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The best laptop for animation: expert recommended for beautiful displays and powerful processors

We fully test our laptops before inclusion to ensure they’re perfect for animation.

The best laptops for animation need to boast some pretty powerful specs and solid design decisions to keep pace with the needs of modern animators, but they don’t come cheap, so making the right choice is essential. Whether you’re a professional, amateur or entry-level animator, it’s worth investing in the right machine for your craft.

We’ve assembled this list of top-class devices to help you choose, looking out for powerful processors, solid graphics cards and ample RAM capable of running demandinganimation softwaresuch as Blender, Maya andAfter Effects. We’ve tested every model against industry standard benchmarking tests as well as our own experience to make sure they all fit the bill, while also looking out for other important aspects like a vibrant display with accurate colour reproduction, plenty of storage space for large files and reliable battery life.

The best laptop for animation overall

01. ASUS ProArt P16

The best laptop for animation overall

Specifications

CPU:AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 + NPU: AMD XDNA 50 TOPS

Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU

RAM:32-64GB

Screen:16in OLED Resolution 3840×2400 60Hz Colour gamut 100% P3

Storage:2TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Very power
+Such screen
+Much creative

Reasons to avoid

-Smudge City
-Not the prettiest design

Need to know:With its 16-inch OLED touchscreen and highly capable components, the the ASUS ProArt P16 is our top choice today for animators seeking a powerful and versatile laptop. Featuring handy AI-powered like StoryCube and MuseTree in its ProArt Creator Hub, workflows and file organisation is a breeze.

Design:Despite its powerful components, the ProArt P16 maintains a relatively slim profile and weighs around 5.3 pounds, making it reasonably portable for on-the-go animators. It also boasts a stunning 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors crucial for animation work – though it is prone to smudging. Our reviewer also enjoyed using its innovative ASUS Dial: a physical control that allows for precise adjustments in creative applications, which is very handy when scrubbing through animation timelines or fine-tuning brush sizes.

Performance:This Windows laptop is a fast worker, thanks to an Intel Core i9 processor andNVIDIARTX 3070 graphics, providing ample power for rendering complex animations and running demanding software smoothly. The laptop’s 32GB of RAM and spacious 2TB SSD storage further enhance its performance and multitasking capabilities. Our reviewer was especially impressed with the results of our standard Handbrake test, where we encode a 10-minute 4K animation.

Battery:Considering its power-hungry components, we were fairly impressed that the ASUS ProArt P16 still offers up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge.

Buy it if

✅ You want top-tier performance:Its powerful components deliver fantastic speed for animation.
✅You value colour accuracy:Its 4K OLED screen with 100% P3 coverage ensures your animations look flawless.
✅You want innovative controls:The ASUS Dial offers intuitive control in a variety of creative software.

Don’t buy it if:

❌You’re on a budget:Unsurprisingly, a laptop this powerful comes at a premium price.
❌You need a high refresh rate:With just a 60Hz display, ultra-smooth motion isn’t on offer here.

The bottom line

🔎The ASUS ProArt P16packs a powerful CPU, paired with a stunning 4K OLED touchscreen that makes it a fantastic choice for animators who like using a touchscreen. ★★★★½

>>>WF04XL Battery for HP ENVY X360 13-BF BF0131TU BF0740NZ BF0505NA

The best budget laptop for animation

02. HP Envy x360

The best budget laptop for animators

Specifications

CPU:AMD Ryzen 7 5700U – 8 Cores

Graphics:Radeon Vega 8 (APU)

RAM:16GB

Screen:13.3″ diagonal FHD WLED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080)

Storage:1 TB PCIe SSD

Ports:1 x USB Type-C (Power, Display, Data), 2 x USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.0b, 1 x SD media card, 1 x AC Smart Pin, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack

Reasons to buy

+2-in-1 design
+Bang & Oulfsen speakers
+OLED screen
+Exceptional battery performance

Reasons to avoid

-No stylus dock
-Disappointing storage space
-Can feel clunky when in tablet mode

Need to know:If you’re looking to keep your spend under a grand, the HP Envy x360 stands out as a premium 2-in-1 laptop that’s very capable and versatile, making it a solid choice for animation on a relatively limited budget. Its rather lovely 13.3-inch OLED touchscreen is complemented by a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.

Design:With its 360-degree hinge, this laptop smoothly transforms its 13.3-inch OLED screen from laptop to tablet mode in no time, offering excellent versatility. The lack of dedicated pen storage and the attached keyboard add up to a slightly clunky tablet experience, however.

Performance:While the 512GB SSD storage capacity is limited, you get a generous array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and a headphone jack. The included tilt pen facilitates pen input (excellent for animators), and the Bang & Olufsen speakers enhance the multimedia experience.

Battery:During our testing, we were very impressed to see the marketing claims of up to 17 hours and 30 minutes of battery life proved true. Of course, peak performance settings will drain it faster, but the HP Envy x360 can comfortably last a full working day and beyond on one charge. Plus, its fast charging means you can recover roughly 50% battery in just 45 minutes.

Price:There are a few configurations with this machine, starting at $1219.23, which is excellent value for a device that can operate both as a laptop and a tablet in oneanddeliver decent power.

Buy it if

✅ You’re on a budget:While it’s not the most powerful, its approachable price point makes it a solid choice.
✅ You value versatility:The HP Envy x360 can be used as both a tablet and a laptop.
✅You want a beefy battery:Offering up to 17 hours and 30 minutes of battery life, the HP Envy x360 is great for long shifts.

Don’t buy it if:

❌You need maximum power: As a budget option, the HP Envy x360 can’t deliver like a more premium workhorse.
❌You value neat ergonomics:With no dedicated pen storage and the fixed keyboard, it can be a little clunky in tablet mode.

The bottom line

🔎The HP Envy x360is a sleek 2-in-1 laptop and tablet combination with a 360-degree hinge and touchscreen capabilities. Packing a 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor and with a generous 16GB of RAM it’s a solid budget choice for animation ★★★★½

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The most portable laptop for animation

HP Omen Transcend 14 Is More Versatile Than Your Average Gaming Laptop - CNET

03. HP Omen Transcend 14

The most portable laptop for animation

Specifications

CPU:Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (up to 5.1 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 24 MB L3 cache, 16 cores, 22 threads)

Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated)

RAM:32GB LPDDRX5

Screen:14in OLED, 2.8K (2880x1800p), 120Hz

Storage:1TB SSD

Ports:2x USB-A, 1x Thunderbolt (DP support), 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo audio

What you need to know:The brand-new-for-2024 HP Omen Transcend 14 is a sleek, relatively lightweight bundle of portable, powerful joy. When we tested it, we appreciated that it’s another in a new generation of gaming laptops that don’tlooklike gaming laptops; aka the holy grail for creatives.

Design:The 14-inch OLED screen is a joy, with 500 nits peak brightness (sounds average but the OLED tech makes it seem brighter) even in HDR mode. And it’s got the trendy 16:10 aspect ratio, too, all without falling into the classic “gamer aesthetic” which can be offputting in professional environments. Plus, at just 1.63kg and 1.79cm thickness, it’s highly portable – especially considering the level of performance it offers.

Performance:The top-spec model is magnificently powerful for the size, price and build, achieving some excellent benchmarks during our testing across creative tasks from 3D to photo editing – all of which you might need in your animation workflow. The AI tech is to thank for that, as it gives a boost to the already capable combination of the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics. Multitasking is smooth, owing to its 32GB of RAM, too.

Battery:Despite all that power, the battery life was ample. We got around seven and a half hours with a moderately heavy workflow.

Buy it if

✅You need a portable powerhouse:Offering both performance and portability, it’s a great option for nomadic animators.
✅ You want a great screen:The 2.8K OLED display offers sharpness and excellent color accuracy.
✅ You value battery life:For a high-performance gaming laptop, over eight hours battery life is impressive.

Don’t buy it if:

❌ You prefer a larger screen:Its 14-inch display might be too small for detailed animation work.
❌ You’re on a budget:High-end performance comes at a high-end price, making the HP Omen Transcend 14 pretty pricey.
❌You need upgradability:While it’s robust enough to last a few years, you won’t be able to upgrade this laptop for longevity.

The bottom line

🔎HP Omen Transcend 14is an excellent workstation for the nomadic animator who values both power and portability. Its OLED display and long battery life (well, for a performance laptop) are great, but the smaller screen size may not suit all. ★★★★½

The best MacBook for animation

04. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro, 2024)

The best MacBook for animation

Specifications

CPU:Apple M4 Pro chip, 14-core CPU with 10 performance cores and four efficiency cores

Graphics:M4 Pro, 20-core GPU

RAM:24GB configurable to 36GB or 48GB

Screen:16.2-inch (diagonal) Liquid Retina XDR display2; 3456-by-2234 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch

Storage:512GB-4TB

Ports:SDXC card slot, HDMI port 3.5-mm headphone jack MagSafe 3 port, Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports

Reasons to buy

+Outstanding performance
+Excellent battery life
+Thunderbolt 5 connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-Very expensive
-Maybe overkill if you don’t do 3D work
-Limited upgrade options

What you need to know:The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024) is a dream machine for animators, excelling in both 2D and 3D workflows. Whether you’re crafting complex motion graphics or rendering high-resolution frames, this laptop delivers industry-leading performance with style.

Design:Apple’s classic unibody design remains a hallmark of quality. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a standout, offering vibrant colours, deep contrasts, and up to 1600 nits brightness for HDR content. The slim yet durable chassis makes it a perfect companion for on-the-go animators. Ports include MagSafe charging, Thunderbolt 5, and an SD card slot.

Performance:The M4 Pro/M4 Max chips are tailored for heavy animation workloads. Tests with industry-standard software like Blender, After Effects andCinema 4Dshow remarkable fluidity, even during complex simulations and rendering. Unified memory options up to 128GB ensure seamless multitasking.

