gaming phone
vivo iQOO Neo9 Pro Review: The Gaming-focused Flagship Phone of 2024
iQOO is here with its highly anticipated Neo series for 2024. The Neo lineup has stirred up quite the hype over the years for its unbeatable price-to-performance deals. The Neo9 Pro was launched globally on 22nd February. The global Neo9 Pro’s features are quite similar to the iQOO Neo9 released in China, while the Neo9 Pro’s Chinese version differs from its global version in the processor and camera section. Let’s find out more on this flagship phone.
Key Specs of the vivo iQOO Neo9 Pro
Design and Build Quality: A Mix of Sophistication and Refinement
The actual Neo9 Pro has been exclusively released for China for the time being. iQOO may not opt to release this model globally as it shares almost the same DNA with the parent company’s Vivo X100.
From the outside, you’re looking at the same dimension as that of the Neo9. There’s a vegan leather version which iQOO calls their Fiery Red model. There are also options for either blue or black glass back finishes.
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Dimension-wise, the iQOO Neo9 Pro comes in at 163.53 mm by 75.68 mm by 7.99 mm or 8.34 mm (Fiery Red). The aggregate weight of the device comes in at 190 g (Fiery Red) of 190 g as standard.
iQOO has incorporated several innovative design choices with the Neo9 Pro. The plastic frame has a four-sided micro-arc design for a seamless transition with the body. The front bezel on the side has been reduced to just 1.54 mm for a near-borderless view. There is also the Fluorite AG glass on the back of the blue and black model to deter fingerprints and smudges.
Ports, buttons, microphones, and dual SIM slots are in their usual spot like the Neo9. There’s no water resistance rating on the Neo9 Pro which might be its only gripe design-wise.
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The Display: Feature-Packed AMOLED Display
The display on the iQOO Neo9 Pro is stacked with features. On paper, users will get a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 1B colors, 144 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1400 nits of HBM. The near-symmetrical panel comes in a 20:9 aspect ratio good enough for a 93.43% screen-to-body ratio.
The resolution has been cranked up to 1260 by 2800 pixels featuring of 452 ppi density. Additional display techs like XDR 2.0 and ZREAL have also been incorporated into the panel. The result is a whopping 8000000:1 contrast ratio in normal usage.
iQOO claims that the touch latency has been reduced by 36% compared to the previous models. The 2160 Hz PWM dimming mode increases the brightness perception by 14.3% making it easier on eyes in ultra-low light environments.
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The Camera
The camera is where the difference between the global 9 Pro and Chinese 9 Pro becomes apparent.
The main rear camera is a 50 MP shooter sporting a Sony VCS IMX 920 sensor. Spec includes f/1.88 aperture, 1/1.49 inch sensor size with PDAF and OIS.
The Chinese Neo9 Pro’s secondary rear sensor is another 50 MP f/2.0 shooter, 119-degree ultrawide sensor. On the other hand, the global version comes with an 8 MP (f/2.2) 119-degree ultrawide sensor.
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For both the Chinese and Global Neo9 pro, the front camera features a single 16 MP f/2.5 lens. It can shoot 1080 pixels of footage at 30 fps.
The custom Sony sensor can nicely capture natural and warm-looking images. The usual photorealism of the IMX 920 was missing here as pictures had a distinct color pop in them. The dynamic range was a bit sub-par. The ultrawide sensor was able to match the performance of the main sensor during daylight.
Pictures taken at night or in low light fared much better thanks to the large sensor size. The night mode was an added plus in low-light photography.
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Videography on the Chinese Neo9 Pro supports up to 8K, 4K, and 1080P. While the global version can capture a maximum of 4K videos. Video quality has been impressive thanks to the gyro-EIS and OIS.
Processor and Performance: Sheer Gaming Capabilities
Beyond the camera, the Chinese 9 Pro is using the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9300 based on the 4 Nm architecture unlike yesteryear’s 8 Gen 2 found on the global 9 Pro. The octa-core processor is coupled with Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU. iQOO is claiming 40% increased performance with 33% less power consumption compared to the last generation.
The storage combination goes up to 16 GB RAM and 1TB internal storage. iQOO has upgraded to LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0 for the RAM and ROM respectively.
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In addition to the Dimensity 9300 chip, iQOO has also included the Q1 gaming chip developed in-house. iQOO claims that the Q1 can replicate PC-level super-resolution for open world and other graphics-intensive games. In the test, PUBG, COD, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 were running smoothly at 60 Hz. What’s even more impressive is the lack of heating even after hours of gaming. The usual day-to-day browsing and surfing is fast and smooth thanks to the blazing 144 Hz display.
iQOO introduced their 6K Skylight vapor chamber liquid cooling technology which takes up around half of the internal footprint of the device. It accounts for precise heat dissipation resulting in a 26% increase in overall heat transfer.
Software: OriginOS 4 over Android 14
While the global variant comes with Funtouch OS, the Chinese Neo9 Pro sticks with the OriginOS. And given that it is released in China only. It’s a pretty heavy skin over Android 14. Needless to say, it would take some time to get used to its interface and navigation.
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Battery and Charge Time
The Neo9 Pro comes with 5160 mAh battery capacity. The 120W ultra-fast flash charge can take the device from 0 to 40% in 9 minutes. The full charge takes about 1 hour and 24 minutes. iQOO claims that the Neo9 Pro has been tested for up to 1600 full charge cycles after which the battery can retain up to 80% of its original capacity.
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.
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Plus Review with Pros and Cons
The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+ mobile was released in India on November 23, 2023. As smartphone performance continues to rise, gaming smartphones have become less distinct. However, Red Magic is changing this perception. The Red Magic 9 Pro+ offers a breakthrough in gaming smartphone technology. Let's delve into the specific performance enhancements that make the Red Magic 9 Pro+ stand out in the gaming smartphone market. Let’s take a look at the key specs, pros, cons, and price of this device.
Key Features and Specs of Red Magic 9 Pro+
Design
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ measures 164 mm by 76.4 mm by 8.9 mm and weighs 229 g. It features a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), an aluminum frame, and a glass back. It supports dual Nano-SIM with dual stand-by functionality and includes pressure-sensitive zones (520 Hz touch-sensing) and a built-in cooling fan.
The middle frame is made of aviation aluminum. Its flat-back design enhances grip during gaming, while the custom-designed glass ensures durability and high-quality lens standards. Components have been re-customized for a slim 8.9mm body, accommodating improvements such as enhanced camera hardware.
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Available color options include "Dark Knight'' and transparent variants, with upgraded RGB lighting effects on the cooling fan and illuminated buttons for a customized gaming experience.
Display
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a hidden front camera design, achieving an impressive 93.7% screen-to-body ratio. The display utilizes BOE's under-screen Q9+ light-emitting material, enhancing brightness up to 1600 nit while improving visual effects like color accuracy and dark light optimization. It achieves 100% coverage of sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts, measured using DisPlay CAL.
With a high refresh rate of 120Hz, the gaming screen delivers clear and smooth visuals. The screen resolution stands at 1116 by 2480 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio, offering sharpness at ~400 ppi density. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen, ensuring durability against scratches and impacts.
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Cameras
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ not only excels in gaming performance but also delivers standard image quality. Equipped with a 50-megapixel Samsung GN5 main camera and a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultra-wide-angle lens, it offers a versatile dual-camera setup. Additionally, a 2-megapixel macro lens enhances versatility for close-up shots.
Features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode further enhance the photography experience. Video recording capabilities are also robust, supporting resolutions up to 8K at 30fps and various frame rates for flexible shooting options. With a 16-megapixel under-display selfie camera, users can also capture clear and detailed self-portraits.
Performance and Hardware
The Red Magic 9 Pro+ impresses with its powerhouse performance, driven by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8’s third-generation built on TSMC's 4nm process. Featuring an 8-core full 64-bit architecture, paired with LPDDR5X and UFS4.0 data transfer technology, it forms the formidable "Iron Triangle," yielding an AnTuTu score exceeding 223W points. In gaming, it excels, effortlessly handling demanding settings with smooth gameplay.
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Its RAM power ranges from 16 to 24GB. While starting from 256GB the internal storage capacity reaches up to 1TB.
Tested at very high settings and extreme image quality for half an hour, it maintains an average frame rate of 120.8 frames, showcasing its capability even under intense conditions. Cooling is handled by the ICE 13 Magic Cooling system, featuring 10 layers of precision cooling, an active cooling fan, and a large VC heat spreading plate. The flat-back design contributes to a more comfortable gaming experience despite noticeable heat.
ZTE Nubia Neo 5G Review: A Budget-friendly Gaming Phone
Gaming smartphones often come with a hefty price tag due to their high-performance processors and advanced cooling systems. However, some brands are offering budget-friendly phones designed for gaming. In this wave, ZTE brings a gaming-centric device Nubia NEO 5G at an affordable price point. Let’s take a look at the key specs of this device.
Features and Specs of ZTE Nubia Neo
Design
The ZTE Nubia Neo is turning heads with its sleek design and lightweight build. Coming in at 163.7 mm by 75 mm by 8 mm dimension and weighing just 192 grams, it's easy to tote around.
One of its standout features is its nearly borderless display. It gives users a screen-to-body ratio of about 85.5%. This means users get more screen space on its display.
As for durability, while the exact materials used aren't explicitly mentioned by the company, the Nubia Neo feels sturdy and well-built. Its back panel and frame give off a premium vibe, with a nice finish to top it off.
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The Nubia Neo scores points with its ergonomic design. The buttons are placed conveniently for easy access, and unlocking feels smooth with the side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Plus, it's comfortable to hold, even for one-handed use.
Display
The ZTE Nubia Neo packs a 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen, which boasts vibrant colors and smooth visuals with 1080 by 2408 pixel resolution. Thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate it promises an immersive viewing experience. The phone gives a crisp picture with about 400 pixels per inch. That means sharp, detailed visuals for viewing pleasure, all wrapped up in a sleek 20:9 aspect ratio.
With minimal bezels, users are getting almost all screens. And with a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations are buttery-smooth.
When it comes to colors, the Nubia Neo's LCD tech brings accurate and vibrant hues to the table, ensuring your content pops just right. Plus, you can comfortably view it from different angles thanks to good viewing angles.
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For those sunny days, there might be an anti-glare coating to help you see your screen better outdoors, along with the auto-brightness adjustment to keep things just right no matter where the users are.
Camera
The ZTE Nubia Neo has a fancy dual-camera system on its back. One lens packs a whopping 50 megapixels with a wide f/1.8 aperture, while the other is a 2-megapixel (f/2.4) depth sensor. Together, they make for some seriously detailed and clear shots.
With that hefty megapixel count, it features high-resolution pics. And thanks to the wider aperture that supports better light intake, meaning the low-light photos will look sharper along with cool blurry background effects in portrait mode.
The camera isn't just about stills, though. It supports features like HDR and panorama mode, giving your shots more pop and letting you capture wider angles. Plus, there's image stabilization to help smooth out any shaky-handed shots or videos.
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Speaking of videos, the front and rear cameras of Nubia Neo can shoot 1080p footage at 30fps. And don't worry about those videos getting too shaky—there's video stabilization onboard to keep things nice and steady, even if there's some movement.
And there is a front camera which is an 8-megapixel (f/2.0) shooter, perfect for snapping selfies or hopping on video calls.
Xiaomi POCO X6 Pro Review: Is It a Value for Money Midranger?
The onset of 2024 marked a notable increase in smartphone launches, particularly within the midrange category. In this wave, the reputed smartphone brand Xiaomi released the POCO X6 Pro in India on January 11. While retaining some key elements from its ancestor, the device brings several innovative features. Let’s take a look at the key specs, pros, cons, and price of Xiaomi POCO X6 Pro in Bangladesh.
Key Features of POCO X6 Pro
Design
The Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro exhibits a sleek design, measuring 160.5 mm by 74.3 mm by 8.3 mm and weighing 186 g or 190 g. With a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and options for a plastic or eco-leather back, it combines elegance with durability. The device is dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) and carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance.
