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Evaluation of Honor Magic8 Pro: A Leader in Hardware

**Honor Magic8 Pro Evaluation: Hardware Leader**

High-end Honor Magic smartphones have consistently delivered some of the finest Android experiences, and now Honor presents its latest ultra-flagship, the Honor Magic8 Pro. The Magic8 Pro adheres to the same strategy as prior Honor flagship devices, boasting hardware crafted to be the very best. It aims to compete with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a corresponding price tag.

As in preceding years, Honor has invested significant effort into the camera hardware — a feature likely to differentiate this device from others within its price range. Additionally, unlike the Magic7 Pro, the Honor Magic8 Pro will be available in global markets. However, software has always posed a challenge for the Magic series — can the Magic8 Pro provide a comprehensive package?

**Design**

Honor continues to align with the design trends of the industry, and the Magic8 Pro presents a sleek, stylish, and premium appearance. Similar to its recent models, it features a large circular camera module on the back housing the camera sensor. It would be interesting for Honor to explore alternative designs for the camera bump in the future, but this is not a dealbreaker. It simply means the camera protrudes noticeably from the back.

When you hold the Magic8 Pro, it feels upscale. The front employs what Honor refers to as a NanoCrystal Shield, while the back showcases frosted glass that effectively resists fingerprints. The device is also remarkably resilient regarding dust and water, boasting IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings — ensuring it can withstand most water or dust environments, including exposure to high-pressure water jets. Few smartphones can claim all three ratings — OnePlus is among the limited few doing so.

Color options include Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, Black, and White. I’ve been utilizing the Black version, which looks appealing but isn’t particularly thrilling. This “Black” variant leans closer to gray, adding a touch of intrigue without being overly flashy.

In terms of layout, it is fairly conventional. A USB-C port is located at the bottom, with volume and power buttons on the right side. Honor has also included a dedicated AI button on the right edge, positioned similarly to Apple’s Camera Control on newer iPhones. The placement can feel slightly awkward during regular use. A higher position, or the location of the iPhone’s Action Button, would have been more intuitive. I’ll elaborate on the functionality of this button in the software section. Overall, the Magic8 Pro looks and feels impressive. It exudes sophistication, feels luxurious, and can manage virtually anything you subject it to.

**Display**

The Magic8 Pro features a 6.71-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1256 x 2808 pixel resolution, which is exceptionally sharp. The refresh rate adapts from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content displayed, enhancing a balance between smoothness and battery longevity. Honor has also integrated 4320Hz PWM dimming, making it easier on the eyes for those sensitive to lower dimming frequencies.

It boasts a high brightness level as well. Honor claims a peak brightness of 6,000 nits with HDR, and I had no trouble viewing content on the display even under direct sunlight. There is truly nothing lacking here. This display fulfills all the requirements expected from a flagship screen in 2025, matching or surpassing the offerings of competitors at the same price point. It is sharp, fluid, bright, and vivid.

**Performance**

At the core of this device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — the latest flagship Qualcomm processor. Constructed on a 3nm process, Honor asserts a 20% improvement in single-core CPU performance, a 23% enhancement on the GPU front, and a 37% increase for the NPU compared to the last generation. Regardless of the actual gains, the phone undoubtedly performed admirably.

I did not experience any stuttering or lag, maintaining smoothness and responsiveness regardless of my activities. Games loaded swiftly and functioned seamlessly, while switching between applications felt effortless.

Benchmarks validated the exceptional performance. Single-core performance positioned the Magic8 Pro at the forefront of its class. Multi-core results were also commendable, though slightly trailing some competitors with greater RAM. This minor difference is unlikely to impact real-world usage — this remains one of the fastest smartphones available today.

**Battery and Charging**

Housing the Magic8 Pro is a 7,100mAh silicon-carbon battery for international versions, although European models come with a smaller 6,270mAh cell due to regional regulations. In either case, battery life is outstanding. It easily lasts a full day, and lighter users might even manage to extend into a second day without much

Assessing Amazon Prime vs. Costco Gold Star Memberships: Which Provides Superior Tech Advantages?

purchasing new electronics, with Costco providing appealing benefits for members such as longer warranties, while Amazon tends to have a superior range of products.

Although holding both memberships would likely grant you the utmost flexibility when seeking new tech, not everyone has the budget for it. Therefore, you may need to evaluate the advantages of Costco and Amazon to determine which offers you the most significant value. Generally speaking, it comes down to whether you prefer the best deals on the broadest selection of products from Amazon or the post-purchase care benefits from Costco that help ensure your new acquisition remains functional for an extended period.

Costco’s benefits like longer warranties are appealing

Roborock Presents Exclusive $300 Reduction for F25 Ultra Floor Cleaner for a Limited Period

Roborock is introducing a time-limited sale on its newest F25 series floor cleaners, featuring considerable price cuts on both the flagship F25 Ultra and the more budget-friendly F25 GT. This offer is valid from January 10 to January 23, making Roborock’s state-of-the-art wet and dry cleaning technology more accessible to a larger audience.

The F25 Ultra is priced at $499.99, reflecting a $300 reduction from its standard price of $799.99. The F25 GT is offered at $189.99, reduced from $299, and this promotion lasts until January 18.

