Realme Narzo 60 5G Review: A budget phone that looks great, runs smooth

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Jul 18, 2023

Realme’s Narzo series has always tried to offer consumers a good value for their money. Some models in the lineup have been better than the others, but the two new phones released this year are both solid options. The higher-end Realme Narzo 60 Pro punches above its weight with a sleek design and a whopping 1TB storage. But the Realme Narzo 60 5G, which I’ve been using for a while now, is also a great value at its price point.

After using it for more than two weeks, I’ve been impressed with how smooth the Narzo 60 runs. It’s powerful enough for most users and also brings a sharp AMOLED display, a good battery, and a premium-looking design. All of this starts at just Rs. 17,999 in India. But hey, it’s not perfect (what is right?). There are several flaws that might be the deciding factor for some. In this review, I’ll try to answer the good, the bad, and the maybes of this newly launched Realme Narzo 60 5G to help you make an informed decision.

Disclaimer: Realme sent us the Narzo 60 5G smartphone for the purpose of this review and didn’t have input into its contents.

Design: It doesn’t look like a budget phone

This year’s Realme Narzo phones certainly don’t look cheap. The Realme Narzo 60’s design takes some inspiration from the Realme 11 series, with a round camera module that is becoming increasingly popular in the industry. While the Realme 11 Pro (review) and 11 Pro+ (review) have a more refined and premium design, the Narzo 60 5G still doesn’t look half bad.

Realme sent us the Cosmic Black finish of the phone, which has a shimmering appearance. The rear panel and mid-frame are flat, like an iPhone, and are made of polycarbonate. Before we discuss the design and display in detail, let’s see what’s in the box.

Realme gives you pretty much everything you need in the box. Here’s the list of items inside the retail package:

Screen protector (pre-applied)
TPU case
SIM ejector tool
33W charger
USB-C to USB-A cable
User manual
Warranty card

The Realme Narzo 60 has a slightly different design from its Pro sibling. The Narzo 60 Pro has a narrow frame with curved edges on the display and the back panel, while the Narzo 60 has a flat back and edges. The front panel on smartphone is also flat. The polycarbonate back of the device looks like metal, thanks to its glossy finish. I have the Cosmic Black variant of the device, but there’s also a Mars Orange version with a vegan leather finish.

You get a large circular camera module on the rear that houses two sensors and an LED flash. Fingerprints and smudges can be seen on the back at a certain angle but are far from prominent. They are quick to clean off so that won’t be an issue. The blocky design and sharp edges of the device make it look premium. However, this also makes it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time.

The right side holds the volume rocker along with the power button. The placement of the buttons is appropriate and I didn’t have to stretch my thumb to reach them. On the left, you have the SIM card and microSD card tray, and on the bottom, there are the USB-C connector, loudspeaker grille, and a nice-to-have 3.5mm audio jack.

The Realme Narzo 60 has a punch-hole cutout on the top-left corner of the display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. There’s an in-display fingerprint reader, which works fine in most scenarios. The bezels around the panel are thin, but the chin is particularly thick. This detracts from the look of the smartphone, but it is still a good-looking device overall.

The Narzo 60 is also quite lightweight, weighing in at just 183g.

A decent display and multimedia experience

Unlike last year’s Narzo 50, which uses an IPS LCD display, the Realme Narzo 60 gets a sharp 6.43-inch AMOLED panel. The screen looks fine in most situations. The FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) makes the content look crisp indoors with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The phone is also sufficiently bright with 1000 nits peak brightness and you get a smooth experience with a 90Hz refresh rate.

The screen refreshes between 60Hz and 90Hz by default, but you can also set it to either. I didn’t notice any stuttering in the animations or when scrolling, but I would have been more impressed with a 120Hz panel like the Redmi Note 12 5G. Also, the phone doesn’t support HDR content, which is a bummer.

I found the loudpeakers on the Narzo 60 5G to be a little underwhelming. Although, Realme has packed the device with Dolby Atmos dual speakers, it is just not loud enough. But the company makes up for that with a 3.5mm headphone jack that support 24-bit/192kHz audio.

Narzo 60’s Cameras has its Flaws

The large circular camera module on the back of Realme Narzo 60 is a bit of misleading. Sure, there’s a 64MP main sensor inside, but that’s the only one that’s really usable. The 2MP depth sensor is just there to take up space. But considering the price point, the camera performance of the Narzo 60 is not bad. The primary shooter takes vibrant, detailed photos in daylight. And thanks to the 2x In-sensor zoom, you can get even closer to your subjects without losing any quality.

I found the zoom feature to be especially useful for portraits. The camera was able to capture sharp details on my subject’s face, even when I was zoomed in. The edge detection in the portrait mode is also quite good. But Realme’s software tends to sharpen the images a bit.

You ask about the low-light camera performance? Well, I don’t expect any mind-blowing photos from a budget phone in the dark. The main 64MP shooter on the Narzo 60 struggles to focus in low light, and even tapping on the viewfinder to try to focus the camera doesn’t always help. The dedicated Night mode can help to improve low light performance, but it’s not a perfect solution. I noticed the selfie camera manages to capture detailed shots without smoothening skin the too much.

Both the rear and front cameras can record 1080p video at 30fps. To sum up, the Realme Narzo 60 does a fair job in the camera department, as long as you can overlook the low-light performance. I would have liked an ultrawide camera, but that’s just me.

Performance and Software

I believe that if a smartphone performs well, shortcomings in the camera and display departments can be overlooked, especially on a budget-friendly phone. Many affordable phones struggle to keep up even with basic tasks. But the Realme Narzo 60 5G really surprised me with its smooth performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chip inside the smartphone handled most social media, YouTube, and other everyday tasks with ease. Apps load quickly and run smoothly.

The gaming experience on the device is also commendable. I played a lot of popular titles on the Narzo 60, including Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty Mobile (COD), and Garena’s Free Fire. For what it’s worth, I also tried less-demanding games like Clash of Clans and Subway Surfers on the device. BGMI supported HD graphics with a high frame rate of 45 fps. While playing all of these games, I didn’t notice any lag, and the phone almost never got hot.

However, while playing BGMI, I did notice a gyroscope delay. When I enabled the gyroscope setting and tried to aim with the scope on, there was a delay. This made it difficult to play the game, but if you don’t use the gyroscope, you shouldn’t have a problem. It seems like a software issue that Realme could fix in a future update.

Benchmark scores of the Realme Narzo 60 5G can be seen below:

Realme Narzo 60 Geekbench 6 — Geekbench 6

The software experience on the Realme Narzo 60 is not the best out there. Realme UI 4.0, which is based on Android 13, is cluttered with native apps and bloatware. You can disable or delete most of them, but it’s still intrusive. For example, Game Center, App Market, and Theme Store frequently spam the notification shade with recommendations. However, you can disable these notifications in the settings.

Realme Narzo 60 packs a large 5,000mAh battery and supports 33W charging. It takes less than 2 hours to juice up from 0 to 100. The battery easily lasted me around two days with 8-9 hours of screen on time.

Coming to the Big question – Should you get it?

Now that I’ve walked you through all the pros and cons of the device, the question arises: should you get it or not? The Realme Narzo 60 5G is not a very significant upgrade over the Narzo 50 on paper. However, the phone impresses with its premium-looking design and a powerful processor. If you like to play a lot of games but don’t want to break the bank, the Narzo 60 5G could be a good option.

The phone is a good daily driver, thanks to its long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and decent charging speed. It competes with the likes of the iQOO Z7 (review) and the Redmi Note 12 5G (review), and even outperforms them in some aspects. All in all, the Realme Narzo 60 5G is decent all-rounder of a smartphone that offers good value at its price.

Realme Narzo 60 5G is available for purchase in the following configurations:

8GB RAM + 128GB storage ~ ₹17,999
8GB RAM + 256GB storage ~ ₹19,999

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Nothing Phone 2 Indian open sale begins on July 21 via Flipkart; Check pricing, offers & more

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 18, 2023

Last week, the Nothing Phone (2) made its global debut featuring an improved chipset, new camera sensors, and the highly anticipated Nothing OS 2.0. The device has started retailing in some regions through the Nothing Drop physical stores. Now, the brand has finally announced the online availability date for the Phone (2) in India.

The Nothing Phone (2) will go on open sale starting July 21 via Flipkart. The base variant (8GB + 128GB) is priced at Rs 44,999. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model will cost Rs 49,999. The highest 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model is priced at Rs 54,999 in India. When using an Axis Bank Credit and Debit Card, customers can avail a Rs 3000 discount.

Nothing Phone (2) specs

The Nothing Phone (2) features a more tricked-out Glyph interface with more functionalities than its predecessor. The device has a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display that offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a 1080 x 2412 resolution, and 1600 nits peak brightness.

Under the hood, the device has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC processor paired with LPDDR5 RAM and USF 3.1 storage. In the camera department, there’s a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor with OIS and in-sensor zoom, similar to the OnePlus 11’s primary sensor. Additionally, there’s a 50MP ultrawide camera with the Samsung JN1 sensor and a 32MP Sony IMX615 front-facing camera with EIS for selfies.

The device is equipped with a 4,700mAh battery, supporting 33W wired and 15W wireless charging. It runs on Nothing OS 2.0, based on Android 13, which introduces new widgets, theme colors, folder layouts, and illustrated covers.

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Infinix Hot 30 5G goes on sale for Rs 12,499 (~$152), packs 6.78-inch 120Hz display, 6,000mAh battery, 50MP main camera

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jul 18, 2023

Last week, Infinix announced the Infinix Hot 30 5G budget phone in the Indian market. Starting today, the device will be available for the first time in the country. Some of the key highlights of the device include, a 6.78-inch 120Hz LCD display, a 6,000mAh battery, a 50-megapixel main camera, and 5G connectivity. Here is a look at the Hot 30 5G’s price and offers.

Infinix Hot 30 5G price in India, offers

The Infinix Hot 30 5G has landed in India in two options: 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage for Rs 12,499 (~$152) and 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage for Rs 13,499 (~$165). It comes in two shades, such as Knight Black and Aurora Blue. With the Axis Bank discount of Rs 1,000 (~$12), both variants can be bought for Rs 11,499 (~$140) and Rs 12,499 (~$152), respectively. Buyers can also avail no-cost EMI to purchase the Hot 30 5G.

Infinix Hot 30 5G specifications

The Infinix Hot 30 5G is fitted with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ LCD punch-hole display with a resolution of 2460 x1080 pixels and a 20.5:9 aspect ratio. In addition, the display offers a 120Hz refresh rate, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and a peak brightness of up to 580 nits. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

Under the hood, the Hot 30 5G features the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 7nm processor. It comes with 4 GB / 8 GB RAM variants, up to 8 GB of virtual RAM, and 128 GB of built-in storage. It runs on XOS 13, which is based on Android 13. It packs a 6,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging.

On the front, it offers an 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash. Its back panel features a 50-megapixel primary camera, an AI lens, and a quad-LED flash unit. For audiophiles, it offers features like a 3.5mm audio jack and dual stereo speakers. It offers other features, such as an IP53 rated chassis, 5G (n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, and n78 bands), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a USB-C port.

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OnePlus 11 x Genshin Impact Custom Gift Box launched in the US: Pricing, availability & more

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 18, 2023

After a month of teasing, OnePlus has finally announced the open sale date of the OnePlus 11 x Genshin Impact Custom Gift Box. This is the same gift box that OnePlus launched in China with the OnePlus Ace 2 (OnePlus 11R), however, for the global market, the brand has included a standard OnePlus 11 unit in the box.

The device’s external appearance remains unchanged, but it boasts exclusive Genshin Impact-themed software. Alongside the product’s metal-handled packaging box, the Limited Edition version includes delightful extras like Xiangling stickers, and information display cards featuring characters from the beloved video game. The box itself is inspired by a Chinese Antique Stacking Lunch Box, which makes sense since Xiangling is a chef in Genshin Impact.

OnePlus US has listed the OnePlus 11 Genshin Impact Custom Gift Box set for $799.99 on its website. The package will include a Titan Black color OnePlus 11 5G smartphone with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. In comparison, the regular OnePlus 11 5G costs $749.99 in the US.

Open sales for the special edition device will commence on July 21. Since the box set is the same one as the OnePlus Ace 2 Genshin Impact Xiangling Edition which launched in China, you can check out our unboxing and short review to get an idea of what to expect.

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Tesla is Introducing Solar Charging for its Vehicles to Reduce Electric Bills

By

Anubhav

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Jul 18, 2023

Tesla‘s commitment to sustainable energy solutions has taken a major leap forward with the recent announcement of their groundbreaking “Charge On Solar” function. The company, known for its innovative electric vehicles and refined solar technology, revealed that Tesla owners can now charge their vehicles exclusively using excess solar energy generated by the Tesla solar system. This development is expected to revolutionize the way electric vehicles are charged and further reduce their carbon footprint.

The vehicles will continuously monitor the levels of solar charging and relay it through the app

The “Charge On Solar” feature requires some upgrades to both the Tesla vehicle and the Powerwall, which acts as a home battery system. To access this eco-friendly charging method, Tesla owners need to ensure their car is running on version 2023.26 or later. Additionally, the Tesla Powerwall should be upgraded to version 23.12.10 or later. Finally, to coordinate both the car and Powerwall effectively, the Tesla mobile application should be updated to version 4.22.5.

Upon completing these upgrades, Tesla owners can enable the “Charge On Solar” function through the Tesla application. The feature allows users to customize their charging experience by setting charge limits and choosing their preferred charge location. This level of personalization ensures that users can align their electric vehicle’s charging with their unique energy needs.

To optimize the solar charging process, Tesla vehicles equipped with the “Charge On Solar” feature continuously monitor the charging status in real-time. Every ten seconds, the system automatically adjusts the charging level as required. Moreover, users can schedule when to utilize solar charging, providing even greater flexibility and control over their energy usage.

However, it’s essential to note that this feature is exclusive to Tesla Powerwalls. Those with third-party batteries that store solar energy will not be able to benefit from the “Charge On Solar” capability at this time.

The introduction of “Charge On Solar” marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. By harnessing excess solar energy to power electric vehicles, Tesla is pushing the boundaries of green technology and promoting a greener, more sustainable future. The new feature has garnered widespread praise from environmentally conscious Tesla owners who view this as a game-changer in the sector of renewable energy and electric mobility.

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Threads by Instagram might be Running Out of its Glory Days

By

Anubhav

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Jul 18, 2023

Threads, the potential Twitter replacement from Meta started off strong, but as a lot of experts predicted, it has faced challenges in maintaining its daily active users. According to a Similarweb report, Threads had an impressive peak of over 49 million daily active users on Android worldwide on July 7. However, by July 14, that number dropped significantly to 23.6 million, representing about 22% of Twitter’s audience.

Threads is also currently unavailable in Europe, which might be a contributing factor

In the race to compete with Twitter and other alternatives that might be dropping in the near future, Threads was the source of undivided attention when it launched, especially in the US, where users spent an average of 21 minutes engaging with the app on July 7. However, that engagement dwindled to just over 6 minutes by July 14. Interestingly, during its peak interest days, Twitter’s daily active users on Android remained relatively unchanged, but the time spent on the platform decreased by 4.3%, possibly due to some users exploring Threads.

One of Threads’ strengths lies in its ability to solve the “empty party problem” faced by new online communities. Instagram users can instantly create a Threads account and bring their existing contacts, contributing to Meta’s claim of achieving over 100 million total account signups in a short period. Despite this success, Threads still lacks essential features and must offer compelling reasons for users to switch from Twitter or adopt it as their primary social media platform.

Threads’ popularity in the US is attributed to its unavailability in the EU. However, it faces the challenge of retaining users, as daily usage minutes have declined over time. In contrast, Instagram’s user loyalty has remained steady at about 40%, highlighting the need to focus on user retention and satisfaction.

The competition between Threads and Twitter is evident, as web traffic to twitter.com dropped by 5% during Threads’ initial availability days. While Threads has definitely made a notable crater on Twitter’s market share, it still has a long way to go before becoming a true Twitter replacement. And at this point, it’s safe to assume that most users already know that.

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Facebook Upgrades Video Content with New Editing Tools and an Enhanced Video Tab

By

Anubhav

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Jul 18, 2023

Facebook has been one of the longest-running social media platforms, and even though its audience has seen a decline over the past few years, the app still has a high user base. Videos have played a vital role in this journey since as early as 2007. Over the years, Facebook has evolved its video capabilities, and today, it stands as a powerful hub for Reels, long-form, and Live content, attracting users with a diverse range of video options. Now, the social media giant is taking it to the next level with the latest updates designed to empower creators and engage audiences like never before.

The Video tab will soon be accessible from the shortcut bar

One of the most significant updates focuses on video editing tools. Facebook is rolling out new features to enhance Reels, making video creation even more dynamic and expressive. The updates include seamless editing, bringing audio, music, and text into a single interface, making it easier for creators to layer and time their creative elements flawlessly. Additionally, more clip editing tools are now available, allowing users to experiment with speeding up, reversing, or replacing clips, unleashing their creativity further. And to top it off, enhanced audio options enable users to mix the perfect sound into their videos, adding music and audio clips, recording voiceovers, and reducing unwanted noise.

Moreover, Facebook is bringing true HDR video support to its family of apps, starting with the ability to upload HDR videos from mobile devices to Reels. This feature ensures that users can experience videos in full HDR, a treat for anyone who appreciates superior visual quality.

To simplify video exploration and engagement, Facebook is introducing the Video tab, which consolidates all video content on the platform, including Reels, long-form videos, and Live content. This tab offers a personalized feed, making it easy to scroll through and discover an array of video content. The new horizontal-scroll reels sections allow users to jump quickly into short-form videos, adding an element of discovery and excitement to the experience. The Video tab will soon be accessible from the shortcut bar, making it readily available to users on both iOS and Android devices.

Facebook has also redesigned the video Explore feature, providing users with more opportunities to dive into popular video topics. The Explore section offers a mix of reels, long-form, and live videos related to relevant topics and hashtags, thanks to a combination of human curation and machine learning. This curated content will ensure that users find videos that resonate with their interests and preferences.

Additionally, Facebook is bridging the gap between its platforms by allowing users to engage with Instagram Reels on Facebook seamlessly. Users can now watch and write comments on Instagram Reels directly from the Facebook app, eliminating the need to switch between the two platforms. By adding their Facebook and Instagram accounts to the Meta Accounts Center, users can effortlessly interact with their favorite content and creators, regardless of the app they are using.

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BYD Projects Tripling Net Profit in H1 2023, Sales Surge 94%

By

Joane

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Jul 18, 2023

Shenzhen-based electric vehicle giant BYD announced on Friday its projected net profit for the first half of 2023, indicating a nearly triple growth compared to the previous year. The company expects its net profit to reach RMB 10.5 billion ($1.46 billion) or more, showcasing its robust sales performance and resilience in the face of intense competition within the Chinese market.

BYD’s strong sales figures throughout the second quarter have fueled expectations of profits surpassing market estimates, which stood at a minimum of RMB 6.3 billion. The automaker’s continuous success can be attributed to various factors, including an enhanced brand image, effective cost-control capabilities, and a decline in battery raw material prices.

During the first three months of this year, BYD already reported earnings of over RMB 4.1 billion. This strong performance set a solid foundation for the company’s optimistic projections for the first half of 2023. As of June, BYD’s year-to-date sales had witnessed an impressive growth rate of 94% compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 1.3 million units.

The significant growth in sales indicates BYD’s ability to capture market share despite fierce competition in the Chinese automotive industry. The company’s electric vehicles have gained popularity among consumers due to their reliability, advanced features, and competitive pricing.

BYD’s success is attributed to its efforts in improving its brand image, which has resonated well with customers. The company’s commitment to cost control has allowed it to maintain healthy profit margins while offering attractive pricing to customers. Additionally, the decline in battery raw material prices has positively impacted BYD’s production costs, further boosting its financial performance.

With such remarkable sales growth in the first half of 2023, BYD is now aiming to achieve its ambitious annual target of producing 3 million cars this year. The automaker’s consistent delivery of innovative and eco-friendly vehicles has positioned it as a key player in the global electric vehicle market.

As BYD continues to focus on expanding its product portfolio and strengthening its market presence, its strong performance in the first half of 2023 reflects the company’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and meet customer demands.

BYD’s projection of nearly tripling its net profit for the first half of 2023 demonstrates the company’s robust sales performance and market resilience. With impressive year-to-date sales growth of 94% and its commitment to innovation, cost control, and customer satisfaction, BYD is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory in the highly competitive Chinese automotive industry.

BYD Proposes $1 Billion Investment for Full Line-up of Electric Cars in India

China’s EV Sales Surge as BYD Achieves Record Sales in June, While Petrol Car Sales Decline

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Porsche’s Mission X Concept will Amaze Fans at the Rennsport Reunion 7

By

Anubhav

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Jul 18, 2023

Porsche, a prestigious German car manufacturer, is synonymous with precision engineering and high-performance vehicles. With a rich history dating back to 1931, Porsche has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. Renowned for its iconic 911 sports car, the brand has diversified its lineup to include SUVs and electric vehicles, cementing its status as a leading force in the luxury automotive industry. Last month, the company unveiled the jaw-dropping Mission X concept, a tiny glimpse into the company’s future. While there are no immediate plans for commercial production, Porsche enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Mission X debuts at this year’s Rennsport Reunion 7, starting on Thursday, September 28 in California.

The Mission X can charge twice as fast as the Taycan Turbo S

The Rennsport Reunion is renowned for bringing together Porsche race cars and drivers, making it the perfect setting to introduce the world to the Mission X. Serving as grand marshals for the event will be Porsche Motorsport North America CEO Alwin Springer and three-time IMSA GT2 champion Patrick Long.

With a design that pays homage to iconic models like the 959, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder, the Mission X is a stunning all-electric hypercar. Although Porsche hasn’t revealed much about the powertrain, it boasts an impressive output of at least one horsepower per 2.2 pounds of weight. Porsche seems to have a clear goal in mind when designing the Mission X – to create the fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, should it ever enter production. To achieve this, the hypercar must generate more than 900 pounds of downforce at 124 miles per hour and a staggering 1,895 lbs at 177 mph, surpassing the current 911 GT3.

With an innovative 900-volt architecture, the Mission X is expected to charge roughly twice as quickly as the Taycan Turbo S. Its cutting-edge features include staggered 20- and 21-inch ultra-lightweight magnesium wheels, side-view cameras in place of mirrors, and the same wheelbase as the 918 Spyder, making it 177 inches long and 2 inches wider at 78.7.

As of now, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has hinted at the possibility of producing the Mission X, especially with the brand’s increasing focus on electric vehicles. However, an official decision is yet to be announced. Until Porsche gives the green light, the Mission X will remain as a concept. For now, one can only keep their fingers crossed for the car’s appearance at the Rennsport Reunion 7.

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The HiPhi Y is a New, Affordable Electric Crossover Coming to Europe Next Year

By

Anubhav

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Jul 18, 2023

The HiPhi Y, an electric crossover, has been launched in China with a starting price of ¥339,000 ($47,265). European consumers can expect to see it in their markets next year, which is great news. Buyers will be able to choose from two battery pack options, offering a range of approximately 347 to 503 miles, though real-world figures are likely to be around 250-370 miles, as CLTC estimates tend to be almost always a little too optimistic.

This will be one of the cheaper cars in the company’s lineup when it officially launches

With a dual-motor setup, the HiPhi Y delivers 497 horsepower, providing a 0-60 mph acceleration in around 4.5 seconds. For the rear-wheel-drive version, acceleration figures have not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to be less powerful at 331 hp. Inside, the HiPhi Y boasts a 17-inch OLED center display, a 15-inch HD touch screen for passengers, and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster for the driver. Standard features include a Meridian sound system, camera rear-view mirror, and heads-up display.

The HiPhi Y’s rear doors are unique, with the lower half opening traditionally and the upper section adopting a gullwing-style opening. Seemingly, one might even be able to fit something a little taller through the door slot.

HiPhi already offers two other models, the X SUV and Z sedan, launching in Europe later this year with prices starting at over €100,000 ($112,330). As the cheapest option, the Y is expected to become available for European orders later this year, with deliveries commencing in 2024.

The HiPhi Y’s introduction in China marks a significant milestone, and its upcoming launch in Europe is expected to further establish it as a competitive player in the electric crossover market. As the automotive industry continues its shift towards sustainability, the HiPhi Y is a clear example of electric vehicles and the ongoing innovation shaping the future of transportation.

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Google Pixel 8 Pro Specs Surface in a Leak on Twitter, will Feature Samsung OLED Display

By

Anubhav

-

Jul 18, 2023

Tech enthusiasts, and especially Google fans will be able to get some news regarding the highly-anticipated Google Pixel 8 Pro, as it is set to be released in the not-so-distant future. Information from a reliable source, Twitter blogger @Abhishek Yadav, has revealed some key details about this upcoming smartphone, and it appears to be an impressive device that aims to make a mark in the mobile industry and build upon the success of the Pixel 7 lineup.

The Pixel 8 Pro will feature a 120 Hz Display with 490PPI and 1600 nits of brightness

Going as per leaks, a notable feature of the Google Pixel 8 Pro will be its front display. Boasting a 6.7-inch Samsung OLED screen with a resolution of 2992×1344, the display will offer a smooth visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also provides bright visuals, with a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it suitable for various multimedia activities. The screen’s pixel density of 490PPI will ensure sharp and clear visuals.

For photography enthusiasts, the Pixel 8 Pro comes equipped with a rear camera setup featuring a 50-megapixel GN2 main camera, a 64-megapixel IMX787 ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 48-megapixel GM5 telephoto lens. These combined lenses promise to deliver high-quality photos and versatile shooting options. On the front, the phone sports a 10.8-megapixel 3J1 lens, ensuring satisfactory selfies.

Under the hood, the Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s self-developed Tensor G3 processor, a significant upgrade from its predecessors. The Tensor G3 processor is known for its efficient 9-core CPU, which supports ray tracing, enabling improved graphics performance. The CPU configuration includes a 3.0GHz Cortex-X3 core, four 2.45GHz Cortex-A715 cores, and four 2.15GHz Cortex-A510 cores. To enhance user experience, the phone comes with the Android 14 operating system pre-installed.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro has already piqued the interest of tech enthusiasts, thanks to leaked renders from the past. The aesthetics combined with its advanced features make it a device worth waiting for.

