Editors' Choice - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:08:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 192362883 Honor Magic V5 Foldable Phone Review: Redefining Foldable Design and Power https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/08/28/honor-magic-v5-foldable-phone-review-redefining-foldable-design-and-power/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=honor-magic-v5-foldable-phone-review-redefining-foldable-design-and-power Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:30:51 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=574902

Honor Magic V5 Foldable Phone Review: Redefining Foldable Design and Power

Foldable smartphones have been a fascinating dance between ambition and compromise for years now. Most attempts have resulted in phones that feel chunky, fragile, or...
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PROS:


  • Incredibly thin and light

  • Long-term software support

  • Stylus support on both inner and outer displays

  • Exceptional performance and battery life

  • Impressive triple camera system

CONS:


  • Quite pricey

  • Prominent camera bump

  • Limited market availability

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Honor Magic V5 transforms foldable design from experimental to essential.
award-icon

Foldable smartphones have been a fascinating dance between ambition and compromise for years now. Most attempts have resulted in phones that feel chunky, fragile, or lacking the premium experience we expect from flagship devices. The category has been filled with “almosts” and “what-ifs,” leaving many wondering if the perfect foldable would ever arrive.

The Honor Magic V5 boldly claims to solve many of these persistent issues. As of August 2025, the Ivory White model stands as the thinnest inward-folding foldable smartphone available, measuring just 8.8mm when folded and 4.1mm when unfolded. But could this be the foldable that finally bridges the gap between innovation and practicality?

Designer: Honor

Aesthetics

The Honor Magic V5 doesn’t just look thin; it makes other foldables look positively chunky by comparison. The Ivory White variant achieves those record-breaking measurements with a frosted finish that feels genuinely premium. It’s the kind of surface that hides fingerprints beautifully while catching light in all the right ways.

You’ve got four colorways to choose from: Ivory White, Black, Dawn Gold, and Reddish Brown. The catch? Only the Ivory White hits those ultra-slim measurements. The other colors are marginally thicker at 9mm folded and 4.2mm unfolded, but honestly, we’re talking about fractions here that you’ll never notice in daily use.

What strikes you immediately is how intentional everything looks. The camera housing is prominent, sure, but it doesn’t scream “afterthought” like some foldables do. Instead, it creates this visual anchor that somehow makes the whole device look balanced and purposeful rather than experimental.

The materials story here is genuinely impressive. Honor has gone all-in with aerospace-grade aluminum for the frame, carbon fiber reinforcement for the inner display, and their new NanoCrystal Shield for the outer screen. These aren’t just buzzwords; they translate into a device that feels substantial without being heavy.

When you fold this thing, it maintains clean lines that would make any minimalist weep with joy. Unfold it, and you’re looking at something that resembles a premium tablet more than a phone that happens to bend. The transformation is genuinely striking every single time.

The hinge mechanism deserves its own paragraph because it’s that good. There’s this satisfying snap when it locks into the fully open position that makes you want to keep folding and unfolding just for the tactile pleasure. It’s the kind of engineering precision that you feel in your hands.

Ergonomics

At 217g for the Ivory White model, the Magic V5 pulls off something remarkable. It’s actually lighter than plenty of regular flagship phones, which is frankly absurd when you consider what’s packed inside. This translates into a device that feels comfortable in your pocket and hand rather than like a brick.

The portability factor is where this thing really shines. Folded, it slips into pockets with the same ease as any regular smartphone. Need that larger screen? Unfold it into a 7.95-inch canvas that’s perfect for everything from productivity work to binge-watching shows during your commute.

Honor calls their hinge mechanism the Super Steel Hinge, and it lives up to the dramatic name. With 2300MPa tensile strength, it feels rock-solid while maintaining smooth operation. The resistance is calibrated perfectly, staying put at any angle while opening smoothly with one hand when needed.

The large camera bump does have a significant impact when the phone is laid unfolded on a flat surface like a table. That is, it will never really lie flat, with one corner raised higher than the rest of the phone. It wouldn’t be much of a problem if you wrap the Honor Magic V5 in a case, but then you also lose the magic of its unobstructed majesty.

Performance

Under the hood sits Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, built on that second-generation 3nm process that delivers serious performance and efficiency. Paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, this configuration handles whatever you throw at it without breaking a sweat. Honor added a titanium vapor chamber cooling system that keeps things running smoothly even during extended gaming sessions.

The dual OLED displays feature LTPO technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, automatically adjusting based on what you’re doing to save battery life. Both screens hit 5000 nits peak brightness, which means they stay perfectly readable even in direct sunlight. The 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Dolby Vision support deliver genuinely stunning visuals, whether you’re watching movies or editing photos. The consistency between both displays is remarkable.

The Multi-Flex feature lets you run three apps simultaneously on that large inner screen. The window management feels intuitive rather than forced, letting you drag and drop content between apps like you’re working on a desktop computer. It’s the kind of multitasking that actually makes sense.

Both displays support stylus input, which opens up possibilities for creative work and detailed note-taking. The stylus experience feels natural and responsive across both screen sizes, adapting intelligently to whatever space you’re working with. It’s the kind of feature that transforms how you use the device.

The battery situation is where Honor really flexed their engineering muscles. That 5820mAh silicon-carbon battery is one of the largest you’ll find in any foldable smartphone. The 15% silicon content should help it maintain capacity better over time compared to traditional lithium batteries.

Charging speeds are genuinely impressive with 66W wired charging that fully juices the device in about 43 minutes. The 50W wireless charging provides convenient top-ups throughout the day. The Power Enhanced Chip HONOR E2 manages everything intelligently, adapting to your usage patterns and environmental conditions.

The camera system represents a genuine step forward for foldable photography. You get a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 64MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Each lens offers distinct capabilities that cover most shooting scenarios you’ll encounter. With cameras like that, it’s easy to forgive that large bump on the phone’s back.

The Honor Magic V5’s triple camera system delivers results that genuinely compete with traditional flagship smartphones, which is pretty impressive for a foldable. The 50MP main sensor with OIS produces sharp, detailed images with excellent color reproduction across various lighting conditions. The 64MP periscope telephoto camera really stands out here, offering crisp 3x optical zoom shots that stay sharp even when pushed to higher digital zoom levels.

MagicOS 9.0 feels purpose-built for the foldable experience rather than adapted from a regular phone interface. Google Gemini integration is thoughtful, with a convenient double-tap gesture to launch the AI assistant. The AI Call Translation processes everything on-device for privacy, supporting six languages with real-time translation.

Additional AI features include deepfake detection during video calls, which adds security that’s becoming increasingly relevant. The Magic Portal feature uses gesture recognition to provide contextual actions, making interactions more intuitive across those large display surfaces. It’s the kind of software polish that makes the hardware shine.

Sustainability

Durability has always been the Achilles’ heel of foldable smartphones, but Honor took a comprehensive approach to solving this challenge. The Magic V5 carries IP58 and IP59 ratings, providing genuine protection against dust and water rather than the limited environmental protection many foldables offer.

The hinge mechanism is engineered to withstand 500,000 folding cycles, which translates to years of worry-free use, even if you’re the type who fidgets with folding mechanisms. The inner display benefits from carbon fiber reinforcement and a non-Newtonian fluid layer that hardens upon impact while staying flexible during normal use. It’s genuinely clever engineering.

That outer screen features NanoCrystal Shield, offering 15x improved scratch resistance compared to standard glass. This ensures the device maintains its pristine appearance even after extended daily use. The coating technology represents a genuine advancement in mobile display protection that you can actually feel.

Honor has committed to seven years of Android OS and security updates for the Magic V5 in the EU and UK markets. This ranks among the longest support commitments in the smartphone industry, demonstrating genuine confidence in the device’s long-term viability and user value.

Combined with silicon-carbon battery technology that should maintain capacity better over time, this creates a device designed for longevity. The AI-powered foreign object detection system adds another protection layer, alerting users if debris gets detected between screens before folding. It’s proactive rather than reactive protection.

The materials choices reflect a commitment to both immediate durability and long-term sustainability. From the aerospace-grade aluminum frame to the advanced display coatings, everything feels built to last rather than designed for planned obsolescence. It’s refreshing in a market often focused on annual upgrades.

Value

At £1,699.99/€1,999.99, the Honor Magic V5 positions itself firmly in premium foldable territory. This pricing reflects the advanced technology packed inside and the significant research investment required to achieve record-breaking thinness while maintaining durability and performance. The engineering achievement alone justifies considerable cost.

The Magic V5 offers something many foldables don’t: zero compromise on essentials. Battery life matches or exceeds traditional flagships, the camera system competes genuinely with the best available, and build quality inspires confidence rather than anxiety about durability.

That seven-year software support commitment adds significant value over time, essentially guaranteeing your investment stays current and secure well into the future. For design enthusiasts and early adopters, the Magic V5 represents the current pinnacle of foldable engineering achievement.

Compared to other premium foldables, the Magic V5 offers superior battery life, faster charging, and longer software support. The combination of the thinnest form factor available with flagship-level performance creates a unique value proposition that’s genuinely difficult to match in current market conditions.

Professionals needing large-screen productivity benefits in a portable package will definitely appreciate the engineering excellence. Creative individuals who appreciate cutting-edge design will find genuine appeal here, especially with support for a stylus on the outer cover screen. The unique combination of form factor innovation, premium materials, and thoughtful software integration creates a package that justifies its premium positioning.

While the price point limits mass-market appeal, the Magic V5 serves an important role in pushing the entire foldable category forward. Engineering achievements and design innovations pioneered here will inevitably trickle down to more affordable options in future generations. It’s advancing the entire category.

Verdict

The Honor Magic V5 represents a watershed moment in foldable smartphone development. By achieving the title of world’s thinnest foldable, Honor proved that thinness and durability can coexist beautifully. The Ivory White model’s remarkable 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm unfolded dimensions set a genuinely new standard for the category. What makes the Magic V5 special, however, goes beyond record-breaking dimensions.

This is a foldable that disappears into your pocket like a regular phone, yet unfolds into a productivity powerhouse when needed. The seven-year software support commitment, combined with advanced materials and engineering, suggests longevity rather than quick obsolescence. For those ready to embrace mobile computing’s future, the Honor Magic V5 offers a compelling glimpse of what that future looks like.

The post Honor Magic V5 Foldable Phone Review: Redefining Foldable Design and Power first appeared on Yanko Design.

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574902
Blueair Blue Signature™ Air Purifier Review: Premium Design Meets Clean Air https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/08/23/blueair-blue-signature-air-purifier-review-premium-design-meets-clean-air/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blueair-blue-signature-air-purifier-review-premium-design-meets-clean-air Sun, 24 Aug 2025 01:45:13 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=572432

Blueair Blue Signature™ Air Purifier Review: Premium Design Meets Clean Air

Air purifiers have traditionally been the ugly stepchildren of home appliances, and let’s be honest, most of them deserve that reputation. They’re usually designed to...
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PROS:


  • Dual functionality as a side table or piece of furniture

  • Minimalist aesthetic is a perfect fit for modern homes

  • Multi-stage air cleaning process and effective odor removal

  • Impressive room coverage and whisper-quiet operation

CONS:


  • Premium pricing, including filter replacements and accessories

  • Substantial footprint for small rooms

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Blueair Blue Signature finally gives design-conscious homeowners an air purifier they won't want to hide.
award-icon

Air purifiers have traditionally been the ugly stepchildren of home appliances, and let’s be honest, most of them deserve that reputation. They’re usually designed to hide in corners where they won’t offend anyone’s aesthetic sensibilities, looking like medical equipment or industrial machinery with all those white plastic boxes and intimidating towers. You’d think that after decades of development, someone would have figured out that clean air doesn’t have to come at the expense of good design, but here we are.

That’s what makes the Blueair Blue Signature so refreshing. This Swedish-engineered device boldly challenges everything we think we know about what air purifiers should look like. Rather than apologizing for its existence, this beauty actually wants to be seen, doubling as furniture while promising to clean an impressive 3,385 square feet in just one hour. But can something that looks this good actually deliver on the performance front, or are we looking at another case of style over substance? Read on to find out.

Designer: Blueair in collaboration with Above

Click Here to Buy Now: $449.99.

Aesthetics

The Blue Signature immediately makes you forget everything you thought you knew about what air purifiers should look like. Gone is the typical cylindrical tower or anonymous white box that dominates this category. Instead, you get a low-profile, drum-like silhouette that genuinely looks like a piece of contemporary furniture. And that’s not just marketing speak, either. The top surface is actually flat and sturdy enough to hold your laptop, books, or morning coffee without any issues whatsoever.

