Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
As a tech reviewer, I get to test many expensive products each year — whether I like it or not. Some of them are so good that I'd consider dropping my money on them if I had that much money lying in my bank account.
Also: 5 tech gadgets that I didn't expect to love this much in 2025 (including surprise earbuds)
From an expensive pair of wireless headphones to a trifold phone, there are multiple items on this list that wouldn't be considered value for money. However, they excel in one specific task or possess a unique feature that no other product can replicate. If you are looking to splurge money this New Year's, these are the products I recommend.
1. Bowers and Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones
The Bowers and Wilkins Px8 S2 are premium wireless headphones that sound exceptional and look luxurious. Their headband and ear pads are covered in nappa leather, the earcups sport aluminum accents, and the aluminum yokes have an exposed braided cable. They are comfortable to wear for extended periods (battery life lasts up to 30 hours). Plus, these headphones sound as amazing as they look.
Also: Why I put my Bose QuietComfort headphones away soon after testing this competitor
When you use the Px8 S2, you'll notice clearer details in music that you've been hearing for years. The bass is articulate, and the vocals are front and center with a wide soundstage. In terms of connectivity, the new Bowers and Wilkins headphones have Bluetooth 5.3, 24-bit/96kHz playback via wired USB-C connection, and an integrated amplifier and digital-to-analog converter.
They also support AptX Lossless and Adaptive Bluetooth codecs. The active noise cancellation isn't as effective as that of the Bose and Sony rivals, but I'd buy these for their excellent sound clarity and high-end aesthetics.
2. Xgimi Horizon 20 Max projector
I've loved watching movies on the XGIMI Horizon 20 Max. It has effectively replaced my TV at night. The flagship XGIMI projector supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, providing an immersive experience and delivering strong contrast with vibrant colors. It is very bright (rated for 5,700 ISO lumens) and can also withstand ambient lighting.
Also: I replaced my bedroom TV with this $180 Roku projector and can't go back
It features solid built-in sound, which should be enough for a small living room. But if you want to add a soundbar to the system, you can do so, thanks to eARC support. I couldn't test the gaming performance, but it does feature gaming capabilities, including 4K 120Hz support. There's no real downside to the Horizon 20 Max. If you can afford it, buy it.
3. Huawei Mate XT trifold phone
The Huawei Mate XT was also on ZDNET's most innovative products of 2025 list. It is a one-of-a-kind device that combines a phone, a mini-tablet, and a wide-screen tablet into a 12.8mm design. When folded, you can feel the thickness and its 298g weight in your hand, but unfold it once or twice, and its 3.6mm thin design truly shines.
Also: I tested Huawei's $3,600 tri-foldable phone
I love the Huawei trifold phone for its all-in-one design. Need to make a call or promptly reply to a text? Use it as a 6.4-inch phone. Want to browse online or read e-books? Unfold it once, and you get a 7.9-inch display with 2048 x 2232 pixels resolution. Need to watch videos or play mobile games? Open it all the way for a 10.2-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing minimal letterboxing and an immersive feel. It doesn't have Google services, but you can install those apps through various methods.
4. Asus ZenBook Duo laptop
The Asus Zenbook Duo has two 14-inch FHD OLED displays with support for Dolby Vision and a peak brightness of up to 500 nits. They are joined by a hinge, and yet the laptop is just 19.8mm thick and weighs 1.65kg. You get one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a full-size HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, so there's no real compromise in this form factor.
You can use the ZenBook Duo as a traditional laptop by attaching the bundled wireless keyboard to the second display, or utilize both displays simultaneously in either horizontal or vertical orientations (on the built-in kickstand). It offers unmatched flexibility for a laptop. While I wish the battery life were better (my M4 MacBook Air has spoiled me), I'd pick it for its flexibility.
5. Apple iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is one of my guilty picks on this list. It is a compact phone by weight and not by screen size. You get a 6.5-inch big and bright display, flagship power with the A19 Pro chipset, and the all-new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. I would love to use the skinny Apple iPhone as my primary device, but its mono speaker and one camera keep me from switching.
Also: I tested the iPhone Air for a week, and here's why 17 Pro Max users shouldn't sleep on it
I would love to use the skinny Apple iPhone as my primary device, but its mono speaker and one camera keep me from switching. However, if those are a non-issue for you and you need an iPhone that doesn't compromise on performance or display, but weighs under 170 grams, the iPhone Air is a good choice.
