Gadget
vivo V29e 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone rightly priced?
vivo smartphones have always been about strong camera performance. Since its initial days, vivo has expanded the V series to include mid-range as well as flagship-grade smartphones that offer exclusive camera perks. Recently, the brand launched the V29e 5G in Bangladesh on 29th October 2023 on a pre-order basis. The V29e brings 5G capability to the latest entry-level mid-range V series smartphone. Let’s find out what changed from last year’s V27e and what exciting new features the V29e has to offer.
Key Specifications of vivo V29e 5G
Design and Build Quality
There was a time when every new release from vivo would mean a complete design overhaul. However, the brand has been subtly moving towards uniformity considering the last two iterations of the V series have seen only incremental updates. The V29e has also seen slight design changes compared to the V27e.
The device comes in at 162.35 mm by 74.85 mm by 7.69 mm with 190 g weight. The weight is kept low thanks to the plastic front and the glass back. The V29e comes in three color variants, Forest Black, Rose Gold, and Ice Creek Blue. However, only the Forest Black and Rose Gold variants are available in Bangladesh.
Read more: vivo iQOO Z7 Pro: Is it an efficient gaming phone?
The choice of ports and buttons are the same with the power button, volume rocker, speaker, and Type C charger in their usual place. However, unlike the V27e, the shared sim slot cannot be used as a micro SDXC slot anymore. The device is also IP54 dust and splash-resistant.
The Display
The display on the vivo V29e is a 6.67-inch almost-symmetrical AMOLED panel. The large display has a new exciting addition this time. The 120 Hz refresh rate is coupled with 1150 nits of peak brightness making it perfectly legible under direct sunlight. The 2400 × 1080 pixel render asserts a 394 ppi density. The E4 light emitter ensures deep blacks and sharp contrast even when the display is dimmed. Users will be getting a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a 107% NTSC color saturation.
Out of the box, the display shows a cooler tone. But it can easily be calibrated from the settings. The 88.3% screen-to-body ratio makes for an impressive screen real estate which doesn’t fare pretty well for its price point.
Read more: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
vivo iQOO Z7 Pro: Is it an efficient gaming phone?
BBK Electronics, the parent company of vivo introduced iQOO as its subsidiary, a new and revamped lineup that streamlined gaming in the mid-range market back in 2019. iQOO launched the Z7 Pro on 5th September 2023. So how does it fare alongside the competitors? Let’s find out the specs, pros, cons and price of iQOO Z7 Pro.
Key Features of vivo iQOO Z7 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The Z7 Pro moves away from the traditional iQOO design elements to be more streamlined with the Vivo V series. The Z7 Pro has a stark similarity with the V27 Pro with its camera housing and ring LED flash. The Z7 Pro is larger and sleeker than the Z7 with its curved edges and long-form factor.
The device dimensions are 164.10 mm by 74.80 mm by 7.36 mm with a weight of 175 g. Even though it’s a large phone, the plastic frame and body with glass back help to keep weight down to a handy limit. The glass back called the Fluorite AG glass has a matte finish which helps to deter fingerprints and smudges. The front glass is protected by Asahi glass. The new Blue Lagoon variant has a frosted blue texture on the back making it look like ocean waves.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 5G Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Moving on to the technical features, the device brings the same set of features from last year’s Z6 Pro. The power button and the volume rockers are placed on the right. The usual dual sim slot, single firing speaker, and the Type C charging port are placed on the bottom with a flush left side. The top however has the words “Professional Portrait” printed on it which might as well be iQOO’s new branding approach.
The Display
The display on the iQOO Z7 Pro is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution. Even though it is a mid-range smartphone, iQOO did not hold back when it comes to features. The display has a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 1B colors, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The rather long and curved panel has a 20:9 aspect ratio of 1080 by 2400 pixels. It brings the pixel density to 388 ppi. The almost bezel-less curved punch-hole panel pushes the limit with an astounding 90.4% screen-to-body ratio.
Using the display has been as exciting as its features. The panel had vivid settings out of the box which can be recalibrated based on user preference. Beyond that, the performance of the display was excellent. It showed good color contrast with very smooth navigations by virtue of the 120 Hz refresh rate. Legibility under direct sunlight was not an issue due to the high peak brightness. iQOO seems to have improved their accidental touch as no mistouches were noticed during the test.
Overall, it's an excellent panel that can easily take the panel for being the best in its price range.
Read more: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
The Camera
There’s a vertically aligned dual camera module on the Z7 Pro with an AURA LED flashlight. The main camera is a 64 MP f/1.79 and 26mm wide lens. The secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The depth sensor aids in the bokeh effect for portrait shots but it cannot be used as a standalone sensor.
iQOO since its initial days, focused on the performance aspect of the smartphone. This was an effective strategy considering Vivo themselves focused heavily on the camera performance. While the camera improved a lot since its initial days, it still has a long way to go.
