Page 150 – GadgetByte Nepal

Oura Ring 4 is finally here with improved features over its predecessor

Dip Khatiwada

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October 4, 2024

Oura Ring 4 is finally here with improved features over its predecessor

The Oura Ring 4 is officially here, showcasing several improvements over its predecessor, the Gen 3 model released back in 2022. In this article, we will discuss everything about the latest Oura Ring 4, including its expected price in Nepal.

Oura Ring 4 Overview

Design and Build

The new Oura Ring features a full titanium exterior and interior, moving away from the epoxy used in the previous version. It has a thickness of 2.88mm and weighs between 3.3 and 5.2 grams, depending on the size. Additionally, it is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

The Oura Ring 4 showcases a sleek, minimalist design. It incorporates red and infrared LEDs to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels, complemented by green LEDs for heart rate variability readings. An accelerometer is positioned to observe movement and sleep patterns, while a digital temperature sensor helps detect changes in body temperature.

Sensors

The sensors inside the Oura Ring 4 are now slimmer, measuring just 0.3mm compared to 1.3mm in the Gen 3 model. Despite the reduced size, Oura claims to offer improved accuracy in measurements. The new ring reportedly shows a 120% improvement in blood oxygen (SpO2) readings and a 30% increase in sleep accuracy. Furthermore, the heart rate sensor is more precise, minimizing gaps in both daytime and nighttime measurements.

Health and Activity Tracking

The Oura Ring 4 introduces enhanced automatic activity detection, supporting over 40 modes. It includes heart rate monitoring with a breakdown of heart rate zones. In addition, the device tracks sleep and stress levels and monitors reproductive health trends. Notably, some of these features will also be available for the older Ring Gen 3 through a software update. The battery life of the Oura Ring 4 lasts up to 8 days on a single charge. It charges using a new charging dock.

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Compatibility

The new ring pairs with Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth Low Energy. It comes with a redesigned Oura App that offers a simpler interface and dynamic cards. This updated app is also compatible with the Oura Ring Gen 3.

Oura Ring 4 Specifications

Thickness: 2.88mm
Weight: 3.3 to 5.2 grams (depending on size)
Water Resistance: Up to 100m
Sensor Size: 0.3mm (down from 1.3mm)
App: Redesigned Oura App
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices
Battery Life: Up to 8 days on a single charge
Colors: Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, Rose Gold
Sizes: 4-15

Oura Ring 4 Price in Nepal and Availability

The Oura Ring 4 is available in various colors, including Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, and Rose Gold. It comes in sizes ranging from 4 to 15. Pricing starts at USD 349. Additionally, users will need to subscribe to the Oura Membership plan, which costs $5.99 per month. It looks highly unlikely that it will ever make it to Nepal. However, if and when it makes it here, we expect it to cost no less than NPR 54,999.

Smart ring	Price in the US (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Oura Ring 4	USD 349	NPR 54,999

Meanwhile, check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

Xiaomi announces Soundbar 2.0ch with Bluetooth v5.3

Raizel Tandukar

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October 3, 2024

0

Xiaomi announces Soundbar 2.0ch with Bluetooth v5.3

Xiaomi has been actively out accessories, especially power banks in its home country. However, the Chinese tech giant recently announced something for the international audience too — a soundbar! This article will delve into the Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch in further detail along with its expected price in Nepal.

Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch Overview

Design

As far as the designs go, there is nothing much going on. It looks like any other standard soundbar with a long and slender build. It has a metal mesh on the front with a matte finish. Xiaomi highlights this mesh on the Soundbar 2.0ch is corrosion and wear-resistant, and easy to clean as well. The thing comes in all black, of course.

Furthermore, there are multi-functional buttons on the side which include volume controls, a power button, and one that appears to be exit. These are on the right, and the left side probably is vacant. Users can mount the Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch onto the wall similar to flatscreen TVs. As such, people can achieve a table-free aesthetic giving their setup a really cool look.

