Xiaomi is magnanimous in the Indian market with its products of absolute value, starting with Xiaomi smartphones. The Redmi Note series has witnessed many takers, and Xiaomi boasts a sales figure of upwards of 30 million units. Targeting a pie of the market share, Motorola has been consistently offering good products. You get the gist: we are comparing Redmi Note 13 Pro + against the similarly priced Motorola Edge 40. Let’s find out about Xiaomi’s new Redmi Note 13 series.
Design
Motorola Edge 40 claims to be the slimmest phone in its category, with a leatherette back. It lives up to the claim with a sleek design, curved display and unique Pantone colours. Xiaomi has offered the Redmi Note 13 series in 3 different personas. While the classic Note 13 and the Note 13 Pro are flat-screen phones, the Pro+ has a curved display and different choices of materials. The leatherette back on the Redmi is not as natural to touch as Motorola’s faux but real leather feel. Overall, both these phones are handsome, and the curves bring out a sleek design with nice metal soft touch flat side housing. Both these phones are IP68 compliant and bring good built quality. This is great to see on budget mid-range smartphones.
Display
At peak brightness, there is barely any difference in the illumination, crispness, saturation and contrast, and impressive HDR depth. These phones bring 6.67FHD+ pOLED panels with Motorola, allowing a 3-step version of LTPO technology on their pOLED panel up to 120hz or the option for 144hz fast display. Redmi Note 13 Pro + keeps it simple with auto and the option to select either 60hz or 120hz. Colours can be adjusted on both of these phones for personal preference. Motorola Edge 40 sports a more vibrant display, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro + provides the best Gorilla Glass Victus protection on a budget. Viewing angles are impressive on both of these phones.
Cameras
Redmi Note 13 features the tried and tested 108 MP primary shooter, while the Note 13 Pro and Pro+ feature a 200 MP primary sensor with other sensors supporting ultrawide and zoom capabilities. The 200 MP camera on the Note 13 Pro+ functions differently than the Note 13 Pro. 4K video is offered in 24fps or 30fps unlike only 30fps on the Note 13 Pro. Motorola Edge 40 on the other hand features a 50 MP primary shooter and is capable of shooting 4k 60fps. The 200 MP camera of the Note 13 Pro+ also offers full fidelity like the ultra-res 50 MP shooter on the Edge 40 but the details are more prominent on the Edge 40. That said, there are differences in details, colours, saturation, etc. While the Edge 40 manages crisp details, it enhances the image to make it pop on the display while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ captures almost true to life colours and is the better camera among the two in pure comparison.
Performance
Running on Android 13, both these phones feature different OS. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ runs all the ads, bells and whistles of MIUI 14 while awaiting an update for Hyper OS. Motorola Edge 40 runs a rather clean UI with close to stock Android features and Moto gestures we have come to love. The hardware is a mixed bag as both these phones feature 12GB + expandable RAM, 256gb fast memory running on Mediatek Dimensity processors. The Edge 40 packs a Dimensity 8020 SOC while the Note 13 Pro+ is powered by Dimensity 7200 Ultra. The latter is specialized for Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and thus gets additional performance boost in comparison to Edge 40. For eg. Games feature 90fps and hold higher frames as compared to the Edge 40. In day to day task, both are amazing performers and its a Mediatek issue where some apps crash. Hope both these manufacturers roll out patches to bring more stability. Call quality was excellent on both these phones with nice stereo speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. WiFi connections on the Edge 40 sports a winning edge over the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ on the same network.
Battery
Slimness comes at a cost since the Motorola Edge 40 features a 4400mAh battery while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boasts almost another 1K more mAh and thus performs much better. The Edge 40 does bring wireless charging to its slim profile with 65W wired charging. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ packs a 120W charger and needless to say, juices up quick, performs longer and is a good compromise. NFC capabilities are available on both these phones too.
Verdict
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a great evolution to the Note series. The prices though are a concern. What was once an affordable series is now competing with some amazing products, sometimes priced more competitively. The Motorola Edge 40 is a classic example. Thanks to the new IP68 and other IP ratings on the other Note series, the Redmi Note series is finally ready to take on competition and regain its charm.
Tecno is on a launching spree. A couple of months ago, they launched the first made-in-India and affordable foldable phone, the Tecno Phantom Fold. This time around, Tecno brings something for all the content creators, camera enthusiasts and the general public alike, the Tecno Camon 20 series. The series includes three phones, the Tecno Camon 20, Camon 20 Pro and the Camon 20 Premier. The entire series is distinguishable, with a unique puzzle design throughout the line-up with different rear designs based on the model of choice.
Camon 20
Starting at just 14,999 INR, the Camon series is powered by a respectable Helios G85 coupled with a 64MP primary sensor sporting Tecno’s latest AI innovation in their camera capture software called GRBW+ Pro. Offered in base specifications as compared to the entire line-up, the Camon 20 impresses with the camera alone. The Helios G85 and the 6GB RAM are sufficient for a budget device, with HiOS based on Android 13 running on the entire new series of phones. Tecno Camon 20 also features other software enhancements and AI algorithms, making this budget camera-centric phone perform wonders in all light conditions. The large AMOLED FHD+ with an in-display fingerprint scanner and up to 256GB ROM makes this an appealing budget package. Camon 20 shall be on sale from 20th May 2023.
Camon 20 Pro
Available in 128 and 256GB ROM, the Camon 20 series performs better with the Mediatek Dimensity 8050 processor coupled with 8GB RAM + 8GB expandable. An AMOLED 6.67-inch 120Hz panel with an in-display fingerprint sensor adds charm to the Camon 20 Pro. Also, it brings functionality like a headphone jack, a rear that looks identical to the more capable Camon 20 Premier and all the goodies of AI algorithms from the flagship phone in the series. The 128GB variant is priced at INR 19,999, whereas the 256GB variants can be had for INR 21,999. The Camon 20 Pro series will be available post 2nd week of June and looks like a promising lower-mid-range phone with impressive camera features.
Camon 20 Premier
The Tecno Camon 20 series’s flagship phone brings the best features in a rather affordable package. Like the Camon 20 Pro, this phone sports similar MediaTek Dimensity 8050, 8GB RAM + 8GB expandable, a similar large 120Hz AMOLED panel with colour accuracy and flat glossy edges. The USP of the Camon 20 Premier, which makes it interesting, is the sensor-shift stabilisation found in the iPhone Pro series. Not only does this phone sport a moving sensor for added stability and low-light capabilities, but it also features better cameras with a 50MP + 108MP (primary) + 108MP UW sensor that doubles as an excellent macro sensor. The OIS + sensor shift enables great video stability and low-light images. The launch of the premier is awaited in the last week of June, and if priced competitively, it just might be one of the best cameras on a smartphone at an affordable price.
The Camon 20 series gets 5000mAh Li-ion batteries with bundled 45W chargers. Speaking of the CAMON 20 series in India, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of TECNO Mobile India, mentioned, “TECNO has changed gears and has started making strong inroads in the premium segment by bringing best-in-class technology in our smartphones for our users at much accessible price points. Through our CAMON portfolio, we continually strive to push the boundaries and revolutionize the photography experience. With the CAMON 20 series, we present a solution for those seeking exceptional night photography capabilities, delivering sharper and more detailed pictures in any lighting situation. This new camera-centric range of smartphones brings together innovative imaging technologies delivering advanced portrait and video capabilities that let users record those emotional motion moments in sharper detail, while its striking aesthetic design and powerful performance complete an all-around exceptional user experience.”
We wish Tecno all the best with the Camon 20 series. We barely had time to click some pictures and videos from these phones, but our little experience showcased some promising results. We would like to see some competitive pricing on the Camon 20 Premier 5G as and when it launches by the end of June. The 6nm Dimensity 8050 and the additional expandable RAM over the DDR4x 8GB RAM, with good AMOLED panels, make an appealing case for the Camon 20 series. The hardware seems impressive, and the camera software AI algorithms are also fascinating. We hope the overall UI improves with time and updates flow as frequently as the Tecno phone launches.
