Modretro Chromatic review: a great modern Game Boy

Modretro Chromatic: Two-minute review

The Modretro Chromatic is a 2024 take on the Game Boy Color and is an excellent portable handheld device that elevates the experience of using Nintendo’s 1998 iconic video game console.

The Chromatic is founded upon nostalgia, it’s a modern device that requires three AA batteries to run, doesn’t have Bluetooth for audio, and perfectly recreates the 160x144 pixels of its spiritual predecessor, improving it with gorgeous backlighting and a very durable sapphire crystal front. The console can run physical Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, but there's no emulation, and it even has a volume wheel. With so many inconveniences, it’s still incredibly fascinating to use and takes you right back to the heyday of trading Pokemon with friends in your backyard through a link cable.

Make no mistake about it, the Chromatic is a product built for those of us who are nostalgic about the 90s, but it’s so well-made that its limitations are almost justifiable. With a supposedly indestructible magnesium alloy shell, a display that’s been built from the ground up to replicate and enhance your favorite childhood games, and excellent mono speakers, Modretro has captured the imaginations of those seeking the coziness of their youth. But in 2024, there are plenty of other devices that offer similar experiences, and the Chromatic’s confidence in what it is and who it’s for means that it’s an incredibly niche product.

I’ve been using the Modretro Chromatic for a month, and as someone who loves retro gaming from the 90s and early 2000s, I’ve got the expertise to assess the Chromatic’s biggest achievements and its shortcomings. This might be one of the most difficult products I’ve ever had to review, purely because its whole reason for existence is nostalgia. And nostalgia, as enjoyable as it can be, isn’t always worth your hard-earned cash.

I love the Modretro Chromatic, it’s a readily available Game Boy Color made in 2024 that’s stocked on shelves in GameStop. If you’d told me last year that I could buy a handheld in stores that plays my Pokemon Gold and Link’s Awakening cartridges from my youth I’d have been overcome with emotions. Ultimately, when it comes to spending $199 / £159 / $AU 316 a product needs to be more than just a time machine back to the past, and rising retro game console prices combined with a stagnant game library (even if Modretro is producing new cartridges based on new IP and old Game Boy titles) means the Chromatic is excellent for those who know exactly what they want from a device like this, but not necessarily for a mainstream audience.

Modretro Chromatic with its screen turned off (Image credit: Future)

Modretro Chromatic: Price and availability

• List price: $199 / £159 / $AU 316
• Comes in six colors based on original Game Boy Color options
• Widely available in most regions and sold in GameStop stores in the US

The Modretro Chromatic is available now directly from modretro.com, and is also on shelves this holiday season in GameStop stores around the US. Priced at $199 / £159 / AU$316, the Chromatic comes bundled with a newly produced Tetris cartridge as part of Modretro's Chromatic First Edition release. The company hasn't disclosed whether the handheld will be sold without Tetris at a later date, but at the time of writing the only way to purchase a Chromatic is with a copy of the world's best-selling video game.

My review unit came in the Leaf color option, which is a similar green to my first-ever Game Boy Color and it's beautiful. The Chromatic also comes in Inferno, Bubblegum, Volt, Wave, and Midnight. All color options can be purchased with either English or Japanese markings for A, B, Start, and Select buttons.

One of the Chromatic's biggest strengths is how readily available it is. Competitors like the Analogue Pocket are often sold out online, and original Game Boy Colors can't be purchased in-store. Modretro, on the other hand, ships right away online and has teamed up with GameStop to offer the Chromatic to customers shopping in-store in one of nearly 3,000 retail locations.

Cartridge slot of Modretro Chromatic with Pokemon Gold (Image credit: Future)

Modretro Chromatic: Specs

Modretro Chromatic with Modretro-produced cartridges and Zelda: Link's Awakening (Image credit: Future)

Modretro Chromatic: Design and features

• Magnesium alloy shell feels incredible in hand
• Display built from the ground up with durable sapphire crystal cover
• PBT buttons are excellent

Modretro has not cut any corners when it comes to producing the Chromatic. Make no mistake about it, this is a very premium product at an equally premium price point. The design is an ode to the original Game Boy Color with a volume wheel, AA batteries, a tactile sliding switch for power, and even a satisfying "thunk" when you pop in a game cartridge.

The Chromatic feels excellent in hand, with its magnesium alloy shell weighty but not uncomfortable, and its PBT buttons and d-pad every bit as nice to interact with. Modretro has also built a 160x144 pixel modern display with subpixel-level accuracy from the ground up. The company wanted to create the ultimate Game Boy Color screen without straying too far away from the original and they've definitely managed to do so. If you were to imagine a Game Boy Color built in 2024, this would be it.

Modretro Chromatic with Pokemon Gold on the screen (Image credit: Future)

The Chromatic is very tricky to review, on one hand, it does everything it sets out to do in modernizing the Game Boy Color. On the other hand, however, it's so faithful to the original that it fits into a weird space in between the original hardware and the class-leading Analogue Pocket.

I've loved my time playing Pokemon Crystal on the Modretro Chromatic, it has felt like a warm hug every evening in bed as I explore Johto for the thousandth time. But that experience is expensive to recreate, especially considering games like Pokemon Crystal can cost upwards of $100 / £100 on sites like eBay. The Chromatic can't play any titles via emulation, so it relies on a large cartridge library and that could be a deterring factor for many people. While the screen is infinitely better than the original Game Boy Color's one that required direct light to really see it, there's no increase in resolution which feels authentic but limiting.

Modretro sells Modretro-published games for the Chromatic on its website and alongside Tetris there are excellent adaptations of games like Toki Tori as well as new IPs like Tales of Monsterland DX. That said, one of the Chromatic's most limiting elements is the Game Boy and Game Boy Color games library. Taking off my nostalgia glasses for a minute, the lack of Game Boy Advance compatibility really impacts the Chromatic. The Game Boy Advance offers a wide range of some of the best video games of all time, and I found myself yearning for games that can't be played on the Chromatic. While it might not be readily available, the Analogue Pocket can play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance cartridges, and so much more at a very similar price point.

If you're looking for a Game Boy Color with a better screen and better build quality then the Modretro Chromatic fits the bill. But for those people who want pure nostalgia, an original Game Boy Color and all its inconveniences is probably more up their street. For people who want a modern Game Boy experience as well as access to a larger game library, it's hard to not pick the Analogue Pocket's 1440p display.

Modretro Chromatic AA batteries (Image credit: Future)

Modretro Chromatic: Performance

• Faithful FPGA hardware emulation of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games
• Excellent battery life (albeit inconvenient to refill)
• Comfortable for long play sessions

In terms of performance, the Modretro Chromatic is excellent at recreating Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and had no issues running any of my cartridges. The display is bright and easy to see in all environments, including direct sunlight and the speaker is much, much better than its spiritual predecessor. The sapphire glass on the front of the display means you don't need to worry at all about scratches, and combined with the durable shell makes for a stress-free gaming experience where you're never worried about damaging the handheld.

Games run excellently from classics like the Game Boy Color's Pokemon Gold to original Game Boy games like Link's Awakening which see the FPGA hardware as a Game Boy Color, adding color palettes and filters just like it would on original hardware.

Modretro has decided to use AA batteries to power the Chromatic, an ode to the past when the inconvenience of swapping out batteries was absolutely not a fun time. Well, over 20 years later and using single-use batteries still sucks. Modretro, there are some nostalgic elements that are worth keeping in the past, and AAs are one of them.

