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The new Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings two-way satellite communication

Apple unloaded a lot of new hardware on the “Awe Dropping” event last night. Including the iPhone 17 series, AirPods Pro 3, and a couple of smartwatches. And as expected, the Watch Ultra 3 also went official with a few upgrades here and there. So, without any delay, let’s learn more about the Apple Watch Ultra 3, including its expected price in Nepal.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Overview:

Design and display

The Watch Ultra 3 continues Apple’s tradition of rugged, premium design with its Grade 5 titanium casing. Available in “Natural” (silver) and “Black” color options, it weighs around 61 grams. It also carries an IP6X dust resistance, 100m water resistance (WR100), and is certified for recreational diving up to 40 meters under EN13319 standards, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (review).

The dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) support and all the buttons are present as well. The only difference in terms of design on the Watch Ultra 3 is that Apple says it has used a new “3D printing process” to make it, which apparently uses “half the raw material as previous generations”.

Apple Watch 3 Design

Despite the same design, the Watch Ultra 3’s display is slightly bigger now. It still has a 49mm case, but Apple has trimmed down the bezels a little, allowing the screen to stretch closer to the frame and providing a more immersive viewing experience. To compare, the Watch Ultra 3’s display measures 422 x 514 pixels. Versus 410 x 502 pixels on the Watch Ultra 2.

Not only that, but this guy also upgrades to an LTPO3 wide-angle OLED panel. That can get as dim as 1 nit and as slow a 1Hz to save power. The display is protected by a sapphire crystal glass and can reach a maximum brightness of 3000 nits like before. It also features night mode for a couple of watch faces, such as “Modular Ultra”, “Wayfinder”, and “Orienteering”.

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Performance

For the time ever, the new Apple Watch lineup does not bring a new chip. The Watch Ultra 3 is powered by the same S10 SiP we saw on the Apple Watch Series 10 (review). And it has the same 64GB of internal storage as the Watch Ultra 2 as well, but it runs on the new watchOS 26 by default. Although the watchOS 26 update will also be available on older smartwatches.

Battery

With that said, Apple does promise slightly better battery life now. The Watch Ultra 3 can go for 42 hours under regular usage compared to 36 hours on its predecessor. Turning on the “Low Power Mode” will still give you 72 hours of juice, while this guy supports fast charging too. According to Apple, you can expect it to fill up to 80% after plugging in for just 45 minutes.

Satellite communication

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 pushes boundaries for the first time by introducing on-device satellite connectivity with redesigned radios and stronger antennas that double the signal strength. Now, the watch can connect directly to satellites as long as it has a clear view of the sky.

Satellite communications on Apple Watch Ultra 3

This means you can send Emergency SOS alerts, text messages, and share your location through Find My, even if your iPhone is dead or out of range. Apple continues to offer Emergency SOS via satellite for free for the first two years, though future pricing details remain unannounced.

The Ultra 3 is also the first Apple Watch to support “5G RedCap” technology. Unlike full 5G, RedCap (ReducedCapacity) is optimized for wearables, delivering faster speeds and stronger connections without draining battery life.

Health and fitness tracking features

We also get advanced health monitoring, including heart rate, ECG, and blood oxygen tracking. Apple is also introducing hypertension (high blood pressure) detection on the Watch Ultra 3 and the new Watch Series 11. It’s currently under FDA review, and Apple plans to roll it out in 150 countries and regions.

But not to worry, this feature will also be available on older Apple watches, including the Watch Ultra 2 and the Watch Series 10.

The Sleep app also gets a new Sleep Score, helping users better understand their rest patterns. On the fitness side, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 debuts “Workout Buddy”, a virtual training companion that delivers stats, feedback, and encouragement during runs, rides, or walks.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 44 × 12 × 49 mm
  • Weight: 61.6 grams (Natural), 61.8 grams (Black)
  • Display: 2.04 inches Always-on Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED, Up to 3,000 nits brightness, Sapphire crystal glass, 422 x 514 pixels
  • Design: Titanium case, Digital crown with haptic feedback, Action button
  • Durability: WR100 (Up to 100 meters), EN13319, IP6X dust-resistant
  • Sensors: Electrical heart sensor, Third-generation optical heart sensor, Blood oxygen, Temperature, Depth gauge, Water temperature, Compass, Always-on altimeter, High-g accelerometer, High dynamic range gyroscope, Ambient light
  • Processor: Apple S10 chip (dual-core), 64GB storage
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Dual-band WiFi, LTE, 5G
  • Navigation: Built-in GPS (L1+L5), Glonass, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
  • Audio: Dual speakers, 3 microphones with beamforming and wind noise mitigation
  • Battery: Up to 72 hours in low-power mode (or 42 hours in regular usage)
  • Charging: USB-C magnetic charging cable

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Price in Nepal and Availability

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is up for pre-order at the usual price of USD 799. We expect the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Nepal to be around NPR 155,000 when it launches here in a couple of months.

Smartwatch Price in the US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
Apple Watch Ultra 3 USD 799 NPR 155,000

    iPhone 17 Pro Max goes official with a 48MP triple camera setup

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    The iPhone 17 Pro Max is finally official, with a design that is easily the most polarizing they’ve done. But other than the design, Apple’s latest flagship comes with some fresh updates too. So without any delay, let’s jump into all the new features, specifications, and expected price in Nepal of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    iPhone 17 Pro Max Overview

    Display and design

    The 17 Pro Max keeps the 6.9-inch OLED screen, same resolution as before, but it’s noticeably brighter. Up to 3,000 nits when you’re outdoors. Apple also mentions that this screen’s contrast is twice as good in sunlight. The display is now protected by a 3x more scratch-resistant Ceramic Shield 2 glass, while the back panel gets the Ceramic Shield treatment.

