Latest Mobiles phone reviews with specs and details

Google Pixel 8 Pro (Review) – Shaping Tomorrow, Today

Sometimes, I think even companies have the same twisted fate as ordinary people. Mr XYZ wanted to become an astronaut, but due to family pressure, he became a CA. Same with Pixel phones, they wanted to become a camera, but you know, society came in between. The company launched the Google Pixel 8 Pro along with the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel Watch 2 on 4th October 2023.

I’ve been living with the Pixel 8 Pro for the last couple of weeks, and so far, it has been a tremendous experience. When we received the Google Pixel 8 Pro, it seemed like an ordinary phone due to its basic user interface. But once you spend a few hours with the phone and check out the features it has to offer, it becomes the beast you have been looking for for years, and then there’s no going back.

Design

The Pixel 8 Pro is a visual stunner, setting a new standard for Google’s smartphone design. Swapping the glossy rear glass for a frosted matte finish, the rear side of the phone not only exudes sophistication but also enhances grip, ensuring one-handed use is effortless. The design continues to impress, with glossy aluminium rails seamlessly merging with the visor-style camera bar on the back. Each iteration refines this aesthetic, making it more rounded and integrated into the device’s build.

The Pixel 8 Pro has shed the squared-off corners of its predecessor for a more pleasingly rounded and comfortable feel. The curved display is replaced with a flat 6.7-inch screen, offering a user-friendly experience. Exploring the device’s edges, you’ll discover a USB-C port and a sim tray at the bottom, with power and volume keys conveniently positioned on the right edge. Unlike some Android devices, there’s no fingerprint sensor on the lock button – it’s cleverly tucked beneath the screen.

Display

The latest flagship device from the house of Google boasts a miraculous display like Maxwell’s 201* vs Afghanistan in ODI Mens CWC’2023. Google showcases its hardware prowess with the Pixel 8 Pro’s exceptional display. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 2992 x 1344 pixel resolution, featuring noteworthy upgrades. The 120Hz refresh rate offers seamless scrolling and smooth animations, with a remarkable ability to scale down to 1Hz, conserving energy for various tasks. The brightness levels are impressive, reaching up to 1,600 nits for HDR content and 2,400 nits at peak brightness, surpassing even the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Whether in the bustling streets of Mumbai or the tranquil sunsets of Goa, the Pixel 8 Pro’s screen remains effortlessly visible. It may not show a stark difference compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but Google’s attention to detail ensures you never need to think about it. Furthermore, the screen’s ability to dim significantly is a welcome feature, ideal for using the phone in a dark room without disturbing a sleeping partner. Beyond the enhanced refresh rate and brightness, the Pixel 8 Pro’s screen impresses with its sharpness, vibrant colours, and perfectly symmetrical bezels.

Performance

During my initial days with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, I hinted at potential disaster due to the troubled history of Google’s Tensor chips. However, the game has changed with Tensor G3, the powerhouse within the Pixel 8 Pro. In my extensive hands-on experience with the Pixel 8 Pro, I’ve pushed it to the limits—gaming, multitasking, streaming 5G videos, and snapping photos. So far, Tensor G3 emerged as a true champion, effortlessly handling every task without breaking a sweat.

The dreaded overheating problem that haunted earlier Tensor chips seems to be a thing of the past. Sure, there was a brief moment of warmth during an intense gaming session over a shaky 5G connection, but it was a rarity. The Pixel 8 Pro’s thermal performance has been commendable, with only occasional warmth during heavy usage, a far cry from the discomfort of its predecessors. Tensor, it seems, has finally found its stride.

Camera

The 50MP main camera, with an f/1.68 aperture, boasts 21% more light sensitivity and 2x optical zoom. The 48MP ultrawide camera, featuring an f/1.95 aperture, offers a 105% increase in light sensitivity and an enhanced macro mode, allowing shots from 2 centimetres away. The telephoto camera, now at 48MP, enjoys a 56% boost in light sensitivity and retains its 5x optical zoom.

The Pixel 8 Pro captures outstanding shots effortlessly, whether it’s a well-lit scene or a dimly lit ambience. The 5x telephoto camera may not reach the heights of a 10x optical zoom, but its quality shines through, delivering detailed images with consistent colours. The Pixel 8 Pro ensures that in 2023, the legacy of exceptional Pixel photography remains unshaken. Just point, tap, and confidently expect a stellar image.

AI Photo Editing

Google Pixel 8 Pro offers premium-level AI photo editing features such as Best Take, a standout feature that rescues imperfect group photos. It’s not face recreation; it’s face perfection. The Pixel 8 Pro empowers you to sculpt your photographic narrative effortlessly with the realm of the Magic Editor. The tool transforms Google Photos into an AI-powered Photoshop, allowing you to erase, move objects, alter the sky, and more.

Verdict

The Pixel 8 Pro is a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and functionality, undoubtedly one of the best Android smartphones of the year. Google has elevated its hardware game, offering an unparalleled software experience. So, the Pixel 8 Pro stands tall amongst all its rivals. It’s not just a phone; it’s a triumph.

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

OnePlus Pad Go: GO and GET it!

