Android

The best Android phones in 2024

By admin February 25, 2024

The best Android phones in 2024, Finding a bad Android phone is a rare occurrence these days. However, with so many options available, it can be daunting to choose the best one in 2024. In this article, we aim to help you find the Android phone you’re looking for.

When looking to buy a new Android phone, there are many factors to consider. Do you prefer a large screen? How important is camera performance to you? Are you someone who enjoys gaming on your phone? Or do you need long-lasting battery life? To assist you, we have compiled a list of Android phones that cater to everyone’s needs.

If you’re also open to non-Android devices, see our list of the best phones overall. Otherwise, keep reading for our picks of the best Android phones in 2024.

OnePlus 12

The best Android phone overall

Formerly known as the “flagship killer” for offering killer specs at a lower price, OnePlus has since shifted its products up the price scale. But it hasn’t lost sight of what made its phones great to begin with, and as a result, the OnePlus 12 is a flagship smartphone that can take on much more expensive smartphones at their own game.

The OnePlus 12 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the latest processor from Qualcomm, which is likely to find itself at the heart of most Android flagships in the coming year. It’s a monster of a chip, and it’s happily trounced any test we’ve put it through. Even the most demanding 3D games can barely faze it, and it’s backed up by some other impressive specs too. RAM starts at 12GB, the same that you’ll find in the S24 Ultra, and rises to 16GB. That’s more than a smartphone needs in 2024, and shows just how committed OnePlus is to making sure its phones are some of the most powerful around.

That drive is also evident in the display and design. The OnePlus 12 is a striking phone. It’s similar-looking to OnePlus’ previous phones, but its identity is so distinct from every other phone brand, and it just looks fabulous. The display is a huge 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 1Hz to 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, 1440p resolution, and a crazily bright maximum brightness of 4,500 nits. Again, that peak brightness is way beyond anything you’ll ever need, but it really highlights OnePlus’ philosophy.

The camera setup has similar high numbers, with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 64MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. There’s also a 32MP selfie lens around the front. The actual performance doesn’t live up to the strong numbers though, and it’s not the camera king of this list for sure. However, it’s still a solid performer that consistently creates good looking images and videos.

The 5,400mAh battery is capable of going for two days on a single charge, and wired charging of 80 watts also means it won’t sit on the charger for long when it finally does run down. There’s also 45W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, that go far beyond what the competition is offering.

At a price of just $800, there’s no doubt the OnePlus 12 offers an enormous amount of bang for your buck, with performance that’s more than able to duke it out with the $1,300 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — and come out on top. It’s the best Android phone you can buy in 2024.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

The best Android phone runner-up

We described the Google Pixel 8 Pro as the best Pixel we’ve ever used, and for good reason. This new smartphone boasts exciting features, such as improved cameras and photo-editing tools, Google’s latest Tensor chip, and more.

Let’s discuss the design of the Pixel 8 Pro. Despite closely resembling the Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google has made significant changes to the device. The rear glass features an impressive, smooth matte finish, and the phone’s rounded corners have also been increased, making it more comfortable to hold. Additionally, the dual camera cutouts found on the Pixel 7 Pro have been replaced with a single cutout that spans the length of the camera bar.

The display on the Pixel 8 Pro has also seen some nice upgrades. The 120Hz refresh rate has been tweaked so that it can scale down to 1Hz, not 10Hz, as needed. This means less energy gets used. The display is also much brighter, rising to 1,600 nits for HDR and 2,400 for peak brightness.

The primary camera on the Pixel 8 Pro has a resolution of 50 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.68, which makes it more light-sensitive. Additionally, it has a 2x optical zoom. The new ultrawide camera has a resolution of 48MP and an f/1.95 aperture, significantly improving its light sensitivity and macro mode. Also, the telephoto camera has a resolution of 48MP, an f/2.8 aperture, and a 5x optical zoom, resulting in improved light sensitivity. Furthermore, the front-facing camera has an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus support.

The Pixel 8 Pro has new camera software tools that are pretty impressive. One is Best Take, which is heavily advertised in Google’s latest television ads. This feature automatically stitches together multiple photographs so everyone in the shot appears smiling. Additionally, a Magic Editor feature allows you to erase and move objects from existing photos, even those not taken with the Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a new Tensor G3 chip, which has been well received. The previous versions didn’t perform well, so this one had much to prove. The Tensor G3 chip can handle various tasks such as gaming, live video streaming over a 5G connection, and capturing photos. The best part is that the Tensor G3 chip doesn’t overheat like its predecessors.

Simply put, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a standout Android phone that has earned its place as our best runner-up for many reasons. Not only does it boast a stunning design that is sure to impress, but it also features an improved camera system that delivers stunning photos and videos. With its large and vibrant display, lightning-fast processor, and long-lasting battery life, the Pixel 8 Pro is a true workhorse that can keep up with even the most demanding users. Whether you’re a professional photographer or someone who wants a reliable and powerful smartphone, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth considering.

The best Android phones in 2024

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus

The best big Android phone

With a massive display and all the power of its more expensive sibling, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is a fantastic choice if you want a very capable device with more power than you can shake a stick at, an excellent camera, and two-day battery life.

It’s on this list because of its size, so we’ll start with that. The design is largely unchanged from last year, with the same minimalist back and sleek body — with one exception. The sides are now flat, mimicking similar changes over in iPhoneland. It’s a great change, and it makes this big phone much easier to handle. The display itself is a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. It’s as bold and beautiful as Samsung’s screens always are, and you won’t regret spending time staring at it.

It’s powerful too; The core of this power is our old friend, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and it’s as powerful as it is in other phones. Backing this up is 12GB of RAM, and the combination of the two is enough to make most games quake in fear. The big addition this year is Galaxy AI, and while some features are good, (like the image editor), some of these AI features are a bit feeble, and not something you’re likely to use regularly. Use them a few times and enjoy the rest of an excellent phone.

The camera is great, and though it can struggle with movement, it’s going to produce results you’re happy with most of the time. The battery is a standout though, with two days of performance with moderate use, and it also comes with a very welcome boost to 45W fast charging.

Prices start at $1,000 for the S24 Plus, so it’s not the most reasonably priced of phones, but when you consider how close it is to the $1,300 Galaxy S24 Ultra, it’s a real bargain. With seven years of updates, this phone is sure to last you for a long time, so you can consider the price an investment.

Samsung Galaxy S24

The best small Android phone

There’s one reason to pick up the Samsung Galaxy S24 — you love everything the S24 Ultra and S24 Plus are doing, but you want it in a much smaller package. Thankfully, you’re not sacrificing anything by picking up a smaller phone, as the Galaxy S24 is a worthy entry in Samsung’s latest range, and a very good phone to boot.

This year’s smallest S-range phone has all the new additions we loved in the Plus-sized model, including the flat edges that make handling the phone much easier and the utterly gorgeous display, now shrunk down to a relatively diminutive 6.2-inches. But the real magic here comes from the fact that the small size doesn’t mean a downgrade in power thanks to the same hyper-powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 nested within.

It’s not perfect, of course. While the camera is strong, lowlight shots aren’t as good those taken by its siblings or the competition, and fast charging is limited to just 25W. Thankfully, the battery is still impressive, which helps to compensate for that slight downside as it commonly gets more than one day on a single charge.

At $800, it’s well-priced, though it does go up against the phenomenal OnePlus 12 at the same price. Thankfully, it has its smaller stature to really press an advantage, meaning this is the phone to buy if you want a smaller smartphone that still packs a strong punch.

OnePlus 12R

The best value Android phone

We’ve already highlighted how the OnePlus 12 isn’t really a flagship killer anymore since it’s actually a flagship now. But there’s another OnePlus smartphone on the prowl, and it really is a flagship killer. The OnePlus 12R is basically a 2023 flagship smartphone, but priced at $500, and that makes it an unmissable bargain.

The root of this lies, as ever with OnePlus, in the spec sheet. Last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 can be found inside the 12R — and it’s the very same processor you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, OnePlus 11, and other flagship phones from last year. Combine that with a very respectable 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and the OnePlus 12R flies through tasks and games alike. Performance looks even faster thanks to the 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate on the 6.78-inch AMOLED display, and the resolution is clean and crisp with 450 pixels per inch.

It’s not let down with a bad design either. The 12R evokes the same design spirit as the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 11 before it, and it looks great as a result. It even has an alert slider and an IR blaster, which are things you’d be hard-pressed to find on any phone these days.

The camera is technically a triple-lens setup, but it’s better that you only think of it as having the single 50MP main lens. The 8MP ultrawide lens is OK, but nothing special, and the 2MP macro lens is so awful it might as well not have been included. Thankfully, the 50MP main lens is good, even if it struggles with movement and sometimes returns slightly off colors.

The 5,500mAh battery is the biggest OnePlus has ever used, and it shows its size with some very strong battery life. Two days is more than possible with this phone, and moderate use may see it stretch to a third. It has the same 80W fast charging as its more expensive cousin, so you can give it a fast 10-minute charge and be sure of having hours of extra juice.

A phone this good shouldn’t cost $500, but it does. Admittedly, OnePlus’s phone don’t come with a lot of extra features, which makes a lot of this possible, but considering how easy it is to live without even the best special features out there, the OnePlus 12R is a real steal.

Samsung Galaxy A54

The best midrange Android phone

No, we haven’t accidentally listed one of the Galaxy S23’s colorways, that’s actually the Galaxy A54. Samsung’s new midrange phone is a dead ringer for the 2023 flagship, and that’s a very good thing. In fact, the A54’s design differs from its more expensive cousin in just a few ways, and the most important is the range of bold colors. The Violet and Lime variants have a lot of character, and they’re well worth picking over the more standard black or white versions. The chassis is made from plastic instead of aluminum, but it’s covered in Gorilla Glass 5, so it still feels like a premium product.

The Galaxy A54 has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ certification, and a 1080p resolution, which largely puts it on a level with the A53 5G’s excellent display. The A54’s display is brighter than its predecessor though, giving it an edge under strong lights and outdoors.

It’s powered by the Exynos 1380, a Samsung-made chip that does a good job of keeping everything running. It might start to show its age as this phone ages, though, especially if you’re a mobile gamer. While never slow, sometimes we did experience some slight lag in opening apps, especially the camera. The internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB are good, especially when there’s room for a microSD card as well.

The camera is a solid affair, especially since it’s ditched the A53’s useless depth sensor. There’s a 50MP main lens, combined with a 12MP wide-angle and 5MP macro lens, and it takes good pictures — with one, pretty jarring exception. The stills it produces are almost always enormously oversaturated, to the point where it can seem comically so. Samsung’s phones have long been known for turning up the saturation a little too much, but it’s the first time it’s done so way too far, and it’s a bit of a disappointment here.

Two-day battery life was starting to become the norm for Samsung’s phones, but that’s not the case here. You’ll get only a single day out of this battery, and while that’s acceptable, it’s a little disappointing if you’re used to much longer battery life.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 has some downsides, but ultimately, they’re on the more minor side when compared with what you get: A capable smartphone that looks great, has a day-long battery life, and scores well in pretty much every area. Even if it doesn’t excel, it doesn’t need to, and the $450 price means it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a mid-range phone.

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Best free mouse cursors for Windows 2024

By admin February 7, 2024

Best free mouse cursors for Windows 2024, Are you bored with the Windows user interface? Are you tired of its default customization options? Then maybe it is time for you to make your desktop look unique by downloading, installing, and using a new mouse cursor theme. There are plenty of cool cursors available on the internet.

Most of the pointers are animated, some are excellent for gaming or inspired by games, others are simply well-designed and fresh. In this article, we are going to share with you thirty of the best free mouse pointer schemes for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Let’s get started.

NOTE: You can install and use the following custom cursors in Windows 11, Windows 10, as well as older versions. Here’s how to tell what Windows you have. To make sure that the files are safe, we scanned them with ESET Internet Security.

How to install custom mouse cursors in Windows

Mouse schemes downloaded from the internet can usually be installed with the help of a file that is included in the archive file that you download. This file has an INF extension, and it’s usually named install.inf. Once you have downloaded the custom mouse cursor pack (usually a ZIP or RAR file), extract the files to a temporary folder on your computer or device, then follow the instructions from these tutorials, depending on whether the pack includes an INF installer file

• If the mouse cursor pack includes an INF file: How to install custom mouse cursors in Windows

• If there is no INF file included in the archive, to install the new cursors manually, follow the directions found in this tutorial: How to use custom mouse cursors and pointers in Windows

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Also, if all you want is to change the size or color of your mouse pointers, not necessarily install custom new ones, read this tutorial: How to change the mouse pointer size and color in Windows.

Now, let’s look at what we think are the best free mouse pointers out there:

1. Numix Cursors

This is our favorite set of custom mouse cursors for Windows PCs. Numix pointers are smooth, elegant, and look entirely professional. Furthermore, the pack includes both dark and light versions of the cursors, and also install.inf files that you can run to easily install the mouse cursor theme you prefer.

Mouse cursor download: Numix Cursors

Best free mouse cursors for Windows 2024

2. Oxygen Cursors

Created for KDE, this mouse cursor set was ported to Windows and is one of the most famous mouse pointer sets of all time on DeviantArt. The set contains 37 different color schemes.

Mouse cursor download: Oxygen Cursors

3. Breeze Cursors for Windows

KDE is one of the most popular and beautiful desktop environments for Linux. Therefore, it also has some of the best mouse cursor themes you can find. That’s what inspired the Breeze Cursors for Windows pack. It features gray pointers with white borders and some orange and blue variations. Take a look at them in the screenshot below and, if you like them, download and install them. Unfortunately, this pack does not have an INF file, so you have to set each of the cursors manually.

Mouse cursor download: Breeze Cursors for Windows

4. macOS cursor pack for Windows

Are you a fan of MacOS? Did you recently switch to a Windows PC? Maybe you’d like to use some cursors that resemble the ones on your Mac. That’s what macOS cursor pack for Windows gives you.

The mouse pointers look great, and there are different sizes and types to choose from.

To download the cursor pack, go to the following webpage, tap or click on the green Code button, then on Download ZIP: macOS-cursors-for-Windows: With 2 types and 3 different sizes.

5. Windows 11 Cursors Concept v2

Since we presented a cursor pack similar to the ones used on macOS, it seems fair to show you one made specifically for Windows 11. The cursors come in two packs, Dark and Light, and both packs feature a clean design that perfectly matches the refreshed interface of Windows 11.

Download the cursors here: Windows 11 Cursors Concept v2 by rosea92

6. Android Material Cursors (Blue)

If you are an Android fan and you love Google’s material design a lot, maybe you would enjoy a taste of it on your Windows computer too, by using the Android Material Cursors scheme. Fortunately, it also comes with an INF file, so it is easy to install it.

Mouse cursor download: Android Material Cursors.

7. Overwatch Pointer

Overwatch is currently one of the most popular first-person shooter games, with over 60 million players around the world. If you’re one of them, or if you like gaming cursors, you’ll love the Overwatch Pointer cursor pack.

You can get the standard pack here: Overwatch Pointer, and the black version here: Blackwatch Pointer.

8. GTCC

GTCC is a custom cursor pack that offers clean and monochromatic pointers for Windows. The pointers are gray and have a curved appearance, unlike most other cursors in our list. Their shape has drawn our attention, and because we liked them, we believe some of you might too. Furthermore, you can easily install them on your Windows PC by running the install.inf file included in the pack.

Mouse cursor download: GTCC – cursor for Windows.

9. Opera Gx Cursor

Opera GX is a special version of the Opera browser, built specifically for gamers. The browser has some unique features: CPU, RAM, and Network limiters, Discord & Twitch sidebars and more. It also has a very particular design, which is now matched by this excellent cursor pack:

Mouse cursor download: Opera Gx Cursor

10. Volantes Dark Cursor Set

Here’s another dark cursor pack that we like. The archive includes standard-sized cursors, as well as smaller versions.

Mouse cursor download: Volantes-Dark.

11. Metro X1 Animated Cursors Set

Okay, too many dark cursors in the list, time to liven things up a little. The Metro X1 package has quite a few multi-colored cursors, if that’s your thing:

You can download the Metro X1 Cursor Set here: Metro X1 Animated Cursors Set.

12. Gant Cursor Pack

This cursor pack is based on the popular Gant icon set that is used for customizing Windows, Linux, etc. This pack of mouse cursors contains two color schemes: yellow and blue, and each of them has two cursor sets. In other words, there are a total of four sets of mouse cursors, located in four separate folders.

Mouse cursor download: Gant Cursor Pack

13. VS cursor (version 2.0)

This mouse cursor theme features a clean and simple design, with just enough color to keep it interesting. The archive contains two separate cursor packs, one with shadows and one without.

Mouse cursor download: VS cursor (version 2.0). The user who created this pack has also created quite a few other beautiful cursor packs. You can find all of them here: vladsukhetskyi – Interface Designer | DeviantArt.

14. Oxy-Neon Cursors

Do you want something more visible? Well, it doesn’t get much more visible than having neon-colored cursors. You have several colors to choose from: blue, orange, pink, red, white, and our favorite, ow-my-eyes green. Each set has its own installation file, so it’s super-easy to add the theme to your Windows device.

Download the mouse cursor theme here: Oxy-Neon Cursors.

15. Kuttu and Chinnu cursors

If you’re tired of the same ol’ designer cursors, with fluid design and macOS look, here’s a pointer pack that’s the complete opposite: made with free lines and hand drawing, without any design rules in mind. The creator of this pack also draws cartoon characters, and it shows:

Mouse cursor download location: cursors by anoop-pc.

16. Cursors Kawaii Cute Hello Kitty

For those who love the worldwide phenomenon that is Hello Kitty, here is a mouse cursor set featuring the cute Japanese icon. This cursor scheme does not contain an INF file. However, it can be used if you follow the recommendations shared in its description.

Mouse cursor download: Kawaii Cute Hello Kitty. Please note that you have to wait 35 seconds before the download begins if you don’t want to create an account on the website.

17. Direction

Here is Direction, a more unusual set of mouse pointers, which you might enjoy. You can see how they look in the picture below.

Mouse cursor download: Direction

18. Mario Gant

Here’s a set of high-quality custom cursors based on the Super Mario character. Pretty awesome, right?

Mouse cursor download: Mario Gant

19. UNDERSized

A set of simple and small-sized cursors for those who like tiny mouse pointers.

Mouse cursor download: UNDERSized

20. Krystall CS

A unique and colorful mouse pointer set. This cursor pack does not include an INF file for easy installation. However, it can be used if you follow the recommendations shared in its description to assign each custom mouse cursor manually.

Mouse cursor download: Krystall CS

21. Anathema Pink Cursor

How do you feel about the color pink? If you like it, here’s an excellent animated cursor pack by Anaidon-Aserra. The pack has a clean, modern design and contains 15 cursors (plus a few bonus ones).

The pack is available for download here: Anathema Pink Cursor. The good news is that if you like the design but dislike the color, you can also download the set in red, blue, and white.

22. Crystal Clear

Crystal Clear is a translucent mouse cursor set. If you want to see what is behind your mouse pointer, you should try this scheme. It uses material design and blends nicely with Windows’ flat UI.

Mouse cursor download: Crystal Clear v4.1

23. StartCraft 2

Are you a StarCraft fan? If the answer is yes, the StarCraft 2 mouse cursor theme is precisely what you might need to complete your StartCraft computer customization. The only downside is the fact that this theme does not offer any installer, so to get it on your computer, you have to follow the steps from its readme file.

Mouse cursor download: StartCraft 2

24. Radium 2

If you’re searching for a mouse cursor theme that’s intricate and simple at the same time, look no further, as Radium 2 is probably what you want. The detailed design and the beautiful shapes of the custom cursors will surely make you want them on your desktop. Radium 2 also includes an INF file that you can use to install the custom cursor theme on your computer.

Mouse cursor download: Radium 2

25. Vigyori 2

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t like emoticons? Why not try some emoticon-based mouse cursors? What could be better than seeing a smiling face each morning when you turn your computer on? For a brighter and happier desktop, try Vigyori (which, by the way, means Smile in Hungarian). ?

Mouse cursor download: Vigyori (2nd version)

26. Cupcake

Have you ever wished for a mouse cursor pack that is so cute that your heart melts? OK, maybe not yours, if you are a tough guy, but your daughter’s might, if you get the Cupcake mouse cursors on her Windows device.

Mouse cursor download: Cupcake

27. Mickey Mouse

This is yet another cute cursor scheme designed primarily for children, but also for some nostalgic grown-ups. ? If your children love Mickey Mouse and everything about it, you can surprise them with these “cartoon mouse” cursors.

Mouse cursor download: Mickey Mouse

28. Hirochi Sunburst AWD Cursors

If you happen to be passionate about racing cars, you’ll recognize the cursors in this pack immediately. They are all based on the Subaru Impreza WRX, and their quality is excellent: the archive contains both standard and high-resolution cursor packs. You don’t get an installation file, but you can follow the tutorial presented in the introduction to this article to install them on your system.

Download the cursor pack here: Hirochi Sunburst AWD Cursors.

29. Warframe Cursor Pack 1

Warframe is a role-playing third-person shooter that has captivated the hearts and minds of many gamers. The game itself is free to play and features superb graphics, and these two features are also present on this cursor pack inspired by the game.

Mouse cursor download: Warframe Cursor Pack 1.

30. ASUS ROG Cursor Set

We end this list with a cursor pack made for fans of the ASUS ROG brand. The pack contains 17 cursors which can be installed manually on your computer.

Download the cursor pack from here: ASUS ROG Cursor Set.

What is your favorite mouse cursor pack?

To create this article, we tried lots of mouse cursor schemes, and we shared the best we could find. We hope that you have enjoyed this roundup. If you did, do not hesitate to share it with others. Also, if you feel like searching for more mouse cursor schemes, you should try the Windows Cursors section from DeviantArt. It is a great place to start your search.

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The best phones to buy in 2024

By admin February 3, 2024

The best phones to buy in 2024, Fivu has tested just about every major smartphone released over the past year, including foldable Androids and the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models. These are our picks for the best phones.

We’re in the early days of 2024, which means we’re at the start of another year of new phones expected from most of the big manufacturers. Samsung kicked off the year by unveiling its new Galaxy S24 line, the company’s first to build in generative AI features like real-time call translation.

Below, I’ve compiled the definitive list of top phones you can buy right now, based on over a year’s worth of hands-on testing. My pick for the best phone overall goes to Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for its immersive and vibrant display, reliable battery life, and wealth of special features, including generative AI.

The best phones of 2024

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best phone overall

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh

Samsung’s newly-released Galaxy S24 line is the first to go all-in on AI, and the S24 Ultra is the most premium phone you can buy. The new Galaxy AI model embedded in the device brings a number of generative capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, the ability to circle an object on screen to perform an image-based Google search, AI-assisted photo editing and transcriptions, and a Chat Assist feature for figuring out how to phrase a message in different tones.

Like its predecessor the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra is built with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Though the price has gone up to $1,299 ($100 more than the S23 Ultra), the phone’s upgrades make it well worth it: The S24 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame, compared to last year’s aluminum, and features Corning’s new Gorilla Armor. It feels lighter in the hand, noticeably grippier, and more durable.

Under the hood, it includes an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for improved graphics and AI features, 12GB RAM (an increase from last year’s 8GB), and 2,600 nits of brightness — a big improvement over last year’s 1,750. The four-camera system also got an upgrade, with a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom for higher-quality shots of distant objects, sharper images, and clearer shots in dimly-lit environments.

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Best iPhone overall

iPhone 15 Pro Max specs: Processor: A17 Pro | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (2x), 12MP telephoto (5x) | Front camera: 12MP

The new iPhone 15 Pro Max offers everything a premium flagship smartphone should, including a brilliant 6.7-inch AMOLED display for all the media consumption — and mobile productivity, of course.

This year’s model also looks and feels different than any prior Pro Max devices, as it’s made of titanium instead of stainless steel and, therefore, significantly lighter in the hand. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max noticeably more comfortable to use.

Another major feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the USB-C connector; particularly, one that supports faster charging and data transfers, the ability to charge other devices including the Apple Watch from your iPhone, and the ability to connect to an external 4K monitor. These benefits are game-changing for professional content creators.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max also features a new 5x zoom camera lens — the equivalent of a 120mm focal length on a mirrorless or DSLR camera. A new Action button lets you better customize shortcuts and easily open the apps you need, including firing up the camera with a press-and-hold. And the A17 Pro chip rounds out the year’s upgrades, offering improved graphical performance.

Apple is charging you more for this year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a starting price that’s now been bumped up to $1,199. In turn, the device comes with a base storage of 256GB.

The best phones to buy in 2024

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Best camera phone

Google Pixel 8 Pro features: Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto | Front camera: 10.8MP

When it comes to camera performance, you really can’t go wrong with any of the flagship devices from the big three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). Depending on your preference for color temperature and feature set, you may lean towards one manufacturer over the other. But more often than not, it’s Google’s Pixel camera system that satisfies the most users, and the latest Pixel 8 Pro remains a champion both for instant capturing and post-processing.

This year’s model features a reliable triple lens setup, with a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide that’s notably more capable at capturing macro and close-up photos, and a 48MP telephoto lens for far-distance shots. Should you want more granular control over the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera quality, there’s now a series of Pro controls that allow you to tweak settings like the exposure and shutter speed.

But real-time capturing is only half the battle with mobile photography; there’s also post-processing and how flexible devices are with editing and tweaking subjects around. To that regard, the Pixel 8 Pro may just have the most flexible and creative photo toolbox on the market, with AI features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Best Take that can turn any bad photo into a good one.

OnePlus Open

Best tablet-style foldable phone

OnePlus Open features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.3 inches and 7.8 inches | Storage options: 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto| Front camera: 32MP (outer) and 20MP (inner)

The number of foldable phones on the market this year basically quintupled compared the 2022, thanks to the collective effort of just about every manufacturer, including Google with its Pixel Fold, Motorola with its Razr lineup, and OnePlus with the OnePlus Open. While Samsung has held the reins of the best foldable honor for years, I’m giving the top spot this year to the OnePlus Open.

Unlike its competitors, the OnePlus Open strikes the best balance of weight-to-size ratio. When folded, the phone is as light as an iPhone Pro Max, and when unfolded, it expands into a thin slate of visual goodness. OnePlus leverages the 7.8-inch display by offering some of the most intuitive multitasking features I’ve tested, headlined by “Open Canvas”. With it, you can open up to three apps at once, and as you tap into each one, the other one or two will tuck itself to the side, ready to reappear when needed.

