2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Awards

|
, , ,

Happy Q3 everyone! We’re a few days late with our 2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Awards but better late than never! This awards program highlights the products we reviewed through Q2 and which we thought deserved a feature.

This 2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Awards list only gives you a brief overview of each product we selected. There are link boxes after each product where you can read our full reviews to better help you make your choice. As with any review, these are just our opinions, which we provide in hopes you can make a good choice for yourself. We always encourage our readers to collect reviews from a variety of sources as this always makes for a better buying decision for you.

So without further ado, enjoy the 2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Awards below and let us know if you’ve purchased any of these items or plan on purchasing them soon. You can do that in the comments below or on Twitter, or Facebook. You can also comment on our MeWe page by joining the MeWe social network.

Editor’s Choice Flagship Smartphone: Huawei P30 Pro

Editors 19 P30

While the Huawei P30 Pro smartphone has a fairly standard design, it does have solid build quality, great performance, decent battery life, and an outstanding camera with many features. If mobile photography is your thing, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better camera on another phone. As such, we’ve awarded the P30 Pro with a Top Pick of 2019 here at Techaeris, largely for the camera alone.

Now for the hard part. Can we really recommend you purchase a Huawei device with its current ongoing issues with the U.S. government? That’s really a tough call…it’s unfortunate the company is having these issues as the P30 Pro is a fantastic device. Even though it is widely available in regions like Canada and Europe, the recent U.S. trade ban definitely puts updates and future Huawei devices in limbo.

What We Liked:

  • Slim and solid design
  • A bright and responsive OLED screen
  • Arguably the best smartphone camera available today
  • IP68 water/dust resistant
  • Fairly easy to use one-handed
  • Reverse wireless charging allows quick topping up of other devices

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Uses proprietary Nano Memory and not Micro SD card for expandable memory
  • No headphone jack
  • Expensive
  • Speakers could be better and are easy to block when holding in hand
  • Bloatware
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/06/30/huawei-p30-pro-review-best-smartphone-camera/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Budget Smartphone: Meizu 16s

2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award

I loved using the 16s for the past few weeks. I actually found myself using and reaching for this phone more often than my US$900 Android flagship. The screen is a joy to use and without a notch or punch hole, it felt very immersive.

The camera is great and excels in the best lighting conditions, it struggles in low-light. Battery life is amazing and performance is right up there with flagships. Finally, that price tag is ridiculously awesome for what you get in this package. The Meizu 16s is an outstanding alternative to the flagship phone in 2019.

What We Liked:

  • Really amazing design with slim bezels all around and no notch or punch hole
  • Respectable display for this price range
  • Comes with Android 9 Pie
  • Snappy performer given the price point
  • Really great dual-speakers that get the job done
  • Good battery life that will get you through the day and usually into the next
  • Amazing price for value ratio here
  • Nice build quality with great materials used

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Display could be brighter for outdoor conditions
  • No headphone jack
  • No wireless charging
  • Camera is good but falls short of the higher-priced flagship phones
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/05/25/meizu-16s-review-an-outstanding-alternative-to-the-thousand-dollar-flagship-phone/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Lifestyle Tech: GUNNAR Haus Glasses

2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award

If you work in front of a computer or game for long hours, especially into the evening, the GUNNAR Haus glasses with their blue light blocking Clear Lenses can definitely help you in a number of ways. I definitely noticed more comfort working with less strain or feeling blah when wearing the GUNNAR Haus.

On the days and evenings that I forgot to put them on and wore normal prescription glasses, I definitely noticed more of a strain on my eyes and borderline headaches, not to mention more tossing and turning at night while trying to get to sleep.

What We Liked:

  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
  • Well constructed
  • Reduces blue light well
  • Available in black or brown/black

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Not good for graphics work, due to tint
  • Can be pricey with prescription option
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/06/22/gunnar-haus-review-stylish-and-comfy-blue-light-reducing-glasses/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Smart Watch: TicWatch S2

Editors 19 TicWatch

The TicWatch S2 isn’t for everyone. The design may not appeal to all, but I think most will like the design just fine. I think the sub-US$ 200 price point is perfect here and the watch performs really well. The hardware is robust and durable and I think most people looking for a watch and fitness tracker will love it. This is certainly an Android Wear device to consider.

What We Liked:

  • Comfortable
  • Swim ready
  • Wear OS works wonderfully
  • Amazing battery life
  • Reasonable price

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The watch band isn’t that nice looking
  • Touches occasionally failed to register
  • Design isn’t as nice as the TicWatch S
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/05/11/ticwatch-s2-review-mobvoi-has-made-another-solid-wear-os-device/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Smart Clock: Lenovo Smart Clock

Editors 19 Lenovo Clock

The Lenovo Smart Clock is not a full-blown smart hub or display but it’s also not being marketed as such. If you’re looking for Google Assistant functionality in the bedroom, the Lenovo Smart Clock is definitely a fantastic choice given its size and functionality. Sure, you’re missing some features that other smart displays boast like a camera and YouTube video playback, but honestly, not everyone wants that functionality in the bedroom.

At the end of the day, the Lenovo Smart Clock does what it’s supposed to on the clock/alarm/Google Assistant front.

