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OnePlus 8 Pro finally up for pre-order in Nepal; Coming on 11th August

Nikhil Shrestha

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August 8, 2020

OnePlus 8 Pro finally up for pre-order in Nepal; Coming on 11th August

Oneplus unveiled the Oneplus 8 Pro in the international market back in April. It comes with flagship-grade specs along with near-flagship level price-tag at US$899. Because of the lockdown and complications on cargo flights, the launch of the Oneplus 8 Pro was delayed in Nepal. However, it is finally available for pre-order in Nepal.

OnePlus 8 Pro Overview

Design

OnePlus has made a lot of visual changes one the 8 Pro compared to its predecessors. First off, the company itself went through a “logo overhaul”, which is just… why? But that’s old news and we’re not here to talk about that. Anyhoo, though it’s got the same curved glass back design with a matte finish, the OnePlus 8 Pro finally supports wireless charging, and an IP rating – two features that have been requested probably ever since the company went mainstream.

And it doesn’t compromise either. The OnePlus Warp Charge 30 Wireless isn’t the fastest out in the market with its 30W charging speed but is undoubtedly a welcome one. On the other hand, the IP68 certification takes away your fear against taking out the phone amidst the presence of dust, dirt, and water.

The rear cameras are also arranged a little differently, mainly because of an additional lens. OnePlus had spoiled its consumer base with an obstruction-free bezel-less AMOLED screen on last year’s 7 & 7T Pro but weirdly enough, the company has opted for a punch-hole cutout this time. I don’t understand this decision; are the days of motorized pop-up cameras this shortlived? It doesn’t seem like a durability issue since OnePlus itself proved it otherwise, and with immense pride. Seeing this change reminds of something Pewds said: “it is evolving, just backward.”

Some new color options are also in store this time around. There’s the “Ultramarine Blue” which gets closer to dark indigo than blue, to be honest. Additionally, you also have the “Onyx Black” option. Also making its “shade”y debut is green, in what OnePlus is calling “Glacial Green”, which is my favorite among the bunch.

Display

Getting to the display itself, it looks like the company is gunning for the top spot. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a tall, gorgeous 6.78-inches Fluid AMOLED QHD+ panel with a fluid 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate, with HDR10+ support. And unlike Samsung’s S20 series with a similar fluidity, you can enjoy the smoothness even at the highest of resolutions. In fact, the OnePlus 8 series also managed to secure A+ grade from DisplayMate, and consequently the title of “Best Smartphone Display”. Sadly, there is no middle ground to settle it to; in other words, you can only select between 60 and 120Hz option in the settings.

But what doesn’t sit right with me is its excessive curvature. Every beautiful flower need not have a thorn! Maybe some people like it and I know it’s been pretty much established as a “must-have” trait in a flagship device, yet I firmly believe it shouldn’t. Sure it looks great but when you actually go about using it, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Well, enough of the complaints. Let’s talk about the 120Hz panel more. While OnePlus had arguably paved the path for a higher refresh rate display in smartphones with its 7 series in 2019, the company had to up its game somehow this year. And they’ve done exactly that. Who’s surprised? The 120Hz fluidity is something else, which I was fortunate enough to witness it on Samsung’s Galaxy S20/S20+. Tall, bright, vibrant, and fluid are most likely the only adjectives you’d want to associate with a quality display panel and the OnePlus 8 Pro thoroughly incorporates those.

With its JNCD (Just Noticeable Color Difference) score of ~0.4, 10-bit color depth and almost blinding 1300 nits of peak brightness, its display is a visual treat. OnePlus has also included a custom MEMC (Motion Estimate Motion Compensation) chip to upscale low fps content to adapt to the phone’s glorious 120fps or the regular 60fps. This works similarly to “framerate interpolation” in TVs, which adds extra frame in-between the content’s frames to sort of give an illusion of smoothness.

Camera

The quad-camera mania has finally hit the OnePlus land. Here, the OnePlus 8 Pro has four cameras at the back. A custom 48MP Sony IMX689 primary lens, a 48MP Sony IMX586 ultra-wide-angle lens with 120º field-of-view, an 8MP 3x Telephoto lens, and finally a 5MP color filter camera. Here, it is evident that the company isn’t playing the number game as you don’t find a ridiculous “108MP” lens lying around.

The custom Sony IMX689 sensor has a dual native ISO for better noise reduction in low-light photography. Similarly, it also has 2×2 OCL (On-Chip Lens) for better focus in, once again, low-light photography. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how well it’ll fare against Google Pixel 4, which is known for its excellent nighttime images. Moreover, the telephoto lens is capable of 3x hybrid optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. Finally, the color filter for those quirky photos where you can play around with colors as you see fit. And then there’s a 16MP selfie camera sitting inside that punch-hole cutout in the display.

Moving to the video department, it comes with hybrid OIS + EIS video stabilization, almost effectively rooting out the need for an external stabilizer. Further enhancing videography are the 3 high-precision microphones for better audio capture. A lot of comparisons were drawn against Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro Max during the launch-event which only reflects just how confident the company is with its camera system on the OnePlus 8 Pro. Nice!

Performance & Memory

Aah, we’ve come to performance now. OnePlus has always been about “speed” and that’s one of the reasons why it’s been such a fan favorite. Taking a quick look back at the company’s history, the OnePlus 6 series features the flagship processor of its time and followed the slogan “The Speed You Need”. Similarly, the OnePlus 7 series carried the tagline of “Go Beyond Speed” while the company has gone with “Lead with Speed” this time around.

