Best Mobile Gadgets: Tech Awards 2024 Editor’s Choice

A case could be made for mobile gadgets being the most important in our lives. It’s unimaginable today to live life without a smartphone or to leave home without your earbuds. If you are looking for the best recommendations in 2024, we’ve got you covered.

Read on and find out who the winners are in each category!

Other segments include the Best devices for the Home, Best of Mobile Gadgets (this article), Best of Gaming. Not to forget, our Readers’ Choice results for the Best Tech Brands.

For this segment, we begin with the best mobile Android phones.

Best Android Smartphone

Modern phones are arguably the most important piece of technology a person can have. It's not hyperbole to say that a phone represents your digital self since it's the main form of access to our loved ones, our livelihoods, the communities we thrive in, and the online world.

Here, we look at some of the latest phones money can buy and share why we think they stand out amongst all the possible options. The variety of recent (Q2 2023 to Q2 2024) high-quality Android mobiles available meant we had to classify them into two categories for two different budgets.

• Best premium Android smartphone ($$$)
• Best high-end Android smartphone ($$)

Best Premium Android Smartphone

The expectations of premium smartphones have only gotten higher with each passing year. No longer is it enough to have colour-accurate displays, class-leading photography, an all-day battery life, and glitch-free software. The rise of generative artificial intelligence has only widened the gap between the greats and the greatest. That doesn't even consider the year-round campaigns and discounts, trying to make the average user pick them over the other equally deserving rivals.

These smartphones are difficult to assess: an average user won't likely use half of the features available to premium handsets. But, that hasn't stopped people from buying the best there is.

To make the cut for HWZ's Tech Awards, the Best Premium Smartphone has to be announced and/or released in 2023 (after our previous Awards assessment) to April 2024. 

The qualification for Best Premium Smartphone is typically priced at S$1,500 or higher, or it has to be the phone brand's flagship offering. They come with the brand's all-out effort in software, partnerships, features, and components, to woo those who only want the best.

Nominees:

• Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Honor Magic6 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Note: While Honor Magic6 Pro retails below S$1,500, it qualifies as a premium smartphone option because it's the brand's most advanced model, with genuine blue flagship components inside and out.

And the winner is...

We think all the contenders in the premium category deserved the win, because they all satisfy what consumers look for in a premium smartphone. Our reviews, benchmarks, and conclusions for each device were as clear about that, too.

But if you had to twist our arm for an answer, then, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra won because it's the only model here to pack a full-feature stylus that works across its core and fringe features.

Also, while it was partly Google's effort, Galaxy AI was a testament to Samsung's partnership strength, where it debuted a Google-made feature (Circle To Search) even before Google itself.

Samsung also gave us amazing generative on-device and cloud AI features, showing that the Koreans had the creativity, resources, and expertise to create and refashion generative AI tools that made sense for the mass market, instead of simply cramming said features to check a box.

The combination of these unique properties and the brand's matured phone ecosystem and beautiful physical build gave it the edge needed to tout an unmatched "full package" phone.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro could've stood a chance, but it had to make way for a superior performance on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and (we think) it also lost points on design. The other two didn't have the necessary AI features to trounce Samsung, even if their imaging quality, physical build, and price points were more than a match against the Koreans.

Samsung managed to defy expectations with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but that has only set itself up for greater expectations in its next model. Can it keep the momentum going, or will others also outpace it with AI offerings? That's a problem for the next awards season. Now, congratulations are in order for Samsung, for the win was well-deserved.

Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra from the official Samsung Online Store, Amazon, Shopee, Lazada, KrisShop, Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, and Harvey Norman.

*Note: Prices and ratings listed are accurate during individual product evaluation. Street prices might be lower at the time of awards recognition. Scores may have been adjusted to reflect relative ratings to other products launched later or sooner.

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to learn about our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. In the meantime, here's how the other nominees fared in a snapshot.

Google Pixel 8 Pro - Best for Pure Android Experience

Very few brands would do Android smartphones better than Google itself, and the Pixel 8 Pro is the device that helps set the standard for the rest. Pixel AI and its features inspired other brands to create generative AI functionality on smartphones. Its clean user interface, extended guarantees for firmware and security updates, regular Pixel Feature Drops that add new software-based features, and all-around excellent battery life, imaging, and display, are what make Google Pixel 8 Pro the next obvious choice. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can get Google Pixel 8 Pro from the Google Store (Singapore), Amazon, Challenger, Courts, Shopee, Singtel, and Sprint-Cass at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Honor Magic6 Pro - Best Value

Imagine going back to the flagship basics, where you get a combination of an excellent processor, display, camera combo, and a user interface that's simple and clean. That exists in the Honor Magic6 Pro with its class-leading 2024 processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and powerful triple rear camera with excellent detail retention on all three modules. It even has all the bells and whistles that are a must for premium devices, like waterproofing (IP68), fast charging (80W), and wireless fast charging (66W).