The glass finish on the back is visually striking, though prone to fingerprints. The rear camera island is seamlessly integrated, ensuring stability on flat surfaces. The flat plastic frame with a metallic finish houses power and volume buttons on the right, a secondary speaker, a secondary microphone, an IR blaster on the top, a USB-C port, a primary speaker, a primary microphone, and a removable SIM slot on the bottom.
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The flat display dominates the front with thin bezels, facilitating a seamless user experience, while the phone's lightweight construction and modest thickness enhance its overall appeal.
Display
The Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro flaunts a remarkable 6.67-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 1.5K resolution (2712 by 1220 pixels) and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. With a 12-bit color depth offering 68 billion colors, the visuals are vibrant. The display supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, delivering stunning contrast and color accuracy. It reaches up to 1800 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions and enhancing the viewing experience for HDR content. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides robust protection.
In practical use, the display is responsive and features accurate touch recognition. POCO introduces convenience with the ability to operate the display with wet fingers. The inclusion of various pre-set color schemes, including "Original Colour PRO," ensures natural and calibrated color reproduction. Overall, the POCO X6 Pro's display stands out for its clarity, vibrancy, and adaptability to various scenarios, promising an optimal visual experience.
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Camera
The Poco X6 Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, headlined by a 64 MP wide sensor with an impressive f/1.7 aperture, 25mm focal length, and optical image stabilization. Accompanying it are an 8 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens with a 120˚ field of view and a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro lens.
While the main camera excels in good lighting conditions, providing detailed and vibrant captures, the ultrawide lens proves effective for expansive cityscapes. However, the macro lens falls short of expectations.
The rear camera system features LED flash, HDR, and panorama capabilities, capturing videos in 4K at 24/30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps with gyro-EIS.
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The 16 MP (f/2.4) front camera delivers satisfactory results, supporting HDR and panorama features and recording videos at 1080p/30/60fps. The front camera, though offering satisfactory performance, has HDR that lags behind the rear cameras.
Overall, the Poco X6 Pro's camera system offers a well-rounded photography experience with notable strengths and some limitations.
ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Heavy-Duty Flagship Gaming Device
Chinese telecommunication company ZTE’s subsidiary Nubia Technology is a smartphone manufacturing brand, headquartered in Shenzhen. At the closure of 2023, the Smartphone industry witnessed the unveiling of Nubia's latest marvel, the Z60 Ultra. Drawing attention from mobile enthusiasts, it presents qualities in design, screen, photography, performance, and more that have become a focal point of discussion. Released on December 29, 2023, the ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra proves itself to be an extraordinary device across the board. Now, let's embark on a thorough exploration of this standout device, known as the "Hexagonal Warrior."
Key Features and Specs of Nubia Z60 Ultra
Display
The Nubia Z60 Ultra flaunts an impressive design, measuring 164 mm by 76.4 mm by 8.8 mm and weighing 246g.
This device supports two SIM cards and boasts IP68 dust and water resistance. The back is crafted from a special glass that repels fingerprints, maintaining a clean and polished appearance.
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The rear camera setup, inspired by the universe, not only provides a visually unique layout but also improves grip during intense gaming sessions. The robust aerospace metal middle frame enhances durability, ensuring the phone can withstand accidental drops.
Departing from conventional camera placements, this phone features a flat wide-angle lens on top and a periscope telephoto lens below, challenging design norms for a distinctive look.
Drawing inspiration from Van Gogh's artistry, the Starry Sky edition showcases a mesmerising 3D-layered finish reminiscent of a captivating night sky. It has other colour options, which are black and silver.
While some may appreciate its mature and boxy aesthetic, it's essential to note its 8.78mm thickness and 246g weight, factors to consider for those who prefer lighter devices.
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Display
The Nubia Z60 Ultra presents a distinct design complemented by its standout 6.8-inch AMOLED True Full Screen. Boasting a resolution of 1116 by 2480 pixels with 400 PPI density and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the bezel-free display provides a visually immersive experience.
Notably, the front-facing camera is cleverly concealed beneath the screen using the UDC Ultra technology, ensuring an uninterrupted surface. The pixels above the camera are a mere 2.8um in size, enhancing the overall display quality.
