Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: pro

Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro Bluetooth (45mm): Comprehensive Price & Review Guide

Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro: Price, Design, and Features

Price and Availability Released on August 26, 2022, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro arrives in two versions: Bluetooth for $449.99 and LTE 4G for $499.99 in the U.S. This price increase from the standard Galaxy Watch5 ($279.99 for Bluetooth and $329.99 for LTE) reflects the Pro’s durable build, enhanced battery life, and advanced GPS features. In the UK, the Watch5 Pro starts at £429 (Bluetooth) and £479 (LTE), while Australian pricing is AU$799.99 for Bluetooth and AU$999.99 for LTE.

Design and Display Built for durability, the Watch5 Pro’s rugged titanium casing and raised bezel protect the 1.36” AMOLED screen, which is clear, bright, and responsive. The use of sapphire crystal glass enhances the display’s scratch resistance, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures. A new silicone strap with a hinged d-buckle, exclusive to the Pro model, adds both utility and style, although a more formal look may require a different band.

Features and Health Monitoring Packed with advanced health features, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro supports bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition, improved sleep tracking with detailed sleep coaching, and an exclusive “route workout” feature that allows users to follow pre-planned routes with turn-by-turn navigation. The watch’s haptic feedback and route-trackback feature make it easier to stay on course without needing constant screen checks.

Samsung Health integrates smoothly with the device, providing comprehensive data on sleep patterns, activity tracking, and health stats. However, certain features are optimized when paired with a Samsung smartphone.

Battery and Performance With a 590mAh battery, the Watch5 Pro is advertised to last around 80 hours on a full charge. Under real-world conditions, users reported about 72 hours with light-to-moderate use, including GPS and notification features. While its battery life is impressive for a smartwatch, it may fall short for dedicated athletes needing extended outdoor usage.

Verdict The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is one of the most feature-rich fitness-oriented Wear OS smartwatches available, rivaling the Apple Watch Ultra in some areas. Its impressive screen quality, health tracking features, and GPS capabilities make it a solid choice for active users. However, those looking for extreme durability and battery life might still prefer specialized outdoor watches like those from Garmin.

Ideal for fitness enthusiasts and weekend adventurers, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro blends smartwatch features with outdoor-readiness, offering a reliable option for users who want an everyday watch that can transition to active pursuits.

November 13, 2024
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Price & Comprehensive Review
Design and Features

The iPhone 16 Pro Max maintains a familiar look that doesn’t stray far from its predecessors, with only subtle tweaks to the design. A larger screen, a more compact Dynamic Island for the selfie camera and Face ID, and some additional buttons are among the few visible changes. However, the overall aesthetic remains consistent with models like the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which began this design lineage in 2019.

The upgraded display is a standout feature, delivering sharp visuals with its 1320×2868 resolution on a 6.9-inch OLED panel, showing vivid colors and HDR content impressively. It’s bright enough for sunlight visibility with a peak brightness of 2000 nits and offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Watching content, like a sci-fi show on a long flight, was an enjoyable experience, although other flagship phones offer similar quality. The stereo speakers provide clear, punchy sound that complements the screen well.

With narrower bezels, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has expanded screen real estate while remaining manageable in size, though it still presents challenges for one-handed use, especially for users with smaller hands.

While the Dynamic Island brings innovative functionality, it does intrude more than the small cutouts on some Android devices. This can be a drawback when watching full-screen content, as Apple’s default setting avoids overlap with the cutout by letterboxing. Users can choose to fill the screen, though that means part of the content will be cut off by the Dynamic Island. Face ID continues to work exceptionally well, recognizing faces quickly and accurately in various lighting conditions.

Apple’s use of premium materials like the titanium frame and Ceramic Shield glass creates a sturdy, smooth feel. While the display glass feels solid, the back has a slightly hollow sound that’s common in smartphones. Although durability claims are strong, the base model iPhone 16 has shown some signs of wear, suggesting that the Ceramic Shield isn’t impervious to scratches in all conditions. The Pro Max also boasts impressive water resistance, surviving depths of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

The shift to eSIM-only removes the SIM card tray, which might inconvenience travelers who rely on physical SIMs. Transferring eSIMs between devices has proven to be tricky, highlighting a limitation in flexibility compared to physical SIMs.

One major update is the transition to a USB-C port from Apple’s long-standing Lightning connector. The inclusion of USB 3.0 speeds enables faster data transfer for tasks like offloading high-resolution photos and videos, a welcome improvement for power users.

Camera Control

The iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces a new “Camera Control” button near the bottom right of the device. This is positioned well for selfies but is somewhat awkward for rear camera use. Although similar to a dedicated shutter button, it incorporates additional functions, like light presses, full presses, and swipes, which can control various settings. However, its complexity may overwhelm some users, especially given that the button activates on release rather than press, making the process slightly more cumbersome.

In practice, the Camera Control button occasionally defaults to digital zoom on the main camera rather than the telephoto lens under certain lighting, undermining its intended functionality.

