Tag: comprehensive

Huawei Mate 70 Pro+: Comprehensive Features, Price Details, and Expert Reviews
Key Features

Design and Display:
- Materials: Crafted with a high-brightness titanium basalt architecture, the Mate 70 Pro+ offers enhanced durability and a premium feel.
- Colors: Available in Gold-Silver Brocade, Flying Sky Blue, Feathers White, and Ink Rhyme Black.
- Display: Features a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED screen with a resolution of 2832 x 1316 pixels, supporting a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming.
Performance:
- Processor: Powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset, delivering robust performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Memory and Storage: Equipped with 16GB of RAM and available in 512GB and 1TB storage variants.
- Operating System: Runs on HarmonyOS 4.3, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Camera System:
- Rear Cameras:
  - 50MP primary camera with variable aperture (f/1.4–f/4.0), RYYB sensor, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
  - 48MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, RYYB sensor, and OIS.
  - 40MP ultra-wide-angle lens with RYYB sensor.
  - 1.5MP multi-spectral sensor for enhanced color accuracy.
- Zoom Capabilities: Supports up to 100x digital zoom.
- Front Camera: 13MP selfie camera with a 3D depth sensor for improved facial recognition and portrait shots.
Battery and Charging:
- Battery Capacity: 5700mAh battery ensures extended usage.
- Charging Options:
  - 100W wired fast charging.
  - 80W wireless fast charging.
  - 20W wireless reverse charging.
Additional Features:
- Durability: IP68 rating, providing dust and water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, Nearlink, USB Type-C, NFC, and multiple satellite navigation systems.
- Security: Features 3D face recognition and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
Pricing and Availability
- China:
  - 16GB RAM + 512GB storage: 8499 yuan (approximately $1,173 USD).
  - 16GB RAM + 1TB storage: 9499 yuan (approximately $1,312 USD).
- Bangladesh:
  - Expected price: 140,000 BDT.
The Mate 70 Pro+ was officially released on November 26, 2024.

Initial Reviews

Early reviews highlight the Mate 70 Pro+’s premium build quality, advanced camera capabilities, and robust performance. The integration of HarmonyOS 4.3 is noted for providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. However, the high price point positions it in the luxury smartphone segment, which may limit its accessibility to a broader audience.
January 21, 2025
Xiaomi Poco X7: Price and Comprehensive Review
Verdict

The POCO X7 5G is a solid choice for anyone seeking a multimedia-focused smartphone with excellent battery life. Its durable build, vibrant display, and commendable daylight camera performance make it a well-rounded offering. Additionally, POCO’s promise of three years of major OS updates, even for the standard X7, ensures decent software support. However, the abundance of pre-installed apps detracts from the software experience, which the brand should address.

Price: The POCO X7 5G is priced starting at $299 USD, making it a competitive option in its segment.

Design and Display

This year, POCO refreshed the design of the X7 series, bringing back the iconic POCO yellow color to the X7 5G. It also introduces a 3D curved display to the X-lineup for the first time. The back features a large camera island with a black textured strip at the center, accented by yellow edges. The POCO branding is prominent on the rear panel, though it might not appeal to everyone.

The textured faux leather finish does an excellent job of resisting fingerprints and smudges. At the bottom, you’ll find the USB-C port, SIM tray, and one of the stereo speakers, while the top houses the second speaker. The power and volume buttons are conveniently placed on the right.

Weight Thickness IP Rating

POCO X7 5G 190 grams 8.63 mm

Moto Edge 50 Neo 171 grams 8.1 mm

iQOO Z9s 182 grams 7.49 mm

The phone offers robust dust and water resistance with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings. While it survived showers during testing, further water exposure isn’t recommended despite its protection.

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display boasts a 1,220 x 2,712p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 certification, Dolby Vision support, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. The display delivers vivid visuals, making it a standout feature in this price range. Coupled with the stereo speaker setup, which delivers loud and clear sound, the multimedia experience is excellent.

The 3,000 nits peak brightness ensures readability even under direct sunlight. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers additional durability. The in-display fingerprint sensor, enhanced with Wet Touch 2.0 technology, performs reliably, even with wet hands.

Display Peak Brightness

POCO X7 5G 6.67-inch AMOLED

Moto Edge 50 Neo 6.4-inch pOLED

iQOO Z9s 6.78-inch AMOLED

Cameras

The POCO X7 5G features a 50MP Sony LYT 600 primary camera with OIS and EIS, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide camera. For selfies, it includes a 20MP front camera.

In daylight, the primary camera captures detailed images with good sharpness and vibrant colors. However, low-light performance lags behind, producing softer images with noticeable noise. The AI Night Mode improves low-light shots but leaves room for improvement in sharpness and detail.

The front camera delivers decent selfies in daylight, though facial details are slightly smoothed. In low light, selfies lose sharpness and exhibit noise.