While not the brightest or most vibrant, the flat and flawless nature of the screen is impressive. This unique design choice, coupled with features like HDR10+, DC dimming, and 10-bit colour depth, adds to the overall appeal of the Nubia Z60 Ultra, creating a device that stands out in the crowd.
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Cameras
With three rear cameras and one hidden under the screen, the Nubia Z60 Ultra offers versatility. The 50 MP (f/1.6) main camera with a 35mm lens ensures sharp photos with a natural bokeh effect. The ultra-wide 50MP (f/1.8) camera, using an 18mm lens, captures a wider field of view, while the 64 MP (f/ 3.3) telephoto camera features an 85mm lens. It achieves 5x optical zoom and 20x hybrid zoom.
The front-facing under-display 12MP camera facilitates unobstructed selfies and video calls, complemented by AI beautification and HDR modes.
The phone's photography features include night mode, portrait mode, and a special Starry Sky mode for capturing the beauty of the night sky. The Z60 Ultra's unconventional approach to camera focal lengths caters to photography enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective in both design and functionality.
The rear sensors can shoot a maximum of 8K video footage at 30fps. Besides, it can capture 4K and 1080p videos at different capacities. The front sensor can capture only 1080p footage at 30fps.
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Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device
Known for producing top-notch Android gaming phones under the ROG line-up, Asus has distinguished itself by creating purpose-built devices. In this wave, the Asus ROG Phone 8 made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 on January 8. Let’s take a look at the new features and upgrades in the latest ROG phone.
Key Features and Specs of ROG Phone 8
Design
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro introduces a more conventional design, weighing 225 grams and measuring 163.8mm by 76.8mm by 8.9 mm. With smaller bezels and a thinner 8.9mm profile, it offers a lighter and sleeker form factor.
Retaining AirTriggers on each shoulder, the phone forgoes motorised vents, gaining an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. Practical features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and side-mounted USB-C charging port remain intact.
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While still gaming-centric, the ROG Phone 8 Pro deviates from the bold aesthetics of its predecessors. The rear panel conceals the LED array when turned off, giving it a more ordinary appearance. Even the camera module adopts a simple, slightly raised square section in the top corner.
However, users may find it less striking compared to previous models. The design, seemingly aimed at broader appeal and usability, may risk alienating hardcore ROG Phone enthusiasts who appreciate the uniqueness of older models.
ROG Phone 8 is available in two colour options: Rebel Grey and Phantom Black.
Display
The Asus ROG Phone 8 boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ (2400 by 1080 pixels) Samsung Flexible AMOLED display. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. With a vivid colour range, it covers 107.37% DCI-P3, 145.65% sRGB, and 103.16% NTSC colour gamuts. This means sharp and vibrant visuals.
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The brightness is impressive, reaching up to 1,600 nits HBM and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits. HDR10 support enhances the viewing experience, providing richer colours and contrast. The display offers a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, with a maximum of 165Hz for supported games, ensuring smooth visuals.
Noteworthy is the Always-On display feature, displaying essential information with tiny icons, like charging status, due to the absence of a thick top bezel. The 10-point multitouch supports glove touch, adding to user convenience.
While some may miss a QHD resolution, the FHD choice is likely a compromise for better power consumption, especially with the phone's higher refresh rate. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 8's display promises an immersive and dynamic visual experience.
Read more: iQOO Neo 9 Review: A Flagship Grade Mid-Range Smartphone
Cameras
The Asus ROG Phone 8 comes equipped with a powerful rear camera setup for capturing stunning photos and videos. The main rear camera features a Sony IMX 890 50 MP image sensor with a large 1/1.56” sensor size.
Enhancing stability, the main camera incorporates Gimbal OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Quad Bayer technology, resulting in a 12.5 MP image with a 2 µm large effective pixel size. The wide F1.9 aperture and a 23.8mm equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera ensure impressive low-light performance and sharp images.
Complementing the main camera is a 13 MP second rear camera with a 120° ultrawide-angle lens and a Free-form lens, providing diverse shooting perspectives. The equivalent focal length is 12.7mm in a 35mm film camera.
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Adding versatility, the third rear camera is a 32 MP lens with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3X optical zoom. Utilising pixel binning technology, the actual output photo is 8 MP, and the equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 65.3mm.
For selfie enthusiasts, the front camera boasts a 32 MP RGBW sensor with pixel binning for 1.4μm size (actual output photo: 8 MP). The equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 22mm, ensuring clear and vibrant self-portraits. Overall, the camera setup on the Asus ROG Phone 8 promises a versatile and high-quality photography experience.
DOOGEE V31GT 5G Rugged Phone Review: Sturdy mid-range gaming device
The Doogee V31GT, crafted by the Chinese company Doogee, is a rugged phone released in China on September 23, 2023. Despite its initial appearance as a typical budget-friendly rugged phone, the V31GT stands out in the smartphone market with distinctive features. Representing a noteworthy advancement in Doogee's V series, it combines durability with unique functionalities, making it a compelling option in the evolving landscape of rugged smartphones.
Key Features and Specification of the Doogee V31GT
Design
The Doogee V31 GT phone stands out with its robust build, resembling a tool with dimensions of 178.5 mm by 83.1 mm by 17.9 mm and a weight of 390g. Its Hybrid Dual SIM setup and IP68/IP69K dust/water resistance make it durable, surviving drops with a drop-to-concrete resistance of up to 1.8m.
The device sports dual speakers for practical stereo sound. On the back, a distinctive circular camera module houses a thermal camera, LED flash, main optical camera, and night vision camera, all protected by a robust rim. The handset, encased in black-coated metal with protective rubber, includes a fingerprint-sensing power button, textured volume buttons, a custom button, and a TF/SIM card slot.
Unlocking options include a fingerprint ID and 2D face ID. While lacking an always-on display, a small red/green LED signals a full charge effectively. Overall, it's a rugged, functional device with a unique design.
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Display
The Doogee V31 GT features a sizable 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing users with an expansive and engaging visual platform. Covering about 70.5% of the front, the screen strikes a balance between size and usability.
Measured diagonally, the display's 6.58-inch height contributes to a visual experience without sacrificing practicality. Sporting a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the display ensures clarity and detail, boasting a pixel density of around 400 ppi.
The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds durability, protecting against scratches. The multi-touch capable screen enhances user interactions on the Doogee V31 GT, making it a versatile tool for various tasks. Whether enjoying multimedia content or navigating the device, the display's size, resolution, and responsiveness contribute to a user-friendly and immersive experience.
Cameras
The Doogee V31 GT boasts a robust quad-camera setup on its rear, headlined by a 50 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture for detailed and bright photos. Accompanying this is a 24 MP (f/1.8) night vision lens with two infrared lights for low-light scenarios, an 8 MP (f/1.8) wide lens, and a unique 256 by 192 pixels thermal camera. This thermal camera adds a distinct capability to capture temperature variations in the environment.
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The array supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, catering to various photography needs. On the video front, it can shoot in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps.
The front-facing selfie camera is a 32 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture, delivering detailed self-portraits, and it supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.
The Doogee V31 GT's camera system is designed to offer versatility, covering a range of photographic scenarios with its varied lenses and capabilities.
Hardware and Performance
The DOOGEE V31 GT boasts a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, featuring an octa-core solution clocked at 2.6 GHz. This includes 6 Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0 GHz and 2 Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz. Complementing the processor is a Mali-G68 MC4 GPU.
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vivo iQOO Z7 Pro: Is it an efficient gaming phone?
BBK Electronics, the parent company of vivo introduced iQOO as its subsidiary, a new and revamped lineup that streamlined gaming in the mid-range market back in 2019. iQOO launched the Z7 Pro on 5th September 2023. So how does it fare alongside the competitors? Let’s find out the specs, pros, cons and price of iQOO Z7 Pro.
Key Features of vivo iQOO Z7 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The Z7 Pro moves away from the traditional iQOO design elements to be more streamlined with the Vivo V series. The Z7 Pro has a stark similarity with the V27 Pro with its camera housing and ring LED flash. The Z7 Pro is larger and sleeker than the Z7 with its curved edges and long-form factor.
