Huawei recently launched the Mate XT, which made waves worldwide — and rightfully so! It was the first-ever dual-folding phone, or as it is popularly known a “tri-fold”. All the buzz Huawei created seems to have influenced Samsung to try and take a spin at a tri-fold phone too. Let’s discuss.
Samsung Tri-fold Rumour Round-up
The sales are low
Samsung’s most recent take on foldable phones has not met with good response per se. When you look at the Chinese competitors, it seems a bit too apparent that Samsung is not trying as hard as it should. The foldable phones from Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, Honor, and OnePlus are thinner, have very little screen crease, cram large battery capacities, and so on.
Galaxy Fold6 and OnePlus Open
Given that, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 sales have been rather sluggish. Numbers say that Samsung only pumped 8 million units of these phones, which is 20% less than the initially anticipated 10 million. Furthermore, the orders for the company’s foldable OLED panel have taken a hit as well. This year, the display’s shipments have been slashed by a whopping 40% from 20 million previously.
The consumer’s interest in the foldable market is dwindling, and the Huawei Mate XT was immensely popular. Considering this, Samsung is apparently ready to try its hands out on a tri-fold phone too.
The South Korean smartphone manufacturer already has the parts ready to put together such a phone. Samsung already has the “Flex S” display which folds once on the inside and once on the outside. As per sources, the development of other parts required for making Samsung tri-fold commercially available has been completed too.
Patent approved!
Recent leaks indicate that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has approved Samsung’s patent application for a tri-foldable device, which was filed three years ago. The patent images provide detailed insights into the concept and its potential functionality. And, it seems that Samsung has not just been influenced by Huawei Mate XT’s idea of tri-fold but also the form factor.
samsung tri fold design
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While this approval increases the likelihood of Samsung developing a tri-fold phone, we can’t still guarantee the existence of a retail model based on that. Moreover, sources say rather than rushing into production, this time Samsung is focused on creating the “best” three-fold smartphone. So, we can expect the tri-fold (when—or if—they) to hit the market a bit late.
Samsung Tri-fold Launch and Availability
All in all, Samsung is ready to put out a tri-fold smartphone and could potentially do so in the year 2025. However, the final decision lies in the hands of its MX (Mobile eXperience) division which oversees everything related to foldable phones. Additionally, the launching of a cheaper flip phone — a Fan Edition perhaps, is also in talks.
Meanwhile, check out our Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 review video:
Everest Bank Limited (EBL) and Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) have signed a significant agreement enabling cross-border QR payments in Nepal. The partnership aims to allow tourists from several countries to use their domestic e-wallets for payments via NEPALPAY QR. In this article, we will discuss the latest Cross-border QR Payment agreement in more detail.
Agreement Overview
Alipay+ Network
This system is connected to the Alipay+ network, which includes over 30 e-wallets and 300 networks. It provides access to millions of merchants worldwide. Some of the supported e-wallets include Alipay, Gcash, KakaoPay, and TossPay.
Payment System Infrastructure
The NEPALPAY QR is integrated into the National Payment Switch (NPS). This ensures smooth interoperability between different QR codes across merchant and network platforms. As a result, over 850,000 merchants in Nepal can accept payments via NEPALPAY QR.
Details of Everest Bank’s Role
Everest Bank serves 1.4 million customers with a network of 39,167 channels, including 10,098 domestic branches and 13,350 ATMs. The bank also has over 23,000 merchants enrolled in the NEPALPAY QR system. This partnership is expected to simplify payment processes for foreign visitors while also enhancing Nepal’s payment infrastructure.
Tourists from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Mongolia, Thailand, South Korea, Sweden, and Italy can now scan the NEPALPAY QR code to make payments at participating merchants in Nepal.
OnePlus has introduced its new Magnetic Power Bank, designed to offer a portable charging solution for various devices. The power bank is now available in China and brings features like magnetic wireless charging and active temperature control in a compact design. In this article, we will discuss everything about the latest OnePlus Magnetic Wireless Charging Powerbank, including its expected price in Nepal and its specifications and availability.