I’ve been observing OnePlus’s moves since they first surfaced in 2013. They have a proven track record of releasing great products at a great price right from the start. 10 years later and things haven’t changed much, except for a few competitors sprouting up. The OnePlus Pad Go is a new budget tablet which is very reminiscent of its elder sibling, The OnePlus Pad. With differences in aspects like the processor, camera, battery and charging, let’s find out if it’s worth the 19,999 price tag that’s almost half when compared to its predecessor.

Display:

The first display aspect that caught my eye was the crisp 2.4K resolution IPS screen which combined with the sharp and vibrant calibration provides a very immersive content viewing and gaming experience. I highly trust that this helps the OnePlus Pad Go shine in its segment. The only minor inconvenience that came to my geeky attention was the refresh rate being at 90Hz instead of 120Hz but to people who don’t bother much for refresh rates, this shouldn’t be of much concern.

Design:

Whether it’s the metallic finish, the tactile buttons or even the overall sturdiness of this device, I like it. The glossy strip of plastic near the camera module adds a level of freshness to the age-old tablet design i.e the industry standard. Audio enthusiasts will also appreciate its quad speakers that provide ample bass, well balanced mids and clear treble. Movies, music and frequent video calls are handled really well by the OnePlus Pad Go.

However, nothing comes perfect in our imperfect world and what that means here is no 3.5mm headphone jack. For a device that positions itself as a media machine, this is a small disappointment. The seamless bluetooth 5.2 connectivity does try to make up for it but wired users will have to resort to a dongle.

While we are on the topic of missing basic features, there’s no fingerprint scanner which means you’ll have to rely on the face unlock. Come on OnePlus, it’s 2023, everybody prefers biometric authentication over gimmicky facial recognition.

Camera:

The camera performs decently in fair to good lighting conditions. The 8MP resolution both in the front and back is sufficient. You won’t find yourself complaining during zoom calls or the occasional tablet photography session. I was a little surprised to see the omission of a flash in the rear camera module, but I guess they have to cut costs somewhere.

Performance:

It performs best when presented with everyday tasks but falls short when pushed to its limit in heavy games and other processor intensive tasks. The Helio G99 is definitely capable of handling all games but not so much if you like playing them on the highest settings for long periods of time. That said, navigating through multiple apps or browsing the web is as seemless as it gets.

Battery and Charging:

With a 33W adaptor and an 8,000 mAh Li-Poly battery, the Pad Go shines in this department. A solid 2+ day life is easily expected and a respectable 1.5 day life if you decide to really push it.

Software:

What I really enjoyed in the software department is the ease with which I was able to navigate, multitask and get things done in general. OnePlus seems to have customized Oxygen OS and made it more user friendly on a larger screen. I hope they add the option for using a split keyboard soon though, this addition will make it a complete experience.

Verdict:

The OnePlus Pad Go excels in several key areas, including its high-resolution display, versatile audio capabilities, tactile buttons, multitasking optimization, and premium build quality, making it a compelling choice in the slow Android tablet market. It’s a great choice for a younger family member or an avid OTT enthusiast all while proving worthy for individuals who love multitasking.

Rating: ★★★★

OPPO Find N3 Flip Review: New Standard for Flip Phones?

Whether you like it or not, flip phones are here to stay! These devices are not just your typical phones but also extend to be a part of your style statement, building up to your ‘aesthetic’ as the young folks say now. However, there is one visible issue with all of the folding and flipping devices, the crease! The ugly visible crease on folding devices has been keeping me from having one as a daily driver but OPPO has gotten close to solving that issue. Not entirely, but it is a step in the right direction. So, how good is the latest flipping phone – OPPO Find N3 Flip? Let’s find out –

Design

This is a rather early rendition of flip phones in the market which limits all flip devices to pretty much look the same when it comes to the form factor. How well a manufacturer designs the upper cover element sets the device apart from all the similar-looking devices. The Find N3 Flip has a clear win in this department with the circular camera cutout called the ‘Cosmos Ring’ which compliments the overall design with flying colors. Special mention to the curved back here which OPPO claims is the most curved glass back panel among flip phones. It looks premium and gives a good in-hand feel. There’s also an alert slider here at the top left of the device which is sturdy and has a nice click to it. The vertical cover screen is a hit or miss as I would rather have a bigger screen on the cover than a small rectangular one. Overall, the design of the OPPO Find N3 Flip screams premium and is sure to attract a few eyeballs unless you decide to hide all that beauty under a pretty boring cover provided inside the box.

Displays

The cover screen of the OPPO Find 3 Flip is not criminally bad in its own right but falls short in comparison to the Moto Razr 40 Ultra. Once you’ve used a cover screen that spans across the entirety of the back cover and also allows you to operate all applications as you would on the front screen, it is difficult to go back to a vertical cover screen. Granted, this is the only flip phone equipped with a triple camera and a telephoto camera which takes up the real estate at the back but it is still underwhelming, also due to the presence of limited app support and slower refresh rate. What’s not disappointing is the 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen which stuns with its visuals. It is a vibrant screen that makes up for what is lost on the cover screen. What’s also impressive is how well OPPO has handled the crease management. We cannot have a flip device without any visible crease as of now but it’s not as apparent or offensive as other flip devices. Overall, the front display is a treat, and the cover display less much to be desired.

