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The Mix Fold 3 proves Xiaomi is ready for the global foldable market

Continuing Xiaomi’s lineup of foldable phones, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 arrived in the Chinese market back in August. It brings a bunch of upgrades in practically every department over last year’s Xiaomi Mix Fold 2. And after getting to use it for a few days, I feel like the Mix Fold 3 really has what it takes for Xiaomi to compete against the big boys in the global foldable market as well.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Overview:

Design and Build

Okay, one of the most obvious complaints people bring up when talking about foldables is how they’re bulky and heavy. And I like how Xiaomi has addressed both of those issues with the Mix Fold 3. This thing now measures just 10.9mm when folded and weighs around 259 grams only. Of course, it’s still quite a bit heavy compared to normal smartphones but you get the idea. It feels ridiculously close to a normal flagship phone in hand.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 - Design

Most of this has to do with the improved hinge mechanism as well. The updated hinge doesn’t take as much space as the waterdrop hinge on the Mix Fold 2, and it even allows the phone to stand freely between 45° – 135°. Which is something its predecessor couldn’t do.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3’s build quality feels pretty sturdy too. Its hinge can now withstand more than 500,000 folds, which is more than twice what Samsung promises for the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Although I would love to see Xiaomi figure out some form of IP rating on its next-gen foldable. Interestingly, the Mix Fold 3 is available in two build materials: Glass and Dragon scale fiber. The latter is more durable with an aerospace fiber composite material. And it’s a tad lighter as well, at 255 grams.

Display

As you’d expect, the display side of things is also fantastic here. Xiaomi has E6 AMOLED panels both on the outside and the inside that I absolutely love. But more than the actual quality of the display itself, the 6.5-inch cover display with its 21:9 aspect ratio is fantastic. Much better than the narrow front display Samsung prefers for its foldables.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 - Cover Display

It is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has everything else you’d expect from a flagship Xiaomi phone. Including a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision certification, and up to 2,600 nits of peak HDR brightness.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 - Main Display

Whereas underneath it all is an almost squarish 8-inch display that shares most of its characters with the cover display. Except (of course) Victus 2 protection, which is replaced by Ultra Thin Glass (UTG). I like how this thing doesn’t leave a gap when folded and its crease is also rea…lly subtle. And kinda noticeable only when you’re intentionally looking for it.

There’s also a hole-punch cutout on the top left that houses a 20MP camera — although I gotta admit — I would’ve much preferred if Xiaomi had gone with an under-display camera instead.

Camera

Talking about cameras, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 now has a cooktop-like camera module at the back. There are four sensors in total (all with Leica optics), including a 12MP ultrawide, a 50MP IMX800 wide, a 10MP telephoto unit (75mm) with 3.2x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope camera (115mm) capable of 5x optical zoom.

XiaomiMixFold3 - Cameras

Besides the ultrawide lens, all of them are optically stabled too. As for selfies, Xiaomi has used an identical 20MP sensor on both the cover and the main display.

Performance

And running the show is Qualcomm’s excellent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Which has been paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. So as you’d expect, performance is really not a problem here. It originally ran on Android 13-based MIUI 14 out-of-the-box, but Xiaomi has already pushed the HyperOS 1.0 update for this guy as well.

Rest of the specs

Other than this, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 has a rather sizeable 4,800mAh battery. That’s… pretty impressive for a foldable, actually. It supports 67W wired and 50W wireless charging, whereas Xiaomi provides a compatible 67W power brick inside the box itself.

XiaomiMixFold3 - Box

As for the wireless connectivity options, I like how the Mix Fold 3 cuts no corners either. There’s WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 onboard, whereas it even has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port that supports display out. In terms of audio, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 has a Dolby Atmos-certified dual speaker setup.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Specifications:

  • Design and Build: 
    • Folded: 161.2 x 73.5 x 10.96 mm
    • Unfolded: 161.2 x 143.28 x 5.26 mm
  • Weight: 255 – 259 gm
  • Display: E6 AMOLED panel
    • Cover: 6.56-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
    • Main: 8.03-inch, 1.12:1 aspect ratio, Ultra Thin Glass (UTG)
  • Display Properties: 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, LTPO 2.0, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 2,600 nits peak brightness
  • Resolution:
    • Cover: FHD+ (2160 x 1080 pixels)
    • Main: 2K (2160 x 1960 pixels)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 5G (4nm Mobile Platform)
  • Memory: 12/16GB LPDDR5X RAM, Up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage
  • Software & UI: Android 13 with MIUI Fold 14 on top
  • Rear Camera: Quad (with LED flash)
    • Primary: 50MP f/1.7 Sony IMX800, OIS, 23mm
    • Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.2, 120° FoV, 15mm
    • Telephoto: 10MP f/2.2, 3.2x optical zoom, OIS, 75mm
    • Periscope: 10MP f/2.9, 5x optical zoom, OIS, 115mm
  • Selfie Camera: 20MP sensor (cover, main)
  • Battery: 4,800mAh with 67W wired charging, 50W wireless charging

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Price in Nepal and Availability

While everything about the Mix Fold 3 sounds fantastic, Xiaomi has yet to launch its foldable outside of China. Where it starts at CNY 8,999 (around INR 105,000 / USD 1,260) for the base 12/256GB model. Either way, in case the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 arrives in Nepal somehow, we expect its price to start at NPR 205,999.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
12/256GB CNY 8,999 NPR 205,999
16/512GB CNY 9,999 NPR 227,999
16GB/1TB CNY 10,999 NPR 250,999

    New battery recycling methods will make electric vehicles CHEAPER!

