Stuff (December 2020)

TESTED GOPRO HERO9 BLACK Tech specs 3 Video 5K @ 30fps, 4K @ 60fps Stills 20MP Displays 2.27in rear touchscreen, 1.37in front Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Battery 1720mAh Waterproofing 10m Dimensions 71x55x34mm, 158g Come 9 with me There’s more to the Hero9 Black than a little box that shoots you falling off your skateboard in 5K… 9 cooler � Zippy zippy shake � Hitchin’ a wide For smoother GoPro has switched out The Hero9 Black has a footage, flick down its packaging from hard seriously wide-angle lens, from 5K at 30fps to 4K plastic to a fabric zip but it isn’t Hero8 Black at 60fps – fast-moving pouch, perfect for carrying wide. To get even more in scenes will look all your cam for years to frame, switch the kit lens the better for it. come. The packaging will out for a Max Lens Mod. also fit accessories and This shoots with a 155˚ mounts for eco-friendly field of view at up to 2.7K convenience. resolution (at 60fps). Straight down the 9 9 of the times � Easy meet � Hero of the store If you’ve had a few too many and Thanks to a new GoPro feature If the pandemic has taught The GoPro app for Android can’t see straight, put your phone called HindSight, the Hero9 Black us anything, it’s to wash and iOS can take a while away and start recording on can step back in time: hit record our hands… and ditch our to connect, but when the Hero9 Black. With in-body and it captures everything that crappy laptop webcams. it’s fired up you can edit horizon levelling, your woozy happened in the five seconds This GoPro can’t keep your videos and back up your sways will look like beautifully prior. So as long it’s been turned fingers clean, but it can footage to the cloud (with anchored pans – a feature the on and facing the action, missing double up as a smart a GoPro subscription). It Hero8 Black only supported gif-worthy moments could be a webcam when hooked can also turn your phone when paired with the app. thing of the past. up to your PC via USB-C. into a remote viewfinder. Despite being bulkier than the Hero8 Black, prone STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ to overheating when recording 5K and in need of a This is the pinnacle of Max Lens Mod to match or better the old model’s action cam excellence… ultra-wide video, the Hero9 Black is still a winner. but if you don’t need 5K, Improved image detail, battery performance and last year’s model remains features all come together for one of the most a strong option versatile bits of video and photo kit we’ve used. 47

TESTED TECNO SPARK 5 A bit of a bright Spark High-end might be where it’s at when it comes to smartphones, but the real fights take place here, in the budget bracket R3 500 / tecno-mobile.com We’ve watched Tecno’s phones from afar and finally got our hands on one. It looks, at a distance, like something the newly-sold Honor might field. Go closer and that crisp, shiny body is all plastic. The texture is just a part of the device’s design as well. If you want something that feels how this looks, you’ll need to spend a couple grand more. �Which is fair enough. The Spark 5 is a budget handset, even if it’s trying not to look like one. The 6.6in display is bright when you need it to be – it’s 720p, rather than FHD, but that’s also fine. �Android 10 is covered here Storage Wars with a skin called HiOS. We’re We’re not not opposed to skins, technically, but when they come loaded with especially thrilled with bloatware, we get a annoyed. At the default 32GB of least some of the bloat here can be pared out but, like competitor storage but Tecno includes Vivo, it attempts to make its a dedicated micrSDXC useless apps compulsory. slot for some internal expansion. �But performance does pull the Spark 5 back from the edge. You won’t scare the big boys with your speed, but it’s got what you need for basic smartphone usage. Video, internet access and most apps are quick enough. �Which leaves the camera. The front-facer is competent, if uninspiring, but the quad rear array really wants your attention. Sadly, you’ll need good light – and a little patience – to get decent shots from the rear set. Tech specs Well, shoot Always up for it Display 6.6in 720 x 1600 IPS LCD ‘Four rear sensors’ looks good on Everyone wants a large battery. Processor MediaTek Helio A22 a box but just how useful are If you’re using a flagship, it’ll get RAM 2GB Cameras Rear 20MP + Tecno’s set? There’s a main 13MP you a day. Maybe. Here, the 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) sensor, dual 2MP lenses and a 5 000mAh battery will get you Front 8MP Battery 5000mAh QVGA effort. Sadly, bokeh is hit- through two – a day and change OS Android 10 Storage 32GB and-miss and image quality could if you’re a very heavy user. This Dimensions 164.7 x 76.3 x 8.8mm be better. phone does uptime right. STUFF SAYS The fight continues, but Tecno’s fielding a scrapper ★★★✩✩ Thibsawttalyebotroafntthhdees Tecno is a Chinese brand that’s been big in Africa for ages. Just… not this bit of Africa. Until now, as Tecno makes inroads in a very crowded, competitive market. It’s not coming alone, either. There are a few candidates for your attention, with Oppo the newest contender. The two make similar hardware at similar price points and there’s a limited amount of market to go around. LG vs. Samsung is… polite. Here at the lower end, there may be literal blood. 48

GROU P TE ST S MA RTWAT CHES Let’s tick together Time to choose a compa artwatches GIGA BITE While all models come with 8GB of storage, around half of that is used up by the OS and pre-installed apps. CELL ME SHORT Samsung has cut the max battery size to 340mAh; the one in the first Galaxy Watch was 472mAh. Samsung Galaxy Watch3 What’s the story? Is it any good? are used to select, go back or breathing exercises to make Samsung’s Galaxy Watches The 360x360 Super AMOLED bring up shortcuts. you more zen. have always offered a fine display is pin-sharp, allowing blend of performance and even the smallest of text to Fitness features are robust, This is one of the hottest design. The Galaxy Watch3 be easily read, while the deep tracking plentyof activitiesplus smartwatches around, with isn’t cheap, matching the base blacks and punchy colours calories, steps, heart rate and only battery life and the price price of an Apple Watch 5, but draw you right in. blood oxygen level, but ECG tag dousing the flames a little. it’s a handsome mix of leather and blood pressure monitoring Price from R9000 / and metal with physicalbuttons Its running the same CPU as areyet to be unlocked outside shop.samsung.com/za and a rotating bezel to help the first Galaxy Watch, but we of South Korea. ● 1.2in (41mm) or 1.3in (45mm) you navigate its many features. found no issues with speed – 360x360 AMOLED ● Tizen There’s a 41mm version for and with 1GB of RAM, the Tizen Sleep tracking works well, ● 4G, Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi, NFC, smaller wrists, but an extra OS runs slippery-smooth. made more useful by how light GPS ● 50m water-resistance R500 for the 45mm version Navigating menus is a joy with and comfy the Watch3 is to ● Up to 6 days’ battery ● 48.2g might be money well spent. the rotating bezel, while the wear, even in bed. You can also (41mm) or 53.8g (45mm) touchscreen and side buttons set it to monitor stress levels every 10 minutes, then suggest STUFF SAYS A gorgeous blend of form and function – one of the top smartwatches of 2020 ★★★★★ 49

GROU P TEST S MA RTWAT CHE S FUELS RUSH IN Charging the 455mAh cell is rapid: 10hrs from a 5min boost. GPS cuts the battery life to around 30hrs. FLESHED OUT Huawei claims the GT 2 Pro creates especially good contact with the skin for accurate heart readings. PHONE ME BACK It’ll charge with the included cradle or any Qi device, and supports reverse charging from some Huawei phones. Huawei GT 2 Pro What’s the story? Is it any good? expect, on the obscure side. Strava. It’s this that makes us In the space of just 10 months, The GT 2 Pro is available in two They include a driving range think the Watch GT 2 Pro is Huawei has launched the GT 2, styles, the grey Classic and mode for tracking golf swing perhaps better suited to those the GT 2e and now the GT 2 the black Sport, both of which metrics with your heart rate, who work out casually, rather Pro. This latest model doesn’t measure 46mm – the main and cross-country skiing. than fitness nuts. bring any great innovations, difference being a leather Nevertheless, tracking is but does build on the success or rubber strap. Both types more accurate than ever and The ever-so-slightly of its predecessors with get a lovely crisp OLED screen data is displayed effectively sluggish touchscreen and a better build and updated that’s sizzlingly bright and on the screen. shortage of apps mean the sensors – and it runs LiteOS, detailed, showing small text GT 2 Pro does suffer from meaning this wearable is a clearly… although we’d expect The chief downside with a few pain points, but all in all proper smartwatch rather better responsiveness from the GT 2 Pro is the lack of it’s a decent performer for the than a glorified tracker. a device of this calibre. support for third-party apps. price, with admirable health The design is minimal and This was the case with its and fitness smarts. sophisticated, and a canny Huawei boasts that this previous wearables so it’s Price from R7000 /huawei.com mix of ceramic and titanium is its first watch to support disappointing Huawei hasn’t ● 1.39in 454x454 AMOLED makes it tough but light on tracking for over 100 different addressed this, especially ● LiteOS ● Bluetooth 5, GPS the wrist. activities – and the latest since it means you can’t ● 50m ● Up to 2 weeks ● 52g additions are, as you might directly link to services like STUFF SAYS A sleek smartwatch that’s as well suited to sport-tracking as it is to everyday use ★★★★✩ 50

PHONE HOME GROU P TE ST S MA RTWAT CHES LINED APP Apps have been shuffled into grid to suit the squar screen, and icon recoloured to mat Oppo’s phone U FLASH BACK VOOC charging uses tiny contacts in the underside of the watch. It’ll do a quarter of a charge in under 15mins. Oppo Watch What’s the story? giveaway being the green Apple and Samsung can go modes: fitness run, fat burn Hmm, haven’t we seen you button, which defaults to a smoother than this. run, outdoor walk, outdoor somewhere before? Oppo’s fitness shortcut. But this is cycling and swimming. There’s debut wearable might give an impressively lightweight The watch faces are largely also built-in sleep tracking, but Apple Watch owners a bit of watch, despite a robust metal focused around fitness, but we found it unreliable. deja-vu, but there’s lots to frame and scratch-resistant can be customised through like for Android fans. The Oppo Corning glass fascia. the companion app – including As Wear OS devices go, few Watch takes Wear OS and colour-matching with your are quite as well-rounded as massages it with software Display colours are rich and outfit using your phone’s this. It has a gorgeous display tweaks and battery-saving vibrant, while brightness is camera. Neat. and looks the part… even if it tech, then wraps it up with impeccable, and few watches owes a huge debt to Apple. the kind of build quality we’d run Wear OS as smoothly as This wearable is all about Price Rtba (2021) / oppo.com expect from a watch specialist. here. It wakes up from sleep knocking you into shape a ● 1.6in 320x360 (41mm) or Is it any good? almost instantly, doesn’t take little at a time, not through 1.91in 402x476 (46mm) Let’s be honest: people are an eternity to open apps, and marathon gym sessions. AMOLED ● Wear OS going to think you’ve got an shows no sign of stuttering There’s a library of built-in ● Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Apple Watch, the only real or slowdown when swiping five-minute workouts, ranging GPS ● 50m ● Up to 36hrs away notifications or scrolling from bedtime stretches to ● 30g (41mm) or 40g (46mm) through watch faces. Only all-out fat burners. For a more extended workout you get five STUFF SAYS Apple-ness aside, this Watch streamlines Wear OS to put it ahead of many rivals ★★★★✩ 51

GROU P TEST S MA RTWAT CHE S CROWN DUALS STATTY DREAD To light up the small Check into the app every morning to PMOLED screen see steps, sleep, on the face, press average heart rate, the crown… then oxygen saturation twizzle through all and lots more. the features. VEIN GLORIOUS SpO2 oxygen assessment works by measuring light waves passing through your bloodvessels. Urgh. Withings ScanWatch What’s the story? medical wizardry is hidden in automatically… although ours and no integrated third-party With the emphasis on health a swish stainless-steel case did once mistake kneading apps – this is a watch without and wellbeing rather than with sapphire glass that could dough for a 10-minute bike an OS, after all – meaning sporty antics, the ScanWatch pass as a dress watch. ride. The sleep tracking is you can’t get snippets of is Withings’ priciest piece Is it any good? excellent, detailing full cycles WhatsApp conversations of wristwear. It’ll record The best kind of wearables and noting any interruptions. on your wrist. medical-grade ECG scans, are the ones that blend in, There’s a wealth of extra detect blood oxygen levels don’t require too much upkeep information available via that But for discreet fitness (SpO2) in 30 seconds and offer and look half-decent. The Health Mate app too – it’ll tracking, medical prowess, 24/7 heart scanning. Withings ScanWatch bosses even show your fitness levels natty style and the fact that all that – and even though the compared to those in the it’s so simple to use, it might Promising well over three 30-day quoted battery life is same demographic. just be worth that sacrifice. weeks’ battery life, it needn’t really more like 20, that still Price R5150 / withings.com leave your wrist, especially soundly beats most of the It’s stylish, it’s robust, it’ll do ● Analogue watch face with not for snoozing as it’ll plough competition. all the basics, and it performs inset 0.7in 116x80 PMOLED on analysing what happens potentially useful medical ● [no OS] ● Bluetooth LE after the lights go out to build Waterproof to 50m, this readings. The drawbacks ● 50m ● Up to 30 days a sleep score via the Health watch will detect most sports are no NFC for contactless ● 58g (38mm) or 83g (42mm) Mate phone app. And all this payments, no on-board GPS, STUFF SAYS Feature-light, but you won’t find a prettier watch with so much medical acumen ★★★★✩ 52

TRUE BLOOD GROU P TE ST S MA RTWAT CHES Tested against another SpO2 sensor, results were exactly the same or 1% either side. RUSH OF BLOOD You can get an SpO2 reading by selecting ‘Blood Oxygen’ and waiting out the countdown. BLOOD SPOTS It tracks SpO2 by shining a red LED at your wrist, with photo-diodes measuring the light reflected back. Apple Watch Series 6 What’s the story? Is it any good? our sleep. We’d also prefer 7 also tracks VO2 Max... Every smartwatch needs a The S6 isn’t the first wearable a lengthier battery life since without quite offering the headline feature. The Apple to offer SpO2 monitoring, Apple now expects us to wear detail you’ll get from a serious Watch S4 detected falls with and it comes with no official the Watch 6 to bed. fitness tracker. Don’t discount lifesaving consequences, the medical certification, but the the altimeter either. It’s a bit Apple Watch S5 was ‘always Apple Watch does have a At least the watch is far niche, but a boon for hikers. on’ – you know, like a regular great record when it comes speedier overall, and that’s You probably don’t need watch – and the S6? It peers to health tracking – perhaps because the new S6 chip is convincing, but in case you do, right through your skin to aided by the data from its based on the A13 Bionic in the the Series 6 is Apple’s best yet. check the oxygen levels in users – and what the inclusion iPhone 11. It’s claimed to be Price from R9000 / istore.co.za your blood vessels. SpO2 is of SpO2 here does is bring it 20% faster than the last one. ● 1.57in 394x324 (40mm) or the big buzz-term we’ve seen to wider attention. Apps certainly launch more 1.78in 448x368 (44mm) OLED entering the techy vernacular speedily, and the Watch’s ● WatchOS 7 this year – it’s a measure of There’s a new heart- rate ability to go from flat to full i ● Bluetooth 4, GPS, LTE blood oxygen and can reveal sensor and sleep tracking too. n an hour and a half is great ● 50m water-resistance disorders such as sleep apnoea, It’s interesting to see where given it’s now joining us in bed. ● Up to 18hrs ● 30.5g which could cause you to stop your heart rate dips and rises (40mm), 36.5g (44mm) breathing in the night. at night, but we prefer a bit The GPS is swift, and more detail on the quality of cyclists will love being fed proper routes, while watchOS STUFF SAYS The Series 6 is a superb smartwatch with ambitions to be a total wellness deity ★★★★★ 53

TESTED SKYWORTH 55UB7500 Reach for the Skyworth An Android-based 4K television that gets the job done without sending you out of your budget comfort zone from R8 000 / skyworth.co.za Skyworth is an often-overlooked TV brand in South Africa. Its budget arm, Sinotec, does good business at the lower price points but items like the UB7500 are a more premium experience. Not as premium as, say, Samsung or LG but also lacking the South Korean brands’ pricing. �It’s a UHD LED screen, capable of 330 nits of brightness and with an 8ms response time. It’ll handle Netflix or games consoles like a champ. Colour reproduction is clear, with more extravagant shades popping off the screen just right. But that’s as far as it goes for fancy features. �The UB7500 uses Android 9.0 as its OS. Unlike early Android OS efforts, it feels made for television sets. You could play games on this TV, and there are options if that’s your thing (like an optional Bluetooth controller) but mostly you’ll be downloading streaming apps. The OS is a little slow to start but it’s really quite responsive once the ball gets rolling. �There is a full-sized remote, with buttons for Netflix, YouTube and the built-in media player. There’s also Google Assistant voice control – which works as well as it does on other Android devices. Whether you want to control your TV that way is up to you, but Skyworth is expanding its usefulness in its 2021 sets. For now, this is a nice-to-have. We prefer the buttons, though. Tech specs Going portside In media res Display 55in 3840x2160 LED There are enough HDMI options The integrated media player Connectivity 3x HDMI, 2x to have all your new consoles is a little slower than we’d like, Composite, 2x USB, Bluetooth, connected at once. And for your and it’s got issues with certain Wi-Fi OS Android 9.0 Sound older hardware, there are two media files (of the .MKV variety). Dolby/Dolby+ Digital Dimensions Composite options. There’s also If you use older media, you may 1226.7x756.3x216.6mm, 10.9kg USB 3.0 available for folks who face problems with audio or (with stand) like their media on an HDD. video incompatability. STUFF SAYS Skyworth’s set delivers, but don’t expect many frills ★★★★✩ thTehtshihsianicspgoejsumotsoetf Skyworth’s UB7500 is a decent enough set but it pales in comparison to what’s coming next. There are smart sets due that are an incremental update on this solid, if unexciting, entry but Skyworth’s also got designs on smart home integration with 2021’s SUC9300 Pro and SXC9800 sets. Voice control has been possible for a couple of years, but these sets feature far-field mics, making them more akin to Google’s Nest products than just TV sets. 54

TESTED XIAOMI REDMI NOTE 9 Bloated budget The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 packs a decent punch for its price but is let down by a dreadful user experience from R4000 / mia.africa.com Xiaomi has an impressive range of budget phones and in terms of pure hardware the Redmi Note 9 is no different. For what you’re paying, the Redmi Note 9 appeals to folks looking at purchasing a new smartphone without breaking the bank. You just need to be patient with a user experience that’s below par, reminding us of a real dark place in smartphone design. �The Redmi Note 9 comes packing a MediaTek Helio G85 alongside a minimum of 3GB of RAM, meaning it’ll tackle your basic tasks. Just be willing to overlook the occasional stutter or delay. The 5020mAh battery easily lasts a full day under intense use and with under lighter circumstances could go a few days without a charge. Reversing �Even the camera is decent for the the charges asking price. There’s a generous Along with 18W fast- 48MP alongside an f/1.8, 26mm charging, it features 9W wide-angle lens. It also comes reverse-charging. You can’t equipped with an 8MP ultra-wide use it as a wireless charge lens, a 2MP macro lens and a 13MP pad, sadly – your buddy selfie camera. Just avoid the macro top-up is done over a lens because… well, it’s terrible. wired connection. �The worst part of the Redmi Note 9 is the number of pointless apps included on the device at boot. We had to sit for ages and uninstall a whole load of bloatware off the handset. Some couldn’t be removed and had to be disabled. We’d hoped this practice had been left behind, but that is a little too much to ask for. Bigger, better Life in plastic Tech specs Clocking in at 6.3in, the display One of the more budget aspects Display 6.53in IPS LCD is one of the best parts of the of the phone is the durable Processor MediaTek Helio G85 Note 9. With a resolution of 1080p, plastic backplate which is RAM 3GB/4GB/6GB everything looks sharp. Just keep actually more grippy than Cameras Rear 48MP main + it out of direct sunlight if you don’t expected. It’s also more fall- 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro like glare. It turns into a bit of a proof than the glass in most Front 13MP Battery 5020mAh mirror if no clouds are around. high-end devices. OS Android Storage 64GB/128GB Dimensions 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm STUFF SAYS An okay phone, unfortunately marred by irritating bloatware. ★★★✩✩ preixcepG,eobroaieddnoocnen For the asking price, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 does what it says on the box. It’s an affordable smartphone that runs decently,features a competent camera and genuinely impressive battery life. It’s also just an unfortunate fact that you’ll have to deal with Xiaomi’s outdated and annoying UI that floods the phone with useless garbage, some of which can’t be removed. That’s a relic of a darker age and it’s wild that any company insists on keeping it up. 55

TESTED SA MSUNG GALAXY S20 FA N EDITION Hail to the king? Is this just a case of a pauper in the emperor’s shiny clothes, or does the S20 Fan Edition stand its own? R15 000 / samsung.com/za 1 4 Let’s see what the ‘budget’ S20 3 wannabe pulls off with similar specs, a sleek design and a price tag that may just suit your post-pandemic budget. Solid in the hand, premium finish and seamless curves… what’s not to like here? The slightly textured back makes for fewer fingerprints – Samsung better remember this come its next flagships. You’re greeted with thin black borders around the edge. But gaze deeply into the AMOLED FullHD+ display and you’ll see it’s crisp and bright – standard practice for Samsung’s displays. But this time you get that game-changing 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling through Instagram and articles on Stuff website is smooth – you’ll realise just how smooth upon going back to 60Hz pleb-nation. South Africans, yet again, lose out on the Snapdragon 865 processor, as we get the equally great Exynos 990. Pair the powerful chip with 8GB of RAM, 128GB storage and a 4500mAh battery and you’re royal. Inheriting riches Cam inauguration Crown prince The metal bands (1) that hug There’s a whopping 32MP You can now capture Night the smartphone and the camera camera in the front punch-hole Mode shots on all three lenses (3), module are borrowed straight for some high-res selfies. Around something that is not possible on from the Note20 Ultra 5G. It’s the back, you get triple cameras many devices. If you’re looking to more akin to the premium Note (2) that have become pretty cram all of your buddies in one series than the Galaxy S – not much a 2020 smartphone shot in a poorly lit environment, particularly bad considering the standard. The 12MP + 12MP + you can jump into ultra-wide using Note 20 range is far more 8MP do primary, ultra-wide and Night Mode and do it. Its zoom aesthetically pleasing. telephoto duties with ease. capabilities are also up there. GOOD The Setup is Do we This MEH packaging seamless, really need 120Hz EVIL wants us to thanks to a Samsung display is unwrap it Google account? LIFE No Demanding supplied mobile cover? games won’t Fine hold up 56

TESTED SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 FAN EDITIO N 2 Tech specs Processor Snapdragon 865/Exynos 990 Display 6.5in 1080 x 2400 (FHD+) Super AMOLED Camera 12MP + 12MP + 8MP Storage 128GB RAM 8GB OS Android 10, One UI 2.5 Dimensions 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4mm We’ll never be royals Granted, it’s not an S20 or a Note 20 5G Ultra. But the S20 FE gives us quintessential Samsung on a budget � King for a day � Little moreroyalty Here you don’t get the Pro video pretty much fancy curved display we’re seals the deal for camera used to seeing on the nerds looking to add depth higher-ranking Galaxy S of field and maintaining devices. Instead there is a consistent exposure flat display, which we throughout videos. The definitely prefer. Those cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio bezels are just too big to for videos in Pro Mode is love, though. absolutely choice. 5 The Oligarchy The Crown Jewel? � Poison prince � Rule nor Reason Samsung’s One UI comes with its It flies through apps and The battery is what you’d Netflix and YouTube own set of bloatware (4) which camera processing. It does get expect from Sammie – a look fantastic. Even includes not just Samsung’s own hotter during extended photo full day of light use. Exert the slightest colour set of apps but also Microsoft’s. ops but nothing too hectic (5). anything above that and it‘ll temperature differences They’re neatly tucked away in Graphically demanding games drain quickly. Depending are noticeable in long folders so you can easily ignore like Genshin Impact looks on your use you can exposure shots. The them or sit and delete them from amazing, but you’ll run into quick-charge the FE or blacks are inky and one place. Bixby’s still here too. slight performance issues if position it on a wireless beautiful, but contrast Boo. Hiss. you push it too hard. charger to juice back up. feels too high. It takes the crown for best Note 20 5G Ultra STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ impersonator right now. Pairing capable specs Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE with a sleek exterior, the S20 FE convinces us carves out a new kind of of a lot. But it doesn’t convince us that it runs Galaxy device – producing like a flagship. We would’ve loved to see favourable expectations slightly more oomph under the hood, and using sliced pricing those bezels are a dead giveaway. 57

TESTED OPPO A72 A stand-Oppo guy It’s got dashing good looks, capable cameras and a battery that is impossible Just the to kill in a day – for just R7k vanguard This is the cream of from R7 000 / oppo.com/za Oppo’s 2020 crop for South Africa but it’s not the best The A72’s got everything you’d you’ll see in SA. 2021 will expect from a 2020 smartphone, see more advanced from the front-facing camera models launching into cut-out to four cameras on the the country. back. You may question its value at R7k, but add to that the USB-C Capture me port, fingerprint sensor under the side-mounted power button and a The 48Mp f/1/7 main sensor headphone jack and you are getting is actually very good, as is alot of phone for the money. the addition of the 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide. We captured decent �Our Aurora Purple model’s shots in good lighting, with fine plastic back-panel dazzled with detail and vibrant colours, though purple-to-yellow hues that looks there is some saturation here. pretty when clean. But pop a few fingertips on the backplate and you get a whole lot of smudges. Luckily there’s a handy phone cover sitting in the box… just use it. �Up front you get a bright 6.5in LCD panel that features an HD 1080p resolution. We all know LCDs don’t fare particularly well in the long run — the shiny display makes up that. It’s also got slight darkening around the edges and a camera hole-punch, which gives away the budget-ness of the device. But still, it looks good. �It has a Snapdragon 665 and Bright color 4GB RAM, enough to play all but the most demanding games. Its ColorOS Android skin isn’t We got to play a few bouts of terrible, considering the track Asphalt 9 and Mario Kart Tour record of Chinese-developed with no issues save for some Android skins. These come pre- slow loading screens – actual loaded with Color OS 10, a skin gameplay was solid, even though optimised for Android 10. And the phone drops frames in more they’ll be Android 11-ready soon. frantic instances. It does come with a whopping 128GB storage, a nice addition if you’re an avid app-collector. Tech specs Display 6.5in FHD+ LCD Resolution 2400 x 1080p CPU Qualcomm SM6125 RAM 4GB Storage 128GB OS ColorOS 7.1, based on Android 10 STUFF SAYS Finally South Africans can get a taste of Oppo-tunity ★★★★✩ GiviancghOapnpcoe Should you invest in Oppo’s first official device in South Africa? The Oppo A72 comes in at just R7000 — which is a steal if you consider the specs alone. We would have liked to see an OLED display here, and possibly a slightly more powerful processor. But you get a whole lot of phone in a pretty package for that price. Battery life is also stunning, and there’s a fast-charger in the box. Just don’t push it too hard. 58

TESTED LG NANOCELL 55IN NanoCell’s final form? LG’s proposition of ‘as close to OLED Wand to watch AI smorts without the pricetag’ is a tempting one. LG’s brilliant Magic remote is The biggest thumbs-up from us Does it live up to the promise? the perfect partner in viewing… is the inclusion of AI that doesn’t anything, really. The gesture stick its nose where it shouldn’t. from R14700 / lg.com/za control remote works like a wand LG’s AI features are smart If you’ve been keeping up and webOS supports Netflix and enough to be useful, and subtle Prime Video previews when you enough not to intrude your with TV tech, we’ve moved on hover your cursor on the icons. personal screening of Endgame. from good old backlit LED panels. Samsung calls it QLED while LG’s going with something fancier: NanoCell. There is a coating of nanocrystals between the screen and backlight that has phosphorus properties. That’s the key ingredient for crisp colours – who knew? �LG’s NanoCell tech brings 4K content to life. Colours are brilliant and saturated to just the right degree, while there’s no fogginess and the picture looks as sharp as the knife we unsealed the TV’s box with. It’s pretty similar to an OLED. �At under R15k for the 55in panel, you’d be excused for thinking that LG’s Super UHD pricing is a fluke. It really isn’t. Combine it with LGs smart-TV interface and smart controller, and you’re set. Sound’s also lekker, but we paired it with the Sonos soundbar and… these two were meant to be together. �It may be one of the best- looking TVs when watching brightly lit stuff, but once you have black borders (we watched Avengers: Endgame on it) or darker scenes, you notice visible blooming around lit-up objects – which isn’t very OLED. It gets annoying to the point that it draws attention to itself but, considering the price, we’ll let that slide. NanoCell is all about the colour rather than the black contrasts anyway. Tech specs Display 6.53in IPS LCD Processor MediaTek Helio G85 RAM 3GB/4GB/6GB Cameras Rear 48MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro Front 13MP Battery 5020mAh OS Android Storage 64GB/128GB Dimensions 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm STUFF SAYS Super Saiyans ain’t got nothing on this upgraded NanoCell ★★★★✩ Slohwoowrna-ntoghfeef There’s more going for this sub-R15k TV than we expected out of the box. You get brilliant colour reproduction, some eye-catching sharpness and LG’sgreat OS to top it all off. There are enough HDMIs to connect just about any peripheral you need, and LG’s software makes it easy to cast directly from another LG device. Cap it off with that 100Hz refresh rate, and you’re even set for next-gen gaming. If you will excuse us, we have a date with this panel and the PlayStation 5. 59

Shawpiezsahrdifsting LG Wing Samsung Galaxy DOUBLE, Z Fold2 5G NOT MUCH What’s the story? TROUBLE Alright, the LG Wing is weird, but that What’s the story? doesn’t stop you admiring LG’s cojones Since Samsung launched the original ● The Wing can in trying to make a T-shaped phone with Galaxy Fold, the running theme of foldable act like a regular two screens actually work. The Wing is the reviews has been: very cool, too expensive, phone, but it’s all first handset in LG’s new Explorer Project, not there yet, better luck next time. Well, about that party and it looks likely to be the first of several Samsung hopes to change everyone’s trick. Hold it in your out-there models. We spent some time minds with the Galaxy Z Fold2. right hand, push the getting to grips with its so-called swivel bottom right half mode, activated with a flick of a thumb This time it’s ditched much of what to the left and to reveal an almost-square display behind made the first Fold ‘meh’, including the the display slides the main one. dinky front display and side-notches, and up to land with a it’s smartened up the design. Great, but satisfying thunk It looks like a gimmick, LG knows that, this is still a R47000 phone, so saying it in that distinctive and it’s owning it. Though, we expect, this has to be good is an understatement. To T-shape. Actually one will be a little hard to locate in South win over anyone without a huge amount of using the phone Africa. Not seriously, but a little. disposable income, it has to be perfect. in this format is Is it any good? Is it any good? a buggy, restricted, There are several ways to take advantage Well, it’s not perfect, but it is a glimmer of steep learning of that extra display – you can watch hope that foldable phones can be excellent. curve, but fun a video while using another app below, It isn’t the best camera phone around, nor nonetheless. or even play Asphalt 9 with the second does it charge the fastest, but everything ● Clasp the top half screen up top displaying a map – but none the Z Fold2 does, it does well. Its overall of the Z Fold2 with of this stuff turns out to be all that useful design is lovely, and a masterful hinge one hand and the in the real world. mechanism really makes the two-in-one bottom half with functionality a reality. another, ease the On the plus side, it’s a zippy enough 5G phone open, and phone, looks lovely and takes better than Of course, at R47000 for the 256GB when you engage expected photos. But it’s impossible for version, all that’s going to be irrelevant the smooth hinge that swivel feature to hide, even when to most people. But this is the first foldable mechanism the using the phone normally, thanks to its that delivers on its promises, and fully magic happens: added weight and thickness. deserves its Stuff Most Wanted Award. a big, bright, bold, Price R20000 / lg.com/za Price R47000 / samsung.com/za notch-free tablet ● 6.8in 2460x1080 + 3.9in 1240x1080 ● 6.23in 2260x816 + 7.6in 2208x1768 comes to life. Yes, OLED ● Snapdragon 765G, 8GB RAM ● AMOLED ● Snapdragon 865+, 12GB RAM ● there’s a crease: 128GB storage ● 64+13+12MP rear, 32MP 256GB storage ● 12+12+12MP ● 4500mAh a visible line down front ● 4000mAh ● 170x75x11mm, 260g ● 159x128x6.9mm / 159x68x17mm, 282g the middle when Stuff says ★★★★✩ Stuff says ★★★★★ viewed off-angle. Go ahead if you like the unique design, but Still prohibitively expensive, but at least it You soon get used you’ll sacrifice portability to get it doesn’t feel like an awkward prototype to it, though. 60

3 The great big show 1 The Samsung’s 6.23in outer screen gets an extra-lanky 1 Wide with me 25:9 aspect ratio, so it’s almost The Wing’s cameras? A 64MP as novel as the one inside. It’s a main, a 13MP ultra-wide, a punchy Super AMOLED. 12MP ultra-wide with gimbal 4 It s a shame about wei support in swivel mode, and a Multitasking across up to four 32MP pop-up selfie-shooter. apps is a bit much, but still cool, so it’s a good thing Samsung 2 My bug buddy We found the software a little phones have access to the Google Play Store. Eh, Huawei? buggy, particularly in swivel mode, and the fingerprint 3 scanner felt slow. There isn’t a face-unlock option either. 4 WINNTEERST 61

TESTED FITBIT SENSE Can’t stress this enough Fitbit’s Sense is trying something new – keeping its peepers on your mental health Going Mental as well as physical. How does it do? All the usual fitness features are here but from R8 000 /fitbit.com there’s a particular focus on your mental health, with Fitbit’s new Sense is a stress measurement and slick-looking wearable, more guided meditations upping like a wristwatch than a fitness your mindfulness device in terms of design. Which makes sense, because this is not quotient. a dedicated bit of fitness gear. It’s more of a whole-human monitor, Premium features with smartwatch features thrown in. But it could have done with a Fitbit Premium is automatically little specialising. activated, for six months, when you pair the Sense with your app. �That’s because, while Fitbit’s There’s loads of useful info, from basics are all still very well done, workout plans to guidance on the newer features and upgrades how to drop your sugar habit, and could do with a little tweaking. The even cooking shows to explore. OS is a tad slow and some apps are less good than they used to be. �But if you look past that, this is one full-featured device. There’s an ECG sensor (which isn’t cleared for use in SA), one for blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature monitors and even a sensor for stress built into the metal frame surrounding the 1.58in colour AMOLED display. �The Sense has onboard GPS, for tracking without a phone, but since it’s not squarely aimed at sporty types it’s not an essential. Accurate, though. Notifications are a thing, and you can control both Spotify and Deezer. Sadly, there’s still no onboard storage for offline playlists. �As a wearable, the Sense is very Stress less ambitious. It’s obvious that it cares about your health (and the data The Sense measures stress that surrounds it). It’s a pity that with an app called EDA Scan its attentions are a little scattered. (EDA stands for electrodermal Ah well, next time. activity). It’s a little arcane and you’ve got to initiate testing Tech specs but it’ll eventually (Fitbit hopes) lead to a more mindful you. Display 1.58in (336 x 336) AMOLED Sensors Heart rate, SpO2, ECG, EDA Connectivity WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC Battery Life 6 days Waterproofing 50 metres Weight 33.1 grams STUFF SAYS If you’ve got any Sense, you’ll put one of these on your wrist ★★★★✩ distuStrhebenasnFiocnergciean The Fitbit Sense is a first of its type for the company and that means it’s going to have its flaws. The weak point, we found, was the operating system – it’s not as nippy as we’re used to from Fitbit’s less complicated wearables. It also lacks the polish we expect from the company’s devices. The Sense makes up for it by throwing loads of information at you, but we can’t wait for the next couple of software iterations to really elevate this one. 62

TESTED APPLE iPHONE 12, 12 PRO A couple of ‘dozen’ iPhones Apple’s iPhone has just turned twelve and we’ve got a couple of the siblings in to check out how they’re doing. Rather well, it turns out. Rtba / istore.co.za T his year has proved window. That was broken up (p53), may have turned the had to make do with a couple to be a very strange into three, with the iPhone being notebook world on its head (p8) of familiar faces – the iPhone 12 year for tech. Not announced a month later than and still had time to put together and the iPhone 12 Pro. that we expected usual. Which, in turn, meant a an unprecedented four iPhone anything different from 2020, later launch for Apple’s hardware. models for 2020. Which isn’t a wrench at all. but anomalies kept cropping up If nothing else bothered you The pair are some of Apple’s like we were exploring backwater about this year, that should have Of which we have explored very best handsets to date, planets in No Man’s Sky. at least gotten under your skin. two. The smallest and largest with the iPhone 12 Pro an Chief among these was Apple’s handset, the iPhone 12 Mini excellent choice if you’re regular-as-clockwork iPhone But, it turns out, the delay may and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, are photographically-minded. announcement and release have been a blessing in disguise. missing in action in South Africa And the standard iPhone 12? Apple got to upgrade its Watch at the time of writing so we’ve That’s just an excellent choice. 63

TESTED APPLE iPHONE 12, 12 PRO Apple iPhone 12 It’s not too big and it’s not too small, but is it just right? Apple’s stock iPhone for 2021 has a lot to love Rtba / istore.co.za 1 Choosing between an iPhone 12 and an iPhone 12 Pro will prove to be more difficult than ever this year. That’s because they’re closer together than ever before. They sport the same screens and the same processors, they’re the same size and both feature Apple’s revamped design language. They both have 5G and they also have extremely similar camera tech. It’s easier if you’re picking between the iPhone 12 Mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Being distinct from each other, and standing out from the middle siblings, makes selection a simple matter. But here? You’re being forced to a nigh-impossible choice. But impossible choices is what we do and nobody, not even Apple, is going to cause us to make a misstep there. The iPhone 12 is less mentally taxing if you’re looking at upgrading from an iPhone 11 or earlier. You don’t even have to keep reading, you can just go and place an order for one of these right now. Unless, that is, you’ve got a hankering for some seriously impressive camera tech in your smartphone. Maybe read till the end first before dashing off. 1 Retro-future tech 2 A shot to the box The phone’s aluminium frame Yes, Apple’s taken the charger steps back to the iPhone 4 era, and headphones out of the box. while the Ceramic Shield-fronted You do get a Lightning-to-USB-C and absolutely gorgeous OLED cable but you’ll need a USB-C display is firmly seated in the brick to make use of it. If you modern age. And, at 162g, the don’t have one – and most older handset feels surprisingly light. iPhones used USB-A blocks – Pity about the camera bump, but then Apple’s about to make you’re putting a case on it. Right? some more money out of you. 3 This chip has sailed 4 Smaller is… better? Apple’s handsets all have its most We’re not sure what sorcery 2 powerful mobile chip to date – the Apple is employing in its phones A14 Bionic blazes through tasks but the iPhone 12 ships with a fast enough that you’ll have Android measly little 2815mAh battery. flagships struggling to catch up. Theoretically it shouldn’t get you They’ve got one more benefit – 5G much past lunchtime but the is available across the range, but it iPhone 12 will last you a full day, won’t start sapping your battery and occasionally part of a second. unless you’re in a coverage area. We’d like to see Samsung do that. 64

3 TESTED APPLE iPHONE 12, 12 PRO 4 Tech specs Screen 6.1in Super Retina XDR OLED Processor Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) RAM 4GB Cameras Rear 12MP, 26mm (wide) + 12MP, 13mm (ultrawide), PDAF, OIS Front 12MP, 23mm Battery 2815mAh OS iOS 14.1 Storage 64GB/128GB/256GB Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm Dualling cameras Apple’s camera tech is particularly impressive, even if the Pro variants are packing all of the serious smarts � On the Night � Quite a pair The big new feature is The main sensors are twin Night Mode, which works 12MP lenses, one f/1.6 on all of the iPhone 12’s wide and a f/1.3 ultrawide. cameras. Results are best The main f/1.6 sports from the rear pair, where Apple’s very first seven- more light can be gathered element lens, but overall as you stand very, very it’s very familiar if you’ve still. Really very still. used the iPhone 11. � Eyes front � Saw it here first Up front is Apple’s 12MP Dolby Vision HDR f/2.2 23mm sensor. recording is a first for any Primarily used for FaceID smartphone, and Apple’s and the occasional selfie, got that one in the bag. this camera also shoots in And the iPhone 12’s Dolby Vision HDR – albeit snazzy display is able to at ‘just’ 30fps in 4K. Night play back HDR content, so Mode also works here. there’s that. If you liked last year’s iPhone 11, you’re going to be well pleased with Apple’s effort for 2020. The design has jumped ahead, along with the display, making this an excellent upgrade. If you’re still using an iPhone X or earlier, you should already have your credit card out for one of these. STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ Does a bit of everything without specialising too hard – this is Apple’s workhorse smartphone 65

TESTED APPLE iPHONE 12, 12 PRO Apple iPhone 12 Pro Apple’s more affordable Pro has the camera tech it needs to get your attention, but it faces competition from within Rtba / istore.co.za 1 Apple’s got a love for all things Pro, starting with the iPads before turning its attention to the ever- popular iPhone. This year, the iPhone 12 has a lot in common with the iPad Pro range thanks to its almost-throwback design that pairs the all-screen front end with a more angular aluminium frame. And that goes for the iPhone 12 Pro too, which actually deserves the title. Even if it doesn’t seem that way immediately. There’s not much in this handset compared to the iPhone 12. The same 6.1in Super Retina XDR OLED displays are at work in both, as are identical A14 Bionic chips. Heck, even the battery size is the same between the handsets. So, what justifies the price increase and the Pro moniker? Well, that’d be the camera tech, which is stepped up in the iPhone 12 Pro. Which might be reason enough to recommend this handset but there’s something looming on the horizon – the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which is a chunk more expensive but also arrives bearing Apple’s most advanced camera features to date. You’ve got a choice to make and it’s not an easy one. 1 Performance artist 2 Staying (Mag)safe 2 The A14 Bionic is the same across Another common feature is all of Apple’s 2020 offerings, the return of Magsafe. Kinda. It which makes performance more requires a 15W Magsafe charger or less identical for the quartet. from Apple but you might have to But the iPhone 12 Pro features do that anyway (see p64). And 6GB of RAM to the iPhone 12’s the magnetic disc needed for a 4GB – which is a nice number to secure charging connection is look at but it doesn’t have a really already inside your handset, so noticeable effect on performance. there’s really no rush. 3 Quite the display 4 Going into storage There are two things you need to Another differentiator here is know about the iPhone 12 Pro’s storage – the iPhone 12 starts at display. It supports HDR and it 64GB and caps out at 256GB. only runs at 60Hz. The first is Here, the base option is 128GB, incredible for HDR video content, climbing all the way to 512GB. If the second is less great news if you’re the sort to store you’re a serious gamer. Samsung everything on your device, the and co. are fielding 120Hz displays, iPhone 12 Pro is gesturing for for the gaming smoothness. your attention in a big way. 66

TESTED APPLE iPHONE 12, 12 PRO Tech specs Screen 6.1in Super Retina XDR OLED Processor Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) RAM 6GB Cameras Rear 12MP 26mm (wide) + 12MP 52mm (telephoto) + 12MP 13mm (ultrawide) + TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), PDAF, OIS Front 12MP, 23mm Battery 2815mAh OS iOS 14.1 Storage 128GB/256GB/512GB Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm LIDAR to me The Pro has one serious advantage over the standard iPhone 12 – its camera is considerably more advanced 3 � Invisible skill � Getting closer LiDAR, which stands Apple’s given the Pro a for ‘light detection and third sensor – a 12MP ranging’, is present here. f/2.0 telephoto that gets The same tech used for your closer to your subject self-driving cars, LiDAR with 4x optical zoom. enables faster lock-on, Coupled with fresh depth- even in the darker places sensing tech, this is a Night Mode loves. game-changer. � Going in ProRAW � A bigger fish Still incoming, ProRAW Sadly, the iPhone 12 Pro is a modification of the Max makes the standard beloved RAW format Pro’s camera chops look that Apple says will take positively choppy. If you’re advantage of the iPhone’s after the best post-processing skills photography skills money while still maintaining can buy, you won’t be editable layers. stopping here. Apple’s standard-sized iPhone 12 Pro is a professional in every aspect, and that LIDAR- toting camera is one hell of an attractive selling point. But if you’re going all-in on Apple’s cameras, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is almost certainly the phone to buy. This one’s just great. The Pro Max will be excellent. STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ If this is where your budget stops, 4 that’s all well and good. But try stretch it a little further 67

TE ST E D R UBATO L A SS I E Riding on the wind It may not make you play faster but picking up this carbon fibre slab and sliver of maple is bound to expose your inner F1 driver $4 000 (R61150) / rubato.guitars From the moment you unleash this Fret not guitar from its custom-made aluminium 24 frets may be overkill flight case, a desire to live up to the speed but when was less ever of ewis Hamilton will overcome you. It’s more? The sleek finish of the made from the same stuff as F1cars. carbon neck is an joy to play and a non-existent neck-heel �A sense of pride may also fill your joint means no awkward heart. A father-and-son team from Johannesburg are the creators of this stretching for those seamless carbon-fibre monocoque axe – high notes. in other words the body and neck are one. This means no truss rod, virtually no bend in the neck and no warping caused by environmental factors. If you slam it into a stage, that’s on you. �The Rubato is incredibly light and remarkably thin. At just 2.5kg you’ll easily play it for hours (while jumping around stage – if that’s your thing) without fatigue setting in. Should you choose to sit dabbling in the blues, you’ll find it well balanced for its weight. �The light Maple wood fretboard is Pickup precision the only thing wooden here. There’s a Satin finish to the entire 25.5in length of The Porter Mini-Humbucker the board and the C to D shape of the pickups are securely mounted neck makes this a dream to play. and backed by a rubber pad, which helps reduce feedback �But guitars are all about the sound. sensitivity and vibrations You’ll be expecting something unusual through the body, brought on from an unusual build materials but it by the amp under your foot. sounds as good, if not better, than other axes you’ve owned. Tones are clean and Lock in that tune clear, as you’d expect from something this price. That’s in no small part thanks The worst thing about guitars is to the simple design and the inclusion of re-tuning them – unless you premium internals. Each one is made to have a roadie for that. Rubato order, so expect a wait if you want one have opted for Grover locking for your wall. tuners and a Hipshot fixed bridge to keep you playing for longer, Tech specs courtesy of less string slippage. Body Carbon-fibre (monocoque) neck+body Neck Flamed Maple fretboard Pickups Porter custom-wound Mini Humbuckers Bridge Hipshot fixed Frets Medium-jumbo stainless steel, zero-fret string guide Other Switchcraft 3-way toggle and jack, Grover locking tuners and strap buttons, Orange drop capacitors, Bournes potentiometers Weight 2.5kg. STUFF SAYS Put your guitar skills in pole position with this carbon fibre wonder ★★★★✩ ...wcoitmhemLhaeos,mspileez Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, PRS… the list of manufacturers and their instrumental innovations is impressive and extensive. Now we can add one from SA to the list. At R61 000, the Rubato Lassie is in the league of collectable Les Pauls and custom Strats, and rightly so. There’s a whole lot of guitar here, made by unconventional means. But when you’re rocking out on a piece of Formula 1 car, you’re probably not going to be thinking about that. 68

GROUP TEST BEARD TRIMMERS CUTTING IT FINE A 1min charge gives 3mins of chopping time, so if it does die on the job you won’t have to go out asymmetrical. tBaekaer-doffofr Beard gotten a tad out of hand while trapped in your man-cave? We try out the finest trimmers for taming your facial topiary… Wahl Aqua Groom What’s the story? even if things can be a little BEST FOR Wahl might not be a big name rough around the jawline. RIKY like Philips or Panasonic, but You’re supposed to get 16 RICK chances are you’ve seen its comb attachments in the box kit being used in your local (although ours only came 69 barbershop. If it’s good with 12), but each one is a enough for a professional fixed length: 1.5mm at the to give you your monthly skin shortest and 25mm at the fade, then it’s got to be good longest. These are also a enough for tidying up your bit plasticky, and the lack face, right? Especially with of adjustment means if your a lifetime blade guarantee… ideal size isn’t included you Is it any good? just have to make do with the The Wahl looks far cheaper next one up or down. than its price suggests. While it feels weighty enough in the With nothing attached, hand, the plastics used for its the Aqua Blade’s wide cutting waterproof chassis just feel head makes it easy to keep a bit crappy. Rubberised bits the edges neat, with nice down the side do make it sharp blades and good easier to hold, but you’d visibility. There’s also a expect something a bit less narrower, foil-style blade basic for R1500. attachment that’s great for cutting extra-close. Obviously performance Price R1500 / clicks.co.za is the most important thing, ● Max cutting length 25mm however, and the Aqua Blade ● 17 attachments ● 180min gives a decent enough trim, battery ● Waterproof Stuff says ★★★✩✩ Does a job but the build doesn’t match the price tag

A CLOSE SHAVE WINTNEESRT e Philips’ carry BEST FOR case is a little on CASSPER the snug side. You’ll NYOVEST need to remove the guard to squeeze it in. DOZEN MATTER e BaByliss might not go longer than 12mm, but half-mil adjustments mean you get a choice of 24 lengths. MIN EFFORT BEST FOR BASE LINES 2hrs plugged in will MAPS e BT9000 has fill the battery with a light-up battery the same trimming MAPONYANE indicator built into time, while 20mins the base and takes juices it enough for about an hour to a couple of shaves. charge from flat. BaByliss Japanese Steel Philips BT9000 Prestige What’s the story? desired length really easy What’s the story? they come, but without an Anyone who’s seen the Kill and allows for smooth, Philips used to sell a Series attachment it maxes out Bill films should be aware of consistent motions all over. 9000 beard trimmer with a at 5mm. The single included the reputation of Japanese It’s just about the perfect laser attached to it. Sounds guard doubles that, but with steel. Luckily, rather than width too, although you’ll like real Bond villain stuff, its plastic build and basic feel, separating sword-wielding struggle to fit it under even right? Yeah, that’s what we this ‘long beard comb’ does samurai warriors from their the smallest schnozz. thought, but it turned out to spoil the high-end vibe. heads, BaByliss is only be rubbish. The new model interested in keeping your The attachment gathers dispenses with gimmicks In action, though, the fully facial hair nice and neat. hair clippings like nobody’s and puts all its eggs in the waterproof BT9000 is very Is it any good? business, but comes off and ‘premium’ basket – and at impressive. Apparently its Unlike every other trimmer snaps back into position very R2500 it’s easily the most PowerAdapt Sensor checks tested here, the BaByliss isn’t easily. In fact, the BaByliss expensive option here. the hair density 125 times fullywaterproof. Ah well,that feels particularly well put Is it any good? per second and adjusts the just means you can’t shave together despite being the This thing is built like a proper motor to maintain constant in the shower, right? Almost, slimmest and lightest on tank: all stainless steel and power, but all we noticed was but it also makes cleaning the test. It also comes with sturdy rubber, capped with the authoritative, consistent thing a fussier proposition. a sturdy carry case that’s a flat plastic bottom so you trim it gave. Its cutting head The lone attachment and big enough to hold the can stand it up on a bathroom is quite narrow and it scatters blades must be removed charger, cleaning brush, shelf. Handy. It’d probably a lot of hairy shrapnel, but before rinsing, and it’s also lubricating oil and even the double as a pretty effective you’ll be too busy admiring recommended you oil the instructions, so you can keep cosh if anyone ever broke in your neat face-fuzz to care. blades after every use. everything in one place when too – also handy. We also like the locking it’s not in use – a relatively function that stops it being While it maxes out at rare luxury. The dial allows you to activated accidentally. 12mm, the large flat top of Price R1100/ mankind.co.uk adjust it in sub-millimetre PriceR2500(import)/philips.com the adjustable comb guard ● Max 12mm ● 1 attachment increments and the built-in ● Max10mm ● 1 attachment makes shaving to your ● 120min ● Not waterproof metal comb is as solid as ● 120min ● Waterproof Stuff says ★★★★✩ Stuff says ★★★★★ A solid weapon in the war against scruffiness Looks the part and makes sure you do too… at a price 70

BEST FOR SPLASH DANCE KILLER e Pana has a MIKE little hole below the blades that lets you rinse the mechanism out with water. COMB CLOSER e Precision Stubble Comb’s adjustment wheel doesn’t lock into each length – check it before you start. KEEP GLOWING BEST FOR SLOW JUICER e Remington THAPELO With a 1hr charge MOKOENA time, the ER-GB86 takes 4hrs to charge, with lights actually takes below the power longer to refuel button to show how than it does to run much power is left. out of juice. Remington T-Series Panasonic ER-GB86 What’s the story? guards going up to 25mm, What’s the story? chance of it slipping and A long time ago Remington but not every length in With a whopping 58 cutting ruining all those months used to make guns, but between is covered. It does lengths, plus a webpage of follicle-fostering. the main thing it’s got in come with a full-size foil plastered with pictures of its sights these days is the attachment, though, so you geezers who look like they The high-torque motor hair sprouting from your don’t need a separate shaver ride vintage motorbikes makes light work of even the body – with shavers, clippers to go down to the skin. to their jobs at cold-brew thickest tufts – and while the and ear/nostril trimmers in coffee shops, Panasonic’s cutting head isn’t the widest, its ever-expanding arsenal. If you press the power ER-GB86 clearly isn’t afraid that allows you to be more This is its range-topping button twice it activates a of even the most hirsute precise. The attachments beard-cultivator. Turbo mode, which is meant chins. You get three comb fit very snugly and do clog Is it any good? to provide an extra level of attachments in the box, the up with beard detritus quite With its black and gold paint oomph for scything through longest of which extends to quickly, but that’s better than job, this whisker-tamer particularly dense beard 30mm – or ‘Viking mode’ as having it scattered all over looks the part. It feels like thickets. It seems a little we like to call it. your bathroom. it means business too, with unnecessary – “Why not Is it any good? a grippy material covering just make 10 louder?” – and The GB86 is solid without The ER-GB86 is entirely the back and a textured even with it turned up to the being chunky. A barrel-style waterproof, so cleaning it patch under your thumb max the Remington left a adjustment dial makes it easy is as easy as rinsing it under to stop it slipping. The power few more stragglers than the to alter the attachment’s the tap. But the battery only button’s round there, with a other trimmers on trial. Still, length in 0.5mm increments lasts for about 50 minutes locking slider to stop it going the 38mm T-Blade is nice that click reassuringly into between charges so you’ll off in your bag and shredding and wide, while the comb place; combined with some have to keep on top of your favourite pants. guards feel solidly made nice textured areas on the charging it fairly regularly, and attach securely. chassis, plus robust plastic especially if you like to give The Precision Stubble Price R1200/ remington.com combs that don’t flex easily, yourself a daily trim. Comb takes care of anything ● Max25mm ● 11 attachm’ts that means there’s very little Price R2850/ panasonic.com up to 5mm, with nine fixed ● 300min ● Waterproof ● Max30mm ● 3 attachm’ts ● 50min ● Waterproof Stuff says ★★★✩✩ Stuff says ★★★★✩ Feels great and looks smart, but others offer a tidier trim No matter how bushy your beard, the Pana means business 71

ONE TWO THREE SAMSUNG PROTECTIVE HUAWEI FREEBUDS SANDISK IXPAND TFHIERSSET…ADD STANDING COVER PRO WIRELESS CHARGER What’s the point of having a Noise-cancelling wireless Available in 128GB and massive zingy screen when audio with on-bud volume 256GB versions, Sandisk’s you’ve got to hold it up or control and track-skipping latest 10W Qi charging pad clumsily prop it between is central to Huawei’s great is specifically designed objects whenever you want new FreeBuds Pro. ey to take advantage of to go hands-free? Pick up sound fantastic, offer Samsung’s fast-charging a Protective Standing Cover decent battery life and come skills while backing up to shield your Note20 Ultra with enough silicone to sort photos and videos at the from dings, and you’ll also be a seriously comfortable fit. same time. And multiple turning it into a freestanding backup profiles mean you streaming dream for long ey’ll even charge when can share it with others – holiday journeys. placed on the back of the even iPhone users. R700 / samsung.com/za Note20 Ultra. from R2 100 / amazon.com Rtba / huawei.com/za 72

