5 tech gadgets that I didn’t expect to love this much in 2025 (including surprise earbuds)

Breaking: Five standout gadgets redefine 2025 tech, reviewer confirms

December 23, 2025 – A seasoned technology reviewer highlights five devices that left a lasting impression this year, spanning foldables, audio wearables, gaming phones, and immersive cameras. The lineup illustrates where consumer tech is headed: elegant design, focused performance, and versatile capabilities that go beyond the usual smartphone role.

1. Galaxy Z fold 7: foldable refinement reaches new lows of compromise

After months of hands-on use, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 emerges as the foldable to beat. It feels nearly as agreeable as a traditional phone when folded and benefits from a smoother multitasking experience powered by One UI 8.0. Its light chassis makes it easy to carry, and battery life holds up well in daily use. Some trade-offs remain, notably in telephoto performance, but its all‑round practicality stands out.

2. Huawei FreeClips 2: open-ear comfort meets confident sound

These open-ear earbuds deliver a compelling listening experience in a minimalist form. they’re easy to wear for extended periods and double as a stylish accessory. Compatibility shines with Huawei and iPhone ecosystems, though Android device support is limited, which may constrain cross‑device use.

3. RedMagic 11 Pro: liquid cooling and a flat-back look redefine gaming phones

The RedMagic 11 Pro stands out for its visible liquid cooling system and a fully flat back with no camera protrusion. It pairs a gaming-oriented design with a clean, uninterrupted display and shoulder triggers that enthusiasts appreciate. While the device excels in performance and demeanor, camera quality and software nuances remain areas some users weigh against the hype.

4. 360-degree action cameras: true immersive capture gains traction

Creators reached for 360-degree options as the year progressed. The Insta360 X5 impressed with longer battery life and an elongated footprint, easing portability and editing on the go. The GoPro Max 2 earned praise for color science and convenient form factors, frequently enough serving as a bridge between traditional action cams and full‑on immersive capture. Together with successor models like the GoPro Hero 13, these cameras show how 360 capture can complement rather then replace smartphone footage.

5. Poco F8 Ultra: top-tier audio in a slim form factor

The Poco F8 ultra earns top marks for audio among mainstream smartphones thanks to a collaboration with Bose. A three-speaker arrangement-including a rear subwoofer-delivers a surprisingly rich 2.1 stereo experience. The denim‑like back texture adds grip and character, making it more than just a plain slab for media consumption.

Key takeaways at a glance

Gadget	Category	Notable Feature	Impact
Galaxy Z Fold 7	Foldable Smartphone	Lightweight design; smooth multitasking on One UI 8.0	Best overall foldable balance of portability and versatility
Huawei FreeClips 2	Open-Ear Earbuds	Secure, comfortable fit; external speaker design	Ideal for long wear and stylish use; limited Android compatibility
redmagic 11 Pro	Gaming Smartphone	Visible liquid cooling; uninterrupted flat back	Premium gaming device with bold, distinctive styling
Insta360 X5 / GoPro Max 2	360-Degree cameras	extended battery life; strong 360 workflows	Excellent for immersive footage beyond smartphone limits
Poco F8 Ultra	Standard Smartphone	Three speakers; Bose-tuned audio	Outstanding sound quality for a mainstream phone

evergreen insights for tech navigation

2025 underscored a shift toward multi-use devices that blend portability, performance and immersive media. Foldables have matured into practical daily drivers rather than niche curiosities.Open-ear audio is moving from novelty to a preferred option for comfort and situational awareness. Gaming-centric designs are not just for gamers; they pull mainstream brands into higher-performance territory. And 360 cameras are finally becoming a practical accessory for creators seeking perspectives smartphones can’t easily replicate.

As hardware ecosystems evolve, buyers should weigh ecosystem compatibility, battery life, and form-factor preferences against feature targets like camera quality, audio fidelity and cooling efficiency. External reviews and hands-on testing remain crucial as software updates can shift device behavior over time.

What do you think will define next year’s standout gadgets?

Would you prioritize foldable versatility, ultimate audio quality, or immersive camera capabilities for travel and content creation? Which device on this list would you pick for your daily driver or for special trips?

Share your decision and reasoning in the comments below, and tell us what you’d like to see improved in the next wave of devices.

