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Off the heels of their 2024 VMAs performance, the K-Pop girl group talks teaming up with Sony Audio on a brand new colorway of their best-selling noise-canceling headphones
The trendsetting members of Le Sserafim know that there needs to be style backing substance. As one of the most exciting acts to watch in 2024 and beyond, they’re certainly well known for their top-notch choreography — but their chic fashion senses have garnered attention off the stage as well, and their latest collaboration with Sony Audio shows it.
The audio giant is adding a new ‘Smoky Pink’ colorway to their award winning 1000X noise-canceling headphones that releases Oct. 14 (pre-orders are open online now) inspired by the aesthetics of the hitmaking K-pop group, and they’re not just aiming for them to have the perfect sound — the members want it to be a stylish staple, too. “I use it often as a fashion item, because it gives a clean look and goes with any outfit,” member Sakura told Rolling Stone. Hong Eunchae adds, “It’s a rare color you don’t see everywhere, which matches well with our unique aesthetic as a team.”
The new versions of the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds (which are among the best headphones our team has tested) also have the noise reduction and audio quality we love, just in a soft and refined package. Le Sserafim’s fourth self-titled mini-album Crazy, released on August 30, will be the theme song for their campaign, and they recently had the opportunity to perform it live at the 2024 vma Awards, marking another career milestone.
But even ICONS who have achieved so much in just two years on the scene, especially in an industry obsessed with visual effects, are still constantly trying to push their style and sound as hard as they push themselves. They learned a lot for themselves as they transitioned from the lighthearted genre (influences heard on Impurities from 2023’s Unforgiven) to the fast-paced EDM of Crazy and turned to Blackpink’s Coachella performances. “Our true value lies in our fearlessness and willingness to push boundaries, which is part of our identity as LE SSERAFIM,” Sakura said.
The group sat down to speak withRolling Stoneabout their Sony headphone collab, learning how to vogue, and how their style differs on and off the stage.
Now that you’re collaborating with Sony Audio, do you feel like audio gear needs to look stylish and fashion-forward beyond just sounding good?
Sakura:I use it often as a fashion item, because it gives a clean look and goes with any outfit.
Kim Chaewon:I love how Sony Audio can double as a stylish accessory, while still delivering impressive sound quality.
Huh Yunjin:I would definitely say audio accessories have become a fashion statement in recent years. Whether it’s a retro wired earphone or a sleek bluetooth headset, I think I definitely consider the aesthetics of audio gear as well.
Kazuha:It’s really nice to be able to enjoy music, while also using it as a fashionable accessory.
Hong Eunchae:Although sound quality is the most important of all, I think being able to incorporate it into your style is also significant, especially these days. [The ‘Smoky Pink’ colorway] is a rare color you don’t see everywhere, which matches well with our unique aesthetic as a team.
Sakura:I think the cute, yet sophisticated vibe is a perfect match for Le Sserafim. I love the Smoky Pink color!
How would you describe your personal style as a group versus what you wear out in everyday life?
Chaewon:Along with music, we enjoy experimenting with new styles, so our aesthetic as a group has been continuously evolving since our debut in a way that not only matches our sound, but also highlights our individual style. For performances, we opt for bolder outfits that match our sound, while our everyday attire is more relaxed and casual, as we love to be comfortable off stage.
Your MV for“Crazy”has been praised for paying homage to the ballroom scene — what inspired you to tap into that subculture, and what was it like learning how to vogue?
Kazuha:When our team first heard the EDM-house track “Crazy,” we all agreed voguing would be a perfect fit. We felt it was important to thoroughly study not only voguing and its movements, but also the subculture behind it to bring our interpretation to life on stage. Meeting and collaborating with voguing powerhouses the Iconic House of Juicy Couture and Dashaun Wesley was incredible, and it’s an invaluable learning experience that we will cherish for a long time.
For Huh Yunjin —What was it like being the main producer for the last track on the album, “Crazier”?
Yunjin:I was grateful and honored to debut as a main producer for the track “Crazier,” signaling the beginning of more to come! It was a little awkward at first working with the members in the studio on the other side, but I tried to do my best to bring out the best in them. The track celebrates the beauty in embracing both our crazy and unrestrained moments. I sincerely hope listeners will wholeheartedly connect with whatever their hearts are passionate about!
From sampling legendary Korean diva Kim Wan-sun’s “Pierrot Laughs At Us” to dipping into house music, how have you challenged yourself with new styles of music and performances for this mini album?
Sakura:With every album, we challenge ourselves to new styles of music, and performances as it’s both our forte and our passion. Our 4th Mini AlbumCrazyencourages listeners to have fun, let loose, and go crazy together with us, and we tried our hand at EDM-house and voguing that we felt aligned with the theme of the album. Our true value lies in our fearlessness and willingness to push our boundaries that are embedded in our identity as Le Sserafim.
Think of your own personal playlists: what types of songs or artists have you been “crazy” for lately?
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Mojahid Mottakin) Last month Google quietly revealed Android 15 would be arriving in October as part of its release notes for the Android Beta Exit update – which is available to people who have been testing the OS ahead of its launch. Now a new report has revealed precisely when Android 15 might release for Pixel devices: October 15.
This comes via Android Headlines that reports that the Android 15 release date for Pixel 6 and later phones, is coming 42 days after the operating system’s source code went up on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). If correct, this would mark the longest delay between the AOSP release and the update being pushed to users, beating Android 12’s 15-day delay.
The hope is this extended wait time should lead to Android 15 being a lot less buggy and more stable when it finally comes out compared with previous versions.
While the date does match up nicely – a 15th of the month release date for Android 15 – it’s still worth taking it with a pinch of salt, as we recommend with all unofficial leaks. Android Headlines hasn’t revealed how it discovered the October 15 date, and it itself admits that the date could be pushed if Google’s bug-squashing efforts do not go according to plan.
The Google Pixel 9 (Image credit: Peter Hoffmann) It’s also worth highlighting that October 15 is being reported as the Pixel launch date for Android 15. Samsung, OnePlus, and other Android OS device makers will still be preparing their own versions of Android 15 to roll out to their phones. Though given the long delay time since being released on AOSP there’s a good chance these non-Google rollouts could follow more quickly behind the Pixel launch compared with previous years.
The wait will be worth it, however. Based on the betas so far there have been some very neat features shown off, such as…
Android OS updates also come with subtle tweaks and optimizations that can have a significant effect on how your phone operates. One such upgrade was revealed by VP of Engineering for the Android Platform Dave Burke on the Android Faithful podcast earlier this year; he explained that devices running Android 15 can switch to the low-power doze mode around 50% faster than devices running Android 14.
The upshot of this is that Google saw as much as three extra hours between device recharges. Not every user will see as much of a battery life boost, but even an hour – or just half an hour extra between charges could be a massive helper for users – especially as a free update.
Lock screen widgets
Android 15 should see the return of lock screen widgets (we’ve not seen them since the Android 4 days), and the possible addition of a Communal Space that allows multiple users to share access to apps on the lock screen.
The downside is we expect the selection of apps that support this feature at launch won’t be the most widespread – perhaps limited to tools like Google Calendar and Google Clock – though the delay between the AOSP release and Pixel launch may mean a few other services are ready to support lock screen widgets at launch.
Private Space
Taking a page out of Samsung’s book with its Secure Folder feature, Android 15 is adding a native version called Private Space. It’s a folder for apps that requires a password, PIN, or biometrics to open. Any apps in this folder will be completely hidden from anyone who can’t open it.
