Welcome to my review of the iFi Audio GO Blu and Shanling UP5. Both are reviewed and compared with all eleven differences highlighted.
The iFi Audio GO Blue retails for £199 and the Shanling UP5 for £179.
The video review is over 20 minutes long, but don’t worry, there are chapters and an index in the YouTube video description box that enable you to skip back and forth between the different sections. However, I do recommend watching the whole video and there is a ton of detail covered.
Video Review
Conclusion
Both devices have a lot of differences, but for me the winner is the iFi Audio GO Blu. Very highly recommended 9.1/10.
Welcome to my review of the Edifier NeoBuds Pro that retail for £109. The NeoBuds Pro feature Hi-Res Wireless Audio which is remarkable for TWS earphones.
Key Features
Hi-Res Audio with LHDC (Low-latency High-definition Audio Codec)
Knowles Balanced Armature driver + dynamic driver + electronic crossover technology for natural and balanced sound
Welcome to my review of the Edifier X3 TWS wireless earphones that retail for a budget price of just £29.99.
Key Features
Apt-X Codec included
Includes Qualcomm Chipset with Bluetooth 5.0 delivering a faster, more stable signal transmission, and lower power consumption for 6 hours playback time and extra 18 hours with charge case.
CVC 8.0 noise canceling technology automatically reduces background noise and pick up your voice accurately to ensure high-clarity audio transmission with rich details.
One-Step Paring – Picking up 2 earbuds out of charge case, they will automatically pair with each other and connect with the last paired device except the first-time using, also offer easy access to various functions with touch control.
Lightweight and compact design. IP55 dust & waterproof technology, ideal for any outdoor activity.
Video Review
Conclusion
The Edifier X3 are a superb budget priced pair of TWS earphones. Recommended 8.3/10
So Apple has just launched its new iPhone 13 range, the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.
Below I am sharing my views on these new iPhones with a particular slant towards the photography and videography aspects.
Firstly, I will just mention the standard iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. If you have the 12 or 12 Mini, there is no reason IMO to look at upgrading to these. Yes these have brighter screens, better claimed battery life, better camera hardware including improved processing, ISP, processor and camera features. In fact the main rear wide sensor on these models looks like it was the sensor used on the iPhone 12 Pro Max with its advanced sensor shift stabilisation. With the new A15 processor and smart HDR4, this rear sensor will take excellent photos. The ultra wide camera has also been marginally improved. So what you will have is an easy to use competent camera which will create lovely video or photos for social media. But as I have said, I don’t believe these changes are enough to warrant an upgrade from last year’s versions.
However, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are a different proposition. Firstly, unlike last year, both the Pro and Pro Max have the identical camera modules. All 3 rear cameras are improved even further than the standard iPhone 13 models. The ultra wide now has auto focus enabling macro photography. Astrophotography is now possible too. All 3 rear lenses allow night mode. The zoom lens is now 3 x optical zoom. ProRAW on photos is still present. But coming soon ProRes video will be on board. For videography this is an incredible feat. One thing to bear in mind, the 128gb iPhone 13 Pro won’t allow 4K Pro Res, just 1080p. You can still shoot 4K in the other modes though. Apple is only allowing ProRes at 4K on the 256gb, 512gb and 1TB storage options. In case you think this is Apple forcing you to buy a higher storage version, its not as a 10 min 4K ProRes video will take up approximately 100gb.
The Pro and Pro Max also have an extra “core” in the A15 processor to enable more capabilities and I would imagine during a teardown the RAM is higher than the standard iPhone 13 as well. So whilst you will be able to film such high quality video, what makes it even more incredible, is that you will be able to edit this on the iPhone as well.
I just want to go back to the camera upgrades. Specifically the light gathering improvements. The wide camera can now gather 2.2x more light. The ultra wide 92% more light. With the lidar sensor and all the A15 and ISP improvements the iPhone 13 Pro is looking like a beast for photography and videography.
If you weren’t sold on the iPhone 13 Pro range, then there is the 120hz variable refresh rate screen, better battery life, brighter screens and smaller notch.
I can’t wait to test out the new cameras in real world situations, as well as see how they far with sunrises and sunsets on Dartmoor. See the results on my social media accounts – gavinsgadgets for twitter and instagram.
Welcome to my review of the iFi ZEN Blue V2 which retails for £159.
The Key Features
The ZEN Blue V2 features easy Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity using the latest Qualcomm 5100 series Bluetooth. Codecs supported are SBC, AAC, LDAC, HWA, LHDC, apt X and apt X HD. That’s CD quality up to 24bits/192kHz from AAC and apt X HD.
Analogue outputs are either RCA or 4.4mm, digital is either coaxial or optical. Or even SPDIF.
So what’s new with V2. Upgraded jitter clock with over 20db performance, improved aerial with 80% more reach and lots more.
To learn more, watch the video covering all aspects of the ZEN Blue V2.
Video Review
Conclusion
The ZEN Blue V2 is a simple to operate, yet highly effective high quality device. Highly recommended. 9.3/10
Welcome to my review of the iFi ZEN Stream that retails for £399. The ZEN Stream is a network audio transport, focused around maintaining audio quality.
In terms of connections this is done via WiFi or Ethernet. It has quite a number of options which are covered off in my video review.
The Key Features
The ZEN Stream allows you to add network streaming to your existing system. Outputs via USB 3.0 or SPDIF/Optical. Supports up to 384kHz PCM, DSD256 and MQA. Firmware upgradeable keeps it future proof. Likely extra functionality will be added. Supports a ton of services from Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, YouTube Music, AirPlay, DLNA, Roon and many more.
There’s lots to talk about, so watch my video, which covers everything from what’s in the box, closer inspection of all the hardware and functionality, how to setup and ultimately the quality and verdict.
Conclusion
The iFi ZEN Stream is a fantastic product, worthy of its highly recommended award. 9.2/10.
Welcome to my review of the Bosch Freshup which retails for £249.99.
It is not very often that a product comes along that simply blows my mind. This is one of them. At first, I was somewhat skeptical that this magic handheld device could do exactly what it said on the tin.
Welcome to my review of the Huawei Watch 3 which retails for £349.
The Key Features / Specifications
Continuous Health Monitoring. The Huawei Watch 3 allows continuous blood oxygen, heart rate and skin temperature monitoring.
3 days battery life in smart mode and up to 14 days use in ultra-long battery life mode.
Stay connected 24/7 with eSIM mobile calls that allows the Huawei Watch 3 to function as a stand-alone communication device. Make calls, play music and download apps without being connected to your phone, still using your existing number.
100+ workout modes for indoor and outdoor sports and 85 custom modes with automatic exercise detection for the 6 most common types of workout. GPS Tracking.
High-response touch-sensitive screen, side button and fully rotatable crown, offset for easy access. Rotate the crown for easy scrolling through on-display features and volume settings.
Huawei Watch 3 comes with 30 pre-installed faces, including animated faces to really liven things up. Plus, you can add from over 1,000+ designs available on Huawei watch face store.
Video Review
Conclusion
The Huawei Watch 3 running Harmony OS is a really competent and smooth wearable. With some unique features this is an easy recommendation from me. 9/10.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 