The best smartphones to buy in 2024

You might have an idea of which smartphone you want to buy next. But there are more options than ever before that are solid — plenty of companies are making stellar handsets nowadays, at similar prices, all with comparable feature sets. That said, the choice isn’t always cut-and-dry. If you know you want an iPhone, your decision-making process is a bit easier. If you’re an Android person, you have even more options to choose from and more questions to answer before you spend any money. At target technology, we review phones regularly and have tested dozens over the years; so far for 2024, our top picks remain the same as they were last year, with Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Google’s Pixel 8 handsets sitting at the top of the list. Whether you’ve had your eye on them, one of Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 phones or another device, we’re here to help you decide which is the best phone to buy this year

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

$ 26 at Walmart

Google Pixel 8

$ 689 at Amazon

iPhone 13

$599  at Walmart

Google Pixel 8a

$ 499 at Amazon

Google Pixel 8 Pro

$ 999 at Amazon

Android or iOS?

When choosing the best smartphone, the debate between Android and iOS highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each operating system. Apple’s cohesive ecosystem facilitates seamless data sharing across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, allowing for effortless transitions of phone calls or music between devices. However, this integration comes with a trade-off, as exclusive services like Apple Messages are not accessible on other platforms.

On the other hand, Android offers a diverse array of handsets from manufacturers such as Google, Samsung, Sony, and more. Yet, Android devices often receive shorter software support and tend to have lower trade-in values. Ultimately, there is no definitive answer. It is essential to consider how your smartphone aligns with your other devices. Unless you are seriously dissatisfied with one OS and willing to adapt to another, switching from an iPhone to an Android phone (or vice versa) may not be practical, especially if others in your household use the same platform.

Cameras play a crucial role in smartphone selection since these devices often serve as primary cameras. While most mobile phones can capture excellent photos in ample lighting conditions, devices offering extensive optical zoom capabilities typically come at a higher price point.”

Mid-range smartphones often feature two rear cameras—a primary wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide camera—and may struggle in low-light conditions. Each manufacturer offers unique features that cater to different preferences; for instance, Apple provides four color presets on its latest iPhones, while Google’s Pixel 8 includes innovative tools like dedicated long exposure and Action Pan modes.

When deciding between mmWave 5G and Wi-Fi 7, it’s worth noting that in 2024, most phones support at least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and some form of 5G connectivity. While these are generally sufficient, opting for the fastest wireless speeds entails additional costs. mmWave 5G, for example, delivers gigabit download speeds, lower latency, and enhanced bandwidth on select networks. However, due to the need for advanced (and more expensive) modems, support for mmWave 5G is often absent in budget-friendly devices, including unlocked versions of phones like the Pixel 8.

Fortunately, mmWave 5G coverage is not as extensive as other 5G variants, so the absence of support may not significantly impact you based on your location and network provider. Similarly, Wi-Fi 7, available on premium handsets like the Galaxy S24, is less common in budget devices and necessitates a compatible router. If you don’t have a specific need for these technologies, their absence should not be a major deterrent when selecting a new phone.

Considering other features, mobile gamers will appreciate the 120Hz refresh rates found in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Apple iPhone 15 Pro. For users prioritizing extended battery life, opting for a larger iPhone or an Android phone with a battery capacity ranging between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh is advisable. Additionally, having a phone that supports reverse wireless charging can be convenient, enabling you to replenish compatible devices such as Samsung Galaxy Watches using select Samsung models.”

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Best iOS smartphone

Screen size: 6.7-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | SIM support: Dual eSim | Battery Life: About two days

The changes to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max may seem small when considered on their own, but together they add up to more than the sum of their parts. For the iPhone 15 Pro Max, in particular, the smaller, lighter titanium build means it might be within the realm of consideration for many shoppers for the first time. It’s no longer sharp and hefty like a weapon, but still has one of the longest-lasting batteries on the market.

The larger handset also gets a new 5x telephoto camera that helps it catch up to flagships on the Android side, which have had zoom lenses for years. Though Apple doesn’t outclass the competition on photography, it’s certainly closed the gap and you’ll find great cameras on both the Pro and Pro Max. They also have updated portrait effects and editing tools, so photography is improved whether you’re shooting faraway subjects or something just in front of you.