INSTANT UPGRADES TNHIOS…WDO THTEHSEEN…GET 1 OPEN THE SHUTTER 2 TIDY UP YOUR TEXT 3 GAIN AN EDGE SKETCHBOOK e S Pen doubles as a remote Samsung’s stylus is also an If you see a little lip on the right Enjoy drawing and shutter for photographers. optical character recognition side of your screen creeping want something Long-press its button and your (OCR) whizz and can straighten over into the main UI, that’s more advanced Note’s camera fires up; now wonky notes too. In the Notes your Edge Panel. Swipe this than Samsung’s press the button once to take app, tap the icon displaying a into the screen and press the Notes app? This a picture – perfect for a group scribble and a ‘T’ to convert your cog at the bottom to switch one harnesses shot with you in it. Double-tap scrawl into selectable text. is out your various Edge Panel the phone’s 4096 the S Pen button and the Note can be copied out to messages options. ey range from levels of pressure swaps to the selfie shooter. You and emails – and if you want to favourite apps and contacts sensitivity and can zoom in and out with circular neaten up your notes, the icon to clipboard items, with more 9ms latency. gestures while holding the to the right will help make even downloadable from the Galaxy Free button, and sideways gestures the most illegible squiggles flow Store. Cycle through your chosen switch shooting modes. in clean horizontal lines. panels by swiping horizontally. CONCEPTS A doodling app with a difference: with an infinite canvas, screen and page constraints are gone, while pressure and tilt sensitivity take full advantage of the S Pen’s power. Free (IAPs) 4 TALK TO BIXBY 5 TURN IT OFF 6 MAKE PRO VIDEO DRAW IT Even if you’re sold into Google While we like Bixby, it makes e Note20 Ultra’s Pro Video Pictionary by a Assistant, Alexa or even Siri, powering down the Note20 mode is excellent. On top of different name, there are some things they Ultra a bit of a head-scratcher. letting you control everything what better way can’t do that Samsung’s Bixby As we’ve just seen, long-press from ISO through to manual to claim an unfair can: “Set screen-on time to five the ‘power button’ and you get focus, it supports audio source advantage over minutes”, “Show me pictures of a voice assistant instead. So, control. To choose your mic, the competition my dog”, “Show my bank cards swipe down from the top to fire up Pro Video mode in the than by using in Samsung Pay”. To access expand the notification menu: camera, tap the microphone the S Pen while Bixby, long-press the button on in the top right there’s a power icon, and select between Omni, everyone else the right – the one you thought icon for turning off your phone. Front, Rear, USB and Bluetooth. fumbles around was a power button. As long as And yes, in this menu you can You can see audio levels, there’s with fat fingers? it’s held down, you can instruct also remap the button on the a histogram… oh, and the phone Free (IAPs) Bixby in walkie-talkie style. right to power off. supports 8K recording. 73

TESTED GAMES PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX / ubisoft.com Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla How do you turn a Viking – a warrior known for charging head-on to battle – into an Assassin? Just give them a blade and turn them loose on the enemy A ssassin’s Creed: Valhalla You’re also Odin (we’re not going to glorious charges into battle that that loot goes towards growing is one of the best entries explain that, it makes sense when get… a little samey but that didn’t your own little community. Mostly from Ubisoft in ages. It’s you see it), kinda. And you’re also stop us from committing mayhem it’s a cookie-cutter settlement, got the landscape detail from Unity, Layla Hassan, if you care at all at every opportunity. Combat is where decorative items are your only spread out over the whole of about the overarching modern-day exciting without being too unusual major nod to creativity, but the England. Stories are considered plot. There’s a lot going on but Ubi’s – players who spent time in Origins people there all have their own (and occasionally whacky), quests title makes it all accessible without or Odyssey will feel right at home. stories which deepen your are detailed and varied and your being overwhelming. You’ll want to connection to your settlement. choice of hero actually undergoes take your time. But there are opportunities to development as the game heads act like real assassins – even if There’s nothing massively towards its finale. Unless, that is, you’re out in your you use the hidden blade wrong. gobsmacking about Assassin’s Let’s pull back. You are Eivor, a longboat ‘raiding’. What is what it’s Vikings… aren’t exactly subtle, Creed Valhalla but it’s expansive, Viking driven by an event in your called when you lead the charge though, so expect to be charging detailed, loves to tell its players past but mostly you follow the lead from the water into a monastery, into strongholds at regular intervals. stories and wants to immerse of your adoptive brother Sigurd. military or bandit encampment in you in a sometimes fantastical search of supplies. These are When you’re at home, though, world in antiquity. It succeeds. you’ll be quite the homemaker. All STUFF SAYS We’ve had pirates and Vikin s so far. Ninja next, please ★★★★★ 74

TESTED GAMES ‘Tis but a scratch? Row faster men! Flytes of fancy Perhaps I didn’t hit you hard We’re already five minutes There is tons to do in Ubisoft’s enough the first time? late for Sunday service. rendition of England and Norway, and we don’t just mean axing things to death. In towns you’ll play Orlog, a seemingly complicated dice-and-tokens game that’s easy to pick up. Or you’ll enter drinking competitions that should, by rights, leave your hero with fatal liver damage. There are also XP-awarding encounters scattered absolutely everywhere you look. And then there’s flyting. Flyting is a medieval form of rap battle, where entrants take turns exchanging insulting verse. It’s not enough to be cuttingly brutal to your opponent either, your meter needs to be spot on as well. The activity has a central role in several key missions, so you can’t avoid it. But the cheerful nature of those participating is a little jarring, before becoming very entertaining. And you’ll want to do it, if only for the Charisma score. This opens up dialogue options in some quests but it relies on you honing your wordcraft against skilled (and not-so-skilled) opponents. The fact that you can bet large amounts of silver on your own silver tongue has its attractions as well. 75

TESTED GAMES PS4, PS5, XSX, XBO, PC / ubisoft.com WLeagticohn Dogs: London is under siege and the only way to save it is by playing as anyone you like, no matter how boring they are W hen Watch Dogs: Legion simulated lives within the game go a TV sales was announced, the thing long way in selling it as an authentic people have everyone kept talking representation of London. become very about was that you could play as aggressive in anyone. All those people walking You’llrecogniseplenty of faithfully around London? Yeah, any NPC recreated landmarks and locations futuristic could be your player character, in to the point where your friend that London. a feat of procedural generation immigrated a few years back might Even the innovation. While that sounds even find his office down a street in cast of Top Gear cool in theory, it turns out that if Camden. Buteven the most lovingly isn’t happy everyone is a protagonist… then constructed and technically with that no-one is. impressive games don’t hold up authoritarian if there’s nothing else to them. government. Hacktivist group DeadSec has been framed for a series of The story is dull because of the bombings in London and it’s up to poor canned dialogue the game you to reform the organisation. forces out of whoever you decide And also overthrow sinister private to play as. While it’s certainly cool security company Albion, who to pick an NPC and suddenly have have taken over the city. You’ll them be the protagonist, it’s stroll about the city and recruit difficult for a game to then actually anyone potentially useful to your have them be that: A main cause as you embark on a series character. Dialogue is stiff and of quests that feel copy-pasted poorly acted and while you’d hope from just about any other Ubisoft the game would make for that title from the past decade. Setting with a strong supporting cast, Watch Dogs: Legion apart is the they’re even more boring. The ability to play as anyone, with game’s villains are cliched and every simulated Londoner having corny to the point of parody. It’s their own set of perks and abilities not helped by quests that stick based on their background. It’s too closely to Ubisoft’s tried mechanically impressive and the and tested formula, becoming repetitive very soon into the game. STUFF SAYS Technically impressive, but boredom sets in way too fast ★★★✩✩ 76

TESTED GAMES PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX, Switch / ea.com FIFA 2021 There’s not much room for serious innovation in the franchise but FIFA 2021 remains an exciting outing… ‘specially for strikers FIFA has F IFA, as an Electronic Arts’ lone, up-and-coming player, as a its action game series, has been statistics-minded manager, or as replay cameras around since 1993. There’s the first and transition to the second incredible a limit to how much innovation is once your player retires. dialed in possible in a game over three this year. decades. EA’s managed it so far. FIFA Ultimate Teams will scratch It’s a little FIFA 2021 is the latest entry and your collectible card or gambling strange seeing it’s got one thing going for it in itches, should you possess either. so many people spades. It’s really, really fun. The whole shebang is slickly put in stands Which, really, is the point. together – neat, informative because... Gameplay is laser-focused on menus provide access to a tightly- you know. entertainment. Provided your idea designed simulation of football of a fun time is scoring goals, that that’s… okay, a little floaty. Ball is. Knocking the ball about in your physics change notably depending own half is a tense affair but it’s on the weather. Playing in the another story entirely once you wet is a far different affair than cross the half-way point. It’s a little a balmy sunny afternoon. too easy to sneak the ball behind the defenders to bother the goalie There are a few minor matters. but it’s immensely thrilling as well. Commentary, always a weak point, Leads to some high-scoring is slickly done. Banter sounds games, both on and offline, but natural, but spend enough time that sort of action has its place. playing and there’s noticeable But that’s not all there is to repetition. And, if you played last the game. EA offer players the year’s games, you’re going to standard modes – the ability to notice a little overlap. If you’re jump into any championship or playing the Switch version, this is cup (that EA has the license for), almost completely literal. If you’re five-a-side Volta football, quick playing any other edition, it’s not play and then the obligatory career much cause for concern. FIFA 2021 modes. You can either start as a might be a little repetitive, but it’s all worth it when you put the ball in the back of the net. STUFF SAYS Maybe a little samey compared to last year but immensely fun ★★★★✩ 77

TESTED GAMES Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War Call of Duty takes a trip to the Cold War, bringing with it phenomenal neon lighting, Russian spies, ‘copter battles in ‘Nam and nimble, intuitive gunplay B lack Ops fell off the wagon lighting reflecting back at ya in rain your class wisely, as well as all the gunplay and engaging battles. a tad in 2019, when Black puddles, thanks to RTX graphics, short dialogue options that follow One thing we picked up was the Ops IV forgot to produce to the adaptive triggers tailored – these may mean life or death ttk (time to kill) — something a Call a full-length campaign. Instead, for each weapon. Pick up in a high- for your newfound CIA buddies. of Duty game either nails or fails. Activision/Treyarch pushed its luck speed multiplayer match in one All throughout, you visit a plethora with all-online modes, including a of the perfectly balanced maps of graphically beautiful settings, More than ever before, Treyarch battle royale, multiplayer and or drop into an anxiety-inducing from Vietnam to Berlin and the have simulated an actual warzone zombies. While two of those are zombies mode and you’ll have KGB headquarters. (not that one). This is mainly due important for any Black Ops title, access to all the next-gen console to smart graphics tweaks, brilliant it lacked the campaign many fans features in the campaign. Even though it’s set in the early handling and movement as well love. With Cold War, Treyarch made 1980s, gunplay is fast and tactical. as exceptional audio — even when up for all those losses with a great Although slightly short for our It doesn’t feel like your character played through cheap in-ears. war simulator made for next-gen. tastes, the campaign is balanced is hauling around kilograms of Frag grenades and gunshots Running it on a PlayStation 5 isan particularly well. Player choices equipment. It is here where you sound so close to real that we absolute feast, from the 80’s neon have a significant impact on the can feel it is a Black Ops game — forgot we were sitting in Joburg outcome of the game. Choose featuring nippy movement, great for a moment. STUFF SAYS Brin out the bi uns and relive the by one era of neon li hts ★★★★★ 78

TESTED GAMES PS4, PS5, XSX, XBO, PC / callofduty.com In the Danger Zone Enhanced ray-tracing Loading times between Cold War gets right in your graphics bring out the charm cinematics and gameplay face with brilliant graphics, engaging multiplayer options, in ‘80s-era aesthetics. are a thing of the past. riveting zombies and, of course, a capable campaign. It’s become something we can really sink our teeth into. Something that won’t feel grindy and pointlessly pull us back for more every day. A good story — that’s what we got in the CoD campaign this year. Switching through three playable characters, you get a chance to explore different segments of the US/Russian Cold War. The story is straightforward enough to keep up with, all while dragging your character all over South- East Asia, Europe and Soviet- dominated Eastern Europe to put bullets into baddies. It features a good balance of straight-out battle, puzzles and stealth missions. As always, no-one will judge you for only buying Cold War for the Zombies mode. Couple terrifying waves of zombies with detailed maps and everything that makes CoD Zombies good, and you’ve got a winning recipe. Even though you go back to a bygone era, gameplay and gunplay feel responsive and immersive – like only a Black Ops game can. 79

