The UK has massive signal black spots – but Starlink and O2 might finally fix things 1:30 AM (4 hours ago)
I’ve been a Londoner all my life; born and bred in good ol’ Walthamstow in the East End of the city, I’ve lived and breathed London life for the past 33 years.
But with house prices going through the roof – and possibly past the exosphere, deep into space – I’ve had to leave The Old Smoke behind and head deeper into leafy Essex. And one thing has become clear to me in the months since moving here: cellular connectivity is pretty rubbish once you get out of big cities and population centres.
I mean, I always knew that, but there was some assumption – possibly naively on my behalf – that coverage had vastly improved over the years. After all, most UK network providers claim that they offer coverage in up to 95% of the UK, and that does sound like a lot.
That is, until you realise that the remaining 5% of the UK equates to an area the size of around 4,717 miles, or roughly the size of Connecticut for US readers. In that context, there’s still a lot of the UK begging for solid coverage.
And, let’s be honest, it’s really annoying when you encounter one of these signal deadspots. Whether it’s A-roads when your calls drop, the coastal path where your maps won’t load or the village two miles outside of the local town that’s a complete dead zone, when signal disappears, your expensive glass and metal slab becomes, well, pretty useless.
That’s why the news about a new partnership between Virgin Media O2 and Elon Musk’s Starlink caught my eye. It could be the start of a cellular revolution in the UK – if the two companies get it right.
New O2 Satellite service to launch next year
The new O2 Satellite service is pitched by the two companies as direct-to-phone connectivity that aims to fill the gaps when regular 4G and 5G coverage disappears – though don’t expect to stream YouTube videos in 4K on this new satellite-based service.
It’s said to focus first and foremost on messaging and basic data, with third-party app support growing over time. In essence, apps like Messages, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Apple Maps and even the likes of What3Words will likely take priority over sharing stories on Instagram or going live on TikTok – though that could come further down the road.
The promise from O2 and Starlink is that your smartphone should automatically hop to a Starlink satellite when there isn’t mast signal available – though the exact behaviour is yet to be confirmed. Still, it should offer a better connectivity safety net compared to the endless network of masts that never quite reach valleys, moors, and coastlines, with up to 650 satellites at O2’s disposal by the time rollout is complete.
O2 has confirmed that the service is due to be rolled out over the next year, with a full UK launch targeted for the first half of 2026 – though it’ll come as a paid add-on. No surprise there, really.
This feels different to usual coverage promises
At this point, I think we’ve heard every pledge under the sun about rural coverage from UK networks, and most of them amount to very little real-world improvements in challenging areas.
It’s not exactly surprising; you need to install masts to boost cellular coverage, and that comes with its own challenges, including planning permission and the inevitable objections that come with it, backhaul costs, or even the availability of power in these remote regions.
But that’s why the Starlink deal feels so different.
This isn’t mast-based connectivity; instead, it’s a direct-to-phone service from low-Earth orbit satellites. Coming from above, it doesn’t have to deal with the same issues as ground-based masts, meaning that it could follow you down motorways, across national parks and into the kinds of communities that have waited a decade for a single extra bar.
The best part is that, unlike the regular Starlink internet service, it doesn’t require a dedicated dish or dongle to function. Instead, it should simply work with the phones we already own.
At least, that’s the theory. The reality is that the tech will likely be limited to newer, higher-end phones that support satellite connectivity technology. Most recent iPhone owners will likely be fine, but things could be a little more hit-and-miss on the Android front.
The make-or-break of satellite-based connectivity
This is a first-of-its-kind deal in the UK, and I can guarantee that consumers and operators alike will be watching the rollout very closely indeed – so O2 and Starlink really need to get it right the first time around.
In my mind, it comes down to three crucial elements.
The most important is, of course, device support. If the new service launches with support for just a few flagships, it helps the few and leaves the many behind. The whole point of this direct-to-phone connectivity is broad compatibility, and O2 needs to be crystal clear about which phones and software versions are supported at launch.
Second is pricing. O2 needs to make it a simple, fair add-on that feels more like a safety net than a luxury, ideally with enough usage to cover calls, messages and maps without worry – or having to break the bank.
Also important is the experience. This needs to ‘just work’, automatically switching between mast coverage and satellite connectivity without any faff or interaction with your phone required. Trying to manually find satellite connectivity by pointing your phone at the sky might be suitable for the more tech-savvy among us, but it needs to be accessible to everyone.
Of course, I’m realistic about physics – indoor connectivity may be hit-and-miss without a decent view of the sky, as we’ve already seen from Apple’s satellite connectivity, and just like regular masts, busy events will push capacity to the max – but if the day-to-day is seamless and dependable, most people will forgive those edge cases.
Cautiously optimistic
From where I’m standing – usually on a windswept verge watching my phone time out – O2 Satellite is the most credible fix yet for Britain’s infamous connectivity blackspots.
The fast rollout, scale and direct-to-phone connectivity all add up to something more than a simple marketing exercise, and depending on how it’s handled, it could be the beginning of the end of the dreaded “No Signal” when you’re exploring the leafy pastures of the UK countryside and blustery coastlines.
Well, as long as you’re on O2, that is.
The post The UK has massive signal black spots – but Starlink and O2 might finally fix things appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
This gorgeous mobile controller is the sort of limited edition tech we love to see 31 Oct 10:00 PM (7 hours ago)
Backbone’s at it again with another eye-catching collaboration, and honestly, this one feels like it was delivered straight from the world of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
Backbone has unveiled the Backbone One: Death Stranding 2 Edition, a limited-release smartphone controller made with Kohima Productions and PlayStation.
Priced at $160, they’re only making 1350 units of these, and each is packaged in a collectable, numbered Pelican case – a nod to Sam Porter Bridges and his obsession with keeping cargo safe.
Built on the second-generation Backbone One design, this special edition mirrors the PlayStation-style version, but it’s got those little Death Stranding details fans will spot right away. The controller features transparent front windows so you can actually see the circuitry inside, plus a colour scheme that pulls right from the game’s moody, rain-soaked world.
As for how it works, it’s the same great Backbone experience. You get the redesigned D-pad, analogue sticks, triggers, and magnetic adapters that make snapping in your phone easier. You can even fold the controller and toss it in your bag. Plug it into your iPhone or Android, and your phone instantly transforms into a handheld gaming console.
This isn’t Backbone’s first collaboration with Kojima Productions actually teamed up before. Last year’s Death Stranding: Director’s Cut controller turned heads for its transparent yellow casing, which got a lot of buzz online.
If you miss out on this run, don’t worry. Backbone’s regular controllers are still around in back or white for $100. Or if you want something fancier, the Backbone Pro features Hall Effect triggers, full-sized ALPS sticks, and two remappable back buttons for $170/£169.
The launch comes a few months after Death Stranding 2:On the Beach, a game that stands as one of the most unique PS5 titles. There’s even an anime and a live-action A24 film currently in the works.
You can preorder starting November 6 via Best Buy, Backbone’s website, and the Kojima Productions Store. If you’re interested in other options, check out our best mobile game controllers of 2025.
The post This gorgeous mobile controller is the sort of limited edition tech we love to see appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
Save nearly a third on Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in this early Black Friday deal 31 Oct 10:00 AM (19 hours ago)
Even though they debuted at a pretty high price, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are now a total steal after this price cut.
The buds are now going for just $165 on Amazon, marking a swift 34% discount, saving you nearly $85 at checkout.
![Samsung-Galaxy-Buds-3-Pro-Prime-Day-820x461[1]](https://www.trustedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Samsung-Galaxy-Buds-3-Pro-Prime-Day-820x4611-1-450x253.jpg)
Save nearly a third on Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in this early Black Friday deal
Now $165, these buds are down 34%, saving you close to $85.
Even though they had a high launch price, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro still come packed with premium features to justify the expense, just in case you’re tempted to buy them at full price at some point.
For starters, you’ve got incredible sound quality to suit all types of music.
You don’t have to worry about ambient noise disrupting your listening, either as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro boast smart noise-canceling capabilities to really hone in on the areas where ANC can do the most good.
If you’re looking for something more vigorous, however, you can pair these with an ANC-driven Samsung smartphone for stronger cancellation.
The fit has also been redesigned to ensure that these buds are truly comfortable, regardless of whether you’re listening to your favourite album on a run or trying to get through a flight with a bit of calm.
Speaking from personal experience, it can be quite handy to have a pair of earbuds that can go on for up to eight hours at a time with ANC active, and up to 18 hours total when also factoring in the charging case.
They’re also rated IP57 water resistant, which, against the dust and splashes of everyday life, offers some degree of protection, which is more than can be said for quite a lot of true wireless earbuds out there.
While the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have been given a US-exclusive ‘Amazon Edition’ sticker, the buds are also covered by a two-year warranty as part of the deal, giving you robust after-sales support in case anything goes wrong in the future.
Arguably Samsung’s best earbuds to date with a strong noise-cancelling performance, enjoyably rich sound and solid battery life. It is aimed towards those who are in the Samsung ecosystem with its Samsung specific features, and if that’s not you then there are plenty of tempting alternatives to consider for similar money.
Pros
- Enjoyably warm performance
- Strong noise-cancelling
- Comfortable fit
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Very Samsung-heavy focus
- Noise-cancelling is bettered for the money
- Below-par call quality
- Fiddly controls
SQUIRREL_PLAYLIST_10148964
The post Save nearly a third on Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in this early Black Friday deal appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
McAfee’s Scam Detector is the digital guardian we should all be using 31 Oct 8:41 AM (21 hours ago)
Sponsored:We depend on our smartphones and laptops for just about everything – from staying connected to managing our finances. That’s why it’s so important to keep them safe. Enter McAfee’s Scam Detector.
For more than 30 years, McAfee has been designing, building, and delivering innovative solutions that protect millions of people worldwide from today’s threats and tomorrow’s. Scam Detector is the latest example – protection built for the way we live and connect today, and the increasingly sophisticated ways scammers try to deceive.
McAfee’s Scam Detector uses advanced AI to scan texts, emails, and even manipulated videos, spotting the warning signs of a scam quickly and alerting you before you engage with anything risky. Scam Detector not only checks suspicious links in texts and emails, but also looks at the full body of the text to see if there are any red flags that indicate the message may be a scam.
Let’s face it: almost everyone gets spam emails and phishing texts these days. But as scammers get more sophisticated, even the most tech-savvy among us can be caught off guard. That’s why Scam Detector acts like a digital bodyguard – removing the guesswork and helping keep you safe, even in a world full of clever scam attempts.
If a text or email includes a suspicious link, Scam Detector flags it right away – helping stop you from clicking in the first place. That’s especially useful when a message looks like it’s from your bank or another trusted source but is really a clever attempt to steal your details. And even if you do click, McAfee’s WebAdvisor provides another layer of protection by blocking risky sites before they can cause harm.
On social media, scams often show up in the form of deepfake videos or manipulated images/audio designed to appear convincing. These fakes can mislead people into believing something that isn’t true and push them toward links or pages set up to harvest personal information. Scam Detector and WebAdvisor work together to detect manipulated audio within deepfake videos to keep you protected both at the “inbox” and at the “click.”
Given that scams have led to some people losing up to £76,000, it’s never been more important to stay vigilant against these scams, which is exactly why McAfee’s Scam Detector is a great means of keeping bad actors at bay.
And it’s not just about protecting yourself. If a family member – for example, a child – accidentally clicks on a malicious link, the fallout can spread beyond their device, potentially putting your personal data, accounts, or even your household’s network at risk. Scam Detector adds that extra layer of protection, spotting and blocking threats before they cause harm.
Once money is taken in a scam, it can be incredibly difficult to recover. That’s why prevention is always the best protection – stopping scams before they reach you or your family.
McAfee’s Scam Detector works across iOS, Android, and PC, so no matter which device you’re using, you’re backed by McAfee’s state-of-the-art protection. And the best part? Scam Detector is included at no extra cost with all McAfee core plans.
Whether you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to protect yourself online or a full suite of tools to give you extra peace of mind, McAfee has you covered. And now, with Scam Detector included at no extra cost in all core plans, you’re getting one of the most comprehensive online protection packages available.
McAfee plans start from as little as £39.99 a year or, if you make an eligible purchase at Currys right now, you can save £60 on McAfee LiveSafe with Scam Detector, getting it for just £19.99 when you use the code MCAFEE60. So if you’re ready to take charge of your digital security and keep your hard earned cash away from the hands of scammers, then sign up to McAfee today and put the all-new Scam Detector to work.
The post McAfee’s Scam Detector is the digital guardian we should all be using appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
What is Claude? ChatGPT’s competitor explained 31 Oct 7:54 AM (21 hours ago)
From ChatGPT to Gemini and even X’s Grok, there’s certainly not a shortage of AI-powered chatbots on the scene right now.
So where does Claude come into things? Should you use Claude over other chatbots depending on what you need information on?
We explain everything you need to know about Claude including what it’s used for, how it differs from other AI assistants and whether it’s free to use.
What is Claude AI?
Claude AI, also known as Claude.ai and Claude, is an AI chatbot that was created and released by Anthropic back in March 2023. Hailed as being “the AI for problem solvers”, Claude promises to help with a variety of tasks including “analysis, writing, coding and general question-answering”.
You can use Claude to process information, perform complex cognitive tasks and even transcribe and analyse images, including handwritten notes and photos. It can also create websites in HTML and CSS and debug code bases.
Claude is made up of three large language models (LLMs) that offer different levels of speed and performance. There’s Haiku which is the fastest of the three that’s hailed by Anthropic as being a “lightweight version of the most powerful AI”, designed for quick answers.
In the middle sits Sonnet, which is designed for everyday work problems and claims to be the smartest of the three.
Finally, for maximum reasoning power to solve complex problems and deep research, Opus sits at the top.
Is Claude AI free to use?
Claude currently offers three pricing plans to choose between: Free, Pro and Max. The Free plan is, unsurprisingly, the most basic version and allows you to interact with Claude either on the web, iOS, Android and on your desktop. Alongside access to Haiku and Sonnet, the Free plan allows you to:
- Generate code
- Create and edit content
- Analyse text and images
- Search the web
However, do keep in mind that there is a usage limit with the Free plan.
For £15 / $17 a month, Claude Pro includes everything found in the Free plan alongside access to Opus and a higher usage limit. In addition, Pro includes:
- The ability to create files and execute code
- Access to Research
- Google Workspace integration, including Gmail, Calendar and Docs
- Integration with any context or tool through connectors with remote MCP
Last but not least there’s the Max plan which will set you back from £90 / $100 a month. Max includes everything found in Pro, alongside:
- Either 5x or 20x more usage than Pro (you’ll pay the difference)
- Higher output limits
- Memory across conversations
- Priority access at high traffic times
- Early access to advanced tools
How is Claude different from ChatGPT?
As there are so many AI chatbots available, it can be difficult to understand why you should use one over another. The main reason why you would opt for Claude over ChatGPT is depending on your needs. For example, Claude is designed to generate code and deal with more complex tasks whereas ChatGPT can be used for everyday tasks.
Plus ChatGPT can offer cross-chat memory, which means it’ll remember key context based on your previous conversations. This is an optional feature, which you’ll need to manually enable in your OpenAI’s settings. While Claude does offer this feature, you will have to pay for the privilege by paying for the Max plan.
For a more in depth comparison, make sure you visit our dedicated Claude vs ChatGPT guide.
The post What is Claude? ChatGPT’s competitor explained appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
Samsung TVs get a new Disney Plus HDR feature before everyone else 31 Oct 6:37 AM (23 hours ago)
Samsung has announced that Disney+ will be adding support for HDR10+ to its streaming platform, and Samsung TVs will be the first to get the new HDR feature.
Right now, not the whole catalogue will be available in the HDR format, and for now it seems aa if the announcement is only relevant to US customers (but we are double checking this).
Right now, those with TVs that are able to support the feature will have access to over 1000 titles in HDR10+. Let’s dig a little deeper into the details for this announcement.
HDR10+’s is gaining momentum
With Dolby Vision virtually on every popular streaming platform on this planet, HDR10+ has been left in the weeds with the slow adoption of the HDR format that Samsung has championed.
But with and Apple TV and Netflix adding HDR10+ to its titles and Disney embracing it (Hulu did support HDR10+ but not with a small selection); it does look as if HDR10+ is crowbarring its way into a HDR conversation that it was looking in on with a sad face.
Will it make make of a difference is the real question? HDR10+ can automatically adjust brightness and contrast for the best visual performance, while also ekeing out as much performance as it can from the colours seen on screen. You should be getting a brighter, more colourful performance (depending on your TV) than you would have been able to get with the standard HDR10 stream.
But as this is coming to Samsung TVs first, it won’t put a dent into Dolby’s lead on other manufacturer brand’s TVs yet. And of course, you have to pay for 4K HDR on Disney+, which wasn’t the case when the streaming platform first launched, so unless you pay for the premium tier, you won’t experience this upgrade.
Which Samsung TVs support HDR10+ on Disney+?
The question of compatibility comes into the play and, as long as you have a Samsung Crystal UHD TV and above from 2018, as well as select Samsung Smart monitors, you’ll be able to experience HDR10+ on Disney+.
We’ve just had a quick look at the Disney+ app on a Samsung Q85R from 2019 and it’s still showing up as HDR10, so this likely a case where this feature is US-only for the time being.
The post Samsung TVs get a new Disney Plus HDR feature before everyone else appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
The Melt Mouse is a more practical take on the Magic Mouse 31 Oct 6:09 AM (23 hours ago)
The Melt mouse might pass for a minimalist Magic Mouse clone, but it’s got more than a few tricks up its sleeve.
This sleek new gadget blends a mouse, a touchpad, and a number pad all wrapped up in a sleek piece of glass that somehow looks futuristic, and surprisingly, practical.
It’s all clean lines and smooth edges, but the Melt Mouse goes beyond simple cursor control. The whole surface works as a multi-touch trackpad, so you can scroll, swipe, and zoom just by moving your fingers around.
It even picks up two-finger gestures and gives you haptic feedback for a more tactile experience. With up to 6,000 DPI, it’s sharp enough for anything, from editing photos to gaming.
Here’s where it gets really interesting: tap a button, and it turns into a number pad. Subtle dots light up to show you where the numbers go, but you’re not stuck just typing digits. You can program those spots with shortcuts for Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or whatever you use most, and even switch between different profiles depending on your workflow through the Melt Studio software. There are two side buttons for extra commands, which already puts it a step ahead of Apple’s super minimalist mouse.
Right now, the Melt Mouse is on Kickstarter for about $237 if you get in early. This excludes shipping fees and taxes. Deliveries are estimated for September 2026. As with any crowdfunded tech, there’s always a chance things won’t go as planned, so backers should keep that in mind.
Still, if you’ve ever wished Apple’s Magic Mouse did more than just look pretty, this might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
We’ll see how it holds up against Magic Mouse in the future. For now, if you’re hunting for the best mouse and keyboard for 2025, we’ve got you covered.
The post The Melt Mouse is a more practical take on the Magic Mouse appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
Samsung teases key Galaxy S26 features months ahead of launch 31 Oct 6:01 AM (23 hours ago)
![Galaxy-S25-Ultra-back-standing-upright-1[1]](https://www.trustedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/07/Galaxy-S25-Ultra-back-standing-upright-11-820x461.jpg)
Samsung is already setting expectations for its next big flagship, and it sounds like the Galaxy S26 could be one of its most ambitious upgrades yet.
The VP of the Mobile Experience Division at Samsung, Daniel Araujo, shared on the company’s Q3 2025 earnings call that the Galaxy S26 series will launch with “user-centric next-gen AI, second-generation custom AP, and stronger performance, including new camera sensors.”
That is a lot of big promises, and it suggests major changes under the hood.. Most notably, the custom chip Araujo mentioned is widely believed to be the Exynos 2600, Samsung’s first 2nm processor, which will likely power the S26 in some regions. In others, expect to see Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, continuing Samsung’s familiar dual-chip strategy.
While Araujo did not directly name either processor, his comments line up with recent reports about the Galaxy S26 lineup. Interestingly, he would later add that Samsung’s chipset evaluation for next year’s flagship is “still underway,” leaving room to speculate if this “custom AP” could ultimately be another “For Galaxy” variant of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip.
Beyond silicon, Samsung’s next flagship will likely have upgraded camera sensors, which in turn signal improvements to image quality and performance, though specific hardware details remain under wraps.
In this context, the emphasis is on “next-gen AI,” meaning deeper integrations with the camera, productivity, and the Galaxy ecosystem in general, matching well with the company’s growing push into on-device intelligence with Galaxy AI.
And that’s not all for Samsung’s 2026 roadmap. Araujo went on to tease expanded health features driven by AI on Galaxy Watches, new products in the TWS lineup, and continued innovation within foldables to attract new customers.
Despite some sales declines in North America and South Korea, Samsung’s mobile business performed better than it did last year, thanks to the steady demand for its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and other flagship models.
It seems like Samsung is going all in with AI and custom hardware to differentiate the Galaxy S26 from when it launches in early 2026. But with expected component price hikes, buyers may also have to prepare for higher prices alongside those next-gen features.
(via Android Authority)
The post Samsung teases key Galaxy S26 features months ahead of launch appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
This budget e-ink phone is a great way to limit your daily use 31 Oct 4:57 AM (yesterday, 4:57 am)
If you’ve ever wished your phone would do less, just enough to stay connected without the doomscrolling, Bigme’s new HiBreak S might be the minimalist smartphone for people who want less noise and more focus.
Following in the footsteps of Boox Palma 2 Pro, but easier on your wallet. The HiBreak S phone delivers the essentials, such as making calls, and the price starts at $249 for the black-and-white model or $279 for the colour model.
Right now, it’s the cheapest and most affordable E-ink smartphone you can buy on the market.
You get a 5.84-inch Kaleido 3 E-Ink screen, a matte panel that keeps glare away, and a 36-level front light with adjustable colour temperature that ensures your eyes stay comfortable, day or night.
E-ink screens aren’t flashy, but they’re gentle on the eyes, making them ideal for reading, writing, and messaging, without the endless distractions of social media pulling you back in. Like any other E-ink screen, it’s also flicker-free to prioritise eye comfort and battery life.
Inside, the HiBreak S runs Android 14 and comes with Google Play, so the essentials are all here. It’s got 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage (expandable to a massive 1TB via microSD), and a 3,300mAh battery that easily lasts a full day. There’s also a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera designed mainly for snapping documents or scanning text, keeping things practical and work-focused.
Importantly, connectivity isn’t an afterthought. The HiBreak S packs dual SIM slots and supports 4G LTE, so it’s a real smartphone, not just an e-reader that happens to make calls.
If the Palma 2 or Palma 2 Pro looked tempting but you want something more flexible, the HiBreak S hits that sweet spot.
The post This budget e-ink phone is a great way to limit your daily use appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
Asus ROG Xbox Ally vs Xbox Ally X: The handhelds compared 31 Oct 4:43 AM (yesterday, 4:43 am)
As the long-awaited Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X have finally officially launched, we’re keen to see what the differences between the handhelds really are.
Although at the surface, both the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X appear pretty similar, there are a few important differences that separate the two and will likely impact your decision.
As we’re yet to review the Xbox Ally X, we’ve compared its specs to our four-star review of the Xbox Ally and highlighted the key differences, alongside any noteworthy similarities, between the two.
Once you’re finished here, make sure you visit our list of the best game consoles too.
Specs
| Asus ROG Xbox Ally | Asus ROG Xbox Ally X | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9120Hz refresh rateFreeSync PremiumCorning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9120Hz refresh rateFreeSync PremiumCorning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible |
| 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | ||
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm |
| 670g | 715g | |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
Pricing and availability
After Xbox and Asus initially teased the Ally series earlier this year, both handheld gaming consoles are now available to order. However, at the time of writing the Xbox Ally X is sold out, so you may need to be patient.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally is the cheapest of the two, with a starting RRP of £499.99/$599.99. On the other hand, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X starts at £799.99/$999.99.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is heavier
Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering it has a larger battery, the ROG Xbox Ally X is much heavier than the ROG Xbox Ally at 715g compared to 670g, which makes the Ally a more appealing option for frequent travellers.
Even so, both devices have the same dimensions of 29 x 12.1 x 2.75 cm with a depth of 5.09cm. Plus, both essentially sport an Xbox controller cut down the middle on either side of their respective screens, with a full-size diagonally opposing thumbsticks, ABXY buttons, a D-Pad and RGB lighting.
The ROG Ally Xbox X also features Microsoft’s ‘impulse triggers’, which is the clever rumble felt in the triggers in first-party Xbox controllers in supported games.
Xbox Ally X runs on AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Processor
One of the biggest differences between the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and Ally is that the former runs on the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, whereas the latter runs on the older AMD Ryzen Z2A APU.
We found that Ryzen Z2A resulted in pretty meagre benchmarking scores, which highlights the age of the chip compared to newer models. Although load times into Windows 11 and games were decent enough, we found you’re going to mostly look at playing titles at 720p which is the same as the 2022 Steam Deck.
Having said that, as long as you dial back resolution and graphical settings, you can eke out 60fps gaming, however you should still mostly expect to play at 720p or, at a push, 1080p.
While we’re yet to review the Xbox Ally X, its AI Z2 Extreme chip benefits from AMD’s latest processing architecture, with eight Zen 5 cores and 16 threads alongside 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores. In comparison, the Ryzen Z2 A chip has just four Zen 2 cores and eight threads with eight RDNA 2 GPU cores.
The ROG Xbox Ally X has a larger battery
Despite both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X offering the same seven-inch display and similar dimensions, which we’ll dive into later, the Ally X benefits from a considerably larger 80Wh cell. In comparison, the Ally is fitted with just a 60Wh cell.
The ROG Xbox Ally lasted around two hours and twenty minutes before needing a recharge, just 25 minutes less than the MSI Claw A8 which sports the same-sized 80Wh cell as the Xbox Ally X. We’ll have to wait and see how its 80Wh battery performs in real-world use.
Fortunately, both the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X come equipped with a 65W charger too.
The ROG Xbox Ally X has a more powerful USB-C port
The ROG Xbox Ally X is equipped with a more powerful port selection, including a USB4-capable Type-C that supports DisplayPort 2.1, Power Delivery 3.0, and Thunderbolt 4. There’s also a USB 3.2 Type-C port that supports DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0. To round off the selection, the Xbox Ally X is equipped with a microSD card reader and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
On the other hand, the ROG Xbox Ally has two USB-C ports that support DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0, alongside a microSD reader and 3.5mm audio jack.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is heavier
Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering it has a larger battery, the Xbox Ally X is heavier than the Xbox Ally at 715g compared to 670g, which makes the Ally a more appealing option for frequent travellers.
Even so, both devices have the same dimensions of 29 x 12.1 x 2.75 cm with a depth of 5.09cm. Plus, both essentially sport an Xbox controller cut down the middle on either side of their respective screens, with a full-size diagonally opposing thumbsticks, ABXY buttons, a D-Pad and RGB lighting.
Both have a seven-inch FHD display
One of the key similarities between the Xbox Ally and -X model is that they both share a seven-inch FHD display, which is actually unchanged from the original Ally model.
Sure the lack of an OLED might seem a shame, but there’s still plenty to praise about the screens here, including the 120Hz refresh rate and 96% sRGB coverage. However, we did note that with the Xbox Ally that its 74% DCI-P3 and 73% Adobe RGB are lacking for specialist use cases, which is worth keeping in mind.
Early Verdict
As we’re yet to review the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, we’ll refrain from giving a conclusive verdict. However, considering the handheld runs on the more powerful AI Z2 Extreme chip, has a larger battery and a stronger selection of ports, it appears to be a more appealing option for gamers.
Even so, we concluded that the ROG Xbox Ally to be a “lovely piece of kit” despite its ageing processor. Essentially, if you’re looking for a more affordable Windows 11 gaming device that offers the Xbox FSE interface then the ROG Xbox Ally is a solid choice. However, we would assume that the beefier Xbox Ally X will offer stronger performance.
We’ll be sure to update this versus once we’ve reviewed the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X.
The post Asus ROG Xbox Ally vs Xbox Ally X: The handhelds compared appeared first on Trusted Reviews.