Both iPhone 15 Pro models have the new Action Button and USB-C charging, the latter of which will be more meaningful in a couple of years when the world presumably ditches Lightning at last. The Action Button, meanwhile, takes the often unused mute slider and gives you the option of mapping a frequently used shortcut to it, so you can quickly launch the camera, flashlight, voice recorder or magnifier. Having this many ways to configure the Action Button means it’s far more useful to more people than a simple toggle for silencing your phone.

This year’s A17 Pro chip not only brings excellent performance, but its six-core GPU also enables console-level gaming and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for realistic lighting effects. Later this year, you can dig into titles like Resident Evil Village and, in early 2024, Assassin’s Creed Mirage on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. You’ll also get a second-generation ultra wideband chip for improved precision object location, and reverse USB charging so you can power up your accessories in a pinch.

When you consider all these features as a whole, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are not just a solid upgrade from their predecessors, they’re also among the best phones around. – Cherlynn Low, Deputy Editor

Pros

• Smaller and lighter than previous Pro Maxes
• Useful zoom cameras
• USB-C is the way of the future
• Long-lasting battery
• Reverse charging via USB-C

Cons

• Action button is hard to reach on the larger handset
• Boring colors

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

Pixel 8) Display size: 6.2-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 20+ hours

The preceding pair of Pixel iterations delivered considerable value, blending intelligent functionalities with robust hardware. Yet, in the case of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google has significantly enhanced its offerings with the introduction of the novel Tensor G3 chipset, enhanced displays, improved cameras, and an array of beneficial AI utilities. The maximum brightness now reaches 2,000 to 2,400 nits, contingent upon the model, while maintaining the production of lifelike colors. Notably, this enhancement is coupled with a battery life increment of 20 to 25 percent compared to the previous year’s devices.

The cameras on the Pixel 8 capture more light, resulting in further enhancement of your photos and videos. Additionally, with the introduction of features like Optimal Capture and Enchantment Editor, there exist additional avenues for crafting the ideal shot. The Google Assistant has also seen advancements in capability, featuring new functionalities such as enhanced accuracy in voice input, the capacity to summarize or verbalize new articles, and proofreading your written communications. Crucially, Google’s pledge to provide software support for seven years—exceeding the industry standard for Android phones—positions the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro for long-term viability. – Sam Rutherford, Senior Correspondent

Advantages
Fresh Actua screen
Truly beneficial AI functionalities
Tensor G3 chipset
Software support for seven years
Drawbacks
$100 more than the previous iteration

Apple iPhone 13

Best midrange iPhone

Display size: 6.1-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 512GB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, Dual eSim | Battery Life: Up to 13 hours

Our former recommendation was the $429 iPhone SE, but by investing an additional $170 in the iPhone 13, you unlock significant enhancements. One standout feature is the considerably more contemporary design, featuring flat edges, Face ID, and a borderless screen. The 6.1-inch OLED display surpasses the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD screen in size, yet the overall device is only 0.33 inches taller and slightly thicker. This display excels across all metrics—brightness, sharpness, color vibrancy, and durability.

Unlike the SE, the iPhone 13 is MagSafe-compatible and boasts a starting storage capacity of 128GB, doubling that of the SE. Instead of the SE’s single-camera configuration, the 13 boasts an advanced dual-camera system with a dedicated ultra-wide lens. On the front, there’s an improved selfie camera supporting 4K video. Additionally, the battery life is extended. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Correspondent, Purchase Recommendations

Advantages
Contemporary design
Camera performance remains robust for most users
Likewise for processor, display, and battery life
Drawbacks
Two generations behind
Utilizes Lightning port
60Hz refresh rate
Lacks a telephoto lens

Google Pixel 8a

Display size: 6.1-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: Approximately 20.5 hours

Google’s A-series Pixels have consistently stood out as top-tier midrange smartphones. With the introduction of the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a now boasts robust AI capabilities akin to Google’s flagship models, complemented by exceptional cameras, a stunning 120Hz OLED display, and impressive battery longevity. The device is further equipped with features like IP67 dust and water resistance, as well as convenient albeit leisurely 7.5-watt Qi wireless charging. Priced starting at $499, it emerges as one of the most attractive deals in the market. — S.R.

