Xiaomi
Xiaomi 14 Pro Review: What’s special about it?
Ever since its inception, Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer Xiaomi is leading almost every price segment in the smartphone industry. ‘Pro’ lineup represents Xiaomi’s top-tier products that money can afford. Xiaomi launched the 14 Pro on 1st November 2023 for China and subsequently for the global market. As Xiaomi’s premium flagship smartphone for the year, the 14 Pro brings several cutting-edge features. Let’s have a detailed look at the key specs, pros, cons and price of Xiaomi 14 Pro.
Key Specifications of Xiaomi 14 Pro
Design and Build Quality
Xiaomi’s design philosophy has been fairly consistent for their Pro series. The design of the 14 Pro can be best described as an incremental update to last year’s 13 Pro. Users will be getting a glass front and back device with an aluminum frame. There’s a premium variant with a titanium frame as well this time around. The glass back has a matte finish which does an incredible job of deterring fingerprints and smudges.
There is a noticeable curve all around on the front like the 3D glass designs we’ve seen on many Xiaomi devices. The actual screen real estate doesn’t curve, rather it’s the glass design that curves onto the frame. It's what Xiaomi is calling a “full equal depth micro-curved screen” (translated from simplified Chinese). The front glass is protected by Xiaomi Longjing Glass.
The 14 Pro has a 161.4 mm by 75.3 mm by 8.5 mm dimension with 223 g weight for the standard option. The titanium variant comes in at 230 g. As expected, the 14 Pro also has IP68 dust/water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes). The choice of ports and buttons remains the same as the 13 Pro on the 14 Pro. The compact form factor combined with a stealth minimal design really makes the 14 Pro stand out of the lot.
Read more: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
The Display
The display on the Xiaomi 14 Pro is all about pushing the limit of display technology. The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel has 68B colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. While these might sound like standard flagship features, Xiaomi has added an astounding 3000 nits of peak brightness on the panel. This is the first time a mobile device has reached such a level. It has been made possible thanks to Huaxing Optoelectronics' customized C8 light-emitting material. Naturally, the outdoor experience of the display with auto brightness has been excellent, to say the least.
The panel has a QHD+ resolution with 1440 by 3200 pixels and 522 ppi density. With an all-around symmetrical design, the screen-to-body ratio on the 14 Pro stands at 89.6%. Additional specs at the default settings include 98.6% sRGB, 70.2% Adobe RGB, and 73.1% DCI-P3 color gamut.
The usage experience on the 14 Pro has been no less than flagship grade. The LTPO tech helps to conserve battery with 1 to 120 hz refresh variability. Scrolling through apps and UI has been smooth with good viewing angles all around. Overall, it’s an impressive display with no apparent drawbacks as of yet.
The Camera
The triple camera module on the 14 Pro has a 50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 23mm wide angle shooter with dual PDAF, laser AF, and OIS. The second sensor is a 50 MP, f/2.0, 75mm telephoto lens with PDAF and OIS. And lastly, there is a 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ ultrawide sensor with AF.
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The main sensor is a custom-built sensor which Xiaomi calls the “Lighthunter 900” (translated from simplified Chinese). The pictures from the main sensor came out well with detailed sharpness on the subject and accurate background blur. The dynamic range was easily on par with the iPhone 14 Pro. There is a distinct warm pop of colors in each image which naturally enhances the picture quality. The portrait mode also showed accurate edge detection and realistic blur.
The camera performance intensifies in low light conditions. The variable aperture on the main sensor allows you to take some great shots even without the night mode. Pictures had decent exposure and accurate details with grains seen only in extremely dark conditions.
The telephoto with its 3.2x optical zoom and the ultrawide also performed on par with the main sensor.
There’s also a 32 MP front-facing camera good enough for selfies and vlogging as it supports 4K at 30 fps now.
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Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
Ever since the launch of the Mi Mix back in 2016, the Mix lineup has been all about cutting-edge features from Xiaomi. From a completely flush display with an under-display front camera to some of the thinnest foldables in the market, every Mix release was marked with Xiaomi’s technical prowess. Xiaomi recently launched its newest model in the Mix lineup, the Mix Fold 3 on 14 August 2023. The smartphone is China-exclusive for the time being. Let’s look at what’s changed from the Mix Fold 2 and more importantly, whether it takes on the Samsung Z Fold 5.
Key Specifications of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Design and Build Quality
The Mix Fold 3 with its design feels like an incremental update to the Mix Fold 2. The triple camera on the back of the Fold 2 has been replaced with a quad sensor on the Fold 3. As a result, there is a larger camera housing on the back.
