Smartphone Review
vivo Y36 Review: Does Price Meet Performance?
vivo recently launched Y36, an update to their Y series, globally on 27th May 2023. The smartphones under vivo Y series offer premium looks. Like its predecessors, the vivo Y36 blends in modern design elements in a compact mid-range package. Let’s look at the detailed review.
Key Specifications of vivo Y36
Design and Build Quality
Much of the design elements of the Y36 have been carried forward from the outgoing Y35. The Y36 takes a more toned-down design approach compared to the flashy refractive back of the Y35. This design choice is purely subjective as some might prefer the minimal look over the flaunting one. The large rectangular camera housing on the back is almost becoming synonymous with the Y series design and that is probably a good thing. It’s adding a distinct design element that highlights the Y36 from the rest.
At 202 grams, the device is on the heavier side for an all-plastic device. Much of that can be attributed to the footprint of the device which comes in at 6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in. The front of the device houses the 6.64-inch display which with an 85.4% screen-to-body ratio, looks like an entry-level smartphone from yesteryear.
Read more: 15-inch MacBook Air M2 Review: What’s new?
Other than the front with its large chin, there aren’t any design loops with the Y36. Ports and buttons are all placed as usual with the 3.5 mm headphone jack staying for another iteration. There is also a dedicated micro SDXC slot on the device which will be necessary if one goes with the entry-level 4/64 GB variant.
Overall, the device feels great in looks. The weight distribution felt even with a good balance all around. For anyone looking for a minimal yet stylish device at a mid-range budget, the Y36 can be a perfect pick.
The Display
While the display bezels might not be all that pleasing to look at, the story is completely different from the display itself. The 6.64-inch display is an IPS LCD panel with 1080P by 2388P FHD+ resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate, and a 550 nits HBM. The 395 PPI is more than enough for an LCD panel making it a pretty solid performer.
Read more: Xiaomi 13 Ultra Review: Does this flagship phone offer any ultra feature?
Being an LCD panel, the 550 HBM isn’t all that great. Even with max brightness, legibility under direct sunlight will still be a strenuous ordeal. But most people won’t be using the device in the scorching sunlight as is.
The performance of the panel itself is satisfactory. It will not compete with the likes of AMOLED with washed-out blacks. But the display has its own perks. Unlike most LCD panels, the display on the Y36 doesn’t suffer from weird color shifts here and there. The viewing angles are good with accurate color reproduction.
The 90 Hz refresh rate is another plus point of the device as it delivers a smooth interactive experience. Overall, the display on the Y36 isn’t the best of the lot out there. But it certainly produces passable results.
Read more: Hollyland Mars 400S Pro Review: A must-have gadget to make flawless videos
The Camera
The camera on the Y36 is a bit confusing. The device has a triple camera setup with 50 MP main sensors, 2 MP depth, and a 2 MP macro shooter. However, the macro shooter is not available in every region. For the South Asian market, the macro sensor has not been included in the design.
Moving on to the performance of the camera, it's exactly what one would expect from a mid-range device. vivo has come a long way from their over-processed photo era and it honestly makes a big difference. Photos under direct sunlight look natural and crisp with great details all around. The depth sensor aids well in portrait shots though the edge detection is a hit or miss at times.
However, the camera performance drops a bit in indoor or artificial lighting conditions. It's not drastically different but the images overall become a bit soft.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A34 5G Review with Price in Bangladesh
The story is the same with the 16 MP front camera as well, great daylight pictures and moderate low light images.
The Y36 videography is rated at 1080P at 30 fps. With the main camera resolution and processing power, vivo could have provided 4K technology on the device. But the guess is that lack of OIS or EIS may have deterred the move.
1 year ago
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Review: Does this flagship phone offer any ultra feature?
Xiaomi has been known for its extravagant "Ultra" versions of flagship phones in recent years. Holding this legacy 13 Ultra is set to have an international release on June 7, expanding its availability beyond China. Let's take a look at the details of Xiaomi's latest flagship smartphone, Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Key Features of Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Build and Design
The first notable aspect of the phone is its size, particularly the camera module, which is remarkably large and attracts attention when in use. The phone's weight has been alleviated to some extent. Don't worry, its 227g weight is well-balanced. Comparatively, it is slightly lighter than both the S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max while being similar in overall size with a 163.2x74.6x9.1mm dimension.
