Gadget
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Note series from Redmi has historically been their premium mid-range line of smartphones. Last year, the Note 12 Pro+ launched with premium additions to a mid-range processor. This year, the Note 13 Pro+ brought several exciting additions with a fresh new processor. The device was recently unveiled in the Chinese market on 21st September 2023. Here’s a detailed take on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus smartphone.
Key Specifications of Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus
Design and Build Quality
Every year, the Note series brings visible changes to their designs which gives each iteration its unique look. This year, the camera housing has been replaced with a flush back with the camera modules placed directly on the back of the device.
The device comes in at 161.4 mm by 74.2 mm by 8.9 mm dimension with a weight of about 204.5 g. It is on the heavier side thanks to the glass front and an aluminum frame.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
The Black and White variant of the 13 Pro+ comes with a frosted finish on the back whereas the Violet comes with a tan leather back with an interesting color choice. There’s also a Camo Green variant for the fans of tactical looks. There are four gradients on the leather back arranged geometrically. It brings a fresh new look which will work best with a clear case or no case at all.
Another design highlight of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is its front. The uniform front bezel has a minimal center punch-hole design. The 89.7% screen-to-body ratio provides a display real estate that can be compared with the premium flagships.
The choice of ports and buttons are as usual with no headphone jack and no extendable storage. The headphone jack was present even in Note 12 Pro+. But unfortunately, the run ends with the Note 13 Pro+.
Another noticeable change this year is the switch of the physical fingerprint scanner from the power button to the in-display optical sensor. And the last big upgrade is the IP68 water and dust resistance (1.5 m for 30 minutes) up from the IP53 rating from last year’s Note 12 Pro+.
Read more: vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
The Display
The display on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an OLED one with 68B color, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and Dolby Vision. By the specs, the display on the 13 Pro+ is stacked.
The 6.67-inch display has a 1.5K resolution with 1220 by 2712 pixels. This 20:9 aspect ratio allows for 446 ppi density. The front uniform design of the display is one of the key features that stands out. There’s hardly any device in this price segment that replicates a similar design.
The display performance was also great. The OLED panel was able to churn out deep blacks with sharp contrasts. There were no noticeable color shifts even though the device curved on both edges.
Outdoor visibility is also great on the Note 13 Pro+ thanks to the 1800 nits of peak brightness. Xiaomi also used Gorilla Glass Victus on the front which provides an improved scratch and crack resistance.
Read more: Honor Pad X9 Review: Is it worth buying?
The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. The main sensor is a 200 MP f/1.7, (wide) with a 1/1.4" lens. The main camera is complemented by an 8 MP f/2.2 sensor with a 120˚ field of view. There’s also a 2 MP macro shooter on board. The sleek horizontal flash bar
In essence, the main sensor does all the heavy lifting for the device. Even then, using a 200 MP sensor on a mid-range smartphone is a bit of an overkill because the smartphone can’t really shoot 200 MP raw.
There are several initial thoughts after testing out the camera. Firstly, it is better to zoom in on a photo while clicking rather than cropping the image. The initial zoomed-in pictures provide better contrast and sharpness compared to the cropped ones.
Read more: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
Secondly, the night mode works well to improve the contrast and the dynamic range but not the sharpness. For better sharpness, the auto mode works better than the night mode in low-light scenarios. There’s also this purple fringing issue while taking pictures directly against a light source. However, this is something that will probably be solved with an update.
The videography on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 4K at 24 or 30 fps as well as 1080P at 24, 30, and 120 fps. The videos appeared to be sharp with good stabilization and exposure in well-lit environments. The quality falls a bit indoors but that’s expected given the lighting conditions.
There’s a 16 MP front shooter good enough for video calls and casual selfies.
Read more: OPPO A78 Review: Is it a balanced mid-range phone?
Processor and Performance
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ comes with Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra based on a 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a chip design of 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU onboard.
In terms of performance, the Note 13 Pro+ is an upgrade over the 12 Pro+. Typically, the Pro+ editions are slightly less powerful than the Turbo editions. It remains to be seen how the 13 Pro+ fares against the 13T.
