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Mobile Banking vs Digital Wallets: What to choose?

Dip Khatiwada
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0
Mobile Banking vs Digital Wallets: What to choose?

I recently found myself comparing mobile banking and digital wallet apps on my phone. While my bank’s app requires several steps to complete even simple transactions, the wallet app lets me pay bills with just a few taps. Using mobile banking and digital wallets can be a personal choice, but on a personal level, using wallets simply feels more light while mobile banking feels heavy with all the processes. In this article I will discuss the digital payment landscape in Nepal, comparing mobile banking vs digital wallets to help you understand which option might work best for you.

The Digital Payment Revolution in Nepal

Only a person wearing blinders would fail to notice that Nepal’s financial landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What started with the introduction of the first digital wallet around 2009 has now evolved into a competitive market with multiple players. The COVID-19 pandemic especially accelerated this shift as we all needed contactless payment options during lockdowns.

ime pay khalti esewa

Increased smartphone availability, improved internet coverage, and easier banking access have contributed to this growth. According to Nepal Rastra Bank Payment Systems data, digital transactions increased by an impressive 300% between 2020 and 2023. Currently, over 12 million Nepalis use digital wallets, with eSewa leading the market, followed by Khalti and IME Pay.

Digital Wallets: My Go-To for Daily Transactions

I use digital wallets for most of my quick payments. These platforms allow me to store money digitally and conduct various financial transactions. They’ve shown significant growth, with wallet users increasing by nearly 24% in fiscal year 2080/81 to reach over 23 million. During this period, transactions worth 31 billion 302 million rupees were processed through wallets.

When I use digital wallets, I appreciate:

  • The convenience of completing transactions in just a few clicks
  • The speed of payments for utilities, mobile recharges, and merchant payments
  • The rewards and cashbacks I receive

I primarily use eSewa, which was Nepal’s first digital wallet launched in 2009 and now has over 8 million users. I’ve also tried Khalti, known for its rewards, and IME Pay, but not more often than others.

Enhanced verification and transfer security

One aspect of digital wallets that I find useful is the verification process. When using eSewa, I can see if I’m sending money to the right person before completing the transaction. The app shows the recipient’s name before I confirm, which helps prevent mistakes.

With mobile banking, I sometimes find it harder to verify the recipient since the app mainly shows the account number rather than a name confirmation. This simple verification feature in digital wallets brings the kind of convenience I appreciate for everyday transactions.

The Power of Shared Wallets

Digital wallets also make it easier to share expenses with friends and family without transaction fees. For group expenses like trips or shared bills, we can use a single digital wallet account that everyone has access to.

This approach helps avoid the fees that often come with bank-to-bank transfers. When family members need to send each other money for shared expenses, using a digital wallet eliminates those extra costs. For families and friends managing joint expenses, this feature makes digital wallets particularly useful in Nepal.

Also Read: Khalti and IME Pay Merger: A threat to eSewa?

Mobile Banking: Choice for Larger Transactions

When I need to make larger transfers or access comprehensive banking services, I turn to mobile banking. Unlike digital wallets that require preloading money, my mobile banking app gives me direct access to my bank account.

Mobile banking handles substantially larger transaction values – NPR 3.73 trillion in the last fiscal year compared to digital wallets’ 31.3 billion rupees. This suggests that many Nepalis prefer mobile banking for significant transactions.

I value mobile banking for:

  • Direct access to my account without preloading funds
  • Higher transaction limits for major purchases
  • Access to loans, fixed deposits, and other financial products
  • Bank-level security with multiple authentication layers
  • Seeing my complete financial picture in one place

Mobile Banking or Digital Wallet – How I Choose Between the Two

I’ve developed a simple system for deciding which platform to use:

I choose digital wallets when:

  • I need quick payments for everyday transactions
  • I want to take advantage of rewards and cashbacks
  • I’m making utility bill payments or mobile recharges
  • I need to share expenses with others without transaction fees
  • I want clear verification of who I’m sending money to

I opt for mobile banking when:

  • I need to make larger transactions
  • I want direct access to my full bank balance
  • I require comprehensive banking services beyond payments
  • I need the highest level of security for important transactions

Mobile Banking vs Digital Wallets: The Future As I See It

Both systems will likely continue to evolve and coexist. QR-based payments have grown remarkably, with transactions increasing by over 113% in the last year. New developments like Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services could also change how we manage our finances.