Comparison with Competitors
- Daylight: The POCO X7 captures warmer and more appealing images compared to the Moto Edge 50 Neo, though the latter provides slightly better details. The iQOO Z9s offers a closer-to-reality color tone but lacks the vibrancy of the POCO X7.
- Portraits: The Moto Edge 50 Neo excels in edge detection thanks to its telephoto lens, but the POCO X7 produces better colors. Compared to the iQOO Z9s, the POCO X7’s portraits are sharper, though the iQOO Z9s offers better color accuracy.
- Low-Light: The Moto Edge 50 Neo captures more details in low light, while the iQOO Z9s offers sharper images with slightly exaggerated colors compared to the POCO X7.
Performance and Software

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset, the POCO X7 is paired with up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. While the phone handles everyday tasks smoothly, it doesn’t dominate in performance benchmarks compared to its peers.

Device Pre-installed Apps Software Updates

POCO X7 5G 65 3 years OS + 4 years security

Moto Edge 50 Neo 33 5 years OS + 5 years security

iQOO Z9s 51 2 years OS + 3 years security

Gaming on the POCO X7 is a mixed experience, with frame drops and touch delays in games like COD: Mobile and BGMI. However, the device manages heat well, staying cooler than its competitors during gaming sessions.

The phone runs on Android 14-based HyperOS, which is smooth and feature-rich, including Google Gemini features. However, the abundance of pre-installed apps detracts from the experience. POCO’s promise of three years of OS updates is limited by the device launching with Android 14, making it less competitive in terms of future updates.

Battery and Charging

The POCO X7 5G is equipped with a 5,500mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging. While the charging speed is reduced compared to its predecessor, the battery easily lasts a full day with moderate usage.

Battery Charging Time

POCO X7 5G 5,500mAh

Moto Edge 50 Neo 4,310mAh

iQOO Z9s 5,500mAh

Final Thoughts

The POCO X7 5G is a well-rounded device, offering a sturdy design, excellent display, and reliable battery life. Its camera performance in daylight is commendable, though low-light capabilities need improvement.

Price: At $299 USD, the POCO X7 5G stands as an attractive option in its category.

Comparison with Competitors:
- iQOO Z9s: Offers better raw performance at a lower price but falls short in camera quality.
- Moto Edge 50 Neo: Matches the POCO X7 in cameras and performance but has weaker battery life, making it less suitable for heavy users.
If you prioritize multimedia consumption, gaming, and long battery life, the POCO X7 5G is a strong contender in its price segment.
January 14, 2025
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G (Global) – Comprehensive Price and Review Guide
Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers solid performance and features for productivity-focused users. With a vibrant AMOLED display, reliable cameras, and excellent battery life, it stands out in its segment. While powered by a capable MediaTek chipset, the software experience leaves room for improvement due to pre-installed bloatware.

Design and Display

The Redmi Note 14 largely retains the design of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 13, with subtle changes like a curved-edge camera module and a more symmetrical layout. The phone’s rear panel has a marble finish, prone to smudges, especially on darker variants. However, the lighter Mystique White option minimizes this issue. The handset is IP64 rated for basic dust and water resistance and comes with a protective case in the box.

The edges of the phone are flat with rounded corners, offering a comfortable grip. Key placements include a right-mounted power button and volume rockers, along with an in-display fingerprint scanner that’s both fast and accurate. A 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port, and stereo speakers complete the device’s I/O configuration, though the audio can distort at maximum volume.

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display supports 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, the display is durable and offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness. It achieves 2,100 nits peak brightness, making it ideal for outdoor visibility. Streaming platforms like Netflix support HDR playback, further enhancing the viewing experience.

Cameras

The Redmi Note 14 features a versatile camera setup:
- 50MP OIS Sony LYT600 primary sensor: Captures aesthetically pleasing images with warm tones and accurate colors.
- 8MP ultrawide sensor: Useful for daylight landscapes, though detail levels are average.
- 2MP macro sensor: Basic functionality for close-up shots.
The phone excels in low-light photography, portraits, and selfies, outperforming competitors like the iQOO Z9s and Realme 13. The 20MP front camera delivers natural skin tones and impressive detailing, enhancing video calls and selfies.

Performance and Software

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, the phone performs reliably for daily tasks and casual gaming. It handles graphically demanding games like BGMI and Call of Duty with ease but lags in thermal efficiency compared to competitors. Benchmark scores indicate it falls slightly short for users seeking top-tier performance.

Running Android 14-based HyperOS, the Redmi Note 14 offers two years of major OS updates and four years of security patches. However, the presence of 66 pre-installed apps (18 of which are third-party) makes the UI cluttered. While most apps are removable, a cleaner interface would enhance the experience. AI tools for photo editing, like object removal and sky adjustments, are functional but need refinement for better results.

