Engadget’s review team has been burning the midnight oil! Between Prime Day deals, a flurry of new product releases, and a mountain of gadgets threatening to topple our desks, we’ve been putting everything through its paces. Don’t let the tech world leave you behind. Dive into our latest deep dives on cameras, laptops, phones, and soundbars – your shortcut to smart buying decisions.
Quick Overview
Peak foldable phone design
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
$2,000 at Amazon
Canon EOS R50 V
More options
$699 at Macy’s$699 at Amazon$699 at Best Buy
Samsung HW-QS700F
More options
$468 at Amazon$498 at Macy’s$630 at HSN
Panasonic LUMIX S1 II
$3,198 at Amazon
$750 at Dell
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Billy Steele for Engadget
Peak foldable phone design
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold 7: Finally, a foldable that doesn’t feel like carrying a brick. Samsung’s shaved off the bulk, delivering a device that’s pocket-friendly and a joy to use. The catch? Prepare to drop $2,000 to enter this foldable phone paradise.
Pros
- Exquisitely thin design
- Sleeker hinge
- Big 200MP main camera
- Larger displays
- Top-tier performance
Cons
- Very expensive
- No S Pen support
- Mediocre charging speeds
$2,000 at Amazon
Forget iterative updates. Samsung’s latest foldable has shed its bulk and emerged as a serious contender. One reviewer is calling the Galaxy Z Fold 7 “foldable phone nirvana” thanks to its significantly slimmed-down profile. Samsung has finally cracked the code, shrinking the phone to a size that no longer screams “niche gadget,” potentially ushering in a new era of foldable phone adoption by eliminating the biggest complaint: its unwieldy size.
Canon R50 V
Canon/Engadget
Canon EOS R50 V
The Canon EOS R50: A vlogging superstar on a shoestring budget? Its video quality shines, but be warned – it cuts corners where competitors don’t.
Pros
- Good photo and video quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Cooling fan allows extended shooting
- Decently fast photo shooting
Cons
- Rolling shutter distortion
- No in-body stabilization
- Lacks rival’s vlogging friendly features
- Mediocre battery life
$699 at Macy’s
Explore More Buying Options
$699 at Amazon $699 at Best Buy
Aspiring vloggers quickly discover that phone cameras don’t cut it when striving for professional-quality footage. Canon’s EOS R50 V enters the arena, offering improved video capabilities with its responsive autofocus. But, as Engadget’s Steve Dent points out, while the R50 V is a “pretty good first try” excelling in video quality and user-friendliness, it’s overshadowed by competitors like Sony’s ZV-E10 II. Dent highlights that the Sony ZV-E10 II outshines the Canon R50 V with superior video quality, higher resolution photography, quicker autofocus, more effective electronic stabilization, and coveted features, such as a product showcase mode absent in the R50 V. The Canon R50 V is a good starter, but not the best in class.
Samsung HW-QS700F
Samsung
Samsung HW-QS700F
Forget incremental upgrades! The Samsung QS700F soundbar explodes onto the scene, a bold new contender in a market drowning in predictable updates. It’s not flawless, but its captivating design and feature-rich experience deliver a knockout punch, offering premium sound without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Automatic orientation adjustment
- Crisp and balanced sound
- Refined design
- Easy setup
Cons
- 3.1.2-channel audio constrains movie sound
- Room calibration and other major features only work with Samsung TVs
$468 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options
$498 at Macy’s $630 at HSN
Samsung’s soundbars, much like their Z Folds, have seen incremental upgrades. But the 2025 QS700F breaks the mold, boasting a revolutionary feature: automatic sound adjustment. It intelligently optimizes output based on how you’re using it. This, paired with its crystal-clear audio, elevates the QS700F despite its modest 3.1.2 channels. The real magic? Its automatic orientation trick. Plus, it’s a looker a rarity in the soundbar world.
Panasonic S1 II
Panasonic/Engadget
Panasonic LUMIX S1 II
Panasonic’s S1 II isn’t just a camera; it’s a creative powerhouse. Unleash stunning 6K RAW video and capture flawlessly smooth footage with its exceptional stabilization. While it commands a premium, the S1 II delivers unparalleled performance, making it the ultimate tool for discerning creators who demand the best.
Pros
- Fast shooting speeds
- Great handling
- Excellent video quality
- Best-in-class stabilization
- Pro video features
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Expensive
Panasonic’s S1 II: Content Creator’s Dream, Wallet’s Nightmare?
Panasonic’s S1 II packs a punch for content creators, boasting drool-worthy 6K RAW video and stabilization that’ll make shaky footage a distant memory. But here’s the kicker: that power comes at a steep $3,200 price tag.
Is it worth emptying your bank account? According to Steve’s deep dive, it’s a tempting proposition, but not a clear win. He notes that Nikon’s Z6 III offers similar video muscle, plus superior still photography, for a cool $600 less.
The verdict? The S1 II is a beast, but unless money is no object, the Z6 III might be the smarter choice for most creators.
Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1
Dell / Engadget
Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1
Dell’s 16 Plus 2-in-1: a chameleon of a laptop. It boasts a flexible design and a dazzling optional mini LED display that elevates the viewing experience. While technically proficient, it’s missing a spark, an intangible quality that would make it truly unforgettable.
Pros
- Solid build
- Vivid mini LED display
- Above-average battery life
Cons
- Lackluster touchpad
- Mediocre speakers
- Needs another USB-C port
Dell’s new “16 Plus 2-in-1” signals a naming scheme makeover, mirrored by a sleek design refresh. But beneath the surface, something’s missing. As Sam noted, despite its capabilities, especially with the optional LED display, the laptop lacks a certain spark. It’s a workhorse, yes, but devoid of charm, offering nothing to truly captivate or create a lasting connection. The name, unfortunately, suffers the same fate – functional, but forgettable.
Thanks for reading Engadget review recap: Galaxy Z Fold 7 Panasonic S1 II Samsung QS700F and more