Battery:A major highlight of our testing was the 22-hour battery life for media playback and 10-12 hours of intensive animation work.

Buy it if

✅You prize mobility:The lightweight, portable design makes it a great choice for travel.

✅You need exceptional performance:The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips can handle demanding animation software.

✅You’d like a stellar display:The colour-accurate Liquid Retina XDR is perfect for detailed work.

Don’t buy it if:

❌ Your software ecosystem is Windows-exclusive:Some animation tools remain tied to Microsoft’s OS.

❌ You’re light on cash:The base model is pricey, and higher configurations get very expensive.

The bottom line

🔎MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)is a powerhouse for animators, boasting the best of Apple Silicon, a top-notch display, and great portability. ★★★★½

The best OLED laptop for animation

Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 (2024) review: A+ multi-threading - Reviewed

05. Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i gen 9

The best OLED laptop for animators

Specifications

CPU:Intel (R) Core Ultra 2.30GHz

Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Series graphics

RAM:64GB RAM

Screen:16″

Storage:1TB SSD

Ports:HDMI 2.1, USB-C Full Function, USB-C Intel Thunderbolt 4.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, a full-sized SD card reader, two USB-A 3.2 ports.

Reasons to buy

+Extremely powerful
+Highly portable
+Exceptional battery life
+Robust, sleek design

Reasons to avoid

-Limited ports

What you need to know:It’s a close call between the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i gen 9 and our overall top pick, the ASUS ProArt P16. In our review, we called it a ‘must-have’ for creatives, especially thanks to its beautiful display combined with the AI-boosted CPU – and the fact that it’s a little more affordable than some of its similarly-specced competition. Plus, it features some useful AI tools, too.

Design:Lightweight and sleek by design, its aluminium chassis and solid hinge ensure that it’s durable while still being portable. The keyboard ergonomics are fantastic, but the real hero is its 2.3K HDR 16-inch display, which has 1600 Mini-LED dimming zones that make it fantastic for animation. Unlike many modern laptops, the Lenovo Yogo Pro 9i gen 9 also offers a wide array of connectivity ports including a full SD slot.

Performance:Depending on which configuration you opt for, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i gen 9 can get pretty powerful, making it plenty capable for animators. The model we tested proved plenty capable at handling heavy creative loads, and the AI-boosted CPU certainly helps in this department. Also of use is Lenovo’s Creator Zone, which features AI tools specifically included with creatives in mind, from optimising your creative tools to offering generative image creation that can actually learn your personal visual style.

Battery life:Alas, the battery life is the concession made by this otherwise excellent all-rounder. In our gaming test (which emulates creative loads), we got only two hours of battery life. When streaming with a slightly dimmed screen, that upped to eight hours.

Buy it if

✅ You want a crisp, expansive display:The 16-inch screen is beautiful, with plenty of real-estate for animation.
✅ You like AI:If you’re ready to jump on board the AI train, this machine’s AI tools and optimisations are a big draw.
✅ You need a powerful workhorse:For heavier workflows, this powerhouse is near unmatched.

Don’t buy it if

❌ You need long battery life:Especially if you often animate on the road, the batrtery life will disappoint.
❌ You’re on a budget:While it’s comparable to its competition, this laptop is still pretty pricey.

The bottom line

🔎Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i gen 9is a rival to the devices that top our best for animation list, let down mostly by its disappointingly short battery life. Otherwise, it will impress with its gorgeous display, ample power and excellent AI features that boost power and optimise your workflow. ★★★★½

The best larger laptop for animation

Dell Precision 7780 mobile workstation review | TechRadar

06. Dell Precision 7780

A powerful, big-screen laptop for animation

Specifications

CPU:13th Gen Intel Core i7-13850HX

Graphics:NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada 12GB GDDR6

RAM:32GB, 1x32GB 5600MT/s CAMM, non-ECC

Screen:17.3-inch

Storage:1TB, M.2 2280, Gen 4 PCIe NVMe, SSD

Reasons to buy

+Super powerful Intel CPU
+Large 17.3-inch display
+Plenty of connectivity options

Reasons to avoid

-Poor trackpad placement
-Heavy and not portable
-Display lacks 4K resolution

Need to know:If you’re looking for pure power and have money to spend, thisDellis a great option, marketed as Dell’s most powerful mobile workstation. Designed with creative professionals in mind, this 17-inch beast has a seriously powerful GPU and upgrade options that give extremely good benchmark scores across heavy creative tasks. It will be too much power for 2D animators, but those working in 3D and with video will find it very capable.

Design:While the build quality is solid, with thoughtful inclusions like the 180-degree hinge for flexible viewing angles, this model is heavy at 3.05 kg and quite bulky, so it isn’t our recommendation for mobile working. Its off-centre trackpad may prove contentious, and another drawback is there’s no 4K display here, and the aspect ratio is 16:9 rather than the 16:10 often favoured by creators. But our reviewer was pleased as it means a slightly slimmer chassis – and we also thought the Full HD display looked great.

Performance:Packing an Intel Core i7-13850HX and NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada GPU, you can expect fantastic performance from the Dell Precision 7780. During our benchmark testing, it even managed to outperform some Intel i9-equipped competitors in certain tasks.

Battery:The 93 Wh battery offers a pretty dire lifespan – we only managed three hours of creative work – so it’s best to keep it near a power supply.

Buy it if

✅You need display real estate:The roomy 17.3-inch display offers plenty of space for animation.
✅You need ample power:The Intel i7 and NVIDIA RTX 3500 are plenty capable of handling demanding animation tasks.
✅You use multiple peripherals:This machine offers a solid array of ports to support a wide range of peripherals and multi-monitor setups.

Don’t buy it if:

❌You need a portable device:It’s weighty at 3.05 kg, making it ill-suited for those who work on-the-go.
❌You’re value ergonomics:The off-centre trackpad isn’t for everyone, and might take some getting used to.

The bottom line

🔎The Dell Precision 7780packs a real punch in terms of performance, offering ample screen space for animators who essentially want a desktop PC dressed as a laptop. However, the trade-off is that it’s less portable than other laptops. ★★★★½

The best dual screen laptop for animation

07. Zenbook Duo OLED

A powerful dual-screen laptop for graphic design

Specifications

CPU:Intel Core Ultra 9 185H

Graphics:Intel Arc Graphics

RAM:32GB

Screen:2x 14in 2880×1800 120Hz OLED

Storage:1TB SSD

Ports:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm combo jack

Reasons to buy

+Futuristic form factor
+Powerful components
+Fun to use

Reasons to avoid

-Kind of expensive
-Two screens can drain the battery
-Picky about chargers

What you need to know:The latest Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED packs powerful components with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and could easily handle animation projects in our tests – but most notable of all itstrengths is its dual-screen set-up.

Design:The most eye-catching feature of the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is its dual-screen setup – the upgraded 2024 model houses two 14in 2880×1800 120Hz OLED screens, as opposed to a smaller one over the keyboard as with the last model. That second screen gives you space to put apps and tools, so your main screen isn’t interrupted – and you can draw on the second screen with a stylus.

Performance:Housing a powerful Intel Core Ultra processor and 32GB of RAM, this laptop is an absolute beast for multitasking, which can seriously speed up your animation workflow. Paired with its decent integrated graphics (which scored between an M1 and M1 Ultra in our benchmark testing), it’s a pretty powerful machine.

Battery life:The battery life is much improved with this iteration – we saw over 12 hours of use with one screen on. The second screen sucks up the battery faster but it’s not unreasonable so as long as you’re near a plug point at some point in the day

Buy it if

✅ You love the idea of two screens:The two displays are the obvious pull here. If you often need a monitor alongside your laptop for smoother process in your graphic design work, then this is an excellent option. Those screens are gorgeous, touchscreen and compatible, too.
✅ You like medium-high power:This can be quite powerful, but isn’t quite up there with some other new laptops such as the M4 MacBook Pros.

Don’t buy it if:

❌ You need an uber-long battery life:When using the two screens the battery doesn’t last as long as the 12 hours we got when testing a single screen. So if you’re on the go a lot and want to make the most of the displays, you’ll be a bit disappointed.
❌ You want a budget option:This is not cheap.

The bottom line

🔎ASUS Zenbook Duo OLED 2024is one of our favourite laptops ever. It’s not for everyone, as it is a quirky build, but it’s been built with professional creatives in mind. Anyone who uses a additional monitor when at a desk should consider this beauty, which is a brilliant upgrade from the previous iteration. ★★★★★

FAQs

What specs do I need in a laptop for animation?

The specs you will need in a laptop for animation will depend on what software you use, and it’s always worth checking the minimum specs quoted by the developer. In many cases, thee minimum system requirements are not particularly high. For example,CelAction2Dstates a minimum of 8GB of RAM and an Intel i5 CPU, which is fairly standard.

There is a difference, however, between minimum and recommended. To refer to CelAction2D once more, they recommended 16GB RAM and an Intel i7 processor.

Furtherrmore, 3D animation software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Animate and Blender, do require significant processing power for complex calculations and renderings. So if you’re using tools like this ,we’d recommend a 10th or 11th generation Intel Core i7 or i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 series H. We’d also recommend going for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.

For 2D animation, meanwhile, we recommend at least a GPU with 4GB of VRAM. For 3D animation, 8 GB of VRAM would be preferable. As for RAM, we’d recommend at least 16GB to be able to handle multiple layers and complex character rigs and provide smooth playback. Going to 32GB is likely to provide a smoother experience for extensive rendering and simulation in 3D animation.

You’ll also need enough storage space to store your animation files. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are the way to go for the best read/write speeds, and you’ll probably want at least 512GB.

Finally, you’ll want a display with high-resolution (at least Full HD, 1920×1080) and good colour coverage and accuracy. Some animators like a touchscreen so that they can use a stylus for drawing and sketching, although there’s also the option to use a graphics tablet for this.

