Category: News

Xiaomi has launched yet another budget-friendly smartphone. On 27th April 2020, the Chinese company announced the Mi 10 Youth 5G. After the Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro, this is the latest smartphone that supports 5G connectivity. Although initially, the device would be available in Chinese markets itself, Xiaomi might launch a global version of the smartphone soon.

Finally, 5G is not harmful to our pockets!

There are several different 5G implementations in the market. Most of them come with a premium price tag. Be it Oneplus 8 series, or be it Motorola Edge, that we talked about previously. The Snapdragon 865 and 765G are the chips that come with a 5G modem integrated. While the former gives power to the top tier flagship devices, the later might cut some slag in terms of cost.

Physical features – the device looks good

The Mi Youth 5G Phone comes with a 6.57”(Full HD+) AMOLED display. It not only means that the color production would be good, but we also get an in-display fingerprint sensor. The touch sampling rate is 180Hz, but there are no fancy refresh rate counts. The screen is a standard 60Hz display. 

Snapdragon 765 is a powerful chipset!

The smartphone ships with Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, which supports dual-band 5G. There are plenty of options available in terms of RAM(LPDDR4X) and internal storage(UFS 2.1). The company also advertises liquid cooling. The device gets its juice from a 4160 mAh battery that is enough to get you through your day. The device also supports a 22.5W fast charge via the USC-C port.

An all-in-one package deal: The camera is nuts on this one

Lets me make things more interesting for you. The rear panel of the device houses a quad camera setup. The primary lens is a 48MP shooter, an 8MP ultrawide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a macro lens. The periscope mechanism enables you to zoom in; 5x optical and up to 50x hybrid zoom. The front camera is a standard 16MP shooter that sits in a U-shaped notch.

Pricing is pretty aggressive

You get NFC and your favorite headphone jack. To make this deal even more irresistible, the device starts at 22500INR for the 6/64GB variant. Other variants are; 6/128GB, 8/128GB, 8/256GB, and the price varies accordingly. There is a sharp jump of around 2500INR for each model. The device is available in some exciting colors; White, Peach, Blue, Black, and Mint Green.

The times when 5G phones use to cost a fortune are past us. Companies are coming up with affordable solutions to customer needs. Xiaomi has been good with that for a long time now. Their devices are developed, keeping in mind the value-for-money aspect. And that is the reason for their success. 

It has been a while since Google announced the Pixel Buds 2. Six months ago, a commercial was put up on the official YouTube channel. It gave us all the first look at the truly wireless earphones by Google. Well, finally, the wait is over. Google launched the device on 27th April 2020. 

Google is trying to give some kind of competition to the industry-standard Apple AirPods. The original Google earbuds came out in the year 2017. Since then, a lot of things have been improved. The earbuds come in a subtle, matte white box. The finish appears premium, and the design is quite minimalistic. As soon as you open the box, the buds rest there. The box also supports wireless charging and has LED indicators for better interaction.

Comfortable Fit, Google Assistant Support, and More!

The earbuds are extremely light and hence would not bother in long terms of usage. The additional rubber finger-like structure helps the earbuds fit better in the ear. They like to call it the “stabilizer arc”. The Google earbuds are best known for the integration of Google Assistant. So is the case here. You can tap and hold either one of the earbuds; whatever you speak would be heard. They also offer hands-free control over the voice assistant. 

The device supports real-time translation, thanks to the Google Assistant.

Another improved aspect here is the call quality and audio quality. The lows and mids are crunchy, but according to the various reviewers, the bass was not quite up to the mark. The most significant caveat would be the absence of an active noise cancellation system. But Goole hopes that Adaptive Sound might compensate for the same. The earbuds listen to the noises near you and adjust the volume accordingly. It might be a useful feature.

Like the Apple AirPods Pro, we have vents on the stem of the earbuds. They are supposed to avoid the uncomfortable vacuum like situation. But they let in a lot of ambient sound. The device houses especially designed 12mm drivers. Comparing it with some apparent rivals, like Jabra Elite 65t or Apple AirPods, Google still has got some work to do. The earbuds are IPX4 certified. You might wear them to your showers, but you would like to avoid swimming.

Battery Life is Pretty Decent!

One good thing about these is that you can listen to either of the earbuds independently. It is a feature that is absent in most of the wireless earphones, where only the right or the left earbud is the primary earbud. The charging case is pretty small. You get about 5 hours of battery life on the earbuds and the box can charge them for about 3 to 4 times. It would be enough for the whole day.

As far as some other options in the price range are concerned, Google has a lot to catch up if the company wants to set some sales! The earbuds come at 179$. If you want the hands-free Google experience and a comfortable pair of earbuds, you can go for it.

The new Motorola Edge is coming to India. Prashanth Mani, Motorola India Head, announced through a tweet on 25^th April 2020. Motorola is back in the flagship market. The company has many expectations from the line-up.  Launching a primary flagship device, along with a cheaper alternative, is sort of a trend among manufacturers. We saw it Samsung, Oneplus, Apple and now Motorola. Without further ado, let us jump straight into the article.

As the name suggests, both the devices have a beautiful edge-to-edge display. The exterior of the mobile phone is simply pleasing. Remember the screen implementation in the Samsung Galaxy Edge series? Well, it is pretty much the same implementation. We see a screen wrapped around the sides of the phone, with a little bezel at the top and the bottom. Not only does this make the device look cooler, but it also comes with some handy gestures that one can access while interacting with the edge of the screen.

Motorola Edge, the entry-level flagship

Motorola Edge is the less expensive version, the base model for the line-up. Powered by Snapdragon 765G, the device is 5G capable. The device comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. A 6.7”, 90Hz AMOLED display (1080 x 2340) produces vivid colors and has excellent viewing angles. The device stands taller than it is broad, with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The beauty of the device is the falling side bezels, which can be turned on or off. 

While the front camera is a 25MP single shooter (placed in a punch-hole display), the rear panel houses a triple camera setup—a primary 64MP shooter, coupled with an 8MP telephoto lens and a 16MP ultrawide lens. Standard performance here, you can shoot 4k videos at 30fps and 1080p videos at 60fps. Stereo speakers enhance audio performance. A 4500 mAh battery can last easily throughout the day.

Motorola Edge+, the flagship from Motorola

While the screen size and refresh rates remain the same, you can stream HDR10+ content in this model. It has a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 865 processor (5G inbuilt). Out of the box, it comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The device runs on a 5000 mAh battery that might last you for two days in a row. We also get wired fast charge support, and a 15W wireless charging support. You can also reverse charge a device at 5W.

The selfie camera remains the same. A better quad-camera system is what we see at the rear. The primary sensor measures at whopping 108MP, along with an 8MP telephoto lens and a 16MP wide-angle lens. The fourth lens is a time of flight sensor. 

Both the devices house Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Motorola is known to produce well-built smartphones. The pricing is what you must consider before getting your hands. The Motorola Edge will be priced at around 650USD, making it an affordable flagship experience. The Motorola Edge+ would be priced at 999USD, putting it right in the top tier category.

JBL is a known name when it comes to music. The company produces premium quality devices that offer fantastic sound. Millions of people are a fan of the JBL Sound Signature. The right amount of bass coupled with the well-balanced highs and lows. JBL knows how to do it. While products are usually prices towards the higher side, the American sound company is putting together budget-friendly devices for India. You must have seen the previously launched wired earphones that are priced aggressively. Just two months ago, they launched a truly wireless earphone, JBL C100TWS. While it was pretty difficult to get hands-on the device, I somehow managed to order the device. Here is a review that would help you know the device better.

Build Quality And Connectivity Are Not The Plus Points

First, let us talk about the build quality. After getting my hands on some other products in the price range, like SoundCore Liberty and Realme Air, I think that JBL has saved some cost here. The charging case and the earpieces themselves are made with mid-quality plastic. The hinge has some wobble to it. Yet they have a very snuggle fit. The earpieces never fell from my ears, even while casual dancing to some music.

Also, the right earpiece is the primary connector. This means that the right earpiece is the one that connects with your device. JBL has cut corners here as well. You cannot use the left earpiece alone, while the right one is off or in charging.   

The Case Easily Last For 3 Days On A Single Charge 

Talking about the battery life on this one, it is pretty decent. I got around 4 to 5 hours of battery life (from the earpiece) in a single charge. This is a good thing, as you can go through a movie, without the need to charge your device. While watching movies, you might feel that the earpieces are not loud enough. But you may download some third party volume boosters to deal with it. The charging case offers 3 to 4 times of full charge. I usually charge my devices at night, and then enjoy the juice for the whole day.

Sound Quality Is Better Than Its Competitors

Talking about sound quality, they are one of the best options in the price range. Previously I have been using Sennheiser’s wired earphones and the sound quality was just nuts. Comparing it with Noise Shots, Realme Buds Air, I can say that the sound stage is much broader. The bass is a bit emphasized, but the highs and mids compliment it. Overall, they offer pretty good sound quality in the price range that they come. They come with a 5.8mm driver, which might be smaller, but produces superior sound quality.

They connect via Bluetooth 5.0, but the absence of a low-latency mode bugged me. While playing video games, especially Pubg, you might find here a bullet shot after a headshot killed you. The design is pretty good. They look stylish. Call quality is a bit on the average side. While outside, the other party was not able to hear my voice.

All-in-all, if you are running short on budget, and you need to get rid of the daily hazard of untangling your earphones, you can go for these. They are available in two colors, black and white. And are available on Flipkart and the official site for 4000INR.

The company is known for the recent 108MP camera used in S20 Ultra, and they are the first company to do so. With the pixel binning technology, Samsung quickly escalated from 12MP cameras too much larger sensors, and now they are planning to compete with the human eye.

It Is Official Now; We Might See 500MP Camera in Smartphone!

Head of Sensor Business Team, Yongin Park, revealed that Samsung is working on camera sensors that are smaller in size but capable of capturing high-resolution images. He even said that they might match or even exceed the amount of information obtained by a human eye. Using the pixel binning technology, Samsung quickly jumped from 64MP to 108MP and is leading the number since then. If they achieve a working 500MP sensor that fits inside a smartphone, it would be a significant landmark in terms of the development of technology.

Samsung is speeding things up!

Last year in May, Samsung announced its first 64MP camera sensor. It used a 2×2 pixel binning technology. Within less than six months, they raised It to 108MP, using a 3×3 pixel binning technology. Samsung also produces these lenses for other companies as well. Xiaomi’s Mi10 pro comes with a 108MP ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor, which is produced by Samsung.

“Through relentless innovation, we are determined to open up endless possibilities in pixel technologies that might even deliver image sensors that can capture more detail than the human eye” – Yongin Park.

Benefits of a high-resolution camera sensor!

The high-resolution sensors not only capture more detail, but they also perform much better in low lighting conditions.  It would be possible to capture stellar images with our smartphones. Samsung believes in “small pixels, high resolution” technology and they are excelling in it. The 108MP sensor has been criticized by various experts, owing to its inability to change focus between different subjects. Samsung has promised to improve the situation through some software updates in the near future.

What is pixel binning?

Pixel binning is a process of capturing data from different pixels and combining them into one. IT  helps in achieving low noise and a high frame rate. Samsung has used this technology to produce high-resolution sensors. 

The human eye records and processes images in extremely high resolution and speed. Some scientists believe that if we express the resolution of the human eye in terms of smartphones measurements, it would be close to 576 MP. That is huge. An average smart phone’s camera is 12 megapixels. Smartphone companies are dedicating themselves to producing a good quality camera, which fits in a smartphone. 

Due to the pandemic, e-commerce websites have suffered a massive loss in the first quarter of the year 2020. Transport is an integral part of these companies. And due to the lockdown, no trucks or buses are allowed to move. Hence, nothing that you order online would be able to reach you. It also sees the influence of the manufacturing of units in Chinese factories. The electronics market has suffered the most. Most of the mobile phone companies have their factories in China, which are shut. The work and supply by companies like Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal and other such firms are limited to essentials. 

The government has made amendments to their last order

In the last couple of days, there came the news that the government has allowed the sales of smartphones and a few other electronics categories. Flipkart even posted a banner and opened the mobile category for purchase. They came up with guidelines for safe delivery. And they also promised that they would start delivering from 20^th April, according to the government guidelines. 

E-commerce websites must be upset!

For the whole procedure to work, the delivery vans and trucks also had to take permission from the government. Although that seemed to be profitable for the brands as they have not made any profitable sale so far in this year. It was nullified by the government looking at the current scenario. It was instead a shock for brands like Xiaomi and Realme; they were looking forward to launching some new devices.

The government has taken back its order for the e-commerce companies to function normally from 20^th April.

The government has only allowed the sale of essential items 

According to the recent order of the Ministry of Home Affairs, e-commerce companies would not be able to deliver anything but essentials until the lockdown lifts. The official twitter handle also posted a document confirming the same. It is mentioned that the vehicles used by such companies to deliver the essentials would also have to maintain the highest possible hygienic standards. They would not be able to operate without permission.

The latest order is contrary to the previous, where the government allowed the factories for the production of smartphones. All the enthusiasts waiting for new launches have to wait until lockdown lifts in the country. It would be unreasonable to launch products when no one can buy them, especially for brands that have a significant chunk of business from India. The companies that have launched products; OnePlus and Apple have to wait until the lockdown ends, for their sales to begin.

Elon Musk, in his classic way, replied to some fan tweets recently. The CEO revealed some very exciting news about Cybertruck. We are talking about better off-road functionality with increased dynamic air-suspension travel. Even more, the company is working to shrink the size of the futuristic truck. So that it fits into garages in the US. Lowering the window sill height and leveling the centerline are some of the other improvements that one might get to see in the actual retail unit.

The company does not have a production plant yet

Though Tesla has not set up a factory for production, they say that they are searching for a place to start in the US. The manufacturing and production are planned in late 2021. We would likely see different models, based on power and range travel. The high-end models would be produced first, with the less powerful models scheduled for production in 2022.

Cybertruck completely blew minds at launch!

Remember playing those futuristic video games that invoked the desire to use all the gadgets? Those movies like Men in Black which showcase a tremendous amount of future tech that does not even exist. If you say that you never desired those, you would probably be bragging. Last year, all of us witnessed a revolutionary design. Tesla Cybertruck made thousands of heads turn in the launch event. Some even said it was hard to believe as it looked like some sort of animation or hologram. But the prototype was launched and it worked.

We are talking about a truck that virtually looks like a vehicle from some sci-fi movie. Cybertruck features an electric automobile design. It offers par power and acceleration as the ones that run on conventional fuels. The electric pickup has serious payload capacity and can travel a huge distance with respect to electric cars. The chassis of the truck is carved out of stainless steel. As far as the dimensions are concerned, it has targeted some already popular vehicles, with a seating capacity of six people. But, here is when things start to get interesting. The pricing of the truck might begin around $50,000.

Tesla is also preparing some kind of futuristic Cybertruck housing called Cybunker. The rugged and sharp looks of the pickup make it easy to compare it with a tank. Though at the time of launch, the vehicle received mixed reactions from the public, one cannot deny that it is one step ahead to the future. 

OnePlus has tried a different thing this time. Instead of making a device in the mid-premium price range, they have gone straight up tier. Both the devices launched are price at par with some of the best smartphones out there. OnePlus 8 Pro costs a whooping thousand bucks. That is not mid-range folks. And this also makes them compete against some top tier products like iPhone 11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. Even the lower model starts at 699USD. But, given that the new iPhone, SE(2^nd Generation) is out now, and costs only 499USD, it might be a reason to worry. Let’s get straight into it.

The new OnePlus comes with top of the line android spec sheet. They have tried to make it the fast, for their love of speed. But neither the performance nor the design is as good as the price. For this article, we would focus on OnePlus 8.  Here are some reasons to consider.

• The features that OnePlus is bragging about, the fast charging and official IP certification. They are already available at phones that cost much less than OnePlus 8. The new iPhone is waterproof and supports fast charging as well.
• The new iPhone comes with A13 Bionic. The chipset is currently powering some of the most expensive and powerful iPhones out there. The computational power is seriously off the charts. We are talking about benchmark scores that even Snapdragon 865 cannot achieve.
• The new iPhone would have the flagship Apple camera. It is supposed to have the same lens as some premium smartphones in the line-up do. OnePlus has always struggled delivering in the camera department. And it is not only the hardware. Recent uploads from reviewers show red tone in the pictures in all kinds of lighting, and that is not a good sign.

• There are a lot of people out there who use an older version of iPhone. We are talking about iPhone 6, 6s and even iPhone 7. Essentially the new iPhone is like a no-brainer upgrade for all of them. They get to keep the smaller, compact form-factor that they love, and get updated internals. It’s a win-win situation. A 4.7” Retina display, and TouchID are some of the most successful features of Apple.
• Last but not least, the pricing of the new iPhone is absolutely insane. You get a brand new iPhone for 400USD, with all the latest features and power. iOS has been more efficient than Android for years now. You can get the same work done on an iPhone with 3GB of RAM, that you would get done on an Android device for 6GB of RAM

While the pandemic has sharply dipped the demand of smartphones, both these launches may be able to cope up with it.