gadget
10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh
In a world where cars serve as essential parts for both personal commutes and services like Uber, their safety and security have never been more critical. Car theft remains a pervasive concern, leaving owners and drivers vulnerable to substantial losses. However, in 2023, the solution to this problem lies in advanced technology – GPS trackers for cars. These devices not only enhance the security of the vehicle but also provide a myriad of benefits, from optimizing routes for businesses to lowering insurance premiums.
Necessity of GPS Trackers for Cars
Enhanced Security: GPS trackers provide real-time location data, facilitating theft recovery and ensuring the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
Fleet Management: Businesses can optimize routes, monitor fuel efficiency, and enhance employee productivity by tracking their vehicles.
Lower Insurance Premiums: Improved risk management and driver behavior tracking can lead to reduced insurance costs for car owners and commercial fleets.
Peace of Mind: GPS trackers offer peace of mind to vehicle owners and loved ones, knowing that they can locate the vehicle at any time.
Efficiency: Real-time data enables more efficient travel, whether for personal or business use, reducing wasted time and resources.
Valuable Information: GPS trackers generate valuable data on vehicle usage and performance, aiding in decision-making and maintenance.
Compliance: Certain industries and regulations may require the use of GPS trackers to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
Read more: Top Super Luxury Cars for 2023
Top 10 GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh in 2023
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service, launched in 2022 by Autonemo Limited in Bangladesh, offers a range of cutting-edge features and technical specifications to enhance the vehicle tracking experience. With real-time fuel monitoring, users can save up to 30% on fuel costs and closely track their vehicle's mileage and fuel efficiency. The Route Replay feature allows the users to review past routes, providing valuable insights into the vehicle's history. Detailed records of daily mileage and fuel usage are kept with high accuracy.
The users can pinpoint their car's exact parking spot and monitor the duration of parking, while also configuring automated alerts for added security. Geofence alerts notify the users when their vehicle enters or exits specific areas. Autonemo doesn't stop at tracking alone; they offer a 100% genuine supply of automotive parts, accessories, and lubricants through their online shop.
As for pricing, Autonemo offers various options, including the Autonemo Premium GPS Tracker at BDT 8000, the Autonemo Standard GPS Tracker for Car-Microbus-SUV at BDT 6000, and the Autonemo GPS OBD Plug and Play GPS Tracker for Hybrid-Brand New Cars at BDT 5500.
Pros
- Real-time fuel monitoring can lead to significant fuel savings.- Detailed route replay helps track vehicle movements and verify routes.- Accurate daily mileage and fuel tracking for better cost control.- Parking times feature aids in vehicle security and monitoring.- Geofence alerts enhance safety and security.
Cons
The availability of certain features might depend on the subscription plan chosen.
Read more: How to Reduce Oil Consumption in Cars
Grameenphone Smart Vehicle Tracker
Grameenphone's Smart Tracker is a comprehensive GPS solution for both individual vehicles and fleets. This telematics system offers precise vehicle location tracking, driver behavior monitoring, engine diagnostics, and real-time notifications. It employs satellite GPS and GSM communication, supporting various vehicle types.
With BTRC approval, it ensures high accuracy, nationwide installation, and 24/7 support. The platform is stable with 99.9% uptime, and it comes with a generous extended device replacement warranty of up to 5 years. Notable features include smart geo-fencing, remote engine diagnosis, and audio listening. For pricing details, it's advisable to contact Grameenphone directly.
There are two types of GPS trackers offered by Grameenphone. One is a wireless system called eVTS that charges BDT 3,599 and a monthly subscription fee of BDT 299. The other one is a wired system that charges BDT 3,999 for the device and a monthly subscription fee of BDT 399.
Pros
- High accuracy and strong M2M connectivity.- Nationwide installation and robust aftersales support.- Comprehensive features for fleet management and security.- Compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.- Dedicated hotline support and extended warranty.
Cons
The availability of certain features might depend on the subscription plan chosen.Users may need to inquire about specific technical details and compatibility for their vehicles.
Read more: Autonemo awarded vehicle tracking service license by BTRC
Easytrax GPS Tracking Service
Easytrax GPS Tracking Service, introduced in 2016, stands out as a top contender in the GPS tracking service arena with a wealth of impressive features. Users can harness the power of real-time fuel monitoring, precise daily mileage tracking, and the ability to replay historical routes. The service also offers geofence alerts, essential maintenance scheduling, and the unique capability to monitor multiple vehicles within a single platform.
With access to six distinct map views, including street and satellite perspectives, Easytrax provides unmatched flexibility. Users can remotely control their vehicle's engine, receive movement updates through email, SMS, or notifications, and even get alerted to idle vehicles or excessive speeds. Furthermore, advanced features like tamper alerts, location marking, fleet vehicle tracking, real-time fuel management, and intelligent GPS electronic locks elevate the level of asset security.
Driver monitoring and reporting tools keep businesses well-informed, while Google Live Traffic updates ensure real-time access to critical traffic information. Easytrax offers a wide range of pricing options, starting at just 2,999 BDT, making these advanced features accessible to a broad spectrum of customers.
Pros
- A comprehensive set of features for both individual users and businesses.- Robust fleet management tools, including route monitoring and real-time fuel management.- Advanced features like intelligent GPS electronic lock for asset protection.- Easy online sign-up process and a network of nationwide distributors.- Affordable pricing options and potential cost savings for clients.
Cons
- Performance may be affected in areas with poor network coverage- Limited international availability
Read more: How to Get BRTA Smart Card Driving License
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
The Xiaomi Redmi "Note" series is renowned for its exceptional balance of performance, affordability, and innovative features. Redmi Note 13 debuted in China on September 21, 2023. The phone has come with some strong features within an affordable price range. Let’s dive into the key specs, advantages and disadvantages of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G.
Key Features of Redmi Note 13 5G
Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 boasts an impressive blend of design, build quality, and robust features that make it a standout smartphone in its class. Measuring at 161.1 mm by 75 mm by 7.6 mm and weighing just 173.5 grams, it strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability. The device offers dual SIM card slots (Nano-SIM), allowing for versatile connectivity options.
One of its standout features is its IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, assuring users that it can withstand the challenges of daily life, such as accidental spills or exposure to light rain. The ceramic back not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances durability, protecting the phone from potential damage and corrosion due to liquid contact. Complementing this is the sleek glass-and-aluminum frame, which not only adds an extra layer of sturdiness but also elevates its visual appeal.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 excels in the display department, as it doesn’t fall behind the expectation. Its 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 395 ppi pixel density. It provides sharp and detailed visuals and standard experience while watching videos, gaming, and web browsing. For maintaining the brightness level, it offers ultra-bright 1000 nit peak brightness. The display also includes of HDR10+ support that enhances contrast and dynamic range which surely adds to its colors and clarity.
Comparing it to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Note 12, the Redmi Note 13 offers a similar AMOLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Note 13 slightly lowers the peak brightness to 1000 nits from the Note 12's 1200 nits, but both models share the same pixel density of 395 ppi.
Hardware and Software
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 impresses with its hardware capabilities, driven by the powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset built on a 6nm architecture. This chipset handles everyday multitasking to demanding applications and games well enough compared to the processor of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 processor SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The octa-core CPU configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a good balance of power and efficiency.
Read more: vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
Furthermore, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 supports fast charging, a valuable feature for users constantly on the move. This ensures that your device can quickly regain its charge, minimizing downtime.
The phone runs on Android 13 with Xiaomi's MIUI 14 overlay. MIUI 14 brings several unique features to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13. Users can customize their home screen with "Super Icons," adjusting icon sizes and layouts. New folder options enhance app organization, and "Fast Connect (Bluetooth)" keeps Bluetooth on but not searching for devices when turned off, allowing for quicker reconnections. The update also includes fresh wallpapers and reduces pre-installed apps to streamline the user experience. New widgets offer improved customization. Xiaomi may have tailored additional features for the Redmi Note 13, making it worth checking official documentation and software updates for a comprehensive overview.
Cameras
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is somewhat average considering the budget range. At the forefront is the primary 100 MP camera, featuring an f/1.7 aperture and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus). Whereas its predecessor Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 featured a 48MP primary lens.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series is easily characterized by a sleek design, compact form factor, and an attractive price-performance ratio. This year, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 13 Pro on September 21 in China. With all the hype and buzz surrounding the device, here’s a detailed take on what the users are getting in this year’s Note 13 Pro.
Key Specifications of Redmi Note 13 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Redmi series has always been something out of the ordinary. The distinct design elements are especially visible on the back of the device. Last year, there was the stardust-like sparkle with the Purple variant. This year too, the users will be getting a marble-like finish with the White variant.
The device holds a 161.2 mm by 74.3 mm by 8 mm dimension with a weight of 187 g. The plastic frame and back aid in an overall lightweight build quality. Speaking of the build, the device is flat on all sides with slightly rounded edges.
Read more: vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
The camera housing on the back has gotten significantly larger than last year. The design somehow reminded me of the Infinix Note 30. However, the design highlight of the Note 13 Pro has to be its display. The Note 13 Pro is marketed as a mid-range smartphone. At this price point, Redmi has been able to fit in a symmetric punch-hole display with minimal bezel.
Coming to ports and buttons, everything is as expected on the Note 13 Pro. The volume rocker and the power button are placed on the side. This year, users will be getting an in-display fingerprint scanner compared to last year’s side-mounted one. The headphone is placed on top of the device with the speaker and Type-C making up the bottom.
The Display
As mentioned earlier, the display is one of the highlights of the Note 13 Pro. There’s a 6.67-inch OLED display on the Note 13 Pro with 68B color, 120 Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision. The display boasts an unusual 1.5K resolution with 1220 x 2712 pixels with 446 ppi density.
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The uniform bezel design allows for about 89.7% screen-to-body ratio which is one of the highest in this price range. The performance of the display also lives up to its specs. The content on the display looks crisp and sharp with a cooler tone. It also has 1800 nits of peak brightness which makes the display perfectly legible under direct sunlight.
A surprising addition to the panel is the use of the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It's unusual to see a top-of-the-line display protection tech being used in a mid-range smartphone.
Overall, the display is a strong suit of the Note 13 Pro in terms of both performance and value proposition.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the Note 13 Pro. The main sensor is a 200 MP one with an f/1.7 wide angle aperture and a 1/1.4” sensor. It also has multidirectional PDAF and OIS. The main sensor is supported by an 8 MP f/2.2 120˚ ultrawide sensor. And a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter.
Not to mention, the configuration of the 13 Pro’s primary sensor is a huge improvement from the ancestor Note 12 Pro’s 50 MP camera. However, the Note 13 Pro’s performance of the main camera is quite average. Though the sensor has a 200 MP count, its resolution is significantly lowered while using the pixel binning technology. Now, a question stands whether the 200 MP sensor is a marketing gimmick.
The dual LED flash is positioned in such a way that the dial of the flash is the same size as that of the macro sensor.
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In daylight, pictures came out great with decent dynamic range. The subject and the background had good distinctions in each shot with sharp focus and details in place. The pictures in bright conditions had a cooler tone to them. The ultrawide sensor also did a better job than the previous generation. However, there is still that slight fish-eye effect around the edges. Other than that, no complaints about daylight photography.
However, things aren’t the same in low-light conditions. Pictures taken in artificial lights suffer from exposure issues at times. There are also noticeable grains and noises in pictures taken with auto mode. Using the night helps to reduce them a bit but depending on the lighting conditions, some shots might come out overexposed.
The videography can go up to 4K at 30 fps and 1080P at 30, 60, and 120 fps. The outputs are decent thanks to the multidirectional PDAF and the OIS onboard. There’s also a generic 16 MP front shooter which is good enough for casual videos and selfies.
Read more: vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
Processor and Performance
The processor on the Redmi Note 13 Pro is a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 based on the 4 Nm architecture. This is a slightly toned-down version of the premium midrange 7 Gen chipsets from Snapdragon. The closest comparable chipset to the 7s Gen 2 is the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 6nm which was provided in the ancestor Redmi Note 12 Pro. But even then, the 7s Gen 2 slightly outperforms the Dimensity 1080.
The octa-core processor has a chip design of 4x2.40 GHz & 4x1.95 GHz with Adreno 710 GPU. In the test, the processor was able to run day-to-day tasks smoothly. The gaming results were also pretty good with the Note 13 Pro. PUBG could be run at HDR Extreme which asserts the processor’s capability. Titles like Asphalt 9, Genshin Impact, and COD also ran smoothly initially. It's “initially” because the device tends to heat up after about 30-odd minutes of gaming. Once the thermal throttling kicks in, there are occasional frame drops here and there.
The processor is supported by Android 13 with Redmi’s custom MIUI 14. The global variant would come with Google support but the test unit at hand had the Chinese ROM. There were usual bloatware and ads which hopefully won’t be present at the global variant.
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Battery and Charge Time
The Redmi Note 13 Pro has a 5100 mAh battery onboard with 67W fast charging support. A typical use of the device would last an entire day of use or about 6 to 7 hours of SoT. The fast charging can take the device from 0 to 100% in 44 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
Pros:
· Interesting design
· Good build quality
· Excellent display
· Gorilla Glass Victus protection
· Great battery
Cons:
· An average front camera
· Heating issues.
Read more: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
Official Price of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro comes in 5 different storage and RAM configurations in China. They are the 8/128 GB, 8/256 GB, 12/256 GB, 12/512 GB and 16/512 GB. The price of each of the variants is 1499 RMB, 1599 RMB, 1699 RMB, 1899 RMB, and 1999 RMB respectively.
The price amounts to 22790 BDT, 24311 BDT, 25831 BDT, 28872 BDT, and 30392 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.20 BDT). These are unofficial prices in Bangladesh. The official prices are expected to differ from the converted price.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a worthy incremental update to the highly popular Redmi Note 12 Pro. The updated display, camera, and processor are its strongest selling points. The 7s Gen 2 perfectly complements everyday use as well as the gaming capability of the Note 13 Pro. On the contrary, the front camera could have been updated for a better performance. There’s also the heating issue with intensive use which might be another concern for gaming enthusiasts.
So who is the Note 13 Pro for? It is geared toward those looking for a mid-range smartphone with a good camera, display, and occasional gaming use. It can be a great buy considering all the storage options it brings to the table.
Read more: Top 9 Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in October 2023
vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
The Y series from vivo are targeted as entry-level smartphones with a great value proposition. vivo recently launched the Y17s globally on 2nd October 2023. This year there are new colorways, a new camera, and a whole lot of other features. Let’s take a look into the key features, pros, cons, and price of vivo Y17s in Bangladesh.
Key Specifications of vivo Y17s
Design and Build Quality
The Y17s is the direct successor of the Y16 from last year. Like almost all of their Y series iterations, the design on the Y17s has been slightly tweaked to bring a sense of distinction to the new generation. However, the waterdrop notch display remains the same from the last generation. There’s a sizeable bottom chin on the Y17s which doesn’t align with the 2023 design standards. But considering it’s a budget-friendly smartphone, this was probably one of the cost cut corners. There are two color variants with the Y17s – Glitter Purple and Forest Green.
The device holds a dimension of 163.74 mm by 75.43 mm by 8.09 mm with 186 g weight. The plastic frame and back help to keep the weight under 200 g. What’s interesting is that the Y17s now have an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating.
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The ports and buttons on the Y17s are all as usual. The power and volume buttons are located on the right with the SIM slot on the top and the Type-C port on the bottom. The power button also doubles as the fingerprint scanner of the device. The headphone jack has been retained in the Y17s which is good news for wired headphone enthusiasts. The device comes with 6GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded by another 128 GB thanks to the micro SDXC support.
The Display
The display on the vivo Y17s is a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel with 720 x 1612 pixels. The 720P display has an aspect ratio of 20:9 and a pixel density of 269 ppi. By all means, this is an entry-level display and features. The large chin on the bottom of the panel accounts for a lower 83.8% screen-to-body ratio. The saving grace here would be the waterdrop notch camera cutout.
The display showed good color calibration with 83% NTSC color saturation. There were no weird color shifts in the test from different angles. Being an LCD panel, the blacks aren’t all that deep and may seem a bit washed out.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The display has 700 nits of peak brightness which makes it fairly legible under direct sunlight. For the price, the display on the Y17s produces a passable result.
The Camera
There’s a dual camera setup on the back of the Y17s. The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle sensor with PDAF. The secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The Y17s lack several features like autofocus, EIS, and OIS. These are again, the cut corners for an aggressive budget pricing.
The main camera performed well for an entry-level smartphone in our test. Pictures taken under direct sunlight had good details in them. The depth sensor assists in the portrait shots which saw significant improvement in edge detection and realistic background blur. The dynamic range is also satisfactory.
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However, the same performance isn’t translated into indoor or artificial lighting conditions. There are noticeable noises and grains whenever there is less-than-ideal lighting. There’s also the issue of exposure which is a hit or miss at times.
10 Best GPS Trackers for Motorcycles in Bangladesh
In overcrowded cities, where public transports are inadequate, many opt for motorbikes. Asmotorcycle theft is a concern, a GPS tracker can be a good solution. These compact yet powerfuldevices can give motorcycle owners peace of mind by providing real-time location tracking,security features, and even video recording capabilities. Different types of GPS trackers featureunique advantages to ensure the safety and security of both riders and vehicles. Whether it's for monitoring, theft prevention, or simply staying on the right track, this list of popular GPS trackers for motorcycles has you covered.
Why Use a GPS Tracker on a Motorbike?
Investing in a reliable, feature-rich tracker offers multiple benefits for motorcycle owners.GPS trackers for motorcycles offer continuous surveillance of the vehicle. Equipped with diverseadvanced safety features like motion sensors and geofencing, GPS trackers can locate thevehicles in various locations and deter theft. GPS trackers also aid in group journeys andnavigation.
Key factors for selection include real-time updates, long battery life, durability, weatherresistance, software support, and compatibility with network devices.
Read more: Read Motorbike Buyer Guide: Some popular models with price in Bangladesh
Top 10 Motorcycle GPS Trackers in Bangladesh in 2023
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service
In 2022, Autonemo Limited, a Bangladesh-based company, unveiled the Autonemo GPS Tracking Service, ushering in a new era of vehicle tracking with a robust set of features. Real-time fuel monitoring is a standout offering, promising substantial fuel cost savings and meticulous mileage and fuel efficiency tracking.
The Route Replay function empowers users to delve into historical routes for invaluable insights into their vehicle's past. High-precision recording of daily mileage and fuel usage ensures meticulous trip details. Monitoring exact parking locations and durations and configuring automated alerts further bolster vehicle security.
Geofence alerts keep users informed about their vehicle's entries and exits from specific zones. Autonemo goes beyond tracking by offering a fully stocked online shop for genuine automotive parts, accessories, and lubricants.
Pricing options include the Autonemo Premium GPS Tracker at BDT 8000, the Autonemo Standard GPS Tracker for Car-Microbus-SUV at BDT 6000, and the Autonemo GPS OBD Plug and Play GPS Tracker for Hybrid-Brand New Cars at BDT 5500.
Pros
- Real-time fuel monitoring for significant savings.- Detailed route replay to track vehicle movements and validate routes.- Precise daily mileage and fuel tracking for cost control.- Parking times feature for enhanced security and monitoring.- Geofence alerts for added safety.- Online shop for automotive parts and accessories for customer convenience.
Cons
- Availability of certain features may be contingent on the selected subscription plan.
Read more: Safety Gears for Motorcycle Riders: Necessity and Types
Bondstein Track My Vehicle
The Bondstein Track My Vehicle, a cutting-edge GPS tracker developed by Bondstein, offers a comprehensive set of features and technical specifications aimed at optimizing vehicle tracking and management. This advanced telematics solution enables real-time vehicle tracking through a user-friendly web dashboard and mobile app. It includes a remote engine disarm feature for added security in case of theft or unauthorized use.
With access to over 24 analytical reports, users can gain insights into mileage, location, and alerts, facilitating efficient fleet management. The platform supports cost savings in logistics and seamless integration with ERP systems through an API. It also allows for expense tracking and provides predictive maintenance alerts based on vehicle usage. Bondstein ensures continuous customer support with a 24/7 call center and a team of experienced technicians available nationwide, making it a versatile solution for both individuals and businesses.
Pros
- Real-time tracking for enhanced security and monitoring.- Remote engine disarm feature adds an extra layer of protection.- Robust analytics and reporting tools for efficient fleet management.- Cost-saving benefits in logistics transportation.- Seamless integration with ERP systems.- Expense tracking and predictive maintenance alerts.- Reliable 24/7 customer support.
Cons
- Requires a stable internet connection for real-time tracking.
Read more: Read The Most Popular Motorbike Models in Bangladesh
Finder GPS Tracking
Finder GPS Tracking, a service provided by Monico Technologies Ltd, a sister concern of Monico Ltd, has firmly established itself as a leading GPS tracking service provider in Bangladesh since its launch in 2011. With recognition as the 'First Vehicle Tracking Service' operator by BTRC and enlistment by the Survey of Bangladesh for local map development, Finder offers a reliable and fully licensed service.
It delivers fundamental features like real-time location monitoring, ignition alerts, geofencing, and speed alerts, addressing standard tracking needs. What distinguishes Finder are its unique features, which include the 'SOS Button' for emergencies and the 'PUSH-PULL SERVICE,' enabling offline tracking when internet connectivity is unavailable.
The registration process is straightforward, offering five distinct packages with prices ranging from 4,500 BDT to 12,000 BDT, along with monthly service charges ranging from 300 BDT to 500 BDT.
Pros
- Established and licensed GPS tracking service.- Unique features like the 'SOS Button' for emergency assistance.- 'PUSH-PULL SERVICE' for offline tracking.- Multiple package options to accommodate various budgets and needs.
Cons
- Certain packages may appear relatively costly.
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Note series from Redmi has historically been their premium mid-range line of smartphones. Last year, the Note 12 Pro+ launched with premium additions to a mid-range processor. This year, the Note 13 Pro+ brought several exciting additions with a fresh new processor. The device was recently unveiled in the Chinese market on 21st September 2023. Here’s a detailed take on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus smartphone.
Key Specifications of Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus
Design and Build Quality
Every year, the Note series brings visible changes to their designs which gives each iteration its unique look. This year, the camera housing has been replaced with a flush back with the camera modules placed directly on the back of the device.
The device comes in at 161.4 mm by 74.2 mm by 8.9 mm dimension with a weight of about 204.5 g. It is on the heavier side thanks to the glass front and an aluminum frame.
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The Black and White variant of the 13 Pro+ comes with a frosted finish on the back whereas the Violet comes with a tan leather back with an interesting color choice. There’s also a Camo Green variant for the fans of tactical looks. There are four gradients on the leather back arranged geometrically. It brings a fresh new look which will work best with a clear case or no case at all.
Another design highlight of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is its front. The uniform front bezel has a minimal center punch-hole design. The 89.7% screen-to-body ratio provides a display real estate that can be compared with the premium flagships.
The choice of ports and buttons are as usual with no headphone jack and no extendable storage. The headphone jack was present even in Note 12 Pro+. But unfortunately, the run ends with the Note 13 Pro+.
Another noticeable change this year is the switch of the physical fingerprint scanner from the power button to the in-display optical sensor. And the last big upgrade is the IP68 water and dust resistance (1.5 m for 30 minutes) up from the IP53 rating from last year’s Note 12 Pro+.
Read more: vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
The Display
The display on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an OLED one with 68B color, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and Dolby Vision. By the specs, the display on the 13 Pro+ is stacked.
The 6.67-inch display has a 1.5K resolution with 1220 by 2712 pixels. This 20:9 aspect ratio allows for 446 ppi density. The front uniform design of the display is one of the key features that stands out. There’s hardly any device in this price segment that replicates a similar design.
The display performance was also great. The OLED panel was able to churn out deep blacks with sharp contrasts. There were no noticeable color shifts even though the device curved on both edges.
Outdoor visibility is also great on the Note 13 Pro+ thanks to the 1800 nits of peak brightness. Xiaomi also used Gorilla Glass Victus on the front which provides an improved scratch and crack resistance.
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The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. The main sensor is a 200 MP f/1.7, (wide) with a 1/1.4" lens. The main camera is complemented by an 8 MP f/2.2 sensor with a 120˚ field of view. There’s also a 2 MP macro shooter on board. The sleek horizontal flash bar
In essence, the main sensor does all the heavy lifting for the device. Even then, using a 200 MP sensor on a mid-range smartphone is a bit of an overkill because the smartphone can’t really shoot 200 MP raw.
There are several initial thoughts after testing out the camera. Firstly, it is better to zoom in on a photo while clicking rather than cropping the image. The initial zoomed-in pictures provide better contrast and sharpness compared to the cropped ones.
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Secondly, the night mode works well to improve the contrast and the dynamic range but not the sharpness. For better sharpness, the auto mode works better than the night mode in low-light scenarios. There’s also this purple fringing issue while taking pictures directly against a light source. However, this is something that will probably be solved with an update.
The videography on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 4K at 24 or 30 fps as well as 1080P at 24, 30, and 120 fps. The videos appeared to be sharp with good stabilization and exposure in well-lit environments. The quality falls a bit indoors but that’s expected given the lighting conditions.
There’s a 16 MP front shooter good enough for video calls and casual selfies.
Read more: OPPO A78 Review: Is it a balanced mid-range phone?
Processor and Performance
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ comes with Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra based on a 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a chip design of 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU onboard.
In terms of performance, the Note 13 Pro+ is an upgrade over the 12 Pro+. Typically, the Pro+ editions are slightly less powerful than the Turbo editions. It remains to be seen how the 13 Pro+ fares against the 13T.
In the test, the 13 Pro+ showed consistent results. The 1136 and 2664 scores in the single and multi-core GeekBench 6 assert satisfactory results. Games like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 can be run in the highest graphics settings. But there were some occasional frame drops here and there. The device comes in the highest storage configuration of 16GB RAM and 512 GB of internal storage.
On the OS front, the device is powered by MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI 14 has come a long way from its bloatware-filled days. However, it’s still not on par with stock Android and anyone coming from outside the MI ecosystem might need some time to get used to it.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra Review: A Gamer's Delight
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 5000 mAh. The standard battery capacity is complemented by a 120W fast charging system which can take the battery to 100% in 19 minutes. However, the battery runs out quickly while playing high-definition multiplayer games.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Pros:
- Stylish and innovative design
- Sharp display
- Great camera
- 120W fast charging
- 5G enabled
Cons:
- Underperforming processors
- Reduced screen time.
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Price of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is available in three configurations – 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/512GB respectively. The prices of each of the variants are 1899 RMB, 2099 RMB, and 2199 RMB respectively. The price roughly translates to 28,969 BDT, 32,020 BDT, and 33,545 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.26 BDT). However, the price in Bangladesh may grossly differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an incremental update to last year’s 12 Pro+. It gets a lot of the things right like the camera, battery, desi,gn, and display. On the flip side, the processor doesn’t perform on par with other premium features of the device. And, its battery life may disappoint the users.
Overall, the Note 13 Pro+ as a whole is a great mid-range smartphone. For anyone looking for a casual daily driver with an amazing display and great camera, the Note 13 Pro+ can be an easy pick.
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Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
Symphony Mobile, a distinguished brand under the EDISON Group, stands as a relentless leader in the competitive mobile handset industry of Bangladesh, consistently setting a formidable pace. The brand's latest offering, the Symphony Helio 80, made its debut in the market on September 12, 2023. Boasting exceptional design, display and camera configurations, this smartphone has swiftly captured the spotlight. Let’s take a look into the key specs, pros, cons and price of Symphony Helio 80 in Bangladesh.
Key Features of Symphony Helio 80
Design
The design of the Symphony Helio 80 is based on elegant minimalism, predominantly featuring a single captivating color known as "honeydew green." While the possibility of additional color variants like black and white remains on the horizon, the current offering centers around this exquisite hue.
This smartphone exhibits a slim 163.8 mm by 76.3 mm by 7.96 mm body dimension, making it capable of being held and carried. Weighing in at a reasonable 188 grams, the device has a balanced equilibrium in terms of portability and substance.
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Examining its construction, the rear panel of the Symphony Helio 80 is crafted from glass, while the front proudly showcases a 5th generation Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability and a premium feel. However, it is worth noting that the absence of splash-resistant capabilities is a notable omission, considering that some competing phones in this price range offer this valuable feature.
Display
The Symphony Helio 80 boasts an impressive 6.7-inch Full HD+ display, complemented by a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and the brilliance of AMOLED technology, along with the convenience of an always-on feature. The display's color accuracy stands out as excellent, delivering vibrant and true-to-life visuals that captivate the eye.
However, it's worth noting that the absence of Widevine L1 support means that users won't experience the maximum pixel quality in streaming content, as it holds Widevine L3 certification instead. Despite this limitation, the display maintains a crisp and comforting visual experience that leaves little room for complaints.
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The screen performs average under most lighting conditions. However, users might find it challenging to view the display in direct sunlight due to its lower maximum brightness, which stands as a notable drawback of the phone. It's important to mention that this limitation doesn't extend to issues with lower brightness when using the phone's camera function.
Cameras
The Symphony Helio 80 boasts an impressive 108-megapixel rear camera with a 2MP macro & 0.08MP portrait lenses, and they certainly live up to expectations. The cameras deliver crystal-clear, sharp images with exceptional detail, precise focus, and accurate color reproduction. This is a noteworthy achievement in the realm of budget-friendly smartphones, as it rivals the performance of many mid-range cameras.
Additionally, the device offers the capability to record videos in up to 2K resolution, along with video stabilization that ensures smooth footage at 1080p@30fps, further enhancing its appeal for photography and videography enthusiasts.
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On the front, the phone features a 16-megapixel camera with a wide f/2.0 aperture, delivering more than satisfactory results. Skin tones appear natural without an overly aggressive softening effect. The camera captures fine details and presents pleasing colors, making it suitable for capturing high-quality selfies.
Furthermore, the front camera supports video recording at up to 2K resolution, providing users with flexibility and versatility for their content creation needs.
Vivo Y17s makes its debut in the country
The vivo Y17s has made its debut in the country with an attractive Glitter Purple and Forest Green color, along with impressive features like a 5000mAh battery, an 840 NITS high-brightness display, and a 50-megapixel HD camera.
This is evident in the vivo Y17s, where even the choice of colors on the backside is reflective of Global smartphone manufacturer vivo’s penchant for such aesthetics.
The unique glass design in a square shape surrounding the camera on the backside will catch everyone's attention. The 2.5D curved design and the silky-smooth finish of the composite material will offer an excellent grip.
Therefore, when it comes to using this smartphone, it will provide a smooth and lightweight experience, weighing just 186 grams, making it perfect for handling.
The smartphone features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner on the right side, which is highly capable of quickly unlocking the device. It also offers Face Wake technology. Both of these features not only save time but also provide peace of mind regarding the security of personal information.
The vivo Y17s is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 processor and runs on the FunTouch OS 13 operating system. Together, these components promise to deliver an exceptional smartphone experience. The device features a 6.56-inch LCD multitouch capacitive display with a resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels. With a pixel density of 269 PPI, it offers true brightness and vividness, enhancing the enjoyment of content.
Having a brightness of up to 840 nits allows for comfortable use even in various lighting conditions, making it stand out in this budget range. This combination of hardware and display specifications ensures that the vivo Y17s provides a compelling visual and operational experience to users.
vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
vivo has undeniably made significant strides in the competitive smartphone market in recent times. V Series lineup of vivo offers well-balanced devices featuring innovative Camera technology, standard performance, and smooth user experience. In this legacy, vivo launched the V29, a camera focused phone in September 2023. V29 is blessed with a powerful front camera to meet the needs of today’s self portraying generation. Does this device offer the same competency in other segments? Let’s review the key specs, pros and cons of the vivo V29 5G smartphone.
Key Features of vivo V29 5G
Design
The vivo V29 smartphone aims to revive the trend of curved waterfall displays in the premium segment. Its glass sandwich design, curved screen, and substantial camera module make it visually striking but notably slippery. The package includes a recommended TPU case. Despite its sleekness, the V29 offers comfortable one-handed use at 186g and 164.2 mm by 74.4 mm bu 7.5 mm dimension with a 90% screen-to-body ratio for an immersive display.
Features include an under-display fingerprint reader, USB-C charging, IP68 waterproofing (rare in its price range), and eSIM capability. It lacks a headphone jack, has a single downward-firing speaker, and no microSD card slot. Available in Space Black, Himalayan Blue, Purple Fairy, and Majestic Red, the V29 offers a premium look and feel. One drawback is the lack of information on recycling and sustainability efforts.
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Display
The vivo V29 boasts a substantial 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate. With a resolution of 2800 × 1260 pixels, a pixel density of 452 PPI, and HDR10+ support, this display offers a stunning visual experience. While it doesn't feature a quad-curved design like the HONOR 90, it stands out as one of the most visually appealing displays in its segment. The V29's minimal side bezels and compact top and bottom bezels contribute to its sleek aesthetics.
In terms of performance, the display impresses with excellent color reproduction and strong sunlight visibility, enhancing activities such as gaming, web browsing, video streaming, and reading. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and fluid user experience. Additionally, vivo incorporates various display technologies to minimize blue light and screen flickering, prioritizing eye protection for users.
Camera
The vivo V29 shines brightly in the realm of smartphone photography, boasting an impressive camera setup. It inherits its predecessor's camera configuration, comprising a 50 MP primary camera, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. On the front, the selfie camera retains its 50 MP resolution but now offers auto-focus and a wider f/2.0 aperture, enhancing the quality of self-portraits.
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The primary camera delivers exceptional photos with rich detail and sharpness. Colors appear vibrant without crossing into oversaturation territory, distinguishing it from competitors like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Images exhibit crispness, a wide dynamic range, and minimal noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. The V29 consistently captures an extensive range of details, surpassing even some flagship smartphones.
Low-light photography or situations with artificial lighting remain a strong suit for the V29's camera. Thanks to its built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), it excels in low-light conditions without relying on a flash. The Aura Ring Light proves beneficial in low-light scenarios, ensuring even lighting on subjects and seamlessly adjusting colors automatically.
While the primary camera excels, the ultra-wide angle camera and monochrome sensors leave something to be desired. They exhibit lower overall quality, diminished sharpness, detail, and color accuracy. Nevertheless, for occasional use, the ultra-wide camera serves its purpose. For optimal results, relying on the primary camera and the impressive 50 MP selfie shooter is recommended.
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Honor Pad X9 Review: Is it worth buying?
Pad X9 is a recently rolled-out tablet by the Honor brand that aims to make smart and feature-oriented smartphones, tablets and wearables. The devices under Honor X series are slim and lightweight with a lot of features. And, Pad X9 is no exception. Let’s take a look into the key specs, price, pros and cons of the Honor Pad X9.
Key Features of Honor Pad X9
Design
The HONOR Pad X9 boasts a premium look and feel. It has a sleek design with flat sides for a modern touch. The minimal branding and single-color finish keep it stylish. This tablet has a 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.9 mm dimension and weighs 495 grams, which might be a tad heavy for children. However, it's advisable to get a protective case to prevent scratches and make it easier to prop up on a flat surface.
The size of the HONOR Pad X9 is just right for everyday use. It's compact enough for school or work and spacious enough for entertainment and multitasking. The tablet's flat sides ensure comfortable use for extended periods without hand or arm discomfort. Despite the aluminum frame, it offers a non-slip grip, making it suitable for long gaming sessions.
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In terms of ports and buttons, you'll find a volume rocker and power button on top (in landscape mode). There are two speakers on each side along with a USB Type-C port. Additionally, there's a set of dual speakers on the bottom. However, it lacks a fingerprint reader, though it can recognize faces using the front-facing camera.
Display
The HONOR Pad X9 features a spacious 11.5-inch TFT LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels, providing 203 pixels per inch (PPI). While it's not the sharpest display in its size category, it offers good value for its affordable price. The lower resolution is beneficial for tasks like reading, web browsing, and gaming, especially considering its midrange chipset, which consumes less power with the lower pixel count.
The display delivers impressive visuals for videos and images, with vibrant colors. However, it falls short in terms of brightness, reaching a peak of 400 nits. This brightness is adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight or very bright environments. Nevertheless, this brightness level is in line with other devices in a similar price range.
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