Available in two sophisticated finishes called Midnight and Nordic Fog, this purifier embraces that distinctly Scandinavian design philosophy where everything looks effortlessly elegant without trying too hard. Midnight feels both modern and timeless, while the Nordic Fog practically begs to blend into minimalist interiors. Both colorways smartly avoid the sterile white that dominates this category, opting instead for hues that feel intentionally chosen rather than default.

What really sets the Blue Signature apart, though, is its customization potential. The fabric pre-filters come in six different colors spanning calming greens, cool blues, and soft neutrals, letting you either complement your existing décor or create a subtle accent piece. These aren’t cheap afterthoughts either. The fabric quality feels genuinely premium, with a texture that invites touch and suggests real durability over time.

The optional accessories take the furniture concept even further, and this is where things get interesting. For an additional cost, you can choose between a sleek chrome Ring Base ($99.99) or a warm wooden Leg Base ($79.99), completely transforming the unit’s profile from squat and grounded to elevated and architectural. These bases don’t just change the look, they alter the entire presence of the device in a room. It’s like having two different pieces of furniture, depending on your mood or décor changes.

The control interface deserves particular praise for its restraint. Rather than overwhelming users with buttons and displays like so many tech products do these days, Blueair has opted for subtle LED indicators and minimal physical controls. The result is a device that maintains its furniture-like appearance even when operating, with status lights that inform without dominating the visual landscape.

Ergonomics

Daily operation strikes a nice balance between simplicity and sophistication. The physical controls on the unit itself are minimal but sufficient for basic operation, while the Blueair app opens up more advanced functionality without feeling cluttered. Scheduling, air quality monitoring, and mode adjustments all feel natural, and the integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant works seamlessly for those who prefer hands-free control.

Replacing the HEPASilent™ filter is also a walk in the park. The accordion-like filter also gives the Blue Signature™ some visual character even without the fashionable fabric pre-filter covering it. Of course, there’s still some effort involved, not to mention exposure risks, when replacing filters, but you fortunately won’t have to do that often.

The RealTrack™ system takes the guesswork out of timing, which is genuinely helpful. This intelligent tracking monitors actual filter usage based on fan speed, usage patterns, and pollution levels rather than just counting days. When it’s time for a replacement, you get both a red LED alert on the unit itself and a notification through the Blueair app. No more wondering whether you’re overdue for a change or replacing filters too early based on arbitrary schedules.

The dual-function design does create some interesting ergonomic considerations. Using the top surface as a table works surprisingly well, with no noticeable impact on air intake or overall performance. The height is comfortable for most seating arrangements, and the surface area is generous enough to be genuinely useful.

Performance

The Blue Signature’s performance credentials are built around Blueair’s HEPASilent™ dual filtration technology, which combines electrostatic and mechanical filtration to achieve impressive results while maintaining relatively quiet operation. The seven-stage system captures 99.97%* of airborne pollutants down to 0.1 microns, effectively handling everything from dust and pollen to bacteria, viruses, and mold spore allergens. In real-world use, the difference is genuinely noticeable. Spaces feel fresher, and lingering odors from cooking or cleaning dissipate more quickly than with traditional purifiers.

Another standout feature is the OdorFense™ technology, Blueair’s patent-pending solution that breaks down odor-causing gases rather than simply masking them. The claimed 10x improvement in odor removal compared to similar models feels accurate in practice, and that’s saying something. Cooking smells that would typically linger for hours disappear within minutes, and even stubborn odors like pet smells or cleaning chemicals are noticeably reduced.

Coverage area is where the Blue Signature truly shines, and the numbers are genuinely impressive. The ability to clean 705 square feet in just 12.5 minutes is remarkable, and the maximum coverage of 3,385 square feet in an hour makes it suitable for large, open-concept spaces that would challenge lesser purifiers. The patented Surround Air Engineering manages to pack this level of performance into a form factor that’s 40% more compact than comparable competitors, which is a genuine engineering achievement that makes the furniture-like design possible without sacrificing capability.

The smart features work exactly as advertised, with each mode serving a distinct purpose. AirSense Mode proactively refreshes air throughout the day, even when there’s no specific pollution trigger, ensuring that air never feels stagnant. Auto Mode responds intelligently to real-time air quality changes, ramping up when needed and scaling back during cleaner periods. Lastly, Night Mode dims all lights and runs whisper-quiet, making it genuinely suitable for bedroom use without sleep disruption.

Speaking of which (no pun intended), noise levels deserve particular attention, as this is often where air purifiers fall short of their promises. The Blue Signature runs remarkably quietly across all modes, with even the highest setting producing more of a gentle whoosh than the industrial hum common to many competitors. Night Mode is genuinely silent enough for light sleepers, while still maintaining effective air circulation.

Sustainability

The Blue Signature feels built to last, with solid construction that suggests years of reliable operation rather than planned obsolescence. The materials throughout feel premium and durable, from the substantial housing to the quality fabric pre-filters. This isn’t a device that feels like it will need replacement in a few years. It has the weight and build quality of a long-term investment, which is exactly what you want at this price point.

Blueair’s approach to sustainability extends beyond just durability, though. The OdorFense technology is bio-based, representing a more environmentally conscious approach to odor elimination compared to traditional chemical solutions. Filter longevity is also a key sustainability factor, and these are advertised to last up to a year under normal conditions. Intelligent tracking prevents both premature replacement (reducing waste) and overuse (maintaining performance), creating a more sustainable ownership experience.

The energy efficiency of the HEPASilent technology is another sustainability win. By combining electrostatic and mechanical filtration, the system achieves HEPA-level performance while using less energy than traditional HEPA-only systems. Over years of operation, this efficiency translates to meaningful energy savings and reduced environmental impact.

That said, there’s still the ongoing need for replacement filters and pre-filters, which does create recurring waste over time. However, the extended filter life and the availability of subscription services (which can optimize delivery timing) help minimize the environmental impact of these consumables.

Value

At $449.99, the Blue Signature positions itself firmly in the premium air purifier segment, and the pricing reflects both the advanced technology and the design investment. This isn’t an impulse buy, that’s for sure. When evaluated purely on air cleaning performance, there are certainly less expensive options that can deliver similar filtration results. However, none of them offer the combination of performance, design, and dual functionality that defines the Blue Signature’s value proposition.

The ongoing costs require consideration in any value assessment, and they’re not insignificant. Replacement filters run $99.99 for one-time purchases or $84.99 with a subscription service, while the pre-filter fabrics cost $24.99 each. The accessory bases add another $99.99 to the initial investment if you want to fully embrace the furniture concept.

Compared to the broader market, the Blue Signature occupies a unique position that’s honestly pretty rare. Most air purifiers at this price point focus purely on performance, often resulting in devices that are powerful but aesthetically challenged. Conversely, the few design-forward purifiers in the market typically sacrifice performance for looks. The Blue Signature is one of the rare products that doesn’t ask you to choose between the two.

Of course, for smaller spaces or budget-conscious buyers, the premium pricing might be difficult to justify, especially when capable alternatives exist at lower price points. However, for larger homes, open-concept spaces, or anyone who values design as much as function, the Blue Signature offers a compelling value proposition that extends well beyond traditional air purifier metrics.

The intangible value is significant for the right buyer, and this is where things get interesting. This is a device that enhances both your air quality and your living space, functioning as both a wellness tool and a design element. For design-conscious consumers who have struggled to find air purifiers that don’t compromise their carefully curated interiors, this represents genuine value that’s difficult to quantify but easy to appreciate in daily use.

Verdict

The Blueair Blue Signature succeeds in ways that most air purifiers don’t even attempt, and that’s genuinely refreshing in a category that’s been stagnant for far too long. It’s a rare product that genuinely bridges the gap between utility and beauty, delivering impressive air cleaning performance while looking like something you’d choose for your home rather than something you’d tolerate. The combination of advanced filtration technology, thoughtful design, and genuine dual functionality creates a product that feels both innovative and practical.

The premium positioning makes perfect sense given what you’re getting. The investment, substantial presence, and filter costs all reflect the quality and dual functionality that sets this apart from typical air purifiers. This is a device designed for buyers who appreciate both exceptional performance and thoughtful design, and it delivers on both fronts beautifully. For design-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise their living spaces for the sake of clean air, it represents a genuinely compelling solution that finally gives them what they’ve been waiting for. The Blue Signature doesn’t just clean your air, it elevates the entire concept of what an air purifier can be in modern homes, setting a new standard that other manufacturers will undoubtedly struggle to match.

Click Here to Buy Now: $449.99.

The post Blueair Blue Signature™ Air Purifier Review: Premium Design Meets Clean Air first appeared on Yanko Design.

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572432
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) Review: Subtle Style, Serious Performance https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/10/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-2025-review-subtle-style-serious-performance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-2025-review-subtle-style-serious-performance Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:20:37 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=564782

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) Review: Subtle Style, Serious Performance

Gaming laptops have long been the loud, flashy cousins of the laptop family, sporting aggressive designs and RGB lighting that could probably be seen from...
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PROS:


  • Premium build with sophisticated, understated aesthetics.

  • Outstanding OLED display.

  • Remarkable portability and versatile high-end performance.

CONS:


  • Soldered RAM configuration.

  • So-so battery life.


RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) proves that gaming laptops don't have to look like alien spacecraft to deliver otherworldly performance.
award-icon

Gaming laptops have long been the loud, flashy cousins of the laptop family, sporting aggressive designs and RGB lighting that could probably be seen from space. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) throws that playbook out the window, opting instead for a more sophisticated approach that doesn’t sacrifice performance for style. This latest iteration represents a fascinating shift in how manufacturers think about portable gaming, blending serious computational power with the kind of understated elegance you’d expect from a premium ultrabook.

But can the Zephyrus G14 (2025) really have its cake and eat it too? Does this machine truly deliver on its promise of being both a creative powerhouse and a gaming beast? Let’s dive deep into every aspect of this intriguing laptop to see if it lives up to the hype.

Designer: ASUS

Aesthetics

The first thing that hits you about the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) is how refreshingly normal it looks compared to typical gaming laptop designs. Where most gaming machines assault your retinas with angular cuts, aggressive vents, and enough RGB to power a small rave, the G14 takes a surprisingly mature approach. The clean lines and balanced proportions make it look more like a high-end business laptop than a gaming rig, which is exactly the point.

Available in Eclipse Gray and Platinum White, both colorways embrace sophistication over spectacle in ways that feel genuinely thoughtful. The Eclipse Gray variant has that premium, almost MacBook-like vibe that won’t raise eyebrows in corporate boardrooms or coffee shops. The Platinum White option brings a fresh, contemporary aesthetic that feels modern without trying too hard to be trendy. Both finishes showcase CNC-milled aluminum construction that delivers the kind of build quality you’d expect from luxury electronics.

The matte anodized finish deserves special mention for being both practical and beautiful. Unlike glossy surfaces that turn into fingerprint magnets within minutes of use, this treatment maintains its pristine appearance throughout daily abuse while providing a satisfying texture that feels substantial and premium. The subtle ROG branding is tastefully integrated without overwhelming the design, proving that gaming credentials don’t require shouty logos or aggressive styling cues.

What truly sets the Zephyrus G14 apart from its gaming laptop siblings is its remarkable restraint. Where other machines in this category seem designed to intimidate and overwhelm, this laptop whispers confidence rather than shouting for attention. The result is a device that appeals to design-conscious users who appreciate performance but refuse to sacrifice style for raw specifications.

The laptop’s subtle gaming DNA reveals itself through thoughtful details like the innovative Slash Lighting array, a distinctive LED strip that creates a bold diagonal slash across the lid. This isn’t your typical aggressive RGB showcase but rather a sophisticated lighting element that can display custom animations and personalized patterns. The beauty of this feature lies in its restraint and customization options, allowing users to create their own unique visual signature or keep it completely understated when professionalism demands it. Unlike the garish light shows found on most gaming laptops, the Slash Lighting array feels more like interactive art than gaming bling, perfectly embodying the G14’s philosophy of performance with purpose.

The attention to detail extends to smaller elements like the hinge design, which feels robust and well-engineered without adding unnecessary bulk. Even the port placement seems thoughtfully considered, with connections positioned to minimize cable clutter during use. It’s the kind of holistic design thinking that separates truly great products from merely competent ones.

Ergonomics

Portability has always been one of the Zephyrus G14’s secret weapons, and the 2025 model continues this tradition with impressive results. Weighing just 1.5 kilograms and measuring 1.59 centimeters thick, this laptop feels remarkably light for something packing serious gaming hardware. The compact 14-inch form factor hits that sweet spot between usable screen real estate and genuine portability, making it actually practical for frequent travelers and mobile professionals.

