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Xiaomi has revealed their HyperOS roll-out plan for Q2 2024

Xiaomi’s homegrown has been the talk of the tech world for one reason or another. They have just revealed their HyperOS rollout plan for the second quarter of 2024. This article dives into the greater details of HyperOS including the list of devices that have received the software so far.

Xiaomi HyperOS Overview

For well over 13 years, MIUI has been there for Xiaomi smartphones. After multiple rounds of rumours, Xiaomi launched the HyperOS and is slowly replacing the MIUI with it across all its brands. The company has enrolled its homegrown OS on over 80 pre-existing devices. In the meantime, they have started shipping their latest devices with the HyperOS. Before all that, let’s take a look at…

What is Xiaomi HyperOS?

The Xiamoi HyperOS is a new operating system with a combination of an advanced Android base and Xiaomi’s self-developed IoT (Internet of Things) platform — Vela. The company introduced this proprietary platform a few years ago, aiming to provide support for a wide range of smart devices, including smartwatches, speakers, home appliances, and even sensors.

Xiaomi HyperOS Ecosystem

As such, the HyperOS is here to support Xiaomi’s wide range of products spanning over 200 different categories. Regarding the ubiquity of their new OS, Xiaomi’s CEO — Lei Jun says that this new OS will take them closer to realizing their milestone of a “full ecology for people, cars, and homes”. Looking at the recent developments, it appears that HyperOS is walking in the footsteps of Hauwei’s HarmonyOS.

What’s new though?

Upon questioning whether it is a case of simple rebranding, Xiaomi officials clarified that HyperOS is written in a completely new architecture. Likewise, it is unclear if Xiaomi HyperOS will follow the annual Android version upgrade to keep the software up-to-date, like OxygenOS, One UI, or Funtouch OS.

Whatever it might be, Xiaomi claims that the devices running on their OS can perform tasks faster than Android’s native kernel. Furthermore, the HyperOS has streamlined phone firmware, i.e. the smallest in the industry at just 8.75 GB. It also supports over 200 processor platforms while boasting minimal performance degradation over 50 months. Lastly, the Xiaomi HyperOS also improves the latency of WLAN while allowing multiple devices to network dynamically in real-time, and work together as a whole.

Xiaomi HyperOS Firmware

No more custom ROMs — Is Xiaomi forgetting its roots?

Xiaomi phones have been widely regarded as one of the most customisable devices with easier access to the bootloader allowing for custom ROM installation, and advanced user operations. However, it appears Xiaomi is considering tightening the access to the bootloader.

These rumours are based on the recently surfaced hidden “Bootloader Unlock Beta” option in Xiaomi Community China. Furthermore, unlocking the bootloader is turned off by default in the recently launched Xiaomi 14 series. We do not exactly know why Xiaomi is doing this. However, they previously cited security, data protection, and user experience as reasons for these measures. In addition, Xiaomi also said that users who unlocked their bootloader will not receive Xiaomi HyperOS updates. You can, however, regain updates by relocking your phone.

Xiaomi Bootloader

Despite all the tightening measures, the bootloader isn’t totally inaccessible — just difficult. Users will have to request permission through Xiaomi’s community forum to unlock the bootloader. Similarly, there are additional China-specific restrictions such as reaching “level five” on Xiaomi community forums, time-sensitive unlock permissions, and limiting bootloader access to three devices in a year. It is unsure if these restrictions will be placed on HyperOS-powered Xiaomi devices in the rest of the world.

Xiaomi HyperOS Availability

The HyperOS debuted with the Xiaomi 14 series in China at the time. Xiaomi intends to replace the MIUI completely with the HyperOS in the coming days. The company has already rolled out its homegrown software to a bunch of their devices. The following were the first devices that received the HyperOS:

The list of the second batch that will get the HyperOS updates:

Xiaomi

Redmi

Tablet

Once again, the company recently released their software roll-out plan for the second quarter of 2024:

    • Xiaomi 11 Ultra
    • Xiaomi 11T Pro
    • Mi 11X
    • Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge
    • Xiaomi 11 Lite
    • Xiaomi 11i
    • Mi 10
    • Xiaomi Pad 5
    • Redmi K50i
    • Redmi 13C series
    • Redmi 12
    • Redmi 11 Prime 5G
    • Redmi Note 11 Series
  • Meanwhile, check out our video of Xiaomi Pad 6.

Dell Inspiron 14 7430 gets a sweet price drop!

A few months ago, the Inspiron 14 Plus made its way here with 12th gen CPUs and Nvidia GPUs. Now, the vanilla Dell Inspiron 14 (2-in-1) laptop is here with a newer 13th Gen U series processor. Let’s take a look at the design, specifications, and price in Nepal of the Dell Inspiron 14 7430 (2023) laptop with the i5-1335U chipset here.

Dell Inspiron 14 7430 (2023) Overview

Display and Build

As the name suggests, the Dell Inspiron 14 7430 (2023) sports a 14-inch display. The FHD+ (1920×1200) 60Hz screen is an WVA LCD panel. The taller 16:10 aspect ratio allows for more content on screen. The laptop comes with ComfortView Plus reducing the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. Also, the display can reach 250 nits of max brightness which is a bit on the lower side.

Dell Inspiron 14 2023 Design

Since it’s a 2-in-1, the laptop can be folded on itself and used like a tablet. Or, you can use it in its tent form as well. The optional ‘Active Pen’ allows you to take notes or doodle seamlessly without any pairing. Talking about the build, Inspiron 14 measures about 18.5mm when shut and weighs under 1.6 kilos. That makes it an ideal everyday laptop for work or school.

Performance and Memory

Under the hood, the Dell Inspiron 14 comes in two CPU options: Intel’s 13th gen Core i5-1335U and i7-1355U processors. As for the memory, the i5 variant of the Inspiron 14 comes with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It is soldered on the board so a future upgrade is out of the question. On the other hand, the i7 iteration packs a soldered 16GB LPDDR5 stick. Thankfully, the 512GB M.2 SSD on both versions can be replaced by a 1TB one when in need of more storage.

Intel Core Ultra processor

 

Battery and Extras

Fueling the Dell Inspiron 14 (2023) is a 4-cell 54 Wh Lithium Ion battery. It can be charged via the 65W adapter provided in the box.

For port selection, you get a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm microphone/headphone jack. Additionally, you also get an SD card reader on the right. The laptop is equipped with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth. It comes with up-firing speakers and an FHD webcam with a manual privacy shutter.

