REVIEWS: GOOGLE PIXEL 9A • APPLE iPAD AIR (M3)

JULY 2025

BEST
MID-
RANGE
PHONES
HIGH-END
FEATURES
WITHOUT THE
HIGH-END PRICE

ANDROID 16
EVERYTHING
YOU NEED
TO KNOW
CONTENTS

84

NEWS REVIEWS
4 One UI 8 is coming sooner 26 Google Pixel 9a
than you think 37 Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro
6 Half the Google Play Store apps 54 Xiaomi Pad 7
just disappeared – here’s why 63 Apple iPad Air (M3)
8 Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 71 Honor Watch 5 Ultra
could mark the death of the 78 Oura Ring 4
S26 Plus
10 Sony Xperia 1 VII launches with BUYING GUIDE
AI features and a new ultrawide 84 Best mid-range phones

ANDROID 16 FEATURE
12 Android 16: Everything 94 I switched to a dumb phone
you need to know vœÀÇ`>Þð ˆ`ˆÌwÝ“Þ
19 Four ways Android 16 will screen addiction?
change your phone 100 I switched from Android to
22 Opinion: Android 16 has iPhone after 12 years. Here’s
gone full Gen Z, and I’m not what I learned
here for it

2 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 12

26 54

94 100

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 3

NEWS

One UI 8 is coming
sooner than you think
Android 16 coming to Samsung phones this summer. JON MUNDY reports

S
amsung has revealed when One UI scheme of thing, so we’re not expecting
8 could be set to launch, and it’s a universally speedy adaptation to
probably sooner than you think. Google’s more urgent schedule.
With Google set to launch Samsung, however, could be one of
Android 16 earlier than expected in Ì iwÀÃÌ̜Õ“«°
June, the onus is now on third-party
manufacturers to come up with an WHAT SAMSUNG HAS TO SAY
Android 16-based UI update in a ABOUT THE ONE UI 8 LAUNCH
timely fashion. In Samsung’s recent Android Show: I/O
It’s not something that many have Edition section, company VP and Head
been too hot at under the current of Smartphone Planning Minseok Kang

4 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

had an interesting
comment on
Android 16. “This
summer, the all new
Android 16 will be
coming to Samsung
devices,” he said.
This would
seem to suggest
that Android 16,
with Samsung’s
own One UI 8
layered on top,
will be arriving on It’s thought that Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series of phones will get
Samsung devices Android 16 in June.
relatively shortly
after Google brings it to market. We have also heard that One UI 8
will be available on the Samsung Galaxy
RELEASE DATE Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 at launch, which
‘Summer’ is a vague window that could could well occur in July.
see Android 16 hitting the Samsung
Galaxy S25 (and others) promptly in
June, or towards the end of September.
Still, we know that Samsung is at
least intent on a swift turnaround,
doubtless prompted by its uniquely
close software partnership with Google.
That didn’t stop the One UI 7 rollout
from being delayed for Samsung’s lesser
and older phones, but we’re hopeful
that things will be much smoother this
time around. After all, early reveals on
One UI 8 suggest it’s going to be a
relatively minor update.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 5

NEWS

Half the Google

Play Store apps just
disappeared – here’s why
Huge crackdown on scam Android apps. JON MUNDY reports

G
oogle has been purging apps Store dropped from 3.4 million apps
from its Android app store, worldwide to around 1.8 million apps.
with around half culled in That’s a loss of 47 percent of the apps
the past year. available to Android users.
A new report from TechCrunch This isn’t a general trend either, as
­Ìˆ˜ÞÕÀ°Vœ“ÉÎÈÓÀnxÃÕ]ÕȘ}w}ÕÀià Apple’s iOS App Store library grew ever
vÀœ“Ƃ««w}ÕÀiÌiÃÌ >Ì]vÀœ“Ì i so slightly during the same time, from
start of 2024 to today, the Google Play 1.6 million to 1.64 million apps.

6 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

WHY ARE ANDROID however: app releases are up 7.1
#225|&+5#22'#4+0)! percent year on year as of April.
Google’s shorter, more lax app review Hopefully this indicates a resurgence
process has led to a proliferation of of genuine top quality apps and games
poor quality and even downright rather than a return to the Wild West
scamming apps on the Google Play days of the Google Play Store.
[Link] sheer number of apps has
made it tougher for the genuine article
from developers to get noticed.
This led Google to raise its minimum
requirements for app apps in July
2024 – smack bang in the middle of
the period in question. From this point
on, Google announced it would cull
apps that had “limited functionality
and content” rather than for simply
being broken.

WHAT DOES GOOGLE SAY

#$1766*'&412+0#225!
In response to this investigation, Google
also revealed that it had invested in AI
threat detection to cut down on hostiles
apps on the Play Store, as well as
instituting stronger privacy laws.
The result of these combined
measures is that the company rejected
the applications of a staggering 2.36
million apps, and banned more than
158,000 developer accounts – all
preventing potentially harmful or
policy-violating apps from being made
available to Android users.
̈ÃܜÀÌ ˜œÌˆ˜}œ˜iw˜>«œˆ˜Ì]

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 7

NEWS

Samsung Galaxy S25

Edge could mark the
death of the S26 Plus
Is the Galaxy S26 Plus being Edged out? JON MUNDY reports

S
amsung has just announced the Galaxy S26 Edge could arrive earlier
Galaxy S25 Edge, and it may have in the year as part of the wider Galaxy
just spelled the end of the Plus S26 range.
smartphone series as we know it. That has the potential to annoy any
According to a new report from Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge buyers, who
South Korean website The Elec (tinyurl. ܈w˜`Ì iˆÀË£]䙙« œ˜iÃÕ«iÀÃi`i`
com/4bhp3w3d), next year’s Samsung within eight months.

8 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

GAINING AN EDGE, 17 Plus for the new super-slim model.
LOSING A PLUS Still another source seems to
However, that’s not the biggest news suggest that Samsung is producing
to emerge from this latest rumour. four AMOLED displays for next year’s
Apparently, the Galaxy S26 Edge y>}à ˆ«ˆ˜i‡Õ«]Ü ˆV ܜՏ`ÃÕ}}iÃÌ
wouldn’t join the existing roster so much that Samsung is going go with a four-
as it would replace one of the members. model approach for the Galaxy S26
It’s claimed that the Samsung Galaxy range. Time will tell.
26+ would be jettisoned in favour for We have our own reservations
Samsung’s second-generation skinny about the whole skinny phone
model. The Samsung Galaxy S25+ could approach. Give us a small footprint
be the last Plus model we ever see. with a huge battery any day.
/ ˆÃˆÃ˜½ÌÌ iwÀÃÌ̈“iÜi½Ûi i>À`
rumours of a major S-series shakeup for
2026. Towards the end of 2024 it was
claimed that Samsung would ditch the
regular Samsung Galaxy S26, leaving
us with just the Plus and the Ultra. That
was before the Edge came into the
equation, of course, with its awkwardly
Plus-sized footprint and display.

DON’T MOURN
THE PLUS JUST YET
The report points out that Samsung
is waiting to see how much of a sales
hit the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
is before it decides either way. You
have to suspect that the success (or
otherwise) of Apple’s forthcoming
iPhone 17 Air will also play a major
part in Samsung’s decision.
Indeed, it’s been suggested before
that Apple may swap out its own iPhone

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 9

NEWS

Sony Xperia 1 VII

launches with AI features
and a new ultrawide
And yes, there’s still a headphone jack. LUKE BAKER reports

S
œ˜ÞÕÃÌ՘Ûiˆi`ˆÌÏ>ÌiÃÌy>}à ˆ« Qualcomm SoC. The Xperia 1 VII is
smartphone, the Xperia 1 VII, and powered by the almighty Snapdragon
at a glance, it looks just like the 8 Elite, which we already know is the
previous version. So, what’s new? Let’s chipset-of-choice for keen gamers. It
take a closer look. comes with an ample 12GB of RAM
With the new model, we get the and 256GB of storage, but that can
obligatory upgrade to the latest be expanded to 2TB of storage if you

10 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

insert a microSD card. Hats off to Sony The phone now uses AI to detect
for being one of the last manufacturers human and animal eyes in the camera
to continue supporting expandable app, as well as estimate the main
Ã̜À>}iœ˜ˆÌÃy>}à ˆ«« œ˜ið7iœÛi subject of your shots. This increases
to see it. There’s even a headphone autofocus reliability and improves white
socket, which is a truly rare sight in 2025 balance and exposure accuracy.
– even if it’s nothing new to Sony fans. The Xperia 1 VII can also use AI to
You still get a 5,000mAh battery, intelligently track subjects throughout
along with 30-watt wired charging the frame. It’s then able to create a
and 15-watt wireless charging, but vertical video from a horizontal video,
Sony reckons it’ll last longer in the real or punch in from 4K for an HD close-up.
world. The brand is claiming two days It’s the kind of feature that could be a
of use per charge, or over 36 hours of godsend for content creators.
continuous video playback. You’ll have / iÀi½Ã>Ãœ>˜iÜœvwVˆ>V>Ãi
to wait for our full review to see if that (sold separately) which adds some
is indeed the case. ergonomic contouring to help when
Elsewhere, there’s a 6.5-inch shooting photos. It’s not as dramatic as
FHD+ 120Hz OLED panel with something like the Photography Kit for
roughly the same specs as last year’s the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, but it should make
model. However, this time it’s up to shooting more comfortable. It also has a
20 percent brighter, with automatic built-in kickstand so you can prop it up
colour adjustments for an optimal for hands-free viewing.
viewing experience. The Sony Xperia 1 VII is available to
Most of the cameras are unchanged pre-order now via Amazon and Sony’s
on this model, but the ultrawide has a website. It comes in either Slate Black,
healthy upgrade. It has been changed Moss Green or Orchid Purple, but I
from a 12Mp 1/1.25-inch sensor, œ«iޜսÀiviiˆ˜}yÕà ]>ÃÌ ˆÃœ˜i܈
to a 50Mp 1/1.56-inch sensor. This ÃiÌޜÕL>VŽ>À>Ì iÀœvÌÞË£]Ι™°
should make a massive difference in That price makes it more expensive
low-light conditions. than even the best phones you can buy,
As is very much the trend, Sony so Sony has a lot to live up to.
is injecting some AI into its latest
smartphone, and this implementation is
all designed to aid in your creativity.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 11

ANDROID 16

Android 16: Everything

you need to know
A big overhaul is coming. ANYRON COPEMAN reports

G
oogle releases a major new RELEASE DATE
version of its mobile operating œœ}iœvwVˆ>ÞÀiÛi>i`Ƃ˜`Àœˆ`£È
system every year, and it’s no at its ‘The Android Show: I/O Edition’
different in 2025 with Android 16. event on 13 May. The company hasn’t
Here’s everything you need to know œvwVˆ>ÞÃ>ˆ`Ü i˜Ì i˜iÜ"-܈
about its release date, expected device be publicly available. However, Allen
compatibility and those all-important Huang, Google’s Director of Product
new features. Management for Pixel and Android

12 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

ÃÞÃÌi“1]>LÕÌVœ˜wÀ“i`ˆ˜>«ÀiÃà companies such as Samsung, OnePlus,
LÀˆiw˜}Ì >ÌÌ i«ÕLˆVÀii>ÃiܜՏ` Motorola, Xiaomi and others are
take place in June. expected to receive Android 16.
/ >Ì>ˆ}˜ÃÜˆÌ >˜i>ÀˆiÀœvwVˆ> It’s important to note, however, that
road map, which suggested that the manufacturers typically roll out updates
‘major release’ could take place in Q2, based on device tiers and regional
so before the end of June 2025. strategies. High-end devices usually
While Google has not given an ÀiViˆÛiÕ«`>ÌiÃwÀÃÌ]vœœÜi`LÞ“ˆ`‡
exact date for Android 16, at the time range and budget models.
of writing it was expected to take place If you’re unsure, you can check out
on 3 June, with the update becoming which devices will receive the update
available to Pixel devices via over-the-air here: [Link]/29sw5rf3.
rollout on the same day.
The Pixel 10 series is likely to be NEW FEATURES
Ì iwÀÃÌÃiÌœv« œ˜iÃÌ >Ìà ˆ«À՘˜ˆ˜} New ‘Material 3
Android 16 out of the box. However, as Expressive’ design
usual, it’ll take several months to roll out Material 3 Expressive is the biggest
to all compatible Android phones. overhaul of the Android design in
As a reminder, here are the release years. It aims to make your phone
dates of previous versions of the system: œÀÌ>LiÌvii¼“œÀiyՈ`]«iÀܘ>
and glanceable’.
COMPATIBLE DEVICES One of the key enhancements is
As with every major Android update, what Google is calling “more natural,
a wide range of phones (and other springy animations”, making the devices
devices like tablets) from different ‘feel more human’ rather than inanimate
manufacturers will receive Android 16. pieces of technology. This is achieved
Google’s own Pixel phones are visually, but also using haptic feedback
>Ü>ÞÃ>“œ˜}Ì iwÀÃÌ̜}i̘iÜ to offer a subtle, realistic vibration.
Android versions, so expect the Pixel For example, when dismissing a
6, 7, 8 and 9 series, and future Pixel ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜]ޜÕÀ« œ˜i܈Ài뜘`
devices, including the Pixel 10 series, to ̜Ì i`À>}}ˆ˜}œvޜÕÀw˜}iÀ°"Ì iÀ
get the update as soon as possible. ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã>˜`œÌ iÀii“i˜ÌÃ܈
In addition, many current and respond as if they’re affected by the
vÕÌÕÀiƂ˜`Àœˆ`y>}à ˆ«« œ˜iÃvÀœ“ ۈLÀ>̈œ˜°/ i˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜à >`iˆÃ

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 13

ANDROID 16

slightly blurred, allowing you to still see RUMOURED FEATURES

the app that’s displayed below. Stackable widgets
There’s also a new range of Google is considering adding stackable
themes, fonts and other ‘responsive widgets to Android, allowing users
components’, enabling even more to group multiple widgets and swipe
customisation options. through them, similar to the organisation
on iPhones and Samsung’s One UI. This
Redesigned system apps feature would help save home screen
Many of Google’s most popular apps space and improve organisation.
are also getting an overhaul, including Google has mentioned looking
Health Connect, Gmail and Google into stackable widgets for the Android
Photos, all of which are shown below. Open-Source Project (AOSP), which
would make it easier for manufacturers
New Quick Settings menu to adopt. However, there’s no timeline
It’s not just apps that are getting a fresh for its release, and it’s unclear if
coat of paint. The Quick Settings panel, development has begun.
accessible by swiping down from the 7 ˆi˜œÌVœ˜wÀ“i`]Ì ivi>ÌÕÀi
top of the screen, also has a new look would be a welcome addition for better
and feel. home screen management.
Aside from the aesthetics, Google
also says it will also let you ‘squeeze in Lock screen widgets
more of your favorite [sic] actions’. Google has also announced that it
will be expanding lock screen widgets
Live Updates to more Android phones and tablets.
Google is also adding its own version of Currently, this feature is only available
Apple’s ‘Live Activities’ to Android 16. on the Pixel Tablet.
Known as ‘Live Updates’, it builds Lock screen widgets will be
>˜Õ«`>Ìiˆ˜ÌœÌ i˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜à >`i] reintroduced with Android 16, marking
allowing you to easily see what’s going their return after being removed in
on without being distracted by other earlier Android versions. Google has
˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã° Vœ˜wÀ“i`Ì >Ì`iÛiœ«iÀÃ܈Li>Li
As for supported apps, we know to enable these widgets soon after
Uber Eats is included, plus ‘top delivery, Ƃ˜`Àœˆ`£È½ÃœvwVˆ>Àii>Ãi]Ü ˆV ˆÃ
rideshare and navigation apps’. expected in June.

14 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 Although the
feature is not yet

Credit: Android Authority/Mishaal Rahman

active on Android
16 beta devices,
Android Authority
managed to activate
it and discovered an
interesting detail.
On the Pixel
Tablet, users can
access widgets by
swiping right on “>}iÃœvÌ i œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃՓ“>ÀˆiÃvi>ÌÕÀi°
the lock screen.
However, on smartphones, widgets are limited, summarising only conversation
linked to Android’s screensaver mode, ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃiÝ«ˆVˆÌÞ`iÈ}˜>Ìi`
which only activates when the device is by apps. The feature is expected to
charging or docked. rely on on-device AI using Google’s
Fortunately, Google will allow Gemini Nano model, which may limit
developers to decide how the widget its accuracy due to the short and often
interface is triggered, meaning >“Lˆ}՜ÕØ>ÌÕÀiœv˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã°
phone manufacturers may implement While present in Beta 3, it is
different approaches. currently non-functional, suggesting it
may not launch with Android 16’s stable
0QVKƂECVKQPUWOOCT[HGCVWTG release but could arrive in a later update
A report suggests that Google is testing or Android 17.
>˜iܘœÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃՓ“>ÀˆiÃvi>ÌÕÀiˆ˜
Android 16, designed to automatically Customisable icon shapes
ÃՓ“>ÀˆÃiVœ˜ÛiÀÃ>̈œ˜˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã According to Android Authority,
from messaging apps. Discovered in Google is bringing back icon shape
Beta 3, the feature appears in Settings > customisation to the Pixel Launcher, a
œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃÜˆÌ >˜œ«Ìˆœ˜̜iÝVÕ`i feature last seen in Android 11. Now,
ëiVˆwV>««ÃvÀœ“ÃՓ“>ÀˆÃ>̈œ˜° in Android 16 Beta 3, an ‘App shape
1˜ˆŽiƂ««i½ÃLÀœ>`˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ & layout’ menu has been discovered,
summaries, Google’s approach is more allowing users to choose from six

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 15

ANDROID 16

different icon shapes. The feature pills, but the main Settings homepage
applies a mask to home screen, app remains unchanged.
drawer, and folder icons but does not While this design is present in the
affect icons in the recents screen or latest beta, it may not launch with
Settings app. The available shapes Android 16’s stable release and could
include circle, square, and more arrive in a later update or Android 17.
complex geometric designs.
4GHTGUJGFUVCVWUDCT
Redesigned Settings app Google is also reportedly working on
Android Authority also reports that a refreshed status bar, with new icons
Google is testing a redesigned Settings appearing in Android 16 Beta 3.
app in Android 16 Beta 3, aimed at The latest beta includes changes to
improving navigation and visual clarity. the Wi-Fi signal strength icon, which
The ‘expressive’ design introduces now displays three segments instead of
Material You switches with X or wÛi]>˜`>Ài`iÈ}˜i`L>ÌÌiÀÞˆVœ˜ÜˆÌ 
checkmark icons, settings entries placed a dynamic colour scheme. The battery
in distinct cards, arrow icons indicating icon shifts from white to red when
subpages, and a repositioned header to low and turns green while charging.
display more items at a glance. It also features a bolder font for the
Other minor tweaks include a bubble «iÀVi˜Ì>}i>˜`>yˆ««i`œÀˆi˜Ì>̈œ˜°
for the back arrow and larger drop-down As with the redesigned Settings
app, these new
icons are not
yet enabled
Credit: Android Authority/Mishaal Rahman

by default in
Android 16
Beta 3, and
it’s uncertain
whether they
will appear
ˆ˜Ì iw˜>
release. They
could instead
Google has redesigned teh Settings app. arrive in a later