    Interestingly enough, the Cupertino-based tech giant has decided to ditch the more expensive Tttanium body this time for a 7000-series aluminum body. On both the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    iPhone 17 pro max camera

    The 17 Pro Max comes in “Cosmic Orange”, “Deep Blue”, and “Silver” color options. And as you can see, Apple has repositioned its logo a bit lower and replaced the usual square camera module with a long camera strip.

    Thickness is up slightly to 8.75mm, mostly to accommodate the larger battery. And compared to the regular iPhone 17 Pro, the Pro Max is bigger, heavier, and has more battery life. That’s it. The other difference is that unlike the 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is also available with 2TB of storage.

    Performance

    And powering it all is Apple’s new A19 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Memory sees a nice bump with 12GB RAM as well, compared to 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple also added a vapor chamber for the first time on the iPhone, which reportedly delivers 40% better sustained performance.

    Besides the A19 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max also has Apple’s custom-designed N1 wireless networking chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.

    Camera

    Likewise, the iPhone 17 Pro Max also brags a 48MP triple camera setup for the first time ever on an iPhone. That means the main, the ultrawide, and the telephoto all use a 48MP sensor now.

    iPhone 17 pro max camera

    The telephoto lens has a 100mm focal length, which offers 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-quality zoom with 3D sensor-shift OIS. Compared to how the 16 Pro Max had 5x optical zoom with a 12MP sensor.

    The front camera has also been upgraded to an 18MP square-shaped sensor with “Center Stage” tech that keeps your subject centered during selfies and videos. Whereas the iPhone 17 Pro Max now supports ProRes RAW recording, Apple Log 2, and Genlock to “precisely synchronize video across multiple cameras and inputs”.

    Battery and the rest

    This is also the first iPhone to cross the “5,000mAh battery” territory with a 5,088mAh cell. Apple now claims 33 hours of video playback, compared to 27 hours on the 16 Pro Max. And in select markets like Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, and the US Virgin Islands, the iPhone 17 Pro models are eSIM-only.

    iPhone 17 Pro Max Specifications

    • Design, build: 163.4 x 78 x 8.75 mm, 233 gm, IP68 rating
    • Display: 6.9-inch OLED screen, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate (LTPO)
    • Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3nm mobile platform)
    • Memory: 12GB RAM, 256GB to 2TB storage (non-expandable)
    • Software & UI: iOS 26
    • Rear Camera: Triple (48MP primary, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto)
    • Front Camera: 18MP “Center Stage” camera (Dynamic Island)
    • Security: Face ID (via the front camera)
    • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano), WiFi 7 (dual-band), Bluetooth 6, GPS / Glonass / Galileo / BeiDou / QZSS / NavIC, USB-C, 4G LTE, 5G
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Dual ambient light, Gyroscope, LiDAR, Proximity
    • Battery: 5,088 mAh with 25W wireless charging (no power adapter in the box)

    iPhone 17 Pro Max Price in Nepal and Availability

    In the US, the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at USD 1,199 for the 256GB model as usual. While the specced-out 2TB variant costs a whopping USD 1,999! And we expect the price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Nepal to start at around NPR 220,000 when it launches here shortly.

    iPhone 17 Pro Max variant Price in the US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    256GB USD 1,199 NPR 220,000
    512GB USD 1,399 NPR 256,000
    1TB USD 1,599 NPR 293,000
    2TB USD 1,999 NPR 366,000

    iPhone 17 Pro launched with a new “plateau” design, A19 Pro chip

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    Apple announced the iPhone 17 Pro in its “Awe Dropping” event last night. This compact flagship Apple phone is a very different device from last year’s titanium-clad iPhone 16 Pro. So let’s take a closer look at the new iPhone 17 Pro, including its expected price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.

    iPhone 17 Pro Overview

    Design and display

    Starting off with the design, Apple has swapped out titanium for a precision-milled aluminum unibody with softer curves and a wide camera “plateau.” But despite the switch to aluminum, the iPhone 17 Pro isn’t lighter than its predecessor. In fact, it’s actually gained some weight (206 gm > 199 gm).

    But even disregarding the material used in the iPhone 17 Pro, its design nonetheless feels very polarizing. Especially with the new “Cosmic Orange” finish that some users are calling “traffic cone orange”.

    iPhone 16 pro Price in Nepal

    This isn’t the first major smartphone to come up with something completely unexpected and unconventional, like the Nothing Phone 3 (review). Alienating even its most die-hard fans.

    The display keeps the 6.3-inch size from last year, but brightness is now up to 3,000 nits. Ceramic Shield 2 glass and a new anti-reflective coating make it harder to scratch and easier to see outdoors. The Dynamic Island remains unchanged, though iOS 26 adds a “Liquid Glass” interface that should smooth out animations.

    Performance

    At its core is the A19 Pro chip with a first-ever vapor chamber cooling setup on an iPhone. And with this setup, Apple claims “40 percent better sustained performance” compared to last year.

