THIS WEEK’S UPDATE

OPPO has changed my smartphone expectations

I’ve said multiple times that reviewing modern smartphones is getting increasingly tricky. Just like new cars, it’s incredibly hard to buy a rubbish smartphone. They all have wonderful, robust designs, super-fast performance, slick operating systems, brilliant cameras, stunning displays, and awesome battery life.

Then, a device comes along that somehow breaks the mould. Again. And, this time, it’s the turn of OPPO and the Find X9 Pro.

If you haven’t watched my full review of the latest MediaTek-powered Android flagship, I encourage you to go and have a watch. Not because I’m a click- and view-hungry YouTuber (which, obviously, I am) but because I want as many people as possible to know just how transformative a device like the X9 Pro could be.

It has two stand-out features: the camera and the battery, but it’s the latter I’m most interested in, because it completely redefines what it is to own a smartphone. Seriously. And I’m not the only person saying this. Go have a watch and let me know what you think!

Deal Of The Week

Flash Sale On Selected Devices!

Continuing my partnership with Back Market this week, for the next three days, you can grab deals across a host of top devices, including the Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods Pro 2 and Nintendo Switch.

Remember, these are discounts on top of the already low prices that Back Market offers. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to take advantage! My pick would be the AirPods Pro 2.

MUST-WATCH

Is This Apple’s Best MacBook Pro... Again?! M5 Base Model Review (2025)

Reviewing MacBooks is difficult these days for the sole reason that they are already pretty much the perfect laptop. Nevertheless, I do have some thoughts about the M5 MacBook Pro, mainly about where Apple is now aiming its beady ‘you should upgrade’ eye. Check it out!

YES, THERE’S MORE…

The Rest Of This Week

Apple In 2030: Where Does The Company Need To Be To Remain Competitive?

Now that we’ve got through Apple’s silly season of releases, I thought it would be interesting to have a think about where they are heading, and if they need to change anything. →

Google Pixel 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: Spoilt For Choice

Two Android phones that are virtually impossible to choose between. We’ve got to the point where phones are all just so good. But is there a way to split hairs? →

TIP OF THE WEEK

iPadOS 26: Add Files To Dock 👉
Press and hold a folder in the Files app, select Add to Dock, and it’ll appear in your Dock just like on a Mac — tap it to see a fan-style preview of your files for quick access.

TOP FINDS

What I Watched On YouTube This Week

🎸 The Wolfgang Van Halen Interview (Rick Beato) - Imagine following your dad, if your dad was that guy. Seems Wolfgang is pretty unfazed by it (and is also, clearly, a lovely chap).

🛞 Richard Hammond Returns to the Top Gear Test Track with a New Porsche (DRIVETRIBE) - Yet more Top Gear nostalgia. And, no, I’m not getting tired of watching (and sharing) these.

🎮 Battlefield 6: Full Review (GameSpot) - Sony recently sent me a PS5 and a lovely TV to play it on (content incoming), so I thought I had better get back into gaming.

ON THE ‘GRAM

Unboxing the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. Before I bring you the iPhone 17 giveaway later in November, we have another giveaway coming up first. Make sure to read next week to enter!

~ Mark