Pictures under direct sunlight came out crisp and clear with detailed subject and background separation. There were good details in each image with a decent dynamic range. The stock camera has different shooting modes which lets the users experiment and choose. Just like its tagline on the top, the portrait photography indeed got better as they came out identically perfect every time.
Read more: Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Performance in low light requires a heavy dependency on the night mode. In testing, the night mode was consistent with decent exposure in each shot but the color looked artificial with HDR enhancements. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter with generic features good enough for casual selfies and videos.
The videography on the rear camera of iQOO 7 Pro is rated at 4K at 30fps. The front camera is capable of capturing 1080p footage at 30fps. The OIS and gyro-EIS improve the stability of the videos with good details. But there are some jitters here and there.
Overall, the camera performance of the Z7 Pro is an improvement from last year’s Z6 Pro but it’s still not on par with camera-focused smartphones in the mid-range market.
Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh
Processor and Performance
The processor on the Z7 Pro is Mediatek Dimensity 7200 based on the 4 Nm architecture. It has a 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 and 6x Cortex-A510 chip design which brings a balance of efficiency and higher clock speed. The processor is coupled with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU.
It has 8GB of RAM. The internal memory ranges from 128 to 256 GB.
Like the previous iQOO smartphones, the Z7 Pro also focused on performance and it shows. In testing, the smartphone was able to run leading titles like PUBG, Asphalt 9, and Genshin Impact at max settings. There were no frame drops or noticeable lag in the gameplay. Users will be getting a constant 60 fps on Asphalt 9 which significantly increases the immersive experience of the gameplay.
The device did however heat up after about half an hour of continued gaming. But even then, there weren’t any noticeable performance drops. The battery discharge also stayed at a fairly constant rate. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media and stuff are a breeze thanks to the fluid 120 Hz display and the fast animation of the OS. Speaking of OS, the smartphone comes with FuntouchOS 13 based on Android 13. Funtouch still has its bloatware but the sheer performance helps to offset the experience a bit.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the iQOO Z7 Pro is 4600 mAh which might be less compared to the usual 5000 mAh spec. However, the efficient processor ensures that users will be getting 6 to 8 hours of SoT from the device. It also comes with 66W wired fast charging which can take the device from 0 to 50% in 22 minutes.
Pros and Cons of iQOO Z7 Pro
Pros:
- Impressive design - Excellent performance - Great battery life - Best-in-class display - Ergonomic in-hand experience.
Cons:
- Slightly lacking in camera performance - Lack of stereo speaker - Bloatware in the OS.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
Price of iQOO Z7 Pro
The iQOO Z7 Pro comes in 8/128 GB and 8/256 GB variants. The price of the base model is 23,999 INR whereas the higher storage variant is priced at 24,999 INR. It roughly amounts to 31,763 BDT and 33,086 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.32 BDT). However, the price is expected to differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The iQOO Z7 Pro stays true to its roots of being an affordable gaming device. Though the manufacturing brand did not promote Z7 Pro as a gaming smartphone, the performance level easily helped it to become one. The updated design, display, processor, and battery all work in unison making it an almost complete smartphone in the mid-range segment.
The only shortcoming is the camera. While it's not bad by any means, it still doesn’t hold up against the competitors at the same price range or even a tad below it. So for anyone who’s not that into photography, the vivo iQOO Z7 Pro 5G can be an excellent choice that can provide a satisfactory user experience.
Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in November 2023
Top 10 Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in November 2023
With the arrival of November 2023, the tech world is abuzz with anticipation for the unveiling of new smartphones. The latest mobile devices are poised to be particularly captivating as renowned manufacturers prepare to introduce their latest innovations. Let’s delve into a preview of the highly-awaited smartphone releases for this month.
10 Most Anticipated Smartphones in Bangladesh for November 2023
realme GT5 Pro
The eagerly anticipated realme GT5 Pro, set for release in November, has had some of its key specifications revealed through its listing on China's state telecommunications certification authority, TENAA.
The smartphone boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 1264 by 2780px resolution, along with an embedded fingerprint scanner and a 32 MP front-facing camera. It offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a whopping 1TB, combined with 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of RAM. The device is powered by a robust 8-core CPU, clocked at a base frequency of 3.3GHz, in line with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 5G Review: Know the Pros and Cons
On the rear, it sports a 50 MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto module with 2.7x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The phone features Android 14 and packs a 5,260 mAh battery, though charging speeds remain undisclosed.
With these impressive specifications, the realme GT5 Pro is expected to make a significant impact in the smartphone market.
Xiaomi 14
Xiaomi 14 features a sleek and compact design with dimensions of 152.8 mm by 71.5 mm by 8.2 mm or 8.3 mm and weighs 188 g or 193 g, offering a choice between a glass or silicone polymer back, both supported by an aluminum frame.
It boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The phone sports a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, offering a stunning visual experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it provides robust performance with its octa-core CPU configuration.
