Just when you thought GameSir couldn’t possibly come out with any more new form factors, that’s when they surprise you. The GameSir X4 Alerion isn’t quite like anything we’ve seen from the company before. It’s a two-piece mobile controller that connects to your phone via bluetooth that’s also officially licensed by Xbox. 

First of all, that name is so badass. So we had to learn where it came from. A quick Google search says Alerion means “Heraldry. an eagle displayed, usually represented without a beak or legs.” Fitting because the Alerion controllers clip to your smartphone like wings. Pretty neat. 

Unboxing 

@gadgetmatch

Unboxing the GameSir X4 Alerion 🎮 #GameSir #X3Alerion #GameSirX4Alerion @GameSir

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Like most GameSir products, the packaging is pretty generous. Outside of the magnetically-attached two-piece controllers, you’ll also find the carrying case with alternate thumbsticks and D-Pad. You also get some stickers as well as a GamePass subscription code. 

With GameSir, you’ll never feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth. 

Features and Specs 

Like most of GameSir’s recent offerings, the X4 Alerion comes with Hall Effect sticks. That means no risk whatsoever of stick drift. Other than the D-Pad, the AXBY face buttons are also interchangeable. 

You have more customization options through the GameSir app so if you’re the type who likes tweaking their devices, you’ll have plenty to do with the Alerion. You can adjust trigger mode, RGB brightness, lighting effects, volume and key value freely.

Check out the specs: 

• Working Platform: Android
• Connectivity: Low-latency Bluetooth
• ABXY Buttons: Microswitch
• Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
• Hall Effect Triggers: Yes
• Trigger mode: Analog triggers or hair triggers
• Back Buttons: Yes, 2 mappable Back Buttons
• Customization Software: Yes, GameSir APP
• Button Layout: Xbox / Switch
• Compatible Model Width: 68-95mm / 2.68-3.74 in
• Compatible Maximum Model Thickness: 12.5mm / 0.49 in
• Pass-Through Charging: Yes
• Battery: Yes, one 400mAh battery in each controller
• Product Size: 120*104.6*42.7 mm / 4.72*4.12*1.68 in
• Net Weight: 188.5 g / 0.42 lbs
• Package Size: 160*118*84 mm / 6.30*4.65*3.31 in
• Gross Weight: 426.3 g / 0.94 lbs

Actual use and performance

It’s a pretty straightforward device. Snap the controllers onto your Android smartphone, pair via bluetooth, and you’re ready to play. 

It was perfect when we used it with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The controller snapped on to the sides without trouble. We then proceeded to play Pokémon Unite and Call of Duty: Mobile. 

It worked seamlessly with no noticeable delay on Pokémon Unite. It’s a different story for CODM though. While it did work right away, there was a bit of delay in the input which affected our gameplay. 

We also tried it with Asphalt 9 — it’s a game that’s known to work well with mobile controllers. With the X4 Alerion, it was no different. They worked together perfectly. 

It’s good to check first if the game you intend to play has controller support. If that’s the case, the X4 Alerion will work right off the bat. Without controller support, you’ll have to resort to button mapping. It’s not our favorite activity in the world, but if you’re hellbent on playing with physical controls, it’s something you just have to do. 

GameSir was kind enough to make their own tutorial video about this. Watch below: 

Not for every smartphone

While the X4 Alerion is a great mobile gaming partner for regular slabs, foldable users who want to play with the screen unfolded might have to turn to other offerings from GameSir. The clip at the top of each controller just isn’t tall enough to accommodate larger screens. You can, of course, still use it folded so there’s that option. 

Another pain point would be for those smartphones with huge, protruding camera modules. We tried clipping the X4 Alerion on the HONOR Magic6 Pro and well, it was an exercise in futility. It just doesn’t fit securely and would disconnect the bluetooth connection every time it gets yanked out unintentionally.

That said, it’s perfect for everything else. For best results, use the GameSir X4 Alerion with Android smartphones meant for gaming. Those tend to not have bulky camera modules and are more built for mobile gaming.

Price and availability 

The GameSir X4 Alerion is now available and retails for £99.99/$99.99/ PhP 5,900. 

Buy here and use GSX4A10OFF on the Coupon for a discount.

@gadgetmatch

Huawei Pura 70 Pro: The photography king is better than ever #Huawei #HUAWEIPura70Series #HUAWEIPura70Pro @HUAWEI Philippines

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But the Huawei Pura 70 Pro here. 

Last week, we went to China to unbox the new Huawei Pura 70 Pro.

Today, we’re going up close and personal with Huawei’s latest flagship.What makes this photography-focused phone tick?

First of all, it’s not the P70 series anymore. Pura represents a new chapter for Huawei. It’s more than a rebranding for them. And all of it starts with the new forward symbol design.

First thing you might notice is the triangular camera island. You don’t have a gigantic circle in the middle or a traditional top-left island. It’s definitely unique. A few people already came up to me to ask where I got this phone.

Plus, just a short aside: A friend of mine pointed out how it can rest comfortably on your fingers. If you have small hands like mine (and want to avoid the pinky dent), the design is just perfect.

Now, what’s actually inside the forward design? Here’s a run-down of the Pura 70 Pro’s three rear cameras. From the get-go, the XMAGE imaging system melds hardware and AI together. Even from simply pointing and shooting, you’re guaranteed great photos.

But the real gems are from when you really dig deep into the camera, such as the Super Macro mode. Or the Ultra Speed Snapshot mode when you’re shooting pets, kids, fast cars, and athletes. You can use the telephoto lens for really far shots. And finally, a Portrait mode for your next profile pic.

At this point, you can already expect a great camera from the Pura series. But, how about everyone’s burning question? Can you download your favorite apps? Yes! Huawei’s App Gallery actually allows you to download all you need for your day-to-day life. Including Google apps!

That’s not all. EMUI 14.2 has a lot of AI-powered goodies. Check out this interactive wallpaper. It uses eye tracking to move the ball. When your eye lands on the ball, it swings to the other side. It’s so mesmerizing.

It’s also using the same technology for AI Privacy View. If the phone detects that you’re not the one holding it, it hides important notifications for that extra layer of privacy.Air gestures detect hand movements so you can control the phone even from afar.

How about performance, though? With a new Kirin chipset, it can handle a lot of the things you throw at it. From watching movies to playing games. Finally, the Pura 70 Pro has a 5050mAh battery. It’s definitely enough to get you through a day of regular to heavy use.

But, just in case, it supports 100W SuperCharge. You can juice up to 20 percent in just 5 minutes. On the flipside, it also supports 20W reverse wireless charging, if you need to power something else up.

There’s a reason why the Pura series has a legacy in smartphone photography. The Pura 70 Pro brings Huawei that much closer to the top again.

Watch more.

Michael Josh has spent about five days with the newest M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air.

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Here’s everything you need to know about the latest 2024 iPads!