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The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 is an inexpensive 11-inch tablet with respectable performance

Verdict

If you’re looking for a basic, low-cost tablet for general use, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 will more than adequately cover your needs. This is especially if you go for the more powerful option with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The screen is great, and although the sound from the quad speakers lacks depth overall, they can handle loud music without distortion and remain clear. So, if you’d like a tablet for entertainment around the house and on the go, the Redmi Pad 2 is good value for money.

Pros

• +Attractive design
• +Decent screen and sound
• +Great battery life

Cons

• -Poor headphone jack position
• -Not the cheapest budget model

• -No split-screen functionality

>>>Replacement battery for Xiaomi Book Air13

Smartphones are the smart devices we use the most, but tablets certainly don’t appear to be going anywhere, with many new models released each year. TheXiaomiRedmiPad 2 is a slim and lightweight budget tablet from an established tech manufacturer, and potentially one ofthe best budget tabletsavailable.

Budget tablets have come a long way, and many look and feel of a much higher quality than comparable models from 10 years ago. It’s fair to say that many, including the Redmi Pad 2, feature attractive designs with narrow bezels and metal bodies that belie their price. The two Redmi Pad 2 models available look identical, with just the RAM and storage being different, and the more expensive model offering LTE connectivity.

I reviewed the model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, which logically provides a smoother experience than the slightly cheaper model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. The higher-end model of the two isn’t much more expensive, so if your budget can stretch a little further, it’s worth it for the extra memory and storage.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 : Specifications

Display	11in 2.5K / 16:10 / 2560x1600px / 274ppi
Processor	MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra
RAM	4GB / 8GB LPDDR4X
Battery life	9000mAh / 86 hours standby
Storage	128GB / 256GB
Front camera	5MP 1080p 30fps / 720p 30fps
Rear camera	8MP 1080p 30fps / 720p 30fps
Dimensions	10.02×6.54×0.29in / 254.58×166.04×7.36mm
Weight	18oz / 510g

>>>Replacement battery for Xiaomi RedmiBook 13 XMA1903-AF XMA1903-AN XMA1903-BB

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2: Price

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is available in two versions and two colours. The price of the two is so small that for many people it will make sense to invest in the slightly more expensive model to enjoy more RAM, a higher storage capacity and LTE/4G connectivity.

The cheaper model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage costs $179 / £169 / AU$288, while the version with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage costs just $215 / £219 / AU$347. These are attractive prices for tablets with a decent 11-inch 2.5K screen, LTE/4G connectivity for the more expensive version when a SIM card is installed and respectable performance across the board.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2: Design & Handling

The Redmi Pad 2 is a good-looking tablet; there’s no getting away from the fact that the narrow bezel and the all-metal unibody make this budget tablet look and feel more expensive than it is. The tablet is also available in two colours: Graphite Gray and Mint Green. The lightly textured metal does feel good in the hand and provides a degree of grip that’s noticeably different to the screen, but a case of some kind will naturally provide more protection and improved grip.

This tablet offers an 11-inch screen, but with a 16:10 aspect ratio, it’s more rectangular than many other 11-inch tablets. This works well when streaming TV shows and movies, but perhaps most importantly, it means the tablet isn’t too wide and is comfortable to hold in one hand for use in portrait orientation. This is great when using apps that work best in portrait format, such as social media apps, and when reading eBooks and news websites, etc.

With dimensions of 10.02×6.54×0.29in / 254.58×166.04×7.36mm and a weight of 18oz / 510g, you can immediately see that this is a well-proportioned and fairly lightweight device. It still manages to pack in four speakers, an on/off switch, a volume control, a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

It’s not often you see a headphone jack these days – it does almost seem pointless in the world of earbuds, but why not? It is, however, positioned extremely close to the back edge of the tablet, which could put pressure on the cable if the tablet isn’t in a case and is just resting on your lap, bed or sofa. It’s a nice idea, but perhaps not the best execution; I’ll certainly be sticking to wireless headphones.

The Redmi Pad 2 features a generous 9000mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims provides up to 86 days on standby, 234 hours of music playback and 17 hours of video playback. I didn’t test the tablet to these extremes, but I was happy with the longevity of the battery when the tablet was used for web browsing, streaming, emails and app use, includingLightroomMobile to see how well the tablet could handle editing smartphone Raw files.

For this type of standard use, the Redmi Pad 2 didn’t skip a beat, and I was able to scroll throughYouTubeShorts quickly without any slowdowns or stuttering. It’s far from a serious productivity tablet that you could use to replace a laptop for many but not all tasks, but for everyday use, the processing power, screen and sound are more than adequate.

