The Pro lineup from Motorola has been their flagship for quite a few years. Motorola released the Edge 40 Pro last year and the Edge 30 Pro the year before as premium top-of-the-line flagship devices. But this year, the Edge 50 Pro takes an in-between route between a mid-ranger and flagship with the Ultra taking the top spot. The Edge 50 Pro was launched on 8th April 2024 globally as a toned-down version of the Ultra. But as things stand, it might be a better deal than the Ultra for its price. Let’s find out why.  Key Specs of Motorola Edge 50 Pro   Design and Build Quality  Motorola seems to have shifted its priorities on the Edge lineup from being a performance-driven device to a more lifestyle and experience-oriented approach. The Pantone color collaboration, back materials, and AI integration all suggest a shift to a statement piece rather than a performance brick.  The dimensions of the Edge 50 Pro come in at 161.2 mm by 72.4 mm by 8.2 mm with 186 g weight. The aluminum frame adds rigidity to the curving design. However, the back glass has been replaced with eco-leather (polymer) on the 50 Pro.  Read more: Oukitel RT8 Review: Rugged Tablet with Long Battery Life Ports and buttons are all in their usual space with no external card slot or headphone jack. There are several color choices like Luxe Lavender, Black Beauty, Moonlight Pearl, and Vanilla Cream all thanks to the Pantone collaboration. The 50 Pro is also IP68 water and dust-resistant for worry-free use in any situation.  The Display  The display on the Edge 50 Pro is a 6.7-inch P-OLED panel with 1B colors, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 2000 nits of peak brightness.  The resolution on the panel comes in at 1220 by 2712 pixels resolution with 446 ppi density. It’s an upgrade over the FHD+ resolution on the Edge 40 Pro.  Read more: Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Review: A Camera-focused Smartphone with Flagship-level Specs The near-edge-to-edge curved panel boasts a 93.8% screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, the display is SGS Low Blue Light, SGS Low Motion Blur, Pantone color & Pantone Skintone certified.  In use, the colors look sharp and vivid with a natural feel. The viewing angles are excellent with great visibility outdoors. It’s a pretty well-rounded display that can easily be considered on par with the Ultra model.  The Camera  There’s a triple-sensor camera system on the Edge 50 Pro. The main sensor is a 50 MP, f/1.4, 25mm wide-angle shooter with PDAF and OIS. The other two sensors are a 10 MP, f/2.0, 67mm telephoto lens and a 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm ultrawide shooter. The front camera is a 50 MP, f/1.9, 21mm shooter. Read more: Top Home Skincare Devices in Bangladesh: Transform Your Beauty Routine The camera system can be considered a bit of a downgrade as the 40 Pro came with a 50 MP ultrawide sensor.  In terms of camera performance, the main sensor does an excellent job of capturing details and contrast. Again, the Pantone profile is fully on display here as the colors look vivid and natural. The super-wide aperture of the main sensor also allows for a natural bokeh on the subject background which blends in nicely with the image. The performance was more or less the same with the ultrawide, telephoto as well as the front camera.  The night photography is also on par with the daytime. The exposure, saturation, and white balance along with the dynamic range were very much flagship-worthy in terms of performance.  Read more: Havit M9030 Pro Review: A Competent Mid-range Smartwatch The videography on the 50 Pro goes up to 4K at 30fps, and 1080P at 30/60/120fps with 10-bit codec and HDR10+ support.  Processor and Performance The processor on the 50 Pro is Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 based on a 4 Nm architecture. It has a chip design of 1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510 with Adreno 720 GPU.  The processor also takes a hit in terms of performance as last year’s Edge 40 Pro came with the flagship 8 Gen 2 processor. Another drawback is in the storage type as the 50 Pro features UFS 2.2 whereas the 40 Pro comes with UFS 4.0 technology.  Read more: realme GT 6 5G Review: Is It a Flagship Killer? Games like PUBG, COD, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 ran without any hiccups. However, it doesn’t compare with the last generation's performance as it lacks a flagship processor. In its class, the 50 Pro outperforms the alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy A55.  Benchmark  Geekbench 6: 1143 (single core); 3083 (multi core) Antutu 10: 842798 3D Mark Wildlife: 5399 In terms of benchmark scores, the Edge 50 Pro outperforms similar devices with the 7 Gen 3 processor. However, it grossly falls short of the 8 Gen series processors.  Read more: CCTV Camera Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh in 2024 Software  The Edge 50 Pro is running on Android 14 with a custom Hello UI (An homage to the iconic Hello Moto! tagline). The UI itself looks more like an AOSP version with some minor in-house tweaks. There is some bloatware but they are neatly arranged on a dedicated shelf. The Moto app also has some useful features like Ready For to easily connect the device to the PC.  