While mobile banking seems positioned to handle larger transaction values due to its structural advantages, digital wallets will likely continue to excel in convenience, accessibility, fee-free sharing capabilities, and transaction verification.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 launched with updated frame and durability

Mintu
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Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 launched with updated frame and durability

Xiaomi’s Mijia brand offers a multitude of products and accessories quite at budget pricing. Now the subbrand has unveiled a new smart audio glass with some interesting features. In this article, we’ll walk through the specs, features, and expected price of the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 price in Nepal.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 Overview:

Design 

In terms of design, the new Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 features some design refinements. This new smart wearable is now sleeker and more comfortable to wear, thanks to the frame being just 5mm thick. Compared with the last gen, it is now 26% thinner at the narrowest point and 30% thinner at the widest. On top of that, it weighs only 27.6 grams.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2

Likewise, it is sturdy too, Xiaomi has used an advanced “piano steel ultra-flexible hinge” which is durable enough even after 15,000 bends. Moreover, the glasses feature a second-generation quick-release system with a hinge design that is 70% smaller, enabling effortless one-handed lens swapping. The available frame styles include five options: metal aviator, hybrid browline, classic Boston, hybrid aviator, and deep-space titanium.

Audio and Features

Let’s address the audio section of this wearable. Mijia says it has upgraded the audio performance with an optimized acoustic structure. There is a four-microphone array offering better noise reduction too and enhanced call clarity. Furthermore, users can activate a new privacy mode from the Mijia Glasses app to reduce sound leakage as well.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 Features

Holding the temple triggers instant voice recording, eliminating the need for a phone. To maintain privacy, an indicator light turns on whenever the recording is active. These smart glasses also boast IP54-rated dust and water resistance, voice assistant integration, and real-time audio streaming.

Battery

Lastly, you get up to 12 hours of music playback, 9 hours of talk time, and 12 days of standby. It charges via a 2C magnetic charging tech that does the full charge in just one hour. Similarly, a 10-minute charge will provide four hours of listening time.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 Price in Nepal and Availability

Mijia is beginning the crowdfunding campaign on March 10 with a special price of CNY 999. If it ever makes its way here, we expect the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 price in Nepal to be NPR 21,999.

Smart Glass Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 CNY 999 NPR 21,999

Huawei Smart TV S6 Pro launched with HarmonyOS 4.3

Surakshya Acharya
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Huawei Smart TV S6 Pro launched with HarmonyOS 4.3

Huawei is a well-known brand for its smartphones, but the company also makes laptops, smartwatches, bands, and TVs. Recently, Huawei launched the Smart Screen S6 Pro which is a sleek and powerful TV perfect for watching movies, gaming, and even fitness. In this article, we’ll dive into the Huawei Smart Screen S6 Pro TV, its features, and its expected price in Nepal.

Huawei Smart Screen S6 Pro TV Overview

Design and Display

The Huawei Smart Screen S6 Pro has an ultra-thin design with a body that is 36% thinner than its predecessor. This sleek TV sits just 5mm from the wall blending seamlessly into modern living spaces. With a stunning 99% screen-to-body ratio the bezel is nearly invisible. This device is available in sizes of 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, and 98-inch.

Huawei Smart Screen S6 Pro TV Design

In the front, the display features Ultra HD 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels). It uses a Super Mini LED panel supported by Huawei’s Honghu visual engine which allows for vibrant colors and high brightness. Additionally, the TV offers a refresh rate of 288Hz which makes a smoother viewing experience. With a peak brightness of 1000 nits and direct down backlight mode it’s perfect for bright environments. With its high-end visual technology this TV would be ideal for both casual and high-end viewers.

Performance and Audio

Under the hood, the S6 Pro is powered by a quad-core processor with 4 Cortex A-73 cores, ensuring strong performance for all your tasks. It also has 4GB of RAM, 2GB of virtually expanded RAM, and 128GB of storage. I find this configuration to be great offering smooth multitasking without hiccups. The TV runs on HarmonyOS 4.3 and it supports multi-screen interaction that allows you to cast 4K content from Huawei smartphones with just one tap.

It includes a Lingxi remote which is a universal controller that supports voice commands and set-top box controls. Speaking of ease, it’s nice that Huawei thought of every detail to ensure a streamlined user experience.

Huawei Smart TV S6 Pro features

On the audio front, the S6 Pro offers Huawei’s Audio Vivid technology delivering immersive 3D sound. Thanks to the independent low-frequency design the TV can hit lows down to 60Hz providing a punchy bass and clear mids and highs. This makes it great for movie nights or intense gaming sessions. It also supports 2.1 channels and Huawei Histen Audio, ensuring high-quality sound. Whether you’re watching action-packed films or playing fast-paced games the audio performance is top-notch.

AI Features

Huawei’s latest software brings new features like SearchEasy which simplifies movie searches, answers your questions, and shares ideas based on your interests. There’s also a dedicated gaming UI that lets you tweak settings in real time. If you’re into gaming you’ll love the AI image optimization which auto-detects gaming scenarios and enhances renderings. Plus, the TV’s AI can help with fun things like reciting poems, solving math problems, or learning about science and technology.

Huawei Smart TV S6 Pro Specifications

  • Design: Ultra-thin profile, 36% thinner body, 99% screen-to-body ratio
  • Display: Ultra HD 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels)
    • Super Mini LED panel
    • Huawei Honghu visual engine
    • 288Hz refresh rate, 1000 nit peak brightness
  • Chipset: Quad-core processor (4x Cortex A-73 cores)
  • RAM: 4GB, 2GB virtual RAM
  • Storage: 128GB
  • UI: HarmonyOS 4.3
  • Audio: Huawei Audio Vivid, 2.1 channels, Huawei Histen Audio
  • Connectivity:
    • Multi-screen interaction
    • 4K casting from Huawei smartphones
    • Lingxi remote with voice commands and set-top box controls

Huawei Smart TV S6 Pro Availability and Price in Nepal

The S6 Pro is available in China, with a starting price of CNY 6499. If it comes to Nepal we can expect the price of Huawei Smart TV S6 pro to be around NPR 130,000.

Huawei Smart TV S6 Pro Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
65-inch CNY 6499 NPR 130,000
75-inch CNY 8999 NPR 175,000
85-inch CNY 10999 NPR 215,000
98-inch CNY 16999 NPR 330,000

Nepal wants to build its own LLM, but is it realistic?

Dip Khatiwada
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Nepal wants to build its own LLM, but is it realistic?

The Nepal Government has announced an ambitious plan to develop its own Large Language Model (LLM) for the Nepali language. Deputy Secretary Narayan Timalsina revealed this initiative at the “AI for Nation’s Development” event, sparking both excitement and skepticism about how practical this really is.

Nepal’s AI Landscape Right Now

This announcement came during a seminar organized by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and the Curriculum Implementation and Technology Subject Committee. Several experts weighed in on the state of AI in Nepal:

  • Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal from NAST pointed out that Nepal ranks 109th globally in AI readiness, meaning there is a lot of catching up to do.
  • MoCIT Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Dutta discussed ongoing efforts to regulate AI development.
  • NAST Academician Prof. Dr. Subarna Shakya talked about the potential applications and challenges AI presents.
  • Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba stressed the need for a well-thought-out AI policy to guide development.

Can Nepal Compete in the LLM Space?

AI for nations development

The global AI race is heating up, and smaller countries are trying to carve out their own space. Take China’s Deepseek, for example. With an estimated budget of around $5 million, far less than what Silicon Valley giants pour into their models, it still managed to develop a competitive LLM. This shows that smaller economies can enter the AI game, but even these “modest” sums are still huge for a country like Nepal.

What LLMs Can and Can’t Do

Language models today power everything from chatbots and virtual assistants to content creation and data analysis. But they are not perfect:

  • Creativity is still robotic – AI-generated writing often feels formulaic.
  • Cultural nuance is tricky – Many models struggle with regional dialects and context.
  • Accuracy is not guaranteed – AI still needs human oversight to avoid misinformation.
  • Computational power is a massive hurdle – Training and running LLMs require serious hardware and energy resources.

The Challenges for Nepal’s LLM Ambition

Nepal has big dreams for AI, but let’s be real. Building an LLM from scratch comes with serious challenges:

  1. Lack of computing power – Training an LLM requires massive servers, GPUs, and energy. Nepal has hydropower, but does it have the infrastructure?
  2. Competition is fierce – The AI field is dominated by companies with years of experience and billion-dollar budgets. Catching up will not be easy.
  3. Is this the best use of funds? – Instead of trying to build a general-purpose LLM, that money could go into more targeted AI projects that directly benefit Nepal’s economy.

Smarter Alternatives Nepal Could Consider

Instead of going all-in on a full-scale LLM, Nepal might get better results by:

  • Focusing on specific AI applications – AI in agriculture, tourism, or healthcare could have a bigger impact.
  • Building AI education and research – Strengthening local expertise could be more valuable in the long run.
  • Developing AI-friendly policies – Smart regulations can encourage innovation while protecting users.
  • Partnering with global AI projects – Collaboration could help Nepal benefit from cutting-edge AI without reinventing the wheel.
  • Enhancing Nepali language AI tools – Rather than a full LLM, Nepal could improve language processing systems that integrate with existing models.

The Bottom Line

Nepal’s interest in AI is a positive step, but true technological progress is not always about building everything from scratch. Strategic decisions about what to develop in-house and what to adapt from existing technology could be the key to making AI work for Nepal. Whether this LLM project turns into a success or a costly experiment remains to be seen.

TCL launches C7K TVs in Europe with up to 115″ QD-Mini LED displays

Dip Khatiwada
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TCL launches C7K TVs in Europe with up to 115″ QD-Mini LED displays

TCL has introduced the C7K Premium QD-Mini LED TV, rolling out in Europe. This model improves upon the C6K series and shares similarities with the QM7K available in the U.S. This article will discuss everything about the TCL C7K, including its expected price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.

TCL C7K Overview

Display and Performance

TCL QD Mini led TVs price in Nepal

The TCL C7K features a 4K resolution display with a 144Hz native refresh rate and 120Hz MEMC for smoother motion. Depending on the size, it includes local dimming zones ranging from 2,048 to 2,880. Additionally, it offers a peak brightness of 2,000-3,000 nits and a contrast ratio of 7,000:1 with an HVA panel.

HDR and Color

The TV supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG. It covers 93% of the DCI-P3 color gamut for enhanced color accuracy. The Halo Control System reduces blooming for improved image quality.

Smart TV and Gaming Features

The C7K runs on Google TV, providing access to streaming services, voice control, and Google Meet. For gaming, it includes Game Accelerator 288, Game Master, Gamebar, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, enhancing performance for high-frame-rate gameplay.

Audio System

The TV comes with a 4.2.2-channel Onkyo sound system. It supports DTS Virtual:X, offering an improved audio experience.

TCL C7K Specifications

  • Resolution: 4K
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz native, 120Hz MEMC
  • Peak Brightness: 2,000-3,000 nits
  • Contrast Ratio: 7,000:1 (HVA panel)
  • Color Gamut: 93% DCI-P3
  • HDR Support: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG
  • Special Feature: Halo Control System
  • OS: Google TV
  • Apps: Streaming services, voice control, Google Meet
  • Gaming: Game Accelerator 288, Game Master, Gamebar, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
  • Audio System: 4.2.2-channel Onkyo sound system

  • Audio Tech: DTS Virtual:X

 and Availability

The TCL C7K is currently available in Europe. The 50-inch model’s price in Austria starts at Euro 899. When it launches in Nepal, the base variant is expected to start at NPR 145,000.

Device Name Price in Austria (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
TCL C7K 50″ Euro 899 NPR 145,000
TCL C7K 55″ Euro 1,049 NPR 170,000
TCL C7K 65″ Euro 1,199 NPR 195,000
TCL C7K 75″ Euro 1,799 NPR 290,000
TCL C7K 85″ Euro 2,399 NPR 390,000
TCL C7K 98″ Euro 3,399 NPR 555,000
TCL C7K 115″ Euro 11,999 NPR 1,960,000

The new Sony ZV-E10 II camera is for vloggers on a budget

Raizel Tandukar
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The new Sony ZV-E10 II camera is for vloggers on a budget

Sony is a pioneer in camera and the technology surrounding it. And they just launched the ZV-EV10 II offering in Nepal targeted at bloggers i. Let’s look into the Sony ZV-E10 II camera in further detail including its expected price in Nepal.

Sony ZV-E10 II Overview

Imaging and Design

This camera is Sony’s second-generation mirrorless vlog camera with APS-C format. The Sony ZV-E10 II comes with a 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor. Underneath, it packs the BIONZ XR image-processing engine which allows for 4K 60p video recording and high-density 759-point focal plane phase-detection autofocus. The camera is capable of recording in multiple formats including 10-bit 4:2:2 while also supporting the S-Log3 wide dynamic range.

Sony ZV-E10 II Design

Being a vlogging camera, the Sony ZV-E10 II is a compact unit with a thickness of just 54.20mm and weighing under 300 grams. Meanwhile, it comes with a 3-inch TFT LCD with touch support. It can be turned in just about any angle facilitating easier shooting. The audio isn’t a slouch either! It packs an advanced three-capsule microphone with excellent pickup and noise-reduction capability. On top of that, the Sony ZV-E10 II comes with a windscreen to further enhance the audio clarity. The camera is also compatible with a wide range of Sony E-mount lenses.

Features and Battery

The Sony ZV-E10 II fully facilitates vloggers with the features it provides. For instance, the Creative Look function on this camera provides 10 different presets and also allows you to customise shooting modes. It can capture slow-mo footage of up to 120fps in clear XAVC-S FHD quality. Similarly, you can set the exposure interval between 1 to 60 seconds for timelapses. Because this camera will mostly be used handheld, it has Active Mode that utilises EIS to ensure smooth 4K recordings.

Sony ZV-E10 II Recording

It can auto-adjust the screen orientation following the way you are shooting. The connectivity of this camera is also plenty fast with WiFi 5 support and a USB 3.2 Type-C port with 5Gbps data transfer speed. You can access further functionality through the Creators’ App and Creator’s Cloud platform. In the tank, it packs the NP-FZ100 battery with a 2,280 mAh capacity which can last over three hours of continuous recording. In the meantime, the Sony ZV-EV10 II also supports USB PD that allows up to 27W of charging speed.

Sony ZV-E10 II Specifications

  • Dimensions: 114.80 mm x 67.50 mm x 54.20 mm
  • Weight: 292 grams
  • Format: APS-C
  • Sensor: 26MP Exmor R CMOS
  • Processor: BIONZ XR image processing sensor
  • Imaging: 26MP (Images), 19.9MP / 4K 60p (Videos), 120fps (slow-mo), EIS, High-density 759-point focal plane phase-detection
  • Display: 3-inch (7.5cm) TFT LCD, touchscreen, vari-angle movement
  • Connectivity: WiFi 5, USB 3.2 Type-C (5Gbps)
  • Battery: NP-FZ100 (2,280 mAh)
  • Battery Life: Up to 195 minutes of video recording or 610 still shots
  • Companion App: Creators’ App (Android | iOS)

Sony ZV-E10 II Price in Nepal and Availability

The Sony ZV-E10 II has been priced at NPR 130,000 in Nepal.

Sony Camera Price in Nepal (Official)
ZV-E10 II NPR 130,000
  • Meanwhile, find out which is the best action camera in 2024:

Realme V70 series launches with minimal upgrades over its predecessor

Surakshya Acharya
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Realme V70 series launches with minimal upgrades over its predecessor

Realme is preparing to launch the V70 and V70s as the successors to the V60 and V60s. These new smartphones come with similar specs to their predecessors. In this article we’ll explore the Realme V70 and V70s including their features and expected price in Nepal.

Realme V70 Series Overview

Design and Display

The Realme V70 and V70s have a sleek and slim design. Both have a slim profile of 7.94mm and weigh around 190 grams. These devices are built for durability with IP64 certification and military-grade drop resistance, reinforced corners, and water resistance. Additionally, the phones support touch control even with wet or oily hands. The V70 comes in a black color, while the V70s is available in Cangshan Green.

Realme V70 and V70s

Both phones sport a 6.72-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate which ensures smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience. The displays also come with full DC dimming to reduce flicker and protect your eyes during long usage sessions. They include adaptive color temperature controls and several eye-care modes, adding more comfort for extended use.

Performance and Battery

The Realme V70 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor, built on a 6nm architecture. It features an octa-core processor with 2 Cortex A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and 6 Cortex A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz. Unfortunately, this chipset isn’t much of an upgrade over the V60 so the performance remains largely the same.

MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor

On the other hand, the Realme V70s is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G processor which is also the same as the chipset of the V60 series. It includes 2 Cortex A76 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and 6 Cortex A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz. Honestly, it would have been nice to see a different and more powerful processor in these models.MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus

Both phones support dynamic RAM expansion that offers up to 16GB of RAM (8GB physical + 8GB virtual) paired with 256GB of internal storage. These handsets run on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15. As for the battery, both devices come with a 5,000mAh battery (again) similar to the V60 model. Not to mention the Realme V60s comes with 4,500 mAh battery capacity. Realme claims up to 10 hours of continuous video playback, 38 hours of talk time, and about 80 hours of music playback on a single charge.

Camera and Audio

Thankfully the V70 series brings an upgrade in the camera department with a 50MP AI primary camera compared to the 32MP camera in the V60. The camera will also feature Magic Depth AI for more natural portraits and better-layered shots. Both the V70 and V70s come with a 300% louder speaker, providing clearer sound even in noisy environments. This improvement will definitely make a difference when watching videos or listening to music.

Realme V70 Series Specifications

Specifications Realme V70 Realme V70s
Design Slim, military-grade durability
Display 6.72-inch, 120Hz refresh rate
Protection IP64, water and dust resistance
Chipset MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G
RAM 8GB (physical) + 8GB (virtual)
ROM 256GB
OS/UI Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15
Camera 50MP AI primary
Battery 5000mAh
Connectivity 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Audio 300% ultra-loud speakers
Color Options Black Cangshan Green

Realme V70 Series Availability and Price in Nepal

The Realme V70 starts at CNY 1,199 for the 6/128GB variant while the V70s is priced at CNY 1,499 for the 6/128GB variant. When these phones are available in Nepal, we can expect the Realme V70 to start around NPR 25,000 and the V70s to be priced around NPR 30,000.

Realme V70 Series Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
V70 (6/128GB) CNY 1,199 NPR 25,000
V70 (8/256GB) CNY 1,499 NPR 30,000
V70s (6/128GB) CNY 1,499 NPR 30,000
V70s (8/256GB) CNY 1,899 NPR 38,000

 

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Best phone under 150k

Dip Khatiwada
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Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Best phone under 150k

So this year, a lot of flagship phones have launched in Nepal. Last month, VIVO launched its flagship phone, the X200 Pro, and today, I have with me Xiaomi’s latest 15 Ultra, which marks the first time Xiaomi Nepal has launched a proper flagship phone.

And as always, Xiaomi Nepal has set a highly competitive price. Compared to VIVO and Samsung, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is much cheaper—it costs 150K vs. 185,000 for VIVO and Samsung.

So, in terms of pricing, it wins, but should you buy this over the VIVO X200 Pro and S25 Ultra? I will give the final answer at the end, but lets start with the basics. 

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specifications

  • Dimension : 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.4 mm
  • Weight: 226 g
  • Display: 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 3nm process
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (telephoto) + 200MP (periscope) + 50MP (ultrawide)
  • Front Camera: 32MP
  • Memory: 12G/16GB
  • Storage: 256GB/512GB
  • Battery: 5410mAh, 90W wired, 80W wireless charging
  • Software: Xiaomi HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15)
  • Connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
Buy Xiaomi 15 Ultra here (Hukut store)

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review

I have been using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for about 10 days. A proper flagship phone should have five core pillars, and this phone has all of them at an A+ level.

Design, Display, Camera, Performance, and Battery – all are A+. Phones priced at 140K-142K, like the OnePlus 13, S25+, and iPhone 16+, do not offer these features. So, this is a big win for Xiaomi.

Design

  • 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.4 mm
  • 226 g
  • Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0
  • Glass-fiber back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
  • Aluminum frame

Starting with the design, it looks almost identical to the VIVO X200 Pro from the back. Like VIVO, it has a huge camera module, which is so big that you could even use it to chop vegetables.

Xiaomi has included a total of four cameras—each quite large. This makes the phone feel slightly top-heavy and somewhat unbalanced in hand. In comparison, the S25 Ultra feels much lighter and more balanced.

So, when holding it, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra feels slightly uncomfortable. You will likely need to use a case, but over time, you will get used to it, so it’s not a major issue.

Anyway, to protect the display, Xiaomi has used Xiaomi Shield 2.0 instead of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is commonly found in flagship phones. Also, the back glass protection has not been specified. The camera module is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. This seems like a slight compromise to me.

Other than that, it has aluminum frames, an IP68 rating, thin display bezels, and finally, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Last year, Xiaomi used an optical sensor, but this time, it’s ultrasonic, meaning you can unlock the phone without turning the power on, and even if your hand is slightly wet, it still works. That’s great.

Speakers & Display

  • 6.73 inches
  • LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 3200 nits

One thing I really liked about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the speakers. In fact, it is slightly better than the VIVO X200 Pro and S25 Ultra in terms of clarity. Plus, it is very loud.

Display-wise, there are no compromises. It has a TCL-made OLED display, which competes with Samsung’s panels. It includes DC Dimming, high PWM dimming, 12-bit color depth, and LTPO technology. More importantly, the default color reproduction is great, and you can further tweak it in the settings according to your preference.

Brightness-wise, it is bright enough for both indoor and outdoor use, so zero complaints. However, in extreme sunlight, the S25 Ultra is much easier to see due to its anti-reflective coating, which most Chinese phones lack.

Also, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, meaning you can enjoy high-quality content on Netflix and Amazon Prime. The vibration motor is also excellent, providing precise and tight feedback while typing.

Software & Updates

  • Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades,
  • HyperOS 2

However, the software experience is where the Xiaomi 15 Ultra lags behind Samsung and OnePlus.

Xiaomi 15 ultra UI

Xiaomi has made many improvements with HyperOS 2.0, making it more stable and adding AI features, but it still doesn’t feel as polished as the S25 Ultra or OnePlus 13.

The Xiaomi UI just doesn’t feel premium! Don’t get me wrong, everything is smooth, but it lacks that extra edge—it just feels ordinary.

Regarding updates, Xiaomi provides 4 years of OS updates, which is not as good as Samsung or Pixel. Even Honor has now promised 7 years of updates for its flagship phones. Xiaomi should also start providing 7 years of updates for its flagships to maintain resale value.

For example, if you sell the Xiaomi 15 Ultra after 3 years, its resale value won’t be as high as an iPhone or Samsung.

