Whew, it's been a crazy few weeks for us at Engadget.School may still be out, but there's no summer break for the steady stream of new gadgets coming across our desks.I'll forgive you if you missed a review or two over the last few weeks — we've been busy.
Here's a quick rundown of what we've been up to, just in time for you to catch up over the weekend.Quick OverviewSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 More options$1,091 at Amazon$1,100 at Best Buy$1,090 at WalmartOakley Meta glasses$399 at MetaDJI Osmo 360$530 at DJINothing Phone 3$799 at NothingSamsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm)$350 at AmazonSamsung Z Flip 7Samsung / Engadget82100Expert ScoreSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 The Z Flip 7 has decent battery life, bigger screens and more AI smarts.However, the cameras are dated and Samsung isn’t offering enough utility on this foldable’s second screen.ProsBigger front screenBetter battery lifeSlimmer designConsCameras are datedFront screen utility is still limitedSluggish charge speed$1,091 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$1,100 at Best Buy$1,090 at WalmartAlongside the Z Fold 7, Samsung debuted an updated version of its more compact foldable, the Z Flip 7.
UK bureau chief Mat Smith noted that the company managed to provide a substantial overhaul, but there are some areas that were left untouched."Certain aspects of the Flip 7 are lacking, most notably the cameras, which haven’t been changed since last year," he said."Samsung also needs to put more work into its Flex Window."Oakley Meta glassesOakley/Meta79100Expert ScoreOakley Meta glassesThere are some solid upgrades that will appeal to serious athletes and power users, but they don't quite justify the higher price.
ProsFive hours of continuous music playback3K video recordingMeta AI is finally getting usefulConsAwkwardly thick framesBulky charging case(At least) $100 more than Meta's Ray-Ban glasses$399 at MetaMeta's first non-Ray-Ban smart glasses have arrived.While we wait for a more affordable version to get here, senior editor Karissa Bell put the white and gold option through its paces."While I don't love the style of the Oakley Meta HSTN frames, Meta has shown that it's been consistently able to improve its glasses," she wrote.
"The upgrades that come with the new Oakley frames aren't major leaps, but they deliver improvements to core features."DJI Osmo 360DJI/Engadget86100Expert ScoreDJI Osmo 360DJI’s Osmo 360 is a worthy rival to Insta360’s X5, thanks to the innovative sensor and 8K 50 fps video.However, the editing app still needs some work.ProsSharp 8K 10-bit log videoSeamless 360 stitchingWorks with DJI's mics and accessoriesGood design and handlingConsDJI Studio app needs workStabilization breaks down in low light$530 at DJIReporter Steve Dent argued that DJI is finally giving Insta360 some competition in the 360-degree action cam space.
The design and performance of the Osmo 360 are great, but the problem comes when it's time to edit."The all-new DJI Studio app also needs some work," he explained."For a first effort, though, the Osmo 360 is a surprisingly solid rival to Insta360’s X5."Nothing Phone 3Nothing / Engadget81100Expert ScoreNothing Phone 3The Nothing Phone 3 might be the company’s first “true flagship,” but several specs don’t match that flagship moniker.
The bigger screen, battery and new Glyph Matrix make it a major step up from Phone 2, but camera performance is erratic and you’d expect a more powerful processor at this price.ProsBig, bright displayUnique hardware and software designBig silicon-carbon batteryConsCamera performance is erraticMiddling processor$799 at NothingNothing's first "true flagship" phone has arrived, ready to take on the likes of the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25.Despite the company's lofty chatter, Mat argued the Nothing Phone 3 is hampered by a lower-power chip and disappointing cameras.
"While I want Nothing to continue experimenting with its phones, it should probably prioritize shoring up the camera performance first," he said.Samsung Galaxy Watch 8Samsung/Engadget90100Expert ScoreSamsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm)The redesigned Galaxy Watch 8 has a longer battery life and much more comfortable fit.The Gemini integration is actually helpful and the new health metrics and fitness guidance are useful.ProsRemarkably comfortable fitTiles interface is snappyNew antioxidant level and vascular load health metrics may help users keep an eye on their healthThe running coach can be inspiring for beginnersGood Gemini integrationImproved battery makes the AOD more viableConsThe raised glass screen can be easily damagedAI-running coach could be more personalizedNotifications are easy to miss$350 at AmazonSamsung debuted a big update to its Galaxy Watch line when it unveiled the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
Senior buying advice reporter Amy Skorheim spent two weeks testing the new wearable, which impressed her so much she declared it was "Samsung's best smartwatch in years." You can read her in-depth review here.Everything else we testedHere are the rest of the reviews you might have missed:Legion Go S powered by SteamOS by Sam RutherfordBowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 by Billy SteeleNordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN reviews by Sam Chapmans.p.l.i.t by Jessica CondittPorsche 911 GTS by Tim StevensiOS 26 beta by Mat SmithDonkey Kong Bananza by Nathan IngrahamAnker Nebula X1 by Steve DentWaterfield Magnetic Case for Switch 2 by Sam Rutherford
