Vivo
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.
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.
iQOO Neo 8 Review: Is this affordable premium smartphone worth buying?
For the last several years, iQOO has enriched the smartphone market with its affordable premium smartphones. Being a subsidiary of BBK Electronics, iQOO is slowly taking over the mantle of flagship killer status. The company recently launched the iQOO Neo 8 on 23rd May 2023. This mid-range smartphone brings specs that would rival the recent flagship smartphones. Let’s dig into it more.
Key Specifications of the iQOO Neo 8
Design and Build Quality
iQOO devices have a unique design statement with their characteristic rectangular camera housing and contrasting finish on the back (leather variant). The Neo 8 is no different as well. Users will be getting a plastic frame, glass back and front. The build feels durable and sturdy even with the plastic frame.
The dimensions of the Neo 8 come in at 164.7 mm by 77 mm by 8.5 mm with 192 g weight. The front of the device has a noticeable chin at the bottom. But that is about it when it comes to drawbacks. Ports and buttons are similar to that of the Neo 7 which means there aren’t any 3.5 mm headphone jack on the Neo 8.
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The Display
The display on the Neo 8 is easily its strongest suit. The 6.78 inch AMOLED display has 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The QHD+ resolution display has 1260 by 2800 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 453 ppi density. There is a slight chin at the bottom and around the side of the display. It accounts for about 87.5% screen-to-body ratio.
The specifications on paper are strongly reflected in real life. The panel looks stunning with great contrast and color balance. The HBM allows for easy readability under direct sunlight. It's not the brightest per se, but it's the best at its price point.
The Camera
There is a dual camera setup on the iQOO Neo 8. The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.9 wide-angle shooter with PDAF and OIS. The secondary sensor is a 2 MP one with an f/2.4 depth sensor. It's essentially a single shooter phone considering the depth sensor doesn’t do anything other than assisting in the portrait shots.
The pictures from the main camera came out sharp and detailed. iQOO has significantly improved its post-processing capacity. Pictures taken during the daylight came out well exposed with good details. The colors had a slight warm tone to them which made the images pop. However, it wasn’t overpowering in any way and the pictures came out looking natural. The dynamic range was also well-preserved in most shots.
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The low-light performance was also on par with the daylight ones. The exposure and color balance were on point even under strong artificial lights. The night mode became significantly better to accommodate extreme low-light shots.
The videography on the iQOO Neo 8 is rated at 8K, 4K, and 1080P at 30fps, 30/60 fps, and 30/60 fps respectively. The gyro-EIS and OIS greatly improve video stabilization.
There’s also a generic 16 MP (f/2.5) front-facing camera that can take decent selfies. The selfie sensor can capture video at 1080P at 30fps.
Processor and Performance
The processor on the iQOO Neo 8 is Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 based on the 4 Nm architecture. This is the same flagship processor from 2 years ago seen on the then-premium smartphones. It's great to see that iQOO is recycling the same flagship-grade processor at a mid-range price point.
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The octa-core processor has a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510 chip design with Adreno 730 GPU. Considering the performance capability of the 8+ Gen 1, it doesn’t feel like a mid-range smartphone. Games like PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 ran on the highest graphics settings without any hiccups. The device also did a great job of dissipating the heat. We didn’t notice any thermal throttling during the test.
However, the performance is slightly spoiled by the OS experience. The global variant comes with Funtouch 13 and the Chinese variant comes with OriginOS 3. Either way, the bloatware feels heavy from a stock Android perspective. The 144 Hz refresh rate is a saving grace in an otherwise bloatware-filled OS.
Battery and Charge Time
iQOO Neo 8 comes with 120W proprietary FlashCharge which can be used to charge up the 5000 mAh battery. The brick can charge up the device from 0 to 50% in about 9 minutes. On average, expect an entire day’s usage out of the device with a full charge.
Pros and Cons of the iQOO Neo 8
Pros:
- Excellent display - Ultra-fast charging support - Powerful processor - Stylish design - Good camera system.
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Cons:
- No water resistance rating - Lack of wireless and reverse charging facility.
Price of iQOO Neo 8
iQOO Neo 8 is currently available in 12/256 GB, 12/512 GB, and 16/512 GB variants. The prices of the variants are 2,499, 2,799, and 3,099 CNY respectively. The price roughly translates to 38,817, 43,477 and 48,137 BDT respectively. However, the actual price would differ since it is not officially available in Bangladesh yet.
