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Pixel 6 series leaks in full, confirms custom Google chip

GadgetByte
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Pixel 6 series leaks in full, confirms custom Google chip

Last year’s Pixel 5 was Google’s flagship offering, yet it was only a mid-range smartphone when put up against the best from other brands. It had a relatively under-powerful chipset and borrowed design from the cheaper Pixel 4a. But recent reports suggest that the tech giant isn’t holding back anymore. About a month ago, Jon Prosser leaked renders of the upcoming Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and now he has revealed their complete specs.

Google Pixel 6 Pro Rumors:

Design and Display

According to Prosser, Google Pixel 6 Pro is codenamed Raven, and it will feature a 6.71-inch Plastic OLED from LG. The information doesn’t align with previous leaks by OnLeaks, which claimed a 6.67-inch panel.

All the leaked renders reveal a center-placed punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The bezels around the screen are minimal. The display is curved at the edges, giving it a premium look and feel. There is no news of a higher refresh rate yet.

Google Pixel 6 Pro Display and Design leaked

At the back, Pixel 6 Pro has a dual-tone finish with the camera module in between the two colored stripes. This horizontal stripe enclosing the rear camera setup has a significant bump to it as well.

Google Silicon Whitechapel

The phone will also be the first to be powered by Google’s own chipset. Google has been relying on Qualcomm’s silicons for its Pixel lineup of smartphones so far. Yet, it was revealed earlier that Google is collaborating with Samsung’s Exynos division for its own SoC called Whitechapel this year.

Just like Apple’s M1 chip, this silicon will be used in both smartphones (Pixel) and laptops (Chromebooks) from Google. There is not much information about it online except for the reports that it is codenamed “GS101” internally.

Triple camera setup

Moving on, Pixel 6 Pro houses three cameras at the back—a first for the lineup. Up until now, Google relied on a dual-camera setup at best. The triple camera configuration includes 50MP primary camera, a 48MP periscopic telephoto lens, and an additional 12MP sensor for ultrawide shots.

Google Pixel 6 Pro Camera

In addition to the camera, the module also houses an LED flash, a couple of sensors, and a microphone.

Rest of the specs

As expected, the Pixel 6 series will be the first to come with Android 12 out-of-the-box. According to Prosser, Google will also be providing 5 years of major software updates on these devices.

Likewise, Pixel 6 Pro will feature a dual-speaker set up with a top and a bottom-firing unit. The device will feature a 5,000mAh battery, and there will be support for wireless charging. It will also house an optical in-display fingerprint scanner for biometrics, which will be yet another first for a Pixel phone. Up until now, Google has been including a rear-mounted physical fingerprint scanner.

Google Pixel 6 Pro Specifications (Rumored):

  • Display: 6.67-inch curved Plastic AMOLED
  • Chipset: Goggle Silicon “Whitechapel”
  • Memory: 12GB RAM, 128/256/512GB internal storage
  • Software: Android 12, 5 years of software update
  • Audio: Stereo speaker
  • Rear camera: Triple (50MP primary + 48MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide)
  • Biometrics: Optical in-display fingerprint scanner
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Extras: Wireless charging support

Google Pixel 6 Rumors:

The standard Pixel 6, on the other hand, will feature a 6.4-inch AMOLED panel. The phone will retain the primary and ultrawide camera but will skip the telephoto lens. It will arrive in two memory configurations – 8+128GB and 8+256GB. It will also feature a smaller 4,614mAh battery.

Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro Specifications (Rumors):

  • Display: 6.4-inch curved Plastic AMOLED
  • Chipset: Google Silicon “Whitechapel”
  • Memory: 8GB RAM, 128/256GB internal storage
  • Software: Android 12, 5 years of software update
  • Audio: Stereo speaker
  • Rear camera: Dual (50MP primary + 12MP ultrawide)
  • Biometrics: Optical in-display fingerprint scanner
  • Battery: 4,614mAh

Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro Launch and Availability

For now, there is no information regarding the exact launch date for the phone. However, it is rumored that Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will be unveiled in October later this year.

Smartphone Model Expected Launch Date
Google Pixel 6 series October 2021
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Realme X7 Max.

Meet Snapdragon Insiders Phone: Qualcomm’s first ever phone

GadgetByte
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Meet Snapdragon Insiders Phone: Qualcomm’s first ever phone

Qualcomm has teamed with Asus for its first smartphone. As the name suggests, Snapdragon Insiders Phone is exclusive to Qualcomm’s Insider program. Here, we will be looking at key specs and features of the Snapdragon Insiders Phone, along with the expected price in Nepal.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Insiders Phone Overview:

Display and Design

Snapdragon Insiders Phone features a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. It boasts a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. Similarly, the phone covers 111.23% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It has a layer for Gorilla Glass Victus for protection.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Insider Phone design

Asus is responsible for the design and manufacturing of the Snapdragon Insiders Phone. You have traditional bezels around the screen. At the back, you can notice the horizontal camera bump with a red accent. The panel also houses Qualcomm’s logo and a physical fingerprint scanner.

Performance and Memory

Under the hood, the phone packs Snapdragon 888. Interestingly, Qualcomm decided not to go with the beefed-up Snapdragon 888+. Adreno 660 handles the graphics. In addition, the phone is equipped with Snapdragon Elite Gaming. It supports a wide range of technologies, including Variable Rate Shading, Game Quick Touch, and 10-bit HDR.

As for memory, the phone arrives with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage.

Camera

The aforementioned camera bump houses three camera sensors. Qualcomm has chosen the 64MP Sony IMX686 sensor for the primary camera. It even supports Optical Image Stabilization.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Insider Phone camera

For ultrawide shots, there is the IMX363 sensor capable of taking 12MP shots. Completing the setup is an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. There is a 24MP selfie camera up front.

You can record 8K/30fps videos using the primary camera. The secondary camera can record 4K/30fps videos.

Audio

You get a dual-stereo speaker. One speaker faces the front while the other is on the side

Snapdragon Sound Technology

The Snapdragon Insiders Phone is also the first to support Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Sound Technology. It is a suite of audio technology that includes low Bluetooth latency, listening profiles, ANC, and 24-bit 96 kHz. The phone comes with Master & Dynamic TWS earbuds.

Rest of the Specs

The whole setup is fueled by a 4,000mAh battery with support for Quick Charge 5. However, the charging is limited to 65W instead of the 100W charger that the technology supports. Qualcomm will be including a 65W charger in the box. However, some regions, including India may receive a slower 35W charger.

The phone has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner backed by a second-gen Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensor.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Insider Phone Specifications:

  • Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate,  111.23% DCI-P3, 10-point multi-touch, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, 1200 nits peak brightness
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm)
  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 RAM (Pro)
  • Storage: 512GB UFS 3.1 storage
  • OS: Android 11
  • Rear Camera: 64MP Sony IMX686, 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 3x telephoto lens
  • Front Camera: 24MP selfie camera
  • Audio: Stereo speakers, Qualcomm Sound Technology
  • Security: Qualcomm 3D sensor Gen 2
  • Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E a/b/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Type-C port
  • Battery: 4000mAh with Quick Charge 5.0 (65W)
  • Extra: Master & Dynamic TWS Earbuds inside the box

Qualcomm Snapdragon Insiders Phone Price and Availability

The Qualcomm Snapdragon Insiders Phone comes with a $1,500 price tag. It will be available for purchase starting in August. The phone will first be available for participants of the Snapdragon Insider Program.

If it ever launches in Nepal, we expect the price to be NPR 1, 85,000.

Meanwhile, check out our long-term review of the Mi 11X Pro.

Nokia G20 Review: A Battery King (And Not Much Else)

Nikhil Shrestha
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Nokia G20 Review: A Battery King (And Not Much Else)

Before getting into this review of the Nokia G20, allow me to paint a bigger picture of the Finnish company. I don’t know… it feels like Nokia is slowly but steadily losing its grip in the mobile industry—once again.

