120Hz refresh rate
Motorola Moto G34 Review: A Budget-friendly 5G Phone with Powerful Processor
Motorola is one of the early pioneers of mobile communication. From wired telephones, cordless, and the legendary Razr flip phones to today’s smartphones, the brand has adapted well to the changing times and changing needs. Recently, the brand launched Moto G34 on 9th January in India and global markets. Here’s our take on Motorola’s latest offering.
Key Specs of Motorola Moto G34
Design and Build Quality: Frosted Design with Plastic Build
There isn’t much to rave about the design and build quality of budget-friendly smartphones. The G34 has a plastic build (3D PMMA) all around with a frosted finish on the back and the frame. The camera housing has a pillow-like shape with tapered rectangular sides. It might sound a little odd design-wise, but it seemingly blends with the overall minimalist approach.
The dimension of the device comes in at 162.7 mm by 74.6 mm by 8.0mm with a body weight of 180g.
The top frame has an etched Dolby Atmos logo referring to the collaboration. On the front, there’s a punch-hole display with a sizable bezel on the chin and the sides. But given the price, this is an acceptable design compromise.
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The volume rocker and the power button which doubles as the fingerprint scanner is situated on the right. The 3.5 headphone jack is positioned at the bottom alongside the Type-C port. There’s also a micro SDXC slot for additional storage.
The G34 comes in three different colorways, ice blue, charcoal black, and ocean green (vegan leather back).
The Display: A standard HD+ LCD Display with a 120 Hz refresh rate
The G34 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Being a budget-friendly smartphone, the screen-to-body ratio comes in at 85% and the active area-touch panel comes in at 89%.
The resolution of the panel is 720 by 1600 pixels with 269 ppi and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display performance is satisfactory considering the price. It has good viewing angles and all the tests showed that it was able to maintain the 120 Hz fast refresh rate in different use cases.
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The panel also has 500 nits of HBM. The display is usable in bright light but you’d have to squint your eyes under direct sunlight.
The Camera: A 50 MP Main and 2 MP Macro
The Moto G34 features a dual camera setup with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle shooter. The included secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter. In effect, the G34 is a single-shooter device relying on its primary camera. The smartphone also features a 16 MP f/2.4 wide-angle selfie camera.
Speaking of performance, the G34 produces passable results. Pictures came out decently in bright daylight with a decent dynamic range. The portrait mode of the main shooter was surprisingly good with great edge detection. However, the background blurring may seem a bit too blurred for many.
Pictures taken indoors had some softness issues. The night mode made things a bit better with its exposure and details but the overall softness remained. The same problem plagues the front camera as well where pictures even in daylight lack sharpness.
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The videography on the G34 is rated at 1080p at 30fps. The lack of any OIS and EIS is felt in choppy video quality overall.
Processor and Performance: A Touch Above the Competition
One of the key highlights of the G34 is its processor. Motorola went with a Snapdragon 695 5G chip based on the 6 Nm architecture. By all means, the 695 5G can be considered as a proper mid-range processor. Using it on a budget-friendly smartphone like the G34 gives it the edge over its competitors.
The processor has a chip design of 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver with Adreno 619 GPU.
The Snapdragon 695 scored up to 439099 on Antutu 10 and 908 (single core) and 2134 (multi core) on Geekbench 6. The benchmark scores reflect the performance capability of the G34.
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On the test, the device was able to run all the leading titles like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 without any lag whatsoever. Sure enough, the processor didn’t maintain constant frame rates, but we didn’t see any noticeable frame drops. However, the device did get hot after 30-odd minutes of gaming but thankfully the processor didn’t throttle.
Needless to say, the device was an absolute breeze in day-to-day use. The high refresh rate display aided well in this regard.
Software: Android 14 with Useful Bloatware
The Moto G34 is running Motorola’s custom OS based on Android 14. Motorola guaranteed another OS update with up to 3 years of security patches. The OS itself isn’t too bloatware-heavy. The included ones are quite useful.
For example, the “Ready For” feature which is available with the highest variant (8/128 GB) seemingly preps the device for all sorts of connectivity from Bluetooth to even connecting with your PC.
