The Pixel 10a might be Google’s latest affordable phone, but on paper it feels more like a gentle refresh than a true upgrade – especially when last year’s Pixel 9a is now cheaper than ever. 

Both phones share the same core specs, the same Google-made Tensor chip and a near-identical design, yet one of them regularly dips well below its original asking price while the other launches at £499/$499. 

Unless you’re absolutely set on having the newest model for the sake of it, the Pixel 10a has to work much harder than this to justify its existence.

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The Pixel 10a is a very familiar phone

You’ll be forgiven if you can’t tell the difference between the Pixel 10a and last year’s Pixel 9a when looking at the spec sheet – the two phones are practically the same in key areas. 

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That extends to the chipset, with both the Pixel 9a and 10a sporting the same Tensor G4 chipset – a chipset that first debuted on the Pixel 9 collection in 2024. It was a solid addition to the Pixel 9a in 2025, as it represented the latest in Google’s processing power, but the absence of the G5 found in the Pixel 10 series means the same can’t be said here. 

There’s no justification for Google not to include the chipset, aside from a way to protect the sales of the regular Pixel 10. The entry-level Pixel is often compared to the ‘a’ alternative, and much of the time, the ‘a’ alternative is the better buy. With an older chipset, that recommendation is no longer quite as easy. 

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It would’ve been an easier pill to swallow had Google introduced new game-changing features to balance that decision, but there isn’t really much else new about the Pixel 10a. 

Generally, it looks a lot like last year’s Pixel 9a, sporting the same flat-edged, rounded-corner design with a completely flat rear – a stark contrast to the bar-style camera housing present on the flagship Pixel 10 range. It would’ve been easy for Google to score a win in this department by including support for PixelSnap magnetic accessories, but that’s sadly not the case. 

There’s also an identical camera offering with a 48MP primary lens and a 13MP ultrawide on the rear and a 13MP selfie snapper up front, with no discernible changes to the underlying hardware. 

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Now, Google could’ve improved its image processing to provide a tangible boost, but I’d argue that the company’s processing tech was already pushed to the limits by the 9a’s hardware last year. It’ll be interesting to see how, if at all, it differs in actual performance. 

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You likely won’t see a battery life boost either; it uses the same 5100mAh battery as its predecessor, with Google claiming the same ‘over 30 hours’ battery life estimate. Another downside to not using a newer, more energy-efficient chipset.  

Upgrades that don’t exactly get the heart racing

Despite all the above, the Pixel 10a does come with a few key upgrades – but these are what I’d describe as bog-standard niceties rather than trying to truly tempt consumers to the newer phone.

That’s best exemplified by the only tangible design difference aside from the new Berry finish and slightly improved IP68 dust- and water-resistance: a completely flat rear camera housing. 

You might think ‘well, that was the case with the 9a too’, but there was an ever so slight bump around the edges of the module. That’s gone this year. It does mean that the 10a should sit completely flush on a table and not wobble at all, but the 9a’s wobble isn’t exactly egregious compared to some phones. 

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There are also improvements in the screen department; it’s still a 6.3-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, but Google has slimmed down the infamously thick bezels of the latest ‘a’ series handset, giving it a more premium look in line with 2026 mid-range rivals. It’s also brighter at 3000nits, though that’s only a 300nit jump compared to the Pixel 9a.

The Pixel 10a should also charge a little faster than its predecessor despite using the same 5100mAh cell, thanks to boosted 30W charging, though again, this is only a 7W increase compared to the 9a and far from true fast-charging mid-rangers like the Xiaomi 15T Pro and its 90W charging. 

Google is also keen to point out that the Pixel 10a will be ‘the first’ in the ‘a’ series to get flagship Pixel 10 AI features like Auto Best Take and Capture Coach – but the ‘first’ wording there suggests that the Pixel 9a may get the features in the future. 

After all, it’s not like Google can rely on the usual excuse of needing the latest Tensor chipset to power the features – if they’re on the 10a, they can definitely run on the 9a. That’d be a massive win for existing Pixel 9a winners, but it’d mean one less reason to opt for the newer, more expensive model. 

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The Pixel 9a seems like the smarter buy

With that all in mind, it seems like the Pixel 9a is the smarter buy – especially when you can pick it up for as little as £345/$399 at the time of writing, compared to the £499/$499 price tag of the newer Pixel 10a. 

The Pixel 9a offers an oddly familiar experience to the new model, complete with the same chipset, RAM configuration and storage, same design, same camera hardware and same battery. 

Sure, the Pixel 10a has a slightly better screen, a reduction of the already unnoticeable camera bump and slightly faster charging, but without the Pixel 10’s G5 chipset, it’ll remain an unusually hard sell for what is usually one of the best mid-range smartphones around.

If you are tempted by the newer model, you can pre-order the Pixel 10a now via the Google Store ahead of release on 5 March. 

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At $999, the iFi Audio NEO iDSD 3 lands in a price bracket that’s starting to feel less taboo in 2026, and that’s not an accident. In a Head-Fi market crowded with competent boxes chasing the lowest possible number, iFi is playing a slightly different game: value through consolidation. The NEO iDSD 3 isn’t trying to be the cheapest DAC/headphone amp on your desk. It’s trying to be the one that makes you stop shopping. With serious output power, lossless Bluetooth, full-tilt hi-res playback, and both analog and digital flexibility in a single chassis, iFi is betting that “affordable” no longer means stripped down, but the last box you are likely to need for many years. Which is probably not a thing for some people, but it’s a concept worth thinking about.

Yes, you can spend less with brands like Shanling, FiiO, Schiit Audio (once you start stacking boxes), Topping, or Fosi Audio. The argument isn’t whether $1,000 is cheap—it isn’t. The real question is whether any of those alternatives deliver this level of power, codec support, DAC performance, and feature depth in one box without meaningful compromises. That’s where the NEO iDSD 3 makes its case: not as a bargain-bin hero, but as a compact, do-everything desktop component that treats flexibility and sound quality as non-negotiable.

What the iFi NEO iDSD 3 Actually Is

The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 3 is a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed to cover a lot of ground without forcing users into a stack of separate boxes. At $999, it sits squarely in the middle of a crowded category, but its pitch is straightforward: combine high-power headphone amplification, full hi-res wired playback, and current-generation lossless Bluetooth support in a single, flexible component that works equally well on a desk or in a traditional hi-fi system.

At its core is iFi’s custom Burr-Brown DAC stage, supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512, paired with revised internal circuitry aimed at improving accuracy rather than adding coloration. JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology is included to restore harmonic content in digital recordings, while the headphone stage delivers up to 2,532mW RMS (5,551mW peak).

Wireless is treated as a primary input, not an afterthought. Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LHDC allows the NEO iDSD 3 to function as a serious wireless DAC. Analog-domain tuning is handled via XBassII and XSpace, for users who want subtle low-frequency reinforcement or a broader presentation without relying on DSP.

Practical details round out the package. The iFi Nexis app enables OTA firmware updates and remote control, and a 2-inch rotating color display allows the unit to be positioned vertically or horizontally depending on system layout.

The NEO iDSD 3 doesn’t try to redefine desktop audio. It focuses on consolidation: strong output power, modern wireless support, broad format compatibility, and real-world usability in one box. Whether that justifies $1,000 depends on your specific priorities, but in terms of scope, it’s clear what iFi is aiming to deliver.

Connectivity

The NEO iDSD 3 is designed to handle both modern digital sources and older analog gear without adapters or workarounds. Digital inputs include USB-B 3.0, S/PDIF coaxial, and S/PDIF optical, covering computers, streamers, TVs, and disc players with digital outputs.

For system integration, the NEO iDSD 3 offers balanced XLR and single-ended RCA line outputs, selectable as fixed or variable, allowing it to function as a DAC, preamp, or headphone amp depending on the setup. A BNC clock input is also included for users running an external master clock.

One notable change from earlier models is the removal of the 3.5mm analog input, replaced by a single-ended RCA line input. This makes the NEO iDSD 3 far more practical for traditional sources such as a turntable with a built-in phono preamp, an external phono stage, a tuner, or older CD players without digital outputs. Yes, that includes legacy gear that still works perfectly fine but predates modern digital connectivity.

Power and Physical Specs

The headphone amplifier section is built to cover a wide range of loads. Output power reaches 2,532mW RMS (5,551mW peak) from the 4.4mm balanced output, with the 6.3mm single-ended output also providing substantial drive. Output impedance is kept low at ≤1Ω, with iEMatch available for sensitive earphones, allowing the unit to work equally well with IEMs, dynamic headphones, and demanding planar designs.

Physically, the unit is compact but solidly built, measuring 214 x 158 x 41mm (8.4 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches) and weighing 916g (2.0 lbs).

The Bottom Line

The NEO iDSD 3 is a DAC and headphone amplifier that focuses on doing fewer things well, rather than trying to be an all-in-one. What’s unique is the combination of high headphone output power, lossless Bluetooth support, broad digital format compatibility, and a proper RCA analog input in a compact chassis. That last point matters if you’re connecting an external phono stage, a turntable with a built-in phono preamp, or older sources that don’t offer digital outputs.

What it doesn’t include is a built-in streamer or phono stage, by design. If you want network playback, you add one upstream—such as iFi’s ZEN Stream 3 or NEO Stream 3—and keep the DAC and amplifier roles clearly defined.

The NEO iDSD 3 is best suited for listeners who want one capable desktop or rack-friendly component to handle headphones, active speakers, wired sources, and modern wireless playback, without stacking multiple boxes or paying for features they won’t use.

For more information: ifi-audio.com

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The sub $1,000 network streaming market is no longer short on options. Between WiiM, Eversolo, Bluesound, and Cambridge Audio, buyers can choose from a wide range of compact streamers that handle modern services cleanly and integrate easily into existing systems. Most now cover the basics well. What separates them is how they integrate into real world systems, the flexibility they give users, and their performance in everyday listening.

That is where iFi Audio positions the $999 NEO Stream 3 and $399 ZEN Stream 3. Both are built around a modern streaming platform that supports Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2, allowing users to stream directly from native apps without workarounds or proprietary control layers. Setup is handled through a straightforward IoT process, and ongoing updates are managed through iFi’s Nexis platform rather than requiring users to chase firmware manually.

In practical terms, the NEO Stream 3 is designed for listeners who want a single box that can act as the digital front end of a system, handling streaming duties and conversion without external hardware. The ZEN Stream 3 takes a different approach, focusing on being a quiet and reliable network transport for systems that already have a DAC the owner likes and does not want to replace. Both models lean on improved power design and noise reduction to keep the signal path stable, an area where iFi has traditionally focused its engineering effort.

But is that enough to compete below $1,000? Let’s take a look at what both offer straight out of the box.

NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 Share the Same Core Streaming and Noise Control Architecture

Both the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 are built on the same core streaming and noise-control platform, with differences that are deliberate rather than cosmetic. At a baseline level, both models receive refinements to their power supplies, including upgraded polymer capacitors for lower noise delivery and the continued use of ELNA Silmic II capacitors in the audio path. The goal here is consistency and stability, not tonal revoicing, with iFi focusing on cleaner power and predictable behavior in long-term use.

Setup and system management are also shared. Both streamers now include iFi’s updated IoT hardware, enabling faster initial configuration and smoother day-to-day operation.Firmware updates and system control are handled through either a browser based interface or the iFi Nexis app, streamlining setup and ongoing maintenance compared with earlier manual update processes. Exclusive Modes return on both units as well, allowing users to disable unused background processes during playback to minimize potential noise sources.

Noise mitigation remains a defining design priority across both products. Each includes iPurifier2 technology on the S/PDIF outputs and Active Noise Cancellation on the USB ports, specifically aimed at reducing interference from connected storage devices or computers when feeding an external DAC.

The NEO Stream 3 goes further by retaining the OptiBox optical isolation system from the original NEO Stream, which isolates the wired network connection and prevents network-borne electrical noise from entering the audio system. The ZEN Stream 3 does not include OptiBox as one its connectivity features.

On the software side, both units use the latest version of iFi’s ultra-resolution streaming engine. This platform supports Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2, with improvements focused on stability, smoother web radio playback, and a cleaner interface with deeper configuration options. Control is handled through native apps rather than forcing users into a proprietary ecosystem. Support for Spotify Lossless, however, is still not finalised but we’re told it’s coming.

Where the two models clearly diverge is in system role. The NEO Stream 3 is designed as an all-in-one digital front end, combining network streaming with an integrated DAC capable of handling up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512. It is intended for users looking to modernize an existing hi-fi system without adding external digital components. The ZEN Stream 3, by contrast, is a dedicated network transport. It supports up to 384 kHz PCM and DSD256 and is meant to slot into systems where a preferred external DAC is already in place.

Both models also incorporate K2 technology developed in collaboration with JVCKENWOOD. This processing is designed to restore harmonic information often lost during recording, mastering, or encoding. Two modes are available: K2, which preserves the original file resolution, and K2HD, which optionally upsamples PCM content to 192 kHz 24-bit. With this generation, K2 processing is no longer limited to internal DACs. Any external DAC connected to either streamer can benefit from K2 processing, while the NEO Stream 3 adds the ability to apply K2HD upsampling internally to PCM material below 192 kHz.

NEO Stream 3

The NEO Stream 3 is a combined network streamer and DAC designed to function as a complete digital source component. It supports Wi-Fi and wired networking via RJ45 Ethernet as well as iFi’s M12-X optical network input. Digital inputs include USB-A for storage or DAC use and a front-mounted USB-C port. Digital outputs are comprehensive, with dual USB-A, S/PDIF optical, S/PDIF coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S, allowing the unit to operate either as a DAC or as a dedicated digital transport. Analog outputs are provided via a balanced 4.4 mm connection and single-ended RCA.

Internally, the NEO Stream 3 uses a Burr-Brown DAC stage derived from the NEO iDSD 2 and supports high-resolution audio up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512. Balanced output voltage is rated at 4 V RMS, with 2 V RMS available from the RCA outputs.

Power is supplied via a DC input supporting 9 to 15 volts, with internal regulation using upgraded polymer capacitors and ELNA Silmic II capacitors. Power consumption is under 0.5 watts at idle and approximately 14 watts at maximum load.

Setup and ongoing updates are handled through a simple browser-based interface or the iFi Nexis app, made possible by the new IoT hardware, so there is no need to fuss with manual update routines. With a compact chassis measuring 214 x 151 x 41 mm (8.4 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches) and weighing just 1 kg (2.26 lbs), the NEO Stream 3 is easy to place on a desk or equipment shelf without demanding much space.

Comparison

Tip: There was never a NEO Stream 2 product.

ZEN Stream 3

The ZEN Stream 3 is designed as a dedicated network transport for systems where digital conversion is handled elsewhere. It focuses entirely on getting a clean, stable digital signal out to an external DAC rather than duplicating functionality already present in many higher-end systems. Networking is handled via Wi-Fi or RJ45 Ethernet, with two USB-A ports available for local storage or DAC output.

Digital output options include two USB-A outputs for DAC connection and a coaxial S/PDIF output, each incorporating iFi’s iPurifier and Active Noise Cancellation technologies to reduce electrical noise before the signal reaches the DAC. There are no analog outputs and no internal DAC, which keeps the signal path simple and aligned with its role as a transport.

High-resolution support extends up to 384 kHz PCM and DSD256, handled by the same next-generation streaming engine used in the NEO Stream 3. Streaming is managed directly through native apps with support for Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2, avoiding reliance on proprietary control software. K2 processing is included to restore harmonic information lost during recording or encoding and is applied before the digital output, allowing connected DACs to benefit without altering their internal architecture.

Power delivery has been revised with upgraded polymer capacitors and ELNA Silmic II capacitors to improve stability and reduce noise under load. Power is supplied via a DC input supporting 9 to 15 volts, with idle consumption under 6 watts and a maximum draw of approximately 10 watts. Firmware updates and system setup are handled through a rear USB-C service port, using either a browser-based interface or the iFi Nexis app, enabled by the updated IoT hardware platform.

Physically, the ZEN Stream 3 is compact and lightweight, measuring 158 x 100 x 35 mm (6.2 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches) and weighing 578 g (1.27 lbs). It is sized to sit easily on a desktop or equipment shelf alongside an external DAC, making it a practical drop-in upgrade for your existing system.

Comparison

Tip: There was never a ZEN Stream 2 product.

The Bottom Line

With competition this strong, iFi is not trying to win by simply piling on features. The strategy here is differentiation through system role, execution, and the details that tend to matter after the initial setup. That includes easy integration into existing systems, app-native control rather than closed ecosystems, and a design that stays below the psychological $1,000 threshold while still targeting more demanding listeners.

That approach comes with tradeoffs. Brands like WiiM have shown that a comprehensive, frequently updated operating system can win over a large segment of the market, especially when paired with features such as room calibration and broad device compatibility. At this point, support for the major streaming platforms is largely table stakes across the category.