Audio and Connectivity

The Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch clearly mentions that it is a 2.0-channel soundbar. Meaning that it only has two speakers going for the audio and no subwoofer whatsoever. Given that, the audio units on this soundbar are two 45 x 80mm racetrack full-range speakers with a duct-type sound cavity in between. The speakers are 15W each, pumping out 30W of total output.

For connectivity, the Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch comes with Bluetooth v5.3 and allows pairing with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and well, TVs. You can also establish the wired connections with an SPDIF, an optical, and a 3.5mm AUX port. These are quite limited options, but just enough for a clean and clutter-free TV setup.

Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch Specifications

Design: Long and slender design with metal mesh on the front
Speakers: Dual 45 mm x 80 mm racetrack full-range units
Speaker Output: 30W combined (15W each)
Frequency Response: 70Hz–20kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.3, 3.5mm AUX, SPDIF in, Optical in
Colour Options: Black

Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch Price in Nepal and Availability

This soundbar has been listed on Xiaomi’s global website, though the pricing has not been revealed. I tried scouring through the company’s Chinese site but to no avail. That being said, we will have to do some guesswork over here. We can buy the Xiaomi Soundbar 3.1ch in Nepal, which various vendors have priced differently. However, if we are to pull an average of all of them it comes around at NPR 35,000.

Since the Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0ch is a much underwhelming offering than the 3.1ch, it should cost less too. So, it might be priced around NPR 20,000, or even lower.

Xiaomi Soundbar	Price in Nepal (Expected)
2.0ch	< NPR 20,000

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Sony LinkBuds Fit launched with a shipload of features

Raizel Tandukar

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October 3, 2024

0

Sony LinkBuds Fit launched with a shipload of features

Sony might not have got its footing in the smartphone industry but it is a whole different player in the world of audio accessories. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is often considered to be the best wireless earbuds there is! So, it’s a great deal when the Japanese company comes up with a new hearable — which they just did. Let’s look at the freshly announced Sony LinkBuds Fit and speculate what its price in Nepal might be.

Sony LinkBuds Fit Overview

Audio

I have already highlighted the Leviathan Sony is in the audio market. Given that, in no way would the company pump something out that wouldn’t maintain its reputation. The Sony LinkBuds Fit is equipped with Dynamic Driver X and has the same diaphragm structure as the WF-1000XM5! Additionally, there is LDAC support on these earbuds, which is hailed as the holy grail of codecs with a maximum bitrate of up to 990kbps, and was pioneered by Sony itself!

On top of that, these earbuds use AI to upscale compressed music files to bring out the best listening experience. Furthermore, these hearables offer 360 Spatial Sound complete with head tracking as well. Users can enjoy these effects with AR games like Ingress and BRAVIA TVs. Similarly, you can Background Music Effect too which fades the music you are playing such that it feels as if it’s buzzing somewhere in the background. This allows you to focus on the task at hand and not let the loud playback distract you as the songs won’t feel like they are playing in your head.

Noise Cancelling

The LinkBuds Fit houses the Integrated Processor V2, the same engine as Sony’s heaviest hitter. This processer optimises noise cancellation, adapting as the environment around you changes. The noise cancellation carries on during calls as well. At the same time, the Precise Voice Pickup Technology focuses your sound such that the receiver on the other end hear you clearly. Then there is the Speak-to-Chat feature as well which pauses whatever you are listening to as soon as you speak to someone.

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Design

The Sony LinkBuds Fit comes in a stemless design with in-ear fitting and a soft fin on the top that helps secure the grip onto the user’s ear. It is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, only to some extent though. Sony utilises recycled plastic to build these earphones, and boasts IPX4 water resistance.

By default, you can get the Sony LinkBuds Fit in Black, Green, and White. However, there is an option to play around with colours and customise one for extra money. There is also a violet version of these earbuds, which is a special edition collab with famous musician Olivia Rodrigo. This SE variant also gets two custom EQs devised by the artist and her producer so that you can listen to her GUTS and SOUR album as intended by them!

