Top Tech Picks of April 2025: Notable Gadget Releases and Highlights
Tech world's springtime isn't as cheerful, thanks to the Trump administration's April 2025 tariffs. These tariffs have stirred up a storm, disrupting global supply chains and causing financial headaches for tech companies, big and small.
Products such as the Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop have vanished from company websites, only to resurface later this month, a clear indication of the tariffs' impact. Companies are finding ways to cope, by shoving the added costs onto consumers. We've dug up a plethora of TVs, handhelds, wearables, portable chargers, and more that have all taken a price hike. But this might just be the tip of the iceberg, as we ponder the full implications of these tariffs in the near future.
On a brighter note, there's the Nintendo Switch 2 to look forward to. We've had a sneak peek at Nintendo's highly anticipated handheld console. The $450 device is the successor to the megahit Switch, boasting quality-of-life upgrades like an 8-inch 1080p display and a faster processor that promises 4K resolution in select games. Nintendo continues to keep things exciting, introducing features like mouse-based controls that actually work on most pants! The new Joy-Cons are so intuitive that seamlessly switching between regular thumbsticks and mouse-based aiming is a breeze for games like Civilization VII. While we eagerly await an extensive review at launch on June 5, we can keep ourselves entertained with mobile devices like the Google Pixel 9a's mid-range phone or the latest Framework Laptop 13's moddable, repairable design.
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo's colorful $450 console handheld is the beloved Switch's successor. Beyond quality-of-life enhancements common in tech iterations, such as the bright display or faster processor, Nintendo's creativity shines through, like the new mouse-based controls that work on most pants! The enhanced Joy-Cons offer a smooth transition between regular thumbsticks and mouse-based aiming for games like Civilization VII. While we'll need more time to test out its Game Chat feature and access to webcams, the initial games selection has left us excited for the future of Nintendo's consoles.
Google Pixel 9a
Google's mid-range Pixel A-series phones have consistently been top-notch deals, and the Pixel 9a continues the tradition. Despite the lack of a distinctive camera bump or bar, it comes equipped with the Tensor chip found in more expensive Pixels, offering the same range of Google's latest features for $500, compared to the $800 Pixel 9. The camera system sports a 48-megapixel main and 13-megapixel ultra-wide, which isn't a massive step down from Google's flagship devices, though it falls short on zoom functions. While it lags slightly in wireless charging speeds, that shouldn't deter most Android fans from appreciating the phone's excellent value.
Framework Laptop 13
Framework has made a name for itself by crafting moddable and repairable laptops. This year, the company's latest Framework Laptop 13 has solidified its reputation with a solid keyboard, trackpad, display, and battery life that can handle a full workday. Although the speaker quality could be improved, the repairable design makes this laptop a long-lasting choice for users wanting to swap out components. The Framework Laptop 13 is a fun, repairable laptop that you can rely on without sacrificing features found on less repairable machines.
Alienware Area-51
Dell's Alienware gaming brand has taken a new approach in recent years, focusing on enhancing the user experience rather than creating the most extraordinary PCs. The Area-51 desktop, in particular, stands out for its beginner-friendly design, with easily accessible side panels and tutorial QR codes for swapping components. The positive pressure-cooling system ensures that hot air is expelled from the PC without the need for exhaust fans. While it lacks the flair of older Alienware models, the brand's new direction could pave the way for future products that marry functionality and aesthetics.
Samsung Odyssey 3D
The Samsung Odyssey 3D is one of the few devices trying to bring back lenticular lenses for a 3D monitor experience. Priced at $2,000, the monitor uses eye tracking to individualize image beaming for both eyes, ensuring you're always in the optimal "sweet spot" for the 3D image. Although the Reality Hub software permits customization of 3D depth for the 12 supported games, the limited number of games and high price might not attract broad appeal. The Odyssey 3D could help spur other companies to develop more affordable versions of 3D monitors in the future.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
If the Pixel 9a reigns supreme in the budget phone arena, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro could be considered its cheeky sidekick. The device carries over Nothing's glyph lighting and upbeat sound effects, all while providing solid battery life, screen brightness, and display refresh rate for just $460. Compared to the Phone 2a, the 3a offers improved depth of field for macro shots, even though it lacks high-quality zoom capabilities for distant subjects. Nothing's unconventional devices provide an enjoyable alternative to Samsung and Google's latest offerings, as long as users are willing to compromise on certain features.
Anker eufyMake E1 UV
Anker's eufyMake E1 UV printer is the dream printer for the average Etsy creator. Compact and desk-friendly, it utilizes UV-curable resin to print on a variety of surfaces. Its ability to print multiple layers for a 3D effect on surfaces gives the eufyMake E1 UV printer an almost hand-painted quality. The eufyMake M1 UV printer is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter at a full price of $1,900.
Motorola Razr 2025
If AI is the latest obsession among phone makers, then Motorola's new lineup of Razr flip phones must be absolutely smitten. The Razr, Razr+, and Razr Ultra all feature new titanium hinges for increased durability. But it's the Moto AI that steals the show, incorporating various AI models like Perplexity, Google Gemini, Meta Llama, and Microsoft Copilot. Each AI model performs different tasks, potentially even automating some for users. The Razr Ultra takes this focus on AI to the next level, with a dedicated AI button.
- The Nintendo Switch 2, the successor to the beloved Switch, is a colorful $450 handheld console that boasts quality-of-life upgrades like an 8-inch 1080p display, a faster processor, and a new mouse-based control feature that works on most pants.
- The Google Pixel 9a, a mid-range phone, continues the tradition of Google's A-series phones being top-notch deals. It comes equipped with the Tensor chip found in more expensive Pixels and offers the same range of Google's latest features for $500.
- The Framework Laptop 13, priced and designed for the average user, offers a moddable and repairable design, a solid keyboard, trackpad, display, and battery life that can handle a full workday.
- Dell's Alienware gaming brand has taken a new approach with the Area-51 desktop, focusing on enhancing the user experience with an easily accessible design and tutorial QR codes for swapping components.
- The Samsung Odyssey 3D is a 3D monitor that utilizes eye tracking to individualize image beaming for both eyes and is priced at $2,000. The limited number of supported games and high price might not attract broad appeal.
- The Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers improvements over the Phone 2a, such as better depth of field for macro shots, while maintaining solid battery life, screen brightness, and display refresh rate for just $460.
- Anker's eufyMake E1 UV printer is compact and desk-friendly, using UV-curable resin to print on a variety of surfaces with a 3D effect. The eufyMake M1 UV printer, currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, offers similar features at a full price of $1,900.
- The Motorola Razr 2025 lineup of flip phones are smitten with AI, incorporating various AI models like Perplexity, Google Gemini, Meta Llama, and Microsoft Copilot. Each AI model performs different tasks, potentially even automating some for users. The Razr Ultra takes this focus on AI to the next level, with a dedicated AI button.
