Five most underrated gadgets of 2020

Google Pixel 4a. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

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Google Pixel 4a

Google never promised the Pixel 4a to be a flagship device and that messaging somehow didn’t work in favour of the brand. The Pixel 4a was essentially a budget version of the Pixel 4, but it retained what made last year’s flagship stand out. Google’s budget phone had a stock version of Android with the promise of three years of guaranteed updates. It also offered excellent camera performance, something that’s hard for the competition to deliver at this price. That said, the Pixel 4a wasn’t a perfect Android smartphone and lacked features like wireless charging. It’s a pity that the Pixel 4a didn’t receive much marketing from Google. Had the Pixel 4a promoted well in India, it could have been Google’s big entry into the mid-range smartphone market. Read our review of the Pixel 4a here.

Apple Watch SE. (Image credit: Apple)

Apple Watch SE

Big surprise, right? The Apple Watch SE deserves another look. When Apple launched the Watch SE, the less expensive Apple Watch was seen as a compelling alternative to the Watch Series 6. But somehow the flagship Apple Watch Series 6 completely overshadowed the Apple Watch SE. To be clear: Apple Watch SE offers every feature its pricier sibling offers, with the exception of an always-on display, an ECG app and a sensor to measure blood oxygen levels. Starting at Rs 29,900, the Apple Watch SE even costs less than the flagship Series 6. Sadly, the Apple Watch SE hasn’t gotten the love it deserved. That’s a shame, because the Watch SE is pretty darn good.

Microsoft Xbox Series S. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Xbox Series S

Ever since its launch, the Xbox Series S is regularly dismissed as the “confused” next-generation game console. But why? The smaller and less-powerful Xbox Series S isn’t made for the same audience who would end up buying the Xbox Series X or PS5. That’s exactly how Microsoft sees the Series S. The distinction is clear. The Series S is primarily an “Xbox Game Pass” machine and it’s meant to be connected to a 1080p TV or monitor. To be clear: the Series S is capable of running all the next-generation titles. Problem is, you will miss out on features like ray tracing. The Series S is affordable among the next-gen consoles, and Microsoft is aiming the device at casual gamers. The storage space issue is genuine, and Microsoft should address the problem. The Xbox Series S needs to be critically examined, but its positive aspects shouldn’t also be ignored. Read our review of the Xbox Series S here.

Apple AirPods Max. (Image credit: Apple)

Apple AirPods Max

The AirPods Max aren’t exactly underrated, but they are definitely Apple’s most trolled product in recent years. Just because they cost Rs 59,900 Apple should be heavily trolled. What is surprising, however, is how people made a perception about the AirPods Max and started comparing them with similar offerings but less expensive over-ear headphones from Sony and Bose. A pair of headphones, cheap or expensive, cannot be judged unless you test them on your own. And since the audio quality is subjective, it’s up to listeners’ experience whether to react negatively or positively. The funny part is that trolls started reacting to the AirPods Max when virtually nobody tested them. It’s funny how we make perceptions without using a product.