The 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LX is ASUS’s latest flagship gaming laptop, designed to deliver desktop-grade performance in a sleek, portable package. With top-tier hardware, a stunning Mini LED display, and innovative cooling solutions, this machine is built to dominate both gaming and creative workloads.

Design and Build
The ROG Strix SCAR 18 features a redesigned chassis inspired by automotive racing, combining aesthetics with functionality. The laptop boasts rounded corners, a reduced hinge gap of just 2mm, and a full-surround RGB lightbar that gives it a futuristic glow.

The tool-less design is a standout feature, allowing easy access to RAM, SSD, and cooling components—a first for gaming laptops. The chassis is crafted from a durable mix of ABS and polycarbonate, ensuring it stays cool to the touch even during intense sessions.

Display
The 18-inch ROG Nebula HDR Mini LED display is a game-changer. With a 2.5K resolution (2560×1600), a 240Hz refresh rate, and 3ms response time, it’s tailor-made for competitive gaming. The display supports 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, Dolby Vision, and G-SYNC, ensuring smooth, tear-free visuals.

The Mini LED technology delivers 1200 nits of peak brightness and over 2000 dimming zones, resulting in unparalleled HDR performance. ASUS’s new Ambient Contrast Ratio film further enhances the experience by reducing reflections by 55% and improving contrast by up to 4.5x.

They also feature our customizable AniMe Vision lighting array on their lids, originally pioneered on our Zephyrus machines. With an array of 810 LEDs shining through precision-milled holes, you can show off your style with a wide selection of pre-made animations, import a GIF of your choice, or animate your own image from scratch.

Specifications
Under the hood, the Strix SCAR 18 is powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, featuring 24 cores and a boost clock of up to 5.4GHz. Paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU (24GB GDDR7 VRAM), this laptop is a beast. The GPU leverages NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, offering DLSS 4, Reflex 2, and RTX Neural Shaders for next-gen gaming and creative workloads.

The laptop supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and dual PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD slots (upgradeable to Gen 5), ensuring lightning-fast load times and multitasking capabilities. With a combined CPU and GPU power of up to 255W, the Strix SCAR 18 handles AAA games and demanding applications with ease.

Cooling
ASUS has revamped the cooling system with a Tri-Fan design, a sandwiched vapour chamber, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal. The rear-exhaust vents keep heat away from the user, while dust filters prevent internal buildup. In Turbo mode, the laptop operates at a noise level of 47dB—quieter than previous generations—while delivering maximum performance.

Audio and Connectivity
The SCAR 18 features a 4-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, offering immersive spatial audio. Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G Ethernet ensure lag-free online gaming, while Thunderbolt 5 ports provide ultra-fast data transfer and display output. The laptop also includes a Full HD camera with Windows Hello for secure facial recognition.

The laptop is equipped with two Thunderbolt 5 ports (supporting DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.1), three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.1 FRL output, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and an ASUS Slim Power Jack for charging. This comprehensive selection ensures high-speed connectivity, versatile display options, and efficient power delivery.

Software and Customisation
Armoury Crate centralizes system controls, allowing users to tweak performance modes, RGB lighting, and fan speeds. The SCAR 18 also includes GameVisual for optimized display settings and Scenario Profiles for automatic performance adjustments based on the task. A one-month PC Game Pass subscription is bundled, offering access to over 100 games.

Performance
To evaluate the Strix SCAR 18’s real-world capabilities, we conducted extensive testing using the Turbo performance profile with Advanced Optimus enabled (GPU in Standard mode) and the display running at its native 2560×1600 resolution. This configuration represents how most power users would realistically operate the laptop for demanding gaming and creative workloads, allowing us to assess its true performance potential while maintaining optimal system efficiency through NVIDIA’s dynamic graphics switching technology.

Here’s what we got:

GeekBench 6.2.2 64-bit: Multi-core: 20170, Single-Core: 3127
CineBench R15 (best run): CPU 5872 cb, CPU Single Core 321 cb
3DMark 13 – Fire Strike (DX11): 387819 (Graphics – 47910, Physics – 46620, Combined – 12940)
3DMark 13 – Time Spy (DX12): 22412 (Graphics – 21517, CPU – 14511)
PCMark 10: 9312 (Essentials – 11276, Productivity – 10391, Digital Content Creation – 18927)

Battery Life
The entire Strix series comes with sizable 90Wh batteries that deliver excellent endurance for everyday tasks like web browsing and video playback. For quick charging, the included ASUS Slim Power Jack adapter can replenish 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes.

When traveling light, you can still power up via USB-C thanks to 100W USB Power Delivery support, ensuring you’re never left without juice on the go. This combination of long battery life and flexible charging options makes the Strix lineup equally capable for both marathon gaming sessions and mobile productivity.

Verdict
The 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LX is a triumph of engineering, blending cutting-edge hardware and performance, a breathtaking display, and innovative cooling into a single package. While its size and weight (3.3kg) make it less portable, it’s a small trade-off for unmatched performance. Whether you’re a competitive gamer, content creator, or power user, the ROG Strix SCAR 18 delivers in every regard.

Price: AED 25999

Availability: The ROG Strix SCAR 18 arrives in UAE stores by late April 2025 with a free ROG backpack. Gaming fans can experience it first at Comic Con UAE from April 18-20 before its retail launch. Early buyers will also receive the Monster Hunter Wilds game (redeemable via Armoury Crate) with purchases made before May 31, 2025. ASUS sweetens the deal with its Perfect Warranty covering AED 500 in accidental damages when registered within 90 days, plus the ROG Elite Rewards program offering redeemable points for gaming goodies and exclusive content.

Product photography by Ryan Chris

The Oppo A5 Pro 5G is positioned as a mid-range smartphone with a strong emphasis on durability and reliability. It’s designed to appeal to users who prioritise a robust device capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. This phone offers a range of features aimed at providing a practical and resilient user experience.

Design and Build Quality
The Oppo A5 Pro 5G’s design and build quality are centered around its exceptional durability. One of its key features is its IP69 water and dust resistance, which provides a high level of protection against water immersion and even high-pressure water sprays. This makes it suitable for use in various environments where typical smartphones might be vulnerable.

Additionally, the device has undergone military-standard testing, specifically MIL-STD-810H, to ensure it can withstand drops and impacts, adding another layer of protection against accidental damage. Oppo’s Splash Touch Technology is incorporated, allowing the screen to remain functional even when wet, a practical feature for users in situations where a wet screen is unavoidable.

The phone’s construction includes double-tempered glass, enhancing screen protection, and an aluminum alloy shield for the motherboard, further contributing to its overall robustness. In essence, the design philosophy prioritises practicality and ruggedness, making it a good choice for those needing a phone that can endure challenging conditions.

Features
The Oppo A5 Pro 5G comes with a range of features that complement its durable design, focusing on practicality and user-friendly enhancements. A notable feature is the Outdoor Mode, a software enhancement that improves location accuracy, automatically enables the speaker for calls, and amplifies alert sounds. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities and professions that require clear communication and awareness of surroundings.

To ensure seamless connectivity, AI LinkBoost 2.0 is included to enhance network performance. Glove Mode ensures the screen remains responsive even when the user is wearing gloves. The inclusion of dual speakers enhances the audio experience, and 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charging provides rapid battery replenishment. For photography enthusiasts, the phone provides AI-powered photo editing tools, including AI Eraser, AI Unblur, and AI Remove Reflections, expanding creative possibilities.

Internal Specs
The Oppo A5 Pro 5G is equipped with internal specifications that provide a balance of performance and efficiency. At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, an octa-core chipset designed to handle everyday tasks smoothly. The phone comes in multiple RAM configurations – choose from 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB.

It also features a 6.67-inch LCD display with an HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and responsive interactions. Powering the device is a 5800mAh battery, designed to provide substantial battery life. The phone runs on ColorOS 15, which is based on Android 15, providing access to the latest Android features and Oppo’s unique software customisations.

Camera Specs
The Oppo A5 Pro 5G features a dual-camera setup designed to capture a variety of photographic scenarios. The primary camera utilizes a 50MP sensor, enabling the capture of detailed images in various lighting conditions. Accompanying the main sensor is a 2MP monochrome sensor, which likely aids in depth sensing or black-and-white photography. For selfies and video calls, the device is equipped with an 8MP front-facing camera.

AI Features
The Oppo A5 Pro 5G incorporates several AI-powered features to enhance both the camera system and overall user experience. The camera system benefits from AI enhancements designed to optimize photo quality across different shooting scenarios. For photo editing, the device includes tools like AI Eraser, which allows users to remove unwanted objects from their images, and AI Unblur, which sharpens blurry photos. AI Remove Reflections reduces or eliminates unwanted reflections in photographs. The AI extends beyond photography, with AI Assistant for Notes improving note-taking functionality.

Camera Performance
The Oppo A5 Pro 5G’s camera performance is suitable for everyday photography. In well-lit conditions, the 50MP main camera captures images with good detail and sharpness, making it capable for general use. However, in challenging low-light environments, the camera’s performance can be inconsistent. Issues such as overexposure and loss of detail did arise during our review period. The device supports video recording at 1080p resolution.

Overall Performance
The Oppo A5 Pro 5G delivers a decent overall performance for typical daily tasks. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor provides sufficient power for activities such as web browsing, social media usage, and running everyday applications. While adequate for most users, we found the phone’s performance is not exceptional for its price point, particularly when compared to other smartphones in the same category.

Verdict
In conclusion, the Oppo A5 Pro 5G is a smartphone that prioritises durability and reliable build quality. Its IP69 rating, military-grade shock resistance, and practical features such as Splash Touch Technology make it a good option for users who require a robust device. Nevertheless, certain aspects, including the display resolution and overall performance, may not be the most competitive within its price range. If durability is the primary concern, the Oppo A5 Pro 5G is a strong contender.

Pros:
✅ Sleek design with a high-refresh-rate display
✅ Good main camera with useful AI features
✅ Long battery life with fast charging
✅ Smooth, feature-packed ColorOS

Cons:
❌ Plastic build feels less premium
❌ Low-light camera performance could be better

Price: AED 1049

Buy Now: https://amzn.to/4jn1hxJ

Product photography by Ryan Chris

For ice cream enthusiasts and home dessert chefs, achieving that perfect, creamy texture without an expensive commercial machine has always been a challenge – until now. The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 10-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker revolutionizes homemade frozen desserts, putting gourmet-quality gelato, silky sorbet, and barista-level frozen drinks within effortless reach.

In this review we check out whether Ninja’s upgraded deluxe model lives up to the hype, testing its ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary frozen creations. We’ll put its 10 specialized programs through rigorous testing, evaluate the much-touted texture improvements from its dual-layer paddle, and determine if the convenience justifies the investment for both casual users and serious dessert aficionados.

Design and Build Quality
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe features a modern, space-saving design with a sturdy plastic construction that feels durable without being overly heavy. The transparent lid allows users to watch the churning process, while the ergonomic handle makes it easy to lift the pint container after processing. The base remains stable even at high speeds, and all removable parts—including the dual-layer paddle and pint containers—are dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning.

Compared to the original Ninja CREAMi, the Deluxe version brings several key improvements: a larger 680-gms capacity (up from 454-gms), two included pint containers instead of one, a dual-layer Creamerizer paddle for smoother textures, and an expanded selection of 10 programs (versus the original’s seven). It also operates more quietly, making it less disruptive in a home kitchen.

What’s Inside the Box?
Inside the box, you’ll find two 680-gms CREAMi Deluxe pint containers, a dual-layer Creamerizer paddle, a lid with a handle, and a recipe inspiration guide to help beginners get started. The inclusion of two pint containers is a major plus, allowing you to prepare multiple flavours simultaneously or store a backup batch in the freezer.

Controls and Customisation
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is controlled via a simple dial and function pad. The dial offers 10 preset programs: Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Lite Ice Cream, Frozen Drink, Frappe, Frozen Yogurt, Slushie, and Mix-In. The function pad includes a Re-spin option for achieving ultra-creamy textures and a Mix-In mode for blending toppings such as cookies, fruit, or candy.

What Can You Make?
This machine excels at creating a wide variety of frozen desserts and drinks. It produces rich, creamy ice cream and gelato, refreshing sorbet, and even healthier options such as lite ice cream and frozen yogurt. For drinks, it can blend thick milkshakes, frappe, and even mocktails. The ability to customise sweetness, texture, and mix-ins makes it far more versatile than most competitors.

Ease of Use
Using the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is straightforward:

1. Prepare your base (dairy, non-dairy, or fruit-based) and freeze it for 24 hours.
2. Insert the pint into the machine, attach the paddle, and select your desired program.
3. In just 2-5 minutes, your dessert is ready.

The Re-spin function ensures a perfectly smooth texture, while the Mix-In feature lets you add chunks of cookies, nuts, or fruit after processing.

Taste and Texture Performance
The results are impressively smooth, with no icy crystallisation—even with low-fat or dairy-free bases. Gelato comes out rich and velvety, sorbet is refreshingly light, and milkshakes are thick and indulgent. The machine handles alternative ingredients (such as coconut milk or almond milk) well, making it great for dietary restrictions.

Noise and Speed
While not silent, the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is noticeably quieter than a blender. Processing takes just a few minutes, making it quick enough for spontaneous dessert cravings, though the 24-hour freezing requirement means planning ahead.

Value for Money
Priced at AED 999, the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is an investment, but its 10-in-1 versatility, superior texture, and restaurant-quality results justify the cost for serious dessert lovers. The two included pint containers and durable build add to its long-term value.

Verdict
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is one of the best countertop ice cream makers available, delivering professional-quality results with minimal effort. Its versatility, ease of use, and superior texture make it a worthy upgrade over the original—especially for households that love homemade frozen treats.

If you’re willing to plan ahead (freezing the base overnight), this machine will reward you with creamier, richer, and more customisable desserts than store-bought options. For serious ice cream enthusiasts, it’s a fantastic investment.

Pros
✔ 10 preset programs for endless dessert and drink options
✔ Larger capacity (great for families)
✔ Dual-layer paddle ensures ultra-smooth textures
✔ Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
✔ Quieter than most ice cream makers
✔ Great for dietary preferences (vegan, keto, lactose-free)

Cons
❌ Requires 24-hour freezing
❌ Pricier than basic ice cream makers

Price: AED 999