Motorola has also committed to 3 years of major software updates and 4 years of security patches.  Battery and Charge Time  The battery on the Edge 50 Pro is 4500 mAh. Motorola has included a 125 W wired TurboPower™charging system on the device. It can take the device to 100% in 18 minutes. There’s also 50 W wireless and 10 W reverse wireless charging available on the device.  Read more: Xiaomi Redmi 13 Review: Does It Carry the Predecessor’s Legacy? Pros and Cons of Motorola Edge 50 Pro  Pros  - Attractive color option with Pantone collaboration - Vibrant display with high refresh rate and brightness- Sleek design with an ultra-slim profile - Eco-leather finish - Stereo speakers with Snapdragon sound- Fast charging with wireless and reverse charging support- Great camera system - Clean and responsive UI - 4 years of major OS update- IP68 water resistance. Cons  - The device heats up during charging - Image processing takes a bit of time - Smaller 4500 mAh battery. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A15 4G Review: An Efficient Budget-friendly Smartphone Price of Motorola Edge 50 Pro  The Edge 50 Pro is available in two storage options, 8/256 GB and 12/256 GB. The official price of the variants is 31,999 INR and 35,999 INR respectively (with discounts). That roughly translates to around 45061 BDT and 50,694 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.41 BDT).  Verdict  The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is clearly a bridge between a proper mid-range smartphone and the flagship that the 50 Ultra is. The device impresses with its design, display, and camera, being almost on par with the flagship and a tad above any mid-range in its price range.  The processor and the small battery might slightly be a point of contention for some. The 50 Pro is best suited for those looking for a stylish smartphone that offers premium-level performance without really charging you a premium price for the same.  Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Coming in July 2024

Xiaomi launched the Civi 4 Pro on 21st March exclusively in China. Its global version, the Xiaomi 14 Civi has also been recently launched. The Civi line of smartphones is known for its camera prowess. And as expected, the latest model 4 Pro is also no different. But this time, Xiaomi brought more than just camera upgrades to the table. Let’s take a detailed look.  Key Specs of Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Design and Build Quality  The Civi 4 Pro brings a good mix of innovative design with a utilitarian approach. This year, there are seven colorways to choose from, 3 of them being limited edition ones. The large pool of personalization options is backed by premium material. The front features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection with a glass back or eco-leather finish depending on the color. The aluminum frame also exudes a premium finish.  The dimensions of the 4 Pro come in at 157.2 by 72.77 by 7.45 to 7.75 mm depending on the back material. The weight also ranges between 177.6 g to 180.9 g. Ports and buttons are in their usual spot without any change from the previous generation.  Read more: Top Home Skincare Devices in Bangladesh: Transform Your Beauty Routine The Civi 4 Pro, just like its predecessor has a dual camera on the front. The front dual camera is arranged in such a way that it will easily remind anyone of the dynamic island found on the iPhones. Other than this, the design of the 4 Pro is something that stands out among the rest.  The Display  The display on the Civi 4 Pro is a 6.55-inch AMOLED one with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 68B colors, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. The panel also boasts 3000 nits of peak brightness which is more than enough for even the harshest sunlight.  The 4 Pro sees an upgrade in resolution from the Civi 3 as it now comes with 1236 by 2750 pixels resolution and 460 ppi density. The near edge-to-edge display has a 90.4% screen-to-body ratio which is one of the highest among Androids.  Read more: Havit M9030 Pro Review: A Competent Mid-range Smartwatch In terms of performance, the display on the Civi 4 Pro performed well. It supports a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant colors and great contrast. The viewing angles were also sharp which makes this panel one of the best in its price class.  The Camera  Now onto the all-important camera for which the Civi line is so famous. There’s a total of five cameras on the Civi 4 Pro with three on the back and two on the front. The main back camera is a 50 MP, f/1.6, 25mm wide-angle shooter with a 1/1.55’’ sensor size. It’s a Leica Summilux lens which is known for its distinct color tone and consistency. The other two sensors are a 50 MP, f/2.0, 50mm Leica Professional telephoto lens and a 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚  ultrawide lens.  The front features a dual 32 MP sensor. One is a f/2.0 standard lens and the other is a f/2.4 wide angle one.  Read more: realme GT 6 5G Review: Is It a Flagship Killer? In terms of camera performance, the Civi 4 Pro fixed the greatest gripe with the Civi 3, that is the color reproduction at different zoom levels. The 4 Pro showed consistent color reproduction at ultrawide, standard 1x, 2x, and lossless 4x images. The dynamic range also held pretty well in daylight conditions. The night mode also greatly improved the exposure consistency in images. However, the lens flare still remains an issue.  The front camera can take decent images in both daylight and night environments. The ultrawide lens is a game changer in the sense that most smartphones don’t have a dedicated ultrawide shooter like the Civi 4 Pro.  The videography is rated at 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps. The videos natively support HDR10+ and 10-bit codecs for smooth playback.  Read more: CCTV Camera Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh in 2024 Processor and Performance  The processor on the Civi 4 Pro is the new Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 based on a 4 Nm architecture. In use, the 8s Gen 3 performs much like last year's 8 Gen 2 with minor upgrades. The chip design comes in at 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520 with Adreno 735 GPU.  In terms of gaming performance, there’s a bit of a cost-and-benefit situation. Most games tested on the 4 Pro ran on the highest settings without any stutter. However, the cost of performance was that the device would heat up a lot in prolonged gaming sessions.  Games like Genshin Impact were able to maintain a constant 41.9 fps with a max temperature of around 44 degrees Celsius. PUBG on the other hand recorded a constant 59.7 fps at around 40 degrees Celsius.  Read more: Xiaomi Redmi 13 Review: Does It Carry the Predecessor’s Legacy? The UFS 4.0 upgraded storage is a welcome addition to the 4 Pro. However, on the flip side, the 4 MB L3 cache might bring some performance issues down the line.  Benchmark  Antutu Score: 1504192Geekbench 5 Score: 1463 (single core); 4678 (multi-core)3D Mark Wild Life Score: 3361 In terms of absolute benchmark scores, the 4 Pro falls short of the Xiaomi 13 featuring an 8 Gen 2, and the Xiaomi 14 featuring an 8 Gen 3 processor. Software  The software on the Civi 4 Pro is HyperOS based on Android 14. HyperOS is practically a revamped visualization of MIUI with the same old DNA and the same old issues. There are noticeable number of bloatware and the whole UI might feel clunky at times. Google Services are now supported natively though you might have to download it manually. Even then certain Play Store apps didn’t properly run on the OS.  Read more: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Review: Worth the Hype? Battery and Charge Time The battery on the Civi 4 Pro is 4700 mAh. It might seem a bit small for a phone of its size but Xiaomi has included 67W wired fast charging which can take the device up to 100% in just 40 minutes.  Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro  Pros  - AMOLED panel with 120 Hz refresh rate - Upgraded camera and post-processing - Front-facing dual camera - Video recording supports HDR10+ and 10-bit codec - UFS 4.0 storage - Great gaming performance - Stereo speakers - Wide range of color options - 67W wired fast charging.  Cons  - The optical zoom lens is limited to just 2x - No card slot or headphone jack - No water protection rating - No wireless charging support- No reverse charging support. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A15 4G Review: An Efficient Budget-friendly Smartphone Price of Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro  Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro comes in 12/256 GB, 12/512 GB, and 16/512 GB storage options. The prices of the variants come in at 2799 RMB, 2999 RMB, and 3299 RMB respectively. It roughly translates to around 45288 BDT, 48524 BDT, and 53378 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 16.18 BDT). There’s also Disney Princess Limited Edition and Limited Custom Editions. Both are priced at 3299 RMB.  However, the official price of Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro in Bangladesh may vary due to tax and other issues. Verdict  The Civi 4 Pro brings some useful updates over last year's Civi 3. The updated design, display, and processor are a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to positioning the 4 Pro as a top-end mid-range device rivaling flagships. Particularly the improvements in the camera department are a welcome addition.  Read more: Best TWS Earbuds Under Tk 1500: A Detailed Buyer’s Guide In hindsight, the processor and the OS need more optimization to fully benefit from the display and the processor capabilities. Although priced a bit high, the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro can easily rival alternatives like Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, realme GT 6, and the Poco F6. 

The Chinese smartphone brand Meizu has been known for manufacturing powerful phones at a comparatively lower price point. Their latest innovation is Meizu 21. This flagship killer was released in China on 30 November 2023. Does the phone live up to the mark? Let’s look at the features, pros, cons, and price of Meizu 21 in Bangladesh. Key Features and Specs of Meizu 21 Design The Meizu 21 smartphone features a 156.7 mm by 75.3 mm by 7.9 mm middle frame crafted from new aviation-grade aluminum. Its assembly utilizes advanced CNC machining, akin to techniques used in aviation, ensuring high precision. This design makes the device resistant to falls and pressure, enhancing durability. With a slim profile of 7.9mm and weighing 198g, the Meizu 21 comes in four attractive colors: Unbounded Black, Meizu White, Ruiyi Cyan, and Smart Purple. The rear camera module adopts a borderless narrow-edge lens design with a black-coated lens ring. In contrast, the camera lens surface showcases a fine nano-etching process, creating a distinctive CD pattern. Read more: Motorola Moto G54 Review: Can It Hold the Legacy? The Meizu 21 introduces the "Aicy Smart Ring" to elevate user interaction with its multi-scenario interactive ring light system. Additionally, its "Unbounded Antenna System 2.0" enhances signal performance by 30% compared to its predecessor, supported by mSmart Net technology for comprehensive network optimization. The screen’s bezel has been reduced to 1.74mm which is certainly praiseworthy. Display The Meizu 21 bears a 6.55-inch FHD+ Samsung OLED Display with a resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels. This display offers vivid colors and sharp details, providing an immersive viewing experience. With a refresh rate of 120Hz, interactions with the device are smooth and responsive. The display's brightness reaches up to 1800 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright sunlight, and it employs 1920Hz PWM technology for enhanced brightness control. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 89.3%, offering a large viewing area. The symmetrical bezels are incredibly slim, measuring just 1.74mm. Read more: Honor X7b Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Powerful Battery Performance and Hardware The Meizu 21 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4nm chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU with a unique architecture of Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, Cortex-A520, and Cortex-A720 cores, delivering high-performance capabilities. The chipset is fabricated using a 4nm process. Its Adreno 750 GPU enhances graphic rendering for smooth gaming and multimedia experiences. Meizu 21 runs on Android 13 with the Flyme 10.5 interface. The device sports 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS4.0 flash memory, offering ample storage and efficient multitasking. Performance tests reveal improved CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor, with enhanced gaming capabilities and lower power consumption. The device features a large heat dissipation area, maintaining stable performance during heavy gaming sessions.  Camera The Meizu 21 features a triple rear camera setup, headlined by a 200MP (f/1.7) primary lens, accompanied by a 13MP (f/2.4) ultra-wide lens and a 5MP (f/2.4) wide-angle lens. The main camera supports features like Ring-LED flash, panorama, and HDR, with video recording capabilities of up to 8K resolution with gyro-EIS.  Read more: vivo iQOO 12 Review: Flagship Killer or a Flagship Itself? It has a 32 MP (f/2.4) selfie camera with HDR support on the front side, offering various filters and effects. The camera software supports dynamic range and manages colors and contrast effectively. The device's native camera app provides several modes and filters, allowing users to make the most of the secondary lenses for improved photography. While low-light performance is commendable with reduced noise, night mode enhances color vibrancy.  The rear camera can shoot 8K footage at maximum with gyro-EIS. However, the quality of videos is comparatively lower than the other competitors in its price ranges. Read more: realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability Battery and Charger The Meizu 21 is powered by a built-in 4800 mAh battery. It supports rapid 80W fast charging, allowing a full charge in just 40 minutes, as per Meizu's claims. This device incorporates Meizu Ice World cooling technology and OneMind 10.5, along with a large heat dissipation stack area of ​​37345mm², ensuring a balanced performance and battery life. With NFC and infrared remote control support, it's versatile in connectivity. The Meizu 21 runs on Flyme 10.5, featuring Aicy AI and Flyme AR. Users can enjoy up to 5+ hours of screen time on a single-round charge, along with approximately three hours of gameplay and additional hours of content streaming.  