Gadget
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Review: A High-end Gaming Device
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro debuted in India on January 08, 2024, and people are wondering if it's still a gaming phone. Unlike the ancestors, this new model looks quite different. Even with the new look, the 8 Pro keeps its focus on gaming without making things complicated. However, this flagship smartphone's performance has changed a bit though. The previous ROG phones used to work like a gaming PC. Interestingly, the latest 8 Pro serves in simpler and easier ways like a PlayStation. Let’s take a look at the detailed review of the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
Key Features and Specifications of ROG Phone 8 Pro
Design
The ROG Phone 8 Pro brings some notable changes to the table, introducing an edge-to-edge screen that enhances its aesthetic appeal. However, this design shift comes with trade-offs, such as the removal of dual front-facing speakers, impacting the immersive gaming experience.
The incorporation of a pinhole camera in the screen raises concerns for a gaming device, disrupting the seamless display. Despite losing some distinctive features that set the ROG Phone apart, it retains the headphone jack and gains an IP68 rating, a positive addition given its open ports. The transition from a glass to a plastic back raises concerns about slipperiness, emphasising the need for a protective case.
Read more: Asus ROG Strix G16 Review: Is it a value for money gaming laptop?
The device maintains its off-centre USB-C, but a secondary USB-C on the side proves handy for charging during portrait-mode gaming. Notably, the pixel-like LED effects on the back, customizable to display various information, provide a unique touch and contribute positively to the gaming aesthetics, standing out from typical RGB implementations.
Weighing 225g, 8 Pro’s dimensions are 163.8 mm by 76.8 mm by 8.9 mm. It is available in Phantom Black colour.
Display
The ROG Phone 8 Pro maintains a 6.78-inch FHD OLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It features 2,500 nits of peak brightness
It lacks the QHD resolution seen in the contemporary Android flagships. The display supports an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate for regular use, with a fixed 165Hz rate for specific games, enhancing smoothness during gameplay.
Read more: Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device
In comparison to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the ROG Phone 8 Pro excels in key metrics/ However, 8 Pro faces tough competition from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which offers remarkable brightness and color accuracy.
Notably, the ROG Phone 8 introduces a unique always-on display called Screen Light, utilizing tiny icons for charging status and essential information due to the absence of a thick top bezel. While functional, there's room for improvement, such as a scaling feature for better readability from a distance.
Walton NEXG N25 Review: A Budget-friendly Smartphone with Standard Features
Walton is a widely renowned feature and smartphone manufacturer in Bangladesh. The brand has expanded its portfolio from home appliances to smartphones and has made its distinct mark as a local brand. Particularly, their NEXG series stands out for its design and durability for affordable price ranges. The brand recently launched the NEXG N25 on 21st January 2024. Let’s look at the Walton NEXG N25 phone's detailed review.
Key Specifications of Walton NEXG N25
Design and Build Quality: A match of aesthetics and durability
The NEXG N25 moves away from the traditional Walton design elements to embrace something new. The new design looks something reminiscent of the iPhone or the iQOO Neo series. The smartphone is made of plastic with a refracting frosted finish on the back and a brushed chrome look on the frame.
The dimension comes in at 164.5 mm by 76.1 mm by 8.65 mm with 196 g weight. There’s a sizable front chin on the N25 which might look out of place by 2024 standards. But considering the price range, it's an understandable tradeoff. On the positive end, there’s IP52 water and dust resistance on the N25.
Read more: Tecno Spark 20C Review: Standard phone under 15000 TK
Ports and buttons are placed in their usual location. There’s dual sim support on the N25 with a dedicated micro SDXC slot. There’s also a 3.5 mm headphone jack at the bottom along with the Type C port.
The Display: IPS LCD with 90 Hz refresh rate
There isn’t much to rave about the displays of budget-friendly smartphones. As usual, the N25 features an IPS INCELL LCD panel with a punch-hole camera on the front. The 6.6-inch panel has 720 by 1612 pixels for an HD+ resolution. In addition to the 90 Hz refresh rate, the panel boasts a 180 Hz touch sampling rate and 400 nits of peak brightness. The exact pixel count and screen-to-body ratio on the N25 couldn’t be confirmed.
For an LCD panel, the display has decent brightness, color reproduction, and viewing angles. The 90 Hz refresh rate and the color vividness alleviates the overall interaction with the display.
Read more: Honor 90 Lite Review: Performance within Budget
The Camera: 50 MP AI Triple Camera
Like most smartphones in the entry-level segment, the number of camera sensors is usually a marketing bait. The case is similar with the N25 as well. There’s a 50 MP f/1.8 main sensor with AF, and PDAF. Walton has also included basic features like BSI, Antibanding, and Touch Focus. But that’s about it when it comes to the back camera as the other two included sensors are a 2 MP macro and an unrated AI camera.
The front features a usable 8 MP f/2.0 sensor for decent enough selfies.
