China recently announced it’s restricting the export of Gallium and Germanium. These are the two essential metals used in semiconductors and electric vehicles. Now, this has raised serious concerns about the potential disruption it may cause to global supply chains. These restrictions are set to come into effect from August 1. Apparently, such restrictions further increase the ongoing technology war between China and the United States. They have far-reaching implications for various industries.
China’s Export Controls and Global Supply Chain Disruption
The decision made by China to restrict the export of Gallium and Germanium has significant tensions in the trade and technology war. This huge move has the potential to interrupt global supply chains and has an effect on industries, especially those heavily dependent on these metals.
Company Responses to the Export Restrictions
Companies across different sectors have responded to China’s export restrictions with a mix of caution and readiness. The Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan expressed uncertainty about potential shortages. Meanwhile, Dowa Holdings, the top producer of high-purity gallium, is investigating the situation.
Fujitsu is not directly impacted by the regulations but continues to monitor market trends. Nichia Corp and Sumitomo Chemical are evaluating the impact, while Volkswagen keeps a close watch on the situation given the role of these metals in their automotive products.
The Significance of Gallium and Germanium in Semiconductor Industries
Gallium and germanium contribute to the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) by enhancing the performance of key components. Gallium is used in the creation of high-performance neodymium-iron-boron rare-earth magnets used in EV engines. It improves motor efficiency and power output.
Germanium, on the other hand, supports the production of specialized plastics and thermal-imaging systems utilized in EVs. These advancements help in addressing the challenges of range, efficiency, and overall performance in the rapidly expanding EV market.
Concerns and Uncertainties Surrounding Future Export Restrictions
The sudden announcement of these export restrictions and the forthcoming uncertainty have created significant concerns within the industry. Also, the unclear requirements and potential expansion of export controls raise questions about the future availability and pricing of gallium and germanium. Market participants are closely watching developments and assessing the potential impact on their operations and supply chains. The export restrictions on gallium and germanium underscore the challenges faced by global supply chains and the ongoing struggle for dominance in semiconductor technologies.
Meanwhile, check out our review on Oneplus Pad after one month of use.
AMD has released a brand new budget CPU, Ryzen 5 5600X3D, based on the last generation’s Zen 3 architecture. The CPU comes with the special 3D V-cache technology that promises 85% of the gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (one of the most powerful CPUs in the budget segment). More about specs, features, and expected price of AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D in Nepal.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D Overview:
The Ryzen 5 5600X3D carries 6 cores and 12 threads, similar to the regular Ryzen 5 5600X. Each 6 of the cores has 512KB of L2 cache, therefore, totaling together up to 3MB. The main addition is the 3D V-cache, which makes the L3 cache 96MB- amazing considering it is a budget CPU. This technology excels in gaming performance by a considerable margin.
Talking of the frequency, the base clock speed is 3.3GHz, and the boost clock speed is 4.4GHz. This combination of cores, threads, and cache size can deliver powerful gaming and multitasking performance.
Additionally, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D offers extreme gaming performance with a thermal design power (TDP) of 105W.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D Price in Nepal and Availability
At the moment, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D costs USD 230. Currently, it is only available in the US, that too, at Micro Center, an American retail shop. Although it’s very unlikely to launch here, we expect the Ryzen 5 5600X3D price in Nepal to be NPR 35,999 if and when it becomes available in Nepal.
CPU
Price in the US (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Ryzen 5 5600X3D
USD 230
NPR 35,999
Meanwhile, check out our review of the Asus Zenbook S13 OLED (2023).
Samsung Networks and MediaTek collaboratively made a wonderful achievement in 5G technology. The companies successfully tested the industry-first 3Tx antenna transmission at Samsung’s lab in Suwon, South Korea.
The building blocks behind the breakthrough
To carry out such massive development, they used a 5G Standalone network with 2CC CA (Carrier Aggregation) with advanced MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology. Moreover, Samsung provided its powerful C-Band Massive MIMO radios, a virtualized Distributed Unit (vDU), and a 5G core for testing.