GADGET DOCTOR ALWAYS ON CALL [email protected]/.zsatuffsa ● @StuffSA MAIL OF THE MONTH looking for a new machine that launching in SA really soon. It's is good for games like Minecraft, miles better than the iPhone 11 Q PICTURE THIS: we’d suggest Huawei’s P40 Lite Roblox, Fortnite, and Rocket so if he can swing that, it'll be FASTER INTERNET (R6 200 / huawei.com), which is League. I have a Nintendo Switch well worth the cash. I am Tristan and I am currently slightly over budget but it's easily but have been tempted to sell it fifteen years old. I have two one of the best cameras for that and get something else. Maybe a Q GAME OR WATCH? questions which I think you price. You could also check out laptop of my own? What is Apple I’m reaching the end of my might be able to answer. I have the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S, which Arcade like? Also, my dad is schooling years and I’m facing a been dipping my toes into retails at under R6000. It's not as looking for a new phone but can’t slight dilemma I need answers photography and am currently powerful as the Huawei but also decide between an iPhone SE or for a future purchase. Is it better using my phone to do the job. comes with a 48MP camera and an iPhone 11. What do you think? to get a \"cheap\" gaming laptop or However, I’m looking for an a range of other sensors. Or you Jack a relatively pricey laptop? I'm upgrade to help me explore this could throw your budget at a stuck between either getting new hobby a bit further. I’m not beginner’s DSLR – which would A Let’sstart with thatlaptop the Dell XPS 13 or an MSI gaming sure where to start or what I be our advice if you’re thinking of of yours. Firstly, we strongly laptop. The Dell is an all-round should buy. My price range is up taking matters seriously. Canon’s recommend not selling your 'top quality' item though the MSI to R6000. Any recommendations EOS 2000D arrives as a kit with Switch. It is an amazing console boast's better performance. So, would be greatly appreciated. the camera body, an SD card and thatwill outlast nearly any PC you what are the tradeoffs and gains, My second question is one a basic 18-55mm lens for about invest in. If you're looking for a and which one should I choose? from my parents’ side. We have R5500 (canon.co.za). If you can decently powerful machine to PS: I'm a relatively strong guy so been noticing that our WiFi stretch your budget to R7000, run your games, you should look weight isn't a problem. speed is not what it used to be you’ll find a few other kit cameras into a Lenovo laptop. They're Tyron and have been wondering if it become accessible as well. reasonably priced for a spec that could be because of our three- will serve you well. Take a look A When it comes to gaming year-old router. Could that be As far as the router is online, you'll find great deals on laptops it's almost always slowing us down? concerned, a three-year-old their hardware all over the place. better to go for the more high- Tristan router shouldn't be slowing your end one. While the Dell XPS 13 internet down. It could depend on In terms of Apple Arcade, we is a fine machine and should run A You haven’t really specified the brand and quality of the haven't really done much on it everything you want (if you're what you’d ratherupgrade device but even then, three years because we don't think it's that okay with compromising on to, so we’ve got a few choices. isn't really enough to create a impressive. Beyond the launch some graphics settings) it's One is a better smartphone – noticeable delay in internet last year, Apple hasn't really not got the longevity of a more speeds. It’s probably your ISP. supported as much as we’d like, powerful MSI. The thing about so what you're paying for isn't all gaming laptops is that they're Speak your brains to Stuff and you could win! that impressive. If you’re gaming, difficult to futureproof or tweak This letter wins a Vivo Y30 worth R4999. it’d be best to stick with Windows with extra parts. That's why we machines for now. usually recommend building a Q FAMILY TIME the info about games, apps, desktop if at all possible. If you're Thanks for a great magazine! phones and laptops. My dad likes If your dad is looking for a buying a laptop, you'll want Although I buy it, my dad reads it reading about cameras, drones new phone, the newest iPhone something that can contend with as much as I do. I love sitting and and how to get off the grid. I’ve SE is a great phone at a super modern hardware as long as reading it together with him. been doing online schooling on good price but if he's looking possible. The more budget the Having it in print form is much my mom’s laptop, an old MacBook for something more powerful, device, the quicker it drops off. better than online. I like reading Pro, during lockdown but I am it might be an idea to wait for the new iPhone 12, which is WUSRAITNEDTWO IN Worth R1 400 Nextmonth’s mailofthe month winsTHESE TWOoversized Funko Pop exclusives! 80

OP EN This gadget leapt straig outta testin and into ou rankings. NEW O F E V E R Y T H I N G HOT Time changes BUY everything, BARGAIN including Stu BUY Top Ten placings. UPDATE Searing with A solid gold techy genius, bargain. a product that’s set our hearts Worth owning, regardless of aflame. cashflow. HOW Smartphones 82 Drones, action cams & 89 TO USE THEM Phablets 83 compact cameras Tablets & streamers 84 VR headsets & games 90 TVs 85 System cameras 91 Laptops 86 Headphones 92 Smartwatches & 87 Wireless speakers 93 fitness trackers Consoles 94 Budget buys 88 Games 95

TOP TENS SMARTPHONES 82 HOT NEW BUY TIPS & iPhone 12 ● Prices quoted are for handset only unless otherwise stated TRICKS Rtba / istore.co.za The iPhone 12 reportedly has The iPhone 12 is a monumental smartphone. 4x better drop While it may not look like much of an upgrade performance. from last year’s iPhone 11, the new A14 Bionic Still, better to be chipset means the iPhone 12 is one of the safe than sorry. fastest devices on the market. It now also comes with 5G support, an OLED display, a Snap a Ma Safe super safe ceramic shield and an even better wallet to the bac camera. It’s also a small thing, but those hard- of your iPhone 1 angled corners are just so much nicer to use. and free up som We’re diehard fans of the iPhone 5, can you tell? pocket space. Stuff says ★★★★★ Hope you have Apple’s best smartphone to date, it’s a power adapter difficult to see how they could top this somewhere as the iPhone 12 w ● NOW ADD THIS ship with one. MagSafe Charger Why bother plugging your phone into charge when you could just have it stick to a magnet? So much easier. Rtba / istore.co.za 2 3 4 LG Velvet 5G ★★★★★ from R11 500 / l .com/za The LG Velvet is a breath of fresh air from LG. Stylish, powerful and quirky in all the right ways. NEW le iPhone 12 Pro ★★★ Rtba / istore.co.za e again, an amazing phone that’s only this low cause of that outrageous price. 6 Apple iPhone 11 ★★★★★ from R17 000 / istore.co.za It might be older now but this is still an exceptional smartphone. UPDATE Samsung Galaxy S10 7 ★★★★★ from R13 000 / samsun .com/za A well-rounded Android with a versatile camera and excellent performance. Still a brilliant device. Samsung Galaxy S20 Huawei P40 UPDATE Huawei P30 Lite R22 00 / samsun .com/za R17 000 / huawei.com/za 8 ★★★★★ from R7 300 / huawei.com/za The last great P-phone that still sports Google The bigger and flashier S20+ and Look past the lack of Google apps, UPDATE services. Well worth the cash. S20 Ultra models are cool, but the and this is a premium Android Galaxy S20 feels like the Goldilocks device with brilliant power under 9 Huawei P40 Lite of Android phones: not too big and the hood. Expect Huawei’s top clever, not too small and basic, just camera capabilities here, a beautiful NEW ★★★★★ from R6 500 / huawei.com/za right. An excellent battery, great display and horsepower to spare. For a great price you get a capable device with display and fantastic performance Huawei has done a stellar job at 10 a remarkable camera. makes this the Android handset. making the P40 ecosystem. LG Wing Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ All the features you’s want in a Strong enough to run all the apps you ★★★★✩ R20 000 / l .com/za smatphone, plus a few more love, just get them from elsewhere While it’s a cool idea in theory the LG is just too cumbersome to use. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TIPS & 83 PHABLETS TOP TENS TRICKS 1 Got the Note 20 Ultra? Samsung Galaxy Switch the screen to Note 20 120Hz by hittin R21 000 / samsung.com/za Settin s > Display > Motion Smoothness > Are you a hardcore gamer? Do you work hard? Adaptive. What if you’re into pro photography? Or do you just want a pretty phone? The Galaxy Note 20 is Optimise performance a powerhouse with enough cool gimmicks and with Device Care features to just keep on impressing us. Sure, it’s by oin to Settin s > expensive but it’s also just one of the coolest Device Care and phones on the market today. If you can afford it, tappin Optimise Now. it’s well worth the price of admission. Stay informed with Stuff says ★★★★★ the Always On Large and in charge, the Note 20 is Display by headin one of our favourite devices of 2020. to Settin s > Lock Screen > Always ● NOW ADD THIS On Display and Samsung UV Steriliser with customise it all. Wireless Charging Do we need to remind everyone how important proper sanitation is? R1 000 / samsung.com/za 3 NEW UPDATE Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max 4 ★★★★★ from R26 000 / istore.co.za It’s the excellence of the iPhone 11, just so much bigger and bolder. UPDATE Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5 ★★★★★ from R20 000 / samsun .com/za A fab phone with 64MP and 30x zoom? We don’t see why this wouldn’t appeal to everyone. UPDATE Huawei Mate 20 Pro 6 ★★★★★ R17 000 / takealot.com While it still supports Google Mobile Services, this is one of the most boss devices out there. UPDATE Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 7 ★★★★✩ from R16 000 / incredibleconnection.co.za Samsung has pumped up the specs on its excellent phablet, including more S-Pen features. Huawei P30 Pro Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra UPDATE Apple iPhone XS Max from R16 000 / huawei.com/za R33 000 / samsun .com/za 8 ★★★★✩ from R18 000 / istore.co.za Apple must do something big to claw its way It remains the last high-end You already know that the Galaxy UPDATE back. The XS Max proves they’re capable of that. flagship you can get with full-fat Note 20 is an amazing tablet/ Android as its operating system. phone hybrid but the Note 20 Ultra 9 Samsung Galaxy A51 There’s nothing wrong with the takes everything good and makes camera tech, or… anything here, it even better. Faster, slicker, even UPDATE ★★★★✩ from R8 000 / samsun .com/za really. Those who escaped the more gorgeous to look at and This one’s asleek, powerful, elegant phone and attention of the reality TV show equipped with an insanely cool 10 costs less than all your cents combined. host just have the advantage now. smartpen to optimise your usage. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Still the Huawei to own if you’re It improves on the original but for ★★★★✩ from R15 000 / takealot.com an Android fan that price, we’ll stick to the Note 20 Still an excellent purchase if you must have a stylus, even if it’s slipped down the ranks a tad. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TOP TENS TABLETS & STREAMERS 84 HOT UPDATE BUY HOT BUY Apple iPad Pro (2020) Xiaomi Mi Box from R22 000 / istore.co.za from R1 000 / cellucity.co.za The old iPad Pro was already our favourite tablet by miles, and Buying a TV box in SA is a hit or miss, as most of them are mass- the latest update only makes it more desirable. As before, it isn’t produced and run on iffy software. Your best bet is opting for a cheap; but with its huge and super-slick 120Hz Liquid Retina certified Android box, like the Xiaomi Mi Box S. It’s the second of screen, ludicrously speedy internals and double-lens camera its kind, and can stream content in 4K from a variety of services (like the one in the iPhone 11), this is one working device to rule on the market. Already have a smart TV? Just add the Mi Box S them all. Since Apple added cursor support to iPadOS, it’s also to up its streaming game. It’s also got Chromecast built-in, with the best tablet to replace your laptop – and a glimpse into the some Assistant chops to improve its desirability. The Play Store near future of computing. offers a variety of apps that should impress any content snob. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Apple’s mega-tablet evolves into an outstanding Ready to join the Mi too movement? This is by far piece of kit and pulls even further ahead of the pack the best Android box on the market in SA right now 2 Apple iPad Air (2019) oogle Chromecast 3.0 from R11 000 / istore.co.za Admit it, you’ve been waiting for a new m R1 000 / takealot.com iPad Air. An A12 Bionic procesor, improved e Chromecast is a cheaper option to smart specs across the board and an option of your TV, and it works seamlessly. Plug-in, 64GB or 256GB of storage. It’s a very good y and cast from your mobile device time to be an Apple fan. thout hassle. Pair it to a Google Nest and Stuff says ★★★★★ n more control using Google Assistant. ff says ★★★★★ Still the best all-purpose iPad for most st your dreams to the TV UPDATE Huawei MatePad T8 UPDATE Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K from R1 490 / takealot.com 3 from R3 000 / huawei.com/za A fantastic, well-priced little tablet, one that Amazon’s latest streaming stick offers 4K truly shines in all the areas that someone plus a faster processor than its predecessor who wants a slightly chunkier device for and comes with an Alexa Voice Remote. It games, series and books is really looking at. doesn’t have Showmax, but the selection Kid friendly features are an extra bonus. of third-party apps is excellent. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Cheap and compact without dropping quality This is the best stick you can buy UPDATE Apple iPad Pro (2019) UPDATE Apple TV 4K 4 ★★★★★ from R17 000 / istore.co.za 4 ★★★★✩ from R4 250 / takealot.com Still not cheap, but still a powerhouse of raw f you’re in the Apple ecosystem, might as processing power with a beautiful display. well cough up for this one. It works. Well. UPDATE Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 UPDATE Ematic 4K Android TV 5 ★★★★★ from R12 700 / samsun .com/za 5 ★★★★✩ R1 200 / takealot.co.za This is the Android tablet to get if you like The Ematic Box can turn just about any doodling or gaming on tablets. display into a smart TV hub. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