What We Liked:

  • Small but slick design
  • Soft-touch fabric finish
  • Crisp and clear screen
  • Microphone mute toggle
  • Works with Nest video
  • Supports Google Routines
  • Easy to set up
  • Tap to snooze
  • Sunrise Alarm feature is great
  • Various preset clock faces and alarm tones

What We Didn’t Like:

  • No FM radio
  • May be pricey for some (US$79.99)
  • Limited video options
  • No camera
  • No backup battery
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/06/03/lenovo-smart-clock-review-small-smart-and-perfect-for-your-bedside/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Smart Display: Lenovo Smart Tab P10

Editors 19 LenovoTab

If you’re looking for a Google Assistant smart screen then this isn’t for you. Check out Lenovo’s Smart Displayfor that. If you’re looking for an Alexa smart screen that can also double as a portable tablet, well, this is for you. It works well as a smart screen, it works okay as an Android tablet (though it does have a few performance issues), and it looks and feels nice in the hand. This tablet isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re not looking for Alexa skills, but for those who are in that ecosystem, it could work very well.

What We Liked:

  • Both the dock and the tablet look great, very clean and simple design
  • An amazing display with vibrant color
  • Pretty great sound for being a tablet
  • Great battery life
  • It’s nice to have a tablet with the ability to become a smart screen with Alexa

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Android on tablets still isn’t the greatest
  • As with many Android tablets, there is some lag and stutter
  • The cameras are just okay, but you have to realize this is a tablet
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/06/21/lenovo-smart-tab-p10-review-part-android-tablet-and-part-alexa-smart-screen/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice USB-C Earbuds: Moshi Mythro C

Editors 19 Moshi

Bluetooth earbuds aren’t for everyone. With the 3.5mm audio jack slowly disappearing, the Moshi Mythro C USB Type-C Earphones offer great sound and comfort at a great price for those with USB Type-C devices. Because of the price, build quality, and great sound, the Mythro C are an easy choice for a Top Pick of 2019 Award here at Techaeris.

What We Liked:

  • Solid build quality
  • Fantastic sound out of the box
  • Software app for presets and DJ Boost on inline control unit
  • Lengthy cable
  • Built-in DAC
  • Comfortable for long term use
  • Google Assistant compatible
  • Very affordably priced

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Triple press for previous track didn’t always work
  • Software is pretty basic
  • Might not be easily apparent which is right or left ear
  • Wires are a bit thin
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/05/15/moshi-mythro-c-review-great-sounding-affordable-usb-c-earbuds-with-built-in-dac/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Affordable Over-Ear Headphones: TaoTronics TT-BH046

2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award

The TaoTronics TT-BH046 ANC headphones are really well-built and look and feel more like a US$200 pair of headphones than a pair of US$100 pair of headphones. The ANC works well. It’s not the best on the market but it works well enough for this price point. These headphones are bass-heavy, so if you’re not into the lower end of the sound spectrum these may not be for you. But even if you’re not into bass, these may not be so bad and you could tolerate a bit heavier bass simply because the price is so great. These babies just earned a 2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award!

What We Liked:

  • Very nice build quality
  • Easy to use and setup
  • Great battery life
  • Priced right
  • Sound is decent, although bass-heavy
  • Great value for what you get

What We Didn’t Like:

  • A bass-heavy sound signature may not be for all
  • ANC works but is still not as good as higher-priced ANC headphones
  • Slightly aggressive on clamping power
  • Call quality could be better
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/04/30/taotronics-tt-bh046-review-affordable-and-powerful-anc-headphones-under-us100/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Audiophile ANC headphones: Master & Dynamic MW65

2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award

These aren’t the ANC headphones for you if you don’t want to kill your pocketbook. There are other cheaper options. But those options also do not sound nearly as good as the MW65s. Even ANC headphones that are priced nearly the same still do not sound as good. I love the balanced sound stage of Master & Dynamic headphones, and these are worth the price for those who are looking for premium materials, balanced sound, and an amazing design language.

What We Liked:

  • Beautiful design
  • Premium materials
  • Easy to setup and use
  • Clean and neutral sound stage
  • Great battery life
  • Google Assistant capable

What We Didn’t Like:

  • They are pricey, but sometimes that old saying you get what you pay for…is true.
  • A hard shell carrying case would have been a nice touch
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/05/06/master-dynamic-mw65-review-beauty-in-design-elegance-in-sound-and-anc-onboard/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Editor’s Choice Productivity Monitor: Dell U4919DW

2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award

I have to admit, I held on to the Dell U4919DW longer than I should have. I really don’t want to send this back to Dell, it is that good for my use case. I really think this monitor is best suited to content creators and business users who have multiple windows open or need space for editing and document creation. The Dell U4919DW is an excellent dual QHD monitor that offers up spacious views at a good price and earns a 2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award.

What We Liked:

  • The massive screen provides tons of space
  • Great colors, good blacks, clean whites
  • Slim bezels
  • Easy to assemble

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Heavy and awkward
  • May be pricey for some
  • I/O is tucked under and is a pain to get to
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/06/28/dell-u4919dw-monitor-review-spacious-and-totally-worth-it/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Read The Full Review[/button]

Congratulations to our winners for taking home our 2019 Techaeris Q2 Editor’s Choice Award! Be sure to click the links and read the full reviews on all of these products. Check back in Q2 to find out what devices and gadgets make the next round of awards!

Last Updated on February 3, 2021.

Previous

Nintendo Switch Lite arriving in September for US$199

Mezone Snug-Fit TWS Plus Earbuds review: Mediocre with fussy controls

Next

Latest Articles

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap