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iPhone 12 Pro, iPad Air (2020), Microsoft Surface Duo, OnePlus 8T, and more: ZDNet's reviews round-up

From the latest Apple smartphone to Microsoft's attempt at a game-changing device and onto a slew of fitness trackers, here's the kit we tested in October.
By ZDNET Editors, Contributor
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1 of 19 Jason Cipriani / ZDNet

iPhone 12 Pro

With a new design, the addition of 5G (a first for Apple), and other notable improvements in performance and to the camera, it's clear that Apple has once again set the bar for smartphones over the next 12 months. The iPhone 12 Pro's camera setup and Lidar sensor make for a compelling upgrade if the $999 price tag doesn't scare you off.

For more see: iPhone 12 Pro review: Does it get any better than this?

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2 of 19 Jason Cipriani / ZDNet

iPad Air (2020)

If you've never owned an iPad and are unsure how exactly it'd fit into your daily life or workflow, then the standard model makes the most sense. However, if you plan on using a tablet from Apple to triage your emails, to work on school or business projects, and draw or sketch out ideas, then the iPad Air is exactly what you want. 

For more see: iPad Air (2020) review: A tablet designed for work and play

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3 of 19 Microsoft

Microsoft Surface Duo

Microsoft's Surface Duo is a polarising device. Even in our three weeks with it, we experienced love and hate. We doubt we'll think of it again until the second generation is revealed.

For more see: Microsoft Surface Duo review: Buy it for dual screen use, not for its old specs

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4 of 19 Sandra Vogel / ZDNet

OnePlus 8T

The OnePlus 8T is a solid mid-range 5G smartphone with two standout features: a superbly sharp and vibrant 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate; and 65W fast charging that can fully charge the 4,500mAh battery in just under 40 minutes.

For more see: OnePlus 8T review: Fast screen, fast charging

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5 of 19 Sandra Vogel / ZDNet

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC

Xiaomi's Poco X3 NFC is great value for money, if you don't mind the pop-up adverts. The standout features are the 6.67-inch screen with its 120Hz refresh rate and the Snapdragon 732G chipset, which delivers solid benchmark performance. Fast-charging support is another plus.

For more see: Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC review: A smartphone that punches above its budget price

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6 of 19 Sandra Vogel / ZDNet

Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G

Yet another handset that proves you don't have to pay premium prices to get top-end features. The screen's 144Hz refresh rate is the headline feature, but there are other plus points, including a top-end chipset, a 108MP main camera, good battery life, and a well-made chassis.

For more see: Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G review: Flagship specs at a good price, but plenty of missing features

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7 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

TCL 10 5G UW

This device is a solid option for those looking to experience 5G on Verizon, but who don't want to spend double or triple this price for a new phone. The big screen, big battery, and broad 5G support means you can get serious work done with this phone and for $400 it is tough to beat.

For more see: TCL 10 5G UW hands-on: Verizon's most affordable 5G phone is available for just $400

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8 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

LG Wing

LG's take on a dual screen smartphone is quite a departure from its own Dual Screen cover devices, the Surface Duo, and the Galaxy Z Fold 2. It is less expensive than most dual screen devices and may appeal to more people because it's also less bulky than these other designs.

For more see: LG Wing first look: An interesting twist on the dual screen smartphone trend

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9 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

Galaxy Tab S7 Plus

This is Samsung's best tablet ever and also an extremely capable computing device that can serve as your primary computer. DeX can now even easily be extended to your TV for an even more visible window into your work.

For more see: Galaxy Tab S7 Plus review: The best Android tablet is also best for business

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10 of 19 Asus

Asus ZenBook S UX393

This is a well-built 13.9-inch laptop equipped with Intel's latest 11th-generation processor, plenty of storage and a keyboard that's a delight to use. The 3:2 screen aspect ratio is unusual, but knowledge workers may appreciate it. 

For more see: Asus ZenBook S UX393 review: A slim but robust laptop with Tiger Lake CPU

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11 of 19 HP Inc

HP Spectre x360 15

The 4K OLED display is stunning, and sound output doesn't disappoint. While the keyboard is fine to use, the touchpad is cramped. It's nice to see a stylus provided, but baffling that HP couldn't find somewhere to stow it on the expansive laptop chassis.

For more see: HP Spectre x360 15 (2020) review: A premium 2-in-1 convertible with a superb 4k OLED display

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12 of 19 Jason Cipriani / ZDNet

HP EliteDesk 705 G5 Desktop Mini PC

HP's EliteDesk 705 G5 is an affordable, configurable and space-saving option for running routine office software. It's ideal if space is at a premium when working from home or in a small office.

For more see: HP EliteDesk 705 G5 Desktop Mini PC review: Ultra-compact PC for small offices and home working

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13 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

Amazfit Band 5

The Amazfit Band 5 is a full-featured activity tracker and performs as advertised. Long battery life, comfort, and the ability to track a large number of metrics are key to the success of a wearable and the Band 5 easily satisfies all of these and more.

For more see: Amazfit Band 5 hands-on review: Advanced health tracking for just $50

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14 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

Zepp E Square

Huami's first Zepp-branded watch is appealing for its small size, stunning design, solid health- and activity-tracking capability, and long battery life. It's limited as a smartwatch, though.

For more see: Zepp E Square smartwatch hands-on: Gorgeous design, long battery life, and focus on health

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3
15 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3

If you are looking for a Google Wear OS smartwatch that will last you for at least a couple of days, is powered by the newest Qualcomm wearable processor, supports Google Pay from your wrist, and is reasonably priced, then you should definitely consider the TicWatch Pro 3.

For more see: Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 review: Qualcomm's 4100 processor powers Google's best Wear OS smartwatch

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16 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

Fitbit Versa 3

$229.95 for the Versa 3 is a solid price for a GPS sports watch with a plethora of health and wellness tracking features. Fitbit's OS continues to evolve and developers continue to add new apps to the store. All in all, the Fitbit Versa 3 is an excellent option for health and fitness tracking. 

For more see: Fitbit Versa 3 review: GPS sports watch and ultimate health tracker for $230

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17 of 19 Sandra Vogel / ZDNet

EPOS | Sennheiser ADAPT 660

The £349 (inc. VAT)/$439 ADAPT 660 is a top-end over-the-ear model that comes with a dongle for PC connection and Bluetooth for linking to your phone. The headset has excellent sound and easy on-device controls, although the Micro-USB charge cable and carry case are disappointing.

For more see: EPOS | Sennheiser ADAPT 660, hands on: High-quality, lightweight noise-cancelling headphones

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18 of 19 palmsolo / ZDNet

Amazfit ZenBuds

Some people have difficulty sleeping and the new Amazfit ZenBuds are designed to help you reach a level of serenity so that you drift off peacefully. The earbuds then monitor your sleep, including your heart rate, breathing quality, sleeping position, and more.

For more see: Amazfit ZenBuds review: Audio puts you to sleep, the earbuds track all of the details

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19 of 19 Jason Cipriani / ZDNet

pHin Smart Water Monitor

At $350 to get started and then $99 a year after the first year, pHin is clearly something that's meant for someone who has a more sophisticated setup. But if you are tired of constantly using test strips, pHin takes the guesswork out of water maintenance.

For more see: pHin Smart Water Monitor review: Takes the guesswork out of swimming pool maintenance

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