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GMKtec NucBox K13: 30-second review

Looking back, the GMKtec NucBox K13 is the first mini PC that I’ve covered that uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V I’ve tested. It’s a Lunar Lake-era processor built on TSMC's 3nm process, not on Intel fabs that can’t handle such small track sizes. But it also represents GMKtec's first foray into the new generation of AI-capable, efficiency-first processors, and it makes a rather decent fist of it.

Where other makers adhere to their 4-inch boxes, GMKtec has gone with a shape and size that looks more like a docking station on the K13. The alternative layout offers plenty of room for port placement and extra room inside for an additional M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slot.

By replacing the 512GB or 1TB M.2 NVMe drive supplied with the K13 and utilising the second slot, it is possible to add 16TB of storage to this mini PC. However, while the storage can be enhanced, the memory is fixed at 16GB of LPDDR5X 8533 MT, as this is soldered to the mainboard.

That’s one weakness, and the lack of an OCuLink port is another. Though you can attach an external GPU using USB4, the 40 Gbps bandwidth of that technology is less than the 64 Gbps of an OCuLink configuration.

Overall, this is a powerful, small system with plenty of potential for power users. The only issue for any potential buyer is how much memory you might want, as AI tasks generally need lots, and how this system's price compares with others that might offer 32GB or more.

The lack of upgradability and OCuLink stop the K13 from entering our hallowed best mini PC collection. But it could be perfect for users who don’t need discrete graphics or more than 16GB of RAM.

GMKtec NucBox K13: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $670/£540/€610
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Direct from GMKtec and via online retailers

The NucBox K13 is available direct from the GMKtec website, as well as online retailers like Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Two configurations are available, both with 16 GB of soldered LPDDR5X RAM. The base model has a 512 GB SSD for $669.99, and the 1 TB variant is $719.99. Both are currently offered below their stated MSRPs of $899.99 and $949.99, respectively.

UK pricing is £536 and £580, and the Euro price is €609.99 and €659.99.

Based on the current exchange rates, US prices are about 7% higher on average. Not sure why that would be, but those are the prices GMKtec decides.

Those expecting a bargain on Amazon are likely to be disappointed, since the price on Amazon.com via the GMKtec Store is the MSRP of $949.99 for the 1TB option.

The price on the UK Amazon.co.uk is equally inflated at £788.96, and that’s just for the 512GB option.

Resist the temptation to buy through Amazon unless a significant coupon brings the price in line with the direct store. At MSRP, it represents poor value compared to gmktec.com.

In terms of alternatives to the K13 that use the same platform, there are only two that I’m aware of, and both are made by Acer. The Acer Veriton NUC (VN1502G) and Acer Veriton NUC AI, but both of these options are north of $1000, if you can find them.

In that context, a GMKtec NucBox K13 direct from the maker looks like a bargain. However, other platforms are available at this price point, and some offer more processing power and features that the K13 doesn’t match.

• Value: 4 / 5

GMKtec NucBox K13: Specs

Item

Spec

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V (8C/8T, up to 4.8 GHz, Lunar Lake, TSMC 3nm)

GPU

Intel Arc 140V (8 Xe2 cores, up to 64 TOPS GPU compute)

NPU

Intel AI Boost, 47 TOPS; Total system AI: 115 TOPS (INT8)

RAM

16 GB LPDDR5X 8533 MT/s (soldered, on-package, non-upgradeable)

Storage

512 GB or 1 TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 (pre-installed)

M.2 Expansion

1x additional M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot (up to 8 TB per slot; 16 TB total)

Display Outputs

1x HDMI 2.1 (4K@120Hz), 2x USB4 (DP 1.4 Alt Mode) — triple 4K support

Front Ports

2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 3.5mm audio jack, power button

Rear Ports

1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB4 40Gbps (PD 3.0 100W), 1x USB 2.0, 5 GbE RJ-45, 3.5mm audio, DC-in, reset button

Networking

Wi-Fi 6E (up to 2.4 Gbps), Bluetooth 5.2, 1x 5 GbE LAN

Power (TDP)

17W–37W configurable

OS

Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed); Linux supported

Dimensions

186 x 88 x 33.2 mm

Weight

523 g

Included Accessories

30W USB-C PD adaptor, 120W DC power brick, VESA mount bracket, HDMI cable, manual

GMKtec NucBox K13: Design

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Docking station-inspired chassis
• Sophisticated cooling
• Easy access

The NucBox K13 makes, in physical terms, quite the statement. At 33.2 mm tall, it is the slimmest mini PC in GMKtec's current catalogue, and it achieves this thinness without resorting to the sort of brutalist cost-cutting that usually accompanies such design ambitions. The chassis is clean and purposeful, with a form factor that would not look out of place mounted behind a monitor or tucked beside a display on a reception desk.

Since Intel declined the opportunity to lead by example in the NUC market, we’ve seen more diversity, and the K13 is a prime example.

With a 186 x 88 mm footprint, the K13 is actually slightly wider than most of GMKtec's cube-format mini PCs, which is a reasonable compromise for the reduced height. The overall volume is modest, and the 523g weight makes it light enough to easily carry.

The front panel is fairly restrained: two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm audio jack sit alongside the power button. Including a USB4 port on the front might have been a useful option, but these are both on the back. They aren’t cut-down USB4 variants, as they both support PD 3.0 (100W) and DisplayPort Alt Mode, which, when combined with an HDMI 2.1 port, enables up to three monitors to be connected to the K13.

Also on the back are a 5GbE LAN port, a USB 2.0 port, and a second 3.5mm audio jack. The choice of a single 5GbE port over dual 2.5GbE will delight some customers and horrify others, especially those who might want to segment a LAN. Given that you can add inexpensive 2.5GbE LAN ports to the USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB4 ports using adapters, that’s something of a non-issue.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Cooling is managed by dual copper heat pipes and a single turbine fan. This configuration has proven effective in the slim NUC form factor, and Intel's own power budget helps considerably.

With a TDP ceiling of 37W, the K13 is not a machine that will heat a room, and in practice, the fan is rarely audible under normal desktop workloads. GMKtec claims the design incorporates a dust-resistant architecture, though the specifics of it aren’t obvious from my internal inspection.

