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Government rules require all smartphones sold inside Indonesia to have 40% of their parts manufactured domestically. Or their manufacturers need to make significant investments in the local economy. Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, Indonesia’s industry ministry spokesperson, says the rules are to ensure “fairness for all investors in Indonesia,” Reuters reports.
Unlike rival smartphone manufacturers Samsung and Xiaomi, Google doesn’t have any manufacturing facilities in the Southeast Asian nation. “Google’s products have not adhered to the scheme we set, so they can’t be sold here,” Arief says.
Indonesians can still buy an iPhone 16 or Pixel abroad, but they may have to pay additional taxes, according to the minister. He added that local authorities may deactivate phones that are imported and sold unofficially.
Regardless of the recent clampdown, Indonesian consumers have long favored Asian brands over Western ones, with neither Google nor Apple being the most favored brands. Chinese brand Oppo is by far the country’s most popular smartphone manufacturer, with a market share of around 17%, followed by Samsung at 16.4%.
Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country after China, India, and the US with a median age of just over 30 and over 100 million people under 30. It was estimated that 68.1% of Indonesians had a smartphone in 2022, according to data from Statista.
Apple’s AI strategy is purposely slow and deliberate, but it could backfire
Everywhere you look these days there’s the glowing animation of Siri and the name Apple Intelligence. It’s dominating all the ads for the iPhone 16 series so far.
Yup, Apple seems to be pinning all of its would-be upgraders’ hopes on Apple Intelligence, which is the company’s umbrella title for all of its AI features. Current offerings range from Writing Tools and asking Siri iPhone questions to creating Memory Movies. Plus, Apple Intelligence is available on all Macs and iPads with an M1 chip or newer.
But there’s still a lot of Apple Intelligence features not available yet — Visual Intelligence, ChatGPT integration, Genmoji and Image Playground are coming in iOS 18.2 in December. And other features are promised in future iOS 18 updates. Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark German recently reported that some Apple employees believe that the company is around two years behind in artificial intelligence development.
(Image credit: Apple)
So is Apple Intelligence on the right track or in trouble?
‘Behind the competition’
(Image credit: ChatGPT vs Gemini) I can definitely understand why customers might expect all Apple Intelligence features to work from day one, and it’s clear that the likes of OpenAI, Google and Anthropic have more advanced models at this stage.
“Apple’s AI models are demonstrably behind the competition, and it is just now adding imaging editing features that Samsung and Google introduced two generations ago,” says Avi Greengart, founder and lead analyst at Techsponential. “However, I’m not convinced that this means that Apple is behind in AI overall.”
Greengart told me that having a lead in AI technology is only meaningful if it leads both to consumer benefits and a sustainable business model. Apple’s monetization model is selling premium hardware and software/ecosystem subscriptions, so for now Apple Intelligence is about getting people to upgrade to iPhones and other devices that support the platform. Any possible subscriptions would come later once Apple gets a sense for what users want.
I asked Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide marketing, about the perceived gap between Apple and the competition on AI. “This is very much the early innings of generative AI,” he told me.
A different approach to AI
(Image credit: Future)
“What we’ve done with Apple Intelligence is really look at how can we help our users do the things that they care about most, simply and easily, and really to make that as integrated and local to the experience as possible.”— Bob Borchers, Apple
For better or worse, Apple’s approach to AI is what truly sets it apart from the competition. It’s not a separate thing that’s tacked on; instead, it’s deeply integrated into the apps and tools you use everyday.
For example, Apple Intelligence will boil down your notifications into a quick summary to help you prioritize. Or if you want to remove an unwanted person or object from your photo, you’ll see the Clean Up icon there along the bottom of the screen.
“What we’ve done with Apple Intelligence is really look at how can we help our users do the things that they care about most, simply and easily, and really to make that as integrated and local to the experience as possible,” says Borchers. “And to do that, we started by building our own large language and diffusion models here at Apple, and then we specialized them for everyday tasks.”
Still, Apple’s cautious approach to AI image generation in particular seems to put them at a disadvantage when compared tools you’ll find in the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Pixel phones. For example, with the Pixel 9 series, you can completely reimagine what’s in the frame with a text prompt. But Apple seems to be deliberately holding back some features or simply deciding not to include them in order to avoid potentially harmful or misleading images from circulating.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Apple software chief Craig Federighi said that “It’s important to us that we help purvey accurate information, not fantasy.”
Putting values first, features second And that brings us to one of Apple’s four key Responsible AI Principles, which focuses on taking precautions during the design, model training and feature development process to identify how Apple’s AI tools may be misused or lead to potential harm. The other three principles relate to empowering users with intelligent tools, representing Apple’s users by building personal products that avoid perpetuating stereotypes and protecting privacy.
“Our view has always been that we bring products to market when they are ready, and when we feel like we can do them in a way that is consistent with our values,” said Borchers. “That means making generative AI available in a useful way, in a responsible way, in a way that’s private.”
Private Cloud Compute is a big part of Apple’s AI strategy, which handles requests that go off-device to interact with larger models, including ChatGPT. Apple is so confident that personal user data can’t be accessed by anyone that it recently offered up to $1 million to anyone who could compromise its security.
The Right Move?
(Image credit: Future)
A gradual rollout for Apple Intelligence is the right move given how we will likely see roughness around the edges as people begin to kick the tires on features.— Neil Cybart, Above Avalon
So is Apple making the right call with its measured approach to Apple Intelligence or is it already being passed by? For example, it’s hard not to be impressed with ChatGPT Advanced voice and the ability to chat with what seems like a friend, complete with your choice of intonation on the fly.
For Neil Cybart, an AI analyst with Above Avalon, it’s important to keep in mind that Apple isn’t targeting early adopters but the masses. “A gradual rollout for Apple Intelligence is the right move given how we will likely see roughness around the edges as people begin to kick the tires on features. The average Apple user probably wasn’t going to suddenly embrace everything Apple Intelligence has to offer anyways,” says Cybart. “An Apple Intelligence launch that is spread out over the next year doesn’t concern me.”
As Cybart notes, not only is Apple Intelligence a work in progress on the iPhone, iPad and Mac, Apple hasn’t started extending Apple Intelligence to the rest of its ecosystem yet, whether it’s the Apple Watch with fitness and health, the AirPods or the Vision Pro.
