Devices

For All Devices

  • screen protectors: Spigen EZ Fit
  • skins: dbrand

Laptops

Windows

  • around $300: Acer Aspire 3 / IdeaPad Slim 3
    • Ryzen 3 7320U
    • Acer Aspire 3
      • screen: 15” 16:9 60hz IPS
      • ports: USB-C 10Gbps + 2x USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack
      • memory + storage: 8GB + 128GB
    • IdeaPad Slim 3
      • screen: 15” 16:9 60hz IPS
      • ports: USB-C 5Gbps + 2x USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 1.4 + audio jack + SD card reader
      • memory + storage: 8GB + 256GB
  • around $500: Vivobook Go 15 OLED
    • Ryzen 5 7520U
    • screen: 15” 16:9 60hz OLED
    • ports: USB-C 5Gbps + USB-A 5Gbps + USB-A 480Mbps + HDMI 1.4 + audio jack
    • memory + storage: up to 16GB + 1TB

If you find laptops with great specs for a better price, it may be worth it. The budget laptop market constantly changes!

Another good option is to find used laptops (such as used ThinkPads)

  • everyday
    • ARM: Surface Laptop 7 / Yoga Slim 7x / Zenbook A14
      • Snapdragon X series
      • summary:
        • Surface Laptop 7 is the best overall ARM laptop with good ports + haptic trackpad
        • Yoga Slim 7x is a good alternative option if you want OLED, but has terrible ports
        • Zenbook A14 is incredibly lightweight but is only 60hz
      • Surface Laptop 7 (haptic touchpad)
        • screen: 13/15” 3:2 120hz IPS touchscreen
        • ports: 2x USB-C 40Gbps + USB-A 5Gbps + Surface Connect + audio jack
          • microSD card reader for 15” only
        • memory + storage: *up to 32GB + 1TB
      • Yoga Slim 7x
        • screen: 14” 16:10 90hz OLED touchscreen
        • ports: 3x USB-C 40Gbps…that’s it?
        • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 1TB
      • Zenbook A14
        • screen: 14” 16:10 60hz IPS (OLED for X Elite varient)
        • ports: 2x USB-C 40Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack
        • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 1TB
    • x86 (AMD): Yoga Pro 7 / Zenbook S 16
      • Ryzen AI 9 300 series
      • summary:
        • Yoga Pro 7 is also a great option with a smaller 14” screen + a really good keyboard
        • Zenbook S 16 is a great option with a larger 16” screen + great ports
      • Yoga Pro 7 (more performance)
        • screen: 14” 16:10 120hz OLED
        • ports: USB-C 40Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack
        • memory + storage: 32GB + 1TB
      • Zenbook S 16 (thin and light)
        • screen: 16” 16:10 120hz OLED touchscreen
        • ports: 2x USB-C 40Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + SD card reader
        • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 2TB
    • x86 (Intel): Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition / Zenbook S 14
      • Core Ultra Series 2
      • summary:
        • Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is a great option with good keyboard + solid build quality but the screen is LCD
        • Zenbook S 14 is also a great option if you want OLED
      • Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition
        • Core Ultra 7 Series 2
        • screen: 15” 16:10 120hz LCD touchscreen
        • ports: 2x USB-C 40Gbps + USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack
        • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 1TB
      • Zenbook S 14
        • up to Core Ultra 9 Series 2
        • screen: 14” 16:10 120hz OLED
        • ports: 2x USB-C 40Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack
        • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 1TB

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 has Intel’s Lunar Lake processors and has great build quality, battery life, and an amazing keyboard. However, it is much more expensive than other options.

  • powerful: Legion Pro 5/5i or 7i (Gen 10) / ROG Zephyrus G14/16 (2025)
    • summary:
      • Legion - thicker with more performance + cooling but not overkill
      • Zephyrus - very slim and compact, sacrifices a bit of performance
    • Legion Pro 5 Gen 10 (up to Ryzen 9 9955HX)
      • screen: 16” 16:10 240hz OLED
      • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 2TB
      • ports: 2x USB-C 10Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + 2x USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + 1G ethernet
      • graphics: up to RTX 5070
    • Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 (up to Core Ultra 9 275HX)
      • screen: 16” 16:10 240hz OLED
      • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 2TB
      • ports: USB-C 40 Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + 2x USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + 1G ethernet
      • graphics: up to RTX 5070 Ti
    • Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 (up to Core Ultra 9 275HX)
      • screen: 16” 16:10 240hz OLED
      • memory + storage: up to 64GB + 2TB
      • ports: USB-C 40 Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + 2x USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + 2.5G ethernet
      • graphics: up to RTX 5090
    • Zephyrus G14 (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)
      • screen: 14” 16:10 120hz OLED
      • memory + storage: up to 32GB + 2TB
      • ports: USB-C 40 Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + 2x USB-A 10Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + UHS-II microSD card reader
      • graphics: up to RTX 5080
    • Zephyrus G16 (Core Ultra 9 285H)
      • screen: 16” 16:10 240hz OLED
      • memory + storage: up to 64GB + 2TB
      • ports: USB-C 40 Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + 2x USB-A 10Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + UHS-II SD card reader
      • graphics: up to RTX 5090
  • interesting one: Honor MagicBook Art 14 (haptic touchpad)
    • Core Ultra 7 Series 1 / Snapdragon X Elite
    • 14” 3:2 120hz OLED touchscreen
    • hidden magnetic webcam, can be flipped backwards
    • very lightweight magnesium alloy body
  • repairable
    • easy to repair, upgradeable components, modular I/O
    • standard: Framework Laptop 13 (Core Ultra Series 1 / Ryzen 7040 series)
    • more powerful: Framework Laptop 16 (Ryzen 7040 series)
      • modular GPU (RX 7700S)
  • 2-in-1: HP OmniBook Ultra Flip (haptic touchpad)
    • Core Ultra 7 256V
    • screen: 14” 16:10 120hz OLED touchscreen
    • ports: 2x USB-C 40Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + audio jack
    • memory + storage: 16GB + 1TB

Framework Laptop 13 with Ryzen 9 AI 300 series

Framework Laptop 12 as a cheaper alternative with 360 degree hinges + touchscreen as well as colourful plastic body

MacOS

  • cheaper: Macbook Air (M1)
  • everyday: Macbook Air (M3)
  • powerful: Macbook Pro (M4)

Linux

  • standard: System76 Lemur Pro / Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro 14 or 15 Gen 9
    • Lemur Pro
      • up to Core Ultra 7 155H
      • screen: 14” 16:10 60hz IPS
      • memory + storage: up to 56GB + 4TB
      • ports: USB-C 40Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + UHS-I microSD card reader
    • InfinityBook Pro 14 or 15 Gen 9
      • *up to Core Ultra 7 155H or Ryzen 7 8845HS
      • screen: 14” 16:10 120hz IPS or 15” 16:10 240hz IPS
      • memory + storage: up to 96GB + 8TB
      • ports: USB-C 40Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + 2x USB-A 5Gbps + 1x USB-A 480Mbps + HDMI 2.0b + audio jack + UHS-II SD card reader + 1G ethernet
  • powerful: Tuxedo Stellaris 15 Slim Gen 6
    • up to Core i9-14900HX OR Ryzen 7 8845HS
    • screen: 15” 16:10 240hz IPS
    • memory + storage: up to 96GB + 8TB
    • ports: USB-C 10Gbps + USB-C 5Gbps + 4x USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.1 + audio jack + UHS-II SD card reader + 2.5G ethernet
    • graphics: *up to RTX 4070
  • 2-in-1: Tuxedo InfinityFlex 14 Gen 1
    • Core i5-1335U
    • screen: 14” 16:10 60hz IPS touchscreen
    • memory + storage: up to 64GB + 8TB
    • ports: USB-C 40Gbps + USB-C 10Gbps + USB-A 10Gbps + USB-A 5Gbps + HDMI 2.0 + audio jack + microSD / SIM card slot

Lenovo Thinkpads are also good dedicated Linux laptops.

You could also install Linux on any laptop, but check if the hardware is compatible!