Advantages
Vibrant 120Hz OLED display
Robust battery performance
Outstanding camera capabilities
Excellent value proposition
Drawbacks
Slow wireless charging
Thick bezels

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Best camera on a smartphone

Display size: 6.7-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 21 hours

With an array of advanced sensors, including a 50-MP primary camera, a 48-MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48-MP telephoto camera offering 5x zoom capabilities, the Pixel 8 Pro now captures crisper and more intricate images than ever before. Enhanced by Google’s exceptional HDR+ processing and leading Night Sight mode, alongside features like Action Pan, this smartphone excels at producing high-quality images in diverse scenarios. However, what truly elevates the Pixel 8 Pro is its latest set of AI-driven editing tools. Best Take enables users to select the best facial expression from multiple images for each person captured. Meanwhile, Magic Editor simplifies the process of eliminating distractions, adjusting compositions, or rearranging elements, with AI seamlessly filling in any gaps. For video recording, Audio Magic Eraser significantly reduces background noise from various sources, such as wind and traffic. Combining upgraded hardware with advanced machine-learning capabilities, the Pixel 8 Pro emerges as a comprehensive solution for capturing photos and videos. – S.R.

Advantages
Innovative Super Actua display
Beneficial AI functionalities
Tensor G3 chip
Software support for seven years
Inclusion of a new temperature sensor
Significantly enhanced battery life
Storage configurations extended up to 1TB
Drawbacks
$100 more expensive than its predecessor
Face Unlock configuration may pose challenges

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) review: More Than Just a Gaming Powerhouse

Introduction

ASUS’ most recent 14-inch gaming laptop offers a remarkable blend of versatility and style. However, for those seeking even more power, ASUS presents the ROG Zephyrus G16. Boasting a robust Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and support for NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics cards, this model packs a punch. Going beyond, its OLED screen with a speedy 240Hz refresh rate, impressive speakers, and a full-size SD card reader for swift file transfers from cameras add to its appeal. While targeted at gamers, the G16’s capabilities extend to serving as a portable editing workstation, making it a top choice even for individuals uninterested in gaming pursuits.

DESIGN

The new all-aluminum chassis of the G16 is truly outstanding. Not only is it slightly lighter (around 0.1 pounds) and thinner (approximately 0.2 inches) compared to its predecessor, but it also exudes a heightened sense of durability. In 2024, ASUS opted for a sleek design on the lid, replacing the dot matrix display with a single diagonal slash illuminated by white LEDs (instead of RGB). This alteration lends the laptop a more refined appearance without sacrificing its visual appeal. It’s akin to a teenager who has matured and refined their style while still retaining their gaming origins.

Internally, the G16 features a backlit keyboard with rainbow lighting (albeit single-zone, not per-key), complemented by remarkably robust speakers and an exceptionally large touchpad below. Altogether, it’s a meticulously crafted system that not only looks striking but also offers a premium tactile experience.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 shines as a versatile multimedia laptop, catering to both gamers and editors alike. With a vibrant display, streamlined design, enhanced connectivity, and extended battery life, it offers a comprehensive package for users seeking a top-tier experience.

Pros:

• Vivid 240Hz OLED display
• Sleek and modern design
• Impressive speaker quality
• Strong overall performance

Cons:

• Soldered memory limits upgrade options
• Relatively high price point
• Reduced wattage on CPU and GPU
• Armoury Crate app usability issues

This laptop stands out for its exceptional display, elegant design, and robust audio capabilities, making it a compelling choice for those in search of a high-performance multimedia device that excels in both gaming and content creation tasks.

ASUS has thoughtfully integrated a well-rounded selection of connectivity options into the G16 model. The laptop comes equipped with two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB-C ports (with one supporting Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, a full-size SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This comprehensive array of ports ensures that users can travel unencumbered, without the need for additional dongles or adapters. Additionally, ASUS’ innovative Slim Power Jack design eliminates the need to monopolize other ports while charging the device. In situations where immediate charging is required, the G16 can also be powered up via USB-C, albeit at a slower rate (up to approximately 100 watts) compared to the included 240-watt power brick.

Display

The standout feature of the G16 is undoubtedly its 2.5K (2,560 x 1,600) OLED display. Boasting vibrant colors and supporting an extensive color gamut (100% of DCI-P3), this screen is a visual treat. Moreover, its impressive 240Hz refresh rate caters to gamers seeking a competitive edge. While the brightness levels are average, hovering around 400 nits in standard mode and 450 nits in HDR, screen visibility remains excellent in most conditions, barring direct sunlight.