Gemini upgrades
Gemini upgrades are coming in 2024 (Image credit: Google)
Google’s Gemini AI is also getting a few Android 15 improvements as well. Ask Photos makes it easier to find old snaps using more natural language, and even use it to answer questions based on pictures you’ve taken. Then there’s a new Gemini overlay that can answer questions about what it sees on your screen. While Gemini Nano will be an on-device version of Gemini that doesn’t need to share your information with a cloud – making it more private.
Simply the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers you can buy
（Image credit: Sonos) The best Bluetooth speakers have become a staple household (and travel) item thanks to their compact size and convenience for listening anywhere, whether you’re in the shower, mowing the lawn, chilling in your hotel room, having a house party or cleaning the kitchen.
We’ve been testing the best portable speakers for years, in all shapes and sizes – and crucially, for all budgets. Audiophile sound quality and a thumping low end is always going to be a big ask if you’re looking at something the size of a coffee cup, but you can get a portable speaker that delivers balanced and clear audio outdoors, especially if you go larger. These are our priorities when testing Bluetooth speakers and obviously we balance that with battery life and price – aka value for money.
If your biggest priority is a rugged speaker design that can deal with being dropped and dunked, our dedicated guide to the best waterproof speakers is a great place to look. And if portability isn’t a factor, check out our guide to the best wireless speakers.
1. JBL Flip 6 The best Bluetooth speaker at a mid-range price with no frills Specifications Weight: 1.2 pounds (0.54kg) Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: Not listed Frequency response: 63Hz – 20kHz Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.1 Drivers: 16mm dome tweeter, 45x80mm bass driver and 2x passive radiators NFC: NoAux-in: NoUSB charging: No Reasons to buy +Brilliantly balanced bass +Extremely easy to use Reasons to avoid -Pairing restricted to Flip 6 speakers -No Alexa or Siri support
What you need to know: There’s not a lot that a portable speaker needs to do outside of delivering good quality audio while on the go – and if that’s all you need, then look no further then JBL. The Flip 6 is a no frills Bluetooth speaker that is easy to use and sounds great. It was released in 2021 so we’re expecting a new model to be announced soon but until then, it remains our top pick at this mid-range price point. Being a JBL speaker, it also offers access to features like being able pair up to 100 speakers from the brand at once to create an even larger sound system, but there is no reverse charging with this model – instead check out at #7 in the list if that’s something you need.
Audio performance: Given that the Flip 6 doesn’t have a lot of features, its main focus is on delivering clear and accurate audio – yes, it does one thing but it does it very well. While we were reviewing the Bluetooth speaker, we described its sound as warm and well-balanced, which was surprising for a speaker of this size. Its small stature does mean that the treble can sound a little harsh at times when played at loud volumes but there’s still a lot of clarity and detail on offer.
Design: Unlike a lot of other portable speakers on the market, the Flip 6 doesn’t have an obscure shape to it. Rather, it comes in a classic cylinder style that fits in the side pocket of any backpack. There’s also a wide range of colors to choose from so there’s plenty of options to make sure it matches your gear. It is also extremely rugged, and can withstand a splash of water so you don’t have to worry too much about it breaking or running out of battery with its 12 hours battery life.
Value: The Flip 6 is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants to simply play their music, crank it up loud, sit back and enjoy for a reasonable price – no matter whether you’re listening at home or on the go. It’s also priced slightly lower than the JBL Charge 5 due to it not having the extra phone charging feature, which places it firmly in the mid-range part of the market.
BUY IT IF
✅ You’re a technophobe: JBL has made the Flip 6 extremely easy to use. Just connect the speaker to your phone or laptop and that’s it!
✅You love the great outdoors:The Flip 6 has one of the most hardiest shells, boasting an IP67 rating, which makes it both water and dust resistant.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You want the best possible sound quality: Without Wi-Fi like the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list, the Flip 6 is restricted to Bluetooth’s limited bandwidth.
❌You tend to run out of charge often:If this is feature you value, then we suggest looking at the JBL Charge 5at #6 in the listas it can also charge your phone.
2. JBL Charge 5 A Bluetooth speaker that also charges your phone Specifications Weight: 2.11 pounds (0.9kg) Battery life: 20 hours Wireless range: 30 ft (10 m) Frequency response: 65Hz–20kHz Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.1 Drivers: N/A NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes Reasons to buy +Even sound at low to mid volumes +Doubles as a charger for your phone +Great battery life of up to 20 hours Reasons to avoid -Takes a while to charge -Missing aux input -Some distortion at high volumes
What you need to know: There aren’t a lot of speakers on the market that are extremely small and portable and have detailed sound alongside helpful features like reverse charging, but JBL has pulled it off with the Charge 5. It’s priced a little bit more than JBL’s more streamlined Flip 6 at #3 in this list, but that’s down to the added tech, which we think makes it’s a worthwhile pick if these are the three main things you need out of a Bluetooth speaker.
Audio performance: One of the big highlights of the Charge 5 is its balanced sound, which has a striking amount of clarity. The only downside is that it unfortunately starts to distort at high volumes. Because of this wouldn’t advise turning it up past 60% of the volume bar as this is where we found it started to struggle. For the optimum volume, we found the sweet spot was more between 50–60%.
Design: The cylinder-shaped speaker looks exactly the same as the Flip 6 except for a waterproof USB-C charging port and flap hiding the USB-A port that can be used to charge up your smartphone. There’s no aux input for a 3.5mm jack but you do still have access physical buttons for playback, volume, power, pairing and dedicated party sound mode that turns up the volume up to 11 (use this sparingly).
Value: The only thing about the cost of the Charge 5 is that it puts it squarely in line with the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list, which we think is by far the better all-rounder based on its added connectivity features like Wi-Fi that unlocks multi-room pairing and access to voice assistants. But frankly, there’s no reverse charging so this will be the biggest point to consider if choosing between the two.
3. Sonos Roam 2 The best Bluetooth speaker for most people Specifications Weight: 0.96lbs / 0.44kg Battery life: 10 hours Wireless range: 9 meters (30 feet) Frequency response: Not specified Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and a USB-C port Drivers: 1x tweeter, 1x mid-woofer NFC: Yes Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes (USB-C) Reasons to buy +Produces rich, powerful audio +Bluetooth button really streamlines setup +Portable, minimalist design that comes in fun new colors Reasons to avoid -Only 10 hours of battery life -Fairly expensive for its power -Not the loudest outdoor speaker
What you need to know: The original Sonos Roam has been our favorite Bluetooth speaker since it was released in 2021. Although there are now plenty more portable speakers on the market, the Sonos Roam 2 not only improves in some key areas, but continues to be one of the top choices. It delivers a balanced, rich and clear sound from a compact design with a long list of connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means it can work as both a portable speaker and as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system. It also has Google Assistant and Alexa onboard (when you’re on Wi-Fi) to make it double as a smart speaker too.
Audio performance: In our review, we wrote that the Sonos Roam 2 delivers “excellent sound that punches far above the sheer size”. We found that it presents audio well across the frequency range, which makes it a good choice for listening to a broad range of genres and artists. It’s not the heaviest on bass, so if you want a big booming speaker look elsewhere, but you can still hear that element of your favorite tracks well. Even when you pump it up to high volumes, expect rich and clear sounds.
Design: Its slick and minimal design means the Sonos Roam 2 won’t look out of place in your home, especially because it comes in a couple of nice-looking shades. It also has a rugged, waterproof and dustproof build with an IP67 rating that makes it ideal for listening to music outdoors. The battery life isn’t huge at 10 hours – and it’s not an improvement on the original Roam, which is disappointing. However, it is enough for a day out, but if battery is a priority for you, then check out the JBL Charge at #6 in the list, which boasts an impressive 20 hours of battery. Or the Tribit Stormbox Flow at #7 in the list with a huge 30 hours of power.