Despite not being a productivity powerhouse, the Redmi Pad 2 is compatible with the Redmi Smart Pen, which can be used for sketching in the included Mi Canvas app, an alternative drawing app from Google Play, for note-taking and for photo editing, etc. This is an optional extra and not an accessory that was included with the review unit, so I was unable to test it.

Whether or not you’d need the Redmi Smart Pen is very much a personal preference, but for this tablet I think it would only be worthwhile if you intend to sketch and draw. For all other tasks, using your forefinger for navigation is enough. If the tablet were more powerful and had a larger screen, a smart Pen would be much more useful, in my opinion.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2: Performance

Setting up the tablet is simple, like all tablets, although I did accidentally set up gesture rather than button control during the setup process. This was user error, and it was easy enough to fix this in the settings. The tablet runs Xiaomi HyperOS 2, which is based on Android 15 and Xiaomi’s Internet of Things platform, Vela. It’s nothing out of the ordinary as an OS, but it can’t be faulted except for the absence of split-screen functionality for viewing two apps at once.

This combination does bring into play a host of AI-powered features, ranging from speech recognition to even unique calculator features. Do these improve functionality, or are they simply a jump onto the current AI bandwagon? Realistically, some are useful and others are pointless gimmicks. For example, AI Gesture Recognition allows you to add special effects during video calls using gestures – make of it what you will.

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone running HyperOS 2 you can enjoy several syncing options across the phone and tablet including call sync, network sync which utilises the phone’s WiFi hotspot intelligently and shared clipboard. The Redmi Pad 2 can also be set up for interconnectivity withAppledevices and linked to Windows PC, so it can be incorporated into your existing device ecosystem.

In terms of the installed software, there is some bloatware included, but you can hide these apps from the homepage if they can’t be uninstalled. There are also some popular apps pre-installed, includingTikTokand Temu, installed already, which may save you time if you’d install them anyway. These can be deleted if not required.

When you compare this tablet to higher-end models released just two or three years ago, you’re getting some pretty decent hardware, including the 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the more expensive model of the two.

The 11-inch screen is also excellent for a budget model at 2.5K / 2560x1600px with a 274ppi pixel density. It also offers a 10-bit colour depth, 1500:1 contrast ratio and a 90Hz refresh rate. Colours are great and the image is crisp, although viewing angles are minimal, so it’s best viewed straight on.

The screen provides a nice and clear image when using apps and watching streaming services, as well as doing some minor photo editing inAdobeLightroom Mobile andPhotoshopExpress, etc.

The screen is highly reflective, and it can be difficult to view darker scenes in movies and TV shows. This is a normal issue with tablets, so it’s certainly not unique to the Redmi Pad 2. The screen is also a fingerprint magnet and smears easily, which also makes viewing difficult.

Adding to the enjoyment of listening to music and watching movies, the quad speakers support Dolby Atmos, and the sound quality is good overall. Sound is clear, and although the bass isn’t horrific, it certainly lacks depth.

To test this, I played DJI Shadow – Nobody Speak and Tool – 7empest on YouTube at full volume to try different music genres. Everything remained clear with a dominant midrange, so you can certainly enjoy loud music and movies, but don’t expect too much.

8MP rear-facing camera.

5MP front-facing camera.

Tablet cameras are infamously poor, and the Redmi Pad 2’s cameras won’t be winning any awards; particularly the front-facing camera, which is the one you’d typically use for video calls. Both are also quite low-res, and cameras of a higher quality would be a welcome improvement.

The main rear camera is 8MP and can capture video at 1080p 30fps and 720p 30fps, while the front-facing camera is 5MP and can capture video at 1080p 30fps and 720p 30fps.

When comparing photos taken with the two cameras, the rear camera isn’t bad overall, but fine detail is mushy. The front-facing camera is pretty poor, and the same scene shows even more detail loss and a significant softness across the whole image taken in bright light.

Tablets have never and will never be a good option for photography, but the front-facing camera is important for video calling, and it could have been much better here.

>>>Replacement battery for Xiaomi RedmiBook Air 13.3 inch 2020

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2: Verdict

If you’re looking for a basic, low-cost tablet for general use, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 will more than adequately cover your needs. This is especially if you go for the more powerful option with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The screen is great, and although the sound from the quad speakers lack depth overall, they can handle loud music without distortion and remain clear.

For the price, you’re getting a pretty good deal here, and while the Redmi Pad 2 isn’t up to the speed of more powerful productivity tablets with larger screens, it’s quite similar to more powerful tablets from a few years ago. So, if you’d like a tablet for entertainment around the house and on the go, the Redmi Pad 2 is worth a look.

Buy it…

• You only need a tablet for entertainment and browsing.
• You’d like a budget tablet with reasonable processing power.

