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BLUETTI SwapSolar Portable MultiCooler and AC180T Power Station Review

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BLUETTI, a company known for its portable power stations and associated accessories, is currently running an Indiegogo campaign for its new SwapSolar ecosystem of app-enabled products. The launch products in the SwapSolar family include a high-capacity power station with removable hot-swappable batteries plus a multifunction portable cooler. Together, they can keep your perishables cool for up to six days while completely off the grid, or essentially indefinitely with occasional access to power.

bluetti swapsolar fridge power station
The crowdfunding campaign for the SwapSolar campaign is drawing to a close in just a few days with over $1.1 million pledged by backers, and I’ve been testing out both main products in the lineup to see how they work, including their app integration that lets you keep tabs on the accessories and make adjustments right from your iPhone.

3-in-1 Portable MultiCooler

The highlight of the lineup is the unique 3-in-1 Portable MultiCooler, which can serve as a fridge, a freezer, and an ice maker. BLUETTI says it’s the first portable fridge powered by high-density LFP batteries, which retain 80% of their original capacity even after 3,000 cycles. A single BLUETTI B70 battery can power the fridge for up to three days, but it can also run off a standard electrical outlet, a 12-volt socket such as those found in vehicles, or solar panels.

bluetti multicoolerbluetti multicooler
The fridge compartment has a 40-liter/42-quart capacity with an additional 9-liter/9.5-quart ice maker compartment that can produce ice in just 15 minutes from an onboard water tank. The fridge itself features a rapid cool-down mode that can chill the compartment from 85º F (30ºC) to freezing in 15 minutes, and you can set the temperature to as low as –4º F (–20 ºC), so it will work as either a fridge or a freezer.

bluetti multicooler openbluetti multicooler open
In my testing, the unit was capable of holding temperature quite well both slightly above and below freezing. BLUETTI recommends keeping the fridge fairly full of items and minimizing the amount of time the lid is left open to help minimize temperature fluctuations, but even with only a few items in the fridge I only ever saw the temperature briefly rise by a degree or two following a quick opening of the lid.

bluetti multicooler displaybluetti multicooler display
The ice maker is a neat functionality of the MultiCooler, allowing for on-demand generation of ice cubes in two size options for drinks or other needs. Simply fill the ice maker compartment with between 400 ml and 1 L of water, and start up the ice-making cycle. The unit does the rest automatically, passing water over a chilled metal grid to freeze it in sets of 24 cubes.

I wouldn’t call even the larger-sized cubes substantial by any means, but they can be made quickly and do the trick for keeping a drink cold. An initial cycle took about 25 minutes to produce a set of cubes, and two additional sets from the same batch of water took about 10 minutes each. You can set the ice maker to produce one set of cubes at a time, or it can run continuously for as long as its water supply holds up or until the ice basket fills up, spitting each batch of cubes into the basket as the cycle completes and immediately starting a new one.

bluetti multicooler icebluetti multicooler ice
It is worth noting that running an ice-making cycle diverts the unit’s power to that function, resulting in the fridge portion gradually warming up. I had the fridge compartment set at 35 ºF, and over the course of the approximately 50 minutes as I ran multiple ice-making cycles, the fridge temperature gradually rose to 44 ºF. It only took about 10 minutes to return to 35 ºF once I stopped making ice, and I didn’t notice nearly that much effect on every test series, but it’s definitely something to be aware of if you’ve got perishables in the fridge.

BLUETTI recommends that you change out the water reservoir for the ice maker every 24 hours and fully clean the compartment every three days for hygienic reasons. The unit can run its own 20-minute self-cleaning cycle on the ice-making components, provided it has enough water and power to do so.

bluetti multicooler sidebluetti multicooler side
In addition to its primary function as a fridge, the MultiCooler can also charge other devices, provided you have a battery installed in the unit. A 100-watt USB-C port and a 15-watt USB-A port are located on the side of the unit, making it easy to plug in a laptop, phone, or other device for recharging.

bluetti multicooler batterybluetti multicooler battery
The most notable physical aspect of the MultiCooler to me is its sheer size and weight. It’s rather large at 28 inches (71 cm) by 16.5 inches (42 cm) by 18.7 inches (47.5 cm), so it’ll definitely be easier if you’ve got an SUV, pickup, or van to haul it to wherever you’re going. Large coolers are certainly common equipment for camping and picnicking, but it’s worth noting that this MultiCooler will hold considerably less than a similarly sized basic cooler, considering the space taken up by the active cooling components and the ice maker.