Value: The Sonos Roam 2 gives you a lot of features, a top design and great sound, so you do get solid value for money. Having said that, this speaker is expensive compared to rivals, and Sonos hasn’t revealed a cheaper ‘Roam 2 SL’ model yet. The JBL Flip 6 or JBL Charge 5 will give you better audio power per buck, but the Roam 2 is such a good all-rounder that we think it’s worth its price.
The best budget Bluetooth speaker
4. JBL Clip 5 The best cheap Bluetooth speaker Specifications Weight: 10 ounces / 285g Battery life: Up to 12 hours Wireless range: Up to 10 meters (33 feet) Frequency response: 95 Hz – 20 kHz Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (charging) Drivers: Integrated class D digital amplifiers x 1 NFC: Yes Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes Reasons to buy +Great detail +IP67 waterproof and dustproof +Impressive volume and bass Reasons to avoid -You can’t stand it on its base -Only 3 EQ presets -Treble trouble when using preset EQs
What you need to know: If you’re looking for a (fairly) cheap, portable and super small speaker, then the JBL Clip 5 is our top pick. The sonic performance is impressive for the speaker’s compact size and there are also plenty of features that’ll make it well worth its relatively affordable price – at least compared to rivals in this list.
Audio performance: This speaker can really blast out the tunes for its size. We did notice that it can struggle with treble when you’re listening at higher volumes, with a sharp, tinny edge. But the mids and low frequencies performed well. In our review, we wrote “the bass was dramatic and impactful”, especially considering how compact it is – overall, it’s seriously impressive, and a clear step up over the very slightly cheaper JBL Go 4. There’s a feature called PlaytimeBoost in the app, which boosts the volume without draining the battery, as well as a PartyTogether mode, resulting in a surround sound effect if you have another JBL speaker nearby. You’ll also find four EQ presets, JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal, and a customizable EQ profile.
Design: The JBL Clip 5 is light and compact, weighing in at 285g. It comes with a carabiner attached, making it handy for listening in all kinds of scenarios. An IP67 rating means it’s waterproof and rugged enough for outdoor parties or holidays. Its appearance feels a little dated, however, and it struggles to stand on its base – that’s why the carabiner is so necessary. The battery onboard lasts up to 12 hours. Not the best in the list, but perfect for a full day of listening – check out the Tribit XSound Plus 2 if you want something with longer battery life for the same kind of cost (though it’s bulkier).
Value: The JBL Clip 5 is great value for money. It’s compact, portable and IP67-rated with a fun and punchy sound. The JBL Go 4 is a solid, cheaper option from the same brand, but it doesn’t sound as good, and it’s not as portable.
The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker
5. Ultimate Ears Everboom The best Bluetooth speaker for for sound quality without going wild on price Specifications Weight: 960g Battery life: 20 hours Wireless range: Not specified Frequency response: Not specified Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.3 Drivers: Two 56.6 x 56.2mm active full range transducers; two 49.4 x 87 mm passive radiators NFC: Yes Aux-in: No USB charging: USB-C Reasons to buy +Room filling, 360° sound +Surprisingly portable +Stylish aesthetic Reasons to avoid -No Wi-Fi support -A little pricey -Loses clarity at max volume
What you need to know: This is a great speaker that ticks a lot of boxes. Sure you’ll find similar devices that are cheaper. You’ll also find ones that pack more of a punch for a party, but that are a little more expensive. But for reliable sound in a durable design, we think the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a smart choice, especially when you’re weighing up the sound-per-pound performance – this sound better than just about anything else at the same price and size.
Audio performance: Firstly, the Everboom can get loud. Incredibly loud. Much louder than you’d probably ever need. This is good news for parties, although you will notice some distortion if you hit those high volumes. In our review, we wrote the UE Everboom “delivers a very compelling audio performance, proving it can deliver quality not just quantity.” We particularly enjoyed the power in this speaker and its 360-degree soundstage. In the app you’ll find ways to make the most of the sound with an EQ packed with presets and an Outdoor Boost mode, which ensures the speaker focuses on frequencies that travel well outside.
Design: There’s nothing special about the design of the Everboom, but it’s practical, durable and comes with a handy carabiner clip. It’s a great idea if you want to take it outside or travelling as it has an IP67 rating, meaning it’ll handle dust and can float around in water for up to 30 minutes. That’s right, it floats! Audio takes a hit when you listen to it in water, but it’s good to know it’ll survive a dunk in the pool. It’s a little larger than rivals in this list and at 960g it’s not the lightest, but its design and clip makes it feel surprisingly portable.
Value: The Ultimate Ears Everboom is a jack of all trades speaker that sounds great, works well and has a durable and portable design. It’s not cheap, but it feels even more premium than it is, both to look at and listen to. You’ll find cheaper speakers with some durable specs, but they don’t sound as good. Similarly, speakers with better sonic performance cost a big step up from here. UE has hit a real sweet spot.
What’s the best Bluetooth speaker brand? The best Sonos speakers are great if you want to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, with the ability to form part of a wider multi-room system – and you can be sure that they’ll sound fantastic, too.
JBL is well known for making some of the best waterproof speakers affordable prices, and it’s line of party speakers even come with built-in light shows.
If waterproofing is a priority then look out for models from Ultimate Ears, which combine fun, colorful designs with rugged builds – many of which can withstand a dip in the pool.
Consider high-end audio brands such as Bose and Bang & Olufsen if you want a combination of stylish design and great sound – but be prepared for relatively high prices. If you want to save money then Tribit and Anker offer strong speakers that won’t break the bank.
Chromebooks are incredible, lightweight devices, and I’ll show you how to use them
(Image credit: Konstantin Savusia ) The best Chromebooks are known as the most user-friendly devices on the market, making them easily some of the best laptops for those seeking a simple yet efficient computing experience.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, navigating and utilizing the wealth of Chromebook features can significantly enhance your productivity and streamline your daily tasks.
One of the Chromebook’s most appealing features is its simplicity. Unlike traditional laptops and desktops, Chromebooks are designed to be easy to use, without a lot of the bloat that many other laptops come with.
The operating system, Chrome OS, is very lightweight and is based on the same technology that powers the Chrome web browser, making it intuitive and familiar to many users right out of the box.
Chromebooks also boot-up faster and have far fewer maintenance requirements than either Windows laptops or MacBooks.
In addition to its simplicity, Chromebooks are also known for their portability. These devices are typically lightweight and compact, making them especially appealing to anyone who needs a lightweight device for on-the-go work.
Still, if you’re used to the best Windows laptops or best MacBooks, you might feel a bit lost when you first start up a Chromebook. But don’t worry, I’ve used Chromebooks for years and I’m here to help walk you through these increasingly popular devices.
While the Chromebook is designed to be user-friendly, there are advanced features that can take your Chromebook experience even further.
Accessibility Features:Chromebooks offer a range of accessibility features, including screen readers, magnification tools, and keyboard shortcuts for users with disabilities.
Multiple Users:If you share your Chromebook with others, you can create multiple user profiles to keep your data separate and secure.
Remote Desktop:Access your Chromebook from another device using remote desktop features, allowing you to work on your files and applications from anywhere.
Gaming on Chromebooks:While not as powerful as dedicated gaming consoles, Chromebooks can handle casual gaming and cloud gaming services.
Educational Tools:Chromebooks are popular among students and educators due to their affordability, portability, and integration with educational tools like Google Classroom.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy) The Chromebook’s interface is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for all levels of experience to use.
