Rumors have it that Xiaomi may announce the Mi MIX 4 flagship phone in China in August along with other products like the MIUI 13, Mi CC11, and Mi Pad 5. Well ahead of the launch, a tipster from China has leaked the key specifications of the upcoming Xiaomi flagship.
Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 specifications (Rumored)
The leak reveals that the Mi MIX 4 will be sporting a 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display with curved edges, Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. The OLED screen will come integrated with an in-display selfie camera.
The Mi MIX 4 is expected to arrive with support for 120W rapid charging and 70W or 80W fast wireless charging. The back panel of the phone will have a triple camera setup led by a 50-megapixel Samsung GN1s camera.
Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha concept phone
It is unlikely to feature a secondary display like the Mi 11 Ultra 5G. The device is expected to come equipped with Micron’s uMCP5, which is an integrated chip for LPPDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1. The Mi MIX 4 is expected to weigh around 226 grams. Readers are advised to digest the leak with a grain of salt as its authenticity could not be confirmed.
A recent leak claimed that the Mi MIX 4 will be able to offer a truly full-screen experience as its in-display camera will not be visible to the naked eye. The Mi MIX 4’s screen could be a custom-made panel that will deliver a unique viewing experience. It is believed that the M2016118C device that has popped in the database of China’s TENAA certification site could be the next Mi MIX series. The flagship is likely to be priced around 6,000 Yuan (~$924).
Tech giant Samsung has unveiled the most compelling version yet of its The Wall microLED TV. The microLED TV was unveiled in its home market of Korea and a few selected countries across the world. It features 8K resolution and a higher display refresh rate than its predecessor.
The gigantic screen of the Samsung Wall microLED TV measures over 1,000 inches, thus creating a truly expansive canvas for showcasing content that could be appropriately scaled, up to 16K resolution. It is a modular display and is slimmer, with a 120Hz display refresh rate. The Samsung Wall (IWA) provides boundless opportunities for businesses to showcase their content. The TV will provide greater color clarity, easy installation, and features a retooled and improved Micro AI processor that optimizes videos for better content upscaling and removes noise from videos. Samsung uses Black Seal and Ultra Chroma technologies to output more compelling videos. The TV also features HDR10+, Eye Comfort mode, and implements wireless docking connections.
The 2021 Samsung Wall microLED TV could be installed in several crucial locations, as its microLED panel design means easier installation even in ceilings and other seemingly difficult settings. The goal of Samsung is to create an unforgettable customer experience for businesses that may deploy the Wall microLED TV, which can provide a dynamic display projecting the core values of excellence and satisfaction. This latest addition to Samsung’s extensive lineup of cutting-edge and innovative designs guarantees unrivaled picture quality and an overall immersive experience for viewers of the very versatile TV display.
The Samsung 2021 The Wall microLED TV is already available in select markets globally, and there is scant information about the pricing details of the very expansive slim, and versatile TV. The selected markets in which the TV is also available have not also been highlighted.
There have been reports that Sony’s Xperia 1 III flagship will receive only one OS update. The news has spread like wildfire and Sony has received backlash. It turns out that isn’t the case and the Japanese manufacturer has clarified the matter.
In a statement to GSMArena, Sony said the info about the Xperia 1 III receiving only one Android OS upgrade and two years of security patch is incorrect. It clarified that the flagship will be supported for two years and it plans to update the OS more than once during the period.
We can deduce from Sony’s statement that the Xperia 1 III will receive Android 12 and Android 13. However, the chance for an Android 14 update is slim as software support for the device will likely have ended by the time the new OS update arrives.
Sony’s statement reaffirms that its software support hasn’t improved especially for its flagships considering competitors such as Samsung and OnePlus will be offering three OS upgrades for their own flagships. Samsung will even offer four years of security updates for several of its phones.
The Xperia 1 III costs $1299 and will go on sale in August since it was announced back in April. It has a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a Snapdragon 888 processor under its hood along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage.
Cameras are one of the highlights of the phone. The main rear camera is a 12MP f/2.2 sensor and it brings along a 12MP ultrawide angle camera and a 12MP variable telephoto camera. There is also an iTOF 3D camera for accurate and fast autofocus. There are tons of camera features built into the camera app and even a dedicated shutter button on the side. The front-facing camera is an 8MP sensor.
Audio is another strong suit of the phone. It has an audio jack, front-facing stereo speakers with 360° Reality Audio, and Spatial Sound. Sony will ship orders with a free pair of its WF-1000XM3 wireless noise-canceling earbuds.
There is a 4500mAh battery inside the phone and it supports fast charging. Users will be able to charge the battery up to 50% in 30 minutes. There is also wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. One neat feature the phone has is that when playing games and you have your charging cable plugged in, rather than charge the battery and cause the device to heat up, the system draws power from the adapter.
Other features are an IPX5/IPX8 water-resistant rating, IP6X dustproof rating, dual SIM hybrid, Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, and Gorilla Glass 6 on the rear, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6.