Verdict
The iQOO Neo 8 takes the design and material values from the Neo 7 and brushes up rough edges. The Neo 8 brings incremental updates to the display, processor, and camera. The Neo 7 was already a great value option considering its price. The Neo 8 takes the bar even higher.
It’s downside would be the OS support which still has a long way to go. Besides, the provision of wireless and reverse charging facilities could make it a better deal.
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So who is the iQOO Neo 8 for? It’s best suited for people wanting a flagship experience at a mid-range price.
iQoo 12 Pro Review: Flagship phone for gamers
iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, is known for its high-performance gaming phones. The iQOO 12 Pro was launched in China on November 14, 2023. This device is a shift from the brand’s traditional gaming-centric lineup. The 12 Pro appeared as a high-capacity phone with enhanced gaming capabilities. This shift suggests a broader appeal beyond the gaming community, making it a more versatile option for a wider audience. Let’s take a look at what it offers.
Key Features & Specs of iQoo 12 Pro
Design
The iQoo 12 boasts a sturdy design with dimensions measuring 164.6 mm by 75.4 mm by 8.6 mm (or 8.8 mm). Weighing in at 205 g or 210 g (7.23 oz), it accommodates dual Nano-SIM cards with dual stand-by capability.
Its exterior exhibits flat metallic sides with curved corners, and the glossy rear panel. Although slightly slippery, it is offset by the included TPU cover, enhancing grip and preventing fingerprint smudges.
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The camera module, a rounded square on the left side, is encircled by a metallic ring with a ridged edge. The display boasts slim bezels and a central hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera.
Notably, the phone showcases the BMW Motorsport logo subtly at the rear bottom and attains an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, a first for the series, ensuring resilience against the elements.
Display
The iQOO 12 Pro features a LTPO AMOLED display, boasting 1 billion colors and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, complemented by HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 3000 nits.
The 6.78-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3200 pixels and a 20:9 ratio provides a sharp pixel density of approximately 518 ppi.
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The upgrade from Samsung's E6 to E7 panel is notable, particularly in the doubled HDR window brightness. Users should be aware that the default resolution is set to 1080p, and adjusting it to UHD in the settings enhances the screen's sharpness.
The fingerprint recognition, although ultrasonic and functional, takes a step back from the larger recognition area of the iQOO 11 Pro, presenting a minor drawback in the overall design.
Cameras
The iQOO 12 Pro incorporates a triple-camera setup featuring a 50 MP (f/1.7) wide lens, a 64 MP (f/2.6) periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP (f/2.0) ultra wide lens.
The camera system showcases capabilities such as dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama, supporting video recording up to 8K at 30fps and offering versatile options at lower resolutions. Notably, the dynamic range across all three lenses is impressive, avoiding over-sharpening issues. The camera excels in capturing details, especially in macro mode, providing the flexibility to use the ultra-wide or telephoto lens for varied perspectives.
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However, certain limitations persist, such as the telephoto lens usage in low light and unresolved issues like purple-fringing with telephoto lenses highlight some gaps in comparison to leading photography-focused phones.
On the front side, the iQoo 12 Pro bears a 16 MP (f/2.5) selfie shooter. However, the front-facing camera can record only at 1080p 30fps without image stabilization, impacting its suitability for vlogging.
Performance and Hardware
The iQOO 12 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-A520 cores. Accompanied by the Adreno 750 GPU, the device offers robust performance.
The 12 Pro is supported by memory options of 256GB/512GB/1TB storage and 16GB RAM, utilizing UFS 4.0 technology. The absence of a card slot for external storage should be noted.
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The iQOO 12 Pro's performance in resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact demonstrates stability with a trade-off of higher power consumption compared to some counterparts.
Software
Operating on Google's latest Android 14 OS with Vivo's Funtouch OS 14 overlay, the iQOO 12 Pro ensures a user-friendly experience. This device facilitates lock screen customization and enhancements to multitasking, RAM utilization, and motion blur effects during app operations.
The promise of three years of OS and security updates, followed by an additional year of security updates, adds to the device's longevity. However, users may encounter occasional notifications from the pre-installed V-Appstore, which encourages trying out new apps and offers customization options that can be manually managed.
Some pre-installed apps like Netflix, Spotify, Snapchat, Facebook, and PhonePe are present but can be easily uninstalled.