The Shelf, located at the bottom of the screen, is ChromeOS’s version of macOS’s Dock or Windows 11’s Taskbar, displaying frequently used apps and shortcuts.
To access all installed applications, simply click on the App Launcher icon at the far left of the Shelf.
For quick and easy navigation, the Search Bar is a valuable tool. By typing keywords, you can search for apps, files, or web pages, streamlining your workflow and saving time.
Additionally, the System Tray, located in the bottom-right corner, provides access to essential settings like Wi-Fi, battery status, and user profiles.
Using native apps
(Image credit: Future) One of the Chromebook’s greatest strengths lies in its app ecosystem.
Chromebooks were originally designed to rely on web-based applications, offering a seamless and efficient experience. Popular web apps like Google Docs, Gmail, and YouTube are optimized for Chromebooks, providing a wide range of productivity tools.
In recent years, however, more and more apps are becoming available offline, including the entirety of the Google Play app store, expanding a Chromebook’s functionality significantly. You can download and use popular apps like Microsoft Office, Spotify, and Netflix, just as you would on an Android smartphone or tablet.
For more advanced users, Chromebooks offer support for Linux applications. This feature is particularly valuable for developers or users who require access to powerful tools like Visual Studio Code or GIMP.
Setting up Linux on a Chromebook is relatively straightforward, allowing you to create a hybrid environment that caters to both casual and power users.
Efficient file management in the cloud
The Files app is your central hub for organizing and accessing both local and cloud-based files.
Google Drive, seamlessly integrated into the Files app, provides ample storage space for your documents, photos, and other data. By saving your files to Google Drive, you can access them from any device with an internet connection.
While Chromebooks used to offer limited local storage, that’s changed in recent years, with more premium Chromebooks featuring the same kind of storage options as more familiar Windows and Apple laptops.
For those needing even more storage, Chromebooks support external devices like USB drives, external hard drives, and SD cards. Simply plug in the device, and the Files app will automatically recognize it, allowing you to transfer files between your Chromebook and the external device.
Customize your Chromebook
To make your Chromebook truly your own, you can customize its appearance and settings. You can change the wallpaper, adjust the screen brightness, and even enable dark mode for a more visually comfortable experience.
Additionally, Chromebooks offer a variety of themes and extensions that can be installed to personalize your device further. With that, you’ll be able to make your Chromebook as personalized as you like, especially now that you know all the important tips to using your new Chromebook to its fullest.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Samsung more than any other company has pushed foldable phones into the mainstream, with its latest models – the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – being among the best and most polished foldables yet. But next year, the company might change its focus to a new type of phone – one that rolls.
This is according to South Korean site The Elec (via NotebookCheck), which claims that Samsung is working on a phone with a 12.4-inch rollable screen, and that this handset may apparently be launched in the second half of 2025.
The site additionally claims that it will have an under-display camera, so you get an uninterrupted display. That much at least is very believable, since Samsung has already equipped some of its phones with under-display cameras.
So, will we truly get a tablet-sized rollable phone from Samsung next year? It’s certainly possible. The technology for this already exists anyway, as we’ve seen rollable concept phones in the past. This is also a logical next step after foldable phones, which Samsung has arguably come close to perfecting at this point.
The tri-fold Huawei Mate XT (Image credit: Huawei) Plus, Huawei recently launched a tri-fold phone, which is a design Samsung doesn’t yet offer, and which allows for a much larger screen than a conventional foldable phone, in this case one of 10.2 inches. Since Samsung wasn’t first to offer that design, it could make sense for the company to instead look to be the first with a commercially available rollable phone, packing an even larger screen.
On the other hand, we haven’t heard much about Samsung’s possible rollable phone yet, and the second half of 2025 is still a long way off, so we wouldn’t yet count on seeing it then, if at all.
If such a device does launch, though, it may well do so alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which we’d still expect Samsung to launch, since the company has found success with foldables.
In the meantime, we’re expecting the Samsung Galaxy S25 line to launch in or around January, so those are the next major Samsung phones to look forward to.
Clean floors the easy way with one of these powerful vacs
Vacuuming your floors regularly is essential for a healthy home, but finding the best vacuum for carpet can be a daunting task. You need a certain amount of suction power to get the dirt and dust out of carpets, which means that some machines that clean perfectly well on hard floors may not be up to the task. And while there are plenty of options out there, how do you find one that can help you clean thoroughly without breaking the bank?
In our carefully curated guide, our experts have done the legwork for you, by testing and reviewing vacuum cleaners of all shapes and sizes. We’ve got hands-on and in-depth with every model below, considering factors such as suction power, battery life, maneuverability and special features, to help you find the best vacuum cleaner for your needs. You might be tempted to narrow things down to the best cordless vacuums, but bear in mind that corded models tend to have more outright power, which is especially important when dealing with carpet – so it’s worth keeping them in the mix.
So whether you’re dealing with medium or deep pile carpets, we’ve got you covered. Our best vacuum for carpet selections range from budget-friendly vacs to premium models packed with cutting-edge tech.
Best vacuum for carpet overall
1. Dyson V8 The best vacuum for carpet overall Specifications Type: Cordless stick Weight: 5.6lbs / 2.6kgBin size: 0.4qt / 0.54L Max runtime: 40mins Reasons to buy +Converts to handheld +More affordable than other Dysons +Decent suction Reasons to avoid -Only 40 mins battery life -Powered by trigger
Dyson is a huge name in vacuums, and one that generally commands a premium. But this 2016 cordless model has become increasingly affordable in recent years, making it the best vacuum for carpets, particulaly for anyone who wants to buy into this premium brand at a more affordable price. Despite being eight years old, the Dyson V8 offers strong suction power, versatility, and good battery life. Its two-in-one design allows it to function as both a stick vacuum and a handheld unit, with various attachments for different cleaning tasks. It has a 0.54L dustbin capacity and as you’d expect, uses Dyson’s cyclone technology for efficient dirt separation.
In practice, our reviewer found the V8 lightweight and easy to maneuver, and while it lacks some of the advanced features found in newer Dyson models, such as an LCD screen or automatic suction adjustment, it still delivered impressive cleaning performance. It comes in various versions with different accessories, but all share the same core technology.
The vacuum provides up to 40 minutes of battery life on its standard setting, though this drops to about seven minutes on the maximum power mode. Given that it takes up to five hours to recharge, this means the V8 may not be the best option for large houses. Those with smaller homes to clean, though, will enjoy its cleaning prowess, versatility and excellent accessories.
2. Shark Stratos Cordless The most versatile vacuum for carpet Specifications Type: Cordless stick Weight: 8.9lbs / 4.1kg Bin size: 0.72qt / 0.7L Max runtime: 60 mins Charge time: 3 hours Reasons to buy +Loads of suction +Flexible wand cleans anywhere +Good battery life Reasons to avoid -Slightly bulky floor head
The Shark Stratos Cordless is a great choice if you need a really versatile vacuum for carpet. Our reviewer found it to be a powerful cleaning device, with strong suction capabilities and effective hair removal, plus the ability to spot dust and dirt with an infrared sensor and automatically adjust the suction power accordingly, which meant she never had to run over the same area more than twice.
Thanks to a flexible wand that bends in half at the click of a button, our tester found that it made for easy cleaning under furniture without squatting or bending over, which makes a real difference if you find vacuuming a strain on your back.
Other great features include a swiveling floor head with LED headlights, odor-neutralizing technology, and a design that prevents hair wrap around the brush rolls. Plus this stick vacuum can convert to a handheld unit for added versatility. Battery life is impressive, too, lasting up to 60 minutes in ECO mode, which is typically sufficient for cleaning a mid-to-large-sized home. And the battery recharges in just three hours, which is pretty quick for this type of device.
