Tech Dose Daily — https://techdosedaily.com/review-methodology
Effective date: 21 May 2026 • Last updated: 21 May 2026
Why we publish this
A review is only as trustworthy as the testing behind it. This page explains how we test the products we review, how we score them, how we obtain review units, and what would cause us to revise a verdict. We update it as our process evolves.
How we obtain review units
Every review states how we got the product. A unit is either purchased independently by Tech Dose Daily, loaned by the brand for the review period and then returned, or retained for long-term testing with the brand’s permission. Receiving a loaned unit never obligates us to publish a positive review, and it does not influence our verdict. See our Affiliate Disclosure for more.
How long we test
We use a product as a primary device for long enough to form a real-world view before publishing. As a guide, we aim to test a smartphone for at least 7 days, a laptop for at least 10 days, and audio or wearable products for at least 5 days. Where a deadline forces a faster turnaround, we label the piece as “First impressions” or “Initial review” rather than a full review, and we update it later.
Our scoring system
We score on a 10-point scale, shown to one decimal place. The overall score is a weighted average of category sub-scores, so two reviewers testing the same product should arrive at similar numbers. Our score bands are:
- 9.0–10 — Outstanding
- 8.0–8.9 — Recommended
- 7.0–7.9 — Good
- 6.0–6.9 — Mixed
- Below 6.0 — Skip
Every review ends with a clear verdict, a one-line “who should buy this” and a one-line “who should skip this”. We do not hedge a low score with a vague “buy with caveats”.
What we test, by category
Smartphones are scored on design and build, display, performance, battery and charging, cameras, software and update support, and value for money. Laptops are scored on design and ports, display and speakers, keyboard and trackpad, performance under sustained load, real-world battery life, software and warranty, and value. Audio and wearable products are scored on build quality, core feature performance, battery, connectivity and app, and value. Apps and software are scored on onboarding and UX, core features, performance and reliability, pricing and value, and privacy and data practices.
Real-world over lab-grade
We test in everyday Indian conditions — real networks, real charging habits, real ambient temperatures — rather than only in a lab. We are honest about what we do not measure: where we lack specialist lab instruments (for example, calibrated colour or brightness meters), we say so and do not claim precision we cannot back up.
Pros, cons and comparisons
Every review lists specific, concrete pros and cons — not generic phrases — and compares the product to two genuine alternatives in the same price band, naming a winner per category rather than calling everything “good”.
When we revise a verdict
We will revisit and, if needed, revise a review when a significant software update changes the experience, when a persistent reliability or safety issue emerges, or when the price shifts enough to change the value verdict. Any change to a published score is accompanied by a dated editor’s note explaining what changed and why, in line with our Correction Policy.
Questions
Questions about how we test can be sent to editorial@techdosedaily.com.