16 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

Android 16 update or even in Android preview (DP2) of Android 16, Google
17, potentially alongside a redesigned introduced a new option to use
˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã>˜`+ՈVŽ-iÌ̈˜}ë>˜i° w˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜Ì՘œVŽiÛi˜Ü i˜Ì i
screen is off.
0GYHGCVWTGUHQT Traditionally, under-display
three-button navigation w˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜ÌÃV>˜˜iÀÃÀiµÕˆÀiÌ i
Android Authority reports that in the screen to be woken before unlocking.
upcoming Android 16 update, users of However, Android 16 DP2 resolves
three-button navigation will gain the this inconvenience with the ‘Screen-off
ability to preview their next screen by Fingerprint Unlock’ setting.
pressing and holding the back button. This feature is accessible via the
Although this feature is in early ‘Security & Privacy’ settings and has
development, it already works with Lii˜Vœ˜wÀ“i`̜v՘V̈œ˜ivviV̈ÛiÞ
apps like Google Calendar, though on the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
some functionality, such as the preview If users are hesitant to install Android
for returning to the home screen, isn’t 16 DP2, there are alternatives to ensure
yet fully operational. Predictive back Ì iw˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜ÌÃV>˜˜iÀÀi“>ˆ˜ÃÀi>`Þ
support for three-button navigation for use. These include enabling the
“ˆ} Ì>««i>À>Ãi>ÀÞ>ÈÌÃwÀÃÌLiÌ>° ‘Always show time and info’ option, the
Beyond predictive back, Android 16 ‘Lift to check phone’ setting, or the ‘Tap
might introduce a corner swipe gesture to check phone’ feature, all found in the
for summoning the default assistant display and lock screen settings.
when using three-button navigation.
Users are also hoping for additional Advanced Protection Mode
improvements, such as the ability to Android 16 is expected to enhance its
customise the order of the back and security features with a new Advanced
recent buttons. These updates aim Protection Mode.
to enhance the experience for users This mode, originally introduced for
who prefer or rely on three-button Google accounts, might be expanded
navigation. to offer app-level security customisation.
Apps will be able to detect if this mode
5ETGGPQHH(KPIGTRTKPV7PNQEM is enabled and apply additional security
As per another Android Authority measures, such as extra authentication
report, with the second developer steps or screen locks.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 17

ANDROID 16

Press the power button charger, which can be inconvenient

twice to open the wallet for those who only want it when their
As per Android Authority, Android 16 device is on a stand.
Beta 2 introduces a new feature that According to a report from Android
allows users to access their wallet by Authority, one key addition could be
double-pressing the power button, a ‘postured’ trigger for screen savers,
a gesture previously reserved for allowing activation only when the device
launching the camera. is upright on a stand while charging,
While users still need to verify their rather than with any charger.
identity before making transactions, this While this code has been found in
feature streamlines the process. The Beta 2, the feature is not yet active,
setting can be adjusted under ‘Gestures’ and it remains to be seen whether it
in the phone’s settings, where users can will be available.
choose between launching the camera
or their wallet.
Additionally, this function isn’t
limited to Google Wallet, allowing users
to select other wallet apps if preferred.

A new way to
trigger the screensaver
Another discovery suggests that
Android 16 could introduce a new way
to activate the screen saver without
requiring the device to be docked.
Currently, Android only allows the
screen saver to be triggered in two
scenarios: while charging or when
docked and charging. Since Android
doesn’t recognise many charging stands
>Ã`œVŽÃ]ÕÃiÀÓÕÃÌi˜>LiÌ iwÀÃÌ
option to activate the screen saver.
However, this also means the screen
saver will activate with any type of

18 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

Four ways Android 16 will
change your phone
Android phones set to get much more customisable. LUKE BAKER reports

G
oogle has just announced upon the success of Google’s Material
its new design approach for You interface, which launched almost
Android, and it gives us some four years ago. Google says it’s one
key insights into the changes we’ll see of the biggest updates in years, and
when Android 16 arrives on our phones. it’s designed to add features and
The new UX update is called functionality, while at the same time
Material 3 Expressive, and it builds being more customisable, expressive

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 19

ANDROID 16

>˜`yՈ`°"vVœÕÀÃi]Ü >ÌƂ˜`Àœˆ`£È 2. MORE GLANCEABLE

will actually end up looking like on your INFORMATION
phone all depends on the manufacturer. There’s a new feature called Live
If you use a Google Pixel phone, there’s Updates, which gives you access
a good chance you’ll see all of this in to glanceable information in your
full effect. Other brands like to put their ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã>˜`œ˜Ì iƂÜ>ÞÃ"˜
own spin on things, and the changes Display. As an example, if you’ve
may not be as dramatic elsewhere. ordered food with Uber Eats, you’ll be
With that said, let’s take a look at able to see a progress bar and delivery
some of the features to see what all estimation right from your lock screen
the fuss is about. œÀ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃÜˆÌ œÕ̘ii`ˆ˜}̜
open the app – handy stuff.
1. FRESH, LIVELY ANIMATIONS Google says Live Updates will work
Animations play a big role in with a number of top delivery, rideshare
determining what a phone feels like and navigation apps, so the most
to use, and with the introduction of important information is always at hand.
Material 3 Expressive, everything is set
to get a little bit livelier. 3. DEEPER CUSTOMISATION
For example, when dismissing a Android already offers dynamic
˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜]œÌ iÀ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã܈ colour theming, but you’ll soon have
respond to the dragging motion, and much more control over the way
you’ll feel a haptic rumble
when you snap it off to
the side. It’s designed
to make the system
feel more interactive
and life-like.
There’s added
springiness elsewhere, as
well as transparency and
background blurring that
are applied when pulling
`œÜ˜Ì i˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃœÀ
3.
Quick Settings shade.

20 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

your operating system looks. New
features include things like responsive
components and emphasised
typography. So it goes much deeper
than just the colour of UI elements.
Once you decide on a style, it’ll
apply consistently across Google apps
like Photos and Gmail, so your styling
doesn’t just end at the home screen;
you’ll see it all over the place.

4. MORE QUICK SETTINGS

OPTIONS
As a bit of a control freak, I’m most
excited about the changes that are
coming to the Quick Settings menu.
Google says it’s making the menu more
VÕÃ̜“ˆÃ>Li]ÜÌ >ÌÕÃiÀÃV>˜ẅ˜
more of their favourite actions.
Unfortunately, the details are
a little sparse here, but additional
customisation options are always a good
thing. And if it makes it easier for me to
ÌÕÀ˜“Þy>à ˆ} Ìœ˜]½“>vœÀˆÌ°

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 21

ANDROID 16

Opinion: Android 16 has

gone full Gen Z, and I’m
not here for it
Source: I am one. ANYRON COPEMAN reports

A
ndroid 16 is coming soon, to make your device feel more ‘unique
and it’ll introduce some of the to you’. Using elements of colour, shape
biggest visual changes we’ve and motion, Google says it “inspires
ever seen to Google’s phone software. emotion, communicates function, and
The new ‘Material 3 Expressive’ helps users achieve their goals”.
design is a dramatic refresh of the The target audience for this new
familiar Android experience, which aims design is no secret: it’s Gen Z. In an

22 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

œvwVˆ>Lœ}«œÃÌ]œœ}iëiVˆwV>Þ is, Google risks ruining what makes
highlights the high approval rates for Android so good: subtlety.
this so-called ‘expressive design’ among One of the main reasons I
people aged 18 to 24. consistently recommend Pixel phones
At 27, I don’t quite fall into that is that they’re so easy to use. Until now,
category, though I am just about young Google’s approach to software has
enough to be considered Gen Z. As been relatively stripped back, offering
someone who already uses Android a strong core experience that offers
every day, Google doesn’t need to everything you need without making
convince me to make the switch, but you jump through too many hoops.
it clearly wants to tempt other young Material 3 Expressive threatens to
people away from the iPhone. undo that by opting for garish colours
However, based on the screenshots, and over-the-top animations. Android
videos and GIFs already shared, I 16 looks fun and funky, but how
believe the company is taking the wrong practical will it really be?
approach. Here’s why. Now, I might be in the minority
here, especially among people of a
IF IT AIN’T BROKE… similar age. But I can’t envision a world
Google clearly thinks that it needs to Ü iÀii˜<܈yœVŽ̜Ƃ˜`Àœˆ`ÕÃÌ
make big changes to make Android 16 because, in Google’s words, it “makes
appeal to Gen Z. My argument is that it you feel something”.
has already done that.
As the company
itself acknowledges, the
introduction of the original
‘Material You’ in 2021 has
been a success. Android 15
feels more responsive and
intuitive than past versions,
with just the right level of
customisation and some
unique design elements.
By dramatically increasing
how ‘expressive’ Android 16 Android 15 on the Pixel 9 series already gets a lot right.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 23

ANDROID 16

9*#6#$176%105+56'0%;! chunk of my phone usage is on apps

From a visual standpoint, I can’t deny made by other companies. How
that Material 3 Expressive has a lot quickly will they adapt to this new
}œˆ˜}vœÀˆÌ°˜>œvœœ}i½ÃœvwVˆ> design, if at all?
images, videos and GIFs, Android The likes of Microsoft, Meta and
16 looks stunning, with clever design Amazon all have their own priorities,
elements and system apps that appear while smaller companies won’t want to
to have been built from the ground up. spend vast sums of money making their
The problem? That won’t be apps more ‘expressive’.
a consistent experience for you, As a result, an inconsistent
regardless of the device you choose. experience is almost inevitable. It’s
On Pixel phones, where the already the case on Android 15, but
software is likely to closely align with the contrast with Material 3 Expressive
this, Material 3 Expressive will apply could be even more jarring.
to most elements that are designed That’s before we even get to the
by Google itself. But even then, it fact that Google is far from the biggest
might be a while before all of its name when it comes to Android phone
apps are updated. hardware. I can’t see the likes of
When it comes to third-party apps? Samsung, Xiaomi and Oppo (all of which
The experience is likely to vary. A lot. have a larger market share, according
Even as someone heavily invested to StatCounter) being fully in alignment
ˆ˜Ì iœœ}iiVœÃÞÃÌi“]>È}˜ˆwV>˜Ì with Google on this.

WHAT ABOUT
1.&'42'12.'!
I totally get why
Google wants to target
the next generation
of Android users,
but I think Material
3 Expressive risks
alienating many of
its current users in
Android 16 won’t look like this for everyone. the process.

24 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 of December 2021,
according to Statista).
But the reasons most
people use an iPhone
go far beyond design:
iMessage, FaceTime,
the powerful Apple
ecosystem, peer
pressure. A new lick of
paint and animations in
Android 16 are unlikely
to change that.
At the same time,
Samsung will probably continue doing its own thing with One UI. I think more people
aged 35 and over, who
˜>˜œvwVˆ>«œÃÌ]œœ}iVˆÌi` form the bedrock of Android’s current
its own survey, where 87 percent of user base, could be put off by the new
respondents aged 18 to 24 favoured an design and potentially jump ship.
‘expressive’ design. For my cohort, 25 Even if they stick with Android, it’s
̜Î{]Ì iw}ÕÀiÜ>Ãn£«iÀVi˜Ì° more likely to be One UI 8 on Samsung
œÜiÛiÀ]Ì >Ìw}ÕÀi`Àœ«Ãà >À«Þ Galaxy phones than a Pixel device.
among those aged 35 and older, In other words, Material 3 Expressive
with just over half (52 percent) of is a big risk for Google and could
respondents in the 55 to 64 category end up doing more harm than good.
indicating approval. It seems that no I really hope I’m wrong and that it
one over 64 was even asked. brings the power of Android devices
It’s also not clear how the question to more people of all ages, but I just
was phrased. Do people simply like the can’t see it happening.
idea of ‘expressive’ design, or is there
some degree of approval for Google’s
ëiVˆwVۈȜ˜¶
I understand that Apple has the
clear upper hand when it comes to
users aged 34 and under in the US (as

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 25

REVIEWS

Google Pixel 9a
Price when reviewed: Ë{™™

O
f the so-called ‘big three’ phone has to offer. On paper, you’re
phone manufacturers (the }iÌ̈˜}>«Ài“ˆÕ“`ˆÃ«>Þ]y>}à ˆ«‡iÛi
most popular brands in the UK performance and a capable rear camera,
and US), Google was the last to launch a not to mention the signature Pixel
mid-range handset in 2025. software experience and a full seven
But after mixed reviews of Samsung’s years of update support.
Galaxy A56 and Apple’s iPhone 16e, But specs rarely tell the full story. To
the Pixel 9a might be the best of the understand just how good the Pixel 9a
lot. While its controversial new design is, you need to use it for an extended
is getting a lot of attention, it shouldn’t period of time. So that’s just what I’ve
Ì>Ži>Ü>ÞvÀœ“iÛiÀÞÌ ˆ˜}Ì ˆÃËxää done over the past week.

26 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

DESIGN me. At the price point, I’m happy for
The Pixel 9a’s rear design is its most design to take a back seat in favour of
`iw˜ˆ˜}vi>ÌÕÀi°œœ}i >Ó>`i other key features. The Pixel 9a looks
the unexpected decision to include more like an iPhone than any other
a camera bump that looks nothing Android phone, but that was probably
like the other Pixel 9 phones or its Google’s intention.
predecessor, the Pixel 8a. What’s more, you’re probably going
In fact, to call it a camera bump to be applying a case anyway. Google’s
at all feels like an exaggeration. The œvwVˆ>œ˜iÃ]>Li˜`œvȏˆVœ˜i>˜`
*ˆÝi™>½ÃÀi>ÀV>“iÀ>ÃÈÌ>“œÃÌyÕà  polycarbonate, are excellent, offering
with the back of the phone, barely a welcome dose of extra grip and
«ÀœÌÀÕ`ˆ˜}>Ì>°/ >ÌœvviÀÃ>Li˜iwÌ protection while adding very little bulk.
I often talk about in reviews: you can They’re available in the same four
easily use it face up on a table without w˜ˆÃ iÃ>ÃÌ i« œ˜iˆÌÃivqÀˆÃ]*iœ˜Þ]
it wobbling around. Porcelain and Obsidian. So, you can
However, there’s no question that cover up the cheap-feeling plastic on
the 9a lacks the personality of the other the back of the phone without losing
Pixel 9 phones, which all have large the splash of colour. I particularly
camera islands instead. Last year’s Pixel like the subtle light purple on the Iris
8a was even more bold, opting for the model I tested.
V>“iÀ>L>ÀÌ >Ì >`LiVœ“i>`iw˜ˆ˜} Elsewhere, the Pixel 9a is generally
feature of previous Pixel phones. what we’ve come to expect from a
By contrast, the Pixel 9a
has a boring, nondescript
camera blob on the back that’s
about as generic as it gets.
While past Pixels were instantly
recognisable, few people
would be able to identify the
9a if you removed the Google
logo from the back.
The question is, do you care?
I realise that a lot of people do, / i*ˆÝi™>½ÃÀi>ÀV>“iÀ>ÃÈÌ>“œÃÌyÕà ÜˆÌ Ì i
but it really doesn’t matter to back of the phone.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 27

REVIEWS

Pixel phone, with a sleek aluminium 6.3-inch, 2,424x1,080 panel, matching

frame and rounded corners making it the size and resolution of the more
comfortable to hold for long periods. iÝ«i˜ÃˆÛi*ˆÝi™y>}à ˆ«°
The relatively compact design (by 9œÕ>Ãœ}iÌÌ iiÝÌÀ>yՈ`ˆÌÞ>˜`
modern standards) helps, as does a responsiveness of a 120Hz refresh rate,
weight of just 186g. If you’re coming though it’s disabled in Settings. Make
from a phone over 200g, you’ll sure you turn on ‘Smooth display’ to see
`iw˜ˆÌiÞ˜œÌˆViÌ i`ˆvviÀi˜Vi° the Pixel 9a’s display in its full glory.
One notable upgrade compared But unlike more expensive Pixel
to the Pixel 8a is water resistance. It’s phones, the 9a has a P-OLED screen
now IP68-rated, meaning it can survive as opposed to the regular OLED.
submersion in more than 1m of water Essentially, this means it uses an
for up to 30 minutes, alongside the underlying layer of plastic instead of
existing full dust protection. Impressive. glass, making it more shockproof but
also more prone to scratching and
DISPLAY reduced clarity.
The Pixel 9a has a display that’s right up However, I have to admit I didn’t
there with some of the very best. It’s a know this before I started writing this
review. When using the 9a and 9 Pro
XL side by side, I genuinely couldn’t
tell the difference. The Pixel 9a
has an excellent display that I’d be
happy to use every day.
It also gets very bright – Google
claims a peak of 2,700 nits, but even
the 949 nits I recorded at home
is mightily impressive. It probably
goes without saying, but outdoor
visibility, even on a sunny spring
day, is excellent.
One small compromise is the
bezel around the display, which
The Pixel 9a has an excellent display that I’d be is noticeably thicker than on Pixel
happy to use every day. y>}à ˆ«Ã°Ì“>ŽiÃÌ ivÀœ˜Ìœv

28 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

the phone look slightly
more dated, but not in
a way that’s of any real
concern to me.
Within the display is an
œ«ÌˆV>w˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜ÌÃi˜ÃœÀ]
Ì œÕ} `ˆ`˜½Ìw˜`“ÞÃiv
using it much. There were
two reasons for this: it isn’t
the most reliable (especially if
“Þw˜}iÀÜ>Ã`>“«®]>˜`Ì i
secure face unlock is so much Throughout my testing time, the Pixel 9a was a
more seamless. consistently strong performer.
As a secondary unlocking
“iÌ œ`]ˆÌ½Ã>L܏ÕÌiÞw˜i]>Ì œÕ}  Pixel 9 phones, which is impressive
I do wish Google had upgraded it to considering its price point. While a
the ultrasonic version found on other small step down from Qualcomm’s top-
Pixel 9 phones. of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite, it still
In terms of audio, the Pixel 9a offers excellent performance in almost
uses the common stereo setup of a all scenarios, despite just 8GB of RAM
`œÜ˜Ü>À`‡wÀˆ˜}ëi>ŽiÀ>˜`i>À«ˆiVi° on both models. Throughout my testing
/ iÜ՘`ˆÌ«Àœ`ÕViÈÃw˜i]œvviÀˆ˜} time, the Pixel 9a was a consistently
decent clarity and avoiding audible strong performer. It speeds across web
distortion, but I’d have liked more bass browsing, social media, messaging apps
and a fuller-bodied sound. and the camera with ease, offering no
ƂÃÕÃÕ>]ˆÌ½Ãw˜ivœÀV>ÃÕ>ˆÃÌi˜ˆ˜}] È}˜ÃÌ >̈̽ØœÌ>y>}à ˆ«`iۈVi°
but I’d highly recommend connecting The phone also handles multitasking
a pair of headphones or a speaker for well, including the option to use two
anything more serious. apps in split-screen mode. Essentially,
for basically all everyday tasks, the Pixel
PERFORMANCE 9a won’t let you down.
The Pixel 9a is powered by Google’s Demanding gaming proves a
latest Tensor G4 chipset. That’s the little more of a challenge, with some
Ã>“iœ˜iޜսw˜`œ˜>Ì iœÌ iÀ stuttering and noticeable dropped

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 29

REVIEWS

frames. But the likes of Genshin Impact $CVVGT[NKHG

and Call of Duty: Mobile are still very Google Pixel 9a: 14 hours, 11 minutes
much playable, which is more than can Samsung Galaxy A56: 13 hours, 22
be said for some mid-range phones. minutes
If you’re serious about gaming, I’d Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: 15 hours, 45
Ã̈ÀiVœ““i˜`>y>}à ˆ«œÀ`i`ˆV>Ìi` minutes
gaming phone, but there’s enough here Redmi Note 14 Pro+: 16 hours
̜Ã>̈ÃvÞޜÕÀV>ÃÕ>}>“ˆ˜}wÝ°n > Google Pixel 8a: 15 hours, 2 minutes
Pool is my personal favourite.
Google offers just two options when Charge in 30 minutes
it comes to internal storage: 128- or Google Pixel 9a: 40%
ÓxÈ °/ ivœÀ“iÀ܈Liw˜ivœÀ Samsung Galaxy A56: 67%
many people, but it’s worth being aware Apple iPhone 16e: 53%
that around 15GB is taken up by system Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: 47%
wiÃ]Ü ˆV V>˜½ÌLi`iiÌi`° Redmi Note 14 Pro+: 100%
With no support for Micro-SD Google Pixel 8a: 41%
expandable storage, I’d recommend
upgrading if you’re at all unsure. PHOTOGRAPHY
The Pixel 9a’s cameras are the most
Geekbench 6 (multi-core) obvious compromise compared to the
Google Pixel 9a: 4,373 *ˆÝi™y>}à ˆ«Ã°/ iˆÀÌii« œÌœi˜Ã
Samsung Galaxy A56: 3,872 has been removed entirely, while the
Apple iPhone 16e: 8,314 ultrawide lens has been downgraded
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: 3,281 from 48- to 13Mp. It means there’s a
Redmi Note 14 Pro+: 3,189 lot of attention on the 48Mp main lens,
Google Pixel 8a: 3,955 which is only slightly smaller than the
50Mp sensor on the other handsets.
)(:/CPJCVVCP Fortunately, it delivers completely. If
Google Pixel 9a: 119fps the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the best point-
Samsung Galaxy A56: 69fps and-shoot camera of any phone, the
Apple iPhone 16e: 60fps (Metal) Pixel 9a isn’t far behind. It might look
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: 54fps like a downgrade compared to the
Redmi Note 14 Pro+: 42fps 64Mp main camera on the Pixel 8a, but
Google Pixel 8a: 104fps trust me, the photos are better.