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Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Moto G34 is 5000 mAh. The phone comes with a 20W charger on the box but the actual charging capacity is capped at 18W.
Pros and Cons of Motorola Moto G34
Pros:
- Powerful processor considering price range- 120Hz refresh rate- 3.5 mm headphone jack - Dolby Atmos calibrated sound - Smooth performance - Strong battery life - Suitable for moderate-level gaming.
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Cons:
- Low-resolution display- Slow charging - Sub-par camera - Lacks reverse and wireless charging support- Outdated USB Type C 2.0 charging port- Lacks 4K video recording capacity- Lacks Gyro-EIS support - Not suitable for high-end gaming- Lacks custom UI support.
Price of Motorola Moto G34 5G
The official price of the Moto G34’s 4/128 GB and 8/128 GB variants in India are 10,999 INR and 11,999 INR respectively.
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However, the Motorola Moto G34 5G’s 8/128 variant is available in Bangladesh at BDT 17000. The price may vary depending on the sellers.
Verdict
The Moto G34 offers 5G capabilities. The provision of the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset in this price range is praiseworthy. This device is also suitable for moderate-level gaming without significant heating issues. The users will enjoy its 120Hz refresh rate, 5000 mAh battery, and 50MP prime sensor.
Moto G34’s design, display, video capacity, and charging support can be a point of contention. However, its smooth experience with 5G speed overshadows the shortcomings. It can be a perfect daily driver that can easily handle whatever that’s thrown at it.
On the whole, the Motorola Moto G34 would be a perfect fit for those looking for a 5G phone with a powerful processor at an affordable price.
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Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Premium Camera
The Tecno Spark series has always held a special allure, offering smart designs with standard features that rival any other budget-friendly phone on the market. Users adore the unique colors and skins on the back side of Tecno Spark phones. Their latest addition, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus was released on 9 February 2024. Let’s take a look at the key specs and price of Tecno Pro Plus in Bangladesh.
Key Features of Tecno Pro Plus
Design
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus has introduced a design that is quite remarkable, especially the rear camera panel, a giant round glass chamber housing four lenses. The front side doesn’t bring anything new. Measuring 164.7 mm by 75 mm by 7.6 mm in dimension and weighing 179g, the phone fits comfortably in hand and doesn’t feel unreasonably heavy.
It uses a premium vegan leather back, which is the standout feature, providing a smooth and luxurious feel. The circular camera module adds to its aesthetic appeal with a sophisticated metallic finish. Its color resembles a soft sunset, emitting a gentle orange hue with hints of blue from the sides. The texture resembles fine knitted cloth, reducing glare for a more comfortable viewing experience.
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With options for various colors - Temporal Orbits, Lunar Frost, Radiant Starstream, Magic Skin 2.0 Green, users can personalize their style. The shiny and frosted frame adds a touch of elegance, while neatly lined buttons ensure easy access. It features a dual speaker design for immersive audio experiences, although it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Display
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus sports a curved AMOLED display, a standard pick for streaming videos and playing high-quality mobile games. The spacious 6.78-inch screen and an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz ensure enough room for smooth visuals and responsiveness. Furthermore, Spark 20 Pro Plus features 1080 by 2436 pixels of resolution and 393 ppi density.
Users may opt for the default 'auto-switch refresh rate' setting for optimal performance, though some demanding games may feel better at 60Hz. It's recommended to disable adaptive brightness for more accurate control over brightness settings, ensuring comfortable viewing in various environments. Despite a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, it maintains vivid and bright colors with excellent viewing angles.
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The adaptive refresh strategy further enhances the viewing experience while conserving battery life. The curved AMOLED screen offers a comfortable grip, making it a top choice for those seeking superior display quality. Conversely, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro, while lacking the curved AMOLED display, still offers daily-use convenience with its straight LCD screen.
Cameras
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus features a 108 MP primary camera alongside two auxiliary lenses. Daytime photography yields sharp images, with color distributed in balance, clearly capturing scenery and subjects. The Super Night Mode enhances image quality in low light conditions by effectively managing highlights and details. Additionally, a 0.08 macro camera adds versatility, enabling users to explore close-up photography.
The front-facing 32MP selfie camera performs exceptionally well, especially with the Dual-LED flash, illuminating the subject and background for striking selfies.
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It can support up to 1440p video recording with the rear sensors. Moreover, it can capture 1080P footage at 30fps by both rear and front sensors. It allows simultaneous recording with both front and rear cameras for dynamic content creation.
Performance and Hardware
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus delivers commendable performance powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, coupled with 8GB physical RAM. What’s more, users can expand their RAM to 16GB with 8GB of virtual RAM.
Benchmark scores indicate decent performance, with 727 points in single-core tests and 2014 points in multi-core tests on Geekbench5.
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In day-to-day usage, users experience smooth operation with no lag, whether browsing the internet, streaming videos, or multitasking between apps. Gaming performance is satisfactory for most titles, with smooth gameplay observed in less demanding games like Candy Crush Soda Saga. However, more graphics-intensive games like Honkai Star Rail may experience slight lag, particularly during animations.
ZTE Nubia Neo 5G Review: A Budget-friendly Gaming Phone
Gaming smartphones often come with a hefty price tag due to their high-performance processors and advanced cooling systems. However, some brands are offering budget-friendly phones designed for gaming. In this wave, ZTE brings a gaming-centric device Nubia NEO 5G at an affordable price point. Let’s take a look at the key specs of this device.
Features and Specs of ZTE Nubia Neo
Design
The ZTE Nubia Neo is turning heads with its sleek design and lightweight build. Coming in at 163.7 mm by 75 mm by 8 mm dimension and weighing just 192 grams, it's easy to tote around.
One of its standout features is its nearly borderless display. It gives users a screen-to-body ratio of about 85.5%. This means users get more screen space on its display.
As for durability, while the exact materials used aren't explicitly mentioned by the company, the Nubia Neo feels sturdy and well-built. Its back panel and frame give off a premium vibe, with a nice finish to top it off.
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The Nubia Neo scores points with its ergonomic design. The buttons are placed conveniently for easy access, and unlocking feels smooth with the side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Plus, it's comfortable to hold, even for one-handed use.
Display
The ZTE Nubia Neo packs a 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen, which boasts vibrant colors and smooth visuals with 1080 by 2408 pixel resolution. Thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate it promises an immersive viewing experience. The phone gives a crisp picture with about 400 pixels per inch. That means sharp, detailed visuals for viewing pleasure, all wrapped up in a sleek 20:9 aspect ratio.
With minimal bezels, users are getting almost all screens. And with a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations are buttery-smooth.
When it comes to colors, the Nubia Neo's LCD tech brings accurate and vibrant hues to the table, ensuring your content pops just right. Plus, you can comfortably view it from different angles thanks to good viewing angles.
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For those sunny days, there might be an anti-glare coating to help you see your screen better outdoors, along with the auto-brightness adjustment to keep things just right no matter where the users are.
Camera
The ZTE Nubia Neo has a fancy dual-camera system on its back. One lens packs a whopping 50 megapixels with a wide f/1.8 aperture, while the other is a 2-megapixel (f/2.4) depth sensor. Together, they make for some seriously detailed and clear shots.
With that hefty megapixel count, it features high-resolution pics. And thanks to the wider aperture that supports better light intake, meaning the low-light photos will look sharper along with cool blurry background effects in portrait mode.
The camera isn't just about stills, though. It supports features like HDR and panorama mode, giving your shots more pop and letting you capture wider angles. Plus, there's image stabilization to help smooth out any shaky-handed shots or videos.
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Speaking of videos, the front and rear cameras of Nubia Neo can shoot 1080p footage at 30fps. And don't worry about those videos getting too shaky—there's video stabilization onboard to keep things nice and steady, even if there's some movement.
And there is a front camera which is an 8-megapixel (f/2.0) shooter, perfect for snapping selfies or hopping on video calls.
Xiaomi Redmi K70 Review: Mid-range phone with flagship features
On November 29th, 2023, Xiaomi unveiled three new devices, including the Redmi K70. This device appears as a worthy successor to the Redmi K60, boasting several enhancements over its predecessors. Xiaomi has managed to deliver notable improvements in K70 while keeping its price at a mid-range level. Let’s take a look at the key specs, pros, cons, and price of the Redmi K70.
Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi K70
Design
The Xiaomi Redmi K70 combines a sleek and lightweight design, weighing 209g and measuring 160.9 mm by 75 mm by 8.2 mm. The dual Nano-SIM capability enhances network flexibility, catering to diverse user needs. The subtle design changes include a modified photo module block, a distinct texture on the glass panel, and a reduced steel size relative to the display frame.
The plastic edging, while maintaining durability, reflects cost-saving measures. The device's thickness stands at 8.2mm, contributing to its ergonomic feel in hand. Although lacking weather-sealing for splash resistance, the Redmi K70 impresses with a manageable weight, compact dimensions, and a volumetric capacity of 98.95cm³, making it a practical and stylish choice for users seeking a balanced smartphone experience.
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Display
The Xiaomi Redmi K70 impresses with a visually stunning 6.67-inch OLED screen, boasting a 1440 by 3200 pixels resolution that ensures intricate details in visuals. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the display delivers seamless and fluid motion across various media, enhancing the overall user experience.
Notably, the screen achieves an industry-leading peak brightness of 4000 nits, setting a new standard for comfortable viewing even under bright sunlight. The incorporation of an AI algorithm elevates the display further by upscaling select apps and video games, ensuring crisp and vibrant visuals. The technology behind the screen includes OLED/AMOLED, offering vibrant colors.
With a pixel density of 526 ppi, the Redmi K70 ensures clarity and sharpness in image rendering. The support for HDR10 and HDR10+ technologies, along with Dolby Vision, enhances color depth and contrast for a lifelike visual experience. The inclusion of features like an always-on display and a touch sampling rate of 480Hz adds to the device's appeal, making the Redmi K70 a standout choice for those seeking a top-tier display in a smartphone.
Cameras
The Xiaomi Redmi K70 boasts an impressive camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and 1/1.55-inch size for exceptional image quality. The main sensor is equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring steady videos and sharp photos even in dynamic conditions.
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Complementing this, the 8MP ultrawide lens and 2MP macro sensor enhance versatility, enabling users to capture a wide range of scenes with detail and clarity.
The front camera sports a 16MP sensor, perfect for high-resolution selfies.
Noteworthy features include built-in optical image stabilization, continuous autofocus for video recording, and phase-detection autofocus for photos, ensuring sharp and clear shots.
With the main sensor, this device can shoot 8K footage at 24fps, 4K videos at 24/30/60fps, 1080p videos at 30/60/120/240/960fps, and 720p footage at 1920fps. It has a gyro-EIS feature.
The front camera is capable of capturing 1080p videos at 30/60fps with gyro-EIS.
The inclusion of slow-motion video recording, dual-tone LED flash, HDR mode, and manual exposure settings further elevate the camera capabilities, making the Redmi K70 a reliable choice for photography enthusiasts seeking diverse and high-quality imaging experiences.
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Performance and Software
The Xiaomi Redmi K70 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 4nm processor, offering robust performance for games and applications, despite being one generation behind the latest Qualcomm chip. Its graphic section is equipped with GPU Adreno 740.
Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the device excels in handling resource-intensive tasks and ensures smooth multitasking.
With internal storage options reaching up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Redmi K70 provides ample space for fast data transfers and extensive file storage.
Running on Android 14, the device introduces advanced privacy features, including clipboard warnings, location privacy options, and camera/microphone privacy controls. Additionally, users can enjoy theme customization, personalizing their devices according to their preferences.
The Redmi K70's hardware specifications, coupled with the latest Android version, promise a seamless and feature-rich experience for users, making it a compelling choice in the smartphone market.
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Battery and Charger
The Xiaomi Redmi K70 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, ensuring a reliable power source for extended usage. What sets it apart is its exceptional charging capability, supporting a blazing-fast 120W wired charging system.
With PD3.0 and QC3+ compatibility, the device boasts an advertised 100% charge in just 18 minutes. This impressive charging speed adds convenience to the user experience, addressing power needs swiftly and efficiently, making the Redmi K70 a compelling choice for those seeking a quick and reliable charging solution.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi K70
Pros
- Sleek and lightweight design- Up to 16GB RAM, up to 1TB storage- Android 14 with privacy features- 120W wired charging- 8K video footage.
