TVs
- TIPS & TRICKS
- Audio is good, but if you’re looking for the best performance, add a soundbar like the one we’ve listed.
- Samsung’s Mini-LED QLED screens are brighter than OLED TVs – better for well-lit living rooms with other things going on. Cheaper, too.
- Comes with Samsung’s solar cell remote, named because it features a solar cell with which it will charge itself if left upside down.
Samsung 50QN90B
R20 000 / hificorp.co.za
It might be getting a little long in the tooth but Samsung’s QN90B still provides ample viewing pleasure for anyone looking for a set that ticks a lot of boxes. Whether you’re an avid movie watcher, fanatical sports fan, casual TV enjoyed, or want to hook up the latest console (or gaming PC), this TV still belongs on your shortlist. Its biggest shortcomings are a lack of support for Dolby Vision video content and DTS audio formats. Locally available models in the QN90B series range from 43in to 85in.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Deserves a place on every TV shortlist for its versatility and value for money.
• NOW ADD THIS
Samsung Q/S-Series soundbar
Pairing your Samsung TV with one of these is a stress-free way to get object-based 3D sound.
from R5 000 / takealot.com
Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)
R850 / geewiz.co.za
If you live in Google’s world (and let’s face it, most of us do) then the Nest Mini is the best, cheapest way to get into the smart home game. Just like the latest Echo Dot, this latest version features upgraded speakers and mics compared to older models. It’s a slightly better bet than the Echo Dot with Clock if you want close integration with your Google calendar and apps. The only reason not to buy is if you want more powerful audio – for that, get the Google Nest Audio instead.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Louder and cleverer than ever… and it’ll only improve with updates.
Ecoflow River 2 Max Power Station
R8 000 / za.ecoflow.co.za
Load shedding isn’t going away anytime soon and if you believe otherwise, we’d like a sip of whatever the ANC’s snuck into your drink. For the rest of you, portable power has become as essential as anything else. It doesn’t take the job lightly, turning up with app support, LED display, 1,000W power draw and more ports than you’ll ever
need. Its charge speed is fantastic, as is the pass-through function that means you’ll barely even notice Eskom turn the power off.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Premium products demand premium prices. Ecoflow’s Rixer 2 Max is certainly that.
Amazon Echo Show 15
★★★★★ R7 600 / geewiz.co.za
Amazon’s smart display has come of age – this is easily the best Show in town.
Aeno Premium Eco Smart Heater
This good-looking heater can be controlled from your phone and won’t run up your electricity bill.
Owlet Baby Monitor Duo Cam 2
★★★★★ R14 000 / babycity.co.za
Babies deserve smart home tech, too. What’s better than a camera that monitors your child’s health?
Philips Hue Starter Kit
★★★★★ from R2 400 / zeekonline.co.za
The smartest way of lighting your home remotely. Also a gateway drug.
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX130 AZ
Beginners hoping for a decent view of the stars can’t go wrong with Celestron’s newt.
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
★★★★★R14 500 / superbalist.com
A vacuum cleaner that illuminates your dust with a laser…
TP-Link Tapo RV10
A robot-vac that won’t break the bank, and won’t rest until the floor is clean.