Read more: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
The camera setup includes a versatile triple-lens system (50 MP wide, 50 MP ultra-wide, and 50 MP telephoto camera) with Leica optics. It also offers a 32 MP selfies shooter. The phone supports high-quality video recording, including 8K video at 24fps. It runs on Android 14 with HyperOS, and its 4610 mAh battery supports fast charging at 90W wired and 50W wireless, making it a compelling choice for users looking for a feature-packed device in November.
vivo iQOO 12
The iQOO 12 series from vivo's sub-brand iQOO is generating considerable buzz ahead of its anticipated launch on November 7. This smartphone lineup is set to debut with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12GB to 24GB RAM, marking the first gaming-oriented phone to embrace this new SoC.
Notably, the iQOO 12 will incorporate a dedicated display processor featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing technology. This innovation promises to deliver a heightened level of realism in lighting, reflections, and shadows for an immersive gaming experience. The 6.7 inch QHD AMOLED display is expected to offer exceptionally high up to 144hz frame rates for popular mobile games, breaking through developers' native frame rate caps.
Read more: Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Moreover, iQOO's ongoing collaboration with BMW M Motorsport will continue, with a Legend Edition Inspired by BMW M Motorsport in the works, featuring the iconic BMW M stripes and customized themes.
vivo X100 Series
The forthcoming vivo X100 series is set to make a notable entrance, thanks to the integration of the latest DRAM technology. According to a reputable Weibo tipster, supported by insider information, all devices within the X100 series, which includes the X100, X100 Pro, and X100 Pro+, will feature LPDDR5T DRAM. This Low Power Double Data Rate 5 Turbo offers blazing-fast operating speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, a 12.5% improvement over the LPDDR5X DRAM commonly found in current flagship smartphones.
Both MediaTek's Dimensity 9300 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets will power these devices, with the Dimensity variant offering support for the new LPDDR5T DRAM standard.
Furthermore, all vivo X100 phones are expected to come equipped with UFS 4.0 storage, further enhancing their performance capabilities.
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Xiaomi POCO X6 5G
Rumored to make its debut in November 2023, the POCO X6 5G is expected to offer a set of amazing specifications. The display, rumored to be a 6.67-inch IPS LCD panel, boasts a punch-hole design and a resolution of 1080 by 2404 pixels.
The device, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor built on a 4nm architecture, is said to come equipped with 6GB of RAM for smooth performance. The phone is expected to offer 128GB of internal storage for ample space.
OPPO showcases the latest innovations with Qualcomm at Snapdragon Summit 2023
OPPO showcased its technology collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. during the Snapdragon Summit 2023, held from October 24th to 26th in Hawaii.
As one of the key partners, OPPO unveiled its latest technological breakthroughs in smartphones and wearable devices, including the hardware-based ray tracing feature on the new premium Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, OPPO Watch Pro 4 powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 Wearable Platform, and the previously announced OPPO MR Glass Developer Edition that supports the Snapdragon Spaces™ XR Developers Platform.
Also read: OPPO offers exciting prizes for A Series smartphones
Alongside the technology and product demos, OPPO has announced that its future flagship smartphone will be among the first to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, delivering ultimate experiences to users worldwide.
"Over the past year, OPPO and Qualcomm Technologies have collaborated closely in areas including product innovation, cutting-edge technology development, and empowering ecosystem innovators,” said Pete Lau, senior vice president and chief product officer at OPPO. “Our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies allows us to redefine the flagship smartphone performance and deliver exceptional experience to users globally.”
Revolutionizing the mobile ray tracing experience with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
OPPO has long collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies to optimize its proprietary ray tracing engine, PhysRay Engine 2.0. Powered by the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform and the latest Snapdragon Elite Gaming™ features, this collaboration significantly improves visual effects such as reflections and taillights in gaming, enabling complex and detailed gaming scenarios with remarkable fidelity and high frame rates.
Also read: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
This collaborative effort extended to a pioneering ray tracing pilot project involving the popular mobile game, "Nitro Nation World Tour," developed by Mythical Games. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, Powered by Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, this initiative marks OPPO's first-ever mobile ray tracing experience in a real-world racing game demo, providing more realistic game scenes and immersive experience for players to enjoy.
Infinix Note 30 5G Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Note series from Infinix has been their go-to affordable option that blends price and performance. The previous releases like Note 10 and Note 12 were highly popular in the budget-friendly phone range. Infinix launched Note 30 5G on 22nd May 2023. Now the question arises, can Note 30 hold the legacy? Let’s look at the main features of the Infinix Note 30 5G variant and find out whether it lives up to the hype.
Key Specifications of the Infinix Note 30 5G
Design and Build Quality
An interesting thing about the Note series is that the design goes through minimal changes in each iteration. Most of the changes take place on the design of the camera housing or the back with the device retaining most of its other design elements.
The Note 30 5G too walks the same route with a boxy design and a large rectangular camera housing on the back. Dimension-wise, the device comes in at 168.5 mm by 76.5 mm by 8.5 mm with 205 g weight.
Read more: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
The device has a plastic frame with either glass or leather back depending on the color variant. The Magic Black and Interstellar Blue variants come in glass whereas the Sunset Gold has a tan leather finish on the back.