Similarly, MediaTek contributed a test device equipped with the new M80-based CPU chipset. It featured three antennas operating on different frequencies – the usual 1,900MHz and 3.7GHz an additioanl 3.7GHz. Notably, this collaboration came up with an exceptional upload speed of 363Mbps (45.375MB/s). They drew the theoretical limit for this setup.
What does the breakthrough by Samsung and MediaTek do?
This breakthrough promises future consumer products in enhancing the network upload speeds. Current mainstream devices have just two antennas but given the added benefits of the third one we might see it being a new usual in the future. We will find a smoother performance in activities like high-resolution live video streaming, on-the-go video conferencing, and multiplayer gaming.
Dongwoo Lee, the Head of the Technology Solution Group at Samsung Networks, expressed his excitement over this achievement and its potential impact on consumer devices. Faster uplink speeds will unlock new possibilities and transform user experiences. Lee emphasized the commitment of both Samsung and MediaTek to enhance their customers’ networks by leveraging the most advanced technology available.
Sony Ericsson and MediaTek’s record
In comparison, Sony Ericsson and MediaTek recently set a record uplink speed of 440Mbps (55MB/s) for low and mid-band 5G networks using uplink carrier aggregation. This record is slightly higher than Samsung’s achievement. However, it is important to note that the implementations of the two records are different. Ericsson used the 50MHz FDD n1 and 100MHz TDD n77 bands.
Overall, the collaboration between Samsung Networks and MediaTek has showcased the impressive potential of 5G technology. It paves the way for faster and more efficient network connectivity in the future. The achievement of record-breaking upload speeds brings us closer to a new era of enhanced user experiences and innovative applications in various industries.
Meanwhile, check out our latest review of the OnePlus Nord 3.
Honor Pad X8 Pro is officially launched in the Chinese market as a successor to Pad X8, which was released in September 2022. This tablet has a number of improvements over its predecessor, including a faster processor, a higher refresh rate display, and more RAM and storage options. It is a good option for students, professionals, and gamers alike. In this article, I will be providing all the available details of the Honor Pad X8 Pro along with specs, availability, and price in Nepal.
Honor Pad X8 Pro Overview:
Design and Display
The Honor Pad X8 Pro features an 11.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a 2K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. It has a metal unibody design with rounded edges. The display is surrounded by thin bezels, and there is a small hole-punch cutout in the top center for the front-facing camera. The tablet has a slim profile of just 6.9mm and a weight of approximately 495g.
The display prioritizes eye protection by obtaining TÜV Rheinland flicker-free certification and TÜV Rheinland Hardware Level Low Blue Light Certification. These certifications indicate that the tablet meets specific standards for reducing eye strain and minimizing the potential negative effects of blue light emissions. In addition, the Honor Pad X8 Pro is the first tablet to receive the national standard children’s protection certification.
Performance
Powering the Honor Pad X8 Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 4G SoC. It runs on MagicOS 7.1, which is based on Android 13. In this tablet, all the graphics-related tasks are handed over to Adreno 610 GPU. It also has up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, which provides plenty of power and space for multitasking and storing apps, games, and files.
Camera and Audio
The tablet is equipped with modest camera setups; a 5MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The Honor Pad X8 Pro also boasts six-speaker subwoofer sound units, promising enhanced audio performance. With Hi-Res audio support, users can enjoy boosted audio while consuming multimedia content.
The Honor Pad X8 Pro houses a 7,250mAh battery with support for 22.5W fast charging. This charging capacity allows for quick charging times and extended usage periods. It has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
Honor Pad X8 Pro Specifications:
Dimension: 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.9mm, 495g
Display: 11.5-inch IPS LCD screen, 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, 400 nits peak brightness, and 203 PPI
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 4G SoC (6nm)
Memory: 4GB/6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage (expanded up to 512GB)
OS: MagicOS 7.1 (Based on Android 13）
Cameras: 5MP rear and 5MP front camera
Battery: 7250mAh supporting 22.5W charging
Audio: 6 Speakers, Hi-Res audio
Color options: Star Gray, Sky Blue, and Coral Purple.
