Understanding Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality immerses users in computer-generated environments, transporting them to entirely digital worlds that can be vastly different from the physical reality. The experience is typically delivered through specialized headsets, such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or PlayStation VR, which encompass the user’s field of view and provide a sense of presence and depth. VR often involves tracking the user’s head and body movements, enabling them to interact with the virtual environment and creating a convincing illusion of being physically present in the digital world.

Applications of Virtual Reality

1. Gaming: Gaming is one of the most well-known and widely adopted applications of VR. Users can step into the shoes of their avatars, fully immersing themselves in the virtual worlds and interacting with them through body movements and gestures. VR gaming offers an unprecedented level of immersion and interactivity, making it a favorite among gamers and developers alike.
2. Training and Simulations: VR has made significant strides in training simulations for various industries. It is particularly useful in high-risk professions like aviation, military, and medicine, where trainees can practice complex tasks and procedures in a safe and controlled environment. VR training allows users to make mistakes without real-life consequences and learn from them, enhancing their skill development.
3. Education and Virtual Field Trips: Virtual Reality has the potential to revolutionize education by enabling students to explore historical sites, scientific phenomena, and abstract concepts in a more engaging and memorable way. Virtual field trips can transport students to different locations worldwide, providing them with experiential learning opportunities they might not have otherwise.
4. Therapy and Rehabilitation: VR is increasingly being used as a therapeutic tool in treating various mental health conditions and physical rehabilitation. It offers exposure therapy for phobias, helps manage anxiety and stress, and assists in motor function recovery after injuries or surgeries.
5. Architectural Visualization and Real Estate: In the architecture and real estate industries, VR allows clients to virtually tour properties and visualize architectural designs before construction. It enables stakeholders to experience the space’s scale, layout, and design in an immersive way, facilitating better decision-making.

Understanding Augmented Reality

Unlike Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality overlays digital content onto the real world, enriching the user’s immediate surroundings with virtual elements. AR is experienced through various devices, such as smartphones, smart glasses (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens), and heads-up displays (HUDs). By blending virtual elements with reality, AR enhances users’ perception of the physical environment, offering an interactive and informative experience.

Applications of Augmented Reality

1. Gaming and Entertainment: Augmented Reality gaming has seen significant success with applications like Pokémon GO, where virtual creatures are superimposed onto the real world through smartphones’ cameras and GPS. AR also enhances entertainment experiences through interactive storytelling and digital art installations.
2. Navigation and Wayfinding: AR can provide real-time directions and information about points of interest, improving navigation in unfamiliar places. For example, AR navigation apps can overlay arrows or signs directly onto the user’s live view to guide them through the city.
3. Retail and Advertising: AR enhances product experiences by allowing customers to visualize products in their own spaces before making a purchase decision. Brands can create interactive AR experiences that engage and entertain users, leading to increased brand awareness and customer satisfaction.
4. Medical Applications and Surgical Assistance: Surgeons can use AR to overlay digital information onto a patient’s body during procedures, providing crucial guidance and visualizations. AR helps medical professionals access real-time patient data, such as vital signs or medical history, without diverting their attention from the patient.
5. Collaboration and Communication: AR enables remote collaboration, where users in different locations can interact and share information in a shared augmented space. This has significant implications for businesses with teams spread across different regions.

Key Differences between VR and AR

While both VR and AR share the common goal of blurring the lines between physical and digital experiences, they differ in fundamental ways:

1. Level of Immersion: VR aims for complete immersion by blocking out the real world and replacing it with a virtual environment. In contrast, AR seeks to enhance the real world by overlaying digital content onto it, allowing users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings.
2. Hardware Requirements: VR usually requires dedicated headsets with powerful processing capabilities to create the convincing illusion of virtual presence. AR experiences, on the other hand, can often be accessed through more widely available devices like smartphones or AR glasses.
3. Interaction Paradigm: In VR, users typically interact with the virtual environment using motion controllers or gestures within the digital space. In AR, interaction occurs through touch screens, voice commands, and gestures in the real world.
4. Spatial Awareness: VR users lack awareness of the physical environment, which can lead to potential safety hazards. In AR, users remain conscious of their surroundings, reducing safety concerns and enabling more practical use in various contexts.

The Convergence of VR and AR: Mixed Reality

As VR and AR technologies continue to evolve, there is a growing convergence between these two immersive realms, leading to the emergence of Mixed Reality (MR). Mixed Reality is a hybrid category that combines the best aspects of both technologies, allowing virtual content to interact with and respond to the real-world environment in real-time.

Advantages of Mixed Reality

1. Contextual Interactions: Mixed Reality enables virtual objects to interact with physical objects, enhancing realism and expanding the range of possible applications. For example, users can manipulate virtual objects that respond to real-world physics, creating a more engaging and authentic experience.
2. Enhanced Immersion: By integrating virtual elements into the real world, Mixed Reality provides a more immersive experience that feels grounded and connected to the user’s surroundings. This enhanced immersion blurs the lines between the physical and digital, fostering a sense of presence in both worlds.
3. Versatility: Mixed Reality headsets can switch between VR and AR modes, offering users the flexibility to choose the level of immersion based on their preferences and the task at hand. This versatility allows for seamless transitions between fully virtual experiences and interactive augmentations of the real world.
4. Collaboration and Shared Experiences: MR facilitates collaborative experiences by allowing multiple users to interact with the same digital content in a shared physical space. This has significant implications for industries such as design, engineering, and education, where real-time collaboration can drive innovation and productivity.

Challenges of Mixed Reality

1. Hardware Complexity: Building Mixed Reality devices with the capabilities to seamlessly blend virtual and real-world content is technically challenging and requires sophisticated hardware. Achieving precise tracking, real-time environmental understanding, and accurate occlusion of virtual objects demands advanced sensors and processing capabilities.
2. User Interface Design: Designing intuitive and effective user interfaces for Mixed Reality experiences is complex. User interactions must be seamless and natural, requiring developers to consider how users interact with both virtual and physical elements simultaneously.
3. Content Accessibility: As Mixed Reality is a relatively new technology, there is a need to develop a broader range of content and applications to fully exploit its potential. Content creators face challenges in designing experiences that effectively leverage both virtual and real-world elements to create compelling and meaningful interactions.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality have each made significant advancements, reshaping various industries and offering unique and transformative experiences to users. VR immerses users in computer-generated worlds, while AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enriching their perception of reality.

Moreover, the convergence of VR and AR into Mixed Reality introduces exciting possibilities for interactive and immersive experiences. Mixed Reality seamlessly blends virtual and real-world content, allowing for contextual interactions and shared experiences that push the boundaries of human-computer interaction.

As technology continues to advance, the potential of these immersive technologies is limitless. Their continued development will undoubtedly reshape how we interact with digital information, transforming our lives and the world around us in ways we can only begin to imagine. Whether it’s through fully immersive virtual environments, informative augmented overlays, or the integration of both in Mixed Reality, these technologies will undoubtedly be at the forefront of our digital future. As we look ahead, the convergence of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking innovations and further bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms.

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What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that establishes a secure and encrypted connection between a user’s device and the internet. It creates a private network within a public network, such as the internet, by routing the user’s internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This tunnel prevents unauthorized parties from accessing or intercepting the user’s data, providing a layer of privacy and security.

Use Cases of VPNs

1. Enhanced Security and Privacy – One of the primary use cases of VPNs is to enhance security and privacy online. By encrypting your internet traffic, VPNs prevent hackers, government agencies, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from tracking or monitoring your online activities. This is particularly beneficial when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to eavesdropping.
2. Accessing Geo-Restricted Content – VPNs can be used to bypass geographic restrictions imposed by content providers and websites. For example, if you want to access streaming services, such as Netflix or Hulu, that are only available in certain countries, a VPN can help you appear as if you’re browsing from a different location. This allows you to access region-locked content and enjoy a broader range of entertainment options.
3. Secure Remote Access – VPNs are widely used by businesses and individuals who require secure remote access to their corporate networks or home networks. By connecting to a VPN server, users can access resources on their network securely, even when they are outside of the physical premises. This is particularly useful for remote workers, allowing them to access sensitive files and information without compromising security.

How VPNs Protect Your Data

VPNs provide enhanced security, especially when using public networks. By assigning an alternative IP address and masking your handset’s location, VPNs allow you to access sensitive information, such as banking details, while also enabling access to region-restricted websites. However, it’s important to note that VPNs are not entirely foolproof and may introduce some lag when used on slower connections.

Setting Up VPN on Android Handsets

Android smartphones offer built-in VPN settings, eliminating the need for third-party applications. Follow these steps to set up a VPN on your Android device:

1. Access the ‘Settings’ menu on your smartphone.
2. Navigate to ‘Connectivity’ and select ‘VPN.’
3. Tap the ‘Add’ button to create a new VPN profile.
4. Enter the necessary details provided by your VPN provider in the dialog box.
5. Click ‘Save’ to finalize the setup.
6. Access the newly added VPN and log in using your username and password to establish a connection.

Setting Up VPN on iOS

Similar to Android, iOS devices also feature native support for VPN. Follow these steps to set up VPN on your iOS device:

1. Access the ‘Settings’ menu on your smartphone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘VPN’.
3. Select ‘Add VPN Configuration.’
4. Enter your VPN details in the provided fields on the screen and save the configuration.
5. Return to the home screen and activate the VPN by toggling the switch located at the top of the screen.

Setting Up VPN on Windows Smartphones

Setting up VPN on Windows smartphones involves a few additional considerations. Only certain categories of VPN protocols are supported, and the availability of VPN setup may depend on the version of Windows you’re using. Here are the general steps:

1. Access the ‘Settings’ menu on your smartphone.
2. Tap on ‘VPN’ and turn it on.
3. Click the ‘Add’ button to create a new VPN profile.
4. Enter the necessary details, including the Server Name and other relevant information related to your VPN.
5. Whenever you want to connect, select the profile and tap the appropriate option to establish the connection.

By following the steps above, you can ensure the safety of your data and browse public networks without the fear of being tracked by third parties. As concerns about online privacy and data security continue to grow, VPNs have become indispensable tools. Whether you’re using an Android smartphone, an iOS device, or a Windows smartphone, setting up a VPN is relatively straightforward. Take the necessary steps to set up a VPN on your smartphone and secure your digital life.

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Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of a streaming device not only contribute to its aesthetics but also impact its functionality and ease of use. Apple TV 4K has a sleek and premium design with a square shape and an aluminum casing. It blends seamlessly with modern home entertainment setups and exudes a sense of sophistication. In comparison, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K follows a more conventional stick-like design, making it compact and lightweight. Although lacking the premium feel of Apple TV 4K, the Fire TV Stick 4K is portable and easy to handle.

Performance and User Interface

Performance is a crucial aspect when it comes to streaming devices, as it directly impacts the smoothness of navigation, app loading times, and overall user experience. Apple TV 4K sets a high bar with its powerful A12 Bionic chip, the same one found in the latest iPhones and iPads. This chip ensures lightning-fast processing speeds, smooth multitasking, and flawless playback of high-resolution content. The device effortlessly handles resource-intensive applications and is particularly well-suited for gaming and demanding multimedia experiences. Apple’s tvOS provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, with seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem.

In contrast, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is equipped with a quad-core processor, delivering snappy performance and fluid app launches. While not as powerful as the A12 Bionic chip, it handles day-to-day tasks with ease. The Fire TV user interface is designed to promote Amazon’s extensive content library, providing easy access to popular apps and services. Its interface is straightforward to navigate, with a focus on personalized recommendations and discovering new content.

Content and App Ecosystem

The content and app ecosystem available on a streaming device are critical factors to consider. Apple TV 4K grants access to an extensive library of content, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. In addition, it offers exclusive access to Apple Originals, making it a compelling choice for fans of the Apple ecosystem. Apple TV 4K supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, enhancing the visual and audio experience for compatible content. Moreover, it integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, allowing you to control and mirror content effortlessly.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K provides a vast range of apps and services, including YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, and many more. It also supports HDR10+ for improved picture quality. With Amazon’s extensive content library and partnerships, you can access a wide variety of entertainment options. Additionally, the Fire TV Stick 4K integrates with Amazon’s ecosystem, enabling you to control compatible smart home devices using the included remote’s voice control, thanks to the integration of Alexa.

Remote and Voice Control

The remote control is an essential component of a streaming device, as it serves as the primary means of navigation and control. The Apple TV 4K remote features a touch-sensitive surface and Siri integration. This allows for voice commands, providing a convenient way to search for content, control playback, and interact with your smart home devices. The touch-enabled surface offers smooth scrolling and precise control, enhancing the overall user experience.

On the other hand, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K remote includes Alexa voice control, allowing you to perform similar functions using voice commands. It also has dedicated buttons for quick access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video. While lacking touch-sensitive capabilities, the Fire TV remote is user-friendly and provides a satisfactory navigation experience.

Smart Home Integration

With the rise of smart home devices, the ability to integrate with your existing ecosystem is becoming increasingly important. Apple TV 4K supports HomeKit, Apple’s smart home platform, allowing you to control compatible devices directly from your TV or through Siri voice commands. This level of integration is advantageous for users who already have a significant investment in Apple’s smart home ecosystem.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, on the other hand, seamlessly integrates with Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem. This integration enables you to control compatible smart home devices using the Fire TV remote or by issuing voice commands to Alexa. It acts as a central hub for your smart home, providing convenience and simplifying your home automation experience.

Price and Value for Money

Pricing plays a significant role in the decision-making process when choosing a streaming device. Apple TV 4K is positioned as a premium device, and accordingly, it comes with a higher price tag. The advanced hardware, exclusive content, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem contribute to its premium positioning. However, if you are an Apple user looking for a seamless multimedia experience across your devices, the Apple TV 4K can be a worthwhile investment.