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OPPO K11 smartphone confirmed to officially launch in China on July 25

By

Jeet

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Jul 18, 2023

OPPO has today officially announced that the company will be launching its new K-series smartphone, dubbed OPPO K11, in its home market China on 25th July.

The launch event for the OPPO K11 for the Chinese market will take place on 25th July at 02:30 PM local time. The phone has already passed 3C certification at reportedly carries model number PJC3.

Based on the leaks so far, the OPPO K11 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a centered hole-punch design and an under-display fingerprint sensor. The display is expected to have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the device will come powered by an octa-core processor clocked at 2.7GHz, which is most likely to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G.

In the camera department, the phone has a triple-camera setup on the back that includes a 50MP primary Sony IMX890 sensor, an 8MP secondary sensor, and a 2MP tertiary sensor. On the front side, there will be a 16MP snapper for taking selfies and video calling.

The smartphone will run the Android operating system with the company’s own ColorOS custom user interface. The device is expected to be powered by a 4,870mAh battery and has support for 100W fast charging.

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Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) with Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 set to launch on July 20 in China, read specifications

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jul 18, 2023

In May, Huawei unveiled the Huawei MatePad Air (2023) with the Snapdragon 888 chip onboard in China. On July 20, the company will announce a new tablet dubbed the Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023). The specifications and features of the tablet are already known since it debuted in Malaysia earlier this month. Here’s everything that’s known about the new tablet.

Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) specifications and features

The Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) has an 11.5-inch LCD screen, featuring a resolution of 2200 x 1440 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 3:2 aspect ratio. Additionally, the display has received TÜV Rheinland hardware-level low blue light certification, safeguarding users’ eyes during prolonged usage.

At the heart of the MatePad 11.5 lies the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 mobile processing platform, ensuring seamless performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. In Malaysia, the tablet comes with 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.

The MatePad 11.5 (2023) is equipped with an 8-megapixel front camera and a 13-megapixel rear camera. It has a 7,700mAh battery with up to 22.5W fast charging support. It runs on the latest HarmonyOS 3.1 operating system and supports the M-Pencil (2nd generation) for productivity. It offers other features, such as dual microphones and four speakers, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The tablet measures only 6.85mm in thickness and weighs around 499 grams.

Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) price

In Malaysia, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) has a starting price of MYR 1,499 (~$330). The price of the Chinese variant, which is set to be unveiled at 7 pm (local time) on July 20, is not known yet. It will be available in grey, beige, and blue shades.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 key specifications emerge before July 26 launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jul 18, 2023

The Galaxy Watch 6 series is one of the devices that is set to launch on July 26 through Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. The Galaxy Watch 6 lineup is expected to include two variants, such as the Watch 6 and the Watch 6 Classic. A new leak that has surfaced on Twitter has revealed the key specifications of the Watch 6, which is expected to arrive in two sizes.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 40mm, Galaxy Watch 6 44mm key specifications (rumored)

As per the leak, the Galaxy Watch 6 will arrive in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The 40mm model will have a 1.31-inch Super AMOLED sapphire display, whereas the 44mm variant will have a larger version of the same display measuring 1.47 inches.

The 40mm and 44mm Galaxy Watch 6 models will offer 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. Both models will come with support for other features, such as Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and LE connectivity via e-SIM. The 40mm edition will pack a 300mAh battery, whereas the 44mm model will house a 425mAh battery.

The 40mm Galaxy Watch 6 will come in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + LTE versions. The same applies for the 44mm variant. While it is not mentioned in the leak, reports have revealed that the Galaxy Watch 6 will come equipped with the Exynos W930 chip.

One of the major differences between the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is that the latter will feature a rotating bezel. So, Samsung is bringing back the physical rotating bezel feature, which was skipped on the Galaxy Watch 5 series. It was last seen on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Reports have revealed that the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will come in 43mm and 44mm and each of them will come in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s latest leak reveals gapless design, cover display with widgets, full keyboard support

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jul 18, 2023

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is one of the devices are set to go official on July 26 through Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. Multiple reports have revealed that the device will be equipped with the largest cover display seen on the Galaxy Z Flip series. A report from last month revealed that the cover screen will be optimized to run some of the Google apps, such as YouTube, Google Maps, and Messages. Now, a new leak courtesy of the reliable tipster Roland Quandt, new images that showcase the new capabilities of the Z Flip 5’s cover screen.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 sports gapless design, versatile cover display

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 leaked image 22 — Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 leaked image

The above images of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 that were reportedly shared by Quandt, which have now been taken down, give a good look at its gapless design. The tipster also shared the below image to reveal what the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover screen can actually do.

The image suggests that the Z Flip 5’s cover display will support widgets like the calendar, messages app with full keyboard support, Samsung wallet, time and battery status, weather, and call history. It seems that the cover screen also supports the camera app. Hence, it goes without saying that the cover screen is one area where the Z Flip 5 will receive a major upgrade as compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which features a 1.9-inch cover display.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 specifications (rumored)

As per reports, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will arrive with a 6.7-inch foldable AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz screen, a 3.36GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, up to 12 GB of RAM, up to 512 GB of storage, a 3,700mAh battery with 25W fast charging, a side-facing fingerprint scanner, and One UI 5.1.1-based Android 13. It will feature a 10-megapixel front camera and a 12-megapixel (main, with OIS) + 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) dual-camera system.

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Here’s a look at upcoming Oppo K11’s Sony IMX890 50MP camera samples

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jul 18, 2023

In a recent leak, tipster Digital Chat Station revealed that the upcoming Oppo K11 will come equipped with Sony IMX890 50-megapixel camera. This camera sensor has been previously used in the company’s high-end models like the OnePlus 11 5G, OnePlus Ace 2, OnePlus 11R, Oppo Find X6, Oppo Reno 10 series, and others. While Oppo has not officially confirmed its inclusion in the K11, the president of the company, Liu Bo, has mentioned that it will provide a photography experience comparable to flagship devices. The camera samples of the K11, which was shared by Digital Chat Station a few hours ago align with the claims made by Oppo China’s president.

The leaked images provide clear evidence of the Oppo K11’s impressive photography capabilities, particularly in portrait shots, low-light conditions, and daylight scenarios. These remarkable results are made possible by the presence of the Sony IMX890 camera sensor. While all the above-mentioned devices carry expensive price tags, the K11 is said to cost around 2,000 Yuan (~$278).

OPPO K11 specifications (rumored)

Rumors are rife that it will be a tweaked version of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, which recently debuted in the global market. The device is expected to arrive with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will come preloaded with ColorOS 13.1-based Android 13.

The device will come with Snapdragon 782G chipset, up to 12 GB of RAM, and up to 512 GB of storage. It will arrive with a 5,000mAh battery that offers 100W charging. It will have a 16-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit on the back.

The Oppo K11 is expected to come with other features like an under-display fingerprint scanner and an IR blaster. For those who don’t know, the K11 will debut on July 25 in China.

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Bigme S6 Color+ color E ink tablet with the latest Kaleido 3 panel, 12 fps refresh rate announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 17, 2023

Bigme has announced the S6 Color+ color e-ink tablet in China. The gadget comes with the latest Kaleido 3 panel and 12 frames per second (fps) refresh rate. The Bigme S6 Color+ is scheduled for an imminent release although the optics have not been stated.

The Kaleido 3 color screen technology and automatic afterimage elimination algorithm are part of the features that put the S6 Color+ on a decent footing. The automatic afterimage elimination algorithm has been reportedly debugged and verified by Bigme. Its effect is more visible when used on color ink screen gadgets. The S6 Color+ will be powered by an octa-core 2.3GHz processor and a RAM/ storage configuration that includes 6GB/ 128GB. The 12fps rating of the device also shows that the color ink screen has a high refresh rate.

The new-generation E Ink Kaleido 3 panel provides 16 gray scales and 4,096 colors and will display rich color image information. It has a 30% increase in color saturation when compared with the previous iteration of the E Ink Kaleido Plus. The technology is based on Print Color ePaper technology with RGB color display for transforming a black and white ePaper film into a warm color display. The vividness of the color display has been significantly improved with greater clarity. It also offers a more detailed and comfortable reading experience.

Bigme has not provided the release date for the S6 Color+ E Ink tablet. It is however expected that these details and the full specs of the new color screen will be released shortly.

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Quick Take: Can Threads Take on Twitter in the Long Run?

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 17, 2023

The social media landscape recently welcomed a new competitor from an existing media giant Meta called the Threads. At a time when Twitter has pivoted to a more aggressive monetization strategy, including paywalls, Threads has rapidly gained traction, with 100 million users signing up on its platform in its first few days.

The question that naturally arises is: What unique offerings does Threads bring to the table that users are contemplating a switch from Twitter?

Let’s delve into a fundamental comparison to gain better insights.

Twitter vs Threads — Illustration: Soumyakanti Ray

Design

Twitter’s minimalist design, primarily text-based, with a linear feed, has been its signature look for years. Conversely, Threads embraces a more visual approach with a card layout reminiscent of Instagram stories, which makes it an excellent platform for sharing links and news stories, providing a more immersive experience.

Features

Twitter, with its mature platform, offers a plethora of features, including trending topics, direct messaging, robust search capabilities, and support for multiple languages. Twitter also gives users the option to draft and save posts for later. There’s also the added advantage of an intricate thread system that lets users easily engage in complex conversations.

On the flip side, Threads, still in its infancy, has a more pared-down feature set. Its main offering revolves around text-based posts with a 500-character limit, quite a leap from Twitter’s 280. Notably missing, however, are functionalities like direct messaging, discovery pages, and support for hashtags. Also, the ability to save drafts and edit posts after publishing is absent.

But Threads isn’t sitting idle; Meta executives have assured users that new features are underway. The roadmap reportedly includes post-editing, multi-language support, and improved desktop functionality. Thus, even though Threads is currently less feature-rich compared to Twitter, it is poised to close the gap soon. Also, Zuckerberg recently said that the app will remain ad-free until it hits 1 billion users.

Algorithm

Twitter employs a complex algorithm that surfaces tweets based on user preferences and engagement. It provides two feed options: one curated by user interests and the other based on user-followed accounts. Threads, on the other hand, adopts a simpler feed approach where posts from all users are visible, regardless of whether a user follows an account or not.

User Demographics

Threads’ initial user base seems to be skewed towards Instagram’s audience, likely due to the seamless integration with the popular photo-sharing app. Twitter, with its broader demographic, appeals to a more diverse audience, including journalists, politicians, and celebrities.

Verification

While Twitter’s controversial pay-for-verification model has drawn criticism, Threads has retained a more traditional verification process. Verified Instagram accounts automatically receive their blue badge on Threads, offering a more trusted verification system.

To better understand the basic in-app differences we have created this chart. Please take a look.

Feature	Twitter	Threads
Design	Minimalist, text-based	Card layout, visually appealing
Character Limit	280 (standard), 25,000 (Twitter Blue)	500
Video Limit	2 minutes 20 seconds (standard), Unlimited (Twitter Blue)	5 minutes
Post Drafts	Available	Currently Unavailable
Direct Messaging	Available	Currently Unavailable
Algorithmic Feed	Yes (two options: based on user interests and followed accounts)	No (all users’ posts visible)
Verification	Available for purchase	Transferred from verified Instagram accounts
Ads	Yes	Currently Ad-free

Can Threads Take on Twitter in the Long Run?

Predicting the winner in this ongoing social media duel is quite premature at this stage. Each platform holds its unique strengths. Despite facing criticism over its paywall policy and alleged toxicity, Twitter still boasts a solid base of loyal users and a rich array of features. On the other hand, Threads, though still evolving, benefits from the massive leverage of Instagram’s enormous user base and Meta’s technological expertise.

This face-off could be perceived as a clash of the titans: Mark Zuckerberg of Meta versus Elon Musk of Twitter. Both are widely recognized for their path-breaking innovations and cutthroat competitiveness.

To conclude, the ongoing rivalry between Threads and Twitter offers an interesting insight into how social media platforms are evolving to cater to a diverse array of user preferences and experiences. Each platform provides unique benefits to its users, and the ultimate choice rests on individual usage habits and preferences. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, we can anticipate more exciting developments in the future.

From my perspective, so far, Threads has emerged as a much calmer space compared to Twitter, which often resembles a battlefield for keyboard warriors. It’s too early to forecast the trajectory Threads will take. A clearer picture will emerge as more users start interacting and creating content on the platform.

As for Twitter, it is likely to remain a vital player in the social media landscape, provided it doesn’t make any strategic missteps. Traditionally, Twitter has been the go-to platform for breaking news, important updates, and brand engagement. Hence, in my opinion, both networks can coexist, each catering to unique audience segments and purposes.

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Baseus AeQur series G10 TWS earphones with support for dual-mode connections launched in China

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 17, 2023

Baseus has unveiled its first G10 TWS earphones supporting LE Audio and Spatial Sound. The Baseus AeQur series G10 TWS headset is the brand’s first true wireless (TWS) Bluetooth headset that uses dual-mode connection technology.

The Aequr series G10 TWS earphones support Bluetooth and Bluetooth adapter connection. It also supports the free switching of two devices connected simultaneously. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio transmission protocols. It can transmit through LC3 encoding with a low response time of 25ms. In addition, the Bluetooth receiver can be stored in the charging case of the wireless earphones.

The new Baseus TWS G10 earphones feature the Baseus BPT fixed-point positioning acoustic technology and 360-degree spatial sound effects. The gadget can be used for sound positioning during gaming and it comes with a half-arc lighting effect, as well as a four-mic call noise reduction tech. The Baseus AeQur series G10 TWS earphones are available in ice blue and orange variants and feature a music live mode. The headset also supports Baseus BISA spatial sound technology for optimized sound output.

There are no specifics yet on the launch date and pricing of the new Baseus G10 TWS earphones. However, it is expected that these optics will be out very soon. It is also unclear at this time whether the Baseus AeQur series G10 TWS earphones will be available in overseas markets.

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Infinix GT 10 Pro could leave Red Magic 8S Pro behind with 26GB RAM

By

Anurag

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Jul 17, 2023

The days of 8GB RAM being the industry standard are long gone. Soon, even 16GB of RAM will be considered low-end. The OPlus group (Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme) was recently rumored to launch phones with up to 24GB of RAM. However, the Red Magic 8S Pro became the first phone to actually feature this much RAM. Now, it seems that Infinix is set to leave all of these brands behind by packing up to 26GB of RAM into the upcoming Infinix GT 10 Pro.

Infinix GT 10 Pro is a beast of a smartphone

Paras Guglani has claimed in a Tweet that Infinix GT 10 Pro will feature 26GB of RAM. In fact, it will be India’s first smartphone to feature this much RAM. Guglani says this smartphone will be launched in India in the next two months, followed by the global launch in August. He has also shared some of the key specifications of the device.

Infinix GT 10 Pro is part of the company’s new GT gaming lineup. This series also includes the GT 10 Pro Plus, which Guglani says won’t be available for sale in India. As per the tipster, the Pro phone will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8050 chipset. This is in line with a recent report which hinted at Dimensity processor, without getting into specifics. That report also shared detailed images of the smartphone (attached above).

The smartphone seems to be a solid gaming phone as the tipster also points at a particularly large 7,000mAh battery life that will support crazy fast 260W charging, leaving Realme GT 3 behind. It will also have 160W charging variant. The Infinix GT 10 Pro will pack a 120Hz AMOLED display and a triple rear camera setup on the back. The primary shooter will boast a 100 megapixels while the other two will be of 8MP.

Phones continue to push the envelope, packing more and more RAM. Do we really need this much RAM in our phones? Find out in this editorial.

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