T3 AU 01.02 2022

Accessories

ACCESSORIES

APPLE TV

Apple’s latest box of tricks is expensive, but it repays your investment with an
outstanding streaming experience (complete with 4K, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby
Atmos sound), a comprehensive app collection, and a typically thoughtful and easily

customised interface.
From $209, apple.com/au

AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX

If the Apple TV is too rich for your blood, then for just $99 Amazon’s new Fire TV
Stick 4K Max streamer gives you Amazon’s smart platform; access to all the key
video streaming services with Dolby Atmos, 4K and multi-format HDR support;

Alexa Voice support; and the ability to check smart cameras (including Ring
doorbells) via picture in picture on your TV. Result.
$99, amazon.com.au

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 51

The complete guide to...

52 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

OLED laptops

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO…

OLED
laptops

Fitted with a fresh ultra-vibrant panel that’s easy both on the
eyes and on power, this new breed of laptops is on the rise and

forever changing the premium notebook screen

Words: Michelle Rae Uy Photography: Neil Godwin

he era of OLED laptops allows the pixels to produce deeper these laptop-specific OLED panels
blacks, as well as better contrast and eventually made it to mass
T has arrived. Finally, higher colour accuracy. production for such manufacturers
those of us who have as Lenovo, Dell and HP, they were
long relied on our OLED technology itself isn’t first made specifically for ultra-HD
notebooks for work, gaming and exactly new. It’s been our gracing TV or 4K screens on premium laptop
creative endeavours can now reap sets, mobile phones and even mobile models. Saving them for the highest
the many benefits of this new screen gaming consoles with its extra configurations was perhaps the only
panel technology – eye-popping brilliant presence for years now. It’s way to really justify their staggering
visuals, better efficiency, thinner just taken a while to reach laptops. price to consumers.
form – in the compact convenience Part of the reason why is Samsung’s
of portable PCs. monopoly on the OLED market. By Much like with any pricey new
So what exactly is an OLED the end of 2018, the South Korean tech, however, that high price tag
laptop? Simply, an OLED laptop is a conglomerate had acquired more should go down to a more affordable
notebook fitted with a display that than 95% share of the small- to level eventually. It’s already starting
uses an OLED panel. Folks who mid-sized OLED panel market to, in fact. With the new Vivobook
aren’t too anxious to keep up with globally. This meant that the Pro 14 OLED and Vivobook Pro 15
the latest and greatest might not decision to make OLED screens OLED notebooks, which rolled out
care, but those who spend a great specifically designed for notebooks in early September touting 2.8K
part of their day staring at a was left largely up to the company. It resolution displays, Asus has made
computer screen should. wasn’t until January 2019 when it that tech much more accessible.
Short for ‘Organic Light Emitting announced the successful
Diode’, OLED is a type of panel that development of the world’s first THE FUTURE OF COMPUTING
uses organic molecules, which 15.6-inch OLED display for laptops.
enable its individual pixels to emit OLED displays are the next great
their own light every time an Not that it was going to be a whole thing in portable computing and
electric current is applied, forgoing lot easier if Samsung hadn’t been their improvements over earlier
the need for an external light source pulling the strings. The panels panel technologies are undeniable.
that an LCD panel typically uses. No themselves are notoriously hard These laptop screens promise not
external light source, no massive – and, therefore, expensive – to only deep blacks and rich, stunning
backlighting, no light leakage. This make, with a large number of them colours, but also incredible picture
breaking in production. So, when quality and faster response times.

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The complete guide to...

The top three…

DOUBLE THE
GOODNESS

Two displays are better than
one, so increase your screen
real estate with one of these
OLED monitors

01

ASUS PROART PQ22UC This is just the kind of stunning visuals if you’re partial to a brand or a laptop line,
gamers crave when they’re traversing an your options at the moment are limited.
Like OLED displays on laptops, portable open-world title or a narrative-driven Concerns about burn-in have also often been
PRQLWRUV DUH WKH QH[W ELJ WKLQJ <RXèOO ĆQG game. Meanwhile, remote workers and raised. OLED panels are more susceptible
the best of both worlds in Asus’ 21.6-inch digital nomads will benefit from the fact than LCD to burn-in, where part of an image
ProArt PQ22UC, whose bigger screen size, that they offer better visibility when viewed remains on the screen as a ghostly
YHUVDWLOH PRXQW DQG ćRRG RI IHDWXUHV DUH in full sunlight. background long after the screen has
changed the picture or image on display.
exactly what creatives need. That’s not to mention that OLED panels However, the issue isn’t as bad as people
$7,590, asus.com tend to be more energy efficient, which make it out to be. Burn-in only happens
should bring about advancements in design when an image remains on the screen for
02 and power consumption. OLED laptops many hours, which causes certain pixels to
boast slightly better battery life, and much degrade faster. Since most people utilise
ASUS PROART PA32UCG-K like OLED TVs have a thinner form factor, their laptops for a variety of things, viewing
making them more ideal travel companions. different content, a laptop screen is often
Content creators, listen up. This stunner of changing images, which means that the
a 32-incher packs a wallop with its 120Hz These panels also typically emit much less threat of burn-in is low.
blue light than their LCD counterparts –
variable refresh rate, TV-besting 1600 around half the amount. Those who spend Finally, gamers might take issue with the
nits of brightness and DisplayHDR 1400 long hours on their laptops will appreciate refresh rate. Samsung’s first round of OLED
support. Plus there’s a detachable hood. that an OLED display is not only kinder to panels for laptops are limited to a 60Hz
the eyes, but also less likely to suppress refresh rate. Gamers who require 120Hz,
$4,299, asus.com melatonin secretion and keep them awake. 144Hz or 240Hz displays for twitch gameplay,
therefore, might find these laptops wanting.
03 While one could argue that OLED laptops OLED laptops in their current iteration aren’t
from different manufacturers come with going to be ideal for esports, first-person
LG ULTRAFINE DISPLAY OLED PRO varying colour coverage ratings, despite shooters and battle arena titles.
using the same Samsung panel, creator-
LG’s 32-inch OLED offering is a bit easier specific offerings like the Asus Studiobook 16 The good news is that the company has
on the wallet. There are some trade-offs OLED and its Pro version touting 100% already started mass producing its 90Hz
here, but it still delivers where it counts DCI-P3 colour gamut and Pantone and panels, with the Vivobook Pro 14 OLED
for video editors and graphic designers: its Calman certifications ensure that designers, being among the first to use them. These
colour reproduction, for one, is impeccable. photographers, filmmakers and video newer generation OLED laptops should
streamers can get into this next-generation attract the attention of gamers. They’re also a
$1,049, lg.com of notebooks without worry.
OLED laptops have a
As with any tech in its early stages, it still thinner form factor,
comes with a few caveats worth knowing making them ideal
about. Notwithstanding the affordable 2.8K travel companions
offerings from Asus, laptop-specific OLED
panels remain largely available on 4K
configurations, which means they are still
mostly out of reach for the budget-minded.
Of course, you can always get the Vivobook
Pro 14 OLED – or, at least, when it becomes
readily available as the ongoing components
shortage is currently affecting the stock. But

54 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

OLED laptops

T3 recommends... Despite the fact that Samsung has a monopoly on OLED panels for
laptops, not all OLED laptops are created equal. There’s a handful out
OLED LAPTOP there that have proven themselves to be absolute standouts. Some of
PIONEERS them, like the HP Spectre, are unsurprising given their line’s merits;
others, like the Asus Vivobook, are underdogs we didn’t quite see
OLED laptops may be newcomers, but these coming. Every single one, however, has proven itself worthy of
trailblazers are setting a high standard blazing the trail for future OLED laptops.

If you’re looking to be an early adopter, whether you want a laptop
for gaming or for creating content, whether you have a smaller budget
or have deep pockets, start with one of these top-notch choices.

RAZER-SHARP SCREEN DARK HORSE

RAZER BLADE 15 OLED 4K 60HZ ASUS VIVOBOOK PRO 14X OLED

If you want sumptuous colours and buttery smooth motion for AAA Among the many things Asus make the technology accessible to

contrast for graphics and gaming gaming, it should still make short does best is providing affordable everyone, however. It’s also one

but don’t want to drop the price work of most titles. Beneath the alternatives that are just as of the very first laptops to boast a

you’d pay for an 8K TV, the Blade hood, its panel is backed up by an powerful as their pricier rivals. 90Hz OLED panel and one of the

15 is a great compromise. That Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 and a And it’s done so again with some very first ones to build it around a

screen offers full 4K and while its six-core, tenth-gen i7 CPU. of its OLED offerings. The new 14-inch screen.

60Hz refresh rate might not offer $5,349, razer.com Vivobook Pro 14 doesn’t just $TBC, asus.com

GAMING GOD CLEVER CONTENDER

GIGABYTE AERO 15 OLED HP SPECTRE X360 4K OLED

Armed with Intel’s top-of-the-line their opponents powerless. Its Our love of the HP Spectre line 4K OLED touch display in its

11th-gen processors and Nvidia’s breathtaking gaming experience and its smart yet stylish design equally delicious gem-cut chassis.

high-end RTX 3000 GPUs, should impress you, but on the off isn’t a guarded secret. But, let us And, true to HP Spectre fashion, it

Gigabyte’s new Aero 15 models chance it doesn’t, the fact that it profess it once again if only to isn’t as pricey as you might think,

are worthy gaming adversaries. stays less than an inch thick with give its new OLED variant a well- giving the MacBook Pro 16-inch a

Mix in a 15.6-inch UHD OLED all that power inside certainly will. deserved shout-out. This newly- good run for its money.

display and they essentially render From $2,599, gigabyte.com announced model boasts a 16-inch From $3,099, hp.com

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 55

The complete guide to...

sizes to choose from. Dell’s popular XPS
line already offers a 13.4-inch option while
Asus has 14-inch and 16-inch aces in its
Zenbook, Vivobook and ProArt lines.
vAs does HP.

Gaming laptops aren’t far behind. The
likes of Alienware, Razer and Gigabyte
have already rolled out their 15-inch OLED
portable gaming powerhouses. The only
thing is that you might have to wait a little
while to find a 17-inch option.

If you do expect to do a lot of gaming or
video editing on your 4K OLED laptop,

The range of options
for laptop users has
certainly widened,
if only a little

sign that it won’t be long until panels rate. Competitive and fast-paced gamers remember that you’ll require a robust
with much higher refresh rates become would want an OLED display with a faster graphics card. Otherwise, it’s never going to
available. refresh rate, so an OLED laptop with a 90Hz reach the high frame rates and sharpest
display might be the way to go. These are resolution required for an impeccably
PRAGMATIC PROSPECT expected to rival 120Hz LCD panels. smooth experience. Be sure you’re getting
one rocking an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 or
The decision of whether to become an Meanwhile, gamers who are less higher inside. If you’re not, you might be
early adopter or to wait, therefore, hangs concerned about refresh rates and care better off saving your money. A non-4K
on what you’ll be using an OLED laptop more about higher resolutions would OLED laptop, albeit less common, will still
for. Luckily, OLED laptops are no longer probably want to future-proof their rig deliver all the benefits an OLED display
limited to 15.6-inch screens, 4K with a 4K option. As would content creators affords without costing as much.
resolution or high-end configurations. As who need the sharpest picture quality and
a result, the range of options for laptop more screen real estate to work with. Whichever option you go for, however,
users has certainly widened, if only a OLED laptops are truly worth the hype, and
little. Perhaps the biggest factor to Speaking of screen real estate, since you won’t regret being an early adopter.
consider before buying one is the refresh OLED panels are no longer limited to
15.6-inch displays, there are more screen

GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR OLED LAPTOP

OLED laptops aren’t exactly cheap. Here’s how to milk yours for what it’s worth

JOIN THE DARK SIDE utilising a screen saver. Less obvious ways superhero movies to every episode of Bob’s
include auto-hiding the Windows taskbar so Burgers and Adventure Time – is going to look
The beauty of OLED displays is that when that it doesn’t just sit there at the bottom of fantastic on it.
they’re displaying black, they’re essentially the screen the whole time you’re using it,
displaying nothing. While doing so, they’re limiting your use of subtitles when watching STEP INTO THE LIGHT
not consuming any energy, which can result movies or shows, and removing desktop icons
in improved battery life. This means Dark – essentially avoiding static images in general. While sunlight is an OLED TV’s kryptonite,
Mode on Windows could be the butter to an OLED laptops will thrive in full sun. Much like
OLED laptop’s bread. Samsung itself has said CONSUME, CONSUME, CONSUME its OLED displays for smartphones,
that OLED laptops can save up to 25% more Samsung’s OLED laptop panels are sunlight-
display energy when used in dark mode. What use is a stunner of a display if you’re friendly, which means they aren’t susceptible
not going to use it to its full potential? to the damage their TV counterparts are in
SLOW BURN Especially if you have a non-gaming OLED direct sunlight. What’s more, these displays
laptop, you absolutely still need to take typically tout 400 or more nits of brightness,
Although experts have said that OLED advantage of the gorgeous visuals it has to and your OLED laptop’s entire screen is going
laptops are less likely to suffer burn-in, there offer. So, consume as much content as you to be visible regardless of whether you’re
are also things you can do yourself to further can with it. We don’t just mean YouTube indoors or at a park. So, especially if you’re
minimise its likelihood. Switching up content videos. Give your TV a break, and enjoy a now working from home, do yourself a favour
every now and then is the one obvious way to more intimate viewing experience on that and breathe in some fresh air for a couple of
do so, making sure that your screen isn’t laptop. Everything – from your favourite hours whilst being productive.
displaying the same thing for too long. As is

56 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Bond watches

NO TIME
TO DIE

Marking the release of James Bond’s latest
film, pre-owned watch specialist

Watchfinder & Co. takes a look back
at some of 007’s most
iconic watches

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 57

No Time to Die

SEAN CONNERY IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY, ALAMY

The first reference to a specific Bond watch
was made in Ian Fleming’s second book, Live
and Let Die, in 1954. It was a Rolex. Fleming
himself also wore one, more specifically an
Explorer I. So it was no surprise when Sean
Connery sported a Rolex in the very first Bond

film Dr No, an early Submariner 6538, also
known as the ‘Big Crown’ due to its very

prominent winding crown. First produced by
the company in 1955, and only manufactured
for four years, this watch has become known as

the James Bond Submariner. The highly
collectable 6538 was also worn by Connery in
From Russia with Love and Goldfinger. Good
condition examples of this limited edition watch

have sold for over $730,000 at auction.

GEORGE LAZENBY IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY

58 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Following on from the Connery era, Lazenby
took over the role of Bond (albeit briefly) in On
Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969. And with
the new Bond, came a new watch… This time,

instead of the Submariner, Bond opted for a
6238 Rolex Chronograph. The piece, favoured in
motorsport, is often described as a kind of ‘pre

Daytona’, as it has all the features of the
enigmatic reference except the tachymeter

bezel (a measure often used by drivers to
calculate speed and units per hour). Bond’s

6238 is the only one of its kind – it was
redesigned at the request of the producers to

incorporate a red second hand that acted
as Bond’s built-in compass.

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Bond watches

ROGER MOORE

It wasn’t until the early ’70s that the Q
Branch really started going to town on Bond’s
watches. In the 1973 film Live and Let Die Moore

wears a significantly modified Rolex
Submariner 5513 that contains a high-powered

magnet and its very own circular saw, where
the rotating bezel doubles up as the blade. It
wasn’t all Swiss watches for Roger Moore’s
Bond, though; he was also seen sporting a
Hamilton Pulsar in the opening scenes of Live

and Let Die, a Seiko 0674 LC (which also
functioned as a message printing pager) in The
Spy Who Loved Me and a Seiko M534 Memory
Bank throughout Moonraker, which Q equips

with explosives and a remote detonator.
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY, WATCHFINDER & CO
IMAGE SOURCE: WATCHFINDER & CO, GETTY
TIMOTHY DALTON
Discover more at t3.com/au
Timothy Dalton took over the role of 007 in
1987 serving up a darker, grittier Bond - truer to

the original character portrayed in Fleming’s
novels. In The Living Daylights Dalton is seen
wearing TAG Heuer Professional Night-Dive
980.031. The watch enjoyed approximately 10
seconds of screen time and it was the first, and
last, time that Bond was seen wearing a TAG. In
Dalton’s second 007 film, Licence to Kill, we see
Bond return to the Rolex Maison, wearing the
newly introduced 16610. Produced until 2010,
the 16610 was made from 904L surgical grade
stainless steel (more resistant to corrosion and

saltwater damage) and, for the first time,
utilised white gold for the hands and markers
meaning it wouldn’t rust or patina over time.

JAN/FEB 2022 T3 59

No Time to Die

PIERCE BROSNAN IMAGE SOURCE: WATCHFINDER & CO, GETTY

Goldeneye marked the first Bond film to
feature an Omega on 007’s wrist - specifically
an Omega Seamaster 300M Quartz Professional
2541.80.00 with a full size stainless steel case,
blue face, blue bezel and stainless steel bracelet.
Costume designer Lindy Hemming, responsible
for selecting 007’s watch for the film, said she

felt that Commander Bond, “a naval man, a
diver and a discreet gentleman of the world”,
would only wear the Seamaster with a blue dial.
Brosnan goes on to wear a Seamaster Professional
2531.80 Chronometer in Tomorrow Never Dies,
The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day.

DANIEL CRAIG IMAGE SOURCE: ALAMY, WATCHFINDER & CO

Daniel Craig took up the mantle of Bond in
2006 in Casino Royale and sports a Seamaster

Diver 300M and a Planet Ocean 600M. In
Quantum of Solace, 007 wears another
Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M this time with a
smaller case and a steel bracelet. In Skyfall
Bond wears yet another Planet Ocean 600M,
this time in titanium, and a somewhat dressier
Aqua Terra. Craig’s fourth outing as Bond in the
2015 Spectre features an Omega Seamaster
Aqua Terra 150M Master and the Omega
Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition.
Notably, the Seamaster 300 finally marked
Craig’s first tricked-out watch as Bond!

WATCH OUT…. In No Time to Die fans will spot three Omega watches. Bond sports the lightweight Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition ,
new agent Nomi (Lashana Lynch) wears a 38mm Seamaster Aqua Terra with a black dial and black NATO strap

and Moneypenny (played by Naomie Harris) is equipped with a 27.4mm De Ville Prestige on a hunter green leather strap.

60 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Home upgrades

Turn your place into a palace, with grade A tech for
every room and for every mood you find yourself in

Words: Carrie Marshall

Discove more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 61

Home upgrades

LIVING ROOM

Enjoy movies, music and more – to the max

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5
4

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RAZER EPSON EH-TW7100 SONY PS-LX310BT iPAD PRO 12.9” AUDIO PRO
BLACKSHARK V2 BLUETOOTH ADDON C10
GAMING HEADSET Epson’s 4K projector TURNTABLE Apple makes many
isn’t the cheapest iPads but this is the MARK II
Razer’s redesigned If you’re a fan of the best of the best: 12.9
gaming headset offers option, but it delivers warmth, depth and inches of sheer power The Audio Pro Add-
THX Spatial Audio to the closest thing you’ll dynamics of vinyl with one of the best on C10 was already a
displays you’ll ever see. brilliant stand-alone
put you right in the get to a cinematic records but also The 12.9-inch Liquid or multi-room wireless
centre of the action, experience without love your wireless Retina XDR display is speaker, and with the
and it’s cross-platform having someone eating headphones or smart astonishingly crisp and addition of AirPlay 2
compatible so you can nachos behind your speakers, this is the clear, and its size makes and Google Cast, the
use it with consoles head. It’s easy to set up, turntable for you: in it ideal for reading MKII is even better.
and computers alike. It install and use, it has addition to connecting GLJLWDObPDJD]LQHV It has cleaner, tighter
sounds fantastic, the Bluetooth to connect to WR \RXU KL Ć VHSDUDWHV and box-set bingeing. bass than before with
included mic is crisp and wireless speakers and this stunning Sony It’s also ridiculously even greater clarity,
clear and the headset it’s bright enough that turntable can also and it sounds superior
is comfortable even you don’t need to sit stream via Bluetooth. fast thanks to its to many rivals that cost
during long sessions. in darkness unless you Sleek and sophisticated. 0 bSURFHVVRU
twice as much.
Around $180, razer.com really want to. $290, sony.com.au $1,199, apple.com/au
$2,395, epson.com.au $659, audiopro.com

62 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Home upgrades

ESCAPISM

Great ways to get away without getting away

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2

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5

1 2 3 4 5

KINDLE SONY WH-1000XM4 XBOX SERIES X NINTENDO SWITCH OCULUS QUEST 2
PAPERWHITE
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7KH UHIUHVK RI ZLUHOHVV KHDGSKRQHV hold of but Microsoft’s PRGHO WR HQMR\ EODVWV RI 95 KHDGVHW UHWDLQV WKH
$PD]RQèV EHVW .LQGOH make the outside world best console is really
gets the same warmer VKHHU JDPLQJ MR\ WKH SLFN XS DQG SOD\ MR\
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front light as the more SURFHVVRU LV HIIHFWLYH subscribe to Game Pass, you connect it to your DQG WKH SURFHVVRU IRU DQ
which is effectively television or use it solo. even more immersive
H[SHQVLYH .LQGOH 2DVLV against background 1HWćL[ IRU YLGHRJDPHV With titles ranging from
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Signature Edition you QRLVH DQG SDUWLFXODUO\ H[FOXVLYHV DQG WULSOH $ EHIRUHbåbDQG EHFDXVH
JRRG RQ SODQHV DQG blockbusters. The Series Breath of the Wild to LWèV FDEOH IUHH \RXèUH QRW
JHW *% RI VWRUDJH EHFDXVH 6RQ\èV /'$& X delivers breathtaking Animal Crossing and Paper WHWKHUHG WR D FRPSXWHU
and the ability to charge transfers three times YLVXDOV å XS WR . +'5 å or console. Just make
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ZLUHOHVVO\ 7KH SSL PRUH GDWD WKDQ W\SLFDO ZLWK XS WR ISV IUDPH for gamers of every age sure you get the most
VFUHHQ RIIHUV SDSHU OLNH %OXHWRRWK KHDGSKRQHV UDWHV LQ WUXH . and taste. The Nintendo
SULQW TXDOLW\ DQG \RX FDQ $549, xbox.com Switch Lite is great for UHFHQW RQH ZKLFK XSV
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gamers on the go.
from one charge. almost indistinguishable WRb *%
$459, nintendo.com.au $479, oculus.com
$199, amazon.com.au IURP ZLUHG KHDGSKRQHV
$395, sony.com.au

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 63

Home upgrades

KITCHEN

Keep fed and watered in supreme style

1 23

4
5

1 2 3 4 5

STIRR AUTOMATIC INSTANT POT PRO SAGE THE SMART THERMAPEN ONE JURA Z10
POT STIRRER OVEN PRO
The Instant Pot Pro is a We love the Thermapen: What could be better
If like us you’d rather multi-function all-in- Make light work of even its instant-read than Jura’s Z8 coffee
do anything other one programmable the biggest festive feasts
than stand in the smart cooker that with this excellent smart temperature gauge machine, a well-
kitchen stirring focuses predominantly oven. It’s a do-everything has saved many meats deserved T3 Award
pots to stop things on more liquid dishes: device: a pizza oven, an from being under- or winner? How about a
things like casseroles, overcooked and it will Jura coffee maker that
sticking or thickening, chilli, soup and rice. air fryer, a fan oven, a ensure your Christmas makes cold brew too?
this excellent little There’s a sous vide grill, a toaster, a slow roast isn’t ruined. The That’s what the Z10
innovation is just for option for whipping cooker and more. It’s new Thermapen One GHOLYHUV DQG LQ RXU ĆYH
you. It’s a tripod that up beautifully tender particularly good for takes the same form- star review we hailed it
VWHDNV ĆVK DQG YHJ air frying bigger dishes: follows-function design as a brilliant barista for
happily travels around its more conventional as the original and adds espresso and speciality
your pan to stir your and the Instant Pot also design means it has more IP67 water resistance, coffees alike. It’s a
sauce, soup, porridge, makes truly incredible capacity than many air serious investment for
gravy or anything else, one-second reading people who take coffee
freeing you to spend steamed eggs. fryers. time, a backlight and an
$235, instantpot.com.au $530, sageappliances.com auto-rotating display. very seriously.
time elsewhere. $4,150, jura-z10.com
$TBC, uutensil.com $159, amazon.com.au

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Home upgrades

BATHROOM

Spruce up yourself up in the smallest room

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SWEARBYSKIN DYSON AIRWRAP MY SMART MIRROR BRAUN SERIES PHILIPS SONICARE
LOOKLIT LED 9 PRO 9900 PRESTIGE
Dyson’s sleek hair styler This frameless bathroom
MASK and straightener uses We’re still not convinced
SRZHUIXO DLUćRZ WR GU\ mirror runs Google’s The Series 9 can handle that our toothbrushes
This LED mask is a little and straighten or curl need Bluetooth
bit different: instead of Android, so it can display even very thick stubble: connectivity and an app,
making you look like The your hair simultaneously,
Man in the Iron Mask and reducing your get-ready data from a variety of unlike some rivals it but the Sonicare isn’t just
blocking your peripheral about tech: it’s about
time and delivering sources including the date won’t tear you to shreds teeth too, and it has an
vision, the LookLit is really beautiful results innovative head that
a visor that feels very åbDQG EHFDXVH LWV VW\OLQJ and time, the local weather if you haven’t shaved for means you don’t need
XVHV DLUćRZ UDWKHU WKDQ to use different brush
much like wearing extreme heat, you don’t and Google Calendar, and days. You can use it wet
sunglasses. Ten minutes a need to worry about heads for different kinds
day promises to improve damaging your locks news from BBC or Google or dry, and you can lock it of cleaning. It’s a good
your skin colour and the
DSSHDUDQFH RI ĆQH OLQHV when you use it. It’s News. You can choose when you’re doing tricky option for travel too, with
and it costs a fraction of expensive, of course, but a USB-C charger built
the price of many rivals. the results are superb. Alexa or Google Assistant bits like your neck or into the case.
$360, philips.com.au
$TBA, swearbyskin.com $799, dyson.com.au versions and stream audio under your nose. It’s one

via AirPlay or Google Cast of the closest shaves you

from your phone. It can can get from an electric

even display web pages. razor, and the makers

$TBA, mysmartmirror.co.uk claim it will help you

shave up to 10% faster.