Features

The Sony LinkBuds Fit are RICH in features as well! Firstly, they come with Bluetooth v5.3 for a stable connection with your primary devices. Then for seamless connectivity with Android and Windows devices, these earbuds support Fast Pair and Swift Pair respectively. Moreover, there is the “Multipoint Connection” feature which lets you connect both devices simultaneously! Likewise, you get the Auracast feature allowing you to broadcast whatever you are listening to others nearby. There is also an in-ear detection feature which pauses the music when you pull the earbuds out from your ear and continues playing once you put them back in.

These were relatively regular features, now moving on to more premium features. The Sony LinkFit Buds support “Wide Area Tap” with which these earbuds understand and perform a command even when you tap at the front of your ears. This means you don’t have to tap on the earbuds and feel all uncomfortable fiddling with touch controls. They do have touch controls as well. For even more flair, the latest Sony offerings are voice-activated too — able to trigger voice assistants and carry out commands. You can also control these buds with gestures such as nodding and shaking your head sideways, which answers or declines calls respectively. To tap into further functionalities, you can install the Connect app. Lastly, you also get an ecosystem feature with LinkBuds Speaker that immediately picks up and continues playing whatever you were listening to in the earbuds once they are placed into the charging case.

Sony LinkBuds Fit Specifications

Design: In-ear fit, stemless, IPX4-rated
Dimensions:
- Case: 47.20 mm x 47.20 mm x 32.60 mm
Weight: 4.90 grams (Buds), 41.00 grams (Case)
Sound Driver: 8.40 mm Dynamic Driver X
Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC + Precise Voice Pickup Technology for calls
Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Playback: Up to 5.5 hours (with noise cancellation), Up to 8 hours (without noise cancellation), Up to 21 hours combined
Charging: Via USB Type-C, 5 minutes charging = 60 minutes playback
Features: Touch controls, Wide Area Tap, Gesture control, Voice control with Alexa or Google, Spatial Audio, Head tracking, Tailored sound with behaviour learning, DSEE Extreme music upscaling, Seamless auto switch to LinkBuds Speakers, Auto Play, In-ear detection, Speak-to-chat, Background Music Effect, Multipoint connection, Fast/Swift Pair, Auracast, Ultra-low latency for gaming
Companion App: Sound Connect (Android | iOS)
Colour Options: Black, Green, White, Violet (Olivia Rodrigo collab), Customisable

Sony LinkBuds Fit Price in Nepal and Availability

These earbuds went up for pre-orders starting on 2 October 2024 for a price of USD 199.99. The Olivia Rodrigo collab version also costs the same money while customising the colours cost a minimum of USD 209.98. There is a chance that these buds might make their way here and if they do, we expect the Sony LinkBuds Fit price in Nepal to start at NPR 32,249.

Sony LinkBuds Fit	Price in the US (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Standard colours	USD 199.99	NPR 32,249
Customised colours	> USD 209.98	> NPR 33,999

Meanwhile, check out our Sony WF-1000XM5 review video:

Oukitel RT3 Pro is tough as it comes and has 12GB expandable memory too

Raizel Tandukar

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October 3, 2024

0

Oukitel RT3 Pro is tough as it comes and has 12GB expandable memory too

Oukitel is well-known for building rugged and wide-range devices. It recently added a tablet to its catalogue, which to no one’s surprise is also rugged. Let’s look at the Oukitel RT3 Pro tablet in further detail, including its expected price in Nepal.

Oukitel RT3 Pro Overview

Design and Display

Staying in line with the company’s reputation, the Oukitel RT3 Pro has a proper rugged look. The toughness is not limited only to aesthetics though! This thing has its accolades to back it up. It is IP68 as well as IP69K certified, able to withstand submersion up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes and take high-pressure, high-temperature water jets right to its face. Additionally, it complies with MIL-STD-810H standards and can shrug off being dropped from 1.5 metres with no major damage. The tablet is available in Orange, Black, and Green colour choices, however, it stays mostly black anyway.

On the front, it has an 8-inch IPS LCD panel with 188 PPI pixel density. It offers HD resolution, a standard 60Hz refresh rate, and an okay-ish 600 nits typical brightness. Other than that, the screen either has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 or BOE Glass layering. Oukitel itself has conflicting information in the official RT3 Pro listing on its website. Regardless of which one it is, the screen does wear a hardened glass for additional endurance.

Performance

This tablet might be rough and tough on the outside, but it is kind of mushy on the inside. It has the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset on its driving seat. Though the processor is one of the go-to choices in its range, it is one of the weakest offerings at the foundry’s disposal. Nanoreview currently ranks it at 134 out of 180 entries, literally outdone by one of its peers — Helio P90, a six-year older chip than the G81. While that may be true, the silicone will serve well enough for casual users.

The Oukitel RT3 Pro ships in a single configuration with 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM. It does offer upgradability to make up for the limited internals. You can virtually expand the memory by a whopping 12 gigs! Doing this obviously eats on the device’s storage, which is once again pretty tight. This is where the support for a microSD card of up to 1TB comes in handy. Software-wise, the tablet boots on the recent Android 14 OS.

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Camera and the rest

There are a total of three cameras on this tablet, including two on the back, and one on the front. The primary shooter on the Oukitel RT3 Pro is a 16MP unit with a “Sony” OV16880 sensor. I put the Sony in apostrophes because OmniVision is the one that denotes its sensors with “OV” at the beginning. In other words, the company has wrongly listed the details of its camera. Anyhoo, it is coupled with a measly 0.3MP depth camera at the back. Meanwhile, the selfie shooter is an 8MP piece, this time with an actual Sony sensor — that being IMX219.

In the tank, the Oukitel RT3 Pro packs a decent 5,150 mAh battery that lasts up to 900 hours on standby. There is no fast charging support on this tablet, capping out at just 10W speed. However, it does offer a reverse charging feature, so, you can use this tablet as a power bank too! Apart from that, it has a quad-speaker setup and NFC and four-way navigation support. It also has a suite of tools that would come in handy when you are out in the wilderness, such as a compass, sound meter, a gradienter, magnifier, alarm bell, and so on.

Oukitel RT3 Pro Specifications

Design: Rugged design, IP68/IP69K-rated, MIL-STD-810H graded
Dimensions: 207.00 mm x 134.00 mm x 13.90 mm
Weight: 538 grams
Display: 8.00” IPS LCD Panel, 60Hz refresh rate, 188 PPI pixel density, 600 nits typical brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 or BOE Glass protection
Resolution: HD (800 x 1,280)
Chipset: Octa-core MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm)
RAM: 4GB + 12GB extendable
ROM: 128GB + 1TB expandable with MicroSD card (Hybrid Slot)
OS: Android 14
Rear Camera: Dual Camera (16MP Primary with OV16880 sensor + 0.3MP Depth camera with GC032A)
Front Camera: 8MP Camera with Sony IMX219
Sensors: G-sensor, Compass
Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Battery: 5,150 mAh Lithium Polymer cell with 10W charging
Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G, Dual-band WiFi 5, Hotspot, Bluetooth v5.0, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Colour Options: Orange, Black, Green

Oukitel RT3 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability

This tablet will be available later this month for an introductory price of USD 199.99. That being said, if it ever wanders here, we expect the Oukitel RT3 Pro price in Nepal to be NPR 32,249.

Oukitel RT3 Pro	Price in the US (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
4GB + 128GB	~~USD 299.99~~ USD 199.99	NPR 32,249

Meanwhile, check out our OnePlus Pad 2 review video:

Boult launches two headphones in India at a budget price!

Dip Khatiwada

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October 3, 2024

0

Boult launches two headphones in India at a budget price!

Boult Audio has introduced two new headsets, the Q and Boost in India, aimed at casual listeners, gamers, and professionals. In this article, I will be discussing the latest Boult Q Headset and Boult Boost Headset, including its expected price in Nepal.

Boult Q / Boult Boost Headset Overview

Design and Audio

The Boult Q Headset and Boult Boost Headset both feature a foldable design with memory foam cushions for comfort.

The Boult Q Headset offers Combat Gaming Mode with ultra-low latency (60ms), 40mm drivers, and four EQ modes. In contrast, the Boult Boost Headset features Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that reduces background noise by up to 33dB, along with 40mm Neodymium drivers and BoomX Technology.

