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10 Top Budget Smartphones Released in 2022
In 2022, we have seen some exciting Smartphone releases from entry-level to proper flagships. However, one of the best things to happen this year was how thin the line became between each category of smartphones. 2022 can easily be the year that redefined what it means to be a budget, mid-range, or even a flagship phone. As the year ends and we look back at the best budget smartphones launched in 2022.
10 Best Budget Smartphones Debuted in 2022
The budget definition varies from person to person. For inclusivity, we are considering the
Tecno Spark 8C
Starting the list with an early release in 2022. The Tecno Spark 8C was the perfect choice starting in 2022 for budget buyers.
It featured an HD+ LCD with a Unisoc processor. The device was specifically designed as an ultra-budget one and featured only the basic setup. Even in the camera department, the main sensor was a 13 MP one, with a secondary marketing sensor being an unrated VGA shooter.
Overall, the device performed the bare minimum without much emphasis on heavy usage. The current price of the device is 13,499 BDT for the base variant. You can check our detailed review of the Spark 8C for a more in-depth idea.
Read: Tecno Spark 8C: Review, Price in Bangladesh
Samsung Galaxy A03
The next one on the list is another January release from Samsung. The A series from the company has always been the perfect entry-level smartphone for those looking for reliability.
The A03 features an HD+ TFT panel which might seem like a downgrade compared to its peers. But being a Samsung panel, it doesn’t disappoint much and seems to be on par with most other LCD panels.
The device is powered by a Unisoc T606 octa-core processor based on a 12 Nm architecture. However, the biggest selling point has to be the camera with a 48 MP main sensor gracing the back. The current price of the device is 11,999 BDT for the base variant. Also, be sure to check out our in-depth review of the Galaxy A03.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy A03 Review: Is it a worthy budget phone?
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
Launched in September, the Redmi A1+ is a completely ultra-budget offering from Xiaomi. While Xiaomi is known for providing value for money, the A1+ took things to a whole new level.
The display of the device is an HD+ IPS LCD panel with 400 nits of brightness. It's usually not common to see such a bright display at this price point. The device is powered by the Helio A22 processor which is also legitimate enough for day-to-day usage. It won’t be a gaming solution in any way, but it will get the job done regardless.
The current price of the base 3/64 GB variant is around 11,999 BDT.
Read More: Xiaomi Redmi A1+ Review: Budget phone with fingerprint sensor
Walton Primo HM7
The list won’t be complete if we didn’t include a local brand. Walton has been one of the pioneers of affordable smartphone experience in Bangladesh for over a decade now.
This year, they released the updated Primo HM7 in September as their iterative budget smartphone. The device features a large HD+ display with some of the best cameras in this price range. The processor also does a better job at handling tasks thanks to the high level of OS optimization.
The current price of the Primo HM7 base variant is around 10,999 BDT.
Read More: Walton Primo HM7 Review: Midrange processor in ultra-budget device
Symphony Z55
The Symphony Z series was the first smartphone that brought a premium package at an affordable price tag. Over the years, the company has also introduced several budget variations of its mid-range offerings.
Symphony Z55 is the perfect example of that. It features a 6.52-inch HD+ display with a triple camera setup on the back. The main 13 MP camera can take some excellent shots in proper lighting. The device is also powered by a capable Helio G25 Processor. Considering the overall package, the Z55 is a steal at the price it comes at.
Users can buy the Symphony Z55 4/64 GB base variant for 11,999 BDT.
Read More: Symphony SYMTAB 80 Review: Budget Tablet for Regular Use
Infinix Smart 6 Plus
The next on the list is Infinix Smart 6 Plus. Infinix is known for its mid-range smartphones and recently, the company also ventured into the budget segment.
The Smart 6 Plus features one of the largest HD+ displays in this category at 6.82 inches. The back camera might be disappointing for some as it features only an 8 MP sensor with the supporting sensor being a QVGA one. The camera isn’t all that great but the processor and the display somewhat make up for the shortcoming.
The Infinix Smart 6 Plus is available for 10,999 BDT for the base variant.
