The dust has settled after Apple’s whirlwind event, and we’ve emerged from the review trenches! We’ve been wrestling with the future of mobile, putting the entire iPhone 17 family – including the sleek new iPhone Air – through its paces. Our ears are still ringing from testing the upgraded audio experience of the AirPods Pro 3, and our wrists are tired after a week strapped to the innovative Apple Watch Series 11. But the tech world doesn’t revolve around Cupertino. We’ve also dissected a high-end Chromebook contender and even revisited our childhood with the latest Tamagotchi evolution. Missed the frenzy? Catch up on all the essential reviews from the past few weeks!
Quick Overview
Apple iPhone Air
$999 at Apple
Apple iPhone 17
$799 at Apple
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
$1,099 at Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$249 at Amazon
Watch Series 11
More options
$399 at Amazon
See 2 more
Apple iPhone Air
Apple/Engadget
86
100
Expert Score
Apple iPhone Air
Forget megapixels and budget battles. If you crave an iPhone that’s pure, unadulterated cool, look no further than the iPhone Air. It’s not just a phone; it’s a statement – Apple’s sleekest, most stylish creation in ages.
Pros
- Exquisite design
- Surprisingly good battery life
- Gorgeous display
- Strong titanium frame
Cons
- Mono speaker
- Single rear camera
- No mmWave 5G support
$999 at Apple
Forget the iPhone 16 Plus; Apple just dropped the mic with the impossibly thin iPhone Air. It’s not just a sleek parlor trick, though. As Engadget’s Sam Rutherford discovered, this razor-edged beauty has brains to match. Apple didn’t just chase thinness; they achieved it with a surprisingly robust battery life. But here’s the real kicker: Rutherford suspects the Air is a stealth preview of Apple’s foldable future. Is this the blueprint for a bendable iPhone? Place your bets now.
Apple iPhone 17
Apple/Engadget
91
100
Expert Score
Apple iPhone 17
The “regular” iPhone got a big refresh this year with the addition of a ProMotion display and Center Stage camera.
Pros
- Finally, a 120Hz display
- Center Stage front camera works great
- Dual 48MP Fusion rear cameras take sharp photos
Cons
- 6.3 inches will be too small for some
- Best camera performance is reserved for the 17 Pro
$799 at Apple
Apple’s finally giving the regular iPhone some love. Forget the drip-feed of Pro features; the iPhone 17 throws you into the deep end. That buttery smooth 120Hz display you’ve been drooling over? It’s here. Tired of camera updates lagging behind? Not anymore. As someone whodoesn’tadvocate annual phone upgrades, let me be clear: even jumping from the iPhone 16, the revamped screen and camera alone make this a worthwhile leap.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
Apple / Engadget
93
100
Expert Score
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro: Where cutting-edge power meets breathtaking design. Capture your best self with a revolutionary selfie system, then unleash your inner photographer with a versatile array of rear cameras. All encased in a redesigned exterior that feels as incredible as it looks. This isn’t just a phone; it’s an experience.
Pros
- Innovative and useful Center Stage selfie camera
- Versatile triple-sensor system for rear cameras
- Aluminum unibody feels sturdy and scratch-resistant
- Improved AI and thermal performance
Cons
- Expensive
$1,099 at Apple
For years, the “Pro” iPhone meant one thing: a superior camera. While that still holds true, the iPhone Pro and Pro Max now represent a more significant leap. Think cooler performance under pressure, a robust aluminum frame built to last, and a sprawling, optional 6.9-inch display that dominates your field of vision. But are these practical enhancements enough to redefine “Pro?” As Engadget’s Cherlynn Low questions, “Is it one that looks and feels expensive or is it one that’s slightly more durable and maybe doesn’t appear as stylish?” This year’s iPhone lineup forces a re-evaluation of what truly earns the “Pro” badge.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple/Engadget
90
100
Expert Score
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Forget everything you thought you knew about AirPods. The AirPods Pro 3 aren’t just an upgrade; they’re a revolution. Immerse yourself in pure audio bliss with next-level Active Noise Cancellation, now enhanced with real-time Live Translation. But that’s not all – introducing integrated heart-rate tracking, transforming your AirPods into the ultimate fitness companion. Prepare to experience sound and performance like never before.
Pros
- Impressive ANC updates
- Improved sound quality
- Live Translation finally arrives
- Extended battery life on a single charge
Cons
- New fit takes some getting used to
- Total battery life is actually less than before
- Live Translation languages are limited at launch
$249 at Amazon
The AirPods Pro 3 aren’t just a decent upgrade; they’re a glimpse into the future of earbuds. Apple didn’t just tweak the ANC and sound – they catapulted it forward. Live Translation and heart-rate tracking are game-changers, but the real thrill? The feeling that this is just the beginning. If Apple’s track record is anything to go by, the H2 chip’s potential is far from exhausted. Consider this version 3.0… with a whole lot more to come. Apple is clearly just warming up.
Apple Watch Series 11
Apple
90
100
Expert Score
Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11: Not a Revolution, But a Sharper Edge on the Smartwatch Throne. Boasting extended battery life and a suite of cutting-edge health metrics, it’s less a reinvention and more a ruthless refinement of the wearable already dominating iPhone users’ wrists.
Pros
- Longer battery life than last model
- Thin and light design
- Comprehensive health monitoring
- Nifty new wrist flick gesture
- The best smartwatch for iPhone users
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- The Watch SE 3 is better for most people
$399 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options
$399 at Adorama $399 at Best Buy
Forget incremental updates; the new Series 11 isn’t just better, it’s a rebirth for the best iPhone-syncing smartwatch. We’re talking redesigned aesthetics, seriously souped-up battery life, and health tracking that’s practically prescient. But hold on – before you smash that “pre-order” button, there’s a twist.
As Cherlynn from Engadget puts it, the budget-friendly Watch SE 3 packs a serious punch, delivering core health and safety features like temperature sensing, sleep analysis, and potentially life-saving emergency tools. “It’s a compelling option at an appealing price.” So, the ultimate iPhone companion? Maybe not for everyone. The real question is: what doyouneed from your wrist?
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
Acer
85
100
Expert Score
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
Forget everything you think you know about Chromebooks. Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514 isn’t just a laptop; it’s a ChromeOS powerhouse. Boasting a seriously impressive chip, battery life that laughs in the face of long workdays, and rock-solid construction, this machine doesn’t just compete – it dominates. If you’re looking for the absolute best ChromeOS experience, look no further. This is it.
Pros
- Great battery life
- Excellent performance
- Solid keyboard, trackpad and display
- Reasonably thin and light for the price
Cons
- Expensive
- I wish there were USB-C ports on both sides
- Speakers and webcam are just okay
$700 at Best Buy
Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Is Premium Worth the Price?
Chromebook performance can be a mixed bag, but Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514 aims for the high end, delivering a potent combination of power, battery life, and versatility. The catch? It demands a premium.
At $700, the Spin 514 flirts with the upper limit of reasonable Chromebook pricing, a point underscored by Engadget’s deputy editor, Nathan Ingraham. While the upgraded processor and extended battery life offer tangible benefits, Acer’s own standard Chromebook Plus 514, released earlier this year, presents a compelling alternative, forcing potential buyers to weigh the value of the “Plus” features against a potentially significant cost saving. The question then becomes: Does the Spin 514 justify its premium price tag, or does its sibling offer a sweeter spot for ChromeOS enthusiasts?
Tamagotchi Paradise
Bandai / Engadget
89
100
Expert Score
Tamagotchi Paradise
Forget pixelated monotony! Tamagotchi Paradise explodes onto the scene, breathing vibrant life into the virtual pet phenomenon. Prepare to be captivated by a dazzling cast of new characters, challenged by delightfully quirky games, and charmed by a revolutionary caretaking system that redefines digital companionship.
Pros
- Gene-mixing is back
- Plenty of built-in games
- Care factors are visualized
- Multiple environments to raise different Tama types
Cons
- Gene-mixing is barebones
- You can only care for one Tama at a time
- Limited Tama customization
- Lab Tama kiosks aren’t widely available
Craving a low-key pet experience? Weekend editor Cheyenne McDonald dove headfirst into the digital world of Tamagotchi Paradise, finding it a surprisingly rich experience. “Tamagotchi Paradise feelsalivein a way the Uni didn’t at launch,” she raves. “If you’re ready to embrace a whole new Tamagotchi vibe (and trust me, it’s different), you’re in for a treat.” Think zen garden, not stressful parenting.
Thanks for reading Engadget review recap: iPhone 17 lineup AirPods Pro 3 Apple Watch Series 11 and more