Battery and Charging

The 5,110mAh battery delivers impressive endurance, achieving 19 hours and 21 minutes in PCMark tests. This surpasses both the Realme 13 and iQOO Z9s despite their larger battery capacities. The Redmi Note 14 supports 45W fast charging, taking only 32 minutes to go from 20% to 100%—nearly twice as fast as its competitors.

Smartphones Charging Speed Charging Time (20-100%)

Redmi Note 14 45W 32 minutes

Realme 13 45W 63 minutes

iQOO Z9s 44W 66 minutes

Final Verdict

The Redmi Note 14 starts at Rs 18,999 (~~$230) for the base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. The 8GB RAM variants are priced at Rs 19,999 (~~$242) for 128GB storage and Rs 21,999 (~$266) for 256GB storage.

The device is an excellent choice for users prioritizing display quality, battery life, and camera performance. However, those focused on gaming or seeking a cleaner software experience might consider alternatives like the iQOO Z9s. Overall, the Redmi Note 14 delivers a well-rounded package at an affordable price.
January 12, 2025
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro: Comprehensive Review and Price
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 Review

The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 keeps up with the modern design seen in the Xiaomi 14 series, featuring a flat frame, equal-width bezels, and a camera module with four circles inside a rectangle. While the design is sleek, the placement of the 50 MP AI camera somewhat detracts from its premium look. The rear setup includes the 50 MP main camera, along with a 2 MP depth-of-field camera, while the front camera is a 32 MP sensor, capable of 1080p 30fps—adequate for online meetings but not remarkable for a tablet.

Key Design Features:
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 support for video output.
- Fingerprint and power integrated into one button.
- Solid metal unibody, but no TF card expansion.
- Three rear contacts for keyboard connection and compatibility with the Xiaomi SU7 electric car accessory.
Display:

The 12.4-inch display is an upgrade, offering a 3:2 aspect ratio designed for office productivity. While the extra screen space can be handy for tasks like editing Excel files or browsing the web, it can be distracting when watching videos, leaving black bars at the top and bottom. For those who prefer video viewing, the traditional 16:9 aspect ratio may still be more favorable.

Stylus:

The Xiaomi Focus Pen works seamlessly with the 6S Pro and offers several impressive features:
- Converts both Chinese and English handwriting into text.
- Offers precision and low latency, even surpassing the Apple Pencil in responsiveness.
- Acts as a laser pointer for presentations.
- While not exclusive to the 6S Pro, the stylus significantly enhances the tablet’s utility for productivity and creative tasks.
Performance & Gaming:

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the 6S Pro delivers top-tier performance, even handling long gaming sessions without significant throttling. It runs games like Genshin Impact smoothly, and with Picture Priority Mode, it locks the frame rate at 55 for improved image quality during gaming. The tablet’s 120W charging paired with a 10,000mAh battery ensures that the device is both a powerhouse and a quick charger, making it one of the best for battery life in the tablet category.

Software & New Features:
- Workstation Mode: A revamped PC mode that allows for floating windows on the desktop, much like a PC environment.
- AI Art Feature: An updated tool that can generate art based on simple sketches, though it remains limited for complex images.
- HyperOS Integration: Seamless connectivity with Xiaomi phones, allowing for quick hotspot connection, file transfer, and app continuity. Apps opened on your phone can even pop up on the tablet’s dock, though this feature is still in its infancy.
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is priced at approximately $550 USD for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Prices may vary depending on the region and any ongoing promotions or sales.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 stands out as one of the few large-screen tablets powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering solid performance, a robust stylus, and features like HyperOS that enhance connectivity with Xiaomi phones. It’s especially suited for those already invested in Xiaomi’s ecosystem. However, with its sizeable screen, it may not be for everyone, especially if you don’t need a tablet of this scale. Still, for those who want an affordable option with flagship-level specs, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is a great choice.
December 26, 2024
Xiaomi Poco X6 Neo: Comprehensive Price & Review Guide
Design and Build Quality
The POCO X6 Neo offers a sleek and minimalist design, available in two attractive colors: Astral Black and Martian Orange. As the slimmest POCO phone ever made, it measures just 7.69mm in thickness and weighs 175 grams, making it comfortable and light in the hand. The phone features a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, ensuring ease of use and quick access.

Display
The X6 Neo comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. With a peak brightness of 1000 nits, the display offers good outdoor visibility and provides an immersive viewing experience with a 93.3% screen-to-body ratio. The punch-hole design further enhances the screen’s appeal, making it perfect for media consumption.

Camera Performance
The POCO X6 Neo is equipped with a 108MP primary camera, which captures well-balanced, detailed images. The 2MP macro lens allows for creative shots, although its low-light performance can be a bit underwhelming. The 16MP front-facing camera performs well in daylight conditions but struggles in low light, leading to less impressive selfies in dim environments. Video stabilization is another area where the X6 Neo could improve, as videos can appear shaky during recording.