Are gaming laptops good for animation?

Gaming laptops are some of the most powerful machines on the market, and increasingly creatives are finding themselves investing in an RGB-clad laptop to handle their processing and rendering needs – we’ve even included a laptop from Razer, famed for its gaming hardware, in our selection of the best laptops for animation above. Most of thebest gaming laptopswill be perfectly capable of meeting an animator’s needs.

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Which Copilot+ PC is better for you?

We’ll help you decide which Surface Laptop 7 to pick up

The first Copilot+ PC was theMicrosoft SurfaceLaptop 7, alongside the Surface Pro 11. Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chipset, the Surface Laptop 7 was the first Windows laptop in a while to have a battery life worth bragging aboutandimpressively zippy performance.

Unfortunately, the Qualcomm-based Copilot+ PC wasn’t without issues. In ourSurface Laptop 7 review, we noted the display wasn’t as colorful as we’d like and a shallow keyboard that didn’t lend well to a positive typing experience.

Many Surface Laptop 7 users also noted issues with native app compatibility for Windows on Arm. Although this has improved since launch, it’s still an issue for Snapdragon-powered PCs today. It’s also a major reason some users are considering buying one ofMicrosoft’s new Intel-based Surface Laptop 7machines instead.

This new Surface Laptop 7 model, powered by Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chipset, will be available to purchase starting February 18, 2025. For those with specific Windows apps that are only natively compatible with x86, it may be worth waiting for the Intel-based Surface Laptop 7.

To help you decide on a laptop that will help you with everyday tasks for years, we’ll compare Intel—and Qualcomm-based Surface Laptop 7 devices side by side, scrutinizing promised performance, battery life, and more.

also：G3HTA074H Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ Plus 1960

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Specs compared

 Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, IntelMicrosoft Surface Laptop 7, Qualcomm
Price$1,499 starting$999 starting
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 5 236V, Intel Core Ultra 5 238V, Intel Core Ultra 7 266V, Intel Core Ultra 7268VQualcomm 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, Qualcomm 10-core Snapdragon X Plus
RAMUp to 32GBUp to 32GB
StorageUp to 1TBUp to 1TB
Display13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touch display; 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touch display13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touch display; 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touch display
PortsSurface Connect port, 2x USB-C (4) ports, audio jack, USB-A 3.2Surface Connect port, 2x USB-C (4) ports, audio jack, USB-A 3.1
Battery lifeUp to 20/22 hours video playback; up to 12/14 hours active web usageUp to 20/22 hours video playback; up to 13/15 hours active web usage
Dimensions11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches (13.8-inch); 12.96 x 9.41 x 0.72 inches (15-inch)11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches (13.8-inch); 12.96 x 9.41 x 0.72 inches (15-inch)
Weight2.97 lbs (13.8-inch); 3.66 lbs (15-inch); 3.64 lbs (15-inch, w/ smart card reader)2.96 lbs (13.8-inch); 3.67 lbs (15-inch)

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Price and availability

There’s quite a significant price difference between Intel and Qualcomm variants of the Surface Laptop 7.

The Qualcomm-based, 13.8-inch model starts at $999, while its larger 15-inch sibling starts at $1,299. Meanwhile, the Intel-based, 13.8-inch model starts at $1,499—a staggering $500 more than its Qualcomm-based opponent. Although Microsoft didn’t give a starting price for the larger 15-inch model, we’re assuming it’ll start at $1,799.

You can now buy aQualcomm Surface Laptop 7through Microsoft or other retailers. However, if you want anIntel Surface Laptop 7, you’ll have to wait until February 18 to receive it.

also:1932 Charger for Microsoft Surface Pro X 7 6 5 4 3

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Display and design

By looking at them, it’ll be difficult — if not nearly impossible — to tell the difference between an Intel-based Surface Laptop 7 and a Qualcomm-based one.

surface laptop 7 intel models

Microsoft’s Intel-based Surface Laptop 7 models.(Image credit: Microsoft)

Both Surface Laptop 7 models feature a sleek, MacBook-inspired look with the Microsoft logo centered on the top cover and a thin, lightweight chassis. They even come equipped with the same amount of ports, though the Intel-based Surface Laptop 7 is gaining a USB-A 3.2 port instead of the Qualcomm model’s USB-A 3.1 port.

Nothing new was said about the keyboard, so we expect the typing experience to be identical between Intel- and Qualcomm-powered Surface Laptop 7 iterations.

The top cover of Microsoft’s Qualcomm-based Surface Laptop 7.

Another identical component between both laptops are the display options. You’ll have a choice between a 13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touchscreen display and a 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touchscreen display, whether you go with a processor from Qualcomm or Intel.

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Performance

Performance is one of the biggest categories in which these two laptops will differ, with one powered by Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chip and the other powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus chip.

Laptop‘sSurface Laptop 7 reviewunit featured a Snapdragon X Elite X1E80100 processor backed up by 32GB of RAM. When we ran the Geekbench 6 overall performance test, the laptop scored an impressive multi-core score of 14,426.

We haven’t been able to test one of Microsoft’s new Intel-based, 7th-gen Surface Laptops yet, so we don’t have our own Geekbench 6 scores to compare. However, We tested an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor in a Dell XPS 13 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor in an Asus Zenbook S 14 and received multi-core scores of 11,033 and 11,125, respectively.

It’s not clear whether these laptops were equipped with 16GB or 32GB of RAM, which could make a difference in multi-core scores. That said, based on our limited knowledge so far, it looks like Qualcomm has a leg up over Intel regarding raw performance power.

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Battery life

According to Microsoft, the 15-inch, Snapdragon X Elite-powered Surface Laptop 7 features up to 22 hours of battery life for video playback. The smaller 13.8-inch model can last up to 20 hours.Specs for Intel-powered Surface Laptop 7models suggest similar video playback estimates.

According to battery life estimates directly from Microsoft based on “active web usage,” theIntel-powered Surface Laptop 7can last up to 12 hours on the 13.8-inch model and up to 14 hours on the 15-inch model. Alternatively, theQualcomm-powered Surface Laptop 7can last up to 13 hours on the smaller model and up to 15 hours on the larger model.

In ourSurface Laptop 7 review, the laptop lasted 15 hours and 44 minutes on theLaptop Magbattery test, which involves continuous surfing through web pages over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness.

For comparison, We ran a battery test on the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip in a Dell XPS 13, which lasted 17 hours and 29 minutes. These aren’t identical laptops, and processors behave differently within unique configurations. However, this helps us know what battery life with Intel’s new Lunar Lake chips could be like before we get our hands on one to test.

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: App compatibility

We’ve come a long way since the first Copilot+ PC launched in July 2024 when it comes to app compatibility on devices running Windows on Arm.

According toresearch from Microsoft, 90% of the time people spend on Copilot+ PCs — which at the time were solely powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips — is spent in “native experiences including popular apps likeChrome, Zoom, Brave, Photoshop, Opera, Slack, Spotify, Private Internet Access, Surfshark, Windscribe, OpenVPN, and many others.”

TechRadarhas a massive list of apps supported natively through Windows on Arm, butSteamis the only one absent. So far, Valve hasn’t created a native Steam app for Windows on Arm, and there’s no telling when it’ll be available or if it’s even in the works. Currently, there are emulation workaround solutions, but gaming on a laptop running Windows on Arm is more complicated than on an x86-based laptop.

With growing native app compatibility, there’s a good chance this won’t be a deciding factor for much longer when buying an x86-based, Intel-powered laptop vs. a Windows on Arm, Qualcomm-based laptop.

But for now, I’d suggest listing all the apps you typically use regularly and confirming whether they have native app support for Windows on Arm before you buy.

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Outlook

Ultimately, the battle between an Intel-powered and a Qualcomm-powered Surface Laptop 7 is an extremely close one. Both processors are powerful enough to qualify the laptop as a Copilot+ PC under Microsoft’s guidelines, and they’ll both feature better battery life than we’ve seen in years from Windows laptops.

Until we get our hands on a Surface Laptop 7 with a new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor, we can’t definitively declare a winner or say whether one laptop will be better for most people. However, based on battery life and performance estimates we’ve seen thus far, the Snapdragon X Elite-powered variants seem to have a slight leg up over Intel models.

The only area where Intel wins out over Qualcomm right now is in regards to native app compatibility, and Qualcomm is quickly catching up. And a year or two from now, nearly all the apps people use on a regular basis could have native Windows on Arm versions.

Windows 11’s Start menu search gets new, clearer labels, as Microsoft tries to avoid EU regulation trouble

Windows 11 Start menu tweaks give users in Europe more search control

Woman gaming on a computer at home

(Image credit: Getty Images)

  • Microsoft is modifying Windows 11 search in the EEA to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act
  • Start Menu search now separates local on-device results from web results, which remain powered by Bing
  • Other DMA-driven changes include uninstalling Edge and disabling Bing search, but only for EEA users

Microsoftis tweakingWindows 11’s search feature in the Start menu for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with new EU rules (specifically the Digital Markets Act, or DMA). Normally, when you search in the Start menu,Windows 11shows results from both your computer and the internet (usingMicrosoft’s search engine,Bing). But now, it looks like Microsoft will make those search results more obviously separate.

MSPowerUser reportsthat the change can be seen in a new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, build number 27764. One Windows Insider and X poster @alex290292shared a screenshotshowing this new Start menu user interface (UI) with two sections in the search window; one labelled “Windows” and the other “Web search fromBing” (note that their Windows 11 language is set to German).

https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=TechRadar&dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1866954297369563644&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.techradar.com%2Fcomputing%2Fwindows%2Fwindows-11s-start-menu-search-gets-new-clearer-labels-as-microsoft-tries-to-avoid-eu-regulation-trouble&sessionId=775130652a4a6bb7fa18841643f9d99a92ad35df&siteScreenName=TechRadar&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px

>>>G3HTA056H Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro X 13″ Tablet

Windows 11’s search shake-up after a nudge from the EU

This change follows several other updates that give users more control over how they use Windows 11, including the introduction of custom web search providers’ results into Windows Search, and the ability to uninstall Microsoft Edge (the default web browser that comes preinstalled in Windows 11) from their device and disable Bing web search. These changes were also brought in to comply with the DMA, so while the EU isn’t letting up on its regulatory stance, Microsoft is playing ball for now.