Read More: Does midrange Vivo iQOO Neo 7 worth its value: Review
Vivo Y01
The Vivo Y01 was released early in 2022 March. The phone is probably the best value offering from Vivo as it offers an almost complete package.
The front features a 6.51-inch HD+ panel which is relatively bright and sharp compared to its peers. The back camera is a single 8 MP shooter. But the magic really happens thanks to Vivo’s post-processing capabilities. So even though it’s a single shooter, you will be hard-pressed to tell the difference. The device has Helio P35 at its core and the 5000 mAh battery comes equipped with a 10W fast charger.
You can check out our in-depth review of Vivo Y01. The current price of the device is 10,990 BDT for the base variant.
Read More: Vivo Y01 Review: Is it a worthy entry level budget phone?
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
The Redmi series from Xiaomi can be widely regarded as the pioneer of performance budget devices. The line has consistently produced some of the best budget devices for years now.
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A also lives up to the reputation of the line. The display is a 6.53-inch HD+ LCD panel with some of the best brightness at its price. Outdoor legibility has been perfect in our test. The 13 MP camera is also the best you will get in this price range. Overall, the Redmi 10A is one of the best budget smartphones released in 2022.
The current price of the Redmi 10A is 12,499 BDT for the 2/32 GB base variant.
Read More: Infinix Hot 20s Review: A Budget Smartphone for Gamers
realme C31
realme C31 was launched back in March and has been the latest iteration in the C lineup from the brand.
The device features a 6.5-inch waterdrop display with HD+ resolution. However, the main selling point of the device is the triple camera setup with the main sensor being a 13 MP one. A Unisoc Tiger T612 processor powers the device. The Unisoc processor provides relatively better support for even processor-heavy tasks thanks to the high level of optimization in the device. However, it won’t be a gaming solution, but 2D titles will be easily playable.
The realme C31 is available for 14,999 BDT for a 4/64 GB variant.
Read More: realme narzo 50, C31 available across Bangladesh
Motorola Moto E7 Power
Ending the list with Motorola’s budget device for 2022, the Moto E7 Power. The E7 features a 6.51-inch display with HD+ resolution. Motorola opted for a dual camera setup on the back with the E7. The 13 MP main sensor is complemented by a 2 MP depth sensor. As a result, portrait shots came out much better with great edge detection.
The device is powered by the Helio G25 with a PowerVR GPU. The performance has been accelerated by the almost stock android experience of the E7 Power.
The Moto E7 Power is available for 13,999 BDT for the base 4/64GB variant.
Read More: Walton Primo R10 Review: Does it offer value for money?
Final Words
2022 has been a great year for tech. We got some trickling developments in the high-end and mid-range market of smartphones. But the most surprising development was in the budget segment. As high-end models continue to break new ground, the features of yesteryear are finally catching up with the budget segment making them more competitive and performance laden than ever.
So far, we have discussed 10 most popular budget phones launched in 2022. Now, you can compare the features and pick the most suitable one for you.
10-day ‘City IT Mega Fair-2022’ kicks off Thursday
A 10 day ‘City IT Mega Fair-2022’ is going to be launched from Thursday at BCS Computer City in IDB Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon area.
BCS Computer City (IDB) is organising the fair which they claim is the country’s largest computer and laptop fair with the theme ‘Reach the pinnacle of excellence with the technology’.
Starting from December 29 this year the fair will continue till January 7, next year.
Read More: Oppo celebrates O'Fans Fest with the theme 'making memories'
The organisers made these announcements at a press conference at the BCS Computer City where AL Mozher Imam Chowdhury (Pinu Chowdhury), president of BCS Computer City, its General Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman and the fair committee’s Convener Md Jahed Ali Bhuiyan among others were present there.
Organisers informed that there will be 6 pavilion stalls from the sponsors (Asus, Dell, Gigabyte, HP, Lenovo, and Logitech) at the fair this year.
Apart from this sponsor companies, internet provider Stargate Communication Limited, security surveillance brand Seemo, consultancy firm AHZ Associate, and Bangladesh Telephone Shilpa Sangstha’s Doel Laptop will participate in the fair.