Performance

As one would expect with any flip device in 2023, the OPPO Find N3 Flip also comes with a flagship-grade processor. It is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 and I did not face any performance issues with the device during my testing. Shuttling between applications, clicking photos, watching videos, playing games, and more was a seamless experience without any hiccups which is also expected from a device with this chipset. What’s annoying is the inclusion of lockscreen wallpaper services and bloatware applications which actually hamper the user experience on the software side. One would expect at least premium-grade phones won’t be bombarded with bloatware but that’s certainly not the case here. This is one of the biggest batteries present in a flip device with 4300mAH capacity which can be juiced up with a 44W SUPERVOOC charger. The overall battery life of the Find N3 Flip is balanced. I could easily get through the day with moderate usage on a single charge and heavy users might have the same experience. The camera department is where this device shines and stands true to the OPPO legacy. It features a 50MP primary SONY IMX890 lens coupled with a 48MP ultra-wide and 32MP portrait cameras. It is capable of clicking some awesome shots with minimal loss of detail. Additionally, the FlexForm capture which allows users to capture selfies and shoot videos using the main camera setup is also a treat. The selfie camera here is a 32MP Sony IMX709 sensor which is capable of clicking some vibrant shots. However, OPPO continues to use beautification filters by default on their devices which should not be the case. Overall, the OPPO Find N3 Flip is one of the best flip devices launched this year.

Verdict

OPPO Find N3 Flip strikes a balance between performance and aesthetics. It is a dependable device with a top-of-the-line chipset which ensures smooth performance. The software experience requires to be finessed out as the users who’ll pay the premium price should not be subjected to bloat applications.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ ½

Infinix Zero 30 5G Long Term Review: Underrated Champion!

Infinix is not exactly the brand people consider when in the market to buy a new smartphone. I too am guilty of this prejudice however after using the Inifix Zero 30 5G as my daily driver for the past month, my opinions have drastically changed about the brand and its devices. Sure, Infinix delivers some of the best value devices in the Indian market at the budget segment but its latest Zero 30 5G has proven the company’s ability to compete in the mid-premium segment too. It’s not a perfect phone (none of them are) and there are some hiccups here and there but that does not take away from the fact that it delivers a value-for-money experience. Here’s my full review of the Infinix Zero 30 5G –

Design

This is easily the best part of this device as it looks at par or even better than many premium devices. It is available in two colour options – Golden Hour and Rome Green. I used the Golden Hour variant which has an aesthetic appeal to it. The device is sure to grab some eyeballs as you walk around with it. The Rome Green variant comes with a vegan leather back which adds more value to your money. The phone stands slim at only 7.9mm and weighs light at 182 grams. The volume rocker and lock buttons placed on the right of the device also have a good click to them and feel tactile. You get an in-display fingerprint sensor which is quick and snappy. It has an IP53 rating protecting the device from dust and splashes of water. The camera cutout is HUGE on this device and looks good on the Golden Hour variant as the cutout is golden colour too. However, the cutout is golden even for the green variant which is a bold decision from Infinix. The main attraction of the device is the curved AMOLED display but the overall aesthetic design language supporting it makes up for a great-looking and feeling device. Infinix hits the ball out of the park with the Zero 30 5G design in the sub-25K price category.

Display

The Infinix Zero 30 5G sports a premium-looking curved 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. The bezel situation is pretty neat as they are slim on the sides and slightly thicker on top and bottom. It has a 144Hz refresh rate which can be switched between 60, 120, 144, and Auto options. The 144Hz refresh rate is addressed as ‘extreme’ in the phone settings and that’s exactly how I’d describe using the display, it’s extremely pleasing. The display produces some vibrant colours and it comes with Widevine L1 support so watching OTT in HD resolution will not be an issue. It has a peak brightness of 950 nits which means users will not have an issue in using the device under direct sunlight.

Performance

Infinix Zero 30 5G sports a Dimensity 8020 SoC coupled with 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM which can be extended up to an additional 9GB of RAM (21GB total) using the virtual RAM option. I did not add up any virtual RAM during my testing of the device as 12GB is more than enough for SoC it houses. The device comes with 256GB of UFS3.1 storage which is standard across the 8GB and 12GB variants of the device. Having 256GB as the standard storage option across the lineup is applaudable, but having an expandable storage option would seal the deal entirely. We could talk about GeekBench and AnTuTu scorecards where the device definitely scores higher than the majority of the devices in the price category but I’d let readers know how the device performs on a daily basis.

I’ve been using the device as my daily work phone for the past month which means attending constant calls, virtual meetings, approving video content, working on Google apps and much more. I was taken aback by how flawlessly the device took over all the tasks without any hiccups. I’ve been using the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G along with the Zero 30 5G which are comparable devices in many arenas, the latter always emerged better in both performance and user experience. Playing games like BGMI for extended periods of time was not an issue but the device did heat up considerably during my testing.

The UI experience is certainly improved from the previous Infinix devices I’ve used in the past. The experience is much more refined and visually pleasing. Yes, there are some bloatware and third-party applications here but not as annoying as some phones in this price category. What could be a deal breaker for many is that the company only provides one major Android update and 2 years of security patches.

It features a big 5,000 mAh battery with 68W fast charging support. You can get a day out of this battery easily and charge it up in nearly 50 minutes which is not bad by any standards.

