A year in review: HardwareZone's top product reviews of 2023.
HWZ's top product reviews in 2023
As the end of yet another eventful year approaches, here's a quick throwback to HardwareZone's top content of 2023.
In this article, we look at 10 of the most-read product reviews we did in 2023. Thank you all for making HWZ the leading online technology portal in Asia Pacific, and supporting what we do. Here's our year in review as we look forward to another.
1. BYD Atto 3 (100kW) electric car review
BYD Atto 3 (100kW)/
That's right, folks. The most-read product review on HWZ isn't a review of a phone, a laptop, a power bank, or an air purifier. It's a freaking electric SUV. It helps that we have a passionate ex-racer and current petrolhead enthusiast who is also keen on reviewing new automobile technologies. The review quickly pointed out the ins and outs of what consumer electric vehicles are supposed to bring to the table, on top of a deep understanding of Singapore's infamous COE at play.
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 midrange phone review
Samsung Galaxy A54.
Another surprise in the bag is the Samsung Galaxy A54 review, which is one of the most-read phone reviews on our site, despite our readers generally preferring to read about more expensive handsets available on our sunny island. We believe it's a mix of Samsung's aggressive marketing for its Galaxy A-series devices (making it the top of minds everywhere), its low price tag, and our readers trying to find out if the Galaxy A54 is worth recommending to their family or friends who don't care about the latest or greatest specs.
3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra premium smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra getting readers' interest aligns more with our expectations and the HWZ DNA, where we put the best premium devices out there and deconstruct their worth to you. It also defies expectations in many ways, especially when the Galaxy S23 Ultra did not see a significant redesign, nor did it disappoint. Also, this is probably what our readers got for themselves or their partners, seeing how the Galaxy S23 Ultra regularly pops up as a top buy after visiting HardwareZone.
4. Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet review
Xiaomi Pad 6.
Value-for-money Android tablets have massive shoes to fill, since these tablets of late have impressive displays for not a lot of money. The Xiaomi Pad 6 review was an exercise in competence, where everything from its bezels to its viewing experience was called upon. Our reviewer enjoyed that the Xiaomi tablet did not have excessive bloatware and had accessories to maximise its utility. Would you enjoy having it? That's for you to read and find out.
5. ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2022) gaming laptop review
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2022).
Of all the notebooks and laptops that got the most reads (and they all rank very high among our readers), it was the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2022) that managed to beat the rest. It's a full-fledged beast that doesn't compromise on connectivity options, graphics performance, good battery life, and a good price despite its appearance and specs. You'll have to hit the link to see all the details.
6. ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming console review
ROG Ally.
If the Steam Deck was a game-changer to handheld PC gaming, would the competitors that come after it do a better job? That was what our readers wanted to know with the ROG Ally, an ASUS-branded alternative to the handheld gaming console market with full Windows 11 compatibility and AMD's CPU/GPU combo. The review covered nitty gritty bits like its resilience, ergonomic design, and controls.
7. Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max review
Apple iPhone 15 Pro series.
The Apple fanboys and haters must be wondering where on Earth the iPhone 15 series reviews would rank on the list of most-read reviews. It's right here. Apple phone reviews have always fared well, given the iPhones' popularity in Singapore. This year's change to USB-C ports was extra pertinent to longtime users who want to know if it will be a seamless transition for them. We would say more, but we'd get accused of blindly hating Apple products / kissing up to Apple, depending on who you ask
The Apple fanboys and haters must be wondering where on Earth the iPhone 15 series reviews would rank on the list of most-read reviews. It's right here. Apple phone reviews have always fared well, given the iPhones' popularity in Singapore. This year's change to USB-C ports was extra pertinent to longtime users who want to know if it will be a seamless transition for them. We would say more, but we'd get accused of blindly hating Apple products / kissing up to Apple, depending on who you ask
8. BYD Dolphin electric car review
BYD Dolphin hatchback EV.
The BYD Dolphin is the second EV to top the review list; we can understand why. BYD is a relatively new car brand in the automobile space (that is not without its controversies), and car buyers prioritise the car's type and purpose before any other choice, like brand loyalty or support for connected whatever. The BYD Dolphin served as the review for readers who are on the hunt for the next eligible hatchback, and want to know if it still serves up all the modern perks of owning an EV. Doesn't hurt that it's also the most 'affordable' EV in town, plus our close tech media friends in Malaysia have also crowned it their best EV of the year, so that says something.
9. JBL Live Pro 2 true wireless earbuds review
JBL Live Pro 2.
Audio enthusiasts, here's your time to shine. This year, the JBL Live Pro 2 was the most-read review for true wireless earbuds. The combination of JBL's audio legacy and many years of refining its products resulted in a gem amongst the many TWSes available in Singapore, along with the added perk of it being priced lower than most of its main rivals. It's so good that you'll have to read why it was the winner of its Tech Awards 2023 category.
10. Askey AP5100W mesh Wi-Fi system review
Askey AP5100W.
Last but not least of the top-read reviews is the Askey AP5100W mesh Wi-Fi system, and we're not saying that just because it's a cute and lazy way to finish off a year in review. The review was initially conducted in 2020, and it proceeded to gain a massive uptick in 2023 because Singtel started offering the router again as part of its mesh networking package. With how quickly consumer tech gadgets come and go, it's impressive that an older router can beat out all the cool new ones we've seen in that time, too. But is it any good? In a few words - it's decent. We have it all broken down for you in our review.
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