Technology keeps changing at a rapid pace. Each year brings fresh innovations, smarter tools, and clever gadgets that redefine what is possible in everyday life. In 2026, the gadget world is especially vibrant, with new products that offer real value, practical improvements, and in some cases, exciting new ways to use tech. Whether it is powerful phones, intelligent wearables, smart home upgrades, or entertainment gear, this guide reviews 15 smart gadgets that are worth considering if you plan to upgrade your tech this year.
From devices that boost productivity to smart systems that make life more convenient, these picks highlight what stands out in terms of design, performance, real-world usefulness, and overall value.
Top Tech Picks: 15 Smart Gadgets Reviewed
1. Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold stands out as one of the most ambitious phones of this year. This multi-fold device expands into a tablet-like screen when opened, offering up to 10 inches of display space. The tri-fold design lets users run multiple apps side by side, watch videos on a large canvas, and even take notes or create content in a more flexible way than most traditional phones allow.
Powered by a leading Snapdragon processor and backed by Android 16, it brings high performance for games, work, and media. The combination of advanced hardware and a flexible display makes it appealing for users who want productivity and entertainment in one device.
2. iPhone 17e
Apple took a different path with the iPhone 17e, focusing on a balance of performance and price. This model brings many premium features found in higher-end iPhones to a more accessible segment. It includes Apple’s A19 chip, which delivers smooth performance for apps, games, and camera processing.
Improved wireless connectivity, including faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, gives it a modern edge. MagSafe and advanced camera features also help it remain competitive. For users who want strong Apple ecosystem support without paying flagship prices, this phone is worth a look.
3. Infinix Note 60 Pro
The Infinix Note 60 Pro is changing expectations in the mid-range smartphone world. Featuring a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip and a vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display, it offers smooth visuals and solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming alike.
Battery life is strong with a 6,500mAh cell that easily lasts through long days, and both fast wired (90W) and wireless (30W) charging keep downtime short. Its triple-camera setup gives users plenty of flexibility for photos in different lighting conditions, making it an impressive all-around choice at a more affordable price point.
4. RingConn Gen 3 Smart Ring
Wearable tech continues to shrink in size while expanding in capability, and the RingConn Gen 3 smart ring proves this. This device packs health tracking features into a simple, elegant form factor that looks more like jewelry than a gadget. Improvements include tactile feedback via vibration, blood pressure insights, and extended battery life of up to 13 days per charge.
This makes the ring practical for users who want continuous wellness data without needing a bulky wrist device. Subtle notifications and health alerts help people stay in touch with their bodies without constant screen interaction.
5. Amazfit Active Max Smartwatch
Smartwatches are still evolving, and the Amazfit Active Max stands out for offering high-end features at a mid-range price point. Its 1.5-inch AMOLED screen delivers bright, clear visuals, and the device can track over 170 workout modes.
With up to 25 days of battery life, it stays ready far longer than many premium rivals. Built-in storage for music and maps, plus strong fitness tracking, make it an appealing choice for both fitness enthusiasts and everyday users looking for long battery life and reliable tracking.
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6. Luna Band Fitness Tracker
The Luna Band breaks from the traditional smartwatch design with a screen-free health and activity tracker. It provides heart rate, sleep, body temperature, and respiratory tracking while remaining lightweight and simple.
Voice interaction support sets it apart, allowing users to log meals or wellness events by speaking to the device, with results visible in a paired app. This device is best for people who want health insights without distractions or the constant glow of a screen.
7. IKEA Smart Sensor Home Range
Smart home devices are becoming more integrated, and IKEA’s new smart sensor lineup makes this more affordable and user-friendly. With sensors that detect temperature, humidity, and motion, plus smart bulbs and remote controls that can work without an app, even first-time smart home users can start building a connected home easily.
Matter compatibility means these devices work with many major smart home ecosystems, helping to ensure they fit into existing setups. They show that smart home tech does not have to be expensive to be useful.