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a set of rules designed to keep big tech companies from using their dominance to box out competition. Since Windows is hugely popular, Microsoft has to play fair and not use it as a way to force people into using its other services, like pushing Bing and Edge instead of letting users choose their own search engine or browser. That’s where the DMA steps in: to make sure companies like Microsoft don’t unfairly steer users toward their own products when they should be offering real choices.

Another intriguing change that we can expect to Windows 11’s Start menu soon is when you right-click on an app pinned there, you’ll see new ‘jump lists’ that pop up. As explained by MSPowerUser, a jump list is a flyout menu that provides quick access to recent files, folders, or tasks associated with an app by right-clicking its icon on the taskbar or Start menu.

Microsoft’s decision to separate Windows 11’s local and web search results might seem like a straightforward tweak, but it also highlights the company’s reluctance to make a simple change like this without being given a reason to by an external influence (in this case the EU). Integrating Bing tightly into Windows 11’s search features seems motivated by Microsoft’s business ambitions, namely wanting to direct more user traffic to Bing in the hopes of increasing user engagement with Microsoft services and getting higher ad revenues. Closing the gap with market leaderGoogleis also likely an ambition of Microsoft.

Separating Windows 11’s search results may be effectively disrupting these aims a little, but it’s in the interest of supporting greater user choice.

>>>G3HTA071H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 1964

(Image credit: 123RF)

A welcome tidy-up (but only in Europe)

The fact that this update only applies to the EEA suggests that Microsoft isn’t keen on rolling it out more widely, likely because it would reduce the passive traffic Bing receives from Windows 11 users worldwide. From a user perspective, this change is a welcome improvement, particularly for those frustrated with how cluttered and inconsistent the Start menu search can feel.

The primary concern with the current setup is that it combines local and web results in a way that might not always serve users’ best interests.

Searching for a file or app on your PC, only to be met with a mix of content that’s actuallyonyour device and web suggestions (which often feel irrelevant) can be more distracting than helpful. By giving users a clearer distinction between on-device and online results, this change ensures that Windows Search serves its intended purpose, in particular finding what you need on your PC first, rather than acting as a disguised gateway to Microsoft’s services.

The Galaxy S21 series is getting downgraded

Updates for the Galaxy S21 series are slowing down

Samsung Galaxy S21 violet back

What you need to know

  • Samsung subtly indicated that it will not be providing monthly updates to its Galaxy S21 series.
  • Since the series was destined for 4 years of full software updates, it means One UI 7 is its last.
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE still makes the cut for monthly updates, given its later release.

Samsung’sGalaxy S25 seriesrecently launched with seven years worth of updates, which should begin with monthly security updates. However, anyone with the Galaxy S21 series will start noticing a slowdown in update cadence just four years after the phone’s launch.

In asecurity updates post, Samsung lays out the devices that will get monthly, quarterly, and bi-annual updates. As recently spotted by9to5Google, the S21 series will now be downgraded to quarterly updates.

Monthly, quarterly, and biannual firmware security updates include patches for Android OS-related security issues released by Google, as well as patches for Samsung-specific security issues.

This change in update cadence will impact the standard Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and Ultra models since they were. However, owners should note that the phones are still expected to receive the massive One UI 7 update, as they were promised four years of OS upgrades after launching with Android 11. This will bring a revamped UI and perhaps additional Galaxy AI features in tandem with the latest flagship models. So, the S21 owners still have something to be excited about.

That said, theGalaxy S21 FEwas launched later in 2021, so it will continue to receive monthly updates for now, along with all subsequent S series models, starting from S22 until the most recentGalaxy S25 series.

Some of the other devices still eligible for monthly security updates include the following models: Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, W23, W23 Flip, W24, W24 Flip, W25, W25 Flip, Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition and Enterprise Models starting with the Galaxy A53 5G.

Along with these phone-related updates, Samsung is releasing a security patch for its wearables as well, listed below:

As for the Galaxy S21, owners should continue to see updates last until sometime in early 2026, although it’s unlikely it’ll receive the next major Android release.

Every Apple Pencil compared: Apple Pencil 2 vs Apple Pencil 1, Pro and USB-C: which is best for you?

We look at Apple Pencil 2 vs Apple Pencil 1 and the newer Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C to help you choose the best stylus.

The task of setting out to compareApplepencils is getting more complex. It’s no longer justApple Pencil2 vs Apple Pencil 1. There’s also now the newer Apple Pencil Pro vs the cheaper Apple Pencil USB-C to consider. Confused? Fear not: in this guide, we’ve compared every Apple Pencil and their compatibility to help you choose the right one for your needs (and your iPad).

If you already have an iPad, your choice will be limited to the styluses compatible with your device, although there are now more options available to most with the introduction the Apple Pencil USB-C. If you’ve not yet chosen which tablet to go for, our Apple Pencil comparison could help you make your decision. For example, digital artists may want to go for the new 2024 M4iPad Proor M2iPad Airso they can use the Apple Pencil Pro, which introduces several new features.

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Quick Apple Pencil comparison

Apple Pencil (1st gen) vertical view best iPad stylus

Apple Pencil 1st gen

Features: Pressure and tilt sensitivity, Bluetooth
Charging: Lightning
Compatibility: 6th-10th-gen iPad, 5th-gen iPad mini, 1st and 2nd-gen iPad Pro 12.9

Of the iPads on the market today, there aren’t many that support the first Apple Pencil. The stylus lacks some of the more sophisticated features of its successor, with no magnetic charging or hover support, but it’s a great-value stylus now and there are often big deals around.

Apple Pencil 2

Apple Pencil 2

Features: Pressure and tilt sensitivity, Bluetooth, magnetic, iPad Pro Hover, Double Tap
Charging: wireless
Compatibility: 4th and 5th-gen iPad Air, 6th-gen iPad mini, pre-2024 iPad Pro 11 and 12.9.

The Apple Pencil 2 improved on the first stylus by introducing a hexagonal design and magnetic connection, which can help prevent it from getting lost. The wireless charging is more convenient than using a cable, and the Double Tap control and Hover on iPad Pro improves workflow.

Apple Pencil Pro

Apple Pencil Pro

Features: Pressure and tilt sensitivity, Bluetooth, magnetic, iPad Pro Hover, Double Tap, Squeeze, gyroscope, haptic feedback
Charging: wireless
Compatibility: 2024 M4-chipped iPad Pros and M2 iPad Airs

The Apple Pencil Pro is the most advanced Apple stylus yet, featuring the advantages of the 2nd-gen Pencil plus a new new gyroscope for control of shaped pen and brush tools, a squeeze gesture to quickly change tools and haptic feedback.

Apple Pencil USB-C

Apple Pencil USB-C

Features: Bluetooth, magnetic, iPad Pro hover support,
Charging: USB-C
Compatibility: 10th-gen iPad, 4th, 5th and 6th-gen iPad Air, 6th-gen iPad mini, all recent iPad Pros

Released in 2023, this is the cheapest Apple Pencil and the most widely compatible, working with most recent iPads. However, it’s also the most basic, with no pressure sensitivity. That makes it more suited to note taking and browsing, but we found that it can do the job for drawing too if you’re on a budget.

>>>USB Charger for ipad 1 ipad 2 ipad 3

Apple Pencil compatibility and price

The Apple Pencil 2 with Adobe Fresco(Image credit: Apple)

Compare the Apple Pencil with Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro, and you’ll immediately notice the difference in price. At full price, an Apple Pencil 1st gen costs $99, Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro cost $129. Meanwhile, Apple Pencil USB-C costs $79. There are hardware reasons for this, which we’ll get to later in the article. You will often be able to find small discounts at third-party retailers.

If you already have an iPad, your choice of Apple Pencil has already been made for you to an extent, as each iPad only supports one Apple Pencil, other than the more basic Apple Pencil USB-C.

The original Apple Pencil is supported by the 9th and 10th-gen iPads, the 5th-gen iPad mini and the 2019 iPad Air. It was also supported by previous iPads, including the iPad 9.7-inch (2018), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017), iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), iPad Pro 9.7-inch (2016), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2015).

The Apple Pencil 2 is supported by the 4th and 5th-generation iPad Air (2020 and 2022), the 6th-gen iPad mini (2021) and both 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros made between 2018 and 2022.

Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the M4 iPad Pros and M2 iPad Airs released in 2024, while the Apple Pencil USB-C is compatible with most iPads.

The lowest price you can pay for an iPad together with an Apple Pencil (without any discount) is is $429 for the 10.2-inch iPad 9 plus Apple Pencil 1st gen. For the most advanced combo of the new iPad Pro with Apple Pencil Pro, you’re looking at an investment of at least $1,129.

Winner: TheApple Pencil USB-Ceasily wins on both price and the broadest compatibility, making it potentially useful if you have more than one iPad.

Apple Pencil comparison: design & ergonomics

(Image credit: Apple)

The Apple Pencils are all fairly similar in design but different enough that you can tell them apart. Aside from the slightly smaller Apple Pencil USB-C, they’re all 8.9mm in diameter, measure between 6.5 and 6.9 inches in length and weigh around 20g (0.73 ounces).

We’ve found this to be ergonomically optimal for most people’s hands. Some tablet styluses can be small and fiddly, but these are pretty much perfectly pitched. Though some users, particularly those who are accustomed toWacomtablets, may prefer a thicker stylus. If that’s you, there are sleeves you can buy to make the Apple Pencil feel thicker.