OnePlus Magnetic Powerbank Overview
Design for Portability
The OnePlus Magnetic Power Bank features a dark, minimalist design with the OnePlus logo and “Magnetic Power Bank” text. It is lightweight at 120g and measures just 0.88 cm thick at its thinnest point. Additionally, the power bank is constructed using 5-series aviation aluminum, ensuring a durable yet sleek finish.
Features and Compatibility
The Magnetic Power Bank comes with a 5000mAh battery capacity. This power bank supports magnetic wireless charging, making it compatible with a range of devices, including OnePlus phones and iPhones. It uses NTC resistors for active temperature control, enhancing safety during use. Furthermore, the device includes four LED indicators to display the remaining power and a side button for activation.
OnePlus Magentic Powerbank Price in Nepal and Availability
OnePlus has priced the Magnetic Power Bank at CNY 149. When it makes it here, we expect the OnePlus Magnetic Powerbank price in Nepal to be less than NPR 4000.
Powerbank
Price in China (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
OnePlus Magnetic Powerbank
CNY 149
NPR 4000
Meanwhile, check out the review of the OnePlus Nord CE 4
Vivo has introduced the Y18t smartphone in India at a very budget price. The phone comes with essential features and offers good value for its price. This article will discuss everything about the latest Vivo Y18t, including its expected price in Nepal.
Vivo Y18t Overview
Display and Design
The device sports a 6.56-inch LCD with HD+ resolution. It supports a 90 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother visuals. Additionally, the display provides up to 840 nits of brightness for better visibility outdoors.
Performance and Software
The Unisoc T612 chipset powers the Vivo Y18t. It features 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, which users can expand up to 1 TB via a microSD card. The phone runs on Android 14 with Vivo’s Funtouch OS 14 interface.
Camera Setup
For photography, the Vivo Y18t includes a dual-camera system on the back. It has a 50 MP primary sensor and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. On the front, there is an 8 MP camera housed in a notch for selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging
The phone is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery. It supports 15W charging through a USB Type-C port, which takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes for a full charge. The Vivo Y18t includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated with the power button. It supports Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity. Moreover, the phone is IP54-rated, making it resistant to dust and splashes.
Storage: 128 GB (expandable up to 1 TB via microSD)
Operating System: Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14
Display: 6.56-inch LCD, HD+, 90 Hz, 840 nits
Rear Cameras:
50 MP primary
0.08 MP auxiliary
Front Camera: 8 MP (notch cutout)
Battery:
Capacity: 5,000 mAh
Charging: 15W via USB Type-C
Additional Features:
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Bluetooth 5.2
IP54-rated for dust and splash resistance
Colors: Space Black, Gem Green
Vivo Y18t Price in Nepal and Availability
The Vivo Y18t is available in Space Black and Gem Green. It is priced at INR 9,499 in India. When it makes it here, we expect its price in Nepal to be no less than NPR 17,000.
Meanwhile, check out our review of the Vivo X100 Pro
Infinix officially entered the foldable phone market with its first foldable device, the Zero Flip which is rumored to be coming to Nepal pretty soon. This model is a mid-range smartphone providing a foldable experience. In this article, we will further discuss the latest Infinix Zero Flip, including its expected price in Nepal.
Infinix Zero Flip Overview
Display and Design
The Zero Flip comes in a clamshell design, weighs 195 grams, and is 16mm thick when folded. When unfolded, it is 7.6mm thick. The phone uses a zero-gap hinge, enabling it to close completely flat. The hinge also allows the phone to be propped up at angles between 30 and 150 degrees, which can be useful for hands-free usage.
The Zero Flip features a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED main screen with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It also offers a peak brightness of 1,400 nits. On the outside, the phone includes a 3.64-inch AMOLED cover display with a resolution of 1056 x 1066 pixels. Like the main display, it also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2.
Camera Setup
In terms of cameras, the Zero Flip comes with dual 50MP vertically stacked rear cameras. The primary camera includes optical image stabilization (OIS), and there’s an ultrawide lens with the same 50MP resolution. A 50MP selfie camera is placed inside the punch-hole cutout on the main screen. All three cameras can shoot 4K video. Additionally, the device integrates with GoPro cameras, allowing users to use the main screen as a viewfinder.