    Although, in my opinion, it has no practical use as most people won’t notice that in everyday use. The A18 Pro from last year was already strong enough for gaming, editing, or whatever you’d throw at it. But if you’re a gamer, a vlogger, or someone who pushes their phones to the extreme, that sustained performance should definitely be noticeable.

    Cameras

    The real upgrade comes in the camera system. All three rear lenses are now 48MP — wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. The telephoto uses a 100mm f/2.8 lens with 4x optical zoom and “optical-quality” 200mm 8x shots.

    This may look like a downgrade since the iPhone 16 Pro actually had a 5x optical zoom lens, but Apple has a much higher-res 48MP camera setup this time. Instead of the iPhone 16 Pro’s 12MP telephoto camera.

    iphone 17 pro

    As for videos about videos, the iPhone 17 Pro improves on video compared to the 16 Pro in a few ways. Its rear cameras still do 4K at 120fps, 1080p slow-motion at 240fps, Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes 4K, Cinematic Mode, and Action Mode, just like before.

    But it now adds ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and Genlock as well. That last one is more geared towards professional video creators, which allows them to sync footage from multiple iPhones and other supported cameras.

    The front camera is a bigger upgrade with the 18MP sensor, which can record stabilized 4K HDR, automatically frame people in portrait or landscape, and even adjust for groups. You can also use Dual Capture to record from the front and back at the same time.

    Battery and charging

    Apple has also managed to squeeze in a larger battery thanks to the new design. With this, Apple claims this phone has up to 33 hours of video playback, compared to 27 hours on the iPhone 16 Pro. Charging is faster too, since you can get it to 50% in 20 minutes with a new 40W “Dynamic Power Adapter”.

    Storage and connectivity

    The base storage for the iPhone 17 Pro now starts at 256GB, instead of 128GB, as they had been giving since forever. But unlike the iPhone 17 Pro Max that can be configured with up to 2TB storage, the regular iPhone 17 Pro caps out at 1TB. Meanwhile, connectivity gets a boost with an Apple-designed “N1” wireless chip to handle WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.

    iPhone 17 Pro Specifications

    • Design, build: 150 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm, 206 gm, IP68 rating
    • Display: 6.3-inch OLED screen, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate (LTPO)
    • Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3nm mobile platform)
    • Memory: 12GB RAM, 256/512GB/1TB storage (non-expandable)
    • Software & UI: iOS 26
    • Rear Camera: Triple (48MP primary, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto)
    • Front Camera: 18MP “Center Stage” camera (Dynamic Island)
    • Security: Face ID (via the front camera)
    • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano), WiFi 7 (dual-band), Bluetooth 6, GPS / Glonass / Galileo / BeiDou / QZSS / NavIC, USB-C, 4G LTE, 5G
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Dual ambient light, Gyroscope, LiDAR, Proximity
    • Battery: 4,252 mAh with 25W wireless charging (no power adapter in the box)

    iPhone 17 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability

    Since Apple didn’t introduce a price hike on the entire iPhone 17 series, the iPhone 17 Pro still costs USD 1,099 in the US for the 256GB model. And it goes all the way to USD 1,499 for the 1TB configuration. We expect the price of the iPhone 17 Pro in Nepal to start at NPR 201,000 when it launches here shortly.

    iPhone 17 Pro variant Price in the US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    256GB USD 1,099 NPR 201,000
    512GB USD 1,299 NPR 238,000
    1TB USD 1,499 NPR 275,000

    Apple AirPods Pro 3 is here with heart rate sensing and 2x better noise cancellation

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    Apple has announced the AirPods Pro 3, alongside the iPhone 17 series, Watch SE 3, Watch Series 11, and the Watch Ultra 3 at its “Awe Dropping” event last night. These new pair of earbuds bring heart rate monitoring for the first time in the AirPods lineup, alongside a bunch of other upgrades. So let’s dive into this article, where I will discuss everything about the Apple AirPods Pro 3, including its features, specifications, and expected price in Nepal.

    Apple AirPods Pro 3 Overview

    Design

    We weren’t expecting this, but the AirPods Pro 3 have gotten a slight design refresh. The earbuds themselves are slightly smaller now, while Apple is also debuting a new “foam-infused” eartips for a better fit and noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 3 can be fitted with five sizes of eartips now, including a new “XXS” size.

    Apple AirPods Pro 3 design

    Not only that, but the AirPods Pro 3 is also IP57 dust/water resistant now for both earbuds and the charging case. A notable upgrade from the IP54 dust/splash resistance on the AirPods Pro 2.

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    Better audio and noise cancellation

    The AirPods Pro 3 is powered by the same H2 chip as its predecessor, although Apple says it has “completely redesigned acoustic architecture” for improved bass response, better vocal clarity, and a wider soundstage. It also includes Apple’s next-gen “Adaptive EQ” that automatically tunes the earbuds based on the geometry of your ears. These earbuds don’t skip on features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Dynamic head tracking either.

    Airpods Pro 3 audio

    And even though Apple used the same H2 chip this time, the AirPods Pro 3 apparently has 2x better noise cancellation than the AirPods Pro 2. Or a whopping 4x improvement versus the original AirPods Pro. Apple is so confident with its ANC upgrades that it’s even claiming “the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation” with the AirPods Pro 3.

    Battery life and health features

    The AirPods Pro 3 bring longer battery life, too. It offers up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge while using Active Noise Cancellation (up from 6 hours on the AirPods Pro 2). Whereas when using the Hearing Aid feature with Transparency Mode enabled, that number climbs to 10 hours!

    And like I mentioned in the very beginning, these AirPods also pack a custom PPG heart rate sensor. Just like what Apple did with the Powerbeats Pro 2. As a result, you can track your heart rate and calories burned in 50 different workouts when paired with an iPhone. However, if you already own an Apple Watch, these new fitness features might feel somewhat unnecessary.

    Live Translation

    Another new addition on the AirPods Pro 3 is something called “Live Translation”, which is powered by Apple Intelligence. This feature allows you to listen to people speaking in different languages and hear translations directly through your AirPods.

    If both individuals have AirPods Pro 3, they can each speak in their own language and hear translations through their respective AirPods.

    The feature is activated by tapping the stems of both earbuds when a foreign language is detected in a conversation and supports automatic translation for English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish for now. And support for other languages like Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) is expected to arrive later.

    Apple AirPods Pro 3 Specifications:

    • Design and build: 30.9 x 19.2 x 27 mm, 5.55 gm (per earbud)
    • Durability: IP57 dust/water resistant (earbuds + charging case)
    • Audio: Custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier
    • Health features: Hearing Protection, Hearing Aid, Hearing Test, Heart rate sensing with a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor
    • Control: Press/pinch controls
    • Battery life: Up to 8 hours (with ANC), 24 hours (with ANC) with case
    • Charging: MagSafe Charging case (5 minutes charge = 1 hour playtime)
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, skin-detect sensor, heart rate sensor
    • Other features: Live Translation, Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Find My

    Apple AirPods Pro 3 Price in Nepal and Availability

    Despite all these upgrades, the AirPods Pro 3 still costs USD 249. The same price as the AirPods Pro 2 when it came out. We expect the price of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 in Nepal to be around NPR 44,499 when it launches here shortly.

    Model Price in US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    AirPods Pro 3 USD 249 NPR 44,499

    Apple’s “impossibly thin” iPhone Air is now official

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    Apple just dropped the iPhone Air. And its biggest highlight, most definitely, is how thin and light it is. So without any further ado, let’s dive into this article, which will discuss everything about the latest iPhone Air, including its expected price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.

    iPhone Air Overview

    Design and build quality

    Measuring 5.64mm thick and weighing just 165 gm, the iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. The company’s clearly betting big on the ultra-thin form factor, banking on the “wow” factor, which most phones have failed to deliver in recent times.

    Its grade 5 titanium frame gets a high-gloss mirror finish, and there’s this new “plateau” design on the back that houses the camera, speaker, and chips while maximizing battery space.

    iPhone Air Design

    And as for durability, the iPhone Air’s display gets Ceramic Shield 2 with 3x better scratch resistance. While its backplate is protected by last-gen Ceramic Shield, which still offers 4x better crack resistance. Similarly, the Action button and Camera Control are both present here.

    To save internal space, the iPhone Air doesn’t have a physical SIM slot either. Meaning it will be eSIM-only worldwide.

    Display

    The 6.5-inch LTPO display is bigger than the regular iPhone 17‘s 6.3-inch display. Apple’s using a Super Retina XDR OLED panel with “ProMotion” technology for a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. And since it’s also an LTPO panel, it can dynamically adjust down to 1Hz when not in use as well. Other highlights of this screen include 3,000 nits of peak brightness and Always-on display support.

    Performance

    Regarding performance, the iPhone Air packs the A19 Pro (3nm) instead of the regular A19 in the standard iPhone 17. The A19 Pro brings a 6-core CPU that Apple claims is the “fastest CPU in any smartphone,” plus a 5-core GPU with upgraded architecture for AAA gaming. Which is actually one less GPU core compared to the A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    The iPhone Air also enjoys a healthy 12GB of RAM and a couple of custom Apple chips. There’s one called “C1X”, which is a cellular modem that is reportedly twice as fast as the C1 modem on the iPhone 16e. While also using 30% less power. Then there’s Apple’s new “N1” chip to handle wireless connectivity like WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.

    Camera system

    Getting into optics, you’re getting a single 48MP main camera with f/1.6 aperture and sensor-shift OIS technology. While there’s an 18MP “Center Stage” front camera, as the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup. This thing has a square sensor design that lets you shoot landscapes while holding the phone vertically. While its auto-framing and dual-capture features are nice touches as well.

    iPhone Air Design

    But despite carrying only two cameras, Apple positions this as “the equivalent of four lenses”. By offering 28mm and 35mm focal lengths, plus “optical-quality” 2x telephoto cropping from the rear camera.

    Battery life and charging

    Despite the ultra-thin profile, Apple’s claiming “all-day battery life” with the iPhone Air. We know that it has a 3,149 mAh battery, an efficient A19 Pro chip, and an optimized internal architecture to maximize battery space. That being said, we have doubts about whether Apple can actually deliver on that promise.

    Especially since Apple has designed a separate MagSafe battery accessory for this phone. And talking about MagSafe, the iPhone Air supports 20W wireless charging via both MagSafe and Qi2.

    Software

    The iPhone Air debuts with iOS 26. Which brings the “Liquid Glass” design language. It also supports Apple Intelligence, with features like Live Translation for real-time text and audio translation, plus updated visual intelligence features. The on-device foundation model works offline, whereas new screening tools could help filter calls and messages.

    iPhone Air Specifications:

    • Design, build: 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm, 165 gm, IP68 rating
    • Display: 6.5-inch OLED screen, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate (LTPO)
    • Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3nm mobile platform)
    • Memory: 12GB RAM, 256/512GB/1TB storage (non-expandable)
    • Software & UI: iOS 26
    • Rear Camera: Single (48MP camera)
    • Front Camera: 18MP “Center Stage” camera (Dynamic Island)
    • Security: Face ID (via the front camera)
    • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (eSIM), WiFi 7 (dual-band), Bluetooth 6, GPS / Glonass / Galileo / BeiDou / QZSS / NavIC, USB-C, 4G LTE, 5G
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Dual ambient light, Gyroscope, Proximity
    • Battery: 3,149 mAh with 20W wireless charging (no power adapter in the box)

    iPhone Air Price in Nepal and Availability

    Starting at USD 999, the iPhone Air definitely feels a bit expensive for now. Especially given that the not-so-thick iPhone 17 with better cameras and better battery life costs a lot less. That said, we expect the price of the iPhone Air in Nepal to start at around NPR 183,000 when it launches here shortly.

    iPhone Air variant Price in the US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    256GB USD 999 NPR 183,000
    512GB USD 1,199 NPR 220,000
    1TB USD 1,399 NPR 257,000

    The iPhone 17 is finally here with a 120Hz LTPO display!

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    Apple, the Cupertino-based giant, has launched the iPhone 17 series in the recent event called “Awe Dropping”. But while Apple had been deservedly criticized for the minimal spec bump year after year, the new iPhone 17 is a little different. Mostly because the 120Hz refresh rate is finally a thing on the base iPhone. So let’s dive into this article, where I will discuss everything about the latest iPhone 17, including its expected price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.

    iPhone 17 Overview

    Display

    Apple finally did something that honestly should’ve happened years ago. The iPhone 17 gets ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate, something that’s been standard on budget Android phones for what feels like forever. It’s rather funny that this has been news—”Apple finally introduces 120Hz!” Because at this point, 120Hz is so basic on most budget devices, these aren’t even subjects of addressing anymore.

    iPhone 17 display

    But credit where it’s due, the iPhone 17 now also packs a bigger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR screen that’s brighter than ever at 3,000 nits peak brightness.

    A meaningful jump from the iPhone 16‘s 2,000 nits. The bump can be perhaps explained as a representation of Apple’s attempt to find the sweet spot between the compact iPhone and the Plus-sized models they’ve been struggling to position. This LTPO OLED panel can also adaptively scale from 1Hz all the way up to 120Hz, depending on the content.

    Ceramic Shield 2 is the new protective layer for the display, and Apple claims it’s 3x better at scratch resistance than the previous generation. The anti-reflective coating is another good touch in the device, although not entirely a novel entry. Always-On display finally makes its way to the standard iPhone as well, showing time, widgets, and Live Activities when the screen dims down to 1Hz.

    Design

    The design language is not that different from last year. Compared to whatever they’re doing with the iPhone 17 Pro’s polarizing new look, the standard iPhone 17, for me, plays it safe with a clean look. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame also gets a polished finish, and it looks pretty sweet.

    iPhone 17 Price in Nepal

    The new color options—Black, Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, and White—ditch the more vibrant palette of the iPhone 16 series. Apple’s going for what they call “Magichromatic” effects with a subtle shimmer in the glass back. And of course, it’s got the “Camera Control” and the “Action” button as well.

    Performance

    In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 is powered by Apple’s new A19 chip. It’s built on a third-generation 3nm process, packing a 6-core CPU (2 performance, 4 efficiency cores) and a 5-core GPU. Apple claims it’s 1.5x faster than the A15 Bionic from iPhone 13.

    The 16-core Neural Engine handles Apple Intelligence tasks, and the jump to 8GB of RAM (from 6GB in the iPhone 16) ensures everything runs smoothly with iOS 26’s new Apple Intelligence features. Apple’s also embedded Neural Accelerators directly into each GPU core.

    But to be real about performance in 2025. The usual thing is, performance upgrades are pretty much irrelevant at this point. There’s practically no use for such high-performing CPUs that we had a couple of years back, unless we’re turning a smartphone into a portable workstation like a Mac Mini.

    Camera system

    Anyway, among the headlining features of the iPhone 17 is the move to dual 48MP “Fusion” cameras. The main camera keeps the f/1.6 aperture with optical-quality 2x telephoto cropping, while the ultrawide camera jumps from 12MP to 48MP with an f/2.2 aperture.

    iPhone 17 Camera

    The ultrawide upgrade on the iPhone 17 has also sparked mixed reactions online. Some are celebrating the quadrupling of resolution, while others argue that for casual users, the jump feels incremental. And wish that Apple would finally give a true telephoto lens on its non-Pro iPhones.

    Anyway, the iPhone 17’s selfie shooter also upgrades to an 18MP “Center Stage” camera with a unique square sensor design. Its auto-framing feature keeps you centered during FaceTime with family, while you can now take landscape selfies even when you’re holding the phone vertically.

    Battery life and charging

    The A19 chip + a slightly larger 3,692 mAh battery on the iPhone 17 enables up to 30 hours of video playback. Which is 8 hours more than the iPhone 16. Combined with iOS 26‘s new “Adaptive Power Mode” that learns your usage patterns, the battery life story is genuinely improved.

    And although it’s still restricted to 25W wireless charging, you can get 50% juice after plugging it in for 20 minutes using Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter. Other than this, the iPhone 17 has a new custom “N1” wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.

    iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence

    The entire iPhone 17 series arrives with iOS 26, which brings what Apple calls “Liquid Glass” design language. Whereas Apple Intelligence gets meaningful upgrades, including Live Translation for real-time text and audio translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls.

    The visual intelligence features let you capture screenshots and search or take action on anything you’re viewing. The on-device foundation model works offline, which is genuinely useful for privacy-conscious users. New screening tools for calls and messages help filter distractions, and there’s a new Apple Games app that consolidates all your gaming in one place. CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet all get updates, too.

    iPhone 17 Specifications:

    • Design, build: 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, 177 gm, IP68 rating
    • Display: 6.3-inch OLED screen, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate (LTPO)
    • Chipset: Apple A19 (3nm mobile platform)
    • Memory: 8GB RAM, 256/512GB storage (non-expandable)
    • Software & UI: iOS 26
    • Rear Camera: Dual (48MP primary, 48MP ultrawide)
    • Front Camera: 18MP “Center Stage” camera (Dynamic Island)
    • Security: Face ID (via the front camera)
    • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano), WiFi 7 (dual-band), Bluetooth 6, GPS / Glonass / Galileo / BeiDou / QZSS / NavIC, USB-C, 4G LTE, 5G
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Dual ambient light, Gyroscope, Proximity
    • Battery: 3,692 mAh with 25W wireless charging (no power adapter in the box)

    iPhone 17 Price in Nepal and Availability

    The iPhone 17 starts at USD 799 for the 256GB model in the US market. When it makes its way to Nepal, we expect the price of the iPhone 17 to start at no less than NPR 147,000 for the base 256GB model. With the 512GB variant likely hitting around NPR 165,000

    iPhone 17 variant Price in the US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    256GB USD 799 NPR 147,000
    512GB USD 999 NPR 183,000

    Honor Play10 4G launched with 5,000 mAh battery

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    Honor just dropped the Play10 4G, a follow-up to last month’s Play10C. It is an entry level device (which rules much of south asian and African countries) which features generous specs for the price it comes. Let’s join this article, where i will discuss everything about the latest Play10 4G, including its price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.

    Honor Play10 4G Overview

    Display and Design

    Honor Play10 4G Price in Nepal

    The Play10 4G has a 6.74-inch LCD with 1600 x 720 px resolution. At 167.7 x 77.7 x 8.55 mm and 189 grams, it’s not tiny but manageable. Compared to the Play10C, the design is nearly identical, though the 4G variant trims down some internals.

    Performance and Software

    Inside, there’s a MediaTek Helio G81 chipset with up to 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. Which to be honest isn’t a good chipset at all. Its slow, and after frequent usage it will start appear boderline unfunctionable but for basic social media usages and video playback the phone can do the job. Also don’t expect updates — the phone runs Android Go, and like many low-end devices in the region, it may never get software updates. And that’s the thing, phones like this often get forgotten after launch.

    Camera and Battery

    A 13 MP rear and 5 MP front camera handle selfies and video calls. Battery is where it stands out in this segment: 5,000 mAh with 10 W charging. People are chasing bigger batteries now, as 7,000 mAh is trending in midrange devices, but for a budget phone, this is enough to get through two days of normal use. I find it amusing that even with the push for bigger batteries, many users don’t actually need them; a well-optimized 5,000 mAh often lasts longer than expected.

    It comes in ocean cyan, starry purple, and midnight black. WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 are standard, and IP52 gives basic dust and splash protection.

    Honor Play10 4G Specifications

    • Display: 6.74-inch LCD, 1600 x 720 px
    • Processor: MediaTek Helio G81
    • RAM: Up to 4 GB
    • Storage: Up to 128 GB (expandable via microSD)
    • Camera: Rear 13 MP / Front 5 MP
    • Battery: 5,000 mAh, 10 W wired charging
    • OS: Android Go
    • Other: IP52, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1

    Honor Play10 4G Price in Nepal and Availability

    Pricing hasn’t been officially revealed, but based on similar launches, it would likely start at no less than NPR 19,000 once it hits Nepal.

    • Meanwhile, check out our review of the

    Polar Loop is a new screen-less, subscription-less smartwatch

    Polar, a popular name in the wearable world, has just launched its very first passive wristband. The new Polar Loop is a screenless wearable, and unlike similar wearables from other brands like Whoop, this one doesn’t need any subscription to unlock your health data and other features either. So let’s jump into everything you need to know about the Polar Loop, alongside its expected price in Nepal.

    Polar Loop Overview

    Design and no display

    As you can see, the Polar Loop looks like your normal wristband. And just like that, it also comes in a variety of colors that Polar calls “Night Black”, “Greige Sand”, and “Brown Copper”. Which can be paired with a bunch of colorful bands.

    Color options for the Polar Loop

    And attached to the stainless-steel band is the “advanced version” of Polar Precision Prime. The company’s optical heart rate monitoring technology. Altogether, the Polar Loop is 9mm thick and weighs 29 grams with the wristband. It is WR30 certified to withstand sweat and water splashes as well.

    Moving on, the Polar Loop features a 170 mAh battery that the company says can last up to 8 days on a single charge.

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    Other features

    This wearable is designed to track your heart rate, sleep, recovery, and daily activity 24/7 all on its own. Since it doesn’t even have a button to manually start a workout or something. And all the data recorded from the band will sync to their Polar Flow app. The Polar Loop can automatically detect your workouts as well.

    Polar Loop Feature

    More importantly, like I mentioned before, this smartwatch requires no subscription at all. So, this approach directly makes it a competitor to other bands like the Whoop band, which requires a subscription.

    Polar Loop Specifications:

    • Dimensions and weight: 27 x 42 x 9 mm, 29 gm
    • Materials: Stainless steel
    • Color options: Griege Sand, Night Black, Brown Copper
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C for charging
    • Durability: WR30 water resistant
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, OHR Gen 3.5, Precision Prime
    • Battery: 170 mAh (up to 8 days)
    • Companion app: Polar Flow (Android | iOS)

    Polar Loop Price in Nepal and Availability

    In the US, it will be available for pre-order from September 10 for USD 199.9. The Polar Loop most likely won’t launch in Nepal officially, but in case it does, we can expect its price to be around NPR 33,999.

    Wearable Price in US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    Polar Loop USD 199.99 NPR 33,999

    Infinix GT 30 Review: The ultimate budget gaming phone

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    Infinix has been on a roll these past three months. Following the remarkable success of the Hot 60 Pro/60 Pro+ series and the Note 50s, the company has dropped another midrange contender – the Infinix GT 30. Now his phone serves as the more affordable sibling to the GT 30 Pro, and the pricing strategy is quite something to behold.

    While the GT 30 Pro launched at Rs. 48,000, the GT 30 undercuts it significantly at just Rs. 37,000 for the identical 8/256GB configuration. That sort of pricing makes it the cheapest gaming phone currently available in Nepal. But beyond the gaming crowd, the specifications sheet suggests this could be a solid all-rounder, particularly when you consider the limited options under Rs. 40,000 in the local market.

    Infinix GT 30 5G Specifications:

    • Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, 1.5K resolution, 1,600 nits (HBM), 4,500 nits (HDR) peak brightness
    • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7400 (4nm)
    • Memory: 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB UFS 2.2 storage
    • Rear Cameras: 64MP main + 8MP ultrawide
    • Front Camera: 13MP (hole-punch cutout)
    • Battery: 5,500mAh with 45W fast charging
    • OS: Android 15 with XOS 15
    • Special features: Gaming shoulder triggers, in-display fingerprint
    • Protection: IP64 rating
    • Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, WiFi 6, IR blaster
    Read full specifications of Infinix GT 30 5G here

    Infinix GT 30 Review

    Design 

    The GT 30’s design language appears to mirror its pricier sibling exactly, as they maintain those unmistakable gaming aesthetics that either love it or hate it. Four customizable RGB strips dominate the rear panel, which ultimately give us a flashy gaming phone look that’s become synonymous with the genre past couple of years.

    More importantly, though, are the two capacitive touch shoulder controls positioned on the phone’s sides. While, its expected for people to be suspicious of them, if they are only for the show but indeed they’re genuinely fast and responsive, which allows mapping to on-screen controls during gameplay.

    The build quality revolves around plastic construction, which might sound like a compromise but actually works in the phone’s favor. And It’s remarkably lightweight as well And it is for certain, from our experience, that your hands won’t cramp up even after long use. And there’s IP64 dust and water resistance thrown into the mix. However, I can also expect that this RGB-heavy design will also polarize opinions, hence a skin or cover in my opinion is a necessity.

    Display

    Infinix GT 30 Display

    The display we get in the GT 30 truly is really good; it inherits the same panel as the GT 30 Pro. We’re talking about a 144Hz AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, pushing nearly 1900 nits of brightness in auto mode. But the real kicker is the 2304Hz PWM dimming – whihc makes sure your eyes won’t feel strained ever after long and extensive usages. Touch response deserves special mention here. Whether you’re scrolling through interfaces, typing messages, or engaging in fast-paced gaming, the responsiveness feels spot-on. The AMOLED technology, combined with that impressive brightness ceiling, transforms movie watching into a genuinely engaging experience.

    Infinix has paired this with stereo speakers that deliver adequate volume levels. The sound quality sits in average territory – loud enough for casual use but nothing that’ll blow you away. One notable omission is HDR support for major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price point. Still, when you step back and look at the complete package under Rs. 40,000, this display easily earns top marks.

    Performance

    The performance story centers around the Dimensity 7400 chipset, and this is one of the best part of this phone. This processor outperforms what you’d typically find in Samsung, Vivo, OPPO, Nothing, and even Xiaomi devices at similar price points. That sort of positioning gives the GT 30 a genuine competitive edge.

    Infinix has clearly spent time optimizing the system UI and animations. Coming from something like Samsung’s Galaxy M36, the difference in fluidity becomes immediately apparent. The GT 30 feels notably faster and more immersive in daily use. And mind you, that 144Hz refresh rate isn’t something you find in normal phone.

    The haptic feedback motor deserves praise too. It’s genuinely good, adding that tactile dimension certainly made my experience so much better. And Infinix’s UI has evolved considerably over time. Bloatware is kept to a minimum, creating an experience that feels closer to stock Android than heavily skinned alternatives. Starting with Android 15 out of the box, plus a commitment to two years of OS updates, the software longevity also looks promising.