But even more than the size, it’s the weight that limits the MultiCooler’s portability, as it tips the scales at almost 53 pounds (24 kg) on its own. A battery weighs an additional 18.7 pounds (8.5 kg), so for on-the-go functionality you’re looking at over 70 pounds (32 kg) before you’ve even put any food or ice-making water into it.

Fortunately, the MultiCooler has convenient recessed handles built into the sides of the unit, but lifting it in and out of a vehicle can still be quite difficult for some people trying to do it by themselves. The removable battery and food baskets can help break the load up into a few pieces to get it out of your vehicle, but the main unit remains quite heavy on its own. However you manage to get it on the ground, a pair of wheels at one end and a padded folding handle at the other do make it easy to pull along behind you, provided the terrain isn’t too rough.

bluetti multicooler handlebluetti multicooler handle
I found operation to be pleasantly quiet, with BLUETTI saying it remains under 30 dB in fridge mode and under 45 dB in ice-making mode. To my ear in the real world, it’s nearly inaudible in refrigeration mode, and I only occasionally notice the cooling kick on and off depending on how close I am to the unit. It’s definitely louder in ice-making mode, but even that is a relatively low-level fan-like hum that isn’t very disruptive.

AC180T Power Station

What makes SwapSolar an ecosystem is the swappable batteries for running a variety of gadgets while away from other power options, and that’s where BLUETTI’s AC180T power station comes in. It’s a high-capacity backup power station with two hot-swappable batteries that can either be used in the AC180T to power various gadgets via AC or USB or be removed to power other accessories like the MultiCooler. With the two B70 batteries included in the AC180T, the fridge can run for up to six days before the batteries need to be recharged.

bluetti ac180tbluetti ac180t
Removing the batteries is as simple as flipping open the top lid of the power station and pressing a small spring-loaded button on the top of the battery, which allows it to be lifted straight out. The power station seamlessly continues to function with the other battery remaining inside, while the removed battery can be transferred to the MultiCooler to provide power for that device.

bluetti ac180t openbluetti ac180t open
The AC180T is capable of handling sustained loads of up to 1,200 watts with a single battery installed or up to 1,800 watts with two batteries installed, and it can handle transient spikes of up to 2,700 watts to support devices with high startup power draw. With a total capacity of 1,433.6 watt-hours, BLUETTI notes it can recharge an ‌iPhone‌ over 120 times, but with four AC outlets and four USB ports (two USB-C and two USB-A), it can power an array of devices simultaneously.

A large multicolor LCD screen gives you all of the information you need at a glance, including the current charge level of the power station’s batteries, input and output power draw, estimated time remaining until full charge or depletion, and more. Dedicated physical buttons control whether power is flowing to the AC outlets, the DC USB ports, or both, with the screen also offering an array of other status icons.

bluetti ac180t chargingbluetti ac180t charging
The AC180T barely flinched while recharging a MacBook Pro and an ‌iPhone‌, as a power station this large is capable of much more. I was also able to run multiple lamps, an electric kettle, and a fan from it simultaneously, as long as I had both batteries installed. Trying to run my 1,500-watt electric kettle with only one battery installed tripped the protection system given the 1,200-watt limit with one battery, but it worked fine with two batteries installed.

How long the available power will last is of course a direct function of how much load you’re putting on the power station, but with over 1,400 Wh on board, there’s plenty to go around for most items. Something like my electric kettle would quickly run through the power in under an hour of constant use, but it only needs to run for a few of minutes to produce a full pot of boiling water.

bluetti ac180t batterybluetti ac180t battery
Even with its high-capacity batteries, the AC180T can be recharged quickly, with AC wall power being the quickest method. BLUETTI says it can accept up to 1,440-watt input via AC, enough to fully recharge both batteries from empty in around 70 minutes. In my testing, I indeed saw power draw from the wall of over 1,000 watts, supporting rapid recharging of the system.

In one portion of my testing, I ran through 50% of one battery in about 24 hours of use with the MultiCooler, so it wasn’t quite on pace to meet the three-day target, although I ran quite a few ice-making cycles during that time and I’m sure that sapped a decent amount of power.

bluetti ac180t sidebluetti ac180t side
The AC180T also supports up to 500-watt charging from solar panel accessories, which BLUETTI says can fully recharge the batteries in under three hours. And if you’re out on the road, you can use a 12-volt car power socket, although that will require more like eight hours for a full charge.