Performance and Battery
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset, the Zero Flip comes with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It runs on XOS 14.5, which is based on Android 14. Infinix has promised two Android version updates and three years of security updates for the device.
The phone is equipped with a 4,720mAh battery, supporting 70W fast charging via a wired connection.
E-commerce, or buying and selling goods and services online, has grown quickly in Nepal. However, no single law still fully covers the entire e-commerce space. Instead, different existing laws apply to various parts of the online shopping process. This article looks at where Nepal stands with e-commerce regulations
Current State of E-Commerce laws in Nepal
Nepal doesn’t have a dedicated e-commerce law yet. Instead, there are several existing laws that impact online businesses:
Companies Act 2063: This law covers how e-commerce companies must be registered and operate in Nepal.
Consumer Protection Act 2075: This protects consumers from unfair trade practices, including in e-commerce.
Value Added Tax Act 2052: This ensures e-commerce businesses collect VAT on products they sell.
These laws are helpful, but they don’t fully address the unique issues that come with online businesses.
The 2023 E-Commerce Bill: What was Proposed?
In 2080 B.S. (2023), a new E-Commerce Bill was proposed to create clear rules specifically for the e-commerce industry. While it’s not passed yet, the bill aims to cover several key areas:
Key Points of the Proposed Bill
Order Acceptance = Contract: When an online seller accepts an order, it becomes a legal contract. If things go wrong, the customer has legal backing.
Product Cancellations: Customers can cancel an order before it’s shipped without being charged cancellation fees.
Complaints Process: If a product isn’t delivered on time, customers can file complaints with the District Administration Office. E-commerce businesses must provide a contact person to handle these complaints, and their details must be easy to find on the website.
Who Can Sell Online: Only businesses that are legally registered and licensed to sell goods or services can operate e-commerce platforms. The law also bans online sales of illegal / Grey items
What Information E-Commerce Businesses Must Provide
The bill requires e-commerce businesses to be transparent with customers. Platforms must display:
Business info: The company’s name, physical address, and registration number.
Tax info: VAT or PAN number, showing they’re compliant with tax laws.
Contact info: Details of the customer service team, including a person responsible for complaints.
This makes it easier for consumers to trust online businesses and know where to go if things go wrong.
What’s the Current Situation?
While the E-Commerce Bill is still under review, existing laws already touch on e-commerce. Here’s how they work:
Consumer Protection: The Consumer Protection Act ensures consumers can file complaints about products or services they buy online. However, it doesn’t fully cover the specifics of e-commerce.
Taxation: E-commerce businesses must collect VAT on taxable products, according to the VAT Act. But, without a clear e-commerce law, it’s up to the businesses to figure out how to comply with these rules.
Business Registration: Under the Companies Act, businesses must register and operate legally. This applies to e-commerce companies as well.
While these rules are a good starting point, they don’t fully address the unique needs of the online marketplace.
Challenges with Current Laws
Here are some of the problems with the current setup:
Lack of Clear Rules: Since there’s no comprehensive e-commerce law, businesses are left to interpret existing laws, which can be confusing, especially for new companies.
Consumer Protection Gaps: Issues like faulty products, delayed deliveries, and poor customer service are still a concern. Existing laws don’t address these issues directly enough.
Informal Businesses: Many e-commerce businesses operate informally, especially on social media. This makes it hard for consumers to know if they’re dealing with legitimate businesses, and there’s little legal protection if something goes wrong.
Worker Rights: Gig workers often work for e-commerce platforms without clear protections or rights, which is another gap in the current legal framework.
So What the Future Holds?
The E-Commerce Bill aims to address many of these issues by offering a clearer legal framework for online businesses. If passed, it could improve:
Consumer Confidence: Clear rules around cancellations, refunds, and complaints will make consumers feel more secure shopping online.
Business Transparency: E-commerce platforms will have to disclose key business details, making it easier for customers to know they’re dealing with a legitimate business.
Clearer Regulations for New Businesses: The bill will make it easier for new e-commerce businesses to operate legally and avoid confusion.
Protection for Workers: If the bill includes rules for gig workers, it could improve their rights and working conditions.
