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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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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
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Portraits show better skin tones compared to the iPhone 15, and there are photographic styles available for personalized color tones.
Portraits
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Nighttime photography has improved, with better glare management by Apple. When it comes to videography, iPhones have always excelled.
Nightime
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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
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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, 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.
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
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:
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.
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:
The upcoming Vivo X200 is creating a buzz with the official images brought out in the Chinese retailer site JD.com. In this article, we’ll explore the latest rumors and details surrounding this expected change.
Vivo X200 Rumors Roundup
Design and Performance bump
In terms of design, the X200 will have a sleek profile with flat edges, a premium glass back, and a refined camera setup. The official images are out already as aforementioned and we are seeing symmetrical camera angles on the rear side with ZEISS branding in the middle. It will be less than 9 mm thick, contributing to its slim and stylish look. The phone is expected to be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset and a 6.5-inch display with 1.5K resolution.
Vivo X200’s downgraded charging speed
While the X100 offered rapid 120W charging, the X200 is expected to support only 90W. This could be seen as a major downgrade for the phone which might initially disappoint some users, but it could be part of a strategy to enhance overall battery life.
Because despite the slower charging speed, the X200 will feature a larger battery, estimated between 5,500 and 5,600 mAh, potentially making the slower charging speed less of a drawback. So, for many users, the slower charging speed might be a reasonable compromise, especially for those who prefer longer battery life over quicker charging.
Additionally, the Vivo X200 will not support wireless charging, continuing the trend set by its predecessor.
There would be no doubt at all on the Vivo X200 bringing the ZEISS branded cameras this time as well. The round camera module will house symmetrically aligned sensors. The main sensor will be a new Sony LYT-818 with 50MP resolution and a 1/1.28-inch sensor size. It is said to bring improved noise reduction in low-light environments. Meanwhile, there is no concrete info on the resolution and sensor type of the telephoto and ultrawide units.
Vivo X200 Launch and Availability
The reservation date is set for October 8th for China while the phone is launching on October 14th, 2024. The global availability details will be unveiled later.
Vivo’s latest flagship series i.e. X100 series had multiple members and all of them had a pretty solid camera set. Now the company is working on its successor series which will likely have an equal number of members. We are hearing some buzz about the “Pro” model which will reportedly have even better imaging capabilities. Let’s discuss all that we know of the Vivo X200 Pro in this article.
Vivo X200 Pro Rumours Round-up
Design and Display
The design side of things will be a bit different, especially on the frame side as per the official images circling on JD.com, a Chinese retail platform. The curved middle frame is bidding farewell with a flat frame saying “Hi” with a glossy finish as per the renders. The camera module is still a circular one with a slight bump and ZEISS branding. Meanwhile, the display will still be a curved AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution, a micro quad curved to be more precise. In terms of color options, the X200 Pro will include Black, White, Blue, and Silver.
Database Appearance
Vivo has been rather inactive with its flagship series in the European market. However, they did launch the Vivo X100 Pro there and it looks like they will launch its successor too. Sources have spotted the Vivo X200 Pro with model number “V2413” in the EE’s (a British mobile phone provider) database.
This means that Vivo is switching the naming scheme for its flagship phones. So far they’ve been hopping the number by the factor of 10s like X70, X80, X90, and X100. But now, the naming will take a direct jump of 100 and the upcoming phone series will be called the Vivo X200 instead.
Imaging
Camera Commotion
There are a whole lot of rumours floating around regarding which sensor the upcoming Vivo X200 Pro will feature. From all the talks, the main camera will be a Sony LYT 818 1/1.28-inch sensor from Sony with 50MP resolution. It will support real-time HDR preview, 86dB HDR and 0.95e signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring better imaging capabilities. Likewise, it appears to be pretty unanimous that it will carry over the 200MP ISOCELL HP9 sensor used with the telephoto lens of Vivo X100 Ultra.
Along with the sensor itself, Vivo is working on an in-house ISP as well. It will reportedly be called Vivo V4 ISP. They will equip their upcoming flagship with this ISP so that it can better run its AI portrait algorithm. And talking of AI, the company is also developing an AI model with a billion parameters to better help with image optimisation.
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Vivo V4 ISP
Vivo AI Algorithm
Vivo AI Rollout plan
Vivo will not reserve this algorithm for X200 Pro only though. They shared a roll-out plan where they intend to push this AI model to Vivo X100 Pro, X100, X90 Pro+, and X90/s/Pro by the end of August, early September, end of October, and early November respectively. Even though there are no mentions of the X100s and X100s Pro, they will likely receive the update alongside the base model.
Dimesnity 9400 SoC
This year as well, Vivo is likely to join hands with Mediatek for the horsepower. Rumours have it, the Vivo X200 Pro will pack a Dimensity 9400 chipset. There is no concrete info as to how much improvement it will bring over the Dimesnity 9300, but we can expect boosts on both the CPU and GPU sides, without any doubt. Meanwhile, the software side will be OriginOS 5 with several AI features.
Vivo X200 Pro Launch and Availability
The Vivo X200 Pro’s reservation will open on Oct 8 in China while the official launch will happen on October 14.
Meanwhile, check out our Vivo X100 Pro review video:
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has unveiled a new oxide-based solid-state battery. This battery is specifically designed for the wearables market, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wireless earbuds. In this article, we will discuss everything about the upcoming solid-state battery by Samsung Electro-mechanics.
Samsung Solid-State Battery Overview
Key Features
This solid-state battery claims to be the world’s first ultra-compact cell tailored for wearable devices. It achieves an energy density of 200 watt-hours per liter, which is on par with conventional lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, it can be manufactured in various sizes and shapes, thanks to advanced multi-layer ceramic capacitor manufacturing techniques.
Manufacturing Process
The battery employs a detailed layer-printing and stacking method. This approach helps prevent common issues like wrinkling and swelling that often occur in traditional lithium-ion cells. As a result, the battery is ultra-dense and can withstand numerous charge cycles.
And if you were asking whether this solid-state battery has any advantages, then YES! It enhances safety and shock resistance while reducing the carbon footprint. Furthermore, the battery operates effectively across a wider temperature range.
Samsung aims for mass production in the first half of 2026. The new battery is expected to appear in products such as the Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds. Currently, samples have been provided to potential customers and partners for evaluation. In addition to wearables, Samsung plans to expand the use of solid-state batteries to electric vehicles (EVs).
Meanwhile, check our review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi Buds 6 TWS earbuds in China, coinciding with the release of the Redmi Note 14 Pro series. These earbuds offer a range of features aimed at a considerably reasonable price. In this article, we will discuss everything about the latest Redmi Buds 6, including its expected price in Nepal.
Redmi Buds 6 Overview
Audio and Noise Cancellation
The Redmi Buds 6 utilizes a dual-unit acoustic architecture. It includes a 12.4mm titanium-plated diaphragm unit and a 5.5mm micro-piezoelectric ceramic unit. This design aims to deliver clear and detailed sound. The earbuds have an IP54 rating, making them resistant to dust and water.
The Redmi Buds 6 offers significant noise cancellation capabilities. They provide up to 49dB of noise reduction, blocking 99.6% of ambient noise. Furthermore, a dual-microphone AI system reduces wind noise, working effectively at speeds up to 9m/s. The earbuds can also adapt to noise cancellation based on the ear canal structure and wearing conditions.
Modes and Connectivity
These earbuds include multiple listening modes. Users can choose from Depth, Balance, and Light modes. There are three transparency modes: standard, vocal enhancement, and environmental enhancement. Other features include compatibility with the Xiaomi Headphones app, dual-device connection, quick connect, one-click photo capture, and audio sharing.
These earbuds are powered by Bluetooth v5.4. Additionally, they feature four built-in EQ sound effects and support a personalized Sound ID function. Users can enjoy 360° surround spatial stereo sound effects.
The charging case has been upgraded with a Cloud Crevice Lighting Effect 2.0. This feature allows users to check the battery status without needing to connect to a mobile device. The power status is displayed through a four-level bar system.
In terms of battery life, the Redmi Buds 6 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. When used with the charging case, the total battery life extends up to 42 hours. A fast charging feature allows for 4 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
The Redmi Buds 6 are priced at 199 yuan. They are available in three colors: White, Black, and Cyan. When it makes it here, we expect its price in Nepal to be no less than NPR 5299.
TWS
Price in China (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Redmi Buds 6
CNY 199
NPR 5,299
Meanwhile, check our review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max
