Galaxy Z Fold 7, Panasonic S1 II, Samsung QS700F and extra

We have been busy within the Engadget opinions division over the previous few weeks, maintaining with Prime Day, product launches and the accumulating stack of gadgets on our desks. If you happen to missed any of our in-depth testing not too long ago, you possibly can shortly atone for the most recent digital camera, laptop computer, telephone and soundbar opinions within the checklist under.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Billy Steele for Engadget

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has reached foldable telephone nirvana due to main reductions in its dimension and thickness. Although at $2,000, it stays extraordinarily costly.

Professionals

• Exquisitely skinny design
• Sleeker hinge
• Massive 200MP primary digital camera
• Bigger shows
• Prime-tier efficiency

Cons

• Very costly
• No S Pen help
• Mediocre charging speeds

$2,000 at Amazon

Samsung made notable design adjustments on its newest flagship foldable telephone, lastly giving the lots a big replace after a sequence of iterative fashions. Senior opinions author Sam Rutherford argued the corporate “has lastly achieved foldable telephone nirvana” due to the reductions in general dimension and thickness on the Z Fold 7, making the area of interest handset attraction to extra customers. “With its newest flagship foldable, Samsung has eliminated one of many remaining boundaries stopping folks from making an attempt out the brand new breed of telephones: extreme dimension and weight,” he mentioned.

Canon R50 V

Canon/Engadget

Canon’s EOS R50 V is a stable finances vlogging digital camera due to the superb video high quality, however it’s lacking necessary options in comparison with its rivals.

Professionals

• Good photograph and video high quality
• Quick and correct autofocus
• Cooling fan permits prolonged taking pictures
• Decently quick photograph taking pictures

Cons

• Rolling shutter distortion
• No in-body stabilization
• Lacks rival’s vlogging pleasant options
• Mediocre battery life

$699 at Amazon

Content material creators who’re simply moving into vlogging will quickly notice they want a digital camera extra sturdy than their telephone for higher high quality footage. Reporter Steve Dent defined that Canon’s EOS R50 V excels at video, thanks partly to its fast autofocus, however the digital camera lacks the efficiency and options of its rivals. “Canon’s R50 V is a reasonably good first strive for a vlogging digital camera, hitting the mark in key areas like video high quality and usefulness,” he wrote. “Nonetheless, its rival, Sony’s ZV-E10 II, beats it in almost each space, providing even higher video high quality, greater photograph decision, quicker autofocus, smoother digital stabilization and neat options lacking on the R50 V — just like the product showcase.”

Samsung HW-QS700F

Samsung

The QS700F is an all-new mannequin in a sea of modest annual refreshes for Samsung soundbars. It isn’t excellent, however the mixture of design and options provide a compelling various to pricier choices.

Professionals

• Computerized orientation adjustment
• Crisp and balanced sound
• Refined design
• Simple setup

Cons

• 3.1.2-channel audio constrains film sound
• Room calibration and different main options solely work with Samsung TVs

$468 at Amazon

Just like the Z Fold line, Samsung has been on a streak of iterative updates for its flagship soundbars. For 2025 although, the corporate debuted an all-new mannequin that routinely detects the way you’re utilizing it and adjusts the speaker output appropriately. It is that trick, together with crisp sound, that makes the QS700F a contender even with its constrained 3.1.2-channel audio. “Caveats apart, the very best factor concerning the soundbar is its computerized orientation adjustment,” I famous. “The QS700F is simple on the eyes too, which isn’t at all times the case with these gadgets.”

Panasonic S1 II

Panasonic/Engadget

The S1 II is Panasonic’s finest creator digital camera due to options like 6K RAW video and excellent stabilization, however it’s costly in comparison with the competitors.

Professionals

• Quick taking pictures speeds
• Nice dealing with
• Glorious video high quality
• Greatest-in-class stabilization
• Professional video options

Cons

• Poor battery life
• Costly

$3,198 at Amazon

The S1 II could also be Panasonic’s finest digital camera for content material creators, however there’s one main draw back: the value. Steve’s evaluation of this mannequin’s options, which embody 6K RAW video and best-in-class stabilization, will enable you to weigh the potential $3,200 funding. “Panasonic’s S1 II is a strong hybrid digital camera, and if it wasn’t so costly, it could be a no brainer for creators,” he mentioned. “Nonetheless, Nikon’s Z6 III has almost the identical video capabilities, is a greater digital camera for pictures and prices no less than $600 much less, so I’m inclined to advocate that mannequin for many customers.”

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1

Dell / Engadget

Dell’s revamped 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a reliable laptop computer with an adaptable design and a terrific non-obligatory mini LED display screen, however it lacks character.

Professionals

• Strong construct
• Vivid mini LED show
• Above-average battery life

Cons

• Lackluster touchpad
• Mediocre audio system
• Wants one other USB-C port

$750 at Dell

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is the corporate’s first client laptop computer to function its not too long ago up to date naming scheme, and the change in moniker is accompanied by refreshed styling. Sam defined that whereas the machine is completely succesful, particularly with the non-obligatory LED show, it is missing character. “It is a completely serviceable machine, however it would not have a single trait or function that endears itself to its consumer,” he wrote. “Identical goes for its identify.”

Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Swap 2

Invoice Steele for Engadget

Between a sturdy case and a detachable battery pack, Belkin’s Charging Case for Nintendo Swap 2 covers all the main necessities. 

Professionals

• Easy design
• Included 10,000mAh battery pack
• Hidden AirTag pouch

Cons

• No choice to carry your individual battery pack
• May not work with cumbersome skins or covers

$70 at Amazon

Now that the Swap 2 is out within the wild, Nintendo’s handheld console wants safety. Sam put the Belkin Charging Case via its paces to seek out out if it is a worthy accent. “I form of want Belkin bought a model that does not include a battery for anybody who desires to make use of their very own energy pack,” he mentioned. “The corporate’s non-charging model of this case isn’t an excellent various because it would not have a lot further house inside. Besides, this package affords a stable mixture of worth and practicality, which is all I am ever actually asking for.”