ASUS has brought two new PCs to the Indian market that feature a small form factor along with a small price tag. The company’s brand new ASUS V500 Mini Tower PC and ASUS S501 Small Form Factor PC are arriving to meet the basic computing needs for homes and offices. So here’s everything we know.
ASUS V500 Mini Tower PC
ASUS V500 Mini Tower PC
The Taiwanese tech giant’s V500 Mini Tower features a 15 liter chassis that makes it quite compact and lightweight. So it can sit comfortably in cramped spaces. It also got a military grade certification for its durability. The device can be configured with up to an Intel Core i7-13620H SoC and Intel UHD graphics. This chip is paired with up to 64GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The ASUS V500 Mini Tower runs on the Windows 11 OS and supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and multiple ports. You also get a 180W 80 Plus Bronze certified PSU under the hood.
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ASUS S501 Small Form Factor PC
ASUS S501 Small Form Factor PC
As the name suggests, the ASUS S501 Small Form Factor PC also has a compact build with an even smaller 8.6-liter body. It is powered by up to an Intel Core i5-14500 processor along with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD storage. For graphics, the chipset has an integrated Intel UHD 770 iGPU. Connectivity options include WiFI 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and I/O filled with USB Type A, HDMI, and other ports. There is also a 180W 80 PLUS Bronze PSU and Windows 11 OS.
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Pricing and Availability
The ASUS S501 and ASUS V500 Mini are already on sale from the brand’s official website, Amazon, Flipkart, and authorized retailers. The S501 has a starting price tag of 42,990 INR, while the V500 Mini starts from 34,990 INR.
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The Galaxy A55 5G is the only mid-range Samsung phone that got early access to One UI 7 software. The beta program kicked off earlier this month with the first beta release, and now we have the second beta update rolling out amid One UI 7 stable rollout chaos for high-end Galaxy phones.
Samsung is rolling out the second One UI 7 beta update for Galaxy A55 users in India. The update comes with the firmware version A556EXXU7ZYD3 and has a download size of around 336MB. It doesn’t bring new features, but rather includes three bug fixes and many improvements.
According to the changelog, the One UI 7 Beta 2 resolves poor visibility of Google Sports in Now Bar. It also resolves an issue related to the eSIM push notification icon. With the fixes in place, the phone now shows a SIM icon when receiving push notifications about eSIM. The latest beta fixes one more issue that’s related to MMS emoticon, but doesn’t state the changes in detail. The changelog rather mentions “Fix an issue that cannot be attached to MMS emoticon on a particular route.“
Besides these three fixes, Samsung has included the April 2025 security patch to the second beta. The latest security patch addresses dozens of vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security and privacy (read more about it here). If you have a Galaxy A55 that’s already running One UI 7 beta, check if the second beta is ready for installation by going to Settings > Software updates and hitting the Download and install button.
The stable One UI 7 rollout is ‘unstable’ right now
After a long wait, followed by a lengthy beta program, the stable One UI 7 rollout finally went live on April 7, starting with South Korea. The Galaxy S24 series got the first bite, and then it quickly expanded to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Samsung took no time in expanding the stable update to more regions, including Europe and the US. However, just as when things started to look promising, the One UI 7 rollout was paused worldwide.
While not going much into the details, Samsung revealed that a critical was found in the One UI 7 Korean build for the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Samsung has assured users that it is working to resolve the issue and will resume the rollout “as soon as possible.” However, it raised serious questions on the lengthy One UI 7 beta program. Things aren’t looking promising right now, and with no clear timeline in sight for the One UI 7 resumption, it’s only frustrating Galaxy owners.
Realme has just kicked off the first sale for new smartphones from its popular Narzo lineup. The Realme Narzo 80 Pro and Narzo 80x recently made their debut in the Indian market. So now, here are all the details regarding their pricing, launch offers, and more.
Realme Narzo 80 Pro
The Realme Narzo 80 Pro was just announced in India in two colors options, namely Racing Green and Speed Silver. It is also listed in three storage configurations, so here are the details:
All three models have been announced along with a Rs 2,000 discount coupon. So this effectively brings down its price tag to around Rs 17,999, Rs 19,499, and Rs 21,499 respectively. The Chinese smartphone maker is also offering a 6 month no cost EMI option on the Realme Narzo 80 Pro. It is listed for purchase on the brand’s official website and Amazon India.
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Realme Narzo 80x
The Realme Narzo 80x has also made its debut alongside its more expensive sibling. This model is available in two color variants as well, which includes Sunlit Gold and Deep Ocean. You can buy this budget phone in two storage configurations, so let’s check it out:
Just like the Realme Narzo 80 Pro, the company is offering a discount coupon on the Narzo 80x as well. There is a Rs 1,500 discount for both versions as a part of the introductory launch offer. So the device carries an effective price tag of Rs 11,999 and Rs 12,999 respectively. The Realme Narzo 80x is also listed on Realme.com and Amazon India, but buyers don’t get the no cost EMI option with this model.
Xiaomi is making another move toward controlling more of the silicon inside its smartphones. According to a new report from China, the company has established a dedicated chip platform department within its mobile phone product division.