In the test, the 13 Pro+ showed consistent results. The 1136 and 2664 scores in the single and multi-core GeekBench 6 assert satisfactory results. Games like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 can be run in the highest graphics settings. But there were some occasional frame drops here and there. The device comes in the highest storage configuration of 16GB RAM and 512 GB of internal storage.
On the OS front, the device is powered by MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI 14 has come a long way from its bloatware-filled days. However, it’s still not on par with stock Android and anyone coming from outside the MI ecosystem might need some time to get used to it.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra Review: A Gamer's Delight
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 5000 mAh. The standard battery capacity is complemented by a 120W fast charging system which can take the battery to 100% in 19 minutes. However, the battery runs out quickly while playing high-definition multiplayer games.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Pros:
- Stylish and innovative design
- Sharp display
- Great camera
- 120W fast charging
- 5G enabled
Cons:
- Underperforming processors
- Reduced screen time.
Read more: Best Tablets under Tk 25000 in Bangladesh
Price of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is available in three configurations – 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/512GB respectively. The prices of each of the variants are 1899 RMB, 2099 RMB, and 2199 RMB respectively. The price roughly translates to 28,969 BDT, 32,020 BDT, and 33,545 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.26 BDT). However, the price in Bangladesh may grossly differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an incremental update to last year’s 12 Pro+. It gets a lot of the things right like the camera, battery, desi,gn, and display. On the flip side, the processor doesn’t perform on par with other premium features of the device. And, its battery life may disappoint the users.
Overall, the Note 13 Pro+ as a whole is a great mid-range smartphone. For anyone looking for a casual daily driver with an amazing display and great camera, the Note 13 Pro+ can be an easy pick.
Read more: Top 9 Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in October 2023
Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
Symphony Mobile, a distinguished brand under the EDISON Group, stands as a relentless leader in the competitive mobile handset industry of Bangladesh, consistently setting a formidable pace. The brand's latest offering, the Symphony Helio 80, made its debut in the market on September 12, 2023. Boasting exceptional design, display and camera configurations, this smartphone has swiftly captured the spotlight. Let’s take a look into the key specs, pros, cons and price of Symphony Helio 80 in Bangladesh.
Key Features of Symphony Helio 80
Design
The design of the Symphony Helio 80 is based on elegant minimalism, predominantly featuring a single captivating color known as "honeydew green." While the possibility of additional color variants like black and white remains on the horizon, the current offering centers around this exquisite hue.
This smartphone exhibits a slim 163.8 mm by 76.3 mm by 7.96 mm body dimension, making it capable of being held and carried. Weighing in at a reasonable 188 grams, the device has a balanced equilibrium in terms of portability and substance.
Read more: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
Examining its construction, the rear panel of the Symphony Helio 80 is crafted from glass, while the front proudly showcases a 5th generation Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability and a premium feel. However, it is worth noting that the absence of splash-resistant capabilities is a notable omission, considering that some competing phones in this price range offer this valuable feature.
Display
The Symphony Helio 80 boasts an impressive 6.7-inch Full HD+ display, complemented by a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and the brilliance of AMOLED technology, along with the convenience of an always-on feature. The display's color accuracy stands out as excellent, delivering vibrant and true-to-life visuals that captivate the eye.
However, it's worth noting that the absence of Widevine L1 support means that users won't experience the maximum pixel quality in streaming content, as it holds Widevine L3 certification instead. Despite this limitation, the display maintains a crisp and comforting visual experience that leaves little room for complaints.
Read more: OPPO A78 Review: Is it a balanced mid-range phone?
The screen performs average under most lighting conditions. However, users might find it challenging to view the display in direct sunlight due to its lower maximum brightness, which stands as a notable drawback of the phone. It's important to mention that this limitation doesn't extend to issues with lower brightness when using the phone's camera function.
Cameras
The Symphony Helio 80 boasts an impressive 108-megapixel rear camera with a 2MP macro & 0.08MP portrait lenses, and they certainly live up to expectations. The cameras deliver crystal-clear, sharp images with exceptional detail, precise focus, and accurate color reproduction. This is a noteworthy achievement in the realm of budget-friendly smartphones, as it rivals the performance of many mid-range cameras.
Additionally, the device offers the capability to record videos in up to 2K resolution, along with video stabilization that ensures smooth footage at 1080p@30fps, further enhancing its appeal for photography and videography enthusiasts.
Read more: realme C51 Review: Stylish Phone Under BDT 16000
On the front, the phone features a 16-megapixel camera with a wide f/2.0 aperture, delivering more than satisfactory results. Skin tones appear natural without an overly aggressive softening effect. The camera captures fine details and presents pleasing colors, making it suitable for capturing high-quality selfies.
Furthermore, the front camera supports video recording at up to 2K resolution, providing users with flexibility and versatility for their content creation needs.
Vivo Y17s makes its debut in the country
The vivo Y17s has made its debut in the country with an attractive Glitter Purple and Forest Green color, along with impressive features like a 5000mAh battery, an 840 NITS high-brightness display, and a 50-megapixel HD camera.
This is evident in the vivo Y17s, where even the choice of colors on the backside is reflective of Global smartphone manufacturer vivo’s penchant for such aesthetics.
The unique glass design in a square shape surrounding the camera on the backside will catch everyone's attention. The 2.5D curved design and the silky-smooth finish of the composite material will offer an excellent grip.
Therefore, when it comes to using this smartphone, it will provide a smooth and lightweight experience, weighing just 186 grams, making it perfect for handling.
The smartphone features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner on the right side, which is highly capable of quickly unlocking the device. It also offers Face Wake technology. Both of these features not only save time but also provide peace of mind regarding the security of personal information.
The vivo Y17s is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 processor and runs on the FunTouch OS 13 operating system. Together, these components promise to deliver an exceptional smartphone experience. The device features a 6.56-inch LCD multitouch capacitive display with a resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels. With a pixel density of 269 PPI, it offers true brightness and vividness, enhancing the enjoyment of content.
Having a brightness of up to 840 nits allows for comfortable use even in various lighting conditions, making it stand out in this budget range. This combination of hardware and display specifications ensures that the vivo Y17s provides a compelling visual and operational experience to users.
vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
vivo has undeniably made significant strides in the competitive smartphone market in recent times. V Series lineup of vivo offers well-balanced devices featuring innovative Camera technology, standard performance, and smooth user experience. In this legacy, vivo launched the V29, a camera focused phone in September 2023. V29 is blessed with a powerful front camera to meet the needs of today’s self portraying generation. Does this device offer the same competency in other segments? Let’s review the key specs, pros and cons of the vivo V29 5G smartphone.
Key Features of vivo V29 5G
Design
The vivo V29 smartphone aims to revive the trend of curved waterfall displays in the premium segment. Its glass sandwich design, curved screen, and substantial camera module make it visually striking but notably slippery. The package includes a recommended TPU case. Despite its sleekness, the V29 offers comfortable one-handed use at 186g and 164.2 mm by 74.4 mm bu 7.5 mm dimension with a 90% screen-to-body ratio for an immersive display.
Features include an under-display fingerprint reader, USB-C charging, IP68 waterproofing (rare in its price range), and eSIM capability. It lacks a headphone jack, has a single downward-firing speaker, and no microSD card slot. Available in Space Black, Himalayan Blue, Purple Fairy, and Majestic Red, the V29 offers a premium look and feel. One drawback is the lack of information on recycling and sustainability efforts.
Read more: Honor Pad X9 Review: Is it worth buying?
Display
The vivo V29 boasts a substantial 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate. With a resolution of 2800 × 1260 pixels, a pixel density of 452 PPI, and HDR10+ support, this display offers a stunning visual experience. While it doesn't feature a quad-curved design like the HONOR 90, it stands out as one of the most visually appealing displays in its segment. The V29's minimal side bezels and compact top and bottom bezels contribute to its sleek aesthetics.
In terms of performance, the display impresses with excellent color reproduction and strong sunlight visibility, enhancing activities such as gaming, web browsing, video streaming, and reading. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and fluid user experience. Additionally, vivo incorporates various display technologies to minimize blue light and screen flickering, prioritizing eye protection for users.
Camera
The vivo V29 shines brightly in the realm of smartphone photography, boasting an impressive camera setup. It inherits its predecessor's camera configuration, comprising a 50 MP primary camera, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. On the front, the selfie camera retains its 50 MP resolution but now offers auto-focus and a wider f/2.0 aperture, enhancing the quality of self-portraits.
