rewrite this title Engadget review recap: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Panasonic S1 II, Samsung QS700F and more

We’ve been busy in the Engadget reviews department over the last few weeks, keeping up with Prime Day, product launches and the accumulating stack of devices on our desks. If you missed any of our in-depth testing recently, you can quickly catch up on the latest camera, laptop, phone and soundbar reviews in the list below.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung made notable design changes on its latest flagship foldable phone, finally giving the masses a significant update after a series of iterative models. Senior reviews writer Sam Rutherford argued the company “has finally achieved foldable phone nirvana” thanks to the reductions in overall size and thickness on the Z Fold 7, making the niche handset appeal to more users. “With its latest flagship foldable, Samsung has removed one of the remaining barriers preventing people from trying out the new breed of phones: excessive size and weight,” he said.

Canon R50 V

Canon/Engadget

Canon’s EOS R50 V is a solid budget vlogging camera thanks to the excellent video quality, but it’s missing important features compared to its rivals.

ProsGood photo and video qualityFast and accurate autofocusCooling fan allows extended shootingDecently fast photo shooting

ConsRolling shutter distortionNo in-body stabilizationLacks rival’s vlogging friendly featuresMediocre battery life

$699 at Amazon

Content creators who are just getting into vlogging will soon realize they need a camera more robust than their phone for better quality footage. Reporter Steve Dent explained that Canon’s EOS R50 V excels at video, thanks in part to its quick autofocus, but the camera lacks the performance and features of its rivals. “Canon’s R50 V is a pretty good first try for a vlogging camera, hitting the mark in key areas like video quality and usability,” he wrote. “However, its rival, Sony’s ZV-E10 II, beats it in nearly every area, offering even better video quality, higher photo resolution, faster autofocus, smoother electronic stabilization and neat features missing on the R50 V — like the product showcase.”

Samsung HW-QS700F

Samsung

The QS700F is an all-new model in a sea of modest annual refreshes for Samsung soundbars. It isn’t perfect, but the combination of design and features offer a compelling alternative to pricier options.

ProsAutomatic orientation adjustmentCrisp and balanced soundRefined designEasy setup

Cons3.1.2-channel audio constrains movie soundRoom calibration and other major features only work with Samsung TVs

$468 at Amazon

Like the Z Fold line, Samsung has been on a streak of iterative updates for its flagship soundbars. For 2025 though, the company debuted an all-new model that automatically detects how you’re using it and adjusts the speaker output appropriately. It’s that trick, along with crisp sound, that makes the QS700F a contender even with its constrained 3.1.2-channel audio. “Caveats aside, the best thing about the soundbar is its automatic orientation adjustment,” I noted. “The QS700F is easy on the eyes too, which isn’t always the case with these devices.”

Panasonic S1 II

Panasonic/Engadget

The S1 II is Panasonic’s best creator camera thanks to features like 6K RAW video and outstanding stabilization, but it’s expensive compared to the competition.

ProsFast shooting speedsGreat handlingExcellent video qualityBest-in-class stabilizationPro video features

ConsPoor battery lifeExpensive

$3,198 at Amazon

The S1 II may be Panasonic’s best camera for content creators, but there’s one major downside: the price. Steve’s assessment of this model’s features, which include 6K RAW video and best-in-class stabilization, will help you weigh the potential $3,200 investment. “Panasonic’s S1 II is a powerful hybrid camera, and if it wasn’t so expensive, it would be a no-brainer for creators,” he said. “However, Nikon’s Z6 III has nearly the same video capabilities, is a better camera for photography and costs at least $600 less, so I’m inclined to recommend that model for most users.”

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1

Dell / Engadget

Dell’s revamped 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a competent laptop with an adaptable design and a great optional mini LED screen, but it lacks personality.

ProsSolid buildVivid mini LED displayAbove-average battery life

ConsLackluster touchpadMediocre speakersNeeds another USB-C port

$750 at Dell

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is the company’s first consumer laptop to feature its recently updated naming scheme, and the change in moniker is accompanied by refreshed styling. Sam explained that while the machine is perfectly capable, especially with the optional LED display, it’s lacking personality. “It’s a totally serviceable machine, but it doesn’t have a single trait or feature that endears itself to its user,” he wrote. “Same goes for its name.”

Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2

Bill Steele for Engadget

Between a sturdy case and a removable battery pack, Belkin’s Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2 covers all the major essentials. 

ProsSimple designIncluded 10,000mAh battery packHidden AirTag pouch

ConsNo option to bring your own battery packMight not work with bulky skins or covers

$70 at Amazon

Now that the Switch 2 is out in the wild, Nintendo’s handheld console needs protection. Sam put the Belkin Charging Case through its paces to find out if it’s a worthy accessory. “I kind of wish Belkin sold a version that doesn’t come with a battery for anyone who wants to use their own power pack,” he said. “The company’s non-charging version of this case isn’t an ideal alternative as it doesn’t have much extra space inside. But even so, this kit offers a solid combination of price and practicality, which is all I’m ever really asking for.”