Tech
Motorola Moto G54 Review: Can It Hold the Legacy?
Motorola is a popular brand who manufacture stylish, quality, and feature-oriented smartphones under diverse price segments. The Motorola Moto G54 was released on September 6, 2023, in India, targeting the budget-friendly user segment. Motorola offers some premium features in this phone within budget. Can the Motorola Moto G54 carry on the reputation? Let’s find out.
Key Features and Specs of Moto G54
Design
The Moto G54 5G maintains a similar design to its predecessor, the G53 5G, but with slight size reductions, measuring 161.6 mm by 73.8 mm by 8mm and weighing 177g.
Available in Midnight Blue, Indigo Blue (vegan leather-backed), Glacier Blue, and Mint Green, it offers options for different preferences. Its physical features remain consistent, with ports at the bottom, a power button (with fingerprint reader), volume keys on the right, and a SIM tray on the left. It supports dual SIMs and a microSD card up to 1TB.
Its front is glass and the backside is made of plastic. The frame is also built with plastic. It lacks an official IP rating and boasts a "water-repellent" design.
Read more: Honor X7b Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Powerful Battery
The bezels surrounding the screen are slim. Despite its subdued appearance and lack of flashy elements, its refined design exudes sophistication and practicality, making it a reliable choice for professionals.
The phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. The Dolby Atmos logo signifies an equalisation app, though the built-in stereo speakers are more suitable for calls than music or videos. Nonetheless, with a headphone socket and Bluetooth 5.3, users can enjoy audio through external devices.
Display
The Moto G54 5G addresses the display shortcomings of its predecessor and offers a better display. With a resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, its 6.5-inch screen delivers smooth visuals and remarkable colour accuracy, scoring just 1.09 on the Delta E variance scale.
While it's not OLED or AMOLED, its IPS LCD technology still impresses with crispness and sharpness. However, it falls short in brightness compared to some high-end phones, reaching around 500 nits.
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Cameras
The Moto G54 5G features a 50 MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, similar to its predecessor, offering decent image quality with improved auto-enhancement processing for better balance between light and dark areas. However, night photography remains a challenge, with minimal artificial brightening and noticeable noise in low-light conditions.
The 2MP (f/2.4) macro camera delivers acceptable detail but may not always be the best option compared to using the main lens up close.
Video recording capabilities have been enhanced, now supporting 1080p at 60fps and featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother footage. Despite efforts to boost colours and sharpness, image quality may suffer in challenging lighting conditions, and the night mode doesn't provide significant improvements, especially for moving subjects.
The selfie camera 16 MP (f/2.4) performs reasonably well, producing decent shots in both regular and portrait modes, while video recording is capped at 1080p/30fps but remains suitable for everyday use, such as social media sharing and video calls.
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Shenzhen's Rise: From Humble Beginnings to Global Tech Titan
In the late 1970s, Shenzhen was a modest fishing village, tucked away in the southern tip of Guangdong Province, China. With a small population, it was an unlikely candidate for economic stardom. Fast forward to the present day, and Shenzhen has metamorphosed into a bustling metropolis with a population exceeding 17 million — known globally as a hub of innovation and technology.
This transformation is a cornerstone of China's economic reform and a testament to the power of strategic vision and policy.
Shenzhen's remarkable transformation is showcased at the city's Reform and Opening-up Exhibition Hall, which we, a team of visiting Bangladeshi journalists, explored on April 21. Our subsequent tours of Huawei and Mindray Medical International Limited headquarters on the following day further reinforced our impressions of the city's rapid development and technological prowess.
The Catalyst of Change: Economic Reform Policies
The pivotal moment for Shenzhen came in 1980 when it was designated as China's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by Deng Xiaoping’s government. This designation intended to attract foreign investment and test market reforms. Shenzhen’s proximity to Hong Kong, a global financial hub, made it an ideal testbed for these reforms.
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The SEZ status conferred unprecedented autonomy on the city in economic decision-making,
Tax incentives, fewer bureaucratic steps, and market-oriented business environment catalyzed an influx of foreign investments.