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The primary camera delivers exceptional photos with rich detail and sharpness. Colors appear vibrant without crossing into oversaturation territory, distinguishing it from competitors like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Images exhibit crispness, a wide dynamic range, and minimal noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. The V29 consistently captures an extensive range of details, surpassing even some flagship smartphones.
Low-light photography or situations with artificial lighting remain a strong suit for the V29's camera. Thanks to its built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), it excels in low-light conditions without relying on a flash. The Aura Ring Light proves beneficial in low-light scenarios, ensuring even lighting on subjects and seamlessly adjusting colors automatically.
While the primary camera excels, the ultra-wide angle camera and monochrome sensors leave something to be desired. They exhibit lower overall quality, diminished sharpness, detail, and color accuracy. Nevertheless, for occasional use, the ultra-wide camera serves its purpose. For optimal results, relying on the primary camera and the impressive 50 MP selfie shooter is recommended.
Read more: Top 9 Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in October 2023
Honor Pad X9 Review: Is it worth buying?
Pad X9 is a recently rolled-out tablet by the Honor brand that aims to make smart and feature-oriented smartphones, tablets and wearables. The devices under Honor X series are slim and lightweight with a lot of features. And, Pad X9 is no exception. Let’s take a look into the key specs, price, pros and cons of the Honor Pad X9.
Key Features of Honor Pad X9
Design
The HONOR Pad X9 boasts a premium look and feel. It has a sleek design with flat sides for a modern touch. The minimal branding and single-color finish keep it stylish. This tablet has a 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.9 mm dimension and weighs 495 grams, which might be a tad heavy for children. However, it's advisable to get a protective case to prevent scratches and make it easier to prop up on a flat surface.
The size of the HONOR Pad X9 is just right for everyday use. It's compact enough for school or work and spacious enough for entertainment and multitasking. The tablet's flat sides ensure comfortable use for extended periods without hand or arm discomfort. Despite the aluminum frame, it offers a non-slip grip, making it suitable for long gaming sessions.
Read more: Honor Pad 8 Review: A budget-friendly capable Tablet
In terms of ports and buttons, you'll find a volume rocker and power button on top (in landscape mode). There are two speakers on each side along with a USB Type-C port. Additionally, there's a set of dual speakers on the bottom. However, it lacks a fingerprint reader, though it can recognize faces using the front-facing camera.
Display
The HONOR Pad X9 features a spacious 11.5-inch TFT LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels, providing 203 pixels per inch (PPI). While it's not the sharpest display in its size category, it offers good value for its affordable price. The lower resolution is beneficial for tasks like reading, web browsing, and gaming, especially considering its midrange chipset, which consumes less power with the lower pixel count.
The display delivers impressive visuals for videos and images, with vibrant colors. However, it falls short in terms of brightness, reaching a peak of 400 nits. This brightness is adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight or very bright environments. Nevertheless, this brightness level is in line with other devices in a similar price range.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review: Is it really the ‘iPad killer’?
Best Tablets under Tk 25000 in Bangladesh
Tablets encompass a wide spectrum of functionalities, from being exceptional portable media players to becoming productivity champions with distinctive features such as modular accessories like magnetically-detachable keyboards and, in certain instances, stylus support. Let’s take a look at the 10 best tablets available in the Bangladesh market under BDT 25000.
10 Best Tablets within Tk 25000
TCL Tab 10 Gen2
The tablet, released in September 2023, offers a range of specifications tailored for a variety of user needs. With a 10.36-inch IPS LCD display featuring a resolution of 1200 by 2000 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio, it provides a crisp viewing experience.
The tablet's 8 MP main camera with LED flash and a 5 MP selfie camera both support 1080p video recording at 30fps. Under the hood, it houses a Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T chipset with an octa-core CPU, making it suitable for everyday tasks and casual gaming, though it may not excel in handling resource-intensive games. Storage options include 128GB with 4GB of RAM or 64GB with 4GB of RAM, expandable via microSDXC.
A 6000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery ensures long-lasting usage. Priced at BDT 22,000 in Bangladesh (exact pricing may vary by configuration), it offers a competitive package with its display quality, camera capabilities, and decent hardware for the price-conscious consumer.
