budget phone
Walton NexG N74 Review: A Competitive Budget-friendly Smartphone Worth Considering
Walton, a leading Bangladeshi electronics brand, has been making waves with its NexG smartphone series. The Walton NexG N74, launched in October 2024, offers features at an affordable price. Packed with a vibrant display, solid cameras, and decent gaming capabilities, it stands tall in its price bracket. Here is an in-depth review of its key features, compared to others.
Key Specs of Walton NexG N74
.Design and Build Quality
The Walton NexG N74 has a sleek and modern design with a premium finish available in Black, Purple, and Green colours. The device feels sturdy in hand despite its plastic body. Its dimensions and weight strike a balance, making it slightly lighter than the NexG N73 but bulkier than the Vivo Y18t.
Compared to the Vivo Y18t and Infinix Smart 8 Pro, the NexG N74 offers a more polished look. While the Vivo Y18t’s IP54 rating adds dust and splash resistance, the Walton NexG N74 is a solid contender for users who prioritise aesthetics without compromising durability.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro Review: Features, Performance, and Value – Is It Worth the Buy?
Display Quality
The Walton NexG N74 features a 6.8-inch IPS LCD display with 1080 by 2400 pixels resolution. With vibrant colours and sharp details, it is a clear step up from the 720p display of the ancestor NexG N73. The 90 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, like the Vivo Y18t and Infinix Smart 8 Pro.
However, the NexG N74 lacks HDR support, which is offered by some competitors. This makes the Vivo Y18t slightly better for streaming content. However, the overall quality of the Walton device's display remains impressive for everyday use.
Camera Performance
Equipped with a triple-camera setup (52 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP), the NexG N74 delivers solid performance for its price. Daylight photography produces sharp and detailed images. Its LED flash helps in low-light conditions. But still, it struggles compared to Vivo Y18t’s slightly superior image processing. The 8 MP front camera offers decent selfies but lacks the dynamic range of some competitors.
Read more: Tecno Camon 30S Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Reliable Features
The Walton NexG N74’s camera is an upgrade from the NexG N73’s dual 50 MP + 2 MP setup. However, the Vivo Y18t’s camera featuring a larger aperture and the Infinix Smart 8 Pro’s Ring-LED flash please photography enthusiasts seeking versatility.
Processor Performance
The NexG N74 runs on an octa-core processor powered by MediaTek’s Helio G99 chipset. This is a significant improvement over the NexG N73’s Unisoc T606 processor. Everyday tasks like social media browsing, video playback, and multitasking are handled with ease. The G99 also provides better efficiency and moderate gaming performance.
When compared to the Vivo Y18t and Infinix Smart 8 Pro, the NexG N74 holds its ground well. While the Vivo Y18t’s Unisoc T612 performs admirably for general usage, the Helio G99 in the Walton NexG N74 outshines it in raw processing power.
Read more: vivo V40 Lite Review: A Stylish Performer or Just Another Mid-Range Option?
Gaming Performance
For gamers, the Walton NexG N74 offers a smooth experience for games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire at medium settings, thanks to its Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. Its thermal management ensures extended gaming sessions without overheating. But resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact reveal the limits of the chipset.
Compared to the NexG N73, the NexG N74 is a noticeable upgrade in gaming. However, it faces stiff competition from the Infinix Smart 8 Pro, whose PowerVR GE8320 GPU provides similar gaming experiences but with slightly better battery optimization.
Battery Life
The 5,000 mAh battery on the NexG N74 ensures a full day of use, whether for gaming, streaming, or multitasking. Unfortunately, the 18W charging speed feels slow compared to modern standards, especially when competitors like the Vivo Y18t and Infinix Smart 8 Pro offer faster charging.
Read more: Infinix Hot 50 Pro Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
While the ancestor NexG N73 had a larger 6,000 mAh battery, its heavier weight and lower charging speed often hampered usability. In this regard, the NexG N74 strikes a better balance between capacity and efficiency.
Software and User Interface
The NexG N74 ships with Android 14, offering a clean and intuitive user interface with minor customizations by Walton. The updated software ensures better security, new features, and improved app compatibility. This is a significant improvement over the NexG N73, which runs on Android 13.
Compared to the Vivo Y18t’s Funtouch 14, which is feature-rich but slightly bloated, Walton’s approach feels simpler and more user-friendly. The Infinix Smart 8 Pro’s XOS 13, though functional, comes with pre-installed apps that may detract from the user experience.
Read more: Motorola Edge 50 Neo Review: Strong Contender in Mid-range Segment
Storage Options
The NexG N74 offers 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, which is expandable via microSDXC. This setup provides seamless multitasking and plenty of storage for apps, games, and media. It matches the storage options of both the Vivo Y18t and Infinix Smart 8 Pro.
Compared to the NexG N73, which supports up to 256 GB of external storage, the NexG N74 focuses on balancing internal storage with RAM performance for better efficiency.
Pros and Cons of Walton NexG N74.
Pros
- 6.8-inch Full HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals- 52 MP main camera delivers sharp photos in daylight- Face unlock and fingerprint sensor- 8 GB RAM and 128 GB internal memory, expandable via microSDXC- 5000mAh battery capacity- 18W fast charging.
Read more: Tecno Spark 30 Pro Review: Power-packed Performance at a Budget-friendly Price
Cons
- Struggles in poor lighting conditions- 5G network not supported- Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset- No premium materials like glass or metal are used in construction- Lacks water or dust resistance, unlike some competitors
Price of Walton NexG N74
The Walton NexG N74 is priced at 13,499 Tk in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The Walton NexG N74 is a commendable budget-friendly smartphone with an excellent display, capable cameras, and reliable performance. Its software experience and gaming capabilities make it appealing to casual users. However, power users and hardcore gamers might want to explore alternatives with faster charging and better gaming capabilities. For those seeking a balanced device at an affordable price, the NexG N74 is worth considering.
Read more: vivo iQoo Neo9s Pro Review: The Mid-Range Gaming Powerhouse You’ve Been Waiting For?
1 hour ago
Tecno Spark 30 Pro Review: Power-packed Performance at a Budget-friendly Price
Tecno, known for delivering affordable smartphones with excellent features, has consistently impressed with its Spark series. Tecno’s latest innovation, Spark 30 Pro, released in October 2024, aims to continue this legacy with enhanced camera, display, and processing capabilities.
Key Features of Tecno Spark 30 Pro
.