On the other hand, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance and content availability. It provides an excellent value for money proposition, especially for those already invested in the Amazon ecosystem. The Fire TV Stick 4K offers a wide range of streaming apps and services, ensuring you have access to the content you desire at an affordable price.

When comparing the Apple TV 4K and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, it’s evident that both devices have their strengths and cater to different user preferences. Apple TV 4K impresses with its powerful performance, exclusive content, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.

On the other hand, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K offers affordability, extensive app compatibility, and strong integration with the Amazon ecosystem. Your choice between these devices should depend on your budget, desired features, and your existing ecosystem. Ultimately, both options provide a compelling streaming experience, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content on-demand.

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Ransomware is a kind of virus. They affect your Personal Computer mainly in dual ways. One, they infect and lock down everything on your computer. Second, they demand payment of ransom in the form of huge amounts for unlocking your computer. Anyway, Ransomwares end up in locking down of your PC and also loss of your money.

Types of Ransomwares

There are many types of Ransomwares and they use various methods to extract money from you. They are:

1. Locks up certain important data in your laptop or personal computer.
2. May threaten you that they have access to your credential files and claims money from you.
3. They tend to lock down to PC and frighten you that they will wipe out the entire data within a preset time period.
4. Ends up in locking down the entire activities of your computer.
5. Annoys you with continuous popups that cannot be closed down under any circumstances.
6. May prevent from booting your computer ending up in a complete mess.
7. May come with displaying messages that you have been detained by law enforcement agencies like FBI or Gendarmerie Nationale etc. These types of messages say that you have been fined for viewing illegal contents over the internet.

Attacks of Ransomwares

The earliest known Ransomware was PC Cyborg Trojan, AKA the AIDS Info Disk in 1989. It was developed by Dr. Joseph Popp. His program replaced certain files in the infected systems. The Ransomware got activated after the user booted his computer for 90 times. It made the system crash by changing the filenames in C drive. It gradually made certain important directories invisible. Finally Trojan claimed a huge sum of money to have access to their respective systems. But Popp was caught and sentenced to serve imprisonment at Brixton prison in England.

Next major attack of Ransomwares took place during 2005-06 in the regions covering the Russia and Eastern Europe. These Ransomwares zip certain types of files and folders with a password. The user cannot open those files without the help of password. The people who were behind the Ransomware charges nearly $300 for passwords to open those folders.

How they get into your PC

One of the ways is by downloading certain kinds of files from compromised websites. This again can be by accidently clicking on any ads on the website or on certain occasions while opening certain mail attachments. Another method is by infected removable drives. This includes using same storage device for multiple systems. It can also be infected due to program vulnerabilities. This may be due to weakness caused by various forms of malware that had already affected the machine. It can also get into the system by not updating web browsers. Ransomware can also get into your PC by certain applications like browser tools, software keys, .exe files, messenger applications, file sharing with peers and so on.

How far Ransomware affected?

According to the studies conducted it was found that nearly 5700 computers are being affected daily. The programmers of these malwares charges $60-$200 from each user. Nearly 2.9% of the victim has already paid the sum of money. The data reveals that the programmers behind malware had made a sum of $394000. During the earlier quarter of 2013, Russia reported nearly 250,000 instances of malware attack. US Homeland Security reported that a malware named CryptoLocker collected nearly $100 million in last 10 months. Even the Massachusetts Police Department ended up in paying $750 to reestablish access to their files in the year 2013.

CrytoLocker Infection statistics shows that it had affected 25,841 systems in Canada, 336,856 in US, 4,593 in UK, 1,832 in India, 15,427 in Australia and other countries together 100,448. CrptoLocker demanded its payments in Bitcoins and Green Dot MoneyPaks. CryptoWall, an innovated version of CryptoLocker successfully locked down nearly 625,000 systems and successfully plundered $1 million from users.

What Should you do, If your PC Got Affected With Ransomware

The most important thing that you must do is to never pay the ransom. Even if you pay the money, you won’t get any assurance that they will unlock your PC. Also paying ransom may encourage the hackers to plunder more money from your hard earned pockets.

If you thinks that your PC is affected, then you must avoid connecting any external devices to your PC further. You must also disconnect other devices on the network in order to avoid affecting them from malwares. The safest method is to install Antivirus and Antimalware Software in your PC. Even after trying all these, if you still fail to prevent the infection, get a Boot recovery CD/DVD/USB and restore your system to factory conditions. Also you must request help from Internet Crime Complaint Center.

How to Protect your PC from Ransomware

1. You must use a Spam filter option on your emails.
2. Install highly secured antivirus software and remember to update it regularly.
3. Always download, install and attach pop-up blocker to your browser to avoid accidental clicking on them.
4. Also update your Operating System from time to time. Always keep a back-up of important files in your PC.
5. Then if you are going to open any mails, remember to activate the firewalls in antivirus that you are using.

Ransomware has got sophisticated from the days it used to spread with the help of floppy disks. Now they spread with a label of important mail in the name of your bank. When you open those mails, your PC may get affected with malware. So always treat every file with a suspicion. Always remember that ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’.

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It is easy to use, because it is put on the wrist like all the other watches and they are many options available. Indeed, with the number of offers on the market, you will have a hard time finding the model and brand that suits your needs.

That’s why we are happy to share with you our list of the top 10 best fitness smart watches we’ve selected by taking into account the opinions of consumers, our own experience, and the opinions of experts.

1 Garmin Fenix 7

Best fitness smartwatch for multi-sport competitive athletes

Pros:

• Ultra-complete.
• Free global mapping.
• Touch screen.
• Weather functions.
• Great battery life.
• Assistance and SOS function.

Cons:

• High price.

In the field of smartwatches, the Garmin Fenix 7 is the benchmark – provided you pay the price. It is available in three versions with different screen sizes and a design that is better suited to your wrist.

The Fenix 7 is a true companion of your daily activity, the watch offers you a detailed report of the last 7 days. As mentioned above, the training section of the watch is completely free and will allow you to follow your performance as closely as possible, whether running, swimming or even skiing. In terms of sensors, it has an integrated barometer, a sensor to measure SpO2 and a heart sensor.

In terms of GPS tracking, the Sapphire Solar version integrates a satellite navigation system (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo). In the report, this allows you to have a track close to reality and reliable measurements. When it comes to heart rate monitoring, the watch offers values close to those of the heart rate monitor you find in our hospitals. Whether it is for split or long- duration effort, the data recorded are close to reality. The autonomy of the watch is also great, because the battery of the standard version can last up to two weeks without any problem. And the Fenix 7 is capable of diving to a depth of 100 meters without difficulty. In short, this watch is the best available for fitness.

2 Apple Series 8

Best fitness tracker for iPhone users

Pros:

• Very accurate GPS tracking.
• Improved sports tracking.
• Fast charging.
• Good heart rate tracking.

Cons:

• Only four colors.
• Price.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a real technological jewel that brings its share of novelties to those who do not want to do without Apple. Its OLED screen of 1.69 or 1.9 inches, depending on the version chosen, offers a nice brightness for the content displayed. The straps are easily replaceable if you are looking for more solid materials.

In terms of fitness features, the Series 8 has the same GPS tracking as the previous generation. GPS tracking is GNSS and L1 compatible. The tracking offered during your runs is accurate, allowing you to run with peace of mind. It is especially the watchOS 9 update that brings big improvements in sports tracking. With it, the watch is able to manage intervals, but also to customize exercises with several activities. The tracking of your heart rate is also excellent. You also get the triathlon mode and advanced running metrics like stride length, ground contact time and vertical oscillation.

The only downside of the Apple Watch Series 8 in its sports section is its poor battery life which can barely last Up to 18 hours. But the early morning runners will appreciate that the watch charges quickly – from zero to 80 percent in just 45 minutes. Plus, you can extend the battery life by activating the low power mode to get up to 36 hours.

3 Fitbit Versa 3

Best Budget-Friendly alternative to the series 8 and the galaxy watch 5

Pros:

• Integrated GPS.
• Fitness functions.
• Sleep monitoring.
• Phone calls.
• Voice assistants.

Cons:

• Buckle-less strap
• Limited applications

The Fitbit Versa 3, like the Sense, uses Fitbit’s updated PurePulse 2.0 technology in its multipath optical heart rate sensor. Heart rate tracking is at the core of many of Fitbit’s fitness features, including cardio fitness levels, active zone minutes, workout intensity map, guided breathing sessions and sleep score. Its hero is the built-in GPS, which was missing from previous Versa models. The most athletic fitness users will appreciate this new feature, as they will no longer need to carry their phone with them to get GPS statistics on pace and distance, as well as maps of their workout routes.

Swipe left to access the Exercise app and choose from 20 exercise modes to get real- time stats during workouts: Running, biking, swimming, weight lifting, walking, and more. All the information about these activities are perfectly displayed on the large, bright screen, and in more detail in the Fitbit mobile app. You will also love the Fitbit’s SmartTrack feature, which, after 15 minutes of activity, automatically recognizes and records the exercises you are doing if you haven’t set them via the watch. Moreover, the Fitbit is the world champion of sleep tracking. With it, you get detailed statistics not only on how long you sleep, but also the quality and the duration of each sleep stages. finally, the Versa 3 has about 6 days of autonomy on one charge. However, with 2 to 3 sports sessions per week, the battery will last for 4 to 5 days. It is therefore among the best fitness smartwatches in terms of autonomy.

4 Garmin Forerunner 955

The Best Watch For Triathlon

Pros:

• Dual frequency GPS.
• Contactless payment.
• Mp3 player.
• Autonomy 42h.
• Solar model.
• Route generator (cycling, walking, running).
• Bicycle paths and skiing, golf.
• Assistance in case of fall and SOS call.
• Follow-up on the Internet.
• Lightweight and Ultra-Complete Color Mapping.

Cons:

• One wrist size only.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is arguably the best watch available for triathletes.

Like the Forerunner 255, the 955 is primarily designed for running enthusiasts. It also performs well in cycling and swimming. The watch is also brilliant for triathletes, and in terms of performances and features, it is almost at the level as the Fenix 7 we talked about earlier.

It has all the features available on the previous version with an altimeter, a SpO2 sensor or a sleep sensor. But is stands out especially in the analysis of the data provided. For example, the Body Battery levels gives you an estimate of the amount of energy you have left on a scale of 100 and advises you either to do sports or to rest. And when it comes to GPS accuracy, the Forerunner 955 is as brilliant as its competitor, aka, the Garmin Fenix 7.

The Forerunner 955 performs well in terms of battery life, because, it can last up to 36 hours in GPS mode and up to 7 days in standard mode, making it a reliable option for long workouts.

It also benefits from the multiband, for a satellite tracking as close to reality. Heart tracking is also close to the measurements made by the lap belt. It is one of the best available for several sports, without the extra cost of Fenix.

5 Amazfit GTR 4

Best Mid-Range Fitness Tracker

Pros:

• Good Battery life.
• AMOLED screen.
• Fast GPS chip due to unique antenna design.
• Numerous health and fitness tracking features.
• A very good value for money.
• Precise sensors.

Cons:

• The plastic crowns.
• No streaming music.
• No contactless payment.

The Amazfit GTR 4 is packed with both fitness and smartwatch features and is more than competitive at this price point. It offers solid fitness and sports tracking, enhanced smartwatch features and great battery life. The watch itself is quite light and thin. It weighs 34 grams and is 10.6 millimeters thick. All physical controls are located on the right side of the case and his AMOLED display, with a diagonal of 1.43 inches and a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels looks great even outdoors.

On the fitness side, there are over 150 sports modes including running, cycling, swimming and indoor workouts, such as the elliptical and rowing machine, and even e-sports games using motion sensors or a swing. You can swim with the watch, because, it can withstand pressure up to 5 atm. Moreover, Amazfit equips the GTR 4 with features such as dual-band GPS, heart rate monitors, and route import, giving it strong credentials as a smartwatch for tracking outdoor and high-intensity workouts. The watch also features automatic exercise recognition for up to eight activities, including pool swimming and outdoor cycling.

To make the GTR 4 more suitable for outdoor exercise as well, Amazfit has integrated features such as a dual-band mode to improve tracking accuracy in areas where the satellite signal is problematic, such as in the middle of a city with tall buildings or when surrounded by tall trees. Finally, it has an exceptional battery life of up to 14 days in normal mode and up to 48 hours in continuous GPS mode.

6 Garmin Vivoactive 4

Best fitness smartwatch for women

Pros:

• Excellent exercise tracking, with full GPS.
• Streaming music.
• Lots of statistics.

Cons:

• No tracking of performance conditions.

Without a doubt, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a stylish and very affordable fitness smartwatch for men and women, and, good alternative to the Venu 2S. Like the previous models, this watch offers an AMOLED touch screen made of AMOLED. It is ultra-resistant and very effective against scratches. It’s neat and allows you to read the data easily, even under the hot sun. It is also very responsive and the navigation is quite fluid.

When it comes to fitness features, the Vivoactive 4 features more 30 functions to measure your performance, track your sleep, monitor your blood oxygen level or even your hydration. Like the Venu 2S, this stylish watch for women also features Garmin Coach, a popular application for tracking workouts directly on your watch. With its latest generation of highly accurate optical sensors, the tracking of heart rate or breathing rate is very powerful through reliable measurements.

It also benefits from a very powerful GPS navigation system like Fenix 7. Indeed, it is equipped with a complete cartography for your routes thanks to his Galileo which adds precision. However, a small drawback on this model is that the initial loading of the GPS for a route can take a little longer than on the competition. As far as autonomy is concerned, in connected mode, it offers you up to 7 days of battery life, and 15 hours if you activate the continuous GPS mode.

7 Coros pace 2

Best for professional runners or triathletes

Pros:

• Impressive strength.
• High Quality materials.
• The accuracy of the sensors.
• Remarkable autonomy.
• Complete and intuitive applications.