The team will be led by Qin Muyun, a former Qualcomm senior director, who will directly report to Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi.
Xiaomi ventured into chip design with its in-house Pengpai S1 SoC back in 2017. It was an 8-core 64-bit processor based on a 28nm process. The chip debuted in the Xiaomi 5C, but the phone failed to gain traction, and the S1 line quietly disappeared from the spotlight.
Despite the initial stumble, Xiaomi is continuing its journey of smaller, specialized chips. In the past few years, the company has rolled out several self-developed components catering to various aspects of a phone.
Xiaomi Surge C1 ISP chip
For instance, its Pengpai C series is designed for imaging, the P series for fast charging, the G series for power management, the T series for signal enhancement, and the D series for display control.
These chips haven’t replaced core processors but have helped Xiaomi gradually build expertise across the hardware stack. Now it seems like the company has the confidence to build its full-stack smartphone SoC.
Xiaomi’s first mobile processor will deliver flagship-grade performance
Thanks to a report earlier this month, we might even know what Xiaomi’s first in-house smartphone processor might bring to the table.
The chip is expected to utilize an octa-core CPU configuration leveraging ARM cores. This includes one Cortex X925 core at 3.2GHz, three Cortex A725 cores at 2.6GHz, and four Cortex A520 cores at 2.0GHz.
The prime core is the same MediaTek uses in its latest Dimensity 9400 while the high-performance and efficiency cores are from a generation back. So while Xiaomi’s configuration might not compete directly with the latest flagship processors, it might offer solid performance for a sub-flagship phone.
The GPU side could be more competitive. The chip reportedly integrates an Imagination Technologies IMG DXT72 GPU at 1.3GHz, which early estimates claim may outperform the Adreno 740 in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi has just debuted a next gen budget smartphone in the Indian market. For under Rs 7000, the Redmi A5 was announced with some attractive features like an eye catching design, a big battery, and a smooth display. So here are all the details.
Redmi A5 Specs
The Chinese tech giant’s affordable new smartphone sports a tall 6.88-inch IPS LCD panel that has an HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, DC dimming, and TÜV Rheinland certification for eye protection. Under the hood, the Redmi A5 is equipped with the UNISOC T7250 SoC, which is paired with up to 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage. It also supports a microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 2TB.
Redmi A5
The rear has a 32MP dual camera setup, while the front packs an 8MP selfie shooter. A large 5,200mAh battery pack powers this model, which supports 15W wired fast charging. The Redmi A5 runs on the Android 15 OS out of the box. Other notable features include a 3.5mm audio jack, FM radio, a side mounted fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.2, dual SIM support (nano + nano), and GPS support.
Pricing and Availability
Xiaomi’s brand new Redmi A5 was announced in multiple color option, which includes Pondicherry Blue, Just Black, and Lake Green. The blue and black has a matte finish but only the black and green variant gets a golden colored rim around its rear camera module. This model costs Rs 6,499 for the 3GB + 64GB option, while the 4GB + 128GB variant costs Rs 7,499. The Redmi A5 goes on sale on 16th April 2025, which is tomorrow. You can purchase this device from the brand’s official retail store and offline stores.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The Acer brand is finally back in the world of smartphones in India. India-based Indkal Technologies, which is licensed to design, manufacture, and distribute Acer-branded phones, has introduced the Super ZX and Super ZX Pro with competitive specs and aggressive pricing in the country. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of both models.
Acer Super ZX specifications
Acer Super ZX
The Acer Super ZX has a 6.7-inch LCD panel that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 800 nits of brightness. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the Dimensity 6300 chipset, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support.
On the front, it has a 13-megapixel selfie camera and a 64-megapixel + 2-megapixel (macro) + 2-megapixel (depth) triple camera unit. This makes it the segment’s first phone to offer a 64-megapixel camera, and that too with a flagship-grade Sony IMX682 camera sensor. The phone supports 2K video recording through the front and rear (primary) cameras.
It comes with other features, such as a side-facing fingerprint scanner, dual speakers, and an IP50 rating. It measures 8.6mm in thickness and weighs 200 grams.
Acer Super ZX Pro specifications
The Acer Super ZX Pro is a more premium phone offering a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz screen with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. It is powered by the Dimensity 7400 chipset, up to 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
The Super ZX Pro features an impressive 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50D front-facing camera. On the back, it has a flagship-grade Sony IMX882 50-megapixel main camera, which is paired with a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera.
The Super ZX Pro offers other features such as an in-screen fingerprint sensor, dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, and Wi-Fi 6. In terms of build, the phone offers an IP64-rated body fitted with a glass back and weighs 182 grams.
Acer Super ZX, Super ZX Pro price
Acer Super ZX sale date
The Acer Super ZX starts at Rs 7,990 and comes in multiple variants, such as 4GB+64GB, 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB, and 8GB+256GB.
