There's no denying that the Sony NWZ-F886 sounds great with MP3s and even better with high-resolution audio and it's certainly a clever and compact device. But why, when smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and LG G2 can also play Hi-Res Audio tracks, would you buy a second device?

Superb hi-res sound quality; MP3s are skilfully upscaled; Vivid Triluminous touchscreen

Doesn't support all hi-res; Limited capacity; No memory card slots

Simplicity, elegance and overarching rightness are the features that spring to mind when it comes to this Sony Walkman's interface.

Refined; engaging sound; Fine screen; Small and light; Loads of functions

Could conceivably do with more outright volume

The ￡260 F886 is the first Walkman to sport the new Hi-Res Audio badge Sony has introduced in a bid to wake more people up to the joys of higher-quality music. Which actually makes the F886 pretty important as portable music players go. But is there more to this Hi-Res Audio thing than just a label?

Superb high-res audio sound quality; Good quality screen; Excellent battery life; Simple drag and drop system

Included headphones aren't up to Hi-Res Audio spec; File confusion in Hi-Res Audio world; 32GB could fill quite quickly if you stick with Hi-Res files

Having used this peace of engineering delight for several months my ipods have been left gathering dust. The Sony feels solid and capable. The best is to come, pop in the phones, sit back and enjoy, never anything as good from a portable before.

The only problem is the battery life is to short but everything else is fine.

High resolution audio on the move is finally attainable, but only the keenest will be willing to pay smartphone prices for it