Design and Build Quality
The Tecno Spark 30 Pro has a sleek, modern look with dimensions of 166.6 mm by 77 mm by 7.4 mm. It is IP54-rated for water and dust resistance, adding durability rarely seen in this price range. The Pro model feels more premium than its predecessor, the Spark 30, which has a plastic frame. The Spark 30 Pro’s lighter build makes it comfortable to hold, though the similarly priced competitor vivo Y28’s glass front provides a more substantial feel.
Display Quality
One of the Spark 30 Pro’s strongest features is its display. The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel has a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1700 nits, which means vibrant colours, deep contrasts, and high visibility outdoors. The 1080 by 2436-pixel resolution offers clear visuals, making it ideal for media streaming.
Compared to the Spark 30’s 90Hz IPS LCD with 800nits maximum brightness, the Pro model’s AMOLED display is a significant upgrade in both colour accuracy and brightness. The vivo Y28 and Oppo A60, with their 90Hz IPS LCDs with lower resolutions and brightness levels (840 and 950 nits, respectively), fall short of the Tecno Spark 30 Pro in display quality.
Read more: Motorola Edge 50 Neo Review: Strong Contender in Mid-range Segment
Camera Performance
The Tecno Spark 30 Pro boasts a 108MP (f/1.9) primary camera, an impressive resolution for a budget-friendly phone. The large sensor captures detailed images with good colour accuracy and dynamic range, even in low light. Additional features like quad-LED flash and HDR enhance versatility, and the camera records video at up to 1440p resolution.
In comparison, the Spark 30 has a 64MP primary camera, which performs decently but lacks the clarity and low-light ability of the Spark 30 Pro. The vivo Y28 and Oppo A60 come with 50MP cameras and depth sensors, which aid portrait shots but do not match the Spark 30 Pro’s overall quality. Considering the price range, in the photography section, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro stands out.
Processor Performance
The Spark 30 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G100, a 6nm chipset with an octa-core setup (two Cortex-A76 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores). This processor handles everyday tasks smoothly, offering better multitasking and app load times than the 12nm Helio G91 12nm chipset found in the Spark 30.
Read more: Infinix Hot 50 Pro Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
When compared to its competitors, the vivo Y28’s Dimensity 6020 7nm processor provides similar performance but falls slightly behind in efficiency. The pricier competitor Oppo A60’s Snapdragon 680 is reliable for daily tasks but lacks the processing strength of the Spark 30 Pro. For general usage, the Spark 30 Pro provides smooth and responsive performance.
Gaming Performance
While not built for gaming, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro performs well with light to medium games, thanks to its Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. Casual games like Mobile Legends and PUBG Mobile run smoothly on medium settings. Resource-heavy games, however, may experience some lag.
In comparison, the Tecno Spark 30 struggles with higher-frame-rate games, while the vivo Y28 and Oppo A60 offer similar gaming capabilities. None of these devices are specifically optimized for gaming, but for casual players, the Spark 30 Pro is a good choice.
Read more: vivo V40 Lite Review: A Stylish Performer or Just Another Mid-Range Option?
Battery Life
Battery life is a highlight of the Tecno Spark 30 Pro. It features a 5000mAh battery that lasts a full day on moderate use, along with 33W fast charging, which is an improvement over the Spark 30’s slower 18W charging.
The vivo Y28 also has a 5000mAh battery but comes with a slower charging speed of 15W. However, Oppo A60’s similarly powered battery with 45W charging wins the race.
The Spark 30 Pro strikes a good balance in terms of charging speed and battery life, offering dependable power for users needing an all-day phone.
Read more: Tecno Camon 30S Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Reliable Features
Software and User Interface
Running on Android 14 with Tecno’s HIOS 14 skin, the Spark 30 Pro’s user interface is user-friendly and customizable, featuring dark mode, app cloning, and battery optimization. HIOS 14 also includes fewer pre-installed apps than previous versions, reducing clutter and enhancing performance.
Both the Spark 30 and Spark 30 Pro share the HIOS 14 experience, while the vivo Y28’s Funtouch OS 13 requires more RAM management. Oppo A60’s ColorOS 14 is simpler but lacks some of the added features that HIOS 14 brings. The Spark 30 Pro’s software offers a streamlined experience for easy navigation and customization.
Storage Options
The Spark 30 Pro is available in two configurations: 128GB with 8GB RAM and 256GB with 8GB RAM, both of which support expandable memory through a microSDXC slot. This ample storage allows users to store apps, photos, and videos without worrying about space. The expandable storage provides added flexibility for users who need extra room.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro Review: Features, Performance, and Value – Is It Worth the Buy?
The storage options align with its competitors, with the Spark 30, vivo Y28, and Oppo A60 offering similar configurations.
Pros and Cons of Tecno Spark 30 Pro
Pros
- 120Hz screen AMOLED display- 108MP high-resolution main camera- 33W fast charging - HIOS 14 software- IP54-rated, dust and water-resistant.
Read more: Royal Enfield Motorcycles Now in Bangladesh: Breakdown of Models and Features
Cons
- Not Ideal for heavy gaming.- The plastic build lacks the premium feel.- Does not support 5G- No wireless or reverse wired charging support..
Price of Tecno Spark 30 Pro
The Tecno Spark 30 Pro (8/128 GB) is officially available in Bangladesh at 21,000 BDT.
Verdict
Overall, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro offers a powerful combination of features, especially for its price. With a stunning AMOLED display, robust battery life, a capable 108MP camera, and efficient performance, it is a solid choice for budget-conscious users looking for a reliable daily driver. While it may not suit high-end gaming enthusiasts, it appears as a strong contender around the 20000 Tk price range, offering excellent value for money among its competitors.
Read more: Top 9 Smartphones Releasing in November 2024: Must-have Models and Features
1 week ago
Xiaomi Redmi 14C Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Impressive Features
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C, released in August 2024, promises impressive features for budget-conscious buyers. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s find out.
Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi 14C
.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C boasts a sleek and minimalist design with an 8.2 mm slim body, making it comfortable to hold and use. The phone features a glass front, plastic frame, and either a glass or silicone polymer (eco-leather) back, offering a range of tactile experiences.
Weighing between 204 to 211 grams, Redmi 14C feels heavier than the slightly lower-priced options like the Infinix Hot 40i (190g) and Tecno Spark 30C (187g). Each of them is available at the official price of 13,999 TK.
Though both of these phones feature plastic frames and backs, they lack the eco-leather option that the Redmi 14C offers. Xiaomi’s design feels slightly more premium. Overall, the Redmi 14C’s design is practical yet elegant, suitable for smartphone users who prioritize style and durability.