Dell Inspiron 14 7430 (2023) Specifications:

  • Design & Build: Aluminium build, 1.58 kg
  • Display: 14″ LCD panel, FHD+(1920 x 1200) resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio
  • Keyboard: Backlit Chicklet keyboard
  • Processor: 13th gen Intel Core i5-1335U / i7-1355U
  • RAM: 8/16GB LPDDR5@4800MHz
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Graphics: Integrated Iris Xe
  • Audio: 2x 2W speaker setup
  • Battery: 4-cell 54Wh
  • Webcam: 1080p camera
  • I/O Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x Thunderbolt 4.0, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x SD Card Reader

Dell Inspiron 14 7430 (2023) Price in Nepal and Availability

The Dell Inspiron 14 7430 (2023) Price in Nepal has dropped to NPR 95,000 and NPR 120,000 for the i5 and i7 variants configurations respectively. You can purchase the laptop from authorized stores like Hukut.

Dell Inspiron 14 (2023) Price in Nepal Availability
i5-1335U, 8/512GB NPR 135,000 NPR 95,000 Hukut
i7-1355U, 16/512GB NPR 165,000 NPR 120,000 Hukut

For a comprehensive overview of all Dell laptops available in Nepal, check out our detailed guide on Dell laptop prices in Nepal.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra review: So close to perfect

Xiaomi 14 Ultra — Xiaomi’s most expensive and top-of-the-line flagship for 2024. You get a lot of innovations, some nifty cool photography kits, and a more mature overall product. After using it for the last 2 weeks, I am honestly super impressed with this phone which I will elaborate on further in this Xiaomi 14 Ultra review!

This year, Chinese smartphone manufacturers like Oppo, Vivo, Honor and even OnePlus, are doing a good job in the flagship space. They are getting seriously better and better and are closing the gap with the two giants — Samsung and Apple. But, I believe, Xiaomi is slightly ahead of its compatriots and we can see that on this phone.

But before getting into the detailed review of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, let’s skim through its specifications:

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Specifications

  • Design: Monotone design with leather, glass or titanium back, IP68 rated
  • Dimensions: 161.40 mm x 75.30 mm x 9.20 mm
  • Weight: 224.40 – 229.60 grams
  • Display: 6.73” AMOLED Panel, LTPO 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, 3000 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, 68 billion colour depth, DCI-P3 colour gamut, DC dimming, 1920Hz PWM dimming, Xiaomi Shield Glass protection
  • Resolution: WQHD+ (1,440 x 3,200)
  • Chipset: Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
  • RAM: 12GB or 16GB, LPDDR5X, 8533 Mbps
  • ROM: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB UFS 4.0
  • OS: HyperOS
  • Rear Camera: Quad Camera
    • Primary: 50MP Sony LYT-900, 1-inch, OIS, variable aperture (f/1.6 – f/4.0)
    • Ultrawide: 50MP Sony IMX858, 122º FOV
    • Telephoto: 50MP Sony IMX858, 75mm, OIS
    • Periscope: 50MP Sony IMX858, 5X, 120mm, OIS
  • Front Camera: 32MP Camera (Centre-aligned hole-punch cutout)
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 90W wired, 80W wireless, and reverse charging support
  • Colour Options: Black, White, Dragon Crystal Blue

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review

Design and Build

Last year’s Xiaomi 13 Ultra was already an excellent phone and what I like is, Xiaomi is not trying to change much with this year’s 14 Ultra. First, you get the same design language with a vegan leather back, this iconic camera layout, IP68 protection, and a metal frame which extends to the back of the body.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Design

Altogether, it’s a well-made device and I got used to its hefty weight pretty quickly as well. Xiaomi says they have improved the durability by including brand new aluminium frames, and a new Shield Glass protection for display that is supposedly 10 times more durable than the Gorilla Glass Victus!

Display

Likewise, the display is something I am thoroughly impressed and wowed by, not just on this one, but on all the high-end Chinese phones lately! And the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s screen is just incredible as well! It’s got everything from a sharp 2K panel with an LTPO refresh rate, 12-bit colour depth with amazing colours, and full DCI-P3 colour coverage. 

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Display

You also get a hardware-level low blue light filter and PWM dimming up to 1920Hz, which even the Samsung flagships and iPhones don’t offer to this date! I also found its display to cover a wide range of brightness. It gets quite dim in low light conditions and super bright for outdoor visibility. However, it does not reach the S24 Ultra or the iPhone 15 Pro Max level! So, yeah, better keep that in mind.

But this display is just too good. Interacting with it, unlocking the fingerprint sensor, scrolling through the Instagram feed, and typing on it with crisp vibration feedback is just a pure joy. Xiaomi also offers a good stereo speaker on this phone that is pretty loud and focuses on the entire frequency spectrum.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra HDR Video Playback

Moreover, this display goes hand in hand with both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ videos, so I would definitely rate it as an A+!

Performance

Moving on to the performance, you get the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset — as you get on most flagships. So nothing out of the box here.  It is further coupled with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage on the base variant. Meanwhile, it can go as high as 16GB memory and a terabyte of storage.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Multitasking

On top of that, you also get a pretty big liquid cooling system, so this phone is just as fast and just as cool as — say the S24 Ultra or any other 2024 flagship for that matter. 

Battery

However, I did find the battery to not be as good as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra though. It just endures like 10 to 15% less. But, no worries! You get super-fast charging as compensation here — wired as well as wireless. So, the phone will be up and running in very little time.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Charging

Camera

Alright, alright! What truly makes for an incredible smartphone these days is how companies can differentiate their camera hardware and optimisation. And in this area, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra truly stands out for me.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera

First, you get a new 1-inch Sony LTY 900 main sensor which we get on a lot of flagship phones, but Xiaomi has added a unique flair by including a variable aperture here. It’s not just the two changeable apertures like we saw on last year’s 13 Ultra, but this time you can adjust the aperture continuously throughout the whole range from f/1.63 up to f/4.0!

This is only possible in pro mode by the way, but Xiaomi also lets you choose up to four f-stops in the regular photo mode too. So, being able to switch the aperture allowed me to better control what and how much focus I needed.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Casual

For example, when I click the photos of the product or a closeup subject, it captures it in either f/1.63 or f/2.0 with a shallow depth of field which looks amazing. But if you want sharper focus, you can always manually change the aperture.

Daytime and Nighttime

During the daytime as well as nighttime, I found a different kind of colour science with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra that emphasises slightly more saturation and punchy contrast that predominantly produces pleasing results. 

And because of the wider aperture and a big 1-inch sensor, I found the images to be quite bright with consistent white balance most of the time. But sometimes, the brightness does go overboard and messes up with the highlights and whites. Hopefully, that will get solved with an update!

But, this main camera has one of the best HDR processing I have seen on a smartphone. It lifts the exposure ever so slightly to bring the on-point dynamic range in even darker shadows that look excellent overall. Detail is very nicely rendered on this phone and once you zoom in, it has a natural quality to it. There’s little to no noise even in somewhat dimly lit scenes.

Leica Filters

In the camera app, there are also a lot of classic Leica filters and you can click stunning black-and-white photos like these.

3.2x Zoom

Another area where the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is streets ahead vs. the competition is its 3.2x zoom camera. It is the best I have seen on a smartphone, and produces clean, detailed images like this, both during the daytime and night.

Look at this shot of my cat, it’s amazing! although at this point, he looks unhappy that I am using his photos for camera samples without permission!

Macro Shots

Jokes aside, this zoom lens also lets you click some high-quality macro shots, which I don’t think a lot of mobile phones of 2024 can match!

5x Telephoto

The 5x telephoto lens is no slouch either! It’s quite close to what the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers. But Xiaomi still doesn’t provide you with an option to take portraits from its 5x lens, which is just weird. You can only take 1x, 1.5x, 2x, and 3x portraits.

Leica Authentic Mode

When you are clicking the portraits in the Leica Authentic mode, it demands a particular mindset to fully grasp and appreciate its outcomes! It’s simply not suited to all individuals. For instance, I found colours lacking that vividness, and skin tone just not to be natural! But, you can toggle to the “Master Portrait” mode or play with a lot of filters to get some decent results.

Ultrawide

Apart from the portraits, I found the ultra-wide camera to be not on the same level as the S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max. It does have a wider field of view, but I found it to be a little bit inconsistent.

Selfies

Selfies are also pretty average here. It’s not terrible, but I have seen a better selfie camera than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. That’s for sure! 

Videography

Nevertheless, I am very happy that this phone is a capable video-camera phone! It can shoot 4K 60fps videos from all the lenses, and they have excellent stabilisation and don’t jerk while panning. The details and the dynamic range are commendable as well! Honestly, I am very surprised to see how capable its videography aspect is along with great photography power!

Camera verdict

If I have to nitpick, the Ultrawide angle lens, both photo and video-wise, isn’t that great especially during lowlights! You will notice a bit of noise and desaturation, but the 3X camera. Even the 5X zoom videos are much better than the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra! 

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review: Verdict

So! Overall, I truly feel like Xiaomi flagships have matured a lot over the years and have become nigh-perfect! I like how Xiaomi has also taken care of small details on the new Hyper OS! It just feels more evolved! 

But, it’s the cameras that stand out for me! And if you are a proper camera enthusiast, you can even get yourself the Photography kit worth an extra USD 200 — which opens a lot of doors for more creativity! 

Xiaomi has also done quite a good job with the pricing too! I got this unit from China at just CNY 6,499, which comes at around USD 900. And even in India, it’s priced at INR 1 lakh, which is much more affordable than the two heavy hitters! So, a good job from Xiaomi in that aspect as well!

Factoring all that into consideration, I think the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a top-tier flagship and deserves to be in the conversation with the likes of Samsung and Apple!

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • A+ grade display
  • Uncompromised performance
  • Excellent cameras
  • Great for videography
  • Fast charging speeds

Cons

  • No 5x portrait despite having a 5x lens
  • Weaker ultrawide camera
  • Mediocre selfies
  • Battery endurance

Honor X8b review: Exceptional display, subpar performance

This is a review of Honor X8b phone, which is priced around 30,000 in Nepal. Honor consistently launches excellent phones in Nepal, and the recently launched X9B was one of the highest-selling phones in its price range. Its unique selling proposition (USP) was its innovative anti-drop display. Now, we have this phone, which offers 512GB storage at its price point.

It’s quite impressive, isn’t it? Apart from the high storage capacity, you also get a great design and display, among other features, which I’ll explain in this review. Before diving in, let’s do a quick rundown of its specifications.

Honor X8b Specifications

  • Display: 6.7″ FHD+ AMOLED panel, 90Hz refresh rate
  • Resolution: 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
  • Dimensions: 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm
  • Weight: 166 g
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 680 (6nm Mobile platform)
  • CPU: Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
  • Memory: 8GB RAM, 512GB internal storage
  • Software & UI: Magic UI 7.2 based on Android 13
  • Rear Camera: Triple (108MP primary + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP Macro)
  • Front Camera: 50MP f/2.1 (pill-shaped cutout)
  • Security: Fingerprint scanner (side-mounted)
  • Battery: 4,500mAh, 35W wired charging
  • Colors: Glamorous Green, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black
  • Price: 29,999
  • Check out the full specs of the Honor X8b here.
  • Buy Honor X8b here

Honor X8b Review

Design

  • Back: Plastic or Leather
  • Front: Deeply Glass
  • Frame: Plastic
  • Dimensions: 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm, 166 g

The Honor X8b stands out as an aesthetically pleasing option under NPR 30,000, boasting a stylish leather back finish that not only adds sophistication but also repels fingerprints and smudges. Available in multiple color options, although opting for a different hue means sacrificing the leather finish for a plastic back.

Its lightweight and sleek design makes it comfortable to hold, while on the back you get a triple-camera setup, accompanied by an additional LED flash.

For biometrics, Honor has provided a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate. So overall, this is a well-built phone Likewise, in terms of the display, Honor seems to have taken some “inspiration” from the iPhone with this notch! Even though it resembles Dynamic Island, not all apps are compatible with it. At best, you can use it to display notifications and real-time information. The Dynamic Island being smaller means it’s less intrusive, which is a good thing. Setting that aside, the core display quality of the Honor X8b is indeed impressive.

Display

  • Size: 6.7 inches AMOLED
  • Resolution: 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20 : 9 aspect ratio

Honor X8B display

Here, we get a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2000 nits! Previously, in the Honor X8A, it was only 800 nits, so this is a significant upgrade. Even under direct sunlight, visibility shouldn’t be an issue at all.

In addition to that, this display also comes with many certifications. It is TUV Rheinland flicker-free certified with 3240Hz PWM dimming, so it eliminates flicker at low brightness levels, unlike other AMOLED displays. Moreover, it features a hardware-level blue light filter to protect your eyes, which adds to its usefulness. Plus, Honor has minimized the bezels, and the color reproduction on this display is exceptional, with vibrant and punchy colors. Considering the price, its display easily earns an A+ rating.

