Software might dominate the headlines this May and June, but Engadget’s been knee-deep in gadgets. We’ve been pushing hardware to its limits, from soaring drones to pixel-perfect gaming displays. Missed the action? We’ve also cranked up the volume with high-end headphones, and battled it out on the latest gaming tablets. Plus, don’t skip our deep dives into new game releases and our electrifying EV test drives. Scroll on for the reviews you need to read.
Quick Overview
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
$2,360 at DJI
Sony WH-1000XM6
More options
$448 at Amazon$450 at Best Buy$450 at Sony Electronics
Not your average tablet
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
$2,300 at Best Buy
LG 27 UltraGear OLED
More options
$800 at Amazon $870 at Macy’s $800 at Best Buy
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
DJI/Engadget
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
The Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just a drone; it’s a flying Swiss Army knife of cutting-edge tech. Boasting stunningly improved video, next-level obstacle avoidance, and battery life that laughs at the horizon, it redefines what’s possible in aerial cinematography. The only catch? American skies are still waiting for its arrival.
Pros
- Outstanding video quality
- LiDAR improves obstacle detection at night
- ActiveTrack 360 produces cool tracking shots
- Class-leading battery life
- Longest transmission range of any drone
Cons
- Sometimes fails to detect small obstacles
- Lacks agility
$2,360 at DJI
When Engadget’s drone guru, Steve Dent, speaks, the drone world listens. And right now, he’s shouting about the DJI Mavic 4 Pro. Dent doesn’t toss around phrases like “a new standard,” “most technologically advanced,” and “best video quality” lightly. After rigorous testing, he’s convinced the Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just an upgrade it’s a leap. According to Dent, DJI is widening the gap between itself and the competition. He argues that the Mavic 4 Pro “is an improvement over the Mavic 3 Pro in nearly every area, and as mentioned, it doesn’t really have any competition in the consumer space.” Dent sees only one potential rival, Autel’s Evo II Pro 6K, but quickly dismisses it, citing a smaller sensor, shorter range, and less endurance. The verdict? DJI reigns supreme.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony/Engadget
Sony WH-1000XM6
The reign continues. Sony hasn’t just tweaked its flagship headphones; they’ve engineered a coup. The 1000X series remains unchallenged, perched firmly on the throne of our best headphones list. Bow down.
Pros
- Improved sound
- Better ANC performance
- Tons of handy features
- Supremely comfy
Cons
- Price has increased again
- Speak-to-Chat still needs work
- Call quality suffers in loud environments
$448 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options
$450 at Best Buy $450 at Sony Electronics
After a three-year hiatus, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones have landed, and the upgrade is a triumph. Forget incremental improvements; this is a sonic leap forward, refining sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort to new heights. Yes, the price tag has climbed another $50, but the XM6 aren’t just headphones, they’re an investment in audio bliss. With a performance pedigree backed by Sony’s arsenal of features, the 1000XM6 reign supreme as the undisputed champion of headphones.
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
ASUS
Not your average tablet
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
The ROG Flow Z13 dares to be different, straddling the line between gaming behemoth and on-the-go workstation. But does its innovative spirit justify a keyboard that feels compromised and a price tag that demands serious consideration?
Pros
- Nice screen
- Surprisingly good performance
- Customizable shortcut button
- Decent battery life for productivity
Cons
- Expensive
- Flimsy keyboard
- Big power brick
- Loud fans in turbo and performance modes
$2,300 at Best Buy
Trading your laptop for a gaming tablet? The ROG Flow Z13 packs serious power with unapologetically aggressive style. But before you ditch the clamshell, consider this: that detachable keyboard, while cool, is about as sturdy as a house of cards on your lap. Engadget’s Sam Rutherford nailed it: it’s a device for averyspecific need, not a mainstream laptop killer.
LG 27 UltraGear OLED
Forget reality. Devindra Hardawar, our senior reviews reporter, finally gets the 480Hz gaming display craze – and it only took him writing a review to get there. The LG 27″ UltraGear OLED isn’t just a monitor; it’s a portal. Packing future-proof DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity and blistering speed, this powerhouse delivers performance that justifies its premium price. Sure, its looks are understated for a display of this caliber (OLED panel notwithstanding), but who cares when the gameplay is this immersive? As Devindra put it, “The real world melted away I was fully inside Rocket League’s absurd soccer arena… When the match ended, it took me a few minutes to reacclimatize to reality.” Prepare to lose yourself.
Driving the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and FBC: Firebreak
Forget monster SUVs. Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 EV, as experienced by Tim Stevens, isn’t about brute force; it’s about refined practicality. Yes, top-tier models brush shoulders with Rivian’s price range, but Stevens argues the Ioniq 9 triumphs where it truly matters: surviving the everyday grind. Think Volvo wagon reimagined as a spacious family chariot. As Stevens discovered, that third row isn’t an afterthought – it’s a destination.
Jessica Conditt, senior gaming editor, dove headfirst into Remedy’s upcoming co-op shooter,FBC: Firebreak. Emerging three hours later, alongside two randomly assigned allies, she was hooked. Despite a few rough edges,Firebreakmanaged to reel her in, leaving her optimistic about its potential. “All of the issues I have with Firebreak can be fine-tuned before the game launches this summer, and I have faith in Remedy to do so,” she noted. The verdict? Expect “a thoughtful and focused entry in the co-op shooter genre” — and a delightfully bizarre expansion of Remedy’s signature style.Firebreakis shaping up to be strangely inviting.
Thanks for reading Engadget review recap: DJI Mavic 4 Pro Sony WH-1000XM6 ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and more