Read more: Dhaka International Trade Fair kicks off at Purbachal
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a gaming competition offered by MSI, an art competition by XP-pen & a photography competition by Tenda Router.
BCS Computer City President AL Mozher said, ‘buyers will get various offers and discounts throughout the market on the occasion of the country’s largest computer and laptop fair. Sponsor organisations will give additional paybacks to the buyers. Organisers will take all measures to make the fair a success’.
Convener Jahed Ali said, ‘we are prioritising students' needs. Apart from this, we also arrange attractive events, including a gaming competition, a best PC builder competition, and a raffle draw for buyers and visitors.
Read more: ‘Int’l Clean Technology Fair’ kicks off Wednesday
Oppo celebrates O'Fans Fest with the theme 'making memories'
Global smart device manufacturer Oppo recently celebrated the O'Fans Fest with the theme "making memories."
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and other celebrities joined the celebration event at a Narsingdi resort.
OPPO launched the O'Fans Festival last month.
Read More: 10 Top Budget Smartphones Released in 2022
There were six teams at the O'Fans Festival, and each team was led by a celebrity team leader with five fans in each team.
Every game had different activities which required different kinds of capabilities. The team that received the highest points won.
Also, the winning team got the opportunity to play a match with Shakib. All participants received gifts; the winning team received a trophy.
Read more: Oppo Reno 9 Pro 5G Review: Build for Efficiency
Xiaomi offers discounts on Redmi 10 variants
Global smartphone maker Xiaomi has brought different offers on the purchase of certain models of its smartphones as part of a nationwide campaign.
Under the campaign, one can buy Redmi 10 (2022) 4+64GB variant at Tk16,999 with a discount of Tk1,200, according to a media statement.
Read More: 10 Top Budget Smartphones Released in 2022
Redmi 10 (2022) 6 +128GB variant can be bought at Tk19,999 instead of Tk20,999, it added.
The device has different features, including a 50-megapixel high-resolution camera and an FHD+ resolution display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
The campaign, which started on December 21, will continue till January 31, 2023.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K50i 5G Review: Performance Centric Mid-range Phone
'Will resign as CEO as soon as I find someone foolish enough to take the job': Musk
Elon Musk said Tuesday that he plans on remaining as Twitter’s CEO until he can find someone willing to replace him in the job.
Musk’s announcement came after millions of Twitter users asked him to step down in an unscientific poll the billionaire himself created and promised to abide by.
“I will resign as CEO as soon as I find someone foolish enough to take the job!” Musk tweeted. “After that, I will just run the software & servers teams.”
Read: Over half of 17.5mn Twitter users who voted say Musk should step down as CEO
Since taking over San Francisco-based Twitter in late October, Musk’s run as CEO has been marked by quickly issued rules and policies that have often been withdrawn or changed soon after being made public.
He has also alienated some investors in his electric vehicle company Tesla who are concerned that Twitter is taking too much of his attention.
Some of Musk’s actions have unnerved Twitter advertisers and turned off users. They include laying off half of Twitter’s workforce, letting go contract content moderators and disbanding a council of trust and safety advisors that the company formed in 2016 to address hate speech, child exploitation, suicide, self-harm and other problems on the platform.
Read: Musk's Twitter disbands its Trust and Safety advisory group
Musk, who also helms the SpaceX rocket company, has previously acknowledged how difficult it will be to find someone to take over as Twitter CEO.
Bantering with Twitter followers last Sunday, he said that the person replacing him “must like pain a lot” to run a company that he said has been “in the fast lane to bankruptcy.”
“No one wants the job who can actually keep Twitter alive. There is no successor,” Musk tweeted.
As things stand, Musk would still retain overwhelming influence over platform as its owner. He fired the company’s board of directors soon after taking control.
Symphony SYMTAB 80 Review: Budget Tablet for Regular Use
With the rise of large phones and better-quality displays, the popularity of Tabs has fallen over the past few years. However, for easy tasking and entertainment, people still look for tabs. Symphony has come up with a new budget smart Tab SYMTAB 80 for its consumers. The tab has been released on 6th December 2022. Let’s take a look if the SYMTAB 80 offers anything new.
