Samsung Ad
Home Blog Page 294

Xiaomi Pad 6 review: Bang for the buck, just right there!

1

So last year, Xiaomi did the unthinkable — it made Android tablets exciting again. The Xiaomi Pad 5 was an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a solid Android tablet that gets all the basics right.

Now a year later, Xiaomi has followed it up with the Pad 6. And it brings a bunch of small but notable upgrades across the board — including a premium build quality, a sharper display, and a more powerful processor.

But more importantly, these upgrades don’t come with a price jump either since the Xiaomi Pad 6 still starts at NPR 39,999 for the 6/128GB version which is incredible. Even cheaper than the Pad 5 that launched back in 2021 at the starting price of 44,999 for the same trim.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Specifications:

  • Dimension: 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm, 490gm
  • Display: 11″ IPS LCD, 144Hz refresh rate, 240Hz sampling rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 550 nits (peak) brightness
  • Resolution: 2.8K (2880 x 1800 pixels), 309 PPI
  • Rear Camera: 13MP primary
  • Front Camera: 8MP
  • Processor: Snapdragon 870 (7nm)
  • Memory: 6/8GB RAM, 128/256 UFS 3.1 storage
  • OS: MIUI Pad 14 on Android 13
  • Battery: 8840mAh, 33W Fast Charging
  • Audio: Quad speakers
  • Color Options: Black, Blue, Gold
  • Price in Nepal: NPR 39,999 (6/128GB), NPR 43,999 (8/256GB)
  • Check the full specifications of Xiaomi Pad 6 here
  • Buy Xiaomi Pad 6 here

Xiaomi Pad 6 Review

Build

  • Glass Front, Aluminum Frame, Aluminum Back

Let me start with the build because the Xiaomi Pad 6 gets some love in terms of the build quality this time. I honestly didn’t mind the plastic back on the Xiaomi Pad 5 that much, so this jump to a more premium aluminum back — with a matte finish no less — is a welcome upgrade. What’s even more impressive is that despite the use of metal, the Pad 6 is actually lighter than its predecessor.

It is also pretty thin and Xiaomi has also tried to rub off a sort of… premium look from the Xiaomi 13 lineup of flagship phones with this camera block. If only Xiaomi had gone with a curved finish for a more comfortable hands-on feel, the Pad 6 would’ve been a solid A+ in my books as far as design and build quality are concerned.

Oh — and I almost forgot — its USB-C port now has the USB 3.2 standard too (instead of the older USB 2.0 like on the OnePlus Pad). That means the Xiaomi Pad 6 can connect up to a 4K 60Hz external display and it also has much faster file transfer speeds.

However, you’ll need a separate USB 3.2-compatible cable for all this to work because the USB-A to USB-C data cable you get inside the box itself is USB 2.0 only.

Display

  • 11-inch IPS LCD, 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision

This 11” display on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is also quite good for the price! It’s slightly sharper now, slightly smoother, and also slightly brighter. Xiaomi is still sticking to a 16:10 aspect ratio that’s better suited for watching videos and I love it. Compared to something like the OnePlus Pad or the iPad Pro which has a squarish display, you don’t need to deal with distracting black bars nearly as much when binging anything here.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Content Watching

Obviously, squarish aspect ratios shine in their own way — like it’s better for reading and multitasking and stuff like that! But, overall, you can learn to live with either of them perfectly fine.

Now when it comes to the core quality of the display itself, I don’t have many complaints. The default “Original color PRO” profile looks absolutely amazing to my eyes, with just the right balance of saturation, contrast levels, and color temperature.

Don’t worry, if you prefer a bit punchier and more vibrant colors, you can also go with the “Vivid” and “Saturated” presets. Or even customize everything including RGB coverage, hue, saturation, contrast, and gamma levels.

How’s the 144Hz refresh rate?

I’m also enjoying this 144Hz refresh rate experience on the Xiaomi Pad 6, however, it’s not as consistent and polished as I’d like. For example, when leaving it at the default option that dynamically switches between different refresh rates to save power, it doesn’t hit 144Hz on any apps or games except Injustice 2.

And even when explicitly setting it to 144Hz — I don’t know what’s happening but — it sometimes goes 144Hz while clinging to 120Hz most of the time. That reminds me, my Xiaomi Pad 6 is also struggling with HDR playback. It does have both Dolby Vision and HDR10 certification but only HDR playback is available on Netflix.

Xiaomi Pad 6 with Pen

Plus, for some reason, when I play HDR video on Netflix, everything looks way too pale and washed out. It’s the same thing with my local HDR videos, although the ones with Dolby Vision play perfectly fine.

I remember that last year’s Xiaomi Pad 5 had no trouble with Dolby Vision and HDR playback at all, but right now, it has the same problem as the Pad 6. So I hope Xiaomi is working on a fix as we speak because, for devices geared toward media consumption, this is a pretty big deal.

The quad speakers are quite nice though. While it’s not as loud or detailed as the OnePlus Pad, this guy sounds perfectly fine for listening to music or watching movies and shows. Xiaomi has specially tuned it with boosted trebles so that’s what you’re gonna hear most of the time, but there’s also an option to set a custom equalizer.

MIUI 14 for Pad

Okay, so let me start the review with the software side of things! Now, as you guys might know, I recently published a review of the Oneplus Pad where I said that I was a little underwhelmed with its software experience, but after testing the Xiaomi Pad 6 for almost 2 weeks now, what I can say is it is quite the breath of fresh air.

It’s almost as if… Xiaomi carefully studied where OnePlus struggled with its software and managed to avoid those pitfalls altogether.

This dock — for example — is persistent across the UI on the Pad 6 compared to how the OnePlus Pad lets you access it from the home screen only. As a result, I can easily access my favorite apps to open them in a floating window or in split-screen mode with a simple swipe up from anywhere I want. It’s so easy!

And that irritating keyboard bug I mentioned in my OnePlus Pad review is also non-existent on the Xiaomi Pad 6. Both Gboard and Microsoft’s SwiftKey seamlessly split across the sides for an easier typing experience — be it in portrait or landscape orientation.

I’m also happy to see that Facebook has no trouble running in landscape mode on the Xiaomi Pad 6 either. Instagram still sticks out like a sore thumb and I wouldn’t exactly call this layout “optimized” or anything but at least it works!

Other features

An interesting new feature on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is something called “Smartphone Link”, which lets you wirelessly duplicate your phone’s display on the tablet. But unfortunately, it only works on Xiaomi 13 Pro at the moment.

I really don’t think Xiaomi should be limiting such useful things to premium phones, so hopefully the company has plans to bring this feature to its non-flagship devices as well.

Apart from this, there are a few UI choices I’m not fond of here. Like when triggering the split-screen menu — for instance — you need to drag the app all the way to the corner of the screen. Or else it just opens the app in full screen. Likewise, a handy sidebar to store different shortcuts or apps is still missing on Xiaomi tablets.

Performance

  • Snapdragon 870 (7nm mobile platform)
  • Adreno 650 GPU
  • 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage

Anyway, talking about the raw performance, compared to last year’s Mi Pad 5, you get a much more powerful Snapdragon 870 chip here.  And the thing I immediately noticed when I first started using the Xiaomi Pad 6 is that it actually felt more responsive. This is because Xiaomi has notably toned down the system animation scaling across the UI.

And I gotta admit that’s a… pretty genius move. Other than this, things like browsing the web, typing up emails, watching movies, or playing games are no problem for this guy.

It does have a somewhat strict memory management technique to save power, but that’s easily fixable by changing a few settings.

Gaming

As for gaming, with the SD 870 chip and up to 8GB RAM, it’s really no surprise when I say that this tablet handles most games pretty well. Like PUBG Mobile at a smooth 60 fps under HDR graphics and Extreme frame rates or even Genshin Impact at High graphics and 60 fps. Injustice 2 can also hit 120+ fps at times, even though it mostly comes down to around 100 fps on average.

But despite the decent gaming performance, the Xiaomi Pad 6 gets quite warm under heavy load. Another thing I also didn’t like is Xiaomi isn’t committing to any number of software upgrades for this thing either. Most other news outlets say it will be getting three years of security updates, but an official confirmation would be nicer!

Camera

  • 13MP Primary
  • 8MP Front

For attending video conferences (or taking occasional selfies), the Xiaomi Pad 6 brings an 8MP sensor on the front. Just like last time. However, it’s now placed horizontally instead of in a portrait layout, which makes all the difference in the world.

Xiaomi’s “Center Stage” clone called “Focus Frame” also works in most apps. Like Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and even Messenger. Whereas the 13MP camera at the back is fine for taking notes and stuff but nothing more. Here are some samples.

Battery

  • 8840mAh cell
  • 33W Fast Charging

Finally, the Xiaomi Pad 6 gets a marginally larger battery as well — even if there isn’t any improvement in the battery backup itself since it’s now powering a sharper display. So in my typical usage pattern, I was getting roughly 8 hours of screen time, which is still impressive stuff.

I also like how Xiaomi ships a proper 33W charger this time while we only got a 22.5W power brick with the Xiaomi Pad 5.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Conclusion

So, overall, it’s pretty needless to say that Xiaomi has once again delivered a stunning value-for-money tablet with the Pad 6. With the same aggressive pricing strategy, it is an absolute no-brainer to anyone looking for a solid Android tablet that excels at all the basics.