Where these products are ultimately judged is not on spec lists or feature counts, but on how smoothly they operate day to day, whether firmware updates are painless rather than disruptive, and how they actually sound once they are part of a real system. iFi is betting that its focus on noise control, power integrity, and flexible system roles will resonate. Whether that is enough to stand out in a crowded sub-$1,000 field will be up to listeners to decide.

Price & Availability

• NEO Stream 3 – $999
• ZEN Stream 3 – $399

For more information: ifi-audio.com

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Chinese robotics leader Unitree took full advantage of the nation’s Lunar New Year celebrations this week to show off the impressive skills of its G1 humanoid robot.

A video (top) of the event shows numerous G1 robots participating in what Unitree described as “the world’s first fully autonomous humanoid kung fu performance.” There’s a spot of breakdancing in there, too.

Performing alongside kids from the Tagou Martial Arts School for the Spring Festival Gala on China Central TV, the robots displayed incredible agility and coordination, moving at around 3 meters per second while performing flips, table vaults, somersaults, and rapid formation changes, blending martial arts with robotics innovation.

The robots were recently upgraded with improved, more dexterous hands, which during this week’s performance supported rapid switching and stable gripping of martial arts props such as nunchaku, Global Times reported.

Unitree founder and CEO Wang Xingxing said the robots executed many of their moves while running at high speed, claiming it as a first for high-dynamic, highly coordinated cluster-control technology.

Wang described the innovations as “very practical” and said they will “facilitate large-scale group deployment of robots in the future.”

The 132-centimeter-tall G1 robot was unveiled in May 2024 and made available three months later for $16,000. The bipedal bot is targeted for research, education, entertainment, and light industrial applications, with researchers, students, and developers encouraged to program and customize the the robot for different tasks.

Unitree also has a full-size humanoid robot called H1, which is about 180 centimeters tall. The H1 is more robust and powerful and is aimed at industrial deployment, while the more compact G1 prioritizes agility and affordability, and is geared more toward research and entertainment.

Unitree is aiming to ship in the region of 20,000 humanoid robots this year, nearly four times last year’s number.

It’s competing with a slew of robotics companies in China, the U.S., and beyond, with all of them racing to find meaningful and manageable roles for their humanoid robots in industrial settings.

The G1 also hit the headlines earlier this month when it took on an autonomous walking challenge in deep snow and brutally cold conditions.

Etsy is selling Depop, a secondhand clothing app popular with Gen Z and millennials, to eBay for $1.2 billion in cash, the company announced on Wednesday. Etsy says the deal will allow it to focus on its own marketplace.

The deal comes nearly five years after Etsy acquired Depop for $1.62 billion, at a time when secondhand clothing apps were gaining in popularity.

Founded in 2011, Depop generated approximately $1 billion in gross merchandise sales — the total value of goods sold through its platform — in 2025. In the U.S., the company saw nearly 60% year-over-year growth. As of December 31, 2025, the marketplace had seven million active buyers, nearly 90% of whom were under 34, and more than three million active sellers.

“Depop has built a trusted, social-forward marketplace with strong momentum in the pre-loved fashion category, and we are confident that as part of eBay, Depop will be even more well-positioned for long-term growth, benefiting from our scale, complementary offerings, and operational capabilities,” said eBay CEO Jamie Iannone in the press release.

The move comes as Etsy has struggled to grow its business after the pandemic-era e-commerce boom, competing with marketplaces like Temu and Shein, as well as Amazon.

The company’s year-over-year revenue grew 2.2% in 2024, down from 7.1% growth reported in 2023. Etsy is scheduled to release its 2025 earnings on Thursday.

“We are excited that this transaction allows us to focus exclusively on the compelling opportunity we see in front of us: to grow the Etsy marketplace in ways that matter most to our buyers and sellers,” said Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal in the press release. “We are proud of what the Depop team has built – a truly differentiated brand and product, grounded in clear purpose and strong community – becoming one of the fastest-growing fashion resale marketplaces in the U.S. I am confident that Depop is well-positioned for its next phase of growth as part of eBay.”

The sale is the latest in a pattern of Etsy acquiring and then divesting niche online marketplaces. Etsy’s sale of Depop comes as the company has purchased and then sold other niche online marketplaces in recent years, including Brazilian e-commerce company Elo7 and musical instrument marketplace Reverb.

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of this year.