Nokia G20 Specifications:

  • Body: 76 x 164.9 x 9.2mm, 197 gm
  • Display: 6.5-inches IPS LCD panel, 2.5D cover glass
  • Resolution: HD+ (1600 x 720 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio, 269 PPI
  • Chipset: MediaTek Helio G35 4G (12nm Mobile Platform)
  • CPU: Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
  • GPU: PowerVR GE8320
  • Memory: 4GB RAM, 64/128GB storage (expandable)
  • Software & UI: Android 11 (Part of Android One program)
  • Rear Camera: Quad (48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth)
  • Front Camera: 8MP sensor (teardrop notch)
  • Audio: Single speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Gyroscope, Proximity
  • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS / AGPS / Glonass / Beidou, USB Type-C, 4G LTE
  • Battery: 5050mAh with 10W charging (10W adapter provided)
  • Color options: Night, Glacier
  • Price in Nepal: Rs. 19,999 (4/64GB)

Nokia G20 Review:

Quick, can you recall the last flagship phone from the company? Two years into its launch, the Nokia 9 PureView still doesn’t have a successor. And throughout this period, Nokia’s releases have been confined to a few budget and mid-range phones every now and then. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with not launching flagship phones

Nokia G20 - SIM Tray

And while the company has earned praise for its stock Android experience, competition like Motorola, for instance, has caught up to the point where Nokia can no longer afford to rely on this one factor to sell its phones.

Plus, its latest affordable launches haven’t seen much success either, mainly due to their unimpressive price-to-performance ratio. With all that in mind, how is the Nokia G20, which is yet another mid-range phone from the company that applies the same formula? Let’s find out in this review of the Nokia G20.

Design & Build

  • 76 x 164.9 x 9.2mm, 197 grams
  • Polycarbonate back/frame, glass front
  • Dedicated Google Assistant button

Nokia G20 looks like any other affordable Nokia phone we’ve seen so far. Its polycarbonate back comprises subtle vertical ridges for a better grip and even a bit of a visual flair. Thankfully, it doesn’t attract nearly as many fingerprints or smudges as regular plastic back phones either, which is great. The circular camera module looks quite unique in this price segment while its mirrored finish is something of a head-turner too.

Here, Nokia G20 is offered in two color options: Night and Glacier. I feel like the company’s promo materials undersell the beauty of this bluish Night hue, to be honest. It walks an elegant line between blue and purple which looks appealing to my eyes.

Pretty decent design

Additionally, the curved back further adds to the comfort of holding this otherwise relatively bulky phone. At 197 grams, the Nokia G20 will definitely make its presence felt in your pocket—especially when complemented with a case. But most of the time, I ended up abandoning the case since it brings down the phone’s beauty drastically.

Moving on, the power and the volume buttons on the right frame are fairly easy to reach and offer decent tactile feedback. Plus, Nokia has integrated a fingerprint scanner into the power button which takes about a second to unlock the device. You can also opt for the face unlock option but that’s even slower. Anyway, there’s a SIM tray and a dedicated Google Assistant button on the left.

I’m once again let down by the fact that this button isn’t user remappable by default. And even when switching to third-party apps, you can’t disable the system’s Google Assistant trigger. Besides this, there’s a 3.5mm audio headphone jack and a primary microphone on the top while you’ll find a USB-C port, a speaker grille, and a secondary microphone at the bottom.

Display

  • 6.5-inches HD+ IPS LCD display
  • 2.5D curved glass, 20:9 aspect ratio

On to the display side of things, it’s your standard budget phone stuff here. What this means is an average HD screen with a notch on the top. Nokia G20 flaunts a 6.5” IPS LCD panel with a teardrop notch for the selfie camera. The “HD” of it all sure sounds like a direct disadvantage to this phone but I must say I rarely faced any issue regarding the display’s sharpness.

Even pixel peeping doesn’t quite reveal pixelation on this panel. But mind you that this applies to your standard UI/UX elements, web browsing, and similar use cases—and not video streaming strictly. Thankfully though, force enabling 1080p mode on YouTube gives a decent viewing experience here and videos look adequately sharp.

HD streaming on Netflix

Nokia G20 is also Widevine L1 certified for HD streaming on OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Regardless, because this is a budget phone, you can notice big bezels here—especially on the chin where an additional “Nokia” branding resides as well. The curved edges don’t fall victim to backlight bleeding, which is pretty nice.

Nokia G20 - Display

Also, this display can get fairly bright enough indoors although it does struggle with visibility when you’re outside—even on a fairly cloudy day. Colors, for the most part, look okay-ish on this screen. It is a bit on the undersaturated side but that’s to be expected from such inexpensive phones.

But what’s weird here is that in multiple YouTube videos, I noticed that people’s faces embody this unnatural yellow tint for some reason. You can dial down the White Balance on the cooler side for a slight improvement—but don’t expect it to drastically turn things normal. Apart from this, G20’s screen has a pretty terrible touch response rate as well as it fails to recognize touch input now and then.

Performance

  • Octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 4G SoC (12nm)
  • 4GB RAM, 64/128GB internal storage (expandable)
  • Stock Android 11 (Part of the Android One program)

Over on the performance, powering the Nokia G20 is MediaTek’s Helio G35. Based on a 12nm process, we’ve seen this chipset in action in multiple budget phones in the past like the Redmi 9C or the POCO C3.

And both of these phones cost way less than what the G20 goes for. Its sole 4/64GB variant retails at INR 12,999 in India or NPR 19,999 here in Nepal. To compare, the 4/64GB option of POCO C3 costs just INR 8,499 (NPR 14,999). You see what I meant by the “unimpressive price-to-performance ratio” in the beginning?

Yep, Nokia phones have never been known for their aggressive pricing but at this point, I feel like it’s inexcusable. And even factoring in its ad-free, stock Android experience, the G20 fails to make a compelling argument for its outlandish pricing. As a result, everything from opening apps to playing games is an underwhelming experience on this phone.

Nokia G20 - Design

Apps take at least a second or so to load—and that’s not even when factoring games. Still, it’s not slow to the point where you’d have to settle for the “Lite” version of your apps. Multitasking between lightweight apps is respectably fine as well. Nokia did the right thing by shipping the phone with a standard 4GB of RAM, otherwise, the end-user experience might’ve turned out differently.

Clean Android experience

Among the scarce crown jewels of this phone is the stock Android experience. Plus, Nokia G20 falls under the “Android One” program as well which guarantees 2 years of version and 3 years of security updates to the phone. Ad-free UX on budget phones is a definite thumbs up from me but I’m a little skeptical of Nokia’s promise in terms of software updates.

The thing is, as HMD Global’s portfolio of smartphones has grown over the years, the company hasn’t quite been able to deliver timely updates. More recently, it had to delay the Android 11 update schedule by a quarter on multiple phones than previously promised. I just hope the Nokia G20 doesn’t share the same fate.

How about gaming?

Moving on to gaming, playing relatively less demanding games is a perfectly enjoyable experience on this phone. For this review, I tried titles like Clash Royale and Redungeon on Nokia G20. Here, both games play fine whereas comparatively taxing games do take a toll on the Helio G35.

Call of Duty Mobile stutters by quite a bit under Low graphics and High frame rate while the gameplay becomes slightly better under Low frame rate. PUBG Mobile lags frequently even in the lowest setting (Smooth graphics, Low frame rate) so I tried its Lite version instead.

Thankfully, the gaming experience here is pretty fluid under Smooth graphics and Extreme frame rate—although I did notice minor stutters here and there. After about 30 minutes of gameplay, the CPU and battery temperature rose to 41ºC and 38ºC, respectively, while the phone got noticeably warm near the camera module. Similarly, Mobile Legends Bang Bang plays fine under High graphics quality with dismissable jitters on a few instances.

Cameras

  • Quad-camera setup at the back
  • (48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth)
  • 8MP selfie camera inside the teardrop notch

Let’s talk about the cameras now. Nokia G20 sports a quad-camera setup the back inside the aforementioned circular module. This consists of a 48MP primary, a 5MP ultra-wide, and a couple of 2MP sensors for macro and portrait shots. On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie shooter.

Normal Images

Under ample lighting, photos from the primary camera turn out fairly well detailed. Yet, the phone does struggle to lock in focus ever so often.

The overall photo turns out oversaturated when turning on Auto HDR whereas it messes with the exposure by a bit as well.

Sadly, turning off HDR altogether doesn’t improve the image quality by a lot either.

Wideangle Images

Contrary to normal photos, the ultrawide shots dial down the saturation to a much more natural level.

HDR doesn’t quite work well in wideangle mode and because of its slow shutter speed, shooting moving objects can result in visible ghosting artifacts.

Portrait Images

Unfortunately, portrait mode from the rear camera failed to work after a while.

In a couple of shots I did manage to click, the photos came off looking a bit oversharpened whereas the edge detection is half-decent only.

Macro Images

Close-up shots from the onboard macro camera aren’t that great either.

Taking photos from its fixed-focus lens is a struggle too. With enough patience, you can shoot okay-ish shots although they do tend to look oversaturated.

Nighttime Images

Likewise, under relatively sufficient lighting, nighttime shots come off grainy and with little detail, while it shoots soft-looking photos sometimes.

Turning night mode on boosts exposure a little, but nothing more.

Selfie Images

Selfies from the front camera are just average only.

The dynamic range is pretty terrible whereas the photos look quite soft and the colors turn out muted.

Unlike the rear camera, Nokia G20’s software-based portrait selfies work as advertised though. On top of uneven edge detection, it miscalculates black levels too.

Videography

In terms of videos, the phone maxes out at 1080p/30fps recording from the primary, ultrawide, and the selfie camera. As expected, the footages come off quite wobbly in all three modes—with especially blown-out skies on the selfie video. There’s also a “Wind Noise Reduction” feature on the rear cameras but I couldn’t notice any difference when turning it on/off.

Battery

  • 5050mAh battery with 10W charging

Anyway, aside from the below-average cameras, Nokia G20 shines the brightest in terms of its battery endurance. In fact, HMD Global is so confident in this regard that it says the G20 is “a 3-day battery” phone. Equipping a low-res HD display and a big 5050mAh battery, I was surprised to discover this claim to be somewhat true.

Nokia G20 - Charging

What I mean is, under medium to heavy usage, I managed to net out 8 – 10 hours of screen-on time on average. And if your use-case is relatively less demanding, I can easily see it lasting three days straight. Impressive!

Charging it up, on the other hand, is quite a drag. Its maximum power input is limited to just 10W. Using the power adapter provided inside the box, I graphed that it goes from 0 to 100% in around 3 hours 4 minutes. Still, the company has used a Type-C data/charging port here instead of Micro USB which is something of a relief.

Audio

  • 3.5mm headphone jack, mono speaker

Finally, the audio quality from the mono speaker is nothing to write home about either. It audibly struggles with dynamic range when maxing out the loudness. Plus, the audio sounds completely flat with lowering the volume as well. You also get a 3.5mm earphone inside the box whose quality is equally disappointing. Also, I faced no call-drops or similar issues when using my NTC SIM on the phone with VoLTE turned on.

Nokia G20 Review: Conclusion

To wrap up this review of the Nokia G20, it’s a fairly underwhelming phone. While its design, clean Android experience, and battery life are somewhat of saving grace, the phone ultimately lags behind the competition when it comes to performance.

Maybe MediaTek’s Helio G80/G85 would’ve been a better choice for a phone at this price bracket. Still, if you’re a casual smartphone user who wants an excellent battery endurance and reliable software experience, the Nokia G20 makes for an appealing choice.

Nokia G20 Review: Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Decent design language
  • Stock Android experience
  • Guaranteed software updates
  • Excellent battery endurance

Cons:

  • Not the best value for money
  • No FHD resolution display
  • Unreliable camera setup
  • Only 10W charging support

Panasonic launches JS650 and HX750 series TVs in Nepal

GadgetByte
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Panasonic launches JS650 and HX750 series TVs in Nepal

Panasonic has launched two new smart TVs for Nepali consumers – HX750M and JS650. Both are Android TVs with HDR and Dolby Atmos but differ in screen size and resolution. So, let’s dig in to know the specs, features, official price, and availability of Panasonic HX750M and JS650 in Nepal.

Panasonic HX750M 55” and 65” Overview:

Display

Starting with HX750, it is a 4K TV,  which is available in two screen sizes –  55-inch and 65-inch. It is  HDR 10+ complaint. It features a 4K color engine that scales up HD/FHD content to offer detailed pictures. The panel also supports Hexa Chroma Drive, which adds 3 complementary colors (CMY) to the 3 primary axes (RGB).

Panasonic TH-65HX750M Design and Display

Moving on, it has 8GB of eMMC storage and 2GB of RAM. Here, the 55-inch variant weighs 10.62 kg, while the 65-inch weighs 17.6 kg.  

Features

As it boots on Android Q, you have access to Google Assistant, Google Home, and Chromecast. On the audio front, it boasts a 20W output speaker with Audio Booster+. HX750M also has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz support for wireless connectivity. Similarly, it has Dolby Audio and DTS audio decoding. 

Panasonic TH-55HX750M Design and Display

In terms of I/O connectivity, it features two USB 2.0 ports, three HDMI ports, and one ethernet port. Likewise, you also get an AV, DTV, RF, and S/PDIF port.

Panasonic HX750M 55”, 65” Specifications

  • Display: 55/65-inches, HDR 10+, Hexa Chroma Drive, 4K color engine
  • Resolution: 4K Ultra-HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
  • Dimensions: 
    • 55-inch: 1227 x 280 x 770 mm (w/ pedestal) | 1227 x 75 x 7143 mm (w/o pedestal)
    • 65-inch: 1447.7 x 289.7 x 898.6 mm (w/ pedestal) | 1447.7 x 81.3 x 836.8 (w/o pedestal)
  • Weight: 
    • 55-inch: 10.62 kg (w/ pedestal); 10.52 kg (w/o pedestal)
    • 65-inch: 17.7 kg (w/ pedestal); 17.6 kg (w/o pedestal)
  • Sound: 20W output
  • Audio Decoder: Dolby Audio, DTS, V-Audio, Audio Booster+
  • OS: Android Q
  • Memory: 2GB RAM, 8GB eMMC storage
  • Power: 
    • 55-inch: AC100-240V 50/60Hz (150W)
    • 65-inch: AC100-240V 50/60Hz (200W)
  • Wireless Connectivity: WiFi (dual-band), Bluetooth 4.2
  • I/O Ports: 3x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0, 1x Ethernet (LAN), 1x DTV, 1x S/PDIF, 1 x RF, 1x AV input

Panasonic HX750M 55” and 65” Price in Nepal and Availability

The price of the Panasonic HX750M 4K HDR TV in Nepal is NPR 112,390 and NPR 193,390 for 55″ and 65″ variants, respectively. You can purchase them from the authorized stores.

Panasonic HX750M Price in Nepal Availability
55-inch NPR 112,390 Authorized Stores, Panasonic Nepal
65-inch NPR 193,390

Panasonic JS650 42” Overview:

Furthermore, Pansonic has also launched a 42-inch FHD TV with AccuView display and Hexa Chroma Drive. It also supports HDR, adaptive backlight dimming, and noise reduction for the optimized color of the content. 

Panasonic JS650 42-inch Display

In terms of audio, it has the same 20W speaker with V-audio and Audio Booster+. For audio decoding, it has Dolby Audio support. The smart TV boots on Android 9. Similarly, you get a built-in Google Assistant, Google Home, and Chromecast compatibility. 

Powering the TV is a quad-core processor with a 1.5GHz clock speed. For connectivity, it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. 

Panasonic JS650 42” Specifications

    • Display: 42-inches Adaptive Backlight Dimming, HDR, Noise reduction, Hexa Chroma Drive
    • Resolution: Full HD
    • Sound: 20W Output
    • Audio Decoder: Dolby Audio, V-Audio, Audio Booster+
    • OS: Android TV 9
    • Processor: Quad-core CPU (1.5GHz)
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Panasonic JS650 42” Price in Nepal and Availability

The Panasonic JS650 42” TV is available in Nepal at a price of NPR 59,490. It is available through authorized retailers.