Connectivity: Dual Band Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C
Honor Pad X8 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability:
The tablet is available in different price ranges as per the memory capacity it comes with. It is currently available in China through the Honor online store and select retailers. The tablet is expected to be released in other regions in the coming months. Here is the pricing list of the Honor Pad X8 Pro along with the expected price when available in Nepal.
OPPO has unveiled the successors of its Reno 9 series with the launch of the Reno 10, Reno 10 Pro, and Reno 10 Pro Plus (stylized: 10 Pro+). And in this article, we’ll be talking about the design, specifications, and price in Nepal of the OPPO Reno 10 Pro and Reno 10 Pro Plus.
OPPO Reno 10 Pro and 10 Pro Plus: Overview
Display and Build
First, let’s start things off with the design. Both these phones have a premium look and feel with curved sides. The Reno 10 Pro duo has a textured glass back, metal frames, and weighs under 200 grams as well. As for color options, they’re both available in purple and grey finishes.
Moving on, both models sport a 3D curved AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels. The regular Reno 10 Pro sports a 6.7 inches whereas the Pro Plus model features a slightly bigger display measuring 6.74 inches. Regardless, these are 120Hz screens with a touch sampling rate of up to 240Hz. On top of this, they have 10-bit colors, cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and reach 950 nits of peak brightness.
Camera
Getting to the cameras, these phones have four cameras in total, spread across the front and back. The triple camera array on the back of the Reno 10 Pro houses a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 32MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Reno 10 Pro Plus replaces this telephoto sensor with a 64MP periscope telephoto camera instead.
This OIS-enabled OmniVision sensor offers 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. On the front, we find a 32MP selfie camera inside a hole-punch cutout on either of them. And unlike the vanilla Reno 10 Pro, the Pro Plus phones have OPPO’s home-grown MariSilicon X NPU (neural processing unit) for accelerated image processing.
Performance
On the performance side of things, the Reno 10 Pro has Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, whereas the Reno 10 Pro Plus houses a more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 from Qualcomm. Both devices are available in sole memory configuration. That said, Oppo has used LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage on the Reno 10 Pro restricting the newer LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 for the Pro Plus model.
Battery and Extras
Moving on, OPPO Reno 10 Pro is fueled by a 4600mAh Li-Po battery, while the Plus gets a slightly larger 4700mAh unit. The Plus variant also gets faster charging treatment as its supports 100W SuperVOOC 2.0. The regular Reno 10 Pro caps out at 80W. As for the software, these phones ship with ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 13. Apart from this, the Reno 10 Pro series brings an in-display fingerprint reader, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC connectivity.
OPPO Reno 10 Pro and 10 Pro Plus Specifications:
OPPO Reno 10 Pro
OPPO Reno 10 Pro Plus
Display
6.7” FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED
6.74″ FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G (6nm)
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm), MariSilicon X NPU
Memory
12GB LPDDR4X RAM, 256GB UFS 2.2 (non-expandable)
12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB UFS 3.1 (non-expandable)
Software
ColorOS 13.1 on top of Android 13
Rear Camera
Triple camera setup
50MP primary, f/1.8, OIS
8MP ultrawide, 112° FoV
32MP telephoto, 2x optical
Triple camera setup
50MP primary, f/1.8, OIS
8MP ultrawide, 112° FoV
64MP periscope, 3x optical
Front Camera
32MP sensor, f/2.4 (hole-punch)
Security
In-display fingerprint sensor
Battery
4600mAh with 80W charging
4700mAh with 100W charging
Color Options
Silver Grey, Glossy Purple
OPPO Reno 10 Pro and 10 Pro Plus Price in Nepal
The price of Reno 10 Pro and 10 Pro Plus are RM 2,199 and RM 3,499, respectively in Malaysia. It’s been quite some time since OPPO’s Reno series officially arrived in Nepal. But in case it does, we expect the OPPO Reno 10 Pro and 10 Pro Plus price in Nepal to start at NPR 73,999 and NPR 82,499, respectively.
