Gadget
Infinix Hot 40 Review: Is It A Good Deal Under BDT 18000?
“Hot” series has been the supreme envoy of the good name of the smartphone manufacturing company, Infinix Mobile. At the end of 2023, on December 5, the company launched Hot 40. This gaming phone is now available in Bangladesh for an affordable price. Let’s take a look at the key specs, pros, cons, and price of the Infinix Hot 40.
Key Features & Specs of Infinix Hot 40
Design
The Infinix Hot 40 matches its Pro version in terms of design. Both phones contain themselves in a 168.6 mm by 76.6 mm by 8.3 mm body that features a plastic frame and a plastic back, while using a glass on the front. It is not quite bulky, as users will feel a weight of 196g, also not quite slander, on their hand while carrying the phone without struggling to handle or maneuver it.
The phone houses a massive camera module, reasonably inspired by the minimalism of the iPhone cameras, featuring three distinct lenses along with an LED flash. A subtle signature of Infinix branding is placed on the lower edge of the backing.
Read more: iQOO Neo7 SE Review: Competent Mid-range Gaming Phone
Users will find all necessary buttons and ports where suitable. As usual, the power button and the volume rocker are on the right, and a SIM tray is on the left. The primary microphone, a 3.5mm audio jack, and the USB-C port with a speaker grille are placed at the bottom. The top gets a secondary microphone.
The selfie camera takes place in a punch hole on the top of the display, which is surrounded by thin chin and chunky bezels The overall design features nothing extraordinary.
Display
The front panel of the Infinix HOT 40 boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD. It supports a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and offers a resolution of 2460 by 1080 pixels. With a touch sampling rate of 270 Hz, interactions feel responsive and fluid. You have the flexibility to adjust the refresh rate, either letting it switch automatically or setting it at 60Hz to save battery. Moreover, users can tailor the color temperature to suit their preferences.
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Noteworthy features include Eye Care mode, which maintains a warm screen tone to reduce eye strain during prolonged usage, and the Inadvertently Mode, designed to prevent accidental taps when the phone is stowed away.
Although the screen may not be as bright as some competitors, it remains acceptable for outdoor use. What it lacks in brightness, it compensates for with accurate and vivid colors. Additionally, the contrast remains consistent, ensuring a satisfying viewing experience from any angle.
Cameras
The back panel of the Infinix HOT 40 houses a triple camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor featuring autofocus and an f/1.6 aperture. This primary sensor is complemented by a 2MP macro lens and a 0.08MP auxiliary lens. For selfies, there's a 32MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture.
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The 50MP rear camera captures photos with warm tones and decent detail, although colors may appear somewhat muted even under good lighting conditions. In low-light environments, image quality remains satisfactory but with reduced sharpness and contrast, typical for an entry-level smartphone. However, considering most users will likely share photos on social media, the quality should suffice.
The 32MP selfie camera captures adequate details, especially with the Beauty mode enhancing shots for social media sharing. Portrait mode effectively separates subjects from backgrounds, ensuring pleasing results.
The Super Night mode is a noteworthy feature, offering interesting shots with recovered details in low-light situations. However, caution is advised in tricky lighting scenarios to prevent overexposure.
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Performance and Hardware
The Infinix HOT 40 runs on a MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, accompanied by 8GB of RAM and a spacious 128GB to 256GB storage capacity. Users also have the option to expand RAM with an additional 8GB of virtual RAM for demanding tasks.
This 12-nm chipset is favored for its efficient cores and respectable performance in both entry-level and mid-range smartphones. The graphic unit sports a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
During testing, the HOT 40 proved proficient in handling everyday tasks with ease. It also demonstrated commendable performance in casual gaming and lighter titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Garena Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile game, running smoothly without noticeable lag or frame drops.
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While playing extensive sessions of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the gameplay remained smooth with minimal interruptions. However, more graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact, while playable on lower graphics settings, may struggle with rendering complex gameplay effects.
The device excels in multimedia consumption, serving as a reliable platform for streaming shows from various apps. Notably, the inclusion of stereo speakers, though not delivering top-tier sound quality, enhances the overall audio experience with a balance of bass and treble.
In benchmark tests, the Infinix HOT 40 achieved respectable scores, reaching 275987 in the Antutu test, 430 for single-core and 1446 for multi-core scores in Geekbench 6 CPU benchmarking, and 575 in OpenCL and 1118 in Vulkan benchmark tests for GPU performance.