E-commerce laws in Nepal: Conclusion
E-commerce in Nepal is growing fast, but the laws that govern it are still not developed at all. The E-Commerce Bill proposed in 2080 B.S. (2023) could be a big step forward in creating a clear and fair framework for online businesses. Stay tuned, as we will bring more information upon further development of E-commerce rules, laws and regulation in Nepal.
When it comes to charging your devices quickly, you’ve probably come across terms like USB PD, Qualcomm Quick Charge, SuperCharge, and others. These are all fast charging protocols that help power up your phone, tablet, or laptop in less time. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from each other?
Let’s break down the most popular charging protocols, from USB Power Delivery (USB PD) to Qualcomm Quick Charge, Huawei SuperCharge, and more.
Fast Charging Protocols Overview
What Are Charging Protocols?
Charging protocols are like the “rules” for how electricity flows from the charger to your device. They determine how much power can be delivered, how fast it can be delivered, and what kind of charging experience you can expect. The more powerful and advanced a protocol is, the faster your device can charge.
Let’s start with the most well-known standard: USB PD.
USB Power Delivery (USB PD)
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is the most universal fast-charging standard. It works across many types of devices—smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even some gaming consoles. USB PD is used widely because it’s flexible and allows different types of devices to charge quickly, safely, and efficiently.
Key Features of USB PD:
Higher power output: USB PD can deliver up to 100W (USB PD 2.0 and 3.0) and even up to 240W with USB PD 3.1, meaning it can charge large devices like laptops and gaming laptops just as fast as smartphones.
Intelligent power management: USB PD can adjust the power being delivered based on the needs of the device, which means no excess heat is generated, making it more efficient.
Universal compatibility: USB PD is the standard for USB Type-C connectors, which is becoming the universal charging and data cable for most modern devices.
USB PD Versions:
USB PD 2.0: Released in 2014, it introduced flexible charging that supports up to 100W.
USB PD 3.0: Released in 2015, added features like device identification and battery information to improve safety.
USB PD 3.1: Introduced in 2021, this version boosts the power to 240W and includes more precise voltage regulation.
Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC)
Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) is another major fast-charging protocol, specifically designed for devices that use Qualcomm processors (like many Android smartphones). Qualcomm’s approach focuses on increasing charging speed while managing heat and battery safety.
Key Features of Qualcomm Quick Charge:
Fast charging: Quick Charge 4+ supports up to 27W power, while QC5 can deliver speeds of up to 100W, making it one of the fastest charging technologies for compatible devices.
Adaptive charging: QC dynamically adjusts the voltage to match the device’s battery needs, reducing the risk of overheating.
Backward compatibility: QC is backward compatible with previous versions, so older devices can still use QC chargers for fast charging.
Versions of Qualcomm Quick Charge:
Quick Charge 3.0/4.0: These versions focus on optimizing voltage for better efficiency, with a focus on devices like smartphones and tablets.
Quick Charge 4+: The updated version introduced better heat management and improved charging speeds.
Quick Charge 5: The latest iteration, which can deliver up to 100W for faster charging on premium smartphones.
Huawei SuperCharge (SCP)
Huawei SuperCharge (SCP) is Huawei’s proprietary fast-charging technology, offering very high charging speeds, especially in their higher-end devices. It is another alternative to USB PD and Qualcomm QC which provides ultra-fast charging for devices in Huawei’s ecosystem.
FCP (Fast Charging Protocol) is another standard developed by Huawei for mid-range devices. FCP supports up to 18W, which is lower than SuperCharge but still significantly faster than traditional charging.
Key Features of Huawei SuperCharge:
Up to 100W charging: SuperCharge supports charging speeds of up to 100W on some models, making it one of the fastest charging protocols available today.
Dual-cell battery: By using two smaller battery cells in parallel, SuperCharge can charge them more quickly and safely, reducing heat.
Device-specific optimization: Huawei designs SuperCharge specifically for its own devices, meaning it works best with Huawei phones and accessories.
Huawei SuperCharge Devices:
Huawei’s flagship smartphones like the Mate and P Series use SuperCharge to quickly fill up their large batteries.
MediaTek Pump Express (PE)
MediaTek Pump Express (PE) is MediaTek’s proprietary fast-charging protocol, designed for devices that use MediaTek processors. It’s a rival to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge and works similarly but with its own set of specifications.