One distinguishing feature of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the vegan leather finish available in three colors: white, black, and olive green. This design choice aims to emulate the aesthetics of traditional SLR cameras. The leather-like texture enhances grip, which is particularly important given the phone's large size.
Read more: Google Pixel 7a Review: Mid-range Smartphone with Enhanced Camera Features
The phone's frame is constructed from aluminum, combining flat sides with rounded corners to ensure a comfortable grip. Furthermore, the device boasts a tough build, with Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the display and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
In terms of biometrics, the phone incorporates a fingerprint sensor within the display, as well as a face unlock option facilitated by the punch-hole selfie camera. Both methods of authentication perform well and offer convenient security options.
Display
The phone has a large display of 6.73 inches that makes it well-suited for various tasks, including productivity, gaming, and streaming movies.
Impressively, the display quality is noteworthy as well. Xiaomi utilizes LTPO OLED display technology, enabling the screen to dynamically adjust its refresh rate. It can reach a maximum of 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations when necessary. It can also conserve battery life by slowing down the screen refresh rate when possible.
Read more: Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in Bangladesh on June 2023
Paired with a sharp 1440p x 3200p resolution, the phone's top-tier display offers exceptional visual quality. Almost everything appears pleasing on this panel, and in case it doesn't meet your preferences, Xiaomi has included numerous color profiles and settings to allow for fine-tuning of the content.
Performance and Software
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the latest and most advanced 4 nm chip available for Android phones at the time of writing. Only Samsung's Galaxy S23 line, with its slightly overclocked custom version of the same chip, surpasses Xiaomi in terms of performance. Furthermore, in 13 Ultra, you get adreno 740 GPU.
The phone boasts impressive specifications with up to 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. This configuration results in a true powerhouse that can effortlessly handle the latest Android games and seamless multitasking.
Read more: Asus ROG Phone 7 Review: Does it offer value for money?
Benchmark tests further confirm its capabilities. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra ranks among the most powerful Android phones in CPU-focused Geekbench tests. It also keeps pace with its competitors in graphics-intensive GFXBench scores, despite having a high-resolution display that typically affects frame rates.
Connectivity features present no surprises. The phone comes with standard 5G support, supplemented by Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, ensuring compatibility with the latest standards.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra comes pre-installed with Android 13, featuring Xiaomi's MIUI 14 on top. However, the Chinese version of the phone does not include the Google Play Store, which can make app installation a frustrating experience. To address this, users need to sideload Google services onto the device. However, the international version of MIUI includes full Google support, ensuring a seamless experience with Google services.
Read more: realme 11 Pro Plus Review: Mid-range phone with flagship features
Rear Cameras
The main camera employs the same 50MP, 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor found in the 13 Pro, as well as other phones like the Vivo X90 Pro and Oppo Find X6 Pro. However, the Ultra enhances the camera by adding a variable aperture.
The phone truly excels in low-light conditions, capturing some of the best concert photos ever taken on a phone. In good lighting, the main camera performs exceptionally well, with the only drawback being Xiaomi's tendency for slightly vivid and saturated photos, even when using the more subdued 'Leica Authentic' photo style instead of the default 'Leica Vibrant' (Xiaomi has partnered with Leica for the phone's optics).
The supporting rear cameras also contribute to the overall camera prowess of the 13 Ultra. All three of the other rear cameras utilize 50MP sensors, specifically the Sony IMX858 sensor.
Read more: Motorola Edge 40 Review: Is it a flagship killer?
The ultrawide camera, although competent, is the least remarkable of the three. It closely aligns with the main camera most of the time but struggles in challenging lighting conditions due to the absence of optical image stabilization, resulting in overexposure in certain situations.
1 year ago
Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in Bangladesh on June 2023
The Bangladeshi smartphone market will see some new launches of smartphones featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative designs. These upcoming smartphones are going to serve a wide range of consumers, from budget-conscious buyers to tech enthusiasts seeking the latest advancements. Top brands are gearing up to introduce their latest models, boasting impressive features such as 5G connectivity, advanced AI-powered cameras, and long-lasting battery life. Let’s explore some of the most hyped smartphones hitting the Bangladeshi market this June 2023.
