I gave the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra a mixed review, and while I stand by the middling score it received, my thoughts have softened over the last six months – especially with the Xiaomi 12 Ultra rumors we’ve been hearing.
The Mi 11 Ultra, launched in mid-2021, was by all accounts a great phone. It had a huge, good-looking screen, three powerful rear cameras, and a top-end processor. My criticisms focused on the device’s excesses: its camera bump was unwieldy, it had a small rear screen that didn’t really add anything, and its price was so high that it was difficult to recommend to most buyers.
But now we’ve been hearing rumors of its successor, the Ultra version of the Xiaomi 12 that launched a month ago, it makes the Mi 11 Ultra sound starkly minimalist in comparison.
In defense of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
Usually, when I review a smartphone, I’ll use it for the testing period, then move onto another review device and never look back. Now and then, in quiet periods when there are no new phones out, I’ll use an older phone that I enjoyed testing. But other than those rare moments of tranquility, I rarely continue to use older devices.
(Image credit: Future)
That’s not the case with the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra though, as I’ve continued to use it pretty consistently since I tested it six months ago.
There’s one key reason for that – the Mi 11 Ultra has a fantastic set of cameras. They are far more versatile and useful than the ones on any device I've tested before or since.
I also shoot lots of video (for personal film work as well as for TechRadar videos) and the Mi 11 Ultra is the device I now default to for this. Not only does the 4K video look great, but the big battery, plentiful storage space, and powerful internals all help with the recording process.
I now find it super easy – easier than on a DSLR or vlogging camera, I should note – to pop the Mi 11 Ultra in a tripod and quickly record video that can be used on our YouTube channel. Recently, I used the Mi 11 Ultra for our Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review, both for my narration video and the product shots, which you can see below.
So I've found the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra very useful as an ersatz video-recording camera. And while using it this way, I haven’t bumped up against the issues I found in my review, since I’m not using it as an average smartphone. Fitting its mountainous camera bump into my pocket isn’t a problem if I’m not carrying it around with me all day, and I can completely ignore the rear display.
Because of this, my recent experiences with it have been positive, and I don’t find it as annoying to use as I once did. But another key thing that’s changed my mood is rumors of the Mi 11 Ultra’s successor.
The Xiaomi 12 Ultra sounds too much
While the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro have been unveiled, the Ultra sibling has not, and we don’t expect it to come along for at least a few months.
Leaks have been focused on the phone’s camera bump. It sounds even bigger than the Mi 11 Ultra’s, with space for up to seven lenses. Yep, seven different cameras – that’s even more than the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
There doesn’t seem to be a mini screen on the back, which is a change we’re all for, but if the number of rear cameras is true, then we don’t imagine the new phone will be much cheaper than its predecessor.
“So,” I hear you say, “if your favorite thing about the Mi 11 Ultra is the camera, surely you’re all for the Mi 12 Ultra having more cameras?” Well, it’s not quite that simple.
(Image credit: Future)
You see, with smartphones, an increase in the number of cameras doesn’t equal improved camera capabilities, and there are diminishing returns. Quite simply, there aren’t enough different types of smartphone sensors and lenses that having seven of them will give the 12 Ultra that many extra uses.
Sure, you need a main, ultra-wide, and telephoto camera, and a periscope and macro snapper would be fun, too. But unless the company tries something bonkers, like an Oppo-style microscope camera or a sensor paired with an anamorphic lens (which is what they use on movie cameras) we don’t see seven rear snappers being remotely useful.
Plus, how big does a phone need to be if there are seven cameras on the back? The word ‘phablet’ has lost its original meaning – back when it was used a lot a ‘big’ phone was anything with a screen larger than a fingernail – but a phone would need to be actual tablet-sized to fit seven decent rear snappers.
Phone sensors come in many different sizes, but bigger is always better, as it means the sensor can take in more light. Unless Xiaomi is going to cram seven tiny (and rubbish) sensors onto the rear panel, these snappers are going to take up some serious real estate.
If the rumors are true, the 12 Ultra will probably be a massive phone that’s hard to hold, just to fit in some arguably-useless rear cameras. On top of that, we expect it would be hugely expensive as a result of the aforementioned changes.
For those reasons, I’m really dubious about the Xiaomi 12 Ultra. Its predecessor got a mixed score because it focused on top specs without any consideration for affordability or useability, and it seems the new version might double down on that misguided commitment.
Of course, this is all based on leaks and rumors. The Xiaomi 12 Ultra might actually be completely different and we’d be pleasantly surprised if that were the case. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Are you excited for Moon Knight? You should be. While the anti-hero won't be well-known to many, its two main stars in Oscar Isaac (Star Wars, Dune) and Ethan Hawke (The Black Phone, Dead Poets Society) will be.
But we digress. Moon Knight, the upcoming MCU Disney Plus show, is Marvel’s latest attempt to create entertainment with a wider range of tones and genres, and it picked the perfect team of directors to do so.
And, with the Marvel Phase 4 project comprising six episodes, set to land on Disney's streaming platform on March 30, now is the perfect time to see what we can expect from its visually, tonally and stylistically.