Infrastructure and Industrialization: Laying the Foundation
Concurrent with policy reforms, Shenzhen's infrastructure underwent a dramatic overhaul. The government invested heavily into building roads, ports, railways, and telecommunications networks, drastically enhancing the city’s connectivity and efficiency. The establishment of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1990 further positioned the city as a financial center.
Industrial parks sprang up around the city, attracting manufacturing units from electronics to pharmaceuticals. The move from a primary focus on manufacturing to include high-tech industries was signalled by giants like Huawei and Tencent establishing their headquarters in Shenzhen. This not only diversified the city’s industrial base but also elevated its status to that of a global technology nexus.
Read more: Chinese delegation meets BGMEA leaders to discuss trade and investment potential
Innovation and Talent Attraction: Fuelling Sustained Growth
Shenzhen's policies have always favored innovation and creativity. The city is now renowned for its robust intellectual property protections which has made it attractive for tech startups and entrepreneurship. In addition, Shenzhen invests heavily in education and R&D, drawing talents from across the globe to its research institutes and think tanks.
The city’s rapid economic expansion is also supported by a unique culture that encourages experimentation and innovation. This is embodied in the landscape of sprawling tech campuses and vibrant startup incubators that dot the city.
Huawei's Robust Growth Amid Diverse Innovations
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., a global leader in information and communication technology (ICT) and smart devices, reported a robust revenue of US$97 billion for the year 2023. This financial milestone was prominently fueled by the company's ICT technology infrastructure, which constituted half of the total revenue.
In a strategic push to spearhead technological advancements, Huawei invested a substantial 23.4% of its annual revenue into research and development (R&D) in 2023.
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It also marked a year of solid performance for Huawei’s core ICT infrastructure operations, while its consumer business achieved its set targets efficiently. The company's forays into cloud computing and digital power sectors reported steady growth. Notably, Huawei's intelligent automotive solution business commenced large-scale deliveries, signaling a promising diversification strategy that aligns with global digital transformation trends.
Russia convicts Meta spokesperson in swift trial in absentia
A court in Russia on Monday convicted the spokesperson of U.S. technology company Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, of justifying terrorism and sentenced him to six years in prison in a swift trial in absentia, Russia's independent news site Mediazona reported.
According to the outlet, the charges against Meta communications director Andy Stone stem from his remarks in 2022 following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 that year. Stone, who is based in the United States, announced temporary changes to Meta’s hate speech policy to allow for “forms of political expression that would normally violate (its) rules, like violent speech such as ‘death to the Russian invaders.’”
In the same statement, Stone added that “credible calls for violence against Russian civilians” would remain banned. The Russian authorities opened a criminal case implicating Stone and other unidentified Meta employees nonetheless, describing the statement as “illegal calls to violence and killings of Russian citizens.”
The authorities also outlawed Meta as an extremist organization and blocked Facebook and Instagram in Russia. Both platforms — as well as X, formerly known as Twitter, which has also been blocked — were popular with Russians before the invasion and the subsequent crackdown on independent media and other forms of critical speech. However, they are now only accessible via VPN.
Mediazona reported that Stone was initially charged with calling for terrorist activity, public calls for extremist activity and publicly justifying terrorism, but the first two charges were dropped in the final version of the indictment. The trial, in which Stone was represented by a government-appointed lawyer, began on Friday and concluded on Monday after only two hearings. Stone was sentenced to six years in a penal colony and barred from administering websites for four more years.
Meta on Monday declined to comment on the verdict.
In April 2022, Russia also formally barred Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg from entering the country.
Google celebrates ‘Earth Day 2024’ with Doodle
Search engine giant Google has created a new Doodle on its homepage celebrating Earth Day 2024 on Monday with a doodle featuring aerial photographs of the planet's natural beauty and biodiversity.
With this doodle, Google reminded us of the importance of protecting the earth for future generations.
The Google letters, as per the description of the annual Earth Day 2024 doodle on their website, feature certain places “across the globe where people, communities and governments work every day to help protect the planet’s natural beauty, biodiversity and resources.”
A Look Inside the Letters of Google in its Earth Day 2024 Doodle:
The letter ‘G’ features the Turks and Caicos Islands. The islands are home to important biodiversity areas with conservation efforts aimed at addressing ongoing environmental challenges, including protecting natural resources and reefs and restoring endangered species.
