Category: Australia

Sony has been one of the biggest names in the television industry for years. Many factors have contributed to this, but the most important is the Sony’s ability to offer its premium line of TVs year after year that feature a superior visual and audio experience. In 2022, the company presents a new TV series with interesting datasheets and large displays. But is the price worth the Sony BRAVIA 50″ X75K 4K Ultra HD HDR LED Smart TV?

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Sony BRAVIA 50″ X75K 4K Ultra HD HDR LED Smart TV: $995 at Amazon.com.au →

Big Display options, but no HDR10+

Sony’s X75K TV Series are available in multiple panel sizes from 43 to 75 inches. We review the 50-inch which features Direct LED panel and is powered by Sony’s flagship 4K X1 processor. However, the panel does not have local dimming, instead the TV provides frame dimming. While this can help improve the visual experience, in many cases, especially dark scenes, the visual experience is a bit degraded with this technology.

Apart from that, Sony also equips the X75K with proprietary technologies such as 4K X-Reality PRO, Live Colour Technology and Dynamic Contrast Enhancer. All these technologies come together to create an immersive visual experience perfect for premium TVs. On the contrary, there’s no support for Dolby Vision or HDR10+.

PRO: Display performance

• Good SDR/ HDR performance – Even thought there’s no HDR10+ support, the X75K gets bright enough in scenes with plenty of light in them.
• Frame dimming – Really good low luminance of 0.2 nits. 
• Impressive core hardware that makes the TV perform as it should, offering a lag-free viewing experience when watching 4K content.

PRO: Good sound performance

• A two-speaker setup in the base, hidden within the body of the unit. This is a 20W (10W+10W) open baffle speaker with good sound.

CON: Panel not competitive enough

• The panel – This premium TV does not handle some colours well. Scenes with sharp colour contrasts show that the TV cannot compete with more advanced OLED panel TVs. Some of which sell in a similar price range.
• Does not handle low light scenes very well.
• Color reproduction – Hard to figure out how to fix some minor colour reproduction inaccuracies.

CON: Price

• Expensive compared to alternative options.

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The Jabra Elite 7 Active is a well-rounded option for those looking for a mid-priced and durable workout earbuds. With decent quality, customizable features (sound and fit), as well as solid active noise cancelling (ANC) system, you’ll be able to focus on your fitness goals. 

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Jabra Elite 7 Active: $178.00 at Amazon.com.au →

Workout Eearbuds with Personalized Fit and Sound

Released as an updated to the Elite Active 75t, the Jabra Elite 7 Active headphones offers new coating technology (Jabra ShakeGrip), faster-charging, personalised fit and ANC, more microphones, as well as pre-set equaliser settings in the Jabra Sound+ app. Priced slightly lower than the Elite 7 Pro, the audio and ANC quality of both models are identical, in that they are both decent, but not extraordinary. 

With the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds, you can listen to your favorite tunes and filter out background noise. They come equipped with two listening modes: an Active Noise Cancellation feature blocks outside sounds, and a HearThrough techonology uses the microphones in your earbuds to help you hear what’s around you. With this features, you get to enjoy your music however you please.

Thanks to Jabra ShakeGrip, the Jabra Elite 7 Active boasts a stylish look and design. With regards to sound quality, although the ANC is effective, there are certainly better options available in the market such as Bose QuietComfort. Further, aside from new feature such as Jabra ShakeGrip, the shape of Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds directs the ear tips deep into the ear canal which helps create a tight seal that prevents sound from getting in or out. However, this may potentially cause discomfort for some people.

Battery life is one of the advantages of the 7 Series and it is quite great for the Jabra Elite 7 Active at approximately 8 hours (ANC enabled). All in all, The Jabra Elite 7 Active provides a significant update over the Jabra Elite Active 75t which includes personalized sound and better fit.  The Jabra Elite 7 Active is a good buy if you don’t mind average microphone quality and you want a durable pair of workout earbuds. For lower price range, you could also consider Jabra Elite 4 Active.

