Samsung Ad
Home Blog Page 232

Redmi Note 13 Pro review: Is it worth it for Rs. 35,000?

Mintu
-
0
Redmi Note 13 Pro review: Is it worth it for Rs. 35,000?

As soon as a phone is a member of the Redmi Note series, it’s almost guaranteed to land as one of the best-selling midrange smartphones. Plus, whatever the brand is today, can all be credited to this very series. Like every other year, Redmi has once again upgraded the Note Series with the Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.

The former two phones are available in both the 4G as well as 5G variants, depending on the market obviously. For instance, India received the 5G version of these phones while Nepal will have to make do with 4G options.

Today I’ll be talking of the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G in this review. Before going into the details of the phone, let’s go through the specs first:

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Specifications

  • Design: Flat design with Polycarbonate Back, IP54 rated
  • Dimensions: 161.15 mm x 74.24 mm x 7.98 mm
  • Weight: 188 grams
  • Display: 6.67” AMOLED Panel, 120Hz refresh rate, 1300 nits peak brightness, 10-bit color depth, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1920Hz PWM dimming, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
  • Resolution: FHD+ (1,080 x 2,400)
  • Chipset: Octa-core MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra (6nm)
  • RAM: 8GB or 12GB LPDDR4x
  • ROM: 256GB or 512GB UFS 2.2
  • UI & OS: MIUI 14 based on Android 13
  • Rear Camera: Triple Camera (200MP OIS Primary + 8MP Ultrawide + 2MP Macro)
  • Front Camera: 16MP Camera (Centre-aligned hole-punch cutout)
  • Security: In-display fingerprint sensor, AI Face Unlock
  • Sensors: Proximity, Ambient Light, Accelerometer, Electronic Compass, IR blaster, Gyroscope
  • Navigation: GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh cell with 67W fast charging
  • Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G LTE, WiFi 5, Bluetooth v5.2, NFC (Region-specific), USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Color Options: Midnight Black, Forest Green, Lavender Purple
  • Check the full specs of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ HERE!
  • Buy Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G HERE!

The 8GB + 256GB trim of this phone is available for NPR 34,999, and the 12GB + 512GB variant comes for NPR 39,999 in the Nepali market. The price for the base variant looks decent enough but does paying 40 grand for MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra give you value for your money? And what is the 200MP camera on this phone like? Let’s take a look at all that in this review of Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G!

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Review

Design and Build

Firstly, let’s start with the design itself. The Lavender Purple color option I have over here looks quite attractive. Redmi has trimmed the bezels on the front, because of which the display looks uniform. Meanwhile, the back panel here is not glass or anything, but you’ll have to make do with “Glastic” — which is basically plastic. However, it does not look cheap and feels pretty nice.

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G and Note 13 Pro 5G Rear Design

In the meantime, the camera modules on this phone are sizable which is understandable for the 200MP main unit. However, the 8MP ultrawide camera receives a similar size cutout as well. This isn’t bad or anything, but its 5G counterpart looks more premium in comparison to it.

Display

Moving on to the display, you get a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with the segment’s usual 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, you get a TÜV Rheinland’s Low Blue Light, Circadian Friendly, and Flicker-free certifications. Sadly, this time around you don’t get HDR+ and Dolby Vision support which was available on the Redmi Note Pro 5G from last year. You even get this feature on the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, but not here!

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Video Playback

For display protection, you get Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on this phone. It would have been a lot better but here we are. But, how is it in real-life usage? Since it is a 10-bit AMOLED panel, rich contrast and punchy output are given. So, you get a good experience when watching movies or series.

Furthermore, you also get dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, which I found decent. The 120Hz refresh rate on this phone also feels optimized. The phone dynamically switches between 60Hz or 120Hz depending on the content on the screen, and the scrolling experience is fluid too.

Plus you will not find any difficulty using the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G out on a sunny day — all thanks to its 1,000 nits High Brightness Mode. Overall, the display experience is good in my usage period.

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Display panel

And wait, Redmi is offering an in-display fingerprint scanner for the first time in the history of the Note series. Not only is it available in the Pro series, it comes in the regular Redmi Note 13 4G as well. And it works fine as well.

Performance

Now let’s put aside the talks about the display, and talk about the thing I don’t like about this phone i.e. its processor. Here you get MediaTek’s Helio G99 “Ultra”, which is already two years old at this point. Moreover, you get this chip in Poco (Xiaomi subbrand) phones that cost you around NPR 20,499, specifically in the M3 Pro. Additionally, you also get this very silicon in the Tecno Pova 5, and Camon 20 that is priced under NPR 25,000.

Well, the fact that it’ll be some time before the 5G network is fully implemented in Nepal is there, but a 5G chip is a must in 2024! This is because semiconductor manufacturers have stopped making new 4G chipsets. And for 40,000 Xiaomi should have given a better processor.

For context, even if we compare this chipset with MediaTek Dimensity 1080, which was featured in last year’s Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G — it doesn’t fare very well. And looking at the performance of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 that comes in the Note 13’s 5G variant is miles ahead. Let’s take a look at their Antutu and Geekbench scores:

 

Likewise, this chipset cannot handle 60fps gaming even in popular titles like PUBG, you have to make do with 40fps. The results are consistently better with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 all across the board with other games as well.

So, whether gaming or normal day-to-day tasks, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G feels faster than this 4G variant. Plus the haptics on the 4G version are a bit buzzy and feel a bit off, while the 5G variants haptic feels quite superior.

Software

Another ick of this phone is that it still boosts on MIUI 14 based on Android 13. Coming into 2024, Redmi should have offered HyperOS with Android 14. Moreover, they have not clarified how many years of updates this phone will receive either.

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Ads from Music

Now, I don’t have to tell you a lot about MIUI, you get plenty of customization and features. But, as usual, bloatware is there, which you can uninstall. Another important thing! Go to Security > Settings, and turn the “Receive recommendations” option off. BOOM! No ads!

Ads Off Settings Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G

While the constant notifications you get from the Music Player are such a bother. So, you can go to the advanced settings of the music player, and turn off the show ads option. Or you can disable the app itself because it still pushes notifications even when you’ve turned the settings off. *smh*

Camera

Anyways, let’s head towards the cameras. On paper, Redmi has upgraded the main camera with a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP3 sensor. Last year you only got a 50MP shooter. Meanwhile, you also get an 8MP ultrawide unit, a 2MP macro, and a 16MP selfie snapper.

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G and Note 13 Pro 5G Camera Module

Now the 5G trim of the phone also comes with the same 200MP + 8MP + 2MP camera configuration. So, is it “Same Same but “Difflent”? Let’s find out with the camera samples, alright?

Daylight

You can see in daylight conditions, you can see a good amount of brightening with a reddish tone in the photos taken from the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G. Whereas the shots from the 5G have a sharpness to them with a good amount of contrast. The color tone, however, falls on the yellowish side. All in all, I find the photos on the 5G version more eye-pleasing, however, you may prefer the images from the 4G variant.

4X Zoom

Since both the variants of the Redmi Note 13 Pro packs the 200MP shooter, you get up to 4X in-sensor zoom. Once again, you get a better contrast on the 5G iteration, while the images on the 4G variant are a bit soft.

Portraits

Coming to the portraits, the story of the color tones remains the same — 4G has a red tone, and 5G has a yellow tone. Actually, the skin tone on both the photos goes through beautification.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G’s brightness processing looks a bit bad in direct sunlight. As you can see in the photos of our team member with a cup in his hand. Once again, I find the contrast on the 5G variant better. However, I cannot quite pick a clear winner here, so guys be the judge of it.

Lowlight

Meanwhile, the results on the lowlighting conditions do not deviate much either. The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G produces a better output here. The images have a rich contrast and look sharp with better highlight management, just like in the daylight shots. On the other hand, the results from the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G ko are a bit blown out.

Selfie

Likewise, for selfies, you get a 16MP shooter on the front. And guess what? The tale of Red and Yellow color tones continues. At a glance, you get decent selfies on both phones, but the Pro 5G preserves the details a bit better.

Videography

Lastly, in terms of videos, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G caps out at 1080p@60FPS due to the limitation of the Helio G99. In the meantime, you get an option for 4K@30FPS on the Pro 5G, with better details. Even when comparing the 1080p, the 5G one looks better with superior stabilization. But, it’s not like the video on the Pro 4G is bad or anything. Hopefully, it’ll receive improvements through updates.

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G (2)

Battery

Moving on, the 5,000mAh battery on this phone offers a day’s worth of backup on moderate usage without breaking a sweat. And the 67W fast charger, you get in the box juices up the phone from 0 to 100 in around 50 minutes, which is quite impressive.

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Charging

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Review: Conclusion

Now, let’s conclude this review of the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G. Overall, this phone comes out as a balanced midrange phone with a good display, average camera, and “okayish” day-to-day performance from the Helio G99 for the price of NPR 35,000. But it doesn’t bring any substantial upgrade from its predecessor, the Note 12 Pro 5G.

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Display Casual

Plus in my opinion, Xiaomi Nepal should have introduced the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G for NPR 40,000 instead of the 12GB + 512GB configuration of this phone. If not 40,000 then 42,000 would also have flown because you get better cameras, chipset, design, and build without compromises. Let’s hope we’ll see this phone very soon in the Nepali market!

Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Good display with minimal bezels
  • 67W fast charging
  • Decent dual stereo speaker setup
  • Big on storage

Cons:

  • Performance could have been better
  • Average main camera
  • No HyperOS, still boots on MIUI 14 Android 13

Redmi Note 13 4G review: Same price, small upgrades

Aarohan Niraula
-
0
Redmi Note 13 4G review: Same price, small upgrades

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 was a budget segment leader and earned Gadgetbyte’s recommendation for the go-to pick for under 25K. Now, meet its 2024 upgrade, the Redmi Note 13. Although there aren’t a lot of changes on paper, quality-of-life upgrades like a brighter display, stereo speakers, and better camera setup make it a worthwhile look. In this review, let me walk you through my experience using the Redmi Note 13 (4G) alongside last year’s Redmi Note 12 (4G), and why I think it continues its predecessor’s legacy as the best-balanced phone under 25k.

Redmi Note 13 4G Review: Specifications

  • Dimensions:162.3 x 75.6 x 8 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.31 in)
  • Weight: 188.5 g
  • Display: 6.67 inches AMOLED, 1800 nits (peak)
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
  • OS: Android 13, MIUI 14
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)
  • CPU: Octa-core (4×2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
  • GPU: Adreno 610
  • Rear Camera:
    • 108MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67″, 0.64µm, PDAF
    • 8MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide)
    • 2MP, f/2.4, (macro)
  • Selfie Camera: Single 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable
  • Charging: 33W wired, 50% in 29 min, 100% in 70 min (advertised)
  • Colors: Midnight Black, Mint Green, Ice Blue, Ocean Sunset
  • Sound: Stereo Speaker
  • Headphone Jack: 3.5mm
  • Sensor: Fingerprint (under-display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass Virtual proximity sensing
  • Check the full specs of Redmi Note 13 4G Here
  • Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 here

Redmi Note 13 4G Review

Design

  • Dimensions: 162.3 x 75.6 x 8 mm
  • Weight: 188.5 g (6.67 oz)
  • IP Rating: IP54, dust and splash resistant

Since the Note 13 is prone to catching smudges, the case has been super yay for me to say the least. I also feel the IP54 Rated Note 13 does feel slightly bigger and bolder compared to its previous iteration. 

Redmi Note 13 (4G) Review - Design

It has the same plastic built as last year and you get a USB Port, a SIM slot, and a speaker grill on the bottom. Likewise, there are volume and power buttons on the right. But surprise surprise, alongside the IR blaster and beloved headphone jack, we see…another speaker grill. Yeah, that’s right, we are getting stereo sound baby! 

One of the gripes I had with last year’s Note 12 was its single-speaker setup that would easily get muffled when I was lying in bed with the phone in my chest. And it didn’t feel very full or loud either. Relief to say the sound quality feels louder, fuller, and more immersive compared to the Note 12. This can be easily noticeable while watching movies, shows, or YouTube videos. But the music experience still feels just okay-ish with decent mids and highs but not a lot of low frequencies.

Display

  • Screen:  AMOLED, 120Hz, 1800 nits (peak)
  • Size: 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
  • Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
  • Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3

Talking about the display side, you get a big AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate. And apart from the specs side, I felt the screen did have a slight improvement over the Note 12. The bezels are relatively thinner and have a pretty modern look to it. And another addition to it is the in-display fingerprint, which runs pretty solid as well. 

Redmi Note 13 (4G) Review - Display

Quality-wise, one could definitely notice a few improvements on Note 13. As the colors do feel more vibrant than Note 12. But tbh, it’s not that super noticeable, unless place them side by side. However, the Redmi Note 13 feels brighter and will keep by your side even in intense sunlight/ outdoor conditions. 

In addition, the 120Hz AMOLED screen provides you with nice viewing angles and some inky blacks as well. From navigating UI to everyday social media experience was pretty smooth not gonna lie. The Redmi Note 13 provides a very respectable and enjoyable viewing experience.

Performance

  • OS: Android 13, MIUI 14
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)
  • CPU: Octa-core (4×2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
  • GPU: Adreno 610

Well, you get a Snapdragon 685, which is exactly the same as the one you get in the Note 12. And not to leave it out, the Snapdragon 685 is basically an overclocked version of the SD 680. I mean I had expected a better chipset from  Xiaomi, but you know what expectations kill.  But to be in the clear, it also doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a poor chipset. The performance it gives isn’t underwhelming, to say the least, but the selection did upset me. 

But the good side of it is that you do get 6/128 GB in the base variant compared to the 4GB RAM in the base Note 12. So, a bit more memory for your day-to-day apps, and ample for your photos and videos.

There’s MIUI 14 based on Android 13 which has its own set of gripes like bloatware apps (games and 3rd party software) and system ads. But for a budget phone, I won’t complain too much as it has kinda become a norm at this point. I would like to see up-to-date software though, so Xiaomi definitely has to improve on the software front.

Gaming

Talking about gaming, I will have to admit the fact that this is not the best phone for gaming in terms of price to performance.

What I mean is, that you cannot even play at ‘Ultra’ mode in PUBGM the way you can do the same in a cheaper Tecno Pova 5. Even for high fps games like Mech Arena, I could hardly touch the 60fps mark. 

Redmi Note 13 (4G) Review - Gaming

But that doesn’t imply that games are unplayable in the Redmi Note 13. Well, you can play lightweight games like Call of Duty and Mobile Legends at 60 fps with some stutters here and there.

Cameras

  • Rear Camera
    • 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67″, 0.64µm, PDAF
    • 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide)
    • 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
    • Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
    • Video 1080p@30fps
  • Selfie Camera
    • Single 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)

Well, cameras are the biggest upgrade you can get in the Note 13. Xiaomi has provided a 108 MP camera, an upgrade from last year’s 50 MP main camera. Additionally, you also get an 8 MP Ultrawide and a 2 MP depth camera. The output shows us more brighter and poppy images compared to that of the Note 12. 

During the daytime, you get nice looking vibrant pictures in general, but it did feel the images were a bit unnatural at times. Similarly, compared to Note 12, the Note 13 leans towards more warmer tone in its results. 

I had a very hard time with portrait mode. My Note 13 refused to provide sufficient bokeh (artificial in this case) that makes portraits appealing. Note 12, on the other hand, spewed what I’d call proper portrait blur (for a smartphone at this price bracket). I tried switching from our default testing aperture of 2.8 to the phone’s default 1.4, and even then saw no promising results. I think it’s more of a bug here and this could be fixed with a future software update. Besides that, just like regular photos, I found the skin tones and highlights to be a bit brightened and warmer as well. The output results are completely dependent on lighting conditions, hence the mixed-bag results. 

Similarly, as for the ultrawide camera, you get good-looking pictures of buildings and architecture, but as compared to the main camera, the output result deviates with different colors and often produces soft images. Considering its price I don’t really wanna put a finger on its ultrawide lenses. 

During low light and nighttime, the Note 13 clicks brighter and sharper images compared to the Redmi Note 12. Since there is no OIS, both devices will spew blurred images if not kept super still. Moreover, ‘Night Mode’ tends to over-process pictures which could look good in certain scenarios, but anything with a sky looks unnatural. 

Finally, I noticed an improved selfie results from Note 13. The images appear to be more detailed in both outdoor and indoor conditions.  I also found that the Redmi Note 12 images are often highlighted with a reddish tint while the Note 13 favors more warmer tone, the preference can be completely personal but the objective fact is the Note 13 images come with more details and a larger field of view. But the selfies were kind of inconsistent at times as well. I mean, there are times when you get decent images with good details, and punchy contrast, while, there are times when you get completely unnatural images as well. 

Regarding videography, there was nothing much exciting about it. Although Note 13 can click a wider video, it cannot control the highlights just as its predecessor.  

Battery

Lastly, let me touch on battery life and charging speeds – it’s identical to last year. You get the same 5000 mAh cell that goes from 0-100 % in about an hour and a half. Battery endurance and drain are also pretty much the same be it while clicking photos under the sun, or watching Netflix from the comfort of your bed. Expect 6+ hours of screen time on typical days, maybe a bit more if you’re a light user like me.

Redmi Note 13 4G Review: Conclusion 

Redmi Note 13 4G is a formidable phone in the budget segment. Although nothing much changed from its predecessor, it still is one of the best phones to buy for 25k. As told earlier, the phone has an excellent AMOLED display, although, with some minor bugs in portrait mode, the camera setup is still decent.

Yeah, they could have done better with the chipset, at least an SD 695 or even the G99 Ultra (that’s not going to happen as long as there’s the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G though). However, the dual speaker is finally back again, so that’s a bonus. So to put it simply, the Redmi Note 13 4G is a well-balanced budget phone for those who seek comfort, affordability, and a good smartphone experience at 25 thousand rupees.

Redmi Note 13 4G Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • 120 Hz AMOLED Display
  • Stereo Speakers
  • Decent main camera + Ultrawide
  • Big Battery and fast charging
  • Great Value Package Overall

Cons

  • Okayish Performance
  • Portrait Mode is a bit iffy

Gemini 1.5 is just around the corner, “Can process the entire LOTR series” says Sundar Pichai

Dip Khatiwada
-
0
Gemini 1.5 is just around the corner, “Can process the entire LOTR series” says Sundar Pichai

Google continues its strides in the field of artificial intelligence with the launch of Gemini 1.5, a significant upgrade to its previous language model. Just two months after the debut of Gemini, Google unveils its successor, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation in AI. In this article, Let’s delve into the key aspects that make Gemini a pioneering force.

Gemini by Google: Overview

A Multimodal Powerhouse

Gemini By google

Gemini stands as a testament to collaborative efforts, being the largest AI model created by Google with significant contributions from Google DeepMind. Described as a multimodal model, Gemini not only understands but also generates high-quality content in various formats, from text and code to audio, image, and video. Its scope extends to performing complex tasks in fields such as mathematics and physics, showcasing its versatility and depth.

Gemini by Google: A Non-sentient Friend

Gemini is capable of analyzing objects in real-time with great accuracy. It can make reasoning-based decisions, solve problems, and predict outcomes just like a sentient mind. If you’re having trouble deciding what to do, simply show a video to Gemini and it will provide you with advice that is as accurate as human decision-making. Although, it was later confirmed by Google that the AI capabilities were exaggerated by their research team.

An Update to Gemini: What’s new?

Gemini had previously introduced three models: Nano, Pro, and Ultra, catering to various user needs. The Pro Model powers the chat experience (formerly Bard now Gemini), ensuring seamless interactions and enhanced capabilities. Additionally, Google is introducing Gemini Advanced, leveraging the potent Ultra 1.0 model for unprecedented AI capabilities, marking its consumer debut.

Enhancing accessibility, Google has released a new Gemini app for Android, opting to replace Google Assistant. Furthermore, Gemini’s integration extends across the Google ecosystem, with plans for integration into Google Workspace and Gmail, promising enhanced productivity and communication.

Access to Gemini Advanced requires a subscription to Google One AI Premium, offering users a suite of advanced AI capabilities for $19.99 per month. While Gemini Pro serves general users, Gemini Advanced provides a higher-level experience powered by the Ultra 1.0 model.

Gemini 1.5

Gemini 1.5 arrives with a plethora of enhancements aimed at bolstering its utility as a versatile tool for businesses and personal users alike. Notable among these improvements is the introduction of Gemini 1.5 Pro, a model that rivals the performance of the previously released Gemini Ultra. Powered by the “Mixture of Experts” technique, Gemini 1.5 Pro demonstrates increased efficiency by processing only relevant portions of queries, resulting in faster response times and optimized resource utilization.

A standout feature of Gemini 1.5 is its expansive context window, now boasting a staggering 1 million tokens. This enhancement enables the model to handle larger queries and analyze vast amounts of information simultaneously, offering users unprecedented capabilities in information processing. From analyzing movies to scrutinizing financial records, the possibilities for leveraging this extended context window are vast, particularly in business contexts where comprehensive data analysis is paramount.

While Gemini 1.5 is currently available to developers and enterprise users through Google’s Vertex AI and AI Studio platforms, plans for a broader consumer rollout are underway. In the near future, Gemini 1.5 is slated to replace its predecessor, Gemini 1.0, with the standard version featuring a 128,000-token context window. For access to the million-token version, users will have the option to upgrade, albeit at an additional cost.

As Google advances its AI capabilities with Gemini 1.5, the competitive landscape remains dynamic. Rivalry with OpenAI intensifies, with both companies vying for dominance in the AI market. OpenAI’s recent announcement regarding ChatGPT’s “memory” functionality and its foray into web search underscores the fierce competition in the industry.

Gemini Efficiency

Beyond enhanced capabilities, Gemini introduces improved efficiency, rendering superior performance at a significantly reduced cost compared to its larger predecessors. While training still demands substantial computing power, ongoing efforts by Google indicate a commitment to refining and optimizing the process, making Gemini a more economically viable choice.

Tensor Processing Units (TPUs)

In tandem with Gemini’s introduction, Alphabet announced Cloud TPU v5p, the latest iteration of its custom AI chips. These TPUs exhibit the capacity to train large language models nearly three times faster than their predecessors, enhancing the overall efficiency of AI model training. Developers gain a preview of these chips, opening avenues for more rapid and advanced AI development.

Comparison with Other Models

Gemini By Google

Gemini distinguishes itself in the AI landscape by offering native multimodal capabilities. Unlike other models, such as GPT-4, that often rely on plugins and integrations for multimodal functionality, Gemini presents a comprehensive, built-in approach to understanding and generating diverse content types.

Gemini’s Purpose and Significance

Gemini is a significant achievement for Alphabet’s CEO Sundar Pichai, representing one of the company’s largest science and engineering projects. It is an adaptable and scalable AI model that works efficiently on different devices, from data centers to mobile phones, including Google Bard and Google Pixel 8. Additionally, Google plans to integrate Gemini into other services gradually, promising seamless integration into the Google ecosystem.

Gemini by Google: Conclusion and Availability

Access to Gemini Advanced requires a subscription to Google One AI Premium, offering users a suite of advanced AI capabilities for $19.99 per month. While Gemini Pro serves general users, Gemini Advanced provides a higher-level experience powered by the Ultra 1.0 model. Looking further ahead, Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, envisions a future where users prioritize the outcomes facilitated by AI tools over the underlying technology. 

  • meanwhile, you can our video on Best True Wireless Earbuds of 2023

Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ review: The full package!

Pratima Adhikari
-
0
Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ review: The full package!

Like always, this year too, the center of attraction is of course the Galaxy S24 Ultra. But let me tell you why the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ also deserve some love in this review. These come with equally enticing specs, all the cool AI features that the Ultra has, and a much lower asking price too. And apart from changes to the size, battery, storage, and resolution, both of these phones are pretty identical. In this review, let me go through my experiences with the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus in detail.

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ Review: Specifications

  Galaxy S24 Galaxy S24 Plus
Design Armor Aluminum 2.0 protection, IP68 certification
Display 6.2-inches “Infinity-O” Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel 6.7-inches “Infinity-O” Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel
Properties 120Hz variable refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) QHD+ (1440 x 3088 pixels)
Chipset  Exynos 2400 (4nm) [SD 8 Gen 3 variants available in some markets]
RAM 8GB LPDDR5 12GB LPDDR5
Storage 128GB / 256GB (non-expandable)

 

 256GB / 512GB

(non-expandable)
Rear Camera
  • 50MP, f/1.8 primary shooter, OIS, Dual Pixel AF
  • 12MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor, 120˚ FOV
  • 10MP, f/2.4 telephoto lens, OIS, 3X optical zoom
Front Camera 12MP, f/2.2 aperture
Security Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Audio Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital/Plus
Connectivity 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Battery 4000mAh, 25W wired charging 4900mAh, 45W wired charging
Wireless Charging Yes (10W), Reverse wireless charging
Color Options for Nepal Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ Review:

Design 

  • Armor Aluminum 2.0 protection,
  • IP68 certification

In terms of design, not much has changed from last year. We’re still rocking the flat, boxy form factor, complete with a glass design and armored aluminum frames. Now, if you caught my S24 Ultra review, you’ll remember I mentioned the minimal difference in actual feel between the Titanium and Aluminum frames. Sure, Titanium is touted as tougher, but Aluminum holds its own just fine. So, no gripes there.

Galaxy S24 and S24 PlusDesign

Moving on, can we talk about how darn comfy both the S24 and S24 Plus are? Especially the S24 – it’s like a gift from the smartphone gods for folks who prefer a more compact device. Even the S24 Plus doesn’t feel overly massive, at least not compared to the Ultra. So, if you’re all about that compact life, rest assured, that both of these babies won’t let you down.

Now, here’s the kicker: Samsung’s flagship lineup seems to be taking a page from the iPhone playbook more and more each year. Not that I’m complaining, mind you! Also Kudos to Samsung for nailing the fingerprint sensor placement – it’s right where you need it, sparing your fingers the stretch. Plus, it’s an ultrasonic sensor that’s quick, and precise and doesn’t blind you with a light show when unlocking in the dark.

Display

  • Screen: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
  • Resolution:
    • S24: FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels)
    • S24+: QHD+ (1440 x 3088 pixels)
  • Size:
    • S24: 6.2 inch
    • S24+: 6.7 inch

Transitioning to the display realm, let’s dive into the differences between the ultra and the regular models. First off, the S24 and S24 Plus ditch the Gorilla Glass Armour for Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Victus 2 packs a punch, no doubt, but it’s a tad too susceptible to scratches for my liking. Take my S24, for instance – it’s been jostling around in my pocket alongside keys and whatnot, and now it’s a canvas of scratches waiting to happen. Moreover, the screens on the S24 and S24 Plus are a bit more reflective than their Ultra sibling, courtesy of the Gorilla Glass Victus 2’s lesser anti-reflection prowess compared to the Gorilla Glass Armour.

But hey, no qualms about the display quality here! They’re crisp, and vibrant – just as bright as the Ultra, mind you. Sporting an LTPO screen that can scale down to a soothing 24Hz, coupled with stellar contrast and color reproduction, these displays are top-notch. Sure, the regular S24 rocks a Full HD resolution versus the Quad HD on the S24 Plus, but given its compact nature, you won’t be missing out on much. Besides, it’s a smart move considering the S24’s smaller battery capacity – but we’ll get to that later.

On another note, my S24 unit is grappling with the same display hiccup as the Ultra – no discrepancy between color reproduction in natural and vivid modes. As a proper vivid mode aficionado, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a swift fix from Samsung.

Speakers and Haptics

Ah, how could I forget about the speakers! The S24 comes packed with a fantastic set of stereo speakers that deliver a loud and well-balanced audio experience. Samsung has always leaned towards a slightly sharper sound profile, but the output is undeniably impressive.

And let’s talk about that typing experience—oh boy, it’s a delight! The vibrations are crisp and precise, adding satisfying tactile feedback to your typing sessions. Plus, they’re strong enough to ensure you never miss important calls or notifications amidst the typing frenzy. It’s the little things that make all the difference, right?

Performance

  • Chipset: Exynos 2400 5G (4nm)
    • Deca-core (1×3.2GHz Cortex-X4 & 2×2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 3×2.6GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.95GHz Cortex-A520)
  • GPU: Xclipse 940

Alright, let’s tackle the big elephant in the room now: Exynos! Yup, Samsung’s gone back to using its in-house Exynos 2400 chip for most of the world, except the lucky folks in the US, Canada, and China, who get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Now, I gotta admit, seeing Exynos make a comeback surprised me. I mean, after skipping it last year, I figured it was gonna be a while before we saw it again. But here we are! Now, historically, Exynos hasn’t exactly wowed us, thanks to its tendency to run hotter than a frying pan and lower performance yields.

Galaxy S24 and S24+ Gaming

But hold your horses! Before you start waving the red flag, let me break it down for you. Yeah, Exynos still warms up, but it’s not as bad as before. I ran some stress tests, and while the S24 hit around 42.7 degrees, the S24+ hit…well, it was hot, let’s leave it at that. But it’s not exactly a meltdown, right?

In the past, throttling was a major headache with Exynos chips, but this time, it’s not as bad. Maybe it’s thanks to the beefier vapor chamber cooling system. The S24 gets a bit toastier than its Plus sibling, but neither of them turns into a hot potato during regular use or multitasking. Even when I was charging them up, there was no fiery drama.

Gaming Performance

But when it’s game time, things heat up a bit. After about 30 minutes of PUBG or Genshin Impact, both phones hit around 40 degrees. But hey, no lag or stutters during gameplay, and I was hitting smooth 90 fps in PUBG and a solid 60 fps in Genshin Impact. Not too shabby, right?

Now, keep in mind, that it’s winter here, so these tests were done in cozy room temperatures. As summer rolls in, expect these babies to warm up a bit more, depending on where you live and how you use them.

So yeah, Exynos is back in town! Am I throwing a fit about it? Nah. But would I have preferred the silky smooth performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3? Heck yeah, especially after seeing what the S24 Ultra can do!

Additional Goodies

Here’s the scoop: all those nifty AI features you find on the Ultra? Well, guess what? They’re all here on the S24 and 24 Plus too! From circle to search to fancy camera tricks and even live call translations and voice transcriptions. Bug thumbs up by my side.

Galaxy S24 and S24+ Circle to search

And here’s the real kicker: Samsung’s stepping up big time with a whopping 7 years of updates for the entire S24 lineup. Talk about commitment, right? Now you can hang onto your Samsung flagship for ages, not only saving you stress but also doing your bit to cut down on e-waste. It’s a win-win situation that’s got me grinning from ear to ear!

Battery and Storage

  • Battery and charging:
    • 4000 mAh (S24) with 25W Charging
    • 4900 mAh(S24+) with 45W charging
  • RAM: 8GB LPDDR5 (S24), 12GB LPDDR5 (S24+) 
  • Storage:
    • S24:128GB (UFS 3.1)/ 256GB (UFS 4.0) (non-expandable)
    • S24+: 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0,non-expandable)

Samsung beefed up the battery capacity on both the S24 and S24 Plus. The regular model now packs a 4000 mAh battery, while the Plus model falls just shy of the S24 Ultra’s battery capacity by a mere 100 mAh. You’d think this would translate to better battery life, right? Well, not quite. Despite the boost, I found myself clocking slightly less screen-on time compared to last year – blame it on the Exynos, perhaps?

On the S24, I managed about 5 hours of screen-on time, with the S24 Plus squeezing out an extra 45 minutes. That’s nearly half an hour less than their predecessors, mind you.

Charging these Samsung flagships remains a waiting game, especially with the regular S24 sporting a modest 25W max input wired charging, 15W wirelessly, and a paltry 4.5W for reverse wireless charging. The S24 Plus, however, steps up the game with a zippy 45W wired charging – just like its Ultra sibling!

Now, here’s the bummer: the 128GB variant of the S24 ships with slower UFS 3.1 support, while all variants of the S24 Plus boast UFS 4.0. Talk about a mixed bag!

Cameras

Galaxy S24 and S24+ Cameras

Alright, let’s dive into the camera setup on the S24 and S24 Plus. Sporting the same configuration as last year, both phones come equipped with a 50MP primary sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Since they share a similar setup, I’ll draw references primarily from the regular S24.

Compared to the top-tier S24 Ultra, the camera performance here is undeniably flagship, albeit not on the same level as the Ultra. You still get that signature Samsung processing, delivering clear details, vibrant blues and greens, and bright images that are easy on the eyes.

Sure, you won’t be snapping shots at 100x zoom or taking 5x portraits, but let’s be honest, the 5x portrait lens on the Ultra isn’t exactly blowing minds either. I found the 2x and 3x portrait modes on the S24 to be more than sufficient, especially with their pleasing skin tones and ready-to-post quality. No further edits are needed, folks!

Daytime images impress with their nice contrast, sharp details, and commendable dynamic range, often rivaling even the iPhone 15. The ultra-wide shots may not boast the same level of detail as the primary lens, but they maintain pleasing colors and overall aesthetics. On the way I will have to mention the fact there’s also no autofocus in ultra-wide mode for both the S24 and S24 Plus. 

Moving on to nighttime photography, the images remain bright and appealing, albeit with a slight blue tint that may not always hit the mark. My only gripe here is Samsung’s tendency to overprocess images in night mode, but aside from that, low-light shots hold up admirably.

Selfies, on the other hand, can come off a tad too bright from the S24, lacking that natural touch. They’re not terrible by any means, but the artificial brightness is noticeable.

Videography

As usual, you’ve got the option for shooting 4K 60 fps selfie videos, a handy feature with excellent quality and stabilization to boot.

When it comes to rear camera recording, you can capture up to 8K 30 fps videos, and Samsung has really stepped up its game in this department. The 8K footage now maintains a wider field of view and delivers more stable output, with minimal movement jitters.

That said, 8K might be a bit over the top for smartphone videography, so I mostly stuck to shooting at either 4K 30 or 60 fps. As you can see from the footage, the output is smooth and stable. It’s worth noting that with both the S24 and S24 Plus, you can’t switch between lenses while shooting at 4K 60 fps. However, Samsung does allow you to seamlessly switch to the selfie camera at the same resolution, a feature I highlighted in my S24 Ultra review and one that’s particularly handy for vloggers.

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ Review: Conclusion

Ah, the age-old question—how do Samsung’s affordable flagships stack up? Well, as for the Plus variants, they’ve always felt like the awkward middle child to me. They’re essentially just larger versions of the regular S-series, offering a tad more battery life and screen real estate. But when you’re shelling out a grand for the S24+, it’s hard not to think you might as well snag the S24 Ultra or even last year’s S23 Ultra at a lower price point, especially since the S23 series is also set to receive all those fancy AI features.

Now, onto the S24. In my book, it takes the cake as the top compact flagship on the market right now for us regular folks. It boasts a stellar display, the coziest feel in your hands, top-notch flagship cameras, blazing performance, and let’s not forget about those years of promised updates and those sweet AI features sprinkled on top.

But if you’re a hardcore gamer, I’d pump the brakes on recommending this phone to you. Not only does the Exynos chip run a bit hotter, but the form factor might not lend itself well to marathon gaming sessions. However, for anyone craving the ultimate Samsung experience in a smaller package, the S24 is the way to go.

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Compact form factor
  • Flagship Display
  • Great everyday and gaming performance
  • Great software support and timely updates

Cons

  • Average battery life
  • Slower charging
  • Slight heating issues

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) with Intel 14th Gen i9, RTX 4070 is here

Raizel Tandukar
-
0
Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) with Intel 14th Gen i9, RTX 4070 is here

Asus ROG Strix series is one of the most capable hardware in the world and one of its members — the G16 has made its way to Nepal. This laptop packs the high-end Intel-NVIDIA combo to power through whatever demands you may have. Here, we will discuss the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) along with its official price in Nepal!

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) Overview

Design and Display

The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) has a similar design language to its 18-inch counterpart. Given that, it has pixel art accents going diagonally across the laptop lid while coming in a single black colour option. However, the lid can feature a hint of green or a different shade of black giving a cyberpunk vibe. Adding to the vibe, you get a graffiti-like design on the back protrusion of the laptop.

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) Display

As the name suggests, the screen on the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) obviously measures 16 inches. Other than that, it spans 2,560 x 1,600 pixels boasting a 2.5K resolution. Moreover, it has a high refresh rate of 240Hz, a wide colour gamut of 100% DCI-P3, and a response time of 3ms. Lastly, the panel here is an IPS-level that comes in an anti-glare finish.

Performance

For primary performance, this laptop relies on the latest Intel Core i9-14900HX with 24 cores and 32 threads. On top of that, this processor can offer you a maximum clock speed of 5.80 GHz. In the meantime, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM is handling the graphics duties. Both the CPU and GPU here come with in-built AI capabilities.

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) Gaming

Other than that, the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) offers 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage. The RAM here is a GDDR5 with a frequency of 5,600 MHz, while the storage is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. On the software side of things, this laptop boots on the Windows 11 Pro.

Battery and the rest

The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) draws its power from a 90Wh Lithium-ion cell that is positioned in a 4S1P arrangement. The webcam on this laptop is capable of HD video resolution at 720p. Meanwhile, the audio is handled by the two-speaker system with Dolby Atmos support.

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) Camera

For wireless connectivity, you are getting triple-band WiFi 6E as well as Bluetooth v5.3 support. You get a plethora of port options including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, one RJ45 LAN port, one HDMI 2.1, and one 3.5mm audio jack.

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) Specifications:

  • Design and Build: Dual-tone design with pixel art accents on the lid
  • Dimensions: 354.00 mm x 264.00 mm x 22.60–30.40 mm
  • Weight: 2.50 kg
  • Display: 16-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS-level, Anti-glare finish, 240 Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut
  • Resolution: 2.5K (2,560 x 1,600)
  • Processor: Intel Core i9 14900HX
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
  • RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600, dual-channel; Up to 32GB expandable
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home Pro
  • Webcam: 720p HD camera
  • Audio: 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
  • Keyboard: Backlit Chiclet Keyboard Per-Key RGB
  • Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort / Power Delivery, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x RJ45 port, 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
  • Connectivity: WiFi 6E (Triple band) 2×2 + Bluetooth v5.3
  • Battery: 90Wh 4S1P Li-ion Battery + 280W AC Adapter
  • Learn the full specifications of the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) here.
  • Check out all the available ASUS ROG Strix gaming laptops in Nepal here.

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) Price in Nepal and Availability

The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) price in Nepal is NPR 292,222. Moreover, the latest Asus offering is available in Nepal with two years of warranty coupled with a free ROG backpack and mouse.

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) Price in Nepal (Official) Availability
Intel Core i9-14900HX, RTX 4060, 16GB, 1TB, 16” 2.5K 240Hz display NPR 292,222 Hukut
Intel Core i9-14900HX, RTX 4070, 16GB, 1TB, 16” 2.5K 240Hz display NPR 322,222 Hukut
  • Meanwhile, check out our Asus Vivobook X15 OLED review video:

OnePlus 12R review: Great phone, bad price

Nikhil Shrestha
-
0
OnePlus 12R review: Great phone, bad price

Oneplus recently launched its flagship product Oneplus 12, which has been making headlines all over the internet as of now. But, remind you the company also launched a semi-flagship level smartphone that has few identical goodies compared to OnePlus 12. If you haven’t guessed it already, I am talking about the OnePlus 12R.

OnePlus 12R is also making headlines (Okay,  not all over the internet, but deffo among the internet tech circles). I mean, for the price (global), this is a deal you don’t want to miss. But there’s also bad news for my Nepali fellas… that the OnePlus 12R is ridiculously expensive. Yeah, you heard it right, it costs 25% more than what it would cost in India. I know…I know that sounds like a big turn-off already, but before boring you with the pricing, I will walk you through my experience in this OnePlus 12R Review. Let’s have a quick rundown of the specs first

OnePlus 12R Review: Specifications

  • Display: 6.78-inch ProXDR AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, LTPO 4.0 (1-120Hz)
  • Resolution: 1.5K (2780 x 1264 pixels), 450 PPI
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 5G (TSMC 4nm)
  • GPU: Adreno 740
  • Memory: 8/16GB LPDDR5X RAM
  • Storage: 128 / 256GB UFS 3.1 storage
  • Software: Android 14-based OxygenOS 14
  • Front Camera: 16MP, f/2.4 (punch-hole)
  • Rear Camera: Triple (with LED flash)
    • 50MP Sony IMX890 primary (OIS), 1/1.56″, f/1.8
    • 8MP ultrawide, 112° FOV, f/2.2
    • 2MP macro
  • Battery: 5500mAh with 100W SuperVOOC charging (wired)
  • Learn the full specifications of the OnePlus 12R here. 
  • Buy OnePlus 12R here

OnePlus 12R Review

Design 

  • Dimensions: 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm
  • Weight: 207 g (7.30 oz)
  • Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back

Alright, before anything else, I want to talk about this design because I absolutely love how OnePlus has committed to establishing a uniform brand identity across its phones lately. At least on the higher-end ones. From this circular camera cutout to the gentle curves at the back, the OnePlus 12R feels every bit as premium and comfortable to hold as the OnePlus 12. It doesn’t miss out on things like an alert slider or an IR blaster either, so that’s great to see too. But there are some obvious (and some not-so-obvious) ways OnePlus wants you to know that the 12R is not a proper flagship phone. And the first thing that immediately stood out to me as soon as I started using this thing was the haptics.

I’m not saying that the 12R has terrible, buzzy haptics or anything, but compared to sharp, responsive vibration feedback that complements the user experience so well on the OnePlus 12, the 12R’s haptics feel a bit weak and… bubbly to me. It also brings a USB 2.0 connection instead of the faster, more versatile USB 3.2. The OnePlus 12R’s back glass is also just Gorilla Glass 5 Vs a stronger Gorilla Glass Victus on the OnePlus 12 and it also features a weaker IP64 dust and splash resistance.

 

Display

  • Display: 6.78-inch ProXDR AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, LTPO 4.0 (1-120Hz)
  • Resolution: 1.5K (2780 x 1264 pixels), 450 PPI

But I think none of this is an absolute dealbreaker in any way. These are perfectly reasonable tradeoffs considering the price difference. And thankfully, there’s really no compromise in the OnePlus 12R’s display. Yes, you do get a slightly smaller and slightly lower-res screen, but OnePlus has used the same X1 OLED panel from BOE here — protected by Corning’s second-gen Victus glass — that you’ll find on the OnePlus 12.

Hence, it’s got excellent color accuracy and pretty much everything you’d expect from a flagship smartphone display. So, whether I’m out sunbasking to beat the winter cold or cooped up inside a blanket at night, the 12R’s display adjusts to all those conditions perfectly.

And its “Aqua Touch” feature is also one of my favorite things about this phone. It sounds like such a small thing at first — being able to interact with the display even when it’s moderately wet — but it has come in handy more than I care to admit. The OnePlus 12R also has Widevine L1 and all the HDR certifications in the world for a great multimedia experience. Which has been complemented pretty well with a set of stereo speakers, that sound exactly like the one on the OnePlus 12, by the way. Loud and full enough for casual listening, but could’ve used a bit better tuning in the treble region.

The 12R also ships with fourth-gen LTPO tech that’s supposed to adjust the refresh rate to as low as 1Hz to save power, however, I just can’t get it to work on my unit. It occasionally swings between 60 and 120Hz and that’s it.

Performance

  • Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 5G (TSMC 4nm)
  • GPU: Adreno 740
  • Memory: 8/16GB LPDDR5X RAM
  • Storage: 128 UFS 3.1 / 256GB UFS 4.0 storage
  • CPU: Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)

Alright. Let’s talk performance now. So, as I mentioned in the very beginning, the OnePlus 12R brings Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip inside. Which has been coupled with 8 or 16GB of RAM and 128 or 256GB of storage. I do wish OnePlus would’ve gone with 256 gigs of storage in the base configuration, because 128GB can get filled up pretty fast! Anyway, with the SD 8 Gen 2 chipset, the 12R is incredibly fast and a reliable performer no matter what you throw at it.

And after all this time, I pretty much have zero performance hiccups on this phone. Obviously, it’s not gonna go toe to toe against the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 if you look at all the benchmark numbers — and yeah — the 8 Gen 3 should age somewhat better with time, but trust me the 8 Gen 2 Vs 8 Gen 3 shouldn’t make a whole lot of difference in everyday use.

OnePlus 12R gaming

Matter of fact, my gaming tests show very similar results between the OnePlus 12 and the 12R. Both of them played Genshin Impact at the highest graphics with a near 60 fps average, while I did notice some minor frame drops on the 12R when playing PUBG Mobile at 90 fps. Not a big deal though. And since these phones have an identical vapor chamber cooling system, their temperature data — as you can see — is also almost exactly the same.

 

However, the more expensive OnePlus 12 does have a few gaming tricks up its sleeves that are not available on the 12R. Like “Hyper Resolution”, which upscales a game’s render quality, or “Adaptive frame boost”, which is a hardware-enabled feature that improves the fps numbers. But I wouldn’t say it’s a big deal as of now. Since most of the popular titles simply don’t work right now.

Battery

  • Battery capacity: 5500 mAh, non-removable
  • Charging: 100W Wired

So naturally I didn’t have high hopes for its battery life but, this phone has surprised me big time here. Even under a relatively demanding usage with a lot of gaming, and a lot of photo/videography, I’ve been getting 7 – 8 hours of screen time on average.

What’s even better is that this thing fills up insanely fast too. The 100W charger that OnePlus ships inside the box gives me like 50% juice in just 10 minutes, while a complete refill takes less than half an hour! Then again — as expected — the 12R can’t charge wirelessly. Unlike the standard OnePlus 12 which supports an impressive 50W wireless charging.

OnePlus 12R Charging

But I’m sure the 12R’s lack of wireless charging isn’t going to upset a lot of people, considering how this guy has such an excellent battery life and wicked-fast wired charging.

 UI 

  • OS: Android 14, OxygenOS 14

Moving on, the software experience on the OnePlus 12R is also no different than on its more expensive sibling. It boots on Android 14, with OxygenOS 14 on top, and you get a quite optimized, bloatware-free software experience here. Although… there is this one weird bug I’m facing on YouTube, where the whole thing gets stuttered all of a sudden after I play a video in landscape mode. So I hope this gets fixed with a future update.

OnePlus 12R UI

And speaking of updates, there’s one more piece of disappointing news. While the regular OnePlus 12 enjoys four generations of OS and five years of security updates, the 12R is a year short on both ends.

OnePlus 12R Review: Cameras

  • Main: 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
  • Ultrawide: 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚, 1/4.0″, 1.12µm
  • macro: 2 MP, f/2.4
  • Selfie: 16 MP

OnePlus 12R Cameras

Lets finally talk about the cameras. And this is definitely where you’ll find the biggest difference between these two phones. The OnePlus 12 now brings a periscope zoom camera on top of larger, higher-resolution main and ultrawide sensors, whereas the 12R is using the same camera setup as last year’s OnePlus 11R. Including a 50MP primary, an 8MP ultrawide, and a useless 2MP macro lens. Oh, and unlike the Oneplus 12, the 12R still doesn’t get any Hasselblad love.

However, in my test, I found the OnePlus 12R to have a damn good primary camera. So much so that on more than one occasion, I prefer its photos to those from the OnePlus 12. Especially when it comes to preserving natural white balance as OnePlus 12’s shots tend to come off a bit warm. The 12R’s images, on the other hand, don’t suffer from the same problem.

But looking a little closer, it’s clear that the OnePlus 12 manages better image processing in one way or the other. I noticed that the OnePlus 12R is simply playing catch-up with the OnePlus 12 during the day, from the way it handles bright highlights to the way it processes rich shadows, contrast levels, and dynamic range. It’s not something you notice right away, but in tough lighting conditions, the 12R needs to be doing better.

However, upon closer inspection, the OnePlus 12 demonstrated superior image processing, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 12R did well in daylight, but couldn’t match the OnePlus 12’s performance in challenging lighting. The 12R’s 8MP ultrawide camera left much to be desired, with some color shift compared to the main camera. Although it produced decent shots occasionally, it couldn’t match the detail and dynamic range of the OnePlus 12’s 48MP ultrawide shooter.

And yeah, its skimpy 8MP ultrawide camera didn’t impress me much either. There’s very little color shift coming from the main camera and I did manage to take some decent pictures every now and then, but the OnePlus 12’s 48MP ultrawide shooter is in a different league altogether. Be it in terms of details or dynamic range.

The 12R’s lowlight shots are decent enough as well. It does fall behind the OnePlus 12 in things like exposure compensation, glare control, and contrast levels from time to time, but I can’t complain much.

 

But I must say I’m not a big fan of the selfies from either of these phones. Yes, the OnePlus 12 preserves more details and a wider field of view, although the beautified, yellowish skin tone of the subject doesn’t look very good. Whereas the reddish tint on the 12R’s selfies doesn’t help as well.

The 12R has a more-than-capable main camera to let me shoot 2x portraits just like the Pixel 8, but that’s sadly not available. Anyhoo, its 1x portraits are actually quite nice. It just… doesn’t try too hard to handle the subject’s skin tone and all, compared to how the OnePlus 12 tries to make the subject “pop” a little.

Videography

Getting to videos, the 12R can shoot at up to 4K 60 fps from its main camera. And for still footages, the 12R’s videos are pretty nice, to be honest. But move around a bit and you’ll get some wobbly videos from this guy. I also found the colors, contrast, and dynamic range to be consistently better on the OnePlus 12.

The 12R is also weirdly limited to just 1080p 30 fps recording from its ultrawide and selfie camera. And the video quality on both of them is nothing special.

OnePlus 12R Review: Conclusion 

So yeah, there are a lot of positives to talk about the 12R’s cameras, but I wish this thing had more robust hardware as well, especially in the selfie and ultra-wide lens.

But overall, except for having the A+ cameras, it’s clear that the OnePlus 12R is a fantastic phone that deserves your attention. It truly is a capable phone that stands out handsomely. And I can easily recommend this phone to anyone looking to buy a semi-flagship phone that ticks most of the boxes.

I guess the only thing that’s keeping the 12R from being a total slam dunk is the upcoming iQOO Neo9 Pro, which is launching on February 22 in India. It’s pretty much the direct competitor to the OnePlus 12R in every way imaginable, but I am pretty sure, the software experience that you get here is just unmatched to what IQOO is going to offer!

OnePlus 12R Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • It’s fast
  • Premium design and hands-on feel
  • Excellent display
  • Terrific battery endurance
  • The main camera is plenty reliable
  • Nice haptics

Cons

Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) with i9-14900HX, RTX 4070 available in Nepal

Raizel Tandukar
-
0
Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) with i9-14900HX, RTX 4070 available in Nepal

We got to see a lot of upgrades to our favourite laptops at the CES 2024 — one of which was the Asus ROG Strix G18! This laptop received the Nebula HDR Display update for the first time and is now here iNepal. In this article, we will discuss the Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) in further detail.

Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) Overview

Design and Display

The Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) comes in a single black base colour and can be coupled with a different shade of black or green to make up its lid. It also features pixel art accents reading ROG that goes across the lid diagonally. Besides that, this laptop has a slight protrusion on the back that houses the exhausts. On the front, you are getting a full-size backlit chiclet keyboard with per-key RGB lighting.

Asus ROG Strix G18 Design and Display

Speaking of the front, the Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) also features an 18-inch ROG Nebula Display. It is an IPS panel with a 2.5K resolution spanning 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. It has an anti-glare finish with 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut. Additionally, this screen offers a 240Hz refresh rate with a response time of 3ms.

Performance

This laptop is jam-packed with strong hardware under the hood as well. You have the Intel Core i9-14900HX doing the processing. This silicone comes with 24 cores and 32 threads while clocking in at a peak of 5.80 GHz. Given that, this is a 14th Gen Intel processor — it packs the AI accelerator, upping the AI game.

Asus ROG Strix G18 Performance

On top of that, you get the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 with its own AI capabilities, boosting the graphics and performance of the Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024). Memory-wise, this laptop features 16GB DDR5-5600 RAM with an expansion capability of up to 32GB. In the meantime, you get a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for the storage.

Battery and the rest

Powering the Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) is a 4S1P Li-ion battery with 90Wh capacity. Similarly, it accepts 280W of AC, and 100W Type-C charging. In terms of multimedia, it comes with a 720p HD camera and a 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology.

Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) Ports

The port selection on this laptop includes one 3.5mm audio jack, one HDMI 2.1 FRL, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen Type-C with DisplayPort / Power Delivery, one RJ45 LAN port, and one Thunderbolt 4. Meanwhile, you get WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth v5.3 support for wireless connectivity.

Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) Specifications

  • Design and Build: Dual-tone design with pixel art accents on the lid
  • Dimensions: 399.00 mm x 294.00 mm x 23.10–30.80 mm
  • Weight: 3.00 kg
  • Display: 18-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS-level, Anti-glare finish, 240 Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut
  • Resolution: 2.5K (2,560 x 1,600)
  • Processor: Intel Core i9 14900HX
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
  • RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600, dual-channel; Up to 32GB expandable
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home Pro
  • Webcam: 720p HD camera
  • Audio: 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
  • Keyboard: Backlit Chiclet Keyboard Per-Key RGB
  • Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort / Power Delivery, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x RJ45 port, 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
  • Connectivity: WiFi 6E (Triple band) 2×2 + Bluetooth v5.3
  • Battery: 90Wh 4S1P Li-ion Battery + 280W AC Adapter
  • Learn more about the ROG Strix G18 (2024) here. 
  • Check out all the available ASUS ROG Strix gaming laptops in Nepal here.

Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) Price in Nepal and Availability

This laptop was announced on 9 January 2024 and was displayed on CES 2024. Despite its recency, this laptop is already making its way to Nepal. The Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) price in Nepal is NPR 338,888. Moreover, you get 2 years’ worth of warranty along with an ROG mouse and backpack bundled with this laptop.

Asus ROG Strix G18 (2024) Price in Nepal (Official) Availability
Intel Core i9-14900HX, RTX 4070, 16GB, 1TB, 18” 2.5K 240Hz display NPR 338,888 Hukut
  • Meanwhile, check out our Acer Swift Go 14 review video:

Motorola launches Moto G04 in India, a new budget phone with 16MP camera

Raizel Tandukar
-
0
Motorola launches Moto G04 in India, a new budget phone with 16MP camera

Motorola has silently launched another budget phone in India. Starting at a very affordable price point, the Moto G04 has commendable yet nothing-so-extraordinary specifications.  In this article, we will discuss the Moto G04 with its specs, and features, including its expected price in Nepal.

Moto G04 Overview

Design and Display

The Moto G04 has a similar design to the Moto G Play, I mentioned earlier. Given that, it has a camera island that seamlessly blends into the phone’s back. The entire phone boasts a water-repellent design protecting against moderate exposure to fresh water. Furthermore, it ships in Concord Black, Sea Green, Satin Blue, and Sunrise Orange finishes.

In terms of display, we are getting a 6.6-inch panel on the front. The panel here is most probably an LCD. Meanwhile, it comes in an HD+ resolution and offers a refresh rate of 90Hz. It also offers a wide amount of brightness through High Brightness Mode, and Night Light Mode.

Performance

The company has decided to put a lot of information on the phone under wraps, including the chipset it’s running on. However, as per sources, the Moto G04 packs a Unisoc T606 under the hood.

Unisoc T606

The phone ships with two RAM configurations i.e. 4GB, and 8GB. It also offers you the ability to virtually extend the memory. In the meantime, the storage capacity on the phone has also not been specified. However, it is highly likely to be 64GB. On top of that, the phone apparently runs on Android 14.

Camera and the rest

Moving to the optics, there is a single 16MP shooter on the back. The other cutout here is reserved for the LED flash. The rear camera is powered by AI that automatically enhances all the photographs as claimed by Motorola. Similarly, on the front, the Moto G04 houses a 5MP unit with a Face Retouch feature under the hole-punch cutout.

The battery capacity or the charging capability on the phone is not yet known. However, we do know that it features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security.

Moto G04 Specifications

  • Design: Single-tone water-repellent design
  • Display: 6.6”, LCD Panel*, 90Hz refresh rate
  • Resolution: HD+ (1,600 x 720)*
  • Chipset: Octa-core Unisoc Tiger T606 (12nm)
  • RAM: 4GB or 8GB + 4GB or 8GB extendable
  • ROM: 64GB*
  • UI & OS: Android 14
  • Rear Camera: Single 16MP AI-powered Camera
  • Front Camera: 5MP* Camera (Centre-aligned hole-punch cutout)
  • Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
  • Color Options: Concord Black, Sea Green, Satin Blue, Sunrise Orange

Motorola Moto G04 Price in Nepal and Availability

The phone has been launched in India and the 4/64GB variant is priced at INR 6999, while the 5/128 GB is priced at INR 7,999. Although the phone is not currently available here, the Motorola Moto G04’s expected price in Nepal is NPR 12,500 and 14,700 for the 4/64 GB and 5/128 GB variants respectively.

Motorola Moto G04 Price in India (official) Price in Nepal(Expected)
4GB+64GB INR 6,999 NPR 12,500
5GB+128GB INR 7,999 NPR 14,700
  • Meanwhile, check out our Samsung Galaxy A25 review video:

Mivi DuoPods A750 launched in Nepal with AI-ENC, multi-device connectivity

Dip Khatiwada
-
0
Mivi DuoPods A750 launched in Nepal with AI-ENC, multi-device connectivity

Mivi, a key player in the audio accessory market, introduces its latest addition to the A Series of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds—the DuoPods A750 in Nepal. Following the success of the DuoPods A850 earbuds, the DuoPods A750 claims to focus on delivering a seamless blend of practical design and reliable performance. In this article, let us explore the latest Mivi Duopods A750 price in Nepal, specs, and more.

Mivi DuoPods A750 Overview

Design 

Mivi DuoPod A750 design

The DuoPods A750 has presented a functional design tailored for portability and accessibility. The earbuds feature a glass finish case that serves both aesthetic purposes and adds a layer of durability. Similarly, the buds get a metallic finish as well. Seems like, Mivi has aimed to craft a product that goes for simplicity and usability, avoiding unnecessary frills to provide a no-nonsense experience in the crowded TWS earbud market. 

Moreover, with compact dimensions (40 x 60 x 80 mm),  the Mivi DuoPods A750  features three ear tip sizes (Large, Medium, and Small), and weighs 145 grams. Its foldable design adds portability, and the device comes in multiple color options such as Blue, Black, Green, and white.

Sound

13mm Electroplated Drivers for Balanced Audio

Beneath the understated design lies a robust audio system. The DuoPods A750 boasts 13mm electroplated deep drivers with custom amplifiers, delivering a balanced audio experience with reliable highs, mids, and lows. 

AI-ENC for Clear Communication

In the communication realm, Mivi’s DuoPods A750 stands out with its AI-ENC (Artificial Intelligence Environmental Noise Cancellation) chip. This technology actively works to eliminate environmental noise, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication during calls. Whether navigating a bustling city or working in a quiet office space, the DuoPods A750 ensures that your voice takes center stage.

Mivi DuoPod A750 features

Battery and Extras

Mivi DuoPods A750 excels in practical features, including an impressive battery life of 55 hours of combined playtime. The inclusion of Swift Charge Technology adds a layer of convenience, enabling a quick top-up. In just 10 minutes of charging, users can enjoy a substantial 500 minutes of playtime—a testament to Mivi’s commitment to practical and efficient functionality.

Similarly, the A750 brings Bluetooth 5.3 and support for the AAC codec.

Mivi DuoPods A750 Specifications

Mivi DuoPods A750 Price in Nepal and Availability

The Mivi DuoPods A750 price in Nepal is Rs. 3,199. You can purchase it from select offline retail outlets all over Nepal.

Device Price in Nepal  
Mivi DuoPod A750 NPR 3199

Meanwhile, watch our review of Poco C65

Zeblaze BTalk Plus now available in Nepal for an exciting price!

Dip Khatiwada
-
0
Zeblaze BTalk Plus now available in Nepal for an exciting price!

Looking for a smartwatch that’s as sleek as it is smart? Say hello to the Zeblaze Btalk Plus. This latest addition to the wearable tech scene boasts a super slim and lightweight design and a few more things that might interest you a bit.  In addition, there is also an amazing offer for the first go-getters. But before that, let’s take a look at the features and specifications of the Zeblaze Btalk Plus alongside its price in Nepal and availability.

Zeblaze BTalk Plus Overview

Display and Design

The Zeblaze Btalk Plus features a large 2.03″ HD color display with a resolution of 260 PPI, ensuring crisp and clear viewing in any lighting condition. Whether you’re checking your notifications or tracking your workouts, everything is displayed with vibrant clarity.

Zeblaze BTalk Plus Watch Faces

Available in a range of stylish colors including Rose Pink, Jet Black, and Starlight Silver, the Zeblaze Btalk Plus is as fashionable as it is functional. Plus, with a durable and comfortable fluoroelastomer strap, you can wear it all day without discomfort. And with an IP68 water resistance rating, you can take it with you wherever your adventures lead.

Features and Health Monitoring

At first glance, the Zeblaze Btalk Plus catches the eye with its slim and light body, making it comfortable to wear all day long. But don’t let its slender frame fool you – this smartwatch packs a punch when it comes to functionality.

Zeblaze BTalk Plus Health Monitoing

With over 100 stylish watch faces to choose from, you can personalize your Btalk Plus to match your mood and style. Additionally, with wrist-based heart rate, SpO2 (blood oxygen), and stress monitoring, as well as in-depth sleep tracking, you can keep tabs on your health and wellness effortlessly.

Fitness Tracking 

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Btalk Plus’s 100+ professional workout modes, covering everything from running and walking to cycling and indoor sports. And with Bluetooth phone call capabilities, you can stay connected on the go without skipping a beat.

Battery

But perhaps the most enticing feature of the Zeblaze Btalk Plus is its battery life. With typical usage, you can expect up to 15 days on a single charge, while heavy users can still enjoy up to 7 days before needing to recharge. And with up to 365 minutes of continuous voice calling, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice when you need it most.

Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, the Btalk Plus offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2.

Zeblaze BTalk Plus Specifications

  • Display: 2.03″ IPS HD color display with a resolution of 260 PPI
  • Design: Silicone strap, Alumunium Navigation Crown
  • Battery: 15 Days of Typical Usage
  • Features: 100+ Professional workout modes, Sp02 sensor, Heart rate monitor, step counter, sleep monitor, etc
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2

Zeblaze BTalk Plus Price in Nepal

The Zeblaze BTalk Plus price in Nepal is currently marked at NPR 2990. You can buy it from various retail stores such as Hukut.

Device Price in Nepal Availability
Zeblaze BTalk Plus NPR 2,990 Hukut, Brothermart
  • Meanwhile, watch our video of the best flagship Smartwatch to buy in 2024

1...231232233...974Page 232 of 974
© Gadgetbyte Nepal Pvt. Ltd. 2013-2025