gadget
Tecno Spark 20 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart look
Tecno Mobile, a Chinese company based at Shenzhen, was established in 2006, as a subsidiary of Transsion Holdings. In the recent years, this brand acquired huge reputation for producing value-for-money smartphones. Spak is the budget-friendly line up of Tecno Mobile. Recently, the brand has launched Tecno Spark 20, an affordable phone with an iPhone-inspired design. This device is now available in Bangladesh. Let’s explore its features in details.
Features and Specifications of Tecno Spark 20
Design
Tecno Spark 20 phone comes with 163.7 mm by 75.6 mm by 8.5 mm dimention. It boasts a larger camera island with three circled rings for the dual cameras and a quad flashlight. The glossy camera island may attract dust, contrasting with the fingerprint-resistant plastic matte finish.
The plastic frame houses a swift side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and while lacking an official IP rating, a rubber ring suggests water resistance to some extent. Dual speakers deliver a surprisingly balanced sound, complemented by a USB C port for charging and a microphone for calls. The comfortably held phone exhibits flat surface, and robust build quality without any creaks or flexing.
Read more: Benco V91 Review: Android experience at BDT 10000
The dynamic port, reminiscent of the iPhone's dynamic island, introduces a touch of sophistication, though its functionality is somewhat constrained.
The vibrant color options, like Neon Gold, Gravity Black, Cyber White, and Magic Skin 2.0 (Blue), Spark 20 presents an eye-catching play of light.
Display
The Tecno Spark 20 sports a 6.6-inch IPS LCD, featuring a commendable 90Hz refresh rate alongside a 720 by 1612 pixels resolution. The enhanced scrolling experience due to the high refresh rate is more perceptible. While the display is satisfactory for its price point, a higher 1080p resolution would have been preferable.
Its punch hole disrupts the display. Besides, it has noticeable bezels, especially the prominent chin at the bottom. However, these limitations are often found in the similarly priced devices.
Read more: Tecno Spark 20C Review: Standard phone under 15000 TK
It’s display customization options offer flexibility, allowing users to fine-tune colors. With a peak brightness of 500 nits under adaptive settings, the screen remains visible outdoors. The ability to stream YouTube videos at 2K resolution produces vibrant and sharp visuals. While responsive to touch and conducive to enjoyable gaming, a desire for a higher resolution lingers, leaving the overall display experience commendable for its budget-friendly nature.
Performance and Software
The Tecno Spark 20 runs on the MediaTek Helio G85 12nm, which, despite being an older chipset, performs well. The phone is smooth with no noticeable lag when using it, and apps open quickly.
Games also run fine, except for heavy ones. It handles everyday tasks like calls, texts, and content consumption without a hitch. Multitasking is decent, except for heavy games. Compared to the Spark 10 with the MediaTek Helio G37, there's an improvement in performance.
Read more: Honor 90 Lite Review: Performance within Budget
Apple’s 2024 Line-up: A leap into the future with Vision Pro, OLED iPad Pro, and more
As 2024 dawns, Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike are on the cusp of excitement, eagerly awaiting the tech giant’s annual product unveilings. In recent years, Apple has dramatically reshaped its product line, from transitioning Macs to in-house processors to launching the robust Apple Watch Ultra and hinting at an exciting new product category with the Vision Pro. As we navigate through 2024, let's delve into the rumored launches and innovative trends that could mark another significant chapter in Apple's illustrious history.
Innovative Apple Products Releasing in 2024
Vision Pro: A Leap into Mixed Reality
The Vision Pro, debuting on February 2 at $3,499, is poised to redefine mixed-reality technology. Powered by visionOS, this groundbreaking headset features a three-dimensional interface navigable through eye, hand, and voice controls. Its ultra-high-resolution displays offer an immersive visual journey, complemented by robust spatial computing that allows for multitasking in infinite virtual workspaces.
FaceTime enters a new dimension, becoming spatial and more immersive, while the EyeSight feature facilitates transparent user interactions. With its modular design, advanced eye tracking, and a focus on privacy, the Vision Pro stands at the forefront of spatial computing, promising a transformative experience for users.