The unfolded dimension of the smartphone is 161.2 mm by 143.3 mm by 5.3 mm while the folded dimension comes at around 161.2 mm by 73.5 mm by 10.9 mm. The device weighs 255 g or 259 g depending on whether the user goes for the glass back or the aramid fiber back.
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At just 5.3 mm, the device is one of the slimmest foldable smartphones out there. It's impressive considering the Galaxy Z Fold5 comes at 6.1 mm. Though its back panel may feel like it's made of leather but it’s a textured glass design.
The folded screen has a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection while the unfolded inner screen has a plastic front. The rounded edges and the easy positioning of the power and volume rockers make it easy to use with dexterity.
Xiaomi has also updated the hinge mechanism which now allows the smartphone to be unfolded at different positions based on the user preferences. They have also calibrated the OS to support certain split-screen functionalities.
Furthermore, the Aluminum frame makes the device strong and elegant.
Overall, the Mix Fold 3 exudes a premium look and feel all around. It’s compact, lightweight, and functional with an eye-catching design that is sure to appeal to the fans of the foldables.
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The Display
There are two displays on the Mix Fold 3 like all other foldable smartphones. The cover display is a 6.56-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 2600 nits of peak brightness. The 1080 by 2520 pixels are arranged in a 21:9 aspect ratio.
On the other hand, the folded screen comes with 8.03 inches LTPO OLED+ with 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 1300 nits HBM and Dolby Vision onboard. The inner panel has a 1916 by 2160 pixels distribution with 360 ppi density. the inner panel even with its size bezels comes in at 89.4% screen-to-body ratio.
Both the panels are exactly as one would expect from a flagship foldable smartphone. They are bright and crisp. The HBM on the cover display alleviates it to a new level with ultra-high brightness under direct sunlight. One thing to note is that there is still a noticeable ridge on the inner folding of the display. Users won’t feel it much while touching but it is visible while looking at the panel sideways.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Camera
There is a Leica quad camera setup on the Fold 3 with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.8 aperture 23 mm wide angle shooter. The additional sensors are a 10 MP (f/2.0) telephoto with 3.2x optical zoom, another 10 MP (f/2.9) telephoto with 5x optical zoom and the fourth one is a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide sensor. The cover selfie camera is a 20 MP (f/2.3) one with the inner camera being another 20 MP (f/2.3) shooter as well.
Coming to the picture quality, the pictures can be best described as having the right amount of color pop, dynamic range, and perfect details in each shot. The texture rendering on images also looked pretty good. Users would be able to use the back camera as selfie shooters by using the cover screen as a viewfinder. However, the selfie cameras themselves did a pretty good job of capturing casual shots.
The nighttime pictures also came out excellent. The shaded areas of low-light images are not over-processed or overexposed, leaving the pictures looking natural. A lot is going on with the videography on the Fold 3. It can capture 8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960/1920fps. Beyond that, there’s EIS and Dolby Vision HDR support as well. The videos came out great from the main camera with good details, exposure, and stabilization. Whether it’s the pictures or video quality, the Fold 3 definitely outweighs the Z Fold 5 here.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Processor and Performance
The processor on the Mix Fold 3 is Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 based on 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a 1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 chip design for a combination of efficiency and performance-based output. The processor is coupled with an Adreno 740 GPU. With a flagship-grade processor, users can expect to get superior performance out of the smartphone.
The expectation is also corroborated in usage as games like PUBG and Genshin Impact ran on the highest settings without any issues. Playing games on the large display really brings an immersive experience regardless of the title.
Coming to the OS, the China-exclusive variant lacks Google support. The MIUI has been updated as MIUI Fold 14 for the foldable smartphone. It brings features like a split screen, floating screen, and an array of app-based split control options which really come in handy. The stock dock is also useful for storing commonly used apps in one place.
In addition to the raw performance, the Type-C 3.2, UFS 4.0 storage, LPDDRX5 RAM, and the Harman Kardon tuning, all work together to further enhance the already great performance of the device.
Read more: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Mix Fold 3 is 4800 mAh. While it might not seem much for a large inner panel, the highly efficient processor aids the Fold 3 in having a solid battery life. users can expect to get around 7 to 9 hours of continued usage out of the Fold 3 in a single full charge.
The battery supports 67W wired fast charging with the charger coming in the box. It can fully charge the device in 40 minutes. There is also 50W wireless fast charging which can recharge the device in 55 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Pros:
- A rich retail bundle with premium accessories- Industry-leading design - Great speakers - Excellent camera setup - Dolby Vision support.
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Cons:
- Exclusive China release - No waterproof certification.
