You may never have heard of the term choice paralysis, but you have almost certainly encountered it in your life. This is what you feel when you want, for example, ice cream, but there are so many different types and tastes in front of you that you cannot decide and in the end you do not buy any of them. This is the paralysis of choice – and when choosing a technique, it is easy to face it.
The time for discounts is in full swing – just like the search for gifts for the upcoming holidays. In hardware stores, it is easy to get confused at the sight of a huge number of gadgets – and often at discounted prices. There are tens and hundreds of manufacturers for each type of device – not to mention the number of models. It is often incredibly difficult to make a choice, given that you want the best to give your loved ones. This is why we decided to compile a list of the 'best of the best' in each category.
Note that the list mainly includes devices that were released a few months ago – which means they were verified by users. Spoiler alert: This is one of the reasons why iPhone X is not listed here.
If you are a person who wants to have (and give to your loved ones) all the best, then this is the shopping list for you.
Best Smartphone
Samsung Galaxy S8
Weight: 155g | Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8 mm | OS: Android 7 | Screen size: 5.8 “| Screen resolution: 1440 x 2960 pixels | Processor: Exynos 8895 | RAM: 4 GB | ROM: 64 GB | Battery: 3,000mAh | Main camera: 12 MP | Front camera: 8MP
The Galaxy S8 is the best smartphone for a number of reasons, but the main one is its amazing display. Against its background, almost any other smartphone looks ancient. It also delivers excellent benchmark results, has a great camera, has a long battery life, and the display not only adds a dozen points to the design, but also provides stunningly clear and bright images.
This is a top smartphone with a top price tag. But, as we said, it still costs almost half as much as iPhone X, while practically not losing to it in anything. Plus, most users agree that Gear VR's support sounds more interesting than the new user ID system.
Benefits:
- Striking (conventionally) frameless display
- Great camera
Disadvantages:
- Annoying Bixby
- Inconvenient location of the fingerprint scanner
Best laptop
Dell XPS 13
Processor: Intel Cote i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 | Display: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – QHD + (3,200 x 1,800) | Storage: 128GB – 512GB SSD
The Dell XPS 13 earns the title of Best Laptop (Ultrabook, to be precise), primarily for its design called InfinityEdge. Dell has managed to fit a 13.3-inch screen into an 11-inch laptop case. As befits a good Ultrabook, it's light, thin, and self-contained. In viewing mode, it can withstand more than 7 hours, which is an excellent result for a laptop.
Benefits:
- Powerful and fast
- Long battery life
Disadvantages:
- Inconvenient location of the webcam
- Doesn't support Windows Hello
Best TV
LG C7 OLED Series (2017)
Display size: 55 “or 65” | Tuner: Freeview Play | 4K: yes | HDR: yes (HDR10, H LG, Dolby Vision) | Display type: OLED | Smart TV: webOS 3.5 | Curved screen: no | 3D: no | Dimensions: 1230 x 750 x 217 mm | Ports: 4 HDMI, 3 USB, 2 RCA, Ethernet, optical audio out and PCMCIA slot
The best TVs today are LG OLED C7. This model is presented in two versions: 55- and 65-inch and manages to strike a balance between top performance and quality and reasonable price.
All OLED – TVs LG are equipped with exactly the same displays. So, although the C7 in the manufacturer's lineup is below the flagship W7, the image quality is the same in them. The C7 has less advanced sound, but the price is more than worth it.
This model also offers the ability to fine tune brightness and colors. This can achieve phenomenally dark blacks without darkening the entire image. The C7 is also one of the best 4K TVs out there – especially when comparing its value to others in the same segment.
Benefits:
- Stunning contrast image
- Ultra-thin design
Disadvantages:
- Lack of brightness when compared to LCD
- Possible sound problems
Best Game Console
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
Dimensions: 29.5 x 32.7 x 5.5 cm | Graphics: 4.20 TFLOPS (AMD Radeon) | RAM: 8GB GDDR5, 1GB DDR3 | Maximum resolution: 3840 × 2160 pixels | Ports: USB 3.1, HDMI 2.0a, Ethernet, Optical Audi o and PlayStation Camera | Maximum number of controllers: 4 | Storage: 1 TB
Choosing between PS4 and Xbox One has always been a tough decision (and that's aside from the specific but addictive Nintendo Switch). In this article, we have already talked in detail about the advantages and disadvantages of all three consoles, as well as about which users each of them is suitable for. Of course, a lot is a matter of taste, but from an objective point of view, PS4 Pro still wins thanks to a combination of powerful hardware and a large selection of games (including exclusives).
An improved modification of the original PS4, PS4 Pro supports 4K and HDR, and improved graphics provided a frame rate advantage. Consequently, games look crisper and animations smoother.
Benefits:
- Sony's first 4K HDR console
- 1 TB of internal storage
Disadvantages:
- No 4K Blu-Ray support
- Pro Mode support is not available everywhere
Best fitness tracker
Moov Now
Screen: no | Heart rate sensor: no | Protection against water: yes | GPS: yes (via smartphone) | Battery life: 6 months | Compatible with: iOS and Android
In our fitness tracker article, we've covered Moov Now, an award-winning model that began as a simple startup. She lacks most of the attributes that we associate with such bracelets. Moov Now doesn't have built-in GPS or even a screen, but it has something else: a modest price tag and 6 months of battery life. Yes, you read that correctly: it claims six months of battery life.