???? Don’t buy it…

• You get everything you need from your smartphone.
• You need a larger and more powerful tablet for productivity tasks.

No more direct sales from Microsoft as it retreats from entertainment

More than a decade after introducing a way to let your rent or buy movies and shows through your PC or Xbox, Microsoft is killing the Movies & TV storefront in the Microsoft Store.

The ending was confirmed in anew Microsoft support page(spotted byWindows Central) that was published today (July 18).

“Microsoft no longer offers new entertainment content for purchase, including movies and TV shows, on Microsoft.com, Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox,” the page reads.

If you try to access media using the entertainment app on the Microsoft Store, you’ll now see an alert that reads, “Microsoft will no longer be making movies and TV content available for purchase.” The button that let you buy movies or TV shows has been deleted.

In the FAQ on the page, Microsoft does say that any previously purchased content will still be accessible via the Movies & TV app, which you can still download from the Microsoft Store.

“You can continue to enjoy your previously purchased movies and TV shows using the Microsoft Movies & TV app on your Xbox or Windows device,” says Microsoft.

For any new media, the company suggests streaming services like Netflix,AmazonPrime Video and Apple TV.

It’s an ignoble end for a service that has existed since 2012, originally dubbed Xbox Video. Then again, the move isn’t a surprise considering Microsoft’s ongoing slow exit from entertainment avenues that don’t involve gaming.

>>>Replacement battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 1964

Where did your media go and how can you access it?

As mentioned, Microsoft says you can access your purchases in the Movies & TV app, which isn’t going away.

For U.S. customers, there is a service calledMovies Anywherethat you can use to sync your media to other services that also support Movies Anywhere.

Basically, it acts as a way for you to contain your collection while being able to stream it most anywhere that lets you get the Movies Anywhere app. Often many physical DVDs and Blu-Rays released these days have a code for Movies Anywhere that you can use to add films to your collection.

If you don’t trust Microsoft to keep the Movies & TV app running, might we suggestbuilding your own home media serveror return tobuying physical media.At this point it might even be cheaper than streaming.

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro won’t win any performance awards, but the screen and ease of use make it worth your consideration.

Our Verdic

Everyday users will find themselves falling for the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, with it only falling short of some of the tougher tablet tasks, like 3D imaging. An impressive battery life and lightweight design mean it can truly become your righthand tool, with you for every step of the day.

For

• Crisp 3K display with 144Hz refresh rate
• Strong battery life with fast 45W charging
• Lightweight design with excellent audio

Against

• Average camera performance
• Graphics capabilities are not suited to high-end gaming or high-powered applications
• No microSD slot for expandable storage

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro positions itself as apremium Android tabletfor users who want both portability and performance without breaking the bank. With a vibrant 12.7-inch 3K display, powerful quad speakers, and a sleek, lightweight design, it’s clearly built for media lovers, remote workers, and multitaskers alike.

Lenovo has packed in a lot here: the latest Android 14 software, a capable MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 256GB of internal storage. Whether you’re catching up on shows in your free time or working on documents on the go, the Idea Tab Pro holds its own with smooth responsiveness and day-long battery life. While its cameras are more functional than fantastic and it’s not a graphics powerhouse, the overall package offers great value for casual users and productivity-focused tablet fans.

>>>Replacement battery for Lenovo Legion Go 8APU1 83E100 AMD RyzenZ1

Lenovo Idea Tab Plus review: Key specifications

Chipset:	Mediatek Dimensity 8300
Memory:	8GB RAM
Storage:	256 GB
Storage test score:	57,462
Operating system:	Android
Screen:	12.7in, 2944 x 1840, 144Hz, HDR10
Rear camera:	13MP
Front camera:	8MP
Connectivity:	USB-C, MicroSD card, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Battery:	10,200mAh
Dimensions:	189.1mm x 291.8mm x 6.9mm
Weight:	610g

>>>Replacement battery for Lenovo Legion Go 8APU1 8.8 AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Handheld Gaming PC

Design and screen

 Comfortable to hold, especially for its size
● Premium feel with premium performance

Even when tested by a user with admittedly tiny hands, the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro proves a joy to use both at home and out and about. It’s lightweight enough to hold in one hand for browsing or reading, but the screen is still large enough to make the most of productivity tools, media, and multitasking. That balance between portability and usability is where the Idea Tab Pro really shines; you’re not sacrificing function for the sake of a slim frame.

The keyboard, meanwhile, draws inspiration from Lenovo’s ThinkPad range, and the results are impressive. Tactile keys offer just enough travel to keep long typing sessions comfortable, while the layout makes smart use of the available space, even within the tablet’s compact footprint. Whether you’re writing emails or editing documents, this is a keyboard that genuinely supports productivity.

What’s more, the size of the screen allows for surprisingly efficient multitasking, with apps and windows sitting side by side without feeling cramped. Despite its lightweight feel, the tablet is well-built, with a sturdy chassis and minimal flex.

Design score: 4/5

Features

Smooth 3K display and powerful quad speakers make it ideal for movies and media
● Long battery life with fast charging keeps you going all day

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro’s 12.7-inch LCD screen is a real standout, delivering crisp detail and vivid colour thanks to its sharp 3K resolution (2,944 x 1,840). Whether you’re streaming your favourite series or flipping through presentation slides, the 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel responsive and fluid. With a peak brightness of 400 nits, it holds up well under brighter lighting, making it just as usable by a window as in a dimly lit room.

Audio performance is another high point. The quad JBL speakers, tuned with Dolby Atmos, create a surprisingly rich and immersive soundscape. Dialogue is clear, music has depth, and the overall volume is more than enough for personal use without needing headphones, though it’s just as capable if you plug in.

The tablet’s 10,200mAh battery helps it keep pace with your day, supporting up to 11 hours of streaming on a single charge. And when it does run low, 45W rapid charging gets you back on your feet quickly.

If there’s a weaker spot to be wary of, it’s in the cameras. The 13MP rear and 8MP front lenses are fine for video calls or quick snaps, but they won’t replace your smartphone anytime soon. However, it’s unlikely that a camera is going to make or break a purchase on a tablet of this size; you’re always better off using a smaller device if you want greater control over your photography.

Features score: 4/5

Benchmarks scores

Geekbench 6 CPU multi-core:	6793
Geekbench 6 CPU single-core:	2126
Geekbench 6 GPU:	15,384
Work 3.0:	17,326
Web Browsing 3.0:	16,499
Video Editing 3.0:	6829
Writing 3.0:	26,397
Photo Editing 3.0:	4561
Data Manipulation 3.0:	11,510

Performance

Snappy performance and ample storage make it well-suited for work and play
● Ships withAndroid14 for up-to-date features and security out of the box

Under the hood, the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor, which Lenovo claims offers up to 60% better performance than its predecessor. In everyday use while I tested it, that translates to smooth multitasking, quick app launches, and reliable performance across everything from streaming and browsing to document editing and light creative work.

Paired with 8GB of RAM, the tablet handles multiple apps and tabs with ease, making it a solid choice for users who switch between tasks throughout the day. That’s especially useful with the split-screen feature, where you can seamlessly flip between different apps and browsers. The screen is large enough to help this not feel cramped either.

The 256GB of internal storage is generous for a tablet in this price range, giving you plenty of room for apps, files, photos, and downloads without needing to rely on cloud storage or constant cleanouts.

Running Android 14, the Idea Tab Pro also benefits from the latest privacy tools, UI improvements, and performance optimisations. It feels current and responsive right out of the box; a welcome change from tablets that ship with outdated operating systems.

The only caveat may be its graphics performance. While the processor handles everyday tasks well, there’s limited detail available on its capabilities with more demanding games or 3D applications, suggesting it may not be built with power users or gamers in mind.

Performance score: 3/5

Buy it if…

• You want a lightweight, high-resolution tablet that’s great for media and multitasking on the go
• You need long battery life and fast charging to keep up with busy days
• You’re looking for solid everyday performance with generous storage and the latest Android features

Don’t buy it if…

• You need top-tier graphics performance for gaming or demanding creative work
• Camera quality is a priority for you – these are functional, not flagship

Everything I imagined a fun, no-frills camera to be

Verdict

The Fujifilm X half is an interesting camera as it’s nothing like any other camera in the brand’s lineup. It’s small and compact and it features a 17.7MP 1-inch sensor that actually takes lovely photos. You get access to Fuji’s 13 most popular film simulation recipes and filters, and the camera has a dedicated Film Camera Mode which doesn’t let you see photos until you connect it to your phone. Long battery life is the cherry on top of the cake. However, I wish some features could have been implemented better, especially given the premium you’re paying for the X half.

Pros

• +Compact and lightweight
• +Lovely image quality
• +Film Camera Mode works well
• +Clever, easy-to-use twin displays
• +Long battery life

Cons

• -Some features could have been implemented better
• -JPEGs only
• -Expensive

>>>Replacement battery for Fujifilm FinePix V10 Z1 Z2 Z3 Z5FD

It isn’t very often that I come across a camera that amuses me or tickles my fancy, but the Fujifilm X half has done just that. It’s a very interesting camera, and it’s unlike most other cameras in the brand’s current lineup. It combines both digital and analog photography by introducing a Film Camera Mode that doesn’t let you view your photos until you ‘develop’ them on your smartphone. Neat!

Fuji’s beautiful color science is on full display as you have access to the brand’s most popular film simulation recipes, as well as an array of filters. Its twin displays are clever and well implemented, although I wish some features (like the dim monitor) were better. And while the camera takes good photos, it can’t shoot in RAW. It doesn’t come cheap either, given the above.

Is it one of thebest camerasfor you? Read my full Fujifilm X half review to find out.

Fujifilm X half review: Cheat sheet

• What is it?A small, pocketable camera that combines digital and film photography with analog-like features
• Who is it for?Anyone who wants a compact, no-frills camera with very basic controls that takes great photos
• How much does it cost?The Fujifilm X half is available for$849/£690
• What do we like?It’s compact, takes lovely images, comes with dedicated Film Camera Mode, and the twin displays are great
• What don’t we like?It can’t take RAW photos, some features could have been implemented better, and it’s expensive given its basic specs

>>>Replacement battery for Fujifilm FinePix S100FS S200FS S200EXR S205EXR

Fujifilm X half review: Specs

Specs	Fujifilm X half
Price	$849 / £690
Sensor	17.7MP 1-inch CMOS
Processor	Not specified
Stabilization	None
AF system	Contrast detection
Focus modes	Single AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
Viewfinder	OVF
Display	2.4-inch Color LCD touchscreen, approx. 0.92 million dots
ISO range	200-12,800
Max video resolution	FHD/48p
Ports	USB-C, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I
Wireless/Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Max shooting speed	1fps
Max shutter speed	15m to 1/2000s (stills) | 1/24s to 1/2000s (video)
Battery life (Stills, CIPA)	880 shots
Battery life (Video, CIPA)	95 minutes (FHD/24p) | 85 minutes (FHD/48p)
Size	4.16 x 2.53 x 1.8 inches
Weight	6.73oz (body only)

>>>Replacement battery for Fujifilm F440 F450

Fujifilm X half review: Price & availability

Announced in June 2025, the Fujifilm X half is unlike any other camera in the brand’s lineup. It’s a fixed-lens digital camera with a dedicated film photography mode that makes photography simple and intuitive, and the camera’s all about having fun. It retails for$849/£690, and is available in three colorways: Black, Charcoal and Silver.

There aren’t any other cameras like the X half as, like I said, it blends digital and analog photography. It takes vertical, half-frame photos so one may compare it to film cameras like thePentax 17($499) and theKodak Ektar H35($49). It’s also nearly as expensive as an interchangeable lens camera like theFujifilm X-M5($799).

So why wouldn’t you just buy the X-M5 instead? If you want a pocketable, compact camera that you can get past security at concerts; or a camera that doesn’t require you to know the ins and outs of photography yet still takes good photos — you’d get the X half.

Fujifilm X half review: Design

The Fujifilm X half is a very small camera, and I think it looks great — although I do wish its body was made of metal rather than plastic. Still, it’s cute and eye-catching. It’s available in three colors: Black, Charcoal and Silver. I tested the Black model which looks great, butI also spent a couple hours with the other colorways, and the Charcoal is my favorite.

The camera measures just 4.16 x 2.53 x 1.8 inches, so it’s highly pocketable, and it weighs barely anything at 6.73oz. Carrying it in my jacket’s pocket and even my jeans’ back pocket was easy. In fact, it’s a whole ounce lighter than myGoogle Pixel 7 Pro!

It’s a great camera to handle too. Given its compact size, I used it easily with just one hand to take photos and capture video footage. I have medium-sized hands and had no problems using the camera with both hands either.

Ports

Unsurprisingly given the Fujifilm X half’s size and purpose, its ports are minimal. There’s a USB-C port on the left-hand edge for data transfer and charging. There’s no 3.5mm input or output or micro HDMI support.

The camera’s bottom plate houses the battery pack and one SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card, both of which are located behind a hatch. And that’s about it. Like I said, it’s a no-frills camera meant for beginners and casual photographers.

Monitor

The Fujifilm X half sports twin LCD touchscreens. The main monitor is a 2.4-inch Color LCD touchscreen with a resolution of approximately 0.92 million dots. In my testing, this touchscreen was highly responsive, but I wish it was a smidge brighter as I struggled to see it in direct sunlight. I also wish it was slightly bigger as it only takes up a third of the space on the back panel, but it’s on purpose as it fills up with a half-frame 4:3 shot.

The other vertical, rounded touchscreen is located next to the main monitor. It enables you to swap between film simulation recipes as well as advanced filters, such as fisheye, light leak, expired film, etc. Again, it proved very responsive and I didn’t notice any lag between changing the settings — I thoroughly enjoyed using it.

Viewfinder

I primarily used the Fujifilm X half’s monitor to take photos and didn’t find myself naturally reaching for the viewfinder, as the camera’s very small. The OVF is really basic and doesn’t display any useful information — it feels redundant on this camera. The LED lamp next to the viewfinder is handy, though, as it switches between red and green depending on whether the camera is buffering and saving a video to the SD card and the like.

Weather-sealing

At this price point, most cameras aren’t weather-sealed. For instance, the Fujifilm X-M5 isn’t weather-sealed and neither is the Fujifilm X half. I’d advise against using it in heavy rain or in very dusty or sandy conditions. It’s a shame, as this camera is very easy to travel with, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Fujifilm X half review: Controls & app

There aren’t many physical controls on the Fujifilm X half as its touchscreen enables you to change every setting. I found it easy to use and quick to swap between different exposure and shutter speed settings via swipes and taps.

Swiping down on the main touchscreen lets you pair the camera with a smartphone and enter Film Camera Mode. Tapping on the latter basically turns the X half into a film camera. You get to select the number of shots (36, 54, 72), toggle date stamp on or off, and choose the exposure mode.

The main touchscreen will then show you a shot counter. And just like on a film camera, you won’t be able to see the photos until you exhaust the roll and connect the camera to your phone and use the X half app to ‘develop’ the photos. The app itself is extremely easy to use with a clean interface, and there is some joy to be had in watching your photos come through on your phone.

This isn’t really film photography, as purists will rightly argue, but I still think it’s a lot of fun! I liked not being able to see the photos I’d taken until I ‘developed’ the roll. Some photos came out imperfect, as is the nature of film, and I loved that. It quickly became my favorite feature.

Located on the top plate is a lever that lets you take a second photo and stitches them into one composition, creating a diptych and letting you tell a two-part story — like a half-frame film camera. You also need to use this lever to advance the ‘film roll’ when in Film Camera Mode. Although this is fun, it’s finicky because there were a few instances where I had to do it twice to advance the film.

Fujifilm X half review: Image quality

The Fujifilm X half features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that captures 17.7MP images. As with most other Fuji cameras, color reproduction is faithful and you get access to 13 film simulation recipes for extra creativity (while on Fuji’s more premium cameras like theFujifilm X-T50, you get access to 20+).

Given its compact size and good image quality, the X half and its 32mm prime lens are best suited to travel, street and candid portraits.

In bright conditions, the X half takes stunning photos with popping colors, even in the Provia Standard color profile. Shadows and highlights are balanced well, with a nice amount of contrast, as you can see in the photos in the gallery above. You can also see plenty of detail in the flowers and leaves which is very commendable for a camera of its size.

As I mentioned up top, there are 13 film simulation recipes to choose from. The photos in the gallery above were shot in Nostalgic Neg, Acros and Velvia Vivid. I love Nostalgic Neg so I’m really pleased it has made an appearance on the X half. Fuji says that it has only added its most popular film sims to this camera, which includes Astia and the newest Reala Ace.

Alongside film sims, you have access to several filters, such as Light Leak, Toy, Mini, Expired Film, Vignette, Mirror, Double Exposure and more. You can see a few examples above of Double Exposure, Mirror, Green Expired Film and Toy.

You can’t use these in conjunction with the film sims, though. Still, they allow you to get more creative and experiment with different styles. Double Exposure is a classic and still remains my favorite even after testing all of the others on the X half.

ISO performance

One of the Fujifilm X half’s drawbacks is that it cannot shoot RAW images, so once you click the shutter for a JPEG, that’s it — your color profile is baked in and you’ll have much les freedom in post production than with RAW files.

When I test a camera’s ISO performance, I compare the RAW file against the straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) JPEG as this lets us compare how well a camera’s in-camera noise processing performs versus the unprocessed RAW file. As I didn’t have that option with the X half, I’ll just analyze how well the noise processing worked on JPEGs.

The X half has an ISO range of 200-12,800. As is the nature of the camera, keeping in line with the film feel, the photos it takes are slightly grainy anyway, although noise naturally gets worse at high ISO values too.

But are they sharp? The photos in the gallery above were shot at ISO6,400, 8,000, 10,000 and 12,800. The first two shots are fairly sharp as you can make out the boundaries of every sticker in the Lego F1 car. However, at ISO10,000 and 12,800, there is a loss in sharpness around the car’s nose and in the driver’s helmet — this is from the camera’s processors smoothing out noise, sacrificing definition.

It’s important to remember that this camera is very small and has a 1-inch sensor. Such small sensors generally struggle at high ISO values.

Fujifilm X half review: Battery life

The Fujifilm X half has a mahoosive battery life. It utilizes the NP-W126S Li-ion battery pack — the same as the one in theFujifilm X100VI($1,599) — and according to CIPA numbers, the X half can take 880 stills on a single charge. For video, when recording at FHD/24p, you can achieve 95 minutes and this drops to 85 minutes when shooting at 48p. Regardless, that’s fantastic.

CIPA ratings are derived under very strict testing conditions, and real-world results will always differ. I put the camera through a battery test where I kept taking photos indoors with the monitor, without changing film sims or filters, and I took nearly 950 photos before the camera died. That’s a great number as you won’t need to worry about running out of juice on a long road trip or at a festival.

Fujifilm X half review: Verdict

With long battery life and film simulation recipes and filters available at your fingertips, the X half lets you get creative while still remaining hassle-free. It’s the perfect camera for concerts, festivals, candid portraits, and more… as long as you don’t mind the steep price tag as it costs nearly as much as an interchangeable lens camera like the Fujifilm X-M5. Also, I wish the screen was a touch brighter and the camera shot RAW images.

Regardless, if you can afford it and want a simple, cutesy camera to accompany your professional gear, the X half is a fantastic choice. It proves that specs aren’t always everything — sometimes it’s about having fun.

Pros & Cons

• Fantastic, premium Mini-LED display
• Decent performance overall
• Large touchpad and full-size keyboard

• Disappointing battery life
• Heavy, unwieldy 2-in-1 design

>>>Replacement adapter for Dell XPS 8950 Optiplex 7000

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) Specs

Class	Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)	32 GB
Boot Drive Type	SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)	1 TB
Screen Size	16 inches
Native Display Resolution	2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology	Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support	None
Screen Refresh Rate	90 Hz
Graphics Processor	Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)	0.67 by 14 by 9.9 inches
Weight	4.52 pounds
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)	9:38

Dell’s freshly renamed and reclassified 16 Plus 2-in-1 (model DB06250, which starts at $999.99; $1,449.99 as tested) aims to blend robust performance with a versatile design in a large-format convertible laptop. However, the nature of a 16-inch 2-in-1 presents a unique challenge: While convertible laptops aim for portability and intuitive tablet use, a display of this size is often unwieldy and bulky as a tablet. The Dell 16 Plus struggles to mitigate the inherent problems of size and weight, leading to a design that feels physically cumbersome and, coupled with somewhat disappointing performance, ultimately weighs down what is otherwise a well-made laptop. For a truly portable and long-lasting 16-inch convertible, we recommend the Editors’ Choice-award-winning LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025).>>>Replacement battery for Dell Precision 5470

Configurations and Pricing: A Three-Tier 2-in-1

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) is available in multiple configurations, with varying processors, memory, and storage options. The base configuration, which starts at $999.99, includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor with Intel Arc 130V integrated graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. This version has a standard, 16-inch IPS touch-screen display with FHD+ (1,920 by 1,200) resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.

Our midrange version tested in this review is a step-up model with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics, 32GB of memory, 1TB of SSD storage, and a better display. It’s still 16 inches but has a sharper 2,560-by-1,600-pixel resolution, a faster 90Hz refresh rate, and superiormini-LEDtechnology (more on that later). This model sells for $1,449.99.

The top model moves up to the best CPU option, an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V with Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics. The other upgrades stay the same, but the price bumps up to $1,699.98.

>>>Replacement battery for Dell Precision 7670 7770

Design: More Laptop Than Tablet

While 16-inch convertible2-in-1 laptopsare pretty rare, they do exist. The larger format and convertible design usually focus less on portability and more on creating different ways to interact with the system, such as digital illustration for hobbyists or professionals, and handwritten note-taking. It’s unclear which use cases Dell had in mind, but the lack of portability is certainly evident.

This 2-in-1 sure has strong window presence for shoppers. 

Tipping the scales at 4.52 pounds, this is no featherweight. While that weight is fine for a desktop replacement laptop, picking it up in tablet mode is like hefting an anchor. You might have the option of using this as a tablet, but that doesn’t make it as portable as most 2-in-1 laptops. In fact, it’s more than a pound heavier than the LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16, and you’ll feel every ounce of it.

The aluminum chassis is available in shades of blue: Ice Blue, which is more of a silvery color, and Midnight Blue, the darker, blue-gray finish used on our review model. If it didn’t have blue in the name of the color, I would simply call this a dark gray or even a near black, but it is ever so slightly tinted blue, so I’ll go with it. Regardless of your chosen color, the laptop features a color-matched touchpad and color-coordinated keycaps. The result is quite slick-looking, if not particularly exciting.

Just look at how tall this thing as a “tablet.”

Dell’s aluminum construction is also sturdy, though you’ll feel some noticeable flexing when you lift the open laptop by one corner, which I’d expect from any slim 16-inch machine. The dual axle hinge, which lets you use the laptop in display, tent, and tablet modes, is also fairly sturdy and will hold its position well when you use the touch screen in laptop mode.

Touchpad, Keyboard, and Display: Comfy and Crisp

Throughout my time with this laptop, I found its large touchpad comfortably spacious, giving me plenty of room to tap and swipe. Likewise, the larger keyboard benefits from a numeric pad alongside the standard keys. Thanks to the 16-inch design, the keyboard never feels cramped or crowded, even with the extra keys. 

This keyboard and touchpad take full advantage of the laptop’s larger dimensions. 

Dell’s step-up display option is a 16-inch touch screen with a 1600p resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and mini-LED backlighting. Mini-LED provides better HDR support, giving it near-OLED levels of contrast, while still providing excellent brightness and vibrant color.

The color saturation made possible by mini-LED comes through even in these photos. 

In actual use, the Dell 16 Plus is a comfortable desktop replacement, with a spacious keyboard, a wide and responsive touchpad, and a fast and vibrant touch screen. As a clamshell laptop, I’d have no complaints. The difficulty comes with the 2-in-1 capability, where the laptop’s large screen becomes a downright unwieldy tablet. The sturdy aluminum construction translates into a slim but heavy design to carry.

On the left side of the laptop, you’ll find two USB-C ports (one DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery, the other withThunderbolt 4support) and an HDMI output.

This laptop uses USB-C for charging instead of a proprietary power connector. 

On the right is a USB-A port and a 3.5mm headset jack. It’s a capable collection of ports, but on the larger 16-inch frame, it still feels like other connections, like an Ethernet port or an SD card slot, should be available.

There’s enough room that Dell could have put an SD card slot here. 

Performance Testing: Capable, But Not Class-Leading

For this review, we’ve compared the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 against top competitors like theAcer Swift 16 AI($1,199.99 as tested), an excellent desktop replacement with similar processing and graphics, theLenovo Yoga 7 16 Gen 9($799.99 as tested), a similar convertible, and the Editors’ Choice-winningLG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025)($2,549.99 as tested), which earns top marks as a 16-inch convertible with a genuinely ultraportable design.

Test System Configurations

SCREEN SIZE & RESOLUTION	PROCESSOR	GRAPHICS	RAM	STORAGE
Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250)	16-inch, 2,560 by 1,600	Intel Core Ultra 7 258V	Intel Arc Graphics 140V	32GB	1TB SSD
Acer Swift 16 AI	16-inch, 2,880 by 1,800	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V	Intel Arc Graphics 140V	16GB	1TB SSD
Lenovo Yoga 7 16 Gen 9	16-inch, 1,920 by 1,200	AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS	AMD Radeon 760M	8GB	512GB SSD
LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025)	16-inch, 2,880 by 1,800	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H	Intel Arc Graphics 140T	32GB	2x 1TB SSD

Battery and Display Tests 

We test each laptop’s battery life by playing a locally stored 720p video file (the open-source Blender movieTears of Steel) with display brightness at 50% and audio volume at 100%. We make sure the battery is fully charged before the test, with Wi-Fi and keyboard backlighting turned off. 

To gauge display performance, we also use a Datacolor SpyderX Elite monitor calibration sensor and software to measure a laptop screen’s color saturation—what percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts or palettes the display can show—and its 50% and peak brightness in nits (candelas per square meter).

In battery testing, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 disappointed us, lasting less than 10 hours while competitors lasted 17 hours or more. The shorter battery life and the heavy, bulky design limit the portability of this oversized 2-in-1. 

However, Dell’s display quality is superb. Color reproduction is at or near 100% in all major color gamuts, putting it slightly ahead of even the best competitors. It also led the pack in brightness, brighter than all three competitors. That brighter display panel is likely thanks to the mini-LED tech behind it. (It looks even better when displaying HDR content.)

Final Thoughts

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250)

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) is a contradiction. On one hand, it’s a well-built machine with a sturdy aluminum chassis, a comfortable keyboard and touchpad, and a genuinely excellent mini-LED display that provides vibrant colors and impressive brightness. The price isn’t terribly high, comparatively speaking, and it’s competent in everyday productivity tasks, even if it would benefit from a dedicated GPU. We’d be happier if it were a desktop replacement with a clamshell design.

But since this is a 2-in-1 system with a convertible design, we must consider features like weight, battery life, and portability. At 4.52 pounds and with disappointing battery life (less than 10 hours in our tests), the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) is awkward and too heavy to be a truly convenient tablet. If genuine portability and 2-in-1 versatility are priorities, and your budget allows, the award-winning LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 is the clear superior option and worth the investment.