Software and Performance

The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on iOS 18, a refined OS with new customization options that help bridge some differences for those switching from Android. Apple has emphasized AI improvements, though many will arrive with a later update (iOS 18.1).

Equipped with the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max performs exceptionally well in daily tasks, scoring high on benchmarks like Geekbench, outpacing most Android competitors. While it handles graphically demanding games smoothly, its performance in graphics-focused tests like 3DMark trails behind top Android devices like the RedMagic 9S Pro, which outperforms the iPhone in sustained graphics performance.

The battery life can easily last a full day and sometimes even stretches into two days with moderate use, though the always-on display can impact longevity. Adjusting settings, such as switching to a black background for the always-on display, helped conserve battery during testing.

Cameras

The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s camera array includes:
- 48MP wide-angle
- 48MP ultra-wide with a 120-degree field of view
- 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
- 12MP selfie camera
The primary sensor delivers sharp, colorful photos, even in challenging lighting. While some criticize Apple’s tendency to reduce shadows, users can adjust this with Photographic Styles. The telephoto lens shines at 5x zoom, capturing distant subjects with remarkable clarity. However, digital zooming on the main sensor can degrade image quality at higher magnifications.

The ultra-wide camera, despite its high resolution, occasionally produces softer images, especially around the edges. The selfie camera captures natural colors and lighting but lacks sharpness when zoomed in, falling short of competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro.

price

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, starting at around $1,199 USD for the 256GB version, brings incremental yet noteworthy updates, particularly in its display, camera features, and the introduction of USB-C. The 6.9-inch OLED display boasts a sharp 1320×2868 resolution, vivid HDR colors, and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, providing excellent visuals even under direct sunlight. Although it doesn’t feature the market’s brightest display, its high resolution and 120Hz refresh rate contribute to smooth navigation and immersive media viewing.

The new Camera Control button near the phone’s bottom-right side offers enhanced photo-taking options. Although versatile, some users might find the button a bit overwhelming due to its various commands and sensitivity. However, this addition underscores Apple’s effort to cater to users seeking more control in photography, especially given the Pro Max’s advanced camera setup, which includes a 48MP wide sensor, a 5x telephoto, and an upgraded ultra-wide camera.

While powerful, the A18 Pro chip faces stiff competition in GPU performance from models like the OnePlus 12 and RedMagic 9S Pro, which excel in certain graphics-intensive benchmarks. Nonetheless, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers strong battery life, lasting up to two days under moderate use.

Verdict

The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in build quality, performance, and display, though it isn’t without flaws. The new Camera Control feature holds potential but feels somewhat over-engineered. And while the ultra-wide and selfie cameras could be improved, the device remains a top-tier option, especially for users who want the latest from Apple without needing to make too many trade-offs.
November 11, 2024
iPad Pro 2024: Price, Features, and In-Depth Review
Display: A Stunning Visual Leap

Since the first iPad in 2010, Apple has primarily used LCD displays, with the 2022 iPad Pro adopting mini-LED, a refined LCD variant. Now, in 2024, both the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pros switch to OLED technology, a transformation that brings deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and enhanced contrast.

The 11-inch model retains its screen size but gains a slight resolution bump to 2,420 by 1,668 pixels (264 ppi). The larger model expands to a 13-inch display with 2,752 by 2,064 pixels (264 ppi). These OLED displays support an adaptive refresh rate (Apple’s ProMotion) that adjusts from 10Hz to 120Hz for a balance of battery efficiency and fluid visuals. With OLED, contrast has doubled to 2,000,000:1, and brightness for standard content now reaches 1,000 nits, up from 600 nits, while HDR brightness peaks at 1,600 nits. To maximize brightness, Apple employs a “tandem OLED” design, layering two OLED panels for a display that excels in dark scenes and high-dynamic-range (HDR) content. The P3 color gamut and True Tone technology deliver impressively accurate color across various lighting conditions.

Performance: Unrivaled Power

The 2024 iPad Pro debuts Apple’s new M4 processor, offering a leap in speed and efficiency over the M2. Models with 256GB and 512GB storage feature an M4 with a 9-core CPU (3 performance and 6 efficiency cores), 10 GPU cores, and 16 neural cores, supported by 8GB of RAM. Meanwhile, 1TB and 2TB models get a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores) with 16GB RAM, delivering further multitasking prowess.

In testing, this new chip handles even the most intensive apps effortlessly, from Apple Logic Pro 2 for music creation to complex edits in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Benchmarks confirm these observations: the iPad Pro outperforms previous models with scores of 3,679 (single-core) and 14,647 (multi-core) on Geekbench 6, making it one of the most powerful tablets available.

Battery Life: A Familiar Story

Apple maintains its classic claim of 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or 9 hours on cellular, a goal it’s largely met since 2010. While the 2024 model improves on the 2022 version’s battery life, PCMag’s streaming test at full brightness measured 7 hours and 43 minutes, which is still shy of Apple’s stated figure. The device supports 20W charging and takes about two hours to fully recharge, though wireless or reverse charging options aren’t yet available.

Connectivity: High-Speed, But Some Limitations

The iPad Pro’s Wi-Fi 6E connectivity continues to deliver fast, reliable speeds, with peak download and upload speeds of 569Mbps and 140Mbps, respectively, in optimal conditions. Cellular models include 5G but no longer support mmWave, limiting peak download speeds. Bluetooth remains at version 5.3, and the USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, offering up to 40Gbps transfer speeds. This enables support for external 6K displays and fast access to external storage, a benefit for pro-level users working with large files.

Camera: Impressive Quality for a Tablet

Apple’s camera updates cater to improved functionality and video calls. The 12MP front camera has shifted to the long edge, making it ideal for video calls. On the back, a 12MP rear camera replaces the previous ultra-wide lens, which captures sharp, colorful photos and can handle 4K60 video recording with ease. With features like audio zoom, stabilization, and slow-motion capture, the iPad Pro’s camera setup is as refined as it gets on a tablet.

Software: Room for Refinement

The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS 17.5, with expectations of further updates in iPadOS 18. While Apple’s ecosystem is strong, multitasking remains less fluid than on desktop platforms, and the file management system can still be cumbersome. The new Stage Manager feature helps organize windows, but it still falls short of a true desktop experience.

Accessories: Elevated Usability

The Apple Pencil Pro, priced at $129, adds new tools for creatives, including a pressure-sensitive area, a gyroscope for tip angle control, and haptic feedback. Meanwhile, the updated Magic Keyboard is thinner and includes a row of function keys, an aluminum palm rest, and an expanded trackpad for a more comfortable typing experience.

Verdict: The Ultimate Tablet for Professionals

The 2024 iPad Pro is a powerhouse, ideal for creative professionals who want a portable, high-performance device with unmatched display quality, strong connectivity, and robust accessory support. Although the iPad Air may suit those with lighter demands, the iPad Pro sets the standard for tablet productivity, multimedia, and performance.

The 2024 iPad Pro comes in two sizes and various configurations, with prices as follows:
- 11-inch iPad Pro (OLED)
  - 256GB: $999 (Wi-Fi), $1,199 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 512GB: $1,199 (Wi-Fi), $1,399 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 1TB: $1,599 (Wi-Fi), $1,799 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 2TB: $1,999 (Wi-Fi), $2,199 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
- 13-inch iPad Pro (OLED)
  - 256GB: $1,399 (Wi-Fi), $1,599 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 512GB: $1,599 (Wi-Fi), $1,799 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 1TB: $1,999 (Wi-Fi), $2,199 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 2TB: $2,399 (Wi-Fi), $2,599 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
These prices vary with storage options, and cellular connectivity adds $200 to each model. This cost places the iPad Pro firmly in the premium tablet category, making it a high-end choice for professionals who require robust performance, an OLED display, and expanded storage.

Conclusion:

The 2024 iPad Pro represents a powerful leap forward for creative and professional tablet users, thanks to the addition of Apple’s M4 chip, a stunning OLED display, and refined accessories like the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. With improved brightness, richer contrast, and ProMotion for smoother visuals, the OLED screens are designed to dazzle. Performance-wise, the M4 chip and options of up to 16GB RAM ensure this device handles intense tasks effortlessly, from multitasking to complex creative applications. Enhanced connectivity with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, FaceID adjustments, and camera updates further elevate the user experience.

At a starting price of $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,399 for the 13-inch, the iPad Pro is a premium device aimed at users who need uncompromising power and display quality. For everyday productivity or basic creative needs, the iPad Air offers a more affordable yet capable alternative. However, for professionals seeking top-tier performance and visual quality, the 2024 iPad Pro stands out as the ultimate tablet choice.
November 3, 2024
Review of the Redmi K60 Pro
Design
The Redmi K60 Pro boasts a stylish back panel design that immediately catches the eye. Its revamped camera module adds a modern touch, setting it apart from other smartphones in its category.

The device offers color options to suit various tastes, including classic Black and White, as well as unique choices like Mint and Champion Black for those seeking something different.

In terms of build quality, the Redmi K60 Pro maintains the solid feel of its predecessor, the Xiaomi Redmi K60, while adding a glossy finish for a more premium touch. Despite a weight of around 201-205 grams, the curved plastic body feels comfortable and well-balanced in hand. The power button and volume controls are conveniently placed for easy single-hand use, making this phone both stylish and practical.

xr:d:DAFV1rKZSDc:26,j:1058559108,t:22122804

Display

The Redmi K60 Pro’s front display is a 6.67-inch OLED panel, identical to the standard K60, but its FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate bring an immersive visual experience with vibrant 68B colors.

With a peak brightness of 1400 nits, the display remains clear and vibrant, even under bright sunlight. Although there’s limited information about its Corning glass protection, this high-brightness screen is perfect for users who prioritize clarity and color accuracy.

The smooth 120Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness, offering minimal lag and fluid transitions, ideal for browsing, gaming, and app usage.