Coming to the front, there is a noticeable chin on the bottom with a punch-hole camera cut out. Even for a budget-friendly smartphone, the large chin stands out like a sore thumb. It might be the only design drawback of the Note 30 5G.
The power button and the volume rocker are placed on the right side of the smartphone. The Note 30 5G has stuck with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner placed on the power button. The 3.5 mm headphone jack is also present on the device which will be a pleasant feature for many. There is also a dedicated micro SDXC slot so storage concerns will not be an issue.
Read more: Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
The Display
The display on the Note 30 5G is a 6.78-inch IPS LCD panel with FHD+ resolution. The display holds 1080 by 2460 pixels at 396 ppi. Even though it’s an LCD panel, several features make it stand out from contemporary displays. Like the choice of 120 Hz refresh rate and 580 nits of peak brightness. While it’s not the brightest display out there, it is perfectly legible under direct sunlight.
The display also showed good contrast in the test. There were not any color shifts here and there and the blacks looked deep compared to the usual washed-out appearance. Out of the box, the color calibration seemed to be on the warmer side but it can be changed from the display settings as per the user’s preference.
The only drawback here is the design of the front. The large chin at the bottom takes up a significant front real estate. It accounts for an 84.7% screen-to-body ratio which isn’t really up to the 2023 design standards.
Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh
The Camera
The Infinix Note 30 5G has a triple camera setup beautifully positioned on the raised platform at the back. While on paper, the smartphone has a triple camera, all of the work is essentially done by the 108 MP main sensor with f/1.75 aperture, 26mm focal length, and 1/1.67" sensor size. The two supporting sensors are a 2 MP depth sensor and a QVGA sensor.
QVGA sensors are quite obsolete in 2023 as they essentially have no specific functionality. It is almost as if Infinix included them for the sake of having a triple-camera marketing tagline.
Coming back to the performance of the main sensor, the results were satisfactory considering the price. The high megapixel count assists in capturing more details than before. However, the end product is still pixel-binned 12 MP pictures unless you are shooting at 108 MP raw. Though the processing on the raw images was a bit off, they had better details compared to the pixel-binned images.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
The pictures came out really well under direct sunlight. The photos had a good contrast with a decent dynamic range. The subjects were consistently in focus and the pictures produced sharp details. Sometimes, the photos of objects or nature may look a bit over processed but the color pop looks pleasing to the eye.
The picture quality, however, doesn’t hold in the low light or artificial lighting. Images still look over-processed and sometimes they also look overexposed in certain low-light conditions. The front camera has a generic 16 MP shooter. There’s nothing fancy about it and it produces passable results.
The videography on the Note 30 5G is rated to be 1440p at 30fps by the main shooter, while 1080p at either 30 or 60fps footage can be captured by the selfie sensor.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
The OS has an interesting feature called Dual View Recording which allows recording on both the front and back camera at the same time. However, the lack of OIS and EIS is something that affects the video quality to a certain extent.
To sum things up, the camera is a solid performer in terms of pictures. But the videography still has a long road to tread.
Processor and Performance
The Note 30 5G is powered by Mediatek Dimensity 6080 based on the 6 Nm architecture. Being an entry-level processor, the 6 Nm architecture helps a lot in terms of power-efficient output. The processor has a chip design of 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
Read more: vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
In terms of performance, the spec resonates in use. The device performed well in gaming. Tests were run with PUBG, Asphalt 9, COD, and Genshin Impact. While it can hardly run on max graphics settings, the device was able to run in mid settings. The device had a uniform output with no noticeable frame drops. It heated up a bit but didn’t trigger rapid battery loss or thermal throttling. In day-to-day use, the device performed smoothly. Combining that with a 120 Hz refresh rate, the performance felt no less than a flagship-grade smartphone.
The Note 30 5G is running on Android 13 with XOS 13 skin on top of it. The XOS is still a bloatware-filled mess for anyone coming from a stock Android experience. But previous users of Infinix should feel right at home.
Battery and Charge Time
The Infinix Note 30 5G has a 5000 mAh battery on board with 45W fast charging. The device also has a new feature called bypass charging which shifts 30% of the power directly to the motherboard. It helps to ensure the battery health by optimizing the usage.
Read more: Honor Pad X9 Review: Is it worth buying?
Pros and Cons of Infinix Note 30 5G
Pros:
- Interesting design and elements
- Great performance
- Fast charging
- Dual stereo speaker
- Bright and crisp display
Cons:
- Videography lacks stability
- Bloatware.
Read more: Best Tablets under Tk 25000 in Bangladesh
Price of Infinix Note 30 5G
The Infinix Note 30 5G is available in two variants – 4/128 GB and the 8/256 GB variant. The prices of the variants are 13,999 and 14,699 INR respectively. The price roughly translates to 18,461 and 19,384 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.32 BDT). However, the price can differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The Infinix Note 30 5G is a refreshing update compared to last year’s Note 12 5G. While the naming structure has no resemblance, the Note 30 can be considered as an incremental update to the Note 12. In terms of its strengths, the display, processor, and design would be the key selling points for the device.