Camera

Inifnix Zero 30 5G boasts a decent camera setup. You get a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 primary camera with IOS, a 13Mp ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens which I thoroughly believe brands should omit. There is a Samsung 50MP ISOCELL JN1 sensor which is capable of shooting crisp selfies. It is an AI-enhanced camera setup which is capable of shooting 4K at 60FPS on both the front and rear. The front camera is accompanied by a flash which is a surprising addition. It works well only if you can manage to not get blindsided by the front flash! Overall, it is a decent camera setup which is reliable under well-lit conditions and loses its ground under darker settings.

Verdict

The Infinix Zero 30 5G is a competitive mid-range smartphone that is definitely worth the money. The standout design coupled with a curved AMOLED display makes up for a good package itself. However, the cherry on the top is it being a well-performing and dependable device. Low light camera performance can be improved but besides that, it is a solid device!

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

iPhone 15 series launched with USB-C & Dynamic Island across the entire lineup

The much anticipated iPhone 15 lineup is here and as expected trollers have started having a field day on the internet complaining about how there haven’t been major upgrades from the previous years. If you ask me, the inclusion of the Dynamic Island features on the standard iPhone 15 & 15 Plus is a crucial upgrade. Goodbye to the classic iPhone notch, hope we never see you again! The entire iPhone 15 lineup includes – iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Check out all the details about the iPhone 15 lineup below –

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models bid farewell to the classic broad iPhone notch and replaced it with the Dynamic Island. Another major upgrade is finally the adoption of the USB-C port on the iPhone series. RIP Lightning Port! There’s a total of five colour variants – Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Black. The latest iPhones come in a textured matte finish and a ceramic shield.

Talking about the display, the standard variant features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel. Whereas, the Plus model has a larger 6.7-inch form factor. The displays can go up to 2000 nits peak brightness. It is sad to see Apple stick to a 60Hz refresh rate for the 15 & 15 Plus models in 2023 where even $200 phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate. The devices are powered by the A16 Bionic chip which currently powers the iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max. The camera department features a dual set-up with a 48MP primary and a 12MP telephoto lens capable of 2X zoom. The selfie camera sports a 12MP lens. The iPhone 15 is priced at Rs 79,900 In the Indian market and the 15 Plus at Rs 89,900.

iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max

Apple also introduced its flagship-grade smartphones the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max during the Wonderlust event. Sadly, there was no iPhone 15 Ultra as many fans were anticipating. During the presentation, Tim Cook called the latest Pro iPhones to be the “most pro lineup” Apple has ever created and we cannot agree any more!

Both models feature an all-new Grade 5 Titanium Frame with brushed texture for improved durability. The devices run on the latest A17 Pro chipset based on the 3nm architecture. The iPhone 14 Pro sports a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with 2,556 × 1,179 pixels resolution, 120Hz ProMotion, HDR, True Tone, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, and Ceramic Shield protection. Whereas, The Pro Max version has a 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with 2,796 × 1,290 pixels, HDR, True Tone, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, 120Hz ProMotion technology, and Ceramic Shield protection. The latest Pro iPhones come with a triple camera setup featuring a primary 48MP wide-angle lens coupled with a 12MP ultrawide and 12MP telephoto sensor. The front camera here is a 12MP lens. iPhone 15 Pro is priced starting at Rs 1,34,900 for the base 128GB storage model, Rs 1,44,900 for 256GB, Rs 164,900 for 512GB, and Rs 1,84,900 for the 1TB model. iPhone 15 Pro Max costs Rs 1,59,900 for the base 256GB storage model, Rs 1,79,900 for 512GB, and a cool Rs 1,99,900 for the 1TB version.

Experience the speedy and innovative Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5!

Android fanboys, it’s your time to show off. With the highly anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5, Samsung has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone technology. These two revolutionary devices come packed with innovative features that promise to redefine the smartphone experience. Let’s see what’s new they have for you, one by one.

“Galaxy Z Flip5”

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 sets a new benchmark for foldable smartphones. Its innovative display technology, powerful cameras, sleek design, and robust performance make it a standout choice for tech enthusiasts and style-conscious users. With this remarkable device, Samsung continues to lead the charge in shaping the future of smartphones.

Design

Speaking of the design, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is remarkably compact. It measures a mere 71.9 x 85.1 x 15.1mm when folded, making it incredibly portable. When unfolded, the device measures 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9mm, offering a generous screen real estate without compromising on the sleekness of its form factor.

Display

At the heart of the Galaxy Z Flip5 is its stunning 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display. With a resolution of 2640 x 1080 and an aspect ratio of 22:9, this display offers rich and vibrant visuals with excellent colour accuracy. What sets it apart is the 120Hz Adaptive refresh rate, which intelligently adjusts to the content being displayed, providing smoother graphics and reducing motion blur.

Cover Screen

The Galaxy Z Flip5 also features a convenient 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Cover Screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. This secondary display allows users to interact with notifications, view important information, and even take quick selfies without having to fully unfold the device.

Cameras

In the photography department, the Galaxy Z Flip5 impresses with its 10MP Selfie Camera, which captures stunning self-portraits with ease. On the rear, the device boasts a dual-camera system comprising a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera and a 12MP Wide-angle Camera, ensuring that users can capture detailed and vibrant photos in any scenario.

Processor

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, delivering seamless performance and efficient multitasking. With 8GB RAM and options for 256GB or 512GB of storage, users can store their precious memories and favourite content without worry.

Battery and Colours

The device packs a reliable 3,700mAh battery, keeping users powered throughout the day. With its assortment of striking colours, including Mint, Graphite, Cream, Lavender Gray, Blue, Green, and Yellow, the Galaxy Z Flip5 also offers a stylish and personalised touch to suit every individual’s taste.

Price and Availability

Pre-book for Galaxy Z Flip5 starts from July 27 across all leading online and offline retail stores.

8GB / 256GB – ₹99,999

8GB / 512GB – ₹109,999

“Galaxy Z Fold5”

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 represents a groundbreaking advancement in smartphone technology, reshaping the boundaries of what a modern smartphone can achieve. Its remarkable design, cutting-edge display, formidable performance, and advanced camera capabilities establish a new benchmark for innovation and potential in the industry.

Design

Design-wise, the Galaxy Z Fold5 impresses with its sleek form factor. Folded, it measures a compact 67.1 x 154.9 x 13.4mm, making it easily portable. Unfolded, it transforms into a spacious 129.9 x 154.9 x 6.1mm device, seamlessly adapting to your needs as a phone and tablet.

Display

The device’s revolutionary 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display is at the core of its immersive experience. With an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth scrolling and interactions, while the stunning resolution of 2176 x 1812 and 21.6:18 aspect ratio, with 374 pixels per inch, delivers captivating visuals for gaming, multitasking, and high-definition content consumption.

Cover Screen

The cover screen has also received a significant upgrade, featuring a 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This provides users with a buttery-smooth experience even in everyday tasks, navigating through apps, or checking notifications. At 402 pixels per inch, the cover screen ensures that every detail is crisp and vibrant.

Cameras

Samsung has also redefined smartphone photography with the Galaxy Z Fold5’s camera setup. The cover camera boasts a high-resolution 10MP selfie camera, capturing stunning self-portraits even in challenging lighting conditions. Impressively, the under-display camera on the main screen captures selfies with a discreet 4MP sensor, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience while maintaining picture quality.

The rear triple camera system is equally impressive, comprising a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, a 50MP Wide-angle Camera, and a 10MP Telephoto Camera. From sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups, this versatile setup lets users unleash their creativity and capture moments in exceptional clarity.

Processor

The Galaxy Z Fold5 is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, ensuring this device delivers impressive performance and efficiency. Paired with a generous 12GB of memory and a choice of 256GB, 512GB, or a massive 1TB of internal storage, users can store all their memories, apps, and data without worry.

Battery and Colours

The 4,400mAh battery provides ample power to keep up with your day-to-day activities, and with Samsung’s efficient power management, you can enjoy extended usage without constantly seeking a charger. To top it all off, the Galaxy Z Fold5 comes in an array of stunning colours, including Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream Gray, and Blue. This choice of colours not only reflects your style but also adds a touch of sophistication to your tech gear.

Price and Availability

Pre-book for Galaxy Z Fold5 starts from July 27 across all leading online and offline retail stores.

12GB / 256GB – ₹154,999

12GB / 512GB – ₹164,999

12GB / 1TB – ₹184,999

Through The Years: Evolution of the smartphone

Smartphones have evolved to become an essential part of our lives. Be it the professional front or the personal front, smartphones are the constant companions we carry around in our back pockets in order to connect with the world. One can blame that the emergence and popularity of social media has increased our dependency on smartphones but that is a topic for some different day. Today, we would like to take you through a brief history of smartphones right from their inception to where they stand now. So come along with us as we turn the pages of history and understand the smartphone –

1876: Graham Bell’s miraculous innovation

It will be unfair to look at the evolution of the smartphone without touching upon the history of the first-ever telephone ever made. Sure, smartphones now serve multiple purposes with the standard telephone features being just one of the many things they can do, but the inception of the smartphone relies entirely on being able to make calls and communicate with others while being on the move. Back in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone which revolutionized communication forever.

At first, the telephone was considered a luxury item which was only accessible to the wealthy. However, the following century brought the telephone evolution which made the communication device a common household item. Now, telephones are everywhere you go and that flashy slab of screen is what people look at first thing in the morning. So, how did we get here?

1994: IBM’s first call to smartphones

Now, the origin of the first ever ‘smartphone’ is a debatable topic with many referring to the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x launched in 1983 as the first one to launch in the mainstream market. However, IBM’s ‘Simon Personal Communicator’ was the first mobile phone to sport multiple features. IBM was the first player in a business market which is expected to be valued at over $1.35 trillion by 2026.

Simon Personal Communicator launched back on August 16, 1994, with a hefty price tag of $900. Sadly, the Simon was not received well by the masses thanks to the premium price tag. The device was bulky and had poor battery life which was coupled with poor wireless connectivity. This led to the first smartphone becoming a failed venture but it laid down the foundation of many beta-level features that are now common in modern mainstream smartphones. One can say that the Simon Personal Communicator was way ahead of its time.

1998: Nokia 5110 makes heads turn

1998 was not the first time Nokia tried to enter the consumer phone market. However, with the 5110, Nokia revamped its ideology with consumer phones and departed from the ‘business phone’ strategy. The Nokia 5110 allowed users to choose a device which was not just plain black and grey colours. It introduced the Xpress-on-covers which could change the colour of the device and stand out as eye candy.

The original Nokia 5110 advertised the device with the ‘Freedom of Expression’ tagline which was well received amongst the mass consumers. Nokia started the craze for changeable mobile cases from the late 90s to the early 2000s. This was the time humanity started to get a taste of what was about to unfold in the coming years.

1999: Here Come The Blackberry Boys

The Blackberry 850 launched back in 1999 and things were not the same after it. The personal communication device features email, fax, calendar, address book, and task lists as its primary features. It featured a full QWERTY keypad allowed it to form a league of its own. Interestingly, the Blackberry 850 did not include the ability to make calls. The feature was introduced in the Blackberry 5810 which was released in 2002.

Since the 850 did not sport any calling features, it was marketed as a personal communication device for the business world. Where Blackberry aced was the marketing where it skillfully advertised its security features garnering good reception from professionals.

2007: The iPhone!

As a tech fanatic myself, I’ve seen Steve Jobs’ video introducing the first-ever iPhone at MacWorld in 2007 multiple times. The world has not been the same ever since the iPhone made its way to the market. It still stands tall as one of the most disruptive pieces of technology ever launched globally which changed the way we communicate with tech and each other as a species. In my biased opinion, iPhone’s launch is what signifies that mobile phones becoming smartphones.

The cherry on top was its asking price of $499 which allowed Apple to sell them like hotcakes clocking in at 270,000 iPhones getting sold within just the first two days of the release. Furthermore, over 6 million iPhones were sold during its entire run in the global market. It was a new product with never seen before technology which could have resulted in hesitation or straight-up rejection from the general public, but that was not the case here. The huge number of sales for a first-generation product like the iPhone signified humanity’s shift in the sphere of personal technology.

iPhone took many fundamental features from IBM’s Simon and dialled them to 100. The device allowed talk, text, email, music, YouTube, maps, calendar, weather, camera, along with internet web browsing. An average tech fan back in 2007 must-have definitely lost their mind when Jobs introduced the revolutionary device.

2008: iPhone 3G

While I am an Android user myself and do not enjoy the modern iOS interface, I cannot deny the contribution of the iPhone in shaping the modern smartphone era. It was back in 2008 when Apple released the iPhone 3G which made a bigger splash than the original. It provided all the modern functionality present in the iPhone while allowing personalization. The App Store was introduced which allowed third-party applications to be installed. This revolutionized the smartphone experience furthermore as it meant that the devices were no longer limited to the default factory settings, allowing users to have complete control of the device.

The iPhone 3G sold over a million devices in the first weekend itself and ended its run with over 15 million units sold. The iPhone was growing in popularity and started getting a hold of the personal communication market until Android stepped in!

2008: Android Enters The Chat!

After the massive success of the second-generation iPhone along with the App Store, Google started making waves with the launch of its very own operating system; Android. Google developed Android in order to compete against iOS with the launch of HTC Dream which launched back in 2008. HTC Dream was the first ever device to run on Android OS. It features a sliding keyboard, multi-touch screen, 3G & WiFi connection along with a much better camera than iPhone 3G at the time.

But Google didn’t stop at merely creating an OS and a device running on it as it also launched the Play Store. The Google Play Store was an app store predominantly designed to compete with Apple’s App Store. The popularity of the two prominent app stores from Apple and Google hinted towards the fact that people were beginning to use smartphones for beyond just simple communication purposes. This was the time when mobile phones transformed from becoming communication devices to lifestyle tools.

Bigger Screens and Immersive Experiences

What followed in the next years was a game of cat and mouse among Android and iPhone devices. In 2012, Samsung launched the Galaxy S3 which featured a bigger screen. Samsung ended up outselling the iPhones after the launch of the S3 thanks to the bigger screen. This indicated that consumers are wanting larger screens on their smartphones to consume videos, read the news, play games, and more. This led to the current trend where we get smartphones in a large slab of screen form factor.

Samsung folds the smartphone trend

Now we come to the current scenario with the smartphone industry moving towards foldable devices. Samsung was the first smartphone manufacturer to venture into foldable with the launch of its controversial Galaxy Fold. The launch of this device was no less than a mess when users started removing the protective film from the device thinking it can be removed. This resulted in Samsung recalling most of the Galaxy Fold Gen 1 devices. Currently, every smartphone manufacturer seems to be getting in the foldable business with players like Google, Oppo, Tecno, and many more introducing their own foldable smartphones.

Smartphones: What’s Next?

hand holding a futuristic transparent smartphone with home screen on display

It is difficult to predict how smartphones evolve in the near future. It has not even been three decades since smartphones were introduced and the relatively new technology has gone through multiple changes. The social narrative around smartphones has also changed drastically as it is not just an accessory we carry around but an important part of our existence.

Smartphones enable digital spaces like social media which are here to stay. Thus, it can be assumed that smartphones too are going to be around for the longest time. However, one cannot be sure in which form factor will exist. I am leaning towards foldable devices being the future but that is not set in stone. Society’s dependence on technology is ever-increasing thus the smartphone will undoubtedly be around in some shape or form.

Tech-Tastic – Top 10 Accessories for Your Smartphone

In today’s digital age, our smartphones are more than just devices that allow us to make phone calls and send text messages. They have become integral to our lives, serving as our personal assistants, entertainment centres, and communication hubs. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that there are countless accessories available to enhance and improve our smartphone experience. Let’s explore the top 10 accessories for your smartphone that will make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Phone Case

A phone case is an essential accessory for your smartphone. The case protects against scratches, drops, and other accidents that could damage your phone. The cases come in various styles, colours, and materials, so you can choose one that reflects your style and personal taste.

Screen Protector

Along with a phone case, a screen protector is another essential accessory to protect your smartphone’s screen from scratches and cracks. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep your phone looking like new and avoid costly repairs.

Power Bank

A power bank is a portable charger that allows you to charge your phone on the go. It’s a must-have accessory for frequent travellers, content lovers or anyone who uses their phone heavily throughout the day. With a power bank in your hand, you won’t have to worry about your phone running out of juice when you need it most.

Bluetooth Headset

A Bluetooth headset is a wireless device that allows you to make hands-free calls and listen to music without the hassle of cords. It’s a great accessory for anyone who needs to stay connected while on the go or wants to listen to music without disturbing others.

Selfie Stick

A selfie stick is a telescoping pole that allows you to take selfies from a distance. It’s a fun and easy way to capture group photos or get a better angle for your solo shots. Plus, many selfie sticks come with a remote shutter button, so you can take photos without touching your phone.

PopSocket

A PopSocket is a small, collapsible grip that attaches to the back of your phone. It provides a secure and comfortable grip for your phone, making it easier to hold and reducing the risk of drops. It also doubles as a stand, so you can prop up your phone to watch videos or take photos.

Wireless Charger

A wireless charger is a convenient way to charge your phone without the hassle of cords and cables. Simply place your phone on the charging pad, and it will start charging automatically. It’s a great accessory for anyone who wants to simplify their charging routine and reduce clutter.

Phone Mount

A phone mount is a device that allows you to attach your phone to your car’s dashboard or windshield. It’s a safe and convenient way to use your phone’s GPS or music player while driving. Plus, many phone mounts are adjustable so that you can find the perfect viewing angle.

Armband

An armband is a strap that attaches to your arm and holds your phone while you exercise. It’s a great accessory for runners, cyclists, or anyone who wants to stay connected while working out. With an armband, you won’t have to worry about dropping or losing your phone during your workout.

Camera Lens Kit

A camera lens kit is a set of lenses that attach to your phone’s camera and enhance its capabilities. It’s a great accessory for anyone who loves to take photos and wants to experiment with different types of lenses. Some popular options include wide-angle, fisheye, and macro lenses.

AirTag (Bonus – Only for iPhone users)

AirTag is a small and easy-to-use device that helps you keep track of your essential items. With precision finding, it can locate your lost items with ease. It’s also secure and private, with end-to-end encryption that protects your location data. Plus, it’s seamlessly integrated with the Find My app on your iPhone.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Review: Jack of All Trades

Every once in a while, you come across a smartphone which is easy to recommend. The newly launched OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is one of those cases. It looks like OnePlus is continuing its winning streak at least in India with the launch of the 11 and 11R series devices and now with this budget winner. So what exactly works with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite? Pretty much everything, for the prize! Let’s dive in and explore the latest budget offering by OnePlus and why it has the potential to become the next big thing in the Indian market –

Design

The ‘CE’ in the OnePlus lineup stands for ‘Core Edition’ It could be simply written off as a marketing gimmick designed to package a budget device. But the CE aspect in Nord CE 3 Lite shines especially when it comes to the design. As much of the budget devices go, it also comes with a plastic back but the colour scheme here can be called this device’s USP. The variant I am using is the Pastel Lime colour which is aesthetically pleasing to look at. The company says that the vibrancy of nature inspired the new Pastel Lime variant which honestly translates very well in real-time usage of the device. At the front, we have a big 6.72-inch 120Hz FHD+ display which is not AMOLED, making it the only drawback of the Nord CE 3 Lite in my opinion. However, the colour production and overall performance of the LCD screen took me by surprise as it was a treat to look at. Interestingly, the device does not come with a Gorilla Glass at the front but rocks an Asahi Dragontail Star Glass which easily survived a few drops from a nominal height during my testing. The fingerprint sensor here rests on the right side of the device with the left side housing the volume rockers and a hybrid slim slot. The camera design for the new device is also unique in more than just one way. Overall, the design of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is a winner.

Camera

Now, this is where most budget devices lose their ground. The expectation with cameras in this price category is usually whether the performance is passable. Luckily, the image output for the Nord CE 3 Lite with its 108MP primary lens is beyond just passable. The camera is capable of shooting some crisp images with the exception of a few shots where it misses out on key details of the subject in place. The primary shooter is coupled with a 2MP depth-assist lens and a 2MP macro lens. OnePlus claims that the device is capable of shooting 3x lossless zoom images which is arguable, to say the least. During my testing of the device, a lot of details were missed out while clicking photos on 3x zoom. The selfies here can be clicked with a 16MP shooter which produces average shots. The camera boasts a number of features like AI Scene Enhancement, Slow Motion Video, Dual Video Mode, and much more. Sadly, it cannot shoot videos in 60 frames being restrained to 1080P and 720P video at 30 fps only. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite brings in a stable camera setup which is reliable. Check out some camera samples below –

Performance

The greatness of the Snapdragon 695 chipset strikes again! If I had a dollar for every time a smartphone manufacturer relied on this chipset for optimum performance in the budget section then I’d be wealthy. The powerful chipset is backed by a 5000 mAh battery which can be juiced up with a 67W SUPERVOOC charger. During my testing, the device would juice up around 80 to 85% in half an hour. The combination of a big battery with fast charging is a treat for people on the go, thus making this device an ideal choice for many. We also get a 3.5mm headphone jack here which produced decent audio quality during long music sessions. The variant I tested came with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB storage. It runs on OxygenOS 13.1 which promises a smooth gaming experience. However, one does not truly think of gaming graphics extensive games on a budget device like this. Still, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite holds its ground during extensive gaming sessions without heating up noticeably. Overall, the performance of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is smooth and commendable.

Verdict

If you’re looking to get into the OnePlus ecosystem without having to shell out the premium midrange pricing of the OnePlus 11 then this is definitely the device for you. It comes with good performance and an above-average camera system making it a complete package.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Redmi Note 12 Turbo to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2

Qualcomm recently launched the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset which is the company’s most powerful premium midrange offering to date. It is equipped with Quantum AI Engine that boosts its performance making the processor much faster than its predecessor. Now, Redmi has confirmed that its upcoming Redmi Note 12 Turbo which is all set to launch on March 23 will feature this latest chipset. On the other hand, Realme has also confirmed that Realme GT Neo 5 SE will feature the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset.

Redmi Note 12 Turbo specifications

While there have been confirmations from Xiaomi about it, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is expected to feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It is tipped to feature a triple camera setup on the back with a 50MP primary lens coupled with 8MP and 2MP lenses. However, the details about the selfie camera are still unknown. So far, the only confirmed specification of the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC which will reportedly be paired with 12Gb RAM and 512Gb storage for the maxed-out variant. It is expected to house a massive 5500mAh battery with fast charging support of up to 67W and feature Android 13. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo is rumoured to launch in the global market as the POCO F5.

Whereas, the new Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 comes with its own set of impressive features. Qualcomm claims that its newly launched mobile platform is equipped with superior CPU and GPU performance. It is capable of fast gaming, better low-light photography along with 4K HDR video performance. It also comes with AI-enhanced capabilities which are staple in today’s mobile computing chipsets. It sports an 18-bit Triple ISP which allows users to capture images in mega low light mode. This mode clicks 30 pictures and combines them into a single frame for a brighter and clearer output in low-light images.

Apple launches iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in new Yellow colour variant

It was back on September 16, 2022, when Apple introduced its iPhone 14 lineup. The release was yet another feather in Apple’s crown as the iPhone 14 series sold like hotcakes with 26.09 million units sold out in the first two months of its release. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus were available in five colour variants at the time of launch namely midnight, starlight, (PRODUCT) RED, blue, and purple. Now, Apple has updated the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus with an all-new yellow colour variant.

iPhone 14 and 14 Plus new variant

This won’t be the first time Apple has introduced a new colour variant for its previously released iPhones. In 2022, Apple added a green variant for the iPhone 13 lineup, and purple a year before that for the iPhone 12. Readers should note that the changes are only limited to the colour and Apple has done no other specifications changes in the software or hardware experience. The new model features a bright yellow glass back panel which might remind users of the deep yellow of the iPhone XR. However, the aluminium frame of the new variant is similar to its body which is a departure from the iPhone XR design which featured a pale gold colour aluminium frame. However, unlike last year, the new colour variant will not be offered in Pro models and is strictly limited to the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus models as of now.

iPhone 14 and 14 Plus yellow variant availability and pricing

The iPhone 14 yellow variant is priced at Rs 79,990, and the 14 Plus is priced at Rs 89,990. This means the newer variants do not come at an additional cost and the prices remain unchanged. The yellow iPhone 14/14 plus is now available to buy on the official Apple store website. Check it out – HERE

OnePlus unveils OnePlus 11 concept phone at MWC

OnePlus has been in an interesting spot lately with the launch of its OnePlus 11 series. The company seems to be getting its footing back after at least two turbulent years. The launch of the OnePlus 11 and 11R saw the return of the company to its original form offering flagship devices at competitive pricing. Sure, the launch of the OnePlus 11R pits the company against its very own flagship OnePlus 11 but that is something tech enthusiasts are not complaining about. besides, having a tablet and a foldable mobile device under its kitty for a near future launch, the brand is surely gearing up to make a full comeback in its best form. Building upon the momentum, OnePlus today unveiled its OnePlus 11 Concept device at MWC Barcelona.

OnePlus 11 Concept device

This won’t be the first time OnePlus dived into the concept phones arena as it previously developed the ‘OnePlus Concept One’ device which featured a disappearing camera. With the introduction of the OnePlus 11 Concept, the company aims to redefine industry standards when it comes to device cooling. The company has introduced a new cooling system titled – Active CryoFlux and the entire emphasis seems to be on this technology this time around. In simple terms, the Active CryoFlux technology brings PC-like liquid cooling to mobile devices, which is ‘cool’ to say the least. OnePlus has managed to fit two micropumps around the device’s camera region which suck the heat generated from its chipset. The heat is then dissipated via icy-cold liquid flowing through visible pipelines at the back of the device.

Picture Credit: Phone Arena

The company claims this new cooling tech allows the device to game efficiently with temperatures decreasing up to 2.1 degrees Celcius allowing the frame rate to increase by 3-4 FPS. On the other hand, the cooling tech has also been integrated during device charging where the temperature of the device is brought down by up to 1.6 degrees. As it is a concept device, the OnePlus 11 Concept will not be up for sale.