Best of all, it's Honor's flagship offering, yet it costs a few hundred under the typical premium categorisation. Make no mistake: if it were any other brand, they'd likely want to charge more than S$1,500 for this. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can get the Honor Magic6 Pro at Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, Shopee and Lazada storefronts, and its TikTok shop.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra - Best Photography

While the others duke it out with generative AI and cut-throat pricing, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra stands out in other ways. Besides having a true blue premium processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) and all-around great battery, display, and charging perks, it also goes beyond with its hyper-exclusive Leica partnership for its rear cameras. After a few attempts, we think Xiaomi 14 Ultra was the Leica-branded phone it always wanted to make.

The cherry on top? HyperOS is a much more refined follow-up to MIUI, and we think it will only be even better for Xiaomi as the brand acclimatises to premium market competition. Check out our full review for more details.

Best High-end Android Smartphone

Some discerning phone users would know that you can afford to leave out features or specs you don't need in favour of a lower retail price. The keenest among us would also pay attention to the components used and quality delivered, spawning a whole generation of "flagship-lite" and midrange alternatives that can even give the premium equivalents a run for their money.

The qualification for Best High-end Android Smartphone is typically priced around S$1,000, or it has to be the phone brand's midrange/flagship-lite offering.  Phones in this range consist of multiple specifications or features adopted from their highest-end mobiles. While they may equal the premium alternatives in some areas, they don't always come with all the bells and whistles offered in the pricier tier.

Nominees:

• Google Pixel 8
• Nothing Phone (2)
• OPPO Reno11 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
• Xiaomi 14

Note: While the Samsung Galaxy S24 base version was close to S$1,000, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE was a better match in price point (below S$1,000) and categorisation (flagship-lite variant inside mainline Galaxy S series). Xiaomi 14 qualified at a price point under S$1,000. Google Pixel 8a was launched after the cut-off date of April 2024.

And the winner is...

When getting the full package for just under S$1,000, the Xiaomi 14 has to be the standout option. What helped it clinch the win wasn't only its Leica optimisations for imaging, a leading-edge processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), or having all the other components and features equal to flagship-tier phones (it is a flagship device priced like a high-end one, after all).

We think the change to a more refined Xiaomi HyperOS from its old and janky MIUI also helped earn points and put the phone in higher standing with us.

Honestly, Nothing Phone (2) was in the running for having a complete package, too, with impressive camera work and similar high-end components. Still, it had to take second place when the Xiaomi 14 was announced in late 2023 and launched in early 2024, thanks to Xiaomi 14 packing the latest and greatest components at an identical starting price.

Google Pixel 8 was also a worthy contender, especially with Pixel AI features being much more capable than the Xiaomi 14. Still, the Pixel was eclipsed by Xiaomi 14 in the performance department and further trounced by fast charging; the latest connectivity options (Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 support, etc.) offered the same IP68 water-and-dust resistance.

Congratulations to Xiaomi for an impressive, attractive handset. Who said you had to settle for less just because you pay less? Not them.

Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can buy Xiaomi 14 from its official Lazada and Shopee platforms.

*Note: Prices and ratings listed are accurate during individual product evaluation. Street prices might be lower at the time of awards recognition. Scores may have been adjusted to reflect relative ratings to other products launched later or sooner.

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to learn about our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. In the meantime, here's how the other nominees fared in a snapshot.

Google Pixel 8 - Best for Pure Android Experience

Is it worth trading out one telephoto camera to save half a grand? That is the value proposition of the Google Pixel 8, which is just as capable as the bigger Google Pixel 8 Pro in every other way.

Besides a smaller 6.2-inch display size with a 4,575mAh battery capacity, the only notable difference is a slightly different ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 8. You're still getting a 60-120Hz AMOLED screen, a long battery life for its size, and the same main camera quality. It also receives nearly all the software updates to its AI and non-AI features that the Pro gets.