10 Most Anticipating Smartphones Releasing on June 2023
Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a gaming fanatic, or a productivity-driven individual, the upcoming smartphones will surely help you to choose one.
Samsung Galaxy F54
The Samsung Galaxy F54 comes with a sleek build featuring a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. The device offers a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing a fascinating visual experience.
Powered by the Android 13 operating system and the efficient Exynos 1380 chipset, the Galaxy F54 delivers exceptional performance. With 8GB RAM and options for 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, it ensures plenty of space for your files and apps.
The triple rear camera setup includes a 108 MP main lens, an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens to capture stunning photos and videos. The 32 MP front camera delivers impressive selfie shots.
The smartphone also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and a long-lasting 6000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging support.
Read more: Asus ROG Phone 7 Review: Does it offer value for money?
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 is a versatile smartphone designed for users seeking both functionality and style. With dimensions of 162.9 x 74.1 x 9.2 mm and 195g, this device features a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back, along with a water-repellent design for added durability. The 6.5-inch IPS LCD display offers a 90Hz refresh rate and an 84.5% screen-to-body ratio for a non-distracting viewing experience.
Powered by Android 13 and the Mediatek Helio G85 12 nm chipset, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 provides smooth performance with its octa-core CPU and 4GB RAM.
The dual main camera setup features a 50MP wide lens and a 2MP macro lens, which helps to capture high-quality images and 1080p video.
Read more: Motorola Edge 40 Review: Is it a flagship killer?
Vivo S17t
The Vivo S17t is a feature-packed mid-range smartphone that offers a stunning visual experience with its 6.78-inch AMOLED display. With vibrant 1B colors, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, the display delivers smooth visuals.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8050 chipset and running on Android 13 with OriginOS 3, the S17t ensures smooth performance and a seamless user interface. It comes with 12GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of internal storage.
The smartphone comes with a dual-camera setup featuring a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP ultrawide lens for taking detailed and wide-angle shots. This device also sports a 50 MP selfie shooter.
Despite its slim profile, the S17t packs a 4600 mAh battery with 80W wired charging, allowing for quick recharging.
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Huawei Nova Y91
Running on EMUI 13 without Google Play Services, Huawei Nova Y91 delivers a unique software experience. weighing about 214g, it comes with a huge display of 6.95-inches.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G 6 nm chipset and featuring an octa-core CPU, the Nova Y91 ensures efficient multitasking. Further, it comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
It has a dual camera, which includes a 50 MP wide lens and a 2 MP depth sensor. The 8 MP front camera can take impressive selfie shots.
With a massive 7000 mAh battery and 22.5W wired charging support, the Nova Y91 offers long-lasting power.
Read more: realme C55 Review: A Promising Budget-friendly Phone
Infinix Note 30i
The Infinix Note 30i is a budget-friendly but feature-rich smartphone that comes with a moderate visual experience with its AMOLED display measuring 6.66 inches. While the exact display resolution is unconfirmed, it delivers sharp and vibrant visuals.
Powered by the MediaTek MT6769 Helio G85 12 nm chipset and running on Android 13 with XOS 13, the Note 30i ensures smooth performance and an intuitive user interface. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, it provides enough storage for your everyday file management.
The dual rear camera setup includes a 64 MP main lens and a QVGA lens. However, the 16 MP front camera is good enough for detailed selfies.
Further, it features dual speakers for an enhanced audio experience and comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. The audio quality is further improved with sound tuning by JBL, providing an immersive audio experience.
Read more: Infinix Hot 30 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart design
1 year ago
Asus ROG Phone 7 Review: Does it offer value for money?
There was a time when high-end premium flagships served as the best mobile gaming devices. There were no custom gaming-specific smartphones in the market. That all changed with the likes of Razer, Redmagic, and ROG phones. Among several brands, the ROG Phone built up a reputation for being the most comprehensive mobile gaming solution. Asus recently launched the ROG Phone 7 on 13th April on a preorder basis. Here’s everything about the device and why it might be the best gaming smartphone of 2023.