Read more: Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
OLED iPad Pro: Revolutionizing the Tablet Experience
The iPad Pro lineup is expected to receive a significant upgrade with the integration of OLED technology. Slated for release in 2024, these models – an 11.1-inch and a larger 13.1-inch, with talks of a potential 15-inch variant – promise to elevate the user experience.
OLED technology will bring deeper blacks, faster refresh rates, and improved contrast, surpassing the current mini-LED displays. The incorporation of the M3 chip is set to offer unparalleled CPU and GPU performance, enhancing the tablet's capabilities. This transition to OLED, while likely increasing battery efficiency, might also contribute to a higher price point.
Additional features may include MagSafe charging, expansive storage options up to 4TB, a redesigned Magic Keyboard, and a third-generation Apple Pencil with interchangeable magnetic tips. The new iPad Pro is speculated to launch in March, with prices starting at $1,500 for the 11-inch model and $1,800 for the 13-inch model.
Read more: Revolutionizing Health: Top 8 Medical Breakthroughs of 2023
iPad Air: The Perfect Balance of Affordability and Innovation
The anticipated 2024 iPad Air aims to redefine the mid-range tablet experience, offering a harmonious blend of performance and features. Expected to launch with a powerful M1 chip, this 10.9-inch tablet will feature a stunning Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color support. Enhancements such as Touch ID integration into the power button and 5G capabilities promise to elevate its appeal.
Additionally, a 12-megapixel front camera with Center Stage functionality and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard position the iPad Air as a versatile device for both creativity and productivity. Rumored to debut in March at around $599, this tablet is poised to capture a wide range of users.
TECNO SPARK 20 officially launched in Bangladesh
TECNO, the premium smartphone brand recently introduced the highly anticipated SPARK 20 from its renowned SPARK series.
Expanding its lineup, TECNO has already introduced two other models, the SPARK Go 2024 and SPARK 20c. The introduction of SPARK 20 further elevates TECNO's commitment to providing upgraded features within its smartphone segment, said a press release on Sunday.
In line with the slogan ‘Win Big, SPARK Beyond’ this latest addition is outfitted with advanced features. It features a 6.6" HD+ 90Hz Hole Screen for an immersive visual experience. Driven by the G85 Super Boost Octa-Core processor, the SPARK 20 enables smooth multitasking and an excellent gaming experience.
Offering a substantial 16GB RAM* (8GB+8GB Extended) and a built-in memory of 256GB, users can experience ample storage and swift performance. The device is equipped with a 50MP Ultra Clear Main Camera and a 32MP Glowing Selfie camera, significantly enhancing photography capabilities. The robust 5000mAh battery guarantees a full day’s usage on a single charge.
The SPARK 20 Series introduces an unparalleled audio experience with its Stereo Dual Speaker system, delivering a 400% increase in volume and DTS support for immersive audio.
Beyond its exceptional features, the SPARK 20 is not just a device; it boasts an eye-catching design that effortlessly combines style with functionality.
Showcasing playful patterns to match individual tastes, it includes a stylish punch-hole cutout for an enhanced front camera appearance and a dynamic “Dynamite Port” for swift charging notification. Ensuring both a comfortable grip and secure access, the device comes equipped with convenient fingerprint sensors and face unlock options.
TECNO SPARK 20 is now available at all authorized TECNO outlets in Bangladesh, priced attractively at BDT 16,999 (Excluding Vat).
Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
For almost ten years, there have been rumours about Apple stepping into virtual and augmented reality. Finally, at WWDC 2023, they unveiled Vision Pro. The first device with visionOS will be available on February 2nd, and you can start placing pre-orders on January 19th at 8 AM ET / 5 AM PT. Even though Apple never officially admitted to developing the headset, numerous rumours circulated over the years speculating about its features. Now, the reality is revealed with Vision Pro, a mixed-reality device that can deliver both virtual and augmented reality experiences.