Mobvoi keeps expanding its product portfolio with new categories. The manufacturer which is best known for its TicWatch line of smartwatches has added earphones, a security camera, a treadmill, and a smart light to its lineup. Now, its latest product is an AI recorder.
The Mobvoi AI Recorder is a portable recorder that features an AI-powered transcription technology that can convert recorded conversations into editable and shareable text. Mobvoi says it will even break long speeches up into paragraphs and that the accuracy rate is as high as 94% “in a normal situation”.
Using Neural Machine Translation, the recorder will also create a transcript summary and extract keywords in the conversation. Users will be able to make corrections to the transcript while listening to the recording via a special website. The transcripts can be exported in various common formats.
Mobvoi says the recorder uses a dual-microphone noise cancellation technology and an advanced AGC algorithm to reduce background noise.
The Mobvoi AI Recorder has 16GB of storage which can provide 500 hours of recording. Users also get 200 hours of free cloud storage space. There is a 300mAh built-in battery that will provide up to 10 hours of recording time and up to 40 days in standby mode. It has a USB-C port and connects via Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi, though the latter is recommended for transfer because it is faster. Supported audio formats are OGG and MP3.
The recorder is already available for purchase on Mobvoi’s website for $99. It comes in gray, weighs 20 grams, and can easily fit in your pocket.
Xiaomi Smart Life recently announced that the sales of the Mi Walkie-Talkies have exceeded 2 million units. The company equally unveiled a new commemorative edition of the Mi Walkie-Talkie to mark this milestone.
The Mi Walkie-Talkie was first launched in 2017 and won the Japanese Good Design award that year. The Good Design award, together with the iF Design award, the Red Dot award, and the IDEA award, are known as the four major global design awards. Xiaomi followed up with the MIJIA Walkie-Talkie 1S in October 2018. In April 2019, the company updated the lineup with the Mijia Walkie-Talkie 2. Xiaomi’s Mi Walkie-Talkie Lite was the last model launched in September 2020. The core quality of the products include their affordable pricing and a minimalist yet sleek design. The prices range from 129 yuan (~$20) to 449 yuan (~$69).
In terms of the design, the Mi Walkie-Talkie models focus on the word “minimalist”. The entire body has only a few buttons and a clear screen for easy operation. At the same time, it is manufactured using a highly difficult one-piece molding process and ultrasonic welding technology.
In terms of communication function, the product adopts a universal antenna interface design. You can change antennas of different lengths according to your needs to get a longer call distance and it can be connected to the app on the mobile phone to be used as an intercom.
The new Xiaomi Walkie-talkie Commemorative Limited Edition comes in red and blue colours only. Only 2 million sets will be available but the pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.
In recent weeks audio products manufacturer Boult has been on the news radar due to some of its impressive devices being unveiled or slated for an upcoming launch. The Boult Audio Freepods Pro TWS Earbuds now joins the list with its India unveiling. The truly wireless earbuds can be gotten in India via Flipkart for a starting price of Rs. 1,299 (~$18), and the offer comes with a one-year warranty on the device. The Boult Audio Freepods Pro has a strong battery that can give 8 hours of unbridled listening to audio content, and this can be dragged further to 32 hours when the device is attached to its charging case. Three color variants will be available for the device, namely Black, Blue, and White. The Freepods Pro features an in-ear design incorporating a solid ergonomic experience for enhanced listening to audio content. The extended bass output is assured with the Freepods Pro’s large drivers. You can charge the device quickly via USB-C, and Boult says you are guaranteed 100 minutes of entertainment on a 10-minute charge.
The Boult Audio Freepods Pro TWS earbuds have touch control support, making it possible to control several tasks, including calls, playback, and Voice Assistant tasks, seamlessly. The Micro-subwoofer provides a powerful bass output, while the device is water-resistant with an IPX5 rating. The latest TWS earbuds from Boult also support Bluetooth version 5.0 connectivity.
As per the price, the Boult Audio Freepods Pro TWS Earbuds will retail in India for Rs. 1,299 (~$18). This seems as low as it can get. The pricing decision may be aimed at attracting a wider array of customers within the budget-end of the consumer spectrum in India.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It Will remain locked even after the battery runs out of power
Lightweight and highly portable
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 ourdeals hub.
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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.
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.
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.
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 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 ourdeals hub.
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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 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.
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.
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.
Perfect for the office, study, camping, hiking, travel, etc
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.
For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out ourdeals hub.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A few days ago, OPPOunveiled 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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
1 of 3
Primary Camera
Macro Camera
Macro Camera
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.
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Primary Camera
Primary Camera
Primary Camera
Primary Camera | Overprocessed HDR
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.
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Primary Camera
Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera
Primary Camera | Low Light
Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera | Low Light
Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera
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.
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Primary Camera | Low Light
Primary Camera (Night Mode) | Low Light
Primary Camera | Pitch Dark
Primary Camera (Night Mode) | Pitch Dark
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.
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Primary Camera | OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G
Primary Camera | Samsung Galaxy A52
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.
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Selfie | Outdoor
Selfie | Indoor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ourdeals hub.
* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ourdeals hub.
* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
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