During all this time, the bracelet will count the steps taken and the duration of sleep, helping to achieve fitness goals. He also knows how to differentiate between different types of running, which is especially useful when collecting training statistics. Yes, this is not the most advanced fitness tracker, but it does its job perfectly.
Benefits:
- Long battery life
- Low price
Disadvantages:
- Limited functionality
- Lack of display
Best camera
Nikon D850
Type: DSLR | Sensor type: full frame CMOS | Resolution: 45.4 megapixels | Mount: Nikon F | Viewfinder type: optical | Screen: 3.2-inch swivel touchscreen | Maximum burst speed: 7 frames per second | Maximum video resolution: 4K | User level: advanced / expert
When Nikon announced the D800 and D800E, it set a new standard in image quality for SLR cameras. Now, five years later, a new model is introduced in this lineup, allowing you to shoot in super high resolution 45.7 megapixels. Considering the rest of the improvements – an updated sensor design, faster autofocus, wider dynamic range, the ability to change focus, an improved shutter mechanism and extended battery life – the Nikon D850 is the best camera to date.
Benefits:
- Stunning image quality
- High performance
Disadvantages:
- Slow AF speed in Live View
- Inconvenient SnapBridge app
Best Tablet
iPad (2017)
Weight: 469g | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm | OS: iOS 11 | Display size: 9.7 ”| Display resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels | Processor: Apple A9 | RAM: 2 GB | Storage: 32GB or 128GB | Micro SD slot: no | Battery capacity: approximately 8,800 mAh | Main camera: 8 MP | Front camera: 1.2MP
If you're looking for a good tablet, look at iPad 2017. Bright and clear 9.7-inch display, beautiful design, powerful A9 chip – all at a price that won't leave a hole in your wallet. Although there are no revolutionary changes in the new iPad, this is a worthy update to an already excellent and time-tested line.
Available memory starts at 32 GB instead of the usual Apple 16 GB. Considering that this modification costs less than the base model iPad Air 2, iPad (2017) – excellent value for money.
Benefits:
- 9.7-inch screen with beautiful and high-quality images
- Cheaper than previous generation
Disadvantages:
- Thicker than iPad Air 2
- No modification with 256 GB of memory
Best smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 3
OS: watchOS 4 | Compatible with: iOS | Display: 1.53 ″ OLED | Processor: 2-core Apple S2 | Storage: 8 GB or 16 GB (GPS and LTE versions, respectively) | Battery life: 18 hours | Charging method: wireless | Water and dust resistant: IPX7 | Communication modules: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE (not in all modifications)
Apple became the leading smartwatch manufacturer in the world after the release of Apple Watch 3. Their design is not much different from the second generation, so, in fact, only the hardware was improved. But they improved it so much that the functionality of the watch is amazing.
The main innovation is LTE support via a virtual SIM card. If you always take your smartphone with you anyway and don't see any point in overpaying for a couple of extra chips in your watch, the GPS modification will be the best choice. It retains all the advantages of the third generation, including extended battery life and a more powerful processor.
Apple Watch Series 3 is water resistant, supports GPS and last but not least looks great on the wrist. So far Apple Watch has no really worthy competitors, which is confirmed by sales statistics.
Benefits:
- Great for sports
- The version without LTE is optimal in terms of price and functionality
Disadvantages:
- LTE modification is unreasonably expensive
- Not enough battery life for sleep tracking
Best VR Device
HTC Vive
Display resolution: 2160 x 1200 pixels | Compatible with: Windows | Viewing angle: 110 ° | Controllers included: yes | Space coverage: approximately 4 x 4 meters | Weight: 470 g
Today HTC Vive is the best VR headset in the world. It's intuitive to use, the resolution is great (1080p per eye), and the work area is almost 4 x 4 meters, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game without thinking about taking one more step and you will no longer be able to control your character.
Like most of the devices on this list, the HTC Vive is a top-end device with a matching price tag. However, if you want to get the most out of your gaming experience with the first generation VR headset, we recommend that you pay attention to this particular model.
Benefits:
- Delivering the highest quality VR immersion to date
- Software is developed in collaboration with Valve
Disadvantages:
- Requires a computer with a top-end GPU
- The most expensive VR headset in existence
Best headphones
Sennheiser Momentum Wireless
Acoustics type: closed | Cable length: 140 cm | Frequency Response Range: 16-22,000 Hz | Emitter design: dynamic | Resistance: 28 Ohm | Battery life: 25+ hours | Working distance: more than 9 meters | Support NFC: yes
Choosing the best headphones is an extremely controversial task, given that each user has their own needs not only in characteristics and price category, but also in form factor. If you are looking for a headset for fitness, you should pay attention to the wireless earbuds; if you mainly listen to music at home and want to get the best sound quality, then your choice is full-size headphones.
As for the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless, they are the best in their 2017 full-size wireless headphone category. They hold the battery perfectly and are guaranteed to last for the whole day, and the noise canceling technology will limit all extraneous sounds and allow you to enjoy your favorite music even in a room where dozens of people are talking loudly.
Significantly, Sennheiser has achieved all of this without sacrificing sound quality. This is the same ultimatum standard that we are used to seeing (or rather, hearing) in the models of this manufacturer.
Of course, there are headphones out there that sound better than the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless. There are also models that look better or offer more powerful noise cancellation. However, none of them managed to achieve a combination of all three of these components as well. And that's why we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless. If you are concerned about sound quality, we recommend paying attention to the amazing Oppo PM-3.
Benefits:
- Great sound
- Superior design
- Battery life
Disadvantages:
- Price