$499, au-braun.com

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 65

Home upgrades 3

Make vital connections unbreakable

1
2

4
5

1 2 3 4 5

RING GEN 4 ECHO SHOW 10 FURBO DOG ARLO ESSENTIAL RAZER KIYO
CAMERA SPOTLIGHT
This fourth-gen video The third generation CAMERA No matter who you’re
doorbell has better Amazon Echo Show is Ever wished you could calling over the
designed with motion treat your dog when you If you’re looking for
Wi-Fi than before and in mind: its 10.1-inch can’t be at home? Furbo a fuss-free wireless Christmas holidays, you
lots of useful features screen moves to keep has the pet cam for you. security camera to can ensure they see
for ensuring you never keep an eye on your you at your very best
miss a moment at your you in focus when It isn’t just a monitor pets, your presents with this clever little
IURQW GRRU åbVR \RX FDQ you’re chatting, and to with two-way audio, or your property, the
easily tell the difference keep things visible when although you can indeed Arlo Essential is an webcam. It’s only 720p
you’re using your device XVH WKDW WR FRQĆUP ZKR excellent buy. It runs resolution but it makes
between couriers, is the best boy or girl. for six months between up for that by including
FDURObVLQJHUV DQG &DURO as a recipe book or It’s also a treat-tossing, charges, it connects to a bright ring light that
streaming a video. The Alexa-compatible dog your Wi-Fi and it shoots makes you look great
from next door. We Echo connects to other snack dispenser you 1080p video with good when you’re chatting or
love the Quick Replies, can control from your colour vision. It’s easy to streaming. It’s easy to
Zigbee devices and phone; image quality is set up and use too. adjust and you can save
which give you six doubles as a security
preset responses you camera when you’re great as well. $199, arlo.com multiple presets for
can trigger when the different times or tasks.
QRWbLQ \RXU KRXVH $359, furbo.com
bell rings. $399, amazon.com.au $149, razer.com
$329, ring.com

66 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Home upgrades

CREATURE COMFORTS

Kick back and take a break – you deserve it

2
1

5

4
3

1 2 3 4 5

PHILIPS SIGNE LUMIE HALO HOMEDICS BEURER FM90 DYSON PURIFIER
TABLE LIGHT SAD LAMP SHIATSUMAX 2.0 FOOT MASSAGER HOT+COOL

7KLV VWULNLQJ WDEOH ODPS Most Seasonal Affective )HHOLQJ OLNH \RXèUH ,I \RXèYH EHHQ SRXQGLQJ If you suffer from
connects to your Hue clenching every muscle the pavements shopping allergies, Dyson’s
%ULGJH ,W HQDEOHV \RX WR 'LVRUGHU 6$' ODPSV premium fan/heater
FDVW PLOOLRQ GLIIHUHQW ORRN YHU\ FOLQLFDO EXW that can possibly be OLNH \RXèUH 6DQWD WKLV combination is for you:
colours on the wall as /XPLHèV ODWHVW GRXEOHV DV FOHQFKHG" 8QZLQG ZLWK will give your feet a treat LWèV DQ DLU SXULĆHU DV
D GHFRUDWLYH OLJKW WKDQNV D SRZHUIXO DQG UHOD[LQJ well as a heater, capable
well as bathe your space WR LWV FRSSHU UHćHFWRU shiatsu massage from when you get home. of trapping 99.95%
DQG LWV WRXFK FRQWUROOHG of pollutants. It’s fully
in warm white light, FRORXU WHPSHUDWXUH DQG WKLV H[FHOOHQW FKDLU %HXUHUèV )0 IRRW +(3$ FHUWLĆHG DQG
DQG WKDQNV WR D UHFHQW brightness. The SAD cover with 14 massage PDVVDJHU LV D ZRQGHUIXO '\VRQèV WUDGHPDUN
VRIWZDUH XSGDWH \RX GHYLFH ZLWK WKUHH ZD\V DLUćRZ H[SHUWLVH PHDQV
can now synchronise OLJKW GHOLYHUV OX[ programmes. It has it’s capable of cleaning
\RXU +XH FRORXUHG OLJKWV LQWHQVLW\ DW FP DQG DGMXVWDEOH UROOHUV DQG WR GHOLJKW \RXU GLJLWV even very large rooms
warm light in evening VKLDWVX PDVVDJH KHDGV shiatsu massage, heat GHVSLWH LWV UHODWLYHO\
DQG EXOEV ZLWK \RXU WR UHDOO\ ZRUN WKRVH VPDOO GLPHQVLRQV
Spotify music for effects PRGH ,W ORRNV ORYHO\ DQG PXVFOHV DQG WKHUHèV DQG DLU FRPSUHVVLRQ WR $899, dyson.com.au
UDQJLQJbIURP WKH VXEWOH can really help get your vibration for your upper KXJ \RXU KHHOV DQG WRHV
,WèV LGHDO IRU WLUHG WRHV
to the spectacular. OLIH EDFN OHJV DQG WKLJKV
$TBC, lumie.com $590, amazon.com.au or warming up after
$349, philips-hue.com
DbZLQWU\ ZDON
$299, beurer.com

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 67

ON SALv E NOW

AUSTRALIA’S MAG FOR AUDIO & AV

RD
ER
IDE!

THE BEST AUDIO & AV

HEADPHONES · TURNTABLES
LOUDSPEAKERS · PROJECTORS

STREAMERS · TELEVISIONS
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ISSUE 343

h zٜI0 ‫ אא׎א‬

A$9.99

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TESTED

Expert reviews and recommendations
WR KHOS \RX EX\ ZLWK FRQĆGHQFH

Edited by Josh Russell

70 74 78 80 82 84 86

APPLE WATCH iPHONE BOSE QUIET PHILIPS NINTENDO SAMSUNG APPLE AIR
SERIES 7 13 PRO COMFORT 45 OLED+936 SWITCH OLED GALAXY Z PODS

FLIP 3

87 88 89 90 91 92 94

APPLE AIRPAD EVERCADE VS SONOS BEAM APPLE GO PRO HERO GOOGLE PIXEL DASH CAMS
MINI IPHONE 13 10 BLACK 6 PRO

HOW WE TEST

In T3, we feature only the finest gadgets out We only choose people with specialist THE SCORES EXPLAINED
there, and we believe that you – our loyal knowledge for each test, so you know you’re
reader – deserve only the best tech in your going to get an outcome based on many years Forget it
life. We don’t want you to waste time, and of experience in their respective field. Below average
money, on inferior products, and that’s Good for the price
exactly why our Tested section exists. As well as our traditional five-star rating Very good all round
system (right), we also give out awards to An exceptional,
In here you’ll find only the latest and particularly exceptional gadgets, using the best-in-class product
hottest tech. Each product has been line-up below - so when you spot one of
handpicked and tested by T3’s experts. these, you’ll know you’re onto a good thing.

OUR AWARDS

This is given to winners of our group Only the very best products – those that
tests, so you can see which is the best VFRUH ĆYH VWDUV å UHFHLYH RXU 3ODWLQXP
at a glance Award

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 69

Tested

From $599
apple.com/au

SEVENTH HEAVEN

Apple Watch Series 7

The best smartwatch available today, the Watch 7’s larger screen
is a bigger deal than you might think

ith a bigger and better There are few flashy new features the pitch here is not just ‘more screen
here. By far the most notable change = better’. Apple has changed watchOS
W screen, plus new fast- is the new screen, which is 20% larger to fit more on the screen when it
charging capabilities, the by area than the screen on the Apple comes to things like displaying
Apple Watch Series 7 is Watch Series 6. To accommodate it, messages or looking at maps.
more convenient and easier to use for the bezels have been shrunk to 1.7mm,
even more people. Combined with all so it looks more than ever as if the It’s also made the sizes of common
the smart features and health/fitness pixels reach right to the metal frame. on-screen buttons larger, and they’re
options the Apple Watch already has, significantly easier to hit than on
we think it’s the best the company has The new larger screen on the Apple previous models as a result. This
produced so far. Watch Series 7 is interesting, because makes it easier to quickly tap

70 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Display 430x352 pixel / 484x396 Apple Watch Series 7
pixel always-on 1,000 nits OLED
Processor S7 SiP with 64-bit dual-core STAY IN CONTROL
processor Storage 32GB OS WatchOS You can choose which
Connectivity GPS / GPS + 4G, Wi-Fi 4,
Bluetooth 5 Dimensions 41x35x10.7mm / notifications you
45x38x10.7mm Weight 32g / 38.8g receive – so you can
omit emails, but choose
to get, say, texts and

rain warnings

TAKING CHARGE
Not only does the latest
Watch have a longer lasting
battery but its fast-charging

support means it can
charge 50% of its capacity

in just 30 minutes

something accurately while walking, go, and has added a QWERTY The Watch can tell might expect – it’s easily mistaken for
but it also improves the accessibility keyboard for the first time, so that it’s you if your heart black in dimmer lighting. In stainless
of the Watch overall. It makes it a a bit easier to respond to messages rate seems to be steel, you can choose Silver, Gold or
better device for the elderly or anyone from the watch directly. Graphite finishes, while in titanium
with some slight mobility or precision too high you have Space Black or Titanium.
issues – people for whom its health Looks familiar
features can be a real boon. The Apple Watch’s software,
When it comes to the rest of the watchOS, is the most capable
Along similar lines, the bigger design, you’d be hard pressed to tell it smartwatch operating system out
screen is ideal for those who need to apart from previous models (though there to date. If you delve into
make the text larger to find it legible, we understand that the body has everything it can do, it feels like it’s
since boosting its size doesn’t mean technically changed slightly). There’s pushing at the seams of the Apple
you can only fit a few words on there now a single hole on the side for the Watch at times – nearly busting out
without needing to scroll. speaker/mic (instead of two), and the of the small size of the device – but
sizes are very slightly larger than the you don’t actually have to engage
The new brighter Always-On previous sizes, but any difference feels with it on anything more than a
screen is a noticeable difference too. In largely academic. surface level if you prefer not to. You
the new model, it doesn’t dim quite as can get complicated, or you can keep
far, and actually this makes it more The more subtle changes are that it very simple.
useful. In the Series 5 or 6, if you had the case is now dust-proof and is
any kind of reflection on the Watch rated to IP6X, and that there’s a new Heart on your sleeve
when it’s lowered (such as from being redesigned chip powering it inside,
outside in the sunlight), you wouldn’t known as the S7, though don’t expect Health and fitness is really the other
really be able to see what it says. drastic changes in performance. biggest practical area of the Watch
outside of general light interaction,
Now, it’s able to punch through the There are new case colours, though. and some of this happens in the
reflections and still make the time (or In aluminium, you can choose from background. The Apple Watch 7 takes
other information, such as workout Starlight (silver, but with a slightly regular checks of your heart rate and
stats) visible. warm finish), Midnight (black, but your blood oxygen levels, and can
with a slight blue tint), Green, Blue warn you if your heart rate seems
With the larger screen, Apple has and Red. We had the green model for high even though you haven’t been
slightly changed watchOS so that it testing, and it’s much darker than you
fits even more on the display in one

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 7 1

Tested

SHINING LIGHT
The screen is not only bigger
but also much brighter when
in ‘Always-On’ mode – ie, when
you don’t have your wrist raised.
Apple says it’s to 70% brighter

than A Watch Series 6

exercising – or if it seems low or even The Watch can be swimming, surfing, yoga and more. improve your running technique, but
somewhat irregular. useful as a sat-nav It syncs with the Health app on your that’s not really something you get
device thanks to iPhone, and you can review it in detail from Apple. It’s fine for the vast
The Watch will track your general at any time, including seeing trends majority, but if you’re wondering
activity throughout the day, and will built-in GPS over time, which can be useful. about your stride length during runs,
keep an eye on how much exercise you’ll be disappointed.
you’ve done, and how often you stand When you’re ‘in’ a Workout, you
throughout the day. You can engage get a special screen with useful stats Speaking of distance, the Watch
with this data as much as you like, – so when running, for example, you can be a very useful sat-nav device,
and you can set activity goals for see your current heart rate, the thanks to built-in GPS. When
yourself – or simply never see it. distance you’ve travelled, and how walking or cycling, it will tap your
long you’ve been running for. wrist to indicate when you need to
You can also use the Workout app turn, and gives big, clear instructions.
to track any specific instances of However, truly hardcore fitness
exercise with more accurate motion users will likely find what the Apple Another health-related benefit of
detection – there’s a really big range Watch does a little basic. Garmin the Watch is its sleep tracking,
of options to choose from, including makes watches with incredibly though this is perhaps its weakest
strength training, running, cycling, specialised stats that can help you health feature. Overnight, it measures

PRO ADD-ONS

APPLE WATCH HERMÈS CIRCUIT H STRAP APPLE AIRPODS BELKIN BOOSTCHARGE 3-IN-1 CHARGER
:DQW D ZDWFK EDQG ZLWK D OLWWOH PRUH ćDLU" The third-gen AirPods have come into their When you need to juice up all your devices at
own. While their biggest feature, Spatial Audio, once, even fast-charging can’t beat a combi Qi-
Produced in partnership with Hermès, this new is more handy for your iPhone, they also auto- charger like this. It’ll charge your iPhone, Watch
leather strap features a stylish print inspired by pair with multiple devices and offer strong
the brand’s classic chain bracelet. And it even and AirPods all at once, while its MagSafe
ANC. connectors perfectly show off your screens.
comes with a matching Circuit H watch face. $279, apple.com/au
From $469, apple.com/au $144, belkin.com

72 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Apple Watch Series 7

FIT FOR A KING
The Apple Watch still reigns
supreme when it comes to
health and fitness features,

tracking heart rate, blood
oxygen levels, falls, sleep and

more varieties of workout
than you can shake a stick at

your movement, breathing rate, heart remain quite chunky, and Apple uses Charging the a weekend away without the charger
rate and pulse ox levels at different only a single design for the hands on battery is 33% and not have to worry about it. And
moments. But it never collates this every single watch face, which is a real faster than its that’s not here yet.
information into a total view of your weakness for making the faces feel predecessor,
sleep habits, only presenting more distinct and personal. according to Apple The Apple Watch Series 7 remains
basic views, such as noting that you’re the best smartwatch on the market,
spending less time sleeping than you Power struggle in T3’s opinion. That’s no surprise –
did last month, for example. it’s like the Series 6, but gently
The Apple Watch 7 has a new improved, and other watches haven’t
Face facts processor, though there isn’t a major surpassed it in the meantime. It may
improvement in speed, connectivity not be a revolution, but that’s okay –
With the Watch 7, Apple has created or battery life than the Apple Watch it’s the best smartwatch so far,
some new Watch faces that take Series 6, or even the Apple Watch SE. building on what Apple’s done
advantage of the bigger screen with before, and making it even more
even more dense information options. Anecdotally, we think we’re accessible and useful.
The extra space has made us happy to getting slightly more battery life
really pack in the complications – from the Series 7 than the Series 6, VERDICT
where apps can present handy but real-world use varies so wildly
information to you at a glance – we wouldn’t say it for certain. WE’RE IMPRESSED Bigger screen, tiny
whereas we tried to keep it a little EH]HOV YHU\ VOLFN JUHDW IRU KHDOWK DQG ĆWQHVV
simpler before. It’s just less Apple promises that its new WE’D IMPROVE Battery life only one day; sleep
overwhelming now. fast-charging is 33% faster, and we’ve WUDFNLQJ ZHDN QRW IRU KDUGFRUH ĆWQHVV XVHUV
seen it go from 30% to 80% in half an
However, every year we complain hour, which we would’ve expected to THE LAST WORD 7KLV EHDXWLIXO IDVW
about the overall quality of Apple take about 45 minutes before. Apple VPDUWZDWFK LV HDVLO\ WKH EHVW RI LWV NLQG
Watch faces, and this is no different. also says that eight minutes of
In the case of watch faces with digital charging before bed gets you enough
time, there are plenty of great juice for eight hours of sleep tracking.
options, and watchOS 8’s new
Portraits option is a particular However, the Apple Watch needs
favourite, because it enables you to to break out of being a single-day
float the time within a 3D picture. device. Apple officially rates all Apple
Watches for 18 hours of use, but for
But we’ve never been 100% happy Garmin fitness watches or Fitbits,
with the more traditional faces. The you’re looking at days upon days.
elements on them nearly always
The next Big Thing in the Apple
Watch will be the day you can go for

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 73

Tested Screen 6.1-inch 2532x1170 120Hz
OLED Processor A15 Bionic
74 T3 JAN/FEB 2022
chip Capacity 128GB / 256GB /
512GB / 1TB Camera 12MP telephoto,

12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide rear;
12MP front Connectivity Lightning,

5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5
Dimensions 146.7x71.5x7.7mm

Weight 203g

From $1,699 SWEET & PRO
apple.com/au
iPhone
13 Pro

Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro
is better than ever,

thanks to an incredible
screen and battery life

ith the upgraded triple-

W lens camera system, the
120Hz ProMotion screen
and the most powerful
phone processor ever, the iPhone 13
Pro has blown past our expectations.
It’s a great phone, ticking off almost all
the things people wanted from the Pro
this year, and improving all of the
basics along the way.

There’s no big design change for
the iPhone 13 range, so the 13 Pro
looks very similar to the previous
model. There are giveaways though.
On the front, the camera notch is not
as wide – a reduction of 20%. It is still
the same height though, so it doesn’t
actually give you more screen space. It
just means a bit more room for battery,
Wi-Fi, data and network icons.

That screen is still protected by the
ceramic shield, which is designed to
be more durable and protect against
drops and knocks. The phone has an
IP68 water resistance, which means
that it is rated for submersion at
depths over one metre for 30 minutes.
As on the previous models, the
sidebands are surgical grade stainless

Discover more at t3.com/au

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

ZOOM! ENHANCE!
Want macro photography?
A 6x optical zoom? Pro RAW
shooting? Naturalistic night
shots? Auto-focusing bokeh
in videos? The camera here
has more upgrades than you
can shake a (selfie) stick at.

HOT CHIP
Thanks to its A15 Bionic chip,
the 13 Pro has some serious
power under the hood. Not

only can it handle any app
you throw at it but its 5-core

GPU makes everything on
screen look gorgeous.

steel, and have been colour-matched razor-sharp 460 pixels per inch. It’s With its greater iPhone dynamically shifts how often
to this year’s four colour options. In not quite as expansive as the Pro refresh rate, basic it refreshes the screen depending on
addition to the Graphite, gold and Max’s 6.7 inches but also narrowly what’s happening. Scrolling? It’ll
silver versions, there is a new Sierra beats its 458ppi resolution. browsing looks ramp up to 120Hz. Watching a video?
blue model, replacing last year’s much smoother It’ll drop to 60Hz or 30Hz to match
darker Pacific blue. This year’s gold Like last year’s model, it supports the video.
also feels a little lighter, giving it a Dolby Vision HDR. And while
more subtle and classy feel. previous Pro models maxed at 800 We’d never felt that the iPhone’s
nits of brightness for regular use, it screen needed a greater refresh rate,
On the rear, the camera can now hit 1,000 nits in bright light, until we tried the 13 Pro. Now going
positioning remains the same but the which is excellent. It only falls short back to the 12 Pro feels really juddery
raised section and lenses are more in comparison to the screen of the Pro in comparison. Basic browsing
pronounced. The difference is Max, which tops out at 1,200 nits: through photos and websites
millimetres, but when the phones are even the majority of high-end TVs instantly looks smoother and gives
put back to back, you can see the don’t deliver that much brightness. the whole OS a more premium feel.
difference. Thankfully the cases for
the Pro allow for this and once on, Refreshing change The real benefit comes in gaming.
you’d never know it was any different. We tried out the Catalyst Black game,
The headline feature on the screen, of which is due out this December and
Of course, if you do opt for one of course, is support for refresh rates up makes use of the 120Hz fresh rate.
the leather or silicone Apple cases for to 120Hz – all previous iPhones were Playing it on 13 Pro compared to the
the iPhone 13 Pro, you won’t see much 60Hz. Refreshing the screen twice as 60Hz iPhone 13, you can notice the
of the body colour, aside from the often means anything moving on it difference in movement.
small area underneath the clear looks smoother and clearer – so that
camera array. But with a phone of this can be animations, but also when Unlike last year, where the iPhone
expense, we would definitely you’re scrolling through lists or 12 Pro Max had the best camera on
recommend keeping it in a sturdy webpages, you can actually see what’s any of the iPhone models, this time
case for extra protection. going past, instead of it being a blur. the 13 Pro and Pro Max share the joint
best camera. So you’ve got a triple-
The display on the iPhone 13 Pro is This tech can hammer battery life, cam setup on the rear, with a 12MP
6.1 inches, and has a resolution of but Apple uses it smartly, thanks to f/1.8 ultra-wide (120-degree) camera,
2532x1170, which works out as a tech it calls ProMotion. Basically, the a 12MP f/1.5 wide-angle camera, and

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 75

Tested

NOTCH SO DIFFERENT
The 12 Pro’s gorgeous
stainless-steel-banded
design makes a
reappearance here. The
only real change is the

notch has shrunk in width.

a 12MP f/2.8 3x telephoto lens. This Games can take you have also have a LiDAR sensor in Apple’s great Smart HDR processing
means you’ve got a total zoom range advantage of the the camera setup, which is used to for high-contrast scenes.
of 6x, because the wide-angle is 0.5x phone’s really high help to autofocus in low light, so you
to the wide-angle, and the telephoto can actually get focused and shot Part of that is the addition of a new
is 3x. The wide and ultra-wide both framerates before the moment passes. ‘Photographic Styles’ feature, which
have larger apertures to let in more effectively lets you choose a slightly
light, and while the telephoto has a And the lenses have a final trick up different processing preset when you
smaller aperture, that’s because it’s a their sleeves: the ultra-wide lens can shoot. It’s not like applying a filter to
longer zoom than Apple’s used before. be used for macro photography with a an already taken picture – the iPhone
focal distance of 2cm, which is a first is adjusting how it handles things like
The sensors on all of them capture for iPhones. colour and contrast during shooting,
more light and they promise a major so that you can choose a preset with
boost in low-light performance – On top of all this, Apple has more colour saturation, say, but it
Apple says they can capture fully 50% stepped up its image processing game won’t make skin tones look fake.
more light. In fact, Night mode is now again, with a new chip in the A15
available on all three lenses for the processor that focuses on noise And, of course, the Pro iPhones
first time. Unlike non-Pro iPhones, reduction and tone mapping, and include Apple’s ProRaw shooting
provides the next generation of option, so you can shoot in a format

PRO ADD-ONS

APPLE MAGSAFE CHARGER AIRPODS PRO MUJJO LEATHER iPHONE 13 PRO CASE
Effortlessly snapping on to your iPhone, the While their ‘pro’ credentials have been slightly Made with high-quality leather, this case offers
MagSafe charger will provide 15W Qi charging your iPhone premium-feeling protection. Not
without you having to worry about perfectly upstaged by more expensive, audiophile- only does it come with a lip around the screen
aligning your device. And it will happily charge pleasing buds from Sony, B&O et al, these are a and camera lenses to prevent scratches but it
great balance of audio quality, noise cancelling
non-MagSafe devices wirelessly too. has a built-in wallet that stores three cards.
From $65, apple.com/au and price that make them very hard to beat. $69, mujjo.com
$399, apple.com/au

76 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

THE REFRESH PRINCE
The 13 Pro’s display supports

variable refresh rates up to
120Hz, meaning it’s buttery
smooth when you need it
to be – but doesn’t waste

battery when you don’t.

LARGE AND IN CHARGE
Battery life here is better than

ever: the 13 Pro will last 48
hours of pretty hefty use. It’s

humiliated by the Pro Max
though, which can offer up to an

extra 25% life.

that gives the editing flexibility of raw should be in focus, and manually shift The Pro uses the The iPhone 13 Pro delivers in
photos, but without losing the Apple the focus throughout the scene. new A15 Bionic every area, from the excellent
core image processing on noise processor, the most camera array to the 120Hz screen
reduction and tone handling that The nutty processor powerful chip in and the long-life battery.
small sensors like these really need. any phone to date
The iPhone 13 Pro uses Apple’s new If you’re happy with a slightly
The important thing about the A15 Bionic processor, which is the smaller screen and a couple of hours
iPhone 13 Pro camera array is that it most powerful chip in any phone to less battery life, you should definitely
gives the photographer the choice of date. And while the iPhone 13 and consider the iPhone 13 Pro over the
how to capture an image. Using the iPad mini (6th Gen) also use the A15, Max. This year, there is less difference
ultra-wide, wide and telephoto lenses it is specifically the version in the Pro between the two models, so the
leads to very different results, but and Pro Max that’s the most powerful. battery and screen sizes are the only
each one looks great in its own right. Here, you get more RAM and a differences. If having the very best
five-core GPU, which is great for in every other area is important,
When it comes to video, there are keeping things totally smooth on the then this is the phone for you.
two huge new additions. First is the ProMotion screen.
fact that you can also record video in VERDICT
Macro mode, which is a very cool General operation here is seamless
option to have. The really big one is and fast, even when using iMovie and WE’RE IMPRESSED 120Hz Pro Motion
Cinematic Mode, though. The simple Garage Band, which are memory screen; outstanding camera; huge storage.
way to explain this is that it’s like intensive. Using Geekbench, the WE’D IMPROVE Pro Max has a larger screen;
Portrait Mode for video, in that you iPhone 13 Pro delivered a multi-core
can choose something to be in focus, score that was 12% higher than that of it also offers a longer battery life.
and a fake depth-of-field blur is the iPhone 12 Pro Max. THE LAST WORD This is the best iPhone for
applied to the rest.
Battery life offers a decent 15%- most people and really is impressive.
But that’s only scratching the 20% increase over the iPhone 13. Of
surface: it also uses AI smarts to track course, battery is one area where the
what’s happening while you record, Pro Max stands out. Apple says you
and will smoothly shift the focus should get 20-25% more life from the
automatically. So, for example, if Pro Max than you do here. We found it
someone turns away from the camera was only after 48 hours of fairly heavy
to look at someone else, it will shift use that the phone dipped below 20%.
the focus from the first person to the If longevity is your major priority,
second. And after the video is then the Pro Max is definitively the
recorded, you can still choose what model you should go for.

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 77

Tested

Features Active noise
cancelling, Aware mode,
volume-optimised active

EQ Microphones 4
Connectivity USB-C,

2.5mm audio jack,
Bluetooth 5.1 Battery Up
to 24 hours Dimensions

184x152.4x76.2mm
Weight 0.24kg

$499
bose.com.au

SOUND OF SILENCE

Bose QuietComfort 45

The king of wireless headphones is back, offering some of the best
noise-cancelling headphones you can buy right now

o you want comfortable zipped travel case to keep them in, filled nylon headband makes them
a 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio cable to pretty resistant to knocks and bumps.
D headphones with excellent manually connect to devices, a USB-C Largely made from plastic, they have a
noise cancelling, a clean cable to charge them and a Quick Start matte finish that makes them look
balanced sound and bass Guide to help you get set up. quite luxurious.
performance that will let you listen to
your music for hours, and hours, and So what’s new? The design hasn’t Comfort is key with over-ear
hours? Then the Bose QuietComfort 45 had a massive overhaul but the small headphones, and the Bose
could be just what you are looking for. changes Bose has made make the QuietComfort 45 are definitely a pair
Replacing its predecessor, the Bose headphones look that little bit more you can wear for a very long time.
QuietComfort 35 II, after four years, premium. Available in either black or That’s partly because of the very
they do not disappoint. Straight out of white, its cast-metal hinges seem smooth synthetic leather cushioning
the box you get the headphones, a strong and sturdy while the glass- on the earcups and headband, and the

78 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Bose QuietComfort 45

fact that the ear cups sit around your better with your music. However, it You get a clean, a clean, balanced sound you can listen
ears, giving them plenty of room to doesn’t let you choose how much noise balanced sound to for hours without feeling fatigued.
breathe so they don’t get pressed up you let in. Alongside Aware is the more you can listen to for These will suit most types of listeners
against your head. The pleats and traditional Quiet mode, which does a and music.
puckers have been removed from the great job at cutting out outside noise many hours
ear cushions while the gaps have been almost completely. This makes them One quite major downside in our
taken out in the build, so now they’re ideal when travelling on an aeroplane book is that there’s no way to
smooth all over, which is a real treat or sitting on a train or coach. manually adjust the EQ settings so
for your ears. At 240g, they are slightly you won’t be able to personalise the
heavier than their predecessor – the Battery no chicken sound. At this price, that’s a feature
QC35 II – but you can still wear them we would expect to find.
comfortably for hours on end. When it comes to the battery, you
won’t be disappointed. They give you If you want comfortable
Bose hasn’t tried to do anything about 24 hours of music with noise- headphones with excellent ANC then
fancy with the onboard controls, cancelling switched on at about 50% these are a good choice. The sound is
opting for physical buttons instead of volume. Charging them back up to inoffensive, clean and balanced. And
unreliable touch controls. The right full power is pretty quick at 2.5 hours. the few areas that Bose has changed
earcup has a slider on it that switches But, if you need a quick injection of have made a big difference in how
them on and into pairing mode. power a 15-minute charge gives these feel to use. They’re incredibly
Towards the back, there’s a volume up around three hours of playback. Ideal comfortable and the noise-cancelling
button, a play/pause button and the you need to charge them in a hurry. is some of the best we’ve ever heard.
volume down button. You can also
hold down the play/pause button to Now onto what really matters – VERDICT
summon your voice assistant; Alexa, sound quality. The Bose QuietComfort
Google Assistant, Bixby and Siri are 45 sound fantastic, you get plenty of WE’RE IMPRESSED Impressive
all supported. detail from these cans but admittedly noise cancelling; 24 hours of
they aren’t going to win any awards battery life; lightweight and
On the left ear cup, there’s a large for clarity because there are definitely comfortable.
Action button to switch between the headphones out there that do it better. WE’D IMPROVE Can’t turn
active noise-cancelling (ANC) modes,
including the brand new Aware Mode. They aren’t overwhelming in any off noise cancelling entirely; no
This lets in some surrounding noise, one area; they’re not overly bass- manual EQ settings.
like the sound of traffic, but balances it heavy nor are they too focused on the
high-end. What what they do offer is THE LAST WORD Excellent
noise-cancelling headphones that
SONY WH-1000XM4 THE ALTERNATIVES
will keep you fully immersed.
While not quite offering BOWERS & WILKINS The sound won’t blow your mind
the same superlative noise PX7 but it would be very hard not to
cancelling, these are the
absolute best all-rounders Offering energetic sound recommend them.
out there. They offer great and decent ANC, the PX7
sound, still excellent ANC, are already pretty great. But
extensive battery life and a it’s their comfort that makes
more competitive price. them shine: you can settle
$399, amazon.com.au in for long listening sessions
without any discomfort.
$499, amazon.com.au

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 79

Tested

Display sizes 48, 55, 65-inch Panel 3840 x
2160 120Hz OLED HDR HDR10+, Dolby
Vision Audio Built-in Bowers & Wilkins

3.1.2-channel soundbar, Dolby Atmos
OS Android TV 10 Connectivity HDMI x4
(eARC x1), USB x3, Ethernet, headphone

out, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5
Dimensions 1068.5x615.4x47.3mm,

1227.8x705.6x47.3mm,
1448.7x829.5x47.3mm Weight 13.4kg,

17.8kg, 23.5kg

$TBA BEST BAR NONE
philips.com.au

Philips OLED+936

Taking big strides forward for both visuals and audio,
this is one of today’s best TVs, no question

o you want a TV that you’ll Behind the glass of the OLED+936 Straight out of the box, you get a TV
you will find a dual-chip image that looks distinctly upmarket. The
D ache to watch each and processor, which allows for even panel is held in a premium steel frame,
every day at a price that smarter image adjustments than and is predictably wafer thin. It bulges
blows the competition out before, including the craftiest out for electronics, connectivity and
of the water? Then say hello to the anti-screen burn measures we’ve seen Ambilight LEDs, but not by much. The
Philips OLED+936. to date (good news for gamers), while Bowers & Wilkins sound system is
So what do you get? An OLED TV below the glass there’s a revamped integrated into the short pedestal
with a soundbar-like speaker system audio system courtesy of Bowers & stand, connected to the panel via a
attached that has had a top notch Wilkins, which delivers higher- captive cable.
upgrade from its predecessor – the fidelity Dolby Atmos audio (good news
+935 – making it a seriously impressive for movie fans). But it’s not just its good looks that
all-in-one home cinema upgrade. make it a winner. There’s a lot more to

80 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Philips OLED+936

like about the +936. In the 55-inch and 2.0 effectively eliminates colour A sensor means the However, small changes have led to an
65-inch screens, the panel is the latest banding, making sunsets and animated screen image is altogether bigger sound stage. There’s
‘OLED evo’ design from LG Display gradations silky smooth, almost adjusted to best a more pronounced sense of travel as
(which makes the displays in all OLED looking like real life. Occasionally, you objects are panned across the front
TVs) and is capable of higher brightness suspect the screen is over-emphasising suit the room’s light soundstage, and a more immersive
and greater colour vibrancy. It’s worth grain, but when you look again, it height component too. This doesn’t
noting though that this higher- appears perfect. Elsewhere, a new just manifest itself on action movies,
brightness panel is not used in the Home Cinema setting proves to be but is evident on subtle atmospherics.
48-inch version of the OLED+936. rather excellent. It boasts cool whites,
high contrast and a vibrant colour Total power output is rated at a
Powering the panel is the fifth palette. It goes some way to replicating brawny 70W. This is usable muscle too,
iteration of the brand’s P5 processor, the kind of visual pop you’ll see at a as the set doesn’t easily distort. If you
here in AI Intelligent Dual Picture premium laser cinema. want more power, there is a subwoofer
Engine guise, enabling a raft of output connection. HDMI eARC to
enhancements. Perhaps the most HDR format support is wide. In external speakers is also supported.
significant, certainly when it comes to addition to Dolby Vision, there’s
day-to-day viewing, is Ambient HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, regular The OLED+936 is a ground-
Intelligence. This is the ability to HDR10 and game specific HGiG HDR breaking OLED TV that combines
measure and react to available room – something Sony and LG don’t offer. innovative features, elite picture
light using the TV’s sensor, adjusting Peak HDR brightness is high: one of performance and thrilling Atmos
the image accordingly to maintain the the top performers in its class. audio.
best contrast and brightness.
Finally, for gamers the latency is VERDICT
But how good is the picture? It’s good but not remarkable: around 21ms
extraordinarily good at giving non in Game mode. WE’RE IMPRESSED Outstanding
HDR content a comparable dynamic image quality; HDMI 2.1
lift, and closing the subjective gap Sonically sound
between regular HD and native 4K. support; high performance
Keeping up the wow factor is the Dolby Atmos speakers.
Its newly improved Perfect Natural slightly revised Bowers & Wilkins
Reality circuitry has enhanced sound enclosure. B&W’s WE’D IMPROVE Only two
highlight detection and finds up to 30% characteristic ‘Tweeter on Top’ HDMI 2.1 inputs; average input
more sharpness thanks to AI remains a crowning glory, offering
processing. AI Smart Bit Enhancement supreme dialogue articulation. lag for gaming.
THE LAST WORD A premium
THE ALTERNATIVES OLED TV that’s as stylish as it is
innovative. Combining category-
LG G1 SAMSUNG QN95A GHĆQLQJ $, LPDJH SURFHVVLQJ DQG
KLJK ĆGHOLW\ 'ROE\ $WPRV DXGLR
With another brilliantly Packing futuristic Mini-
bright OLED evo panel, LED tech, the QN95A with artisan elegance.
the G1 is one of the manages scintillating
year’s top 4K sets. Its highlights while its
AI upscaling is top- tiny dimming zones
notch, while its gaming ensure blacks stay dark.
credentials blow the OLED+936 out of the water: It’s packed with the usual array of Samsung tech,
its latency can drop as low as 9.4ms. PDNLQJ LW D GHĆQLWH WRS SLFN
From $2995, lg.com $3,995 (55in), samsung.com

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 81

Tested

Screen 7-inch 1280x720 touch
screen OLED CPU Nvidia customised

Tegra processor Storage 64GB
Connectivity USB-C, 3.5mm audio
jack, microSD, ethernet (dock), Wi-Fi 5,
Bluetooth 4.1 Battery life 4.5-9 hours
Dimensions 102x242x13.9mm (Joy-Con
attached) Weight 420g (Joy-Con attached)

$539
nintendo.com.au

SWITCHING GEARS

Nintendo Switch OLED

The Big N’s games console just got bigger and better,
making it this year’s must-have gaming gadget

f you’re a first-time Switch still just 720p. Games like Breath of thanks to the increased screen real
the Wild really showcase the potential estate combined with the improved
I buyer then the Nintendo of the new OLED screen – it’s bright, viewing angles. But if you play in
Switch OLED is a no- colourful and the contrast has handheld mode a lot, it’s still
brainer: it has had a improved massively. Even on the definitely worth spending the extra
shakeup when it comes to the display simple Home screen, lettering comes cash because the OLED model has
and there have been a few small design across with clarity and colours are improved brightness and contrast.
tweaks. But if you are considering vibrant, popping out of the display.
upgrading your original Nintendo Also worth a mention is Automatic
Switch then it’s not really worth it as Where you really make the most of Brightness. Using sensors on the
they are very similar. the new seven-inch OLED panel is in console, the brightness on the display
The seven-inch OLED display is a tabletop mode where two players is adjusted depending on where and
beauty, even though the resolution is both use the display at the same time, when you are playing – that’s perfect

82 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Nintendo Switch OLED

for those who lose themselves in a even the Joy-Cons when they’re The dock is now The Nintendo Switch OLED has
game and don’t notice that they’re attached to the grip. white, not black, so come on leaps and bounds when it
squinting as the room gets darker. looks a bit different comes to how it feels to play on the go,
Refresh your memory as opposed to when it’s hooked up to
The whole device looks sleek and by your TV your TV (that side of things is just as
modern, partly aided by the very slim As what’s under the hood is identical pleasurable as it has always been). We
bezels. The build quality feels solid across the old and the new versions of were blown away by how vibrant the
and premium for the most part. On the Nintendo Switch, there isn’t much graphics look – it makes the whole
the back, the kickstand now stretches to say there. Powered by the Nvidia experience incredibly enjoyable.
across the whole length of the screen, customised Tegra processor, the
which makes it much more stable to Nintendo Switch OLED is fast, The only reason we would tell you
use propped up on a table, with the responsive and a pleasure to play. not to buy this console is if you already
controllers attached or without. own the Nintendo Switch. Under the
There’s 64GB of internal memory hood, they’re almost exactly the same
The OLED model measures here, which is loads, but if you do run so it’s not really worth splashing the
102x242x13.9mm with the Joy-Cons out, you can expand it using a cash. But if you are looking to buy the
attached, which is just a little taller MicroSD card, which slides into the Nintendo Switch for the first time then
than the original. It weighs just over back panel, beneath the kickstand. this model is the one you should get.
20g more now as well, so 420g in It’s without a shadow of a doubt
total. Despite a slight increase in size, In handheld and tabletop mode, Nintendo’s best games console yet.
it’s still comfortable to use in you’ll be able to make use of the new
handheld mode, although now less enhanced stereo speakers, which are VERDICT
pocket-friendly. There’s also a wired very loud and clear considering the
LAN port on the dock to connect it size of the console, although the WE’RE IMPRESSED Stunning
directly to your Wi-Fi router using an sound does come out a little tinny OLED display; long battery life;
ethernet cable – this means you’ll be when the volume is up all the way. premium design; 64GB storage.
able access the fastest internet speeds
your home network allows for. The Nintendo Switch OLED has a WE’D IMPROVE Not as
battery life of 4.5 to 9 hours, the same powerful as PS4 or Xbox One;
Elsewhere on the outside of the as the original and plenty for most handheld console is quite big.
dock, there are two additional USB people. It would have been nice to see THE LAST WORD Playing on
ports that can be used for a number of an improvement in the battery life but your TV hasn’t changed. What
different things, like charging your it is still quite impressive that they’ve
Nintendo Switch Pro controller or managed to keep it the same despite has is what it’s like to play
having a more demanding display. handheld. Whether you’re using

THE ALTERNATIVES it alone or with friends, the
bigger, brighter screen makes
STEAM DECK RAZER KISHI everything more enjoyable.

Switch rivals are The Kishi helps
rare. Even rarer you harness the
are devices that best on-the-go
could topple it. gaming device
Packing a Zen 2 + you already
RDNA 2 custom APU, 16GB RAM and up to 512GB own: your phone. Hook it up to your mobile and
storage into a handheld, the Steam Deck allows you it will act as a ultra low-latency controller for the
to play AAA PC games on the go. top games on the Play or App Stores.
$TBA, steampowered.com From $149, razer.com

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 83

Tested From $1,749
samsung.com
Screen 1.9-inch 260x512 Super AMOLED
FRYHU LQFK [ +] ,QĆQLW\ FLIP THE SCRIPT

Flex AMOLED inner CPU ELW RFWD Samsung
core RAM 8GB Storage 128GB/256GB Galaxy Z Flip 3

OS Android 11 Cameras 03 XOWUD 7KH EHVW IROGLQJ SKRQH IRU PRVW
wide, 12MP wide cover; 10MP inner SHRSOH WKLV LV D VW\OLVK ćLS SKRQH
Connectivity USB-C, * :L )L %OXHWRRWK
5.1 :HDWKHUSURRĆQJ IPX8 Battery WKDW LV DFWXDOO\ ZRUWK EX\LQJ
3300mAh Dimensions 72.2x86.4x17.1mm
folded; 72.2x166.0x 6.9mm Weight 183g ost smartphones look

84 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 M more or less identical.
They are often samey
slabs of glass that don’t
really have much to set them apart
physically. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
3 is definitely not one of those. It looks
completely different and it’s a really
good-looking phone.
Naturally, when you fold it up it
does feel quite thick. Measuring 72.2 x
86.4 x 17.1 – 15.9mm, it does add some
bulk to your pocket but it’ll still be
small enough to fit into it in the first
place. At 183g, the Samsung Galaxy Z
Flip 3 5G weighs the same as a regular
smartphone, which makes it just as
comfortable to use and hold.
One of the biggest changes is the
build quality. Like the Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold 3, this is one of
Samsung’s toughest phones yet.
It’s made from a durable Armor
Aluminium, Corning Gorilla Glass
Victus and it has the highest IPX8
rating, which means it’ll survive being
dunked in water.
On the original Galaxy Z Flip, the
cover screen was only 1.1 inches,
which was just too small. It meant you
couldn’t do much on it and it could
only display one notification at a time.
Now, it has a screen that is quadruple

Discover more at t3.com/au

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

the size, so it can fit up to four The phone is powered by the most Battery life is a screen partially folded you can have
notifications on it at once, which are recent Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 perfectly adequate the preview placed on the top panel
fully customisable. CPU, which means it should be faster with the camera settings on the
than the original Z Flip’s 7nm chip. In fourteen hours bottom or vice versa.
The large 6.7-inch Full HD+ use, larger apps like games seemed to following a charge
Dynamic AMOLED 2X display inside load very quickly and we didn’t The other cool camera feature to
has an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz, notice any lag in mobile games. highlight is that you can actually take
which makes it feel buttery smooth to shots without unfolding the phone at
scroll and swipe on. Mobile games feel The Flip 3 has a 3,300mAh battery all, you just double press the power
slick and browsing the web feels inside; that’s a lot smaller than most key. Although the screen will be too
effortless. As you would expect from smartphones. However, running a small to see much on, it’ll still be great
Samsung, the screen looks seriously video for over two hours on full for snapping quick selfies on the go.
crisp with bright colours. brightness, its battery level dropped
by 14%, which suggests it would have While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The crease on the screen doesn’t lasted over 14 hours in total. 5G won’t be for everyone, this is a
dramatically change the experience device that proves folding phones can
of using the main display. However, Picture imperfect actually work for the masses. Samsung
when the screen is white, tilted or has combined style and standout
light is reflecting off it, it becomes Full disclosure, the camera tech isn’t features with well thought out
very obvious and can sometimes the most impressive you’ll see on a software, and it all comes under a price
warp images a little. One other smartphone at this price. Some of our tag that doesn’t make your eyes water.
problem is the screen isn’t always point-and-shoot photos using the
completely responsive near the crease rear cameras came out looking great, VERDICT
and sometimes missed our tap. while others, even on the sunniest
day, came out lacking sharpness and WE’RE IMPRESSED Sturdy,
When the phone is partially detail. Similarly, colours looked waterproof design; good battery
folded, the Flex Panel shifts your app vibrant and accurate for the most part, life and fast performance; 1.9-
content to the top half and places but without the right lighting, they inch cover screen with widgets.
settings like the volume on the could look dull at times.
bottom half. You can also split the WE’D IMPROVE Average
screen and have multiple windows While the camera system is camera; crease could get in the
open at once, like if you wanted to unlikely to blow you away, there are a way; quite thick when folded up.
continue watching a video while you few really useful features. Firstly, Flex
do a bit of online shopping. Panel works here as well. With the THE LAST WORD Small and
stylish, this is a clamshell-style
MOTOROLA RAZR THE ALTERNATIVES folding phone with a decent sized
cover screen. While the camera
Basically the Flip 3’s sole SAMSUNG won’t blow you away, everything
rival for the clamshell crown, GALAXY Z FOLD 3
the Razr offers a Qualcomm else is pretty spot on.
Snapdragon 765G chipset Wedded to getting a
and 8GB of RAM, as well as a foldable phone but want
6.2-inch, 876 x 2142 folding much more screen? This
OLED screen and sizeable has a 6.2-inch cover and a
2.7-inch OLED on its cover. 7.6-inch inner screen, solid
$2,299, motorola.com.au build quality and S Pen
support. It’s pricey though.
$2,499, samsung.com

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 85

Tested
Apple AirPods

$279
apple.com/au

PODS’ GIFT

Apple
AirPods

The 3rd-gen AirPods offer a huge audio
quality upgrade over the older version,
EXW LV WKH ĆW ULJKW IRU \RX"

f you’ve had AirPods for years, love head-tracking, because without the focal point VERDICT
of a screen, we found it annoying. But with that
I them, and are wondering whether switched off, you get sound that pleasingly WE’RE IMPRESSED Dynamic
the 3rd-gen model is worth it, the appears to come from a ‘bubble’ around you detailed, sound; great new
answer’s an easy yes. They feature rather than pumped straight into your ears.
more discreet buds, massively improved audio GHVLJQ EHWWHU EDWWHU\ OLIH ĆW
quality, and even more iPhone-friendly features. The new AirPods follow the path laid down by ideal for some…
It’s what you like about the current ones, but AirPods Pro, with ‘sticks’ that are a third shorter
made better in every way. than the previous AirPods, and slightly larger in WE’D IMPROVE ð%XW WKH ĆWèV
Let’s get into the good stuff, then: the sound the actual bud section. They’re also controlled not for everyone; battery still
quality. The new AirPods sound excellent, and using a system of squeezing the sticks, which average overall; sound leaks in.
are a major and instant step up over the 2nd gen. works way better than you’re expecting it to. THE LAST WORD The AirPods
The improvement seems to come from a more
dynamic driver, because what you’ll notice The big thing about the fit is that they don’t sound excellent, and come
immediately is how much clearer and brighter feature in-ear tips, for better and worse. Lots of packed with useful features. As
everything from the mid-range up is. people don’t like the feel or isolation of in-ear DQ XSJUDGH WKH\èUH HYHU\WKLQJ
It makes the earlier model immediately feel tips. But, conversely, without them, the new \RXèG KRSH IRU %XW \RXèOO KDYH WR
like the bass is actually weighing down the AirPods let in lots of outside sound.
soundscape, and the treble is only just keeping its live with sound leaking in.
head above the surface. In comparison, the new The battery life has been improved, with the
model feels like the high-end has burst out of the buds now offering six hours per charge and the
water, unfurled its wings and taken flight. At the case bringing the total battery life up to 30 hours
same time, the bass still stays nice and deep. between charging. That total battery life is pretty
The new Spatial Audio feature is implemented great compared to other models, though the
extremely well here, too. Not everyone will even charge in the buds is more average – some cheaper
bother to make use of it, and some don’t like it for options get eight or more hours between charges.
music, but we’re total converts.
In movies, Spatial Audio with head tracking Accepting AirPods for what they are, they’re
acts like you’re in a movie theatre, with the sound very, very good. The sound quality is truly
presented like surround sound all oriented to the impressive, the smart features are really useful
screen (ie, your phone). In movies that make the (for iOS users), and the new design is great. But
most of a Dolby Atmos mix, this is just fantastic. we’re frustrated that headphones this pricey are
In music, Spatial Audio is a little less of a overwhelmed by sounds when travelling or
clear-cut success. We recommend turning off vacuuming – we’d want them to be just as useful
anywhere, since they’re pretty premium. But we
know that the design that lets the sound in is just
the fit that lots of people like about AirPods.

86 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Tested
Apple iPad mini

MINI-BEAST

Apple
iPad mini

Sleeker design, smarter
features and powerful
ćH[LELOLW\ PDNH WKLV D
WDEOHWbWR WUHDVXUH

he new iPad mini is a pocket rocket fantastic image stabilisation. The front camera From $749
has had an equally huge upgrade. It now has an apple.com/au
T of a computer. It’s got the power of ultra-wide-angle lens, 1080p video recording
a laptop but is smaller than an A5 and supports Centre Stage - Apple’s clever tech VERDICT
notebook. It’s got a bigger screen, that means the camera will centre the picture on
better stylus support, much faster processor, you during video calls. WE’RE IMPRESSED Smaller
improved cameras, more advanced connectivity ERG\ ELJJHU VFUHHQ $SSOH
and it’s incredibly light. Battery life offers around 10 hours but drains 3HQFLO VXSSRUW 86% & *
The power-packed tablet is more capable than quicker than other iPad models. Elsewhere the WE’D IMPROVE No Smart
ever but you will have to pay a little extra for the Home button is gone and Touch ID fingerprint &RQQHFWRU RU PP MDFN
pleasure. The 64GB model is $749 while the top of unlocking has been moved to the Sleep/Wake
the range 256GB adds $230 to the price. And if button, on the side of the device. The Lightning ZHDNHU EDWWHU\ OLIH WKDQ
you want 5G it’s also an extra $230. But you are port has been replaced with a USB-C port, which RWKHU L3DGV
getting something special. adds a lot more flexibility for accessories.
The most obvious update is the design, which THE LAST WORD 7KLV XSJUDGH
switches to a new look with slimmer bezels and Ultimately, the iPad mini is very fast, with PDNHV LW DV FDSDEOH IRU FUHDWLYH
rounded corners. The edges of the iPad are now a great-looking screen, and some excellent work as for entertainment, and
flat, which means a smaller body, but bigger usability and flexibility improvements. Its flaws
screen, being boosted from 7.9 to 8.3 inches. are mostly things that you just have to accept as GHVSLWH WKH SULFH KLNH LWèV DQ
There’s a slight change in aspect ratio from the inevitable if you want a pint-sized tablet – the H[FHOOHQW EX\ DV DQ XOWUDSRUWDEOH
previous model – it was 4:3, but it’s now more screen will feel overly small in some cases, and
like 3:2. This makes it more widescreen in the battery isn’t as strong as bigger iPads. But FRPSDQLRQ GHYLFH
landscape mode. The resolution of 2266x1488 is these are the trade-offs you make for a digital
nice and high, and it gives a pixel density of 326 wonder that weighs under 300g, and, in our JAN/FEB 2022 T3 87
ppi – so everything looks sharp and detailed. opinion, they’re fair enough.
The flat sides also mean the mini can now
support the Apple Pencil 2, which clips to the its
sides and charges wirelessly. It was accurate and
responsive in our tests, but the 60Hz refresh rate
means that there is a very slight lag from when
you draw to when it appears on-screen.
The new Apple A15 processor gives a huge
boost in power. It makes the iPad mini as fast as
you could possibly want it to be. You can run
apps side by side, edit 4K videos, tweak photos,
play games and switch quickly from task to task.
It has also added the option for 5G connectivity.
There’s a new rear camera with a major
upgrade – better sensor, wider aperture, smarter
processing. And it takes lovely shots, records 4K
video at up to 60 fps, and includes Apple’s

Discover more at t3.com/au

Tested
Evercade VS

HAPPILY EVER AFTER From $209
pixelcrib.com.au
Evercade VS

Retro gaming done right, this is the modern
classic console gamers have been waiting for

he Evercade VS is the latest in a now license the games, will be able to play more VERDICT
modern titles. And thanks to the Evercade VS
T long line of modern retro consoles. featuring two game cart slots, at any time a WE’RE IMPRESSED Clean,
There’s a big difference with the gamer can have north of 20 games loaded up. stylish design; offers over 260
Evercade VS, though. Unlike these games and counting; dual game
systems, which came with a limited, pre-loaded When booted, the Evercade VS kicks you to cart slots; slick operating system.
selection of games, the Evercade VS is a full-on its home menu, which then displays all the
console that runs on its own carts of classic games you have loaded with large, very visual WE’D IMPROVE Included
arcade games, all of them legally licensed. flyer imagery of the games in question. This is a controllers aren’t comfy by
In terms of overall aesthetics the Evercade VS really nice touch as it not only gets to show off modern standards; buying all the
looks fantastic. It’s got clean lines and the white lots of the original key art made for these games,
finish looks really smart. Attention to detail has but it also cements the fact that you’re travelling game carts will cost you.
been paid here in terms of design, even though back in time to play these titles. THE LAST WORD The arcade
the console is light and has a hollow feeling
when held, evoking an old-fashioned console It also has some strong customisation and heydays are reborn in the
from the ’80s or ’90s. screen option settings, meaning that purists can Evercade VS. The age of arcade
Other details from that era of home display these games as they remember them may be over, but it shines on in
entertainment consoles include the very NES from their younger days. Games can be played
evocative controllers, which are larger than the in widescreen, original ratio and even Pixel the Evercade VS brilliantly.
NES’s and definitely better controllers, but still Perfect, and scan lines can be added to really
not comfortable to hold when compared to emulate those old CRT monitors.
modern gamepads. The good news, though, is
that thanks to the console coming with four USB Overall, we don’t know what else the
ports, third-party USB controllers can be used. Evercade VS could deliver really in the pursuit
The Evercade family of game carts come as of its brief, which is to make playing retro
collections, which again is a bit old fashioned arcade games fun, affordable and accessible to
and in keeping with the retro theme of classic any gamer. Retro gamers who remember the
arcade games. You’ll find, for example, an Atari golden days of the arcades will love this system,
Arcade collection on a game cart, or a Gaelco or but there’s also plenty here to interest younger
Data East collection. gamers and tech enthusiasts who like to tinker.
Some modern retro-themed titles are also
licensed such as Xeno Crisis and Tanglewood. Most importantly, though, the Evercade VS
This points to a system that, providing the is making sure that this important era in
Evercade VS’ makers, Blaze Entertainment, can videogames isn’t forgotten or buried in an illegal
rights-battle-hell grey limbo. Here are these
great arcade games, available to buy and play
now in the comfort of your own living room.

88 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Tested
Sonos Beam

THE A-BEAM $649,
sonos.com
Sonos Beam

0RUH GHIW DQG UHĆQHG VRXQG WKDQ PRVW DIIRUGDEOH
VRXQGEDUV DQG ZLWK WKH ELJJHU DXGLR RI 'ROE\ $WPRV

he original Sonos Beam was one Otherwise, the most obvious change is VERDICT
decorative. The second-gen Beam retains the
T of the best soundbars around, same dimensions as the outgoing one (a tidy WE’RE IMPRESSED 'HIW SRLVHG
particularly because it brought high 651x100x69mm), but it now features the DQG ZHLJKW\ VRXQG H[SDQVLYH
audio quality in a size small enough polycarbonate grille Sonos debuted on the bigger DQG ZHOO GHĆQHG SUHVHQWDWLRQ
for compact TVs, which is not so common among and more potent Sonos Arc soundbar. JRRG FRQWURO RSWLRQV DQG DSS
other soundbars from big brands. WE’D IMPROVE 1R +'0,
The second-generation Beam is the exact same In either finish (black or white are available), SDVVWKURXJK QRW WKH VRQLF
size, but breaks new ground by including Dolby it’s discreet, good-looking and flawlessly KHLJKW \RX PLJKW KRSH IRU
Atmos in such a small body. And it sounds ace, finished. The new grille is easier to dust, which is THE LAST WORD 7KH 6RQRV
bringing the same quality and nuance to your definitely a nice upgrade for any TV equipment, %HDP GHOLYHUV PLOG EXW
TV’s audio, but now with extra width and the given how it always ends up. GHĆQLWH LPSURYHPHQWV RQ
extra position that Dolby Atmos can deliver. WKH RXWVWDQGLQJ SURGXFW LW
The on-board processing here is massively If we’re being charitable, the height effect UHSODFHV ZLWK SHUIRUPDQFH WKDW
more powerful than that in the original Beam, when listening to a Dolby Atmos movie GHĆHV LWV GLPHQVLRQV
and this allows Sonos to deploy some potent soundtrack is subtle. If we’re being uncharitable,
digital sound processing in an effort to extract it could be a lot more assertive. But as long as
meaningful height, as well as width, from the you’re not expecting the sort of audio power that
second-generation Beam’s presentation. the giant and expensive Samsung HW-Q950A or
Another important change – essential, really, Sennheiser Ambeo produce, the height and
when you consider this is now a Dolby Atmos width of the Beam’s presentation ought to be
soundbar – is the inclusion of eARC HDMI fine. And in every other respect, ‘satisfactory’ is
functionality. There are just three physical inputs severely understating its performance.
at the back of the Beam: eARC HDMI, Ethernet
and power. As far as usability goes, well, you’re spoilt for
The one disappointment is that there’s still no choice. The Sonos S2 control app remains the gold
HDMI passthrough, which makes it a less standard where these things are concerned: it’s
universal product than it otherwise would have logical, legible, stable and so simple to use you
been. It means that if you use it with a TV that just know it cost a fortune to develop.
doesn’t have Dolby Atmos decoding, you may not
get the full effect of its audio capabilities. It also Let’s be clear: the second generation Sonos
means that one of your TVs precious HDMI ports Beam doesn’t give you full-on Dolby Atmos. You
is dedicated solely to this soundbar, which might have to spend a lot more for that, and go a lot
be limiting. bigger, usually. But if ‘all’ you want is big, bold
and well-realised movie sound from a compact,
high-performance soundbar, Sonos has just
replaced its best product with its best product.

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 89

Tested
Apple iPhone 13

LUCKY 13 From $1,199
apple.com/au
Apple
iPhone 13

With a great set of features
and a competitive price, the
iPhone 13 is the model most
users should choose

he iPhone 13 is a worthy step The iPhone 13 is powered by Apple’s newest VERDICT
phone processor: the A15, although it’s not the
T forward, delivering smart and Bionic version you’ll find in the Pro. There’s no WE’RE IMPRESSED Great
genuinely useful upgrades where huge leap forward in how fast it feels compared to screen; sensible size; top
they’re most wanted. Apple hasn’t the A14 in the iPhone 12, but that doesn’t matter
tried to throw in some whizzy new feature or at all, since there was no lack of speed already. performance.
design just for the sake of it – it’s focused on Even with larger apps such as Garage Band and WE’D IMPROVE Lacks Pro
making sure the iPhone delights you where it iMovie, there’s no sign of any delays. Motion; limited zoom range.
can, and doesn’t disappoint where it shouldn’t. THE LAST WORD The iPhone
Despite not having the stainless-steel bands of The biggest performance change is the 13 has had a wealth of upgrades,
the Pro models and having a glossy rather than improved battery life, helped partly by the A15’s and while no single feature
matte glass back, the iPhone 13 still feels like a efficiency, and partly by a bigger battery unit. stands out, the sum equals a
premium device. The plus side of not having Apple rates this iPhone as being able to last for 15 much-improved handset. In a
the steel bands of the Pro model and using hours of streamed video. After a full day of very Apple way, everything it
aluminium instead is that it’s lighter than the Pro testing with the phone and a night on standby, does it does well. For most users
– it weighs 173g, while the iPhone 13 Pro weighs the phone still had around 40% battery left, this is the best phone to buy.
203g, and you’d be amazed how much you notice although this wasn’t as good as with the Pro,
that 30g difference. It’s just easier to hold and which can easily make it through 48 hours.
shift around in your hand than the Pro version.
The iPhone 13’s screen is very similar to the The iPhone 13 is a solid reliable smartphone
iPhone 12’s, in that it’s a 6.1-inch OLED display with some clever photo and video features that
with a resolution of 1170x2532. That makes it a comes in at a price point that is competitive. For
razor-sharp 460 pixels per inch – and the equal those that want the very best, the iPhone 13 Pro
of the 13 Pro. It still supports features such as the range has that under control. For everyone else,
P3 wide colour gamut and True Tone, and there’s the iPhone 13 is the phone to buy.
Dolby Vision HDR.
Sure, the lack of ProMotion technology here
means the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, and
you can see a difference compared to phones like
the 13 Pro that have high-refresh rates, but
unless you’re planning on lots of gaming, you
probably won’t miss it in any real ways.
The combination of wide and ultra-wide
lenses on the iPhone 13 cover most bases, with
the ultra-wide providing some really dynamic
landscapes and portraits. However, those looking
for more classic portraits will miss having a
longer lens, like on the 13 Pro. Fortunately, most
of the 13 Pro’s other camera features make a
showing here, including Cinematic mode,
improved night mode and Photographic Styles.

90 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Tested
GoPro HERO 10 Black

From $699
gopro.com

A HERO’S WELCOME

GoPro HERO
10 Black

Multiple tweaks move the game on a little in a
lot of areas, including improved video quality,
slicker operation and tuned-up smarts

he Apple of action cams has done it Inside the GP2 chipset is the key big VERDICT
improvement, giving direct benefits like quicker
T again, iterating enough to be certain boot and faster transfers, while indirectly WE’RE IMPRESSED Powerful
that there is a perceptible upping the image and video quality. GP2 adds speed and slickness;
improvement, but not enough to
hinder sales of the older, now slightly cheaper Both video and photo quality have been resolution and framerate
model. We gave the HERO 9 Black five stars, and significantly boosted, with video now topping increased; improved hydrophobic
it’s still a fantastic camera, but the HERO 10 Black out at a massive 5.3K, 60FPS, 4K at a blistering lens; horizon levelling upgraded.
is better in multiple ways. 120FPS, and 2.7K/240p, while stills are cranked
It’s visually identical to the groundbreaking up to 23MP. Broadly, the frame rates are doubled WE’D IMPROVE No big bang
GoPro HERO 9 Black; the only obvious differences over the HERO 9 Black, and frame grabs are also improvement; battery is showing
being the GoPro logo under the front screen is a teased up a touch, 19.6MP from 5K video, and
natty blue and the body is slightly darker. 15.8MP from 5.3K video. The audio capture the strain.
Elsewhere, the similarities continue: the doesn’t match, only being reasonable. THE LAST WORD Faster, more
battery compartment, USB-C charge port, powerful, lighter and with a much
1720mAh Lithium battery and battery lid could Elsewhere weight is down to a mere 153 improved hydrophobic lens, the
be the same components. The flip down ‘fingers’ grams, although that feeling of top heaviness GoPro HERO 10 Black might be
to mount the camera are identical to the HERO 9 can still strike when helmet-mounted. On the
Black, which makes them backwards compatible bright side, you’ve got the new HyperSmooth iterative, but it is the best.
with many years worth of GoPro mounts. 4.0 in-camera stabilisation to offset wobbling.
The operation buttons are also identical to the It’s clear that the battery is working hard, with
HERO 9 Black, a side mode and power button, the unit getting warm to the touch when
and a top-mounted record button, both charging. Indeed, shooting about 30 minutes of
rubberised and glove-compatible thanks to nice 5.3K/60FPS made the camera cut out several
big surfaces. LCD screens are the same size as the times. You get about an hour per charge at high
HERO 9 Black, but the rear screen has much resolution, longer for less. But on the plus side
improved touch sensitivity baked in, which is it’s easy to swap out the battery for a fresh one.
immediately obvious flicking through the menus.
The one major change to the exterior is the The big question, of course, is whether you
removable main lens cover. It looks the same, but should rush out and buy one, something that’s
is equipped with hydrophobic, water-shedding slightly muddied by the GoPro subscription
glass and is more scratch-resistant with reduced structure. For GoPro subscribers, it’s easily
ghosting. Fingermarks can just be swiped away worth $100 more than the GoPro HERO 9 Black.
with another finger and water beads just run off. For anyone who doesn’t want to sign up, or is
already the proud owner of a HERO 9 Black, this
will be a tougher decision.

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 91

Tested
Google Pixel 6 Pro

POWER & POISE $999
store.google.com
Google
Pixel 6 Pro

Gone are the days of the playful
Pixel. Now you get a pricey, sleek
and sophisticated smartphone
with an equally premium design

ndroid 12, tons of incredible AI- storage. This makes the Pro very responsive and VERDICT
everything feels instantaneous whether that’s
A based features, an excellent camera loading apps or flicking through various open WE’RE IMPRESSED Sharp, sleek
for producing pro-looking pics, a windows at once. But it can struggle with more design; excellent camera system
stunning display, an angular and a demanding mobile games like Fortnite. and AI features; QHD+ display.
sharp design with a heavy focus on quality. What
more could you want from the Pixel 6 Pro? The battery lasted well over a day with normal WE’D IMPROVE Very big to
The 6 Pro is sharp, sophisticated and sleek. The use. The Adaptive Battery feature uses AI to learn hold; no charger supplied; limited
more mature handset of the 6 series, it brings which apps are your favourite and stops the phone performance with Tensor CPU.
with it a host of improvements. There’s a bigger from wasting power on the ones you don’t really
6.7-inch display, higher resolution, a bigger use. There is also support for 30W fast charging – THE LAST WORD Sharp and
battery, more RAM, a third lens and a better though no adaptor included – which takes the sophisticated with classy colours
front-facing camera. battery from 0% to 100% in less than 90 minutes. and a big 6.7-inch QHD+ screen.
At 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9mm, it’s a very big phone, The camera system is incredible,
but at 210g it’s not as heavy as you might expect. As we have come to expect, the Google Pixel 6
The large size means you get an edge-to-edge series debuted the newest version of Android the battery lasts for ages and
curved 6.7-inch OLED screen that is stunning. – Android 12, and what an OS it is. It’s even more that’s all paired with the brand-
Boasting a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120) the genius than it was before. Aesthetics, new
display is crisp and detailed with bright, vibrant widgets, voice control and Live Translate have all new Android 12.
colours. Whether you’re editing photos, watching received impressive upgrades.
videos or even messaging, it will blow you away Discover more at t3.com/au
with just how beautiful everything looks. Plus, The Google Pixel 6 Pro is an impressive
HDR support means watching TV shows and smartphone that can definitely compete with
movies is a pleasure and with a 120Hz refresh rate the flagships. While it’s not the fastest out there,
you get incredibly smooth scrolling and swiping. this phone has tonnes of incredible AI-based
A unique new camera design sees the camera features, a stunning display and camera.
module stretch across the whole width of the
handset, which is made up of a 50MP wide
camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 48MP
telephoto camera, as well as an 11.1MP front
camera. Shots come out looking colourful,
detailed and bright. There’s lots of intricate unseen
detail when you zoom in and, despite being highly
saturated, photos don’t look too unrealistic.
Keeping everything swiftly chugging along
there is the Google Tensor Titan M2 processor,
designed purely for Pixel. This is coupled with
12GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of in-built

92 T3 JAN/FEB 2022

Want more T3?

www.t3.com/au

Tested

Dash cams

Worried about your wheels getting wrecked? These front and rear
dash cams can help you keep an eye on what’s ahead and behind

Words: Duncan Bell, Matt Bolton, Josh Russell Photography: Phil Barker

COMPACT CAM 4K FORWARD, 2K BACK

GARMIN DASH CAM 66W THINKWARE U1000

$378, garmin.com $560, thinkware.com

Despite being small, the Garmin 66 manages to pack in plenty of The Thinkware U1000’s front-facing camera shoots 4K video for
extra features, such as GPS and smartphone integration with the increased resolution and detail, while the optional-extra rear camera
Garmin Virb app. There’s also Lane Departure and Forward Collision records in up to 2K when paired with the U1000. Footage captured
warning, as well as Speed Camera warnings. The video footage is
great as well, recording in 1440p with an ultra-wide 180-degree by the rear camera is stored on the same microSD card as used by
field of view. And its small 3M magnet mount makes removal and the front camera. When hardwired to the vehicle, both cameras offer
placement of the dash cam incredibly easy. The downside is the motion detection to record footage while parked. Driver assistance
features, including red light and speed camera warnings, plus warnings
slightly fiddly menu system and the inconsistent voice control.
for average and mobile speed cameras, all use the unit’s GPS.

94 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Dash cams

D ash cams have driver-assistance systems to someone drives into the rear of
become incredibly help keep you alert and safe. your car, but isn’t willing to
popular car accept the blame, or even flees
accessories in recent With so many great models the scene? This is where a
years, keeping a faithful eye on on offer these days, we figured second, rear-facing dash cam
the road ahead and recording you could use a hand picking out could come to the rescue, which
footage when a collision is which suits your needs. is why we’ve also included two
detected. Some even boast models that can watch your back.
But what if an incident
happens behind you? Say

THE FORWARD-FACING KING BLACKVUE’S BACK VIEW

NEXTBASE 622GW BLACKVUE DR900X-2CH

$495, nextbase.com $899, blackvue.com

The latest dash cam from Nextbase boasts much-improved video The DR900X-2CH features a front-facing camera that records in
quality; plump for the 4K at 30fps video resolution and the resulting 4K resolution with an 8MP sensor, while the rear camera captures
footage in Full HD. Blackvue also sells an optional 4G module that
footage is incredibly detailed, vibrant and smooth. Even in poor enables remote notifications and live viewing, as well as two-way
lighting, it’s easy to pick out details, while a special Super Slow-Mo
mode (1080p at 120fps) means it is now easier than ever to read voice calls. There’s also a parking mode that uses motion and
registration plates on fast-moving vehicles. Also, the inclusion of vibration sensors to record footage to catch evidence of vandalism
What3Words is clever, as it can alert emergency services of an exact
or a parking incident. Both cameras use a cylindrical design that
location, even when there is no Wi-Fi or mobile data available. should make the system less distracting to the driver.

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 95

Best of the best

SMARTPHONES CHEAP SMARTWATCHES
SMARTPHONES
Find the lowest prices at: Find the lowest prices at:
t3.com/au/bestphone Find the lowest prices at: t3.com/au/bestsmartwatch
t3.com/au/bestcheapphone
APPLE iPHONE 12 APPLE WATCH SERIES 7
iPHONE SE (2020)
From $1,199, apple.com/au From $599, apple.com/au
Apple has outdone From $679, apple.com/au Apple is king
itself. 5G has been $ QHDU ćDJVKLS when it comes to
added, the CPU has iPhone experience smartwatches. The
more power than for a fraction of Series 7 includes a
you’re ever going the cost. The SE is bigger, better screen,
to need, and the under half the cost and fast charging.
dual-lens rear camera of the iPhone 12, ,WèVbVWLOO WKH RQO\
system can take and for that reason device to straddle
spectacular photos in it demands attention WKHbOLQH EHWZHHQ
any kind of light. IURP DQ\bSURVSHFWLYH WHFKbDQG IDVKLRQ
phone upgrader.

ONEPLUS 9 PRO ONEPLUS NORD 2 SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4

From $869, oneplus.com From $619, oneplus.com From $399, samsung.com
Very much an This follows on A modern, stylish take
evolution of the from the immensely on a smartwatch – it’s
OnePlus 8 Pro, with SRSXODU ĆUVW slim, comfortable and
a similar design and generation Nord able to withstand
iterative specs bump with even faster knocks and bumps.
for this year, the speeds, an even Plus it’s waterproof.
OnePlus 9 Pro has bigger battery and The only downside
doubled down on even more features. here is battery life: at
the camera. And the Performance-wise, it’s 40 hours it’s not the
results are excellent. a marvel. longest-lasting.

iPHONE SE (2020) SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 FE SAMSUNG GALAXY
WATCH ACTIVE2
From $679, apple.com/au From $679, samsung.com
Apple’s iPhone SE The best core S20 From $380, samsung.com
(2020) handset has functionality, along Sleek and powerful,
taken this year by with 5G, but at a this is the best
storm, the hot new more affordable smartwatch for
handset winning price point, this is Android users. The
acclaim worldwide actually nothing like screen and design
with its balance of a budget handset, as are on par with the
features, quality and it is still loaded with Apple Watch, while
performance for a premium hardware a collection of new
very attractive price. and features. watch faces give it
DbPRGHUQ HGJH

SAMSUNG GALAXY XIAOMI MI 10T LITE APPLE WATCH SE
S21 ULTRA
From $599, xiaomi.com From $429, apple.com/au
From $1,849, samsung.com There’s a lot of Despite being the
Not only the best handset for your ‘affordable’ smart
phone Samsung has money here. watch from Apple, the
ever made, but the Decent battery life, SE is a truly excellent
ĆUVW 6 VHULHV KDQGVHW respectable specs smartwatch. You
that comes with (including 6GB of won’t notice if Apple
digital stylus support. RAM) and a quad- has cut corners in
From its massive lens rear camera general use, as it feels
screen to the quad DUHbVWDQGDUG SOXV like the full Apple
camera, this is a 5-star *bFRQQHFWLYLW\ Watch experience.
beast in every way.

96 T3 JAN/FEB 2022 Discover more at t3.com/au

Best of the best

HYBRID WATCHES WATCHES
SMARTWATCHES UNDER $2,000
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AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK
WITHINGS STEEL HR SPORT CHRONOGRAPH CHRISTOPHER WARD
C60 SAPPHIRE
$399, withings.com $78,500, audemarspiguet.com
Featuring a heart- :H ORYH $XGHPDUV $1,400, christopherward.com
rate monitor and the 3LJXHWèV VLPSOH Striking, bold designs
ability to track 30 stainless steel model really set this British
different exercises, with a blue Grand brand apart from its
this is ideal for Tapisserie pattern more conventional
ĆWQHVV IDQDWLFV ,WèV GLDO ,W IHDWXUHV D VHOI 6ZLVV ULYDOV 7KH EHVW
water resistant to winding manufacture example of this is
50 metres, and the calibre 2385 the C60 Sapphire,
battery lasts around movement with a 40- which features a see-
GD\V KRXU SRZHU UHVHUYH through dial made
IURP VDSSKLUH FU\VWDO

FOSSIL HYBRID SMARTWATCH HR BAMFORD LONDON VICTORINOX I.N.O.X
MAYFAIR DATE
$329, fossil.com $875, victorinox.com
$739, bamfordlondon.com +DYLQJ XQGHUJRQH
This timepiece The Bamford Mayfair 130 durability
features activity and Date is dependable WHVWV bWKLV ZDWFK
sleep tracking, plus and has the added ZLOObVWDQG XS WR
app and call alerts, EHQHĆW RI EHLQJ anything you throw
time zones, and waterproof to DW LW 7KH SDUDFRUG
buttons to control $70 PDNLQJ LW D strap hints at its
VPDUWSKRQH PXVLF great accessory for adventurous heritage,
Yet it mostly looks like outdoor activities DQG LWèV JUHDWbIRU DOO
a regular watch, aside whilst remaining cool ZULVW VL]HV
IURP WKH H LQN GLVSOD\ DQG VW\OLVK

WITHINGS MOVE ECG BAUME SMALL SECONDS HAMILTON KHAKI FIELD

$269, withings.com $780, baume-et-mercier.com $570, hamiltonwatch.com
7KLQN D SULFH\ $SSOH Baume uses This is a faithful
Watch is needed to sustainable and recreation of its
take an ECG reading recycled materials original 1960s
of your heart? This where possible, and forebear and is
can do that, plus its elegant watches WUXHbWR +DPLOWRQèV
activity tracking and are fully customisable, PLOLWDU\ KHULWDJH
sleep monitoring, with over 2,000 7KHb PP VWDLQOHVV
ZLWKbD PRQWK permutations steel case is paired
battery life, for a achievable on an with a durable
UHDOO\ ORZ SULFH RQOLQH FRQĆJXUDWRU 1$72bVWUDS

WITHINGS SCANWATCH BELL & ROSS BR03-92 NIGHTLUM TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 QUARTZ
MENS WATCH
$499, withings.com $4,200, bellross.com
:LWKLQJVè ODWHVW No complicated bells $1,700, tagheuer.com
hybrid is also its and whistles here; the This F1 timepiece
smartest, packing BR03-92 has its roots features a steel case
a huge amount of in aviation, a heritage with sapphire crystal
KHDOWKbDQG ĆWQHVV the folks at B&R have protecting the legible
tracking tech into a clearly channelled PRQRFKURPH GLDO 7KH
VOHQGHU ERG\ $QG LQWR WKH %5 èV strap is black leather,
15 different strap straightforward, a quartz movement
RSWLRQVbHQVXUH LWèOO seconds-minutes- provides the power
VXLW DQ\ RXWĆW KRXUV GDWH GHVLJQ DQG LWèV ZDWHU UHVLVWDQW
XS WR PHWUHV

Discover more at t3.com/au JAN/FEB 2022 T3 97

LUXURIES
Exclusive gifts to
seriously spoil yourself

ARES SUPER LEGGERA BY HPS

There are many words we associate with ebikes. Effortless? Sure. Green? Naturally. Cool?
That goes without saying. But a phrase we rarely associate with them is ‘light’. This is something
Italian design firm ARES is aiming to change with what it claims is the ‘lightest ebike in the world’,

the Super Leggera. Developed in conjunction with HPS, it weighs just 9kg, only a shade more
than many gravel bikes, thanks to its ultralight carbon-fibre frame. To keep the weight this low,
its Watt Assist motor supplies around 200 watts of power – meaning it will only offer you an
assist up difficult hills, rather than making pedalling a thing of the past. But if you’re looking for a
feather-light bike that only flexes its muscles when you need it, it’s worth checking out... as long
as you can afford it. Picking up one of its limited first run of 24 will set you back more than 30

grand – steep, even on an ebike.
Around $30,000, aresdesign.com

NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE MONDAY MARCH 14TH

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SCAN TO EXPLORE YAMAHA’S
RANGE OF WIRELESS EAR BUDS AND

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9001 HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO CODEC QUALCOMM® APTX™ STTRAUYE
INTRODUCING THE NEW TW-E3B WIRELESS EAR BUDS

Available exclusively at

LISTENING VOICE 24 HR BATTERY LIFE SUDDEN RAIN/SWEAT
CARE ASSISTANT WITH CHARGING CASE RESISTANT (IPX5)

9000