Cameras

Equipped with a triple camera setup, the Redmi K60 Pro’s 54MP primary lens captures detailed photos and videos. The improved aperture and optical image stabilization reduce distortion and deliver clear, vibrant images, especially in daylight.

In low light, the device’s night mode brightens images, retaining detail while reducing noise. AI enhancements add creative photography features, making the camera versatile for different scenarios. The setup includes an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens for more flexibility in framing shots. Video recording is supported at up to 8K resolution, and the 16MP selfie camera offers sharp photos and 1080p video, although 4K recording would enhance it further.

Performance and Software

The Redmi K60 Pro operates on the latest MIUI 14 interface based on Android 13, offering a highly customizable experience with gesture support and various widgets. However, some bloatware may be present.

The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 4nm processor that handles gaming, multitasking, and social media effortlessly. Paired with the Adreno 740 GPU, the phone delivers an excellent gaming experience with high-quality visuals.

Memory options start at 8GB RAM with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, while higher-end variants (up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage) use faster UFS 4.0 memory, ensuring smooth performance even for demanding applications.

Battery and Charging

The Redmi K60 Pro’s 5000mAh battery delivers extended screen time, with over 6 hours of regular use and 4 hours for gaming. Its 120W wired charging feature is exceptionally fast, charging from 0% to 100% in just 19 minutes.

Price

The Redmi K60 Pro is currently priced starting from approximately CNY 3,299, which converts to about $450 USD. However, prices may vary depending on the region and taxes applicable in each market. In Bangladesh, for instance, the estimated price is around 50,298 BDT, though final pricing may change due to import duties and other fees.

Advantages

5G support

6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display with Dolby Vision

120Hz refresh rate

Android 13 with MIUI 14

NFC, Infrared, and stereo speakers

8-16GB RAM, 128-512GB storage options

120W wired and 30W wireless charging

8K video recording

Disadvantages

Lacks 4K video on selfie camera

No microSD card slot

No reverse charging

No telephoto lens for optical zoom

No Gorilla Glass protection

Lacks 3.5mm audio jack, water, and dust resistance

Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi K60 Pro is a top-tier choice for users seeking a powerful device with excellent performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. With its bright OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and ultra-fast charging, it’s a versatile option for both work and play. However, it does lack some protective and multimedia features like water resistance, a 3.5mm jack, and Corning Gorilla Glass.
October 28, 2024
Honor Magic5 Pro: In-Depth Review and Analysis
Design & Build
- Big yet Slim: Despite its large form factor, the Honor Magic 5 Pro feels surprisingly slender and manageable, standing out with its IP68 water-resistance and bold circular camera module.
- Curved Glass Aesthetic: The Magic 5 Pro fits comfortably into flagship phone trends with a massive 6.81-inch screen, curved glass edges, and a weight of 219g. At 8.8mm thick, it feels slim for its size, making it a bit easier to hold.
- Eye-Catching Camera Module: Honor’s standout feature is the striking, circular camera design on the back, creating a triangle of lenses. It’s especially noticeable in the Meadow Green model, where the black lenses contrast sharply with the green body.
Screen & Speakers
- Immersive Display: The 6.81-inch OLED display with LTPO tech offers an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate. With high resolution (1312×2848), HDR10+ support, and color accuracy, it’s optimized for both vibrancy and eye comfort.
- Eye-Health Focus: Honor prioritizes long-term viewing comfort with features like dynamic dimming, low flicker, and circadian-friendly certification.
- Decent Audio: The stereo speakers are functional but somewhat tinny by flagship standards, providing decent audio quality for casual content consumption.
Performance & Specs
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: The Honor Magic 5 Pro is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, alongside 12GB RAM and 512GB storage.
- Smooth Multi-Tasking: This setup allows for smooth handling of demanding games and multi-tasking, though occasional stutters in certain apps hint at software optimization issues.
Camera & Video
- Triple 50MP Rear Camera: The Magic 5 Pro’s cameras include a main 50MP lens with optical image stabilization, capable of capturing bright, detailed images even in low light.
- Ultra-Wide & Telephoto Capabilities: The 50MP ultrawide lens performs well, though lacking optical stabilization, while a 3.5x zoom periscope lens with OIS provides detailed shots up to 10x zoom.
- Selfies and Video: The front camera includes a depth sensor, enhancing portrait shots with precise edge detection. Video recording supports up to 4K/60fps on the rear camera.
Battery & Charging
- Long Battery Life: With a 5100mAh battery, the Magic 5 Pro offers 1-2 days of use on a single charge.
- Fast Charging Options: It supports 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging with Honor’s charger, making quick top-ups convenient.
Software & Updates
- Android 13 with MagicOS: The phone runs Android 13, layered with Honor’s MagicOS, which is functional but may lack the refinement of other flagship OS options.
- Update Commitment: Honor promises three major OS updates and five years of security patches, ensuring a reasonable lifespan for users.
Price & Availability
- Pricing: The Honor Magic 5 Pro is priced at £949/€1,199, which translates to around $1,050 USD, placing it firmly in the flagship territory. This price range is slightly below the absolute top-tier models like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Verdict

The Honor Magic 5 Pro proves to be a strong contender among flagship devices, delivering on battery life, display quality, and camera performance. Its competitive pricing, paired with high-end specs, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking flagship quality without reaching ultra-premium pricing. However, potential buyers may want to consider the slightly lower software polish and performance compared to some rivals.
October 26, 2024
Motorola Edge 40 Pro: A Comprehensive Review

Verdict

The Motorola Edge 40 impresses with its sleek design, IP68 rating, and wireless charging, making it a standout in the mid-range category. Despite minor drawbacks like occasional heating and average battery life, it’s a strong competitor for those looking for style, performance, and durability.

Design and Display

Motorola has refined its slim and narrow design philosophy with the Edge 40, offering a premium vegan leather back that feels great in hand. The phone’s aesthetic gives the impression of a much more expensive device, and the IP68 water and dust resistance adds to its durability. At just 7.6mm thick, it’s also one of Motorola’s thinnest phones with this level of protection. The Nebula Green variant is visually striking, and the phone is equipped with a Dolby Atmos-powered stereo speaker setup and a USB Type-C port. Overall, the Edge 40 scores high in design, combining elegance, durability, and a lightweight feel.

The display is equally impressive, featuring a 6.5-inch curved pOLED panel with FHD+ resolution and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The screen delivers vivid visuals and supports HDR10, providing an excellent viewing experience on streaming platforms like Netflix. With a brightness of 1,200 nits, outdoor visibility is no issue. The minimal bezels and unobtrusive punch-hole camera further enhance the immersive display.

Cameras

The Edge 40’s camera setup includes a 50MP OmniVision OV50A primary sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide shooter. The 32MP front-facing camera is also an OmniVision lens. The primary camera produces detailed images with a wide dynamic range, and its autofocus and shutter speeds are quick, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving objects. While color saturation is a bit high, overall tones remain neutral, with good control of highlights and shadows.

The 13MP ultra-wide lens captures a wide field of view with minimal distortion, and it doubles as a macro shooter for detailed close-ups. Portrait shots are decent, though the edge detection could be improved. Low-light performance is adequate, but it may take a few tries to get the perfect shot. The dedicated Night Mode helps reduce noise while maintaining detail.

Performance and Software

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC, the Edge 40 offers solid performance for everyday tasks, though it can experience some heating during extended use, particularly with demanding apps or games like BGMI at 60fps. Benchmark scores are competitive, and the phone handles multitasking smoothly, thanks to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. The in-display fingerprint sensor works well but can occasionally falter, with facial recognition offering a quicker, though less secure, alternative.

Motorola’s MyUX skin, based on Android 13, is clean and bloatware-free, allowing users to enjoy a near-stock Android experience. Gesture-based controls remain a hallmark of Motorola’s interface, adding convenience and customization options.

Battery

The 4,400mAh battery provides about 5-6 hours of screen-on time, which is acceptable but falls short compared to some competitors with larger batteries. However, the 68W fast charging compensates by fully charging the device in under an hour, and the 15W wireless charging adds convenience.

Final Verdict

The Motorola Edge 40 shines in terms of design, display, and software, offering features like an IP68 rating and wireless charging rarely found at this price point. Despite heating concerns and average battery life, its overall package makes it a compelling option in the mid-range segment. Priced under Rs 30,000 (~$400 USD), the Edge 40 is a stylish and well-rounded smartphone worth considering.

Conclusion

The Motorola Edge 40 is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in design, durability, and display quality. Its slim and premium build, combined with features like IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and a vibrant pOLED display, make it a standout in the mid-range segment. While it faces minor issues like heating and a somewhat limited battery life compared to some competitors, these are offset by the phone’s strong performance, clean software experience, and fast charging capabilities. If you prioritize sleek aesthetics, a smooth display, and durability, the Motorola Edge 40 is a solid contender in its price range.

October 23, 2024
Vivo X90 Pro+ In-Depth Review

Verdict

The Vivo X90 Pro is designed to be a reliable companion for photography enthusiasts looking to explore the limits of smartphone photography. However, it offers more than just exceptional photo-taking capabilities. With top-tier performance, a sleek design, long-lasting battery life, and a vibrant display, the X90 Pro excels in many areas but truly shines with its photography features.

Cameras

The camera setup on the Vivo X90 Pro is a key highlight, especially with the 1-inch Sony IMX988 primary sensor taking center stage. The camera app is packed with customization options, but for casual users, the focus is on capturing high-quality images with just the press of a button. In this regard, the X90 Pro’s point-and-shoot experience is refined and seamless.

Daylight shots taken with the X90 Pro are rich in color, high in detail, and offer excellent dynamic range. The ZEISS Natural Color mode, which reduces oversaturation, adds a layer of realism to the shots. While the gimbal stabilization seen in previous models is missing, the OIS effectively handles shake.

Autofocus is quick, and manual tracking for moving objects is easy. The new V2 chip improves the image-processing pipeline, offering enhancements like better shadow details and highlights. Automatic HDR works well, activating when needed to elevate a shot.

For more advanced photographers, the camera app offers tools like the Effects Master tab, which allows you to adjust color temperature with a swipe. The 12MP ultra-wide lens supports a Super Macro mode that automatically activates when you get close to a subject. Switching between lenses is smooth, and the ultra-wide lens maintains consistent color with the primary 1-inch camera.

Portrait mode, powered by the 50MP Sony IMX768 depth sensor, delivers excellent background separation and edge detection. Some facial retouching is noticeable, which may appeal to users who want easy-to-share social media content. Additionally, Pro mode and RAW capture options allow for extensive manual control over settings like white balance, exposure, and shutter speed.

Night photography is another strength of the X90 Pro. The V2 chip helps to capture well-exposed and detailed images in low light. The manual exposure slider is effective, and the shutter speed ensures proper color and highlight balance without noise. Night mode enhances computational photography for realistic night shots with shadow detail.

The phone also offers long-exposure, Night Panorama, Astro mode, and Super Moon features. The Sports mode, particularly the Night Sports option, impressed me by capturing clear images of fast-moving objects with ease.

On the video side, the X90 Pro can shoot HDR10+ videos at 1080p, and it supports 4K at 60fps and 8K at 24fps. While ultra stabilization is unavailable in 8K, standard and ultra stabilization modes work well for reducing video shake. The horizontal line mode is useful for stable vertical videos even when the camera is tilted horizontally.

The 32MP front camera, while less prominent than the rear setup, delivers realistic selfies with more natural skin tones. Overall, the X90 Pro’s camera performance is outstanding, making it a top choice for smartphone photography enthusiasts.

Design and Display

Vivo’s attention to detail extends to the phone’s design, with a premium vegan leather back that feels great to the touch. The camera housing is separated by a metallic strip bearing the slogan “Xtreme Imagination.” However, the large camera ring does protrude from the body, leading to some wobble on flat surfaces, though Vivo provides a silicone case to offset this.

The phone has a slim aspect ratio, making it easy to grip. At 214g, the X90 Pro feels solid in hand, with a thickness of 9.34mm due to the camera hump. The Legendary Black color adds a sense of elegance to the design. It also comes with IP68 water and dust resistance, a must for premium flagships.

The 6.78-inch AMOLED display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, a resolution of 2,800 x 1,260, and HDR10+ certification. While it’s not quite QHD+, the display offers excellent quality, brightness (up to 1,500 nits), and contrast, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Streaming on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video is enhanced by the screen’s vibrant colors and sharp visuals.

Performance and Software

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC, the Vivo X90 Pro delivers flagship-level performance, rivaling the best Android phones. Benchmark tests such as Geekbench and Antutu confirm its ability to handle intensive tasks smoothly. The phone also manages heat effectively with a 4,002mm² vapor chamber, ensuring it performs well during demanding gaming sessions.

The device comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring quick app loading and smooth multitasking. The stereo speakers provide good audio clarity, and the in-display fingerprint sensor works well, although occasional re-authentication is needed.

FunTouchOS 13, based on Android 13, is Vivo’s custom UI. It offers a smooth and functional interface with useful features like Color Theming, metadata removal for privacy, and the iManager app for phone cooling. Bloatware is present but minimized compared to previous versions.

Battery Life

With a 4,870mAh battery, the Vivo X90 Pro easily lasts through a full day of moderate use, providing around seven hours of screen-on time. Even with heavy camera usage or 5G, the battery holds up well. The phone supports 120W fast charging, fully charging in under 30 minutes, making it convenient for quick top-ups.

Final Verdict

The Vivo X90 Pro is an extraordinary camera phone that also delivers a premium smartphone experience in design, performance, display, and battery life. Priced at Rs 84,999 (approximately $1,020), it may be a high-end investment, but for those passionate about photography, it’s a device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can achieve.

Conclusion

The Vivo X90 Pro is a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts looking for a premium smartphone that excels in image quality. With its advanced camera system, stunning design, powerful performance, and long-lasting battery, it delivers an all-around flagship experience. Though it comes with a premium price tag of Rs 84,999 (around $1,020), the combination of cutting-edge features and top-tier optical capabilities makes it a worthy investment for those who prioritize mobile photography without sacrificing overall performance.

October 23, 2024
Huawei Mate 60 Pro: Detailed Review

The Huawei Mate 60 Pro showcases an elegant design, featuring glass panels on both the front and back, encased in a durable aluminum frame. Available in stylish color options like Black, Space Silver, Cosmic Purple, and Emerald Green, the device measures 160.8 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm and weighs 196 grams, providing a sleek and lightweight feel in hand.

Display
The Mate 60 Pro sports a 6.62-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. With an 84.2% screen-to-body ratio and a pixel density of 389 ppi, the display delivers sharp visuals. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, the screen is designed to resist scratches and endure daily wear and tear.

