Page 252 – GadgetByte Nepal

OnePlus FINALLY brings Buds 3 to Nepal!

OnePlus
TWS

Raizel Tandukar

-

January 4, 2024

After months of rumors circulating and waiting, OnePlus has finally brought the new iteration of its earbuds to Nepal. This is a follow-up to the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, but the Chinese OEM has dropped the “Pro” namesake this time around. Let’s discuss the new OnePlus Buds 3, its specifications, and expected price in Nepal.

OnePlus Buds 3 Overview

Design and Audio

Design-wise, the new TWS hasn’t seen many changes since its predecessor. One noticeable difference is that they have completely ditched the metallic finish at the bottom of the stem. The buds weigh just 4.81 grams and the entire package weighs 50.4 grams. Furthermore, the new OnePlus Buds 3 features an IP55 rating for the buds.

The OnePlus Buds 3 features a 10.40 mm dynamic driver and a coaxial dual-unit design. Additionally, these buds offer up to 49 dB of active noise cancellation. Moreover, you can also adjust your noise cancellation to 10 dB or 20 dB as per your liking.

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Battery and the rest

The OnePlus Buds 3 is powered by a 58 mAh battery on each bud. At the same time, the case packs a 520 mAh cell as an additional reserve. With this, the earbuds are capable of providing 6.5 hours of independent playback with ANC turned on. The number jumps to 28 hours when you factor in the case as well.

It comes with a USB Type-C charging interface wherein it takes about two hours to charge completely. Other than that, it supports AAC, SBC, and LHDC 5.0 codecs. For connectivity, we are getting Bluetooth v5.3 with 10 metres of range. Lastly, it comes with a three-mic setup.

OnePlus Buds 3 Specifications

Design: In-ear
Sound Driver: 10.40 mm driver
Battery: 58 mAh (Buds), 520 mAh (Case)
Playback (without ANC): 10 hours (Buds), 44 hours (With Case)
Charging: Via USB Type-C, 110 minutes
Resistance: IP55 (Buds)
Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.3
Noise Cancellation: Three-Mic system + AI Noise Cancellation during calls
Color Options: Space Grey, Clear Sea Blue
Buy OnePlus Buds 3 here

OnePlus Buds 3 Price in Nepal and Availability

The OnePlus Buds 3 price in Nepal is NPR 12,500. You can get the buds in Space Grey and Clear Sea Blue color variants via our affiliate partner Hukut Store!

TWS Earbuds	Price in Nepal (Official)	Availability
OnePlus Buds 3	NPR 12,500	Hukut

Meanwhile, check out list of BEST true wireless earbuds of 2023:

LG unveils its 2024 lineup of OLED TVs at CES 2024

LG

Dip Khatiwada

-

January 4, 2024

0

LG unveils its 2024 lineup of OLED TVs at CES 2024

LG has taken the stage at CES 2024 to reveal its latest OLED TV lineup, bringing innovation and improvements to the world of home entertainment. In this article, let’s dive into discussing the latest LG OLED TV lineup, including its price in Nepal and more.

LG OLED TV Lineup (2024): Overview

LG M4 Flagship Model

LG’s flagship M4 model steals the spotlight with its completely wireless design. The Zero Connect box eliminates the need for any cables, delivering both picture and audio wirelessly. The Alpha 11 AI processor, powering this marvel, ensures lossless wireless Dolby Atmos transmission to compatible LG soundbars. Excitingly, the M4 now comes in a smaller 65-inch size as well, providing more options for consumers.

LG OLED TV Lineup: G4

The G4, succeeding the LG G3, boasts similar specs to the M4. With the Alpha 11 AI processor, it matches brightness levels and includes WOWCAST wireless capabilities. The introduction of microlens array (MLA) tech on the larger 83-inch model enhances the viewing experience. In a consumer-friendly move, LG now includes a stand in some regions, addressing a previous concern. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the support for up to 4K 144Hz refresh rate.

C4: Mid-Range Marvel with Alpha 9 AI Processor

The mid-range C4 introduces the new-generation Alpha 9 AI processor, promising improved brightness across all sizes. Gaming upgrades, including a 144Hz refresh rate, make it an attractive choice. The C4 continues LG’s commitment to lossless wireless audio transmission to LG soundbars, ensuring a seamless audio experience.

B4: Entry-Level Upgrade with Alpha 8 AI Processor

LG’s entry-level OLED, the B4, comes with the new Alpha 8 AI processor. Promising enhanced performance, it matches the capabilities of the previous Alpha 9 Gen 7 chip. Notably, the B4 addresses a limitation of its predecessor by featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports. The introduction of a smaller 48-inch size makes it a budget-friendly option, especially for gaming enthusiasts.

Refresh Rate Boost Across the Board

In a first for LG’s OLEDs, the M4, G4, and C4 models now support up to a 144Hz refresh rate, enhancing the gaming experience. This marks a significant improvement for users seeking smoother visuals.

LG 2024 OLED TV Lineup: Pricing and Availability

While official pricing and release dates are pending confirmation, the anticipated release window is around March/April. CES attendees can catch a firsthand look at these exciting models from January 9-12 in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, you can check our iPhone 14 Pro Max review

Pre-order for the Asus ROG Strix 2024 opens in China!

Raizel Tandukar

-

January 4, 2024

0

Pre-order for the Asus ROG Strix 2024 opens in China!

Asus is one of the front-runner companies for everything gaming! They have announced the 2024 iteration of their Asus ROG Strix series just recently. This laptop has a powerful Intel processor and a discrete NVIDIA GPU among other things. In this article, we will discuss the Asus ROG Strix 2024 further including its detailed specifications, and price in Nepal.

Asus ROG Strix 2024 Overview

Design and Display

The Asus ROG Strix 2024 is a gaming laptop featuring two hinges near the edges. As a result, it has quite a gap between the main body and the screen of the laptop. The lid features a ROG logo and a diagonal going through. Meanwhile, on the inside, we are getting a TKL (without a num pad) keyboard with some transparent keys.

On the screen side of things, we are getting a 16” 2.5K starry cloud display with minimal bezels. It has a comparatively larger chin with “ROG STRIX” engraved into it. The screen offers a high refresh rate of 240Hz, peak brightness of 500 nits, and a 100% colour gamut. Furthermore, it supports Dolby Vision, TÜV eye protection as well as DC dimming for a qualitative and comfortable viewing experience.

Performance

This 2024 offering from Asus packs a 13^th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 discrete graphics card. This Intel silicone has 24 cores, 16 threads, and a maximum turbo frequency of 5.60 GHz. Similarly, the GPU features an 8GB GDDR6 with a TGP of up to 140W.

You also get an elaborate Glacier Cooling Architecture 3.0 to keep the laptop temperature in check. With this cooling system, you can enable the ROG Strix 2024 to draw up to 195W of power. It also comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for storage. You get an option to increase the memory power up to 64GB.

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Battery and the rest

Powering the entire system is a 90Wh battery that supports up to 100W of PD fast charging. Given that, the laptop can reach 50% charge in just half an hour. Meanwhile, for wired connections, we are getting one USB type-C with display port and power delivery support, one Thunderbolt 4, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, a headphone jack, a HDMI 2.1, and an ethernet port. Moreover, for wireless connections, there is WiFi 6E and an unspecified Bluetooth version support.

Asus ROG Strix 2024 Specifications:

Display: 16-inch, 240Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, DC dimming
Resolution: 2.5K
Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Memory: 16GB DDR5 (Expandable up to 64GB)
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB Type-C (support display/power delivery), 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack, 1 RJ-45 port
Connectivity: WiFi 6E (802.11ax, dual-band, 2×2), Bluetooth
Battery: 90Wh with 100W charging

Asus ROG Strix 2024 Price in Nepal and Availability

The Asus ROG Strix 2024 is up for pre-order in China with a price tag of CNY 10,499. The laptop is scheduled to launch officially on 9 January 2024. If and when this laptop makes its way here, we expect the Asus ROG Strix 2024 price in Nepal to be around NPR 237,499.

Asus ROG Strix 2024	Price in China (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
i9-13980HX, RTX 4060, 16GB, 1TB, 16-inch	CNY 10,499	NPR 237,499

Meanwhile, check out if the M1 Macbook Air is still worth it in 2024:

ZTE launches budget-friendly Blade A54 in Nepal!

Raizel Tandukar

-

January 4, 2024

0

ZTE launches budget-friendly Blade A54 in Nepal!

ZTE is one of the oldest handset manufacturers in the world. As such, they have been in the Nepali market for a long time with their brick phones and recently with their smartphones as well. They have launched a new smartphone — ZTE Blade A54 in the Nepali market. Let’s discuss more about this phone including its price in Nepal.

ZTE Blade A54 Overview

Display and Design

Design-wise, the ZTE Blade A54 resembles some Poco phones on the back panel. Given that, it has a rectangular camera island spanning almost the entire phone’s width. The camera island houses two cameras placed vertically on top of each other.

We have a 6.6-inch panel on the front with a waterdrop camera cutout surrounded by sizable bezels. The screen has an HD+ resolution and probably an LCD panel. Meanwhile, the phone is available in three colour options: Grey, Blue, and Lilac.

Performance

ZTE has not mentioned on which chipset the Blade A54 runs. But, it appears to be packing the UNISOC SC9863A under the hood. It is a FIVE-year-old chipset at this point and comes with a rather old 28nm fabrication. It does achieve a peak clock speed of 1,600 MHz, however, you cannot expect a very good performance out of this phone.

Other than that, it comes with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB storage. You can double the RAM virtually when if you need more memory. You can also expand the storage as the ZTE Blade A54 comes with a dedicated SD card slot alongside the SIM tray. Looking at the software side of things, it comes with the Android 13 T.

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Camera and the rest

You are getting a 13MP primary camera on the back. It is coupled with an unspecified auxiliary lens, which probably serves the depth camera. Similarly, the company has not mentioned the resolution of the front camera either.

The ZTE Blade A54 draws its power from a 5,000 mAh non-removable battery. Other than that, it comes with a fingerprint sensor on the side for biometrics. Additionally, the phone comes with dual-SIM 4G cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC (region-specific) support for wireless connections. In terms of wired connectivity, it has a USB Type-C port as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.

ZTE Blade A54 Specifications

Design: Single-tone design with a large camera island on the back
Display: 6.6” LCD Panel*
Resolution: HD+ (720 x 1,612)*
Chipset: Octa-core UNISOC SC9863A (28nm)*
RAM: 4GB + 4GB extendable
ROM: 64GB or 128GB + Expandable with MicroSD card
OS: Android 13 T
Rear Camera: Dual Camera (13MP Primary + Unspecified Auxiliary Lens)
Front Camera: Unspecified (Centre-aligned waterdrop cutout)
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Battery: 5,000 mAh cell with regular 10W charging*
Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G, WiFi, Hotspot, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Colour Options: Grey, Blue, Lilac

ZTE Blade A54 Price in Nepal and Availability

The ZTE Blade A54 launched back in November 2023 in the global market. This phone has now made its way to Nepal together with the ZTE Blade A34. Given that, the ZTE Blade A54 price in Nepal is set at NPR 14,500 for the 4GB + 128GB trim.

ZTE Smartphone	Price in Nepal	Availability
Blade A54 (4GB + 128GB)	NPR 14,500	Hukut

Meanwhile, check out if the iPhone 13 is still worth it in 2024:

ZTE Blade A34: Budget-friendly smartphone launched in Nepal

ZTE

Dip Khatiwada

-

January 3, 2024

0

ZTE Blade A34: Budget-friendly smartphone launched in Nepal

ZTE, a prominent player in the smartphone industry, has introduced its latest budget-friendly device, the ZTE Blade A34, in the Nepali market. In this article, let’s dive into discussing the latest ZTE Blade A34, its price in Nepal, specifications, and more.

ZTE Blade A34 Overview

Display and Design

The ZTE Blade A34 sports a pragmatic design with a plastic back and frame, ensuring a lightweight feel in the user’s hand. The device does not boast extravagant materials, focusing on delivering a practical and durable construction.

Featuring a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720×1612 pixels (HD+), the device provides a decent viewing experience. The company hasn’t revealed much more here other than “vibrant colors” and “stunning clarity” so not much to talk about in the display department. But the waterdrop notch is complemented by a noticeable bottom chin while the side bezels look to be much more discrete.

Performance

Once again, we don’t know for sure what ZTE is using under the hood to power the Blade A34, but it’s likely to be the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. That’s an octa-core CPU, comprising 4×1.6 GHz and 4×1.2 GHz cores. With that, the ZTE Blade A34 should provide okayish performance for day-to-day tasks. The PowerVR GE8322 GPU enhances graphics capabilities, making it suitable for light gaming and multimedia usage.

With 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, expandable via MicroSD, the device offers decent space for apps and files. The ZTE Blade A34 runs on Android 13 which should provide users with an intuitive software experience.

Camera

The device features a single 8 MP main camera with AI scene detection, continuous shooting, panorama, and various other shooting modes. The 2 MP front camera supports HD video recording, meeting basic selfie and video call needs.

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Battery and Security

Moving on, the Blade is powered by a 5000 mAh lithium polymer battery providing sufficient battery life for extended usage. Security options include facial recognition, pattern, PIN, and password lock types, ensuring user data remains protected.

ZTE Blade A34 Specifications

Display: 6.6 inch IPS Display
Resolution: 720 x 1612 Pixels*
Chipset: Unisoc SC9863A chipset*
Cameras: 8 MP Rear, 2 MP Selfie Camera*
Battery: 5000 mAh with 10W charger
Storage: 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage
Operating System: Android 13
Available Colors: Black/ Green

ZTE Blade A34 Price in Nepal

The ZTE Blade A34 price in Nepal is NPR 12,500. And is currently available in Nepal. You can purchase it through stores like Hukut.

Device	Price in Nepal (Official)
ZTE Blade A34	NPR 12,500

Meanwhile, you can check our iPhone 14 Pro Max review

Physics professor claims we are living in a simulation!

Science

Dip Khatiwada

-

January 3, 2024

0

Physics professor claims we are living in a simulation!

In the grand tapestry of existence, questions about the nature of reality have terribly plagued human thought for centuries. One physicist, Melvin Vopson of the University of Portsmouth, has taken these questions to a whole new level, suggesting that our reality may be nothing more than an intricately designed computer simulation. In this article, let’s dive into discussing what the professor has to say and also the simulation theory (hypothesis) in general.

Simulation Theory

The Clues Within Our Existence

Vopson’s hypothesis draws inspiration from the blockbuster movie “The Matrix,” where the protagonist, Neo, discovers the world he perceives is, in fact, a simulated reality. While this might seem like the plot of a science fiction film, Vopson believes there are tangible clues in our everyday experiences that point toward the possibility of living in a computer-generated world.

According to Vopson, our universe’s symmetrical nature, observed in everything from butterflies and flowers to snowflakes and starfish, is a key hint. Symmetry, he argues, is a manifestation of how machines render a digitally constructed world. This abundance of symmetry, rather than asymmetry, in the universe raises questions that traditional science has yet to fully answer.

Simulation Theory: The Experiment

Vopson delves into the enigmatic realm of quantum mechanics to bolster his argument. He points to quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where particles become linked without physical contact, akin to the interconnected interactions within virtual reality. The idea that two particles, regardless of distance, can mimic each other simultaneously aligns with the logic of a simulated reality code.

The physicist proposes an experiment to substantiate his claims. By smashing together elementary particles and their “anti” counterparts, he aims to detect if these collisions emit a specific frequency of light, indicating an attempt by the particles to escape the simulation. This, according to Vopson, would be evidence that our reality is a computer program.

The Second Law of Information Dynamics

Vopson’s journey into the simulation theory is not without its unique contributions to physics. He introduced the “second law of information dynamics,” challenging the conventional second law of thermodynamics. While the latter states that entropy, or disorder, can only increase or remain the same, Vopson’s law asserts that information entropy decreases.

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Simulation Theory: The Philosophical Nexus

Beyond the experimental endeavors, Vopson engages in philosophical musings. He ponders the intricacies of information as the fifth state of matter, suggesting that it might be the elusive dark matter that constitutes a significant portion of the universe. He warns of a potential “information catastrophe” when digital bits surpass the number of atoms on Earth. Meanwhile, if the simulated universe were to be true, that would also mean a lot of things for humanity. As it could imply a deterministic universe with no free will, trapped in the belly of a machine.

While Vopson’s ideas might seem radical, he’s not alone in his fascination with simulated realities. Philosophers like Nick Bostrom have also entertained the notion, acknowledging the probability that we might be living in a simulated universe. The idea of a deterministic universe was already pondered by the Stoics, even more so, Nietzsche once hypothesized the concept of an eternally recurring universe. However, the concept of simulation hypothesis is relatively new.

Meanwhile, watch our video on the iPhone 13 in 2024

New Mac Mini (2023) with M2, M2 Pro chip gets a discount!

Apple

GadgetByte

-

January 2, 2024

2

New Mac Mini (2023) with M2, M2 Pro chip gets a discount!

Along with the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros, the new Apple Mac mini (2023) lineup with M2 and M2 Pro chips is available in Nepal as well. And recently, there’s a sweet discount on its price as well. So, without further ado, let’s dig into the specifics, features, availability, and official price of the Apple Mac mini (2023) in Nepal.

Apple Mac Mini (2023) Overview:

Apple M2 silicons

The latest Mac mini gets a major performance upgrade, with the M2 and M2 Pro silicon. The M2 is a 5nm SoC with an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. And it comes with up to 24GB of unified memory and 100GB/s of bandwidth, which Apple claims makes activities like image editing in Adobe Photoshop up to 50% faster.

Performance gains

The M2 also supports PreRes acceleration, which means that tasks like video editing in Final Cut Pro are more than twice as fast. Apple claims that the Mac mini (2023) with M2 is up to 5x faster than the Intel Core i5-based Windows desktop with Intel UHD Graphics 730. Although the brand has not specified which processor was used in the comparison.

If compared to the M1 Mac Mini, it delivers up to 2.4x faster ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro, up to 50% faster filter and function performance in Adobe Photoshop, and up to 35% faster gameplay in Resident Evil Village.

The M2 Pro chip, on the other hand, brings pro-level performance to the Mac mini for the first time. Here, you get the top-tier M2 Pro configuration with 12 CPU cores and 19 GPU cores. Whereas, you can also choose a slightly less powerful 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU option. In terms of memory, you have a choice of up to 32GB with M2 Pro chip.

Compared to the previous-gen M1 Mac mini, Apple claims that the M2 Pro delivers up to 2.5x faster performance in Affinity Photo, 4.2x faster ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro, and up to 2.8x faster gameplay in Resident Evil Village.

Also Read:

Ports and Connectivity

Besides performance, the Mac mini gets a few upgrades in terms of connectivity. All the models now support WiFi 6E the M2 Pro model also includes the new HDMI 2.1 port as well as four Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of two on the M2 models. Other port options include two USB-A ports (up to 5Gb/s), one HDMI, one Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Design

Nothing has changed significantly in terms of design this year. Apple Mac mini (2023) has the same square form factor with rounded corners. And its aluminum chassis is still milled from a single piece of metal and finished in silvery bare aluminum. It’s also not that heavy, weighing 1.18kg for the M2 and 1.28kg for the M2 Pro. The Mac Mini also includes a built-in speaker.

Mac mini (2023) Specifications:

Dimension: 1.4H x 7.7W x 7.7D-inches, 1.18 kg (M2) / 1.28 kg (M2 Pro)
Processor: Apple M2 / M2 Pro chip (5nm)
CPU: 8-core (M2), 10/12-core (M2 Pro)
GPU: 10-core (M2), 16/19-core (M2 Pro)
RAM:
- M2: Up to 24GB
- M2 Pro: Up to 32GB
Storage:
- M2: Up to 2TB SSD
- M2 Pro: Up to 8TB SSD
OS: macOS Ventura
Ports:
- M2: 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm headphone jack
- M2 Pro: 4x Thunderbolt / USB 4, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm headphone jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Audio: Built-in speaker
Color options: Silver

Apple Mac mini (2023) Price in Nepal and Availability

The price of the Apple Mac mini (2023) in Nepal starts at NPR 102,000 for the base M2 variant, while the top-end M2 Pro configuration will set you back NPR 223,000. The M2 variant with 512GB of memory gets a decent discount from NPR 135,000 to NPR 125,000 as well. You can buy Apple Mac mini (2023) in Nepal at the official price from authorized stores like Hukut.

Apple Mac mini (2023)	Price in Nepal	Availability
M2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD	NPR 102,000	Hukut Store
M2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB unified memory, 512GB SSD	~~NPR 135,000~~ NPR 125,000
M2 Pro, 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD	NPR 223,000

Meanwhile, check out our review of the MacBook Air M2.

LG’s 4K Cinebeam Qube Projector unveiled with 154% DCI-P3 coverage

LG
Projector

Mintu

-

January 2, 2024

0

LG’s 4K Cinebeam Qube Projector unveiled with 154% DCI-P3 coverage

LG, the South Korean tech giant has come with a unique and portable projector. Dubbed the Cinebeam Qube, this 4K projector is designed for an indoor movie experience at a top-notch 4K video quality. In this article, we’ll walk through the specs, features, and expected price of the LG Cinebeam Qube in Nepal.

LG Cinebeam Qube Overview:

Minimalist Aesthetics

The LG Cinebeam Qube boasts a pretty minimalistic approach when it comes to design. It is a compact and lightweight projector at 1.49 kg. With a conventional 360-degree rotatable handle, it becomes pretty handy to carry or move it around.

Projection

The projector uses an RGB laser light source that makes it able to cover a whopping 154% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Plus, laser light projectors are quite durable than the ones using bulbs. It can project UHD (3,840 x 2,160) videos. You get an amazing high-contrast ratio of 450,000:1 and 500 ANSI Lumens of peak brightness as well with HDR 10 support. So, content content-watching experience is surely going to be a feast.

Also Read:

Other Features

As for the software, it runs on LG webOS 6.0 which provides easy access to online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube. Besides video projection, users can also use this projector to display high-quality digital images in their room. Connectivity options include a HDMI port with eARC and a USB Type C port.

LG CineBeam Qube Specifications:

Light Source: Laser (RGB)
OS: LG webOS 6.0
Brightness: 500 ANSI Lumens
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Throw Ratio: 1.2
Image Size: 50″ – 120″
Ports: HDMI eARC, USB-C port
Supported Video Formats: HDR10
Dimensions: 135mm x 224mm x 80mm
Weight: 1.49 kg

LG CineBeam Qube Price in Nepal and Availability:

The CineBeam Qube is set to debut at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) booth in Las Vegas from January 9 to January 12. Pricing and availability details will be known that day.

Meanwhile, you can check our ViewSonic M1 Mini review.

Apple Mac Mini (M1) gets a sweet sweet price drop!

Apple

GadgetByte

-

January 2, 2024

0

Apple Mac Mini (M1) gets a sweet sweet price drop!

Apple launched its next-generation MacBook during the “One More Thing” in November of 2020. In the same event, the company also debuted the new M1 silicon-powered Mac mini. And if you were thinking of getting one for yourself, there is good news for you. The Mac Mini (M1) is now even more affordable thanks to a recent price drop. In this post, we will be taking a look at the specifications, features, official price, and availability of the Apple Mac mini (M1) in Nepal.

Apple Mac mini (M1) Overview:

Design

Let’s start with the design. Mac mini has been Apple’s most versatile computer. Like the MacBook and MacBook Pro, the design of the Apple Mac mini has remained unchanged. The new Mac mini has the same exact dimension as its predecessor. However, it is lighter (1.2kg) than the 2018’s Mac mini (1.3kg). It may not sound like a complete overhaul but the new Mac mini comes in Silver whereas its predecessor was available in Space Grey color.

Apple M1 Silicon

The biggest highlight of the new Mac mini is the inclusion of Apple’s own M1 chip. Until now, the company was reliant on chips supplied by Intel. M1 chip is Apple’s first in-house chip for MacBook, Mac mini. It is also the first PC chip to be based on a 5nm process node. Because of the smaller process node, the company has managed to fit a total of 16 billion transistors in the M1 chip.

This silicon comes with four high-performance cores paired with four high-efficiency cores. The GPU also features 8 cores. The 16-core Neural Engine can now complete 11 trillion operations per second.

The chip is house to everything that a Mac needs including CPU, GPU, memory, and a neural engine. While these components can now all access the unified memory at a faster rate, it also means that the configuration is not user-upgradeable.

Also Read: MacBook Air, Pro 13″ with M1 chip now available in Nepal

App Compatibility

The latest macOS Big Sur has been optimized to work on the Arm-based Apple Silicon M1 chip. All native Mac Software can run on the M1 chip along with some third-party apps. While third-party developers are still making changes to their software to work on the new chip, users can run optimized apps in the new Mac mini through Apple’s Rosetta 2 technology. Also, you can also run iPhone and iPad apps directly on the Mac mini.

Performance Benchmark

Apple made some huge claims about the performance of the new chip during the event. And as third-party benchmarks have started coming out, the M1 doesn’t disappoint. The M1 chip in the new Mac mini outperforms all the previous iteration of the MacBook. It performs exceptionally well in both single and multi-core tests outperforming most mainstream processors, falling behind only to AMD’s Zen 3 architecture.

	Single Thread Score		Multi-Thread Score
	M1	w/ Rosetta	M1	w/ Rosetta
CineBench R23	1,522	999	7,833	5,257
Geekbench 5	1,745	1,327	7,715	6,069

Source: AnandTech

Also Read:
- Benchmarked: Apple M1 vs AMD Renoir vs Intel Tiger Lake CPU

M1’s GPU outperforms most of the integrated GPU in the mainstream processor. But if you want more power, unfortunately, one can’t connect an external GPU to the Mac Mini.

	M1	w/ Rosetta
GFXBench 5.0 Aztec Ruins Normal 1080p Offscreen	204.8fps	204.5fps
GFXBench 5.0 Aztec Ruins Normal 1440p Offscreen	77.7fps	77.3fps
BaseMark GPU 1.21 (Medium)	322.7fps	289.5fps
BaseMark GPU 1.21 (Medium)	21.7fps	21.0fps
Futuremark 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited (Graphics)	2,80203 score

Source: AnandTech

Ports and Connectivity

Talking about the ports, the new Mac mini features only two ports that support Thunderbolt 4. In comparison, its predecessor came with four Thunderbolt 4 ports. The number of USB-A (2) and HDMI 2.0 (1) ports has remained the same. While the new Mac mini does come with a Gigabit Ethernet, it is not the 10Gb Ethernet that you would find on its predecessor. There is a headphone jack as well. Mac mini 2020 also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

Who is the new Mac Mini for?

So, you are looking for a compact PC or want to get started with Apple’s ecosystem, the Mac mini is a perfect starting point. It is even cheaper than its predecessor. Just don’t expect it to replace your gaming rig or workstation. But, if you want a flexible system that you want to upgrade over time, the Mac mini is not for you.

Mac mini 2020 (M1) Specifications:

Dimension: 1.4H x 7.7W x 7.7D-inches, 1.2kg
CPU: Apple M1 chip (5nm)
RAM: 8/16GB
Storage: up to 2TB SSD
OS: macOS Big Sur
Keyboard: Magic Keyboard with Numeric keypad (sold separately)
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4ports, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x Gigabit Ethernet port, 3.5mm headphone jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Color options: Silver

Mac mini (M1) Price in Nepal and Availability

Apple Mac mini with M1 silicon is now available in Nepal for just NPR 95,000 which is anywhere from 15-35% cheaper than the launch price. You can buy the Apple Mac mini with M1 silicon in Nepal from Hukut Store.

Mac mini	Price in Nepal (Official)	Availability
M1 chip, 8 GB unified memory, 256/512 GB SSD	~~NPR 110,000~~ NPR 95,000	Hukut Store

Watch our long-term review of the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Best 55″ 4K TVs Under Rs. 1 Lakh In Nepal [Updated]

Nikhil Shrestha

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January 2, 2024

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Best 55″ 4K TVs Under Rs. 1 Lakh In Nepal [Updated]

A TV is a long-term investment for the majority of households. This implies that the TV set you choose must be long-lasting and of high quality in order to last for many years. However, with so many alternatives on the market, it may be confusing for a normal customer to decide which one to buy. So here, we have compiled a list of the best 55″ (inches) 4K TV you can buy in Nepal for under NPR 1 lakh.

Best 55″ 4K TV Under 1 Lakh in Nepal:

6. UA55DU7700 Samsung 55 inch Crystal 4K UHD Smart TV

The Samsung 55-inch Crystal 4K UHD Smart TV (UA55DU7700) is a premium option for under 1 lakh, offering an immersive 4K viewing experience powered by the Crystal Processor 4K. Its sleek AirSlim design with a 3-side bezel-less frame ensures a modern and stylish addition to any living space. The TV excels in delivering stunning visuals, rich colors, and deep contrasts with HDR10+ support, Motion Xcelerator, and Filmmaker Mode. Additionally, the Tizen OS and advanced smart features make it a versatile entertainment hub.

Key Specifications

Display: 55-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Processor: Crystal Processor 4K
Video Features:
- HDR10+, Filmmaker Mode, Motion Xcelerator
- Mega Contrast, Contrast Enhancer, 4K Upscaling
Audio Features:
- Adaptive Sound, OTS Lite, Q-Symphony
- 20W RMS, 2CH speakers
Connectivity: HDMI (3), USB (1), Bluetooth 5.2, RF In, Ethernet
Max Power Consumption: 125W
Dimensions and Weight: 1234.1 x 710.8 x 60.3 mm, 10.7 kg
Accessories: TM2240A remote controller, user manual
Price: NPR 97,990

5. Mi LED TV 4X (55″) 4K Smart TV

Xiaomi formally entered the Nepali TV market with Mi TV 4X (55″). And it’s still a good option even after it’s been a couple of years of the launch. As expected, it comes with a 55″ screen with 4K resolution and 178º viewing angle. You also get support Vivid Picture Engine for better contrast and sharpness.

Other than this, the Mi LED TV 4X runs on Android TV 9 out-of-the-box. And it also has official Netflix and Amazon Prime Video support thanks to the Android TV 9 update. It can play HDR content as well although it doesn’t support dynamic HDR standards like Dolby Vision or HDR10+. Unfortunately, Xiaomi’s own content moderation and suggestion system called “PatchWall” doesn’t work here in Nepal. As for audio, the company has gone with a set of down-firing stereo speakers that support Dolby Audio and DTS-HD.

Mi LED TV 4X (55″) 4K Smart Specifications:

Display: 55″ LED panel, Vivid Picture Engine
Resolution: 4K Ultra-HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Sound: 2x 10W output
Audio Decoder: DTS-HD, Dolby Audio
OS: Android TV 9
Processor: Amlogic quad-core Cortex-A53
Memory: 2GB RAM, 8GB storage
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, 3 x HDMI (1 contain ARC), 2 x USB + 1 in 65”, Ethernet, 2 USB 2.0 (+ 1 on 65″ variant
Price in Nepal: NPR 79,999

4. Skyworth 55SUC9300 4K Smart TV

Skyworth has been making televisions for a long-long time and it is one of the trusted TV brands in Nepal as well. And the Skyworth 55SUC9300 here is also a nice 55″ 4K TV that brings a modern design and loads of other interesting features to qualify on our list of best 55″ 4K TV under 1 lakh in Nepal. This TV uses Skyworth’s third-generation “Infinity Screen” design for thin build quality and slim bezels on all sides except the chin. As for the screen, it is powered by the second-generation AIPQ image quality enhancement engine that adjusts colors, contrast, clarity, and even skin tone accordingly.

This 4K TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision, but it’s got the next best thing; HDR10+. In case you’re unaware, HDR10+ also uses dynamic metadata—just like Dolby Vision. But unlike Dolby Vision, this is an open-source HDR standard. Skyworth has also got something in store for gamers. The 55SUC9300 has “Game Master” built-in, which enables low-latency mode when connecting a console via its HDMI 2.0b port. In terms of audio, this Android smart TV brings 20W stereo speakers that support Dolby Audio and DTS Studio Sound.

Skyworth 55SUC9300 4K Smart TV Specifications:

Display: 55″ DLED panel, 2nd-gen AIPQ Engine, Game Mode
Resolution: 4K Ultra-HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Sound: 2x 10W output
Audio Decoder: Dolby Audio, DTS Studio Sound
OS: Android TV 10
Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A53
Memory: 2GB RAM, 8GB storage
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A, 1x Digital audio out, 1x earphone out, 1x network (LAN)
Price in Nepal: NPR 77,990

3. TCL 55P635 4K Smart TV

Okay, taking the bronze medal on our list of best 55″ 4K TV under 1 lakh in Nepal is the TCL 55P635. This 2022 model of TCL’s 4K TV comes with a total of 1,296 micro dimming zones for enhanced contrast and a more vivid HDR playback. To further upgrade the TV-watching experience, the company has implemented its second-gen algorithm that upscales FHD and 2K contents to 4K as well, called AiPQ 2.0. That’s not to say other TVs on this list don’t have any upscaling technology built-in though. Combine all that with a direct LED backlit panel (instead of edge-lit), the TCL 55P635 should offer excellent picture quality.

In terms of software, this TV ships with the latest Google TV out-of-the-box. It supports both Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistant. And using either of them, you can make different kinds of queries. Like asking for the weather, searching for shows, or something else. Audio-wise, TCL has given two-channel stereo speakers on this TV that supports Dolby Audio. Its design and bezels are also on par with what other 4K TVs manage in 2022. But the 55P635 is among the few TVs in this price range to come with HDMI 2.1 ports that enable low input lag and up to 4K 120Hz sources.

TCL 55P635 4K Smart TV Specifications:

Display: 55″ DLED panel, HDR10, Micro Dimming, Clear Motion Rate (CMR)
Resolution: 4K Ultra-HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Sound: 2x 10W output
Audio Decoder: Dolby Audio (2ch)
OS: Google TV
Processor: Quad-Core (4x Cortex-A55)
Memory: Unspecified
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (dual band), Bluetooth 5.0, 3x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-A, 1x network (LAN), 1x S/PDIF, 1x earphone out
Price in Nepal: NPR 76,490

2. 55 Inch NanoCell AI NANO81 4K Smart TV*

The LG 55-inch NanoCell AI NANO81 4K Smart TV is an excellent choice for just slightly above 1 lakh, offering superior 4K visuals, smart features, and modern connectivity options. Powered by the a5 AI Processor Gen7, it enhances picture quality and sound, while NanoCell technology ensures vibrant colors. This TV supports HDR10, HLG, and Filmmaker Mode for an immersive cinematic experience. With built-in smart assistants and compatibility with various ecosystems, it’s a feature-rich option for your home entertainment setup.

Key Specifications

Display: 55-inch 4K NanoCell
Processor: a5 AI Processor Gen7
HDR Support: HDR10, HLG, Filmmaker Mode
Gaming Features: ALLM, HGiG
Connectivity:
- HDMI 2.0
- WiFi 5
Operating System: webOS 24
Smart Features:
- LG ThinQ, Matter compatibility
- Built-in Amazon Alexa* & Alexa Lite*
- Apple Airplay2* & Home* (Works with)
- Room-to-Room Share (Receiver)*
Warranty: 2-year full warranty
Price: NPR 1,06,290*

1. Xiaomi Smart TV X Series 4K (55)

Finally, the number one spot on our list of best 55″ 4K TV under 1 lakh in Nepal is the new Xiaomi Smart TV X Series 4K. And if were looking to buy the absolute best value-for-money 55″ 4K TV right now, it simply doesn’t get better than this. Not only that, it is ridiculously feature-packed as well. From Dolby Vision HDR, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, to a premium metal bezel-less design, Xiaomi has hit a home run with this TV. Tuned by Vivid Color Engine, this display covers an impressive 94% DCI-P3 gamut and it can display 1.07 billion colors.

The Xiaomi Smart TV X Series also supports MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) Reality Flow technology to minimize blurs. Similar to TCL’s “Clear Motion Rate” and Samsung’s “Motion Xcelerator”. In terms of audio, it hosts a set of stereo speakers with up to 30W output. It also supports DTS-HD, DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio. Software-wise, Xiaomi has gone with Android TV 10 here. It also has the “PatchWall” content-recommendation system but that doesn’t work in Nepal just yet. And since it’s an Android smart TV, it also has Chromecast built-in. On top of this, there’s Miracast screen-mirroring support as well.

Xiaomi Smart TV X Series 4K (55) Specifications:

Display: 55″ panel, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, MEMC, Vivid Picture engine, 94% DCI-P3 color gamut
Resolution: 4K Ultra-HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Sound: 2x 15W output
Audio Decoder: Dolby Audio, DTS-HD, DTS Virtual:X
OS: Android TV 10
Processor: Quad-Core (4x Cortex-A55)
Memory: 2GB RAM, 8GB storage
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 2.0, 1x AV in, 1x Earphone, 1x Ethernet, 1x Optical audio
Price in Nepal: NPR 79,999

Best 55″ 4K TV Under 1 Lakh in Nepal (Summary)

Rank	Best 55” 4K TV under 1 Lakh in Nepal	Price
1	Xiaomi Smart TV X Series 4K (55)	NPR 79,999
2	LG 55 Inch NanoCell AI NANO81 4K Smart TV*	NPR 106,290*
3	TCL 55P635 4K Smart TV	NPR 76,490
4	Skyworth 55SUC9300 4K Smart TV	NPR 77,990
5	Mi LED TV 4X (55) 4K Smart TV	NPR 79,999
6	UA55DU7700 Samsung 55 inch Crystal 4K UHD	NPR 84,799

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