Connectivity and Battery

Both headsets utilize Bluetooth 5.4 technology. The Boult Q Headset supports wired and wireless options, while the Boult Boost Headset includes touch controls and voice assistant integration.

The Boult Q Headset provides a 70-hour battery life, allowing for 10 hours of playback with a 10-minute quick charge. The Boult Boost Headset has a 65-hour battery life with fast charging support.

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Boult Q and Boult Boost Price in Nepal and Availability

The Boult Q is priced at Rs. 1,799, and the Boult Boost is available for Rs. 3,799. If it ever makes it here, we expect the Boult Q and Boult Boost price in Nepal to be no less than NPR 2,999 and NPR 6,299 respectively.

Headset	Price in India (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Boult Q	INR 1,799	NPR 2,999
Boult Boost	INR 3,799	NPR 6,299

Meanwhile, check out our review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Chromebook Plus with New AI Features

Dip Khatiwada

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October 3, 2024

0

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Chromebook Plus with New AI Features

Samsung has introduced its latest Chromebook model, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, marking the thinnest and lightest version of the Chromebook Plus series to date. This article will discuss everything about the latest Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, including its expected price in Nepal.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Overview

Display and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus features a 15.6-inch OLED display with a brightness of 400 nits. As mentioned earlier, this Chromebook is the thinnest and lightest Chromebook ever, measuring just 11.8mm thick and 1.17kg.

Performance

It is powered by an Intel Core 3 100U processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. In terms of battery life, Samsung has promised up to 13 hours of use on a single charge. Additionally, the Chromebook introduces the Quick Insert key, which offers easy access to tools like text editing, adding links, and inserting emojis. This feature simplifies interactions and improves workflow efficiency.

AI Integration

One of the highlights of this new Chromebook is its integration of Google AI features. The Help me read tool summarizes PDFs and articles, while Live Translate supports translations in over 100 languages. The built-in Recorder app uses AI for transcriptions, and enhanced video call features improve both audio and visual quality.

In addition to these features, all Chromebooks, including this model, will now come equipped with Gemini, Google’s AI platform. This allows users to chat with the AI for help with various tasks like trip planning or image generation. Google One AI Premium is also offered free for three months with new Chromebook purchases.

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Additional Features and Connectivity

The Chromebook Plus also offers features like Welcome Recap, which gives users a visual overview of recent activities, and Focus, designed to help minimize distractions. Users can also pin important files directly to their home screen for easier access.

The Chromebook is equipped with a wide range of ports, including a full-sized HDMI port, a micro SD card slot, two USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, and a combined headphone/microphone jack.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Specifications

Thickness: 11.8mm
Weight: 1.17 kg
Display: 15.6-inch OLED, 400 nits brightness
Processor: Intel Core i3-100U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB
AI Features: Help me read, Live Translate, AI transcription, video call enhancements
Ports:
- 1x HDMI (full-sized)
- 1x micro SD card slot
- 2x USB Type-C
- 1x USB Type-A
- Headphone/microphone jack
Battery Life: Up to 13 hours

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Price in Nepal and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is priced at $699 in the US. If it ever makes it here, we expect its price in Nepal to start at no less than NPR 113,999. Stay tuned!

Device	Price in the US (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	USD 699	NPR 113,999

Meanwhile, check out our review of the iPhone 16

Tecno Spark 30C launched in Nepal with MediaTek Helio G81 chipset

Raizel Tandukar

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October 3, 2024

0

Tecno Spark 30C launched in Nepal with MediaTek Helio G81 chipset

Tecno launched the Spark Go 1 a while back with a brand-new UNISOC processor. Now they announced another smartphone, that houses a new MediaTek chipset. In this article, we will be looking at the Tecno Spark 30C in further detail, including its price in Nepal.

Tecno Spark 30C Overview

Design and Display

The Tecno Spark 30C looks pretty standard for a smartphone. There isn’t much going on over here, it has a large centre-aligned camera island. It is IP54-rated and is available in three outlooks: Orbit Black, Orbit White, and Magic Skin 3.0. The former has a monotone finish, while the middle option has a bit of gradient to it. The latter choice stands out the most, as it has vegan leather for its back panel.

