The Engadget reviews team remains active amid Apple's recent device unveilings, maintaining a strong pace. This edition spotlights fresh releases from Samsung, Dell, Google, and ASUS, alongside some distinctive products worth noting, such as the newest Pokémon entry.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung's latest top-tier smartphone might not dazzle with numerous innovations, yet one enhancement particularly captivated senior reporter Sam Rutherford. He highlighted the Privacy Display as the model's primary advancement, designed to prevent prying eyes from viewing the screen. 'This feature is especially notable on the S26 Ultra, and it operates so discreetly that users may not notice it at all, which aligns perfectly with its purpose,' Rutherford noted.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro
Samsung's approach to emulating Apple's AirPods persists in the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro models. While audio performance has seen significant enhancements and additional capabilities have been incorporated, further progress is needed in certain areas. As I observed, 'Samsung trails Apple mainly in hearing wellness features and heart-rate monitoring. The earbuds do include voice amplification, but lack comprehensive hearing assessments or protective measures like those from Apple. Introducing heart-rate detection, as seen in the AirPods Pro 3, could pave the way for more fitness-oriented Galaxy Buds variants.'
Dell XPS 14 (2026)
Many reviewed gadgets come tantalizingly close to perfection, marred only by a single major drawback, a pattern evident in the updated XPS 14. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar encountered challenges with fundamental operations. 'Evaluating the XPS 14 solely on its technical specifications and aesthetics, it stands as my preferred Windows laptop on the market,' he commented. 'Dell nearly delivers a genuine rival to the MacBook Pro, making it regrettable that a straightforward keyboard problem prevents it from achieving full excellence.'
Google Pixel 10a
Google's A-series smartphones have reliably served as strong choices for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance. Even with limited changes in the Pixel 10a, this remains the case. Senior reporter Igor Bonifacic reflected, 'I'm tempted to penalize it for the scarcity of improvements, yet at $500, the 10a delivers solid value, especially as electronics prices continue to climb—its unchanged cost feels like a rare positive development.'
ASUS ProArt Go Edition PX13
Professionals in creative fields require laptops blending robust processing with superior visuals, which exceed typical user needs. For such demands, contributing reporter Steven Dent determined that the ASUS ProArt Go Edition PX13 fulfills most requirements effectively. 'Among PC makers challenging Apple in the creative sector, ASUS has made considerable strides with this ProArt Go Edition device,' he stated. 'It provides outstanding speed and endurance, generous RAM capacity, a striking OLED HDR screen, diverse connectivity options, and a superior keyboard alongside trackpad.'
Ambient Dreamie, Seattle Ultrasonics, and Others
Our recent evaluations also included several unconventional devices that received strong praise. The Ambient Dreamie acts as a nighttime aid, serving as an alarm clock integrated with evening and wake-up sequences. Weekend editor Cheyenne MacDonald found it so beneficial for better rest that she purchased her own unit. Meanwhile, Sam Rutherford described the Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 as 'the next evolution in culinary blades.'
Rutherford spent time with Pokémon Pokopia and appreciated its fresh approach to the franchise's mechanics. Additionally, Devindra Hardawar assessed the Falcon Northwest FragBox, uncovering a formidable gaming system housed in a chassis resembling a container of fast-food poultry.