Price of Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 comes in 12/256 GB, 16/512 GB, and 16 GB/1 TB configuration. The price of each of the variants is 8,999, 9,999, and 10,999 Yuan. The price roughly amounts to around 1,36,494 BDT, 1,51,661 BDT, and 1,66,829 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.17 BDT). However, the price would grossly differ if it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Final Words
Xiaomi offers a bunch of trendy features in its latest flagship device Mix Fold 3. The Z Fold from Samsung got a huge reputation as a competent foldable device. But with an excellent display and camera setup, Mix Fold 3 may have beat Samsung in its own game. The price is still on the higher spectrum considering the cutting-edge technology provided here. On the whole, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is a flagship smartphone offering a premium look and foldable design.
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Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
Xiaomi produces a diverse smartphone lineup ranging from basic to flagship devices. These various models are introduced at different times throughout the year. In this legacy, Xiaomi’s 13T Pro was released on September 26, 2023, in the United States and Europe. With its impressive specifications and top-notch performance, 13T Pro has garnered significant attention from tech enthusiasts and consumers. Is this flagship killer smartphone worth buying? Let’s take a look into the specs, pros, cons and price of Xiaomi 13T Pro.
Full Specifications and Features of Xiaomi 13T Pro
Design
The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a design that looks premium, making it a standout choice in the smartphone market.
The device features a durable yet lightweight 162.2 mm by 75.7 mm by 8.5 mm build, thanks to the use of ceramic and Gorilla Glass 5. It has earned an IP68 rating, making it dust and water-resistant, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for 30 minutes.
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Weighing in at a respectable 206g, except for the even lighter Alpine Blue model at 200g, the Xiaomi 13T Pro combines a 6.67-inch display with a premium aesthetic, despite the polarising reflective back.
Additionally, the transition from a plastic frame to aluminium adds a touch of sophistication to the phone's design, and the tactile power and volume buttons are conveniently placed on the side. While it omits a 3.5mm audio jack, it offers a slim and durable profile, catering to the desires of the modern smartphone user.
Display
The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a top-tier 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, boasting the hallmark vibrant colours and deep blacks of OLED technology, delivering a resolution of 2712 by 1220 pixels for excellent clarity. The 20:9 aspect ratio aligns with contemporary standards, although single-handed use might be less convenient.
A significant upgrade from its precursor, the 12T Pro, is the dynamic 144Hz refresh rate, second only to gaming-specific phones like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Just like the 12T series, 13T also provides Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The LTPO technology enables seamless transitions between 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz, optimising both visuals and conserving battery life.
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The screen achieves an impressive maximum brightness of 500 nits, ensuring clear outdoor visibility. While the optical fingerprint sensor offers secure unlocking, its small target area can be a tad finicky. Dual stereo speakers at the top and bottom deliver clear vocals and punchy music, offering an impressive audio experience, though it may fall short in bass performance compared to dedicated gaming phones.
Cameras
The Xiaomi 13T Pro's camera specifications are impressive, showcasing the importance of more than just megapixels. Despite the transition from a 200MP sensor in its predecessor Xiaomi 12T Pro, the 50MP main sensor excels in various lighting conditions, delivering vibrant, detailed, and well-balanced images with effective HDR.
Leica's partnership introduces the Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic modes, providing options for vibrant or true-to-life colour rendering. The camera performs well in low-light settings, although the absence of laser autofocus may lead to occasional focusing challenges.
The camera setup also includes a 50MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide camera, offering versatility.
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Video recording options include 4K@60fps and 8K@24fps, with 4K recommended for better image stabilisation.
Additionally, a 20MP front-facing camera with HDR and Night mode. It supports only 1080p video recording which is quite disappointing.
Performance and Software
The Xiaomi 13T Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, a departure from the more commonly seen Qualcomm chipsets in Android smartphones. Despite this shift, it's not a downgrade by any means. The Dimensity 9200+ 4nm ranks among MediaTek's most potent chips and is comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Coupled with 12GB of RAM (also available in a 16GB variant), the device delivers excellent performance. In everyday use, ranging from web browsing and messaging to social media, it exhibits swift and seamless operation, easily capable of handling more demanding tasks.
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Moreover, by virtue of its high refresh rate display along with the G715 MC11 GPU, the 13T Pro can handle graphically intensive games smoothly, such as Asphalt 9: Legends and Call of Duty: Mobile, etc. The device might get slightly warm during prolonged gaming, but for photo/video editing and split-screen multitasking, it proves highly capable.
Battery and Charger
The Xiaomi 13T Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, offering decent capacity. While it typically provides a day's usage on a full charge for most users, it tends to show low battery warnings after heavy duty use.
Nonetheless, the 13T Pro stands out with its exceptional 120W wired charging support, delivering a 59% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge within half an hour, making it one of the fastest charging phones in its class.
