brings those magnets to everyone. For iPhone users, it means you get 15W charging speeds without having to pay the “Apple Tax” for official MagSafe certification. It’s faster, it’s more efficient, and it means the battery doesn’t turn into a portable radiator quite as quickly.

Real World Use: The “Pint and a Kebab” Test

I took the PowerCapsule out for a “typical British Saturday.” That means a long walk with the dog (using GPS), lots of photos of said dog looking confused, and then a trip to the pub.

By 4:00 PM, my phone was gasping for air. I snapped the PowerCapsule on. The magnets are strong. You can hold the phone by the battery and shake it (though maybe don’t do that over a bridge), and it stays put.

Because it’s “ultra-slim,” it doesn’t feel like you’re holding a brick. You can still fit the whole assembly in your jeans pocket without looking like you’re carrying a spare lung. It charges at 15W, which is enough to actually increase your battery percentage while you’re using the phone, rather than just slowing down the inevitable death.

The 5,000mAh capacity is what I’d call a “one-and-done” snack. It’ll give a modern iPhone 16 or 17 a full top-up from 20% to 100% with a bit left over. It’s not going to power your laptop, and it’s not going to last you a four-day camping trip in the Peaks, but for a day out in London or a commute? It’s spot on.

The Bit That’s a Bit of a Faff

It’s not all sunshine and cactus leather, though.

Firstly, it gets warm. Not “melting your pocket” warm, but you’ll definitely notice it after 30 minutes of charging. That’s just physics, really—wireless charging is inherently a bit “leaky” with energy.

Secondly, the price. At £49 / $49, it’s not exactly “cheap as chips”. You can go on Amazon right now and find a generic black plastic 10,000mAh battery for twenty quid. But then again, those won’t have the Qi2 speeds, they’ll feel like a toy, and they certainly won’t be made of cactus.

The Verdict

The Twelve South PowerCapsule is for the person who cares about how their gear looks and feels. It’s for the person who is sick of carrying cables and just wants a “snap and forget” solution that fits in a pocket.

It’s a premium bit of kit for a premium price. Is it essential? Probably not. Is it the nicest power bank I’ve used this year? Absolutely.

Coolsmartphone Rating: 4/5 – A posh, plant-based power boost for your pocket.

The post Twelve South Power Capsule – Review. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Lexar offers portable storage solutions to help creators capture, transfer and protect content across devices with the ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD 1TB, D50E USB Dual Drive 512GB and SL500 Portable SSD.

2026-03-12T18:28:27Z

Lexar’s versatile portable storage solutions are designed to help creators capture, transfer and protect content seamlessly across smartphones, computers and other devices.

Lexar, a global leader in memory and storage solutions, provides versatile solutions in its portable storage lineup for content creators and mobile professionals: the ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD, the D50E USB Dual Drive and SL500 Portable SSD. The ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD delivers high-performance storage in a slim, magnetically attachable design that pairs seamlessly with smartphones, while the compact D50E USB Dual Drive offers a convenient plug-and-play solution with both USB-A and USB-C connectors and transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s, making it easy to move files between a wide range of devices. Complementing these is the SL500 Portable SSD, which combines a slim, lightweight design with powerful USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, delivering read speeds of up to 2000MB/s and write speeds up to 1800MB/s for fast and efficient data transfers, with a magnetic version available.

While the ES5 is tailored for high-speed video capture and professional content production, the D50E focuses on everyday portability and effortless file transfers, and the SL500 offers ultra-fast, compact storage capable of supporting workflows such as direct Apple ProRes recording in up to 4K 60FPS. Together, they provide flexible, high-performance storage options for creators who need reliable performance across devices

Lexar ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD 1TB – available for £149.99 from Amazon

The Lexar ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD 1TB is an ideal option for creators. Delivering exceptional performance with read/write speeds of up to 2000MS/s, it is perfect for storing and transferring large files quickly. The super-slim design also fits easily into the palm of a hand and can magnetically attach to a device, making it a convenient choice. Whether using to capture special moments or produce professional-quality content, the ES5 is a great companion.

Designed with MagSafe compatibility, the ES5 is an essential accessory for iPhone 15 Pro/Max, iPhone 16 Pro/Max and Android users alike. It can easily attach to a smartphone to transform it into a mobile production setup. This allows users to shoot directly to the drive to make recording faster and more efficient. It also supports Apple ProRes and Samsung Pro Video recording to allow users to shoot directly to the ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD 1TB in up to 4K 60FPS/120FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max (and above) or up to 8K 30FPS with Samsung S25 or above.

Thanks to the ES5 Portable SSD 1TB’s blazing-fast read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, it provides quick backups, smooth file transfers, and seamless editing of photos and videos, making it ideal for busy creators. The high-performance drive ensures no delays so users can focus on creativity and the lower power consumption and little heat generation also guarantees stable transfers.

Not just for phones, the ES5 is also compatible with computers, tablets, cameras, gaming consoles, and more. Effortlessly attach a MacBook with the Magnetic Attraction Plate and extend storage by 1TB while keeping the desktop tidy and elegant.

Built with travel and adventure in mind, the ES5 is designed to withstand tough environments. The IP65 rating for dust and water resistance and drop protection from up to 3 meters makes it a great choice for on-the-go photography and videography with no issues.

Using the Lexar App Photo Backup, creators can automatically back up all photos and videos without hassle to keep memories safe and secure in local storage, extending the phone’s storage and simplifying backup. This supports iPhone Live photos and provides fast speeds to ensure quick and lossless file transfers with wide compatibility across both iOS and Android devices. It also operates offline, does not gather user data, and comes with no charges for backup services.

Lexar D50E USB 512GB – available for £79.99 from Amazon

The Lexar Solid State Dual Drive D50E USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (512GB) delivers fast and easy plug-and-play storage built with both USB-A and USB-C connectors to work with favourite devices. It uses a unique swivel design and a durable metal construction to keep data safe throughout the day and the 512GB capacity is enough to store a content library within pockets. Ideal for content creators, whether casual or professional, the dual-design and compact size is perfect for taking on the go.

Cable-free with dual USB connectors, it provides everything that Is needed within a compact design, making it ideal for travel and use on-the-go. Capable of transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s, it achieves file transfers 4x faster than USB 3.0 to increase efficiency and prevent any delays.

A durable metal housing offers exceptional durability and protects the USB-A and USB-C connectors, so it can be used without concern and users can be confident that it safe and protected. The D50E also has wide compatibility with USB devices so can be used with all the favourite devices.

The free Lexar App Photo Backup function that is available for both iOS and Android provides an easy way to back up and manage media. This allows users to automatically back up photos and videos after a one-time simple setup, removing any hassle and ensuring that content is kept safe. This is done with fast speeds and ensures quick and lossless file transfers. Operating offline, it does not gather user data and comes with no charges.

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD 1TB – available for £129.99 from Game, Scan.co.uk, Ebuyer

The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD brings maximum performance with a minimum size to storage. Slim and solid, it is just 4.8mm (roughly the size of a credit card) so has a compact size and light weight at just 43g to take on the go and put into a pocket. A magnetic version is also available of the SL500.

Providing exceptional USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance and powered by SiliconMotion, it has read speeds of up to 2000MB/s and write speeds up to 1800MB/s to accelerate data transfers for more efficient work. The SL500 also supports Apple Pro Res recording so users can shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. It also has great compatibility with PC, Mac, Android devices, iPhone 15 series, gaming consoles, cameras, and more.

The design of the internal and external structure ensures low temperatures even during high-speed operations, guaranteeing uncompromised performance. In addition, it keeps sensitive files secure with the included Lexar DataShield, with 256-bit AES encryption and users can auto backup all photos and videos with the Lexar App to extend phone’s storage.

The version with Magnetic Set includes a magnetised, protective sleeve, an additional magnetic ring to use with a laptop cover or other device, and a wrist strap. This lets users conveniently and easily attach the drive to their devices.

The Lexar ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD 1TB is available for £149.99 from Amazon, the D50E USB 512GB is available for £79.99 from Amazon and the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD 1TB is available for £129.99 from Game, Scan.co.uk, Ebuyer.

The post Lexar offers portable storage solutions to help creators capture, transfer and protect content across devices with the ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD 1TB, D50E USB Dual Drive 512GB and SL500 Portable SSD. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Groov-e Neo Buds – Review

2026-03-10T11:05:48Z

Right, let’s get into it. It’s a Tuesday morning here at Coolsmartphone Towers, and the postie has just dropped off something that—at first glance—looks like it’s come straight out of a sci-fi movie from the late 90s. We’re talking about the Groov-e Neo Buds.

Now, usually, budget earbuds are as exciting as a wet weekend in Bognor Regis. You get a plastic box, two plastic beans, and sound quality that makes your favorite tunes sound like they’re being played through a tin can at the bottom of a well. But Groov-e, the UK’s champions of “affordable but cool,” have decided to shake things up by slapping a smart display screen right on the front of the charging case.

Yes, you read that right. A screen. On your earbud case. Samsung doesn’t do it. Apple definitely doesn’t do it (they’re too busy making sure your charging cable costs thirty quid). But for a mere £39.99, Groov-e is giving us the future.

The Specs (The Boring Bit, but Necessary)

Before we dive into whether these things actually sound any good, let’s look at what’s under the hood:

Price: £39.99 RRP
Battery Life: 22 hours total (buds + case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Features: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Smart LCD Display, Touch Controls, Clear Call Mics
Colors: Black or Sand

Good Points

The Screen: It’s actually useful. You can control your music, check the battery, and—wait for it—play a knock-off version of Flappy Bird.
Price: At under £40, it’s a total bargain for the features you’re getting.
Comfort: The stemmed design is lightweight and doesn’t feel like you’ve shoved a pair of marbles into your ear canals.
ANC at this price: Getting actual Active Noise Cancelling for forty quid is rare, and it does a decent job of masking the hum of a busy office or a train.

Bad Points

Build Quality: It’s very… plastic-y. If you drop this on a pavement, you might have a bad time.
Sound is “Average”: It’s fine for podcasts and pop, but audiophiles will find the bass a bit “bloated” and the highs a bit “scratchy”.
Touch Controls: Sometimes they’re a bit too sensitive, or not sensitive enough. It’s a bit of a lottery.
Battery Life: 22 hours is “okay,” but plenty of rivals are pushing 30+ these days.

The Smart Display: A Gimmick or a Game Changer?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the screen on the box. Groov-e has clearly looked at the JBL Live Beam 3 (which costs about £150 more) and said, “We can do that for the price of a decent Sunday roast”.

The screen is small, vibrant enough, and surprisingly feature-rich. You can toggle your ANC settings, adjust the EQ modes, and control your music playback without even touching your phone. This is actually brilliant when you’re out for a walk and your phone is buried deep in a pocket under three layers of winter gear.

But it’s the “extras” that make us smile here at the Towers. There’s a flashlight feature (basically the screen turns bright white), a timer, and even a camera remote (though, in our testing, it mostly just fiddled with the volume instead of taking the photo—standard budget tech behavior). And yes, the game. It’s a Flappy Bird clone. Is it playable? Barely. Is it hilarious to have on an earbud case? Absolutely.

Sound Quality: Don’t Expect Abbey Road

Look, we have to be honest with you. These aren’t going to replace your £300 Sony cans. Out of the box, the sound is a bit heavy on the low end. The bass has “weight” but isn’t exactly “agile”—it’s a bit like a Labrador puppy; it’s got plenty of energy but it’s a bit clumsy.

However, if you dive into the settings on that fancy case and switch the EQ to “Popular” mode, things clean up a bit. Voices become clearer, and that “dark low-end” stops trying to drown out the rest of the track. For listening to the Coolsmartphone Podcast or catching up on YouTube, they’re perfectly adequate. If you’re trying to pick out the subtle vibrato of a cello in a classical masterpiece, you’re looking at the wrong product.

Verdict: Should You Buy Them?

If you’re the type of person who loves a gadget that does something a bit different, the Groov-e Neo Buds are a no-brainer. For £39.99, you’re getting a conversation starter, a functional set of earbuds, and a way to play games on your bus commute without ever getting your phone out.

Are they perfect? No. The sound is just “okay,” and the build is a bit budget. But they’re fun. And in a world of boring, identical tech, we’ll take “fun and flawed” over “perfect and dull” any day of the week.

Right, you’re sold on the “Flappy Bird” earbuds then? Excellent choice. If you want to grab a pair of the Groov-e Neo Buds without traipsing around the high street, here are the best places to find them online right now.

Prices are hovering around the £30 to £40 mark, which is a steal considering you’re basically getting a tiny smartphone case for your ears.

1. Ryman (Best Price Right Now)

Ryman seems to be the place to go if you want a bargain. They often have them listed below the RRP.

Price: Usually £29.99 (Reduced from £39.99).

Link: Groov-e Neo Buds at Ryman
Note: They have both the Black and the “Sand” (cream) versions available.

2. Amazon UK

The old reliable. If you have Prime, you’ll probably get these delivered before you’ve even finished your next cup of tea.

Price: Typically £39.99.

Link: Groov-e Neo Buds on Amazon (Search “Groov-e Neo Buds”)

3. Robert Dyas

Another classic British stockist. They’ve got them listed at the full RRP, but they often have “MyDyas” points or local click-and-collect if you’re passing by a store.

Price: £39.99.

Link: Groov-e Neo Buds at Robert Dyas

4. Official Groov-e Website

If you want to go straight to the source or check out their other “weird and wonderful” gadgets, head to the official site.

Link: Groov-e Official Site

Top Tip from the Towers: If you’re a student or know someone who is, Ryman usually offers a 10% student discount, which could knock these down to about £27. That’s basically the price of a couple of pizzas for a pair of ANC earbuds with a screen. Hard to argue with that!

The post Groov-e Neo Buds – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

DWARFLAB Announces DWARF Mini, the World’s Smallest Smart Telescope, Now Available Worldwide.

2026-03-06T11:47:05Z

820g ultra-portable design, 1080P Sony sensor, 150 mm f/5 telephoto lens, built in filters, long exposure EQ mode, 360 degree motorised tracking and intuitive app control deliver professional astrophotography in a pocket sized form.

DWARFLAB, a global innovator in smart telescope technology, dedicated to making astronomical observation accessible through advanced hardware and intuitive software, has confirmed that the DWARF Mini, the smallest and most portable smart telescope the company has ever produced, is now available for purchase worldwide.

Key Features and Specifications

Weight of 820 g or 29 oz
1/2.8 inch Sony IMX662 sensor with 1080P resolution and 2.9 µm pixels
150 mm f/5 telephoto lens with 30 mm aperture
Three built in filters including dark frame, astro and narrow band
External solar filter included
360 degree motorised mechanism for automated object finding
Up to 90 second exposures using equatorial mount mode
7000 mAh battery providing up to four hours of operation
64 GB of built in storage
Rapid setup from unboxing to shooting in approximately three minutes
App based control for streamlined operation

The DWARF Mini represents a significant advancement in compact astrophotography, offering a level of portability that allows it to be carried anywhere with ease. Weighing only 820g or 29oz, the device is considerably lighter and more compact than other smart telecopes. It has been engineered for rapid setup and convenience, enabling users to begin capturing images within three minutes of unboxing. Its compact body houses a 360 degree motorised mechanism that automatically locates stars, planets and galaxies through app based control on a mobile device, creating a highly streamlined experience for both new and experienced stargazers.

Despite its miniature size, the DWARF Mini incorporates a professional imaging system built around a 1/2.8 inch Sony IMX662 sensor that delivers 1080P resolution with 2.9 µm pixels. This sensor provides strong low light performance and supports detailed captures of deep sky objects, lunar surfaces and other celestial scenes. The optical system includes a 150 mm f/5 telephoto lens with a 30 mm aperture, allowing the device to gather sufficient light for high quality astrophotography while maintaining its compact form factor.

The DWARF Mini is equipped with three built in filters that enhance imaging across a variety of environments. A dark frame filter reduces thermal noise, an astro filter increases contrast in nebulae and a narrow band filter suppresses city and lunar glow. An external solar filter is included in the box for safe solar observation. These features allow the telescope to perform effectively in both dark sky and urban settings.

Long exposure capability is supported through an equatorial mount mode that compensates for the rotation of the Earth. This enables exposures of up to 90 seconds, allowing the DWARF Mini to produce stable and detailed long exposure images that are typically associated with larger and more complex equipment. The device includes 64 GB of built in storage and is powered by a 7000 mAh battery that provides up to four hours of operation, making it suitable for extended imaging sessions in the field.

The DWARF Mini is controlled through an intuitive app that simplifies object selection, tracking and image capture. The app provides access to automated functions that streamline the imaging process, while the compact size of the device makes it suitable for use in a wide range of environments including gardens, balconies, campsites and remote dark sky locations. The combination of portability, imaging performance and intelligent automation positions the DWARF Mini as a versatile tool for both astronomy and terrestrial photography.

The DWARFLAB Mini is available for £359/$399 from the DWARFLAB website with Amazon stocking soon.

About DWARFLAB

DWARFLAB is an innovator in smart telescope area, dedicated to making astronomical observation accessible and engaging through innovative hardware and intuitive software experiences. The company’s products are distributed in over 100 countries and regions worldwide, partnering with renowned retailers including High Point Scientific and B&H

The post DWARFLAB Announces DWARF Mini, the World’s Smallest Smart Telescope, Now Available Worldwide. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter – Review.

2026-03-06T10:25:15Z

Right, let’s get into it. You’re at the airport, you’ve realized you’ve forgotten your noise-cancelling headphones, and more importantly, you’ve realized that the tiny, two-pronged wall socket in your hotel room in Madrid is going to look at your chunky UK three-pin plug like it’s an alien artifact.

