Portable Bluetooth speakers have become a must-have gadget for everything from braais and pool parties to camping trips and weekend getaways. The challenge is finding a speaker that delivers powerful audio, long battery life and useful features without costing a fortune.

Enter the Xiaomi Sound Party. Retailing between R2,000 and R2,500 in South Africa, Xiaomi’s latest portable speaker aims to offer premium features at a mid-range price point. After spending time with the device, it’s clear that Xiaomi has focused on delivering a well-rounded experience that prioritises sound quality, durability and practicality.

Specs

Xiaomi Sound Party Sound Test

For our Xiaomi Sound Party test, we put the speaker through a practical listening test, starting at around 25% volume and working up to 100% volume. We tested the speaker with Bass Boost enabled and then disabled to hear how the sound changed at different settings. What stood out during the test was just how engaging the speaker sounded. Even as we increased the volume, the Xiaomi Sound Party delivered a powerful and enjoyable audio experience, making it clear that this speaker is capable of bringing plenty of energy to your music. Overall, the sound performance was one of the strongest aspects of the Xiaomi Sound Party, especially considering its price point.

Who Is the Xiaomi Sound Party For?

One of the biggest advantages of the Xiaomi Sound Party is its versatility. This isn’t a speaker designed for just one type of user. Its combination of portability, durability, battery life and power makes it suitable for a wide range of situations. The Xiaomi Sound Party is particularly well suited to:

• Families looking for music during gatherings and braais
• Students who want a powerful portable speaker
• Outdoor enthusiasts and campers
• Pool parties and outdoor entertainment
• Weekend getaways
• Indoor parties and entertaining friends
• Office events and social gatherings
• Small businesses needing portable background music
• Anyone who wants a versatile Bluetooth speaker for everyday use

The IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating also makes it a much more practical choice for outdoor use. You don’t have to be quite as worried about splashes, dust or taking the speaker along on your next adventure.

Xiaomi Sound Party Price in South Africa

One of the biggest reasons to consider the Xiaomi Sound Party is its price. The speaker retails for approximately R1,999, although pricing can vary between retailers and promotions. At this price point, Xiaomi is competing in a particularly interesting part of the portable Bluetooth speaker market.

Xiaomi Sound Party Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 50W sound output
• Good bass performance with Bass Boost mode
• Excellent battery life
• IP67 dust and water resistance
• USB-C fast charging
• Can function as a power bank
• Stereo pairing and Party Connect support
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Lighting effects may not appeal to everyone
• Full stereo experience requires a second speaker
• Audiophiles may still prefer higher-end alternatives

Final Verdict

The Xiaomi Sound Party strikes an impressive balance between performance, portability and value. For between R2,000 and R2,500, buyers receive a speaker that offers powerful 50W audio output, long battery life, IP67 durability, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, RGB lighting effects, power bank functionality and advanced party features such as stereo pairing and Party Connect. While premium audio brands continue to dominate the portable speaker market, Xiaomi has demonstrated that consumers don’t necessarily need to spend flagship-level money to enjoy a feature-rich and capable Bluetooth speaker. If you’re looking for a versatile portable speaker that performs well both indoors and outdoors, the Xiaomi Sound Party deserves a place on your shortlist.

Tech Scene ZA Rating: 8.5/10

A feature-packed portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers excellent value for money.

The post Xiaomi Sound Party Review: Big Sound, Long Battery Life and Great Value appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Samsung’s A-series has always been the brand’s answer to one question: how do you bring the Galaxy experience to people who aren’t spending flagship money? The new Galaxy A27 5G, announced in June 2026 and now available in South Africa, is the latest attempt, and it leans hard into one specific idea: bringing Samsung’s AI tools down to a genuinely affordable price point. We spent time with the device to see whether that promise holds up. Here’s the full breakdown.

First Impressions

The A27 5G doesn’t try to hide that it’s a budget phone, but it also doesn’t feel like one in the hand. At 200 grams and 7.8mm thick, with a glass front and back wrapped around a plastic frame, it strikes a reasonable middle ground between durability and cost. It’s available locally in Black and Light Green, with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides and an IP64 rating that will shrug off rain and splashes, even if it’s not built for a swim.