Camera
One of the phone’s standout features is its advanced quad-camera system. It includes a 64MP main sensor, a 20MP ultra-wide lens, a 16MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP depth sensor, delivering versatile photography options. On the front, a dual-camera setup features a 32MP primary sensor and an 8MP secondary sensor, ensuring high-quality selfies. With Leica optics, panorama, and HDR capabilities, the camera excels in capturing detailed photos and videos.

Performance
Powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 995 chipset, built on a 7nm architecture, the Mate 60 Pro promises excellent performance. The octa-core CPU, coupled with the Mali-G76 MP16 GPU, ensures smooth operation, while 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage provide ample space for apps and media, supporting multitasking with ease.

Operating System
Running on Android 11, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro offers the latest features and security updates. The user interface is clean and responsive, enhanced by Huawei’s custom skin, which provides a seamless software experience.

Battery Life
Equipped with a 5000 mAh Li-Poly battery, the Mate 60 Pro delivers impressive battery life for extended usage. The phone also supports fast charging, ensuring quick top-ups when needed.

Connectivity
The Mate 60 Pro is compatible with multiple connectivity options, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G networks. Additional features like Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band A-GPS ensure robust wireless connectivity.

Conclusion
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is a feature-packed smartphone that excels in design, display, performance, and camera quality. Its competitive pricing makes it a solid option for those seeking a premium smartphone experience without compromise.

October 22, 2024
Oppo Find X6 Pro: Price, Features, and In-Depth Review
Specifications and Features

Before delving into the intricate details of its design and camera capabilities, let’s take a look at the Oppo Find X6 Pro’s standout specifications and features:
- Cameras:
  - Main: 50MP wide (Sony IMX989, OIS, f/1.8)
  - Ultra-Wide: 50MP (Sony IMX890, f/2.2, doubles as a macro lens)
  - Periscope: 50MP (Sony IMX890, OIS, f/2.6) with 3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor zoom, and 120x digital zoom
  - Front: 32MP (Sony IMX709, f/2.4)
- Display:
  - 6.82-inch AMOLED, 120Hz LTPO with a resolution of 3,168 x 1,440 pixels, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2, peak brightness of 2500 nits, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and HDR 10+.
- SoC, RAM, and Storage:
  - Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with options for up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
- Software:
  - ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 13.
- Battery:
  - 5,000mAh with OPPO Battery Health Engine (1600 charge cycles, maintaining 80% battery health after 4 years), featuring 100W SuperVOOC wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
- Additional Features:
  - IP68 rating, stereo speakers, NFC, and an IR remote control.
- Price:
  - Starting at $1,099 for the base model.
Design

The design of the Oppo Find X6 Pro is a key highlight. The model I reviewed featured a brown, dual-tone vegan leather finish, complemented by a prominent camera module encircled by a sleek stainless steel bezel. This design choice lends the device a classic aesthetic, showcasing a clear emphasis on its photographic capabilities. Despite its impressive camera setup, the phone maintains a sleek profile, with a curved front display that enhances its visual appeal.

Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that OPPO has meticulously crafted the Find X6 Pro, ensuring it exudes sophistication. The combination of the IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the lenses and display, an aluminum frame, and the premium leather finish creates a device that captures attention effortlessly.

Cameras

The camera specifications of the Find X6 Pro underscore its serious commitment to photography. Each sensor is designed to stand out, avoiding the common practice of relegating secondary and tertiary sensors to the background, as seen in many smartphones. While this could be viewed as a marketing strategy, the results speak volumes.

The shooting modes include standard photo, video, and portrait options, alongside a robust Pro mode. The ‘More’ section reveals additional features like night mode, long exposure, time-lapse, and slow motion. Notably, the XPAN mode allows for wide aspect ratio images, creating a unique photographic effect that can produce striking visuals.

In terms of performance, the 1-inch main sensor excels across various lighting conditions, delivering sharp, detailed shots rich in dynamic range. Low-light images maintain quality, and portrait edge detection is precise. The zoom capabilities are particularly impressive, offering 3X optical zoom, 6X in-sensor zoom, and digital zoom up to 120X. While achieving steady shots at such high magnification can be challenging, AI features assist in capturing usable images, especially in scenarios like moon photography. Although 8K video recording isn’t available, video quality remains strong. The 32MP front camera performs admirably, although skin tones can sometimes appear overly soft.

Display, Performance, and Battery Life

The Find X6 Pro boasts a vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, providing stunning visuals suitable for all types of media consumption. Whether gaming or streaming, the display enhances the overall experience, perfectly complementing the phone’s photographic capabilities.

Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, paired with ample RAM and fast storage, the Find X6 Pro delivers seamless performance across demanding tasks and gaming sessions. Benchmark scores reflect its capabilities.

The 5,000mAh battery offers impressive longevity, easily lasting a day under moderate use, even for heavy users.

Charging is a breeze, with the 100W SuperVOOC capable of quickly powering the device. Additionally, the 50W wireless charging option exceeds the wired charging speeds of some competing flagship models.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, any assessment of the Find X6 Pro is primarily of academic interest, as OPPO has yet to launch this device officially in India. This omission is unfortunate, as the Find X6 Pro is more than just a flagship loaded with impressive specs; it promises an exceptional user experience.