Read more: Vivo V40 Review: A Feature-Packed Premium Smartphone
Display Quality
The Redmi 14C comes with a 6.88-inch IPS LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smooth scrolling and a more immersive viewing experience, whether you are gaming, watching videos, or browsing.
The 720 by 1640 pixel resolution, while not full HD, offers clear and vibrant visuals, enhanced by 450 nits of brightness and 600 nits for high brightness mode (HBM). This makes the phone usable even under direct sunlight, although it falls short in sharpness compared to Full HD displays.
The Tecno Spark 30C and Infinix Hot 40i feature HD+ resolution but lower display sizes than the Redmi 14C. In display performance, Redmi 14C outshines Infinix Hot 40i offering a 90Hz refresh rate.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra chipset with an octa-core CPU, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C ensures stable and smooth day-to-day performance. It features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, making it capable of handling multitasking, app loading, and other common tasks efficiently.
Read more: ZTE Blade A35 Review: Top Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use
The Tecno Spark 30C, on the other hand, features the Helio G81 chipset, providing nearly identical performance in multitasking and app management. The Infinix Hot 40i, with its Unisoc T606 chipset, offers a slightly lower performance level, particularly when dealing with more intensive tasks or high-demand apps.
Gaming Performance
While the Redmi 14C is not marketed as a gaming phone, its Mali-G52 MC2 GPU and 120Hz display make casual gaming enjoyable. Games like Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty: Mobile run relatively smoothly at low to medium settings, though users may experience minor frame drops in more graphically intense moments. Extended gaming sessions are possible without significant overheating issues, although some heat buildup is expected.
The Tecno Spark 30C offers a similar gaming performance with an almost similar chipset and the same GPU, while the Infinix Hot 40i lags behind due to its less powerful chipset. Gamers on a tight budget might prefer the Redmi 14C or Tecno Spark 30C for a more fluid experience.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A06 Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features
Camera Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C has a 50 MP (f/1.8) dual-camera system, a 2 MP (f/2.4) depth sensor, and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. This setup allows the phone to capture detailed photos in good lighting conditions, with decent colours and sharpness.
Its front-facing 13 MP (f/2.0) camera performs well for selfies, especially with its built-in beautification features and night mode for low-light conditions.
Redmi 14C can capture maximum of 1080 footage at 30fps with both rear and front cameras.
On the other hand, the Tecno Spark 30C also offers a 50 MP main camera but lacks some AI enhancements in Xiaomi’s camera software. The Infinix Hot 40i also features a 50 MP main sensor but tends to fall short in low-light conditions and photo sharpness.
However, Hot 40i offers a 32MP (f/2.2) selfie shooter which is undoubtedly more powerful than the Redmi 14C’s 13MP and Spark 30C’s 8MP front shooters.
Read more: Benco V91 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone for Everyday Use
Battery Life
A major selling point of the Redmi 14C is its 5160 mAh battery, which provides excellent longevity. On a full charge, the phone can easily last a full day of heavy use, including gaming, social media, and video playback. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which gets you back up and running fairly quickly.
The Tecno Spark 30C and Infinix Hot 40i both come with slightly smaller 5000 mAh batteries, but the difference in capacity is minor. All three phones feature 18W fast charging, so the Redmi 14C offers a slight edge in battery life, but not by a huge margin.
Software and User Interface
Running on Android 14 with Xiaomi's HyperOS, the Redmi 14C provides a clean and user-friendly experience. The interface is highly customisable and comes with various features tailored to Xiaomi devices, such as battery optimisations and privacy tools. However, some users might find the bloatware a bit overwhelming, though most of it can be removed.
Tecno Spark 30C sports Android 14 HiOS, while Infinix Hot 40i runs on Android 13 XOS. These skins are feature-rich but can sometimes feel bloated, making the Redmi 14C's HyperOS a more refined and smoother experience for users who prefer a lighter, more responsive UI.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Review: Minimalist Design Meets High Performance?
Storage Options
With RAM options ranging from 4GB to 8GB Redmi 14C is equipped to meet the needs of most users.
It offers a variety of storage options, ranging from 128GB to 256GB with expandable storage via a dedicated microSD slot. This provides ample room for apps, photos, and videos, particularly for users who opt for the larger variant.
Tecno Spark 30C and Infinix Hot 40i offer similar RAM and storage options.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi 14C
Pros
- 120Hz display ensures smooth browsing and gaming- 50 MP camera takes sharp images in good lighting- Long battery life with a 5160 mAh battery- Expandable storage with up to 256GB- Android 14 with HyperOS offers a customisable experience.
Read more: Tecno Spark Go 1 Review: Does Affordability Compromise Quality?
Cons
- 720p resolution lacks sharpness on a large screen- Weak low-light camera performance- Heavier design at over 200g.
Price of Xiaomi Redmi 14C
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C is priced at BDT 14,999 for the 6/128GB variant, while the 8/256GB version is available at an unofficial price of BDT 19,700.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C is an excellent choice for users who need reliable performance, a good processor, a high refresh rate, and a long battery life. It is ideal for casual users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone for daily use. However, it is not suited for heavy gamers or photography enthusiasts who need top-tier performance or low-light camera capabilities. Overall, it offers great value for everyday use at an affordable price.
Read more: Top 7 Smartphones Coming in October 2024
4 weeks ago
ZTE Blade A35 Review: Top Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use
The ZTE Blade A35, released in September 2024, is an affordable smartphone packed with essential features for entry-level users. In this review, we’ll look at the key specs of the ZTE Blade A35 and see how it stacks up against its competitors in the budget smartphone market.
Key Features of ZTE Blade A35
Design and Build Quality
The ZTE Blade A35 offers a sleek polycarbonate body with a 3D curved-line texture that enhances grip and aesthetics. It is lightweight and durable, making it a solid choice for those who want a phone that can handle everyday wear and tear. Available in Starry Black and Clover Green, the A35 has a stylish look despite its highly affordable price range.
In comparison, within a slightly lower price range, the Itel A50C has a bulkier design, weighing 192.6 grams, and lacks the refined texture of the Blade A35. The other competitors ZTE Blade A54 and Symphony Atom 5, also feature plastic bodies, but with slightly different finishes. Within the 10000TK price range, the Blade A54 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering a more modern feel. While the Symphony Atom 5, within around 8500 TK price range, is also slim and light but lacks the Blade A35’s textured grip.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A06 Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features
Display
The ZTE Blade A35 has a 6.75-inch IPS LCD (720 by 1600 pixels) with a 90 Hz refresh rate. This provides a decent viewing experience that is suitable for everyday tasks like watching videos or browsing social media. However, the 720p resolution is standard in this price range and performs well for most users.