Read more: Honor Pad 8 Review: A budget-friendly capable Tablet
Doogee U10
The Doogee U10 tablet was officially released in Bangladesh in September 2023 and is priced at BDT 15,000 for the available variant featuring 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. This budget-friendly tablet sports a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with an 800 by 1280 pixels resolution, offering decent visuals for everyday tasks.
Under the hood, the tablet is powered by an RK3562 chipset with a Quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU. While suitable for basic usage, it may struggle with more demanding applications and gaming. The tablet's single-camera setup consists of an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera, capable of recording videos at 720p@30fps.
One of its standout features is the generous 5060mAh battery, complemented by 10W fast charging, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharges. The tablet runs on Android 13, providing access to the latest software features.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review: Is it really the ‘iPad killer’?
Cubot Tab 40
The Cubot Tab 40 was officially released in Bangladesh in September 2023, and it comes at a price of BDT 10,000 for the available variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
This tablet offers a 10.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1200 by 2000 pixels, ensuring sharp visuals for various tasks.
Under the hood, the Cubot Tab 40 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU. While not a powerhouse, it should handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming reasonably well.
The tablet features a single-camera setup with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera, capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps. This configuration is suitable for basic photography needs.
One of its notable strengths is the large 7000mAh battery, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. The tablet runs on Android 13, providing access to the latest software features and updates.
Read more: Walton Walpad 8G Review: Worth buying?
Top 9 Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in October 2023
As we step into October 2023, tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating new smartphone releases. The forthcoming smartphones for October 2023 promise to be especially captivating, with leading manufacturers ready to unveil their latest innovations. Let's take a sneak peek at some of the most awaited mobile devices scheduled to make their debut this month.
9 Best Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in October 2023
Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8, about to be unveiled in October 2023, is a highly anticipated smartphone boasting a range of impressive features. Its sleek design incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, with an aluminium frame, and it's IP68 certified for dust and water resistance. The 6.2-inch AMOLED display offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, ensuring vibrant visuals.
Powered by Android 14 and the Google Tensor G3 chipset, it features a nine-core CPU for efficient performance, with 128GB or 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage and 12GB of RAM.
Read more: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review: Is It Worth the Price?
The camera setup includes a 50MP main shooter and a 12MP ultrawide lens, capable of 4K video recording with impressive stabilization features. The 10.5MP ultrawide selfie camera also supports 4K video capture.
The phone’s 4485mAh battery supports 24W wired and 12W wireless charging, as well as reverse wireless charging, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts.
Vivo V29
The Vivo V29 is a sleek and powerful smartphone boasting a premium glass front and back build with IP68 dust and water resistance for added durability. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
Read more: Honor Pad 8 Review: A budget-friendly capable Tablet
Running on Android 13 with Funtouch 13, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, delivering robust performance through its octa-core CPU and Adreno 642L GPU.
The device is available in multiple configurations, including 128GB/8GB RAM, 256GB/8GB RAM, and 256GB/12GB RAM options, all utilizing UFS 2.2 storage technology.
The triple-camera setup on the rear comprises a 50MP wide lens, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth sensor, while the 50 MP front camera ensures stunning selfies.
Read more: OPPO A78 Review: Is it a balanced mid-range phone?
The phone features 80W wired fast charging, filling up to 50% in just 17 minutes, and supports NFC, USB Type-C, and in-display fingerprint recognition.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is a feature-packed smartphone with dimensions of 161.1 x 75 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 173.5 g, it's lightweight and easy to handle. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED display boasts vivid visuals with 1B colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1000 nits peak brightness. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen.
Redmi Note 13 is equipped with the Mediatek Dimensity 6080 6nm chipset and an octa-core CPU. It runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14 OS. Memory options include 128GB/6GB RAM, 128GB/8GB RAM, 256GB/8GB RAM, and 256GB/12GB RAM.
Read more: Apple iPhone 15 Plus Review: What are the major upgrades?
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual rear cameras, featuring a 100MP main lens and a 2MP depth sensor. The 16MP front camera captures sharp selfies.
The device also offers robust audio with a 24-bit/192kHz speaker and a 3.5mm jack. It features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, making the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 a compelling choice in the smartphone market.
Tecno Phantom V Flip
The Tecno Phantom V Flip is an innovative foldable smartphone set to be released in October 2023. Weighing 194g, its unfolded dimensions are 171.7by 74.1 by 7 mm. In folding mode its dimensions are 88.8 by 74.1 by 15 mm. With its unique folding design, it boasts a Foldable LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1000 nits, offering a stunning visual experience.
Read more: realme 11x 5G Review: Budget 5G Phone with a Great Camera
The device is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8050 6nm chipset, ensuring efficient performance, supported by 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate its dual-camera setup featuring a 64 MP primary camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens, capable of 4K video recording. On the front, there's a 32 MP selfie camera. The device supports dual SIM cards, runs on Android 13 with HIOS 13.5, and has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. Additionally, it offers fast charging with a 45W wired charger, promising 50% charge in just 15 minutes.
Itel Power 55
The itel Power 55, set to make its debut in October 2023, boasts an array of noteworthy features and specifications. With a slim 8.4mm profile, this smartphone offers a dual SIM setup for enhanced connectivity. Its 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides crisp visuals at a 720 x 1612 pixel resolution.
Read more: Infinix Zero 30 5G Review: Mid Range Phone with ChatGPT Assistant Support
Under the hood, it runs on Android 13 with itel OS 13, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 6nm chipset and an octa-core CPU configuration. The device comes in two variants - 64GB of storage with 4GB RAM or 128GB with 6GB RAM.
Camera enthusiasts will appreciate its 50MP wide main camera with AF and LED flash, alongside an 8MP selfie shooter.
The device also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security. The 5000mAh non-removable battery ensures prolonged usage, with 18W wired charging support.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra Review: A Gamer's Delight
OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
OPPO has been a market leader in the budget and mid-range segment for a long time. Whether it’s the innovative design of the camera or even the price-performance match, OPPO has always brought something that made it stand out from the rest. The brand recently launched the OPPO A58 in Bangladesh in September 2023. With a stylish design and powerful AI camera, the smartphone has much to attract budget buyers. Let’s have a detailed look.
Key Specifications of OPPO A58
Design and Build Quality
Being a budget smartphone, the choice of a glass front and an all-around plastic body was expected. Yet OPPO brought their flare with a frosted finish on the back and the dual tone strip carried on vertically below from the camera sensor.
The stripe has “INNOVATIVE AI CAMERA” written on it with tiny fonts. OPPO left no stones to get their branding right. The front features a center punch-hole display with a thick bottom chin. Being a budget device, it’s evident that OPPO cut corners in display symmetry.
The device has a physical footprint of 165.65 mm by 75.98 mm by 7.99 mm with 192 gm weight. Being a plastic-built smartphone, it's on the lighter end and doesn’t add much heft while using it on one hand.
Read more: OPPO A78 Review: Is it a balanced mid-range phone?
Coming back to the physical features, the smartphone supports dual SIM, and micro SDXC. It even has stereo speakers on board. The power button on the A58 doubles as the fingerprint scanner. There’s a USB Type C port on the bottom from yesterday with the 2.0 configuration. The 3.5 mm headphone jack also remains on the A58 which will be a useful feature for many. And as for the colorways, users will get a choice between Glowing Black and Dazzling Green.
The Display
The display on the OPPO A58 is a 6.72-inch LTPS LCD panel with FHD+ resolution at 2400 by 1080 pixels. It brings the display pixel density to 391 ppi and the screen-to-body ratio to 91.40%. Even though the ratio is high, there is a noticeable chin at the bottom of the device. Being an LCD panel, the device may feel a bit washed out or the blacks might not feel as dark as that of the AMOLED ones. But this is also one of the tradeoffs with a budget smartphone.
The panel itself is 8-bit which captures up to 16.7 million colors. There are two color modes on the display – vivid and gentle. The vivid mode provides up to 100% DCI-P3 and the gentle mode provides 100% sRGB output. The touch sampling rate goes up to 180 Hz which is good news for gamers.
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Outdoor visibility won’t be a major issue with the A58 as the typical brightness goes up to 550 nits. Under direct sunlight, the panel can push up to 680 nits of brightness. Overall, the display performance of the A58 is satisfactory. For a budget smartphone, it's hard to beat this setup unless there’s AMOLED.