The camera performance, similar to other NEXG smartphones, is a hit-and-miss at times. The camera was able to produce decent results in good lighting with a slightly greenish tint. The details and dynamic range were also satisfactory. But under harsh lights, the camera fails to properly expose the subject and the background. The portrait mode also leaves much to be desired with edge detection errors here and there. Nighttime photos are riddled with grains and noises. The night mode however helps a bit with decent artificial lights.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 5G Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The videography is limited to 1080P without any form of stabilization onboard the device.
Processor and Performance: Decent Daily Driver with Bloatware Issues
The processor on the N25 is a Unisoc Tiger T616 2.0 GHz octa-core one. It is coupled with Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. On paper, the T616 is a basic entry-level Octa-core processor that is best suited for casual day-to-day use. The N25 also comes with 4GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. There’s an additional 4 GB of virtual RAM that can be accessed from the storage.
Games on the N25 performed below par. Titles like Free Fire, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 had a lot of flickers and stutters to make it a smooth experience. On the other hand, 2D and less graphics-intensive games like Temple Run 2 ran smoothly.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
The N25 is using Dido OS based on Android 13. It’s a third-party OS with its own set of bloatware, which thankfully, can be uninstalled. The OS has some useful features like quick navigation through Smart Touch and ring light notifications. There are three distinct ring lights blended into the three back cameras which act as a notification light.
The processor and the RAM would have been better on the N25 as competitors like Xiaomi offer Snapdragon equivalence at this budget-friendly range.
Battery and Charge Time
The NEXG N25 comes with a 5000 mAh battery. The low processing power allows for a good battery life which would comfortably last all day in a single charge. There’s a 10W charging brick included in the box. However, the device can support up to 18W charging.
Read more: vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
Pros and Cons of Walton NEXG N25
Pros:
- Good Display - Great Build Quality - Ring light notification - Great battery life - IP52 protection.
Cons
- Subpar performance - Average camera.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
Price of Walton NEXG N25 in Bangladesh
The Walton NEXG N25 smartphone is available for 13,999 BDT in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The NEXG N25 offers a good package considering the competition in the budget-friendly segment. An inclusion of 6 GB RAM, a periscope sensor, and a slightly more powerful processor could make the device a strong competitor. However, the smartphone still shines in its display, design, and build quality. For what it is worth, the Walton NEXG N25 is best suited for those looking for a casual daily driver for processor-easy tasks.
Read more: Tecno Spark 20 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart look
February 2024: Most Hyped Smartphones Releasing in Bangladesh
January was stacked with releases from major brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, and others. However, the flare of January will be carried on to February as well; partly due to new launches as well as global releases. The Mobile World Congress (MWC) happening in the last week of February would see a majority of the releases. With that said, here’s the list of highly anticipated smartphone releases in February 2024.
Most Anticipated Phones Coming to Bangladesh in February
iQOO Neo 9 Pro
The iQOO Neo 9 Pro was officially launched in China back on 30th January 2024. However, iQOO has confirmed that the global variant of the smartphone will hit the market sometime in mid-February.
The Neo 9 Pro features a stunning 6.78 inch 144 Hz LTPO AMOLED screen with 1400 nits of HBM. There’s a dual rear camera setup on board with both the primary and ultrawide shooter being a 50 MP one.
Read more: Wanbo Mozart 1 Projector Review: A Smart Home Theatre Experience
The smartphone is powered by Dimensity 9300 based on the 4 Nm architecture. There’s a rumor that the global variant might come with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Neo 9 Pro features RAM of up to 16 GB and storage of up to 1 TB for a worry-free and snappy user experience.
Honor X9B 5G
Honor X9b 5G was launched back in October in China. The global launch of the smartphone is expected to start in India sometime in the latter half of February.
The X9b features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 2K resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. There’s a triple camera setup on board with the main camera being a 108 MP one. The additional sensors are a 5 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro shooter.
Read more: OnePlus 12 Review: Fastest Android Experience?
The smartphone is powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 based on 4 Nm architecture. The smaller architecture makes for an efficient use even for a mid-range processor. The X9b will also feature up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.
Honor Magic 6 Pro
If you’re looking for a flagship smartphone from Honor, then you might want to wait till the global launch of Magic 6 Pro in MWC 2024.
The Magic 6 Pro has already been released in China with some impressive features. It features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with 120 Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits of HBM. The display has a 2K resolution with 453 ppi density.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: The Flagship Benchmark for 2024
The Magic 6 Pro is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB of storage.
There’s a triple camera setup on board the Magic 6 Pro. The main sensor is a 50 MP one and the additional sensors are a 108 MP periscope and 50 MP ultrawide shooter. It also sports a 50MP selfie shooter.
Nothing Phone (2a)
Rumors about an affordable Nothing Phone have been going around for quite some time now. While there’s still no exact date, Nothing will likely launch their Phone (2a) in MWC 2024.
Nothing Phone (2a) is expected to be powered by the mid-ranger Dimensity 7200 4nm processor. It’ll be coupled with a 6.7-inch OLED panel and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
Read more: OPPO Find X7 Ultra: A deep dive into this photo-phone
The camera is speculated to feature a 50 MP main and a 50 MP ultrawide shooter. As for storage, the 2a will feature up to 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Last year, the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro were launched in October 2023. Many speculated the release date for the 14 Ultra to complete the series. It is now confirmed that the 14 Ultra will get its official global launch during MWC 2024.
The 14 Ultra is expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor in line with all the flagships to be released this year. The powerful chipset will be complemented by up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage. Not much is known about the display except that it will be a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. As for the camera, users will be getting 50 MP quad sensors with co-engineering from Leica.
Read more: Best of Consumer Electronics Show 2024: The Top Picks
Oppo F25 5G
Oppo is all set to launch the F25 5G globally in February. The F25 is essentially a rebrand of their Reno 11F which was launched in China.
The smartphone is expected to be powered by Dimensity 7050 which is an upper mid-range processor. The display on the F25 will be an FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. On the storage front, users will be getting a single option of 8/256 GB.
There will be a triple camera setup on the back with the main camera being a 64 MP one. The secondary shooters will be 8 MP and 32 MP sensors. It also has a 32MP front camera.
Read more: Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device
Motorola Moto G04
Motorola will be unveiling its ultra-budget entry-level Moto G04 sometime in February. The G04 is expected to be powered by a Unisoc T606 12nm processor. Being a budget smartphone, the display on the G04 is expected to be an HD+ IPS LCD panel. However, it will boast a 90 Hz refresh rate.
The exact camera spec on the G04 is not known except that it’ll be a 16 MP main sensor and a 5 MP selfie shooter. The storage option is slated to be a 4/64 GB one.
realme GT 5 Pro
The realme GT 5 Pro has already been launched in China in December last year. However, speculation tells us that the smartphone may see its global release at MWC 2024.
The Realme GT 5 Pro features top of the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4nm processor along with an Adreno 750 GPU. The display is a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with 144 Hz refresh rate.
Read more: ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Heavy-Duty Flagship Gaming Device
There’s a triple rear camera setup on the GT 5 Pro. The main sensor is a 50 MP one with the additional sensors being a 50 MP periscope lens and an 8 MP ultrawide shooter. Besides, it has a 32MP selfie sensor. The storage on the GT 5 Pro can go up to 16 GB/ 1 TB combination.
Final Words
There’s a good mix of flagship, mid-range, and even ultra-budget smartphones releasing in February 2024. While most of the releases for the month have already happened in China, the MWC happening from the 26th to the 29th would be the main showcase event for their global releases. It is anticipated that most of these phones will be available in Bangladesh officially or unofficially.
Read more: Xiaomi POCO X6 Pro Review: Is It a Value for Money Midranger?
Wanbo Mozart 1 Projector Review: A Smart Home Theatre Experience
Do you dream of watching films on big screens at home? If yes, then take a look at Mozart 1 produced by Wanbo, a subsidiary company of Xiaomi that focuses on visual solutions with its affordable projector lineup. In this wave, Mozart 1 released on 22nd September 2023, created a storm in the global market. So what makes this projector special? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications of Wanbo Mozart 1
Design and Build Quality
Looking at the other releases from Wanbo, it is clear that the brand focuses on compact and minimal design aesthetics. The Mozart 1 is made from plastic with a contrasting white body and black projector face. The projector comes in at 176 mm by 209 mm by 223 mm dimension which gives it a compact rectangular shape weighing at 3.5 Kg. The dual-tone front is criss-crossed with a speaker grill at the bottom and the projector head at the top.
The back of the projector features a speaker grill along with two USB ports, one HDMI, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The power button is located at the top with two 8W speakers directed at the front of the projector. There’s an additional mount at the bottom to slant the projector which is a thoughtful addition. The projector can be easily controlled with the dedicated remote controller. The inconspicuous design of the Mozart 1 easily helps it to blend with its surroundings.
Read more: Samsung 8K Smart QLED TV Price in Bangladesh: Grab Your Home Theater
Technical Specifications
The Wanbo Mozart 1 uses PixelPro 5.0 full closed optical for the projector head. The latest iteration of PixelPro brings better brightness, prolonged light lifespan (30,000 hours), efficient heat dissipation tech, and reduced noise.
The projector is running Android 9 optimised for the Android TV experience. It is powered by a quad-core processor with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage.
There’s a total of 5 optical curved lenses made from clear glass. Each layer has a dedicated functionality of light contraction and correction, clutter blocking, and enhanced transmittance. The result is up to 8 times better performance with up to 97.8% transmittance rate.
