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Lavazza's A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

TechRadar News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 08:00
This little capsule coffee maker is whisper-quiet and compact enough to find a home in even the smallest kitchen, but its milk system holds it back.
Categories: Technology

Forget Landman season 3 — I pitched Ali Larter the Taylor Sheridan spinoff I'm desperate to see on Paramount+, and she's 100% 'game'

TechRadar News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 08:00
We've got no idea how long the wait will be until Paramount+ airs the now-confirmed Landman season 3, but never fear... I've got the perfect spinoff idea in mind.
Categories: Technology

The Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk looks fancy, and feels great for PC gaming — but you'll probably want a desk mat

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 08:00
Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Two-minute review

If you're looking for one of the best gaming desks, you're probably already aware that these fancy tables often don't come cheap. Nor does the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave, but having spent a few weeks using it after replacing my tired old office desk (which I bought on Amazon six years ago), I can confidently say that it's worth every penny.

Eureka has a decent history of producing office-standard chairs and desks, but this is the first gaming desk I've personally seen from them - and if the rest of their gaming range is anything to go by, they're taking it just as seriously as the professional office market. This L-shaped desk is of damn good quality, with a sturdy metal frame and two tempered glass panels forming the desktop.

Underneath that dark frosted glass is a small open space lined with RGB LED strips, which create a wave effect (hence the GTG Wave's name) when it shines through. It's a nice feature, and while it's not one I'd necessarily pay extra for, it does look good - especially in a darker room.

(Image credit: Future)

Measuring 60 by 40 inches (about 152 x 102cm) in total - though obviously, the L shape means that some of this space is cut out for your chair to neatly slot in - it's certainly on the larger side when it comes to gaming desks. It's larger than the Secretlab Magnus that we highly recommend, so if you're working with limited space at home, you'll likely be better served by something like the far more compact Corsair Platform:4.

Still, if you've got the gaming room real estate, this is an excellent choice. I found it pretty easy to assemble solo, and it comes with a handful of extra features that I definitely value in a gaming desk. Firstly, there's some decent cable management options here; not only are there two flip-down metal racks along the rear edge, which can each house a multiplug unit or AC adapter brick, but the GTG Wave also comes with several plastic stick-on cable tie blocks - useful both for your own devices, and the cables for the LED lighting, which can be connected directly to your PC via a standard 4-pin ARGB header if you want to synchronize the lighting to the rest of your setup.

Another feature that will no doubt prove invaluable for some users is the VESA mounting bracket, which attaches to the back edge of the desk and can support two monitors at once. I don't personally have a VESA-compatible gaming monitor (mine is the fixed-base Razer Raptor 27), but I'm now seriously considering getting one.

Overall, I found it really hard to fault the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave. If I had to pick out some complaints, it would probably be that the RGB lighting isn't super visible in a brightly-lit room like my home office, but that feels like nitpicking. One thing I would note, however, is that I'm going to need to invest in a desk mat; the all-glass surface makes me a little nervous when I put things on it...

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Price and availability
  • Retails at $599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)
  • Ships to the US, UK, and Europe, but not Australia
  • Leaning towards the premium end of the market

At $599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890), the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave is certainly on the pricier end of the market - though it's worth noting that you could easily spend more on a gaming desk and get something smaller and less impressive. In terms of what the GTG Wave offers in value for money, I'm actually very happy with the price.

Considering that this is a pretty large gaming desk, it's actually cheaper than the much smaller aforementioned Corsair Platform:4, and only $100 more than the SecretLab Magnus (which is also a bit smaller than the GTG Wave). I'm not going to go down the rabbit hole of how many square inches of desktop space you get per dollar, but the Wave certainly isn't overpriced when you look at the wider gaming desk market.

When it comes to availability, Eureka is an American company that primarily ships to the continental United States, but they also sell through retail partners in the UK, Japan, and selected European countries. Unfortunately, it doesn't ship to Australia, meaning that our gaming friends down under are out of luck.

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Specs

Price

$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)

Height

30in / 76cm

Load capacity

200lbs / 90kg

Material

Steel, tempered glass

Dimensions

60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Design and features
  • Looks and feels like a premium product
  • Relatively easy assembly
  • Plenty of customization

Despite having some extra features and essentially requiring assembly in two separate halves due to its L-shaped design, the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave was actually quite easy to put together.

While I could've asked my partner to assist me with assembling the GTG Wave, I opted to forge ahead by myself, specifically to see how challenging it would be to build it alone (after all, many of us won't have an extra pair of hands on, uh, hand). I'll be honest; as I unboxed the heavy glass panels and carbon steel frame, I was already starting to regret my decision to fly solo.

However, I'm pleased to report that I had the whole thing upright and ready to use (minus the cable racks and VESA mount) in under half an hour from getting it all unboxed and laid out. The instructions are clear and detailed, and assembly requires no additional tools - just the included hex keys.

You can pretty easily build it one piece at a time with the glass top-down, then flip the whole thing over once it's assembled. At no point in the process did I feel overwhelmed or confused, and once I had it upright, I only had to tighten a few screws for the whole thing to feel very robust. Attaching the cable racks and VESA mount is similarly easy.

(Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, there are screwholes for you to attach a headset hook and cup holder (on the left and right side, respectively), but these weren't included in my review model even though they do feature on Eureka's website and promotional images. I can live without these, personally - I tend to leave my headset on the armrest of my gaming chair, and I'm left-handed, so I prefer to keep my drink on the left side with a coaster anyway - but I'm assuming these should have been included. Amusingly, Eureka initially also sent me the wrong wall plug, but swiftly supplied me with a region-appropriate one once the mistake was realized.

Setting up the RGB lighting only requires you to plug in two cables, regardless of whether you're connecting it to your PC directly or just using the default mode, which is controlled with a basic IR remote. If you're not syncing it to the rest of your build, you can choose between solid color, rainbow, or color pulse patterns, and a sound-reactive mode (which means there must be a tiny microphone hidden in there somewhere). You can also set it to switch off automatically after 30 or 60 minutes.