Adding to the lineup of affordable TWS earbuds, OnePlus has launched the Nord Buds 2r in India. And it looks like a toned-down version of the regular Nord Buds 2, but without ANC. It has now launched in Nepal. So let’s get right into the design, features, specifications, and official price in Nepal of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r Overview:
Design
Aesthetically, the Buds 2r have a rounded feel to them. Although they share the design language with the regular Nord Buds 2, OnePlus has curved off the edges of the stem here.
Like the Buds 2, they are in-ear style earbuds and fit into a somewhat pill-shaped charging case. Available in Deep Grey and Triple Blue color options, these earbuds are IP55 rated for dust and water splash resistance while the buds themselves are pretty light at just 4.3 grams each. As for the charging case, it weighs around 38 grams.
Audio
Like the regular Nord Buds 2, it features a 12.4mm driver as well with a titanium-coated diaphragm. And as expected, OnePlus is aggressively marketing it toward bass heads too. It covers a 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response range and comes with a total of 4 microphones (2 on each). But as mentioned before — unlike Nord Buds 2 — this guy doesn’t have active noise cancellation.
Other than this, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r has OnePlus Fast Pair, Sound Master Equalizer, Dolby Atmos, and Dirac Sound Tuning support. You won’t need to download an app on an OPPO or OnePlus phone, but other Android and iOS devices can customize its features via the “HeyMelody” app.
These earbuds are fueled by a 36mAh battery whereas the case has a 480mAh battery. And it also supports fast charging. OnePlus rates the Nord Buds 2r to last up to 8 hours on a full charge via the earbuds. Or 38 hours with the case. It pairs with your phone and other devices via Bluetooth 5.3, while it brings the basic AAC and SBC codec only.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r Specifications:
Driver: 12.4mm dynamic driver
Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Battery: 36mAh (each earbud), 480mAh (case)
Music Time: 8 hours (earbuds), 38 hours (with charging case)
Charging: Wired (USB-C)
Controls: Touch
Active Noise Cancellation: No
IP Rating: Yes (IP55 dust and splash resistant, earbuds only)
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r Price in Nepal and Availability
You can now purchase the OnePlus Nord Buds 2R through the official channel in Nepal. The price is Rs. 4,699 and you can buy it from Hukut and other authorized stores.
OnePlus, the renowned smartphone manufacturer, has once again impressed its fans with the release of its latest audio accessory; the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC. Unveiled at the highly awaited Summer Launch Event, this neckband offers a premium audio experience with 45dB hybrid noise cancellation and 3-mic AI call noise cancellation. Here are all the details of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC neckband along with its expected price in Nepal.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC neckband weighs around 29.2 grams and is IP55 rated against splash damage. Thus, you will have no problem using it for workouts and other physically enduring tasks.
Noise Cancellation
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is designed to deliver clear voice clarity during calls, thanks to its three precision microphones and AI Call Noise Cancellation technology. Also, the neckband features a 45dB hybrid noise cancellation that collects a wide range of sound corresponding to up to 3,500Hz.
The powerful 12.4mm dynamic driver of the earphones has a titanium coating which enhances the durability of the dynamic drivers. When it comes to audio quality, these earphones deliver deep bass, powerful beats, and clarity. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, there comes not many compromises in sound.
Battery
Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC offers an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours (28 hours when ANC is turned off), ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite music throughout the day without worrying about recharging. Additionally, a quick 10-minute charge provides an impressive 20 hours of usage, making it convenient for users on the go. It also offers 16 hours of talk time on calls when ANC is disabled.