If you're a fan of good value and refuse to give up on getting flagship-tier goodness, Google Pixel 8 should stay on your radar. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can get Google Pixel 8 from the Google Store (Singapore), Amazon, Challenger, Courts, Shopee, Singtel, and Sprint-Cass at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Nothing Phone (2) - Best Style and Design

The Nothing Phone (2) was running for the win until newer phones came around. That's because it was leading against other midrange and flagship-lite alternatives in so many ways, like its premium-grade processor (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) that also gave it excellent battery life, a beautiful 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and a powerful 50MP main camera that could punch above its weight.

What set it apart from the rest is the highly customizable Glyph Interface, which offered LED customisation similar to mobile phones from the 2000s, and Nothing's take on it worked well for their relevant notifications. It was far more refined than any LED case you could've bought back then.

All that at S$999 at launch, and it's still available? This is rightfully a high-end Android smartphone. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: Nothing Phone (2) is available via the official Nothing platforms, such as Nothing’s Singapore website, Shopee, Lazada and other retailers like Challenger.

OPPO Reno11 Pro - Best Photography

OPPO Reno11 Pro excels not just because of its continually updated ColorOS user interface, or because the Reno series always remembers to give its best effort in making an aesthetically pleasing handset. It also offers a large 6.7-inch OLED screen (60-120Hz refresh rate), large base storage (512GB) to make it more attractive among midrange competition.

Where it eclipses the rest is its camera performance. It fares exceptionally well in non-portraiture and is simply stunning when photographing a human subject. It also has an 2x optical telephoto camera (that is by no means less impressive than its main camera), even when most flagship phones would forgo a telephoto in their base model.

If you cannot compromise on photo quality but still want to save some cash, the OPPO Reno11 Pro should be your first stop before other alternatives on the list. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: The OPPO Reno11 Pro can be found at  the OPPO online store, physical OPPO concept stores, as well as Shopee, Lazada, Qoo10, TikTok, iShopChangi, and other consumer electronic retailers.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE - Best for Samsung Enthusiasts

Do you want a classic Samsung, but feel that their Galaxy S mainline is too expensive while their Galaxy A isn't powerful enough for you? This is where the FE (fan edition) comes in.

Samsung has always created an FE variant of its mainline Galaxy S devices, where it gives you performance that's closer to its mainline phones for not that much more than its midrange Galaxy A series.

The Galaxy S23 FE may not have a Qualcomm processor, but it excels in every other meaningful way: it has a 6.4-inch AMOLED (60-120Hz) display with a 50MP main camera on the rear and a metal frame to boot with a wonderful finish. It's a solid phone that offers just enough Galaxy S mainline features for the same experience, minus the insane starting prices. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE at the Samsung Official Store, telcos Singtel, StarHub and M1, the Samsung official outlets on Lazada and Shopee, iShopChangi, and other online versions of major electronics retailers.

References:

• Google Pixel 8 Pro review
• Google Pixel 8 review
• Honor Magic6 Pro review
• Nothing Phone (2) review
• OPPO Reno11 Pro review
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review
• Xiaomi 14 Ultra review
• Xiaomi 14 review

Best Foldable Phone

Phones are great, but having a mini-tablet display on demand is just as tantalising. It would be even better if you could whip one out of your pocket and put it away just as easily without carrying an additional gadget. Guess what? That's what book-style foldable phones are for.

In recent years, we've seen the book-style foldable phone market mature gradually, with most brands having access to the technologies and software expertise to build one. This year, we also see Singapore bringing in more foldable variety. This gives us a chance to experience more configurations of foldable phones locally and allows us to evaluate who's the best among them.

The qualification for the best foldable phone is for book-style foldable mobile handsets with a flexible and foldable inner display and a standard display on the front face of the device. It must also have been released in the last 12 months (between April 2023 and April 2024).

Nominees:

• Honor Magic V2
• OPPO Find N3
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

And the winner is...

The Honor Magic V2 defies our expectations of foldable phones in a few ways.

A larger inner display would usually mean a higher battery drain, but Magic V2 has somehow topped the uptime list despite having more pixels in both its inner and outer display. The brand also ensured the crease was kept to a minimum, another major issue for book-style foldable phones. Third, it's also much slimmer than a conventional book-style phone, at just 10.1mm when folded.