We rate the Shark Stratos Cordless as the best vacuum for pet hair, and it runs the Dyson V8 at #1 a very close second if you need the best vacuum for carpet. It’s certainly a strong choice for those seeking a versatile and powerful cordless cleaning solution for carpets.
Best vacuum for suction
3. Halo Capsule X Pet Max The best vacuum for suction on carpet Specifications Type: Cordless stick Weight: 5.7lbs / 2.6kg Bin size: 2qt / 2L Max runtime: 50 mins Charge time: 2 hours Reasons to buy +Powerful suction +Light to hold +Large dustbag Reasons to avoid -Lacks some advanced features
Cordless vacuums are convenient, but they often lack suction compared with their corded counterparts. The Halo Capsule X, however, is a notable exception and really impressed us in our tests. Our reviewer found it excelled at picking up various debris types from both medium and deep-pile carpets, from fine flour to large cornflakes, as well as proving effective at collecting pet hair.
Not only that, but the vacuum operates quietly and is lightweight and comfortable to use, with good maneuverability. Unlike many modern vacuums, this device uses a bagged system with a large 2-liter capacity, which is made from compostable materials. This design allows for easy, dust-free emptying and the ability to vacuum fine particles without damaging the motor.
We found the battery and motor housing, while bulky-looking, don’t interfere with arm movement during use. The Capsule X comes with two batteries, providing up to 50 minutes of runtime in medium power mode. The Pet Max bundle includes two motorized floor heads, a motorized pet brush, and additional tools for detailed cleaning.
On the downside, while the vacuum performs excellently in stick mode, its bulky design makes it somewhat awkward to use in handheld mode, particularly for car cleaning. Overall, though, the Halo Capsule X stands out for its impressive performance, large dust capacity, and eco-friendly bagged system, although it does lack some of the high-tech features found in other vacuums.
Best upright vacuum for carpet
4. Shark Stratos Upright The best upright vacuum for carpet Specifications Type: Upright Weight: 16.7lbs / 7.6kg Bin size: 1.49qt / 1.4L Max runtime: N/A Charge time: N/A Reasons to buy +Anti-odor feature +Lots of suction +Great for pet owners Reasons to avoid -Stretch hose a bit short -Cord could be longer
Don’t want to wait around for batteries to recharge? If you’re looking for a corded model, this is the best upright vacuum we can recommend for carpet.
While it’s a little on the bulky and heavy side, this vacuum has been designed with maneuverability in mind. Our reviewer particularly liked how you can detach the main unit from the floorhead and attach the wand, making it easier to clean under furniture. Another favorite feature was its exceptional hair pickup capability, complemented by anti-hair wrap technology in the cleaner head that prevents hair from tangling around the dual brushrolls. This makes it particularly effective and low-maintenance for pet owners.
Then there’s the innovative anti-odor cartridge system, which keeps both the machine and floors smelling fresh, a feature which worked well in practice in our testing. The Stratos Upright also boasts an anti-allergen complete seal, which captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
Note that unlike the Stratos Cordless at #1, this vacuum doesn’t include Shark’s Clean Sense IQ tech, which senses how much dirt is on a floor and adjusts the suction power accordingly. However, its impressive performance and useful features make it a strong contender for anyone who’s more interested in cleaning power than the lightweight maneuverability of cordless options.
Best vacuum for carpet FAQs What type of vacuum is best for carpet?
When choosing a vacuum cleaner for carpets, there are several types and features to consider, and each has its own pros and cons. So it’s a matter of weighing these up in terms of your own specific needs and home layout.
To start with, upright vacuums are known for their powerful suction and wide cleaning path. They often come with rotating brushes, aka beater bars, that are effective at deep cleaning carpets. However, they can be heavy, bulky and difficult to maneuver around furniture, making them best suited for large carpeted areas and homes with high-pile or plush carpets.
In contrast, cordless vacuums offer more versatility and are easier to maneuver around and under furniture and on stairs. They also usually come with a variety of attachments for specific tasks. They are generally not as powerful as upright vacuums for deep carpet cleaning, but are still a good choice for homes with a mix of carpeted floors, hard floors and area rugs.
Robot vacuums can also be a good choice for carpets, providing you use them regularly, as they typically don’t provide the same deep cleaning as other vacuums. These devices generally perform better on low to medium-pile carpets, but high-pile or shag carpets may pose challenges.
Our guide to the best Canon camera you can buy right now
(Image credit: Canon) How we test Canon is a huge name in the camera industry for a reason: it makes some of the best DSLR, mirrorless and compact cameras available. Naturally, there’s no one Canon camera that fits all, and so we’ve broken down our top recommendations for every kind of photographer and filmmaker, including level of experience.
The best Canon DSLR overall
(Image credit: Future) 1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV The best feature-packed Canon DSLR overall Specifications Sensor: Full-frame CMOS Megapixels: 30.4MP Autofocus: 61-point phase-detect AF points Screen type: 3.2-inch fixed touchscreen, 1620k-dots
Continuous shooting speed: 7fps Movies: 4K/30p
User level: Intermediate/expert
Reasons to buy +Superb image quality +Advanced AF system +Good connectivity options Reasons to avoid -Limited 4K video options -Relatively low native ISO
Canon’s 5D range continues to be popular among traditionalists. And for good reason: these high-specced DSLRs offer a huge number of features in a body that handles superbly. Here we have an excellent 30.4MP sensor which, although lower in resolution than the likes of the Nikon D850, still gives you plenty of scope to create fantastic shots in a range of conditions.
Our tests also found that the 61-point AF system performed well in low-light and was also impressively quick, if not quite up to the standard of the latest mirrorless models. 4K video recording is available, but this being a slightly older model, it’s limited to 30p. While autofocusing is whip-smart, the 5D Mark IV can only manage 7fps burst shooting, which puts it behind many newer models. But if you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, still life – in short, anything which doesn’t move too quickly – you’ll find it an excellent photographic companion.
Buy it if: ✅ You want a well-rounded DSLR: Improved in every way, the Mark IV is one of the most well-rounded and complete DSLR cameras we’ve tested.
✅ You want excellent autofocus: Dual Pixel AF is a huge upgrade from the 5D Mark III, with instantaneous focusing and excellent tracking.
Don’t buy it if: ❌ You have a tight budget: Performance upgrades come at a price, and the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV represents a significant investment compared to rivals.
❌ You record a lot of video: 4K video is a welcome presence, but the 1.64x is prohibitive and there’s no support for 4K output via HDM
The best Canon camera overall
2. Canon EOS R5 Mark II The best Canon camera for most people Specifications Sensor: Full-frame stacked CMOS Megapixels: 45MP
Autofocus: 1,053-area AF, eye-control AF Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2.1m-dots
Continuous shooting speed: 30fps Movies: 8K 60fps
User level: Expert Reasons to buy +Stacked sensor minimizes rolling shutter +Near-perfect autofocus +AI-powered in-camera upscaling and editing Reasons to avoid -Limited buffer performance versus pricier EOS R1 -Costs a fraction more than rivals
Canon has built on its best-ever camera for photograpghy, the EOS R5, with a stellar upgrade – the EOS R5 Mark II. We still get 45MP stills and 8K video, plus a rugged body that fits well in the hand, but that’s about where the similarities end. That 45MP full-frame sensor is now a stacked sensor which massively improves the camera’s control over rolling shutter, while a second processor improves the camera’s overall speed and unleashes some all-new features, including in-camera image upscaling. You can pick a JPEG / HEIF image shot with the EOS R5 Mark II and upscale it 400% to 180MP, with super-impressive results.