Cons:

• The weight.
• old Notification manager.

The Coros pace 2 offers more than 200 exercises already integrated to complement and help you improve your training sessions. And additional new features like a heat map of muscle groups to measure their activation, VO2 max estimation and many others. Compact and functional, it will seduce the demanding sport enthusiasts who seek precision and performance. It has an excellent backlighting mode and its touch screen can be consulted at any time, whether in the dark or under a blazing sun. The icing on the cake is that the Pace 2 has an amazing battery life: 30 hours with GPS and up to 20 days with basic activity tracking. Impressive figures for an entry-level cardio watch.

This activity tracker from the Coros brand really checks all the boxes. It’s also equipped with a high-performance GPS for your outdoor cardio workouts, an added bonus to this piece of jewelry that didn’t even need it to outperform the competition. Finally, it is the design of its home screen that really impressed us. You have access to several themes and hundreds of widgets. If you are looking for a fitness smartwatch at reasonably priced to track your cardio during your workouts, stop hesitating and trust the Coros pace 2, you won’t be disappointed!

8 Garmin Forerunner 245

Best running smartwatch for women

Pros:

• Slim design.
• Comfortable screen.
• Many different sports profile.
• Reliable heart rate sensor.
• Light weight.

Cons:

• Price.
• cardio precision.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 is a fitness watch that is perfectly compatible with women. With its minimalist design, featherweight and different sports profiles, the watch can be perfectly matched to slim wrists and ensure flawless tracking.

This watch combines practicality and elegance, it is a mix between a smartwatch and a sports watch. His screen is made of Corning Gorilla 3 glass and the bezel is made of fiber reinforced polymer. The screen is touch-sensitive and anti-glare, it is 240 x 240 pixel, which is really comfortable for the readability of data and notifications. The display is 1.2 inches, the watch has anti-reflective function and is waterproof to 5 ATM.

As far as fitness features are concerned, this watch has a GPS on board, an accelerometer, a barometric altimeter, an optical heart rate sensor, a pedometer and a compass, so that you can take advanced measurements when running and view your performance, compare them, and set up programs to improve. It is great for triathlon, running, cycling and swimming. In terms of functionality, the Garmin Forerunner 245 takes the best of the 235 with a few more functions, such as the age indicator, energy monitor, stress indicator and a new sleep tracking mode. Regarding battery life, the manufacture has announced a battery life of up to 7 days with intense use and nearly 24 hours with continuous use of the GPS.

9 Withings ScanWatch

Most stylish fitness tracker.

Pros:

• Intuitive sleep tracking.
• Accurate and high quantity of sensors.
• The remarkable design.
• Health Mate application for advanced analysis.
• The silent alarm clock, very effective.

Cons:

• The lack of a music player.
• Lack of an integrated GPS.

Withings ScanWatch intends to combine a neat design, precise sports metrics and advanced health data, and from our point of view, the gamble is quite successful. The Scanwatch from Withings is one of the most beautiful smartwatches we have ever used. It has a simple and pure design, and we particularly like the white version with the white nylon straps. And his stainless-steel case makes it incredibly durable and completely waterproof.

In terms of fitness features, the Withings watch does not directly integrate GPS. However, it can use the GPS of your smartphone, associated with Bluetooth, when you start a workout. Six activities are supported when you press and hold the button on the crown: swimming, cycling, running, walking, indoor running and more. For workouts, the watch will measure the number of steps taken, heart rate, VO2max, distance traveled based on the smartphone’s GPS, as well as the elevation gain or average pace. All this information can be found in its Health Mate application on smartphone.

In terms of health features, the Scanwatch is equipped with rare health monitoring systems. The watch manufacturer Withings goes very far with this model, since it has made it a real medical device. In addition to classic measurements of heart rate and oxygen saturation in the blood, it can alert you to atrial fibrillation or sleep apnea and can perform an electrocardiogram with the possibility of detecting a possible heart attack. With a battery life of about 30 days, this minimalist cardio watch will allow you to accurately track your workouts.

10 Fitbit Charge 5

Most Advanced Fitness Tracker

Pros:

• More elegant design than the previous Charges.
• Smaller charger.
• Autonomy of 5 to 7 days.
• Numerous health sensors.
• Heart rate monitor and GPS rather accurate.

Cons:

• No real musical control.
• Limited number of sports measured.

In Fitbit’s line of activity wristbands, the Charge 5 is the most advanced model. So, if you’re looking for the best fitness tracker of the brand (and potentially of the market), you have it with the Fitbit Charge 5.

As far as the design is concerned, this watch features a high-quality OLED screen that displays bright and vibrant colors. It has a sleek and stylish design that goes perfectly with any style of clothing.

When it comes to fitness, you will like the fact that despite his compact and sleek appearance, it is a complete device that can track your workouts, sleep, stress level with its AED sensor but also perform an ECG (electrocardiogram). The screen is twice as bright as the Charge 4 and has an always on display mode.

In terms of sensors, it is simply over-equipped: 3-axis accelerometer, optical heart rate monitor, GPS + GLONASS, red and infrared sensors for monitoring oxygen saturation, temperature, and more. it also allows you to improve your nights by studying your sleep phases and offering an intelligent alarm clock.

His battery can last up to one week, and it is one of the few fitness wristbands to have built-in GPS. Indeed, thanks to its built-in GPS and advanced motion sensors, the charge 5 allows you to track your physical activities, such as walking, running, cycling and swimming.

With it, you will see your speed, distance, the calorie burns and heart rate in real time to reach your fitness goals. You can also use this feature to detect stressful moments and relax with guided breathing exercises. Finally, the Fitbit Charge 5 is waterproof and can be worn in the shower or during your water activities.

The post Best Smartwatches for Fitness: Find Your Perfect Match appeared first on SmartnTechs.

1 Apple Watch Series 8

The best smartwatch overall

What we love:

• A sumptuous and very bright screen.
• Powerful processor.
• Improved sports tracking.
• Fast charging.
• Great autonomy.
• Rather advanced sports functions.
• Very accurate GPS tracking.
• Good heart rate tracking.

Cons:

• Only four colors.
• No AC adapter in the box.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is the best smartwatch of the year. Although it offers few improvements over the Apple Watch Series 7, it does have some nice improvements such as a temperature sensor, but also accident detection, whether for falls or car accidents. In case of lack of response from you, it can directly launch an emergency call.

On the design side, Apple has kept the same recipe for its Apple Watch Series 8. This beautiful smartwatch is available in 41 mm or 45 mm, in aluminum or stainless steel. The steel model has a sapphire glass screen while the aluminum version is equipped with Ion-X glass. For the 41 mm version, we have an AMOLED screen with a diagonal of 1.69 inches, and 1.9 inches for the 45 mm version. The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a really bright screen, even in direct sunlight, and an always-on mode that allows you to always keep a dial displayed on the screen.

In terms of health features, the Apple Watch 8 does not do anything fancy with its particularly good ECG, the possibility of knowing the level of oxygen in your blood and especially a GPS mode that will complement the automatic detection of the sport done, without having to set it. As a bonus, the Watch OS 9 update offers advanced sports functions: you will have more accurate data during your workouts and will be able to choose the information displayed, such as distance traveled or heart rate. You will also be able to make calls, check all your notifications, answer messages, pay without contact thanks to the integrated NFC. However, the only small drawback of the Apple Watch is its poor battery life. Indeed, the Series 8 will hardly exceed 18 hours of use. On the other hand, this new model offers an energy-saving mode that deactivates the always-on mode to push up the battery life to 36 hours.

2 Google Pixel Watch

The best smartwatch for Pixel smartphones

Pros:

• Successful design.
• Comfortable to wear.
• The very good GPS tracking.
• Compatible applications.
• Simple and fluid interface.
• Bright Amoled screen.
• Complete health functions.

Cons:

• Low autonomy.
• Large borders.

The Google Pixel Watch made its mark with its sleek design. With its light weight of less than 50 g, you can easily forget that you have it on the wrist. It has a beautiful round 1.2-inch AMOLED screen of 450×450 pixels. This screen capable of displaying up to 1000 nits and an always-on mode that allows you to see the time at a glance. It is protected by a curved part in Gorilla Glass 5.

The Exynos 9110 chip on board allows you to run Google Wear OS 3.5 without any problem. This OS is easy to use and well thought out. By Combining Google’s Wear OS with Fitbit’s own features, the Pixel Watch offers all the functionalities you would expect from a high-end smartwatch. Notably, call/text, mobile payment and home automation control features. You can choose from 40 exercise modes and see how many minutes of active zone you’ve reached, as well as how your heart rate changes throughout the day. And with access to the Play Store, you can customize it with a wide range of third-party apps like Strava, MyFitnessPal and more.

Thanks to Google’s 2021 acquisition of Fitbit, the Pixel Watch also benefits from advanced health features you can only find on Fitbit smartwatches. In terms of sensors, there is a compass, an altimeter, a blood oxygen sensor, an optical heart rate sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope… And a GPS, which is very useful for finding your way around without having to take your phone with you. The 4G version of the watch also has two microphones and a speakerphone so you can make phone calls directly from your wrist. The autonomy of this smartwatch is around 24 hours depending on your use. You will therefore have to remember to recharge it every day.

3 Garmin Venu 2 Plus

The best fitness-tracking smartwatch

Pros:

• Nice Amoled screen.
• Accuracy of the sensors.
• Many Garmin apps.
• Complete sports tracking.
• Excellent autonomy.
• calls and voice assistant.

Cons:

• fluidity in the interface.
• Limited IQ app.

Garmin, a company that is well-known and well-respected among athletes for its smartwatches, has designed a Plus version of the Venu 2. Even though athletes have praised the original model, the manufacturer wanted to make it even better, so they came up with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus.

One difference between the Garmin Venu 2 Plus and its predecessor that is immediately noticeable to the naked eye is the addition of a third button to the device. The button in question is not merely there for the purpose of improving the 43mm watch’s aesthetics; rather, it enables the wearer to make and receive phone calls when the watch is synced with a smartphone that is compatible with it. Additionally, the chassis has been improved, resulting in a gain of 2 millimeters in comparison to the Garmin Venu 2. This connected watch comes equipped with both a speaker and a microphone so that the wearer can take and make phone calls using the device. You can accept or decline a call using just your voice thanks to compatibility with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Additionally, you can use it to exercise control over the automated components of your home. Likewise, you are able to transmit messages by using voice dictation.

Garmin has equipped the screen with Corning Gorilla 3, which is resistant to scratches, in order to protect everything else. Because it has a 5 ATM certification, the Venu 2 Plus is suitable for use in depths of up to 50 meters when participating in aquatic activities. This device is compatible with more than 20 different sports, and you can even design your fitness profile using Garmin Coach. You also get sensor that will monitor your health and sleep quality. On the luminous Amoled screen that has a resolution of 416 by 416 pixels, all of the information can be seen very clearly. The battery life is also strong, it can last up to 9 days.

4 Apple Watch SE (2022)

The best value smartwatch for iPhone users

Pros:

• The rotating crown to navigate.
• Two full days of autonomy.
• Excellent heart rate tracking.
• Good GPS tracking.
• Good cardio sensor.
• Amoled screen bright and good size.
• Smooth and pleasant interface.
• Perfect integration into the Apple ecosystem.

Cons:

• No always-on.
• Only for iPhone.

The 2022 Apple Watch SE has most of the features of the Apple Watch Series and offers multiple features. You will benefit from a sport and sleep tracking option, a 2nd generation optical heart sensor, the ability to calculate your blood oxygenation rate, and more. It high-precision GPS is capable of retranscribing your route perfectly, but also to orient you. But we lose some features such as the ECG or pulse oximeter.

The OLED screen of 40 mm is not left behind (368 x 448 pixels). Its brightness can reach 1000 cd/m². This way, you won’t have any problem to see even if the sun is glaring. Nevertheless, the edges are not curved and not as thin as for the Series range. The watch is still light and will be easily forgotten. However, we regret the absence of the always-on mode. As for the autonomy, even if it is not the strong point of the Apple Watch, you can still count on about two days of use before having to recharge it. So, if you have an iPhone and want to stay with Apple products without breaking the bank, the 2022 version of the Apple Watch SE is definitely the right choice for you.

5 Withings ScanWatch

Best mechanical smartwatch

Pros:

• Very complete measurements.
• A sober and elegant design.
• A long autonomy.
• ECG and sleep apnea measurement.

Cons:

• Limited functions.
• Low-definition screen.

If you didn’t know Withings, you should know that it is a French brand specialized in health devices. With its slim design and beautiful lines, the Withings Scan Watch 42 mm looks like a classic watch. However, this hybrid model has a small AMOLED screen that proves the contrary by displaying several additional information: the number of steps, the ECG, your notifications, etc. This is still quite limited compared to a high-end smartwatch.

At Withings, health is particularly in the spotlight and the data is easily made available and popularized in the dedicated application. There is a very good ECG mode, information on your sleep, your daily steps, your blood oxygen level or even monitoring modes for some sports. The watch will even be able to identify breathing disturbances, signs of sleep apnea, and so on. On the other hand, the smartwatch does not have GPS, but it will give you an autonomy of up to 30 days of use. Neat and easy to use, the Withings ScanWatch will appeal to fans of classic watches who still want to take advantage of some additional features and accurate, reliable health sensors.

6 Amazfit GTR 4

Best budget smartwatch

Pros:

• Stylish and practical design.
• Highly accurate dual-band GPS.
• Automatic recognition of the training.
• Accurate pulse measurement.
• Budget friendly.

Cons:

• Limited functions.
• Screen not very resistant .