Key Specifications of Asus ROG Phone 7
Design and Build Quality
The design of the ROG Phone 7 is similar to its previous iterations. Just like the ROG laptops, the ROG phones are every bit flashy and eye-catching in their own way.
This year, there is a slight design change on the back. The polygonal camera housing is still the same and as unique as ever. There is a diagonal cut that brings two tones to the back of the phone. The upper part is made to be a see-through portion much like the Nothing Phone 1. Though users won’t see the exact internals, just the graphics. The bottom portion is finished in matte with the RGB ROG eye logo in place. The white and black color variant brings an impressive color array and stunning look to the device.
Read more: realme 11 Pro Plus Review: Mid-range phone with flagship features
Its dimensions are 6.81 by 3.03 by 0.41 inches. Being a gaming phone, the ROG 7 is on the heavier side at 239 grams. The device has been stacked with ports and features that would exclusively cater to gamers. The front and the back of the device I protected by Gorilla Glass Victus and Glass 3 respectively. There is a smooth metal frame all around the device complemented by ROG branding. The branding on the two right-side corners also acts as gaming triggers.
There is a headphone jack and a USB Type C port at the bottom with another Type C port on the side. There's also a three-pin port for the accessory mount. Since this is a gaming phone, a charging port on the side makes perfect sense. Here’s a complete list of the mounting options available to the users.
The usual sim tray and color-coded volume and power buttons are carried on from the ROG 6. In essence, the ROG 7 is not much different from the ROG 6 in terms of design, build quality, and accessibility. And it exactly works in favor of the ROG 7.
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The Display
The display design on the ROG 7 will not appeal to everyone. There’s a considerable chin on both the bottom and top of the device. But it's completely understandable and even appreciated by gamers as it assists with the horizontal holding of the phone avoiding accidental touches. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Coming to the specifications of the panel, the display is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ (1080 by 2448 pixels with 395 ppi density) resolution. The usual 1B color and HDR10+ is here along with the insane 165 Hz refresh rate. The device has a peak brightness of 1500 nits which is more than enough for gaming under the sun.
The display is smooth, crisp, and has excellent touch response. This is what one would expect from a gaming smartphone and the ROG 7 delivers big time.
Read more: Motorola Edge 40 Review: Is it a flagship killer?
The Camera
The camera isn’t really a priority in a gaming smartphone. Yet Asus hasn’t completely overlooked the camera performance of the ROG phones. The same capable camera system from the 6 is carried onto the 7.
There’s a 50 MP main sensor with an additional 13 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro shooter. The main camera does a decent job of capturing photos in daylight with good details and exposure. Asus has taken full advantage of the powerful processor of the ROG 7 and pushed the videography to up to 8K at 24 fps for the cinematic shots.
There is also a 32 MO front camera for all selfie lovers. Overall, the camera system of the ROG 7 produces passable results. Considering the target demographic of this phone, the camera on the ROG 7 will be more than satisfying.
Read more: Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro 5G Review: What’s new?
1 year ago
realme 11 Pro Plus Review: Mid-range phone with flagship features
realme 11 series smartphones have already got popularity for combining latest features and smart looks under affordable price ranges. realme 11 Pro Plus is the latest addition to this series. It was launched on May 10 in China. Though being a mid-range smartphone, realme 11 Pro+ offers some exclusive features like the flagship devices. Let’s see what's special about this phone.
Key Features of realme 11 Pro+
Design and Display
Featuring a front-panel punch-hole cutout and a quad-camera setup on the rear, the realme 11 Pro Plus is a fully-loaded device. This latest smartphone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a pixel density of 394 ppi, offering a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels. With a remarkable 90.5 percent screen-to-body ratio, the phone also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a face unlock feature, ensuring enhanced security.
It showcases a sleek design and solid build quality. It has dimensions measuring either 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm and weighs approximately 183 g or 189 g (6.46 oz). The device features a glass front, providing a smooth and polished appearance, while the back is available in options of either leather or plastic. Additionally, the realme 11 Pro Plus comes with a durable plastic frame, ensuring sturdiness and protection.
Read more: Motorola Edge 40 Review: Is it a flagship killer?
The phone will be available in three color variations, Black, Green, and Gold.