Read more: Symphony Z70 Review: 52MP Camera under BDT 10000
iQOO Neo7 SE Review: Competent Mid-range Gaming Phone
vivo’s subsidiary company iQOO has had a reputation for producing value-for-money phones since 2019. In this wave, iQOO launched another gaming-centric device Neo7 SE. Recently, the phone had its global launch which brought it in the spotlight. Let’s have a look at where it can be the right gaming phone for you.
Key Specs of Vivo iQOO Neo7 SE
Design and Build Quality
There’s an obvious caveat of having a plastic build all around on a budget-friendly to lower mid-range phone. The Neo7 SE is also no different. The plastic frame and back have a mix of matte and glossy frosted finish which gives it a glass-like look.
The Neo7 SE comes in at around 164.8 mm by 76.9 mm by 8.6 mm with 193 g weight. It’s a relatively lightweight build with a considerably large footprint. The camera housing on the back is reminiscent of the Neo7 with the iconic squared cut. The front features a near-uniform punch-hole display with a slight bottom chin.
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Ports and buttons are identical to the Neo6 SE. Users will be missing out on the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the extendable card storage on the Neo7 SE.
Overall the design and the build quality are okay for its price. It matches the expectation for a sub 35K BDT smartphone.
The Display
The display on the Neo7 SE is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 12 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The panel has 1080 by 2400 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 388 PPI. The slight bottom chin accounts for an 87.6% screen-to-body ratio.
The Neo6 SE also had a similar spec albeit with a higher pixel density thanks to the smaller screen size. Competitions in this price point like the Redmi K60E bring higher resolution with nearly the same features.
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But as for the performance, the Neo7 SE holds its ground. The sharp brightness provides great contrast both indoors and outdoors. The viewing angles were great and the high refresh rate worked smoothly in day-to-day use. For the price, it’s hard to beat what Neo7 SE brings to the table.
OPPO Air Glass 3: What's Special About It
The world has already been familiar with the idea of smart glasses and their capacity to integrate with new technologies. A handful of powerful modern innovations like motion sensors, voice control, VR, and 3D visuals have marvelled the world, merging with and powering beyond the usual capacity of wearable glasses. Google Glass from Google and Vision Pro from Apple have been two pioneering instances. However, with the invention of the OPPO Air Glass 3, the prominent smartphone manufacturing company OPPO has demonstrated the potentiality of Smart Glasses to go.
Invention and Innovation of Air Glass 3
Oppo has been working on innovative glass technology for a while now. They first introduced a concept called Air Glass with a special design resembling cicada wings and a small projector in 2021. Later, they revealed Air Glass 2 at a conference in 2023. Now, at continuing Mobile World Congress 2024, they are showcasing the latest version of their evolving ideas with Air Glass 3.
Oppo’s Air Glass 3 functions are based on AndesGPT, a large generative AI language model, which was also manufactured by Oppo and announced recently. AndesGPT has been claimed to use 7 billion parameters, making it more powerful than many other Ai models currently available. Claimigly, Oppo’s AI Model will have features like swapped attention and addressability for first-word reasoning problems. AndesGPT can process more than just some texts. It can provide a generative visual experience.
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The Air Glass 3 won’t deviate away from usual glasses in terms of look and feel. But its display can show digital content embedded in real-world settings.
Features of Air Glass 3
The Air Glass 3, that Oppo is currently showing, is a prototype version. Its basic functionalities don’t differ much from a standard smartwatch. However, the integration of powerful innovations like AndesGPT keeps a few remarkable promises. Here are a few features The Air Glass 3 is expected to have:
Integrated Ai
While Google and Samsung are adding AI models to their smartphones, Oppo is doing the same for its prototype smart glasses. The Oppo Air Glass 3 XR has its own AndesGPT chatbot (similar to ChatGPT), but unlike Apple's Vision Pro, it doesn't run on the glasses themselves. Instead, Oppo uses the processing power of a companion smartphone for AndesGPT.
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The AI chatbot is part of the voice assistant, so it can respond in a way that's easy for people to understand. It can answer questions about weather, news, and more. Unfortunately, this feature is only available in the Chinese market.
Advanced Optics
Oppo is using a new type of resin waveguide to display the user interface on the wearer's eyes. This waveguide is designed to lessen the 'rainbow effect' that can happen when light passes through it. The new waveguide should make the display on the Air Glass 3 XR clearer and more accurate in colour compared to its older version. With a brightness rating of 1,000 nits at its brightest, Oppo claims that users can still see the interface even in bright sunlight and strong indoor lighting.
Audio and Mic
In addition to the AI voice assistant and high-quality optics, the Oppo Air Glass 3 XR includes an advanced audio system. The speakers built into the arms use the reverse sound field to prevent sound from leaking out during phone calls. Four microphones are also designed to enhance voice clarity, even in noisy environments.
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With all its advanced technology packed neatly inside, the Air Glass 3 XR allows you to make calls, listen to music, and view photos stored on the device. It can also display important information like upcoming events from your calendar.
Even though the current list of features is small, there's a lot of potential for Oppo to add more functionalities. For example, it could provide insights into your health metrics and offer live language translation. It might even show notifications from messaging apps and email clients. The possibilities are endless.
Price and Release Date of Air Glass 3
Oppo has only shown a prototype of the Air Glass 3 for now, meaning it's still being worked on and isn't ready for release. There will likely be more versions of the device before it's finalised. Oppo hasn't said when it will be available or how much it will cost yet.
Oppo has a good history of launching successful smartphones, so we expect they'll eventually bring the Air Glass 3 to market. Hopefully, it won't be too long before we see it with updated AI and maybe compatibility with more operating systems.
Read more: Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion
The OPPO Air Glass 3 represents a significant leap forward in smart glasses technology, integrating powerful innovations like the AndesGPT AI model into its design. This prototype, unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2024, builds upon OPPO's previous iterations and promises features such as integrated AI, advanced optics, and an enhanced audio system.
The Air Glass 3 is designed to seamlessly blend digital content into real-world settings while providing users with essential functionalities like making calls, listening to music, and viewing photos.
Although it's still in the prototype stage with no confirmed release date or pricing, OPPO's history of successful product launches suggests that the OPPO Air Glass 3 holds great promise for the future of wearable technology.
Read more: Apple’s 2024 Line-up: A leap into the future with Vision Pro, OLED iPad Pro, and more
ZTE Blade V50 Design 4G Review: Surprising Features on a Budget-friendly Phone
Ever since officially launching operations in Bangladesh, ZTE has been on a roll with its smartphone releases. Their smartphones ranging from entry-level to mid-range, provide a good value-for-money option. The brand recently launched its Blade V50 Design 4G on 2nd March in the Bangladesh market. Let’s take a detailed look at the device.
Key Specs of ZTE Blade V50 Design
Design and Build Quality
The Blade V50 has the word ‘Design’ in its official name. While it might sound rather odd, the stylish look and hefty build quality would justify the naming choice. Even at an affordable price, the Blade V50 design comes with a glass front, plastic frame, and a glass back design.
The dimension of the device comes in at 165 mm by 76.1 mm by 8.3 mm with 207 g weight. Beyond the dimensions, the ports and button choices are all standard on the V50 Design. There’s a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a micro SDXC slot, and a power button that doubles as the fingerprint scanner. The only downside to an otherwise iPhone-like design is the lack of a secondary noise-cancellation mic.
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Other than that, the Blade V50 Design is everything one would expect from a budget-friendly smartphone. It will be available in three colorways - Beach Green, Sunrise Violet, and Diamond Black.
The Display
The display is one of the strong suits of the V50 Design. It’s a 6.6 inch IPS LCD panel with 1080 by 2408 pixels resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. ZTE claims that the screen has a 90.5% screen-to-body ratio with the noticeable chin on a water drop-style display design.
Being an FHD+ panel, the pixel density comes in at around 400 PPI. Users might notice a cooler tone on the color profile out of the box. However, it can be easily tweaked from the settings for a more vivid look. As for the display itself, there’s good contrast with sufficient brightness and details making it perfect for media consumption.
Read more: Itel P55 5G Review: Power Series Phone at Around 10000 BDT
The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the ZTE Blade V50 Design. The main sensor is a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle shooter with PDAF. The additional sensors are a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter and a depth sensor with the same configuration.
In effect, the 50 MP does all the work here. Pictures came out great in direct sunlight with good details and dynamic range. ZTE claims to have incorporated some AI features that help with subject profiling and exposure.
There’s also an 8 MP front camera which is good enough for casual selfies.
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But like any other typical budget-friendly phone, the photo quality significantly drops at night or in artificial lights. There were visible grains and noises in the image in anything other than ideal lighting. The night mode helped with the exposure issues but the softness remained.
The V50 Design can shoot up to 1080P at 30fps. However, the lack of internal stabilization makes for choppy videos.
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Plus Review with Pros and Cons
The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+ mobile was released in India on November 23, 2023. As smartphone performance continues to rise, gaming smartphones have become less distinct. However, Red Magic is changing this perception. The Red Magic 9 Pro+ offers a breakthrough in gaming smartphone technology. Let's delve into the specific performance enhancements that make the Red Magic 9 Pro+ stand out in the gaming smartphone market. Let’s take a look at the key specs, pros, cons, and price of this device.
Key Features and Specs of Red Magic 9 Pro+
Design
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ measures 164 mm by 76.4 mm by 8.9 mm and weighs 229 g. It features a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), an aluminum frame, and a glass back. It supports dual Nano-SIM with dual stand-by functionality and includes pressure-sensitive zones (520 Hz touch-sensing) and a built-in cooling fan.
The middle frame is made of aviation aluminum. Its flat-back design enhances grip during gaming, while the custom-designed glass ensures durability and high-quality lens standards. Components have been re-customized for a slim 8.9mm body, accommodating improvements such as enhanced camera hardware.
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Available color options include "Dark Knight'' and transparent variants, with upgraded RGB lighting effects on the cooling fan and illuminated buttons for a customized gaming experience.
Display
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a hidden front camera design, achieving an impressive 93.7% screen-to-body ratio. The display utilizes BOE's under-screen Q9+ light-emitting material, enhancing brightness up to 1600 nit while improving visual effects like color accuracy and dark light optimization. It achieves 100% coverage of sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts, measured using DisPlay CAL.
With a high refresh rate of 120Hz, the gaming screen delivers clear and smooth visuals. The screen resolution stands at 1116 by 2480 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio, offering sharpness at ~400 ppi density. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen, ensuring durability against scratches and impacts.
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Cameras
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ not only excels in gaming performance but also delivers standard image quality. Equipped with a 50-megapixel Samsung GN5 main camera and a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultra-wide-angle lens, it offers a versatile dual-camera setup. Additionally, a 2-megapixel macro lens enhances versatility for close-up shots.
Features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode further enhance the photography experience. Video recording capabilities are also robust, supporting resolutions up to 8K at 30fps and various frame rates for flexible shooting options. With a 16-megapixel under-display selfie camera, users can also capture clear and detailed self-portraits.
Performance and Hardware
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ impresses with its powerhouse performance, driven by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8’s third-generation built on TSMC's 4nm process. Featuring an 8-core full 64-bit architecture, paired with LPDDR5X and UFS4.0 data transfer technology, it forms the formidable "Iron Triangle," yielding an AnTuTu score exceeding 223W points. In gaming, it excels, effortlessly handling demanding settings with smooth gameplay.
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Its RAM power ranges from 16 to 24GB. While starting from 256GB the internal storage capacity reaches up to 1TB.
Tested at very high settings and extreme image quality for half an hour, it maintains an average frame rate of 120.8 frames, showcasing its capability even under intense conditions. Cooling is handled by the ICE 13 Magic Cooling system, featuring 10 layers of precision cooling, an active cooling fan, and a large VC heat spreading plate. The flat-back design contributes to a more comfortable gaming experience despite noticeable heat.
Symphony Z70 Review: 52MP Camera under BDT 10000
Symphony Mobile, known for its innovative phones, unveiled its latest model, the Symphony Z70, a few days ago. This phone is packed with top-notch features and has a sleek design. It's expected to make waves in the mobile market due to its impressive capabilities and affordable price. Let’s take a look at the key specs and price of Symphony 270 in Bangladesh.
Key Features and Specs of Symphony Z70
Design
The Symphony Z70 boasts a modern design with a combination of materials that prioritise functionality. Its front glass and plastic back, coupled with a sturdy plastic frame, ensure durability without compromising on style. Available in a range of standard colours, including Reflective Green, Electric Blue, Honey Dew Green, and Fusion Gold, it allows users to express their individuality.
The punch-hole style of the phone's display adds a sleek touch while maximising screen space. With dimensions of 164.27 mm by 76.02 mm by 8.45 mm and weighing just 193 grams, it balances portability and usability, making it a stylish and practical choice for everyday use.
Read more: Infinix Hot 40 Pro Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Premium Features
The volume rockers, power buttons, sim-card holders, and speakers are all placed like most other smartphones—no remarkable deviation from the usual pattern in the design section of the Symphony Z70.
Display
The Symphony Z70's display has tried to bring the best possible performance for the specific budget. A visual experience with its 6.56-inch size and HD+ resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, providing a comparably satisfactory experience. With a pixel density of 269 PPI and an aspect ratio of 20:9, the video proportion and clarity maintain a good shape. IPS LCD is The display technology that delivers vibrant colours and wide viewing angles.
While lacking display protection and a notification LED, it compensates with advanced features such as a 90Hz refresh rate, providing fluidity and responsiveness. Supporting up to 16.7 million colours and multitouch functionality, it caters to diverse user preferences and needs.
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Cameras
The Symphony Z70 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a dual rear camera with 52 and 2-megapixel sensors and an 8-megapixel front camera. It can record Full HD videos at 1080p resolution and ensure quality footage.
With LED flash support, it enhances low-light photography. The camera offers various features, including AI, portrait mode, watermarking, night mode, slow-motion, burst mode, panorama, QR code scanning, face beauty enhancement, HDR, flashlight, display flash, digital well-being tools, and face unlock for added convenience and creativity in capturing moments.
Overall, the Symphony Z70's cameras provide users with a comprehensive toolkit to capture diverse scenarios easily.
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Performance and Hardware
The Symphony Z70 is powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset. Quite reliable for giving a mid-level performance with its octa-core CPU clocked up to 1.6 GHz. With a GPU boasting a speed of 650 MHz, it delivers enough smooth graphics for everyday tasks and light gaming. The device comes with 4 GB of RAM for multitasking efficiency and 64 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 256 GB via a microSD card slot.
It features a range of sensors, including a G-sensor, Proximity Sensor, Light Sensor, and FingerPrint Sensor, supporting user interaction and security. The Symphony Z70's hardware setup provides an average balanced performance for users' daily needs.
Software
The Symphony Z70 runs on the Android operating system version 13, offering users a familiar and efficient software experience. Its user interface is based on Android Go, optimised for smoother performance on lower-end devices. With HTML5 browser support and Java compatibility, users can enjoy a seamless web browsing experience and access a wide range of applications.
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The device benefits from the latest Android features and updates, ensuring stability, security, and compatibility with various apps and services. The Symphony Z70's software setup provides a reliable platform for users to enjoy their smartphone experience.
Pros and Cons of Symphony Z70
Pros
- Modern design with durable materials- Punch-hole display maximises screen space- Versatile camera setup with various features- Decent performance for everyday tasks- Expandable storage via microSD card slot- Runs on the latest Android version with an optimised user interface.
Cons
- Lack of display protection and notification LED- Average performance compared to higher-end devices- Limited availability of colour options- Standard placement of buttons and speakers, lacking innovation in design- Average battery life may not meet heavy usage demands.
Read more: Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Premium Camera
Price of Symphony Z70 in Bangladesh
The Symphony Z70 comes with a very affordable price tag of just 9499 Taka.
Conclusion
The Symphony Z70 lands with its blend of modern design and functionality, offering users a practical smartphone experience. Its punch-hole display offers enough screen space, while the versatile camera setup and decent performance cater to diverse user needs. The device runs on the latest Android version, ensuring a smooth software experience with access to a wide range of applications.
Despite some drawbacks, such as the lack of display protection and limited colour options, the Symphony Z70 stands out for its affordability and balanced performance. It's a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone without expecting a high-end experience.
Read more: Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming in March 2024
Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Premium Camera
The Tecno Spark series has always held a special allure, offering smart designs with standard features that rival any other budget-friendly phone on the market. Users adore the unique colors and skins on the back side of Tecno Spark phones. Their latest addition, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus was released on 9 February 2024. Let’s take a look at the key specs and price of Tecno Pro Plus in Bangladesh.
Key Features of Tecno Pro Plus
Design
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus has introduced a design that is quite remarkable, especially the rear camera panel, a giant round glass chamber housing four lenses. The front side doesn’t bring anything new. Measuring 164.7 mm by 75 mm by 7.6 mm in dimension and weighing 179g, the phone fits comfortably in hand and doesn’t feel unreasonably heavy.
It uses a premium vegan leather back, which is the standout feature, providing a smooth and luxurious feel. The circular camera module adds to its aesthetic appeal with a sophisticated metallic finish. Its color resembles a soft sunset, emitting a gentle orange hue with hints of blue from the sides. The texture resembles fine knitted cloth, reducing glare for a more comfortable viewing experience.
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With options for various colors - Temporal Orbits, Lunar Frost, Radiant Starstream, Magic Skin 2.0 Green, users can personalize their style. The shiny and frosted frame adds a touch of elegance, while neatly lined buttons ensure easy access. It features a dual speaker design for immersive audio experiences, although it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Display
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus sports a curved AMOLED display, a standard pick for streaming videos and playing high-quality mobile games. The spacious 6.78-inch screen and an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz ensure enough room for smooth visuals and responsiveness. Furthermore, Spark 20 Pro Plus features 1080 by 2436 pixels of resolution and 393 ppi density.
