The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, more commonly known as IFA, is a global stage where some of the world’s leading technology manufacturers showcase their latest consumer electronics and home appliances. Held at the Messe Berlin, this five-day event captivates thousands of visitors with its unique blend of innovation, making it a significant event on the tech calendar. Even though it’s not the primary platform for mobile devices anymore, IFA 2023 has seen some intriguing smartphones and wearables making their debut.

Among the newest products announced at IFA 2023, TCL 40 NXTPAPER and Fairphone 5 smartphones, along with Garmin Venu 3 and Withings ScanWatch 2 smartwatches, have caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. The TCL 40 NXTPAPER series, for instance, promises a display as fluid as LCD or OLED, yet gentle on the eyes like e-paper screens, making them a fascinating addition to the smartphone market. On the other hand, the Fairphone 5 from the Dutch company stands out with its sustainable and ethical design approach, featuring a unique modular design for easy repair and extended lifespan.

IFA 2023: Showcasing the Latest in Mobile Devices and Wearables

This year’s Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), the 99th edition of the consumer electronics and home appliances trade fair, is in full swing at the Messe Berlin. Despite a shift in focus away from mobile devices, a number of intriguing smartphones and wearables have caught the industry’s attention.

Spotlight on TCL 40 NXTPAPER

One of the standout devices is the TCL 40 NXTPAPER and its 5G variant. Equipped with a 50MP main camera and running on Android 13, these smartphones promise a display as fluid as LCD or OLED, yet as soothing on the eyes as e-paper screens. However, the real draw is TCL’s proprietary “NXTPAPER” display technology. Designed to reduce eye strain, the display offers an anti-reflective layer and an automatic color temperature adjuster. Though we have yet to test these features, the promise of a Kindle-like viewing experience with the fluidity of an LCD display is certainly intriguing.

The Sustainable Fairphone 5

IFA 2023 also brings us the latest offering from Dutch company Fairphone. The Fairphone 5 continues the company’s tradition of sustainable and ethical smartphones. With a unique modular design, a 6.46-inch OLED display, 8GB of RAM, and a trio of 50-megapixel cameras, this device is not just ethical, but also high-performing. Add to that a guaranteed software update until 2031 and we have a device that truly stands out in today’s market.

Garmin Venu 3: Health and Fitness Focused

Garmin’s latest smartwatches, the Venu 3 and Venu 3S, bring a host of new features to the table. Among these is workout tracking for wheelchair users, built-in microphones and speakers for calls and texts, a sleep coach, and an updated Body Battery feature for comprehensive insights into energy levels. With a battery life of 14 days, these devices offer a compelling alternative to the likes of Apple Watch and Google’s Wear OS smartwatches.

Withings ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light: A Fit for Everyone

Withings is also making a splash with its latest health and fitness wearables, the ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light. The devices offer a grayscale OLED screen, stainless steel case, and a range of sensors. The ScanWatch 2 has an upgraded 16-channel PPG sensor, TempTech 24/7 temperature sensor, and an altimeter. The ScanWatch Light, though less feature-packed, still offers an accelerometer and a PPG sensor. Both devices promise an impressive 30-day battery life and are water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Takeaways

IFA 2023 is proving to be a fascinating event, with a range of mobile devices and wearables that may not rival the upcoming Google Pixel 8 and Apple Watch Series 9, but are certainly worth noting. Whether it’s the eye-soothing display technology of the TCL 40 NXTPAPER, the sustainable and ethical design of the Fairphone 5, the health-focused features of the Garmin Venu 3, or the impressive battery life of the Withings ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light, there’s something for everyone at this year’s IFA.