Huawei has just launched the Nova 9 series, which includes two smartphones—the Nova 9 and Nova 9 Pro. These phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset and feature up to 100W fast charging. So, let’s get into the specs, features, availability, and expected price of Huawei Nova 9 and Nova 9 Pro in Nepal.
Huawei Nova 9, 9 Pro Overview:
Design and Display
Starting with the display, the Nova 9 has a 6.57-inch OLED screen with 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution. Whereas, the Nova 9 Pro packs a larger 6.72-inch panel with a 2676 x 1236 pixel resolution. Both these displays are curved and boast a 120Hz refresh rate, a 300Hz touch sampling rate, and the P3 wide color gamut.
Huawei Nova 9 Series
1 of 2
Nova 9
Nova 9 Pro
However, the main difference between the two is the centered punch-hole cutout for a single selfie camera on the Nova 9, while the Pro model has a pill-shaped cutout on the top left for two cameras. On the rear, there’s a gigantic camera setup reminiscent of Huawei’s P50 series, with the Nova logo at the bottom.
Under the hood, as aforementioned, both phones pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G processor. However, Qualcomm has disabled 5G connectivity on this chip as a workaround to sell its chips to Huawei.
Long story short, the US restricts any American-owned companies from supplying 5G chips to Huawei. Here, the Snapdragon 778G 4G has been paired with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. The Nova 9 series boots on Huawei’s HMS-basedHarmonyOS 2.0 out-of-the-box.
The battery is another area where they differ substantially. The Nova 9 and 9 Pro feature a 4300mAh and a 4000mAh cell, respectively. Likewise, the former supports 66W fast charging support contrary to 100W on the 9 Pro.
As per Huawei, the Pro model can fully juice up in just 20 minutes. Plus, it also has a VC (Vapor Chamber) and graphene cooling system to keep the device temperature down.
Camera
On to the cameras, the Nova 9 series has a quad-camera setup at the back led by a 50MP f/1.9 RYYB sensor. This is followed by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle, a 2MP depth-of-field, and a 2MP macro camera.
On the front, the vanilla model has a single 32MP selfie camera. The Pro model, on the other hand, gets an additional 32MP sensor for ultra-wide shots.
Rest of the specs
Moreover, both phones have an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for biometrics. For connectivity, they feature Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi, and GPS.
Huawei Nova 9, 9 Pro Specifications:
Display:
Nova 9: 6.57-inch OLED, 2340 x 1080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate, P3 wide color gamut
Nova 9 Pro: 6.72-inch OLED, 2676 x 1236 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate, P3 wide color gamut
Nova 9 Pro: 32MP f/2.0 main + 32MP f/2.4 ultrawide
Battery:
Nova 9: 4300mAh, 66W charging
Nova 9 Pro: 4000mAh, 100W charging
Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, NFC, GPS
Huawei Nova 9, 9 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability
The price of the Huawei Nova 9 and 9 Pro starts at CNY 2,699 and CNY 3,499 respectively for the base 8/128GB model. We expect the price of the Huawei Nova 9 and 9 Pro in Nepal to start at NPR 55,000 and NPR 70,000, if and when it launches in Nepal.
Huawei Nova 9 series
Price in China
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Nova 9 (8/128GB)
CNY 2,699
NPR 55,000
Nova 9 (8/256GB)
CNY 2,999
NPR 60,000
Nova 9 Pro (8/128GB)
CNY 3,499
NPR 70,000
Nova 9 Pro (8/256GB)
CNY 3,899
NPR 75,000
Meanwhile, check out our pick for the best mid-range phones of 2021.
After a couple of weeks of teasers, the iQOO Z5 is now official in China. To note, the phone is launching next week in India as well. So, let’s get into the specs, features, rumors, and expected price of the iQOO Z5 in Nepal.
iQOO Z5 Overview:
Design and Display
To begin with, the iQOO Z5 flaunts a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with FHD+ resolution. It’s an HDR10 panel with 650 nits brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate.
The phone has a glossy design at the back. On the front, there is a punch-hole cutout for a selfie camera. iQOO Z5 is available in three color options: Dream Space, Twilight Dawn, and Blue Origin.
Powering the phone is a Snapdragon 778G chipset coupled with 8/12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage. It’s a 5G chipset with up to 2.4GHz of clock speed. Fueling the smartphone is a 5,000mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging. As per iQOO, a full charge can offer 96 hours of music playback, 18.3 hours of video playback, and 10.4 hours of gaming.
Camera
Moreover, the device has a triple rear camera arrangement led by a 64MP Samsung GW3 sensor. Accompanying this is an 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro sensor. You’ll find a 16MP selfie shooter in the aforementioned punch-hole cutout.
Rest of the specs
On the software front, iQOO Z5 ships with OriginOS based on Android 11 in the Chinese market. Yet, it’s expected to arrive with Funtouch OS 12 in the international market. In terms of audio, it has stereo speakers and a headphone jack. There’s a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometrics.
iQOO Z5 will go on sale in China from September 28 at a starting price of CNY 1,899 for the 8/128GB model. Similarly, the 8/256GB and 12/256GB models cost CNY 2,099 and CNY 2,299, respectively. We expect the price of iQOO Z5 in Nepal to start at NPR 40,000 if and when it launches here.
Microsoft has just announced its new creator-centric device, called the Surface Laptop Studio. It is positioned as a replacement and successor to the Surface Book line. So, let’s get into the specs, features, availability, and expected price of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio in Nepal.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Overview:
Design and Display
Starting with the design, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is encased in a magnesium-aluminum case. It has a full-sized keyboard, a Precision Haptic touchpad, and a 180-degree Dynamic Woven Hinge. The hinge lets you slide the display forward over the attached keyboard to turn it into a tablet.
Moreover, you can use it in Laptop, Stage, and Studio mode. The laptop flaunts a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 3:2 aspect ratio, and 2400 x 1600 pixels resolution. The screen comes with Dolby Vision support and is also compatible with Surface Pen.
Under the hood, the Laptop Studio draws power from Intel Core i5-11300H or i7-11370H. Likewise, the graphics are handled by Intel’s integrated Iris Xe GPU on the i5 variant, while the i7 model gets dedicated graphics in the form of GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (4GB GDDR6 VRAM) from NVIDIA.
In terms of memory, it can be configured with up to 32GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. Fueling the device is a 56.3Wh battery that the company claims can provide up to 19 hours of battery life.
Moreover, the Surface Laptop Studio boots on Windows 11. It has a TPM 2.0 chip for enterprise security and also supports Windows Hello face authentication.
Rest of the specs
Aside from this, this device comes with two USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. For wireless connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. Over on the audio, there are dual far-field Studio microphones from Microsoft and quad Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Price in Nepal and Availability
The price of Surface Laptop Studio starts at USD 1,599.99 for the i5, 16GB/256GB model and goes up to USD 3,099.99 for the i7, 32GB/2TB variant. We expect the price of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio to start at NPR 220,000, if and when it launches in Nepal.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Price in the US
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Intel i5, 16GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Iris Xe
USD 1,599.99
NPR 220,000
Intel i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Iris Xe
USD 1,799.99
NPR 245,000
Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, RTX 3050 Ti
USD 2,099.99
NPR 285,000
Intel i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, RTX 3050 Ti
USD 2,699.99
NPR 365,000
Intel i7, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, RTX 3050 Ti
USD 3,099.99
NPR 420,000
Meanwhile, check out our review of the Asus Zephyrus G14 2021.
Alongside the new Surface Duo 2, Go 3, Microsoft also launched the new Surface Pro 8 and Pro X 2-in-1 PCs at the September launch event. In this article, we will get through the specs, features, expected price, and availability of Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Pro X in Nepal.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8, Pro X Overview:
Design and Display
To begin with, both the Pro X and Pro 8 boast a 13” PixelSense display with 2880 x 1920 pixels resolution (267 PPI). However, the latter has support for a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision. Though the screen runs at 60Hz, it can dynamically jump to 120Hz during touch and stylus input.
That being said, both Surface Pro 8 and Pro X are compatible with Surface Slim Pen 2 and Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.
Performance
Powering the Pro 8 is either the Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1185G7 CPU. It can be configured with up to 32GB of LDDR4X RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The graphics, on the other hand, are handled by integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU. With this configuration, Microsoft is citing it as the “most powerful Pro”.
Likewise, the Pro X is also available in two chip configurations—Microsoft SQ1 and SQ2. The former comes with Adreno 685 GPU, while the latter has Adreno 690 graphics. It is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 512GB of SSD.
Moving on, both come pre-installed with Windows 11 out-of-the-box. But interestingly enough, the LTE variant of the Pro X still runs Windows 10 Home and will be upgraded to the new OS when available.
In terms of the camera, either of the devices carries a 5MP lens on the front and a 10MP sensor on the back. The latter can record up to 4K video. Plus, they support Windows Hello face authentication as well. Now, like the Surface Go 3, the Surface Pro 8, and Pro X have 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio.
Rest of the specs
Furthermore, the I/O options include two USB-C, a Surface Connect, and a Surface Keyboard port in the Pro X. Similarly, the Pro 8 has two USB-C with USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a Surface Connect and a Surface Type Cover port.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8, Pro X Specifications:
Display:
Pro 8: 13” PixelSense, 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI) resolution, 120Hz, 3:2 aspect ratio, GPU Ink, Dolby Vision
Pro X: 13” PixelSense, 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI) resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio
Chipset:
Pro 8: Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1185G7
Pro X: Microsoft SQ1 / SQ2
Graphics:
Pro 8: Intel Iris Xe (Integrated)
Pro X (SQ1 / SQ2): Adreno 685 / Adreno 690
Memory:
Pro 8: 8/16/32GB LPDDR4x RAM, up to 1TB SSD
Pro X: 8/16GB LPDDR4x RAM, up to 512GB SSD
FrontCamera: 5MP sensor
Rear Camera: 10MP, up to 4k video recording
Audio: 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio
Software:
Pro 8: Windows 11
Pro X: Windows 11 (Wi-Fi), Windows 10 Home (LTE)
Connectivity:
Pro 8: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1
Pro X: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0
Extras: Surface Slim Pen 2, Surface Pro Signature Keyboard compatibility
Battery(Pro 8 / Pro X): 50.2Wh / 45.8Wh
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Price in Nepal and Availability
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is available at a starting price of USD 1,099.99 for the 8/128GB, Core i5 variant, going up to USD 2,599.99 for the Core i7 model with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. We expect the price of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 in Nepal to start at NPR 150,000 if and when it launches here.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Price in the US
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
USD 1,099.99
NPR 150,000
Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
USD 1,199.99
NPR 165,000
Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
USD 1,399.99
NPR 190,000
Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
USD 1,399.99
NPR 190,000
Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
USD 1,599.99
NPR 215,000
Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
USD 1,899.99
NPR 260,000
Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
USD 2,199.99
NPR 300,000
Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
USD 2,599.99
NPR 355,000
Microsoft Surface Pro X Price in Nepal and Availability
The base model (SQ1, 8/128GB, Wi-Fi) of the Surface Pro X starts at USD 899.99. We expect the price of the Microsoft Surface Pro X in Nepal to start at NPR 125,000, if and when it launches here (but like the Pro 8, they’re unlikely to arrive in Nepal officially).
Microsoft Surface Pro X
Price in the US
Price in Nepal (Expected)
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, WiFi
USD 899.99
NPR 125,000
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, LTE
USD 999.99
NPR 135,000
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, WiFi
USD 1099.99
NPR 150,000
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, LTE
USD 1299.99
NPR 175,000
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, WiFi
USD 1299.99
NPR 175,000
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, LTE
USD 1499.99
NPR 205,000
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, WiFi
USD 1499.99
NPR 205,000
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, LTE
USD 1799.99
NPR 245,000
Meanwhile, check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2.
Redmi forayed into the gaming laptop market last year with the Intel-powered Redmi G. A year later, the company has announced its successor with both Intel and AMD CPU options. Here, we will be discussing the specs, key features, expected price, and availability of the Redmi G 2021 gaming laptop in Nepal.
Redmi G 2021 Overview:
Design and Display
Starting with the design, the Redmi G 2021 doesn’t look any different than its predecessor. It features a 16-inch chassis with sharp-angled edges. There’s a 16.1-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
This time around, the screen can operate at 72Hz, too. The bezels on the sides are minimal. On the contrary, its top bezel houses a webcam, whereas the bottom chin features the “Redmi G” branding.
Processor and Cooling
Moving on, Redmi G 2021 gaming laptop is offered in both Intel and AMD variants. The Intel variant is powered by Core i5-11260H hexa-core CPU with a turbo frequency of up to 4.4GHz. This has been paired with RTX 3050 GPU.
On the other hand, the AMD model features a Ryzen 7 5800H octa-core CPU and a maximum clock speed of up to 4.4GHz. It is coupled with RTX 3060 GPU.
Likewise, the Redmi G 2021 gaming laptop has Hurricane Cooling 3.0 thermal solution for keeping the temperature down. It consists of dual fans, four air outlets, and up to five copper heat pipes.
Here, the Intel model comes with a 55Wh battery which is the same as that of last year. On the other hand, the AMD variant packs a bigger 80Wh battery. Similarly, they are shipped with 180W and 230W power adapters, respectively. Both configurations are available with 16GB RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.
Other features of the Redmi G 2021 include Wi-Fi 6, DTS:X audio, backlit keyboard, Xiao AI Smart assistant, and a USB-C port. The Intel model even supports Thunderbolt 4.
Ports: 1x USB Type-C, 1 x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x Mini DP 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x RJ45, 1x power input, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.1
Keyboard: Full-Size backlit keyboard (three levels of brightness)
Webcam: 720p camera
Battery: 55Wh (Intel) / 80Wh (AMD)
Redmi G 2021 Price in Nepal and Availability
Redmi G 2021 is currently exclusive to the Chinese market where its price is CNY 5,699 and CNY 6,999 for Intel and AMD models, respectively. If it launches here, we expect the price of the Redmi G 2021 gaming laptop in Nepal to be NPR 115,000 and NPR 140,000, respectively.
Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Go 3 2-in-1 laptop at its September launch event held yesterday. It brings a significant upgrade in terms of performance with the new Intel processors. So, let’s get into the specs, features, expected price, and availability of Microsoft Surface Go 3 in Nepal.
Microsoft Surface Go 3 Overview:
Design and Display
The Surface Go 3 flaunts a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen (10-point) with 1920 x 1280 resolution. This panel has a 1500:1 contrast ratio, Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and even supports Surface Pen for stylus input.
In terms of design, it retains the thin and light profile of its predecessor. Furthermore, like the Surface Pro and the previous Surface Go devices, the Go 3 features a fold-out stand.
The new iteration of Surface Go comes in two models: one with an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y CPU and one with Core i3-10100Y. This is a big improvement over the Surface Go 2 that had Pentium Gold 4425Y or 8th gen Core m3 processor. As per Microsoft, this silicon bump will help Surface Go 3 perform 60% than its predecessor.
Memory-wise, it comes with 4 or 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM along with 128GB of SSD storage. Also, there’s a base variant with 64GB eMMC storage. The device comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and has a rated battery life of 11 hours. To note, there’s also an LTE variant of the Surface Go 3 which Microsoft says will be available in the coming months.
Camera and Audio
Moving on, it has a 5MP camera on the front and an 8MP lens at the back. Both of them can shoot 1080p HD videos. It also supports Windows Hello facial recognition for biometrics. Over on to the audio, there’s a 2W stereo speaker setup with Dolby Audio support.
Rest of the specs
Likewise, connectivity options on the Surface Go 3 include WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB-C, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, one Surface Connect port, a Surface Type Cover port, and a microSDXC card slot.
Microsoft Surface Go 3 Price in Nepal and Availability
The Surface Go 3 is available for pre-order at a starting price of USD 399.99 for the Pentium variant with Wi-Fi connectivity, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. Although it’s unlikely to officially launch in Nepal, we expect the price of the Microsoft Surface Go 3 to start at NPR 55,000 in case it arrives here.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Price in the US
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Intel Pentium, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage (Wi-Fi)
USD 399.99
NPR 55,000
Intel Pentium, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD (Wi-Fi)
USD 499.99
NPR 68,000
Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD (Wi-Fi)
USD 629.99
NPR 86,000
Meanwhile, check out our review of the best budget tablets in 2021.
Nokia has just launched its latest mid-range 5G smartphone, the Nokia G50. Interestingly, it is the first 5G smartphone in the company’s G-lineup. Here, we will be looking at the specs, features, expected price, and availability of the Nokia G50 5G in Nepal.
Nokia G50 Overview:
Design and Display
Staring with the design, Nokia G50 follows the same Nordic design that newer Nokia phones have implemented. Here, you get to choose between two color options: Ocean Blue and Midnight Sun.
Nokia G50 5G sports a 6.82-inch LCD panel with a V-shaped notch for the selfie camera. As with other G-series phones, the resolution is limited to HD+. Also, the bottom bezel here is thicker than on other sides and it houses the Nokia branding.
Performance and Memory
Under the hood, Nokia G50 packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480 5G. It’s the same chipset that powers Nokia’s X-series phones that came before it. Memory-wise, you get the option to choose between 4/64GB and 4/128GB variants.
Over on the back, the circular camera module encloses three camera sensors along with an LED flash. The triple camera setup includes a 48MP primary, a 5MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP depth sensor. There is an 8MP selfie camera up front for selfies and video calls.
Rest of the specs
Nokia G50 gets its juice from a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging over the Type-C port. In terms of connectivity, the phone is Wi-Fi 6-ready and supports Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC. It retains the 3.5mm headphone jack and Nokia even provides a headset in the box.
Moving on, the fingerprint scanner is mounted on the power button and there’s a dedicated Google Assistant button too.
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
Battery: 5,000mAh with 18W wired charging
Color Options: Ocean Blue, Midnight Sun
Nokia G50 Price in Nepal and Availability
Nokia G50 is currently available in limited European markets like UK, Spain, and France. Its price starts at EUR 259 for the 4/64GB variant while the 4/128GB model costs between EUR 269 and EUR 299 depending upon the market. We expect the price of the Nokia G50 in Nepal to start at NPR 35,000 if and when it launches here.
Microsoft has just announced its second dual-screen phone. The new Surface Duo 2 follows the same design language as its predecessor but packs some notable upgrades all around. Here, we will be looking at the specs, features, expected price, and availability of Microsoft Surface Duo 2 in Nepal.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Overview:
Design
Let’s start with the design first. Here, the Surface Duo 2 comes with two separate AMOLED panels connected by a hinge. It’s a different approach from the actual folding screens on the other folding phones, including Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z devices.
Moving on, these displays now measure 5.8-inch, up from the 5.6-inch on the first-gen Surface Duo. Together, they attain a diagonal length of 8.3-inch. Similarly, each screen has 100% DCI-P3 coverage, a 90% adaptive refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
Since the inner edge of both displays is curved, a small portion of the screen is visible even when the hinge is closed. It allows users to peek at things like incoming calls, messages, notifications, and charging progress from the side.
The Surface Duo 2 also supports every generation of Surface Slim Pen, including the new Slim Pen 2 with haptic feedback. However, users will have to buy one separately. Anyway, even with the size and display upgrade, this device is lighter than its predecessor, starting at just 284 grams. Microsoft is also offering it on a new Obsidian color option besides the Glacier variant.
Performance and Memory
Running the show underneath is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. It’s quite an upgrade from the Snapdragon 855 on the previous generation Surface Duo. The new chipset also comes with an integrated 5G modem, while the phone supports a total of 18 5G bands.
As for memory, you get 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which can be paired with 128, 256, or 512GB of internal storage. Furthermore, the Duo 2 can accept a nano-SIM and an eSIM.
Besides solid build quality, another important aspect of a folding phone is its software. Without robust software backing it up, dual-screen phones are just gimmicks.
Here, the Surface Duo 2 runs on Android 11. And Microsoft’s different tweaks, optimizations let users open two apps side by side. They can even make app pairs to launch two apps with a single click.
Microsoft claims there are over 150 games optimized to make use of the dual-screen. For instance, while playing games like Asphalt 9, you can expand the map on one screen while enjoying the gameplay on the other. Apart from Microsoft’s own suite of applications, apps like Disney+, TikTok, Kindle, ESPN, etc. have been optimized to make full use of Duo 2’s dual-display as well.
Camera
Microsoft has also overhauled the camera set up this time after all the criticism it faced for the poor camera capability of the original surface duo. Here, the Duo 2 features three cameras at the back and one on the front.
The triple rear camera setup consists of a 12MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Accompanying it is a 16MP ultrawide lens and a 12MP telephoto lens that boasts 2x optical zoom and OIS. Over on the front, there is a 12MP selfie camera, accompanied by a dual-LED flash.
Rest of the specs
Fueling the phone is a 4,449mAh dual-cell battery which supports 23W fast charging over the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. There is no wireless charging support though. Microsoft Surface Duo 2 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. A fingerprint scanner is integrated onto the power button, and you get stereo speakers for audio output.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Specifications:
Dimension:
Open: 145.2mm x 184.5mm x 5.50mm
Closed: 145.2mm x 92.1mm x 11.0mm
Display: Dual 5.8-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate, 1344 x 1892 pixels, 100% DCI-P3, 800 nits, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm Mobile Platform)
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Price in Nepal and Availability
The price of Microsoft Surface Duo 2 starts at USD 1,499.99 and will be available from October 21. Surface products are yet to land officially in Nepal. Still, if Microsoft Surface Duo 2 launches in Nepal, we expect the price to start at NPR 205,000.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Price in the US
Price in Nepal (Expected)
128GB
USD 1,499.99
NPR 205,000
256GB
USD 1,599.99
NPR 220,000
512GB
USD 1,799.99
NPR 245,000
Meanwhile, check out our early impressions of the Samsung Galaxy Flip 3.
Over the years, even though TVs have continuously evolved in terms of picture quality, there hasn’t been that notable improvement when it comes to audio. You might have noticed the sound quality lacking the punch and missing the necessary depth in music, even in TVs that cost well over Rs. 1 lakh. But in this full review, I’ll be discussing if Xiaomi‘s Mi Soundbar can help solve that problem to any extent.
Control: Buttons (Volume up/down, Toggle, Power on/off)
Connectivity: 3.5mm stereo AUX-in, Fiber optic in, Coaxial in, R/W audio in
Wireless: Bluetooth 4.2 (A2DP)
Color Options: Black, White
Price in Nepal: Rs. 8,999
What’s inside the box: Soundbar, user manual, adapter, S/PDIF cable, 2x screws + 2x expansion screws
Mi Soundbar Review:
In all fairness, with the modern-day TVs getting slimmer in every iteration, it’s also getting harder for manufacturers to accommodate good and sizable audio drivers. And that has been one of the reasons for the compromises on the audio quality of TVs.
So despite investing a lot of money on a TV, we do not quite get the amazing viewing experience as the TV makers promise. To compensate for that tradeoff of the slim TVs, using a soundbar is a way to go.
And you can find different brands in the market with a lot of soundbar models in their lineup. Xiaomi recently launched the Mi Soundbar in Nepal, but it is actually a pretty old product that initially debuted in Q1 2019.
Design
87 x 830 x 72mm, 1.925 kg
Cotton fabric mesh exterior
In terms of design, this soundbar doesn’t look particularly appealing. It comes in either white or black color options and is wrapped with a plastic casing at the back. On the other hand, its front is treated with cotton fabric mesh that ultimately delivers a somewhat sophisticated look. All in all, Mi Soundbar’s design is perfectly acceptable for its price.
Continuing with the design, you can find all the pairing and control buttons over on the top. Similarly, all of its ports are allocated on the back. The power on/off switch resides nearby on the same side as well.
Additionally, you’ll find two screw holes at the back. And it can come in handy if you are planning to mount the soundbar onto a wall. Thankfully, Xiaomi has also included two screws and two extension screws inside the box to help you wall-mount the Mi Soundbar.
Pairing and Control
Bluetooth 4.2 wireless (A2DP)
3.5mm AUX-in, S/PDIF input
When it comes to connectivity, there are plenty of options. You can easily pair this soundbar with a television, laptop, or even a smartphone. Xiaomi has haughtily boasted that setting up Mi Soundbar won’t take more than 30 seconds. During our usage, we didn’t get to time the setup process but since it was pretty easy and quick, all’s well and good.
To connect the soundbar with a traditional CRT TV or a DVD player, you can give input to the soundbar through the Line In or the Optical port. Similarly, you can connect modern-day TVs making use of the S/PDIF port. And the good news is that you can find the S/PDIF cable inside the box itself.
Furthermore, there’s a 3.5mm audio jack to connect the Mi Soundbar with a smartphone, laptop, and any other device with a headphone connector. Besides wired connectivity, this soundbar features Bluetooth 4.2 for pairing with devices wirelessly as well.
Still, Bluetooth 4.2 doesn’t have as high bandwidth, data transfer speeds, or connectivity range as the newer Bluetooth 5.0/5.2 protocol, so there’s that. But before moving forward, there’s something important to understand.
You’ve got to select the proper input mode that matches the input port. For example, if you have connected your TV with the soundbar using the S/PDIF cable but have kept the input mode to Bluetooth, then it won’t work. So while setting up the connections, make sure you have done it right.
During the review period, what I didn’t like with the Mi Soundbar was the absence of a remote control. So, whenever you feel like changing the volume and such, you’ll have to do it so on the soundbar itself which is rather taxing. This is especially true when you have paired your audio input device via a S/PDIF cable.
Here, even changing the volume of the TV doesn’t have any effect on the volume levels of the soundbar. On the contrary, when connecting it wirelessly to a smartphone, laptop, or TV, Xiaomi lets you switch volume levels from the audio input device itself. So I hope Xiaomi will bring a dedicated remote controller in its next iteration of soundbars to save us from these kinds of hassles.
Audio Quality
2x 20mm dome tweeters
4x passive radiators
2x 2.5″ woofer drivers
50Hz – 25kHz frequency response
To deliver crisp and punchy audio, the Mi Soundbar has a promising audio driver setup. The audio module comprises 8 sound drivers in total. Among them, two are woofers dedicated to delivering audio of a wide frequency range.
Similarly, there are four passive radiators to take care of the bass (low-frequency spectrum). Lastly, there are two tweeters that complete the audio driver setup. Here, the tweeters handle trebles or the high-frequency soundwaves of audio.
With such a capable audio setup inside, we were expecting an awe-inspiring sound quality. For this review, we connected the Mi Soundbar to our office TV and watched a couple of shows, and listened to some music. And what we found was that its loudness is plenty sufficient for watching the TV programs in a small group of people.
However, when streaming content among a large group of friends and in a more spacious room, it was not the same. Therefore, I wished it were a bit louder. Anyway, I’m quite fond of the bass from this soundbar. You can really feel the oomphs, all thanks to the four passive radiators.
If Xiaomi had managed to include a sub-woofer as well, it would’ve been even better. Maybe this design decision was to keep the prices low and that’s completely understandable. However, treble and mids do not sound as polished. By that, I don’t mean the music or the dialogues of movies aren’t heard properly.
But you won’t find it as smooth as the way bass sounds. And that’s even more pronounced when playing treble-heavy songs at high volume. On a related note, I don’t particularly recommend you play music from the Mi Soundbar at high volume since the audio starts getting distorted at those settings.
And when going for the wireless route, sadly, there’s no support for a high bit-rate audio codec like aptX on this soundbar. Instead, it caves in to the basic A2DP Bluetooth profile that simply can’t deliver high-quality, uncompressed audio like aptX, for instance. As a result, if high-quality audio is what you want, then you’re gonna have to go down the wired route.
Mi Soundbar Review: Verdict
From the budget point of view, the Mi Soundbar is a decent performer and delivers louder audio than most of the slim TVs out there. It also delivers better depth in audio quality than most budget TVs in 2021. But when comparing it with high-quality soundbars and bigger sound-boxes, the Mi Soundbar is a no-match.
So if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to elevate your TV viewing experience in terms of audio, the Mi Soundbar is undeniably a great option. But if you are not ready for any sorts of compromises, you should definitely get a Surround Sound System or a good Home Theatre System.
Watch our video review of the Mi Soundbar (Nepali).
Since its launch, Daraz is continuously engaged to revolutionize the way people shop online in Nepal. Now, it has launched a new in-app feature called Daraz Gems. Simply put, it’s an easy way of earning free vouchers.
Daraz Gems Overview:
Before we proceed, let’s first learn what the “Daraz Gems” exactly is. Basically, it is a reward system for users who are consistently engaging and active in the Daraz app. What’s more, you may collect these Gems for free using the app and exchange them for free vouchers. Then, you can use those vouchers for discounts on your purchases.
Here, the Gems can be collected in three easy ways. For this, you must either check in to the app on a regular basis, complete daily missions, or make purchases via the app.
Under the first process, you can simply claim gems as rewards every day you log into the app. This option will be accessible by clicking the “Gems” menu on the homepage. If you log in daily without missing a day, you can collect up to 400 gems on Day 7. But failing to do so will reset the gems timer back to Day 1’s parameters, with just 50 gems to bag.
Daraz Gems
1 of 4
Daily Check-In
Daily Missions
Earn By Shopping
Gems History
Likewise, users can earn gems by completing daily missions as suggested in the app. It includes “add to cart”, making any product searches, following a store, and more. And finally, one can even earn them when shopping for any products via the Daraz app as well.
Furthermore, you can view your Gems history by clicking on the “Gem History” icon on the homepage. This includes the stats for the number of gems collected and spent.
Daraz Gems: Availability
This new feature is available in the latest release of the Daraz app on both the Android and iOS platforms. So, in case the Daraz app on your phone doesn’t show this feature, make sure you’ve updated it to the latest version.
Meanwhile, check out our pick for the best mid-range phones under 30,000.