Performance & Gaming

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
  • Octa-core (2×4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6×3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
  • Adreno 830
  • 16GB, 512GB

Performance-wise, it is great. It has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite (same as the S25 Ultra), 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage. So, performance is blazing fast, as expected.

Xiaomi 15 ultra UI

However, I noticed that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra gets slightly hotter than other Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite phones. It heats up more when taking photos in direct sunlight or while charging.

For gaming, there are no issues. The phone is well-optimized for gaming.

  • PUBG runs at a smooth 120 FPS
  • Genshin Impact runs at 60 FPS on the highest settings

Battery & Charging

  • 5410 mAh Battery
  • 90W Charging

charging

The battery life is impressive. It has a 5410mAh silicon-carbon battery, which delivers excellent backup. We will conduct a dedicated battery drain test soon to compare it with other phones. Meanwhile, you also get a 90W wired charging ( which is unfortunately sold separately) – full charges in about 50 minutes. You can also opt for  80W wireless charging – which is also very fast by the way.

Camera 

  • Main Camera – Sony LYT 900 (1-inch sensor)
  • Ultra-wide – 50MP
  • 3X Telephoto – 50MP
  • 200MP Periscope (Samsung HP9) – 4.3X zoom (instead of 3.7X on VIVO X200 Pro)

Xiaomi has collaborated with Leica for camera optimization. You can choose between: Leica Vibrant mode and Leica Authentic mode (more contrasty and darker, but I prefer Vibrant mode)

Overall, the photos are excellent—almost as good as Samsung or iPhone and slightly better than the OnePlus 13. Details, colors, white balance, and dynamic range are all great. In some images, highlights get overexposed, but this should be fixed with updates. Day or night, the main camera won’t disappoint.

Portraits & Zoom

  • The 200MP periscope lens is slightly slower than VIVO’s
  • VIVO X200 Pro captures sharper portraits, even when the subject is moving
  • At 20X-30X zoom, you must keep your hands very steady for a sharp shot

But if your hand and subject are still, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra produces excellent portraits, with natural skin tones and great edge detection.

Xiaomi’s Leica Black & White mode is next level. Some of the B/W shots I took look stunning! However, the 3X telephoto lens is not well-optimized for portraits. The 200MP 4.3X lens is much better.

The 3X telephoto lens has autofocus, so you can capture some amazing macro shots with it. Plus, videos from the 3X lens also turn out really good. Overall, I found the videography aspect quite impressive. It’s not quite at the level of Samsung or iPhone in terms of color science or stability, but you’ll still get a good overall result—from all the lenses.

Selfies are good too. The selfies are wide, with good skin tones and nice details. Even the selfie videos looked great to me.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Affordable flagship
  • Outstanding camera performance
  • A+ Performance
  • Fast charging

Cons:

  • Uncomfortable design
  • Software lacks polish
  • No charger included

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review Conclusion

So, overall, if I had to sum it up—for 150K, this is the best phone. Zero doubt about that. Instead of getting the OnePlus 13 or S25+, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will give you a much, much better camera experience.
 But is its camera better than the VIVO X200 Pro? I don’t think so, because the VIVO X200 Pro’s portraits are just in a different league compared to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

And is this phone better than the Samsung S25 Ultra? Again, I don’t think so. That’s because the S25 Ultra offers a better software experience and an overall more refined phone experience than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The S25 Ultra simply feels like a more mature device. But for 150,000, you can’t go wrong with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra—just like I said at the beginning… It scores A+ in all five key pillars of a flagship smartphone.

  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro lands in Nepal with improved graphics and performance!

Dip Khatiwada
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0
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro lands in Nepal with improved graphics and performance!

Sony has officially announced the PlayStation 5 Pro, an enhanced version of the PS5, which was originally launched in 2020. The new PS5 Pro now has an improved graphical performance and so much more! In this article, we will discuss everything about the latest Sony PlayStation 5 Pro, including its expected price in Nepal. 

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Overview

Design and GPU 

PS5 Pro Design

Visually, the PS5 Pro is slightly taller than the PS5 slim model but retains the same thickness as the PS5 digital edition. The PS5 Pro features an upgraded GPU with 67% more compute units and 28% faster memory compared to the standard PS5. This improvement allows the console to render games 45% faster.

Performance and Storage 

In addition to the GPU upgrade, the PS5 Pro enhances hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The increase in compute units allows for double or triple the ray tracing performance of the original PS5. This improvement will result in more accurate lighting and reflections in supported games.

The console comes with 2TB of internal storage, double that of the standard PS5. However, the optical disc drive must be purchased separately.

AI-Powered Image Upscaling

Sony has introduced a new AI-driven image upscaling technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. This feature uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images. Moreover, the upscaling is expected to deliver better results than the current software-based solutions, such as AMD’s FSR.