By addressing these three areas of concern, the rest of the phone's superior components helped propel it into the best available foldable for now (at the time of assessment and publication). Sure, there are options with better imaging capabilities, but Honor Magic V2 has managed to minimise many of the pain points of adopting a new form factor. Having a significantly lower price point despite the premium components also certainly helped in its favour as well.

Congratulations to Honor. Let's hope they can exceed expectations again in their next version.

Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can buy the Honor Magic V2 can be purchased at StarHub, Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, Shopee and authorised Honor retailers.

*Note: Prices and ratings listed are accurate during individual product evaluation. Street prices might be lower at the time of awards recognition. Scores may have been adjusted to reflect relative ratings to other products launched later or sooner.

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to learn about our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. In the meantime, here's how the other nominees fared in a snapshot.

Our thoughts on the contenders...

OPPO Find N3

The OPPO Find N3 was the next closest choice for a winner. It's not the cheapest of the lot, but boy, are you getting everything in spades. What set the Find N3 apart was its careful optimisations and software tweaks that made its large inner display more than just extra screen space: it had Boundless View, where you can use multi-finger gestures to intuitively park multiple apps (even gaming ones) at once. It's simply magical, and it makes you wonder why book-style foldable phones aren't even more popular than they already are.

Another thing we liked about the Find N3 was its photo-taking capabilities. Among the book-style phones we have, it's also one of the best shooters (it even excels against some standard bar-type phones). 

It costs much more than the category winner, but if you have a flexible budget, the OPPO Find N3 should be considered when shopping for a robust foldable phone. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can get the OPPO Find N3 at Shopee, Lazada and TikTok stores, alongside Amazon, StarHub, Singtel, KrisShop, iShopChangi and Qoo10.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

With tough competition, it's no surprise that Samsung's usual entry didn't have the wow factor seen in its previous iterations.

Make no mistake, Samsung's book-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold5, has meaningful tweaks that helped refine what the form factor meant for productivity and entertainment. It saw a reduced thickness, evened out the gap between two halves when folded, and the brand even made its outer display feel much more like a conventional smartphone.

It also received noteworthy software improvements, like supporting more recent apps in its Taskbar. The double-thumbed drag-and-drop made using it even more intuitive, too. Still, its closest competitors outshone the device with even more groundbreaking optimisations and design ingenuity. 

If it were any other year where rivalling brands made a book-style foldable phone to simply check a feature list box and create headlines, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 would have gotten an easy win. But victories are hard-earned, and we believe the Koreans would have something more amazing ahead to regain its lead. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 can be purchased at Samsung Online Store or its official Lazada and Shopee platforms. 

References: 

• Honor Magic V2
• OPPO Find N3
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

Best Flip Phone

Nearly everyone has a phone nowadays. These phones fit the same way in a bag or pocket, exposing their display to the elements. Beyond slapping on a phone case, they offer hardly any room for personalisation.

A modern flip phone is the closest thing to getting something different. These phones are functionally identical to conventional bar-type smartphones, but the main display can be folded in half. That leaves much more room for personalisation since you can fit these devices in smaller bags or even turn them into accessories.

It's not just for aesthetics, either. Folding the phone lets you use the rear camera for photos and videos of yourself and friends, hands-free. Having another outer display to check your shots makes it all the more convenient.

Even then, clamshell flip phones aren't all the same, so which among them is the best?

The qualification for the best flip phone is a clamshell foldable handset, which has a flexible, foldable main display on the inside and an optional secondary outer screen for shortcuts and notifications. It must also have been released in the last 12 months (between April 2023 and April 2024).

Nominees:

• Nubia Flip 5G
• Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G
• OPPO Find N3 Flip
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Note: While Honor did launch a flip phone, the Honor Magic V Flip, it was launched after our qualification period and is currently only offered for the China market.

And the winner is...

Why did the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 win best flip phone? Let us count the ways.

Is it because of its 3.4-inch external display that's large enough to put animated wallpapers? That's only half of why that panel is good. A bigger display also means an easier time using it as a digital viewfinder for your rear camera shots, and that makes great use of the clamshell form factor.

A more prominent display also meant more support for some third-party apps, a full QWERTY keyboard, and a richer host of notifications and widgets than before. 

Unfold it, and you get a classic premium-grade smartphone within. The full suite of Samsung's vibrant ecosystems, fringe features, and security packages exists. You're effectively paying standard flagship prices but for the added foldable benefits mentioned above. It even has wireless charging and IP-rated waterproofing, while its rivals either don't have or aren't nearly as advanced.

