Techtober’s whirlwind of new gadgets has kept our review team burning the midnight oil, dissecting the latest tech titans before the holiday rush. Did a review slip through the cracks amidst the avalanche of devices? Fear not! We’ve compiled a recap of our recent deep dives, ensuring you’re up-to-speed, including our take on Google’s shiny new Pixel trifecta.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a
Google / Engadget
88
100
Expert Score
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Forget wafer-thin compromises. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold packs the best cameras in the foldable game, Google’s seamless software, and groundbreaking durability with its industry-first IP68 rating. Finally, a foldable that can handle life.
Pros
- Great cameras
- IP68 rating
- Improved software and multitasking
- Pixelsnap charging
Cons
- Big and heavy
- Expensive
- Lackluster high-end performance
- No Pro Res Zoom
$1,799 at Amazon
Google just dropped a mic (or three). Leading the charge is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, finally answering the foldable phone durability question. According to our senior reviews writer Sam Rutherford, Google’s thrown down the gauntlet, declaring, “The addition of proper dust and water resistance on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has removed one of the last two shortcomings of modern foldables, which is no mean feat!” Joining the foldable revolution are the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a, packing serious punch in their respective corners. But hold onto your wallets, that foldable innovation comes at a cost: $1,799. Is the price worth conquering foldable fears?
Meta Ray-Ban Display
Meta
76
100
Expert Score
Meta Ray-Ban Display
An exciting first-gen product, if you can get past the thick frames.
Pros
- Display is bright, clear and doesn’t feel overwhelming
- Ability to preview and zoom in with the camera makes it way easier to frame shots
- Visual feedback for Meta AI prompts is surprisingly helpful
- Neural band is very accurate and reduces reliance on voice commands
Cons
- Frames are way too thick for most people’s comfort
- Display is only compatible with a handful of apps
- Text messages can be wonky
More info at Meta
Forget subtle upgrades. While the second-gen Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are a solid choice, the Ray-Ban Display is where Meta’s really pushing boundaries – even if it’s a bit rough around the edges. Think bold, not beautiful: these aren’t your everyday shades. And that $800 price tag? Ouch. But beyond the chunky design and features still baking in the oven, lies potential. As Karissa Bell notes, “There are some really compelling use cases for the display, but its functionality is limited.” Translation: the future is here, it’s just not fully cooked yet.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X
ASUS/Engadget
88
100
Expert Score
ROG Xbox Ally X
The ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t cheap, demanding a cool $1,000. But what ASUS and Microsoft have forged is a handheld gaming beast. Forget clunky Windows rivals; this collaboration delivers silky-smooth performance wrapped in software so refined, it’s in a league of its own. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Game on.
Pros
- New full-screen Xbox experience
- Strong performance
- Bright screen
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Larger grips make it a bit bulky
- Mediocre haptics
$1,000 at Best Buy
Forget clunky workarounds and squinting at miniature screens. Microsoft and ASUS have unleashed a gaming handheld that bleeds Xbox green. Imagine: the intuitive Xbox controls you know and love, melded with a vibrant, full-screen Xbox experience, all in the palm of your hand. This isn’t just another Windows-based handheld; it’s a streamlined portal directly to your Xbox library.
“Microsoft’s diving headfirst into the handheld arena, and while it’s not a complete revolution, it’s definitely a leap forward,” notes gaming expert Sam. “The seamless full-screen experience is a game-changer for Windows-based devices – it’s almost shocking it took this long. Whether it’s an Xbox savior remains to be seen, but it’s undeniably injecting fresh excitement into the platform.”
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd gen)
Bose/Engadget
87
100
Expert Score
Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd gen)
The best noise-canceling headphones are even better with improved ANC, enhanced sound and more efficient power usage.
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC got even better
- Sound and power upgrades are substantial
Cons
- Still expensive
- Glossy finish isn’t for everyone
$449 at Amazon
Bose reclaims the noise-canceling throne with the QC Ultra Headphones, snatching the top spot on our best-of list. Forget incremental tweaks think meaningful upgrades. Enhanced active noise cancellation silences the world, while improved sound performance and battery life redefine your listening experience. The QC Ultra leapfrogs its predecessor and even the Sony WH-1000XM6. As noted previously, Bose focused on impactful enhancements, delivering a noticeably superior experience.
Razer Blade 18 (2025)
Razer/Engadget
80
100
Expert Score
Razer Blade 18 (2025)
The Razer Blade 18: a titan among gaming laptops. Packing colossal power into its 18-inch frame, this beast delivers desktop-level performance with Razer’s signature sleek design. Prepare to be blown away and to break the bank.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Effective cooling
- Lovely 18-inch screen
- Tons of ports
- Great keyboard
Cons
- Ridiculously expensive
- Much heavier than 16-inch laptops
- No OLED or MiniLED
$2,800 at Razer
Razer’s new 18-inch gaming laptop packs a serious punch, but its gargantuan size and dismal battery life shackle it to a desk. As Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar puts it, the Blade 18 necessitates “lugging around its beefy power adapter” due to a paltry two-hour battery life. For those craving Razer’s signature power on the go, Hardawar suggests the Blade 16: a machine that balances performance with actual portability and occasional productivity. The Blade 18? Pure, unadulterated, stationary dominance.
Thanks for reading Engadget review recap: New Pixel devices Meta Ray-Ban Display ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and more