Key Features:
Pump Express: It uses voltage control for faster charging and is available on many devices with MediaTek processors.
How Do They Compare?
Charging Protocol
Max Power Output
Key Features
Common Devices
USB PD
100W (240W with 3.1)
Universal, flexible, and safe charging standard
Laptops, phones, tablets (Apple, Samsung)
Quick Charge 4+
27W
Voltage control, fast, efficient charging
High-end Android phones
Quick Charge 5
100W
Ultra-fast, backward compatible
Flagship Android phones
SuperCharge (SCP)
66W/100W
Dual-cell batteries, fast yet safe
Huawei, Honor phones
Pump Express (PE)
18W
MediaTek devices, basic fast charging
MediaTek-powered phones
FCP
18W
Basic fast charging, older Huawei devices
Older Huawei and Honor phones
Fast Charging Protocols Conclusion: Which One is Best?
Each of these charging protocols has its strengths, and the “best” one depends on your device and its requirements:
USB PD is the most universal and supports the highest power for various devices, from laptops to smartphones.
Qualcomm Quick Charge offers faster speeds for Qualcomm-powered devices and is well-suited for smartphones.
Huawei SuperCharge is ideal for Huawei phones, especially those with high battery capacities.
MediaTek Pump Express and FCP are good options for mid-range phones, but not as fast as the others.
Ultimately, the right fast-charging protocol comes down to your phone’s brand and hardware of course. If you want to charge your phone quickly, do make sure that you’re using the correct charger and cable that support your device’s protocol.
Are you aiming to get a new Vivo or Realme phone, but your budget is a bit short? Don’t worry, you can still get yourself a new phone and pay the remaining amount later! And the best part… you don’t even need a credit card or have to pay the interest! Yep! Here, I will explain the process of getting a Realme or Vivo phone on 0% EMI.
Realme/Vivo Phone on 0% EMI Overview
Previously only Samsung provided a service like this in Nepal through Insta Finance. And given its success, Vivo and Realme are also bringing a similar service in partnership with Goodwill Finance. Both brands are highly in-demand in Nepal and introducing 0% EMI will further boost their numbers in the market. This is a net win for the general consumers as well, as they can now get better phones without having to win a lottery or go through the tedious process of issuing a credit card.
What you will need?
Though you do not need a credit card to get a Vivo or Realme phone at 0% EMI, it is not without the need for paperwork. This procedure requires the following documents:
Original citizenship of the applicant
Salary sheet of the applicant
Bank statement for the past three months
Two passport-size photos
Original citizenship of the guarantor
Yes, you will need a guarantor — someone the finance can contact if you are unavailable. They will also be responsible for paying back the debt if you fail to do so or go contactless.
Additional things to remember
There are a few more things that you need to remember before you get the Vivo/Realme smartphone of your dreams at 0% EMI:
The credit tenure will only be for 12 months
You will have to pay a downpayment of 40%
Financing is only available for phones above NPR 20,000
The phone will be locked such that you cannot use it if you fail to pay the installment
vs. what we already have
Banks
EMI or 0% EMI isn’t anything new to the Nepali market. It has been available for years now. However, to get an EMI, you would need a credit card from whatever bank the vendor was partnering with. And given the nature and scale of banks, it could be a hassle with heavier paperwork and longer waiting times.
After the EMI is done, deciding whether to continue or discontinue your credit card is a decision that consumes the life force out of you. If you decided to shut down the service, it was another headache. If not, wallah, annual and maintenance charges. There was so much going on.
Insta Finance
Well, I have already told you Samsung is the pioneer in providing 0% financing on its devices. So, why not compare 0% EMI Vivo and Realme have introduced on their phones to Samsung Insta Finance for a bit? That being said, Samsung offers longer credit tenures and accepts wider documents as a basis for financing too. For instance, you do not need to submit a salary sheet, if you opt for an EMI from your permanent residence.
Likewise, Samsung has Knox security built into the phone, which makes it much tougher to crack into the phone. Meanwhile, the same cannot be said for Vivo and Realme as they rely on some third-party apps.
Realme/Vivo Phone on 0% EMI: Conclusion
Introducing 0% EMI on Realme and Vivo phones makes them approachable and affordable to customers. Now customers can only have 40% of the amount in hard cash and pay the rest in small sums which is more manageable than piling up the remaining 60% at once. You can get the financing done from all the authorised retail stores offering Vivo and Realme phones, including the Hukut Store.
Honor has launched yet another budget midrange smartphone under the Rs. 25,000 price bracket with the X7c joining the ranks alongside the X7 and X7b. This time the spotlight is on water resistance and durability more than anything. So, let’s begin this review of the Honor X7c by splashing some carpets, shall we?
Honor X7c Specifications
Design: Flat frame and edges with monotone, patterned or chequered back panel, IP64-rated
Dimensions: 166.90 mm x 76.80 mm x 8.09 or 8.24 mm
I might be one of the few people with the privilege of getting to dip a brand-new phone in a bowl full of dihydrogen oxide and not worry about the consequences. Sure, flagship phones can pull it off without a sweat, but a phone that costs less than a quarter of that? That’s impressive.
Reading the fine print, the keen-eyed of you might have noticed that the phone only sports an IP64 rating against dust and water. While that’s good news for an affordable bro, it’s nothing special in the grand scheme of smartphone durability. But Honor, the brand we’ve come to know and love, has done a great job at marketing the piece as ‘all angle water resistant’ and ‘splashproof durability’ all of which is technically true but maybe not as impressive as their marketing might have you believe.
They say the smartphone can survive up to 3 minutes up to a depth of 0.2 meters but understand that the IPX4 rating is only meant for protection against water splashes and not full-on submersion. Regardless, the company is confident that it’ll survive your accidental wash in the rain or a drop in the pool. And for that, I can say…it survived the basin test, and will probably work fine after a pool drop, but I wouldn’t try testing the limits if I were a normal joe.
Falling Again!
5-star Swiss SGS Premium Performance Certification for Drop and Crush Resistance
Now that it’s survived the first stage, let’s move on to a different kind of torture. IMPACTS. The Honor X7c has an ‘SGS Premium Certification for Drop&Crush Resistance’ and is advertised as having 5-star drop resistance. But I won’t be proceeding too far with this one. Just a couple of back and corner drops onto the carpet floor, and the X7c is doing fine. There’s more to it than that but I am fine with not getting my hands any dirtier at this point, so let’s just review it like any other smartphone now, finally!
Design
166.90 mm x 76.80 mm x 8.09 or 8.24 mm
199 (Black) or 201 (Green, White) grams
Let’s talk normal now. A quick glance and the Honor X7c looks like most affordable smartphones. It’s a rectangular brick with glass on the front, plastic frames, and a plastic back. The ‘Forest Green’ that I used for the majority of my testing period has a faux leather-like back instead that feels a tad more premium but it’s not anything extraordinary you’d worry about missing out. Your alternatives: Midnight Black and Moonlight White also have their own things going for them. The Black looks minimal and classy, while the patterned Moonlight White is more on the elegant and shiny side. All three weigh and measure pretty much the same with decent weight distribution not feeling too heavy.
Display
6.77″ TFT LCD, HD resolution, 120Hz, 850 nits
The display though is a bit underwhelming given all the praise I have bestowed on the X7c thus far. It’s a TFT LCD screen which is fine for the price (some competition do offer AMOLED) but the resolution here is just 720p which I personally find to be a little sub-standard for a modern-day smartphone.
Regular scrolling and UI browsing is fine but open Instagram to check photos of your favorite celebrity or YouTube for highlights of a late-night soccer game, and you’ll notice something’s off. It doesn’t feel as sharp or crisp as it should and the reason here is the X7c’s low res display.
The lower resolution also adds to a worse multimedia experience in OTT platforms like Netflix where DRM is active. The X7c is Widevine L3 compliant so you can only stream SD content (480p) which was not very fun. It is not unheard of at this price point, but I’d have traded off the fast 120Hz refresh rate for a 1080p panel any day of the week.
Speaking of the refresh rate, it’s definitely fast but mostly runs at either 60Hz or 90Hz outside of the UI. That’s not to discredit its fluidity but I just thought I’d mention it as something to keep in the back of your head. The chipset can handle everyday workloads reliably so there were only a few instances of choppiness or frame drops during my review.