For photo and video editors, ASUS goes the extra mile by providing calibrated viewing modes within the Armory Crate app for sRGB, D65 P3, and DCI-P3. These modes enable users to fine-tune hues and color grade footage with greater accuracy, enhancing the display’s utility for creative tasks.

Performance

The G16 impresses with its solid performance driven by an Intel Core Ultra 9 195H CPU, up to 32GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, and NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics. However, the G16’s slim design necessitates some compromises. In comparison to competitors like the Razer Blade 16, the G16 features a lower total device power (TDP), impacting its overall capabilities despite similar listed components. For instance, our review unit with an RTX 4080 tops out at 115 watts to the GPU, while the Razer reaches 175 watts. Additionally, the G16’s RAM is soldered in, precluding post-purchase upgrades.

When tested on Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p with ultra graphics and ray tracing enabled, the G16 achieved 68 fps, marginally surpassing the smaller Razer Blade 14’s performance at 66 fps. Despite the Razer model sporting a lower-tier RTX 4070, the performance gap can be attributed to similar wattage. These frame rates are more than ample for seamless gameplay in AAA titles. Notably, the Blade 14, priced at $2,700, provides a valid comparison to our G16 review unit, despite its smaller form factor, underscoring the G16’s competitive positioning within the market.

Battery life

The G16 benefits from a larger chassis, affording space for a bigger battery. In PCMark 10’s Open Office rundown test, the G16 endured for an impressive 9 hours and 17 minutes, surpassing the G14’s 5 hours and 12 minutes and outperforming the XPS 16 (8 hours and 31 minutes) in our review. This endurance is commendable, particularly for a laptop of its caliber.

However, battery life is contingent on your usage patterns. In a subsequent test solely utilizing the GPU without leveraging NVIDIA’s Optimus graphic switching feature, the G16’s longevity dropped to a mere 3 hours and 8 minutes. Consequently, while the laptop can last throughout a day with basic productivity tasks, activities like gaming or video editing will necessitate proximity to ASUS’ 240-watt power brick for sustained performance.

Conclusion

Much like its smaller counterpart, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 emerges as an exemplary thin-and-light gaming laptop. Boasting a sleek all-aluminum chassis, a stunning 240Hz OLED display, and extended battery life, it combines style with functionality. While it may not wield as much raw power as certain competitors due to its lower-wattage components, the G16 still possesses sufficient strength to handle a wide array of tasks effortlessly.

Moreover, the inclusion of a full-size SD card reader enhances its utility as a portable editing workstation. With a starting price of $1,750, the G16 is more accessible than many premium and bulkier alternatives, making it an attractive option for users seeking a larger system without compromising on performance or portability.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review

After a decade of trying to make Arm-based Windows laptops a thing, Microsoft has finally created something fantastic.

Ever since Apple’s MacBooks switched to the company’s homegrown M-series chips, Windows users have wondered when a similar revolution would happen to their machines. To Microsoft’s credit, it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. Way back in 2012, the company released the Surface RT with an Arm-based processor, which is the same architecture used in Apple’s silicon. Unfortunately, a tiny app library, sluggish performance and limited software compatibility made using one full-time kind of frustrating. Then in 2017, Microsoft renewed its efforts with Windows on Snapdragon. This led to systems like the Surface Pro X, which sported gorgeous hardware that was once again marred by lackluster processing power and spotty software support.

But as the old adage goes: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. And after more than a decade of starts and stumbles, Microsoft has done it. By combining the powerful Oryon cores in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips with its new Prism emulator, Microsoft has turned the Surface Laptop 7 (and its sibling, the Surface Pro 11) into a nearly ideal productivity machine.Surface Laptop 7th Edition

A major breakthrough for Arm-based Windows laptops

While some apps still need extra support to run on Windows on Arm, the Surface Laptop 7 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip have combined to create a nearly ideal platform for everyday productivity.

Design and display: Premium from top to bottom

While the Surface Laptop 7 (or 7th Edition as Microsoft likes to call it) features fancy new silicon inside, not much has changed on the outside. But I’m not complaining. It has a sleek all-aluminum chassis with clean, minimalist lines, but doesn’t look like a MacBook. Microsoft has also made a few small tweaks like the addition of rounded corners on its display, a new haptic touchpad (similar to what’s on the Surface Laptop Studio 2) and a dedicated key for Copilot (more on that later).