Camera
It comes with a triple camera setup on the back 200 MP wide camera, 8 MP ultra-wide, and 2 MP macro lens. But the star of the show is the 200 MP main camera, which utilizes Samsung’s ISOCELL HP3 sensor. Despite realme and Samsung being direct competitors in the mid-range phone market, the two companies collaborated closely to enhance the camera performance specifically for the realme device, as per their marketing claims.
The realme 11 Pro Plus attaches the power of its 200MP camera to deliver impressive capabilities. One notable feature is the utilization of 16-in-1 pixel binning, which enables the device to generate a 12.5MP image that contains 16 times more information than a typical 12MP photo. This innovative technology allows the camera to capture significantly brighter images, surpassing what would typically be expected from a sensor of its compact size.
Read more: Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro 5G Review: What’s new?
Another notable capability of the realme 11 Pro Plus is its ability to leverage all 200 million pixels and employ in-sensor cropping to create “zoom” photos that maintain a remarkable level of detail and sharpness. realme takes pride in highlighting that its phone is the sole device within its price range to offer true in-sensor crop functionality, a feature previously exclusive to more expensive smartphones like the iPhone 14 Pro and Xiaomi’s flagship models.
Despite all those impressive features, the realme 11 Pro Plus doesn’t have a dedicated zoom lens. But you can zoom up to 4x with the regular lens, and it is quite notable. In addition, the realme 11 Pro Plus is equipped with a 32 MP front camera.
Overall the camera system provides a wide array of features, including AI capabilities, Night Mode, Slow-motion, Portrait Mode, Panorama, Burst mode, Face Beauty, QR Code scanning, Display Flash, HDR, Flashlight, as well as hybrid zoom, optical image stabilization, and support for up to 1080P video recording.
Read more: Xiaomi POCO F5 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone worth buying
Battery and Connectivity
The realme 11 Pro Plus comes equipped with a massive 5000 mAh battery, providing ample power for extended usage. It supports 100W fast charging, enabling rapid charging capabilities through the USB Type-C port.
In terms of connectivity, the realme 11 Pro Plus offers compatibility with 5G network connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. Additionally, NFC functionality is available on the device. Notably, the phone features an in-display fingerprint sensor, ensuring both fast and secure biometric authentication.
Hardware and Software
The Realme 11 Pro Plus is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) Processor, which is renowned as one of the top budget processors available in the market. The phone is available in three storage variations 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. However, all the variations come with 12 GB RAM. Since you are getting huge storage options, it doesn’t have any external SD card option.
Read more: May 2023 New Releases: Top 7 Upcoming Smartphones
The realme 11 Pro Plus is built on a powerful platform, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with two high-performance cores clocked at 2.6 GHz and six efficiency cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This combination ensures a balance between processing power and energy efficiency, enabling smooth multitasking and responsive performance.
In terms of graphics capabilities, the device is equipped with the Mali-G68 GPU, delivering impressive visual rendering and supporting immersive gaming experiences.
In terms of software, the realme 11 Pro Plus runs on the latest Android 13 operating system. It also features the realme UI 4.0 user interface, which is designed to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience, ensuring smooth navigation and intuitive functionality.
Read more: Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter Edition: Enter the Magical Wizarding World
Price of realme 11 Pro+
Although the final price is yet to be announced. As per news and sources, realme 11 Pro Plus might start from Rs. 24,890 or BDT 32,318 (Rs. 1= BDT 1.30). However, the official price of realme 11 Pro Plus in Bangladesh may vary due to tax, company policy and other issues.
Pros and Cons of realme 11 Pro Plus
The Realme 11 Pro Plus boasts several noteworthy pros that make it a compelling choice for smartphone users. It features a vibrant FHD AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a visually immersive experience with enhanced fluidity.
The device runs on the latest Android 13 operating system, coupled with realme UI 4.0 custom UI, providing a seamless and user-friendly interface. Additionally, the realme 11 Pro Plus offers stereo speakers, delivering an enhanced audio experience for multimedia consumption.
Read more: OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Review: What’s special about it?
While the realme 11 Pro Plus offers a range of impressive features, it also has a few cons to consider. It lacks reverse or wireless charging support, which may be a drawback for those seeking convenient and cable-free charging options.
Additionally, it does not feature any Gorilla Glass protection, making the display more susceptible to scratches and damage. Another notable downside is the absence of an optical zoom camera, limiting the device’s zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects.
Final Words
Based on its camera, hardware, stylish leather-backed design, and impressive 120Hz AMOLED panel, it is evident that the realme 11 Pro Plus follows in the footsteps of its predecessors in delivering excellent value at an affordable price. If you are looking for an affordable mid-range smartphone that offers some impressive flagship features, don’t miss realme 11 pro+.
Read more: Walton Orbit Y21 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart look
1 year ago
Walton Orbit Y21 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart look
Walton, one of the best Bangladeshi brands, has been working to deliver quality smartphones. Walton’s Orbit series presents handsets at budget-friendly price points. The new Orbit Y21 also keeps its promise by offering great design and performance at an affordable price. The Orbit Y21 came to market in April 2023 and caught people’s attention. This review will go deeper into its specifications and other details.
Key Specs and Features of Walton Orbit Y21
Design
On first sight, the Orbit Y21 phone captivates with its pleasing shades. Available in three stunning color options, including Sea Blue, Field Green, and Midnight Green, the Orbit Y21 allows you to choose the hue that best complements your personal taste and reflects your unique personality.
Measuring 164.2 mm in height, 76 mm in width, and a mere 9.1 mm in depth, the Orbit Y21 boasts a sleek and slim profile that effortlessly fits into the palm of your hand. Its lightweight nature, weighing just 188g with the battery, ensures a comfortable and ergonomic grip, allowing you to carry it with ease throughout the day.
Read more: OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Review: What’s special about it?
The thoughtful placement of the physical buttons adds to the device's user-friendly design. The fingerprint power button, located conveniently on the right side, enables secure access and doubles as volume control, providing quick and intuitive adjustment of audio levels. On the left side, you'll find the SIM card holder, allowing for easy access and hassle-free swapping of SIM cards.
The bottom of the phone houses a speaker, microphone, USB Type C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This comprehensive arrangement ensures seamless connectivity and accessibility to essential audio features, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes or engage in crystal-clear conversations without any compromises.
1 year ago
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Review: What’s special about it?
OnePlus Technology, the subsidiary of OPPO, has steadily expanded to include midrange and budget devices in its product line. The Nord CE series were the perfect mid-range with the Lite being their budget offering. This year, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G was released on April 11 2023 in China with a subsequent global release. The CE 3 Lite successes the CE 2 Lite with some interesting developments. Let’s have a look.
Key Features of OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is a through-and-through budget device. The build material may reflect on that but rest assured, the CE 3 Lite is a well-built hefty device at 195 gm. The phone has a glass front, plastic frame, and back with a glossy finish to emulate the glass-back design. The front glass is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.
The Nord CE 3 Lite moves away from the design elements of its predecessor, the CE 2 Lite. Instead of dual tone back with a separate camera housing, users will be getting a flush glossy back with two protruding camera sensors, much like the iPhone 12.
Read more: Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter Edition: Enter the Magical Wizarding World
However, the quirk is somewhere else. Users would be surprised to see that even though there are two camera cutouts on the back, the official spec sheet mentions triple camera setup. That is because one of the camera cutouts, specifically the bottom one, houses two camera sensors. It’s a unique design choice that helps to keep things minimal at the back.
Coming to ports and buttons, the volume rocker and the sim tray are situated on the left of the device with the power button being on the right. The power button also doubles as the fingerprint scanner on the Nord CE 3 Lite.
Being a budget device, the headphone jack is also present on the CE 3 Lite, right beside the Type C charging port. A single-firing speaker also finds its place at the bottom. The top of the device is flush with just the secondary noise cancellation mic for better call clarity.
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Overall, the design is a slight move towards minimalism from the CE 2 Lite. Whether that is a good thing or bad remains subjective.
Display
The display on the Nord CE 3 Lite is an IPS LCD one. The choice of LCD panel is understandable given the budget it comes at. However, the lack of an AMOLED panel is somewhat made up by the 120 Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. The panel boasts around 550 nits of typical brightness with 680 nits of HBM. Though these aren’t industry-leading stats in any way, it's still decent for its price.
Speaking of quality, the panel is exactly as you’d expect LCDs to be. The blacks aren’t deep black and there are some color shifts in extreme angles. Other than that, the smooth scrolling and accurate color recreation make for a compelling and interactive experience.
Read More: May 2023 New Releases: Top 7 Upcoming Smartphones
Camera
The Nord CE 3 Lite features three cameras on the back. The main camera is a whooping 108 MP one with the complementing two sensors being a 2 MP macro and depth sensor. It’s clear that the 108 MP sensor is the key player here as it will be doing all the heavy lifting.
1 year ago
Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter Edition: Enter the Magical Wizarding World
Xiaomi's Redmi Note 12 Turbo edition was released on March 28, 2023 in Mainland China. On the same day, Redmi also released a Harry Potter Special limited-edition version. Let’s check out what the Harry Potter fans will get in the Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter Edition.
Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter Edition
Design
Much of the specialty of this edition has to do with the unboxing experience itself. Users would get a chunky box with the special edition, much like those large magic spell books seen in the movie.
Opening the fold, users will be greeted with the iconic Hogwarts acceptance letter received by Harry. It’s the same as the original complete with wax sealing. The included SIM ejector tool has been branded with the nine-three quarter sign and the user manual is designed just like the Marauder’s map. It's these little things that make the unboxing experience such a magical one.
Moving onto other stuff, users will be getting a charging brick, cable, and a designer case with faux leather finishing. There are also some classic Harry Potter stickers for the geeks.
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Now let’s talk about the device itself. Dimension wise the device is exactly the same as Redmi Note 12 Turbo. But the magic is happening at the back. There’s a lot to take in from the centaur, sorting hat, Quidditch game, quill to the broom, and of course, the ever-magical Hogwarts logo. The motto of the school, “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus” is printed brightly on the emblem. And if it ever crossed as to what it means, it stands for “Do not tickle the sleeping dragon”.
There is also the Redmi special edition branding on the bottom and the Harry Potter typography at the top. The camera sensors have been cheekily designed to represent Harry’s spectacles complete with his lightning scar.
Overall, the design and the unboxing experience of the Harry Potter special edition will be absolutely magical, to say the least. For any Potterhead or a general enthusiast, this device would definitely be a collectible piece worth admiring.
The Display
The display on the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is a 1080P OLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. As mentioned earlier, there is no dimension or spec difference between the special edition and the regular version of the Note 12 Turbo. So enthusiasts will also be getting the same specs.
Read More: May 2023 New Releases: Top 7 Upcoming Smartphones
The panel itself is decent. It has that typical Xiaomi warm tone to it which can easily be calibrated from the display settings. The viewing angles are pretty good and the high refresh rate makes it a delight to interact with. Overall, the display is easily one of the strong features of the Note 12 Turbo.
The Camera
The goggle-designed camera on the Note 12 Turbo special edition actually has three lenses. The main camera is a 64 MP wide-angle shooter with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro shooter. It's clear from the spec that the main camera will be doing all the heavy lifting.
1 year ago
May 2023 New Releases: Top 7 Upcoming Smartphones
In April, some significant mid-range phones were launched from several brands like Vivo, Oppo, and Infinix. In May, several mid-range smartphones are coming with a few interesting announcements. May’s new phone releases will also have something for the budget to flagship enthusiasts. With that said, here are the top pick of smartphones coming in May.
7 Best Smartphones Releasing in May 2023
Vivo X90 Pro
After several months of its initial release in China, Vivo X90 Pro is slated to go on sale in the South Asian markets in May.
The Vivo X90 Pro device comes equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 9200 based on the 4 Nm architecture. The GPU on the X90 Pro moves away from the conventional Adreno or Mali to Immortalis-G715.
But the most striking feature of the X90 Pro has to be the 1-inch Zeiss main sensor churning out 50.3 MP with additional 50 MP telephoto and a 12 MP ultrawide shooter. The large sensor accounts for some incredible performance thanks to the Zeiss Optics and T* lens coating. Additionally, there is a 32 MP front shooter on the device.
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Users will be able to get up to 12 GB RAM and 512 GB ROM on the X90 Pro, one of the highest available in the market.
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola is all set to announce their upper mid-range Edge 40 sometime in mid-May. The device is expected to hit the market at a later date this month.