The device dimensions are 164.10 mm by 74.80 mm by 7.36 mm with a weight of 175 g. Even though it’s a large phone, the plastic frame and body with glass back help to keep weight down to a handy limit. The glass back called the Fluorite AG glass has a matte finish which helps to deter fingerprints and smudges. The front glass is protected by Asahi glass. The new Blue Lagoon variant has a frosted blue texture on the back making it look like ocean waves.
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Moving on to the technical features, the device brings the same set of features from last year’s Z6 Pro. The power button and the volume rockers are placed on the right. The usual dual sim slot, single firing speaker, and the Type C charging port are placed on the bottom with a flush left side. The top however has the words “Professional Portrait” printed on it which might as well be iQOO’s new branding approach.
The Display
The display on the iQOO Z7 Pro is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution. Even though it is a mid-range smartphone, iQOO did not hold back when it comes to features. The display has a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 1B colors, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The rather long and curved panel has a 20:9 aspect ratio of 1080 by 2400 pixels. It brings the pixel density to 388 ppi. The almost bezel-less curved punch-hole panel pushes the limit with an astounding 90.4% screen-to-body ratio.
Using the display has been as exciting as its features. The panel had vivid settings out of the box which can be recalibrated based on user preference. Beyond that, the performance of the display was excellent. It showed good color contrast with very smooth navigations by virtue of the 120 Hz refresh rate. Legibility under direct sunlight was not an issue due to the high peak brightness. iQOO seems to have improved their accidental touch as no mistouches were noticed during the test.
Overall, it's an excellent panel that can easily take the panel for being the best in its price range.
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The Camera
There’s a vertically aligned dual camera module on the Z7 Pro with an AURA LED flashlight. The main camera is a 64 MP f/1.79 and 26mm wide lens. The secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The depth sensor aids in the bokeh effect for portrait shots but it cannot be used as a standalone sensor.
iQOO since its initial days, focused on the performance aspect of the smartphone. This was an effective strategy considering Vivo themselves focused heavily on the camera performance. While the camera improved a lot since its initial days, it still has a long way to go.
Pictures under direct sunlight came out crisp and clear with detailed subject and background separation. There were good details in each image with a decent dynamic range. The stock camera has different shooting modes which lets the users experiment and choose. Just like its tagline on the top, the portrait photography indeed got better as they came out identically perfect every time.
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Performance in low light requires a heavy dependency on the night mode. In testing, the night mode was consistent with decent exposure in each shot but the color looked artificial with HDR enhancements. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter with generic features good enough for casual selfies and videos.
The videography on the rear camera of iQOO 7 Pro is rated at 4K at 30fps. The front camera is capable of capturing 1080p footage at 30fps. The OIS and gyro-EIS improve the stability of the videos with good details. But there are some jitters here and there.
Overall, the camera performance of the Z7 Pro is an improvement from last year’s Z6 Pro but it’s still not on par with camera-focused smartphones in the mid-range market.
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Processor and Performance
The processor on the Z7 Pro is Mediatek Dimensity 7200 based on the 4 Nm architecture. It has a 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 and 6x Cortex-A510 chip design which brings a balance of efficiency and higher clock speed. The processor is coupled with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU.
It has 8GB of RAM. The internal memory ranges from 128 to 256 GB.
Like the previous iQOO smartphones, the Z7 Pro also focused on performance and it shows. In testing, the smartphone was able to run leading titles like PUBG, Asphalt 9, and Genshin Impact at max settings. There were no frame drops or noticeable lag in the gameplay. Users will be getting a constant 60 fps on Asphalt 9 which significantly increases the immersive experience of the gameplay.
The device did however heat up after about half an hour of continued gaming. But even then, there weren’t any noticeable performance drops. The battery discharge also stayed at a fairly constant rate. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media and stuff are a breeze thanks to the fluid 120 Hz display and the fast animation of the OS. Speaking of OS, the smartphone comes with FuntouchOS 13 based on Android 13. Funtouch still has its bloatware but the sheer performance helps to offset the experience a bit.