The triple camera setup, while presented in a casing that sticks out more than I’d prefer, captures spectacular photos and videos, with an emphasis on blue and orangish hues that cinematographers and photography buffs know and love. By nature of the foldable form factor, the Open is also capable of taking hands-free selfies and group photos.

OnePlus got the fundamentals down pat with the Open, too, including 65W fast charging capabilities (with a charger in the box) that blow past Samsung and Google’s foldable standards, a base configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and a crease-less inner display. The cherry on top for me is its $1,699 price tag, with OnePlus offering $200 off when you trade in any phone in any condition.

Motorola Razr Plus

Best flip-style foldable phone

Motorola Razr Plus features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Display size: 3.6 inches and 6.9 inches | Storage options: 256GB | Rear cameras: 12MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP

Flip phones have made a (somewhat) triumphant return, even if teenagers and young adults are opting for the dumber option of the two types. The Motorola Razr Plus marks the return of the old-school handset, or as I put it in my full review, “a return to form, modernizing a classic flip phone into one of today’s best foldables.”

With the new Razr Plus, Motorola has equipped the outer cover of the phone with a 3.6-inch display. Besides doubling as a rear-camera viewfinder, the external display basically serves as a secondary, smaller phone. You’re able to run the same apps and services that you would on the inner 6.9-inch panel, including making phone calls, text messaging, watching TikToks, and playing games. The same can be achieved with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, though you’d have to jump through a loophole or two.

The foldable form factor of the Razr Plus ultimately lends itself to an improved camera experience. Since you’re able to flex the display at an upright angle, it’s easier to get everyone in the frame for group photos, take selfies, and capture long-exposure shots that would typically require a tripod or mounting accessory.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Best budget phone

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G features: Processor: Exynos 1380 | Display size: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro| Front camera: 32MP

Believe it or not, Samsung’s best-selling smartphone last year was not one of its S-series or foldable devices, rather it was the humble Galaxy A53 5G, which delivered an uncompromising phone experience with a smooth-scrolling screen, reliable battery, and up to five years of software support. The device was priced at just $449, undercutting its more premium competitors and heavy-handedly beating Apple’s own mid-range handset, the iPhone SE.

This year’s A54 5G ticks just as many boxes as its predecessor but with a series of subtle yet useful upgrades. For example, the display is still a large 6.4-inch panel that ramps up to 120Hz refresh rate, but now shines at 1,000 nits of brightness (from 800 nits), the battery size is still a healthy 5,000mAh capacity, and the unit is now powered by an Exynos 1380 chipset. That’s a minor bump from last year’s Exynos chip, but a bump nonetheless.

The Galaxy A54 also features an exterior design that’s more in line with Samsung’s S-series phones and a new camera system that’s headlined by a 50-megapixel main lens. From our testing, the photo results — both in daytime and nighttime — were evenly lit and sharpened just enough for you to share with others with confidence. Video capturing is capped at 4K, though the 128GB internal storage that can be expanded via MicroSD card should be ample enough for use.

OnePlus 11

Best fast-charging phone

OnePlus 11 features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto| Front camera: 16MP

A slow-charging phone can be a real pain point, especially if you’re always on the go. That’s why the OnePlus 11 carves out its own best category, beating Apple, Google, and even Samsung when it comes to charging speed. The latest model comes with 100W SuperVooc fast charging or 80W in the US, which is still great.

For reference, the highest-end iPhone 15 Pro Max has a charging speed limit of 30W and Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra caps out at 45W. From ZDNET’s testing and comparisons, both of those devices take a least an hour to go from 0% to 75% battery, falling noticeably short of the OnePlus 11’s numbers.

In less than 27 minutes, the OnePlus can go from empty to full. That charging speed, and the fact that OnePlus includes its proprietary charger in the box, put it a step above the rest.

The best part is that the rest of the phone is no slouch either; you’re getting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a 5,000mAh dual-cell battery, and a competitive triple-camera array that gets the job done. In total, OnePlus is charging you a starting rate of $699, which is just as good of a value pickup as the best budget smartphone on this list.

Asus Zenfone 10

Best compact phone

Asus Zenfone 10 features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 5.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP

There’s no denying that, over the past five years, smartphones have become more and more unwieldy. Apple now offers Plus and Max-sized iPhones, Samsung has an “Ultra” beast, and even Google has a foldable that opens up to 7.6 inches. On the other end of the spectrum sits the Asus Zenfone 10, a device that deviates from the norm in favor of ergonomics and in-hand comfort, and the decision pays off.

Like last year’s Asus Zenfone 9, which I called “the iPhone Mini alternative for Android enthusiasts,” the newest model features a compact 5.9-inch AMOLED display, all the power you’d need in a modern-day phone thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and two capable cameras on the rear.

The battery life on the Asus holds up surprisingly well, too, with my review unit recording nearly two days of usage before hitting 0%. Some smaller yet significant details to note include the 3.5mm headphone jack on top, a physical side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a texturized back cover that looks and feels great in the hand.

What is the best phone?

Our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It features everything you could want from a smartphone including a large display, four cameras that can shoot 200MP photos and 8K video, up to 1TB of storage, a built-in S Pen for writing and drawing, and a 5,000mAh battery powering the system. Here’s how the S23 Ultra fares with the rest of our top picks.

Which phone is right for you?

Choosing a phone can be a daunting task. But having a list of your must-have features can go a long way toward narrowing down your options. If you’re a mobile professional or travel a lot for work, you’ll want to choose a phone that can provide you with at least a full day of use on a full battery as well as both LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity.

If you’re looking for your teen’s first smartphone, a budget-friendly and less feature-heavy option may be better to prevent overspending as well as misuse. And if you’re a content creator or other creative professional, you’ll want a phone with an excellent front and rear camera to capture photos and videos for your social media feed.

Choose this best phone…	If you want…
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra	A no-compromise smartphone that virtually any type of user can take advantage of. It’s the only 2024 smartphone with a built-in stylus.
iPhone 15 Pro Max	The best iPhone money can buy. It has a large screen, the longest-lasting battery out of all the models, and a toolbox of a camera system.
Google Pixel 8 Pro	A flagship camera experience at your fingertips. The Pixel 8 Pro differentiates itself with a slew of AI-powered camera tricks like Magic Editor and Best Take.
OnePlus Open	The best phone-to-tablet foldable that money can buy. And if you’re a power user, the multitasking and charging features especially will serve you well.
Motorola Razr Plus	A flip-style foldable that’s both compact and performant. With a large 3.6-inch external display and the market’s first dust-resistant build, this is the foldable to buy for most people.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G	A more budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance and battery life. The A54 5G is also eligible for up to five years of software and security updates, besting that of any phone of a similar price.
OnePlus 11	A phone that lasts long and charges from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. The OnePlus 11 is quietly good value, too, starting at $699.
Asus Zenfone 10	A compact phone that’s easy to pocket but doesn’t compromise on performance and specs. The Zenfone 10 is also competitively priced, starting at $699.

How did we choose these phones?

The process to make our phone selections includes real-world testing and researching about the phones for weeks, consulting with colleagues, industry experts, and analysts who also have hands-on experience with the smartphones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.

Ultimately, we weigh in the following aspects when curating this list:

Design: There’s only so much you can do with a slab design, but size differences, material choices, color options, and even the ability to bend a screen in half give shoppers enough diversity to have a preference. That’s why we have a recommendation for every form factor.
Performance: For many, smartphones are the center of our lives, which means the best ones are performant and can handle most, if not all, tasks you throw at them.
Camera: Arguably the most valuable feature of a smartphone; the consistency and reliability of a camera system can make or break the overall mobile experience. We test every device in broad daylight and in the darkest of nights when finalizing this list.
Battery: Every option in this guide should last you at least a day of moderate use. We also take into consideration what devices support fast charging and/or wireless charging.
Value: Price points are noted, but the most important thing with buying a phone is getting your money’s worth. With these picks, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Which phone has the best camera?

It’s debatable between the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. For long-distance shots, Samsung’s 200MP rear camera with 100x Space Zoom can capture subjects as far out as the moon. For point-and-shoot pictures and a rather simplified (but effective) camera experience, Google’s Pixel phones have always been at the top. If you’re a videographer at heart, then the iPhone 15 Pro, with Cinematic mode and Action mode, makes for an excellent tool to get the shots you need.

How long should a phone battery last?

The average phone battery gives you about 22 hours of use on a full charge, which is great for staying connected on your commutes, work flights, and at home in the evenings. But that’s just the average, actual use time varies by phone model and by what you’re using your phone for.

For example, the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 29-hour battery life. But you’ll most certainly get less than that if you habitually scroll through social media or stream video and music. And the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has just a nine-hour battery life, which is further reduced by streaming, social media, and making calls.

How much storage should my phone have?

Most smartphones have a base storage capacity of 128GB, which is plenty of space for average users to download apps and music, take photos, and shoot videos. However, if you’re a mobile or creative professional, you’ll need more space. Many smartphones have expanded storage options up to 512GB or even 1TB, and you can always sync your phone to your preferred cloud storage service to free up local storage space.

Which phones are also worth considering?

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, there are tons of options out there. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or get your first smartphone, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have great choices:

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The best OLED monitors in 2024

By admin February 2, 2024

The best OLED monitors in 2024, OLED monitors have emerged as a cutting-edge display technology, offering users a visual experience that goes beyond traditional LCD or LED monitors. With self-emitting pixels that deliver unparalleled contrast ratios, true blacks, and vibrant colors, OLED monitors redefine the standards for visual excellence. These displays not only elevate the viewing experience for entertainment and gaming but also prove to be invaluable for professional tasks where color accuracy and clarity are paramount.

Notably, some OLED TVs are doubling as monitor alternatives, and they come equipped with compatible software features like AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.

If you are planning to buy a new monitor, now is a good time to invest in an OLED. Here is a look at some of the best ones that you can buy today.

Alienware 32 QD-OLED

The best OLED gaming monitor

Why you should buy this: A premium OLED gaming monitor that justifies its high price point.

Who’s it for: Gamers, developers and content creators who need a bright and color accurate monitor.

Why we chose the Alienware 32 QD-OLED:

The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor was considered to be one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors on the market, but now we have a new 32-inch version, which is even better. Featuring the latest 32-inch 4K OLED display with an exceptional 240Hz refresh rate from Samsung, the monitor combines cutting-edge resolution with high-speed performance, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. The QD-OLED panel brings OLED’s renowned benefits of deep black levels, high contrast, and remarkable color accuracy to a monitor size, challenging the dominance of larger OLED TVs.

The AW3225QF boasts a similar design with the black and white Alienware aesthetics as its predecessor along with a subtle curve to the display providing an immersive viewing experience. Its variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and G-Sync support ensure a seamless gaming experience with reduced input delay and screen tears.

With features like Dolby Vision support, pixel refresher, and a customizable RGB lighting system, the AW3225QF caters to the diverse needs of gamers. While lacking built-in speakers, the monitor offers an array of video and USB ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and eARC, ensuring versatile connectivity. Priced at $1,200, the AW3225QF emerges as a premium investment for those seeking a cutting-edge OLED monitor.

The best OLED monitors in 2024

Alienware 27 QD-OLED

Best 27-inch OLED monitor

Why you should buy this: Hands down the best-performing OLED monitor at its size.

Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a high-end OLED monitor with limited desk space.

Why we chose the Alienware 27 QD-OLED:

Along with the new 32-inch QD-OLED, Alienware also launched a new 27-inch QD-OLED this year at CES. It manages to exceed expectations, presenting compelling competition to the LG’s 27-inch UltraGear OLED. The 27-inch display introduces third-gen QD-OLED technology, significantly enhancing color accuracy out of the box while retaining the impressive brightness characteristic of QD-OLED displays. With a higher refresh rate and a fairly low price point at $900, the 27 QD-OLED outshines most monitors in its category, making it a standout choice for almost all types of users. The monitor’s sleek design, including a hexagonal stand with efficient cable management, adds to its premium feel, although the bezels are slightly thicker than some competitors.

In terms of specifications, the 27 QD-OLED boasts a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a peak brightness of 1,000 nits in HDR, and a remarkable 360Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Adaptive Sync. The monitor’s response time of 0.03ms (GtG) coupled with OLED’s near-instantaneous response makes it exceptionally smooth for gaming. The color accuracy is outstanding, with an average Delta-E of 0.46 in the standard picture profile. Alienware’s inclusion of a customizable illuminated logo and number on the back adds a touch of flair. With a market-leading three-year warranty covering burn-in, the 27 QD-OLED emerges as a top-tier gaming monitor that successfully builds upon the strengths of its predecessor.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB

Exceptional OLED with built-in smart features

Why you should buy this: As good as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, but with additional smart features.

Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a premium OLED monitor that can also double as a multimedia hub.

Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:

Samsung’s new Odyssey G8 OLED is a pretty strong competitor for the Alienware 34 QD-OLED. It features a very similar 34-inch WQHD (3440 x 1440) QD-OLED panel offering a 175Hz refresh rate, and an 1800R curve. The primary difference is that the Samsung monitor does not come with native Nvidia G-Sync whereas the Alienware does.

Like most OLED monitors it looks stunning for any form of media, with perfect black levels. It offers 100% sRGB, 99% coverage of DCI-P3 and 94% coverage of AdobeRGB. In our testing we noticed that at full brightness, the monitor was also very accurate in SDR, offering a color error of only 0.8 (anything under 2 is considered suitable for color work).

The Odyssey G8 also comes with additional smart features. There is Samsung’s Tizen OS built into the monitor, similar to the Samsung Smart Monitor M8. This gives you access to apps like Netflix and YouTube, Samsung’s Game Hub, and more. You also get a remote control, giving you easier access to settings and functionality.

LG UltraGear 48-inch OLED

Best large-format OLED monitor

Why you should buy this: Offers similar experience as an OLED TV, but with benefits of a traditional monitor.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a large monitor that is great for gaming and productivity.

Why we chose the LG UltraGear 48-inch OLED:

The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 monitor was LG’s first OLED monitor, but it was able to build on the pedigree of its excellent OLED TVs to create a truly stellar and very large OLED gaming monitor. The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 features a 47.5-inch panel with a 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution and a 120Hz minimum refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 138Hz for PC gaming.

Other specifications on the 48-inch LG UltraGear include a 10-bit panel, HDR support, anti-glare coating, 1ms gray-to-gray response time, a DCI-P3 color gamut with 98.5% coverage, built-in speakers, and a purple design in the rear that helps it stand out from a sea of grays and blacks. It also features two additional HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and a headphone jack, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility.

Since its initial launch in the U.K., the LG UltraGear 48GQ900 made its way to the U.S. in the form of a 48GQ900-B model, which has similar specs but a slightly different design. The monitor is available at at all the usual outlets; just make sure you’re getting the right model. The monitor is currently on sale and is available at a solid price of $900.

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240

Unique bendable ultra-wide OLED gaming monitor

Why you should buy this: A unique ultrawide OLED that can be converted into a curved monitor.

Who’s it for: Creative professionals, gamers, and content creators who want to experience the best of two worlds.

Why we chose the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45:

Corsair is a well-known name in the computing industry. It expanded its product range by launching monitors in 2023, and its flagship offering is the Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240. It is a one-of-a-kind OLED gaming monitor that comes with a bendable display.

Essentially, you can use it as a regular flat panel or use the two handles on the side to covert it into a curved monitor with an 800R curve. The 45-inch display comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, which isn’t the highest, so you can expect slightly lower pixel density compared to other OLED 4K monitors.

It uses an LG OLED panel with a high 240Hz refresh rate with low input lag, although it tends to increase at lower refresh rates. The panel supports FreeSync VRR and G-SYNC compatibility, and it also has HDMI 2.1. You get punchy colors and a deep black with almost no blooming effect around bright objects. You also get a KVM switch and Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture modes, as well as a wide array of I/O ports.

It’s expensive, so if you don’t like the bending gimmick, LG’s UltraGear OLED 45 is a great alternative.

LG C3 OLED

Best OLED smart TV

Why you should buy this: It is one of the best OLED TVs on the market.

Who’s it for: Those who want a high-quality console gaming experience.

Why we chose the LG C3 OLED:

The new LG C3 OLED TV continues the legacy of its predecessor and is our pick for the best OLED smart TV. Available in range of sizes starting from 42-inches all the way up to 83-inches, the new C3 is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium OLED experience, especially if you are into console gaming. Expect flawless contrast, deep and inky blacks with minimal blooming around bright objects. The impressive viewing angle eliminates any concerns about discoloration and overall the TV provides a consistent and immersive experience.

It is worth noting that the C3 deviates from a standard RGB subpixel layout, resulting in less clear text when used as a monitor, and its SDR brightness takes a hit when the PC mode enabled. On the other hand, it is a fantastic TV for playing the latest games in HDR. The TV offers low input lag, making games incredibly responsive and supports popular resolutions like 1440p at 120Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Its excellent reflection handling, combined with satisfactory HDR brightness ensures an enjoyable gaming experience.

Other notable features include LG’s proprietary webOS smart interface, four HDMI 2.1 ports and the company’s latest processor that ensures improved image processing through LG’s Brightness Booster Max and AI Tech technologies.

Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH

Best portable OLED monitor

Why you should buy this: A well-made compact OLED monitor that offers excellent color accuracy.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a thin, portable monitor they can carry around.

Why we chose the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH:

Portable monitors, although in a niche category, prove valuable as secondary displays during travel. The Asus ZenScreen OLED stands out as an excellent choice, as it features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel with up to 400 nits of brightness and an impressive contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (with HDR contrast reaching 1,000,000:1). Asus claims a swift 1ms response time (GtG) from the 60Hz panel, while the monitor itself features high-quality plastic construction.

The OLED panel on the portable monitor is capable of producing great colors with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Delta E < 2 color accuracy. It also features an embedded proximity sensor that helps in saving power and preventing image burn-in as it switches the monitor to a power-saving mode when it detects the user has moved away.

There is no mounting hardware or a built-in kickstand, but you do get a magnetic origami-style case that can be used to prop the display in both horizontal or vertical modes. In terms of ports, the monitor features a headphone jack, two USB-C/DisplayPort ports, an additional USB-C port for power, and one mini-HDMI port.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OLED technology?

OLED is short for Organic Light-Emitting Diode which is a type of display technology used in screens commonly seen on TVs, monitors, smartphones, and other devices. OLED screens are made up of individual organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied to them. Unlike traditional LCD screens that require a backlight, OLED screens emit their own light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This allows for deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors, as each pixel can be turned on or off independently. OLED technology also often results in thinner and more flexible displays compared to traditional LCDs.

Are OLED displays expensive?

OLED displays tend to be more expensive compared to traditional LCD displays. This is primarily because the manufacturing process for OLED panels is more intricate and can be costlier. The organic materials used in OLED screens can be sensitive to moisture and oxygen, requiring specialized manufacturing facilities and techniques.

What are the downsides of OLED monitors?

OLED monitors have a potential issue: burn-in. All OLED displays can suffer from burn-in, where static images will slowly fade into the screen over time, becoming a permanent blemish. OLED monitors are particularly prone to this problem due to desktop use, where you often have several parts of the screen occupied by static images. Thankfully, most OLED monitors come with burn-in prevention features like pixel shifting, and some displays such as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, include multi-year warranties with burn-in protection.

What is the difference between OLED and LCD?

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) are two distinct display technologies. LCDs use a backlight to illuminate pixels, with liquid crystals acting as shutters to control light passage. OLEDs, in contrast, utilize organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, making each pixel self-emitting.

In terms of contrast ratio, LCDs may struggle to achieve true black levels due to the always-on backlight, resulting in a higher black level and lower contrast. OLEDs, however, can achieve perfect black levels, delivering a higher contrast ratio for more vibrant images. Viewing angles on LCDs may experience limitations, while OLED offers superior viewing angles with consistent image quality from nearly any perspective.

There was a time when LCDs offered faster response times than OLEDs, but that is no longer the case. With improvements over time, modern OLED panels are extremely fast, offering up to a 240Hz refresh rate and up to an 0.03ms response time. LCDs also consume more power due to the always-on backlight, whereas OLEDs are more energy-efficient, as each pixel is individually lit, consuming power only where needed.

Regarding life span, LCDs generally have a longer one, while OLEDs may experience degradation of organic compounds over time, potentially leading to a gradual decline in brightness and color accuracy. With that in mind, the choice between LCD and OLED depends on specific use cases, preferences, and budget considerations.

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Best Android phones in 2024

By admin January 16, 2024

Best Android phones in 2024, Need a new phone? Look no further than this selection of best Android phones you should buy, including the best from Google, Samsung and more!

We’re approaching the tail end of 2023, and it’s safe to say that it’s been a great year for smartphone enthusiasts and those who were in the market to buy a new phone. We have seen some incredible launches from the likes of Samsung, OnePlus, and Apple, and there are simply too many good flagships to count this year. We’ve also received some solid mid-rangers and best value picks in the form of Galaxy A54 5G, Pixel 7a, and more recently, the Galaxy S23 FE.

Similarly, the foldable space was also packed with some great launches, so there’s no shortage of reliable Android phones in 2023. If you are in the market to buy a new Android flagship and can’t figure out which one is better, then check out the collection below in which I’ve highlighted some of the best phones across different categories.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in green with transparent background showing front and back of the phone with S Pen stylus

Source: Samsung

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motorola edge+ 2023 in black, transparent background, floating in air showing angular front and back sides

Source: Motorola

Motorola Edge Plus (2023)

Fantastic alternative

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Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Best value pick

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Samsung A54 5G in black with transparent background, showing front and partial back panel

Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Best mid-range pick

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oneplus11 device in black transparent background showing only back side

Source: OnePlus

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Best Android phones in 2024

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best overall

The best flagship on the market, hands down

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best phones on the market, packing an all-new 200MP sensor, a refined design, a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, and One UI 5.1.

Pros

• The most versatile camera system

• Excellent performance

• S Pen included

Cons

• Too big and unwieldy to use with one hand easily

• Other than the main camera and new chip, not a major upgrade over the S22 Ultra

Considering the Galaxy S21 and S22 Ultra held this spot for almost all of 2021 and 2022, Samsung didn’t need to do much for the Galaxy S23 Ultra to claim this spot immediately upon release, particularly in the U.S. market. And while Samsung retained mostly the same display, design, and internal components except for the newest Qualcomm chip, it does bring a major update: the main camera is now a 200MP sensor, capable of shooting actual 200MP photos or 12.5MP shots using 16-in-1 pixel binning.

The new camera allows the Galaxy S23 Ultra to make further improvements to low light photography, as a normal binned photo will contain almost twice as much image information as the S22 Ultra’s main camera shots. You can also shoot in full 200MP, after which you can crop in significantly and not lose as many details as other mobile camera photos. While the other cameras on the rear — a pair of 10MP zoom lenses and the 12MP ultra-wide — remain unchanged from the S22 Ultra, Samsung’s improved computational photography plus the newer ISP in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make for improved photos with better exposure and colors.

The fully integrated S-Pen, 5,000 mAh battery, along with a gorgeous 6.8-inch Super AMOLED panel with excellent peak brightness and energy efficiency all make their return, making for a polished and powerful device. Throw in Android 13 with four guaranteed years of Android updates and then another year of security updates, plus great Samsung software features like Samsung DeX, and you have a do-it-all, well-rounded flagship that offers more than what any other phone has to offer. If you want the most reliable, capable, and widely available Android phone, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still it.

Motorola Edge Plus (2023)

Fantastic alternative

A surprisingly good alternative to phones from Google & Samsung

The 2023 flagship Edge+ brings an impressive spec sheet and an affordable price. From the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor to the 165Hz pOLED display, Motorola is offering North Americans perhaps its most complete high-end phone in years.

Pros

• Great overall performance

• Reliable software experience

• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Zoom past 5x on the cameras is a mess

• Not available at carriers

The 2023 model of the Moto Edge+ is a high-end phone that once again brings Motorola into the flagship conversation. It offers a long list of features that makes it worth it in 2023 over other options out there. The Edge+ (2023) brings a lot of improvements over its predecessor to become a great alternative to flagships from Samsung and Google.

One of the highlights of this phone is its design. The Edge+ (2023) features curves on both front and back for a quad-curved design that looks beautiful and feels premium to hold. It also sports a 6.67-inch OLED panel with support for up to 165Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip to deliver excellent performance, and it also packs a massive 5,100mAh battery for reliable battery life.

My only complaint is the availability because the Edge+ (2023) is not available on any carriers in the U.S. That’s a potential deal-breaker for those who prefer bundling their phones with qualifying plans for monthly payments instead of buying them unlocked. But if that’s not stopping you, then I can’t recommend the Moto Edge+ (2023) enough. There’s a lot to like about this particular smartphone, and you can learn more about it in our Motorola Edge+ (2023) review.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Best value pick

Reliable Samsung Galaxy experience that we know and love, for cheap

The Galaxy S23 FE comes in tons of colors and gives you the core Samsung experience for a more affordable price.

Pros

• Beautiful AMOLED display

• Premium build quality

• Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software

Samsung’s new Galaxy S23 FE stands as a great choice for those who are looking to buy a Galaxy smartphone, but don’t want to shell out a premium price for it. The Galaxy S23 FE looks and feels in hand like its flagship siblings. It even has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate, which is the same as the one you get on the regular Galaxy S23. It sports Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and the back, and it even features an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The only difference between the Galaxy S23 FE and the regular Galaxy S23 is that the more affordable model is powered by a relatively older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in the U.S. as opposed to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip. It also features a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom as opposed to a 12MP sensor, and a 10MP selfie camera instead of a 12MP shooter on the Galaxy S23. The rest of the camera sensors are the same, though.

The fact that the Galaxy S23 FE offers a very similar experience to the more expensive flagship Galaxy S23 models for a starting price of $600 is great. That’s $200 less than the most affordable model in the flagship Galaxy S23 lineup, making it a great value pick. Google’s Pixel 7a is also a solid option to consider if you’re in the market to buy a relatively affordable phone. The Pixel 7a is, in fact, even cheaper, so it’s better suited for those who are on a tighter budget. I suggest you check out Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 7a comparison to learn more about the differences between the two.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Best mid-range pick

Samsung Galaxy experience for less

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a great mid-range phone. It offers a sleek design, a beautiful 120Hz display, plenty of power under the hood, and a triple camera setup on the back.

Pros

• Excellent screen at this price point

• Solid main camera

• Glass body instead of plastic

Cons

• Useless macro camera

• A bit slower than pricier phones

Samsung’s Galaxy A54 brings a 120Hz vibrant OLED display, a strong 50MP, f/1.8 main camera, and a glass body at a mid-range price. Previously, Samsung’s A series used a plastic body, so this new construction is an immediate step-up. The phone also packs a large 5,000mAh battery and keeps expandable storage, which is very rare in modern smartphones.

The A54 runs Android 13 with Samsung’s OneUI, and the software experience is pleasant. Despite the phone running on an Exynos chip — which doesn’t get the best rep — overall performance is relatively smooth. The phone isn’t going to zip around as fast as a flagship Samsung or even the OnePlus 11, but it’s not a slow phone either.

The main camera uses Samsung’s improved software processing to produce lively images, and even in low-light situations, it performs well. The ultrawide camera is just average, however, falling to the usual soft details and noise in low-light situations. However, add in official IP67 water resistance and stereo speakers, and the A54 is a very good mid-range option. It’s also cheaper than the Galaxy S23 FE, and you can check out our Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy A54 5G comparison to learn more about the differences between the two.

OnePlus 11

Best software and speed

Still the fastest and smoothest phone around

The OnePlus 11 is the company’s return to form, offering an almost-flagship experience at a lower price point than what Samsung charges.

Pros

• Fast, zippy UI

• Very good main camera

• Fast charging with included charger

Cons

• No official water resistance rating even though cheaper phones offer it

• No wireless charging

Look, I know OnePlus’ OxygenOS has lost a bit of its identity over the past year, ever since OnePlus and OPPO finally admitted to being the same company and OxygenOS began looking more and more like OPPO’s ColorOS. But here’s the thing: ColorOS is good, and this “colorfied” version of OxygenOS running in the OnePlus 11 is still one of the zippiest and smoothest software around.

Every Android flagship offers a 120Hz refresh rate these days, but OxygenOS’ (and ColorOS’) animations just zip around noticeably faster and smoother than, say, Samsung’s OneUI, which sees dropped frames from time to time. Google’s Pixel UI has pretty smooth animations, and a case can be made for that software taking this spot, but OxygenOS is just a bit more customizable, with a better always-on display and more useful shortcut gestures.

The OnePlus 11 itself is a fine phone, too, running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with a visually striking design that sees the camera module spill over the sides and blends into the chassis. It also has a very good Hasselblad camera system headlined by a 50MP IMX890 main camera plus a 48MP ultrawide shooter, and a 32MP 2x telephoto zoom lens. Photos captured by the OnePlus 11 are vibrant with punchy colors and excellent dynamic range.

The OnePlus 11 ships with a 100W fast charging brick (80W in the U.S.) that can top up the phone from 0-100% in under 25 minutes. Overall, the OnePlus 11 is a good-looking, polished Android phone that should satisfy your need for speed, and it’s priced a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Galaxy S23+.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Best point-and-shoot camera

Google’s AI camera magic

$799 $999 Save $200

The Pixel 8 Pro is the latest flagship from Google, and it packs the best the company has to offer in 2023. It features the newest Tensor G3 processor, like its regular Pixel 8 sibling, but it comes with a 6.7-inch OLED display, a brighter screen, a larger battery, and more storage options.

Pros

• Incredible AI camera features

• Absolutely one of the best camera systems around

• Good design and build quality

Cons

• Not a big jump over the Pixel 7 Pro

• Not the best performing flagship out there

A quick comparison between the Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro will tell you that the new flagship doesn’t bring a lot of new things to the table. It does offer a better camera system, though, thanks to all the new generative AI features. All of these features are scary good, and they allow you to tweak the photos after the fact, meaning you tweak and make a shot better even after capturing it.

As far as the cameras are concerned, the Pixel 8 Pro sports a triple camera setup at the back which includes a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. It also features a 10.5MP selfie shooter with PDAF as opposed to a 10.8MP shooter on the previous-gen model. We’ve added lots of camera samples captured using the Pixel 8 Pro in review, so be sure to check it out in case you’re wondering how good the cameras are.

In terms of the internals, we’re looking at Google’s new Tensor G3 chip inside the Pixel 8 Pro as opposed to the Tensor G2. The base variant of the Pixel 8 Pro also comes with 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB. Some other noteworthy differences between the two include a slightly bigger battery, support for faster charging, and the addition of a new temperature sensor. The Pixel 8 Pro, however, costs $100 more than the Pixel 7 Pro at launch. In fact, you’re likely to find the Pixel 7 Pro at discounted prices now, so keep that in mind.

Asus ROG Phone 7

Best gaming phone

The ultimate Android gaming phone

Packed with specs and software gaming optimizations, the Asus ROG Phone 7 is one of the best when it comes to smartphones specifically made for mobile gaming.

Pros

• Gaming-specific software

• Packed to the gills with specs

• First-party gaming accessories

Cons

• Sub-par camera performance

ASUS has a solid list of gaming phones under its belt, so it’s hardly a surprise to see an ROG phone making it to our list as the best gaming phone pick. The ROG Phone 7 comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a gaming in 2023, and it’s a great pick for those who are looking to buy Android phone for gaming.

It packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, and up to 512GB of UFS4.0 storage. Notably, it also packs a 6,000mAh battery with 65W fast charging, which delivers up to two-day battery life. The ROG Phone 7 also boasts a huge 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display, which is a fluid and responsive panel for gaming.

The ROG Phone 7 is a bit on the heavier side, weighing in at 239g, but it’s partly due to Asus’ Gamecool 7, an included cooling solution that has a large vapor chamber, graphite cooling sheets, and an external fan accessory. The extra heft is essentially just a small price to pay for a phone that runs cool and won’t thermal throttle while gaming.

The ROG Phone 7 is not for everyone, but it’s a great choice for those who are looking to buy a reliable Android handset for gaming. You can also consider checking out the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, which steps things up, for an even better experience.

OnePlus Open

Best large foldable

Snatching the crown from Samsung’s best foldable phone

$1500 $1700 Save $200

The OnePlus Open is the company’s first foldable, featuring a sleek design, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform chip, advanced camera system, and more. It is available in two colorways and starts at $1,500.

Pros

• The best foldable phone displays yet

• Impressive camera hardware

• Great multitasking features

Cons

• No wireless charging

• A bit on the expensive side

The OnePlus Open is currently the best foldable phone you can buy in the U.S. market if you’re looking for a large-sized foldable device instead of a clamshell model. The OnePlus Open, just like the Galaxy Z Fold 5, is a book-style foldable that gets a lot of things right and offers a premium experience at a relatively lower price. It’s essentially just a rebranded OPPO Find N3, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a solid entry in the foldable space.

One of the highlights of the OnePlus Open is that there’s no noticeable crease on the internal folding display of this device. It also has a matte finish that makes it less reflective than the ones on the competing phones. The Open also sports an excellent set of cameras that can capture some photos and videos like the ones highlighted in our OnePlus Open review.

The OxygenOS powering the overall experience of the OnePlus Open is also great, and it brings some solid multitasking features to the table. Part of what makes a book-style foldable great are the multi-tasking features that let you take full advantage of the screen real-estate, and OnePlus has got it right for the most part.

It also looks great and has a premium build to match its price tag. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 is also a good foldable phone overall, but it falls a bit short while going against the OnePlus Open in a head-to-head comparison. I suggest you check out our OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5 comparison to learn more about the differences between these two phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Best small foldable

Evenly matched with the Moto Razr+

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the latest compact foldable from Samsung, offering a flexible 6.7-inch internal display, a 3.4-inch external display, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and much more.

You can score up to $600 off with trade-ins at Samsung.com.

Pros

• Compact form factor

• Bigger outer screen offers more usability

• New hinge improves the form factor

Cons

• The camera still needs work

• No DeX support

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, just like its predecessor, is a fun foldable phone that’s significantly more affordable than its bigger sibling. Unlike the Fold 5, which is a better phone for power users, the Flip 5 is a pocketable phone that’s only meant to make your smartphone experience more fun. I’d say it’s a good entry into the world of foldable, and you should consider buying one if you fancy a phone that’ll make you stand out.

Unlike other Samsung products this year, the Z Flip 5 got one big upgrade. It now sports a much bigger cover display on the outside, which lets you do more things without unfolding the phone. It’s almost the same size as the one you get on the Moto Razr+, but Samsung makes it a bit harder to use applications on it. The Flip 5 also gets the same hinge as the Fold 5, meaning it folds completely flat. Notably, it’s also powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for Galaxy, so it’s just as powerful as Samsung’s other flagship Galaxy phones this year.

I suggest you stop by our Galaxy Z Flip 5 review to learn more about it before picking one up. It’s similar to the Moto Razr+ in many ways, and I’d say they’re both evenly matched when it comes to compact foldable phones in the U.S. But the Z Flip 5 edges it out slightly in software and power.

Best Android phones: The final say

You’ll find plenty of good phones in this roundup, so I highly recommend exploring all the listings to find the right phone. But if you don’t want to spend time looking at all the options and don’t mind splurging to get the best phone, then I suggest picking the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It’s one of the most well-rounded phones you buy right now, as it gets a lot of things right for the price. Premium features like the new 200MP camera and the included S Pen make it the best in the Android space, and you can’t really go wrong with it.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best overall

The best of the best

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best phones on the market, packing an all-new 200MP sensor, a refined design, a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, and One UI 5.1.

Phones like the OnePlus 11 and the Galaxy S23 FE also offer good value for your money, but they miss out on some features, thereby forcing you to compromise. All things considered, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains the undisputed champion, and it’s still the phone to pick if you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder.

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Computer

Best mini gaming PC 2024

By admin January 15, 2024

Best mini gaming PC 2024, Gaming PCs don’t have to be enormous and finding a powerful compact PC is easier than ever. We’ve tested the best mini gaming PCs at all price points.

What is the best mini gaming PC? The traditional image of a gaming custom PC is some hulking behemoth of a machine, with frantically spinning fans, blazing rainbow RGB LEDs, and monstrously large graphics cards. But the best mini gaming PCs are compact machines that house full-scale components. Despite their size, mini PCs don’t skimp on performance and are ideal for smaller gaming desks or if want to take it traveling.

In this guide, we’ve chosen pre-built mini gaming PCs from the likes of Origin, Corsair, and more. Check out how to build a gaming PC if you want to choose the components and PC case yourself.

Some exceedingly small and cheap mini gaming PCs such as those offered by Minisforum take AMD mobile CPUs, with their iGPUs that punch well above their weight and let them rip with their maximum power draw – which can be capable even at 1080p.

We suggest thinking about cooling solutions and how easy it is to upgrade the machine. There’s no point in spending money on components that are going to throttle the moment they heat up. These are the best mini gaming PCs to game in confidence and small spaces. If you want full power (and have the room), check out our full best gaming PCs guide.

The best mini gaming PCs today:

1.Minisforum UM773 – best for most gamers

2.Origin PC Chronos V3 – best premium PC

3.Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon – true mini PC

4.Corsair ONE i400 – stunning design

5.Beelink SER6 – best budget option

6.Blackview MP200 – best under $450/£350

7.Asus Rog Ally – best handheld PC

1. Minisforum UM773 Lite

Best mini PC overall for light gaming.

Minisforum Venus UM773 Lite Specs:

.	.
Graphics	AMD RDNA 2 680M
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS 8 core 3.2GHz – 4.75GHz
RAM	32GB DDR5
Storage	512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Connectivity	RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A ×2, USB2.0 Type-A ×2, USB4 Type-C, HDMI ×2, 3.5mm Combo Jack ×1, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth,
Cooling	Liquid metal thermal compound, Airway Design 120 fan, two heat pipes
Dimensions	5.03 x 4.9 x 1.8 inches (12.78 x 12.45 x 4.57 cm)
Weight	3.65 lbs (1.66 kg) including power brick

Pros

• Small yet mighty

• Plenty of RAM

Cons

• Reported defective WiFi cards

“Integrated graphics?” we hear you cry, and we respond with a resounding yes. The $539.99 (£495.20) Minisforum UM773’s AMD 680M sits between the integrated graphics of Valve’s Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally which as we all know by now are very capable little machines.

The 680M is allowed to perform at its best because of the inclusion of very fast DDR5 which AMD’s CPUs and iGPUs work nicely with and 32 GB of it no less. Though it is not as capable as its younger sibling the 780M, it manages to be slightly more efficient due to its lower power draw so those working with constrained power budgets will be served here.

Esports titles will run well at 1080p and emulation will be no problem at all. Older titles too will, of course, return great performance so if you’re not too fussed about the latest AAA games, you’re sure to have a great time with this seriously handy little machine, especially when paired with the best gaming monitor to get the most out of this mighty box.

Whilst the Minisforum Venus UM773 doesn’t offer the same portability as the Deck or Ally, it makes up for it in connectivity with a plethora of ports making this a very practical little machine.

It is also surprisingly upgradable with two SODIMM slots, a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, and room on the bottom for a 2.5-inch hard drive. You could also connect an eGPU via the USB4 port if you wanted some extra GPU down the line as the CPU will age more gracefully than the iGPU.

