Engadget review roundup: iPhone Duo and Rivian R2 lead recent tests

For the iPhone Duo, Engadget said Apple's first folding phone does not feel like a first-generation device. The publication said the phone is heavy and expensive and that many apps still need optimization for its interior screen, but it found much to like for buyers who can afford it. Senior reviews reporter Sam Rutherford said Apple had the advantage of learning from competitors' successes and missteps, allowing the iPhone Duo to avoid most of the growing pains typical of a new gadget category.

Engadget's review of the 2027 Rivian R2 described a mid-sized electric SUV with generous room, strong power and range, and an interior that meets expectations. The review said some fine-tuning remains and that buyers may want to wait for the base model due next year. Rutherford said Rivian is showing that a smaller, more affordable electric SUV does not have to make major trade-offs in style, power and technology compared with its larger siblings. He said the R2 feels like a "Goldilocks SUV" for a family of four and could persuade drivers of gas-powered rivals to switch to an EV.

The Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses offer an audio-only alternative to the camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta line. Engadget said the frames look more like ordinary glasses, provide longer battery life because they lack cameras and are comfortable to wear. Senior reporter Karissa Bell said one of her favorite things about the glasses is how "normal" they look and feel, adding that she could enjoy the open-ear speakers and other audio features without being constantly aware that she was wearing smart glasses or that people around her might notice.

In headphones, Technics placed its magnetic fluid driver technology in the over-ear EAH-A1000. Engadget said the $450 headphones deliver excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation along with a comfortable design and solid battery life. It also said one of their standout features is unreliable. Contributing reviews writer James Trew said the true wireless AZ100 made a big impression in 2025 partly because of the magnetic fluid drivers, and that the A1000 builds on that success with equally impressive sound. He called them a joy to wear and listen to.

Engadget also tested the ASUS ProArt P16, the first laptop it could get with Nvidia's new RTX Spark chip. The publication described an expensive but extremely powerful machine that is not intended for most users. Senior reviews reporter Devindra Hardawar said the ProArt P16 is an impressive premium laptop, but its high starting cost and unique hardware make it truly tempting only for AI professionals. He said he would give the entire RTX Spark platform at least a year before recommending it to general users or gamers.

The roundup followed a period in which Engadget said it published over a dozen reviews in two weeks, spanning Switch 2 controllers, repairable laptops, a new Alexa tablet and wireless microphones. Engadget said it could not fit all of the reviews into the recap and directed readers to its reviews hub for the rest.

Editor's Summary

Engadget's latest review roundup highlights the iPhone Duo, Rivian R2, Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, Technics EAH-A1000 and ASUS ProArt P16 after testing more than a dozen products. The reviews describe both polished new devices and remaining trade-offs, including the iPhone Duo's weight and price, the R2's pending fine-tuning and the A1000's unreliable standout feature. The roundup also signals that Nvidia's RTX Spark platform remains aimed at AI professionals for now.