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Samsung patent reveals next-gen Gesture Controls for Foldable Smartphones

Samsung has been working hard to make foldable smartphones mainstream by making them more affordable as the upcoming devices are expected to be priced lower than their predecessors. Apart from pricing, the features and functionalities also play a major role in making smartphones popular and Samsung has few tricks up its sleeves.

Samsung Patent for Foldable Smartphones

Earlier this month, the South Korean giant’s patent (via Patently Apple) revealed that Samsung could be working on a new foldable smartphone concept that uses special programmable function buttons and gestures. The illustrations filed along with the patent hints at the possible positioning of the button as well as the expansion of the feature to the flip-style phones.

While it’s not explicitly mentioned, the button is expected to be physical but they are implied by way of user gesture controls. Explaining this, Samsung says: “In one embodiment, the gesture input signal may be related to finger movements (for example, finger movement patterns). For example, a swipe gesture input signal may be generated through a swipe gesture.”

In another example, Samsung notes that the swipe gesture may be finger movements in the unfolded state of the electronic device involving touching a specific section of the first side surface 200c, moving in the positive y-axis direction or negative y-axis direction, and releasing. The swipe gesture enables key input signals to be sequentially generated through the first edge keys arranged on the first side surface 200c, and these key input signals may be recognized as a swipe gesture input signal.

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Doogee N40 Pro launching soon with 6380mAh battery for just $129 via AliExpress

Doogee N40 Pro, the upcoming budget device from Doogee is all set to steal the market in China. As per the official information, the company will launch the device on July 26th via AliExpress. The original retail price is $169.99, but the first 500 buyers can grab it for $129.99 between July 26th and 28th under launch discount.

Must See: DOOGEE S86 Pro Launching Globally on 15 June under $200

Quite eager to know the device internals? Well, let’s have a look. The Doogee N40 Pro boasts a 6380mAh battery. Despite the huge battery, it is quite a slim smartphone with 9.9mm thinness. Flaunting a classic design with a leather-like feel on the back, the device wouldn’t feel so cheap in hand. There is a 16MP selfie camera present in the 6.52-inch punch-hole display.

At its heart, the Doogee N40 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60 octa-core chipset. It comes in 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage which is expandable up to 256GB using a microSD card.

The fast and convenient fingerprint sensor makes data easily accessible after unlocking. If you’re a photography enthusiast, then the quad-rear camera of the Doogee N40 will be a +0 +0 deal-breaker. Precisely, the smartphone houses a 20MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, an 8MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens.

The device will start retailing for the introductory deal price of $129.99. Interested users can head over to the AliExpress Sales page for discount offers. To be precise, lucky 50 users visiting the page will get a $30 coupon, 150 will get a $20 discount, and 300 will get a $10 coupon as an additional benefit between 26th and 28th July.

Last but not least, Doogee is running a giveaway campaign by which 10 lucky winners stand a chance to take home N40 Pro smartphones or CS2 Pro smartwatches. Visit the official Doogee website to learn more about the giveaway.

Related: Doogee N40 Pro announced with 6380 mAh battery, 6.52-inch display and 6GB RAM

Snapdragon 870-powered Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 may launch first, SD860 version to come later

It has been reported that the Mi Pad 5 tablet from Xiaomi will come in multiple configurations. There will be a high-end version powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset while a less-powerful model will feature the Snapdragon 860 processor. A new leak has revealed that both versions will be launched separately.

According to the Weibo user that goes by @熊猫很禿然, the Mi Pad 5 with a Snapdragon 870 processor will arrive first. This model will not only have a more powerful processor but also have a 48MP main camera and support for 67W fast wired charging.

Mi Pad 5 specs

The Snapdragon 860 version which will arrive later and cost less will have a 12MP main camera and a much slower 22.5W fast charging technology. We have also heard reports of a version of the tablet with a Snapdragon 768G but much is not known about this variant.

Leaks have revealed that the Mi Pad 5 series will have an 11-inch display with a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi is also expected to launch a 5G version of the Snapdragon 870-powered model but the lower-end models may stick to Wi-Fi.

Lots of fans are anticipating the new Mi Pad tablet which is not surprising since the last model, the Mi Pad 4 was released back in 2018.

 

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Deal: Buy Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock for $11 (Retail Price $40)

Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock which generally retails for $40 is now available at a heavily discounted price of $10.91 only at AliExpress. This is a limited stock offer.

WHERE TO BUY
Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock at $10.91 (after discount)@AliExpress

Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock

Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock 

Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock

Key Features:

  • Smart Key with fingerprint unlock system
  • 0.5s to unlock 
  • 360-degree arbitrary angle biometric recognition
  • Induction rate ≤0.5s
  • Durable structure made from zinc alloy
  • IP62 Water and Splashproof
  • Can store up to 10 different fingerprints 
  • Rechargeable lithium battery – USB 
  • Low power alert and quick charge technology
  • It Will remain locked even after the battery runs out of power
  • Lightweight and highly portable

Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock

Generally retailing for $40 you can now buy Towode Smart Fingerprint Lock at a massively discounted price of $10.91 only at AliExpress. Please note that this is a limited stock offer. The price mentioned is applicable to one single lock in a Black or Grey color variant. So place your order asap. 

 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Deal: Get Amazfit Stratos Smartwatch for $71 (Retail Price $130)

Amazfit Stratos smartwatch which usually retails at around $130 is now available at a discounted price of $71.07 only at AliExpress.

WHERE TO BUY
Amazfit Stratos Smartwatch at $71.07 (after discount)@AliExpress

Amazfit Stratos

Amazfit Stratos Smartwatch embodies the perfect combination of design and technology. Its simple yet graceful design is reflected through the 1.34-inch reflective color display and delicate markers surrounded by a hand-polished ceramic bezel. 

Amazfit Stratos

The smartwatch is 50m water-resistant. This means you can dive into a swimming pool or swim in the open seas without worrying about damaging the smartwatch. Moreover, the multiple sports mode function gives more than 16 different activity tracking options, making the watch suitable for almost everyone. Run, Walk, Swimming, Triathlon, Trail Run, Climb, Soccer, Tennis, etc are some of the modes available along with daily activity tracking. 

Amazfit Stratos

The highlight of Amazfit Stratos is its VO2max Fitness Level Analysis. This premium function gives you important physiological information which is generally used by professional athletes. With this function, you can take your training to the next level and get professional and tailored guidance for your fitness and athletic goals. 

 

Amazfit Stratos

The smartwatch comes with 5-day battery life on normal mode and a 35-hour battery life on a continuous sports mode. Additionally, the onboard music function lets you leave your phone behind as you can simply store your favorite music on the smartwatch and then enjoy it via Bluetooth headphones.

Amazfit Stratos

Amazfit Stratos Smartwatch is the winner of the RedDot Design Award 2018 and the Good Design Award 2018. Generally retailing at $130, you can now buy Amazfit Stratos for a discounted price of $71.07 only at AliExpress. This is a limited period offer. So place your order asap. 

 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Tencent buys British game developer Sumo in a deal worth $1.3 billion

Chinese internet giant Tencent has snapped up Sheffield-based UK games developer Sumo. Tencent is pursuing an expansionist drive that has already put it as the second-largest video game group in terms of revenue just behind Sony. The deal announced by Tencent is valued at $1.27 billion and will continue to push the Chinese company to the summit of global video games production and sales.Tencent Logo

Tencent recently came under scrutiny in China after it sought to merge two video streaming sites DouYu and Huya. The Chinese market regulator blocked the move on possible breach of the country’s antitrust laws. Tencent has also had a very successful run with a number of its video games, some of which have high-profile mobile versions, like Call of Duty.

The company has several chart-topping video games that continue to drive the growth of its portfolio. The purchase is bound to boost Tencent’s global outlook, as it would add several of Sumo’s highly successful video games to its repertoire. Sumo has 14 studios spread across five countries, where it develops its video games.

Tencent holds an 8.75% stake in Sumo, and it is the second-largest shareholder of the company. Sumo had continued on a rising trajectory since 2017 when it was listed on the London Stock Exchange. The gaming provider’s shareholders will enjoy some impressive buyback of their shares in the deal with Tencent. Each share of Sumo has now appreciated 43% from its previous valuation, and a premium of $5.13 per share will be paid to shareholders of Sumo.

The move by Tencent is the second major deal involving a UK company after Electronics Arts (EA) snapped Codemaster within the past year. There has not been any report of a counteroffer at this time; hence it is unlikely that the deal would crumble. However, there could be some level of uncertainty in the regulatory regime of the company, due to the risks and uncertainties in the Chinese regulatory regime.

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Here is a better look at the case of the Nothing ear (1) earbuds

The Nothing ear (1) earbuds will launch later this month as the first product from Carl Pei’s new startup. The pair of wireless earbuds will come with a transparent design, one we have not seen in this product space before. Ahead of its release, a new render that shows the case has surfaced online.

The image is from StockX, an online marketplace that started with selling sneakers. Nothing has partnered with the store to sell 100 units via the platform’s DropX auction. As of the time of writing, the highest bid is €437 which is more than four times the €99 price it will sell for when it launches on July 27.

Nothing ear (1) case

The case of the Nothing ear (1) earbuds is shaped like a square with rounded corners. The top appears to be completely see-through while the bottom has some bit of white plastic that covers the internals including the battery. The case has a round button which is most likely for pairing and right beside it is a USB-C port. The magnets that are built into the case are also visible. We can’t say if the case will support wireless charging as the coil may be buried underneath the opaque white plastic.