And as expected, top-of-the-line specs all around. It is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, which also means native 5G support. This most definitely isn’t OnePlus’ first 5G rodeo. Oh, and before I forget, 5G doesn’t cause coronavirus, people! This is complemented by either 8 or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 or 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage. Yeah, I would’ve like to see the newer UFS 3.1 protocol but it does have Turbo Write and HPB (Host Performance Booster) for enhanced read and write speeds.

The phone also has improved haptic motor (Haptic Vibration 2.0) for better and more immersive haptic feedback when you’re gaming. OnePlus 8 Pro comes with Google’s Live Caption feature and 100GB of Google One storage free for 3 months too.

Battery

In terms of battery, the OnePlus 8 Pro comes with a 4510mAh cell, which is the largest ever on an OnePlus phone. That’s an absolute necessity considering it needs to power that monstrous display with the 120Hz refresh rate. Coming to charging, wired charging is the same as last year’s Warp Charge 30T which can take the phone from 0 to 60% within 30 minutes.

And as I said before, the OnePlus 8 Pro also comes with 30W Warp Charge 30 Wireless, which can juice up the phone to 50% in under 30 minutes of charge-time. It also supports reverse wireless charging.

OnePlus 8 Pro Specifications:

Body: 6.51 x 2.93 x 0.33 inches; 199 gm; IP68 certification
Display: 6.78-inches Fluid AMOLED panel; 120Hz refresh rate; HDR10+; 513 ppi; 90.24% screen-to-body ratio; Gorilla Glass 6 protection
Resolution: QHD+ (3168 x 1440 pixels); 19.8:9 aspect ratio
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865; 7nm+ Mobile Platform
CPU: Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 585)
GPU: Adreno 650
RAM: 8 / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage: 128 / 256GB UFS 3.0
Software & UI: Android 10 with Oxygen OS on top
Rear Camera: Quad-camera;
– 48MP, f/1.78 1.12 µm Sony IMX689 primary shooter, OIS, EIS
– 48MP, f/2.2 Sony IMX586 ultra-wide sensor, 120º FOV
– 8MP, f/2.44 telephoto lens, OIS, 3X hybrid optical zoom, up to 30X digital zoom
– 5MP, f/2.4 color filter lens
– Dual LED flash
Front Camera: 16MP, f/2.45 1.0 µm Sony IMX471 sensor, OIS
Security: Optical in-display fingerprint scanner
Audio: Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Connectivity: Dual Nano-SIM slot, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS/AGPS/GLONASS/BDS/Galileo/SBAS, NFC, USB Type-C
Battery: 4510 mAh; Warp Charge 30T Fast Charging, Warp Charge 30 Wireless, Reverse wireless charging
Colors: Glacial Green, Ultramarine Blue, Onyx Black

OnePlus 8 Pro Price in Nepal, Availability

The official price of OnePlus 8 Pro in Nepal for 8/128GB is Rs. 1,10,000. Similarly, the high-end 12/125GB variant cost Rs. 125,000.

Variant	Price in Nepal	Availability
OnePlus 8 Pro (8/128GB)	NPR. 1,10,000	Aug 11, 2020
OnePlus 8 Pro (12/256GB)	NPR. 1,25,000	Aug 11, 2020

Also Read: Oneplus 8 Expected Price in Nepal here

Ncell Power SIM Review: A Feature-Rich & Versatile SIM For The Youth

Nikhil Shrestha

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August 7, 2020

0

Man, owning your own SIM card was the bomb back in the days! Saving all your friends’ contact with an accented text, missed calls, and messages back-and-forth… yep, those were good times. However, calls and SMSs were quite expensive – at least to a school or a college attendee. Mobile data really wasn’t a thing back then and despite all the fun, the same problem persisted with owning & operating a SIM card; the expensive cost. It was just not that cheap compared to how things are today. And a couple of months ago, Ncell had come up with the “Sahi Yo! Power SIM” specifically targeting the young audience. It is a low-cost multi-purpose prepaid SIM for the young’uns or Gen Z. So yeah, it’s been a while but here’s our review of the Ncell Power SIM.

Ncell Power SIM Review:

In today’s day and age, making or receiving calls and messages alone simply won’t do. Instead, you’d want to browse the web, stream some music & videos, play a few games, and maybe more. Yet, activating and making use of all these services could amount to a hefty bill – one that may be enough to discourage you from enjoying them again. What if they were all bundled into one affordable little package for all to use? At its heart, this is exactly what the Ncell Power SIM is.

How do I get one?

Getting your hands on a Ncell Power SIM is super easy. It just costs Rs. 99 and besides this, all you need is:

your citizenship card (original)
student ID card (original)
a passport-sized photo

With these documents in hand, you can visit your nearest Ncell Centre or any Ncell authorized shop. Well, this is what’s specified by Ncell in its official documentation but my personal experience was a little different. In the process of acquiring a Ncell Power SIM for the review, all I took with me was the original copy of my citizenship, and an auto-sized photo. I went to the Ncell Centre at Durbar Marg and not a local Ncell authorized shop, so I’m betting it wasn’t something they overlooked either.

Instead, it may be that the company is loosening up on the distribution of the Power SIM to demographic other than students. After all, it is an attractive offer and to think non-students would want to get in on the action isn’t a far-fetched idea either. I filled up the form, submitted it alongside the documents, paid the due amount, and was done within 20 minutes.

You may also download the subscription form, print it out, fill it in, and then submit it to a Ncell Centre or an authorized shop. Better yet, there’s also an option to register for Ncell SIM online. After submitting it, you’ll receive a code that you’re gonna have to take to a Ncell Centre.