Additional Feature
The earphones also come with features like Quick Switch and Google Fast Pair support, allowing effortless connection and switching between devices.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Specification:
Weight: 29.2 gm
Driver: 12.4mm dynamic driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth v5.2, 94ms low latency, up to 10m range)
Battery Capacity: 220mAh Li-ion
Battery Life: 28 hours with ANC off, 20 hours with ANC on, and 16 hours of talk time
The Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is available in two stylish colors, Grand Green and Boomin Black, and is priced at INR 2,299. We expect the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC to cost around NPR 3,999 when it launches in Nepal.
Bluetooth Neckband
Price in India (Official)
Price in Nepal (expected)
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC
INR 2,999
Rs. 3,999
Meanwhile, check out our review of Boat neckbands.
Samsung’s latest midrange phone under Rs. 50,000, the Galaxy A34, has been quite a success. And now, the Galaxy M34 is official in India with an Exynos 1280 chip. So let’s delve into the specifications, features, and expected price of the Samsung Galaxy M34 in this article.
Samsung Galaxy M34 Overview:
Design and Display
The Galaxy M34 looks similar to the A34. On the front side, you get the same U-shaped notch. While Samsung has also retained a plastic frame and plastic back panel. However, the Galaxy M34 is void of IP67 dust and water resistance. As for the display, the M34 features a 6.5-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD resolution. Samsung flaunts this device in three options: Midnight Blue, Prism Silver, and Waterfall Blue.
Performance
The Galaxy M34 uses a homegrown Exynos 1280 chipset like its predecessor, the M33. This is a 5G silicon with two Cortex-A78 cores at 2.4GHz for performance and six Cortex-A55 units at 2.0GHz for efficiency. Samsung has paired the chip with 6GB and 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage. On the software side, the smartphone boots on OneUI 5.1 built on top of Android 13 with four years of OS and five years of security updates promise.
Camera
Getting to the optics, the Galaxy M34 possesses a triple camera setup. It is headlined by a 50MP shooter with OIS, accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro unit. Upfront, there is a 13MP camera for snapping selfies and taking video calls.
Samsung has always amped the battery size on M series phones and this might is also no exception. The M34 packs a 6000mAh battery under the hood. And the charging speed is capped at 25 watts. But to no one’s surprise, you will have to buy the charger separately. Furthermore, the connectivity options include 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a USB Type-C port.
Battery: 6000mAh with 25W fast charging (no charger inside the box)
Color Options: Midnight Blue, Prism Silver, Waterfall Blue.
Samsung Galaxy M34 Price in Nepal and Availability
In India, the Galaxy M34’s official price starts at INR 16,999 for the base 6/128GB version. We can expect the Samsung Galaxy M34 price in Nepal to start at Rs. 27,999 for the 6/128GB variant when it launches here.
Samsung Galaxy M34
Price in India (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
6/128GB
INR 16,999
Rs. 32,499
Meanwhile, you can check our Samsung Galaxy A34 review.
Garmin, widely recognized for its GPS-equipped wearables, has launched the new “Epix Pro” smartwatch in India. Geared towards outdoor activity enthusiasts, it offers a bunch of impressive features such as up to 31-day battery life and a built-in flashlight. Let’s dive into the specifications, features, and expected price of the Garmin Epix Pro smartwatch in Nepal.
Garmin Epix Pro Overview:
Design and Display
When it comes to the design, the Epix Pro has a circular body crafted with a fiber-reinforced polymer case, complemented by a titanium bezel and a steel rear cover. It is available in three dial sizes: 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm — each featuring a 1.2-inch, 1.3-inch, and 1.4-inch display, respectively.
And Garmin says this smartwatch has also passed U.S. military standard tests for thermal, shock, and water resistance. As aforementioned, you get a built-in flashlight to navigate in the dark, while the Epix Pro is 10 ATM water resistant too. As for the display itself, the Epix Pro watch sports an AMOLED panel with Always On Display support.