BLUETTI App

Both the MultiCooler and the AC180T power station are supported by the BLUETTI app, which lets you control them from your phone or Bluetooth. As long as you’re within Bluetooth range, you’ll have access to a good amount of data on the status of each product, as well most of the same controls (and in some cases more) that are available directly on the products.

bluetti app setupbluetti app setup
The app isn’t the cleanest one around, as it’s somewhat cluttered with widgets and features many users may not be interested in. The main Home tab includes a weather widget (which I can’t seem to get to display accurate information for my location), an ad for current deals on BLUETTI products, and then a series of icons for accessing various functions. Core functions such as accessing existing devices, adding new devices, and accessing user manuals are obviously important, but others like a calculator to estimate how big of a power station you might need to buy should really be tucked away someplace more out of the way.

And that’s just the Home tab. A second tab offers access to the community forums, which you can’t access until you’ve created an account for posting and even then the homepage of the forum mostly features ads and announcements about BLUETTI products. The third tab of the app offers access to the BLUETTI store, while a fourth one is where you can access support options and provide product feedback. The final tab is where you manage your BLUETTI account information, set your app preferences, and manage your referrals and rewards.

Overall, the app just feels too promotional and like it’s trying to do too much. I just want quick access to my devices (you can pin one, but only one, to the app’s Home screen), with the ability to dig into manuals and support options placed somewhere less prominent and other content like ads and community forums omitted from the app entirely.

All of that said, I do find the app useful for monitoring my products, as it provides easy access to status and controls when I’m elsewhere in my house. You’re of course limited to Bluetooth range, but it’s good enough that I can check in on the MultiCooler and power station in my garage when I’m in a room on the second floor of my house.

bluetti app multicooler fridgebluetti app multicooler fridge
For the MultiCooler, you can see the current fridge temperature, adjust the set point, turn on ice making, set various ice-making options, start a self-cleaning cycle for the ice-making components, view power status, turn the entire unit on or off, and more. It really provides everything I need to see in a glanceable format with a relatively clean design.

bluett app ac180t doublebluett app ac180t double
For the AC180T, the app offers a graphical overview of power flow, showing current input from solar or the grid and output via AC and DC connections. You can turn the AC receptacles and DC USB ports off via the app, view the status of the installed batteries, and apply firmware updates to the batteries.

How to Buy

The Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the SwapSolar system is wrapping up in just a few days, and there are a number of tiers of perks with various combinations of products included, some of which are already shipping to backers and some of which will be shipping soon.

The main combo is priced at $1,719, a savings of 34% (over $900) compared to the regular retail price, and it includes the MultiCooler, a B70 battery to power it, and the AC180T power station with two additional B70 batteries installed. Other combinations starting at $569 for just the MultiCooler and $849 for just the AC180T power station and batteries are also available, ranging up to $2,099 for the full set plus a 200-watt solar panel.

These are obviously some pricey packages, and there are certainly cheaper portable fridge options on the market, but BLUETTI’s offerings include many more features and much more flexibility than most competing products. So for those looking for higher-end capabilities, BLUETTI’s SwapSolar ecosystem may be an option worth looking at.

The new SwapSolar system is just one of a number of products available under the BLUETTI brand, with the company primarily focused on portable power stations, home energy storage, and associated accessories.

Note: BLUETTI provided MacRumors with the MultiCooler and AC180T for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with BLUETTI. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

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Bisnis Industri

Anker Solix C800 Plus power station: For campouts and blackouts

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The Anker Solix c800 Plus Portable Power Station is a capable and versatile portable power station that can get you through a power outage or let you live like a king on a camping trip.

With a stout 768Wh lithium-ion battery, the device packs a punch. It allowed me to charge multiple devices simultaneously and power various appliances in a simulated blackout. Now I’m just waiting for the power to go out for real, or for someone to invite me camping.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Anker Solix c800 Plus Portable Power Station

Anker Solix c800 Plus Portable Power Station features durable construction, with a solid plastic shell and a compact form factor. Comfortable carry handles crop out from the top on both ends, making it easy to transport, despite its somewhat hefty 24-pound weight.

Overall, Solix c800 Plus is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and powerful portable power solution. Its impressive battery capacity, versatile output ports and robust design make it a valuable investment for camping trips, emergency preparedness or a bit of off-grid living (you’re not going to power your whole compound with this for long … though you could get the solar panels that work with it …)

While it’s not the cheapest portable power bank with a similar capacity, Anker’s reputation for quality and customer support add value. The company has become a leader in the market segment. And millions of folks trust its small chargers, so why not its big ones?

Battery and capacity

At the core of the Solix c800 Plus is a high-density 768Wh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides ample power for charging smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even running small appliances like mini-fridges, CPAP machines and electric grills.

