Latest news with #NoelCampion
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Nothing Phone (3): The most distinctive-looking Android phone of the year
In a smartphone market crowded with lookalikes, the Nothing Phone (3) stands out like a neon sign in a sea of grey. It's bold, nostalgic, and unapologetically different. After using it as my daily driver for the past couple of weeks, I've got a clearer picture of where this phone shines and where it falls short. Design and build The Nothing Phone (3) is available in two colours: black and white. Picture: Noel Campion. There really is nothing quite like the Phone (3). Its transparent rear, with architectural grooves, bold lines, and an asymmetric camera array, immediately catches the eye. Some may call it gimmicky, while others appreciate its retro-futuristic aesthetic. I love the design, but I can understand how those with a preference for symmetry might find it a bit jarring. The rear camera lenses on the Phone (3) don't protrude as much as those on many other flagship phones, which gives it a cleaner profile. However, at 9mm thick, it's not the slimmest device either. For context, the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures 8.9mm when folded, and the Honor Magic V5 is even slimmer at just 8.8mm folded. While the Phone (3) is Nothing's flagship, it's not as premium as flagships from some of the other top brands in terms of materials. You get Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, which gives it flagship protection, but the rear uses Gorilla Glass 7i, a more budget-friendly variant. It looks great, but you'll definitely want a case, and thankfully, Nothing includes one in the box as well as a pre-installed screen protector. Specific notifications or contacts can trigger unique AI-generated matrix animations and sounds on the new Glyph Matrix display. Picture: Noel Campion. A notable upgrade is the water and dust resistance, which has improved from IP54 on the Phone (2) to IP68 on this model. This means it's significantly more resistant to dust and can withstand full submersion in water, offering much better protection. Button layout is straightforward, with volume on the left and power on the right. There's also the Essential Key on the right side, a dedicated shortcut button featuring AI smarts. It defaults to basic functions like screenshots or voice memos, which are saved into your Essential Space, but lacks built-in remapping options. Hopefully, Nothing will allow you to reassign this in a future update. A great new addition to the rear of the Phone (3) is a small red square that lights up and blinks when recording video or using the voice recorder. It's a subtle yet stylish touch that also serves as a handy visual cue. Display The stunning 6.67-inch display has a 460ppi pixel density and a 1,000Hz touch sampling rate. Picture: Noel Campion. The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel is sharp, vibrant, and incredibly bright, reaching a peak brightness of 4,500 nits in ideal conditions. Everything from scrolling to video playback looks fluid thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the display tech is not LTPO, meaning it can only scale down to around 30Hz rather than 1Hz. That's a detail that might not matter to most, but may have a slight effect on power efficiency for things like the always-on display. Still, the size and brightness are huge pluses. Watching HDR content on this screen is a treat, and outdoor visibility is excellent. Bezels are minimal and uniform, and the flat-screen design, along with rounded corners and chamfered edges, ensures top-notch usability. Performance The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4's processing speed is 125% faster than Phone (2). Picture: Noel Campion. Inside, the Phone (3) runs on a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a capable but not top-of-the-range chipset. In everyday use, using social apps, multitasking, and photography, it feels snappy and smooth. Even some light gaming is handled well, though frame rates can dip in more demanding titles. It doesn't feel sluggish, but it doesn't quite hit flagship levels of speed or fluidity under pressure either. If you're a power user or gamer, this is worth considering. For most people, though, I don't think you'll notice a difference. My review unit shipped with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage – the base model features 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Features The Nothing Phone (3) supports 65W fast wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. Picture: Noel Campion. Nothing has built its Phone series identity around its unique Glyph lights interface, but the Phone (3) ditches this for a new monochrome circle with a micro-LED grid with 489 tiny lights in the top right corner, which Nothing calls Glyph Matrix. This works in conjunction with the Glyph button. A tap cycles through tools and widgets, while a press-and-hold activates or plays the selected feature. Over time, this novel feature has the potential to evolve into something more practical; however, at the moment, its usefulness is quite limited. You can check battery life, start timers, or activate a few fun features, such as 'spin the bottle.' Phone (3) comes with the latest WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 support. Picture: Noel Campion. While I wasn't initially impressed with the Glyph Matrix, over time, and by using it as intended to reduce screen-on time, I began to appreciate its subtle benefits. I started placing the Phone (3) face down on my desk, allowing the Glyph Matrix to quietly alert me to new messages, incoming calls, and other notifications. If the goal was to reduce distractions, then in my case, it worked. Essential Space offers new features, including Flip to Record, a quick way to record meetings and have them transcribed, recognising speakers, summarising your recordings, and highlighting action points. Battery and charging performance Wireless charging finally makes its debut here, alongside 65W fast wired charging and a massive 5,150mAh battery. There's no charger included, but using a 100W PD charger, I was able to charge it from 0 to 100% in under an hour. In my experience, the battery life has been exceptional, often stretching to two full days on moderate use. That's easily one of the phone's strongest selling points. Cameras The Phone (3) features a triple rear camera setup, sporting a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS). It has a large 1/1.3-inch sensor, a 24mm focal length, and a wide ƒ/1.68 aperture. Picture: Noel Campion. The triple-camera system features a 50MP 1/1.3-inch main camera sensor, taking in 44% more light than Phone (2), a 50MP ultrawide lens and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with optical image stabilisation. Sounds impressive, and in daylight it mostly is. Shots are punchy, social-ready, and well-detailed, especially from the main camera. Night shots can be hit-or-miss, with inconsistent exposure and some loss of detail. The telephoto camera is excellent, delivering impressive zoom performance and cleaner images than expected. It also doubles as a macro lens, capturing crisp, detailed close-up shots without needing to get so close that you cast a shadow over your subject. This is a major win for macro photography enthusiasts. The 50MP front-facing camera is also surprisingly good. Selfies are detailed with accurate skin tones and colour reproduction. Video recording tops out at 4K, with good stabilisation and rich colours, though there's no pro video mode or log capture, which limits creative control. Verdict The Nothing Phone (3) dares to be different, blending standout design with practical upgrades like IP68 water resistance, excellent battery life, and a bright AMOLED display. While performance isn't flagship-tier and some features feel experimental, it's a refreshing alternative in a world of smartphone sameness. If you value style and innovation over raw specs, it's definitely worth a look. From €849 Harvey Norman
Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Nothing Headphone (1): Premium Sound, Smart Features, and Killer Battery Life
Nothing is a relatively new tech company based in the UK, best known for its innovative and at times divisive designs. The Nothing Headphone (1) marks the brand's first entry into the headphone market, and it's already set to turn heads. The first thing you'll notice about the Nothing Headphone (1) is its design. It's unlike anything else out there. With transparent ear cups, exposed internals, and a sleek, industrial aesthetic, it makes more traditional options from brands like Bose or Sony look downright ordinary. But are they all show, or is there substance behind the style? After two weeks of daily use, I've put them to the test. Design The Headphone (1) transparent design is striking and in keeping with Nothing's design language. Picture: Noel Campion. The design may not be to everyone's liking, but the Headphone (1) is a stunning piece of kit. Its transparent ear cups showcase the elements of the internals, while sculpted aluminium and CNC-machined components give it a premium, high-tech feel. If you're someone who prefers to blend into the crowd, these probably aren't the headphones for you. The bold, transparent design is sure to draw attention. Nothing has subjected the headphones to over 50 durability tests, including extreme temps and drops, so they're built to last. Nothing Headphone (1) connected to a digital audio player via a 3.5mm cable. Picture: Noel Campion. The silent telescopic arms for adjusting the headband are satisfyingly smooth, and the absence of a bulky hinge means a cleaner, more unified silhouette. The ear cups don't fold in, but they do swivel to lay flat in the fabric hardshell case, which is relatively slim and easy to slip into a backpack. My only minor gripe with the case is that the zip feels a bit sticky and not as smooth as I'd like. What's pretty cool, though, is the small design details, like the dimple in the case that matches those on Nothing's earphone cases, and the red square on the outside of the right earcup, which mirrors the red accent found on the new Nothing Phone (3). It's a subtle but clever nod to the brand's cohesive design language. Comfort and fit At 329 grams, they're relatively light for over-ear headphones that include premium metal components. For comparison, Apple's AirPods Max weigh 386 grams while the mostly plastic Sony WH-1000XM6 weigh 254 grams. I found the clamping force just right, being firm enough to stay secure, yet gentle enough to avoid creating any pressure points. The PU memory foam cushions mould comfortably to the head, and the design accommodates a variety of head shapes. No pinching, no significant heat build-up. Simply put, they're a joy to wear. Features Nothing Headphone (1) pictured with the Nothing Phone (3). Picture: Noel Campion. Nothing has wisely opted for intuitive physical controls instead of the more common, and often unreliable, touch-sensitive inputs. The physical controls are as good as those found on headphones like the AirPods Max. It's a smart move that enhances usability and avoids the frustration of accidental touches. You get a tactile roller for volume (click for play/pause, hold for ANC), a paddle to skip tracks or scrub, and a customisable button that can trigger voice commands, launch News Reporter, or open Essential Space, which is an exclusive feature that allows you to save quick notes and ideas on Nothing phones. There's even a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button, which is a welcome addition. It's an intuitive setup that works flawlessly every time, so there are no false taps and no frustration. There's support for dual device connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, Fast Pair, and a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. You also get support for Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, and USB-C lossless playback. The Nothing X app includes an eight-band EQ for detailed sound customisation. Picture: Noel Campion. Nothing's new Channel Hop feature allows you to switch audio sources or apps with a single press. It's a smart, productivity-focused addition, but currently only supports Spotify and Apple Music. The Nothing X app includes an eight-band EQ for detailed sound customisation, along with voice assistant integration. The level of granular control is a real treat for those who enjoy fine-tuning their audio. Still, there's also a simplified mode that makes the interface more approachable for everyday users who just want great sound without the fuss. Battery life Battery life is impressive, with up to 35 hours with ANC on, and a stellar 80 hours with ANC off and just 5 minutes of charging nets you around 2.5 hours of playback. However, in wired mode, you still have to power on the headphones. Sound quality The Headphone (1) is Nothing's first collaboration with British audio company KEF, which I am familiar with for their speakers. The 40mm drivers, featuring nickel-plated diaphragms, deliver rich lows, crisp highs, and impressively clear mids. The bass is punchy without overwhelming the soundstage, and vocals remain detailed even in complex tracks. The soundstage is not wide, but rather more intimate. However, there's also a spatialiser with head-tracking, which adds a virtual 3D layer to your audio experience. I'm not a fan of spatial audio for music, but it can work well for certain types of video content. The physical controls are top-notch and make Headphone (1) a joy to use. Picture: Noel Campion. ANC isn't class-leading, but it is still very respectable. It adapts to your surroundings every 600 milliseconds and even compensates for ear cup leakage for those who wear glasses. In practice, it effectively blocked out office chatter and city noise. Overall, I found the passive noise isolation to be strong enough that I rarely felt the need to activate ANC, unless I really wanted to block out external noise entirely. Transparency mode works well where you can clearly hear those around you. However, I found my own voice sounded a bit muffled during calls, which made the experience slightly off-putting. Verdict The Nothing Headphone (1) combines bold design with smart engineering and rich, dynamic audio. With superb battery life, reliable controls, and striking looks, it's a strong contender against more expensive rivals. If you want premium sound with a futuristic twist, the Headphone (1) is an excellent buy. €299
Irish Examiner
26-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro review: A stylish Apple Watch alternative for Android users
The recently launched Watch Fit 4 Pro is the first Huawei device I've reviewed in several years. While the Chinese company remains on the US sanctions list and doesn't support Google or its services, its wearables continue to impress with stunning features and sleek design. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro combines flagship smartwatch features with a slimmer, lighter design, making it perfect for all-day wear, including sleep tracking. Design and build The Watch Fit 4 Pro feels great on the wrist, thanks to its premium materials, slim profile, and lightweight design. Picture: Noel Campion. The Watch Fit 4 Pro weighs only 30.4 grams (without the strap) and is just 9.3mm thick; it's even slimmer than the standard Fit 4 model. At a glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is an Apple Watch Ultra. However, when placed side by side, the differences become much more noticeable. For someone like me, who has mostly worn the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the past year, the Fit 4 Pro feels slimmer and lighter, especially at night. In everyday use, I hardly notice it on my wrist. The rotating crown matches the band colour perfectly, a clever design detail. Picture: Noel Campion Huawei offers the Pro model in black, blue, and green. I tested the green version with nylon strap, which not only stays secure during activities but also impressively resists sweat and moisture. This is a beautiful watch that both looks and feels premium. It's the small details that make a difference, like the matching green accent on the rotating crown, the lightweight metal body, and the sapphire glass screen, which I found to be impressively resistant to scratches. Display The 1.82-inch AMOLED display features a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, is protected by sapphire glass, and a titanium alloy bezel. Picture: Huawei. The Watch Fit 4 Pro boasts a 1.82-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which is 50% brighter than the non-Pro version. Visibility is flawless outdoors, even in direct sunlight. In the recent sunny weather, I keep brightness maxed out and always-on display enabled, and it still holds up well on battery. The screen is sharp and vivid, and interacting with it feels smooth. Navigation is aided by a responsive rotating crown that lets you scroll without needing to swipe on the screen. The lower side button acts as a quick shortcut to apps like activities, and is customisable. Features and battery life Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro. Picture: Noel Campion. Huawei's HarmonyOS 5.1 powers the watch and will feel familiar to anyone who's used a recent Huawei wearable. You can swipe to access widgets, scroll through apps in either list or grid view, and choose from hundreds of watch faces, including animated or custom photo options. Battery life is solid. Huawei claims up to 10 days of battery life with light use, and I've averaged 4–5 days with the always-on display and maximum brightness, plus around 30 minutes of daily activity. The 400mAh battery takes about 60 minutes to fully charge. The new magnetic dock is a significant improvement over the old pogo-pin system, offering greater security and user-friendliness. The wireless charging is Qi-compatible, although I found it a bit tricky to locate the sweet spot on a standard wireless charging pad. Activity and smart features The Watch Fit 4 Pro is EN 13319 certified, with 40-metre dive-grade water resistance and an IP6X dustproof rating. Picture: Noel Campion. The watch offers a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking. It includes Huawei's new TruSeen 5.5+ system for heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, with added support for ECG and Heart Rate Variability (HRV). The latter offers insights into stress and cardiovascular health. The Fit 4 Pro provided me with a detailed breakdown of light, deep, and REM sleep, along with practical recommendations for improving my sleep quality. Thanks to its lightweight design, I've worn it nightly without issue. Compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Huawei's sleep analysis tends to report higher amounts of deep sleep, although both devices generally agree on the total time spent asleep. The Watch Fit 4 Pro features a five-system GNSS setup, providing enhanced positioning accuracy that Huawei claims is 30% better than the Fit 3. It supports trail running with offline contour maps, diving mode up to 50m (5 ATM), and even golf tracking, with support for over 15,000 courses globally. I used the watch to track my cycling trips, and while it accurately recorded the route, I noticed it also counted steps while I was cycling. On a 10km ride, it logged around 3,500 steps, which suggests the step tracking isn't fully optimised for cycling activity. Water sports mode tracks speed, heart rate, and route, making it suitable for swimmers or kayakers. And for everyday users, there's support for over 100 workout types. The bottom button quickly launches workouts, or you can use voice control to start one using AI voice. The Watch Fit 4 Pro is equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, optical heart rate sensor, barometer, temperature sensor, ECG sensor, and depth sensor. Picture: Noel Campion. Unfortunately, although the watch features NFC, the Wallet app isn't available under the Devices tab in the Huawei Health app, and it doesn't appear to support contactless payments in this region. I'm a huge fan of using my watch for payments and love the convenience it offers, so the lack of support for contactless payments is a noticeable drawback. I suspect this missing feature could be a deal-breaker for some users. When paired with an Android device, you also get access to a full keyboard for quick replies. However, voice dictation is only available if you're using a Huawei smartphone. The Watch Fit 4 Pro works great with Android and iOS. I was able to switch between Android and iOS phones, and the Health app syncs everything, including sleep and activity data, across platforms. There are a few minor feature gaps on iPhone (e.g. no full keyboard or Petal Maps), but nothing deal-breaking. Verdict The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro combines flagship health and fitness features with a sleek, comfortable design that feels more like a fitness band than a bulky smartwatch. It's the perfect hybrid for serious tracking and everyday comfort. €249 Currys
Irish Examiner
26-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Doro Aurora A30 review: A smartphone that truly understands its users
The Doro Aurora A30 takes a refreshingly different approach in the crowded smartphone market. Instead of overwhelming users with complexity, it focuses on accessibility, safety, and clarity. Designed for seniors or anyone looking for a more straightforward digital experience, the A30 proves that being smart doesn't have to mean being complicated. The Aurora A30 is a thoughtfully designed smartphone that's not about raw power or flashy features; it's about usability, reassurance, and staying connected without stress. Design and build Doro Aurora A30. Picture: Noel Campion. The Aurora A30 is a 6.1-inch smartphone with a sturdy, easy-to-grip design. While many modern phones prioritise thinness and glossy finishes, the A30's textured back and solid frame make it easy to hold, even for users with limited dexterity. It's noticeably chunkier than your average Android flagship, but that extra size helps users operate the phone confidently. Doro's Secure Button is there for quick access to an emergency contact. Picture: Noel Campion. There are three physical buttons located beneath the screen for easy calling, as well as a dedicated Home button for quick navigation. These tactile controls help to reduce accidental taps, which is something Doro says seniors often mention as a pain point. It's also worth mentioning Doro's Secure Button, a physical key on the back of the device that can instantly alert a trusted contact in an emergency. It's unobtrusive but potentially life-saving. Display The Aurora A30 sports a large and clear 6.1-inch display. Picture: Noel Campion. The A30's 6.1-inch display is essential for users who need larger fonts and clearer visuals. Too often, phones for seniors have small displays. The text is easy to read, and icons are well-spaced, thanks to Doro's Easy Interface, which simplifies the Android layout without stripping away functionality. The panel itself isn't high-end by modern flagship standards. Still, it's an HD+ screen with decent brightness, but in use, it delivers where it counts: clarity, colour accuracy and visibility in everyday conditions. There's no overwhelming clutter on the home screen, and everything feels designed with purpose. Performance The A30 isn't built to win benchmark wars. It runs a modest processor paired with 4GB RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage. But for its audience, it feels fast enough. Standard tasks, such as browsing the web, making video calls, and opening apps, perform acceptably without too much lag. The system feels solid, and I didn't experience any app crashes, and transitions between screens are smooth. For the tasks it's built for, like communication, camera use, and navigation, it's more than capable. Features Physical buttons make using the Aurora A30 much easier. Picture: Noel Campion. The Aurora A30 ClearSound audio technology delivers louder and crisper call audio, and it's especially good when paired with hearing aids or used in speaker mode. The Easy Interface strips away the bloat of standard Android and presents only the essentials in