Panasonic JS650 Price in Nepal Availability
42-inch NPR 59,490 Authorized Stores, Panasonic Nepal

Panasonic TV Price in Nepal [Summary]

Panasonic TV Model Size and Resolution Price in Nepal
JS650 42″ FHD Rs. 59,490
TH-55HX750M 55″ 4K Rs. 112,390
TH-65HX750M 65″ 4K Rs. 193,390
    • Meanwhile, check out our review of Realme Buds Q2.

    Insta360 GO 2, the world’s smallest action camera, now available in Nepal

    GadgetByte
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    Insta360 GO 2, the world’s smallest action camera, now available in Nepal

    Insta360 launched its second generation of GO cameras back in March 2021. And now, the GO 2 has arrived in Nepal as well. To note, Insta360’s GO lineup of cameras can’t shoot 360 videos, unlike the EVO series. So, let’s dig in to know the specs, features, price, and availability of Insta360 GO 2 in Nepal.

    Insta360 GO 2 Overview:

    Body

    To begin with, the Insta360 GO 2 is a tiny, pill-shaped action camera—the world’s smallest of its kind. It weighs just 27 grams and enables high-resolution hands-free recording without the bulk of carrying traditional action cameras. This mini-camera is water-resistant to IPX8 standard and can therefore withstand a plunge in the pool.

    Insta360 Go 2 action camera

    GO 2 has a protective lens that can be swapped with an ND filter set from Insta360. Yet, you will have to purchase the set separately. It has a built-in magnet that pairs with the included magnetic pendant. This makes it easier to attach the camera to your shirt or other apparel. In addition, an included clip allows you to connect it to headgear or other similar stuff.

    Moreover, a plastic case with a matte texture holds the Insta360 GO 2. The case can act as a tripod, remote, external battery, and charger all at the same time. There is a 1/4-inch thread for mounting and a USB-C port for charging.

    Features

    Unlike its predecessor, Insta360 GO 2 has a bigger sensor that is capable of recording up to 2K footage (1440p resolution) at 50fps. It can also record HDR footage at the same resolution at 24fps. Similarly, in the Pro Video mode, it provides basic stabilization as well as Insta360’s FlowState stabilization.

    Insta360 Go 2 with case

    Furthermore, there are four selectable fields of view, including the 120° Ultra Wide option and the 110° ActionView FOV. You can also enable the AquaVision feature in its companion app which helps you reduce haze and improve the contrast and color of your underwater recordings.

    Rest of the specs

    For wireless connectivity, the GO 2 supports Bluetooth 5. It has 32GB of onboard storage, of which 28GB is available to users. You can pair the device with an iPhone or Android smartphone, which can then be used as a viewfinder as well. The independent camera can operate for 30 minutes on battery (under Video mode) or for 150 minutes when kept in the case.

    Insta360 GO 2 Specifications:

    • Dimensions: 52.9 x 23.6 x 20.7mm (GO 2) / 68.1 x 48.5 x 26.5mm (case when closed)
    • Weight: 26.5g (GO 2) / 63.5g (charging case)
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
    • Port: USB Tpe-C
    • Storage: 32GB (28GB usable)
    • Run time:
      • Standalone: 30 mins (Video mode) / 20 mins (Pro Video mode)
      • In Case: 150 mins (Video mode) / 110 mins (Pro Video mode)
    • Video: Up to 2K videos @50fps
    • In the box: Pivot stand, a brim clip, a magnetic pendant

    Insta360 GO 2 Price in Nepal and Availability

    The price of Insta360 GO 2 in Nepal is NPR 39,000. You can buy Insta360 GO 2 action camera in Nepal from Hukut Store’s website or via its retail stores across the country.

    Action Camera Price in Nepal Availability
    Insta360 GO 2 NPR 39,000 Hukut Store
    • Meanwhile, check out our review of Insta360 One R.

    Realme X7 Max Review: The Real Mid-Range Phone To Beat!

    Pratima Adhikari
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    Realme X7 Max Review: The Real Mid-Range Phone To Beat!

    Here is our review of the Realme X7 Max. I used it as my primary phone for a couple of weeks, soon after its launch. I have also made a camera comparison with the Mi 11X and the iQOO 7. After that, I started testing relatively more affordable phones like the Mi 11 Lite and the iQOO Z3 while I’m currently testing the OnePlus Nord CE, whose review should be out by the end of this week.

    Anyway, after using these cheaper phones, the one thing that I have realized is that by adding just a little bit of cash, you can get the Realme X7 Max which offers a much-much better experience overall. At a starting price of INR 26,999, the X7 Max is an incredible mid-range phone to buy.

    Realme X7 Max Specifications:

    • Body: 73.3 x 158.5 x 8.4mm, 179 gm, Splash-resistant
    • Display: 6.43-inches Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate, 1000 nits (peak) brightness, 100% DCI-P3
    • Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio, 409 PPI
    • Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 1200 5G (6nm Mobile Platform)
    • CPU: Octa-core (1×3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
    • GPU: Arm Mali-G77 MC9
    • Memory: 8/12GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (fixed)
    • Software & UI: Android 11 with Realme UI 2.0 on top
    • Rear Camera: Triple (with LED flash);
      – 64MP f/1.8 Sony IMX682 primary sensor
      – 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide lens, 119º FOV
      – 2MP f/2.4 macro sensor, 3P lens
    • Front Camera: 16MP f/2.5 sensor (punch-hole cutout)
    • Audio: Dual speakers with Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm jack
    • Security: Optical in-display fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Light, Magnetic Induction, Linear Motor Tactile Engine
    • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Dual-band), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS / AGPS / Glonass / Galileo / Beidou / QZSS, USB Type-C, 4G LTE, 5G (sub-6GHz)
    • Battery: 4500mAh with 50W SuperDart Charge (65W adapter provided)
    • Color options: Mercury Silver, Milky Way, Asteroid Black
    • Price in Nepal: N/A (Not launched yet)

    Realme X7 Max Review:

    Here, Realme X7 Max looks like any other mid-range phone. But I think the company has nailed it with the right set of hardware specs underneath while also going aggressive with the pricing, which makes for an ideal combo.

    Design & Build

    • 73.3 x 158.5 x 8.4mm, 179 grams
    • Polycarbonate back/frame, glass front
    • No IP certification, Splash-resistant

    Regardless, let me talk about its design first ’cause I feel like this is one area where Realme has most certainly cut corners to keep the price down. The X7 Max comes with a plastic build and therefore feels like you are holding a much cheaper device. However, its weight distribution and the smaller form factor are something I’ve liked.

    Because of this, the entire smartphone experience when typing or holding it to view messages & such have been a comfy delight to my small hands. Thankfully, the big “Dare to Leap” branding that we saw on previous Realme phones is finally gone for good—although there is a tiny version of it right here.

    Realme X7 Max - Design 1

    And for some reason, Realme thought it would be cool and sort of a fashion statement to implement a dual texture finish where you get to see a matte sandstone texture on most parts while a vertical glossy strip runs across the camera module. Personally, I feel like they could have gone old school and implemented the Realme X or the X2 Pro’s design instead.

    Nevertheless, if you are buying this phone, a good case or a skin should be your top priority. As for durability, it’s a pretty rigid phone. The frames, despite being made of plastic, are firm and don’t creek or bend when applying pressure. Yet, it only comes with splash resistance, so you’re gonna have to be a little careful about using the phone around water since it doesn’t get any kind of official IP rating.

    Display

    • 6.43-inches FHD+ Super AMOLED display
    • 120/360Hz refresh/touch sampling rate
    • 1000 nits peak brightness

    So yeah, the Realme X7 Max basically gets an average rating on the design front but where it makes up for this mediocrity is on the inside—or outside, starting with its top quality screen. Comparing it with cheaper devices like the Nord CE or the Mi 11 Lite, it’s a much better screen to look at. In fact, it is as good as the one on Mi 11X and iQOO 7, both of which cost more than the X7 Max.

    Realme X7 Max - Display 2

    Here, you get a 6.4-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate. I used this phone in the 120Hz mode and found it to be incredibly responsive. Plus, I for one didn’t notice any weird stutters and micro lags here either.

    And because of its 360Hz touch sampling rate, things like typing up messages have been a fluid and enjoyable experience so far. Sadly, Realme has included an average vibration motor, so the haptics isn’t as good as say the Mi 11X.

    Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos audio

    Anyway, you’re getting a stereo speaker setup here although it’s not true stereo since the secondary speaker on top also doubles as an earpiece. Nonetheless, it can get plenty loud with okay-ish dynamic range and details. But once again, it still doesn’t compare against the expensive phones.

    Realme X7 Max - Design 3

    Coming back to the display, the colors are fairly accurate for the most part, although it is slightly on the cooler side. But, you can always play with the color temperature settings and make it more pleasing to your eyes. Likewise, this screen can get fairly bright as well, while it obviously lags behind the best in the business.

    So, yeah, it is not a flagship-grade screen but for what it’s worth, this is an excellent panel. On a different note, Realme has included an optical in-display fingerprint sensor here, which is fast and accurate. Likewise, I have got to applaud Realme for including a 3.5mm headphone jack on the X7 Max, which comes as a big advantage for mobile gamers.

    Performance

    • Octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 1200 5G SoC (6nm)
    • 8/12GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (fixed)
    • Android 11 with Realme UI 2.0 on top (upgradeable)

    Software-wise, for me, Realme UI 2.0 is ahead of Xiaomi’s MIUI as it is lighter, near-stock, and simply easier to use. Plus, things like dark mode are better optimized and work well here. However, the one area where Realme needs to improve on is faster updates. My unit is still on May’s security patch while we’re way into July by now.

    Realme X7 Max - Display 1

    Also, the company has not explicitly mentioned if Realme X7 Max will get monthly or quarterly security updates—nor has it committed to a specific number of system upgrades this phone is slated to receive. I wish Realme was a bit more transparent on this matter, just like how Samsung is, for instance.

    Moving on to the performance side of things, this is another win for the phone. It is powered by MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 1200 chipset, which will also power the upcoming OnePlus Nord 2.

    So, how good is the Dimensity 1200? Short answer—it is pretty darn good. In my usage, I didn’t face any lags, and all the day-to-day tasks performed smoothly too. To compare, it is significantly faster than say, the iQOO Z3 or the OnePlus Nord CE. And, it’s comparable with Snapdragon 870-powered phones, at least under normal usage.

    How’s the gaming experience?

    As for gaming, sad to say that the Realme X7 Max doesn’t hold up against the likes of Mi 11X. In the latter, you can play PUBG Mobile with a stable 60fps in HDR graphics and Extreme frame rates. On the contrary, the X7 Max can only hit 60fps when dialing down graphics to Smooth while keeping frame rates to Extreme. Likewise, it drops to 40fps after bumping graphics to HDR.

    Realme X7 Max - Gaming

    Similarly, Genshin Impact can hit 60fps under high settings on the Mi 11X, whereas the X7 Max limits the fps count to 50fps in the same setting. Plus, it looks like the Dimensity 1200 isn’t optimized yet to run 120fps-enabled games like Critical Ops and Shadowgun War Games as both of them are capped at 60fps.

    Regardless of lower fps, it still is a good-performing phone. During the first two weeks of my usage, I did notice a bit of a heating issue where the phone would get warm even when I’d be using light apps. However, this issue has been solved. Still, Realme X7 Max does get warm when you are gaming although I wouldn’t call it overheating—or something that throttles the performance.

    Cameras

    • Triple-camera setup at the back
    • (64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro)
    • 16MP selfie camera inside the punch-hole cutout

    Ok, moving on to the cameras, the Realme X7 Max scored good numbers when we compared its performance against the iQOO 7 and Mi 11X as well.

    Normal Images

    To summarize, its 64MP camera produces detailed daytime images with slightly boosted colors. It retains a good dynamic range most of the time and usually churns out an accurate white balance too.

    Overall, I am quite happy with the photography prowess of the phone during ample light. Here are some more samples for you to check out.

    Nighttime Images

    As the sun goes down, the nighttime shots aren’t that great.

    But that’s expected from a mid-range phone. It still maintains good exposure and details, although I think Realme has some work cut out for itself in terms of night mode photos.

    That’s because turning it on doesn’t improve upon the low-light shots as you would want.

    Portrait Images

    On the other hand, the portrait shots are quite decent too. It brings good exposure and a balanced skin tone with a good level of background blur.

    Usually, Xiaomi and iQOO phones struggle in terms of skin tone, but with Realme, I found it performing pretty well.

    Wideangle Images

    That being said, the other two lenses completing the triple camera setup are pretty meh.

    Here, the 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera yields washed-out colors, and photos look a little dark in comparison. It is also lacking when it comes to details and overall, the images are a hit or miss.

    Macro Images

    Similarly, close-up photos from the 2MP macro camera are pretty much useless too.

    Selfie Images

    Moving on, selfies taken from the X7 Max are also pretty average as the subject looks mostly soft and lacking in detail.

    It also introduces this reddish tint—thereby making the photos look a tad bit unnatural.

    Videography

    On the videography side, Realme X7 Max can record up to 4K 60fps footages. Yet, the overall video capability is below par. It is void of stabilization under 60fps mode altogether. And while the 4K 30fps videos come out fairly stable, colors are extremely oversaturated and unnatural here. To conclude, this is definitely not a good video camera phone.

    Battery

    • 4500mAh with 50W SuperDart Charge

    Now, let’s our way to the other aspects of the phone. Its 4500mAh battery usually gave me around 5 hours of screen time, which isn’t stellar. But you know, I put my phones to test quite rigorously by shooting a lot of photos and playing games whenever I am free.

    Realme X7 Max - Charging

    So, what my 5 hours of SOT translates to is that this is enough endurance for an average user to last them through a day’s end. Realme also ships the phone with a fast 65 Watt proprietary charger, although the phone is restricted to 50W of power at max.

    Anyway, this takes the X7 Max from 0 to 100% in just 55 minutes. As for the network connectivity, the good news here is that you’re getting seven 5G bands with the X7 Max. On the contrary, most of its competition and even significantly expensive phones are offering only 1 or 2 5G bands.

    Realme X7 Max Review: Conclusion

    Allow me to wrap up this review of the Realme X7 Max. Overall, despite some obvious flaws with this phone like the plastic design, average ultra-wide-angle lens, and the not-so-great videography ability, at INR 26,999, it’s difficult to beat what this phone is offering.

    Realme X7 Max - Design 2

    So, as I said earlier in this review, instead of getting phones like OnePlus Nord CE, Mi 11 Lite, or Galaxy A52, I would certainly recommend you go a little out of your budget and get the Realme X7 Max instead as it offers much better performance, excellent display, and a reliable primary camera, which I think is worth paying extra.

    Realme X7 Max Review: Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Excellent value for money
    • Decent gaming performance
    • Reliable primary camera
    • Vibrant, responsive display
    • Impressive battery endurance
    • 50W SuperDart charging

    Cons:

    • Relatively inferior design
    • No dust/water resistance
    • Unoptimized cameras

    Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro Review: An Affordable Flagship

    Yural Maskey
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    1
    Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro Review: An Affordable Flagship

    In this review, I will be talking about the Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro, which is also known as the Mi 11i or the Redmi K40 Pro+ in some regions. Now, Xiaomi has launched a lot of phones under the Mi 11 lineup so far and it’s understandable if their names are confusing. The one our team has been testing for around a month is the Mi 11X Pro, which is a slightly downgraded version of the flagship Mi 11.

    Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro Specifications:

    • Body: 76.4 x 163.7 x 7.8mm, 196 gm, Gorilla Glass 5
    • Display: 6.67-inches E4 AMOLED “DotDisplay”, 120Hz refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate, Gorilla Glass 5, 1300 nits (peak) brightness, MEMC, HDR10+, SGS Eye Care
    • Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio, 395 PPI
    • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm Mobile Platform)
    • CPU: Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 680 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 680 & 4×1.80 GHz Kryo 680)
    • GPU: Adreno 660
    • Memory: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (fixed)
    • Software & UI: Android 11 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 on top
    • Rear Camera: Triple-camera (with LED flash);
      – 108MP f/1.75 primary lens, AF
      – 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens, 119º FOV
      – 5MP f/2.4 telemacro sensor, 3cm – 7cm (AF)
    • Front Camera: 20MP f/2.45 sensor (punch-hole cutout)
    • Audio: Stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos
    • Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro, Proximity, 360º Ambient Light, Electronic compass, Color Temperature, IR Blaster, X-axis Linear Motor
    • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2, GPS / AGPS / Glonass / Beidou / NavIC / Bluesky, USB Type-C, 4G LTE, 5G (sub-6GHz)
    • Battery: 4520mAh with 33W fast charging (33W adapter provided)
    • Color options: Celestial Silver, Lunar White, Cosmic Black
    • Price in Nepal: Rs. 64,999 (8/128GB) | Rs. 67,999 (8/256GB)

    Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro Review:

    Its base variant starts at INR 39,999 or NPR 64,999 in Nepal, making it one of the cheapest flagship phones to come with Snapdragon 888. So in this review, we will discuss if the Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro is worth going for or if you should get the Mi 11 or the vanilla OnePlus 9 instead. Let’s get into it!

    Performance

    • Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G SoC (5nm)
    • 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (fixed)
    • Android 11 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 on top (upgradeable)

    Okay, when I said that it’s a slightly downgraded version of the Mi 11, well, performance does not count under that. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset has been coupled with 8GB of DDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. As a result, Mi 11X Pro’s performance is undoubtedly flagship level.

    Mi 11X Pro - Gaming

    To compare, I would say it is slightly faster than the Snapdragon 870-powered phones like the Mi 11X and the iQOO 7. And this is noticeable when you open heavy apps or try multitasking between them.

    Still, I think Snapdragon 870 is the best value-for-money flagship chipset in 2021. Plus, with every Snapdragon 888-powered phone, you will encounter some sort of heating issues and sadly that’s present on the Mi 11X Pro too. So, this does heat up when playing GPU intensive games, recording 4k or 8k videos, and the likes.

    Gaming experience

    Talking of gaming, playing Genshin Impact in the high graphics setting and 60fps mode, the gameplay runs smoothly at 58fps and over 90% stability. Likewise, PUBG Mobile can hit 60fps in HDR graphics and extreme frame rates with 96% stability. Call of Duty, which is a slightly optimized game than the other two, yields 60fps with 100% stability in Very High graphics and max frame rates.

    However, in these higher settings, the Mi 11X Pro heats up quite rapidly, especially near the camera module. With this, the phone becomes quite uncomfortable to hold. So, you might want to dial down the settings for better thermal performance.

    How is MIUI on a flagship phone?

    On the software front, many of you might know that I am not a huge fan of MIUI. Before the recent update, there were even these underlying touch issues in the display, where a certain portion of the screen would fail to register any input, and subsequently, I couldn’t scroll through the UI. But thanks to the MIUI 12.5 update that I received on July 1st, these problems have been fixed.

    Design & Build

    • 76.4 x 163.7 x 7.8 mm, 196 grams
    • Gorilla Glass 5 (front, back), plastic frame
    • No IP certification for dust/water protection
    • No SD card slot and 3.5mm audio jack

    Moving on, while the performance of this phone is top class, design-wise, I have to say that Mi 11X Pro looks quite basic. In fact, if not for the mirrored finish, it basically looks like the much cheaper POCO F3. And just like the OnePlus 9, its hands-on feel is nothing better than an upper mid-range phone.

    In comparison, Mi 11’s matte back, metal frames, and slight curves on the sides feel so much premium and ergonomic even though both these phones share the same weight.

    Plus, to keep the price lower, Xiaomi has cut corners on multiple aspects of the Mi 11X Pro. For instance, there’s no IP68 certification, no wireless charging, and the front, as well as the back, only has Gorilla Glass 5 protection. To be fair, these omissions are something that you can absolutely live without.

    The one aspect where Xiaomi maybe shouldn’t have cut corners is in the fingerprint sensor as this one comes with a capacitive side-mounted scanner instead of an in-display fingerprint reader. In Xiaomi’s defense, it is a reliable one. But then again, an in-display fingerprint sensor on such an expensive phone feels almost mandatory.

    And one more thing. Like the OnePlus 9, the Mi 11X Pro is limited to two 5G bands only. One might argue that supporting the most common 5G bands is good enough but seeing how alternatives like the Realme X7 Max support much more 5G bands, this feels like a direct upper hand for the competition.

    Display

    • 6.67-inches FHD+ E4 AMOLED display
    • 120/360Hz refresh/touch sampling rate
    • 1300 nits peak brightness, SGS Eye Care

    Nevertheless, the Mi 11X Pro boasts a really good display. It’s not QHD like the Mi 11 but that doesn’t really matter much. It’s sufficiently bright, has good viewing angles, and more importantly, it produces excellent colors and contrast.

    Mi 11X Pro - Display

    Moreover, it is equipped with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Couple that with a 360Hz touch sampling rate, scrolling, and typing experience on this phone is pretty great. Likewise, it is also HDR10+ compliant with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage. Sadly, Mi 11X Pro lacks DC dimming although Xiaomi has integrated SGS certification for low blue light emission.

    Decent set of speakers

    Anyway, because of its big screen, watching movies and web series on this phone is going to be a riveting experience. Xiaomi has paired it with a good set of stereo speakers too. Although not true stereo, meaning, the other speaker also doubles as an earpiece, I’m quite impressed with their quality.

    You can notice good details and dynamic range from Mi 11X Pro’s speakers while they can get loud enough as well. Also, they are very similar to the standard Mi 11’s audio setup.

    Cameras

    • Triple-camera setup at the back
    • (108MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP telemacro)
    • 20MP selfie camera inside the punch-hole cutout

    Okay, let’s get into the cameras. Here, Mi 11X Pro features a triple cameras setup at the back consisting of a 108MP primary Samsung ISOCELL HM2 sensor, followed by an 8MP ultra-wide and a 5MP telemacro camera.

    Normal Images

    On paper, the 108MP sensor seems quite impressive. But in real life, the overall camera quality is just above average. And all this has got a lot to do with the most difficult aspect of photography – color optimization.

    You see, when we compared it against the more expensive Mi 11, we found that Mi 11X Pro’s cameras produce wildly saturated output. The pictures are sharp though, but you will notice a lot of unnatural detail processing going on.

    Bringing the OnePlus 9 into the mix, it too saturates the images in certain scenarios, but the Mi 11X Pro just goes an extra mile. Being a proper flagship phone with the top-of-the-line HMX sensor, it’s evident how the Mi 11 is the most superior of the bunch.

    Wideangle Images

    Ultra-wide-angle images from all three look good and are well-detailed. Thankfully, Mi 11X Pro’s cameras do not boost the colors so much here.

    I was surprised with how the OnePlus 9 didn’t have a superior output given its higher-res 50MP lens produced similar results compared to the Mi 11X. The Mi 11 reigns superior here as well with a slightly better dynamic range.

    Portrait Images

    As for portraits, once again the Mi 11 takes the cake with better skin color while the OnePlus 9 brightens the subject a bit more.

    On the other hand, the Mi 11X Pro darkens and sharpens the images unnecessarily. Hence, the portraits are not that great on the latter.

    Selfie Images

    Even selfies share the same properties as portraits.

    Skin tone is brighter on the OnePlus 9, darker on the Mi 11X Pro while Mi 11 has the most pleasing and natural color reproduction.

    Selfie portraits carry the same traits whereas edge detection is not perfect in either of them.

    Nighttime Images

    But when it comes to nighttime images, all three phones perform well enough. It’s just that the OnePlus 9 has a warmer tone with slightly boosted colors and somewhat lesser details than the rest.

    On the other hand, Mi 11X Pro and Mi 11 manage to take in a little bit more light and maintain slightly better details. That being said, Mi 11’s images are usually the brightest with a better level of detail than the other two. Turning on night mode, all three cameras do a very good job!

    It’s with the ultra-wide nighttime images that the OnePlus 9 struggles as evident with the muddiness and lack of detail in its photos.

    On the contrary, this is one area where Mi 11X Pro does things so much better, followed by the Mi 11.

    Macro Images

    Next up, macro images from the Mi 11X Pro and Mi 11 look almost similar in terms of details, but Mi 11 has a more natural color tone.

    I would rate OnePlus’ macro images to be of slightly lesser quality.

    Videography

    Now, onto the videography side of things, all three phones offer you an 8k 30 fps recording option. But among them, the OnePlus 9 has the most stable output while Mi 11 crops the footage largely to maintain better stabilization.

    In other resolutions, like 4k 60 or 4k 30 fps, footages are stable and detailed from all three devices. Moving to ultra-wide videos, the OnePlus 9 offers up to 4k 60 fps mode while that’s missing on the Mi 11 and Mi 11X Pro.

    Even for selfies, we are disappointed a little to see the lack of 4K recording options on the Mi 11X Pro. Both 1080p 60fps and 30 fps modes are of good quality. They’re on par in terms of the subject’s skin tone, video stabilization, whereas the audio pickup from the microphone is neck-and-neck as well.

    Why the sub-par camera optimization?

    With all this, it is clear that Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro’s cameras are in fact inferior to that of the Mi 11 and OnePlus 9. And it’s a little annoying to see the company not offering the same level of camera optimization as the Mi 11. That’s because the Mi 11X Pro comes with the same Image Signal Processor (ISP) as its costlier sibling and its 108MP sensor is flagship level too. So, I really don’t understand this discrimination.

    Battery

    • 4520mAh battery with 33W fast charging

    Finally, getting to the battery life, with its 4520mAh cell, I managed to get around 6 – 6.5 hours of screen-on time with my usage pattern consisting of a lot of video streaming, playing some games, web browsing, and social media consumption. Plus, Mi 11X Pro has a good standby time unlike the OnePlus 9!

    Mi 11X Pro - Charging

    And despite featuring a lower-rated 33-watt charger compared to the OnePlus 9’s 65-watt or the 55-watt charger on the Mi 11, the Mi 11X Pro takes only 51 minutes to get fully juiced up, which isn’t that slow.

    Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro Review: Conclusion

    To wrap up this review of the Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro, after having used the phone for such a long time, for the most part, we were not satisfied with it. That’s because the aforementioned underlying touch issues made the experience truly bitter. But, just before publishing this video, our unit received an update that solved the issue which has made us change our verdict altogether.

    Hence, for the price of INR 39,999 or some NPR 64,999 in Nepal, the Mi 11X Pro is indeed a great offering. Its excellent price-to-performance ratio paired with good battery life and the top-notch display is a great combo. Plus, unlike Xiaomi’s mid-range phones, there is no problem with the software optimization either.

    Still, the camera is the one area where our expectation has fallen short. So, if you are someone who is looking for a premium camera experience, the Mi 11X Pro is definitely not the best option for you. For that, you’re better off adding a bit more money to get the Mi 11 or the Galaxy S21 instead. And for what it’s worth, even the OnePlus 9 provides you a slightly better camera experience than the Mi 11X Pro.

    Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro Review: Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Excellent value for money
    • Top-notch performance
    • 120Hz AMOLED display
    • Decent battery endurance
    • Good set of stereo speakers
    • Competent haptic feedback

    Cons:

    • Sub-par camera optimization
    • Heats up under high load
    • Pretty mediocre design
    • Lacks an IP certification
    • No 3.5mm headphone jack

    You can now pay vehicle tax straight from the Nagarik app

    GadgetByte
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    0
    You can now pay vehicle tax straight from the Nagarik app

    Nagarik App is an initiation from the Nepal Government to simplify the life of Nepalese by providing Governmental service to their fingertips. The app already has a list of services like PAN registration, Malpot, and others in it. Similarly, the government has now added a vehicle renewal service to the Nagarik App. 

    Vehicle renewal service from Nagarik App:

    With vehicle renewing service coming to the app, the public will be able to update their vehicle’s bluebook online without having to stand in long queues. 

    From Bagmati

    The Nagarik app now has a ‘Vehicle Tax’ option in it. In its first phase, you will be able to pay the tax of vehicles that are registered in Bagmati province only. That means individuals from the remaining six provinces should wait until a similar service goes official for them. 

    Meanwhile, if your vehicle is registered at the Transport Management office of Bagmati, then you can use the service with ease. 

    How to pay?

    To pay the tax, you must first update the app, if you have one, or download it from the Google Play Store or Apple store. Then navigate to the Vehicle Tax option on the landing dashboard. However, before continuing with the process, ensure that you have completed all of the prerequisites of enrolling yourself in the app.

    Nagarik App Interface with Vehicle Tax feature

     

    Then you will be asked to enter details like the province, vehicle types, lot number, and so on. Following that, you will see a screen with the payable tax amount. You may then use the app to pay the tax.

    Final Words

    As new features make their way into the Nagarik app, the government should now work on making it widely acceptable at government offices and other institutions. This should’ve gone without saying but there have been multiple reports of government offices or banks demanding physical documents even after the Nagarik app has gone live. Only after resolving this, would the dream of paperless governance come true.

    • Meanwhile, check out our review of Realme Buds Q2.

    Huawei MatePad 11 launched with Harmony OS 2, Snapdragon 865, 120Hz display, and more

    GadgetByte
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    0
    Huawei MatePad 11 launched with Harmony OS 2, Snapdragon 865, 120Hz display, and more

    Huawei has unveiled a new tablet in China – the MatePad 11. It runs HarmonyOS 2 at its core and has a pressure-sensitive stylus for a smooth typing and scrolling experience. So, let’s walk through the specs of Huawei MatePad 11 along with its expected price in Nepal.

    Hauwei MatePad 11 Overview:

    Design and Display

    To begin with, the MatePad 11 brings a 10.95-inch LCD panel with 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display has moderate size bezels on all sides. Further, the top bezel holds an 8MP front-facing camera while you get a 13MP camera on the back. The latter has autofocus, which the former lacks.

    Huawei MatePad 11 Design and Display

    The tablet comes with a second-gen M-pencil stylus with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and low latency. You can also pair it with an optical magnetic keyboard which allows you to use it as a notebook. 

    Performance

    Under the hood, Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 powers the MatePad 11. The SoC is paired with 6GB of RAM and is available with three storage configurations – 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. There’s also a MicroSD card slot, which you can use to expand the storage up to 1TB. On the software front, it boots on Huawei’s in-house Harmony OS 2.0.

    Rest of the specs

    Besides, the tablet features four microphones as well as four Harmon Kardon-tuned speakers. In terms of connectivity, the tablet supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. Fueling the tablet is a 7,250mAh battery with support for 22.5W fast charging. You can even use your phones and accessories by utilizing the OTG reverse charging feature.

    Huawei MatePad 11 Specifications

    • Dimensions: 253.8 x 165.3 x 7.25mm, 485 grams
    • Display: 10.95-inch IPS LCD, 16.7 million colors
    • Resolution: WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels)
    • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm)
    • Software: HarmonyOS 2.0
    • Memory: 6GB
    • Storage: 64/128/256GB (upgradable up to 1TB)
    • Rear Camera: 13MP f/1.8
    • Front Camera: 8MP f/2.0
    • Battery: 7250mAh with 22.5W fast charging
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C
    • Speakers: Harmon Kardon tuned quad speakers
    • Colors: Island Blue, Dark Lime, Frosty Silver 

    Huawei MatePad 11 Price in Nepal and Availability

    The MatePad 11 costs CNY 2469 for the 64GB version, CNY 2799 for the 128GB version, and CNY 3299 for the 256GB version. We expect the price of Huawei MatePad 11 to start around NPR 50,000, if and when it launches in Nepal.

    Huawei MateaPad 11 Price in China Price in Nepal (Expected)
    6+64GB CNY 2469 NPR 50,000
    6+128GB CNY 2799 NPR 55,000
    6+256GB CNY 3299 NPR 65,000
    • Meanwhile, check out our review of Huawei Band 6.

    Symphony Z40 Review: A Decent Budget Phone?

    GadgetByte
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    Symphony Z40 Review: A Decent Budget Phone?

    In this review, I will be sharing my experience with the Symphony Z40. But before that, let me familiarize you with the brand (if you aren’t already). You may not have heard about Symphony, but it is one of the largest smartphone brands in our neighboring country of Bangladesh.

    Symphony started its journey as a bar phone manufacturer and then jumped to entry-level budget smartphones. Last year, the company expanded to Nepal as well with three budget devices. Among them all, I have been testing the Z40 for quite some time now. To note, it is the most powerful phone in Symphony Nepal’s portfolio.

    Symphony Z40 Specifications:

    • Body: 76.6 x 165 x 8.9mm, 193.5 gm
    • Display: 6.55-inches IPS LCD panel, 16.7m colors
    • Resolution: HD+ (1600 x 720 pixels), 268 PPI
    • Chipset: MediaTek Helio G35 4G (12nm Mobile Platform)
    • Memory: 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB storage (expandable up to 128GB)
    • Software & UI: Android 10
    • Rear Cameras: Triple (13MP primary, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP portrait)
    • Front Camera: 13MP sensor (punch-hole)
    • Audio: Loudspeaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
    • Security: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Light, Proximity
    • Battery: 5000mAh Li-Po, 10W charging via USB-C port
    • Color Options: Dazzling Blue, Delightful Green, Jolly Blue
    • Price in Nepal: Rs. 17,999 (4/64GB)
    Buy Symphony Z40 here

    Symphony Z40 Review:

    Design and Build

    • 76.6 x 165 x 8.9mm, 193.5 gm
    • Plastic back/frame, glass front
    • Corrugated finish at the back

    Starting with the design, the phone is available in three colors: Dazzling Blue, Delightful Green, and Jolly Blue. For this review, we got ourselves the Dazzling Blue variant of Symphony Z40. Its body and frame are both made out of plastic. The latter has been curved for a better grip.

    Also, the rear panel is corrugated with a sun ray-like pattern. It is divided into two unequal parts by a line running behind the camera bump. The back also houses the physical fingerprint scanner, whose speed is in line with what we get on devices of this price point.

    Similarly, the power and volume buttons are on the right side, while a dedicated Google Assistant button resides on the opposite frame. The top frame is clean, and most of the ports are at the bottom. All in all, the Symphony Z40 is like most other budget phones out there in terms of its design. Its radiating design and relatively bulky form factor are reminiscent of Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup of entry-level phones.

    Display

    • 6.55-inches HD+ IPS LCD panel
    • 60Hz, 268 PPI, Widevine L3

    Moving on, Symphony Z40 features a 6.55-inch HD+ display with 1600 x 720 pixels. The screen is surrounded by thick bezels. In addition, there is a left-aligned punch-hole cutout that could get distracting at times. Also, its diameter is quite large compared to what we’re used to on other budget or mid-range phones.

    Symphony Z40 - Display 1

    Anyway, despite the lower resolution, the contents look quite sharp here. And you will only notice jaggedness if you pixel peep. In addition, Z40’s color reproduction and viewing angle are fine. On the other hand, it thoroughly struggles with outdoor visibility. But that is to be expected with such budget phones.

    Regardless, I would have liked Symphony Z40’s screen more had it supported HD streaming on Netflix and other streaming platforms. Right now, that’s not possible here as it only has Widevine L3 certification for sub-540p streaming. This could technically be fixed with a software update but I highly doubt Symphony, of all companies, will roll an update bringing support for Widevine L1.

    Performance

    • Octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 4G SoC (12nm)
    • 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB storage (expandable up to 128GB)
    • Android 10 (almost stock) with few customizations

    Under the hood, the Symphony Z40 packs a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset. It’s an entry-level SoC with two clusters of 4x Cortex-A53 CPU cores clocked at 1.8GHz and 2.3GHz. Handling the graphics is PowerVR GE8320.

    This silicon has been paired with either 3/4GB of RAM and 32/64GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. The latter is expandable up to 128GB using an external MicroSD card as well. Here, our review unit of Symphony Z40 is of the 4/64GB configuration.

    Symphony Z40 - Design 2

    As expected, this combination can’t handle heavy multitasking. However, you can use social media apps, enjoy music and videos, and even play games under controlled settings without any major hiccup. That being said, be prepared to tolerate delays between opening apps, and even a few crashes here and there.

    Gaming experience

    Getting to gaming, PUBG Mobile maxes out at Balanced graphics and Medium frame rate. After just 15 minutes of Team Deathmatch, the CPU temperature rose to 40ºC from 33º (monitored using CPU Monitor app). Also, the gameplay starts as playable but becomes more sluggish over time—suggesting performance throttling.

    Thus, it is clear that Symphony Z40 is not made for heavy gaming. Then again, which budget phone is? On the other hand, you can play light games fairly smoothly here. I tried Piano Tiles 3 and faced no issues even with the touch response.

    Software

    Getting to UI, Symphony Z40 ships with Android 10 out-of-the-box. You will find some games and bloatware pre-installed on the phone. The good thing is that you can uninstall most of them. However, you can’t get rid of Google’s suite of apps, Facebook, and My Symphony app. The UI is also ad-free, in case you were wondering.

    Symphony Z40 - Display 2

    The company has added a couple of neat customization features too. First, you can add a circular battery indicator around the aforementioned camera cutout. Second, you can change the color accent of the UI elements from display settings.

    You can even re-configure the Goggle Assistant button to launch a shortcut of your choice. At the time of writing this review, our unit of Symphony Z40 was still on January’s security patch while there’s no word on the Android 11 update either. So, it is safe to assume that the phone will receive little-to-no future software support.

    Camera

    • Triple camera setup at the back
    • (13MP primary, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP portrait)
    • 13MP selfie camera (punch-hole cutout)

    Okay, let’s talk about the cameras now. The rectangular camera bump at the back of the phone has enough room for three camera sensors, the first of which is a 13MP primary camera. Accompanying it is a 5MP ultra-wide and a 2MP depth sensor.

    Normal Images

    As you can see from these photos, the primary sensor struggles with maintaining exposure. The skies are blown out.

    Similarly, they also come out a bit dark.

    Turning on the HDR mode helps a bit. HDR images are a bit brighter and, in some cases, better exposed, too.

    Wideangle Images

    Likewise, photos from the 5MP ultrawide camera aren’t any good either.

    The pictures have blown-out backgrounds and little detail.

    Portraits

    Regardless, the portrait photos have decent edge detection, though it is not perfect around hairs.

    Selfie Images

    Additionally, the selfie camera whitens the subject’s face.

    It has a hard time dealing with exposure, and turning on the portrait mode makes the situation worse.

    Battery and Audio

    • 5000mAh battery with 10W charging
    • Single speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack

    Moving on, Symphony Z40 features a massive 5,000mAh battery which charges over a Type-C port. A 10W charger is included in the box too. On average, the phone provided around 5 hours of screen-on time during my usage. The onboard charger takes an excess of 3 hours to juice it up from 0 to 100%.

    Symphony Z40 - Fingerprint Sensor

    For audio, the phone has a bottom-firing single speaker. It can get loud enough but does not stand out much. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired connection.

    Conclusion

    To sum it up, the Symphony Z40 has all the recipes for a decent entry-level phone. This includes a good screen, a fairly powerful processor, a clean UI, and all-day battery life. Still, I would love to see Symphony optimize the camera and thermals. As it stands, it is an average performing budget phone with a sturdy design, clean ad-free UI, and adequate storage.

    Symphony Z40 Review: Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Sturdy design
    • Good display
    • Clean, ad-free UI
    • Decent battery life

    Cons

    • No Widevine L1 certification
    • Heats up quickly under gaming
    • Unoptimized camera app
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