Anker’s numbers show it can fully recharge a MacBook Pro up to 8 times, a smartphone up to 40 times, or power a mini-fridge for up to 24 hours. Now that’s handy in a blackout.

My new-to-me-but-actually-13-year-old fridge recently gave me a scare when all my food rotted right after I moved into a new place. But it just needed a thorough defrost. Anyway, the Solix had no trouble running the big Frigidaire for several hours one day, with other items plugged in, too.

I was in awe of it at once point, realizing all the crap I could plug into it even if an apocalypse should rage outside. Guitar amp. Bluetooth speakers. 50-inch TV. Defibrillator (I had to throw in one non-frivolous item … if only I had one of those).

Performance

Anker Solix C800 Plus charging gadgets and lamp-2
Solix charges my iPad Air and Apple Watch by lamplight it also provides.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

The C800 Plus handled a range of appliances in test scenarios. I ran an 500-watt blender off it while my fridge was plugged into it. It’s also good for keeping my 900W microwave oven operational (no matter what happens, I’ll have popcorn).

Of course I also loaded up Solix with gadgets, charging my M1 MacBook Pro, iPad Air 5, iPhone 13 Pro and more with it.

Frankly, it makes the usual wall adapters, 3-in-1 chargers and GaN devices look like toys. But then, it’s a lot bigger. And it’s something you’d only use when normal power access is absent for some reason.

The power station features fast-charge functionality you can turn on via a slider in the app to up the output wattage. The station also includes 20ms uninterruptible power supply (UPS) functionality.

Ports and connectivity

The Solix c800 Plus offers a wide range of output ports, catering to various devices and appliances. It features five AC outlets (pure sine wave, 800W rated, 1000W surge), two USB-A ports (5V/2.4A), two USB-C port (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/5A) and a 12V car socket.

This versatility allows you to power and charge multiple devices simultaneously, from MacBooks and iPhones to small TVs and camping gear.

User interface and extras

Anker Solix C800 Plus camping lights
The top opens to reveal three different camping lights you can use separately or together. How cool is that? That’s what the “Plus” in the product name is about.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

The Solix c800 Plus features a bright LCD display that shows the remaining battery capacity, input/output wattage, and other relevant information. It also includes a handy LED flashlight strip, which can be useful in emergency situations or during outdoor activities after the sun sets.

The Anker app makes it easy to track power usage. It told me total capacity remaining as well as amounts of juice going to various outlets and ports.

The device comes with a user manual, an AC adapter, a car charger, and a carry case for easy storage and transportation.

And one of my favorite bits in the “extras” department: The top of Solix C800 Plus opens to reveal three different camping lights. You can pull them out and use them with the battery to light up your campsite.

Charging and recharging

The Solix c800 Plus can be recharged in various ways, including the most common one, via a wall outlet (using the included AC adapter). Then there’s a car outlet for when you use the included car charger. But you can also use compatible solar panels, sold separately.

The device supports a maximum input of 100W via AC (300W via solar panel), allowing for relatively fast recharging times. A full recharge from a wall outlet takes approximately 8 hours, according to Anker, and I found that to be more-or-less accurate.

Safety features

Anker has implemented several safety features in the Solix c800 Plus to ensure reliable and safe operation. These include overload protection, short-circuit protection, over-voltage protection and temperature control.

Additionally, the device features a built-in MPPT controller for optimal solar charging efficiency, if you want to go ahead and invest in solar panels.

Anker Solix C800 Plus power station features
This portable power station can keep you and your gadgets and appliances going. Keep it charged up. The regular C800 has storage on top. The C800 Plus puts camping lights in there.
Photo: Anker

Main features

  • 768Wh battery capacity
  • 1200W (1600W surge) inverter
  • Hyperflash recharging 0-100% in 58 minutes
  • 300W solar input
  • 5 AC ports
  • 10 ports total
  • App control
  • Built-in removable Camping Lights
  • 20ms UPS mode

Key specifications

  • Dimensions: 371 x 205 x 253mm (14.6in x 8in x 10in)
  • Weight: 10.9kg (24 pounds)
  • AC Outlets (110V): 5 x 1200W
  • USB Outlets: 1 x 100W USB-C, 1 x 30W USB-C, 2 x 12W USB-A
  • DC Output (car/cigarette lighter style): 1 x 120W
  • Solar/DC input style: XT60
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Price: $649 (see $150 coupon opportunity at Amazon below)

Like any product, the C800 Plus has its strengths and weaknesses. It has a powerful inverter, abundant AC and USB ports, and an easy-to-use app. However, it lacks an IP rating, doesn’t offer wireless charging, and lacks compatibility with expansion batteries that would let you build bigger capacity.

Where to buy: Purchase the Anker Solix C800 Plus for $649 via Anker or Amazon ($150 off coupon available at Amazon)

Anker provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

★★★★☆

$150 off coupon


Anker Solix C800 Plus Portable Power Station



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New Galaxy F15 variant brings extra RAM for your multitasking needs

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Last updated: April 19th, 2024 at 15:18 UTC+02:00

When Samsung first announced the budget Galaxy F15 in India last month, it introduced the phone in two memory configurations featuring 128GB of storage and 4GB or 6GB of RAM. A third memory option has now popped up online.

A promotional render (via GizmoChina) showing an “all-new 8GB variant” of the Galaxy F15 has emerged. As of this writing, this variant does not yet seem to be available for purchase at Samsung India or via Flipkart, but it probably will soon.

Slightly more money for 2GB extra RAM

According to this promotional poster, the Galaxy F15 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage will be available for INR 14,999. But that’s a bit misleading. The fine print confirms that the phone costs INR 15,999 ($191) outright, and buyers can benefit from INR 1,000 bank cashback.

For reference, the Galaxy F15 5G with 6GB of RAM costs INR 14,499 ($173), which means the new 8GB model is marginally more expensive for the extra 2GB.

Is the 8GB model worth the extra ~$20? It could be if you really multitask and find that 4GB or 6GB of RAM doesn’t keep enough recent apps in memory.

But do keep in mind that the Galaxy F15 offers the RAM Plus software feature. With it, you can convert up to 12GB of storage memory to virtual RAM. It won’t cost you anything except for the converted onboard storage, which will be inaccessible.

Aside from the extra 2GB of RAM, this “all-new” Galaxy F15 variant appears to be the same as the previous two. It sports a Super AMOLED 6.6-inch 90Hz display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080, the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, a 50MP primary camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 6,000mAh battery with 25W charging capabilities.

One final trick up the Galaxy F15’s sleeve is that it will receive four Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches. Samsung is proving that even the F-series can get better support.

Follow SamMobile on social media for instant Samsung news updates, in-depth reviews, hot deals, and more.

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Computers

Trek Fetch+ 2 Review: A Solid, Though Expensive, Cargo Ebike

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One of the things that can be intimidating about buying a cargo ebike is how unfamiliar they feel. Whether a bike is designed with weird geometry and wheel sizes or odd features for heavy hauling, every ride can feel unfamiliar.

For traditional cyclists who want to haul a grocery store trip’s worth of groceries home but don’t want to mess with technology they’re unfamiliar with, the Trek Fetch+ 2 is a decent option. It’s more expensive than some of our favorite alternatives, but it has an easy-to-ride step-through design, well-made components, and great plastic buckets (and other accessories) for storage.

There are bikes with more advanced features for the money, but even after I spent a summer riding the Fetch+ 2, it barely needed a tune-up. For a modern cargo ebike with a classic cargo bike maintenance schedule, it might be worth spending a bit more cash.

On the Road

The Fetch+ 2 is the smaller of Trek’s two latest cargo ebikes, which includes the box-fronted Fetch+ 4 ($8,500), which is more oriented toward toting around dogs and children in between groceries and beer.

The Fetch+ 2 instead is a more traditional step-through cargo bike that employs a myriad of attachments, most notably two plastic panniers that hang off an extended rack on the rear. You can get a padded seat cover for the rear to let friends hold on and ride, or mount a couple kids’ seats behind you, but I’d still probably use this bike more for errands than transporting little ones.

Side view of black and silver bike with 2 containers attached near the rear wheel and 2 containers attached near the...

Photograph: Trek

As an objet d’art, the bike is simple and unassuming, which is ideal for a bike this expensive. The battery is integrated into the frame, but a sizable bulge means nobody will fail to notice it’s an ebike. You can get it in three colors. I liked the black of our review unit, but the bright blue would probably be my choice if I was buying one.

While much of the bike will be familiar to anyone who has ever seen or contemplated a cargo bike, Trek really gets the geometry and style of this bike correct as far as making it very usable for many tasks. Even the dual-sided kickstand pops up and down with remarkable ease (shockingly rare on other large ebikes I’ve used). I particularly enjoyed using the rear panniers for hauling flats of berries and other easily squished items that tend to rattle around in softer panniers.

The panniers fit a ton of stuff; I was able to get four full-size grocery bags spread between the two black plastic totes. I like that they had little plugs in the bottom that you could feasibly use a plastic bag to cover and then fill them with ice and drinks.

Trekkin’

I spent a couple months using the Fetch+ 2 as my primary bike, and came away much more impressed than anticipated, given the specs and the price.

On paper, this is an expensive ebike to have pretty standard mid-drive cargo bike specs. The 85 Nm Bosch motor and 500-wH battery are good for 20-plus miles a day loaded down in any city, but they’re not better than models like the larger Xtracycle Stoker, which has the same torque and a 630-wH battery for $4,999. The Trek also doesn’t have a carbon belt drive and variable transmission, which we consider the best (and easiest to maintain) shifting mechanism for cargo bikes.

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Featured

Criminals hack OpenMetadata flaw to mine crypto on Kubernetes

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Hackers have been observed abusing flaws in OpenMetadata workloads to install cryptocurrency miners on Kubernetes.

Cybersecurity researchers from the Microsoft Threat Intelligence team reported of a new campaign, which started in early April 2024 that saw unidentified threat actors were scanning the web for internet-connected OpenMetadata workloads, vulnerable to these five flaws: CVE-2024-28847, CVE-2024-28848, CVE-2024-28253, CVE-2024-28254, and CVE-2024-28255.

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News

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: 15+ Rumored Upgrades Compared

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After over a year of reports, there are now more than a dozen specific rumors about the features and improvements set to be offered by the two non-Pro iPhone 16 models later in 2024.

iPhone 15 vs 16 Feature Yellow Pink

All of the changes the ‌iPhone 16‌ models are expected to feature compared to their direct forerunners are listed below, using information from a range of reliable sources that we have previously covered. We will update this article as more rumors emerge in the coming months.

This guide focuses on the iPhone 15 and ‌iPhone 16‌, but to learn about how we are expecting the iPhone 16 Pro to improve on the iPhone 15 Pro, see our other comparison article.

Design

The ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus are expected to largely carry over the design of their predecessors, meaning that they will have the same dimensions. The most noticeable alteration that will denote the new models is said to be a vertical rear camera arrangement to facilitate spatial video capture, but the removal of the mute switch in favor of the Action button introduced on last year’s Pro models and the introduction of an all-new “Capture” button will also be important changes.

‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌
Diagonally arranged rear camera array Vertically arranged rear camera array to support spatial video capture
Ring/Silent switch Action Button
“Capture Button” to trigger photography and videography features
iPhone 15: 171g weight
iPhone 15 Plus: 201g weight		 iPhone 16: 173g weight (+1%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 203g weight (+1%)

Chip, Memory, and Connectivity

The ‌iPhone 16‌ models are rumored to benefit from a moderate improvement in processing power thanks to an all-new A18 chip with a more powerful Neural Engine to support exclusive generative AI capabilities. We are also expecting 33% more memory and Wi-Fi 6E support.

‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌
A16 Bionic chip (TSMC’s “N4P” enhanced 5nm process) A18 chip (TSMC’s “N3E” enhanced 3nm process)
16-core Neural Engine Enhanced Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores to support new AI features
6GB memory 8GB memory (+33%)
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity Wi-Fi 6E connectivity

Batteries and Charging

The ‌iPhone 16‌ models could receive some major improvements in battery technology and charging, sporting denser batteries and faster charging capabilities. It is worth noting that the ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus is rumored to feature a smaller battery than its predecessor, but it is not clear how this will affect actual battery life.

‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌
Single-layer battery technology Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan
iPhone 15: 3,349 mAh battery
iPhone 15 Plus: 4,383 mAh battery		 iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh battery (+6%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh battery (-9%)
Up to 27W wired charging Up to 40W wired charging (48% faster)
15W charging via MagSafe 20W charging via ‌MagSafe‌ (33% faster)

Other Features and Changes

The ‌iPhone 16‌ models are likely to receive several camera enhancements, such as spatial video capture for the Apple Vision Pro. While many of Apple’s devices are rumored to receive a series of new AI-based features via software updates later this year, the ‌iPhone 16‌ models are expected to take these further with exclusive capabilities facilitated by a more powerful Neural Engine in the A18 chip and an upgraded microphone for voice commands.

‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌
More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology
Spatial video capture
Upcoming support for new AI features in iOS 18 Upcoming support for new AI features in ‌iOS 18‌, plus a suite of device-exclusive AI features
Microphone Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance, designed to support new AI features
Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, and Black Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, Black, White, and Purple

Release Date

The ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus are expected to launch in the fall. Apple usually hosts an event every September to unveil new iPhone models, with launch following just over a week later. For more information about the ‌iPhone 16‌ models, see our comprehensive roundup.

Will It Be Worth Upgrading?

The ‌iPhone 15‌ was a significant upgrade over 2023’s iPhone 14, introducing a new design with a the Dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, a USB-C port, and more. The ‌iPhone 16‌’s upgrades will likely not be as substantial as those offered by its predecessor. As a result, most ‌iPhone 15‌ users will have little reason to upgrade, but some who would appreciate AI features, improved performance, spatial video capture, and a dedicated button for photography and videography features may find it worthwhile.

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5 reasons why you should consider buying the Galaxy A35

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Samsung’s new mid-range Galaxy A35 is finally available in the USA. Samsung announced the phone yesterday, and now, you can buy it through the company’s online shop for $399, unlocked with no carrier strings attached.

The Galaxy A35 is a budget phone, but don’t let that relatively low price and mid-range label fool you. This device punches above its weight class and sometimes surpasses expectations — even Samsung’s.

If you are in the market for a Samsung mid-range budget phone that offers good value for money, the Galaxy A35 might be your best bet unless you want to spend extra for a Galaxy S23 FE. If you’re on a tighter, sub-$500 budget, the S23 FE is out, and the Galaxy A35 is it! Here are our top five reasons why we believe it’s worth every penny.

Fantastic build quality for the price range

The only thing holding the Galaxy A35 back in terms of build is its plastic frame. Otherwise, this phone is nearly as well-constructed as Samsung’s high-end phones.

The Galaxy A35 has a glass back panel, Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen protection, and an IP67 dust and water resistance rating.

The A35 is the cheapest Samsung Galaxy A phone with an IP rating for water resistance, which will give you peace of mind against accidental spills, water dunks, or heavy rain.

A modern design with an Infinity-O screen

Not only is the Galaxy A35 a phone that’s put together well, but it also looks modern and stylish. It shares many design qualities with pricier phones, such as the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24.

The Galaxy A35 has a flat frame with a Key Island element, a flat back panel, and a flat display. It also sports individual camera cutouts at the back, adhering to Samsung’s latest design language.

And now, the Galaxy A35 is also the first in the A3x series to adopt an Infinity-O display cutout, making it look even better and stand apart from cheaper Galaxy A phones such as the A15 and A25, which have Infinity-U designs.

A display so good even Samsung underestimates

Despite the $399 price tag, the Galaxy A35 is equipped with a fantastic 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display that boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, Always-On capabilities, and a 2340 x 1080 resolution.

Samsung also says that the Galaxy A35’s Super AMOLED can reach 1,000 nits of brightness, but the company seems to have underestimated just how bright this panel can get. Independent tests show the Galaxy A35’s 6.6-inch display can reach 1,620 nits of peak brightness, which is on par with much pricier phones.

Aside from the high brightness, the Galaxy A35’s screen also offers great colors without color shifting in bright environments. It benefits from the same Vision Booster color calibration technology as Samsung’s more expensive Galaxy phones.

A respectable 50MP primary camera

If you plan on capturing photos and videos with a mid-range $399 phone, you’ll have to compromise. The Galaxy A35 is not perfect, and as we explained in our review, its ultra-wide and macro cameras are nothing to write home about.

However, the phone’s primary 50MP shooter works surprisingly well in most lighting conditions, especially during the day. Here are a few sample shots.

The Galaxy A35’s 50MP camera offers good detail and dynamic range, mostly accurate colors, and excellent portrait photos. It can even capture Super HDR videos, though it’s worth noting that using Super HDR on the A35 doesn’t seem to make much of a difference.

With the Galaxy A35, you can record 4K videos at 30 frames per second and FHD videos at up to 60fps.

A decent cooling system for your mobile gaming needs

The fifth and last but not least reason why you should consider buying the Galaxy A35 is its improved cooling system. Samsung says it is 70% larger than the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54’s cooling. And we can confirm it does work.

The Galaxy A35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 chip, and, truth be told, you won’t be able to push heavy mobile games like Call of Duty to their limits. When playing demanding games, you’ll mostly stick to default graphics settings.

However, this new cooling system does an excellent job keeping the Exynos chip’s performance consistent even during prolonged gaming sessions, which is a real treat if you plan on gaming.

Many low-cost phones pride themselves on good burst performance in benchmarks. However, they often lose a lot of that performance in longer gaming sessions once the internals start heating up. At the very least, the Galaxy A35 seems to offer better performance consistency, which is a boon.