But as always, there remains much to be desired from the camera system. The bloatware may disappoint some users.
Read more: Top 9 Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in October 2023
To sum things up, the Note 30 5G can be a standard choice for day-to-day use. Those who are looking for a budget-friendly gaming phone can consider the Infinix Note 30 5G as it brings a good balance of price and performance.
Vivo V29e: An entire studio in one Smartphone
Vivo V29e has brought the opportunity for smart and light experiments in professional photography, making it feel like a studio on a smartphone. This responsibility of understanding color temperature and managing necessary lighting in photography is now being taken up by the global smartphone manufacturer vivo with this Smartphone.
It comes with a 64-megapixel OIS rear ultra-sensing camera, a 50-megapixel front camera, an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera, and a 6.67-inch Full HD plus AMOLED display, said a press release.
The Aura Light is quite large and vibrant, with a diameter of approximately 15.6 millimeters. It is one of the key elements in professional photography, providing subtle lighting effects. This smart light enables the three-dimensional lighting effect, automatically adapting to work alongside manual adjustments. It measures the color temperature in Kelvin in any lighting condition, providing the necessary illumination.
Read: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
Consequently, the Aura Light can help in achieving the right balance of warm and cool tones through the background, ensuring accurate autofocus and rendering images with a natural feel.
Additionally, it offers exceptional modes, particularly excelling in capturing enchanting moonlit images in the Super Moon mode. Alongside maintaining the correct color tones, it can capture professional-grade food photographs in the Food mode.
The smartphone, available in Rose Gold and Forest Black colors, features ultra-narrow screen bezels on the left and right sides, measuring just 1.75 mm. This offers users an immersive experience with Ultra-Narrow Screen Bezels. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 394 PPI pixel density, and a 2.5D flat screen, it provides a comfortable and eye-protective display.
Read: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
To ensure eye safety, it also comes with SGS Eye Care Display Certification. The display is equipped with an in-display fingerprint sensor. Additionally, it offers a remarkable 1150 nits of local peak brightness, making the display usable even in direct sunlight.
And again, introducing the sensational vivo V29e, a smartphone that effortlessly combines style and substance! At just 190 grams, its sleek design with a glossy glass back cover is sure to catch your eye.
Equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor and an 8 GB RAM and 256 GB ROM, this phone can handle over 36 apps simultaneously without a hitch. Say goodbye to overheating with its intelligent cooling system, ensuring smooth usage even during heavy-duty gaming sessions.
Don't miss out on the chance to pre-book your very own vivo V29e from authorized vivo showrooms and e-store starting from October 29th. And that's not all! With each pre-booking, you stand a chance to win exciting gifts, including a stylish wristwatch, a RIRO Earbuds, or a cutting-edge neckband earphone. Experience the future of smartphones with the vivo V29e!
Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
Xiaomi produces a diverse smartphone lineup ranging from basic to flagship devices. These various models are introduced at different times throughout the year. In this legacy, Xiaomi’s 13T Pro was released on September 26, 2023, in the United States and Europe. With its impressive specifications and top-notch performance, 13T Pro has garnered significant attention from tech enthusiasts and consumers. Is this flagship killer smartphone worth buying? Let’s take a look into the specs, pros, cons and price of Xiaomi 13T Pro.
Full Specifications and Features of Xiaomi 13T Pro
Design
The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a design that looks premium, making it a standout choice in the smartphone market.
The device features a durable yet lightweight 162.2 mm by 75.7 mm by 8.5 mm build, thanks to the use of ceramic and Gorilla Glass 5. It has earned an IP68 rating, making it dust and water-resistant, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for 30 minutes.
Read more: Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Weighing in at a respectable 206g, except for the even lighter Alpine Blue model at 200g, the Xiaomi 13T Pro combines a 6.67-inch display with a premium aesthetic, despite the polarising reflective back.
Additionally, the transition from a plastic frame to aluminium adds a touch of sophistication to the phone's design, and the tactile power and volume buttons are conveniently placed on the side. While it omits a 3.5mm audio jack, it offers a slim and durable profile, catering to the desires of the modern smartphone user.
Display
The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a top-tier 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, boasting the hallmark vibrant colours and deep blacks of OLED technology, delivering a resolution of 2712 by 1220 pixels for excellent clarity. The 20:9 aspect ratio aligns with contemporary standards, although single-handed use might be less convenient.
A significant upgrade from its precursor, the 12T Pro, is the dynamic 144Hz refresh rate, second only to gaming-specific phones like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Just like the 12T series, 13T also provides Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The LTPO technology enables seamless transitions between 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz, optimising both visuals and conserving battery life.
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The screen achieves an impressive maximum brightness of 500 nits, ensuring clear outdoor visibility. While the optical fingerprint sensor offers secure unlocking, its small target area can be a tad finicky. Dual stereo speakers at the top and bottom deliver clear vocals and punchy music, offering an impressive audio experience, though it may fall short in bass performance compared to dedicated gaming phones.
