I recently became a parent. For the first time, mind you. And being a techy, I almost immediately started researching baby tech when I found out I was pregnant. There are lists of baby monitors available in the market, and finding one that suited our needs was… a long and tedious process.

Now I’m a parent of a newborn, and the R14,000 Owlet Baby Monitor Duo 2 caught my attention due to its intriguing combination of video monitoring and wearable tech. The setup is almost like an Apple Watch for your infant (from birth up to 18 months), paired with a camera monitor to ensure your little one’s stats are good.

The full kit

The Owlet Baby Monitor Duo 2 arrives in two separate boxes — one for the Cam 2 and another for the Smart Sock 3. The packaging is well-designed and includes all the necessary components for installation.

Setting up the Cam 2 is relatively straightforward, whether you choose to mount it on a wall or position it on a flat surface. The magnetic base offers flexibility, but opting for the wall mount option requires a bit more effort. The pairing process, while generally smooth, may encounter occasional hiccups, especially during the QR code scanning step.

I should note here that you’ll need a WiFi network in your home, and that the system won’t work sans power. So if you’re opting for a WiFi baby monitor, you’ll need backup power of some sort, as well as continuous internet connectivity.

Owlet emphasises the devices’ security and privacy, assuring users of a secure, encrypted WiFi connection. It’s still a good idea to ensure security on your home WiFi network as an additional layer of defence. You don’t want creeps poking around in your baby’s room via the baby monitor.

Constant check-in

Equipped with 1080p HD video, night vision, and a wide-angle lens, the Cam 2 promises crisp and clear visuals. In practise, the video quality is impressive, capturing every detail with clarity.

However, we did experience a decrease in video quality during real-time use, particularly when streaming over WiFi. This issue could be attributed to transmission limitations rather than inherent camera capabilities. But it happened more than a few times in our testing.

It is nice to have the live feed on your phone though. Most people will have their smartphones with them at all times, so it’s super convenient.

That happens in the Owlet app, which serves as the central hub for monitoring your baby’s activities. It’s user-friendly and provides access to nursery streams, temperature/humidity readings, and two-way audio communication. Despite occasional lags in loading times and video quality fluctuations during motion or sound detection, the app offers essential features for remote monitoring and gives you peace of mind.

One notable feature of the Owlet app is its customisable notification settings. Users can tailor alerts based on sound, motion, or room comfort preferences. This is a very good idea. We found the default notification settings overwhelming as they’ll notify you of every movement and sound (newborns can be pretty active when they sleep).

We suggest fine-tuning the notification parameters to strike a balance between staying informed and avoiding unnecessary interruptions.

Baby’s first Fitbit

The Smart Sock 3 adds an extra layer of monitoring by tracking vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep.

Setting up the Sock is straightforward, guided by the app’s instructions. The soft fabric and sensor design offer a comfortable fit for your baby – it shouldn’t be uncomfortable for long-ish sessions on their foot during sleep.

It gives you real-time sleep quality indicators which offer valuable insight into your baby’s sleep patterns. From heart rate variations to oxygen level fluctuations, the app supplies a comprehensive overview of the baby’s sleep quality and metrics.

The app will alert you if the baby’s oxygen drops below a healthy range, transmitting the data via the base station which doubles as the sock’s charging port. This base station is essential for communication between the sock and the app.

And even when the app goes offline or WiFi disconnects, the base station still receives readings from the sock and alerts if anything goes wrong. You just won’t have real-time access to stats or the video feed in the app.

Owlet Smart Sock 3 and Cam 2 Verdict

The Owlet Baby Monitor Duo 2 presents a compelling proposition for parents looking to monitor their baby’s vitals and physical health. While the Cam 2 offers standard features found in its competitors, the addition of the Sock 3 sets it apart as a pretty solid sleep-tracking option.

As the technology evolves and user feedback offers improvements, the Owlet system has the potential to become a staple in modern parenting. The only serious consideration is the price. Almost R15,000 for a baby-compatible tracking system might seem like an overspend but that’s only a thought you have if it’s not your newborn being watched over.

With the electric vehicle revolution gaining momentum worldwide, the South African automotive sector is gearing up for a substantial shift.

EV industry shake-up

Until now, options have been fairly scarce, with just a few models available on South African roads from major brands. The main issue is pricing, thanks to high taxes. The cheapest new EV you can currently buy in South Africa is the GWM Ora 03 at R686,950. That could change.

Industry players are eagerly awaiting government announcements on incentives and subsidies during the 2024 Budget Speech in February 2024. Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has already pledged support for the industry’s transition to new energy vehicles, but the specifics remain undisclosed.

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) has advocated for subsidies of up to R80,000 per EV to spur local adoption. The success of EVs in South Africa might hinge on these potential price cuts, as automakers aim to convince customers to make the switch.

Interestingly, EV uptake in South Africa appears to be led by less common brands, with manufacturers like Jac, BYD, Lotus, and Maserati leading the pack.

Jac T9 Electric Bakkie

Jac is set to introduce the T9 battery electric vehicle (BEV), marking South Africa’s second true electric bakkie. Unveiled at the Shanghai Automotive Show, the T9 BEV boasts a 4×4 drivetrain and an 88kWh battery, offering over 400km of range. This robust electric bakkie will grab the attention of South Africans, combining practicality with some sustainability.

BYD Dolphin

Regarded as “China’s Tesla”, BYD will bring its Dolphin electric vehicle to South Africa in 2024. With a reputation as the world’s best-selling electric hatchback, the Dolphin has a shot at becoming South Africa’s most affordable EV. Overseas pricing has it starting at around R725,000 but if that tax credit thing is sorted out, it’ll squeeze in below the Ora 03 (which is probably also due a price drop, in the case of a tax credit).

Lotus Eletre

Lotus is entering the South African electric vehicle market with the Eletre, a high-performance, fully-electric SUV. With impressive specifications, including 450kW/710Nm engine power/torque, 4.5 second 0-100km/h acceleration, and 600km range, the Eletre caters to affluent performance car enthusiasts — of which there are many in South Africa.

Maserati Grecale Folgore

In true Maserati fashion, it’s set to make a statement with the Grecale Folgore, a high-performance, fully-electric SUV heading to South Africa in 2024. It’ll feature a powerful 373kW+/800Nm+ engine, a 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds, and a 500km range. Of course, you’ll also have the fanciest car at the charging station.

Mini Countryman SE

Mini is expanding its EV lineup with the electrified Countryman SUV in 2024. With a beefy 230kW/494Nm engine, a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds, and 433km of range, the Mini Countryman SE adds a dash of electrification to the iconic Mini design, appealing to enthusiasts looking for more space than the Mini Cooper SE. The greener drive may only be a bonus at this point.

Volvo EX30 and EX90

Swedish automaker Volvo is making a significant contribution to the EV scene in 2024, introducing its EX30 and EX90 models. The EX30, touted as Volvo’s most affordable EV, promises rapid acceleration with a 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds. The EX90, with a 205kW/490Nm engine, offers a generous 580km range, showcasing Volvo’s commitment to varied EV options.

While this list is accurate as of right now, don’t expect it to be exhaustive. There are bound to be other EVs from other marques making landfall on the South African coastline at some point in 2024. We’ll cover those as they turn up.

In a recent announcement, the German carmaker shared that its battery start-up, in collaboration with US partner QuantumScape, has achieved impressive outcomes with solid-state cells designed for electric vehicles. The innovation uses tech similar to the solid-state hard drives in your PC.

According to the carmaker, the solid-state prototype from QuantumScape has not only met but exceeded industry targets in recent tests.

VW’s EV upgrade

During extensive tests conducted by VW’s battery unit PowerCo over several months, the solid-state cell exhibited a 5% storage capacity loss after undergoing over a thousand charging cycles.

To put that in perspective – this is equivalent to covering 500,000 kilometres on the road. Industry benchmarks for this development phase typically include 700 charging cycles and a maximum loss of 20% capacity.

“These are very encouraging results. The final result of this development could be a battery cell that enables long ranges, can be charged super quickly, and practically does not age,” says PowerCo’s head, Frank Blome, in an interview with Bloomberg.

The solid-state batteries explored by QuantumScape and Volkswagen aim to replace the liquid electrolyte and separator, which are pretty… flammable. Think the Samsung Galaxy S7 fiasco but in something as big as a car.

Here, the technology makes use of a solid separator made of ceramic, glass, or polymers. If successfully implemented on a large scale, this advancement could potentially make these batteries safer, smaller, and faster-charging.

Mobile solid-state

Volkswagen isn’t the only carmaker exploring solid-state tech for its vehicles. In September, Toyota unveiled its venture into solid-state tech for its EVs. It’s interesting because the carmaker is well known for its hybrid vehicles (like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid) and even its hydrogen vehicles.

Solid-state batteries represent a departure from the norm, and will (hopefully) replace the liquid electrolyte battery with a solid material.

This type of battery dates back to Michael Faraday’s discoveries in the 1800s and has seen applications in small devices like pacemakers and RFID tags. The potential advantages include the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, quicker charging due to high heat resistance, and higher energy densities, allowing for more power storage in the same weight.

Other automakers including Hyundai, Kia, and Honda are also exploring solid-state batteries, albeit with significantly fewer patents than Toyota. The potential applications extend beyond cars to e-bikes, commercial vehicles, and even home energy storage systems if manufacturing challenges and costs are overcome.

Toyota will commercialise and mass-produce solid-state batteries using sulfide electrolytes by 2027. Vehicles fitted with them will feature a range exceeding 1,200km and achieve a 10 – 80% charge in under 10 minutes. This ambitious goal surpasses current benchmarks set by the Tesla Model Y.

Sort of. The HP Victus 16 doesn’t necessarily ascribe to the traditional gaming laptop aesthetic. Its muted design supplies a more business-casual feel while promising gaming chops at a mid-range price point.

Don’t let the understated exterior fool you, however — this laptop packs a punch where it matters.

Day/night

The Victus 16 may feature a muted exterior but it’s still a good-looking piece of tech. With a sturdy grey plastic chassis and a slightly lighter grey finish on the keyboard, the only noticeable design embellishment is a large chrome ‘V’ on the lid. You aren’t bombarded with the typical RGB decor this time and it’s kind of refreshing.

The 16.1-in 1080p display is not the best we’ve seen on a laptop in this price range, but you’re getting a 144Hz refresh rate as a consolation. It can get fairly bright, however, and the anti-reflective coating effectively minimises glare.

One of the standout features (for us writing types) is the keyboard. It’s a comfortable scissor switch model, reminiscent of Apple’s MacBook keyboards, with a full number pad thanks to its 16-in format. The touchpad, while responsive, isn’t the best we’ve tested, but it’ll do the job if you’re not attaching an external mouse.

Distance runner

Our review Victus 16 came equipped with a Core i7-13700H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and a 144Hz 1080p display.

However, the confusing array of configurations, pricing, and store-specific SKUs make pinpointing the right laptop a bit of a challenge. We did find the Victus 16 on sale at Evetech, as it currently is, for R27,000, down from R32,000. This pricing does make it a good contender in the price range with the included GPU.

When it comes to real-world gaming, the Victus 16 flexes with impressive results. Playing titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and high-quality settings, the laptop maintains a solid average of around 90 fps. In gaming benchmarks, it competes admirably with similar laptops in its class, offering a commendable balance of performance and price.

One standout is its battery life. It lasts for seven hours and three minutes under web browsing, light graphics work, and video streaming. It may not sound like much, but it’s commendable for a gaming laptop.

Port ahoy

To round out this muted gaming laptop, you get a few key features that we don’t want to miss in this review.

Firstly, ports. On the right side, you are greeted with a duo of USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a power port. Turning to the left side, a third USB 3.1 Gen 1 port shares space with a retractable Gigabit Ethernet jack – a mechanism that opens up to accept a full-sized Ethernet cable. While a welcome inclusion, it does raise concerns about long-term durability.

Equipped with B&O-tuned speakers strategically placed at the palm rest’s corners, the Victus offers a decent enough audio experience. Despite budget laptop limitations on bass impact, the audio quality remains distortion-free, even at maximum volume. But this is a gaming setup, so while the built-in speakers suffice for everyday use, audiophiles and gamers should consider external peripherals for obvious reasons.

We just need to mention the placement of stickers on the keyboard deck. Like many Windows laptops, HP adheres to OEM advertising agreements, decorating their devices with Intel Core and Nvidia GeForce RTX badges. Would it hurt to at least place these stickers on straight? It’s such a small thing, but anyone who appreciates aesthetics won’t leave them on this sleek chassis for more than a day.

HP Victus 16 verdict

The HP Victus 16 is a compelling budget gaming laptop with an excellent performance, design, and endurance balance. Priced at R27,000 in its reviewed configuration, it faces tough competition from alternatives like the Asus TUF range and the Lenovo LOQ range of gaming laptops. However, the Victus prioritises budget-friendly 1080p gaming with great battery life while offering a well-rounded gaming experience.

Epic Games, the creator of wildly popular game Fortnite, managed to emerge victorious against tech giant Google. A US jury concluded that Google operated an illegal monopoly, favouring its app store over competitors.

The lawsuit, initiated by Epic Games in 2020, accused Google of unfairly establishing dominance in the app store realm, affecting the millions of users who rely on the store to download apps on Android smartphones.

While Google plans to challenge the verdict, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney welcomed the ruling. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sweeney said, “Victory over Google! After four weeks of detailed court testimony, the California jury found against the Google Play monopoly on all counts.”

Victory over Google! After 4 weeks of detailed court testimony, the California jury found against the Google Play monopoly on all counts. The Court’s work on remedies will start in January. Thanks for everyone’s support and faith! Free Fortnite! https://t.co/ITm4YBHCus

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) December 12, 2023

So, how did Google find itself in the hot seat, accused of running an illegal monopoly through the Play Store, while Apple’s App Store sailed through unscathed?

Some background

It’s important to note that Epic v. Google and Epic v. Apple are very different cases, each with its own set of evidence and arguments. The court made this clear from the get-go, even prohibiting references to the Apple trial in the Google case.

It should be said, though, that while Apple awaits a final appeal, Google plans to contest the recent decision.

One theory suggests that the difference lies in the logistics of each case. A new trial means dealing with unique circumstances and evidence.

Another factor is how these tech giants control their ecosystems. Apple has a more rigid approach with its “my way or the highway” stance, selling its iPhones exclusively. In contrast, Google promotes its ecosystem through third-party agreements, sharing profits with phone manufacturers who carry its apps.

The trial also shed light on questionable deals offered by both companies. While Apple faced scrutiny for its app store moderation, Google’s deals with developers came under the microscope.

As an example, Spotify didn’t pay to use its own payment system on the Google Play Store, while smaller developers had to put out.

Google’s Epic day in court

The courtroom dynamics played a significant role, with Epic facing Google in front of a jury, not a bench trial as Apple did. This allowed Epic to tell a narrative of good versus evil, and it’s believed a jury could more easily be swayed by its underdog nature.

Google’s attempts to justify deals with bigger developers were met with scepticism, especially when internal emails and plans were revealed. The jury saw how the tech titan attempted to hide certain details, with one juror expressing doubts about the credibility of Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai.

Ultimately, the jury’s decision marked Google as having monopoly power in its chosen market, leaving the judge to determine the appropriate penalties. As Silicon Valley’s most powerful companies continue to navigate the legal landscape, the implications of these trials will undoubtedly echo through the tech industry.

These regulations, applicable across ACSA’s entire airport network, intend to more efficiently manage hand luggage on aircraft. They should also identify non-compliant items before they reach the security checkpoint.

It’s important to note that these rules aren’t new. The ACSA has just decided to be more strict regarding enforcement. These regulations apply to domestic flights, as well as regional and international flights departing from South Africa.

How it works

Just as before, but now even more strictly: hand luggage weight checks will be conducted at security points before passengers proceed to the boarding gates. The biggest change comes to the hand luggage allocation and, more specifically, how you pack your laptop. Here goes:

• Economy class passengers are allocated one bag plus one slimline laptop bag or handbag.
• First-class passengers are allocated two bags plus a slimline laptop bag.
• All these bags must not exceed the total dimensions of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
• And the weight limit per bag is 7kg.

Defining ‘slimline’

Don’t even think about sneaking in a regular laptop bag. ACSA wants you to know that a slimline laptop bag is for laptops and chargers only. This means no clothes or documents may accompany your laptop.

This may bring about some contention, considering laptops come in diverse shapes and sizes, along with unique power bricks and chargers. We can tell that ACSA security officers will have their hands full with gamers travelling with their beefy gaming setups along with those bulky 240W power bricks.

The type of ‘slimline laptop bag’ that comfortably takes a Macbook Air won’t even closely resemble one that houses an Asus ROG Strix Scar 18-inch that comes with a power brick chunky enough to bench with at the gym.

It also seems that people who carry handbags may need to choose between a slimline laptop bag and a handbag, along with their normal carry-on.

The soundbar is undeniably a contender when considering specs and build quality. It’s compact and offers balanced audio right off the bat. You can expect detailed sound and a fairly seamless experience when it comes to setup and maintenance.

That said, it falls just short of being the no-brainer Bose envisioned.

First up

We get it. Bose slapped an ‘Ultra’ badge on this soundbar to justify the sound quality and the price tag. It’s also justified but that’s not the point.

Compatible with various sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus, it features Bose’s ‘TrueSpace’ virtualisation tech. This technology is always-on, enhancing non-spatial audio content, and leveraging its nine-driver array for optimal performance.

Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, digital optical, Ethernet, and a USB-C slot for servicing. Wireless capabilities encompass Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC and AAC codec compatible), Apple Airplay 2 and built-in Chromecast.

There’s also something called ‘’Adaptiq’ — an automated room calibration function that involves wearing a headband during setup. We didn’t opt for this one in a bid to not look silly.

Set up

You’d expect a R30,000 soundbar and R35,000 bass module to be as user-friendly as possible especially when it comes to set-up.

You’d be right.

Setup is a breeze. Like Sonos, you’d have to download a companion app to complete the setup properly and link the bass module to the soundbar.

We find it slightly cumbersome that every piece of tech in the house now needs its own companion app. It would be nice to time travel back a bit and set up home entertainment without needing an app and WiFi connectivity. But that’s just the reality we live in now.

After a light hiccup of linking the bass module to the soundbar, the setup was complete. Our setup included an HDMI cable connecting the soundbar with a Samsung TV and a PlayStation 5 on the side.

Firing up

The Smart Ultra Soundbar impressed us with its clear, balanced sound when faced with Dolby Atmos soundtracks or films.

It delivers exceptional detail, featuring a smooth transition through the frequency range. The midrange is really where it shines, with clarity and high detail levels for voices. However, some drawbacks include less impactful bass and a slightly edgy top-end at higher volumes. That’s if you don’t have the Bass Module 700 attached, to be entirely fair.

Despite the presence of up-firing drivers, the soundbar falls short of delivering a truly expansive spatial audio experience. The ‘TrueSpace’ technology attempts to compensate for this, but it’s less impactful in an open space than we’d have liked.

The bass module makes all the difference to amp up the cinematic vibes. Booting up Dune (2021) will give you chills during the opening scene (and the rest of the film). It truly offers bass ‘you can feel’. Your neighbours may become slightly concerned by the odd sounds emanating from your house.

The thing is, it doesn’t compensate for the less-impressive highs and lack of true spatial audio. It sounds like a soundbar with added bass.

Clean up

The Smart Ultra Soundbar follows the design cues of its predecessor, the Smart Soundbar 900, with a discreet and sleek profile. It features a premium build from high-quality materials, including tempered glass and perforated metal.

We must note that the glass surface’s reflectivity and fingerprint retention may be off-putting to some.

User control options include a remote control handset, voice control with Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a previously mentioned Bose Music control app. The app covers every function, from basic playback control to EQ adjustments and multi-room system setup.

We did run into some technical issues with our older Samsung smart TV, in which the Bose soundbar wouldn’t automatically turn on when the TV is turned on. At one point, the accompanying remote control turned our PS5 on and off. But after some playing in the app settings, we found that it was an HDMI CEC issue and easily solved by tweaking a few settings.

Bose Smart Ultra soundbar + Bass Module Verdict

At R65,000 for the bundle, you’d have to be either a massive Bose fan or an audiophile keen to try anything to opt for this. You are getting a good-looking flagship soundbar with premium specs for the cash, though. It offers a compelling mix of balanced sound, with great mids and punchy bass from the additional module – all of which will make most audiophiles salivate.

Before we get into it, congratulations are in order. Baldur’s Gate 3 dominated The Game Awards in a stunning display of prowess. It secured an impressive six wins, including the coveted Game of the Year title. The developers behind this triumph, Larian Studios, led by founder Swen Vincke, left an indelible mark on the gaming world.

Hosted by Geoff Keighley and his team, this year’s instalment saw a few major announcements from various developers. Here’s a roundup of the standout moments from the night.

New games at The Game Awards 2023

Marvel’s Blade

Marvel’s Blade stole the spotlight, made by Arkane Lyon, the people behind Deathloop and the Dishonored series. The teaser, featuring Blade in a barber’s chair, hinted at an intense experience. The absence of a release window only increased the anticipation… so we’re checking Twitter every 10 minutes now, thank you.

Exodus

Archetype Entertainment, a studio comprising former BioWare developers, unveiled Exodus, a sci-fi RPG with time-dilation mechanics. The debut trailer introduced players to The Traveler, the main character, promising a gripping narrative woven with temporal intricacies.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom has announced Monster Hunter Wilds, the next entry in the action series. While the trailer revealed very little, the name suggests the game could feature much larger areas than previous entries. In the trailer, a hunter rides an ostrich-like creature through a large desert, weaving between some smaller monsters. No large monsters were shown, but the trailer does end on top of the cliff, overlooking a massive area.

A few new entries

The show featured some news from Hello Games, Motion Twin, and Finji, unveiling their next games.

Inscryption creator Daniel Mullins revealed Pony Island 2: Panda Circus, offering a… unique mix of first-person open-world gameplay and a 2D game-within-a-game. Color Gray announced The Rise Of The Golden Idol, a follow-up to The Curse Of The Golden Idol.

We saw several indie titles announced this year. Usual June from Finji, Harmonium The Musical from The Odd Gentlemen, and Windblown from Motion Twin were some of the entries which varied from artistic adventures to cooperative multiplayers.

Highlights from other developers

Dredge x Dave The Diver: An unexpected crossover between the horror fishing game Dredge and Dave The Diver, arriving on 15 December.

Big Walk: A co-op multiplayer from House House, the creators of Untitled Goose Game, scheduled for release in 2025.

No Rest For The Wicked: Moon Studios, known for the Ori franchise, teased an action RPG with single-player and four-player online co-op modes, with more details to be unveiled on 1 March 2024.

Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero: A new Dragon Ball game featuring arena combat in the Budokai Tenkaichi style, set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

The Casting Of Frank Stone: A single-player narrative horror game set in the Dead By Daylight universe, revealed to be in collaboration between Behaviour Interactive and Supermassive Games, slated for a 2024 release.

OD (Overdose): A mysterious collaboration between Hideo Kojima, Xbox, and Jordan Peele. It’s mysterious and… Kojima-ey. We’ll have to wait for more details.

Fortnite Rocket Racing: Psyonix and Epic Games introduced a new Rocket Racing mode in Fortnite, launching on December 8.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Updates and collaboration announcements for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, including new footage and an upcoming Apex Legends collaboration.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau: Surgent Studios presented a Metroidvania-style action-platformer as part of the EA Originals program, set to launch on 23 April.

Final Fantasy XVI DLC: Square Enix announced two story expansions – Echoes Of The Fallen and The Rising Tide – for Final Fantasy XVI.

Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox: Baldur’s Gate 3 stealthily released on Xbox Series X|S, coinciding with its Game of the Year win.

We find ourselves in an increasingly digital world, where connectivity is paramount, but security concerns loom large. A VPN protects your data and privacy, especially when travelling to foreign lands or connecting to unsecured networks.

What is a VPN

A VPN can act as a guardian for your digital existence. Whether you’re sipping espresso at a café in Paris or navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo, having a VPN on your device encrypts your data and masks your location by establishing a secure tunnel between your device and the internet.

Originally designed to bypass regional restrictions for streaming services and overcome government censorship, the modern VPN is a comprehensive solution for protecting online activities.

This makes it a formidable challenge for hackers to swipe your passwords and sensitive information. Oh, and our favourite part — a VPN opens up access to websites that might be restricted in the country you’re visiting.

Neither here or there

In countries like Russia, China, and Iran, where VPNs face heavy restrictions or bans, and in places where governments keep a watchful eye on online activities, having a VPN becomes more than a convenience – it’s a necessity.

For instance, mainland China blocks access to YouTube therefore, if you’d like to continue streaming your favourite content while abroad, a VPN is your answer.

Recent events, like the Russia-Ukraine war, and the conflict between Israel and Palestine, underscore the importance of VPNs. Using the technology, those affected by internet restrictions can still access mass social media and media coverage in war-torn countries.

Not all good

However, it’s important to note that VPNs may limit connection speed, leading to a slightly slower online experience.

Real-time encryption, a key feature of VPNs, causes this speed dip. Despite this, the best VPNs aim to minimise latency under typical circumstances.

Users may experience these issues with specific websites, and some websites may even block the use of VPNs as they build more robust security into their apps. Some users have experienced difficulties accessing widely used apps like Facebook or Netflix while browsing on a VPN. This is due to a number of reasons. Blocked connections in the United Arab Emirates, for instance, are caused by the fact that the government forbids VPN use.

The best options for South Africans

Speedy boi: NordVPN

Key Features:

• It’s fast and has an extensive server network.
• No logs policy for increased privacy.
• Good security measures.
• 30-day money-back option.

TIP: The Standard plan is pretty affordable at $3 (R56) per month (a special price at the time of writing), and suits the VPN needs of most South Africans.

On a budget: Surfshark

Key Features:

• Budget-friendly VPN without compromising on security.
• Strict no-logs policy.
• Effectively bypasses geo-restrictions and government blocks.
• From $1.99 (R40) per month at the time of writing.

Quick and expensive: ExpressVPN

Key Features:

• Unblocks both South African and international streaming sites.
• Robust security protocols with a strict no-logs policy.
• Option for anonymous purchases.
• One of the more expensive options from $12.95 (R250) per month.

I’m a ghost: CyberGhost

Key Features:

• Affordable alternative with robust security features.
• Fast speeds and a strict no-logs policy.
• Simple site unblocking.
• From just $2.03 (R40) per month.

Make it custom: IPVanish

Key Features:

• No-logs service offering customization of IP addresses at specific intervals.
• Extensive server network.
• From $2.99 (R56) per month at the time of writing.

Then comes the task of finding a smartphone with a long-lasting battery life, which is especially true now that Stage 6 load shedding is back. Luckily, many readily available smartphones with beefy batteries are just waiting for new homes.

Even better – many of the devices listed below feature fast-charging capabilities, making the necessity of charging between load-shedding slots an afterthought.

Battle of the big battery bois

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G

• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Charging: 120W
• Price: R8,800

This Xiaomi mid-ranger boasts a substantial 5,000mAh cell and supports a lightning-fast 120W charging speed. This combo ensures longevity in usage and rapid refuelling for uninterrupted enjoyment, whether that’s work or play.

Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G

• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Charging: 67W
• Price: R7,500

Another one from Xiaomi, but this time from its powerful but affordable sub-brand Poco – the X4 Pro 5G. It comes equipped with a 5,000mAh juice bottle and 67W charging capabilities. It doesn’t feature the 120W fast charging of the Note 12 Pro+, but still admirable for its price.

Asus ROG Phone 6

• Battery: 6,000mAh
• Charging: 65W
• Price: R18,500

One of the more expensive, but cooler devices on this list – the Asus ROG Phone 6 is a powerhouse, not just for gaming but also for its massive 6,000mAh battery. Paired with 65W charging, it promises longer use without the fear of running out of juice during gaming marathons.

Xiaomi Poco F4 GT

• Battery: 4,700mAh
• Charging: 120W
• Price: R11,900

Tailored for gamers and heavy users, the Poco F4 GT features a slightly smaller 4,700mAh battery but is paired with an impressive 120W charging capability. This smartphone is designed for users who demand both stamina and quick recharges during the day.

Realme GT NEO 5

• Battery: 4,600mAh
• Charging: 240W
• Price: R15,500

Sporting an eye-watering 240W charging capacity and a respectable 4,600mAh cell, the Realme GT NEO 5 is an absolute beast. While you won’t find this one on contract in South Africa, it’s available from a third-party store for a decent mid-range price. The claimed nine minutes for a full charge is one of the fastest available anywhere.

OnePlus Open foldable

• Battery: 4,805mAh
• Charging: 67W
• Price: R46,000

The OnePlus Open foldable is the most interesting device on this list. If you’re set on adopting the foldable smartphone lifestyle but don’t want to limit yourself to the mainstream slow-charging options, this is a good alternative. While it has a decently sized battery, you might find yourself relying on that 67W charging speed more often, thanks to its power-hungry display. To be fair, if you can afford to buy the OnePlus Open foldable, you can afford a good quality fast-charging power bank to keep it juiced up in a flash.

VIVO IQOO 11 Pro

• Battery: 4,700mAh
• Charging: 200W
• Price: R22,000

The VIVO IQOO 11 Pro and its 200W charging prowess slot in as the second fastest charging device on the list. Its 4,700mAh battery is slightly bigger than the Realme’s, it doesn’t charge quite as fast, and it’s pricier. But it makes up for it in other areas, like supposedly decent camera chops. So it’s still a valid option for those lucky enough not to have to worry about losing power when they need it.

Contract options

Buying a phone with straight cash is a form of privilege in SA, and most people will opt for a contract option. Locally, contract options are typically reserved for a handful of smartphones for the bigger brands – Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.

We’re now seeing more brands join the major mobile networks as contract options – like Oppo, Honor, and Xiaomi. It’s offering a wider selection, and more affordable options to people.

We’ve listed a few contract options for devices with large battery cells (or great power efficiency in the iPhone’s case), just for you:

• iPhone 15 Pro – 3,274mAh battery + 27W charging
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G – 5,000mAh battery + 120W charging
• Honor X7A – 6,000mAh battery + 22.5W charging
• Oppo A76 – 5,000mAh battery + 33W charging
• Honor X9a – 5,100mAh + 40W charging

As South Africans continue to prioritise a smartphone that lasts longer, these options offer a compelling solution to the perpetual struggle of finding a device that can keep up.

However, while battery life is undeniably a crucial factor, it’s essential to consider other features like camera quality, performance, and design that align with your preferences and lifestyle.

The above devices excel in the battery department and, we believe, bring a holistic approach to meet the diverse needs of South African smartphone users.