Access inside is probably the easiest I’ve experienced this year, with a single tiny screw holding the entire underside in place with the help of some magnets. With this removed, the two M.2 PCIe 4.0 2280 slots are accessible, along with a 2230 slot for the Wi-Fi adapter and the motherboard clock battery. There is no memory access, because that’s not removable from the mainboard.

The VESA mounting bracket is included as standard, and the K13's slim profile makes it an excellent candidate for monitor mounting. Deployment in this way adds minimal depth to the back of a display and keeps desk surfaces uncluttered.

In some promotional pictures, GMKtec placed the K13 on its end, but I’d strongly advise against doing so. There are no feet on either end, so either way you cut it, you will cut off airflow through the vents on those surfaces, which could lead to overheating.

Overall, this dock-style system seems a successful alternative to the common squashed-cube form factor beloved by many makers.

• Design: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)GMKtec NucBox K13: Hardware

• Intel Core Ultra 7 256V (Lunar Lake)
• Arc 140V iGPU
• 47 TOPS NPU

Luna Lake is a notable departure for Intel, as previous Core Ultra generations were straightforward evolutions, whereas Luna Lake is a complete rethink. The on-package memory architecture, borrowed conceptually from Apple's playbook, places LPDDR5X directly alongside the compute die, slashing memory latency and dramatically improving bandwidth efficiency.

The result is a processor that punches well above its 17W–37W power envelope, particularly in graphics and AI workloads.

The Arc 140V iGPU is notably better than the Iris Xe graphics that preceded it, and the 47 TOPS NPU combined with the 64 TOPS GPU compute, the total is 115 TOPS. That is a useful amount of AI processing, and not just a marketing exercise.

The CPU features eight cores arranged in a hybrid layout comprising four Lion Cove performance cores and four Skymont efficiency cores, and none of these cores has hyperthreading.

What I find truly odd about the Luna Lake chips is that prior to this, on both AMD and Intel silicon, it wasn’t uncommon to see cores with hyperthreading performing like those that didn’t have that feature. This was often due to code that tried to weave two parts of a process across different threads, where passing data from one thread to another on the same core caused delays that negated the duality.

That doesn’t happen on this chip, because each core can only handle one thread. But as I’ll talk about in the benchmarks, this processor can, in certain circumstances, appear to operate as if it were only a four-core processor, since some tasks won’t use the efficiency cores.

What I can’t deny is that single-threaded performance is strong, and the 3nm fabrication allows for excellent thermal distribution, enabling the turbo mode to be liberally utilised.

The real story, however, is the memory architecture. Rather than connecting to system RAM across a relatively slow off-package bus, Lunar Lake integrates LPDDR5X memory directly into the package using Intel's Foveros packaging technology.

The K13's 16 GB of LPDDR5X runs at 8533 MT/s, delivering a theoretical peak bandwidth of around 137 GB/s. To put that in context, the Ryzen 7 7735HS (as used in the NucBox K16) achieves approximately 100 GB/s with its LPDDR5X 6400 MT/s configuration. The K13 is approximately 37% faster in raw memory bandwidth, and the Arc 140V iGPU uses every bit of it.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The Arc 140V integrated graphics are built on Intel's Xe2 (Battlemage) architecture, representing a generational leap over the Xe-LP graphics found in 12th- and 13th-generation Core processors. With eight Xe2 Execution Unit clusters, the Arc 140V delivers performance broadly comparable to a GTX 1650 in rasterised gaming.

That’s a significant step up from the Radeon 680M, and a rather humbling improvement over Intel's own previous integrated efforts. Hardware ray tracing is supported, as are XeSS upscaling, AV1 hardware encoding, and the full suite of Intel's media pipeline. Quick Sync, in particular, remains one of the strongest hardware video encode/decode implementations available in integrated silicon.

To be clear, it's not the AMD Radeon 8060S great, but for an integrated GPU, this is as good as it gets for Intel these days.

Another strength of this silicon is its integrated NPU, which can work alongside the CPU and GPU for AI processing. The NPU is 47 TOPS, meeting Microsoft's Copilot+ PC requirement and enabling local inference for AI features, including live captions, Cocreator in Paint, and the suite of Recall-adjacent productivity tools that Microsoft is gradually rolling out for Windows 11.

When the CPU, GPU and NPU are all working in conjunction through AI compute, throughput reaches 115 TOPS. That’s a meaningful figure for anyone running local large language models, AI-assisted code completion or automation workflows. It’s ideal for the Clawdbot agent if you’re feeling confident using that notorious tool.

Another factor in its AI usefulness is the second M.2 slot, making the K13 a credible candidate for a local AI inference workstation where fast NVMe access to model weights is useful.

This platform has seen duty on some expensive laptops, but it's almost unknown in the mini-PC space. Its appearance here hints that Intel is trying to clear existing Luna Lake chip stock before something new is released (Panther Lake), so this might not be the only small system we see it used on.

• Hardware: 4.5 / 5

GMKtec NucBox K13: Performance

Mini PC

GMKtec K13

ECS LIVA Z11 Plus

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

Cores/Threads

8C 8T

14C 14T

RAM

16GB LPDDR5

32GB DDR5 (2x16GB)

Storage

1TB Huawei eKitStor Xtreme 200E

256 GB Phison M8256GCB5ECS-E192

Graphics

Intel Arc Graphics 140V

Intel Arc Graphics 140T

3DMark

WildLife

22653

21370

FireStrike

7364

7185

TimeSpy

3413

3879

Steel Nom Lt.

1914

3160

CineBench24

Single

116

127

Multi

508

872

Ratio

4.39

6.87

GeekBench 6

Single

2731

2879

Multi

9429

14465

OpenCL

25982

38919

Vulkan

26274

35463

CrystalDisk

Read MB/s

7132

3526

Write MB/s

6338

1843

PCMark 10

Office

7781

7404

WEI

Score

8.6

8.3

As no other machine I’ve seen uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V from September 2024, I thought another NUC that utilises a Core Ultra 200-series silicon might provide some interesting insights into the K13 and what makes it different from most small PCs.