Key Features of Symphony SYMTAB 80
Design
The conventional design of the SYMTAB 80 surpasses its pricing point. The dimensions of the tab are 208.3 x 123.7 x 10.4 mm. Weighing 407g, the device is not lightweight. It seems to be tough for users to operate with one hand.
The overall design of the tab is attractive and useful. Users will not be able to complain about the design despite the tab's inexpensive cost. The feel of the plastic and poly carbon fiber bodies is mediocre. It provides a stronger grip while shielding the back of the tab from fingerprints.
On the rear of the tab are a single camera cutout and a pair of speakers. The primary microphone is located at the bottom of the device. The right side of the device has the volume rocker and power button. A single SIM card slot, a memory card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack are on the top of the tab. Obviously, customers will obtain more than the bare necessities.
The device is available in two colors; Shadow Grey and Midnight Blue.
Read More: Apple iPad, iPad Pro 2022 Review: World’s most advanced tablets
Display
It sports an 8-inch IPS display with a maximum resolution of 1280x800. This is much more expensive than many other entry-level tabs. Screens that are extra-large and of superior quality are unusual in low-cost tabs. The tab's display features a high refresh rate, which contributes to its durability. This indicates that the touch response will be a favorable experience for tab users.
The low amount of illumination looks to be a problem. However, with a 269ppi color density on the display, the tablet shows great potential in the image quality section. The display's top right corner has a camera lens with a punch hole. The tab's chin and bezel seem much thicker, and it would be preferable if they were slimmer.
Camera
Camera on the Back
The main camera panel has one camera. The main camera is equipped with an 8MP wide-angle lens. The photos generated by the lens are mediocre, and SYMTAB 80 cameras will create nothing out of the ordinary.
The transmitted photographs may have a little warmer tone than expected. Sometimes a certain amount of warm tone enhances the overall appearance of the photographs, while other times it detracts from the atmosphere. In dim conditions, contrast rises.
Portrait Mode, Night Mode, Insight Google lens, Motion, Enhanced low-light picture, Slow-motion, and QR Code are among the many functions of the main camera pair. Taking high-quality nighttime photographs takes more caution. Users may capture films at 30 frames per second with a maximum quality of 720p using the main camera.
Secondary Camera
The front teardrop container conceals a selfie lens with 5 megapixels of resolution. In light of the recent pattern seen in other low-cost tabs, the SYMTAB 80 has included a lens with the highest possible capacity for the front-facing camera.
The front lens does little more than increase the picture's overall brightness. Photos taken in this manner come out clear, but the lack of sharpness and details causes the picture to become less detailed and grainy. The images taken in portrait mode are of quality that is mediocre and contribute nothing to the camera's total performance.
Read More: Xiaomi Mi Pad 5: An Ideal Tablet to Replace iPad
Performance, System, and Graphics
Spreadtrum UniSoC SC9863A1 octa-core 28nm CPU powers the tablet. This chipset is more often seen in low-end tabs. In addition to the CPU, a 64-bit PowerVR GE8322 GPU is integrated in the SYMTAB 80. The tab offers both average-performance and low-level games. The 4GB RAM and 32GB internal memory make it a formidable competitor for other manufacturers.
Users will find the overall gameplay to be pretty terrible due to the tab's laggy performance while running high- or medium-resolution games such as PUBG, Call of Duty, and Asphalt. Users should avoid playing these games since they are processor-intensive. Android 12 has been utilized as the operating system for the SYMTAB 80. Therefore, it will simplify certain duties and improve the experience.
Battery and Charging
This gets us to an additional strength of SYMTAB 80. It features a 6250 mAh battery capacity. Regular users may use the SYMTAB 80 for up to two days on a single charge. Users can use the tab for at least a day, even with extensive gaming and video viewing.
A 10W charger will be included with the new tab. Once the tab is put into the charger, the battery level increases over three hours.
Official Price in Symphony SYMTAB 80 in Bangladesh
There is just one SYMTAB 80 model available on the market. It is equipped with 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM. Users will be required to spend 11,500 BDT to get the tab.
Read More: Symphony Z47 Review: 90Hz Refresh Rate on a Budget Device
Bottom Line
The market for inexpensive tabs and tablets is becoming very competitive. It is challenging to thrive among reputed international brands. Symphony has made an attempt with its SYMTAB 80 featuring a smart design, a large screen, standard RAM, good storage, and a reliable battery. Compared to the price, it offers a good package. People seeking a low-cost tablet with the ability to do routine chores may consider the Symphony SYMTAB 80.
Does midrange Vivo iQOO Neo 7 worth its value: Review
The iQOO line of smartphones was launched by BBK electronics in 2019 to be part of Vivo’s affordable performance smartphone series including mid-range and flagship android devices. Their latest offering Vivo iQOO Neo 7 was launched on October 20, 2022. It is the successor to iQOO Neo 6. Here’s a detailed take on the Neo 7 so you can decide whether the device is worth the buck.
Key Specifications of iQOO Neo 7
Design and Build Quality
From a strict design perspective, a lot has stayed the same on the Neo 7 from the Neo 6. You still get that squared-off camera housing on the back with an overall plastic build. But the main distinguishing difference this year has to be the leather textured back.
Even though the device is completely made of plastic, the use of vegetable tan leather brings a premium hand feel, at least for those who will use it without a cover. Other than the back, everything appears to be the same as it was on the Neo 6.
Read More: HONOR 70 5G Review: Is it worth high midrange price
Another distinguishing feature is seen on the front camera. The Neo 6 boasted a colored ring around the punch-hole camera on the front. Many users complained that it was a bit distracting while watching content as the ring was a physical thing. iQOO seems to have listened to the complaints as the Neo 7 doesn’t have any ring around it. Overall the screen dimensions have also increased as the chin, and side bezels look remarkably smaller than they used to be before.
There are no headphone jack and expandable storage on the Neo 7. But the model comes in a host of storage options up to 521 GB.
Overall the design is a markup on an already great device. What was lacking in the previous iterations has surely been made better this time around.
Read More: Vivo T2x Review: Should you consider this midrange gaming phone?
The Display
On paper, the iQOO Neo 7 has the same display as its predecessor. However, there has been a slight increment in size thanks to the reduced chin. Spec-wise, the display is an AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR 10+ support included. It’s the perfect upper mid-range panel with crisp and sharp contrast and vivid color reproduction.
Even though it’s completely identical to the Neo 6, everything seems to be a bit better than the previous iteration. That is because iQOO has used a dedicated display chip on the Neo 7 which works to brighten and sharpen contents on the panel.
The viewing angles on the panel are also great. We did not notice any kind of color shift or flickering issues. The high refresh rate combined with fast animations makes for impressive day-to-day usage with the Neo 7.
Read OnePlus 10R Review: Is it a worthy Midrange Flagship Killer?
The Camera
The iQOO Neo 7 uses a 50 MP primary sensor combined with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro shooter. The camera on paper is a bit of a downgrade from the Neo 6 as it came with a 64 MO main shooter. But that’s about it. Even though the main lens has a lesser megapixel count, it doesn’t fall short in performance.
In our testing, the main camera performed pretty well. Daylight photos came out excellent, with great contrast and sharpness. The details were also on point especially the edge detection in portrait mode. The dynamic range seemed to be a hit or miss at times as it sometimes captured great details and washed out completely at others.
But like most other android devices, the performance falls short in indoors or artificial lighting conditions. The images don’t look grainy as iQOO has a variable shutter speed built into the camera app but it tends to overexpose the subject at times. As a result, pictures come out looking artificial.
Read More: Motorola Edge 30 Review: What’s special about this upper midrange phone?
On the videography end, the Neo 7 is capable of shooting up to 4K at 30 fps. The front camera has a generic 16 MP shooter that produces passable results. The videography on the front camera is limited to 1080P at 30 fps.
Processor and Performance
The processor is where the iQOO Neo 7 surpasses all its competitors. The devices come equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ based on a 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a chip design of 1 3.2 GHz Cortex-X2 and 3 2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 and 4 1.80 GHz Cortex-A510. The balanced design between higher and lower power chips makes it a highly efficient processor.
In day-to-day usage, it is almost impossible to slow the device down. We tried playing call of duty, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 on the Neo 7. Needless to say, the device was able to crunch each of the games at max graphics settings without any hiccups. Though the device got heated a bit after about 30 odd minutes.
Read More: Xiaomi Redmi K50i 5G Review: Performance Centric Mid-range Phone
This device would be the perfect pick for anyone looking for a powerful device on a mid-range budget. It will easily deliver all your processing needs and then some more.
Battery and Charge Time
The Neo 7 comes with a 5000 mAh battery on board. The battery coupled with the highly efficient chip can easily run for around 8 to 9 hours of continuous usage. But that’s not even the best bit about the Neo 7. There is a 120W fast charger included in the box that can charge the device from 0 to 50% in just 9 minutes.
Price of iQOO Neo 7
The iQOO Neo 7 comes in four different storage options – 8/128 GB, 8/256 GB, 12/256 Gb, and the maxed 12/512 GB. The price of each of the variants is 27,540 INR, 31,140 INR, 34,140 INR, and 35,940 INR, respectively. That brings the price to around 35,469 BDT, 40,105 BDT, 43,969 BDT, and 46,287 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.29 BDT). However, the official price of the Vivo iQOO Neo 7 may vary due to tax and other issues.
Read More: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Final Words
The iQOO Neo 7 is the perfect mid-range smartphone that will offer a near-flagship-level experience for half the price. And not to mention the premium build quality it brings this time around. The phone has made excellent improvements in the display, battery, and performance section over the Neo 6. But the camera is still not up to the mark if you compare it with the competitors. Overall, the Vivo iQOO Neo 7 is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to pick up an all-around performance smartphone.
Walton brings new CiNEd gaming monitors
Walton has launched two new CiNEd gaming monitors with IPS panels. These monitors can be used for different purposes, including gaming and graphic designs.
Touhidur Rahman Raad, chief business officer of Walton Digi-Tech Industries, said: "Modelled as WD27GI06 and WD27GI07, the new gaming monitors feature 27-inch QHD IPS LED-backlit display with 2560 and 1440 pixel resolution and frameless design on three sides."
Read more: ViewSonic unveils gaming monitors on Metaverse
"The fast IPS display allows the liquid crystal elements to respond faster and eliminate motion blur. HRD technology with higher brightness provides a wider colour range and excellent contrast than traditional monitors," he added.
The gaming monitors feature a 165Hz refresh rate, 178-degree wide viewing angle, 16:09 aspect ratio, and 1000:1 contrast ratio that gives smooth images by avoiding blur and lag-free views for gamers.
Read More: Infinix Hot 20s Review: A Budget Smartphone for Gamers
The prices of the two Walton gaming monitors are Tk38,750 and Tk39,550, respectively.
Grameenphone introduces mobile data plan feature
Telecom operator Grameenphone has introduced a mobile data plan (MDP) feature that will allow Android users to manage their mobile data usage and price plans directly from their phones.
This feature will help Grameenphone curate personalised data plans accordingly by allowing them to optimise their data usage.
The MDP feature enables mobile carriers to notify and alert customers when their data plan is nearing exhaustion, and enables customers to benefit from personalised offers, an alert system, data-usage management tools, and a specialised interface.
Read More: Grameenphone can't sell new or old SIM cards: BTRC
Users can buy a data pack, check their data balance, and receive threshold notifications seamlessly through the MDP feature. The solution eliminates the need for memorising codes or downloading additional applications for data management.
Both prepaid and postpaid customers of Grameenphone can access the plan management feature via the "settings' option on their Android devices. The feature will be rolled out progressively to all Grameenphone customers in the next few months. Users will require handsets supporting Android 4.4 and above to enjoy this plan management feature.
Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, said: "We believe MDP is an important milestone in bringing customer delight as now our customers will be more empowered to control their data plan. We are happy to introduce this simple yet meaningful customer-centric solution in collaboration with Google."
Read More: Grameenphone helps 11,000 mango farmers, entrepreneurs understand online business better
Over half of 17.5mn Twitter users who voted say Musk should step down as CEO
More than half of 17.5 million users who responded to a Twitter poll created by billionaire Elon Musk over whether he should step down as head of the company had voted yes by the time the poll closed Monday.
There was no immediate announcement from Twitter, or Musk, about whether that would happen, though Musk said that he would abide by the results. Musk attended the World Cup final on Sunday and may be midflight on his way back to the U.S. early Monday.
Musk has taken a number of unscientific polls on substantial issues facing the social media platform, including whether to reinstate journalists that he had suspended from Twitter, which was broadly criticized in and out of media circles.
Musk has clashed with some users on multiple fronts and on Sunday, he asked Twitter users to decide if he should remain in charge of the social media platform after acknowledging he made a mistake in launching new speech restrictions that banned mentions of rival social media websites on Twitter.
The results of the unscientific online survey, which lasted 12 hours, showed that 57.5% of those who voted wanted him to leave, while the remaining 42.5% wanted him to say.
The latest poll followed yet another significant policy change since Musk acquired Twitter in October. Twitter had announced that users will no longer be able to link to Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon and other platforms the company described as “prohibited.”
That decision generated immediate blowback, including criticism from past defenders of Twitter's new owner, that Musk promised not to make any more major policy changes without an online survey of users.
The action to block competitors was Musk's latest attempt to crack down on certain speech after he shut down a Twitter account last week that was tracking the flights of his private jet.
The banned platforms included mainstream websites such as Facebook and Instagram, and upstart rivals Mastodon, Tribel, Nostr, Post and former President Donald Trump's Truth Social. Twitter gave no explanation for why the blacklist included those seven websites but not others such as Parler, TikTok or LinkedIn.
A test case was the prominent venture capitalist Paul Graham, who in the past has praised Musk but on Sunday told his 1.5 million Twitter followers that this was the “last straw” and to find him on Mastodon. His Twitter account was promptly suspended, and soon after restored as Musk promised to reverse the policy implemented just hours earlier.
Policy decisions by Musk have divided users. He has advocated for free speech, but has suspended journalists and shut down a longstanding account that tracked the whereabouts of his jet, calling it a security risk.
But he has changed policies, and then changed them again, created a sense of confusion on the platform about what is allowed, and what is not.
Musk permanently banned the @ElonJet account on Wednesday, then changed Twitter's rules to prohibit the sharing of another person’s current location without their consent. He then took aim at journalists who were writing about the jet-tracking account, which can still be found on other social media sites, alleging that they were broadcasting “basically assassination coordinates.”
He used that to justify Twitter's moves last week to suspend the accounts of numerous journalists who cover the social media platform and Musk, among them reporters working for The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, Voice of America and other publications. Many of those accounts were restored following an online poll by Musk.
Then, over the weekend, The Washington Post’s Taylor Lorenz became the latest journalist to be temporarily banned. She said she was suspended after posting a message on Twitter tagging Musk and requesting an interview.
Sally Buzbee, The Washington Post's executive editor, called it an “arbitrary suspension of another Post journalist” that further undermined Musk’s promise to run Twitter as a platform dedicated to free speech.
“Again, the suspension occurred with no warning, process or explanation — this time as our reporter merely sought comment from Musk for a story,” Buzbee said. By midday Sunday, Lorenz's account was restored, as was the tweet she thought had triggered her suspension.
Musk was questioned in court on Nov. 16 about how he splits his time among Tesla and his other companies, including SpaceX and Twitter. Musk had to testify in Delaware’s Court of Chancery over a shareholder’s challenge to Musk’s potentially $55 billion compensation plan as CEO of the electric car company.
Musk said he never intended to be CEO of Tesla, and that he didn’t want to be chief executive of any other companies either, preferring to see himself as an engineer instead. Musk also said he expected an organizational restructuring of Twitter to be completed in the next week or so. It’s been more than a month since he said that.
In public banter with Twitter followers Sunday, Musk expressed pessimism about the prospects for a new CEO, saying that person “must like pain a lot” to run a company that “has been in the fast lane to bankruptcy.”
“No one wants the job who can actually keep Twitter alive. There is no successor,” Musk tweeted.
___AP writer Brian P. D. Hannon contributed to this report.