Moon Knight's confirmed directors are Mohamed Diab, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. The former is believed to have directed four episodes, with the latter two working as a duo on two episodes. Although, online rumors suggest that George Clooney has helmed one of the superhero show's entries, too.
Egyptian director Diab is relatively new to western screens, but he’s won plenty of awards from around the world, with nominations and awards from film festivals including Cannes, Venice and Chicago. If you want to check out his work, some of his films – including Clash and Cairo 6, 7, 8 – are on Netflix in certain regions.
The power team we’re looking at here, though, are Moorhead and Benson, who have an impressive history of cult-classic films under their belts. The pair's movies are fantastic at creating eerie atmospheres and plots full of mystery and tension. But their flicks also contain real character stories and stories that are actually resolved, instead of being absolute nonsense like your typical low-budget cerebral-sci-fi story.
The duo are classic do-it-yourself filmmakers, too. They direct, shoot, write – they've even starred in their own work sometimes – and often make the most of low budgets, with great location work and scripts that are the stars of the show.
With Moon Knight's release just over two months away, you're best setting yourself up by checking out Moorhead and Benson’s back catalog. Below, we run through which movies in their filmography you should check out.
Resolution
(Image credit: Rustic Films)
Resolution marked the first time Moorhead and Benson co-directed a feature, which was also shot by the former and written by the latter.
Set in a cabin outside San Diego, as well as the surrounding hills and towns, Resolution tells the story of a man who handcuffs his drug-dependent friend to help clean him up – but the friend’s own self-destructive habits, unfriendly neighbors and a mysterious force make the endeavor a hard one.
It’s impossible to explain what makes Resolution great without spoiling the gripping ending. It could be accused of being a slow-burner but, even when the sci-fi and mystery elements aren’t present, character development and an uneasily-tranquil tension are a fitting substitute.
As the duo's first film, this is markedly the most low-budget, confined to a cabin and a select few other locations, a limited cast and, for most of its runtime, no special effects. In that way, it’s a far cry from the Disney-funded Moon Knight, but certain themes (which we won’t discuss, for fear of spoiling the movie) provide thematic ties.
Spring
(Image credit: Rustic Films)
Between Resolution and Spring, Moorhead and Benson worked on a few smaller projects, most notably a section for one of the V/H/S pictures, but Spring is the next movie we’d recommend checking out.
Spring tells the tale of a bereaved US expatriate who travels to Italy and falls for a local woman. It’s certainly not a rom-com though and, as the movie’s poster gives away, that woman has a monstrous secret.
This is a great film for fans of the Lovecraftian-style horror aesthetic, especially in terms of monster design. But, beyond it, there’s a surprisingly prescient story about finding yourself through other people, and the potentially-damaging problems of a reliance on relationships to do so.
It's also an interesting outlier in the filmography we're exploring. While most the filmmakers' movies explore male relationships – The Endless is about brothers, Synchronic depicts co-workers and Resolution showing long-time friends – Spring is about a romantic relationship.
The Endless
(Image credit: Snowfort Pictures)
Speak to most fans of Benson and Moorhead’s work, and they’ll tell you that The Endless was their introduction to the filmography. It’s the case for this writer and many other people, as it’s arguably the duo’s most popular film.
The Endless is about two brothers, brought up in a cult but left when they were young, who return to the place as adults and notice mysterious aspects of the group that they didn’t before.
As they explore the camp and their understandings of the past, the brothers' relationship begins to break down, before the real forces at play are revealed. Incidentally, the two brothers are played by Moorhead and Benson, showing their acting prowess is as strong as their behind-the-scenes work.
There’s a reason this is considered the entry point into the duo’s filmography – and that’s because it’s an incredible movie. The different aspects of filmmaking, from the script and performances to the shot composition and audio mix, are all woven with impressive skill to create a story that juggles tension and character development.
Like Resolution, some could consider it slow, but there’s enough going on in every scene and shot to keep you guessing. The pay-off, too, is incredibly satisfying, both from a story and character perspective. Seriously, if you’re going to watch one movie we’ve recommended on this list, make it The Endless.
Synchronic
(Image credit: XYZ Films)
Synchronic felt like a surprisingly big-budget film for Benson and Moorhead when it came out. Now that they’ve got Marvel money, it doesn’t seem as huge, but it marks a change budget-wise and tonally from previous works.
Starring Anthony Mackie (Altered Carbon, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and Jamie Dornan (Billy Elliot, Fantastic 4), it’s about two paramedics working in a city which is plagued by a mysterious designer drug which, when taken, has time-skipping effects.
Like Moorhead and Benson’s previous works, Synchronic focuses on characters rather than the sci-fi concept being explored. But, while The Endless and Resolution focus on barely-understandable malevolent forces that the characters must grapple with, Synchronic is about a feasible alternative future. For that reason alone, viewers might find it a bit easier to watch.
Tonally, it feels a little different to the duo’s previous films, but there a a few nods to previous films present for long-term fans to enjoy.
Honorable mentions
(Image credit: Rustic Films)
There are many other works by Moorhead and Benson that we'd recommend checking out, too.
Something In The Dirt is one of those – you can’t watch this right now because, at the time of writing, it’s about to debut at Sundance Film Festival. If you’re lucky enough to be attending, though, you'll be able to catch it. And, if you’re based in the US there are tickets still available for virtual screenings.
Something In The Dirt seems like a return to the duo’s roots as do-it-yourself filmmakers: they're the stars once more, with what seems to be a relatively low budget and limited locations. It tells the story of two neighbors who witness paranormal phenomena, whose relationship breaks down as a result – the perfect combination of sci-fi and character development that have become hallmarks of the duo's filmmaking process.
Meanwhile, the pair have also produced a few movies, with two we’d really recommend watching: After Midnight and She Dies Tomorrow.
The first is a relationship drama-slash-horror, directed by Jeremy Gardner and Christian Stella, about a man living in the countryside who’s tormented by a monster after his partner leaves him. It’s an enjoyable story made fantastic by a tense one-take scene near the end, which could well be the best non-horror scene we’ve ever seen in a horror film.
The latter is a horror character drama – directed by Amy Seimetz – about a woman who thinks she’s going to die the next day, and the effect this has on those around her. It’s a great character story and received enough awards attention to make it worth checking out.
Black Friday smartwatch deals are officially less than two months away, with the big day happening on November 26. We saw some great Black Friday discounts last year, and we're sure we'll see more this year too - with Cyber Monday likely to bring big discounts too.
However, scouring the internet can be tough. Here at TechRadar, we're here to help you decipher which Black Friday smartwatch deals are worth your time and which offers are better left alone. In this guide, we'll round up the biggest discounts on the best smartwatches when they drop, so you won't miss them.
Ahead of Black Friday there are already discounts on some wearables, and you'll find the best of those below too in case you can't wait, but in most cases we'd recommend waiting, as the Black Friday deals are likely to be a lot better.
The best smartwatches also seem to be in good supply too - even the Apple Watch 6, despite that having been discontinued. So there shouldn't be too much danger of stock shortages on the day itself.
The exception to all this is the Apple Watch 7, with analysts suggesting this could be in short supply for a while. This is a wearable that probably won't be heavily discounted either given how new it is, so you might want to buy one of these sooner rather than later.
Today's best smartwatch deals
The majority of the best smartwatch deals will likely happen on Black Friday (November 26), but if you need to buy one now, fear not: there are plenty of smartwatch deals to browse. Here are some of our favorite models, along with today's lowest prices.
Our predictions
Based on previous Black Fridays - and in particular Black Friday 2020 - we predict that we might see the following:
Apple Watch 6: might get a discount of up to hundreds of pounds/dollars for the top models.
Apple Watch 7: expect a small discount (around $50/£50) at most.
Apple Watch SE: a small discount is likely, but don't expect a big drop.
Garmin: expect a range of discounts on various Garmin watches - including some big savings.
Fitbit: we could see big discounts on older Fitbit models, with small ones on newer watches.
Samsung: don't expect a big drop on the Watch 4, but the Watch 3 and Active 2 could get some sizeable sales.
Tips for buying a smartwatch
There are a huge number of smartwatches to choose from and deciding on the best fit for you can be tricky, especially as many of them have superficially similar specs.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to make sure you get a good model – and don’t overpay for it.
1. Check out our best smartwatches guide
At TechRadar we’ve tested almost every smartwatch on the market, and with that knowledge we’ve created a best smartwatch guide, highlighting the very best options. Or if money is tight then take a look at our best cheap smartwatch guide.
Everything on those pages comes highly recommended, and you can see at a glance what we like about each model too.
2. Check if a deal is really a deal
If you see a smartwatch at a seemingly reduced price, it’s worth double checking how much of a deal it really is, by comparing to the prices elsewhere, or using a browser extension like The Camelizer to see how the current price compares to previous prices the wearable has been listed at.
Sometimes retailers can do tricky things like listing the price as a reduction from a starting price that the watch hasn’t sold at for a long time, so not all deals are as good as they look.
On Black Friday we’ll be highlighting all the best deals too, so keep an eye on this page and the rest of TechRadar for genuine bargains too.
3. Keep an eye on older models
Recent smartwatches might be new and exciting, but the biggest Black Friday discounts will usually be found on older models – especially if a new version has since been released.
So rather than the Apple Watch 7 for example, consider buying an Apple Watch 6 – you’ll likely find it for a lot less money, and won’t miss out on too many features.
Black Friday smartwatch FAQ
When will the best Black Friday smartwatches deals start in 2021?
Black Friday falls on November 26th this year, but we expect to see some tasty smartwatch discounts before then. Traditionally, the best offers were reserved for the day itself, but in recent years we’ve seen retailers launch their Black Friday pricing at the beginning of Thanksgiving week.
You'll also start seeing some offers crop up as early as October. The best deals often drop near Black Friday itself, but if you're after a bargain it's worth paying attention as soon as the first prices are cut on the smartwatch device you want to snag.
If you feel like you need a hand, we'll be rounding up all the best smartwatch Black Friday deals here, first, so bookmark this page and keep checking back.
Last year, the trend towards earlier deals was even more pronounced thanks to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in many parts of the world. Smartwatch and other tech prices dropped in late October and stayed low into the first week of December.
According to data from Adobe Analytics, the change last year was because the pandemic accelerated the shift to online shopping, with more than a 50% increase in 2020 compared to 2019. With many brick-and-mortar stores closed, and more people than ever shopping online to stay safe - plus with restrictions causing shipping delays - it made sense for retailers to spread the deals out.
We don't know if 2021 will be the same, but we recommend having your eyes peeled from late October / early November just to be sure you find the best Black Friday smartwatch deals.
Where will the best Black Friday smartwatch deals be?
You'll, of course, find the best Black Friday smartwatch deals here as soon as they drop. However, if you want to find the deals for yourself you'll need to know where to look. If you live in the US or UK, check out our picks below for the best sites to check for Black Friday smartwatch deals when they drop later this year.
You can also check them out now to see what pre-Black Friday prices look like so you know how good the savings really are.
There are a lot of smartwatches to be on the lookout for during Black Friday 2021, but what wearable devices will be best for you? Here's a rundown of the top devices to keep an eye on as the discounts appear.
Apple fans will be happy to know that the best smartwatch out there (according to our best smartwatch list) is the Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE comes with some top-end specs, a high-end design and a great range of features that you can't get on every other smartwatch right now. The battery life could be better, but if you're looking for good value for money during Black Friday 2021, this is a smartwatch to snag.
Alternatively, Android phone users will want the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. The Galaxy Watch 4 features a near-unique rotating bezel that makes navigating around the smartwatch a joy. Its functionality is great too, making this smartwatch perfect if you're looking for a smartwatch to track your fitness, look good on your wrist and do a whole lot more.
If you're on a tighter budget, you might want to check out our best cheap smartwatches for 2021, which will likely get even cheaper during Black Friday. The Fitbit Versa Lite currently sits at the top of our list showing the brand can do more than just fitness bands, while the TicWatch E2 shows that you can get something good from brands you might not be as familiar with.
The Apple Watch SE is the best smartwatch money can buy right now (not counting the Apple Watch 7, which we haven't yet put through a full review), and it's also a top mid-range choice, being cheaper than Apple's new numbered wearable.
That said, it's only of any use if you have an iPhone, so if not just scroll down for an alternative option. For those who do have an iPhone, you get a surprisingly premium experience with the Apple Watch SE, including good specs and a great design.
It didn't get big discounts last year, only dropping by $20 in the US, with no notable deals in the UK or Australia. That said, it's now a year older, so we wouldn't be surprised if there are some much better Black Friday offers for it this year.
OS: Wear OS | Compatibility: Android | Display: 1.2" 396 x 396 / 1.4" 450 x 450 Super AMOLED | Processor: Dual-core 1.18GHz | Onboard storage: 16GB | Battery duration: 3 days on 44mm / less on 40mm | Charging method: Wireless | IP rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE (for extra)
Excellent performance
Interesting new software
Limited compatibility
Lacks rotating bezel
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is our top premium smartwatch pick. It only came out recently so we're not expecting big discounts yet, but you might be able to save at least a bit of cash on Black Friday, and this wearable is worth the money.
That said, iPhone users are out of luck here, and to get the most out of it you need a Samsung phone. Still, with an ECG, body composition monitoring and all sorts of other health and fitness tools, this goes beyond most smartwatches for telling you what's going on with your body.
It also looks stylish, and unlike previous Samsung smartwatches this one runs Wear OS, so you can access a wide range of apps to use with it.
The Apple Watch 6 is no longer the top spec Apple Watch, with the Apple Watch 7 taking that crown. But Apple's latest wearable could be in short supply and is unlikely to get discounted much if at all, whereas last year's model could see heavy reductions as retailers look to shift their stock.
This is still a top smartwatch, with an always-on display and sleep tracking making for nice additions over the previous model.
While the battery life could be better you're not missing out on a ton by choosing this over the newer model, and it could end up being a whole lot cheaper.
You've missed out on these deals from last year - but that doesn't mean they aren't worth checking out. That's because they can give you a hint at what deals we might see on smartwatches in Black Friday.
Expect discounts that are at least as good as these on the selection of devices below, but also keep an eye on how these offers compare to deals you see before Black Friday lands. That way you can decide if it's worth waiting for the day itself, or snagging an early offer while you can.
Last year's Black Friday smartwatch deals in the US
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS): $309 $289 at Amazon (save $20) The Apple Watch SE may be a brand new product, but we've seen it for lower. However that was a brief deal, so you may have missed it, so if you want the watch this current deal is still worthy. This deal from Amazon allows you to get it with a Sport Band in your color choice of Black, White, or Pink.
Fitbit Versa 2 40mm smartwatch: $179$129 at Best Buy (save $50)
Pick up a Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch (40mm) at a $50 off discount with this Black Friday deal. The Fitbit Versa 2 packs an AMOLED display, sleep and fitness tracking, and up to 5 days of battery life at a compelling price.
Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm, GPS): $399 $349.99 at Amazon (save $49) The all-new Apple Watch Series 6 gets a $49 price cut at Amazon in this early Black Friday deal. The all-new 40mm smartwatch features a new S6 processor, blood oxygen monitoring, an ECG app, and elevation tracking. You must apply the additional $29 discount at checkout to see the full discount.
Garmin Legacy Hero Captain America: $399.99 $349.99 at Amazon (save $50) This Garmin smartwatch has a Captain America twist, both in the design (inspired by the Marvel superhero) and in the software, with themed watch faces and more. It's a good-looking watch even if you don't like the Avengers, but for fans of the series who also need a great smartwatch, it's a must-buy.
Ticwatch S2: $179.99 $101.98 at Mobvoi.com (save $78) We called the Ticwatch S2 one of the best affordable Wear OS smartwatches available, and that was before this deal cut even more money off its price. It has a rugged-feeling waterproof design and two-day battery life, though it misses some features like NFC.
Fitbit Charge 4:$149.95$99.95 at Fitbit.com (save $50)
The Fitbit Charge 4 is an excellent fitness tracker for causal runners and cyclists thanks to its on-board GPS, which allows you to track runs and rides without carrying your phone. The data will sync with the Fitbit app, and can even be uploaded automatically to Strava. At under $100, it's a steal.
Fitbit Inspire 2:$99.95$69.95 at Fitbit.com (save $30)
The FItbit Inspire 2 is a smart entry-level fitness tracker that launched just a couple of months ago. It features all-day heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, workout monitoring, smartphone notifications, and guided breathing exercises – and its battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 10 days between charges. At a hair under $70, it's a real Black Friday bargain
Last year's Black Friday smartwatch deals in the UK
Samsung Galaxy Watch 42mm:£259£159 at Argos (save £100)
Argos has knocked £100 off the price of the smaller 42mm version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch. Despite its slimmer dimensions, it offers the same features as the 46mm version, including 39 fitness tracking modes, GPS tracking, stress management, and voice controls. This deal applies to the rose gold model.
Apple Watch 5 White Sport Band 40mm (GPS + Cell): £699 £452.99 at Amazon (save £246) There's nearly £250 off this sporty-looking version of the Apple Watch 5, which is a pretty huge saving compared to the initial price. the 44mm version is on sale too but its reduction isn't as dramatic. 44mm: £749.99 £582.99 at Amazon (save £166)
Samsung Galaxy Golf:£359.99£259.99 at Argos (save £100)
Argos has knocked £100 off this specialized golf smartwatch for Black Friday. Despite having a range of analog face designs, it features a fully digital display the can be configured to show a host of fitness stats, and comes pre-loaded with Samsung's premium Smart Caddie app with maps of 40,000 courses.
Garmin Vivomove Style: £259.99£189.99 at Argos (save £70)
The Garmin Vivomove is a gorgeous hybrid smartwatch that's perfect for anyone who finds regular fitness trackers a little bit ugly. It has an analog face with a hidden digital display that reveals vital stats and smartphone notifications at the push of a button. It collects far more data than that though, and pushes a wealth of info on your activity and wellbeing to the Garmin Connect app on your phone. A stunning smartwatch, and a great deal with £70 off at Argos.
Ticwatch S2: £127 £84 at Mobvoi.com (save £43) This is a really great new price for this watch. We called the Ticwatch S2 one of the best affordable Wear OS smartwatches available, and that was before this deal cut even more money off its price. It has a rugged-feeling waterproof design and two-day battery life, though it misses some features like NFC.
TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.
Some of the most popular Black Friday Lego deals are on the company's popular advent calendar sets - these are your traditional December day-counters, except instead of chocolate, cheese or gin, each door houses bricks or minifigures.
Many people view Black Friday in late November as the best time to buy a Lego calendar, which totally makes sense - not only do sets get some of their cost knocked off during the sales season, but it takes place just before advent begins.
Naturally, then, if you're interested in buying a Lego advent calendar you might be considering waiting until then, or the Cyber Monday Lego sales, to pick up a calendar. However, that might not be the best idea.
What Lego advent calendars are there?
If you search Amazon for Lego advent calendars, you'll find loads of options, and that's because the brick company puts out multiple each year. There are separate ones for different franchises, and many get updated each year.
In 2021, the Lego website lists four calendars: City, Friends, Harry Potter and Marvel, though in some countries, the latter isn't listed, and in many places, we checked the Friends set is already sold out.
To be clear, the Lego Friends we're talking about is the company's line of sets about... well, friends, with camping, shopping and party-themed kits - this isn't about the popular TV show, though there are Lego sets about that too.
(Image credit: Lego / Nintendo)
A quick Amazon search for 'Lego calendar' will bring up plenty of results, with lots of older sets too (not that age matters - every year has the same number of advent days!). There are a few Star Wars sets available too, as Lego usually makes a new one each year.
Other retailers have stock of previous-year advent calendars too - Walmart, for example, has about a billion from different franchises, at a few price points. There's a $100 price tag on a 2017 Star Wars calendar - presumably, that's a tax leveled against sets from those halcyon pre-Last-Jedi-and-Rise-of-Skywalker days.
You should buy them now
Monitoring Black Friday deals on Lego sets has taught us one thing: the advent calendars sell out fast.
Lots of the time when we include the calendars in our deal roundups, they're the first to sell out, especially on franchise kits.
As we said, it makes sense that these deals are popular, between the late November date for Black Friday and the fact the reductions are pretty sizeable. But it's tough for people who don't have any other form of calendar: if you miss the sales, it's usually too late to buy a backup.
If you can afford it, then, we'd recommend buying an advent calendar early to avoid disappointment. As we said the Lego website shows a few calendars being sold out already, and while you can still get those same sets from other retailers, it does show the general popularity of these kits.
For those who can't justify the expense of these kits: that's totally okay, and you might get lucky with the deals over Black Friday. You'll just have to monitor when the reductions begin, and act quickly.
(Image credit: LEGO)
What else can we expect from the Black Friday Lego deals?
The general rule of thumb for Lego deals over Black Friday is breadth over depth: we'll see lots of kits have their prices lowered, but the discounts themselves might be relatively modest, at 15% or 20% off. Sure, for the expensive brick boxes that can be a fair amount off, but it's not quite the 85% discount we can see on some products.
That's the rule, at least, but there will certainly be exceptions, especially from high street retailers. We often see Walmart in the US and Smyths in the UK do some big discounts on sets, but those usually sell out quickly.
A few retailers have already started on their Lego deals - well, calling them 'early Black Friday sales would be a bit of a stretch, but they're worthy discounts anyway. You can see a few choice ones below for both the US and UK but there are no calendar ones unfortunately.
Over the Black Friday period, we'll be tirelessly hunting down the best deals for Lego and other products, so check back to TechRadar then - and bookmark our Lego deals guide - if you want buying advice when the prices are dropping.
Lego Classic Bricks & Plates: $69.99 $39.99 at Walmart (save $30) This Lego set is perfect for builders - it comes with over 1500 pieces in a range of colors and shapes, making it a perfect playground for the imagination. Unlike some other similar Lego sets, this also has plates, which are useful for certain builds.
Lego Architecture Statue of Liberty: $119.99 $95.99 at Amazon (save $24) Lego Architecture sets are some of the coolest made by the brick company, as they depict real-life monuments or skylines. One of the priciest is the Statue of Liberty set, which stands a massive 14 inches tall. This is the lowest price we've seen the set for, though it could go slightly lower over Black Friday.
Lego Super Mario Starter Course: $59.99 $47.99 at Walmart (save $12) The Super Mario Lego set is one big game, with extra sets letting you extend the play based on parts of the popular game series. This starter course is the one set you really need to play, so it's the entry point for if you want to get the other sets.
Lego Adidas Originals Superstar: £79.99 £64.99 at Zavvi (save £15) £15 off is a good saving for a Lego set, but what's surprising here is that the kit in question is only a month old - usually we'd have to wait longer to see this kind of discount. The set lets you build a Lego replica of the famous Adidas shoe - just bear in mind, you can't wear it.
Lego Jurassic World T-Rex Rampage: £220 £165 at Argos (save £55) We haven't seen this famous Jurassic Park Lego set go for a price this low (well, it's the landmark it depicts that's famous). Buying it gets you the classic Jurassic Park doors as well as a huge T-Rex and minifigures from the original film. It's a perfect gift for a fan of the dinosaur movie, despite the high price.
Lego Ideas International Space Station: £65 £49 at Argos (save £55) This is the lowest price we've seen for one of the coolest Lego Ideas sets on the market. It depicts everyone's favorite low-earth-orbit space station, complete with a shuttle and some 'microfigures' (or tiny minifigures).
Lego Technic Land Rover Defender: £159.99 £100 at Amazon (save £60) We've never seen the Lego Technic Land Rover Defender down this low on Amazon before - could that mean the website is trying to get rid of stock? Well, the set isn't listed as 'retiring soon' on Lego's website, so presumably this is just a really good deal.
It's officially playtime now that Black Friday toy deals are here, and they're drowning us in a sea of neon colors and loud noises – but if we can brave all the toy sales, that means better birthdays and Christmas presents for all.
To help you in your journey to finding a perfect gift amid all these Black Friday sales, we've found lots of toys on offer that might interest you or your children.
Whether you're looking for a birthday or Christmas gift for a loved one, or just want something for yourself (no judgment here), the Black Friday toy deals below cover loads of bases. We've got offers on Playmobil, Lego, Barbie, Sylvanian Families, Hot Wheels, branded action figures and more, so there's something for everyone across every age group.
Black Friday is often the perfect time to start shopping for toys for your little one, or even for older collectors and enthusiasts. That's because Black Friday presents a great opportunity to nab loads of toys at heavily discounted prices, often making Christmas shopping a breeze when done online.
This year, Black Friday is taking place on November 26. In the US, it's already a busy time of year due in no small part to Thanksgiving celebrations, but both US and UK buyers should take note if they want an opportunity to make Christmas and holiday shopping as stress-free as possible.
According to statistics site SpendMeNot, toys are among the most purchased items during Black Friday. That's somewhat understandable, considering the term covers a fairly broad range of items, but the site also noted that US retailer Walmart were popular with Disney's Frozen and Ryan's World toys and games.
Last year's Black Friday in the UK was particularly big for Osmo and Lego toys, games and sets. The former is a relatively modern series of educational products for children, while the latter should need no introduction. We expect big discounts to continue for these brands and more during this year's Black Friday sales period.
While we haven't seen any outstanding deals yet, we can point you to the top online retailers to look in both the US and UK to scope out the toys you'll want to pick up when they're discounted later. Here's where to look:
When will the best Black Friday toy deals start in 2021?
Last year, we saw toy deals from many different retailers go live well ahead of the official Black Friday date. This isn't uncommon, and we fully expect this to be the case in 2021, with deals potentially going live a week or two ahead. You may see toy deals go up especially early to help consumers get ahead of the curve when it comes to Christmas shopping.
Of course, we'll be updating the site and our social channels as and when Black Friday toy deals go live, meaning you won't miss out if you keep an eye on our coverage.
Where are the best places to find Black Friday toy deals in 2021?
There's going to be a very wide range of retailers selling all kinds of toys, games and playsets this Black Friday. In the US, chief among them is likely to be Amazon and Walmart, as well as Best Buy, Target and brand outlets themselves such as Playmobil's official website.
In the UK, retailers like Argos, Smyths Toys and The Entertainer routinely feature great Black Friday deals. Last year, Argos hosted huge half-price discounts on popular Nintendo, Minecraft and Disney toys, for example.
What Black Friday toy deals do we expect to see in 2021?
The Osmo brand really hit its stride last year, and we expect its success to continue as it finds its way into the hands of more young learners this year. Stalwarts such as Lego, Playmobil, Star Wars, Disney and more similarly aren't going anywhere. Once again, Black Friday 2021 will be an opportune time to get your hands on toys from popular brands aimed at all ages.
Tips for buying toys online during Black Friday
What should I look for when buying a toy on Black Friday?
Toys can be tricky to research on Black Friday for the average consumer, if only for the abundance of retailers all selling the same products at varying prices. It can be hard to know which retailers are offering any given toy at the lowest price.
If you're completely lost, Google Shopping is a great search engine for sifting through deals on any one toy. Here, you can compare prices and see which retailers offer the best deals, as well as availability, delivery costs and more.
Last year's best Black Friday toy deals in the US
We've put together a quick list of some of the best deals we found during last year's Black Friday event. This should give you an idea of what to expect this year, and of course, the world of toys is so incredibly vast that we've limited the list below to just five from each region.
Playmobil Take Along Fire Station: $39.99 $29.99 at Playmobil.com (save $10) While Playmobil US doesn't seem to be doing the same online Black Friday sale its UK counterpart is, there are still savings to be had on a few different key sets. One example is this easily-totable fire station with two figures, accessories and vehicles. Ages 4 and up.
Fornite 10-pack Battle Royale: $79.99 $39.99 at Target (save $40) If you know someone who loves Fornite – which is very likely, given how popular the game is – this set could be a great gift. It contains action figures of 10 of the game's iconic characters, and at half off it's much more affordable than before. Age 8 and up.
Barbie Dreamhouse Dollhouse: $199 $179 at Walmart (save $20) This dollhouse is designed for Barbie fans, with a several rooms and an assortment of furniture. Sure the saving isn't huge, but given how expensive Barbie-loving children can be, any discount is appreciated. Age 3 and up.
Lego Marvel Avengers Quinjet: $79.99 $49.99 at Walmart (save $29) This vehicle from the popular Avengers films comes with superheroes like Thor and Black Widow, as well as various tools and gadgets. Earlier in the Black Friday sales it was at $55 but it's seen another price cut. Age 8 and up.
Hot Wheels Colossal Crash Track Set: $99.99 $49.99 at Best Buy (save $50) Right now you can get 50% off this Hot Wheels Colossal Crash racetrack set, which lets you build a loop-of-eight track, complete with a jump in the middle to (hopefully) avoid that titular colossal crash. Age 5 and up.
Last year's best Black Friday toy deals in the UK
Marvel Titan Avengers 8 Figure Pack: £117.99 £58.99 at Smyths (save £59) If you know an Avengers fan, this could be a great gift for them. The set of eight action figures is half-price at Smyths, and while it doesn't have all the characters – Hawkeye and Black Widow are absent – it's got all the cool ones. Age 4 and up.
Sylvanian Families Grand Department Store: £119.99 £95.99 at John Lewis (save £24) This Grand Department Store is the perfect centrepiece for your child's Sylvanian town, and comes with a character figure, plus assorted furniture and accessories. Age 3 and up.
Lego Star Wars Death Star: £409.99 £349.99 at Smyth's (save £60) This massive Death Star set from the original trilogy comes with over 4,000 pieces, plus figures, droids, vehicles and more. It's a fantastic set that Lego no longer officially sells, so this deal is likely to sell out fast – so act quick if you want it. Age 14 and up.
50% off Nintendo, Minecraft and Disney toys at Argos
Argos is running an amazing pre-Black Friday toy sale, with up to 50% off a huge selection of toys from names including Nintendo, Minecraft, LOL Surprise, and Disney. Many of these deals are unlikely to be beaten on Black Friday, so move fast to grab them while they last.
Lego Mindstorms Robot Inventor Robotics Kit: £329.99 £246.99 at Amazon (save £83) This is a pricey Lego kit, but right now it's available at a big discount. Lego Mindstorms kits are for technically-minded youngsters, and this set enables them to design a robot and program it to perform basic functions. It's a great gift for young engineers and prospective coders. Age 10 and up.
In London, we're in the midst of a "wet" season. Every few months, more often if we're unlucky, the heavens open for a week, and the city is bathed in a constant deluge that washes the dirt and grime away. This isn't the kind of weather you just turn up your collar up, and an umbrella isn't going to offer much protection, either; the downpours clean the streets of people as much as they do litter.
Where am I?
(Image credit: End to End)
Column number: 15
Date written: 07/10/21
Days in: 221
Current location: Oklahoma City, OK
Distance traveled: 859.41 miles
Distance left: 1426.51 miles
Current tracker: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
As you can imagine, this kind of weather isn't exactly ideal for someone writing a column about running – it's difficult to write about your running-related experiences if you're spending all your time snuggled up in a dressing gown playing Dark Souls 2.
I don't mind the rain, and I don't mind getting wet. But the same can't be said for my tech. I try to avoid getting caught in a downpour since there isn't enough rice in the world to dry out all the gadgets I carry around with me on a daily basis (being a tech reporter).
But something new recently turned up for me to test: the UA Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones. They're a collaboration between JBL and Under Armour, and themed around Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, which I'm due to test out (and to see if they help me go into Beast mode, come back to my column in two weeks time to find out).
These over-ear wireless headphones are IPX4-rated, so they're rainproof as well as sweatproof. However, the protection they provide from the elements isn't the only reason they've helped me continue running in the wind and rain.
Some tech is stated as being waterproof, and some isn't – and, clearly, I'm not setting going to set off on a long jog in the rain with any gadget that's likely to malfunction at the first sign of moisture. However, while some devices are technically waterproof (they'll easily survive a sprinkle of water), others are more practically waterproof, which means they'll continue to work nearly as well in water as they do when dry.
Take, for example, a smartwatch. All running models will likely be water-resistant. However, while some will prove no problem at all to use when the screen is flecked with water, or if your hands are sweaty, on others the moisture will cause the device to stop registering your swipes with any degree of accuracy.
Writers' note: this is not me modelling the JBL headphones. (Image credit: Under Armor / JBL)
Many of the gadgets I own are 'technically waterproof'. My pre-Project Rock headphones didn't let some water get in the way of how they performed, but when they were wet from rain they could slide around my ears, and since they weren't very loud, the sound of any music playing was often drowned out over the pitter patter or rain.
I need to listen to music whilst running, and these (admittedly, very cheap) older headphones put me off going out if it was raining. I'm wasn't going to appreciate that energy-infusing power song if I couldn't make it out. But this isn't an issue now.
What I like most about the Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones is that I can actually hear the music through the rain pounding down on the pavement.
This is because the cans have noise-cancellation tech to filter out the worst of the weather, and this is but one of the headphone's features that has helped me get through those super-wet outings. The other key one is the IPX4 rating; technically the Project Rock Headphones are guarded against splashes of water, but on a practical level, they can survive the rain.
There's plenty more I like about the headphones, though. The fit is tight, they're easy to set up and the physical controls are convenient to use. In addition, the battery life is an impressive 45 hours. I often forget to charge my workout tech until I'm about to head off, but given the UA cans last that long between charges, I don't need to worry about them.
I'm well versed in rainyday gadgets like the Honor Watch GS Pro (Image credit: Future)
I didn't initially want to test out the Project Rock Over-Ear Training cans in the rain – I would have been perfectly content to wait for the soggy season to pass. However, as I've experienced countless times in London, you can set out on what appears to be a dry day, only to find yourself suddenly suffering a soaking just a few minutes after.
Instead of turning back, though, I found the headphones well suited to the wetness.
One added bonus of using over-ear headphones over my previous wireless pair, is the protection against "hairy" situations. While I don't have long hair, when it's sodden, it can easily flop in front of my eyes; here, though, I've been able to tuck it under the band of the headphones.
Another feature I welcome is the music automatically pausing when I take the headphones off my head. Sure, I won't be doing this much on a run, but it's still a decent add-on. There are a few different devices that come with this ability, but it rarely works well.
The Brahma bull logo on the Project Rock headphones is inspired by Dwayne Johnson's tattoo. It doesn't quite feel appropriate for me to have this powerful mammal on my head – I'd think maybe a calf or something gentle like a chimpanzee or penguin would be more appropriate. Nevertheless, these headphones have helped me to keep up my running routine through the rainy days, turning me a bit more into a gazelle.
Info-Direkt 
