PHONE OF THE YEAR
APPLE IPHONE 15 PRO MAX
Future nerd historians may remember this as the first premium iPhone to ditch the Lightning port for USB-C (a change that brings a chunk of benefits like quicker transfer speeds and easier SSD hook-up), but we found so much more than that to adore about the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Its titanium body is a little lighter and feels a lot nicer in the hand than the previous Pro Max, and Apple's improvements to the camera - such as a new 5x telephoto zoom replacing the 3x zoom - are wonderful, particularly if you like to sneak up on badgers and take pictures of them when they're minding their own business.
The upgrade from the 14 Pro Max feels evolutionary rather than radical, and we might be some years from the next major design breakthrough, but this is still the best iPhone yet. from £1199/apple.com
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Google Pixel 8 Pro • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
ALSO SHORTLISTED
Honor Magic5 Pro • OnePlus 11 • Xiaomi 13 Pro • Sony Xperia I V
MID-RANGE PHONE OF THE YEAR
NOTHING PHONE 2
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year
It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year.From its colourful costumes to a pastoral message of healing nature, Kunitsu-Gami is proudly Japanese in its inspirations. Your masked warrior is on a mission to help a divine maiden purge a mountain of an evil 'defilement'... but this is no Link/Zelda dynamic: you'll also rely on villagers to help you beat back monsters.
Tesla Model 3 (2024)
This is much more than a simple mid-cycle refresh for Tesla's most affordable electric vehicle: now smoother and quieter than ever, the updated Model 3 does everything you could want from a family car.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
This is the best iPhone Apple has ever made.
Cygni: All Guns Blazing
Is this just a nostalgia trip, or does it genuinely offer something new to make it as memorable as the top-down shooters of yesteryear?
Scott Contessa Voltage eRide 910
This is an electric trail bike designed with women in mind – not that you’d know that just by looking at it, because thankfully Scott hasn’t adopted the insulting ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach that many brands take.
Squareless whisper
This budget smartwatch sequel from the Nothing sub-brand no longer looks like an Apple Watch wannabe... but can it improve on the original?
THE MUSICIAN
SENNHEISER HD 490 PRO
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EVO ONE
Considering how much the Evo One costs, slicing and dicing your veggies on it probably isn't the smartest idea.
WEAR IS THE LOVE Google Pixel Watch 3
Anyone who’s ever strapped on one of Google’s wearables will recognise the Pixel Watch 3.
THE CREATE ESCAPE
Don’t let the end of summer bring you down – find joy in making stuff. Whether you’re a podcaster, streamer, designer, musician or any other kind of creator, here’s the clever new kit you need…
