Engadget's latest roundup spotlights Apple's aggressive 2026 device push, starting with the $599 MacBook Neo, a budget Mac laptop praised for its premium feel and performance rivaling pricier Windows rivals. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar highlights its speed and screen brightness as key wins against $600 PCs. Apple also debuted the $599 iPhone 17e, a solid entry-level iOS option for budget-conscious users, according to managing editor Cherlynn Low.

The review also covers Apple's chip upgrades: the M4 in the iPad Air, M5 in the MacBook Air, and M5 Pro/M5 Max in the MacBook Pro, all deemed top-tier in their categories. The $3,000 Studio Display XDR gets a reality check, deemed worth its price only for pros needing extreme color accuracy. Samsung's Galaxy S26 is noted as a capable but stagnant safe choice compared to last year's model, while Dell's XPS 16 returns to form after its brand hiatus, though its keyboard tuning remains a concern.

The roundup concludes with unique finds like the Soundcore Nebula P1i projector and the Nothing Phone 4a Pro.