On the other hand, the Super ZX Pro comes in configurations like 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 8GB+512GB, and 12GB+512GB. It has a starting price of Rs 17,990. The Super ZX series will be available for purchase starting from April 25 via Amazon in India.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Motorola has just unveiled the Edge 60 Stylus in the Indian market, which as the name suggests, is one of the few devices that comes with a dedicated stylus. The company’s new model is a part of its latest Edge 60 series, so here are its specs, pricing, and other key details.
Motorola Edge 60 Stylus Specs
The Motorola Edge 60 Stylus sports a tall 6.7-inch pOLED display that has an FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and up to 3000 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, which is paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The storage can be expanded by up to 1TB via a microSD card slot.
Motorola Edge 60 Stylus
For photography, the rear has a 50MP (Main) + 8MP (Ultra Wide) + macro shooter, while the front houses a 32MP selfie camera. A sizeable 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 68W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging as well. Out of the box, it runs on the Android 15 OS based My UX custom skin. Other notable features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, an in-display fingerprint scanner, MIL-STD-810H military grade durability, IP68 water and dust resistance, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and the built-in stylus.
Pricing and Availability
Motorola has launched the Edge 60 Stylus in two color options, namely PANTONE Surf the Web and PANTONE Gibraltar Sea (Vegan Leather variant). For 22,999 INR, this is the only smartphone in the segment to offer a stylus. It will go on sale on 23rd April 2025 via the brand’s official website, Flipkart, and offline retailers. There is an instant 1,000 INR bank discount for Axis Bank and IDFC First bank account holders along with some cashback offers from Jio.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Finding a high-quality smartphone that doesn’t break the bank can be challenging. In today’s market, numerous options promise top-tier performance and features, but many come with a hefty price tag.
This guide focuses on identifying the best smartphones available in the US for under $500, ensuring you get the most value for your money. We’ve curated a list of devices that balance essential features, performance, and affordability.
The selection comprises models from brands that are officially present in the US, so you need not worry about after-sales support. Each of these smartphones has been chosen for its unique strengths, ensuring there’s an option for every user’s needs and preferences within the $500 budget.
Without further ado, let’s go through these phones.
The Pixel 9a is Google’s latest budget offering. It costs the same $499 as its predecessor, the Pixel 8a.
For the same price, the newer model comes with a faster Tensor G4 chip and a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, which also happens to be brighter at 2700 nits (peak).
The device also gets a new 48MP primary camera paired with a wider f/1.7 lens. More importantly, the battery capacity gets a boost to 5,100mAh, and it also charges a bit faster at 23W.
Along with the upgraded hardware and a revamped design, the Pixel 9a also offers a clean Android experience, like any other Pixel. It supports almost all the AI features Google has to offer, along with 7 years of guaranteed major Android updates.
2. OnePlus 13R: Smooth Performance and Fast Charging
The OnePlus 13R is probably the smoothest $500 smartphone that’s officially available in the US. That’s because it is powered by a high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, paired with OxygenOS 15 and a 120Hz display.
The phone also features a triple camera system comprising a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto shooter, and an 8MP ultrawide unit. It is backed by a large 6,000mAh battery, which supports 80W wired charging.
The OnePlus 13R is compatible with all three major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) in the US. The official price tag is $599; however, the product is regularly sold at a $100 discount.
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3. Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: Unique Design and Features
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is one of the most unique-looking smartphones on the market. The handset’s design is a head-turner, thanks to its transparent rear panel and Glyph LED lights.
At $459, it also delivers a capable camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto unit, and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. Further, the software resembles stock Android with Nothing’s dot matrix elements and some unique first-party apps.
It is not as powerful as the previous two devices. However, it is fast enough for day-to-day activities. A 5,000mAh battery powers the device, with support for 50W wired charging.
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4. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Samsung Ecosystem Experience on a Budget
The Galaxy S24 FE is the costliest product on the list. Though it carries an official price tag of $649, it can often be found for less than $500.
The handset delivers almost everything you can expect from the expensive mainline Galaxy S series phones from Samsung, but at a lower price. You get to experience the whole suite of Samsung ecosystem features.
The device comes with all the essential features, such as a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, a 4,700mAh battery, a 50MP (wide) + 8MP (3x telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide) triple camera setup, IP68 dust and water resistance, and an Exynos 2400e chip. Samsung even promises 7 years of major Android updates.
Since launch, Samsung has been offering the Galaxy S25 Ultra in three shades: Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, and Titanium Silverblue. Now, it has announced a new offer for those interested in buying the Silverblue color variant. The new offer allows users to avail it with Rs 12,000 cashback.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy S25 Ultra Titanium Silverblue edition is available with Rs 12,000 instant cashback until April 30 in India. To recall, the S25 Ultra was priced at Rs 1,29,999 for the 12GB+256GB version at launch.
Apart from the Rs 12,000 cashback, buyers can also benefit from no-cost EMI starting at Rs 3,278. With the new cashback, the net effective price of the device has been reduced to Rs 1,17,999.
All the above S25 Ultra color variants are available through online and offline channels across the country. Buyers can avail the device in special shades, such as Titanium Pinkgold, Titanium Jeblack, and Titanium Jadegreen through Samsung India’s website.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra key specifications
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch AMOLED display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, a 2K resolution, and 2600 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it features the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, 12GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
The S25 Ultra has a 12-megapixel front camera. Its back panel has a 200-megapixel main camera with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. The phone comes preloaded with the One UI 7-based Android 15.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The Infinix Note 50s is all set to go official on April 18 in India. This will be the second Note 50 lineup phone to hit the Indian market after the Note 50x that debuted last month. Recent teasers have focused on its slim design and curved AMOLED screen. Today, the brand has confirmed a few more details about its chipset, battery capacity, and primary camera.
Infinix Note 50s key details confirmed
Infinix Note 50s has a 64MP main camera
The official teaser available on the Infinix Note 50s’ Flipkart page reveals that it will feature a dual-camera setup headlined by a 64-megapixel Sony IMX682 snapper. The handset will have support for 30fps 4K video recording.
According to Infinix, the Note 50s 5G will come equipped with the Dimensity 7300 Ultimate. This is the same chip that powers the Note 50x. Talking about the capability of the chip, the company claims that it can achieve a 700K+ AnTuTu score and support up to 90fps gaming.
The brand has also revealed that the Note 50s will pack a 5,500mAh battery. However, there is no information about the fast charging capabilities of the device.
On the front, the Note 50s will feature a 144Hz curved-edge AMOLED panel. When it comes to durability, the Infinix Note 50s will offer users features like Gorilla Glass 5 protection for the display, a MIL-STD-810-certified build, and IP64-rated dust and water resistance. It will sport a slim profile of 7.6mm and claims to be India’s slimmest 144Hz display phone.
The Note 50s will arrive in three shades: Marine Drift Blue (vegan leather), Titanium Grey (metallic finish), and Burgundy Red (metallic finish). Among these, the blue edition is said to be equipped with so-called Scent-Tech technology that emits a long-lasting fragrance.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
I review a lot of tech, but this is the first time I’m actually reviewing a microphone. And to be honest, I didn’t expect it to be this interesting. The Maono DM40 Pro is Maono’s latest foray into the content creator and gaming space—a market saturated with flashy RGB designs and buzzword-heavy features.
What makes the DM40 Pro stand out, though, isn’t just the RGB or the gaming aesthetics. It’s the smart mix of wireless connectivity, software features, and surprisingly clean audio performance that punches far above its price.
What’s in the Box
Unboxing the DM40 Pro is refreshingly straightforward. Here’s what you get in the box:
The microphone itself, already mounted in its shock mount and built-in pop filter
A sturdy desktop stand
A USB-C to USB-A cable for wired connection or charging
A compact USB-C wireless receiver that tucks neatly into the back of the mic when not in use
It’s a plug-and-play setup that takes less than a minute to get going.
Design & Controls
The DM40 Pro has a design that feels modern without trying too hard. I tested the matte black version, which has just enough gamer edge with its honeycomb grille and subtle RGB glow without looking like something out of a sci-fi movie.
It’s compact and clean, with no garish branding or unnecessary bulk. The top portion of the grille doubles as a capacitive mute button—a simple tap mutes the mic and lights up a red indicator, which is perfect during calls or live streams when you need instant silence without fumbling for buttons.
Opposite the capacitive mute button, there’s another capacitive control dedicated to noise suppression. By default, it cycles through three levels of noise cancellation—each press increases the level of suppression. You can also customize the noise cancellation settings to suit your preferences.
Below the grille sits a gain knob that can also control headphone volume when pressed—it’s functional, though it has a bit of a wobbly feel I wasn’t expecting. On the bottom, you’ll find the USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, a power/RGB toggle button, and a dedicated button for toggling the headphone feature.
The base stand is stable enough for desktop use, but the mic also unscrews easily if you want to mount it on an arm. There’s a small compartment on top of the mic stand joint where you can securely place the USB-C receiver while carrying it around. Overall, it’s a compact, user-friendly build that makes a strong first impression.
Features & Connectivity
What sets the DM40 Pro apart is its dual-mode functionality. You can use it as a traditional wired USB mic or cut the cord entirely with the included 2.4GHz wireless receiver. I used both modes extensively, and honestly, I kept going back to wireless. The freedom to move the mic anywhere on my desk or even carry it to a different room without dealing with cables is liberating. Latency is negligible—Maono claims 0.02ms, and I couldn’t detect any noticeable lag during voice chat or recordings.
Battery life is outstanding. I averaged around 65-70 hours on a full charge, which meant I didn’t need to think about plugging it in for days. Even better, you can use it while charging. There’s no battery indicator on the mic or in the software, which is a bit of a miss, but the runtime is long enough that I never hit empty during use.
Then, there’s the RGB lighting. It’s subtle but stylish, with multiple color modes you can toggle via a button or customize in the software. If you’re not into RGB, you can shut it off completely. But if you are, it’s one of the best-implemented lighting setups I’ve seen in a sub-$100 mic.
Software
Install Maono Link, and the DM40 Pro really opens up. The app is clean, minimal, and surprisingly powerful. You can adjust mic gain, monitor volume, and noise reduction intensity with visual feedback. There’s a 5-band EQ with gaming, live, and original presets, or you can build your own profile from scratch. The reverb controls are basic but fun for creative use.
Then there’s the AI voice changer. I went into it skeptical, but Maono’s implementation is better than expected. The software includes 10 presets that radically alter your voice—everything from anime characters to gritty action-hero tones. It’s clearly a novelty feature, but one that might actually be useful for VTubers, streamers, or anyone doing character-based content. The voice changer creates a second virtual audio device, so you can easily route your processed voice into Discord or OBS.
The noise cancellation is another highlight. It’s adjustable from subtle to aggressive, and in my testing, it handled fan hum and background chatter surprisingly well. At moderate levels, it filtered out ambient sound without noticeably affecting my voice. Only at the most aggressive setting did the audio start to sound processed.
You can also control the RGB lighting through the software. It lets you customize lighting effects, switch between modes like breathing or looping, and adjust the brightness levels to your preference.
Audio Quality
The DM40 Pro sounds really, really good for its price. This is a condenser mic with a 16mm capsule and a cardioid pickup pattern, tuned for the voice frequencies that matter. Whether I was recording VO for a Podcast, hopping on a game, or just chatting in Discord, it delivered a clean, full-bodied sound with no harsh edges. There’s a warmth in the mids that gives vocals some character, and the highs are present without being shrill. Background noise is already pretty well controlled even without software filtering, thanks to the mic’s directional pattern and solid shock mount.
Plosives were well-managed, even without an external pop filter. The built-in grille design does a great job here—you can get fairly close to the mic without worrying about distorted ‘P’ sounds or clipping. Though if you’re shouting into it at max gain, some overdrive is expected.
In terms of sibilance, the mic handles ‘S’ and ‘SH’ sounds decently, but it’s not flawless. As you’ll hear in the demo, those frequencies aren’t overly sharp, but there’s definitely room for improvement in how cleanly it smooths out high-end sibilant tones.
The 24-bit/48kHz recording quality might not impress audiophile purists chasing 96kHz+ resolution, but for most creators, this is broadcast-grade clarity. Monitoring through the 3.5mm jack is immediate and clean, and being able to toggle it on and off without diving into menus is appreciated.
By the way, I ran into an issue a few times where the microphone couldn’t pair properly. The software instructed me to tap and hold the knob, then press the power button three times quickly—but that didn’t fix it. The mic wasn’t working with third-party software either.
Eventually, I discovered a feature in the app called Wireless Pairing. All you need to do is reset the receiver through that and then restart the mic, and it should start working normally. Just sharing this in case you run into the same problem.
Okay, now I’m sharing a few audio demos recorded with this microphone.
Maono DM40 Pro Default Settings Audio Test
Maono DM40 Pro Audio Test with Slight Noise Cancellation
Maono DM40 Pro Audio Test with Aggressive Noise Cancellation
Maono DM40 Pro Plosive Test
Maono DM40 Pro Sibilance Test
Verdict
The Maono DM40 Pro feels like a mic designed for the modern content creator—someone who wants excellent sound, wireless freedom, and customization options without breaking the bank. It’s not the flashiest mic on the market, nor is it built like a tank, but it delivers where it counts: sound quality, ease of use, and real utility.
It’s rare that I test a mic this affordable that I’d genuinely recommend to seasoned streamers, gamers, and podcasters alike. But the DM40 Pro pulls it off. If you’re looking for a versatile, wireless mic that won’t wreck your budget, this one should be at the top of your list.
The Maono DM40 Pro is available for $85.99 and can be purchased directly from the official Maono website.
We also recently reviewed the Viltrox AF 25mm F1.7 Air lens, a budget-friendly prime that delivers pro-level results—you can check out the full review as well.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
BenQ has launched a new portable projector that aims to redefine casual home entertainment. The GV50 Smart FHD Laser projector is the latest addition to the brand’s popular GV series and is designed to deliver a truly cinematic experience. For those unfamiliar, the GV series is a lineup of portable smart projectors designed for casual home entertainment and on-the-go viewing. Here’s a look at its key specifications, features, and price of the GV50.
BenQ GV50 key specifications
BenQ GV50
The BenQ GV50 combines a sleek, portable design with advanced visual and audio features. Its standout feature is the laser light source that not only boosts brightness but also ensures a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours.
Users can enjoy vibrant 1080p visuals on a massive 120-inch screen, enhanced by BenQ’s CinematicColor technology, HDR support, and 500 ANSI lumens brightness. The built-in 18W 2.1-channel speakers provide deep bass and rich sound, eliminating the need for external audio gear.
BenQ GV50
The BenQ GV50 comes preloaded with Google TV, along with licensed Netflix access for effortless streaming. The device also features a low 22.4ms input lag, USB-C DisplayPort, and power delivery for gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. Intelligent autofocus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance make setup easy in any room. When it comes to battery life, the BenQ GV50 promises 150 minutes of video playback or 280 minutes of Bluetooth music streaming.
BenQ GV50 price in India, availability
The BenQ GV50 laser projector is available for pre-order exclusively on the BenQ e-store and Amazon. Customers can grab it at a special launch price of Rs 69,990 until April 22. Official sales begin on the same date. The device comes with two years of carry-in warranty.
Android 16 is arriving earlier than its usual timeline, and Android brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus have already begun public beta testing of the upcoming OS. OnePlus is, in fact, the first non-Google brand to join the Android 16 beta program. The beta program, though, is currently available for the OnePlus 13.
If you own a OnePlus 13 and are eager to try Android 16 features, here’s how to get it up and running on your device.
How to install Android 16 beta on OnePlus devices
The Android 16 beta is currently available to the OnePlus 13, with Android 16 Beta 2 being the latest available version. The OnePlus 13 didn’t receive Beta 1 and jumped straight to Beta 2.
While it’s exciting to test new features and changes ahead of the stable release, there are some risks involved in it. Beta builds often come with bugs and issues. Some functionalities may not work properly, and you could experience system instability. Also, installing the beta will erase all your data, so make sure to take a complete backup first to avoid data loss.
Known issues in Android 16 Beta 2:
Unable to close the version update pop-up after upgrading to the DPP version.
Font weight settings cannot be adjusted.
Device may restart when answering a call using Bluetooth headsets.
Lag and display errors in the camera viewfinder and thumbnail in certain scenarios.
Blurry or unclear camera viewfinder in some cases.
Camera crashes when switching to Macro mode with the rear camera.
Crashes and lag after enabling Ultra Steady mode.
Display error in the camera viewfinder during video recording in specific scenarios.
Screen may freeze when tapping the accessibility shortcut button on the home screen.
Lag observed when locking the screen.
OnePlus says carrier devices (TMO/VZW) are not compatible with Android 16 Beta 2. Also note that your current software version must be 15.0.0.703 or below to upgrade to Android 16 Beta 2. If you’re on a higher version, you’ll need to downgrade first. OnePlus also recommends charging your device above 30% and keeping at least 4GB of free storage for a smooth upgrade.
Now, let’s explore the methods for installing Android 16 beta.
Method 1: Via Local OTA Update (for EU & IN only)
This method only works for OnePlus users from India or EU countries. NA users should follow the second method instead.
Step 1: Ensure that your important data is backed up (IMPORTANT!).
Step 2: Download the correct ROM update package for your OnePlus 13:
Have you tried Android 16 on your OnePlus 13? Let us know your experience in the comments. Also, do visit our Android 16 section regularly for the latest news and developments.
In December 2024, Honor launched the Honor GT, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Shortly after its debut, rumours began circulating that the brand would unveil the Honor GT Pro by mid-2025 in China. Since then, Honor GT series product manager Charlie Du has consistently shared key details about the upcoming GT Pro. Here’s everything revealed so far.
Honor GT Pro’s key specifications confirmed
Honor GT Pro display
An image shared by Charlie confirms that the Honor GT Pro will feature a flat display. A more recent Weibo post (shown below) reveals that the handset will also include an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner. According to other reports, the device will feature a 6.78-inch OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution.
Honor GT Pro features an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
Charlie further revealed that the GT Pro will come equipped with LPDDR5x Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The performance-focused phone will also inherit the Honor Magic 7 series’ dual 1216 ultra-large symmetrical speakers for enhanced audio. Other confirmed features include Rhino Glass protection, a metal middle frame, dual-band PGS, and triple-band Beidou positioning.
Additionally, Charlie has liked a recent Weibo post by reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, who reiterated many of the above specifications. However, DCS added that the Honor GT Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
As for its launch, the Honor GT Pro is expected to debut in China by the end of this month. Interestingly, a new Honor device with model number PPG-AN00 was recently approved by the 3C authority in China, and it is believed to be the upcoming GT Pro. The listing indicates that the phone could support 90W fast charging. It is also expected to feature a battery of around 6,000mAh capacity and a 50-megapixel main snapper backed by a large sensor.
Samsung India has launched a new promotional campaign offering exciting benefits on its premium big-screen televisions. Titled the ‘Big League. Bigger Screen’ initiative, the campaign runs throughout April, coinciding with the IPL cricket season, and is aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for cricket fans. Samsung’s latest offers include a selection of high-end TVs that deliver lifelike visuals and immersive audio.
Chance to win a free TV and more
Samsung announces ‘Big League. Bigger Screen’ campaign in India
Running from April 1 to April 30, 2025, the campaign offers buyers a chance to receive a free Samsung TV worth up to Rs 2,04,990 or a soundbar worth up to Rs 99,990. Additional perks include cashback of up to 20 precent, zero down payment, and EMIs starting at Rs 2,990 with flexible tenures extending to 30 months.
These offers are valid on Samsung’s 43-inch and above models across its Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, and Crystal 4K UHD ranges.
AI-powered TV range with cinematic features
Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K line uses its NQ8 AI Gen2 Processor with 256 neural networks to deliver ultra-detailed visuals and sound across sports, games, and OTT content.
The Neo QLED 4K series also gets AI enhancements and boasts a Pantone Validated display for accurate colour reproduction. Samsung’s OLED TVs come with anti-reflection panels, Real Depth Enhancer, and support up to 144Hz refresh rates.
Meanwhile, UHD models bring vivid visuals with Dynamic Crystal Color and smooth motion with Motion Xcelerator. Across all models, features like Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, and Samsung Knox Security aim to deliver a secure and immersive viewing experience.
Google’s Pixel 9a and Apple’s iPhone 16e are each company’s latest attempts to appeal to the broader mid-range market. Both are cut-down versions of their flagship counterparts and both lean on custom, in-house silicon for raw horsepower—Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9a and Apple’s A18 for the iPhone 16e.
That’s about where the similarities end.
The two chips bring very different visions for what smartphone performance should look like in 2025. Google’s chip emphasizes AI performance while Apple’s solution focuses on raw power and power efficiency.
So, how do these custom chips actually stack up? Let’s break down the key differences.
Google’s Tensor G4 is, at least on paper, a mild upgrade over last year’s G3. It still relies on a semi-custom design, again developed in collaboration with Samsung. Built on Samsung’s 4nm process, the G4 doesn’t bring a significant leap in performance.
It has an octa-core CPU configuration with one high-performance Cortex-X4 core, four Cortex-A720 performance cores, and four Cortex-A520 efficiency cores.
In practice, that translates to performance that is adequate for day-to-day tasks like browsing, app switching, and media consumption.
Benchmark results show the G4 performing somewhere between Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 which makes sense given the chip’s architecture and thermal limitations in a mid-range phone.
Apple’s A18, on the other hand, maintains the company’s lead in chip design. Built on TSMC’s second-gen 3nm (N3E) process, it offers better efficiency and performance headroom than the previous A17. It features two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, with a 4-core GPU.
That’s still a less GPU core than a regular iPhone 16’s A18 chip. Even then, the A18’s single-core, multi-core, and GPU performance is well ahead of the G4 and even ahead of many Android flagships running Snapdragon processors.
Tensor G4
Apple A18
Single core
1,917
3328
Multi core
4,526
8132
3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test (Best loop score)
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2. AI Features
The Tensor G4’s main selling point isn’t raw horsepower. It’s machine learning. Google has doubled down on AI-first features, and the Pixel 9a understandably benefits from that.
It has AI features like Best Take, Magic Editor, on-device transcription, and translation are all supported by the G4’s dedicated TPU. For users who care about AI tools more than gaming frame rates, Pixel 9a delivers a compelling experience.
The A18 integrates Apple’s latest 16-core Neural Engine, which processes over 35 trillion operations per second. While Apple doesn’t highlight its AI capabilities as loudly as Google does, iOS 18 brings new AI enhancements to Siri, Photos, and on-device summarization.
In raw numbers, Apple’s Neural Engine is faster, but Google uses its TPU more aggressively throughout the UI. Still, the experience depends on whether you want your phone to guess your intent or stay out of the way.
3. Camera Processing
Google has long relied on computational photography to deliver strong camera performance even on budget models, and the 9a is no exception.
The Tensor G4 enables real-time HDR, Super Res Zoom, and Night Sight, features that now run faster and more consistently. Image processing is still tuned for dramatic contrast and clarity, with a slight overprocessing bias. But it’s effective—and again, much of this happens thanks to the TPU, not the CPU or GPU.
Apple’s A18 powers a 48MP camera in the iPhone 16e and brings improvements to Smart HDR and Deep Fusion resulting in more natural images. Apple’s photos should be more balanced and with more realistic color reproduction.
4. Battery Life and Efficiency
Samsung’s 4nm node continues to be a weakness for Google’s silicon. The Tensor G4, while better than its predecessors in heat management, still lags behind Apple in power efficiency.
Apple’s A18 benefits from the more efficient N3E node and a mature power management strategy.
On paper, that means the iPhone 16e should outlast the Pixel 9a when it comes to battery efficiency. Of course, real-world results will vary depending on how people use their phones and the types of apps they run. However, from a purely technical standpoint, Apple’s A18 is clearly ahead of Google’s Tensor G4 in the efficiency game.
5. The Broader Picture
If there’s one thing the Tensor G4 and Apple’s A18 make clear, it’s that these two companies are playing very different games. Google is all-in on AI and software-first experiences, while Apple wants to lead on performance and efficiency at the silicon level.
That said, value still matters. The Pixel 9a costs around $499, while the iPhone 16e starts at $599. For many, the price difference, plus the suite of Google’s AI features, may be enough to make the 9a a smart buy. But for those looking for top-tier performance, the iPhone 16e makes more sense.
Still, there’s more to these phones than just chips. Be sure to check out our full comparison for a deeper dive into cameras, displays, and everything else that matters.
Vivo is all set to launch its much-awaited Vivo T4 5G in India on April 22. The official date was confirmed by the company in a recent social media post. The phone is expected to sport significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Vivo T3 5G, with several design and feature enhancements teased ahead of its launch. The device will be available across various platforms, including Flipkart and the Vivo India e-store.
Vivo T4 5G design and color options revealed
Vivo T4 5G launch date
The Flipkart page for the Vivo T4 5G has unveiled its design, showcasing a sleek and modern look. The phone features a large, circular rear camera module housing two camera sensors and an LED ring. Its right spine features a volume rocker and a power key.
On the front, the T4 features a quad-curved display with slim bezels. As for colour options, the Vivo T4 5G will be available in two shades, which, according to reports, will be called Emerald Blaze (green) and Phantom Grey (grey). Vivo is yet to confirm the key specifications of the device. However, it is expected to pack the largest battery in its price segment.
Vivo T4 specifications (rumoured)
According to reports, the Vivo T4 5G may arrive with a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 5,000 nits. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and come in configurations ranging from 8GB + 128GB to 12GB + 256GB. The phone will also feature a 7,300mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
On the camera front, the Vivo T4 5G will include a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS, a 2-megapixel secondary sensor, and a 32-megapixel front camera. It will run on Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15.
Vivo T4 price in India
Reports have claimed that the Vivo T4 5G pricing is expected to be under Rs 20,000. It will be positioned higher than the T4x, which debuted with a price tag of Rs 13,999 last month in India.
Samsung started rolling out its Android 15-based One UI 7 update to the Galaxy S24 series and the 6th generation foldables, with the 5th generation ones and the S23 series scheduled to get the stable update sometime in May. While Samsung kept users waiting—long enough for headlines to question whether it still represents the face of Android—it also had to halt the long-awaited rollout to last year’s flagships due to a serious bug. But there’s apparently more. A recent report from SamMobile talks about another bug in One UI 7, where the battery icon vanishes.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
QuickStar is to blame
The QuickStar Good Lock module reportedly causes the battery icon to disappear and there’s a simple fix to this issue. The QuickStar development team have addressed the reports regarding the battery icon not showing up on the status bar after installing the Android 15-based update. According to SamMobile, the bug has only affected those who used QuickStar to disable the battery icon manually on their phone running on One UI 6.x.
One UI 7 introduces a combined layout for the battery icon and percentage in the status bar. However, if the battery icon was disabled before the update, it won’t automatically show up again after installing the new version.
Fortunately, there’s a very simple solution to it. Affected users need to open Good Lock, head to the QuickStar module, go to the “Visibility of Indicator Icons” menu, and enable the “Battery Icon” option.
For Galaxy S24 users waiting on the One UI 7 update, tipster Ice Universe has revealed in a recent tweet that Samsung has fixed the critical bug and may resume the rollout as early as today. However, he didn’t specify whether the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 will also start receiving the update. Stay tuned, as Samsung is expected to issue a revised rollout schedule soon.
Realme is all set to unveil the Realme GT 7 on April 23 in China. The device, which will be positioned below the existing Realme GT 7 Pro, is said to arrive with a sub-3,000 Yuan (~$410) price tag. The brand recently confirmed the battery size, charging speed, and heat dissipation capabilities of the GT 7. Today, the company has, for the first time, revealed the design and color variants of the device.
The Realme GT 7 will come in three shades, such as Graphene Ice (blue), Graphene Snow (white), and Graphene Night (black). As can be seen, the device appears like a toned-down version of the GT 7 Pro. In particular, the blue edition has a red-colored power button and red accents around the camera island.
Realme GT 7 specifications (rumored)
According to reports, the Realme GT 7 will arrive with a BOE-manufactured OLED panel on the front. It will offer a 1.5K reoslution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner for secure and fast unlocking. The device is said to be equipped with an IP68/69-rated dustproof and water-resistant chassis.
For photography, the GT 7 is expected to feature a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS support. Since it is a performance-driven phone, it may not offer the best photography experience.
Oppo is gearing up for the launch of its K13 smartphone in India, and key details have now been officially revealed. According to the latest updates shared by the brand, the Oppo K13, which is set to launch on April 21 in India, is set to bring a blend of performance, battery efficiency, and practical features—especially appealing to power users and mobile gamers on a budget.
Oppo K13 key specifications
Oppo K13 launch date
The Oppo K13 will feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1200nits peak brightness, and wet-touch support. At the heart of the Oppo K13 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, the first 6-series processor built using TSMC’s 4nm process. This SoC is paired with 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. The device has already crossed an impressive 790,000 score on AnTuTu, positioning it as a strong contender in its category.
The smartphone’s gaming performance is enhanced further by Snapdragon Elite Gaming support and OPPO’s AI Trinity Engine, which dynamically adjusts resources for better frame rate stability. For heat management, it features a combination of a 6,000mm² graphite sheet and a 5700mm² vapour chamber cooling unit—technologies typically found in higher-end phones.
For photography, the Oppo K13 is equipped with a dual-camera setup headlined by an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel primary camera. Additional highlights include dual speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster, and ColorOS. It features an IP65-rated body that weighs 208 grams and has a slim 8.45mm profile.
Oppo K13 price in India
The Oppo K13 will be available in two colours—Icy Purple and Prism Black. Apart from confirming the price, the brand has also revealed that the K13 will arrive with a sub-Rs 20,000 (~$230) price tag. It will be available for purchase via Flipkart in the country.
Oppo is also planning to launch a dedicated K13 variant for China. It is speculated that the Chinese edition could be different from the one launching in India.
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