The original Apple Pencil is rounded while later models all have flat edges, which stops them from rolling away. It’s a relatively small point, but the smooth and circular barrel of the original Pencil may have been aesthetically lovely, but anyone who uses one probably has to pick it up off the floor now and again, even with the weighting system built-in to try to prevent this. Our post onhow to avoid losing your Apple Pencilhas proved surprisingly popular over the years.

The original Apple Pencil has a glossy plastic finish in the style ofAirPods. The Pencil 2 and others have a matte finish that’s much more resistant to grease and fingerprints. It feels like a real wooden pencil, which makes it that much more pleasant to use. Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro both qualify for free engraving if you buy them online from Apple directly.

Winner: We prefer the design ofApple Pencil 2andApple Pencil Prosince they’re less easy to lose compared to the first stylus, while they’re slightly larger and more practical than the USB-C device.

Apple Pencil comparison: Performance

The good news is that the first-gen and second-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro (but NOT the Apple Pencil USB-C) are all comparable when it comes to drawing performance. All three have pressure sensitivity. Apple doesn’t state the level of pressure sensitivity in any model, which is a little frustrating, but none of these have ever felt lacking for finessed and nuanced artwork, so we can live with a bit of ambiguity. All three also provide tilt and rotation detection while drawing, and when combined with the good pressure detection, they’re very versatile for different brush strokes and applications.

They also sample at the same rate, meaning they have the same low-latency performance… except you do actually get guaranteed lower latency from the time you move your hand to the time you see the results on-screen when using Apple Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil Pro with a compatible iPad Pro because of the iPad Pro’s 120Hz screen (meaning that it refreshes the display 120 times per second), not because of anything the Apple Pencil does (other iPads have a 60Hz screen).

The improvements in Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro are not so much in drawing performance itself but in the additional features they add to help streamline workflows and make them more convenient to use. First, the Apple Pencil 2 introduced a double-tap feature. This can be customised, enabling users to double-tap the flat edge to switch between current tool and eraser, switch between current tool and the last-used tool or show the colour palette (or do nothing, if you prefer).

Some individual apps can make different uses of this feature: the art app Procreate and audio editor Ferrite both offer other handy functions using the double-tap gesture. The second-gen Pencil also introduced the hover function for iPad Pros, allowing users to preview their actions, showing you exactly where your stylus will touch down.

The Apple Pencil Pro takes these advances and adds more: a squeeze gesture for quick tool, colour, and other changes, a rotating barrel for precise control of pen and brush tools and customisable haptic feedback to let you know that you activated a feature. The more affordable Apple Pencil USB-C is much more basic and doesn’t even have pressure sensitivity. However, that doesn’t completely rule it out for drawing.

Our reviewer found that even without pressure sensitivity, it was possible to achieve a comparable result with the Apple Pencil USB-C by using the edge of the stylus like you would a traditional pencil. We also found it possible to achieve line variation by using the eraser/brush interchangeably and using different brushes and sizes. Pressure sensitivity does allow more flow and expression in your mark-making, but the USB-C is certainly a workable option for drawing if you’re on a budget.

Winner: The first-gen Apple Pencil, second-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro offer an equally good drawing experience, but theApple Pencil Prois the clear winner when it comes to improved productivity and more precise control.

Apple Pencil comparison: Storage and charging

The Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil USB-C all have the edge over the first Apple Pencil when it comes to storage – quite literally. They attach magnetically to the side of the iPad, which can prevent them from getting lost. The Apple Pencil 2 and Pro also charge wirelessly while they’re attached. It’s hard to overstate how much more usable this makes them.

Not only does it mean they’re always to hand – if you’ve got your iPad within reach, you’ve got your Pencil within reach – but they top up their charge so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice, so you can get straight to work when you want to before you lose your thread.

For the Apple Pencil 1st gen, there’s no official storage solution directly on devices. It will attach magnetically to some covers, but not with a very strong grip. Apple made some iPad sleeves that include a storage section for the Pencil, which work well enough, but were very large and unwieldy overall. There are third party cases and folios too, of course, but you’ll have to see if there are any that suit you.

The original Apple Pencil is also more annoying to keep charged. It has a male Lightning connector on the end (covered with a cap that can get lost, though it stays on fairly well), which can be plugged into your iPad’s Lightning port to charge (this is also how you pair it with the iPad). The strange, long shape this forms is the very definition of inelegance, and also leaves the Pencil prone to getting knocked and snapping its connector. However, it can charge quite quickly: about 15 seconds of charge time can get you around 30 minutes of use.

The Pencil 1st gen does come with a charging adapter in the box, though: a converter, so that you can use a normal Lightning cable to charge the Pencil. As long you’re diligent about plugging it in regularly, this would be a much better way to go about it.

Apple doesn’t give battery quotes for the Pencil models, but talked of the 1st-gen version offering around 12 hours. The others appear to be around the same. They do fairly well holding their charge when not in use, which is important for the first-gen and the USB-C stylus since they’re less convenient to charge. The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro haven’t had any problems lasting for long drawing sessions for us, but battery life is also less important, because they can be more easily topped up during the day simply by popping them back on the edge of the tablet when you stop for a break.

Winner:Apple Pencil 2andApple Pencil Pro.

Apple Pencil comparison: Tips

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Pencil models use the same kind of tip, which is fairly hard, and taps firmly against the glass of the iPad. Depending on what kind of stylus you’re used to, you may find this a bit of an adjustment: it’s distinctly harder and louder than other models.

It’s not a problem in any way, but the difference from softer plastic tips or drawing surfaces is quite noticeable. You’d have to try one in an Apple Store to see if you majorly dislike it, but we doubt it would be a dealbreaker.

This hardness does make the tips highly durable. Don’t expect to see much, if any, sign of wear within a year or so, unless you’re trying to use it to make fire. The 1st-gen Apple Pencil comes with a replacement tip in the box, further guaranteeing longevity from a single purchase. The Apple Pencil 2 does not come with a replacement tip, which seems a bit cheap of Apple, but then you won’t be needing one for a long time, as we mentioned. You can buy a replacement pack of tips from Apple: four for $19.

Apple Pencil comparison: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Apple)

When it comes down to it, you need to consider which Apple Pencil to go for as part of your decision of which iPad to choose because you’ll need a stylus that’s compatible with your tablet. Only the Apple Pencil USB-C is compatible across most of the iPad range, and it’s the least appealing option for those that want to use their stylus for drawing.

If you’re a professional digital artist, or hope to become one, then the ideal combination for the best drawing experience possible on an iPad is to go for the M4 iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil Pro. They were made to work together, and the new stylus’ extra features combined with the responsive display of the iPad Pro makes for a seamless workflow. If you’re on a tighter budget or you can’t justify paying the price of the new iPad Pro, then the M2 iPad Air with Apple Pencil Pro would be the next best alternative. You may notice some lag since the Air has a slower screen, but the tablet has more than enough power for drawing software.

If you already have an older iPad Pro or Air, then the decision is clear: the second-gen Apple Pencil is the stylus for you. If you have the entry-level iPad and you plan to draw on your tablet, then the first-gen Apple Pencil is your stylus. We would only recommend the cross-compatible Apple Pencil USB-C for those who want a stylus more for note-taking and as an aid for browsing than for drawing.

Is Apple Pencil good for digital drawing?

For digital drawing, you can’t really do better – as ourbest tablets with a stylusguide shows, in which it beats dedicated drawing tablets from the likes of Wacom. It’s that good. It could be that the original pencil (which came out in 2015) is a better shout for you. It all depends on which iPad you have as different generations are compatible with different iterations of the Apple Pencil. Also see our comparison ofApple Pencil vs Logitech Crayon.

How do Apple Pencils charge?

Apple Pencils don’t all charge in the same way. The 1st-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C have to be plugged in: the former has a built-in male Lightning stem hiding under the end cap. You can plug it directly into a Lightning-equipped iPad or use a double reverse adapter to charge via Lightning cable. The Apple Pencil USB-C has to be charged via – you guessed it – a USB-C cable.

The 2nd-Gen Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro are much more convenient because they charge when stuck onto the flat edge of supported iPads magnetically, keeping your pencil close at hand and preventing it from getting lost.

Microsoft quietly removed its instructions for installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC – is this something to do with the 24H2 update?

One theory is that it’s due to the Windows 11 24H2 update

Windows 11 forced onto old hardware

(Image credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock / Microsoft)

  • Microsoft previously offered details on installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC
  • That workaround has been removed from the support document that hosted it
  • This could be to do with the release of the 24H2 update, which is now widely rolling out

Microsofthas just quietly removed information in its support documentation regarding installingWindows 11via a (not recommended) workaround, one that allowed the OS to be hosted on a PC that doesn’t meet the hardware requirements.

Specifically, this was a workaround for machines that aren’t up to speed for thesystem requirements of Windows 11in terms of having TPM 2.0, or not having a modern enough CPU. It involved tweaking the Registry of the OS in order to facilitate the installation.

TechSpotnoticed that Microsoft had made the change, linking to the new,altered support document, and also providing a link to the Internet Archive Wayback Machine’s captured version of theold document.

As you can see if you compare the two, the instructions for ducking around the TPM 2.0 or CPU requirements are provided with the old doc in the box labeled ‘warning’ which makes it clear that there are risks involved with both installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC and modifying the Registry.

It appears that warnings aren’t enough, and Microsoft doesn’t want anyone at all using this fudge now, even at their own risk, given the change to the doc here.

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Analysis: A decision prompted by Germanium?

Why has Microsoft made this change now, after leaving these workaround details in place for so long? Because as far as we are aware, this method still works.

One theory is that the recent release of Windows 11 24H2 may have changed the terrain that this workaround is built on, meaning that trying to dodge said system requirements could now be more problematic.