PRO: Jabra Elite 7 Active offers plenty of features and is affordable

• Cheaper than the Elite Pro model
• Features Jabra ShakeGrip technology for a better fit even during the toughest workout
• Switch to personalised ANC mode with a tap on the button
• Features HearThrough technology to pickup local sound
• Get up to 8 hours battery in the buds and up to 30 hours with the case
• Comes with IP57 water and sweat-proof construction

CON: Decent sound and microphone quality

• Decent microphone quality making it difficult to be on a call in a relatively loud environment such as during biking
• Plenty other options in the market with better sound quality at similar price range

CON: Potential connectivity issues

• Frequent pairing and connecting issues
• One of the earbud keeps on getting disconnected from bluetooth
• Requires updates often which necessitates another round of pairing and set up thus taking quite some time to go through

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Bose holds the title “King of ANC”, and they might keep it for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II too. Although, it has top tier ANC and some interesting app utility, it lacks some features and is pricey. Therefore, it is a questionable choice.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: $429 at Amazon.com.au →

Upgraded Stability

The company has had mixed success with its workout-friendly options, but how does their flagship headphone products compare to others on the market?

Available in triple black or soapstone (black or off-white, respectively), the QC Earbuds II stick out of the case in a way that many truly wireless headphones don’t. A silicone stability band (in sizes S, M, L) wraps around the body of each ear tip, forming a kind of ridge that allows the pair to be easily removed from the case. Thus, if you’ve ever struggled to remove your shiny AirPods from their slippery case, you’ve come to the right place.

PRO: A Secure Fit and Decent Battery Life

• Secure fit – The oval silicone ear tips (available in size S, M, L) work with the band to fit securely in your ear and they don’t often require adjustment.
• Playtime – Bose says the QuietComfort Earbuds II will last you about 6 hours on a single charge, and the case has 18 hours of battery life.

PRO: “Aware Mode”, “ActiveSense”, EQ sound, and the companion app

• Aware Mode- Turn on Aware mode if you want to hear your surroundings. This is Bose’s name for what others call “transparent mode”. Therefore, when Aware mode is on, the earbuds pass background noise through the headset to alert you.
• ActiveSense – ActiveSense uses ANC to reduce the volume of some unpredictable sounds as they occur. That way, if you drive past a construction site with Aware Mode enabled, you won’t be dazzled by the sounds of workers’ tools.
• Active EQ with balanced sound. Additionally, their companion app (available for Android and iOS) lets you create and customize profiles regarding ANC features.

CON: Missing Features

• ANC – No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether.
• Wireless charging – Case doesn’t support wireless charging.

CON: Expensive

• Pricey compared to competitors and alternatives.

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If you’re a lover of the great outdoors and are constantly on the move, then a portable fridge freezer is an essential item for your camper van. The 25L Brass Monkey Fridge is an excellent companion on your next weekend trip as it will provide fresh food and drinks during the trip.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

25L Brass Monkey Fridge: $174.00 at Amazon.com.au →

25L Brass Monkey Portable Fridge : Budget Friendly and Works Great with Minor Imperfection

Keep your food and drinks cold for day trips and light-packed weekenders with the 25L Brass Monkey Fridge. Despite being relatively small, this compact portable fridge features just enough space appropriate for day trips and light-packed weekenders. The Brass Monkey Fridge is suitable for 12V systems, and it has a three-stage low battery cutout to prevent damage to your battery from overcharging. Additionally, the Brass Monkey Fridge has two compartments (i.e. being freezer and fridge) and its features include digital temperature controls, USB port, touch controls, and low energy consumption. 

Although the unit is relatively small and light (at approximately 12.1Kg), the Brass Monkey Fridge still has outstanding cooling power. Moreover, due to the high-density foam insulation, the Brass Monkey Fridge freezer can chill your food down to -20C. Notwithstanding, it appears that the insulation may not be thick enough as, under extreme heat, there would be condensation on the surface of the fridge.

