As we grapple with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, value-for-money is something that many folks are looking for in their gadgets. Yes, it's probably best not to spend in the first place, but some purchases are unavoidable — we all need a smartphone, and your work may require a computer. But a gadget that offers good value isn't always the cheapest one around. In fact, the budget option may be more costly in the long run because it's not as capable, or falls apart after a year or so. Here then are five value-for-money gadgets for those looking to get the best bang for their dollar.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is similar enough to more expensive models that you probably won't notice the difference. It may not feel as premium, but the essential features are covered, and it has extras like IP67 water and dust resistance and a 120Hz Super AMOLED display. Performance is decent for a mid-range phone, and battery life is good, too.
Aftershock Forge 15X (2023)
The Aftershock Forge 15X is the value gaming laptop in the local brand's lineup. And it certainly lives up to expectations. If you don't mind its no-frills design, this gaming laptop can do double duty for both work and entertainment. It doesn't get excessively warm in games, offers more customisation than many of its rivals, and more importantly, is priced competitively.
Hisense E7H 4K Google TV
For an entry-level TV, the Hisense E7H 4K Google TV hits the sweet spot. Picture quality is decent for the price, especially with its Filmmaker Mode preset. Its Google TV platform offers just about everything you'll need for a good viewing experience, from its variety of apps to its screen casting feature. And of course, the pricing is right in the mix with rival models from Prism+, Xiaomi and TCL.
Prism+ Ripple
The Prism+ Ripple is affordable for a 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar. Bass is strong, and dialogue comes through clearly. You don't get extras like a special surround mode, voice assistant, or an app. But the remote control lets you adjust the treble and bass, as well as five different sound profiles. And there are ports aplenty (optical, coaxial, 3.5mm, two HDMI ports, and one HDMI eARC).
Asus ZenWiFi XD5
Mesh routers aren't cheap, but they do solve Wi-Fi issues around the home, and are generally easy to set up and use. The Asus ZenWiFi XD5 is actually one of the more affordable options. Each unit has a small footprint, and supports the latest features like 160MHz channel width. The app offers lots of settings for those who like to tinker with technology, but is straightforward enough for casual users.
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