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Battery and Charging
The iQOO 12 Pro is equipped with a sizable 5100mAh non-removable battery. Its notable charging capabilities include a rapid 120W wired charging, boasting a 26-minute fill-up time.
Additionally, the phone supports efficient 50W wireless charging, providing a convenient alternative. For reverse wireless charging, the device offers a 10W capability.
Despite the substantial battery size, the overall endurance is comparable to other phones when engaging in resource-intensive activities like gaming. iQOO maintains a commendable consistency by ensuring their charger includes a USB-C port and supports PD 65W charging, offering a practical and universal charging solution.
Pros and Cons of iQoo 12 Pro
Pros
- Elegant design with BMW Motorsport logo- Large display with a high refresh rate- Versatile triple-camera setup- Powerful processor- Ample storage- Fast charging with wireless, and reverse charging facility- Useful ports.
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Cons
- Slippery glossy rear panel- Limited fingerprint recognition area- Low video recording capacity by the front camera- Telephoto lens limitations, purple-fringing issues- Occasional V-App Store notifications- No card slot for external storage- Higher power consumption in resource-intensive games
Price of iQoo 12 Pro
The iQOO 12 Pro is not yet officially available in Bangladesh. In China, the iQOO 12 Pro 16GB+512GB Legend Edition is priced at CNY 5499.00, equivalent to BDT 84626. The conversion rate used is CNY 1 = BDT 15.39. The official price of iQoo 12 Pro in Bangladesh may increase due to diverse issues.
Conclusion
The iQOO 12 Pro offers a complete package with attractive features such as elegant design, vibrant display, standard cameras, performance-driven robust processor, etc. Running on Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, the device promises extended software updates. Its powerful battery supports rapid wired, wireless, and reverse wireless charging.
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On the whole, iQoo 12 Pro strikes a balance between gaming and photography-centric features, distinguishing itself from traditional "gaming phones."
vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera
vivo recently launched its flagship smartphone for the year, the vivo X100 Pro on 21st November. While the X100 Pro is an incremental update over the X100 Pro, it brings in several groundbreaking tech that posits it to be the best from vivo in 2023’s end. Here’s everything you need to know.
Key Specifications of the vivo X100 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The design of the X100 Pro takes a slightly different approach from the X90 Pro. There is no dual-tone bar at the back and neither is the camera housing positioned asymmetrically. Rather the design elements of the X100 Pro bring uniformity and minimalism all around.
The X100 Pro has a dimension of 164.05 x 75.28 x 8.91 mm for the Startrail Blue and Asteroid Black variant. The leather-finished Sunset Orange comes in at 164.05 x 75.28 x 9.05 mm. The weights of the variants are 225 g and 221 g respectively.
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The frosted glass back finish combined with an aluminum frame, a fresh new camera ring, and the customary curved panel make the X100 pro easily stand out as a premium flagship.
The Display
The display on the X100 Pro is easily one of the best in the flagship category. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel has a 2800 x 1260 FHD+ resolution. Additionally, the panel supports 1B colors, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and up to 3000 nits of peak brightness thanks to the new VM7 light-emitting material. vivo has pushed the existing HBM to a new high with the X100 Pro which makes the display distinctly clear even under direct sunlight.
The curved display along with the punch-hole camera design makes way for an 89.8% screen-to-body ratio. Now coming to the performance metrics, the display supports 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and 105% NTSC color saturation. In effect, the display on the X100 Pro is easily one of the top contenders for the best display of 2023.
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The Camera
The camera system is where the X100 Pro takes a decisive lead from the X90 Pro. The main camera on the X100 pro is a 50 MP f/1.8 aperture lens with a 1-inch sensor. And if that wasn’t enough, there is another 50 MP f/2.5 shooter with a 100 mm periscope and another 50 MP f/2.0 119˚ ultrawide lens. The uniformity in resolution brings out some of the best pictures on mobile devices.
The “Xtreme Imagination” branding on the back is a testament to the Zeiss optics and their impeccable performance. While pictures came out great in daylight, things took a dramatic improvement in low light thanks to the large main sensor. Images had good contrast and exposure and accurate colors which is what Zeiss is famous for. Custom Zeiss features like Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, and 3D LUT imports are also available on the X100 Pro.
There is a 32 MP front camera on the X100 Pro which provides a similarly great result. The videography on the X100 Pro brings 8K, 4K, and 1080P thanks to OIS and gyro-EIS. The 4K resolution also supports cinematic mode with hyper-stabilization.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
vivo X100 Review: The Flagship Killer of 2023
vivo phones are famous for their flagship-level designs and features offered at reasonable price ranges. The Chinese tech giant vivo’s X series represents a top-of-the-line smartphone experience. vivo launched its flagship X100 series on November 21, 2023, in China. Let’s check out what it offers.
Key Specifications of vivo X100
Design and Build Quality
The design of the vivo X100 is somewhat reminiscent of the X90. There is a curved front panel, a slim profile, a frosted finish, and a large camera housing at the back. Except in X100, the camera housing has been moved to the center. The device dimension comes in at 164.05 mm by 75.19 mm by 8.49 mm or 8.74 mm (Sunset Orange variant) with either 202 or 206 g weight.
The standard variant has a brushed finish, which complements the large circular triple camera housing. The surrounding aluminum ring also adds to the design dimensions. Ports and buttons are carried over from the X90, with the power button, volume rocker, and SIM slot all retained in their usual places. The device also has IP68 water and dust resistance.
The Display
The display on the X100 is an LTPO AMOLED panel with 1B colors and a 120Hz refresh rate with 3000 nits of peak brightness. The 6.78-inch display has a 1260 by 2800 pixel resolution with a 453 ppi density. The display also has an 89.9% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to the slim bezel and curved screen. Other features include 8000000:1 contrast and 105% NTSC. The display performance is great.
The Camera
There is a triple camera sensor on the X100, with the main camera being a 50 MP, f/1.6 wide-angle shooter with PDAF, laser AF, and OIS. The secondary sensors are a 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm ultrawide shooter.
The cameras on the X100 use Zeiss Optics T* lens coating and custom LUT imports. The specialization of the images is their natural renditions with true tone colors. Images taken with the main sensor had sharp details and contrast in them. The same held true for the adjoining sensors as well, with great performance during daylight. Image quality remained more or less the same in artificial lights as well, with a slight sharpness loss.
There’s also a 32 MP (f/2.0) front camera on the X100, which can take some great selfies. The videography on the X100 is rated at 4K and 1080p. It supports Cinematic Mode too.
Processor and Performance
The processor on the X100 is the new MediaTek Dimensity 9300 based on the 4 Nm architecture. The graphic section is enriched with an Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU.
The performance of the X100 is every bit like a flagship. Casual usage was a breeze considering the processor blazed past every task thrown at it. Dimensity 9300 also brings significant improvements to the gaming aspect, with 3D games running at maximum settings without any frame drops or jitters.
The X100 is running OriginOS 4 for the Chinese region and Funtouch 14 based on Android 14 for the international regions. The UI still has that characteristic bloatware, which might negate the experience a bit. But other than that, the experience has been fast, smooth, and snappy.
Battery and Charge Time
The battery capacity is either 4880 mAh or 5000 mAh. The X100 supports up to 120W Ultra-Fast flash charging. It can go from 1 to 50% in 11 minutes. This device allows reverse wiring, which is a user-friendly feature.
Pros and Cons of vivo X100
Pros:
- Great display - Good camera system - Improved flagship processor - Updated design - Ultra-fast charging
Cons:
- Bloatware in the OS
Price of the vivo X100
The vivo X100 comes in 12/256 GB, 16/256 GB/ 16/512 GB, 16 GB/1 TB, and 16 GB LPDDR5T RAM/ TB options. The prices are 3999, 4299, 4599, 4999, and 5099 RMB, respectively. It roughly translates to 62,019 BDT, 66,671 BDT, 71,324 BDT, 77,527 BDT, and 79,078 BDT, respectively. Here the conversion rate is 1 RMB equivalent to BDT 15.51 approx. However, the official price of the vivo X100 may vary in Bangladesh due to tax and other issues.
Verdict
The vivo X100 can be categorized as a flagship killer given its performance compared to its price. The smartphone inherits many features from the X90 and alleviates certain aspects to make it an even more compelling and complete device. For anyone looking for a flagship experience at a relatively lower price, the vivo X100 can be a good choice.
Read more: Most Hyped Smartphones Releasing in December 2023
vivo V29e 5G Review: Is this mid-range phone rightly priced?
vivo smartphones have always been about strong camera performance. Since its initial days, vivo has expanded the V series to include mid-range as well as flagship-grade smartphones that offer exclusive camera perks. Recently, the brand launched the V29e 5G in Bangladesh on 29th October 2023 on a pre-order basis. The V29e brings 5G capability to the latest entry-level mid-range V series smartphone. Let’s find out what changed from last year’s V27e and what exciting new features the V29e has to offer.