PRO: Budget friendly and works great

• Relatively cheaper than similar models from peers such as Engel and Dometic
• Features two compartments that can be used as either a fridge or freezer
• Temperature ranges from +20°C to −20°C
• Comes with 3-years warranty
• Brass Monkey app controlled

CON: Relatively thin insulation

• Condensation appearing under extreme heat due to thin insulation

CON: Not suitable for large group or longer trip

• Having a capacity of 25L, Brass Monkey Fridge is not suitable for big family or longer trip

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The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is not a huge upgrade over the original, but it is a compact, capable smart display with a built-in camera and Alexa.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen): $59 at Amazon.com.au →

Amazon’s smallest smart display gets a minor refresh, plus a Kids Edition

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is nice, compact, and powerful, just like its popular predecessor. However, it has entered a more saturated smart clock market with higher competition.

Currently, Echo Show 5 competes with the Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), its in-brand alternative, and one of the best smart home devices, the Amazon Echo Dot with clock. Although, the new Echo Show 5 is cheaper than Google’s latest smart display. Moreover, unlike the clocked Echo Dot, has a real screen, but it can’t track sleep and doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio output.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 is available now in three colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, and Deep Sea Blue.

PRO: Smart Home Features

• If you’re interested in smart home features, the Echo Show 5 is a better choice than the Amazon tablet. You can access the best Alexa skills using either your device’s display or microphone. The former method lets you see the best Alexa-compatible devices in your home in one combined interface.
  For example, you can turn on your Philips Hue lights with just a few taps.
• Amazon Sidewalk – Sidewalk is a Wi-Fi sharing protocol that allows things like Key Finder to connect to the cloud via Amazon devices over low-power, long-distance networks.
• Alexa Guard – Amazon’s Assistant notifies you when the display’s microphone detects a smoke detector or breaking glass. It’s not as comprehensive as the best DIY home security systems, but it’s a more affordable alternative.

PRO: Good audio quality & kids privacy

• Good audio quality for its size – A single 4-watt speaker doesn’t make the Show 5 one of the best Alexa speakers, but it does provide acceptable audio. Much like the Echo Dot sounds, the Show 5 is great for listening to the morning news or playing environmental sounds to help you fall asleep.
• Kids Edition has good privacy and warranty options. If you read our roundup of the best baby monitor, you’ll see why security more important than ever.

CON: No 3.5-mm audio jack

• The 3.5mm audio output previous models had, has been removed.

CON: Limited camera quality & not enough upgrades

• Don’t expect a device as small as the Echo Show 5 to appreciate camera quality and video calling options – It features a 2MP camera in comparison the the previous model which featured a 1MP camera.
• No significant upgrades from previous version – Camera quality for example is only updated by 1 MP from the previous model, while Amazon’s latest model features a 13 MP camera.

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Similar to other percussion massagers available in the market, the Theragun Pro provides the relief of a hands-on massage as well as alleviates tension and soreness through percussive pressure at variable speeds.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Percussion Massage Gun In Australia 2022 ►

Theragun Pro: $1,233.31 at Amazon.com.au →

Theragun Pro Review: Powerful High-End Massage Gun

Massage guns have become increasingly popular in recent year, helping users, whether a pro athlete or just someone who hunches over a desk all day, to ease sore muscles, reduce tension and enhance muscle recovery. Due to its power, comfort, and design, the Theragun Pro from Therabody is arguably one of the top massage guns available. However, it is expensive and may be an overkill for a casual user.

Based on our experience, Theragun Pro provides an exceptionally intense massage experience. Even without exerting much pressure, we could feel each hit penetrates deep into the muscle. That said, if you prefer light and gentle massages, then Theragun Pro may not be the best option for you. While some people may find intense massage relaxing and enjoyable, that level of intensity may be too much for others.