Remember, the platform that underpins Windows 11 was changed to an all-new affair with the 24H2 update, as Microsoft introduced Germanium. In short, that meant a lot of tweaks for the inner workings of theoperating systemthat can’t be seen, but are most definitely there (and needed forCopilot+ PCs). The changes may cause more potential problems with the above installation workaround (particularly given that one of Germanium’s main pillars is to bolster security, as well as performance).

So, perhaps the workaround is simply more likely to run into issues now, though we’ve not seen reports of this from Windows users to back up this idea (not yet, anyway). As already noted, we aren’t seeing any evidence that this method doesn’t actually work anymore.

Obviously, you can still view the instructions (via the Wayback Machine as noted), so if you want to make the move to Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, that can still be done (in theory). Indeed, we have a much morein-depth look at this process in a guide here, so if you’re serious about installing Windows 11 in this way, check that out.

In that guide, we still don’t recommend taking this course of action, due to the potential risks involved – which, if the above theorizing is correct, may be even more perilous now that Windows 11 24H2 is in town with Germanium in tow.

AsWindows 10’s End of Lifecomes ever closer, if you are still on the older OS due to not having a PC that supports Windows 11, then you need to start carefully examining your options. Clearly enough, Microsoft doesn’t think one of those choices should be to fudge Windows 11 on a PC with an old unsupported processor (or no TPM 2.0, or perhaps both).

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Whatever the case, it appears that the looming deadline forWindows 10support ending is making some people think about upgrading, andWindows 11 is suddenly becoming more popular. Expect more of that migration to come as 2025 rolls onwards.

One theory is that it’s due to the Windows 11 24H2 update

Windows 11 forced onto old hardware

(Image credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock / Microsoft)

  • Microsoft previously offered details on installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC
  • That workaround has been removed from the support document that hosted it
  • This could be to do with the release of the 24H2 update, which is now widely rolling out

Microsofthas just quietly removed information in its support documentation regarding installingWindows 11via a (not recommended) workaround, one that allowed the OS to be hosted on a PC that doesn’t meet the hardware requirements.

Specifically, this was a workaround for machines that aren’t up to speed for thesystem requirements of Windows 11in terms of having TPM 2.0, or not having a modern enough CPU. It involved tweaking the Registry of the OS in order to facilitate the installation.

TechSpotnoticed that Microsoft had made the change, linking to the new,altered support document, and also providing a link to the Internet Archive Wayback Machine’s captured version of theold document.

As you can see if you compare the two, the instructions for ducking around the TPM 2.0 or CPU requirements are provided with the old doc in the box labeled ‘warning’ which makes it clear that there are risks involved with both installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC and modifying the Registry.

It appears that warnings aren’t enough, and Microsoft doesn’t want anyone at all using this fudge now, even at their own risk, given the change to the doc here.

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Analysis: A decision prompted by Germanium?

Why has Microsoft made this change now, after leaving these workaround details in place for so long? Because as far as we are aware, this method still works.

One theory is that the recent release of Windows 11 24H2 may have changed the terrain that this workaround is built on, meaning that trying to dodge said system requirements could now be more problematic.

Remember, the platform that underpins Windows 11 was changed to an all-new affair with the 24H2 update, as Microsoft introduced Germanium. In short, that meant a lot of tweaks for the inner workings of theoperating systemthat can’t be seen, but are most definitely there (and needed forCopilot+ PCs). The changes may cause more potential problems with the above installation workaround (particularly given that one of Germanium’s main pillars is to bolster security, as well as performance).

So, perhaps the workaround is simply more likely to run into issues now, though we’ve not seen reports of this from Windows users to back up this idea (not yet, anyway). As already noted, we aren’t seeing any evidence that this method doesn’t actually work anymore.

Obviously, you can still view the instructions (via the Wayback Machine as noted), so if you want to make the move to Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, that can still be done (in theory). Indeed, we have a much morein-depth look at this process in a guide here, so if you’re serious about installing Windows 11 in this way, check that out.

In that guide, we still don’t recommend taking this course of action, due to the potential risks involved – which, if the above theorizing is correct, may be even more perilous now that Windows 11 24H2 is in town with Germanium in tow.

AsWindows 10’s End of Lifecomes ever closer, if you are still on the older OS due to not having a PC that supports Windows 11, then you need to start carefully examining your options. Clearly enough, Microsoft doesn’t think one of those choices should be to fudge Windows 11 on a PC with an old unsupported processor (or no TPM 2.0, or perhaps both).

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Whatever the case, it appears that the looming deadline forWindows 10support ending is making some people think about upgrading, andWindows 11 is suddenly becoming more popular. Expect more of that migration to come as 2025 rolls onwards.

VPN feature axed from Microsoft Defender

The service will end on 28 February

Microsoft logo displayed on smartphone

(Image credit: SOPA Images / Getty Images)

Microsoft has announced plans to remove the free VPN feature from its Microsoft Defender app.

The VPN, and Defender app, is currently included in all Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans at no additional cost, but will be removed on 28 February 2025.

The VPN certainly wasn’t challenging any of thebest VPNs, but it was a handy additional feature and better than no VPN protection at all.

Short lived

Microsoft’s VPN hasn’t been around for long, having only beenintroduced in August 2024, but the tech giant has seemingly decided it isn’t worth continuing and are diverting resources elsewhere – Copilot AI by the looks of it.

On one of itssupport pages, Microsoft said: “Our goal is to ensure you, and your family remain safer online. We routinely evaluate the usage and effectiveness of our features. As such, we are removing the privacy protection feature and will invest in new areas that will better align to customer needs.”

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It says no action is required by Windows, iOS, or macOS users to remove the VPN, but Android users will have to manually remove the feature if they no longer wish to see it. Not removing the feature won’t affect your device, or the remaining app protections, but the VPN will not be usable.

(Image credit: SOPA Images / Getty Images)

Other Microsoft 365 protection features will remain unaffected. These include personal information and credit monitoring, 24/7 identity theft support, and up to $1 million identity insurance coverage – services very similar toExpressVPN’sIdentity DefenderandCredit ScannerandNordVPN’sNordProtect.

The VPN’s removal comes asMicrosoft increases the price of 365 plans in the US by 45%. The prices of personal and family plans will increase by $3 a month or $30 for annual subscriptions.

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It appears as though the price hike is down to the inclusion of Copilot AI in the Microsoft 365 suite of apps. However users who don’t wish to access Copilot AI can opt to switch to the “basic plan” and won’t have to pay the increased subscription rate.

I’m a tech writer, and Apple’s naming system even confuses me! Here’s how to decode it

Apple product names can be quite perplexing. But here’s my decoder to help make sense of them

I loveAppleproducts. They’re sleek, they’re powerful, and in the immortal words of Steve Jobs, they “just work” (well, most of the time). But their naming strategy? It’s a wild ride.

Take the iPhone lineup, for instance. Remember when it was just “iPhone” followed by a number? Those were simpler times. Now along with theiPhone 16we recently got theiPhone 16 Pro Max, theiPhone 16 Proand theiPhone 16 Plus. Plus right now, we’re expecting the imminent appearance of theiPhone SE 4; like that cousin no-one’s quite sure how to introduce at family gatherings.

And let’s talk about those chips. The M1 made sense as a starting point. Then came M1 Pro and M1 Max – okay, still following. But then Apple threw in the M1 Ultra, which is essentially two M1 Max chips fused together. Just when you thought you had it figured out, they launched the M2 series, and now we’re deep into M3 and M4 territory, each with their own variants. It’s like a Russian nesting doll of processing power.

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The iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

TheiPadfamily tree is another puzzle altogether. We’ve got theiPad Pro(in two sizes),iPad Air, iPad mini, and just… iPad. But wait – this basic / standard / entry-level iPad comes in different generations, and some older models are still sold new. Try explaining to your non-tech-savvy aunt why the 9th-generation iPad Air might actually be a better choice for her than the 10th-generation iPad Pro, depending on her needs and budget. To be honest, even your tech-savvy teenager might get lost at this point.

I could go on, but you get the point. Basically it’s all a hot mess. So I set myself the challenge of trying to create a decoder for Apple’s product naming system. Here’s what I came up with.

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Naming elementMeaningRecent examples
ProIndicates a higher-end, more powerful version. Usually the most expensive model in a series.Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro, 2024), iPhone 16 Pro, Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
AirSuggests a thinner, lighter, more portable version. Used to be much less powerful than the Pro versions, but the gap has narrowed in recent years.Apple MacBook Air 13in (M3, 2024), iPad Air M2 2024
miniDenotes a smaller, more compact version. Yes, the ‘m’ is meant to be lower case.Mac mini M4 Pro, iPad mini (2024)
MaxIndicates the largest and/or most feature-rich version.iPhone 16 Pro Max
PlusSignifies a larger screen size and/or slightly enhanced features.iPhone 16 Plus
SEStands for Special Edition: a more affordable version with some features of higher-end models.iPhone SE (2022)
[Number] eg, 16Used to denote the series that a product sits within.iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14
SeriesWith the Apple Watch specifically, the word ‘Series’ is attached to the number. Don’t ask me why.Apple Watch Series 8
[Generation] eg, 6th generationIndicates a version or iteration of a product.iPad Air 13-inch (6th generation) – aka iPad Air 13-inch (2024)
[Year] eg, 2024Alternative way of describing the generation. Sometimes Apple includes the year and the numbered generation in a product name, sometimes only one of these.iPad Air 13-inch (2024) – aka iPad Air 13-inch (6th generation)
[Storage capacity] eg, 256GBFairly straightforward this one: specifies the amount of storage.iPhone 16 Pro (256GB)
[Processor] eg, M1Refers to the Apple-made processor inside the device.Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023)
[M1/M2/M3/M4] ProMore powerful version of the base M chip. More CPU and GPU cores.MacBook Pro (M2 Pro)
[M1/M2/M3/M4] MaxEven more powerful than the “Pro” version. Highest core count, more memory bandwidth. ‘Max’ might imply ‘maximum’ but this is not actually the most powerful M-chip. That’s the Ultra, below.MacBook Pro (M2 Max)
[M1/M2/M3/M4] UltraThe most powerful M-series chip. Combines two M-Max chips.Mac Studio (M2 Ultra)

This decoder, I should stress, is by no means perfect or foolproof. And it’s certainly not something that’s been approved by Apple. Because while the broad principles I’ve outlined in this table will get you some of the way, the company themselves doesn’t apply them universally across the board. 

For instance, sometimes “Pro” means it’s the most powerful option (like with iPhones), but sometimes there’s an even more powerful “Max” or “Pro Max” version. Sometimes “Air” means it’s the slimmer, lighter option (MacBook Air), but the iPad Air actually sits in a middle ground between basic and Pro models. 

The MacBook Air 13in (M3, 2024)

It gets even worse when it comes to Apple’s accessories. For instance, AirPods come in regular, Pro and Max varieties – but the Max is actually over-ear headphones, not pods at all. The Apple Pencil, meanwhile, has four versions that look different and charge differently, and they’re not compatible with all iPads.

The naming convention here (and I’m not making this up) begins: Apple Pencil (1st Generation), Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)… so far so good. But then suddenly it veers off into Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro. Would you know that the third of these was the budget model, just from the name? Of course not. And you need a spreadsheet to figure out which Apple Pencil works with which iPad: the names here are no use at all.

New PS5 games 2025: most anticipated PS5 release dates

The new PS5 games coming in 2025 and beyond

There’s an excellent line-up of PS5 games set to launch in 2025. It’s certainly shaping up to be a very good year to be a PlayStation fan, with big releases likeGTA6 sure to impress onSony’s newest consoles.

New PS5 games will start coming out in the next few weeks, withCivilization 7kicking things off in style. In the rest of 2025, many exciting new games are still set to be announced – with some even likely to land on our list ofbest PS5 games. It’s a great time to be a PS5 owner for sure, especially when you consider that there’s even more to follow in late 2025 and into 2026.

Read on to learn the release dates for the biggest new PS5 games. As new release dates are revealed, or if certain games are delayed, this page will be updated. For now, here’s what you’ll be playing in the next 6 months or so, and beyond!.

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New PS5 games 2025: this year’s most anticipated releases

Here’s a short list of 2025’sbiggest and mostanticipated new PS5 games. These all have release dates, which will be updated if there are delays or cancellations. As it’s still early on in the year, expect even more games to be announced as we go.

  • Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 –February 4 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)
  • Civilization 7 –February 11 (PC, PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, Switch)
  • Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii –February 21 (XSX|S, PC, PS5, XBO, PS4)
  • Monster Hunter Wilds –February 28 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)
  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows –March 20 (PC, PS5, XSX|S, Mac)
  • Doom: The Dark Ages –May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)

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February

(Image credit: 2K)

February brings Civilization 7out into the open, a highly anticipated strategy game that’s been a long time coming.

  • Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 –February 4 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)
  • Civilization 7 –February 11 (PC, PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, Switch)
  • Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii –February 21 (XSX|S, PC, PS5, XBO, PS4)
  • Monster Hunter Wilds –February 28 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)

March

(Image credit: Hazelight)

Split Fictionlaunches in March, offering up excellent two-player couch co-operative action.

  • Two Point Museum –March 4 (PC, XSX|S, PS5)
  • Split Fiction –March 6 (PC, XSX|S, PS5)
  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows –March 20 (PC, PS5, XSX|S, Mac)
  • Tales of the Shire –March 25 (PC, PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, Switch)
  • Atomfall –March 27 (PC, PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO)
  • Football Manager 2025 –March TBC (PC, PS5, XSX|S)
  • Killing Floor 3 –March TBC (PC, PS5, XSX|S)

April

(Image credit: Sandfall Interactive / Microsoft)

Players will get their hands onClair Obscur: Expedition 33in April, which contains a huge open-world, and classic turn-based combat.

  • Fatal Fury: City of Wolves –April 24, 2025 (PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PC)
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 –April 24 (PC, PS5, XSX|S)

May

(Image credit: id software/Bethesda)

Doom: The Dark Ages tears its way onto PS5 in May. It’s a medieval prequel that sees the Doom Slayer armed with a new chainsaw-shield weapon. Oh, and you can ride a dragon.

  • Doom: The Dark Ages –May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)
  • Sonic Wings Reunion –May 29 (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch)
  • Return of the Savage Planet –May TBC (PC, XSX|S, XBO, PS5, PS4)

2025 and TBC

(Image credit: Insomniac)

Now for the games that, while we know are coming, have yet to receive full release dates. Hopefully we’ll hear more about the following games sooner rather than later.

  • Arc Raiders –2025
  • Borderlands 4 –2025
  • Dune Awakening –Early 2025 (PC)
  • GTA 6 –Fall 2025
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle –Spring 2025 (PS5)
  • Death Stranding 2 –2025 (PS5)
  • Elden Ring: Nightrein –2025 (PS5, PS4, PC, XBO, XSX|S)
  • Forever Skies –2025 (PS5)
  • Ballad of Antara –2025 (PS5)
  • Ghost of Yotei –2025 (PS5)
  • Hell Is Us –2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)
  • Where Winds Meet –2025 (PS5, PC)
  • Beyond Good and Evil 2– TBC
  • BioShock 4– TBC
  • DokeV– TBC (PC, PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO)
  • Fallout 5– TBC
  • Hades 2– TBC (PC)
  • Haunted Chocolatier– TBC
  • Hollow Knight: Silksong –TBC (PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO, PC, Switch)
  • Judas –TBC
  • Marvel’s Wolverine– TBC (PS5)
  • Kingdom Hearts 4– TBC
  • Mass Effect 5– TBC
  • Fairgame$ –TBC (PS5, PC)
  • Marathon –TBC (PS5, PC)
  • Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater –TBC (PS5)
  • Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake– 2026
  • Phantom Blade 0 –TBC (PS5)
  • Project 007– TBC
  • Revenant Hill –TBC (PS5, PS4)
  • Splinter Cell remake– TBC
  • Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake– TBC (PS5)
  • Star Wars Eclipse– TBC
  • The Elder Scrolls 6– TBC
  • The Sims 5– TBC
  • The Witcher 4– TBC
  • Wonder Woman– TBC
  • Dying Light: The Beast –TBC

I’ve used the PS5 Slim for months and it’s an excellent evolution of the original PS5, offering the same power and performance in a slimmer, neater package

Slimmer design, same great performance


Verdict
The PS5 Slim offers the same great performance as the original PS5 but offers a superbly redesigned, slick aesthetic and smaller chassis. Combining this smaller footprint with the same performance, as well as some quality-of-life improvements such as a change in one port to USB-C and a slightly larger capacity SSD inside, makes the PS5 Slim an excellent console to buy in 2025 – especially as discounts and deals are becoming more regular.
Pros
+Same great PS5 performance
+Smaller, more compact design
+Great customization options with console covers
+Slightly more usable storage is welcome
+DualSense controller remains brilliant
+Expansive game library
Cons
-DualSense battery life is still just OK
-Vertical stand is an extra cost

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PS5 Slim review: Two-minute review

The PS5 Slim picks up where the original launch model of the PS5 left off and offers a brilliant current-generation gaming experience. Adding a couple of quality-of-life improvements to the original and shrinking the footprint right down, while maintaining the excellent performance and experiences you would expect from a PS5, means this is still one of the verybest gaming consolesto buy.

The PS5 Slim launched at the same price that the original launch model PS5 had. This differs from the last generation when thePS4 Slimarrived with a slightly lower price tag, which was very welcome at the time. While that’s disappointing, the PS5 Slim is now the dominant variant of the console – coming in both disc and digital editions too -and discounts and deals are now frequent. As such, while we heartily recommend it at its list price, it can offer exceptional value for money.

The biggest changes with the PS5 Slim are indeed as its name would imply: its small footprint and form factor mean the PS5 Slim is around 30% smaller, which is welcome given the original’s heft. It’s of the same design language, but not exactly the same either. While the form of the PS5 Slim still features the fanned, larger end, the console’s shell is now split by a gap (‘filled in’ by the black plastic of the console’s main body underneath), making for four separate plates.

One small difference is the front ports both being USB-C on the Slim too, trading the launch model’s USB-A port for the second USB-C one. And apart from a slightly larger hard drive – the PS5 Slim sports a 1TB SSD as opposed to the original’s 825GB – it has the identical PS5 specs within it that offer that wonderful performance we’re used to from Sony’s current console. You’ve also got a host of customization options with the PS5 Slim, thanks to Sony releasing a wide number of different console covers that can be easily slotted on.

It is that performance, combined with the new design, that makes the PS5 Slim so easy to recommend. PS5 games run like a dream and with a library that’s bigger than ever, now offers more adventures than before. Sony’s first-party titles in particular are dreamy from a performance standpoint – whether you prefer resolution and detail or frame rate speed and smoothness. PlayStation 4 games also still run like a dream which means your backlog can be taken onto PS5 Slim with ease. TheDualSense Wireless controlleris still the same original one which is great for the haptic features that help make the PS5 stand out, but its battery life is still underwhelming.

The PS5 Slim doesn’t reinvent the PS5 by any means – that evolution is handled by the newPS5 Pro- but its new design makes it an exceptionally sleek version of Sony’s current-gen machine. With the same great performance, quality hardware and specs, and a larger-than-ever library, it’s an easy console to recommend.

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PS5 Slim review: Price and availability

  • List price: $499.99 (disc) / $449.99 (digital)
  • Launched on November 10, 2023
  • Same price as the original PS5; regular offers are often available

The PS5 Slim is now the default PlayStation 5 model and is widely available in every region, replacing the launch model almost entirely. It took over the same price point and is thus a straight swap.