With 80W wired charging, convenience meets efficiency in powering up the Meizu 21. However, modern features like reverse and wireless charging could make it a better deal. Read more: Infinix Note 40 Pro Review: A Mid-Range Phone with 108P sensor, MagSafe Charging The Price of Meizu 21 in Bangladesh Meizu 21 phone’s 12/256GB ROM version is currently available in Bangladesh at around BDT 62,000. However, the price may vary depending on the sellers. Pros and Cons of Meizu 21 Pros - Impressive Display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1800 nit brightness- Powerful Snapdragon chipset for high-performance capabilities- Versatile and dynamic camera system- Large battery with fast charging- Elegant design with slim bezels and four attractive color options- Advanced features, including Flyme 10.5 OS- Ultrasonic Finger Reader and Dual Stereo Speakers. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Does It Offer Value for Money? Cons - Average camera software- Outdated Android interface- No support for reverse or wireless charging- Uses an older version of the Type-C port- Lacks a microSD card slot- Lacks the audio jack- No gorilla glass protection. Conclusion The Meizu 21 offers users a good experience with its impressive performance, stunning display, and long-lasting battery life. However, it's essential to acknowledge its shortcomings, such as the lack of gorilla glass protection on display, lack of wireless and reverse charging support, average camera software, outdated Android interface, etc.  Despite these drawbacks, the Meizu 21 remains a standout choice for those seeking a blend of sophistication and functionality. People who need a reliable phone for gaming and heavy tasks can go for Meizu 21. Read more: 7 Best Smartphones Being Released in May 2024

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. Read more: Infinix Note 40 Pro Review: A Mid-Range Phone with 108P sensor, MagSafe Charging 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.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy M55 Review: Here’s What It Offers 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.  Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Plus Review with Pros and Cons 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.

iQOO is here with its highly anticipated Neo series for 2024. The Neo lineup has stirred up quite the hype over the years for its unbeatable price-to-performance deals. The Neo9 Pro was launched globally on 22nd February. The global Neo9 Pro’s features are quite similar to the iQOO Neo9 released in China, while the Neo9 Pro’s Chinese version differs from its global version in the processor and camera section. Let’s find out more on this flagship phone.  Key Specs of the vivo iQOO Neo9 Pro   Design and Build Quality: A Mix of Sophistication and Refinement  The actual Neo9 Pro has been exclusively released for China for the time being. iQOO may not opt to release this model globally as it shares almost the same DNA with the parent company’s Vivo X100.  From the outside, you’re looking at the same dimension as that of the Neo9. There’s a vegan leather version which iQOO calls their Fiery Red model. There are also options for either blue or black glass back finishes.  Read more: realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability Dimension-wise, the iQOO Neo9 Pro comes in at 163.53 mm by 75.68 mm by 7.99 mm or 8.34 mm (Fiery Red). The aggregate weight of the device comes in at 190 g (Fiery Red) of 190 g as standard.  iQOO has incorporated several innovative design choices with the Neo9 Pro. The plastic frame has a four-sided micro-arc design for a seamless transition with the body. The front bezel on the side has been reduced to just 1.54 mm for a near-borderless view. There is also the Fluorite AG glass on the back of the blue and black model to deter fingerprints and smudges.  Ports, buttons, microphones, and dual SIM slots are in their usual spot like the Neo9. There’s no water resistance rating on the Neo9 Pro which might be its only gripe design-wise.  Read more: DOOGEE V31GT 5G Rugged Phone Review: Sturdy mid-range gaming device The Display: Feature-Packed AMOLED Display  The display on the iQOO Neo9 Pro is stacked with features. On paper, users will get a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 1B colors, 144 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1400 nits of HBM.  The near-symmetrical panel comes in a 20:9 aspect ratio good enough for a 93.43% screen-to-body ratio.  The resolution has been cranked up to 1260 by 2800 pixels featuring of 452 ppi density. Additional display techs like XDR 2.0 and ZREAL have also been incorporated into the panel. The result is a whopping 8000000:1 contrast ratio in normal usage.  iQOO claims that the touch latency has been reduced by 36% compared to the previous models. The 2160 Hz PWM dimming mode increases the brightness perception by 14.3% making it easier on eyes in ultra-low light environments.  Read more: Walton Xanon X20 Review: Is it a value-for-money gaming phone? The Camera  The camera is where the difference between the global 9 Pro and Chinese 9 Pro becomes apparent.  The main rear camera is a 50 MP shooter sporting a Sony VCS IMX 920 sensor. Spec includes f/1.88 aperture, 1/1.49 inch sensor size with PDAF and OIS.  The Chinese Neo9 Pro’s secondary rear sensor is another 50 MP f/2.0 shooter, 119-degree ultrawide sensor. On the other hand, the global version comes with an 8 MP (f/2.2) 119-degree ultrawide sensor.  Read more: Infinix GT 10 Pro 5G Review: Is it a capable gaming phone? For both the Chinese and Global Neo9 pro, the front camera features a single 16 MP f/2.5 lens. It can shoot 1080 pixels of footage at 30 fps. The custom Sony sensor can nicely capture natural and warm-looking images. The usual photorealism of the IMX 920 was missing here as pictures had a distinct color pop in them. The dynamic range was a bit sub-par. The ultrawide sensor was able to match the performance of the main sensor during daylight.  Pictures taken at night or in low light fared much better thanks to the large sensor size. The night mode was an added plus in low-light photography.  Read more: ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Heavy-Duty Flagship Gaming Device Videography on the Chinese Neo9 Pro supports up to 8K, 4K, and 1080P. While the global version can capture a maximum of 4K videos. Video quality has been impressive thanks to the gyro-EIS and OIS.  Processor and Performance: Sheer Gaming Capabilities  Beyond the camera, the Chinese 9 Pro is using the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9300 based on the 4 Nm architecture unlike yesteryear’s 8 Gen 2 found on the global 9 Pro. The octa-core processor is coupled with Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU. iQOO is claiming 40% increased performance with 33% less power consumption compared to the last generation.  The storage combination goes up to 16 GB RAM and 1TB internal storage. iQOO has upgraded to LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0 for the RAM and ROM respectively.  Read more: Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device In addition to the Dimensity 9300 chip, iQOO has also included the Q1 gaming chip developed in-house. iQOO claims that the Q1 can replicate PC-level super-resolution for open world and other graphics-intensive games. In the test, PUBG, COD, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 were running smoothly at 60 Hz. What’s even more impressive is the lack of heating even after hours of gaming. The usual day-to-day browsing and surfing is fast and smooth thanks to the blazing 144 Hz display.  iQOO introduced their 6K Skylight vapor chamber liquid cooling technology which takes up around half of the internal footprint of the device. It accounts for precise heat dissipation resulting in a 26% increase in overall heat transfer.  Software: OriginOS 4 over Android 14  While the global variant comes with Funtouch OS, the Chinese Neo9 Pro sticks with the OriginOS. And given that it is released in China only. It’s a pretty heavy skin over Android 14. Needless to say, it would take some time to get used to its interface and navigation.  Read more: Tecno Pova 4 Pro Review: Budget gaming phone with a massive battery Battery and Charge Time  The Neo9 Pro comes with 5160 mAh battery capacity. The 120W ultra-fast flash charge can take the device from 0 to 40% in 9 minutes. The full charge takes about 1 hour and 24 minutes. iQOO claims that the Neo9 Pro has been tested for up to 1600 full charge cycles after which the battery can retain up to 80% of its original capacity. 