Specs

The AI Angle

Samsung is marketing the A27 5G’s software suite under the “Awesome Intelligence” banner, and a few of the included tools genuinely earn the AI label rather than just riding the trend:

• Object Eraser removes unwanted elements from photos and fills in the background automatically.
• Voice Transcription converts voice recordings into text, with translation support.
• Circle to Search lets you circle anything on your screen and search it instantly through Google.

None of these are exclusive to the A27 5G, they’re increasingly standard across Samsung’s range, but having them on a sub-R6,500 device is the point. It’s the same toolkit Samsung sells on phones costing four or five times as much.

Who Is This Phone For?

The Galaxy A27 5G isn’t chasing gamers or content creators who need top-tier cameras. It’s built for:

• First-time smartphone buyers
• People upgrading from an older, ageing device
• Parents buying a phone for a teenager
• Anyone who wants Samsung’s ecosystem and AI features without the flagship price

If you fall into any of those categories, and you value a phone that will still be receiving security patches years from now, this is one of the stronger long-term budget options currently available in South Africa.

Pricing in South Africa

At the time of writing, the Galaxy A27 5G is retailing at:

• Vodacom: R5,999
• Amazon: R6,172
• Hirsch: R7,500

(Pricing fluctuates, always check current retailer listings before purchasing.) That’s a meaningful spread for the same device, so it’s worth shopping around before you commit.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Smooth, bright 120Hz AMOLED display for the price
• Six years of software and security support, best-in-class for this segment
• IP64 water/dust resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus+ durability
• Capable 50MP main camera with OIS
• Genuinely useful AI tools (Object Eraser, Voice Transcription, Circle to Search)
• All-day battery with fast charging
• Expandable storage up to 2TB

Cons

• Mono speaker only, no stereo sound
• No 3.5mm headphone jack
• Bluetooth 5.1 feels dated for a 2026 release
• Virtual proximity sensing instead of a physical sensor
• Ultrawide and macro lenses are noticeably weaker than the main camera
• 6GB RAM (SA variant) may feel tight for heavy multitaskers

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A27 5G isn’t trying to compete with flagship phones, and it shouldn’t be judged as if it were. What it offers instead is dependability: a smooth screen, a battery that lasts, genuinely useful AI features, and most importantly, a software support window that outlasts almost everything else at this price in South Africa. For anyone shopping in the budget segment and thinking long-term, the A27 5G is a smart, honest option.

The post Samsung Galaxy A27 5G Review: Flagship AI on a Budget Price Tag appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle everyday professional work while still being light enough to carry around every day, the MSI Modern 16S AI+ is an interesting option. Priced at just under R24,000 in South Africa, the laptop is aimed squarely at business professionals, students and hybrid workers who spend their days working with documents, spreadsheets, browser tabs, emails and video calls. It also comes with Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC certification, giving it the on-device AI hardware required to run supported AI features locally rather than relying entirely on the cloud. But is the MSI Modern 16S AI+ actually worth buying at this price? After looking at what the laptop offers, here’s where it stands out and where its limitations become apparent.

Specs

Display	16″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200, 16:10 aspect ratio), OLED panel, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage (typical) Low Blue Light & Flicker-Free certified by SGS
Design	Slim, lightweight “AI-Alloy” chassis in Platinum Gray Dimensions: 350.6mm (W) x 250.9mm (D) x 11.1–17.9mm (H) MIL-STD 810H military-standard durability certification
Keyboard	Single-zone backlit keyboard (white backlighting) with a dedicated Copilot key Action Touchpad – quick-adjust gestures for brightness, volume, and playback, and it’s user-customizable Smudge-resistant coating
Weight	1.7 kg
Processor	Processor: Intel Core™ Ultra 7 processor 355 (Panther Lake, Core Ultra Series 3) — configuration also available with Intel Core™ Ultra 5 processor 322 Base Clock Speed: 2.3 GHz (performance-core base; efficient cores base at 1.7 GHz) Turbo Clock Speed: Up to 4.7 GHz max turbo Cores & Threads: 8 cores (4 performance-cores + 4 low-power efficient-cores) / 8 threads, 12MB L3 cache, integrated NPU rated at 46 TOPS for Copilot+ features
Graphics	Intel integrated graphics (Xe3 architecture, built into the Core Ultra Series 3 chip) – no discrete GPU
RAM	DDR5 memory, 2 SO-DIMM slots, upgradable up to 32GB total (per MSI’s official datasheet)
Storage	1 x NVMe M.2 SSD via PCIe Gen4 x4, 512GB in this configuration – single slot, user-accessible for future upgrades
Battery and Power	3-Cell Li-Polymer, 60Whr battery Supports fast charging via 65W USB-C PD 3.0 adapter
I/O	2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (DisplayPort / Power Delivery 3.0) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz) 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN) 1 x microSD card reader 1 x audio combo jack
Connectivity	Intel Wi-Fi 6E (AX211) Bluetooth v5.3 Gigabit Ethernet (wired)
Bonus Features	IR HD webcam (720p/30fps) with 3D Noise Reduction and a physical webcam shutter Windows Hello facial sign-in Firmware TPM (fTPM) 2.0 for hardware-backed security 2 x 2W stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio Ready, DTS Audio Processing MSI Center S software suite with a dedicated “AI Zone” for managing on-device AI features Copilot+ PC certified

Who should buy this laptop?

The MSI Modern 16S AI+ makes its target audience fairly obvious. It’s designed for people who prioritise portability, durability and productivity rather than gaming performance. This includes:

• Business professionals working with documents, spreadsheets and email
• Students handling assignments, research and presentations
• Hybrid workers moving between home and the office
• Remote workers who rely heavily on video conferencing
• Professionals who travel frequently
• Users who want a lightweight 16-inch laptop for everyday productivity

MSI Modern 16S AI+ Price in South Africa

The MSI Modern 16S AI+ reviewed here retails for R23,999 in South Africa. The configuration discussed in the review combines the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The laptop is available through Takealot, with other local retailers also offering the device. There is also a lower-tier configuration available locally using the Core Ultra 5 322 processor.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight 1.7kg design for a 16-inch laptop
• MIL-STD-810H durability testing
• OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage
• Copilot+ PC support
• Comprehensive port selection
• Upgradeable DDR5 memory
• Windows Hello support
• Firmware TPM 2.0
• USB-C fast charging

Cons

• Processor isn’t designed for sustained heavy workloads
• No discrete graphics so its not suitable for serious gaming
• 512GB of storage may feel limiting for heavier users
• Only one storage slot

Final Verdict

The MSI Modern 16S AI+ is a well-rounded business laptop for users who value portability, durability and productivity. It’s not trying to compete with gaming laptops, and it’s not pretending to be a creator workstation, it knows exactly what it wants to be. Its 1.7kg weight makes it easy to carry, while the MIL-STD-810H durability testing gives it an advantage for professionals who are constantly travelling between locations. The OLED display is another major attraction, while the comprehensive port selection means you’re less likely to need adapters when connecting the laptop to office equipment. Then there’s the Copilot+ PC functionality, which gives the laptop access to Microsoft’s growing ecosystem of on-device AI features. It’s not the laptop to buy for gaming or demanding creative workloads. But that’s not what MSI is targeting. For professionals, students and hybrid workers who spend their days in email, documents, spreadsheets, browser tabs and video conferences, the MSI Modern 16S AI+ makes a strong case for itself at under R24,000. If your priority is a portable 16-inch business laptop that combines modern AI features with practical connectivity and a premium OLED display, the MSI Modern 16S AI+ deserves a place on your shortlist.

The post MSI Modern 16S AI Review: A Lightweight Business Laptop Under R24,000 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

If you’re looking for a budget gaming monitor in South Africa, the Acer Nitro VG270 is a monitor that deserves a closer look. With a 240Hz refresh rate, IPS display, fast response time and adaptive sync support, it aims to deliver a competitive gaming experience without pushing the price into the premium category. Priced at roughly R3,200 to R4,000, the Acer Nitro VG270 sits in an affordable mid-range segment and is aimed primarily at gamers who want speed and responsiveness without spending top-end money. But does it actually deliver where it matters?

Specs

Acer Gaming Features

Acer has included several useful gaming-focused features in the Nitro VG270 through its on-screen display. This includes Black Boost, which helps improve visibility in darker areas of games, as well as aim-point overlays for supported games. The monitor also features Blue Light Shield to help reduce eye strain during longer sessions, along with flicker-less technology designed for more comfortable extended gaming. While these features aren’t necessarily the main reason to buy the monitor, they add useful extras to an already gaming-focused display.

Who Should Buy the Acer Nitro VG270?

