? WHAT IS THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE
The curved screen is Samsung’s new headline design trait, and it’s using it more and more frequently. The S7 Edge is the best version of it yet, I haven’t spent enough time with the Galaxy Note 7 just yet, and it makes for an iconic phone. It's more eye-catching than the regular Samsung Galaxy S7, too.
It doesn’t just impress in the looks department though; this is an all-round stunner. It has the best optics, crispest screen and even Samsung’s software has taken a step back. The sloping display might make it harder to hold for some, but it’s never become an issue for me.
It’s expensive, it’s always going to be, but you’re getting a lot of phone for your money.
Video: Check out our review of the Galaxy S7 Edge
Related: Samsung Galaxy S8
SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE – DESIGN
Metal and glass build, curved display, IP68 water resistant, available in black or gold
Design hasn't always been Samsung's strong suit. Just two years ago, Samsung released the Galaxy S5. The handset was the most powerful phone available at the time, but it wasn’t a looker. Last year’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge signalled a much needed change for Samsung, and the change is only more obvious with the S7 Edge.
Related: Best smartphones 2016
The Galaxy S7 Edge is downright gorgeous. In my eyes, it’s the best looking phone ever and makes the iPhone 6S Plus look blocky, boring and dated.
On the surface, the S7 Edge looks just like its predecessor. A metal rim is sandwiched between two slabs of Gorilla Glass 4, with a lock switch on one side and separated volume keys on the other. The back is almost completely clean, with a now flush camera sensor, heart rate monitor and a Samsung logo.
Along the top is the repositioned sim-tray, which now pops in a microSD slot too, plus a microphone. The bottom houses the headphone jack (this should always be on the bottom, can other manufacturers please take note), another microphone, a tiny and frankly disappointing speaker, plus a microUSB port for charging.
Rumours suggested Samsung was going to make the switch to the new, reversible USB–C connector that’s already being used on the Nexus 6P, OnePlus 2 and LG G5, but it hasn’t panned out that way. This isn’t really a bad thing, in fact USB–C is more of a hindrance than a help at the minute. Especially as it means getting rid of all those microUSB cables you’ve accumulated over the years.
The front is almost as clean as the back, and features an elongated home button set under the display, plus another Samsung logo – does it really need two?. Unlike the HTC One A9, the front control is a physical button, not a capacitive pad. The front button houses the Galaxy S7 Edge's fingerprint sensor, which is just as fast as all the others on the market now.
Samsung has once again decided not to use on-screen buttons, so glowing ‘back’ and ‘multitasking’ keys light up when needed. Ditching virtual buttons gives you more screen space, but this phone could be even more compact if Samsung went down that route.
Samsung's also redesigned the Galaxy S7 Edge's camera module. Unlike the S6's, the S7 Edge's module sits flat on the phone's back. This might sound like a small change, but it makes a big difference. I can now tap out a text with the phone flat on my desk without it jumping and rocking from side to side.
Related: Best Android smartphones 2016
But, the biggest change between the S6 Edge from last year and the Galaxy S7 Edge is the size. Instead of simply keeping both the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge the same, with just the Edge sides to differentiate them, Samsung has positioned the Edge as the ‘higher-end’ device, pushing up the screen size from 5.1-inches to 5.5-inches.
When I first heard Samsung made this changed, I was a little annoyed. There was something unique about having a fully-powered phone with a screen that was on the small and compact side. It’s a rarity these days. Pick up the S7 Edge though, and you might have to double to check the spec-sheet, surely this phone doesn’t have the same size screen as the iPhone 6S Plus?
Yet it does. Somehow Samsung has managed to cram a large screen into the body of a much smaller phone. Next to the iPhone 6S Plus, the S7 Edge is narrower, shorter and much lighter. I can even use it comfortably in one hand, stretching my thumb from one corner to the other without too much trouble.
There’s something else the size increase helps too: those gorgeous, sloping curved edges. The Galaxy S7 Edge is the fourth Samsung phone to use this design trait, but it’s the best implementation I've seen yet.
Related: IP68 – What does it mean?
The S6 Edge was difficult to hold for an extended period, while the Galaxy S6 Edge+ was simply too big. The Galaxy S7 Edge, though, is just right. There’s enough space between where the curved screens stops and the back starts to grip, while the newly curved back – reminiscent of the Galaxy Note 5 – slips nicely into my palms. In short, it feels great to hold and it’s an impressive feat by the Samsung design team that these slight changes have made such a big overall difference.
Just like the microSD slot, Samsung has brought back another fan favourite from the Galaxy S5; an IP68 rating for water-resistance. While this is by no means a vital feature, it’s admirable that it has been added without any noticeable loss to the design. There are no flaps covering the ports, no added thickness and no extra space between the display and glass.
What does an IP68 rating mean? Well, you’ll be able to dunk the Galaxy S7 Edge into one meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damaging the phone. Basically, you can use it in the rain without issue and even watch some YouTube in the bath without worrying about an accidental slip. Not that I did that, honest.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE – SCREEN
5.5-inch quad-HD panel, dual curved edges
If the design of the S7 Edge is stunning, then the same word can be used to describe the display. Not a whole lot has changed from the outgoing flagships, but this still holds up as the best screen on a smartphone for a number of reasons.
First up is the sheer amount of detail here. Samsung didn’t try and go all-out with a 4K display, but really when quad-HD (that’s 2560 x 1440) looks this good I don’t think there’s much of a need for more pixels. Maybe it would help make VR even better with the Gear VR headset, but that’ll probably come next year.
Everything from images to films to games look beautiful, with pixels completely invisible to the naked eye. The 534ppi (pixels per inch) density beats the iPhone 6S Plus and means the S7 Edge easily outmuscles Apple’s phablet in the display department.
Samsung has stuck with its Super AMOLED tech for the Galaxy S7 Edge and that’s not really a surprise. AMOLED screens are much more vibrant than the LCD counterparts. Oversaturation isn’t as much of a problem as it was on older Samsung phones, and personally I like a bit more ‘oomph’ to my colours. But for those that like a cooler look there are options to tone things down.
AMOLED displays are also much better at showing off blacks than LCDs. Instead of looking slightly grey, the blacks here are inky deep. You’ll easily notice this when watching media and it’s hard going back to an LCD afterwards.
Now, there are a few niggles I have with the display on the Galaxy S7 Edge. There’s a really strong blue tinge on the two edge sides, especially when viewing content with white background. In both Twitter and Gmail I can pick this out and while it won’t come across in pictures, it’s annoying.
Viewing angles also aren’t the best. But, that’s really one of the sacrifices you get when you don’t use an IPS LCD panel. Tilt the phone to an angle and the sides become bright white, but the rest of it looks like it’s masked in a grey fog.
The new ‘Always-on Display’ mode, is also cool but needs some work. The Always-on tech takes advantage of the fact AMOLED screens don't need to light up the whole display all the time and can instead select individual pixels to charge. This means the S7 Edge can still show the time, date and a couple of bits of other information on the lock-screen when the phone is off without eating through too much battery.
Samsung says having the ‘Always-on display’ switched on will only use up an extra 1% of battery per hour and those claims stand true during my testing. Samsung also says you should save battery because you don’t unlock the phone as much with Always-on activated, but I disagree with this.
Yes, the Always-on mode shows the time, but it will only alert you to notifications from Samsung’s default apps like Messages, Mail and Phone. Use WhatsApp? Or Gmail? Tough, these won’t show up.
I’d also like a bit more control over the mode. You can’t alter the brightness, which causes some problems when you’re in a darker room, and aside from choosing whether or not you want a calendar showing, there isn’t much customisation allowed.
It’s a nice start and a feature that has potential to be very useful, but it needs work.
The Canon that can: Canon EOS 80D Review
The Canon that can: Canon EOS 80D Review
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The Canon EOS 80D is an enthusiast-level DSLR, and the successor to the 70D. It sports a new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor which, like the 70D, offers Canon's Dual Pixel on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system. The 80D also gains a new 45-point hybrid AF system with all of the points being cross-type. This is a step up from the 19-point AF system in the 70D, though not quite at the same level as the 65-point coverage offered by the more professionally-oriented 7D Mark II.
Featuring a body sealed against dust and moisture, the 80D has a polycarbonate exterior and magnesium alloy chassis. It is nearly identical in design to its predecessor, with the majority of controls accessible via the articulating rear touchscreen, as well as via physical control points. Video is a major part of the 80D's total package. While it cannot shoot 4K, it does offer 1080/60p capture and continuous autofocus during video. A headphone socket has been added to compliment its microphone port.
Canon EOS 80D key features:
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF
- 45-point AF system with all cross-type points
- 3" 1.04M-dot articulating touchscreen
- 1080/60p video capture
- 7 fps continuous shooting with AF
- Weather-resistant body
- 7560-pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor
- Wi-Fi + NFC
Other improvements come in the form of a new mirror vibration control system (similar to the 5DS and 7D Mark II), which should help reduce the blur-inducing effects of shutter shock. The 80D also gains the same 7560 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor found in the Rebel T6s and T6i, a serious improvement over the 63-zone dual layer sensor found in the 70D. This new sensor gives the camera some degree of human subject awareness for subject tracking through the viewfinder. However, unlike the 7D Mark II, the 80D does not have Canon's 'Intelligent Tracking and Recognition' (iTR) system, which uses the metering sensor along with distance info to subject track.
The new sensor
It's no secret that some Canon shooters have been frustrated as of late, as Sony's sensor technology marches ahead in terms of dynamic range. Fortunately, the 80D marks a significant step forward in Canon's sensor development, offering much better DR than the 70D or 7D Mark II. But the new sensor isn't interesting just because of the pictures it can capture. Dual Pixel AF not only allows for continuous focus during video capture, but during still capture (in live view mode) as well. We first saw this feature in the Rebel T6s and it is exciting to see it now making its way up Canon's food chain to enthusiast-level cameras.
Compared to its siblings
| Canon EOS 80D | Canon EOS 7D Mark II | Canon EOS 70D | Canon EOS 6D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24MP APS-C | 20.2MP APS-C | 20.2MP APS-C | 20.2MP full-frame |
| ISO range | 100-16000 (expands to 25600) | 100-16000 (expands to 25600) | 100-12800 (expands to 25600) | 100-25600 (expands to 50-102800) |
| AF (viewfinder) | 45 all cross-type points | 65 all cross-type points | 19 all cross-type points | 11 point, center point is cross-type |
| AF (Live view/video) | Dual pixel AF | Dual pixel AF | Dual pixel AF | Contrast Detect, Phase Detect (in 'Quick' mode) |
| Intelligent Tracking and Recognition | No | Yes | No | No |
| C-AF in live view during still shooting | Yes | No | No | No |
| AF joystick | No | Yes | No | No |
| Video capabilities | 1080/60p | 1080/60p | 1080/30p | 1080/30p |
| Burst rate | 7 fps | 10 fps | 7 fps | 4.5 fps |
| LCD spec | 3" 1.04M-dot articulating touch LCD | 3" 1.04M-dot fixed LCD | 3" 1.04M-dot articulating touch LCD | 3" 1.04M-dot fixed LCD |
| Weight | 730 g (1.61 lb) | 910g (2.0 lb) | 755g (1.7 lb) | 770 g (1.70 lb) |
Aside from the 70D, the closest sibling to the 80D is the more professionally-oriented Canon EOS 7D Mark II. It uses a slightly lower resolution chip and offers less dynamic range than the 80D. While the two share the same basic video specs, the 7D Mark II is better equipped for fast action, thanks to greater AF point coverage, a dedicated AF joystick and the inclusion of Canon iTR, as well as a faster shooting rate. On the other hand, the 80D's touch focus capabilities make it a more appealing choice for video.
Of course the full frame Canon 6D now falls into a similar price class to the both the 80D and 7D Mark II, making it worthy of consideration. Although it's far from new the 6D remains a solid and popular camera despite its comparatively simplistic AF system.
Accessories
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| The 80D shown with PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter connected to the EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM kit zoom. This adapter allows for smooth zooming at variable speeds. |
Along with the announcement of the 80D, Canon announced the DM-E1 shotgun microphone (compatible with any camera that has a 1/8" socket). Canon also announced the PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter. It can clip onto the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM kit lens and control the zoom, with two speed options. The DM-E1 will sell for $250, while the PZ-E1 will run you $150. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get hold of either new accessory in time for this review, but we'll be updating our impressions as soon as we can.
Pricing and availability
The Canon EOS 80D is available now for a body-only price of $1199/£999/€1199. Kitted with Canon's new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, the 80D will run you $1799. Kitted with the EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, the 80D will run $1349/£1089.
FUJI X70 – LENS REview
Fujifilm X70 review
PROS
- Large sensor
- Small size
- Manual control
- stylish body
CONS
- Fixed lens
- Can’t use touchscreen for menu navigation
- No viewfinder
KEY FEATURES
- 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
- 18.5mm f/2.8 lens (28mm in 35mm format)
- ISO200-6400 (100-51200 expanded)
- Raw shooting
- Full manual contro
- Electronic shutter for speeds up to 1/32000
- 8fps shooting
- Tilting 1040k-dot touch-sensitive screen
- Manufacturer: Fujifilm
- Review Price: £499.00
FUJIFILM X70 – DESIGN AND HANDLING
- Fuji has made a name for itself with its X series cameras, bringing the firm out of the doldrums of mediocre compact camera production to make it one of the most desired camera brands of the moment.
The X70 takes the design of the X100T and shrinks and tweaks it to make it more pocketable. As a result, it doesn’t quite have the same level of retro appeal as the larger camera, but it remains a sleek device – one that, crucially, is more likely to fit in your pocket.
The camera sports a relatively simple design, but it provides quick access to most of the settings you’re likely to want to use with any frequency. Around the camera’s lens is a dial for changing aperture – something traditionalist photographers will love. However, what they won’t love so much is that, since the lens is fairly flat in order to keep the size compact, it can be quite difficult to get a decent grip on the aperture ring – and harder still to grip the manual focus ring. With practice, you’ll at least become used to its positioning.
Although the X70 is arguably aimed primarily towards enthusiast and more advanced photographers, it still includes an automatic mode that’s activated via a switch on the top of the camera. With this mode, you can let the camera do everything for you and concentrate on composition. To help here, you can switch on the digital horizon level in the main menu to ensure your shots are straight, which is handy.
In order to set the autofocus point, you can use the touch-sensitive screen – a first for an X series compact. Simply tap the area to select the point as necessary. You can also set the camera to take the shot with a press of the screen, or even switch the touch sensitivity off altogether. If you choose to do the latter, you can set the AF point by first pressing the down directional key, and then using the other directional keys to move to the point you want to use.
By pressing a button marked “Q” you’ll be able to access a group of settings without having to go into the main menu. Here you’ll discover settings such as ISO, white balance, film simulation, aspect ratio and more. It’s a shame that you can’t navigate through this menu using the touchscreen; instead you need to use the physical keys, which although simple can take some time.
On the top of the camera sit a couple of dials that enthusiasts will appreciate, along with the aperture dial around the lens. There’s a shutter speed dial, which reaches shutter speeds of 1/4000. You can also set the dial to automatic. If you do this, but alter the aperture, you’re shooting in aperture priority. Alternatively, you can set the aperture dial to automatic, but set the shutter speed and you’ll be shooting in shutter priority.
If you want to use the electronic shutter for even faster shutter speeds than is represented on the dial, then you can use a small switch found on the back of the camera to move past the 1/4000 speed. It’s useful to use very fast speeds when shooting wide apertures in bright light to avoid overexposure. Fast shutter speeds are also good for freezing fast-moving action, such as sports, but this camera isn’t really designed for such tasks.
There are a couple of other notable buttons on the X70. There’s a function button marked Fn, which can be customised to a particular setting of your choosing; by default it provides access to the X70’s Wi-Fi connectivity. Several other buttons on the X70 are also customisable to different functions, which is great news for those who like to work in a particular way.
Buy Now: Fujifilm X70 at Amazon.co.uk from £499 | Amazon.com from $699
FUJI X70 – SCREEN
Since this camera lacks a viewfinder (electronic or otherwise), you’ll find yourself relying on the screen entirely to compose your images. Alternatively, you could purchase an optical viewfinder at additional expense to slot into the hotshoe.
The good news is that the screen is pretty decent, resisting reflections well and showing a detailed display of images in playback and the view in front of you. Although a fully articulating screen would have been more useful for portrait images, the fact that this screen tilts to face forward or downward helps to move it out of the way of very bright sunlight – and of course facilitates group shots and selfies.
The inclusion of touch-sensitivity speeds up setting the autofocus point, and it’s also useful for swiping through images in playback. The icing on the cake would have been the ability to use the touchscreen to move through menus – but there’s no such provision on the X70.
Related: Canon G7X Mark II review
FUJI X70 – LENS
The fixed-length lens will put off some folk. However, when you consider that mobile phones don’t have zoom lenses, and they’re obviously very popular, it becomes less of an issue.
The X100T has a 35mm equivalent lens, while the X70’s is 28mm. That makes it a little more usable for landscape-style shots, as you can get more of the scene in frame. Some people will argue that 28mm isn’t good for portraits, but it is possible to achieve decent “environmental”-style portraits with the camera, being careful not to get too close to the subject so as to create a distorted effect.
Having a fixed-length lens is a trade off for the large sensor; remember that the sensor inside this tiny camera is identical to those you’ll find in much larger models – including DSLRs. As such, the 28mm lens here is a good performer, with no visible distortion in the corners of image. As previously mentioned, some people will prefer the slightly longer 35mm length of the X100T, but 28mm is satisfactory for landscapes and still usable as a walk-around length.
Xbox One Elite Controller review
Xbox One Elite Controller review
PROS
- Tonnes of customisation options
- Mature, refined design
- Reassuringly heavy
CONS
- Expensive
- Accessories could be more secure in case
WHAT IS THE XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER?
When Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One Elite Controller, with all its knobs, sticks and paddles, at E3 2015, we all gasped, oohed and aahed. It's quite the work of art, with its brushed metal accessories and matte black soft touch finish.
And in reality, the Elite Controller's announcement didn't come as much of a surprise, seeing as the rise of eSports and competitive gaming has been huge.
The new Xbox One Elite Controller is a customisable gamepad that’s quite the upgrade over the regular Wireless Controller. It’s primarily aimed at the seriously competitive gamers, in particular the ones that tend to mod out their pads for the aggressive edge.
But with those customisation options comes a steep price – £129.99. So the question is, is the Xbox One Elite Controller worth it?
XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER – DESIGN
For your £130 investment, you’ll get a wonderful box of tricks. Sliding the lid off the box presents you with the Elite Xbox One Controller in its fabric-covered clam-shell case, which protects it when not in use, but also acts as storage for all the accessories.
By looks alone you could be forgiven for thinking this is a standard Xbox One controller with a lick of paint. But the little moulded rubber holder beneath belies its elite status.
The Elite Xbox One Controller comes with a pair of D-Pads – one a metal version of the regular D-Pad, but the other a faceted metal option – and three analogue stick choices. For the analogue sticks you’re looking at the standard concave diamond grip option, a taller version of these, and a domed set that sit between the two in terms of height.
There are also two sets of paddles that attach to the rear of the controller, and a long, braided micro-USB cable, which is a must-have for those competitive sessions.
All of these sit within the moulded rubber holder with the idea that you can store them securely when not in use, even when travelling around. In practice the spare analogue sticks and cross-style D-Pad all fit in securely, but the faceted D-Pad and the paddles come loose very easily, rattling about in the case.
Related: Xbox One vs PS4
When I first picked up the Elite Controller what was immediately noticeable was the increased weight. Due to its upgraded innards and new metal attachments, the Elite Controller has gained some grams. Microsoft says that with all four paddles attached and the AA batteries inserted – there’s no Play and Charge pack included – the Elite Controller weights 348g (give or take 15g for the different attachment combinations). That’s quite the increase on the 280g regular Wireless controller.
Although the weight is initially very palpable, you quickly become accustomed to the increased mass. In fact, it’s reassuringly heavy. The combination of the new matte rubber finish and the diamonised rubber grip on the underside, you’re looking at a controller that moulds into your hands and stays there – regardless of how sweaty your hands get during extended gaming sessions.
You get so familiar with the weight and feel of the Elite Controller, that the regular one makes feels cheap, rough and thoroughly inferior. Microsoft has ensured that by kitting the Elite Controller out with a mature, understated design. The colourful face buttons and plastic finish have been swapped out for a monochrome colour scheme and metal touches that makes the Elite look like a premium product.
Related: Xbox One vs Xbox 360
The triggers, D-Pads and analogue sticks are all now made from metal for durability; while the actual analogue stick sockets have been enhanced with a reinforced ring to make sure they last longer.
Both the D-Pad and analogue sticks are interchangeable, with the current option attached by magnets. While you’re playing, they feel safe and secure, but if you want to change them out for a new version, it’s quick and simple to do.
The only issue with the magnetic attachments that I had was with the rear paddles. The Elite Controller can support up to four rear paddles, which can function as a duplicate of any of the buttons on the pad you want. Or, you can go without them entirely: the make-up of the Elite Controller is up to you.
But these can be easily caught and dislodged as you pick up the controller. It’s a particular pain at first, when you’re getting used to have those extra appendages, but you will get used to it eventually.
I’m just worried what would happen if you lost one of these accessories, as it doesn’t seem like Microsoft will let you to replace them individually at this stage.
Related: Best Xbox One Games 2015
Around the back of the Elite Controller above the slots for these paddles is a green switch on either side. These are associated with the new and improved Hair-Trigger Locks on the triggers. If you push the green switches down (and they operate independently), they’ll physically limit the travel of each trigger. In practice that means you’ll be able to aim and reload faster in shooting games, or whatever you use your triggers for. That’s going to be a massive boon for professional players where every second counts.
Other improvements on the Elite Controller include a standard 3.5mm headphone jack at the base rather than the irritating proprietary port on the regular controller. Next to that is a legacy connection for purpose built headsets.
You’ll also find that the Xbox One Elite Controller has some rather lovely shoulder buttons. Gone are the overly-loud clicky bumpers of the original controller, with the Elite instead offering a quieter, more even response wherever you press them.
XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER – XBOX ACCESSORIES APP
But what takes this enhanced Elite Controller even further is the Xbox Accessories app. Available on Windows 10 and Xbox One, the Xbox Accessories app makes sure that the customisation options don’t stop with the hardware.
The app gives you the option to rebind the functionality of every button, trigger and bumper on the Elite Controller (aside from the menu and options buttons). You now have complete control over how your gamepad works, without being confined to customisation on a game-by-game basis if you don’t want to be.
The Xbox One Elite Controller can store two button mapping configurations at once. The controller lets you switch between them using the slider underneath the options and menu buttons. You can store even more configurations in the Xbox Accessories app and load them onto the controller as and when you need them.
Related: Best Xbox Live Games 2015
There are a few pre-made options in the app too, for games such as Halo 5, the Gear of War: Ultimate Collection, new racer Forza 6 and even the classic Sunset Overdrive. Microsoft promises that there are a tonne more en-route too.
They’re great for those among us who find the thought of remapping every single button totally daunting – and trust me I did at first.
The app also goes beyond basic button-mapping too. There’s individual adjustments for analogue stick sensitivity that manage the distance the sticks need to travel before they react as in-game movements. These include: delay (slow start), aggressive (fast start), instant, smooth and default.
You can also adjust the sensitivity and dead zone of the triggers. The app even lets you turn down the haptic feedback and adjust the brightness of the Xbox light. For those among you that like things a certain way, the Elite Controller also lets you swap the sticks over, permanently invert the right or left stick’s Y-axis or swap the triggers around.
XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER – PERFORMANCE
In practice, for me the customisation started slowly. I began by adding two paddles for Rise of the Tomb Raider – one for sprinting and the other to initialise the Survival Sense.
But the more I used the Elite Controller across a number of games, the more time I spent tweaking and analysing my button mapping.
Take Forza 6 for example – a game where the back paddles really come into their own. Suddenly you’ve got the manual car controls at the press of a finger, which is especially handy because I don’t really want to fork out for a racing wheel that’ll clutter up my home. Instead, I’ve got the Elite Controller to provide me with more of an authentic racing experience, while still providing me with an excellent gamepad for other games.
Elsewhere, I started using one of the Halo 5 presets to make commanding Team Osiris much easier, as suddenly I’m not having to reach down for the D-Pad anymore, but toggling commands using the back paddles.
If you’re a fighting game addict, then the faceted D-Pad will also be a huge success. Although I’m using it because I prefer the feel of it under the thumb and the general look, I’m assured that it makes it a lot easier to pull combos in titles like Mortal Kombat X and co.
SHOULD I BUY THE XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER?
Although I’m totally addicted to the Xbox One Elite Controller now I’ve used it – God forbid I’m forced to go back to the regular one at this stage – my recommendation comes with some caveats.
If you’re looking to spend £130 on a controller, you need to seriously think about how much you play on your Xbox One and what games you’re playing because it is around £90 more than a regular controller.
However, for your £130 investment you will get the ultimate customisable controller that will no doubt last the entire lifespan of your console – and possibly longer.
VERDICT
The Xbox One Elite Controller really is the one controller to rule them all, with its mature aesthetics, strong customisation options and durability. You might just want to wait for a price drop before you buy.
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