Samsung Z Flip 7: A Refined Foldable Experience

Samsung's latest iteration in its clamshell foldable line, the Z Flip 7, brings several enhancements while maintaining the core appeal of a compact, pocketable device that transforms into a full-sized smartphone. One of the most noticeable changes is the expanded cover display, now measuring 4.1 inches and occupying almost the entire front surface. This larger Flex Window boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, peak brightness of 2,600 nits matching the S25 Ultra, and incredibly slim 1.25mm bezels. The main internal screen has also grown to 6.9 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio, offering a more immersive viewing experience. Despite the bigger screens, the Flip 7 manages to be even thinner than its predecessor, measuring just 6.4mm when open.

Under the hood, the Z Flip 7 features a 4,300mAh battery, a significant increase from the Flip 6, contributing to improved battery life. Paired with the new 3nm Exynos 2500 processor, the device demonstrates a leap in longevity. In video playback tests, the Flip 7 lasted for an impressive 18.5 hours, a substantial upgrade from the Flip 6. Samsung is also releasing a Z Flip 7 FE, a more affordable version with an Exynos processor that is slightly slower than the one in the standard Flip 7.

However, the cameras remain largely unchanged, featuring a 50MP primary lens with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While the image quality is commendable, especially in well-lit conditions and with the improved Night Mode, some reviewers express disappointment over the lack of upgrades in this department.

Despite its improvements, the Z Flip 7 isn't without its drawbacks. Some reviews mention that Samsung's software can be cumbersome. The battery life, while improved, may still not be sufficient for heavy users.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers a polished and refined foldable experience, with its larger screens, improved battery life, and sleek design.

Oakley Meta Glasses: Incremental Upgrades for Athletes

Meta's partnership with Oakley has resulted in the Oakley Meta glasses, targeting athletes and users seeking performance enhancements. These smart glasses are based on Oakley's HSTN frames, featuring a sporty design that may not appeal to everyone.

The Oakley Meta glasses bring a few notable upgrades over previous Meta glasses, primarily in battery life and video recording. The glasses themselves can last up to eight hours with typical use and offer up to 48 hours of additional runtime with the charging case. They also capture higher quality video than previous versions.

However, the upgrades come at a cost. With a starting price significantly higher than Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, some reviewers question whether the improvements justify the added expense. The design, while sporty, is bulkier than other smart glasses.

Despite these drawbacks, the Oakley Meta glasses showcase Meta's commitment to improving its smart glasses technology. The increased battery life and enhanced video capabilities make them a solid option for athletes and power users.

DJI Osmo 360: A Strong Contender in the 360 Camera Market

DJI's first foray into the panoramic action camera market, the Osmo 360, presents a formidable challenge to Insta360's dominance. This compact and well-engineered device boasts impressive specifications, including a custom-built 1-inch square sensor for enhanced image quality and low-light performance.

The Osmo 360 captures 8K videos at up to 50 frames per second and supports 10-bit D-LogM color, delivering vivid dynamic range and detail. It also offers up to 120MP panoramic photos. The camera includes a generous 105GB of internal storage, a feature lacking in its competitors.

Design-wise, the Osmo 360 is shorter and lighter than the Insta360 X5, making it easier to mount and carry. It features a crisp 2-inch touchscreen, an intuitive three-button layout, and a removable battery. The Osmo 360 is compatible with DJI's Mic 2 and Mic Mini wireless microphones for high-quality audio recording.

While the Osmo 360 excels in many areas, its stabilization may struggle in low-light conditions. The DJI Studio app, used for editing, requires further refinement compared to Insta360's mature software.

Overall, the DJI Osmo 360 is a surprisingly solid first effort, offering excellent video quality, robust stabilization, thoughtful hardware design, and clear audio. It stands as a worthy rival to Insta360's X5.