The camera software offers various modes such as 108MP, Night, Pro, AI Watermark, Panorama, Time-Lapse, Slow Motion, and more. While the image quality is generally decent, the X6 Neo’s vibrant color processing can sometimes lead to overexposure, especially compared to its Redmi counterpart.

Performance
Under the hood, the POCO X6 Neo features a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This setup ensures smooth performance in daily tasks and gaming. Even demanding games like Genshin Impact run well, though prolonged sessions cause the phone to heat up. Additionally, the phone supports memory extension, turning storage into RAM for up to 12GB, improving multitasking performance.

In benchmark tests, the POCO X6 Neo scored 445,887 in AnTuTu, while Geekbench scores were 759 for single-core and 1941 for multi-core performance. These scores are respectable for the price but fall behind other competitors in this segment.

Software
The phone runs MIUI 14, which is based on Android 13. MIUI 14 brings useful features such as Dual Apps (for running two accounts of the same app), Floating Windows (for multitasking), and Second Space (for privacy and creating a separate space on the phone). While the interface offers a lot of customization, it does come with some bloatware, and users may experience some occasional clunkiness.

Battery and Charging
The POCO X6 Neo is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that offers decent battery life, easily lasting a full day with regular use. For heavier usage, you may need to recharge by the evening. The phone supports 33W fast charging, which takes the device from 0 to 100% in approximately 1 hour. In the PCMark battery test, the X6 Neo lasted 10 hours and 38 minutes, which is on the lower side compared to other devices in the same price bracket.

Additional Features
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- IR blaster
- Dual SIM support
- Fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button
- Memory expansion for up to 12GB RAM
Pros
- Slim, lightweight design
- 120Hz AMOLED display with good outdoor visibility
- 108MP primary camera with vibrant image quality
- Memory expansion feature (up to 12GB RAM)
- Decent gaming performance
- 33W fast charging
- Affordable price tag for the features
Cons
- No water resistance rating
- No wireless charging support
- Limited camera performance in low light
- No optical zoom or telephoto lens
- Video stabilization could be better
Price
The POCO X6 Neo is available in different storage configurations:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage
Prices typically start at around $220 USD (approx.), with variations depending on the configuration and region.

Final Verdict
The POCO X6 Neo is an attractive option for users looking for a blend of style, performance, and value for money. While it faces stiff competition in its price range from devices like the Moto G54 5G, Lava Blaze Curve 5G, and the Redmi Note 13 5G, it offers a solid display, great camera performance for the price, and a sleek design that is hard to ignore. Although it may not be perfect in every aspect—particularly when it comes to low-light camera performance and battery life—it is still a solid choice for consumers who want a reliable, feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.
December 24, 2024
Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3: Price & Comprehensive Reviews
Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3: Full Review and Specifications

Overview:
The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 is a feature-packed smartphone powered by Android 14 HyperOS. Launched on April 10, 2024, this device boasts a premium design, cutting-edge hardware, and robust performance capabilities. It offers an immersive AMOLED display, powerful Snapdragon chipset, versatile cameras, and excellent battery life, making it a compelling option for users seeking a high-performance phone.

Design & Materials

The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 stands out with its sleek, modern design and premium materials.

Display: A 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels (QHD), 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and an impressive peak brightness of 2400 nits.

Build Quality: The phone features a combination of glass and leather elements, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability.

Audio: Stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos support ensure a rich sound experience.

Screen-to-Body Ratio: With an 88.5% usable surface, the phone maximizes screen space for an immersive experience.

Performance & Hardware

The Turbo 3 is built for speed and multitasking with advanced hardware.

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm), Octa-core (1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X4, 4×2.8 GHz Cortex-A720, 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A520).

GPU: Adreno 735 for smooth graphics performance.

RAM & Storage:

12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM.

Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB UFS 4.0.

Cooling System: Equipped with a 4800mm² ultra-large area ice circulation cold pump to prevent overheating.

Benchmarks: Achieves an impressive score of 1,754,299 on AnTuTu v10.

Cameras

Main Camera:

50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor (f/1.6) with optical image stabilization (OIS).

8MP Sony IMX355 ultra-wide lens (f/2.2).

Selfie Camera: 20MP Omnivision OV20B sensor (f/2.0).

Video Recording: Supports 4K and 8K video for high-quality footage.

Connectivity

Networks: 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G with dual SIM support.

Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, WiFi 6, NFC.

Location Services: GPS (L1+L5) for accurate tracking.

Extras: Infrared port for remote control functionality.

Battery & Charging

Battery Capacity: 5000mAh for all-day usage.

Fast Charging: 90W fast charging support, ensuring quick power-ups.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 offers excellent value for money with competitive pricing:

6GB + 128GB Variant: $499 USD (approx.).

8GB + 256GB Variant: $549 USD (approx.).

Conclusion:
The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 delivers a premium smartphone experience with its stylish design, powerful internals, versatile cameras, and cutting-edge connectivity. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working, this smartphone offers reliable performance and exceptional value for its price.
December 23, 2024
Poco F6 Pro: Price & Comprehensive Reviews
Design

The Poco F6 Pro measures 160.86 x 74.95 x 8.21 mm and weighs 209g, with a Gorilla Glass 5 front and a Velvet Glass rear. It’s available in Black and White.

In terms of aesthetics, the Poco F6 Pro closely resembles the X6 models rather than last year’s F5 Pro. It features a flat display, boxy iPhone-like edges, and a subtly curved glass back. The aluminium frame combined with the velvety smooth glass rear gives the phone a premium feel, enhanced by a rock-like pattern that shifts under light. The device’s size and weight add to its overall quality compared to lighter, plastic-framed mid-range phones.

While the velvet-textured back feels luxurious, it’s also extremely slippery. Without a case, you’ll need a firm grip to keep it secure. Fortunately, Poco includes a matte black TPU case in the box, which improves grip significantly.

The Black version features a graphite grey repeating pattern on the back, paired with a mirror-like finish on the camera module. However, the mirrored finish is prone to smudges, undermining the clean aesthetic. Each camera lens is surrounded by a yellow-gold accent ring, adding a touch of style. The White variant offers a lighter shade of the same pattern, appearing more subtle.

Interestingly, Poco has opted out of their signature yellow color variant, which may please some users but disappoint those who prefer bolder designs.

In terms of durability, the Poco F6 Pro carries an IP54 dust and water resistance rating, which feels like a step down compared to the IP64 rating on the cheaper Poco F6. While this isn’t a major drawback for most, it’s worth noting for those in harsher environments.

Another surprising omission is the use of Gorilla Glass 5 on the display, while the cheaper model features Gorilla Glass Victus. While this might be a cost-saving measure, the screen held up well during testing, even without a screen protector, suggesting it’s sufficiently durable.

Screen
- 6.67-inch AMOLED
- 1440 x 3200 resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 4000 nits peak brightness
The Poco F6 Pro’s display is one of its standout features. It offers a 1440 x 3200 resolution with a pixel density of 526 PPI, outperforming many flagship models.

The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming while dynamically adjusting to 60Hz to conserve battery life. Though it doesn’t feature the 1-120Hz LTPO range found in some competitors, it’s still highly responsive.

Brightness is another strength, with the screen capable of 4000 nits peak brightness in specific conditions. This makes it ideal for outdoor use, even under direct sunlight. The flat display design also eliminates distracting edge reflections often seen on curved screens.

The screen supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 12-bit color, making it perfect for streaming HDR content from apps like Netflix or Prime Video. Colors are vivid and accurate, with deep contrasts and dazzling highlights.

Customization is a strong suit with HyperOS, offering advanced color calibration options, including tweakable DCI-P3 and sRGB modes. It also prioritizes eye health with TUV Low Blue Light, Flicker Free, and Circadian Friendly certifications, along with a PWM dimming rate of 3840Hz to reduce flickering.

Cameras
- 50MP f/1.6 main camera
- 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide
- 2MP f/2.4 macro
- 16MP selfie camera
The Poco F6 Pro’s camera array features four circular modules, suggesting flagship quality, though the reality is more mixed.

The 50MP main sensor performs well, delivering sharp details, wide dynamic range, and good low-light performance. The 2x zoom mode offers solid results in daylight but struggles in low light due to noise and quality drop-offs.

The 8MP ultrawide delivers consistent color matching with the main sensor but lacks detail and autofocus, making it unsuitable for close-ups. The 2MP macro, hidden in the camera settings, adds little value due to its low resolution and limited focusing ability.

The 16MP front camera captures decent selfies with Xiaomi’s portrait mode adding some polish, but it lacks autofocus and maxes out at 1080p 60fps for video.

For video, the main sensor supports up to 4K 60fps or 8K 24fps, though the latter isn’t significantly better and produces massive file sizes. The 8K video is stabilized, which is a rarity at this price point. Unfortunately, the ultrawide camera is capped at 1080p 30fps.

Performance
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- 12GB/16GB RAM
- 256GB/512GB/1TB storage
- Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Poco F6 Pro delivers flagship-level performance. Whether multitasking, gaming, or general usage, it feels snappy and responsive.

The phone supports storage options up to 1TB and 16GB RAM, with the base model starting at 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. While it lacks expandable storage, its pricing is competitive, with the 1TB model priced under £600.

Gaming is a highlight, with even demanding titles like Genshin Impact running smoothly at max settings. The phone remains cool thanks to its effective cooling solution.

Audio quality is another strong point, with dual stereo speakers delivering clear mids, sharp highs, and respectable bass. Dolby Atmos enhances immersion for both gaming and music.

Software
- HyperOS based on Android 14
- Advanced AI image editing features
- Excessive bloatware
The Poco F6 Pro runs HyperOS, Xiaomi’s Android skin replacing MIUI. While it offers smooth performance and extensive customization options, it also brings over MIUI’s weaknesses, such as bloatware and redundant system apps.

One standout feature is the AI-powered image editing, which allows tools like generative image expansion and advanced object erasure. These features work well and are comparable to Samsung’s offerings, though they require downloading additional plugins.

The split notification and quick settings menus mimic iOS functionality but may feel unfamiliar to Android users.

Battery Life
- 5000mAh battery
- 120W wired charging (charger included)
- No wireless charging
Battery life is solid, with the 5000mAh capacity lasting a full day of regular use. Heavy usage can push it to its limits, but the 120W charging more than compensates. A full charge takes just 25 minutes, with 30-40% restored in just five minutes.

The lack of wireless charging is disappointing, especially since the F5 Pro supported 30W wireless charging, but the ultra-fast wired charging mitigates this drawback.

Final Thoughts

The Poco F6 Pro offers flagship-like performance at a fraction of the price. Its brilliant display, powerful processor, and premium build make it an excellent option for gamers or anyone seeking high-end features without breaking the bank.

However, its camera performance and software bloat may disappoint photography enthusiasts and fans of minimalist Android skins.

Pros:
- Stunning AMOLED display with high resolution and brightness
- Flagship-level performance
- Premium build quality
- Ultra-fast wired charging
Cons:
- Cameras are mid-range at best
- No wireless charging
- Excessive pre-installed apps
If you’re looking for a powerhouse phone under £600, the Poco F6 Pro is an easy recommendation.
December 18, 2024

Weight	Thickness	IP Rating
POCO X7 5G	190 grams	8.63 mm
Moto Edge 50 Neo	171 grams	8.1 mm
iQOO Z9s	182 grams	7.49 mm

Display	Peak Brightness
POCO X7 5G	6.67-inch AMOLED
Moto Edge 50 Neo	6.4-inch pOLED
iQOO Z9s	6.78-inch AMOLED

Device	Pre-installed Apps	Software Updates
POCO X7 5G	65	3 years OS + 4 years security
Moto Edge 50 Neo	33	5 years OS + 5 years security
iQOO Z9s	51	2 years OS + 3 years security

Battery	Charging Time
POCO X7 5G	5,500mAh
Moto Edge 50 Neo	4,310mAh
iQOO Z9s	5,500mAh

Smartphones	Charging Speed	Charging Time (20-100%)
Redmi Note 14	45W	32 minutes
Realme 13	45W	63 minutes
iQOO Z9s	44W	66 minutes

Xiaomi 14 Civi: Price and Comprehensive Review

Verdict
The Xiaomi 14 Civi stands out as a lightweight, visually stunning device with a premium design language featuring glass and vegan leather. It is one of the most attractive smartphones in the sub-Rs 50,000 segment. Alongside its appealing looks, the phone delivers a vibrant display and Leica-tuned cameras that cater to users seeking professional-level photography without breaking the bank. However, its battery life and performance throttling leave room for improvement.

xiaomi 14 civi price & reviews

Design and Display

Specifications Comparison

Feature	Xiaomi 14 Civi	Vivo V30 Pro	OnePlus 12R
Thickness	7.4mm	7.45mm	8.8mm
Weight	177 grams	188 grams	207 grams
IP Rating	IP54	IP54	IP64

The standout feature of the Xiaomi 14 Civi is its design. With a lightweight build of just 177 grams and a slim profile of 7.4mm, it’s incredibly easy to hold and carry. The quad-curved display and back panel blend seamlessly with a matte metal frame, giving it a premium look and feel. The Matcha Green variant, with its dual-tone finish of vegan leather and patterned glass, adds to the phone’s appeal. Additionally, the phone has an IP54 rating for dust and limited water resistance.

The display is equally impressive, offering a 6.55-inch AMOLED quad-curved panel with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. The screen provides deep blacks and vibrant, saturated colors by default, though you can adjust to a muted color profile in settings.

Specifications Comparison

Feature	Xiaomi 14 Civi	Vivo V30 Pro	OnePlus 12R
Display Size	6.55-inch AMOLED	6.78-inch AMOLED	6.78-inch AMOLED
Peak Brightness	3000 nits	2800 nits	4500 nits

Cameras

Xiaomi continues its Leica partnership with the 14 Civi, making advanced photography more accessible. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP Light Hunter 800 sensor with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.