Cameras
The Xiaomi 13T Pro's camera specifications are impressive, showcasing the importance of more than just megapixels. Despite the transition from a 200MP sensor in its predecessor Xiaomi 12T Pro, the 50MP main sensor excels in various lighting conditions, delivering vibrant, detailed, and well-balanced images with effective HDR.
Leica's partnership introduces the Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic modes, providing options for vibrant or true-to-life colour rendering. The camera performs well in low-light settings, although the absence of laser autofocus may lead to occasional focusing challenges.
The camera setup also includes a 50MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide camera, offering versatility.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
Video recording options include 4K@60fps and 8K@24fps, with 4K recommended for better image stabilisation.
Additionally, a 20MP front-facing camera with HDR and Night mode. It supports only 1080p video recording which is quite disappointing.
Performance and Software
The Xiaomi 13T Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, a departure from the more commonly seen Qualcomm chipsets in Android smartphones. Despite this shift, it's not a downgrade by any means. The Dimensity 9200+ 4nm ranks among MediaTek's most potent chips and is comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Coupled with 12GB of RAM (also available in a 16GB variant), the device delivers excellent performance. In everyday use, ranging from web browsing and messaging to social media, it exhibits swift and seamless operation, easily capable of handling more demanding tasks.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
Moreover, by virtue of its high refresh rate display along with the G715 MC11 GPU, the 13T Pro can handle graphically intensive games smoothly, such as Asphalt 9: Legends and Call of Duty: Mobile, etc. The device might get slightly warm during prolonged gaming, but for photo/video editing and split-screen multitasking, it proves highly capable.
Battery and Charger
The Xiaomi 13T Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, offering decent capacity. While it typically provides a day's usage on a full charge for most users, it tends to show low battery warnings after heavy duty use.
Nonetheless, the 13T Pro stands out with its exceptional 120W wired charging support, delivering a 59% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge within half an hour, making it one of the fastest charging phones in its class.
However, it lacks wireless charging which may dishearten some users.
Read more: vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
Pros and Cons of The Xiaomi 13T
Pros
- Capable hardware- High refresh rate- Standard gaming performance- Stylish design
Cons
MIUI 14 is cluttered and frustrating to useLacks wireless and reverse charging capabilityIts selfie camera has a low video recording capacity.
Read more: Honor Pad X9 Review: Is it worth buying?
Price of Xiaomi 13T Pro
The Xiaomi 13T Pro variant with 512GB and 12GB of RAM is priced at $645.00 or BDT 70,953 and the 1TB model with 16GB of RAM is $738.00 or BDT 81,183. The conversion rate is USD 1 equals BDT 110.01.
Bottom Line
The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a nice package of smart look, robust hardware, high refresh rate, standard display, fast charging technology, etc. In this price range, consumers will expect handy features like better photo quality in front camera, wireless charging, reverse charging, bloatware free operating system, etc. On the whole, Xiaomi offers a balanced package in 13T Pro; but the price is a bit high.
Read more: Best Tablets under Tk 25000 in Bangladesh
Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Released in April and initially available in China, the Xiaomi Pad 6 has gradually made its way to international markets. Now this device is available in Bangladesh. Xiaomi is renowned for its reputation in two key areas: delivering robust devices at affordable prices and occasionally burdening users with intrusive software. However, with the Pad 6, Xiaomi takes a departure from its typical approach. Not only does this tablet promise performance at a budget-friendly price point, but it also presents users with a refreshing experience of unobtrusive and user-friendly software.
Key Specifications of Xiaomi Pad 6
Design
The Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 254 mm by 165.2 mm by 6.5mm and a weight of 490g, making it a lightweight and portable option. It offers three attractive color choices - Gold, Gravity Grey, and Misty Blue, providing a level of versatility not seen in some competitors.
Constructed with an aluminum frame and corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the front display, the Pad 6 exudes a premium feel. While it resembles the iPad Air to some extent, it still makes a strong first impression with its minimal bezels and modern aesthetics. The device includes a folio case, with optional stylus and keyboard cases available separately.
Notably, it lacks biometric security features, relying on a PIN for sensitive app authentication. Additionally, it can connect to a Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd gen), offering a useful tool for note-taking and drawing with minimal lag.
Read more: Honor Pad 8 Review: A budget-friendly capable Tablet
Display
The Xiaomi Pad 6's display is an 11-inch IPS LCD panel with a commendable 2880 x 1800 resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate, supporting Dolby Vision HDR and reaching up to 550 nits of brightness. This impressive spec sheet translates well into real-world performance. The screen lives up to its marketing promises, delivering a fast and fluid user experience.
HDR content appears vibrant, enhancing highlights, and the 2880 by 1800 pixel resolution ensures content remains sharp and detailed. While it falls slightly short in resolution compared to the OnePlus Pad, it outperforms competitors like the realme Pad and Oppo Pad Air.
