tech
realme P1 5G Review: New Mid-Range Line-up
Launching the P Series, realme introduced their new mid-range smartphone lineup with 5G support. Since last year there have been rumors about the launch of a fresh mid-range line-up. Finally, the P1 and P1 Pro had their global release on 15th April 2024 in India. The P1 brings the familiar realme DNA with some impressive choices. Let's take a detailed look at the features, pros, cons, and price of the realme P1 5G.
Key Specs of the realme P1 5G
Design and Build Quality: A Smartphone with the Looks
At first glance, the P1 seems different from the common materialistic design of most realme smartphones. The phone is made from plastic with a circular camera housing on the back. The back itself has an abstract feather texture giving it a distinct and premium look. The two color options are called Peacock Green and Phoenix Red.
Dimension-wise, the P1 comes in at 162.95 mm by 75.45 mm by 7.97 mm with 188 g physical weight. Surprisingly, the P1 kept the headphone jack which isn’t all that available in mid-range smartphones anymore. Although the top position might not appeal to everyone.
Read more: Portable AC Buyer’s Guide for 2024: Everything You Need to Know
realme skipped on the micro SDXC with the P1 as users will have options of either 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage. Ports and buttons are all in their usual space including the dual nano-sim port.
The P1 is also IP54 dust and splash-resistant which is a pleasant addition at this price point. Overall, the build quality of the P1 is spectacular.
The Display: 120 Hz AMOLED Panel
The P1 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 600 nits of HBM, and 1200 nits of peak brightness. The resolution comes in at 1080 by 2400 pixels with 395 ppi density. There’s a slight chin at the bottom of the panel despite which the P1 boasts a 92.65% screen-to-body ratio. In terms of protection, there’s a secondary 0.68 mm unrated tempered glass protecting the front panel on the P1.
The user experience on the panel is pretty good. There's Widevine L1 support for HDR content. The contrast ratio comes in at 5,000,000:1 with 16.7 M colors and 100% P3 color gamut support.
Read more: Xinji Cobee CA1 Review: Waterproof Smartwatch to Monitor Health and Fitness
The only caveat is that the display stutters with prolonged 4K content streaming. 4K 60 fps content on YouTube started to drop frames here and there after 5 or so minutes of streaming. It could be a processor issue that would require optimization fixes.
The Camera: 50 MP main and 2 MP Depth Sensor
If there were two words to summarize the camera performance of the P1, it would be warm tones and soft images. The main camera on the device is a 50 MP f/1.8 5P lens with 77 degrees FOV and 27 mm focal length. The secondary 2 MP camera has an f/2.4 aperture, 88.8 degrees FOV, and a 22 mm focal length.
The front camera is a 16 MP shooter with f/2.45 aperture, 82.6 degrees field of view, and 1/3 sensor size.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 Review: A New Contender in Performance-oriented Smartphones
Pictures taken in daylight had a distinctly warm tone to them. It aided in color burst but at times it looked artificial rather than natural. The dynamic range isn’t also that great with clear room for improvements.
The situation isn’t all that great in low light as well. Images taken in artificial light or low light showed consistent softness giving it an oil paint-like processing. The night mode is the only saving grace but that too couldn’t keep off the grains from the images. The story is also the same with the front camera with overall soft images in every lighting condition.
The videography on the P1 is rated at a maximum of 4K at 30 fps without EIS stabilization. Footage at 1080P at 30 fps produces usable output as the EIS becomes available at this resolution.
Read more: Motorola Moto G34 Review: A Budget-friendly 5G Phone with Powerful Processor
Portable AC Buyer’s Guide for 2024: Everything You Need to Know
In this unbearable summer heat, air conditioners are a lifesaver. However, most air conditioners come as fixed units. Some are central AC units which can be quite expensive to install. So what do you get if you want a portable option? Well, look no further than portable air conditioners. Unlike fixed units, portable ACs can be moved around from one place to another depending on their type. It's effective, saves cost, and doesn’t require additional fittings. Here’s everything you need to know about portable ACs, their types, and the best options out in the market.
How Does Portable AC Work?
Portable AC works on the basic principles of fixed AC units. The difference is that some portable AC units aren’t dependent on an outdoor unit. Others don’t require a drip hose or tray. Some portable ACs are essentially self-fulfilling units.
A portable has the following components:
- Compressor - Evaporator Coil and Refrigerant - Condenser Coil - Fan
The evaporator coil and refrigerant work to cool the air while the compressor triggers the refrigerant for the cooling process. The fan moves around to disperse the cool air. On the other hand, the condenser coil cools down the refrigerant. Depending on the type, the drip water either goes out through the hose, collects in the tray, or gets evaporated.
Read more: Strategies for Cooling Your Roof During Intense Summer Heat
Types of Portable AC
There are mainly three types of portable AC. They are:
Monoblock Type AC Units
Monoblock-type AC units are further classified into two types:
Single Hose Portable AC
As the name suggests, single-hose portable AC uses a unitary hose to intake and exhaust air into the unit. This type of unit is less costly compared to the double hose units but is also less efficient. The operational noise however is very low with surrounding noise reaching up to 60 dB max.
Double Hose Portable AC
The double-hose portable AC has two different hoses for intake and exhaust. Compared to single-hose units, these ACs are less mobile. However, the dual hose system allows for efficient and fast cooling.
Split Portable AC
Split portable AC works similar to the monoblock ACs. However, unlike the single-unit structure of the monoblock, split AC has two separate components. The condensing unit is installed outside whereas the portable ventilation unit is placed inside. A hose connects both units.
The only advantage of split ACs is that they are less bulky and easy to move around within a small area. They are also less noisy compared to the monoblock units.
Self-evaporating Portable AC
Self-evaporating portable ACs are truly self-sustaining units. These types of ACs release the hot air and the moisture directly from the unit within the room. As a result, there is no need for a drip tray or an external hose.
These AC units are much smaller compared to the other types making them suitable for small space and personal use.
Read more: Mist Fan Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh for 2024
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable AC?
So you’re in the market for a portable AC. Given the different types and sizes, the choice of ACs can become confusing. Here’s a list of things to keep an eye out for.
Size of the Room
The size of the room is the first thing you should consider before getting a portable AC unit. Portable ACs need to be matched with the size of the room to get the optimum performance. For example, a unit with low tonnage in a large room will not be able to cool the room. On the other hand, a higher tonnage unit in a small room will repeatedly cycle on and off.
BTU Rating
BTU or British Thermal Unit is the unit of cooling capacity for AC units. You can consult with AC experts to get the correct size of AC unit for your space.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key aspect to consider as AC units may rack up your electricity bills. Look for AC units with an Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER certification. A higher EER indicates a higher level of energy efficiency which will save you utilities in the long run. You can also consider energy star-rated units for higher energy savings.
Read more: IPS Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh
Exhaust Vent Options
There are mainly two options – single hose or dual hose for exhaust venting. Dual hose options are more efficient compared to single hose options. However, the higher efficiency comes at the cost of reduced mobility. Single hose options can be a good choice for smaller rooms whereas dual hose units are better suited for larger ones.
Portability
If absolute portability is what you’re looking for, then consider getting the self-evaporating type AC units. These are best suited for smaller rooms and can be easily moved around as long as there’s a power outlet connected to it.
On the other hand, single-hose, dual-hose, or split-type units will offer limited mobility but better efficiency in usage.
Noise Level
Portable AC units tend to be louder compared to the standard traditional units. Most fixed units range between 30 to 40 dB sound whereas portable units may range anywhere between 60 to 80 dB.
If you want reduced noise, consider opting for a split-type AC unit.
Read more: Home Air Conditioner Buyer Guide 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Best Portable AC Units Available in Bangladesh in 2024
Under 50,000 BDT
Chigo 1.25 Ton Accurate Sensor Portable Air Conditioner
The Chigo 1.25-ton Portable AC’s single hose unit is designed to maximize the output for smaller areas. The AC comes with several intelligent features like auto operation, auto restart, comfort cooling as well as a sleep timer. The sleep timer helps to manage the usage as this is a non-inverter AC.
Key Features
- Uses R-32 Refrigerant - Operating range between 20 to 43 degree Celsius - Copper tube condenser with golden fin - Rotary-type compressor - The four-side automatic fan movement - Self-diagnostic options - Best suited for 100 to 120 sq. ft. rooms - The current price of Chigo 1.25 ton portable AC is 40,500 BDT.
Midea MWF-12CMP 1-Ton Portable AC
The Midea 1-ton portable AC is designed for personal use. This is a single-hose portable unit that is compact and can be easily moved around in a small space. Even though it is a non-inverter model, it has several intelligent features to save energy and provide efficient output.
Key Features
- All-in-one cooling, heating, and dry fan option - LED display for thermostat management - Four-side auto swing mechanism - Uses R-410A refrigerant - Operational temperature between 17 to 35 degrees Celsius - Rotary-type GMCC compressor - 1.2L/hr moisture removal- 46 dB noise level at the highest mode - Best suited for 80 to 120 sq. ft. rooms - The current price of Midea MWF-12CMP 1-Ton Portable AC is 39,500 BDT.
Gree GP-12LF 1-Ton Portable Air Conditioner
Gree GP-12LF 1-Ton portable AC can be another single-hose option for personal use. This non-inverter type AC has a 24-hour programmable timer to set the limit according to usage. It also comes with 2.78 EER suggesting a high energy efficiency capability.
Key Features
- Turbo and max mode for cooling - Uses R-410A refrigerant - Up and downswing flap with control option - Auto cleaning filter - LED display for timer and thermostat control - Low voltage startup - Anti-cool wind feature - The current price of the Gree GP-12LF 1-Ton Portable Air Conditioner is 42,000 BDT.
Read more: Tips to Keep Home Cool in Summer Without AC
Under 1 Lac BDT
DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner WE18INV
DeLonghi, the ultra-popular espresso coffee maker brand also makes portable air conditioners. They even have an entire range of home appliances ranging from kitchen to home comfort line.
The WE18INV is their 1.5-ton portable air conditioner with a turbo cooling option. In addition to being a portable AC unit, it also works as a dehumidifier and air freshener.
Key Features
- Uses R-410A refrigerant - Water-to-air cooling technology - 10 L water tank capacity - Single hose exhaust vent - 3-speed fan mode - 55 dB noise level in standard operation - Two years of compressor, parts, and service warranty- The current price of the DeLonghi WE18INV portable air conditioner is 73,500 BDT.
Carrier Mobile Air Conditioner
Carrier is another reputable brand in the air conditioner market of Bangladesh. The mobile air conditioner is part of their portable AC unit lineup offering cutting-edge features at a bargain price. The 51QPD012N7S has a 13,000 BTU rating making it ideal for 120 to 150 sq. ft. size rooms.
Key Features
- Uses R290 refrigerant - EER rating of 2.6 - Built-in LED display - 3-speed fan mode - Automatic restart option - Timer and sleep mode - 51 to 52 dB of operational noise - The current price of the Carrier mobile air conditioner is 54,000 BDT.
Under 1.5 Lac BDT
Midea MGFA-60CR 5-Ton Floor Stand Non-Inverter AC
The Midea 5-ton stand AC is one of the largest portable ACs available in the Bangladeshi market. It is best suited for large commercial spaces ranging between 2400 to 3000 sq. ft. The MGFA-60CR is a split system portable AC with a stacked outdoor unit and a standing indoor unit. The AC uses a single hose vent for exhaust and air intake.
Key Features
- Rated at 60,000 BTU - Uses R-32 refrigerant - Operational temperature ranges between 20 to 43 degrees Celcius- Energy class rating if A+/A++- 3-mode fan speed - 4-side auto swing - 58 dB indoors and 70 dB outdoors operational sound - Uses a copper tube condenser with a golden fin - Sleep, Turbo, Eco, Dry, and Fan modes. - The current price of a Midea 5-ton non-inverter floor stand AC is 122,000 BDT.
Final Words
Portable AC units are less common compared to traditional fixed AC units. But given the innovation and usability it brings, they are increasingly becoming popular among the new generation of users. It is recommended to check for the space compatibility and usage scenario before opting for a portable AC unit.
Read more: 10 ways to reduce your AC power consumption and lower electricity bill this summer
Xinji Cobee CA1 Review: Waterproof Smartwatch to Monitor Health and Fitness
Xinji has a reputation for producing smart wearable products. Xinji’s latest smartwatch Cobee CA1 is now available in Bangladesh. The smartwatch has a unique look and features. It can be a great tool to monitor your health. Let's look at its key features, pros, cons, and price.
Key Specs of Xinji Cobee CA1
Design
Xinji Cobee CA1 presents a 3D curved surface to add a sense of uniqueness to the overall design. The built-in watch faces are designed to adjust with the 3D curved surface. Together they make the watch surface look elegant. The 47 mm 41 mm 11.6mm body is made with durable titanium aluminum alloy. However, the back is made of durable plastic. The entire phone weighs only 34.7g.
On the right side of the watch, there is a crown wheel button. It can work as a button but doesn’t have the functionality to work as a wheel. A speaker and a microphone are placed on both sides of the back of the watch. The smartwatch comes in two color variants- Black and Green.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 Review: A New Contender in Performance-oriented Smartphones
Display
The Xinji Cobee CA1 has a 1.96-inch Super Retina AMOLED display with a 410 by 502 resolution. It shows high-quality graphics. The touch response and refresh rate feel right. Users can scroll through and use the UI without getting any lags. The brightness level is sufficient to comprehend everything clearly on the watch, even in broad daylight.
Features
Sports modes: Xinji claims to install more than 100 sports modes to help you train and prepare yourself for the big win.
Comfort Strap: The Cobee CA1’s liquid silicon strap is meant to provide users with the expected comfort. The design of the belt complements the structure of the frame.
Read more: Motorola Moto G34 Review: A Budget-friendly 5G Phone with Powerful Processor
Health Monitoring: The Cobee CA1 watch has high-performance body recognition sensors. These sensors enable comprehensive health monitoring, empowering you to track your well-being and fitness progress effectively.
IP68 Waterproof Rating: The Cobee CA1 smartwatch has an IP68 waterproof rating, ensuring protection during swimming or rain. It's suitable for various situations and weather conditions. However, it's not recommended for diving, hot water showers, or saunas.
Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 Review: A New Contender in Performance-oriented Smartphones
The popular smartphone manufacturing brand Xiaomi produces phones under different price levels ranging from basic to flagship. Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi’s latest innovation Turbo 3 hit the Chinese market on 10th April 2024. The phone is an attempt from Redmi to bring up a new performance-oriented lineup. It is anticipated that the Redmi Turbo series will position itself somewhere between the Redmi K and Note series. Let’s take a look at what Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 offers.
Key Specs and Features of Redmi Turbo 3
Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 features a flat display with thin borders and a small hole-punch cutout for the front camera, per official announcements. Its dimensions measure 160.5 mm by 74.4 mm by 7.8 mm, with a thickness of 7.8mm, making it a sleek device.
The display's design allows for immersive viewing experiences while maintaining a compact form. With a screen-to-body ratio optimized by minimal bezels and discreet front camera placement, users can enjoy an expansive display area for content consumption and interaction.
These features, combined with the phone's lightweight construction weighing 179g, contribute to a comfortable user experience suitable for everyday use. Additionally, its flat display enhances the device's aesthetic appeal, offering a modern and stylish look.
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Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 showcases advanced display technology, featuring a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1220 by 2712 pixels. This high-resolution display offers crisp visuals and vibrant colors, enhancing the overall viewing experience. With a refresh rate of 120 Hz, users can expect smooth and fluid motion, which is ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption.
The screen's brightness peaks at 2400 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright outdoor environments. Additionally, the display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color accuracy, providing a more immersive content viewing experience. With multitouch capability, users can efficiently interact with the device, enabling seamless multitasking.
The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 89.9% maximizes the display area. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides robust protection against scratches and impacts.
Read more: 7 Best Smartphones Being Released in May 2024
Cameras
The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 features a dual rear camera configuration comprising a 50 MP wide lens with f/1.6 aperture and an 8 MP ultrawide lens.
The main camera system incorporates features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, enhancing the quality and variety of captured images.
Video recording capabilities include 4K resolution at 30/60fps and various slow-motion options up to 240fps, providing users with flexibility in capturing dynamic content. The rear camera system also benefits from PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), ensuring fast and accurate focusing and minimizing blurring caused by camera movements.
On the front, the Redmi Turbo 3 sports a 20 MP selfie camera with f/2.2 aperture and HDR support, enabling users to capture clear and vibrant self-portraits and video content at 1080p resolution.
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Software and Hardware
The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 runs on Android 14 with the custom HyperOS interface, offering a customizable user experience. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 4nm chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration, including Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-A520 cores, delivering robust processing capabilities.
The Adreno 735 GPU seamlessly integrates with the chipset to provide exceptional graphics performance.
With memory configurations ranging from 12GB to 16GB of RAM and internal storage options up to 1TB, users can enjoy seamless multitasking and ample storage for their apps, media, and documents. Although lacking a memory card slot, the device utilizes UFS 4.0 technology for fast internal storage access.
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With impressive benchmark results, including approximately 1,600,000 points in the AnTuTu test, the Redmi Turbo 3 is recommended for gamers, offering smooth performance even with resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact, Fortnite, and Wreckfest at maximum graphics settings.
Battery and Charging
The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 has a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, providing users with extended battery life for uninterrupted daily usage. This battery type supports faster charging speeds, ensuring quick power replenishment.
The device supports 90W wired charging, utilizing PD3.0 and QC3+ technologies, enabling users to recharge their devices swiftly and efficiently.
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Pros and Cons of the Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3
Pros
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon- Ample RAM options- Advanced Android 14 operating system with HyperOS customisation- Large internal storage options- Impressive display with extra nit brightness- Versatile camera setup- Fast charging support- Long-lasting battery.
Cons
- Absence of a memory card slot- An audio jack is not present- An optical zoom camera is missing- No reverse or wireless charging support- The selfie camera can record only 1080p videos.
Price of Redmi Turbo 3
The phone is not officially available in Bangladesh. The official price of this phone is CNY 1,999 or BDT 30,312. The conversion rate here is CNY 1 = BDT 15.16. The official price of Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 in Bangladesh may vary due to tax and other options.
Read more: Nokia C32: Reliable Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use Under BDT 14,000
Conclusion
The Redmi Turbo 3 introduces a new era of performance-oriented smartphones. With its sleek design, advanced display technology, versatile camera setup, and powerful hardware, it offers an immersive and high-performance user experience.
The inclusion of Android 14 with HyperOS customization, coupled with ample RAM and storage options, ensures good performance. Additionally, the device's fast charging support and long-lasting battery make it a reliable companion for daily usage.
However, the lack of essential features like expandable storage options, reverse or wireless charging options, and audio jack are notable drawbacks. The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 will be the right choice for you if you are more of a multi-tasking and gaming person.
Read more: Motorola Moto G34 Review: A Budget-friendly 5G Phone with Powerful Processor
Japan's Kishida unveils framework for global regulation of generative AI
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled an international framework for regulation and use of generative AI on Thursday, adding to global efforts on governance for the rapidly advancing technology.
Kishida made the announcement in a speech at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Microsoft will invest $2.2 billion in cloud and AI services in Malaysia
“Generative AI has the potential to be a vital tool to further enrich the world,” Kishida said. But “we must also confront the dark side of AI, such as the risk of disinformation."
When Japan chaired the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations last year, it launched a Hiroshima AI process to draw up international guiding principles and a code of conduct for AI developers.
OpenAI, Intel CEOs cite artificial intelligence’s voracious appetite for processing powe
Some 49 countries and regions have signed up to the voluntary framework, called the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, Kishida said, without naming any. They will work on implementing principles and code of conduct to address the risks of generative AI and “promote cooperation to ensure that people all over the world can benefit from the use of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI,” he said.
The European Union, the United States, China and many other nations have been racing to draw up regulations and oversight for AI, while global bodies such as the United Nations have been grappling with how to supervise it.
OpenAI CEO warns that 'societal misalignments' could make artificial intelligence dangerous
Microsoft will invest $2.2 billion in cloud and AI services in Malaysia
Microsoft is investing $2.2 billion over the next four years in Malaysia's new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure as well as partnering with the government to establish a national AI center, its CEO Satya Nadella said Thursday.
It marks Microsoft's single largest investment in Malaysia, as the tech giant seeks to bolster support for AI development in the region and worldwide.
"We are committed to supporting Malaysia's AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians," he said. "Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country."
Nadella on Tuesday also announced a $1.7 billion investment in cloud and AI services in Indonesia during his visit there as part of his Southeast Asia tour. On Wednesday, he said Microsoft will build its first regional data center in Thailand.
In April, the tech giant similarly unveiled a $2.9 billion investment in Japan and $1.5 billion in G42, an AI firm in Abu Dhabi.
Microsoft also pledged to provide AI training for 2.5 million people in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam by 2025.
Nadella earlier met Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who said the investment will be the key support pillar for the government's goal to enhance AI capacity in Malaysia.
The new investment will include AI training for another 300,000 people, the establishment of a national AI center of excellence, enhancing the nation's cybersecurity capabilities and supporting the growth of Malaysia's developer community, Anwar said on Facebook.
Microsoft runs one of the world's largest cloud computing operations and has taken a leap into artificial intelligence through its partnership with OpenAI, developers of ChatGPT.
Since then, Microsoft has integrated an AI assistant into its Microsoft Edge browser, named Copilot, helping lift its profits by 20% in the first quarter.
Microsoft sees Southeast Asia, with its population of over 600 million people, as a growing market and potential location for more AI product development. A study held by global consulting firm Kearney said AI could contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia's GDP by 2030. Indonesia is expected to capture $366 billion of the total and Malaysia $115 billion.
Microsoft said in a statement that the investment in Malaysia will build on its 2021 program to support inclusive economic growth. It said the proposed national AI center will drive AI adoption across key industries and public sector, while ensuring AI governance and regulatory compliance.
"Together with Microsoft, we look forward to creating more opportunities for our (small and medium-sized enterprises) and better paying jobs for our people as we ride the AI revolution to fast-track Malaysia's digitally empowered growth journey," Trade Minister Zafrul Aziz said in the statement.
Motorola Moto G34 Review: A Budget-friendly 5G Phone with Powerful Processor
Motorola is one of the early pioneers of mobile communication. From wired telephones, cordless, and the legendary Razr flip phones to today’s smartphones, the brand has adapted well to the changing times and changing needs. Recently, the brand launched Moto G34 on 9th January in India and global markets. Here’s our take on Motorola’s latest offering.
Key Specs of Motorola Moto G34
Design and Build Quality: Frosted Design with Plastic Build
There isn’t much to rave about the design and build quality of budget-friendly smartphones. The G34 has a plastic build (3D PMMA) all around with a frosted finish on the back and the frame. The camera housing has a pillow-like shape with tapered rectangular sides. It might sound a little odd design-wise, but it seemingly blends with the overall minimalist approach.
The dimension of the device comes in at 162.7 mm by 74.6 mm by 8.0mm with a body weight of 180g.
The top frame has an etched Dolby Atmos logo referring to the collaboration. On the front, there’s a punch-hole display with a sizable bezel on the chin and the sides. But given the price, this is an acceptable design compromise.
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The volume rocker and the power button which doubles as the fingerprint scanner is situated on the right. The 3.5 headphone jack is positioned at the bottom alongside the Type-C port. There’s also a micro SDXC slot for additional storage.
The G34 comes in three different colorways, ice blue, charcoal black, and ocean green (vegan leather back).
The Display: A standard HD+ LCD Display with a 120 Hz refresh rate
The G34 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Being a budget-friendly smartphone, the screen-to-body ratio comes in at 85% and the active area-touch panel comes in at 89%.
The resolution of the panel is 720 by 1600 pixels with 269 ppi and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display performance is satisfactory considering the price. It has good viewing angles and all the tests showed that it was able to maintain the 120 Hz fast refresh rate in different use cases.
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The panel also has 500 nits of HBM. The display is usable in bright light but you’d have to squint your eyes under direct sunlight.
The Camera: A 50 MP Main and 2 MP Macro
The Moto G34 features a dual camera setup with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle shooter. The included secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter. In effect, the G34 is a single-shooter device relying on its primary camera. The smartphone also features a 16 MP f/2.4 wide-angle selfie camera.
Speaking of performance, the G34 produces passable results. Pictures came out decently in bright daylight with a decent dynamic range. The portrait mode of the main shooter was surprisingly good with great edge detection. However, the background blurring may seem a bit too blurred for many.
Pictures taken indoors had some softness issues. The night mode made things a bit better with its exposure and details but the overall softness remained. The same problem plagues the front camera as well where pictures even in daylight lack sharpness.
Read more: Motorola Moto G54 Review: Can It Hold the Legacy?
The videography on the G34 is rated at 1080p at 30fps. The lack of any OIS and EIS is felt in choppy video quality overall.
Processor and Performance: A Touch Above the Competition
One of the key highlights of the G34 is its processor. Motorola went with a Snapdragon 695 5G chip based on the 6 Nm architecture. By all means, the 695 5G can be considered as a proper mid-range processor. Using it on a budget-friendly smartphone like the G34 gives it the edge over its competitors.
The processor has a chip design of 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver with Adreno 619 GPU.
The Snapdragon 695 scored up to 439099 on Antutu 10 and 908 (single core) and 2134 (multi core) on Geekbench 6. The benchmark scores reflect the performance capability of the G34.
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On the test, the device was able to run all the leading titles like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 without any lag whatsoever. Sure enough, the processor didn’t maintain constant frame rates, but we didn’t see any noticeable frame drops. However, the device did get hot after 30-odd minutes of gaming but thankfully the processor didn’t throttle.
Needless to say, the device was an absolute breeze in day-to-day use. The high refresh rate display aided well in this regard.
Software: Android 14 with Useful Bloatware
The Moto G34 is running Motorola’s custom OS based on Android 14. Motorola guaranteed another OS update with up to 3 years of security patches. The OS itself isn’t too bloatware-heavy. The included ones are quite useful.
For example, the “Ready For” feature which is available with the highest variant (8/128 GB) seemingly preps the device for all sorts of connectivity from Bluetooth to even connecting with your PC.
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Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Moto G34 is 5000 mAh. The phone comes with a 20W charger on the box but the actual charging capacity is capped at 18W.
Pros and Cons of Motorola Moto G34
Pros:
- Powerful processor considering price range- 120Hz refresh rate- 3.5 mm headphone jack - Dolby Atmos calibrated sound - Smooth performance - Strong battery life - Suitable for moderate-level gaming.
Read more: Nokia C32: Reliable Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use Under BDT 14,000
Cons:
- Low-resolution display- Slow charging - Sub-par camera - Lacks reverse and wireless charging support- Outdated USB Type C 2.0 charging port- Lacks 4K video recording capacity- Lacks Gyro-EIS support - Not suitable for high-end gaming- Lacks custom UI support.
Price of Motorola Moto G34 5G
The official price of the Moto G34’s 4/128 GB and 8/128 GB variants in India are 10,999 INR and 11,999 INR respectively.
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However, the Motorola Moto G34 5G’s 8/128 variant is available in Bangladesh at BDT 17000. The price may vary depending on the sellers.
Verdict
The Moto G34 offers 5G capabilities. The provision of the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset in this price range is praiseworthy. This device is also suitable for moderate-level gaming without significant heating issues. The users will enjoy its 120Hz refresh rate, 5000 mAh battery, and 50MP prime sensor.
Moto G34’s design, display, video capacity, and charging support can be a point of contention. However, its smooth experience with 5G speed overshadows the shortcomings. It can be a perfect daily driver that can easily handle whatever that’s thrown at it.
On the whole, the Motorola Moto G34 would be a perfect fit for those looking for a 5G phone with a powerful processor at an affordable price.
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WEF in Riyadh: Salman F Rahman bats for knowledge transfer, sharing in advanced tech
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman on Tuesday laid emphasis on worldwide sharing of technological capabilities to ensure benefits for the entire world.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology may pose a threat to development by exacerbating the gap between the developed and underdeveloped nations. Excessive use of technology [AI robots replacing human jobs in industries] can potentially pose threats to human beings and development in the future,” he said.
Salman said this while speaking at a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, that has emerged as a mid-year, Middle Eastern counterpart to the WEF's annual meet in Davos, Switzerland held in January.
The unprecedented advancements in technology are exacerbating the gap between the developed and underdeveloped nations, he said, adding that investors are also directing investments towards opportunities with high profit potential.
On Bangladesh, Salman said the country was overcoming its economic crisis and turning around.
Emphasising Bangladesh's achievements across diverse sectors, Salman said the country's development persisted even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
"However, the economic repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have posed challenges for the country, including declining forex reserves and the appreciation of dollar against taka," he added.
Despite Bangladesh's non-involvement in the conflict, it bears the brunt of the consequences, he said.
At the meeting world leaders advocated for equitable distribution of technology worldwide, extending beyond solely developed nations.
They also discussed global cooperation, economic growth, and energy policies.
Microsoft will invest $1.7 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure in Indonesia
Microsoft will invest $1.7 billion over the next four years in new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Indonesia — the single largest investment in Microsoft’s 29-year history in the country — Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said Tuesday.
Microsoft runs one of the world’s largest cloud computing operations and has taken a significant step into artificial intelligence by incorporating an AI chatbot into its search engine, Bing. Its earnings report Thursday said profit rose 20% for the January-March quarter as it tries to position itself as a leader in applying artificial intelligence technology to make workplaces more productive.
“This new generation of AI is reshaping how people live and work everywhere, including in Indonesia,” said Nadella, in Jakarta on the first stop of a tour of Southeast Asia.
“The investments we are announcing today — spanning digital infrastructure, skilling, and support for developers — will help Indonesia thrive in this new era,” he said.
Microsoft sees Southeast Asia as a growing market and potential location for more AI product development. The rise of AI in the region is expected to significantly impact its economic landscape. A study held by Kearney, a global consulting firm, said that AI could contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, of which Indonesia is expected to capture $366 billion.
The investment announced Tuesday will include AI training for 840,000 people, as well as support for Indonesia’s growing community of tech developers.
Indonesia is home to the third-largest developer community in the Asia-Pacific region after India and China. More than 3.1 million developers in Indonesia use GitHub, a Microsoft-owned platform for software development, collaboration, and innovation. It is projected to be one of the top five developer communities on GitHub globally by 2026.
Apple CEO Tim Cook met Widodo on April 17 and said the company would “look at” manufacturing in Indonesia.
Indonesia, under President Joko Widodo’s administration, has emphasized development of digital technology and information sectors, aiming to achieve the government’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, which projects Indonesia becoming one of the world’s top five economies with GDP of up to $9 trillion, exactly a century after it won independence from Dutch colonizers.
Nadella met Widodo on Tuesday in the Presidential Palace. During the meeting, Widodo proposed building an AI research center in Indonesia, and a Microsoft data center based in Bali or Nusantara, the country's new capital city on Borneo island, according to Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi.
The CEO’s regional visit began in Indonesia and will be followed by Thailand and Malaysia over the next two days.
Meizu 21 Review: A Detailed Look at the Latest Flagship Killer
The Chinese smartphone brand Meizu has been known for manufacturing powerful phones at a comparatively lower price point. Their latest innovation is Meizu 21. This flagship killer was released in China on 30 November 2023. Does the phone live up to the mark? Let’s look at the features, pros, cons, and price of Meizu 21 in Bangladesh.
Key Features and Specs of Meizu 21
Design
The Meizu 21 smartphone features a 156.7 mm by 75.3 mm by 7.9 mm middle frame crafted from new aviation-grade aluminum. Its assembly utilizes advanced CNC machining, akin to techniques used in aviation, ensuring high precision. This design makes the device resistant to falls and pressure, enhancing durability.
With a slim profile of 7.9mm and weighing 198g, the Meizu 21 comes in four attractive colors: Unbounded Black, Meizu White, Ruiyi Cyan, and Smart Purple. The rear camera module adopts a borderless narrow-edge lens design with a black-coated lens ring. In contrast, the camera lens surface showcases a fine nano-etching process, creating a distinctive CD pattern.
Read more: Motorola Moto G54 Review: Can It Hold the Legacy?
The Meizu 21 introduces the "Aicy Smart Ring" to elevate user interaction with its multi-scenario interactive ring light system. Additionally, its "Unbounded Antenna System 2.0" enhances signal performance by 30% compared to its predecessor, supported by mSmart Net technology for comprehensive network optimization. The screen’s bezel has been reduced to 1.74mm which is certainly praiseworthy.
Display
The Meizu 21 bears a 6.55-inch FHD+ Samsung OLED Display with a resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels. This display offers vivid colors and sharp details, providing an immersive viewing experience. With a refresh rate of 120Hz, interactions with the device are smooth and responsive. The display's brightness reaches up to 1800 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright sunlight, and it employs 1920Hz PWM technology for enhanced brightness control.
The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 89.3%, offering a large viewing area. The symmetrical bezels are incredibly slim, measuring just 1.74mm.
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Performance and Hardware
The Meizu 21 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4nm chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU with a unique architecture of Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, Cortex-A520, and Cortex-A720 cores, delivering high-performance capabilities. The chipset is fabricated using a 4nm process. Its Adreno 750 GPU enhances graphic rendering for smooth gaming and multimedia experiences.
Meizu 21 runs on Android 13 with the Flyme 10.5 interface. The device sports 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS4.0 flash memory, offering ample storage and efficient multitasking. Performance tests reveal improved CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor, with enhanced gaming capabilities and lower power consumption. The device features a large heat dissipation area, maintaining stable performance during heavy gaming sessions.
Camera
The Meizu 21 features a triple rear camera setup, headlined by a 200MP (f/1.7) primary lens, accompanied by a 13MP (f/2.4) ultra-wide lens and a 5MP (f/2.4) wide-angle lens. The main camera supports features like Ring-LED flash, panorama, and HDR, with video recording capabilities of up to 8K resolution with gyro-EIS.
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It has a 32 MP (f/2.4) selfie camera with HDR support on the front side, offering various filters and effects. The camera software supports dynamic range and manages colors and contrast effectively.
The device's native camera app provides several modes and filters, allowing users to make the most of the secondary lenses for improved photography. While low-light performance is commendable with reduced noise, night mode enhances color vibrancy.
The rear camera can shoot 8K footage at maximum with gyro-EIS. However, the quality of videos is comparatively lower than the other competitors in its price ranges.
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Battery and Charger
The Meizu 21 is powered by a built-in 4800 mAh battery. It supports rapid 80W fast charging, allowing a full charge in just 40 minutes, as per Meizu's claims. This device incorporates Meizu Ice World cooling technology and OneMind 10.5, along with a large heat dissipation stack area of 37345mm², ensuring a balanced performance and battery life. With NFC and infrared remote control support, it's versatile in connectivity.
The Meizu 21 runs on Flyme 10.5, featuring Aicy AI and Flyme AR. Users can enjoy up to 5+ hours of screen time on a single-round charge, along with approximately three hours of gameplay and additional hours of content streaming.
With 80W wired charging, convenience meets efficiency in powering up the Meizu 21. However, modern features like reverse and wireless charging could make it a better deal.
Read more: Infinix Note 40 Pro Review: A Mid-Range Phone with 108P sensor, MagSafe Charging
The Price of Meizu 21 in Bangladesh
Meizu 21 phone’s 12/256GB ROM version is currently available in Bangladesh at around BDT 62,000. However, the price may vary depending on the sellers.
Pros and Cons of Meizu 21
Pros
- Impressive Display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1800 nit brightness- Powerful Snapdragon chipset for high-performance capabilities- Versatile and dynamic camera system- Large battery with fast charging- Elegant design with slim bezels and four attractive color options- Advanced features, including Flyme 10.5 OS- Ultrasonic Finger Reader and Dual Stereo Speakers.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Does It Offer Value for Money?
Cons
- Average camera software- Outdated Android interface- No support for reverse or wireless charging- Uses an older version of the Type-C port- Lacks a microSD card slot- Lacks the audio jack- No gorilla glass protection.
Conclusion
The Meizu 21 offers users a good experience with its impressive performance, stunning display, and long-lasting battery life. However, it's essential to acknowledge its shortcomings, such as the lack of gorilla glass protection on display, lack of wireless and reverse charging support, average camera software, outdated Android interface, etc.
Despite these drawbacks, the Meizu 21 remains a standout choice for those seeking a blend of sophistication and functionality. People who need a reliable phone for gaming and heavy tasks can go for Meizu 21.
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