We’ve used the EOS R5 Mark II extensively, especially action photograph and video for which it shines. New autofocus modes are able to detect specific sports that include soccer and basketball and intelligently select where to focus, including for one of up to 10 stored faces. Canon’s eye control AF is also a revelation – tracking where you’re looking in the viewfinder to know which subject you’d like to focus on.
Buy it if: ✅ You want Canon’s most versatile pro camera: With a new stacked sensor, the EOS R5 Mark II is as capable as it is shooting stills as it is video, and a big update of the EOS R5.
✅ You shoot action: Superb autofocus, image stabilization and eye-control AF, together with that stacked sensor, combine to great effect for high-speed subjects.
Don’t buy it if: ❌ You’re on a tight budget: The EOS R5 Mark II’s body-only cost is slightly more than rivals and a lot more than the now discounted EOS R5, and that’s before you get to Canon’s pricey lenses.
❌ You shoot mainly stationary subjects: Many of the EOS R5 Mark II improvements impact high-speed performance for high-speed subjects. If you’re a landscape photographer, the EOS R5 could be a better option.
The best budget Canon camera
3. Canon EOS R10 The best budget Canon camera Specifications Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Resolution: 24.2MP Autofocus: 651-area Dual Pixel AF Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36 million dots Monitor: 2.95-inch articulating touchscreen, 1.04 million dots Continuous shooting speed: 15fps Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner Reasons to buy +Compact and lightweight +Modern autofocus abilities Reasons to avoid -No in-body image stabilization -Crop on 4K/60p footage
If you can look past the old-school sensor, we think Canon’s EOS R10 is one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras for beginners. Fitted with Canon’s powerful Digic X chip, it also benefits from truly modern autofocus abilities. In testing, the processor and AF tracking together proved remarkably powerful. Continuous shooting speeds of 15fps with the mechanical shutter also mean the EOS R10 is a winner if you want to experiment with action photography. Low-light abilities are limited by the lack of in-body image stabilization, but image quality proved decent during our tests, with plenty of detail hiding in the shadows. Video skills are solid too, with 4K footage oversampled at 30fps.
With dual control dials and a dedicated AF joystick, we found that the EOS R10 also made it straightforward for learners to get hands-on with creative shooting. Its lightweight body will also feels comfortably familiar for anyone coming from a DSLR, with the articulating touchscreen making it an easy switch for smartphone photographers. Provided Canon comes out with more native APS-C lenses to grow with, the R10 hits the top spot for beginners.
Buy it if: ✅ You’re a beginner: We rate the Canon EOS R10 as the best beginner camera you can buy right now, thanks to its usability, affordability and powerful autofocus.
✅ You want a small, affordable hybrid: It’s built more for stills than video, but the EOS R10 can still record uncropped 4K/30p footage oversampled from 6K.
Don’t buy it if: ❌ You want a lot of lens choice: Lens availability is a limiting factor for the EOS R10, with few native APS-C glass options available at present.
❌ You shoot a lot of action: Burst speeds are decent, but the limited buffer depth is restrictive when shooting RAW images of action or wildlife.
The best premium Canon camera
4. Canon EOS R3 The best premium Canon camera Specifications Sensor size: Full-frame
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 12fps (mechanical shutter), 30fps (electronic) Movies: 6K at 60p
User level: Expert Reasons to buy +Seriously speedy sensor +Powerful AF features +Impressive video specs Reasons to avoid -Big for a mirrorless model -Relatively low resolution
Styled more like a sports DSLR than the handier EOS R5, the Canon EOS R3 is every bit a professional mirrorless camera. It has fewer megapixels than the EOS R5, because it’s built for speed instead of outright resolution – and if the former is your priority, it’s the best Canon camera you can get. During our extensive time testing the EOS R3, we found it one of the best sports and wildlife cameras we’ve ever tested.
At its core is a 24.1MP stacked CMOS sensor, which we described in our review as a “purring photographic engine”. It can shoot full-quality raw images at a remarkable 30fps, as well as 6K/60p raw video internally without any noticeable rolling shutter. We were also mightily impressed by its autofocus system, and reassured by the tough magnesium alloy build. In short, the EOS R3 is the pinnacle of mirrorless speed. It’s undeniably big and expensive, but if you need an uncompromising Canon camera and can afford to pay the premium, you won’t be disappointed.
Buy it if: ✅ You’re a pro sports photographer: The EOS R3 is built for speed, shooting full-res RAW files at 30fps, with a big buffer depth and rapid autofocus system.
✅ You want a mirrorless hybrid: The EOS R5 shoots sharper 8K video, but the R3 captures oversampled 4K/60p footage with fewer overheating issues.
Don’t buy it if: ❌ You need high-res stills: It’s a speed demon, but rivals like the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1 offer fast burst speeds at higher resolutions than the R3’s 24MP.
❌ You want a discreet camera: Unapologetically made for pros, the size of the EOS R3 means it isn’t a camera that goes under the radar.
The best compact Canon camera for vlogging
5. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III The best compact Canon camera for vlogging Specifications Type: Compact Sensor size: 1.0-type Resolution: 20.1MP Effective focal length: 24-100mm Viewfinder: None Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen Max movie resolution: 4KSize, weight: 105.5 x 60.9 x 41.4mm, 304g Reasons to buy +Tilting touchscreen +Effective stabilization +Mic input Reasons to avoid -No viewfinder
Long popular with vloggers, Canon’s G7X range has kicked it up a notch with its latest implementation. In our tests, we found the Mark III’s 20.1MP one-inch sensor to be very capable. It’s also equipped with uncropped 4K video recording and a microphone socket, features requested on its compact cameras for a very long time.
This means you can elevate the sound above and beyond the internal mic’s offering, a feature we found particularly useful during our vlogging tests. Impressively, the G7 X III can stream directly to YouTube, so you can live vlog whatever’s happening around you, without having to downgrade to using your smartphone. USB charging is another great feature which means you can give it power bursts on the go, which is particularly helpful if you’ve been shooting a lot of 4K video.
Buy it if: ✅ You want a compact vlogging tool: With a mic input, YouTube livestreaming support and a 1-inch sensor that shoots 4K, the Mark III is made for video.
✅ You value physical controls: Although it’s small, the well-built G7 X Mark III benefits from good handling and four physical control dials.
Don’t buy it if: ❌ You like using a viewfinder: Its video focus means the G7 X Mark III skips the viewfinder in favor of a responsive flip-up touchscreen.
❌ You want reliable metering: Image and video quality is generally very good, but the G7 X Mark III’s metering system frequently overexposes.
Here are the new upgrades Apple made to the iPhone 16. Plus, some other things to keep top of mind if this is an upgrade year for you.
Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup has arrived, and if you’re looking to upgrade from the iPhone 13 or earlier, there are a lot of new hardware and features that could make it worth considering. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max were unveiled at the Apple’s Glowtime event on Monday, and even the base models have seen noticeable design changes from Apple’s earlier iPhones.
The biggest changes to the iPhone 16 include a dedicated Camera Control button, the Action button (which has trickled down from last year’s iPhone 15 Pro) and the Apple Intelligence platform. Apple Intelligence aims to take advantage of generative AI for summarizing text or creating new emoji, among other features.
If you’re hanging on to an iPhone 13 from 2021 and considering an upgrade, there are even more advances in the iPhone 16 that you should keep in mind. Here are some key differences, or you can scroll down to our specs charts below for a side-by-side comparison.
