The obligatory tech recap.
Another year of tech has graced consumers, but which products top above all in 2019 before we enter a new decade?
Best Smartphone: Apple iPhone 11 Pro
The Cupertino is back on top with this year’s iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. With a triple camera array, industry leading video recording capabilities and a long battery life on the larger model, it deserves to be a top flagship pick. Despite iOS 13 returning it’s bugginess, the iPhone 11 Pro is an all-round stellar phone with a matte glass back, a stainless-steel frame and vibrant OLED display.
No, the notch hasn’t changed for two years, iOS 13 still misses out on a lot of “pro” features Android has and the 11 Pro is quite pricey – especially compared to the standard iPhone 11 which brings most of its features – but the best overall phone of 2019 is still the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.
Read the review of the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max from The Verge.
Best Wearable: Apple Watch Series 5
I would love to award the Series 4, but that’s been discontinued. The Apple Watch Series 5 still reigns supreme in the smart watch game.
While it still – and will most likely never – connect to any Android phone, this year’s Apple Watch finally brings the much-awaited always-on display. Uniquely, it reduces the screen’s refresh rate to save battery life, though it still is shorter than its predecessor. Combine this with Apple Watch Studio which allows consumers to choose your own band colours with cases, watchOS and the most robust app support in a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 5 continues to lead the segment.
Read the review on the Apple Watch Series 5 from Hodinkee.
Best Tablet: Apple iPad 10.2” (7th Generation)
No, this isn’t an iSheep list; the refreshed 7th Generation Apple iPad is arguably the best tablet around. The entry-level tablet got refreshed this year with a larger display, and Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support.
It still retains a rather annoying laminated display, but that’s expected for its circa $500 price tag. With iPadOS, the iPad 10.2” has similar abilities to the much more pricier iPad Pro without too much compromises. If you want a casual laptop replacement for browsing the web and writing occasional documents, the Apple iPad is the best value tablet yet.
Read the review on the iPad 10.2″ from CNET.
Best Laptop: HP Spectre x360 13”
On the laptop side, HP has made the most improvements to its flagship Spectre x360 2-in-1 this year.
The firm has finally adopted Windows Precision drivers to improve its infamous trackpad, made the bezels ultra-thin while maintaining a web camera at the top, and even kept a single USB-A port that uses a flap to fit it into a thin chassis. The Spectre x360 looks the part as well with three premium finishes including copper accents, a compact size and good keyboard travel. If it’s the most premium Windows laptop, the HP Spectre x360 tips the list this year.
Read the review on the Spectre x360 from Digital Trends.
Best Wireless Audio: Samsung Galaxy Buds
True wireless earbuds are flooding the market; the Galaxy Buds are arguably the best value in 2019. With five hours of listening time and six hours charging capacity on its wireless charging case, it isn’t exactly “class-leading” but it is justified by its $249 RRP price – with frequent discounts.
The earbuds provide decent sound quality and fit with adjustable wing and ear tips to ensure passive noise cancellation. Samsung Galaxy phones mimics Apple’s proximity-aware connection with a quick interface pop-up, while all Android’s can use Samsung’s app to customise touch sensor controls, enable sound through hearing, adjust equalisers, and update software. Sadly, no iOS app as of publication. The Galaxy Buds also has one of the smallest cases around and represents great value for anyone frustrated by the loss of the headphone jack.
Read the review on the Galaxy Buds from SoundGuys.
Best Smart Home Gadget: Lenovo Smart Display 7”
The best smart home hub arguably has a screen for easier interactions. While the rudimentary Googles Nest Mini is the most affordable, the newly launched Lenovo Smart Display 7” is the best value.
With Google Assistant, the smart speaker also includes a front-facing camera for Google Duo video calls. Thankfully, for privacy concerns, there’s a switch that physically covers the camera and microphone killing toggle as well. Whether it is looking up recipes, summoning the Assistant or listening to music through it’s two front-firing speakers, the Smart Display 7” is tremendous value at $129 RRP (with frequent discounts), considering the equivalent Google Nest Hub costs more but omits a camera.
Read the review on the Lenovo Smart Display 7″ from Android Central.
Best Niche: Microsoft Surface Neo
Despite folding phones emerging this year — the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei Mate X and Motorola Razr to be precise — their durability is questionable. Microsoft surprised all in 2019 with two folding devices that are essentially two screens fused together to eliminate worries of display fragility. The Surface Neo is a new concept: a tablet that unfolds into a laptop.
Two 9-inch displays are bonded together to form a 13.1-inch laptop when unfolded. Running on dual-screen optimised software called Windows 10X, the Surface Neo also magnetically attaches and charges a Surface Slim Pen, and also has an attachable keyboard that can be flipped away when not needed. It’s quite a neat idea. Despite landing in late 2020, I commend Microsoft in taking a bold but sensible move to advance the tech industry as we move into a new decade.
Read the first impressions of the Surface Neo from The Verge.
The Connected by Henry Man 