September’s avalanche of product tests has finally settled, leaving reviewers with a short window before October’s flood of new hardware. With Apple’s much-anticipated smart display still under wraps, the spotlight now falls on the devices that have already earned their place in the spotlight. Engadget has published its first batch of best-of-2026 winners, a list built solely on review scores, while Amazon is quietly unveiling a staggered series of tablets and e-readers throughout the month.
Both storylines converge on a single theme: the relentless push for bigger screens, faster silicon, and more modular designs comes with familiar compromises. Whether it’s a premium tablet that taxes a buyer’s wallet or a budget laptop that sacrifices ideal specifications, the 2026 hardware landscape proves that progress rarely arrives without trade-offs.
Engadget’s best-of-2026 awards
Engadget’s award methodology is straightforward – the highest-scoring device in each category claims the crown. This data-driven approach removes hype from the equation, allowing pure performance and user experience to dictate the winners. The current roster includes a massive Android tablet, an upgraded Dell laptop, a screen-less fitness ring, and a modular GPS watch, each illustrating a different facet of the year’s tech evolution.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra commands attention with its 14-inch OLED panel – a size that blurs the line between tablet and portable monitor. Senior reviews editor Sam Rutherford notes that the display’s sheer scale is matched only by its price tag, making the device a bold statement of premium ambition. While the massive screen excels at media consumption and multitasking, its cost forces potential buyers to question whether such scale is essential for everyday use.
Dell XPS 13 (mid-range refresh)
Dell’s refreshed XPS 13 arrives with a 16 GB RAM configuration that markedly outperforms the earlier 8 GB model. Rutherford observes that the extra memory transforms the Windows 11 experience, prompting a debate about the relevance of an under-powered base variant. For budget-conscious shoppers, the lower-spec model remains an option, yet it underscores how manufacturers sometimes ship sub-optimal entry points alongside higher-tier versions.
Qalo SL-1 ring tracker
The Qalo SL-1 enters the market as a silicone ring-shaped fitness tracker, positioning itself against screen-less competitors like Whoop. Senior editor Daniel Cooper praises its discreet form factor but points out the steep price and recurring subscription fees, which diminish its appeal as a low-cost entry to the sport-tracking ecosystem.
Una modular GPS watch
Una’s GPS smartwatch distinguishes itself through a fully modular design, allowing owners to replace the back cover, display, or battery without specialist tools. Cooper highlights that this repair-friendly approach is rare in the wearables market, where most devices are sealed. The watch proves that affordability and serviceability can coexist, even if it means a slightly bulkier form factor.
Amazon’s October hardware roll-out
Rather than clustering announcements into a single event, Amazon has opted for a series of incremental reveals over the past weeks. This drip-feed strategy keeps the brand in consumers’ minds and gives each product its own moment of attention. The focus of the current wave is the new Alexa Tablet family and a refreshed line-up of Kindle e-readers, all built on Android 16 and equipped with native Google Play access.
Alexa tablets and Kindle upgrades
The Alexa tablet series launches in three sizes: an 8.7-inch model priced at $230, an 11-inch 2.5K display with Dolby Atmos speakers starting at $330, and a 12-inch “Pro” version costing $500. All devices feature eight-core CPUs, dedicated NPUs for on-device AI, and up to 16 hours of video playback. The flagship model adds a 120 Hz panel, a fingerprint sensor, and optional anti-glare “Nanomatte” glass for an extra $50. Accessories such as a $90 Pro Pen and a $150 magnetic keyboard round out the productivity-focused ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Kindle family receives a thinner six-inch entry model ($150) with faster page turns, a Paperwhite with a seven-inch high-contrast display ($200), and a Signature Edition that adds 32 GB storage and an aluminum back ($250). Both tablets and readers integrate Alexa+ for contextual voice assistance, and the Kindles retain the long-lasting battery life that has become a hallmark of Amazon’s e-ink devices.
These releases underline the same pattern observed in Engadget’s winners: manufacturers push the envelope on size, speed, and modularity, yet each advancement carries a price premium or a design compromise. Consumers eager for cutting-edge features must weigh the added cost against the tangible benefits, a decision that will shape purchasing trends throughout the remainder of 2026.
