Old but Gold: Gadgets I Still Love and Use Every Day

I like to treat my gadgets with care — not obsessively, but respectfully. To me, care means appreciating things that bring joy, not locking them away in boxes. Many of my devices come from the second-hand market, where I try to find gear in near-perfect condition — often at a third of the original price. And you know what? With that mindset, things tend to last. A long time.

In many ways (and yes, sometimes sadly), engineering has stepped aside for marketing, especially in recent years. Devices may look amazing, but often lack the durability and functional depth of earlier generations. Take my Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire, for example — it easily outperforms many modern smartwatches in every metric. Battery life? Not hours. Not days. Weeks.

Let’s be honest—sometimes, old tech just hits different.

Not everything has to be the latest and greatest to be truly great. Over the years, I’ve used tons of devices, tested new releases, and replaced what didn’t work. But a few gadgets have stood the test of time so well, they still surprise me every time I use them.

---

Here’s my personal lineup of “veteran” tech—beautiful, reliable, and still very much in use today. Some are nearly a decade old, and yet… I don’t want to let them go.

Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire Edition

Let’s start with a true legend. This rugged, functional, and still incredibly powerful smartwatch is my everyday companion.

• MIP display with always-on mode
• GPS with offline maps
• Health tracking, altimeter, barometer, temperature
• Training profiles for just about everything

And the battery? Still going strong – 10–12 days (!) with GPS use, up to 16 days otherwise. Nearly five years old and feels just right.

Watchfaces

BTW, my favorite watchfaces for Fenix 6x are:

---

Amazfit T-Rex 2

This one was a spontaneous buy — a great deal and an even better first impression. The T-Rex series instantly reminds you of the iconic Casio G-Shock line: rugged, tough-looking, but also distinctive in its own way. While the first T-Rex felt more like a toy, T-Rex 2 got it right.

What I love about it:

• 1.4” AMOLED display — sharp, bright, and easily readable in sunlight
• Superb battery life: up to 20 days in basic mode, 5–7 days with GPS and AOD
• Button control (like Garmin), though you can’t fully disable the touchscreen — minor minus
• Lightweight but sturdy build: reinforced plastic and metal details
• Great Zepp app for both Android and iOS
• Easy pairing with both iPhone and Android
• Tons of workout modes and GPS track recording
• And yes, tons of custom watch faces (thanks to third-party apps on Google Play)

They’ve been my go-to for a long while and now sit on my desk as trusty backup — still ticking, still ready.

To me, the T-Rex 2 is the perfect example of a tough yet compact watch. If you want smart functionality with outdoor focus (but without going full sport-geek), this is a fantastic choice — and you can find them second-hand in mint condition for around €80–100.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for an affordable, rugged alternative to premium outdoor watches.

---

Apple iPhone 7 Plus (32Gb)

Yes, a nearly 10-year-old iPhone—and I love it.

It still works like a charm for simple daily tasks. I’ve replaced the battery a few times, and now it gives me a solid full day with 4–5 hours of screen time.

• Touch ID? Still faster than Face ID in many cases
• Apple Wallet and basic iOS tasks
• Surprisingly good camera (especially for shots in natural light)
• Used as a bike computer and music player via Spotify

What I love most is how comfortable it feels to use: no case, just raw, solid, old-school Apple design in hand. I often use it as a bike computer, paired with Spotify — and it does everything I need, without any fuss.

A classic. And somehow, still one of the most satisfying iPhones to hold and use.

---

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3

Sennheiser needs no introduction — it’s one of the great names in audio. These earbuds aren’t just for casual listening. They’re built for experiencing sound. From the moment you hold the fabric-wrapped case, you feel like this is something special.

What makes them stand out:

• Beautiful, premium design that feels expensive
• Deep, warm, and balanced sound with a fully customizable EQ via the Sennheiser app (available on iOS and Android)
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), customizable just like in AirPods Pro
• Fit takes a moment to get used to — a gentle twist locks them in place — but it pays off in comfort and noise isolation
• Battery life? 6–8 hours easily, and they support wireless charging

These aren’t new anymore — they came out around 2022 — but in 2025, they’re still one of the best earbuds I’ve ever owned.

I bought mine for around €40 on the second-hand market (original price was close to €300), and they absolutely outperform most of today’s “budget wireless” options. Why go for basic when you can have premium at the same price?

---

Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro is my current daily driver — the kind of phone that just makes life easier. It doesn’t demand attention, it doesn’t get in the way. It simply works — and does so beautifully.

What you notice first is the design: matte glass back, sturdy metal frame, and a stunning, smooth display with Always-On. Everything feels premium, but not flashy. Android 16 runs like a dream — clean, snappy, and refined. No bloat, no nonsense. Just focus and flow.

The camera? Classic Pixel magic. It captures light, shadow, and subtle tones in a way that feels real — just enhanced enough to be memorable, but never overdone. Whether it’s bright sun or low light, it rarely disappoints.

Battery life gives me 5–6 hours of screen time, which gets me through the day without stress. Charging is quick, and yes, wireless charging is there too — as expected.

In short: this is a phone that doesn’t scream for attention. It just delivers, and it does it in style. A reliable, polished companion for everything from work to road trips.

---

Huawei P40

The Huawei P40 is more of a passion gadget than a daily necessity. I picked it up just because I liked how it looked — and I stayed for the experience.

Sure, it comes without Google services, but that’s where GBox comes in. With just a quick setup, I got all my usual apps running within minutes. And from that point on, it turned into a seriously capable device.

The UI is fast and clean, the design still feels modern, and it fits perfectly in the hand. I often use it as a bike computer, media player, or even just a stylish backup phone. The battery holds well, and the whole thing feels fresh — not like a 2020 release at all.

There’s something charming about using a phone that’s off the mainstream radar, but still fully functional. It’s not my main phone, but it always brings a bit of joy when I pick it up. Sometimes, that’s all a great gadget needs to do.

---

Final Thought

There’s something special about using devices designed with care—where engineering mattered more than trend-chasing. That’s why I often choose not to buy the flashiest flagship or the newest release. Instead, I go for what has soul, what feels crafted, what just works—like a good watch.

And honestly? These gadgets still bring joy every time I power them on.