Engadget Reviews Roundup: Apple’s New Launches & More (Sept 2025)

Apple iPhone Air

• Price: $999
• Expert Score: 86/100
• Pros:
  • Exquisite design, sleek and ultra-thin
  • Strong titanium frame
  • Surprisingly good battery life
  • Gorgeous display
• Cons:
  • Mono speaker
  • Single rear camera
  • No mmWave 5G support
• Key Takeaway: Apple replaced the iPhone 16 Plus with the iPhone Air, a stylish device that sacrifices little in battery life. It’s expected to serve as a design template for a future foldable iPhone.

Apple iPhone 17

• Price: $799
• Expert Score: 91/100
• Pros:
  • 120Hz ProMotion display
  • Center Stage front camera
  • Dual 48MP Fusion rear cameras
• Cons:
  • 6.3-inch screen may feel small
  • Best camera performance is reserved for Pro models
• Key Takeaway: Finally, features trickle down from the Pro models, giving the base iPhone 17 a smooth display and upgraded cameras. Great for users upgrading from iPhone 16.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max

• Price: $1,099
• Expert Score: 93/100
• Pros:
  • Innovative Center Stage selfie camera
  • Versatile triple-sensor rear cameras
  • Aluminum unibody, sturdy and scratch-resistant
  • Improved AI and thermal performance
• Cons:
  • Expensive
• Key Takeaway: Pro models remain top-tier, combining durability, cutting-edge cameras, and thermal improvements. Optional 6.9-inch display available on Pro Max.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

• Price: $249
• Expert Score: 90/100
• Pros:
  • Impressive ANC updates
  • Improved sound quality
  • Live Translation feature
  • Heart-rate tracking for workouts
• Cons:
  • New fit requires adjustment
  • Total battery life slightly less than previous model
  • Limited Live Translation languages at launch
• Key Takeaway: Beyond sound improvements, the addition of Live Translation and heart-rate monitoring makes the AirPods Pro 3 a more versatile device.

Apple Watch Series 11

• Price: $399
• Expert Score: 90/100
• Pros:
  • Longer battery life
  • Thin and light design
  • Comprehensive health monitoring
  • Wrist flick gesture for controls
• Cons:
  • Relatively pricey
  • Watch SE 3 may suit most users better
• Key Takeaway: Apple’s flagship smartwatch is refined with battery and health improvements, but the SE 3 remains a strong, more affordable option.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514

• Price: $700
• Expert Score: 85/100
• Pros:
  • Great performance
  • Excellent battery life
  • Solid build quality
  • Comfortable keyboard and trackpad
• Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Speakers and webcam are average
  • USB-C ports only on one side
• Key Takeaway: Powerful Chromebook, but comes at a premium price.

Tamagotchi Paradise

• Price: $80
• Expert Score: 89/100
• Pros:
  • Fun gene-mixing mechanics
  • Multiple environments and games
  • Visualized care factors
• Cons:
  • Only one Tama cared for at a time
  • Limited customization
  • Lab Tama kiosks not widely available
• Key Takeaway: A refreshing, fuller virtual pet experience compared to 2023’s Uni version, with lots of new activities for fans of digital caretaking.

Prime Day Early Deals Highlighted by Engadget

• Apple AirPods Pro 3: $239 (Save $10)
• Apple iPad (A16, base model): $299 (Save $50)
• Apple Mac mini (M4): $499 (Save $100)
• Apple iPad Air (M3, 11-inch): $449 (Save $150)
• Anker Magnetic Power Banks & Accessories: $28–$60
• 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller: $40 (Prime exclusive)
• Samsung EVO Select microSD (256GB): $20
• Levoit Core 200S Air Purifier: $75
• Amazon Fire TV Cube: $100
• Rode Wireless Go III Microphone: $199
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: $200
• Nintendo Switch 2: $449

Key Takeaway: Engadget’s early Prime Day deals cover Apple gear, Anker accessories, gaming controllers, audio equipment, and more — perfect for tech shoppers looking to save before the official October 7–8 event.