Daylight Performance: The primary sensor captures vibrant, punchy colors and handles dynamic range well. Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant modes cater to users who prefer either natural tones or boosted colors, though both lean towards saturation. Compared to competitors like the Realme GT 6T, the Xiaomi 14 Civi delivers high-contrast, saturated results but falls slightly short in detail.
Portrait Shots: The 50MP telephoto lens excels in portrait photography with features like Leica-tuned filters (Viv, Nat, BW HC, etc.) and creative modes (35mm Documentary, 50mm Swirly Bokeh, and 90mm Soft Focus). However, minor issues like smoothing of facial features persist.
Low Light: The phone performs decently but struggles with brightness and detail in challenging conditions. The telephoto lens is less effective in low light due to the lack of OIS.
Selfies: The Xiaomi 14 Civi includes dual front cameras — a 32MP primary and a 32MP wide-angle lens. The primary camera produces sharp, well-balanced selfies, while the wide-angle lens tends to wash out colors.

xiaomi 14 civi price & reviews

Performance and Software

Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, the Xiaomi 14 Civi strikes a balance between flagship and mid-range performance. It outperforms competitors like the OnePlus 12R and Vivo V30 Pro in benchmarks but falls short of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered Xiaomi 14.

Benchmark Comparison

Metric	Xiaomi 14 Civi (SD8s Gen 3)	OnePlus 12R (SD8 Gen 2)	Xiaomi 14 (SD8 Gen 3)
AnTuTu	14,43,011	12,40,474	19,82,613
Geekbench Single-Core	1913	1066	2191
Geekbench Multi-Core	5087	4311	6705

While the Xiaomi 14 Civi delivers smooth everyday performance, it struggles under sustained loads, throttling to 40% of its capacity during stress tests. On the software side, the phone runs Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which focuses on fluidity and speed. While HyperOS introduces AI features, such as a ChatGPT-style assistant, these are not yet available. Xiaomi promises three years of major software updates and four years of security patches.

Battery

The Xiaomi 14 Civi features a 4,700mAh battery, smaller than the typical 5,000mAh found in most phones. It lasts a full day under moderate usage but struggles with heavier use. In the PCMark battery test, it lasted 12 hours and 15 minutes, trailing competitors like the Vivo V30 Pro and OnePlus 12R.

The phone supports 67W fast charging, taking roughly 40 minutes to charge from 20% to 100%.

xiaomi 14 civi price & reviews

Charging Comparison

Phone	Charging Speed	Time (20-100%)
Xiaomi 14 Civi	67W	40 minutes
Vivo V30 Pro	80W	33 minutes
OnePlus 12R	100W	26 minutes

Final Verdict
Priced at Rs 42,999 (~$520 USD), the Xiaomi 14 Civi is a compelling choice for those prioritizing design and camera capabilities. Its premium aesthetics, lightweight build, and Leica-tuned photography features make it a standout in its segment. While it offers impressive portrait and video capabilities, there is room for improvement in telephoto and low-light performance.

Battery life and performance throttling may be limiting factors for heavy users, but for everyday tasks and moderate usage, the Xiaomi 14 Civi excels. If design, portraits, and videography are your priorities, this phone is a solid contender in the mid-range category.

December 15, 2024

Xiaomi Mix Flip: Comprehensive Review and Price
Xiaomi Mix Flip: Specifications, Price, and Detailed Review

Specifications
- Price: £1,099 (~$1,375 USD)
- Inner Display: 6.86-inch OLED, 2912 x 1224 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Outer Display: 4.01-inch OLED, 1392 x 1208 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Main Cameras: 50MP main (f/1.7), 50MP 2x telephoto (f/2.0)
- Inner Camera: 32MP selfie (f/2.0)
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Battery: 4,780mAh
- Charging: 67W wired
- Software: Android 14 with Xiaomi HyperOS
- Size:
  - Unfolded: 167.5mm x 74.02 x 7.8mm
  - Folded: 85.54mm x 74.02 x 15.99mm
- Weight: 192 grams
- Colors: Purple, Black
Price and Availability

The Xiaomi Mix Flip launched in the U.K. on September 26 for £1,099 (~$1,375 USD), a price comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (£1,099 in the U.K. and $1,099 in the U.S.). For those in the U.S., importing the Mix Flip is an option via online retailers, but users must ensure network compatibility.

Design and Display

The Mix Flip boasts a 6.86-inch inner display paired with a 4.01-inch outer screen. While the curved edges of the outer screen add a sleek aesthetic, the hinge mechanism introduces a noticeable gap when the phone is unfolded. The bezels are minimal, comparable to competitors like Samsung and Motorola.

Though its display is vivid and offers higher resolutions, the lack of an IP water resistance rating is a disadvantage compared to the Moto Razr 50 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 6, which both feature water resistance.

Camera Performance

Equipped with Leica-tuned lenses, the Mix Flip houses a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP telephoto lens, complemented by a 32MP inner selfie camera. In real-world comparisons, the Mix Flip generally produces brighter and more color-accurate images, although it occasionally lags behind the Moto Razr in fine details. Portrait selfies showcase the Mix Flip’s superior dynamic range and clean edge detection.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Mix Flip delivers top-notch performance. Benchmark scores reveal competitive results, with minor lags in certain tasks compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Additionally, the phone is WiFi 7 ready, ensuring future-proof connectivity.

Battery and Charging

The Mix Flip stands out with its 4,780mAh battery and 67W fast charging. It charges from 0% to 100% in under an hour, significantly faster than rivals. Battery endurance is solid, with minimal drain during video playback, but the difference isn’t as pronounced given its larger battery capacity.

Software and Features

Running Android 14 with Xiaomi HyperOS, the Mix Flip offers extensive customization. Xiaomi’s commitment to software updates — 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches — outpaces Motorola but trails behind Samsung’s 7-year promise.

While the large outer screen is a highlight, its usability is limited compared to Motorola’s and Samsung’s more polished approaches. A hover mode is available but occasionally exhibits glitches in certain apps like YouTube.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Mix Flip excels in hardware specs, offering a powerful chipset, vibrant displays, and impressive battery capabilities. However, its lack of water resistance, unoptimized software for foldable usage, and stiff competition from rivals like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Moto Razr 50 Ultra hold it back.

For buyers focused on performance and display quality, the Mix Flip is a compelling choice. But those seeking a more refined flip foldable experience or better value for money might prefer alternatives like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or even flagship slab phones in the same price range.
December 12, 2024
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro: Comprehensive Price & Reviews
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro: Specifications at a Glance

Before diving into details, here’s a quick overview of the Redmi Note 14 Pro’s core specifications:
- Display: 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra
- Memory Options: 128GB/8GB RAM, 256GB/8GB RAM, 256GB/12GB RAM, 512GB/12GB RAM
- Software: Android 14 with HyperOS
- Cameras: Rear – 50MP + 8MP + 2MP | Front – 20MP
- Battery: 5,500mAh
- Weight & Dimensions: 190 grams | 162.3 x 74.4 x 8.2 mm
- Price: Starting at $299 USD for the base variant
Design and Build

The Redmi Note 14 Pro introduces a modern and refreshed design. Its rear features a large square camera module, reminiscent of the iQOO 12, accompanied by Redmi branding on the bottom left. It is available in four appealing colors: Black, White, Purple, and Green.

Despite housing a sizable battery, the phone is sleek at 8.5mm thick and lightweight at 190 grams. The glass back with a matte finish adds a premium touch. Additionally, the upgraded IP68/IP69 certification offers improved dust and water resistance over its predecessor’s IP54 rating.

Camera Performance

The triple-camera setup includes:
- 50MP Sony IMX 882 main sensor
- 8MP ultrawide Sony IMX 335 lens
- 2MP macro lens
The main camera captures vibrant daylight photos with sharp details. While the ultrawide lens delivers decent results, the macro lens feels underwhelming. Low-light performance is impressive, producing well-balanced shots with dynamic range and detail preservation.

For selfies, the 20MP front camera takes accurate and detailed portraits. Video enthusiasts can record at 4K@30fps with the rear camera and 1080p@60fps with the front.

Battery and Charging

The 5,500mAh battery offers all-day use on a single charge, even with heavy usage involving gaming, streaming, and multitasking. Charging is supported by a 45W fast charger, which takes about an hour for a full charge. While adequate, competitors like Realme offer faster charging options at this price.

Display Quality

The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support for streaming apps. Its curved edges and peak brightness of 3,000 nits ensure excellent visibility under direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate makes navigating the interface and gaming smooth and responsive.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset (4nm), the Redmi Note 14 Pro performs well in daily tasks and light gaming. The variant reviewed featured 8GB RAM + 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, offering fluid multitasking with support for RAM expansion.

In gaming, the phone handles titles like BGMI and CODM at 60 FPS without significant frame drops or heating issues. Benchmark scores:
- Geekbench: 1032 (single-core), 2880 (multi-core)
- AnTuTu V10: 662,024
- 3D Mark Wild Life: 3087
However, for intense gaming, better-performing alternatives are available in this price range.

Software Experience

The phone ships with HyperOS based on Android 14 and promises three major Android updates. Customization options include Live Wallpapers, Always-On Display, and advanced lock screen settings.

While the software experience is generally smooth, Xiaomi needs to address bloatware concerns for a cleaner interface.

Verdict

The Redmi Note 14 Pro is a solid upgrade with its premium display, enhanced cameras, and reliable battery life. Starting at $299 USD, it offers excellent value for money. While charging speeds and gaming performance could be improved, it remains a great choice for users seeking a balanced device.

For alternatives, consider the Realme 13 Pro 5G, Poco X6 Pro 5G, or Motorola Edge 40 Neo for comparable features in the same price range.
December 8, 2024

Tag: comprehensive

Key Features

Pricing and Availability

Initial Reviews