Speed and Battery

Comes with six different massage attachment, the Theragun Pro can hit the muscle at a maximum PPM (percussions per minute) of 2400 per minute. Although this may sound a lot, surprisingly there are plenty other models with higher PPM. We do not, however, consider this as a major drawback as even at the lowest speed setting of 1750, we felt sufficient intensity and did not need to ramp up the speed to the device’s upper limit. I’m pleased to learn that the Theragun Pro comes with two rechargeable batteries instead of one. However, considering its hefty price tag, I wish the battery life could have last longer.

Comfort and Ease of Use

Though it may take a little bit of trial and error to figure the best settings, the Theragun Pro is quite intuitive to use. Moreover, the Theragun Pro also features a rotating arm, which makes it easier to use on any spot that is awkward to reach. The Theragun Pro is heavier and louder than average massage gun, which is not a surprise, considering its power and strength.

PRO: Powerful device with quality built

• Powerful and sturdy device that provides intense massage
• The percussive therapy gets deep into the muscles to release tension
• Customizable speed range (of up to 2,400 PPM)
• Patented triangular handle enables multiple grip options

PRO: Great features and support

• Designed for both professional and personal use
• Bluetooth connectivity to free Therabody app
• Features OLED screen with Force meter
• Includes 6 different interchangeable massage attachments
• Comes with 2-year warranty

CON: Premium price with moderate battery life

• Relatively expensive compared to other massage guns available in the market
• Battery life do not last as long after frequent use

CON: Loud and heavy to use

• Relatively loud noise output making it not suitable to use in a quiet environment
• Weighing almost 3 lbs, the Theragun Pro feels heavy on hand

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Raycon Fitness Earbuds is comfortable, light and great for exercise. Additionally, they feature EQ presets and a continues playtime of 9 hours. Raycon Fitness Earbuds could be an attractive purchase if only the audio output could keep up.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Earbuds For Runners In Australia 2022 ►

Raycon Fitness Earbuds: $286.87 at Amazon.com.au →

Introduction header

Raycon Fitness Earbuds are the sports and fitness oriented headphones in this manufacturer’s lineup. There are no ear hooks, but they have a secure fit for workouts and are waterproof with an IPX7 certification. Like other Raycon headphones, they have a very intense sound profile, offering a lot of boom and thump, although some users find it very muddy. Although there is no companion app, there are several EQ presets that cycle through the control scheme.

The Raycon Fitness Earbuds come in several color variants: ‘Carbon Black’, ‘Electric Blue’, ‘Flare Red’, ‘Rose Gold’, and ‘Frost White’.

PRO: Performance

• Battery life- 9 hours of continuous playtime.
• EQ presets available – Cycle between various EQ presets through the control scheme.

PRO: Design

• Comfortable and well-built design – Very stable fit, suitable for sports and fitness purposes.
• Waterproof and sweat proof for athletic exercises.

CON: Too much bass and no ANC

• Bad passive soundstage – Because the bass and treble are over-emphasized, users may find sound overly muddy and penetrating.
• No ANC – Unfortunately, they have a hard time suppressing conversations around you, so you may hear your co-workers talking around you for instance.

CON: Lack of Features

• No multi-device pairing, so you can’t connect to multiple devices at once.

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The Bose QuietComfort 45 has all the pieces to be a great Active noise cancellation headset, but it’s not perfect. Even with the one of the best ANC available, its sound quality isn’t great.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Noise Canceling Headphones In Australia 2022 ►

Bose QC45: $339 at Amazon.com.au →

Introduction header

Bose’s ANC headphones are a bit typical, and for good reason.
They are very good at providing convenience and ease of use for most people. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is no exception. If there’s one big advantage that the QC 45 has, is that it looks nearly identical to its predecessor.

PRO: A familiar design

• Comfortable and easy to use just like previous Bose headphones. The Bose QC 45 feature big earcups but are reasonably light weight at 240 grams.
• The Bose QC 45 jumped from the outdated micro-USB port, the previous models featured, to USB-C.

PRO: Features

• Awareness Mode allows you to modify how you hear what you hear. Substantially lower your music volume and turn off noise cancellation without removing your headphones.
• The Bose QC 45 does a great job of blocking out external noise with its latest ANC system. In particular, it blocks mid- and high-frequency noise surprisingly well.
• In-app EQ – You can now download the Bose Music App and tweak your headphones to your liking to deal with the shaky default sound profile.

CON: Con header 1

• ANC can’t be adjusted – No true “off” listening mode as the only way to turn ANC off is to turn Aware mode on.
• Not the best sound quality on the market.

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In the world of headphones, only a handful of companies have released products worth looking at and Sony is one of the most famous. Today we’re reviewing the latest update to the company’s flagship Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headphones. Sony WH-1000XM5. Completely redesigned, this is one of the best ANC headphones out there, but they are expensive.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Earbuds For Runners In Australia 2022 ►

Sony WH-1000XM5: $548 at Amazon.com.au →

Similar features but some upgrade

Available in black or silver, the Sony WH-1000XM5’s over-ear construction is sleek and attractive, with a leatherette headband that matches the ear cups in terms of color and matte finish. The cup folds flat and fits easily into the included zippered carrying case. The over-ear fit is extremely comfortable, even during long listening sessions. The only downside is the higher price point compared to previous models some consumers might not like.

PRO: High Quality

• Noise Cancellation Performance – The WH-1000XM5’s eight microphone array provides powerful, state-of-the-art adaptive noise cancellation. Sit next to a fan, turn your head slightly, and the microphone blocks the noise.
• Audio Quality – Hugely musical, and entertaining sound. More detailed than the WH-1000XM4. Excellent sense of rhythm.
• Automatic noise-cancelling optimisation for the first time

PRO: Battery

• The WH-1000XM5 can last for up to 30 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancellation on, or 40 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancellation off. With a ten-minute charge, they can last for five extra hours of playback.

CON: Pricey

• More expensive than the previous model (WH-1000XM4) at launch. Some rivals offer high quality at lower prices.

CON: Feels less premium than previous models

• The plastics used are nice to touch, but the previous model feels a bit more premium.

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The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a revamped Galaxy Note with a faster built-in S Pen, many camera improvements, faster charging and a brighter display. It’s a great phone overall, but it is pretty expensive and battery life could have been further improved.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Samsung S22 Ultra: $1,919 at Amazon.com.au →

Performance updates but less RAM

The new Samsung S22 Ultra offers an S Pen built-in, but with Samsung looking to top the list of best phones, this flagship has a lot more going for it.

First of all, the S Pen is more responsive because Samsung made it 70% faster with less lag. The display is also the brightest and most colorful of anything Samsung has released so far, and it’s capable of fast charging at 45W.

Samsung, on the other hand, is asking a lot ($1,919) for a phone with less RAM than the previous model.

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra comes in black, white, green, but also has a burgundy option.

PRO: Ultra Performance

• Faster S Pen built in – Samsung has improved the S Pen by 70% as it has dropped its latency from 9 milliseconds down to 2.8. Moreover, you don’t have to buy a special case to store the pen as it has a build in holder on the phone itself.
• Cameras offer better low light performance – Samsung says it’s calling the experience “Nightography” because of the much-improved low-light imaging capabilities. The S22 does better than the S21 in low light, but not by a lot.

PRO: Bright Display

• As before, you get a dynamic refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes scrolling smoother during hands-on time. It also has his 240Hz touch polling rate that gamers will appreciate.
  However, there are two notable display upgrades here. First, the screen has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, possibly the brightest we’ve seen so far. Another display perk is the new Vision Booster feature, which lets you easily adjust screen brightness on-the-fly throughout the day. This means that you can use the S22 Ultra outdoors without any problems, even in very strong sunlight.

CON: RAM & Battery Life

• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra features 8GB of RAM compared to its previous model (Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra) which offered 12 GB
• 5,000 mAH battery – Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s battery lasts for approximately 10 hours compared to the 11 hours and 25 minutes of its previous model, and 12 hours of its competitor iPhone 13 Pro MAX.

CON: Pricey

• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is more expensive by $100-300 difference compared to its competitors.

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