Henry Burrell

The Garmin Forerunner 170 Music is a lightweight running watch with accurate dual-band GPS, a bright AMOLED display, extensive training metrics and battery life lasting up to 10 days, or around seven days with regular GPS use. Its music feature is disappointing because Spotify downloads sound inferior to phone playback, making the £299.99 price difficult to justify. The review recommends the standard Forerunner 170, cheaper Forerunner 70 or lighter COROS Pace 4 instead, while praising Garmin’s training readiness, body battery, suggested workouts and free race-training plans.

Giffgaff has reduced the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 from around £899 to £559, saving more than £300. Customers can pay upfront or use interest-free 12-, 24- or 36-month plans; the lowest advertised option is £20 upfront followed by £14.98 per month for 36 months, although non-Giffgaff customers must also buy a SIM and plan. The Google Pixel 10a is presented as an alternative, with discounts available from Amazon and a 24-month iD Mobile contract through Mobiles.co.uk.

The Nothing Ear 3a earbuds deliver strong audio quality, reliable ANC performance and standout design at a £99 price, closely matching the capabilities of the costlier Ear 3 model. Default sound tuning performs well across genres, and comfort surpasses competing premium options. The Audio Snapshot feature proves unnecessary, while wireless charging and certain premium features remain absent. Despite minor distortion at high volumes and ecosystem limitations across major phone makers, the Ear 3a provide compelling value, though the previous-generation model remains significantly cheaper.

Samsung is preparing to launch new foldable phones and a new Galaxy Watch, expected to be the Galaxy Watch 9, while existing Galaxy Watch models are being offered at significantly reduced prices. Discounts include the Galaxy Watch 7 for £129 at Currys, the Galaxy Watch 8 reduced by £50 on Samsung’s site, and the Watch 8 Classic cut by £100. Although the upcoming model is promoted as more advanced, recent Galaxy Watch generations share similar functionality. Monthly contract options such as Sky’s £9 per month plan for the Watch 7 are available but cost more over time than buying discounted models outright.

Amazon has reduced the Kindle Scribe 2024 to £274.99, its second‑lowest price to date and available until August 1, though the 16GB version has already sold out. The 32GB model remains a capable large‑screen e‑reader and note‑taking device with a Premium Pen included. Its software matches the newer 2025 model, making the discount appealing. Alternatives include the reMarkable Paper Pro and Kobo Libra Colour, though Kobo’s stylus is sold separately.

The UGREEN MagFlow Air 10,000mAh power bank is praised for its slim design, built‑in USB‑C cable, Qi2 wireless charging support, and ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Although its wireless charging speeds are slower than advertised, wired charging performs well without overheating. Its versatility, safety, and competitive price make it a strong option for users needing reliable portable power.

A review of the AllTrails navigation app highlights its value for casual hikers, praising features such as offline maps, custom route creation, smartwatch integration and off‑route alerts. The Plus subscription is presented as worthwhile for UK users, offering enhanced functionality without overwhelming complexity. AllTrails is contrasted with Google Maps and OS Maps in detail and usability, with emphasis on its curated trails and practical tools that help users confidently plan and complete walks.

Wowcher is offering the Ninja CREAMi ice‑cream and dessert maker for £149, undercutting prices from Shark Ninja, Currys and Amazon during a UK heatwave. The appliance includes multiple dessert‑making functions and accessories, though it requires 24 hours of freezing time and can be loud in use. Alternative options include the discounted Cuisinart Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker available at Lakeland.

Community Fibre is offering London residents three months of free broadband on 12‑ and 24‑month contracts with prices frozen until at least 2027, potentially saving up to £458 compared to major providers. Its packages start at £12.50 per month after the free period, with significantly cheaper rates than BT for comparable speeds. Three is promoting discounted 4G and 5G home broadband nationwide, offering half‑price service for six months and covering up to £200 in switching costs. Virgin Media also provides broadband from £28.99 per month with its Stream TV box, expanding options for customers outside areas served by Community Fibre or Openreach.

Honor’s Magic V6 foldable delivers an exceptionally thin design, strong cameras, and standout battery life with seven years of software support. Its premium build and periscope telephoto set it apart from rivals, though the high price, iOS-like software quirks, and lack of an included charger undermine its appeal. A £500 introductory discount softens the cost, and the device’s performance and durability claims position it as a leading option for buyers seeking cutting-edge foldable technology.

Apple’s iPhone 17 is available on significantly cheaper contracts through Mobiles.co.uk, with a 24‑month plan costing £29.99 per month plus £109 upfront, keeping the total only slightly above retail price while including unlimited calls and texts with 10GB of data. A higher‑data 100GB option is also offered at a small additional upfront cost. The device is described as a substantial upgrade thanks to its 120Hz display and always‑on screen, though lacking a telephoto lens. Giffgaff provides alternative financing but charges a higher handset price. Buyers can reduce long‑term costs by choosing the better‑value Currys‑owned deals over pricier options from EE.

A limited‑time Sky promotion offers customers who purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 on contract a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 valued at £319. The deal runs until July 21, 2026 and includes flexible contract options starting at £35 per month plus a small upfront fee. Pricing comparisons show the overall contract cost slightly exceeds the combined retail value of the devices but provides the benefit of spreading payments. The article also highlights charging limitations of the Z Flip 7, alternative Samsung models, and competitor devices such as the Motorola Razr 70 Ultra, while noting additional discounted options from other retailers.

Oura’s Ring 5 offers a slimmer, more comfortable design with strong battery life and a polished app, but introduces no new features over the Ring 4 and still relies heavily on a subscription for meaningful insights. While it provides broad wellness tracking and useful long-term observations, its data is often difficult to interpret and less actionable than competing devices. Limited exercise capabilities and a high overall cost make it a niche, luxury option, with alternatives like Garmin sports watches and the Ultrahuman Ring Air delivering better value or more functionality.