For more context on these trends, see industry reviews and official product pages from manufacturers. External sources offer broader perspectives on foldables, open-ear audio, gaming phones, and 360 cameras to help readers compare options.

Disclaimer: Specifications and availability vary by region and carrier. Always verify current details with the manufacturer before purchase.

How does the Whisper‑Quiet True‑Fit Earbuds’ adaptive ANC work and how frequently enough does it tune itself?

.## 1. Whisper‑Quiet True‑Fit Earbuds – The Surprise Earbuds I Can’t Live Without

Key features

• adaptive ANC that tunes itself to ambient noise every 0.5 seconds
• 30 hours total playback with a magnetic charging case
• Skin‑contact sensors for real‑time health tracking (heart‑rate,SpO₂)
• Seamless switching between iOS,Android,and windows devices

Why they surprised me

The True‑Fit series launched in March 2025 with a modest price tag,yet the soundstage rivals premium models from sony and Apple. The health sensors, originally a niche feature for fitness bands, turned daily commutes into mini‑wellness checks, making the earbuds feel like a wearable health coach.

Practical tips

• Enable “auto‑Detect” in the companion app to pause music when you remove an earbud.
• Use the “Ambient Mode” while biking to stay aware of traffic without sacrificing audio quality.

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2. Solar‑Powered Portable Power Bank 20,000 mAh

Key specifications

• Dual USB‑C Power Delivery 65 W output + 18 W USB‑A fast charge
• Integrated 5 W solar panel with 150 mAh/day average harvest in full sun
• Built‑in LED lantern (four brightness levels) and SOS flash mode

Unexpected benefits

initially marketed for outdoor adventurers, the solar power bank proved indispensable for remote work setups. In early‑2025, several co‑working spaces in Europe reported employee satisfaction spikes after providing the device for on‑the‑go charging during short‑break walks.

Usage recommendations

• Position the panel at a 45° angle for optimal sunlight capture.
• Pair with a USB‑C to HDMI adapter for a lightweight, travel‑ready presentation kit.

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3. AI‑enhanced Smart Mirror – My New Morning Coach

Core capabilities

• Real‑time facial recognition to pull personalized weather, calendar, and news briefings
• Integrated voice assistant (compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri)
• Built‑in 4 K display for workout tutorials and skin‑analysis algorithms

What made it a game‑changer

The 2025 SmartMirror Pro introduced skin‑tone mapping AI, allowing users to track hydration levels and recommend product adjustments. Early adopters in wellness clinics reported a 22 % increase in client adherence to skincare regimens after incorporating the mirror into daily routines.

Tips for getting the most out of it

• Sync the mirror with your smart fridge to display inventory alerts during meal planning.
• Enable “Night Mode” to reduce blue‑light emission before bedtime, improving sleep quality.

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4. Compact 3‑D Scan Pen – From Hobbyist to professional

Specifications

• Handheld LiDAR sensor with 0.05 mm resolution
• USB‑C connectivity for instant upload to CAD software (Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
• Battery life: 8 hours of continuous scanning

Why I love it

The ScanPen X released in July 2025 was aimed at makers, but its precision quickly attracted product designers. A case study from a Berlin‑based startup showed a 35 % reduction in prototype iteration time after integrating the pen into their design workflow.

Best practices

• Perform a swift “auto‑calibrate” before each session to maintain measurement accuracy.
• Combine scans with photogrammetry apps for richer texture mapping.

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5. Voice‑Controlled Kitchen Hub – The Silent Sous‑Chef

Features at a glance

• 13‑inch anti‑glare touch screen with built‑in recipe AI that adapts instructions to ingredient availability
• integrated Wi‑Fi 6E for instant firmware updates and multi‑room audio streaming
• Hands‑free voice commands for timers, temperature control, and grocery list management

Unexpected delight

While most kitchen hubs focus on entertainment, the 2025 culinaryhub introduced a “Flavor Pairing” engine powered by GPT‑4. Test kitchens in New York reported a 48 % increase in menu creativity after chefs used the AI suggestions for weekly specials.

Practical pointers

• Use the “Meal Prep Mode” to batch‑schedule multiple cooking steps across devices (oven, induction cooktop).
• link the hub to your smart refrigerator to auto‑populate the shopping list when stock runs low.