Sure, being creaseless would help it further, and having better imaging capabilities like its main rival here would also make its reign more obvious. However, neither factor is debilitating enough to destabilise Samsung's dominance in the flip phone scene. It would take at least another generation of innovation to top it.

Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 at Samsung Online Store, its partner telcos (M1, Singtel, StarHub), Lazada, Shopee, and other retailers.

*Note: Prices and ratings listed are accurate during individual product evaluation. Street prices might be lower at the time of awards recognition. Scores may have been adjusted to reflect relative ratings to other products launched later or sooner.

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to find out our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. In the meantime, here's how the other nominees fared in a snapshot.

Our thoughts on the contenders...

Nubia Flip 5G

You might think that having non-flagship components would make a flip phone unattractive, but the Nubia Flip 5G disagrees. Users new to the form factor can consider getting their feet wet because it costs a fraction of the winner's starting price.

While it lacks the fancy features to fully utilize its secondary display, it's still true to the compact folding aesthetic, has a nice and uniform build quality in both folded and unfolded states, and has decent photo-taking abilities. If you're just starting out and unsure if flip phones are right for you, the Flip 5G is for you to cut your losses (or start a flippin' spiral into clamshells). Check out our full review for more details.

Note: The Nubia Flip 5G is available at Nubia’s global store.

Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G

If you're more interested in having a flip phone just for its appearance and compact folding mechanism, the Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G could be the other affordable option. 

It's a good alternative because of its near-creaseless look and solid day-to-day performance, even if the battery life runs a little short, and its imaging is nothing to write home about.

But we can't recommend it because it's not officially available here. While Tecno regards the Singaporean consumer tech scene as an essential and strategic rally point, the brand doesn't carry its products here, so we can't tell you to go out and buy it as easily as the rest.

If you do happen to get one, you won't be disappointed by how deceptively simple these flip phones can be. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: The Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G is not officially available in Singapore.

OPPO Find N3 Flip

The OPPO Find N3 Flip is a close contender for the crown because it got a few things right where its Korean rival could not. The review scores (above) say just as much. It's a close fight.

OPPO's flip phone has a superior imaging combination that can take high-quality, detailed shots. It even managed to fit a 2x optical zoom camera on the device.

Also, OPPO kept the creases on its inner display to an absolute minimum, even though the bezels felt thick. 

If it had a bigger secondary display to fully exploit its amazing cameras or figured out a way to work its rear cameras into a more congruent design, it could have easily gotten the edge it needed to triumph over its Korean rival.

We think it won't take much (or long) for OPPO's flip phone to come out on top, even if they have to cede the win — for now. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: The OPPO Find N3 Flip can be found at Amazon, Oppo Online Store, Shopee (official), Lazada (official), TikTok (official), Qoo10, KrisShop, iShopChangi, StarHub, and Singtel.

References: 

• Nubia Flip 5G review
• Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G review
• OPPO Find N3 Flip review
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 review

Best Wireless Earbuds

For most people, there are two things that they cannot do without when they leave the house. The first is their phone, and the second is their true wireless earbuds. Unencumbered by wires, true wireless earbuds are the ultimate expression of convenience and flexibility, and are easily one of the best-selling devices today. It’s impossible to walk on the streets and not see someone with earbuds in their ears. With so many options to choose from these days, picking one can be a real dilemma.

To make the cut for this year’s award, the earbuds must be the best that the brand has to offer and they must have active noise-cancellation and an in-ear design. It must also have been released in the last 12 months (between April 2023 and April 2024).

Nominees:

• Apple AirPods Pro USB-C
• Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2
• Creative Aurvana Ace 2
• Devialet Gemini II
• Jabra Elite 10
• JBL Tour Pro 2
• Montblanc MTB03
• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
• Sony WF-1000XM5
• Technics EAH-AZ80

And the winner is...

This year’s contenders were very strong, but for most people, I think their needs will be best served by Sony’s excellent WF-1000XM5. It’s a solid all-around performer. To start, its ANC is class-leading and is easily one of, if not the best in the market. You see things happening around you and you don’t hear them. For those who want to escape the cacophony of the city, there are no better earbuds for the job. Furthermore, it does so many other things well. It sounds good, its battery life is decent, and it’s really compact and comfortable to wear. In other words, it has the features and performance that one would expect from flagship-class earbuds. For these reasons, it is the winner of our best true wireless earbuds category. 

Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the Sony WF-1000XM5 on Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, and the Sony online store.

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to find out our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. In the meantime, here's how the other nominees fared in a snapshot.

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to find out our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. In the meantime, here's how the other nominees fared in a snapshot.

Apple AirPods Pro USB-C - Best for Apple users

If you use an iPhone and/or have multiple Apple devices, there are no better earbuds than the AirPods Pro. The main reason for this is its insanely good Automatic Switching feature. This lets the AirPods Pro quickly switch to any Apple device – iPhone, iPad, or Mac – that you are using. It’s like multipoint on steroids. The AirPods Pro nail the basics too. Its ANC is good, and so is its transparency mode. The sound quality is no slouch, either. All in all, this pair is hands down the best earbuds for any iPhone user, especially if they are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the AirPods Pro on Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, and the Apple online store.

Technics EAH-AZ80 - Best Sound

Discerning and fussy listeners will find the most enjoyment with the Technics EAH-AZ80. With its large 10mm aluminium dynamic drivers, it takes just 10 minutes to tell that its sound quality is a step above all of its rivals. Tonally, it’s well-balanced and engaging, while technically, it impresses with its outstanding clarity, resolution, and texture. Enthusiasts will surely also appreciate its support for the higher-quality LDAC codec, which allows it to play well with standalone digital audio players. Take all of this and add its decent ANC and battery life, it is easy to see how it is a compelling option for users who prioritise sound quality above all else.

Note: You can find the Technics EAH-AZ80 on Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee.

Creative Aurvana Ace 2 - Best Value

The Aurvana Ace 2 may be the most affordable earbuds we’ve tested by some margin, but it certainly does not lack features or performance. Its ANC is more than decent, and with its dual driver configuration, it sounds pretty good, too. It’s also the only earbuds we’ve tested to support the new aptX Lossless codec. Alright, it has some downsides. The build is slightly low-rent, and its battery life is underwhelming. However, if you are willing to look past its shortcomings, there are no other earbuds that offer as much bang for the buck.

Note: You can find the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 on Lazada, Shopee, Amazon, and the Creative online store.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 - Best for In-Flight use

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 are frightfully expensive earbuds. And sadly, they don’t live up to the high price tag. To start, the plastic construction of the charging case is disappointing. The charging case is also large, but the total battery life is slightly below average. It’s also missing features like support for multipoint and a dedicated transparency mode that lets you hear what’s happening around you. One nifty that it has that none of its rivals does is wireless audio transmission. This allows you to connect the charging case to any source and transmit audio to the earbuds, which is really handy if you want to use these earbuds with the IFE (in-flight entertainment) system of a plane. Happily, it also sounds quite good. But even so, taken as a while, I don’t think it quite lives up to the reputation that Bowers & Wilkins enjoys.

Note: You can find the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 on Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee.

Jabra Elite 10 - Best Comfort

The Elite 10 from Jabra are one of the most comfortable earbuds to wear. They are compact and have a soft-touch rubber body that doesn’t stick too deep into your ears. Sadly, this means its passive isolation isn’t the best. Activating ANC helps, but the Elite 10 still leaks in more noise than its rivals. Where the Elite 10 earbuds shine is with its long battery life. It lasts up to six hours on a single charge and up to 27 hours total with the charging case. Unless you absolutely love the comfy fit and the long battery life of the Elite 10, I think there are more compelling earbuds at its price point.

Note: You can find the Jabra Elite 10 on Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, and the Jabra online store.

JBL Tour Pro 2 - Most Advanced Case

The JBL Tour Pro 2 is one of the most unusual earbuds because of its charging case. The charging case has a tiny 1.45-inch display, which you’d be happy to know, isn’t a complete gimmick. It can be used to check battery life, switch between listening modes, change the EQ, and more. It does mean that the charging case is quite large, but it also holds a lot of charge. Claimed battery life is up to 32 hours. The Tour Pro 2 also offers good ANC and sound quality. Its only notable flaw is its digital-sounding transparency mode. Overall, these are solid earbuds.

Note: You can find the JBL Tour Pro 2 on Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, and the JBL online store.

Montblanc MTB03 - Most Luxurious

These are hands down the most luxurious earbuds. The charging case is aluminium and the lid opens and closes in the same way the doors of a luxury saloon might. The earbuds are also made of lightweight resin for wearing comfort and have a glossy black piano finish that makes them look like ear jewellery. Tuned by renowned audio engineer Axel Grell, the MTB03 has a dark and smooth sound that makes it seem like you listening to music in a cosy and dark jazz bar. Sadly, the MTB03 misses the mark in a few key areas. The ANC is quite poor and the transparency mode sounds muffled. It’s also one of the few earbuds to not support multipoint, so switching between devices is troublesome. And when you consider how much it costs, it becomes apparent that there are more sensible options around.

Note: You can find the Montblanc MTB03 on Lazada and the Montblanc online store.

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9

From the moment you take it out of its box, you are left with no doubt that the ATH-TWX9  is a flagship-class device. The charging case and earbuds look sleek, and they look and feel expensive. Its sound quality is stellar, which should come as no surprise given Audio-Technica’s heritage. Where the ATH-TWX9 falters is with its ANC and transparency listening modes – it’s clearly not on the same level as Apple’s or Sony’s. Even so, these earbuds are worth checking out especially if you value sound quality over all else. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 on Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, and the Audio-Technica online store.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds would have been rated more highly if it wasn’t missing crucial features like support for multipoint and wireless charging. The former is a deal-breaker because it makes switching between devices a hassle. Furthermore, this is a feature that’s fast becoming commonplace in high-end and even mid-range earbuds. But if it’s any consolation, its ANC remains to be one of the best in the business. It’s as good as the Sony WF-1000XM5 in all but the most challenging environments. It also sounds good, with hard-hitting bass and outstanding clarity. However, these are not enough to make up for its missing features.

Note: You can find the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds on Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee.

Devialet Gemini II

Devialet’s second-generation flagship earbuds are much improved over its predecessor. The earbuds are smaller, lighter, and therefore easier to wear; and the charging case is now compact enough to slip into pockets. Build quality is also exemplary. The sound presentation is interesting because listening to them feels like listening to speakers in a room (Creative's Super X-FI audio comes to mind). However, it falters in some aspects. Though its ANC has improved, it’s still some way off the mark when compared to the likes of Apple and Sony. The transparency mode also sounds muffled and digitised. The Gemini II are not terrible, but when you compare them to the best, there’s clearly room for improvement. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the Devialet Gemini II on the Devialet online store.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Let’s cut to the chase, the Momentum True Wireless 4 are Sennheiser’s best earbuds yet. The ANC is much improved, to the point where it rivals the likes of Sony, Bose, and Apple. And being a Sennheiser, the sound signature is well-judged and its technical capabilities are a step above most of its rivals. The overall tonality is simply spot on. Connectivity is commendable too. These earbuds support Auracast and also the new aptX Lossless codec. That said, they are prone to random glitches where the audio would cut out for a split second. Even so, these are unquestionably the most accomplished earbuds Sennheiser has ever made.

Note: You can find the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 on Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, and the Sennheiser online store.

References

• Flagship true wireless earbuds shootout
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2
• Creative Aurvana Ace 2
• Jabra Elite 10
• JBL Tour Pro 2
• Montblanc MTB03
• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
• Technics EAH-AZ80
• Apple AirPods Pro USB-C review 
• Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 review
• Devialet Gemini II review
• Sony WF-1000XM5 review

Best Android Smartwatch

This year's smartwatch category has gotten a bit of a revamp from the generalist Best Smartwatch award to Best Android Smartwatch. This change was made because Wear OS has matured enough to foster direct competition within the Android ecosystem. Secondly, we have chosen to remove the Apple Watch as a contender altogether. While comparisons are bound to happen for smartwatches in general, the user base for Android and iOS do not cross over. For all intents and purposes, the Apple Watch remains the best companion for an iPhone. It enjoys no competition within the Apple ecosystem, and it does not compete outside of it. If you're interested in the Apple Watch, you can still read our latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 review here.

For everyone else, here are the nominees for Best Android Smartwatch:

Nominees:

• Google Pixel Watch 2
• Huawei Watch GT 4
• Oppo Watch X
• Samsung Galaxy Watch6 series
• Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

And the winner is… 

When Samsung first embraced Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch4 series picked up the Best Smartwatch win in our 2022 Tech Awards. Two generations later, the Galaxy Watch6 series remains the torch bearer of Wear OS and is our inaugural Best Android Smartwatch award winner.

With core Wear OS functionality being the baseline across devices, smartwatches have to be unique enough to stand out. Samsung's BioActive sensor continues to deliver this X factor, while improvements across the board from processor performance, to memory capacity, battery life and sensor accuracy mean that user experience of the Galaxy Watch6 is top notch. Samsung is also the only brand to offer multiple models and sizes with the standard Watch6 and Watch6 Classic to cater to different users. Besides the Huawei Watch GT 4, all the other contenders only come in a single size or model, so it can either be too small and feminine (Google Pixel Watch 2) or too big and masculine (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro).

If hardware alone wasn't sufficient enough reason to secure the win, Samsung Health tipped the scales in its favour. It is the most comprehensive smartwatch companion and health app among the competition. While it has deep integration with Samsung's own ecosystem, Samsung Health works across all Android devices, offering the same unfettered access to data, analytics, and workouts without additional cost. These are the reasons the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 series cruised to an easy win in this category.

Check out our full review for more details.

Note:  You can buy the Galaxy Watch6 Series on Samsung's Online Store, Lazada, and Shopee.

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to find out our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. Some of the scores above have been adjusted from their original standalone reviews to better match each criteria to competing products that may have been released/reviewed on different dates. Prices are listed based on original suggested retail price to maintain consistency of scoring. Price changes through ongoing sales and promotions are not reflected.

In the meantime, here's how the other nominees fared in a snapshot.

Google Pixel Watch 2 - For Fitbit fans

If you are coming from any other Fitbit device, then the Pixel Watch 2 is a no-brainer upgrade as it elevates the Fitbit experience from a "smartwatch-lite" fitness tracker to full-fledged smartwatch. Tired of Fitbit Pay having limited support? Well, you now have access to Google Pay, as well as all the apps Wear OS brings to the table. Of course, the caveat here is that that the Pixel Watch 2 is exclusive to the Android ecosystem being a Wear OS device. If you're an iOS Fitbit user, you're out of luck. In terms of capabilities, the Pixel Watch 2 is comparable to the Fitbit Sense 2. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the Google Pixel Watch 2 on the Singapore Google Store, Lazada, and Shopee.

Huawei Watch GT 4 - The premium fitness tracker experience

The Huawei Watch GT 4 may not be a Wear OS device or full-fledged Android smartwatch, but it is included as a special mention based on performance merits. As the device we often use as a benchmark when comparing the fitness tracker capabilities of smartwatches, we recognise Huawei's efforts improving its features and functionality over the years. If you're only interested in activity tracking with light smartwatch features such as notifications, the Watch GT 4 offers an unparalleled price-to-performance ratio with strong battery life and advanced sensors. The Huawei Health app is also second only to Samsung Health among the nominees here. It does not require a subscription to unlock additional features unlike the Fitbit app with the Google Pixel Watch 2, and is more comprehensive than Oppo OHealth and Xiaomi Fitness apps. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can get the Huawei Watch GT 4 (46mm) series from Huawei's official stores on Lazada and Shopee. If you're interested in the Watch GT 4 41mm variant, they're available through these links instead: Lazada, Shopee. 

Oppo Watch X - No-frills Wear OS

If you're looking for a pure Watch OS experience, you may find it in the Oppo Watch X rather than the Google Pixel Watch 2. It features a blend of premium materials such as sapphire glass, flagship-level performance using Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, and boasts of the longest lasting battery life among the competition outside of the Huawei Watch GT 4. The Oppo Watch X offers satisfactory health and fitness tracking through its multi-path heart rate sensors, although it's held back by a barebone OHealth app. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the Oppo Watch X from the official Oppo store, Shopee, and Lazada.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro - The budget flagship option

The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro somehow manages to be one of the most feature-filled contenders as well as the most affordable at the same time. It is the only smartwatch reviewed to feature the full Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 platform, and Xiaomi's even managed to include a unique bioelectric impedance functionality that's similar to Samsung's BioActive sensor. On the other hand, it is also a full Wear OS smartwatch that is able to give even the Huawei Watch GT 4 a run for its money. However, as good as the Watch 2 Pro's specifications looks on paper, it was ultimately let down by its software, which was still running last generation Wear OS 3.5 and not fully optimised to take advantage of its capabilities. The silver lining here is that software can be improved over time, and for some, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro may just be cheap enough to take a gamble on. Check out our full review for more details.

Note: You can find the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro on Shopee and Lazada.

References

• Google Pixel Watch 2 review
• Huawei Watch GT 4 review
• Oppo Watch X review
• Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic review
• Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro review