Mid-range phone
Nothing Phone 2a Review: What’s New?
The London-based smartphone manufacturing company Nothing launched the Nothing Phone 2a on 5 March 2024. Unlike its successors, the Nothing Phone 2a appears as a mid-budget device. Let’s dive into the features and functionalities the company purports to bring to its latest device.
Specifications and Features of Nothing Phone 2a
In quality and capacities, the new Nothing Phone 2a is quite different from its ancestors. Several negative traits and claims of bad experience pressed against the prior Nothing phones. Some of these limitations have been improved in the Nothing Phone 2a.
Design
For a mid-budget smartphone, the Nothing Phone 2a’s 161.74 mm by 76.32 mm by 8.55 mm dimension seems average. Using a semi-transparent plastic body material, the phone weighs 190g, which measures lighter than most market peers of the same budget range.
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The back of the phone fosters its ancestors' glossy finish. However, the cameras have found a new position on Nothing Phone 2a. An elliptical stage protrudes on the middle-top portion of the phone’s back. The stage rooms two circular lenses and a flashlight just above its top-right corner. Maintaining the angle, a microphone is seated just above the flashlight.
Nothing phone’s signature Gluph notification lights surround the camera stage. The phone’s back is covered with a black border. Volume rocker, power button, sim tray, etc., are placed just right on every other phone.
Display
Nothing uses a 6.7” flexible AMOLED display with a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front. The display features an adaptive refresh rate from 30 Hz to up to 120 Hz. The touch sample hits high with a 240Hz capacity. With all these features, the display of the Nothing Phone 2a surfaces near-perfect pictures and videos on it.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy M55 Review: Here’s What It Offers
The Nothing Phone 2a has a default 700 nit brightness, with an adaptive capacity of up to 1300 nits in the outdoor light.
Nothing Phone 2a’s display integrates 1084 by 2412 pixel resolutions with 394ppi pixel density. Its display maintains a 5M:1 contrast ratio while supporting 1.07 billion colors. The overall features of the display promise a stand-out visual experience.
Camera
The Nothing Phone 2a offers double 50MP cameras on its rear- one wide and one ultra-wide. Together, they produce pictures with balanced colors and qualities. The only issue that might bother a user is a slight distortion in the low-light scenario. Pictures snapped around artificial lighting appear a tad overexposed.
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The front lens is of 32MP resolution, which suffices the requirement to capture good photos for selfies. The rear camera can record up to 4K videos at 30 fps while the front camera can capture 1080p footage at 60 fps.
With Nothing Phone 2a, the manufacturing company has thought of minute details. The phone lets users pick between H.264 and H.265 video encoding. The former is compatible with most apps, while the latter is efficient at saving storage.
Performance
“Nothing” has customized the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 original chipset to employ it in the Nothing Phone 2a. There will be several phone variants based on RAM and internal storage capacity.
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The most powerful variants will have 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The other two variants are 128GB storage with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage with 8GB RAM. Usual functionalities like app-installing or maneuvering, internet or screen scrolling, and multitasking can’t hinder the smoothness or responsiveness of the phones. The 4nm architecture hints at the processor's sufficient strength.
Gaming, not requiring users to be worried about stutters or limps, is comfortable on the Nothing Phone 2a. For high-resolution games, the usual smoothness can feel low a trifle. However, integrating the RAM booster can be handy in cases like an 8GB boost, which should bring significant performance improvements.
Software and Other Features
The Nothing Phone 2a offers, plainly out-of-the-box, two choices for their operating system. Users can stick to the originality using the base Android 14 OS and comfort themselves in Google’s default Android look and feel. Otherwise, they can explore Nothing’s variant of Android 14, NothingOS 2.5, stripped of disturbing distractions and bloatware that comes with a mottled shadowy-themed skin.
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One key feature of the NothingOS 2.5 is a gaming dashboard through which games can be streamed to different platforms.
Battery and Charger
The biggest battery introduced by Nothing, a 5000mAh cell can claimingly endure for two days straight without going fully empty. An average mixed-use scenario may last a day. A continuous run, dealing with heavy gaming, average browsing, meager snapping with the camera, and enough video consuming can hold up to 18 to 20 hours.
Nothing has deprived the users of a charger, even after lauding the battery’s capacity to support 45W. Users have to purchase a charger separately.
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Pros and Cons of the Nothing Phone 2a
Pros
- Crisp display with a higher refresh rate- Good brightness level- Double OS user interface.- Decent photography- 4K video recording supported by gyro-EIS- 5G and NFC enabled- Sufficient battery life with fast charging- Decent gaming and multitasking performance- Stereo speakers- Corning Gorilla Glass protection- IP54 water/dust resistance.
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Cons
- Durability concerns- No wireless charging- Lack of micro SD card slot- No zoom camera- No audio jack- 1080 video recording capacity for the selfie camera
Price of Nothing Phone 2a
The Nothing Phone 2a costs about € 335, or BDT 39,608 (EUR 1 = BDT 118.23). The phone is not officially available in Bangladesh at this moment.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Does It Offer Value for Money?
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 2a is a mid-budget smartphone that aims to deliver satisfactory performance and quality. Its design features a semi-transparent plastic body with a unique camera setup. The flexible AMOLED display promises vibrant visuals, while the dual 50MP rear cameras and 32MP front camera capture decent photos and videos. Performance-wise, the customized MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset ensures smooth multitasking and gaming experiences.
The device has slight issues in low light. The provision of an audio jack, zoom camera, wireless charging, etc could make it a better package.
On the whole, the Nothing Phone 2a has several unique and explorable features. Anyone with mid-budget affordability and a knack for unique design can buy the phone.
Read more: Infinix Note 40 Pro Review: A Mid-Range Phone with 108P sensor, MagSafe Charging
Infinix Note 40 Pro Review: A Mid-Range Phone with 108P sensor, MagSafe Charging
Infinix has consistently pushed its innovation in the budget and mid-range segment for quite some time now. Recently, the brand received the innovation award for its new battery tech at CES 2024. After considerable hype, Infinix officially launched the Infinix Note 40 Pro in the Bangladeshi market on 19th March 2024. Here’s our detailed take on the device.
Key Specifications of Infinix Note 40 Pro
Design and Build Quality: A Premium Look and Feel
Infinix has been consistent with the design language of the Note series. It is sleek, and innovative and has a premium look and feel. The premium feel is alleviated by the Magsafe-like case on the box.
The smartphone features a chamfered edge on the frame complemented by a vegan leather back. The curved front display also smoothly blends into the frame to create a unified slim footprint. The traditional flashlight has been replaced with AI-powered Active Halo. It’s like a small recreation of the glyph interface seen on the Nothing Phone.
Dimension-wise the Note 40 Pro comes in at 164.3 mm by 74.5 mm by 8.1 mm with either 190 g (leather back) or 196 g of weight. The front panel is symmetrical with a slight bezel at the bottom and top. The power button and volume rockers are placed on the right side.
The Note 40 Pro is also IP54 rated meaning it can easily withstand a light splash.
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The Display: Sheer Perfection from Infinix
Infinix Note 40 Pro’s display features a 6.78-inch 3D curved LTPS AMOLED panel with 1B colors and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Its display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.
The typical brightness of the panel is around 550 nits and the HBM clocks out at 1300 nits. In addition to the usual features, the display also incorporates PWM dimming for enhanced view in the low light.
The symmetrical outlay allows for a sizeable 93.8% screen-to-body ratio. The display sports an FHD+ resolution of 1080 by 2436 pixels with 393 ppi density. Additionally, users will be getting DCI-P3 wide color gamut support. The panel feels crisp and sharp with great contrast and viewing angles making it perfect for media consumption.
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The Camera: Leaves More to be Desired
Note 40 Pro’s primary sensor is a 108 MP one (SK5HM2SP03-FGX9). The bizarre name suggests that it is sourced from Samsung with 1/1.67 inch sensor length and f/1.75 aperture. There’s also OIS to complement stability. The other two sensors are 2 MP ones.
The front features a 32 MP selfie shooter that can shoot 1080-pixel videos at 30 fps.
Fortunately, the main camera does a decent job. Pictures came out detailed with good dynamic range. Images were slightly on the warmer side while shooting in auto mode. Pictures taken in low light weren’t all that great. The night mode is the saving grace considering the noise and grains.
Users can shoot up to 1440P footage at 30 fps from the back camera. The videos came out fairly decent thanks to the OIS onboard.
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Processor and Performance: Benchmarks Fall Short of the Price
The processor on the Note 40 Pro is Helio G99 Ultimate. There’s another global version that comes with a Mediatek Dimensity 7020 processor. But Bangladeshi users will be getting the G99 Ultimate one. It’s an octa-core processor with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
Helio G99 Ultimate seems a letdown in a mid-range phone. Especially, when competitors like Redmi 14C and Tecno Spark 20 Pro are providing the slightly old G99 at a much lower price point. The miniscule upgrade brought forth by the Ultimate simply doesn’t justify the price.
But beyond the benchmarks and prices, the Note 40 Pro would suffice for most users. 3D titles like Asphalt 9 and PUBG ran smoothly on medium settings. The device did get heated a bit but that’s expected from a mid-range processor.
Overall the processor won’t blow you away with its numbers. But for casual use and moderate gaming, it will be enough.
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Software: A Refreshing Take From XOS
The Note 40 Pro comes with XOS 14 based on Android 14. It seems like Infinix has finally listened to its users as the number of bloatware has significantly decreased. The center punch-hole camera now acts as a dynamic island which is quite useful for glance notifications and charging indicators. Infinix has also announced that the Note 40 Pro will receive two years of software updates.