So where does that leave Apple users now? According to CEO Tim Cook during Apple’s most recent earnings call, “users are adopting iOS 18.1 at twice the rate that they adopted 17.1 in the year-ago quarter.” Granted, that’s based on only three days’ worth of data, but it shows that the glow around Apple Intelligence seems to be spurring excitement.
But as Apple’s Borchers said, it’s still early innings for Apple Intelligence, and between Gemini Live rolling out, ChatGPT getting into search and new AI video generators starting to like Runway starting to appear, it remains to be seen whether Apple’s stepwise strategy will pay off or not.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra looks increasingly likely to do away with the sharp corners of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but a new leak suggests it will not look wildly different from its predecessor.
Early on in the Galaxy S25 leak cycle, a design change rumor gained steam, but as we inch closer to the January launch, it looks like the update will be subtle. Leaker Roland Quandt has posted images of third-party silicon covers meant for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.
Apart from some subtle tweaks to their dimensions, the base and Plus models are rumored to look identical to the models they are replacing.
TheGalaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, is all set toditch its iconic boxy design. It was said to adopt rounded corners, but as recent leaks have been suggesting, the edges will only be slightly curved, so the new device is not going to be a huge departure from its predecessor in terms of design. This hints that Samsung will maintain the broader elements of the distinctive design.
That said, the two devices will look noticeably different, with today’s leak also suggesting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will have flat sides. This will apparently also make the side bezels look slimmer, as the curved side rails of the Galaxy S24 Ultra look like an extension of the side bezels, making them appear thicker than they actually are. The entire Galaxy S25 family will reportedly be powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in all regions. Early reports have raised some concerns about potential overheating issues, but it’s potentially a false scare.
The phones are not expected to feature the same highest-end display material as the iPhone 16 Pro.
Samsung’s Android 15-based One UI 7 update will be launched the same day as the Galaxy S25, which is also expected to be Samsung’s first flagship phone to support seamless software updates.
If you are in the small batch of iPhone 14 Plus users with a glitchy camera, Apple says it will fix it for you. Here’s what to do if you’ve run into this glitch.
Do you own an iPhone 14 Plus with a defective camera? If so, you can now get it fixed by Apple — for free. On a new support page posted last Friday, Apple explained the issue with the camera and the requirements for getting it repaired.
A “very small percentage” of iPhone 14 Plus models exhibit no preview when you use the camera. Yep, that means you can’t see anything when you aim the camera at something, certainly a huge drawback when you’re trying to snap the right photo. The affected devices were made between April 10, 2023, and April 28, 2024.
If you’ve run into this glitch, you should check to make sure your device is eligible for the free repair service by entering your serial number on the support page. To access the page, go to Settings, select General, and tap About. The serial number should appear; tap it to copy it. When on the support page, enter or paste that number in the appropriate field and click or tap Submit.
If your phone’s serial number is one of the affected devices, here’s how to get it repaired.
Head to Apple’s Get Support page and sign in with your account. Select the problematic iPhone from the list of your devices. Choose the closest Apple Store or authorized service provider and pick a date and time to schedule a visit. If no store or service provider is near you, you can send in your phone by mail. The repair typically takes 5-10 days, so, keep in mind, that you’ll be without your phone for that long.
Before you bring in or mail your phone, make sure you run a current backup either to your computer or to iCloud. You should also disable Apple Cash and consider removing your credit or debit cards from Apple Wallet. Further, you’ll want to turn off the Find My feature.
Here are a few other items to note. If your iPhone 14 Plus was affected by this problem and you already paid to fix it, you can contact Apple to request a refund. The program covers eligible iPhone 14 Plus for three years after the first retail sale of the model. Further, the repair program doesn’t extend the standard warranty coverage of your phone.
Service Options for iPhone 14 Plus Camera Repairs Eligible iPhone 14 Plus users have several service options to choose from:
Apple Authorized Service Providers: Users can bring their device to an authorized provider for an in-person inspection and repair.
Apple Retail Stores: Users can schedule an appointment at an Apple Store for in-store repair services.
Mail-in Service: Apple Support can assist users in arranging a mail-in repair through the Apple Repair Center for added convenience.
KeyInformation About the Repair Program Here are the essential details for those considering this free repair option:
Eligibility Check: Users can verify eligibility using Apple’s serial number lookup tool.
Limited to iPhone 14 Plus: The program applies exclusively to iPhone 14 Plus models, with no other iPhone models included.
Region-Specific Repair: Repairs may be limited to the original country or region where the device was purchased.
No Warranty Extension: This repair program does not extend the device’s standard warranty.
However, if a user previously paid for a rear camera repair
due to this specific issue, they may be eligible for a refund by contacting Apple Support.
Why This Program is lmportant Apple’s free repair initiative underscores the company’s commitment to quality and customer service. By addressing this manufacturing defect through free repairs Apple not only ensures device reliability but also builds trust with users who miaht otherwise be left with an unusable feature. This service program reinforces Apple’s dedication to product support while also providing users a clear path to address technical issues effectively, helping ensure the iPhone 14 Plus functions as intended for its users.
(The camera units of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.)
If you’re interested in picking up one of the best smartphones for photographers, then two of the big name choices are the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, both of which have excellent specifications for photographers.
In our standalone reviews of both these phones, we found that they are capable of producing excellent results. But now it’s time to put them squarely head to head and see which one comes out best. As such, I’ve used the phone to photograph a range of different scenarios to better see the differences.
(The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. )
With the Google Pixel 9 Pro series, there’s two screen sizes – 6.3-inch, or 6.8-inch. Therefore, this can also be considered a comparison with the Pixel 9 Pro, if you prefer the smaller screen size. Sadly, there’s only one size variant for the Samsung S24 Ultra.
In the table below I’ve compared the two phones, taking into account specifications that will likely primarily appeal to photographers. Where something is better, I’ve bolded it – there’s bold to be seen on both sides of the table.
(The screens of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL showing the native camera apps.) With regards to the cameras, there’s four available on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but only three for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The main sensor on the Samsung has 200MP, while the Pixel’s is “only” 50MP. It’s worth pointing out that either way, the standard output is 12MP though.