The ECS LIVA Z11 Plus uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, an Arrow Lake-H chip from early 2025. On paper, the chip in the Z11 has a significant edge on cores, but its memory bandwidth is less, and the base clock speed of the 256V is 2.2GHz, over 2GHz on the 255H.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

What the comparison boils down to is that the Arc 140V GPU, with the extra bandwidth of LPDDR5 8533 MT/s, delivers more graphics performance for those tasks.

However, the single-core speed of the 255H is better, and with the extra cores, it wins all the multi-threaded tasks. And, as the graphics tests become tougher, as in Time Spy and Steel Nomad Lite, the 255H has a significant advantage.

One curious diversion is that the ECS LIVA Z11 Plus only had one 2280 M.2 slot, though it was rated for PCIe Gen 4x4 bandwidth like those on the K13. However, ECS only used a Gen 3 drive on that system, which couldn’t hit half the read or a third of the write speed of the one used on the K13.

That choice in the K13 was a major factor in the better PCMark and WEI scores, since SSD speed was what dragged down those results on the Z11.

What I haven’t included results for is AI, since while I have them for the K13, they weren’t collected for the Z11.

What’s worth noting is that the NPU on the 255H is only rated for 13 TOPS, whereas the one in the 256V is 47 TOPS. For those using AI Compute, that’s a big difference, and the 256V is definitely the processor you will want.

• Performance: 4 / 5

GMKtec NucBox K13: Final verdict

(Image credit: GMKtec)

The GMKtec NucBox K13 is, in the bluntest possible terms, the mini PC that Intel's Lunar Lake deserved from the outset. GMKtec has done due diligence by pairing the chip with the fastest possible memory configuration, designing a chassis that leverages Lunar Lake's efficiency, and adding 5GbE connectivity.

The weaknesses are real but hardly fatal. Sixteen gigabytes of soldered RAM will give some buyers pause, particularly in a machine otherwise configured for demanding workloads. The absence of OcuLink limits eGPU flexibility, but it’s not a port commonly found on cheap NUC models.

The LAN configuration supports 550 MB/s file transfers with the right infrastructure. And with USB adapters, it is still possible to make the K13 useful as a dual-homed firewall.

But if your use case is modern, efficiency-focused desktop computing, perhaps content creation, AI experimentation, clean-desk professional work, or a powerful behind-monitor media machine, then K13 makes a compelling argument.

Its iGPU is the best Intel integrated graphics available in a mini PC at this price, its AI credentials are genuine rather than marketing-department aspirational, and it achieves all of this whilst remaining practically silent under most workloads.

There is plenty to like here, and relatively few reasons to avoid this machine, not least the price.

Should I buy a GMKtec NucBox K13?GMKtec NucBox K13 Scorecard

Value

Competitive but needs monitoring vs Zen 4/5 rivals

4/5

Design

Strikingly slim; with well-considered rear I/O

4/5

Hardware

Arc 140V, 115 TOPS AI, 5 GbE LAN

4.5/5

Performance

Strong iGPU and AI, but modest multi-core vs AMD rivals

4/5

Overall

A modern, efficient mini PC for the right buyer

4/5

Buy it if...

You want practical AI features
With 115 TOPS of total AI compute and full Copilot+ PC compliance, the K13 is one of very few mini PCs that can run local LLM inference, AI-assisted productivity tools, and NPU-accelerated Windows features without compromise.View Deal

You need a slim, quiet machine for a professional environment
At 33.2mm tall and practically silent under normal loads, the K13 is purpose-built for desk-constrained, noise-sensitive settings. Mounted behind a monitor, it essentially ceases to exist as a physical presence.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

If 16 gigabytes of non-upgradeable RAM concerns you
The on-package memory is fast but fixed in size. If you foresee needing more than 16GB for large VM stacks, memory-hungry AI models, or future-proofing against increasingly bloated software, then a machine with socketed SODIMM slots offers more flexibility.View Deal

You need maximum multi-threaded CPU performance Lunar Lake trades Hyper-Threading for efficiency, and the eight-core/eight-thread configuration trails the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and similar high-TDP mobile parts in sustained, heavily threaded workloads. If rendering, compilation, or simulation defines your workflow, consider the GMKtec K11 or the EVO-X2 instead.View Deal

The GMKtec NucBox K13 uses a modern Intel Lunar Lake processor and showcases its strengths in the mini-PC space.

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Beelink ME Pro: 30-second review

The Beelink ME Pro is a hybrid Mini PC and NAS in one, powered by the lightweight Intel 95 CPU with integrated Intel UHD graphics. Like any mini PC, it features a full version of Windows 11, in this case, the Home edition, so if you want to access it directly and you're familiar with Windows, it's extremely easy to use. If you just want it as a NAS, you can install TrueNAS or similar.

However, once connected to your network, you can then simply connect other Windows, macOS, or Linux devices to access the internal storage in the same way as any normal NAS.

You can also utilise it as your media server, and while it comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home, the machine is also fully compatible with a range of NAS OS options, such as FNOS, UNRAID, and TrueNAS. You can also run Linux or a virtual machine such as Proxmox (PVE) or ESXi.

During this review, I utilised the pre-installed Windows 11 Home OS and configured network access for my Apple computers, enabling me to use my wired network as a central resource for storing files.

From the outset, it struck me just how versatile the small machine is. With those 3.5-inch bays, you can install large-capacity HDDs, for example, two 4 TB Western Digital Red drives. Then there’s space for three M.2 SSDs, with the machine pre-installed with a 120GB option that includes Windows 11 Home.

During the test, I also installed a couple of blank SSDs, which allowed me to install TrueNAS and test how the machine performed when used as a true streaming server throughout the Home.

One aspect that struck me from the outset was the build quality, just how well thought out this small machine is. Out of the box, it’s quick to get started, but over time, you can expand the storage to a massive 72 TB, which is really impressive for a device of this size.

Used to serve my storage needs in the office, mainly images and video, I was impressed by the speed over the wired network, and after setting up the two WD Reds as shared access for all machines on the network, I was also able to utilise the Plex media server.