However, since the PS5 launched, several regions have been hit by PS5 price rises (sometimes multiple price rises) and the PS5 Slim represents the newer, adjusted price points in those countries, not the original one. The US price has remained the same, however. Offsetting this somewhat, now we’re into the console’s fifth year, is that deals and discounts on the PS5 Slim are becoming more frequent, with genuinely good bundles and offers being put on by Sony itself, as well as various retailers.

In the market, it’s priced almost identically to theXbox Series Xconsole, which has also seen some regional price rises. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition also now has direct competition from anXbox Series X Digital Editionconsole but undercuts itsMicrosoftcounterpart in price considerably.

Within the PlayStation 5 ecosystem itself, we now have the PS5 Pro to factor into the equation. Coming in at a mighty $699.99 / £699.99 the Pro is considerably more expensive than the Slim, and its performance and benefits are a little more niche, and for an enthusiast audience. As a result, the PS5 Slim offers good value in relation to its more powerful brethren, given the experiences it offers are still excellent.

PS5 Slim review: Specs

Price$499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95 (Disc) / $449.99 / £389.99 / AU$679.99 (Digital)
Dimensions (WxHxD)14.1 x 3.8 x 8.8in / 358 x 97 x 224mm
Weight7.1lbs / 3.2kg
Storage capacityCustom 1TB SSD
Storage expansionM.2 NVMe SSD slot; external storage via USB
ConnectivityWiFi 6, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1
CPU8-core / 16 threads, AMD Zen 2 @ 3.5GHz
GPU10.28 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon, RDNA-based graphics engine
Memory/RAM16GB GDDR6
UpscalingN/A
Ports1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A

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PS5 Slim review: Design & features

  • Slick and chic design, more compact than that of the original
  • Detachable disc drive, and excellent controller
  • Wide choice of replaceable console covers for personalization

The main selling point of the PS5 Slim is indeed in its design, aesthetic, and form factor. Sony has a history of making refined, smaller, and slimmer versions of all its home consoles. so the PS5 getting the trimming-the-fat treatment was expected – and it delivers too, coming in at around 30% smaller than the launch model PS5.

There’s a similar design language here, however, with a flare remaining at one end (for the fans) and the sweeping curves of the PS5 hardware family remain across the Slim, making for a slick-looking form. The console’s covers are now in four parts, not two, with a gap between the plates forming a striking ‘black’ line across both the console’s top and bottom.

These, like the original, can be removed and swapped for others that Sony has made (or other third-party ones, if you fancy), meaning there are plenty of customization options to personalize your PS5 Slim. The disc drive is detachable by default too, so if you buy a digital variant and later decide to add a disc drive then that’s some extra flexibility right there.

While the vertical stand for the PS5 Slim is a nicer-looking, slicker metal ring, compared to the original’s bulky black plastic model, it doesn’t come with the console by default which is a mark against the console’s value. If you do buy the stand, the result is a console that looks sharper when standing upright compared to its predecessor. If you stick with horizontal orientation, you can rely on the two small cheapish-lookin plastic feet that are provided.

In terms of features present on the Slim, it is exactly the same, spec-wise, as the original model apart from two minor quality-of-life amendments; one internal, one external. The internal change is that of a boost to storage, with the PS5 Slim being equipped with a 1TB SSD compared to the launch model’s custom 825GB drive.

PS5 Slim review: Performance

  • Excellent gaming experiences and performance
  • Haptics and triggers on the DualSense are superb
  • Fantastic interface and intuitive user experience

Much like how the original PS5 won us over with its excellent gaming performance, the PS5 Slim continues that and offers the same breathtaking experiences. Thebest PS5 gamesrun beautifully with adventures such asGod of War Ragnarok,Horizon Forbidden West,Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart,Astro Bot, andMarvel’s Spider-Man 2being particular first-party highlights that really take advantage of the PS5’s hardware.

PS4 gamesrun like a dream on the PS5 Slim too, and the same backward compatibility level with the previous gen’s discs and digital titles remains a simple part of the day-to-day PS5 experience. I’ve been revisitingDoom(2016)recently, for example, and the extra boost to loading times in particular makes it a joy to play. The PS5 Game Boost mode will also improve performance across the board (in principle) for PS5 games, and makes some games run smoother, with faster frame rates, or in higher resolution – or a combination of all of those.

You can even experience older games on your PS5 with the updated and modern arrangement of Sony’sPS Plussubscription. The top premium level can give you access to PS3 game streaming from the cloud, as well as some select PS1 and PS2 games to download. While perhaps not quite as generous or deep as Microsoft’sXbox Game Pass, aPS Plus subscriptiondoes make the experience of having a PS5 Slim even better and feels essential.

On that note of streaming and downloading games, it is worth noting that in all my testing, on Wi-Fi and Ethernet, I still never get close to my actual download speed on the PS5. This is something I have experienced on every PS5 I have owned sadly, and not a problem on Xbox Series X.

On a practical performance level, using the PS5 Slim is a joy too. It’s incredibly simple to set up, and transfer files from one to another if need be, and removing the console covers to access the M.2PS5 SSDslot or change them entirely is very easy, and quite satisfying. The extra USB-C port and slightly larger SSD means that day-to-day usage is improved too, and benefits the whole experience.

TheDualSense, while exactly the same as it was in 2020 – there’s no V2 like there was with thePS4’s DualShock 4 controller, sadly – remains absolutely excellent. While a generally top gamepad, the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers continue to feel brilliant. The PS5 Slim is compatible with all PS5 (and almost all PS4) accessories too, so if you own any from a previous machine from this or last generation then these will be able to be used on a PS5 Slim.

This is made extra simple because the UI andoperating systemlayout are identical to the launch PS5 – and PS5 Pro. Navigating the PS5 Slim, from games to screenshots, and from streaming apps to save files and deeper settings is simple and intuitive. There are also now more customization options on offer with the UI being honed and enhanced since the launch model’s initial release.

Thus, the PS5 Slim is an easy recommendation. It’d be an easy recommendation if the launch model of the PS5 existed still, but now that it has taken over the position of the ‘standard’ console from its predecessor – and improved on it slightly – it’s the easiest current-gen console recommendation I can make right now.

Should I buy the PS5 Slim?

Buy it if…

You want the best value PlayStation console available
With the PS5 Pro now out in the wild, but the PS5 Slim offering an exceptional gaming experience still, this is the model to get if you want great bang for your buck and aren’t chasing the most powerful console going.

You’re looking for a customizable PS5 console
With it being the standard model, there are now multiple options for console cover colors that also match with an expanded set of DualSense controllers giving you more control over your setup’s aesthetic than ever before.

You’re looking for a top console packed with great experiences
The PS5 game library is larger than ever in 2025 and is filled with awesome, memorable, and expansive experiences and the PS5 Slim is easily the best way to enjoy these – and best value way when regular discounts and deals come around too.

You want the best current controller
The PS5’s DualSense controller is one of the most interesting and best-ever pads made for a console, and you’ll get the absolute most and best out of it on PS5. The haptic feedback in particular is a dream, while the adaptive triggers also offer further immersion.

Don’t buy it if…

You need the most powerful PlayStation console going right now
If you do want the most performant console from Sony right now, then you’re better off considering the PS5 Pro with its beefier specs and a more capable feature set, and quality of life improvements offering the best PlayStation experience money can buy right now.

You are happy with your launch model PS5
If you’re content with your launch model PlayStation 5 then there’s almost literally no reason to change to the Slim, with the two models being almost identical apart from a port, and a bit of internal storage.

Also consider…

If you’re still undecided about committing to the PS5 Slim, then here are two fine alternatives to consider for console gaming in 2025.

Row 0 – Cell 0PS5 SlimPS5 ProXbox Series X
Price$499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95 (Disc) / $449.99 / £389.99 / AU$679.99 (Digital)$699.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,199$499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799
Dimensions (WxHxD)14.1 x 3.8 x 8.8in / 358 x 97 x 224mm15.2 x 3.5 x 8.5in / 388 x 89 x 216mm5.9 x 5.9 x 11.9in / 151 x 151 x 301mm
Weight7.1lbs / 3.2kg (Disc) / 5.7lbs / 2.6kgs (Digital)6.8lbs / 3.1kg9.8lbs / 4.5kg
Storage capacityCustom 1TB SSDCustom 2TB SSD1TB SSD
Storage expansionM.2 NVMe SSD slot; external storage via USBM.2 NVMe SSD slot; external storage via USBStorage card expansion slot; external storage via USB
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1Wi-Fi 7, ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1Wi-Fi 6, ethernet
CPU8-core / 16 threads, AMD Zen 2 @ 3.5GHz8 core / 16 thread AMD Zen 28 x Zen 2 core
GPU10.28 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon, RDNA-based graphics engine16.7 TFLOPs, AMD Radeon, RDNA-based graphics engine12 TFLOPs, Custom RDNA 2
Memory/RAM16GB GDDR616GB GDDR6 / 2GB DDR516GB GDDR6
UpscalingN/APSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling)Some FSR-compatible games
Ports1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 3 x USB-A, 1 x storage expansion

PS5 Pro
Sony’s mid-generation upgrade to the PS5 Slim is a great alternative to the Slim for those looking for more power and to be on the cutting edge of PlayStation tech. If you’re looking to get the absolute maximum out of your PlayStation games, and have the most performant console giving the most complete PlayStation experience then the Pro could be for you.

Xbox Series X
Microsoft’s most powerful current-generation console is a great machine in 2025 and is perfect for anyone looking to combine a fine library of Xbox games with Xbox Game Pass. If you’re on the lookout for the best Xbox experience on the market right now, complete with its excellent asymmetrical controller, then this is the console to go for.