It's worth noting that the Pad 6 employs IPS technology rather than OLED, which may impact factors like brightness and contrast, but it still offers strong, accurate colors and sufficient brightness for most tasks. With an 11-inch size, it strikes a perfect balance between productivity and comfort, making it a versatile choice for various use cases.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Pad Review: Budget Tablet Worth Consideration
Cameras
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is rather intriguing, as tablets typically don't prioritize camera quality as much as smartphones. However, the Pad 6 stands out in this regard.
It features a single 13MP f/2.2 rear camera and an 8MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, lacking some advanced features like optical image stabilization but delivering surprisingly good image quality.
While it's important to consider this in the context of tablet photography, the Pad 6 impresses with its saturated and vibrant colors, decent detail in most shots, and an effective HDR mode that handles challenging lighting situations well. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect is its night mode, which significantly enhances low-light photos, a feat that is genuinely surprising for a tablet.
While it may not surpass premium smartphone camera results, the Pad 6 offers enough photographic capability to suffice in various situations, making it a standout among tablets in this aspect.
Read more: Symphony SYMTAB 80 Review: Budget Tablet for Regular Use
Performance and Hardware
The Xiaomi Pad 6 impresses with its robust performance capabilities, aligning with the company's reputation for offering affordability without sacrificing power. It comes equipped with either 6GB to 8GB of RAM and 128GB to 256 GB of storage, running on a Snapdragon 870 processor 5G 7nm. Though this chipset is from the previous year, still it delivers excellent performance in day-to-day usage.
Basic tasks like navigating the interface, browsing, and emailing are swift and smooth, as expected, but the Pad 6 also delivers solid gaming performance, even at high graphics settings, maintaining a playable frame rate.
10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh
In a world where cars serve as essential parts for both personal commutes and services like Uber, their safety and security have never been more critical. Car theft remains a pervasive concern, leaving owners and drivers vulnerable to substantial losses. However, in 2023, the solution to this problem lies in advanced technology – GPS trackers for cars. These devices not only enhance the security of the vehicle but also provide a myriad of benefits, from optimizing routes for businesses to lowering insurance premiums.
Necessity of GPS Trackers for Cars
Enhanced Security: GPS trackers provide real-time location data, facilitating theft recovery and ensuring the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
Fleet Management: Businesses can optimize routes, monitor fuel efficiency, and enhance employee productivity by tracking their vehicles.
Lower Insurance Premiums: Improved risk management and driver behavior tracking can lead to reduced insurance costs for car owners and commercial fleets.
Peace of Mind: GPS trackers offer peace of mind to vehicle owners and loved ones, knowing that they can locate the vehicle at any time.
Efficiency: Real-time data enables more efficient travel, whether for personal or business use, reducing wasted time and resources.
Valuable Information: GPS trackers generate valuable data on vehicle usage and performance, aiding in decision-making and maintenance.
Compliance: Certain industries and regulations may require the use of GPS trackers to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
Read more: Top Super Luxury Cars for 2023
Top 10 GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh in 2023
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service, launched in 2022 by Autonemo Limited in Bangladesh, offers a range of cutting-edge features and technical specifications to enhance the vehicle tracking experience. With real-time fuel monitoring, users can save up to 30% on fuel costs and closely track their vehicle's mileage and fuel efficiency. The Route Replay feature allows the users to review past routes, providing valuable insights into the vehicle's history. Detailed records of daily mileage and fuel usage are kept with high accuracy.
The users can pinpoint their car's exact parking spot and monitor the duration of parking, while also configuring automated alerts for added security. Geofence alerts notify the users when their vehicle enters or exits specific areas. Autonemo doesn't stop at tracking alone; they offer a 100% genuine supply of automotive parts, accessories, and lubricants through their online shop.
As for pricing, Autonemo offers various options, including the Autonemo Premium GPS Tracker at BDT 8000, the Autonemo Standard GPS Tracker for Car-Microbus-SUV at BDT 6000, and the Autonemo GPS OBD Plug and Play GPS Tracker for Hybrid-Brand New Cars at BDT 5500.
Pros
- Real-time fuel monitoring can lead to significant fuel savings.- Detailed route replay helps track vehicle movements and verify routes.- Accurate daily mileage and fuel tracking for better cost control.- Parking times feature aids in vehicle security and monitoring.- Geofence alerts enhance safety and security.
Cons
The availability of certain features might depend on the subscription plan chosen.
Read more: How to Reduce Oil Consumption in Cars
Grameenphone Smart Vehicle Tracker
Grameenphone's Smart Tracker is a comprehensive GPS solution for both individual vehicles and fleets. This telematics system offers precise vehicle location tracking, driver behavior monitoring, engine diagnostics, and real-time notifications. It employs satellite GPS and GSM communication, supporting various vehicle types.
With BTRC approval, it ensures high accuracy, nationwide installation, and 24/7 support. The platform is stable with 99.9% uptime, and it comes with a generous extended device replacement warranty of up to 5 years. Notable features include smart geo-fencing, remote engine diagnosis, and audio listening. For pricing details, it's advisable to contact Grameenphone directly.