The Acer Nitro VG270 is best suited to competitive gamers who want a 240Hz gaming monitor without spending a fortune. If you mainly play competitive titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Apex Legends or Fortnite, the combination of high refresh rate, responsive performance, IPS display and adaptive sync support makes a compelling case. The monitor is less suited to someone whose primary focus is content creation or productivity. In those situations, stepping up to a 1440p display could provide a sharper image and more usable workspace.

Retail and Pricing in South Africa

The Acer Nitro VG270 sits in an interesting position in the South African gaming monitor market. Depending on where you shop, the monitor is priced between approximately R3,199 and R3 999. That puts it in an affordable mid-range category and gives gamers access to a 240Hz gaming monitor without having to spend top-end money. The monitor is available from South African retailers, including Computer Mania and others. Another important part of the retail story is that this is a locally assembled and built product. For South African buyers, that gives the Acer Nitro VG270 an additional point of difference beyond its gaming features and pricing.

Pros and Cons of the Acer Nitro VG270

Pros

• Excellent value for a gaming monitor
• Smooth 240Hz refresh rate
• Vibrant IPS display
• Fast response time
• AMD FreeSync Premium support
• Nvidia G-Sync compatibility
• Thin bezels
• VESA mounting support
• Locally assembled in South Africa

Cons

• Stand only offers tilt adjustment
• No USB hub
• No USB Type-C connectivity
• HDR performance is fairly basic
• 1080p resolution can feel less sharp on a 27-inch display, particularly for productivity

Acer Nitro VG270 Review: Final Verdict

The Acer Nitro VG270 gets the fundamentals of competitive gaming right. Its 240Hz refresh rate delivers smooth gameplay, the IPS panel provides vibrant colours, and the fast response time and adaptive sync support make it a responsive option for competitive players. There are compromises. The stand is limited to tilt adjustment, there’s no USB hub or USB Type-C connectivity, HDR performance is basic, and 1080p isn’t as sharp as 1440p on a 27-inch display. But those compromises are easier to accept when you consider the monitor’s target audience and price.

At around R3,200 to R4,000 in South Africa, the Acer Nitro VG270 offers a strong combination of performance and value. For gamers who prioritise high refresh rates and competitive gaming, it’s one of the better-value esports-focused monitors available locally. If you’re looking for a budget 240Hz gaming monitor in South Africa, the Acer Nitro VG270 is well worth considering.

The post Acer Nitro VG270 Review: Is This the Best Budget 240Hz Gaming Monitor in South Africa? appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle demanding work, AI-assisted tasks, video calls, multitasking and long days away from a power outlet, the Acer Aspire 14 AI deserves a closer look. Powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 processor, equipped with a dedicated Intel AI Boost NPU, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, this Copilot+ PC is designed to bring AI features into everyday computing without sacrificing portability or battery life. But does the Acer Aspire 14 AI actually make a difference in real-world productivity, or is “AI PC” simply another marketing label? After spending time with the laptop, here’s what you need to know.

Specifications

A Lightweight and Professional Design

Acer has taken a relatively understated approach to the Aspire 14 AI’s design. The laptop features a clean, professional aesthetic with a steel-gray finish. There’s nothing overly flashy about it, making it suitable for a range of environments, from the office and boardroom to a university lecture hall or coffee shop. It’s light enough to comfortably carry throughout the day, whether you’re commuting to work, travelling between meetings or taking it to university. This is exactly the type of laptop where portability complements the hardware rather than compromising it.

Is AI Actually Useful on the Acer Aspire 14 AI?

This is arguably the most important question and the answer depends on how you work. If you’re primarily using Microsoft Office, Teams, email, web applications and other conventional productivity software, the AI hardware isn’t going to magically transform everything you do. However, the dedicated NPU becomes increasingly relevant as Windows and software developers add more AI-powered features. Tasks such as AI-assisted content creation, intelligent video-conferencing features and other local AI workloads can benefit from dedicated processing hardware.

The bigger advantage is therefore future-proofing. Instead of buying a conventional laptop and hoping AI features work well later, the Aspire 14 AI is built from the ground up around Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC requirements and Intel’s dedicated AI acceleration.

Who Should Buy the Acer Aspire 14 AI?

The Aspire 14 AI makes the most sense for people who prioritise productivity, portability and battery life. It’s particularly well suited to:

• Business professionals who spend their day working with Office applications and meetings
• University students who need a portable machine for research, assignments and presentations
• Remote workers who rely heavily on video conferencing and multitasking
• Executives and consultants who frequently travel between meetings
• Sales professionals who need a lightweight laptop for presentations and communication
• General productivity users who want a modern AI-enabled Windows laptop

Acer Aspire 14 AI Price in South Africa

At the time of the review, the Acer Aspire 14 AI was priced in South Africa at approximately R22,999 to R26,999, depending on the retailer and available promotions. It’s available in finishes including Steel Gray and Iron Gray. Potential retailers include Acer South Africa and selected local electronics retailers, with availability and pricing subject to change. At this price point, the laptop is competing in a premium productivity segment, so the combination of 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, Core Ultra 7 performance and Copilot+ functionality makes the configuration particularly interesting.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent battery-life potential
• Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor
• Dedicated Intel AI Boost NPU
• 32GB LPDDR5X RAM
• Fast 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
• Lightweight 1.4kg design
• Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
• Windows Hello facial recognition
• Copilot+ PC support

Cons

• Display is good rather than exceptional
• RAM isn’t upgradeable
• Speakers could be stronger
• Not designed for serious gaming
• No dedicated GPU for demanding professional workloads

Final Verdict

The Acer Aspire 14 AI gets its priorities right. Rather than trying to be a gaming laptop, creator workstation and business machine all at once, Acer has focused on building a portable, efficient and AI-powered productivity laptop. The combination of the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, Intel Arc 140V graphics, 1TB SSD and dedicated Intel AI Boost NPU gives the machine plenty of performance for everyday professional workloads. The lightweight design and strong battery-life potential make it particularly appealing to people who spend a lot of time travelling or working away from a desk. It’s not perfect. The display could be more impressive, the speakers could be stronger and the soldered RAM limits future upgrades. Gamers and professionals who require dedicated graphics should also look elsewhere. But those aren’t necessarily deal-breakers because that’s not what this laptop is trying to be. The Acer Aspire 14 AI is focused on getting work done efficiently, with modern AI capabilities built into the platform rather than added as an afterthought. For business professionals, students, remote workers and frequent travellers looking for a premium Copilot+ PC, the Acer Aspire 14 AI is a compelling option and deserves a place on your shortlist.

The post Acer Aspire 14 AI Review: A Powerful Copilot+ PC Built for Productivity appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

MSI’s Raider line has always been the brand’s answer to “what happens if you don’t compromise on a 16-inch gaming laptop.” The Raider 16 Max HX pushes that idea further than any Raider before it, a redesigned, 10% more compact chassis, Intel’s latest Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, GPU options running all the way up to an RTX 5090, and a 240Hz OLED display that finally matches the rest of the hardware. This isn’t a laptop built around one headline spec. It’s built around all of them at once.

The Feature Everyone Overlooks

Most coverage of a flagship gaming laptop leads with the GPU. Fair enough, with configurations reaching an RTX 5090, that’s the obvious hook. But the more interesting story here is what MSI did to the chassis itself. The Raider 16 Max HX is 10% more compact than its predecessor, despite housing more powerful internals. And rather than sealing that smaller chassis shut, MSI added a quick-open bottom panel that gives direct access to both RAM slots and both M.2 storage slots — no full teardown, no voided warranty stress, just a straightforward upgrade path as your needs (or storage prices) change. It’s a detail that’s easy to miss next to an RTX 5090 headline, but it’s arguably the more useful long-term feature.

Full Specifications

Gaming Experience

With OverBoost engaged, the CPU and GPU can draw up to 300W combined, MSI rates it at 300W max and 280W stable, which matters more than it sounds. A laptop that can hit a high wattage figure once, briefly, isn’t the same as one built to hold it there through a multi-hour session. That’s where the triple-fan, six-heat-pipe cooling system does its actual job: keeping clocks from folding under sustained load rather than just surviving a benchmark run. Paired with the 240Hz OLED panel, the practical result is that frame rate and visual fidelity aren’t fighting each other, a high-refresh panel is only as useful as the GPU feeding it, and here neither side is the bottleneck. The four-speaker Dynaudio system, tuned with Nahimic 3, also means the laptop holds up reasonably well without headphones, which isn’t something you can say about every gaming laptop at this size.

Who It’s Built For

This isn’t a laptop aimed at someone just getting into PC gaming, the pricing and the hardware both make that clear. It’s better suited to gamers and creators who’ve already outgrown a mid-range machine: high-refresh 1440p gaming with ray tracing enabled, or content workflows, video export, rendering, multitasking across heavy applications, where 24 CPU cores and a 16GB+ GPU translate into real time saved rather than theoretical benchmark wins.

Price and Availability in South Africa

Pricing on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX in South Africa runs approximately R90,000 to R112,000, depending on which GPU tier (RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090) and RAM/SSD configuration you choose. The laptop is available in a single Core Black finish across the range, MSI’s variation here comes from internal configuration (GPU, RAM from 32GB up, SSD from 2TB up) rather than exterior colorways. South African retailers currently listing the Raider 16 Max HX range include Evetech, Wootware, and LaptopDirect. As with any high-end configurable laptop, it’s worth checking current stock and exact configuration directly with the retailer, since GPU/RAM/SSD combinations shift pricing within that range.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Desktop-class CPU and GPU performance in a chassis that shrank rather than grew
• 240Hz OLED display with genuine HDR certification (on 5080/5090 configs)
• Tool-light upgrade access to RAM and both storage slots
• Full, dongle-free port selection: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, SD Express, Ethernet
• Four-speaker Dynaudio sound system that holds up without headphones

Cons

• Firmly flagship pricing
• 2.6kg plus a 400W power brick isn’t an everyday-carry setup
• OLED panel is exclusive to the 5080/5090 configs, the base RTX 5070 Ti model uses an IPS-level display
• Battery life under gaming load will be short, as with any 300W-capable machine, this is a plug-in-first laptop

Final Thoughts

The MSI Raider 16 Max HX is MSI putting everything it currently has into a 16-inch shell: a desktop-tier processor, GPU options running up to an RTX 5090, a display that finally matches that performance, and a chassis that got smaller instead of bigger while doing it. It’s not a laptop built for someone shopping on a budget, and it doesn’t pretend to be. For a gamer or creator who’s already outgrown a mid-range machine, it’s a genuinely uncompromising option, and one of the more interesting flagship laptops MSI has put out in this category.

The post MSI Raider 16 Max HX: A Full Power Showcase appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Toshiba’s television business has quietly re-entered the South African market, and the 75M450RP QLED 4K TV is leading the charge. For a brand that many South African shoppers haven’t seen on shelves in years, this comeback comes with real backing: Toshiba’s global TV business has been owned and manufactured by Hisense since 2018, and Hisense itself operates a local South African manufacturing plant. That means this isn’t an orphaned budget brand, there’s an actual local infrastructure and support network standing behind the badge again. We put the 75-inch model through a full hands-on review to see whether the picture quality, features, and price back up the comeback story.

What’s In The Box

The 75M450RP ships with the table-top stand and screws, a Bluetooth/IR remote with batteries, a quick-start guide, warranty documentation, and the power cable. It’s a no-frills unboxing experience, the value here is clearly going into the panel rather than bundled extras.

Specs

Setup & Remote

Setup is straightforward: attach the stand, power on, and VIDAA walks you through Wi-Fi and app sign-in. The included remote is a lightweight plastic Bluetooth/IR combo with dedicated Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, SABC Plus, VOD, Showmax Disney Plus, TV channels and Vida Kids buttons, plus a microphone button for voice search. It doesn’t feel premium, but it’s responsive and pairs instantly.

Who Is This TV For?

The 75M450RP is not aimed at home theatre purists chasing OLED-level black levels or 120Hz competitive gaming performance. It’s built for South African households wanting a genuinely large, genuinely 4K, QLED-quality screen for the main lounge, for movies, sport, and everyday streaming, without paying flagship prices.

Pricing & Where To Buy

At the time of writing, the 75-inch model sits between R10,000 and R10,500. Toshiba has also reintroduced smaller sizes in the same line, with the 65-inch around R8,000 and the 55-inch around R5,800. Prices move regularly at South African retailers, so always check current pricing before buying.

You can currently find the Toshiba 75M450RP at:

• New World
• Takealot

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent price-to-screen-size ratio for a 75-inch QLED in the SA market
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support at a budget price point
• Direct Full Array local dimming improves contrast over typical edge-lit budget panels
• Real local support and service infrastructure now standing behind the brand via Hisense
• Unexpected gaming extras (ALLM, Game Deck) for a budget-focused set

Cons

• 60Hz panel only, not suited to gamers chasing 120Hz motion clarity
• Only three HDMI ports, all HDMI 2.0 (no HDMI 2.1, no 4K/120 pass-through)
• VIDAA’s app catalogue is solid but shallower than Google TV’s

Final Verdict

Toshiba’s return to South Africa, backed by Hisense’s local manufacturing and service network, is well-timed. South African shoppers want bigger screens without flagship prices, and the 75M450RP delivers a genuinely large, genuinely 4K QLED picture with Dolby Vision and Atmos support at a price that undercuts a lot of the competition. It won’t replace a flagship OLED for the true enthusiast, and 60Hz will rule it out for some gamers, but for the price, the size, and the fact that there’s now real local support behind the badge, it earns a solid recommendation for anyone shopping in this bracket.

The post Toshiba Is Back In South Africa – Is the 75M450RP QLED 4K TV Actually Worth It? appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The HIKSEMI Wave PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD is regarded as an affordable Gen3 storage alternative for users looking to upgrade from traditional SATA SSDs & mechanical harddrives. Built in the M.2 2280 form factor, its made for easy compatibility with most modern PCs and laptops that support NVMe storage.

The drive prioritizes delivering a balance between cost and performance by leveraging PCIe 3.0×4 bandwidth and 3D NAND flash for streamlining boot times, improving system responsiveness and speedy application loading in comparison to outdated storage tech. It is best suited for everyday computing, gaming, and general productivity workloads rather than sustained heavy write environments.

Specifications

Pricing & Availability

The HIKSEMI Wave PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD is widely available across several South African online PC hardware retailers, with pricing varying. As expected with imported tech pricing is not the same across the market

For the 512GB model, current local listings place it roughly between R1,550 and R2,100, with retailers such as Rebel Gaming listing it around R1,570, while others like Matrix Warehouse and Tech.co.za position it closer to the R2,000+ mark. Some specialist importers and smaller e-commerce stores have occasionally listed promotional pricing as low as the R1,300–R1,500 range, although these tend to fluctuate quickly based on availability.

The 1TB variant generally sits between R3,800 and R4,200, with retailers like Romtech and Kloppers listing it around the R3,800–R3,900 range when in stock, while other outlets push closer to the R4,000+ bracket depending on supply conditions. Overall, the Wave series tends to sit in the lower-to-mid budget Gen3 NVMe category in South Africa, competing directly with entry-level offerings from more established brands.

The HIKSEMI Wave PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD is a straightforward entry-level NVMe drive that prioritises affordability and general usability over high-end performance. It delivers a solid upgrade choice for users still relying on SATA-based storage, offering noticeably faster system performance in everyday tasks. While it does not compete with higher-end DRAM-equipped or PCIe Gen4 SSDs in sustained workloads, it remains a practical option for budget builds, older system upgrades, and general-purpose storage where cost per gigabyte is a key factor.

The post HIKSEMI Wave PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD Brings Affordable Gen3 Speed to Budget Builds appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

When it comes to affordable PC cases, finding the right balance between airflow, aesthetics, and value can be surprisingly difficult. Many budget chassis options either compromise on cooling performance or skip out on modern features entirely. The Antec VX100M ARGB looks to change that by offering a compact Micro-ATX form factor with tempered glass, pre-installed ARGB fans, and a high-airflow front panel, all without breaking the bank.

Designed for gamers and first-time builders, the VX100M aims to deliver a clean and modern look while still supporting today’s mainstream gaming hardware.

Compact Design with Modern Styling

The first thing that stands out about the VX100M ARGB is its minimalist mesh-front design. Instead of incorporating a sealed front panel, Antec leaned towards a vented layout improving airflow while maintaining that sleek minimalistic look

The tempered side panel highlighter the gamers love of RGB lighting, making the case have that premium steup feel in contrast to its entry level pricing. Its compactness makes it a solid choice for smaller gaming setups, student desks or minimal workspaces.

Airflow-Focused Layout

Cooling is clearly one of the VX100M’s strongest selling points. The chassis ships with three pre-installed 120mm ARGB fans, helping users achieve decent airflow performance straight out of the box. The vented front panel allows cool air to flow directly into the chassis, while the rear exhaust fan assists with heat dissipation during longer gaming sessions. Antec also includes support for up to seven 120mm fans in total, giving users room for future airflow upgrades if needed.

Hardware Compatibility

Despite its smaller size, the VX100M still offers enough room for most mainstream gaming components.

The case supports:

• Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards
• Graphics cards up to 275mm in length
• CPU coolers up to 160mm tall
• Standard ATX power supplies up to 160mm

This makes it suitable for budget and mid-range gaming builds using GPUs such as the RTX 4060, RX 7600, or similar compact cards. Storage support is fairly basic, but enough for modern builds, with mounting available for both 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch drives.

Front I/O and User Experience

The front I/O selection includes:

• 1 x USB 3.0
• 2 x USB 2.0
• Headphone/Microphone combo jack
• LED control button

The dedicated LED button is a welcome addition for users who want quick access to lighting presets without relying entirely on motherboard software.

Build Quality and Value

With the pricing sitting between R400 and R500, compromises are expected, but the VX100M still manages to deliver solid overall value. The steel chassis feels lightweight yet sturdy enough for everyday use, while the tempered glass panel helps elevate the overall aesthetic. Cable management space is understandably limited compared to more premium cases, but manageable with careful routing. For entry-level builders or gamers assembling a budget-friendly rig, the VX100M offers a surprisingly modern feature style for the cost.

Final Verdict

The Antec VX100M ARGB is a strong contender in the budget Micro-ATX case market. It combines modern styling, solid airflow, tempered glass, and included ARGB fans into an affordable package that makes sense for first-time builders and budget gaming PCs. While it does have a few expected trade-offs, such as limited internal space and basic fan control options, it still delivers excellent value for users who want an attractive gaming chassis without overspending. If your priority is affordable airflow with a clean RGB aesthetic, the VX100M ARGB is definitely worth considering.

The post Antec VX100M ARGB Review – Compact Airflow on a Budget appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

What if you were told you that for under R20,000, you could get a smartphone with Leica cameras, a dedicated 5x optical telephoto lens, a massive 6,500mAh battery, flagship-level durability, and performance that easily handles gaming, content creation, and everyday multitasking? That’s exactly what the Xiaomi 17T promises. In this review, we’re taking a closer look at the brand-new Xiaomi 17T to find out whether it’s one of the best value flagship killers available right now.

Xiaomi 17T Overview

The Xiaomi 17T was released globally in May 2026, continuing Xiaomi’s well-established T-series lineup, a range that has earned a reputation for delivering flagship-level experiences without the flagship price tag. After spending some time with the device, it’s clear that Xiaomi has focused on refining the features that matter most to everyday users, with particular attention given to camera performance, all-day battery life, and fast, responsive performance that keeps up with everything from gaming to content creation and daily multitasking.

Specs

Who Is the Xiaomi 17T For?

The Xiaomi 17T isn’t trying to compete directly with ultra-premium smartphones costing R30,000 or more. Instead, it’s aimed at users who want flagship experiences without paying flagship prices. It’s particularly well suited for:

• Mobile photographers
• Content creators
• Social media users
• Mobile gamers
• Business users
• Frequent travellers
• Power users

Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, multitasking, or capturing content, the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra continues to deliver strong performance.

Xiaomi 17T Price

At the time of this review, the Xiaomi 17T currently retails for approximately R18,999 through Vodacom and Cell C. Considering everything included, that pricing is highly competitive.

Xiaomi 17T Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent Leica cameras
• Fantastic 5x telephoto lens
• Outstanding battery life
• Bright AMOLED display
• Strong gaming performance
• Fast charging
• IP68 durability
• Premium design
• Great value for money

Cons

• No wireless charging
• HyperOS includes some pre-installed apps
• Telephoto image quality drops noticeably beyond the optical zoom range

Final Verdict: Is the Xiaomi 17T Worth Buying?

After spending time with the Xiaomi 17T, it’s clear that Xiaomi has created one of the most balanced smartphones in this price category. Although the asking price may seem a little steep at first, the overall experience more than justifies the cost. From the dedicated Leica 5× telephoto camera and excellent battery life to the bright AMOLED display, smooth everyday performance, and flagship-level durability, the 17T delivers where it matters most.

What makes the Xiaomi 17T stand out is its focus on the features people actually use every day. Rather than chasing unnecessary extras, Xiaomi has concentrated on delivering a polished, well-rounded experience that offers excellent value for the price. If photography and content creation are high on your priority list, the Xiaomi 17T is well worth considering and deserves a place on your shortlist.

The post Xiaomi 17T Review: Leica Cameras, 6,500mAh Battery & Flagship Performance Under R20,000 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.