    It is no secret that global warming is a huge issue today, and we have to deal with it ASAP! There are a few steps that we know will make a substantial impact on global warming. One such step is using EVs, however, there are some challenges with that as well. Here, we will discuss the issues with EVs and a recent silver lining in the form of battery recycling!

    Battery Recycling Overview

    Introduction

    As I mentioned earlier, global warming is a huge issue today. Matter of fact, the year 2023 is set to be the hottest year on record, with the global mean near-surface temperature of around 1.40(±0.12)°C above the 1850–1900 average. Long story short, Earth is getting hot, and it may become way too hot for us to live in. So, what can we do?

    Global Warming

    Switching to electric options is surely one way to do so, especially in terms of transportation. We are all aware of the fact that fossil fuels are one of the major offenders of global warming. So, if we move away from fossil fuels, and go electric, everything should be okay, right? Not really. Firstly, over half the electricity produced worldwide relies on fossil fuels. So, even if we switch to electric vehicles, we are still relying on electricity produced through fossil fuels to charge our “clean vehicles”.

    Switching to electric isn’t pointless though. Let’s put it this way, using fossil fuels for one single purpose is better than using them for two different purposes. While that may be true, the world didn’t hurry to switch to electric vehicles. This was due to a few issues with the EVs. Historically, EVs have had a poor network of infrastructure and poorer range compared to petroleum cars. On top of that, EVs were also more expensive!

    The Battery Issue

    Why is that the case with the EVs though? The answer is pretty simple, it’s their batteries! The Lithium-ion batteries used in EVs are made up of a whole lot of minerals other than, well, Lithium. This includes Cobalt, Graphite, Nickel, and Manganese. These mineral sources have become scarce in recent years with the increase in the popularity of EVs.

    Li-ion batteries

    As it stands, the demand for Lithium is said to increase by 20 folds by the year 2050. This influx in demand will surely create a temporary shortage of raw materials. In addition to that, mass mining of these metals may also open up a different environmental issue that we do not know of so far! Furthermore, there is whole another issue of old and wasted batteries.

    The Silver Lining: Battery Recycling

    On the bright side, there is a way we can counteract all these drawbacks that Lithium-ion batteries present! We’ve all been hearing about this method all our lives and it’s — Recycling! With recent developments, Li-ion batteries can be recycled very efficiently. This new recycling process helps extract the metals from used batteries from various appliances like smartphones, laptops, and even cars. You can extract more than 80% of Lithium, and almost ALL of Cobalt and Nickel with the new recycling method.

    Recycle batteries

    Additionally, different companies are aggressively working on battery recycling. For example, a company called CATL aims to recycle four-fifths of its waste batteries by 2030. The company established a recycling plant in Ningde, China back in 2020. From that plant, the company can extract up to 10,000 tonnes of Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Manganese from waste batteries.

    Other companies such as Redwood Materials and Li-Cycle are also emerging on the battery recycling scene. These companies received USD 1.3 billion (2022), and USD 1.5 billion (2023) worth of financing through various sectors respectively. Interestingly, Redwood Materials was founded by the ex-CTO of Tesla.

    Conclusion

    Though adamant at the beginning, a lot of the world is now open to and is actively switching to electric vehicles. This comes as the result of the recent development in the EV sector alongside the drop in their upfront cost. As it stands, EVs have become comparable to traditional vehicles in more than one way.

    The latest recycling methods could moreover help in cutting the cost of batteries which in turn will help drop the price of the EVs altogether. Couple that with newer, better and more efficient battery and car technologies in coming years, EVs could become a no-brainer! If we manage to shift to renewable energy at the same time, we could counteract global warming and divert from the looming climate crisis much more easily!

    • Meanwhile, check out our video of Made in Nepal Electric tractor:

    iPhone 13 Long-term review: Still worth it in 2024?

    Hey everyone, I am Pratima and one of my team members has been using the iPhone 13 since its launch in 2021. But does it still make sense to buy right now? I’m gonna answer that in my iPhone 13 in 2024 review!

    If you don’t know, the iPhone 13 has the highest number of reviews on both Amazon and Flipkart. And it was also the highest-selling iPhone last year! And coming in 2024, this thing is going to get even more cheaper! Currently, it’s available for around NPR 106,500 in Nepal or some $600 in the US. Before heading to the review, why not check its specifications?

    iPhone 13 Specifications:

    • Dimension: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm, 174 grams
    • Display: 6.1-inch (2532 × 1170 pixels) OLED, 460 PPI, Super Retina XDR
    • Chipset: Six-core A15 Bionic 64-bit processor, 16-core Neural Engine
    • Storage: 128/256/512GB
    • Operating System: iOS 16
    • SIM: Dual SIM (nano + eSIM), dual eSIM support
    • Back Camera: Dual:
      – 12MP wide-angle f/1.6 primary camera, 7-elements lens, sensor-shift OIS, True Tone flash with Slow Sync, 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 60 fps,
      – 12MP 120° ultra-wide f/2.4 camera, 5-elements lens
    • Front Camera: 12MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture, 1080p video recording, Retina Flash, Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 30 fps, 4K video recording at 60 fps, Slo‑mo 1080p at 120 fps
    • Security: TrueDepth camera for FaceID facial recognition
    • Connectivity: 5G (sub-6GHz and mmWave), Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA, 802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS with GLONASS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou
    • Other features: Water and dust resistance (IP68), Stereo speakers
    • Battery: 3,240mAh, 20W fast charging, 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging, 15W MagSafe Wireless Charger (No adapter included in the box)
    • Read the full Specs of the iPhone 13 here 

    iPhone 13 in 2024:

    Still a good-looking design

    • 71.5 x 146.7 x 7.65mm, 174 grams
    • Glass front/back, Aluminum frames
    • IP68 dust-and-water resistant

    Alright, first things first, let’s take a look at the design. And iPhone 13 is a very good-looking phone even in 2024. The thing with Apple is, that every year, they make very subtle changes to their designs, which in the iPhone 13’s case is a blessing because it basically looks similar to the newer iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15.

    The only difference is the color options and the matte finish on the iPhone 15 vs the Glossy one on the 13, but other than that it’s practically, the same. In fact, if you cover it up with a good case, no one’s even going to know.

     

    Also, if you are someone who likes using small devices like me, its size and weight distribution are something you are going to appreciate a lot. In fact, it is more snuggly than something like the newly launched S23 FE from Samsung that you get for a more or less similar price.

    For durability, you are getting ceramic shield protection on both sides of the iPhone 13 and aluminum frames in between, which as you can see, have held quite well over the years. My team member had been using it without a cover. So, after like, 2 years there are only a few visible scratches and small dents, but nothing major has happened to it, so durability-wise, it definitely gets a thumbs up from me!

    Good Display but 60Hz….

    • 6.1-inch FHD+ Super Retina XDR OLED
    • 60Hz refresh rate, Ceramic Shield

    On the front too, you get an excellent quality screen with support for HDR and Dolby Vision. It is also sufficiently bright indoors as well as outdoors with 1200 nits of peak brightness, which is decent enough I would say. In comparison, the new iPhone 15 is slightly brighter. Yes, but visibility is not an issue on this one either, so no complaints from my side.

    The only thing that has tasted a little sour to me is the 60Hz refresh rate. I test a lot of phones and these days, even budget ones come with either a 90Hz refresh rate or more. So when I switch from some of those phones to this one, the screen here feels a little, you know, not as smooth!

    iPhone 13 Video Playback

    I don’t mean that the iPhone 13 feels slow or anything, but it just does not feel as effortless as the 120Hz display in 2024. Now, if you are using the iPhone 11 or older models, or a midrange Android phone with a 60 Hz refresh rate, you are not going to feel that way. But if you come from a 120Hz refresh rate screen, you will definitely notice. However, I don’t know if I should complain about it because even the latest and more expensive iPhone 15 comes with a 60Hz screen in 2024.

    No Dynamic Island but Good Stereo Speakers

    Anyway, you have to know that you also don’t get Dynamic Island here. Instead, you get this plain old ugly notch which can look slightly outdated. The speakers here are good though. They are loud and sound very balanced. I did compare it with the iPhone 15 and found that it is slightly richer in terms of output, but the difference is very marginal.

    And even in terms of haptics, the iPhone 13 can give good competition to all the other devices that come for a similar price or more. So, I am quite happy about the overall user experience!

    Worthy Cameras

    • Dual camera setup at the back
    • (12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide)
    • 12MP TrueDepth camera with Face ID

    Likewise, when it comes to cameras, I have some good news here too. Despite its age, the iPhone 13 is very close to what the newer iPhone 15 produces. Just check out these samples I took. These are the kind of photos you can expect with the iPhone 13. They are sharp and crisp and the color rendition is amazing. I did notice that it takes slightly punchier photos than the iPhone 15, but it’s not overwhelming in any way.

    iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Camera

    Daylight Imageries

    I also compared its cameras with the Galaxy S23 FE, Samsung’s latest phone. It is priced similarly to the iPhone 13 and it has held up quite well against it too. Yeah, the color reproduction on the iPhone 13 is slightly poppier than the S23 FE, but I think it actually works in its favor. I am especially impressed with the contrast it can produce. It just gives a definitive character to the images.

    Lowlight

    Portraits

    I even liked the portraits from the iPhone 13. In terms of skin tone and colors, it surprisingly beats the iPhone 15, and even the S23 FE for that matter. The only downside is that unlike the iPhone 15 and S23 FE, you cannot take 2x or 3x portraits with it. But if you don’t mind that, the skin tone and overall contrast are better on the iPhone 13.

    Videos

    The videography side of things is another plus point for this 2-year-old iPhone 13. You can take smooth 4k 60 fps footage from the rear as well as the selfie camera. Now, if I really have to nitpick, glare control and dynamic range are handled better by the latest iPhone 15. But regular videos are just as crisp and rich in details from the iPhone 13, so this could very well be the vlogging camera you are looking for in the 50,000 price bracket.

    A15 Bionic is still going strong!

    • Hexa-core A15 Bionic 5G SoC (5nm), 4-core GPU
    • 3GB RAM, 128GB to 512GB storage (fixed)
    • Apple iOS 15 (upgradeable)

    The performance side of things is also handled very well by the iPhone 13 to this date. It ships with the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, which is still a powerful option for its price. Everyday tasks are a piece of cake for this phone and you can even play the most demanding games on it without the phone breaking a single drop of sweat. You can see the FPS numbers on the screen and they are surely impressive especially if you compare it with a gen older iPhone 14 and the latest iPhone 15.

    iPhone 13 Gaming and Performance

    At the same time, a lot of other reviewers have found the screen dimming issue on the iPhone 13 to be quite annoying. What happens is, if the phone gets very hot, the phone lowers the brightness of the screen and throttles the performance. We haven’t faced this issue yet, but if you live in warmer places, or if you are a very demanding user, this could be an issue.

    No worries for updates

    Besides this, Updates is something Apple is especially good with and the iPhone 13 will receive updates up to 2027. It’s still 3 years away, but this device will run smoothly for many years to come with the A15 Bionic.

    iPhone 13 iOS 17

    Battery Life

    • 3240mAh battery, 20W wired charging
    • 15W MagSafe / 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging

    Now, battery life is something that might not be up to the mark for heavy users. I don’t mean that it cannot last you long. In fact, it can give you around 5 hours of Screen On Time easily on normal usage. But if you use the cameras for a longer time or if you are a heavy gamer, this kind of endurance might not be sufficient for you.

    iPhone 13 Battery and Charging

    And the fact that it only comes with a 20-watt charging support, does not help the cause either because this device takes a little more than 1 hour and 20 minutes to fully juice up.

    Next up, I would also like to add a few other things that might be important to many, like E-SIM support. Unlike the iPhone 15, the iPhone 13 only supports 2 E-SIMs apart from your physical SIM. So, if you are someone who travels a lot and uses more SIM cards at once, this might be a slight issue for you!

    Connectivity

    And because it is an older phone, it does not support the latest Bluetooth 5.3 as well. It only supports Bluetooth 5.0. This means connectivity with Bluetooth devices with the iPhone 13 will not be as good as with newer devices. Plus, with newer 5G modems, the iPhone 15 also supports faster 5G connectivity than the iPhone 13.

    Not that the iPhone 13’s 5G speed is slow or anything. But once your carrier improves its 5G technology in the future, you might see the iPhone 13 lagging behind. Last but not least, repair cost! Unfortunately, the repair cost for the iPhone 13’s back glass is higher than the iPhone 14 and 15. This is because most of its components are attached to the back glass. Which makes repairing the iPhone 13 a bit more tedious than the others.

    iPhone 13 Review in 2024: Conclusion

    But despite these shortcomings, for me, the iPhone 13 is still a good value-for-money option in 2024, a no-nonsense phone that delivers on every front – whether it is in the design, the core display, cameras, performance, and most importantly, the software experience!

    iPhone 13 Camera Usage

    Of course, you can get faster performance, and bigger and smoother display phones like the iQOO 12, Oneplus 11, or the S23 FE. But none of these devices still produce the same reliable experience as the iPhone 13, especially in terms of software and cameras! And that’s why this thing is still the KING.

    iPhone 13 in 2024: Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Sturdy Performance from A15 Bionic
    • Worry-free updates till 2027
    • Flagship grade camera
    • Value for money in 2024

    Cons

    • Average battery life
    • 60Hz display
    • No telephoto lens

    iQOO launches its first ever smartwatch alongside the Neo 9 series

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    iQOO has launched its inaugural smartwatch, the iQOO Watch, alongside the iQOO Neo 9 series and the iQOO TWS 1e earbuds, promising a comprehensive and innovative lineup. In this article, let’s dive into discussing the latest iQOO Watch, Price in Nepal, features, Specifications, and more.

    iQOO Watch Overview

    Design and Display

    The iQOO Watch, in particular, had been a focal point of curiosity, until iQOO revealed its official design and customizable strap options with the launch. Offering silicone, leather, and woven straps in various colors, iQOO aims to cater to diverse tastes in the smartwatch market.

    iQOO watch straps and colors

    Moving beyond aesthetics, the iQOO Watch boasts a 3D curved glass dial with a 1.43-inch  AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels showing a range of watch faces from outer space-themed designs to classic and sporty appearances. Impressively lightweight at just 36 grams, the watch ensures optimal user comfort with easy-to-install watchbands and intuitive crown navigation supporting rotation and button presses.

    Features and Battery Life

    Functionality takes center stage, with the smartwatch offering dual-mode capabilities, supporting both eSIM and Bluetooth connectivity. It has a battery of 505 mAh and in eSIM mode, users can enjoy up to 7 days of battery life, extending to an impressive 16 days in Bluetooth mode. The incorporation of eSIM technology equips the watch with independent communication capabilities, enhancing its practicality in real-world scenarios.

    iQOO Watch design

    OS and Additional Features

    Internally powered by Vivo’s proprietary BlueOS operating system, the iQOO Watch goes beyond the conventional by incorporating advanced health monitoring features, including an 8-channel heart rate sensor and a 16-channel blood oxygen sensor – catering to the needs of health-conscious individuals.

    iQOO Watch Specifications

    • Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED Screen
    • Resolution: 466 x 466 pixels
    • Watch faces: Outer space-themed, classic, and sporty designs
    • Weight: 36 grams
    • Strap options: Silicone, leather, and woven
    • Connectivity: Dual-mode functionality with eSIM and Bluetooth
    • Battery: 505 mAh
    • Battery life: Up to 7 days in eSIM mode, 16 days of battery life in Bluetooth mode
    • OS: Vivo’s BlueOS operating system
    • Health monitoring features: 8-channel heart rate sensor, 16-channel blood oxygen sensor
    • Sensors: Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitor, heart rate sensor, and calorie tracker
    • Extras: Bluetooth calling support

    iQOO Watch Price in Nepal

    The iQOO Watch starts at CNY 1099, as the e-sim variant costs CNY 1299. Although the smartwatch is not available in Nepal atm, the expected iQOO Watch price in Nepal for the standard version is approximately Rs 24,750 whereas the expected price for the e-sim variant is approx. Rs 29,000.

    Smartwatch Price in China Price in Nepal( Expected)
    iQOO Watch (Standard) CNY 1,099 Rs 24,750
    iQOO Watch (e-sim) CNY 1,299 Rs 29,000
    • Meanwhile, check out our video review of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic:

    iQOO Neo 9 launched with SD 8 Gen 2 and Sony IMX920 sensor

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    After quite a bit of hype, iQOO has finally the iQOO Neo 9 model in China alongside its Pro sibling. This vanilla Neo 9 arrives with a last-gen flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 144Hz AMOLED panel, and more. In this article, let’s delve into the specs, features, and expected price of the iQOO Neo 9.

    iQOO Neo 9 Overview:

    Display and Design

    As for the display, the iQOO Neo 9 sports a 6.78-inch OLED with a 1.5K resolution and LTPO 144Hz refresh rate. You also get HDR 10+ and an in-display fingerprint scanner here.

    iQOO Neo 9 Design and Display

    Talking of the design, it boasts a flat panel build with slightly curved edges and super slim 1.54mm bezels. It is available in three colors: black, blue, and a striking red-white dual-tone. Notably, the red variant features a leather back, while the others go for a glass back.

     

    Performance

    Under the hood, the iQOO Neo 9 houses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. This last-gen flagship SoC still packs a punch in terms of power and performance. It features one Arm-Cortex X3 (@3.19GHz), two Arm-Cortex A715 (@2.8GHz), two Arm-Cortex A710 (@2.8GHz), and three Arm-Cortex A510 (@2.0GHz). For graphics, there is an integrated Adreno 740 GPU. To keep the thermals in check, there is a 6K Canopy VC liquid cooling system. On top of that, you also get the Q1 chip for frame interpolation.

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

    iQOO has paired the chip with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. Booting the phone is OriginOS 4 built on top of Android 14.

    Camera

    As for the optics, the Neo 9 sports a dual camera, comprising a 50MP Sony IMX920 primary sensor, also found on the Vivo X100. It is accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, there is a 16MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

    iQOO Neo 9 Camera

    Battery and Others

    Powering the phone is a 5,160mAh battery with 120W wired fast charging support. In terms of connectivity, the phone supports 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. Other features include dual stereo speakers, an IR blaster, and an X-axis linear vibration motor.

    iQOO Neo 9 Specifications:

    • Display: 6.78-inch OLED 1.5K, 144Hz RR display
    • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 4nm Mobile Platform
    • Gaming Chip: Self-developed iQOO Q1 chip
    • RAM/ STORAGE: 12GB+256GB / 16GB+256GB / 16GB+512GB / 16GB+1TB
    • Camera: 50MP (Sony IMX920, OIS) + 8MP UW
    • Front Camera: 16MP
    • Sensor: In-display fingerprint sensor, IR blaster, dual speakers, X-axis linear motor,
    • OS/UI: Android 14, OriginOS 4
    • Colors: Black, Blue, Red-white dual-tone

    iQOO Neo 9 Price in Nepal and Availability

    In China, the iQOO Neo 9 retails at the starting price of CNY 2,299 for the base 12/256GB trim. We expect the iQOO Neo 9 price in Nepal to begin from NPR 51,999 if and when it launches here.

    iQOO Neo 9 Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    12/256GB CNY 2,299 NPR 51,999
    16/256GB CNY 2,499 NPR 56,999
    16/512GB  CNY 2,799 NPR 62,999
    16GB/1TB CNY 2,999 NPR 67,999
      • Meanwhile, watch our Vivo X100 Pro initial impressions.

      Huawei launches the Nova 12 series with four new smartphones!

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      Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, has announced four new smartphones under the Nova 12 series. The Nova 12 Lite and the vanilla Nova 12 come as the affordable option in the series. While Huawei is offering the Nova 12 Pro and Nova 12 Ultra for power users. Here we will discuss the entire Huawei Nova 12 series, its specifications, expected price in Nepal, and so on!

      Huawei Nova 12 Series Overview

      Design and Display

      The entirety of the Huawei Nova 12 has a similar design language with a pill-shaped camera island and one large camera cutout on the back. They are also available in the same three colour options: Color No. 12 (Blue), Black, and White. However, the Pro variant is available in an extra Pink colour option. All these variants don a leather finish with icy patterns on the back, while the black variant comes in a glossy finish. The Ultra variant takes a significantly different design approach as all of them come in leather finish with “nova” engraved all over the back.

      On the front, the Huawei Nova 12 and Nova 12 Lite come with a 6.7-inch OLED panel with FHD+ resolution spanning 2,412 x 1,084 pixels. It also supports a refresh rate of 120Hz, a touch sampling rate of 300Hz, and a P3 wide colour gamut. On the other hand, the Pro and Ultra variants enjoy about a 10% larger screen size at 6.76 inches. It is also an OLED panel that supports up to 120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, and a touch sampling rate of 300Hz.

      Performance

      Under the hood, we are getting the Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset in the Huawei Nova 12 Lite. The Chinese OEM has not clarified what chipset the other members of the Huawei Nova 12 series are running on. However, we assume that it is running on Huawei’s homegrown Kirin chipsets.

      Other than that, the memory capacity of these phones is also a mystery. In terms of storage, the Huawei Nova 12, the Nova 12 Lite, as well as the Nova 12 Pro variants come in 256GB and 512GB trim. Meanwhile, the Ultra variant offers 512GB or 1TB of storage. On the software front, all these devices run on Hongmeng 4.0 (HarmonyOS).

      Camera and the rest

      In the optics department, we are getting the 50MP primary coupled with an 8MP ultrawide angle macro camera across the board on the back. Similarly, all the variants boast a 60MP camera on the front. Nonetheless, the Pro and Ultra variants get an extra 8MP shooter for a close-up portrait on the front as well.

      The Huawei Nova 11 Lite packs a 4,500 mAh battery together with 66W charging capability. In the meantime, other variants come with a 4,600 mAh battery and 100W of wired fast charging. Other than that, all these devices come with dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth v5.2, multi-satellite navigation and NFC support.

      Huawei Nova 12 Series Specifications

      • Design: Glossy or leather finish with icy patterns, leather finish with “nova” engravings in the Ultra variant
      • Dimensions:
        • Nova 12 Lite: 161.29 mm x 74.96 mm x 6.88 mm
        • Nova 12: 161.54 mm x 75.36 mm x 6.98 mm
        • Nova 12 Pro / Ultra: 163.14 mm x 74.96 mm x 7.68 mm
      • Weight:
        • Nova 12 Lite: 168 grams
        • Nova 12: 191 grams
        • Nova 12 Pro: 201 grams
        • Nova 12 Ultra: 198 grams
      • Display:
        • Nova 12 / 12 Lite: 6.7” OLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate, P3 wide colour gamut
        • Nova 12 Pro / Ultra: 6.76” OLED Panel, 1–120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, 300Hz touch sampling rate, P3 wide colour gamut
      • Resolution:
        • Nova 12 / 12 Lite: FHD+ (2,412 x 1,084 pixels)
        • Nova 12 Pro / Ultra: FHD+ (2,776 x 1,224 pixels)
      • Chipset:
        • Nova 12 Lite: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G (6nm)
        • Nova 12 / Pro / Ultra: Unspecified Kirin Chipset*
      • Storage:
        • Nova 12 / 12 Lite / Pro: 256GB or 512GB
        • Nova 12 Ultra: 512GB or 1TB
      • OS & UI: Hongmeng 4.0
      • Rear Camera: Dual Camera (50MP Primary + 8MP Ultrawide angel macro)
      • Front Camera:
        • Nova 12 / 12 Lite: 60MP camera (Centre-aligned hole-punch cutout)
        • Nova 12 Pro / Ultra: 60MP primary + 8MP portrait close-up camera (Centre-aligned pill-shaped cutout)
      • Battery:
        • Nova 12 Lite: 4,500 mAh with 66W fast charging
        • Nova 12 / Pro / Ultra: 4,600 mAh with 100W fast charging
      • Colour Options:
        • Nova 12 / Lite / Ultra: Color No.12 (Blue), Black, White
        • Nova 12 Pro: Color No.12 (Blue), Black, White, Cherry Pink

      Huawei Nova 12 Series Price in Nepal and Availability

      The Huawei Nova 12 series has gone live in China and starts from CNY 2,499. In the meantime, the prices go all the way up to CNY 5,499 for the highest trim of the Huawei Nova 12 Ultra. These smartphones will more than likely be limited to China only. However, if they make their way here, we expect the Huawei Nova 12 series to start from NPR 55,999.

      Huawei Nova 12 Smartphone Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
      Nova 12 Lite (256GB) CNY 2,499 NPR 55,999
      Nova 12 Lite (512GB) CNY 2,799 NPR 62,649
      Nova 12 (256GB) CNY 2,999 NPR 67,199
      Nova 12 (512GB) CNY 3,399 NPR 76,099
      Nova 12 Pro (256GB) CNY 3,999 NPR 89,499
      Nova 12 Pro (512GB) CNY 4,399 NPR 98,499
      Nova 12 Ultra (512GB) CNY 4,699 NPR 105,199
      Nova 12 Ultra (1TB) CNY 5,499 NPR 123,099

      • Meanwhile, check out our Insta360 Go 3 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max video:

      Samsung Galaxy A05s with Snapdragon 680 is now available in Nepal

      Samsung is one of the most popular smartphone choices for the average Nepali. This is because they offer a choice at every price point, including the budget level. They are now offering a new choice in the budget level in the form of — Galaxy A05s. In this article, we will discuss the Samsung Galaxy A05s in more detail, including its official price in Nepal, specifications, availability, and more!

      Samsung Galaxy A05s Overview:

      Design and Display

      The Samsung Galaxy A05s is a pretty standard phone with a rounded rectangle shape. The phone has a glittery finish and likely features an all-plastic body. The unit measures 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm in dimensions and weighs 194 grams. On the back, we are getting three camera setups, vertically aligned on one another.  It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the left side of the phone.

      Samsung Galaxy A05s Design

      On the front, the phone features a 6.7” display with a centrally aligned waterdrop camera cutout. It is a PLS LCD panel with a colour depth of 16 million and 90Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, it is capable of FHD+ i.e. 1080 x 2400 pixels of resolution. The Samsung Galaxy A05s itself is available in three different colours: Light Green, Silver, and Black. The Purple version is not available in Nepal as of now.

      Performance

      In terms of SoC, Samsung has opted to go with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680. It is based on an energy-efficient 6nm process node, and an octa-core chipset capable of achieving a peak clock speed of 2.4 GHz at best. Accordingly, it should be able to provide the phone with easy basic gaming capabilities.

      Furthermore, the phone features 4/6GB RAM and a storage of 128 GB. You get to expand your storage up to 1TB with the help of a MicroSD card. The phone runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s OneUI on top with the “Samsung Galaxy Experience”.

      Camera

      On the back, Samsung Galaxy A05s features a triple camera setup. The primary camera is a 50MP sensor with f/1.8 maximum aperture. Both the other cameras are 2MP sensor with f/2.4 aperture. However, one of them is a macro camera, whereas the other is a depth sensor. The rear camera does not have OIS capabilities. Although it does offer auto-focus and 10x digital zoom features.Samsung Galaxy A05s Camera

      At the front, we get a single 13MP unit with f/2.0 aperture on Samsung Galaxy A05s. It does not offer an autofocus feature or an OIS. Nevertheless, it is capable of 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second. On the other hand, the rear camera offers 1080p@60fps video recording capability.

      Battery and the rest

      Powering the entire unit is a 5,000 mAh non-removable cell. It also supports 25W “Super Fast Charging” through USB Type C, the version of which is USB 2.0. Furthermore, it offers a five-way navigation system with GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, and QZSS. It supports dual-band WiFi with WiFi Direct and features Bluetooth v5.1. It does not have MHL or NFC support, but it does have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

      Samsung Galaxy A05s Specifications:

      • Design: Standard design with all-plastic body
      • Dimensions: 168 mm x 77.80 mm x 8.80 mm
      • Weight: 194 grams
      • Display: 6.7” PLS LCD Panel, 16M color depth, 90Hz refresh rate
      • Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080)
      • Chipset: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm)
      • RAM: 4/6GB
      • ROM: 128GB + 1 TB expandable with MicroSD card
      • OS & UI: Android 13 with OneUI
      • Rear Camera: Triple Camera (2MP Macro + 50MP Primary + 2MP Depth Sensor)
      • Front Camera: 13MP Camera (Centre-aligned waterdrop cutout)
      • Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
      • Sensors: Accelerometer, Light sensor, Proximity sensor
      • Navigation: GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS
      • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 25W super fast charging
      • Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G LTE, Dual-band WiFi with WiFi Direct, Bluetooth v5.1, USB 2.0 (Type-C), 3.5mm headphone jack
      • Color Options: Black, Silver, Violet, and Light Green

      Samsung Galaxy A05s Price in Nepal and Availability:

      The official price of Samsung Galaxy A05s in Nepal is NRP 21,999 for the 4/128GB and NPR 23,999 for the 6/128GB configuration. It’s available from authorized stores like Hukut and Sherisha Mobile Hub, and you’ll also get an official 25W charger for free.

      Samsung Galaxy A05s Price in Nepal (Official) Availability
      4/128GB NPR 21,999 Hukut / Sherisha Mobile Hub
      6/128GB NPR 23,999
      • Meanwhile, check our Samsung Galaxy A14 review

      Honor Haylou Watch launched with NFC support

      Haylou is an independent Chinese smartphone accessories brand that operates within Xiaomi’s ecosystem. However, this time around they have collaborated with Honor to announce Honor Haylou Watch. In this article, we will discuss the Honor Haylou Watch, its specifications, expected price in Nepal, and more!

      Honor Haylou Watch Overview

      Design and Display

      The Honor Haylou Watch comes in a rounded rectangular shape and has a metal-like finish. It has a single button on the right for navigation. It comes with multiple strap options including silicone, and woven straps. Additionally, it boasts 5 ATM water resistance and is available in two different colours: Starlight White, and Magic Night Black.

      Honor Haylou Watch Design

      On the display front, you get a 1.95” AMOLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. It has a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels while offering full coverage of the NTSC colour gamut. Furthermore, it has a pixel density of 332 PPI and can achieve a peak brightness of 550 nits.

      Features and Battery

      The Honor Haylou Watch offers all the tracking features of a smartwatch such as heart rate, blood oxygen, stress monitoring, and sleep tracking. On top of that, this watch comes with over 120 different sports modes, alongside auto recognition and tracking of exercise like walking, running, cycling, etc.

      Honor Haylou Watch Battery

      It packs a 300 mAh battery cell that offers up to 12 days of general usage. Meanwhile, it can be juiced up by a magnetic charging cable. Moreover, the Honor Haylou Watch comes jampacked with quality-of-life features. It offers Bluetooth calling, five-way navigation, as well as an NFC support. Lastly, it even offers compatibility with the “Honor Health” app.

      Honor Haylou Watch Specifications:

      • Design: Rounded rectangle with a single button on the right
      • Dimensions: 49.70 mm x 39.90 mm x 10.20 mm
      • Display: 1.95″ AMOLED, 60Hz, 100% NTSC colour gamut, 332 PPI
      • Resoultion: 410 x 502 pixels
      • Durability: 5 ATM water resistance
      • Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS
      • Battery: 300 mAh, Up to 12 days (general usage)
      • Charging: Magnetic Charging
      • Features: Customisable watch faces, 120+ sports modes, auto recognition and tracking of various sports modes, Bluetooth calling, NFC support
      • Companion App: Honor Health (Android | iOS)
      • Colour: Starlight White, Magic Night Black

      Honor Haylou Watch Price in Nepal and Availability

      The Honor Haylou Watch has gone live and is available to purchase through Honor’s official channels. Meanwhile, it has been priced at CNY 449 and customers can enjoy an introductory discount of CNY 40. If and when this watch makes its way here, we expect the Honor Haylou Watch price in Nepal to be NPR 10,099.

      Smartwatch Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
      Honor Haylou Watch CNY 449 NPR 10,099

      boAt unveils budget-friendly luxury with the Enigma X700 smartwatch

      1

      boAt, a renowned name in consumer electronics, is set to launch the Enigma X700 alongside the Enigma X400, a series of budget-friendly smartwatches that redefine luxury aesthetics with a plethora of amazing features. In this article, let’s dive into discussing more about the upcoming boAt Enigma X700, its price in Nepal, specifications, and more.

      boAt Enigma X700 Overview

      Design and Display

      The ultra-premium metal body features a functional crown and promises a sophisticated and stylish appearance that stands out in the budget segment.

      Boat Enigma X700 display

      The boAt Enigma X700 boasts a 1.52″ AMOLED Display, providing users with a vibrant and clear visual experience. With an IP67 rating, the smartwatch ensures resistance against dust and water, enhancing its durability for everyday use. The package includes the smartwatch unit, a USB magnetic charging cable, a user manual, and a warranty card.

      Health and Activity Tracking

      Beyond its luxurious appearance, the boAt Enigma X700 prioritizes health and fitness. With features like heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep monitoring, guided breathing, and a daily activity tracker, users can gain valuable insights into their well-being. The inclusion of 100+ sports modes caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.

      Boat Enigma X700 health

      Battery Life and Charging

      Powered by a 390mAh battery, the boAt Enigma X700 offers versatility in usage. With up to 2 days of working time with Bluetooth calling and up to 7 days in normal mode, users can stay connected without frequent recharging. The device charges swiftly in less than 2 hours, providing a quick turnaround for uninterrupted use.

      Connectivity 

      Equipped with Bluetooth version 5.3, the boAt Enigma X700 ensures a smooth and reliable connection with other devices. This feature enhances the overall user experience, especially during activities such as Bluetooth calling, ensuring clear and hassle-free communication.

      boAt Enigma X700 Specifications

      boAt Enigma X700 Price in Nepal and Availability

      The boAt Enigma X700 is yet to be launched, and will be available by the 29th of December. And the boAt Enigma X700 price in Nepal is expected to be Rs 7,199 and its introductory price is expected to be Rs 5,599 for the metallic strip.

      SmartWatch Price in Nepal ( MRP)
      boAt Enigma X700 Rs 7,199

      • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Redmi 13C: 

      Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G launching soon in Nepal with Snapdragon 7s Gen 2

      1

      The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5Gwas unveiled some months ago in China alongside, the Note 13 5G, and the Note 13 Pro+. The device also marked the debut of a new chipset from Qualcomm: the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. And it is launching soon in Nepal. In this article, we’ll head into the specs, features, and expected price of the Redmi Note 13 Pro in Nepal.

      Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Overview:

      Design and Display

      Beginning with the design aspect, the Redmi Note 13 Pro boasts a flat frame design with curved edges for a boxy form factor. The camera module also gets revamped this time with slight identicality to the Xiaomi 13 Pro Series. Redmi ships this guy in four color options: Midnight Dark, Time Blue, Light Dream Space, and Star Sand White.

      Redmi Note 13 Pro Design and Display

      Talking of the display, the Note 13 Pro gets a flat 120Hz OLED panel as opposed to a curved one on the Note 13 Pro+. This 1.5K res screen features 1800nits peak brightness, 446PPI, Dolby Vision support, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Moreover, the bezels are pretty narrow and slick on all four sides.

      Performance

      Running the show on the core is the new Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. This freshly announced silicon is fabbed on a 4nm architecture and features four cores clocking at 2.4GHz and the remaining four at 1.95GHz. Qualcomm hasn’t disclosed the name of the cores. Meanwhile, the GPU is mentioned as Adreno 710 on Xiaomi China’s website.

      Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Chipset

      Redmi has paired the chip with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Booting the phone is Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 skin based on Android 13.

      Camera

      Moving to the optics, you are looking at a triple-camera setup. The Note 13 Pro inherits the same camera setup from its Pro Plus. So, the primary sensor is the same 200MP Samsung HP3 shooter (OIS), followed by an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro unit. Over on the front, you get a 16MP selfie snapper on the hole-punch cutout.

      Redmi Note 13 Pro Camera

      Rest of the Specs

      The smartphone gets its juice from a sizeable 5100mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. Talking of the connectivity options, you get 5G, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB Type-C port. Furthermore, there is an infrared sensor and an indisplay fingerprint scanner.

      Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Specifications:

      • Display: 6.67-inch (2712 x 1220 pixels) 1.5K OLED display, 144Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits peak brightness, 1920Hz high-frequency dimming
      • Dimension and Weight: 7.98mm, 187g
      • Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
      • CPU: Octa-core (2x Arm Cortex-A715 up to 2.8GHz, 6x Arm Cortex-A510)
      • GPU: Mali-G610 MC4 GPU
      • Memory: 8GB / 12GB / 16GB / 18GB LPDDR5 RAM with 128GB / 256GB / 512GB/ 1TB UFS 3.1 internal storage
      • OS: Android 13 with MIUI 14
      • SIM: Dual SIM (nano + nano)
      • Back Camera: Triple camera setup
        • Main Camera: 200MP with Samsung HP3 sensor, OIS
        • Ultra-Wide Camera: 8MP with Sony IMX355 sensor, f/2.2 aperture.
        • Macro Camera: 2MP with Omnivision OV2B10 sensor, f/2.4 aperture.
      • Front Camera: 16MP with Omnivision OV16A1Q sensor
      • Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
      • Connectivity: 5G SA / NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS + GLONASS, USB Type-C, NFC
      • Others: Infrared sensor, 3.5mm audio jack, Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos
      • Battery: 5100mAh battery with 67W fast charging

      Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Price in Nepal and Availability

      We expect the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G price in Nepal to start from NPR 39,999. It is expected to launch here in Nepal before the end of March 2024.

      Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Price in Nepal (Expected)
      8/256GB Rs. 39,999 
      12/512GB Rs. 44,999

       

      Read: Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G launched in Nepal 

      • Meanwhile, you can check our Moto G84 review.