I'll be the first to say that brand loyalty is a trap. I'm not really one to find a brand I like and buy everything connected to it just to flash the logo or name. Instead, I'd argue it's better to get the best product out there for your needs - no matter who made it. Maybe that's Apple, maybe that's Sony, maybe that's Dyson.
I've realised, though, that I've gravitated to a lot of Samsung tech lately. Not because I've got any devotion to a faceless corporation based in South Korea, but because it's knocked it out of the park with some of the best TVs, phones and earbuds available today.
And now, a lot of that terrific Samsung tech is on sale in this year's Black Friday deals. So, I'm here with some strong recommendations based on my experience enjoying and appreciating these products over the last few months. Hopefully, this hands-on personal perspective can help with a few of your buying decisions this year.
Samsung S90C TV
I'm starting with a big one here that I already bought at the start of the month and has me mightily impressed. Previously, I had a nearly five-year-old Samsung Q70R as my existing display, so I jumped on this offer for the Samsung S90C as it's a fantastic price for a new TV of this size.
What ultimately made me take the leap was the fact we also gave it the TechRadar Choice Award for the year's best TV - and it now sits proudly in the number one spot in our best TV guide.
The Samsung S90C's bright, vibrant, and detailed picture quality means it's also ideal for all the movies I watch, while gaming features such as a dedicated Game Mode and HDMI 2.1 ports ensure I get the best performance and experience from the PS5.
The S90C made Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse absolutely sparkle and fully brought out all the stunning visual flourishes of that animated opus. And it's been a star when it comes to gaming, too. It's ably heightened the creepy visuals and unsettling woodlands of the American Northwest in Alan Wake 2 to make that experience even more immersive. And the brilliantly bizarre musical interlude was even more triumphant on the big screen.
If you're looking for a big-screen premium TV then the Samsung S90C is a fantastic choice that you would be happy to have in your living room for all your viewing needs.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
When my old phone started running out of battery after less than half a day of moderate use I knew it was time for an upgrade. It was around this time that the Samsung Galaxy S23 range launched, so I thought the timing might be good to finally pick up a new handset.
With a delicious trade-in discount, a free storage upgrade and an additional voucher code, I was able to save a huge chunk of money buying the Samsung Galaxy S3 Plus upfront and pair it with a cheap monthly SIM.
Now, I can stream videos, play games and share the latest Baldur's Gate 3 memes in the group chat throughout the day and still have loads of battery left when I tuck myself into bed at night. Problem solved.
But that's not only where this phone impresses. It takes fantastic photos, performance is fast and responsive, and the screen is a great size for everything I want to do. Slightly large, maybe, but not too oppressive or difficult to slip into a pocket.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2
Lastly, here's a pair of earbuds that I like to rely on when I don't need or want my over-ears.
I use my Bose QuietComfort 45s for most things day-to-day: whether that's commuting, listening to music, some late-night gaming or just to block out any background noises when I want to focus in and get some work done. But the bulky frame isn't quite as convenient if I want to watch some YouTube in bed or when I go bouldering - and that's where these buds come in.
In fairness, for the reasons I use the Galaxy Buds Pro 2, I could probably have picked up something a lot cheaper. But, again, these ended up being a bit of a steal as part of a deal over Prime Day. All I had to do was trade in some random pair of old wired headphones and I got these for a third of the price.
That upgrade will probably be worth it in the long run, too, as the Buds Pro 2 have already proved themselves to be admirably all-around performers. Sound quality is solid, noise cancellation is surprisingly good for earbuds and the battery life is terrific for fairly frequent use.
I definitely suggest you check them out if you want some earbuds that are better than any old cheap pair, offer decent sound quality and you've got a reasonable budget to spend.