8. Smart Kitchen Appliances
This year is seeing serious upgrades in kitchen technology, and smart kitchen appliances are part of that trend. From refrigerators that track grocery inventory to ovens that suggest cooking steps, these devices make routine tasks more convenient.
Smart hubs like the OVAL system focus on keeping data local and private, while providing automation for everything from alerts when food is about to expire to safer stovetop notifications. These intelligent upgrades can save both time and waste in daily meal preparation.
9. Birdbuddy 2 Mini Smart Feeder
Not all gadgets are phones or wearables. The Birdbuddy 2 Mini is a smart bird feeder with AI-based detection that recognises when birds arrive and captures 2K video. It brings nature observation into the smart home domain without any fuss.
With a price under $150 and a straightforward setup, it makes outdoor monitoring more fun and engaging. For anyone who enjoys wildlife or wants a tech way to enrich outdoor spaces, this bird feeder is a refreshing choice.
10. LG OLED Evo W6 Wallpaper TV
Big screen technology continues to impress, and the LG OLED evo W6 brings a stunning ultra-thin display that sits like a painting on the wall. With advanced color processing and minimal bezels, this TV elevates home entertainment spaces.
Its Zero Connect Box removes visible wires, making installation cleaner while improving picture quality with advanced processing. For cinephiles and design lovers alike, this TV is both a visual centerpiece and a tech upgrade worth considering.
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11. Samsung Micro RGB TV Series
Samsung is bringing Micro RGB backlighting to a broader audience with its TV lineup. These models deliver deep colors, stunning contrast, and rich imaging in a range of sizes from 55″ up to 115″.
Micro RGB panels offer significant brightness and color exactness, making them great options for movie watching, gaming, and everyday entertainment. Their inclusion in mainstream models shows how high-end display tech is becoming more accessible.
12. Insta360 Link 2 Pro Webcam
Remote work and video communication continue to be important, and the Insta360 Link 2 Pro webcam delivers professional-grade video quality for desktops and laptops. With a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor and advanced AI tracking, it keeps subjects sharp and focused even while moving.
Its gimbal and gesture controls also make framing easier without manual adjustments. For anyone who regularly attends video calls or streams content online, this webcam is a smart upgrade.
13. Smart Lock With UWB Technology
Home security has become smarter and more seamless. Gadgets like the Aqara U400 smart lock use Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology to detect approaching users and unlock automatically.
This approach removes the need to fumble for keys or apps, while still ensuring robust security. As smart lock tech grows smarter and more integrated, these solutions make homes both safer and easier to manage.
14. Project Maxwell AI Wearable Concept
Wearables are not just health gadgets anymore. Concepts such as Motorola’s Project Maxwell blend wearable tech with AI companions that are aware of their surroundings and can offer real-time suggestions or perform actions based on natural language prompts.
Although still early, this type of gadget shows where wearables could be heading next: a hands-free AI presence that adds context and insight to everyday life.
15. Next Generation Portable Projectors
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Portable projectors are becoming more capable, with models offering sharp images, wireless casting, and auto-focus features that make them fit for both movies and presentations. These devices are ideal for travel, backyard films, and quick setup sessions anywhere.
They may not replace TVs for everyday use, but for anyone who values flexibility and big-screen experiences without bulky hardware, they are worth considering.
How To Decide What Gadget Is Worth Your Money
With so many new gadgets available, choice can feel overwhelming. Focus on real use cases, such as how often you will use a device, whether it solves a practical problem, and if it adds consistent value to your daily life.
Phones, wearables, and entertainment gear bring benefits if they match your lifestyle and priorities. Smart home devices make living spaces more convenient and safer. Productivity tools like webcams and power hubs improve comfort and efficiency. Finally, creative or novelty gadgets can make life more enjoyable, especially when they inspire connection or fun.
The gadgets above represent the best of what 2026 has to offer so far. Many of them have received strong attention from major tech shows and publications, showing that innovation this year focuses on usefulness rather than mere novelty. Whether practical upgrades or bold new ideas, these devices are worth a close look as you plan your tech purchases.