### Roborock F25 Ultra: The Pinnacle of Floor Cleaning

The F25 Ultra stands as Roborock’s premier floor cleaner, engineered to handle various cleaning tasks with efficiency. It utilizes VaporFlow and WaveFlow technology for steam and hot water cleaning, effectively addressing tough stains while facilitating simultaneous wet and dry cleaning.

Key specifications include:
– Suction power reaching up to 22,000 Pa
– Downward pressure of 33 newtons
– 33 cm cleaning width
– Edge-to-edge coverage complemented by blue light illumination to reveal fine dust

Maintenance is made easier with the JawScrapers anti-tangle roller, which reduces hair tangles and streaking. The F25 Ultra also provides self-cleaning features using high-temperature steam and hot water, with the ability to self-dry in just 5 minutes.

Smart functionalities improve the user experience, including automatic dirt detection, an automatic detergent dispenser, app control, voice notifications, and an enhanced LED display that features a progress bar. Its design encourages effortless maneuvering, equipped with automated wheels and a 180-degree lay-flat capability for cleaning beneath low furniture.

### Roborock F25 GT: Essential Features at a Budget-Friendly Rate

The F25 GT presents a budget-friendly choice, emphasizing essential cleaning performance. It offers suction power of up to 20,000 Pa and downward pressure of 20 newtons, making it adept at handling everyday messes.

Like the Ultra, the F25 GT includes:
– 180-degree lay-flat cleaning
– Edge-to-edge cleaning efficiency
– A tangle-free roller for simpler upkeep

It allows for hot water self-cleaning at 90°C, with a drying duration of around 30 minutes. However, it does not include some of the advanced features such as dirt detection, app control, and an automatic detergent dispenser.

The F25 GT provides two cleaning modes (Eco and Sponge), with a maximum runtime of 35 minutes in Eco mode, making it a sensible selection for those wanting efficient cleaning without the extra features of the Ultra.

### Selecting the Appropriate F25 Model

A comparison of the specifications underscores the distinctions between the F25 Ultra and F25 GT:

| Category | F25 Ultra | F25 GT |
|————————–|————————-|————————-|
| Suction Power | 22,000 Pa | 20,000 Pa |
| Downward Pressure | 33 N | 20 N |
| Steam Self-Cleaning | Yes | No |
| Hot Water Self-Cleaning | 95°C | 90°C |
| Self-Drying Temperature | 95°C | 90°C |
| Drying Time | 5-15 min | 30 min |
| Dirt Detection | Yes | No |
| App Control | Yes | No |
| Cleaning Modes | Steam, hot water, auto, sponge | Eco, sponge |

### Time-Limited Exclusive Offer

The F25 Ultra is perfect for those seeking the ultimate cleaning experience, priced at $499.99 until January 23. The F25 GT appeals to customers looking for robust cleaning efficacy at a lower price point, available for $189.99 until January 18.

This promotion presents a fantastic opportunity to enhance your floor cleaning technology according to your budget and cleaning requirements.

Top 7 Free Android Applications to Streamline Your Everyday Tasks

Android tablets). While each app listed below is available for free, they also offer a premium paid version if you prefer to upgrade, which may provide additional features. Make sure to include these apps in your essentials list, along with other free Android applications to have on your device. These are the top seven free Android apps that can help streamline your daily routine.

Action Blocks

A useful automation application that enables you to carry out everyday tasks from your smartphone with the press of a button is Action Blocks from Google. It seamlessly integrates with the Google Assistant app for Android devices, but you don’t need to memorize specific phrases or gestures. Rather, it lets you execute certain actions with a single button tap that you can position anywhere on your home screen or in any convenient spot. These actions can range from turning on the flashlight to launching an app, such as your music player, and automatically beginning your preferred playlist. After establishing the command, the user selects an icon for the button that represents the action.

In addition to the smartphone commands and applications configured in Action Blocks, there are also options to create voice commands that the smartphone vocalizes. These can be as straightforward as having a command for

Five Television Configurations That Enhance Your Sound Experience

Achieving the perfect home viewing experience involves not only a clear picture but also high-quality sound. Whether relying on your TV’s integrated speakers or utilizing an entire external audio system, making some adjustments within your TV’s settings may be necessary to enhance the sound quality. By accessing your audio settings, you’ll discover a variety of options to explore, including preset sound modes and customizable equalizers.

Generally, the speakers built into most TVs fall short when compared to external audio setups like soundbars. Prior to investing in additional equipment, consider making several tweaks to your TV’s audio settings to see if you can resolve any issues. Even if you have an external sound system, there are various techniques to ensure the audio quality meets your expectations, such as rearranging your speaker placement or activating special features like Audio Return Channel (ARC).

Examine available preset sound modes

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Reasons Wyze Security Cameras Are Affordable

gadgets that can assist in enhancing your home’s security, as well as essential smart home security devices, like motion sensors, that nearly everyone should think about investing in. However, if you have been considering purchasing a DIY security camera system in particular, you have likely encountered Wyze. The products offered by the company are generally a more budget-friendly choice compared to some of the pricier home security systems available, such as Ring and Arlo. Given that certain brands like Ring can cost over $100 depending on the model, similar Wyze products may only set you back around $40 to $50 while providing comparable resolution and features. So what is Wyze’s strategy? How does the company maintain such low prices?