Despite the fact that replacing batteries is very inconvenient, the battery life is stellar and in my time using the handheld I only needed to swap out AAs once. Modretro says it's working on a rechargeable battery pack, but you'd expect this will cost extra once it launches.

Modretro Chromatic (left) next to Analogue Pocket (Image credit: Future)

I want to harken back to the display as aside from availability compared to sourcing second-hand hardware on sites like eBay, that's the real selling point here. The Chromatic's display is genuinely incredible, if you're looking for a faithful Game Boy experience with a little added oomph. The pixel lines from the low resolution are amazingly accurate and capture the joy of being a kid playing a Game Boy perfectly.

There were times during my time with the Modretro Chromatic that I genuinely felt transported back to my childhood, and that's something even products like the Analogue Pocket haven't been able to quite achieve. In that sense, the Chromatic's hardware and performance nails exactly what it's trying to achieve, it's just an excellent Game Boy Color Pro, a mid-console refresh if you will.

Modretro Chromatic display on left compared to Analogue Pocket display on right (Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Modretro Chromatic

Buy it if...

You want a better Game Boy Color
If you're looking for a Game Boy Color and want a better screen than the original then the Modretro Chromatic is for you. The display is gorgeous, it has excellent build quality, and the buttons are a joy to use. If you only want to play Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, this is the handheld for you.

You own a large Game Boy cartridge library
If you've still got all of your old Game Boy cartridges then the Chromatic will give you hours and hours of joy. The console can play any Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridge, so dust off your favorites and jump back in where you left off all those years ago.

You want a handheld retro console for the holidays
The fact that GameStop is stocking the Modretro Chromatic is not to be scoffed at. The Analogue Pocket is an excellent competitor, but it's always sold out and can't be found in stores. So if you're looking to pick up a console to play Game Boy cartridges the Modretro Chromatic will be your best bet this holiday season.

Don't buy it if...

You don't own Game Boy cartridges
If you're thinking of starting a Game Boy cartridge collection then ignore this point. But if you don't own any games already, the Chromatic will quickly become a far more expensive purchase. Some Game Boy games go for hundreds of dollars and you need to be ready to invest that into an extinct gaming system. Modretro's cartridges somewhat solve this but they won't be publishing Pokemon and Zelda, so...

You want to play Game Boy Advance games
Only purchase the Chromatic if you love Game Boy and Game Boy Color. I found myself wishing I could play games on other systems like the Game Boy Advance which ultimately meant that I chose to play games on other hardware with more variety.

You want better resolution and flexibility
The Chromatic will replicate Game Boy games in a pixel-accurate 160x144 display. If you're looking for a handheld that enhances Game Boy games for a modern audience with increased resolution, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Also consider...

If you’re still not entirely sold on the Modretro Chromatic then check out these excellent similar products for comparison and consideration.

Analogue Pocket
The Analogue Pocket is a direct competitor to the Modretro Chromatic, offering more game libraries and a larger 1440p screen. The Chromatic feels more premium in hand and has sapphire glass to protect the 144p screen, but Analogue's offering gives you more bang for your buck and fewer restrictions. Do you want a reimagining of the Game Boy Color in the form of an Analogue Pocket or a modernization of it in the form of the Modretro Chromatic?

I've owned the Analogue Pocket for over a year and use it every day. My review of this direct competitor to the Modretro Chromatic is currently in progress and will be added here soon.

Nintendo Switch OLED
If you're just looking to casually play Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on the go, the Nintendo Switch offers a range of games on its Nintendo Switch Online service. Add to that the extensive Nintendo Switch library and a gorgeous OLED display, and this might be the best middle ground for those looking for the perfect handheld gaming console.

For more information, check out our full Nintendo Switch OLED review.

Super Pocket
The Super Pocket packs power, fantastic controls, and a strong selection of built-in games from either Capcom or Taito into an attractive pocket-size package. While it may not be as capable as the other recommended options, for such a low price you really can't go wrong with this handheld device.

For more information, check out our full Super Pocket review.

How I tested the Modretro Chromatic

• Tested for a month
• Compared it directly to other retro handhelds
• Tested across game types and cartridge types

I've used the Modretro Chromatic for a month now, and have used it as my primary retro gaming handheld.

I've tested the console with all of my original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges including Pokemon Gold, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Yellow, and Link's Awakening, just to name a few. I also played Modretro-produced games such as Tetris, Toki Tori – Ultimate Edition, and Tales of Monsterland DX.

The Modretro Chromatic has been my main handheld gaming console over the course of the last 30 days and I've made comparisons with my Analogue Pocket.

Read more about how we test

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Kanto Ren review: a powered speaker system that’s as smart-looking as it is smart-sounding

Kanto Ren: Two-minute review

The Kanto Ren powered speaker system is, basically, ace. Designed with multi-functionality in mind, Ren is a broad-strokes stereo hi-fi that can speak to most anything you’d want it to. With HDMI ARC, optical, USB-C, RCA and 3.5mm aux inputs, and with strong Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity besides, this is the does-everything bookshelf hi-fi system that most people spend a long time putting together piece by piece – and it sounds brilliant, as well.

These active speakers are relatively low-profile against similarly-powered hi-fi and AV systems, but pack a punch with their 100W RMS of auditory juice. There’s nothing lacking frequency-wise, with a rich and compelling responsiveness across the spectrum. This, coupled with its incredible dynamic response, makes it a supple system for TV and video games, as well as an impressive and convenient music delivery system.

In short, these are plug-and-play stereo speakers with quality internals and unbeatable I/O, and at quite a competitive price for its unique placement in the audio-tech market. The Kanto Ren should appeal to quite a few different people, whether you’re after a new bookshelf hi-fi, an alternative to a TV soundbar or a no-fuss all-in-one sound system. Some of the best stereo speakers we've tested in a while then? Why, yes.

(Image credit: Future (James Grimshaw) )

Kanto Ren review: Price & release date

• $599 / £599 / €719 (around AU$1,199)
• Launched on December 2nd

Most powered speakers of this ilk exist in the studio monitor space, as reference speakers for audio engineers and music producers – a few popular examples being Yamaha’s HS-series speakers and Adam Audio’s T5Vs (amongst a great many others we haven’t the time to profile here). These, though, are designed as practical utilities, and with music production specifically in mind – meaning fewer consumer-friendly inputs, and a frequency response curve that aims to be as flat and neutral as possible.

The Rens take the operating principles of these integrated desktop/studio solutions and brings them to the world of hi-fi, making for a genius marriage of smart audio-tech design and consumer need. In a market where customers are willing to spend upwards of four figures on a soundbar, this powerful and portable pair of highly-connectible modern bookshelf speakers is sure to stun.

(Image credit: Future (James Grimshaw) )

Kanto Ren review: Features

• Wide range of inputs – including USB-C and Bluetooth 5.3
• Optional subwoofer out for controlled bass
• 100W amplifier brings the juice

The Kanto Ren active speaker system is a well-featured all-in-one hi-fi dealio, cramming a powerful amp with some peerless connectivity into the chassis of one of the speakers. There’s six inputs to switch between here, including: USB-C, HDMI, optical, RCA, 3.5mm aux and Bluetooth 5.3. All of these are switch-between-able on the handy included remote control, which also gives you immediate control of bass, treble and volume levels (if you don’t feel like controlling any of the latter with the powered speaker’s front-borne rotary encoder, itself a satisfyingly tactile little knob).

The Kanto Ren is a stereo speaker system, and its integrated amplifier circuitry basically follows suit – which means no extending your setup to surround-sound (though why you’d ever want to do so with this particular setup is another question entirely). There is, however, an RCA subwoofer output – which naturally cries out to be paired with Kanto’s existing SUB8 sealed subwoofer. With a subwoofer plugged in, any sounds below 80Hz are neatly and automatically redirected to it; our review is a sub-less one, though, to focus on the merits of the Rens alone.

Inside, there’s some clever digital goings-on alongside the smart convenience displayed outside. There are two digital sound profiles you can engage and switch between – namely, the Vocal Boost and Night Mode algorithms, which respectively solve the two biggest problems facing the modern TV-binger: quiet dialogue and paper-thin party walls.

Another nifty digital feature is the Ren’s auto-wake function, which you can toggle on and off with the remote. This feature ensures the speakers leap to life the moment they detect incoming audio – meaning you can enjoy their enhanced sound soon as you switch your TV on. Everything’s geared to user convenience, and it shows; using the Kanto Ren system has been nothing but a breeze from day dot.

• Features score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future (James Grimshaw) )

Kanto Ren review: Sound quality

• Simply: massive
• Incredible clarity of sound
• Slightly flabby low end

The Kanto Ren system was first put through its paces via its optical input, connected to my TV. My partner and I had picked an excellent time to rewatch the first two seasons of Twin Peaks together; Angelo Badalamenti’s intro theme was a hugely gratifying listen every time the opening credits swelled in, and every tense spook was robustly supported by the wellsprings of low end these speakers are capable of producing.

Speaking of spooks, the dynamic range of the Rens was thoroughly tested by my tremulous playthrough of mind-bending action-horror Alan Wake II on the PS5 – an excellent game whose subtle nods to the Twin Peaks mythos are more like vociferous headbangs. From subtle tension to outright jumpscares, the game’s sound design is a dynamic delight; the Rens handle every jolt and spike with great humour, even when in neighbour-placating ‘night mode’ setting.

The sonorous bass is supported in no small part by the ported rear, which supplies a lot of air movement – and, naturally, makes for a pumpy, slightly indistinct low-end. With this less-sculpted breathy ‘flab’ at higher volumes, you can see why Kanto went to the trouble of including a subwoofer output. Granted, my corner-alcove placement for TV listening won’t be winning any awards (and neither will my makeshift stacked-book speaker stands, for that matter), particularly with respect to bass response – which is why I tested them elsewhere in my house for their Bluetooth and aux-input musical merits.

(Image credit: Future (James Grimshaw) )

In testing out the Bluetooth mode, I whacked on Richard Dawson’s 2023 album The Hermit via Spotify – the title track of which is a 45-minute post-folk micro-odyssey through bucolic far-future Northumberland. This album-length song is extremely dynamically rich, and the Rens don’t falter for a moment in representing that richness.

Dawson’s croaked whispers vault into soaring leads, and tactile, distant electric guitars get swallowed by a Talk-Talk-y orchestra of loud-yet-ambient instrumentation; all of this is clear, distinct and well-separated, and as gratifyingly dynamic as the song could ever demand to be, all in spite of the potential throttling either Spotify or the Bluetooth codec can employ. Good work, Ren! That subtle breathiness in the bass is less pronounced without my bass-trappy alcove – but even within, the Rens still retained clarity and purposeful responsiveness practically everywhere else.

To test its handling of transients in a more controlled setting, I also listened to Cool Sounds’ Like That, an irreverent record full of groovy guitars and bright disco drums; Part-Time Punk’s gloriously dead 70s drums are tactile and three-dimensional, dance-y right-to-left tom fill revealing the strength of the Ren’s soundstage.

In all, the Kanto Ren stereo pair is a delightful-sounding array, and great in practically every scenario in which they could conceivably be placed. There are obvious shortcomings with respect to the ultra-low end, but shortcomings overcome by clever design – and which aren’t all that short of the mark to begin with. They’re loud, proud and unequivocally hi-fi, beating out a great many systems built for similar or even greater price-points. For this price, and with their place in the market borne firmly in mind, they’re practically perfect.

• Sound quality score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future (James Grimshaw) )

Kanto Ren review: Design

• Beautiful – if delicate – matte finish
• Sleek front face
• A contemporary joy

The Kanto Ren speakers are, in a word, fetching. The MDF chassis combine considered contours with sleek surfaces; the flat front panel and its sharp vertices are offset by how beautifully the speaker cones are countersunk in – the dust covers of which are, themselves, delightfully suave.

This writer’s review set came in a fetching matte blue – but there are four other fetching matte colorways for you to pick from, including a fetchingly nostalgic orange. The slight disappointment of not getting the orange Rens to review was offset immediately by how tastefully – might I say, fetchingly? – the blue ones straddled our rather fetching orange TV stand.

The tasteful nature of the speakers extends to the soft LED dot on the active speaker unit – which smoothly changes hue depending on the audio sources you switch between. The optical source, which was used for the majority of this review, is represented by a shade of lilac I’d only describe as ‘kind’.

A small niggle, though, presents in how stubbornly finger-marks stick to that fetching matte finish. Despite the conclusions you may draw from the pictures supplied with this review, its writer’s hands are not grubby little mitts after all – but rather clumsy ones, the evidence of which is borne out by the near-unmovable streaks of dark across the otherwise-fetching front faces of the speakers. I digress.

As far as practical design is concerned, the Rens serve well. Threaded holes on the rear provide for those that might want to wall-mount their speakers, and rubber feet are provided separately so as not to rob you of choice in any matter. There are even some optional speaker grilles you can place over the front, held in place magnetically so as not to mar the sleek front with anchor slots. All told; the Kanto Ren system is designed beautifully, and considerately too.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future (James Grimshaw) )

Kanto Ren review: Setup and usability

• Pretty much plug-and-play
• Intuitive controls
• Could stand to ship with more cables

Being active speakers, setting up the Kanto Ren stereo set is an absolute trifle – the hardest part being the safe manoeuvring of the speakers into place without scuffing that fetching (I said it again!) matte finish. There’s no additional hi-fi amp-wrangling or cable-knotting to contend with, past the simple fact of connecting speaker to speaker, and audio source to system. Indeed, setting these up is about as simple as setting up any decent hi-fi system could ever be (and especially so for AV setups).

The remote control is the thing you’ll be interacting with the most by far, and it couldn’t be simpler to operate. Everything’s clearly signposted, and you barely need the remote control ‘map’ to know what you’re pressing. A minor point presents in the occasional unresponsiveness of the volume control to repeated presses, but a little patience goes a long way with smooth control of the Ren’s various parameters (as it of course does with life in general).

The speakers ship with a length of two-core speaker cable for you to connect left speaker with right, via the screw terminals at the rear. Unfortunately, the Rens don’t ship with additional HDMI or optical cables for comprehensive out-of-the-box connectivity; if you don’t already have the requisite cables to hand, you might be ordering in and waiting a day for what you need. This writer had – and most of you will have, at that – cables aplenty to hand, but a spare HDMI wouldn’t have gone amiss as a little out-of-the-box sweetener!

• Setup and usability score: 5/5

Kanto Ren review: Value

• Not an inconsiderable expense…
• But extremely well-priced for what you get
• Will knock the socks off most, if not all, soundbars

The $599/£599/€719 (so, around AU$1,199) price point is not a trifling one, even if it does technically fall towards the lower end of the price spectrum in a broader field of living-room sound-system solutions. It’s an investment for an integrated hi-fi system, whichever way you slice it – but it’s a great investment too, and in all the same slice-ings.

If you’re wanting a genuine upgrade from the soundbar you got last Black Friday which sounds ‘ok I guess’, you’ll be blown away by the difference these full-throated speakers provide. If you’re looking to invest in better sound for your TV for the first ever time – and looking for a foolproof plug-and-play place to start – you couldn’t spend $599 much better if you tried. Great-sounding integrated systems are hard to come by, but for me the Kanto Ren ticks all the right boxes. As a living-room stereo pair, these are perfectly pitched to handle everything – and pretty darn well, at that.

• Value score: 5/5

Should you buy the Kanto Ren?

Buy them if...

You want excellent hi-fi sound without the faff
The Kanto Ren system packs a shedload of functionality into the form of two mid-sized bookshelf speakers. You don’t need anything else to guarantee a quality listening or watching experience – save for a decent subwoofer to tack on if you’ve a larger space to serve. With its broad connectivity, it can be your everything-system for anything – whether you connect your laptop via USB-C, your Wi-Fi streaming set-up via optical, or your TV via HDMI.

You’re thinking about buying a soundbar
Yes, soundbars are pretty nifty looking, and yes, some soundbars purport to do pseudo-surround sound really well, but all soundbars are undeniably limited by their form. The Kanto Ren brings controlled richness and huge dynamic range in an unconventional iteration of a conventional hi-fi format, and will resultingly blow any and all consumer-grade soundbars out of the water with consummate ease.

Don't buy them if...

You want a surround-sound AV setup
Being an active stereo speaker array, it should not come as a surprise that the Kanto Ren’s integrated amplifier is stereo through and through, and does not have an additional 3 channels for surround sound. Still, if you’re wanting something that’s more expressly home-cinema-coded, maybe give these a miss.

You value upgradeability
The Kanto Ren is an integrated stereo amplifier system, with all the bells and whistles built right into the speakers themselves. If you like the idea of trying out some new speakers in the future, or eventually investing in some audiophile-grade tube amplifier system, you should be spending your money on a more modular type of hi-fi system.

Kanto Ren: Also consider

Klipsch R-51PM
Klipsch is another vaunted name in hi-fi, on account of the incredible dynamics their speakers are capable of representing (amongst other things). These are an active bookshelf offering, with optical, USB and RCA in amongst other I/O opportunities. There’s no HDMI ARC here, but there is an incredible soundstage – and a built-in phono pre-amp for the budding vinyl enthusiasts in the room.
Read more in our full Klipsch R-51PM review View Deal

KEF LSX II
KEF’s LSXII stereo speakers are similarly impressive in terms of connectivity, with HMDI ARC, optical and USB-C as well as KEF’s own W2 streaming architecture. The cones are a little smaller, and the price a little higher – but there’s some signature KEF quality in these tiny bookshelf powerhouses.View Deal

How I tested the Kanto Ren

• Tested for 4 weeks
• Used primarily in living room, as main system for TV and for audio streaming.
• Briefly tested in other regions of the home as an auxiliary hi-fi system (and to ensure verdicts weren’t skewed by the sound profile of my living room alcove).

The Kanto Ren speakers spent most of their time bookending my TV in the inner alcove of my living room, where they were put to the test, via HDMI ARC and optical input, as the primary audio system for watching TV and playing video games – as well as, in hi-fi terms, for Bluetooth streaming. Phono and Bluetooth were also trialled in my attic office, in order to assess the frequency response of the speakers in different acoustic spaces. I listened to personal-favourite records, the sound of which I could comfortably corroborate against the performance of other systems with which I’m familiar.

First reviewed: December 2024

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Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: a big photo frame that’s not quite bright or brilliant enough

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is an affordable digital photo frame that uses the third-party Frameo app to enable you to easily share your snaps via the frame. Right out of the gate, the first thing you’re likely to notice is that price; while its $149.99 / £169.99 retail price isn’t anything to write home about, during sales season we've been seeing prices around $89.99 / £89.99 – that’s a seriously low price for such a sizeable digital photo frame.

Connecting with the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame is nice and easy. Once you’ve powered it up and connected it to your Wi-Fi, you can scan an on-screen QR code to download the Frameo app. Now, simply press the "Add a Friend" button on the Arzopa’s screen, punch in the code that appears into the Frameo app, and you’re ready to start sharing pics. Even better, you can repeat this step to set up friends and family so they too can share their snaps with your frame.

Not everyone wants to share their photos with the cloud, particularly if they’re security conscious or have young children. If this is you, then the Arzopa’s offline storage will be music to your ears. The frame includes 32GB of internal storage and, should you fill this up, you can easily expand its storage capacity up to 128GB via its SD card port. This does fall short of what some of the best digital photo frames offer, but it still isn't bad, all things considered.

All digital photo frames built on the Frameo app work in the same way and, generally speaking, I’d say this is a positive. The app is easy to use: you can browse your device’s whole image library or just specific albums, adding individual photos or uploading up to 10 at a time. Unfortunately, if you want to upload more than this in one go, you’ll need to upgrade to Frameo+. The cost of this isn't exorbitant at $1.99 / £0.99 a month or $16.99 / £7.99 a year, but you'll need to bear this in mind when calculating if this frame is the right price for you.

As I mentioned in my Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review, I’m not entirely keen on the way the Frameo app handles cropping images for digital photo frame’s auto-rotate feature. When uploading each image, you’ll set a circular focal area that the frame will ensure remains in frame in either orientation. However, this can still leave some images oddly centered or cropping out details you hadn’t anticipated. I’d rather just have the option to manually set the crop for each image.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Once your shots are on the Arzopa, its 15.6-inch display definitely delivers your snaps with impact; the frame feels generously sized compared to many of the other affordable frames out there. Since its 1920 x 1080 resolution is shared over that larger screen estate, pixel density does fall somewhat next to rivals such as the Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame at 212ppi. However, images still look pretty crisp; rendering my macro shot of a bumblebee, the Arzopa frame shows off every grain of pollen and every hair of her fuzzy coat in decent detail.

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(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

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(Image credit: Josh Russell)

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(Image credit: Josh Russell)

Unfortunately, where things start to come undone is with color. On my iPhone 16 Pro’s screen, a photo I took of a fireworks display reveals a shower of magenta and violet stars in a glowing pink nebula. But when I uploaded it to the Arzopa, the red and pink hues looked washed out, completely robbing the image of any punch. Similarly, floral shots completely underwhelmed, the lack of vibrancy going far beyond slight variations in color profile to looking actively anemic and poorly shot.

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch does fare better when it comes to black-and-white photography at least. Thanks to its deep blacks and bright highlights, its display is sufficiently contrasty to deliver monochrome landscape and architectural shots with impressive details. The Arzopa frame definitely shows off HDR photography to a high standard.

However, even this bold contrast was slightly undermined by its screen. Perhaps even more than its muted hues, the lack of a matte finish really damages the Arzopa’s performance in bright light. Without any treatment to diffuse incoming light, my photos were always obscured by hard-edged, geometric reflections of the panel lighting in the TechRadar offices; it was almost impossible to ignore since it made it difficult to make out details in the images. Worse, this reflectiveness means the frame is almost certainly unusable in direct sunlight, further restriction its position in your home.

This tendency toward glossiness extends to other elements of the frame’s design. The Arzopa’s frame feels a little cheap and plasticky, but thanks to its black color, this doesn’t feel so in your face. However, the frame’s bezels are much harder to ignore – despite the fact their beveled edges are designed to make them look more like mounting, the white plastic is so cheap-looking and reflective that it does detract from the overall quality of the frame.

Plus, there are other unusual design choices: the frame’s stand is literally just a plastic stick that screws into one corner of the frame. While it seems to do an okay job of supporting the frame in either horizontal or vertical orientation, I’m not convinced it’s sturdy enough to withstand becoming damaged over time.

Buy it on sale, however, and the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is available for an astoundingly good price – and it’s almost certainly better quality than some of the bargain-basement frames you’ll find on Amazon. In terms of crispness of picture, contrast and ease of use, it’s great value for money. However, its muted hues, overly reflective screen and the cheapness of its finish do make my recommendation here equivocal – if you can only find it at a higher price, some of the similarly priced best digital photo frames might make a better choice.

(Image credit: Future)

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: price & release date

• MSRP of $149.99 / £169.99 but currently reduced to $89.99 / £89.99
• Available now in both the US and UK
• Frameo app free or $1.99 / £0.99 a month for Frameo+

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is available now in both the US and UK.

Its price varies to quite a degree, which has a huge impact on the value you’re getting. At its full price of $149.99 at Amazon US or £169.99, at Amazon UK, it effectively costs as much as the $159.99 / £149.99 Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, which I'd argue is a much higher-quality frame, thanks to its anti-glare screen and delivery of bold colors. However, some of the sale prices we’ve seen bring the Arzopa frame down to around $89.99 / £89.99, which makes it a far more appealing option, especially if you can’t stretch to the more expensive Pexar.

One other important consideration here in terms of price is the Frameo app. While the base tier is free, to upload more than 10 photographs at a time or videos longer than 15 seconds, you’ll need to upgrade to Frameo+, which costs $1.99 / £0.99 a month or $16.99 / £7.99 a year. That will allow you to upload 100 images at a time, send two-minute video clips, and manage the content on your Arzopa remotely via the app.

(Image credit: Future)

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: specs

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Should I buy the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch?

Buy it if…

You want a big, crisp screen
At 15.6-inches, the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi delivers a lot of screen estate on which to display your snaps. And while pixel density is lower than the 212ppi of the Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, photos still look crisp and clear.

You can get it on sale
Whether the Arzopa frame delivers good value very much depends on the price you pay for it. Pick it up for the sale price of around $89.99 / £89.99 and you’re getting a very good deal, but you don’t have to spend much more than its MSRP of $149.99 / £169.99 to get a superior product.

Don’t buy it if…

You want your colorful snaps to pop
Vibrant hues aren't the Arzopa frame’s forte – colorful subjects such as flowers and fauna can look muted at best, and downright drab at their worst. Fans of black-and-white photography needn’t worry – but if you want your walls to be a riot of color, other frames might prove a wiser investment.

You want to use it in bright rooms
The Arzopa’s glossy screen means it's entirely unforgiving when it comes to reflections – whether using it during the day or at night, I found natural and artificial sources of light completely overwhelmed the brightness of the screen. Fundamentally, if it's to sit opposite windows or under harsh lighting, you’d be better off looking for a frame with a matte screen.

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: also consider

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
The Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame scarcely costs any more than the Arzopa at full price, at $159.99 / £149.99; however, performance is superior. It offers a 2000 x 1200 resolution across its smaller 11-inch screen, delivering higher pixel density, while colors are far more vibrant. Plus, its matte, anti-glare screen keeps reflected light to a minimum. Read our full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

Aeezo Portrait 01
If you’re unable to stretch to the Arzopa – or can’t find it at a reduced price – the Aeezo Portrait 01 is a bargain alternative that also includes internal storage and costs just $69.99 / £55.99. You’ll get bolder albeit sometimes slightly unnatural, colors; but the sacrifice is resolution at only 1280 x 800, rather than the Arzopa’s 1080p. Read our full Aeezo Portrait 01 review.

How I tested the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch

I tested the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch over several weeks. I uploaded a range of photos to it using the Frameo app and connected multiple other people to enable them to share images with the frame, too.

To test the performance of the frame, I uploaded a wide array of portrait and landscape images and included everything from brightly colored shots of flowers and animals to monochrome architectural shots. Additionally, I positioned the frame in multiple places around my home and the TechRadar office and changed its orientation between portrait and landscape.

I have many years of experience taking photos, both on my Canon DSLR and my iPhone 16 Pro and, over the past 15 years, I’ve taken over 40,000 photos. I’ve also spent many years working in print publishing, doing post-production on photos and preparing images for print. This means I have a lot of experience in making images look as close to their source as possible.

• First reviewed November 2024
• Read more about how we test

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Firsty review

Firsty is a new player in the eSIM market. A Dutch startup launched in 2024, Firsty offers a very innovative freemium model — a basic free plan with speed-capped data, followed by paid plans with full-speed access starting at €1.98 or $2.10/day.

Despite being a newcomer, Firsty is quickly gaining popularity among budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a backup data option. The service now covers over 160+ countries worldwide, offering both a free basic plan and premium paid options

After testing Firsty across several scenarios, we're impressed with its unique ad-supported free tier, which provides usable, if slow, data for essential tasks. Paid plans offer reliable full-speed connectivity at competitive prices.

Firsty: Pricing and plans

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty offers two main plans: Firsty Free and Firsty Fast. Firsty Free provides a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing users to access essential services like messaging and email at extremely slow speeds. Firsty Fast, the premium paid tier, offers 2GB of high-speed data per day starting at €1.98 or $2.10 per day.

Firsty's freemium model and global plans set it apart from most eSIM providers, which require switching plans and subscriptions whenever you move from one location to another. While not the cheapest eSIM option on the market, Firsty's always-on connectivity and singular pricing make it a good option for most travelers looking for flexibility.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Europe.

Firsty: Features

Firsty is a unique eSIM provider that stands out from the competition mainly thanks to its freemium model and transparently-priced global plan. Here are some key features:

Freemium Model

One of Firsty's most distinctive features is its freemium model. With Firsty Free, users can enjoy a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing them to stay connected for essential tasks like messaging and email. This sets Firsty apart as one of the few providers offering a truly free tier.

Seamless Global Connectivity

Firsty’s global plan provides seamless connectivity across borders. Users can automatically connect to the best available network without the need to manually switch SIMs or purchase local eSIM plans. This makes staying connected while traveling a breeze, eliminating the hassle of traditional roaming.

Affordable High-Speed Data

For users who need faster speeds, Firsty Fast offers high-speed data at competitive prices. Plans start at just €1.98 per day for 2GB of data, with transparent tracking and fair top-up options. This allows travelers to enjoy streaming, video calls, and other data-intensive tasks without breaking the bank.

Firsty: Installation and activation

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty makes it incredibly easy to get started with their eSIM service. The onboarding process is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, guiding you through each step with clear instructions.

Simply download the Firsty app, select your plan, and scan the provided QR code to install the eSIM profile on your compatible device.

The app walks you through the necessary settings to activate your eSIM, such as labeling it and setting it as your preferred line for data. Firsty provides ample resources to assist new users, including detailed FAQs, step-by-step guides, and responsive customer support.

One key aspect new users should be aware of is the importance of having a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi when installing and activating the eSIM. Additionally, it's crucial to turn off data switching after activation to prevent unintended usage of your home carrier's data.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Thailand.

Firsty: Coverage and speed

As of 2024, Firsty currently offers eSIM services in over 160 countries, including the US, Europe, and Asia. It leverages partnerships with local telecom operators to ensure reliable connections and competitive data speeds in most regions. Firsty is available in:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy

While Firsty's coverage is not as extensive as some of its more established competitors like Airalo, the company is rapidly growing its network. Speed tests indicate that Firsty's paid "Fast" plans deliver good performance, with download speeds around 200+ Mbps and upload speeds around 25-30 Mbps, depending on the local network conditions. However, the free ad-supported tier is notably slow at around 0.05 Mbps download and 0.10+ Mbps upload, sufficient only for basic messaging and email.

Compared to other eSIM providers, Firsty stands out for its unique freemium model, offering a basic always-free plan alongside competitively priced paid options. While its coverage and top speeds may not match the most comprehensive providers, Firsty's flexibility and affordability make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Firsty: Support

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty offers multiple support channels to assist users, including email support via [email protected], an online help center with FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. The app also provides in-app instructions to guide users through setup and usage.

Customer reviews suggest that Firsty's support team is responsive and helpful. One user on the App Store mentioned that the support team was "dedicated" and "available 24/7 to assist." A reviewer on Trustpilot was impressed with the service, finding it "very useful as a backup" and "very easy" to use.

However, some users on Reddit reported mixed experiences, with a few encountering issues during installation and configuration. It's important to ensure you have a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, when setting up the eSIM to avoid issues.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Turkey.

Firsty: Final verdict

Firsty is different from other eSIM providers. There’s no marketplace to purchase region-specific plans depending on your travel destination, nor is there a need to activate and reactivate as you move.

Instead, there are only two plans, a free one and a paid one. While the free plan offers enough functionality to perform basic tasks, the paid plan is competitively priced and follows the same pricing model irrespective of your location.

We found Firsty to be a reliable eSIM provider with good speeds and reliable coverage, despite its offbeat approach to pricing eSIMs. While its uniform global plan may be expensive for certain areas, you may well find it to be cost-effective depending on the regions you are targeting for your international trip.

Firsty: FAQs

What is Firsty?

Firsty is a mobile app that provides seamless global connectivity for travelers using eSIM technology. It offers two main products:

Firsty Free: Provides a basic speed connection for free, allowing you to email, message, and use essential apps. You get 60 minutes of free data, after which you need to watch a 30-second ad to reconnect.

Firsty Fast: The premium paid tier offers high-speed data up to 2GB per day, perfect for streaming and video calls. Prices start at around €1.98/day in Europe.

How does Firsty eSIM work?

Firsty utilizes eSIM (embedded SIM) technology to provide connectivity. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, enabling you to download Firsty and instantly connect to mobile networks without needing a physical SIM.

How much is the Firsty app?

Firsty’s app itself is completely free to download and use. There are no costs to install the eSIM profile.

On the free tier, you can use unlimited data at a restricted speed for essential tasks. After 60 minutes, you watch a short ad to reconnect for another hour.

If you upgrade to Firsty Fast for high-speed data, prices start at €1.98 per day for 2GB in Europe. You only pay for the days of high-speed access you need, with no monthly fees or subscription.

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Oppo Find X8 review: admired from afar

Oppo Find X8: Two-minute review

Oppo is back! The new Find X8 series is the company's return to form, at least in regions like the UK and Europe, where patent disputes and the like led to a two-year absence for the company. No longer.

The Find X8 line is Oppo's latest flagship phone family; it promises the best smartphone hardware the company can muster, paired with its latest Android-based ColorOS user experience.

While the Oppo Find X8 Pro is the headline-grabbing entry now topping the company's current smartphone portfolio, it launches alongside the more modest – but still unquestionably potent – standard Oppo Find X8. Despite a true global rollout for the X8 Pro, however, the base X8 is proving a little harder to come by outside of key Asia Pacific markets, at the time of writing.

If you can get your hands on one, though, you'll be pleased you did, as hardware-wise, it sports the same exceptional MediaTek chipset as the X8 Pro, the same cutting-edge silicon-carbon battery tech, the same rapid 80W charging, and a like-minded flagship-class display and camera setup.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

There are some great details throughout the experience served up by the Find X8: a physical alert slider, newfound compatibility with an ecosystem of magnetic accessories, and hardier IP69-certified protection against water compared to your average high-end handset, to name a few key features. This is also one of the first and only Android phones that supports wireless file transfers directly with iPhones, AirDrop-style (at the time of writing).

Depending on your conscience, Oppo's clear 'appreciation' for Apple's famed smartphones runs unapologetically deep within the Find X8. Beyond the new MagSafe-like upgrade, ColorOS 15's Live Alerts capsule looks to be a direct lift of the iPhone's Dynamic Island, and you'll find wallpapers that look as though they came straight out of iOS.

Provided that doesn't put you off (or you see it as a bonus), the Find X8 otherwise presents itself as an incredibly well-rounded smartphone brimming with style, features, power, and camera prowess that should have similarly-priced rivals worried.

Oppo Find X8 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Priced from equivalent to $980 / £770 / AU$1,520
• On sale from November 21, 2024
• Limited international availability compared to rivals

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the Oppo Find X8 is that in spite of its clean design and promising hardware and feature set, you'll struggle to find the phone on sale outside of Oppo's retail channels across the Asia Pacific region. You'll readily find the X8 on sale in markets like China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, but if you're anywhere else, you'll have to consider importing.

In the likes of the UK, Europe, and Australia, it's only the pricier Find X8 Pro that's available, while Oppo's presence in the US is outright non-existent.

Using the Find X8 Pro's UK pricing and the standard X8's Indian pricing for guidance, the more modest of Oppo's latest duo starts at equivalent to $980 / £770 / AU$1,520 for the 12GB RAM / 256GB storage model. Internationally, there's also a 16GB / 512GB variant, which based on Indian pricing is about 12.5% more expensive.

Pricing places it in line with the non-Pro iPhone 16, Pixel 9, and base Galaxy S24, which considering the hardware on offer, makes it a compelling alternative.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Specs

Oppo Find X8 review: Design

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Straight sides, flat display
• Physical alert slider
• IP68/69-certified against dust and water

The Find X8 Pro is all pillowed glass and rounded metal, which stands in stark contrast to the standard X8. At certain angles, you'd be forgiven for mixing up the Star Grey Find X8 (pictured) with an iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro rendered in Natural Titanium. There's definite aesthetic overlap, with both phones sporting flat displays and straight sides, plus just enough rounding along the edges to ensure they don't feel too sharp in the hand.

The X8 stands out with its prominent 'Cosmos Ring' circular camera module, which gives the impression of four cameras on the phone's back (one simply houses autofocus sensors), so as to better tie-in with the quad-camera-toting X8 Pro's design.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Tolerances are tight (the phone boasts symmetrical 1.45mm bezels around the display), and the metal buttons along the right side of the frame have the perfect amount of give and click. The phone's available colorways are tasteful in their execution; I particularly liked the Shell Pink finish.

Not only does the Find X8 look and feel like a beautifully crafted piece of kit, but it's got some tricks up its sleeve too. For one, it continues Oppo's use of the three-step physical alert slider we were initially introduced to on OnePlus phones; this lets you toggle between ring, vibrate, and silent sound profiles.

The X8 range is also the first to support the new Oppo Mag accessory line, which allows the MagSafe-style attachment of new magnetic accessories, like a 50W AirVOOC wireless charger and a 5,000mAh power bank; both are enabled by way of a new Oppo Mag case (sold separately). Original? No. Convenient? Yes.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Durability-wise, the promise of not only IP68, but IP69 certification, means the X8 is built to withstand more than your average smartphone. When it comes to water ingress, it can handle up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes, as well as pressurized jets of water up to 80ºC.

Add to that Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and back (creator Corning's newest mid-range toughened smartphone glass), and "Swiss SGS and Military Grade certification, tested to whole-phone drop resistance and MGJB 150.18A MIL-STD impact standards," to quote Oppo's press release, and despite its premium finish and good looks, the Find X8 is also built to be a tough nut to crack.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Display

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Similar viewing experience across Find X8 range
• Great colors, contrast and detail
• LTPS, rather than LTPO means less dynamic refresh rate

It's nice that, beyond size, you're not really getting an inferior viewing experience by opting for the more modest Find X8 over the Pro model. Unlike Apple – who maintains a 60Hz refresh rate cap on its non-Pro iPhones – the Find X8 packs in similar ProXDR AMOLED tech as on the full-fat X8 Pro.

An impressively high 460ppi (pixels per inch) means the X8 delivers sharper visuals than the Pro model, outstanding panel-wide brightness of 1,600nits, and a whopping peak brightness of 4,500nits. Paired with the vibrancy and contrast afforded by OLED tech, not to mention Dolby Vision support, this is a great display on which to enjoy HDR content, and it copes well against bright conditions.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

From a practical standpoint, Oppo's Splash Touch helps iron out erroneous screen taps, whether your fingers are wet or you're using the Find X8 in the rain, while the in-display optical fingerprint sensor is pleasingly responsive, if a little too close to the bottom bezel, from a comfort standpoint.

As far as customizing the X8's viewing experience goes, be sure to enable 'High' resolution mode to leverage the panel's native pixel count; otherwise, everything is rendered in Full HD+ out of the box. You also have the option to force 120Hz at all times (or lock things down to 60Hz), but I found that the Find X8's Auto mode wasn't afraid of prioritizing super-smooth 120Hz visuals most of the time anyway, stepping down for apps like Spotify, Instagram, and some games.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The phone's display settings include three preset color space profiles, as well as a fine-grain color temperature control. There's also automated (TÜV Rheinland-certified) eye comfort adjustment (which includes 3,840Hz PWM dimming below 70nits, beating out equivalent tech from the likes of the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14 series), as well as image resolution and color upscaling, as part of Oppo's 'O1 Ultra Vision Engine'.

The only real fly in the ointment, display-wise, is the use of LTPS tech, in place of the more advanced LTPO panel used by the X8 Pro. The main effect of this is less dynamic refresh rate adjustment; moving in steps between 60Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz, where the Pro model can scale more gradually between 1Hz to 120Hz, which is designed to help improve battery performance.

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Software

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 5 years of OS & 6 years security updates
• Launches with ColorOS 15 atop Android 15
• AirDrop-like wireless file transfer support with iPhones

The company's latest ColorOS 15 (running atop Android 15) is arguably one of the snappiest user experiences around, thanks to some smart behind-the-scenes technical refinements; not to mention it's brimming with neat tricks that you won't find anywhere else.

'Share with iPhone,' as the name suggests, adds AirDrop-like wireless file transfers with the latest and best iPhones; something we haven't seen from any other Android phone maker to date. The feature is also set to become more seamless, with NameDrop-style proximity-based initiation coming in a future software update.

Speaking of updates, Oppo is promising five years of OS and six years of security update support across the Find X8 series, which, while not industry-leading, is decent, and helps up the Find X8's long-term value too.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Oppo's Theme Store is there to help redress ColorOS, with system-wide themes, as well as more granular alterations; including new fonts and wallpapers (some are paid). There's also deeper control over the look and feel of everything, from app opening speed to whether a swipe down on the home screen grants access to quick settings and notifications, a global search bar or The Shelf: a dedicated widget dashboard, cribbed from OnePlus' user experience.

The company's desire to emulate Apple's famed smartphones is a little too heavy-handed in places, though. While undeniably useful and elegant, the Live Alerts capsule is a carbon copy of the Dynamic Island introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro line, and even the default wallpapers look as though the development team copied iOS 14's homework.

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Google's Gemini is the AI assistant of choice on the Find X8 series, however, Oppo offers up its own AI tool set too; with a focus on productivity and image manipulation.

Provided you're happy to use Oppo's own Documents and Notes apps, the inbuilt AI Assistant serves up one of the most comprehensive skill sets of its kind and, in testing, the results generally impressed.

You have a suite of options, like formatting rough notes, cleaning up rambling prose, refining the tone of your copy (similarly to Samsung's Galaxy AI), continuing or expanding upon your existing copy, and the option to make it more succinct too. It's not foolproof but it's a great starting point that's only going to improve with time.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Dive into the native Photos app and you'll find the AI Editor, which can upscale images, do a competent job when tasked with object removal, and has a handy reflection removal feature (which has its uses but could be better). Perhaps most impressive of all, the AI Editor also has an unblur option to rival that of the best Pixel phones.

Just note that, depending on the feature, you will need to be comfortable with off-device cloud processing.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

We've also been seeing an uptick in AI image-generation tools on smartphones from the likes of Xiaomi, Google, and, most recently, Apple, with the arrival of Apple Intelligence. The Oppo Find X8 features the company's AI Studio app.

Arguably a more locked-down experience than the text-to-image generation of Google's Pixel Studio, for example, Oppo's AI Studio gives you a range of pre-defined portrait or scene scenarios to remix your images with, using AI. The former requires you to upload a photo of a person (or persons) from your camera roll, before spitting out four results at a time, while the latter simply dresses any image you give it in the trappings defined by the prompt.

It takes a few minutes to process each request and your usage is limited by an in-app currency called 'Stars'. You accrue more Stars through actions like consecutive daily logins but right now, at least, Oppo isn't charging an additional subscription or the like for any of its devices' AI functionality.

There are some fun and interesting options in there, and the results generally hit their mark. It serves as a great way to introduce people to the concept of AI image generation and the fact that it's siloed from the rest of the phone's AI-based tools feels like a considered move too, but I suspect this is just the beginning for Oppo's AI efforts.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Camera

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 50MP main, ultra-wide & 3x telephoto cameras
• 32MP front-facing camera
• Hasselblad image tuning and exclusive features

Across both the Find X8 and X8 Pro, you're getting the same 50MP ultra-wide and 3x telephoto (with a compact triple-prism design and optical image stabilization, or OIS) cameras, as well as the same Sony-made 32MP front-facer. Beyond the absence of a 6x telephoto, the standard X8 also uses a smaller primary 50MP Sony LYT700 sensor, in place of the larger LYT808 leading the Pro model's camera array.

Even with the technical downgrade, the Find X8 still proves to be an impressively competent and versatile camera phone in its own right.

Oppo Find X8 camera samples

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Oppo knows how to make exceptional camera phones, most notably with last year's Oppo Find X7 Ultra; one of the best camera phones of the moment. The company's partnership with famed camera brand Hasselblad continues on the Find X8's HyperTone system too; with custom image processing, portrait mode tuning, and the brand's signature ultra-wide X-Pan capture mode.

There's a consistency across the rear sensors that grants confidence when shooting with the Find X8, which isn't guaranteed from certain rival devices. Low noise, impressive low light performance and solid dynamic range (even from the ultra-wide), mean you're unlikely to find fault with stills captured in most conventional shooting scenarios.

White balance did sometimes wobble, but colors were otherwise faithfully captured; with nice skin tones and excellent subject separation in portrait shooting (you can also adjust the virtual aperture after capture, to alter the amount of bokeh on display).

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The ultra-wide takes over when capturing macro shots, while the AI Telescope Zoom feature activates between 10x and 60x, filling in the holes in image data competently, especially in well-lit scenes. The only confusing aspect of the X8's zoom is that the interface still gives you a 6x magnification button, even though results are simply cropped; unlike on the X8 Pro, with its 6x secondary telephoto sensor.

The 32MP selfie snapper is functional, with that HyperTone Image Engine doing a lot of the heavy lifting for what is otherwise an uneventful sensor. Front-facing Portrait mode does, at least, demonstrate the same great image segmentation around a subject's hair and clothing, for example.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Oppo augments the photography experience with extras like Lighting Snap; its take on an advanced 7fps burst mode, where every shot captured when you hold down the shutter button gets run through the full HyperTone imaging pipeline, delivering far less blur than you'd get from the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra under the same conditions.

If you're looking for a phone that captures good video, the Find X8 also boasts great 4K 60fps recording in Dolby Vision across all of the phone's sensors (including the selfie snapper).

• Camera score: 4 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset
• Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM + RAM Expansion up to 12GB
• Up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage (outside of China)

The production timeline of the Oppo Find X8 series meant that both phones were ready for market before Qualcomm's newest flagship mobile chipset – the Snapdragon 8 Elite – was ready to be integrated into the phones' development cycle. Instead, Oppo opted for MediaTek's latest Dimensity 9400 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of fast storage, and the results are pretty stellar.

In artificial benchmarking, the Find X8 proves to be one of the highest-performing entrants I've ever tested, across the likes of Geekbench 6 and GFX Bench. Real-world multitasking and gaming performance are understandably excellent too, with titles like Zenless Zone Zero defaulting to 'high' graphical settings. That said, the phone's comfortable being pushed much further.

Although the official numbers state that TSMC's second-gen 3nm process grants the Dimensity 9400 35% faster CPU performance and 40% greater CPU efficiency, 42% faster GPU performance and 44% greater GPU efficiency, and 35% greater AI efficiency, the tangible benefits are that the Oppo Find X8 is equipped to handle anything and everything today's mobile experience asks of the average smartphone with aplomb, whilst also being incredibly well future-proofed.

Oppo reportedly worked with MediaTek on its Trinity Engine to better optimize how the chipmaker's hardware interfaced with its devices' user experience and features.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

What's more, a revised cooling system, which includes a new thermal gel between a reworked graphene sheet and vapor chamber, means sustained performance – especially when gaming – is superb. In a 30-minute session against an otherwise similarly-specced Snapdragon 8 Elite device I had to hand, the Find X8 delivered the more consistent performance, with less heat build-up and fewer stumbles.

While hard to test for, Oppo also promises that the X8's triple antenna design has optimized for high-performance gaming over WiFi.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Battery

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 5,630mAh battery
• 80W wired + 50W wireless charging
• The latest silicon-carbon battery technology

From a technical standpoint, the Find X8's battery is pretty state-of-the-art. Switching from traditional lithium-polymer to silicon-carbon (or Si-C) has allowed Oppo to install a significantly more dense power plant than would otherwise be possible within the phone's dimensions. The result is a whopping 5,630mAh cell in what remains an impressively unobtrusive sub-200g device.

With a battery capacity larger than the likes of the mighty Galaxy S24 Ultra's – well on its way to Asus ROG Phone levels of capaciousness – a consistent peak screen-on time of 7 hours provides more than a day's use without breaking a sweat, even if that is less than expected, going by the sheer amount of power the battery promises to hold.

Where Oppo's phones stand apart from usual suspects, like Apple, Google, and Samsung, is with fast charging. The Find X8 can refill from zero to 65%, charge in 30 minutes flat, and fully replenish in under 55 minutes, thanks to support for the included 80W 'SuperVOOC 2.0' charger; that's almost twice the wattage of the next-fastest charging phone from that aforementioned trio (at 45W).

What's more, the X8 supports up to 50W wireless charging with a compatible charger too.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Oppo Find X8?

Buy it if...

You want an Android that behaves like an iPhone
Oppo isn't being all that subtle about some of the inspiration behind the Find X8's design and features, but at least it's an incredibly good imitation, with bonus functionality you don't get from Apple's phones.

You want an understated gaming phone
Top-tier performance that doesn't buckle under pressure (or extended use) makes the Find X8 a pretty great phone for gaming, even if it lacks some of the features and trappings associated with this particular smartphone sub-category.

Don't buy it if...

You aren't willing to import it
For as good a phone as the Find X8 is, it's hard to come by, outside of a select run of Asia-Pacific markets, so unless you're willing to import, you'll likely go for a more accessible device in your region.

You want that secondary telephoto sensor
The Find X8 has a great camera that relies on AI to grant a zoom range beyond its physical means, but the X8 Pro gets that fourth telephoto sensor for superior optical zoom.

Oppo Find X8 review: Also consider

Apple iPhone 16
The Find X8 takes a lot of cues from Apple's iPhones, but the newest iPhone 16 comes in a broader range of colors, supports a far larger accessory ecosystem and is more widely-available, globally; with a similar price and similar performance.

Google Pixel 9
Google's latest 'non-Pro' entry packs a brighter display, protected behind tougher Gorilla Glass, whilst also offering up a cleaner user experience with longer software support.

How I tested the Oppo Find X8

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Review test period = Three weeks
• Testing included = Everyday usage, web browsing, social media browsing, video streaming, gaming, photography
• Tools used = Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, GFX Bench, native Android stats

I used the Oppo Find X8 as my main device for almost a month. It was my main camera, my means of checking social media, and my go-to phone for gaming for the duration of the review period.

I used a gamut of industry-standard benchmarking apps to test qualities like CPU and GPU performance, while also keeping tabs on battery drain (with timed tests for things like streaming Netflix and gaming at a fixed brightness), and screen-on time too.

I used the included in-box charger as the sole means of recharging the phone, and tried all the AI-supported features that Oppo has added here, plus all the key features found within the wider ColorOS user experience.

As a reviewer with 13 years of experience, and having reviewed Oppo phones for years, I felt confident assessing and scoring the Oppo Find X8 relative to other phones out right now, and in the context of the wider smartphone market.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024

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