health-and-fitness
realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability
The youth-focused smartphone brand realme got popularity for their affordable devices. The brand is now entering the mid-range phone market. In this wave, the realme GT5 was launched on September 4, 2023, in China. This smartphone is grabbing attention for its eye-catching design and impressive core performance. Let’s take a look into the features and functionalities that define the realme GT 5, exploring its strengths and any potential areas for improvement.
Key Features and Specifications of realme GT5
Design
The realme GT5 exhibits a streamlined design, measuring 163.1 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm and weighing 205 g. The silver mirror color scheme and contemporary back design contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. Constructed with a glass front, aluminum frame, and glass back, the device emanates a premium quality.
Featuring dual SIM capability (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), it incorporates practicality into its design. The integration of the camera module with the back panel is seamless, enhancing the device's visual appeal. The middle frame, coated with metal, ensures a tactile and visually pleasing experience, enhancing the comfort of holding the realme GT5. This smartphone distinguishes itself through a sophisticated and considerately designed appearance, suitable for both hand-held use and display.
The seamless transition between the camera and back panel, coupled with a 1.5K T7+ screen dimming scheme, enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
Read more: OPPO Find N3 Review: A New Standard for Foldable Smartphones
Display
The realme GT5 is equipped with a 6.74-inch AMOLED display, featuring a resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels and a 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density). The screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, reaching a peak brightness of 1400 nits.
The minimized bezel design eliminates the plastic bracket, creating a flat display with slightly curved edges outside the display area. The Tianma-manufactured display utilizes diamond pixels for clarity. Notably, the brightness measurement in Bright HDR Video Mode reaches 905 nits, aided by the Pixelworks X7 chip enabling frame interpolation for smooth video playback up to 120FPS.
The user can choose between 1.5K and 1080p screen resolutions, with a customizable refresh rate for each application. The touch sampling rate, measured at 120 Hz, demonstrates responsiveness, complemented by an in-screen fingerprint sensor providing highly accurate authentication, despite the device being limited to Widevine L3.
Performance and Software
Running on Android 13 with realme UI 4.0, the realme GT5 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (4 nm). Its octa-core CPU configuration includes a Cortex-X3 core at 3.2 GHz, two Cortex-A715 cores at 2.8 GHz, two Cortex-A710 cores at 2.8 GHz, and three Cortex-A510 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Adreno 740 GPU contributes to smooth graphics performance.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review: An Incremental Update Nearing Perfection
The device is available in configurations of 256GB with 12GB RAM and 512GB with 16GB RAM, catering to diverse storage needs.
With its robust processor, the realme GT5 delivers reliable performance. This device excels in handling high-configuration games, delivering a lag-free gaming experience.
Camera
The realme GT5 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on its main camera module. The primary lens boasts 50 MP with an f/1.9 aperture, providing a wide 24mm perspective. It features 1.0µm pixel size, PDAF, and OIS for enhanced focus and stabilization.
Accompanying this is an 8 MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, offering a 112˚ field of view. Additionally, a 2 MP macro lens with an f/2.4 aperture is included for close-up shots. The camera system is complemented by features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode. The video capabilities include recording at 4K@30/60fps and 1080p@30/60fps with gyro-EIS.
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On the front, the selfie camera is a single 16 MP lens with an f/2.5 aperture, providing a wide 25mm perspective. It features HDR and panorama modes, with video recording capabilities at 1080p@30fps with gyro-EIS. The realme GT5's camera system offers a range of functionalities suitable for diverse photography and videography needs.
Battery and Charging
The realme GT5 is powered by a non-removable Li-Po battery with a capacity of 5240 mAh. Notably, it supports rapid charging with an impressive 150W wired charging capability, utilizing Power Delivery (PD). The advertised feature claims a swift 1-50% charge in just 7 minutes, providing efficient and quick replenishment of the device's battery.
Pros and Cons of realme GT5
Pros
-Comfortable grip for a smooth user experience-An attractive array of shades-Ultra-fast charging-Stunning customizable LED indicators-Configurable up to 24GB RAM, 1TB storage
Cons
-Plastic frame-Compromised camera performance-Aggressive background app management-No wireless charging.
Read more: Xiaomi 14 Pro Review: What’s special about it?
Price of realme GT5
The phone is priced at CNY 2999 or BDT 46,102 for the 12GB+256GB(150W)version. The conversion rate here is 1 CNY equivalent to 15.37 BDT. However, the price of realme GT 5 may vary in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The realme GT5 is great for gaming. It charges super fast, making it perfect for heavy use.
The camera section may disappoint many realme fans. Some contemporary flagships or even mid-rangers like Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro are offering better camera configuration at a much lower price range. Wireless charging could make this package a better deal.
However, those looking for a speedy charging device with overall reliable performance can consider this phone.
Read more: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
Honor X6a Review: A minimalist budget-friendly phone with standard features
The journey of Honor as a smartphone brand started with their entry into the budget-friendly and mid-range smartphone market. Honor launched the X6a on 28th July 2023 in India. The Honor X6a comes as an update over last year’s Honor X6. Let’s have a detailed look into it.
Key Specifications of Honor X6a
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Honor X6a is quite minimal. The device has a plastic frame and back with a glass front. The sensors protrude from the back panel. The frosted finish on the Cyan Lake variant refracts light which gives the smartphone its unique look. Those looking for an even more minimal option, the Midnight Black can be an option with a matte black finish.
Dimension-wise, the X6a comes in at 163.32 x 75.07 x 8.35 mm with 188 g of weight. The smartphone comes with standard ports and button choices including a headphone jack and a dedicated micro SDXC slot. The power button on the X6a doubles as the fingerprint scanner. The front of the device has a water-drop notch display with a sizable chin at the bottom. Being an ultra-budget smartphone, the large chin isn’t entirely unfounded.
Overall the flat style design with frosted finish adds a new dimension to the X6a.
Read more: itel S23+ Review: Budget-friendly phone with AI-assistant
The Display
The display on the Honor X6a is a 6.56-inch TFT LCD panel with HD+ resolution. The panel has a 720 x 1612 pixel layout with 260 ppi. However, the most distinctive feature of the display is the 90 Hz refresh rate. It’s great to see even ultra-budget smartphones are offering faster refresh rate displays.
The panel also supports up to 16.7 M colors. It has a slightly different aspect ratio at 20.15:9. It can be due to the large chin at the bottom which brings the screen-to-body ratio to around 83%. The multi-touch gesture support can accommodate up to 10 touch points at the same time.
Speaking of usability, the display looked great for a budget smartphone. The default color was a bit on the warm side but that can be easily calibrated from the settings. For anyone coming from a 60 Hz panel, the faster refresh rate would be easily noticeable.
Read more: OPPO Find N3 Review: A New Standard for Foldable Smartphones
The Camera
There is a triple camera setup on the X6a even though there are 4 distinct sensor housings on the back. One of the sensor spaces actually houses the flashlight which helps to bring that square symmetrical look at the back.
The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle sensor with PDAF. The complementing camera modules are a 2 MP f/2.4 macro and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. In effect, the X6a is carried mostly by the main camera as the macro and depth sensors aren’t very useful in any way.
Being a budget smartphone, the camera on the X6a was quite impressive. The main camera was able to capture some great shots in daylight conditions. One of the key issues with budget-friendly smartphone cameras is the loss of dynamic range. However, the X6a did a good enough job of preserving it throughout every shot. The portrait shots also came out pretty well. There were slight edge detection issues at times which will hopefully be solved with a software update.
Read more: Honor X5 Plus Review: A decent budget-friendly phone
itel S23+ Review: Budget-friendly phone with AI-assistant
Ever since the itel S23+ has been announced, there has been quite a hype around this smartphone. itel is known for its smartphones in the entry-level to mid-range segment. The brand launched its S23+ on 19th September 2023 in India. Beyond the obvious confusion with Samsung’s flagship, the itel S23+ brings surprising features that are almost unthinkable in the budget segment. So what’s this hype about? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications of Itel S23+
Design and Build Quality
The design and naming philosophy of the smartphone can be considered a cosmopolitan mix of brand identities. The back looks like the iPhone, the front like Huawei, and a name that mimics the Samsung flagship, the S23+ has a lot going for itself.
But on a serious note, it is surprising to see itel pull off a sleek-looking curved screen device at such an ultra-budget price segment. The exact dimensions of the smartphone couldn’t be confirmed but the device is 7.9 mm thick with 178 g weight. There are two color options – Lake Cyan and Elemental Blue.
Read more: realme C33 Review: Key specs, pros, and cons
There is a large camera housing on the back that looks exactly like that of the iPhone Pro, except it is much larger in size and one of the arranged sensor spaces is actually dedicated to the flashlight.
The plastic back has a frosted finish that gives it a glass-like look. However, the main design attraction is at the front with the curved panel.
The scant bezels on the top and bottom along with the small punch-hole camera make the display look like an upper mid-range or flagship device.
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Another interesting feature is the in-display fingerprint scanner which is also uncommon in budget smartphones. Ports and buttons are as usual but the micro SDXC and the 3.5 mm headphone jack are missing on the S23+ which is a bit odd considering these are almost staple in budget smartphones.
The Display
The display on the itel S23+ is a 6.78-inch AMOLED curved panel with FHD+ resolution. The panel has a 1080 x 2400 pixels distribution at a 20:9 ratio and 388 ppi density. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
The display is what’s usually seen on a mid-range smartphone. Except the S23+ is placed almost in an ultra-budget segment. The performance of the display has been pretty good. There’s a decent amount of curve on both sides but itel has optimized the OS well to ensure there aren’t any accidental touches. The color reproduction looked great with good viewing angles all around. There’s also 500 nits of peak brightness on the panel which makes it fairly legible under direct sunlight.
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The display of the S23+ has generated considerable buzz around the smartphone and honestly, the hype here is absolutely justified. The only lacking would be a higher refresh rate but its absence doesn’t take away anything from an already great experience.
The Camera
There’s a dual camera setup on the S23+. The flashlight is arranged in such a way that it might look like a triple camera sensor at first glance. The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.6 wide-angle shooter with AF. The secondary camera is a 0.08 MP camera. The S23+ is essentially a single-camera smartphone as the secondary camera won’t be of any practical use.
Even then, the camera performed pretty well. Pictures taken outdoors and in bright conditions came out sharp and crisp. The dynamic range was average and the shadow exposures were a hit and miss at times.
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OPPO Find N3 Review: A New Standard for Foldable Smartphones
The Find series from OPPO has been their premium flagship range since the brand’s inception. It brought top-of-the-line features that competed for the best of what Android has to offer. Back in 2021, the N series was introduced as OPPO’s first take on foldable and flip phones. Fast forward to 2023, OPPO released the Find N3 foldable smartphone on 19th October in China. The N3 brings some big and effective changes compared to the N2. Let’s find out what those are.
Key Specifications of OPPO Find N3
Design and Build Quality
The Find N3 doesn’t really reinvent the wheel. It looks similar to the existing range of foldables from the likes of Huawei and Samsung. There is a distinct round camera housing on the back with Hasselblad branding that gives it its distinguishing look.
Coming to the design specifics, the curves around the hinges have been sharpened. It might be due to the hinge mechanism used in the N3. Speaking of the hinge mechanism, it now does an excellent job of dissipating the crease at the middle of the inner display. It’s still possible to feel the crease by touch, but visually it is much less pronounced compared to the Mate X5 or the Z Fold5.
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The front glass and aluminum frame are complemented by a choice of either a glass back or an eco-leather back. The dimension comes in at:
Glass Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7 mmEco-leather Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.9 mmGlass Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8 mm Eco-leather Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 6.0 mm
The weight comes in at 239 g for the eco-leather option and 245 g for the glass-back variant. The front is protected by OPPO’s own Ceramic Guard protection with the inner panel being a plastic one as usual. The choice of ports and buttons are carried over from the N2 which means the 3.5 mm headphone jack didn’t make the cut. The power button doubles as the fingerprint scanner similar to the N2.
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Another useful addition this time around has been the IPX4 splash resistance rating. Overall, the updated hinge mechanism massively improves the experience and alleviates the design experience of the device.
The Display
OPPO used the new state-of-the-art LTPO3 OLED panels for the N3. The cover screen is a 6.31-inch panel with 1116 x 2484 pixels with 431 ppi density. The panel supports 1.07B colors, Dolby Vision, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2800 nits of peak brightness in HBM.
On the other hand, the inner panel is a 7.82-inch Foldable LTPO3 OLED panel with 2268 x 2440 pixels resolution at 426 ppi. The panel supports 1.07B colors, Dolby Vision, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2800 nits of HBM. The screen-to-body ratio of the N3 comes in at 89.6%.
The best thing about the N3 display is the utilitarian design. The cover screen isn’t unnaturally tall like that of the Z Fold5. Rather it looks much like a standard smartphone. The inner screen is also 1:1 which gives it a square look. This display design enhances the usability all the while being a cutting edge panel.
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Being an LTPO3 panel, the screen is everything one would expect from it. It has high contrast, great color, and amazing visibility under direct sunlight. And thanks to the new hinge mechanism, the inner crease also isn’t as distracting anymore.
Honor X5 Plus Review: A decent budget-friendly phone
The Honor X series has been the brand’s entry-level and mid-range line of smartphones. The X series has always brought a compelling price-performance balance that has aided in its huge popularity. Honor launched X5 Plus in Bangladesh on 16th August 2023. Apart from the large screen, the Honor X5 Plus brings some exciting features. Let’s check them out.
Key Specifications of Honor X5 Plus
Design and Build Quality
The X5 Plus is sort of a semi-update to the X5 released earlier this year. As a result, the X5 Plus carries a lot of the design elements forward with several internal updates. There are subtle changes in the design on the X5 Plus with the back having a frosted glass hue. However, the back is still plastic which just looks like glass. The camera housing now has a refractive glossy finish which stands out in direct light. As for colors, users will be getting a choice of Cyan Lake or Midnight Black.
Dimension-wise the devices come in at around 163.32 mm by 75.07 mm by 8.35 mm with 188g of effective weight. The lightweight design and the rounded edges give an impressive hand feel to the device. The device has all the ports and buttons in their usual place. Except for the sim slot which is placed at the top of the device. Apart from the two stand-by nano sims, there is a dedicated micro SDXC slot as well. It’s a useful addition considering the internal storage is only 64 GB.
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The power button on the right also doubles as the fingerprint scanner on the X5 Plus. There is also the usual bottom-firing speaker, Type C port, and the ever-disappearing 3.5 mm headphone jack at the bottom of the device. Being an entry-level smartphone, there is a noticeable chin at the bottom of the smartphone. Other than that, the X5 Plus is a well-built solid device that will withstand heavy and rough usage.
The Display
The display on the X5 Plus is a 6.56-inch TFT LCD panel with HD+ configuration. The resolution stands at 720 by 1612 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 269 ppi density. The slightly larger display on the X5 Plus allows for the screen-to-body ratio to be bumped up to 84.3%.
As mentioned before, the front chin stands out as an eyesore in 2023. But given the ultra-budget positioning of the X5 Plus, it only makes sense that Honor had to cut corners.
Read more: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Review: Flagship Phone with Slim Foldable Design
However, it's not all gloomy with the display. Even as a TFT panel, the screen showed good contrast and balance. The blacks weren’t completely washed out and there wasn’t also any noticeable blue tint. What’s even better is that users will be getting a 90 Hz refresh rate on the X5 Plus.
It’s not a great display by any means. But for its price, it doesn’t get any better than this.
The Camera
There is a dual camera module on the X5 Plus. The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle shooter with PDAF. There is no OIS and EIS for stabilization. Pictures during the daytime came out pretty well. There were good details in the images with post-processing color pop. The boosted colors rendered a better result as the color reproduction was almost always on point. However, the camera failed to replicate the same in shades or under artificial lights. The dynamic range was also average with passable details.
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The story continues the same in low light conditions as well. There were noticeable noises in the pictures and most shots came out softer than one would like. The shutter speed on the night mode is pretty slow. But if one can keep a steady hand, the images would come out far better than they usually do.
There is an additional 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor. It aids a bit in the portrait shot but nothing other than that.
The front-facing 5 MP shooter can be considered generic at best.
Videography is rated at 1080P at 30 fps. But without any form of stabilization, the results aren’t really passable per se.
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DOOGEE V31GT 5G Rugged Phone Review: Sturdy mid-range gaming device
The Doogee V31GT, crafted by the Chinese company Doogee, is a rugged phone released in China on September 23, 2023. Despite its initial appearance as a typical budget-friendly rugged phone, the V31GT stands out in the smartphone market with distinctive features. Representing a noteworthy advancement in Doogee's V series, it combines durability with unique functionalities, making it a compelling option in the evolving landscape of rugged smartphones.
Key Features and Specification of the Doogee V31GT
Design
The Doogee V31 GT phone stands out with its robust build, resembling a tool with dimensions of 178.5 mm by 83.1 mm by 17.9 mm and a weight of 390g. Its Hybrid Dual SIM setup and IP68/IP69K dust/water resistance make it durable, surviving drops with a drop-to-concrete resistance of up to 1.8m.
The device sports dual speakers for practical stereo sound. On the back, a distinctive circular camera module houses a thermal camera, LED flash, main optical camera, and night vision camera, all protected by a robust rim. The handset, encased in black-coated metal with protective rubber, includes a fingerprint-sensing power button, textured volume buttons, a custom button, and a TF/SIM card slot.
Unlocking options include a fingerprint ID and 2D face ID. While lacking an always-on display, a small red/green LED signals a full charge effectively. Overall, it's a rugged, functional device with a unique design.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review: An Incremental Update Nearing Perfection
Display
The Doogee V31 GT features a sizable 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing users with an expansive and engaging visual platform. Covering about 70.5% of the front, the screen strikes a balance between size and usability.
Measured diagonally, the display's 6.58-inch height contributes to a visual experience without sacrificing practicality. Sporting a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the display ensures clarity and detail, boasting a pixel density of around 400 ppi.
The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds durability, protecting against scratches. The multi-touch capable screen enhances user interactions on the Doogee V31 GT, making it a versatile tool for various tasks. Whether enjoying multimedia content or navigating the device, the display's size, resolution, and responsiveness contribute to a user-friendly and immersive experience.
Cameras
The Doogee V31 GT boasts a robust quad-camera setup on its rear, headlined by a 50 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture for detailed and bright photos. Accompanying this is a 24 MP (f/1.8) night vision lens with two infrared lights for low-light scenarios, an 8 MP (f/1.8) wide lens, and a unique 256 by 192 pixels thermal camera. This thermal camera adds a distinct capability to capture temperature variations in the environment.
Read more: Honor X8a Review: Is it a value for money smartphone?
The array supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, catering to various photography needs. On the video front, it can shoot in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps.
The front-facing selfie camera is a 32 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture, delivering detailed self-portraits, and it supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.
The Doogee V31 GT's camera system is designed to offer versatility, covering a range of photographic scenarios with its varied lenses and capabilities.
Hardware and Performance
The DOOGEE V31 GT boasts a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, featuring an octa-core solution clocked at 2.6 GHz. This includes 6 Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0 GHz and 2 Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz. Complementing the processor is a Mali-G68 MC4 GPU.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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