But wait a minute – don’t you already have a smart translator with you wherever you travel in the form of your smartphone? That’s a great question, and my goal with this review is to answer it as comprehensively as possible to help you decide if the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 is a good investment for you.

Winning First Impressions

Unboxing the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 sets a premium tone right from the start. Inside the clean, minimalist packaging, you’ll find a USB-C charging cable, a SIM tray removal tool, comprehensive user documentation in multiple languages, and, of course, the translator itself.

At just 130 grams and measuring 140.6 x 56.5 x 10.4mm, the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 sports a sleek, pocket-friendly design. It’s slightly lighter and smaller than the average smartphone (the iPhone 16, for example, weighs 170 grams and measures 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm), so it nicely disappears in just about any pocket. The build quality feels solid and premium, with a comfortable matte finish that resists fingerprints.

The 5.05-inch display dominates the front of the device. The screen is bright enough to be clearly visible outdoors, and the viewing angles are also good, which is an important feature when you’re showing translations to someone standing next to or across from you.

The edges of the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 house a thoughtfully laid out array of controls and slots: a power button and volume rocker on one side, a SIM card slot on the other, and a USB-C charging port at the bottom. The top edge houses the device’s secret weapon — a U-shaped quad-microphone array that enables accurate translation even in noisy environments. On the back, there’s a modest 5 MP camera with autofocus for photo translation.

Under the hood, the device is powered by a 2000 mAh battery that delivers impressive endurance of up to 6 hours of continuous translation use or 10 days in standby mode when not connected to the internet. There’s also an octa-core processor from Mediatek, which certainly isn’t the latest or greatest, especially compared to the latest flagship smartphone chips, but I find it to be well-matched to the device’s needs, as evidenced by the device’s real-time translation performance.

Key Technical Specifications

A User Interface That Makes Sense

If you’ve ever used your smartphone as a translator, you might have concluded that the user experience leaves a lot to be desired. I personally experienced this when I traveled to Serbia this summer. My bus home was about to leave in 10 minutes, but I couldn’t find the bus station. What’s worse, it was very early in the morning, and there were only a few people in sight. Starting to panic, I ran to the nearest person and took out my phone to open Google Translate so I could ask them for help.

First, I had issues unlocking my phone. Then I couldn’t find the Google Translate app. By then, the person was visibly annoyed, probably thinking that I was just wasting their time. Once I finally found the Google Translate app and said the sentence I wanted to translate, it took forever because the internet connection was spotty, and I hadn’t downloaded the language beforehand.

If I had the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0, the experience would have been much more pleasant for both me and the person I was asking for help because it’s designed specifically for these real-world scenarios.

Thanks to the stripped-down, task-optimized version of Android that powers the translator, there’s no fumbling through apps or dealing with phone unlocking — just press the power button, and you’re ready to translate. Alternatively, you can activate one of its three main modes through simple swipes: voice translation (default screen), camera translation (swipe left), and face-to-face translation (swipe right).

Even the familiar Android settings menu has been simplified to its bare essentials. Gone are the overwhelming lists of options you’ll find on your smartphone – instead, you get just four straightforward categories: Network and Connection (for managing Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth), Display (brightness and screen settings, such as font size), Sound and Vibration (volume controls and haptic feedback), and Systems and Updates (software updates and privacy settings).

Real-World Translation Performance

iFLYTEK isn’t just another company jumping on the AI bandwagon. They are widely recognized for their continued innovation in AI, including speech recognition and natural language processing.

iFLYTEK’s flagship large language model, Spark (launched in May 2023) has evolved into a sophisticated system that handles everything from business translations to scientific research thanks to its enhanced understanding of complex concepts and specialized knowledge, which enables highly accurate and rapid translations across various domains.

The iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 essentially puts all of this experience and expertise in your pocket. It supports an impressive 60 languages for voice translation, covering more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. What’s particularly noteworthy is that 18 of these languages work completely offline, including major ones like English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, French, German, and Spanish.

Best of all, the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 comes with a two-year global data package that provides free connectivity in 148 countries worldwide. This means no hunting for local SIM cards or relying on spotty Wi-Fi connections in foreign countries. You can simply turn on the device and start translating.

Voice Translation

The voice translation mode serves as the default screen, and for a good reason — it’s likely to be your most-used feature. You can use this mode in several ways: press and hold to speak, use the physical volume buttons (color-coded for each language), or activate gesture controls where you simply pick up the device to speak and put it down to translate.

The U-shaped quad-microphone array I mentioned earlier in this review really shows its value by picking up speech clearly, even in a challenging environment like a noisy restaurant.

The microphone array is assisted by a noise-canceling algorithm that does an impressive job of isolating voices from background noise, something that traditional smartphone microphones often struggle with.

Face-To-Face Translation

The face-to-face translation mode is where the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 truly shines, and it’s clear that iFLYTEK has put a lot of thought into making this feature as natural as possible.

The screen splits into two sections, with each person’s language displayed on their respective side, and you can flip the screen orientation so the person you’re talking to can read their side comfortably.

The octa-core MTK 6762 processor really proves that it’s still very capable here, delivering translations in less than half a second, so you don’t have to worry about conversations flowing naturally, whether you’re haggling at a market or having an in-depth business discussion.

Camera Translation

While the 5-megapixel camera might seem underwhelming by today’s smartphone standards (the iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 48 MP main sensor, and the affordable Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro has a 200 MP camera), it’s actually perfectly suited for its intended purpose because it’s responsive and capable of delivering great low-light performance.

The real star of the show is the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology baked into the camera app. It confidently handles everything from restaurant menus to street signs, and even handwritten notes (though, as with all OCR systems, your mileage may vary with particularly messy handwriting).

The translation appears overlaid on the original text in real-time to maintain the original formatting and layout. This really helps when translating more complex documents or menus as you can easily understand the context and relationship between different sections.

Should You Buy The iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0?

At the beginning of this review, I presented a simple question: in an age where everyone has a capable translator in their pocket in the form of a smartphone, is there still a place for a dedicated translation device? After testing the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0, I can confidently answer this question — but the answer depends entirely on who you are and how you travel.

If you’re someone who goes on vacation once or twice a year, the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0’s AED 1,799 / $429.99 price tag (at the time of writing this review) is difficult to justify. Yes, it would make your travel experience smoother and more comfortable than relying on your smartphone, but for occasional use, you can probably manage with Google Translate or similar apps even if it means dealing with occasional frustrations.

However, if you’re a frequent traveler — whether for business, extended leisure trips, or digital nomading — the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 becomes one of the best investments you can make. The included two years of unlimited global data coverage alone could save you hundreds of dollars in international roaming fees or local SIM card purchases across 148 countries. When you factor in the convenience of having a dedicated device that’s always ready to translate, the value proposition becomes clear.

Final Verdict

The iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 is a purpose-built device that excels at its single task: breaking down language barriers. While its AED 1,799 / $429.99 price tag might seem steep at first, the combination of dedicated hardware, streamlined software, and two years of global connectivity makes it a compelling investment for frequent travelers. The device is available for purchase through iFLYTEK’s official website or at Sharaf DG.

Pros:

• Fast and accurate translations
• 18 languages available offline
• Excellent usability with dedicated hardware buttons
• Two years of free global data coverage in 148 countries
• Real-time OCR translation with layout preservation
• Responsive performance with minimal lag

Cons:

• Expensive for occasional travelers
• 5 MP camera seems dated (though adequate for OCR)

The post iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 Review: A Traveler’s Companion appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Fortunately, there are companies like UGREEN and its Nexode Pro line of chargers, whose efficient use of the GaN II charging technology demonstrates that in the world of charging, much like in many areas of life, it’s not the size that counts, but how you use it.

Who Is UGREEN?

Established in 2012, UGREEN specializes in providing distinguished accessories and digital solutions for global consumers. UGREEN has steadily grown into a trustworthy brand with over 40 million users worldwide, providing products ranging from charging devices, phone, and computer accessories to home and automobile accessories.

A Charger For Every Occasion

The UGREEN Nexode Pro line of chargers consists of four compact yet powerful models.

Whether you’re prioritizing mobility, handling heavier laptops, or managing a whole arsenal of devices, there’s a Nexode Pro to fit seamlessly into your life.

Let’s explore the individual options:

Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port GaN Mini Fast Charger

This charger has become my go-to option for fast-charging smartphones, tablets, and even smaller laptops. It packs incredible power density with its two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port to manage all your mobile essentials. When using a single port, you get the full 65W output, and the max single-port output remains pretty good (45W) even in multi-port scenarios.

Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Slim GaN Mini Fast Charger

If you seek extreme portability, look no further. The flat profile of this Nexode Pro slips into any bag’s side pocket or laptop sleeve effortlessly. Just like the regular Nexode Pro 65W, it features three ports: two USB-C and one USB-A, providing the flexibility to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Another benefit of the slim design of this charger is that it prevents that annoying “droop” you get from some heavy chargers in loose outlets. The Slim model is expected to be available by mid-May.

Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Wall Fast Charger

The Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger is an all-rounder that doesn’t fail to impress with its balance of power and portability. Thanks to its 100W output, you can fast-charge a MacBook plus up to two mobile devices at the same time from its two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. The intelligent power distribution guarantees that all devices get the right amount of power at the right time.

Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Wall Fast Charger

Finally, the Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Fast Charger is the powerhouse of the bunch. With a peak output of 160W and four ports, you can juice up two laptops alongside two more gadgets without breaking a sweat. The maximum single-port output of this charger is 140W, so the charger is a great choice for professionals, gamers, and tech enthusiasts who need to keep multiple high-power devices charged and ready at a moment’s notice.

Features And Performance

At the heart of every Nexode Pro charger is GaN II technology. To keep it simple, Gallium nitride (GaN) is a next-generation semiconductor material rapidly replacing the traditional silicon found in older chargers.

It revolutionizes charger design for a few reasons. First, GaN allows chargers to shrink without sacrificing power output. Second, it’s far more efficient at transferring energy, so less is wasted as heat. It’s the reason I can comfortably toss a high-output Nexode Pro model in my bag without ever worrying about things getting toasty.

Another hallmark of the Nexode Pro series is the comprehensive protection against over-voltage, over-temperature, and short circuits built into every charger. It’s a relief knowing that these devices are working intelligently to safeguard my valuable electronics from common dangers that can lead to terribly costly charging accidents.

As far as the performance of the Nexode Pro line of chargers goes, each of the four charges shines in its own way. The two 65W models in the Nexode Pro line might not sound overly impressive, they still pack a good punch. If I plug a single device into the right port, the charger dishes out the full 65W. That translated to bringing my almost drained MacBook Air 13″ M2 to a comfortable 51% battery in roughly 30 minutes.

The 100W option steps up the game considerably. I’ve found it’s the perfect balance when needing to keep a laptop powered while charging other devices. It effortlessly brought my MacBook Pro 14″ to 50% charge within 27 minutes. You really appreciate those watts when a demanding workload is draining your laptop faster than a budget charger can keep up, or when you find out that your battery is nearly empty right before an important presentation.

Charging a MacBook Air from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes is great, doing the same with MacBook Pro is impressive, and being able to bring a 16-inch MacBook Pro to half charge in the same timeframe is absolutely phenomenal. That’s exactly what the 160W model is capable of if you take full advantage of its 140W PD 3.1 fast charging capability. What’s more, the charger is able to output up to 100W from its USB-C port even in all two-port and some three-port charging scenarios.

Pricing

Let’s address the elephant in the room: The UGREEN Nexode Pro lineup leans towards the premium side of the charger market. The priciest of the bunch, the slim 65W charger, demands a particularly hard look as the power output limitations don’t fully justify the cost in my opinion.

Here’s the breakdown of the regular MSRP (non-discounted) prices:

• Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port GaN Mini Fast Charger: $55.99
• Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Slim GaN Mini Fast Charger: $119.99
• Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger: $74.99
• Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Fast Charger: $119.99

It’s worth noting that discounts are regularly available on UGREEN’s website and through other retailers, potentially softening the blow to your wallet.

This ultimately raises the question of value. While there’s no denying the performance and quality of the Nexode Pro chargers, you need to decide if the extra cost aligns with your priorities and budget. If keeping your devices protected and maximizing charging efficiency are major factors, the quality might well justify the expense.

Verdict

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the UGREEN Nexode Pro chargers during my testing period. They provide the flexibility and raw power required by today’s tech-heavy lifestyles. However, premium features come at a premium price. While more affordable GaN charging alternatives exist, they might lack the same polish and robust protection suites built into the Nexode Pro line.

Pros:

• Compact form factor (even the most powerful 160W model)
• Blazing-fast charging speeds and smart charge distribution
• Built-in safeguards protect your valuable devices
• Flexible charging options for various device setups

Cons:

• Pricier than some similarly-specced competitors

Ultimately, if you value reliable performance, advanced protection, and the freedom to charge numerous devices with ease, the UGREEN Nexode Pro chargers might be well worth the investment. If budget is a greater concern, there are solid but less advanced alternatives to consider.

The post UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers appeared first on Tech Magazine.

So what sets them apart from the rest? Is it their remarkable audio quality, powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3040 Bluetooth audio chipset? Or perhaps their insane battery life that promises to keep your tunes playing longer than any other earbuds in its class? Read our full review to find out.

Price And Availability

When Tribit unleashed the FlyBuds C1 onto the market in January 2021, they were priced at $69.99. At that price point, the earbuds were already receiving praise for offering a lot of value without burning a hole in your pocket. Fast-forward to today, and you can get a pair for ‎$39.99 on Amazon. At that price, it’s almost a steal, considering what these earbuds bring to the table.

Now, if you’re the type who enjoys personalization in your tech gadgets, there’s something you should know: the FlyBuds C1 only come in one color scheme. But it’s a good one: a sleek mix of matte black, glossy gunmetal, and a dash of red trim to add some zing. It’s a color palette that’s universally appealing and goes well with most other colors.

Design And Build

Upon first glance, the Tribit FlyBuds C1 might remind you of the iconic Apple AirPods. But unlike many AirPod-inspired earbuds on the market, the FlyBuds C1 carry enough unique design elements to stand apart, including their already-mentioned black & red color scheme.

One area where these earbuds these earbuds do echo their Apple counterparts is comfort. The FlyBuds C1 manage to emulate that same snug, yet unobtrusive fit that has made the AirPods a household name. Whether you’re hustling through a busy commute or settling in for a long-haul flight, these buds sit comfortably in your ears without causing fatigue — you just need to use the pair of ear tips, which is easy since there are six pairs in the box.

Each bud houses two microphones and a tactile control button (more about how the button works later in this review). When you’re done listening to music or wrapping up that last conference call of the day, the FlyBuds C1 slide effortlessly into their designated charging case.

The case features a four-LED battery level indicator, so you’re never guessing how much juice is left. Additionally, it has a USB-C port for charging, plus a reset button that lets you perform a quick reboot in case you experience any pairing or power issues.

Sound Quality

If there’s one thing that the Tribit FlyBuds C1 absolutely nails, it’s the sound quality. At the heart of these earbuds lies Qualcomm’s QCC3040 Bluetooth audio chipset, which supports Bluetooth 5.2 technology and Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3).

These technologies ensure that even if you’re streaming audio that doesn’t boast the highest bitrate, you still get a sound quality that punches above its weight. But if your audio source does have a high bitrate, then the 6 mm dynamic drivers can truly shine.

The FlyBuds C1 certainly prioritize lows above other frequencies (a common theme among consumer-grade earbuds and headphones), but they do so without turning it into a one-man show.

Mid-range frequencies are slightly dialed back, but by no means lacking. Vocals come through with natural warmth and a lively presence — though they’re not as meticulously detailed as what you’d get from pricier competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4.

The highs are well-behaved, offering sparkle without shrillness, although they might get a tad lost when the mix gets too busy. Equalization can help remedy this, but keep in mind that the earbuds don’t come with a dedicated app for in-depth sound customization, so you’re on your own here.

Noise Cancellation

If you can’t imagine listening to music without active noise cancellation (ANC) protecting your listening experience from outside interference, then the Tribit FlyBuds C1 might not be the best choice for you because they rely entirely on passive noise isolation.

Sure, they manage to hush a good chunk of ambient noise — thanks, by the way, to their comfy silicone tips — but let’s be real, they can’t touch the level of noise attenuation you’d get from pricier competitors like the aforementioned Sony WF-1000XM4 or Apple’s AirPods Pro.

That said, life isn’t all bad without ANC. Crank up your favorite playlist and you’ll find the FlyBuds C1 effective enough to make passing cars and chatty neighbors feel like they’re whispering. Just don’t expect complete silence in a noisy coffee shop.

That said, it’s not a total loss on the noise-cancellation front. For calls, the FlyBuds C1 come equipped with Qualcomm’s cVc 8.0 noise cancellation tech. One mic’s job is to reduce background noise, while the other microphone amplifies your voice. The end result is usually excellent, but it has its “are you kidding me?” moments, particularly when dealing with sudden gusts of wind.

User Experience

In terms of day-to-day usage, the Tribit FlyBuds C1 leave very little to be desired. Their IPX5 rating means that they can withstand sweat and light rain, making them an excellent companion for your morning jogs or even an impromptu dance in the rain. Of course, they won’t survive a plunge in the pool.

The pairing process is almost always hassle-free, with the earbuds automatically connecting to your phone as soon as you take them out of their case. Unfortunately, you can only pair them to one gadget at a time. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider if you’re juggling multiple devices.

The biggest enhancer of the overall user experience is the physical button located on each earbud. A single press on either bud will play or pause your music, while a double-click on the right or left will skip to the next or previous track, respectively. You can manage volume levels by simply pressing and holding the button on the respective sides. No need to reach for your phone. These earbuds also allow you to answer or reject calls and even activate your voice assistant.

However, the FlyBuds C1 miss out on one feature that could have made them nearly perfect: proximity sensors for auto play/pause. Many budget wireless earbuds available today offer this feature, and it’s hard to go back to anything less once you’ve had a taste of earbuds that automatically pause your music when you take them out and resume when you put them back in.

Battery Life

Let’s get to one of the most talked-about aspects of any wireless earbuds — the battery life. The company touts an impressive 50 hours of total playtime with the charging case, with each earbud being able to run up to 12 hours on a charge and the case providing four extra full recharges.

Now, how do these claims hold up in real-world usage? Pretty well, actually. In our tests, the earbuds managed close to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, falling just a tad short of the official 12-hour claim but still putting many rivals to shame. That’s enough power to keep your playlist going for almost an entire workweek.

Once you finally run out of battery, you can expect to wait about 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge of the earbuds and about 3 to 4 hours for the case itself.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the earbuds and charging case only support USB-C charging — there is no wireless charging option available. So, if you’re someone who’s moved entirely to a wireless charging ecosystem, you may find this to be a slight inconvenience.

What’s In The Box

Inside the Tribit FlyBuds C1 box, you’ll find the earbuds in their charging case, five extra ear tip pairs, a USB-C cable, and a user manual — everything you need for a comfortable, easy-to-set-up listening experience.

Verdict: Excellent Value For Money

In the overcrowded world of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, the Tribit FlyBuds C1 manage to stand out by offering impressive sound quality, snug fit, and long-lasting battery life, and more while being more affordable than most competitors. While they lack some advanced features like active noise cancellation and proximity sensors, the FlyBuds C1 are a solid choice for those seeking high performance without the high price tag.

The post Tribit FlyBuds C1 Earbuds Review: The Ultimate Bang For Your Buck appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Today, we’re exploring the specs, performance, and value of two of the company’s best-selling products: the SoundMAGIC P23BT, extremely affordable on-ear headphones and the SoundMAGIC P60BT, over-the-ear headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC) that cost significantly less than anything comparable on the market.

About SoundMAGIC

SoundMAGIC was founded in 2005 by acoustic design engineer Tony Xu. Since then the company has become a major force in the budget audio landscape, establishing itself as a go-to brand for quality audio without the premium price tag.

A standout testament to the value of SoundMAGIC products are the E10/E10C in-ear headphones, which have won the What Hi-Fi award for six consecutive years. Their success was followed up by the E11C in-ear headphones, which not only lived up to the high standards set by its predecessors but also managed to win the same prestigious award.

Unlike many other headphone manufacturers that rely on aggressive marketing and splashy ad campaigns, SoundMAGIC adopts a more restrained approach. Their philosophy is simple: make great products and let them speak for themselves.

The company is highly receptive to customer feedback and uses it to refine and improve its extensive product line, which includes the aforementioned E Series earphones, as well as the two members of the P Series of on-ear and over-the-ear wireless headphones we’re taking a closer look at today.

SoundMAGIC P23BT: Big Sound In A Small Package

When SoundMAGIC unveiled the P23BT in 2021, they had a clear target audience in mind: people who crave the all-encompassing sound that large over-the-ear headphones offer but also want the freedom to move around. The product they delivered is a pair of on-ear headphones that offer much more value on all fronts than their small stature and small price tag ($59) suggest.

Build & Specifications

Crafted predominantly out of plastic, the P23BT headphones are designed with user comfort in mind. They boast ultra-soft protein leather earcups filled with memory foam padding, ensuring a snug fit over the ears for extended use. The stainless steel headband, wrapped in skin-friendly, sweat-proof food-grade silicone, adds to the headphones’ durability and makes them easy to clean.

The P23BT are powered by the Qualcomm QCC3034 chip and utilize its capabilities to the full extent, which means support for Bluetooth 5.0, APTX HD, APTX, SBC, and AAC. Together, these technologies ensure a stable connection and excellent sound quality even when the bitrate of your music is less than ideal.

Inside the two round ear cups are 40 mm dynamic drivers that are large enough to deliver thumping bass without sounding muddy. The ear cushions are made from ultra-soft protein leather, so you can expect great comfort and minimal sound leakage (great when listening to music during your morning commute).

Of course, wireless headphones need a battery to work, and the P23BT surprise with a battery that’s unusually large for their size. Thanks to its 400 mAh capacity, they can deliver up to 60 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Once you run out of juice, you can either continue listening in wired mode or charge them via a USB Type-C port to full capacity in just 1 hour.

In terms of controls, the P23BT offer an intuitive touch control system that makes it possible to effortlessly play or pause music, skip tracks forward or backward, adjust the volume, and even answer calls. As a result, there’s no need to ever take your smartphone out of your pocket.

Sound Quality

The P23BT on-ear headphones are characterized by their V-shaped sound signature. This essentially means that both the bass and treble frequencies get a little boost, resulting in a listening experience that exchanges some accuracy and clarity for fun and raw energy.

Whenever bass frequencies are summoned, the P23BT doesn’t hesitate to deliver. This is particularly apparent with bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop, which can really make you feel the beat pulse through your head. Yes, this can be somewhat overwhelming for those who don’t consider themselves to be bassheads, but it’s an easy fix with some equalization.

Mid-range frequencies, housing most of the vocals and instruments, sound slightly lean since they occupy the least pronounced part of the V-shaped sound signature. The treble, on the other hand, offers a refreshing clarity without harshness or sibilance.

Sadly, there’s no active noise cancellation to protect you from outside noise when listening to music. Noise cancellation is available only during phone calls in the form of cVc noise cancellation technology, whose purpose is to suppress background sounds and make your voice crystal clear.

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC P23BT on-ear headphones offer an impressive audio experience, especially for bass enthusiasts, in a compact and comfortable design. While the lack of active noise cancellation during music playback might be a downside for some users, it’s a downside that’s very easy to live with given the headphones’ attractive price point.

 Pros:

• Long-term listening comfort
• Fun sound signature
• Exceptional battery life of up to 60 hours
• Intuitive touch control system
• Supports Bluetooth 5.0, APTX HD, APTX, SBC, and AAC

 Cons:

• Geared toward bassheads
• Lack of active noise cancellation during music playback

SoundMAGIC P60BT: Goodbye Distractions

The P60BT are SoundMAGIC’s first over-ear wireless headphones. With the integration of active noise cancellation, they promise an immersive listening experience, free from the intrusions of the external world. These features, together with an impressively affordable price of just $189.96, positions the P60BT as an attractive alternative to renowned headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Build & Specifications

Sporting a sleek matte black finish, the P60BT’s design exudes an understated elegance. Constructed with a blend of plastic and metal, they strike a fine balance between durability and weight.

The earcups swivel and fold, making these headphones suitable even for travelers or those who are always on the go. Like their counterpart, the P23BT, these headphones also benefit from ultra-soft protein leather earcups, but with a deeper memory foam padding that encapsulates your ears. This not only provides superior comfort but also aids in passive noise isolation.

The P60BT harnesses the power of the Qualcomm QCC5124 chip, providing seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC, and APTX Adaptive. Surprisingly, they rely on the same 40 mm drivers as the P23BT, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—just something that surprised us given how larger they are.

What’s also surprising is that the P60BT can play for “only” up to 50 hours on a charge without active noise cancelling enabled and 45 hours with ANC activated (the P23BT manage 10 extra hours). We first thought that the sophisticated noise-cancelling technology demanded more internal space, leaving less room for a larger battery, but that’s actually not the case because the spec sheet mentions a 800 mAh battery. So the Qualcomm QCC5124 chip is probably to blame as it likely consumes more power.

Continuing the trend of consistency between models, the P60BT employs the same user-friendly touch control system as the more affordable model, the P23BT. That means you can pause, resume, and skip with simple taps and gestures.

Sound Quality

The P60BT are fairly balanced and well-behaved wireless headphones, but bass and especially sub-bass frequencies are more pronounced than the rest of the frequency spectrum. This is in line with the preferences of most casual listeners because it results in a richer and more immersive feel.

However, there’s a minor hiccup to be aware of: these headphones tend to play their tracks a tad quieter than their on-ear counterpart, the P23BT, even when cranked up to full volume. This may be a bit of a downer for those who like their music loud.

The good news is that the P60BT compensates for its softer audio output with an active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which employs both internal and external microphones to combat outside noise by generating sound waves that are phase-opposite to the intrusive noises.

Instead of being able to only turn ANC on and off, you can also switch to Ambient mode in order to let in surrounding noises, ensuring you remain aware of your environment while still enjoying your audio. This is particularly useful for situations where you need to be cognizant of what’s happening around you, like when walking on a busy street or waiting for an announcement at a train station.

Overall, the sound quality of the P60BT doesn’t reach the heights of premium headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5, but when considering their price point, the P60BT offer exceptional value, making them an excellent deal for budget-conscious audiophiles.

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC P60BT emerges as a strong contender in the mid-range wireless headphone market. Its active noise-cancellation, build quality, and sound profile make it hard to ignore, especially for those on a budget. While it may not match up to the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of pure audio quality, its affordable price tag means you’re getting significant bang for your buck.

 Pros:

• Great active noise cancellation at an affordable price
• Ultra-soft protein leather earcups with deep memory foam padding
• Support for Bluetooth 5.2
• User-friendly touch control system
• Ambient mode for situational awareness

 Cons:

• Slightly quieter audio output
• Lesser battery life compared to the P23BT

Conclusion

SoundMAGIC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences without the hefty price tags commonly associated with premium brands. The SoundMAGIC P23BT and P60BT wireless headphones are prime examples of this ethos, embodying what SoundMAGIC is all about: a splendid listening experience that doesn’t break the bank.

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One company that’s been trying hard to establish itself as a dominant force in this market is Tribit. You’d be forgiven if the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell — Tribit isn’t exactly a household name like Bose or JBL.

But that could change soon because the Tribit StormBox Pro portable speaker offers a combination of impressive sound quality and enviable battery life in a package that’s as robust as it is portable.

Design & Build Quality

The Tribit StormBox Pro is about the size of a large Nalgene water bottle, making it quite compact yet substantial. Available only in a sleek black color, the speaker is wrapped in a fabric layer all around. Even though the color choice might be limited, the versatility of black never goes out of style and seamlessly integrates with any decor.

At the top of the speaker is a nifty silicon handle that adds significant convenience, making moving the almost 1 kg heavy device around a breeze. You can even use the handle to hang the speaker on a hook if you’re looking to save space or position it in a particular area.

The top part of the Tribit StormBox Pro is home to three large buttons — volume up, volume down, and a multi-function button sandwiched between them. Below them are three additional buttons: a Bluetooth pairing button, the power button, and the XBass button. This last one, the XBass button, gives you the option to crank up the bass and really feel your music if you’re in the mood. Finally, a row of five small LED indicator lights keeps you informed about the battery power left.

Sporting an IP67 rating, this speaker can handle being submerged in water up to a meter for about 30 minutes. But even if it does take an unintended dive into your pool, you don’t need to mount a rescue mission. It floats! The StormBox Pro won’t be taking a trip to the bottom of any water body any time soon.

Sound Quality

Equipped with two 1.6-inch tweeters and a down-firing 3.1-inch speaker, this petite powerhouse delivers a maximum output of 40 watts — plenty to fill even a larger room with music. Do you want even more power? Then you can connect two Tribit StormBox Pro portable speakers together to form a pair.

But what about the actual sound? After all, that’s what matters the most. Well, the StormBox Pro delivers in spades here — not in small part thanks to its use of Bluetooth 5.0 and support for SBC and AptX Bluetooth codecs, which ensure ultra-low latency while minimizing compression-related distortion.

The 360-degree sound coming from the StormBox Pro is well-balanced, but it’s not perfect. You might encounter some distortion at top volumes, and you might also find its bass response to be somewhat tame. Fortunately, there’s the XBass button we’ve already mentioned, and it can deliver a punchier listening experience with a single press. The lack of user-adjustable EQ settings might be a letdown for some, but you can always adjust the volume of different frequency bands on your phone.

The StormBox Pro also has the ability to pair with up to eight devices simultaneously. And here’s the real kicker — it can stay connected to two devices at the same time! Though you can only play music from one of these devices at any given moment, this multi-point Bluetooth pairing allows you to effortlessly switch between your chosen devices.

The speaker also includes a built-in microphone, opening up the option to use it as a speakerphone. Don’t expect the microphone to be outstanding, but it’s more than capable of handling your average calls, which is a decent add-on feature considering this is primarily an audio playback device.

Battery Life

In a world where our gadgets are our lifelines, we’ve all felt the anxiety of a dying battery. That’s why it’s refreshing to come across a device that takes battery life seriously. Indeed, the Tribit StormBox Pro is just such a device. It houses a monster 10,000 mAh battery (technically two 5,000 mAh batteries), guaranteeing you up to 20 hours of rocking out to your favorite tunes.

This is no small feat for a portable speaker. Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, a backyard barbecue, or an all-night gaming session, the StormBox Pro won’t call it quits before you do. Just don’t forget to charge the device the night before because it takes up to 7 hours to refill the juice via a USB Type-C charging port.

There’s also a full-sized USB connector that enables the speaker to double up as a powerbank. What that means is that you can use the Tribit StormBox Pro to give your other devices a quick power boost. This feature is especially handy during long outdoor trips or power outages when access to an electrical outlet is limited.

Specifications

Verdict

The Tribit StormBox Pro emerges as a compelling entry in the crowded portable Bluetooth speaker market. Its robust sound quality, exceptional battery life, and versatile feature set make it a standout competitor. Although its absence of EQ settings and prolonged charging time might turn off some potential users, these drawbacks are more than compensated by its strengths.

If you’re looking for a dependable Bluetooth speaker that combines impressive audio performance with practical features, the Tribit StormBox Pro deserves a spot on your shortlist.

The post Tribit StormBox Pro Portable Speaker Review appeared first on Tech Magazine.

The only problem is that not all places where work can happen are equally equipped to support the needs of modern white-collar workers. Laptops and smartphones largely solve this issue, but their smaller screens make them less than ideal for certain tasks, such as juggling data between two spreadsheets.

While traditional monitors don’t exactly fit in the average backpack, an ultralight portable monitor like the Desklab 4K does, and remote workers are not the only group of users who can benefit from it.

Design

The Desklab 4K is a 15-inch large portable touchscreen monitor that weighs just 1.3 pounds (725 grams) and is slimmer than the iPad mini (0.23 inches versus 0.35 inches or 6 mm versus almost 9 mm).

On the left side, there’s a power button, control wheel, and microUSB port. The right side is where you can find a 3.5 mm port, two USB Type-C ports, and a single HDMI port.

The monitor has an integrated magnetic stand that doubles as a cover when flipped around. The stand works as advertised, allowing you to use the monitor in portable and landscape mode, but it does feel considerably cheaper than the monitor itself.

Even though portability is the main selling point of this monitor, there’s actually no battery inside the compact case. That’s because the monitor is so power-efficient that it can be powered directly by the laptop or smartphone it’s connected to.

That’s good because you don’t have to worry about charging it before use, but it also means that the battery inside the device you connect the monitor to will last much longer.

The only time when the monitor does require its own dedicated source of power is when you connect it using an HDMI cable instead of via USB Type-C, so keep that in mind if that’s how you want to use it.

Image Quality

The first thing we noticed when we turned on the monitor for the first time was its sharpness. Thanks to its 4K resolution, text is perfectly smooth even when set to a small size, and the smoothness makes it easy to use the monitor for a long time without any eye fatigue.

In addition to being sharp, the monitor is also very bright. At 400 nits, it’s just as sharp as the latest MacBook Air, so using the monitor outside isn’t a problem.

If you’re into photography or graphic design, then you’ll be pleased to know that the monitor is fairly color-accurate. Sure, it’s no match for professional monitors, but its true LED backlight technology really does help with color reproduction.

Since the Desklab 4K monitor is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PS4, and other popular video game consoles, we should also mention that the monitor has a lightning-fast 10 millisecond response time, so even fast-twitch gaming is a pleasure.

Of course, gaming on this monitor would be even more pleasurable if it supported ultra-high refresh rates, but that would make it far less efficient in terms of energy consumption. Fortunately, it does support low-flicker technology for increased comfort when using the monitor at lower brightness levels.

Compatibility

Because the Desklab 4K monitor is equipped with both USB Type-C and HDMI video inputs, you can use it with basically any device that can output 4K video.

Lower resolutions are supported as well, but image quality, and sharpness in particular, goes down considerably with them. If you want to use the monitor primary with a device that can output only 1080p video, then you should consider getting the 1080p model.

As far as setup goes, there’s really nothing to set up because the monitor doesn’t require any additional software and is designed to work as soon as you plug it in.

The Desklab 4K has a touch layer that allows you to navigate with your finger and use familiar gestures, like tap, drag, pinch, zoom, scroll, or spin. The touch layer works great even when the monitor is connected to a MacBook, which is a pleasant surprise considering that Apple has yet to release a Mac with touch support.

Technical Specifications

• Screen Type: IPS
• Weight: 725 grams
• Thickness: 6 mm
• Resolution: 4K (3840×2160)
• Panel Size: 15.6 inches
• Response Time: 20 milliseconds
• Ports: Type-C / mini-HDMI / Micro-USB
• Color Range: 16.7 M
• Viewing Angle: 178 degrees
• Contrast Ratio: 1200:1

Our Verdict

Overall, the Desklab 4K is an excellent portable monitor that’s well worth its price of $399.00. Unlike other similar monitors that you can find online for less money, the Desklab 4K is bright enough to be usable outside, and it does have plenty of other features that make it suitable for regular use.

Also Read: Fakespot Review: Easily Identify Fake Online Reviews

The two things we don’t like the most about this monitor (the poorly designed on-screen menu and the flimsy stand) could certainly be improved, but they’re definitely not huge issues that would make you regret your purchase. You can get your Desklab 4K portable monitor directly from the company on their official website.

The post Desklab 4K Monitor Review: The Best Portable Monitor appeared first on Tech Magazine.