The Camera
There is a 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 and 75.5° field of view. The main camera is complemented by a 2MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture. The depth sensor is mostly here for marketing purposes to sell the A58 as a dual-camera phone. Almost all of the camera performance is exclusively limited to the main sensor.
In the test, the camera performs pretty well. There wasn’t any direct feature related to AI on the stock camera app. Shots under direct sunlight look natural with a cooler tone. Due to the cooler tone, the greens and the blues tend to pop a bit more than the reds. The dynamic range on the main camera was also pretty good as it maintains a good ratio of shadow and exposure. The portrait mode has also had an improvement. The edge detection in each shot was spot on every time.
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There’s also an 8 MP generic front shooter on the A58.
The videography of the A58 is rated at 1080P at 30 fps. The camera is capable enough to push up to 4K but the limited processing power is why budget smartphones still come at 1080P max.
OPPO A78 Review: Is it a balanced mid-range phone?
In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, OPPO has consistently carved a niche for itself by offering devices that strike a balance between impressive features and affordability. The OPPO A78 was officially released in Bangladesh in September 2023. In this comprehensive review, this article will dive into every aspect of the OPPO A78, from its design and display to its performance and camera capabilities
Key Features of OPPO A78
Design
The OPPO A78 5G boasts a decent design but lacks the substantial feel of mid-range and high-end Android counterparts. It weighs in at a mere 180g, significantly lighter than its counterparts like the Pixel 7 Pro at 212g. This lightweight 160.01 mm by 73.23 mm by 7.93 mm build makes it comfortable to hold but may raise concerns about durability.
At the top, there's a small teardrop notch, and while the bezels around the sides and the chin at the bottom are noticeable upon unboxing, they tend to fade into the background during use.
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The display is labeled as 'toughened glass' by Oppo, but it falls short of the sturdiness of Gorilla Glass found in pricier devices. It does come with an IPX4 rating, offering protection against splashes but not immersion in water.
A fingerprint scanner is positioned under the power button on the right side, which is responsive but less convenient for left-handed users compared to the under-screen scanners found in higher-end products. Alternatively, users can opt for the quick and efficient face-unlock feature.
The OPPO A78 5G comes in three color options: black, purple, and blue. However, there's a noticeable color difference between the majority of the back and the ovular composite panel housing the cameras. Unfortunately, this design choice makes the phone feel less premium, and running a fingernail across it produces an undesirable high-pitched scratch, reminiscent of a tazos coin.
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On a positive note, the A78 5G keeps the headphone jack alive, although its placement at the bottom rather than the top of the phone might not be everyone's preference. There's also room for a microSD card alongside the single SIM card slot for expandable storage.
Honor Pad 8 Review: A budget-friendly capable Tablet
Honor had a distinct history of providing affordable yet capable gadgets back when it was part of Huawei. Fast forward to 2023, Honor is now owned by a Shenzhen-based state-controlled enterprise. But the value proposition of Honor as a utility-focused, cost-effective brand remains. Last year the company launched the Honor Pad 8 on 22nd July. It’s a mid-range tab aimed to be a budget-friendly alternative to higher-end Android tabs. So how does it fare compared to other Android tabs? And does it compare in any way with the iPad? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications of Honor Pad 8
Design and Build Quality
The designs of pads in general are more or less the same across the spectrum. Just like the Honor Pad 7, the Pad 8 also has a rectangular design with thin bezels and a camera on the side. The front is made from glass whereas the frame and the back are made from plastic.
Dimension-wise the Honor Pad is 278.54 mm by 174.06 mm by 6.9 mm with 520 gm of effective weight with the battery. The pad is on the lighter side considering its dimensions. The even weight distribution adds a layer of comfort to the user experience of the device.
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There is no SIM support on the Honor Pad 8. Meaning users would have to depend on Wi-Fi only for connectivity. Another drawback of the Pad 8 is the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Even in 2023, a headphone jack in tabs is a pretty common sight. However, the Pad 8 is missing out on one. The lack of a headphone jack is complemented by 8 speakers all around the device. Users will get a surround sound stereo experience with the pad.
The power and volume buttons are situated on the right of the device. There aren’t any external ports on the device other than the Type C port as the device doesn’t support micro SDXC as well.
The Display
The display on the Honor Pad 8 is a 12-inch LCD panel. Two distinct things stand out the most the moment you look at the panel. And that’s the thin bezels and their symmetric distribution. The bezels are 7.2 mm thick on the left and right end giving it a reminiscent look of the new iPads and the Tab S from Samsung.
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The 12-inch display has 1.07 B color support with 1200 by 2000 pixels of resolution and an impressive 84.5% screen-to-body ratio. The 5:9 aspect ratio makes for 194 ppi density. Even though the pixel density is on the lower end, the aspect ratio makes it a clear and crisp display. Users would have to squint to spot individual pixels on the Pad 8. The typical brightness of the Pad 8 reaches up to 350 nits. There’s no dedicated HBM mode on the pad so it might be a bit difficult to navigate the display under bright and direct sunlight.
The pad also supports Widevine L1 for HD streaming OTT content. The sharp resolution and large panel make it an impressive media consumption device. Unfortunately, the Pad 8 doesn’t come with a high refresh rate panel. Users are stuck with a 60 Hz refresh rate on the display.
The Camera
There’s not much going on with the camera on the Honor Pad 8. This isn’t just a case with the Pad 8. Rather tabs in general do not focus on the camera end as smartphones are leading the charge in the photography department.
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The Honor Pad 8 has two cameras – one on the front and one on the back. Both the shooters are 5 MP with the exact same spec at f/2.2 aperture, 27mm (wide), 1/5", and 1.12µm sensor size.
The back camera can shoot video up to 1080P at 30 fps. As a bonus, the back camera has autofocus. That’s about it when it comes to the camera spec on the Pad 8.
In terms of performance, the Pad 8 can take some generic shots. These are, by no means, even comparable to entry-level smartphones. It’s more suited for a quick scan of documents or video calls.
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Processor and Performance
The Honor Pad 8 is powered by Snapdragon 680 based on the 4 Nm chipset. The octa-core processor has a 4 A73 2.4GHz and 4 A53 1.9GHz chip design. The processor is coupled with Adreno 610 GPU.
On paper, the 680 is a lower mid-range processor from Snapdragon. So it would be a bit extreme to expect gaming-level performance from the Pad 8. Even then, the device was able to run all the leading 3D game titles like PUBG, Asphalt 9, and COD with moderate graphics settings. However, there were slight stutters and frame drops here and there. The Pad did a good job at heat management. The device didn’t excessively heat up even after an hour of continued gaming.
The Pad 8 comes with Android 12 onboard with Magic UI 6.1. The OS has been customized to suit Pad usability with iPad OS-like design. There’s a dock on the home screen with the recently used app list. The device also supports a split screen with two apps and an additional floating app. So in effect, users will be able to use up to three apps at the same time. It’s an impressive feature given the limited processing power of the Pad 8.
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Overall, the performance of the Pad 8 is more than satisfactory. The tab is geared to be a utility device for day-to-day tasks like reading, split screen use, casual browsing and media consumption.
Battery and Charge Time
The Honor Pad 8 comes with a 7250 mAh battery on board. The battery is coupled with 22.5W fast charging. With a full charge, the device can last around 10 to 100 hours of continued use. The higher battery performance is partly due to the Wi-Fi-only connectivity on the device.
Pros and Cons of Honor Pad 8 Tab
Pros:
· Large bright display
· Lightweight design
· Utility-focused OS customization
· Long battery life
· Decent front camera for video calls.
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Cons:
· Only Wi-Fi connectivity
· No expandable storage
Price of Honor Pad 8 Tab
The 4/128 GB variant of the Honor Pad 8 is officially available in India. The price of the Pad 8 is 17,999 INR which roughly amounts to 23,684 BDT (1 INR = 1.32 BDT). However, the official price differs in Bangladesh due to several regulations like import duty and local tax.
Final Words
The Honor's latest tablet Pad 8 is the perfect mid-range tab that brings a good balance of performance and price. It brings a great display, processor, and battery on board. The plastic build of the device might be a letdown but it’s an understandable trade-off considering the price and overall performance. On the whole, Honor Pad 8 can not compete with the high-end tabs from Honor or other brands. But this Tablet makes a niche of its own as an efficient and affordable option.
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