Best tech of 2023 revealed: Apple, Samsung and Sky come out on prime

Another massive yr for tech is coming to an in depth, so what higher time to announce Express.co.uk’s finest tech of 2023 awards? We’ve seen, used, and reviewed tons of prime degree know-how this yr, from smartphones to earbuds, streaming containers to laptops, and the whole lot in between – which is why choosing the most effective of the most effective is such a troublesome job.

2023 noticed smartphones really peak, with a few of the finest handsets ever launched nonetheless going robust as we hit December.

The streaming companies wars continued deep into the yr, with every main participant providing unique reveals and sports activities to maintain your pockets groaning underneath the pressure of a number of subscriptions.

Personal audio can also be pretty much as good because it has ever been as wi-fi headphones and earbuds deliver unimaginable high quality to iPhone and Android customers alike.

Here are our prime 10 picks for the easiest tech of 2023.

WINNER: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Runner-up: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

It was neck and neck with Apple however this yr Samsung has made the easiest smartphone of 2023 – and doubtless ever. It’s the kitchen sink telephone, with completely the whole lot you might need (besides iMessage, in fact) – S Pen stylus, lovely display screen, prime efficiency, lengthy battery life, and probably the most versatile digicam together with a 10x optical zoom lens that’ll change how you are taking cellular photographs.

It’s costly, however with the best contract deal the S23 Ultra was the telephone to beat in 2023. Impressive given it got here out in February. We can’t watch for the Galaxy S24 Ultra now.

Read our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review

WINNER: OnePlus Open

Runner-up: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

At the beginning of the yr we in all probability would not have believed you in case you stated our favorite folding telephone of 2023 can be made by OnePlus, however right here we’re. The Chinese smartphone maker’s first ever foldable is healthier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold, with the proper mixture of nice construct high quality, wise display screen sizes, and wonderful cameras.

Book-style foldables often have weirdly skinny outer shows, however the Open has a standard smartphone-sized display screen that unfolds right into a pill with hardly any seen crease. The value is excessive however nonetheless undercuts its most important rivals. Bravo.

Read our OnePlus Open review

WINNER: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch

Runner-up: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3

If you need a transportable powerhouse of a PC then we will not advocate the brand new 15-inch MacBook Air extremely sufficient. This laptop computer from Apple options an expansive 15.3-inch Liquid Retina show packed right into a supremely light-weight design. It’s truly practically 40 p.c thinner and 200g lighter than comparable PC laptops.

It has the M2 processor tucked underneath its aluminium shell which can blast by duties equivalent to photograph and video enhancing with simple ease and that Apple silicon can also be ludicrously environment friendly so you will not have to go close to a plug all day. There’s additionally MagSafe charging, two USB-C Thunderbolt ports, a 1080p FaceTime HD Camera and Six-Speaker Sound System.

Apple’s new MacBook Pro 14-inch could be extra highly effective however the 15-inch Air is £300 cheaper, appears gorgeous and is our best choice for 2023.

Read our Apple MacBook Air 15-inch review

WINNER: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

Runner-up: iPad Air

Tech companies don’t all the time launch a pill yearly – a cycle we’d encourage smartphone producers to undertake, to be sincere – however we have been significantly impressed with Samsung’s mid-range pill, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. It takes all of the issues you really want like a very good high quality display screen, good battery life, and 128GB storage as minimal, and eliminates the belongings you don’t, like a high-end processor, 120Hz refresh fee, and phone-quality cameras.

Those issues are good to have, however not crucial for many on a pill. The bigger FE+’s 12.4-inch display screen is nice for multitasking apps, and works with Samsung DeX to function Android extra like a Windows laptop computer. It even has the S Pen stylus within the field. The Tab stands out in a yr Apple launched no new iPads, although we nonetheless advocate the similarly-priced 2022 iPad Air.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ review

WINNER: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Runner-up: Google Pixel Watch 2

The Apple Watch Ultra had a reboot this yr which has made it much more highly effective due to its S9 processor. This improve not solely improves efficiency but in addition brings the intelligent double faucet gesture permitting you to work together with the display screen with out bodily touching it. Speaking of the show, it is now even brighter than earlier than, 50 p.c to be exact, so there is not any hassle telling the time within the noon solar.

We nonetheless love its rugged design, longer battery life and different unique options such because the helpful Action Button, distinctive watch faces and SOS alarm. Yes, it is very costly and it nonetheless wants charging each different day however that is nonetheless our go-to wearable. It’s simple to make use of, is filled with options and might survive even the hardest of exams when strapped to your wrist.

WINNER: Sonos Era 300

Runner-up: Sonos Era 100

Sonos ushered in a brand new, ahem, period of audio system this yr together with its good Era 100. However, our prime decide is its larger brother. The Era 300 affords epic audio that is able to filling rooms with immersive, loud and crystal-clear sound. That’s all due to the inclusion of know-how equivalent to Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos which makes it seem as if the music is hitting your ears from all instructions.

A brand new design does all this with out being too massive, brash or dominating within the room. Set-up can also be a breeze, the easy controls on the highest make it simple to alter tracks and we actually like the brand new sunken quantity Touch Bar which runs throughout the highest of the speaker. Other extras embody Bluetooth connectivity plus there’s now a USB-C port on the again which makes it easy to plug in exterior gadgets equivalent to turntables.

If you’re after massive sound from a compact speaker then this one booming good speaker.

Read our Sonos Era 300 review

WINNER: Sony WF-1000XM5

Runner-up: Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C)

We live within the age of the wi-fi earbud. Apple popularised them with AirPods, whose latest Pro model is great, however our decide of the most effective Bluetooth buds to shove in your ears this yr are Sony’s WF-1000XM5. Don’t let the bizarre product identify put you off – these are unimaginable earphones with prime drawer noise cancellation and sound high quality.

The key right here is customisation, with 4 tip sizes within the field for the most effective match, and tons of changeable settings utilizing the companion app to regulate EQ and sound, in addition to assist for Hi-Res audio.

Read our Sony WF-1000XM5 review

WINNER: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Runner-up: Beats Studio Pro

Just like wi-fi earbuds, over-ear headphones are additionally two a penny today, and it’s exhausting to know which of them are finest. They aren’t the most affordable on the market, however the easiest headphones we’ve utilized in 2023 are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, due to class-leading noise cancellation for noisy flights, flats, places of work, or pubs, and Bose’s wonderful new Immersive Audio.

It doesn’t get it proper 100% of the time, however it might flip all music into spatial audio. Coupled with superb sound high quality and the Bose Music app, you’ll be able to tune your favorite music precisely the way you need it – add the all-day consolation in and these cans are exhausting to beat.

Read our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

WINNER: Sky Stream

Runner-up: Apple TV 4K

For the second yr operating Sky Stream wins our greatest TV set-top field award. This diddy machine continues to supply a easy method to entry free and premium content material with it that includes full entry to stay and on-demand channels together with streaming apps equivalent to Netflix, Disney+ and Apple TV+. The simple DIY set-up, neat design, backlit distant and eye-pleasing visuals all add to its enchantment in addition to the value.

Things begin from as little as £26 per 30 days making this one of many least expensive methods to get Sky beamed into your house – you’ll be able to even decide to pay per 30 days somewhat than taking out a long-term contract. Sky Stream stays a troublesome machine to beat.

Read our Sky Stream review

WINNER: Disney+

Runner-up: Apple TV+

For the second yr in a row, Disney+ has satisfied us it’s the most effective streaming service out there within the UK (regardless of a value hike) due to its Simpsons, Star Wars and Marvel again catalogues, alongside basic movie sequence equivalent to Alien and Indiana Jones, and model new masterpieces like The Banshees of Inisherin.

There’s additionally extra grownup themed stuff to stream due to the Star community of content material, so Disney+ can also be residence to nice sequence The Bear and Only Murders In the Building, in addition to classics 24, Lost, Sons of Anarchy, and Desperate Housewives. Apple TV+ additionally impressed us this yr with Severance and The Morning Show as standout originals, however Disney+ has it beat for the depth and high quality of its catalogue.