vivo phones are famous for their flagship-level designs and features offered at reasonable price ranges. The Chinese tech giant vivo’s X series represents a top-of-the-line smartphone experience. vivo launched its flagship X100 series on November 21, 2023, in China. Let’s check out what it offers.  Key Specifications of vivo X100   Design and Build Quality  The design of the vivo X100 is somewhat reminiscent of the X90. There is a curved front panel, a slim profile, a frosted finish, and a large camera housing at the back. Except in X100, the camera housing has been moved to the center. The device dimension comes in at 164.05 mm by 75.19 mm by 8.49 mm or 8.74 mm (Sunset Orange variant) with either 202 or 206 g weight. The standard variant has a brushed finish, which complements the large circular triple camera housing. The surrounding aluminum ring also adds to the design dimensions. Ports and buttons are carried over from the X90, with the power button, volume rocker, and SIM slot all retained in their usual places. The device also has IP68 water and dust resistance.  The Display  The display on the X100 is an LTPO AMOLED panel with 1B colors and a 120Hz refresh rate with 3000 nits of peak brightness. The 6.78-inch display has a 1260 by 2800 pixel resolution with a 453 ppi density. The display also has an 89.9% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to the slim bezel and curved screen. Other features include 8000000:1 contrast and 105% NTSC. The display performance is great. The Camera  There is a triple camera sensor on the X100, with the main camera being a 50 MP, f/1.6 wide-angle shooter with PDAF, laser AF, and OIS. The secondary sensors are a 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm ultrawide shooter. The cameras on the X100 use Zeiss Optics T* lens coating and custom LUT imports. The specialization of the images is their natural renditions with true tone colors. Images taken with the main sensor had sharp details and contrast in them. The same held true for the adjoining sensors as well, with great performance during daylight. Image quality remained more or less the same in artificial lights as well, with a slight sharpness loss.  There’s also a 32 MP (f/2.0) front camera on the X100, which can take some great selfies. The videography on the X100 is rated at 4K and 1080p. It supports Cinematic Mode too.  Processor and Performance  The processor on the X100 is the new MediaTek Dimensity 9300 based on the 4 Nm architecture. The graphic section is enriched with an Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU.  The performance of the X100 is every bit like a flagship. Casual usage was a breeze considering the processor blazed past every task thrown at it. Dimensity 9300 also brings significant improvements to the gaming aspect, with 3D games running at maximum settings without any frame drops or jitters. The X100 is running OriginOS 4 for the Chinese region and Funtouch 14 based on Android 14 for the international regions. The UI still has that characteristic bloatware, which might negate the experience a bit. But other than that, the experience has been fast, smooth, and snappy.  Battery and Charge Time  The battery capacity is either 4880 mAh or 5000 mAh. The X100 supports up to 120W Ultra-Fast flash charging. It can go from 1 to 50% in 11 minutes. This device allows reverse wiring, which is a user-friendly feature.  Pros and Cons of vivo X100  Pros:  - Great display - Good camera system - Improved flagship processor - Updated design - Ultra-fast charging  Cons:  - Bloatware in the OS  Price of the vivo X100  The vivo X100 comes in 12/256 GB, 16/256 GB/ 16/512 GB, 16 GB/1 TB, and 16 GB LPDDR5T RAM/ TB options. The prices are 3999, 4299, 4599, 4999, and 5099 RMB, respectively. It roughly translates to 62,019 BDT, 66,671 BDT, 71,324 BDT, 77,527 BDT, and 79,078 BDT, respectively. Here the conversion rate is 1 RMB equivalent to BDT 15.51 approx. However, the official price of the vivo X100 may vary in Bangladesh due to tax and other issues. Verdict  The vivo X100 can be categorized as a flagship killer given its performance compared to its price. The smartphone inherits many features from the X90 and alleviates certain aspects to make it an even more compelling and complete device. For anyone looking for a flagship experience at a relatively lower price, the vivo X100 can be a good choice. Read more: Most Hyped Smartphones Releasing in December 2023

The youth-focused smartphone brand realme got popularity for their affordable devices. The brand is now entering the mid-range phone market. In this wave, the realme GT5 was launched on September 4, 2023, in China. This smartphone is grabbing attention for its eye-catching design and impressive core performance. Let’s take a look into the features and functionalities that define the realme GT 5, exploring its strengths and any potential areas for improvement. Key Features and Specifications of realme GT5 Design The realme GT5 exhibits a streamlined design, measuring 163.1 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm and weighing 205 g. The silver mirror color scheme and contemporary back design contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. Constructed with a glass front, aluminum frame, and glass back, the device emanates a premium quality.  Featuring dual SIM capability (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), it incorporates practicality into its design. The integration of the camera module with the back panel is seamless, enhancing the device's visual appeal. The middle frame, coated with metal, ensures a tactile and visually pleasing experience, enhancing the comfort of holding the realme GT5. This smartphone distinguishes itself through a sophisticated and considerately designed appearance, suitable for both hand-held use and display. The seamless transition between the camera and back panel, coupled with a 1.5K T7+ screen dimming scheme, enhances both aesthetics and functionality.  Read more: OPPO Find N3 Review: A New Standard for Foldable Smartphones Display The realme GT5 is equipped with a 6.74-inch AMOLED display, featuring a resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels and a 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density). The screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, reaching a peak brightness of 1400 nits.  The minimized bezel design eliminates the plastic bracket, creating a flat display with slightly curved edges outside the display area. The Tianma-manufactured display utilizes diamond pixels for clarity. Notably, the brightness measurement in Bright HDR Video Mode reaches 905 nits, aided by the Pixelworks X7 chip enabling frame interpolation for smooth video playback up to 120FPS.  The user can choose between 1.5K and 1080p screen resolutions, with a customizable refresh rate for each application. The touch sampling rate, measured at 120 Hz, demonstrates responsiveness, complemented by an in-screen fingerprint sensor providing highly accurate authentication, despite the device being limited to Widevine L3. Performance and Software Running on Android 13 with realme UI 4.0, the realme GT5 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (4 nm). Its octa-core CPU configuration includes a Cortex-X3 core at 3.2 GHz, two Cortex-A715 cores at 2.8 GHz, two Cortex-A710 cores at 2.8 GHz, and three Cortex-A510 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Adreno 740 GPU contributes to smooth graphics performance.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review: An Incremental Update Nearing Perfection The device is available in configurations of 256GB with 12GB RAM and 512GB with 16GB RAM, catering to diverse storage needs.  With its robust processor, the realme GT5 delivers reliable performance. This device excels in handling high-configuration games, delivering a lag-free gaming experience. Camera The realme GT5 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on its main camera module. The primary lens boasts 50 MP with an f/1.9 aperture, providing a wide 24mm perspective. It features 1.0µm pixel size, PDAF, and OIS for enhanced focus and stabilization.  Accompanying this is an 8 MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, offering a 112˚ field of view. Additionally, a 2 MP macro lens with an f/2.4 aperture is included for close-up shots. The camera system is complemented by features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode. The video capabilities include recording at 4K@30/60fps and 1080p@30/60fps with gyro-EIS.  Read more: Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G: What does it offer? On the front, the selfie camera is a single 16 MP lens with an f/2.5 aperture, providing a wide 25mm perspective. It features HDR and panorama modes, with video recording capabilities at 1080p@30fps with gyro-EIS. The realme GT5's camera system offers a range of functionalities suitable for diverse photography and videography needs. Battery and Charging The realme GT5 is powered by a non-removable Li-Po battery with a capacity of 5240 mAh. Notably, it supports rapid charging with an impressive 150W wired charging capability, utilizing Power Delivery (PD). The advertised feature claims a swift 1-50% charge in just 7 minutes, providing efficient and quick replenishment of the device's battery. Pros and Cons of realme GT5 Pros -Comfortable grip for a smooth user experience-An attractive array of shades-Ultra-fast charging-Stunning customizable LED indicators-Configurable up to 24GB RAM, 1TB storage Cons -Plastic frame-Compromised camera performance-Aggressive background app management-No wireless charging. Read more: Xiaomi 14 Pro Review: What’s special about it? Price of realme GT5 The phone is priced at CNY 2999 or BDT 46,102 for the 12GB+256GB（150W）version. The conversion rate here is 1 CNY equivalent to 15.37 BDT. However, the price of realme GT 5 may vary in Bangladesh. Verdict The realme GT5 is great for gaming. It charges super fast, making it perfect for heavy use.  The camera section may disappoint many realme fans. Some contemporary flagships or even mid-rangers like Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro are offering better camera configuration at a much lower price range. Wireless charging could make this package a better deal.  However, those looking for a speedy charging device with overall reliable performance can consider this phone. Read more: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design