The letter ‘O’ represents the Scorpion Reef National Park in Mexico, which is the largest reef in the southern Gulf of Mexico and a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
And Iceland’s Vatnajokull National Park, which was established as a national park in 2008 after decades of advocacy, features on the letter ‘O’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects the ecosystem in and around Europe’s largest glacier.
Brazil’s Jau National Park features on the letter ‘G’. It is one of South America’s largest forest reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects a huge range of species.
The letter ‘L’ represents the Great Green Wall in Nigeria. This African Union-led initiative is restoring land affected by desertification across the width of Africa, planting trees and other vegetation while implementing sustainable land management practices.
Meanwhile, the letter ‘E’ is for Australia’s Pilbara Islands Nature Reserves. Located by one of the Pilbara Island Nature Reserves, one of 20 nature reserves in Australia that help protect fragile ecosystems, increasingly rare natural habitats, and many threatened or endangered species—including multiple species of marine turtles, shorebirds, and seabirds.
Home Air Conditioner Buyer Guide 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Last year, there was a meteorological consensus that 2024 would be the hottest year for the earth. As tropical countries are experiencing severe heat, Bangladesh is also bearing its brunt. In fact, the country is under a severe heat wave which is expected to continue into next month as well. In this scorching heat, air conditioners are a sigh of relief for many. There are several types of air conditioners each with specific features. Here’s everything you need to know to buy the perfect AC for your home.
Types of Home Air Conditioners
When it comes to home air conditioners, the choices may seem a bit confusing. There are several types based on size, function, and cooling options. The most common types of air conditioners for home use are:
Central Air Conditioner
Central air conditioning units are usually seen in commercial spaces. This system uses a large unit that is typically installed outside the home. The adjoined duct is used to distribute the cool air to various rooms.
Central air conditioners are best suited for large homes or for maintaining a unified temperature across the home. It also comes with a high initial setup cost.
Ductless Mini-Split System
Ductless mini-split systems are the most common type of air conditioner for homes in Bangladesh. This system has an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handling unit. It is ideal for separate cooling in each room.
The initial setup cost and operational cost of this system are much less compared to central air conditioning.
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Window Air Conditioning
Window air conditioning is a self-contained unit that is directly installed in the window or the wall of a room. This system is ideal for small rooms or single apartments.
Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners are also self-contained types of air conditioners. The system usually has a moveable duct that exhausts heat through the window. This system is best suited for renters or for cooling specific areas temporarily.
Hybrid Air Conditioners
These systems combine a traditional air source heat pump with a gas furnace, providing efficient cooling and heating options. The operational costs of hybrid systems are significantly less as they can efficiently switch between gas and electricity.
Smart HVAC Systems
Smart HVAC systems use smart thermostats to optimally cool your home. Smart HVAC systems are installed with different types of air conditioning systems to increase their efficiency and reduce the overall cost.
Read more: Tips to Keep Home Cool in Summer Without AC
What to Consider Before Buying a Residential Air Conditioner?
There are several spatial and technical aspects to consider before buying a home air conditioning unit. Here’s to name a few.
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity determines how fast an air conditioner can cool your home. It is measured in BTU or British Thermal Unit. A system with insufficient BTUs will struggle to cool the area effectively, while one with too many BTUs will cycle on and off frequently, leading to inefficiency and temperature fluctuations.
Inverter vs. Non-inverter
Inverter AC tends to be more energy efficient thanks to its intelligent cooling capabilities. They are more expensive compared to non-inverter ACs. However, they can save a lot of money in the long run.
Dehumidification Feature
For humid and tropical weather like Bangladesh, it is recommended to buy AC with a dehumidification feature. It will help to remove the excess moisture from the air and improve the comfort level.
Type of System
Decide on the type of AC system based on your home. For example, a single detached apartment is better off with split systems. On the other hand, a central AC system is better for duplex or triplex-style homes.
Type of Refrigerant
If you’re cautious about the long-term health effects of your AC, then you should consider the type of refrigerant used in the AC system. Many older models come with R-22 coolant which is being phased out due to environmental concerns. If you want environment-friendly options, it is recommended to go for R-410A refrigerants.
Besides these, it is important to look at the budget, features and controls, warranty and support, noise level as well as user reviews before buying an AC unit.
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Honor X7b Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Powerful Battery
Honor phones are getting popularity in Bangladesh for offering smart features under affordable price ranges. Honor's latest device X7b hit the market on 1st December 2023. Primarily focused on a powerful battery, the Honor X7b competes in the budget-friendly segment. Let’s dive deeper into its specifications.
Key Features and Specs of Honor X7b
Design
The HONOR X7b has used a trendy flat design maintaining a 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm dimension. The back panel is colorfully vibrant and glows under sunlight projecting a colorful pattern. The overall back panel is built of plastic, though it gives a glassy gleaming vibe. Regular touch puts stains on the back panel. Other than that the phone weighs 199g which is not bulky nor very slim.
The dual rear camera setup on the back uses two circular lens holders and the entire camera panel protrudes a little. The power and volume buttons are on the right, and a MicroSD card slot is on the left for extra storage.
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The phone has stereo speakers, with one at the top and another at the bottom along with a USB-C port. It also includes a headphone jack for wired earphones.
Display
The HONOR X7b boasts a stunning 6.8-inch Full HD+ IPS display, offering a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels and a pixel density of 389 ppi. Its 90Hz refresh rate delivers smooth animations and scrolling, heightening the visual experience. With a screen-to-body ratio of 91.3%, it immerses users in their content, perfect for gaming and multimedia consumption. The screen's 850 nit peak brightness ensures clarity even in bright outdoor settings.
Advanced eye protection features, including a minimum brightness of 2 nits for dim environments, coupled with dark mode and Circadian Night Display, prioritize user comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, stereo speakers handle notifications and calls adequately, but for a truly immersive audio experience, wired or wireless earphones are recommended, elevating the multimedia experience with superior sound quality.
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Cameras
The HONOR X7b comes equipped with a primary 108MP (f/1.8) wide camera paired with a 5MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide and a 2MP (f/2.4) macro lens. In well-lit conditions, the main camera excels, capturing vibrant and clear images. The portrait mode impresses with ample details and maintained subject focus. Night photography performs well under ambient lighting, accurately capturing the tones and colors of stationary objects. However, challenges arise in low-light situations, especially with moving subjects, resulting in noticeable noise.
Outdoors, the main camera shines with vibrant colors and intricate details, extending to zoomed-in shots. Transitioning indoors, the ultra-wide angle camera tends to produce washed-out photos with muted colors. In contrast, the main camera excels in color reproduction, delivering visually appealing results even in zoomed-in shots.
The 8MP (f/2.0) selfie camera's performance is satisfactory, though portrait mode may overly accentuate facial features.
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Both the front and rear camera can capture 1080p footage at 30fps.
Performance
The HONOR X7b boasts robust performance, powered by a 2.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G 4nm octa-core processor and 8GB of RAM, further enhanced by HONOR RAM Turbo technology doubling the capacity to 16GB for seamless multitasking. With 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card, users have ample space for apps, games, photos, and videos.
For daily use, the device maintains consistent performance across various tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and social media usage. App launches are swift, and seamless transitions between tasks enhance the user experience.
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Gaming on the HONOR X7b is enjoyable, thanks to its powerful processor and ample RAM, ensuring smooth gameplay with minimal lag. Popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact run smoothly, leveraging the device's large, vibrant display for an immersive gaming experience.
Though heavy usage may lead to slight temperature increases or performance dips, these are manageable and typical for smartphones in this category, often mitigated by optimization settings or taking regular breaks.
Battery and Charging
The HONOR X7b’s primary selling point is its durability with an impressive 6000mAh battery, that delivers extended usage without frequent recharging. Holding the DXOMARK Battery Gold Label ensures good performance by industry standards. During testing, it lasted two days of active use, including gaming, social media, streaming, and productivity tasks. HONOR promises over 80% battery health even after three years.
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Supporting a 35W HONOR SuperCharge Charger, it charges without significant delays, though not the fastest available, maintaining convenience for users on the go.
Pros and Cons of the HONOR X7b
Pros
- Sleek Design- Seamless Performance- Reliable Camera- Exceptional Battery Life- Affordable Pricing.
Cons
- No 4K video recording support- Subpar Low-Light Camera Performance- Plastic Build- Gorilla glass protection is missing- Slightly Heavier and Bulkier Design- Without 5G support- Gyro-EIS support is missing- Not compatible for heavy gaming or multitasking- No wireless or reverse charging support.
Read more: ZTE Blade V50 Design 4G Review: Surprising Features on a Budget-friendly Phone
Price of Honor X7b in Bangladesh
The Honor X7b is officially available in Bangladesh. Its 8GB RAM and 256GB internal ROM version is available at BDT 23,999.
Conclusion
The Honor X7b emerges as a good choice in the smartphone market of Bangladesh, offering a balanced package of sleek design, robust performance, and powerful battery within budget. While its affordable pricing makes it accessible to budget-conscious consumers, the subpar low-light camera performance and slightly bulkier design are notable drawbacks.
Nonetheless, its seamless performance and enduring battery make it a worthy contender in its segment. For users prioritizing battery life and overall performance at an affordable price point, the Honor X7b 4G presents a compelling option in the competitive smartphone landscape.
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May 2024 Video Games: Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch
With the expansion of technology, the virtual gaming industry brings a bunch of thrilling games every month. May is on the threshold of releasing some big-name games based on enthralling plots, powerful characters, mind-twisting graphics, and addictive gameplay. Here is a list of 10 most hyped games announced to be released in May 2024.
Exciting Video Games Releasing This May
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Surmount
Surmount, developed by Jasper Oprel, Indiana-Jonas, and Propaganda is a free physics-based platformer adventure. The game is about to be released on May 2, 2024. The Scale of Mount Om, the world's highest peak, in this solo or local co-op experience.
With procedural and handmade levels, pliers will meet eccentric characters and unlock items to customise their climbers. The game features an approachable physics-based climbing system and a Daily Mountain challenge. With a size of approximately 2GB, it will be playable for free. Players can prepare for an endlessly replayable mountain climbing journey.
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Prison Architect 2
Prison Architect 2 is developed by Double Eleven and published by Paradox Interactive. The game is a private prison construction and management simulation game. Scheduled for release on May 7, 2024, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, it features full 3D gameplay, allowing players to construct prisons over multiple floors. Developed as a sequel to the original top-down 2D game, it offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. The game is a paid title, with download size details yet to be announced.
Crow Country
Crow Country by SFB Games offers a survival horror experience set in an abandoned theme park. Releasing on May 9, 2024, players will be able to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Edward Crow and the closure of Crow Country. Players can explore eerie surroundings, solve puzzles, and face mysterious monsters. With Exploration Mode for less intense exploration, they can delve into the tale of human greed and redemption.
Neptunia Game Maker R: Revolution
Neptunia Game Maker R: Revolution by Idea Factory International is set to release on 14th May 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This spin-off entry features Older Neptune and the Failure Console Goddesses in battles, aiming to help them and the company succeed.
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The game offers English subtitles with dual audio options in English and Japanese, along with French and Spanish language support. Available in standard and limited editions, physical copies include trading cards. Pricing and content details for the limited edition are yet to be revealed.
Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER
Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER developed by MidBoss, LLC. and published by Chorus Worldwide Games is a story-rich adventure, sequel to 2064: Read Only Memories. Launching on 16th May, players will get the role of ES88, a psychic agent tasked with tracking down a mysterious antagonist in Neo-San Francisco's memories.
The gamers can utilise the Neurodiver to gather clues and thoughts, pushing out the elusive Golden Butterfly. With anime-inspired pixel art, superb voice-acting, and a retro FM synth soundtrack, players will immerse themselves in this captivating world.
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vivo iQOO Z9 Review: A Budget-friendly Phone with Decent Features
vivo’s sub-brand iQOO has hit the market with its latest model iQOO Z9. It was released on 12th March 2014 in India. For its reputation as a value-for-money smartphone provider, iQOO has made a lot of traction in the market. Is the newest model up to that par? Let’s find out the features, pros, cons and price of vivo iQOO Z9.
Key Specs of vivo iQOO Z9
Design
The iQOO Z9 boasts a 163.17 mm by 75.81 mm by 7.83 mm solid build, featuring IP54 dust, and water resistance. It weighs 188g. Its matte back panel and frame resist fingerprints, providing a comfortable, non-slippery grip. However, the flat sides may occasionally feel sharp against your palms.
The device comes in Brushed Green and Graphene Blue colours, with a distinctive feather-like pattern on the back. The rear camera module, housing two cameras and dual flash, sits on the top left, while the power button and volume rocker are on the right. At the bottom, you'll find the USB-C charging port, speaker, and SIM/SD card tray.
Read more: vivo iQOO 12 Review: Flagship Killer or a Flagship Itself?
The front display offers slim bezels, except for a thicker chin. It features an in-display fingerprint sensor, though not the fastest in its price range. While the plastic build feels sturdy, competitors with vegan leather backs provide a more premium alternative.
Display
The iQOO Z9 swaps the compact design of its predecessor for a more traditional 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution featuring 2400 by 1080 pixels and 120 Hz refresh rate support. However, it disappointingly lacks 120 Hz scrolling in most apps, limiting the smooth experience of the UI.
Despite this hiccup, the display impresses with sharpness at 394 PPI, HDR support, and vibrant colours. HDR content on platforms like YouTube and Netflix looks crisp and vibrant, thanks to the deep blacks and enhanced contrast of the AMOLED panel.
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The display also shines bright, reaching up to 1,800 nits of peak local brightness. Plus, the addition of dual stereo speakers elevates the audio experience, offering full sound with good bass and vocals, a significant improvement over its predecessor's single-speaker setup.
Cameras
The iQOO Z9 impresses with its camera performance, featuring a 50-megapixel (f/1.79) Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS. It has a 2 MP (f/2.4) Bokeh camera too.
While lacking an ultrawide shooter, the primary camera excels in capturing stunning photos in both daylight and low-light conditions. Daytime shots exhibit crisp details, natural colours, and a solid dynamic range comparable to higher-priced phones. The 2x zoom images maintain quality, and close-up shots boast a natural bokeh effect.
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Portrait shots deliver close-to-natural skin tones, though edge detection could be improved. The option to capture full 50-megapixel shots retains dynamic range and enhances details. Low-light photography shines with minimal noise and polished results, despite some shadow detail loss.
The 16-megapixel (f/2.0) selfie camera performs decently in daylight but struggles in low light.
Additionally, the phone's rear sensor supports maximum of 4K @30fps video recording with stabilisation, adding versatility to its camera capabilities. While the front camera can capture 1080p videos at 30fps.
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vivo iQOO 12 Review: Flagship Killer or a Flagship Itself?
iQOO smartphones are known for their reliable performance at a marginal price. Their lineup is often dubbed as gaming on a budget. But the marginal price and the flagship killer tag come with certain corner cuts. But that all changed with their new release. iQOO launched the iQOO 12 on 14th November 2023. The device brings improvements in almost every sector compared to its predecessor. Now the question arises, is the vivo iQOO 12 a flagship killer or a proper flagship itself? Let’s find out.
Key Specs of the vivo iQOO 12
Design and Build Quality
It seems like iQOO has been inspired by OnePlus’s Never Settle philosophy when it comes to design. Gone are the rectangular camera housing which has been replaced with a rather square-ish round look. iQOO calls it the porthole design.
The build quality feels more sturdy thanks to the aluminum frame and glass back composition. The dimension of the iQOO 12 comes in at 163.22 mm by 75.88 mm by 8.10 mm (Alpha and Legend) or 8.35 mm (Desert Red). The weight of the device also differs as Alpha and Legend comes in at 203.7 g and the Desert Red comes in at 198.5 g. iQOO has partnered with BMW for the Legend variant. It adds a distinct dash of the M series colorways in a white AG Fluorite back.
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Ports and buttons are in their usual space as before. The 12 with its updated looks and build quality seems to be on par with most flagships today. The Chinese variant even has IP64 water and dust resistance. However, it couldn’t be confirmed whether it’s the same for the global variant as well.
The Display
The display on the iQOO 12 is a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED 8T panel with 1B colors, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 1400 nits of HBM, and 3000 nits of peak brightness. The resolution of the panel comes in at 1260 by 2800 pixels at a 20:9 aspect ratio. It brings the pixel count to about 452 ppi.
One of the impressive things about the iQOO 12 is the ultra-slim symmetric bezel on all sides. It takes the screen real estate to 89.6% screen-to-body ratio.
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The display also has a 2160 Hz PWM dimming mode for ease of usage in ultra-low light conditions. iQOO also incorporated an intelligent anti-fatigue brightness strategy and low blue light emission to relieve the stress on the eyes.
The overall experience with the host of features has been excellent. The display is fast, accurate, has great colors, and is simply a pleasure for content consumption.
The Camera
The camera on the iQOO 12 got a massive improvement over last year’s 11. There’s a new triple camera setup with the main sensor being a 50 MP f/1.7 23 mm wide angle lens with PDAF and OIS. There’s also a 64 MP f/2.6 70 mm periscope telephoto lens and a 50 MP f/2.0 119 degrees ultrawide lens. There’s also a 16 MP f/2.5 selfie shooter on the front.
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The flagship-grade sensors also provide impressive results. Pictures taken during the day had great contrast and sharpness to them with decent dynamic range. You might notice a slightly warm tone in a typical vivo fashion. Pictures taken at night were on par with daylight images thanks to the night mode. The front camera also took decent selfies. However it lacked details and sharpness compared to the main sensor.
The videography on the iQOO 12 is rated to be 8K at 30fps, 4K at 24/30/60fps, and 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps. Both the EIS and OIS do a great job of stabilizing and providing good-quality videos. The selfie shooter can capture only 1080p videos at 30fps.
MSI Cyborg 15 AI A1VEK Review: Is It Worth Buying?
MSI has taken the wraps off the Cyborg 15 AI at CES 2024. MSI has already engraved its name among the greats for manufacturing powerful gaming laptops. The Cyborg 15 AI A1VEK is an effort from MSI to provide a gaming laptop with a standard GPU and chipsets within budget. Does it make it any better to integrate Ai in the features? Let’s find out.
Key Specs and Features of MSI Cyborg 15 AI A1VEK
Design
The MSI Cyborg 15 AI A1VEK excels in performance and offers a sleek and functional design. Its translucent black color gives it a modern and professional appearance. With dimensions of 359.36 mm by 250.34 mm by 21.95-22.9mm and weighing just 1.98 kg, it perfectly balances portability and usability. The package includes an MSI Essential Backpack, enhancing its travel-friendliness.
The laptop features a 4-zone RGB gaming keyboard with backlighting, providing both style and functionality. This device has a numeric keypad for convenient data entry. The touchpad is the primary pointing device, but it lacks a dedicated navigation key. Overall, the physical attributes of the Cyborg 15 AI A1VEK contribute to its appeal as a versatile and visually appealing laptop option.
Read more: Laptop Buyer’s Guide: How to choose the right one
Display
The Cyborg 15 AI offers a good-grade display. With its 16.5-inch FHD LED panel utilising IPS technology, users can enjoy crisp and vibrant visuals with satisfactory color accuracy. The 1920 by 1080 resolution ensures sharp details for work and entertainment purposes. Notably, the display's 144Hz refresh rate provides smooth and fluid motion, which is particularly beneficial for gaming and multimedia tasks. While it covers 45% of the NTSC color gamut, it still delivers satisfying color reproduction for everyday uses.
Performance and Hardware
The MSI Cyborg 15 AI A1VEK boasts an impressive performance thanks to its cutting-edge hardware configuration. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, featuring 16 cores and 22 threads, this laptop delivers exceptional speed and multitasking capabilities. With a base frequency of 1.40GHz and a turbo boost reaching up to 4.80GHz, it handles demanding tasks effortlessly. Its 16GB of DDR5 RAM, clocked at 5600 MHz, ensures smooth operation even during intensive workloads.
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