But there are one or two downsides. Firstly, it only has Widevine L3 certification, and secondly, it features only a single down-firing speaker. While this speaker is loud, it lacks the depth and surround sound experience of stereo speakers, which could be missed.

Performance

  • Chipset: Snapdragon 680 (6nm Mobile platform)
  • CPU: Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
  • Memory: 8GB RAM, 512GB internal storage
  • Software & UI: Magic UI 7.2 based on Android 13

Honor X8B gaming

Now, let’s talk about its performance. Initially, I’ll mention that the performance here is average. It features the Snapdragon 680 4G chip, which handles basic tasks smoothly but may struggle with intensive tasks. Gaming performance is also decent, handling most games adequately.

It can run PUBG and COD at around 35-40 fps on low settings, but Genshin Impact might be a bit more demanding for this device. Also, there might be occasional lags or hiccups during normal usage, but if your usage isn’t too demanding, then you shouldn’t encounter significant issues!

OS and UI

Honor X8B OS

On the software side, I would say you get a slightly cleaner experience compared to Redmi and Realme. There is some bloatware, but you can uninstall it. Additionally, Honor’s Magic OS is simple with plenty of customization options. So, in terms of usability, I don’t see many issues.

In terms of updates, it’s a bit unclear to me. Initially, this phone boots on Android 13, and if we consider Honor’s trends, you might get updates for a maximum of two years, which is nowhere near the four years of updates that Samsung provides!

Battery and Charging

  • Battery: 4,500mAh, 35W wired charging

Honor X8B charging

The battery life of this phone is really good. With a low-power processor and a 4500 mAh battery unit, it easily lasts a day with normal usage. Even when playing games, it holds up quite well for a decent amount of time. So, overall, battery life is not a problem!// Plus, this phone comes with a 35-watt charger in the box, which can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in just around 25 minutes and fully charge it in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, which is quite fast.

Camera

  • Primary : 108MP, f/1.75, PDAF
  • Ultrawide : 5MP, f/2.2
  • Macro : 2MP, f/2.4
  • Selfie: 50MP, f/2.1
  • Video: FHD video recording

Now, let’s talk about one of the main highlights of the Honor X8b, which is its 108MP main camera. In addition to that, Honor has also provided a 5MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens, along with a 50MP selfie shooter.

With the 108MP camera, the sharpness in images is quite impressive. The colors are also boosted, which might appeal to some but could feel a bit overbearing to others. However, in certain cases, it looks really good.

The dynamic range might not feel particularly outstanding, especially when compared to devices like the A15 within this price range. There seems to be a bit of extra contrast or saturation in Honor’s images. If we’re being nitpicky, the A15 performs better in many cases. However, one could say that the Honor X8b is a close second, which is not bad at all!

The ultra-wide images on both phones might not be as impressive as expected, so I won’t comment on which one is better.

I’ve noticed that portraits taken from this phone can be inconsistent. Sometimes, they turn out well with good details, while at other times, they tend to be overly warm. Although they perform well in well-lit conditions, most of the time, the background and foreground exposure processing isn’t quite balanced. As you mentioned, the Galaxy A15 seems to do a better job of maintaining a balance between the background and foreground

I’m glad to find the selfies from this phone to be pleasing. Although there’s a slight beautification effect, it seems to be just right for your taste. The skin tones also appear to be good.

It appears that in night samples, the processing from the Honor phone is slightly better, possibly due to its larger sensor. Along with capturing more light, Honor’s photos also seem to have less noise compared to others, even when taken in low-light conditions.

I found nothing particularly exceptional about its video capabilities. You can shoot videos up to 1080p at 30fps. Similar to its photo processing, the videos tend to lean towards the warmer side. Unfortunately, there’s no Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) or Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) available here, so stabilization might be a bit shaky, akin to recording a video while riding a bus in Kathmandu.

Conclusion

So guys, overall, I would say that for the price of around 30,000, the Honor X8b is a solid phone. Its main selling point is the 512GB storage, which is something that you don’t typically find in other phones at this price range. Additionally, it boasts a nice design and an excellent display.

It would have been great if Honor had focused more on optimizing the camera performance and had included Android 14 out of the box. Nonetheless, it’s still a decent phone overall and not a bad option to consider!

Honor X8b Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Best in-class display
  • Leatherback finish
  • Ample Storage
  • Good looking selfies
  • Great battery life

Cons:

  • Subpar performance
  • Average rear cameras
  • Runs on Android 13

PUBG Mobile is bringing 120 fps support in the next update!

The ever-so-popular battle royal for mobile, PUBG, is finally getting 120 fps support in the upcoming update. The official PUBG Mobile account on Facebook has confirmed the news and we’ll surely be getting that smooth smooth gameplay in the next version of the game. 

PUBG Mobile 120 fps Overview

The PUBG story 

When PUBGM first launched, you could only go up to 60 fps – a perfectly respectable ceiling for a mobile game. While its Chinese counterpart ‘Game For Peace’ did run at 90 fps, that capability was only added to PUBGM in August 2020. Now, most upper-midrangers and flagship smartphones run PUBG Mobile at a smooth 90 fps setting. With the upcoming version 3.2 update,120fps will be added to the list of FPS options now spanning Low, Medium, High (30 fps), Ultra (40 fps), Extreme (60 fps), Extreme+ (90 fps), and 120 fps.

Exynos 2100 - PUBG Mobile

Why such a fuss? 

Now you may wonder why this is a big deal at all. I mean playing at a constant 60 fps feels smooth enough and you get a pretty good gaming experience. And to that, mobile gamers will say …just try 90! 

Almost all competitive PUBG players would agree that playing at 90 fps gives them (however small) some form of advantage over their enemies. Be it while doing quick leans, crouch spanning, or just strafing (popularly known as jiggling) in general. So, the addition of 120 fps will lift that skill ceiling even higher and there’ll be new meta for 1v1 fights and encounters. 

PUBG Mobile 120 fps Availability and Eligibility 

Currently, you can try out the 120 fps option in the Beta version of the game or wait for the PUBGM v 3.2 update which will likely roll out in May. We haven’t received official information about device compatibility or eligible chipsets but it’s likely going to appear on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 8 Gen 2 devices. On the Apple side, Pro iPhones with 120Hz screens are likely to reap the benefits. 

  • Meanwhile, check out our video on how the top flagships from Apple and Samsung stack up : 

X-Age launches ConvE Stereo with 20W output

X-Age is a Nepali electronics brand offering a wide range of products. They recently launched two smartphones Snap, and Leap with an affordable price tag. Now, they have added a new wireless speaker to their list of offerings. This article will get into the details of the X-Age ConvE Stereo including its price in Nepal!

X-Age ConvE Stereo Overview

Design and Audio

The latest X-Age speaker comes in a cuboid shape and appears to be quite large. It has RGB lighting strips on both ends while bass radiators are visible through the mesh on the front. The X-Age ConvE Stereo has controls atop along with two rings where you can hook in a strap for easier portability. Moreover, the whole package is splash-proof giving you some level of comfort when carrying it outdoors.

X-Age ConvE Stereo Design

As I have noted earlier, it has two bass radiators. Coupled with the fact that this X-Age ConvE has “Stereo” on its naming, it should offer stereo sound by itself. While that is unclear, the company does mention the speaker packs a full-range driver. Other than that, it does offer 20W of audio output — which is plenty loud.

Features and the rest

The X-Age ConvE Stereo comes with Bluetooth v5.0 to wireless connect with your smartphone or laptop. On top of that, it offers connectivity through other mediums. This includes an AUX port, a TF/MicroSD card slot, and a USB Type-A port. Additionally, it also has a microphone jack and a USB Type-C port which is only utilised to charge the speaker itself. Moreover, you can even tune into FM radio as well.

X-Age ConvE Stereo Features

It also comes equipped with an in-built mic allowing you to receive calls and converse hands-free straight through the speaker. In the tank, the X-Age ConvE Stereo packs a 3,600 mAh battery which should provide a decent playtime. When you do run out of the charge, you can juice up the audio accessory in three to four hours of time frame. Lastly, you can also connect two of these speakers simultaneously to get a full true wireless stereo effect.

X-Age ConvE Stereo Specifications

  • Design: Cuboid design with RGB lighting, splash-proof
  • Driver: Full range
  • Speaker Output: 20W
  • Battery: 3,600mAh, USB Type-C charging interface
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.0, AUX port, TF/MicroSD Card, USB Type-A, Microphone jack
  • Other Features: FM Radio, Bluetooth Calling, TWS feature by connecting with another unit
  • Colour Options: Black, Green

X-Age ConvE Stereo Price in Nepal and Availability

The speaker was launched on 28 March 2024 and is available to purchase through authorised online as well as offline portals throughout the country. The X-Age ConvE Stereo price in Nepal is NPR 5,499. However, as an introductory offer, you can get it at over half the price at just NPR 2,699!

X-Age Speaker Price in Nepal (Official)
ConvE Stereo NPR 5,499 NPR 2,699
  • Meanwhile, check out our Sennheiser Accentum Plus review video:

AUKEY Accessories Price in Nepal

A new contender has entered the Nepali market with a bold promise: delivering top-quality accessories at unbeatable prices. AUKEY, while not as widely recognized globally, distinguishes itself with a track record of crafting highly efficient products across a spectrum, from chargers to smartwatches. In this article, let’s dive into discussing the latest Aukey accessories prices in Nepal.

Aukey Brand Overview

AUKEY is a renowned electronics gadgets and accessories manufacturer headquartered in Germany. Since its establishment in 2005, the company has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality gadgets, including earphones, chargers, cables, and smartwatches, catering with diverse price segments. Recently, AUKEY has expanded its presence in the Nepali electronics market through a partnership with TechnoPro Solutions, located in MahaBoudha, Kathmandu.

AUKEY Accessories Price in Nepal

AUKEY 30W Wall Charger PA-R1P (30W)

AUKEY’s 30W Nano Wall Charger with PPS Samsung Super Fast Charging has built-in safeguards to protect devices against excessive current, overheating, and overcharging.

AUKEY 30W Wall Charger PA-R1P (30W)

Specifications

  • Input: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz 0.6A
  • Type: USB-C
  • Output: 30W. 5V 3A / 9V 3A / 12V 2.5A / 15V 2A / 20V 1.5A / 3.3~11V 3A (PPS)
  • Dimensions: 45 x 44 x 27mm
  • Weight: 55g
  • NPR 3249

AUKEY 45W Wall Charger PA-F4 (45W)

AUKEY 45W Wall Charger PA-F4 (45W)

AUKEY 45W PD Wall Charger with GaN Power Tech is compatible with most handheld devices. Built-in safeguards protect devices from excessive current, overheating, and overcharging.

 Specifications

  • Input: AC 100-240V~1.2A, 50/60Hz
  • Charging Protocols: Apple 2.4A, AFC, FCP, SCP, QC3.0, QC2.0, PD3.0, PD2.0, PPS
  • USB-C Output: (Max 45W),  5V 3A / 9V 3A / 12V 3A / 15V 3A / 20V 2.25A / 3.3~11V 5A (PPS)
  • Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.2 x 3cm
  • Weight: 93g
  • Price:  NPR 4399

AUKEY 67W GaN Wall Charger PA-B6U (67W)

AUKEY 67W GaN Wall Charger PA-B6U (67W)

The AUKEY Omnia II 67W 3-Port Wall Charger is powered with advanced GaN Technology. This charger offers a maximum power output of 67W with a single USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 port. It can efficiently charge notebooks, laptops, and MacBooks. The built-in safeguards of this charger ensure protection against power leakage, electric shock, overheating, and overcharging. It is compatible with iPhone, Samsung, and other devices.

Specifications

  • Technology: Apple 2.4A, QC3.0, PD3.0, PD2.0, PPS, UFCS
  • Input: 100-240V~1.5A 50/60Hz
  • USB-C 1/2 Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.33A (67W), 3.3-11V/5A (PPS)
  • USB-3(A) Output: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/2.5A, 20V/1.5A (30W Max)
  • USB-C1 + USB-C2 Output: 45W+20W / 35W+30W / 20W+45W / 3.3-11V 3A (PPS)
  • USB-C1 + USB-A Output: 45W + 18W
  • USB-C2 + USB-A Output: 5V/3A
  • USB-C1 + USB-C2+USB-A Output: 45W+15W (60W Max)
  • Max Power Output: 67W
  • Dimensions: 6.9 x .3.4 x 4cm
  • Weight: 120g
  • Price: NPR 6699

MagLynk 10k Wireless Powerbank PB-MS02

MagLynk 10k Wireless Powerbank PB-MS02

The Aukey PB-MS02 is a MagLynk 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Bank which comes with an efficient 15W wireless and 30W wired charging in a compact design.

Specifications

  • Capacity: 10000mAh / 38.5Wh
  • Battery Type: Li-Polymer
  • USB-C in: 5V 3A / 9V 2A / 12V 1.5A (18W Max)
  • USB-C out: 5V 3A / 9V 3A / 12V 2.5A / 15V 2A (30W Max)
  • Wireless Out: 15W (Max) / 10 W / 7.5W / 5W
  • Dimensions: 109 x 68 x 19.2mm / 4.29″ x 2.68″ x 0.75″
  • Weight: 210g / 7.41oz
  • Price:  NPR 9399

10K Powerbank PB-N83S

10K Power Bank PB-N83S

Aukey PB-N83S is a compact and portable mini power bank with 18W USB C PD & USB QC 3.0 outputs. It can charge two devices simultaneously on the go.

Specifications

  • Technology : PC3.0, QC3.0, SCP
  • Capacity: 10000mAh / 37Wh
  • USB-C Input: (18W PD) 5V 2A, 9V 2A, 12V 1.5A
  • USB-C Output: (20w PD) 5V/2.4A, 9V/2.22A, 12V/1.67A
  • USB-A Output: (Quick Charge 3.0) 5V/2.4A, 9V/2A, 12V 1.5A ;(SCP) 4.5V/5A, / 5V/4.5A
  • Max Power Output: 22.5W
  • Price: NPR 4489

20K Powerbank PB-N74S

20K Powerbank PB-N74S

The 20K Powerbank Aukey PB-N74S comes with Basix Plus: High-speed 22.5W PD QC 3.0 20000mAh Power Bank and LED display for power monitoring.

Specifications

  • Battery Capacity: 20,000mAh
  • Battery type: Lithium Polymer
  • Lightning input: 5V/2A, 9V/2A
  • Micro-USB input: 5V/2A, 9V/2A
  • USB-C Input: (Power Delivery 3.0) 5V/3A, 9V/2A
  • USB-C Output: (Power Delivery 3.0) 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A
  • USB Output 1/2: (Quick Charge 3.0) 5V/2.4A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A
  • Max Power Output: 22.5W
  • Dimensions: 14.7 x 6.87 x 2.64 cm
  • Weight: 386g
  • Price: NPR 6399

20K Powerbank PB-Y42

20K Powerbank PB-Y42

Aukey PB-Y42 is a  30W PD 20K mAh Fast Charging USB C PD 3.0 Power Bank which supports small current charging mode for low-current devices. Moreover, this power bank charges up to three devices simultaneously. 

  • Total Cell Capacity: 20000mAh (10000mAh × 2pcs)
  • USB-1 / 2 (C) Input: 5V 3A / 9V 3A / 12V 2.5A / 15V 2A / 20V 1.5A (30W Max)
  • USB-1 / 2 (C) Output: 5V 3A / 9V 3A / 12V 2.5A / 15V 2A / 20V 1.5A (30W Max) / 3.3-11V 3A (PPS)
  • USB-3 (A) Output: 5V 3A / 9V 2A / 12V 1.5A / 4.5V 5A / 5V 4.5A (22.5W)
  • USB-1 (C)+USB-2 (C) / 3(A) Output: 22.5W
  • Max Output: 30W
  • Dimensions: 14.6 X 7.4 x 2.3cm
  • Weight: 378g
  • Price: NPR 7422

TWS Earphones EP-M2

TWS Earphones EP-M2

The Aukey EP M2 earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3, 13mm speaker drivers, and MEMS microphones, delivering high-quality sound and clear communication in a lightweight design.

Specifications

  • Technology: BT 5.3, A2DP, AVCTP,AVRCP, HFP
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.3
  • Driver (each channel): 1 x 13mm Speaker driver
  • Sensitivity: 105dB±3dB@1KHz
  • Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Impedance: 32 ohm ±15%
  • Microphone Type: MEMS (microphone chip)
  • Charging Time: 1.5 Hour
  • Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
  • Battery Type: Li-polymer (2 x 30mAh)
  • Operating Range:10m / 33ft.
  • IP Rating: IPX4
  • Weight: 7g (pair)
  • Price: NPR 4199

C-C CB-KCC102

Aukey CB-KCC102 is a 100W Braided USB C to C Cable with Kevlar Core which supports fast charging and data transfer. 

C-C CB-KCC102

Specifications

  • Data Transfer Speed: Up to 480Mbps
  • Maximum Charging Speed: 100W
  • Connector type: USB-C to USB-C
  • Material: Nylon, Aramid Fiber
  • Weight: 45g
  • Cable length:1.8m
  • Price: NPR 1699

C-L CB-NCL1

C-L CB-NCL1

Aukey CB-NCL1 is a  USB C – Lightning Cable with MFi Certified for fast charging and data transfer. It is compatible with iPhone, AirPods Pro, and iPad. 

Specifications

  • Cable Type: Charging Cable
  • Cable Length: 1m
  • Compatibility: ALL IOS Devices
  • Color: Black
  • Cable Design: Braided Nylon Sync & Charge MFI Cable
  • Price:  NPR 2976

SW-1S

SW-1S

Aukey SW-1S is a smartwatch and Health/Fitness Tracker with a 1.69″ full-color square screen. It comes with 10-12 days of battery life, 300 watch faces, Bluetooth calling, 30 workout modes, and IP68 water resistance

Specifications

  • Screen: 1.69-inch TFT LCD Display
  • Resolution: 240 x 280p
  • Bluetooth Version: BLE5.3+BR/EDR
  • Sensors: PPG sensor, G-sensor
  • Battery Capacity 210mAh Li-polymer
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 days
  • Operating Temperature: -5°C – 45°C / 23°F – 113°F
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • System Compatibility: Android 5 / iOS 12 or higher
  • Companion App: AUKEY Wearable app
  • Dimensions: 45 x 38 x 9.8mm
  • Strap Width: 22mm
  • Weight: 40g
  • Price: NPR 5999

SW2U

Aukey SW2U Smartwatch

Aukey SW2U is another Smart Watch and Health/Fitness Tracker from AUKEY with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display. It comes with 12-15 days of battery life, 100 watch faces, Bluetooth calling, 10 workout modes, IP68 water resistance, and dust resistance. 

  • Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED display
  • Design: zinc alloy frame with Silicone strap
  • Battery life: 12-15 days
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • Features: 100 watch faces, 10 workout mode
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
  • Price: NPR 9999

  AUKEY Accessories Price in Nepal (Summary)

Aukey Products in Nepal Price in Nepal (Official)
Charger
30W Wall Charger PA-R1P NPR. 3,249
45W Wall Charger PA-F4 NPR 4,399
67W GaN Wall Charger PA-B6U NPR 6,699
Powerbanks
MagLynk 10k Wireless PB-MS02 NPR 9,399
10K Powerbank PB-N83S NPR 4,489
20k Powerbank PB-N74S NPR 6,399
20K Powerbank PB-Y42 NPR 7,422
Earbuds
TWS Earphones EP-M2 NPR 4,199
Cable
100W USB-C to C Cable CB-KCC102 NPR 1,699
USB-C to Lightning Cable CB-NCL1 NPR 2,976
Smartwatches
SW-1S NPR 5,999
SW2U NPR 9,999

Also Read:

Huawei expands its Nova 12 series with Nova 12S, 12 SE and 12i featuring Snapdragon chipsets

After launching the Nova 12,12 Pro and 12 Ultra, Huawei expanded the series to include the 12S, 12 SE, and 12i. In this article, let’s dive into discussing the latest Huawei Nova 12 series, including its price in Nepal, specifications, and more.

Huawei Nova 12 Series Overview

Design and Display

Huawei’s latest Nova 12 series showcases a premium design, elevating mid-range smartphones with sophisticated aesthetics. The Nova 12s boasts a fashion-inspired print texture on its back, while the Nova 12 SE features two circular camera modules, and the Nova 12i opts for a single large round camera island.

Huawei Nova 12 series

In terms of displays, the Nova 12s and Nova 12 SE offer OLED panels for vibrant visuals. The Nova 12s boasts a spacious 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Nova 12 SE features a 6.67-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the Nova 12i incorporates a 6.7-inch LCD panel with adaptive refresh rates.

Performance and Storage

The Nova 12s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC. Similarly, both the Nova 12 SE and Nova 12i feature the Snapdragon 680 SoC. Moreover, the entirety of the Nova 12 Series comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Camera

Huawei Nova 12i

The Huawei Nova 12 series features a diverse camera setup. Starting with the Nova 12s , which features a 50-megapixel primary camera, complemented by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and laser focus sensor. Its front camera boasts a 60-megapixel shooter. Meanwhile, the Nova 12 SE impresses with a triple-camera setup, including a high-resolution 108-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. Its front-facing camera offers a 32-megapixel sensor. On the other hand, the Nova 12i opts for a dual-camera setup with a 108-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, accompanied by an 8-megapixel selfie shooter.

Battery

The Nova 12s and Nova 12 SE are equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, supporting 66W wired fast charging. In contrast, the Nova 12i houses a larger 5,000mAh battery, with 40W wired fast charging capability.

Huawei Nova 12 Series Specifications

Specifications Huawei Nova 12S Huawei Nova 12 SE Huawei Nova 12i
Display 6.7-inch OLED display, 120Hz 6.7-inch OLED display, 90Hz 6.7-inch LCD panel
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC Snapdragon 680 SoC Snapdragon 680 SoC
Battery and Charging 4,500mAh with 66W 4,500mAh with 66W 5000 mAh with 40W
Rear Camera 50MP+8MP UW+Laser focus 108MP+8MP UW+2MP macro  108MP+ 2MP depth
Front Camera 60MP shooter 32 MP shooter 8 MP shooter
RAM 8GB 8GB 8GB
Storage 256GB 256GB 256GB
OS EMUI 14 EMUI 14 EMUI 14

Huawei Nova 12 series Price in Nepal and Availability

Meanwhile, the Huawei Nova 12 series starts at RM 1299 for Nova 12i. However, if it arrives in Nepal, the Huawei Nova 12 series is expected to start at the price of NPR 27,500.

Series Price (Official) Price in Nepal ( Expected)
Huawei Nova 12S CNY 1,999 NPR 44,200
Huawei Nova 12 SE CNY 1,499 NPR 31,800
Huawei Nova 12i CNY 1,299 NPR 27,500

 

  • Meanwhile, watch our video of iQOO Neo 9 Pro vs OnePlus 12R vs Nothing Phone 2

Alewa BassBuds launched in Nepal with ANC

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Alewa is an emerging Nepali player in the accessories market and has recently launched a plethora of earbuds and smartwatches like Alewa Ranger, Sigma, Strike, etc. Following that, the Nepali company has recently added a new product to its shelves. Let’s take a closer look at the Alewa BassBuds, including its price in Nepal, specifications, and more.

Alewa BassBuds Overview

Design and Connectivity 

The Alewa BassBuds comes with a digital display in its case. Moreover, these earbuds are powered by the Bluetrum AB5636F chipset. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Quad Mic ensures “crystal clear communication”, enhanced by ANC+ENC (Active Noise Cancellation + Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology. In addition, the Alewa BassBuds are equipped with Bluetooth version 5.3, ensuring stable connectivity with compatible devices within a range of 10 meters. 

  • Meanwhile, check out all the prices and available Alewa earbuds here

Alewa BassBuds

Impressive Battery Capacity

With a battery capacity of 400mAh for the charging case and 40mAh for the buds, the Alewa BassBuds offer extended usage time. Users can enjoy up to 6-7 hours of playback with the earbuds alone, and 4-5 hours of talk time. Additionally, the standby time of about 80-100 hours ensures that the earbuds are ready whenever you need them.

Customizable EQ Modes

The Alewa BassBuds offer three EQ modes: Normal, Balanced, and Bass. This allows users to adjust the sound profile according to their preferences, whether they prefer a more neutral sound or a bass-heavy experience.Alewa BassBuds ANC+ENC

Alewa BassBuds Specifications

  • Bluetooth: 5.3
  • Distance: 10m
  • Battery Capacity: 400mAh (charging case) | 40mAh (buds)
  • Battery Life: 6-7 hours (Earbuds) | 4-5 hours (Talktime)
  • Stand-by Time: About 80-100 hours
  • Charging Time: 1-1.5 hours
  • Chipset: Bluetrum AB5636F
  • Microphone: Quad Mic for Crystal Clear Calling ANC+ENC
  • EQ Modes: Normal | Balanced | Bass

Alewa BassBuds Price in Nepal and Availability

The Alewa BassBuds price in Nepal is NPR 2,999 but you can get your hands on it for under 2,000 rupees for a limited amount of time via the Hukut Store.  

Product Price in Nepal Availability
Alewa BassBuds NPR 2,999 NPR 1,999 Hukut

  • Meanwhile, watch our review of Galaxy A55

Redmi A3 review: A budget phone with a bold design

If you’re in the market for a very affordable and feature-packed smartphone or need a secondary phone, you are at the right place. The title would have already made it clear, yes, I’m talking about the Redmi A3. The latest budget offering is priced at just 12,000 rupees for the 3/64 GB variant, and 13,000 rupees for the 4/128 GB variant.

For this price, Redmi has gone with a stunning design, and the unit I have with me has a leather-like back texture. Additionally, Redmi has provided Android 14 here with the Helio G36 chipset, which is a decent performer for this price range. When you hear all these specs, it sounds too good to be true, so how does the actual phone fare? Is it the best budget phone? Let’s find that out in my Redmi A3 review.

Before heading in, let’s take a look at the specifications of the Redmi A3.

Redmi A3 Specifications:

  • Display: 6.71-inch LCD panel, HD+ resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 3
  • Chipset: MediaTek Helio G36 4G (12nm)
  • Memory: 3/4/6GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage: 64/128GB eMMC 5.1 (expandable up to 1TB)
  • Software & UI: Android 14 (2 years of OS updates)
  • Rear Camera: Dual (with LED flash);
    – 8MP f/1.8 primary lens
    – 0.08 auxiliary sensor
  • Front Camera: 5MP f/2.2 (water-drop)
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 10W USB-C Charging
  • Color Options: Lake Blue, Olive Green, Midnight Black
  • Price in Nepal: NPR 11,999 (3/64GB), NPR 12,999 (4/128GB)
  • Check out the full specifications of the Redmi A3 here.
Buy Redmi A3 Here

Redmi A3 Review

A bold design

  • 168.3 mm x 76.3 mm x 8.3 mm (192 / 199 gm)
  • Leather/Glass Back, Plastic frames

Let’s start with the design – which is one of its main USP. I mean, just look at this! Would you believe this is a phone priced at 12,000? The camera module is bold and looks premium as compared to other phones in this segment. If you were to compare it to Xiaomi’s flagship phone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the camera module looks similar – so I can say, there’s been no compromise in terms of looks.

Moreover, the leather-like finish gives it a premium feel on my Olive Green variant. But if you are someone who prefers a glass back, you can choose the Midnight Black and Star Blue color options as well. 

Display

  • 6.52” HD+ IPS LCD display
  • 90Hz refresh rate

In terms of display, Redmi has opted for a dewdrop notch screen. I know, it’s understandable for a budget phone to opt for this notch. But Tecno’s Spark Go 2024 brings a hole-punch panel in the very same segment and it looks better.

Apart from that, this is a decent 6.71-inch IPS LCD panel with HD+ resolution. It’s good enough for watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Facebook, or browsing Instagram reels considering the price.

Redmi A3 Social Media Usage

One improvement over the previous model, the Redmi A2, is the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate display instead of the static 60Hz. However, don’t expect a super smooth scrolling experience as it’s a budget phone.

At times, I did feel it’s a bit sluggish, apps take a bit of time to load, and switching between them isn’t always seamless. However, compared to the previous 60Hz screen, it’s an improvement. I hope upcoming updates will further optimize the 90Hz refresh rate.

Another thing to note is that Redmi has only provided a peak brightness of 500 nits and during my usage period, I found the screen under direct sunlight to be not bright enough.

Performance

  • MediaTek Helio G36 4G (12nm)
  • Octa-core (4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53
  • PowerVR GE8320 GPU

As for the processor, Redmi has opted for the same one used in the Redmi A2/A2+, the Mediatek Helio G36, which is an octa-core chip. For day-to-day usage, the phone performs decently. Basic games like Subway Surfers and Temple Run run smoothly. But sometimes, it does feel a bit sluggish, especially during multitasking.

Redmi A3 Gaming

Software and UI

  • Android 14

Talking about the software, surprisingly, this phone boots Android 14 out of the box. Why surprisingly? Because even Xiaomi’s recently launched entire Note 13 Series ships with Android 13 out of the box.

Redmi A3 deserves some praise in terms of software updates. Xiaomi has promised 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches, which is commendable for a budget phone.

Redmi A3 Android 14

Unlike its predecessors, which came with stock Android Go Edition, Redmi A3 comes with full-fledged Android 14. However, it’s not entirely stock Android as you’ll still find some MIUI elements here and there, like in the status bar and camera app. Plus, the software info also mentions MIUI, which is a bit strange.

Given its budget nature, it’s not the smoothest device, but if it were running Android Go Edition like its predecessor, it might have been more forgiving on this chip.

Camera

  • Dual (8MP + 0.08 MP depth)
  • 5MP selfie

This phone comes with a dual-camera setup, featuring an 8-megapixel main camera and a less useful 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. There’s also a 5MP selfie shooter on the front.

Daylight

Considering the price, I didn’t have high expectations for the camera, and as expected, it delivers average photos. Photos taken under daylight conditions look decent, but zooming in reveals a lack of detail, which is understandable for an 8MP camera.

Lowlight

Similarly, night-time photos are quite basic, lacking a dedicated night mode option.

Portraits

When it comes to portraits, you get decent enough results for a budget phone. I really don’t wanna complain a lot here.

Selfies

Plus, the 5MP selfie camera does a decent job for casual selfies and video calls.

Videography

Video recording tops out at 1080p 30fps, and there’s no stabilization, which is expected at this price point. But again, for a budget phone, it’s decent.

Battery

  • Non-removable Li-Po 5000mAh battery
  • 10W charging

The Redmi A3 packs a 5000mAh battery, which lasted me about 1.5 days with my usage. Light users can easily stretch it to 2 days. However, it supports only 10W charging, which takes around 2 hours to fully charge! Yes, 2 hours! It would have been nice to see at least 18W fast charging support.

The good news is that Redmi has finally bid farewell to the old-fashioned Micro USB port in favor of a USB Type-C port, which is a welcome change. Plus, it supports dual 4G and microSD card expansion. It also supports Band 20 for 4G, ensuring compatibility in rural areas.

Redmi A3 Review: Conclusion

Overall, Redmi has delivered a decent player in the budget segment with the A3. Its bold design, Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and out-of-the-box Android 14 experience are its strong points. Plus, it offers decent camera performance and acceptable overall performance.

So if you’re looking for a secondary smartphone, this should work fine! And its target audience is slightly older folks who don’t need a high-performance device. And for first-time smartphone users, the Helio G36’s performance should be adequate.

Redmi A3 Usage

In conclusion, for those on a tight budget and not looking for high performance, the Redmi A3 is a good option at just 12,000 rupees. But if you can spare a bit more from your budget, for just 2,000 more, you can go for the Redmi 13C, which offers better performance and specs.

Redmi A3 Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Bold design
  • 90Hz display
  • Boots on Android 14
  • Decent performance

Cons

  • UI can be more optimized
  • Only 10W charging