While the design of the Nothing Ear (1) will receive mixed reviews, we are pretty sure it will get people talking.

It has been confirmed that the earbuds will have active noise cancellation (ANC) and each one will have three high-definition microphones.

 

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Deal: Buy Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug for $20 (Retail Price $30)

Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug which generally retails for $30 is now available at AliExpress at a discounted price of $19.64 only.

WHERE TO BUY
Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug at $19.64 (after discount)@AliExpress

Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug

Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug

Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug

Key Features:

  • Customized stainless steel mug
  • Capacity : 400ml
  • Stainless steel: Grade 316
  • Perfect for both hot and cold beverages
  • Minimalistic and classic design
  • Premium white color
  • Resistant to cold, sweat, and heat
  • Ergonomic and comfortable design
  • Ultra-smooth cup mouth
  • Smooth and balanced bottom
  • Perfect for the office, study, camping, hiking, travel, etc

Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug

Generally retailing for $30, you can now buy Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug at a discounted price of $19.64 only at AliExpress. Please note that this is the latest luxury design product from Xiaomi under its coffee cups and mugs range. So place your order asap.

Xiaomi Custom Stainless Steel Mug

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

boAt Rockerz 333 neckband wireless headset with braided cables is priced at Rs. 1299 (~$17)

boAt has finally unveiled its latest neckband wireless headset, the Rockerz 333 in India. The product was recently listed on Flipkart and the product page pulled down but has now been officially listed with the price set at Rs. 1299 (~$17). However, it is yet to go on sale but you can register to be notified when the sales commence. boAt Rockerz 333 neckband wireless headset

The boAt Rockerz 333 comes with braided cables for enhanced device durability, as the cable is tangle-free. The upcoming device will also feature several excellent properties that will give the user the required comfort and entertainment that boAt has continued to project with its exciting accessories. The ergonomically-friendly boAt Rockerz 333 features Bluetooth 5.0, and it is possible to connect to dual input sources and switch between the two seamlessly.boAt Rockerz 333 neckband wireless headset

The Rockerz 333 has support for Voice Assistant, and each bud snugly fits into the ear with the presence of comfortable silicone fins. Another seemingly anti-tangle feature is that the buds can attach to themselves when not in use because of magnets’ presence. The excellent design and operation of the buds are accentuated with the IPX5 rating, meaning that the device has some degree of water resistance.boAt Rockerz 333 neckband wireless headset

Furthermore, the boAt Rockerz 333 boasts 30 hours of battery life. It features USB-C super-fast charging with a 10-minute charge yielding up to 10 hours of playback for the device. It uses ASAP fast charging technology that was also used in the boAt Rockerz 330 unveiled in May this year.

The boAt Rockerz 333 is presently available from Flipkart for Rs. 1299 (~$17). It comes in Cherry Black, Navy Blue, Active Black, and Teal Green colors.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G will come in Red!

The last OnePlus phone that was available in red was the OnePlus 7 announced back in 2019. Now, this much-loved color is making a return with the OnePlus Nord 2. Yes, the Nord 2 will come in red, and here’s our first look.

The render of the red variant of the phone was posted on Twitter by Evan Blass (@evleaks) earlier today and fans are excited. The shade is different from the Amber Red of the OnePlus 6. It is also not glossy like the red of the OnePlus 7.

With the leak of this red colorway, we now know the Nord 2 will be available in four colors. Earlier leaks have revealed that the other three colors are Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, and Green Woods. We are yet to see the Green Woods color option which has been reported will be limited to the 12GB RAM + 256GB version. We do not know if OnePlus will also limit the red variant to a select configuration but we won’t rule out that possibility. It may also be limited to select markets.

The OnePlus Nord 2 launches on July 22. The phone will be powered by the Dimensity 1200-AI chipset, the first MediaTek processor to appear in a OnePlus phone. It will have a 90Hz AMOLED display, three rear cameras, a 4500mAh battery, and support for 65W fast charging. OnePlus has disclosed that the device will run Android 11 out of the box and will get two major OS updates and three years of security updates.

 

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OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review: Excellent Design, Delightful Software, But Mediocre Cameras

A few days ago, OPPO unveiled the OPPO Reno 6 series for India. The brand brought in two models to the country, namely the OPPO Reno 6 5G and the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G. They are exactly the same phones announced in China, back in May. Both these models feature stunning design, MediaTek chipsets, and 5G connectivity. 

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 09

I have been using the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G for quite a while now. The handset is priced at ₹39,999 (~$534) in India for the sole 12GB + 256GB variant. Let’s discuss whether you should buy this handset in my full review.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review

Disclaimer:

This review is based on the author’s first-hand experience with an OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Aurora (12GB + 256GB) review sample loaned by OPPO India. The opinions stated here are the author’s alone.

The device was running ColorOS 11.3 based on Android 11 with firmware version CPH2249_11_A.11 throughout the review period.

Design and Build

The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G is the 3rd generation handset in the lineup to feature the Reno Glow design. To learn more about it, check out our article on the same.

In simpler words, the phone sports a glass sandwich design with a glossy plastic frame. The rear glass has millions of pyramid-shaped crystals, which offer a unique in-hand feel and matte texture.

The backside AG glass of the Aurora color variant shimmers different colors depending on the light falling on it. As the name suggests, the handset’s rear side mimics dawn sky. You can mostly notice blue and yellow shades.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 12

This unique back along with a curved glass panel on both front and rear makes the device stand out in the crowd. The phone is surely a head-turner when you use it in public.

Because of the matte finish, you don’t even require a case. However, OPPO does include a free transparent silicone case in the box.

Talking about placements, the volume keys sit on the left side, while the accented (green) power key resides on the right. The top of the device includes a radium strip that glows in the dark. This side of the phone also houses the secondary microphone. Lastly, the bottom of the handset features the SIM card slot, primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 21

Unfortunately, like most modern smartphones, the device neither has a 3.5mm headphone jack nor features a MicroSD card slot. However, you do get a free pair of USB Type-C earphones in the box.

The smartphone measures around 7.6mm in thickness and weighs about 177g. Hence, it’s comfortable to hold for a longer period of time.

The only two complaints I have regarding the phone’s design are its plastic frame and the lack of an IP rating. It’s weird that the ₹10,000 cheaper vanilla OPPO Reno 6 5G sports a premium metal frame with flat sides.

Display and Sound

Just like the Reno 5 Pro 5G, the Reno 6 Pro 5G also flaunts a curved AMOLED display with a single punch-hole in the top left corner. The screen measures 6.55-inch diagonally packing a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, 402 PPI, 16.7 million colors, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.

The panel supports a 90Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate, and 800 nits brightness (typical). The display also houses an optical fingerprint sensor underneath it and offers a 92.1% screen-to-body ratio.

As the specs suggest, the display on the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G is great for the price. By default, the smartphone comes with ‘Vivid P3’ mode, which offers boosted saturation. Also, if required, users can opt for ‘Gentle sRGB’ mode for natural colors.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 03

The screen gets quite bright outdoors, enabling better visibility. The brightness is also commendable for HDR video playback on YouTube. Unfortunately, the device does not support HDR content on streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video. However, it is capable of playing HD content.

The 90Hz refresh rate, which comes enabled by default, offers smooth transitions across the UI. The curved panel looks modern and helps in gesture navigation. Above all, I didn’t face any accidental touches.

Additionally, thanks to the curved display, the smartphone also comes with a feature called ‘Edge Lightning’. This is similar to OnePlus’ Horizon Light notifications. When this feature is turned on, the edges of the screen lighten up for new notifications. This feature makes up for the lack of a notification LED.

There’s also support for Always-on Display (AOD). You can customize as well as create new AOD styles as per your need. The device also comes with OnePlus’ iconic ‘Canvas AOD’. OPPO calls it ‘Portrait silhouette’.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 20

Talking about audio, the handset features a single bottom-firing speaker. Although the sound output from this speaker is better than cheaper phones with stereo speakers, it would have been much better if it had a stereo setup. You’ll often end up blocking the speaker grille while consuming content or playing games. Also, there’s no surround sound experience, which you get from a dual speaker setup. I don’t understand why OPPO skipped on this feature, as it is ubiquitous right now.

Furthermore, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack. Hence, you will have to rely on wireless or USB Type-C earphones. I didn’t face any issue with sound output via these two.

There’s a free pair of USB Type-C earphones in the box, and they sound too good for a freebie. Finally, pairing with the OPPO Enco wireless earphones is seamless.

Performance and Connectivity

The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC, which is better than the MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC present inside the older OPPO Reno 5 Pro 5G. The company touts this chip to score above 700K on AnTuTu Benchmark. However, in my tests, it was only able to cross 600K.

Anyway, benchmarks are just figures on paper, and they don’t tell the whole story. In real life, the smartphone never felt sluggish. Apps loaded quickly, and they even stayed in memory for a long time, thanks to 12GB LPDDR4x RAM and 3GB virtual RAM, which comes enabled out of the box. 

If needed, you can increase the virtual RAM size up to 7GB. Hence, you can get a maximum of 19GB RAM on this smartphone. However, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever need that much of RAM. But if you do, know that there’s room for expansion.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 01 Further, I did not face any hiccups using regular day-to-day apps. But I cannot say the same for games. This handset is not meant for mobile gaming. If you are one of those who want constant 60fps gameplay, then better stay away from this one.

The phone does the job for casual gaming. In a nutshell, you can play high-end games, however, you won’t get the most out of those games. The experience is subpar for the device’s price when compared to the competition.

But I have to give credit where credit’s due, the handset’s cooling system is highly effective. When playing high-end titles like Genshin Impact, the phone does get warm like any other smartphone, but it also cools down quickly.

As for storage, you get 256GB UFS 3.1 ROM. It’s more than enough for most users, and there’s no presence of a MicroSD card slot for expansion.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 31

On the connectivity front, the device features a dual SIM card slot, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GNSS, and NFC for contactless payments. As clearly marketed in its name, the phone supports 5G connectivity and comes with 11 5G bands (n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n78).

Since 5G networks are yet to go live in India, I could not test it. But going by the number of 5G bands, users need not worry about compatibility in the future.

The phone performed well on 4G. It supports VoWiFi and VoLTE, in addition to carrier aggregation. I did not face any call drops and the sound output from the earpiece was clear.

Camera

The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G houses a quad-camera setup on the back. The setup includes a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. Whereas, on the front, the device sports a 32MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

Right off the bat, the two 2MP sensors are present only for the namesake. The macro camera outputs low-quality images that are of little to no use. This camera is not capable of focussing on the subject even when the handset is held at an ideal distance.

If an OEM is implementing a dedicated macro camera, they should opt for autofocus and higher megapixels. The telemacro camera found on the recent Xiaomi group smartphones is an example of good execution.

On the other hand, I don’t understand the use of a dedicated 2MP monochrome sensor when the smartphone does not let you use it manually. Selecting the B&W filter in the camera app does not switch to the 2MP monochrome sensor. Looks like the device only uses it for better contrast and sharpness in pictures shot from the wide and ultra-wide-angle cameras.

Unfortunately, the primary 64MP sensor, as well as the secondary 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, are not that great either. Their performance is lackluster with inaccurate colors and a warmer tone.

However, images from these two lenses have a good high dynamic range (HDR) and contrast. But for some reason, they are overdone most of the time. As a result, the HDR looks unnatural.

I believe this problem persists because of the cameras’ inability to adjust brightness by themselves. A normal user wouldn’t fiddle with the contrast slider to adjust the lighting. They would simply tap to focus and click on the shutter button. I did the same and the results were unimpressive in difficult scenarios.

Both the wide and the ultra-wide-angle cameras perform well when there is an ample amount of light. Even during these situations, the pictures taken from the ultra-wide-angle camera lack details, and they have the fish-eye effect at the edges, which I don’t consider as a negative, but your opinion may vary.

Most importantly, I didn’t like the camera’s algorithm for skin colors. The handset struggles with dark skins. It does not output accurate colors. Instead, it whitens the skin. I want my skin to be reflected as it is. This happens even when AI Beautification is turned off. The cheaper Samsung Galaxy A52 does a better job in this regard.

The whitening of dark skin is applicable to both rear and front cameras. OPPO has an R&D center in India working on a lot of features and one of them is image processing. I hope the company makes some improvements in this department tailored for locals.

Further, the 32MP selfie camera performs just like the two primary cameras on the rear. There’s no major difference between them. Hence, you get that same HDR processing, which helps in taking selfies against harsh backlight.

As far as video recording is concerned, the device maxes at 4K 30fps without stabilization. However, I mostly shot videos at 1080p 60fps on this phone. Above all, I enjoyed using ‘Ultra Steady’ mode, which crops the frame but offers better stabilization. This mode is well-suited for walking, but it does not work well while running.

Finally, let’s talk about the handset’s key selling point – Bokeh Flare Portrait Video. This video feature enables DSLR-like flare effects. How does it perform? It works quite well. In my experience, I found it to be better in daylight than during the nighttime.

So the question arises: Is this feature comparable with DSLRs? Of course not. The smartphone struggles with edges. Also, it’s terrible when the subject has uneven hair or accessories like glasses, a mask, or a hat.

But I believe OPPO could improve the feature in the next generation. Why do I say this?

Because the AI Highlight Video introduced on the OPPO Reno 5 Pro 5G appears to have noticeable improvements on the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G, but it does apply beautification even when turned off.

For those unaware, AI Highlight Video offers HDR and other corrections while recording videos against strong backlight. This feature works on both rear and front cameras, just like Bokeh Flare Portrait Video.

Software

The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G runs ColorOS 11.3 based on Android 11. It is my second favorite thing about this phone, after its design. The software on this device is well optimized for its hardware.

I didn’t encounter any stutter. It felt smooth, thanks to the combination of satisfying animations and a 90Hz refresh rate. The navigation gestures felt natural due to the curved display. I am not surprised why Master Lu Benchmark ranked ColorOS as the smoothest UI of 2020.

Like any other Chinese Android skin, there are lots of customization options to play with. Do read our dedicated article on ColorOS 11 features to learn more about them.

Talking about cons, the handset arrives with a number of bloatware. Fortunately, all of them can be uninstalled, except for Netflix. It also comes with Google Phone and Google Messages instead of OPPO’s first-party apps. These two crucial apps look out of place as they don’t match with the ColorOS design.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 32

The most annoying thing of all was the notification from some of the inbuilt apps. Even though I never opened the OPPO Browser and the Theme Store, they kept pushing multiple notifications every day to lure me in to use them.

Traditionally, the OPPO Reno series smartphones are eligible for two Android updates. Hence, the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G should receive up to Android 13, although the company has not confirmed it yet.

Finally, since OnePlus has now merged the codebase of OxygenOS with ColorOS, we can expect the Reno 6 Pro 5G to get some OnePlus software features in the future.

Battery and Charging

The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G is backed by a 4,500mAh battery. It can last up to one and a half days on a full charge with moderate usage. If you play games or use cameras extensively, then it will only last a day or less.

Like any other high-end OPPO smartphone, this model also supports SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging protocol. The power adapter, as well as the compatible USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable, is included in the box.

In my tests, the handset took about 28 minutes and 30 seconds to charge from 20% to 100%. The battery goes up to 41% within the first 5 minutes and up to 70% in 15 minutes.

Further, the device also comes with a feature called ‘Optimised night charging’, which is enabled out of the box. This feature prevents overcharging by automatically controlling charging speed at night by learning the user’s daily charging routine. In simpler words, this feature ensures the battery charges slowly, only getting to 100% by the morning.

Verdict

The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G is definitely not an all-rounder. The handset only excels in design, software, battery life, and charging. If that’s what you want in a phone, you are in for a treat.

If you take lots of pictures or play graphics-intensive games, then don’t even think about buying it. There are better options in the market to satisfy those needs in the same price segment.

OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review 17

The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G is a type of smartphone that one needs to experience in order to appreciate it. As they say, the spec sheet never tells the whole story.

So is it worth ₹39,990? Well, it’s for you to decide whether you are willing to pay that much for its ergonomics and software. If you cannot spend that much, there’s the older OPPO Reno 5 Pro 5G priced at ₹35,990. The predecessor offers you almost the same experience at a slightly cheaper price.

If you want to save more bucks, then you can choose the vanilla OPPO Reno 6 5G, which costs only ₹29,990 and still offers an almost identical experience.

 

 

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Faraday Future FF 91 Pre Orders are live, launch set for first half of 2022

Faraday Future has recently begun taking reservations for the FF 91 through its official website and application. The car is set to be unveiled in the first half of next year but prospective buyers can reserve the upcoming vehicle for 50,000 Yuan (roughly 7,700 US Dollars).

As per the company’s official road map, the new car will be unveiled at the Investor Day event on 21st September 2021 and will be listed in the first half of 2022. Previously, Faraday Future had stated that its FF 91 will focus on bringing a luxury vehicle in the electric car market that will offer both long range and strong performance. Now, the official website has begun pre orders for this upcoming vehicle, with the amount also being refundable.

Faraday Future FF 91

For those unaware, the FF 91 is the company’s first model to be ready for mass production. While this car had been first unveiled a couple of years prior, the brand had faced various issues at the start that caused several setbacks and even caused delayed the launch of its first car. Jia Yueting’s company had also struggled to remain afloat at one point, but the FF 91 finally has a launch window for the automobile market.

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Deal: Get OnePlus Nord CE 5G for $299

OnePlus Nord CE 5G which retails for $328.11 is now available at AliExpress at a discounted price of $299.

WHERE TO BUY
OnePlus Nord CE 5G at $299 @AliExpress

OnePlus Nord CE 5G comes with a 6.43“ AMOLED display, 2400 x 1080p high resolution, and Oxygen OS based on Android 11. The smartphone which is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 Octa-Core processor, is packed with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM.

OnePlus Nord CE

The smartphone features a triple camera set up with a 64MP main camera and 8MP + 2MP secondary cameras. The selfie cam is a 16MP front-facing camera. Fueled by a 4500mAh battery, this phone supports 30T Plus Warp charging.

OnePlus Nord CE 5G

For more information on OnePlus Nord CE 5G, check out this article from Gizmochina.

On the occasion of its World premiere, the OnePlus Official Store is giving out OnePlus Nord CE 5G for a discounted price of $299. Please note that this price is applicable only on the 8GB + 128GB, EU Global Version, Blue, and Gray color variant, ordered from France and Spain warehouse. However, you can also buy the same from other warehouses but at different costs. So please be sure to checkout your variant and warehouse before you place the order.

 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

 

Deal: Get Amazfit T-Rex Smartwatch for $89 (Original Price $130)

For all fitness enthusiasts out there, Amazfit is giving out a fantastic deal on the Original Amazfit T-Rex. The smartwatch which generally retails for $130 is now available at a discounted price of $89.40 only at AliExpress. 

WHERE TO BUY

Amazfit T-Rex

Amazfit T-Rex Smartwatch embodies the perfect combination of rugged design and technology. Its rugged yet resilient design is reflected through the 1.3-inch AMOLED screen with an “always-on display” function and 360×360 resolution. 

Amazfit T-Rex

The smartwatch is 50m water-resistant. This means you can dive into a swimming pool or swim in the open seas without worrying about damaging the smartwatch. Moreover, the multiple sports mode function gives 14 different activity tracking options, making the watch suitable for almost everyone. Run, Walk, Swim, Climb, Cycle, etc are some of the modes available along with daily activity tracking. 

Amazfit T-Rex

The highlight of Amazfit T-Rex lies in its 12 Military Grade certifications, making it perfect for harsh environments. The smartwatch can withstand extreme heat and cold, is resistant to corrosion, moisture resistance, and has a durable body. It comes with a heat resistance of 70℃, resistance to severe cold of -40℃, has passed 240-hour damp heat test, and 96-hour acid-alkali test.

Amazfit T-Rex

Powered by a 390mAh battery the smartwatch offers up to 20 days of battery life on a single charge. And equipped with Huami’s self-developed BioTracker™ PPG Bio-Tracking Optical Sensor, the smartwatch gives high-precision heart rate monitoring 24 hours a day. 

Amazfit T-Rex with its tough and rugged appearance and solid craftsmanship is a smart choice for all fitness enthusiasts and for a limited period, Amazfit is giving this smartwatch at a heavily discounted price of $89.40 only at AliExpress. Please note that this offer is applicable only on the Khaki and Camo Green color variants.

 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

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Ola electric scooter brings in over 100,000 reservations in just one day

Ola has just shared figures of the reservation of its new electric scooter. The ride sharing based firm stated that it has brought in over 100,000 reservations within just the first 24 hours.

Ola

The company claims that these figures make the electric scooter the most pre booked scooter in the world. Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman and Group CEO of Ola stated that “I am thrilled by the tremendous response from customers across India for our first electric vehicle. The unprecedented demand is a clear indicator of shifting consumer preferences to EVs. This is a huge step forward in our mission to transition the world to sustainable mobility. I thank all the consumers who have booked the Ola Scooter and have joined the EV revolution. This is only the beginning!”

For those interested, you can also reserve the Ola scooter for 499 INR (roughly 6.7 US Dollars) on the company’s official OlaElectric website. Talking about the vehicle, the Ola electric scooter has been made in India and features a twin pod LED headlamp with an LED strip running around it. The company had also added that this scooter will also offer the largest boot space segment in this segment.

Ola

At the moment, the ride hailing platform has yet to reveal any finer details regarding the scooter. In other words, we have no information regarding the battery or its charging system. This also means that we have no idea regarding the scooter’s range but it could reportedly be around 150 kilometers per full charge.

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POCO X3 GT launch date set for July 28

POCO has scheduled an event for July 23 in India to unveil the POCO F3 GT in the country. According to the brand, it will be holding yet another conference in Malaysia on July 28 to announce the POCO X3 GT.

POCO X3 GT Launch Date Teaser

The upcoming POCO F3 GT and POCO X3 GT are rebranded Redmi K40 Gaming and Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G respectively. The former will be making its debut in India on July 23 at 12 PM. Whereas, the latter will go official at 20:00 GMT+8 on July 28 in Malaysia.

A few days back, the MIUI 12.5 builds for the POCO X3 GT went live on the Xiaomi servers. Hence, the smartphone was expected to launch soon and it’s happening as well.

Since it is said to be the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G for international markets, we can expect features like a 6.6-inch FHD+ 120Hz LCD panel, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, MediaTek Dimensity 1100 SoC, LPDDR4x RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage.

Other features of this handset will include a 64MP (wide) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (macro) triple camera setup, 16MP selfie camera, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, IP53 rating for splash resistance, 5,000mAh battery, 67W fast charging, and MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11.

Apart from Malaysia, the new POCO phone will likely release in regions like Turkey and Indonesia to name a few.

 

 

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Chinese EV maker XPeng unveils the X2, its prototype autonomous flying car

Autonomous flying cars are not widespread, so it is bound to draw huge attention wherever it is mentioned. While we may still not be too close to having the concept of autonomous flying cars being operational, it seems tremendous progress is being made along this line.Xpeng X2 flying car

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng Motors has continued to expand the scope of its operations since it began business in 2014. Its expansionist plans saw the Guangzhou-based company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2020. It has also delved into research and development of flying cars technologies, including autonomous flying cars via its Xpeng Huitian division. Xpeng X2 flying car

Xpeng Huitian has just unveiled the X2, a prototype flying car that could operate autonomously. The X2 is the culmination of progressive, innovative efforts by Xpeng Motors, using its subsidiary, to ultimately produce a safe driverless fifth-generation flying car that will be commercially viable. The unveiling of the Xpeng X2 autonomous flying car was at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show.Xpeng X2 flying car

The X2 is just another futuristic offerings from Xpeng within less than a decade of its formation. The X2 predecessor is the fourth-generation Voyager X1 flying car, which can take off and land vertically, which is impressive. The Voyager X1 has clocked more than 10,000 test flights in China, with test drives scheduled to begin by the end of the year.

The X2 can carry up to 560kg loads together with its weight of 360kg. It is an electric-powered vehicle with up to 35 minutes of flight time at maximum speeds of 130kph. The autonomous capability of the Xpeng X2 means that it can operate on-air with the help of some powerful sensors and land seamlessly. It has a 24-hour monitoring system as an early warning signal detector to spot any potential flight problems.

There are several other features in the futuristic prototype flying car. Still, several safety considerations must be satisfied before seeing authorizations and the production of these autonomous flying cars.

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Battlegrounds Mobile India release for Apple iOS may be a while away: Report

While Battlegrounds Mobile India has been launched for Android smartphones, the Indian version of PUBG Mobile has yet to arrive on Apple’s iOS platform. Although, reports and official notes have revealed that the mobile game might not be arriving on iPhones anytime soon.

Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)

According to an InsideSport report, certain professional esports athletes have recently stated that the launch of BGMI might be a while away. These players include the likes of Kronten, Owner of Team GodLike esports, as well as popular streamer Mortal, who stated that “it’s unlikely that BGMI is coming anytime soon on iOS. I had a chat with them (Krafton) and they weren’t able to provide much. Krafton said there’s still some time left before they can come up with something solid.

Furthermore, Krafton Inc, the company behind the PUBG IP, also updated its support section, which was related to the release of BGMI for iOS. In this support section, the company stated that “We will keep our fans informed on further developments.
New updates will be released on our official website and social networks, so please stay tuned for further news!” In other words, we still have no official word on when the game would finally make its way to iPhones.

 

BattleGrounds Mobile India

For those unaware, various professional and competitive players prefer the Apple iPhone for this mobile game. So, it would seem odd that Krafton has yet to release the title for iOS as well. However, we can expect more news to surface regarding this matter in the arriving weeks. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Deal: Get Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod for $231 (Retail Price $250)

Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod which generally retails for $250 is now available at a discounted price of $231.42 only at AliExpress. 

WHERE TO BUY
Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod at $231.42 (after discount)@AliExpress

Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod

Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod

Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod

Key Features:

  • Pocket Camera with Tripod
  • 1/2.5″CMOS Sony Sensor, 8.51million effective pixels
  • Lens: FOV: 120°, aperture F2.8
  • 1/8000~16s Electronic shutter speed
  • Max Image Size: 3840 x 2144
  • Max Video Bit Rate: 4K@60 fps, Max. Bit rate is ▪ 120Mbps
  • Supported image formats: JPG/JPG+DNG
  • Supported video formats: MOV、MP4 (MPEG-4 ▪AVC/H.264)
  • Audio Output: 48KHz, AAC
  • Supports 512GB MicroSD 
  • Display : 1.3” IPS , 240 x 240p resolution
  • Battery life: 4.5 hours @1080p and 3.5 hours @4K
  • Charging time: 1.2hours (with 10W charger)
  • Supports WiFi transfer and storage
  • Supports App: Feiyu Cam
  • Body Material: Aluminum alloy + ABS/PC
  • Lightweight and highly portable: 115g
  • Can be also used as a smartphone mount (attachment to be purchased separately)

Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod

Generally retailing for $250, you can now buy Feiyu Pocket Vlog Camera with Tripod at a discounted price of $231.42 only at AliExpress. This deal is applicable to the pocket camera with the tripod. However, you can also buy the pocket camera separately without the tripod. So be sure to choose the appropriate bundle and warehouse before you place your order. This is a limited-stock deal. So place your order asap. 

 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Redmi opens registrations for new AX3000 Router, supports WiFi 6

Earlier today (19th July 2021), Xiaomi officially launched the reservation page of the Redmi AX3000 Router. The registrations for the product are currently live on Tmall, a Chinese e-retailer with its pre orders going live tomorrow (20th July 2021).

The new product from the Chinese tech giant is its latest WiFi router, which supports the latest WiFi 6 standards as well. Under the hood, the new 3000M router is powered by a new generation of Qualcomm chips, paired with four independent signal amplifiers. It also arrives with 256MB of memory along with 160MHz bandwidth support that is compatible with a number of other Xiaomi and Redmi routers that enables it to carry out hybrid mesh networking.

Redmi

Looking at the router, it arrives with a minimalistic single color body design with four antennas. The router also supports the Xiaomi Easy Connect system as well and is expected to go live for pre orders tomorrow on Tmall at 10 am in China.

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