The Itel A50C has a slightly smaller 6.56-inch water drop HD display with a similar resolution, offering a comparable viewing experience. However, the ZTE Blade A54 falls behind with its 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen.
Camera Performance
The ZTE Blade A35 features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. While these cameras can capture decent shots in good lighting, low-light performance is subpar, which is typical in this segment. The camera comes with features like night mode and panorama for enhanced photo quality.
Read more: Benco V91 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone for Everyday Use
The Itel A50C has a similar 8MP main camera and 5MP selfie camera, performing almost identically to the Blade A35. However, the ZTE Blade A54 offers a 13MP rear camera, providing better image quality, especially in daylight. On the other hand, Symphony Atom 5 stands out with a 52MP UHD rear camera, delivering the best photo quality among these phones.
1 month ago
Samsung Galaxy A06 Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features
The Samsung Galaxy A06, released in August 2024, is the latest addition to Samsung’s A-series, delivering great value for budget-conscious users. Packed with essential features at an affordable price, the Galaxy A06 offers solid performance without compromising on quality, making it one of the top budget smartphones in the market this year. From its competitive specs to user-friendly design, this phone is designed to meet everyday needs without breaking the bank.
Key Features of Samsung Galaxy A06
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy A06 sports a sleek design with a plastic back and frame, similar to other phones in this price range. It measures 167.3 mm by 77.9 mm by 8.0 mm, making it relatively compact for a phone with a 6.7-inch screen. The plastic construction, while durable, lacks the premium feel of higher-end phones like the Xiaomi Redmi 14R 5G, which has a more premium design with a glass front and back.
The design remains largely unchanged compared to the Galaxy A05, with a waterdrop notch for the front camera and a clean rear panel housing the dual-camera setup. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a convenient addition, ensuring easy access without compromising on aesthetics.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ Review: A Power-Packed Higher Mid-Range Smartphone
Display
The Samsung Galaxy A06 features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD with a 720 by 1600 resolution. While not as crisp as the 1080p screens on more expensive devices, the HD+ resolution provides acceptable clarity for casual use, such as browsing the web, watching videos, and scrolling through social media. The display’s 262 ppi pixel density means it will not be as sharp as the Xiaomi Redmi 14R 5G’s 120Hz display, but it is still sufficient for day-to-day tasks.
Compared to the ZTE Blade V60 and the Tecno Spark 30C 5G, which also offer HD+ screens, the A06’s display performance is similar, though the Galaxy A06’s colours may appear slightly less vibrant due to the use of an IPS panel instead of AMOLED technology.
Performance and Processor
The Galaxy A06 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 12nm chipset, which includes an octa-core processor featuring a maximum 2.0 GHz clock speed. The graphic section is equipped with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. This setup provides reliable performance for most day-to-day activities, such as multitasking, light gaming, and running social media apps. However, when it comes to more demanding tasks like playing graphic-intensive games, the device may struggle with occasional lag.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Review: Minimalist Design Meets High Performance?
Compared to the Galaxy A05, which also features the Helio G85 chipset, there is no significant improvement in performance. The A06 is on par with both the ZTE Blade V60 and Tecno Spark 30C 5G, as they too feature similar mid-range processors. The Xiaomi Redmi 14R 5G, however, outperforms the Galaxy A06 with its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, offering a noticeable edge in speed and responsiveness.
RAM and ROM Options
The Samsung Galaxy A06 offers 4GB or 6GB of RAM, providing smooth multitasking. For storage, it comes with 64GB or 128GB of internal memory, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card. This gives users ample space for apps and media.
These configurations are typical for budget-friendly phones, comparable to devices like the Tecno Spark 30C 5G and ZTE Blade V60. However, the A06’s microSD expandability makes it a convenient choice for those needing extra storage, though the Xiaomi Redmi 14R 5G handles RAM slightly better for heavier tasks.
Read more: realme C61 Review with Price in Bangladesh
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy A06 comes equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50 MP wide-angle lens and a 2 MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the main camera performs well, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. However, the performance in low-light scenarios is less impressive, with noticeable noise and reduced sharpness.
In comparison, the camera performance is nearly identical to that of the Galaxy A05, which also features a 50 MP primary sensor. The Xiaomi Redmi 14R 5G and Tecno Spark 30C 5G both feature similarly specced cameras, but Xiaomi’s better software optimisation gives it a slight advantage in terms of image processing.
The 8 MP front-facing camera on the Galaxy A06 is sufficient for selfies and video calls, but it pales in comparison to the front cameras found in some mid-range competitors. Overall, while the camera setup is functional for casual photography, it is not designed for photography enthusiasts.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Review: Can It Set New Standards for the Brand?
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy A06 is its 5000 mAh battery, which provides impressive longevity. With moderate use, the battery can easily last a full day, and lighter users might even stretch it to two days between charges. This is a huge plus for users who rely on their phones for extended periods without access to a charger.
The 25W fast charging feature ensures that the device can be charged quickly, which is an advantage over the ZTE Blade V60 and Tecno Spark 30C 5G, both of which support slower charging speeds. However, the Xiaomi Redmi 14R 5G edges ahead with a slightly larger 5160 mAh battery and better power optimisation.
Gaming Performance
In terms of gaming, the Galaxy A06’s MediaTek Helio G85 chip is capable of handling lighter games like Subway Surfers and Clash of Clans smoothly. However, more demanding titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact may require lowering the graphics settings to avoid lag. While playable, the gaming experience is not as fluid as you would find on more powerful devices like the Xiaomi Redmi 14R 5G, which is designed to handle heavier games more efficiently.
Read more: Tecno Spark Go 1 Review: Does Affordability Compromise Quality?
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A06
Pros
- Solid build quality with a durable plastic frame- Large 6.7-inch PLS LCD, offering decent color and brightness- Long-lasting 5000 mAh Li-polymer battery- Expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD card- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
Cons
- No NFC support for contactless payments- Lacks 5G network support- The display resolution is only HD+ (720p), not Full HD- The camera struggles in low-light conditions- Average processor for gaming and multitasking.
Read more: Benco V91 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone for Everyday Use
Price of Samsung Galaxy A06
In Bangladesh, the price of Samsung Galaxy A06 starts at BDT 21,000 for the 4/128GB storage variant.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A06 is a solid choice for budget-conscious users looking for a reliable phone with decent performance, long battery life, and essential features. It is ideal for casual users, students, or those needing a secondary device. However, it may not satisfy heavy users, gamers, or those seeking 5G connectivity or high-end camera performance. If you need a more powerful processor or better display, consider other options.