Wanbo calls the Mozart 1 to be a smart projector. And it has some pretty neat tricks under its sleeves to justify the name. For example, the included autofocus helps in auto-keystone correction and intelligent obstacle avoidance. Just face the projector towards the screen and press the on button, the projector head would automatically align itself based on the screen dimension. The included Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 ensure seamless streams and connection in every aspect.
There are two 8W 65 Hz ultra bass stereo speakers included in the projector. In essence, the Mozart 1 brings a complete home theatre experience in a compact form factor that’s probably half the size of your CPU.
Read more: Top Speaker, Sound Box, and Sound Systems in Bangladesh
Image Projection Quality
The Mozart 1 can support up to 180-inch screen projection maintaining its standard resolution of 1920 by 1080. Additionally, the projector can decode up to 4K content in real-time without any issues or frame drop.
Being an Android TV equivalent, it is possible to run Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms natively on the projector. The quad-core processing power is more than enough to compensate for Mozart 1 as a standalone home theatre.
The image quality has been excellent thanks to the PixelPro tech and 16-point image processing. The sharp viewing is ensured by 900 ANSI luminosity for high contrast and brightness. Wanbo claims that the Mozart 1 can produce a 90% cinema-level colour gamut on the screen. In terms of actual colour gamut coverage, the test shows around 62.3% sRGB and 44.8% DCI-P3 coverage. The projection scale is fixed at a 16:9 ratio to maintain the cinema-grade output.
Beyond the technical jargon, the Mozart 1 is a treat to look at. The high brightness renders excellent colour contrast and true tone on any white background. The intelligent alignment makes it a breeze to set up and get right onto the business.
Pros and Cons of Wanbo of Mozart 1
Pros:
- 900 ANSI brightness - Up to 4K projection - Built-in speaker - Intelligent setup - Highly portable
Cons:
- Only two fixed positions with the fixed mount- Cannot be placed on any tripods.
Official Price of Wanbo Mozart 1
The official price of the Wanbo Mozart 1 is 399 USD. The price roughly translates to around 43,775 BDT at the current exchange rate (1 USD = 109.71 BDT). The Mozart 1 isn’t officially available in Bangladesh. Some local vendors are selling the projector. However, the price of Wanbo Mozart 1 in Bangladesh may vary depending on the sellers.
Verdict
TheMozart 1 brings a smart projector experience in a home theatre package. The projector is designed with home entertainment in mind with thoughtful considerations for professional use as well. The updated projector head, light emitter, and smart calibration make the Mozart 1 a breeze to use. The only drawback would be the two fixed positions for the projector. Other than that, the Wanbo Mozart 1 checks all the boxes for a smart home projector.
Read more: Home Theater Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh
OnePlus 12 Review: Fastest Android Experience?
OnePlus has long since passed its prime from being the “flagship killer” in the Android space. It slowly shifted from offering value-for-money smartphones to full-on flagships with secondary mid-range iterations. OnePlus launched the OnePlus 12 on December 11, 2023, making it the last big release of 2023. But with all that it has under the belt, OnePlus is aiming for the fastest Android experience in 2024.
Key Specifications of OnePlus 12
Design and Build Quality: Same Old Design with a Dash of Character
By all means, the OnePlus 12 looks exactly the same as its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. The merging round camera housing and all sides curved front reminisce the somewhat iconic design introduced with the OnePlus 10. The front glass features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with the rear featuring standard Gorilla Glass. The back now has a marble-like finish with a glossy inlay on the camera housing.
The device comes in at 164.3 mm by 75.8 mm by 9.2 mm and has a hefty weight of 220g. Ports and buttons are all standard as usual. The power button, volume rockers, sim slot, and alert slider are all placed in their desired position. The phone comes with IP65 water and dustproofing rather than the standard IP68 seen on most flagship smartphones. In a sense, the design of the OnePlus 12 adds a minor refinement over their proven strategy.
Read more: iQoo 12 Pro Review: Flagship phone for gamers
The Display: A New Standard for Brightness
OnePlus has recently been marred with green line controversies on its panel. And it seems like OnePlus has decided to completely overhaul the display tech with the OnePlus 12. The 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED ProXDR panel comes with 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. OnePlus has used a diamond pixel layout compared to the traditional square layout. It has a 1440 by 3168 pixels resolution with 510 ppi density and a 19.8:9 aspect ratio. The all-around curve gives the panel about 90.8% screen-to-body ratio. The display also supports 100% Display P3 and 10-bit color depth.
What’s interesting here is the brightness of the panel. The typical brightness holds at 600 nits and up to 1600 nits at HBM. But the panel can crank up to 4500 nits in peak mode. That’s more than any smartphone out there in the market by a long mile. And its something that won’t be exercised even in the harshest sunlight. On the flip side, the panel supports 2160 Hz PWM dimming for ultra-low brightness for nighttime use. All things considered, the display is definitely a highlight for the OnePlus 12.
Read more: vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera
The Camera: Same Old OnePlus
The camera has consistently been a point of contention with OnePlus smartphones. And unfortunately, things haven’t really changed much. There’s a triple camera setup on the OnePlus 12 with the main camera being an updated 50 MP sensor. It has an f/1.6 aperture and a 23mm wide-angle opening. The additional sensors are a 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm periscope lens with up to 3x zoom and a 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ ultrawide shooter. The front camera is a 32 MP, f/2.4, 21mm wide-angle shooter.
All the sensors are stacked with features like multidirectional PDAF, OIS, and gyro-EIS. OnePlus has been partnering with Hasselblad for a customized color calibration. The pictures on the OnePlus 12 can be best described as slightly better than that of the 11 with somewhat similar flaws. Images have slight exposure issues with an average dynamic range. The camera is also post-processing heavy to the point that what you see on the screen grossly differs from what’s processed after the shutter click.
The videography of the rear cameras stay the same at 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/480fps. The selfie shooter can capture a maximum of 4K footage at 30fps. However, the exposure issue and low light videography leaves much to be desired from the Oneplus 12.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: The Flagship Benchmark for 2024
Every year, Samsung starts with its flagship lineup for the year which becomes the standard for all flagships to follow. This year, Samsung followed the legacy by announcing the S24 series on 17th January 2024. The S24 Ultra, the latest and greatest in the lineup, is an incremental update over last year’s S23 Ultra. But there’s so much more to it than meets the eye. Let's take a look at the features, pros, cons, and price of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Key Specifications of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Design and Build Quality: Refined to Perfection
Samsung has always been true to the “Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” ideology. From the back, the S24 Ultra looks identical to the outgoing S23 Ultra. However, the front side has been revamped in favor of a completely flat screen instead of the curve. And this year, it’s all titanium on the frame with seven different colorways to choose from.
The device comes in at 162.3 mm by 79 mm by 8.6 mm, a smidgeon smaller and slimmer than last year’s flagship. The front glass has been bumped up to Gorilla Glass Armor with the back featuring the standard Victus. The Ultra is also a tad bit lighter at 232 g thanks to the aluminum build. That’s about it when it comes to design changes.
Read more: iQoo 12 Pro Review: Flagship phone for gamers
The quad camera, stylus, sim slot, and the Type C port are all where they used to be from last year. The IP68 water resistance is also there as is standard on most flagships these days. The flat screen is, however, the biggest change and it might prove to be the game changer for the S24 Ultra as it is generally preferred over a curved one.
The Display: Samsung’s Supremacy Bumped Up to New Heights
If there’s one thing Samsung flagships have consistently done right, it has to be the display. The S24 Ultra takes that a notch up even with its minor updates.
The flat 6.8-inch screen is what Samsung is calling their Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X. The flat screen has a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and upgraded 2600 nits of peak brightness. The panel holds a 1440 by 3120 pixels resolution with an uncommon 19.5:9 ratio and 505 ppi density. Being flat on all sides, the screen-to-body ratio comes in at 88.5%.
Read more: vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera
This year Samsung has added an extra layer of anti glaring coating on the Gorilla Glass Armor. The result is a bright, crisp, and sharp display that is just pure joy to navigate.
The Camera: A Utilitarian Approach
The quad camera on the S24 Ultra features a 200 MP f/1.7 24 mm wide angle main shooter. The sensor is complemented by a 10 MP f/2.4 67 mm telephoto and 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120-degree ultra-wide camera. The periscope lens has been updated to a 50 MP, f/3.4, 111mm lens from a 10 MP one. The new periscope sensor can shoot up to 5x instead of 10x on the last generation.
The cameras are stacked with features like multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS, and many other technical prowess. The result is a camera that can churn out 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, and 1080p@960fps all the while maintaining HDR10+ quality.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
On the front side, S24 Ultra sports a 12MP (f/2.2) selfie shooter. It can capture a maximum of 4k videos at 30 and 60fps.
It’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly changed in terms of picture quality. The typical Samsung processing is on full show with sharpened images and great dynamic range. The night mode or Nightography as Samsung calls it, uses AI to identify different subjects within an image and direct exposure accordingly.
Samsung has also partnered with Instagram and Snapchat for a direct feed upload for lossless image sharing on their platforms. Simply put, Samsung slightly upped the bar for an already great camera system.
Read more: realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability
Processor and Performance: A New Level of AI Integration
The S24 Ultra is running the latest Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor based on the 4 Nm architecture. This is the first time a Snapdragon processor has beaten the current Apple flagship silicone for mobiles. On top of that, the S24 Ultra is using a customized version of the chipset for an even greater performance boost.
On paper, the 8 Gen 3 features 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.1GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.2GHz Cortex-A52 chips with Adreno 750 GPU.
S24 Ultra runs on One UI 6.1 on top of Android 14.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review: An Incremental Update Nearing Perfection
There’s a new heat-dissipating tech on the Ultra which does an excellent job at keeping the phone cool, even under heavy duress. Games like PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 ran smoothly without any frame drops whatsoever.
But what’s interesting about Ultra is the incorporation of Galaxy AI. The S24 Ultra heavily incorporates AI for photo editing, note-taking, translation, and even quick image search using the S pen.
The smartphone is now able to transcribe recordings, make summaries, and optimize photos even before the shutter is clicked. There’s so much to grasp here that Samsung has its twinkling assistant to guide users wherever they can use AI on the phone.
Read more: Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device
Battery and Charge Time: A Two-Day Battery Capacity
The battery on the S24 Ultra is a 5000 mAh one with 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless Qi charging. The wired brick can take the smartphone up to 65% in 30 minutes. There’s also 4.5W reverse wireless charging similar to the S23 Ultra.
In terms of use, the S24 Ultra will comfortably last a day and a half.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Pros:
- Gorgeous flat-screen - Updated build quality - Utility-focused camera updates - Great battery - A new bar in performance - Galaxy AI.
Read more: ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Heavy-Duty Flagship Gaming Device
Cons:
- Minute incremental update over the S23 Ultra- It is a bit pricey.
Price of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The S24 Ultra comes in at 12/256 GB, 12/512 GB, and 12 GB/ 1 TB configuration. The official price of the variants are 1,29,999 INR, 1,39,999 INR, and 1,59,999 INR. The price roughly translates to about 1,71,806 BDT, 1,85,022 BDT, and 2,11,454 BDT respectively (1 INR =1.32 BDT).
Verdict: The Best Money Can Buy
The S24 Ultra is a glaring testament to the best of what Android can offer. With its slightly updated design, build quality, camera, and processor, the S24 Ultra feels like a minor update over the previous gen. However, the high level of AI integration combined with the flat screen makes the S24 Ultra unique in its way.
At over 1300 USD, the S24 Ultra isn’t for everyone, certainly not for those who already own an S23 Ultra. But there’s no doubt that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will be the flagship standard for 2024.
Read more: OPPO Find X7 Ultra: A deep dive into this photo-phone
OPPO Find X7 Ultra: A deep dive into this photo-phone
Released on January 12, 2024, in China, the Oppo Find X7 Ultra has emerged as a camera-focused flagship smartphone, showcasing an array of impressive features and top-tier capabilities. Oppo has spared no expense in equipping this device with all the essential features one would anticipate from a high-end smartphone. From its cutting-edge camera system to its sleek design, the Oppo Find X7 Ultra aims to set a new standard in the world of flagship smartphones. Let’s take a look into the details of this phone.
Features and Specs of OPPO Find X7 Ultra
Design
The OPPO Find X7 Ultra boasts a familiar yet striking design, reminiscent of its predecessor, the Find X6 Pro. Featuring a dual-tone color scheme and a distinctive circular camera bump playfully nicknamed the "camera Oreo," the phone stands out in the market for its aesthetic appeal.
The rear, crafted from colored vegan leather, curves gracefully around the camera, preventing abrupt visual interruptions. The Orange and Blue variants showcase a ceramic-like top, while the Black variant features metal-like details and stitched vegan leather.
The device's ergonomic design, despite its sizable metal and glass build, impresses with a thin 9.5mm profile and a manageable weight of 221g.
Read more: ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Heavy-Duty Flagship Gaming Device
The vegan leather back enhances grip, ensuring a comfortable hold, and the cleverly designed camera bump doubles as a resting spot for fingers. Overall, the OPPO Find X7 Ultra's unique design, coupled with practical elements, contributes to an enjoyable and visually appealing smartphone experience.
Display
The OPPO Find X7 Ultra features a stunning 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display, boasting a remarkable resolution of 3168 by 1440 pixels with around 510 PPI density. The adaptive refresh rate ranges from 1 to 120Hz, ensuring a seamless user experience.
This panel supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, showcasing up to 1 billion colors. With a theoretical max brightness of 4,500 nits, real-world usage reaches up to 1,600 nits in regular conditions and up to 2,600 nits with HDR content.
Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the curved display delivers outstanding sharpness, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
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The slight variation in bezel thickness is subtle, with a screen-to-body ratio exceeding 90%. Users praise the panel for its responsiveness, smooth operation, and overall excellence, making it one of the top displays currently available.
Camera
The phone boasts a powerful quad-camera setup that takes your photography experience to the next level. The main camera system includes four lenses: a 50 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture for crisp and detailed shots, a 50 MP (f/2.6) periscope telephoto lens with 2.8x optical zoom, another 50 MP (f/4.3) periscope telephoto lens with an impressive 6x optical zoom, and a 50 MP (f/2.0) ultra-wide lens with a wide 123 ̊ field of view.
With multi-directional phase detection autofocus (PDAF), laser autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS), these cameras ensure sharp and stable images. The Hasselblad Color Calibration feature enhances color accuracy, making your photos vibrant and true to life.
On the video front, the rear cameras of the device support 4K recording at 30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60/240fps, and features like gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video, and Dolby Vision.
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The selfie camera, a 32 MP (f/2.4) wide lens with PDAF, captures stunning self-portraits and supports a maximum of 4K video recording at 30 and 60fps featuring gyro-EIS.
Xiaomi POCO X6 Pro Review: Is It a Value for Money Midranger?
The onset of 2024 marked a notable increase in smartphone launches, particularly within the midrange category. In this wave, the reputed smartphone brand Xiaomi released the POCO X6 Pro in India on January 11. While retaining some key elements from its ancestor, the device brings several innovative features. Let’s take a look at the key specs, pros, cons, and price of Xiaomi POCO X6 Pro in Bangladesh.
Key Features of POCO X6 Pro
Design
The Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro exhibits a sleek design, measuring 160.5 mm by 74.3 mm by 8.3 mm and weighing 186 g or 190 g. With a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and options for a plastic or eco-leather back, it combines elegance with durability. The device is dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) and carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance.
The glass finish on the back is visually striking, though prone to fingerprints. The rear camera island is seamlessly integrated, ensuring stability on flat surfaces. The flat plastic frame with a metallic finish houses power and volume buttons on the right, a secondary speaker, a secondary microphone, an IR blaster on the top, a USB-C port, a primary speaker, a primary microphone, and a removable SIM slot on the bottom.
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The flat display dominates the front with thin bezels, facilitating a seamless user experience, while the phone's lightweight construction and modest thickness enhance its overall appeal.
Display
The Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro flaunts a remarkable 6.67-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 1.5K resolution (2712 by 1220 pixels) and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. With a 12-bit color depth offering 68 billion colors, the visuals are vibrant. The display supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, delivering stunning contrast and color accuracy. It reaches up to 1800 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions and enhancing the viewing experience for HDR content. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides robust protection.
In practical use, the display is responsive and features accurate touch recognition. POCO introduces convenience with the ability to operate the display with wet fingers. The inclusion of various pre-set color schemes, including "Original Colour PRO," ensures natural and calibrated color reproduction. Overall, the POCO X6 Pro's display stands out for its clarity, vibrancy, and adaptability to various scenarios, promising an optimal visual experience.
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Camera
The Poco X6 Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, headlined by a 64 MP wide sensor with an impressive f/1.7 aperture, 25mm focal length, and optical image stabilization. Accompanying it are an 8 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens with a 120˚ field of view and a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro lens.
While the main camera excels in good lighting conditions, providing detailed and vibrant captures, the ultrawide lens proves effective for expansive cityscapes. However, the macro lens falls short of expectations.
The rear camera system features LED flash, HDR, and panorama capabilities, capturing videos in 4K at 24/30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps with gyro-EIS.
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The 16 MP (f/2.4) front camera delivers satisfactory results, supporting HDR and panorama features and recording videos at 1080p/30/60fps. The front camera, though offering satisfactory performance, has HDR that lags behind the rear cameras.
Overall, the Poco X6 Pro's camera system offers a well-rounded photography experience with notable strengths and some limitations.
ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Heavy-Duty Flagship Gaming Device
Chinese telecommunication company ZTE’s subsidiary Nubia Technology is a smartphone manufacturing brand, headquartered in Shenzhen. At the closure of 2023, the Smartphone industry witnessed the unveiling of Nubia's latest marvel, the Z60 Ultra. Drawing attention from mobile enthusiasts, it presents qualities in design, screen, photography, performance, and more that have become a focal point of discussion. Released on December 29, 2023, the ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra proves itself to be an extraordinary device across the board. Now, let's embark on a thorough exploration of this standout device, known as the "Hexagonal Warrior."
Key Features and Specs of Nubia Z60 Ultra
Display
The Nubia Z60 Ultra flaunts an impressive design, measuring 164 mm by 76.4 mm by 8.8 mm and weighing 246g.
This device supports two SIM cards and boasts IP68 dust and water resistance. The back is crafted from a special glass that repels fingerprints, maintaining a clean and polished appearance.
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The rear camera setup, inspired by the universe, not only provides a visually unique layout but also improves grip during intense gaming sessions. The robust aerospace metal middle frame enhances durability, ensuring the phone can withstand accidental drops.
Departing from conventional camera placements, this phone features a flat wide-angle lens on top and a periscope telephoto lens below, challenging design norms for a distinctive look.
Drawing inspiration from Van Gogh's artistry, the Starry Sky edition showcases a mesmerising 3D-layered finish reminiscent of a captivating night sky. It has other colour options, which are black and silver.
While some may appreciate its mature and boxy aesthetic, it's essential to note its 8.78mm thickness and 246g weight, factors to consider for those who prefer lighter devices.
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Display
The Nubia Z60 Ultra presents a distinct design complemented by its standout 6.8-inch AMOLED True Full Screen. Boasting a resolution of 1116 by 2480 pixels with 400 PPI density and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the bezel-free display provides a visually immersive experience.
Notably, the front-facing camera is cleverly concealed beneath the screen using the UDC Ultra technology, ensuring an uninterrupted surface. The pixels above the camera are a mere 2.8um in size, enhancing the overall display quality.
While not the brightest or most vibrant, the flat and flawless nature of the screen is impressive. This unique design choice, coupled with features like HDR10+, DC dimming, and 10-bit colour depth, adds to the overall appeal of the Nubia Z60 Ultra, creating a device that stands out in the crowd.
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Cameras
With three rear cameras and one hidden under the screen, the Nubia Z60 Ultra offers versatility. The 50 MP (f/1.6) main camera with a 35mm lens ensures sharp photos with a natural bokeh effect. The ultra-wide 50MP (f/1.8) camera, using an 18mm lens, captures a wider field of view, while the 64 MP (f/ 3.3) telephoto camera features an 85mm lens. It achieves 5x optical zoom and 20x hybrid zoom.
The front-facing under-display 12MP camera facilitates unobstructed selfies and video calls, complemented by AI beautification and HDR modes.
The phone's photography features include night mode, portrait mode, and a special Starry Sky mode for capturing the beauty of the night sky. The Z60 Ultra's unconventional approach to camera focal lengths caters to photography enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective in both design and functionality.
The rear sensors can shoot a maximum of 8K video footage at 30fps. Besides, it can capture 4K and 1080p videos at different capacities. The front sensor can capture only 1080p footage at 30fps.
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Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device
Known for producing top-notch Android gaming phones under the ROG line-up, Asus has distinguished itself by creating purpose-built devices. In this wave, the Asus ROG Phone 8 made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 on January 8. Let’s take a look at the new features and upgrades in the latest ROG phone.
Key Features and Specs of ROG Phone 8
Design
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro introduces a more conventional design, weighing 225 grams and measuring 163.8mm by 76.8mm by 8.9 mm. With smaller bezels and a thinner 8.9mm profile, it offers a lighter and sleeker form factor.
Retaining AirTriggers on each shoulder, the phone forgoes motorised vents, gaining an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. Practical features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and side-mounted USB-C charging port remain intact.
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While still gaming-centric, the ROG Phone 8 Pro deviates from the bold aesthetics of its predecessors. The rear panel conceals the LED array when turned off, giving it a more ordinary appearance. Even the camera module adopts a simple, slightly raised square section in the top corner.
However, users may find it less striking compared to previous models. The design, seemingly aimed at broader appeal and usability, may risk alienating hardcore ROG Phone enthusiasts who appreciate the uniqueness of older models.
ROG Phone 8 is available in two colour options: Rebel Grey and Phantom Black.
Display
The Asus ROG Phone 8 boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ (2400 by 1080 pixels) Samsung Flexible AMOLED display. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. With a vivid colour range, it covers 107.37% DCI-P3, 145.65% sRGB, and 103.16% NTSC colour gamuts. This means sharp and vibrant visuals.
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The brightness is impressive, reaching up to 1,600 nits HBM and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits. HDR10 support enhances the viewing experience, providing richer colours and contrast. The display offers a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, with a maximum of 165Hz for supported games, ensuring smooth visuals.
Noteworthy is the Always-On display feature, displaying essential information with tiny icons, like charging status, due to the absence of a thick top bezel. The 10-point multitouch supports glove touch, adding to user convenience.
While some may miss a QHD resolution, the FHD choice is likely a compromise for better power consumption, especially with the phone's higher refresh rate. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 8's display promises an immersive and dynamic visual experience.
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Cameras
The Asus ROG Phone 8 comes equipped with a powerful rear camera setup for capturing stunning photos and videos. The main rear camera features a Sony IMX 890 50 MP image sensor with a large 1/1.56” sensor size.
Enhancing stability, the main camera incorporates Gimbal OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Quad Bayer technology, resulting in a 12.5 MP image with a 2 µm large effective pixel size. The wide F1.9 aperture and a 23.8mm equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera ensure impressive low-light performance and sharp images.
Complementing the main camera is a 13 MP second rear camera with a 120° ultrawide-angle lens and a Free-form lens, providing diverse shooting perspectives. The equivalent focal length is 12.7mm in a 35mm film camera.
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Adding versatility, the third rear camera is a 32 MP lens with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3X optical zoom. Utilising pixel binning technology, the actual output photo is 8 MP, and the equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 65.3mm.
For selfie enthusiasts, the front camera boasts a 32 MP RGBW sensor with pixel binning for 1.4μm size (actual output photo: 8 MP). The equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 22mm, ensuring clear and vibrant self-portraits. Overall, the camera setup on the Asus ROG Phone 8 promises a versatile and high-quality photography experience.