However, it lacks wireless charging which may dishearten some users.
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Pros and Cons of The Xiaomi 13T
Pros
- Capable hardware- High refresh rate- Standard gaming performance- Stylish design
Cons
MIUI 14 is cluttered and frustrating to useLacks wireless and reverse charging capabilityIts selfie camera has a low video recording capacity.
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Price of Xiaomi 13T Pro
The Xiaomi 13T Pro variant with 512GB and 12GB of RAM is priced at $645.00 or BDT 70,953 and the 1TB model with 16GB of RAM is $738.00 or BDT 81,183. The conversion rate is USD 1 equals BDT 110.01.
Bottom Line
The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a nice package of smart look, robust hardware, high refresh rate, standard display, fast charging technology, etc. In this price range, consumers will expect handy features like better photo quality in front camera, wireless charging, reverse charging, bloatware free operating system, etc. On the whole, Xiaomi offers a balanced package in 13T Pro; but the price is a bit high.
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Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Released in April and initially available in China, the Xiaomi Pad 6 has gradually made its way to international markets. Now this device is available in Bangladesh. Xiaomi is renowned for its reputation in two key areas: delivering robust devices at affordable prices and occasionally burdening users with intrusive software. However, with the Pad 6, Xiaomi takes a departure from its typical approach. Not only does this tablet promise performance at a budget-friendly price point, but it also presents users with a refreshing experience of unobtrusive and user-friendly software.
Key Specifications of Xiaomi Pad 6
Design
The Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 254 mm by 165.2 mm by 6.5mm and a weight of 490g, making it a lightweight and portable option. It offers three attractive color choices - Gold, Gravity Grey, and Misty Blue, providing a level of versatility not seen in some competitors.
Constructed with an aluminum frame and corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the front display, the Pad 6 exudes a premium feel. While it resembles the iPad Air to some extent, it still makes a strong first impression with its minimal bezels and modern aesthetics. The device includes a folio case, with optional stylus and keyboard cases available separately.
Notably, it lacks biometric security features, relying on a PIN for sensitive app authentication. Additionally, it can connect to a Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd gen), offering a useful tool for note-taking and drawing with minimal lag.
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Display
The Xiaomi Pad 6's display is an 11-inch IPS LCD panel with a commendable 2880 x 1800 resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate, supporting Dolby Vision HDR and reaching up to 550 nits of brightness. This impressive spec sheet translates well into real-world performance. The screen lives up to its marketing promises, delivering a fast and fluid user experience.
HDR content appears vibrant, enhancing highlights, and the 2880 by 1800 pixel resolution ensures content remains sharp and detailed. While it falls slightly short in resolution compared to the OnePlus Pad, it outperforms competitors like the realme Pad and Oppo Pad Air.
It's worth noting that the Pad 6 employs IPS technology rather than OLED, which may impact factors like brightness and contrast, but it still offers strong, accurate colors and sufficient brightness for most tasks. With an 11-inch size, it strikes a perfect balance between productivity and comfort, making it a versatile choice for various use cases.
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Cameras
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is rather intriguing, as tablets typically don't prioritize camera quality as much as smartphones. However, the Pad 6 stands out in this regard.
It features a single 13MP f/2.2 rear camera and an 8MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, lacking some advanced features like optical image stabilization but delivering surprisingly good image quality.
While it's important to consider this in the context of tablet photography, the Pad 6 impresses with its saturated and vibrant colors, decent detail in most shots, and an effective HDR mode that handles challenging lighting situations well. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect is its night mode, which significantly enhances low-light photos, a feat that is genuinely surprising for a tablet.
While it may not surpass premium smartphone camera results, the Pad 6 offers enough photographic capability to suffice in various situations, making it a standout among tablets in this aspect.
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Performance and Hardware
The Xiaomi Pad 6 impresses with its robust performance capabilities, aligning with the company's reputation for offering affordability without sacrificing power. It comes equipped with either 6GB to 8GB of RAM and 128GB to 256 GB of storage, running on a Snapdragon 870 processor 5G 7nm. Though this chipset is from the previous year, still it delivers excellent performance in day-to-day usage.
Basic tasks like navigating the interface, browsing, and emailing are swift and smooth, as expected, but the Pad 6 also delivers solid gaming performance, even at high graphics settings, maintaining a playable frame rate.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
The Xiaomi Redmi "Note" series is renowned for its exceptional balance of performance, affordability, and innovative features. Redmi Note 13 debuted in China on September 21, 2023. The phone has come with some strong features within an affordable price range. Let’s dive into the key specs, advantages and disadvantages of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G.