Game Boost and Additional Features

The PS5 Pro aims to offer 60 FPS with high-quality visuals to eliminate the need for these toggles, balancing both performance and graphical fidelity.

The new console includes a PS5 Pro Game Boost feature that can enhance the resolution and frame rates of over 8,500 PS4 titles. Additionally, the console supports Wi-Fi 7, VRR, and 8K displays where available.

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Specifications

  • CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor at 3.5GHz (variable frequency)

  • GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA-based graphics engine with 16.7 teraflops

  • Memory: 16GB GDDR6 RAM with a 256-bit memory interface

  • Storage: Custom 2TB SSD with read bandwidth up to 5.5GB/s

  • Expandable Storage: M.2 NVMe SSD slot for additional storage expansion

  • External Storage: Support for USB HDD

  • Dimensions: 388mm x 89mm  x 216mm

  • Weight: 3.1kg

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability

The PlayStation 5 Pro is priced at USD 700. It will be available for pre-order starting September 26, with official sales beginning on November 7.

PlayStation Price in the United States Price in Nepal (Expected)
Sony PS5 Pro USD 700 NPR 120,000

  • Meanwhile, check our review of the Realme GT 6T

Sony PlayStation 5 (Slim) is now available in Nepal!

Aarohan Niraula
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1
Sony PlayStation 5 (Slim) is now available in Nepal!

Following the norm, Sony decided to announce a slimmer version of the PlayStation 5 yesterday. In this article, we’ll take a look at the design, changes, and expected price in Nepal of the Sony PlayStation 5 Slim.

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Overview: 

Size and Weight

Though we are referring to the console as ‘Slim’, Sony isn’t. It is simply the “PlayStation 5” with a ‘new slimmer size’. And talking of the size, the newer PS5(s) are 30% less in volume compared to the standard variants.  The disc model now weighs 3.2kg which is over 18% lighter than the current PS5 (3.9 kg) and the digital version weighs 2.6kg which is over 24% less than the current PS5 Digital Edition (3.4 kg)-without the detachable disc drive that is. That’s right the digital or disc drive debate is finally ending. You can play both sides with the new PlayStation 5 Slim.

Detachable Disc Drive

On purchase, you can decide to get a disc variant of the PS5 Slim or a disc-less one. But that choice is no longer permanent. Sony is also selling a detachable Ultra HD Blu-Ray Disc Drive which you can attach to your ‘Digital’ PS5 Slim. This additional purchase will cost you USD 79.99/GBP 99.99/EUR 119.99 and weigh about 600 grams.

Same Specs?

The PS5 shipped with 825GB of storage which has been rightfully bumped up to 1TB. Other than that, the specs remain the same. The CPU, GPU, RAM aka the horsepower of the console don’t take a hit with the new form factor.

You get an extra Type-C port on the front but lose a USB-A port in the process. The PS5 Slim also ships with a horizontal stand but supports a new vertical stand (sold separately) too.

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Specifications:

  • Dimensions:
    • Approx. 358 × 96 × 216 mm
    • Digital Edition: Approx. 358 × 80 × 216 mm
  • Weight: 3.2Kg (PS5); 2.6Kg (Digital Edition)
  • Processor: Custom 8 cores / 16 thread AMD Ryzen Zen 2-microarchitecture CPU up to 3.5GHz with SMT (variable frequency)
  • Graphics: Custom AMD Navi/RDNA 2-family GPU with 36 CU at 2.23GHz (10.3 TFLOPS, FP unit n/a) (variable frequency)
  • VRAM: 16GB GDDR6 memory with a 256-bit interface (448GB/s)
  • Storage: Custom 1TB SSD + 1x NVMe SSD expansion bay + USB HDD support
  • I/O:  USB Type-A port (Super-Speed USB 10Gbps) x2; 1x USB Type-C port (Super-Speed USB 10Gbps);1x USB Type-C port (Hi-Speed)
  • Network: Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T); Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
  • Video: HDMI 2.1, up to 8K resolution, up to 4K/120fps refresh rate (VRR)
  • Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray 66G/100G) ~10xCAVBD-ROM (25G/50G) ~8xCAVBD-R/RE (25G/50G) ~8xCAVDVD ~3.2xCLV (only in the Standard Model)
  • Audio: Sony Tempest 3D AudioTech
  • Backward Compatibility: PS4 games

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Price in Nepal and Availability

The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim price in Nepal is NPR 90,999 for the disc drive edition. You can get it via our affiliate partner Hukut Store!

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Price in Nepal
PS5 (Slim) with Disc Drive NPR 90,999

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