Read more: Top 7 Smartphones Coming in October 2024
1 month ago
Benco V91 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone for Everyday Use
Released in September 2024, the Benco V91 Plus is designed to offer an affordable yet feature-packed smartphone experience. It is ideal for everyday tasks but may need more support with intensive gaming or photography needs. This article will focus on the key features, pros, cons, and price of the Benco V91 Plus in Bangladesh.
Key Specs of the Benco V91 Plus
Display
The Benco V91 Plus features a 6.56-inch IPS LCD with a 720 by 1612 pixel HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. This makes the display noticeably smoother compared to the Benco V91, which only had a 60Hz refresh rate, ensuring a better experience when scrolling or watching videos.
Read more: Honor X6b Review: Style Meets Budget
Compared to the Xiaomi Redmi A3, which has a slightly larger 6.71-inch HD+ display and only runs at 60Hz, the Benco V91 Plus feels more responsive. Similarly, the Infinix Smart 8 and Infinix Smart 8 Pro both feature 90Hz refresh rates, making them comparable in display smoothness. However, the Benco V91 Plus shines with its 500 nits of peak brightness, ensuring better outdoor visibility than its competitors.
Design and Build Quality
The Benco V91 Plus features a sleek design with a modern punch-hole display, which gives it a more premium look compared to the water-drop notch on the Benco V91. The phone is built with a plastic back and frame, weighing 193 grams and measuring 8.99 mm thick, giving it a sturdy and solid feel in hand. The phone's ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, even during extended use.
In comparison, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 features a glass back and plastic frame, which adds a bit more elegance, but it also makes the phone more prone to smudges and fingerprints. Meanwhile, the Infinix Smart 8 and Smart 8 Pro focus on durability with textured plastic backs, which provide better grip and are less prone to damage from daily use. Overall, the Benco V91 Plus offers a balance between aesthetics and practicality, similar to its competitors.
Read more: realme GT Neo 6 SE Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Processor and Performance
Powered by the Unisoc T606 octa-core processor, the Benco V91 Plus handles everyday tasks smoothly, from browsing and social media to basic multitasking. With 6GB or 8GB of RAM and virtual RAM options, it ensures fluid operation for general use. This marks a step up from the Benco V91, which had fewer RAM options and performed less efficiently in multitasking.
The Infinix Smart 8 and Smart 8 Pro also run on the Unisoc T606, putting them on par with the Benco V91 Plus in terms of performance. The Xiaomi Redmi A3, however, uses the MediaTek Helio G36 processor, which provides decent performance for basic tasks but falls short when handling more demanding apps and games.
Camera Setup
The Benco V91 Plus features a 50MP AI triple rear camera, including a 50MP main sensor and two additional 2MP sensors for depth and macro photography. This is a notable improvement over the Benco V91, which had a more basic dual-camera setup. The 50MP camera on the V91 Plus captures clearer and more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Review: Can It Set New Standards for the Brand?
When compared to the Infinix Smart 8 and Smart 8 Pro, which also feature 50MP primary cameras, the camera performance is quite similar, though the Infinix Smart 8 Pro offers slightly better low-light performance due to better image processing. On the other hand, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 only has an 8MP primary camera, which significantly lags in terms of image quality, especially in sharpness and detail.
The 8MP front camera on the Benco V91 Plus delivers decent selfies, on par with the competition. The Xiaomi Redmi A3 also has an 8MP selfie camera, but it struggles more in low-light conditions compared to the V91 Plus.
Battery Life
The Benco V91 Plus is powered by a large 5000mAh battery, offering all-day usage on a single charge. With its 18W fast charging capability, it outperforms the Benco V91, which also had a 5000mAh battery but with slower charging speeds.
Read more: Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Creates History with Triple-fold Design
In comparison, both the Infinix Smart 8 and Smart 8 Pro also pack 5000mAh batteries, but the Smart 8 only supports 10W charging, which means it takes longer to charge compared to the Benco V91 Plus. The Xiaomi Redmi A3 has a similar battery capacity but lacks any fast charging features, further tilting the convenience factor in favour of the Benco V91 Plus.
Gaming Performance
The Unisoc T606 processor in the Benco V91 Plus performs well for light gaming, allowing casual titles like Subway Surfers and Candy Crush to run smoothly. More demanding games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile will run on lower settings but may experience occasional frame drops. This performance is on par with both the Infinix Smart 8 and Smart 8 Pro, as they all share the same processor and have similar RAM configurations.
In comparison, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 with its MediaTek Helio G36 processor is less suitable for gaming, with more frequent lagging and frame drops, especially in graphically intensive games. This makes the Benco V91 Plus a better option for users who enjoy casual mobile gaming.
Read more: Tecno Spark Go 1 Review: Does Affordability Compromise Quality?
Pros and Cons of Benco V91 Plus
Pros
- 6.56-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate.- 50MP triple rear camera with 8MP selfie camera.- Available in 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage options.- Side-mounted fingerprint unlock for convenience.- 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
Cons
- No NFC (Near Field Communication) support.- 5G is not supported.
Price of Benco V91 Plus in Bangladesh
The official price of the Benco V91 Plus in Bangladesh starts at 12,499 BDT for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 8GB/256GB model is priced slightly higher, around 15,899 BDT to 16,499 BDT.
Read more: Top 7 Smartphones Coming in October 2024
Comparison with Competitors
The Benco V91 Plus competes with phones like the realme C33, Infinix Smart 8, Infinix Smart 8 Pro, and Xiaomi Redmi A3. While it shines with its battery life and clean software, the Realme C33 offers superior camera performance and faster charging. The Infinix Smart 8 Pro delivers a better overall gaming experience, while the Infinix Smart 8 provides similar performance but a slightly lower price. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 offers a larger display but falls behind in processing power and camera quality.
Verdict
The Benco V91 Plus is ideal for users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with standard battery life, a smooth 90Hz display, and a decent camera for everyday use. Its clean Android experience and solid performance make it great for casual users and light gamers.
However, if you prioritise faster charging, superior camera quality, or 5G support, options like the realme C33 or Infinix Smart 8 Pro may be better.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ Review: A Power-Packed Higher Mid-Range Smartphone
1 month ago
Tecno Spark Go 1 Review: Does Affordability Compromise Quality?
Tecno, the celebrated Chinese smartphone manufacturing company, is back again with its latest addition to its Spark series. On 19th August 2024, Spark Go 1 appeared in the Chinese and Indian markets. The phone offers affordability and a good design. Let’s go over the specifications, pros, cons, and price of the Tecno Spark Go 1.