The Edge 40 brings a host of changes from the previous gen including the updated Dimensity 8020 processor with a single 8 GB RAM option. Users will see a boost in performance thanks to the optimization and the smooth 144 Hz P-OLED display.
On the camera front, users will be getting a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main shooter, 13 MP ultrawide, and a 2 MP depth sensor. There will also be a 32 MP selfie camera on the front.
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The expected price of the Motorola Edge 40 is around 600 Euro or 69,905 BDT which puts it on the higher tier among upper mid-ranges released this year 1 Euro = 116 BDT).
realme GT3
The GT3 from realme is another case of delayed global release. The device was officially announced in late April for Mainland China. Now the GT3 will debut globally sometime in late May.
The GT3 is a proper flagship device from realme. The sleek dual-tone back design is complemented by a near bezel-less front. The GT3 comes with a 144 Hz AMOLED panel with 1240P resolution and up to 1100 nits of brightness.
The sleek display is coupled with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset based on the 4 Nm architecture. This year Realme has pushed the storage and RAM capacity up to 1 TB and 16 GB respectively.
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The device boasts a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultrawide, and a 2 MP microsensor. The front has a 16MP selfie camera.
The 4600 mAh included battery might feel less compared to standard flagships. But the insane 240W wired charging is a complete game-changer here. realme claims that the GT3 can go from 0 to 50% in just 4 minutes and a full charge in 10 minutes.
1 year ago
Honor Magic5 Ultimate Review: What’s special about this flagship smartphone?
For a long time, Honor has been a sub-brand of Huawei and has released budget-friendly to mid-range Smartphones. But since its split from the parent company, Honor started to explore the premium segment. In this wave, the company launched the Honor Magic5 Ultimate on 6th March 2023 in Mainland China. Does the Magic5 Ultimate offer something more than the competitor flagship smartphones? Let’s take a look at the design elements, features, and price of Magic5 Ultimate.
Key Specifications of Honor Magic5 Ultimate
Design and Build Quality
The eco-leather textured back instantly gives Magic5 Ultimate a premium look and hand feel. The complete bezel-less design with sloping edges will need some getting used to.
Moving beyond, the camera house has been vertically flushed down to create a tapering design on the back. Honor is calling it the “Eye of Muse” design which frankly puts the device in its own class.
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The camera housing itself isn’t a traditional round or rectangular one. Honor calls it their “Octagonal Porthole” design. These subtle yet substantiative changes make it the literal ultimate android in terms of design.
The device is sandwiched by an aluminum frame with a glass front. The port and buttons are the same as the Magic4 Ultimate. What’s good is that the device is rated at IP68 with 30 minutes of protection under 1.5 meters of water.
Its dimensions are 162.9mm by 76.7mm by 8.8 mm. Weighing about 217g the device appears lighter than the ancestor Magic4 Ultimate (242g). Being a flagship, users won't be getting any card slot or headphone jack.
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Display
The experiments of Honor don’t just stop at the design. Magic5 Ultimate sports a 6.81-inch display featuring 1312P by 2848P resolution, 460 ppi, and 19.5:9 ratios.
Moving to the actual performance of the display, Honor has done an excellent job. The LTPO OLED panel has 1B color support, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The usual antics with good color calibration make it an excellent panel to use.
But the most striking excellence is seen outdoors. The 1800 nits HBM performs insanely well even under direct sunlight. Like its name, it almost feels like magic how legible it is under direct natural lights.
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The device is practically bezel-less with curved edges. So even though the device might seem narrower, the display itself tapers much to the side.
Camera
The camera section of the Magic5 Ultimate has also gone through some significant changes. The module is now down to a triple camera sensor compared to the quad on the Magic4 Ultimate. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
This year all three sensors are 50 MP with a wide-angle main shooter, a periscope, and an ultrawide. Honor has enhanced the sensors to the latest Sony iterations making them more capable compared to their predecessors. There is also an additional TOF 3D sensor for depth mapping.
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Moving onto the performance of the sensors, users will be surprised to know that Magic5 Ultimate currently holds the number 1 position in the DXOMark camera ranking. In the test, the camera consistently produced natural shots which is probably its biggest feature.
1 year ago