Both have an ultrawide lens, and both have a 5x zoom lens. But the Samsung has an additional 3x zoom as well to add to the mix.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
200MP f/1.7 main camera,OIS,12MP output, 24mm
50MP f/1.68 main camera,OIS,12MP output,25mm
12MPf/2.2ultrawide camera, 13mm
48MPf/2.8 ultrawide camera, 12MP output,12mm
50MPf/3.4, 5x telephoto camera,111mm
48MPf/2.85x telephoto camera, 113mm
10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto camera, 67mm
No fourth camera
12MP f/2.2 selfie camera, AF
42MPf/2.2 selfie camera, AF
8K 30fps
4K 60fps / 8K “upscaling” via the cloud
6.8-inch3120 x 1440 pixels, 2600 nits brightness
6.8-inch Super Actua OLED 2992 x 1344 pixels,3000 nitsbrightness
Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3
Google Tensor G4
30 hour battery life, wireless and Fast (45W) charging available
24 hour+ battery life, wireless and Fast (45W) charging available
256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm, 233g
162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, 221g
In terms of other specs to think about – take a look at the screen. Both of these models have a very large 6.8-inch screen, which can be quite cumbersome to use. However, with the Pixel 9 Pro, you can get a smaller 6.3-inch device but keep the exact same camera set up. Otherwise, the Pixel is brighter, but the Samsung has higher resolution. The Samsung also has impressive anti-reflective technology for its screen, too. It’s also worth noting that the Samsung comes with an S Pen Stylus, which you can use to trigger the camera’s shutter remotely – useful for group portraits and so on.
(The screens of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL showing the native camera apps)
The native camera apps for both of these phones is quite extensive. Both have “pro” options, and both can shoot in raw. There’s a slew of additional AI-type features for the Pixel phone however, such as the fun “Add Me” feature – where you can take group shots without needing an additional person to take the photo. Both offer a good degree of editing within the native apps, too, again including plenty of AI editing options.
Image Quality I took photographs with both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL across a variety of situations to directly compare image quality, and here are the results.
Note, the S24 Ultra is on the left every time, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is on the right every time.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
On the whole, both phones produce excellent images. Here, we’ve got the same scene shot with the 1x lens in both instances. Both are great but the Samsung has gone a little overboard with the colours, giving us unrealistic colours in both the sky and the sea. By contrast, the Pixel has boosted reality a little bit, so as to be pleasing, but without going too far. Both have plenty of detail, with perhaps just a touch more detail from the Samsung if you zoom in quite closely.
Here again we can see the differences in colour, with the sky on the Samsung shot very saturated. Arguably of course you might prefer this look, and it certainly gives landscapes shot a “zing” that arguably the Pixel doesn’t achieve in quite the same way.
Here we’ve got the Samsung’s 3x lens, but the Pixel doesn’t have one of those. Instead, I’ve compared it against the 2x digital zoom option, as that is an option that is directly displayed within the native camera app. This 2x option very closely matches the Samsung’s 3x lens in terms of detail and quality – showing that you don’t necessarily need that extra lens.
Both of the phones have a 5x zoom lens. Looking at them side by side, they’re very closely matched in quality, with both showing roughly the same level of detail and similar colour output. Both are not as good as the images produced by the 1x lens, but that’s what we’d expect.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
With the Samsung S24 Ultra, you’re promised up to 100x digital zoom, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL gives you a more staid 30x. However, the 100x is very definitely a marketing gimmick, generally producing unusable images. Even 20-30x from both phones produces fairly unimpressive results. However, the 10x option from both is quite solid. Remember that Samsung decided to ditch its 10x lens in favour of a high-resolution 5x lens for the S24 Ultra, suggesting that the digital 10x version was just as good as the previous 10x optical one. Both of the images seen here are pretty usable for social media sites and the like, but if you zoom in you can see a loss of detail quite clearly. The two pictures are fairly evenly matched, with perhaps a slightly better result from the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Both the Samsung and the Pixel use the ultrawide lens by default for macro work. The result is pretty good from either option, but the Samsung is a little bit brighter and a little bit cleaner if you look closely.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
Both models produce great images when shooting in low light, thanks to Night modes. These modes should automatically activate when low light levels are detected, but with both you can also manually switch them on. I prefer the colours from the Samsung, but, there’s marginally more detail in the shadow areas from the Pixel. Note that I carry out this assessment looking at the pictures on a large screen – the differences are much harder to spot on a phone screen.
Again with the ultrawide lenses, we have similarly pleasing results from both phones. There’s better colours again in the Samsung, but again marginally more detail in the shadow areas with the Pixel.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
Just like with the good light shot, I’ve compared the 2x digital from the Pixel phone with the 3x optical lens from the Samsung here. The Pixel’s looks OK on a phone screen, but on a larger computer screen you can easily see that it’s quite smudgy, while the Samsung’s looks quite a bit better. Both should be fine for social sharing, however.
Here there’s more of a marked difference. The 5x lens from the Samsung, despite having a narrower aperture of f/3.4, seems to have produced a much better image than the 5x f/2.8 lens from the Pixel. The Pixel’s image is very smudgy and misses out a fair amount of detail. With either I’d probably be inclined to avoid using the 5x zoom lens when shooting in similar situations.
With both models you can shoot in a dedicated Portrait mode to create shallow depth of field effects. With the Samsung, you can shoot at 1x, 3x or 5x. The Pixel is restricted to either 1.5x or 2x, which is a bit of a shame. Both produce fairly good results, with good detail and a nice fall off in focus to the background. The Pixel has produced nicer colours however, especially regarding skin tones.
Considering its price point, the Samsung S24 Ultra has a somewhat disappointing selfie camera, only being 12MP. Meanwhile, the Pixel has a 42MP selfie camera, which sounds like it should be better in theory – though it should be noted that the output from it is 10.5MP. The Pixel selfie has more pleasing colours, being darker and richer, while the blur is nicer, too. Note that you can edit the level of blur with either phones – this is the standard / default option.
Price and Value for Money There’s no way anyone would consider either of these models to be for the budget conscious. However, it’s also true that opting for a high-end like this phone should see you able to keep hold of it for quite a while.
It’s a shame that Google’s Pixel prices have risen quite a bit in recent years – they used to be quite a good budget option, but now have prices roughly in line with other flagships. That said, you can save money here by opting for the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, if you’re happy enough to have a smaller screen but still want the best camera.
