Samsung Galaxy A36 is a dependable mid-range phone that focuses on practicality and longevity. But does it play it too safe, or is this the perfect balance?

Samsung Galaxy A36 Review: The no-nonsense smartphone

<h2>Samsung Galaxy A36 is a dependable mid-range phone that focuses on practicality and longevity. But does it play it too safe, or is this the perfect balance?</h2>

Samsung&rsquo;s Galaxy A36 has arrived in India. Rather than chasing attention, Samsung has prioritised practicality, durability, and dependability with this phone.
But does playing it safe pay off, or has Samsung missed a chance to impress?
<h3>Design &amp; Build Quality</h3>
Samsung takes a conservative route with the Galaxy A36. Visually, it doesn't stand out, featuring a familiar aesthetic borrowed from Samsung&rsquo;s earlier mid-range phones.&nbsp;
It certainly brings subtlety that many users appreciate. The phone comfortably blends into everyday life, ideal if flashy tech isn't your style.
Structurally, the Galaxy A36 sports a glass sandwich design framed by glossy plastic. While plastic might sound less premium, Samsung's glossy finish provides a reassuringly solid feel, giving it a hint of sophistication.
The sleekness, however, sacrifices grip, making the device slightly slippery without a case.
Samsung gains major points for durability. The A36 boasts an impressive IP67 rating, meaning it comfortably survives immersion in water up to a metre deep.&nbsp;
Adding to durability, Samsung equips the device with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, significantly reducing worries about accidental drops and scratches.
A noticeable design drawback emerges when placing the phone flat. Due to the pronounced camera bump, the A36 exhibits considerable wobble. Although not a deal-breaker, this minor annoyance slightly detracts from usability.
<h3>Display &amp; Audio</h3>
Samsung doesn't disappoint with the Galaxy A36&rsquo;s display. It features a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, promising fluid animations and responsive scrolling.&nbsp;
Colours are punchy yet balanced, adhering to Samsung&rsquo;s established AMOLED excellence.
Its HBM brightness is an impressive 1200 nits, ensuring readability even under intense sunlight. HDR support and Widevine L1 certification further enhance the multimedia experience, making video streaming a visual treat.
However, the A36&rsquo;s thicker bottom bezel slightly detracts from its otherwise modern design, revealing its mid-range heritage.
Audio performance on the Galaxy A36 is competent but not extraordinary. Its stereo speakers produce clear sound suitable for casual media consumption. While volume levels are adequate, the audio lacks the richness and depth found in some competitors.&nbsp;
<h3>Performance</h3>
This smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, which is alright, but definitely the weakest in its segment.
Although daily tasks run smoothly, multitasking can occasionally induce slowdowns, particularly when juggling demanding applications.
BGMI gaming experience is capped modestly at 60fps, which provides stability but limits smoother gameplay offered by higher-end chips. While intensive games remain playable, frame drops inevitably occur during extended sessions.&nbsp;
Essentially, the Galaxy A36 handles day-to-day activities well but isn't designed for power-intensive use.
Samsung sticks with UFS 2.2 storage, which, while sufficient, won&rsquo;t impress speed enthusiasts.&nbsp;
Apps load promptly enough, but those accustomed to faster read/write speeds may notice occasional sluggishness during heavy data transfers.
<h3>Software Experience</h3>
Samsung&rsquo;s OneUI 7 interface comes pre-installed on the Galaxy A36, offering familiarity and reliability.&nbsp;
It remains highly practical, intuitive, and user-friendly. Navigation feels fluid, settings are easily accessible, and customisation options are extensive.
However, Samsung still loads unnecessary extras onto the phone. Pre-installed apps and intrusive features like Glance clutter the otherwise sleek software.&nbsp;
Though removable, these extras slightly detract from an otherwise polished software experience.
A notable highlight is Samsung&rsquo;s outstanding commitment to updates. The A36 receives an industry-leading six years of software updates, including both OS upgrades and security patches.&nbsp;
Users seeking long-term support will greatly appreciate Samsung&rsquo;s policy, offering extended reassurance.
Samsung introduces some basic AI enhancements on the A36, derived from their flagship series. These features are limited but useful, indicating Samsung's willingness to trickle down premium functions to mid-range phones.
<h3>Camera Performance</h3>
The Galaxy A36&rsquo;s camera setup comprises a capable 50MP primary sensor, accompanied by a 8MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro lens.&nbsp;
The main sensor consistently delivers detailed, vivid photos suitable for everyday use. Images lean slightly cooler, imparting a subtle bluish tint, but most users will find results visually pleasing.
Ultrawide performance is less consistent. While functional, Samsung pushes colours aggressively, resulting in oversaturated images that lack true-to-life accuracy.&nbsp;
Some users may enjoy this punchy presentation, though photographers seeking realism might find it exaggerated.
Portrait mode on the Galaxy A36 produces acceptable but somewhat basic results, limited to standard 1x zoom.&nbsp;
In low-light scenarios, the Galaxy A36 captures usable images. Night mode helps brighten scenes but doesn't dramatically improve detail or clarity, placing it firmly in the average range for its segment.
Video recording supports 4K at 30fps from the main camera, with decent sharpness. Ultrawide videos max out at 1080p and exhibit noticeable noise, limiting versatility for video enthusiasts.
<h3>Battery &amp; Charging</h3>
The Galaxy A36 houses a 5000mAh battery, comfortably lasting a full day, often achieving around eight hours of screen-on time.&nbsp;
Samsung&rsquo;s efficiency ensures reliable battery life, capable of handling moderate-to-heavy use without issue.
Charging speeds reach 45W, quickly replenishing the battery in about an hour. Although respectable, faster charging solutions exist at this price point.&nbsp;
Notably, Samsung excludes a charging adapter from the box, forcing buyers to purchase one separately&mdash;a move increasingly common, though not universally appreciated.
<h3>Verdict</h3>
Samsung&rsquo;s Galaxy A36 emerges as a competent, sensible choice in the mid-range category. It may not excite you with its appearance or raw performance, but it excels in areas often overlooked by flashier competitors.&nbsp;
Its understated design, robust durability, impressive display, and extended software support highlight Samsung&rsquo;s commitment to reliability and longevity.
So, the Samsung Galaxy A36 prioritises dependability over excitement.

The new iQOO Neo 10R aims to redefine value-for-money with its strong price-to-performance ratio. Will it succeed?

iQOO Neo 10R Review: Performance Champ!

<h2>The new iQOO Neo 10R aims to redefine value-for-money with its strong price-to-performance ratio. Will it succeed?</h2>

The iQOO Neo 10R has arrived, promising robust performance at a competitive price point, with its core strength lying in its gaming capabilities.&nbsp;
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, this device aims to deliver a flagship-level experience to mid-range users. Let's delve into the specifics of this phone and see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build
The design of the iQOO Neo 10R draws inspiration from the iQOO 13, featuring an off-centre camera island that has become a signature element.&nbsp;
However, the phone's construction is entirely plastic, which, while contributing to its lightweight nature, doesn't quite provide a premium feel in hand.
The review unit came in the "Raging Blue" colour, a dual-tone finish that leans more towards lavender than blue. While the dual-tone concept is present, the execution feels somewhat awkward, lacking the visual flair of previous iQOO models.
The available single-tone grey variant is likely a more appealing option for those seeking a more understated aesthetic.
In terms of durability, the iQOO Neo 10R holds its own with an IP65 rating, offering protection against minor splashes and dust. This ensures that the phone can withstand everyday wear and tear without significant concerns.&nbsp;
The display is protected by Schott Xensation Up glass, providing an added layer of defence against scratches and impacts.
Display and Audio
The iQOO Neo 10R has a 7.78-inch AMOLED display, a generous size that enhances the viewing experience. The screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate, though in typical usage, it operates at 120Hz.&nbsp;
The full 144Hz is primarily reserved for gaming sessions, ensuring smooth and fluid visuals when it matters most.
The display excels in everyday scenarios, delivering vibrant colours, sharp details, and ample brightness. Whether you're watching videos, browsing social media, or playing games, the screen provides a visually pleasing experience.
Audio is handled by stereo speakers, which deliver loud and clear sound with surprisingly decent bass and clarity. This makes the iQOO Neo 10R a capable device for multimedia consumption, whether you're listening to music, watching videos, or playing games.
Performance and Software
At the heart of the iQOO Neo 10R is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a powerful processor that ensures smooth and responsive performance across various tasks.&nbsp;
This chipset delivers strong performance in benchmarks, scoring impressively in tests like Antutu.
Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the phone's ability to handle demanding titles like BGMI at 90fps with minimal frame drops. Extended gaming sessions demonstrate the phone's ability to maintain consistent performance, making it a reliable choice for mobile gaming.
The iQOO Neo 10R runs on Android 15, customised with FunTouch OS 15. While the software is feature-rich, it comes with a noticeable amount of bloatware. However, the phone remains fast and responsive in day-to-day use, providing a smooth user experience.
iQOO promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring that the phone remains up-to-date for a reasonable period. The device also includes AI enhancements in the gallery and notes apps, adding useful features for everyday tasks.
Cameras
The iQOO Neo 10R features a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens. In terms of image quality, the main camera captures slightly cooler-toned images, which are decent.
However, the ultrawide lens on the iQOO Neo 10R performs admirably, delivering consistent image quality across various lighting conditions. This makes it a reliable option for capturing wide-angle shots.
For selfies, the iQOO Neo 10R excels, offering better dynamic range and detail compared to some competitors.&nbsp;
However, the phone's portrait mode tends to artificially brighten skin tones, which may not appeal to everyone.
Video recording on this phone comes with noticeable electronic image stabilisation jitters in the main camera footage. It is usable, but I&rsquo;d recommend not capturing fast-paced video clips with it.&nbsp;
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the iQOO Neo 10R is its massive 6,400mAh battery. This substantial battery capacity translates to exceptional battery life, easily providing two days of moderate use and delivering around 11 hours of screen-on time.
The phone supports 80W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups. The charger is included in the box, which is a welcome addition in a market where many manufacturers omit chargers.
<h3>iQOO Neo 10R Review</h3>
The iQOO Neo 10R is a nice option for users who prioritise gaming performance and battery life. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset delivers excellent performance, while the massive battery ensures that the phone can keep up with demanding tasks.
If gaming and long battery life are your primary concerns, the iQOO Neo 10R is a worthy contender in the mid-range segment.

The iPhone 16e packs Apple's latest A18 chip, a 48MP camera, and wireless charging but ditches MagSafe, an ultrawide lens, and a high-refresh-rate display. A mix of essentials—just not all of them.

iPhone 16E Review: Just Enough iPhone

The iPhone 16e packs Apple's latest A18 chip, a 48MP camera, and wireless charging but ditches MagSafe, an ultrawide lens, and a high-refresh-rate display. A mix of essentials&mdash;just not all of them.

The iPhone 16e is Apple&rsquo;s newest attempt at making a "budget" iPhone, but let&rsquo;s be honest&mdash;Apple&rsquo;s definition of budget is different from everyone else&rsquo;s. At ₹59,900, this is still a premium phone, but it&rsquo;s also the most approachable way to get into the iOS ecosystem with Apple&rsquo;s latest hardware.
It&rsquo;s a phone that makes some interesting choices: it gets a 48MP main camera but loses the second lens, it has the latest A18 chip but lacks a high-refresh-rate display, and it adopts wireless charging but ditches MagSafe. &nbsp;
It&rsquo;s a mix of upgrades and trade offs, and whether or not it works for you depends on how much you care about what&rsquo;s missing. Let's break it down further!
<h3>&nbsp;Design &amp; Build: A Familiar Look</h3>
The iPhone 16e&rsquo;s flat-sided design is instantly familiar&mdash;it follows the same design language Apple has stuck to since the iPhone 12. The back glass, however, gets a sophisticated textured matte finish, which not only looks more refined but also makes the phone feel more premium in hand.&nbsp;
Unlike most modern iPhones, there&rsquo;s no prominent camera bump here&mdash;just a single lens sitting flush with the back. I&rsquo;ve been testing the white variant, and while there&rsquo;s also a black option, that&rsquo;s it for colour choices&mdash;at least for now.
The iPhone 16e&rsquo;s display feels like d&eacute;j&agrave; vu&mdash;it&rsquo;s essentially the same 6.1-inch screen as the one on the iPhone 14. It keeps the old-school notch at the top, housing the selfie camera and Face ID sensors.
The notch itself isn&rsquo;t particularly intrusive, but after using Dynamic Island on other iPhones, I found myself missing its handy background activity updates, like timers or live delivery tracking. &nbsp;
The Action Button, first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro, is now here, letting you customize quick actions instead of just a mute switch. It&rsquo;s handy, though most people will probably just leave it set to ring/silent.
<h3>&nbsp;Display: Beautiful but still 60Hz</h3>
Let&rsquo;s get this out of the way&mdash;the iPhone 16e&rsquo;s display is perfectly fine but not exciting. It&rsquo;s a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR panel, with 1200 nits HDR brightness, solid color accuracy, and deep blacks.
But&hellip; it&rsquo;s still 60Hz.
That&rsquo;s a little frustrating in 2025, considering how even mid-range Android phones now offer at least 90Hz or 120Hz. The animations and scrolling still feel smooth thanks to iOS optimizations, but once you&rsquo;ve experienced high refresh rates, going back feels like a step down.
<h3>The A18 Chip Delivers (Of Course)</h3>
The A18 chip inside the iPhone 16e is Apple&rsquo;s latest and greatest, only slightly dialed down from the one inside the standard iPhone 16. It&rsquo;s fast, efficient, and overkill for most people.
Gaming? Runs flawlessly. Even demanding titles like Genshin Impact play smoothly. Multitasking? No hiccups. Everyday tasks? Effortless.
You&rsquo;re getting flagship-level performance in Apple&rsquo;s most affordable new iPhone, which is pretty impressive. This also means it&rsquo;ll stay fast for years, easily handling software updates for a long time.
And speaking of longevity, this is the first iPhone with Apple&rsquo;s new C1 modem&mdash;a big deal, considering Apple has been relying on Qualcomm for years. While real-world testing showed small improvements in call quality and network reliability, this shift is more about Apple controlling its own silicon ecosystem.
<h3>Battery Life: Small Upgrades, Big Gains</h3>
Apple claims the iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone&mdash;and after using it, I believe them. I consistently hit 7 hours of screen time on busy days, which is better than the iPhone 15 and even some Pro models from the past.
The new C1 modem seems to be more power-efficient, helping extend battery life during streaming, calls, and everyday use.
Charging, though? That&rsquo;s where things get weird.
Yes, the iPhone 16e has 20W wired charging and USB-C, but Apple removed MagSafe. That&rsquo;s right&mdash;no MagSafe wireless charging, which feels like a strange omission.
Sure, it still supports standard wireless charging, but losing MagSafe at this price is disappointing, especially since it was a major selling point for accessories and charging docks.
<h3>More Megapixels, But Less Cameras</h3>
The biggest change on the iPhone 16e is the 48MP main camera. It&rsquo;s a significant upgrade from previous budget iPhones, capturing sharper photos, better low-light shots, and crisp 2x zoom images.
Night mode is noticeably better, and portraits have a beautiful depth-of-field effect. But &mdash;you don&rsquo;t get an ultrawide lens.
For most people, this might not matter, but if you like capturing wide landscapes or group shots, you might miss it. It&rsquo;s a trade-off between higher-quality photos vs. versatility.
On the video side, Apple has introduced Audio Mix, which enhances vocal clarity by reducing background noise. It&rsquo;s a subtle but great feature for content creators.
<h3>&nbsp;iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence</h3>
Of course, the iPhone 16e runs iOS 18, and because it&rsquo;s the new kid on the block, it&rsquo;ll be supported for years. But the real big news here is Apple Intelligence. You&rsquo;ve probably seen the name plastered everywhere&mdash;on billboards, in keynote slides, maybe whispered in your sleep.
Yes, the iPhone 16e gets the full AI treatment&mdash;writing assistance, AI-powered image editing, and Visual Intelligence. Since it lacks a dedicated Camera Control button, Apple lets you map Visual Intelligence to the Action Button, which is a neat workaround.
Are these AI features game-changers? Not really. They&rsquo;re cool, sometimes handy, but not a must-have reason to upgrade. The real magic is still down the road, and when it gets here, the 16e will be in the mix&mdash;which is nice, I guess.
<h3>&nbsp;iPhone 16e Review: Verdict</h3>
The iPhone 16E feels like it should nail the essentials&mdash;but what even counts as an "essential" iPhone feature these days? It&rsquo;s less about any single spec and more about the right mix of them. And for some people, the 16E hits that sweet spot with snappy performance, solid battery life, and a sharp main camera.
I think it's a good choice for first-time iPhone buyers who want Apple&rsquo;s latest hardware. That said, ₹60,000 is a lot of money. If you&rsquo;re considering it, definitely look into trade-ins and discounts to soften the blow. Or, you know, there&rsquo;s always EMI.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

In this Samsung Galaxy A56 review, we find out if this latest smartphone can hold its own against some of its popular rivals.

Samsung Galaxy A56 Review

<h2>In this Samsung Galaxy A56 review, we find out if this latest smartphone can hold its own against some of its popular rivals.</h2>

Looking for a solid upper mid-range phone? Samsung just dropped the Galaxy A56 in India, starting at ₹41,999. But in this fiercely contested price bracket, does it offer enough to win you over?
Let's dive deep into what the Galaxy A56 brings to the table and assess if it deserves your attention.
<h3>Design and Build</h3>
Starting off, the Galaxy A56 sports a premium glass sandwich design with a sturdy metal frame, immediately giving off a premium feel.&nbsp;
However, Samsung has taken a recycling approach by borrowing heavily from designs reminiscent of the Galaxy A50 and A50s models from five years ago. This might evoke a sense of nostalgia for some users but may feel outdated for others.
The phone's flat design might not be ergonomically perfect, yet it has a unique raised frame near the right-side buttons, adding a distinctive character.&nbsp;
A design downside is the device's noticeable wobbling issue when placed on flat surfaces, making it unstable even with minor taps.
On the bright side, Samsung ensures superior durability by incorporating IP67 dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, providing peace of mind against accidental spills or drops.
<h3>Display and Audio</h3>
The Galaxy A56 features a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display, offering full HD+ resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. This combination ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations.&nbsp;
Its HBM brightness tops out at 1200 nits, it comfortably handles outdoor visibility in most scenarios, making it suitable for media consumption and gaming.
Audio is another strong suit of the Galaxy A56, with its stereo speakers delivering impressive depth and clarity. Vocals are crisp, and the bass response is notably superior, significantly enhancing multimedia experiences such as movie watching or casual gaming sessions.
<h3>Cameras</h3>
Samsung equips the Galaxy A56 with a triple-camera setup, consisting of a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. While the macro camera feels somewhat unnecessary, the primary sensor does an admirable job in various lighting conditions.
Daylight photography on the Galaxy A56 tends to produce cooler-toned images. HDR performance is decent but occasionally struggles with overly bright scenes.&nbsp;
In low-light conditions, Samsung excels, capturing brighter images compared to many competitors, which can be crucial for those who frequently snap nighttime shots.
The ultrawide camera, although lower resolution compared to the main sensor, offers respectable performance, despite lagging a bit in dynamic range and colour accuracy compared to its rivals.&nbsp;
Portrait photography, however, isn't Samsung's strongest point due to the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens. Portraits rely on digital cropping, resulting in slightly softer images.
But, selfie lovers will appreciate the front camera&rsquo;s consistent and natural skin tone reproduction.
Video capabilities are quite solid, allowing 4K recording at 30fps from both the main and ultrawide cameras. Stability and detail retention in video mode stand out positively, making this phone a viable option for casual content creators or vloggers.&nbsp;
<h3>Performance and Software</h3>
The Galaxy A56 is powered by Samsung&rsquo;s Exynos 1580 processor, placing it squarely within the mid-range performance bracket. In day-to-day usage, the device handles general tasks smoothly, without noticeable hiccups.&nbsp;
However, intensive tasks like gaming can reveal its limitations. For example, popular games such as BGMI currently run at around 30fps, reflecting the chipset's mid-tier status. Future software optimisations might improve this scenario.
Running Android 15 with Samsung's latest OneUI 7, the software experience feels polished and user-friendly.&nbsp;
While the presence of some bloatware slightly dampens the experience, Samsung does introduce several useful AI-driven features, although significantly trimmed down from the premium Galaxy S-series.
Storage-wise, Samsung uses UFS 3.1, ensuring decent load times for apps and files, though it slightly trails behind faster storage solutions seen in competing models.
Samsung traditionally excels in software longevity, and the Galaxy A56 continues this trend, promising an impressive six years of OS and security updates.&nbsp;
This long-term support is ideal for users who prefer keeping their devices longer, ensuring the phone remains secure and updated over its lifespan.
<h3>Battery Life and Charging</h3>
Battery life on the Galaxy A56 is good, with its 5,000mAh battery capable of delivering around 7.5 hours of screen-on time under moderate usage. Most users will comfortably get through a full day without needing to recharge midway.
Charging speed, however, is slightly less impressive, maxing out at 45W. Additionally, Samsung has decided not to include the charger in the box, requiring buyers to purchase one separately.
<h3>Samsung Galaxy A56 Review</h3>
The Samsung Galaxy A56 emerges as a balanced mid-range offering, particularly appealing to users prioritising durability, multimedia performance, and long-term software support.&nbsp;
It isn't a performance powerhouse, nor does it offer blazing fast charging.
But, for users deeply embedded in Samsung's ecosystem or those looking for a reliable, well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank, the Galaxy A56 could be an ideal choice.

The Vivo T4x 5G brings a massive 6500mAh battery, a smooth 120Hz display, and the Dimensity 7300 chipset at a competitive price. 

Vivo T4x Review: Big Battery, Cool Design, and Solid Performance!

<h2>The Vivo T4x 5G brings a massive 6500mAh battery, a smooth 120Hz display, and the Dimensity 7300 chipset at a competitive price. With a stylish design, loud stereo speakers, and decent cameras, it checks a lot of boxes. But is it the best in its segment?</h2>

The Vivo T4x is here, and I&rsquo;ve got to say&mdash;it&rsquo;s packing some serious heat! From a massive battery to a sleek design and solid performance, this phone is trying to shake up the sub-15K segment.
I&rsquo;ve been using it for over a week now, and I&rsquo;m ready to tell you if it&rsquo;s actually worth your money.
<h3>Battery Beast!</h3>
Let&rsquo;s start with the biggest highlight&mdash;the battery. Vivo has gone all out with a 6500mAh battery, and that&rsquo;s HUGE. But a big battery usually means longer charging times, right? Well, not really.
The T4x comes with 44W Flash Charge, and yes, you get the adapter inside the box! It takes about 40 minutes to go from 1% to 50%, which is pretty solid.
As for battery life, it easily lasts around a day and a half with normal usage. Even if you push it hard with gaming, social media, and video streaming, it still holds up with more than seven hours of screen-on time. No battery anxiety here!
<h3>Design</h3>
The unit I have is in Pronto Purple, but if that&rsquo;s not your style, there&rsquo;s also Marine Blue. The phone looks premium, and despite the massive battery, it&rsquo;s surprisingly slim at 8.09mm. It does weigh 204 grams, but the weight is well distributed, so it never felt uncomfortable in my hand.
The back has a nice matte finish, while the camera island gets a glossy touch. I like this contrast&mdash;it gives the phone a premium feel. That said, I do wish the camera module was a bit smaller for a more refined look.
But the real showstopper is the dynamic light feature. It flashes different colours for notifications, calls, and even while charging. It&rsquo;s not just a gimmick&mdash;it&rsquo;s actually useful, and it looks cool too.
Durability is also a big plus here. The T4x has an IP64 rating, so it&rsquo;s resistant to dust and water. Even if your hands are wet, the touch response stays smooth. The phone has also&nbsp;passed a military-grade shock resistance test, so it should survive a few accidental drops without an issue.
<h3>Display with Loud Speakers</h3>
The Vivo T4x features a 6.72-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the experience is great. Scrolling is smooth, animations look clean, and colors pop nicely. With 1050 nits of peak brightness, outdoor visibility is no problem.
And if you love watching content, you&rsquo;re in for a treat. The dual stereo speakers on this phone get insanely loud&mdash;they can boost volume by up to 400%. It&rsquo;s perfect for music, videos, or even gaming without headphones.
<h3>Performance</h3>
Under the hood, the T4x is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300&mdash;the same chipset found in the CMF Phone 1. What makes this exciting is that this chip is usually reserved for phones in the 20K price range, so seeing it here is a big win.
In my testing, the phone handled everything smoothly, and the 8GB of RAM in my unit made multitasking a breeze. BGMI runs at 60fps with no frame drops, and day-to-day performance feels snappy.
Benchmarks back it up too, with an Antutu score of 690,000. Plus, the CPU throttling test showed no major heating or performance drops.
You get 128GB and 256GB storage options, and I&rsquo;d strongly recommend going for the 256GB variant because there&rsquo;s no expandable storage here.&nbsp;
<h3>Software</h3>
The Vivo T4x runs on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, and there are some really useful features here. One of the coolest is &lsquo;Circle to Search,&rsquo; which lets you search for anything&mdash;images, videos, or text&mdash;just by circling it on the screen.
You also get customizable Always-On Display styles to tweak clock designs and colors, and there&rsquo;s AI screen translation, which can instantly translate any webpage or text.
There is some bloatware for sure, but the good news is most of it can be uninstalled, so it&rsquo;s not a huge deal.
<h3>Camera Performance</h3>
Now, let&rsquo;s get to the cameras. The Vivo T4x 5G sports a dual-camera system on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front, there&rsquo;s an 8-megapixel selfie camera.&nbsp;
The primary rear camera takes decent outdoor shots, but when it comes to human subjects, it tends to soften and brighten skin tones a bit too much. Sometimes, the photos even look like oil paintings.
Portrait mode does a good job with objects, but edge detection isn&rsquo;t the best. And in 2x mode, there&rsquo;s an odd issue where the camera randomly removes fine details, like hair on the hand.
Surprisingly, the Vivo T4x 5G holds its own in low-light photography. Shots come out with a good amount of detail, and the noise is kept in check.&nbsp;
The selfie camera performs well too, producing natural-looking photos with good portrait mode effects. Video recording goes up to 4K at 30fps with stabilization, which is a welcome feature at this price point.&nbsp;
<h3>Final Verdict: Worth It?</h3>
The Vivo T4x is a powerhouse when it comes to battery life, performance, and design. It&rsquo;s got a massive battery with fast charging, a sleek and lightweight build with dynamic lights, a smooth 120Hz display, and a solid MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip.
If cameras aren&rsquo;t your top priority, this phone is an absolute steal at a starting price of Rs 13,999. It nails the essentials and then some, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish, long-lasting, and high-performing device.

Discover the raw power of the Realme GT 7 Pro with our in-depth performance test. We benchmark the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset to see how it stacks up.

Realme GT 7 Pro Performance Test: How Powerful is Snapdragon 8 Elite? | Benchmark Results

<h2>Realme GT 7 Pro, powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite, aces benchmark and gaming tests with impressive scores.&nbsp;</h2>

The Realme GT 7 Pro is India&rsquo;s first phone powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which promises massive performance upgrades over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.&nbsp;
I know you've probably got a lot of questions about this powerhouse of a chip.
How much does it score on AnTuTu? Does it stay cool under pressure? How does it handle gaming and is it significantly better than the previous Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?&nbsp;
To start with, let&rsquo;s break down what makes this chipset special. It&rsquo;s called the Snapdragon 8 Elite because it now incorporates eight Orion cores, with two clocked at a blazing 4.32 GHz and six at 3.53 GHz.&nbsp;
This upgrade pushes the clock speeds well beyond what we saw in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and even Apple's latest A18 Pro chip in their new iPhones.
Plus, Realme has upgraded the GPU and introduced a new AI engine with the Snapdragon 8 Elite on the GT 7 Pro.&nbsp;
On paper, this makes it one of the most powerful setups out there. But let&rsquo;s see how it actually performs in benchmarks.&nbsp;
<h3>Realme GT 7 Pro AnTutu Score</h3>
We started with the AnTuTu test, where I was hoping it would hit that 3 million mark as per reports.&nbsp;
It came close, scoring 2.62 million with the GT mode disabled, and surprisingly, a lower 2.58 million with the GT mode enabled.&nbsp;
This still marks a 20-24% leap over last year&rsquo;s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which hit a peak of around 2.1 million on the iQOO 12.
<h3>Realme GT 7 Pro Geekbench Score</h3>
On the Geekbench CPU test, the Snapdragon 8 Elite flexes its power, achieving 2932 points in single-core and a whopping 9043 in multi-core tests. For GPU performance, it stands strong with an impressive 16807 on the OpenCL score.
To check its sustained performance, I ran a CPU throttling test on the Realme GT 7 Pro.&nbsp;
Over a 15-minute, 20-thread test, the phone throttled down to about 74%.&nbsp;
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/iqoo-13-launched-all-you-need-to-know-including-specifications-and-features-1730724735134" target="_blank">iQOO 13 launched; All you need to know about features and specifications</a>
With the CPU benchmarks done, let&rsquo;s dive into the GPU performance and see how the new upgrades stack up.&nbsp;
In Geekbench, the scores show clear improvement over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in both OpenCL and Vulkan tests, which is promising.
<h3>Realme GT 7 Pro 3DMark Score</h3>
But for a real GPU workout, I turned to 3DMark's Wildlife Extreme benchmark, which runs for 20 minutes to test sustained graphics power.&nbsp;
Here, the Snapdragon 8 Elite scored an impressive 5893&mdash;a noticeable upgrade over the 8 Gen 3. The GT 7 Pro achieved a stability rating of 71.7% in this test.
During these tests, temperatures did spike, reaching the 45-degree Celsius mark. While this wasn&rsquo;t uncomfortable, I believe the GT 7 Pro can stay cooler with better software optimisations in the final production version.&nbsp;
These improvements could enhance the overall user experience and maintain optimal performance.
<h3>Realme GT 7 Pro BGMI Test</h3>
The Snapdragon 8 Elite shows promise as a solid upgrade, but the real test is in gaming. I put it to the test with BGMI, everyone's favourite.
In a 30-minute session at 90fps and &lsquo;Smooth&rsquo; graphics settings, the phone performed flawlessly&mdash;no frame drops or overheating.&nbsp;
Additionally, BGMI also runs smoothly at 40fps with &lsquo;Ultra HDR&rsquo; graphics.&nbsp;
Overall, for gaming, the Realme GT 7 Pro delivers.&nbsp;
Outside of gaming and benchmarks, the phone also feels exceptionally smooth in everyday use.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ll be bringing you the full review very soon, so be sure to stay tuned!

The Poco M7 brings a 120Hz display, a 5160mAh battery, and a stylish design to the sub-₹10,000 segment. It delivers a solid everyday experience with a few trade-offs, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

Poco M7 5G Review: A budget phone that gets the basics right

<h2>The Poco M7 brings a 120Hz display, a 5160mAh battery, and a stylish design to the sub-₹10,000 segment. It delivers a solid everyday experience with a few trade-offs, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.</h2>

The Poco M7 5G keeps things affordable at under ₹10,000, but it doesn&rsquo;t look or feel like a typical budget phone. With a smooth 120Hz display, a big battery, and a clean design, it&rsquo;s got some solid selling points. Of course, there are a few trade-offs&mdash;let&rsquo;s see where it shines and where it falls short.
<h3>Poco M7 5G Design</h3>
The Poco M7 features a mix of matte and glossy finishes, blending subtlety with style. The Ocean Blue variant reviewed here has a premium feel, resembling the more expensive Realme Narzo 70 Pro from 2024.The glossy section of the back panel attracts fingerprints easily, accumulating smudges over time.&nbsp;
A big shift from its predecessor is the circular camera module, replacing the older rectangular design. There are four cutouts, one for the LED flash. The sides have a matte-finish plastic frame, with the power button and volume buttons on the right. The SIM tray on the left supports dual SIMs and microSD expansion. Up top, there&rsquo;s a headphone jack, while the bottom houses a loudspeaker, microphone, and USB-C port.
Up front, there&rsquo;s a 6.88-inch display with noticeable bezels and a teardrop notch for the selfie camera. There&rsquo;s no Gorilla Glass protection, and Poco hasn&rsquo;t confirmed if there&rsquo;s any alternative.
At 205g and 8.22mm thick, the Poco M7 is on the larger side but stays manageable for those with bigger hands. With a case, it might feel a bit chunkier. The build feels solid, with no flex or creaks, and there&rsquo;s also an IP52 rating for basic dust and water resistance.
<h3>Poco M7 5G Display</h3>
The Poco M7 5G comes with a 6.88-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution, slightly bigger than before. The real win is the 120Hz refresh rate, making swiping and scrolling feel super smooth. Colours look well-balanced, and brightness holds up outdoors without any issues.
Audio is handled by a single mono speaker, which gets loud enough, even if it&rsquo;s not the clearest. There&rsquo;s also a 150% volume boost for extra punch. Another solid upgrade is the in-display fingerprint sensor, replacing the side-mounted one from the Poco M6, and it&rsquo;s been working reliably in testing.
<h3>Poco M7 5G Performance &amp; Software</h3>
The Poco M7 packs a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 under the hood, with 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage (plus microSD expansion if you need extra space). We tested the 8GB/128GB variant.
For a budget phone, performance is actually decent but the display routinely dips to 60Hz in apps, making the phone feel laggier than it really is. When it sticks to 90Hz or 120Hz, it&rsquo;s smooth, but that doesn&rsquo;t happen as often as it should.&nbsp;
The low-power chip means the phone barely gets warm, even while gaming. The skin temperature stays cool, and while gaming performance isn&rsquo;t its strong suit, it holds up well for everyday scrolling and streaming.
In terms of software, the Poco M7 runs Android 14-based HyperOS out of the box, bringing plenty of customization. The built-in theme store lets you switch up wallpapers, fonts, and themes to match your vibe.
There&rsquo;s a fair bit of bloatware, which isn&rsquo;t great, and you will have to spend some time uninstalling the apps you don't want. Poco&rsquo;s offering 2 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches, which is reasonable for the price.
<h3>Poco M7 5G Camera</h3>
The camera setup on the Poco M7 5G includes a 50MP &nbsp;Sony IMX852 main sensor paired with a 2MP depth unit and a 5MP selfie snapper. Daylight shots look acceptable despite a general lack of details and sharpness, whereas the colours look oversaturated. Indoors and low-light shots have considerable noise, which you can counter only to an extent with night mode at the expense of stability.
As for selfies, they also lack clarity and skin tones might not look accurate. Overall, the POCO M7 photography capabilities are decent, nothing extraordinary, as expected from an entry-level smartphone. The phone can shoot videos at 1080p 30fps, but there&rsquo;s no stabilization, so handheld footage can get pretty shaky. Keeping the phone steady is a must for smoother shots
<h3>Poco M7 5G Battery &amp; Charging</h3>
The Poco M7 comes packed with a 5160mAh battery, delivering solid all-day endurance, even with a mix of scrolling, streaming, gaming, and snapping photos. In testing, it easily lasted until the evening with battery left to spare.
Casual users can push it even further, stretching into a second day without scrambling for a charger. It supports 18W wired fast charging, and Poco includes the adapter in the box. A full charge takes about 90 minutes, which isn&rsquo;t the fastest out there, but it&rsquo;s enough to keep things going without much downtime.
<h3>Poco M7 5G Review: Verdict</h3>
The Poco M7 Pro 5G is a solid option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone under ₹10,000. It nails the basics with a good display and strong battery life, making it a reliable daily driver.
Performance and software smoothness leave something to be desired, so power users might not be too thrilled. The cameras are pretty average, with image quality that varies a lot depending on lighting&mdash;especially in low light.
But at a starting price of ₹9,999, these trade-offs won&rsquo;t be deal-breakers for most. For those who want a stylish, durable phone with a solid screen and battery, the Poco M7 5G is worth considering.

It's undeniably beautiful, but is the Vivo V50 more than just a pretty face? We test performance, camera, and battery to see if it balances style and substance. Read our verdict.

Vivo V50 Review: Zeiss Cameras & Big Battery

<h2>It's undeniably beautiful, but is the Vivo V50 more than just a pretty face? We test performance, camera, and battery to see if it balances style and substance. Read our verdict.</h2>

The Vivo V50 is a phone that promises a balanced blend of style and substance
Positioned as a mid-range contender at around ₹35,000, the V50 carries forward much of the DNA of its predecessor, the V40, while incorporating some new twists.
Let&rsquo;s find out what&rsquo;s new and if the Vivo V50 justifies its price.
Design &amp; Build
At first glance, the Vivo V50 immediately stands out for its distinctive design. Borrowing heavily from the V40, Vivo has opted to retain the familiar aesthetic while upgrading the structural details.&nbsp;
Instead of the dual-curved panels seen on previous models, the V50 is adorned with quad micro-curved front and rear panels. This subtle refinement gives the phone a more dynamic look that captures the light in intriguing ways.
The Starry Night colourway of our review unit is particularly amazing. This finish is far more than a simple paint job; it boasts multiple layers of texture that artfully replicate the appearance of a night sky, complete with auroras and twinkling stars.&nbsp;
The effect is so deep and layered that it surpasses a conventional 3D effect, imbuing the phone with a sense of sophistication and wonder.&nbsp;
However, the high-gloss finish, while striking, is not without its drawbacks. It tends to attract fingerprints like a magnet, which can detract from the overall premium feel if not maintained meticulously.
In terms of ergonomics, the Vivo V50 generally fits comfortably in the hand, though there are aspects that fall short of expectations given its price tag.
Display
Vivo has equipped the V50 with a 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display that is as vibrant as it is immersive. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures that everyday tasks and scrolling through social media are smooth and responsive.&nbsp;
Enhanced by the new Diamond Shield Glass that&rsquo;s designed to be significantly more drop-resistant, the display promises durability without compromising on clarity.
Colour accuracy on the V50 is impressive, with the display rendering a wide spectrum of hues faithfully.&nbsp;
Performance &amp; Software
Under the hood, the Vivo V50 is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor &ndash; a chipset that has been a recurring choice for Vivo, having appeared in the V30 and V40.&nbsp;
While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate multitasking with ease, it feels like a safe, if not entirely innovative, choice.&nbsp;
However, the choice of storage on this smartphone is my primary gripe. The Vivo V50 utilises UFS 2.2 storage, which, for a device priced around ₹35,000, is not up to the mark.
In practical terms, this translates into occasional micro-stutters and a general sense that the phone isn&rsquo;t as responsive as one might expect in its price bracket.&nbsp;
While the device manages regular app launches and basic tasks adequately, the experience during more intensive operations is marred by these performance hiccups.
Running on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, the Vivo V50 delivers a user interface that is feature-rich. However, it is not without its frustrations. The software comes pre-loaded with a fair amount of bloatware &ndash; apps and features that many users will likely find unnecessary and may need to uninstall to streamline the experience.&nbsp;
Also, while many modern smartphones now feature refined haptic feedback systems, the V50 disappoints in this department. Rather than offering the tactile precision that one might expect from a premium device, the V50 relies on a basic vibration motor. The resulting haptics feel noticeably underwhelming.
Despite these software issues, Vivo&rsquo;s commitment to three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches is a welcome assurance.&nbsp;
Cameras
One area where the Vivo V50 shines is its camera system. Vivo has long built a reputation for delivering strong photographic performance, and the V50 is no exception.&nbsp;
The phone is equipped with a robust array of sensors: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP front. The inclusion of Zeiss tuning is particularly noteworthy.
Photos taken with the V50 are consistently sharp and well-detailed, with the primary sensor capturing images that look quite natural, but with a slight cool tint, as you&rsquo;d expect from Zeiss-tuned smartphone cameras.&nbsp;
Zeiss portraits add a unique and creative twist to portrait photography, producing images that stand apart from the run-of-the-mill results found on many mid-range devices.
However, while the still photography experience is outstanding, the video recording capabilities are decidedly average. Users seeking to capture high-quality video might find the V50 lacking in this regard, as the footage can sometimes feel less refined compared to its photographic output.
Battery Life &amp; Charging
Equipped with a big 6,000mAh battery, the Vivo V50 is designed to last through a full day of heavy use.&nbsp;
The capacity is more than sufficient to support the phone&rsquo;s power-hungry features, and the integration of 90W fast charging means that downtime is kept to a minimum.&nbsp;
Users can expect a solid performance in terms of endurance, with a screen time of around 8.5 hours with mixed use.
Vivo V50 Review
So that&rsquo;s the Vivo V50. For those who prioritise aesthetics and camera performance, the Vivo V50 is quite a nice option. Its design, particularly in the Starry Night variant, is a visual treat.
Then, for photos, particularly portraits, this phone is as good as it gets in the sub-₹35,000 segment. &nbsp;
However, if your focus is on strong performance, then there are much more powerful options available in this price segment.

The Galaxy S25 may look unchanged, but beneath the surface, there’s more going on. With AI features, top-tier performance, and subtle refinements, is it quietly brilliant or playing it too safe?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Review: The small flagship that still delivers

The Galaxy S25 may look unchanged, but beneath the surface, there&rsquo;s more going on. With AI features, top-tier performance, and subtle refinements, is it quietly brilliant or playing it too safe?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra may be the star of Samsung&rsquo;s lineup, but for most people, the smaller S25 is the smarter choice. Sure, some say it&rsquo;s more of the same, but with new Galaxy AI features, a compact design, and one of the best chipsets of the year, the S25 strikes a great balance between power and simplicity.&nbsp;
<h3>Design &amp; Display</h3>
The S25 sticks to a familiar design, featuring a 6.2-inch display, triple rear cameras, and a premium glass-and-aluminum build. It remains one of the most compact flagship Android phones, standing out in a market where devices like the Pixel 9 keep getting bigger.&nbsp;
The bezels are slightly smaller, but only by a fraction of a millimeter&mdash;nothing you&rsquo;d actually notice. It&rsquo;s still a well-built phone that lets Samsung&rsquo;s excellent display shine, but at this point, high-end smartphones are starting to look eerily similar.&nbsp;
Speaking of the display, the S25 sticks with the FHD AMOLED panel and 120Hz refresh rate from the S24, along with the 2,600 nits peak brightness. It&rsquo;s bright, vibrant, and feels incredibly smooth when scrolling.
<h3>Performance</h3>
The S25 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip&mdash;at least in India, where there&rsquo;s no Exynos this time, which is a welcome change. Samsung also gets a special "For Galaxy" edition, though the only difference is a slight overclock by Qualcomm to justify the branding.&nbsp;
Performance is buttery smooth&mdash;apps, games, and the interface all run flawlessly. The phone does get a bit warmer than the S25 Plus under heavy loads, but not by much. The smaller size means it can&rsquo;t dissipate heat as effectively, which is why Samsung added a 15% larger vapor cooling chamber&mdash;and for the most part, it does the job well.
<h3>Battery &amp; Charging</h3>
The Galaxy S25 sticks with a 4,000mAh battery, 25W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging&mdash;the same as last year&rsquo;s S24.
Battery life isn't too bad for a smaller phone. I averaged 5&ndash;6 hours of screen time across two days, while heavier users can expect just over six hours in a single day before needing a recharge. With a Samsung 25W charger, the S25 hit 56% in 30 minutes&mdash;decent, but not as fast as some Chinese rivals.
<h3>Cameras</h3>
Let&rsquo;s talk cameras&mdash;because this part feels overdue for an upgrade. The S25 sticks with the same 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto setup that hasn&rsquo;t changed much since the S22&mdash;and it&rsquo;s identical to last year&rsquo;s S24.
That&rsquo;s not to say it&rsquo;s a bad system&mdash;photos come out consistently good, with improved 2x zoom and a reliable 3x telephoto, though it lacks the reach of 5x zoom rivals. The ultrawide is solid but brings nothing new. Video remains sharp, portraits look great, and there are plenty of modes&mdash;except macro, which is still missing.
A new tool for video creators is Samsung Log, a recording format that makes color correction and exposure adjustments easier. You can apply a color profile on-device, but keep in mind Galaxy Log files are massive, so it&rsquo;s not ideal for everyday use.
<h3>Loads of AI</h3>
AI is once again the big focus for Samsung&rsquo;s Galaxy S25 lineup, but most of the new features haven&rsquo;t felt all that essential. Google&rsquo;s Gemini has replaced Bixby as the default assistant when holding the power button&mdash;a welcome upgrade&mdash;but oddly, Bixby is still hanging around. It can tweak phone settings, but having two assistants feels redundant. Why not just let Gemini handle everything?
And honestly, Gemini is impressive. It can pull details from your screen and take action without extra taps. Need to book a meeting? Just ask, and it&rsquo;ll add the event straight from an email. Planning a trip? It can gather flight details, suggest hotels, and even draft a message to your travel buddies&mdash;all with a simple command. Whether it's summarizing a long article or pulling directions from a photo of a billboard, Gemini feels like a true AI assistant, not just a voice-activated search tool.
The other big AI upgrade is Now Brief, a lock screen or home screen widget that compiles info from various apps into a quick, AI-generated digest. It can include sleep scores, news, photos, and commute times, but the depth of insights depends on your notes, events, and connected devices.
Other AI tools make everyday tasks easier&mdash;natural language search in Gallery and Settings, AI Select for editing parts of a screen or video, and Audio Eraser to remove unwanted sounds.
Unlike Apple&rsquo;s rollout of Apple Intelligence, every Galaxy S25 AI feature is fully available at launch&mdash;no waiting required.
<h3>Software</h3>
The software experience on the Galaxy S25 series isn&rsquo;t just about AI&mdash; One UI 7, Samsung&rsquo;s Android 15-based interface it brings a fresh design with smoother icons, revamped menus, and smarter layouts.
Notifications and quick settings now have separate windows, Samsung&rsquo;s default apps get a cleaner look, and larger home screen folders let you access apps directly.&nbsp;
The biggest change is Now Bar&mdash;a dynamic widget at the bottom of the lock screen for quick access to live activities like navigation, sports scores, or media playback. Inspired by Apple&rsquo;s Dynamic Island, Samsung&rsquo;s take is more flexible, letting you flick through multiple full-sized widgets instead of being limited to one at a time.
Samsung also promises seven years of OS and security updates, keeping the S25 series supported until 2032&mdash;matching Google&rsquo;s Pixel for the longest Android update commitment.
<h3>Price &amp; Avaialibilty&nbsp;</h3>
The Samsung Galaxy S25 starts at Rs. 80,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model, while the 12GB + 512GB variant costs Rs. 92,999. You can find it on Samsung&rsquo;s online store, Amazon.in, and other major online and offline retailers.
<h3>Verdict</h3>
The S25 is a great small phone, but it&rsquo;s another year of small refinements rather than big changes.
That said, it&rsquo;s still the best compact Android flagship around. Where competitors keep getting bigger, the S25 stays refreshingly light, thin, and easy to hold&mdash;without sacrificing screen quality. The switch to Qualcomm&rsquo;s new top chip brings a noticeable performance boost, and Samsung&rsquo;s AI tools show promise.
For those wanting the smallest high-end Android that&rsquo;s actually good, the S25 is the one to beat.

Nu Republic Starboy 6 Review: Brings the Hype to Budget Headphones

Can a budget gaming headset really deliver bold design, deep bass, and ultra-low latency without cutting corners? The Nu Republic Starboy 6 promises to do just that—with LED-lit earcups, a flip mic, and X-Bass® tech, all for just ₹2,499.

<h2>Can a budget gaming headset really deliver bold design, deep bass, and ultra-low latency without cutting corners? The Nu Republic Starboy 6 promises to do just that&mdash;with LED-lit earcups, a flip mic, and X-Bass tech, all for just ₹2,499.</h2>

Nu Republic has built a reputation for delivering budget-friendly audio gear with a flair for design, and the Starboy 6 Wireless Headphones are no exception. Priced at INR 2,499, these headphones aim to provide a feature-packed experience with a bold LED-lit design, gaming-focused performance, and bass-heavy sound.
But do they deliver beyond the flashy aesthetics? Let&rsquo;s dive into the pros and cons to see if the Starboy 6 is worth your money.
<h3>&nbsp;Design &amp; Comfort: Built to Turn Heads</h3>
The Starboy 6 makes a statement&mdash;literally. With breathing LED lights on the earcups, these headphones aren&rsquo;t designed to blend in. If you like your tech to match your vibe, this is right up your alley. The lights aren&rsquo;t customizable, though, which might be a letdown for those who love RGB personalization.
Beyond the aesthetics, Nu Republic has gone for a lightweight, ergonomic design that&rsquo;s comfortable for long hours. The memory foam earcups and vegan leather finish give it a premium feel for its price, and the padding ensures a snug fit without causing discomfort.
However, the earcups might feel a little tight for users with larger heads. The headband is adjustable, but the overall clamping force is on the firmer side.
<h3>&nbsp;Audio Quality: X-Bass Lives Up to Its Name</h3>
Nu Republic&rsquo;s X-Bass technology is at the heart of the Starboy 6&rsquo;s audio profile. The bass is deep and punchy, which works great for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop, EDM, and Bollywood bangers.
The mids and highs, however, are not as detailed. Vocals and instrumentals sometimes take a backseat to the bass, which might not appeal to those who prefer a more balanced sound. That said, if you enjoy thumping bass and energetic sound, these headphones deliver exactly that.
For gaming, the 42ms low latency mode ensures that audio syncs well with visuals. Footsteps, gunshots, and in-game effects come through clearly, making this a solid choice for mobile gaming.
<h3>&nbsp;Mic &amp; Call Quality: Decent but Not Perfect</h3>
A standout feature of the Starboy 6 is its flip mic, which is rare in this price range. It&rsquo;s flexible and easy to position, making it great for gaming and streaming.
The mic quality is good for casual gaming and voice chats but not studio-level. It does pick up some background noise despite having ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation), but it gets the job done for in-game comms and Zoom calls.
<h3>&nbsp;Controls &amp; Connectivity: Dual Pairing&nbsp;</h3>
One of the most convenient features here is dual pairing, allowing you to switch between two devices effortlessly. You can take calls on your phone and then jump back into your game on a laptop without disconnecting manually.
Button controls are intuitive and responsive, letting you adjust volume, switch tracks, and change modes without reaching for your phone. The lack of touch controls might feel like a step back for some, but physical buttons are more reliable in a gaming headset.
<h3>&nbsp;Battery Life: Enough Juice for a Full Day</h3>
Nu Republic claims 30 hours of battery life, and in real-world use, it&rsquo;s close. At moderate volume, you can easily get around 25-27 hours, which is still impressive for this price.
However, the LED lights impact battery life&mdash;so if you use them constantly, expect a slight drop in runtime. Charging speed isn&rsquo;t the fastest, and it takes around 2-2.5 hours for a full charge,
<h3>&nbsp;Final Verdict: A Solid Budget Gaming Headset with Style</h3>
The Nu Republic Starboy 6 is an easy recommendation for gamers and bass lovers who want a budget-friendly, stylish headset. The low latency, strong bass, and flip mic make it a great option for mobile gaming, while the LED design and comfortable fit add to its appeal.
That said, if you prefer a balanced audio profile or need professional-grade mic quality, this might not be the best fit. But for ₹2,499, you&rsquo;re getting a lot of value&mdash;making this a standout choice in the budget segment.

Editorji is a popular short video news and information platform based in India. It was founded in 2018 by Vikram Chandra, one of India’s leading journalists, and has risen to prominence in the digital news space in a relatively short span of time. The platform is primarily designed for mobile devices, with applications available for Android and iOS.

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If you're looking to gift your loved ones a new smartphone this Diwali, there's a whole lot of variety on offer. Let us help cut through the confusion of choosing between hundreds of phones, and watch our Diwali smartphone buying guide. For under ₹25,000, our options give you great value for money, and make for a great&nbsp;gift that'll definitely have a lasting impression.

Best phones to gift this Diwali for under ₹25,000!

Check out our&nbsp;Diwali&nbsp;2020&nbsp;smartphone buying guide&nbsp;

Best smartphones to gift this Diwali for under ₹25,000!

If you're looking to gift your loved ones a new smartphone this Diwali, there's a whole lot of variety on offer. Let us help cut through the confusion of choosing between hundreds of phones, and watch our Diwali smartphone buying guide. For under ₹25,000, our options give you great value for money, and make for a great&nbsp;gift that'll definitely have a lasting impression.

Xiaomi 15 vs iPhone 16e: A ₹60,000 Android flagship faces Apple's "budget" iPhone. Specs versus ecosystem? Let's find out who wins this battle!

Xiaomi 15 Review & Comparison with iPhone 16e!

<h2>Xiaomi 15 vs iPhone 16e: A ₹60,000 Android flagship faces Apple's "budget" iPhone. Specs versus ecosystem? Let's find out who wins this battle!</h2>

The Xiaomi 15 launched in India at ₹60,000, stepping straight into a warzone of near-flagships from Vivo, Realme, and Samsung. But the real curveball is Apple&rsquo;s iPhone 16e&mdash;a so-called &ldquo;budget&rdquo; iPhone that still demands a premium.
Xiaomi&rsquo;s betting on sheer specs and Android flexibility, while Apple banks on ecosystem lock-in and long-term updates. One&rsquo;s a powerhouse, the other plays it safe.
The choice isn&rsquo;t just about hardware&mdash;it&rsquo;s about how much you&rsquo;re willing to compromise. Now, both phones feel every bit as premium as you&rsquo;d expect.
<h3>Design</h3>
Matte glass backs that reject fingerprints like they have trust issues, aluminum frames that scream &ldquo;I belong in the flagship club,&rdquo; and just enough heft to make them feel expensive.
Apple sticks to its black-and-white colour choices, while Xiaomi throws in a pastel green, because why not? Although I was sent the black variant which feels a bit muted.
The iPhone 16e is all about being sleek and lightweight, while the Xiaomi 15 has that solid, tank-like feel. Apple also gives you last-gen Ceramic Shield for the display&mdash;tough, but not quite as tough as the version on the pricier models.
Xiaomi pulls the same move, skipping the upgraded Shield Glass from its top-tier lineup. For security and biometrics, the iPhone 16e comes with Face ID, which is reliable as ever.
Xiaomi&rsquo;s in-display fingerprint scanner is snappy too, though the speed is mostly UI trickery. Both are IP68-rated, so they&rsquo;ll survive a coffee spill&mdash;or if you&rsquo;re clumsy, much worse.
The Xiaomi 15 is a classic Android flagship&mdash;minimalist, premium, no-nonsense. And the iPhone 16e, well, looks like any other iPhone. That is, until you get a look at the display.
<h3>Display &amp; Audio</h3>
The first thing you notice is that massive notch which instantly makes the iPhone 16e feel outdated.
And because of the notch, you miss out on some of Dynamic Island&rsquo;s best features like live updates for your Zomato orders or Uber.
But once you get past the notch, the rest of the display is actually solid. It&rsquo;s a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel which is bright, vibrant and incredibly sharp, and is great for watching content.
The Xiaomi 15&rsquo;s 6.36-inch LTPO display, though, is a whole other beast. The higher peak brightness means HDR content looks way better, and Xiaomi has all the certifications to back that up.
The bezels on the Xiaomi 15 are much slimmer compared to the iPhone 16e, because of which it feels even more premium. But the biggest difference between the two is the refresh rate.
The Xiaomi 15 dynamically adjusts to up to 120Hz, which makes everything feel buttery smooth. Scrolling through webpages, app animations, gaming&mdash;it all feels silky smooth.
The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, is stuck at 60Hz, and you feel that, big time. You constantly get microstutters when scrolling through text or even when navigating through the UI.
So, while both displays are good image-wise, Xiaomi clearly takes the lead in overall quality, responsiveness, and just how enjoyable it feels to use.
As for audio, both the Xiaomi 15 and iPhone 16e have stereo speakers which are loud, crisp, and surprisingly punchy with solid bass.
<h3>Performance &amp; Software</h3>
Performance-wise, the Xiaomi 15 flexes its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, while the iPhone 16e packs the A18&mdash;though Apple quietly snipped off a GPU core. But that's not as bad as it sounds.
In Geekbench, the iPhone 16e still keeps up in single-core performance, but in multi-core, the Xiaomi pulls ahead. Graphics-heavy benchmarks like 3DMark and Antutu tell the real story&mdash;Xiaomi&rsquo;s extra GPU muscle offers higher numbers, while the iPhone 16e lags behind, thanks to that missing core.
In real-world use, though, you probably won&rsquo;t notice the difference unless you&rsquo;re running Genshin at maximum settings. The bigger problem, though, is Apple&rsquo;s insistence on a 60Hz display. Even with iOS 18&rsquo;s animations, the iPhone 16e feels sluggish next to the Xiaomi&rsquo;s 120Hz fluidity.
When it comes to heavier tasks though, like 4K video recording or editing, both hold up well. They also manage heat pretty well, despite very different cooling setups.
On the software side, the Xiaomi 15 runs on HyperOS 2, while the iPhone 16e is on iOS 18. As for updates, Xiaomi has promised 4 OS plus 6 security updates. With most iPhones you&rsquo;re good for 7-8 years, although Apple has never admitted it officially.
Now, HyperOS 2 isn&rsquo;t exactly stock Android, but you won&rsquo;t find a tonne of bloatware. Plus, it has its bag of AI tricks&mdash;AI Writing, AI Editing, AI Search, AI Dynamic Wallpapers, and of course, Google&rsquo;s Circle to Search and Gemini.
iOS 18 also brings some AI features under Apple Intelligence like Visual Intelligence, AI Writing Tools, Object Eraser, and Image Playground.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But even though Apple is pushing the iPhone 16e as the gateway to Apple Intelligence, you shouldn&rsquo;t buy the iPhone 16e just for that. Saying Apple is having a rough time with its AI features would be an understatement.&nbsp;
<h3>Cameras</h3>
Please watch the video to see camera samples.
When it comes to cameras, the Xiaomi 15 packs a triple 50MP Leica-tuned setup, while the iPhone 16e gets a 48MP Fusion sensor.
It's not the same one as the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus. It&rsquo;s a smaller sensor, which means images and videos are a little noisier, especially in low light.
In daylight, both phones take fantastic shots.
The iPhone 16e has a better dynamic range, so it shows more details in shadows.
The Xiaomi, on the other hand, is more contrasty and has punchier colours.
When you zoom in 2X, the iPhone switches from 24MP to 12MP, and loses some detail. The Xiaomi, though stays rock solid. I feel the Xiaomi is at its strongest at 2.6X, with creamier bokeh and superb details.
We get to see similar results in video as well. As for stabilisation, the Xiaomi 15 is excellent and holds up well in most scenarios.
The iPhone 16e does a decent job, but it&rsquo;s nowhere near the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro Max.&nbsp; That&rsquo;s because Apple stuck with a standard lens-based OIS instead of the sensor-shift stabilisation.
In portraits, both the devices handle edge detection well.
At the front, the iPhone 16e gets a 12MP camera, whereas the Xiaomi 16 gets a 32MP camera with fixed focus. However, both of them do a pretty decent good job with both photos and video.
All in all, you&rsquo;ll be better off with the Xiaomi 15 as a whole. It&rsquo;s got a better macro and telephoto setup, and an ultrawide lens&mdash;all with pretty solid sensors.
Plus, the Xiaomi 15 packs pro-level video features like 10-bit log recording, Dolby Vision, and a dedicated movie mode.
<h3>Battery &amp; Charging</h3>
Battery life is surprisingly solid on both. The Xiaomi 15 and iPhone 16e push through 7&ndash;8 hours of screen time, even with the iPhone&rsquo;s smaller battery. That&rsquo;s probably down to that 60Hz display, and the new C1 modem sipping power instead of guzzling it.
Charging, though, is where Xiaomi takes the lead. A 90W charger in the box&mdash;yes, in 2025, that&rsquo;s a flex&mdash;gets you from 0 to 100% in under an hour. It even does 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless.
Meanwhile, the iPhone's 20W wired charging means you&rsquo;ll be sitting around for nearly two hours, and you better already own a charger, because Apple sure isn&rsquo;t giving you one.
<h3>Verdict</h3>
Going into this review, I knew the Xiaomi 15 would win, but even I was surprised by just how one-sided this turned out to be.&nbsp;
The Xiaomi 15 an absolute beast, with great cameras, solid performance, and impressive battery life&mdash;easily one of the best compact flagships out there.
The only real reason to pick the iPhone 16e would be iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence. But even then, that&rsquo;s not good enough.
If you have to have an iPhone, there are far better options out there, especially if you&rsquo;re willing to stretch your budget or wait for seasonal discounts.

The Infinix Note 50x 5G has arrived. Check out the price, availability, and key features including a 120Hz display, powerful processor, and long-lasting battery. Find out if it's the next budget-friendly contender.

Infinix Note 50x 5G: First Look at Features and Pricing

<h2>The Infinix Note 50x 5G has arrived. Check out the price, availability, and key features including a 120Hz display, powerful processor, and long-lasting battery. Find out if it's the next budget-friendly contender.</h2>

The Infinix Note 50x 5G is here, and it aims to offer a compelling package in the lower mid-range market.
<h3>Price and Availability</h3>
The Infinix Note 50x 5G will be available in two memory configurations. The 6GB RAM/128GB storage model is priced at ₹11,499. The 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant costs ₹12,999.
Early buyers can benefit from a ₹1,000 bank discount on ICICI Bank cards. This brings the prices down to ₹10,499 and ₹11,999 respectively.
The phone will be available on Flipkart from 3rd April.
<h3>Design and Display</h3>
The Note 50x 5G comes in three colours: Sea Breeze Green (vegan leather), Enchanted Purple, and Titanium Grey.
It features a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. The screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Peak brightness reaches 672 nits.
<h3>Performance and Features</h3>
Infinix claims the Note 50x 5G is the first phone with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor. It remains to be seen how this "Ultimate" version performs.
The phone offers 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.
It packs a 5,500mAh battery with 45W fast charging. A 10W reverse wired charging feature is also included.
The Note 50x 5G has a 50MP main camera and a depth sensor. An 8MP front camera is available for selfies.
It runs on XOS 15 based on Android 15. Infinix promises two years of OS updates and three years of security patches.
<h3>Connectivity and Durability</h3>
The device supports 9 5G bands. It has an IR blaster but lacks NFC and wireless charging.
A side-mounted fingerprint scanner provides security. The phone also has an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance. It holds MIL-STD-810H certification for durability.
<h3>Initial Thoughts</h3>
The Infinix Note 50x 5G appears to offer a solid set of features at a competitive price point. The new processor and promise of software updates are noteworthy. We look forward to a closer look at its performance.

The OPPO F29 Pro 5G is built tough with IP69 and MIL-STD durability while packing a 6.7” 120Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 7300 Energy, and a massive 6,000mAh battery. It nails the basics with solid performance, fast charging, and AI-packed software—but is tha

OPPO F29 Pro 5G Review: Tough as nails or just talk?

The OPPO F29 Pro 5G is built tough with IP69 and MIL-STD durability while packing a 6.7” 120Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 7300 Energy, and a massive 6,000mAh battery. It nails the basics with solid performance, fast charging, and AI-packed software—but is that enough?

The OPPO F29 Pro 5G is built tough with IP69 and MIL-STD durability while packing a 6.7&rdquo; 120Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 7300 Energy, and a massive 6,000mAh battery. It nails the basics with solid performance, fast charging, and AI-packed software&mdash;but is that enough?

Oppo is on a mission to prove that durability can be a selling point&mdash;not just a spec buried in fine print. The new Oppo F29 Pro is being marketed as a super-tough phone, and Oppo really wants you to know it.
They&rsquo;re not just talking about IP ratings; they literally dunked the phone in beer during our product briefing (which, admittedly, was kind of cool).
&nbsp;But beyond the shockproof and splash-proof marketing gimmicks, does the F29 Pro offer enough to stand out, or is it just a one-trick pony? Let&rsquo;s find out.
<h3>Pricing and Variants</h3>
The OPPO F29 Pro 5G starts at ₹27,999 for the 8GB+128GB model, with the 8GB+256GB variant coming in at ₹29,999. If you want the top-tier 12GB+256GB version, that&rsquo;ll set you back ₹31,999. Available in two slick finishes&mdash;Marble White and Granite Black.
<h3>Design &amp; Build</h3>
Might as well start off by talking about what makes the F29 Pro so durable&mdash;and whether it actually is. With IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications, it&rsquo;s one of the most rugged smartphones in its category.
Oppo claims it can withstand dust, full water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, and even high-pressure water jets, a level of protection usually reserved for industrial devices.
Beyond just water and dust resistance, the F29 Pro has gone through 14 Military Standard (MIL-STD) durability tests, proving it can handle extreme temperatures, humidity, and impact.
And because Oppo wanted to cover all bases, they even tested it against 18 different liquids, including coffee, juice, beer (yep, the one from the demo), and detergent.
But here&rsquo;s the weird part&mdash;there&rsquo;s no warranty for liquid damage. So, while Oppo wants you to think of this phone as indestructible, if it actually breaks, that&rsquo;s on you. Which, let&rsquo;s be real, raises some eyebrows.
The frame is made of AMO4 aluminum alloy&mdash; an aerospace-grade material that Oppo claims is 10% tougher than before. Inside, there&rsquo;s sponge cushioning to absorb impact, making it less prone to taking damage from drops.
I did some drop testing myself, and so far, not a single scratch. But long-term durability? That&rsquo;s a different story&mdash;only time (and a few more accidents) will tell. I&rsquo;ve got the Granite Black variant, and it&rsquo;s got a nice matte-textured finish&mdash;smooth, grippy, and thankfully not a fingerprint magnet.
Oppo says the back is made of High-Molecular Fiberglass (because apparently, regular fiberglass just wasn&rsquo;t fancy enough), but at the end of the day, it&rsquo;s basically fiber-reinforced plastic. Still, it&rsquo;s impressively light for something packing a 6,000mAh battery, coming in at just 7.55mm thick and 180g.
Not bad for a phone that&rsquo;s supposedly built like a tank. There&rsquo;s also a rounded camera module housing a 50MP main lens and a 2MP monochrome sensor, all neatly framed by a raised ring. And unlike some phones that teeter on flat surfaces like a seesaw, this one stays surprisingly steady.
The quad-curved design is another highlight&mdash;smooth in the hand, no sharp edges digging into your fingers, and just comfortable to use whether you&rsquo;re scrolling or gaming. Up front, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 handles the screen protection.
<h3>Display</h3>
The 6.7-inch AMOLED here is pretty solid for the price. FHD+ resolution (2412 x 1080) keeps things sharp, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth. Peak brightness hits 1200 nits, so visibility outdoors isn&rsquo;t an issue&mdash;unless you&rsquo;re standing under direct sunlight at noon, then good luck.
Oppo really wants you to know the F29 Pro&rsquo;s display cares about your eyes. It comes with five eye-protection features, including 2160Hz PWM dimming to reduce flicker, which helps for late-night doomscrolling.
Colors are vibrant but not overcooked, and streaming Netflix or Prime looks good. The bezels could have been slimmer, but it&rsquo;s a minor gripe. The in-display fingerprint sensor registers prints quickly without any hassle.
Haptic feedback, on the other hand, is underwhelming&mdash;more noise than sensation. It works, but don&rsquo;t expect flagship-level crispness. The stereo speakers deliver decent loudness, especially with 300% Ultra Volume Mode cranked up. Audio remains clear in noisy spaces, with sharp highs and acceptable mids, though bass is pretty much an afterthought.
<h3>Camera Performance</h3>
The camera setup keeps things simple. No ultrawide lens, and that 2MP monochrome sensor doesn&rsquo;t add much beyond the spec sheet. That leaves the 50MP main sensor with OIS handling most of the work.
In daylight, it captures solid details, a respectable dynamic range, and colors that pop just enough. Low-light performance is passable&mdash;good enough for casual shots but nothing that will make you rethink night photography.
4K at 30fps video recording is here, and while the quality is fine, there&rsquo;s some noticeable jitter. Portrait mode is actually a win, with clean edge detection and a bokeh effect that doesn&rsquo;t look artificial.
The 16MP front camera does a solid job for selfies, keeping details sharp and skin tones natural. It won&rsquo;t redefine front-facing photography, but it works.
<h3>Performance</h3>
Powering the F29 Pro is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy, and for daily use, it does just fine. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth (thanks to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage on our review unit), and benchmark numbers are respectable&mdash;673,512 on AnTuTu and an impressive 96.2% stability rating in 3DMark&rsquo;s Wild Life Extreme Stress Test.
BGMI runs at 60FPS without breaking a sweat, but don&rsquo;t expect 90FPS support&mdash;it&rsquo;s just not here. Look, this is a solid daily driver. It&rsquo;ll handle your everyday tasks and casual gaming well, but if you&rsquo;re after sustained, high-performance gaming, something like the Poco X7 Pro or iQOO Neo 10R will serve you better. Those phones are built to handle long sessions, not just quick matches.
As for connectivity, Oppo&rsquo;s hyping up its new Hunter Antenna Architecture, claiming a 300% signal boost over the last gen, thanks to an 84.5% wrapped frame. I tested it in a congested area, and calls stayed clear, data didn&rsquo;t drop&mdash;but, honestly, I had no issues with the iQOO Neo 10R either.
<h3>Software &amp; AI</h3>
The OPPO F29 Pro runs ColorOS 15 on Android 15, and yeah, it&rsquo;s smooth, fast, and packed with customization. But let&rsquo;s talk about the AI&mdash;because, of course, there&rsquo;s AI. Screen Translator, AI Summary, Circle to Search, Google Gemini&mdash;Oppo crammed every buzzword in here.
The camera app is just as AI-happy, with AI Eraser 2.0 for deleting random background photobombers, AI Clarity Enhancer for sharpening zoomed-in shots, and AI Unblur, which, I&rsquo;ll admit, actually impressed me. My iPhone 16 Pro is packed with blurry dog photos thanks to my hyperactive pets, and this feature cleaned up a lot of them.&nbsp;
Then there&rsquo;s AI Studio, which turns your photos into AI-generated portraits&mdash;basically Oppo&rsquo;s answer to Apple&rsquo;s Image Playground. The software experience overall is fluid and feature-rich, but bloatware still drags it down.
Performance isn&rsquo;t affected, but some apps can&rsquo;t be uninstalled, and the ones that can just make you question why they were included in the first place. OPPO promises two years of OS updates and three years of security patches, which isn&rsquo;t exactly generous compared to some competitors.
<h3>Battery &amp; Charging</h3>
The OPPO F29 Pro packs a massive 6,000 mAh battery, and it&rsquo;s not just for show. Expect a solid 8 hours of screen-on time for everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. Even with a bit of gaming and heavy camera use, it still pushes a respectable 7 hours.
OPPO also throws in some future-proofing with its fancy-sounding bionic repair electrolyte technology, promising a battery that stays healthy for up to five years.
As for charging, you get 80W SUPERVOOC, and the included charger juices up to 50% in under 30 minutes, hitting full in about an hour. &nbsp;It&rsquo;s quick, but given the competition, it could have been faster.
<h3>Oppo F29 Pro 5G Review: Verdict</h3>
The Oppo F29 Pro is a phone that wants to be tough&mdash;and, to its credit, it mostly delivers. With IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings and MIL-STD durability tests, it can handle dust, water, and the occasional drop like a champ.&nbsp;
Beyond its durability flex, the F29 Pro actually gets a lot of the basics right. The display is good, the performance is solid for everyday use, and the battery lasts long enough to not stress about it.
Just don&rsquo;t expect it to outshine the competition in areas like gaming and cameras. That said, if you want a rugged, stylish, and reliable daily driver, it&rsquo;s a good choice.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Nothing raises the stakes with its Phone 3a Pro, introducing a periscope camera while staying true to its signature aesthetics. But the real question is—does it live up to its striking appearance?

Nothing Phone 3a Pro Review: Flashy & Competent

<h2>Nothing raises the stakes with its Phone 3a Pro, introducing a periscope camera while staying true to its signature aesthetics. But the real question is&mdash;does it live up to its striking appearance?</h2>

With a starting price of ₹29,999, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is ready to grab attention with its unique design and practical feature set.&nbsp;
But beyond the dazzling LEDs and transparent aesthetics, does the Nothing Phone 3a Pro truly stand up as a daily driver?
<h3>Design &amp; Utility</h3>
From the moment you first hold it, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro makes its intentions crystal clear: subtlety is not its game. Sporting the brand's now-iconic transparent back panel, the phone unabashedly shows off its internal hardware alongside the striking glyph LED system.&nbsp;
However, the design isn't flawless. The prominent camera island protrudes significantly, and the asymmetrical placement of the lenses can feel jarring, especially if you prefer more balanced aesthetics.&nbsp;
Yet, interestingly, this pronounced bump actually makes the phone more stable when placed flat on a surface, avoiding the irritating wobble experienced on many modern smartphones.
Construction-wise, Nothing has gone with a classic glass sandwich build supported by a matte plastic frame. Although the plastic feels slightly cheaper than metal, it does enhance grip, reducing the likelihood of accidental drops.&nbsp;
However, durability might be a slight concern. With an IP64 rating, the phone resists splashes and dust but doesn't guarantee protection against submersion or heavy exposure to elements. The inclusion of Panda Glass provides reasonable scratch resistance.
Nothing also earns praise for the symmetrical bezels around its display, contributing to a modern, visually pleasing front panel that adds to its premium appeal.
<h3>Display &amp; Audio</h3>
At 6.77 inches, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro&rsquo;s AMOLED display delivers an immersive viewing experience. Complemented by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling feels smooth, while multimedia content bursts with vibrancy thanks to excellent colour reproduction and deep, inky blacks.&nbsp;
Its HBM brightness levels reach 1300 nits, which is more than sufficient to comfortably view content even under direct sunlight, making outdoor usage trouble-free.
Audio-wise, Nothing hits it out of the park with impressively loud and clear stereo speakers. Audio playback is dynamic, with a pleasingly wide soundstage uncommon in this price range.&nbsp;
Whether binge-watching your favourite series or streaming music, the 3a Pro&rsquo;s speakers offer full-bodied sound that will rarely leave you reaching for headphones.
<h3>Performance &amp; Software</h3>
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro comes powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. It isn&rsquo;t the most powerful option out there, but it represents a balanced choice for everyday tasks.&nbsp;
Daily performance is smooth enough for most use cases, including web browsing, video playback, and social media scrolling, although multitasking with intensive apps can occasionally induce minor slowdowns.
Gaming enthusiasts will be intrigued by the 3a Pro&rsquo;s ability to reach 120fps in titles like BGMI, though extended gaming sessions will reveal frame drops and heating issues common to mid-tier processors.&nbsp;
Storage comes in the form of UFS 2.2, offering adequate but not blazing-fast performance.
Software-wise, the phone runs Nothing OS 3.1, which embraces a distinctly minimalist yet quirky dot-matrix aesthetic. This uniqueness is further bolstered by the commendable absence of pre-installed bloatware, creating a clean, focused user experience rare in today&rsquo;s Android landscape.&nbsp;
However, the new dedicated &ldquo;Essential Key&rdquo; for accessing the phone&rsquo;s so-called &ldquo;Essential Space&rdquo; app feels odd. At its current implementation, it primarily functions as a screenshot library app with search capabilities and voice annotations&mdash;a confusing choice given the prominence of its dedicated hardware button.
Interestingly, while many brands are quickly embracing generative AI, Nothing has notably avoided packing AI-heavy gimmicks into the 3a Pro, a decision that might resonate positively with users craving simplicity over unnecessary complications.
Software support is reasonable, with Nothing promising three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches, a solid commitment, if not industry-leading.
<h3>Cameras</h3>
Camera capabilities on the Nothing Phone 3a Pro undoubtedly impress at first glance. It features a triple-lens array comprising a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and an especially notable 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
Image quality from the main sensor is commendable, producing sharp, vibrant shots with mostly natural colours. Daytime photography stands out, capturing excellent detail and balanced exposure.&nbsp;
Low-light shots are decent, though they're neither exceptional nor disappointing, typical of mid-range smartphones.
The 8MP ultrawide camera captures expansive scenes adequately but struggles slightly with maintaining colour consistency compared to the main sensor. Shots appear slightly warmer and occasionally lack finer details.
The real highlight is the 50MP periscope lens. Its inclusion significantly enhances portrait photography, offering excellent background separation and crisp details.&nbsp;
While edge detection isn&rsquo;t always flawless, results are mostly satisfying, and the addition of optical zoom opens up creative framing options that many mid-range phones miss out on.
Video capabilities are also impressive on the main and ultrawide lenses. 4K video at 30fps from the primary sensor is crisp and well-stabilised, with commendable dynamic range and exposure handling.&nbsp;
However, surprisingly, the periscope sensor's video recording is limited to 1080p and offers noticeably lower quality, limiting its usefulness in video scenarios.
<h3>Battery Life &amp; Charging</h3>
With its 5000mAh battery, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro comfortably delivers excellent battery life.&nbsp;
It easily provides around 8 hours of screen-on time per day, reliably lasting through a typical day of moderate-to-heavy usage.
Charging is reasonably quick, thanks to 50W fast-charging support. However, be prepared&mdash;there&rsquo;s no charger included in the box, a trend that's becoming frustratingly common.
<h3>Verdict</h3>
Ultimately, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro proves itself as more than just a flashy device. It strikes an intriguing balance between stand-out aesthetics and practicality, particularly excelling with a clean software experience, solid display, and good camera capabilities.&nbsp;
While it won&rsquo;t satisfy power users or gamers seeking raw performance, it represents a refreshing departure from the typical mid-range smartphone.
For those looking to make a bold statement without compromising on essentials, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is undoubtedly one of the most interesting choices in its segment.

Mid-range gaming phones are gettnig some wild updates. We pit the newly launched Realme P3 Ultra against the iQOO Neo 10R, two smartphones that promise users the best gaming experience. Which one will come out on top as the king of this segment?

Realme P3 Ultra Review: A real contender! (iQOO Neo 10R Compared)

<h2>Mid-range gaming phones are gettnig some wild updates. We pit the newly launched Realme P3 Ultra against the iQOO Neo 10R, two smartphones that promise users the best gaming experience. Which one will come out on top as the king of this segment?</h2>

Something big is brewing in the mid-range gaming phone space. It feels like every other week, a new contender steps into the ring, flexing its raw power. This time, it&rsquo;s the Realme P3 Ultra&mdash; a beast with big shoes to fill after the Realme P3 Pro.
And guess what? It delivers. But I also love a good showdown, so I'm putting it up against another mid-range champ&mdash;the freshly launched iQOO Neo 10R.&nbsp; Both are built for speed but take different approaches.
So let's break it all down to help you decide which one should you pick?
<h3>Design</h3>
Let&rsquo;s start with design, because Realme and iQOO have gone in completely opposite directions here. Both phones are mostly plastic, but Realme has absolutely nailed the premium feel with the P3 Ultra.
It looks and feels way more polished, while the iQOO Neo 10R&hellip; well, let&rsquo;s just say it doesn&rsquo;t quite hit the same level.
The Glowing Lunar White variant of the P3 Ultra is straight-up cool. It has this Lunar surface-inspired print made with luminous ink, meaning it actually glows in the dark if it&rsquo;s been exposed to UV light.
Not exactly a must-have feature, but it&rsquo;s definitely a fun flex.
Meanwhile, iQOO is keeping it simple. The Raging Blue variant has a sporty, in-your-face dual-tone finish, which some might love, but it can also be considered a bit boring
Moreover, the Neo 10R just doesn&rsquo;t feel as solid in hand. Realme has clearly put more effort into making their phone look and feel more high-end.
The P3 Ultra also takes the win with its IP66+68+69 water and dust resistance, while the Neo 10R settles for IP65.
Now, IP65 is fine for a phone at this budget, but I&rsquo;d rather have the extra peace of mind knowing my device can handle a bit more of the real world, especially with monsoons approaching soon.
Moving to the front of the phones, Realme went all fancy with a quad-curved screen that blends into the plastic frame, giving it a sleek, modern vibe.
iQOO, on the other hand, sticks to a flat display.
Both are quite comfy to hold, but I did notice the P3 Ultra&rsquo;s edges digging into my fingers during long gaming sessions. No such issue with the Neo 10R, so that&rsquo;s a win for comfort.
Both phones also pack optical in-display fingerprint scanners, positioned super ergonomically.
But the one on the Neo 10R is a bit finicky to set up. Just a minor annoyance, but worth noting.
Another key difference&mdash;screen protection. The P3 Ultra rocks Gorilla Glass 7i, which has been a trusted name in the budget and mid-range segment for a while.
Meanwhile, the Neo 10R uses Vivo&rsquo;s SCHOTT Xensation Up protection. Vivo has used it on their flagships before, so we&rsquo;ll take their word that it&rsquo;s solid enough.
At the end of the day, the iQOO Neo 10R feels youthful and gamer-focused, especially in that bold blue shade. But if you want something that looks more premium and elegant, and is built better, the Realme P3 Ultra is the way to go.
<h3>Display</h3>
When it comes to displays, the iQOO Neo 10R and Realme P3 Ultra are locked in an all-out brawl. Both pack 1.5K AMOLED screens, so you&rsquo;re getting sharp, vibrant visuals no matter which one you pick.
The Neo 10R measures 6.78 inches, while the P3 Ultra is just a smidge taller at 6.83 inches.
As for the refresh rate, Realme sticks to 120Hz, which is buttery smooth. The Neo 10R technically goes up to 144Hz, but it only works in select games.
Everywhere else. it&rsquo;s capped at 120Hz, just like the P3 Ultra.
So, unless you&rsquo;re playing those few games that actually take advantage of it, you won&rsquo;t notice a massive difference.
Touch response is where the P3 Ultra punches back. It boasts a 2,500Hz touch sampling rate, slightly edging out the Neo 10R&rsquo;s 2,000Hz.
This might not sound like a big deal, but if you&rsquo;re an esports junkie, that could make a difference in those high-stakes gaming sessions.
But put them side by side, and you&rsquo;ll notice the Neo 10R handles HDR content slightly better, thanks to its higher peak brightness. Blacks are deeper, highlights are punchier, and overall contrast is just a bit more refined. That said, you really need to be nitpicking to tell the difference.
Both have some of the best screens you&rsquo;ll find at this price&mdash;heck, they even go toe-to-toe with some of the best displays that some flagships have to offer. The Neo 10R, though, wins by a hair&mdash;mainly because of its insane brightness levels, which give it a slight HDR advantage.&nbsp;
<h3>Cameras</h3>
Alright, let's talk cameras! Both the Realme P3 Ultra and iQOO Neo 10R bring a 50MP main sensor with OIS, backed up by an 8MP ultrawide. Up front, iQOO goes all out with a 32MP selfie shooter, while Realme sticks to 16MP.
Sounds like a balanced, fair fight, right? Well, not exactly.
The Neo 10R&rsquo;s main sensor leans towards cooler tones, which may or may not be your thing. But it struggles with fine details.
The software tries to smooth things out, which helps with noise but can sometimes leave things looking a little too processed.
Ultrawide shots, on the other hand, fare much better, with solid colour consistency and surprisingly good detail for just an 8MP sensor.
The P3 Ultra, meanwhile, takes the lead with the main camera. Colours are more accurate, details are sharper, and it nails dynamic range better.
However, when it comes to ultrawide shots, it flips&mdash;the 8MP sensor lacks detail, even though the colour consistency is on point.
On the selfie front, iQOO&rsquo;s 32MP camera does a fantastic job. Details are crisp, dynamic range is solid, and it just delivers a well-balanced shot.
Realme&rsquo;s 16MP sensor also handles colours and dynamic range well, but it goes too hard on sharpening, making faces look a bit unnatural.
If you don&rsquo;t like that over-processed look, you might not love it.
For video, both phones support 4K@60fps on the rear cameras, which is super rare in this price range. But things get interesting with the front cameras&mdash;Realme maxes out at 1080p@60fps, while iQOO offers 4K@30fps.
However, iQOO has a significant crop in 4K, which can be annoying.
Stabilisation is meh on both&mdash;there&rsquo;s a bit of jitter, but Realme feels more palatable.
Both phones have their strengths and weaknesses, and neither is perfect. I'd say the The P3 Ultra has the slight edge here but in an ideal world, I&rsquo;d probably just go for something else altogether!
<h3>Performance &amp; Software</h3>
Now, let's get in the meat of it! The iQOO Neo 10R runs on Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a powerhouse of a chip that promises smooth, lag-free performance across the board.
Meanwhile, the Realme P3 Ultra comes with the MediaTek&rsquo;s Dimensity 8350 Ultra.
For storage and RAM, the Realme P3 Ultra sticks to UFS 3.1 storage for both 128GB and 256GB models, while the iQOO Neo 10R plays it smart&mdash;UFS 3.1 for 128GB, but UFS 4.0 for 256GB, making it faster for app launches and gaming.
Both phones offer up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, keeping things smooth whether you're multitasking or deep in a gaming session.
On paper, the Neo 10R should absolutely demolish the P3 Ultra in most benchmarks. iQOO even claims it scores over 1.7 million on Antutu.
But here&rsquo;s the catch&mdash;during our tests, the best we could get was 1.48 million, which is 13% lower than what iQOO claims.
Meanwhile, Realme says the P3 Ultra should hit 1.45 million, and it actually scored 1.41 million, only 3% lower than expected.
In real-life performance though, we get a completely different picture. When it comes to gaming, especially, the Neo 10R leaves the P3 Ultra in the dust.
In BGMI, we were consistently hitting 119-120 fps with the Neo 10, while the P3 Ultra hovered between 86-90 fps, even after Realme supposedly tuned the device for BGMI.
Plus, since the Neo 10R&rsquo;s display goes up to 144Hz, there&rsquo;s a chance that an update from Krafton or iQOO could push BGMI to 144 fps at some point. Fingers crossed!
Now, both phones heat up quite a bit in benchmarks, with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 getting a tad bit warmer but this wasn't surprising as I noticed the same issue in other phones running the same chipset.
In actual real-world use, though, both devices manage intense gaming and 4K video recording with only a slight rise in temperature.
That&rsquo;s thanks to their massive vapour chambers&mdash;the P3 Ultra comes with a 6,050mm&sup2; cooling system, while the Neo 10R is close behind with 6,043mm&sup2;. Safe to say, neither phone has any serious thermal issues.
On the software side, the P3 Ultra runs on Realme UI 6, which, as expected, comes loaded with bloatware and those annoying Hot Apps and Hot Games folders.
Meanwhile, the Neo 10R is running Funtouch OS 15, which feels a lot cleaner and lighter than Realme UI, though it lacks those beautifully smooth animations.
Both UIs come with some nifty AI tricks, like Circle to Search, Live Cutout, AI Rewrite, AI Translation, Note Assistant, and Transcript.
For software updates, iQOO promises 3 years of major updates and 4 years of security patches, while Realme lags behind with 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches.
If we&rsquo;re talking pure performance, software, and gaming, the iQOO Neo 10R is the clear winner. That&rsquo;s not to say the Realme P3 Ultra is a bad choice&mdash;far from it. But when you stack them up side by side, the iQOO just has that extra edge.
<h3>Battery life</h3>
Battery life is very similar in both the phones. The Realme P3 Ultra packs a massive 6,000mAh graphite cell despite its slim build.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the iQOO Neo 10R goes even bigger with 6,400mAh and 80W fast charging.&nbsp;
Both of them come with an 80W charger, included in the box.
Even after numerous hardcore gaming sessions, endless benchmarking, and snapping hundreds of pics, both phones easily last a day and a half.
And if you somehow kill the battery, charging is lightning fast. Realme&rsquo;s 80W charger gets you 0 to 100% in just 50 minutes, while a 5-minute juice up gives you two hours of gaming.
The Neo 10R isn&rsquo;t far behind&mdash;its 80W charger takes about an hour to fully juice up, which is wild for a phone this big.
Both phones go all day, but if charging speed matters, Realme wins by a hair, simply because it has a smaller battery to deal with.
<h3>Verdict</h3>
All in all, both the Realme P3 Ultra and iQOO Neo 10R are solid picks for the price, and offer killer specs without breaking the bank.
If I was picking a daily driver, I&rsquo;d go with the P3 Ultra. The cameras are better, the display is nearly as good, and it&rsquo;s built way better with superior ingress protection.
As an all-rounder, the P3 Ultra takes the win.
But if you&rsquo;re all about gaming, binge-watching, or need a dedicated esports device, the Neo 10R is a no-brainer. It&rsquo;s got the edge in performance, a display that&rsquo;s &nbsp;a little bit better, and just feels made for gaming.
So yeah, every day use? The Realme P3 Ultra. For hardcore gaming? The iQOO Neo 10R.

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