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Cons
- Lack of weather-sealing- Plastic edging- Specific wide aperture details not provided
Price of Redmi K70
The Xiaomi Redmi K70 is priced at CNY 2499 in China, which translates to BDT 38786 in Bangladesh. The conversion rate between Chinese Yuan (CNY) and Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is CNY 1 = BDT 15.52. So, if you're considering the cost in Bangladesh, it would be BDT 38786 based on the current exchange rate.
Summing Up
Redmi K70 with a well-balanced package with a sleek design, robust RAM, a powerful processor, and a smart display. The camera setup is also decent. One of the most remarkable features is 120W wired charging, promising a full charge in just 18 minutes. Its 8K video recording is also impressive. However, the device lacks weather-sealing and comes with plastic edging.
On the whole, Redmi K70 is a compelling choice for users seeking a feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price point. It won’t be overwhelming to say that Xiaomi Redmi K70 is a contender for the best mid-range smartphone of 2023.
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vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
vivo has undeniably made significant strides in the competitive smartphone market in recent times. V Series lineup of vivo offers well-balanced devices featuring innovative Camera technology, standard performance, and smooth user experience. In this legacy, vivo launched the V29, a camera focused phone in September 2023. V29 is blessed with a powerful front camera to meet the needs of today’s self portraying generation. Does this device offer the same competency in other segments? Let’s review the key specs, pros and cons of the vivo V29 5G smartphone.
Key Features of vivo V29 5G
Design
The vivo V29 smartphone aims to revive the trend of curved waterfall displays in the premium segment. Its glass sandwich design, curved screen, and substantial camera module make it visually striking but notably slippery. The package includes a recommended TPU case. Despite its sleekness, the V29 offers comfortable one-handed use at 186g and 164.2 mm by 74.4 mm bu 7.5 mm dimension with a 90% screen-to-body ratio for an immersive display.
Features include an under-display fingerprint reader, USB-C charging, IP68 waterproofing (rare in its price range), and eSIM capability. It lacks a headphone jack, has a single downward-firing speaker, and no microSD card slot. Available in Space Black, Himalayan Blue, Purple Fairy, and Majestic Red, the V29 offers a premium look and feel. One drawback is the lack of information on recycling and sustainability efforts.
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Display
The vivo V29 boasts a substantial 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate. With a resolution of 2800 × 1260 pixels, a pixel density of 452 PPI, and HDR10+ support, this display offers a stunning visual experience. While it doesn't feature a quad-curved design like the HONOR 90, it stands out as one of the most visually appealing displays in its segment. The V29's minimal side bezels and compact top and bottom bezels contribute to its sleek aesthetics.
In terms of performance, the display impresses with excellent color reproduction and strong sunlight visibility, enhancing activities such as gaming, web browsing, video streaming, and reading. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and fluid user experience. Additionally, vivo incorporates various display technologies to minimize blue light and screen flickering, prioritizing eye protection for users.
Camera
The vivo V29 shines brightly in the realm of smartphone photography, boasting an impressive camera setup. It inherits its predecessor's camera configuration, comprising a 50 MP primary camera, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. On the front, the selfie camera retains its 50 MP resolution but now offers auto-focus and a wider f/2.0 aperture, enhancing the quality of self-portraits.
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The primary camera delivers exceptional photos with rich detail and sharpness. Colors appear vibrant without crossing into oversaturation territory, distinguishing it from competitors like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Images exhibit crispness, a wide dynamic range, and minimal noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. The V29 consistently captures an extensive range of details, surpassing even some flagship smartphones.
Low-light photography or situations with artificial lighting remain a strong suit for the V29's camera. Thanks to its built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), it excels in low-light conditions without relying on a flash. The Aura Ring Light proves beneficial in low-light scenarios, ensuring even lighting on subjects and seamlessly adjusting colors automatically.
While the primary camera excels, the ultra-wide angle camera and monochrome sensors leave something to be desired. They exhibit lower overall quality, diminished sharpness, detail, and color accuracy. Nevertheless, for occasional use, the ultra-wide camera serves its purpose. For optimal results, relying on the primary camera and the impressive 50 MP selfie shooter is recommended.
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