（The camera units of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. ） Pixel 9 Pro prices are: $999 (128GB), $1099(256GB), $1299(512GB) and $1499 for 1TB. If you want the bigger version, prices are $1099 (128GB), $1199 (256GB), $1399(512GB) or $1599 for 1TB.
For the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, you’ll be looking at $1299 (256GB), $1419 (512GB) or $1659 (1TB).
It’s also worth remembering the second-hand market, the Samsung is older so you’re more likely to find some available at cheaper prices that way. You should also take note of how well the brand is likely to hold its price when it comes to resale or trade-in – a Samsung is likely to be worth more in the future than a Pixel.
Verdict
Both of these Android phones would make an excellent choice for photographers looking for the best camera possible.
It’s another one of those times when it’s hard to pick an overall winner as both produce good shots across a range of conditions. On the whole though, I’d probably say I prefer the Pixel, with its slightly more muted (but more realistic) colours. Others may feel differently here though, so it’s a pretty subjective opinion.
(The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. )
In terms of apps and handling, the Pixel has a few more fun options going for it, so I’d also put it ahead there, just about. As for price, as we have seen, it depends on where you are on which is the cheapest – but the Samsung is arguably better value for money as it’s likely to keep its value a bit better than the Samsung.
Ultimately, these two Android flagships are very closely matched. Which you might choose to buy may come down to a number of factors, not necessarily limited to the quality of the onboard camera.
Rumors are floating around that we’re (finally) approaching the start of Samsung’s Android 15 beta.
Well-known X tipsterIce Universeclaims that Samsung is preparing to launch its One UI 7 (Android 15) beta later in November (via9to5Google). The tipster’s post reads, “it will take another half month before Beta starts.” As others on X have started to guess, thatcouldput us around mid-November (fingers crossed).
While this might seem too good to be true, another tipster spotted more evidence.
Another tipster, Tarun Vats, discovered Samsung’s official One UI 7 beta forum pages have started appearing. Samsung has placed forum pages for the Galaxy S24 and S23 series under its “One UI Beta Program” tag. Users chimed in, asking questions about specifics such as the timing for each Galaxy model. Vats states they “don’t think” the One UI 7 beta will begin simultaneously for the S24 and the S23.
It’s unclear how much of an increased delay the past-gen series could see if this proves true. Additionally, Vats states these forum pages have appeared on Samsung’s U.S. community forums, furthering suspicions behind an upcoming Public Beta start for One UI 7.
Breaking News 💥One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24/S23 series is confirmed, as the Beta forum page has been created for it.Repost 🔁#OneUI7 #GalaxyS24 #GalaxyS23 #Samsung pic.twitter.com/0RFTHRS9YnOctober 31, 2024
With Samsung’s forum pages reportedly created for the S24 and S23 series, the company might hit that “later this year” estimation for the beta. Samsung’s Sally Hyesoon Jeong appeared at SDC 2024 where they stated users could “preview” the software in an upcoming beta. While a test period for developers was confirmed, regular users will have a chance once a “schedule is confirmed” by Samsung.
Seeing how the rumors have progressed, perhaps there’s hope that a confirmed schedule will be shared soon. Samsung’s One UI 7 experienced a more substantial delay than we expected. While the update isn’t expected until next year with the Galaxy S25 series, the company demoed the software during SDC 2024. The major OS upgrade was shown off on a Galaxy S24 Ultra, shedding light on a change: the separation of its notification and Quick Settings panels. It seems users may have to swipe on the left or right side of their device to access either panel.
That demo also clued us into the Apple-like vibes Samsung is pushing for with One UI 7 and its UI changes. However, 9to5 highlights Samsung’s next SDC event in Korea on November 21. There’s a chance that we’ll either hear more about One UI 7 there or, perhaps, that’ll kick off its beta.
More recently, a massive One UI 7 leak surfaced, showing Samsung’s parental and AI-focused features. It seems parents will have more built-in ways of protecting their children from harmful online content on their Galaxy devices. Samsung isn’t letting go of AI advancements as the leak showed One UI 7 may incorporate Circle to Search and tools to enhance photography.
(Image credit: Front Page Tech) In recent years, Apple has been narrowing the gap between Pro and regular iPhones. With the iPhone 16, the difference between the models was the smallest it has ever been, with a number of impressive upgrades making the entry-level NZ$1,599 iPhone a very good buy indeed.
Now a new report from South Korea’s ETNews suggests that next year’s iPhone 17 could inherit one of the Pro’s few remaining advantages: a ProMotion, 120Hz display. The report claims that all four flavors of 2025 iPhone will feature low-power LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) panels, supplied by Samsung and LG.
Crucially, it’s not the first time we’ve heard this rumor. The display analyst Ross Young wrote a post on X saying that the non-Pro iPhones would get 120Hz panels for the first time with the 17 series.
120Hz screens have only been a part of Apple’s smartphone lineup since 2021’s iPhone 13 Pro. Branded as “ProMotion,” the screens refresh up to 120 times a second, rather than the previous 60, not only looking visibly smoother, but opening the door to 120fps apps. The following year, Apple improved on this with LTPO tech that allowed the iPhone 14 Pro to drop as low as 1Hz for a low-power, always-on display.
It’s not clear whether the basic iPhone 17 and rumored iPhone 17 Slim (or maybe “Air”) will go that low for the always-on display, but nonetheless, it’s a serious upgrade that makes the basic models all the more appealing.
After 13 years of Android, I switched back to an iPhone in 2022. I’m so happy with my iPhone 14 Pro that I don’t plan on buying a new one until it slows down – and so far, it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
But when it does, and assuming I’ve not been tempted back to Android in the intervening months, I’m not sure I’d feel the need to go Pro again. I’m not really a power user, with 90% of my phone time spent on WhatsApp, Safari, Instagram, Reddit and, uh, Coffee Golf.
But the one thing I absolutely wouldn’t go back to is a 60Hz display. No doubt I’d get used to it eventually, but whenever I have a long day away from a charger, I always switch my iPhone to Low Power Mode, which disables ProMotion and reverts to 60Hz — and I really hate it! Everything seems so much less fluid and is uncomfortable to look at, and it’s always a relief to return to full power when I’m safely in range of a charger.
When I bought the Pro model in 2022, I assumed I was doing so for the camera rather than the screen, with the 3x telephoto lens making all the difference (and it’s now up to 5x with the iPhone 16 Pro). But very few of my photographs require that kind of distance (the cats don’t go far away!), and aesthetically, I think phones look far better with fewer lenses than having three to five eyes staring back at you when you flip the handset over. Plus, since I bought it, Apple has been doing clever things with pixel binning on the regular handsets providing a good proxy of a 2x lens, which should work just fine for me.
(Image credit: Front Page Tech) With this in mind, the iPhone 17 Slim is something I’ll be watching very closely — a big-screen, skinny iPhone with a 120Hz display and just one camera lens? Sounds like it’ll be perfect for me, assuming that rumored sky-high price is just hearsay.
I doubt I’ll be ready to switch phones by September 2025, but if 120Hz screens are here to stay, then I may just be ready for that downgrade when the time inevitably comes.
Apple announces its first iPhone service program since 2021
(Image credit: Future) The iPhone 14 Plus, Apple’s first attempt at a big-screen non-Pro handset, has been available for just over two years, but it turns out devices manufactured for half of that time are susceptible to a camera issue.
According to Apple, a “very small percentage” of handsets manufactured between April 10 2023 and April 28 of this year have an issue where users don’t see a preview of what they’re looking at when using the rear camera — which is quite a big issue for keen photographers.
It’s been a while since Apple has issued a service program for one of its handsets, with the last one arriving in 2021 for an issue with select iPhone 12 speakers. Before that, Apple offered free repairs for screen problems with the iPhone 11, freezing issues with the iPhone 8, a ‘No Service’ error on the iPhone 7, and the iPhone 6s refusing to turn on.
You’ll know if you have this particular camera problem, but to ensure your handset is covered, Apple has built a serial number checker. Just pop your iPhone 14 Plus’ serial number in there, and the site will tell you whether or not you’re eligible. You can find the serial number by opening the Settings app, tapping ‘General’ and then ‘About’.
If your device is indeed eligible, you can drop it in at an Apple Authorized Service Provider, get an appointment at an Apple Retail Store or contact the company directly to mail it into the Apple Repair Center.
While Apple is clear that this program doesn’t extend the standard warranty of the handset, the company does say you can contact it for a refund if you’ve previously paid to have the camera preview bug fixed. The program will stay open for “three years after the first retail sale of the unit.”
The free repair will be welcomed by fans of the big-screen device, but the longer-term future of the line looks uncertain. Originally brought in by Apple to replace the poorly selling iPhone mini range, early reports suggested the Plus handset was doing no better. While it’s outlived the mini with a third generation, it may be the last of the line. The iPhone 17 may not get a ‘Plus’ version, which reports indicating Apple is mulling up an iPhone 17 Slim to replace it. As the name suggests, it’ll apparently be on the svelte side with a slightly smaller 6.6-inch display, but worryingly with a much larger MSRP.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is set for release in a few months and one of its upgrades will mark the end of an era. It will bring a completely different look yet much closer to the iPhone.
It’s about the ‘Curve’ Samsung was the first company to introduce curved edge screens in smartphones. The company picked up this display as a revolutionary technology to offer something different. The Galaxy S and Note series introduced curved display variations from 2015 to 2018.
Since then, the unique display outlook has been well received by customers. However, it isn’t the only thing in previous flagships, it is also the frame.
These devices were sold with a curved/rounded frame, creating an arc between the rear and front. This build helps to support device grip and improve aesthetics.
This was certain However, the upcoming change was not imminent, instead, it was gradual. That brings me to the S9 and S10+. These two models are the turning point for this entire conversation.
The Galaxy S9 and Note 9 have the largest curved edges in Samsung’s flagship lineup. This display feature was highly noticeable and the same goes for the Galaxy S10+ but for a different reason.
Its display curves shrunk to almost 30-40% alongside the frame. Afterward, these curves keep on shrinking not only for display but also for the frame to date.
In the meantime, there’s one more thing that happened, Samsung ended the Note series and merged its features into the S flagship including the S-Pen.
S24 Ultra – The Final Milestone Earlier this year, Galaxy S24 Ultra unveiled a flat screen, which completed the last step in this flat device transition.
Compared to Ultra, the standard and Plus models already received a new makeover and a similar frame. Compared to these two phones, the S24 Ultra retained its curved frame but the message was clear for the successor.
S25 Ultra – Completing the Circle A month ago, OnLeaks collaborated with Android Headlines to share the first Galaxy S25 Ultra CAD renders. These images have revealed a whole new chapter for the Ultra model and the entire S series lineup.
Samsung introduced titanium with the S24 Ultra but still looks identical to its predecessor. The S25 Ultra has implemented this material with a flat side but no curves in either direction.
The rear, the front, and the frame are creating a complete flat phone experience just like the s24 (base and Plus model).
This new design has also removed those clear sharp corners. Instead, S25U has rounded all four corners. This gives us an iPhone vibe but there’s another side to look at it.
Existing and previous Ultra models come with low bezels but its round frame completely overshadowed this display feature. That means the frame’s radius (curve) contributes as an extra bezel outside of the display.
With a flat frame, the phone looks thin on corners and sides. This change will highlight the slim bezels and full-view visuals. The phone maker has already experimented with this change with the S24 and S24 Plus and well received by customers.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Release Samsung decided the end of this curve era years ago and the S24 Ultra set the course straight. Now, Samsung is ready to complete this flat-screen flagship transition with the S25 Ultra and there’s a high chance that we’ll see this change in action with the phone’s release early next year.
We pick the best student laptops for different needs and budgets, from value options to creative powerhouses.
(Image credit: Apple / ASUS / HP) The best student laptops will provide everything you need to get through your course, keep up with project deadlines and help you prepare for tests. Whether you’re pursuing a subject that requires a lot of computing power, such as 3D animation or editing video, or you just need to write essays, do research and keep up with emails, it’s an investment that’ll pay for itself many times over.
Right now, our top pick is the MacBook Air (M2) 2022, which offers speed and power without incurring the sky-high price tag of the latest M3 models. But if you don’t need a very powerful laptop, we’ve also listed some alternatives. Either way, don’t forget to make the most out of student perks like Apple student discounts and Samsung student discounts.
What you need to know: The Acer Swift 3 is our pick as the best budget laptop for students right now. It’s not the latest laptop, in that it isn’t stuffed to bursting with largely unasked-for AI features and more computing power than you need. However, it is a capable laptop for the majority of tasks that students are likely to throw at it.
Design and build: Built with an aluminum body in classic silver, the laptop features a traditional 16:9 display with slightly thicker bezels than premium models. At just 1.19kg, it’s highly portable. The keyboard offers good resistance with white backlighting, and the device includes thoughtful features like a fingerprint reader and Kensington lock slot. Port selection includes USB-C with DisplayPort support, two USB-A ports, and HDMI.
Display: The 14-inch Full HD IPS screen is good without being exceptional, though gamers may be put off by the 60Hz refresh rate. In our tests, it delivered 320 nits brightness and respectable color accuracy (100% sRGB, 76% AdobeRGB, 76% P3). While not suitable for professional color work, it’s more than adequate for general use and basic photo editing.
Performance: This laptop did come in a little under-par in our benchmark tests, and so it’s not going to be anyone’s laptop of choice for intensive 3D modelling. However, for general design work it’s more than fine – our reviewer did various Photoshop tasks on it without any problems.
Buy it if
✅ You need a reliable everyday laptop:Perfect for students and office work with good battery life. ✅ Portability is a priority:Weighing just 1.19kg, it’s ideal for carrying between classes.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need graphics power:The integrated graphics make it unsuitable for 3D work or gaming. ❌ You’re a creative professional:Limited colour accuracy and processing power may frustrate serious creators.
The bottom line
🔎The Acer Swift 3is affordable, reliable and basically capable. For all but those with the most intense needs, it’s realistically going to be more than adequate, and it comes at a tempting price point for students. ★★★½
02. Asus Vivobook Pro 15 OLED The best laptop for students on creative courses Specifications CPU: 14th Gen Intel Core Ultra 7 155HGraphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPURAM: 16GBScreen: 15-inch 2880×1620 OLED, 120Hz, 617 nits peak brightnessStorage: 1TB SSD Reasons to buy +Fantastic screen +Serious power +Great ergonomics Reasons to avoid -No touchscreen -Speakers aren’t the best
What you need to know:As a photography student, this is the laptop that I owned while studying for my Master’s. I highly recommend it for students as an excellent choice for multitasking as it offers a great balance between professional and personal use. For example, I used it for essay writing, photo editing, online lectures and Teams meetings, plus it could handle light gaming sessions in the evening.
Design and build:The laptop maintains the sleek and minimal metallic-lid design of its predecessor, coming in Earl Grey and “Cool Silver” color options. It weighs 1.8 kg and retains a slim profile, making it portable without compromising power. The keyboard is ergonomic, with a numpad that feels slightly cramped but still manageable. Port options are excellent, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, an SD card reader, and more, ensuring connectivity for a range of devices.
Display:The 15-inch, 3K OLED display is a highlight, reaching a peak brightness of 617 nits in our tests, exceeding ASUS’s own brightness claims. With 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, Pantone certification, and near-infinite contrast ratio, the screen is excellent for creatives working with color-sensitive projects. However, the lack of touch capability could be a drawback for some.
Performance:Powered by Intel’s 14th-gen Core Ultra processor and a GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, the Vivobook Pro 15 OLED performs excellently in both creative tasks and gaming. I love that it has enough processing power to run any creative software, including 3D modelling slicers as the image above demonstrates, as well asAdobe’s suite of Creative Cloud apps. I loved the small design features like the built-in privacy shutter, fingerprint reader, and backlit keyboard for late-night essays.
Buy it if
✅You do either creative work or gaming:It’s ideal for 3D work, video editing, and graphic-intensive games. ✅You need strong connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI and more make this a solid travel-friendly workhorse.
Don’t buy it if:
❌You need a touchscreen:This laptop’s display isn’t touch-sensitive. ❌You want a compact device:At 1.8 kg, it’s portable but not as light as some ultraportable options.
The bottom line
🔎ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (2024)is a compelling choice for creative professionals and gamers who need powerful specs, excellent screen quality, and the ability to switch between work and play seamlessly. ★★★★½
03. MacBook Air (M2, 2022) The best MacBook for students overall Specifications CPU: Apple M2 chip with 8‑core CPUGraphics: 8- to 10-core GPURAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memoryScreen: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina displayStorage: 256GB – 2TB SSD Reasons to buy +Powerful performance with M2 chip +Excellent battery life +Beautiful new design Reasons to avoid -Replaced by the Air M3 model -Gets hot when under pressure
What you need to know:We think the M2MacBook Airis perfect for students looking for a balance between price and performance. For the price, it offers exceptional value with a great processor, larger screen (13.6-inch) and lighter build than itsMacBook Prosibling.
Design and build:The Air abandons the classic wedge shape for a modern, uniform design that’s super-thin at 11mm and light at 2.7 pounds. Available in Space Gray, Silver, Starlight and Midnight Blue, it features MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The design is particularly impressive as it houses a large display in a small footprint.
Display:The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers a 2,560 x 1,664 resolution with 500 nits brightness, supporting one billion colours. The screen is both larger and brighter than its predecessor, with slimmer bezels that incorporate a notch for the 1080p FaceTime camera.
Performance:It might not have an M3 chip, but we doubt you’ll need one. To be honest we only recommend models with an M3 processor to creative pros who will really notice and benefit from the difference in power and performance. In our tests, we found this laptop can perform well enough to handle most students’ needs, no problem. While it lacks fans, which can lead to thermal throttling during intensive tasks, it handles creative applications likePhotoshopand 4K video editing with ease. Battery life is exceptional too, lasting over 16 hours in video playback tests.
Buy it if
✅ You need a powerful yet portable laptop:The M2 performance and ultra-thin design makes it perfect for creative work. ✅ You value display quality:The larger, brighter screen with thin bezels makes it ideal for visual creative work.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a tight budget:It’s certainly not the cheapest laptop on the market. ❌ You need sustained performance:The lack of active cooling means performance throttling on intensive tasks.
The bottom line
🔎MacBook Air M2 2022has a gorgeous design, superb battery life, and large, brighter display, making it a compelling choice for students with a healthy budget. ★★★★½
The best Chromebook for students
04. Acer Chromebook Spin 514 The best Chromebook for students Specifications CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor quad-core 3.7 GHzGraphics: AMD Radeon Graphics shared memoryRAM: 8 GBScreen: 14in Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 TouchscreenStorage: 128GB eMMC Reasons to buy +Fast and reliable performance +Large 14-inch FHD touchscreen +Sturdy aluminium frame Reasons to avoid -Flash memory rather than SSD
What you need to know:If you’re a student on a tighter budget, or you only need a laptop for simpler tasks such as taking notes and writing essays, aChromebookmay be all you need. These excellent value stripped-back laptops run ChromeOS, which means you won’t be able to use some of the desktop software that you would use on a Windows or Mac computer; however, there is now a wide range of apps available for ChromeOS.
Design and build:Built with a brushed aluminum chassis, the device feels solid and durable. The keyboard offers slightly raised keys, which should be comfortable enough for those writing essays for university, and the solid metal chassis and sturdy hinges make this a reassuringly solid option for lugging around in a bag. There are plenty of ports on this laptop too for those who need to connect peripherals.
Display:Our reviewer found the 14-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen to be a standout feature of the Spin 514, offering 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It delivers vibrant colours, crisp whites and ultra-narrow side bezels, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment. The screen’s size allows for comfortable multitasking with multiple apps and tabs. It could even please student artists, who can make use of the tablet mode function, although it is a little heavy to hold.
Performance:We tested the quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 configuration and found that it could easily handle all the tasks that ChromeOS is capable of. It achieved impressive benchmark scores, with Kraken showing 887 milliseconds, making it one of the faster Chromebooks we’ve tested. Battery life extended to nearly 10 hours of continuous video streaming. It’s not suitable, however, for demanding creative applications or AAA gaming.
Buy it if
✅ You need a versatile 2-in-1:The robust build quality and flexible design make it perfect for laptop and tablet use. ✅ You want a premium ChromeOS experience:It has a large, high-quality display and offers solid performance.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need professional creative apps:A Chromebook won’t run full Windows or Mac software. ❌ You want a light tablet:At 1.5kg, it’s a bit heavy for extended use in tablet mode.
The bottom line
🔎Acer Chromebook Spin 514offers excellent value for those seeking a premium ChromeOS experience. With its quality build, vibrant display and reliable performance, it’s a compelling choice for students. ★★★★
Best lightweight laptop for students
05. ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED The best lightweight laptop for students Specifications CPU: Intel Core i7-1355U (10 cores, 12 threads)Graphics: Intel Iris Xe GraphicsRAM: 8-32GBScreen: 13.3in, 2.8K (2880×1800) OLED, 16:10 aspect ratioStorage: 512GB-1TB SSD Reasons to buy +Extremely light and portable +Fantastic screen +Good for photo-editing Reasons to avoid -Only integrated graphics
What you need to know:One of the smallest and lightest laptops we’ve ever tested, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is a dream for any students who like to travel light. It also packs in plenty of power and performance.
Design and build:The Zenbook S 13 OLED’ is a marvel of compact engineering, featuring a sustainable chassis made from post-industrial recycled aluminum and magnesium alloys, with keycaps from recycled plastics. At only 1.09 cm thick, it’s designed for those who want a high-quality laptop in a tiny, portable package. Despite its light weight, the laptop feels solid and durable.
Display:ASUS likes to make claims about producing the best OLED screens on the laptop market, but honestly, use the Zenbook S 13 OLED for a spell and you’ll be hard-pressed to disagree. It’s incredibly bright and beautifully sharp, with 100% DCI-P3 colour coverage and a Pantone Validated certification.
Performance:Power-wise, the Zenbook acquits itself well. For 2D design tasks in programs like Photoshop and Krita, we found it to be perfectly smooth and responsive. You’ll get a little fan noise, but nothing anti-social. With moving images though, you start to feel the limits of the integrated GPU, meaning video editors and animators will probably be better off with something else. Plus there’s the impressive battery life, clocking in over 13 hours during our video streaming tests.
Buy it if
✅You want a small, light laptop:This ultraportable is a great choice for commuting and travel. ✅You’re seeking a gorgeous screen: This display is one of our top favourites.
Don’t buy it if:
❌You need a ton of graphics power:It’s a bit too limited for video editing and 3D work. ❌You want a lot of ports:There aren’t many, so you may need to connect a dock.
The bottom line
🔎ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLEDis an excellent option for those prioritising portability. Its lightweight design and beautiful screen make it an appealing choice for students looking for an ultraportable. ★★★★½
Best 2-in-1 laptop for students
06. HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) The best 2-in-1 laptop for students Specifications CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155HGraphics: Intel Arc integratedRAM: 32GBScreen: 14-inch HDR OLEDStorage: 2TB SSD Reasons to buy +Great OLED touchscreen +Comes with a stylus +Excellent design Reasons to avoid -A little heavy -Noticeable fan noise
What you need to know:A lot of students opt for 2-in-1 laptops for college and university as an alternative to using both a laptop and a separate tablet for drawing and note organising. If you enjoy using a touchscreen or require a touchscreen for your course, then a 2-in-1 laptop is usually a more affordable option (and very classy too).
Design and build:The device features a robust design that’s a great choice for student, as it’s super sleek and weighs just 1.44kg, making it portable enough for travelling around campus. The 2-in-1 design is super-flexible and it has a strong hinge so you can feel confident that it will fold smoothly, plus ou can also use it in tent mode for watching movies hands-free. The port selection includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a slim-design USB-A port.
Display:The 14-inch HDR OLED touchscreen is a a standout feature of this laptop, offering a resolution of 2880 x 1800, a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% P3 color coverage and i Gorilla Glass. The display quality delivers the deep blacks and vibrant colours characteristic of OLED technology, and you also get a magnetic stylus for digital artwork or note-taking.
Performance:With powerful components, our reviewer found this laptop handled productivity tasks with ease. The only thing that really lets it down was the Intel Arc integrated graphics cores, which could prove problematic down the line, as it has the potential to slow down graphics-heavy tasks. With that said, our reviewer found that it responded very well to Photoshop software, and didn’t tax the GPU too much at all. Battery life extends to approximately 8.5 hours under typical work conditions.
Buy it if
✅You prioritise display quality: The touchscreen is a standout feature, offering a resolution of 2880 x 1800. ✅ You want the latest AI features: This comes with Intel Core Ultra processors that boast AI capabilities.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You like silence: We found the fan a little noisy. ❌ You need a discrete GPU: This doesn’t have one, isn’t the best choice for gaming or graphics-heavy tasks.
The bottom line
🔎HP Spectre x360is a good choice if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 device with AI smarts. More generally, you’ll be getting an excellent laptop for productivity tasks, creative work and watching content. ★★★★½
Best powerful laptop for students
07. MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro, 2023) The most powerful student laptop Specifications CPU: Apple M1 Pro / M1 MaxGraphics: Integrated 14-core or 16-core GPU with M1 Pro / M1 Max chipRAM: 8GB – 64GBScreen: 13.3in, 2,560 x 1,600Storage: 512GB – 8TB Reasons to buy +Top-of-the-line Apple hardware +Great battery life +Can run iOS apps Reasons to avoid -No USB-A port -Exceedingly expensive for many student budgets
What you need to know:The MacBook Pro 16 isn’t just one of the best laptops for students right but one of the best laptops period. As such, it comes with a pretty hefty price tag, and it’s a lot more than almost any student needs. That said, power uses on courses in 3D animation, video editing and other graphically demanding disciplines will without doubt appreciate the power and efficiency on offer here.
Design:The Pro is sleek and streamlined, just like you’d expect fromApple, and the overall design is little different from its predecssor. In terms of connectivity, you get two USB-C ports on the left, a single USB-C, an HDMI and an SDXC card slot on the right. The base level M3 are USB-C 4 while the Max supports Thunderbolt 4.
Display:The Liquid Retina XDR display is one of the best things about this laptop. It’s big and bright, with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits if working in HDR (compared to 1,000 otherwise). Our tests found the colour accuracy was extraordinary, with a 116.70% sRGB color gamut. And the 16-inch screen gives you plenty of space to work on.
Performance:Running benchmarks using Blender, we concluded that the Pro 16 is a viable replacement for a desktop machine in many scenarios. It feels smooth and fluid, interactive rendering runs with ease and high polygon and model count scenes showed no signs of slowdown and when video editing – even 8K or multicam timelines are responsive. Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve and Fusion projects feel super smooth. While many rival workstation laptops often sacrifice battery life in exchange for power, in our own tests we worked for 10 hours inCinema 4Dbefore the power indicator turned red. And the laptop never got uncomfortably hot.
Buy it if
✅ You have a heavy workflow:If your work uses a monster amount of apps and 3D or motion work, the M3 Pro and Max power does the job with zero lag.
✅ You want a glorious screen:See your work in crystal clear definition, and at a peak brightness of 1,600 nits for HDR work.
✅You want the latest Apple chips:The M3 Pro/Max means you won’t have to upgrade for a good while.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ Your apps aren’t optimised for Apple:Some 3D and CAD-based apps aren’t available for macOS. This won’t bother most graphic designers, but it’s something to be aware of.
❌ You don’t need top-spec power:For graphic design alone, this laptop may be overkill for many people.
❌Price is an issue:The newest, most powerful MacBook comes at a high price. There are more affordable options.
The bottom line
🔎MacBook Pro M3 Procan’t be beaten if you’re a professional. It will handle any graphic design task with ease, no matter the assets or apps (even if there is 3D crossover). The screen is excellent, and the battery lasts all day. ★★★★½
How to choose the best student laptop
Choosing the best student laptop will depend on your needs and budget. Naturally, different students will have very different requirements for a laptop depending on what they’re studying. Many will not need massive amounts of power, while those studying subjects such as video production and 3D design will have greater needs.
Students of creative subjects are likely to need at least 16GB of RAM and possibly a laptop with a dedicated GPU. They’ll likely also have greater demands for the display of their laptop, requiring a good colour gamut for visual work. Other students can better prioritise value and portability.
We’ve considered these different needs when selecting the options to include in our guide above. In our experience, there are three major factors to consider:
Portability:If you’re ferrying your laptop to lectures, seminars and the library for all-night cram sessions, you don’t want it to be giving you back problems. A laptop that doesn’t weigh too much and can easily fit into a standard backpack or shoulder bag should definitely be a priority for a student.
Battery life:The last thing you want is your laptop running out of power at a critical moment, and if your laptop can’t get you through the day, it’s probably not going to be hugely useful to you as a student.
Affordability:Of course, everyone is looking for value with any purchase they make, particularly tech, but for many students, affordability is a more important factor than it is for working professionals who still need a solid laptop. Thus, getting as much computing power on the dollar as possible is paramount.
FAQs
How much computing power do I need for a student laptop?
Different laptops offer varying levels of computing power, and different students will have different needs in this area. If your area of study doesn’t require the use of demanding creative software for things like video editing or 3D rendering and you’ll be using your laptop mainly for online research, writing essays or programming, you don’t need a lot of power.
In this case, one of the Chromebooks or 2-in-1 hybrid laptops on our list with RAM in the 4GB to 8GB range should serve you just fine, still providing enough memory to handle entertainment needs outside of study time .
However, you may be studying a course that requires more intensive processing power, in which case a student laptop won’t necessarily be a budget option. If you’re editing video, for instance, or working with 3D software, you’ll need 16GB of RAM or more.
A laptop with a good dedicated graphics card can also be a useful investment for those working in visual arts or design (or just if you plan to do a fair amount of gaming in your downtime). The products featured in ourmost powerful laptopsguide may be worth checking out if this is the case.
Which laptop brand is best for students?
When buying a student laptop, you want a device that is well built, affordable and reliable. For that last point, we generally recommend opting for brands that have a good reputation – you want your laptop to get you through at least your whole course of study, if not a lot longer.
Good brands for reliability that have consistently done well in our own testing over the years include Dell, HP, Acer, Asus and Microsoft for Windows laptops, and, of course, Apple. For creatives, Asus’s VivoBook range offers good prices on devices built with creative work in mind, and we recommend considering these if you’re starting a course for video editing or digital illustration.
It’s also always worth checking whether your college has a particular policy or recommendation. Some recommend using Windows-based laptops to reduce software incompatibility issues or facilitate technical support.
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