    Gaming Performance

    Infinix GT 30 performance

    Gaming performance is where the GT 30 needs to prove its worth, and it largely delivers. Infinix’s long-standing partnership with PUBG Mobile really shows here – the game runs smoothly at 90fps with solid stability and respectable 5% lows.  Lighter titles like Freefire and Mobile Legends handle without breaking a sweat. However, demanding games like Genshin Impact will push the Dimensity 7400 to its limits. While playable, don’t expect the same level of performance you’d get from flagship chipsets.

    Battery Life

    Infinix Note 30 Battery and Charging

    The 5500mAh battery delivers solid all-day performance, which is exactly what you want from a gaming phone. Paired with the 45W charging solution, you’re looking at roughly an hour for a complete charge cycle. That sort of charging speed ensures downtime stays minimal.

    Camera System

    The camera setup consists of a 64MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide, and 13MP selfie camera. This is where the GT 30 shows its budget roots most clearly. The 64MP main camera, while adequate for casual photography, lacks the detail you’d expect, particularly in 2X portrait shots where the quality drops noticeably.

    Daylight photography produces acceptable results when lighting conditions cooperate. But there’s a persistent software issue with exposure handling – tapping the screen to adjust focus often results in exposure inconsistencies. Hopefully, future software updates will address this particular quirk.

    The 8MP ultra-wide camera and selfie performance sit firmly in average territory. Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps, which sounds good on paper, but stabilization leaves something to be desired.

    For basic photography needs, it gets the job done, but don’t expect miracles. This is clearly where corners were cut to hit that Rs. 37,000 price point.

    Infinix GT 30 Review: Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Excellent  display
    • Strongperformance
    • 90fps PUBG gaming
    • Good battery life

    Cons:

    • Average camera quality
    • Polarizing RGB design

    Infinix GT 30 Review: Conclusion

    The Infinix GT 30 manages to surprise in ways that budget gaming phones rarely do. What initially appeared to be just another basic gaming device reveals itself as a well-rounded smartphone that happens to excel at gaming.

    If you can embrace that funky, RGB-laden aesthetic, i think there’s genuine value here. The display impresses consistently, performance feels snappy in daily use, battery life delivers the distance, and 256GB storage means space won’t be an issue anytime soon. Even the cameras, while not stellar, can do decent job.

    At Rs. 37,000, the GT 30 represents solid value in Nepal’s smartphone landscape. It’s not perfect – the plastic build and average cameras remind you this isn’t a flagship device. But for users prioritizing performance, display quality, and gaming capabilities over camera prowess, this phone makes a compelling case indeed.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) arrives with a new “Cinema Mode”

    The second iteration of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones has made its debut. Bose says the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) feature better noise cancellation as well as minor performance and feature upgrades. So in this article, let’s take a closer look at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), including their expected price in Nepal.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Overview

    Design

    Although Bose mentioned an updated design, the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones look exactly the same as their predecessor. But it now comes in a couple of new color options besides the usual Black and White finishes that Bose calls “Midnight Violet” and “Driftwood Sand”.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) design

    The only thing that’s kinda different, design-wise, is that its frames now have this polished metal finish. It still has the same “protein leather” ear cushions and weighs around 264 grams.

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    Audio and noise cancellation

    One of the most notable upgrades on these 2nd Gen headphones is that they now support wired audio via USB-C. As a result, you can now stream lossless wired audio at up to 16-bit / 44.1kHz or 48kHz. These QuietComfort Ultra Headphones also have a new “Cinema Mode” that essentially transforms whatever video content you’re playing into something with spatial audio.

    Bose says the Cinema Mode “spatializes and balances surround sound and dialogue of video content” for a “movie-like experience”.

    And of course, the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best noise-cancelling earcans Bose has ever made. It features next-gen “ActiveSense” technology to reduce occasional noise spikes, whereas Bose’s “CustomTune” technology can also calibrate audio and noise cancellation based on the shape of your ears.

    Battery life and the rest

    The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen can last up to 30 hours on a single charge with either Quiet (ANC) or Aware (transparency) mode. While that number drops to 23 hours under “Immersive Audio” mode, which is Bose’s take on spatial audio.

    You can expect a full refill for these headphones in 3 hours, and around 3 hours’ worth of playback after plugging them in for 15 minutes.

    Bose has also improved their on-head detection to automatically power off the headphones. There is an even simpler disconnect feature that puts them into a “low-power standby mode” once you lay the headphones flat on a surface.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Modes to choose from App

    And like always, the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones pair to your phone via the Bose app. These headphones also support multipoint connectivity via Bluetooth 5.4, high-res audio codecs like Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, and a 2.5mm headphone jack.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Specifications:

    • Dimensions: 45 x 160 x 205 mm
    • Weight: 264 grams
    • Color options: Black, White, Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand
    • Materials: Plastic, Aluminum, Protein Leather
    • Playback: Up to 30 hours (23 hours with Immersive Audio
    • Charging: via USB Type-C (3 hours)
    • Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 (BLE), Multipoint connectivity support
    • Noise cancellation: Yes (with next-gen ActiveSense technology)
    • Companion app: Bose (Android | iOS)

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Price in Nepal and Availability

    The new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are currently available for pre-order in the US and other markets for USD 449. And when these headphones arrive in Nepal, we expect the price of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) to be around NPR 72,999.

    Headphones Price in US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) USD 449 USD 72,999