There are only two levels of brightness, and even the brighter setting isn't super bright - you can still see it in a well-lit room, but it only really pops in a dimmer environment. If you're the sort of person who prefers to be bathed only in the RGB glow of your setup and display while gaming, then it's perfect; otherwise, it's more of a minor style win.

Despite the LEDs, the GTG Wave actually doesn't look that ostentatious, especially with the lighting turned off. With only a small logo stamped on one of the short edges, it actually looks very unassumingly professional - and considering that my gaming PC is also my work PC, I think that's great.

(Image credit: Future)Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Performance
  • Cable racks function as designed
  • Ample room underneath for storage
  • Glass top makes me a little anxious... and can't take too much weight

As far as performance goes, I have no real complaints about the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave. It does what it advertises; my whole desktop PC setup fits easily on top with plenty of space left for other assorted bits and pieces. Seriously, I had to tidy up a LOT before shooting these review photos. You don't need to see all my figurines, sorry.

With a height of 30 inches (about 76cm), it's standard height for a gaming desk with a small degree of adjustability (perhaps half an inch or a centimeter or so) coming from the screw-on feet. The real advantage of these is that they can be easily adjusted to make the desk sit stably on an uneven floor. Since setting it up, I've moved a small drawer unit underneath the short edge of the 'L', which fits perfectly. In fact, the size of this desk means I could probably fit more underneath it, but at 6'3", I like having the extra legroom.

(Image credit: Future)

While the cable racks don't feel quite as durable as the rest of the desk (they're made of a notably thinner metal), they had no issues bearing the weight of my multiplug and my Razer monitor's hefty power brick. If you're not using them, you can either leave them unattached or flip them up on a hinge so they don't get in the way. The VESA mount, on the other hand, needs to bear a lot more weight, and it's suitably sturdy.

Of course, the two tempered glass panels that form the upper worksurface of this desk won't bear as much weight as a more conventional metal or wooden desk. The GTG Wave is officially rated for 200lbs / 90kg, which should be plenty - just don't lean too hard on it.

(Image credit: Future)

The real concern is edge shattering; I've built enough PCs in my time to know that sometimes a sharp impact on the wrong spot of a tempered glass panel can lead to tiny shards all over your carpet. It's also nigh-impossible to gauge the actual durability of panels like this; it could break tomorrow, or last for another decade. Needless to say, I'd recommend investing in a desk mat. While using a mouse works fine on the glass top, if you're a naughty desk luncher like me, you won't want to put plates or glasses on this without some protection.

Nonetheless, this glass does feel fairly durable. It's fingerprint- and scratch-resistant, bearing no visible marks after weeks of use, though I will note that it shows up dust (and in my case, dog hairs) quite noticeably - probably worse than a wooden desk, since it appears to get dusty faster than my old desk, which was black-painted wood. That being said, it actually encourages me to clear off and wipe down my desk more than I used to, so I can't really mark Eureka down for silently encouraging me to maintain desk cleanliness.

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave?Buy it if...

You want a statement gaming desk
Not many gaming desks manage to look this cool, while also maintaining a degree of refined professionalism with the RGB switched off. The GTG Wave will look good in almost any home office or gaming space.

You want a tidy setup
With two racks and multiple cable tie points, it's easy to get your gaming setup looking clean and hidden away beneath this desk.

You prefer an arm-mounted monitor (or two!)
The VESA bracket is easy as pie to attach, meaning that anyone who wants to mount their display(s) on a movable arm can do so with ease.

Don't buy it if...

You're a clumsy desk user
Look, I'm not going to mince words here: you shouldn't buy the GTG Wave if you tend to clang your can of energy drink down on the surface of your desk.View Deal

You're on a tight budget
At the end of the day, while it might offer good value for money, this is still a pretty expensive desk. If you're short on cash, there are cheaper options out there.View Deal

Also consider

Not keen on the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave? Here’s one cheaper desk and one more premium gaming desk option for you to consider.

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave

Flexispot E7

Secretlab Magnus Pro

Price

$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)

$340 / £360 / AU$420

$799 / £770

Height

30in / 76cm

22.8-48.4in / 58-123cm

25.6-49.2in / 65-125cm

Load capacity

200 lbs / 90kg

275lbs / 125kg

264.6lbs / 120kg

Material

Steel, tempered glass

Steel

Steel, wood fiberboard

Dimensions

60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm

43.3-74.8 x 26.7 x 22.8-48.4in / 110-190 x 68 x 58-123cm

59.1 x 27.6 x 25.6-49.2in / 150 x 70 x 65-125cm

Also consider the Flexispot E7
If you want something similar to the Corsair Platform:4 that doesn’t break the bank, consider the Flexispot E7. It’s not a gaming desk, but it still performs excellently and comes in a wide range of color options.

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 reviewView Deal

Also consider the Secretlab Magnus Pro
If you have the space for something larger, then the Secretlab Magnus Pro should be on your radar. It’s a bit cheaper than the Corsair Platform:4, but it still boasts a lot of features that make it fantastic for gaming.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro reviewView Deal

How I tested the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave
  • Used as my main desk
  • Tested over multiple weeks
  • Extensive work and play

Look at this sad old desk. Rest in peace, Amazon desk, you were moderately okay for a while. (Image credit: Future)

I replaced my tired old Amazon desk with the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave several weeks ago, assembling it myself. I used it almost every day, both to work and play on my desktop gaming PC, as well as eating several meals at it (I know, I know, it's a bad habit). I spent many hours at a time sitting at it in my NobleChairs Hero TX - with regular breaks to stretch, of course!

While I wasn't able to make proper use of the VESA mount option, I did set up the cable racks and used them to clear up the space under my old desk, which had become something of a cable-tangle nightmare. I also played around with the LED lighting and connected it directly to my motherboard to synchronize it with my rig's ARGB theme.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2025-January 2026

Categories: Reviews

Lavazza's A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 08:00
Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is a compact capsule coffee maker with optional milk-frothing for cappuccinos and macchiatos, plus hot and cold milk foam. It's excellent at the fundamentals, and Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are superb – affordably priced and packed with great quality coffee, with no flavored or sweetened options.

The Deséa is simple to use, as you'd expect from a capsule coffee maker, and is exceptionally quiet. During the testing period, it reached a maximum of only 50dB during brewing, making it the quietest machine I've tested to date.

It uses the same milk-frothing system as the Lavazza Assoluta (an automatic coffee maker that adapts its own settings to suit your chosen beans). This comprises a large glass cup with a lid containing a rotating electric whisk and a steam pipe. It works reasonably well with full-fat dairy milk, but in tests it produced very little foam when used with oat milk. This was very different to my experience with the Assoluta, so I suspect the much smaller Deséa may not be able to generate the same level of steam pressure.

Overall, it's a likeable little espresso machine that would be a good option for small kitchens, particularly if you're the lone coffee-drinker. The price of its capsules won't make you sweat, even if you enjoy several cups a day.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: specifications

Name

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg

Type

Capsule coffee maker

Dimensions (H x W x D)

11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm

Weight

9.9lbs / 4.5kg

Water tank capacity

37oz / 1.1 liters

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: price and availability
  • Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk foaming
  • Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
  • A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $330), but is often available at a discount. For example, at the time of writing, it could be found on sale for £199 in the UK in Lavazza’s online store, and $261.75 in Australia. Currently, this model isn't available in the US.

That price is about standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is currently priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.

What sets the Deséa apart from the competition is the price of its capsules. A pack of 16 Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes the A Modo Mio capsules some of the cheapest around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo alternatives.

A Modo Mio pods offer up lots of choice when it comes to coffee blends, roasts and terroir, but you won’t find any hot chocolate or coffee with added flavors. Your options are espresso, espresso, and more espresso. During testing, I found the freshly ground and vacuum-sealed beans excellent – but note that if your drink of choice is pumpkin spice, you won’t find it here.

  • Value score: 4.5/5
Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: design
  • Compact and smart-looking
  • Includes milk-frothing system
  • Milk frother only works with supplied mug
  • Dishwasher-safe components

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is available in black, white, cream and a deep burgundy (different retailers keep different colors in stock). It has a robust-feeling, glossy case with the company logo embossed on the side, and although it isn't quite as sleek as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, it certainly isn't a slouch in the looks department. Gloss finishes can sometimes be a magnet for fingerprints, but I was pleased to find that this wasn’t an issue with the cream-colored model I tested.

Image 1 of 2

You can adjust the height of the drip tray to suit different cups (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The Deséa takes Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules, which can be composted industrially (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa is particularly compact, even for a capsule coffee maker. At just 11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm (H x W x D), it will easily tuck away into the smallest of kitchens – and can be stashed in a cupboard when not in use (provided it’s properly cleaned and dried beforehand). Despite this, it has a larger water tank than most pod coffee machines, holding 37oz / 1.1 liters. That’s because this isn’t just an espresso machine; it can also foam milk for lattes and cappuccinos using high-pressure steam.

The Deséa has an unusual milk-frothing system that uses a special glass mug with a lid containing a steam tube and a whisk. It's the same system used by the Lavazza Assoluta I tested a couple of months ago, and although it isn't as effective as a proper steam wand, it works reasonably well – provided you use the right type of milk.

However, bear in mind that you can only make milk-based drinks in the glass mug; the special lid doesn't fit onto other cups. Unless you buy a second (they are $22.70 / £15 each), you and your partner won't be able to enjoy lattes as the same time.

Image 1 of 2

The milk system uses a glass mug with a lid containing a steam pipe and a rotating whisk (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The water tank holds almost a liter and has a sturdy lid and handle to prevent spills (Image credit: Future)

Most removable components (including the cup, drip tray and used pod container) can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher, although they take only a moment to wash by hand, too.

The drip tray can be detached and positioned higher up to avoid splashes if you’re using an espresso cup, which is a welcome touch. Used pods drop into a bin that can be accessed by removing the tray and pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine.

  • Design score: 4/5
Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: performance
  • Produces excellent espresso
  • Extensive drinks menu
  • Milk system doesn't work as well as a steam wand
  • Performs better with dairy than plant-based milk

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a cleverly designed control panel that displays the different menu options depending on the cup you’re using. Place an ordinary cup of any size under the dispenser and you’ll see options for brewing an espresso, long espresso (lungo), and long coffee. Push the milk-foaming cup into place and the options for milk-based drinks will light up. The full menu includes:

  • Espresso
  • Long espresso (lungo)
  • Long coffee (Americano)
  • Cappuccino (regular or large)
  • Latte macchiato
  • Hot milk foam
  • Cold milk foam

You can adjust the volume of your coffee pour, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on many capsule coffee machines. All the drink size options are customizable; just hold the appropriate button on the control panel for three seconds to begin dispensing, then press it again once you have the desired volume. When you hear two beeps, you know the new setting has been saved successfully, ready to use next time.

Like the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker I tested recently, the Deséa brews excellent, well-rounded espresso in just a few seconds, and does so extremely quietly. Using a decibel meter, I measured an average volume of 50dB when extracting coffee, which is about the same as the murmur of a quiet office (although Lavazza claims the volume doesn't exceed 43dB).

After your coffee has brewed and the lights on the front panel have re-illuminated, lift the lid and after a second or two you’ll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.

Image 1 of 2

Espresso is consistently delicious, and the machine's pump is exceptionally quiet (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Used pods drop into a bin, ready to be collected for commercial composting (Image credit: Future)

The milk system is a little louder when injecting steam, reaching a maximum of 70dB for a couple of seconds as it incorporates air, but it's quieter than the squeal and rip of a manual steam wand, and the whisk is whisper-quiet.

When you want to use the milk system, take a good look at the fill lines on the side of the glass cup that indicate how much milk to add for different drink sizes. Add too much milk and it risks splashing; too little and it won’t foam properly.

During tests, the Deséa didn’t fare very well when texturizing oat milk, which was very different from my experience with the Lavazza Assoluta. Despite the two machines using the same cup-and-lid system, the Assoluta produced inches of creamy oat foam, whereas the Deséa heated the milk (a little too much – it reached 70ºC, whereas the optimum for coffee is about 60-65ºC), but didn’t actually create any froth, even with the "extra foam" option selected.

The milk system works much better with dairy than plant-based milk (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa’s milk system worked much better with full-fat dairy milk, although I found that it still didn’t produce quite as much foam as the Assoluta. This might be because the smaller Deséa can’t generate as much pressure and inject as much steam into the liquid.

The Deséa can also prepare cold milk foam. To do this, add your cup of milk, drop in a coffee pod if required, hold the temperature +/- button on the front of the machine until the foam and latte lights turn blue, then press the one you want. Again, during my tests this worked better with dairy milk. It’s a nice feature, but bear in mind that the Deséa can only brew hot coffee, so if you want to make a cold latte then you’ll need to add a shot of hot espresso when the milk is ready, which will raise the temperature. You might like to add a few ice cubes to the drink once it’s made (but not before, as they could damage the whisk).

The whisk produces large bubbles rather than fine microfoam, so the froth tends to break down relatively quickly (Image credit: Future)

Finally, a word on waste. Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can’t simply toss them into your household waste or add them to a compost pile. They have to be processed in an industrial facility; currently Terracycle is the only service that offers this in the UK. There’sno home collection or postage system as there is with plastic and foil coffee pods, so you’ll need to gather your used capsules and take them to a drop-off point. If there isn’t one near you, you can apply to create one.

  • Performance score: 3.5/5
Should you buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper.

4.5/5

Design

Compact and smart-looking, though milk system only works with supplied mug.

4/5

Performance

Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use.

3.5/5

Buy it if

You have a compact kitchen

There aren't many coffee machines this small with a milk-frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to easily move around your home and tuck into a cupboard when it isn't in use.

You're a frequent coffee-drinker

Other capsule coffee makers may be cheaper to buy, but the pods can be very expensive, particularly if you drink several cups a day. Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are super affordable, and packed with great-quality coffee.

Don't buy it if

You prefer plant-based milk

The Deséa's milk system works best with full-fat dairy, which is true of many automatic coffee makers. If you want to stick with oat or soya, you might be better choosing the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie, which arrives with a standalone milk frother.

You want to make a round of coffees

The milk system only works with Lavazza's own mug; you can't fit the lid onto your own favorite cup. Again, a more basic Lavazza A Modo Mio machine and a separate milk frother would be a great alternative.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist:

De'Longhi Lattissima One

This smart coffee maker uses Nespresso Original pods (the ones shaped like top hats) and has a milk system that produces foam more like a conventional steam wand. You can use any cup and the froth is thick; but the capsules cost more than A Modo Mio ones.

Read our full De'Longhi Lattissima One review

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

Want to move on from capsules? This little manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh speciality coffee. It has an excellent steam wand as well.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa

I used the Lavazza A Mio Deséa for two weeks, making at least two drinks per day and using all of the available drink options (including hot and cold milk foam). I used it with dairy and oat milk, both of which were freshly purchased and chilled. I used two different types of Lavazza A Modo Mio coffee capsules, with different intensities.

I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer, and used a decibel meter app to measure the machine's volume.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.

Categories: Reviews

'Sharp, irreversible hikes': Think RAM price surges are bad? Analysts say AI will cause SSDs' NAND components to shoot up in price permanently - with no ceiling in sight

TechRadar News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 07:20
TrendForce forecasts suggest NAND pricing pressures are structural, supported by constrained supply and sustained SSD demand from data centers.
Categories: Technology

Apple and Samsung Dominated Phone Sales in 2025, but Price Hikes Could Define 2026

CNET News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 07:00
Phone-makers were able to absorb tariffs and economic turmoil, but devices might get pricier this year.
Categories: Technology

I review 4K Blu-ray for a living and these 6 discs show what 4K can do for classic movies

TechRadar News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 06:00
I've picked six of my favorite 4K Blu-rays that show off the benefits of 4K restoration for classic movies.
Categories: Technology

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max Review: Projector's So Bright, Gotta Wear Shades

CNET News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 05:01
This is the brightest portable projector I've ever tested -- but is it actually good?
Categories: Technology

Your iPhone's Camera Control button has a slew of hidden features -- here's how to use them all

TechRadar News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 05:00
The Camera Control button on every iPhone 16 and newer model does a lot more than take photos -- I'll show you how to use all of its worthwhile hidden features.
Categories: Technology

Venezuela: Maduro's enforcer Cabello still central to power

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 05:00

The ousting of Venezuela's president raised hopes of change — but the politician now controlling the streets shows how little has really shifted.

(Image credit: FEDERICO PARRA)

Categories: News

The Best Sea Moss Gummies and Who Should Avoid Them, According to Registered Dietitians

CNET News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 04:45
You've likely heard about the potential benefits of sea moss gummies, but these are the risks registered dietitians want you to consider.
Categories: Technology

I review 4K Blu-ray for a living and these 6 discs show what 4K can do for classic movies

TechRadar News - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 04:00
I've picked six of my favorite 4K Blu-rays that show off the benefits of 4K restoration for classic movies.
Categories: Technology

Amid ICE clashes, New Hampshire bishop urges clergy to prepare their wills

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 04:00

The Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire told priests protesting ICE to get their wills and affairs in order. Some praise the bishop, while other priests say they never signed up to be martyrs.

(Image credit: Elena Eberwein/NHPR)

Categories: News

I tested the Enlaps Tikee 4, and it’s the best timelapse camera I’ve ever used for several reasons

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 01/18/2026 - 03:00
Enlaps Tikee 4: one-minute review

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Timelapse cameras are specialist devices designed to do one job, and that’s to capture timelapses over short and long periods, as long as months or even years, and in all weather and lighting conditions. There are a handful of these specialist models available, and one that's a definite contender to top our list of the best timelapse cameras is the Enlaps Tikee 4.

This rather strange-looking camera can capture up to 6K timelapse videos with a 220-degree view captured across two cameras and lenses. Photos are then combined into a video after you upload the image files to the myTikee website. What’s more, if the camera is connected to a Wi-Fi or LTE network you can control the camera, access images, and process timelapse videos remotely.

This is one of the easiest timelapse cameras to use, both in terms of capture and processing. The camera is point-and-shoot, so the most involved part of the capture process is setting up the project interval – and actually this is incredibly easy. Without Wi-Fi or LTE, you can connect to the camera using the Tikee Remote app over Bluetooth, although functionality is reduced compared to the other connection methods.

The Tikee 4 costs $2,215 in the US for the camera only. For UK and Australian buyers the Tikee 4 is priced in euros at €1,590, which converts to around £1,400 / AU$2,800 at the time of writing. The Tikee 4 Pack, which is a comprehensive kit including a hard case, mounting adaptors, a microSD card and other accessories, costs $3,169 or €2,298, which is around £2,000 / AU$4,000.

You’ll also need a myTikee subscription to take full advantage of the myTikee website, and the most useful option for most people costs $96 / €104 plus VAT per month.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)Enlaps Tikee 4 specsEnlaps Tikee mini+ specs

Type:

2x Sony 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensors

Lens angle of view:

220 degrees

Aperture:

f/2.8

Interval times:

5 sec–24 hours

Connectivity:

LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Camera dimensions:

7.87 x 7.87 x 2.76 inches / 200 x 200 x 70mm

Camera weight:

3.53lbs / 1.6kg

Enlaps Tikee 4: Design
  • Compact considering its features
  • Built-in solar panel
  • Unique design

The Tikee 4 looks pretty much identical to previous models; it’s a tried and tested design that works, so it appears that Enlaps hasn’t felt the need to change it. It's a bold move in some ways, but why waste time redesigning the exterior when it’s the hardware itself that makes the difference? The overall design is unique, but it works extremely well, and it means the Tikee 4 can be left to work in even remote locations.

The overall design is simple, with the square 7.87 x 7.87 x 2.76-inch / 200 x 200 x 70mm body having two cameras on the two front corners of the camera body, and a solar panel on the top that can be left flat or angled for the best results. The design is simple, minimalistic even, with all operation via the Tikee Remote phone app or the myTikee website. The camera weighs 3.53lbs / 1.6kg, so it’s around the same weight as a full-frame mirrorless camera and standard zoom.

With this simple design, there are two buttons on the rear, a microSD card slot, a USB-C port, a micro SIM slot and a power connector. The power connector design makes it waterproof, and you can attach the Tikee 4 to the mains or to a larger, separately available Enlaps solar panel. All ports have rubber covers that maintain the weather resistance of the camera.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

The build quality is excellent, and the camera feels solid, as you’d expect for the price. It’s undoubtedly a high-quality product, offering IP66 weather resistance, which allows it to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. This is particularly beneficial, as the camera will spend most of its life outdoors. It can operate in temperatures between 14F / -10C and 122F / 50C.

Moving back to the camera design, other features on the camera body include a metal hoop to attach an anti-theft cable, a rubber square on the bottom so it can be positioned on flat surfaces without slipping, and a standard 1/4-inch screw thread for attaching the camera to any kind of support. For long-term projects, a mounting arm and an anti-theft cable are essential accessories, and these are included in the kit, making the Tikee 4 Pack an attractive option.

The internal battery has a 25,600mAh capacity, and Enlaps claims that without any solar input the Tikee 4 can take one photo every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, for up to 36 days without any data transmission. With data transmission of photos uploaded to myTikee the battery lasts up to 12 days. In most situations, the solar panel would be charging the battery during daylight hours, so the operating duration could be indefinite.

Enlaps Tikee 4: Performance
  • Fantastic image quality
  • Panoramic field of view
  • Easy to use

The Tikee 4 may be an odd-looking timelapse camera with its two cameras on each of the front corners of the square body, but each features Sony 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensors to produce a 220-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view. What’s more, you can capture panoramic views in up to 6K with dimensions of a whopping 7360 x 2650 pixels. Output is available at 1080p, 4K and 6K.

Timelapse intervals are available from five seconds to 24 hours in Long-term mode, and from five seconds to 45 seconds in Event and Burst modes. This allows you to capture both shorter- and longer-duration timelapse projects.

It’s for longer-term projects where the Enlaps Tikee 4 excels, thanks to remote access to the camera and images when connected to LTE or Wi-Fi networks. These connection options offer a much better experience than using just Bluetooth to connect the camera to the Tikee Remote app to set up projects.

Image quality is fantastic, and you can capture sequences in both raw and JPEG formats. With the former, this means you can optimize image quality using the raw-processing tools in software such as Adobe Lightroom. You do, however, have to output images in JPEG format in order to upload them to the myTikee website.

Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse video

The camera is completely automatic, which makes timelapse capture incredibly simple, particularly with long-term projects during which light will constantly change. The downside is that backlit scenes can be forced into underexposure, so this is why, for the best results, capturing in raw and manually bulk-processing images is the best option. The camera also produces much better results in brighter conditions, like drones and action cameras with similarly small sensors.

Once you’ve captured your images from the left and right cameras, you then have to upload them to the myTikee website, where the images will be merged to create the 220-degree panoramic view, and video up to 6K can be output. In some situations you can see the stitch, and you’ll notice it in the example video above if you look closely. It’s minor, though, and it certainly doesn’t ruin timelapses.

The myTikee website is easy to use, but subscriptions aren’t cheap, and naturally add to the overall cost of owning and running a Tikee timelapse camera. The basic Capture subscription costs $45 / €54 per month plus taxes, while the intermediate and arguably most attractive subscription costs $96 / €104 plus taxes, and you can save 25% with an annual subscription. Alternatively, there’s a bespoke Enterprise option, with pricing available upon request. Without a subscription, I was able to output a basic 1080p video with a watermark.

Two add-ons are available. Storage costs $49 / €39 per month plus taxes and, as you'd expect, gets you more online storage for photo uploads, while AI Dashboard costs $99 / €89 per month plus taxes and delivers some clever analysis features. These include the analysis of a range of elements within scenes, such as vehicles and whether PPE is being worn.

Should you buy the Enlaps Tikee 4?Buy it if...

You need to shoot over months or years

The Tikee 4 is the ultimate timelapse camera for long-term timelapse projects thanks to long intervals, remote control and access alongside a built-in solar panel.

You require ease of use

Using the Tikee 4 to capture and my Tikee to combine photos into timelapse videos is unbelievably easy, so anyone can use the system.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a timelapse pro

This is a specialist professional timelapse camera that really isn’t the best option for enthusiasts or casual users simply due to cost.

You’d prefer higher quality

To get the very best image quality, a mirrorless camera is the best option for capturing timelapses. However, you can’t leave them out in the elements for months or years like the Tikee 4.

How I tested the Enlaps Tikee mini+
  • Tested using a Bluetooth connection
  • Used to capture shorter timelapses
  • Tested in a busy city

I tested the Tikee 4 in shorter bursts rather than for long-form timelapse capture, as testing it to the extremes of its potential for longer-term capture could take months.

I used my smartphone for Bluetooth connection rather than installing a SIM card for remote access to the camera. The Tikee 4 was tested in a busy city to capture as much movement in the scene as possible. It was also tested in low-light situations.

With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 17 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve used many of the cameras and lenses that have been released in that time. As a working photographer, I aim to test cameras and lenses from a photographer’s point of view.

  • First reviewed December 2025
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I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 and loved its bright, paperlike display and smart productivity features — but this tablet hero is undone by a single tragic flaw

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 01/17/2026 - 19:00
Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: two-minute review

The Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 is a mid-range tablet with a bright, paper-like PaperMatte display, a solid chipset, and a seriously capacious battery. It has all the makings of a great tablet, right up until you come up against its fundamental flaw.

Let’s put a pin in that for now. The display is seriously impressive, capable of exquisitely detailed images with its 280 ppi pixel density. It’s also wonderfully bright, hitting a peak brightness of 1000 nits, and has impressive color reproduction that rendered the nature videos I watched with wonderfully punchy hues.

Pretty much the only criticism I have of the screen is that it’s a little too easy to scuff. After a few sketching sessions with the Huawei M-Pencil Pro (sold separately), the display had a few light scrapes across it, something I’ve not experienced when using the best tablets out there.

The performance of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025’s Kirin T92B Octa-core processor and 12GB RAM is also genuinely impressive. While playing PUBG Mobile at max settings, I didn’t detect a hint of frame rate drops or latency, making it easy to take out my opponents. Meanwhile, no matter how many simultaneous apps I was running or tabs I opened, the tablet never seemed to experience any slowdown.

If you fancy lengthy gaming sessions or want to work on the go, the MatePad 12X 2025 offers a generous battery capacity of 10,100mAh. In practice, that was enough to stream 2.5K videos for almost nine hours straight, meaning you should have plenty of battery for a medium-haul flight or a full working day. And topping it up took hardly any time at all, thanks to its 66W charging – you should be able to go from 0% to 100% in around 75 minutes, which is fantastic.

Perhaps less exciting is the MatePad 12X 2025’s design. While it’s razor thin at 5.9mm and very comfortable to hold, it doesn't have the most adventurous styling, and it could be made of slightly more premium-feeling materials than its matte plastic. Both the included keyboard case and the M-Pencil Pro are well put together, though, with an ergonomic design and robust build.

Unfortunately, it’s time to return to that issue we put a pin in earlier. With ongoing restrictions around access to US-based apps, there’s a real paucity of apps available on Huawei’s devices. Much of the software you’ll want to use on a daily basis, from Netflix to Google Docs, simply isn’t available, really reducing the MatePad’s actual utility. In light of this, it's hard to recommend the tablet, even with some excellent first-party apps like its GoPaint drawing app.

I’d love to be able to give the MatePad 12X 2025 a glowing recommendation, as it has some real strengths. But the lack of mainstream apps available on Huawei’s tablet puts it at a real disadvantage compared to other devices. Fundamentally, you’ll be better off considering one of the best Android tablets instead.

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: specs

OS

HarmonyOS 4.3

Chipset

Kirin T92B, Octa-core

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB

Display

12-inch IPS (2800 x 1840)

Weight

555g

Battery

10,100mAh

Charging

66W wired

Cameras

50MP rear, 8MP front

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: price and availability
  • Released September 19, 2025
  • Costs £499
  • Includes keyboard case but stylus is extra £39.99

Launched on September 19, 2025, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 is available now in the UK. While its initial list price was £599, it’s already seeing reductions, with Huawei selling it direct for £499.

Unlike the Huawei MatePad 11.5 released in August 2025, the MatePad 12X 2025 includes Huawei’s keyboard case in the box, which is definitely a nice extra to have. Not included as standard is Huawei’s M-Pencil Pro, but if you buy it along with the tablet, it’ll cost you just £39.99, rather than its £129.99 list price, making it a bit of a bargain.

In terms of colorways, you get just two options: the mint green that we tested here and white.

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: display
  • Crisp, 280 ppi resolution
  • Seriously bright
  • Gets marked easily

I have to say that, for a mid-market tablet, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025’s display is pretty impressive. Its resolution can give the iPad Pro a run for its money: packing 2800 x 1840 pixels across its 12-inch screen, it’s capable of a 280 ppi pixel density, while Apple’s largest high-end tablet sits at 2752 x 2064 and 264 ppi. So while 4K videos didn’t look quite as crisp as on my TCL C8K TV, I was still pleasantly surprised by how much detail the 12X could reveal.

The sheer brightness of Huawei’s slate also made an impression on me. While its 1000-nit peak brightness can’t quite rival the iPad Pro’s 1600 nits, it leaves the iPad 11-inch (2025) quite literally in the shade with a brightness of just 500 nits. Putting the screen through its paces with some 4K BBC Earth videos on YouTube, I found it’s also capable of pretty punchy contrast and decent color reproduction. It might not be quite as lush and bold as the OLED displays of some slates these days, but it’s a looker nonetheless.

It’s certainly helped in this regard by Huawei’s PaperMatte screen tech. During most of my testing, I was using the MatePad 12X under bright, artificial lighting, and this thing just gulped down direct light, meaning I rarely had to worry about reflections marring my experience.

On top of this, the PaperMatte display’s etched glass was a treat to interact with, giving the screen a pleasingly tactile feel. It doesn’t feel quite as realistic to write and sketch on with Huawei’s M-Pencil stylus as dedicated writing tablets like the Kindle Scribe or ReMarkable – the nib slips more than I’ve experienced with these rival slates – but I still found it pleasant enough to sketch on. And at least this smoothness prevented the stylus from catching too much.

Really, my only criticism of the MatePad 12X’s display is how easy it is to mark. I’ve only used it for a couple of sketches so far, and there’s already a pronounced pen scuff visible on the screen when it’s powered down. These kinds of marks could easily build up over time, so if you were to buy the MatePad 12X, a screen protector would be a wise investment.

  • Display score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: design
  • Just 5.9mm thick
  • Solidly built
  • Not the most adventurous design

When it comes to its design, the Huawei MatePad 12X is inoffensive, almost to a fault. There’s nothing wrong with its matte plastic body or its two colorways – White and the mint-colored Greenery – per se, but a metallic build might have helped it feel just a touch more premium.

Fortunately, it is well put together, feeling substantial and sturdy enough in your hand while being light enough to hold easily. In fact, while it’s a shade heavier than the iPad 11-inch (2025), weighing in at 555g to 481g for Apple’s cellular model, it’s a little slimmer at the same time, measuring 5.9mm in depth rather than 7mm.

Huawei is reinventing the wheel here, but the MatePad 12X’s case is well designed. It follows the common mold of combining case, keyboard and stand all in one, but is flexible enough to suit every situation I was using it for. And its keys are pleasant to type on. Naturally, they don’t have the satisfying thunk of deeper travel keys, but at least they offer enough feedback that I never found touch typing on them to be a challenge.

One small oversight here compared to rivals like the iPad 11-inch (2025) or Microsoft Surface Pro 12 (2025) is that the case doesn’t include a trackpad. While I’d normally class this as a ‘nice to have’, you’ll probably only miss it when you want to crank through a lot of productivity and professional uses. And here the Huawei MatePad 12X has much bigger issues that dwarf the lack of a mouse input.

  • Design score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: software
  • Excellent first-party apps
  • Too few familiar apps available
  • Some unnecessary bloatware

Look. We all knew we'd have to have ‘the talk’ at some point. Most of you will be aware of the big challenge facing Huawei tablets by now, given they’ve been ongoing for over three years at this point. But it’s almost impossible to review Huawei devices objectively without bringing it up.

As a result of the Federal Communications Commission’s ban on Huawei in November 2022, many US-based brands no longer provide access to their apps on Huawei devices. Most notably, that includes the Google Play Store and full Google Suite, but it also affects the vast majority of apps you’ll be used to using.

Browsing the Huawei AppGallery, almost all of my go-to apps are absent. Spotify? Gone. Netflix? Gone. Facebook? Gone. Amazon? Gone. None of them are available as direct downloads. Although some are accessible as third-party APKs, this exposes you to potential security risks that downloading them directly wouldn’t. Sure, the odd app like Uber will fire up a browser version so you can still book a ride, but you’re still losing all the convenience that having an app installed on your desktop offers.

Inevitably, this also has a significant impact on the games that are available on the MatePad 12X. I probably spend more of my life playing mobile games than is strictly good for me, and yet, aside from PUBG Mobile and Candy Crush Saga, I barely recognized any of the other games on the Huawei AppGallery. The few I had heard of were those games you see advertised online with ads that don’t remotely reflect the gameplay, which didn’t fill me with confidence about digging through the charts at random.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s frustrating about this is that it's entirely out of Huawei’s control and, in fact, the apps it does control are well-made and offer great features. For example, Huawei’s GoPaint app is a pretty great drawing app for something just bundled in with an operating system, feeling a lot like if ProCreate came preinstalled on your iPad. It’s packed with brushes and blending options, and I had no end of fun whipping up watercolor-style pictures on it.

Likewise, Huawei’s Notes app is seriously versatile. I could quickly create notebooks with every template I might need, from musical staves to SWOT analysis charts. Its handwriting-to-text feature isn’t flawless, but given the chicken-scratch I produce any time I scribble by hand, it did a pretty commendable job.

Not every app that comes installed on the MatePad 12X feels this essential, though; there’s still a lot of bloatware on this tablet. I’m definitely over brands trying to cram icons onto the homescreen just to make their devices feel full-featured. Even when, as here, many are just suggested downloads rather than files taking up space, it’s pretty annoying to have your screen crammed with junk you’re not interested in.

Ultimately, software continues to be Huawei’s Achilles’ heel. Despite some bright spots, there’s just not enough big-name apps on the MatePad 12X for me to shake the feeling that I’m missing out on all the fun other people are having on their tablets.

  • Software score: 2.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: performance
  • Decent chipset and RAM
  • Handles multitasking without any slow down
  • Games show no FPS drops or lag

The real shame about this lack of software is that, beneath the hood, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 has some pretty decent power. Not only does it rock a Kirin T92B Octa-core processor, but it also packs 12GB RAM, the same amount of memory as our pick for the Best Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus. But what does this all mean in the real world?

Well, first, I wanted to see how it fared with a range of productivity tasks. This wasn’t easy without full access to Google’s famously memory-hungry web apps, but I tried to open as many background tasks as possible. First, I loaded a couple of games and a couple of apps before opening the browser, where I opened a number of tabs, including Shein and Asos, several Reddit threads, a news site, and a 4K YouTube video. Once I started sketching in a free online photo-editing tool, I was pleased to see there wasn’t any significant slowdown.

Broadly speaking, the same seems to be true of games. Loading up PUBG Mobile and setting the graphics settings to maximum, I didn’t notice any significant FPS drops; every moment remained smooth and jitter-free. Meanwhile, there was no hint of lag or latency, making it easy for me to get the drop on most opponents I came across before they got me.

Using the Huawei M-Pencil Pro for various tasks, it became clear that it’s well worth the extra spend. It was always comfortable and easily manoeuvrable in my hand, and never so light that it felt flimsy or insubstantial. While sketching on apps like the GoPaint app, it was super responsive – there was no noticeable jitter or lag, and no obvious parallax between the stylus nib and the brushstrokes it created.

Probably the only area where the MatePad 12X 2025's performance is a little more mixed is its camera. It’s crisp and captures plenty of detail, but not quite as much as I’d expect from its 50MP lens. And while it’s not really fair comparing it to the iPhone 16 Pro I’m used to shooting on, I did feel some of the photos were lacking in the HDR pop I’ve come to expect. Ultimately, it’s not a bad camera, but as with any tablet, I doubt it’s going to become your go-to snapper.

  • Performance score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: battery
  • Huge 10,100mAh battery capacity
  • Seriously fast 66W wired charging
  • Can stream almost nine hours of 2.5K video

Huawei certainly hasn’t skimped on the battery in the MatePad 12X 2025. At 10,100mAh, it’s not quite as epic as the OnePlus Pad 3, with its 12,140mAh, but is pretty capacious all the same.

Trying to get a sense of how long it would last when really pushed, I set the MatePad 12X 2025 to stream continuous 2.5K videos and measured how much it depleted the battery. After seven hours, the battery had dropped down to 20%, suggesting that you should get around nine hours of continuous high-quality streaming from one charge. This is pretty competitive and not far off the 10 hours the iPad 11-inch (2025) offers.

Even better, topping it up is incredibly fast. Using a 100W charger – which is plenty to hit the Huawei’s 66W max – I popped the Huawei on to charge for an hour. In that time, it charged 78%, meaning you can expect it to be fully charged after around an hour and 15 minutes – that’s a truly absurd charging time, given its enormous capacity.

All in all, this means you’ll get a lot of use out of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 before it falls flat, and you won’t have to wait long for it to spring back to life afterwards.

  • Battery score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Display

Bright, low-reflection screen with impressive pixel density. Colors and contrast are great, although some OLED screens pop more.

4 / 5

Design

Relatively unadventurous style but well-made, with a great keyboard case.

3.5 / 5

Software

Huawei’s first-party software is decent, but the lack of well-known third-party apps available make it hard to recommend.

2.5 / 5

Performance

Impressive performance, with its octa-core processor and 12GB RAM. Makes short work of multitasking and gaming alike.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a bright, detailed display
With its shining brightness, super-crisp 280 ppi pixel density, and vivid colors, the MatePad 12X rocks a great screen – and that’s before you get to that reflection-killing PaperMatte display.

You’re seeking good performance
It’s not as powerful as an iPad Pro M5, but nothing I did could cause the MatePad 12X to break a sweat, whether I ran lots of simultaneous browser tabs or cranked game graphics up to maximum.

Don’t buy it if…

You want access to most mainstream apps
If you hate the idea of being unable to access Disney+, Instagram, Spotify or Google Drive, you’ll find the limited number of apps available on the MatePad 12X to be a deal breaker.

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: also consider

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025

OnePlus Pad 3

iPad Air (2025)

OS

HarmonyOS 4.3

OxygenOS 15

iPadOS 26

Chipset

Kirin T92B, Octa-core

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

Apple M3

RAM

12GB

12GB/16GB

8GB

Storage

256GB

256GB/512GB

128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB

Display

12-inch IPS (2800 x 1840)

13.2-inch 144Hz LCD (3392 x 2400)

11-inch / 13-inch LED (2360 x 1640 / 2732 x 2048)

Weight

555g

675g

460g / 616g / 617g

Battery

10,100mAh

12,140mAh

28.93Wh / 36.59Wh

Charging

66W wired

80W wired

Not disclosed

Cameras

50MP rear, 8MP front

13MP rear, 8MP front

12MP wide rear, 12MP ultrawide front

OnePlus Pad 3
If you’re looking for a tablet with similarly awesome workflow skills as the MatePad 12X but without all the restrictions on apps, the OnePlus Pad 3 is an excellent choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset means it runs super-smooth, while multitasking features like the ability to divide the screen among three apps at once make it a productivity powerhouse. Read our full OnePlus Pad 3 review.

iPad Air (2025)
Yes, it’s a little bit pricier than the MatePad 12X 2025, costing from £599. But in return, it gives you access to Apple’s lightning-fast M3 processor, which offers outsized performance for your spend. Meanwhile, its display is at least as vibrant and contrasty as the MatePad’s, and it lets you access all the apps you love. Read our full iPad Air (2025) review.

How I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025
  • Tested it over a week
  • Completed multiple performance tests
  • Ran battery draining and charging tests

I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 over the course of a week. To test out its software, I used all of its first-party productivity apps and multi-tasking features. I assessed the quality of its display by watching multiple 4K HDR videos and seeing how accurately it reproduced artwork in graphics apps.

To put it through its paces in terms of performance, I ran multiple apps simultaneously while opening a wide range of browser tabs, including video streaming and web apps, to see if I could detect any potential slowdown or performance issues. I also played multiple online games on max graphics settings to look for frame rate dropping and obvious lag.

When it comes to my personal experience, I’ve been testing and reviewing gadgets for many years. I’ve also spent a lot of my career using mobile devices and laptops for productivity purposes, and I’ve reviewed multiple graphics tablets, which has given me a lot of first-hand experience in assessing styluses and the color accuracy of displays.

  • First reviewed: January 2026
  • Read more about how we test
Categories: Reviews

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