Camera The iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, compared to the dual 12-megapixel cameras on the iPhone 13. This should allow for better image quality as well as more advanced photography features on the iPhone 16.
Processor The iPhone 16 is powered by the newer A18 chip, which in theory should make it much faster than the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13. It also enables new AI features.
Apple Intelligence The iPhone 16 supports Apple Intelligence, which includes a more context-aware Siri, built-in writing support and audio summaries, among other changes. The timeline and rollout of these AI features aren’t clear. But the iPhone 13, which is due to receive iOS 18, won’t be able to support them all due to hardware limitations such as its current chipset.
USB-C Connector Apple switched to a USB-C port in its iPhone line, moving away from its Lightning port starting with last year’s iPhone 15. This change was largely driven by European Union regulations that prohibited Apple from selling iPhones in the bloc in 2025 unless it had USB-C. The iPhone 13 uses Apple’s proprietary connector, so you’ll likely need to replace your charging cable. Apple includes a USB-C cable in the box, so you’ll just need to make sure it works with your charger.
Dynamic Island This pill-shaped cutout first graced 2022’s iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, and is now a signature feature on the iPhone. In essence, it’s an area on top of the iPhone’s display, which serves as an interactive hub and shapeshifts depending on the apps you’re running. The Dynamic Island is not available on the iPhone 13. You can read more about it in our explainer.
Perhaps the biggest changes will be the quality of your photos with the newer iPhone 16, access to Apple Intelligence and other features that the iPhone 16’s newer processor can take better advantage of. If you keep the iPhone 13, you will get iOS 18 and several new features including RCS texting and new homescreen customization controls. Many of those features will also come to earlier iPhone models, with the iOS 18 update set to hit devices as far back as 2018’s iPhone XS and XR. Some of the more minor considerations include the Dynamic Island and the new hardware buttons such as the Action button, the Camera Control button and the USB-C port.
6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution
6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels
Pixel density
460 ppi
460 ppi
Dimensions (inches)
5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches
Dimensions (millimeters)
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
147 x 72 x 7.65 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)
170 g, 6 oz
6.14 oz; 174g
Mobile software
iOS 18
iOS 15
Camera
48-megapixel (fusion), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
Front-facing camera
12-megapixel
12-megapixel
Video capture
4K at 60fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps
HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps
Processor
A18
Apple A15 Bionic
RAM/storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Expandable storage
None
None
Battery
Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W
Undisclosed; Apple lists 19 hours of video playback
Fingerprint sensor
None (Face ID)
No
Connector
USB-C
Lightning
Headphone jack
No
No (Face ID)
Special features
Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine.
5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)
At first glance, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the iPhone 16 Pro are incompatible, just like the theories of General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory in physics. These two might seem incomparable, but there’s something hidden, just like a hidden variable in the collapse of the wave function.
In the end, everything should lead us to a unified theory that should apply to all situations and everywhere in the universe, and that applies to cell phones, too. We’re sure someone, somewhere, will be considering whether to buy a flip phone or play it safe and buy the upcoming Apple Pro.
So, today we will try to unify these two entities in a cohesive theory—we mean comparison. The iPhone 16 Series landed on September 9, so we have every ingredient to cook this sub-atomic comparison. Let’s get to it!
The world is holding its breath, waiting for the moment when Apple will finally announce a foldable phone, but until then, iPhones are bound to stay as they are now, rectangular slabs of glass and metal. The Apple “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9 didn’t bring any significant changes to the iPhone Pro design, with some minor exceptions. There’s a new Camera Control button onboard, which is really a Touch ID-inspired pressure sensitive sapphire crystal coated button. It also supports touch gestures but more on that in the Camera section.
Other than that, the iPhone 16 Pro looks and feels like its predecessor, it has a tad larger screen at 6.3 inches but thanks to the thinner bezels it has more or less the same dimensions as the previous model. There’s a new hardened glass on top of that 1-nit minimum brightness screen, and it’s next-gen Ceramic Shield glass that Apple says is two times more resistant than the one found in previous iPhones. There are some new hues available with the new iPhone 16 Pro model as well.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, with minor tweaks and changes here and there. The dimensions are almost identical to its predecessor, but we have a redesigned hinge for better stability, and a slightly less prominent hinge.
There’s a conceptual difference between these two, you can fold the Galaxy Z Flip in half and it becomes a different device. But you already knew this. In its unfolded state, the Z Flip 6 is somewhat close to the iPhone 16 Pro experience-wise.
As far as colors are concerned, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is available in a wide range of hues
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 available colors:
（Image from Samsung）
Blue
Mint
Silver Shadow
Crafter Black (Samsung.com exclusive)
Peach (Samsung.com exclusive)
White (Samsung.com exclusive)
Display Differences
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 features the same size for its main and cover screens as its predecessor, 6.7 inches and 3.9 inches, respectively. Those, of course, are AMOLED, and the main screen is capable of going up to 120Hz refresh rate and sports FHD+ resolution. The Z Flip 6 was able to output around 1,200 nits of brightness in our display test, and the minimum brightness figure was even more impressive at 0.7 nits. The color accuracy is not the best in the business, though, with an average deltaE of 2.76.
The iPhone 16 Pro comes equipped with a larger 6.3-inch display, with ProMotion 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and the same resolution from its predecessor. Apple didn’t mention anything regarding the screen brightness figures for the iPhone 16 Pro, so we have to wait and test it in our lab, but we suspect it’s the same as last year. The last gen iPhone 15 Pro can shine with up to around 1,100 nits (real life brightness), so it’s not far off the Z Flip 6. What’s new is the 1-nit minimum brightness that Apple cited during the official event, so we should try to replicated this in the lab as well. In terms of biometrics, the status quo remains unchanged; the iPhone 16 Pro relies on FaceID, while the Galaxy Z Flip 6 uses the same side-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner as the previous Z Flip model.
Performance and Software
Due to the specific launch cycle these two models have, their beating hearts, the chipsets inside, are a generation apart. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset onboard, while the iPhone 16 Pro comes with the newest Apple silicon, the A18 Pro chip. We have the benchmark scores of the Z Flip 6, and they are quite impressive – 2251 and 7131 in single and multicore Geekbench 6 respectively.
This result is very close to the iPhone 15 Pro, but Apple said the new A18 Pro chip is 15% faster than A17 Pro, so the iPhone will continue to be the smartphone to beat, when it comes to synthetic benchmarks. The thermal design has also been redesigned in the new model, giving it 20% improvement in heat management and better performance under sustained heavy loads. Speaking of heavy loads and benchmarks, we will add the results once we run all the tests on the newly announced iPhone 16 Pro.
In terms of RAM, due to the different ecosystems and the way Android and iOS handle apps and optimize them prior to putting them on their respective stores, differences in RAM don’t always translate into a difference in performance. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has more RAM on paper, 12GB, while the iPhone 16 Pro features the same 8GB RAM capacity as its predecessor. Both of these phones support the newest and fastest Wi-Fi 7 standard. The software situation is an interesting one. We know that Samsung already has Galaxy AI to help people get onboard with the new reality, but Apple seems to be missing the party. On September 9 Apple announced a lot of new and interesting Apple Intelligence features, such as comprehensive writing tools, contextual search in photos and in videos, mail and notification summaries, something called “Visual Intelligence” (which looks very similar to Google Lens), as well as some Siri upgrades, but they will start to arrive in October and only in Beta shape and form. Software updates used to be Apple’s forte in the past, but ever since Google decided to offer seven long years of software support, things have changed. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 comes with seven years of major OS updates, while the iPhone 16 Pro offers “only” five.
