The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS microSDXC Memory Card in the 128GB capacity is designed to offer a compelling blend of performance, storage capacity, and affordability for a diverse range of users. Building on KIOXIA’s established reputation in the storage industry, the EXCERIA PLUS line is positioned as an enhancement over their standard EXCERIA series, delivering improved speeds suitable for more demanding applications.

Specifications
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS microSDXC 128GB card adheres to the microSDXC standard and utilises the UHS-I interface. The card is rated as Speed Class 10, UHS Speed Class U3, Video Speed Class V30, and Application Performance Class A1. Its maximum read speed is advertised as up to 100 MB/s, while the maximum write speed is around 65 MB/s for the 128GB variant. In terms of durability, the card is designed to be waterproof (IPX7), shockproof, X-ray proof, temperature resistant (from -25°C to +85°C), ESD immune, and includes an internal fuse for overheating/ignition prevention. The card also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Performance
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS 128GB card provides a good balance of speed and capacity for various applications. For 4K video recording, the V30 rating ensures reliable performance at typical bitrates, allowing for extended recording sessions without write speed limitations. It also performs well for Full HD video recording and high-resolution burst photography, offering sufficient storage for large files and sustained write speeds for continuous shooting.

In gaming, particularly with the Nintendo Switch, the UHS-I interface provides adequate speed for game loading and playing, and the 128GB capacity offers substantial storage for digital game libraries. When used for Android applications, the A1 rating offers acceptable loading times and responsiveness for many apps, although it won’t match the speed of internal storage.

It’s important to remember that actual performance can vary depending on the host device, benchmarking software, and other factors. We used tools such as CrystalDiskMark and Blackmagic Disk Speed Test to test the card’s performance. In our tests, we achieved sequential read speeds pf around 90MB/s and sequential write speeds of around 60MB/s. In a simulated real-world file transfer test, writing a 10GB video file took approximately 3 minutes, while reading the same file took around 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Verdict
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS microSDXC Memory Card 128GB stands out as a reliable and versatile storage solution for a wide range of devices. It effectively balances capacity and performance, with the U3/V30 ratings ensuring dependable 4K video recording and the A1 rating offering satisfactory performance for Android applications. The robust design and the trusted KIOXIA brand further enhance its appeal, backed by a 5-year warranty.

While the write speeds aren’t the absolute top-tier, they are more than adequate for the majority of intended uses. Overall, the KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS 128GB microSDXC card is a compelling choice in its category, providing a dependable and well-rounded storage solution for capturing memories, expanding device storage, and running applications efficiently on the go.

Price: AED 120 approx.

Looking for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank but still packs a punch? The Acer Nitro V 16 steps into the arena aiming to deliver just that. This gaming laptop positions itself as a smart choice for gamers seeking a balance between cost and capability, promising a satisfying experience without emptying your wallet.

Design and Build Quality
The Acer Nitro V 16 keeps things simple when it comes to how it looks and how it’s made. It’s mostly built out of plastic, which helps keep it at a decent weight – around 2.5 kg – so it’s not too heavy to carry around. It’s not flashy to look at, just a plain lid with a small silver Acer Nitro badge. But the hinges that hold the screen are pretty strong, so the screen doesn’t shake much when you’re using it.

For its asking price, it feels put together well enough. Acer has clearly focused on making it easy to take with you and use every day, rather than using fancy materials like you’d find on more expensive laptops. This sensible approach means the Nitro V 16 is still a good choice if you’re a gamer who needs to move around.

Display
The Nitro V 16 comes with a 16-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. It uses IPS technology, and it’s a bit taller than usual, which is nice for both playing games and getting work done. The 165Hz refresh rate makes everything look smooth when you’re gaming, and the screen responds well in general. Colors look pretty good, often covering the standard range, so it’s okay for some light creative work.

The screen can get to a decent brightness level for using it inside, but it might not be bright enough if you’re trying to use it outside in bright sunlight. The matte finish on the screen does a good job of reducing reflections.

Specs
Inside, the Acer Nitro V 16 comes in different versions to suit different needs and budgets. You can get it with either AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors (like the Ryzen 7 8845HS) or Intel Core i7 processors (like the 14th Generation i7-14650HX). Both of these provide plenty of power for playing demanding games and doing everyday tasks. Interestingly, some models even have special AI features to make certain things work better.

The variant we are reviewing here came with Intel Core i7 i7-14650HX processor offering a clock speed of 2.20 GHz. For graphics, it comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics cards, like the RTX 4050 (with either 6GB or 8GB of GDDR6 memory) and the RTX 4060 (with 8GB of GDDR6 memory). Our review unit came with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card with 8GB of dedicated memory.

These graphics cards support advanced technologies such as DLSS 3.5 and ray tracing, which make games look much better and run smoother. You also get 16GB of DDR5 SDRAM and 1TB of NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, so your apps and games can load quickly. With this kind of a setup, the Nitro V 16 can run most modern games smoothly at a 1080p resolution and even at 1440p in less demanding games.

Camera
For video calls, the Acer Nitro V 16 has a 720p HD webcam. It’s good enough for basic calls and meetings, but the picture quality can sometimes be a bit grainy, especially if the lighting isn’t great. The built-in microphones work well enough for capturing your voice during calls.

Connectivity
For connecting your peripherals and displays, the Acer Nitro V 16 offers a practical selection of ports. You’ll find a single HDMI output for connecting to external monitors or TVs. For your USB devices, it includes one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port and another, faster USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port. Additionally, there’s a versatile USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port available.

In total, you get three USB ports for your various accessories. For a stable wired internet connection, the laptop conveniently features a dedicated RJ-45 network port. Finally, there’s a dedicated port for the power adapter and a Kensington lock slot for security. The placement of these ports is quite convenient, with some on the back and others on the sides.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The Acer Nitro V 16 has a full-size keyboard with an amber backlight. The layout is quite easy to use, with separate arrow keys and a number pad. The WASD keys and arrow keys have a different look to help you find them easily when gaming. The keys have a decent amount of travel, making typing comfortable. Overall, it’s generally comfortable for both typing and gaming. The touchpad is a multi-touch trackpad that works well and supports Windows gestures accurately. The size is okay for everyday use.

Cooling
To handle the heat when you’re doing demanding tasks or playing games for a long time, the Acer Nitro V 16 has an improved cooling system. It has two fans and a design that pulls cool air in from the top and pushes hot air out the sides and back. The main goal of this system is to prevent the laptop from getting too hot and slowing down, so you get consistent performance. Acer’s NitroSense software lets you see the system temperatures and other settings, and manually adjust the fan speeds and other options if you want to.

Battery Life
Despite matching the weight of similar gaming laptops, the Nitro V 16 packs just a 56Wh battery—closer to a mid-range productivity notebook than a gaming powerhouse. The laptop includes a 135W charger (via barrel plug) for full performance, but USB-C charging is slower and restricts the system from entering high-power modes. While convenient for topping up, USB-C isn’t ideal for heavy gaming sessions.

To see how long the battery lasts, we played The Witcher 3 at 1080p medium settings, with the screen brightness set at a certain level (250 nits) until the laptop died. The Nitro V 16 lasted just under four hours. This isn’t too surprising considering it has a large screen and a relatively small battery inside.

Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, the Acer Nitro V 16 offers a respectable and enjoyable experience for its price. With NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 can handle most modern games at a 1080p resolution with medium to high settings and still give you smooth frame rates. For more demanding games or if you try to play at higher resolutions like 1440p, you might need to lower the graphics settings to get smoother gameplay.

The high refresh rate screen (165Hz) makes the gaming experience feel much smoother and more responsive. Also, support for technologies like NVIDIA DLSS can give you a noticeable boost in frame rates in games that support it, making the overall gaming experience even better. While it might not give you the absolute highest frame rates or let you play all the most demanding games on the highest settings, the Acer Nitro V 16 provides a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience for most gamers looking for a good balance of performance and affordability.

Verdict
The Acer Nitro V 16 is a pretty appealing option for gamers who are on a budget. It does a good job of balancing performance, thanks to its capable processors and NVIDIA RTX 40 series graphics cards, along with a smooth, high refresh rate screen. While the design and build quality focus on being practical and portable rather than feeling super premium, they’re generally acceptable for the price. The keyboard and touchpad are decent for both gaming and everyday tasks. The cooling system works well to prevent overheating during intense use.

The selection of ports is useful and covers most needs. The Acer Nitro V 16 is a good choice for gamers, students, or anyone who needs a versatile laptop for both gaming and everyday tasks and who prioritises performance and a smooth gaming experience over top-tier looks and long battery life on the go.

Price: AED 5999 (Available for a discounted price of AED 4699 until July 6, 2025)

The ROG Strix Scar 16 G635LX is the smaller sibling of the Scar 18 G835LX, packing similar high-end specs, design elements, and features into a more compact and lightweight chassis. While it runs slightly hotter due to its size, it doesn’t compromise on performance.

Design and Build Quality
The Scar 16 G635LX is essentially a scaled-down version of the Scar 18 G835LX, as mentioned earlier, sharing the same design language, build quality, and ergonomics. Compared to previous generations, the 2025 model features a cleaner aesthetic, updated I/O, latest-gen hardware, and improved cooling. It also retains its standout mini LED matte display and punchy speakers, a combination still uncommon in gaming laptops.

The chassis is primarily plastic, except for the metal lid, and features an all-black finish with RGB lighting elements, including a lightbar around the base. The Anime Matrix LED array on the lid makes a return. Ergonomically, the hinges hold the screen firmly. The laptop features a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including a 3.5mm combo audio jack for audio input and output, a high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 FRL port for display connectivity, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports offering data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, a 2.5G LAN port for high-speed wired networking, and two cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 ports supporting DisplayPort, power delivery, and G-SYNC, with impressive data transfer speeds of up to 120Gbps.

ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LX (2025) Review: A Powerhouse for Gamers and Creators

Specifications
The ROG Strix Scar 16 G635LX includes an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 8 Performance and 16 Efficiency cores, boosting up to 5.4 GHz. It’s paired with an Nvidia RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with 24GB of DDDR7 VRAM and a power limit of up to 240W. Memory comes in the form of 32GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM RAM, expandable via two DIMM slots, while storage includes 1TB + 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0).

Display and Other Specs
The device boasts a stunning 16-inch ROG Nebula HDR Display with a sharp 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600, WQXGA) and a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio. This Mini LED panel features an anti-glare coating and delivers vibrant, color-accurate visuals with 100% DCI-P3 coverage. Gamers will appreciate the ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate and rapid 3ms response time, further enhanced by G-Sync technology. The display is also Pantone Validated, ensuring color accuracy for creative professionals, and supports Dolby Vision HDR for richer, more immersive visuals. The inclusion of a MUX Switch and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus allows users to seamlessly switch between integrated and dedicated graphics for optimal performance and battery life.

Cooling is handled by a tri-fan vapor chamber system with liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU. Power comes from a 90Wh battery, and the laptop includes both a 380W power adapter and a 100W USB-C charger. At 2.81 kg, it’s not lightweight but remains more portable than larger 18-inch alternatives.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard retains a full-size layout without a NumPad but includes dedicated media keys and full-sized arrow keys. Typing feel is excellent, with slightly stiffer actuation than previous models, and the keys are quieter than mechanical alternatives. Per-key RGB lighting is bright and customizable. The main downside is that the black keycaps and frame smudge easily, requiring frequent cleaning.

The large glass touchpad includes a virtual NumPad function activated via the top-right corner. Physical clicks are stiff, but palm rejection works well. An 1080P FHD IR Camera supports Windows Hello facial recognition, though image quality is strictly average.

Battery
The entire Strix Scar series comes equipped with a substantial 90Wh battery, delivering impressive endurance for everyday tasks like video streaming and web browsing. When you need a quick boost, the device’s power adapter with ASUS Slim Power Jack technology can recharge the battery to 50% in just 30 minutes.

For added convenience, all models support USB Power Delivery up to 100W via the USB Type-C port. This means users can stay powered up even when traveling light—just plug in a compatible USB-C charger for on-the-go top-ups without carrying the full power brick. Whether you’re gaming at home or working remotely, the Strix Scar lineup keeps you running longer with fast charging flexibility and all-day battery life.

Performance
The 24-core (8P + 16E) Ultra 9 275HX boosts up to 5.4 GHz and sustains 150-175W in Turbo mode. It delivers roughly 15-20% better multi-threaded performance than the previous-gen i9-14900HX. The Nvidia RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, armed with a substantial 24GB of cutting-edge GDDR7 VRAM and a significant power limit of up to 240W within the Scar 16 G635LX, promises to deliver top-tier mobile gaming and content creation performance.

This configuration allows the laptop to handle demanding AAA titles at high resolutions and settings, potentially even pushing the boundaries of ray tracing and DLSS capabilities for a visually stunning and smooth gaming experience on its high-refresh-rate display. The ample VRAM will also be a boon for professionals working with large datasets in applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and AI development, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.

The Scar 16 G635LX is designed with robust cooling to allow the RTX 5090 to operate closer to its maximum potential, unlocking exceptional performance that rivals high-end desktop GPUs from the previous generation. Users can expect blazing-fast frame rates, reduced loading times, and the ability to tackle graphically intensive tasks with remarkable speed and efficiency.. A vapour chamber and liquid metal cooling keep temperatures in check, with the CPU averaging ~90°C and the GPU ~80°C under load. Fan noise ranges from ~48 dBA in Turbo mode to under 35 dBA in Silent mode.

Verdict
The ROG Strix Scar 16 G635LX (2025) is a powerful, well-cooled gaming laptop with a standout mini LED display. While its pricing may deter some, it’s a great choice for users who prioritise a matte screen over OLED alternatives, along with powerhouse performance. If you can stomach the cost, it’s one of the best 16-inch performance laptops of the year.

Price: AED 22,999