gadget
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review: An Incremental Update Nearing Perfection
Samsung entered the foldable smartphone market back in 2019 with their Galaxy Fold. Since then, the brand has introduced a new foldable each year with incremental updates. This year, users will get the Z Fold5 with several new developments over last year’s fold. Samsung launched the Z Fold5 on 11th August in India. Let’s check out what’s changed from the Z Fold4 and how it stacks up against the competitors.
Key Specifications of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Fold from its first generation to the current iteration has stayed fairly similar. The changes from the Fold4 to the Fold5 are so minute that it’s difficult to tell them apart unless looked at closely. The only visible design change on the Fold5 is the shift in the flashlight position.
However, the biggest change in the Fold5 is in the hinge mechanism. It is now made from armored aluminum with a dual rail structure. The new hinge mechanism allows the device to fold flat, unlike the wedge-shaped gap that was seen up until the last generation.
The unfolded dimension of the device is 154.9 mm by 129.9 mm by 6.1 mm while the folded dimension comes in at 154.9 mm by 67.1 mm by 13.4 mm. The relatively compact form factor makes for 235 g of effective weight on the Fold5. The aluminum frame and the plastic inner screen are the same as before with the outer screen and back getting the updated Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Additionally, the device is IPX8 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min). There is also stylus support like the last generation.
Overall, the design and build quality has seen a little update over the last generation. It’s the same refined Samsung design with some minor tweaks here and there.
The Display
The display on the Galaxy Z Fold5 is also similar to that of last year’s Fold4. The inner screen is Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The 7.6-inch inner screen has an 1812 x 2176 pixels (QXGA+) resolution which accommodates 373 ppi. The near-symmetrical display also has an impressive 91.1% screen-to-body ratio. The inner display is brighter this time around on the Fold5. In a test, the manual brightness slider could go up to 800 nits, and in auto mode, it could go up to 1100 nits.
The outer display is what Samsung is calling their Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. It comes with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 6.2-inch display is tall and narrow with a 23.1:9 ratio at 904 x 2316 pixels. The HBM on the outer screen can also go up to 1150 nits.
Read more: Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G: What does it offer?
While the quality of the panel is impeccable as ever, Samsung couldn’t find a way around the crease. It is one of those drawbacks that foldable enthusiasts will have to put up with for the time being.
The Camera
There is a triple camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. The camera system is almost identical to last year’s Fold4 with most of the changes happening at the processing end.
The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.8 sensor. It's a 23mm wide angle lens with standard OIS and PDAF. The secondary cameras are a 10 MP, f/2.4 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 12 MP f/2.2 123 ̊ ultrawide sensor.
The main camera can take some amazing shots in daylight. Pictures had good details and contrast to them along with decent dynamic range. The images come out in 12 MP in the auto mode through pixel binning technology. Portrait shots came out pretty well through the main lens with great subject details and realistic background blur. The ultrawide and the telephoto lenses also did their part pretty well.
Read more: vivo V29e 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone rightly priced?
The image quality stayed consistent in artificial and low-light conditions as well. The variable shutter speed of the main lens assisted in taking well-exposed images with good details and colors in low light. The videography on the Fold5 is absolutely stacked with 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS) with all having HDR10+ support.
Honor X8a Review: Is it a value for money smartphone?
Ever since its inception in 2013, Honor maintained a track record of producing affordable, value-for-money smartphones that disrupted the entry-level to mid-range smartphone market. While it was initially a subsidiary of Huawei, Honor is now owned by a state-owned enterprise under the control of the Shenzhen municipal government. Earlier this year, Honor released the X8a on 11th February 2023 in the global market. Let’s find out the key specs, pros, cons and price of Honor X8a.
Key Features of Honor X8a
Design and Build Quality
There isn’t much going on with the design of the Honor X8a given that it's a budget-friendly smartphone. Users will be getting a plastic device with a glass front. The frame and the back of the device have a matte finish which gives it a stealthy look. The rounded square camera housing and the punch-hole display with a minimal bottom bezel render an overall minimal look to the device.
Dimension-wise, the device comes in at 162.9 mm by 74.5 mm by 7.48 mm with 179 g weight. The relatively compact form factor coupled with the plastic build helps to keep the weight under 200 g.
Read more: Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G: What does it offer?
There is also a small Honor branding on the back bottom of the device. The narrow chin at the bottom allows for an 89.6% screen-to-body ratio.
The fingerprint scanner and the power button are positioned in their usual place. The power button also doubles as the fingerprint scanner on the X8a. This device doesn’t have a micro SDXC slot. It also lacks the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Overall, the design and the build quality of the X8a are nothing out of the ordinary.
The Display
The display on the Honor X8a is a 6.7-inch LTPS LCD panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate. LCDs have their limitations and the X8a isn’t free from them. The panel can capture 16.7 million colors.
Read more: Xiaomi 14 Pro Review: What’s special about it?
The unusual 19.9:9 aspect ratio has 2388 by 1080 pixels with 391 ppi density. The content on the display looks relatively sharp with standard color balance. Its outdoor visibility feature lacks dedicated HBM.
The Camera
The main selling point of the Honor X8a is its 100 MP main camera with f/1.9 aperture. To be fair, the 100 MP resolution brings increased sharpness and overall great contrast to the images. The subject in focus had great details with the right amount of background separation. However, it somewhat lacked in terms of dynamic range. It asserts the fact that only megapixel count isn’t enough, the quality of the sensor also matters. Regardless, the pictures taken with the main camera in daylight came out pretty well.
The sensor struggled a bit in low light conditions There were noticeable exposure issues here and there at times. The main camera is accompanied by a 5 MP f/2.2 ultrawide shooter and a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter. The ultrawide sensor can take some decent shots during the daytime but its performance significantly drops in low-light conditions. Videography on the Honor X8a is limited to 1080p at 30 fps. This is mostly due to the low processing power of the device.
Read more: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
There is a 16 MP f/2.5 selfie camera on board the Honor X8a. This generic selfie shooter is good enough for casual selfies.
Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G: What does it offer?
Tecno has consistently impressed with its high-quality, competitively priced smartphones. After the foldable phones, Tecno’s Phantom line-up released the V Flip on October 1, 2023, in Bangladesh. It marks Tecno's first foray into the flip phone market. This stylish and feature-packed device boasts a sleek design with impressive technical specifications. But is all that hype real? Let’s take a look into the key specifications, pros, cons, and price of the Tecno Phantom V Flip.
Key Features of Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G
Design
The Tecno Phantom V Flip impresses with its seamless fusion of style and practicality. Unfolded, it stands gracefully at 171.72mm by 74.05mm by 6.95mm, boasting a sleek and slender profile. The vegan leather exterior not only enhances its aesthetics but also ensures a comfortable and secure grip.
Despite a subtle crease on dark wallpapers, the inner screen remains inconspicuous during regular use. Weighing a mere 194g, the phone feels delightfully lightweight. The 'Hoverlock' hinge design allows for a flexible open angle between 30 to 150 degrees, enhancing user convenience.
Read more: Xiaomi 14 Pro Review: What’s special about it?
When folded, the device maintains its elegance, measuring 88.77mm in height and 14.95mm in thickness. A circular cover display, a right-side fingerprint scanner, and a smooth unfolding process contribute to the device's overall appeal, with the caveat of lacking an IP rating, requiring users to exercise caution against splashes and dust.
Display
The Tecno Phantom V Flip offers a distinctive dual-screen experience, featuring a sizable 6.9-inch FHD+ AMOLED Foldable display with an impressive 94.5% screen-to-frame ratio. Featuring 1080 by 2640 pixels of resolutions with a pixel density of 413 ppi, the main screen delivers stunning visuals, enhanced by a variable refresh rate of LTPO 10-120Hz for adaptive performance.
Complementing this is the 1.32-inch AMOLED cover screen, providing quick access to essential information. The device showcases technological prowess with a touch screen rate of 360MHz for one and two-finger interactions on the cover screen, coupled with a 120Hz refresh rate. Notably, the main screen boasts a vibrant color depth of 1 billion, while the cover screen maintains a crisp 16.7 million.
Read more: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
The impressive 1000 nit peak brightness and durable cover glass, featuring Schott UTG for the main screen and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for the cover screen, add a layer of sophistication to this innovative smartphone.
Camera
Elevate your photography game with the Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G's impressive camera system. The main 64 MP camera, armed with a spacious 1/1.73″ sensor, PDAF, and a wide f/1.7 aperture, ensures stunning clarity and detail in every shot.
Complementing this powerhouse is a 13MP ultrawide lens, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes and group shots with its 120° field of view.
The front screen's 32 MP sensor guarantees impeccable selfies. With a diverse range of shooting modes, including film, video, AI cam, and portrait mode, the smartphone caters to various creative preferences.
Read more: vivo V29e 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone rightly priced?
The rear camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps, featuring Steady Video support for smooth footage. Meanwhile, the front camera delivers 1080p video recording and slow-motion capabilities, ensuring your moments are captured with precision and style.
Xiaomi 14 Pro Review: What’s special about it?
Ever since its inception, Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer Xiaomi is leading almost every price segment in the smartphone industry. ‘Pro’ lineup represents Xiaomi’s top-tier products that money can afford. Xiaomi launched the 14 Pro on 1st November 2023 for China and subsequently for the global market. As Xiaomi’s premium flagship smartphone for the year, the 14 Pro brings several cutting-edge features. Let’s have a detailed look at the key specs, pros, cons and price of Xiaomi 14 Pro.
Key Specifications of Xiaomi 14 Pro
Design and Build Quality
Xiaomi’s design philosophy has been fairly consistent for their Pro series. The design of the 14 Pro can be best described as an incremental update to last year’s 13 Pro. Users will be getting a glass front and back device with an aluminum frame. There’s a premium variant with a titanium frame as well this time around. The glass back has a matte finish which does an incredible job of deterring fingerprints and smudges.
There is a noticeable curve all around on the front like the 3D glass designs we’ve seen on many Xiaomi devices. The actual screen real estate doesn’t curve, rather it’s the glass design that curves onto the frame. It's what Xiaomi is calling a “full equal depth micro-curved screen” (translated from simplified Chinese). The front glass is protected by Xiaomi Longjing Glass.
The 14 Pro has a 161.4 mm by 75.3 mm by 8.5 mm dimension with 223 g weight for the standard option. The titanium variant comes in at 230 g. As expected, the 14 Pro also has IP68 dust/water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes). The choice of ports and buttons remains the same as the 13 Pro on the 14 Pro. The compact form factor combined with a stealth minimal design really makes the 14 Pro stand out of the lot.
Read more: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
The Display
The display on the Xiaomi 14 Pro is all about pushing the limit of display technology. The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel has 68B colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. While these might sound like standard flagship features, Xiaomi has added an astounding 3000 nits of peak brightness on the panel. This is the first time a mobile device has reached such a level. It has been made possible thanks to Huaxing Optoelectronics' customized C8 light-emitting material. Naturally, the outdoor experience of the display with auto brightness has been excellent, to say the least.
The panel has a QHD+ resolution with 1440 by 3200 pixels and 522 ppi density. With an all-around symmetrical design, the screen-to-body ratio on the 14 Pro stands at 89.6%. Additional specs at the default settings include 98.6% sRGB, 70.2% Adobe RGB, and 73.1% DCI-P3 color gamut.
The usage experience on the 14 Pro has been no less than flagship grade. The LTPO tech helps to conserve battery with 1 to 120 hz refresh variability. Scrolling through apps and UI has been smooth with good viewing angles all around. Overall, it’s an impressive display with no apparent drawbacks as of yet.
The Camera
The triple camera module on the 14 Pro has a 50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 23mm wide angle shooter with dual PDAF, laser AF, and OIS. The second sensor is a 50 MP, f/2.0, 75mm telephoto lens with PDAF and OIS. And lastly, there is a 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ ultrawide sensor with AF.
Read more: vivo V29e 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone rightly priced?
The main sensor is a custom-built sensor which Xiaomi calls the “Lighthunter 900” (translated from simplified Chinese). The pictures from the main sensor came out well with detailed sharpness on the subject and accurate background blur. The dynamic range was easily on par with the iPhone 14 Pro. There is a distinct warm pop of colors in each image which naturally enhances the picture quality. The portrait mode also showed accurate edge detection and realistic blur.
The camera performance intensifies in low light conditions. The variable aperture on the main sensor allows you to take some great shots even without the night mode. Pictures had decent exposure and accurate details with grains seen only in extremely dark conditions.
The telephoto with its 3.2x optical zoom and the ultrawide also performed on par with the main sensor.
There’s also a 32 MP front-facing camera good enough for selfies and vlogging as it supports 4K at 30 fps now.
Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in November 2023
Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
Ever since the launch of the Mi Mix back in 2016, the Mix lineup has been all about cutting-edge features from Xiaomi. From a completely flush display with an under-display front camera to some of the thinnest foldables in the market, every Mix release was marked with Xiaomi’s technical prowess. Xiaomi recently launched its newest model in the Mix lineup, the Mix Fold 3 on 14 August 2023. The smartphone is China-exclusive for the time being. Let’s look at what’s changed from the Mix Fold 2 and more importantly, whether it takes on the Samsung Z Fold 5.
Key Specifications of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Design and Build Quality
The Mix Fold 3 with its design feels like an incremental update to the Mix Fold 2. The triple camera on the back of the Fold 2 has been replaced with a quad sensor on the Fold 3. As a result, there is a larger camera housing on the back.
The unfolded dimension of the smartphone is 161.2 mm by 143.3 mm by 5.3 mm while the folded dimension comes at around 161.2 mm by 73.5 mm by 10.9 mm. The device weighs 255 g or 259 g depending on whether the user goes for the glass back or the aramid fiber back.
Read more: vivo V29e 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone rightly priced?
At just 5.3 mm, the device is one of the slimmest foldable smartphones out there. It's impressive considering the Galaxy Z Fold5 comes at 6.1 mm. Though its back panel may feel like it's made of leather but it’s a textured glass design.
The folded screen has a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection while the unfolded inner screen has a plastic front. The rounded edges and the easy positioning of the power and volume rockers make it easy to use with dexterity.
Xiaomi has also updated the hinge mechanism which now allows the smartphone to be unfolded at different positions based on the user preferences. They have also calibrated the OS to support certain split-screen functionalities.
Furthermore, the Aluminum frame makes the device strong and elegant.
Overall, the Mix Fold 3 exudes a premium look and feel all around. It’s compact, lightweight, and functional with an eye-catching design that is sure to appeal to the fans of the foldables.
Read more: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
The Display
There are two displays on the Mix Fold 3 like all other foldable smartphones. The cover display is a 6.56-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 2600 nits of peak brightness. The 1080 by 2520 pixels are arranged in a 21:9 aspect ratio.
On the other hand, the folded screen comes with 8.03 inches LTPO OLED+ with 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 1300 nits HBM and Dolby Vision onboard. The inner panel has a 1916 by 2160 pixels distribution with 360 ppi density. the inner panel even with its size bezels comes in at 89.4% screen-to-body ratio.
Both the panels are exactly as one would expect from a flagship foldable smartphone. They are bright and crisp. The HBM on the cover display alleviates it to a new level with ultra-high brightness under direct sunlight. One thing to note is that there is still a noticeable ridge on the inner folding of the display. Users won’t feel it much while touching but it is visible while looking at the panel sideways.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Camera
There is a Leica quad camera setup on the Fold 3 with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.8 aperture 23 mm wide angle shooter. The additional sensors are a 10 MP (f/2.0) telephoto with 3.2x optical zoom, another 10 MP (f/2.9) telephoto with 5x optical zoom and the fourth one is a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide sensor. The cover selfie camera is a 20 MP (f/2.3) one with the inner camera being another 20 MP (f/2.3) shooter as well.
Coming to the picture quality, the pictures can be best described as having the right amount of color pop, dynamic range, and perfect details in each shot. The texture rendering on images also looked pretty good. Users would be able to use the back camera as selfie shooters by using the cover screen as a viewfinder. However, the selfie cameras themselves did a pretty good job of capturing casual shots.
The nighttime pictures also came out excellent. The shaded areas of low-light images are not over-processed or overexposed, leaving the pictures looking natural. A lot is going on with the videography on the Fold 3. It can capture 8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960/1920fps. Beyond that, there’s EIS and Dolby Vision HDR support as well. The videos came out great from the main camera with good details, exposure, and stabilization. Whether it’s the pictures or video quality, the Fold 3 definitely outweighs the Z Fold 5 here.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Processor and Performance
The processor on the Mix Fold 3 is Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 based on 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a 1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 chip design for a combination of efficiency and performance-based output. The processor is coupled with an Adreno 740 GPU. With a flagship-grade processor, users can expect to get superior performance out of the smartphone.
The expectation is also corroborated in usage as games like PUBG and Genshin Impact ran on the highest settings without any issues. Playing games on the large display really brings an immersive experience regardless of the title.
Coming to the OS, the China-exclusive variant lacks Google support. The MIUI has been updated as MIUI Fold 14 for the foldable smartphone. It brings features like a split screen, floating screen, and an array of app-based split control options which really come in handy. The stock dock is also useful for storing commonly used apps in one place.
In addition to the raw performance, the Type-C 3.2, UFS 4.0 storage, LPDDRX5 RAM, and the Harman Kardon tuning, all work together to further enhance the already great performance of the device.
Read more: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Mix Fold 3 is 4800 mAh. While it might not seem much for a large inner panel, the highly efficient processor aids the Fold 3 in having a solid battery life. users can expect to get around 7 to 9 hours of continued usage out of the Fold 3 in a single full charge.
The battery supports 67W wired fast charging with the charger coming in the box. It can fully charge the device in 40 minutes. There is also 50W wireless fast charging which can recharge the device in 55 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Pros:
- A rich retail bundle with premium accessories- Industry-leading design - Great speakers - Excellent camera setup - Dolby Vision support.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 5G Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Cons:
- Exclusive China release - No waterproof certification.
Price of Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 comes in 12/256 GB, 16/512 GB, and 16 GB/1 TB configuration. The price of each of the variants is 8,999, 9,999, and 10,999 Yuan. The price roughly amounts to around 1,36,494 BDT, 1,51,661 BDT, and 1,66,829 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.17 BDT). However, the price would grossly differ if it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Final Words
Xiaomi offers a bunch of trendy features in its latest flagship device Mix Fold 3. The Z Fold from Samsung got a huge reputation as a competent foldable device. But with an excellent display and camera setup, Mix Fold 3 may have beat Samsung in its own game. The price is still on the higher spectrum considering the cutting-edge technology provided here. On the whole, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is a flagship smartphone offering a premium look and foldable design.
Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in November 2023
BTRC-approved GPS Vehicle Trackers in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, vehicle security issues have become a growing concern, necessitating the use of advanced GPS vehicle trackers to safeguard both individual and fleet vehicles. Recognized and approved by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), these GPS trackers offer effective solutions to address these security challenges. They adhere to local telecommunications standards, ensuring reliability, accuracy, and compatibility with local cellular networks. Moreover, these trackers prioritize security and data privacy, making them a trusted choice for mitigating vehicle security risks.
Why Use a BTRC-approved GPS Vehicle Tracker
Using a BTRC-approved GPS vehicle tracker in Bangladesh is the best choice for several reasons. BTRC-approved trackers adhere to local telecommunications standards, ensuring regulatory compliance. They are known for their reliability and accuracy, as well as their compatibility with local cellular networks.
BTRC-approved devices prioritize security and privacy, while also providing better customer support and warranties. Some insurance providers may even require their use, and they offer uninterrupted network access and easier integration with other systems. These trackers undergo quality assurance testing, guaranteeing a durable and reliable product.
The features and applications of these devices demonstrate a commitment to regulatory standards, and data privacy, while maintaining credibility and trust.
Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Motorcycles in Bangladesh
20 BTRC Registered GPS Trackers in Bangladesh in 2023
Bondstein Track My Vehicle
Bondstein's Track My Vehicle GPS tracker offers comprehensive features for optimized vehicle tracking and management. Real-time tracking, a user-friendly web dashboard, and a remote engine disarm feature enhance security. Users can access over 24 analytical reports for mileage, location, and alerts, aiding fleet management and logistics cost savings. It seamlessly integrates with ERP systems, tracks expenses, and provides predictive maintenance alerts. With 24/7 customer support and nationwide technicians, it suits both individuals and businesses.
Finder GPS Tracker
Monico Technologies Ltd's Finder GPS Tracker is a leading GPS service provider in Bangladesh. Enlisted by the Survey of Bangladesh for map development, Finder offers reliable, licensed services. It provides standard features like real-time tracking, geofencing, and ignition and speed alerts.
Unique features include the 'SOS Button' for emergencies and 'PUSH-PULL SERVICE' for offline tracking. Registration offers five packages with prices from 4,500 BDT to 12,000 BDT and monthly charges from 300 BDT to 500 BDT.
Infolink GPS Tracker
Infolink GPS Tracker offers versatile tracking solutions, including the Smart GPS Tracker for leased vehicles and large fleets, featuring live tracking and engine status monitoring. The Lite GPS Tracker suits various vehicles with features like remote fuel cutoff and geo-fencing. The Standard GPS Tracker offers high-end features like door status detection and two-way communication for fleet management. The Personal GPS Tracker is solar-powered, suitable for cargo, ships, and employee-owned vehicles. The discreet Plug and Play GPS Tracker integrates into a USB charger, offering real-time GPS location and audio monitoring.
Prices range from BDT 4,000 to BDT 15,000 (excluding VAT) for the device, with monthly charges from BDT 250 to BDT 2,000 (excluding VAT), ensuring affordability and adaptability to users’ specific tracking needs.
Sky Tracker
Sky Tracker, a GPS tracker in partnership with Concox, a renowned GPS device manufacturer, offers features suitable for personal and business use. It provides real-time tracking, allowing users to monitor vehicle location, speed, and route through a user-friendly mobile interface.
Remote engine control adds security by enabling users to turn off the engine remotely. Trip reports, voice monitoring, over-speed alerts, power cut alerts, geofencing, and an emergency button enhance monitoring and security.
Priced at TK 350 for a monthly package, it includes 24/7 customer support and a 1-year warranty, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for GPS tracking needs.
Nexdecade
Nexdecade Technology (Pvt) Ltd. offers a range of GPS tracking solutions for various vehicles and vessels. The BDN800 model comes with advanced features like real-time tracking, emergency engine blocking, history playback, and a generous 5-year replacement warranty. The BDN600 option provides real-time tracking, emergency engine blocking, an SOS alarm, and a 3-year replacement warranty for reliability.
BDN200 CAR is designed for four-wheel vehicles, offering real-time tracking, emergency engine blocking, geo-fence alerts, and a 1-year replacement warranty. BDN200 is intended for motorbikes and CNG vehicles, with essential tracking features and a 1-year replacement warranty.
Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in November 2023
BDCOM SmartTracker
BDCOM SmartTracker, introduced by BDCOM Online Ltd., is Bangladesh's first automatic vehicle location system.
It offers fleet management, driver behavior analysis, alerts for unauthorized vehicle use, speed limit notifications, fuel consumption monitoring, safety features, anti-theft measures, real-time vehicle tracking, route maps, daily activity logs, SOS alarms, vibration detection, and remote engine immobilization.
vivo V29e 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone rightly priced?
vivo smartphones have always been about strong camera performance. Since its initial days, vivo has expanded the V series to include mid-range as well as flagship-grade smartphones that offer exclusive camera perks. Recently, the brand launched the V29e 5G in Bangladesh on 29th October 2023 on a pre-order basis. The V29e brings 5G capability to the latest entry-level mid-range V series smartphone. Let’s find out what changed from last year’s V27e and what exciting new features the V29e has to offer.
Key Specifications of vivo V29e 5G
Design and Build Quality
There was a time when every new release from vivo would mean a complete design overhaul. However, the brand has been subtly moving towards uniformity considering the last two iterations of the V series have seen only incremental updates. The V29e has also seen slight design changes compared to the V27e.
The device comes in at 162.35 mm by 74.85 mm by 7.69 mm with 190 g weight. The weight is kept low thanks to the plastic front and the glass back. The V29e comes in three color variants, Forest Black, Rose Gold, and Ice Creek Blue. However, only the Forest Black and Rose Gold variants are available in Bangladesh.
Read more: vivo iQOO Z7 Pro: Is it an efficient gaming phone?
The choice of ports and buttons are the same with the power button, volume rocker, speaker, and Type C charger in their usual place. However, unlike the V27e, the shared sim slot cannot be used as a micro SDXC slot anymore. The device is also IP54 dust and splash-resistant.
The Display
The display on the vivo V29e is a 6.67-inch almost-symmetrical AMOLED panel. The large display has a new exciting addition this time. The 120 Hz refresh rate is coupled with 1150 nits of peak brightness making it perfectly legible under direct sunlight. The 2400 × 1080 pixel render asserts a 394 ppi density. The E4 light emitter ensures deep blacks and sharp contrast even when the display is dimmed. Users will be getting a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a 107% NTSC color saturation.
Out of the box, the display shows a cooler tone. But it can easily be calibrated from the settings. The 88.3% screen-to-body ratio makes for an impressive screen real estate which doesn’t fare pretty well for its price point.
Read more: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
vivo iQOO Z7 Pro: Is it an efficient gaming phone?
BBK Electronics, the parent company of vivo introduced iQOO as its subsidiary, a new and revamped lineup that streamlined gaming in the mid-range market back in 2019. iQOO launched the Z7 Pro on 5th September 2023. So how does it fare alongside the competitors? Let’s find out the specs, pros, cons and price of iQOO Z7 Pro.
Key Features of vivo iQOO Z7 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The Z7 Pro moves away from the traditional iQOO design elements to be more streamlined with the Vivo V series. The Z7 Pro has a stark similarity with the V27 Pro with its camera housing and ring LED flash. The Z7 Pro is larger and sleeker than the Z7 with its curved edges and long-form factor.
The device dimensions are 164.10 mm by 74.80 mm by 7.36 mm with a weight of 175 g. Even though it’s a large phone, the plastic frame and body with glass back help to keep weight down to a handy limit. The glass back called the Fluorite AG glass has a matte finish which helps to deter fingerprints and smudges. The front glass is protected by Asahi glass. The new Blue Lagoon variant has a frosted blue texture on the back making it look like ocean waves.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 5G Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Moving on to the technical features, the device brings the same set of features from last year’s Z6 Pro. The power button and the volume rockers are placed on the right. The usual dual sim slot, single firing speaker, and the Type C charging port are placed on the bottom with a flush left side. The top however has the words “Professional Portrait” printed on it which might as well be iQOO’s new branding approach.
The Display
The display on the iQOO Z7 Pro is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution. Even though it is a mid-range smartphone, iQOO did not hold back when it comes to features. The display has a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 1B colors, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The rather long and curved panel has a 20:9 aspect ratio of 1080 by 2400 pixels. It brings the pixel density to 388 ppi. The almost bezel-less curved punch-hole panel pushes the limit with an astounding 90.4% screen-to-body ratio.
Using the display has been as exciting as its features. The panel had vivid settings out of the box which can be recalibrated based on user preference. Beyond that, the performance of the display was excellent. It showed good color contrast with very smooth navigations by virtue of the 120 Hz refresh rate. Legibility under direct sunlight was not an issue due to the high peak brightness. iQOO seems to have improved their accidental touch as no mistouches were noticed during the test.
Overall, it's an excellent panel that can easily take the panel for being the best in its price range.
Read more: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
The Camera
There’s a vertically aligned dual camera module on the Z7 Pro with an AURA LED flashlight. The main camera is a 64 MP f/1.79 and 26mm wide lens. The secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The depth sensor aids in the bokeh effect for portrait shots but it cannot be used as a standalone sensor.
iQOO since its initial days, focused on the performance aspect of the smartphone. This was an effective strategy considering Vivo themselves focused heavily on the camera performance. While the camera improved a lot since its initial days, it still has a long way to go.
Pictures under direct sunlight came out crisp and clear with detailed subject and background separation. There were good details in each image with a decent dynamic range. The stock camera has different shooting modes which lets the users experiment and choose. Just like its tagline on the top, the portrait photography indeed got better as they came out identically perfect every time.
Read more: Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Performance in low light requires a heavy dependency on the night mode. In testing, the night mode was consistent with decent exposure in each shot but the color looked artificial with HDR enhancements. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter with generic features good enough for casual selfies and videos.
The videography on the rear camera of iQOO 7 Pro is rated at 4K at 30fps. The front camera is capable of capturing 1080p footage at 30fps. The OIS and gyro-EIS improve the stability of the videos with good details. But there are some jitters here and there.
Overall, the camera performance of the Z7 Pro is an improvement from last year’s Z6 Pro but it’s still not on par with camera-focused smartphones in the mid-range market.
Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh
Processor and Performance
The processor on the Z7 Pro is Mediatek Dimensity 7200 based on the 4 Nm architecture. It has a 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 and 6x Cortex-A510 chip design which brings a balance of efficiency and higher clock speed. The processor is coupled with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU.
It has 8GB of RAM. The internal memory ranges from 128 to 256 GB.
Like the previous iQOO smartphones, the Z7 Pro also focused on performance and it shows. In testing, the smartphone was able to run leading titles like PUBG, Asphalt 9, and Genshin Impact at max settings. There were no frame drops or noticeable lag in the gameplay. Users will be getting a constant 60 fps on Asphalt 9 which significantly increases the immersive experience of the gameplay.
The device did however heat up after about half an hour of continued gaming. But even then, there weren’t any noticeable performance drops. The battery discharge also stayed at a fairly constant rate. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media and stuff are a breeze thanks to the fluid 120 Hz display and the fast animation of the OS. Speaking of OS, the smartphone comes with FuntouchOS 13 based on Android 13. Funtouch still has its bloatware but the sheer performance helps to offset the experience a bit.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the iQOO Z7 Pro is 4600 mAh which might be less compared to the usual 5000 mAh spec. However, the efficient processor ensures that users will be getting 6 to 8 hours of SoT from the device. It also comes with 66W wired fast charging which can take the device from 0 to 50% in 22 minutes.
Pros and Cons of iQOO Z7 Pro
Pros:
- Impressive design - Excellent performance - Great battery life - Best-in-class display - Ergonomic in-hand experience.
Cons:
- Slightly lacking in camera performance - Lack of stereo speaker - Bloatware in the OS.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
Price of iQOO Z7 Pro
The iQOO Z7 Pro comes in 8/128 GB and 8/256 GB variants. The price of the base model is 23,999 INR whereas the higher storage variant is priced at 24,999 INR. It roughly amounts to 31,763 BDT and 33,086 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.32 BDT). However, the price is expected to differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The iQOO Z7 Pro stays true to its roots of being an affordable gaming device. Though the manufacturing brand did not promote Z7 Pro as a gaming smartphone, the performance level easily helped it to become one. The updated design, display, processor, and battery all work in unison making it an almost complete smartphone in the mid-range segment.
The only shortcoming is the camera. While it's not bad by any means, it still doesn’t hold up against the competitors at the same price range or even a tad below it. So for anyone who’s not that into photography, the vivo iQOO Z7 Pro 5G can be an excellent choice that can provide a satisfactory user experience.
Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in November 2023
Top 10 Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in November 2023
With the arrival of November 2023, the tech world is abuzz with anticipation for the unveiling of new smartphones. The latest mobile devices are poised to be particularly captivating as renowned manufacturers prepare to introduce their latest innovations. Let’s delve into a preview of the highly-awaited smartphone releases for this month.
10 Most Anticipated Smartphones in Bangladesh for November 2023
realme GT5 Pro
The eagerly anticipated realme GT5 Pro, set for release in November, has had some of its key specifications revealed through its listing on China's state telecommunications certification authority, TENAA.
The smartphone boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 1264 by 2780px resolution, along with an embedded fingerprint scanner and a 32 MP front-facing camera. It offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a whopping 1TB, combined with 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of RAM. The device is powered by a robust 8-core CPU, clocked at a base frequency of 3.3GHz, in line with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 5G Review: Know the Pros and Cons
On the rear, it sports a 50 MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto module with 2.7x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The phone features Android 14 and packs a 5,260 mAh battery, though charging speeds remain undisclosed.
With these impressive specifications, the realme GT5 Pro is expected to make a significant impact in the smartphone market.
Xiaomi 14
Xiaomi 14 features a sleek and compact design with dimensions of 152.8 mm by 71.5 mm by 8.2 mm or 8.3 mm and weighs 188 g or 193 g, offering a choice between a glass or silicone polymer back, both supported by an aluminum frame.
It boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The phone sports a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, offering a stunning visual experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it provides robust performance with its octa-core CPU configuration.
Read more: Xiaomi 13T Pro Review: The flagship killer is back
The camera setup includes a versatile triple-lens system (50 MP wide, 50 MP ultra-wide, and 50 MP telephoto camera) with Leica optics. It also offers a 32 MP selfies shooter. The phone supports high-quality video recording, including 8K video at 24fps. It runs on Android 14 with HyperOS, and its 4610 mAh battery supports fast charging at 90W wired and 50W wireless, making it a compelling choice for users looking for a feature-packed device in November.
vivo iQOO 12
The iQOO 12 series from vivo's sub-brand iQOO is generating considerable buzz ahead of its anticipated launch on November 7. This smartphone lineup is set to debut with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12GB to 24GB RAM, marking the first gaming-oriented phone to embrace this new SoC.
Notably, the iQOO 12 will incorporate a dedicated display processor featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing technology. This innovation promises to deliver a heightened level of realism in lighting, reflections, and shadows for an immersive gaming experience. The 6.7 inch QHD AMOLED display is expected to offer exceptionally high up to 144hz frame rates for popular mobile games, breaking through developers' native frame rate caps.
Read more: Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Moreover, iQOO's ongoing collaboration with BMW M Motorsport will continue, with a Legend Edition Inspired by BMW M Motorsport in the works, featuring the iconic BMW M stripes and customized themes.
vivo X100 Series
The forthcoming vivo X100 series is set to make a notable entrance, thanks to the integration of the latest DRAM technology. According to a reputable Weibo tipster, supported by insider information, all devices within the X100 series, which includes the X100, X100 Pro, and X100 Pro+, will feature LPDDR5T DRAM. This Low Power Double Data Rate 5 Turbo offers blazing-fast operating speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, a 12.5% improvement over the LPDDR5X DRAM commonly found in current flagship smartphones.
Both MediaTek's Dimensity 9300 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets will power these devices, with the Dimensity variant offering support for the new LPDDR5T DRAM standard.
Furthermore, all vivo X100 phones are expected to come equipped with UFS 4.0 storage, further enhancing their performance capabilities.
Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh
Xiaomi POCO X6 5G
Rumored to make its debut in November 2023, the POCO X6 5G is expected to offer a set of amazing specifications. The display, rumored to be a 6.67-inch IPS LCD panel, boasts a punch-hole design and a resolution of 1080 by 2404 pixels.
The device, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor built on a 4nm architecture, is said to come equipped with 6GB of RAM for smooth performance. The phone is expected to offer 128GB of internal storage for ample space.
OPPO showcases the latest innovations with Qualcomm at Snapdragon Summit 2023
OPPO showcased its technology collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. during the Snapdragon Summit 2023, held from October 24th to 26th in Hawaii.
As one of the key partners, OPPO unveiled its latest technological breakthroughs in smartphones and wearable devices, including the hardware-based ray tracing feature on the new premium Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, OPPO Watch Pro 4 powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 Wearable Platform, and the previously announced OPPO MR Glass Developer Edition that supports the Snapdragon Spaces™ XR Developers Platform.
Also read: OPPO offers exciting prizes for A Series smartphones
Alongside the technology and product demos, OPPO has announced that its future flagship smartphone will be among the first to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, delivering ultimate experiences to users worldwide.
"Over the past year, OPPO and Qualcomm Technologies have collaborated closely in areas including product innovation, cutting-edge technology development, and empowering ecosystem innovators,” said Pete Lau, senior vice president and chief product officer at OPPO. “Our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies allows us to redefine the flagship smartphone performance and deliver exceptional experience to users globally.”
Revolutionizing the mobile ray tracing experience with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
OPPO has long collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies to optimize its proprietary ray tracing engine, PhysRay Engine 2.0. Powered by the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform and the latest Snapdragon Elite Gaming™ features, this collaboration significantly improves visual effects such as reflections and taillights in gaming, enabling complex and detailed gaming scenarios with remarkable fidelity and high frame rates.
Also read: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
This collaborative effort extended to a pioneering ray tracing pilot project involving the popular mobile game, "Nitro Nation World Tour," developed by Mythical Games. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, Powered by Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, this initiative marks OPPO's first-ever mobile ray tracing experience in a real-world racing game demo, providing more realistic game scenes and immersive experience for players to enjoy.