All Revealed Features and Specifications of Apple Vision Pro
Global Release Date
Apple introduced the Vision Pro at WWDC in June 2023, mentioning it would be out 'early next year.' Surprisingly, it arrived in January 2024, a bit earlier than expected, but the announcement just before CES was strategic for grabbing attention.
Initially, the headset is only available in the U.S., with Apple stating that other countries would have to wait until 'later next year,' as mentioned during the unveiling in 2023. Speculations in July 2023 by Gurman hinted that the U.K. and Canada might see the launch shortly after the U.S., while Asia and other parts of Europe might have to wait until later in 2024 or even 2025.
Read more: iQOO Neo 9 Review: A Flagship Grade Mid-Range Smartphone
Design
The Apple Vision Pro boasts a design that prioritises wearability and user customization. Crafted from a bespoke aluminium alloy, its frame gracefully contours around the user's face. The modular design allows for a tailored fit, ensuring optimal comfort.
The Light Seal, composed of a soft textile, offers a precise fit with various sizes and shapes to accommodate individual preferences. Adjustable flexible straps secure the device on the head, positioning the Audio Pods conveniently near the ears. The cushioned headband, available in different sizes and styles, further enhances the personalised experience.
As of Apple's press release in January 2023, each Vision Pro package includes two Light Seal cushions and is available in a diverse range of shapes and sizes. The package also encompasses an Apple Vision Pro Cover for the device's front, a battery, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter.
Read more: Revolutionizing Health: Top 8 Medical Breakthroughs of 2023
iQOO Neo 9 Review: A Flagship Grade Mid-Range Smartphone
iQOO saved up a big surprise till the very end of 2023. The Vivo subsidiary launched the much-hyped iQOO Neo 9 on 27th December in China. The smartphone is scheduled for a mid-February launch globally. For the time being, the smartphone has garnered a lot of attention and buzz among the users. So what’s the hype all about? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications of the vivo iQOO Neo 9
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Neo series is known for its drastic design jumps in each iteration. The Neo 9 is also no different. There’s virtually no similarity between the Neo 8 and Neo 9 except for the fact that both of them have a plastic build.
The Neo 9 has a flat front and back with two large separate housings for the two camera sensors. The dimension of the smartphone comes in at 163.5 by 75.7 by 8 mm or 8.3 mm. The 8.3 mm version has a faux leather finish in bright red and contrasting white. It's probably the best looking one among a choice between black and blue. The faux leather variant weighs at 196 g whereas the standard model comes in at 190 g.
The ports and buttons are carried on from the Neo 8 with the SIM slot taking its place beside the Type C port. There’s also an IR blaster along with the secondary noise cancellation mic at the top. Other than that, the minimal front bezel and even weight distribution make for a premium mid-range smartphone.
Read more: realme GT5 Pro Review: High-performance or Hype?
The Display
The display on the Neo 9 is a 6.78 inches LTPO AMOLED panel with standard features like 1B colors, 144 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1400 nits of HBM. What’s interesting here is the inclusion of an LTPO panel. Even many high-end smartphones these days don’t come with this feature. Needless to say, it’ll definitely help conserve a lot of battery on the 1260 by 2800 pixels and 453 ppi density.
The display also has the new PWM dimming feature. It essentially dims out the blacks entirely by varying the electric pulse on the individual LEDs. The result is striking low brightness in dark environments and true black contrast.
The bezel on the center punch-hole display is very minimal with the lower chin protruding ever so slightly. The slim trim helps to keep the screen-to-body ratio at 89.7%. The bottom line, it's an amazing display that seriously punches above its price.
Read more: Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G Review: What’s New?
The Camera
There’s a dual-lens camera on the Neo 9 with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.9 wide angle and 1/1.49" aperture sensor. The secondary shooter is 8 MP, f/2.2 with a 119-degree field of view. Both the main and the secondary camera uses IMX sensors from Sony for improved camera performance.
realme GT5 Pro Review: High-performance or Hype?