The keyboard experience represents a significant step forward from previous generations, featuring larger keycaps that are 12.24% bigger than before. The 1.7mm key travel provides satisfying tactile feedback without feeling mushy or imprecise, which is crucial for extended typing sessions. The layout feels spacious and well-considered, with minimal deck flex that inspires confidence during intensive use. The backlit keys offer excellent visibility in dim conditions while maintaining the laptop’s understated aesthetic philosophy.

Perhaps the most impressive ergonomic improvement is the dramatically enlarged glass trackpad, which rivals the best implementations found in premium ultrabooks. The smooth, responsive surface supports precise cursor control and multi-touch gestures with remarkable accuracy that actually makes you want to use it. Palm rejection works flawlessly, eliminating those frustrating cursor jumps that plague many Windows laptops and make you reach for an external mouse.

The display hinge opens to approximately 130 degrees, which might feel slightly restrictive for users accustomed to wider opening angles. However, the hinge mechanism itself feels robust and well-damped, maintaining screen position without wobble or annoying drift. The laptop’s low profile and balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to use on various surfaces, from traditional desks to cramped airplane tray tables.

Daily usability benefits from thoughtful design choices throughout the machine. The power button placement feels natural and accessible without being prone to accidental presses. Port accessibility is excellent, with connections positioned to minimize cable interference during use. Even the cooling vents are positioned to direct hot air away from your hands and workspace, showing the kind of attention to user experience that separates great laptops from merely powerful ones.

Performance

Under the hood, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) packs computational power that justifies its premium positioning and then some. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor delivers exceptional performance with its 12-core, 24-thread configuration running at speeds up to 5.1 GHz. This chip excels in both single-threaded tasks like gaming and multi-threaded workloads such as video editing, making it equally capable for entertainment and professional applications.

The integrated 50 TOPS NPU adds AI acceleration capabilities that enhance everything from video calls to creative workflows. While AI features in laptops often feel gimmicky, the implementation here actually provides tangible benefits for tasks like background blur in video calls and intelligent noise cancellation. It’s the kind of forward-thinking hardware that should age well as software catches up to the capabilities.

Graphics performance receives a substantial boost from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB of VRAM. This configuration delivers smooth gaming performance at the laptop’s native 3K resolution, with most AAA titles running comfortably at high settings without breaking a sweat. The inclusion of DLSS 4 technology further enhances performance while maintaining visual quality, making this laptop genuinely capable of handling demanding gaming scenarios that would choke lesser machines.

The 14-inch 3K OLED ROG Nebula Display represents perhaps the laptop’s most impressive feature, elevating the entire user experience beyond typical gaming laptop territory. With its 2880 x 1800 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 0.2ms response time, this screen delivers exceptional clarity and responsiveness that makes both gaming and creative work more engaging. The OLED technology provides perfect blacks and vibrant colors with contrast ratios that make HDR content genuinely impressive.

Pantone validation ensures color accuracy with Delta E values under 1, making this display suitable for professional design work where color precision matters. The 100% DCI-P3 coverage means creative professionals can trust what they see on screen, while gamers benefit from the vivid, immersive visuals that only OLED can deliver.

Memory and storage configurations are generous across the board, with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and 2TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage. The high-speed memory ensures smooth multitasking even with demanding applications running simultaneously, while the fast storage provides quick boot times and application launches that keep productivity flowing. The comprehensive port selection includes USB4, HDMI 2.1, and multiple USB-A ports, providing excellent connectivity for various peripherals and external displays.

Sustainability

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) demonstrates a thoughtful approach to sustainability that goes beyond mere marketing checkbox exercises. The CNC-milled aluminum chassis represents a significant investment in durability, with the precision manufacturing process creating a structure that should withstand years of regular use without showing its age. The material choice itself offers excellent longevity while remaining fully recyclable at the end of the product’s lifecycle.

ASUS has implemented several features specifically designed to extend the laptop’s operational lifespan beyond typical consumer electronics. The OLED Care technology actively manages display usage to minimize burn-in risks, potentially extending screen life significantly compared to unprotected OLED panels. This kind of proactive protection shows genuine commitment to product longevity rather than planned obsolescence.

The sophisticated cooling system utilizes liquid metal thermal compounds and an advanced tri-fan design that should maintain optimal temperatures throughout the laptop’s lifespan. By reducing thermal stress on critical components, this approach not only improves performance but also extends hardware life. The dust-filtered cooling system helps maintain optimal performance over time by preventing debris accumulation that typically degrades thermal efficiency in laptops.

Repairability presents a mixed picture that reflects common industry challenges and design compromises. While the storage drive remains user-accessible for upgrades, the soldered RAM configuration limits future expansion possibilities. This design choice prioritizes thinness and performance over maximum user serviceability, which may frustrate some users but reflects the realities of modern laptop engineering.

The laptop’s energy efficiency deserves recognition, with the 73Wh battery providing reasonable runtime for productivity tasks while the 200W charger supports rapid charging when needed. The inclusion of USB-C charging capability adds convenience and reduces the need for proprietary charging solutions, supporting more sustainable charging practices across different devices and environments. That said, battery life is on the “normal” side, which means it is pretty short for gaming. You definitely want to be sitting near a wall outlet or power strip for those outdoor sessions.

Value

Evaluating the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) from a value perspective requires looking beyond simple price comparisons to consider the complete package. The laptop commands a significant premium compared to mainstream gaming options, but the $2,399 starting price tag reflects genuine engineering excellence and material quality that justifies the investment for discerning users. The combination of performance, design, and build quality creates a package that delivers long-term value beyond simple specification sheet comparisons.

The laptop’s remarkable versatility adds considerable value for users who need a single machine capable of handling diverse workloads effectively. Creative professionals will appreciate the color-accurate OLED display and powerful processing capabilities, while gamers benefit from the high-performance graphics and responsive screen. This multi-purpose capability eliminates the need for separate work and gaming machines, potentially offsetting the higher initial cost through consolidated functionality.

When positioned against the broader premium laptop market, the Zephyrus G14 offers competitive performance while maintaining superior portability that larger gaming laptops simply cannot match. The 14-inch form factor provides genuine mobility advantages over bulkier alternatives, while the sophisticated design appeals to users who value aesthetics alongside raw performance. The comprehensive feature set, including advanced connectivity and premium materials, supports professional use cases that justify the investment.

The laptop’s potential longevity significantly enhances its value proposition for buyers thinking beyond immediate needs. The robust construction, advanced cooling, and high-quality components suggest this machine should remain capable and reliable for several years of intensive use. The generous specifications provide headroom for future software demands, while the timeless design aesthetic should age gracefully without appearing dated or obsolete.

For users who prioritize design excellence alongside performance, the Zephyrus G14 represents exceptional value despite its premium pricing. The combination of portability, power, and sophistication creates a unique proposition that few competitors can match effectively.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) succeeds brilliantly in its ambitious mission to redefine what a gaming laptop can be in today’s market. By prioritizing design sophistication alongside technical excellence, ASUS has created a machine that appeals to users who refuse to compromise aesthetics for performance. The laptop’s subtle elegance, exceptional build quality, and impressive capabilities make it a standout choice in the increasingly crowded premium portable computing market.

This laptop represents the ideal solution for creative professionals, mobile gamers, and design-conscious users who demand both power and refinement from their primary computing device. While the premium pricing may limit its accessibility to budget-conscious buyers, the Zephyrus G14 (2025) delivers genuine value through its combination of performance, portability, and timeless design. For those seeking the ultimate expression of portable gaming sophistication, this machine sets a new standard that competitors will struggle to match effectively.

The post ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) Review: Subtle Style, Serious Performance first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Transparent Design, KEF-Tuned Sound https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/01/nothing-headphone-1-review-transparent-design-kef-tuned-sound/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nothing-headphone-1-review-transparent-design-kef-tuned-sound Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:30:45 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=562714

Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Transparent Design, KEF-Tuned Sound

Nothing’s debut into over-ear audio territory arrives with all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect from the London-based company. Transparent design elements reveal internal components...
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PROS:


  • Distinctive Transparent Design & Premium Build

  • Exceptional Audio Quality with KEF Partnership

  • Innovative Tactile Control System

  • Strong Sustainability Focus

CONS:


  • Average Phone Call Performance

  • Long Two-Hour Full Charging Time

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Nothing Headphone (1) proves that distinctive design and audiophile engineering can coexist beautifully.
award-icon

Nothing’s debut into over-ear audio territory arrives with all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect from the London-based company. Transparent design elements reveal internal components while premium materials create a visual statement that feels both futuristic and familiar. The collaboration with KEF brings serious audiophile credentials to a brand known primarily for smartphones and earbuds.

This first venture into the competitive over-ear market represents more than just product expansion for Nothing. The Headphone (1) embodies the company’s design philosophy while addressing real-world listening needs through innovative tactile controls and advanced acoustic engineering. After extensive testing, these headphones prove that transparent aesthetics can coexist with substantial performance gains.

Designer: Nothing

Aesthetics

The transparent construction immediately sets these headphones apart from anything currently available in the premium audio space. Strategic cutouts reveal acoustic chambers and internal components without compromising structural integrity or acoustic performance. The translucent elements catch light beautifully, creating visual depth that changes depending on the viewing angle and ambient lighting conditions around your workspace or listening environment.

Material selection demonstrates thoughtful consideration for both durability and visual appeal. Formed aluminum strengthens key structural points while maintaining the sleek profile that Nothing has perfected across its product lineup. Precision CNC components add tactile richness to areas where fingers naturally rest, creating subtle texture variations that enhance the overall sensory experience beyond pure visual impact.

The color palette remains deliberately restrained, with black and white variants that allow the transparent elements to take center stage. This approach avoids the flashy aesthetics that often plague gaming-focused headphones, instead creating something that feels appropriate for professional environments while maintaining enough personality to spark conversations about design choices and material innovation.

PU memory foam elements provide visual contrast through their matte finish against the glossy transparent sections. These soft-touch areas break up what could otherwise feel like an overly clinical aesthetic, adding warmth and approachability to the overall design language. The interplay between hard and soft materials creates a visual rhythm that guides the eye naturally around the headphone’s form.

The telescopic arms integrate seamlessly into the overall aesthetic rather than appearing as afterthoughts. Their silent adjustment mechanism eliminates the mechanical clicks and squeaks that plague many competitors, while the clean lines maintain the minimalist approach that defines Nothing’s design philosophy. Every visible component feels intentional rather than merely functional.

Internal component visibility through the transparent sections creates an almost architectural quality to the overall design. The acoustic chambers become part of the visual story, showing rather than hiding the engineering complexity that drives audio performance. This transparency builds trust by demonstrating the substantial hardware investment that justifies the premium pricing positioning.

Ergonomics

Comfort during extended listening sessions exceeds expectations for headphones in this price category. The memory foam ear cushions mold naturally to different head shapes while maintaining consistent seal quality for optimal acoustic performance. Weight distribution feels balanced across the headband, preventing the front-heavy sensation that sometimes accompanies driver-heavy designs in this segment.

The 329-gram total weight strikes an optimal balance between substantial feel and extended comfort during long listening sessions. The headband padding distributes pressure evenly across the crown, while the ear cup design accommodates different ear sizes without creating uncomfortable pressure points. This attention to anthropometric considerations becomes particularly noticeable during multi-hour creative work sessions.

The tactile control system represents a bold departure from industry trends toward touch-sensitive interfaces. The Roller provides precise volume adjustment with satisfying mechanical feedback that eliminates guesswork during blind operation. Its dual-function design allows quick access to play/pause controls while long-press actions toggle between noise cancellation modes without fumbling through smartphone apps.

Paddle controls for track navigation feel intuitive after the minimal adjustment period. The left-right push mechanism for previous/next tracks becomes second nature, while the hold-to-scrub functionality offers precise seeking through longer audio content. This physical approach eliminates the frustration of accidental touch inputs that plague many contemporary headphone designs, especially during physical activity or movement.

The Button’s customizable functionality adapts to different user workflows through the companion app. Default smart assistant activation works reliably across platforms, while Nothing device owners gain access to Channel Hop and other ecosystem-specific features. The physical click provides clear feedback that confirms command registration, reducing the uncertainty that often accompanies voice-activated controls in noisy environments.

Oil-resistant ear cushions maintain their texture and appearance despite extended contact with skin and makeup. The telescopic adjustment mechanism operates smoothly without loosening over time, maintaining the precise fit that supports both comfort and acoustic seal integrity. These durability considerations matter significantly for headphones intended for daily professional use or extended creative sessions.