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Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the iQOO Z7 Pro is 4600 mAh which might be less compared to the usual 5000 mAh spec. However, the efficient processor ensures that users will be getting 6 to 8 hours of SoT from the device. It also comes with 66W wired fast charging which can take the device from 0 to 50% in 22 minutes.
Pros and Cons of iQOO Z7 Pro
Pros:
- Impressive design - Excellent performance - Great battery life - Best-in-class display - Ergonomic in-hand experience.
Cons:
- Slightly lacking in camera performance - Lack of stereo speaker - Bloatware in the OS.
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Price of iQOO Z7 Pro
The iQOO Z7 Pro comes in 8/128 GB and 8/256 GB variants. The price of the base model is 23,999 INR whereas the higher storage variant is priced at 24,999 INR. It roughly amounts to 31,763 BDT and 33,086 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.32 BDT). However, the price is expected to differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The iQOO Z7 Pro stays true to its roots of being an affordable gaming device. Though the manufacturing brand did not promote Z7 Pro as a gaming smartphone, the performance level easily helped it to become one. The updated design, display, processor, and battery all work in unison making it an almost complete smartphone in the mid-range segment.
The only shortcoming is the camera. While it's not bad by any means, it still doesn’t hold up against the competitors at the same price range or even a tad below it. So for anyone who’s not that into photography, the vivo iQOO Z7 Pro 5G can be an excellent choice that can provide a satisfactory user experience.
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Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra Review: A Gamer's Delight
Since Redmi became the independent sub-brand of Xiaomi, the concept of value for money has become an integral part of its identity. Xiaomi’s Redmi flagship phones have consistently delivered exceptional performance. From the K20 series to the K60 lineup, each of these phones provides top-notch specifications at an astonishingly competitive price point. This trend persists with the introduction of the Redmi K60 Ultra. While K60 Ultra was released on August 15, 2023, it was available in Bangladesh on August 25. Let’s see the details of this phone.
Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra
Design
In the K60 Ultra mobile phone, Redmi has made a significant change by removing the plastic brackets on all four sides of the screen. The immediate result of this change is a noticeably enhanced screen-to-body ratio.
At the bottom of the phone, the adoption of the COP packaging process and the ultra-slim border create a visual effect where the bottom appears almost as wide as the left and right sides of the screen. weighing 204g, its dimensions are 162.2 mm by 75.7 mm by 8.5 mm.
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The K60 Ultra phone has three cameras on the back. The main camera is really good because it’s the same kind as the one in the Mi 13. There are also two other cameras for wide-angle and close-up shots. On the top right corner of the camera, there’s a special light that helps take better pictures in different lighting. Right next to it, there’s a sensor that helps the camera work better, too.
On the top of the phone, there’s a really good speaker all by itself. To the right of it, there are sensors for a remote control and two microphones that help block out noise.
At the bottom of the phone, there’s another speaker that works together with the one on the top to give you stereo sound. To the right of it, there’s a port where you can plug in your charger and headphones, a microphone, and a slot for your SIM card.
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Display
The K60 Ultra boasts a 6.67-inch OLED display with a typical brightness reaching up to 2600 nits. What sets it apart is its impressive peak brightness of 2600 nits, surpassing even the most premium flagship devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Even more significant is the screen’s 1.5K resolution at 2712 x 1220 pixels. Because of this high resolution, you can enjoy an exceptionally immersive, detailed, and vibrant viewing experience with the phone.
Furthermore, it doesn’t skimp on performance, sporting a 144Hz refresh rate that ensures a seamlessly smooth gaming experience.
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Camera
The Redmi K60 Ultra has a top-notch camera setup. It features a 50 MP main camera with an IMX800 sensor. This sensor comes with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which helps you take sharp and clear photos without blurriness.
In addition to the 50 MP main camera, the phone also has an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro lens.
On the front, there’s a 20MP selfie camera that takes high-resolution selfies. Plus, there are various camera modes to help you get the best possible photos.
In daylight photos, the Redmi K60 Ultra captures colors that look true to life, and it gets the white balance just right. When paired with Xiaomi Imaging Brain 2.0, it gives the photos a distinctive atmosphere and mood. Even though it doesn’t have a telephoto lens, the picture quality remains excellent with high resolution.
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