Engadget's Holiday Tech Guide: Apple Watch SE 3, DJI Neo 2, and PlayStation Portal Lead the Pack

2 hours ago7 min read

As the holiday season approaches, Engadget's reviews team has been rigorously testing the latest tech to help you identify the genuine standouts. Our focus is on real-world performance—how these devices enhance your daily life, from gaming and fitness to creative pursuits.The Apple Watch SE 3 emerges as a top contender for budget-conscious shoppers. According to managing editor Cherlynn Low, this wearable delivers the core Apple experience without the premium cost.You'll forgo advanced health sensors like blood oxygen monitoring, but the practical compromises are a dimmer screen, smaller battery, and a less rugged build. For most users, it’s the smartest way to enter the Apple ecosystem.The Apple Vision Pro M5, however, feels like an incremental update. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar notes that its staggering price remains the primary obstacle.It continues to function as an impressive but niche proof of concept for 'spatial computing,' largely inaccessible to the average consumer and best suited for developers and ardent early adopters. DJI's Neo 2 drone is a resounding success, directly addressing the main flaw of its predecessor: excessive noise.This model is not only quieter but also introduces essential obstacle avoidance, cementing its status as the leading budget-friendly drone that makes advanced aerial photography accessible to all. For mobile gamers, Acer's Predator Triton 14 AI is a game-changer.Hailed by senior reporter Sam Rutherford as a 'true do-everything ultraportable,' it masterfully blends high-end gaming performance with a sleek, travel-friendly design, challenging the notion that power requires a bulky machine. The OnePlus 15 enters the smartphone arena as a performance dynamo with a top-tier processor, stunning display, and exceptional battery life.However, senior reporter Igor Bonifacic highlights its trade-offs: a mediocre design and a camera system that can't compete with rivals. It’s the ideal choice for users who value speed and endurance over photographic prowess.Beyond these highlights, our reviews cover a wide spectrum. We tested the luxurious audio of Bowers & Wilkins' Px8 S2 headphones, the versatile Rodecaster Video S for creators, and the next-gen Alexa in the Echo Dot Max.Framework's 2025 Laptop 16 continues to push modular computing forward, and the Anker Laptop Power Bank proved to be an essential tool for people on the go. In a notable turnaround, a recent software update has revitalized the two-year-old PlayStation Portal, transforming it from a limited home-streaming device into a capable cloud-gaming platform. This season's lineup is extensive, but our in-depth analysis ensures you know exactly which gadgets are worth your investment.

#weeks picks news

#Apple Watch SE 3

#DJI Neo 2

#PlayStation Portal

#Acer Predator Triton 14 AI

#OnePlus 15

#product reviews

#gadgets