Welcome to the glamorous world of travel adapters.

We’ve all been there—standing in a Duty-Free shop, staring at a wall of plastic cubes that all promise to “save your holiday,” while a frantic businessman behind you tries to buy the last neck pillow. Today, we’re looking at the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter. Specifically, the one with the 65W GaN (Gallium Nitride, for those who like to sound smart at parties) internals. Is it the Swiss Army Knife of chargers, or is it just another bit of plastic destined for the “drawer of forgotten cables”?

The “Oh No, It’s a Cube” Aesthetic

First off, let’s talk about the design. It’s a cube. A grey and white, slightly chunky, but surprisingly light cube. If you’re used to those old-school adapters that look like they were designed in the 80s and weigh as much as a small brick, this is a breath of fresh air.

At “Coolsmartphone Towers,” we’ve seen some monstrosities in our time, but TESSAN has actually done a decent job here. It’s got that sliding-switch system on the side that feels like you’re arming a small explosive device—one slide for the US/Australia, one for the UK, and one for the EU. It’s satisfying in a “I’m a global jet-setter” kind of way, even if you’re actually just going to a rainy B&B in Belgium.

The Good Stuff (The “Proper-Like” Bits)

The headline feature here is the 65W GaN charging. If you haven’t been keeping up with your tech buzzwords, GaN is basically magic. It allows chargers to be smaller and run cooler while pumping out way more power.

I plugged my MacBook Air, an iPhone 15 Pro, and a pair of grubby earbuds into this thing simultaneously. Usually, this is where a cheap adapter starts to smell like burning toast, but the TESSAN just hummed along. It’s got two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, plus the main AC socket on the front.

The Wins:

One Plug to Rule Them All: You can actually leave your laptop brick at home. That alone is worth the price of admission.
The “Spare Fuse” Life-Saver: TESSAN has tucked a spare 10A fuse inside the unit. If you’re in a hotel with dodgy wiring and you blow a fuse at 2 AM, you aren’t stranded. It’s a small detail, but it’s the difference between a working phone and a very expensive paperweight.
Global Reach: It covers 224 countries. Unless you’re planning a holiday to a very specific part of rural India or South Africa (where it doesn’t quite fit), you’re golden.

The Bad Stuff (The “Grubby Mitts” Reality)

It’s not all sunshine and sangria, though. There are a few niggles that might make you pull a face.

The “Voltage Trap”: This is a big one. This is not a voltage converter. If you plug your hair dryer (which is built for 240V) into a 110V socket in New York using this adapter, you’re going to have a very bad time. TESSAN puts this in the manual, but let’s be honest, who reads those?
The “Chunky Boy” Problem: Because it’s a universal design, it sticks out of the wall quite a bit. If your hotel has sockets tucked behind a desk or a bedframe, you’re going to be playing a very frustrating game of Tetris to get it to stay in.
Sliding Tension: After a week of heavy use, the UK pins felt a little less “snappy” than they did on day one. It didn’t break, but I do wonder how those plastic sliders will hold up after three years of being tossed into a backpack.

Value for Money

At around £35-£40 (though you can often find it on Amazon for less if you’re savvy), it’s not the cheapest adapter on the market. You can buy a “dumb” adapter for a fiver at the airport.

But—and it’s a big but—if you consider that this replaces a 65W laptop charger, two phone bricks, and a multi-plug, it’s actually a bargain. It’s about the price of a decent steak dinner, and it’ll last significantly longer (hopefully).

Build Quality

It feels solid. It doesn’t have that “hollow plastic” rattle that makes you worry about house fires. The flame-retardant material gives you a bit of peace of mind when you’re leaving your gear to charge overnight in a hotel room that looks like it hasn’t been decorated since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Verdict

Is the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter perfect? No. It’s a bit bulky, and you still have to be careful with high-power appliances.

However, for the modern geek—the person carrying a laptop, a tablet, a phone, and some wireless buds—it is a godsend. It’s honest, it’s functional, and it does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s the kind of tech that gets out of the way and lets you enjoy your holiday, available from Amazon

Score: 4/5 – Highly Recommended for anyone who doesn’t want to carry a suitcase full of cables.

The post TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter – Review. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Maono PD200W. Dynamic Microphone – Review.

2026-03-02T14:51:37Z

It’s a funny old world, isn’t it? A few years ago, if you wanted to record a podcast that didn’t sound like you were shouting into a tin can from the bottom of a well, you had to sell a kidney, buy a Shure SM7B, and then spend another few hundred quid on a “Cloudlifter” just to make the thing audible.

But then things changed. USB mics got decent. Then XLR/USB “hybrids” turned up. And now, Maono—a company that’s been quietly churning out some surprisingly “not-rubbish” gear lately—has gone and cut the cord entirely.

Enter the Maono PD200W. It’s a dynamic microphone that works via XLR (for the pros), USB-C (for the lazy), and 2.4GHz wireless (for the people who trip over cables).
I’ve had one in my grubby mitts for a week. I’ve recorded in my office, in my kitchen, and I even took it into the garden just to see if the neighbours would call the police.

Here is the lowdown on whether this “do-it-all” mic is a stroke of genius or just a bit too ambitious for its own good.

Design and Build: The “Heavy Metal” Vibe

The Look and Feel: “Not Just Another Plastic Tube”
First off, when you pull this out of the box, it doesn’t feel like a toy. At about £99 (though you can often find it for less if you’re “canny” with Amazon vouchers), you might expect something hollow and rattly.

Instead, you get a hefty, all-metal barrel with a matte finish that’s surprisingly good at hiding fingerprints—which is great for those of us who eat crisps while we edit.

It comes with a shock mount already attached, which is a nice touch. It looks a bit like the Shure MV7’s younger, slightly more rebellious cousin. There’s an RGB ring around the middle because, apparently, it’s 2026 and if your tech doesn’t glow like a Blackpool pier, it doesn’t exist. Fortunately, you can turn the lights off if you want to look like a serious adult.

The “Dongle” Situation: Wireless Wizardry.

This is the headline act. At the bottom of the mic, tucked away like a secret, is a tiny USB-C wireless receiver.

The beauty of this is simplicity. You take that receiver, plug it into your laptop, your Android phone, or even your iPhone (if you’ve got a USB-C one or an adapter), and boom—you’re recording. No drivers, no pairing menus that make you want to throw your PC out the window, and no Bluetooth lag.

Because it uses 2.4GHz wireless (the same tech as a wireless mouse), the latency is virtually zero. I tried recording a guitar track while monitoring through the headphone jack on the mic, and I couldn’t detect any delay. That’s impressive for a sub-£100 kit.

Sound Quality: Punching Above Its Weight.

At its heart, this is a dynamic microphone. For the uninitiated, dynamic mics are the “workhorses” of the audio world. Unlike condenser mics (like the Blue Yeti), which pick up every sound from your neighbour’s lawnmower to your own heartbeat, dynamic mics are directional. They focus on what’s right in front of them and ignore the rest.

The Capsule: It’s a 30mm dynamic capsule with a cardioid polar pattern. In plain English? It wants you to be about 2-4 inches away from it. When you’re in that “sweet spot,” the audio is rich, warm, and has that “radio voice” quality that makes us all sound 20% more professional than we actually are.
The Specs: It records at 24-bit/48kHz. That’s the industry standard. It’s clean, it’s crisp, and there’s very little of that “digital hiss” you get with cheap USB mics.
XLR Mode: If you’re a pro, you can skip the USB/Wireless stuff entirely and plug a standard XLR cable into the bottom. This bypasses all the internal digital processing and sends a raw signal to your interface. Interestingly, the mic sounds almost better here because you’re using your own high-end preamps. Note, though: if you use XLR, the RGB lights and the mute button don’t work. It becomes a “dumb” (but great-sounding) mic.

Performance: The “Clicky” Controversy

If there’s one “Bad Point” I have to flag, it’s the mute button.

On the front of the mic, there’s a physical button. When you press it, the light turns red, and you’re muted. Great. However, it’s a physical click. In a recording, that “click” is audible. If you’re in the middle of a live stream and you need to cough, your audience is going to hear a “thump-click” followed by silence. I would have loved to see a capacitive “touch” mute here, but for the price, I can live with it—just maybe don’t mash it like you’re playing Track & Field.

The gain knob, on the other hand, is lovely. It’s a 2-in-1 “smart knob.” You turn it to adjust how loud you are (gain), or you click it once to switch to “Headphone” mode, where the same knob adjusts the volume of the zero-latency monitoring in your ears. It’s intuitive and stops the mic from being cluttered with fifty different dials.

Software: Maono Link.

You don’t need the software to use the mic, but you’d be a bit daft not to install it. The Maono Link app is surprisingly polished.

It gives you:

EQ Presets: “Deep,” “Natural,” “Bright,” or “Legacy.” I found “Deep” was great for my thin, British voice, giving me a bit more “oomph” in the low end.
Limiter/Compressor: This is the “secret sauce.” If you’re a shouter (looking at you, gamers), the limiter stops the audio from clipping and sounding like a distorted mess.
RGB Control: Choose your colours, brightness, and whether you want it to look like a disco or a library.

Usability & Portability: The “Kitchen Test”

I took the PD200W into the kitchen to record a quick “cooking podcast” (basically me complaining about how long it takes to boil an egg). Being wireless meant I could move the mic around without a 3-metre cable dragging through the flour.

The range is quoted at 60 metres. In a house with thick British brick walls, I got about 10-15 metres before it started to jitter. That’s more than enough for anyone who isn’t trying to broadcast from their shed while their PC is in the attic.

The battery life is a claimed 60 hours (with the lights off). With the RGB blasting, I got about 30 hours. Honestly, if you’re recording for 30 hours straight, you’ve got bigger problems than a dead microphone. Charging is via USB-C, and it’s relatively quick.

The Verdict

Good Points:

Triple Connectivity: USB, XLR, and Wireless. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of microphones.
Build Quality: It feels premium. Metal body, solid stand, no rattling.
Sound: Professional, warm dynamic sound that handles background noise brilliantly.
Software: Maono Link is genuinely useful and easy to navigate.
Value: At around £90-£95, it’s a steal compared to the Shure MV7.

Bad Points:

Mute Button: The physical click is loud and annoying in recordings.
Plastic Shock Mount: A bit of a let-down compared to the metal mic body.
XLR Limitations: You lose the mute button and lights when you go “pro” with XLR.
No Bluetooth: It’s 2.4GHz only. If you lose that tiny dongle, you’re back to using cables.

Final Thoughts.

The Maono PD200W is a bit of a disruptor. For years, if you wanted a decent dynamic mic, you had to spend £200+ and buy a load of extra gear. Maono has basically said, “Here’s everything in one box for a ton.”

It’s perfect for the “bedroom creator” who wants to sound like a pro without the pro price tag. It’s also a godsend for anyone who hates cables as much as I do. Is it perfect? No—that mute button needs a rethink. But for the money, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything that offers this much flexibility and this level of “radio-ready” sound.

Rating: 4.0 / 5 — A “Coolsmartphone” Essential for anyone tired of sounding like they’re talking through a tin can on a string.

The post Maono PD200W. Dynamic Microphone – Review. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

HONOR MagicPad 4 – Review.

2026-03-02T10:00:51Z

It’s a Sunday morning, and I’m sitting here staring at something that shouldn’t, by the laws of physics or common sense, actually exist. It’s the Honor MagicPad 4.

Now, if you’ve been following my ramblings on Coolsmartphone for a while, you’ll know I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with tablets. Mostly because they usually end up being expensive trays for my morning tea or glorified Netflix machines for the kids.

But Honor has been on a bit of a tear lately, and after the MagicPad 3—which was “alright” but swapped out a lovely OLED for an LCD (a move that went down badly with the purists)—they’ve come back with this.

The Honor MagicPad 4 isn’t just a tablet; it’s a 4.8mm thick slice of “how did they fit a battery in there?” tech. It’s thinner than a biscuit and lighter than a pint of lager (450g, to be precise). If you dropped it edgewise, you’d probably slice your floorboards.

So, let’s get into it. I’ve lived with this thing for a week, taken it to the pub, tried to do actual work on it, and pushed that Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 until it nearly begged for mercy. Is it worth your hard-earned 600 quid, or is it just another pretty face in a crowded market?

Design: Thinner than my patience on a Monday morning

Let’s start with the obvious. This thing is thin. Like, “I’m scared I might snap it if I sit on my bag” thin. At 4.8mm, Honor is claiming it’s the world’s thinnest tablet, and honestly, I believe them.

Holding it feels like holding a piece of very expensive, very stiff cardboard.

It comes in Grey or White. I’ve got the Grey one, which is basically “Executive Chic.” It doesn’t scream for attention, which I like. The back has this matte finish that does a decent job of hiding my greasy fingerprint marks after I’ve been eating crisps, and the camera module in the corner is a neat little rounded square that doesn’t wobble too much when it’s flat on a table.

But the real magic is the weight. At 450g, it’s properly portable. I tucked it into the pocket of my hoodie once just to see if I could, and while I looked like I was shoplifting a cafeteria tray, it didn’t weigh me down. If you’re a commuter (my condolences), this is the kind of kit that won’t make your shoulder ache by the time you hit Waterloo.

The Screen: The “OLED” Redemption.

Last year, Honor took the OLED away. This year, they’ve put it back, and thank the tech gods for that. We’re looking at a 12.3-inch OLED display with a 3000 x 1920 (3K) resolution.

It is, in a word, stunning.
It’s got a 165Hz refresh rate, which is frankly overkill for reading emails but makes scrolling through Twitter (or X, whatever we’re calling it this week) feel like buttered lightning.

But the real headline is the brightness. It hits 2400 nits at peak. I took it out into the garden during that brief ten-minute window of British sunshine we get in March, and I could actually see what I was doing. No squinting, no using my hand as a visor.

Colors pop. Blacks are deep enough to lose your soul in. If you’re watching The Mandalorian or some high-budget Netflix drama, it looks better on this than it does on my five-year-old living room telly. Plus, it’s got all the “Eye Comfort” certifications under the sun—dynamic dimming, hardware-level low blue light, and even a “circadian night display” that supposedly helps you sleep.

I still stayed up until 2 AM watching YouTube, so I’m not sure about the sleep bit, but my eyes didn’t feel like they were bleeding, so that’s a win.

Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Beast.

Under the hood, we’ve got the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. This is the newest of the new. It’s built on a 3nm process, which is basically tech-speak for “it’s fast and doesn’t get as hot as a Greggs steak bake.”

I’ve been using the 12GB RAM version, and it handles everything. I tried to break it. I opened 15 Chrome tabs, a 4K video stream, now Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves are not my cup of tea, but I ramped Call Of Duty Mobile to max on every setting, and not a sutter, still got killed at every turn but hey hoy. It just sat there, cool as a cucumber, thanks to what Honor calls an “Ice Cooling System.” It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, but it basically means the heat is spread out over a massive 81,000mm² area.

If you’re a gamer, you’re going to love this. The 165Hz screen paired with this chip means everything is fluid. If you’re a “productivity person” (bless you), it means you can jump between apps without that annoying “reloading” pause that usually plagues Android tablets.

Software & Usability: The “PC Mode” Experiment

This is where things get interesting—and a bit weird. The MagicPad 4 runs MagicOS 10 (based on Android 16). Honor is very clearly “inspired” by Apple’s design language. The icons, the blur effects, the Control Center—it all feels very iPad-ish.

But then you hit PC Mode.

Clip on the optional Smart Keyboard (which is actually quite good, with decent travel for such a slim thing), and the tablet transforms. You get a taskbar, windows you can resize, and the ability to run up to 20 windows at once. It’s the closest I’ve felt to using a real laptop on an Android tablet. It’s great for when I’m sitting in a cafe trying to look like a serious writer while actually just browsing eBay for retro consoles.

And the instant layout feature is a godsend open whichever windows you want at the touch of a button everything is pefectly re-arranged.

And then there’s Honor Connect. This is the bit that made me chuckle. Honor has made it so this tablet plays nice with Apple products. You can use it as a second screen for a MacBook. Yes, you read that right. It’s a bit like seeing a Man City fan at an Arsenal game, but it works surprisingly well. You can drag and drop files between your phone, tablet, and laptop with almost zero lag.

The AI stuff is there too—AI Memo for taking minutes in meetings, AI noise cancellation for calls (it filtered out my dog barking at the postman brilliantly). Most of it is actually useful rather than just being a buzzword on the box.

Connectivity: Fast, but where’s my SIM?

Connectivity is top-tier: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. If you’ve got a fancy new router, the download speeds on this thing are terrifying. I downloaded a 2GB movie in about the time it took me to find my headphones.
However—and this is a big “however” for me—there’s no cellular version. It’s Wi-Fi only. This means if you want to use it on the train, you’re tethering to your phone or hunting for dodgy “Free Station Wi-Fi” that requires your mother’s maiden name and your first-born child to sign up.
Also, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack. I know, I know, “get with the times, grandad,” but sometimes I just want to plug in my old cans without finding a dongle. Luckily, the 8-speaker system is incredible. It supports Spatial Audio and sounds wider and deeper than it has any right to. It’s loud enough to fill a room, though your neighbors might not thank you if you’re blasting heavy metal at midnight.

Battery Life: Thin but Mighty.

You’d think a 4.8mm body would mean a tiny battery. Somehow, they’ve crammed a 10,100mAh cell in there.
In real-world use? It’s a beast. I got through nearly two days of “normal” use (checking emails, some Netflix, far too much Reddit) before I had to reach for the plug. When you do need a top-up, it supports 66W wired charging. It’s not the fastest in the world—some phones do 120W now—but it’ll get you from empty to about 50% in 45 minutes, which is enough to get you through a flight or a long meeting.

Price: Is it “Skint” Friendly?

The MagicPad 4 starts at £599.99 for the 12GB/256GB model.

Let’s put that in context. A base-model iPad Pro with an OLED screen will cost you nearly double that once you’ve added the keyboard and pen. Honor is basically giving you the flagship experience for mid-range money. If you pre-order, they’re even throwing in the Magic Pencil 3 and the keyboard for free in some bundles.

At 600 quid, it feels like a bargain. Usually, when things are this thin, you’re paying a “fashion tax,” but here you’re actually getting the performance to match.

The Verdict

Good Points:

The Screen: It’s an OLED masterclass. Bright, fast, and gorgeous.
The Build: 4.8mm is properly impressive. It feels like the future.
Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is a monster. No lag, no heat, just speed.
Audio: Those 8 speakers are better than most laptops I’ve owned.
Price: Huge value for money compared to Apple or Samsung flagships.

Bad Points:

No SIM Slot: You’re tied to Wi-Fi or tethering.
Software Quirks: MagicOS still feels a bit too much like it’s trying to be iOS.
No Headphone Jack: Still annoying, don’t care what anyone says.
Accessories: The keyboard is good, but the stylus still feels a bit plasticky compared to the Apple Pencil.

Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for an Android tablet that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Honor MagicPad 4 is it. It’s fixed the screen issues of the previous generation, doubled down on performance, and managed to stay thinner than my wallet after a weekend at the races.
It’s honest, it’s fast, and it’s genuinely fun to use. Honor is “sticking it” to the big boys here, and honestly? They’ve jolly well succeeded.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 — The best tablet you’ve never heard of, and a proper alternative to the “Cylon Tyranny” of the iPad.

The post HONOR MagicPad 4 – Review. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Honor MagicPad 4 The World’s Thinnest Tablet.

2026-02-25T14:23:26Z

Honor has just pulled the silk sheet off the MagicPad 4, and there’s a bit of “give and take” going on.

First up, the screen has been put on a slight diet—down to 12.3 inches from the 13.3-inch slab we saw on the MagicPad 3.

But don’t go crying into your cornflakes just yet; they’ve swapped out the old LCD for a gorgeous 165Hz OLED panel. It’s smoother, punchier, and frankly, a trade-off we’d take any day of the week.

Because the chassis is thinner and lighter (it’s dropped a massive 145g), the battery has shrunk slightly too, down to 10,100mAh.

Thinner than pencil

Honor hasn’t given us the official “how long will it last” figures, but with OLED being more efficient, it might actually outlive its predecessor.

Under the hood, it’s packing some serious heat with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. You can spec it with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and it’s running MagicOS 10 (that’s Android 16 for those keeping track at home).

We’ve got one!

The best part? We actually have a MagicPad 4 in for a full review right now.

We’ll be putting that 165Hz screen through its paces and seeing if the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 really is the “blistering speed” king Honor claims it to be.

The Highlights:

Cameras: A basic 13MP on the back and 9MP for your Zoom calls. Nothing to write home about there.

The Sound: This is where it gets interesting. It’s got eight speakers pumping out spatial audio. If your life goal is to be “that person” on the plane forcing your Netflix choice on everyone in rows 10 through 15, this is the tablet for you.

The “One More Thing”: Honor is keeping quiet on the price until their MWC presser this Sunday, where they’ve also teased… wait for it… humanoid robotics.

So, a fancy new tablet and a robot butler? We’ll be watching. Keep an eye out for our full review coming very soon!

The post Honor MagicPad 4 The World’s Thinnest Tablet. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank Review – Pocket Powerhouse Done Right

2026-02-24T17:08:58Z

Introduction – Why the CUKTECH 10 Mini Matters.

The portable power bank market is absolutely saturated. You can barely scroll through Amazon without being bombarded by endless identical-looking black slabs claiming astronomical charging speeds, questionable capacities, and frankly, dubious build quality.
So when CUKTECH entered the market promising a tiny 10,000mAh power bank capable of delivering up to 55W fast charging, it immediately caught my attention. That’s laptop-grade power in something not much larger than a packet of tissues. Big claims, small package — always an intriguing combination.
Even more interesting is the price. At roughly £25–£30 in the UK, the CUKTECH 10 Mini is significantly cheaper than many well-known brand competitors, while still offering:

Living With the CUKTECH 10 Mini

After several weeks of daily usage, a few things stand out:

Good Points :

Ultra-compact form factor
Excellent charging speeds
Brilliant LED display
Reliable thermal performance
Fantastic value

Bad Points:

Slightly chunky thickness
USB-A still present (I’d prefer all USB-C)
Display brightness could be a little higher
None of these are deal-breakers.

Who Is This For?

The CUKTECH 10 Mini is ideal for:

Daily commuters
Business travellers
Students
Digital nomads
Mobile gamers
Anyone tired of slow charging power banks
If you carry multiple devices and want serious power in your pocket, this should be on your shortlist.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using the CUKTECH 10 Mini as my daily carry power bank, throwing it into coat pockets, laptop bags, and backpacks, using it to charge smartphones, earbuds, tablets, handheld gaming consoles, and even laptops.
This review focuses heavily on real-world usage, comfort, build quality, charging performance, and overall value — the stuff that actually matters when you’re relying on a power bank day in, day out.

Design & Build Quality – Small, Solid, and Purposeful.

Let’s start with the first thing you notice: just how compact this thing really is.
CUKTECH claims the 10 Mini is roughly the size of a pack of tissues — and surprisingly, that’s not far off. It’s short, chunky, and dense, designed to prioritise pocketability rather than ultra-thin aesthetics.

Materials & Construction

The outer shell is made from matte-finished plastic, but don’t let that put you off. This is good quality plastic — thick, solid, and reassuringly rigid. There’s no flex, no creaking, and no sense of fragility. It feels robust enough to survive being tossed into a bag full of keys, cables, and other assorted tech junk.

Fit and finish are excellent:

Tight seams
Flush ports
Clean LED screen integration

Everything feels deliberate and well engineered. This is not a cheap-feeling power bank.

Comfort & Ergonomics

Here’s where the CUKTECH 10 Mini really shines. Because of its short, thick design, it sits extremely comfortably in the hand. It feels balanced and secure, with no awkward protrusions or strange weight distribution. In daily use, this matters more than you might expect — especially if you’re charging while holding your phone.
Unlike long, slab-style power banks that dangle awkwardly from a cable, the 10 Mini sits neatly behind the phone, making one-handed use genuinely possible.
In pockets, it’s equally impressive. Despite packing a full 10,000mAh battery and 55W charging hardware, it easily fits into:

Coat pockets
Hoodie pockets
Backpack side pouches
Tech organiser cases

This is genuinely a grab-and-go power bank — small enough that you’ll actually carry it daily, which is ultimately the entire point.

Port Layout & Display – Practical Done Right

The port layout is refreshingly sensible:

2 × USB-C ports
1 × USB-A port

This gives excellent flexibility for charging multiple devices or supporting older cables.

LED Digital Display

One of my favourite features is the LED digital display. Instead of vague four-dot battery indicators, you get:
Exact battery percentage
Real-time charging wattage
Input and output information

This is hugely useful in real-world usage. You instantly know:

How fast your phone is charging
Whether fast charging protocols are engaged
How much power remains

Once you get used to this level of feedback, it’s very hard to go back to dumb indicator lights.

Comfort & Daily Portability – One of the Best I’ve Used

Power banks often fail at one critical thing: being easy to carry. The CUKTECH 10 Mini absolutely nails it. At roughly 218g, it’s light enough to forget about but heavy enough to feel premium. There’s no sense of flimsiness, yet it never becomes a burden in a jacket pocket.
For commuters, travellers, and daily city users, this is ideal. I found myself naturally reaching for it every time I left the house — which is perhaps the highest praise you can give any accessory.

Charging Performance – The Real Star of the Show

Now let’s get to the most important part of any power bank review — charging performance (your “sound results”). This is where the CUKTECH 10 Mini seriously punches above its weight.
Maximum Output – 55W Fast Charging

Both USB-C ports support up to 55W output, which is frankly astonishing for a device this small.
In real-world testing, that translates to:

iPhone 15 Pro Max → ~58% in 30 minutes
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra → ~70% in 30 minutes
Xiaomi 15 → ~87% in 30 minutes
iPad Air → ~50% in 35 minutes
Steam Deck → playable charging speeds.

Laptop Charging – Yes, Really One of the biggest surprises is its ability to charge laptops.

While you won’t be gaming on a MacBook Pro while charging, it can absolutely:

Top up ultrabooks
Sustain light productivity workloads
Emergency-charge larger laptops

For a power bank this small, that’s remarkable.

Charging Stability – Sustained Power Without Throttling

What separates good power banks from great ones is charging stability. Many cheap models advertise high wattage but throttle heavily once they heat up. The CUKTECH 10 Mini, however, shows excellent sustained output behaviour.

Real-world tests show:
Consistent 45–55W output
No aggressive throttling
Stable thermal performance

Even when charging high-draw devices like Xiaomi flagships, the power output remains stable across the entire charge cycle

This is a huge deal — especially for laptop and tablet users.

Efficiency & Real Capacity – Honest Performance.

Although rated at 10,000mAh, usable real-world capacity sits at around 70–75% efficiency, which is completely normal once voltage conversion losses are accounted for.

In daily usage, this translates to:

~1.8 full iPhone charges
~1.6 Galaxy S-series charges
~1.3 iPad Air charges

Heat Management & Safety

Despite delivering high power, thermal control is excellent. Even during sustained high-watt charging:

Surface temperature remains comfortable
No alarming heat build-up
No performance throttling

CUKTECH uses automotive-grade battery cells combined with a 9-layer safety protection system, covering:

Over-voltage
Over-current
Over-temperature
Short-circuit protection

This is reassuring, particularly when using such high wattages in a compact enclosure

Price & Value – One of the Best Deals in Portable Power

Here’s where the CUKTECH 10 Mini truly dominates. At £24.99–£29.99 in the UK, it undercuts most reputable competitors by a significant margin while offering:

Higher wattage
Smaller size
Digital display
Better charging protocol support

Comparable products from Anker, Baseus, UGREEN, or Belkin often cost £45–£70 for similar performance.

In pure value terms, this is exceptional.

Final Verdict – A Benchmark Pocket Power Bank
The CUKTECH 10 Mini genuinely redefines what we should expect from a compact power bank.
It combines:

Outstanding charging performance
Excellent comfort and portability
Impressive build quality
Ridiculously good pricing
All in one tiny package.

This is not just good value — it’s market-disrupting value.
If you’re shopping for a 10,000mAh power bank in 2026, this deserves to be right at the top of your list.
Rating: (5/5)

The post CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank Review – Pocket Powerhouse Done Right is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Twelve South Introduces PowerCapsule, an Ultra-Slim Magnetic Qi2 Power Bank.

2026-02-21T12:12:26Z

PowerCapsule delivers Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W in a slim, magnetic design with a cactus-based soft-touch inlay—available in 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh.

Key Features.

Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W for iPhone and Qi2-compatible devices
MagSafe-compatible magnetic attachment for secure alignment while charging
Ultra-slim, compact profile designed for comfortable daily carry
Satin-finish zinc alloy frame for a refined, durable feel
Cactus-based luxury synthetic back inlay for a warm, refined grip
Available in 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh capacities
USB-C wired charging option for charging non-Qi2 devices Up to 30W (10,000mAh) / up to 20W (5,000mAh), depending on device
Pass-through charging to charge iPhone while recharging PowerCapsule
Available in Dune and Slate

Twelve South, a design leader in Apple accessories, today introduces PowerCapsule, an ultra-slim magnetic power bank designed for daily carry. With a satin-finish zinc alloy frame and a cactus-based soft-touch inlay, PowerCapsule delivers Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W for iPhone and Qi2-compatible devices in a refined, pocket-ready design. Built to snap on with secure magnetic alignment, PowerCapsule preserves the natural feel of iPhone in hand while adding dependable power, whether you’re moving through a workday, commuting across town, or traveling for the weekend.

Featuring a buttery-soft synthetic inlay, PowerCapsule adds warmth and grip against the sleek glass and metal of iPhone. Available in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh capacities, it supports charging two ways, wireless or wired via USB-C, and includes pass-through charging, allowing users to power iPhone while the battery recharges

Designed for Your Hand. Optimised for Your Pocket.

PowerCapsule is designed for the way people actually use their phone: in hand, on the move, and often for hours at a time. Its ultra-slim silhouette keeps iPhone comfortable to hold while charging, and its secure magnetic attachment helps maintain consistent alignment without adding visual or physical bulk.

The back inlay uses a cactus-based luxury synthetic material derived from plants, chosen for its warm hand-feel and refined grip. Embossed details echo Twelve South’s design language, drawing inspiration from the pocket-angle pattern seen on the Twelve South MagFold Wallet, bringing subtle character and texture to a power bank built to fit naturally into everyday routines.

Function Follows Form.

Twelve South creates thoughtful, design-forward accessories for Apple hardware and the modern home. Since 2009, the company has blended craftsmanship, premium materials, and human-centered design to bring intention and warmth to everyday technology. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Twelve South serves customers worldwide who value beautifully designed, well-made products

While PowerCapsule has a warm, material-forward feel, its power system is fully modern. With Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W, PowerCapsule delivers efficient power designed for iPhone, and also offers USB-C wired charging for additional flexibility. With pass-through charging, users can charge iPhone and the battery at the same time, ideal for desks, bedside setups, and travel.

Pricing and Availability.

PowerCapsule is available now at https://twelvesouth.co.uk/products/powercapsule

PowerCapsule 5,000mAh: £49.99
PowerCapsule 10,000mAh: £59.99

About Twelve South
Twelve South creates thoughtful, design-forward accessories for Apple hardware and the modern home. Since 2009, the company has blended craftsmanship, premium materials, and human-centered design to bring intention and warmth to everyday technology. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Twelve South serves customers worldwide who value beautifully designed, well-made products

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Murena teams up with Volla to launch a user-friendly privacy-focused tablet designed in Europe.

2026-02-17T16:02:17Z

Murena, one of the leading advocates for digital privacy and ethical technology, today reveals a new tablet in partnership with German smartphone and tablet company Volla Systeme.

The Murena Volla Tablet, which is available now, is a privacy-focused tablet, designed by two of the newer players in the tech market that offer more ethical software and hardware than Big Tech providers. The result is a powerful, intuitive, privacy-focused and sustainable Android device that is user-friendly, free from data hungry apps and gives users autonomy over their data.

The tablet has a Mediatek Helio G99 processor, 512gb storage (expandable up 1TB with Micro SD card), 12GB RAM and an extra large 12.6-inch QHD display. There is a generous 10,000mAH battery and the slim design and high quality anodised aluminium finish results in a premium design with longevity.

Rather than being locked into Big Tech’s ecosystem and apps which continuously collect information, Murena’s /e/OS operating system does not collect or sell user data via its operating system or native apps. /e/OS’s Advanced Privacy feature also gives users enhanced visibility and control over how their data is being accessed by third-party apps. The feature allows users to monitor and automatically block tracking attempts by third-party apps, so users can still enjoy using their favourite apps without compromising privacy.

The Murena Volla Tablet also comes with default tracker-free native /e/OS apps, like Mail and Calendar, installed. A full privacy-focused online ecosystem, Murena Workspace, consisting of end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and office software suite is also included, with 1GB of free storage.

Users can anonymously install third-party apps from the dedicated App Lounge, which features apps from Google Play, F-Droid and a database of Progressive Web Applications (PWAs). App Lounge also assigns a 0-10 privacy score to every app in the store, based on the number of permissions required and trackers, so users can make informed choices about what to install. Other key features of /e/OS include Murena Vault end-to-end encryption, enhanced parental controls, Find My Device via SMS, tablet mode and ethical search.

“Our users have long awaited a large-display tablet with /e/OS – one powerful enough to replace a laptop for everyday tasks, especially with keyboard and mouse support.” says Gaël Duval, CEO at Murena, “Thanks to our partnership with Volla, that wait is over. We’re excited to team up with an independent European company that shares our vision: technology should serve people, not the other way around.”

“I am excited about working with Murena because it fits perfectly with our promise of freedom of choice. Murena is an impressive Android alternative with a level of maturity suitable for everyday use. /e/OS stands out for its intuitive aesthetics. I see the unique selling point of /e/OS as the offer of an iCloud replacement that is integrated into the operating system. I look forward to our joint success and hope that the Volla tablet is just the beginning.”, says Dr. Jörg Wurzer, founder and CEO at Volla Systeme.

The Murena Volla Tablet is available now from Murena in the UK, Europe, US, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea.

About Murena
Murena designs and sells Murena smartphones and tablets with /e/OS, a pro-privacy mobile operating system, and the Murena Workspace, an online workspace that provides file and photo storage, collaborative office document editing, email, and contacts/calendar/tasks/notes synchronization with Murena phones and tablets.

Murena phones and tablets are available for sale at https://murena.com for the USA, Canada, European Union, UK, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Guernsey, Jersey, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong.

/e/OS is an open source mobile operating system that is committed to providing better data privacy and security for individuals and corporations. It provides advanced privacy features, such as apps trackers blocking, while offering a user-friendly experience, and full compatibility with all mobile applications

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TESSAN Launches Universal Travel Adapter 21W for Seamless Worldwide Charging

2026-02-17T13:38:41Z

A compact 5 in 1 global adapter featuring 2 USB C ports, 2 USB A ports, a universal AC outlet, support for more than 224 countries and fast 21W USB charging.

TESSAN, a trusted leader in travel charging accessories, today announced the launch of the Universal Travel Adapter 21W, a versatile 5 in 1 international plug adaptor designed to simplify charging for travellers across the world. The new adapter combines a universal AC outlet with four USB ports to power up to five devices at once, offering a practical and affordable solution for holidays, business trips and everyday international use.

Features.

5 in 1 design with 1 universal AC outlet and 4 USB ports
2 USB A ports up to 5V/2.4A (12W total)
2 USB C ports up to 5V/3A (15W)
Total USB output 21W max
Supports plug types C, G, A and I
Compatible in 224+ countries
Compact size: 5 x 5.3 x 7.1 cm
Lightweight at 149 g Built in double 10A fuse with spare fuse included
Input voltage 100V to 250V AC Rated power 110V 1100W / 250V 2500W
Fully cruise ship approved
Not a voltage converter

The adapter features a universal AC outlet that accepts US, EU, UK and AU plugs, allowing travellers to connect devices in more than 224 destinations. This includes regions across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, Asia and many other popular travel locations. The four USB ports include two USB A and two USB C connections, delivering a combined 21W output. The USB A ports support up to 2.4A while the USB C ports reach up to 3A, providing fast and efficient charging for phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, earphones and other essential travel electronics. All USB ports intelligently detect connected devices to optimise charging performance.

Designed for convenience, the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter 21W transforms four international plug types into one compact unit that powers up to five devices at the same time. This makes it ideal for use in airports, hotels, dorm rooms and other locations where outlets are limited. Its lightweight 149 g construction and compact 5 x 5.3 x 7.1 cm size allow it to fit easily into pockets, handbags, backpacks and carry-on luggage without adding unnecessary bulk. With no surge protection and no cords, it is fully compliant with cruise ship regulations.

Safety remains a core focus of the design. The adapter includes double 10A fuse protection with an additional spare fuse provided, along with integrated safety shutters to support secure operation during international travel. As with all universal adapters, it is not a voltage converter and is suitable only for devices that support 100V to 250V dual voltage. Travellers using high-power appliances such as hair dryers, straighteners or curling irons should ensure their devices are compatible before use.

The Universal Travel Adapter 21W has been created for travellers seeking a reliable, space-saving and cost-effective charging solution that keeps multiple devices powered throughout their journey. Its combination of global plug coverage, fast USB charging and compact design makes it a practical companion for families, groups and frequent travellers.

The TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter 21W is available for $21.99 on Amazon and on offer at £16.99 (RRP £21.24) on Amazon UK.

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Groov-e launches Neo Buds wireless earbuds with smart display and active noise cancelling for just £39.99

2026-02-13T13:24:30Z

Groov-e, one of the UK’s leading affordable audio and gadget brands, has added the Neo Buds to its wireless earbuds range. The Neo Buds boast two sought after features – active noise cancelling (ANC) and a smart display – at an unbeatable RRP of just £39.99.

Available in black or sand with a matching charging case, the Neo Buds offer clear audio on-the-go without breaking the bank.

The intuitive smart display on the charging case gives users optimum control, whether listening to music, podcasts or answering calls, without the need to unlock their device. The display also provides additional audio customisation settings, such as adjusting mixes, toggling ANC, and the option to have an image on the display.

The ANC functionality of the earbuds is ideal for those listening in noisy environments, whether working out in the gym, listening to music, a podcast or audio book on a main road, making a call in a busy coffee shop or enjoying entertainment on a flight or public transport. ANC actively limits background noise for a more immersive listening experience.

The earbuds themselves boast a secure, comfortable fit so they can be enjoyed for long periods – up to 22 hours playback is possible with the included charging case. They also feature touch control, so can easily be controlled without the smart display case or a device.

Groov-e Neo Buds are available now for £39.99 from Ryman and Amazon.

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CUKTECH Unveils 10 Mini 55W Power Bank with Fast Charging.

2026-02-04T16:36:50Z

Ultra-compact 10,000 mAh power bank with rapid 55W fast charging, LED digital display and broad device compatibility.

CUKTECH, a global innovator in portable power solutions, today announced the launch of the CUKTECH 10 Mini 55W Power Bank, an ultra-compact yet powerful portable charger designed to keep devices powered on the go.

CUKTECH 10 Mini 55W Power Bank – Key Features.

• 55W MAX fast charging via USB-C ports for rapid device top-ups
• 10,000 mAh capacity for multiple phone charges on the go
• Dual USB-C + USB-A ports for multi-device charging
• LED digital display for battery and power status
• Low-current mode for smaller accessories
• Broad fast-charge protocol support (PD, PPS, UFCS, SCP)
• Pocket-friendly compact design ideal for travel
• Built-in safety protections for safe everyday use

Designed as a pocket-friendly powerhouse for modern mobile users, the 10 Mini combines 55W fast charging, a 10,000 mAh capacity and intelligent multi-port connectivity in a sleek, travel-ready form factor. Despite its small footprint, it delivers reliable, high-output power for smartphones, tablets and other USB-powered devices – making it an ideal companion for commuters, business travellers and everyday tech users who need dependable charging on the move.

Up to 52% slimmer than comparable power banks, the 10 Mini is barely larger than a pack of tissues, slipping easily into a pocket, handbag or travel pouch. Its 10,000 mAh (2S1P) battery provides enough capacity for 1.8 full iPhone 17 charges or 1.7 Samsung S25 Ultra charges, ensuring users stay powered throughout busy days, long commutes or weekend trips.

Equipped with two USB-C ports supporting up to 55W input/output and a USB-A port delivering up to 33W, the 10 Mini offers flexible, high-speed charging across a wide range of devices. Real-world performance includes charging an iPhone 17 to 72% in 30 minutes, a Samsung S25 Ultra to 70%, or a Xiaomi 15 to 87% – ideal for quick top-ups between meetings, at the airport before boarding or during a short café break.

Broad compatibility with fast-charging protocols including PD, PPS, UFCS and SCP ensures efficient, safe power delivery to Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Nintendo Switch, DJI drones and more. Automotive-grade battery cells and a 9-layer safety protection system safeguard against overheating, over-voltage and short-circuit conditions. Even after 1,000 charge cycles, the battery retains more than 70% capacity, ensuring long-term reliability.

For enhanced user control, the 10 Mini features a precise LED digital display showing real-time battery percentage and power delivery status. Users can instantly confirm whether their laptop or tablet is charging at full 55W speed. A double-press low-current mode enables safe charging for smaller devices such as earbuds, smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Designed for life on the move, the 10 Mini includes a detachable carry strap that can be secured to backpacks, carabiners or wrist loops – ideal for travel, outdoor activities or busy event days. The package also includes a 15 cm USB-C to USB-C short cable for tight spaces such as airport seating areas or train compartments, along with a travel pouch for organised storage in laptop bags or hiking packs.

The CUKTECH 10 Mini 55W Power Bank is now available for £24.99 via Amazon UK.

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Tribit QuietPlus 81 Headphones – Review.

2026-01-26T07:58:54Z

Right, let’s get into it. It’s the start of the year, we’re all a bit skint after the Christmas carnage, and the thought of dropping £300 on a pair of Sony or Bose headphones makes my wallet physically weep.

But, because we live in the future, you can now nip onto Amazon and find brands like Tribit promising the earth for the price of a decent pub lunch. Today, we’re looking at the Tribit QuietPlus 81. The box says “ULTRA LONG BATT” and “SMOOTH TALKING.” It’s a bold start, but can they actually deliver, or is it all just marketing fluff?

Good Points:

Battery life is absolutely legendary.
Folds up small for travel.
USB-C fast charging (finally!).
App support for EQ tweaking.

Bad Points:

Sound is a bit muddy out of the box.
Can feel a bit tight on the head after an hour.
ANC is “okay,” not “wow.”
App is a bit clunky.
Travel case not included.

Build and Design: Not Quite a Ferrari

First impressions? They aren’t half bad to look at. They’ve gone for a rounded, minimalist vibe that doesn’t scream “I cost fifty quid” from across the street. They fold up proper-like, too, which is a godsend when you’re trying to shove them into a bag that’s already full of chargers and half-eaten packets of Crisps.

Build-wise, it’s plastic. Obviously. But it’s that decent, “won’t snap if I look at it funny” kind of plastic. There’s a bit of weight to them (about 283g), which gives them a reassuringly solid feel, though they do lack that premium “thunk” you get with the big boys.

Comfort: The “Head Vice” Factor

Now, Tribit talks a big game about “protein leather” and “memory foam.” In reality? They’re… okay. If you’ve got a normal-sized noggin, you’ll be fine for an hour or two. However, I found the clamping force a bit eager—like a friendly but overly firm handshake from a relative you haven’t seen in years.

If you wear glasses (like I do when I’m trying to look intelligent), you might find they start pressing into the side of your head after a while. And if you’ve got “grabby mitts” for ears, the cups might feel a tad on the small side. They aren’t uncomfortable, per se, but you’ll definitely know you’re wearing them.

Sound: Bass for Days (Maybe Too Many Days)

Right, the bit you actually care about. How do they sound?

Out of the box, these things are bass-heavy. Like, “vibrating your fillings out” heavy. If you’re into your dance music or heavy hip-hop, you’re going to have a whale of a time. The 40mm drivers really want to show off.

However, for everything else, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The mids and highs feel like they’re fighting for air through a thick woolly jumper. It’s “muddy,” as the audiophiles would say. I tried listening to some acoustic tracks, and it felt like the singer was performing from the back of a damp van.

The Saving Grace: The App.

You’ve got to download the Tribit app. Once you’re in there, you can mess with the EQ. I spent a good twenty minutes fiddling with the “6 EQ Modes” and managed to brighten things up. It won’t turn them into Sennheisers, but it makes them perfectly listenable for the commute.

Silence Please: The ANC

The “Quiet” in QuietPlus comes from the Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling. They claim to block out 45dB. In the real world (i.e., me sitting in a noisy coffee shop with a bloke shouting into his phone next to me), they do a “decent” job.

They’re great at killing the low-frequency hum of a bus engine or an office air-con unit. But if someone starts typing loudly or a baby starts having a meltdown, you’re still going to hear it. It’s more of a “polite request for quiet” than total silence.

Battery: The Real Winner

Here is where Tribit absolutely smashes it. They claim 110 hours of playtime with ANC off. One hundred and ten. That is mental. Even with ANC on, you get 70 hours.

I’ve been using these for a week—commuting, working, ignoring the wife—and I still haven’t had to plug them in. If you’re the kind of person who constantly forgets to charge your gear, these are your new best friends. Plus, 10 minutes of charging gives you 5 hours of juice. That’s proper impressive.

Verdict

Look, let’s be honest. For £49 / $49, you aren’t getting a studio-grade masterpiece. The sound is a bit thick, the fit is a bit tight, and the ANC won’t win any awards.

But! You get a battery that lasts until the heat death of the universe, a solid build, and sound that—once you’ve poked the app a bit—is perfectly fine for the gym or the train. If you’re “bit skint” but need some cans that just work without costing a month’s rent, the Tribit QuietPlus 81 are a solid, honest choice.

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OneOdio Launches Focus A1 Pro On-Ear Hybrid ANC Headphones Delivering Premium Features at Exceptional Value.

2026-01-24T18:26:02Z

Hybrid active noise cancellation up to 38 dB, Bluetooth 6.0 with dual-device connectivity, custom 40 mm drivers and up to 70 hours of battery life in a lightweight, foldable on-ear design.

OneOdio, a global audio brand known for delivering high-quality sound solutions for musicians, gamers and everyday listeners, today announced the launch of the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro On-Ear Hybrid ANC Headphones, a performance-focused and affordable all-rounder designed for work, travel, study and leisure.

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro Key Features and Specifications Snapshot:

Hybrid active noise cancellation with up to 38 dB noise reduction
Custom 40 mm dynamic drivers with PET diaphragms
Bluetooth 6.0 with dual-device multi-point connection
Ultra-low latency gaming mode at approximately 0.089 seconds
Up to 70 hours playback with ANC off and 40 hours with ANC on
Fast charging with 10 minutes delivering up to 5 hours of use
Built-in microphone with ENC for clear calls
Lightweight on-ear design at 200 g with protein leather ear cushions
Foldable and portable design for travel and commuting
Audio codecs: AAC and SBC
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Transmission distance: greater than 10 m
Battery capacity: 600 mAh

Positioned as an exceptional value hybrid active noise cancelling headphone under $50, the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro blends effective noise reduction, long-lasting battery performance and modern connectivity into a compact and lightweight on-ear form factor. Using hybrid ANC technology, the Focus A1 Pro reduces ambient noise by up to 38 dB, helping users stay focused whether commuting, working from home or studying in busy environments. For calls and online meetings, a built-in microphone supported by an Environmental Noise Cancellation algorithm ensures clear and intelligible voice transmission.

Designed for extended daily use, the Focus A1 Pro offers up to 70 hours of playback with ANC turned off, or up to 40 hours with ANC enabled, supported by a fast-charge feature that delivers up to five hours of listening from just ten minutes of charging. Weighing only 200 grams, the headphones feature soft protein leather ear cushions for improved comfort and breathability, making them suitable for long listening sessions throughout the day.

Audio performance is driven by custom-tuned 40 mm dynamic drivers with PET diaphragms, delivering a wide soundstage with detailed highs, balanced mids and impactful bass across music, video and gaming content. Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity enables a stable wireless experience with multi-point support, allowing seamless switching between two connected devices, while a low-latency gaming mode with a response time of approximately 0.089 seconds enhances synchronisation for gaming and video playback. A foldable and portable design makes the Focus A1 Pro easy to store and carry, supporting a dynamic and mobile lifestyle, with both wireless and wired listening modes available for added versatility.

The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro On-Ear Hybrid ANC Headphones are available now at an RRP of $34.99 and £39.99 via Amazon, Amazon UK and the OneOdio official website. To celebrate the launch, 12% discount is also currently available on Amazon UK making it only £35.19

About OneOdio
At OneOdio, the belief that “The Power of Music” extends beyond listening continues to shape the brand’s commitment to superior sound quality and accessible audio innovation. With a strong heritage in DJ, monitoring and Hi-Fi audio, OneOdio has consistently delivered reliable and high-performance products for musicians and audiophiles worldwide. In 2025, the brand expanded its expertise into the gaming headset space, bringing precision audio and immersive sound to gamers where every detail can make a strategic difference. More information is available at https://www.oneodio.com/pages/about-us

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MAONO Announces major savings on Amazon on its PD200W Hybrid Podcasting Microphone range with up to 25% off

2026-01-23T15:18:57Z

Professional dynamic microphones for podcasters and content creators, offering clear voice capture, noise rejection, and flexible use—perfect for stepping up your pro setup or going wireless.

MAONO has unveiled a new wave of discounts across its PD200W microphone lineup, rolling out a multi-stage Amazon promotion running from mid-January through early March. The campaign gives creators and home-studio users multiple chances to pick up the PD200W series at special prices, with savings available through a mix of 7-Day Deals and Lightning Deals.

Maono, the pioneer and global leader of the ‘Hybrid Microphone'(Wireless & Wired), is an audio brand focused on creating accessible, reliable, and creator-friendly audio solutions for content creators and professionals.

Maono develops microphones and audio equipment based on real-world use cases, such as podcasting, gaming, live streaming, vlogging, and content creation. Each product is designed to integrate seamlessly into how creators work and communicate on a daily basis.

The promotional windows span January and February, with scheduled discount periods including:

• 7-Day Deal from 12th January – 25th January

• Lightning Deals from 26th January – 1st February

• 7-Day Deal from 2nd February – 8th February

• Lightning Deal from 9th February – 15th February

• Final 7-Day Deal from 16th February – 1st March

Creative Freedom with Triple-Mode Connectivity

The PD200W Hybrid redefines what a modern podcast microphone can do. As the world’s first microphone with triple-mode connectivity(2.4GHz wireless, USB, and XLR), it liberates creators from the limitations of traditional wired setups.

Whether for creators who move freely, adjust their workspace layouts, or work across multiple devices between mobile recording, desktop podcasting, and professional studio production, the PD200W Hybrid delivers true flexibility without cables, delays, or constraints.

Studio-Grade Performance For Creators.

Engineered with a premium 30mm dynamic capsule and cardioid pickup pattern, the PD200W Hybrid delivers studio-quality sound with an ultra-clean 82dB signal-to-noise ratio and 48kHz/24-bit sampling for authentic high-resolution sound.

Its multi-level noise reduction effectively minimizes environmental noise and room reflections, capturing pure, focused sound with minimal post-production.

With Maono Link software, creators can fine-tune their tone using four professional presets and precise controls for EQ, reverb, and other key parameters, achieving personalized sound with ease.

Dual – Track Recording For Seamless Collaboration.

The PD200W Hybrid is also the first dynamic microphone that supports multi-mic connectivity, allowing a single receiver to connect two PD200W Hybrid microphones simultaneously.

Through its dual-track stereo recording technology, each microphone’s signal is captured separately on the left and right channels — preserving individual voice detail and channel balance.

This design enables creators to adjust each speaker’s volume independently during post-production, effectively eliminating track-mixing issues and simplifying editing for multi-person podcasts or interviews

Main Features & Specifications Snapshot

· Triple-Mode Connectivity: USB, XLR, and 2.4GHz wireless transmission options – go wireless for maximum freedom and direct connections with PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras

· Sound Quality: Studio-grade clarity powered by a 30mm dynamic capsule and cardioid pickup – with MaonoLink app controls for easy tone and reverb tuning

· Dual-Channel Stereo Recording: Records two voices separately on left and right channels for easy post-production mixing

· Noise Reduction: Multi-level processing reduces environmental noise and room reverb

· High-Resolution Audio: 48kHz/24-bit sampling for detailed, professional sound

· Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 82dB for ultra-quiet operation with minimal background hiss

· Maximum SPL: 128dB, preventing distortion at high volumes

Deal Overview:

PD200WT Dynamic Wireless Microphone – $84.99 (RRP $129.99) – 35% off
PD200WS Dynamic Wireless Microphone – $104.95 (RRP $139.99) – 25% off
PD200WT Dual Microphone Bundle – $159.99 (RRP $199.99) – 20% off

Across the Promotion the PD200WT Dynamic Microphone will be priced at $84.99 – 35% off the RRP$129.99, the PD200WS Dynamic Microphone at $104.95 – 25% off the RRP$139.99 and the PD200WT Dual Microphone Bundle at $159.99 – 20% off the RRP$199.99. The PD200W Microphone is also set to arrive on Amazon UK from late February, expanding availability for creators looking to upgrade their audio setup.

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Lexar Launches Its TouchLock Portable SSD, Expanding Its Mobile-Creation Lineup with the Go Portable SSD with Hub

2026-01-23T14:45:18Z

The new TouchLock Portable SSD introduces advanced NFC and AES security, a MagSafe-ready ultra-slim design, and automatic photo backup, while the Go Portable SSD with Hub continues to offer a cable-free, high-speed solution for Apple ProRes recording with versatile hub connectivity.

Lexar has announced the launch of the Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD, a next-generation secure storage solution designed for professionals, enterprises, and everyday users who prioritise data protection and portability. Alongside this new release, Lexar is also highlighting the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub as a key option within its mobile-creation ecosystem, giving media and creators an additional high-performance tool for iPhone-based workflows

The Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD introduces a new level of data security by combining 128-bit AES hardware encryption with one-touch near-field communication authentication. This dual-layer approach ensures data remains protected against unauthorised access while offering fast, convenient unlocking through NFC. The drive is recognised by a host device only after authentication, and it automatically locks when disconnected, reinforcing protection in mobile environments. With support for using a smartphone as the NFC authenticator, unlocking is seamless and contact-free, eliminating the need for repeated password entry

Designed for life on the move, the TouchLock Portable SSD features an ultra-slim, magnetic MagSafe-compatible design that snaps securely to an iPhone and slips easily into a pocket or bag. Built for durability, it offers 2-meter drop protection and weighs just 40 grams. An internally developed custom controller enhances reliability and stability by lowering power consumption and heat generation, enabling smooth, drop-free data transfers.

Performance reaches up to 450MB/s read and 420MB/s write via a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, with capacities available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Broad compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS makes it a flexible storage solution for business professionals, government and enterprise users, and everyday consumers

The TouchLock Portable SSD also integrates with the Lexar App, enabling automatic photo and video backups for iOS and Android devices. The app supports iPhone Live Photos, offers fast transfer speeds, works offline without collecting user data, and provides free backup functionality-turning the drive into a secure and private local backup solution for personal memories and critical files

Lexar Go Portable SSD with Hub.

As part of its broader mobile-creation lineup, Lexar is also spotlighting the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub-a compact, all in one high-performance solution purpose-built for iPhone cinematography and videography. While not a new product, it remains a powerful option for creators and is being included in this announcement as a key device that media can request for review.

About the size of a thumb and matching the thickness of recent iPhone Pro models, the Go Portable SSD delivers 1TB or 2TB of capacity in an ultra-portable form factor. It supports direct external recording of Apple ProRes video when connected to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, enabling creators to capture professional-quality footage with ease.

The Go Portable SSD delivers up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write via a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, supporting smooth, frame-drop-free 4K 60fps recording and fast backups for creative and work files alike. A customised USB Type-C connector with increased plugging force ensures a secure, wobble-free connection during handheld shooting and mobile use.

What sets the Professional Go solution apart is its innovative hub design, which solves a common limitation in mobile video production. When recording ProRes video, the iPhone’s Type-C port is typically occupied, preventing the use of additional accessories. The included hub expands connectivity with multiple USB Type-C ports, allowing simultaneous connection of microphones, lighting, power sources, gimbals, and cages while maintaining a streamlined, cable-free setup. This versatility enables creators to adapt quickly to different shooting scenarios without complex mounting or cable management.

Built for demanding environments, the Professional Go Portable SSD features IP65-rated dust and water resistance and operates across a wide temperature range. The complete package includes adapters, cables, protective accessories, and storage solutions, making it a comprehensive, ready-to-use kit for creators, vloggers, and mobile professionals who rely on iPhone-based workflows.

With the launch of the TouchLock Portable SSD and the continued availability of the Go Portable SSD with Hub, Lexar strengthens its portfolio by uniting advanced security, thoughtful industrial design, and performance-driven engineering. These solutions reflect Lexar’s 30-year commitment to empowering users to protect, create, and move data with confidence wherever work and creativity take them

The Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD is available from £59.99 for 512GB for Amazon or £99.99 for 1TB from Amazon and the Go Portable SSD is also available for £139.99 for 1TB from Amazon or £269.99 for 2TB from Amazon

The post Lexar Launches Its TouchLock Portable SSD, Expanding Its Mobile-Creation Lineup with the Go Portable SSD with Hub is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Creative Pebble Speaker range – up to 23% discount also currently live on selected models

2026-01-19T14:01:24Z

Creative’s signature series of small, stylish, USB-powered desktop speakers designed for clean desk setups, home offices, and casual entertainment. They’re plug-and-play, affordable, and space-efficient, and thanks to multiple connectivity options, they can be used across a wide range of platforms including PC, laptop, Mac, phones, tablets, TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

Creative Pebble X Plus – 2.1 USB-C Speakers with Customizable RGB Lighting.

The Creative Pebble X Plus takes the iconic Pebble design and powers it up with a dedicated subwoofer and dual passive radiators for a truly immersive 2.1 audio experience. With 2.75” full-range drivers in each satellite speaker and a 3.5” flat-cap subwoofer, it offers up to 30W peak power via USB-C or 60W with a 30W USB-PD adapter—bringing rich highs and deeper bass in a sleek, compact setup.

The subwoofer’s thickened walls reduce vibration and eliminate unwanted resonance, allowing for clear, precise bass. Meanwhile, the signature 45° elevated drivers aim sound directly to your ears, creating a more intimate and focused listening experience—ideal for gaming, movies, or music streaming.

Aesthetically, it keeps the minimalist black matte design of the Pebble family but now integrates customizable RGB lighting with up to 16.8 million colors and six presets. Whether you want a vibrant gaming atmosphere or a subtle glow for work, it’s easy to personalize via the Creative App on PC or mobile.

Connectivity options include USB audio, Bluetooth 5.3 streaming, and 3.5 mm AUX-in. Plus, dual headset and microphone ports allow private listening or effortless comms for hybrid work or content creation.

Creative US – $129.99 NOW $123.49

Amazon US – $129.99

Creative UK – £129.99

Amazon UK – £129.99 NOW £99.99

Creative Pebble X – 15W RMS USB-C Computer Speakers with Customizable RGB Lighting, Bluetooth 5.3

Creative Pebble X combines powerful desktop sound with a stylish aesthetic, housing 2.75” full-range drivers in a spherical matte-black chassis. With 30W peak power and the iconic 45° elevated driver design, it projects full-bodied audio directly to your ears for a highly immersive experience.

Offering USB-C audio and power, Bluetooth 5.3, and 3.5 mm AUX-in, Pebble X excels in connectivity. It also includes dual communication ports for headsets and microphones, making it equally suited for music, movies, and calls.

Customize your ambiance with 16.8 million colour RGB lighting and six built-in presets. For even brighter RGB effects and boosted output (up to 60W peak), pair the speakers with a 30W USB-PD adapter (sold separately).

Backed by Creative’s Acoustic Engine (including Surround, Smart Volume, Dialog+, and more), Pebble X is a compact powerhouse with big-room sound and striking looks—perfect for professionals and gamers alike.

Creative US – $99.99 NOW $94.99

Amazon US – $99.99 NOW $94.99

Creative UK – £84.99 NOW £74.99

Amazon UK – £84.99 NOW £83.01

Creative Pebble Pro – 10W RMS USB-C Computer Speakers with Bluetooth 5.3 and Customizable RGB Lighting

The Creative Pebble Pro delivers powerful desktop audio with a compact form factor and standout features like Bluetooth 5.3, Clear Dialog tech, and BassFlex for extended low-end without a subwoofer. Offering up to 10W RMS and a peak of 60W with an optional 30W PD adapter, these minimalist 2.0 speakers elevate your sound—visually and sonically.

With revamped 2.25” drivers and built-in digital amps, the Pebble Pro maintains crystal clarity even at high volumes. Choose from a vibrant spectrum of customizable RGB lighting with three lighting modes to sync with your workspace or gaming rig.

Designed for communication as well as entertainment, Pebble Pro includes SmartComms Kit for Windows, featuring VoiceDetect auto-mute and two-way noise cancellation—ideal for Zoom calls or team chat. It even includes dedicated headphone and mic ports for private listening.

Wired or wireless, the Pebble Pro is plug-and-play via USB-C, AUX-in, or Bluetooth. Add in long cable lengths for flexible placement, and you have a smart, affordable speaker system that redefines what PC audio can be.

Creative US – $69.99 NOW $66.49

Amazon US – $69.99 NOW $66.49

Creative UK – £69.99 NOW £59.99

Amazon UK – £69.99 NOW £59.99

Creative Pebble X Plus – 15W RMS 2.1 USB-C Speakers with Subwoofer and customizable RGB Lighting.

Creative US – $129.99 NOW $123.49

Amazon US – $129.99

Creative UK – £129.99

Amazon UK – £129.99 NOW £99.99

Creative Pebble Nova – Premium 2.0 USB-C Speakers with Coaxial Drivers.

Premium sound and galactic style collide in the Creative Pebble Nova, a flagship 2.0 desktop speaker system delivering 100W peak power with a coaxial driver setup—3” woofers paired with 1” tweeters—for unmatched audio precision. Its 45° elevated design projects immersive audio directly to the listener, while passive radiators enrich the lower-end for a sound experience that punches far above its size.

Equipped with both USB-C and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, the Pebble Nova also features 3.5 mm AUX input and customizable RGB lighting with 16.8 million colour options. Easily switch modes—solid blue (Bluetooth), solid purple (USB), or solid green (AUX)—to match your setup.

More than just a speaker, it’s a showpiece. Powered via an included 65W PD adapter, the Pebble Nova works in tandem with the Creative app, giving users access to advanced tuning like Surround, Bass, Dialog+, and Smart Volume for tailored acoustic performance.

Whether streaming wirelessly or plugged in, Pebble Nova is a rich blend of performance and style—ideal for audiophiles seeking desk speakers that double as modern art.

Creative US – $279.99

Creative UK – £239.99.

The post Creative Pebble Speaker range – up to 23% discount also currently live on selected models is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

ESR Expands Its Qi2 25W Wireless Charging Lineup, Advancing Everyday Charging at CES 2026

2026-01-19T12:00:03Z

ESR, a global tech brand trusted by over 130 million users worldwide, showcases its latest Qi2 25W wireless charging lineup at CES 2026. Building on the success of the CryoBoost® charging series, ESR previews the MagSlim Power Bank, the thinnest Qi2 25W wireless charger to date. This full next-gen Qi2 25W lineup delivers a fast, cool, and ultra-slim experience for everyday charging.

CryoBoost® Charging: Thinner, Faster, Cooler for Everyday Life

At the core of ESR’s Qi2 25W lineup is CryoBoost®, the world’s first active phone cooling technology integrated into wireless charging. By actively managing heat during charging, CryoBoost® enhances charging efficiency, supporting sustained Qi2 25W performance and improved device comfort, even during extended use or in demanding environments.As wireless charging becomes an all-day expectation rather than a desk-bound convenience, ESR’s CryoBoost charging series is designed to move seamlessly with users, from morning commutes and the office, to travel and overnight charging.

The CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station

features a compact, all-in-one design that keeps cables organized, making it ideal for hotels and flexible workspaces. Folding down to just 15.8 mm, it fits easily into a bag and unfolds to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. Recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025, it sets a new standard for convenient travel charging. In addition to the standard black version, a limited-edition frosted graphite finish is also available.

Designed for everyday routines, the CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station delivers tidy, dependable charging for desks and bedside tables. It powers multiple Apple devices at once, featuring a detachable USB-C watch charger for added flexibility. This versatile stand supports portrait and landscape modes. For nighttime use, Sleep Mode turns off lights and the fan, creating a distraction-free charging experience for uninterrupted rest.

Secure Charging, Built for the Road

Designed for use in cars, the OmniLock Magnetic Car Charger with CryoBoost keeps phones securely mounted, powered, and easy to view during navigation, calls, and hands-free use. A 360°-rotating head and adjustable OmniLock arm provide flexible viewing angles without obstructing warm air from the vents, while reinforced clamps and shock-absorbing pads ensure a stable, vent-safe fit. Recognized with a TIME Special Mention, it delivers dependable charging and stability for every drive, even on bumpy roads.

MagSlim Power Bank: Power for Life on the Move

Today’s on-the-go lifestyle demands power that’s easy to carry and always ready. The ESR MagSlim Power Bank (10,000 mAh) provides reliable charging for daily commutes, travel, and remote work.

At just 13.8 mm thick, MagSlim is the thinnest Qi2 25W power bank on the market, combining a sleek, travel-friendly design with a 10,000 mAh capacity that fits easily into a bag or pocket.

With the Qi2 protocol, the MagSlim provides 25W wireless charging optimized for the iPhone 17 series, delivering efficient, dependable power the moment it snaps into place.

About ESR:

Founded in 2009, ESR is a global tech brand trusted by over 130 million customers worldwide. We design tech accessories for smart devices to enhance everyday tech experiences. We’re on a mission to make tech easier to use—developing products that seamlessly integrate into daily life, helping people live with greater ease and efficiency.

The post ESR Expands Its Qi2 25W Wireless Charging Lineup, Advancing Everyday Charging at CES 2026 is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Honor Magic 8 Pro – Review

2026-01-08T16:08:42Z

I like phones that try to do something interesting rather than just be a shiny slab — and the Honor Magic8 Pro does exactly that. It pairs serious camera hardware with an ambitious on-device AI assistant (YOYO), a dedicated AI Button and Honor’s MagicOS optimisations. The Honor Magic8 Pro. On paper, it’s a bit of a monster and easily one of the best “camera-first” flagships you can get your hands on as we head into 2026

It’s got all the shiny bits you’d expect for your hard-earned cash: the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 a display that’ll make your eyes water with joy, and a battery that should, in theory, last until next Tuesday. The only real “grumble” I have right out of the gate is the lack of Qi2 magnets. Come on, Honor! We want that MagSafe-style snapping goodness built-in by now.

The best news? Unlike some of its rivals that stay tucked away as China-exclusives, this one is actually going global. You can actually buy it! But—and it’s a big “but”—there’s a catch.

For some reason, Honor has decided to be a bit “selective” with the battery capacity depending on where you live. It’s like a digital postcode lottery:

China: You get the full-fat 7,200mAh beast.
Global: You get 7,100mAh. Honestly? You won’t notice that 100mAh difference unless you’re measuring it with a microscope.
Europe: Here’s where it gets a bit rubbish. If you’re in Blighty or the EU, you’re lumbered with a 6,270mAh cell.

That’s a 13% drop just because of your GPS coordinates! It’s a similar story to the vivo X300 Pro which loses 16% of its juice when it hits European shores. To be fair to Honor, even with the “diet” battery, it’s still objectively better than the vivo, but it does leave a bit of a sour taste in the mouth, doesn’t it?.

That said its still a beast of phone to have stuffed in your pocket.

Honor Magic8 Pro specs at a glance:

Body: 161.2×75.0x8.3mm, 219g; Glass front (Giant Rhino Glass), fibre-reinforced plastic back; IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
Display: 6.71″ LTPO OLED, 1B colours, 120Hz, 4320Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 1800 nits (HBM), 6000 nits (peak), 1256x2808px resolution, 20.12:9 aspect ratio, 458ppi; HDR image support.
Chipset: Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm): Octa-core (2×4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6×3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M); Adreno 840.
Memory: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; UFS 4.1.
OS/Software: Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades, MagicOS 10.
Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm, 1/1.3″, 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 200 MP, f/2.6, 85mm, 1/1.4″, 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 50 MP, f/2.0, 12mm, 122˚, 1/2.88″, 0.61µm, dual pixel PDAF.
Front camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm, 1/2.93″, 0.6µm, PDAF; Depth: TOF 3D.
Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@24/30/60/120fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR, 10-bit video; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS.
Battery: 7100mAh (Global); 6270 mAh (Europe); 100W wired, 80W wireless, Reverse wireless, 5W reverse wired.
Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 6.0, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC 5, Auracast, ASHA; NFC; Infrared port.
Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, ultrasonic); large amplitude stereo speakers.
IP69K Rating: Most flagships are IP68 (dunks in the sink). The Magic 8 Pro is IP69K. That “K” stands for high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. You could practically take this to a car wash.
Giant Rhino Glass: On the front, Honor has used its latest “NanoCrystal” tech, which they claim is 10 times more drop-resistant. It’s got a “heft” to it at 219g, but the quad-curved edges make it feel surprisingly svelte in the hand.

Design: Parisian Style Meets “Rhino” Toughness

First things first: this phone is a looker. Honor has moved away from the generic “glass slab” look and leaned into what they call the “Squircle” Universe design. The camera island is a rounded square trimmed with Parisian Hobnail detailing. If you’ve ever owned a high-end watch, you’ll recognise that textured, diamond-patterned metal. It catches the light beautifully and makes the phone feel like a piece of jewellery. But don’t let the “pretty” fool you. This thing is built to survive a warzone—or at least a trip to the local park in a British downpour.

The Magic8 Pro arrives in four distinct flavours: Velvet Black, Snowy White, Rising Sun Gold Sand , and Sky Blue. We’ve managed to get our hands on the Black, model at Coolsmartphone Towers. The first thing you’ll notice is that they’ve stuck with frosted glass across the board. Thank goodness for that—it means you won’t spend half your life buffing out greasy fingerprint smudges like you’re detailing a car. It feels lovely and premium in the hand, too.

The Blue and the Gold (sorry, “Rising Sun Gold Sand” are the real head-turners here. They’ve got this clever “flowing” design etched into the glass. Catch the light just right while you’re out and about, and the back of the phone starts shimmering and shifting like a silk sheet. It’s definitely one to show off at the pub, though the Black version is still there if you prefer to keep things a bit more “stealth.”

If you’re a fan of everything being in one place, you’ll be pleased to know that all the controls are living on the right-hand edge this year. But wait—there’s a new kid on the block. Nestled down near the bottom of the frame is what Honor is calling the “AI Button.”

Now, between you and me, that’s a bit of a weird name for it. In reality, it’s a classic camera control button. Unlike the fancy capacitive (read: touchy-feely) strips we’ve seen on the latest Oppo and vivo flagships, Honor has gone the Apple route. It’s a proper physical pusher. You can actually feel it click, which is far more satisfying if you ask me.

The “smart” bit is that it’s fully customizable. Out of the box, a long press summons the AI assistant (handy if you need to ask a robot a quick question), while a double press fires up the camera. You can even set it to snap a photo the second you double-tap it, which is perfect for those “blink and you’ll miss it” moments down at the park. It’s a clever little addition, even if the marketing department went a bit overboard with the “AI” branding!

The Display: 6,000 Nits of Retinal Glory

Display – Brightness Is Only Part of the Story

On paper, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro’s display is one of those spec-sheet monsters that manufacturers love to shout about. Extreme peak brightness figures, LTPO technology, eye-comfort certifications — all the usual flagship buzzwords are present. But as ever, what matters is how the screen behaves when you’re actually living with it, not how it performs in a lab.

The 6.71-inch OLED panel strikes an excellent balance between immersion and usability. It’s large enough to make media consumption genuinely enjoyable, yet compact enough that the phone never feels unwieldy. The quad-curved edges soften the overall footprint and make swipe gestures feel more natural, particularly when navigating with one hand.

Brightness is, frankly, ridiculous — but in a good way. Outdoor visibility is outstanding. Whether you’re using the phone in direct sunlight, checking maps while walking, or glancing at notifications on a bright day, the display remains clear and readable. Importantly, the automatic brightness system is smart enough not to overcompensate, avoiding the harsh, eye-searing effect some ultra-bright displays suffer from.

Where the Magic 8 Pro really distinguishes itself is long-term comfort. HONOR’s focus on eye protection isn’t marketing fluff here. High-frequency PWM dimming and subtle AI-based defocus reduce eye strain during prolonged use, particularly in low-light environments. Late-night scrolling, long reading sessions, or extended gaming marathons feel noticeably easier on the eyes compared to many rivals.

The LTPO adaptive refresh rate works quietly in the background, scaling down when the content is static and ramping up when motion is detected. You don’t see this happening, but you feel it through consistently smooth interactions and improved battery efficiency. It’s the kind of invisible optimisation that separates polished flagships from merely powerful ones.

Compared directly to the Magic 8 Lite, the difference isn’t dramatic at first glance. The Lite already offers an excellent OLED experience. But over time, the Pro’s display reveals its refinement. It’s smoother, more responsive, and more comfortable during extended use — the kind of improvement you only really notice after weeks rather than minutes.

The Brightness: It hits a peak of 6,000 nits. For context, the Samsung S25 Ultra hits about 2,600. Even in direct, unyielding sunlight, the colours stay punchy.
Eye Safety (The Oasis Tech): Honor is obsessed with eye health. They’ve included 4320Hz PWM dimming. If you’re the type to scroll through “t’internet” at 2 AM in a dark room, this prevents that nasty screen flicker that gives you headaches.
AI Defocus: This is a world-first. The screen uses AI to mimic the way your eyes focus on real objects, subtly blurring peripheral parts of the screen during long reading or gaming sessions to reduce eye strain. It sounds like witchcraft, but after an hour of gaming, my eyes definitely felt “fresher.”

Performance – Power With Restraint and Purpose

Performance on the HONOR Magic 8 Pro is one of those areas where numbers matter less than behaviour. Inside is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Clocking in at a massive 4.6GHz, this is the fastest chip we’ve ever tested at Coolsmartphone.

Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is an absolute powerhouse. Yes, it posts impressive benchmark results. But what makes the Magic 8 Pro stand out isn’t how fast it can go — it’s how rarely it feels like it needs to. In daily use, everything happens instantly. Apps open without hesitation, multitasking is seamless, and system navigation feels fluid and responsive at all times. But crucially, this speed is delivered without aggression. The phone never feels hot, stressed, or on the edge of throttling, even during prolonged use.

HONOR’s AI-driven performance management plays a significant role here. Thanks to the Dujiangyan AI Power Management, the phone actually learns your habits. If it knows you always check the football scores at 5 PM, it pre-loads the data so the app opens instantly, while sipping 13% less power than the previous model. The result is a phone that feels consistent rather than bursty — there are no dramatic peaks followed by noticeable dips.

Gaming performance is excellent. Demanding titles run smoothly at high settings, and frame rates remain stable even during longer sessions. Thermal management is impressively controlled; the phone warms up slightly, as you’d expect, but never becomes uncomfortable to hold. It runs Genshin Impact at a locked 120fps at 1080p.

Compared to the Magic 8 Lite, the performance gap is about headroom rather than necessity. The Lite handles everyday tasks perfectly well, but the Pro offers a sense of effortlessness. You can push it harder, for longer, without ever feeling like you’re testing its limits.

This also pays dividends in longevity. A phone that isn’t constantly running at full tilt is more likely to maintain its performance over years rather than months. It’s a subtle point, but one that matters for long-term ownership.

Memory management is similarly well handled. Apps remain in memory reliably, background tasks resume instantly, and there’s no sense of the system aggressively clearing resources. Again, it’s not flashy — it’s just competent.

Battery: The Silicon-Carbon Secret

Battery life has become one of the most misunderstood areas of modern smartphones. Manufacturers chase bigger numbers, faster charging, and eye-catching claims, yet many flagship devices still struggle to feel genuinely dependable once the novelty wears off. The HONOR Magic 8 Pro takes a different approach, and over time, that approach proves to be one of its greatest strengths.

On paper, the Magic 8 Pro’s battery might not sound revolutionary — especially in European markets, where capacity has been slightly reduced compared to some other regions. But real-world performance tells a very different story. This is a phone that delivers consistent, predictable endurance, and that consistency matters far more than peak figures.

In everyday use — messaging, email, browsing, photography, navigation, streaming, and background syncing — the Magic 8 Pro comfortably delivers two full days on a single charge. Light users can stretch beyond that without difficulty, while even heavier users should find it reliably clears a long day with plenty in reserve.

What stands out most is how steady the battery drain is. There are no sudden percentage drops, no unexplained background consumption, and no need to constantly tweak settings to preserve power. The phone simply gets on with it.

Intelligent Power Management in Practice

HONOR’s AI-driven power management is largely invisible — and that’s exactly how it should be. Rather than forcing users to choose between performance and endurance, the system learns usage patterns over time and adapts accordingly.

Frequently used apps remain ready to go, while less important background processes are quietly deprioritised. The result is a phone that feels responsive without being wasteful. You’re not consciously interacting with battery-saving features, but you’re benefiting from them constantly.

This approach mirrors what we saw with the Magic 8 Lite, albeit on a different scale. Where the Lite’s massive battery allows you to forget about charging entirely, the Pro’s smarter management ensures that even under heavy use, battery anxiety simply doesn’t enter the equation.

Screen, Performance, and Battery Working Together

The Magic 8 Pro’s battery performance isn’t happening in isolation. It’s the result of multiple systems working together: the LTPO display scaling refresh rates intelligently, the Snapdragon chipset balancing performance and efficiency, and MagicOS managing background behaviour sensibly.

This holistic approach becomes particularly apparent during mixed-use days. Streaming video, navigating with GPS, jumping between apps, and taking photos all draw power, but none of them feel like they’re draining the battery disproportionately. Everything feels balanced.

Late in the day, when many flagships start to feel precarious, the Magic 8 Pro often still has a comfortable buffer. That reliability encourages more natural use. You stop checking percentages. You stop rationing screen time. You just use the phone.

Charging – Fast Enough to Be Forgettable

When you do eventually need to charge, the Magic 8 Pro supports fast wired charging that feels appropriately tuned rather than excessively aggressive. Plugging in for a short period provides a meaningful boost, enough to carry you through the rest of the day without stress.

Wireless charging adds an extra layer of convenience, particularly for desk or bedside use. It’s not the fastest wireless implementation on the market, but it doesn’t need to be. When battery life is already this good, charging becomes an occasional task rather than a daily ritual.

Crucially, charging behaviour feels controlled. There’s no excessive heat, no sense that the phone is being pushed too hard, and no reason to worry about long-term battery health.

Long-Term Battery Health and Ownership

One of the most overlooked aspects of battery performance is how it holds up over time. A phone that constantly runs hot or relies on extreme charging speeds is more likely to degrade faster. The Magic 8 Pro’s balanced approach bodes well for longevity.

By avoiding constant high-stress charging cycles and managing power intelligently, the phone feels like it’s designed for years of use, not just the first twelve months. This aligns closely with the broader philosophy behind both the Magic 8 Pro and the Magic 8 Lite: reliability over spectacle.

Comparing Battery Philosophy: Magic 8 Pro vs Magic 8 Lite

It’s worth drawing a clear distinction between the two devices here.

The Magic 8 Lite is about absolute endurance. Its enormous battery allows it to go days without intervention, making it ideal for users who want to forget chargers altogether.

The Magic 8 Pro, by contrast, is about confidence under load. You can push it hard — heavy usage, gaming, photography, navigation — and still trust that it won’t leave you stranded. It may not last as many days as the Lite, but it doesn’t need to. It lasts long enough that battery stops being a concern entirely.

Battery Life as a Quality-of-Life Feature

Over weeks of use, the Magic 8 Pro’s battery performance becomes one of those features you stop consciously noticing — and that’s the highest compliment you can give it.

There’s no anxiety, no micromanagement, no daily planning around power. It simply works, day after day, without demanding attention.

And in a flagship market where battery life is often treated as an afterthought, that quiet competence feels like a genuine luxury.

Everyday Use:-

1. The “Pocket” Reality: Size vs. Comfort

Despite having a massive 6.71-inch screen, the Magic 8 Pro is surprisingly friendly to your jeans.

The “Slimming” Curve: Because the screen and the back are both “quad-curved” (sloping into the rails from all four sides), it feels significantly thinner than the blocky Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s much easier to use one-handed than other “Ultra” phones.
The Weight: At 219g, it’s got that “expensive” heft. It won’t let you forget it’s in your pocket, but it doesn’t feel like a lead weight either.
The Grip: The frosted glass back is excellent at hiding fingerprints, but it can be slippery. I had to import a case, which fits perfectly and levels out the massive camera bump so it doesn’t “wobble” on a table, and more importantly giving me some extra grip.

2. The Daily Software Grind: MagicOS 10

Living with MagicOS 10 is a bit of a “tale of two cities.”

The Good: The Magic Capsule (Honor’s version of the Dynamic Island) is genuinely useful for tracking timers, Uber rides, or music without switching apps. The 3D Face Unlock is a daily joy—it’s just as fast as an iPhone and works in total darkness, making banking app logins effortless. The device was unlocked before I could get my finger on the reader, 99% of the time.
The Quirky: If you’re coming from a “stock” Android (like a Pixel), the notification shade might feel a bit cluttered. I noted that the haptics (the vibration motor) are “powerful” but not quite as “refined” or “tight” as the clicky feel of a Samsung or iPhone.

3. Connection King: The “Bad Reception” Hero

One thing that has surfaced in real-world testing is Honor’s LinkBoost technology.

Real-world example: in a “notorious dead zone” where my iPhone Pro Max was getting 2Mbps, the Magic 8 Pro was pulling 50Mbps.

If you live in an area with patchy signal or spend a lot of time on trains, this is a massive “Everyday Carry” win. It holds onto 5G like a terrier.

4. The Battery “Forgetfulness”

The best thing about using this as a daily driver? You simply stop thinking about chargers.

The Routine: Most days I ending a standard day (7 AM to 11 PM) with 50% to 60% battery remaining.
The “Morning Scramble”: If you do forget to charge it overnight, the fast charging is a lifesaver. You can plug it in while you jump in the shower, and by the time you’ve had your coffee, you’ve added 40-50%—more than enough for a full day.

The Camera Hardware: Three Lenses, One Star.

50MP Main: This uses a massive 1/1.3-inch sensor with a fixed f/1.6 aperture. It’s your workhorse, and it’s “properly good” for skin tones.
50MP Ultrawide: A 122-degree field of view that handles macro shots as close as 2.5cm.
200MP Telephoto (The Star): This is a 1/1.4-inch sensor with a 3.7x optical zoom (85mm focal length).

The back of the Magic 8 Pro looks like a professional camera assembly, and it mostly is. Honor has played a bit of a “switcheroo” with the main lens this year. They’ve actually ditched the variable aperture from the old model. Instead, we get a fixed f/1.6 lens that’s a smidge wider at 23mm. It means you can cram a bit more of the scenery into your shot without having to do that awkward “three steps back” shuffle.

The Ultrawide is a bit of a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” situation. It was already a cracker, and it’s still here: a 12mm field of view that’s wider than most of its rivals, backed by a bright f/2.0 aperture and a beefy 50MP sensor. Great for those big group shots or when you’re trying to capture the sheer scale of a stadium.

The Star of the Show: The Telephoto This is where Honor has really put the work in. Last year, we had a 60mm lens that cheated a bit with a “crop zoom” to hit 72mm. This year? No more shortcuts. We’ve got a proper native 85mm lens with an f/2.6 aperture.

On paper, the 200MP sensor might look familiar, but it’s actually the shiny new ISOCELL HP9. It’s the same tech you’ll find in some of the most expensive phones on the planet, and it means your zoom shots stay crisp even when you’re really leaning into it.

CIPA 5.5: Stabilization for the Shaky-Handed

Before we talk about the photos, we have to talk about CIPA 5.5. In the world of “proper” cameras (DSLRs and mirrorless), CIPA ratings tell you how much a camera can compensate for your hands wobbling. A rating of 5.5 is professional territory.

In real-world use, this is a revelation. I took a 100x digital zoom shot of a distant building while standing on a windy bridge, and the viewfinder was eerily still. It felt like the phone was mounted on a tripod. This stability allows the phone to keep the shutter open longer in the dark without blurring—essential for that “Night Vision” effect.

Night Photography: Seeing the Invisible

Honor calls this the “Ultra Night” camera for a reason. In pitch-black scenarios where my eyes could barely see the outlines of trees, the Magic 8 Pro pulled out a sharp, well-exposed image.

The “Nox” Engine: This is the AI secret sauce. It doesn’t just brighten the image; it reconstructs detail.
Zooming in the Dark: Most phones fall apart when you zoom at night. The Magic 8 Pro’s 10x hybrid zoom in low light is, frankly, spooky. It’s cleaner and has less noise than even the latest iPhone or Samsung flagships.

AI Magic: “Stealing” the Vibe

One feature I’ve had a lot of fun with is AI Colour Chasing (or AI Colour Tracking). Have you ever seen a photo online—maybe a moody, grainy street shot or a bright, “Ghibli-style” landscape—and wished your photo looked like that?

You can “feed” the AI a reference image.
It reverse-engineers the colour science (the tints, the shadows, the warmth).
It applies that exact “look” to your photo.

I took a drab photo of my backyard and applied the color palette from The Grand Budapest Hotel. Suddenly, my soggy garden looked like a Wes Anderson masterpiece. It’s brilliant for keeping a consistent “vibe” on your Instagram feed without spending hours in Lightroom.

The Majority of the photo’s in the gallery are point and shoot, lets be honest that’s the way 99% of people use their phone camera’s.

The Verdict on the Camera

It’s not perfect—sometimes the AI can be a bit overzealous, turning halogen streetlights a weird lime-green—but for 99% of shots, this is the most capable camera I’ve ever put in my pocket. Whether you’re at a concert and want a clear shot of the lead singer from the back row, or you’re trying to snap a photo of the cat in a dimly lit hallway, the Magic 8 Pro just delivers.

The Honor Magic 8 Pro doesn’t just want to be a piece of hardware; it wants to be a “self-evolving” companion. Today, we look at MagicOS 10, the AI Button, and the ultimate showdown: Honor vs. Samsung.

The AI Button: Not Just a Copycat.

When Apple added the Camera Control button, everyone assumed the rest of the industry would just follow suit. Honor has gone a different way. Their new physical AI Button is a multi-tool:

Double-Click: Instantly fires up the camera (acting as a proper two-stage shutter button).
Long-Press: Summons YOYO Video Call. This is YOYO’s “Gemini Live” moment—you can point the camera at a landmark, a menu, or a piece of tech, and YOYO talks to you in real-time about what it sees.
The “Sliding Zoom”: Cleverly, the button also supports sliding gestures to adjust focal lengths with “proper” haptic feedback that feels like turning a real lens.

Deepfake Detection 2.0: The Digital Liar-Detector

This is the feature that sounds like sci-fi but is becoming a necessity. In MagicOS 10, the on-device AI doesn’t just look for “shimmery” faces in video calls anymore. It now features AI Voice Clone Detection.

If you get a call on WhatsApp or Telegram, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s NPU analyzes the audio metadata. If it detects the “tell-tale” signs of a synthetic, AI-generated voice, you get a massive warning on the screen. It’s genuinely impressive to see it work in real-time without sending a single byte of data to the cloud.

The Big One: Honor Magic 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

If you’ve got a grand in your pocket, which one gets your hard-earned cash?

Feature	Honor Magic 8 Pro	Samsung S25 Ultra
Battery Life	7,100mAh (Global) – A true 2-day beast.	5,000mAh – A solid 1-day worker.
Charging	100W (40 mins to full)	45W (Over an hour to full)
Camera	200MP Telephoto – Best for low-light zoom.	200MP Main – Best for daylight landscape detail.
Display	6,000 nits – Brighter than the sun.	2,600 nits – Excellent, but “dimmer.”
The “X” Factor	IP69K Toughness & AI Button	The S-Pen & 7 years of OS updates.

The Verdict: Samsung still wins on software longevity (7 years is a long time), but Honor has overtaken them on innovation. The Magic 8 Pro charges faster, lasts longer, and its “Night Vision” camera makes the S25 Ultra look a bit last-gen in the dark.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion – A Flagship That Earns Its Place Over Time

When you strip away the spec sheets, marketing claims, and launch-day excitement, what remains is a far more important question: what is this phone actually like to live with?

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro answers that question not with fireworks, but with consistency.

Over time, it becomes clear that this is not a device built to impress you in the first 24 hours and then slowly reveal its compromises. Instead, it does the opposite. The longer you use it, the more its strengths reveal themselves — not through standout moments, but through the absence of frustration.

Battery life remains dependable. Performance never falters. The display stays comfortable during long sessions. The camera delivers reliable results without forcing you into specific shooting modes or behaviours. Nothing about the Magic 8 Pro feels like it’s trying to fight you for attention.

That calm competence is increasingly rare in the flagship space.

The Value of Predictability

One of the most underrated qualities in any piece of technology is predictability. Knowing that your phone will behave the same way tomorrow as it did today is far more valuable than a marginal improvement in benchmark scores or camera tricks you’ll use once and forget.

The Magic 8 Pro excels here. Notifications arrive when they should. Connectivity doesn’t randomly drop. Battery drain makes sense. Performance doesn’t suddenly degrade under load. Over weeks of use, that reliability builds trust.

You stop thinking about the phone as a device and start treating it as a tool — and that’s exactly where it belongs.

A Flagship That Knows Its Audience

HONOR hasn’t tried to build a phone for everyone with the Magic 8 Pro. Instead, it’s clearly targeted at users who want flagship capability without flagship drama.

This is a phone for people who:

Use their device heavily every day
Expect strong battery life without compromise
Want a camera system they can trust in any situation
Prefer stability over novelty

It’s not the loudest phone in the room, and it doesn’t chase trends for the sake of it. But it doesn’t need to. Its appeal lies in how little attention it demands once it’s in your pocket.

How It Fits Beside the Magic 8 Lite

Viewed alongside the Magic 8 Lite, the Magic 8 Pro’s philosophy becomes even clearer.

The Lite is about endurance and simplicity. It’s the phone you recommend to someone who wants to charge as rarely as possible and never worry about durability.

The Pro takes that same mindset and applies flagship refinement. You get more power, more camera flexibility, more polish — but without abandoning the core idea of dependability.

Both phones feel cut from the same cloth. Neither feels experimental. Neither feels rushed. And both feel like they’ve been designed with long-term ownership firmly in mind.

The Long-Term Ownership Perspective

Perhaps the strongest compliment you can pay the Magic 8 Pro is this: it feels like a phone you could happily keep for several years.

There’s nothing here that feels fragile or likely to age poorly. Performance headroom ensures it won’t struggle with future updates. Battery management suggests longevity rather than short-term gains. Software stability points towards a device that will remain usable and enjoyable long after the initial excitement fades.

That sense of durability — both physical and experiential — is something many modern flagships lack.

Final Verdict

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro doesn’t try to redefine what a flagship phone is. Instead, it quietly refines what one should be.

It delivers power without excess, features without clutter, and performance without instability. It doesn’t shout about itself, and it doesn’t need to. Its strengths reveal themselves gradually, through daily use and long-term reliability.

If you want a phone that impresses you once, there are plenty of alternatives.
If you want a phone that continues to impress you months down the line, the Magic 8 Pro is one of the most compelling options available right now.

In a market obsessed with doing more, the Magic 8 Pro succeeds by doing what matters — and doing it well.

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is available from today with a MSRP of £1099.99.

The post Honor Magic 8 Pro – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

HONOR Magic 8 Lite Review.

2026-01-08T16:06:53Z

A phone that quietly refuses to die (and that’s its superpower)

Every now and then a phone comes along that doesn’t try to dazzle you with one headline feature or claim to “redefine” anything. Instead, it just gets on with the job, day after day, without drama. The HONOR Magic 8 Lite is very much that kind of device.

This isn’t a phone aimed at spec-sheet warriors or mobile photographers chasing the perfect shot. Instead, it’s clearly been designed for people who want something reliable, long-lasting, durable, and easy to live with. And in a market full of increasingly fragile glass sandwiches that barely make it through a day, that’s actually quite refreshing.

I’ve been using the Magic 8 Lite as my daily driver for a while now, and rather than impressing me all at once, it’s grown on me gradually — largely because it just keeps going. And going. And going.

Design & Build – Practical, Modern, and Built to Survive Real Life

HONOR has struck an interesting balance with the Magic 8 Lite’s design. It looks modern and clean without drifting into the overly glossy, jewellery-like territory that many phones now occupy.

The flat edges feel solid in the hand, and despite the massive battery inside, the weight distribution is excellent. It never feels top-heavy or awkward, and after a few days, you stop thinking about the size entirely.

The matte rear panel is a small but important detail. It resists fingerprints well and doesn’t turn into a smudgy mess five minutes after you take it out of your pocket. Colour options are sensible rather than flashy — Forest Green being the standout for me — and overall it’s a phone that looks grown-up without being boring.

Where things get genuinely impressive is durability.

This phone carries IP69K certification, which is far beyond what most mainstream smartphones offer. Dust, water jets, rain, spills — the Magic 8 Lite simply doesn’t care. Add in reinforced glass and a shock-resistant frame, and you end up with a phone that feels like it’s been designed for actual human beings, not just display cabinets.

I cant believe this is the first time in 20yrs I’ve purposely thrown a phone in a bowl of water for 30 mins

You don’t feel the need to panic if it gets wet. You don’t flinch every time it slides slightly on a table. That peace of mind becomes surprisingly valuable over time.

Display – Big, Bright, and Easy on the Eyes.

The 6.79-inch OLED display is one of the Magic 8 Lite’s strongest assets.
It’s large without being ridiculous, sharp enough that you’ll never see individual pixels, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel fluid and responsive. Scrolling through feeds, browsing the web, and navigating the interface all feel smooth and effortless. Brightness is excellent. HONOR quotes some eye-watering numbers here, but the real takeaway is simple: this screen is very easy to see outdoors, even in direct sunlight. That’s not something you can say about every mid-range phone. Colours are punchy without being cartoonish, blacks are properly deep, and video content looks great. Is it a flagship panel? No. But for the price, it’s hard to criticise.

It’s a display you enjoy using — and that matters more than most people realise.

Performance – Sensible Power for Sensible People

Powering the Magic 8 Lite is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, paired with 8GB of RAM. This immediately sets expectations, and HONOR isn’t pretending otherwise.
This is not a gaming powerhouse. It’s not designed to top benchmark charts. What it is, however, is smooth, stable, and reliable.

Everyday tasks are handled with ease. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and there’s no noticeable stutter in normal use. Social media, messaging, streaming, browsing — all completely fine.

Gaming performance is adequate rather than impressive. Casual games run without issue, while more demanding titles will need some settings toned down. If mobile gaming is your top priority, there are better options out there.
That said, performance is consistent. There’s no overheating, no aggressive throttling, and no sense that the phone is struggling to keep up with itself. For most users, that consistency is far more important than raw speed.

Battery Life – The Reason This Phone Exists.

Let’s get to the big one.

It’s hard to overstate just how much the 7,500mAh battery alters the way you interact with the HONOR Magic 8 Lite. This isn’t a case of “slightly better than average” endurance — it’s a fundamental shift in expectations.

Most modern smartphones live in a world of nightly charging. It’s a habit so ingrained that we barely question it. With the Magic 8 Lite, that habit slowly disappears. You stop thinking about battery percentage. You stop carrying a power bank “just in case”. You stop glancing nervously at the screen during a long day out.

In everyday use — email, messaging, social media, music streaming, photography, navigation, and the usual background syncing — the phone consistently delivers two to three full days of use. On lighter days, stretching it to a fourth day isn’t unrealistic, particularly if you’re not hammering the display brightness or gaming heavily.

What’s particularly impressive is how predictable the battery drain is. There are no sudden drops, no rogue apps chewing through power unexpectedly. Standby drain is minimal, which makes the phone ideal for people who don’t constantly have the screen on but rely on notifications throughout the day.

Screen-on time figures become almost meaningless here, because you’re rarely pushing the battery to its limits in a single day. Even heavy users — those glued to their phones for work or entertainment — should comfortably see two days between charges, something that feels increasingly rare.

Charging, when you finally need it, is handled via 66W wired fast charging. Given the sheer size of the battery, charging speeds are more than acceptable. You won’t get a full charge in a coffee break, but an hour plugged in makes a meaningful dent, and a top-up easily gets you through another full day or more.
There’s no wireless charging, which some will miss, but in practical terms it feels like a fair compromise. When you only need to charge every few days, plugging in a cable doesn’t feel like much of an inconvenience.

If battery life is high on your priority list — and for many people it absolutely is — the Magic 8 Lite is one of the most compelling options available right now.

The 7,500mAh battery is not just a marketing bullet point — it fundamentally changes how you use the phone.

Cameras – One Good Sensor Doing Most of the Work.

Camera performance on the HONOR Magic 8 Lite is a story of competence rather than brilliance, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The 108MP main camera does the heavy lifting, and in good lighting conditions, it performs very well. Photos are sharp, with plenty of detail and pleasing colour reproduction. HONOR’s image processing leans towards natural tones rather than aggressive saturation, which gives images a more realistic look.

Dynamic range is respectable, with highlights and shadows generally handled well. HDR kicks in reliably without overdoing things, and exposure is consistent from shot to shot — something that’s easy to take for granted until it goes wrong on other devices.

In everyday scenarios — family photos, street shots, food photography, quick snaps — the Magic 8 Lite is dependable. You can pull it out, take a photo, and trust that it’ll come out looking decent without much effort.

Low-light performance is where expectations need to be managed. Night mode helps, pulling in more light and improving clarity, but images do lose some sharpness and noise becomes more noticeable. It’s perfectly usable, but it won’t compete with phones that place a heavier emphasis on computational photography.

The 5MP ultra-wide camera is functional but unremarkable. It’s fine for the occasional landscape or group shot, but the drop in detail compared to the main sensor is obvious. Colours can look slightly muted, and edges aren’t particularly sharp. It’s there when you need it, but it’s not something you’ll rely on heavily.

The 16MP front-facing camera is similarly competent. Selfies look natural, skin tones are handled reasonably well, and video calls are clear. Low-light selfies aren’t its strong point, but for everyday use, it does the job without fuss.

Video performance is solid at standard resolutions, with decent stabilisation and reliable autofocus. Again, it’s not aimed at content creators or vloggers, but it’s perfectly adequate for casual clips and social sharing.

Overall, the camera experience is very much in keeping with the rest of the phone: reliable, predictable, and good enough for most people, even if it won’t excite photography enthusiasts.

The Majority of the photo’s in the gallery are point and shoot, lets be honest that’s the way 99% of people use their phone camera’s

Software – Mature, Clean, and Fully Google-Enabled.

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of the HONOR Magic 8 Lite is how easy it is to live with. From the moment you set it up, the phone feels calm and composed. MagicOS 9, based on Android 15, is clean, responsive, and largely free of clutter. There’s nothing here that feels experimental or unfinished — it’s a mature, stable platform. Day-to-day navigation is smooth, helped by the 120Hz display and well-optimised animations. Apps open quickly, multitasking is fluid, and there’s a reassuring sense that the phone isn’t constantly juggling resources in the background.

HONOR’s AI features are present but unobtrusive. Tools like Magic Portal and real-time translation integrate naturally into the system rather than being shoved in your face. You may not use them every day, but when you do, they’re genuinely useful.

One thing that stands out over time is the lack of friction. Notifications behave properly. Battery management doesn’t aggressively kill apps. Connectivity is stable. These are small things, but they add up to an experience that feels dependable rather than temperamental.

The in-display fingerprint sensor is quick and accurate, and face unlock works reliably in good lighting. Audio quality from the stereo speakers is perfectly adequate for everyday use, and call quality is clear and consistent. Perhaps most importantly, the phone doesn’t demand attention. It doesn’t nag you about charging. It doesn’t struggle with basic tasks. It doesn’t surprise you with odd behaviour. For many users, that quiet reliability is exactly what they want.

Crucially, this is a fully Google-enabled HONOR phone. Play Store, Google apps, the lot — no workarounds, no compromises. The interface is clean, customisable, and largely free of nonsense. There are a few HONOR apps preinstalled, but nothing egregious, and most of it can be removed.

Audio, Connectivity & Daily Use.

Stereo speakers are decent. They’re loud enough, clear enough, and perfectly fine for videos and podcasts. At maximum volume they can get a bit harsh, but that’s fairly standard.

Connectivity has been rock-solid. 5G performance is reliable, Wi-Fi is stable, and Bluetooth behaves as expected.

Daily use is where the HONOR Magic 8 Lite really earns its keep. This isn’t a phone that dazzles you in the first five minutes and then quietly irritates you over the following weeks. Instead, it does the opposite. It starts off feeling perfectly competent, then gradually wins you over by simply not causing problems.

From unlocking the phone in the morning to putting it down late at night, everything feels predictable in the best possible way. The 120Hz display plays a big part here, making navigation feel smooth and responsive without ever feeling over-animated or flashy. Swiping through apps, scrolling feeds, jumping between tasks — it all happens without hesitation.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 may not be a powerhouse on paper, but in daily use it never feels underpowered. Apps launch quickly, multitasking works as expected, and there’s no sense that the phone is struggling to keep up with modern demands. Even after long sessions, performance remains stable, with no sudden slowdowns or thermal issues.

One of the most noticeable aspects of daily use is how little the phone asks of you. Battery anxiety is essentially non-existent. You don’t find yourself dimming the screen unnecessarily or closing apps just to conserve power. Instead, you use the phone how you want, when you want, knowing that there’s plenty of charge left in the tank.

Handling, Comfort, and Durability

Despite its large display and enormous battery, the Magic 8 Lite remains comfortable to use for long periods. The flat sides provide a secure grip, and the weight is well distributed. It never feels like a brick, nor does it dig into your hand during extended use.

The durability aspect also plays a role in daily confidence. Knowing the phone is IP69K-rated and built to survive knocks and spills removes a layer of subconscious worry. You don’t hesitate to use it in the rain. You don’t panic if it slides off the sofa. That might sound minor, but over weeks and months, it genuinely affects how relaxed you feel using the device.

Notifications, Connectivity, and Reliability

Notifications arrive promptly and reliably — something that isn’t always guaranteed on heavily customised Android skins. There’s no aggressive background app management here, which means messaging apps, email, and productivity tools behave as expected.

Connectivity has been consistently solid. Calls are clear, 5G performance is stable, and Wi-Fi connections remain reliable even in more challenging environments. Bluetooth pairing is quick, and connections remain steady, whether that’s with earbuds, car systems, or smart home devices.

These are all things you only really notice when they don’t work properly, and the Magic 8 Lite quietly avoids those pitfalls.

Biometrics and Small Touches

The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, unlocking the phone almost instantly. Face unlock is also available and works well in good lighting, making it easy to jump into the phone without thinking about it.

Haptics are serviceable rather than impressive, but they’re consistent. Taps register properly, feedback feels appropriate, and nothing feels loose or delayed. It’s another example of the phone doing what it needs to do without drawing attention to itself.

Software Stability Over Time

MagicOS 9, based on Android 15, proves itself in daily use by staying out of the way. The interface remains smooth, apps don’t crash, and updates don’t introduce unexpected behaviour. It feels like a platform that’s been designed for long-term use rather than short-term novelty.

HONOR’s additional features are present but not intrusive. You can ignore them entirely if you wish, or take advantage of things like Magic Portal when they’re genuinely useful. There’s no sense that the phone is trying to constantly upsell or interrupt you.

A Phone That Fits Into Your Life

Perhaps the highest praise you can give a smartphone is that it fits into your routine rather than demanding you adapt to it. The HONOR Magic 8 Lite does exactly that.

It doesn’t force compromises, it doesn’t require constant management, and it doesn’t surprise you with odd behaviour. Instead, it becomes a dependable tool — something you rely on rather than think about, in a market full of devices trying to stand out by being loud or clever, there’s something quietly appealing about a phone that simply gets on with the job.

Comparison – How Does It Stack Up Against Rivals?

vs Google Pixel 8a
The Pixel wins hands-down for camera quality and long-term software support. However, its battery life looks positively embarrassing next to the Magic 8 Lite, and it’s far less durable.
Choose the Pixel if: camera and updates matter most
Choose the HONOR if: battery life and toughness matter more

vs Samsung Galaxy A55

Samsung offers a more premium ecosystem and slightly better camera consistency, but again, battery life is nowhere near as strong, and charging is slower.
Choose Samsung if: you want brand familiarity and One UI
Choose HONOR if: you want endurance and ruggedness

vs Xiaomi Redmi Note series.

Xiaomi often offers better raw performance for the money, but software polish and long-term stability can be hit and miss. Battery life is good, but not on this level.
Choose Xiaomi if: performance is your priority
Choose HONOR if: you want a calmer, more dependable experience.

Good Points / Bad Points

Good Points
• Exceptional battery life
• Very durable with IP69K rating
• Large, bright OLED display with 120Hz
• Clean, stable software experience
• Solid everyday performance
• Comfortable, practical design

Bad Points
• Average camera system beyond the main sensor
• No wireless charging
• Ultra-wide camera is weak
• Not ideal for heavy gaming
• Haptics are uninspiring

Final Thoughts – A Phone That Knows Its Strengths.

When you step back and look at the Magic 8 Lite as a whole, it becomes clear that HONOR has prioritised long-term usability over short-term wow factor. Battery life means fewer interruptions. Reliable cameras mean fewer missed moments. A smooth user experience means less frustration.

These aren’t headline-grabbing features, but they’re the things that define how enjoyable a phone is to live with over months and years. And in that sense, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite quietly succeeds.

The HONOR Magic 8 Lite doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. It’s not flashy, it’s not a spec monster, and it’s not chasing trends for the sake of it.
What it is is one of the most dependable, long-lasting smartphones you can buy at this price point. The battery life alone sets it apart, but when you combine that with excellent durability, a good display, and a mature software experience, you get a phone that’s incredibly easy to live with.

If you want a phone that just works — day after day, charge after charge — the Magic 8 Lite is quietly one of the smartest choices you can make.

The HONOR Magic 8 Lite is available from today with a MSRP of £399.99 and having using the device for a while its absolutely worth every penny

The post HONOR Magic 8 Lite Review. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Murena Shiftphone 8.1 Review – Privacy, Repairability, and Life Outside Google.

2026-01-07T22:13:35Z

Introduction – This Is Not a Normal Smartphone.

Every so often a phone comes along that doesn’t just want to be better than the competition, but different. The Murena Shiftphone 8.1 sits firmly in that category. This isn’t about shaving milliseconds off benchmarks, adding another AI gimmick, or squeezing one more camera lens onto the back. Instead, it asks a much bigger question: what if your smartphone actually respected you?

In a world where most phones are little more than data‑harvesting slabs tied tightly into vast advertising ecosystems, the Shiftphone 8.1 dares to step off that treadmill. Built in partnership with SHIFT and running Murena’s /e/OS, this device puts privacy, sustainability, and repairability at the very centre of its design. That alone makes it worthy of a closer look.

But ideals are one thing — living with a device day‑to‑day is another. Over the next couple of thousand words, we’re going to unpack exactly what the Shiftphone 8.1 gets right, where it compromises, and who it’s actually for.

Design & Build – Honest, Functional, Purposeful

The Shiftphone 8.1 doesn’t scream luxury when you first pick it up, but that’s entirely intentional. The design language here is all about function over fashion. Straight edges, sensible proportions, and a chassis that feels engineered rather than sculpted.

At 6.67 inches, the AMOLED display gives you plenty of screen real estate without pushing into tablet territory. Bezels are present — and proudly so — because this phone prioritises durability and repair access over chasing the latest aesthetic trends. It feels reassuringly solid in the hand, with a weight that reminds you there’s real substance inside.

The rear panel is removable, and that single fact already puts the Shiftphone 8.1 in rare company in 2025. Being able to open your phone without heat guns, suction cups or fear is something most of us have forgotten was ever normal.

Display – Sensible, Sharp, and Easy on the Eyes

The AMOLED panel is bright, sharp, and perfectly pleasant to use. Full‑HD+ resolution is more than adequate at this size, and while it doesn’t push ultra‑high refresh rates or eye‑watering brightness numbers, it delivers where it matters: readability, colour accuracy, and efficiency.

Watching videos, browsing the web, and reading articles all feel comfortable, and the lack of aggressive edge curvature is a blessing when it comes to accidental touches. This is a screen designed to be used, not just admired in a shop.

Performance – Mid‑Range Done Right

Performance is another area where expectations need to be set correctly. The Shiftphone 8.1 uses a capable mid-range Qualcomm chipset paired with generous RAM, and the result is a device that feels smooth and dependable rather than blisteringly fast.

Day-to-day interactions are fluid. App launches are quick, scrolling is smooth, and multitasking holds up well thanks to the available memory. I rarely encountered stutters during normal use, and the phone never felt sluggish during everyday tasks.

Where you will notice limitations is in more demanding scenarios. Heavy 3D gaming, advanced video editing, or prolonged high-load tasks will push the hardware harder than it’s designed for. That said, thermal performance is well managed — the phone doesn’t get uncomfortably hot, and sustained performance remains consistent.

Importantly, /e/OS feels lightweight and well-optimised. Without Google services running constantly in the background, system resources are used more efficiently, which helps the hardware punch above its weight.

In short, this is performance tuned for longevity and stability, not benchmark bragging rights — and that fits the overall ethos of the Shiftphone 8.1 perfectly.

/e/OS – Life Without Google (And Why That Matters).

The software experience is the heart of the Murena Shiftphone 8.1, and it’s also where this device makes its boldest statement. Running /e/OS, the phone offers a fully usable Android-based operating system that deliberately removes Google services, Google tracking, and Google dependency from the equation.

For many users, it’s difficult to overstate just how radical this feels at first. We’ve become conditioned to think that Android is Google — Gmail, Maps, Drive, Play Services, and constant background syncing. /e/OS proves that this link is a choice, not a necessity.

Setup Without Surveillance

From the moment you power on the Shiftphone 8.1, the difference is obvious. There’s no forced Google account login, no permissions screens disguised as convenience, and no quiet background services hoovering up usage data. Instead, setup is refreshingly straightforward and transparent.

You can create a Murena account if you want cloud features like email, contacts, and calendar syncing, but crucially, this is optional, not mandatory. You remain in control from the very first screen.

A Familiar Yet Refreshingly Clean Interface

Visually, /e/OS feels reassuringly familiar to anyone who has used Android before. The layout, navigation gestures, and system settings won’t intimidate existing Android users, but there’s a noticeable absence of clutter. Without Google apps duplicating functions or demanding attention, the OS feels lighter and calmer.

System menus are clearly laid out, and privacy-related controls are given prominence rather than buried several layers deep. This alone changes how you interact with your phone — privacy becomes a conscious, visible part of daily use rather than an afterthought.

App Lounge – Apps With Transparency

Murena’s App Lounge is one of the most important pieces of the /e/OS puzzle. At a glance, it looks like a familiar app store experience, but dig a little deeper and you’ll notice some crucial differences.

Each app is presented with a privacy score, showing how much tracking it contains and what permissions it requests. This level of transparency is genuinely eye-opening. Apps many of us install without a second thought are suddenly revealed to be aggressively data-hungry, while others turn out to be far more respectful than expected.

The App Lounge pulls apps from multiple sources, including open-source repositories and trusted mirrors. For many popular apps, installation is seamless, and updates arrive automatically — just as you’d expect from a mainstream app store.

Living Without Google Play Services

Of course, the big question is compatibility. Without Google Play Services, some apps behave differently, and a few won’t work at all. Push notifications can be less reliable for certain services, and apps that rely heavily on Google’s APIs — particularly banking or ride-hailing apps — may require workarounds.

For everyday essentials like messaging, browsing, email, navigation, and media consumption, there are excellent alternatives available. Over time, you start to realise just how many Google services you were using out of habit rather than necessity.

And here’s the key point: you are no longer being tracked by default. Location data isn’t constantly logged. Usage patterns aren’t silently uploaded. Advertising profiles aren’t being built in the background. That peace of mind is difficult to quantify, but once experienced, it’s hard to give up.

Tracking Protection That Actually Feels Useful

/e/OS includes built-in tracking protection that actively blocks known trackers at the system level. Rather than relying on individual apps to behave responsibly, the OS enforces boundaries on your behalf.

You can see which apps attempt to track you, how often, and in what way. This kind of visibility fundamentally changes your relationship with your phone. It’s no longer a black box — it’s something you understand.

Privacy – Hardware and Software Working Together

The Shiftphone 8.1 goes further than most by including physical hardware kill switches for the microphone and cameras. Flip the switch, and those components are electrically disconnected — not muted, not software‑disabled, but physically off.

Combined with /e/OS’s granular permission controls and tracking protection, this creates one of the most privacy‑respecting smartphone experiences currently available.

This isn’t just marketing. It’s real, tangible control.

Repairability – A Phone You Can Actually Fix

Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of the Shiftphone 8.1 is its modular, repair‑friendly design. Battery replacements take minutes, not hours. Screens can be swapped without specialist tools. Ports, cameras, and other components are designed to be replaced individually.

SHIFT actively encourages repairs and long‑term ownership, even offering a buy‑back or return scheme at end of life. In an industry obsessed with yearly upgrades, this approach feels quietly revolutionary.

Camera – Capable, But Not Class‑Leading

The dual 50MP camera setup delivers respectable results in good lighting, with decent detail and natural colours. Low‑light performance is acceptable but not exceptional, and the camera app itself feels less polished than those found on mainstream flagships. This is very much a functional camera system — good enough for everyday photography, but unlikely to excite mobile photography enthusiasts.

Camera performance is one of the areas where the Shiftphone 8.1 most clearly reveals its priorities. This is not a phone built to compete with Pixel, iPhone, or Samsung Ultra devices on computational photography. Instead, it offers a competent, reliable camera system that gets the job done — without leaning on heavy AI processing or cloud-backed tricks.

The dual 50MP setup delivers good results in daylight. Images are sharp, colours are generally natural rather than oversaturated, and dynamic range is respectable. I found that photos taken outdoors, landscapes, and everyday snaps of people all came out well enough for sharing and casual use.

Where the camera falls behind flagship competition is consistency and software polish. The camera app itself feels functional rather than refined, and you don’t get the same instant, always-perfect results you might be used to from Google’s computational magic. Low-light photography is serviceable but clearly mid-range — noise creeps in, and details soften unless you take the time to steady the shot.

Video performance is similarly adequate. 4K recording is supported, and footage is perfectly watchable, but stabilisation and autofocus don’t feel as confident as they do on premium devices. This is very much a hardware-first camera, not one propped up by aggressive post-processing.

For many users, that will be absolutely fine. If photography is your top priority, this isn’t the phone you buy. If you want a camera that respects your privacy and doesn’t rely on cloud-based enhancement, the Shiftphone 8.1 makes a compelling case.

Battery Life – Practical, Not Spectacular

Battery life is solid but unremarkable. A full day of moderate use is achievable, and the removable battery adds peace of mind for long‑term ownership. Fast charging isn’t the headline here — longevity is.

Battery life on the Shiftphone 8.1 is best described as sensible. The removable battery is a rare and welcome sight, and while the capacity won’t win any endurance awards, it aligns with the phone’s broader philosophy of longevity over raw numbers.

In real-world use, I found that a full day was achievable with moderate usage — messaging, browsing, navigation, and media playback. Heavy users may find themselves reaching for a charger by evening, particularly if they rely on 5G or extended screen-on time.

What really changes the battery conversation here is repairability. When battery health inevitably degrades after a couple of years, replacing it is quick, affordable, and stress-free. That alone dramatically extends the usable lifespan of the device.

Charging speeds are fine but unremarkable. This isn’t about topping up in ten minutes — it’s about keeping the phone usable for years. And in that context, the Shiftphone 8.1 delivers.

Who Is This Phone Really For?

The Shiftphone 8.1 isn’t trying to convert everyone. It’s for users who:

Care deeply about digital privacy
Want control over their hardware and software
Value sustainability and repairability
Are comfortable stepping outside mainstream ecosystems

If that sounds like you, this phone makes a compelling case.

Verdict – A Statement as Much as a Smartphone

Good Points :-

Excellent privacy-first software (/e/OS)
No Google services by default, no forced accounts, and no background tracking — a genuinely de-Googled Android experience.
Strong transparency around app behaviour
App Lounge privacy scores clearly show which apps track you and how intrusive they are, encouraging informed choices.
No reliance on Google Play Services
Most everyday tasks work perfectly well without Google, proving it’s possible to live outside that ecosystem.
Hardware privacy kill switches
Physical switches for camera and microphone provide true peace of mind that software alone can’t offer.
Highly repairable, modular design
Battery, screen, ports, and other components can be replaced easily, extending the phone’s lifespan significantly.
Removable battery
A rare feature in modern smartphones and a huge win for long-term ownership.
Solid everyday performance
Smooth, reliable operation for daily tasks, helped by lightweight software and generous RAM.
Good AMOLED display
Sharp, bright, and comfortable to use without chasing gimmicks like extreme refresh rates.
Ethical and sustainable focus
Designed to reduce e-waste and encourage responsible ownership rather than frequent upgrades.
Stable, calm software experience
No bloatware, no aggressive feature creep, and no intrusive system prompts.

Bad Points:-

App compatibility can be hit-and-miss
Some banking, ride-hailing, and notification-dependent apps don’t work fully without Google Play Services.
Learning curve for new users
Living without Google requires adjustment, experimentation, and a willingness to change habits.
Camera software lacks polish
Image quality is decent, but camera apps and processing can’t match flagship computational photography.
Low-light camera performance is average
Noise and loss of detail are noticeable in challenging lighting conditions.
Battery life is only average by modern standards
A full day is achievable, but heavy users may need a top-up.
Charging speeds are unremarkable
No ultra-fast charging to rival modern flagships.
Mid-range performance won’t satisfy power users
Not designed for heavy gaming or demanding creative workloads.
Feels expensive compared to raw specs
The value lies in ethics, privacy, and repairability — not benchmark numbers.
Not a plug-and-play mainstream phone
This isn’t a device for users who want everything to work exactly like a Samsung or Pixel.

The Murena Shiftphone 8.1 isn’t perfect, and it doesn’t pretend to be. What it offers instead is choice — the choice to opt out of surveillance‑driven ecosystems, the choice to repair rather than replace, and the choice to own your device rather than rent it.

For the right user, that makes it one of the most interesting smartphones you can buy today. The ShiftPhone is available from the Murena Website

Long‑Term Ownership – What Happens After the Honeymoon?

One area where most smartphone reviews fall short is long‑term ownership. We talk about first impressions, week‑one performance, maybe battery life after a few days — but very rarely do we consider what living with a phone for years actually looks like. The Murena Shiftphone 8.1 is clearly designed with that longer horizon in mind.

Because the hardware is modular and the software is not tied to aggressive upgrade cycles, this is a phone that actually improves with familiarity. The more time you spend with /e/OS, the more comfortable you become managing permissions, choosing privacy‑respecting alternatives, and understanding exactly what your phone is (and isn’t) doing in the background.

Unlike mainstream devices that often feel slower or more cluttered after a year or two of updates, the Shiftphone 8.1 feels deliberately restrained. There’s no constant feature creep, no intrusive AI tools being pushed via updates, and no sense that the device is slowly being bent toward advertising or data extraction.

This makes the phone particularly appealing for users who want stability. Once you’ve set it up, chosen your apps, and dialled in your preferences, it largely stays out of your way.

Sustainability Beyond Buzzwords

Sustainability is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in tech marketing, but often means very little in practice. With the Shiftphone 8.1, it’s not just a slogan — it’s baked into the entire ownership model.

The ability to replace individual components massively reduces electronic waste. A worn‑out battery doesn’t mean discarding the entire device. A damaged USB‑C port doesn’t require an expensive mainboard replacement. Even cosmetic wear can be addressed without replacing perfectly functional electronics.

SHIFT’s approach also includes long‑term availability of spare parts and transparent pricing, which is crucial. Repairability only matters if parts are actually accessible — and here, they are.

There’s also a psychological shift that happens when you own a repairable device. You’re less inclined to treat it as disposable, and more inclined to maintain it. That mindset alone is a step in the right direction.

Comparing the Alternatives

It’s impossible to review the Shiftphone 8.1 without mentioning its closest philosophical rivals.

Versus Fairphone 6

The Fairphone 6 is arguably the most obvious comparison. Both devices champion repair-ability and ethical sourcing. Where the Shiftphone differentiates itself is in software philosophy. Fairphone still ships with standard Android and Google services by default, whereas Murena’s /e/OS makes privacy the default state.

For users who want sustainability leaving Google behind, Fairphone supply a version of the Fairphone 6 running Murena’s operation available from Murena’s Website

Versus Pixel with GrapheneOS

A Pixel running GrapheneOS offers exceptional security and privacy, but at the cost of repairability and hardware openness. You’re still dealing with sealed designs and limited user repair options.

The Shiftphone 8.1 trades some raw performance and camera quality for physical control, modularity, and user serviceability. It’s a philosophical fork in the road.

The Learning Curve – Be Honest With Yourself

One of the most important things to understand before buying the Shiftphone 8.1 is that this is not a zero‑effort phone.

The post Murena Shiftphone 8.1 Review – Privacy, Repairability, and Life Outside Google. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

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