The silent adjustment mechanism deserves particular recognition for eliminating the audible clicks that interrupt listening experiences during fit adjustments. This seemingly minor detail demonstrates the comprehensive approach to user experience design that extends beyond obvious features into subtle interaction refinements that improve daily usability.

Performance

The collaboration with KEF brings immediately audible improvements to sound reproduction across all frequency ranges. Vocal reproduction stands out as particularly impressive, with the precision tuning bringing out vocal elements exactly as intended by recording engineers. The midrange delivers clean and crisp performance, allowing voices in music, podcasts, and calls to cut through with remarkable clarity and natural presence. There’s warmth without sacrificing detail, and every vocal inflection remains discernible without sibilance or muddiness affecting the listening experience.

Bass response demonstrates both strength and exceptional control throughout various musical genres. The custom 40mm dynamic driver, combined with adaptive bass enhancement technology, delivers deep and immersive low frequencies that provide power without overwhelming other frequency ranges. The bass remains articulate across different musical styles, with fine-tuning capabilities through the Nothing X app ensuring personalized impact without sacrificing overall tonal balance.

Treble frequencies reproduce with remarkable finesse, offering sparkle and airiness that highlights subtle instrument nuances like cymbal crashes and string harmonics. The nickel-plated diaphragm ensures high frequencies remain both clear and extended while maintaining smoothness that never becomes harsh during extended listening sessions. This approach enables fatigue-free enjoyment over long periods without the ear strain that affects many competing designs.

Soundstage and imaging performance exceeds expectations for closed-back headphones in this category. The integrated spatializer and built-in head tracking create an expansive audio field with precise instrument placement around the listener. This results in three-dimensional soundscapes that enhance everything from orchestral compositions to immersive movie soundtracks, with the head tracking maintaining stable positioning as you move naturally during use.

Dynamic range captures both quiet micro-details and powerful crescendos with equal precision and control. Advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation effectively eliminates environmental distractions while maintaining audio purity, and Transparency Mode seamlessly integrates ambient sounds when situational awareness becomes necessary. The impressively low noise floor allows pure, uncolored audio reproduction across all volume levels and listening conditions.

The real-time adaptive noise cancellation scans environmental conditions every 600ms, automatically adjusting cancellation strength to match changing acoustic environments. This intelligent approach eliminates the need for manual mode switching while maintaining optimal noise reduction effectiveness. The wear detection system monitors seal quality every 1875ms, ensuring consistent cancellation performance regardless of individual head shape variations.

Phone call performance delivers clear voice transmission without particularly standing out from the overall experience. The four-microphone array with AI-powered processing handles background noise adequately, though the magic really happens during music and movie playback where the KEF tuning truly shines. Call quality meets professional standards without reaching the exceptional levels achieved during multimedia consumption.

Battery performance supports extended use with an advertised 35 hours of playback time with noise cancellation enabled, extending to 80 hours with ANC disabled. Fast charging provides over two hours of listening time from just five minutes of charging, ensuring minimal downtime during busy schedules. Full charging does take around two hours, though. Connectivity options include high-resolution LDAC wireless, USB-C wired, and traditional 3.5mm jack compatibility for maximum versatility across different source devices.

Sustainability

Unlike most other brands, Nothing takes its environmental responsibility quite seriously. Material choices prioritize longevity over cost reduction, with formed aluminum and precision CNC components providing structural integrity that supports years of daily use. The memory foam maintains its shape and comfort properties despite repeated compression cycles, while oil-resistant surfaces resist degradation from skin contact and environmental exposure. These design decisions support extended product lifecycles that reduce electronic waste generation.

Plastic-free packaging eliminates unnecessary waste while protecting the product during shipping and retail display. This approach demonstrates that premium unboxing experiences don’t require excessive packaging materials that end up in landfills after brief use. The included soft-shell case provides long-term protection without relying on single-use protective films or excessive padding materials.

Durability testing exceeds industry standards with over 50 rigorous reliability assessments including drop tests, twist evaluations, sweat resistance, and extreme temperature exposure. This comprehensive approach ensures long-term performance that reduces the likelihood of premature replacement due to component failure. The nickel-plated diaphragm and reinforced internal structures support consistent performance over extended use periods.

The IP52 rating provides dust and water resistance that protects against common environmental hazards during daily use. This protection extends component lifespan by preventing moisture ingress and particle contamination that often cause premature failure in consumer electronics. The rating demonstrates a commitment to practical durability rather than just laboratory testing achievements.

And it’s not just the product itself that’s green. Environmental considerations permeate multiple aspects of the Headphone (1) design and manufacturing process. The 14.84 kg CO2e carbon footprint represents a conscious effort to minimize environmental impact during production, while 100% renewable energy powers final assembly operations. Amazon Climate Pledge-friendly certification provides third-party validation of the company’s sustainability commitments throughout the supply chain.

Value

At $299, the Headphone (1) positions itself strategically within the premium audio market without reaching flagship pricing territory. The KEF collaboration alone justifies significant portions of the asking price, bringing acoustic engineering expertise that typically costs considerably more in dedicated audiophile products. The transparent design adds visual appeal that commands attention while providing conversation-starting aesthetics for design-conscious users.

Bucking industry trends, the Headphone (1)’s tactile control system provides a differentiated user experience that sets these headphones apart from touch-heavy competitors, while ecosystem integration offers additional value for Nothing device owners. Advanced noise cancellation, spatial audio, and high-resolution codec support match or exceed offerings from established audio brands. Battery life, with or without ANC enabled, easily outperforms its competitors, while fast-charging capabilities ensure you rarely have an extended downtime.

Build quality and material selection suggest these headphones will maintain performance and appearance standards throughout extended use periods. The combination of durability testing, premium materials, and thoughtful design details supports the asking price while providing confidence in long-term satisfaction. For design enthusiasts and audio quality seekers, the value proposition remains compelling within this competitive price segment.

Customization options through the Nothing X app provide ongoing value that extends beyond initial purchase satisfaction. The eight-band EQ enables precise audio tuning for different musical preferences, while custom preset sharing creates community engagement opportunities. The ability to remap physical controls adapts the headphones to different workflows and usage patterns over time. All in all, it’s clear that the Nothing Headphone (1) wasn’t just made with superior audio performance in mind but with excellent user experience as well.

Verdict

Nothing’s entry into over-ear audio succeeds through thoughtful design integration and meaningful performance advantages rather than relying solely on aesthetic novelty. The KEF collaboration delivers legitimate audiophile credentials while the tactile control system provides a genuinely improved user experience over prevalent touch interfaces. Battery life, build quality, and a plethora of notable features justify the asking price within an increasingly competitive market segment.

The Nothing Headphone (1) represents a successful product category expansion that maintains Nothing’s design philosophy while addressing real audio performance needs. For users seeking distinctive aesthetics combined with serious acoustic engineering, these headphones deliver compelling value that extends beyond mere visual appeal. The transparent design will continue attracting attention, but the KEF-tuned sound quality ensures lasting satisfaction beyond initial impressions.

The post Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Transparent Design, KEF-Tuned Sound first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum Review: Advanced Cleaning Features Never Looked so Beautiful https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/02/12/roborock-saros-10r-robot-vacuum-review-advanced-cleaning-features-never-looked-so-beautiful/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roborock-saros-10r-robot-vacuum-review-advanced-cleaning-features-never-looked-so-beautiful Thu, 13 Feb 2025 02:45:19 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=534100

Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum Review: Advanced Cleaning Features Never Looked so Beautiful

Robot vacuum cleaners have definitely come a long way. From the very first flat can that bravely ventured into the treacherous terrain of your living...
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PROS:


  • Slim, sleek, and stylish design that can squeeze under low spaces

  • StarSight system enables fast and accurate navigation

  • Effective anti-tangling features

  • Doesn't require as much manual maintenance

  • Auto-detach mopping pads for vacuum-only or carpet cleaning

CONS:


  • A bit pricey

  • No white colorway available

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Roborock Saros 10R represents the pinnacle of what robot vacuum cleaners are currently capable of, delivering quality-of-life features in a design that won't look out of place in a luxurious interior.
award-icon

Robot vacuum cleaners have definitely come a long way. From the very first flat can that bravely ventured into the treacherous terrain of your living room floor, to the sophisticated and posh self-maintaining flat cans that we have today, robot cleaners are leaving humans with fewer excuses not to keep their floors spotless. At the same time, however, we’re seeing a kind of uniformity in how these designs look, practically thick discs with a smaller disc on top.

At CES 2025 last month, Roborock boldly shattered preconceived notions of what these machines are capable of, particularly with the Saros Z70 and its robotic arm. Now it’s also challenging presumptions on what robot vacuum cleaners can look like, with what could probably be one of the thinnest designs on the market. But is the Roborock Saros 10R just a pretty face or is there true power hiding behind its slim figure? We give the robot a few spins (or rather make it take a few spins) to find out.

Designer: Roborock

Click Here to Buy Now: $1399.99 $1599.99 ($200 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Aesthetics

Robot vacuum designs are one of the biggest areas of improvement in this product category over the past few years. Gone are the bland and boring circles and boxes, replaced with forms that finally aim to blend better with our interior decor. You still have the typical utilitarian designs, of course, but the Saros 10R is fortunately not one of those.

The low 10-in-1 Multifunctional Dock 4.0 is so compact and space-efficient that you might be initially dubious of its capabilities and capacity. Make no mistake, it definitely deserves that 10-in-1 title, but it’s a testament to Roborock’s designers that it was able to cram that much in such a slim form. Even better, the box looks quite luxurious with its reflective front panels and handsome black color scheme. Unfortunately, that’s also the only color option available for this model. Those who want a white robot cleaner might be interested in its twin, the Roborock Saros 10, which launched on the same day and enjoys the same discounts.

The design upgrade doesn’t stop at the dock either. The Roborock Saros 10R immediately sets itself apart visually with the lack of a disc protruding from its top. This is thanks to the company’s fancy new StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 tech that we’ll get to later, but it’s enough to give the vac a height advantage over the competition. Standing at only 3.14 inches (7.98 cm), it can easily go under furniture with a low vertical clearance, allowing it to reach more places and improve its cleaning efficiency.

The dual-tone scheme of the dock continues to the vacuum itself, with the top sporting a glossy surface near the front and the rest getting a matte material. This section is actually a removable cover that gives you access to the dust bin inside. All in all, the Saros 10R definitely exudes a kind of luxury and elegance that’s hopefully becoming the trend in this market segment.

Ergonomics

Even the most beautiful and most powerful product would be a failure if it were difficult to use and handle. Ergonomics plays an essential part in any product design, though it ironically works in the opposite sense when it comes to robot vacuums and mops. Considering the health risks involved, the less you have to actually handle and touch the machine, the better it is, which is exactly what the Roborock Saros 10R delivers. When you do need to manually get involved, however, it’s mostly effortless.

Self-emptying dust bin functionality should be a standard in robot vacuums in this day and age, removing the need to get your hands dirty and expose yourself to harmful chemicals. Self-washing mops are still a premium feature, though, and the Saros 10R thankfully does have it, saving you from having to wash mops by hand or wastefully replace them regularly. Roborock takes this convenience one step further with an automatic detaching feature for the mopping pads, meaning they won’t have to drag the mop around if you’re just vacuuming anyway.

You will still have to take out the dirty water and refill the clean water tank yourself unless you opt for an additional accessory that also automates that, but the large bins are thankfully easy to lift out of the dock. Unfortunately, the removable dust bag is a slightly different story, because, unlike most designs, this one is installed sideways to conserve vertical space. This means there’s a potential to spill some of the contents when you’re taking it out if you’re not careful, defeating the purpose of a sanitized system.

Performance

The Roborock Saros 10R is filled to the brim with features that we don’t know where to even begin. Fortunately, the majority of these features are either configured just once and you forget about it, or you don’t even have to think about them in the first place. Even with all its power, the Saros 10R makes the process so simple that you rarely have to worry aside from the initial learning curve and a few mishaps here and there.

Right at the top of the list of highlight features is the one that makes it possible for the robot to not have a top. The StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 replaces the typical laser-based LDS navigation system most robot vacuum cleaners use, and it puts all the sensors in front (and some at the back), removing the need to have a hump on top. Without going into the technical details, it uses the same technologies that Apple’s highly accurate Face ID uses to map out your face, though the Saros 10R uses that technology to map out the world in front of it instead.

The result is an accurate and responsive robot that can navigate through most obstacles and accidents that are waiting to happen. It’s not foolproof, especially with extra small objects or very thin cables, but it can safely navigate around toys, chair legs, and other things most of the time. And because it has made the design even thinner, StarSight practically allows the Saros 10R to reach under furniture better, allowing it to clean spaces that were previously out of reach.

Another killer feature is its anti-tangling features, a true hero for households with people with long hair as well as furry family members. The innovative DuoDivide main brush uses a conical shape rather than a cylindrical brush to guide gathered hair and fur toward a specific direction, in this case, the gap between the two brushes. Because the brushes are also spinning at slightly different speeds, hairs more easily detach from the brushes and get sucked up by the vacuum. Hair today, gone later!

The side brush has also been redesigned to avoid tangles and be more efficient, even though it now only has two arms. It’s specially designed to reach further and push dust and hair toward the main brush without getting tangled up in them. Thanks to the FlexiArm Raiser feature, the side brush can automatically retract to avoid furniture collision and extend when it needs to reach out. In fact, one of the mopping pads also has this feature, ensuring that corners and edges are wiped just as well.

One of the biggest concerns about dual-duty robot cleaners like this is when wet mopping pads touch carpets, so the Saros 10R has two solutions for these. One is to leave the mops behind as mentioned earlier, but another is the new AdaptiLift feature that can raise the chassis itself by up to 10mm and the mops for a total of 22mm, avoiding even thicker carpets and rugs. Its 4x Liftable Design also makes short work of thresholds, though the robot might struggle a bit in the first runs.

It’s quite impressive how fast and well the Roborock Saros 10R learns, even going as far as automatically marking some places as no-go zones after repeated failures with obstacles. In fact, most of its operations are completely automated, including cleaning itself after washing the mop to wash away any gunk that fell off from the pads. You still have complete control, of course, thanks to an easy-to-use mobile app. Given how many features are available, you might want to give the app a good look to make sure you have all the settings properly configured.

Sustainability

We haven’t come to a point where household appliances like these will be made using sustainable materials, but there are other wins in this regard. In particular, operating more efficiently and using fewer resources can help push its carbon footprint down. For example, the Saros 10R’s SmartPlan AI can automatically determine how much water to inject into the mopping pads so that it doesn’t need to waste water. The dust bags and mops are all reusable so you don’t have to throw them away unless really necessary.

Maintaining and repairing the Saros 10R is also easy given its modular design. There’s a bottom cover on the dock, for example, that can be removed using a standard screwdriver in case there are clogs in the self-emptying line. The mop washer is also removable so you can clean it more easily without having to disassemble the whole dock. The Roborock Saros 10R doesn’t just give peace of mind when cleaning the house but also when keeping itself clean as well.

Value

There’s no going around the fact that the Roborock Saros 10R is an expensive product given its full $1,600 price tag. But to make your hearts flutter this week, Roborock is offering a $200 discount from Feb. 10 to Feb. 16. The question is whether that price tag is actually well-deserved, and the answer is a resounding yes. You are, after all, getting a ton of features to keep your house clean without much effort, and some of those features aren’t even found in competing products.

The thin body alone, thanks to StarSight technology, has a huge impact on how much more it can reach, especially under furniture. Not worrying about tangles and getting your hands dirty from untangling brushes also takes away one more reason to even touch the machine. Quickly charging in 2.5 hours, having a real-time video feed of what it sees, and a voice-controlled AI assistant that works even without an Internet connection all add up to a product designed for comfortable living.

Verdict

It’s hard to pick out a fatal flaw in the Saros 10R. Sure, its navigation isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely not worse than the most capable models in the market. The fact that it can still pull that off without a bump on its head is an even bigger testament to the nascent technology. When the only deal-breakers you can think of are the price tag and the black-only color option, then you probably get the picture of what this robot cleaner really is.

You can practically leave it unattended and expect to see a clean floor every time. Unless it snags on something, the only time it will even call your attention is when you need to clean out the water tanks and the dust bag, which shouldn’t happen too often anyway. Its clean and elegant design also makes it quite a sight, to the point that you might even want to put it on display rather than tuck it away in a corner. The Roborock Saros 10R definitely pulls out all the stops to let you stop worrying about dirt and spills and instead channel your time and energy on things that matter more.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1399.99 $1599.99 ($200 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum Review: Advanced Cleaning Features Never Looked so Beautiful first appeared on Yanko Design.

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ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Review: The Ultimate Gaming Smartphone Experience https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/19/asus-rog-phone-9-pro-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asus-rog-phone-9-pro-review Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:40:41 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=520394

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Review: The Ultimate Gaming Smartphone Experience

Mobile gaming remains a lucrative industry, with millions of gamers worldwide seeking the best devices to enhance their gaming experience. However, as mainstream smartphones improve...
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PROS:


  • More elegant, minimalist, and mature design

  • AniMe Vision display and AniMe Play features add a unique charm

  • Unbeatable performance and cooling system

  • Decent cameras for a gaming-centric smartphone

CONS:


  • Incremental upgrades only over the previous generation

  • 13MP ultra-wide camera feels a bit dated

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro offers great value, balancing advanced gaming features with an elegant and mature design.
award-icon

Mobile gaming remains a lucrative industry, with millions of gamers worldwide seeking the best devices to enhance their gaming experience. However, as mainstream smartphones improve their performance, the allure of dedicated gaming phones has diminished. Yet, a niche market persists for devices specifically designed for gaming enthusiasts. The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro emerges as a contender in this space, promising speed and flair. But does it meet the expectations of pro gamers?

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro launches at a rather critical time for gaming smartphones and it seeks to carve out its niche by offering features tailored to gaming. Packed with high-performance specs and unique design elements, it targets those who demand more from their mobile devices. This review delves into whether the ROG Phone 9 Pro truly delivers on its promises and whether you should upgrade from the brand’s previous model if you already have it in your hands.

Designer: ASUS Republic of Gamers

Aesthetics

Just like its predecessor, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro’s design marks steps away from the overtly flashy aesthetics typical of gaming phones. It adopts a minimalist approach that exudes maturity, appealing to both gamers and non-gamers. The geometric camera bump and off-center design elements subtly nod to its gaming roots, maintaining a distinct identity.

The back cover, crafted from a single piece of glass, showcases precision etching for added texture. This design choice not only enhances the phone’s visual appeal but also provides a tactile experience. The matte finish employs a crystalized nano-texture, ensuring a silky touch while resisting fingerprints, keeping the device pristine.

A standout feature for gamers is the AniMe Vision display that gives the smartphone a unique flair. The ROG Phone 9 Pro model utilizes 648 mini-LEDs to display icons, text, and even GIF animations, adding a dynamic element to the phone. Hidden animations can be unlocked when two ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro devices are near, using NFC technology, offering a novel interactive experience that creates a community of ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro owners.

Exclusive to the Pro model as well, the AniMe Play feature brings retro mini-games to the AniMe Vision display, further emphasizing the phone’s gaming focus. This playful addition caters to gamers seeking entertainment beyond traditional mobile games, enhancing the device’s appeal. Overall, the design balances sophistication with gaming-centric elements.

Ergonomics

Despite its large 6.78-inch display, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is designed for comfort. The textured finish provides a secure grip, making it easier to hold during long gaming sessions. This ergonomic consideration is crucial for gamers who prioritize comfort and usability.

However, the phone’s thickness, primarily due to its substantial battery, might be a drawback for some users. While it ensures extended gaming sessions, it adds bulk to the device. Balancing battery life with portability remains a challenge in gaming phone design.

The dual USB-C ports are a thoughtful addition, allowing users to charge the device without interrupting gameplay. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers who engage in prolonged sessions, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. Such practical design choices demonstrate ASUS’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience.

Performance

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is a powerhouse, boasting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Coupled with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage in the Pro Edition, it ensures high-performance gaming and multitasking capabilities. This setup positions it not only as a formidable contender in the gaming phone market but also as a reliable everyday mobile device.

The GameCool thermal management system effectively dissipates heat, preventing build-up and ensuring sustained performance. This feature is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during intense gaming sessions, where overheating can be a concern. If you need even more cooling, the Pro Edition ships with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro which enhances cooling with a Pelter chip for passive cooling and larger fans for active cooling. It also includes physical left and right buttons, providing additional functionality similar to popular game controllers.

The 2400×1080 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. It also comes with a 2400×1080 resolution and a 185Hz refresh rate that’s boasted to be the highest on a phone. This display quality elevates the gaming experience, providing immersive visuals. The phone’s performance is further enhanced by AI features, including automatic item pickup and moment recording. That said, these AI features are limited to a few titles like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Mobile Legends Bang Bang so they might not be generally useful.

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is equipped with a robust 5,800 mAh battery, ensuring extended gaming sessions without frequent recharges. It supports fast 65W charging and can go from zero to full in less than 50 minutes, a boon for gamers on the go. Additionally, the phone offers 15W wireless charging, providing convenient and flexible power options to suit various user needs.

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro surprises with its competent camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor at the helm. This primary camera delivers detailed images, a pleasant surprise for a device primarily focused on gaming. It challenges the notion that gaming phones must compromise on camera quality.

The 32MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens provide versatility in photography. While not extraordinary, they offer decent performance for everyday use. This well-rounded camera setup adds value to the phone, catering to users who appreciate photography.

Features like Photo Vibe enhance the photography experience, offering color and temperature presets. AI Object Sense provides auto-correction, optimizing photos based on scene elements. The AirTrigger Capture function utilizes the same capacitive side buttons used for gaming as a dedicated shutter button, adding a unique touch to mobile photography. The ROG Phone 9 Pro is not a pro camera phone by a long shot, but this powerful camera system at least adds to its versatility and usefulness outside of games.

Sustainability

In terms of sustainability, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro follows the conventional smartphone formula, utilizing plastic, metal, and glass. Unfortunately, it does not incorporate recycled materials, a growing trend in the industry. However, it boasts an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, enhancing its durability and longevity.

While sustainability may not be its strongest suit, the phone’s robust build quality ensures it can withstand everyday challenges. This aspect is crucial for gamers who demand reliability and resilience from their devices, particularly during intense gaming sessions.

Value

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro offers impressive performance and a suite of features tailored for professional mobile gaming. Its beautiful screen and additional side charging port are standout features. These elements cater to gamers seeking a device that prioritizes performance and practicality.

However, for existing ROG Phone 8 Pro users, the upgrades may seem incremental, providing little incentive to switch. This aspect may affect its appeal to loyal ASUS customers seeking significant improvements. Nonetheless, the ROG Phone 9 Pro remains a compelling choice for new buyers.

Despite the incremental upgrades, the ROG Phone 9 Pro represents good value for those seeking a dedicated gaming phone. It combines high-end specifications with thoughtful design elements, appealing to gamers who value not only performance but also aesthetics. The phone’s value proposition lies in its specialized features, from ROG’s famous Armory Crate to the phone’s invisible AirTrigger buttons. Even the animated AniMe Vision display is a treat for mobile gamers who want to brag about their gear.

Verdict

Gaming smartphones are evolving, adopting more refined designs while maintaining their core gaming features. However, with regular flagship phones matching their performance, the reasons to invest in a dedicated gaming device are dwindling. Nevertheless, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro continues to offer great value, balancing advanced features with a mature design.

For gamers who demand the best, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro stands out as a worthy contender. It combines speed, style, and substance, making it a compelling choice for those who want a device tailored to their gaming needs. Despite the shrinking market for gaming phones, ASUS’s offering remains a testament to innovation in the mobile gaming arena.

The post ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Review: The Ultimate Gaming Smartphone Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

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ASUS Zenbook S 14 Ceraluminum Laptop Review: Elegance You Can Feel, Power You Can Touch https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/09/24/asus-zenbook-s-14-ceraluminum-laptop-review-elegance-you-can-feel-power-you-can-touch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asus-zenbook-s-14-ceraluminum-laptop-review-elegance-you-can-feel-power-you-can-touch Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:02:36 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=510927

ASUS Zenbook S 14 Ceraluminum Laptop Review: Elegance You Can Feel, Power You Can Touch

For the longest time, Apple MacBooks have set themselves apart from the rest of the laptop crowd with their stylish designs, while laptop manufacturers preferred...
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PROS:


  • Gorgeous Ceraluminum design with a unique tactile experience

  • Ultra-thin and lightweight chassis for effortless portability

  • Lush and vibrant 14-inch 3K 120Hz OLED display

  • Impressive performance, including light gaming

CONS:


  • Port selection is a bit constrained

  • RAM is integrated into System-on-Chip

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Packing incredible performance in a compact and beautiful design, the ASUS Zenbook S 14 redefines what ultraportable laptops are capable of and demonstrates how to deliver a design that you can feel.
award-icon

For the longest time, Apple MacBooks have set themselves apart from the rest of the laptop crowd with their stylish designs, while laptop manufacturers preferred to focus on the performance and technical aspects of their products. Consumer tastes have shifted, however, and brands have started their search for thinner and lighter designs, though they always get stumped by the laws of physics and the limits of technologies and materials. Always in Search of Incredible, ASUS decided to look to other places for inspiration, both from other industries and Mother Nature herself. The result is a new “meta-material” Ceraluminum, which debuted on the ASUS Zenbook S 14, a rather striking laptop that promises the best of all worlds. Naturally, we couldn’t resist getting our hands on it and taking it for a test run to see whether its beauty runs deep.

Designer: ASUS

Aesthetics

Laptop lids are often made from metal like aluminum or plastic, both of which offer different strengths but also weaknesses. Lately, titanium has become the hot new material for electronics because of its durable and lightweight properties, but it is far from the end-all and be-all of metallic products. Taking a page from the aerospace and luxury watch industries, ASUS developed a new oxidation or “ceramization” to produce a sort of hybrid or meta-material, if you would, that combines not only the lightness of aluminum and the hardness of ceramic but also creates a new visual and tactile experience never before seen on a laptop.

“Ceraluminum” is the marketing term for what ASUS previously called Plasma Ceramic Aluminum, and our very own Vincent Nguyen describes the material in better detail. The end result is a laptop cover that looks nothing less than a piece of art, especially with the lines that cross its surface to create geometric patterns. Not only is the laptop great to look at, but it also feels great to touch. There’s a certain degree of roughness to its surface, almost like paper. Considering its paper-light weight and thinness, it almost feels like you’re simply carrying a stack of white or gray paper.

And yes, the ASUS Zenbook S 14 is unbelievably thin and lightweight, only 1.1cm (0.47 inches) thin and 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs) light. It gives the laptop a rather striking profile that grabs attention from any angle. And with its tactile design and lightweight body, you might find yourself wanting to carry the laptop in your arms often, truly a design that you can feel.

Fortunately, the laptop’s beauty doesn’t disappear when you lift up the lid. The very thin bezels almost disappear completely, giving way to the bright and colorful ASUS Lumina OLED display. The clean and modest design of the keyboard and the touchpad pad perfectly complement the minimalism of the laptop’s lids. Even the rather unique ventilation grid lying between the keyboard and the display hinge brings functional aesthetics into the picture. No matter which way you look at and hold the Zenbook S 14, you are greeted by a strikingly elegant display that you touch with your eyes as well as with your fingers.

Ergonomics

With such a thin and light design, there is really no argument about the portability of this laptop. You can easily carry it anywhere by hand or slip it inside a bag, and use it anywhere as well, including on your laptop. This makes the Zenbook S 14 ideal for people who find themselves always on the move, sometimes even at a moment’s notice. Best of all, they aren’t losing out on power and performance, as we’ll see later, so there are almost no downsides to its design.

That said, if you’re a bit picky about your typing experience, you might have some issues with the ASUS Zenbook S 14’s keyboard. With a profile as thin as this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the keyboard actually has a bit of a shallow travel distance, just around 1.1mm. Mind you, that’s not exactly a deal breaker and we found it to still be quite comfortable and enjoyable to type on. In fact, considering that same thin profile, it’s a miracle that this keyboard could actually feel this good. Again, your mileage might vary, but keyboard connoisseurs might want to take note of this detail.

Another minor matter that may or may not ruin your experience is the very bright keyboard backlight. Although adjustable, even its dimmest setting might feel a little blinding to more sensitive eyes, especially in a dark room. On the bright side (no pun intended), the light and the keys are also very visible even in bright surroundings. Again, not a huge flaw but something you’ll want to consider based on your personal preferences.

Performance

You might be wondering what the catch is since thin laptops have traditionally been underpowered to the point of being unusable for anything but the most basic computing tasks. There are a small number of gotchas, indeed, but not in the ways you might expect and definitely not damning enough to ruin mar the Zenbook S 14’s prestige. In fact, it’s pretty mind-blowing that this ultra-thin laptop is able to perform this well, offering a no-compromise mobile computing experience.

Part of that is thanks to the new Intel Lunar Lake processor, specifically the Core Ultra 7 258V. It uses a system-on-chip design that integrates a CPU, a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit), an Intel Arc Xe GPU, and 32GB of RAM. Yes, that memory is built into the processor, which does have an important implication we’ll get to later. Regardless, this compact silicon design is what allowed Intel and ASUS to maximize internal space, allowing them to cram more or bigger components, like a 72Wh battery.

The Zenbook S 14’s raw benchmark performance is nothing short of impressive, easily matching other 28W laptops. Considering ultra-thin 14-inch laptops often operate at a much lower 15W TDP to avoid overheating, this is quite a remarkable feat. Perhaps the most telling achievement is how this slim laptop can deftly handle gaming loads with medium graphics settings instead of the typical low settings. Although it’s not marketed as a content creation or gaming laptop, it can definitely fit the bill with some performance tweaking and adjustments.

What’s a bit more interesting, however, is how the laptop’s performance seems to lean more towards unplugged use. Of course, this is perhaps one of the most important considerations for a laptop, since wouldn’t want to have it always plugged in, defeating the purpose of its portability. Long story short, the Zenbook S 14 seems to perform best when on battery, providing a good balance of power and efficiency to meet any computing need anywhere, anytime. And with mixed use, you can get a little under 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. That’s well under ASUS’s advertised 27 hours of non-stop video playback, but the realistic numbers are still quite good.

This makes the ASUS Zenbook S 14 a great all-around laptop, and that includes multimedia and, as mentioned, even games. The 14-inch 3K OLED screen is just breathtaking with its brightness and colors, and being part of the ASUS Lumina line, it is also PANTONE-validated, making it an excellent tool for creators, and the monitor’s 120Hz is actually a must-have for gamers. Four high-quality speakers give a punchy treatment to videos and music, making this laptop a multimedia powerhouse despite its modest and business-minded looks.

One area where the Zenbook S 14 might come up short for some people is the number of ports available. Remember that time when Apple got chided for replacing all the ports on MacBook Pros with just four C-Type Thunderbolt 4 ports? It’s not as bad here, but there will definitely be some who will find the selection far too modest. There are only two of those USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, both of which can be used for charging, data, and video out. There’s also one full-sized USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, one HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone/mic combo jack. That’s pretty much it. There isn’t even an SD card reader, which will probably disappoint photographers. Both USB-C ports are located on the same side, which forces you to have the charger and dongles competing for space. The lack of other ports might not be that big of a problem when you dock the laptop at home or in the office, but if your office tends to change locations, you’ll have to bring a hub with you as well.

Sustainability

ASUS has been working hard to step up to the challenge of making the world a greener place for future generations, and its most ambitious attempt yet can be seen in its most ambitious material design as well. Ceraluminum isn’t just a fancy new material with a beautiful aesthetic and satisfying texture; it is also a more sustainable alternative to the usual metal anodizing techniques used by manufacturers. Instead of corrosive acids that release harmful toxins into the air, ASUS’ ceramization process uses water and super-high voltage electricity to produce an even better oxide layer, creating this blend of lightweight durability your fingers will love.

The ASUS Zenbook S 14 is also made to last, thanks to that Ceraluminum material that’s not only scratch-resistant but also smudge-resistant. And despite its luxurious aesthetic, this laptop actually boasts military-grade MIL-STD-810H compliance, ensuring that it can survive accidental bumps, high-frequency vibrations, and extreme temperatures. One aspect that takes a point from its longevity is the fact that you can only upgrade the M.2 NVMe SSD, and only up to 1TB capacity. The 32GB of RAM is, as mentioned, fixed and soldered. Yes, that might be enough for most use cases, but only today. Who knows how demanding apps and services will be just a few years from now.

Value

Most people marvel at ultra-thin laptops but pass them over because those slim profiles barely have enough power to meet their needs. Finding the right balance between portability, power, and price is like a hunting game, but you don’t need to go any further than what ASUS is now offering on the table. With a beautiful 14-inch screen, only 1.1cm thick, and weighing only 2.65 lbs, the ASUS Zenbook S 14 delivers a versatile machine that doesn’t compromise on performance, at least not in significant ways.

Best of all, it’s an absolute beauty to behold and to hold! Ceraluminum might sound like a buzzword, but its aesthetic value and tactile experience are the real deal. The $1,499.99 price tag for the 32GB RAM model is indeed nothing to scoff at either, but when you realize all the value that you’re getting, it’s almost a steal.

Verdict

We have finally reached a point where laptops no longer need to be hulking blocks of metal just to catch up with their desktop counterparts. While they still lose out on raw performance and customization, today’s laptops can be slimmer than ever and, more importantly, offer a design experience that desktop towers can only dream of. Of course, it takes no small amount of creative thinking, bold decision-making, and the courage to go beyond the boundaries of convention to create an amazing experience that will satiate consumer’s thirst for better-designed products. ASUS has definitely proven that it isn’t averse to taking that big leap, and the Zenbook S 14 is a shining testament to that daring spirit to create designs that you can see and feel.

The post ASUS Zenbook S 14 Ceraluminum Laptop Review: Elegance You Can Feel, Power You Can Touch first appeared on Yanko Design.

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ASUS ProArt PX13 Laptop Review: An Agile Content Creator’s Best Friend https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/08/19/asus-proart-px13-laptop-review-an-agile-content-creators-best-friend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asus-proart-px13-laptop-review-an-agile-content-creators-best-friend Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:40:06 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=505141

ASUS ProArt PX13 Laptop Review: An Agile Content Creator’s Best Friend

The nature and execution of work have changed significantly in the past years, especially for those who use computers all the time. Mobility and flexibility...
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PROS:


  • Handsome, minimalist, and lightweight design

  • Impressive performance packed in a compact size

  • Gorgeous 3K OLED screen for both viewing and color-accurate work

  • Incredible value for creative professionals on the go

CONS:


  • No full-sized SD card reader, only one USB-A port

  • Display refresh rate is only up to 60Hz

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The ASUS ProArt PX13 makes the impossible possible, delivering unbeatable performance and uncompromising mobility in an elegant and accessible package.
award-icon

The nature and execution of work have changed significantly in the past years, especially for those who use computers all the time. Mobility and flexibility have become an important part of the business, sometimes requiring people to be able to take their work anywhere life leads them. At the same time, it also allows people to do their work in the best possible location for them, which isn’t always the office. To support these new work arrangements, computer vendors have been trying to shove more power into laptops without turning them into gargantuan machines that would force people to leave them in the office anyway. It’s a delicate balancing act, one that very few brands have successfully pulled off, but the ASUS ProArt PX13 makes that very promise to one of the more discerning and particular markets. Is the ProArt PX13 able to deliver that promise of unbounded creativity anywhere or does it make too many compromises along the way? We give it a flip and a spin to bring you that answer.

Designer: ASUS

Aesthetics

The first impression you’ll have when seeing the ASUS ProArt PX13 is how compact and thin it is, at least for a supposedly powerful laptop aimed at creative professionals. Your second impression will be how sleek and elegant it looks with its deep, all-black design. It’s an aesthetic that doesn’t scream at you but instead talks mellowly, fitting a professional product. There are barely any markings on the laptop’s cover; no fancy RGB lighting at its sides, protruding edges, or sharp angles. Just one truly black slab.

Unlike other laptops that advertise a black colorway, the ASUS ProArt PX13 really walks the walk thanks to the company’s Nano Black coating that almost poetically matches the deep blacks of the OLED screen on the opposite side. It’s admittedly a matter of taste, as some will prefer the luster of silver metal like those on MacBooks or Dell, but its more subdued aesthetic makes it less distracting as well. Thankfully, that same Nano Coating also prevents fingerprint smudges so there’s very little that will stain that darkness.

Minimalist doesn’t mean plain, however, and there are a few accents that bring out the ProArt PX13’s designer-centric character. The ProArt branding, for example, is smooth and a little bit reflective, tastefully set against the blackness of the cover. The vertical stripes on the hinge are supposed to be a nod to pro camera designs, but even if you don’t make that connection, they’re still an interesting touch. All in all, the ASUS ProArt PX13’s minimalism puts the focus not on the laptop but on the creator and the content, while also providing a dark, blank canvas for owners to use to let their own creativity shine through if needed.

Ergonomics

The ProArt PX13 is hardly the thinnest laptop, whether traditional or convertible, but it’s not terrible either for a 13-inch. When you consider that it packs enough hardware to cater to creative professionals and even some gamers, you’ll even be amazed at how ASUS managed to keep the numbers down to an accessible level. At 17.78mm (0.7 inches) thick and 1.38kg (3.04 lbs) heavy, this is something you can easily stow in your bag and be on the move in a flash.

This is very important when you consider that ProArt PX13 is more than just a laptop. It can also be a tablet you can draw on, whether on your table or on your lap, as well as a “tent mode” presentation and entertainment display. Changing forms is as easy as folding the screen back and forth, and the sturdy 360-degree hinge makes sure that it stays open at whatever angle you leave it. At the same time, however, the laptop’s weight is distributed properly so that you can open it up with just a single finger, lifting the lid while the body anchors it down.

The typing experience is pretty good as well, with well-spaced keys and a good 1.7mm travel. The cursor keys are squashed, of course, but that’s nothing new nor is it extremely uncomfortable. The touchpad is a decent size, but its mechanical design might disappoint fans of more haptic touchpads.

Performance

Right off the bat, the ASUS ProArt PX13 has some of the best hardware you’ll find in a 13-inch laptop. It’s one of the first to utilize AMD’s new AI-powered Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, giving it a wide lead in AI operations. This is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, like in our review unit, or an RTX 4060. Either way, you’re getting a powerful graphics processor that, to no one’s surprise, handles AI skillfully as well. Benchmark numbers don’t always tell the whole story, but they’re impressive nonetheless. Whether the laptop is plugged in or running on battery, it will meet almost anything you can throw at it, whether it’s Photoshop, Da Vinci Resolve, or Blender.

Gaming is a bit of a different issue, though the ProArt PX13 is definitely capable. You will definitely feel the heat when pushing the system to its limits, but the cooling system does a stellar job of regulating its impact. The fans are definitely audible under heavy loads, but they quiet down just as quickly when no longer needed. And they’re barely noticeable at all if you’re just doing basic computing tasks like browsing the Web or typing up documents. The biggest setback when using this machine for gaming is actually one of its biggest strengths as well: its screen.

The 13.3-inch OLED touch screen is simply stunning, with rich colors, deep blacks, and a sufficient amount of brightness so that you can even work outdoors under overcast skies. The display is Pantone-validated and supports a wide gamut of colors, an important detail for graphics artists and content creators who need color accuracy more than anything else. The screen has a 3K resolution of 2880×1800 in a familiar 16:10 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 60Hz. The latter is what makes the ProArt PX13 less suitable for gaming, at least for those who live and breathe 120Hz or higher. It’s not totally unusable for fast-paced games, and it completely marks the laptop as a machine primarily for work, with just a bit of gaming on the side.

Battery life for the ASUS ProArt PX13 is so-so. Given its size, the 75WHr battery it packs is actually generous, but it’s offset by the more powerful hardware. On Eco/Power Saving mode and average computing tasks, it can last an average of 8 hours, definitely shorter once you push the hardware to the limit. It ships with a 200W power brick that’s large but not gigantic. It can charge over USB-C using a 100W charger, but you’ll probably bring the official charger with you anyway unless you’re traveling extra light.

Port selection is on the light side as well. It has most of the important basics but is also oddly missing a few ones. There are two USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C ports and a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, one HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the proprietary DC-in charging port. There’s a microSD card reader but not a full-sized one, which is strange considering how digital cameras still mostly use SD cards, not their tiny cousins. We could always do with an extra USB-A port, especially if the only available one is already in use with an Ethernet adapter because the laptop doesn’t have its own RJ45 port.

The ASUS ProArt PX13 is overflowing with features designed for creative professionals, from hardware to software. There’s the somewhat odd DialPad in the order of the touchpad, giving quick access to actions like changing brush sizes in Photoshop, scrubbing through timelines in Premiere, and more. Not everyone will love this convenience, and it is fortunately easy to disable it completely. From the ProArt Creator Hub which has all the settings you can tweak for performance or monitor calibration, to the AI-powered software that takes advantage of the combined strength of AMD processors and NVIDIA graphics, the ProArt PX13 offers a multitude of tools to assist content creators in whatever kind of work or problem they’re facing.

Sustainability

ASUS has been making big waves when it comes to its commitment to helping protect the future of the planet, from the use of recycled materials in its products to the decrease of plastic in its packaging. It might not be visible or advertised for the ProArt PX13, but we’re banking on the company giving it the same treatment even in small amounts.

In terms of prolonging the life of the laptop, ASUS definitely took steps to make it a bit easier. The bottom plate can be removed easily using a screwdriver, except for the middle screw that’s also covered by a sticky rubber material. The NVMe SSD storage, battery, and Wi-Fi 7 module are easily replaceable, which are some of the most common components that need to be repaired or upgraded. Sadly, the LPDDR5X RAM is soldered to the motherboard, but having 32GB of memory isn’t that bad anyway.

Value

The ASUS ProArt PX13 is available in two configurations, with the RTX 4050 and 4060 being the only real difference between the two, as well as the Windows 11 Home and Pro licenses. Given the performance difference between these two very capable NVIDIA graphics processors, you couldn’t go wrong if you picked the base configuration that goes for only $1,699.99. At that price point, it already surpasses larger laptops and can hold its own against a MacBook that’s nearly double its price.

It’s pretty mind-blowing how much ASUS was able to cram inside the compact 13.3-inch body of the ProArt PX13 without hitting any significant compromises. It’s hardly the best gaming laptop or the most powerful movie maker, but what it offers is the flexibility to take your work or game anywhere without missing a bit. In that regard, it is pretty unrivaled, making it a truly tempting device for creative professionals, even those who mostly stay at their desks.

Verdict

The way we make content these days has changed greatly over the past years. Videos and graphic designs no longer have to be made on hulking towers tethered to desktops. Sometimes, the ability to quickly churn out content at a moment’s notice has become more important than production-level quality that will take hours on a regular laptop. Then again, why do you have to choose when the ASUS ProArt PX13 can give you the best of both worlds? Powerful, portable, and flexible, this convertible laptop delivers the tools that creative professionals need to bring their work to the next level, whenever inspiration strikes, wherever they are.

The post ASUS ProArt PX13 Laptop Review: An Agile Content Creator’s Best Friend first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 2-in-1 (14″, 2024) Review: Graceful Balancing Act https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/17/lenovo-yoga-9i-gen-9-14imh9-14-2024-review-graceful-balancing-act/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lenovo-yoga-9i-gen-9-14imh9-14-2024-review-graceful-balancing-act Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:20:37 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=499872

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 2-in-1 (14″, 2024) Review: Graceful Balancing Act

There has been a sudden flood of new laptops in the past months, most of them trying to ride the AI wave. With so many...
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PROS:


  • Gorgeous 3.8K screen with very thin bezels

  • Stylish, lightweight, and flexible workstation on-the-go

  • Competitive performance even for light gaming

  • Creative speaker soundbar hinge design

CONS:


  • Included pen feels cramped

  • No HDMI port or SD card slot


RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

With a more portable design and solid performance, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 makes for a competitive all-rounder that can cover almost every need and use case.
award-icon

There has been a sudden flood of new laptops in the past months, most of them trying to ride the AI wave. With so many designs and so many configurations available, it can be a bit daunting to pick one for your next major computer purchase. There’s no shortage of models catering to gamers and content creators, as well as pro models aimed at high-performance workers. On the opposite side lies the “economy” choices meant for students and some employees, carrying barely enough power for the most basic tasks. When it comes to those who need a general-purpose computer that can keep up with their changing needs and situations, the choices can be a bit more difficult because they’re all over the place. A solid option with well-balanced features and an accessible price tag is always in demand, and that’s what the 2024 Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 (14IMH9) 2-in-1 convertible laptop is promising, so we take put it to the test to see if it does keep its word.

Designer: Lenovo

Aesthetics

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 has a presence that grabs your attention without being loud or distracting. The simple yet sleek shape of the lid combined with the soft curves of the base creates an interesting silhouette whether the laptop is closed or open. And the dark Cosmic Blue hue, still a rarity in this product line, makes it stand out in an aesthetically pleasing way. When the lid is open and the screen powered on, the extra slim bezels around the display further emphasize the laptop’s modern appearance.

Even at first glance, it’s immediately evident how slim and small the 2-in-1 laptop is, at least for a 14-inch device. Compared to its Gen 8 predecessor, this year’s Lenovo Yoga 9i is significantly smaller and lighter, which greatly improves its portability. This attribute is even critical for this kind of laptop since it can be used as a tablet that you’ll sometimes have to hold up for long periods of time, though it does have some drawbacks compared to typical tablets, which we’ll get to later.

One design detail that might prove divisive is how the lid and the base practically have two different designs. The lid is thin and has flat edges with a matte surface, while the base sports curved edges with a shiny finish. The difference between the two is even more stark when you realize that the base is actually wider at its edges than the lid so that these two parts don’t sit flush with each other when closed. It’s an asymmetrical design quirk that might not sit well with some, while others might grow accustomed to it over time, enough to take it for granted.

Ergonomics

At only 2.98 lbs (1.35kg), the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 is relatively lighter than its predecessor as well as the nearest competition. This gives it an advantage when it comes to portability, especially when you consider how it doesn’t skimp on the specs in return. You still won’t want to hold it up unsupported for long periods of time, but it’s less straining than most. That said, you won’t be able to hold it as comfortably as a regular tablet like an iPad or a Surface because the keys fold to the back of the lid. They’re disabled, of course, but you will still undoubtedly press on them, making for a rather awkward experience.

But while using the laptop is comfortable and even enjoyable, the Lenovo Slim Pen that ships with the Yoga 9i Gen 9 is a different story. We don’t have any complaints when it comes to the performance of the stylus, since it does a great job at it, but holding the short and nearly flat stick can strain your hand if you use it for too long. There’s also no secure place to put the stylus on when not in use, because the magnet on the back and top of the lid is not exactly that strong. It almost feels as if designing the pen was an afterthought, especially since previous Yoga 9i models had a silo for its home.

Performance

In addition to its facelift, the 2024 14-inch Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 gets a major upgrade in hardware. That’s the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, the chip maker’s latest entry into the AI arena. This is matched with high-speed LPDDR5x RAM, 32GB for our review unit, and 1TB PCIe SSD Gen 4 M.2 of storage. In addition to the integrated Intel AI Boost NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a key feature of this configuration is the integrated Intel Arc graphics. It’s still a far cry from dedicated GPUs from the likes of NVIDIA and AMD, but it’s still a major leap forward in terms of performance. And it doesn’t disappoint, at least within the right context and expectations. It’s no gaming laptop, but light gaming with medium settings is no problem, as are content creation apps, especially those that utilize AI features.

The real star of the show here is the 14-inch OLED display, with a 3.8K WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) resolution in our review unit (there’s also a 2.8K 2880×1800 option). Both are touch-capable, as you would expect from a 2-in-1 laptop, and the image quality is just astounding in both brightness and color vibrancy. It’s by no means perfect, especially compared to more “pro” laptops, but on a consumer product, this is simply gorgeous. It doesn’t fall short when it comes to audio either, and its unique design solves one of the biggest problems laptops have: speaker placement. In the Yoga 9i Gen 9’s case, the wide hinge also acts as a soundbar that’s always firing in your direction, and the audio that it puts out is full and broad, and it doesn’t sound distorted or tinny at maximum volume.

As a 2-in-1 laptop, the Yoga 9i Gen 9 has to carefully balance the needs of both laptop users as well as tablet users, and nowhere is that more evident than in the choice of I/O ports. There are three USB-C ports, two of which support Thunderbolt 4, one full-sized USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s pretty much it. The lack of an HDMI port means you’ll need to use a dongle if your external monitor doesn’t support USB-C video, and digital photographers might be unimpressed with the lack of a card reader. The I/O leans more on the side of portability and mobility, making some practical sacrifices along the way.

The typing experience is quite decent, and the keys have sufficient spacing and travel to keep most users happy. It’s also backlit, so typing in the dark is no problem at all. The touchpad is large, smooth, and responsive, leaving very little reason to complain. One design detail that some might take issue with is the column of special keys on the right edge, providing quick access to a few features, including a fingerprint scanner. Unfortunately, its placement makes it too easy to hit these keys accidentally, especially since they’re so close to important keys like Enter, Backspace, and the Left cursor key. It also means that the entire keyboard is practically shifted to the left, and so will your hands.

Battery life is decent, though not exactly remarkable. The 75Wh battery will last you an average of 5-7 hours on average use, shorter if you crank up the video or game settings. The good news is that it charges over USB-C and any of the three USB-C ports can be used for that purpose. That means you can opt for a faster and smaller GaN charger than the plain 65W brick that comes with the Lenovo Yoga 9i, not that it’s that big a charger in the first place.

Sustainability

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9’s all-aluminum build means there’s less plastic in each laptop. Even better, it uses plenty of recycled materials as well, like 50% recycled aluminum for the base bottom, 50% post-consumer recycled plastic for the keyboard, and, of course, 100% plastic-free packaging. That’s definitely more than what you might find in other consumer laptops, so Lenovo deserves a pat on the back there.

Unfortunately, the longevity of the 2-in-1 laptop might be a bit of an issue, especially if you consider doing repairs or upgrades yourself. Although held down by four TORX screws, the base bottom panel also has some pretty strong adhesive that gets in the way of easily accessing replaceable parts. Also quite puzzling, this Gen 9 model has apparently dropped support for the longer 80mm NVMe SSD drives, limiting you to the 42mm variety only.

Value

The laptop market is a very competitive space, especially when brands put out new models almost at the same time and with the same core specs. That makes telling each apart a bit more difficult, let alone figuring out the actual value that a product has. With a price tag ranging from $1,300 to $1,500, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 (14″, 2024) already stands out as being more affordable, but we definitely can’t judge it by that figure alone, nor can we ignore the competition.

The Yoga 9i Gen 9 definitely offers a well-rounded set of features, wrapped in a design that is elegant and distinctive, even if a bit odd at the edges. The 14-inch display really makes videos and images pop, up and the sound quality is impressive for a laptop. That said, it’s a very close call with its biggest rival, the newly refreshed HP Spectre x360 14, also a 2-in-1 convertible laptop. It might even boil down to which product and software ecosystem you prefer, but you can’t go wrong with a solid performer like the new 2024 14-inch Yoga 9i.

Verdict

Finding a good balance between power, portability, and price isn’t that easy. Some designs don’t even try and instead focus on a specific aspect and refine that to perfection. The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 almost comes close, bringing the AI-empowered performance of the new Intel Core Ultra line to a sleek and elegant device that you can proudly show off, whether as a laptop or as a tablet. With a large and beautiful screen that barely has any bezels, it not only lets you focus on your work but also enjoy viewing content on it. Best of all, its sustainability and accessibility give it an edge over similarly priced options, making the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 2-in-1 laptop truly enticing for creators and workers always on the go.

The post Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 2-in-1 (14″, 2024) Review: Graceful Balancing Act first appeared on Yanko Design.

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OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K PTZ Webcam Review: Elevate Your Streaming Quality with AI this Prime Day https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/16/obsbot-tiny-2-4k-ptz-webcam-review-elevate-your-streaming-quality-with-ai-this-prime-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=obsbot-tiny-2-4k-ptz-webcam-review-elevate-your-streaming-quality-with-ai-this-prime-day Wed, 17 Jul 2024 01:45:07 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=498254

OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K PTZ Webcam Review: Elevate Your Streaming Quality with AI this Prime Day

With streaming steadily becoming a popular and even lucrative career, the webcams built into laptops and monitors are not enough to give you an edge...
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PROS:


  • Sleek, compact, and minimalist design

  • Impressive imaging performance

  • Fast, responsive, and useful AI-powered features

  • Hands-free gesture and voice control offer unbeatable convenience

CONS:


  • Struggles a bit in low light

  • Voice control might be a concern for some users

  • A bit pricey (without Amazon Prime Day deal)

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

With a sleek, modern design, excellent performance, and helpful AI features, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K camera is one of the best webcams money can buy, especially if you get it at a bargain like on Prime Day.
award-icon

With streaming steadily becoming a popular and even lucrative career, the webcams built into laptops and monitors are not enough to give you an edge over the competition. Sure, they might be serviceable or even decent for meetings, but holding a captive audience requires more than just showing your static, pixelated face all the time. Whether you’re streaming a game, making presentations, selling products, or creating content in general, you will want a webcam that can keep up with you, figuratively and literally. That is exactly what the OBSBOT Tiny 2 AI-powered webcam promises, so we take it out of its premium carrying case, mount it on our monitor, and take it for a spin to see if there’s more to it than an impressive list of smart features.

Designer: OBSBOT

Click Here to Buy Now: $269 $329 (18% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Aesthetics

Most webcams, at least those not embedded in monitors, usually come in boxy shapes that try to blend with the edge of the monitor or circles and spheres that look like a creepy eye staring back at you. Very few of their kind pay attention to the subconscious effect their designs have on the people who will be looking at the camera for long periods of time. That makes the OBSBOT Tiny 2 immediately different from its peers the moment you take it out of its carrying case because it immediately cuts a striking figure that makes its presence known without being distracting all the time.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 comes with a rounded rectangle camera connected to a 2-axis gimbal that’s mounted on a smooth, squarish base. It has a sleek and modern aesthetic that embraces minimalism to its core. There are very few deviations from its predominantly black body, like the red accent around the camera lens and the LED light strip that indicates the camera’s modes. There are no buttons anywhere, and the only break on its surface is the USB-C port. It’s a breath of fresh air from webcams that try to look either too pretentious or too uninspiring.

The camera’s build quality is also commendable, utilizing a metal alloy rather than the common plastic. Its compact size and simple operations make it quite handy as a portable webcam, and the OBSBOT Tiny 2 comes with a solid carrying case that has room for everything you need to use it on the go, namely, its USB-C cable and included mount. Suffice it to say, the webcam’s simple yet stylish design won’t distract you from creating your finest content but will still please your eyes and your subconscious mind every time you do look at it.

Ergonomics

Unlike an action camera, whether in your hand or a gimbal, a webcam is mostly meant to sit on top of your screen or somewhere stationary. And with its minimalist design, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is definitely not something you’ll be touching a lot to use and control. That’s definitely a good thing since you don’t want to always reach out in front of you to even just adjust the camera’s direction. What you want is to be able to record yourself or take pictures without breaking your flow, and the Tiny 2 handles that quite gracefully.

What all this means is that you’ll be controlling the camera directly, either with gestures, voice, or the optional remote control. Yes, you’ll also use the OBSBOT Center software (formerly known as the OBSBOT WebCam), which has all the sliders and buttons you’ll need to fine-tune the camera’s performance. It can admittedly be overwhelming, but it’s something that professionals will want to have access to. And if you really need to control the camera without being near the computer, the $49 OBSBOT Tiny Smart Remote 2 has a few shortcuts handy. Plus it also functions as a presenter for those meetings that will impress your boss and even your colleagues.

Various Placement Methods

As for placing the webcam itself on a monitor, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 comes with a foldable magnetic clamp made with the same premium metal as the camera. The mount uses physics and gravity to stay on top of the monitor, while a strong magnet keeps the OBSBOT Tiny 2 attached to it, even when you tilt the mount down. Given the foldable design of the clamp, it might have some problems with very thin laptop lids or very thick monitors. Fortunately, you can also screw the Tiny 2 on almost any mount, which opens up more possibilities on where you can use the webcam. The only requirement is that you can still connect it to a computer or even a smartphone with a lengthy USB-C cable.

Performance

4K Video Quality

Before the pandemic, webcams that can go beyond 1080p resolution sounded excessive, but that’s now the bare minimum for these accessories. 4K is becoming more common, and the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is right up there with a 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor that has an effective 50MP resolution. It’s capable of recording 4K video at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps and lower frame rates. Unfortunately, there is no “in-between” resolution like 2K of 1440p, which is also a common video quality in streaming these days.

In Dim Lighting Conditions

Whichever resolution you go with, the Tiny 2 performs admirably in capturing both still and moving content with plenty of detail and wide dynamic range. It boasts a Dual ISO system that can automatically switch or combine the two depending on the lighting condition. Unfortunately, it does struggle a bit in poorly lit environments, though not terribly. If you’ll be streaming in the dark, like what many gamers do, you might still want a bit of lighting to ensure a balanced image. The camera features two built-in omnidirectional mics with noise reduction, and while it does produce decent audio, it’s not exactly something to write home about. It can also sound a little tinny, so you might want to augment your setup with a dedicated microphone if you can afford it.

Auto Tracking with Auto Zoom

Magical Gesture Control 2.0

4x Zoom In/Out

Select/Cancel Target

While the OBSBOT Tiny 2 already delivers commendable imaging performance, it really goes to town with its long list of features to make creators’ lives easier and even more fun. And, unsurprisingly, many of these harness the power of AI with very impressive results. Tracking the subject is at the very top of the list, and it is fast and smooth, thanks both to the algorithms as well as the 2-axis gimbal. Depending on your settings, the camera can even automatically zoom in and out to make sure your head or upper body is always visible, no matter how far you are from the camera. And if more people join in on the shot, it will automatically adjust the field of view to frame everyone properly.

Present Properly with Desk Mode

The Tiny 2 also has a unit Desk Mode that makes the camera perfect for meetings and video instructions. In this mode, you tilt the mount forward and the camera will then adjust its angle so that it’s directly pointing down on the desk. It will then flip the video stream so that viewers can see what you’re writing or doing with your hands in the correct direction. And for those streams that require you to act like a teacher, whiteboard mode will focus, zoom in, and straighten the whiteboard for more effective delivery.

All-Pixel Auto Focus

The list of convenient and impressive features goes on and on. Now four times faster than its predecessor, the OBSBOT Tiny 2’s autofocus is fast and impressive, making sure that the product you’re showing off in front of you is clearly seen before it switches back to showing your face. For brief and quick camera changes, you can use hand gestures to zoom in and out, but the real headlining feature for this new model is voice control. From waking up the camera to having it follow you around, you can just ask “Tiny” rather than reach out for your mouse or keyboard. Some people might feel a bit uneasy with having a camera that’s listening and waiting for your commands, but you can always turn the camera down to turn it off and protect your privacy or disable the feature entirely.

Beauty Mode – Smooth your skin and brighten your eyes in just one second.

Sustainability

With webcams a dime a dozen in the market these days, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the vast majority of them use plastic shells to cover their bodies. What’s more surprising are the outliers like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 which opt for more premium and more sustainable materials like metal. It not only adds character to the design, it also makes it look more forgiving and gentler on the planet. You will want to take better care of the camera when using it outdoors, of course, protecting it from scuffs and dents. Thankfully, that hard shell case is there for that very purpose.

It’s not a complete win, of course, as there are still plenty of plastics in the product as well as the packaging. The camera’s seamless design also makes self-repair nearly impossible, not that you’ll want to do it yourself anyway. OBSBOT does have a strong warranty and repair policy, so you’re better off letting the experts do the hard and precise work.

Value

User Scenarios

If it wasn’t clear yet, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is chock-full of features, all of which are designed to make a content creator’s life easier and less stressful. It leverages AI so that they don’t have to make minute-by-minute decisions and adjustments to the camera, freeing them to focus on the most important part of the process: actually creating the content and engaging with a captive audience. It’s like having a small cameraman on your desk, following your body’s or hands’ cues to create those smooth transitions and to focus on important parts, whether it’s a product or your face.

That said, the OBSBOT Tiny 2’s SRP of $329 can still be a bit difficult to swallow. Make no mistake, you’re really getting your money’s worth, but not everyone will have that much in reserve for a new tool. Fortunately, Amazon’s Prime Day is just around the corner, and you can get this AI-powered camera at a steep 18% discount that brings the price down to a juicy $269. With that price cut, there’s very little to keep you from upgrading your toolset to become the content creator you’ve always aspired to be. Prime Day also opens the door to other sweet deals, like the Remote Combo with the Tiny Remote 2 getting a 16% discount, or the PowerUp Combo with a remote, a tripod, and an HQ mic going for 15% less. Streaming veterans might want to grab the Streaming Combo (remote, tripod, UVC to HDMI adapter) or the MultiCam Combo (three OBSBOT Tiny 2 Cameras, remote, 3-in-1 USB Hub) with 15% and 14% savings, respectively.

Verdict

We’re way past the time when streamers and video content creators could simply sit in front of their cameras and expect the likes (and money) to start piling in. Viewers have become more discerning, perhaps even more demanding, and streamers now need to take their content to the next level. Of course, the actual content is king, but the presentation can make or break your career as well. More than just a good camera, you need a camera that understands where you’re going and can follow your cues without you even saying a word.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K PTZ Webcam delivers on both fronts, providing excellent video quality with the brains to know how you want a shot to be taken or what to focus on. And it looks great to boot, putting other webcams to shame for their lack of elegance despite all the opportunities and materials available to them. Admittedly, it’s not an inexpensive product, but with a juicy Prime Day deal, there’s no better time to upgrade your streaming equipment and upgrade your channel than with this AI-powered 4K webcam.

Click Here to Buy Now: $269 $329 (18% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K PTZ Webcam Review: Elevate Your Streaming Quality with AI this Prime Day first appeared on Yanko Design.

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