A trifecta of benefits!

#1. Power Loaded features

Under the Ncell Power SIM, you can enjoy its benefits in three rounds. First off, there are the inherent bonuses with the purchase of the SIM itself. From that investment of Rs. 99, you get Rs. 20 in main balance, 500 MB data (250 MB 4G + 250 MB all-time), 100 SMS, 10 minutes talk-time, and other benefits. As expected, the free voice-call and message are applicable under the Ncell network only and is valid for 7 days.

Likewise, you gotta use up the 500 MB of data under 30 days. Here, half of it is assigned for the high-speed 4G network while you can use the other half under 2G and 3G networks. Apart from these, you also get services like PRBT (Personalized Ring Back Tone), Sportsie, Sports Video Portal, Daami Music, and Hungama Music Pro worth Rs. 300 free for 30 days.

While the last two are well-known domestic and international music streaming services respectively, most of us are unfamiliar with those sport-centric features. So allow me to briefly go through them.

Sportsie: A community for football and cricket fanatics
Sports Video Portal: As the name implies, it’s a portal to watch exclusive sports videos including match previews, analysis, infographics, etc.

Hold up…

So obviously, I was eager to at least check them out. However, I was met with some rather unsettling complications. None of these services were pre-activated in any way and I was quite confused by that. I’d try visiting each of their app or website and all of them redirected me towards a paid subscription prompt. I thought maybe I gotta manually activate them at first by buying any of the pack and the system would automatically recognize my Power SIM and refund me the money.

But no sir, I had just wasted my balance doing this. At first, I tried getting myself a ring back tone. I was under the assumption that my default PRBT (as Ncell calls it) that I got for free was being overridden by the default COVID-19 message. Nevertheless, buying a separate ring back tone got rid of that coronavirus message and played the music instead. For a day of this service, I was out of Rs. 2.04 (Rs. 1.02 for service activation and Rs. 1.02 for selecting a song).

Ncell’s response?

Then I went on to try out one more “free” feature. I bought the Hungama Music Pro’s 1-day subscription hoping the same but once again I was billed from my main balance. With all this, I tried contacting Ncell’s customer care number or their Facebook page but both yielded no help. After a long while, I did get a response on Facebook saying “The subscription to the services is free. You will need data to use the service. If there is no data, then your main balance will be used.” But that was far from helpful. Therefore, I’ll be trying to resolve this matter by visiting an Ncell Centre pretty soon. So be sure to check this space for further updates.

Also Read:
- Best Telecom Service Providers in Nepal [Updated]
- Ncell Data Packs: Price, Volume & Validity Period [Updated]

#2. On-recharge features

Moving on, the Ncell Sahi Yo! Power SIM also has some benefits if you recharge at least Rs. 100 on the same day that you activate your SIM (within 12 AM). Here, it’s a little misleading how Ncell has worded this condition. If you top-up/recharge Rs. 100, your actual balance will be about Rs. 98 which doesn’t fulfill the T&C. Instead, the ultimate balance amount should equate to Rs. 100 or more for this feature to activate. As a result, I made a top-up of Rs. 105 during my review of Ncell Power SIM. It got me Rs. 102.94 worth main balance and additionally also activated 150 MB data and My5 service.

You’re entitled to the aforementioned mobile data for 30 straight days. If you do not use up the daily quota of 150 MB data, it sadly won’t accumulate to the next day. Besides this, the Ncell My5 service could also be useful to many. With My5, you can add 5 Ncell numbers and make calls to those numbers at a reduced charge.

The usual charge for this feature is Rs. 20/month (exclusive of taxes) but with a Power SIM, it’s free for a year. Once assigning the number(s) in your My5 group, you can call them free of cost for 30 days. After that, it costs Rs. 0.99/minute which is the standard rate in My5 service.

#3. Bonus data on using balance

The final benefit in Ncell Power SIM’s trinity comes in the form of getting bonus data when spending the main balance. For up to a year, you’ll receive 500 MB data (250 MB 4G + 250 MB all-time), when using Rs. 100. This is quite similar to how Smart provides 200 MB + 200 MB data on every recharge of Rs. 100. While the bonus data is low compared to Ncell, you also get 10 minutes of talk-time and 10 SMS free under this.

To see how much you’ve spent during the month, you can dial *17136#. And no, transferring your balance to someone else, or the use of Ncell Saapati doesn’t count under money spent. Similarly, the received bonus data will be valid for 5 days.

Exclusive Packages

Aside from these, Ncell has also come up with two exclusive data packages related to gaming and music streaming. Here, the gaming pack which costs Rs. 140.46 (inclusive of taxes) comes with 2 GB data and free registration of Ncell’s services like Playlive, Gamespark, and Game Plus. It will be valid for 7 days and you can subscribe to it by dialing *17103*1#.

There’s more. The Power SIM also boasts an exclusive music package that consists of 2 GB data and free registration of Daami Music and Hungama Music Pro services. This will set you back Rs. 134.07 (inclusive of taxes) and is valid for 7 days. To subscribe to this package, you can simply dial *17103*2#.

Other advantages with Ncell

Disregarding the bonuses of the Power SIM for a moment, it is also important to note that Ncell’s network boasts the fastest internet. That conclusion comes from research conducted by the NTA. While our test (with Ookla’s Speedtest) corroborates with NTA’s findings, the speeds varied by quite a bit. We got around 30Mbps and 3.7Mbps of download and upload speeds respectively under 4G LTE network; which also consumed the entire 250 MB bonus 4G data btw.