Battery and Charge Time
Now onto the exciting bit. Infinix has decided to introduce its own MagSafe charging with the Note 40 Pro which they call MagCharge. It is a power bank that comes with the retail box. It can be magnetically attached to the included cover (MagKit) and recharge the device to around 50% on a single charge. It also doubles as a wireless charger when hooked with the included power brick.
The 5000 mAh battery can be wire-charged by the 70W included charging brick. The Magcharge when connected to the brick can charge at 20W and up to 7.5W while working as a power bank. Infinix also included their new X1 chip for superior charging optimization to safeguard the battery.
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Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Does It Offer Value for Money?
As 2024 gradually advances, Samsung keeps on delivering remarkable devices one after another. On March 11, Samsung released this year’s first addition to its mid-budget segment, the Galaxy A35. The Galaxy A series has always reflected Samsung’s integrity and endeavor to offer the highest quality phones within budget. The latest addition isn’t an exception. But will the Galaxy A35 be able to meet customer’s expectations? Let’s find out.
Key Specs and Features of Samsung Galaxy A35
The Galaxy A35 has almost everything a user can expect from a mid-range Samsung phone. Nothing feels like a heartbreak so far.
Design
Last year’s Samsung Galaxy A34 received massive success for its stand-out features and design. Being the direct successor of the phone, the Galaxy A35 has been carrying great expectations ever since the rumors about its release spread out. So, how is it doing against all these expectations?
The most significant change the latest A series addition brought to its design is a glass back cover. It is the first time Samsung has introduced a glass panel on the back of an A-series phone. However, the main body frame is still made of plastic. The phone's overall look highly resembles the Galaxy S24’s and the concurrent release, the Galaxy M55’s. Among the three resembling phones, the Galaxy A35 comes at the minimum price.
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The 161.7 mm by 78 mm by 8.2 mm plastic body frame touches are polished, maintaining a smooth brushed feel. The 209g weight can feel heavy sometimes. On the right side of the frame, the portion holding the volume rockers and the power button has been nudged up. So that users can comfortably reach the button with their fingers. Like the Galaxy S24, the A35 has three distinct circular camera modules horizontally placed on the top left area of the back.
On the front, the phone keeps it flat and introduces the second satisfactory change to the usual design of the A-series phone. Ditching the ancient water drop design, Samsung has seated a punch-hole camera module.
Apart from that, Users will get a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the screen. For the sensor, an in-display fingerprint with a fast response has been installed. Finally, the front of the phone reveals a noticeable bezel around the display, which is probably the only crack in the phone's design.
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Display
Like the Galaxy M55, the Galaxy A35 has installed a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display. Sustaining the well-established prestige of Samsung’s display, the Galaxy A35 surfaces crisp and vivid pictures. The touch response is adaptive and can reach up to 120Hz, the industry standard for a mid-budget phone. The only exception may be the Motorola Edge 40, which has used a 144Hz refresh rate without tripping beyond the mid-budget range.
The display supports HDR10, 1080 by 2340 pixels resolution, and 390 ppi pixel density. Assembled, these features demonstrate a high-quality display. It employs a 1000 nits brightness level, sufficient for a comfortable indoor and outdoor phone maneuver.
Among the market peers, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro offers a higher spec in a few cases, mentioning a peak 1800 nit brightness level, 1220 by 2712 pixels resolution, and 446 ppi density.
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Cameras
Camera specs are where The Galaxy A35 has deviated from the Galaxy M55. Both phones house a triple back camera setup and a single front lens. But the difference lies in the capacity of the lenses of the two phones. The Galaxy A35 has a 50MP primary wide-angle camera with OIS support. The other two lenses are an 8MP ultrawide and a 5MP Macro lens.
The front punch-hole houses a 13MP selfie camera, which is a far degradation compared to the M55’s 50MP front lens. At least a 16MP would do better if using a 32MP was impossible. Direct competitors like Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro and vivo iQOO Z7 Pro both have 16MP lenses for their selfie cameras.
Pictures snapped with the Galaxy A35 are of good quality and don’t fall short in terms of detail compared to its other market peers. Both primary and secondary cameras can record videos at 4K resolution. Indeed, it will end a sigh of sadness that Samsung budget phone users have been suppressing for a long time.
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Performance and Hardware
For the chipset, the Galaxy A35 uses the Exynos 1380 octa-core processor, which is explicitly powerful and uses 5nm technology. A Mali-G68 MP5 GPU supports the phone's visual processing tasks. Heavy gaming and video-consuming are possible without experiencing any lagging or heating. The phone offers three variants combining a 6GB or 8GB ROM with a 128GB or 256 GB internal storage. An Antutu 603441 and a GeekBench 2931 score demonstrate the robust performance capacity of the phone.
Users will get Samsung’s dedicated One UI 6.1 OS, a customized Android 14 variant designed to provide smooth and stylish phone maneuvers.
Battery and Charger
Samsung’s signature 5000mAh battery with 25W charging capacity once again takes care of the power supply unit of their latest A-series phone A35. A minimal-consuming session can run around 10 to 12 hours with battery support.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A55 5G Review: A Budget-friendly Version of Galaxy S24?
Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy A35
Pros
- Sleek glass back design- Punch-hole display for a modern look- Reliable performance for gaming and multitasking- Samsung One UI 6.1 for smooth user experience- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery.
Cons
- Plastic body frame- Lower resolution front camera compared to competitors- Limited camera features compared to other models- Not the highest refresh rate in its price range- Display bezels could be thinner.
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Price of Samsung Galaxy A35 in Bangladesh
The Samsung Galaxy A35 has been revealed in the USA market, and its price starts from $367.86 or BDT 40,356. (USD 1 = BDT 109.70). However, the official price of Galaxy A35 in Bangladesh may vary due to tax and other issues.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A35 impresses by introducing a glass back design and punch-hole display on a Galaxy A series phone. It delivers reliable performance for gaming and multitasking, thanks to the powerful Exynos 1380 octa-core processor. With Samsung's One UI 6.1 ensuring a smooth user experience and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, it's a solid mid-budget option.
However, the plastic body frame, lower resolution front camera, and limited camera features are notable drawbacks. Despite these, the Galaxy A35 stands out for its overall performance and design. Even with rough competition from phones like Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, vivo iQOO Z7 Pro, and Motorola Edge 40, the Samsung Galaxy A35 keeps the possibility of being able to shine in the market.
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Samsung Galaxy M55 Review: Here’s What It Offers
Smartphone lovers wait all year, hoping for Samsung releases. Samsung presented the latest Galaxy M55 in Brazil on 28 March. Fans are now curious about the features that the phone offers. Let’s take a look at what Samsung Galaxy M55 offers.
Key Specs and Features of Samsung Galaxy M55
Design
Up until now, the Samsung Galaxy M55 has been expected to match the Galaxy A55 in features and specifications. However, the reality falls further away from that expectation. With the Galaxy A55, people have experienced the epitome of design from a mid-budget phone. It employed a metal body with a flat look sandwiched with glass shields on both the rear and front. Whereas, the Galaxy M55 uses an average plastic body design with slight curves on the sides.
The Galaxy A55 gave way more premium feel compared to that given by the Galaxy M55. The phone is 7.8mm thick and weighs 180g.
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The latest addition to the M series has three protruded camera buckets on the back keeping the concurrent trend for the camera modules. The fingerprint sensor is located below the mid-bottom part of the display. Unlike the dual speaker in the Galaxy A55, the M55 uses a mono speaker.
Other specifications about the design of the phone appear to be as usual. A sim card holder is rooming two 5G sim nano sim cards or a single sim card and a memory card that can be expandable to 1TB. Minimal bezel, punch hole front lens, smooth volume rockers, headphone jack, and other features are just on par. For colours, Samsung has provided two variations- a Dark Blue and a Light Green.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy M55 boasts a 6.7-inch super AMOLED+ high-resolution vivid display. Users will have an experience of Full HD+ resolution. With a pixel density of 393ppi, the display will surface a lively and near-accurate projection of the objects. The display also has a 1000-nit brightness level, which means it will be sufficient to preserve a glowing brightness regardless of the indoor or outdoor ambiance.
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The Samsung Galaxy M55 has implemented an adaptive refresh rate feature. So, the touch response rate will adapt to a user's necessity and set itself at 60 to 120Hz. The display will give an experience similar to a premium phone.
Performance
The hardware and software used in the Galaxy M55 are noteworthy as they can provide a satisfactory experience. For the processor, users will get a 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, undoubtedly a powerful engine, if combined with the right combination, capable of doing wonders.
Mentioning the combination, the Samsung Galaxy M55 has integrated an Adnino 644 graphics module, 8GB RAM, along with a 256 ROM. Together, the hardware unit can yield considerable performance. In the Antutu testing, the phone has made a remarkable 6.67K, which suffices the performance requirements for all high-quality games.
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There will be three variations of the phone- 8GB * 128GB, 8GB * 256GB, and 12GB * 256GB. In the software section, users will celebrate Samsung’s modified operating system One UI version 6.1. This version is based on the latest Android 14 OS. Samsung will provide 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates, meeting the expectations of people from a brand. Compared to the overall features of the phone, the performance of the Galaxy M55 is its most powerful aspect.
