12 T3 DECEMBER 2021
Horizon
Top 10TECH-O-METER
TECH-O-METER
SONY XPERIA PRO-I
£1,599, sony.co.ukThe concept of a phone with a proper camera
sensor isn’t new but with this ‘camera with full
smartphone capabilities’, Sony really seems
determined to offer something seriously strong
in a far more useable form factor. The PRO-I
works its magic by somehow squeezing in the
1.0-type Exmor RS sensor of the RX100 VII
compact camera, sticking some Zeiss Tessar
optics in front, Sony’s mobile BIONZ X image
processor behind, and a Snapdragon 888
chipset powering the whole lot. This is a true
premium phone with a 4K 120Hz display, and it
can shoot in the exact same resolution. If you’re
serious about using a phone as a camera, the
processing and advanced capabilities of the
PRO-I’s camera app – accessible with a single
press of the knurled, half-pressable shutter
button – make this a very convincing option.
T3 SAYS: A true pro phone for pro phone users.
BMW i4 M
From £63,905, bmw.co.ukIf major auto manufacturers’ commitment to
battery power weren’t apparent enough,
BMW’s all-electric M-series, due next year,
ought to be enough to convince you. The
Munich marque has squeezed a lithium
powerplant into a body that is still resolutely
reminiscent of a petrol car, kidney grille, rear
footwell hump and all. It also crams the exact
kind of muscle you’d expect from an M series
car. Twin M-class eDrive motors can conjure up
a ridiculous 544hp, enough to hit 62mph in
under four seconds, with as much (or as little)
audible feedback as you like. BMW’s battery
smarts mean there’s over 71 miles available
in just 10 minutes charging, and a very
respectable 318 miles top total range; we’re
creeping ever closer to the point of mainstream
electric vehicles becoming truly practical.T3 SAYS: Something of an electric dream.IMAGE^SOURCE:^ SONYIMAGE^SOURCE:^ BMW