85 TVs TOP TENS TIPS & The C9 offers It’ll recommend HOT TRICKS assistant-smarts — content based on BUY choose between what you’ve LG’s own ThinQ, previously watched LG OLED 65C9PUA Goo le Assistant at certain times and Amazon Alexa. throu hout the day. from R47 000 / lg.com/za Replacing its memorable predecessor, last year’s C-class OLED gives you LG’s most advanced picture and processing tech. It’s got the snappy as heck Alpha9 processor. Along with being faster than we can handle, the set looks beautiful in any setting. Even at its thickest point, the 65in C9 measures just 4.7cm. Joining four HDMI 2.1 sockets, the C9 has three USB ports, ethernet, optical and headphone outputs, and aerial and satellite connections. Oh, and it’s got 4K output. Stuff says ★★★★★ As expected, the updated C9 is the closest you’ll get to a tiny home cinema ● NOW ADD THIS Sony PlayStation 4 Pro You’re going to want to use your 4K screen to display 4K bits and the PS4 Pro is going to help you to do that. Best when paired with Sony’s PlayStation VR headset (R4 800). R7 000 / playstation.com/za 2 NEW 3 NEW NEW Samsung QA65Q60T 4 ★★★★★ from R19 000 / samsung.com/za Purely on a bang for buck basis, the Q60T is everything you could possibly ask for. NEW Panasonic 65FZ950 5 ★★★★★ from R36 000 / digitalexperience.co.za While rare in South Africa, it’s well worth the effort of tracking this bad boy down. NEW LG 55NANO86 NanoCell UHD 6 ★★★★★ from R14 700 / kloppers.co.za We never wanted to tear oureyes away from this gorgeous screen and niether will you. 7 Samsung 55Q7F Sony 65A8H Sony 55X90H NEW ★★★★★ R18 000 / samsun .com/za Samsung’s 4K TV supports HDR and has a price from R65 000 / sony.com/za from R40 000 / sony.com/za 8 that means you’ll still able to eat at month end. The Sony 65A8H might look a While Samsung’s QA65 snubs NEW Samsung 75Q950TS bit pricey (because it is) and short special features to concentrate on of a feature or two (because it is), a consistent picture, ourpick from 9 ★★★★★ from R150 000 / samsun .com/za but that doesn’t mean it’s not a Sony’s 2020 LED range packs in the An amazing 8K TV but that price is… well, let’s be brilliant TV. Because it is. What proprietary TV tech to select what HOT honest, if you’re not Jeff Bezos, it’s too high. it lacks in HDR10+ and HDMI 2.1 it considers the optimal settings BUY support it makes up for with for whatever you’re watching. The Skyworth UB7500 amazing image quality, impressive 55X90H produces some beautiful 10 full range sound and an intuitive colours upscaling nearly everything ★★★★✩ from9 000 / takealot.com Android interface. to 4K-esque quality. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for a lesser television. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Doesn’t do absolutely everything, This smart Sony might be your Skyworth 55G7200 but what it does it does brilliantly secret weapon ★★★★✩ R7 000 / skyworth.com A 55in 4K display for under R10k? For that combo, we’ll forgive the user interface missteps. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TOP TENS LAPTOPS 86 TIPS & Who needs a Touch The universal 1 HOT UPDATE TRICKS Bar? You can lo into clipboard lets you BUY your Mac with your copy text on your iPhone’s Touch ID iPhone and paste it Apple MacBook Pro 2019 usin the MacID app. directly to your Mac. from R26 000 (13in) / istore.co.za The entry-level MacBook Pro received a noteworthy spec bump last year, and the base 13in variation won’t necessarily break the bank. What this also means, is the previous-gen Pro’s have received a price cut. Which makes them even more desirable. But the 2019 Pro’s now run 8th- and 9th-gen Intel Core processors, and the 15in model packs up to 8-cores. It retains the Touch Bar, Retina Display, Touch ID, some nifty SSDs and the trusty Apple T2 Security Chip. Now if we could just get these a little cheaper, that’d be grand. Stuff says ★★★★★ A bump in spec is exactly what the best MacBook needed to dominate ● NOW ADD THIS Satechi Type-C USB 3 Combo Hub Two ports not enough? This hub adds loads more and sits snugly against the MacBook Pro’s side. R800 / amazon.com 3 NEW UPDATE Dell XPS 13 (2019) 4 ★★★★★ from R25 000 / evetech.co.za Dell’s XPS 13 is still an excellent choice, but the competition gets better by the day. NEW Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 5 ★★★★★ from R40 000 / evetech.co.za Gaming has never felt as good (or as metal) as this iron-clad warrior makes the experience. NEW Surface Pro 7 6 ★★★★★ R22 000 / incredibleconnection.co.za Microsoft’s hybrid is a versatile, portable productivity machine that justifies its price. UPDATE Apple MacBook Air 13in 7 ★★★★★ from R21 000 / istore.co.za As stylish as it ever was, Apple’s Air is due for Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Asus ExpertBook B9 8 a refresh locally after an international update. from R23 000 / incredible.co.za R33 000 / asus.com/za NEW MSI GT76 Titan Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 3 It’s called the Expertbook for a 9 ★★★★★ from R65 000 / evetech.co.za isn’t going to dethrone the Apple reason. Toting some of Intel’s finest It packs a punch with at least an RTX 2070 GPU MacBook Pro as the king of the 13in Core-i7 silicon, up to 16GB of RAM UPDATE and up to an Intel Core i9 in a weighty chassis. castle but it’s bound to make the and up to 1TB of SSD storages, it’s brand (at least, in SA) keep a hand as quick as you need it for business 10 Asus ProArt StudioBook Pro 17 to its neck. Slick design, excellent tasks. It’s a bit of a specialist that battery life and that excellent way, but the 14in HD LED panel is ★★★★★ from R46 000 / evetech.co.za Matte Black hue make this one also no slouch when it comes to The best desktop replacement for any creative Microsoft royalty. Apple’s design media consumption after a long, or designer looking to go portable. team should be a tad worried. hard day in the boardroom. MSI PS63 Modern Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ We couldn’t be more pleased In need of a new work PC? You ★★★★★ from R26 000 / evetech.co.za with our first Surface laptop won’t find one better than this Does MSI’s multimedia editing-slayer still play games? Yes. Yes, it bloody well does. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

87 SMARTWATCHES, FITNESS TRACKERS TOP TENS HOT NEW HOT BUY Y Apple Watch Series 6 Garmin Fenix 5S from R9 000 / istore.co.za from R10 900 / garmin.co.za The Apple Watch Series 6 is the next step forward for all you After looking at them for a bit, the difference between the fashionable fitness junkies. It improves on the Series 5 in every Fenix 5 and 5S are… well, they’re not that different actually. Both way, enhancing what was already the best smartwatch on are incredibly effective fitness trackers, designed to withstand the market. With a capacity of 32GB, a battery life of around the roughest of tumbles. The best part of the 5S is that you 18 hours on a full charge and every sensor you could possibly get most of the benefits of the Fenix 5, like GPS, GLONASS, need, there’s just something about the efficiency of the Apple a three-axis compass, a barometric altimeter and up to nine Watch that pulls us back in. It gives you everything you need days battery life for a cheaper price tag. Track everything from and looks slick while it does it. swimming to golf, with Garmin Connect handling your data. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ It’s only logical to upgrade when the Apple Watch Every athlete should own a Fenix 5S. Durable, powerful continues being the best in the biz and built to take the heat, it’s tremendous UPDATE Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 NEW Huawei Band 4e 2 from R9 000 / samsun .com/za 2 R500 / consumer.huawei.com A robust piece of tech that’ll probably last It’s the simplicity and value for money that’s NEW longer than you’d expect, with a sturdy build, ranked the Huawei Band 4e so highly. Many great design and decent specs. The Samsung fitness trackers get stuck with unnecessary 4 Galaxy Watch 3 doesn’t lack much, and features but this beauty is plain and simple there’s a helluva lot to love about it. with a price that justifies the efficiency. UPDATE Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ 5 A powerhouse filled with cool features Why over complicate what should be simple Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro UPDATE Fitbit Inspire HR from R7 000 / consumer.huawei.com from R1 900 / incredibleconnection.co.za Fast, stylish and suitable for any occasion, Fitbit’s latest is a great little tracker. As well the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro is built to fit any as step-counting, it’s surprisingly capable lifestyle. Able to take a tumble while still for proper run-tracking if you go out with looking like a fetching accessory, it’s priced a phone. Add notifications and that’s just just right to compete in the big leagues. about everything we want in a low-key band. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Rugged and stylish in one cheap package All the tracking skills that most people need Garmin Forerunner 945 4 Fitbit Alta HR ★★★★★ from R12 000 / armin.co.za ★★★★★ R3 000 / fitbit.com Check temperature and altitude acclimation, The slim design, HR monitor, and notifications make NFC payments, play music and more. make this the best discreet wristable. Garmin Fenix 6 5 Garmin Vivosmart HR+ ★★★★★ from R9 000 / makro.co.za ★★★★✩ R2 500 / armin.co.za The best fitness-orientated smartwatch, A superb tracker packed with features; it’s offering incredible levels of detail. just a little bulky for wearing 24/7. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TOP TENS BUDGET BUYS 88 1 HOT NEW BUY TIPS & TRICKS Razer Seiren Make sure you’re Mini Microphone sitting a comfortable distance away from R1 150 / evetech.co.za the mic to avoid distortion. It’s rare that one encounters a microphone this Wanna try recording small that works so well. The new Razer Seiren yourself? Download is the microphone for anyone who spends Audacity and give plenty of hours talking at the computer and it a whirl! doesn’t want a clunky mic hanging over their The Seiren Mini mouth. It’s also adorable, sitting comfortably Microphone comes out of the way while still putting out some in three colours: impressively clear audio at a reasonable price. Black, Mercury and Quartz. Stuff says ★★★★★ One of the best sounding mics we’ve ever heard in this price range ● NOW ADD THIS Hybrid FM02 - Pop Filter Make sure those plosives aren’t punching your listeners in the face with a proper pop filter. R250 / takealot.com 2 NEW 3 UPDATE UE Wonderboom 2 4 ★★★★★ R1 500 / takealot.com A rugged little wonder that’ll bring a sonic boost to any occasion without breaking the bank. UPDATE Raspberry Pi Zero W 5 ★★★★★ R340 / makro.co.za No need for dongles or hubs. With the wireless Pi, your projectscan be squeezed into smaller places. 6 Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 ★★★★★ R1 300 / photofreedom.co.za The latest Instax Mini is fun, compact, quirky and perfect for a day out with some friends. NEW Ring Solar Panel V4 7 ★★★★★ R1 000 /takealot.com Make sure your security camera never runs out of juice with this adorable solar panel. Asus Strix Pro Gaming Headset SNES Classic Mini NEW Logitech G403 Hero R1 180 / evetech.co.za R1 280 / takealot.com 8 ★★★★★ R1 150 /wootware.co.za A fantastic mouse that looks and feels fantastic Fully compatible with PC, Mac and Why splash out over R6000 on a 9 even if you’re on a budget. PS4, the ASUS Strix Pro Gaming games console when you can get Headset provides an immersive the SNES Classic Mini for so much UPDATE Amazon Kindle gaming experience for a great less? You get 21 titles pre-installed price. With the 7.1 surround sound on this nostalgia-inducing little 10 ★★★★★ from R1 600 / circuitcity.co.za and 90% noise cancellation, you’ll machine, including the likes of Top of our holiday packing list, the basic Kindle battle to find a quality headset like Super Metroid, A Link to the Past is thinner and lighter than its predecessor. this for a cheaper price. and Super Mario World. Ryze Tello Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Trust us when we say this one of the Retro-minded Nintendo fans won’t ★★★★✩ R2 000 / takealot.com best budget headsets on the market find better value anywhere Rule the skies without breaking the bank with this affordable toy drone. FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

89 DRONES, ACTION CAMS & COMPACTS TOP TENS 1 HOT BUY DJI Mavic Mini Sony ZV-1 R8 900 / istore.co.za R17 000 / takealot.com The Mavic Mini definitely won’t be for everyone. If you want Offering excellent image quality, a great range of video options maximum control over your footage, have no qualms about and features designed specifically for vloggers on the go, Sony registering your drone, need 4K capture at 60fps, are OK with outdoes their previous compact camera, the RX-100. Our only spending the best part of R20k and consider object-tracking issue is the lack of a touchscreen, which still blows our minds, a must-have, you’ll want to look elsewhere. If, however, you and the battery being inaccessible if the camera is mounted. Yet just want to get a fantastic balance of user experience, features, those are small gripes with a piece of hardware that is one of convenience and quality at a stomachable price, the Mavic Mini the best available on the market and an easy recommend for is the most accessible premium drone we’ve used to date. anyone looking at investing in quality, portable cameras. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Dinky drones don’t come more feature-packed, and A tremendous compact camera that demonstrates bigger drones than this need to be registered. Win! how Sony is still at the top of the photography game NEW GoPro Hero 9 Black 2 Sony DSC-RX100 V A UPDAT R10 400 / takealot.com R18 000 / premiumbrands.co.za Taking the already excellent GoPro Hero 8 We wouldn’t recommend buying this 3 and making it even better, the Hero 9 is camera if you already own the old IV model, GoPro’s best camera to date with a beefed but a few improvements ensures this UPDATE up battery, dual screen functionality and pocket camera remains one of the finest some impressive software improvements. point-and-shoots we’ve ever seen, 4 Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ 5 You won’t find a better action camera anywhere Premium point-and-shoot perfection DJI Osmo Action 3 Panasonic Lumix TZ220 R6 000 / istore.co.za R13 000 / panasonic.com/za The image stabilisation is sensational and the This Panasonic compact is a significant face-optimised metering makes DJI’s action upgrade from the TZ110, offering extra cam an ideal choice for vloggers. It has some reach with the zoom lens, better colour idiosyncrasies, but this is a smart shooter reproduction, and an improved experience that captures great footage without faff. when using the electronic viewfinder. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Despite a few quirks, this is a stellar cam Small, neat and not dramatically overpriced DJI Mavic 2 Pro 4 Sony DSC-RX100 VI ★★★★★ R32 500 / takealot.com ★★★★★ R21 800 / premiumbrands.co.za Superbly responsive in the air, this is the gold A true all-rounder that shoots 24fps at full standard in portable flyers. resolution with a whopping 8x zoom lens. DJI Mavic Air 5 Panasonic Lumix LX100 II ★★★★★ R15 560 / istore.co.za ★★★★★ R13 200 / panasonic.com/za A stellar gadget that combines the best One of the most capable compacts on the bits from the Spark and the Mavic Pro. market, with superb stills and HD video. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TOP TENS VR HEADSETS & VR GAMES 90 Oculus Quest 2 Half-Life: Alyx from R12 500 / takealot.com from R330 / Oculus Quest/Rift, Vive, Valve Index The Oculus Quest has finally been dethroned by it’s bigger It’s Half-Life, right? Developers Valve said they’d only go back and better sibling, the Quest 2. It’s still the most efficient way to to the legendary franchise when there was some new kind of experience VR with the lack of cables and physically tethering technology they wanted to show off and boy howdy, did they to a PC making for an experience that’s like no other. The succeed with Alyx. One of the most detailed, comprehensive increased resolution, sitting at 1832x1920 means 50% more games in VR, Half-Life: Alyx tells a compelling story with pixels than the original Quest, 6GB of RAM and the 90hz refresh riveting combat that shifts from explosive fire-fights to quietly rate should hopefully alleviate any nausea and means the disposing of zombies. Interacting with the environment in system runs faster and smoother than ever. virtual space is amazingly done. There’s nothing else like it. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ The Oculus Quest 2 is the best even if you have to jump Valve proves VR could very well be the future through some hoops because nothing comes close to playing this game NEW Star Wars: Squadrons 2UPDATE Oculus Quest from R15 000 / 180by2.co.za from R650 / Valve Index, Vive, Oculus The original Oculus Quest is nothing to turn The closest you’ll come to sitting in a real your nose up at. It’s still just as portable and X-Wing cockpit and blowing up those easy to use, making for an entry into Virtual dastardly enemy TIE fighters, Star Wars: Reality that’s more streamlined than most Squadrons campaign and multiplayer is some headsets (bar one obvious one). of the most fun we’ve had in VR all year. Stuff says ★★★★✩ Stuff says ★★★★★ It’s the older model but it's still impressive Nothing like the smell of photon torpedoes HTC Vive 3 The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners R12 000 / makro.co.za from R220 / PSVR, Oculus, Vive, Valve Index Now that prices have levelled out, there isn’t The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners is much difference between the HTC Vive not only tense when it ramps up the stakes and Oculus Rift in all honesty. But if you’re but undeniably fun as you plot your next thinking of upgrading to the Vive Pro in the escape without burning through too many future, this is a great gateway headset. resources. It’s vicious, vile and so much fun. Stuff says ★★★★✩ Stuff says ★★★★★ A solid choice for immersive virtual reality Horrific fun from start to finish 4UPDATE HTC Vive Pro Beat Saber ★★★★✩ R33 000 (full kt) / evetech.co.za This high-end headset offers the best VR ★★★★★ from R175 / Oculus Rift, Vive, PSVR Dual laser swords are meant for slicing and experience by a long way. But at a price. dicing blocks to the thumping beat of a song. 5UPDATE Oculus Go UPDATE Superhot VR ★★★★✩ from R7 00 / takealot.co.za ★★★★★ from R200 / Oculus Rift, Vive, PSVR Go-godancewith the Goon the go. It’s cheaper Blitz your opponents with streams of bullets than the Quest, and a standalone headset. as if you were in your very own Matrix movie. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

91 SYSTEM CAMERAS TOP TENS TIPS & HOT TRICKS BUY Pre-shot ES mode Fujifilm X-T3 starts takin photos and addin them to R23 000 (body) / myfujifilm.co.za the buffer as soon as you half-press. It’s really hard to find anything bad to say about the X-T3 – it’s just consistently great in so Sports Finder mode’s many ways. Fuji has looked at virtually every display enables you feature on the X-T2 and upgraded it. With to see what’s about substantial tweaks made to the pro-level to come into frame video options, the high-res EVF, the super-fast for movin shots. autofocus and the burst shooting, what you’re left with is an all-round beast of a camera in a Tappin an area on small, beautiful form. As APS-C shooters go, it’s the 3in touchscreen the best there is. will let you set the focus point or take Stuff says ★★★★★ an instant shot. An incredible stills shooter with video smarts to match ● NOW ADD THIS Manfrotto 190 Go! Carbon Fibre Tripod You no longer have an excuse for wobbly photos with this carbon-fibre tripod. It weighs just 1.65kg. R4 350 / ormsdirect.co.za 2 4UPDATE Sony A6500 ★★★★★ from R20 700 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za A cracking system camfor action photography, but stick with the A6300 if your budget is tight. UPDATE Fujifilm X-T30 5 ★★★★★ R17 700 (body) / myfujifilm.co.za You get the X-T3’s sensor in a cheaper, smaller body with more spare change for buying lenses. 6 Fujifilm X-T200 ★★★★★ R16 500 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za A compact, lightweight and easy-to-master camera that won’t break the bank. Sony A7 III Panasonic Lumix G9 7 Canon EOS 90D R44 000 / premiumbrands.co.za R22 100 / takealot.com ★★★★ R23 500 / ormsdirect.co.za An updated all-rounder, the 90D builds on the The A7 III manages to pack in a lot The G9 is the best Lumix camera 8 80D with increased power and more megapixels. of technology and desirability for to date and a cracking choice for less than R40k. It’s a fantastic wildlife or action photography. UPDATE Nikon Z6 all-rounder that’s well suited to This diminutive cam’s images a bunch of shooting scenarios, aren’t up with the best, particularly 9 ★★★★★ R42 000 (body) / nikon.co.za coping well with landscapes, in low light, but the plus sides are A top-notch and reasonably sized mirrorless portraits, and even a little bit lightning shooting speeds and a UPDATE camera from the optical experts. of high-speed sport shooting. great system of small, light lenses. As a camera design it’s admitedly With 4K video and handy shooting 10 Nikon D850 not the prettiest thing we’ve ever modes also on board, it’s one of seen, but it handles well for its most versatile high-end mirrorless ★★★★★ R65 000 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za compact size. cameras you can buy. This super-cam has enough fantastic features to excel in pretty much any situation. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ A fantastic all-rounder that excels The perfect companion for the Fujifilm GFX 50S in low-light conditions travelling wildlife photographer ★★★★★ R111 800 / ormsdirect.co.za It’s not cheap, but no camera we’ve tested takes better photos than this. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TOP TENS HEADPHONES 92 HOT BUY 1 Sony WH-1000XM3 Sony WF-1000XM3 R6 500 / takealot.com R5 000 / takealot.com Sony’s WH-1000 series was already a top performer, and the The original WF-1000XMs had an easy job in the early days of WH-1000XM3s make for an even more compelling package. noise-cancelling in-ears, because there simply wasn’t much in With Bluetooth wireless and great noise-cancellation, they’re the way of competition. That’s all changed now – yet the way the ultimate public transport stress killer… well, aside from a the XM3s serve up sound quality as spectacular as this while chauffeur or a lottery win that lets you retire. The leather pads being truly wireless, while effectively cancelling background make them incredibly easy to wear, not unlike sitting in one of noise and while remaining comfortable in the ears, is quite those ultra-comfy leather chairs, and most importantly of all something. So, just as it was with the original XMs, it’s job the sound quality is fantastic. done for Sony. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Great wireless headphones with effective ANC and Outright winners on design, build, specifications and, a sound that nails just about everything most importantly of all, performance UPDATE Bowers & Wilkins PX7 UPDATE Samsung Galaxy Buds Live R7 700 / takealot.com R3 500 / samsun .com/za B&W’s second ANC headphones place Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds Live are the greater emphasis on comfort and are all best from the company yet. If anything, the better for it, while the noise-killing is they’ve gotten better over time. Call quality as effective as you’ll find anywhere. Oh, and is good but music playback is fantastic. they sound flipping good too. It’s hard to imagine life without them. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ B&W takes on the best with top-class cans The best sounding beans we’ve ever heard UPDATE Bose NCH 700 UPDATE Samsung Galaxy Buds+ 3 R11 800 / takealot.com 3 from R3 100 / samsun .com/za You won’t find a better voice pickup system Samsung’s latest in-ears bring a step up in thanBose’s, while the company’s already audio quality from the original Galaxy Buds exceptional noise-cancelling tech is now thanks to separate woofers and tweeters even better. Other features, such as the tuned by AKG – and they now support slick touch controls, are also winners. Apple devices as well as Android. Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ As all-rounders these are hard to beat A solid upgrade for these true wireless in-ears 4 B&O H9i UPDATE Jabra Elite Sport ★★★★★ R8 300 / takealot.com Frequent flyers and long-range commuters: ★★★★★ R3 260 / loot.co.za these are the headphones for you. In-ear heart monitoring, nine hours of battery life and a fitness-focussed app. BARGAIN Sennheiser HD 4.50BTNC Apple Airpods Pro BUY 5UPDATE ★★★★★ R2 600 / loot.co.za UPDATE ★★★★★ from R5 000 / istore.co.za Priced right, wireless, and with noise cancelling. Not really ’Pro’, but still excellent wireless The catch? No, there’s no catch at all. 5 in-ears for iPhone users. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TIPS & You can control your Auto Trueplay adapts 93 WIRELESS SPEAKERS TOP TENS TRICKS Move with the touch the Move’s sound controls on top, the to different rooms, 1 HOT Sonos app, Goo le while the app offers BUY Assistant or Alexa. additional EQ tweaks. Sonos Move from R8 600 / sonos.co.za The Sonos range of wireless speakers had been crying out for a battery-powered portable model for ages – and finally our favourite multiroom audio specialist caved in. Luckily, the Move was worth the wait. Its adaptability and sound quality mean it’s fine value for money, and a no-brainer for anyone who’s already a fan of the brand. Not only is this the speaker Sonos should have launched years ago – it’s one of the best products of its type and price that we’ve heard. Stuff says ★★★★★ Sonos finally gets up to speed with the portable speaker craze, and in style ● NOW ADD THIS Spotify Premium Sick of playing your iTunes library on repeat? Sign up to Spotify for more new music than you could ever possibly listen to. R60/month / spotify.com UPDATE UE Megaboom 3 ★★★★★ R4 000 / takealot.com You’ll struggle to find a better, longer-lasting or more feature-laden portable Bluetooth speaker. UPDATE JBL Xtreme 2 5 ★★★★★ R5 300 / takealot.com The updated Xtreme offers all the bass for 15-odd hours. UPDATE JBL Pulse 4 ★★★★★ R4 500 / takealot.com A small boost up from the Pulse 3 makes the Pulse 4 worth every cent. UPDATE Braven 705 7 ★★★★★ R1 010 / takealot.com A massive price drop makes the 705 such a bargain it’s worth getting two to pair up. UE WonderBoom 2 DreamWave Tremor 8 JBL Clip 3 from R1 500 / takealot.com from R3 500 / takealot.com ★★★★★ R900 / takealot.com A pocket-sized party package that delivers This tiny speaker is a delight. It’s With 50W of thumping audio UPDATE pounding performance while being pound-proof. ideal for the park, or even if you’re output, a humongous 20800mAh looking to use one (or two) to rechargeable battery that provides 9 Fender Newport supercharge your bedroom setup. up to 18 hours at medium volume Audio quality is ramped up from its (or eight at full tilt), and the most UPDATE ★★★★★ from R4 000 / takealot.com predecessor, giving you better rugged body we’ve ever seen in a Great battery life, incredible sound and good bass and more detail, but not at speaker, the Tremor is a real beast 1 looks make this amp imitator utterly irresistible. the expense of dinky portability. of a portable noise maker. Marshall Kilburn II Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ A rugged little wonder that’ll bring It’ll last all day: come rain, snow, ★★★★✩ R5 000 / hificorp.co.za a sonic boost to any occasion sand or being rolled down a hill The Kilburn II is a speaker with rock-god cred and a 20-hour battery. Weighs 3kg, though. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TOP TENS CONSOLES 94 1 OT NEW GOT EARS? UY THEN CHECK OUT… PlayStation 5 R12 000 / koodoo.co.za Next-gen is finally here and it’s looking better than ever. The YOUR ESSENTIAL PlayStation 5 is a behemoth of a console and that size isn’t just AUDIO GUIDE TO for show. Games load faster and look better than ever before WHAT’S HOT IN thanks to the new solid state drive and the actual machine is quieter than ever. Then there’s the DualSense 5 controller which GADGETS is just… monumentally cool. Alongside a stellar line up of launch games, Sony has really outdone itself with it’s latest console, justifying that price tag. The PS5 is an amazing console all round. Stuff says ★★★★★ An amazing controller and some solid launch titles make for a great kick off to next-gen gaming N Xbox Series X R12 000 / incredibleconnection.co.za Microsoft’s next-gen offering isn’t too shabby either. It’s a beast of a console with some impressive hardware to boot. The reason it’s not in first place is a disappointing controller and lack of launch games. Stuff says ★★★★★ It’s good but could be better Nintendo Switch ● BITING COMMENTARY ● BRILLIANT INSIGHTS ● (BAD) JOKES! R8 000 / store.nintendo.co.za ● GADGET HANDS-ONS Nintendo’s console earned a promotion in our list after it impressed us with a growing list of fantastic games. Plus, no other device here offers the joy of portable gaming. Long journeys will never be boring again. Stuff says ★★★★★ This 2-in-1 console is the real deal UPDATE PlayStation 4 Pro FIND IT ON iTUNES, SOUNDCLOUD OR YOUR PODCAST PLAYER OF CHOICE UPDATE ★★★★★ from R8 000 / koodoo.co.za SIMPLY SEARCH FOR “STUFFED” A great all round console with one of the 5 best libraries of games in recent memory. www.stuff.co.za/hubs/podcasts-videos/ Nintendo Switch Lite ★★★★★ from R5 000 / store.nintendo.co.za Yeah, it’s a tiny bit smaller. But it’s also cheaper and just as powerful as its big bro. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

1 95 GAMES TOP TENS TIPS & HOT TRICKS BUY Resources are The Last of Us Part II everywhere so don’t be a miser when it from R1 000 / PS4 comes to combat. The Last of Us Part II is a brilliant playthrough for anyone who enjoys a challenging game filled Shatterin lass with heart-wrenching storylines, well-built isn’t just fun, it also characters and beautiful graphics. Be warned makes for a reat though, it’s a brutal experience that pushes the distraction to cover boundaries for cinematic storytelling in the an escape. medium but you’ll be taken to some darkly emotional places. Yet in doing so, TLOU II proves that videos are so much more than just fun time killers by being a thought-provoking exploration of trauma, pain, revenge and forgiveness. Stuff says ★★★★★ Viscerally brutal and beautiful in equal measure, we’ll never forget this game ● OR PLAY THIS Final Fantasy VII Remake A loving remake of a classic that’s both gorgeous to look at and fun to play. from R1 100 / PS4 NEW Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 2 3 4NEW ★★★★★ from R1 200 / PS4, PS5, Xbox SXS, OX, PC You wouldn’t think crafty assassins and vikings would mix but they do. Oh boy, they do. 5 Doom Eternal ★★★★★ from R500 / PS4, Xbox One, PC Slaying thousands of demons with a shotgun and a laser greatsword… Need we say more? 6 Ghost of Tsushima ★★★★★ from R1 000 / PS4 A beautiful, expansive open world overflowing with satisfying fights and things to discover. 7 Resident Evil 3 ★★★★★ from R865 / PS4, Xbox One, PC Short, focused and captivating. This is a worthy follow up to last year’s Resident Evil 2 Remake. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 CallofDuty Black Ops: Cold War NEW Crash Bandicoot: It’s About Time from R850 / PS4, Xbox One, PC R1 300 / PS4, PS5, Xbox SXS, XO, PC 8 ★★★★★ from R1 200 / PS4, Xbox One A modernised take on a classic formula, THPS 1+2 doesn’t play like the Black Ops finally heads back to 9 Crash Bandicoot still rules. original, it plays the way you the most interesting setting the remember the original which is Call of Duty franchise has tackled 10 Ori and the Will of the Wisps what every remake should strive yet: The Cold War. Not only does for. Exhilarating fun alongside a it look phenomenal but that fast, ★★★★★ from R175 / PC, Xbox One, Switch banger of a soundtrack with no frenetic combat is back and better Setting the standard for the best looking game way of breaking real bones. Play it than ever. A bombastic shooter of the year with a soundtrack to back it up. even if you skipped the PS1 classic. that’s better than ever. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Stuff says ★★★★★ Stuff says ★★★★★ Finding that perfect line for the Committing war crimes for Reagan ★★★★✩ from R1 200 / Switch highest combo never gets old has never been so much fun Adorable until at some point all the work to pay off a house becomes a little too real. FOR UP TO DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

WISHLIST WLIISSTH It’s that time of year where you Home Tech Gaming Retro battle to buy gifts for all and Worker Nomad geek head sundry, but the hardest part is a surfeit of choice mucking things p97 p98 p100 p102 up. Worry not, for Stuff’s tech wish list will save your present-buying Fitness Movie Photo Tech plans. Or completely ruin them, Freak buff fiend Tyke we’re not sure… p104 p106 p108 p110 96