Key Specifications of vivo V29e 5G
Design and Build Quality
There was a time when every new release from vivo would mean a complete design overhaul. However, the brand has been subtly moving towards uniformity considering the last two iterations of the V series have seen only incremental updates. The V29e has also seen slight design changes compared to the V27e.
The device comes in at 162.35 mm by 74.85 mm by 7.69 mm with 190 g weight. The weight is kept low thanks to the plastic front and the glass back. The V29e comes in three color variants, Forest Black, Rose Gold, and Ice Creek Blue. However, only the Forest Black and Rose Gold variants are available in Bangladesh.
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The choice of ports and buttons are the same with the power button, volume rocker, speaker, and Type C charger in their usual place. However, unlike the V27e, the shared sim slot cannot be used as a micro SDXC slot anymore. The device is also IP54 dust and splash-resistant.
The Display
The display on the vivo V29e is a 6.67-inch almost-symmetrical AMOLED panel. The large display has a new exciting addition this time. The 120 Hz refresh rate is coupled with 1150 nits of peak brightness making it perfectly legible under direct sunlight. The 2400 × 1080 pixel render asserts a 394 ppi density. The E4 light emitter ensures deep blacks and sharp contrast even when the display is dimmed. Users will be getting a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a 107% NTSC color saturation.
Out of the box, the display shows a cooler tone. But it can easily be calibrated from the settings. The 88.3% screen-to-body ratio makes for an impressive screen real estate which doesn’t fare pretty well for its price point.
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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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vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
The Y series from vivo are targeted as entry-level smartphones with a great value proposition. vivo recently launched the Y17s globally on 2nd October 2023. This year there are new colorways, a new camera, and a whole lot of other features. Let’s take a look into the key features, pros, cons, and price of vivo Y17s in Bangladesh.
Key Specifications of vivo Y17s
Design and Build Quality
The Y17s is the direct successor of the Y16 from last year. Like almost all of their Y series iterations, the design on the Y17s has been slightly tweaked to bring a sense of distinction to the new generation. However, the waterdrop notch display remains the same from the last generation. There’s a sizeable bottom chin on the Y17s which doesn’t align with the 2023 design standards. But considering it’s a budget-friendly smartphone, this was probably one of the cost cut corners. There are two color variants with the Y17s – Glitter Purple and Forest Green.
The device holds a dimension of 163.74 mm by 75.43 mm by 8.09 mm with 186 g weight. The plastic frame and back help to keep the weight under 200 g. What’s interesting is that the Y17s now have an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating.
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The ports and buttons on the Y17s are all as usual. The power and volume buttons are located on the right with the SIM slot on the top and the Type-C port on the bottom. The power button also doubles as the fingerprint scanner of the device. The headphone jack has been retained in the Y17s which is good news for wired headphone enthusiasts. The device comes with 6GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded by another 128 GB thanks to the micro SDXC support.
The Display
The display on the vivo Y17s is a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel with 720 x 1612 pixels. The 720P display has an aspect ratio of 20:9 and a pixel density of 269 ppi. By all means, this is an entry-level display and features. The large chin on the bottom of the panel accounts for a lower 83.8% screen-to-body ratio. The saving grace here would be the waterdrop notch camera cutout.
The display showed good color calibration with 83% NTSC color saturation. There were no weird color shifts in the test from different angles. Being an LCD panel, the blacks aren’t all that deep and may seem a bit washed out.
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The display has 700 nits of peak brightness which makes it fairly legible under direct sunlight. For the price, the display on the Y17s produces a passable result.
The Camera
There’s a dual camera setup on the back of the Y17s. The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle sensor with PDAF. The secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The Y17s lack several features like autofocus, EIS, and OIS. These are again, the cut corners for an aggressive budget pricing.
The main camera performed well for an entry-level smartphone in our test. Pictures taken under direct sunlight had good details in them. The depth sensor assists in the portrait shots which saw significant improvement in edge detection and realistic background blur. The dynamic range is also satisfactory.
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However, the same performance isn’t translated into indoor or artificial lighting conditions. There are noticeable noises and grains whenever there is less-than-ideal lighting. There’s also the issue of exposure which is a hit or miss at times.