There are two types of GPS trackers offered by Grameenphone. One is a wireless system called eVTS that charges BDT 3,599 and a monthly subscription fee of BDT 299. The other one is a wired system that charges BDT 3,999 for the device and a monthly subscription fee of BDT 399.
Pros
- High accuracy and strong M2M connectivity.- Nationwide installation and robust aftersales support.- Comprehensive features for fleet management and security.- Compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.- Dedicated hotline support and extended warranty.
Cons
The availability of certain features might depend on the subscription plan chosen.Users may need to inquire about specific technical details and compatibility for their vehicles.
Read more: Autonemo awarded vehicle tracking service license by BTRC
Easytrax GPS Tracking Service
Easytrax GPS Tracking Service, introduced in 2016, stands out as a top contender in the GPS tracking service arena with a wealth of impressive features. Users can harness the power of real-time fuel monitoring, precise daily mileage tracking, and the ability to replay historical routes. The service also offers geofence alerts, essential maintenance scheduling, and the unique capability to monitor multiple vehicles within a single platform.
With access to six distinct map views, including street and satellite perspectives, Easytrax provides unmatched flexibility. Users can remotely control their vehicle's engine, receive movement updates through email, SMS, or notifications, and even get alerted to idle vehicles or excessive speeds. Furthermore, advanced features like tamper alerts, location marking, fleet vehicle tracking, real-time fuel management, and intelligent GPS electronic locks elevate the level of asset security.
Driver monitoring and reporting tools keep businesses well-informed, while Google Live Traffic updates ensure real-time access to critical traffic information. Easytrax offers a wide range of pricing options, starting at just 2,999 BDT, making these advanced features accessible to a broad spectrum of customers.
Pros
- A comprehensive set of features for both individual users and businesses.- Robust fleet management tools, including route monitoring and real-time fuel management.- Advanced features like intelligent GPS electronic lock for asset protection.- Easy online sign-up process and a network of nationwide distributors.- Affordable pricing options and potential cost savings for clients.
Cons
- Performance may be affected in areas with poor network coverage- Limited international availability
Read more: How to Get BRTA Smart Card Driving License
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
The Xiaomi Redmi "Note" series is renowned for its exceptional balance of performance, affordability, and innovative features. Redmi Note 13 debuted in China on September 21, 2023. The phone has come with some strong features within an affordable price range. Let’s dive into the key specs, advantages and disadvantages of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G.
Key Features of Redmi Note 13 5G
Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 boasts an impressive blend of design, build quality, and robust features that make it a standout smartphone in its class. Measuring at 161.1 mm by 75 mm by 7.6 mm and weighing just 173.5 grams, it strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability. The device offers dual SIM card slots (Nano-SIM), allowing for versatile connectivity options.
One of its standout features is its IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, assuring users that it can withstand the challenges of daily life, such as accidental spills or exposure to light rain. The ceramic back not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances durability, protecting the phone from potential damage and corrosion due to liquid contact. Complementing this is the sleek glass-and-aluminum frame, which not only adds an extra layer of sturdiness but also elevates its visual appeal.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 excels in the display department, as it doesn’t fall behind the expectation. Its 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 395 ppi pixel density. It provides sharp and detailed visuals and standard experience while watching videos, gaming, and web browsing. For maintaining the brightness level, it offers ultra-bright 1000 nit peak brightness. The display also includes of HDR10+ support that enhances contrast and dynamic range which surely adds to its colors and clarity.
Comparing it to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Note 12, the Redmi Note 13 offers a similar AMOLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Note 13 slightly lowers the peak brightness to 1000 nits from the Note 12's 1200 nits, but both models share the same pixel density of 395 ppi.
Hardware and Software
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 impresses with its hardware capabilities, driven by the powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset built on a 6nm architecture. This chipset handles everyday multitasking to demanding applications and games well enough compared to the processor of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 processor SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The octa-core CPU configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a good balance of power and efficiency.
Read more: vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
Furthermore, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 supports fast charging, a valuable feature for users constantly on the move. This ensures that your device can quickly regain its charge, minimizing downtime.
The phone runs on Android 13 with Xiaomi's MIUI 14 overlay. MIUI 14 brings several unique features to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13. Users can customize their home screen with "Super Icons," adjusting icon sizes and layouts. New folder options enhance app organization, and "Fast Connect (Bluetooth)" keeps Bluetooth on but not searching for devices when turned off, allowing for quicker reconnections. The update also includes fresh wallpapers and reduces pre-installed apps to streamline the user experience. New widgets offer improved customization. Xiaomi may have tailored additional features for the Redmi Note 13, making it worth checking official documentation and software updates for a comprehensive overview.
Cameras
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is somewhat average considering the budget range. At the forefront is the primary 100 MP camera, featuring an f/1.7 aperture and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus). Whereas its predecessor Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 featured a 48MP primary lens.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons