Gadgets galore: top tech 2023

TECH BYTES

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Declaring an absolute winner in the smartphone space is a rare occurrence, especially when it comes to flip-style folding phones. However, in the case of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, determining the best in this category is surprisingly straightforward – it stands out as the top choice. Its notable features include a larger and more practical cover screen compared to its predecessors. Nevertheless, Samsung’s flip phone distinguishes itself by offering greater durability, more useful cover screen widgets, and an overall superior camera system.

The enhanced and larger cover screen on the Flip 5 facilitates quick responses to texts, checking walking directions, or monitoring the weather without being inundated by the entirety of your phone’s content. In the battle for your attention, the Z Flip 5 unequivocally emerges as the best choice in its class.

Iphone 15

The iPhone 15 represents Apple’s ongoing strategy of gradually introducing features that were initially exclusive to its premium Pro-line phones to other models. Despite the inclusion of a dynamic island, enhanced camera, a faster chip, and the adoption of USB-C, the standard iPhone still gives off an impression of being somewhat unexciting.

The iPhone 15 maintains the familiar blend of aluminium and glass seen in the past few iPhone iterations. This year, the aluminium edges have undergone chamfering to provide a softer touch, although this tactile enhancement may not be fully experienced if the phone is housed in a case. The screen boasts twice the brightness of its predecessors, enhancing outdoor readability. Additionally, the phone is equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, the same powerful processor featured in the previous year’s iPhone 14 Pro. This chip contributes to maintaining a responsive and fast user experience. The battery life remains consistent with the iPhone 14, lasting up to 48 hours—a commendable duration for a relatively compact smartphone in 2023. Charging the iPhone 15 to full capacity takes approximately 110 minutes when using a 20W or higher USB-C power adaptor (not provided).

Apple iMac M3

The Apple iMac M3, stands out as one of the most enjoyable computers currently on the market. Its vibrant, candy-like colour schemes, solid processing performance, delightful 500-nit display, and immersive sound collectively create an appealing all-in-one package, particularly appealing to tech and media enthusiasts.

The iMac stands as an all-in-one desktop computer that includes the Apple Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard, with or without Touch ID depending on the chosen configuration. It is available in a striking array of seven vibrant and distinct colours: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. In terms of hardware, the iMac’s M3 processor offers either an 8-core or 10-core integrated GPU, while the 8-core CPU remains consistent across configurations. The base iMac is equipped with 256GB of SSD storage and 8GB of memory, but users have the option to customize it with up to 1TB of storage and 24GB of memory. The higher-tier model includes two additional 10Gb/s USB-C 3.0 ports and can be configured with a maximum of a 2TB SSD.

LG OLED M3

LG has introduced the world’s first wireless OLED TV, with the 97-inch M3, the Signature OLED M, alternatively referred to as the M3 for its 2023 line-up. It features the Zero Connect Box, a distinctive addition to its impressive 97-inch OLED display. In contrast to Samsung’s S95C, which utilizes a One Connect Box with a single cable connection to the TV, the M3 offers a clutter-free, real-time wireless transmission at 4K/120Hz, although it still requires a power cable.

The Zero Connect Box has a wireless range of up to 10 meters (with line of sight) and incorporates HDMI 2.1 and USB connections, as well as Bluetooth, RF, and LAN ports. This enables users to connect various devices without the need to run multiple cables under or around the TV. LG employs its proprietary wireless technology, capable of transmitting large amounts of data at up to three times the speed of the existing Wi-Fi 6E standard. Both the Zero Connect Box and the M3 TV itself support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, along with HDR10, HLG, HGiG, and DTS:X.

The TV itself boasts an “ultra-modern” Gallery Design and is accompanied by a flush-to-wall mount. It incorporates the latest webOS 23 smart TV setup, featuring the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor and an enhanced Game Optimiser that includes the benefits of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), as well as support for FreeSync and G-Sync.

HP Spectre Fold PC

The HP Spectre Fold aims to serve as a laptop, tablet, and desktop all within a single device. While the concept is commendable, the reality falls short of perfection and may not justify a hefty $ price tag. However, the device does have its merits. The 17-inch OLED 2.5K display stands out for its brightness and vibrant colours, and the act of folding the expansive screen into a compact laptop retains its impressive appeal. This single configuration of the HP Spectre Fold includes a foldable 17-inch OLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 1,920 x 2,560. Under the hood, it houses a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1250U processor with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a capacious 1TB SSD storage. The device is presented in an attractive Slate Blue colour.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact and user-friendly portable camera designed for ease of use, portability, and manoeuvrability in confined spaces. Equipped with a 3-axis gimbal, it ensures smooth and fluid shots by offering the capability to pan, tilt, and roll across a wide range—303 degrees, 278 degrees, and 283 degrees, respectively.

Measuring 5.5 inches in length and weighing 179 grams, the Osmo Pocket 3 is slightly heavier but remains nearly as compact as its predecessor, the Pocket 2, which weighs 117 grams and is 4.9 inches long. While it may resemble its forerunner at first glance, closer inspection reveals significant changes.

The standout feature is the 16:9 2-inch screen, which boasts almost five times the area of the Pocket 2’s 1-inch display. Notably, this screen can flip sideways and automatically adjusts the camera orientation accordingly. Another prominent feature is the enlarged camera head, accommodating a substantial 1-inch 9.4MP sensor with a true 16mm diagonal size. This enhancement contributes to improved image quality and performance, especially in varying lighting conditions.

Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra

The Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones Wireless stand out as top-of-the-line noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones. The headphones adapt their sound profile and noise-cancelling settings according to your individual hearing capabilities and the surrounding environment. These headphones also feature Immersive Audio, providing head tracking for a more engaging audio experience. Additionally, they support aptX Adaptive, a codec that dynamically adjusts performance based on your usage, whether you’re streaming high-quality audio or watching video.

Anker Soundcore Motion 300

The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a portable and durable Bluetooth speaker that excels in delivering excellent Bluetooth streaming quality. This compact speaker is designed for outdoor use, providing a powerful sound experience. Additionally, the Soundcore app allows for a customizable EQ, and LDAC support ensures higher-quality audio from compatible sources. The speaker even doubles as a speakerphone, a feature becoming increasingly uncommon.

In terms of connectivity, the Soundcore Motion 300 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and is compatible with AAC, LDAC, and SBC codecs. Notably, it receives Hi-Res Audio certification thanks to its LDAC support, though achieving audiophile-grade quality on a speaker of this size may be challenging. Nevertheless, the inclusion of non-SBC options caters to both Android and iPhone users, allowing for the streaming of higher-quality audio.

Sony A9 III

The Sony A9 III is a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless camera, specifically designed for sports, wildlife photography, and photojournalism. It marks a significant milestone in the imaging industry by being the first camera to feature a full-frame global shutter image sensor. This groundbreaking technology enables remarkable features such as a shutter speed of up to 1/80000th, distortion-free flash sync at any shutter speed, flicker-free shooting, and a 120fps blackout-free burst mode.

The camera boasts an ISO range of 250-25600, expandable to 125-51200 for stills, with a higher base ISO speed attributed to the global shutter sensor. Key features include a 240fps electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 9.44 million dots, a 4-axis LCD screen, 8 stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), dust and moisture resistance, and dual BIONZ XR processors that power the latest AI-based Real-time Recognition AF system.

In terms of video capabilities, the A9 III offers 6K oversampling for 4K 60p and 4K 120p without cropping, ensuring distortion-free footage (no jello effect) in 10-bit 4:2:2 S-log3/S-Cinetone. The camera also features Dynamic Active Mode stabilization and breathing compensation.