Camera Three is more than two, even in quantum physics
（Image from Samsung） （Image from Apple）
The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a triple camera system and some cool upgrades to it as well. The main camera is the same as the one found on the iPhone 15 Pro, though. It’s a 48MP, f/1.6 camera which Apple now calls Fusion Camera. The ultrawide camera has been upgraded, though. It now features a 48MP sensor with 0.7 microns pixel size or 1.4 microns when pixel binned under an f/2.4 lens, and you now have the ability to capture 48MP, 24MP and 12MP shots, and also macro shots.
The iPhone 16 Pro also moves to a tetraprism telephoto camera, taken from the Pro Max mode, and it offers 5x optical zoom, so there’s no camera differences between this year’s Pro and Pro Max models. This telephoto camera, consequently, is the biggest differentiator when it comes to comparing the phone to the Galaxy Z Flip 6. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 features a dual camera system on the back, consisting of one upgraded 50MP main sensor, and one additional 12MP sensor for the ultrawide camera, and no dedicated telephoto onboard.
The other big advantage for the iPhone 16 Pro in this battle is the new Camera Control button. It’s a capacitive, pressure sensitive button that can do a lot of things. A single click opens the camera app, you can light press it to bring up a menu, and you can swipe your finger to control settings such as zoom range, exposure and even apply post effects and styles.
Audio Quality and Haptics
Apple has redesigned the audio system inside its iPhone 16 Pro models, and we now have some very cool new features onboard. There are four studio-grade microphones able to capture high-quality recordings and thanks to Apple Intelligence do some interesting stuff, such as apply different Audio Mix styles, remove background noise, focus on the voice of the person in a video, and also overdub sounds over recordings in the Voice Memo app.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6, on the other hand, sports a stereo setup where the earpiece doubles as a secondary loudspeaker, and there are no upgrades to the audio quality or loudness, compared to the previous model. The same goes for the haptic motor. They are decent but nothing to write home about. There’s no fancy-shmancy AI-driven audio magic at the moment, but it might come, as we live in the world of software updatable features. Neither of these two phones is expected to have a 3.5mm audio jack.
Battery Life and Charging Upgrades
There’s a battery upgrade on the iPhone 16 Pro, and even though Apple didn’t cite any numbers during the “It’s Glowtime” event, we know that the battery is roughly 100mAh bigger than the one found on the last generation. The Galaxy Z Flip 6, on the other hand, features a substantial upgrade compared to its predecessor; we now have a 4,000mAh battery inside Samsung’s latest flip phone, and that’s a 300mAh bump compared to the Z Flip 5.
This increase in capacity has indeed translated into longer battery life for the Z Flip 6, compared to its predecessor, and we’re talking about hours. We still don’t know how will the iPhone 16 tackle our battery test, but there’s some solid challenge from the Z Flip 6. We expect all the efficiency upgrades as well as the potential bump up in capacity to result in about an hour on top of the battery life we’re familiar with from the latest iPhone Pro models, but we’ll have to run some tests to verify that.
Sadly, there was no word on faster wired charging during the Apple “It’s Glowtime” event, so the iPhone 16 Pro retains the same 27W wired charging speeds we know and lament from the previous model. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 also retains the 25W wired and 10W wireless charging speeds from the previous generation, so we suspect he charging test will be pretty close between these two.
Summary
It’s very early to tell whether one of these two will be a better choice, all things considered. The only thing that makes these two comparable is the price, which is very close indeed. The question is, do you want a flip phone for that kind of money, or do you want to play it safe and get an iPhone Pro. On the one hand, the iPhone 16 Pro has a better camera setup and a faster chipset. To flip things once more, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a phone you can fold in half, and it has two screens, providing a completely different user experience.
I’ve been the reputed ‘iPhone ambassador’ in my group for as long as I can remember, fiercely defending it in every debate about Android vs. iOS. But then came the flip phones, and suddenly, I found myself on the other side. Who doesn’t love the idea of grabbing eyeballs every time you whip out your phone?
But as fancy as they may sound, flip phones have long been associated with the prettiest trophy in our homes- one that boosts the aesthetics of your house, but doesn’t come in handy on a day-to-day basis. However, Samsung has changed this notion.
Samsung first introduced its Galaxy Z Flip in 2020, marking a new era in the smartphone world, and they’ve only been refining it ever since. Fast forward to now, and I got my hands on the latest Galaxy Z Flip 6, which is making waves in both tech and fashion circles. To put it simply: flipping sides has never felt so good. At first glance, the phone screams retro fun—hello, 90s vibes! But beyond the cool factor of it flipping shut, there’s a lot more to love, especially if you’re all about style and functionality. The compact, glossy design screams elegance, and that satisfying snap when it folds shut is just the beginning of what makes this phone a game-changer.
Before I dive deeper, I have to admit—I’m no tech expert. This is purely based on your average customer’s experience. My main focus when buying a phone is always the camera. However, after playing around with the Galaxy Z Flip 6, I can confidently say that along with its stellar 50MP dual cameras and clever design, this phone has a lot more to offer than just a pretty face. And it tempts you to unfold new features, every single day.
My first foray into the world of flip phones was with the Z Flip 4 back in 2022, and while I was impressed, I was also nervous—would the hinge last? Would the screen get damaged? This time around, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, feels even more polished and refined. One of my initial concerns was the fold—would you see or feel the crease where the screen bends? While it’s there, it’s much less noticeable than before, and it fades into the background when you’re immersed in using the phone. The phone definitely has the world of creators and fashion fanatics in a chokehold, including me.
Design & Display
Samsung has truly elevated the design this time. The sleek aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 make it feel luxurious, and the new colour options like Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender add a touch of elegance. Compact enough to fit in any pocket or purse, it opens up to reveal a stunning 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything from scrolling to streaming incredibly smooth, with vibrant colours that pop off the screen.
The Flex Mode is where the Z Flip 6 really shines. Half-open, it’s perfect for hands-free selfies, video calls, or binge-watching your favourite show on the go. Plus, the 3.4-inch cover display gives you quick access to notifications, messages, and w
Performance & Features Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, making it a powerhouse. Whether you’re multitasking, switching between apps, or editing a bunch of videos in a go, like me, it handles everything without a buffer. Boasting a 3,700mAh battery, which might appear modest compared to other flagship models, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 delivers around 10 hours of continuous use and extends up to 17 hours with more mindful usage. Plus, when it’s time to recharge, the 25W fast charging has your back, ensuring you’re up and running quickly. The brand has introduced a game-changer integrated vapor chamber cooling system in Z Flip 6 for the first time. It effectively keeps the phone cool, even under heavy usage. While I did notice a slight warmth during intense gaming sessions, it never reached uncomfortable levels.
Sketch to Image The Fold 6 I’m testing introduces a cool feature called ‘Sketch to Image. ’ Simply draw a rough sketch on a photo or a blank note, and the phone’s generative AI will magically transform it into a detailed image. Whether you’re looking to add a new furry friend to your solo kitty’s life or just want to see your doodles come to life, this AI tool is both fascinating and addictive.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Final Thoughts
The price is (not) right The price is a major consideration. While the Z Flip 6 boasts cutting-edge technology and elegant design, it comes with a premium price tag. It’s a luxury device that offers a glimpse into the future of mobile technology, but whether it’s worth the investment depends on how much you value its unique features and stylish design.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a beautifully crafted device with several standout features, particularly for those who appreciate innovative tech and a high-fashion touch. The cost and battery life are notable factors, but if you’re looking for a blend of style and high-tech functionality, it’s definitely worth considering.
