Publications such as The Independent's IndyBest typically receive review devices from manufacturers, PR agencies, or distributors for testing purposes. The Independent states that its reviewers test phones hands-on and publish reviews, while also disclosing that it may earn commissions from purchases made through affiliate links.
This is standard practice across the tech-review industry. A review sample is usually:
- Loaned to the reviewer for a period and then returned, or
- Occasionally provided as a long-term review unit.