30 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 A lot of this relies on Google’s the long-exposure Night Sight mode
computational photography wizardry, blew me away. Pixel phones are still
which intelligently adjusts brightness unmatched when it comes to low-light
and reduces noise after the photo photography.
is taken. You have to wait a few Without a dedicated telephoto
ÃiVœ˜`ÃvœÀÌ iw˜>ÀiÃՏÌ]LṎ̽à lens, you’ll be relying on the main lens
more than worth it. for portrait photography. It generally
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed
taking photos with the Pixel
9a’s main camera. I love how
consistent it is – whether
you’re shooting a landscape,
city streets or historic
architecture, this camera
won’t let you down.
Photos offer excellent
detail and dynamic range,
handling some complex
exposure challenges very
well. Colours are a little more
vibrant and contrasty than
real life, but I personally like
this – images really pop.
Impressively, the main
camera is just as good in low-
light conditions. It manages to
add loads of brightness and
detail to an image without
“>Žˆ˜}ˆÌœœŽ>À̈wVˆ>°
In unreliable conditions
such as a dimly lit alleyway
and a pool hall, the Pixel 9a
does a great job. But it was
in near-total darkness that With Night Sight off (top) and on (bottom).

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 31

REVIEWS

performs well, offering a subtle yet backgrounds. And being able to toggle
attractive bokeh effect. between 1x and 1.4x zoom means it
However, I’d like to be able to adjust >ÃœܜÀŽÃÜivœÀ}ÀœÕ«Ãiwið
the level of background blur, while edge Video capabilities are nothing
detection can be an issue at times. remarkable, with the Pixel 9a topping
Of course, the biggest consequence out at 4K 30fps. The default 1080p
of the missing telephoto is subpar zoom Îäv«ÃœœŽÃw˜i]>LiˆÌ>˜œÌˆVi>Li
capabilities. The Pixel 9a has no optical step down in quality compared to
zoom, while the digital equivalent here stills. You do at least get OIS (optical
ˆÃ>«>iˆ“ˆÌ>̈œ˜°- œÌÃ>ÌÓݏœœŽw˜i] image stabilisation) on both the main
but anything beyond that quickly looks Ài>À>˜`ÃiwiV>“iÀ>Ã]“i>˜ˆ˜}
washed out and grainy. And while the that footage remains smooth while
Pixel 9 Pro XL tops out at 30x, you’re you’re moving around.
limited to just 8x here.
On paper, I was really worried about BATTERY LIFE
how the 13Mp ultrawide would fare. The Pixel 9a’s new battery capacity is
All too often, these lower megapixel >À}Õ>LÞˆÌÓœÃÌÈ}˜ˆwV>˜ÌÕ«}À>`i°
secondary lenses are disappointing. Instead of the Pixel 8a’s 4,492mAh cell,
However, that’s not the case on the you now get a 5,100mAh. Improbably,
Pixel 9a. It is a noticeable downgrade it’s now the largest battery of any Pixel
compared to the main lens, and not phone ever, even beating the 9 Pro XL
quite as good as the 48Mp version (5,060mAh).
on more expensive Pixel 9 phones, But does it actually improve the
but it’s still very serviceable. Detail previously mediocre battery life? The
and exposure are still generally good, >˜ÃÜiÀˆÃ>`iw˜ˆÌiÞiÃ]Ì œÕ} ˜œÌLÞ
>˜`i˜œÞi`Ì iyi݈LˆˆÌÞœvÌ i as much as I was hoping.
£Óä‡`i}Àiiwi`œvۈiÜ° The Pixel 9a will comfortably last a
Last, but very much not least, is the full day, and potentially stretch to two
13Mp front-facing camera. Even as with light usage, as was the case while I
ܓiœ˜iÜ œ½Ã˜œÌ>Lˆ}ÃiwiÌ>ŽiÀ]ˆÌ½Ã was working from home. But given how
hard for me not to be impressed with fast it dropped while out and about for a
the Pixel 9a. few hours, I’d be worried about it lasting
Photos are clear and crisp, handling a full 12+ hours away from the charger.
skin tones well without overexposing Overall, battery life is decent, but I

32 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

Here’s a series of photos taken with the Pixel 9a’s zoom lens.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 33

REVIEWS

Next up,
we have an
example
of a macro
shot.

7i½w˜ˆÃ 
off our
series of
camera
samples
ÜˆÌ >Ãiwi°

34 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

wouldn’t say it’s a strength or weakness mobile data. Yes, the home screen
œvÌ i« œ˜i°̽ÍÕÃÌw˜i° could be more customisable. And yes,
Sadly, there’s no doubt as to the the Settings app could be easier to
charging speeds, which remain capped navigate. But all of those things are
at an underwhelming 23 watts. Like easy to get used to. And the Pixel offers
most phones these days, Google ܓiŽiÞvi>ÌÕÀiÃÌ >ÌޜÕܜ˜½Ìw˜`
doesn’t include a charger in the box, elsewhere. They include Now Playing
Üޜս >Ûi̜w˜`ޜÕÀœÜ˜œÀLÕÞ vœÀ“ÕÈVˆ`i˜ÌˆwV>̈œ˜­ˆ˜VÕ`ˆ˜}Ü ˆi
one separately. I’m not sure the 65-watt œvyˆ˜i®>˜` >-VÀii˜̜Üii`œÕÌ
one I had lying around was the most scam callers. Small touches, but they
ivwVˆi˜Ì]LṎÌ̜œŽœ˜}iÀÌ >˜Ü>à make a big difference over time.
hoping for. It only reached 40 percent There’s also no bloatware
after 30 minutes and 80 percent by the whatsoever, giving the device a clean
hour mark, with a full charge taking just >˜`՘VÕÌÌiÀi`vii°w˜`Ì i*ˆÝi
under 100 minutes. software easier to use than any other
Qi wireless charging is a convenient version of Android, making it ideal if
alternative, but at just 7.5 watts, you’ll you’re switching from an iPhone.
need to be even more patient or charge If you mainly use Google apps,
overnight. Slow charging remains one of you’ll feel right at home on the Pixel 9a.
Pixel phones’ most frustrating issues. But even if you don’t, there are loads
of great third-party alternatives on the
SOFTWARE Play Store.
Aside from cameras, software is the However, the phone has a slightly
other big reason to buy a Pixel phone. pared-back set of AI features compared
Ƃ˜`Ì >̽Ã`iw˜ˆÌiÞÌÀÕiœ˜Ì i ̜Ì i*ˆÝi™y>}à ˆ«Ã°/ i*ˆÝi
Pixel 9a, which arguably has the most Screenshots app doesn’t make it,
compelling software on any mid- while the Google Gemini assistant
range phone. Recently, I argued that doesn’t support images, video or audio
Samsung’s One UI 7 was actually better uploads – just text.
than Android 15 on the Pixel, but after But pretty much everything else is
using the 9a for a week, I’m having there, including Circle to Search, the
second thoughts. Pixel Weather app and Google’s suite
Yes, it’s frustrating that you need of AI photo features, including Best
to tap twice to toggle Wi-Fi and />Ži>˜`Ƃ``i°w˜`Ì i>ÌÌiÀ̜

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 35

REVIEWS

be more fun than useful, but you might (HBM), 2700 nits (peak) display
feel differently. The Pixel 9a is also • Android 15, up to 7 major Android
undefeated when it comes to software upgrades
updates. Not only is Google offering • Google Tensor G4 (4nm) processor
a full seven years of OS and security • Octa-core (1x 3.1GHz Cortex-X4,
updates, but you’ll also get the next 3x 2.6GHz Cortex-A720, 4x 1.9GHz
major version of Android as soon as it’s Cortex-A520) CPU
publicly available. • Mali-G715 MP7 GPU
That’s its big advantage compared • 8GB RAM
to the Galaxy A56, with Samsung’s • 128GB/256GB storage
equivalent version of One UI often • Two rear-facing camera: 48Mp, f/1.7,
taking several months to roll out. 25mm (wide), 1/2.0-inch, 0.8μm,
dual pixel PDAF, OIS; 13Mp, f/2.2,
VERDICT 120-degree (ultrawide), 1/3.1-inch,
The Pixel 9a isn’t a particularly exciting 1.12μm
phone, but it’s also one of the easiest •-iwiV>“iÀ>\£Î«]vÉÓ°Ó]Ó䓓
̜ÀiVœ““i˜`°vޜÕ >ÛiËxää̜ (ultrawide), 1/3.1-inch, 1.12μm
spend and want a solid all-round • Stereo speakers
handset that will last, this is the device • No 3.5mm audio jack
for you. While the phone has some key • Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE
y>ÜÃq“œÃ̘œÌ>LÞϜÜV >À}ˆ˜}]˜œ • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
telephoto camera and a bland design • NFC
qÌ iLi˜iwÌÃiÃiÜ iÀi“œÀiÌ >˜ • GPS, (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO,
make up for it. BDS, QZSS, NavIC
The Pixel 9a delivers a great display, • USB Type-C 3.2
strong performance, an excellent main • Fingerprint sensor (under display,
camera and a killer software experience, optical)
>vœÀ >vÌ iVœÃÌœv“>˜Þy>}à ˆ«Ã° • Non-removable 5,100mAh battery
For many people, that makes it a no- • 154.7x73.3x8.9mm
brainer. Anyron Copeman • 186g

SPECIFICATIONS
• 6.3-inch (2,424x1,080; 422ppi)
P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 1,800 nits

36 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro
Price when reviewed: ËÓ£™

T
he CMF Phone 1 was my favourite better main camera, two new auxiliary
budget phone of last year, and lenses, a speedier chip, added NFC
honestly, probably my favourite and plenty more besides.
budget phone ever. It’s an incredibly The ‘Pro’ moniker hints that a non-
stylish phone with a fun modular design, Pro model could be on the horizon, but
which tend to be things reserved for Üi½Ûi >`Vœ˜wÀ“>̈œ˜Ì >ÌÌ ˆÃ« œ˜i
«ÀˆViÞy>}à ˆ«`iۈViÃq>˜`˜œÌ> is the only successor. Thankfully, though,
« œ˜iÌ >ÌVœÃÌÍÕÃÌœÛiÀËÓää° the new model doesn’t come with much
Now, less than a year later, its œv>«ÀˆVi ˆŽi°ÌVœÃÌÃvËÓ£™]ÕÃÌË£ä
successor has landed. The CMF Phone more than the original CMF Phone.
2 Pro has everything that made the The CMF Phone 1 was already
original a hit, but it now comes with a incredibly easy to recommend, and all

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 37

REVIEWS

signs point to this model being even The most obvious change is with
better, but the only way to know for the cameras. The two larger lenses get
sure is to test it out. After living with it their own circular aluminium-effect rings,
for almost a week, here’s everything I Ü ˆiÌ iՏÌÀ>܈`i>˜`y>à ՘ˆÌÈÌ
learned. on a separate elongated island. It’s not
a drastic change, but it’s immediately
DESIGN noticeable, and it’s a clear indicator
The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a similar that the CMF team has put some work
design to its predecessor. You still into the optics.
get the same Accessory Point screw Ƃ˜œÌ iÀLˆ}V >˜}iˆÃÜˆÌ Ì iw˜ˆÃ 
in the bottom-right corner, along with of the rear panels. Nothing describes
the same exposed screws in similar the Black and Light Green options
locations across the back panel. >à >ۈ˜}>vÀœÃÌi`}>ÃǏˆŽiw˜ˆÃ 
This is no bad thing, from a design with a metallic frame. Meanwhile, the
standpoint, the CMF Phone 1 was Orange version has a metallic sheen,
already one of my favourites. I’m and the White option has a ‘panelled
pleased to see that Nothing is leaning in Ã>˜`Ã̜˜iw˜ˆÃ °½
the same rugged utilitarian direction for So, not only do you get more colour
this model. options to choose from, but you get
some more variety
in the way that
each back feels.
You might think
that it doesn’t
matter which one
you choose, as
CMF sold the
Phone 1 rear panels
separately, but
that’s not the case
here. Instead, the
exposed screws are
The two larger cameras get their own circular aluminium-effect rings, used for attaching
Ü ˆiÌ iՏÌÀ>܈`i>˜`y>à ՘ˆÌÈÌœ˜>Ãi«>À>Ìiiœ˜}>Ìi`ˆÃ>˜`° accessories only,

38 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 as much as it did on the original CMF
Phone. It makes the overall look a
little more cohesive, but it also makes
it harder to remove. This could be
a good or a bad thing. I never had
trouble with the cap loosening on
its own, but it’s easy to imagine that
happening – the slimmer version
seems like it’ll stay put much better.
Aside from the dimension
change, the Accessory Point itself
I have the Light Green model in for testing, and it is unchanged. I was able to use the
feels a touch more premium than the matte black same lanyard accessory with both
CMF Phone 1 I tested previously. models without issue. As for the
other accessories, unfortunately, I
likely due to the new IP rating. wasn’t able to try them myself, but the
I have the Light Green model in functionality is pretty similar. Rather
for testing, and it feels a touch more than a wallet and a kickstand, the two
premium than the matte black CMF accessories have been combined, and
Phone 1 that I tested previously. It is there’s now a wallet that can act as a
still made from plastic, but it’s much kickstand, of course, there’s and the
harder to tell. While I quite liked the aforementioned lanyard, too.
w˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜Ì‡ÀiÈÃÌ>˜Ì
“>ÌÌiw˜ˆÃ œvÌ i
older model, it felt like
it could get scuffed
up easily, and this new
w˜ˆÃ Ãii“ψŽiˆÌ
will fare better in the
long term.
The Accessory Point
cap has been slimmed
down on this model,
and it doesn’t stick out The Accessory Point cap has been slimmed down on this model.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 39

REVIEWS

There are a couple of new the back off, despite Nothing’s

accessories that have been added to recommendation that you leave it in
the roster this year. You can now attach place. It’s a lot harder to remove the
iˆÌ iÀ>wà iÞiœÀ“>VÀœi˜Ã>`>«ÌiÀ° rear casing this time, and I had to grab
I haven’t tried these, so I can’t speak a spudger to separate it, but it’s way
to the quality, but the two lenses will easier to get inside than your typical
Li܏`>Ã>ÃiÌvœÀËÎx]>˜`VœÕ`Li glued-shut glass slab. That said, I’m not
worth investigating if you want to add Vœ˜w`i˜Ì“Þ՘ˆÌˆÃ>ÃÜ>ÌiÀ«Àœœv>ÈÌ
variety to your shots and can’t afford once was, as there’s some adhesive that
something like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. pulls apart in the process.
It’s worth noting that both the Once inside, the battery is readily
lenses and the wallet stand require the accessible – it’s no longer shielded
Universal Cover to be attached, which under additional panelling. It’s not hot-
is a slim external cover that bolts on, swappable, and you’ll still need some
adding lens threading and MagSafe- expertise to perform the operation, but
style magnets to the phone. Currently, if you ever need to replace the battery,
the accessories are sold as a bundle this will still be a lot easier to repair than
with all the required kit. your average handset.
With these big exposed screws The CMF Phone 2 Pro has the same
staring at me, I couldn’t resist whipping button layout as the rest of the Nothing
family, with the volume
rocker on the left side
and the lock button
on the right. However,
this time around, you
get an extra button.
The Essential Key that
debuted with the Phone
(3a) series has arrived
here, too, and we’ll
talk more about what it
does later on.
If you ever need to replace the battery, this will still be a lot When it comes to
easier to repair than your average handset. durability, I’ve already

40 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 DISPLAY
The CMF Phone 2 Pro has
a slightly larger screen than
its predecessor, but the
difference is tiny. I think it’s
mainly due to the slimmer
chin bezel, but in any case,
just like last year, this is
a big, spacious display
that’s great for watching
The Essential Key that debuted with the Phone (3a) series content and gaming.
has arrived here, too. There are two key
differences that make this
mentioned the IP54 rating, which is an an improvement on the older model.
improvement over the IP52 rating of its / iwÀÃ̈ÃÌ >̘̈œÜÃÕ««œÀÌãä‡LˆÌ
predecessor. But you also get Panda colour, rather than 8-bit. This makes
Glass on the screen, which is a more a big difference, not only in colour
affordable Chinese-made alternative to accuracy, but it also drastically reduces
Gorilla Glass. the appearance of colour banding when
It should do a decent job at there’s a gradient being displayed.
protecting the screen from scratches The second change is that the
and cracks, but the Phone (3a) has the screen is brighter, now boasting a peak
same glass, and I’ve already managed brightness of up to 3,000 nits, while the
to make some light
scratches on that, so your
mileage may vary.
If you like to err on the
side of caution, there’s
a basic plastic screen
protector applied that
you can leave in place,
and you also get a basic
transparent TPU case for
added peace of mind. This is one of the best screens in this price bracket.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 41

REVIEWS

older model maxed out at 2,000 nits. improvement in graphics performance.