Health and Navigation features
Like other Garmin watches, the Epix Pro features heart rate, SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation), sleep, and stress monitoring. It also has women’s health tracking, body energy, 24/7 wellness monitoring, HRV status, and morning report features
Whereas navigation features on the Garmin Epix Pro include multi-band GPS, access to enhanced topo maps, and ABC sensors (Altimeter, Barometer, and 3-axis Compass). Other features like multi-continent maps, Skyview maps, and golf course maps enable easy navigation in your adventures. You can also access turn-by-turn directions and round-trip routing on this smartwatch.
Epix Pro encourages you to train better with different features like Training Readiness, Real-Time Stamina, Suggested Workouts, and Performance Metrics. And to improve your form, there’s Visual Race Indicator, Recovery Time indicator, and Garmin Coach.
You can use Activity Profiles to get data and insight from your activities or track your HIIT workouts using the Epix Pro. There are also Animated Workouts to follow along with if you’re out of ideas. The watch also provides separate modes for activities like surfing or MTB cycling where you can track the details of wave surfaced or total distance traveled.
Garmin Epix Pro Specifications:
Case: 42mm / 47mm / 51mm
Material: Titanium bezel, Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel rear cover
The official price of the Garmin Epix Pro starts at INR 111,990 in India and USD 900 in the US for the 42mm and 47mm versions. Similarly, the 51mm model costs INR 123,490 or USD 1000. While it’s highly unlikely this smartwatch officially launches in Nepal, we expect the Garmin Epix Pro price in Nepal to start at NPR 182,000 if and when it does.
I had recently published a review of Samsung’s Galaxy A24 last week, and I thought that phone was the best phone under 30 thousand rupees! But Samsung has now launched the Galaxy M14 model in the Nepali market for just around 25 thousand rupees. After testing this phone for some time, what I can say is: Please, don’t buy the Galaxy M14.
M14 is not a bad phone, but for just an additional 4 thousand rupees, you can buy the Galaxy A24, which is a much better phone. The only thing that M14 is better than A24 is that M14 supports 5G while A24 is a 4G phone.
However, considering the context of Nepal, it will still take around 2 more years for 5G to be officially available from NTC and Ncell in Nepal, and it will take even more time for 5G to be widely available. So, honestly speaking, 5G doesn’t hold much importance in Nepal. And overall, Galaxy M14 is an average offering.
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G Specifications:
Dimensions: 166.8 × 77.2 × 9.4mm
Display: 6.6″ PLS LCD, 90Hz, FHD+ resolution
Chipset: Samsung Exynos 1330 5G (5nm)
Memory: 4/6GB RAM, 64/128GB storage (expandable)
OS: Android 13 with One UI Core 5.1 on top
Rear Cameras: Triple (with LED flash)
– 50MP, f/1.8 primary sensor
– 2MP, f/2.4 macro sensor
– 2MP, f/2.4 depth sensor
– Up to 1080p @ 30fps videos
Front Camera: 13MP f/2.0 (Up to 1080p @ 30 fps videos)
Battery: 6000mAh with 25W fast charging
Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint reader
Wireless Connectivity: WiFi 5 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2
Starting with the design, I didn’t find it particularly attractive. Samsung has provided attractive designs and color options in their A-series phones. From the 20 thousand rupees A14 to the 60 thousand rupees Galaxy A54, all A-series phones have a high-end design similar to the S23 series. But Samsung has given the M14 an outdated design. Plus, the material used on the back feels cheap.
Also, I’m pretty sure that if you use this phone without a cover, it will develop scratches on the back within a year or so and will lose its shine.
The hands-on feel is decent. The phone is not too heavy. The curved sides provide a good grip. The placement of the fingerprint scanner is also good. Although the fingerprint scanner takes a little time to read, it is accurate.
Battery and Charging
6,000mAh battery
25W fast charging
No charger in the box
The major selling point of the Galaxy M14 is its 6,000mAh battery. With a full charge, this phone can last up to 2 days with normal usage, including social media, video streaming, and light gaming. Even heavy users can easily get a day’s usage out of this phone.
For charging, Samsung has provided 25W fast charging support in this phone, which can charge the large battery from 0 to 100% in around 2 hours. However, like other Samsung phones, the charger is not included in the M14’s box. So, you will have to spend an additional 2000 rupees to buy a Samsung charger!
Now, one of the main reasons why I am not recommending the Galaxy M14 5G is its display. Looking at the specs, the display may seem fine, but the brightness aspect of this phone’s display is really weak!
Under normal usage, it may not make much difference, but when you use it outside in bright sunlight, the visibility becomes really poor, especially when compared to the A24.
The display quality is decent. However, it is not an AMOLED panel, but an LCD. So, I felt that the vibrancy and black levels were lacking. In fact, the display quality of this phone is even inferior to the much cheaper Redmi Note 12!
Performance
Octa-core Exynos 1330 (5nm Mobile Platform)
4/6/8GB RAM, 64/128GB Storage (expandable)
Likewise, in the Galaxy M14, you’ll get Samsung’s Exynos 1330 chip, which was also used in the A14 5G. Specs-wise, this chipset is quite impressive. It features a 5nm processor with two powerful Cortex-A78 CPU cores and a Mali G68 GPU. In terms of benchmarks, the Exynos 1330 outperforms the Snapdragon 685 found in the Redmi Note 12 and is on par with the Helio G99 found in the Galaxy A24.
However, just like the A14, Samsung hasn’t optimized this chipset well in the M14. Based on my experience, the M14 doesn’t provide as smooth a day-to-day experience as the A24. There are slight lags here and there.
Similarly, games are not well-optimized on this phone. For example, in PUBG, you can only play at up to 30 fps, and in games like COD Mobile, Mech Arena, and Critical Ops, even at higher fps, you may experience occasional frame drops. The phone’s cooling solution is not very effective either, so it tends to heat up during prolonged gaming sessions.
Software and UI
Android 13 with One UI Core 5.0 on top
2 years of OS, 4 years of guaranteed security updates
In terms of software, the M14 runs on the latest Android 13 with One UI Core 5. Samsung’s UI is good, and there aren’t many bugs. The overall UI feels smooth, even in 90Hz mode, without noticeable stuttering.
Moreover, Samsung promises 2 years of Android updates and 4 years of security updates for the M14, which is more than what other companies typically offer in this price range.
Camera
Triple camera setup at the back
(50MP primary, 2MP portrait, 32MP macro)
16MP selfie camera (notch cutout)
In terms of the camera, the M14 performs consistently better than most Chinese brand phones. Samsung’s optimization and color science engineering are better in this regard.
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So, most of the time, the photos taken with this phone turn out well, with good skin tones and dynamic range in portraits and selfies.
Portraits
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Selfies
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I compared the camera of this phone with that of the Redmi Note 12, and as you can see, the M14’s photos are slightly better most of the time.
Galaxy M14 vs Redmi Note 12
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Samsung Galaxy-M14
Redmi Note 12
Samsung Galaxy-M14
Redmi Note 12
Samsung Galaxy-M14
Redmi Note 12
However, the downside of the M14’s camera is that it can only record videos up to Full HD resolution, and it lacks an ultra-wide-angle camera. The low-light performance is not particularly impressive either.
Low Light Photos
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Samsung Galaxy M14 Review: Conclusion
So, considering everything I’ve mentioned, if you spend just 4000 more, you can get a much better device with the Galaxy A24. With the A24, you’ll have a superior AMOLED screen with better brightness, more optimized performance, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and better low-light photography. Additionally, the A24 has a premium look and feel, and it offers 4 years of OS updates compared to the M14’s 2 years.
Therefore, even if you have a budget of around 25,000, I think the Redmi Note 12 is a better option than the M14 overall. With the Note 12, you’ll get a 120Hz AMOLED display, better performance, a nice design, and a 33W fast charger included in the box.