Cameras
If the performance segment is the most powerful feature of the Samsung Galaxy M55, which will be the second most satisfactory aspect of the phone? Without any doubt, it’s its camera segment. With a robust triple camera setup containing a 50MP wide-angle principal lens, an 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro auxiliary lens, the Galaxy M55 maintains its dignity among all mid-budget phones.
Pleasing the users to their best, the Galaxy M55 engraves a 50MP frontal lens in the punchhole on the top-mid of the display. Both rear and front lenses snap quality photos.
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Video recording capacity is capped at 720p 240FPS for slow motion and 4K 30FPS for the highest quality. Another departure from the Galaxy A55 specification lies in the absence of Ai features in the cameras.
Battery and Charger
Mid-budget phones usually power themselves with a 5000mAh battery, and the Galaxy M55 is not an anomaly. Its battery supports up to 45W fast charging.
Price of Samsung Galaxy M55
The phone is officially available in the Brazilian market for pre-order. The 8GB * 256GB version of the phone comes for BRL 3,199 or BDT 69,912. The conversion rate here is 1 BRL = BDT 21.85.
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Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy M55
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon processor- Stunning super AMOLED+ display- Versatile triple camera setup- 5000mAh battery with fast charging- Long-term software support.
Cons
- Plastic body design- Lack of AI camera features- No wireless or reverse charging support.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy M55 offers a blend of impressive features and specifications. Despite falling short of some design expectations with its plastic body, it makes up for it with a powerful Snapdragon processor, a stunning super AMOLED+ display, and a versatile triple camera setup that captures quality photos and videos. The phone's 5000mAh battery with fast charging support ensures long-lasting usage, while its long-term software support adds to its appeal. However, the absence of AI camera features and the lack of an included charger are notable drawbacks.
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Samsung Galaxy A55 5G Review: A Budget-friendly Version of Galaxy S24?
The Galaxy A series has often been considered the toned-down version of the flagship S series. It has been Samsung’s reliable mid-range device that mimics the look and feel of the flagship. Samsung recently launched the Galaxy A55 on 15th March 2024 globally. As a successor of the A54, how does it stack up against its predecessor? More importantly, does it hold ground on par with its competitors? Let’s find out.
Key Specs of Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
Design and Build Quality
The A series has always been replicative of the S series. Users would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two side by side. The A55 follows the S24 with its glass front, aluminum frame, and glass back.
The frame has a brushed finish on the A55 which oddly enough, gives it a more premium look than the S24. The frame around the volume rocker and the power button is slightly raised which aids in the overall ergonomics.
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Dimension-wise the A55 comes in at 161.1 mm by 77.4 mm by 8.2 mm with 213 g weight. The overall dimension is a tad bit larger than last year’s A54. The front screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, the same as that of the S24. In line with the flagship, Samsung has finally introduced a symmetrical display on the A series.
In addition to the highest 256 GB storage, the A55 also comes with a shared micro SDXC slot. There’s unfortunately no headphone jack on the A55 which was expected as Samsung stopped its inclusion in the A series. The A55 comes in Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, and Lemon colors which gives it distinction from the S24.
The Display
Samsung is often touted to create the best smartphone display in the market. The A55 stands up to that hype with its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ panel with 1000 nits of HBM. The symmetrical display is 0.2 inch larger than the one on A54 with a center punch hole for the front camera.
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The resolution of the display comes in at 1080 by 2340 pixels with 390 ppi and an unusual 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The screen-to-body ratio has also seen a jump at 85.8% which is the highest among any A series device to date. With over 16 M color support, the A55 is one of the most vibrant and eye-pleasing devices in the mid-range category.
The Camera The A55 features a triple camera setup just like its predecessor. The main sensor is a 50 MP f/1.8 with PDAF and OIS. The secondary sensors are a 12 MP f/2.2, 123˚ ultrawide shooter, and a 5 MP f/2.4 macro shooter. The front features the usual 32 MP f/2.2 selfie camera.
It is difficult to differentiate the camera performance of the A55 from that of the A54 as both of them feature identical sensors. The pictures came out great in daylight with good color balance and dynamic range.
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The post-processing on the A55 seems to have slightly improved as it shows better exposure and portrait details side by side with the A54. The edge detection in the portrait mode has also gotten better.
Pictures taken in artificial light or low light suffer a bit from softness and grains. The night mode is stable in low light as it does an excellent job of capturing details and maintaining the overall sharpness of the image. The quality of the selfie camera is also as usual. It produces decent pictures with good details in bright conditions.
The videography on the A55 is rated to be 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps with gyro-EIS. OIS and EIS both work well to produce stable videos with good exposure.
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iQOO Neo7 SE Review: Competent Mid-range Gaming Phone
vivo’s subsidiary company iQOO has had a reputation for producing value-for-money phones since 2019. In this wave, iQOO launched another gaming-centric device Neo7 SE. Recently, the phone had its global launch which brought it in the spotlight. Let’s have a look at where it can be the right gaming phone for you.
Key Specs of Vivo iQOO Neo7 SE
Design and Build Quality
There’s an obvious caveat of having a plastic build all around on a budget-friendly to lower mid-range phone. The Neo7 SE is also no different. The plastic frame and back have a mix of matte and glossy frosted finish which gives it a glass-like look.
The Neo7 SE comes in at around 164.8 mm by 76.9 mm by 8.6 mm with 193 g weight. It’s a relatively lightweight build with a considerably large footprint. The camera housing on the back is reminiscent of the Neo7 with the iconic squared cut. The front features a near-uniform punch-hole display with a slight bottom chin.
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Ports and buttons are identical to the Neo6 SE. Users will be missing out on the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the extendable card storage on the Neo7 SE.
Overall the design and the build quality are okay for its price. It matches the expectation for a sub 35K BDT smartphone.
The Display
The display on the Neo7 SE is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 12 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The panel has 1080 by 2400 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 388 PPI. The slight bottom chin accounts for an 87.6% screen-to-body ratio.
The Neo6 SE also had a similar spec albeit with a higher pixel density thanks to the smaller screen size. Competitions in this price point like the Redmi K60E bring higher resolution with nearly the same features.
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But as for the performance, the Neo7 SE holds its ground. The sharp brightness provides great contrast both indoors and outdoors. The viewing angles were great and the high refresh rate worked smoothly in day-to-day use. For the price, it’s hard to beat what Neo7 SE brings to the table.
realme 12 Pro Plus Full Review: Is It Worth Buying?
realme has established itself as a brand renowned for blending innovation with affordability in the smartphone industry. With the debut of the realme 12 Pro Plus on January 29, 2024, a new chapter unfolds, challenging the notion that top-tier features are exclusively reserved for high-priced models. Let’s explore the extensive features of the realme 12 Pro Plus, emphasizing its premium qualities without compromising on its accessible price point.
Key Features and Specs of realme 12 Pro+
Design
The realme 12 Pro Plus stands out with its sleek design and premium features. Measuring 161.5 mm by 74 mm by 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in), it strikes a balance between compactness and usability. The phone's vegan leather back, complemented by a round camera module, exudes sophistication.
Its golden fluted bezel and accents, inspired by luxury watches, lend it a touch of elegance. Designed in collaboration with renowned French watchmaker Ollivier Savéo, known for his craftsmanship with prestigious Swiss brands, the phone reflects a blend of artistry and technology.
With a convenient layout featuring volume and power buttons on the right side, and essential ports and speakers neatly arranged at the bottom, usability is seamless. Additionally, the scratch-resistant rear and screen protector offer peace of mind, ensuring the phone remains pristine with daily use.
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Display
The realme 12 Pro Plus boasts a stunning 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and fluid visuals. With a resolution of 2412 by 1080 pixels (FHD+), the screen delivers crisp and clear images. It offers around 394 PPI density
It covers 100% of the P3 color gamut, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors. With a global maximum brightness of 800 nits and a local peak brightness of 950 nits, the display remains visible even in bright sunlight. Additionally, it features a 0.55mm secondary tempered high-strength glass for added durability and protection.
The display holds TÜV Rheinland Strobe-free and Low Blue Light Certifications, reducing eye strain during prolonged use. Supporting HDR10+, it offers enhanced contrast and dynamic range for an immersive viewing experience. With a 240Hz touch sampling rate, the screen responds swiftly to touches and gestures, enhancing usability.
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Camera
The realme 12 Pro Plus features an impressive camera setup tailored to meet diverse photography needs.
Anchoring the rear setup is a 50MP (f/1.8) IMX890 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and 2X in-sensor zoom, delivering sharp and stable shots. Complementing this is a 64MP (f/2.8) periscope lens for long-range captures and an 8MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide lens for expansive scenes.
The front camera, equipped with a 32MP (f/2.4) sensor, ensures detailed and crisp selfies. Notably, the camera captures colors accurately with minimal correction, offering natural-looking tones.
The portrait mode, with 3x zoom and adjustable aperture, enables users to achieve desired background blur levels. Additionally, the Pro mode allows for manual adjustments of ISO, shutter speed, and more, catering to advanced users. The device also offers a 120x zoom option, albeit with limitations at extreme levels.
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For video recording, users can shoot in 4K at 30fps with the rear camera and 1080p at 30fps with the front camera, ensuring high-quality video content creation.
iQOO Neo 9 Review: A Flagship Grade Mid-Range Smartphone
iQOO saved up a big surprise till the very end of 2023. The Vivo subsidiary launched the much-hyped iQOO Neo 9 on 27th December in China. The smartphone is scheduled for a mid-February launch globally. For the time being, the smartphone has garnered a lot of attention and buzz among the users. So what’s the hype all about? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications of the vivo iQOO Neo 9
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Neo series is known for its drastic design jumps in each iteration. The Neo 9 is also no different. There’s virtually no similarity between the Neo 8 and Neo 9 except for the fact that both of them have a plastic build.
The Neo 9 has a flat front and back with two large separate housings for the two camera sensors. The dimension of the smartphone comes in at 163.5 by 75.7 by 8 mm or 8.3 mm. The 8.3 mm version has a faux leather finish in bright red and contrasting white. It's probably the best looking one among a choice between black and blue. The faux leather variant weighs at 196 g whereas the standard model comes in at 190 g.
The ports and buttons are carried on from the Neo 8 with the SIM slot taking its place beside the Type C port. There’s also an IR blaster along with the secondary noise cancellation mic at the top. Other than that, the minimal front bezel and even weight distribution make for a premium mid-range smartphone.
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The Display
The display on the Neo 9 is a 6.78 inches LTPO AMOLED panel with standard features like 1B colors, 144 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1400 nits of HBM. What’s interesting here is the inclusion of an LTPO panel. Even many high-end smartphones these days don’t come with this feature. Needless to say, it’ll definitely help conserve a lot of battery on the 1260 by 2800 pixels and 453 ppi density.
The display also has the new PWM dimming feature. It essentially dims out the blacks entirely by varying the electric pulse on the individual LEDs. The result is striking low brightness in dark environments and true black contrast.
The bezel on the center punch-hole display is very minimal with the lower chin protruding ever so slightly. The slim trim helps to keep the screen-to-body ratio at 89.7%. The bottom line, it's an amazing display that seriously punches above its price.
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The Camera
There’s a dual-lens camera on the Neo 9 with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.9 wide angle and 1/1.49" aperture sensor. The secondary shooter is 8 MP, f/2.2 with a 119-degree field of view. Both the main and the secondary camera uses IMX sensors from Sony for improved camera performance.
realme GT5 Pro Review: High-performance or Hype?
In a bold move into the high-end market, realme introduces the GT5 Pro as a "dual-engine flagship," emphasising both impeccable performance and exceptional imaging capabilities. Launched on 16th December 2023, this smartphone aims to redefine realme's reputation in mid-range segments. From its robust design to impressive hardware, GT5 Pro marks realme's foray into the premium smartphone arena. This review explores every facet of the GT5 Pro.
Key Features and Specifications of realme GT5 Pro
Design
The realme GT5 Pro comes with a curved screen. The screen minimises borders (1.36mm on the sides, 1.94mm at the bottom). Weighing 218 to 224g, this device’s dimensions are 161.7mm by 7.51mm by 9.2mm.
The phone's quality is evident in its materials, featuring a super hard aluminium middle frame with 43% higher yield strength than standard titanium alloys.
The camera module features a champagne gold aluminium alloy ring. Its USB Type-C port supports fast charging. Notably, it lacks a headphone jack, embracing wireless audio trends.
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The dual-SIM tray supports nano-SIM cards, but there's no microSD card support. An infrared port enables the phone to function as a remote control. With an IP64 rating, the GT5 Pro resists dust and water splashes, enhancing durability for outdoor use.
This device is available in several colour variants, such as, Black, White, and Orange. White and Orange options feature nano-leather, while the Black variant uses AG glass for a classic look.
Display
The realme GT5 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch screen that strikes a balance between ample viewing space and handheld comfort, catering to various activities like browsing, gaming, and multimedia consumption.
The screen utilises BOE's S1 flexible screen technology, with a resolution of 2780 by 1264 pixels (1.5K), ensuring sharp and detailed visuals without excessive battery drain.
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In terms of colour accuracy, the GT5 Pro delivers quite natural colours, particularly noticeable in high-resolution photos or videos. The display's peak brightness is about 450 nits and ensures visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The manual maximum brightness is 1000 nits, with a global maximum of 1600 nits, beneficial for HDR content and detailing in various lighting conditions.
The 144Hz high refresh rate enhances user experience, especially in fast-paced gaming, with adaptive adjustment from 0.5Hz to 144Hz using 8T LTPO technology, optimising performance and power consumption.
For eye comfort, the GT5 Pro features 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming at low brightness, minimising screen flicker and eye strain. At higher brightness, it switches to DC dimming, reducing the risk of eye discomfort. The low SVM (Screen Flicker Metric) value of
Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G Review: What’s New?
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo was launched in India on September 21, 2023. In 2023, the Moto Edge series saw significant enhancements in features and capabilities. This trend continues with the Neo. Let’s take a look at the key specs, pros, cons, and price of the Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G.
Key Features of Motorola Edge 40 Neo
Design
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo boasts a design that closely mirrors the Edge 40, maintaining a sleek and premium appearance with a curved rear panel and display.