large, readable tiles. There's also TeamViewer support built in, so a family member or caregiver can access the phone remotely and assist with settings or updates, which is perfect for those less confident with technology. The Aurora A30 is charging on the optional wireless dock. Picture: Doro. Charging is equally fuss-free, with an optional wireless dock that includes a dimmable night light and supports hands-free video calls. It's a great example of hardware designed around daily life, rather than technical specifications. However, like other handsets, no charger is included in the box. You also get a reassuringly large 50MP rear camera, which takes surprisingly decent snaps in daylight, and a selfie cam for video calls. The results won't rival the latest flagships, but for sharing moments with loved ones, it gets the job done well. Verdict The Doro Aurora A30 is a smartphone that prioritises clarity, confidence, and care. With its accessible interface, loud sound, and safety features, it's an ideal choice for seniors seeking a no-fuss digital companion. €350
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra review: Pro-grade resin prints in smart, fast package
A few months ago, I reviewed the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D printer, a seriously feature-rich printer with a beginner-friendly price point. After a couple of years using 3D printers, I've developed a solid understanding of hobbyist-level 3D printing. However, stepping into the world of resin printing with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra was a completely different experience, challenging, fascinating, and full of new learning curves. 3D printing for the masses Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra with the Elegoo Mars Mate Air Purifier. Picture: Elegoo. With FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), safety primarily depends on avoiding burns from the hotend and bed, and ensuring your printer is in a well-ventilated area. Resin printing, however, introduces a whole new set of concerns. The Saturn 4 Ultra is a powerful, high-resolution machine, but like any resin printer, it uses photopolymer resin that is toxic in liquid form. That means gloves and a respirator aren't optional; they're essential. The first time I opened a bottle of resin, I was hit with a chemical smell that instantly reminded me this wasn't PLA. I had to reassess my setup quickly. A well-ventilated room became mandatory, and I received an Elegoo Mars air purifier from them. I also wore nitrile gloves religiously during every step, from pouring resin to removing prints and cleaning the vat. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, alongside the Mercury XS Bundle, featuring cure and wash stations. Picture: Elegoo. Post-processing was another reality check. Washing prints in isopropyl alcohol and then curing them under UV light requires care and attention. Spills are easy to make and tough to clean if you're not prepared. I now keep a dedicated work surface covered in disposable pads, and I treat every step with caution. What I appreciate about the Saturn 4 Ultra is that Elegoo is clearly aware of these concerns. The carbon filter inside the unit helps mitigate some risks, but the user still bears the responsibility for handling the resin safely and adequately. Resin printing opens up incredible possibilities, but it demands respect. If you're coming from FDM like me, don't underestimate the learning curve, especially when it comes to safety. Protect your workspace, protect your health, and treat every print session with the seriousness it deserves. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 3D models printed in resin using the Saturn 4 Ultra. Pictures: Noel Campion; Elegoo includes a USB drive, resin tank, build plate, tools, and a quick-start guide. The Saturn 4 Ultra is of incredibly high build quality. It is sturdy, premium, and clearly well-engineered. Measuring 327 × 292 × 548 mm, it's not the largest resin printer available, but it strikes a balance between size and usability. The all-metal construction gives it durability and peace of mind, especially for those long overnight prints. At the heart is a 12K monochrome LCD, delivering an insane resolution of 11,520 × 5,120 with 19-micron X-axis accuracy. That means sharp details, crisp edges, and incredibly smooth surfaces. The amount of detail it captures, chainmail, facial expressions, and textures, is stunningly impressive. The tilting build plate is not typical on many resin printers, but it offers improved speed and reliability. After each layer, the plate tilts slightly, reducing peel forces. This enables faster printing (up to 150 mm/h), reduces stress on prints, and decreases failures, particularly for larger or more complex models. It also means fewer supports are needed, which is a huge win. Gandalf was printed on the Saturn 4 Ultra and hand-painted by Noel Campion. Picture: Noel Campion. The built-in AI camera enables remote monitoring of prints, detects failures mid-print, and cancels jobs as needed. Future firmware updates promise real-time notifications of failures. The camera is already a big help, especially during longer prints, where early intervention can save hours. However, I found the internal light wasn't great, and you can't see your print until it has been printed for a while. The printer has an industrial grey aesthetic. The laser-etched build plate drastically improves adhesion, and the dual Z-axis rails ensure minimal wobble. That stability is particularly evident in the surface quality, especially on taller models. The flip-back lid is excellent and certainly much better than lids that require removal and a designated storage space. However, there's no handle, and that does make opening it more difficult one-handed. I found a simple solution by printing a basic handle that I was able to stick to the front side with double-sided tape. If you've struggled with awkward lid placement during printing, you'll appreciate how convenient this is. The small vertical display works well, but I would have liked a landscape orientation a little better. The UI is also clean and functional, with a simple menu for print, tools, settings, and calibration. Speaking of which, resin calibration is handled brilliantly. Instead of running multiple test prints, the XP Finder tool allows you to print several exposure settings simultaneously, saving time and resin. Once you've identified the optimal exposure time for a particular resin, you won't need to do a calibration for it again. Finally, the redesigned COB + Fresnel light engine ensures even UV light distribution, eliminating blurry edges and uneven exposure. Combined with the 12K screen and stable Z-axis, this machine sets a new bar for mid-sized resin printers. It's fast, it's smart, and it prints stunning detail. Honestly, for a printer in this class, the Saturn 4 Ultra is seriously impressive. While the workflow can be messy, with multiple steps involved in the process, the level of detail it achieves on well-designed 3D models is remarkable. Print quality Using the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra has been a game-changer for me in terms of print quality. Coming from FDM, I was used to seeing layer lines and having to sand and prep models just to get them ready for painting. But the Saturn 4 Ultra outputs detail so sharp and clean that it's genuinely addictive. The first time I pulled a model from the build plate, I just stared at it, tiny textures in cloaks, facial expressions, chainmail, things that would have been muddy or lost entirely on FDM just came through effortlessly. One of my favourite prints so far was a mini diorama of Gandalf and Gimli, and the quality was so crisp that it instantly pushed me to take more time with my painting. Usually, I'd rush the job, but seeing those details made me want to do them justice. I spent hours carefully layering washes and dry brushing to bring out the textures. It felt less like finishing a 3D print and more like painting a proper model kit. Honestly, I didn't expect a printer to reignite my artistic side, but here we are, I'm now actively hunting for new models just to see what this machine can do. FDM versus resin 3D printing Trying resin printing for the first time with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra really highlighted the differences between these two methods, not just in results, but in the entire user experience. FDM feels more mechanical. You're working with spools of filament, usually PLA or PETG, and it builds prints layer by layer using a heated nozzle. It's generally cleaner and simpler with less mess, no toxic fumes, and much easier post-processing. I could usually remove a print, peel off the supports, and that was it. Resin printing, on the other hand, feels more like a chemical process. You're pouring liquid resin into a vat, and your prints come out sticky and unfinished. Every print needs to be washed in alcohol and cured under UV light. The detail, though, is in a different league, especially with the Saturn 4 Ultra. You get finer resolution, smoother surfaces, and sharper features that FDM just can't match. But there's a trade-off: more safety precautions, more cleanup, and a steeper learning curve. FDM is ideal for creating functional parts and offers ease of use. Resin, however, is the go-to choice when visual quality is paramount. It's a shift in mindset and workflow. Verdict The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra delivers stunning print quality, smart features, and pro-level speed in a compact, well-built machine. It demands more care than FDM, but the results are worth every extra step. €498.99 (RRP) Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