In a bold move into the high-end market, realme introduces the GT5 Pro as a "dual-engine flagship," emphasising both impeccable performance and exceptional imaging capabilities. Launched on 16th December 2023, this smartphone aims to redefine realme's reputation in mid-range segments. From its robust design to impressive hardware, GT5 Pro marks realme's foray into the premium smartphone arena. This review explores every facet of the GT5 Pro.
Key Features and Specifications of realme GT5 Pro
Design
The realme GT5 Pro comes with a curved screen. The screen minimises borders (1.36mm on the sides, 1.94mm at the bottom). Weighing 218 to 224g, this device’s dimensions are 161.7mm by 7.51mm by 9.2mm.
The phone's quality is evident in its materials, featuring a super hard aluminium middle frame with 43% higher yield strength than standard titanium alloys.
The camera module features a champagne gold aluminium alloy ring. Its USB Type-C port supports fast charging. Notably, it lacks a headphone jack, embracing wireless audio trends.
Read more: iQoo 12 Pro Review: Flagship phone for gamers
The dual-SIM tray supports nano-SIM cards, but there's no microSD card support. An infrared port enables the phone to function as a remote control. With an IP64 rating, the GT5 Pro resists dust and water splashes, enhancing durability for outdoor use.
This device is available in several colour variants, such as, Black, White, and Orange. White and Orange options feature nano-leather, while the Black variant uses AG glass for a classic look.
Display
The realme GT5 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch screen that strikes a balance between ample viewing space and handheld comfort, catering to various activities like browsing, gaming, and multimedia consumption.
The screen utilises BOE's S1 flexible screen technology, with a resolution of 2780 by 1264 pixels (1.5K), ensuring sharp and detailed visuals without excessive battery drain.
Read more: vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera
In terms of colour accuracy, the GT5 Pro delivers quite natural colours, particularly noticeable in high-resolution photos or videos. The display's peak brightness is about 450 nits and ensures visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The manual maximum brightness is 1000 nits, with a global maximum of 1600 nits, beneficial for HDR content and detailing in various lighting conditions.
The 144Hz high refresh rate enhances user experience, especially in fast-paced gaming, with adaptive adjustment from 0.5Hz to 144Hz using 8T LTPO technology, optimising performance and power consumption.
For eye comfort, the GT5 Pro features 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming at low brightness, minimising screen flicker and eye strain. At higher brightness, it switches to DC dimming, reducing the risk of eye discomfort. The low SVM (Screen Flicker Metric) value of
Honor Watch 4 Review: Is it worth buying?
With the Honor Watch 4, its company entered the realm of budget-friendly square smartwatches. Departing from the fitness-centric design of its predecessor, the Honor Watch 4 embraces a more sophisticated aesthetic look, drawing inspiration from reputed smartwatches such as Apple Watch, Fitbit Versa, etc. This device aims to combine affordability with an array of features typically found in higher-priced smartwatches. Let’s take a look into what the Honor Watch 4 offers.
Key features and specs of Honor Watch 4
Design
The Honor Watch 4, boasts a redesigned and modern appearance with a rectangular aluminum dial featuring rounded and polished edges. The 1.75-inch screen is responsive to touch, and a single button on the side facilitates easy operation.
Weighing only 32g and measuring 11.2mm in thickness, the watch is very light, making it comfortable for continuous wear, even during sleep. Activating the display is a simple light press, and navigating through apps and functions is intuitive using the touchscreen.
The watch gets charged with a magnetic base featuring two contacts. The standard 20mm silicone straps are soft and secure, fastening with a buckle for added safety. The watch offers water resistance up to a depth of 50 meters with an IP68 and 5 ATM rating. It is also dustproof.
Read more: 4 Best Apple Watch Ultra Clone Reviews
Dial replacement is straightforward, and compatibility with other models ensures customization options for users.
The Honor Watch 4 is available in two dial finishes: gold with a beige wristband or traditional black with a black strap.
Display
The Honor Watch 4 is equipped with an impressive AMOLED panel that delivers a visually appealing display. The screen, with a resolution of 390 by 450 pixels and a pixel density of 340 PPI, offers over 300 different watch faces accessible through a simple press on the screen.
While the display performs well with satisfactory brightness levels, visibility may be compromised in direct sunlight. The screen has a 60Hz refresh rate, and its brightness adjusts automatically based on the ambient lighting conditions.
Read more: DT8 Ultra Review: Does it clone Apple Watch Ultra?
Despite Honor's claim of having an always-on display function, the reviewer encountered difficulty activating it. However, the wrist-turn gesture can be used to activate the display quickly, and the screen timeout can be extended to 5 minutes.
The speaker on the Honor Watch 4 is notably powerful, supporting Bluetooth calling with a built-in microphone. While not ideal for prolonged conversations, it effectively allows users to answer calls promptly. The watch provides notifications through sound and vibration, but it cannot interact by responding to pre-created messages.
Performance
The Honor Watch 4 incorporates a micro-optical lens array of sensors to monitor key health metrics, including stress, blood oxygen level, heart rate, respiration, and sleep quality. While some measurements are taken over time for health tracking, on-demand functions are not always available, such as the inability to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) when desired.
The watch features an intuitive interface for quick access to settings and notifications through simple scrolling gestures. The ring management system serves as a daily motivator, encouraging physical activity with step and exercise goals.
Read more: Using Smartwatch Daily? Know the Pros and Cons
Colmi P71 Review: Affordable Smartwatch with Voice Call Feature
There was a time when smartwatches used to be very expensive. However, the Chinese smartwatch boom has significantly reduced the price while bringing in tons of value-for-money features. One such brand is the Shenzhen-based Colmi which recently launched its P71 smartwatch. Let’s take a look into the features of Colmi P71 and the unbeatable price it comes at.
Key Specifications of Colmi P71
Design and Build Quality
Colmi smartwatches are known for their inspirations drawn from Apple or pixel watches. But unlike other Chinese brands, Colmi doesn’t blatantly copy their design elements into smartwatches.
The P71 is specifically inspired by the standard Apple watch series. But a close look reveals that the sides are flat instead of curved ones found on the Apple watch. The rotating crown is also positioned slightly above the usual space on the right. The entire build of the smartwatch is also made of plastic unlike aluminum or stainless steel found on the Apple watch.
Coming to actual specifications, it features a 37.9 by 45.5 by 11.2 mm dimension. The length of the smartwatch including the strap comes in at around 220 mm. The strap connectors are conjoined below the smartwatch giving it a flush look from the outside. Overall, the design of the P71 looks sleek. For a smartwatch that’s priced around 10 dollars, there is no room to nitpick.
Read more: Top 10 Smartwatches Released in 2022 and 2023
The Display
The display is often a make-or-break factor in purchasing a basic-level smartwatch. Thankfully the display on the P71 is pretty standard. The 1.9-inch IPS LCD panel has a 240 by 286-pixel resolution. While the pixel count isn’t quite on par with other higher-end smartwatches, it produces decent results.
The colors look sharp with good details. It isn’t possible to make out the individual pixels unless one is closely looking at the display. The viewing angles on the P71 are also good unless it’s looked at from extreme angles. Then it shows slight flickering owing to the lower resolution. Another slight issue is that the display isn’t symmetrical.
There is a large chin at the bottom of the display which may deter the experience a bit. But again considering the price, these are excusable compromises.
Read more: Using Smartwatch Daily? Know the Pros and Cons
Performance, Connectivity, and Battery
The P71 is powered by RTL8763EWE with 270 KB RAM and 128 MB ROM. Smartwatch specs aren’t all that significant considering it's all about usability. Unlike smartphones, smartwatches do not slow down over time so the prime concern is, does it feel snappy out of the box?
Well, users would be pleased to know that the P71 performs well with its friendly UI and fast animations. In addition to all the standard features, there’s a heart rate monitor and pulse oximeter. But the thing about budget-friendly smartwatches is that the accuracy of these sensors is often questionable.
The pedometer was constantly counting 10-20 steps more. Sometimes it would start counting even while riding a car. Similarly, take the results of the pulse oximeter and the heart rate sensor with a pinch of salt. The smartwatch also has IP68 water resistance so a casual dip won’t do it any damage.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Smartwatch Review with Price in Bangladesh
But what sets the P71 apart? It’s the Bluetooth calling feature on the smartwatch. Users can remotely receive and call from the smartwatch. The voice call performance was decent considering the price.
As for the battery, there’s a 2-pin magnetic charger at the back that can top up the device in about 2 hours. Once fully charged, the 230 mAh lithium battery can easily last 5 to 7 days under heavy use. If you’re a casual user, then a charge every fortnight would suffice. Using the smartwatch with a smartphone would require the Pubu Wear app.
Price of Colmi P71 Smartwatch
The official price of the Colmi P71 smartwatch is around $16.95. That roughly amounts to 1,863 BDT (1 USD = 109.93 BDT). The smartphone is also unofficially available in Bangladesh at around the same price.
Read more: Colmi P28 Plus Review: Is It a Worthy Budget Smartwatch?
Final Words
The Colmi P71 smartwatch brings almost all the standard features of a smartwatch at an affordable price point. The design, display, and battery are easily its strongest suit. The sensors could have been a bit more accurate but considering the price, it’s a hard bargain for that. Regardless, the Colmi P71 is still one of the best budget-friendly smartwatches to buy in 2024.
iQOO Neo 8 Review: Is this affordable premium smartphone worth buying?
For the last several years, iQOO has enriched the smartphone market with its affordable premium smartphones. Being a subsidiary of BBK Electronics, iQOO is slowly taking over the mantle of flagship killer status. The company recently launched the iQOO Neo 8 on 23rd May 2023. This mid-range smartphone brings specs that would rival the recent flagship smartphones. Let’s dig into it more.
Key Specifications of the iQOO Neo 8
Design and Build Quality
iQOO devices have a unique design statement with their characteristic rectangular camera housing and contrasting finish on the back (leather variant). The Neo 8 is no different as well. Users will be getting a plastic frame, glass back and front. The build feels durable and sturdy even with the plastic frame.
The dimensions of the Neo 8 come in at 164.7 mm by 77 mm by 8.5 mm with 192 g weight. The front of the device has a noticeable chin at the bottom. But that is about it when it comes to drawbacks. Ports and buttons are similar to that of the Neo 7 which means there aren’t any 3.5 mm headphone jack on the Neo 8.
Read more: iQoo 12 Pro Review: Flagship phone for gamers
The Display
The display on the Neo 8 is easily its strongest suit. The 6.78 inch AMOLED display has 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The QHD+ resolution display has 1260 by 2800 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 453 ppi density. There is a slight chin at the bottom and around the side of the display. It accounts for about 87.5% screen-to-body ratio.
The specifications on paper are strongly reflected in real life. The panel looks stunning with great contrast and color balance. The HBM allows for easy readability under direct sunlight. It's not the brightest per se, but it's the best at its price point.
The Camera
There is a dual camera setup on the iQOO Neo 8. The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.9 wide-angle shooter with PDAF and OIS. The secondary sensor is a 2 MP one with an f/2.4 depth sensor. It's essentially a single shooter phone considering the depth sensor doesn’t do anything other than assisting in the portrait shots.
The pictures from the main camera came out sharp and detailed. iQOO has significantly improved its post-processing capacity. Pictures taken during the daylight came out well exposed with good details. The colors had a slight warm tone to them which made the images pop. However, it wasn’t overpowering in any way and the pictures came out looking natural. The dynamic range was also well-preserved in most shots.
Read more: vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera
The low-light performance was also on par with the daylight ones. The exposure and color balance were on point even under strong artificial lights. The night mode became significantly better to accommodate extreme low-light shots.
The videography on the iQOO Neo 8 is rated at 8K, 4K, and 1080P at 30fps, 30/60 fps, and 30/60 fps respectively. The gyro-EIS and OIS greatly improve video stabilization.
There’s also a generic 16 MP (f/2.5) front-facing camera that can take decent selfies. The selfie sensor can capture video at 1080P at 30fps.
Processor and Performance
The processor on the iQOO Neo 8 is Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 based on the 4 Nm architecture. This is the same flagship processor from 2 years ago seen on the then-premium smartphones. It's great to see that iQOO is recycling the same flagship-grade processor at a mid-range price point.
Read more: Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G Review: What’s New?
The octa-core processor has a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510 chip design with Adreno 730 GPU. Considering the performance capability of the 8+ Gen 1, it doesn’t feel like a mid-range smartphone. Games like PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 ran on the highest graphics settings without any hiccups. The device also did a great job of dissipating the heat. We didn’t notice any thermal throttling during the test.
However, the performance is slightly spoiled by the OS experience. The global variant comes with Funtouch 13 and the Chinese variant comes with OriginOS 3. Either way, the bloatware feels heavy from a stock Android perspective. The 144 Hz refresh rate is a saving grace in an otherwise bloatware-filled OS.
Battery and Charge Time
iQOO Neo 8 comes with 120W proprietary FlashCharge which can be used to charge up the 5000 mAh battery. The brick can charge up the device from 0 to 50% in about 9 minutes. On average, expect an entire day’s usage out of the device with a full charge.
Pros and Cons of the iQOO Neo 8
Pros:
- Excellent display - Ultra-fast charging support - Powerful processor - Stylish design - Good camera system.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K70 Review: Mid-range phone with flagship features
Cons:
- No water resistance rating - Lack of wireless and reverse charging facility.
Price of iQOO Neo 8
iQOO Neo 8 is currently available in 12/256 GB, 12/512 GB, and 16/512 GB variants. The prices of the variants are 2,499, 2,799, and 3,099 CNY respectively. The price roughly translates to 38,817, 43,477 and 48,137 BDT respectively. However, the actual price would differ since it is not officially available in Bangladesh yet.
Verdict
The iQOO Neo 8 takes the design and material values from the Neo 7 and brushes up rough edges. The Neo 8 brings incremental updates to the display, processor, and camera. The Neo 7 was already a great value option considering its price. The Neo 8 takes the bar even higher.
It’s downside would be the OS support which still has a long way to go. Besides, the provision of wireless and reverse charging facilities could make it a better deal.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
So who is the iQOO Neo 8 for? It’s best suited for people wanting a flagship experience at a mid-range price.
iQoo 12 Pro Review: Flagship phone for gamers
iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, is known for its high-performance gaming phones. The iQOO 12 Pro was launched in China on November 14, 2023. This device is a shift from the brand’s traditional gaming-centric lineup. The 12 Pro appeared as a high-capacity phone with enhanced gaming capabilities. This shift suggests a broader appeal beyond the gaming community, making it a more versatile option for a wider audience. Let’s take a look at what it offers.
Key Features & Specs of iQoo 12 Pro
Design
The iQoo 12 boasts a sturdy design with dimensions measuring 164.6 mm by 75.4 mm by 8.6 mm (or 8.8 mm). Weighing in at 205 g or 210 g (7.23 oz), it accommodates dual Nano-SIM cards with dual stand-by capability.
Its exterior exhibits flat metallic sides with curved corners, and the glossy rear panel. Although slightly slippery, it is offset by the included TPU cover, enhancing grip and preventing fingerprint smudges.
Read more: vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera
The camera module, a rounded square on the left side, is encircled by a metallic ring with a ridged edge. The display boasts slim bezels and a central hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera.
Notably, the phone showcases the BMW Motorsport logo subtly at the rear bottom and attains an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, a first for the series, ensuring resilience against the elements.
Display
The iQOO 12 Pro features a LTPO AMOLED display, boasting 1 billion colors and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, complemented by HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 3000 nits.
The 6.78-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3200 pixels and a 20:9 ratio provides a sharp pixel density of approximately 518 ppi.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
The upgrade from Samsung's E6 to E7 panel is notable, particularly in the doubled HDR window brightness. Users should be aware that the default resolution is set to 1080p, and adjusting it to UHD in the settings enhances the screen's sharpness.
The fingerprint recognition, although ultrasonic and functional, takes a step back from the larger recognition area of the iQOO 11 Pro, presenting a minor drawback in the overall design.
Cameras
The iQOO 12 Pro incorporates a triple-camera setup featuring a 50 MP (f/1.7) wide lens, a 64 MP (f/2.6) periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP (f/2.0) ultra wide lens.
The camera system showcases capabilities such as dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama, supporting video recording up to 8K at 30fps and offering versatile options at lower resolutions. Notably, the dynamic range across all three lenses is impressive, avoiding over-sharpening issues. The camera excels in capturing details, especially in macro mode, providing the flexibility to use the ultra-wide or telephoto lens for varied perspectives.
Read more: realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability
However, certain limitations persist, such as the telephoto lens usage in low light and unresolved issues like purple-fringing with telephoto lenses highlight some gaps in comparison to leading photography-focused phones.
On the front side, the iQoo 12 Pro bears a 16 MP (f/2.5) selfie shooter. However, the front-facing camera can record only at 1080p 30fps without image stabilization, impacting its suitability for vlogging.
Performance and Hardware
The iQOO 12 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-A520 cores. Accompanied by the Adreno 750 GPU, the device offers robust performance.
The 12 Pro is supported by memory options of 256GB/512GB/1TB storage and 16GB RAM, utilizing UFS 4.0 technology. The absence of a card slot for external storage should be noted.
Read more: OPPO Find N3 Review: A New Standard for Foldable Smartphones
The iQOO 12 Pro's performance in resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact demonstrates stability with a trade-off of higher power consumption compared to some counterparts.
Software
Operating on Google's latest Android 14 OS with Vivo's Funtouch OS 14 overlay, the iQOO 12 Pro ensures a user-friendly experience. This device facilitates lock screen customization and enhancements to multitasking, RAM utilization, and motion blur effects during app operations.
The promise of three years of OS and security updates, followed by an additional year of security updates, adds to the device's longevity. However, users may encounter occasional notifications from the pre-installed V-Appstore, which encourages trying out new apps and offers customization options that can be manually managed.
Some pre-installed apps like Netflix, Spotify, Snapchat, Facebook, and PhonePe are present but can be easily uninstalled.
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Battery and Charging
The iQOO 12 Pro is equipped with a sizable 5100mAh non-removable battery. Its notable charging capabilities include a rapid 120W wired charging, boasting a 26-minute fill-up time.
Additionally, the phone supports efficient 50W wireless charging, providing a convenient alternative. For reverse wireless charging, the device offers a 10W capability.
Despite the substantial battery size, the overall endurance is comparable to other phones when engaging in resource-intensive activities like gaming. iQOO maintains a commendable consistency by ensuring their charger includes a USB-C port and supports PD 65W charging, offering a practical and universal charging solution.
Pros and Cons of iQoo 12 Pro
Pros
- Elegant design with BMW Motorsport logo- Large display with a high refresh rate- Versatile triple-camera setup- Powerful processor- Ample storage- Fast charging with wireless, and reverse charging facility- Useful ports.
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Cons
- Slippery glossy rear panel- Limited fingerprint recognition area- Low video recording capacity by the front camera- Telephoto lens limitations, purple-fringing issues- Occasional V-App Store notifications- No card slot for external storage- Higher power consumption in resource-intensive games
Price of iQoo 12 Pro
The iQOO 12 Pro is not yet officially available in Bangladesh. In China, the iQOO 12 Pro 16GB+512GB Legend Edition is priced at CNY 5499.00, equivalent to BDT 84626. The conversion rate used is CNY 1 = BDT 15.39. The official price of iQoo 12 Pro in Bangladesh may increase due to diverse issues.
Conclusion
The iQOO 12 Pro offers a complete package with attractive features such as elegant design, vibrant display, standard cameras, performance-driven robust processor, etc. Running on Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, the device promises extended software updates. Its powerful battery supports rapid wired, wireless, and reverse wireless charging.
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On the whole, iQoo 12 Pro strikes a balance between gaming and photography-centric features, distinguishing itself from traditional "gaming phones."