The display is also a standard game. It has a 6.67-inch screen, however, the panel type has not been specified by the company. It is likely an LCD, as it is the most sensible option. Regardless, the Tecno Spark 30C offers you an HD+ resolution and a smooth refresh rate of 120Hz. It also supports touch inputs even when the screen has water or oil on it.

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Performance

Under the helm is the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, which launched near the end of August. Even though it has been a while since it was launched, MediaTek still has not listed it on its website. This is why, we are taking Nanoreview as a reference for the information on the SoC. As per them, the silicon comes with eight cores, 12nm fabrication, and a peal clock speed of 2.0GHz. While the Redmi 14C did feature the Helio G81 Ultra, the Tecno Spark 30C is likely the first phone to have the standard version.

This smartphone comes in three memory choices: 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB. Meanwhile, you can choose between 128GB and 256GB for the internal storage. Altogether, the Tecno Spark 30C is available in four configurations: 4GB + 128GB, 4GB + 256GB, 6GB + 128GB, and 8GB + 256GB. Users can virtually double the memory on this thing, however, it appears there is no option for storage expansion. Talking of the software, this phone boots on Android 14.

Camera and the rest

In terms of the camera, you get a primary 50MP unit at the back. It is assisted by a dummy lens, making it look like a dual-camera setup. However, that is definitely not the case. Likewise, it has a decent 8MP shooter on the front. In the tank, Tecno Spark 30C packs a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. It has a stereo speaker setup with DTS tuning and apparently can deliver up to 300% louder volume. Lastly, the phone is equipped with an IR blaster too.

Tecno Spark 30C Specifications

Design: Flat design with monotone, gradient or patterned finish, Plastic or vegan leather back panel, IP54-rated
Display: 6.67-inch, LCD*, 120Hz refresh rate, wet and oily touch control
Resolution: HD+ (720 x 1,600)
Chipset: Octa-core MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm)
RAM: 4GB, 6GB or 8GB + Equal capacity extendable
ROM: 128GB or 256GB
OS: Android 14
Rear Camera: Single 50MP Camera
Front Camera: 8MP Camera (Centre-aligned hole-punch cutout)
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Battery: 5,000 mAh with 18W wired charging
Connectivity: 4G cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, IR Blaster, USB Type-C
Colour Options: Orbit Black, Orbit White, Magic Skin 3.0
Buy Tecno Spark 30C here

Tecno Spark 30C Price in Nepal and Availability

The Tecno Spark 30C price in Nepal is NPR 16,490 for the 6/128GB trim and NPR 19,990 for the 8/256GB version. You can purchase the smartphone from Hukut.

Tecno Spark 30C	Price in Nepal (Official)
6/128GB	NPR 16,490
8/256GB	NPR 19,990

Meanwhile, check out our Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ review video:

iPhone 16 review: Faster performance, but still stuck at 60Hz

Pratima Adhikari

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October 3, 2024

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iPhone 16 review: Faster performance, but still stuck at 60Hz

Previously, I shared my review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and today, we’ll be discussing the regular iPhone 16. I’ll cover its features and performance, so let’s dive into this “affordable” iPhone! Well, It’s hard to call it truly affordable in Nepal, as iPhones are always pricey, especially the iPhone 16 and 16+.

In India, the iPhone 16 and 16+ are becoming more affordable, but in Nepal, the iPhone 16 will cost around NPR 150,000! That’s about NPR 30,000 more expensive than in India! Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will match the prices in India.

iPhone 16 Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, 60Hz refresh rate
Resolution: 2556 x 1179 pixels
Processor: Apple 18 SoC
RAM: 8GB
Storage: Up to 512GB
Camera:
- Rear: 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera
- Front: 12MP
Battery: 3,561mAh
Connectivity: WiFi 7, USB Type-C port
OS: iOS 18
Security: TrueDepth camera for FaceID facial recognition
Features:
- Water and dust resistance (IP68)
- Stereo speakers
Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

iPhone 16 Review

Design

The design of the iPhone 16 series hasn’t changed much! It looks and feels similar to the iPhone 15. The notable change is the vertical camera module for spatial video recording. The new color options are quite attractive, and we have a striking Blue variant.

One interesting feature is the camera button, which was mentioned during the launch event. It’s meant to be useful, but I didn’t find it particularly helpful. Initially, I wondered about its placement, but it’s easier to access the camera app and take photos.

The mute switch has also become an action button this time, and the latest ceramic shield glass offers drop resistance. However, scratch resistance hasn’t improved much. Overall, the design of the iPhone 16 is compact and feels comfortable, especially for someone with smaller hands like mine.

Display

The display remains the same as last year—no significant changes. For regular iPhone models, dreaming of a 120Hz refresh rate seems pointless; it looks like the iPhone 20 might still have 60Hz.

The quality is impressive, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits—this is an upgrade from the iPhone 15. The screen quality is excellent. Slim bezels like those on Pro iPhones would have been nice, but we still have noticeable bezels here.

Performance

There’s a significant performance upgrade, moving from the A16 chip to the A18. Benchmarks show scores similar to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is impressive. Everyday performance is smooth, but the 60Hz refresh rate feels like a bottleneck, especially when compared to even budget Android phones with 120Hz displays.

This could also be a limitation for gaming, as users often prefer larger iPhones for gaming. During gaming, I noticed temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees after about 40 minutes of play.

All new iPhones run iOS 18 out of the box, and Apple has heavily promoted AI—sorry, Apple Intelligence—features. Unfortunately, many of these features won’t be available for a while in Nepal. I use features like call summaries and audio transcription daily, and they are quite useful.

Camera

Sadly, besides the camera button, there aren’t many changes in the camera department compared to previous regular iPhones. The Pro models have received additional features, but here, we get autofocus in the ultra-wide lens for macro photography. The 48MP primary lens and 12MP front camera remain.

Day time

1 of 8

While the ultra-wide lens retains the same resolution, it now has an f/2.2 aperture, providing brighter and more detailed images. Generally, photos appear warmer, and the details and dynamic range have improved slightly, making them feel closer to natural colors.

Ultrawide

1 of 8

Portraits show better skin tones compared to the iPhone 15, and there are photographic styles available for personalized color tones.

Portraits

1 of 10

Nighttime photography has improved, with better glare management by Apple. When it comes to videography, iPhones have always excelled.

Nightime

1 of 8

We can capture 4K at 60fps, both day and night, which produces great results. It would have been even better with support for 4K at 120fps like the Pro models. Meanwhile, the selfies also look decent!

Selfie

1 of 5

A new feature on the video side is built-in noise reduction, which will be useful for vloggers. And yes, we can now shoot spatial video, which can be played on Apple Vision Pro—this is just a joke, but still!

Battery

On the battery front, the capacity has slightly increased, and during my testing over a couple of days, I noticed slightly better battery life than the previous iPhone 15. Charging remains the same, with a maximum of 30 watts.

iPhone 16 Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

A18 chip performance
2000 nits peak brightness
Autofocus in ultra-wide lens
Improved night photography
Excellent videos as always

Cons

60Hz display refresh rate
High price in Nepal
Limited camera upgrades

iPhone 16 Review: Conclusion

There aren’t any significant upgrades in the iPhone 16! The biggest disappointment for me is the 60Hz display! If you’re not interested in the A18’s powerful performance and AI features, I suggest going for the iPhone 15. Its price is likely to drop further, as Apple has already slashed it by $100. So, the iPhone 15 could be around NPR 120,000.

Is spending NPR 30,000-35,000 for slightly better performance, macro photography, and AI features worth it for you? Well, that’s entirely up to you!

Meanwhile, watch our review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Transcend ESD410C SSD launched in Nepal with high-physical endurance

Transcend

Raizel Tandukar

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October 2, 2024

0

Transcend ESD410C SSD launched in Nepal with high-physical endurance

Transcend, a global leader in digital storage solutions, has introduced a new portable SSD in the Nepali market. In this article, we will discuss the Transcend ESD410C SSD in further detail, including its price in Nepal.

Transcend ESD410C SSD Overview

Design

One of the key highlights of this portable SSD is its build quality. It is made with waterproof materials and meets the IPX5 water resistance standard. It is also MIL-STD-810G compliant capable of enduring drops of up to 3 metres. Given that, it is ideal for outdoor photographers, adventure-goers, and other creators who scale rough terrain frequently.

Despite its toughness, the Transcend ESD410C is a compact unit scaling 79mm in length, 42mm in width, and 14.5mm in thickness. It is also quite lightweight at just 65 grams. As such, this SSD is quite portable and can assist you in wide scenarios.

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Storage and Data Transfer

The Transcend ESD410C utilises 3D NAND Flash technology and is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB storage options. Additionally, it offers impressive data transfer speeds of up to 2000 MB/s with its integrated SLC Cache. It has a single USB-C port on the top, which supports both USB-C to USB-C as well as USB-A to USB-C cords with a high-speed interface connection of up to 20Gbps.

Furthermore, you can connect the Transcend ESD410C to different types of devices running on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS. It can also be connected directly to devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max enabling storage of 4K/60fps ProRes recording directly onto the SSD itself.

Transcend ESD410C SSD Specifications

Design: Compact and rugged with an IPX5 rating and MIL-STD-810G compliance
Dimensions: 79.00 mm x 42.00 mm x 14.50 mm
Weight: 65 grams
Storage Type: 3D NAND Flash
Storage Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB
Maximum Read/Write Speed: Up to 2,000MB/s
Compatibility: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, MacOS, Windows
Port: 1x USB Type-C with up to 20Gbps transfer speed
Colour: Dark Blue

Buy Transcend ESD410C SSD Here!

Transcend ESD410C SSD Price in Nepal and Availability

This SSD was formally launched in Nepal on 16 September 2024 and is available in only 2TB and 4TB options. Similarly, the price for the Transend ESD410C is NPR 38,375 and NPR 75,000 respectively.

Transcend ESD410C SSD	Price in Nepal (Official)
2TB	NPR 38,375
4TB	NPR 75,000

Meanwhile, check out our powerful budget gaming PC in 2024 build video:

Vivo is the first brand to offer stable Android 15 update to their smartphones

Raizel Tandukar

-

October 2, 2024

0

The Android 15 (Beta) has been out for a while and brings some cool features, which we covered in a separate article. Meanwhile, its stable version was likely to start rolling out in September. And, roll out it did, but there was a turn of events — Vivo outdoes everyone else to become the first smartphone brand to offer stable Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15! Let’s discuss…

Vivo Android 15 Update Overview

The norm

Usually, Android’s star brands introduce the first update of the OS when a new version of the software is released. By star brands, I refer to those companies that immediately pop into your mind as soon as someone mentions “Android”. Say… Google and Samsung.

Usually, Google is the first to launch a stable version of Android with their Pixel UI. This comes as a surprise to no one since they literally own the software and have early access to the AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Then the most popular Android representative follows suit i.e. Samsung with their OneUI. Only after those two, did other brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Vivo start to roll out their things. However, This time Vivo decided to leave everyone in the dust and became the first smartphone brand to offer a stable version of Android 15.

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Funtouch OS 15 is ALREADY OFFICIAL!

Vivo officially announced the launch of Funtouch OS 15 on 30 September 2024. However, an X user posted that they received the software update three days before the actual announcement. For context, Android launched the source code for the version 15 on 3 September. That being said, Vivo actually managed to put their twist on the code and distribute it, all within 25 days!

In the meantime, Pixel phones will only receive its updates sometime in October. Samsung users will have to wait even longer but not till the year’s end.

Vivo Android 15 Update: Conclusion

While Vivo launching a stable Android 15 update before everyone else is definitely out of the ordinary, only the Vivo X100 series and X Fold 3 Pro were the ones to receive this OS. This means that most of the company’s catalogue, including their older flagship phones is yet to get the latest software.

But, Funtouch OS has improved recently than before and we hope, the FunTouch OS 15 will bring even more improvisations and exciting features.

Meanwhile, check out our video on the top 7 features on Android 15: