This year's tech landscape has delivered some impressive devices, and we've rounded up four of our favorites that offer exceptional value and performance. From powerful smartphones to versatile tablets and innovative wearables, these selections cater to a range of needs and budgets, proving that top-tier tech doesn't always mean a top-tier price tag. Each device has been rigorously tested and analyzed, focusing on both its strengths and limitations, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers.Our curated list includes the iQOO 13, a gaming powerhouse; the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro, a budget-friendly tablet with surprising capabilities; the Huawei Watch Fit 3, a feature-packed smartwatch at an affordable price; and the Ultrahuman Ring, a unique health tracker focusing on actionable insights rather than just raw data. Read on to discover our detailed reviews and see which device might be the perfect addition to your tech arsenal in 2024.
Pros And Cons
- Good price (around $270 on AliExpress).
- Fast enough to run mid-graphics games at 40 FPS.
- Large 144Hz IPS screen.
- 45W charging, 10,000mAh battery.
- Optional keyboard and pencil with hover, tilt, and pressure support.
- PC mode (similar to Samsung DeX).
- Supports USB 3.2 for connecting external monitors.
- Can extend the screen instead of mirroring.
- Good thermals.
- Mediatek processor has limitations (latency spikes when screen goes static in remote desktop mode, not strong enough for demanding tasks like playing WoT on extended screen while browsing on tablet).
- Can run any game maxed out without heat or battery problems.
- Crazy upgrades (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 6000+ mAh battery, 120W fast charging).
- Flagship killer specs (LTPO display, 144Hz refresh rate, 2K resolution).
- Charges other devices (like MacBook Pro) at 100W.
- Proper metal and glass build.
- IP68 and IP69 rating.
- Supports USB 3.2 for wired screen mirroring.
- Resolution upscaling.
- Camera behaves like a sub-thousand dollar phone.
- Affordable (around $100).
- 10-day battery life (5 days with always-on display).
- Android and iOS support.
- Comprehensive health tracking (heart rate, arrhythmia, sleep tracking, sleep apnea, oxygen saturation).
- Detailed information breakdown for swimming sessions.
- Many exercise modes (hit trainer, golf trainer).
- Ability to copy access cards (NFC version).
- Lacks ECG, skin temperature, and blood pressure monitoring.
- Actionable data, clearly explaining scores and providing context.
- Tracks various metrics (sleep, movement, dynamic recovery, sleep cycles, heart rate, skin temperature).
- Provides insight into sleep quality, stress rhythm, and daily activity.
- Offers downloadable extensions ('power plugs') with interesting features (caffeine window, circadian alignment).
- Expensive ($300).
- Battery life is around 4-5 days with heavy use.
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iQOO 13: A Flagship Killer?
The iQOO 13 surprised me. For around $650, it offers incredible performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a massive 6000mAh battery. Gaming is a breeze, with maxed-out settings and no noticeable heat or battery drain.
Beyond gaming, the display is a standout with a 144Hz refresh rate and 2K resolution. The 120W fast charging is impressive, and it can even charge other devices. Build quality is excellent, matching flagships with its metal and glass construction and IP68/69 ratings.
However, the camera system feels a bit underwhelming for its price point, performing similarly to a sub-$1000 phone. Overall, though, the iQOO 13 is a great value proposition, especially if you prioritize performance and gaming.
Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro: Budget Tablet Powerhouse
My brother's purchase of the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro surprised me with its capabilities for the price. Around $270 on AliExpress, it offers impressive specs for the money; a large display, a fast processor (Dimensity 8300), a large battery and fast charging.
Features like a 144Hz IPS display, optional keyboard and stylus support and the PC mode make this tablet exceptional value. PC mode is particularly impressive, offering a Samsung DeX-like experience at a fraction of the cost.
The MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor's limitations become apparent when multitasking demanding applications or using it as a remote desktop with extended display. A slight lag in certain situations is noticeable, highlighting the processing capabilities difference compared to a Snapdragon chip.
Huawei Watch Fit 3: Affordable Smartwatch with Surprising Features
The Huawei Watch Fit 3 hits the sweet spot for a budget-friendly smartwatch. For around $100, it offers a 10-day battery life, comprehensive health tracking (heart rate, sleep, SpO2), and Android/iOS compatibility.
While it lacks ECG, skin temperature, and blood pressure monitoring found in higher-end models, its detailed fitness tracking surpasses many competitors, including the Pixel Watch 2's limited swim tracking data.
The ability to copy access cards (on NFC versions) is a unique selling point, adding to its overall practicality. The Watch Fit 3 is a solid choice for users wanting a feature-rich smartwatch without the premium price tag.
Ultrahuman Ring: Actionable Insights for a Healthier Lifestyle
The Ultrahuman Ring focuses on delivering actionable insights, rather than just raw data. Its key metrics—movement, sleep, and dynamic recovery—are clearly explained, helping users understand their health better.
Features like sleep cycle analysis, stress rhythm tracking, and detailed exercise tracking provide a holistic view of an individual's health. While slightly expensive at $300, it's cheaper than competing rings requiring subscriptions.
The power plugs feature, downloadable extensions such as caffeine window and circadian alignment, add significant value, offering a unique and practical approach to health tracking. It's not a simple data collector but a personal wellness guide.