Like before, the Surface Laptop 7 is available in two sizes. The smaller one features a slightly larger 13.8-inch display than before (up from 13.5) while the bigger model has stayed pat at 15 inches. There are also two USB 4 Type-C slots, one USB-A 3.1 jack, a microSD card reader and Microsoft’s magnetic Surface Connect port. So nothing unusual, but more than enough connectivity to handle most situations. And with the 13-inch model weighing just under three pounds (2.96 lb) and the 15-inch option coming in at 3.6 pounds, both versions won’t add much extra heft to your bag

Like before, the Surface Laptop 7 is available in two sizes. The smaller one features a slightly larger 13.8-inch display than before (up from 13.5) while the bigger model has stayed pat at 15 inches. There are also two USB 4 Type-C slots, one USB-A 3.1 jack, a microSD card reader and Microsoft’s magnetic Surface Connect port. So nothing unusual, but more than enough connectivity to handle most situations. And with the 13-inch model weighing just under three pounds (2.96 lb) and the 15-inch option coming in at 3.6 pounds, both versions won’t add much extra heft to your bag..

As for the display itself, the 15-inch PixelSense LCD display on our Surface Laptop 7 review unit is top-notch. On top of its 120Hz refresh rate, it’s been color-calibrated to deliver accurate hues while also offering great brightness (over 600 nits on a full white screen) and 10-point touch support. It’s even covered by Gorilla Glass 5 to prevent scratches and abrasion. I just wish there was the option to upgrade to an OLED panel like you can on the Surface Pro 11.

Performance and compatibility: New heights for Windows on Arm

The most impressive thing about the Surface Laptop 7 is just how normal it feels. It’s super responsive, has instant wake times and just generally feels extremely speedy. But the best part is that you often can’t even tell the difference between running native Arm software or when the laptop is using Microsoft’s Prism emulator in the background to seamlessly translate apps originally designed for x86 chips. It’s really that smooth.

In benchmarks, the Snapdragon X Elite chip delivers on Qualcomm’s lofty performance claims. For example, in Geekbench 6, the Surface Laptop 7 posted multicore scores of 14,400, which is higher than a similarly equipped Dell XPS 14 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H chip (11,920). In fact, the X Elite in the Surface even managed to top the Core Ultra 9 CPU inside an ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16, which maxed out at 12,798.

However, it’s important to note that the performance of the X Elite chip is based on how much juice it gets. On the 15-inch Surface Laptop 7, Microsoft allocates up to 30 watts to the processor. But on the smaller 13-inch model, it caps out at 20 watts, so while it should still be pretty fast, you will get better performance on the larger option. And though the Surface Laptop 7 isn’t fanless like a MacBook Air, even under load the notebook rarely got above a whisper quiet.

Finally, while most tools and apps just kind of work regardless of what architecture they were designed for, with Windows PCs still relatively early in the transition (at least this go around) to Arm-based systems, there are a handful of major apps that need a bit more time. Some of the big ones are Adobe products like Illustrator and InDesign, which won’t be available on Copilot+ PCs until sometime in July, while updated versions of After Effects and Premier Pro might not arrive until closer to the end of 2024.

A quick word on gaming

Microsoft has never said that the Surface Laptop 7 is a gaming machine. But given numbers from the ESA (Electronics Software Association) showing that 65 percent of Americans play some form of video game on a weekly basis, the laptop’s fragging abilities are probably worth a mention. Unfortunately, while the Snapdragon X Elite chip boasts decent benchmarks, a lot of titles that might otherwise be good fits for the Laptop 7 simply don’t run. A number of these are competitive games like Fortnite and League of Legends, which feature anti-cheat protocols that haven’t been updated to work on Arm-based chips. It’s doubly frustrating because in the case of LoL, the game installs normally and doesn’t display any warnings aside from Riot’s Vanguard system asking you to reboot your system before launching the game. But no matter how many times you do, the game never boots up.

That said, it’s not a completely lost cause. I’ve found that casual 2D titles like Into the Breach and Vampire Survivor run smoothly, so you still have some options. And if you want to play more demanding titles, there’s always streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now, which by nature aren’t affected by architecture or OS limitations.

Copilot+ AI features: More of a bonus than true essentials

One of the big selling points for this new breed of Copilot+ PCs was supposed to be Microsoft’s built-in AI features. But in reality, they’re more like occasionally useful bonuses. The tool with the most potential is Recall, which takes screenshots of your desktop so that AI can help you find things later. Unfortunately, due to concerns about its security, the feature will initially only be available to Windows Insiders before it’s officially released sometime in the future.

Meanwhile, other Copilot+ AI tools feel rather limited in scope. The Image Creator button in the Photos app lets you generate pictures based on word prompts and it largely delivers. But results still aren’t as detailed or realistic as what you get from more powerful cloud-based services like Midjourney. But hey, it’s free. To make things more confusing, in Paint, there’s another button also labeled Image Creator, but it’s actually an entirely different feature with a limited number of uses and results that aren’t quite as good as the similarly named option in Photos.

Ultimately, the most useful AI features are Live Captions and the Restyle Image tool in Photos. The former uses AI to creatively edit or transform existing shots, allowing you to change the style of a picture into something that looks like anime or an impressionistic painting, while the letter provides real-time translation for videos, podcasts and more. And even though Microsoft’s captions could be a touch more accurate, it’s generally good enough for you to get the gist of whatever you’re watching or listening to.

Battery life: More than all-day longevity

Even though emulating apps meant for x86 processors might use a little more juice, the Surface Laptop 7 has more than enough battery life to go around. Though our usual rundown test hasn’t been updated for Arm-based chips yet, when I streamed a 1080p video over Wi-Fi, the device lasted 17 hours and 38 minutes, which is several hours more than I typically get from some similarly equipped Intel and AMD-powered rivals. And in general use, it often felt like the Laptop 7 fared even better, frequently finishing a day with around 50 percent charge.

Another advantage of the Snapdragon X chips is that there’s almost zero battery drain when the system is asleep, which I attribute to Qualcomm’s experience in making efficient smartphone processors. I noticed that the Surface Laptop 7 would lose just one or two percent of battery overnight, which gives you the confidence to leave it unplugged for days at a time.

For charging, you can either use the magnetic Surface Connect port with the included power brick. But another bonus is that the Surface Laptop 7 also supports charging via USB-C, so if you want to travel light and use a universal adapter to keep this and a bunch of other gadgets topped up, you totally can.

Wrap-up

While the road here was beset with bumps and potholes, the Surface Laptop 7 has arrived ready to compete. And it isn’t just a great rival to the MacBook Air, it’s paving a new road ahead for Windows PCs. It’s fast, quiet, has excellent battery life and plays nicely with most of your apps. Sure, a few major programs still need additional support and you may run into issues when trying to play games or installing niche software. And when you spec it up, it can get a bit pricey too. The 15-inch model starts at $1,300, but our review unit with a Snapdragon X Elite chip, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD goes for $2,100. Still, for general productivity, the Surface Laptop 7 and its Snapdragon X Elite chip are a revelation and a revolutionary step forward for Windows as we know it.

The best robot vacuum for 2024

If you’re going to drop some money on a robo-vac, make sure it’s the right one.

Whether you have kids tracking in dirt on a daily basis or a few fur-shedding pets (or both), a robot vacuum can help keep your home clean. And these smart home gadgets have gotten much better in recent years: they have improved navigation around furniture and other obstacles, many are better equipped to suck up pet hair and some even have mopping capabilities now, too. On top of that, there are more affordable robot vaccums available now than ever before. We’ve tested out dozens of these machines over the years and continue to test the latest models as they become available. Below, we outline what you should know before purchasing a robot vacuum, plus our top picks for the best robot vacuum cleaners you can get right now.

What to look for in a robot vacuum

Wi-Fi connectivity

As we explained in our budget guide, Wi-Fi connectivity is a key feature for most robot vacuums. Some of the affordable devices aren’t Wi-Fi connected, though, so it’s best to double check before you buy cheap. Wi-Fi lets a robot vacuum cleaner do things like communicate with a mobile app, which then allows you to control the device from your phone.

Vacuum suction

Suction power is another important factor to consider. Unfortunately, there isn’t a standard power scale that all robo-vacs adhere to, so it’s difficult to compare among a bunch of devices. Some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels and generally the higher the Pa, the stronger the vacuum cleaner will be. But other companies don’t rely on Pa and simply say their robots have X-times more suction than other robots.

Floor type

Ultimately, we recommend thinking first about the floors in your home: Do you have carpet throughout, or tile and hardwood floors, or a mix? Robots with stronger suction power will do a better job cleaning carpets as they can get into the nooks and crannies more easily. Some machines have “max” modes as well, which ups the suction power but also typically eats at battery life faster than the “normal” cleaning mode.

Mapping features and object detection

Past a certain price threshold, you’ll find advanced perks like home mapping features, improved object detection and automatic dustbin disposal. Home mapping is exactly what it sounds like: The vacuum uses sensors to map your home’s layout as it cleans, allowing you to send it to particular rooms or areas. Most robo-vacs have object detection, but some will be better than others at actually avoiding things like chair legs and children’s toys. Higher-end models like iRobot’s j7 series even go so far as to promise obstacle avoidance to steer clear of things like pet poop that can potentially ruin your machine.

Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities

We’re also now starting to see more robot vacuums with mopping capabilities. Machines with this feature have a water reservoir either built into the robot’s chassis or as a separate piece that you swap in for the dustbin when you want to mop your floors. It makes the robo-vac more useful if you have hard floors in your home that you like to keep squeaky clean, but it does require more work on your part. Filling and emptying the reservoir remains a human’s job.

Auto-empty station

Finally, for peak convenience, consider a robot vacuum that comes with a self-cleaning base. These are basically garbage bins attached to the machine’s docking station. At the end of each job, the robo-vac automatically empties its small dustbin into the large clean base – that means you won’t have to empty the dustbin yourself and you’ll only have to tend to the base once every few weeks. Just keep in mind that most self-emptying bins require proprietary garbage bags – another long-term expense you’ll have to factor in. Also, any vac-and-mop robot with a water tank will not dump its dirty water into the clean base, so you’ll still have to clean up that yourself.

Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum

Best bag-free, self-emptying robot vacuum

Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Obstacle avoidance, home mapping, LiDAR navigation | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: No | Self-empty: Yes | Good for pet hair: Yes

Shark’s RV2502AE AI robot vacuum with self-emptying base ticks all of the boxes that a mid-range machine should. It offers reliable cleaning performance, its mobile app is easy to use and it produces accurate home maps. On top of that, its base is bagless, which means you won’t have to spend money on extra bags every few months.

Setting up the Shark is as simple as taking it and its base out of the box, plugging the base in and downloading the companion mobile app to finish things up. The machine connects to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control it via the app when you’re not at home, or using Google Assistant and Alexa voice control. The first journey the Shark makes is an “Explore Run,” during which it produces a map of your home that you can then edit from the mobile app.

The Shark produced a pretty accurate floorplan of my two-bedroom apartment, and I was happy to see a “re-explore” option that I could use if the map wasn’t up to my standards. With a completed map, you’re then asked to label rooms in your home. That way, you can send the Shark to only the bedroom for more direct cleaning jobs, select “no-go” zones and more.

The first few times I ran the Shark robot, I had it clean my whole apartment. I was impressed by how quiet it was – or rather, how much quieter it was compared to other robo-vacs I’ve tried. You’ll have to turn up the volume on your TV if it’s cleaning in the same room, but it’ll be hard to hear when it’s sucking up debris down the hallway. It also did a decent job maneuvering its way around the cat toys I left out on the floor. The device’s object detection feature claims it can avoid things as small as four inches, but I found that it was much better at sensing and moving around the three-foot-long cat tunnel on my floor than the many tiny mouse toys.

But even if Mr. Mouse caught the edge of the Shark’s wheels now and then, the robo-vac took it all in stride. One thing I look for when testing robot vacuums is how much attention they need from me during cleanings. The best ones are hands-free and require no extra attention at all – once they start a job, they’re smart enough to putter around your home, move around objects and return to their base when they’re finished. With Shark’s robo-vac, I never had to tend to it when it was cleaning. Now, I did my due diligence and picked up pieces of clothing and charging cables off the ground before running the Shark (ditto for every other robot vacuum I tested), so those things were never in the way. Most companion apps will actually remind you to do this before starting a cleaning job.

This Shark machine comes with an auto-empty station, so it will empty its dustbin after every cleaning run – and also during a job if its bin gets full before it’s done. In the latter situation, the Shark will go back to cleaning automatically after it’s freed up its bin. That’s a great feature, but I found the best thing about the base to be its bagless design. Shark’s device is unlike most other robot vacuum clean bases because you don’t have to keep buying proprietary garbage bags to outfit the interior of the base. When you want to empty the base, part of it snaps off and opens to eject debris, and it easily locks back in place when you return it. Not only is this quite convenient, but it also brings the lifetime cost of ownership down since you won’t be buying special bags every few months.

Its worth noting that Shark has a couple of models that are similar to the RV2502AE that just have a different color scheme, a 30- versus 60-day self-cleaning base capacity and other minor differences. The biggest feature that would impact how you use the machine is the clean base capacity: we recommend springing for the 60-day models if you want to interact as little as possible with your robo-vac.

MacBook Air Laptop

Introduction

The MacBook Air Laptop with the Apple M1 Chip is a revolutionary device that brings power, efficiency, and elegance into one sleek package. This review will delve into the key features of this laptop, highlighting why it stands out in the market and how it caters to various user needs.

Key Features

Apple M1 Chip

At the core of the MacBook Air Laptop is the Apple M1 chip, a groundbreaking processor that integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, I/O, and more into a single tiny chip. This 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance compared to previous models, making it ideal for handling everything from everyday tasks to intensive workloads. The 8-core GPU also ensures up to 5x faster graphics performance, perfect for creative professionals and gamers.

13” Retina Display

The MacBook Air Laptop features a stunning 13-inch Retina display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, offering sharp, vibrant images and text. The P3 wide color gamut brings more vibrant greens and reds, while True Tone technology adjusts the display to match the color temperature of the room for a more natural viewing experience. This display is perfect for photo and video editing, watching movies, and everyday use.

8GB RAM

With 8GB of unified memory, the MacBook Air Laptop ensures smooth and efficient multitasking. The unified memory architecture (UMA) means the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine can access the same data pool without copying between different memory pools, leading to faster and more efficient processing. This setup is perfect for users who switch between multiple applications or run demanding software.

256GB SSD Storage

The laptop comes with 256GB of SSD storage, providing ample space for your documents, photos, videos, and applications. SSDs are known for their speed and reliability, offering quicker boot times and faster access to data compared to traditional hard drives. This makes the MacBook Air Laptop not only fast but also responsive in everyday use.

Backlit Keyboard

The MacBook Air Laptop features a backlit Magic Keyboard, which provides a comfortable and precise typing experience. The refined scissor mechanism with 1mm travel ensures a quiet and responsive typing experience. The backlit keys are perfect for working in low-light conditions, enhancing usability and comfort.

FaceTime HD Camera

Equipped with a FaceTime HD camera, the MacBook Air Laptop delivers clearer and sharper video calls. The camera works seamlessly with the M1 chip’s advanced image signal processor to enhance image quality during video calls, making it perfect for virtual meetings, online classes, and staying connected with loved ones.

Touch ID

Touch ID integrated into the keyboard offers a convenient and secure way to unlock your laptop, make purchases, and authenticate applications. Your fingerprint data is protected with the Secure Enclave in the M1 chip, ensuring your personal information stays private and safe.

Compatibility with iPhone/iPad

The MacBook Air Laptop works seamlessly with iPhone and iPad, thanks to the continuity features in macOS. You can make and receive phone calls, send and receive texts, and even use AirDrop to share files effortlessly between your devices. This ecosystem integration enhances productivity and convenience, making it easy for users to switch between devices without missing a beat.

Space Gray; Arabic/English Keyboard

The MacBook Air Laptop is available in a sleek Space Gray finish, which exudes a professional and modern aesthetic. Additionally, it features an Arabic/English keyboard layout, catering to bilingual users who need to switch between languages effortlessly.

Conclusion

The MacBook Air Laptop with the Apple M1 Chip is a game-changer in the world of laptops. With its powerful performance, stunning Retina display, efficient memory, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, it is an ideal choice for professionals, students, and casual users alike. The additional features like the backlit keyboard, FaceTime HD camera, and Touch ID further enhance its usability and security.

If you can manage to stretch your budget a little bit further, check out our best laptops roundup for even more suggestions.