Ncell Data Speed - 4G LTE

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Under the 3G network, the speeds dropped to 8.45Mbps (download) and 3.6Mbps (upload). This test was conducted in Kathmandu district in Jyatha area, where the population density is fairly high.

Ncell Data Speed - 3G

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Likewise, Ncell’s 4G network has wide coverage throughout Nepal; which is now available in more than 1000 cities in 21 districts of the country. Also, a 2019 study by NTA showed that Ncell doesn’t have any call drop problem while the issue persists in other telecom operators like NTC and Smart Telecom. The same study also mentions how Ncell has the fastest call set-up time at 7.68 seconds with a success rate of 94.74%.

Ncell Power SIM Review: Final Words

Therefore, with the reliability of Ncell and the multitudes of benefits like bonus daily mobile data (up to 11 GB), SMS, talk-time, recharge bonus, etc. the Sahi Yo! Power SIM truly is a great option for the younger generation; especially those who are constantly grinding on the social network, playing games, streaming music, and connecting with their friends and family. It offers a lot of features for a basic asking price.

Instagram launches its own short-video feature called “Reels” amidst US-TikTok controversy

GadgetByte

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August 7, 2020

0

Instagram launches its own short-video feature called “Reels” amidst US-TikTok controversy

Amidst the ongoing controversy between ByteDance’s Tiktok and Trump’s government, Instagram has announced Reels. It is Instagram’s take on TikTok’s short video recording/sharing feature. Keep reading to learn more about Reels Instagram.

Instagram Reels Overview

Anyone can become a creator on Instagram and reach a new audience on a global stage.

Like TikTok, Reels lets you record and share (inside Instagram) short videos. Users can even edit videos using different effects and other creative tools. Each video can be 15 seconds long and can contain multiple clips. Users can share Reels video with their followers on Feed. If it’s a public account, it will be available to a larger audience in the Explore.

Recording Videos using Instagram Reels

Reels are now included inside the Instagram Camera. On the middle-left of the Reels, users can find a wide range of tools that they can use to videos.

Audio: This allows users to search for appropriate audio from Instagram’s library. Users can even record their own audio. If you choose the latter option, it will be attributed to you. Your audience can even use your audio using the Use Audio feature if your account is public.
AR Effects: This lets you browse and use effects created by Instagram or other third-party creators. Multiple effects can be used for different clips in a single video.
Timer and Countdown: This feature will come handy if you are recording only. Upon activating, it will start a countdown after the record button is pressed. You can choose the duration of the timer.
Align: Align will make the transition between two clips smoother. Instagram says it can be useful for transitions involved in outfit changes and introducing a friend to the reel.
Speed: As the name implies it is there to help users control the speed of the video or audio.

Reels allows user to record a video at one take or record multiple clips one at a time. To start, press and hold the record button on Reels. After the process starts, a bar at the top will indicate your progress. Similarly, users can even upload videos from the gallery.

Sharing Reels

After the recording is over, you can save the draft on the share screen. Additionally, you can also change the cover image, add caption and hashtags, and tag your friends. All of your shared videos will reside on a separate Reel Tabs on your profile. If you choose to share it to your Feed as well, it will also feature on your main profile grid. However, Instagram says you can remove it later.

Reels will follow your privacy setting. That is, your videos will be available for a different audience based on the type of your account. For users with a private account, only followers can view these videos. Similarly, people can neither share your videos nor use your audio.

On the other hand, videos of public accounts will feature in a separate space in the Explore section. It will be available for a wider audience that can share your videos and even use audios from them. Similarly, your videos will appear on dedicated pages of the songs, hashtags, and effects used in the video.

Irrespective of the account type, you can also share videos with your story, close friends, and via direct message.

Viewing Reels Videos

Instagram has dedicated a certain space for the Explore section for Reels. There you can find all the Reel videos shared by public accounts. You can even like, comment, and share them. Instagram will even select some original content and label them “Featured”.

Availability

Instagram Reels is available everywhere. The feature was initially tested in Brazil and is available in limited regions, including the US, the UK, Germany, Australia, France, and India. Instagram is yet to release a full list of countries where Reels is available. We also don’t know when it will be available in the rest of the regions.

TikTok’s reaction on Reels and other rivals

To those who wish to launch competitive products, we say bring it on.

On July 29, TikTok cleared that it was aware of rival companies investing in copycat products to counter the popularity of the app. CEO Kevin Mayer said the company welcomes competitions. He also added that everyone should focus on serving the consumer rather than coming up with maligning attacks on competitors. The statement was mainly directed at Facebook, which TikTok claims, is being disguised as patriotism and designed to kick TikTok out of the US.

Instagram Reels is actually a second attempt from Facebook to compete against TikTok. Earlier, the company had released Lasso, which failed to attract users. Even Google launched a TikTok-inspired short video feature on Youtube.

Also, check out our review of Realme 6i.

Realme becomes the world’s fastest growing smartphone brand in H1 2020

Realme

GadgetByte

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August 6, 2020

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For a brand that was launched in 2018, Realme has a lot of accomplishments. It has successfully positioned itself as a big player in India, which happens to be one of the most competitive markets. And the company continues to grow, even during the time of the pandemic. In the latest news, Realme has been announced as the fastest growing global smartphone brand for the H1 of 2020. Keep reading to learn more about the accomplishment of Realme.

Realme: Fastest Growing Brand in H1 2020

Realme’s Claim

Realme has recently announced its figures and statistics for the first half of 2020. The company is proud to announce the 11% growth in the second quarter of the year. For the same period, Canalys reported that Huawei and Samsung experienced 7% and 30% YOY decline respectively in the global smartphone shipments. Realme claims that it is the sole major brand in the world to pull off double-digit positive growth at the same time. Realme has managed to survive and grow even when the global smartphone market has taken a hit from the Covid-19 outbreak.

Realme’s reports suggest that the company was successful in attracting 15 million users in the first half of 2020. With this, Realme has a total of 40 million users worldwide. Since its establishment in 2018, the company has expanded in 59 countries across 5 continents.

Reports from Counterpoint

Counterpoint has named Realme the fastest growing smartphone brand for four consecutive quarters now. Earlier this year, it reported that the company managed 157% YoY growth in the first quarter.

According to the reports from Counterpoint and IDC, Realme has managed to rank among the top 4 smartphone brand in India, Thailand, Egypt, and Cambodia. Similarly, the company is part of the top 5 smartphone brands in Vietnam, Ukraine, Myanmar, Phillippines, and Indonesia.

Realme’s plan for future

In 2020, Realme has expanded its portfolio of products to AIoT and lifestyle devices. To keep the operation smooth, the company has announced the 1+4+N strategy. The company’s main priority will be on smartphones. Realme is planning to sell over 100 million smartphones in the next three years. The “4” in the 14N strategy stands for speakers, earphones, TVs, and watches, which will be the company’s main offering in the lifestyle segment. Similarly, under them will be numerous other smart accessories. Realme plans to sell over 50 AIoT products in 2020 and 100 in next year.

Check out our review of the Realme 6i / Narzo 10!

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 & S7+ announced: Launching soon in Nepal too!

GadgetByte

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August 5, 2020

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 & S7+ announced: Launching soon in Nepal too!

Samsung is one of the few brands that is still putting out new Android tablets in a market that is dominated by Apple’s iPad lineup. Today, the South Korean company has pulled the curtain off its successor to Samsung Galaxy Tab S6. Let’s take a look at the specs, features, expected price, and availability of Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ in Nepal.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, S7+ Overview

Design and Display

The rumors were true – the new Galaxy Tabs do come with 120Hz panels. The bigger of the two is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ which has a 12.4-inch AMOLED screen; while the vanilla S7 features a slightly smaller 11-inch LTPS LCD screen. The S7+ sports WQXGA+ resolution of 2800 x 1752 pixels, whereas the Tab S7 packs in 2560 x 1600 pixels. S7+ also supports HDR10+ contents and covers the NTSC color range. Tab S7, on the other hand, covers the DCI – P3 color range. Both the tabs come with some kind of eye protection feature.

We don’t see a radical change in the design. The two tabs feature the same slim design of the Galaxy Tab S6. However, the Tab S7+ is a little bigger than its vanilla sibling. On the back, there is a pill-shaped camera module that houses the dual camera setup along with an LED flash. Just below it, one can notice the groove that will hold the S Pen.

Performance and Memory

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ are come with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 865+ SoC, making them the first tablets to do so. Compared to the vanilla SD 865, the Plus variant features a higher clocked Prime Core. The performance has been improved by up to 25% when looking at last year’s Tab S6. Similarly, the new lineup boasts up to 36% faster graphics performance and 77% better neural processor.

The most notable difference between the SD 865 and SD 865+ lies in the gaming performance of the two. The new Galaxy Tabs come with Game Pass Ultimate that users can use to access over a hundred Xbox games over the cloud, without even downloading them. Some of the popular games included are Minecraft Dungeons, Gears 5, Halo, and Sea of Thieves.

However, it is only available in select markets starting from the 15^th of next month.

As far as memory is concerned, users can choose between 6GB and 8GB of RAM. Similarly, the storage options include 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. In addition to that, users can expand that up to 1TB using an external microSD card.

Camera and Multimedia

At the back, the Galaxy Tab S7 series feature a dual-camera setup. The 13MP primary camera is accompanied by a 5MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The two cameras, along with an LED flash, are enclosed inside a pill-shaped camera module. Users can record 4K videos at 30fps. Other notable camera features are Single Take, Night Hyperlapse, Front and Back Conversation Recording, Scene Optimizer, and AR Doodle.

The tabs do not disappoint on the entertainment front either. They come with quad-speaker speakers tuned by AKG Harman. Similarly, the speaker setup also supports Dolby Atmos for surround sound effect. Samsung will also be providing 4 months of free Youtube Premium in select regions.

Check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite.

S Pen and Book Cover Keyboard

Samsung is claiming that with the S Pen along and the 120Hz screen, the latency has been reduced to up to 9ms. It is by far the biggest leap in the S Pen’s responsiveness. It attaches magnetically to the back of the tablets. The S Pen is customized to work perfectly with apps like Clip Studio Paint, Noteshelf, and Canva. The pen can now synchronize notes with voice recording, convert handwriting into text, and supports Dark Mode.

Users can buy a Book Cover Keyboard separately to increase the productivity of the tablets. The keyboard accessories connect to the tablets magnetically and can take the device way back to 165-degree. It comes with 26% larger keycaps and an 18.3mm key pitch. Similarly, it comes with 16 function keys and a larger keypad with multi-finger support.

Battery and Others

The Galaxy Tab S7+ features a massive 10,090 mAh battery, while its smaller sibling includes an 8,000mAh battery. The S7+ promises up to 14 hours of continuous video playback while the S7 bumps it to 15 hours. The new tabs support 45W super-fast charging. However, users will have to buy separate chargers for that. The S7+ supports 5G, LTE, and even WiFi 6. On the other hand, S7 is available in three variants, each of them supporting 5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, S7+ Specifications:

Dimension: 165.3 x 253.8 x 6.3mm / 185.0 x 285.0 x 5.7mm
Display: 11-inch LTPS LCD / 12.4-inch AMOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate
Resolution: WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels) / WQXGA+ (2800 x 1752 pixels)
Rear Camera: Dual
– 13MP, f/2.2 Primary,
– 5MP f/2.0 Ultra-wide
Front Camera: 8MP
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
CPU: Octa-core (1x 3.1Ghz Kyro 585 + 3x 2.42Ghz Kyro 585 + 4×1.8Ghz Kyro 585 )
GPU: Adreno 650
RAM: 6 / 8 GB
Storage: 128 / 256/512 GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD)
Audio: AKG Tuned Quad-speaker, Dolby Atmos
OS: Android 10, One UI
Features: Fingerprint scanner (side-mounted / in-display), Samsung Dex, S Pen, Daily Board
Battery: 7760 mAh / 10,090mAh, 45W fast charging technology
Color Options: Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Bronze

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, S7+ Price in Nepal & Availability

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 lineup will go on sale starting from August 21. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ have a starting price of $649 and $849 respectively. We expect the starting price of Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ in Nepal to be around NPR 80,000 and NPR 1,05,000 respectively.

Samsung Tablet Model	Expected Price in Nepal
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7	~ Rs. 80,000
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+	~ Rs.1,05,000

Watch: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite vs Apple iPad 10.2 (2019).

Dish Home initiates its internet service via FTTH technology in Kathmandu Valley

DishHome
ISP

GadgetByte

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August 5, 2020

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Dish Home initiates its internet service via FTTH technology in Kathmandu Valley

[Update @6th August 2020, 6:20 PM: We’ve updated the package prices including one-time setup costs for Dish Home Fibernet.]

Dish Home has been providing TV service in Nepal using DTH technology, for around a decade now. The company received the license to operate as an Internet Service Provider earlier this year. Dish Home has snow started providing internet service to its customer via Fiber Optics technology. Keep reading to know more about the service.

Dish Home Fiber Internet (Fibernet) Service

Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has granted Dish Home to provide internet via fiber-optics and VSAT technology. The latter technology uses satellite transmission and will be used to connect rural areas to the internet. For now, Dish Home is providing the service in limited areas within the valley and thus, is using fiber optics.

Availability

The Fiber To The Home (FTTH) service by Dish Home is available in three areas of Kathmandu Valley. It is available in Bhainsepati, where the head office of the company is located. It has also been expanded in Kapan – Bouddha area. Similarly, Dish Home is also expanding the Fibernet service to the Tinkune – Baneshwor area with the help of Space-Time Network (local cable operator for SimTV).

Dish Home plans to expand its FTTH service outside of the Ring Road, which it expects to complete within 2077 BS. The company expects to attract 12,000 customers at the same time. After that, it will focus on the places inside the Ring Road.

Dish Home Fibernet Packages and Pricing

As of now, Dish Home has launched two packages: 25 Mbps and 40 Mbps, which is available for monthly, tri-monthly, semi-annual, and annual subscription. For existing Dish Home and SimTV users, the company is providing a slight discount on the annual subscription. The prices listed below are exclusive of VAT.

Package	1 Months	3 Months	6 Months	12 Months
25 Mbps	Rs. 1,100	Rs. 3,000	Rs. 5,500	Rs. 10,000
40 Mbps	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 4,200	Rs. 7,800	Rs. 14,500

Listed below is the setup charge for the Dish Home Fibernet. As of now, the company is not charging anything under the Installation Charge heading.

Internet Setup	1 Months	3 Months	6 Months	12 Months
Drop Wire	Rs. 500	Rs. 500	Rs. 500	Free
Fiber Router Rental	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 500	Rs. 500	Rs. 500
Refundable Deposit	Rs. 500	Rs. 500	Rs. 500	Rs. 500
Installation Charge	–	–	–	–

For more information, you can contact Dish Home at 9801-544000.

Dish Home Satellite Internet

Dish Home’s plan of providing internet using VSAT technology, has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The company is facing difficulty to import necessary gears and equipment. The project will eventually start gaining pace once the current situation gets better.

Check out our review of the first Nepali Google-certified Android 4K TV!

Oppo K7 5G launched with Snapdragon 765G and 48MP quad-camera array

OPPO

GadgetByte

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August 4, 2020

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Oppo K7 5G launched with Snapdragon 765G and 48MP quad-camera array

Oppo has just announced the successor to last year’s K5. The new Oppo K7 5G now comes with an integrated 5G modem. Keep reading to learn more about the specs, features, expected price, and availability of Oppo K7 5G in Nepal.

Oppo K7 5G Overview

Design and Display

The Oppo K7 5G retains the 6.4-inch AMOLED display. It supports the FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The panel features a waterdrop style notch on the front to house the front camera. The bezels are slim and the fingerprint sensor is placed under the screen.

On the back, the vertical camera arrangement in its usual position. Oppo has replaced the gradient design on the back with a sunrise design. The rays originate from the bottom left corner of the rear panel. And this is where you’d find the “Oppo” branding as well.

Performance and Memory

It does not happen quite often but Oppo has actually prioritized performance over cameras in this mid-ranger. The Snapdragon 765G is an improvement over last year’s Snapdragon 730. This chipset has Adreno 620 as its GPU. The SoC comes features a more advanced 7nm node and comes with a built-in 5G modem. Oppo’s HyperBoost 3.0 and Qualcomm’s Elite Gaming features should promise a decent gaming experience. Oppo has also included Link Boost 2.0, which utilizes a 5G network and Wi-Fi connection for a better reliable connection.

The device comes with 8GB of RAM. Users can choose between 128GB and 256GB of internal storage. The K7 5G will ship with ColorOS 7 based on Android 10 out of the box.

Camera

Oppo has downgraded the camera on the K7 5G, at least on paper. While the predecessor had a bigger 64MP sensor, K7 5G features a 48MP primary camera. Oppo has to make up for the cost of the new 5G processor. What’s sad to see is that the 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors have been left untouched for the quad-camera setup.

An 8MP ultra-wide sensor completes the rear camera setup. On the front, there is a 32MP selfie camera enclosed by the notch.

Battery and Others

The Oppo K7 5G comes with a 4,025mAh battery. It supports 30W fast charging through the USB Type-C port. The device has an optical fingerprint sensor for biometrics and supports NFC.

OPPO K7 5G Specifications:

Body: 160.3 x 74.3 x 7.96 mm; 180 gm
Display: 6.4-inches Super AMOLED display
Resolution: Full-HD+ (2340 × 1080 pixels),
Chipset: Snapdragon 765G; 7nm Mobile Platform
CPU: Octa-core (1×2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1×2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
GPU: Adreno 620
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB UFS 2.1 (non-expandable)
Software & UI: Android 10 (Pie) with OPPO’s ColorOS 7
Rear Camera: Quad-camera
– 48MP primary sensor
– 8MP ultrawide lens
– 2MP macro lens
– 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera: 32MP
Fingerprint sensor: On-screen
Battery: 4025 mAh battery with 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0

Oppo K7 5G Price in Nepal and Availability

Oppo K7 5G is available for pre-orders in China, where its price is ¥1,999 for the 8/128GB and ¥2,299 for the 8/256GB variant. The sales will start on August 11. We expect the price of Oppo K7 5G in Nepal to start at around NPR 37,000.

Smartphone Model	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Oppo K7 5G (8/128GB)	~ NPR 37,000
Oppo K7 5G (8/256GB)	~ NPR 42,000.

Check out our comparison between Oppo F15 and Galaxy A51

Vivo S7 5G with 44MP dual selfie lenses & some exciting camera features launched

Vivo

GadgetByte

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August 4, 2020

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Vivo S7 5G with 44MP dual selfie lenses & some exciting camera features launched

Vivo S7 5G is the latest 5G mid-range devices from the Chinese company. Keep reading to learn about the official specs, features, expected price, and availability of Vivo S7 5G in Nepal.

Vivo S7 5G Overview

Design and Display

Vivo S7 5G features a 6.44-inch AMOLED display. The device sports a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The dual selfie cameras on the front is located at the top center of the screen. It’s a multimedia device as well since the panel supports HDR contents and covers 98.5% of NTSC color gamut. Despite the dual-camera setup, the device maintains a 91.2% screen to body ratio.

On the back, a rectangular camera module houses the triple camera setup. The gradient design on the rear panel is pleasing to look at. The body is just 7.39mm thick and weighs around 170 grams. Vivo S7 5G is available in Monet color options, inspired by the French artist.

Processor and Memory

The Vivo S7 5G comes with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G processor. It has been the go-to SoC for mid-range 5G devices for a while now. Along with an integrated 5G modem, the processor comes with Qualcomm’s Elite Gaming features. The device comes with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM but users can choose between 128GB and 256GB of internal storage.

Camera

A 64MP sensor leads the triple camera setup on the back. It supports Electronic Video Stabilization for a steadier video recording. Similarly, Vivo also included its latest Super Night mode. It can shoot in RAW format too. The primary camera is accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. It is a positive step that the company has taken by voiding the quad-camera setup and packing in more features instead. However, we still think the 2MP depth sensor could have been replaced with a telephoto lens.

The dual-camera setup on the front is not gimmicky and packs in exciting features. The primary camera here is a 44MP sensor, which the company is advertising as ultra-clear. Like the rear camera, it comes with stabilization. It is joined by an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. The primary selfie camera can record 4K videos at 60fps. Users can even shoot slow-motion selfies at 240fps. Similarly, it can also be used to record video in split-screen mode alongside the rear camera. The secondary camera has 105-degree FOV and will come handy while taking a group selfie.

Battery and Others

Vivo has included a decent 4,000mAh inside the phone. 33W flash charger is shipped with the phone. The device supports Hi-Res Audio but users will have to use a USB-C headset as the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Similarly, for earbuds users, the device comes with Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC audio codec. Other notable features in-display fingerprint sensor, dual-band Wi-Fi, and NFC.

Vivo S7 5G Specifications:

Display: 6.44-inch AMOLED display; 2400 x 1080 pixels, HDR, 98.5% NSTC
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G; 7nm Mobile Platform
CPU: Octa-core (1×2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1×2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
GPU: Adreno 620
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
Internal Storage: 128/256GB UFS 3.1
Software & UI: FunTouch OS 10.5 based on Android 10
Rear Camera:
– 64 MP sensor
– 8MP ultra-wide sensor
– 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera:
– 44 MP sensor
– 8MP ultra-wide sensor
Security: Fingerprint sensor (under-display)
Audio: Hi-Res Audio, aptX HD, LDAC
Battery: 4000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging

Vivo S7 5G Price in Nepal and Availability

Vivo S7 5G is available for pre-order in China, where its price is ¥2,798 for the 8/128GB and ¥3,098 for the 8/256GB variant. The company will shart shipping the phone starting 8th August. We expect the price of the Vivo S7 5G in Nepal to start at around NPR 50,000.

Smartphone model	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Vivo S7 5G (8/128GB)	~ NPR 50,000
Vivo S7 5G (8/256GB)	~ NPR 55,000

Also, check out our review of the Vivo V19

China announces the completion of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System

Featured

GadgetByte

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August 4, 2020

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China announces the completion of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System

China has announced the completion of its homegrown navigation system. President Xi Jinping confirmed the completion of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, nearly three decades since its initiation. The new system will compete against the US’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, and the EU’s Galileo. Keep reading to learn more about the BeiDou Navigation System.

BeiDou’s Timeline

China initially launched the BeiDou project back in 1994. In the first phase, otherwise known as BeiDou-1, China launched four Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) satellite in the space. China initially launched two satellites in 2000. It added two more satellites in the years – 2003 and 2007. Back then, only China could use these services.

The year 2004 marked the start of the second phase of the project. China launched the first satellite of the BeiDou-2 in 2004. The phase was completed in 2012. It broadened the coverage of the system to include the Asia Pacific region. Thus, China decommissioned BeiDou-1 in 2013.

The third phase started in 2009 and it finally concluded in 2020. The system was operational since 2018, two years before its completion. The BeiDou-3 has a total of 30 satellites and has been operational since 2018.

More about BeiDou Navigation System

Not only does BeiDou provide an accurate reading, but it also supports the transmission of messages and images. It can transit up to 1,200 Chinese characters. While the system can operate independently, it is compatible with three other navigation systems, namely GPS (US), GLONASS (Russia), and Galileo (European Union).

The latest BeiDou-3 consists of 30 satellites. Out of the thirty, three are GEO satellites, three are Inclined Geosynchronous Orbie (IGSO) satellites, and twenty-four of them are Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. The latest satellites offer higher bandwidth for better communication and more accurate atomic clocks. The rubidium clock is fully manufactured inside China and loses only a second per 300 million years.

Also Read: TikTok facing another banhammer: This time, in the US!

China’s Message

“No country can stop the historical pace of rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” – Xinhua

Thus, the new navigation system is proof that China is working to cut down reliability on foreign help. In recent times, the US government has heavily targetted China and China-based companies. Amidst that, the Chinese navigation system is a subliminal message that China can survive on its own technology. The country makes 500 different parts that are part of the system. It includes the rubidium atomic clocks, which the Chinese team completes in eight months.

Watch: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)

Google’s Pixel 4a finally makes its official debut with a bare minimum of specs

GadgetByte

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August 4, 2020

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Google’s Pixel 4a finally makes its official debut with a bare minimum of specs

The rumors had been swirling around for a while. And now it’s finally here. The follow-up to the affordable Pixel 3a was launched today. Aptly named the Google Pixel 4a, the phone ultimately quenches the thirst of many enthusiasts who’d been waiting for this year’s inexpensive Pixel. The device had been speculated for a long time and many are glad to see it finally launch. It brings in a significant upgrade from its predecessor and will look to compete against the likes of the iPhone SE 2 and OnePlus Nord. So, let’s find out what Google Pixel 4a is all about including its expected price in Nepal.

Google Pixel 4a Overview

The phone is basically a toned-down version of the Google Pixel 4 that launched last year. It has a rather small 5.81-inch OLED panel with FHD+ resolution. It comes with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and 443ppi pixel density. Furthermore, it has an Always-on Display (AoD) option, plus HDR support. Also, it has a punch-hole cutout that features a single selfie camera.

Cameras have always been the main attraction of the Pixel devices and it is the same for the Pixel 4a too. However, unlike most smartphones these days it is not packed in multiple sensors. Rather, the rear features just a single 12.2MP camera. The camera comes with Dual Pixel Tech, HDR support, OIS, and EIS. Furthermore, other features include portrait mode, top shot, night sight with astrophotography, and fused video stabilization. Upfront, the selfie camera is an 8MP wide-angle lens.

A major upgrade from the Pixel 3a can be found under the hood. Snapdragon 730G replaces the Snapdragon 670 SoC in terms of the processor. And the RAM and storage have been bumped to 6GB and 128GB respectively. These are some significant upgrades right there. However, right now, these specs are the bare minimums that a mid-range device should be offering.

Also, the device features a slightly larger 3140mAh battery as compared with its predecessor’s 3080mAh unit. And it supports 18W fast charging.

Google Pixel 4a Specifications:

Design: Glass body front, plastic back, plastic frame
Display: 5.81″ OLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels)
Rear Camera: 12.2MP Sony IMX363 with f/1.7 aperture
Front Camera: 8MP Sony IMX355 with f/2.0 aperture
Processor: Octa-core 8 nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
GPU: Adreno 618
RAM: 6 GB LPDDR4x
Storage: 128 GB onboard
Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, Stereo speakers
Battery: 3140 mAh, 18W Fast Charging
Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Pixel 4a 5G?

Now, Google did mention something about the 5G variant of the Pixel 4a too. However, details about the phone were not revealed, except for the price which is $499. It is expected to pack in a different processor, most likely the Snapdragon 765G. And the rest of the specs is up for speculation. This variant will be launched only in selected countries such as UK, US, Canada, Germany, and some other European countries.

Google Pixel 4a Price in Nepal and Availability

The Google Pixel 4a is priced at $349 and it is available for pre-order in the US. It will, however, go on sale only on August 20. The device will arrive in India in October. Similarly, the 5G variant will cost $499. However, there is no confirmation about its availability just yet.

Model Name	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Google Pixel 4a (6/128GB)	NPR. 45,000
Google Pixel 4a 5G (6/128GB)	NPR. 65,000

Watch: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite vs Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)