Users may opt for the default 'auto-switch refresh rate' setting for optimal performance, though some demanding games may feel better at 60Hz. It's recommended to disable adaptive brightness for more accurate control over brightness settings, ensuring comfortable viewing in various environments. Despite a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, it maintains vivid and bright colors with excellent viewing angles.
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The adaptive refresh strategy further enhances the viewing experience while conserving battery life. The curved AMOLED screen offers a comfortable grip, making it a top choice for those seeking superior display quality. Conversely, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro, while lacking the curved AMOLED display, still offers daily-use convenience with its straight LCD screen.
Cameras
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus features a 108 MP primary camera alongside two auxiliary lenses. Daytime photography yields sharp images, with color distributed in balance, clearly capturing scenery and subjects. The Super Night Mode enhances image quality in low light conditions by effectively managing highlights and details. Additionally, a 0.08 macro camera adds versatility, enabling users to explore close-up photography.
The front-facing 32MP selfie camera performs exceptionally well, especially with the Dual-LED flash, illuminating the subject and background for striking selfies.
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It can support up to 1440p video recording with the rear sensors. Moreover, it can capture 1080P footage at 30fps by both rear and front sensors. It allows simultaneous recording with both front and rear cameras for dynamic content creation.
Performance and Hardware
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus delivers commendable performance powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, coupled with 8GB physical RAM. What’s more, users can expand their RAM to 16GB with 8GB of virtual RAM.
Benchmark scores indicate decent performance, with 727 points in single-core tests and 2014 points in multi-core tests on Geekbench5.
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In day-to-day usage, users experience smooth operation with no lag, whether browsing the internet, streaming videos, or multitasking between apps. Gaming performance is satisfactory for most titles, with smooth gameplay observed in less demanding games like Candy Crush Soda Saga. However, more graphics-intensive games like Honkai Star Rail may experience slight lag, particularly during animations.
Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming in March 2024
February has been relatively slow in terms of smartphone releases. Several Chinese smartphones made their international debut in February. But it was mostly limited to budget and mid-range options. March however, promises some highly anticipated global flagship releases in addition to the usual budget and mid-rangers. Let’s check out the best upcoming smartphones in March 2024.
Most Hyped Smartphones Coming This March
Tecno Camon 30 Premier
Tecno is gearing up to launch their flagship of the year – the Camon 30 Premier sometime mid-March. The device was officially announced on 27th February with several surprising specs.
Camon 30 Premier boasts a stunning 1264 by 2780 pixels LTPO AMOLED panel with 120 Hz refresh rate. The near uniform front bezel accounts for about 89.9% screen-to-body ratio with a 451 ppi.
Camon 30 Premier will be powered by the latest MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate with a single 12/512 GB configuration.
However, the exciting change is in the camera department. Tecno has gone with an all 50 MP sensor setup (PolarAce Imaging System). Three of them on the back and one on the front. The back camera consists of a wide-angle main shooter, a periscope telephoto, and an ultrawide sensor.
In addition to the 5000 mAh battery, the device will support up to 70W wired fast charging.
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Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
Asus’s Zenfone 11 Ultra has been officially slated for launch on 14th March 2024. From what is known so far, the 11 Ultra is going to be a close rival to their highly successful ROG series.
The 11 Ultra features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with 1080 by 2400 pixels at 388 ppi and an 88.2% screen-to-body ratio. There’s also a 144 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 for seamless content consumption.
The device will be powered by the latest Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with storage options of 12/256 GB and 16/512 GB.
On the camera front, users will be getting a 50 MP main, 32 MP telephoto, and a 13 MP ultrawide sensor. The front will feature a 32 MP shooter.
As for the battery, the 5500 mAh capacity can be topped up with 65W wired, 15W wireless, and 10W reverse wired charging.
Read more: Infinix Hot 40 Pro Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Premium Features
Android TV Box: Buyer’s Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh
While there are hundreds of advanced television models in the market with built-in smart features, the price ranges of these devices are beyond affordability for many. In this situation, the most cost-effective solution can be a standalone Android TV box that works seamlessly with any TV model you might have.
Android TV boxes have been an absolute game-changer in terms of entertainment. It combined the best of connectivity and access to content with the cinematic experience of large screens. But what’s the best Android TV box out there? And how do you know what’s the best pick for you? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
What’s an Android TV Box?
There are mainly two types of television – a regular TV and a smart TV. You’ll find tons of options for both regular and smart TVs in the market. The difference is that smart TVs are much more expensive.
An Android TV box is essentially a workaround to turn your regular TV into a smart TV. It’s a device that runs the Android OS. The box turns a regular TV into a smart TV, allowing you to access a variety of online content, apps, and services on your television screen. These boxes are compact and typically come with HDMI ports to connect to your TV, USB ports for additional peripherals, and sometimes an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection.
Read more: Pros & Cons of Flagship Smartphones
What to Consider While Buying an Android TV Box?
There are several things to consider while buying an Android TV box. Features like processor, storage, and connectivity can make or break the overall experience. Here’s a checklist of things to consider.
Storage
It's important to consider the storage option as it will determine how many apps you can install or store local media. As a rule of thumb, go for TV box models that offer at least 16 GB ROM. Also, check whether they include micro SD support or not. An additional micro SD or USB driver is a great way to sideload content on your TV.
Processor
A good processor on your TV box would make the overall experience smooth. You don’t need a super high-end processor for a comfortable user experience. Having a quad-core processor is enough for multitasking and handling resource-intensive applications.
GPU plays a significant role in improving video playback and gaming performance. Make sure your TV box uses a dedicated GPU rather than a processor-integrated one.
Operating System
Android TV boxes get OS updates just like Android smartphones. So make sure you purchase a TV box with the latest OS as well as future OS support.
Connectivity
Another thing to consider is the number of HDMI ports on your TV box. The more the number, the more devices you can connect to your TV box. Furthermore, check for the number of USB ports to connect controllers or pen drives.
Many people often overlook network connectivity. Look for devices with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet options for internet connectivity. A wired connection can be more stable for streaming high-quality content.
Video Resolution and HDR Support
Video resolution is subjective to the TV you have. If your TV supports 4K content, make sure to get an Android TV box that supports 4K content. Some cheap TV boxes cannot decode 4K or HDR content directly from the streaming sites. For that, you might need to download the content first before watching.
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Some Popular Android TV Boxes in Bangladesh
Android TV boxes are available in different price ranges. Let’s check them out.
Under 3000 BDT
TX3 Mini Smart Android TV Box
If you’re looking for an all-encompassing Android TV box within a budget, then look no further than the TX3 mini smart Android TV box. The box comes with all the standard features including ports for AV, SPDIF, HDMI, ethernet, two USB 2.0, and a standalone smart remote control.
The TX3 Mini is powered by Amlogic S905W based on a quad quad-core ARM Cortex A53 chipset. It has a dedicated Mali-450 GPU with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB eMMC ROM. The TX3 Mini uses KODI 17.3 as the native video player for a wide range of content support.
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Key Features:
- RAM: 2 GB - ROM: 16 GB - OS: Android 7.1- Video Resolution: Supports up to 4K
The price of the TX3 Mini Smart Android TV box is around 2,199 BDT.
Itel P55 5G Review: Power Series Phone at Around 10000 BDT
Itel Power 55 5G smartphone promises to redefine 5G network support at an unbeatable price point. This power series phone emerges as one of the most affordable 5G smartphones in the market, democratizing high-speed connectivity for a wider audience. If you are looking for a 5G phone for around 10000 BDT, don’t miss it. Let’s take a look into the pros, cons, and price of Itel P55 5G in Bangladesh.
Key Features and Specs of Itel Power 55 5G
Design
Itel’s redesigned Power series, the latest with the title of “Itel P55”, shapes and sets itself apart from its peer series by introducing a more contemporary aesthetic and using quality materials like premium plastic embossed with a standard matte finish.
Even with a thickness of 8.4mm, the phone manages to be slender and lightweight providing a comfortable grip with tactile buttons. The bottom frame hosts essential ports, while the top remains unadorned, contributing to its streamlined profile. With a single-speaker configuration delivering crisp sound and clear voice calls, the Itel Power 55 stands as a testament to both style and functionality.
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The rear panel brings the elegance of a premium phone, offering a user-oriented design that hides fingerprints effectively. The camera module implements a design that doesn’t fall far from the one that its predecessors used, as all the cameras still use concentric rings as their housing, which is also adapted in the P55T model.
A regular LED light, located on the right side of the phone, provides additional utility and support to the selfie camera. Though not so bright, the right-side LED can become an emergency proxy torch light.
The Itel P55 phones come in different colors like Aurora Blue, Moonlit Black, and Brilliant Gold. In terms of body design features, the phone uses an ergonomic design blueprint. The usual features are all there not introducing anything too unique, for instance, users will get a triple-slot tray for dual Nano SIM cards and a microSD slot, facilitating storage expansion.
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Display
The Itel Power 55 houses a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS display that sports a resolution of 720 by 1612 pixels and a pixel density of 267 PPI. The display offers users the choice between a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a smoother 90Hz option, with the added convenience of an Auto-switch Refresh Rate feature for optimized battery usage.
The bezel around the display is consistent, while the chin can feel a bit larger. The display has a punch hole housing a front camera and a central audio speaker on the top of the frame.
P55 has introduced one key detail to its display- the adaptive brightness functionality, a feature unavailable to the phone’s ancestor series that lets users adjust the brightness of the screen depending on the surrounding lighting.
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Another feature named dynamic bar support adds a stylish flair to notifications, even without interactive functionality, contributing to an overall polished design aesthetic.
Though Itel doesn’t provide any screen protective solution to the phone, it has added numerous other features to compensate. Most of these features are to enhance the customizability of the display according to the necessity and desire.
Cameras
The Itel P55 boasts a dual-camera setup at the back, featuring a 50 MP primary camera alongside a 0.08 MP camera, delivering a satisfactory performance considering its price tag.
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The front camera, an 8MP shooter housed within a punch-hole cutout, surprises with its ability to capture detailed selfies, albeit with occasional challenges in edge detection.
Both front and rear cameras support Ai features, automatically enhancing images with various effects. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the camera setup performs decently in well-lit conditions, though it struggles with noise in low-light scenarios.
The inclusion of an LED flash on both front and rear cameras adds versatility, while the AI scene detection impresses with its accuracy.
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Software
The Itel Power 55 runs on Android 13-based Itel OS 13 which has introduced a few updates in an attempt to provide a better user experience. In a few cases, the attempt seems to fail as some features deviate from the usual Stock Android appearances and experience.
However, the navigation seems just fine with a standard home screen setup and an app drawer. Noteworthy features include a quick access panel for frequently used apps and utilities, alongside specialized applications like the itel Dialer with advanced functionalities such as flash for calls and automatic call recording. All together, the software delivers a seamless performance without any noticeable lag, ensuring a satisfying user experience.
Performance
Itel P55 shows a decent performance while handling daily tasks and gaming. Its octa-core processor equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) chipset is partnered with a Mali-G57 GPU. It can run apps and software smoothly and delivers satisfactory performance for browsing, social media usage, email management, and multimedia consumption.
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The device maintains stability without freezing or getting into hanging issues during regular activities. While not specifically tailored for heavy gaming, it handles low-resource games capably, although prolonged gaming sessions may lead to a slight warming of the device.
The standout feature is its MemFusion technology, particularly evident in resource-intensive gaming scenarios, where it enhances multitasking and overall performance. The side-mounted fingerprint reader proves swift and responsive, offering convenient security measures.
However, the absence of Widevine L1 certification restricts HD content streaming on certain platforms. Overall, the Itel Power 55 provides reliable performance for daily use, with notable enhancements in multitasking and gaming experiences.
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Battery and Charging
Users will get a robust 5,000mAh lithium-polymer battery with the Itel P55. It supports 18W fast charging, exhibiting decent charging speeds during testing. It takes almost 2 hours and 43 minutes to reach a full charge from 0 to 100 percent, achieving a 50% charge in 62 minutes and 70% in around 88 minutes.
Throughout a typical day of usage involving various tasks such as browsing, using social media, calling, and consuming multimedia, the battery held up well, with approximately 18% remaining by day's end.
Pros and Cons of Itel Power 55
Pros of Itel P55
- Sleek and contemporary design- AI features for enhanced photography- Smooth performance for daily tasks- MemFusion technology improves multitasking and gaming experiences- Decent battery life.
Read more: itel A70 Review: A standard entry-level phone
Cons of Itel Power 55 5G
- Lack of Widevine L1 certification restricts HD content streamingOccasional challenges in edge detection for selfiesLimited availability of screen protective solutionsSlight warming during prolonged gaming sessions.
Price of Itel P55 5G
The Itel Power 55 is available in two variants: the 4GB/128GB model priced at INR 7,499 or BDT 9,929 and the 8GB/128GB model at INR 8,999 or BDT 11,915. However, the prices may vary depending on dealers.
Conclusion
The Itel P55 5G emerges as a reliable budget-friendly 5G smartphone, boasting a user-friendly design, standard performance, and acceptable camera capabilities. The device delivers smooth performance for daily tasks. Despite minor drawbacks such as the absence of Widevine L1 certification, the Itel Power 55 impresses with its overall reliability, making it a compelling choice in its price range.
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