However, while the ME Pro works well as a storage device, when used as a day-to-day PC, the power of the N95 CPU is rather limited, as reflected in the benchmarking scores. Even Microsoft Office applications, if pushed, struggled with anything too complex. Then there’s the integrated UHD graphics, which is perfect for video playback but not much more.

As a compliment to one of Beelink’s mini PCs this is a great option, but if you're thinking about buying this because it's a mini PC and NAS in one, then I would suggest you invest in one of the best mini PCs in our guide. Then pair it with the ME Pro as part of the ecosystem on your network rather than a day-to-day mini PC and NAS in one.

Beelink ME Pro: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $369
• When is it out? Now
• Where can you get it? Widely available

Depending on the configuration and the storage you intend to place inside, the price of the ME Pro can vary greatly. Our review sample is the N95 option with 12 GB of RAM and a 120 GB SSD, which will cost around $369 or £320.

For the more expensive option featuring the Intel N150, 16 GB of LP DDR4 RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, you would likely spend US$529.

At present, the Beelink ME Pro hybrid NAS and mini PC is available directly from the Beelink website, as well as Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Beelink ME Pro: Specs

CPU: Intel N95 / Intel N150
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics

RAM: 12GB LPDDR5 / 16GB LPDDR5

Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
Ports: USB-A, USB-C (10Gbps), USB 2.0 ports, HDMI

Connectivity: 5GbE, 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Size: 166 x 121 x 112 mm
OS Installed: Windows 11 Home
Accessories: Power adapter, mounting hardware, documentation

Beelink ME Pro: Design

The Beelink ME Pro hybrid NAS mini PC is an innovative design for what is essentially a two-in-one machine. Alongside access to a very capable NAS with both 2.5 and 5 GbE connections, two 3.5-inch bays and three PCIe 3.0 SSD slots, it’s also a Windows Mini PC.

Considering it’s a NAS and Mini PC, it’s extremely small at 166 x 121 x 112 mm and weighs 2.1kg, though that is without the power adapter, any HDDs, or the SSDs installed. This still makes it one of the smallest NAS devices on the market, even for a two-bay model, and the fact that it’s also a fully functional Windows machine makes it even more impressive.

But there’s something more about the Beelink ME Pro that I really like, and that’s the fact that they have made it modular, so whilst at present the only options available are the Intel N95 or the Intel N150 motherboard, the motherboard can actually be withdrawn from the system and replaced with an AMD or ARM option, although at present these aren’t available, but are highlighted as future options on the website.

Installing the drives is simple, with the two bays pulling out, your 3.5-inch HDD sitting inside, and then screwing tightly into the bay, holding it steady. Beelink is keen to highlight that this holder design helps reduce vibration, avoiding any damage that might occur compared with NAS drive bays that hold drives loosely in by small plastic grommets.

The three SSDs are bolted and slotted into the underside, and the machine actually ships with one small 128GB drive pre-installed. I used the other two slots to hold additional storage and an alternate operating system.

Another feature of the device is the amount of cooling that has been incorporated, so through the front and base of the machine, air is drawn in, helping to ensure that the drives , motherboard, CPU and RAM stay as cool as possible, optimising performance.

Another nice design feature is that on the back, there’s a magnetic dust cover that is easily removed so that you can remove dust and ensure the airflow remains consistent. Again, it’s just an extra level of thought in the design.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

When it comes to ports, these are well laid out, with two LAN ports on the back, one of which is 2.5GbE, the other 5GbE, and HDMI so you can plug it directly into a monitor, two USB-A ports, and then around the front, there is another USB Type-A.

Through the test, I found this extremely useful, as I had a keyboard and mouse plugged into the two Type-A ports on the back when I was installing the TrueNAS operating system onto a secondary SSD, and I was able to do that using the USB key through the front USB Type-A port without having to reconfigure the rear ports. Obviously, after this, the port, along with the USB-C on the back, can be used to directly transfer files to the ME Pro.

Once everything was installed into the system and plugged in, there was just the usual process of finishing the installation for Windows 11 Home, then configuring the two HDDs into a RAID configuration or Windows equivalent and the SSDs. Since the machine is so small, I was able to position it happily on the shelf behind my monitor and plugged it directly into the router so it could be accessed by other machines on the network as well.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Beelink ME Pro: Features

The ME Pro is an interesting hybrid device, being both a NAS and a mini PC in one, and it balances that job pretty well with two HDD bays for mass storage and three SSDs for faster storage options. In the case of my review unit, I have two HDDs configured in Windows Simple (RAID 0) equivalent and the three SSDs, one installed with Windows 11 Home that ships with the machine, one with TrueNAS, and the other just as a mass storage device, all of which could be accessed easily from other machines on the network.

The machine is also available in other configurations, with the option that I’ve looked at in this review coming with the Intel N95, 12GB of LPDDR5 4800MHz and a 128GB SSD; this chipset is also available in a 512GB SSD option, then you can take the upgrade to the Intel N150 which has 16GB of LPDDR5 4800MHz and a 512GB SSD, and that again is available in a 1TB option.

Whichever option you choose, the HDD bays are up to you in terms of capacity, and each bay can hold up to 30TB. Alongside the SATA 3.5-inch HDDs there are also three M.2 NVMe drive slots, and these take M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0, and each is capable of taking 4TB, so you can get up to 60TB through HDD and a further 12TB through the SSDs, bringing you to a grand total of 72TB, which is one of the highest capacities that I have seen in this size of machine.

Beelink’s small NAS and mini PC in one is impressive, and the engineers have obviously looked very carefully at the cooling. Through the literature, the company is keen to point out just how much innovation has gone into the cooling system. Air is drawn through the front and base of the machine, pushed through the system and out of the back above the motherboard.

One of the things I didn’t realise during the test was just how cool the system ran. It wasn’t too hard to push the system hard because of that N95 processor, copying terabytes of data to the two HDDs and utilising Plex to watch back video. The machine was more than capable of keeping up with the demands, as long as you didn’t expect too much from it on the processing side.

Due to the design of the machine and its hybrid use, you have the option to install many common OSs; as I’ve previously mentioned, it comes with Windows 11 Home installed, but you can also install Linux if you so wish. Alongside either of those operating systems, you could also use it to run a dedicated NAS OS such as FNOS or TrueNAS, and in this review, I ran TrueNAS because it is an open-source option and free. You can also run a virtual machine, such as Proxmox (PVE) or ESXi, so potentially you could have your OS installed on one of the SSDs and another virtual machine on the final SSD, tailoring it to whichever use case you want.