Sleeves

  • soft: tomtoc Defender-A13
  • hard: Finpac
  • leather: Bellroy
  • waxed canvas: Waterfield

Stands

  • cheaper: Lamicall
  • standard: Roost V3
  • vertical dock: Humancentric
  • laptop cooler: IETS GT500 (5000 RPM)

Phones

Android

good -> best is based on software updates

  • flagship
    • my ranking:
      • best overall: OnePlus or Oppo
        • chipset (Snapdragon vs Mediatek)
        • ultrasonic vs optical fingerprint scanner
        • Find X8 Pro has an extra 6x telephoto
        • Oppo gets 5 y/o OS updates whereas OnePlus gets 4
      • if you want near-stock OS + great software support: Pixel (limited availability + worse chipset)
      • great hardware, OS is a bit bloated: Honor
        • Honor recently announced that the Magic 7 Pro will get 7 y/o OS updates! Hooray!
      • great hardware, very bloated OS: Xiaomi
    • good: OnePlus 13 / Xiaomi 15 series / Honor Magic 7 (4 y/o OS updates)
    • better: Oppo Find X8 series (5 y/o OS updates)
    • best: Pixel 9 series / Honor Magic 7 Pro (7 y/o OS updates)
  • best cameras: Xiaomi 15 Ultra (4 y/o OS updates)
    • 50MP 1” sensor OIS main, f1.63
    • 200MP 1/1.4” sensor 4.3x periscope telephoto, f2.6
    • 50MP 3x telephoto, f1.8
    • 50MP ultrawide, f2.2
    • optional “Photography Kit” with shutter button, DSLR-style grip, 1000mAh battery, and a filter thread adapter
  • enthusiast: Sony Xperia 1 VI (headphone jack + good screen + good cameras + front-facing speakers + microSD slot)
  • audio: Moondrop MIAD-01

Unfortunately, the Sony only provides 2 y/o OS updates with 3 y/o security patches. They are also very expensive compared to the competition, so I can’t recommend them for most people.

  • midrange
    • good: OnePlus 13R (4 y/o OS updates)
    • best: Pixel 8a (7 y/o OS updates)

The Poco F6 (4 y/o OS updates) is a powerful midrange phone, but has bloated software.

Galaxy A56 will release this year with 6 y/o OS updates!

The Pixel 9a will also release soon!

  • budget
    • good: OnePlus Nord 4 / Realme GT 6T (4 y/o OS updates)
    • better: Moto Edge 50 Neo (5 y/o OS updates)

The Galaxy A26 and A36 will release near the end of this with 6 y/o of OS updates!

  • compact: Xperia XZ1 Compact
  • matte: TCL 50 NXTPaper 5G (NXTPaper 3.0)
  • repairable: Fairphone 5
Foldables
  • clamshell-style
    • cheaper: Razr 40
    • standard: Galaxy Flip 6 / Razr 40 Ultra
      • Galaxy Flip has better build quality, Razr has a larger cover screen
  • book-style: Oppo Find N5

The Xiaomi Mix Flip is also a solid clamshell-style foldable with a large cover screen and decent cameras. However, it does NOT have an IP rating!

The OnePlus Open is based on the predecessor of the Find N5, the Find N3. It’s a bit older but still a great foldable if the Oppo is not available in your region.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (mouthful of a name!) is also a very good foldable. Although it’s not as slim as the Find N5 and has worse battery life, it has Pixel cameras and software. That also means it will get 7 y/o OS updates!

The Samsung Z Fold 6 is not recommended. It has a worse cover screen and crease than the competition. It’s also thicker despite having worse battery life. However, a used Z Fold 3 or 4 can be found for cheaper than any of the new foldables and could be worth it if you are okay with the compromises that comes with previous generation foldables.

iOS

  • standard: iPhone (wait for ProMotion)
  • midrange: iPhone 16e
  • compact: iPhone SE (1st gen)
    • alternative: iPhone 5S (slower processor)

Linux

  • standard: PinePhone
    • PinePhone Pro is slightly more powerful but has worse battery

Cases

  • budget: random case from Amazon/Aliexpress/Taobao/etc
  • everyday
    • iPhone: Caudabe Sheath ($43 for base/Pro models, $44 for Plus/Pro Max models)
    • iPhone + Galaxy: ESR HaloLock ($ depends on type)
    • iPhone + Galaxy + Pixel: Caseology Nano Pop ($44) / dbrand Grip Case ($59) / OtterBox ($ depends on type) / Ringke Onyx ($ depends on model)
    • OnePlus: Sandstone Case ($24)
    • a whole bunch: Spigen ($ depends on type, e.g. Liquid Air is $29, Tough Armor is $59)
      • alternative: Tudia MergeGrip ($ varies)
  • ultra-thin
    • iPhone: Pitaka MagEZ 5.0 ($49 for standard colours, $59 for special colours)
    • iPhone + Galaxy + Pixel: Thinborne (around $65 to $70 depending on model)
  • leather (iPhone)
    • full leather incl. sides: Bullstrap ($89)
      • alternatives: Andar Aspen ($59) / Ryan London Leather Shell ($72)
    • plastic sides: Nomad Modern Leather Case ($49, $69 for folio, $69 for Horween leather, $89 for Horween leather folio)
  • mounting: Peak Design ($49, $59 for loop case) / Quad Lock ($34, $39 for Mag)
    • both have options for iPhone + Galaxy + Pixel), and both have a universal adapter option
  • physical keyboard: Clicks ($139, $159 for iPhone Plus + Pro Max models)
    • options for iPhone + Galaxy + Pixel + Razr

Stands

  • standard: Ugreen ($12 for 2-pack)
  • colourful: Lamicall ($14 $12)
    • available in lots of different colours!

Other Accessories

  • grip: PopSocket ($30, $35 for special designs)
  • wallet: ESR Geo Wallet ($49 $37) / Peak Design ($49 for slim wallet, $59 for stand wallet) / PopWallet ($40, $50 for Softgoods)
    • ESR only holds 3 cards despite its bulk but has option for Find My support
    • Peak Design can fit many cards and is high quality
    • PopWallet has built-in Pop Socket
  • tripod: Peak Design ($79)
  • camera grip: G-Grip by Greg Williams ($69 $49)

Tablets

Windows

  • standard: ProArt PZ13 / Surface Pro 11 (Snapdragon X series)
  • more powerful: ROG Flow Z13 (up to Ryzen AI Max 390)

iPadOS

  • cheaper: iPad
  • standard: iPad Air
  • upgrade
    • standard: iPad Pro 2022
    • better: iPad Pro 2024 (Tandem OLED + M4 but more expensive)

Android

  • under $100: onn
  • under $250: Galaxy Tab A9+ ($219 $149) / Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro (about $349 about $249) / others
  • under $500: Galaxy Tab S9 FE ($449) / Xiaomi Pad 6 ($449) / others
  • over $500: OnePlus Pad 2 ($549)
  • over $600: Galaxy Tab S9 ($799 $649)
  • over $850: Galaxy Tab S10+ ($999 $869) or S10 Ultra ($1199 $1059)
  • matte
    • NXTPaper 3.0: TCL NXTPaper 14
    • NXTPaper 4.0: TCL NXTPaper 11 Plus / others soon to come?

onn tablet is only available in Walmart

If you are able to find a tablet with better specs for a good deal in your region, go for that instead!

The Galaxy Tab S9 and S10 series are very overpriced, but have beautiful OLED screens. The S10 is a minimal improvement, with the only noticeable change being an anti-reflective screen

Also, Samsung removed the base model for the S10 series, so now there’s only the Plus and Ultra

NXTPaper 4.0 give you better sharpness with a new etching process compared to 3.0

Linux

  • standard: PineTab 2 ($159 for 4GB/64GB, $209 for 8GB/128GB)

Cases

  • around $20: ESR Ascend ($18) (for base model iPad)
  • around $30: ESR Rebound (~$25-30 depending on model) (for iPad Air + Pro)
  • around $50: ESR Shift (~$40-50 depending on model) (for iPad Air + Pro)
  • ultra-thin: Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 ($49) (for iPad Air + Pro)

Sleeves

  • soft: Tomtoc Light-B18 ($21)
  • hard: Finpac ($28)
  • waxed canvas: Waterfield SleeveCase ($89)

Stands

  • under $20: Lamicall ($19 $14) / Ugreen ($11 $9)
  • portable: Twelve South Compass Pro ($29)
  • drawing tablet: XP Pen AC18 ($49) / Parblo ($ depends on model, e.g. PR100 is $39)

Smartwatches

WearOS

  • under $200: Galaxy Watch 4 (discontinued) or FE ($199)
  • under $300: OnePlus Watch 2 ($299)
  • under $350: OnePlus Watch 3 ($329)
    • smaller: Pixel Watch 3 ($349 for 41mm)

Note that the OnePlus Watch 2 and 3 only comes in one size: 46mm. This may be too big for those with small wrists, hence the Pixel Watch 3 recommendation, which comes in smaller 41mm ($349) and 45mm ($399) sizes at the cost of battery life.

The OnePlus Watch 3 has even better battery life and improved health and sleep tracking over the Watch 2, but there is a small price increase.

The Pixel Watch 2 ($249) is a good option as well. The only thing you won’t get with the 2 is the brighter screen and slimmer bezels of the Watch 3.

watchOS

  • under $300: Apple Watch Series 5 (discontinued) / SE ($249 for 40mm, $279 for 44mm, cellular is +$50)

The Series 5 is very similar to the SE, with the only differences being an always-on display + ECG

  • over $300: Apple Watch Series 10 ($399 for 42mm, $429 for 46mm, cellular is +$100)

Cases

  • Apple: Spigen Thin Fit ($19)
  • Galaxy: Spigen Liquid Air ($19)
  • Pixel: Spigen Liquid Air ($19)

PCs

Mini PCs

  • budget: Dell Micro / HP Mini / Lenovo Tiny / NUCs ($ depends on specs)
  • under $500: Minisforum UM760 Slim ($409)
  • under $650: Beelink SER8 ($599 $489 for 32GB/1TB) / Minisforum UM890 Pro ($809 $649 for 32GB/1TB)
  • under $800: Minisforum HX99G ($799 $719 for 32GB/1TB) or HX100G ($1029 $799 for 32GB/1TB)
  • kind of overkill / expensive
    • Ryzen AI 9 HX 300 series: Beelink SER9 ($1249) / Minisforum EliteMini ($1099)
    • external GPU: Beelink GTi14 Ultra ($1228 $978 for 32GB/1TB + GPU docking station bundle)
  • MacOS: Mac Mini (M4)

Desktops

  • budget: Dell OptiPlex / HP EliteDesk / Lenovo ThinkCentre ($ depends on specs)
    • Intel 8th gen is the best price/performance
    • older CPUs tend to be slower
    • newer CPUs tend to be more expensive
  • cheaper: used PCs / Microcenter ($ depends on specs)

The Framework Desktop is going to be repairable, customisable, and powerful with up to a Ryzen AI Max 395+

E-Readers and Digital Notebooks

  • e-reader
    • B/W: Kobo Clara BW ($129)
    • colour: Kobo Libra Colour ($229)

The Kobo Clara Colour ($159) has smaller 6” screen + no note-taking ability, and it is dimmer than the Clara BW, but if you can live with those compromises, it’s a good cheaper alternative to the Libra Colour.

  • digital notebook: Supernote A6 X2 Nomad ($299)

Dumbphones

  • budget: Noctua 2760 / TCL Flip 2
  • cheaper: Cat S22 Flip / Qin F21 Pro (Xiaomi)
  • standard: Kyocera Dura XV Extreme / Sunbeam F1
  • better: Kyocera Dura XV Extreme+ / Light Phone II / Kyocera Digno 903KC
  • keitai phones: Kyocera 902KC/903KC Digno Ketai 3 or A202KC Digno Ketai 4 / others

Japanese keitai phones are great, but they may be region locked. Check if the one you are purchasing works with your carrier!

Other Reviews To Check Out

  • MKBHD (YT) Marques is generally a reliable, mostly unbiased reviewer
  • The Tech Chap (YT) Also a good reviewer, and he also reviews phones that aren’t available in the US such as Oppo, Vivo, etc. as he is based in the UK
  • Mrwhosetheboss (YT) Arun is also a very good reviewer, though sometimes he overhypes certain products and exaggerates a bit
  • SuperSaf (YT) Great reviewer as well, I really like him
  • JerryRigEverything (YT) Teardowns on different devices and assessing their durability
  • GSMArena (Website) Great for finding the specs on different devices
  • ZONEofTech (YT) Also a decent reviewer as well, but focuses more on leaks + rumours
  • JustJosh (YT) Focuses on laptop reviews