To be honest, I didn’t have many The phone is available in two
complaints about the screen on the `ˆvviÀi˜ÌVœ˜w}ÕÀ>̈œ˜Ã]LœÌ  >Ûin 
original, but when viewing them side by of RAM, but you can choose either 128-
side, the improvement is plain to see. or 256GB of storage. I have the larger
It’s a very welcome upgrade, and almost capacity model for testing, but in terms
certainly one of the best screens in this of performance, both should deliver the
price bracket. same results.
/ i`ˆÃ«>ÞˆÃvՏÞy>Ì]LÕÌÌ iÀi½Ã It’s also worth noting there’s a
now a subtle chamfered trim around the “ˆVÀœ- V>À`ϜÌ]Ü ˆV ˆÃ>À>Àiw˜`
edge. I’m especially pleased to see this, these days. So, in any case, the storage
as the CMF Phone 1 had a tiny raised lip can be expanded up to 2TB.
around the edge. It’s a minor change, I’d be lying if I said I could notice a
but it’s a change for the better, and difference between the two processors
gesture controls feel much smoother in real-life usage, but in benchmark
when you swipe from the edge. scores, it’s more apparent. Indeed, as
Unfortunately, the audio situation Nothing claims, the processing power
hasn’t really improved. You still only get has clearly been bumped up a notch,
a single speaker, so there’s no stereo but the change in gaming performance
effect. And while the sound is very clear, is slight – it’s better, but not enough to
it lacks low-end response, so it sounds a make a tangible difference.
little more tinny than I’d like. It’s far from Just as I found with the previous
the worst speaker around, but don’t get model, day-to-day performance was
your hopes up. perfectly adequate. The phone never
Perhaps Nothing is angling for you feels slow, even while multitasking, and
to buy a pair of its earbuds. it’s only when performing a system-wide
search that you can feel the difference
PERFORMANCE between this and a higher-end chip. It
The CMF Phone 2 Pro runs on an just takes a moment longer to populate
upgraded version of the same chip the results.
that powered the Phone 1. At its core, Gaming is great on less graphically
ˆÌ½ÃÌ iÃ>“iivwVˆi˜Ì{˜“V ˆ«]LÕÌ intensive titles, but if you push the
Nothing says you can expect 10 percent limits with something like Genshin
faster processing as well as a 5 percent Impact, you’ll need to use the lowest

42 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

preset to get a stable 30fps.
Still, it’s impressive that a phone
this affordable can play such
>`i“>˜`ˆ˜}}>“iˆ˜Ì iwÀÃÌ
place, and it doesn’t get too hot
in the process.
Another big change with
the CMF Phone 2 Pro is that it
now supports NFC, so you can
make contactless payments Gaming performance is better, but not enough to
with Google Wallet. I’m really make a tangible difference.
pleased to see this, as it was
one of the biggest drawbacks to the Charge in 30 minutes
original model. CMF Phone 2 Pro: 57%
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: 51%
Geekbench 6 (multi-core) Motorola Moto G55 5G: 56%
CMF Phone 2 Pro: 2,910 CMF Phone 1: 62%
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: 2,029
Motorola Moto G55 5G: 2,435 PHOTOGRAPHY
CMF Phone 1: 1,602 The camera system is arguably the
biggest upgrade on the CMF Phone 2
)(:/CPJCVVCP Pro. Last year, we only got one usable
CMF Phone 2 Pro: 50fps lens on the rear, joined by a depth
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: 22fps sensor that seemed to mostly exist for
Motorola Moto G55 5G: 31fps aesthetic reasons.
CMF Phone 1: 49fps Now, though, there are three
proper cameras: a 50Mp main, an 8Mp
$CVVGT[NKHG ultrawide and a 50Mp 2x telephoto.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: 18 hours, 2 minutes It’s not just extra cameras that have
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: 10 hours, 24 been added here, the main camera has
minutes Lii˜È}˜ˆwV>˜ÌÞÕ«}À>`i`]̜œ°Ì˜œÜ
Motorola Moto G55 5G: 13 hours, 25 has a 1/1.56-inch sensor, one of the
minutes >À}iÃÌÃi˜ÃœÀÃޜսw˜`ˆ˜Ì ˆÃ«ÀˆVi
CMF Phone 1: 15 hours, 59 minutes category. That means it’s much more

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 43

REVIEWS

capable in low-light conditions and can When it comes to longer digital

create some authentic bokeh when you zooms, I found that pushing it up to
get up close. around 6x yielded usable results, but
As usual, the main sensor does the any further would turn images into a
heavy lifting, and if you want the best- pixellated mush. So, it’s not the best
looking shots, it’s the safest bet. It’s for super telephoto shots, but given
also the best for macro photography. the price, these results are nothing to
That said, the telephoto lens is almost sneeze at.
as impressive. Personally, I would have I really like the way close-ups look on
loved to see a slightly longer reach, the telephoto, the longer focal length
but 2x is just enough to give a different creates some compression with smooth
vibe to your shots. It’s the default lens bokeh in the background. Unfortunately,
when you switch into Portrait mode, and the camera app is a little aggressive
it looks great for that, with much less with switching to Macro mode (which
distortion than the wide main sensor. uses the main lens). I found I needed
You also get options to digitally to switch into Expert mode to force the
zoom further in Portrait mode, with phone to use the telephoto for close-
4x and 6x buttons in the UI. It’s an ups, but the results looked great when
unexpected addition, and a useful one, I did.
but you’ll see a slight loss in quality if The ultrawide camera is by far the
you zoom further. weakest of the trio. The images lack
detail with a muddied,
over-processed look
to them, and it only
gets worse at night.
Sure, it’s better than
not having one, but for
photos that you really
care about, you should
switch to the main
camera and take a few
steps back if you can.
There are three proper cameras: a 50Mp main, an 8Mp ultrawide / iÃiwiV>“iÀ>ˆÃ
and a 50Mp 2x telephoto. very decent, too. It’s not

44 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 This set of
photos were
taken with
the phone’s
zoome lens.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 45

REVIEWS

46 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 Next up,
we have an
example
of a macro
shot.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 47

REVIEWS

Here are a
couple of
low light
photos.

48 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 7i½w˜ˆÃ 
off with a
Ãiwi°

going to blow your mind with its quality, BATTERY LIFE & CHARGING
but it’s good enough for a casual snap. The battery and charging specs are
I feel like Nothing has been working unchanged from the previous model,
on its portrait effects lately, and they’re which means you get an ample
much more reliable and convincing than 5,000mAh cell and 33-watt wired
they were on previous models. charging. However, according to
For video shooting, you can capture Nothing, the CMF Phone 2 Pro should
at up to 4K/30fps on both the main and last for about an hour longer than its
telephoto cameras. The ultrawide is predecessor.
ˆ“ˆÌi`̜£änä«ÉÎäv«Ã]Ü ˆiÌ iÃiwi Presumably, this is all thanks to
camera can shoot 1080p at up to 60fps. ÜvÌÜ>Ài‡L>Ãi`ivwVˆi˜VÞ}>ˆ˜Ã°˜œÕÀ
œ˜½ÌiÝ«iVÌy>}à ˆ«‡iÛi standard PCMark Battery Life test, the
stabilisation, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro CMF Phone 2 Pro actually did a lot
does a decent enough job, especially at better than that, it kept going for about
1080p. For social media posts, it gets 2 hours longer than the previous model.
the job done nicely. In reality, though, the battery

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 49

REVIEWS

SOFTWARE
The CMF Phone 2
Pro runs Nothing OS
3.2, Nothing’s latest
customised version
of Android 15. It’s the
same software that
ޜսw˜`œ˜Ì iÀiÃÌ
of the Nothing line-up,
If I was careful, I could make it last two days between charges. and from an aesthetic
standpoint, it’s by far my
performance felt about the same with favourite Android skin.
my normal use. Most days, I’d go to Of course, such a heavily stylised OS
bed with 40 percent or more charge won’t be to everyone’s taste, but if you
remaining, and if I was careful, I could appreciate Nothing’s hardware, I think
make it last two days between charges. it’s safe to say you’ll like the way the
In any case, the battery will last long software looks, too. I love having the
enough to get even the heaviest users ability to make my apps monochromatic
to the end of the day. for a slick, minimal look.
As before, there’s no charger in
the box (unless you live in India),
but you do get a rather fetching
Nothing-branded USB-C cable. If you
like your gear to match, you could
always pick up the CMF 65-watt GaN
V >À}iÀvœÀËΙ]LÕÌÌ >̽Ã>«ÀˆViÞ
>``‡œ˜vœÀ>ËÓ£™« œ˜i°
I used my Ugreen Nexode
Desktop charger for testing, and I
found the phone was able to charge
up to almost 60 percent in half an
hour. It’s not the fastest we’ve seen,
but it’s certainly quick enough as not Arguably, the best thing about this software,
to feel like a hassle. though, is that it’s free from bloatware.

50 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 Arguably, the best thing about
this software, though, is that it’s free
from bloatware. That’s something
>“œÃ̈“«œÃÈLi̜w˜`ˆ˜Ì ˆÃ
price bracket, where brands usually
load up devices with junk to offset
the hardware costs. Yet somehow,
Nothing has managed to deliver a
bloat-free experience yet again.
At the risk of sounding like a
broken record, the one thing I really
don’t like about Nothing OS is that I
can’t move my apps in bulk. Nothing
isn’t the only brand to lack this ability; Essential Space allows you to collect screenshots
Google Pixels are surprisingly the and voice notes.
same, for example, but it makes
keeping your homescreen organised a not cross-platform, and there’s no way
real chore, and I’ll keep moaning about to access it from a desktop, so your
it until the feature is added. important notes are constrained to your
What’s new this time is the Essential phone only. It might not matter to some,
Space (which debuted with the (3a) but for me, that’s a bit of a dealbreaker.
series), as well as the dedicated And that’s before we get to the cost.
hardware button to access it. In essence, It’s currently completely free to use,
this feature allows you to collect but word on the street is that Nothing
screenshots and voice notes as way may introduce a paid subscription plan
to quickly remember things. Then, AI in the future. Unless the feature set
will summarise the contents of your is greatly expanded, I can’t imagine
screenshots and automatically organise too many people being onboard with
them, generate to-do lists and make the paid plan. If it comes into effect,
them searchable. I sincerely hope the Essential Key
It’s a pretty handy feature, and one becomes remappable.
I could see myself using a lot if I were a The software support terms have
full-time Nothing phone user. However, been increased, too. Nothing is now
there’s a rather large shortcoming. It’s promising three years of Android OS

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 51

REVIEWS

upgrades and six years

of security patches, up
from two years of Android
updates and three years of
security patches. It might
˜œÌÀˆÛ>Ì i>ÌiÃÌy>}à ˆ«
devices, but for a budget
handset, these terms are
very competitive, and I
love to see it.

VERDICT With the launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, Nothing has stuck
I loved the CMF Phone to the same core concept and simply made everything better.
1, and it has been the
top Tech Advisor budget phone ÈV>˜VÕÀÀi˜ÌÞLi >`vœÀÕÃÌËÓ{™]
recommendation since launch. With now it’s a year old. You might want
the launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G for class-
Nothing has stuck to the same core leading software support.
concept and simply made everything Meanwhile, if you want something
better. with more understated looks and you’re
ÌVœÃÌÃ>˜iÝÌÀ>Ë£ä­>Ì-,*®]LÕÌ not too picky with your photos, the
that’s a small price to pay for a much œÌœÀœ>nx“ˆ} ÌLi>«iÀviVÌwÌ°
better display, a faster processor and For me, though, the fun modular
a much more versatile set of cameras. design and quirky looks of the CMF
If you’re on board with the (admittedly Phone 2 Pro win out every time. Luke
divisive) styling – both physically and Baker
for software – and you’re looking for
a phone in this price range, this is a SPECIFICATIONS
wonderfully complete package. • 6.77-inch (2,392x1,080; 388ppi)
Of course, it won’t be the perfect AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+,
wÌvœÀiÛiÀޜ˜i]>˜`Ì iÀˆ} Ì« œ˜i 800 nits (typ), 1,300 nits (HBM), 3,000
for you all depends on your priorities. nits (peak) display
If you’re a gamer and you can stretch • Android 15, up to 3 major Android
the budget slightly, the powerful Poco upgrades, Nothing OS 3.2

52 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

• Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Pro (4nm)
processor
• Octa-core (4x 2.5 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x
2GHz Cortex-A55) CPU
• Mali-G615 MC2 GPU
• microSDXC card slot
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB storage
• Three rear-facing cameras: 50Mp,
f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57-inch,
1.0μm, dual pixel PDAF; 50Mp, f/1.9,
50mm (telephoto), 1/2.88-inch, PDAF,
2x optical zoom; 8Mp, f/2.2, 15mm,
120-degree (ultrawide), 1/4.0-inch,
1.12μm
•-iwiV>“iÀ>\£È«]vÉÓ°ä]Óӓ“
(wide), 1/3.0-inch
• Stereo speakers
• No 3.5mm audio jack
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
• Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE
• NFC
• GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS,
QZSS
• USB Type-C
• Fingerprint (under display, optical)
• Non-removable 5,000mAh battery
• 164x78x7.8mm
• 185g

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 53

REVIEWS

Xiaomi Pad 7
Price when reviewed: ËÎș

I
terative updates are the name of the HyperOS 2, a brighter screen, a new(er)
game for mobile devices in 2025 processor and faster charging. Xiaomi
>˜`8ˆ>œ“ˆ½Ãy>}à ˆ«Ì>LiÌÀ>˜}iˆÃ also has a wide range of accessories
no different. The Pad 7 comes along >Û>ˆ>Liˆ˜VÕ`ˆ˜}ˆÌÃwÀÃÌyœ>̈˜}
with a similar design and set of specs hinge keyboard design, helping
to its predecessor. the Pad 7 to rival the iPad Pro as a
That’s not an inherently bad thing, laptop replacement.
however. The Xiaomi Pad 6 was an
excellent Android tablet and iPad DESIGN
alternative and the new model comes The dimensions might be a few
ˆ˜>ÌÌ iÃ>“i«ÀˆVi]ËÎș]>˜`ˆÌ½Ã˜œÌ millimetres different from the Pad 6 here
completely lacking in upgrades. and there, but you’d struggle to choose
You get a big jump in software to between the two tablets in a line-up.

54 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

Still, that’s no bad thing
as it means this is a stylish
tablet with nothing short of
a premium feel.
From the front, the
Pad 7 looks like most
modern tablets, including
Android, but with its 3:2
aspect ratio, it most closely
resembles the iPad. On
the back, however, it has
a much more distinctive If you don’t use a case, the camera module means the tablet
Xiaomi design. ܜLLiÃœ˜>y>ÌÃÕÀv>Vi°
The aluminium rear
cover comes in three colours – grey, for the Pad 7 to replace your laptop,
blue and green – and the square camera then it’s likely still lighter in total even if
module looks very similar to the Xiaomi you add one of the keyboard cases.
15 phone, giving a nice coherent look. There’s little else important to say
The downside, if you don’t use a about the design. A small quirk is that
case, is that the camera module means the power button and volume rocker are
Ì iÌ>LiÌܜLLiÃœ˜>y>ÌÃÕÀv>Vi° on different sides and it’s something I’m
The Pad 7 is suitably thin at just still getting used to.
6.2mm but it’s put on a little
bit of weight, now hitting
the 500g mark. I’d say this
the biggest downside here
as it does start to feel on
the hefty side when you add
Ì ˆ˜}ψŽiÌ iœvwVˆ> œÛiÀ
case and Focus Pen stylus.
Sure, Apple’s iPad Air
(M3), see page 63, is 40g
lighter, but it costs a lot
more and if you’re looking The Pad 7 is thin at just 6.2mm.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 55

REVIEWS

Overall, it’s an excellent package worth it even if you’re not a professional

for the price with similar rivals from illustrator. I can’t draw for toffee but I’ve
Samsung and co more expensive. used it more than expected, including
just for navigation.
ACCESSORIES The Focus Pen snaps onto the
We don’t always have a section in side with magnets for storage and
reviews for accessories and that’s most charging and can go either way round.
commonly because we haven’t been Two buttons on the side allow you to
able to test them, but Xiaomi sent me do various things like switch between
three cases and the Focus Pen stylus, so drawing implements in Mi Canvas and a
I can tell you about them all. remote shutter for the camera.
If you’re buying the Pad 7 from There are other features such as
8ˆ>œ“ˆ½ÃœvwVˆ>Ã̜Ài]ޜսˆŽiÞ}iÌ screenshots and a virtual laser pointer
Ì iL>ÈVVœÛiÀ­ÜœÀÌ Ë{x®ˆ˜VÕ`i` but the latter doesn’t work so well.
and it’s decent. Protecting the tablet If you want to type with a real
during travel aside, it folds into a stand, keyboard, Xiaomi has two options
enables smart wake up and also has a for you. The more basic keyboard
loop to hold the Focus Pen. V>ÃiÜ ˆV ˆÃË££™>˜`œvviÀÃ>
/ iÃÌޏÕÈÃËn™]LÕÌ>ÌÌ ï“iœv proper keyboard for a decent typing
ÜÀˆÌˆ˜}ˆÃ>˜œ«Ìˆœ˜>iÝÌÀ>>ÌËΙÜ i˜ experience, it just goes right the edge
buying the tablet. At that price it’s well and the Pad 7 can only sit at one angle.
Those wanting to do
more than tap out quick
emails should opt for the
Pro Focus keyboard. It’s
ˣǙLÕÌÜiܜÀÌ ˆÌ
if you want a laptop-
like experience on an
Android tablet.
You get the same
excellent keyboard as the
cheaper model but it’s
The stylus is £89, but at the time of writing is an optional extra positioned better giving
at £39 when buying the tablet. you somewhere to rest

56 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 is still top-notch overall,
and Xiaomi has bumped
the resolution to 3.2K and
the brightness to 800 nits.
At 11.2-inch it’s slightly
larger and it a sweet spot
for real estate without
feeling like a huge device.
Resolution has been
bumped to 3,200x2,136
and, for my money, it’s
Those wanting to do more than tap out quick emails should one of the best LCD tablet
opt for the Pro Focus keyboard. displays out there with a
crisp and colourful image.
ޜÕÀ«>“ð/ ˆÃˆÃÌ >˜ŽÃ̜>yœ>̈˜} Perhaps the most important thing,
hinge design in the case as well as though, especially when compared
the addition of a small trackpad which to iPads (not Pro models) is that high
supports navigation gestures. refresh rate. It makes using the Pad 7
Overall, it works really well, even silky smooth in general operation and
if I do with the angle adjustment on lends itself to tasks like gaming, too.
the hinge would allow the Pad 7 to tilt One tweak I would make to the spec
back a bit further. à iïÃÌ i>``ˆÌˆœ˜œv>w˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜Ì

DISPLAY
The display on the Pad
6 was excellent so it’s
understandable to see
Xiaomi has made only
minor tweaks.
It’s still a 3:2 aspect
ratio (which may be
somewhat divisive) with
a 144Hz refresh rate. It’s
not OLED but the quality This is a top-notch display.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 57

REVIEWS

scanner. There isn’t one in

the screen or the power
button here, so you must
rely on face unlock (or
older methods) instead.
I would also like to
see an option for a matte
w˜ˆÃ `ˆÃ«>Þ]LṎ̽Ã
understandable Xiaomi
holds this back for the Pad
7 Pro.
The tablet packs a Performance is perfectly smooth most of the time, with that
punch once again in the high refresh rate display helping things feel zippy.
audio department with
quad speakers (two on each side in departments as the Pad 6 ran a
landscape orientation) with Dolby Snapdragon 870 and came in only one
Atmos support. They are great for 6/128GB model in the UK.
streaming, listening to audio, gaming Performance is perfectly smooth
and, well, just about anything. most of the time, with that high refresh
7 ˆi˜œÌy>܏iÃÃ]Ì iÞ>ÀiLiÌÌiÀ rate display helping things feel zippy.
than laptops which cost twice as The Pad 7 is perfectly capable of
much. Do note, however, there is not running all kinds of apps and features
headphone jack here which is a shame. ˆŽiyœ>̈˜}܈˜`œÜÈvޜÕ˜ii`°
It’s not totally immune to stutters,
PERFORMANCE but they are few and far between and
In the engine room is a Qualcomm in my experience just a slightly jerky
Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor – a animation when closing apps.
2024 chip we’ve seen in plenty of
phones – backed up by 8GB of RAM. Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
When it comes to storage (UFS 4.0), Xiaomi Pad 7: 5,205
there’s a simple choice of 128- or 256GB Xiaomi Pad 6: 3,142
and I’d recommend investing in the Apple iPad (10th Gen): 4,476
>ÌÌiÀvœÀœ˜ÞËÎä“œÀi° OnePlus Pad 2: 4,440
It means upgrades in all three Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: 3,930

58 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

)(:/CPJCVVCP data option here, not even with eSIM,
Xiaomi Pad 7: 56fps so you’ll need to look elsewhere if that
Xiaomi Pad 6: 39fps is a dealbreaker. It’s not even an option
OnePlus Pad 2: 50fps on the Pad 7 Pro so look to the likes of
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: 55fps the Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
Google Pixel Tablet: 57fps
PHOTOGRAPHY
$CVVGT[NKHG The camera module at the back of
Xiaomi Pad 7: 6 hours, 34 minutes the Pad 7 might suggest you get a
Xiaomi Pad 6: 8 hours, 15 minutes selection of cameras and it wouldn’t be
OnePlus Pad 2: 13 hours, 25 minutes a surprising move from Xiaomi either
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: 13 hours, considering devices like the Xiaomi 15
28 minutes Ultra. However, there’s the same 13Mp
Google Pixel Tablet: 14 hours, 19 camera as the Pad 6 and also the same
minutes 8Mp front facing camera.
As you might expect from a tablet
Charge in 30 minutes VœÃ̈˜}Ì ˆÃ“ÕV ]Ì iÞ>Àiw˜i>˜`
Xiaomi Pad 7: 54% hopefully you won’t need the rear
Xiaomi Pad 6: 40% camera much apart from perhaps to
Apple iPad (10th Gen): 34% scan the odd QR code or take some
OnePlus Pad 2: 19% basic snaps of something you want to
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 F: 49% sell online.
Google Pixel Tablet: 21%

In terms of other core

specs, you get Wi-Fi 6E,
Bluetooth 5.4 and a USB 3.2
Gen 1 port. It’s fairly modern
if not the latest versions
across the board but that’s
acceptable at this price and
unlikely that anyone would
even notice.
There’s no LTE cellular / iÀi>À£Î«V>“iÀ>ˆÃw˜ivœÀL>ÈVØ>«Ã°

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 59

REVIEWS

The front camera is likely more Note that there isn’t a charger in the
important so it’s always a shame this box, though, just a cable.
isn’t prioritised, but it offers very good
quality including 1080p for video SOFTWARE
calls. Still higher resolution than most When it comes to software, you get
laptop webcams which are still stuck, Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2
somehow, at 720p. over the top. While the company has
improved in this area over the last few
BATTERY LIFE years, it’s still something of a mixed bag.
The Pad 7 comes with a marginally It’s like a hybrid of iPadOS and
larger battery than its predecessor at Android rivals, starting with the Apple-
8,850mAh. That’s only 10mAh, but esque wallpaper. Of course, that is
it’s still a healthy capacity even if it easily replaced but other elements are
didn’t change. ˜œÌÃÕV >ÃÌ i돈̘œÌˆwV>̈œ˜>˜`
/ iw}ÕÀivÀœ“œÕÀÕÃÕ>* >ÀŽ quick settings panels.
battery benchmark isn’t very impressive It’s much easier to get to grips with
at just six hours and 34 minutes. than MIUI ever was and looks much
However, that doesn’t line up with more visually pleasing, too. I like the
real world usage where you should app bar at the bottom which includes
expect to get around 10 hours of app suggestions, and your Google
screen time, depending on factors like Discover feed is a swipe away from the
screen brightness.
A larger upgrade in this
area is charging which is
not 45 watts and Xiaomi
says you can get 40 percent
charge in 30-minutes. The
wÀ“ >Ã՘`iÀ܏`Ì ˆÃ>Ã
my testing with a Xiaomi
adapter with more than
enough oomph (90 watts)
saw the tablet reach an
impressive 54 percent in When it comes to software, you get Android 15 with
half an hour. Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 over the top.

60 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

homescreen. There
are a few too many
pre-installed apps,
such as LinkedIn, but
you can uninstall them
without much hassle.
Xiaomi includes a lot
of its own, some of
which are duplicates
of Google’s far better
options – the Mi
Browser as a prime
example – while others Xiaomi’s Pad 7 is an excellent value Android tablet.
have potential like the
Mi Canvas for using with the Focus Pen. VERDICT
On the AI front (it is 2025 after all) If you’re looking for an excellent value
Google Gemini is onboard as well as Android tablet then, yes, the Pad 7
Xiaomi HyperAI, though like its phones, «iÀviV̏ÞwÌÃÌ iLˆ°
this isn’t implemented very well. You ÌÀi>ÞˆÃ>y>}à ˆ«‡iÛiÌ>Lï˜
might not even notice it in the settings so many ways and there’s good chance
menu and there’s no icon for it on the Ì >̈vޜÕLÕÞˆÌvÀœ“Ì iœvwVˆ>Ã̜Ài]
homepage either. you’ll get it cheaper with things thrown
HyperAI can theoretically help with in for free and optional discounts on
writing, art, speech and more, but in accessories.
all honesty, I just didn’t come across Sure, there are other good
it in my usage. Especially with Gemini options out there and if you want the
baked in, most users will have no convenience of the cheapest iPad’s
need for both. software and app selection you won’t be
Fortunately, this year Xiaomi has disappointed by going down that route.
“>`i>ëiVˆwVÜvÌÜ>Ài«Àœ“ˆÃi]Ü ˆV  Android rivals have advantages too like
is four years. You can get longer with optional 5G if that’s important or the
rivals like Samsung, but it’s far better Google Pixel’s speaker dock.
than no promise and knowing you’ll get But if you’re looking for a well-made,
to Android 19 is reassuring. high-spec tablet without breaking the

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 61

REVIEWS

bank then the Pad 7 is the top option.

Chris Martin

SPECIFICATIONS
• 11.2-inch (3,200x2,136; 344ppi) IPS
LCD, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10,
Dolby Vision, 800 nits display
• Android 15, up to 4 major Android
upgrades, HyperOS 2
• Qualcomm SM7675-AB Snapdragon
7+ Gen 3 (4nm) processor
• Octa-core (1x 2.8GHz Cortex-X4,
4x 2.6GHz Cortex-A720, 3x 1.9GHz
Cortex-A520) CPU
• Adreno 732 GPU
• 8GB/12GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB storage
• Rear-facing camera: 13Mp, f/2.2,
(wide), 1/3.06-inch, 1.12μm, PDAF
•-iwiV>“iÀ>\n«]vÉÓ°Î]­Üˆ`i®]
1/4.0-inch, 1.12μm
• Stereo speakers
• No 3.5mm audio jack
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6e, dual-band,
Wi-Fi Direct
• Bluetooth 5.4, LHDC 5
• No NFC
• USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector
• Non-removable 8,850mAh battery
• 251.2x173.4x6.2mm
• 500g

62 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

Apple iPad Air (M3)
Price when reviewed: Ëx™™

A
««iwÀÃÌ>˜˜œÕ˜Vi`Ì iˆ*>` all-dancing iPad Pro (M4). In 2023,
Air line back in 2013, three years Apple introduced a 13-inch model of
after the introduction of the the iPad Air, matching the sizes available
iPad. It was designed to be a slimmer in the iPad Pro line, and while nothing
and lighter version of the iPad, and has changed on the design front for
while there’s less to differentiate it from this year, a new Magic Keyboard was
the standard model these days, it still announced for the Air and it’s had a
has those characteristics 12 years later. power upgrade.
The iPad Air (M3) sits in the middle With a starting price of almost
of Apple’s tablet portfolio, replacing double that of the regular iPad (A16)
the iPad Air (M2) which only launched however, is it worth upgrading to the
in May 2024, and sitting between the iPad Air (M3)? I’ve been using it for
regular iPad (A16) and the all-singing, œÛiÀ>“œ˜Ì ̜w˜`œÕÌ°

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 63

REVIEWS

(M3), but naturally,

they’ve made their
way onto this model
too.
The colour options
– Starlight, purple,
blue and Space Grey
– also transfer across
from the 2024 model,
/ i/œÕV  w˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜ÌÃi˜ÃœÀˆÃœV>Ìi`ÜˆÌ ˆ˜Ì i«œÜiÀLÕÌ̜˜° as does USB-C for
charging and the
DESIGN /œÕV  w˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜ÌÃi˜ÃœÀÜˆÌ ˆ˜Ì i
The iPad Air (M3) is identical to its power button. If I had any criticism of
predecessor, the iPad Air (M2), but the iPad Air (M3), it would be that it’s
don’t mistake that for a criticism. about time Face ID was introduced
There was very little wrong with the on this model, matching the more
iPad Air (M2)’s design, with a slim and expensive iPad Pro (M4).
slender build, a premium aluminium Otherwise, even the 13-inch model
unibody and uniform bezel surrounding is portable in terms of weight, hitting
the display, all combining to make a the scales at 616g, while the 11-inch
great-looking tablet.
The design has remained
pretty much the same for the
iPad Air since 2020, but a few
tweaks have been introduced
ˆ˜Ì œÃiwÛiÞi>Àð"˜iœv
those is the 13-inch size option
I mentioned above, which is
pictured in this review, and the
other is the repositioning of the
front camera to a landscape
orientation. Both of those
tweaks were new for the 2024 The iPad Air (M3) has a gorgeous design and an
model rather than the iPad Air excellent build quality that’s hard to fault.

64 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

“œ`iˆÃ{Èä}°/ iy>̇i`}i`]È°£““ I would love to have seen the old
slim frame is comfortable to hold, even iPad Pro’s mini-LED panel transcend to
for extended periods of time, while the the iPad Air, but the IPS LCD screen on
bezel around the display makes a great offer here still does a great job. It’s not
resting place for your thumbs when as good as the iPad Pro (M4) and its
watching content. There’s no IP rating Tandem OLED panel, with those models
as there is on Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, noticeably brighter and punchier in
but unless you’re planning on swimming terms of colour representation, but
with your iPad or taking it in the bath, the iPad Air has decent contrast, sharp
that won’t be too much of an issue. detail, and great colour and vibrancy.
If you invested in the iPad Air (M2), Everything, from the latest TV series
there’s absolutely no reason to upgrade I was watching to the morning news
to the iPad Air (M3) from a design looked brilliant, and, while the iPad Air
point of view, but if you’re looking at ­ήܜՏ`Li˜iwÌvÀœ“Õ««ˆ˜}Ì i
the 2025 model with fresh eyes, it has refresh rate from 60Hz for a smoother
a gorgeous design and an excellent gaming and scrolling experience,
build quality that’s hard to fault. you can just about forgive that
shortcoming for now.
DISPLAY It’s a fully laminated display and
The iPad Air (M3) either has an 11-inch Ì iÀi½Ã>˜>˜Ìˆ‡ÀiyiV̈ÛiVœ>̈˜}̜œ]
Liquid Retina display, or a 13-inch Liquid both of which make a difference in use.
Retina display, depending
on the model you choose.
There was a time when the
larger model of the iPad
Pro line offered a mini-LED
panel, while the smaller
iPad Pro retained an LCD
screen. That’s no longer
the case with the iPad
Pro (M4) and the iPad Air
doesn’t give any special
treatment to the larger
model either. The IPS LCD screen on offer here does a great job.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 65

REVIEWS

The standard iPad

(A16) has neither and
the iPad Air’s display
ˆÃÈ}˜ˆwV>˜ÌÞ“œÀi
natural to interact
with as a result of
the lamination, and
better outside thanks
̜>˜Ìˆ‡ÀiyiV̈Ûi
coating. Sure, the
>˜Ìˆ‡ÀiyiV̈ÛiVœ>̈˜}
doesn’t have anything
on the Nano-texture Apple’s latest iPad Air runs on Apple’s M3 silicon chip.
}>ÃÃœ«Ìˆœ˜ޜսw˜`
on the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, but PERFORMANCE
it still helps to minimise glare from the With the design and display remaining
spring sun. the same as the iPad Air (M2), many
The iPad Air is also compatible with of the reasons for this iPad Air (M3) to
the Apple Pencil Pro, which is lovely to exist at all lie under the hood. Apple’s
use. When I’ve returned to using the latest iPad Air runs on Apple’s M3
Apple Pencil (USB-C) on the standard silicon chip, which is built on a 3nm
iPad, I’ve missed the squeeze gesture process and it’s made up of an 8-core
on the Pro model. CPU and 9-core GPU.
There are two speakers on the It’s a little less powerful than the
edge of the iPad Air (M3) when held in iPad Pro (M4), which runs on the M4
a horizontal orientation and while I’d processor with up to a 10-core CPU
always recommend using headphones and 10-core GPU, but for the majority
for the best experience, there’s good of people, the iPad Air (M3) will have
performance from the inbuilt stereo more power than they’ll need. It makes
offering here. Turn them up too loud light work of anything you throw at it,
and things get a little distorted but from streaming content and playing
at a low or mid-volume, you’ll have games, to browsing the web and
no problem catching up on the latest working on the move.
episode of whatever you’re into. Multitasking is effortless, with the

66 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

iPad Air (M3) running two apps side- documents or taking a quick picture to
by-side without any signs of struggle, add to a note for example, but I would
while switching between apps is recommend using your smartphone for
seamless. It can handle heavier-duty any photos you might want particularly
tasks too, from image editing to good quality from.
graphics-intensive games. The front camera is a slightly
There’s 128GB of storage in the different story on an iPad (compared to
entry-level model, though there are the rear) as that will be the one used for
options of 256GB, 512GB and 1TB any video calls you might make, whether
should you wish to upgrade. Keep in with family, friends or work colleagues.
mind that iPads don’t have microSD As I mentioned, the front camera is now
support for storage expansion so if positioned in a landscape orientation as
you’re someone who downloads large it was on the iPad Air (M2), which makes
apps or wants to store your movie much more sense than the previous
collection on your tablet, you’ll need portrait position.
to factor that in. œÀi«iœ«iẅ˜Ì ivÀ>“i
Elsewhere, there’s support for Wi-Fi when you’re on a group call, while
6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and there’s the option on a professional call, more of your
of Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and Cellular using ÃÕÀÀœÕ˜`ˆ˜}i˜ÛˆÀœ˜“i˜ÌwÌȘ]À>Ì iÀ
eSIM, all of which applied to the iPad than showing only your body and the
Air (M2) too. ceiling. The front camera on the iPad

PHOTOGRAPHY
I can’t say I’d recommend
taking photos with a
tablet if you can avoid
it. Smartphones offer
>È}˜ˆwV>˜ÌÞLiÌÌiÀ
experience overall, but
should you really want to take
a few snaps using the iPad Air
(M3)’s rear camera, it will offer
good enough results. It can The rear camera is handy for snaiing documents or taking
come in handy for scanning a quick picture.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 67

REVIEWS

Air (M2) is good, supporting 1080p as you’ll get on some Android tablets,
video, and it offers Apple’s Center Stage including the Oppo Pad 3 Pro or the
feature, keeping you in frame even if OnePlus Pad 2. The iPad Air (M3) also
you move around. doesn’t come with a charging brick in
Ì iLœÝ]܈vޜÕÜ>˜Ì̜Li˜iwÌvÀœ“
BATTERY LIFE its support for 20-watt charging, you’ll
Apple touts 10 hours of battery life for need to buy your own charging block to
all of its iPad models. It doesn’t matter if deliver that.
it’s the iPad mini 7, or the iPad Pro (M4) The lack of fast charging isn’t a
you’re talking about, all are claimed to deal-breaker – and it’s better for the
deliver 10 hours of video watching and battery lifespan overall – but just make
9 hours browsing the web. What’s quite sure you charge this tablet the night
amusing is that the claim is pretty much before you’re taking it somewhere
on the money for the all iPad models rather than 10 minutes before you
too, including the iPad Air (M3). leave your house.
If you invest in the new Magic
Keyboard for the iPad Air (M3) with its SOFTWARE
larger trackpad and new row of function The iPad Air (M3) runs on iPadOS
keys and you start typing for a couple of 18, which is a superb experience in
œÕÀÃ]ޜÕ܈w˜`Ì iL>ÌÌiÀÞ`i«iÌià terms of tablet interfaces. There are
faster. But, for casual browsing, checking some ways in which Android is better
emails, streaming content
and making notes, you’ll get
well over a working day out
of the iPad Air (M3). It’s a
solid performer, like Apple’s
other iPads, whether you’re
working on the move or
watching content on a long-
>Տyˆ} Ì°
What you do need to
consider is that once the
L>ÌÌiÀÞˆÃy>Ì]Ì iÀi½Ã˜œ The iPad Air (M3) runs on iPadOS 18, which is a superb
support for fast charging experience in terms of tablet interfaces.

68 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

– predominately in
terms of allowing
for more apps to run
simultaneously – but
iPadOS is still the
better experience on
the whole, with more
apps in the App Store
optimised for larger
screens too.
The more recent
software also introduced
more customisation, The iPad Air (M3) is a superb tablet that won’t disappoint.
with the ability to move
icons in the Control Centre around more someone or something from the
freely and get quicker access to more background of an image.
settings you might want, as well as the Apple Intelligence isn’t the sole
option to apply a colour tint to all apps reason to invest in the iPad Air (M3), but
should you want to make your iPad as it improves over the next couple of
Home Screen more uniform. years, it might be something you’ll want
There’s support for Apple to have access to. Apple doesn’t specify
Intelligence here too – something exactly for how long it will offer general
ޜÕܜ˜½Ìw˜`œ˜Ì iÃÌ>˜`>À`ˆ*>` software support, but it’s usually around
(A16) and, while Apple Intelligence is seven years, so this iPad Air (M3) should
Ã̈w˜`ˆ˜}ˆÌÃviï˜ÌiÀ“Ãœv>VÌÕ> continue to get new software features
usefulness, there are a couple of until at least 2030, if not beyond that.
features worth having. I’m not just talking about Apple
I’m a big fan of the Priority Intelligence features either: some of
œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã]Ü ˆV «ÕÌÃÌ i“œÃÌ the best software features released last
ˆ“«œÀÌ>˜Ì˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã>ÌÌ i̜«œv year are outside of Apple Intelligence,
Ì iÃÌ>VŽˆ˜Ì i œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ i˜ÌÀi] including Smart Script, which tidies up
while Clean Up in Photos means I your handwriting in real time and the
no longer have to send a photo to Calculator app, which has come to iPad
my Google Pixel if I want to remove vœÀÌ iwÀÃÌ̈“i°

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 69

REVIEWS

VERDICT • 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB storage

The Apple iPad Air (M3) is a superb • Rear-facing camera: 12Mp, f/1.8,
tablet and if you buy one, I don’t think (wide), 1/3.0-inch, 1.22μm, dual pixel
you’ll regret it. In its favour is its build PDAF
quality, display, performance and a •-iwiV>“iÀ>\£Ó«]vÉÓ°ä]
solid battery life, all elevated by Apple’s 122-degree (ultrawide)
iPadOS software. • Stereo speakers
There’s no denying the iPad Air (M3) • No 3.5mm audio jack
ˆÃ>È}˜ˆwV>˜Ìˆ˜ÛiÃ̓i˜ÌqiëiVˆ>Þ • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-
considering the regular iPad (A16) band, hotspot
is nearly half the price – so it’s worth • Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE
considering how much power you really • No NFCFC
need and whether this iPad is overkill. • GPS, GLONASS (5G model only)
You’ll also need to consider how much • USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort,
storage you’ll need and whether magnetic connector
you want accessories, such as the • Fingerprint (top-mounted)
Apple Pencil Pro, all of which are sold • Non-removable 9,70 mAh battery
separately, driving up the cost. • 280.6x214.9x6.1mm
If power and portability are top • 616g (Wi-Fi) / 617g (5G)
of your wish list however, the iPad
Air (M3) is a tablet I have absolutely
no hesitation in recommending. It is
brilliant. Britta O’Boyle

SPECIFICATIONS
• 13-inch (2,732x2,048; 264ppi) Liquid
Retina IPS LCD, 600 nits (typ) display
• iPadOS 18.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS
18.4
• Apple M3 processor
• Octa-core (4 performance cores and 4
ivwVˆi˜VÞVœÀià *1
• Apple GPU (9-core graphics)
• 8GB RAM

70 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

Honor Watch 5 Ultra
Price when reviewed: €279 (ËÌLV®

T
he Honor Watch 5 Ultra is Honor’s 5 Ultra is playing at a slightly different
wÀÃÌ1ÌÀ>Ó>ÀÌÜ>ÌV ]LÕÌÌ ˆÃ end of the smartwatch spectrum. One
isn’t necessarily like putting an where there are some pretty great
Apple Watch Ultra 2 or a Samsung smartwatches from Huawei, Xiaomi
Galaxy Watch Ultra on your wrist. along with a host of WearOS-packing
It does offer some qualities of those watches. It’s also going up against the
ultra smartwatches like giving you a Apple Watch SE 2, which means it is up
dive-friendly design and introducing an against some pretty stiff competition.
ECG sensor to provide more accurate
heart rate readings, and does that for DESIGN
considerably less money. The Watch Ultra 5 looks absolutely
Unlike the Honor Watch 5, the Watch nothing like the Honor Watch 5 and

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 71

REVIEWS

smartwatches. That case

is matched up with either
a brown leather or a black
y՜Àœi>Ã̜“iÀÃÌÀ>«]ÜˆÌ 
each easily removable via
the small sliding button
mechanism on the back.
The brown leather strap
I had partnered up with
the silver titanium case
is a tried and trusted
Like the Watch 4 Pro, you’ve got a twisting crown button on look that works well for
the top right side of the case many watches and it’s no
different here.
should really be seen as the successor I do think it would be nice to
to the Honor Watch 4 Pro. have a smaller case size option, but
It’s available in just a 46.3mm case in general it’s been a comfortable
size, making it roughly the same size watch to wear without ever feeling too
as the 4 Pro (46.4mm) and matching hulking in stature.
up to smartwatches like the OnePlus Like the Watch 4 Pro, you’ve got a
Watch 3. Honor opts for an octagonal twisting crown button on the top right
case design, which helps
to ensure it doesn’t just
disappear into a sea of the
many very similar-looking
round smartwatches.
The case is made from
grade 5 titanium, offering
something that’s tough yet
light and gives the Ultra
a pretty pleasing matt
look that does feel like an
upgrade on the stainless That case is matched up with either a brown leather or a
steel used on previous Honor L>VŽy՜Àœi>Ã̜“iÀÃÌÀ>«°

72 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

side of the case and that can be used to noticeable when you’ve got a lighter-
scroll through screens and push you into coloured watch face in place.
the main app screen. The button below / iÃVÀii˜µÕ>ˆÌÞœÛiÀ>ˆÃw˜i°/ ˆÃ
acts as your shortcut to the workout ˆÃ˜½ÌÌ iLiÃÌƂ" «>˜iޜսw˜`
tracking screen as default. on a smartwatch, nor is it necessarily
The crown works well and you can the worst. Colours are accurate, black
assign that bottom button to do things levels are solid overall and it’s nicely
like display heart rate readings or open Ài뜘ÈÛi̜Ã܈«iÃ>˜`Ì>«Ã°`ˆ`w˜`
up the Bluetooth calling screen instead. I needed to use it with it set to near the
Following in the footsteps of maximum brightness setting when using
other smartwatches that feature ultra it in brighter outdoor light.
in the name, Honor offers a level of What is good to see is that this
Ü>ÌiÀ«Àœœw˜}Ì >Ì“>ŽiÈÌÃՈÌ>LivœÀ AMOLED panel is being guarded from
freediving up to 40m. That’s to add to scratches by sapphire glass, giving
>xƂ/À>̈˜}]Ü ˆV “i>˜ÃˆÌ½ÃwÌvœÀ you the kind of screen defence usually
being submerged in water up to 50m reserved for more expensive watches
depth with pool and open water swim and smartwatches.
tracking modes at your disposal. ̽ØœÌ>“>œÀÃÕÀ«ÀˆÃi̜w˜`Ì iÀi½Ã
no LTE connectivity on offer, though
DISPLAY Honor does include a microphone
Honor plants a 1.5-inch, 466x466 and speaker to let you make calls via
resolution AMOLED
touchscreen display inside
of that grade 5 titanium
case, which does support
an always-on mode and
promises a refresh rate up to
60Hz to keep those visuals
looking smooth.
The screen doesn’t
entirely reach the edge of
that case, with a mediumly
thick black bezel surrounding The screen doesn’t reach the edge of that case, with a
that screen, which is more mediumly thick black bezel surrounding that screen.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 73

REVIEWS

Bluetooth. Once permitted through wellness metrics are well presented. I

the Honor Health app, it’ll pull through just think there’s just an overall feeling
contacts and give you a well optimised that the user interface feels a bit cheap
keypad to type out numbers on along in places.
with a call log to see previous callers. The watch faces is one of those areas
I found call quality perfectly as is the menu styling that are reminders
acceptable, if not the clearest, with that you’re not playing with an Apple
good volume that does make it usable Watch or a WearOS smartwatch here.
if you actually want to intercept a call The Honor Health smartphone
from your smartphone. app that’s required to set things up
and will host your data does a good
SOFTWARE œLœv«ÀiÃi˜Ìˆ˜} i>Ì >˜`w̘iÃÃ
Honor once again relies on its own stats and giving you access to Honor’s
MagicOS operating system to provide watch face market.
the software experience on the watch, There isn’t an app store front or
which still has a Huawei HarmonyOS contactless payments, but if you’re
and LiteOS feel about things. looking for a smartwatch that handles
It’s compatible with Android phones vi>ÌÕÀiψŽi˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã]Üi>Ì iÀ]
and iPhones with some features off- music controls and playback (for
limits for iPhone users, like access to Android phones), the Watch 5 Ultra
paid watch faces and
making use of the built-
in music player that
offers a portion of the
8GB of storage to store
audio on.
The watch software
is pretty easy to get to
grips with and doesn’t
spring a lot of surprises.
œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃÕ««œÀÌ
works well and widgets
for items like the The Honor Health smartphone app does a good job of
weather and health and «ÀiÃi˜Ìˆ˜} i>Ì >˜`w̘iÃÃÃÌ>Ìð

74 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

can cover those things. Is it
the slickest operating system
ޜսw˜`œ˜>Ó>ÀÌÜ>ÌV 
right now? I’d say that’s a
comfortable no, but there’s
enough that’s good about
it to make sure you get a
good overall smartwatch
experience.

FITNESS & TRACKING The Watch 5 Ultra has plenty to offer on the health and
The Watch 5 Ultra has plenty w̘iÃÃÌÀ>VŽˆ˜}vÀœ˜Ì°
to offer on the health and
w̘iÃÃÌÀ>VŽˆ˜}vÀœ˜Ì>˜`]˜œÌ>LÞ]˜œÜ It performed better tracking my
promises to let you take ECG heart sleep where data like sleep scores
rate measurements. and duration were similar to the same
This is done through its health scan data captured by two other sleep
feature that captures readings alongside trackers. Light and REM sleep stages
ones for your SpO2 levels, stress while also chimed with similar data with
also keeping tabs on sleep and weight shortcuts available in the Honor Health
(if manually added in the app) to offer a app to add sleep music or breathing
more insightful picture into your health exercises to your pre-sleep routine to
and power morning updates on trends. improve your bedtime.
However, the ECG feature didn’t Daily step tracking was nicely in line
appear live in my testing nor does ÜˆÌ ÌܜœÌ iÀw̘iÃÃÌÀ>VŽiÀÃ]Ì œÕ} ˆÌ
it seem to carry the same regulatory lacked any really sort of useful features
approval that other ECG smartwatches to motivate you to move more on a
offer in detecting signs of serious heart regular basis. If you’ve dropped your
health conditions. step count from the previous day, it’ll
Delving into that data, I could see show you that in the app, but that’s
that, in general, heart rate readings really about as far as things go.
were a lot higher and that was a similar When you’re tracking workouts,
story for heart rate ranges and during there’s everything from cross training to
pretty steady-paced workouts. rowing covered with a host of additional

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 75

REVIEWS

«ÀœwiÃÌ >ÌV>˜Li>``i`°9œÕ½Ûi That’s up to a day on the Watch

>Ãœ}œÌ>VViÃÃ̜w̘iÃÃ>}i]6"Ó>Ý 4 Pro in the same scenario. You still
and fatigue training insights that are get the option of using the supplied
reliant on GPS and heart rate tracking proprietary charger or topping up
to be accurate. ܈ÀiiÃÏÞÕȘ}>+‡ViÀ̈wi`܈ÀiiÃÃ
GPS-tracked routes looked pretty charger. It also supports reverse
good, though in general tended to charging with smartphones that offer it.
underreportthe distance covered. VO2 The battery performance has been
Max estimates were surprisingly similar solid in my testing with a daily and
to a sports watch with recommended overnight drop-off anywhere from
recovery time after workouts a bit on 3- to 5 percent and means you can
the generous side even for shorter, comfortably get through a week’s use
low-intensity sessions. and longer when using the raise to
wake gesture display mode.
BATTERY LIFE Switch to always-on display mode,
Honor promises some improvements on and, unsurprisingly, the battery drop is
the battery front compared to the Honor more severe as it does prompt when
Watch 4 Pro. There’s a 480mAh capacity enabled. I found it was more like three
battery that should offer up to 15 days ̜wÛi`>ÞÃ`i«i˜`ˆ˜}œ˜Ì ivi>ÌÕÀiÃ
battery life in typical usage. in use during that period, outside of
core smartwatch ones
ˆŽi˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã°
Switch the scheduled
always-on display mode
and it does a much
smarter job of keeping
that screen on during
hours when you actually
need to stare at it.
The additional
charging support is nice
to see. I had no problems
You get the option of using the supplied proprietary charger using it with a few
œÀ̜««ˆ˜}Õ«܈ÀiiÃÏÞÕȘ}>+‡ViÀ̈wi`܈ÀiiÃÃV >À}iÀ° different wireless chargers,

76 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

including the PowerShare feature on a • NFC
Samsung smartphone. • GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer; gyro; heart
VERDICT rate; barometer; compass; SpO2
The Honor Watch Ultra 5 isn’t Ultra in • Non-removable 480mAh battery
the way that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 • 46.3x46.3x11.4mm
or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra • 51.8g
is. This isn’t a smartwatch built for
rugged use, but instead one that seeks
to marry good-performing software
with a more elegant look than Honor’s
non-Ultra Watch 5.
It does deliver on providing a good
look and bringing in design materials
usually reserved for more expensive
smartwatches. Where things take a
downturn is the watch software, which
isn’t necessarily bad or badly executed;
it just doesn’t have that same polish
œÀiÛiœvvi>ÌÕÀiÃޜսw˜`vÀœ“
watches around this price.
/ iÀi>Ài`iw˜ˆÌiÞÌ ˆ˜}Ã̜ˆŽi
about the Honor Watch 5 Ultra, but if
you’re looking for the best smartwatch
for the price, there are better options.
Mike Sawh

SPECIFICATIONS
• 1.5-inch (466x466; 310ppi) LTPO
AMOLED always-on display
• Proprietary OS
• Loudspeaker
• No WLAN
• Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 77

REVIEWS

Oura Ring 4
Price when reviewed: ËÎ{™

T
he Oura Ring 4 is arguably day (and night) and delivered a better
Oura’s most important smart ring battery life than the Ring Gen 3.
because there are more rivals As a long-term Oura Ring Gen 3 user
than ever before. and having also tested pretty much all
That increased competition led by other smart rings available, the Ring 4
the Samsung Galaxy Ring along with is a reminder that there are things Oura
the likes of Ultrahuman, RingConn and gets right that its rivals haven’t quite
Circular shows that Oura is not the only cracked yet.
smart ring in town.
To keep ahead of the pack, Oura DESIGN
has improved its ring design, promises The Oura Ring’s appeal is partly down
more accurate tracking, new metrics to to how good it looks and that doesn’t
help make better decisions about your change with the Ring 4. There are

78 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

ÈÝw˜ˆÃ œ«Ìˆœ˜Ãˆ˜̜Ì>°/ >̽ÃȏÛiÀ regular wear. It’s not been as bad as the
(pictured), black, brushed silver, stealth, very scratch-friendly Ultrahuman smart
gold and rose gold. The silver and black ring, but Samsung’s Galaxy Ring does
options are the cheapest to go for with a better job of fending off those visible
gold and rose gold models coming in signs of wear.
the most expensive. In terms of sizing, I was
One of the most notable changes is recommended to get a sizing kit as
the etching on the outside of the ring the design changes with the Ring 4
to serve as a visual reminder that the VœÕ`“i>˜>V >˜}iˆ˜wÌvÀœ“Ì i
ring needs to be worn with the sensors Ring Gen 3. I ended up going with the
Ã>Ì>}>ˆ˜ÃÌÌ iˆ˜Ãˆ`iœvޜÕÀw˜}iÀ°̽à same size, though that’s not necessarily
something that Samsung does on its going to be the case for all, since there
Galaxy Ring smart ring as well, which have been some alterations to the
is useful but breaks up an otherwise hardware and design.
sleek ring. The Ring 4 also offers a wider
Those sensors hidden on the range of sizes than the previous
underside of that etching now sit more iteration. You can opt for four through
yÕà ÜˆÌ >˜ˆ˜ÌiÀˆœÀÌ >̽ØœÜvՏÞ to 15: the Gen 3 is only available in
encased in titanium. It makes wearing sizes six to 13. Oura recommends
the ring less noticeable and a bit more users wear a test ring for at least 24
comfortable to wear than the Oura œÕÀÃ]>Ãw˜}iÀÃV>˜V >˜}iÈâiÃ
Ring Gen 3. throughout the day and night.
There’s now just a fully
circular version available that
does keep it in line with the
look of rival smart rings. Oura’s
Ring still looks different enough
>˜` >Ã>}i˜iÀ>Þ˜ˆViÀw˜ˆÃ 
to help it stand out from other
rings – Oura users will be happy
with the changes.
It still picks up scratches,
which Oura has now mentioned
on its website will happen with The Oura Ring picks up scratches with regular wear.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 79

REVIEWS

FITNESS & TRACKING and better compensating for when

In essence, the Oura Ring 4 monitors the sensors might not be sitting in
and tracks a lot of the same things the optimal place.
the Oura Ring Gen 3 and other smart For exercise, Oura appears to accept
rings can… but you’ll need to pay for a its limitations to some degree and while
monthly or annual subscription to access it can automatically detect exercises in
all of those insights. a pretty reliable fashion and does give
There’s some new metrics added and you the ability to record heart rate from
perhaps more crucially, a new optical workouts when prompted in the app,
sensor platform that opens up more I still don’t trust it enough to track all
signal pathways than the previous Oura of my exercise heart rate more reliably
Ring to improve tracking accuracy. Oura than a dedicated heart rate monitor
also promises to improve monitoring for chest strap. I got some good data,
`ˆvviÀi˜ÌΈ˜̜˜iÃ]w˜}iÀà >«iÃ>˜` particularly when using it for steady
Ü i˜Ì iÀˆ˜}“œÛiÃ>ÀœÕ˜`ޜÕÀw˜}iÀ° paced workouts, so if you’re not doing
It will track your steps, monitor sleep, all-out HIIT classes, you might just get
stress, temperature, daily heart rate the good heart rate data you crave.
and it’s all geared towards powering That support puts a bigger emphasis
Oura’s Readiness metric that will tell on the ability to connect to Strava
you whether you’re in tip-top shape to where I still tracked my workouts from
take on a strenuous day or you should a Garmin or Apple Watch and helped
consider taking things easy. to provide more reliable data points
That Readiness metric is only as for Readiness metrics, which told me a
good as the data that powers it. So similar story to the Training Readiness
making sure you’re getting accurate insights on a Garmin and the Energy
heart rate, sleep and exercise data to scores on a Samsung Galaxy Ring.
make sure that Readiness number can Sleep tracking is still a strength for
be useful. Oura and remains one of the biggest
The biggest issues on the Oura reasons to buy this ring. When I
Ring Gen 3 lay with the heart rate compared core sleep data like total
and its ability to factor in exercise sleep, resting heart rate and sleep stage
data, two things Oura has made breakdowns with the Samsung Galaxy
improvements with, especially on Ring and Garmin’s, the data looked
tracking heart rate, during exercise strong, reliable and insightful.

80 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 Oura’s
companion
smartphone app
has certainly
become a lot
busier than when
ˆÌwÀÃ̏>՘V i`°

Oura will also pay attention to your Oura’s companion smartphone app
daytime stress and resilience, so I could has certainly become a lot busier than
clearly see from the app where I was Ü i˜ˆÌwÀÃ̏>՘V i`° ÀÕVˆ>Þ]ˆÌÃ̈
veering to more stressful periods of my makes those features glanceable and
day with useful explanations provided engaging, which is where some other
why it can sometimes be on the rise at smart ring makers slightly falter.
certain parts of the day.
There are a bunch of other features BATTERY LIFE
here to encourage good habits or Other smart rings are bettering Oura
provide more insights. You can take on for battery performance. The RingConn
an experiment to reduce caffeine intake, Gen 2 stands out in front with 12
see your cardiovascular age and make days with the Samsung Galaxy Ring
use of the symptom radar, which came promising a week between charges.
ˆ˜ >˜`ÞÜ i˜ÌiÃ̈˜}ˆÌœÕÌwÀÃÌÜˆÌ  You can enjoy up to eight days of
the Oura Ring Gen 3. battery life with the Ring 4, though that
Cycle tracking is included in the number can depend on ring size and
app, though Oura is currently the the monitoring features in use.
only smart ring manufacturer to be My size eight is one of the smaller
supported for the FDA-approved app ring sizes available, and that seems to
Natural Cycles, which may be a key mirror the type of battery life I enjoyed.
swing for many buyers. /Þ«ˆV>Þ]ˆÌÜ>ÃVœÃiÀ̜wÛi`>ÞÃÌ >˜

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 81

REVIEWS

eight days, with a nightly

drop-off of 14- to 15
percent, showing you
how much data crunching
it does overnight.
If you turn on the
blood oxygen sensing,
there’s a more dramatic
drop in battery life. If
you can live without that,
ޜսi˜œÞÈ}˜ˆwV>˜ÌÞ
more battery between You can enjoy up to eight days of battery life with the Ring 4.
charges. That is an
improvement on the Ring Gen 3, which and presents data in an engaging way,
in the same size lasted typically lasted the Oura Ring 4 is the standout smart
just a couple of days. Things are going ring.
in the right direction, it’s just not the If you own an Oura Ring Gen 3, the
leader on battery front. biggest wins are the improved battery
When it’s time to charge, you still life, a boost in heart rate tracking and
have a charging cradle that you can >“œÀiVœ“vœÀÌ>LiwÌÜ iÀiÌ œÃi
drop the ring onto. Depending on how sensors feel less prominent. It should
low you are on battery, charging can also be supported for longer, as it’s a
take anywhere from 20- to 80 minutes. newer model.
That’s the same as the Oura Ring Gen 3. The Oura Ring 4 doesn’t beat other
The look of the cradle is a bit more smart rings in all departments though.
high grade than the previous one, The RingConn Gen 2 will get you more
though I do think the portable charging battery and there are other rings that
cases available with the Galaxy Ring and won’t make you pay for some of the
RingConn Gen 2 make for better smart metrics the the Oura can punch out.
ring charging set-ups. It’s all about the package and while
the Oura Ring 4 isn’t perfect in all areas,
VERDICT it’s strong enough in most to make it
If you want a smart ring that looks good, the best smart ring you can put on your
feels comfortable to wear day and night w˜}iÀ°Mike Sawh

82 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

SPECIFICATIONS
• Works with Android and iOS devices
•ƂÕ̜“>̈VwÀ“Ü>ÀiÕ«`>ÌiÃۈ>"ÕÀ>
app
• Requires monthly or annual
subscription
• Red and infrared LEDs measure blood
oxygen levels while you sleep
• Green and infrared LEDs alternate
to measure heart rate and heart rate
variability 24/7 and respiration rate
during your sleep
• Digital sensor measures your
temperature variations
• Accelerometer tracks movement and
activity 24/7
• Water resistant up to 100m
• Up to 8 days battery life (claimed)
• Bluetooth
• 7.9x2.88mm (similar to a wedding
band)
• 3.3- to 5.2g (depending on ring size)

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 83

BUYING GUIDE

Best mid-range phones

High-end features without the usual price. ANYRON COPEMAN reports

A
fter deciding between Android But what about if you’re somewhere
and iOS, the next big decision in between? You still want some of those
you need to make is how much premium features, but your budget can’t
you are willing to spend on a new µÕˆÌiÃÌÀiÌV ̜y>}à ˆ««ÀˆVið
phone. For some people, only the That’s where a mid-range phone
very best phones will do, and they’re comes in. To be eligible here, a phone
willing to pay for it. At the other end “ÕÃÌVœÃÌLiÌÜii˜ËÎää>˜`ËÇää
of the scale, the best budget phones when bought outright at launch. That’s
deliver a solid core experience at a a fairly wide price range, with dozens of
fraction of the cost. possible devices, but only the very best

84 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

have made it into the top 10 below. like wireless charging or water and dust
The only mid-range iPhone that resistance IP rating – these still tend
Apple sells is the iPhone 16e, but to be reserved for the most expensive
we haven’t had the chance to review phones on the market, though a few
it yet. It means the list below is mid-range devices do offer one or the
exclusively Android phones, though other.
there’s still plenty of choice. Below, Try to remember that it’s not
ޜսw˜``iۈViÃvÀœ“"˜i*ÕÃ] always about specs either. We’ve hit
Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, Nothing, something of a ceiling when it comes
Motorola and Poco. to smartphone tech, so although
Honourable mentions go to the these phones may not be as fast as
Nubia Flip 5G, the only mid-range ޜÕÀ>ÛiÀ>}iy>}à ˆ«]Ì iÞ>Ài>“œÃÌ
folding phone, and the Fairphone 5, certainly fast enough for most users.
which has impressive sustainability and Go for a phone that balances value,
repairability credentials. performance, features and design in a
way that appeals to you and your needs.
BUYING ADVICE
Every mid-range phone offers a 1. BEST OVERALL
compromise, trying to deliver the best Google Pixel 9a
œv>y>}à ˆ«ÜˆÌ œÕÌVœÃ̈˜}µÕˆÌiÜ Price when reviewed:Ë{™™
much. Still, there are some specs you Pros: Attractive display; strong main
don’t want to skimp on. Look for at least >˜`ÃiwiV>“iÀ>ÃÆiÝVii˜ÌÜvÌÜ>ÀiÆ
6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 7 or seven years of updates
8 chipset for smooth performance (or Cons: No telephoto camera; slow
another brand equivalent), along with at charging; polarising design
least 128GB of storage.
After that, it’s about deciding on The Pixel 9a is far from being a
your priorities. Are you looking for long perfect phone, but it is very easy to
battery life, fast charging, an OLED recommend. If you want a no-frills mid-
display, or a powerful camera? Few mid- range phone experience that will serve
range phones offer all of them, so pick you well for many years, this is it.
which matters most to you. That’s not to say it doesn’t have any
One common element is that you’ll standout features, though. The 6.3-inch
likely have to give up on nice-to-haves P-OLED display is excellent, especially

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 85

BUYING GUIDE

with that silky-smooth 120Hz refresh. the nondescript design won’t be for
Opting for the same Tensor G4 chipset everyone. But if you just want a solid
>ÃÌ iy>}à ˆ«*ˆÝi™« œ˜iÓi>˜Ã mid-range phone that handles almost
performance is excellent too. all the fundamentals well, the Pixel 9a is
And in the 48Mp main lens, you’ve the handset for you.
got a superb camera for point-and-
à œœÌ« œÌœ}À>« Þ°/ i£Î«Ãiwi 2. BEST VALUE
sensor is impressive too, while the Nothing Phone (3a)
13Mp ultrawide can hold its own. It’s Price when reviewed:ËÎә
just a shame there’s no telephoto lens Pros: Incredibly stylish design;
for proper zoom photography. affordable price point; slick and speedy
But the Pixel 9a is arguably even software; great battery life
more impressive on the software side. Cons: Ultrawide camera isn’t great; no
Slick Android 15 software is backed by charger in the box
a class-leading seven years of updates
and useful AI features, even if you don’t 7ˆÌ >ÃÌ>À̈˜}«ÀˆViœvËÎә]Ì i
get the full set here. Pixel phones are Nothing Phone (3a) costs just enough
>ÃœwÀÃ̈˜ˆ˜i̜}iÌƂ˜`Àœˆ`£È>˜` to be included here. However, provided
future major versions when they arrive. you don’t need top-tier cameras, it
While battery life is decent, slow offers everything most people are
23-watt wired charging is probably looking for in a mid-range phone.
the biggest disappointment, while Nothing’s signature design, with a
semi-transparent back and
customisable ‘Glyph’ lights,
means the Phone (3a) is
sure to turn heads. But it’s
the excellent Snapdragon
7s Gen 3 performance,
superb 6.77-inch 120Hz
OLED display and
excellent battery life (from
the 5,000mAh cell) that
elevate the device from
1.
good to truly excellent.

86 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 Nothing’s take on
Android is another
highlight, with a new
Essential Key that should
get more useful over time,
plus a full six years of
software support.
Cameras are the
main compromise, with
issues in low-light and a
2.
disappointing ultrawide
lens. But for everything
you’re getting, the Nothing Phone (3a) complete with a stunning large OLED
is a superb phone for the money. and display. The cameras are surprisingly
there’s no reason for most people to great, despite being a clear step down
step up to the Phone (3a) Pro. from Xiaomi’s class-leading 14 Ultra.
Solid battery life is supported by
3. BEST DESIGN impressive 67-watt fast charging, even
:KCQOK6 if the necessary charger isn’t in the box
Price when reviewed:Ëx{™ and there’s no wireless charging.
Pros: Slick design; great cameras; solid This is a phone with almost no
performance; fast charging; useful hardware weaknesses, though the
Google Circle to Search feature
Cons: Hit-and-miss AI features; no
wireless charging; plastic frame

If you want a mid-range phone

that could easily pass as a
y>}à ˆ«]Ì i8ˆ>œ“ˆ£{/ˆÃvœÀ
you. It looks and performs a lot
like the regular Xiaomi 14, yet
ÃÌ>ÀÌÃ>̍ÕÃÌËx{™ˆ˜Ì i1°
And there’s a lot to like here,
3.
including a premium design

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 87

BUYING GUIDE

software is still underwhelming at times. From a hardware perspective, the Poco

Google’s Circle to Search feature is F7 Pro is an amazing achievement. It
genuinely useful, though Xiaomi’s own «>VŽÃ>ÌÀÕiy>}à ˆ«‡iÛiV ˆ«Ãï˜
AI attempts aren’t always successful. the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which delivers
Xiaomi’s commitment to four major predictably superb performance in
"-Õ«`>ÌiÃ>˜`wÛiÞi>ÀÃœvÃiVÕÀˆÌÞ basically any scenario. The large 120Hz
patches is solid, though. And as an all- OLED is a joy to use, even if more
ÀœÕ˜`iÀ]ޜսÃÌÀÕ}}i̜w˜`>˜ÞÌ ˆ˜} brightness would be nice, while battery
better at this price point. You could step life from the large 6000mAh cell is
Õ«̜Ì i£{/*Àœ]LÕÌÌ iiÝÌÀ>Ë£xä­ˆÌ excellent. You even get a premium
ÃÌ>ÀÌÃ>ÌËș™®ȓ«ÞˆÃ˜½ÌܜÀÌ ˆÌvœÀ build, something which is often
most people. Ã>VÀˆwVi`œ˜“ˆ`‡À>˜}i« œ˜ið
The cameras are generally
4. BEST PERFORMANCE impressive, too – especially that 50Mp
:KCQOK2QEQ(2TQ main lens. Sadly, the 8Mp ultrawide is a
Price when reviewed:Ë{™™ big step down in quality,
Pros: Superb performance; stunning Bigger compromises appear on the
display; strong battery life; premium software side, with annoying extra pre-
build installed apps and only four years of
Cons: Ultrawide camera is just okay; software support (as opposed to six on
some pre-installed bloatware; display many mid-rangers). But these are easy
isn’t quite bright enough to overlook when you see everything
else you’re getting for your
money. Poco also has a
more premium F7 Ultra,
but the F7 Pro is a better
choice for more people.

5. BEST BATTERY LIFE

1PG2NWU4
Price when reviewed:ËÈǙ
Pros: Six years of software;
great user experience with
4.
nice AI additions; brilliant

88 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

performance; solid
battery life; super-fast
charging
Cons: Cameras need
w˜iÌ՘ˆ˜}Ƙœ܈ÀiiÃÃ
charging; magnetic
accessories only work
with case

Given it launched
5.
>œ˜}È`iÌ iy>}à ˆ«
OnePlus 13, it’s easy to
overlook the cheaper 13R. But this is a 6. BEST FOR AI
great mid-range phone in its own right. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
It offers almost everything most Price when reviewed:Ë{n™
people are looking for in a mid-range Pros:Thin and light design; strong
phone, namely great performance, software experience; useful AI features;
superb battery life and slick software attractive display
that cleverly deploys AI to enhance the Cons: Disappointing secondary
user experience. And at this price point, cameras; not great for gaming;
OnePlus’ commitment to six years of ;acklustre speakers
software updates is the best around.
Cameras are the main shortcoming In many ways, the Galaxy A56 is a
– despite some notable improvements Galaxy S25+ at a mid-range price. It
compared to the OnePlus 12R, it’s a offers a premium design, an attractive
step down from the best at this price display and solid everyday performance,
point. You’ll also have to make do making it an appealing choice. And in
without wireless charging, with the One UI 7, you get one of the very best
MagSafe-style accessories requiring a software experiences, complete with
separate case. However, provided user genuinely useful AI features. Samsung
experience is your top priority and you also offers an impressive six years of
`œ˜½Ì“ˆ˜`Ã>VÀˆwVˆ˜}ܓiV>“iÀ> both OS and security updates.
performance to get there, you can’t go However, performance for
wrong with the 13R. anything more demanding can prove

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 89

BUYING GUIDE

7. BEST DISPLAY
:KCQOK4GFOK
0QVG||2TQ 
Price when reviewed:ËÈǙ
Pros: Stunning display;
excellent charging speed; very
capable main camera sensor;
«Ài“ˆÕ“`iÈ}˜>˜`w˜ˆÃ
Cons: Some performance
6.
issues; underwhelming software

problematic, while a decent main rear The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ isn’t quite as
camera is let down by the supporting impressive as its predecessor, but you
lenses. You’re also better off connecting Ã̈}iÌ>œÌvœÀ>ψÌ̏i>ÃËΙ™]“>Žˆ˜}
Bluetooth headphones than relying on it an attractive option.
the lacklustre speakers. Talking of attractive, that 6.67-
The Galaxy A56 offers a lot for its inch AMOLED screen is a real sight
mid-range price, but it’s not brilliant ̜Li œ`°̽ÃLˆ}]ۈLÀ>˜Ì>˜`yՈ`]
value. It’s a reliable choice, but you combining a 120Hz refresh rate with up
“ˆ} Ìw˜`œ˜iœvÌ i« œ˜iÃ>LœÛi̜ to 3,000 nits of peak brightness.
be a better choice. Other highlights include a capable
5,110mAh battery
supported by rapid 120-
watt fast charging, plus
an impressive main rear
camera that’s up there
with the best at this price.
Elsewhere, the premium
design could easily pass for
>y>}à ˆ«« œ˜i]iëiVˆ>Þ
on the vegan leather
model.
Sadly, it’s not as
7.
impressive in all areas.

90 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset is The Snapdragon chip under the
w˜ivœÀiÛiÀÞ`>ÞÌ>ÎÃLÕÌÃÌÀÕ}}ià œœ`ˆÃ˜½ÌµÕˆÌi+Õ>Vœ““½Ãy>}à ˆ«]
with anything more demanding, while but performance is still very strong,
Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin has plenty of while the excellent display could pass
bloatware and doesn’t feel the most for a device twice the price.
intuitive. Solid battery life is supported by
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is still a 100-watt fast charging (albeit without
strong phone, but other mid-range the charger in the box), while the six-
options offer a more well-rounded year update commitment is the best on
iÝ«iÀˆi˜Vi]>˜`Ì iËә™Ài}Տ>À a non-Samsung or Google phone.
Redmi Note 14 Pro allows you to save The downsides are concentrated
some money. around the cameras, with OnePlus
opting for a disappointing ultrawide
8. BEST FOR FAST CHARGING lens instead of any telephoto. But
1PG2NWU0QTF Ì i“>ˆ˜>˜`ÃiwiÃi˜ÃœÀÃ>Ài}œœ`
Price when reviewed:Ë{ә enough that you can mostly ignore that.
Pros: Premium build; great display; And considering everything else
strong main camera; solid battery life; you’re getting, the OnePlus Nord 4
six years of software support is superb value for money. However,
Cons: Polarising design; disappointing you might want to wait for the
ultrawide camera; no telephoto camera upcoming Nord 5.

The OnePlus Nord 4 is a

superb phone which still
offers everything most
people are looking for in a
mid-range phone.
That includes superb
build quality, with the metal
unibody design ensuring
top-class durability, even if
Ì iÀiyiV̈Ûi«>Ã̈V܈˜`œÜ
around the cameras will
8.
divide opinion.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 91

BUYING GUIDE

9. A COMPELLING you’d associate with a much more

ALTERNATIVE expensive phone.
0WDKC<7NVTC Unfortunately, as good as the
Price when reviewed:ËÈ{™ hardware is, Nubia’s take on Android
Pros: Superb performance; impressive isn’t particularly intuitive, and the
main camera; strong battery life; company doesn’t mention how long
gorgeous display it’ll be supported. Alongside the hefty
Cons: Not the best software; big, design and lack of wireless charging,
unwieldy design; no wireless charging there are enough reasons for most
people to look elsewhere. But if you’re
Nubia might be known for its Redmagic looking for a mid-range phone with
gaming phones, but the company almost no hardware compromises
makes some great regular handsets, Vœ“«>Ài`̜y>}à ˆ«Ã]Ì i ÕLˆ><Çä
too. And the Z70 Ultra is the pick of the Ultra is the phone for you.
current bunch.
It excels in four key areas: a stunning 10. BEST FOR GAMING
6.85-inch AMOLED screen, top-class 0WDKC4GFOCIKE2TQ
Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, Price when reviewed:ËxǙ
>y>}à ˆ«‡iÛixä«“>ˆ˜V>“iÀ> Pros: Great performance; strong battery
and excellent battery life from the life; excellent fast charging; useful
6,150mAh cell. These are all features ‘Game Space’ gaming mode
Cons: Software support is
only three years; software
is rough around the edges;
cameras are average

The Redmagic 10 Pro is

a contender for the best
gaming phone outright,
making it remarkable
that it’s priced as a mid-
range phone. Nubia is
going head-to-head with
9.
the more expensive Asus

92 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 10.

ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro here, and and hit-and-miss software. Nubia
the Redmagic fares well. Performance also only guarantees three years of
from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset software updates, which is behind
is its key strength, offering superb the competition.
gaming performance in collaboration Nonetheless, the Redmagic 10
with the built-in fan and advanced Pro provides a near-complete mobile
cooling system. gaming experience at an impressively
Nubia’s ‘Game Space’ software low price.
mode offers useful gaming tweaks and
customisation, while the large display
and premium design make it a joy to
use. And with a 7,050mAh battery and
100-watt wired charging (80 watts in the
box), the battery life/charging combo is
one of the best around.
The 10 Pro’s main weaknesses
appear when you try to use it as a
regular phone, with a heavy build

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 93

FEATURE

I switched to a dumb
phone for 7 days. Did it
wÝ“ÞÃVÀii˜>``ˆV̈œ˜¶
Did it work? ANYRON COPEMAN reports

M
y life revolves around my There’s nothing inherently wrong with
phone. As hard as that is that – a smartphone offers tonnes of
to admit, it’s the truth. For features that can enhance our lives.
basically my entire waking life, I’m But all too often, it feels nearly
tethered to my smartphone, and I ˆ“«œÃÈLi̜Ãi«>À>ÌiÌ iÃiLi˜iwÌÃ
hate it. from the well-publicised downsides.
As Tech Advisor’s Mobile Editor, Most of the time, I don’t reach for my
using my phone regularly is a necessity. phone to use one of its many handy

94 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

tools; I use it as a form of distraction. FRIDAY
Whether it’s procrastinating or ̽ÃÈ°Î䫓°½Ûiw˜ˆÃ i`ܜÀŽvœÀÌ i
escaping a moment of discomfort, my week and have a full week off to look
phone has eliminated boredom from my forward to. I also have no plans to leave
life. Sadly, it’s had the same effect on the city where I live – there’ll literally
any genuine relaxation. never be a better time to do this.
I knew something had to change, so w˜>Þ“ÕÃÌiÀÕ«Ì iVœÕÀ>}i̜
I set myself a radical challenge. Could I turn off my Nothing Phone (3a) Pro,
survive for an entire week without using take the SIM card out and put it into
>Ó>ÀÌ« œ˜i¶-܈ÌV ˆ˜}̜>yˆ«« œ˜i the Nokia 110. The latter is a much
hadn’t quite had the desired effect, so I w``ˆiÀœL]ÀiµÕˆÀˆ˜}Ì iL>ÌÌiÀÞ̜Li
knew I had to go further. Ài“œÛi`wÀÃÌ­>Ài“œÛ>LiL>ÌÌiÀÞq
There was only one device for it: a what a concept!).
‘dumb phone’. In other words, a basic And just like that, the experiment
feature phone which offers access to has begun. So has my discomfort, so
key tools such as calls and texts, but I immediately reach for the next most
little else. I went for the Nokia 110 I addictive device I own – my laptop –
already owned – it has 4G connectivity, and am quickly soothed. Ah, the sweet
which is crucial at a time when many 3G hit of dopamine!
networks are being switched off. Except…it’s not quite as good
However, basically all of the other when you have to mess around with
creature comforts I’ve come to rely on a keyboard and mouse instead of just
are missing. No Chrome!
No WhatsApp! No Google
Maps! A terrible camera!
What had I signed up for?
Despite all these
apparent downsides, I
was weirdly excited to
make the switch, which
probably showed how
much I needed it. Here’s
how my smartphone-free
week went. Me, in my usual unrelaxed state.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 95

FEATURE

tapping and swiping. My laptop has a But this is what dumb phones
touch screen, but watching YouTube do best. Call quality throughout our
Shorts and Facebook Reels on such a 30-minute conversation is excellent, and
massive display just feels wrong. at no point does it feel like a downgrade
It also goes against what my goal is compared to a smartphone. I doubt my
for this experiment: using technology grandma can tell I’m using a different
more mindfully. phone – she certainly didn’t mention it.
So, in another radical move, I block
the sites I know will be most distracting. SATURDAY
These are the usual suspects: a few I’m visiting my parents today, which
news sites and social media apps. I know will make not having a
The restrictions are easy enough to smartphone much easier. I rarely use it
get around, but I’m hoping there’ll when I’m with them anyway.
be enough friction there to make me However, I didn’t consider the
think twice. “œÀ˜ˆ˜}Ü>ŽÜi}œœ˜wÀÃÌ]Ü iÀi
After dinner, I suddenly realise I’d there are multiple opportunities to take
planned to call my grandma. Will she great photos. You should’ve seen the
even be able to hear me on such a look on my dad’s face when I whipped
cheap, basic phone? the Nokia out of my pocket! Miffed
would be an understatement.
As he snaps away with the Xiaomi
13 Pro, I can’t help but feel a twinge
of envy, even if I’d have only copied
the shots he was taking. But I’m also
enjoying being free from the usual
pressure to document my life. It’s a
refreshing feeling.
Most of the rest of the day,
I genuinely enjoy not having a
smartphone. Except when my
parents’ printer isn’t working and I
have to borrow one of their phones
The Nokia 110’s removable back feels like taking to get the manual. Ugh.
a trip back in time. Before I know it, it’s been over 12

96 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 I know) is proving a
challenge. Sometimes,
I give in and use my
laptop, but try to keep
my attention on the
football match as much as
possible. It’s not helped
by what might be the
most boring Manchester
derby ever.

I mean, at least you can tell it’s a lake. MONDAY

I’ve booked a massage
hours since I last checked WhatsApp or vœÀ“ÞwÀÃÌœvwVˆ>`>Þœvv°/ ˆÃܜՏ`
Facebook Messenger. In that time, I’ve be slightly nerve-wracking at the best of
missed a grand total of…zero messages. times, but I also have to navigate to an
unfamiliar location and have no proof of
SUNDAY my booking. Shudder.
I’m calling a friend in Malaysia this Cue looking up the 7-minute walk
“œÀ˜ˆ˜}° >˜Vœ˜wÀ“\7 >ÌÃƂ««V>Ã on Google Maps about 20 times. In the
ܜÀŽÕÃÌw˜iœ˜>>«Ìœ«]iÛi˜Ü i˜ i˜`]ˆÌ½Ãi>ÃÞ̜w˜`]>˜`>˜ œÕÀ>ÌiÀ]
the phone it’s linked to is switched off. I’m feeling like a whole new man.
Ó°x œÕÀÃyÞLÞÜˆÌ ˜œÌ ˆ˜}“œÀiÌ >˜ A few minutes into my afternoon
minor issues, which I think are internet- of journalling (on my laptop – I’m not
related anyway. perfect), I feel a sense of calm and focus
In fact, the only real problem I that I haven’t had in weeks. It’s taken a
encounter today is my shopping list, few days, but not using a smartphone is
which usually lives on Google Keep. making me feel a lot more present.
Switching to a paper version is probably
the easiest swap I make all week, TUESDAY
though, while ditching my virtual loyalty Another scary Google Maps-free
V>À`vœÀÌ i« ÞÈV>œ˜iˆÃ˜½Ì`ˆvwVՏ̰ navigation has arrived. This time, it’s a
However, getting used to looking 45-minute walk to a country park I’ve
at only one screen at a time (I know, never visited. Am I crazy?

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 97

FEATURE

with my mum. Before I know it,

ÃiÛi˜ œÕÀà >ÛiyœÜ˜LÞ>˜`
I’ve barely looked at a screen.
I use my laptop for a few
hours in the evening, but it
gets boring quickly when
you can’t go on social media,
check the news or watch
YouTube videos. There are
only so many Reddit posts one
It’s a no from me. man can read.

No, no, I’m not. The obsessive route THURSDAY

checking before I left might’ve helped, Being without a smartphone almost
but it turns out there are these things feels normal now. Instead of relying on
called signs that point you in the right GPS, I simply look up where I want to
`ˆÀiV̈œ˜Ü i˜ÌÀވ˜}̜w˜`ܓiÌ ˆ˜}° go on my laptop and trust that I’ll be
Who knew. >Li̜w˜`ˆÌ°
In the end, making it to the park is Tracking down a local coffee shop
a breeze, and I enjoy a lovely couple of is straightforward, as is the takeaway
hours reading and walking around the ÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ>˜Ì½`ˆ`i˜Ìˆwi`vœÀ`ˆ˜˜iÀ°
lake, before heading to the nearby cafe. I was anticipating more problems at
Sitting alone around lots of couples the cinema, which normally uses digital
and families makes me feel a bit tickets. Despite the email clearly saying
awkward, so I instinctively turn to my ‘This is your ticket’, I’ve convinced
phone. But let me tell you, when Snake myself that they’ll reject my print-out
is your only option for distraction, it’s and send me packing.
better to stay in the real world (please But as it turns out, no-one even
don’t come for me, Snake fans). checked my ticket! All that worrying was
vœÀ˜œÌ ˆ˜}°Ƃ̏i>ÃÌÌ iw“Ü>ëÀiÌÌÞ
WEDNESDAY good.
Today is the easiest day so far. Aside ˜Ì iiÛi˜ˆ˜}]w˜>Þ >Ûi̜
from a short walk in the morning, I stay V >À}iÌ i« œ˜ivœÀÌ iwÀÃÌ̈“iq
>Ì œ“i>`>Þ]`iVÕÌÌiÀˆ˜}Ì iy>Ì could get used to this six-day battery

98 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

life. I never want to go back to
Micro-USB, though. Ugh.

FRIDAY
It’s the last day of my
experiment, and I’m not
exactly looking forward to
going back to my smartphone.
But I have no choice – the
Pixel 9a won’t review itself.
I use my last few I have no words.
smartphone-free hours
to do some of the most mundane exclusively a consequence of not using
tasks known to man: food shopping, a smartphone. I had a deliberately
cleaning and laundry. quiet week off work with only a handful
By the time 6.30pm comes around, of tasks to complete, prioritising rest
I’m mentally prepared to go back to the and recovery. I also didn’t leave my
world of near-constant distractions. As home city, meaning all the streets were
soon as I switch back, I’m struck by just familiar to me.
how big and bulky this 6.3-inch, 186g But nonetheless, it shows the power
device feels. It’s relatively compact by of reducing distractions and becoming
modern phone standards, but about more present, which is something I
twice the size of the Nokia. `iw˜ˆÌiÞÜ>˜Ì̜Vœ˜Ìˆ˜Õi°
I quickly slip into my old usage I have no desire to give up my
patterns, but can’t shake the feeling smartphone full-time. It’s simply
that it’s not right. too useful in too many scenarios,
especially when travelling or in an
WHAT SWITCHING TO A DUMB unfamiliar location.
PHONE TAUGHT ME ˜ÃÌi>`]“Þ}œ>ˆÃ̜w˜`> >««Þ
Swapping my smartphone for a dumb middle ground where I can get many
phone has had a profound effect on œvÌ iLi˜iwÌÃÜˆÌ œÕÌLiˆ˜}ÃÕVŽi`
me. During my seven-day experiment, I into mindless usage. After seeing what’s
felt calmer, more focused and generally possible, I’m more motivated than ever
less stressed. Of course, that’s not ̜w}ÕÀiˆÌœÕÌ°

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 99

FEATURE

I switched from Android

to iPhone after 12 years.
Here’s what I learned
It was quite a shock. ANYRON COPEMAN reports

W
hen I say I review phones for That’s not to say iPhones aren’t
a living, what I really mean is important here at Tech Advisor – quite
that I review Android phones the opposite. But with a maximum of
for a living. That shouldn’t come as a wÛi˜iÜ >˜`ÃiÌÃ>Þi>À]“ÞV >˜ViÃ
massive surprise: have you seen how of reviewing one as a junior member of
many new Android handsets come out the team were slim. That all changed
every year? when I became Mobile Editor last

100 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

year. Suddenly, it became a priority for was perfect for my temporary switch.
me to see what was going on in the I simply added the iPhone 16 Pro as a
mysterious world of Apple smartphones. ‘Linked device’ (you can add up to four),
So that’s what I did. which allowed me to keep my Android
But after putting my SIM card into phone as the main device.
Ì iˆ* œ˜i£È*ÀœqÌ iwÀÃ̈* œ˜i It was a perfect solution for me, as it
I’d used as my main handset since the works even when the primary phone is
iPhone 5 in 2012 – I was unprepared switched off. However, you will need to
for just how different it’d be. During my log into it at least once every 14 days.
two weeks with the device, I learned More than any other app, you’ll need
a lot about Apple and its approach to to have a plan for WhatsApp before you
phone hardware and software. If you’re start the switching process.
an Android loyalist and considering the
switch, you’ll also want to be aware of 9*#6#4'#..6*'5'$766105!
these eight things. The premium design and excellent build
quality of the iPhone 16 Pro didn’t come
WHATSAPP WOES as a surprise. Compared to the Pixel 9
Of all the apps and data I wanted Pro I’d reviewed just before, the 16 Pro
to move between Android and iOS, is remarkably similar – both phones have
WhatsApp caused the most headaches. 6.3-inch displays and weigh 199g.
I’m already used to the hassle of However, it wasn’t long before I
backing up my chats on one phone, noticed some key design differences.
then re-registering and restoring them In particular, those extra buttons on
on another. But while Android uses the side! Most Android phones stick to
Google Drive for backups, the iPhone just a power button and volume rocker,
relies on iCloud. but the iPhone 16 Pro adds two more,
Until 2022, there was no easy way to with mixed results.
move your chat history. That has since After getting used to its placement,
changed, but it still relies on you using I loved using the Action Button. It was
the Move to iOS app and transferring it the perfect way to toggle Silent mode
as soon as you set up your new iPhone. on and off, but can be used to trigger
If you forget, you’ll have to reset the all sorts of functions, including opening
device and start again. any app. This is something Android
Luckily, there’s an alternative that phones should copy.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 101

FEATURE

by 2012 standards, but a lot

has changed since then.
The good (or bad,
depending on your viewpoint)
news is that the iPhone is
still out in front. I’ve tested
some of the very best camera
phones for stills, including
The Camera Control button was used accidentally more the Samsung Galaxy S25+
than it was intentionally. and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL,
but none can match the 16
However, I’d rather do without the Pro when it comes to video quality.
Camera Control button. It’s designed as Footage from the main lens is stunning,
a shortcut to key camera features and offering the kind of crisp detail, accurate
a physical shutter button, but I found it colours and smooth transitions you’d
“œÀiw``ÞÌ >˜v՘V̈œ˜>°½“ÃÕÀi½` typically associate with dedicated
get used to it over time, but I didn’t see camera equipment.
>˜ÞÀi>Li˜iwÌVœ“«>Ài`̜Ì>««ˆ˜} While most Android phones offer
on the screen. decent video, if you want to use your
The position of the Camera Control phone for anything more serious than
button also causes problems. When casual use, the iPhone is still the way
shooting in landscape mode, it’s too to go.
far up the phone to be
easily accessible, while
practically useless while
in portrait. Android users,
you’re really not missing
out here.

INCREDIBLE VIDEO
Is the iPhone really the
best when it comes to
smartphone video? The
iPhone 5 was impressive The iPhone 16 Pro is excellent for both photos and videos.

102 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 iMESSAGE IS
ANNOYINGLY GOOD
Before switching to the 16 Pro,
I’d become increasingly angry
at Apple’s main messaging
app. Why don’t iPhone users
just use WhatsApp instead?
Why did Apple take so long to
make Android texting better
by adding RCS? And why is
the blue bubble/green bubble
situation even a thing?
Face ID is a joy to use. Then I started using it.
ˆiÃÃ>}i­œÀœvwVˆ>ÞÕÃÌ
FANTASTIC FACE ID ‘Messages’, as it’s known on the iPhone)
Recently, some Android phone makers is hands-down the best all-around
>Ûiw˜>ÞÃÌ>ÀÌi`̜V>ÌV Õ«ÜˆÌ  messaging app on any phone.
Apple’s Face ID. In particular, Google’s It integrates SMS, MMS and
Pixel phones and Honor Magic devices iMessages into one app, making it
let you use your face to authenticate simple to see everything at a glance.
payments and log into banking apps.
But Apple has had Face ID on
the iPhone since 2017, and it shows.
On the 16 Pro, it’s just that bit faster
and more reliable than any Android
rivals. It works in basically any lighting
conditions, and can easily be set
up to unlock while you’re wearing
glasses or a mask.
Ƃ˜՘`iÀ‡`ˆÃ«>Þw˜}iÀ«Àˆ˜Ì
sensor would be nice, but the fact
that I didn’t miss it at all speaks
volumes. Face ID is another thing
Apple has absolutely nailed. I’m an iMessage convert.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 103

FEATURE

You can also get it to automatically that little bit better. I never expected to
`iiÌi>Ì œÃiÌiÝÌÛiÀˆwV>̈œ˜Vœ`ià be saying this, but I might prefer it to
once they’ve been used. WhatsApp.
And even when you don’t have
an Internet connection, you’ll still be NOTIFICATION NIGHTMARE
able to text with all the context of the My single biggest gripe with the iPhone
same conversation. When you’re back ˆÃÌ iÜ>ÞˆÌ >˜`i؜̈wV>̈œ˜Ã°½“
online, everything is automatically not saying Android is perfect when it
backed up and available across all Vœ“iÃ̜˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã]LṎÌviiÃˆ} Ì
your Apple devices. years ahead of what iOS is doing.
It handles message replies better For some reason, Apple seems
than WhatsApp, creating a thread rather ̜Ì ˆ˜ŽÌ >̘œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ãà œÕ`
than cluttering the chat. You can also «iÀ“>˜i˜ÌÞˆÛiÜˆÌ ˆ˜Ì i œÌˆwV>̈œ˜
seamlessly jump to a FaceTime call, Center. If you unlock your phone, any
which typically offers better quality than ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã܈`ˆÃ>««i>ÀvÀœ“Ì iœVŽ
WhatsApp calling. screen and require a half-swipe up to
Apple’s library of reactions, stickers access them. Why? It just makes things
and animations is unmatched, while unnecessarily complicated.
links to video and audio content will Android makes the process much
play from within the app. ȓ«iÀ°ƂޜÕÀ˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã>Ài
In iMessage, it’s this collection of permanently displayed on the lock
small touches that makes the experience screen (if there are too many, their
icons are shown at the bottom
of the screen), from where you
can simply tap one to open it
or swipe away.
I’m also not a fan of the way
ˆ"-}ÀœÕ«Ã˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜ÃvÀœ“Ì i
same app into ‘Stacks’. Sure, it
reduces clutter, but I always need
to expand the list to see the
Vœ˜Ìi˜ÌÃœv˜œÌˆwV>̈œ˜Ã>˜ÞÜ>Þ°
On Android, a useful preview is
You can’t tell me this is better than Android. right there in front of me.

104 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025

 nearby Wi-Fi until tomorrow” – in
other words, Wi-Fi will automatically
be turned back on the next day.
It’s the same with Bluetooth –
does Apple really not trust me to
remember to re-enable Wi-Fi? Call
me old-fashioned, but I’d like to be
able to control this myself while using
the ‘Control Center’!

PAINFUL CHARGING
This isn’t a problem exclusive to
the iPhone, but it was quite a shock
when I switched. The iPhone 16 Pro
It’s a no from me. ˆÃ>y>}à ˆ« >˜`ÃiÌÜ ˆV VœÃÌÃ>Ì
i>ÃÌ˙™™>̏>՘V ]ÞïÌV>˜œ˜Þ
NOT MUCH CONTROL CENTER charge at up to 25 watts.
There was also quite a learning curve to If you’ve ever experienced the joys
using the iOS Control Center…and not of true fast charging, you’ll know just
in a good way. Think of it like Android’s how frustrating this is. Even if you can
quick settings menu, only worse. w˜`>Vœ“«>̈Li«œÜiÀLÀˆVŽ­Ì iÀi
Its design isn’t a problem, nor is the isn’t one in the box), charging takes an
fact that you have to swipe down from absolute age.
Ì i̜«‡Àˆ} ÌœvÌ iÃVÀii˜ëiVˆwV>Þ MagSafe magnetic charging is
(which Samsung has now copied). cool, but I’d give that up in an instant
Instead, my biggest issue is that
tapping one of the icons doesn’t do
what you’d expect it to.
For example, at least once a day,
I typically want to turn Wi-Fi off –
usually when I’m heading out. But on
the iPhone 16 Pro, tapping the Wi-Fi
icon won’t actually fully disable it.
Instead, it’ll say “Disconnecting Charging is via USB-C now, at least.

JULY 2025 • TECH ADVISOR 105

FEATURE

for even 45-watt wired charging.

I’m just glad the strong battery life
meant I didn’t need to plug the 16
Pro in very often.

VERDICT
Switching to the iPhone 16 Pro
came with more surprises than I was
expecting…for good and bad.
Despite being more similar than
ever before, iOS and Android still differ
in some pretty fundamental ways.
Unless you’re familiar with both, there’s
>È}˜ˆwV>˜Ìi>À˜ˆ˜}VÕÀÛiÜ i˜ޜÕ
make the switch either way.
As someone who reviews phones
for a living and primarily uses Google
>««Ã]Ƃ˜`Àœˆ`ˆÃ>“ÕV LiÌÌiÀwÌvœÀ
me right now. But I can appreciate
some of the ways Apple makes the
iPhone such a compelling device,
especially if you already own the
company’s other products.
Despite accusations of a lack of
innovation, the iPhone has come a
hell of a long way in the 12 years
I was away. The latest models are
undoubtedly still some of the very
best smartphones you can buy.

106 TECH ADVISOR • JULY 2025