Whilst the N95 is a relatively low-powered CPU, the integrated UHD graphics are great for running Windows. What that does mean is that it runs on extremely low power, so having this NAS sit in the background working will cost you a lot less than many of the larger, more powerful options on the market.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

• Features: 4 / 5

Beelink ME Pro: PerformanceBenchmarks

CrystalDiskMark Read: 212.58
CrystalDiskMark Write: 204.26
Geekbench CPU Multi: 2034
Geekbench CPU Single: 1056
Geekbench GPU: 3190
PCMark Overall: 2786
Cinebench CPU Multi (Threads): 2601
Cinebench CPU Single (Threads): 900
Fire Strike Overall: 1064
Fire Strike Graphics: 1136
Fire Strike Physics: 5822
Fire Strike Combined: 394
Time Spy Overall: 362
Time Spy Graphics: 316
Time Spy CPU: 2261
Wild Life Overall: 2258
Steel Nomad Overall: 0
Windows Experience Overall: 8

Starting out with the Beelink ME Pro is straightforward. Just think of it in the same way that you would any standard mini PC; essentially, you run through the Windows 11 Home set-up process, finish off the last few steps connecting to your network, and essentially you’re set and ready to go. It’s a mini PC, albeit not an especially powerful one, as was proven with the performance tests.

However, if you do want to use it for basic word processing, office work, browsing the internet, and watching videos on YouTube, then it’s more than adequate for that. You can always connect a webcam and use it as an office meeting machine. Whilst the N95 isn’t especially powerful compared to the latest mini PCs on the market, it’s still a well-balanced option, especially for work-focused machines where high-end graphics and processing power aren’t usually required.

However, this is also a NAS, offering network-connected storage, and it comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed. It just makes the whole process easier, so if you work in a small home office and don’t have much IT experience, this could be an ideal solution for you.

To get started, I simply plugged the Beelink ME Pro into the back of my network hub, then attached the monitor, keyboard, and mouse so I could complete the Windows set-up and install two 4TB HDDs. I used Western Digital Red drives and configured these as the Windows equivalent of RAID 0, essentially a simple storage space. And, of course, you have the option to go for mirror or parity, the RAID 1 or RAID 5 equivalents.

The process is relatively easy: install the drives, then go to System > Storage in the Advanced Storage Settings. Select your storage space, create a new pool, select both HDDs, choose Simple, and you’re essentially done. You then have those 4TB drives as one usable 8TB drive. There’s no redundancy with the Simple configuration, but it does give you the speed. If you do want backup, set the drives as a mirror, which is the RAID 1 equivalent; again, it’s the same process, you just select Mirror rather than Simple.

Used in this way, those 8TB were fast to access, so I used them to back up my image and video files directly to the shared space I created on those drives.

When it came to the rest of the storage options using the SSDs, one of them was obviously taken by Windows 11 Home, and the other two slots I installed two Lexar 512GB SSDs; I installed TrueNAS on one and left the other as straight storage for TrueNas, and again, it was all very easy to do.

The SSD storage was prepared through TrueNas and once formatted it could be accessed directly or through the network. It’s worth pointing out that TrueNAS, needed to be installed from a separate USB key, and here I was really pleased to see that there was a USB Type-A slot on the front of the machine; the two on the rear were already taken up with the keyboard and mouse, and I didn’t want to unplug these or use an adapter.

The TrueNAS set-up was relatively straightforward, taking slightly longer than anticipated to run through the settings and connect the machine to the wired network, but once it was up and running, I was able to stream from Plex and use it again as a mass storage device. One of the issues here is that Simple (RAID 0) storage capacity that I had setup in the Windows install wasn’t accessible from the TrueNAS install. What really stood out here was just how well suited the N95 CPU was, and whilst it’s limited for general day-to-day use as an office machine, it makes perfect sense when used within a NAS.

The other point is that whilst the integrated UHD graphics might not be that impressive for the latest games, when it comes to streaming 4K footage it does surprisingly well and means that here we have an inexpensive solution that’s easy to understand compared with many standard NAS options.

Another point is that it can be left on 24/7; after the test, once it was installed, I literally just left it running in the background. After giving the TrueNAS installation a test, I switched back to Windows 11 Home and left it running as a large-capacity storage solution in the office. Whilst there were limited additional options compared with TrueNAS, it was just easy to connect to and use.

One of the main reasons I installed the Plex Media Server for Windows was to point it to the 8TB internal storage set-up and have Plex running as a background service all the time, directly accessible from all the machines in the house and then office.

By the end of the test, the ME Pro proved to be one of the easiest NAS solutions I’ve come across, offering easy integration, especially for Windows-based set-ups, and it will suit many home offices without IT backup or support.

• Performance: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Beelink ME Pro: Final verdictAlastair JenningsAlastair JenningsAlastair JenningsAlastair JenningsAlastair JenningsAlastair Jennings

The concept of the Beelink ME Pro is a great one. It offers a straightforward, easy-to-understand network-attached storage solution, and the fact that it comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home means that almost anyone can set it up and use it just like another PC in your house or office, it just has more storage potential and the ability to be used as an effective shared network drive.

What I like about it is that you can easily install two large-capacity HDDs, and again, they’re set up using the Windows 11 storage solution which is familiar. The Windows 11 storage solution is just straightforward, and whether you choose to create a single large drive or mirror the drive, the process in the Windows interface is straightforward.

Then, once it has been created, right-click and select the share options so that anyone else on your network can access it. It really couldn’t be simpler.

The fact is, that for most home office workers this system is simple, essentially it’s another small machine with fast network connectivity with the ability to share its contents. Whilst it is a Mini PC, it should really be seen as a NAS or Media Server, the fact that it runs Windows 11 Home just makes it familiar and easy to use.

If you do want to take things a little bit further and turn it into a home media server, then with the installation of Plex you can instantly stream video from that master storage to any machine or smart device that you want, and whilst this does take a little bit more know-how and set-up, it is still relatively straightforward and there are plenty of user guides out there on how to do it.

But what really makes this interesting is the fact that you have those three SSDs on the base, so if you do want to install another operating system or NAS OS, such as I did with TrueNAS, then this again is possible, and you can use it in the home or office as a small home lab for experimentation, or if you turn it completely over to TrueNAS you have a very compact, large-capacity NAS that will offer you all of the usual features.

Whilst my review sample waseasy to use, straightforward, and worked exceptionally well for everything I wanted, many will feel that Windows 11 Home offers fewer features than some of the more involved NAS set-ups, but you can still install those over the Windows 11 installation. And what I really like is the part modular design.

The fact that you can insert so much storage, but also in future updates install an AMD or ARM motherboard all further add to its flexibility. If you are running a home lab and need to experiment with different CPUs and set-ups; this one small machine and the ability to slide the motherboard in and out again makes it extremely interesting.

At the end of this test I will definitely say the Beelink ME Pro is a perfect partner to Beelink’s other mini PCs, but more so to anyone with a mini PC looking for an easy way to boost its network storage without delving into something as complex as standard NAS box, and if you do run a home lab, again this is a great option with plenty of flexibility.

If, however, you’re just looking for a straight NAS with all the features and apps, then maybe something a little more advanced with a bit more processing power would be a better option.

Should I buy a Beelink ME Pro?

Value

Affordable hybrid mass-storage mini PC option that you can expand as your budget allows

4

Design

Extremely premium, compact all-metal build that will fit almost any space

4.5

Features

A great set of features and flexibility, meaning it can be as simple or complex as you need 4/5

4

Performance

Low-power CPU makes it okay for standard office work and being used as a NAS, but nothing too advanced

4

Overalls

Easy-to-use and extremely versatile home office NAS system

4

Buy it if...

You're crafting an office media hub
The ME Pro is ideal if you want a quiet, compact device for backups, Plex streaming, and centralised storage with fast networking.

You're running a small home lab
Got a set-up that needs flexible storage expansion and light virtualisation? This is a top pick without investing in a larger rack-mounted NAS system.

Don't buy it if...

You demand intensive processing
If you're planning to run multiple demanding virtual machines or CPU-intensive workloads, it's likely going to be just too much for the N95 model.

You want a machine for high-end gaming
Integrated graphics are not suitable for modern gaming or GPU-heavy creative applications.

For more essential computing, we've reviewed the best NAS devices.

A clever compact hybrid machine that blends the mini PC format with a fully configurable NAS system. Ultimately, this makes it easy to understand for those without IT experience and ensures it will fit most homes and small offices.

Hackers don't need an app to steal login credentials anymore - a PWA will do.

The Ankarlägg is battery-operated, has a self-adhesive mount, and doesn't need a pricey smart home hub.

Oscal Marine 3: 30-second review

The Oscal Marine 3 is a surprisingly stylish, slimline, rugged smartphone that breaks the usual design conventions. Gone are the cyberpunk-style, bulky rubberised outer casings; in their place is something a little bit slimmer and more refined in looks at least.

It is much simpler in design than its larger and heavier rugged smartphone counterparts. However, it does feature a technological illustration on the back plate, and the rubberised edges and corners, whilst not as dominant, are retained, highlighting that this isn't just a standard consumer phone but something altogether more rugged.

The phone is slim, and put side-by-side next to an iPhone 15 Pro, the actual thickness is pretty much identical, although it does feature a slightly longer screen, giving a bit more screen real estate for browsing the internet, answering emails and enhancing images.

Despite the slimline design being closer to consumer-level phones than rugged models, it is still fully waterproof. In testing, it was submerged for 10 minutes in a fast-flowing stream, then dropped and put through its paces to test its strength and ruggedness. Although it’s worth highlighting that the USB-C port at the base for data transfer and charging is open to the elements and this does caused me some concern.

The camera, both for daytime shooting and the infrared option, is on the whole pretty decent, not groundbreaking, and there's no cutting-edge imaging technology for the camera itself, although there are AI imaging Apps. They're just good standard cameras. Alongside the standard camera app, Oscal have included several AI applications, including ImageX. This offers impressive capabilities, but like all apps added to the standard DokeOS 5.0, after a few quick uses of the AI features, you're prompted to subscribe to the app's different AI models, and these all cost a lot.

Alongside the camera and imaging is a decent speaker which, considering its size, is surprisingly loud. Whilst it is a little bit tinny and requires a good shake after being submerged in water, it’s fine for listening to the radio whilst you work or for multimedia playback.

Through the test I found that the battery, whilst substantial, would last a good three days between charging depending on use, as long as I didn't use it too heavily for gaming or watching video. While it’s advertised as fast charging, the 18W charger takes around 2 hours to reach 50% from flat, which, by any standard, is not fast. However, a good overnight charge, and you're all set for another 2 to 3 days of solid use.

The main issue with this rugged smartphone, however, is the processor, which is behind what you'd expect for a modern smartphone despite it’s AI credentials. Switching between applications is often laggy, and the screen can become unresponsive when running more intensive applications such as Lightroom. The analysis time in Lightroom is significantly slower than I have seen with many other modern rugged smartphones, and whilst the device's design makes it desirable, the processor's speed does let it down.

In reality, whilst the slimline design makes for a quite appealing rugged smartphone, the processor speed does limit its use, apps just take that much longer to load, but once loaded they generally run fine. Whilst it has a relatively decent camera and runs most apps at a moderate speed, if you need it for anything more intensive, especially switching between apps, you will find its processing speed is limiting.

Because of that, it's unlikely to trouble the devices in our best rugged phone guide. Ideally, this phone is suited to someone who wants a relatively lightweight, slim, rugged smartphone that they just need for occasional calls and checking email.

Oscal Marine 3: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $399
• When is it out? Now
• Where can you get it? Widely available

The Oscal Marine 3 can be purchased from Oscal's Amazon storefront via the website clicking here. It's currently priced at $400 / £400.

The rugged phone is also available from a limited number of alternative online stores, most notably in the US.

• Value: 2.5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Oscal Marine 3: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Specifications

CPU: MediaTek Helio G81
Graphics: Mali-G52 MC2
RAM: 8GB (+ virtual expansion)
Storage: 128GB + microSD/TF (Up to 2TB)
Left Ports: Dual SIM / microSD tray
Right Ports: Power button, volume controls
Connectivity: 4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
Audio: Single loudspeaker
Camera: 16MP rear + IR night vision, 13MP front
Size: 174.6 x 83 x 10.7mm
OS Installed: Android with DokeOS 5.0
Accessories: Charger, cable, SIM tool

When I first opened the box and looked at the Oscal Marine 3, I was instantly struck by its slimline design and smartphone aesthetics. It was far nicer and easier to handle than most rugged smartphones. It also had a good premium feel and, whilst it is slimmer than most, it still has a good solid weight, and the overall design quality and build is exceptionally good.

Checking the phone itself, there’s a nice graphical detailing on the back that sets off the infrared, multi-AI cam, Infrared and main camera, whilst on the front, the surface is dominated by the large 6.56-inch 90Hz display with Selfi camera.

It retains the feel of many other rugged smartphones, with dimensions of 174.6 x 83 x 10.7 mm and a weight of 245 g. That's only just heavier than a standard consumer smartphone.

One of the other features that I liked about the phone from the outset was the number of physical buttons around the body. You have a customisable orange button alongside the microSD and dual SIM card slots on the left-hand side of the body. Then, on the right-hand side, you have the power button with fingerprint recognition, above which are the usual volume up and down buttons.

Otherwise, the rest of the phone is pretty simple, with just the main charging USB-C port on the base. Surprisingly, for a rugged smartphone, this isn't sealed, so it is open to the elements. During the test, I found this was something I had to watch out for, as mud and water can get into the port, and it can be a little tricky to clear it out.

One of the other features that I did like when using the camera was that you could assign that custom button as the shutter button, and this was especially relevant when using the underwater camera, as it essentially enables you to disable the touchscreen so that the physical button is used to operate the camera, which works extremely well.

Ultimately, this is a rugged smartphone designed to withstand the elements, and a key feature is its usual rugged certifications, including IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H, meaning it can be submerged in water and dropped from a height without too much issue.

• Design: 3 / 5

Oscal Marine 3: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Marine 3 is one of a number of new rugged smartphones that feature AI abilities, and this is a big part of this particular model. Behind that 6.56-inch 90Hz HD display the phone runs Doke OS 5.0 based on Android 16 and there’s the AI Software suite known as Doke AI 2.0.

The ruggedness is obviously the top feature of this smartphone and with MIL-STD-810H certification it just means it can stand up to more than most consumer phones, so it can be dropped from height and, with IP68 and IP69K ratings, it will withstand being dropped into water and covered in dust and dirt without issue, making it ideal for anyone who works outside or is looking for a decent smartphone that will withstand the elements.

Whilst rugged smartphones aren't really known for the quality of their cameras, it's interesting to see that this model features a 13MP infrared night vision camera, accessible through the standard app by tapping the night vision icon, which swaps the main 16MP camera for the infrared camera.

The camera app also features an underwater camera mode that essentially disables the touchscreen and enables you to configure the physical button to operate the camera.

The main camera is 16MP, which is very conservative for a modern camera. However, given the resolution, the picture quality actually seems very well balanced, and on the front, there is, of course, a 13MP selfie camera for video conferencing and selfies.

The 6.56-inch IPS touchscreen has a maximum brightness of 450 nits, which is pretty decent for general use, though in bright summer conditions it might get a bit tricky to see. However, on the flip side, during winter, with modes such as Glove Mode 2.0, the screen is surprisingly responsive even with touch-sensitive gloves.

Through the test, one common rugged smartphone feature that I was pleased to see is the ability to configure the custom side key, setting is a quick access to an app or feature.

As a rugged smartphone, navigation technology is essentially although it is a bit surprising that it's only 4G and not the latest 5 G. However, it does feature four-in-one navigation with GPS, GLONASS, BDS and Galileo.

The company has also included a toolbox of handy apps, including the usual compass, protractor, plumb line, and many others, which are useful if you're working in a trade or just need a few extra tools out and about.

One of the phone's more quirky features is the Smart-K speaker, which is surprisingly loud and louder than my iPhone 15 Pro. It is a bit tinny, but at least you can hear it in almost any situation.

The battery is another big part of any rugged smartphone, and here, with a 5000mAh battery, it supplies plenty of power for general phone use. It also offers fast charging. That battery will enable up to 6 hours of gameplay, 6.5 hours of video, 11 hours of web browsing, 22 hours of making calls, 25 hours of listening to music, and 288 hours on standby. There's a deep power-saving mode that works automatically in the background.

The phone does support reverse 5W charging, which means that if you have other mobile devices or electronics that need a charging boost, then this phone can act as a power bank.

The phone runs Doke OS 5.0, based on Android 16, and offers a good number of built-in apps, including all the usual Google options. There's also plenty of AI-powered features, including several bundled apps and a very decent system manager that enables you to free up space and keep the smartphone optimised. I also like that it features Notebook 3.0, which lets you easily keep notes and other content on your smartphone neatly organised.

Alongside the main OS, there’s Doke AI 2.0. This essentially offers DeepSeek-R1, ChatGPT-4o Mini, Gemini, Hi Doki, ImageX, Vidgen and Soundle. Whilst some of the features are free, given the processor speed, they all run surprisingly quickly, the only thing to watch out for is that some of these apps require a subscription after a certain amount of use. Many of those subscription values are expensive.

Whilst the AI apps do make your AI tasks that much easier they can come at quite a cost which is something to be aware of if they are of interest to you.

At the heart of this phone is the MediaTek Helio G81 processor, backed by 24GB of RAM (8GB + 16GB expandable), giving it plenty of memory to handle data. When it comes to storage, there's 256GB of ROM built in, and you can expand it to 2TB via a TF or microSD card.

No rugged smartphone would be without dual SIM support, and in the carrier tray, you can pop in two 4G SIM cards alongside a TF card to boost the storage. Other connectivity options include NFC support, so if you want to use contactless payment, then that's perfectly possible with this phone, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.

• Features: 3.5 / 5

Oscal Marine 3: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark Read: 570.4 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 160.39 MB/s
Geekbench CPU Multi: 1332
Geekbench CPU Single: 397
Geekbench GPU: 979
SlingShot: 1718
SlingsShot Extreme: 1196
Wild Life Extreme Overall: 171
Wlidlife Overall: 634
Steel Nomad Overall: 61

The Doke OS, which is based on Android 16, is really well thought out, and there's plenty pre-installed to get you started, including the Doki and its selection of AI applications alongside what you usually expect from Google.

One of the first things I noticed about the phone, while running through some tests and opening some apps, was that app load times were relatively slow. They weren't instantaneous on opening and, when switching between applications, there was often a slight pause as the phone seemed to need time to catch up.

However, once the applications were open and I started to delve into their use, things started to smooth out. Looking at Google's suite of applications, including Docs and Sheets, both opened relatively quickly, and making adjustments to existing documents or adding to them was all relatively straightforward.

Likewise, opening Gmail and answering a few messages proved that this phone was more than fast enough for general day-to-day calls, email browsing, and using lighter apps.

As I progressed through the test, the fact that I was reverting to a standard 4G connection rather than 5G became an issue. Around my office, where generally we just get 4G, the speeds were okay, a little bit slower compared with my iPhone 15 Pro, but as soon as I went up to Salisbury, where 5G coverage is relatively good, the slower data speeds were very apparent.

The other point here was that whilst I'd expect those data speeds at 4G to be pretty solid in 4G-only areas, they were still slightly slower than on my iPhone 15 Pro, reaching a maximum of 20 to 30MB per second compared with the iPhone 15 Pro at 30 to 40MB per second.

As I started pushing the phone a little more, first using Lightroom, I was surprised by how long it took the app to load. Once it had loaded, I was able to access the image files on the phone and load them in, and again, it took a while for Lightroom to run through its standard analysis before I could start making any adjustments. Each image would take at least 20 to 30 seconds to properly load and be analysed before those adjustments could be made. However, once the phone had run through its assessment, all additional adjustment work were instantaneous.

I then decided to use CapCut. Using video footage taken from the phone, edits were relatively quick, and the phone responded well to putting together a short production. However, again, when loading CapCut and sometimes loading those video clips, there was a slowdown in processing, and whilst when everything had loaded things were quick and responsive, you just have to be patient while the phone catches up.

I then switched over to the Doke AI suite of applications, and here the phone seemed to handle them much better, applying AI enhancements to existing images and generating AI content. However, as I've witnessed with these Doke AI apps before, you only get a few uses before you're charged a monthly or yearly fee to continue using them. Whilst there are offers, it does feel like a bit much to pay such an amount per app rather than having a longer trial period for each.

One of the final tests was just to check how the phone would perform for gaming, and I was actually quite surprised by how well it handled games like Asphalt Legends, with relatively smooth gameplay and decent audio from the internal speaker.

In many more advanced games, the loading times are excessive. Once it's all loaded into the system however, the gameplay is relatively decent, and what really stands out here is that the speaker is far higher quality than I've come to expect from most smartphones, although again it's still a little tinny.

Checking out all the benchmarking tests again just re-emphasised that this is a good, solid smartphone for day-to-day use, as long as you don't want to run too many apps or play some of the more advanced games. Also, for almost any app you open, load times can be relatively slow, so in reality, this phone is best used if you want a slimline phone for making calls, using a few apps, and surviving out in the elements.

The final test was to check out how rugged this smartphone is, leaving it in a stream for 10 minutes to see if it would survive being submerged. Here, it had absolutely no issues whatsoever, with my only concern being that the USB-C port is exposed. During the test, as I started dropping it into muddy water and dirt, debris got into that port. At one point, it made it difficult for me to actually plug it in to recharge.

• Performance: 3 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Oscal Marine 3: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

At the end of the test, whilst I like the phone's design, there are quite a few quirks. At the same time, the fact that applications take quite a long time to load is a bit of an issue, especially as it seems to take a long time to analyse images, video, and other data.

Even when switching from one Android app to another, there can sometimes be a glitch or delay, and what really bugs me beyond anything else is that many of the apps are tied to advertising, so you can tap a functional feature and find yourself on the Temu website without warning. Some of the other apps will open up other subscription offers and models when all you want to do is get on and use the phone.

If you're after a straightforward phone with some AI enhancement, then this is an okay option. If I were going to buy this, I would probably suggest removing most of the AI-enhanced apps, since the subscriptions are expensive and they tend to redirect you to shopping websites.

There's also the issue that it's only 4G, not 5G, and everything is just a little bit sluggish. Another major issue is the price. At nearly £399 / $399, this isn't a cheap phone, and in reality, there are many other options out there that provide far greater processing power for a lot less money. Really, you're paying that much for rugged credentials rather than performance.

Should I buy an Oscal Marine 3?

Value

Expensive for the processing power, slightly balanced by the robust design

2.5

Design

Great looking design, slim with a very premium feel, but the USB port is exposed

3

Features

Night vision, durability and large screen are key features for this rugged phone

3.5

Performance

Entry-level but usable daily if you don't want anything too processor-intensive 

3

Overall

Tough tool for outdoor workers, limited appeal due to the power of the processor

3

Buy it if...

Outdoor survivability is essential
With these rugged specs, the Oscal Marine 3 is a durable phone for wet, dirty conditions where reliability matters more than gaming performance or speed.

You need a waterproof phone
You regularly work near water or in conditions where your kit and equipment can get wet, this ticks the right boxes.

Don't buy it if...

You run a lot of apps
Because of that slow processor, the phone is not good if you frequently multitask, edit images, or expect your apps to open instantly.

You need fast charging
Avoid this device is you expect fast charging speeds and processing performance from your smartphone.

For more durable devices, we've tested and reviewed the best rugged laptops and best rugged tablets.

The slimline, rugged 4G smartphone is fully waterproof and drop-proof, with a decent loudspeaker and long battery life, making it an ideal option for anyone working outside. With AI apps, there’s plenty on offer for anyone who wants a solid smartphone without any real frills or demands from higher specs.