Taking the smartphone for a spin outdoors, I was quite okay with its brightness and glare control too. It’s not as bright as something like the Redmi Note 13 (4G) but that’s understandable since the Redmi has an AMOLED panel while this one doesn’t. For a regular joe, the screen is workable outdoors but you might struggle under direct sunlight.
Speaker and Haptics
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Despite being a budget Honor device, the X7c has dual stereo speakers which get loud, especially at the 300% level but that option does make the sound cranky so I’d suggest sticking to the normal 100% maximum volume for most of your needs. Watching a few videos and listening to some songs, I came to the realization that this is a pretty good set of speakers for a relatively affordable phone.
Haptics are disabled throughout the UI by default and pretty tame in terms of intensity during calls and alerts. Nothing interesting really, just your plain Z-axis motor doing some Zzzzs on repeat.
Performance
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm Mobile Platform)
8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 256GB UFS
Under the hood, the Honor X7c is running with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685 engine. It’s not the most powerful chip out there but a pretty reliable performer for this price segment. Based on a 6nm process, it’s one of the older choices but has decent efficiency thanks to low-power A53 efficiency cores. The smartphone feels pretty fluid in day-to-day use with minimal stutters or slugginess thanks in part to the chip and also the high refresh rate screen. However, one of the key players here is also the memory type and configuration.
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Geekbench 6
Antutu V10
CPDT
The sole variant of the X7c available in Nepal has 8GB RAM and UFS storage. It’s not uncommon to see the slower eMMC storage being used in this price bracket to cut costs but Honor has traversed the right route here by providing a UFS-based solution. This makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day operations from opening apps to loading files. Multitasking feels fast too especially paired with the sufficient 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM. But at the end of the day, the X7c is a lower midrange device after all, so expect some slugginess from time to time like opening big documents or switching between games.
Gaming
On that topic, I played a few casual games on the X7c to test the waters. Since the 685 is a tried and tested processor, there are not many surprises in this regard. You can play most games on the Play Store without many problems but dial down the settings to low or medium for more demanding titles like PUBG or any HoYo game (Genshin, Honkai Impact…). Here’s the stability chart for a quick reference.
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Both PUBGM and CODM can run at a maximum of 40 fps on their lowest graphic settings. The frame output is stable with very few noticeable dips so the gameplay experience is enjoyable. Unfortunately, a proper gyro is missing on the device for those of you looking to take gaming a little more seriously. But like I said before, this is not geared towards gamers by any angle and you are better off adding a few thousand rupees extra and getting something like the CMF Phone (1) with the Dimensity 7300 with its more powerful A78 cores and GPU.
Software and UI
Android 14 with MagicOS 8.0 on top
On the software end, MagicOS is pretty easy to get used to. It does look a tad different to the stock Android 14 but except for the left & right notification/control center shenanigans, I don’t have any personal gripes with the UI skin. In terms of support, there’s no official talk but you can expect the next Android version (v 15) to drop in a few months.
There are also some pre-loaded bloatware alongside ads here and there from time to time. But most budget-midrange offerings are plagued by a similar issue and you can always delete or disable most of these anyway.
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Camera
Dual camera setup at the back
(108MP primary, 2MP depth)
8MP selfie camera (notch cutout)
Daylight and Portraits
Leading the charge on the X7c is a 108MP main sensor aided by a 2MP depth camera for portraits. Photos are vibrant with boosted colors and good details. Even the 2x crop shots look appealing without heavy loss of sharpness. Human subjects do turn out a bit softer than natural and even after disabling all the beauty filters, I couldn’t find a way around this skin smoothing.
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In terms of portraits, you get acceptable results but I was hoping for a bit more here. Having a dedicated 2MP lens is useless if the depth of portraits is non-existent. I know I shouldn’t be going too harsh on what is a relatively affordable smartphone but this guy skips out an ultrawide AND the depth lens isn’t very effective at what it should be doing. The 2x cropped portraits on the other hand look more pleasing with better depth. But the face smoothing becomes extra apparent and there’s not as much sharpness.
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Selfies
In terms of selfies, the Honor X7c is good enough with skin tones and details. But like with normal rear shots, highlight control is a bit of a struggle for this budget contender. There’s some smoothing too but most people prefer their selfies look good than realistic. Hence, the overall front cam performance is solid in my books.
Video and Lowlight
And that carries over to video too. The selfie performance for vlogging and such is very good with stable footage that has good details. But, on the flip side, the rear camera performance is terrible for any that’s moving. It’s super shaky and you don’t get any kind of optical or electronic stabilization. Both are limited to 1080p 30fps which is a bit of a bummer.
For lowlight images, the Honor X7c isn’t particularly well equipped because of its small sensor and lack of OIS. Try out the Night Mode for better light control and boosted sharpness for times when it’s getting dark.
Battery and Charging
6,000 mAh
35W fast charging
The Honor X7c is a battery champ with its large 6000 mAh cell. It’s not that fancy Silicon Carbon stuff that we see in higher-end phones and the brand has managed to fit in a regular ol Lithium Polymer cell without adding extra bulk. In my week or so of use, I only had to charge the device a couple of times, so roughly 2/3 days of light load. For a normal user, I would still say that this is easily a 2-day phone but you can run it down pretty low if use the camera consistently with cellular data enabled outdoors. One day, I managed to knock it down from 80% to 26% with about 5-6 hours of screen time but for most others, it only ran through 30-40% through the day. For fill-up, you get a 35W fast charger in the box that can fill about 35-40% in half an hour and fully fill in about an hour extra.
Honor X7c Review: Conclusion
The Honor X7c is an interesting offering in the sub-25k bracket with a spotlight on durability and splash resistance. It’s got superb battery life, a good-looking design, and surprisingly appealing selfies. Moreover, the software is clean and light and the Snapdragon is a reliable everyday performer. Even bits and pieces like stereo speakers, and 35W fast charging are good offerings for the price. But ultimately the 720p LCD screen lets the X7c down. Despite its high refresh rate, the low res screen is just subpar compared to most competition.
So relative to the Honor X7c, something like the Redmi Note 13 (review) or the upcoming Note 14, Realme’s 12X, are better overall options for the price. Furthermore, I recommend adding just a few extra thousand and considering phones in a 30,000 rupee ceiling. Then, Nothing’s CMF Phone (1) and Samsung’s A16 5G also become viable options with upgrades to performance and cameras across the board.
Here’s where we had a little fun with the Honor X7c:
Foodmandu, Nepal’s first food delivery service, has launched One Mart, promising home delivery of groceries in record time. Let’s explore this service in detail.
Foodmandu One Mart Service
Celebrating its 14th anniversary, the company has expanded its services with this new vertical that guarantees grocery delivery within just half an hour. Currently operating within a 3 km radius of its main location in Gairidhara, One Mart serves areas including Maharajguj, Dhumbarahai, Baluwatar, and Maitidevi. You can place your orders between 7 AM and 9 PM with a minimal delivery charge of NPR 50 (for now). The company plans to expand both its product range and delivery coverage throughout the Kathmandu Valley.
“Our commitment to evolving with our customers’ needs has been a driving force behind Foodmandu’s journey. And with Foodmandu One Mart, we aim to make everyday shopping as easy and seamless as ordering your favorite meal.” Manohar Adhikari, Founder, and Managing Director of Foodmandu
How to use One Mart Service?
Existing Foodmandu users can access One Mart directly through the main app, where they’ll find the new “One Mart” category between the “Home” and “Inbox” sections. But if you are a new customer you will need to download the Foodmandu app to access the service. However, this feature is only available in IOS for now.
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The platform offers various categories of daily household items with a 3% discount on all products. Given Foodmandu’s strong track record in delivery services (despite occasional delays), the new service shows promising potential. As a regular Foodmandu user, I’m excited to see how One Mart service can make grocery shopping quicker and more convenient, especially with the promise of 30-minute delivery!
To celebrate its 14th anniversary, Foodmandu has also launched the Fantastic 14 Sales campaign, featuring attractive offers including 70% discounts, combo offers, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, Category Crunch specials, a 14–Bite Platter, 14–day–14 mega offers, and 14th–hour Flash Sales.