To adequately address this question, we need to examine several different factors. Initially, Wyze has placed many of its more advanced features — such as package detection, pet detection, and others — behind its monthly subscription service. While this has sparked some dissatisfaction among customers, it does help reduce the upfront cost. Nonetheless, since you are paying for those enhanced features over time, the total expense could accumulate in the long term. Nevertheless, if you are seeking budget-friendly cameras, Wyze Cam Plus can be an excellent bargain at just $2.99 per month per camera, which is very reasonable compared to some competitors like Ring, which can exceed $49.99 a year for merely one camera. Wyze additionally provides an unlimited camera license for $9.99 per month, enabling you to configure your home security as you wish.

Outsourcing manufacturing for reduced hardware expenses

How to Keep Your Car Keys on Your Apple Watch

tricks for maximizing Apple CarPlay while driving, iPhone users can swiftly unlock their vehicles. Apple enables iPhone and Apple Watch users to save digital car keys via the iOS and watchOS Wallet application.

To proceed, you’ll require a compatible vehicle, an iPhone XS or SE (2nd generation) or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 5 or newer. Additionally, your device must be operating on the latest version of iOS or watchOS. To initiate, utilize your car manufacturer’s companion app or the car’s display to configure a digital key. If prompted, position the top-center of your iPhone on the key reader to synchronize your phone and vehicle. This should automatically add the new key to your associated Apple Watch, but you can also do this manually by accessing the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and selecting Wallet & Apple Pay > Add next to your car key.

Lock, unlock, and start your car the Apple way

Top Wi-Fi Routers Offered at Costco, Ordered by Customer Ratings

numerous reasons to purchase your electronics from Costco. Although you may find fewer choices compared to a specialty consumer electronics store like Best Buy, Costco’s cost savings, fair return policy, and executive membership yearly cashback make it worthwhile to at least consider this retailer before looking elsewhere — especially if you already hold a membership.

If you’re seeking a Wi-Fi router for your newly purchased home or upgrading your Wi-Fi configuration after years with a 2.4GHz router, Costco offers a modest selection of standalone Wi-Fi routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems that are affordably priced, feature modern specifications, and come from trusted brands. Since not all Wi-Fi routers offer the same capabilities or performance, we have selected three of the top options available that have generally garnered positive feedback from Costco customers to assist in your router selection.

TP-Link Deco X60

The TP-Link Deco X60 is a dependable and budget-friendly mesh networking system that could be a fantastic choice to upgrade from a standalone router if you are encountering dead zones and coverage difficulties in your relatively spacious home. Costco offers this mesh system in a three-pack that claims to cover up to 7,000 square feet and is priced at $140. The Deco X60 may not be the most cutting-edge mesh networking system you can find in 2026. Nevertheless, it boasts commendable features, such as Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, access to TP-Link’s HomeShield security features, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, and two Gigabit ports per node that function as both WAN and LAN ports.

Considering the presence of Gigabit WAN ports, it is ideally suited only for sub-Gigabit speed internet connections. It

The Effect of Idle USB Chargers on Energy Usage

U.S. Department of Energy approximates that 5 to 10 percent of home energy consumption stems from phantom power, costing the average homeowner up to $100 annually. One or two USB chargers connected might not appear to consume much, but cumulatively, in a household, the total usage can be significant. If you have children, consider their chargers or devices constantly plugged in, along with your partner’s, yours, or those of any visitors. 

However, it’s not only USB chargers that draw power. Numerous devices in standby mode utilize small amounts of electricity, such as cable boxes, streaming devices, gaming consoles, smart TVs, microwaves, appliances, audio systems, and many others. Now, envision all those devices plugged in continuously, throughout the day, every day. That represents a considerable amount of energy likely being wasted. You can alleviate this by transitioning to newer, more energy-efficient alternatives. Indeed, a lesser-known aspect of smart home technology is its ability to reduce energy consumption by minimizing constant power draw or utilizing energy more effectively.

How to assess and reduce electricity usage in your residence

The straightforward solution to decreasing energy expenses is to disconnect USB chargers from electrical outlets when not in use. This also applies to other electronics, as appropriate. There might be appliances or devices that you prefer not to unplug or cannot unplug due to inconvenience or the necessity of a constant power supply, such as a refrigerator. Nevertheless, USB chargers and power adapters are a superb starting point. One quick tip is

Significant Savings Offered for the Newest Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Online

Acquire the Galaxy A17 for just 100 dollars at Samsung.

(Image credit: Samsung)

The newest device in Samsung’s well-known A series, the Galaxy A17 5G was launched earlier this week with a reasonable price of $199.99. If you’re looking to score this affordable new phone for an even lower price, you’re in for a treat, as Samsung is currently providing a direct discount of $30 off the phone along with up to $70 in trade-in credit when you exchange an old or damaged device.

That’s excellent news for