Today’s flagship smartphones are expected to excel in performance, battery life, and camera quality. However, the Find X6 Pro distinguishes itself further with its elegant design and outstanding photography capabilities. It is a device that truly stands out in a crowded market, and despite its absence from certain regions, it sets a high standard for what modern smartphones can achieve.
October 21, 2024
Vivo X200 Pro Review Price, Features, and Performance Analysis
Despite the fierce competition in the 2024 smartphone market, the Vivo X200 Pro 5G stands out as one of the most highly anticipated flagship devices. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at its design, performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and overall user experience to determine whether the Vivo X200 Pro 5G truly lives up to the hype.

Design and Build: Premium Meets Practicality

The Vivo X200 Pro 5G offers a sophisticated yet functional design. Unlike its predecessor, the X100 Ultra, which featured a curved frame, the X200 Pro opts for a larger, flatter build that feels solid and comfortable in hand. The 6.78-inch display remains intact, offering a sleek but substantial feel whether you’re gaming or browsing.

Durability has also been enhanced with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing improved scratch resistance and a matte finish on the rear panel to prevent fingerprint smudges.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.78-inch AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution is one of the highlights of the Vivo X200 Pro 5G. With a peak brightness of 1500 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate, the display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp visuals, making it perfect for gaming and video streaming.

Its outdoor visibility is equally impressive, maintaining clarity even in direct sunlight, and the adaptive refresh rate helps conserve battery by adjusting based on the content being viewed.

Performance: Powered by the Latest Tech

Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage, the Vivo X200 Pro 5G delivers outstanding performance. Whether multitasking or running demanding apps, the phone handles everything smoothly. The Adreno 750 GPU ensures fluid gaming with minimal lag, delivering rich graphics and high frame rates for even the most resource-intensive titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile.

Camera Quality: A Photographer’s Dream

The camera system is one of the Vivo X200 Pro 5G’s standout features. The 50MP 1/1.28-inch main sensor, though slightly smaller than the X100 Ultra’s 1-inch sensor, still offers exceptional light capture and faster processing.

Main Camera: The 50MP primary camera delivers sharp, vibrant photos with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy. Even in low light, the pixel-binning technology ensures clean, noise-free images. Portrait mode produces beautiful bokeh and natural subject separation.

Telephoto Lens: The 85mm f/2.67 telephoto lens provides up to 5x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, delivering excellent clarity even at long distances.

Ultra-Wide and Macro Lenses: The 12MP ultra-wide camera is ideal for group shots and landscapes, while the macro lens offers impressive close-ups with fine detail.

Video Recording: The Vivo X200 Pro 5G supports 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps. Optical and electronic image stabilization ensure smooth, high-quality footage, even in handheld shots.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

The 5000mAh battery, paired with the energy-efficient Snapdragon chipset, easily provides all-day battery life. With heavy usage, the Vivo X200 Pro 5G can last from morning to night without needing a charge.

For quick recharges, the 90W fast charger included in the box powers the device from 0% to 100% in under 30 minutes. The phone also supports 50W wireless charging, offering flexibility for users who prefer cable-free charging.

Software and User Experience: Smooth and Intuitive

Running on Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, the software experience is smooth and user-friendly. Vivo has minimized bloatware, and features like Game Mode and AI enhancements further improve usability, especially for gamers and content creators. Security features include fast face unlock and an in-display fingerprint sensor.

Connectivity and 5G Performance

As the name suggests, the Vivo X200 Pro 5G supports dual-mode 5G, offering lightning-fast downloads and streaming with minimal latency. The phone also includes Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and Wi-Fi 6E support for future-proof connectivity.

Durability: Built to Last

With an IP68 rating, the Vivo X200 Pro 5G is dustproof and water-resistant, protecting it from accidental spills and submersion. The aluminum frame, combined with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, ensures durability without adding unnecessary bulk.

Audio Quality: Immersive Sound

The stereo speakers on the Vivo X200 Pro 5G provide crisp, balanced sound with good bass depth, making it perfect for gaming, movies, and music. The device also supports Hi-Res Audio, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures low-latency, lossless audio for wireless headphones.

Storage Options: Plenty of Space

Available in 256GB and 512GB variants, the X200 Pro 5G offers ample storage for apps, videos, and photos, though there is no support for microSD expansion. With UFS 4.0 storage, file transfers and app loading are incredibly fast.

Price and Availability: Worth the Investment?

Starting at around $899, the Vivo X200 Pro 5G offers a compelling value proposition. Its premium features and strong performance make it a competitive option against other flagships like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Conclusion: A Top Flagship of 2024

The Vivo X200 Pro 5G is a solid contender in the 2024 flagship race. Its stunning display, powerful performance, and exceptional camera system make it a standout choice. Paired with long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and a sleek design, it’s a top pick for anyone seeking a premium smartphone experience.
October 20, 2024