Key Features of Tecno Spark Go 1
Design
The Tecno Spark Go 1 features a design with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. The phone maintains a dimension of 165.62 mm by 77.01 mm by 8.35 mm. Available in Startrail Black, Glittery White, and Lime Green, the Spark Go 1 measures 8.35mm in thickness (8.55mm for the leather version) and weighs 189 grams, making it easy to handle.
Its display has a punch-hole for the front camera. The chin is defiant along with a noticeable bottom bezel.
An IP54 rating provides sufficient resistance against dust and splashes. On the back, it has a single rear camera with an LED flash and an IR blaster miming an extra camera sensor.
Read more: Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Creates History with Triple-fold Design
The SIM tray has double slots rooming for two SIMs. The phone’s edges include stereo speakers, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. The SIM slot is located on the left side.
Display
The Tecno Spark Go 1 comes with a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD. Users will get a viewing experience with the 720 by 1600 pixel resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio of the display. The pixel density masses around 263 PPI helping the display to preserve clear output.
The phone provides users the option to switch the refresh rate between 60 Hz and 120 Hz. So, users can enjoy a bit of control over the smoothness of the display. The screen brightness reaches 480 nits, making it suitable for indoor viewing but less effective in bright outdoor conditions.
The phone also supports Eye Care mode, reducing blue light for more comfortable viewing, though it lacks options for adjusting the color profile. The device is Widevine L1 certified, allowing users to stream HD content on supported platforms.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Review: Can It Set New Standards for the Brand?
For audio, the Tecno Spark Go 1 is equipped with DTS dual stereo speakers, designed to provide enhanced sound quality for media consumption and gaming.
Cameras
The Tecno Spark Go 1 is equipped with a 13-megapixel (f/1.8) rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. The rear camera offers a variety of shooting modes, including AI Cam, Beauty Mode, Portrait, Time-Lapse, Dual Video, Super Night, Panorama, Pro Mode, AR Shot, and Short Video. The rear sensor is capable of 1080P video recording.
The front camera, designed for selfies and video calls, also supports AI Cam, Beauty Mode, Portrait, and video recording. It features a dual-color temperature flash for better lighting in selfies.
The phone lacks advanced stabilization features like gyro-EIS, which could impact video quality. Additionally, the Spark Go 1 includes an infrared remote-control sensor, allowing users to control home appliances directly from the phone.
Read more: realme C61 Review with Price in Bangladesh
The device also features AI Active Noise Cancellation, which helps improve call quality in noisy environments. While the camera setup provides basic functionality, it is more suitable for casual photography and social media sharing.
Performance and Software
The Tecno Spark Go 1 is powered by a Unisoc T615 processor with 8GB of RAM. This RAM includes 4GB of LPDDR4x physical memory and up to 4GB of virtual RAM for smoother multitasking. It offers 64GB of eMMC 5.1 storage, with the option to expand via a dedicated microSD card slot.
The phone runs on Android 14 Go Edition, customized with HiOS 14, a lightweight, optimized version of Android designed for budget-friendly phones. This software provides a simplified interface and is intended to offer smoother performance.
Benchmarking tests such as AnTuTu, Geekbench, and CPU Throttle provide insights into its processing capabilities, but practically, long-term performance is yet to be tested.
Read more: Honor X6b Review: Style Meets Budget
Battery and Chargers
The 5,000mAh battery in the Tecno Spark Go 1 provides decent battery life for daily tasks. It supports 15W wired charging, allowing for faster recharges compared to standard chargers, though it may still take some time to charge the large battery fully. This capacity is suitable for extended use, making it ideal for users needing long-lasting power on the go.
Pros and Cons of Tecno Spark Go 1
Pros
- Android 14 (Go edition) with HiOS 14- 120Hz IPS LCD- IP54 dust and splash resistance- Audio jack and infrared port- Large battery with 15W charging- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Cons
- Low image and video quality- No gyro-EIS- Limited for multitasking and gaming- No reverse charging- 720p resolution display- No 5G or NFC support.
Read more: Nothing CMF Phone 1 Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Innovative Modular Design
Price of Tecno Spark Go 1 in Bangladesh
Spark Go 1 is not officially available in Bangladesh yet. The phone’s pricing in India starts from INR 7298, or BDT 10380. The conversion rate here is INR 1 = BDT 1.42. However, the official price of Tecno Spark Go 1 in Bangladesh may vary due to tax and other issues.
Conclusion
The Spark Go 1 is a budget-friendly smartphone featuring a 6.67-inch 120Hz display, a 5,000mAh battery with 15W fast charging, and IP54 dust and splash resistance. It runs on Android 14 Go Edition with HiOS 14, powered by the Unisoc T615 chipset and 4GB of RAM, plus virtual RAM.
While it lacks 5G, NFC, and high-end camera features, it offers essential functions like a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers. The Tecno Spark Go 1 is ideal for users seeking an affordable phone for basic tasks and media consumption, without heavy multitasking or gaming needs.
Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in September 2024: iPhone 16 and More
1 month ago
realme C61 Review with Price in Bangladesh
realme, the youth-focused smartphone manufacturing company, produces budget-friendly phones under their C Series. The company officially launched another pocket-friendly phone C61 in Bangladesh on 1st August. The phone features standard functionalities to meet the mass necessities. Let’s delve deeper into the specifications, features and price of the realme C61.
Key Specifications and Features of realme C61
Design
The realme C61 boasts a well-crafted design that blends style and practicality. Measuring 167.3 mm by 76.7 mm by 7.8 mm, this smartphone is impressively slim, ensuring a comfortable grip and easy portability. Weighing just 188 g, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and sturdy.
The device features a glass front complemented by a plastic frame and back that provides durability without sacrificing its profile. The realme C61 supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage personal and work contacts effortlessly. One of its standout features is the IP54 rating, which offers protection against dust and splashes, making it resilient to everyday challenges.
Read more: Motorola Moto G85 5G Review: A Flagship Grade Display on a Lower Mid-Range Smartphone
Whether you’re using it at home, work, or on the go, the realme C61’s design ensures it’s both stylish and functional, catering to users who value both aesthetics and durability in a smartphone.
Display
The realme C61's design is highlighted by its impressive display, offering a visual experience that stands out in its class. The device features a 6.74-inch IPS LCD screen, which occupies approximately 85.5% of the front surface, ensuring a large viewing area within a compact frame.