Key Features of Redmi Note 13 5G
Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 boasts an impressive blend of design, build quality, and robust features that make it a standout smartphone in its class. Measuring at 161.1 mm by 75 mm by 7.6 mm and weighing just 173.5 grams, it strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability. The device offers dual SIM card slots (Nano-SIM), allowing for versatile connectivity options.
One of its standout features is its IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, assuring users that it can withstand the challenges of daily life, such as accidental spills or exposure to light rain. The ceramic back not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances durability, protecting the phone from potential damage and corrosion due to liquid contact. Complementing this is the sleek glass-and-aluminum frame, which not only adds an extra layer of sturdiness but also elevates its visual appeal.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 excels in the display department, as it doesn’t fall behind the expectation. Its 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 395 ppi pixel density. It provides sharp and detailed visuals and standard experience while watching videos, gaming, and web browsing. For maintaining the brightness level, it offers ultra-bright 1000 nit peak brightness. The display also includes of HDR10+ support that enhances contrast and dynamic range which surely adds to its colors and clarity.
Comparing it to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Note 12, the Redmi Note 13 offers a similar AMOLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Note 13 slightly lowers the peak brightness to 1000 nits from the Note 12's 1200 nits, but both models share the same pixel density of 395 ppi.
Hardware and Software
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 impresses with its hardware capabilities, driven by the powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset built on a 6nm architecture. This chipset handles everyday multitasking to demanding applications and games well enough compared to the processor of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 processor SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The octa-core CPU configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a good balance of power and efficiency.
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Furthermore, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 supports fast charging, a valuable feature for users constantly on the move. This ensures that your device can quickly regain its charge, minimizing downtime.
The phone runs on Android 13 with Xiaomi's MIUI 14 overlay. MIUI 14 brings several unique features to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13. Users can customize their home screen with "Super Icons," adjusting icon sizes and layouts. New folder options enhance app organization, and "Fast Connect (Bluetooth)" keeps Bluetooth on but not searching for devices when turned off, allowing for quicker reconnections. The update also includes fresh wallpapers and reduces pre-installed apps to streamline the user experience. New widgets offer improved customization. Xiaomi may have tailored additional features for the Redmi Note 13, making it worth checking official documentation and software updates for a comprehensive overview.
Cameras
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is somewhat average considering the budget range. At the forefront is the primary 100 MP camera, featuring an f/1.7 aperture and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus). Whereas its predecessor Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 featured a 48MP primary lens.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series is easily characterized by a sleek design, compact form factor, and an attractive price-performance ratio. This year, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 13 Pro on September 21 in China. With all the hype and buzz surrounding the device, here’s a detailed take on what the users are getting in this year’s Note 13 Pro.
Key Specifications of Redmi Note 13 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Redmi series has always been something out of the ordinary. The distinct design elements are especially visible on the back of the device. Last year, there was the stardust-like sparkle with the Purple variant. This year too, the users will be getting a marble-like finish with the White variant.
The device holds a 161.2 mm by 74.3 mm by 8 mm dimension with a weight of 187 g. The plastic frame and back aid in an overall lightweight build quality. Speaking of the build, the device is flat on all sides with slightly rounded edges.
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The camera housing on the back has gotten significantly larger than last year. The design somehow reminded me of the Infinix Note 30. However, the design highlight of the Note 13 Pro has to be its display. The Note 13 Pro is marketed as a mid-range smartphone. At this price point, Redmi has been able to fit in a symmetric punch-hole display with minimal bezel.
Coming to ports and buttons, everything is as expected on the Note 13 Pro. The volume rocker and the power button are placed on the side. This year, users will be getting an in-display fingerprint scanner compared to last year’s side-mounted one. The headphone is placed on top of the device with the speaker and Type-C making up the bottom.
The Display
As mentioned earlier, the display is one of the highlights of the Note 13 Pro. There’s a 6.67-inch OLED display on the Note 13 Pro with 68B color, 120 Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision. The display boasts an unusual 1.5K resolution with 1220 x 2712 pixels with 446 ppi density.
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The uniform bezel design allows for about 89.7% screen-to-body ratio which is one of the highest in this price range. The performance of the display also lives up to its specs. The content on the display looks crisp and sharp with a cooler tone. It also has 1800 nits of peak brightness which makes the display perfectly legible under direct sunlight.
A surprising addition to the panel is the use of the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It's unusual to see a top-of-the-line display protection tech being used in a mid-range smartphone.
Overall, the display is a strong suit of the Note 13 Pro in terms of both performance and value proposition.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the Note 13 Pro. The main sensor is a 200 MP one with an f/1.7 wide angle aperture and a 1/1.4” sensor. It also has multidirectional PDAF and OIS. The main sensor is supported by an 8 MP f/2.2 120˚ ultrawide sensor. And a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter.