The Galaxy A35 is available in the USA with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM, which you can complement through the RAM Plus software feature. Samsung also offers trade-in values of up to $198, and if you bundle the Galaxy A35 with the Galaxy Buds FE earbuds, you can get the accessory for just $69 and save $30. Hit the Buy button below for more details.

Join SamMobile on social media channels to get instant Samsung news updates, reviews, deals, and more.

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This smart pellet grill uses generative AI to deliver the perfect BBQ – including adapting to ‘unexpected surprises’

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Everyone loves BBQ season… except perhaps the poor person stuck tending the grill. A new wave of smart grills looks set to change all of that, but Brisk It’s Origin is one of the first we’ve seen to use generative AI as a cooking assistant. One whose attention won’t wane, and who won’t get tipsy and burn the sausages as the afternoon wears on.

The design offers automatic temperature adjustment, achieved via a selection of heat probes and a PID algorithm. Set a desired temperature and it’ll manage the fuel for you, to keep your food cooking at a stable temperature, with no tinkering required. 

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Automate your vacuuming and mopping with $400 off the Roomba Combo J9+

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If you’re looking to automate more of your home cleaning setup, iRobot’s flagship Roomba Combo J9+ is on sale for $400 off. The vacuum-mop hybrid robot, which only arrived last fall, has a redesigned dock that automatically empties debris and refills the device’s mopping liquid. Usually $1,399, Wellbots has the Roomba Combo J9+ for $999 with coupon code ENGA400.

iRobot

The Combo J9+, Engadget’s pick for the best vacuuming-mopping robot, has an upgraded motor and four-stage cleaning system that takes multiple pass-throughs across your carpets and floors. This version also adds dual rubber brushes for better suction and pressurized scrubbing. Its motor automatically lifts the mop pads when it reaches carpets and rugs to help keep them dry.

The robot requires minimal setup, and its new Clean Base can automatically refill the water tank, leaving you with fewer things to worry about. The base doubles as a storage unit and appearing less like a gadget’s charging station and more like living room furniture. Setup is as simple as adding water and cleaning solution to a reservoir and attaching a mop pad. Upkeep is limited to swapping mop pads and leaning the vacuum’s bristles and dust bin.

The Combo J9+ ships with Roomba’s OS 7, a new software update that streamlines more of the cleaning process. Its Dirt Detective feature remembers your home’s dirtiest areas and tackles those first on subsequent cleanings.

The software has an automated setting that saves bathrooms for last, so you don’t have to worry about tracking grime and bacteria to other parts of your home. (You can manually override that if you want it to get to the bathroom earlier.) Speaking of bathrooms, the machine includes iRobot’s Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P.), which guarantees a replacement unit if your device accidentally sweeps up pet waste.

Product marketing image for the iRobot Roomba J9+. The robot vacuum sits in its cleaning station against a white background.Product marketing image for the iRobot Roomba J9+. The robot vacuum sits in its cleaning station against a white background.

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For those who don’t mop much, Wellbots also has the standard Roomba J9+ for $300 off ($599) when you use code ENGA300. It includes all the vacuum-related features from the more expensive Combo variant, including a three-stage cleaning system, multi-surface rubber brushes and stronger suction.

Finally, the previous-generation Roomba Combo j7+ offers an older (but still high-end) vacuum-mop cleaning robot for $200 off with coupon code ENGA200. Although you lose some of the features of the newer model, it still has a 96.4 percent debris removal rate, obstacle avoidance, and a four-stage cleaning system. Its cleaning toolbox includes an edge-sweeping brush, dual multi-surface rubber brushes, power-lifting suction and the mop. The device can even return to its base when it’s full and continue emptying itself for up to 60 days, leaving you to focus on things that aren’t cleaning.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.



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Turtle Beach is releasing an open back gaming headset, plus new additions to the Stealth line

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Gaming accessory manufacturer Turtle Beach has revealed a range of upcoming wireless gaming headsets, including the open back Atlas Air, a redesigned Stealth 600, and a more affordable Stealth 500. Pre-orders for each of these products are available now via the Turtle Beach website, with all three models set to release on May 19 this year.

As the name would suggest, the Atlas Air is a wireless gaming headset that Turtle Beach claims is designed to be lightweight and comfortable. Despite being geared specifically for gaming, the Atlas Air is an open-back headset, a characteristic that is much more commonly found on high-end music listening headphones. An open-back design often creates a more immersive and natural soundstage, but comes at the cost of a lower background noise reduction.

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