If you are looking for a fitness smartwatch with good value for money, the Amazfit GTR 4 is for you. In our test, the smartwatch convinced us with its highly accurate dual-band GPS and automatic workout recognition. The GTR 4 also displays an overview of the load of the muscle groups at the end of the workout, just like the much more expensive Garmin models.

The GTR 4 even allows you to connect third-party chest belts. If you prefer a square design, you can choose the GTS 4, which offers almost the same spec sheet. The main shortcoming of the GTR 4 is the lack of some smartwatch features. You’ll only get Alexa support, smartphone notification display and a handful of apps. Amazfit’s smartwath doesn’t have features like mobile payment or quick message replies. But if you’re really interested in the sporty side of things, you won’t be disappointed by the Amazfit GTR 4.

7 The Garmin Fenix 7

The best smartwatch for sports.

What we love:

• Navigation via the touch screen or the physical buttons
• 3 sizes and 3 types of screen to choose from
• New Stamina and Race Trend Predictor modes
• At least 14 days of autonomy.
• Accurate health and fitness sensors.

Cons:

• The Coach need some improvements.
• No LTE version.

The Garmin Fenix 7 is a terrific smartwatch both in terms of its features and its components. If its smartwatch side in simple use is already at its peak, it is especially in the world of sports that it will release its full potential. Its GPS map and real-time tracking are among the best available on the market. This powerful GPS navigation features and full-color mapping that includes roads, bike and ski trails, and 42,000 golf courses worldwide. With it, you don’t have to carry your phone with you to check your route, since everything is done inside the watch.

For your workouts as well, the Fenix 7 will help you increase your performance with its real-time Stamina mode and give you a detailed report about it on your smartphone. To complete its sports functions and capabilities in standard use, very good health sensors are present like an ECG and SpO2 sensor. They work both during the day and underwater and while you are sleeping. This smartwatch is therefore a great companion in everyday life, especially for athletes. It’s almost like having a coach on your wrist. The Fenix 7 series comes in three screen types (standard, solar and sapphire solar). The “Sapphire Solar” features ultra-tough sapphire screen and solar-charged screen technology. the Fenix 7 is a watch you can wear almost anywhere. It has a superb water resistance of 10ATM. Finally, you can also navigate on the interface thanks to the physical buttons present around the screen, and you and you are entitled to at least 14 days of autonomy. It is also a great alternative to Apple Watch Ultra we reviewed on our blog.

8 Apple Watch Ultra

The best smartwatch for safety and sports

What we like:

• Resistant and waterproof watch.
• Top notch screen.
• A great connected watch.
• Effective dual frequency GPS.
• Accurate heart rate tracking.
• Good battery life for an Apple Watch.

Cons:

• Underused Action button.
• No integrated mapping.
• The price.

In 2022, Apple expanded its smartwatch lineup with an ultra-high-end watch designed for athletes. The Apple Watch Ultra has all the qualities of the Apple Watch Series 8, with the added bonus of longer battery life. With it, you get up to 3 days of use.

The Ultra is also more robust and will be able to follow you in all circumstances, including if it is below 0 degrees! It has an IP68 certification and is waterproof to 100m. The screen is also much more imposing: a sapphire glass of 1.92 inches with a definition of 502 × 410 pixels. Thanks to its brightness of up to 2000 nits and a night mode, the Apple Watch Ultra is readable and pleasant to use in any weather. The always-on mode will allow you to display the dial permanently, but it will also eat up the battery faster.

Moreover, the Apple Watch Ultra is equipped with an Action button with a rotating crown on the side. If the Ultra version shares many technical features with the Series 8, it offers a better tracking thanks to the improved GPS, a more powerful sound thanks to the addition of a second speaker, a siren of 86 dB that is activated in case of danger, a diving mode, a Wayfinder dial that will help in finding your way in any circumstances, an excellent heart rate monitoring, and many great features that you will love.

9 Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro

The best smartwatch for Android and for battery life

Pros:

• Beautiful Amoled screen which is protected by a sapphire glass.
• Pleasant to wear despite its thickness.
• Intuitive Google Wear OS 3.5 system.
• GPS accuracy and cardio satisfactory.
• around 3 days of autonomy.

Cons:

• Must have a Samsung Galaxy to get some health functions.
• Android compatible only.

We continue with a sure value: the Galaxy Watch 5 from Samsung. It comes in two versions: the standard Watch 5 and the Watch 5 Pro. The standard Galaxy Watch 5 is a version that is suitable for both sports and fashion. The Watch 5 Pro is more for sports use or adventure.

The Watch 5 is available with a 40mm or 44mm aluminum case. The Watch 5 Pro offers a 46mm titanium case, lighter and more resistant. On the screen, there are two sizes of Super AMOLED panel: 1.2 inches for the 40mm version and 1.4 inches for the 44mm and 46mm versions. The Watch 5 offers a sapphire crystal protection and the Watch 5 Pro a sapphire crystal protection, even more solid.

Both versions are waterproof to 5 meters and certified IP68. At the sensor level, you get: heart rate monitor, an electrocardiogram, an accelerometer, composition and body temperature, gyroscope. But also, other sensors that allow you to obtain your body fat rate, measure your oxygen level or find your way thanks to the GPS. Nevertheless, it is necessary to have the Health Monitor application from Samsung to follow all these data. In addition to the sports tracking, which is done by alarm reminder to reach your goal, it is possible to call and receive calls, but also to answer your messages or consult applications. The Galaxy Watch 5 reaches 50 hours of autonomy and up to 80 hours for its Pro version.

10 Garmin Lily

Best for Small Wrists

What we like:

• Pulse oximeter and On-board pregnancy tracking
• Stylish design and Excellent companion app.
• Up to 5 days of battery life
• water resistance at 5 ATM.

Cons:

• No onboard GPS
• No music storage

Garmin never misses an opportunity to address the concept smartwatch for women. The brand has surpassed all expectations with the Lily. With this new range, women are entitled to a watch that is well proportioned to their wrist, while some manufacturers still impose sizes that are too big.

In accordance with their mission statement, Garmin offers a simple and easy to use interface, but elegance is part of the game. Moreover, with this Garmin Lyli watch, you will benefit from an exceptional 5-day battery life. Therefore, it is the perfect choice for those who want to track their health and training with ease. Especially since the device was developed with the needs of users in mind, since it provides useful information for all kinds of activities. Among other things, a very accurate heart rate sensor makes it an ideal device for the most athletic. Similarly, the sleep tracking is both detailed and free of false readings.

However, while they bring a certain charm to this smartwatch, the patterns displayed on the screen can sometimes be distracting. Moreover, the use of a proprietary charger remains a point to be deplored, while the whole sector is pivoting towards standard solutions. Nevertheless, these small flaws cannot make the rest of the Garmin Lily falter. This smartwatch is a real gem of a balance between elegance and functionality.

The post Top 10 Smartwatches: Performance, Price, and Safety Pros and Cons appeared first on SmartnTechs.

Whether you are a graphics designer, engineer, or a video editor, having the right workstation with ample processing power and storage is essential for an efficient workflow.

Unfortunately, finding the right workstation can be challenging and often intimidating. Not only do you need something that looks good and works well, but you also want cutting-edge technology, ergonomic styling, the best price, and more.

To make sure that your workstation offers you all the power and features you need, in this guide we share with you our list of the top 10 workstations that you can buy this year.

1 MSI WS76

our pick for the best portable workstation overall

Pros

• Comfortable, spacious backlight keyboard.
• 100% Adobe RGB coverage.
• No performance loss under load and a wide range of ports
• Fast M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD drive
• NVIDIA Quadro RTX professional graphics

Cons

• Fan noise.

The MSI WS76 workstation is the perfect ally for graphic designer and professionals who are looking for power and mobility in order to carry out your professional projects perfectly wherever you are.

The MSI WS76 has a slick and robust design, 2 cm thick and weighs 2.45 kg, and thanks to its 17-inch Ultra HD screen which covers 100% of the Adobe RGB color space, you will enjoy a fine and precise workspace. The refresh rate of the screen is 120 Hz for smooth images in all circumstances, and thanks to its backlit gaming keyboard, you will enjoy great nighttime creative sessions!

To satisfy your performance needs, the MSI WS76 is equipped with powerful components. For starters, it comes with the 8-core Intel Core i9-11900H Tiger Lake processor with a frequency that can reach 4.90 GHz in turbo mode, DDR4 RAM of 64 GB, and a 2Tb M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD drive. This high-performance combination is particularly suitable for multitasking and your installed software will be hyper-reactive.

On the graphics side, this beast is equipped with the NVIDIA Quadro RTX A5000 professional graphics with 16GG GDDR6 memory to deliver an extremely powerful graphics solution at all times. On the connectivity side, you get the full package: USB type A and C ports, HDMI and Thunderbolt 4 port, a dual-band 6 AX Wi-Fi controller, wired RJ45 connection, and a Bluetooth 5.2 controller. The WS76 is therefore stuffed with high-performance components to carry out all your projects!

2 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 GA503RW-030W

our pick for the best gaming workstation

Pros:

• Elegant and well finished body
• Good configuration/price ratio
• Good autonomy
• Excellent QHD + 165 Hz screen
• The speakers are amazing
• Complete connectivity

Cons:

• No webcam
• Only one slot to increase the RAM

With this ROG Zephyrus G15, Asus introduces a machine that meets a double objective: deliver a powerful configuration while maintaining extreme mobility. And to achieve its objectives, this new ROG Zephyrus G15 is equipped with a compact chassis, a powerful Ryzen 9 processor of Rembrandt generation, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1000 GB SSD drive and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti graphics card… With such characteristics, you’re gaming and work sessions will quickly become intense!

Its 15.6-inch IPS QHD screen has an incredible 240 Hz refresh rate without tearing to deliver exceptional fluidity during all your gaming and work sessions. And With the Ampere architecture of its NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, this workstation not only offers a significant performance gain over the previous generation, but also its computing units dedicated respectively to ray tracing and 3D graphics assistance via the Deep Learning super Sample (DLSS). The results? More fluidity and a reduction in the impact of ray-tracing on frame rates.

This beast is powered by an 8-core AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor Clocked at 3.30 GHz. It can reach 4.90 GHz in turbo mode and benefits from the new Rembrandt architecture develop by AMD to deliver a more responsiveness laptop. No matter what task you give it, this ROG Zephyrus G15 will handle it with ease.

3 HP Z8 G4 our pick for the best desktop workstation based on Windows

Pros

• Radeon Pro WX9100 power
• Complete connectivity
• Edit 8K videos in real time on multiple monitors.
• 10 Gb Ethernet connectivity.
• modularity and Easy access to internal components

cons

• Price
• Quite bulky

It must be recognized that this machine is at the very top of the range for intensive calculations, simulation, 3D and virtual reality. Indeed, it supports up to 3 Terabytes of memory, 48 Terabytes of storage and 56 cores and its Radeon Pro WX9100 alone offers 6 DisplayPort ports! It means the power to edit 8K videos in real time on multiple monitors.

In terms of design and connectivity, the Z8 G4 impresses by its size and its sober look without any fantasy. On the front, we have an optical drive, the start button, 4 USB 3.1 (type A and type C), an SD card reader. On the back, we have 6 USB 3, PS/2 ports, 2 Ethernet 1 Gb, audio ports, 1 serial port. Note that as an option, it is possible to opt for 10 Gb Ethernet connectivity. On the memory side, there are 24 DDR4 ECC slots. Each CPU has 12 memory slots. In use, the Z8 is very pleasant. Particularly responsive, it can handle processing peaks without any problem. As far as operating noise is concerned, its noise level is higher than other machines, but because of the power it delivers, it is acceptable. The ventilation modulates very well and adapts to the use of the machine. We think, the HP Z8 G4 is simply the best workstation available to meet your most demanding professional projects.

4 Apple iMac M1 of 24”, our pick for the best all in one Apple workstation

Pros

• Elegant and versatile design
• The M1’s performance
• Touch ID integration in the wireless keyboard
• A thin and quiet PC with a perfectly calibrated IPS display
• Excellent office performance

What we don’t like

• Limited connectivity
• The fan is quiet but can be heard at times

The new iMac 2021 has a large 24-inch Retina 4.5K display with 11.3 million pixels and 500 nits of brightness. Its images are more realistic and more vivid. The secret of its performance compared to previous versions is its Apple Silicon M1 chip. This chip has a powerful 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine from Apple. This breathtaking combination delivers up to 3.5 times faster processing performance than the previous generations of Apple iMacs and up to 6 times faster graphics performance. Your tasks will run smoothly and faster, and you will launch your apps in a flash.

In terms of design, the iMac features a 1080p FaceTime HD camera to deliver superior video quality and excellent low-light performance. This camera also takes advantage of the M1 chip’s image signal processor and Neural Engine to improve the camera’s image quality. You also get 3 studio-quality microphones to complement the camera for cleaner sound during calls and voice recordings. Moreover, the Two pairs of force-canceling woofers placed side by side deliver impressive bass while limiting unwanted vibrations. They’re meticulously tuned with a high-performance tweeter. The result is a six-speaker audio system capable of producing intense sound, with intelligible low bass and remarkably clean mids and highs. Finally, this iMac M1 is available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, and with its high energy efficiency, up to 2TB of SSD storage, and 8GB of unified memory that can be expanded to 16GB, this iMac performs much better than the intel-based iMac models.

5 ASUS Pro Duo 15 UX582LR-H2013R

our pick for the best mobile workstation for creative people

Pros

• The ScreenPad Plus is a truly innovative screen.
• An impressive and pleasant Oled screen
• A well-designed body
• Great hardware configuration

Cons

• No SD or Ethernet port

This ASUS ZenBook Duo 15 combines innovation, high-end craftsmanship and power. The first weapon of seduction of this masterpiece is of course its tactile 15.6-inch 4K OLED panel that covers 100% of DCI-P3 colors and its second Ultra HD touch-sensitive ScreenPad Plus of 14-inch. So, whether you’re a graphic designer, streamer or gamer, this combination of premium screens will boost your productivity. Moreover, these screens are certified for blue light protection to reduce the strain on your eyes.

In terms of performance, this ZenBook Duo 15 features the powerful 8-core Intel Core i7-10870H Comet Lake generation processor running at 2.20 GHz and up to 5.00 GHz in turbo mode. This processor is accompanied by 16 GB of DDR4 RAM for fluidity and responsiveness at all times and a 1000 GB M.2 PCIe SSD to ensure excellent responsiveness of the operating system, a launch of software at lightning speed, and a large storage space.

On the graphics side, this new Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 integrates one of the latest innovations from the chameleon brand with the RTX 3070 DDR6 with 8 GB dedicated to videos to guarantee more fluidity. With this card, you will get the benefits offered by high end gaming laptops like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 we mentioned earlier.

SonicMaster and Smart Amplifier technologies are also present to give you powerful high-quality sound. And thanks to its Wifi 6 AX connectivity you will get more speed and throughput, a better coverage, a longer battery life, and the ability to have more devices connected simultaneously!

6 Surface Studio 2+, Our pick for the best all in workstation

Pros:

• Amazing touch screen
• Dolby Vision certification
• Many connectivity options
• powerful Intel Core i7-11370H processor
• Good GPU and CPU performance
• Three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports

Cons:

• CPU can be upgraded
• No SD card reader

According to Microsoft, the Surface Studio 2+ is 50% more powerful than the Surface Studio 2 it replaces, and its graphics capabilities are multiplied by 2, thanks to its latest generation GPU. What immediately catches the eye on this computer is obviously its screen. A 28 inches touch screen with a 3 over 2 ratios. This screen features a 4,500 by 3,000 pixels definition, color profiles sRGB and Vivid, DCI-P3, a contrast of 1200/2 and a Dolby Vision certification. On top of that, the screen can be tilted as desired with a “zero gravity hinge” as Microsoft calls it. This amazing screen will delight graphic designer and creative professionals, as the box comes with the Surface Pen which allows you to draw on the screen.

Microsoft does not squander on connectivity, to connect to the Internet, there’s also Wi-Fi 6. Even more, the Surface Studio 2+ is also equipped with a 1080p webcam and two microphones for video meetings as well as 2.1 Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.

Under the wood of the beast, Microsoft has integrated a powerful Intel Core i7-11370H processor, 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, 1 TB of SSD and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. According to the tech Giant, the Surface Studio 2+ is 50% more powerful than the Surface Studio 2 it replaces, and its graphics capabilities are multiplied by 2, thanks to the presence of the RTX 3060. The stylus, keyboard and mouse are provided with the Surface Studio 2+, which runs on Windows 11 Pro.

7 Apple Mac Studio M1 Ultra

Our pick for the best apple workstation.

Pros:

• Outstanding workmanship.
• Good performance in all respects.
• Very compact casing.
• Ultra-quiet and low power consumption.
• Rich connectivity with an excellent quality headphone output.

Cons:

• Keyboard and mouse not included in the box
• not upgradeable.

Alongside the Mac Pro and Mac Mini, Apple’s desktop line has been expanded with the Mac Studio M1 Ultra. This new product is aimed at very demanding users, for whom a Mac Pro is not enough.

It’s a workstation that delivers incredible speed, amazing display and a connectivity performance that has never been seen before on a desktop in a 3.6kg package. As a matter of fact, the performance of the Mac Studio with the M1 ultra chip is up to 3.8x faster for CPU performance, up to 4.5x faster for GPU performance, and up to 3x faster for machine learning. You also get 18 ProRes 8K video playback streams, up to 22 trillion operations per second, and up to 8TB ProRes SSD encoding and decoding with playback speeds up to 7.4GB/s. That’s simply unheard of for a desktop computer.

Inside its 19.7 cm square case, the Mac Studio houses a pioneering thermal system designed to let the M1 Ultra chip do the most complex tasks in a flash. And it’s whisper-quiet. Since macOS Monterey was designed to evolve with Apple’s chips, this Workstation’s system automatically benefits from the graphics enhancements, huge memory and powerful machine learning that the M1 Ultra chip provides. Indeed, with over 10,000 optimized apps and modules, not to mention great new macOS features like Universal Command, Shortcuts, and Focus, you have everything you need to work, play, and create like you never imagined.

8 Corsair One i300 CS-9020032-PE

our pick for the best prebuilt Gaming workstation

Pros:

• Striking, compact design and Quiet operation
• Rich number of ports
• Great CPU and GPU performance
• Good warranty

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Hard to upgrades

Capable of meeting the needs of the most demanding gamers and professionals, this Corsair One i300 is an ultra-powerful desktop computer that packs top-of-the-line components: 12th generation Intel Core i9-12900K processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics cards, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and more.

With this pc, you get the best in gaming components in this compact case. Let’s start with the processor, a 12th generation Intel Core i9-12900K clocked at 3.2 GHz and 5.4 GHz in Turbo mode is one of the most powerful and latest on the market. The Geforce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card is a match for the CPU, and it is simply the best Nvidia has in stock as a consumer GPU. This graphics card is so powerful that it supports 4K virtual reality display. But all of this is nothing without a worthy motherboard, and Corsair didn’t do things by halves by choosing the Mini-ITX Z690i, a pure marvel! To add more flavor to the mix, the Corsair One i300 is also equipped with a 64GB of DDR5 RAM at 4800MHz, a 2TB SSD storage and a liquid cooling system for improved performance, low temperatures and reduced ambient noise.

As for connectivity, this offers Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E to connect your devices wirelessly, you’ll get an Ethernet port capable of transferring data at up to 2.5 Gbps. For the rest of the connectivity, Corsair spoils us with 4 USB 2.0 ports, 3 USB 3.0 ports, 2 Wi-Fi antenna connectors, 2 Thunderbolt 4, as well as audio inputs and outputs. This Workstation can meet any need, no matter how demanding they are. Moreover, the RGB LEDs can be customized with the Corsair iCUE companion software.

9 HP Z2 MINI G9

Our pick for The Best mini-Workstation based on Windows

Pros:

• Compact VESA-compatible design and impressive performance
• Easily serviceable and Ample connectivity
• 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900K and easily serviced and upgraded.

CONS:

• Limited graphic card support
• Can get a little bit louder than expected

The HP Z2 Mini G9 is a powerful compact workstation designed to meet a wide range of professional needs and it will easily fit on your desk or behind your monitor so you can tackle your 3D projects without wasting valuable desktop space.

Under the wood, you’ll find a 12 Gen Intel Core i9-12900K processors combined with 64GB of DDR5 RAM and two PCIe 4 M.2 slots that can accommodate SSDs for storage. The graphics part is entrusted to an Nvidia RTX A2000. This card offers a similar performance to the consumer GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU. The power supply can reach 280 watts, it opens the way too many integration possibilities. Indeed, the important point of this mini-PC is that all the components are accessible and can be upgraded.

This MiniPC can be positioned in a classic upright or flat position, but it can also be hung in a classic VESA or a custom solution behind a screen designed to accommodate it. Finally, the HP Z2 Mini G9 can also be rack-mounted for various uses.

10 Apple MacBook Pro M1 Max

Our pick for the best portable workstation from Apple

Pros

• Outstanding performance and very quiet operation.
• The power of the M1 Max and the whole configuration
• Flawless XDR Retina display
• 21 hours of autonomy

Cons:

• Relatively large.

In addition to its new Apple Silicon chip, this new 16-inch MacBook Pro features a stunning 15/10 Retina XDR display with slimmed down edges, 10 CPU cores, up to 32 GPU cores and a 1TB SSD. So, if you’re looking for performance, battery life, and mobility, The MacBook Pro M1 Max puts any laptop to shame!

One of the secrets of the performance of this beast comes from its M1 Max chip which is capable of boosting the CPU, GPU and the machine learning performance. Indeed, with 10 CPU cores, up to 32 GPU cores and a 16-core Neural Engine, the M1 Max is one of the most powerful chip ever created for a pro laptop. It delivers twice the GPU processing speed and up to two times the memory bandwidth of the M1 Pro. It also features a dedicated media engine for decoding, two for encoding, and two ProRes accelerator to deliver even higher multi-stream performance.

The design of this laptop is also top-notch, with sleek lines, attractive colors and a slim profile. It also features the same Magic Keyboard as other models in the MacBook pro line, with excellent keys and a large Touch ID sensor in the power button. Additionally, it offers an impressive battery life of up to 21 hours on a single charge and weighs just 4.7 pounds. Because keeping in touch is more important than ever, the new MacBook Pro’s camera offers twice the resolution. It is a 1080p and delivers twice the performance in low light. So, if you need a powerful machine that won’t let you down when it comes to creative tasks, then the 16-inch MacBook Pro is definitely worth considering.

The post Top 10 Workstations for Maximum Productivity: Ultimate Guide appeared first on SmartnTechs.

Indeed, DSLR cameras vary drastically in features and capabilities, so it’s important to pick one that meets both your needs and budget. The latest models have amazing image quality, user-friendly menus, and great video functions that make learning photography a breeze. With the right camera, even amateur photographers can produce professional-looking photos and videos.

So, if you’re looking for a DSLR camera regardless of your budget here is top 10 DSLR cameras suitable for beginners all the way up to professional photographers creating works of art.

We’ll walk through various brands from Canon to Nikon as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

1 Nikon D500

our pick for the best camera for Sports, and DSLR enthusiasts

Advantages:

• 10 frames/second burst shooting.
• Robust and professional build quality.
• 100% optical viewfinder.
• Well-defined screen and single-point touchscreen.
• Intuitive ergonomics.
• Dual XQD and SD slots.
• ISO 1,640,000.
• Responsive autofocus.
• UHD video definition
• NFC, Wi-Fi, GPS.

Disadvantages:

• Quite expensive
• Limited video mode.

The Nikon D500 is one of Nikon’s best APS-C SLR cameras. With 4K video recording, many advanced features, and 10 iPS bursts, Nikon created an outstanding professional SLR camera that Sports and action photographers will love. So, if you want more speed (whether it’s AF or burst), the D500 offers it for less than 3 times the price of the popular D5. Indeed, While the D5’s 4K shooting capacity is limited to 3 mins, it’s possible to shoot 4K UHD video at 30p for up to 29 mins and 59 seconds with the D500.

The biggest surprise of the D500 is its 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor; which is less than most other DSLRs of the same format but, this sacrifice in resolution is rewarded with a gain in low light performance. The Noise is well controlled throughout the standard range of the ISO100-51,200, and the ISO102,400 results look pretty good. This camera makes the most of every available light source to give you the ability to produce high-quality images in dark environments. The D500 has a very impressive pro specification, which is sure to appeal to sports and action photographers. The EXPEED 5 processing engine offers a maximum burst rate of 10 frames per second for 200 lossless 14-bit compressed raw files, as well as the ability to record 4K UHD video. You even get a shutter for the viewfinder, a feature of Nikon’s pro cameras, which is useful for long exposures such as astrophotography. The shutter prevents any incident light from entering the viewfinder, ensuring high image quality.

Moreover, Like the D5, the D500 has a 3.2-inch, 2,359,000-dot touchscreen. Unlike the D5, however, it can be used to set the autofocus collimator. The rich connectivity (remote control, USB 3.0, headset, microphone, Ethernet, HDMI, syncro-flash) confirms the status of a professional camera. Unlike the D5, GPS and Wi-Fi are present in addition to Bluettoth and NFC. Another feature that sets the D500 apart from the D5 is the presence of Nikon’s new SnapBridge tech, which allows the camera to stay permanently connected to a smart device via a low-power Bluetooth connection (or via Wi-Fi).

2 The Canon 5D Mark IV

the best DSLR camera overall

Advantages:

• GPS, Wi-Fi and great touch screen
• Built-in flash transmitter
• Good battery life
• Great autofocus
• Optical viewfinder, large and pleasant
• Good ISO management up to ISO 6 400. 12 800 ISO usable.
• Possibility to shoot in 4K Up to 30p

Disadvantages:

• No completely silent shutter release.
• No automatic front correction function.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is universally recognized as one of the most advanced digital cameras. It is a strong rival for the giants like Nikon or the high-end models from Sony. So, what makes the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV so special? Well, there are many reasons. It features a 30.4 megapixels sensor and a nice 61-point autofocus thanks to which the photos will always be sharp and precise. In fact, it’s probably one of the best renderings you can get these days because most cameras don’t have more than 51 points of autofocus. As for the shooting speed, it can reach up to 7 frames per second.

It also has a full frame APS-C CMOS sensor and as we know, this type of sensor avoids any risk of cropping as it is intended for wide angle photography. In addition, its DIGIC 6+ image processor offers fast focusing and a noise reduction option even at high ISO sensitivities. Note that the ISO range of this Canon camera can be extended from 100-32,000 to 50-102,400. Thus, it adapts to all lighting conditions. Moreover, this model has a 30.4 megapixels sensor to deliver incredibly sharp and precise.

The 5D Mark IV is not only good for taking pictures. The videos produced by this camera deserve your attention as well because it can shoot in 4K. You can go up to 60p in Full and up to 120p in HD. Overall, The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s wide variety of settings and options is very easy to use for the discerning photographer. It has a clear button panel and additional features such as GPS and Wi-Fi.

3 The Canon EOS 2000D

the best DSLR camera for beginners

Advantages:

• Easy to use and very affordable price
• Very large adapted optics
• Good flash

Disadvantages:

• Slow Live view and burst mode

If you want to develop your photography skills, then the Canon EOS 2000D will be your perfect camera. This camera allows you to take unique shots with creativity and simplicity thanks to its 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ processor. It’s an easy-to-handle DSLR that delivers images with a high level of detail even in low light conditions. Thanks to its bright optical viewfinder, you can view your images quickly and accurately on its 7.5 cm LCD screen with a resolution increased to 920,000 dots. Birthdays, vacations or travel, with the intelligent scene analysis mode that automatically adapts the exposure according to the scene, photography becomes a child’s play with this beauty!

This camera can also record superb Full HD (1080p) videos thanks to its ergonomic controls. It allows you to shoot great creative videos by simply controlling the exposure, focus and sound level. You’ll also love Canon’s My Photo Coach app that it comes with. This app shows how to get the most out of your DSLR with step-by-step guidance. With the EOS 2000D, you’ll also benefit from the responsiveness and precision of the autofocus system to make sure you don’t miss a single decisive moment and succeed with your full-resolution shots and a 3fps burst mode. The result is razor-sharp sports and action shots. Finally, you can easily share photos with your devices or smartphone and trigger your shot remotely thanks to its Wi-Fi and NFC features.

4 Nikon D780

the Best DSLR camera for 4k videos

Advantages:

• Excellent Sensitivity and low light management.
• Effective Reactivity, Autofocus and tracking in liveview
• Nice optical viewfinder and Double storage space.
• Headphone and microphone jack.
• USB-C charging

Disadvantages:

• No swivel for the screen and mechanical stabilization.

The Nikon D780 is among the best full frames DSLRs on the market, it is the successor model to the D750 and brings several improvements and interesting mirrorless influences. If, in addition to photography, your goal is to shoot 4K and Full HD video without sacrificing the quality and speed, then the Nikon D780 is the SLR camera that is able to meet this particular need. This is because of its dual focus system, one is dedicated to shooting in a static position (a tripod for example), and the other, built into the 24.5-megapixel CMOS sensor, dedicated to video.

With this amazing DSLR camera, you can record in 4K UHD at 2160p at 30 fps and Full HD 1080p from anywhere between 25 and 100 fps, but 60 fps is the sweet spot here. However, unlike Canon 5D Mark IV we talked about earlier, it has an extremely fast and accurate 51-point autofocus system, although it sacrifices image stabilization. While this camera is about as sharp and fast as its 5D Mark IV rival, it offers incredible image quality and processing speed at the sacrifice of a few features, like image stabilization and even a flash. But for those looking to save even a few bucks on a camera that’s already over $2,000, then The Nikon D780 is an excellent option.

5 Pentax K-3 Mark III

Our pick for the Best Compact and Robust DSLR camera.

Advantages:

• Resistance to humidity, dust and splash.
• Stabilization of the sensor.
• Shooting while charging and Dual storage slot.
• Robust and excellent magnesium body with customization features.
• Advanced photo mode and Touch screen.
• Complete connectivity option.
• 10fps continuous shooting and Amazing optical viewfinder.

Disadvantages:

• Complex to understand and Limited recovery of highlights.
• Very limited video mode.

At the beginning of 2021, Pentax did not unveil a hybrid body, but a new high-end APS-C DSLR camera, also known as the Pentax K-3 Mark III. Resolutely designed for action photography, the Pentax K-3 Mark III is equipped with a 25.7MP backlit sensor without low-pass filter, a Prime V processor coupled with a new generation “accelerator unit”. The result is a sensitivity ranging from ISO 100 to 1,600,000.

Its sensor is stabilized on 5 axes, which allows the camera to offer a “Pixel Shift Resolution” function. On the shutter side, the K-3 Mark III goes up to 12 fps, and the mechanism should be able to withstand 300,000 triggers. Moreover, its autofocus is sensitive down to -4IL, and is based on a total of 41 points, including 25 cross-type. Finally, adventurous photographers will like the robustness of the camera. It features a magnesium body which is able to resist extreme temperatures ranging from -10 to 40°C and humidity levels up to 85%! We regret that the video part is limited, but the K-3 Mark III can shoot great videos in 4K at up to 30 fps for 25 minutes. Thus ready, the Pentax K-3 Mark III is available with an 18-135 mm lens, a memory card, a bag and 3 years of warranty.

6 Nikon D3500

The best value for money DSLR camera

Advantages:

• User-friendly for beginners.
• Reactive autofocus and Built-in flash.
• 5 frames/second burst shooting.
• Excellent responsiveness.
• Guide mode available.
• Connection with SnapBridge.

Disadvantages:

• Low video quality
• No microphone input

The Nikon D3500 has a small body, is easy to use and comes with a step-by-step guide for those who want to learn how to use the DSLR from the beginning. In this DSLR, you’ll find a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, and it’s usually sold with a basic kit lens as well. The image processor is EXPEED 4, and there’s no low-pass filter, indicating that the image quality is above average for its category.

The sensitivity range is 100-25600, continuous shooting at 5 fps, Full HD video recording at 60 fps, 11 AF points, a 3-inch screen and 921,000 dots in fixed position. Bluetooth connectivity allows the camera to be connected to a smartphone wirelessly, and 2MP images are automatically transferred via the SnapBridge app as soon as the photo is taken. The camera body is equipped with a pop-up flash, for situations where there isn’t enough light to illuminate the subject.

For those who are coming from smartphone or compact camera photography, who want to start shooting with interchangeable lenses in order to get the best images, the Nikon D3500 is a great starting point, especially for social and landscape photography, and is perfect for those who want to quickly share their shots on Facebook and Instagram on the go.

7 Nikon D850

best DSLR camera for Professionals

Advantages:

• Excellent image quality with up to ISO 12,800.
• Perfect construction with a touch screen and adjustable.
• Electronic shutter in liveview.
• Dual XQD and SD slot.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Battery life for up to 2,000 shots.
• Good video capabilities and 9 fps burst at 45 MP!

Disadvantages:

• WEAKNESSES
• No 16:9 framing.

For a long time, professional photographers were faced with a difficult choice. They had to choose between a camera with high resolution, and give up speed, or opt for a high-speed specialist and compromise on resolution. As a gift from the sky, the Nikon D850 removed the barrier between speed and resolution. it raised the bar not only in terms of resolution, but it also offers a continuous shooting speed that competes with dedicated sports cameras.

At the heart of the Nikon D850 is a 45.7-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. It is not equipped with an optical low-pass filter and has a feature that will certainly appeal to sports or press photographers who want to transfer their images as quickly as possible. With it, you to easily switch between the RAW formats of 45.7, 25.6 and 11.4 Mega pixels depending on your needs or workflow. The D850 manages to combine high resolution and speed; but fails to do the same for the ISO range. The D850 has the lowest ISO range of any DSLR or hybrid-ISO 64 camera but features a new 0.75x optical viewfinder with the highest magnification factor ever recorded on a Nikon FX DSLR camera. In terms of video, the D850 can record 4K UHD video in FX format without sensor trimming at up to 30p, allowing you to take full advantage of your lenses’ field of view. Lower resolution video modes are also available, including 60p Full HD footage.

The other main feature of the D850 is the continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second, which can reach an incredible 9 frames per second with the optional MB-D18 grip and the EN-EL18b rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Finally, The D850 takes advantage of Nikon’s SnapBridge connectivity for wireless image transfer, which establishes a low-power Bluetooth connection between the camera and your smart device. For fast Wi-Fi transfers, you can use the app to browse and select images of your choice.

8 Canon EOS Rebel SL3

our pick for the best budget DSLR camera

Advantages:

• Very compact and light and with Vari-angle touchscreen.
• Great Creative UI assist for beginners.
• 24.1MP with great 4K video.

Disadvantages:

• The plastic casing feels cheap
• Only 9 AF points in viewfinder.

Ideally designed for beginner photographers with a small budget, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 deserves its place among the best-sellers of Canon in the mid-range DSLR cameras. Its 24.1megapixel sensor works wonders in photo and video mode with 4K support. It also has a comfortable grip and an excellent price/performance ratio. While it has a lot of similarities with the Canon EOS 800D, it stands out for its simplicity, practicality and satisfactory performance.

Thanks to its Digic 8 processor and it 24.2MP APS-C sensor, you can easily record 4K in UHD at 60, 50, 30, 25 and 24p, and get perfectly detailed and satisfying images. Additionally, its Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system provides fast focus and ignition. As for the JPEG processing, it provides a natural rendering. In short, the quality of images and videos is up to expectations and it works between ISO 100 and 25,600.

This DSLR camera is both small, light and it can follow you everywhere. Finally, Because of its swivel touch screen, this model gives you the possibility to take pictures from above or below, and this, in the best comfort.

9 Nikon D7500

our pick for the budget for DSLR camera for Amateurs

Advantages:

• Excellent construction.
• Good general reactivity and very effective AF tracking.
• High quality image and burst at 7.5 fps.
• Touch screen and oriental
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection.

Disadvantages:

• Only one SD slot.
• Slightly limited video functions.

Announced in April 2017, the Nikon D7500 was designed for amateur photographers who are looking for good performance, excellent image quality and improved ergonomics, while remaining affordable. And to meet their need, it incorporates the Expeed 5 processor and a 20.9MP APS-C sensor inherited from the D500, as well as a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 51,200.

It can make bursts up to 8 fps with a buffer of 50 images in RAW and 100 images in JPG. When it comes to the video part, it delivers images in Full HD with stabilization and in 4K and itis also equipped with an autofocus system of 51 collimators that can hang up to – 3 IL which is useful in low light conditions. The D7500 also integrates Wifi and Bluetooth with SnapBridge connectivity to ease the file transfer. We also love the very good ergonomics of the beauty. If offers a very comfortable grip, a tilting and touch screen which is very useful during video recording, and it weighs only 720 g with memory card and battery.

10 Canon EOS 90D

Our pick for the best Premium DSLR camera for most people

Advantages:

• 32mp sensor that delivers High-image quality
• 4K / FullHD video
• Excellent colour
• Battery life of up to 1300 shot
• Built in raw editing

Disadvantages:

• The design may need some improvements.
• Smaller buffer

If you are looking for a premium DSLR camera, the Canon EOS 90D is one of the best on the market. It replaces the EOS 80D and offers an interesting functionality for a wide range of photographers and videographers.

The most attractive basic feature of this SLR camera is the 32.5MP aps-c sensor, which, combined with the high resolution and a burst rate of up to 10 frames per second, makes it ideal option for capturing motion in the DSLR landscape. And Thanks to its DIGIC 8 image processor and ISO sensitivity of up to 25,600, you’ll get great results even in low light.

Additionally, the Canon EOS 90D’s optical viewfinder gives you the power to enjoy autofocus at 45 cross-type AF points. You can move them with the multi-controller AF system or let the iTR AF system follow the moving subject. In addition, the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system is ideal for video and screen shooting.

On the video side, the EOS 90D allows you to shoot 4K UHD movies at 25 to 30p for exceptional image quality. With it, you can also capture moving subjects in Full HD at up to 60 f/s and even 120 frames per second for slow motion effects. Connectivity-wise, you can easily connect it to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with the Canon Camera Connect app.

The post Top 10 DSLR Cameras: Features, Pros, and Cons appeared first on SmartnTechs.

In this article, we will compare Apple’s M1 and M2 (pro, Max and Ultra) chips with Intel’s chips. We will examine the differences between their performance and speed, their differences in architecture to understand why Apple’s Silicon chips (M1 and M2) offers a much better energy, performance and price ratio than those from Intel. If you have a Mac with an Intel chip, we will give you the reasons to migrate to M1 or M2 Macs or if you should keep it. And to top it all off, we’ll do a performance comparison of Intel-based MacBook Pros and Airs versus those with M1 or M2 chips, more (Intel’s chips capable of beating Apple’s M chips in terms of performance).

A brief overview of the apple silicon

The Apple Silicon M series represent Apple’s desire to move away from the old x86 architecture used on their Macs and move towards the ARM chips used in their iPhone and iPad lines. Apple announced that they will make this transition in two years, meaning that after two years (start from June 2020), all their Macs will be equipped with M chips.

The Birth of The M1 Chip

The Apple M1 was Apple’s first Apple Silicon chip. It combines both CPU and GPU cores to deliver a faster performance compared to the previous generation of Macs with Intel chips. The M1 chip also includes neural engine cores for machine learning, media encoding and decoding engines and last but now least, a Thunderbolt 4 controller.

It is In November 2020 that Apple started using the M1 chip in the MacBook Air, Mac Mini, iPad Pro and iPad Pro. The M1 Ultra chip, which combines two M1 Max chips into one super-powerful chip was introduced in the Mac Studio a few months later. Even though the M1 has been replaced by the M2, Macs that use the M1 still represent a huge upgrade for most Intel-based Macs. They offer excellent performance per watt, and they can run some iPhone and iPad applications. Hence our next topic, Apple’s M2 chips.

The Birth Of The M2 Chip

In June 2022, Apple introduced the M2 chip which is considered as the upgrade to the M1 chip in the low- and mid-range category, while keeping the M1 Pro, M1 Max and M1 Ultra for professional users. Like the M1, it combines the CPU and GPU on a single chip with shared memory for much faster performance than systems that separate the CPU and GPU into separate chips. This chip also incorporates ProRes media encoding, which will speed up workflows of creative professionals. But it is only in July 2022 that Macs with this chip were released: the MacBook Air (M2) and the MacBook Pro 13. Compared to more powerful Apple Silicon chips like the M1 Pro, Max and Ultra, the M2 chip hits a sweet spot in computing power while keeping a low power consumption, which is ideal for smaller machines like the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air.

Now that you are familiar with the Apple Silicon M1 and M2 chips, we’ll compare their performance, speed, and architecture to intel chips to see why Macs with the M chip are much better.

Architecture: Intel Vs M1 vs M2

We all know that Intel have been dominating the computer market since the early 70s. They base their processor design on an architecture called x86 also known as CISC. For all these years, Intel’s main focus was to improve the performance and the computing speed of their chips without really worrying about energy consumption. It’s understandable when you know that desktops don’t really on a battery and thanks to the ventilation systems, the heat is controlled.

At the same time, a new market stared emerging: the smartphones and tablets market, and there, the needs are completely different: People want powerful devices with batteries that can last days. And to address this issue, a new actor managed to impose himself by focusing his technologies around energy consumption, and this actor is ARM with his RISC architecture.

What is the difference with these architectures (RISC vs CISC)?

The difference is that in Intel’s CISC architecture, we are dealing with complex processors with a lot of instructions to play with. The instructions are the requests that the machine is going to make to the processor perform precise task, and some instructions in the CISC can be cut and re-cut in micro-instruction.

In contrast to the CISC architecture, the ARM architecture requires less complex instruction, and the programs and the software which are entered into the processor have the same size (approximatively). Therefore, the instructions are not cut, and are not micro-cut either to save a lot of time and computing resources. Moreover, the ARM architecture is based on a system called SOCs in which you can integrate a whole miniature system into a single chip. On these types of chips, you will find the CPU, which is its central unit, the GPU which is the graphics processor, the RAM, and last but not least, a Neural Engine like the A16 bionic which manages all the artificial intelligence and machine learning for Siri or Face ID for example.

You will certainly ask yourself why we used to use CISC, and why we are moving away from it today. The reason is simple: in the 70’s, there were memory constraints, memory was expensive, we used to put less memory in computers because it had to be lighter, and we left most of the work to the processor. But today, Apple prefers ARMs because memory is cheaper, and so we can make software or applications that are heavier in terms of memory to improve their execution speed, hence, reduce the resources needed.

Performance Difference

One of the other advantages of the new Macs equipped with the M1 and M2 chips is that they have the same performance on battery as when plugged into the socket, whereas with intel chips, as soon as the laptop is on battery, the performance drops significantly. Of course, this might not bother you if you’re doing word processing and office work, but for gaming or video editing, the difference can be felt quite severely.
Indeed, performance is also one of the factors that prompted Apple to switch their mac to ARM. This is because Intel has been struggling to reduce the engraving of their processors for a few years now. In case you didn’t know, the finer the engraving, the less heat the processor emits, which allows it to increase its computing speed and subsequently its performance without fear of overheating.
Of course, there are other criteria to consider when measuring the power of a processor. Indeed, we know that ARM designs their chips for more mobile use, and Intel bases their processor design on speed and performance. unfortunately for intel, what matters the most for Apple performance-power ratio. Now, the M1 chip has a performance ratio at least three times higher than their Intel counterparts. And in addition to that, Apple has integrated no less than 16 cores to improve machine learning in their M chips.

Thanks to the M chips and their ai features, applications like Pixelmator pro can increase the resolution of your photos while limiting the loss of quality, Final Cut pro can learn your habits and speed up your editing process, and what is even crazier is to know that this M1 and M2 chips is only intended for entry-level Macs, imagine what you can get with the higher-end models.
The advantage of the M1 and M2 series chips also comes from the fact that since 2012, Apple has been making its own chips like A16 bionic we have today, and since that time, Apple became familiar with these chips and with the ARM architecture.

And to give you an example, thanks to the M1 chips, the MacBook air, MacBook pro 13 inches show a tenfold performance compared to the previous generation, up to 3.5 times higher on the processor side, five times higher for the graphics part, and an autonomy of up to 20 hours. Honestly, we’ve never seen anything like it during the Intel era. Basically, and to make thinks simple, a $1000 MacBook air is now as powerful as a 16-inch MacBook pro equipped with an i9 core that costs more than $3000, and that’s where the revolution lies, because in addition to this transition, Apple is bringing the power of a very high-end Mac to everyone.
If we add to this the fact that the M2 chip has an 18% faster CPU, a 35% faster GPU, 50% more memory bandwidth and a 40% faster neural engine than the M1 chip, then imagine the freedom you will get.

Autonomy and energy consumption.

Macs running on Intel use an old architecture, so they need much more energy to work than Macs with their m1 and M2 chips, and therefore, more energy consumption means less autonomy with the same battery.
Indeed, the problem with Intel’s CISC architecture is that, when several programs or software programs are successively entered into the processor, they will through the decoding, cutting and execution phase. In the meantime, another one will be entered and go through the same process. Therefore, each time we bring a new program into the processor, it will consume energy in the decoding, cutting, execution, in short, we will need energy in the five stages. Moreover, the components are more solicited, they heat up, so they require more electricity from the computer and more ventilation to keep the temperature low.
On the other hand, the RISC architectures requires fewer operations to perform the same tasks, it therefore consumes about half the energy.

And, to give you an idea, we are really talking about going from about 8 hours to 20 hours of autonomy. So, the difference is huge, and if autonomy is something important to you, the choice is quickly made. So, one more point for Apple, but be careful, because this point is only valid for the last generations of Macs equipped with the famous M1 and M2 chips. Because Macs equipped with Intel processors have a battery life close to that of Windows PCs.

As a disclaimer, I didn’t say that Intel chips are not the most efficient, they are even super-efficient, but they heat up a lot, and you won’t be able to argue with me. So, it requires a lot of resources, in terms of ventilation and energy.

Availability of the processors between intel, M1 and M2

The other difference between the M and intel chips comes from their market availability. Intel designs, manufactures, and sells their processors to all computer manufacturers, who will adapt their design to them, while ARM will only design the different components of the socket, and sell their model under license to their partners who will assemble them as they wish.

Among the partners of ARM, we will find Samsung and their SOCs exynos used for their smartphone, Qualcomm and their soc snapdragon, we will find the Socs ARM at Sony, at the Oppo, but also on the Microsoft surface pro x, with a window 10 on ARM, and of course, we will name Apple who equip their iPhone socs since the very first model.

Now that the basics are set, we’ll compare the performance of the Intel-based MacBook Pro and Air their M1 and M1 chips counter parts, and we will present the Intel 12-generation chip that has a performance that beats the M1 Max chips.

MacBook Air: M1 Vs. Intel Vs. M2

These mac’s design are very similar, despite minor changes here and there. But the main difference clearly comes from the processors, and memory limits.

With an Intel MacBook Air, you can choose between different Intel processors – from the dual-core Core i3 processor with a base clock speed of 1.1 GHz to the quad-core Core i7 processor with 1.2 GHz – base clock speed and turbo that can reach 3.8 GHz. These chips are based on the Intel processor series with Ice Lake architecture and are manufactured using a 10-nanometer process. The graphics calculations are carried out by the Intel Iris Plus Graphics.

The Apple M1 is also known as an SoC, consisting of an 8-core Processor, a GPU with up to 8 cores (7 cores in the cheaper model), a Neural Engine for AI applications with 16 cores and other elements such as buffer and audio processor. The processor cores are divided into 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. Unlike Intel processors, Apple’s M1 has a 5-nanometer engraving, which means higher energy efficiency.
The M2 chip on the other hand has an 8-core GPU. In reality, the processor is 18% faster, the graphics processor 35% more powerful and the Neural Engine, 40% more powerful than the M2 chip. The RAM is 8 GB on both models in the standard version. The M2 version can be upgraded to 24 GB and its memory bandwidth is boosted to 100 GB/s.

According to GeekBench benchmarks, the MacBook Air with M1 scored 1687 points in the single-core test and 7433 points in the multicore test. The MacBook Air with Core i7 got 1140 points in single-core and 3080 in multi-core. The MacBook Air with M2 chip shows a 12% increase in the single-core test and an 18% increase in the multi-core test compared to those with M1 chip.

Regarding Power Consumption, and although both MacBook Air models have the same battery size, the M1 version has a longer battery life. In fact, the 2020 MacBook Air with an Intel processor uses a lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 49.9 watt-hours (Wh). According to Apple, this is enough for up to 11 hours of wireless browsing or up to 12 hours of watching movies. The battery can be charged with a 30-watt USB-C charger.

The MacBook Air M1 and M2 have the same charger and the same 49.9 watt-hour (Wh) battery. However, they can use energy far more efficiently thanks to the M chip. According to Apple, the Mac with an M1 and M2 chip can last up to 15 hours for wireless surfing and up to 18 hours for playing movies.

Clearly M2 is better, but the M1 offers incredible value. The MacBook Air M1 was already a capable machine for everyday computing, productivity and even video editing. For those who already have an M1 Air, you probably don’t need to upgrade, unless you really want the MagSafe connector.

Those who don’t already own a MacBook and want to buy one should probably opt for the M2 model over the M1 if you can afford the extra cost. You’ll have more CPU/GPU/memory options and benefit from increased performance. That said, the MacBook Air M1 is still very fast for most people, so we recommend it to college students who need mobility and have a limited, but still substantial budget.

MacBook Pro: M1 vs Intel Vs M2

These Apple machines share much of the same chassis’ design. But, here, we prefer to focus on performance.

In term of Hardware and Performance, the high-end 13-inch MacBook Pro models continue to use 10th generation Intel Core chips. They all have a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, which can be easily be customized to a 2.3 GHz quad-core Core i7 processor. Both Intel models feature Intel Iris Plus graphics.

Meanwhile, the 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 is one of the first Macs to be updated with an Apple-designed Arm-based chip rather than an Intel chip like previous MacBook Pro models. This chipset has an 8-core processor and an 8-core integrated graphics processor. The processor has 4 high efficiency cores and 4 high performance cores.

On the other hand, the high-end Macbook pro M2 has an 8-core processor and a 10-core GPU. While the number of processor cores remains unchanged, the GPU gets two additional cores over the M1 Macbook pro, which should help things move a little faster in graphics-intensive applications. In addition to an improved GPU core count, the M2 has a dedicated media engine with hardware-accelerated playback for H.264, ProRes and ProRes RAW. The chip also includes video decoding and encoding engines, as well as a dedicated ProRes encoding and decoding engine for professionals shooting in that format. This is a big step forward for anyone who uses their MacBook for video editing.

The MacBook Pro M2 is an improved version of the M1, announced by Apple as being 1.4 times more powerful. Also, in terms of memory, the MacBook Pro M1 is limited to 16GB of RAM, with an 8GB option for those on a tight budget. The MacBook Pro M2, on the other hand, goes up to 24 GB, also keeping the first two choices. The Intel-based MacBook Pro comes with either 16GB or 32GB of RAM.
We would like to add that recent Geekbench benchmarks show that the M1 has a frequency of 3.2 GHz and scores over 1700 points in single-core, and 7500 points in multi-core. That makes it faster than the top-of-the-line 2019 MacBook Pro models, which come with 10th-generation Intel Core i7 or i9 chips.

As for Battery Life, according to Apple, the MacBook pro with an Intel chip offers up to 10 hours of web browsing or up to 10 hours of movie playback, while the Apple machine with M1 and M2 chip offers up to 17 hours for web browsing and up to 20 hours of movie playback. Thanks to the phenomenal computing efficiency of the M chips, Apple has managed to squeeze twice as much usage out of a single charge from what is basically the same 58 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery.

Intel Core i9-12900HK vs. the M1 Max chip.

Since Apple abandoned Intel’s processors in its Macs in favor of its own in-house chips, Intel has been attacking its former partner in every way imaginable. The latest idea is to compare the speed of the M1 Max chip against the Core i9-12900HK which intel presented as the fastest mobile chip ever created. It features 14 cores which are divided into 8 efficiency cores and 6 performance cores and a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 5.0 Gigahertz. These characteristics effectively outperform Apple’s M1 Max chip, which offers only 10 cores divided into 8 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores. To prove the superiority of its latest Core i9 processor, Intel also stated that its chip has a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 5.0 GHz. If the Core i9-12900HK is a more powerful processor, the company has not managed to do better on energy efficiency. Indeed, the chip consumes up to 115W, against between 60 and 90W for the M1 Max chip.

For example, the MSI with this chip requires an average of 100 watts, with peaks up to 140 watts. The MacBook Pro is around 40 W Apple remains the undisputed master of the performance/watt ratio. The autonomy is also to be put in perspective. When running on battery, the MSI laptop lasts 6 hours in video playback, compared to 17 hours for the MacBook Pro. The PC is also a beautiful baby with its 17.3-inch screen for 2.9 kg, against the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which weighs 2.1 kg (M1 Pro).

At the end of the day, Intel is right: this top-of-the-line 12th generation Core i9 is indeed faster. But the M1 Max chip remains the best compromise between performance and battery life. Moreover, the M1 Max chip is exclusive to Macs, which allows Apple to optimize its machines to consume even less energy, and to make greedy applications like video editing applications run smoothly.

The post Apple M1 vs M2 vs Intel: Performance, Speed, and Architecture Comparison appeared first on SmartnTechs.

We break down the top 12 monitors on the market this year based on price, performance, and the situations they’ll be used in.

So, if you are you’re looking for a flat or curved monitor, with a high refresh rate, a stunning resolution and an excellent response time for gaming, video editing, 3D modelling and more, we’ll have the perfect option for you. Now, let’s get insights.

1 Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T

Our pick for the best Monitor Overall for gaming, video editing and 3d modeling.

Pros

• Quad HD 240 Hz VA panel.
• Curvature that immerses the player
• Image well calibrated by default.
• Neat ergonomics.
• FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility.

Cons

• High power consumption.
• Requires a very powerful graphics card to operate properly.

Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T is the best 240Hz gaming monitor we’ve tested so far. With a 1000R curvature, 27- and 32-inch screen, and a resolution of 2K, it’s ideal as a gaming monitor and for those looking for an exceptional experience.

The larger variant offers more space for better immersion, but keep in mind that both models are 1440p resolution, so images are less sharp on the larger one due to lower pixel density.

The 240 hertz refresh rate ensures smooth and crisp scenes, while the 1 millisecond response time and 2 milliseconds input lags make every movement and action in the game instant and realistic, without lag or ghost effect.

In terms of screen quality, its QLED technology and HDR600 deliver vivid colors, excellent contrast, and crisp detail, even in the darkest scenes. Since this is a VA panel, it’s a great solution for those who want to play competitively. Thanks to the Adaptive Sync feature, the Samsung display is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync.

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is also an excellent curved monitor for work, thanks to its eye protection with Flickerless and Eye Saver Mode systems. It provides adequate blue light protection so that your eyes don’t get tired, even after many hours in front of the screen.

2 Alienware 34 AW3423DW

Our pick for the best 34-inch Oled gaming monitor for the PC.

Pros

• The infinite contrasts of the Oled;
• Excellent calibration by default;
• The best HDR on PC;
• Very low latency;
• Simple installation;
• 3 years anti burn-in warranty.

Cons

• No HDMI 2.1.

What this OLED panel can offer in either of its HDR modes, HDR 400 True Black or HDR Peak 1000, is simply outstanding. The image it produces is crisp and vibrant. In terms of gaming, this beast is capable of delivering 175 Hertz refresh rate and its response time is incredibly fast at 0.1 Millisecond.

Even games that are typically disappointing in terms of graphics like Call of Duty Warzone look great, thanks to the quantum dot enhanced saturation and fast response.

In addition to its OLED technology, the Alienware 34 AW3423DW also features Samsung’s new QD-LED technology, which combines the ideal RGB sub-pixel structure with the Quantum Dot technology to produce both excellent color saturation and an even brighter panel.

On top of that, Alienware boasts both an impressive 99.3 percent coverage of the demanding DCI-P3 color space, and a brightness of 1,000 nits. However, there is no HDMI 2.1 on this panel. So, it’s probably not the best solution for console gaming. It’s ideal for PC Gamer, and if you’re going to connect your PC to a high-end gaming monitor, we highly recommend the Alienware 34.

3 HP OMEN X Emperium 65

Our pick for the top monitor for the Living Room

Pros

• Gorgeous, smooth gameplay;
• Simple and sleek design;
• Excellent SDR and HDR image contrast;
• Built-in sound bar – excellent audio quality;
• 144Hz G-SYNC with HDR10.

Cons

• Not a good value for money.

Many monitors deserve to be at the top of the mountain, but by a small margin, it is the HP OMEN X Emperium 65 that takes the number 1 spot. The 65 in its name, it did not steal it, since it corresponds to the size of its screen, being 65 inches. Without a doubt, we can say that its purpose is clearly to replace your traditional TV.

Its MVA display offers a very good color rendering, not to mention HDR, with its luminance of up to 750 cd per sq meter. One of the big strengths of this monitor is all the NVIDIA technologies that the screen embeds, such as a high-quality G-Sync, but above all, the NVIDIA Shield TV 4K that is directly included in the device. The only flaws that can be found in such a high-end are a slightly high response time of 14 Millisecond, which is not so good for gaming.

4 Dell S3221QS

Our pick for the best value for money 32-inch and 4k monitor.

Pros

• Decent default accuracy and range coverage;
• Sleek and minimalist design;
• Works with both FreeSync and G-Sync;
• Plenty of connectivity options;
• Powerful speakers;
• Unparalleled color contrast;
• Curved design.

Cons

• Not ideal for advanced gaming.

The Dell S3221QS is a great monitor for watching movies and TV series, working, or playing casual video games. This monitor is slightly curved and wraps around the viewer’s eyes, in order to immerse them even more in the displayed scenes.

The 4K panel of this PC monitor is a VA panel with excellent contrast. The colors are very vivid and watching movies or games on this screen is a real feast for the eyes. Graphic designers who are looking for maximum color accuracy will notice, however, that the saturation here is a bit high.

Speaking of gaming, while this is not a monitor specifically designed for that purpose, it is FreeSync compatible for a smooth and enjoyable experience when playing PC games. Although it’s not a true HDR display, the Dell S3221QS does support this type of content, and by turning on the Gaming mode, you’ll still see improvements in image rendering.

The ergonomics of the Dell S3221QS are also more than good, with a solid base that supports both lifting and tilting of the display to better suit each user’s preferences. As far as connections go, there are three HDMI 2.0 ports on the back, a 1.2 DisplayPort, three USB ports, an audio jack and a pair of speakers.

5 Gigabyte G27Q

Pros

• Fast response time;
• Many great features, including FreeSync and MBR up to 144Hz;
• Height adjustable stand, and USB hub.

Cons

• Design lacks swivel and pivot settings.

The Gigabyte G27Q is one of the best 27-inch gaming monitors in the mid-range. It is an excellent choice for gamers who want a device that offers a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

This 27-inch gaming monitor has a very low response time (only 1ms) and a high refresh rate of 144Hz, making it ideal for those who prefer fast-paced games and seek high performance whenever they want. HDR support (HDR-400) and FreeSync (which will benefit owners of AMD video cards) are also present.

The screen of the Gigabyte G27Q is IPS, the colors are extremely vivid, the viewing angles excellent. The resolution is 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD), with a 16:9 format. In terms of ergonomics, the adjustment options are good, height up to 13 cm and -5° and 20° inclination. The connectivity options are also good. There is a DisplayPort 1.2, 2 one HDMI 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and 3.5 millimeters audio jack. In addition, this monitor features a pair of 2W speakers with standard performance.

6 Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

Our pick for the best 27-inch monitors for image quality.

Pros

• Great coverage of the color range;
• Solid port selection;
• tilt, rotate;
• Native 4K UHD resolution;
• VESA support.

Cons

• Expensive.

Technical specifications of Dell UltraSharp U2720Q makes it particularly suitable for graphic designers, photo and video editors, those who deal with content creation at a professional level. The 27-inch IPS display features accurate, bright and realistic colors. we talking about 99% sRGB at factory settings. The 4K UHD resolution ensures an extremely high level of detail, which you can enjoy when watching movies and other high-definition content, or during a gaming session.

With HDR support and 9 milliseconds low response, even the most demanding gamers will enjoy the immersive gaming experience this monitor offers. The screen also offers plenty of adjustment options: you can adjust the height, tilt, as well as rotate the screen up to 90 degrees, for those who need to work vertically.

There is also a VESA support for those who wish to use another type of support. Even more, Between the side and base of the screen there are 2 USB-C ports with Power Delivery functionality to power a laptop or other devices, 3 USB-A 3.0, an HDMI port, DisplayPort and a 3.5 millimeters audio jack.

7 Lenovo Thinkvision M14

Our pick for the best Portable Monitor

Pros

• Strong points;
• only weighs 570 grams
• Practical and stable stand;
• Very light and thin;
• Quality of design.

Cons

• No touchscreen;
• No battery.

With a 14-inch screen and a maximum resolution of Full HD, the Lenovo Thinkvision M14 is the best portable external monitor in terms of value for money. Its biggest advantage is its portability, thanks to its plastic design, which makes it ultra-light and very thin and it only weighs 570 grams.

Given its response time of 6 milliseconds, this portable monitor is more suitable for professional use and video editing, rather than for gaming.

The other strength of this portable monitor is the built-in adjustable stand that serves as a tripod. With it, you can customize the monitor with an angle from -5 to 90 degrees and the stand is retractable, which makes it possible to use it in a vertical position.

The only shortcoming is the limited display customization settings; However, it is this very fact that makes it very intuitive and beautiful in terms of design.

On the other hand, if we take a look at the sides of the monitor, we can find two Type C ports, which allow us to use it without the need for an external power supply, and a Kensington lock slot, which is ideal for security.

8 LG 49WL95C

Our pick for the best 49-inch Curved Monitor.

Pros

• UltraWide Dual QHD 5120 x 1400 display at 60 Hz;
• 1800R curved screen;
• 2 deep bass speakers of 10 watts;
• HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C connection;
• Ajustable stand (height / tilt / rotation).

Cons

• Not a great contrast and blacks.

The LG 49WL95C monitor is a marvel of technology with a 1800R curved screen. Its size is exceptional and perfect as a monitor for work, gaming, video and graphics editing with a fully immersive feeling. If you use multiple software programs at the same time, or you are already forced to work on two monitors, this LG monitor will be a perfect solution to your lack of space and a great help to your productivity.

Thanks to its dual Quad-HD display with a billion colors, a resolution of 5120 by 1440, and a response time of 5 milliseconds, you will enjoy crisp and realistic photo and video.

Its ambient light sensor adjusts the brightness based on the intensity of the natural or artificial light in the environment. Audio is provided by 2 speakers of 10 watts each and deep bass for faithful reproduction.

If you need to work on documents and text files, the multitasking screen is also suitable for simple reading, thanks to the reader mode with reduced blue light in order not to strain your eyes and disturb your sleep.

It is largely compatible with most devices, including the Mac and Ipad Pro, thanks to its USB-C output. However, if you have a Mac with Thunderbolt 3, you won’t be able to enjoy the full resolution when the USB-C output is engaged.

9 ViewSonic Elite XG270QG

Pros

• Amazing IPS panel.
• Awesome image quality and speed.
• Perfect balance between detail and performance.

Cons

• Fairly expensive;
• No HDR support.

The ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is the best 144Hz monitor with G-Sync. It is a 27-inch 1440p and 2k monitor, which is suitable for professional gamers who want a smooth gaming experience.

It has IPS display with wide viewing angles, the refresh rate can be overclocked up to 165 Hz, the response time and input lag are exceptionally low and it supports VRR technology to match the screen images to the video card.

The monitor is capable of displaying vivid colors with good saturation and accuracy, but for optimal use, we recommend calibrating the screen when you purchase it, as the colors are not exceptionally accurate when you receive it. On the back of the screen, there is an RGB lighting system that can be customized via the screen’s menu. The monitor has built-in speakers, 3 USB ports, a blue light filter to protect your eyes from fatigue, and a good level of ergonomic adjustments to adapt the viewing angle to your preferred position.

10 Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A

Our pick of the best high-end gamer PC monitor

Pros

• Image well calibrated by default.
• Compatibility with HDMI 2.1 (4K/120 Hz and VRR).
• The IPS panel is responsive.
• FreeSync and G-Sync compatible.
• Ergonomics ( Height, tilt and rotation adjustable stand).
• Ultra HD native definition which is interesting for consoles.

Cons

• OSD and controls not very practical;
• Power consumption.

There are quite few monitors on the market at the moment that offer 4K definition with HDMI 2.1 support, and all of them are priced relatively high. Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A is an excellent compromise that will guarantee them a powerful, fluid and responsive display on every gaming platform!

Beyond these considerations, we should acknowledge that the TUF VG28 is a solid 4K UHD gaming monitor. Indeed, thanks to Asus’ technologies like ELMB Sync score well, the calibration is interesting and better than many other monitors we’ve seen so far, and also the pixel density with the slightly wider diagonal makes this TUF VG28 very enjoyable to use on a daily basis.

Finally, the support of HDMI 2.1 makes it ready for the years to come, but it is currently difficult to recommend such a display to console gamers. Why is that? The number of games that can be run in 4K at 120 fps on consoles is quite low, the lack of VRR on the PS5 at the moment, and perhaps the price as well, even if the comparison is delicate, when you know that it is possible to acquire an OLED TV with 4K at 120 Hz for a slightly higher price.

11 Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Our pick for the best 49-inch and 4K UHD monitor for gaming.

Pros

• Many connectivity options including HDMI 2.1;
• The bluffing mini-LED;
• Two REAL screens in one;
• Superb color and contrast;
• FreeSync Premium Pro and G-SYNC compatible.

Cons

• Huge dimensions.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is an updated version of the company’s massive curved gaming monitor: The odyssey Neo G7. With a brightness of up to 2,000 nits, a refresh rate of 240 hertz and a response time of 1 millisecond, it’s simply excellent for gaming and video editing.

The screen has an extremely aggressive 1000R curve, which offers a much more immersive gaming experience, but it may take some time to get used to it. Its 5120 by 1440 resolution and 32 over 9 aspect ratio is equivalent to placing two 27-inch, 1440p monitors next to each other, giving you enough space for multitasking or playing atmospheric games. It supports FreeSync natively and is certified by NVIDIA as G-SYNC compliant, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience from almost any source.

The input lag is incredibly low and it has a fast response time of 1 millisecond, which translates into very clear motion, but there are noticeable reverse ghosting images behind fast moving objects.

Even more, Its VA panel has an excellent native contrast ratio, and the good local dimming functionality deepens the blacks further, better than most monitors we tested, and it is absolutely of the best gaming monitors on the market today.

12 Samsung Odyssey Ark

Pros

• Equipped with a Neural Quantum Processor;
• image refresh rate of 165 hz;
• equipped with a “cockpit” mode;
• AMD FreeSync compatible;
• striking visuals.

Cons

• Expensive.

The Samsung Odyssey Ark was designed for gamers who are looking for the best on the market at the moment.

All the technologies embedded in this 55-inch screen are at the service of the image quality for an outstanding rendering. Equipped with a Neural Quantum Processor Ultra chip, an image refresh rate of 165 hz and a response time of only 1 millisecond, games like Counter-Strike or Valorant will be sublimated.

It also features the HDR 10+ technology which adapts automatically and in real time to games, to reveal a maximum amount of detail.

It is also equipped with a “cockpit” mode, which consists of switching the screen into portrait mode. Thanks to it, the screen becomes curved so as to fully encompass your peripheral vision to give you the impression of being in the game.

The Samsung Quantum Matrix technology on board provides a rarely seen precision control of the leds, offering striking visuals in both bright and dark scenes. This bundle of technology coupled with gaming add-ons like AMD FreeSync and Samsung’s Gaming Hub make this display a true masterpiece

The post Top 12 Monitors for Gaming, Editing, and Work: Our Recommendations appeared first on SmartnTechs.