The screen’s 720 by 1600 pixel resolution, coupled with a 20:9 aspect ratio, delivers clear and vibrant visuals with a pixel density of around 260 ppi, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
Read more: Price Ranges of Wi-Fi Internet Routers for Home Use in Bangladesh
The 90Hz refresh rate adds smoothness to scrolling and transitions, providing a responsive user experience. Additionally, the display is capable of reaching 450 nits of brightness in typical conditions and up to 560 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), ensuring clarity even in bright outdoor environments.
Cameras
The realme C61 is equipped with a capable camera setup that caters to everyday photography needs. The main camera features a 50 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, delivering sharp and detailed images, especially in well-lit conditions.
This wide-angle lens, combined with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), ensures fast and accurate focusing, allowing you to capture moments with clarity. The auxiliary 0.08 MP lens, though modest, supports the main camera in certain shooting scenarios.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Series: Everything We Know So Far
For video recording, the rear camera can capture 1080p footage at 30fps, providing decent video quality for social media sharing and everyday use. On the front, the realme C61 sports a 5 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 27mm wide lens. While modest in resolution, it is suitable for casual selfies and video calls, recording at 720p@30fps.
Performance
The realme C61 is powered by a solid platform designed to deliver smooth performance and efficient multitasking. Running on Android 14 with realme UI, the device offers a modern and user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless user experience with access to the latest features and security updates.
2 months ago
Honor X6b Review: Style Meets Budget
Honor started its journey as a sub-brand of Huawei. But after its split as an independent brand, the company has slowly produced smartphones from budgets to flagships. Recently, Honor launched the X6b on 13th June 2024 as a successor to last year’s X7a and the X6 before that. As an ultra-budget smartphone, the X6b has much to offer. Let’s take a detailed look.
Key Specifications of Honor X6b
Design and Build Quality
The X6b is a plastic device all around with a glass front. The frosted and refracting back redirects light to the camera housing which gives the X6b a unique look. The dimensions of the smartphone come in at 163.6 mm by 75.3 mm by 8.4 mm. The weight is around 192 g which puts it on the heavier side for a plastic build device.
There’s a glass-like layer on the back of the panel which isn’t rated by Honor. However, the device holds SGS 5 stars rating against drops so you can be assured of its rugged capabilities.
The front features a usual water drop notch style display which is a common sight in budget smartphones. The sizeable bottom chin and the thick bezel all around are unfortunately what you’ll be getting for the ultra-budget price.
Read more: realme 13 Pro 5G Review: Monet Inspired Competitive Mid-Range Phone
On the bright side, the X6b comes with a headphone jack and a shared micro SDXC storage. There’s also a secondary noise cancellation mic which is a pleasant surprise. The left side features the volume rockers and the power button which also doubles as the fingerprint scanner.
The Display
The display on the Honor X6b is a 6.56-inch TFT LCD panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate. To be honest, LCDs are becoming less and less common even in budget smartphones. On top of that, Honor went with the TFT technology instead of the more common IPS one.
The resolution of the panel comes in at 720 by 1612 pixels with around 269 ppi density. The screen-to-body ratio comes in at 83.9% at 20:9 aspect ratio.
One of the highlights of the display is its 780 nits of peak brightness. We didn’t notice any issues while using it outdoors or even under direct sunlight. The viewing angles were okay and the panel lived up to its high refresh rate claims.
Read more: How to Detect an AI-generated Image
Overall, it’s a decent panel for its price. It could’ve been better but what you’re getting isn’t bad either.
The Camera
The camera housing on the X6b might be a bit misleading at first glance. There’s a total of 4 cutouts on the back. However, there are only two sensors and the others are an LED flash and a ring-like design that doesn’t do anything.
The main camera is a 50 MP, f/1.8 sensor with PDAF. The secondary camera is a 2 MP, f/2.4 depth sensor. The front camera is a 5 MP, f/2.2 wide-angle shooter.
In terms of performance, the X6b was able to take decent shots in well-lit environments. The portrait shots also stood out as it was able to clearly separate the background and the subject each time. The color reproduction was neutral with realistic contrast and dynamic range.
Read more: Nothing CMF Phone 1 Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Innovative Modular Design
However, the camera struggled in darker environments and at night. The included night mode helps to bring out the details but the softness and grains are ever apparent in each shot.
The front camera can take decent selfies, but it's nothing to boast about.
The X6b can video record at up to 1080P at 30 fps. However, the lack of stabilization features results in choppy footage.
Processor and Performance
The processor on the X6b is Mediatek Helio G85 based on a 12 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a chip design of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 with Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
In terms of day-to-day use, the G85 is a more than capable processor. It can easily handle tasks like browsing the web, social media, or watching YouTube. However, gaming is where it struggles quite a bit. We played PUBG at a max setting of HD/High settings. Even then, the gyro delay and the frame drops were pretty apparent. Highly optimized games like COD and Asphalt 9 also stuttered at times.
Read more: Price Ranges of Wi-Fi Internet Routers for Home Use in Bangladesh
The X6b features 6 GB of RAM which is also becoming obsolete even in budget Androids. Thankfully, the device can utilize an additional 6 GB of virtual RAM from the internal storage.
The X6b isn’t really made for gaming so you’re better off playing 2D offline games in it.
Benchmark
Antutu 10: 267195
GeekBench 6: 418 (single core); 1310 (multi-core)
Software
Honor X6b is running on Magic OS 8 based on Android 14. Magic OS 8 has its fair share of bloatware and MIUI-like layout. The OS might feel a bit too heavy for Android purists but if you’re coming from a Xiaomi or Honor, the OS 8 won’t really feel out of place.
Read more: 10 Best eBook Reader Apps for Android, iOS in 2024
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Honor X6b is around 5200 mAh. The device supports 35W wired fast charging which can take the device from 0 to 31% in 20 minutes. In moderate use, the device can easily last one and a half days. But even with heavy use, you’re looking at at least a day's worth from a single charge.
Pros and Cons of Honor X6b
Pros
- Attractive design - Headphone jack and micro SDXC support - Great battery life - Secondary noise cancellation mic - Bright display
Cons
- Mediocre camera performance - Average processor.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Series: Everything We Know So Far
Official Price of Honor X6b in Bangladesh
The Honor X6b is available in a 6/128 GB configuration. The current price is 14,999 BDT.
Verdict
The Honor X6b doesn’t really bring anything mentionable over the X6 or even the X7a. On the contrary, the performance falters quite a bit in gaming or multitasking. The TFT display is also becoming out of date and out of place even in the budget segment. The camera performance also won’t blow you away.
The only two things where the X6b excels are the design and the battery life. In essence, the Honor X6b is best suited for those looking for a daily driver that’ll be sufficient for day-to-day tasks, nothing more.
Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in September 2024: iPhone 16 and More
2 months ago
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Innovative Modular Design
Last year Nothing launched CMF, a sub-brand aimed at catering to a wider range of consumers. While Nothing in itself was innovating consumer tech with glyph-interfaced smartphones and transparent headphones, the CMF line brought a more minimalist and affordable design to Nothing’s arsenal. CMF launched its first budget-friendly smartphone, the Phone 1 on 9th July 2024. Let’s take a detailed look at the key features, pros, cons, and price of the CMF Phone 1.
Key Specifications of Nothing CMF Phone 1
Design and Build Quality
Ever since Carl Pei left OnePlus and started Nothing, he has been on a quest for innovation. Arguably, the glyph interface on the Nothing Phones is either a gimmick or actually useful depending on users. But with the CMF Phone 1, there’s this modular design that opens a host of possibilities along with ensuring ease of reparability.
The smartphone has a removable case back bolted in place by screws. The accessory point at the bottom can be interchanged with either a stand, lanyard, or even a card case.
Read more: 7 Best Smartphones in Tk 35000-45000 Range in July 2024
The device itself comes in at 164 mm by 77 mm by 8.2 mm (standard vs vegan leather back). It’s also pretty lightweight at around 197 or 202 g. Ports and buttons are all as usual with extendable storage, an optical fingerprint sensor, and a secondary noise-cancellation mic. However, there is no headphone jack even at this price.
The device is also IP52 dust and water-resistant. In terms of design innovation in the budget-friendly segment, the CMF Phone 1 easily surpasses any of its competitors by miles.
The Display
The display on the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a 6.67 inches Super AMOLED LTPS panel with a 120 Hz high refresh rate, Ultra HDR+, and 8-bit color. The high refresh rate is complemented by a 240 Hz touch sampling rate and 960 Hz of PWM dimming for ease of use. The panel comes in a 1080 by 2400 resolution which is good enough for 395 ppi density and 85.1% screen-to-body ratio.
Read more: Honor 200 Pro Review: A Flagship Camera Experience
Additional features include a 1000000:1 contrast ratio, 700 nits typical, and 2000 nits of peak brightness.
But the Phone 1 stands out from its peers because of its near-uniform front bezel. Nothing has managed to shrink the bottom chin to the point that it almost feels like a uniform display at first glance. The performance of the panel was also pretty great with good viewing angles and constant high refresh rate.
The Camera
There’s a dual camera setup on the Phone 1 with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.8 shooter with PDAF. The secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 depth shooter. The front camera is a 16 MP f/2.0 wide-angle shooter.
Read more: vivo iQOO Z9x 5G Review: Budget Meets Substance
While the Sony IMX882 and the 2 MP SmartSens SC202 sensors are modest at best. What’s impressive about the Phone 1 is the True Lens Engine 2.0. It’s a set of software features like Ultra XDR, AI vivid mode, night mode, and motion capture.
In terms of performance, the Phone 1 performs well in daylight conditions. We saw natural colors with good contrast and dynamic range. However, the details on the pictures weren’t as prominent. The portrait mode is also a hit or a miss at times as the camera stutters to separate the subject from the background. The nighttime photography was also decent thanks to the Ultra HDR rendering which did a pretty good job at exposure and details. The front camera was able to shoot decent social media-ready selfies each time.
The True Lens Engine slightly bumps up the quality of the images but it's nothing that would stand out in comparison with a flagship or even a mid-range smartphone.
Read more: Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Flip Phone Review: A Trip to Nostalgia
The videography on the Phone 1 is rated at 4K@30fps and 1080p@30/60fps. But the footage isn’t all that great as there are no stabilization options other than the gyro-EIS.
Processor and Performance
The CMF Phone 1 is running on Mediatek Dimensity 7300 based on a 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 chip design with Mali-G615 MC2 GPU.
The Dimensity 7300 performs slightly better than the Snapdragon 782G in terms of raw performance. Day-to-day use on the Phone 1 was a breeze with no lags or stutters anywhere. Gaming was also decent as PUBG showed a stable frame rate at Smooth/Ultra settings. COD and Asphalt 9 ran at max settings without any issues.
Read more: Top 8 Smartphones Launching in August 2024: Features, Specs, and Release Dates
Its RAM power ranges from 6GB to 8GB. While the internal storage reaches up to 256GB starting from 128GB. CMF Phone 1 is available in three variants: 128GB by 6GB RAM, 128GB by 8GB RAM, and 256GB by 8GB RAM.
We also didn’t notice any strong heating issues as the Phone 1 has an elaborate liquid and graphite cooling system.
Benchmark
GeekBench 6: 1028 (single core); 2920 (multi-core)
Antutu 10: 646635
3DMark Wild Life: 3142
Read more: Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G Review: Midrange Phone with AI Features
Software
The software on the CMF Phone 1 is Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14. The Nothing OS is unique with its dot-matrix layout and material design. There’s virtually no bloatware on the OS and everything runs smoothly with integrated essential features. This might be the best stock like Android skin out in the market if you prefer material aesthetics.
Nothing has committed to 2 years of software updates and 3 years of security patches for the CMF Phone 1.
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the CMF Phone 1 is 5000 mAh. The device supports up to 33W wired fast charging and 5W reverse wired charging. The Phone 1 easily lasts a day of heavy use on a single charge.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Series: Everything We Know So Far
Pros and Cons of Nothing CMF Phone 1
Pros:
- 6.7 inches LTPS AMOLED panel - 120 Hz refresh rate - Modular design with attachment options - Interchangeable back - IP52 rating - Impressive performance - True Lens Engine 2.0 on the cameras
Cons:
- No video stabilization features other than gyro-EIS - No NFC - Single loudspeaker.
Read more: Price Ranges of Wi-Fi Internet Routers for Home Use in Bangladesh
Price of Nothing CMF Phone 1
The CMF Phone 1 is available in 6/128 GB and 8/128 GB variants in India. The prices are 15,999 and 17,999 INR respectively (with offers). It roughly translates to around 22,795 and 25,645 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.42 BDT).
Verdict
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is an impressive device for its price. The modular back and the attachment options open a door to possible accessories in the future. It's great to see some degree of innovation even in the budget-friendly segment.
The Phone 1 stands out in its display, processor, and design. The camera could have been better, but at an affordable price, the room to complain is much less. You can definitely pick this one up or alternatively go for Samsung Galaxy A35 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.
Read more: Motorola Moto G85 5G Review: A Flagship Grade Display on a Lower Mid-Range Smartphone.
2 months ago