Xiaomi Pad 6

And after using this alongside the Oneplus Pad, I also really don’t think you need to be spending almost 50% more on the OnePus Pad. Xiaomi has even managed to price its accessories like keyboard and stylus cheaper compared to OnePlus, which is fantastic.

Plus, this second-gen Xiaomi Smart Pen is really good. Like really good. The input latency is almost unnoticeable and I like how it has dedicated buttons with a bunch of built-in shortcuts to help with your workflow. It would’ve been better if there was also some way to edit their actions, but I don’t mind. So yeah, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is yet another slam dunk and it sets the standard for just how good midrange Android tablets can get in 2023.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Nice display
  • Decent everyday performance
  • Great value for money
  • Good Battery Life

Cons

  • No guaranteed software updates
  • Average Speakers

Xiaomi AX3000T router with WiFi 6 support launched in China

1

Xiaomi has taken the wraps off its newest router, the Xiaomi Router AX3000T claiming up to 3000 gigabits of wireless speeds. With the buzz surrounding it, it might just be the ideal choice for those wanting to switch from WiFi 5 to the newer WiFi 6. In this article, we will discuss the specifications, features, official pricing, and availability of the Xiaomi Router AX3000T in Nepal.

Xiaomi Router AX3000T Overview

Performance and Networking:

The Xiaomi Router comes equipped with a MediaTek Filogic 820 platform featuring a dual-core A53 processor clocked at 1.3GHz. Alongside that, the 256MB of RAM allows the router to have a greater number of device connections without network congestion.

Xiaomi Router AX3000T design

An interesting feature of the AX3000T is its Mesh networking support. This allows for the expansion of network coverage by connecting up to 10 units, particularly useful for larger homes or spaces with multiple devices totaling up to 128. For this, the router features a “2+1” 5GHz antenna configuration with Xtra Range technology for coverage.

Wireless Speed and Connectivity:

With support for WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), the router functions across both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz (with 160MHz bandwidth) frequency bands. This configuration brings about speeds of up to 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band. Furthermore, the router enables dual-band operation, facilitating speeds of up to 2976Mbps. As a result, the overall wireless speed can reach up to 3000 gigabits.

Security and Ports

The AX3000T router includes 4x high-speed Ethernet ports that work with both WAN and LAN port aggregation. Also, by adding a compatible dual-gigabit Ethernet-compatible NAS device, users can create a 2-gigabit private cloud storage.

Furthermore, for security, the AX3000T stops unauthorized internet access and controls app/website usage. It also offers NFC quick connection, IPTV network TV support, and improved gaming on multiple platforms.

Xiaomi Router AX3000T Specifications:

  • Processor: MediaTek Filogic 820 with 1.3GHz dual-core A53 processor
  • Internal Memory:  256MB RAM
  • Antennas: “2+1” 5GHz antenna setup with Xtra Range technology
  • Protocol Standards: WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax)
  • Signal Band: Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies with 160MHz bandwidth
  • Security: Stops unauthorized internet access and controls app/website usage
  • Companion App: Mi WiFi (Android | iOS)

Xiaomi Router AX3000T Price in Nepal and Availability

Pre-orders for the AX3000T have already started at Xiaomi Mall, Xiaomi Youpin, JD.com, Tmall, and Pinduoduo. While you can get it now for just CNY 189 ($26), the price of the router is expected to rise to CNY 249 ($34) later. If it makes it here, we expect the Xiaomi Router AX3000T Price in Nepal to be around NPR 6,000.

Xiaomi Router Model Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
Router AX3000T CNY 249 NPR. 6,000

Apple secures patent for tracking respiratory issues using Apple Watch and iPhone

Just in, Apple has submitted an application for a patent to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a system that examines the respiratory health of users. To put it simply, the patent focuses on a system that lets users practice breathing meditations and then analyze their respiratory system’s condition. This article will provide a thorough exploration of the same Apple’s patented technology for assessing respiratory health.

Apple Respiratory Health Tracker Overview:

Current smart devices like the Apple Watch and Smart Rings are only limited to monitoring SpO2, heart rate, ECG, stress tracking, and so on. However, there is less to access lung and respiratory-related problems. The new proposed system is capable of identifying airway obstruction, which can be a symptom of conditions like COPD and asthma.

Old method, Spirometry

Typically, individuals with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other related airway issues use a method called Spirometry to diagnose their condition. In this process, people breathe into a device that measures how air flows and this information helps assess their lung function.

Spirometry

The drawback lies in the fact that the accuracy of spirometry measurements depends on how well a person follows the test instructions. People might find it challenging to perform spirometry accurately without a clinician’s guidance.

More on Apple’s Proposed System

Apple’s patented technology might make it easier to track and identify patterns in breathing habits. The system uses an optical sensing unit of the iPhone to detect how the chest moves while the user follows guided breathing exercises.

Apple patent for respiratory health system
Apple patent for respiratory health system

An electronic device, like the Apple Watch, is attached to the chest using a provided adhesive sticker. This enables the watch to directly observe and analyze an individual’s breathing patterns from that specific location. And then, by watching the chest’s movement, the system figures out things like how hard it is for the person to breathe or if there’s something blocking their airway.

Availability of the Patented System on Consumer’s Product

It’s not certain that Apple will use this patented technology in their products for consumers. However, Apple has a habit of exploring new health technologies through patents long before they actually make them available in the market. So, this situation might be another example of that.

Realme GT5 unveiled with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and up to 240W fast charging

0

Realme just unveiled two variants of the GT5 with mind-boggling 150W and 240W fast charging. So, let’s get right into the specs, features, and expected price in Nepal of the Realme GT5 in this article.

Realme GT5 Overview:

150W and 240W Fast Charging

The key USP of the Realme GT5 is the super-fast charging speed(s).

Equipped with a 3-way 100W charge pump parallel design, the tech uses 20V 12A input and 10V 24A output. To ensure safety, the charger features a PS3 fireproof design and a real-time safety monitoring system. Plus its 12A charging cable comes with 21AWG thickened copper wires, enabling increased current flow.

Realme GT5 comes in 2 variants, one with 150W support, and the other with 240 Watts. The former sports a 5,240 mAh battery while the latter has a smaller 4,600mAh one. Regardless, both have astonishing charging speeds. The 150W Realme GT5 can reach 50% in 7 minutes while the 240W variant reaches full charge in just 9 minutes. And if you’re worried about the heat, Realme has got that covered as well. The 9-layer cooling system in the GT5 comes with a 20,827mm² vapor chamber to dissipate the heat generated during charging and intensive workloads.

Design and Display

The GT5 takes some cues from the GT Neo 5. The phone adopts a curved frame design with an identical module alongside an RGB notification light. Moving to the display, it is a 1.5K res flat AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate.

Realme GT5 Design

There is also an X7 display chip that inserts generated frames to boost average FPS and improve your gaming experience. Besides that, it supports 1400 nits of peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and 2,160Hz PWM dimming.

Performance

Running the show on the core is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The flagship silicon offers a significant performance and GPU boost over the 8+ Gen 1 used on the GT Neo 5. Memory-wise, the chip is coupled up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. Meanwhile, the phone boots on Realme UI 4.0 built on top of Android 13.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Optics

Talking of the cameras, the GT5 sticks with a triple camera setup. The primary sensor is a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS, followed by an 8MP ultrawide shooter (120° FoV) and a 2MP macro unit. Over on the front, we see a 16MP front camera placed inside the hole punch cutout.

Realme GT5 Specifications:

  • Display: 6.74-inches AMOLED panel, 144Hz refresh rate, 2160 high-frequency PWM Dimming
  • Resolution: 1.5K (2772 x 1240 pixels)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm Mobile Platform)
  • Software & UI: Android 13 with Realme UI 4.0 on top
  • Rear Camera: Triple (with LED flash);
    – 50MP 1/1.56″ Sony IMX890 primary sensor (OIS)
    – 8MP ultra-wide camera, 112º FOV
    – 2MP macro lens
  • Front Camera: 16MP sensor (punch-hole cutout)
  • Audio: Stereo speaker setup, Dolby Atmos
  • Battery: 5240mAh with 150W | 4,600mAh with 240W
  • Memory:
    • 150W: Up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage
    • 240W: 24GB RAM, 1TB storage

Realme GT5 Price in Nepal and Availability

Both variants of the Realme GT5 are now available for pre-order in China. The base 12GB/256GB  configuration goes for CNY 2,999 while the 24GB/1TB one has a price tag of CNY 3,799. If it makes it here, we expect the Realme GT5 Price in Nepal to start around NPR 62,000.

Realme GT5 Price in China Price in Nepal (Expected)
12/256GB, 150W CNY 2,999 NPR 62,000
16/512GB, 150W CNY 3,299 NPR 68,000
24GB/1TB, 240W CNY 3,799 NPR 79,000
  • Meanwhile, you can check our Realme GT Neo 5 review.

Xiaomi Pad 6 finally arrives in Nepal at incredible prices!

1

Xiaomi’s latest tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 6, has finally made its way to Nepal. Along with all its accessories including a keyboard and a stylus. What’s even more impressive is that the company has managed to price it cheaper than the older Xiaomi Pad 5! So let’s check out the specifications, features, availability, and official price of the Xiaomi Pad 6 in Nepal.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Overview:

Performance

The biggest upgrade on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is in terms of the performance itself. Compared to the Snapdragon 860 chip on its predecessor, this guy comes with a notably more powerful Snapdragon 870 processor instead. Yes, the 870 is almost three years old at this point but it’s still a competent chip in its own right.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G SoC

And performance-wise, it should be able to handle even gaming without any hitches. As for memory, you can choose up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. Xiaomi has included its custom MIUI Pad 14 for software, which is based on Android 13.

  • Meanwhile, check out all the prices and specs of Xiaomi phones and devices here

Design and Display

Getting to the design, Xiaomi has upgraded to an aluminum unibody and squared edges this time. Despite measuring a mere 6.51mm in thickness, the tablet is a bit on the heavy side, tipping the scales at 490 grams. It is available in three eye-catching colorways: Black, Blue, and Gold.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Design and Display

As for the display, Xiaomi has used the same 11-inch IPS LCD panel as the Pad 5, but upgraded to a smoother 144Hz refresh rate and a sharper 2.8K resolution. The display is also fortified with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection and supports Dolby Vision technology.

Rest of the specs

Moving on, the camera hardware on this tablet includes a 13MP primary sensor at the back. And an 8MP lens on the front for selfies. The back camera is capable of shooting 4K videos at 30 frames per second whereas the front camera can only record videos at up to 1080p 30 fps.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Rear Cameras

Likewise, the tablet gets its juice from a slightly larger 8840mAh battery with 33W charging support. Thankfully, Xiaomi has used a USB Type-C 3.0 port on the tablet, which means it’s also compatible with PD chargers. For wireless connectivity, there is support for dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. While the audio front is handled by a quad-stereo speaker setup.

Xiaomi has also announced a couple of accessories to go with both the Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro. This includes a new detachable keyboard and a second-gen Smart Pen that is touted to offer lower latency, longer battery life, and improved water resistance on the pen tip.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Specifications:

  • Dimension: 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm, 490gm
  • Display: 11″ IPS LCD, 144Hz refresh rate, 240Hz sampling rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 550 nits (peak) brightness
  • Resolution: 2.8K (2880 x 1800 pixels), 309 PPI
  • Rear Camera: 13MP primary
  • Front Camera: 8MP
  • Processor: Snapdragon 870 (7nm)
  • Memory: 6/8GB RAM, 128/256 UFS 3.1 storage
  • OS: MIUI Pad 14 on Android 13
  • Battery: 8840mAh, 33W Fast Charging
  • Audio: Quad speakers
  • Color Options: Black, Blue, Gold

Xiaomi Pad 6 Price in Nepal and Availability

The official Xiaomi Pad 6 price in Nepal is NPR 39,999 for the 6/128GB and NPR 43,999 for the 8/256GB model. Similarly, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard and Smart Pen (2nd Generation) cost NPR 8,499 and NPR 9,999, respectively. You can buy Xiaomi Pad 6 and its official accessories in Nepal from authorized stores like Hukut.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Price in Nepal (Official) Availability
6/128GB NPR 39,999 Hukut
8/256GB NPR 43,999

Sony officially unveils Pulse Explore earbuds and Pulse Elite headset

1

Alongside the PlayStation Portal remote play device, Sony has also launched a couple of audio accessories for PlayStation 5 and the Portal, which includes the Pulse Explore Earbuds and the Pulse Elite Headset. And within this article, we’ll explore the features, and specifications of Sony Pulse Explore earbuds and the Pulse Elite Headset along with the release date and expected price in Nepal.

PlayStation Pulse Explore Earbuds Overview:

As the first earbuds designed exclusively for the PlayStation platform, Sony is touting a premium audio experience here. Actually audiophile-level experience, actually. According to the company, Pulse Explore is among the first true wireless earbuds to use planar magnetic drivers. Compared to dynamic drivers, these use a flat electrical conductor between flat magnets to move the diaphragm instead of a coil.

Pulse Explore earbuds-price in Nepal

With this, planar magnetic drivers usually manage less distortion and better clarity. Besides, these earbuds also promise lossless audio and low-latency performance. Furthermore, they incorporate dual microphones with AI-enhanced noise rejection to minimize background noise.

Additionally, a “Link” button on each earbud allows reconnection and device switching. Sony offers these earbuds with up to four tip sizes for a comfortable fit. Whereas its charging case features a sleek, modern design matching the PS5, in black and white colors.

PlayStation Pulse Elite Headset Overview:

In addition to the earbuds, attention is growing around Sony’s upcoming Pulse Elite Headset, positioned as an enhanced version of the Pulse 3D headset for PS5. Much like the Pulse Explore, the Pulse Elite also boasts planar magnetic drivers, lossless audio, and AI-driven noise cancellation. The headset features a retractable boom microphone too.

Pulse-Elite-headset-price-in-Nepal

For a comfortable fit, Sony says the Pulse Elite headset is pretty lightweight and it has a flexible headband as well. The company has even bundled a charging hanger with the headset itself.

Pulse Explore Earbuds and Pulse Elite Headset: Additional features

Connection

Both devices are integrated with “PlayStation Link” wireless technology that enables low latency, lossless audio, and seamless connectivity between all the devices like PS5, PlayStation Portal, Pulse Explore earbuds, and Pulse Elite headset. It also allows users to quickly switch between PS5 and PlayStation Portal when playing games.

Bluetooth connectivity

Unlike PlayStation Portal, these devices support Bluetooth audio, providing additional connectivity options for a wider range of devices.

Pair with different devices

The Pulse Explore wireless earbuds and Pulse Elite headset have the ability to connect and use multiple devices simultaneously. For instance, during gameplay, if you get a phone call, the headset manages both game audio and the call, letting users play while talking.

Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite Price and Availability

While Sony hasn’t disclosed all the details about these audio accessories — including availability — we do know how much they’re gonna cost. The Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds will retail at USD 150 and USD 200, respectively. As such, we expect their price in Nepal to be around NPR 23,999 and NPR 31,999 if and when they launch here.

PlayStation audio accessories Official Price Price in Nepal (Expected)
Pulse Elite wireless headset USD 150 NPR 23,999
Pulse Explore wireless earbuds USD 200 NPR 31,999

Vivo Pad Air Announced with 144Hz display and Snapdragon 870 SoC

2

The Vivo Pad was launched back in April 2022 with Snapdragon 870 SoC and a 120Hz LCD display. The Chinese tech brand has refreshed the tab with the Vivo Pad Air moniker. It comes with the same chipset but with a higher refresh rate panel—more about the specs, features, and expected price of the Vivo Pad Air in this article.

Vivo Pad Air Overview:

Design and Display

Beginning with the design, the Vivo Pad Air sports a regular design with a rectangular form factor, with thicker bezels on all sides. The build quality is sturdy though, thanks to its metal body with just 6.67mm of thickness and 530 grams of weight. Talking of the accessories, it supports a Pencil 2 stylus and a dedicated keyboard (sold separately). Vivo ships this tab in three color options: Free Blue, Brave Pink, and Easy Silver.

Vivo Pad Air Design and Display

Coming to the display, the Pad Air features an 11.5-inch LCD screen with a 2.8K resolution (2800 x 1840 pixels). The HDR 10-certified panel supports three variable refresh rates 90Hz/120Hz/144Hz and 500nits of peak brightness.

Performance

Under the hood, this latest tablet from Vivo houses the good old Snapdragon 870 5G chipset. This 7nm fabbed silicon from 2021 still packs a punch for performance and has been an immensely popular choice. It features one core Kryo 585 Prime (Cortex-A77) at 3200 MHz, three cores Kryo 585 Gold (Cortex-A77) at 2420 MHz, and four cores Kryo 585 Silver (Cortex-A55) at 1800 MHz.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G SoC

Handling the graphics here is an Adreno 650 GPU. Vivo has paired the chip with up to 12GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 internal storage. And booting the phone is OriginOS 3 built on top of Android 13.

Optics

As for the camera, the tablet features a single rear camera, which is an 8MP shooter with an LED flash. For selfies and video calls, you get a 5MP sensor upfront.

Battery and Others

Fueling the tablet is an 8500mAh battery with 44W fast charging support, which is bundled in the box. Meanwhile, the connectivity options here include WiFi 6 (Dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and a USB Type-C port.

Vivo Pad Air Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 259.73 x 176 x 6.67mm, 530 gm
  • Display: 11-inches IPS LCD, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR 10, 16:10 aspect ratio
  • Resolution: 2800 x 1840 pixels, 20:9 aspect ratio
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm)
  • Memory: 8/12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128/256/512GB UFS 3.1 storage (not expandable)
  • Software & UI: OriginOS 3
  • Rear Camera: Single 8MP unit
  • Front Camera: 5MP front sensor
  • Audio: Quad-stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Security: No fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
  • Battery: 8500mAh with 44W fast charge
  • Color Options: Free Blue, Brave Pink, Easy Silver

Vivo Pad Air Price in Nepal and Availability

In China, the Vivo Pad Air’s price begins at CNY 1,799 for the base 8/128GB trim and goes all the way up to CNY 2,599 for the 12/512GB version. We expect the Vivo Pad Air price in Nepal to start from NPR 41,999 if and when it launches here.

Vivo pad Air Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
8/128GB CNY 1,799 NPR 41,999
8/256GB CNY 1,999 NPR 45,999
12/256GB CNY 2,299 NPR 52,999
12/512GB CNY 2,599 NPR 59,999

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57: World’s first dual UHD monitor goes official

Samsung continues to impress the gaming world with its exceptional lineup of curved gaming monitors, which now includes the Odyssey Neo G9 57, and the Odyssey Ark 55 introduced at Gamescom 2023.  In this article, let’s talk about the former, Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57″, and its standout features, specifications, and expected price in Nepal.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57” Overview:

Display and Performance

The Odyssey Neo G9 57″, model name G95NC, boasts a VA-type LCD panel of 7680 x 2160 pixels resolution. It has an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 32:9, equivalent to two 16:9, 3840 x 2160 panels. Additionally, it comes with a 240Hz refresh rate, that allows for incredibly smooth motion and a sharp gaming experience.

The Odyssey Neo G9 57″ features Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology with mini-LED backlighting, boasting 2392 local dimming zones. With VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification, it delivers impressive brightness and contrast. The monitor offers a rapid 1ms response time (GTG) and comes with a matte coating to reduce reflections.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the monitor offers a Display Port 2.1, VESA-certified DP 2.1, and a USB Hub. It supports picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture modes, simplifying multitasking. For convenience, it also features auto source switching.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57” Specifications:

  • Display Size: 57-inch
  • Display Panel: VA LCD Panel (Curved)
  • Resolution: 7,680 x 2,160 pixels, 32:9 aspect ratio, 420 cd/㎡
  • Color Gamut:  95% DCI Coverage
  • Contrast Ratio: 2,500:1 (Static)
  • HDR: Yes, VESA DisplayHDR 1000
  • Refresh rate: up to 240Hz
  • Response Rate: 1ms
  • VRR: AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro
  • Ports: 3x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 2x USB 3, 1x headphone jack

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57″: Price and Availability in Nepal

The Odyssey Neo G9 57″ is available for pre-order in the UK for GBP 2,199. As unlikely as it is, if the monitor does make it here, we expect the Odyssey Neo G9 57″ price in Nepal to be around NPR 400,000.

Gaming Monitor Price in the UK (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
Odyssey Neo G9 57″ GBP 2,199 NPR 4,00,000

Meanwhile, check out our review of Xiaomi Redmi G24 Gaming Monitor.

PlayStation Portal becomes Sony’s first Remote Play handheld device

1

Initially called the Project Q, Sony has officially unveiled the PlayStation Portal. Despite its handheld console-like design, this device can’t run games on its own, and it can stream the ones on your PlayStation 5. It is meant to accompany the PlayStation console, acting somewhat like an add-on. In this article, we’ll be exploring the details available about the features, specifications, release date, and expected price in Nepal for the PlayStation Portal.

PlayStation Portal will connect remotely to your PS5 over Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to swiftly jump from playing on your PS5 to your PlayStation Portal

PlayStation Portal Overview:

Hardware Features:

The PS Portal features an 8″ LCD screen sporting a 1080P resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. Its controller includes prominent controls on each side that support adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. This design ensures that PS5 games played on the PlayStation Portal provide an experience similar to using the dedicated DualSense controller.

PlayStation-Portal-Design

Additionally, the PlayStation Portal offers media playback functionality. A dedicated section on the home screen mirrors the PS5 setup to support the quick transition from gaming to media consumption.

Supported Games and Functionality:

The device is limited to playing only the games that are installed on your PS5 console. Notably, the handheld won’t also have compatibility with PlayStation Plus Premium cloud streaming. Additionally, it’s not designed to run any other games or locally stored media content.

Connectivity and Audio:

Interestingly, the PlayStation Portal doesn’t have Bluetooth but only uses Wi-Fi and PlayStation Link. PlayStation Link is Sony’s special technology of connecting wirelessly, letting you switch between devices that work together and make audio sound good and responsive.

Furthermore, it uses PS Remote Play to help play PS5 games anywhere, as long as the device is connected to Wi-Fi. To work well, the PS Portal needs internet speeds of at least 5Mbps, but for the best gaming, Sony suggests having at least 15Mbps speeds.

PlayStation Portal Price in Nepal and Availability

Although there’s talk of a potential launch in November, Sony hasn’t confirmed the precise date it will be available for excited PlayStation fans. Right now, the device is planned to cost USD 199.99. When available in Nepal, it will probably be available at the price of Rs. 35,000.

Accessory Model Price in the US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
PlayStation Portal USD 199.99 NPR 35,000

Redmi K60 Ultra to get 4 major Android updates, 5 years of security patches

After months of leaks and rumors, Xiaomi’s Redmi K60 Ultra is finally here and it sure packs a lot for the price. In this article, let’s dive into the features, specifications, and expected price of the Redmi K60 Ultra in Nepal.

Redmi K60 Ultra Overview :

Display

The Ultra phone sports 6.67 inches of screen real estate. It features a 144Hz OLED panel of 1220x 2712 resolution. The screen supports HDR 10+ and can go up to 2600 nits of peak brightness.

Redmi K60 Ultra Screen

Besides that, the phone weighs about 204 grams and measures 8.5mm in thickness. It is only the second Redmi phone ever to come with an IP68 dust and water rating (Redmi Note 10 JE takes the crown here).

5 years of Software Support

Redmi K60 Ultra will be among the first devices to receive MIUI 15, a new version of Xiaomi’s user interface. One interesting thing is Xiaomi promising 4 years of major Android updates. Likewise, the phone will get security patches for a whole 5 years, which means the phone will remain secure from potential threats. However, it is not sure whether the current phone will get this update.

Performance and Gaming

The K60 Ultra 5G comes equipped with the cutting-edge MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ SoC, boasting an impressive peak clock speed of 3.35GHz. The chip offers enhanced performance compared to the vanilla Dimensity 9200. Also, the chip boats the increased clock speeds on all cores, including the main Arm Cortex-X3 core, three performance Cortex-A715s, and four economical Cortex-A510s. Additionally, the productivity of the Immortalis-G715 graphics subsystems is boosted by 17%.

Redmi K60 Ultra achieved a score of 1,774,714 points, setting a new benchmark in performance across all segments.

To elevate the gaming experience, the phone incorporates a special PixleWorks X7 chip for smoother display quality and improved imaging capabilities. The chip applies frame interpolation to double, triple, and even quadruple the frame rate with a latency of under 10ms. It is not something new though as we have seen it being used in other recent flagships such as the OnePlus 11, Realme GT2 Explorer Master, and Honor Magic5 Pro.

Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra

AI Super Vision Engine and MAGT Ultra

Redmi K60 Ultra features the Furious Engine 2.0, a performance mode that maximizes the potential of the two processors. The combination of these features ensures that users can enjoy top-notch performance, making the K60 Ultra stand out as a best-in-class device, as claimed by the company.

The Redmi K60 Ultra’s AI super vision engine performs super dynamic rendering of the scenery and saturation of different objects. The MAGT Ultra technology offers real-time monitoring and predicts load, optimizing power consumption and ensuring stable frequency during operation.

Camera

The K60 Ultra features a triple camera setup on its back.  Led by the primary 200MP lens, the setup includes an 8MP  ultrawide and a 2MP depth sensor as well. The 20 MP selfie camera is housed in a hole-punch cutout up front.

Redmi K60 Ultra Camera

Rest of the Specs

Redmi K60 Ultra comes with up to 24GB of RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It boots on Android 13 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 skin on top.

In the tank, K60 Ultra features a large 5000mAh battery that supports up to 120 W fast charging. This blazing fast charging speed allows the Ultra to go from 0 to 100% in under 20 minutes (19 min advertised).

Redmi K60 Ultra Specifications:

  • Body: 75.7 x 162.2 x 8.5mm, 204 gm
  • Display: 6.67-inch OLED, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 2600 nits peak brightness
  • Resolution: 1.5K (2712 x 1220 pixels)
  • Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+(4nm)
  • Memory: 12/16/24GB RAM, 256/512/1024GB UFS 4 storage
  • Software & UI: Android 13 with MIUI 13
  • Rear Camera: Triple (w/ LED flash);
    – 50MP main, f/1.7, (OIS)
    – 8MP ultra-wide, 119° FoV
    – 2MP f/2.4 macro
  • Front Camera: 20MP (punch-hole)
  • Audio: Stereo Speakers
  • Security: In-display mounted fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, 360º Ambient Light, Proximity, Gyroscope, Electronic Compass, IR Blaster
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 120W fast charging

Redmi K60 Ultra Price in Nepal and Availability

The Redmi K60 Ultra was officially announced on August 15 alongside the Xiaomi Fold 3, Pad 6 Max, and Band 8 Pro. It goes on sale today (the 16th). The base 12/256GB variant goes for CNY 2,599 while the top of the line 24GB/1TB one carries a hefty price tag of CNY 3,599. Though unlikely, if it does make it here, we expect the Redmi K60 Ultra Price in Nepal to start at around NPR 53,000.

Redmi K60 Ultra Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
12/256 GB CNY 2,599 NPR 53,000
16/256 GB CNY 2,799 NPR 57,000
16/512 GB CNY 2,999 NPR 62,000
16GB/1TB CNY 3,299 NPR 68,000
24GB/1TB CNY 3,599 NPR 74,000

  • Moreover, check out our review of the Redmi K50i.