The device, measuring 159.6 mm by 72.0mm by 7.9mm and weighing 170g to 172g, features a glass front and a plastic frame and back. Notably, the plastic frame distinguishes it from the regular Edge 40, which employs an aluminium frame.
Neo maintains an impressive IP68 dust/water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 min), highlighting its durability. The front integrates Nippon Electric Glass with a discreet punch hole for the selfie camera.
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The phone's side panels house standard elements, such as a USB-C port, loudspeaker, microphone, power button, and volume buttons. The colour options, inspired by Pantone catalogue shades, include the visually appealing Caneel Bay version with a vegan leather back, resistant to fingerprints, offering both style and a comfortable grip.
Overall, the Edge 40 Neo 5G combines a recognizable design with practical features, including a lightweight build and environmentally conscious choices in materials and packaging.
Display
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo features a 6.55-inch P-OLED display, striking a balance between size and usability. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
With a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels with 20:9 aspect ratio and 402PPI. Its screen delivers vibrant and natural colours, particularly when shifted from the default Saturated colour mode.
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The standout feature is its 144Hz refresh rate, though the practical benefits of such a high refresh rate may be debated. The display supports HDR10+, ensuring compatibility with high dynamic range content, and boasts a peak brightness of 1300 nits under HDR conditions.
Neo's display offers a canvas for multimedia consumption, complemented by stereo speakers. Though lacking in low-end punch, its stereo speakers provide clear and loud audio. The addition of Dolby Atmos support enhances the audio experience when using headphones. However, users may sometimes experience false palm pressing due to the dual-curved nature of Neo’s display.
Performance and Hardware
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 chipset, a notable addition to the Edge family. The octa-core processor features a 2+6 configuration, with two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5GHz and six energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores reaching 2.0GHz. This device runs on Android 13 OS.
Accompanying this is the Mali-G610 MC3 GPU, offering capable performance in the mid-range segment. The phone is equipped with 6GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM combined with 128 or 256GB of storage.
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In benchmark tests, the Edge 40 Neo demonstrates solid performance, with GeekBench scores of 1038 in single-core and 2515 in multi-core, along with a 1964 OpenCL score for the GPU.
The provided sensors include a Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, Accelerometer, GyroscopeLight Sensor, SAR sensor, Sensor Hub, Mobile Hotspot, Magnetometer (e-Compass), On-screen fingerprint reader, and ThinkShield for mobile.
Cameras
The camera setup on the Motorola Edge 40 Neo closely resembles that of the Edge 40, with some notable distinctions.
The rear camera configuration includes a 50MP wide main lens with an f/1.8 aperture, a 1/1.5" sensor size. This primary rear camera utilises the OmniVision OV50A sensor, offering a large 1/1.55" optical format for detailed 12.5MP photos.
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In daylight, the Neo produces vibrant 12.5MP images with good contrast and detail, while the 50MP Ultra-Res mode enhances definition. This sensor has an optical image stabilisation (OIS) mode.
The ultra-wide-angle lens stands at 13MP with an f/2.2 aperture and 120˚ field of view. It employs a 13MP SK Hynix HI1336 sensor. The ultrawide camera can capture photos with commendable detailing.
Night Vision mode performs well, and the Portrait mode, featuring three focal lengths, captures impressive results.
The front camera boasts a 32MP resolution with an f/2.4 aperture. Selfies default to 8MP resolution but can switch to the full 32MP mode, showcasing excellent detail, natural skin tones, and a wide dynamic range.
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Video capture capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps for the rear and front cameras, with additional frame rate options at lower resolutions.
Battery and Charging
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery, offering extended usage with ease. With average usage, the phone reliably lasts about 36 hours.
68W TurboPower fast charging is one of the best features of the Edge 40 Neo. The device can reach 50% battery capacity in just 15 minutes, and a full charge in approximately 40-45 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Motorola Edge 40 Neo
Pros
- Sleek and lightweight premium design- Robust performance- Competent camera capabilities- Vibrant display- Fast Charging.
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Cons
- Curved screens may cause occasional false input issues- Limited software support duration.
Price of the Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G
The variant of Edge 40 Neo with 128GB storage and 6GB RAM has been released in India, priced at INR 27,699 or BDT 37,011 in Bangladesh, with a conversion rate of INR 1 = BDT 1.32. The official price of the Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G in Bangladesh may vary due to tax and other issues.
Verdict
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a good package. It can deliver reliable performance driven by the Dimensity 7030 chipset, a vibrant 144Hz pOLED display, IP68 water resistance, LPDDR5 RAM, generous internal storage, and 68W fast charging. The 50 MP main camera impresses with detailed shots in various lighting conditions. Motorola's clean software approach enhances the user experience, making the Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G a compelling choice in its price category.
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