Not to mention, the configuration of the 13 Pro’s primary sensor is a huge improvement from the ancestor Note 12 Pro’s 50 MP camera. However, the Note 13 Pro’s performance of the main camera is quite average. Though the sensor has a 200 MP count, its resolution is significantly lowered while using the pixel binning technology. Now, a question stands whether the 200 MP sensor is a marketing gimmick.
The dual LED flash is positioned in such a way that the dial of the flash is the same size as that of the macro sensor.
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In daylight, pictures came out great with decent dynamic range. The subject and the background had good distinctions in each shot with sharp focus and details in place. The pictures in bright conditions had a cooler tone to them. The ultrawide sensor also did a better job than the previous generation. However, there is still that slight fish-eye effect around the edges. Other than that, no complaints about daylight photography.
However, things aren’t the same in low-light conditions. Pictures taken in artificial lights suffer from exposure issues at times. There are also noticeable grains and noises in pictures taken with auto mode. Using the night helps to reduce them a bit but depending on the lighting conditions, some shots might come out overexposed.
The videography can go up to 4K at 30 fps and 1080P at 30, 60, and 120 fps. The outputs are decent thanks to the multidirectional PDAF and the OIS onboard. There’s also a generic 16 MP front shooter which is good enough for casual videos and selfies.
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Processor and Performance
The processor on the Redmi Note 13 Pro is a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 based on the 4 Nm architecture. This is a slightly toned-down version of the premium midrange 7 Gen chipsets from Snapdragon. The closest comparable chipset to the 7s Gen 2 is the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 6nm which was provided in the ancestor Redmi Note 12 Pro. But even then, the 7s Gen 2 slightly outperforms the Dimensity 1080.
The octa-core processor has a chip design of 4x2.40 GHz & 4x1.95 GHz with Adreno 710 GPU. In the test, the processor was able to run day-to-day tasks smoothly. The gaming results were also pretty good with the Note 13 Pro. PUBG could be run at HDR Extreme which asserts the processor’s capability. Titles like Asphalt 9, Genshin Impact, and COD also ran smoothly initially. It's “initially” because the device tends to heat up after about 30-odd minutes of gaming. Once the thermal throttling kicks in, there are occasional frame drops here and there.
The processor is supported by Android 13 with Redmi’s custom MIUI 14. The global variant would come with Google support but the test unit at hand had the Chinese ROM. There were usual bloatware and ads which hopefully won’t be present at the global variant.
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Battery and Charge Time
The Redmi Note 13 Pro has a 5100 mAh battery onboard with 67W fast charging support. A typical use of the device would last an entire day of use or about 6 to 7 hours of SoT. The fast charging can take the device from 0 to 100% in 44 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
Pros:
· Interesting design
· Good build quality
· Excellent display
· Gorilla Glass Victus protection
· Great battery
Cons:
· An average front camera
· Heating issues.
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Official Price of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro comes in 5 different storage and RAM configurations in China. They are the 8/128 GB, 8/256 GB, 12/256 GB, 12/512 GB and 16/512 GB. The price of each of the variants is 1499 RMB, 1599 RMB, 1699 RMB, 1899 RMB, and 1999 RMB respectively.
The price amounts to 22790 BDT, 24311 BDT, 25831 BDT, 28872 BDT, and 30392 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.20 BDT). These are unofficial prices in Bangladesh. The official prices are expected to differ from the converted price.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a worthy incremental update to the highly popular Redmi Note 12 Pro. The updated display, camera, and processor are its strongest selling points. The 7s Gen 2 perfectly complements everyday use as well as the gaming capability of the Note 13 Pro. On the contrary, the front camera could have been updated for a better performance. There’s also the heating issue with intensive use which might be another concern for gaming enthusiasts.
So who is the Note 13 Pro for? It is geared toward those looking for a mid-range smartphone with a good camera, display, and occasional gaming use. It can be a great buy considering all the storage options it brings to the table.
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Note series from Redmi has historically been their premium mid-range line of smartphones. Last year, the Note 12 Pro+ launched with premium additions to a mid-range processor. This year, the Note 13 Pro+ brought several exciting additions with a fresh new processor. The device was recently unveiled in the Chinese market on 21st September 2023. Here’s a detailed take on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus smartphone.
Key Specifications of Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus
Design and Build Quality
Every year, the Note series brings visible changes to their designs which gives each iteration its unique look. This year, the camera housing has been replaced with a flush back with the camera modules placed directly on the back of the device.
The device comes in at 161.4 mm by 74.2 mm by 8.9 mm dimension with a weight of about 204.5 g. It is on the heavier side thanks to the glass front and an aluminum frame.
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The Black and White variant of the 13 Pro+ comes with a frosted finish on the back whereas the Violet comes with a tan leather back with an interesting color choice. There’s also a Camo Green variant for the fans of tactical looks. There are four gradients on the leather back arranged geometrically. It brings a fresh new look which will work best with a clear case or no case at all.
Another design highlight of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is its front. The uniform front bezel has a minimal center punch-hole design. The 89.7% screen-to-body ratio provides a display real estate that can be compared with the premium flagships.
The choice of ports and buttons are as usual with no headphone jack and no extendable storage. The headphone jack was present even in Note 12 Pro+. But unfortunately, the run ends with the Note 13 Pro+.
Another noticeable change this year is the switch of the physical fingerprint scanner from the power button to the in-display optical sensor. And the last big upgrade is the IP68 water and dust resistance (1.5 m for 30 minutes) up from the IP53 rating from last year’s Note 12 Pro+.
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The Display
The display on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an OLED one with 68B color, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and Dolby Vision. By the specs, the display on the 13 Pro+ is stacked.
The 6.67-inch display has a 1.5K resolution with 1220 by 2712 pixels. This 20:9 aspect ratio allows for 446 ppi density. The front uniform design of the display is one of the key features that stands out. There’s hardly any device in this price segment that replicates a similar design.
The display performance was also great. The OLED panel was able to churn out deep blacks with sharp contrasts. There were no noticeable color shifts even though the device curved on both edges.
Outdoor visibility is also great on the Note 13 Pro+ thanks to the 1800 nits of peak brightness. Xiaomi also used Gorilla Glass Victus on the front which provides an improved scratch and crack resistance.
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The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. The main sensor is a 200 MP f/1.7, (wide) with a 1/1.4" lens. The main camera is complemented by an 8 MP f/2.2 sensor with a 120˚ field of view. There’s also a 2 MP macro shooter on board. The sleek horizontal flash bar
In essence, the main sensor does all the heavy lifting for the device. Even then, using a 200 MP sensor on a mid-range smartphone is a bit of an overkill because the smartphone can’t really shoot 200 MP raw.
There are several initial thoughts after testing out the camera. Firstly, it is better to zoom in on a photo while clicking rather than cropping the image. The initial zoomed-in pictures provide better contrast and sharpness compared to the cropped ones.
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Secondly, the night mode works well to improve the contrast and the dynamic range but not the sharpness. For better sharpness, the auto mode works better than the night mode in low-light scenarios. There’s also this purple fringing issue while taking pictures directly against a light source. However, this is something that will probably be solved with an update.
The videography on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 4K at 24 or 30 fps as well as 1080P at 24, 30, and 120 fps. The videos appeared to be sharp with good stabilization and exposure in well-lit environments. The quality falls a bit indoors but that’s expected given the lighting conditions.
There’s a 16 MP front shooter good enough for video calls and casual selfies.
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Processor and Performance
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ comes with Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra based on a 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a chip design of 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU onboard.
In terms of performance, the Note 13 Pro+ is an upgrade over the 12 Pro+. Typically, the Pro+ editions are slightly less powerful than the Turbo editions. It remains to be seen how the 13 Pro+ fares against the 13T.
In the test, the 13 Pro+ showed consistent results. The 1136 and 2664 scores in the single and multi-core GeekBench 6 assert satisfactory results. Games like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 can be run in the highest graphics settings. But there were some occasional frame drops here and there. The device comes in the highest storage configuration of 16GB RAM and 512 GB of internal storage.
On the OS front, the device is powered by MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI 14 has come a long way from its bloatware-filled days. However, it’s still not on par with stock Android and anyone coming from outside the MI ecosystem might need some time to get used to it.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra Review: A Gamer's Delight
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 5000 mAh. The standard battery capacity is complemented by a 120W fast charging system which can take the battery to 100% in 19 minutes. However, the battery runs out quickly while playing high-definition multiplayer games.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Pros:
- Stylish and innovative design
- Sharp display
- Great camera
- 120W fast charging
- 5G enabled
Cons:
- Underperforming processors
- Reduced screen time.
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Price of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is available in three configurations – 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/512GB respectively. The prices of each of the variants are 1899 RMB, 2099 RMB, and 2199 RMB respectively. The price roughly translates to 28,969 BDT, 32,020 BDT, and 33,545 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.26 BDT). However, the price in Bangladesh may grossly differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an incremental update to last year’s 12 Pro+. It gets a lot of the things right like the camera, battery, desi,gn, and display. On the flip side, the processor doesn’t perform on par with other premium features of the device. And, its battery life may disappoint the users.
Overall, the Note 13 Pro+ as a whole is a great mid-range smartphone. For anyone looking for a casual daily driver with an amazing display and great camera, the Note 13 Pro+ can be an easy pick.
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Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra Review: A Gamer's Delight
Since Redmi became the independent sub-brand of Xiaomi, the concept of value for money has become an integral part of its identity. Xiaomi’s Redmi flagship phones have consistently delivered exceptional performance. From the K20 series to the K60 lineup, each of these phones provides top-notch specifications at an astonishingly competitive price point. This trend persists with the introduction of the Redmi K60 Ultra. While K60 Ultra was released on August 15, 2023, it was available in Bangladesh on August 25. Let’s see the details of this phone.
Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra
Design
In the K60 Ultra mobile phone, Redmi has made a significant change by removing the plastic brackets on all four sides of the screen. The immediate result of this change is a noticeably enhanced screen-to-body ratio.
At the bottom of the phone, the adoption of the COP packaging process and the ultra-slim border create a visual effect where the bottom appears almost as wide as the left and right sides of the screen. weighing 204g, its dimensions are 162.2 mm by 75.7 mm by 8.5 mm.
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The K60 Ultra phone has three cameras on the back. The main camera is really good because it’s the same kind as the one in the Mi 13. There are also two other cameras for wide-angle and close-up shots. On the top right corner of the camera, there’s a special light that helps take better pictures in different lighting. Right next to it, there’s a sensor that helps the camera work better, too.
On the top of the phone, there’s a really good speaker all by itself. To the right of it, there are sensors for a remote control and two microphones that help block out noise.
At the bottom of the phone, there’s another speaker that works together with the one on the top to give you stereo sound. To the right of it, there’s a port where you can plug in your charger and headphones, a microphone, and a slot for your SIM card.
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Display
The K60 Ultra boasts a 6.67-inch OLED display with a typical brightness reaching up to 2600 nits. What sets it apart is its impressive peak brightness of 2600 nits, surpassing even the most premium flagship devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Even more significant is the screen’s 1.5K resolution at 2712 x 1220 pixels. Because of this high resolution, you can enjoy an exceptionally immersive, detailed, and vibrant viewing experience with the phone.
Furthermore, it doesn’t skimp on performance, sporting a 144Hz refresh rate that ensures a seamlessly smooth gaming experience.
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Camera
The Redmi K60 Ultra has a top-notch camera setup. It features a 50 MP main camera with an IMX800 sensor. This sensor comes with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which helps you take sharp and clear photos without blurriness.
In addition to the 50 MP main camera, the phone also has an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro lens.
On the front, there’s a 20MP selfie camera that takes high-resolution selfies. Plus, there are various camera modes to help you get the best possible photos.
In daylight photos, the Redmi K60 Ultra captures colors that look true to life, and it gets the white balance just right. When paired with Xiaomi Imaging Brain 2.0, it gives the photos a distinctive atmosphere and mood. Even though it doesn’t have a telephoto lens, the picture quality remains excellent with high resolution.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro 5G Review: What’s new?
In the fast-paced world of smartphones, Xiaomi has emerged as a prominent player, consistently pushing boundaries with its innovative and feature-packed devices. In August 2018, Xiaomi launched its sub-brand Poco with an aim to provide advanced phones to budget-conscious consumers. One such series that has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts is the Xiaomi Poco F Phone series. This lineup offers exceptional performance, cutting-edge features, and affordability, catering to the demands of a wide range of users. Poco has recently announced the launch of F5 Pro. This phone debuts in China in May this year. Let’s see what features you can expect from Poco F5 Pro.
Key Specs of Poco F5 Pro 5G
Design & Display
The Poco F5 Pro comes with a stylish and sleek design with a glass back panel. The curved edges make the phone more comfortable to hold. Despite its 6.41 x 2.97 x 0.34 (inches) dimension, the phone remains lightweight, weighing in at just 204g. The front has a stunning 6.67-inches flat display with ultra-thin bezels, resulting in a truly attractive aesthetic feature.
While the design is impressive, its durability is not the absolute best available. However, the display has Gorilla Glass 5 protection. But it only offers IP53 certification for dust and water protection. The good thing is the display features an AMOLED panel with a remarkable resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels.
Read more: Xiaomi POCO F5 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone worth buying
With a maximum 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1400 nits, the display ensures a visually stunning experience. Even under bright conditions outdoors, the Pro HDR support enhances the clarity and beauty of the content, making it appear vivid.
Further, if you are a gamer, you will love to hear that Poco F5 Pro has a 480Hz touch sampling rate making it a more responsive phone compared to other phones in this price range.
The phone comes in black and white colors. The white color features hiding fingerprint marks left on the smooth glass back panel.
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