Best mini gaming PC 2024

2. Origin PC Chronos V3

Best premium mini gaming PC.

Origin Chronos V3 specs:

.	.
Graphics	Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti 12GB
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
RAM	32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 5600Mhz
Motherboard	ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I WiFi
PSU	850 Watt CORSAIR SFX-L Series
Storage	1TB Samsung PM9A1 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0
Connectivity	2 x USB-C 4.0, 1 x USB-C 3.1, 5 x USB-A 3.2, 3 x USB-A 2.0, 5 x USB-A 3.2, 3.5mm headphone/mic
Cooling	2 x 120mm fan, 80mm fan, iCUE H100i ELITE CAPELLIX XT Liquid CPU Cooler
Dimensions (W x H x D)	7.87 x 17.71 x 10.6 (20cm x 45cm x 27cm)

Pros

• Powerful all-rounder

• Easily upgradeable

• PCIe Gen 5.0

Cons

• Not the smallest

• Expensive

Well-established custom PC builders Origin have updated their CHRONOS line to use parent company Corsair’s svelte 2000D case whose vertical design makes us think that it’s some supercharged Xbox Series X with its cuboid design.

At $2,806 it isn’t the cheapest, but Origin PC has been in the business a long time for good reason so you can be sure you will be getting a quality product that won’t be giving you any headaches.

With an AMD Ryzen 7 7800 X3D and Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti, you can be sure to be playing the latest AAA games for a while, especially with more games supporting DLSS 3 frame generation introduced with the RTX 4000 series.

Being owned by Corsair, you can quite often get good deals on peripherals if you need a new monitor, keyboard, mouse, and streaming goodies. Be sure to check out our best gaming headsets if you need a sonic solution for your ears.

It’s on the cusp of being a mini PC however as it is quite large still, but is certainly smaller than your average ATX case. You can go smaller with other options but given Origin’s credentials, customer service, and flexibility, we’ve included it as our best overall pick.

3. Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon

Best true mini PC with dedicated graphics.

Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon Specs:

.	.
Graphics	Intel Arc A770M 16GB
CPU	Intel i7-12700H
RAM	16GB DDR4 3200Mhz
Storage	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Connectivity	HDMI 2.1 (4K60), DisplayPort 2.0 x 2, Thunderbolt/USB4 Type-C ports x 2, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A ×6, 3.5mm Combo Jack ×1, 2.5Gb ethernet, Consumer infrared port, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Cooling	Two fans and heat pipes
Dimensions	9.06 x 7.09 x 2.36 inches (23 x 18 x 6 cm)
Weight	4.34 lbs (1.97 kg)

Pros

• Pint-sized gaming PC

• Slick console-like design

• Powerful dedicated graphics

Cons

• Intel Arc teething issues

• Expensive

Intel’s NUC (Next Unit of Computing) series has been around for a few years now but for the first time, they’ve updated their designs with their own Arc series of GPUs for a true-blue all-Intel system.

This is all packaged in an exceedingly handsome and small case that puts the PS5 and Xbox Series X to shame when it comes to a performance-to-size ratio as the NUC 12 Serpent Canyon is so small that we’re surprised there’s even a GPU in there. It has an air of “This is what the Xbox 720 will look like” about it which we’re quite fond of too.

The Serpent Canyon has an Intel Arc A770M with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM so you shouldn’t run into any limitations with the recent spate of resource-heavy AAA games. The Arc cards have excellent ray-tracing performance for their price point, eclipsing AMD in this regard.

Also included is a very capable i7-12700H so CPU workloads will be breezy and will keep up with the performant A770M.

Whilst the CPU and GPU aren’t upgradable, there are plenty of drive options with 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots and an M.2 PCIe slot. The RAM is also user-replaceable.

Something to consider is how the Intel Arc cards have fared since release. They are leaps and bounds better than were with DX9, 10, and 11 performance seeing massive improvements but Nvidia and AMD have better legacy support for older titles. Intel’s upscaling technology XeSS isn’t as widely supported but it is being increasingly integrated by developers.

Recent AAA titles that have VRAM issues have influenced our decision to include the Serpent Canyon as the 16GB of VRAM and good DX12 performance see the NUC punching above its weight here. This is at a high cost, but we think it’s worth it given the unique design and improved performance.

4. Corsair ONE i400

The mini gaming PC with the best design.

Corsair ONE i400 Specs:

.	.
Graphics	Nvidia RTX 3080 10 GB
CPU	Intel i7-13700KF
RAM	32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-5600MHz
Storage	1TB NVMe SSD
PSU	750W SFX 80 PLUS Platinum
Connectivity	USB 3.1 Gen 1 x 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 x 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1, 7.1 Audio, 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Cooling	2 liquid AIO coolers
Dimensions	6.93 x 7.87 x 14.96 inches (17.6 x 20 x 38 cm)
Weight	9.6 lbs (4.35 kg)

Pros:

• Striking design

• Excellent performance

Cons:

• Expensive for RTX 3080 PC

• Difficult to upgrade

Look at that subtle RGB lighting. The tasteful thickness of it Oh my god, it even has water cooling. It’s the Corsair ONE i400 with Intel’s latest 13th gen i7-13700KF and clearly, they are still pretty proud of themselves as they have stuck with the tried and true Corsair One case, and really, who could blame them?

It’s become something of a PC design icon since the original Corsair One debuted back in 2017, and we’ve been fans of it ever since – its predecessor was in our best gaming PC list.

The ONE i400 also has faster DDR5 RAM to help raise those 1% lows whilst gaming and chewing through the embarrassing amount of tabs we have open. The RTX 3080 is still a formidable card and most of the time you should have a great experience playing games or using GPU-accelerated programs.

It is a bit disappointing to see only the RAM and CPU see a refresh. At the asking price of $2,499.99, we think an RTX 4070 Ti would be the obvious pairing as the extra VRAM would help ease any concerns about how memory-hungry new AAA games have been as of late. The Corsair ONE i400 is also a little more awkward to work in than even some smaller PCs due to its unique design, but we think the tradeoff here is worth it if you feel confident pulling it apart and back together again.

5. Beelink SER6 Gaming Mini PC

Best budget mini gaming PC.

Beelink SER6 Specs:

.	.
Graphics	AMD RDNA 2 660M
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 6600H 6 core 4.5Ghz
RAM	16GB DDR5 4800MHz dual channel
Storage	512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Connectivity	USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 3, USB 2.0, HDMI x 2, 2.5Gb ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Cooling	Two fans
Dimensions	4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches (12.6 x 11.3 x 4.2 cm)
Weight	1.13 lbs ( 0.51 kg)

Pros

• Steam Deck level of performance

• Upgradable RAM and storage

Cons

• Loud and high-pitched fan noise

• Only a little cheaper than 680M systems

AMD’s integrated graphics make another showing here with the Beelink SER6. The SER6 has an AMD 660M that is slightly less powerful than the iGPU of the Steam Deck, but the SER6 has two extra CPU cores and more power available to it so you can expect your games and general computing to feel a little snappier. To keep the Ryzen 5 6600U running sweet there is 16GB of DDR5 RAM and older and lighter titles such as Minecraft and League of Legends will hum along nicely.

You also have good options for expanding your storage and RAM with user two SODIMM slots and a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot which are user-replaceable. Similarly to the Minisforum, there is space for a 2.5” drive at the bottom of the SER6 if you want to get silly with the storage and dump all your (legally owned) ROMs for a great little emulation machine. If the included 512GB isn’t enough, be sure to check out our best SSD for gaming roundup.

An unfortunate flaw here though is the dual fan design. Because the individual fans are smaller, they are much higher pitched than a larger singular fan would be so when things heat up, it can be a little loud. It’s also only a little cheaper at $429 (£539) than a 680 M-equipped mini PC so you may want to spend an extra bit of cash for the additional CPU and CU cores.

6. Blackview MP200

Best mini PC under $300/£300

Blackview MP200 specs:

.	.
Graphics	Intel Ultra-HD Graphics
CPU	Intel Core i5-11400H
RAM	16GB DDR4 3200MHz
Storage	512GB M.2
Connectivity	USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 4, HDMI 2, USB type C, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Wifi 6, 1000Mbs LAN
Dimensions	183.2 x 150 x 75.5mm
Weight	1.52lbs (690g)

Pros

• One of the cheapest mini PCs

• Good for daily tasks

Cons

• Noisy fans during medium loads

• No dedicated graphics card

The Blackview MP200 is the ideal mini PC for those who want to spend as little as possible. Its competitive pricing makes it our top cheap option, but that price does mean limitations with performance.

Inside the MP200, the Intel Ultra-HD Graphics hinder gameplay somewhat, to the extent that you’ll need to play most in the lowest settings. It’s not impossible to play the best PC games, but you may struggle with triple AAA releases.

There are enough ports to add three displays with USB 3.2 connectivity, and the storage and RAM can both be doubled if you want to add second modules and upgrade the machine further down the line. We’d recommend the Blackview MP200 if you want one of the cheapest Windows 11 PCs on the market, but if gaming is your priority then lack of graphics card and cooling will let you down.

7. Asus ROG Ally

Best portable mini gaming PC.

Asus ROG Ally specs:

.	.
Graphics	AMD 780M
CPU	AMD Z1 Extreme APU 8 core
RAM	16GB LPDDR5 6400Mhz Dual channel
Display	7 inch IPS 1080p 120Hz (VRR)
Storage	512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, microSD
Connectivity	ROG XG Mobile Interface, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Cooling	Dual fan design
Dimensions	11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 ~ 1.28 inches (28.0 x 11.1 x 2.12 ~ 3.24 cm)
Weight	1.34 lbs (0.61 kg)

Pros

• Inexpensive

• Very powerful

• Highly portable

Cons

• Armory Crate software needs improving

• Windows 11 isn’t the best portable OS

The Asus ROG Ally may have a display and a built-in controller but it is by all accounts, a mini gaming PC that just so happens to be extremely portable. We were mightily impressed by the $699 (£699) Ally in our review.

It’s eeked out the Steam Deck for the best portable mini gaming PC because of its extra grunt in the GPU and CPU department which lets us play games on the go at 1080P.

When plugged in at home, you can opt for the maximum power envelope that would normally rinse your battery and have a very capable little computer that you can do pretty much anything on. With the XMG connector, you can plug in one of Asus’ external GPUs without losing any performance to the limitations of USB 4 as you have full access to the PCIe lanes.

You’ll need a good gaming keyboard and gaming mouse setup to make full use of the desktop environment though, editing the Excel spreadsheet might be a little difficult with the joysticks.

Any hiccups in performance will be smoothed out by the VRR screen too so unless you have some very heavy 1% and 0.1% lows, you shouldn’t notice any dips in frame rate allowing for a smooth and consistent experience.

Unfortunately, Asus’ Armory Crate overlay paired with Windows 11 doesn’t shine a candle to Valve’s SteamOS in terms of functionality, but this will no doubt improve with time and you have the added benefit of knowing that games such as Fortnite and Roblox will work out of the box.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

A mini PC can be a good option for gaming, but it all depends on how much performance you need – and how much you’re willing to spend. The most expensive mini PCs like the Corsair i400 are equipped with high-end CPUs and dedicated GPUs, while there are some limitations to truly mini PCs.

With less space for cooling systems, this can lead to higher temperatures and loud fan noise during intensive gaming sessions – something we found to be true with the Blackview MP200. The compact form factor may also limit upgradability compared to larger desktop counterparts, as you might get fewer expansion slots. As mini PC technology has improved, high-performance mini gaming PCs can now mostly meet the demands of modern gamers.

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Best laptops for CAD and 3D modeling 2024

By admin January 14, 2024

Best laptops for CAD and 3D modeling 2024, Are you heading off to college? Starting a new semester soon? It’s probably about time you upgraded your laptop or computer. But glancing at some of the best laptop deals will show you there are many options out there. What should you be looking for if there’s something specific you want to do, like taking notes with a stylus, researching on the internet, or even a little gaming on the side?

What about streaming some movies or shows with friends in your dorm? Don’t worry. That’s precisely what we’re going to review in this guide. We’ll cover all of the best laptops for college for the 2024 school year.

Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)

Best Apple MacBook

As far as Apple products go, it’s older, yes, but the 2020 Apple MacBook Air M1 is still incredibly capable. It’s also affordable, which makes it accessible to college students on a budget. It comes packed with some excellent features and hardware, too. Like the stunning 13.3-inch Retina display, 18 hours of battery life, and super easy-to-use Mac OS. In our Macbook Air M1 review, we praised it for its excellent keyboard and touchpad, phenomenal battery life, rock-solid build quality, and the M1 chip’s power and performance at the time compared to Intel’s. We still stand by those praises today.

Best laptops for CAD and 3D modeling 2024

Lenovo Yoga 6 13-inch AMD

Best 2-in-1 laptop

With the base model starting around $600, for great specs, including an AMD Ryzen 7000 Series mobile processor, the Lenovo Yoga 6 2-in-1 is perfect for students on the move. The thin and light frame adds to the portability, with the convertible and touchscreen-enabled display excellent for just about any configuration you can think up. You can use it like a notebook to take class notes, prop it up to watch media, use it as a traditional laptop, and more. Plus, the visuals are vibrant and appealing on the 13.3-inch WUXGA full-HD display, and the audio-optimized speakers are Dolby Atmos compatible.

HP Pavilion Aero 13

Best bang-for-your-buck

Unsurprisingly, our HP Pavilion Aero 13 review praised this little machine that could for its quality, performance, battery life, minimalist design, and lightweight build. It weighs just over 2 pounds and is no burden, even better when tossed into a backpack or handbag. And while it is classified as a budget laptop — excellent for students — it also packs a decent amount of power under the hood. The base model for about $550 includes an AMD Ryzen 5 Series processor with AMD Radeon graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive.

The 13.3-inch display is full HD, operating at a 1900 by 1200 resolution. There’s no touchscreen, and it’s a bummer to see no backlit keyboard in the base model, but you can certainly make do.

Dell XPS 13 (9315)

Best no-nonsense option

You’ll find that, like most laptops, the Dell XPS 13 can be customized so that you can choose your RAM, storage, and more, with varying price points. The base model starts at about $799 for 8GB of DDR5 RAM — the fastest on the market today — Intel Iris Xe graphics and a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 10-core processor. It is an excellent student option because the price is reasonable, the performance is acceptable, the battery life is terrific, and the machine is reliable overall. Plus, the 13.4-inch full HD display doesn’t hurt either.

ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2022)

Best for gaming

You should know that the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a powerful machine, but it’s also overkill if you only do schoolwork and everyday productivity tasks. However, if you want to do some gaming in your free time, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU pairs well with the Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of DDR4 system RAM. Depending on the system requirements, you can play most newer games on medium to high settings, some even higher than that.

It doesn’t have the best battery life, so you’ll need to stay near an outlet, especially if you’re playing games, but that’s a solid tradeoff for more power. It’s also a bit pricy for students on a budget, but that’s a tradeoff for the extra power.

How we chose these laptops for college

As a college student, likely on a tight budget, the compromises you’re willing to make for a great PC will always be different from those of someone with money to burn who wants the best. That doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want the best possible for your price range, but there are factors to consider that are more important than others.

Here’s what we prioritized when choosing laptops for college students:

Price

You have a budget, and you need to stick to it. We don’t blame you. That’s why we prioritized laptops from all affordable but capable brands, especially compared to more expensive counterparts. Aside from our gaming choice, which was selected for power above all, everything else on this list should be accessible.

Battery life

From studying in a library for long hours to hanging out in a friend’s dorm, you’ll probably opt for laptops with reliable battery life. Again, aside from our gaming pick, everything else on this list has excellent battery life to offer and should get you through most of your day, even without a quick charge.

Display

Even at a budget price, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a full HD resolution display in this day and age. Every laptop we selected has at least that or better.

This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.

The 5 best laptops for CAD and and 3D modeling in 2024

Whether it’s engineering or game design, 3d modeling and CAD work has become very big in the past few years, especially with a lot of folks starting to do it at home for things like 3D printer files. Of course, not every laptop you pick up can handle doing that sort of work, so if you plan to do either, then going for a laptop that is fit for the job is important. To that end, we’ve collected our five favorite laptops across various price ranges and needs so that you can pick the perfect laptop for you.

Legion Pro 5 Gen 8

Best overall for 3D modeling

While the Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 is not necessarily the most powerful laptop on this list, it’s one of the best to balance specs with cost, so if you’re looking for a good mid-range option that ticks most of the boxes, then this is the one to go for. Under the hood, it runs an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX Processor, which is a mid-to-high-end CPU that should handle most modeling tasks with ease. That’s especially true since it easily overshoots the recommended requirements for AutoCAD for a processor that can do more than 3GHz.

You also get plentiful RAM here with 32GBs of DDR 5 memory, which is also double the recommended 16GB for AutoCAD, although we’d actually say the ideal amount of RAM starts at 32GB, so you’re good. It’s also the newer and faster memory compared to DDR4, so it should perform better overall. As for graphical processing power, you get an RTX 4070, which is a solid mid-range gaming GPU that should handle most 3D modeling tasks relatively well and should be fine for most use cases.

In terms of screen size, we’re happy to say that it’s a very solid 16 inches, so there is lots of room to see details, and it even runs a 2560 x 1600 resolution, which is perfect without pushing the GPU too much. It can hit a peak brightness of 300nits, which isn’t that great if you’re in well-light areas, although the 165Hz refresh rate is certainly nice for a smoother experience. We should also mention that it’s a bit on the heavier side, so be sure to take that into account if you need to move around a lot.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16

Best powerful Laptop for 3D modeling

You might be thinking to yourself, “What is a gaming laptop doing on a list of 3D modeling laptops?” Well, it’s not a surprise that there is quite a big overlap when it comes to a good laptop for gaming and a good laptop for 3D modeling. For example, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has an Intel Core i9-13900H, one of the most powerful CPUs on the market, and just a grade below professional-grade CPUs like the Intel Xeon and the Ryzen Threadripper. As such, it’s more than happy to chug away at any 3D modeling tasks you send its way without too much hassle, assuming you aren’t doing anything crazy.

In a similar vein, the Zephyurs M16 runs an RTX 4090 under the hood, which is one of the best non-professional grade GPUs out there and, again, will easily handle most 3D modeling tasks you throw its way. That said, the inclusion of the RTX 4090 does mean that it drinks up electricity like it’s abundant, so the battery life is not that great, especially when you’re putting a lot of load on the GPU. It also means that it runs pretty hot, so these are two very important things to consider before buying in.

Luckily, the screen is excellent, with a 16-inch that runs a 2560 x 1440 resolution, which is always a nice addition to have. The same goes for the 240Hz max refresh rate, which you likely aren’t going to need for non-gaming needs, so setting it to 120Hz will give you a smooth experience while freeing up some processes for 3D modeling. We should also mention that you get a very impressive 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, which really puts this configuration of the Zephyrius M16 in a league of its own.

MacBook Pro 16

Best powerful MacBook Laptop for 3D modeling

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem or want a MacBook for 3D modeling, then you have to go for the absolute best that Apple has to offer, which is the M3 Max MacBook Pro 16, a bit of a mouthful but hard to beat in terms of specs. Actually, we would have probably picked the M3 Pro version to save a little, but sadly, the M3 Max version is the only one that has the 36GB of RAM that we consider to be ideal for 3D modeling. Even so, the M3 Max chip is the best that Apple has to offer, with a 14-core processor that will easily handle most tasks you throw at it.

Even better, the M3 Max also has a whopping 36 GPU cores, so it’s exceedingly well-suite for 3D modeling tasks, and some would argue that Apple has some of the best hardware for graphics rendering and work in general. That said, you should keep in mind that not all applications work on both Windows and MacOS, with MacOS sometimes missing out on a few, so be sure to check that your app is supported on MacOS before taking the plunge.

That said, if it does run on MacOS, then you’ll be happy to know that you get an SSD with 1TB of storage, so your apps will load fast, and you’ll have a lot of space for any files you need, which are likely a lot for this sort of work.

Finally, while not exceedingly important, the 16-inch screen of the MacBook Pro is just lovely, as it has a 3456 x 2234 resolution running on a Liquid Retina XDR display, the best one that Apple offers. Also, it’s a relatively portable laptop for its specs, so even though you’re paying a premium, it’s perfect for those who tend to move around a lot.

LG gram 17

Best thin and portable laptop for 3D modeling

Solid 3d modeling laptops don’t need to be big, bulky, and very expensive, and if you want something that’s very thin and portable, you can’t go wrong with the LG Gram 17. It sits at an incredibly 0.7 inches of thickness despite the fact that it runs an RTX 3050 under the hood. Now, granted, the RTX 3050 is a very entry-level GPU, but the fact that it has a GPU at all is impressive, and every little bit counts when it comes to 3D modeling. It also only weighs 3.2 pounds, which is equally impressive.

In terms of processing power, it has an Intel Core i7 Evo, so it’s more than capable of handling 3D modeling and clears the recommended specs of most apps by a good margin. That said, the RAM only meets the recommended specs with 16GB of DDR5 memory, and while we would have liked to see double that, it’s not going to grind any 3D modeling to a complete halt. As for storage, you get a 1TB SSD, so lots of space and quick loading of apps and data.

Finally, it’s worth touching on the fact that the display is very good, a 17-inch display that runs WQXGA and gives you a relatively large amount of space to do your work, and we hope you can appreciate that. Even so, one disadvantage of the larger screen is that, combined with how thin it is, it can feel a bit flimsy, which isn’t ideal for something this pricey. So, if you do end up buying this one, don’t treat it like a rugged laptop, but be sure to be somewhat gentle with it.

IdeaPad Gaming 3

Best budget laptop for 3D modeling

While budget options aren’t ideal for heavy-duty 3D modeling, they’re a good option if you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a ton of money. Funnily enough, this is the second gaming laptop on this list, but we can’t deny that the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is also great as a budget 3D modeling laptop. For example, it has the same RTX 4050 as the LG Gram 17 but costs only half the price, so it’s excellent value if you don’t care as much about having a thin and light laptop.

Another thing that’s more value-oriented is the 15.6-inch screen, which only has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and only hits 45% NTSC, which isn’t that impressive. Also, it can only hit 250nits of brightness, which is equally unimpressive and means that it won’t deal with bright direct lighting or even bright indirect lighting. On the other hand, it can run at a 120Hz refresh rate, so it’s still going to give you a smooth overall experience when viewing it, as will the 16GB of DDR5 RAM. Again, it is not the ideal of what we’d like to see, but it is more than enough to cover the recommended specs of most apps.

As for processing power, you get the mid-to-high-end AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, which should handle most 3D modeling tasks without issue; plus, it’s generally a bit more power efficient and an excellent CPU for productivity. When it comes to battery life, you should expect around seven to ten hours, depending on what you’re using it for, with more general activity like watching a video taking up less battery.

How We Chose These Laptops for 3D modeling

Processing power

It’s probably not shocking to know that having a powerful CPU under the hood of any 3D modeling laptop is important since it’s one of the main number-crunchers of the CPU and goes a long way. That means that you should ideally aim for something like the Intel i7 or the Ryzen R7 as sort of the starting point, which is why most of our picks above are based around those processors.

In a similar vein, GPUs are also very important for 3D modeling, but this one is a bit more complicated due to the fact that there are consumer-grade GPUs and professional-grade GPUs. While professional-grade GPUs, like the Quadro family of cards, is excellent for 3D modeling, they are prohibitively expensive for most people, especially since high-end consumer GPUs have comparable specs. As such, we avoided any Quadro or professional-grade GPUs and instead focused on consumer GPUs that are cheaper and easier to find. Going with consumer GPUs also means that you have a lot more leeway in configurations and choices for laptops.

RAM

Memory is another important thing you’ll need to keep in mind, especially since a lot of more budget-friendly laptops tend to only go for 8GB. Unfortunately, the recommended specs for most CAD and 3D modeling software tend to sit at 16Gb, and even that is something we consider too low. Preferablly, we like to see something around 32GB or up, although anything above 32GB does tend to be quite expensive and will start giving you diminishing returns. So, if you’d like to go for a higher amount, just be sure that you actually are going to need it.

Screen

Ironically, the screen is the thing that will likely have the least impact on 3D modeling, mostly because it’s just a visual output more than anything else. So, while it would definitely nice to have a large 18-inch screen running 4K resolutions, 1080p is perfectly fine, as is a smaller screen. Also, smaller screens mean smaller laptops, so if you value portability, going with a smaller screen isn’t all that bad.

This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.

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The best gaming PCs for 2023

By admin December 25, 2023

The best gaming PCs for 2023, Dell, Origin, Lenovo, and more ,If you’re looking for one of the best gaming PCs, you’re spoiled with options. We review dozens of gaming desktops each year from brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Alienware, and we’ve rounded up the only gaming PCs you should consider this year.

Our top pick is still the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i due to its balance of price, features, and performance, but we have several other options. Here are the best gaming desktops we’ve reviewed so far.

Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i

The best gaming PC you can buy

Why you should buy this: It’s a reasonably priced gaming PC with flagship hardware, and it’s fully open for upgrades.

Who it’s for: PC gamers who want a high-end experience in 2023 and the possibility to upgrade in the future.

What we thought of the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i:

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is proof that buying a prebuilt gaming desktop doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. It packs in Nvidia’s RTX 4080 along with an Intel Core i7-13700KF processor, offering some of the fastest hardware you can buy today, and it performs as well as its spec sheet would suggest.

In our review, we found that the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i was a hair faster than a custom PC with the same components, so you’re not leaving any performance on the table by going prebuilt. You’re free to swap out components, too. Unlike desktops from Alienware and some other vendors, the Tower 7i uses standard-sized parts so you can swap out whatever you want.

That’s all great, but the real reason we’re recommending the Tower 7i is its price. The configuration we reviewed, which comes with an RTX 4080 and Intel Core i7-13700KF, runs $2,900. That’s expensive, but it’s only a few hundred dollars more than if you bought all the parts yourself and pieced them together on your own. And for that upcharge, you’re getting a year of Lenovo’s Legion Ultimate support, which includes next-business-day repair, as well as a 24/7 support contact.

Since our review, Lenovo has released some cheaper models as well. You can now get the machine for around $2,050 with an Intel Core i7-13700KF and RTX 4070 Ti GPU.

The best gaming PCs for 2023

It’s easy to recommend the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i in 2023, but it still has one problem. Lenovo advertised 5,200 megatransfer per second (MT/s) memory, but it’s only set up to run at 4,400 MT/s out of the box. That can lead to lower performance in some select applications, but thankfully, you can crank up the memory speed in a couple of clicks.

.Image used with permission by copyright holder

Origin Neuron

The best custom gaming PC

Why you should buy this: The Origin Neuron comes with excellent build quality and highly customizable components.

Who’s it for: Gamers looking to customize their own PC without getting into building.

What we thought of the Origin Neuron:

There’s no shortage of PC builders that use components you can buy and put together yourself, but Origin still manages to stand out. You can buy and build an exact replica of the Origin Neuron, but Origin’s careful attention to detail, deep customization options, and excellent support make an argument not to.

Corsair owns Origin, so the Neuron comes fitted with Corsair components across the board. That’s a good thing in this case, as Corsair makes some of the best PC fans, power supplies, and RAM modules you can buy. All of these first-party components give the Neuron a cohesive feel, free of software conflicts that could mess up your RGB lighting.

You can build the machine exactly how you want, too. Origin offers the latest CPUs from AMD and Intel, as well as the latest GPUs from Nvidia and AMD. Beyond that, you can tweak everything else — power supply rating, memory speed, you name it.

The Neuron is more expensive than a mainstream PC like the Omen 45L. That extra money buys you better build quality, more flexibility, and some modern furnishings. Out of all of the custom PC builds you can buy, the Origin Neuron is our favorite.

.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Alienware Aurora R16

The best Alienware gaming PC

Pros

• Much smaller than previous versions

• Cool and quiet during operation

• Several configuration options

• Competitively priced

Cons

• Alienware Command Center is a bit annoying

• CPU lacks integrated graphics and overclocking support

Why you should buy this: It’s an Alienware gaming PC built for the everyday gamer

Who’s it for: PC gamers who want a lot of flexibility in their build and don’t need to service their PC.

What we thought of the Alienware Aurora R16:

Alienware has a reputation problem, but the new Aurora R16 attempts to fix that. It’s the first time Alienware has abandoned the angular Aurora design we’ve seen for the past several generations, instead relying on a smaller mid-tower chassis that’s just as powerful, but takes up a lot less space.

It comes in cheaper, as well. Part of the reason Alienware desktops have a bit of a bad name is their price, but the Aurora R16 starts at just $1,300 for an Intel Core i7-13700F, RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and a 1TB SSD. You can scale that up with the same processor, memory, and storage, but with an RTX 4070 Ti, for $1,950.

Alienware upgraded the internals a lot, but it’s the exterior of this machine that stands out. It’s around half the size of the previous version, all without compromising power or thermals. By the end of the year, Alienware says it will be its fastest desktop ever, packing up to an RTX 4090.

.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Acer Predator Orion 7000

The best high-end gaming PC

Why you should buy this: It’s a fantastic and upgradeable high-end desktop that will hold up for years.

Who’s it for: Enthusiasts that want a great starting point to upgrade their gaming PC in the future.

What we thought of the Acer Predator Orion 7000:

The Acer Predator Orion 7000 is a gaming PC in every sense of the phrase. Its design screams that with bright RGB fans and an aggressive design that makes it clear this is a machine built for gaming. Thankfully, it has the performance and thermals to back up its clear design influence.

It packs last-gen components, but they’re still powerful. You can score up to an Intel Core i9-12900K and RTX 3090 graphics card, and we expect a next-gen upgrade soon. Acer just recently updated its Predator laptops, so a desktop makeover should come soon.

Even this model holds up well in 2023, though. The components are still very powerful, and the design of the case makes quick work of all the heat these high-end components can spit out.

.Image used with permission by copyright holder

Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast

The best mini gaming PC

Why you should buy this: It’s smaller than a book and comes with enough power to run the latest games at 1080p.

Who’s it for: Gamers who need a tiny PC that packs a lot of punch.

What we thought of the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast:

Intel’s NUC PCs have always been focused on performance in the smallest size possible, but the NUC 12 Enthusiast reaches even further. Powered by mobile Intel Arc Alchemist graphics, the machine can run the latest games at 1080p, and it’s smaller than the size of a book.

It’s not a stretch to say that the NUC 12 Enthusiast makes you forget you’re using a mini PC. It puts up desktop-like performance in a package smaller than some laptops, and it comes with all the trimmings you’d expect out of a full-size rig. That includes expansive connections, including USB-C, Thunderbolt, and plenty of USB 3 ports.

The included stand is great, too. You can sit the NUC 12 Enthusiast upright on your desktop, but you can also pop it off the stand and lay it down on its side. And if you’re looking to maximize space, you can even mount the stand to a wall and hide the PC behind your monitor.

.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Falcon Northwest Tiki

The best gaming PC for the living room

Why you should buy this: It’s smaller than a gaming console and packs high-end PC hardware.

Who’s it for: Living room gamers looking for a high-end gaming PC that doesn’t take up a lot of space.

What we thought of the Falcon Northwest Tiki:

The Falcon Northwest Tiki is the perfect small-form-factor gaming PC. Just like the Talon, the Tiki stands out with exceptional build quality, clear attention to detail, and support that puts major PC manufacturers to shame. It’s expensive, but Falcon Northwest makes every penny feel worth it.

For size, the Tiki is the smallest gaming PC you can buy fully configured. But Falcon Northwest doesn’t sacrifice performance in the process. You can cram in up to a 16-core Ryzen 9 5950X as well as a full, fat RTX 3090. You can also add up to 8TB of NVMe storage, which is insane considering the Tiki’s size.

Usually, a smaller size comes at the cost of thermals and noise, but not with the Tiki. It manages to stay cooler and quieter than many mid-sized desktops (read our Asus ProArt PD5 review for an example of bad thermals on a desktop).

Falcon Northwest is one of the few boutique PC builders left, and the Tiki is a perfect showcase for what that model can achieve. It’s an exception PC overall, and it’s even more impressive considering it’s smaller than a PlayStation 5.

.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Dell XPS Desktop (8960)

The gaming PC for remote workers

Why you should buy this: The Dell XPS Desktop 8650 doesn’t look like a gaming PC, but it comes with the right hardware to run the latest titles.

Who’s it for: Remote workers who need a professional PC during the day and a gaming PC at night.

What we thought of the Dell XPS Desktop 8960:

If you want to pick up a gaming desktop, but you’re not interested in learning about upgrading or tricking it out with RGB, the Dell XPS 8960 Desktop is a great option. It’s a stealth gaming PC that looks like an office desktop on the outside, but hides some of the most powerful components you can buy inside.

You can’t upgrade major components in the Dell XPS Desktop, which is almost always a downside. But you can at least trick out this PC with up to an Intel Core i9-13900 and Nvidia RTX 4080. You can even configure it with liquid cooling.

Configurations start as low as $750, with the first configuration with a discrete graphics card coming in at around $1,100. You’re giving up all of the trimmings that make a gaming PC look like one, but if you’re content to recycle your PC and upgrade a few years down the line, that’s not a big deal.

Although the XPS Desktop can fit into any office setting, we’re recommending it specifically for remote workers. You might not want to ask your boss to bill an RGB-ridden gaming behemoth; the XPS Desktop is much more reasonable, and it still has enough muscle for gaming after hours.

.Image used with permission by copyright holder

NZXT Streaming Plus BLD Kit

The best DIY gaming desktop

Pros

• Powerful

• Inexpensive

• Includes all the tools you need to build your own PC

Cons

• PC building isn’t for everyone

• Limited customization options

Why we chose this: The NZXT BLD Kit allows you to dip your toes into building a custom gaming PC and save some money in the process.

Who’s it for: Hobbyists who want to get into building PCs but don’t know where to start.

What we thought of the NZXT BLD Kit:

NZXT has a different approach to gaming desktops. Instead of shipping you a prebuilt machine, you get all of the components, tools, and an instruction manual to build the PC yourself. And don’t worry – you get all of that at a discount compared to getting a machine already built for you.

The BLD kits offer great value, and NZXT has several available. We’re recommending the Streaming Plus kit, which comes fitted with an eight-core Ryzen 7 5700X processor, an Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card, and 16GB of RAM. Overall, the kit is about $200 than shopping for the cheapest parts yourself, rather than the anywhere from $500 to $1,000 that brands usually charge as a building fee.

If you can’t be bothered, NZXT also offers its custom BLD program. Unlike most system builders, NZXT charges a flat $110 building fee. Otherwise, you’re paying the exact same price for the components that you would if you bought them individually.

PC building isn’t for everyone, but NZXT’s BLD program offers a cost-effective and simple way to get into the hobby.

NZXT Streaming Plus BLD Kit

The best DIY gaming desktop

.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

MSI Aegis RS 12

The best gaming PC for beginners

Why we chose this: It’s a no-fuss, powerful gaming PC that won’t break the bank.

Who’s it for: PC gamers who want a powerful PC and don’t need to mess around with upgrades.

What we thought of the MSI Aegis RS 12:

The MSI Aegis RS 12 is a perfect gaming PC if you don’t need to mess with upgrades. You can upgrade it, but its poor cable management and lack of a case don’t lend themselves well to DIY tweaks. Thankfully, you don’t need to make them. There’s a lot of power under the hood of the Aegis, and at a reasonable price.

The last time we looked at the machine, it was sporting Intel’s 12th-gen processors, but MSI has recently updated it with Intel 13th-gen CPUs and Nvidia RTX 40-series GPUs. You can pack in up to an Intel Core i7-13700KF and Nvidia RTX 4080, along with 32GB of RAM.

What’s surprising is the price. That configuration could easily run $4,000 or more with other brands, but MSI charges around $3,000 – near the same price as building your own. If you jump down to an RTX 4070 Ti, you can save almost $1,000, too.

On top of that, MSI includes a sold gaming keyboard and mouse in the box. They aren’t top-tier peripherals, but they’re more than enough to get beginners started with PC gaming.

.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

CLX Hathor

The best dual gaming PC

Pros

• Beautiful design and build quality

• Two PCs in the size of one case

• Flagship hardware support

Cons

• Very expensive

• Dual PCs aren’t required for most people

Why we chose this: It’s a monster gaming PC that pulls double duty.

Who’s it for: Streamers who need a dual PC setup but don’t have the space for two PCs.

What we thought of the CLX Hathor:

What’s better than one monster gaming PC? Two, obviously. The CLX Hathor is insane, packing two full PCs into a single case. One if a high-end gaming rig fit with one of the latest CPUs from AMD or Intel, along with one of the latest graphics cards from AMD or Nvidia. The second is an Intel NUC that pull lightweight duty so you don’t have to bog down one machine.

CLX allows you to customize just about every aspect of the PC, as well. There are the core components like your GPU, CPU, and RAM, but you can even tweak your cooler, multiple storage options, and even customize the Lian Li case the PC ships in.

It’s an excellent PC, assuming you need all of the power it offers. The Hathor starts at $4,100, and it only goes up from there. This is a high-end PC for high-end streamers, who need a secondary PC holding the work of streaming so your main PC can focus on gaming.

CLX Hathor

The best dual gaming PC

Frequently Asked Questions

PC vs. laptop for gaming

While you can play on the go with a gaming laptop outfitted with a discrete graphics card, a gaming desktop will deliver more flexibility, power, and performance for serious gamers. With more space inside a desktop tower, thermal management is generally better, which leads to stronger graphics and processing performance without the fear of throttling.

Another benefit of going with a desktop is that there is more space to perform upgrades in the future, so you can add more memory or storage, swap out your graphics card, and upgrade your motherboard and processor down the road. When shopping for a gaming desktop, you should look for key features like upgradability, expandability, and support for the latest protocols, like Thunderbolt 3, which could help extend the life of your investment.

What’s the best gaming PC for beginners?

The best gaming PC for beginners is the HP Omen 30L or 45L. These two machines live in the same family, and the 30L is slightly smaller than the 45L. We recommend them for beginners because they come with the latest, most powerful components, they’re readily available, and they’re easy to upgrade.

For configurations, you want to pay attention to the GPU and CPU. For beginners, we recommend the Nvidia RTX 3060 for 1080p gameplay, paired with either an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel Core i5-12600K.

Gamers will also want to have enough RAM — we suggest at least 16GB of memory — and fast storage. Moreover, taking the dual-drive route means you don’t need to invest in an expensive solid-state drive with large storage. This allows you to pair a more modest-capacity SSD with a larger hard drive to store all the large media libraries for your game.

Can gaming PCs be used for work?

Most definitely. Manufacturers like HP recognize that gamers don’t just play games — office workers want to stay entertained during their downtime, too. All that’s needed to play games is a capable processor, a strong enough discrete graphics card, and enough memory to keep the entire system running smoothly.

If you’re looking to save money by using one desktop for gaming and for your productivity tasks, you’ll want to choose a PC or one of the best laptops with more understated aesthetics that will blend in better with your office decor. Once you have the right PC selected, just pick out a few games and have fun.

Is PC gaming dying?

Absolutely not. With sales of general-purpose desktops stagnating in recent years, manufacturers like HP and Lenovo are investing more resources into their gaming brands to fuel growth.

With new hardware features supported on gaming PCs — from VR and augmented reality to real-time ray tracing — developers will have plenty of new technologies to leverage in order to tell visually engaging stories through their games.

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