The Jimny moniker has been around since 1970. We Indians found the taste of the Jimny in a relatively nifty named product, Gypsy, since the 80s. The Gypsy was so popular the Indian defence ministry adopted it for their missions. Maruti brings the 4th generation 5-door Jimny to India after years of market research and time. This one is a thoroughbred ladder frame 4×4, famous for its power-to-weight ratio and, in dimensions, a more approachable form factor than the behemoth SUVs of our current era. Like the Thar, this one has an appeal with the boxy measurements and actual functionality backing that style. How good is the Jimny when it comes to driving capabilities? Let’s check it out as we put the Jimny through its natural habitat in Dehradun.
Jimny is the global name of this product in India; it reminds us of a famous Indian cinema song. It is also offered in the Zeta variant with the same engine but different colours and some missing features compared to the Alpha version we drove. The stance of this vehicle is not at all intimidating like most 4×4 vehicles. The squared-off proportions include clever engineering and more than ample 2590mm of wheelbase despite being a sub-4-meter SUV. This is a retro-modern design, which is the era’s flavour.
Retro-modern design
The Gypsy was loved for its design and appeal of being something more than other cars during its era. In Kalyuga, Jimny has competition in both the style and functionality expected from a practical lifestyle car. Surprisingly, the Jimny brings compact SUV proportions with similar body-to-weight ratios as the competition. The Jimny is an attention grabber on roads. While there are behemoth SUVs and off-roaders with dimensions rivaling a small truck, the Jimny feels like a very accommodating stance, welcoming all kinds of people to experience a durable and easy-to-live 4×4 vehicle in India, where roads exist on Google Maps but not in reality. Suzuki Allgrip Pro drives the AWD 3-Link suspension configuration of this relatively lightweight compact SUV just shy of 1.2 tonnes, that’s almost 550 kgs less than a Thar.
Jimny proportions stand at 1720mm height, 1645mm width and 3985mm width, including the alloy spare tyre. Despite the overall stance seeming lower and longer than most thoroughbred rectangle designs, the wheelbase at 2590mm is healthy with 208L boot space, more with a split seat configuration on the rear. The ground clearance at 210mm brings excellent climb, depart angles and water bedding capabilities. There are 3 request sensors on the front two doors and the rear door with the mounted spare wheel. Opening the hatch anticlockwise is easy with the hydraulic strut. The front fascia on the Alpha version in this variant-specific kinetic yellow (neon green) looks stunning in a blend of retro meets modern design. The round LED lights are complimented with a chrome-splashed grill and chunky bumpers, including headlight washers.
The roof is all metal with railings to guide water or ice through channels on the circumference and doubles as a mount holder for the optional roof carriage accessory. The stock Jimny looks nice, but Maruti is offering additional accessories for the Jimny, including skid plates, graphic decals, wheel covers for the spare tyre, edge crash protectors and more. The front windows have neat design lines, and despite the 3-door appeal of the internationally acclaimed Jimny, the 5-door version looks proportionally appealing.
A perfect blend of functionality and practicality
If you’ve experienced the Maruti Gypsy, the interiors of the new-age Jimny are familiarly retro yet modern. The instrument cluster pays homage to iconic Gypsy with similar analogue meters and amber backlights. Squeezed between the two analogue meters is a grayscale display with ample 2D animations of doors opening, seat belts, drive information and more to claim its modernity. The MID is clad with multiple indication lights camouflaged inside the analogue and digital presentation. At the centre is a 9-inch infotainment system with media controls in capacitive touch and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The HVAC controls with auto climate control are displayed in neat amber backlit digital display controlled through good quality rotary knobs. The console also features front window controls and hill-descend controls in tactile switches breaking the monotony with style.
The seats are strictly limited to four but have excellent cushioning and are one of the best seats in Maruti India’s arsenal. One naturally seats high, and there are no electric adjustments. The weirdest part is the space limitation, as all passengers share two bottle holders between the front seats. There are ample handles to hold on to, and rear doors have individual electric window controls, which may be limited to the Alpha variants. The interior is all black, and the amber backlight adds a sense of sportiness to the package. The muti-tone and textures bring sturdy appeal yet accommodating space for all kinds of adventure. Unlike other thoroughbreds, the ingress and egress angles are more leisurely, and there’s sufficient knee room with excellent headroom. Interiors could have been practical with door storage units accommodating nothing more than your phone and wallets, but this purpose-built vehicle also sprinkles modern-day creature comforts. The round and rectangular AC vents have a quality feel, while the interior space is illuminated with those large rectangle windows on all doors.
On-road or off-road?
The Jimny’s K15 B series 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces 103 bhp with 132 Nm of torque from as low as 4K rpm. It is offered with a 5-speed MT or 4-speed AT. 2H, 4H and 4L gearbox settings with hill descend, O/D controls, and a brake-assisted LSD helps this lightweight car gain traction to wheels that need it most. We drove the 4-Speed AT, and while this retro engine and gearbox combination might feel unusable on paper in the modern era, this is an excellent combination off-road. The high-profile wheels are clad with Bridgestone Dueler dual-purpose tyres sizes 195/80 R15, and the 15-inch alloys or steel rims suit the Jimny.
What’s unexpected is the steering heft, almost similar to the Thar and a short turning radius, an irony considering the sizable dimensions. This steering requires some energy to operate, especially on normal tarmacs of the twisties, but the excellent chassis does a good job managing the body roll and body control. The Jimny glides over any road-undulating terrain on normal roads, and the NVH levels are top-notch. The AT gearbox does not like being revved hard and will take its sweet time to downshift and overtake on a sudden throttle response. The exciting part is that the Jimny linearly produces power despite the conditions. The Maruti K15 B series engine is a mighty performer considering it produces limited power on paper. Still, the gearing of the Jimny makes this car absolutely capable when off-roads. It is light and more fun in MT, but the clutch action is again like most of its rivals, and gearshifts in MT could have been sleeker. The AT holds on the revs almost till its red line when the throttle is pinned to the metal and somehow performs like a small diesel engine in its behaviour.
There is a fish-eye effect with static lines on the rear-view camera, and the placement of sensors with a camera is questionable, but it exists. Apart from the differential settings and locks, there are three drive modes, regular D engages all gears (O/D on-off), D2 allows only 1st and 2nd gear and L mode engages only the 1st gear for extreme conditions. The Jimny also features hill-hold and hill-descent (fixed to 5km/h). The overall chassis, suspensions and wheels bring a comfortable drive to the Jimny, surpassing the expectations of pliant ride quality from a rugged vehicle. The Jimny might feel a bit slow on the tarmac, and the steering does require some hand gymnastics while taking sharp or U-turns, but when the roads end, and trails start, the Jimny suddenly changes into a whole different beast.
The Jimny with Suzuki Allgrip Pro 4×4 drive system and the cleverly engineered suspension setup work wonders with the ladder frame chassis. The stance, electric and mechanical prowess of Maruti Suzuki engineering helps this vehicle simply glide through the roughest terrains and tackle everything nature offers with the utmost composure. It almost rivals the ride quality of twice/thrice-the-price vehicles on off-road trails, climbs and action. The compact nature helps change directions through tight corners, while climbs are a piece of cake with light throttle inputs, mimicking a diesel engine. The hill-hold/descent functions allow maximum control without brake inputs, even at extreme angles. 3-link Rigid axle type with coil spring is a gem mainly off-road with a 50-degree departure angle, 36-degree approach angle and 24-degree ramp break-over angle. This vehicle is in its natural habitat when roads stop existing. We could carry insane speeds, and the only thing skidding us through the trails were the Bridgestone tyres, but a proper pair of off-road tyres would have our back. Nonetheless, the front disc and rear drum configuration is one of Maruti’s best, allowing immense control.
Verdict – Gem of an off-road machine
The Jimny stands true to the moniker and the years of legacy of the Maruti Gypsy in India. There are barely a few cars that click all the right boxes for their form factors. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a stunning off-roader with a fashionable retro-modern design grabbing all the right and wrong curiosity on Indian roads. It may perform sufficiently on roads; it simply shines in nature’s abode. The Jimny is a perfect blend of functionality, practicality and generational design conventionality.
Specs :
1462cc NA K15 B-series 16V engine
5-Speed MT & 4-Speed AT
103BHP & 132NM
Wheelbase – 2590mm
3-link Rigid axle type suspensions with coil spring
Suzuki Allgrip Pro 4×4 system
If you are looking for an excellent tablet that serves as a healthy companion to your already large phones, there are only so many good options in India. Samsung makes excellent AMOLED tablets, but those are priced in similar categories as the iPads and the sheer iPad OS features, ecosystem locks, and restricted customisations are in a niche of their own. Xiaomi launched its Pad 5 almost two years ago, and this year it finally has competition from OnePlus. I bought the Pad 5 during its first sale and have been using it ever since. It has got several updates and is running the on the latest MIUI 14 OS based on Android 13. There is a significant price difference between the two, but how good is the new OnePlus Pad vs Xiaomi’s offering from two years ago? Let’s find out.
Design and built – Two different approaches
The Xiaomi Pad 5 features what you would consider an iPad Pro design form factor. It’s a polycarbonate matte-finish rear design with a camera island familiar to Xiaomi phones during the launch year. The rounded rectangle design is excellent to hold in hands from different angles and feels symmetrical. Overall it’s a tried and tested design with tactile buttons and relatively thicker bezels. Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support stereo switching based on the tablet’s orientation. At 511 gms, the tablet does feel tiring to hold when gaming for long, but a stand can solve this issue for most tablets. At 11 inches in a 16:10 aspect ratio, the physical dimensions are smaller than the OnePlus Pad.
The OnePlus Pad has an exciting design with a 2K 11.61-inch display. Despite weighing more than the Xiaomi Pad 5, at 550 gms, the OnePlus Pad feels slimmer to hold thanks to the clever design. Both the tablets miss a headphone jack, which is a huge turn-off. So they had the space to fill in 4 speakers in both tablets but could not make room for a little headphone jack? OnePlus expects you to use this tablet in landscape mode for most of your usage. Hence, the cameras are also placed in landscape orientation at their rear and upfront.
Display – 500nits of goodness
Why does one take a tablet? It has to be their display. In 2021, Xiaomi offered the Pad 5 with 500 nits of brightness IPS 2.5K+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The content looks rich, and display settings allow ample customisations on both tablets. In isolation, these tablets provide excellent video viewing performance coupled with great audio quality from Dolby Vision and Atmos support on both these tablets. The OnePlus Pad hits the ball right out of the park with support for a 144Hz refresh rate and a similar 2k resolution with similar 500 nits of brightness. OnePlus also offers various customisation options on the display as per your liking, which are more or less similar to Xiaomi Pad 5.
The real difference arises when one watches HDR content. Playing the same content next to each other reveals that the Xiaomi Pad 5 does good black levels, but then again, it suffers insane black crush issues. A thing reminiscent of 2021 Xiaomi devices in India, my Xiaomi Mi 11x has this black crush issue when playing HDR content. The OnePlus Pad, on the other hand, does not produce the same HDR brightness levels or deep black contrasts, but overall is the better display among the two for overall content consumption. Games and HDR content have no issues in the darkest areas, while the extra screen estate brings an increased immersive experience. On standard videos, you cannot go wrong with either of the tablets with sharpness, colours and saturation.
Performance – More than satisfactory
Considering that the Xiaomi Pad 5 was launched in the year 2021, it bought a balanced performance with the Snapdragon 860. It’s a 7nm SoC and has been performing flawlessly since the time I own the Xiaomi Pad 5. I have been gaming on this tablet ever since, and with updates, the tablet has become more efficient, if not powerful. The 6GB RAM + 3GB expandable is enough in most scenarios, but MIUI could get aggressive at RAM management, especially with gaming apps in the background.
OnePlus Pad is powered by a 4nm Mediatek Dimensity 9000 processor with 12GB RAM + 4 GB expandable. This one performs flawlessly and at times, better than the Snapdragon 860 in the Xiaomi Pad 5. This is apparent, especially during gaming; you can carry much higher frames and graphics settings in comparison. For example, Call of Duty mobile allows 120fps on the OnePlus Pad compared to a max of 90fps on the Pad 5. RAM management is similar to Xiaomi Pad 5, though games tend to reload if put in the background for more time than necessary. Overall, the wireless connectivity with dual-band WiFi on both pads is impressive, with the OnePlus Pad scoring high on WiFi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.3 compared to Bluetooth 5 on the Pad 5. Every app opens and performs excellently on these tablets.
OS – Tables turn
Performance shall only be as good as the software it runs on. This applies to both the Xiaomi Pad 5 and the OnePlus Pad. OnePlus Pad runs on the Oxygen OS 13.1, and apart from flexible Windows settings, nothing resembles anything special for the tablet. OnePlus needs to improve on this and provide an OTA update specifically for the OnePlus Pad. This feels like Color/Oxygen OS displayed on a large screen. The Xiaomi Pad 5 takes the cake in the software department. The tablet is feature loaded with gestures, multitasking capabilities with up to 5 windows running together, a dock accessible in most apps irrespective of the orientation and much more. MIUI 14 on the Pad 5 eliminates all the bloatware usually associated with affordable Xiaomi devices and brings a neat usage experience tailored to the tablet form factor.
Camera – They exist
OnePlus thinks we use the tablet in landscape orientation and never turn it to portrait mode like we never consume digital magazines or read articles online in comfortable portrait modes. Nonetheless, the camera placement is questionable. If you’re right-handed, you will smudge the rear and front cameras on the OnePlus Pad by simply holding the tablet. The best part is that the front 8MP with motion tracking and the rear 13MP camera are decent enough for use. Do not expect any phone-level performance from either tablet, but here are some photos and videos for your reference.
Accessories – Promises
Apart from chargers, the additional accessories for OnePlus Pad include a magnetic keyboard with a mouse pad that supports gestures. This accessory is worth 8K INR, making it a perfect small productive machine on the go. The typing experience is excellent for a tablet accessory, and the mouse pad is generous enough for the form factor. There’s also a stylus for all the creatives out there, which costs 5K INR and is nothing as impressive as the Apple Pencil or the Samsung S-pen but does its job well and charges magnetically via the OnePlus Pad. Xiaomi, on the other hand, has disappointed big time with its accessories options, there is only the Pen that can be had for 6K INR and brings 240Hz touch sampling with pressure points, but there is still no keyboard case available. Bluetooth keyboard is the only option as of now for the Xiaomi Pad 5. I hope they bring promised accessories with the next iteration; that said, isn’t it high time?
Battery and charging
The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a generous 8720mAh battery which charges via the bundled 33W charger. The OnePlus Pad has a 9510mAh battery which charges at 67W via the bundled 100W charger. The OnePlus Pad charges faster and lasts longer thanks to its efficiency and the Mediatek Dimensity 9000 4nm processor. If the Xiaomi Pad 5 lasts about 2-3 days over gaming, video consumption and music listening, the OnePlus Pad can easily surpass that time by almost 12 more hours than the Pad 5.
Verdict
The OnePlus Pad is definitely the one to get among the two if you are in the market for a great Android tablet. The Xiaomi Pad 5 was launched almost two years ago and still serves as an excellent value proposition for people strictly on a budget. In a world where flagship phones cost twice as much as these tablets, the OnePlus Pad brings flagship performance in a significant form factor. It is worth the additional asking price compared to the Xiaomi Pad 5. I am a Xiaomi Pad 5 owner, and the OnePlus Pad impresses with the hardware but desperately needs good tablet-oriented software. An exemplary job OnePlus on your first tablet. Xiaomi, it’s time for the Pad 6!
PC gaming is a vast market, and it’s only getting bigger. Mobile PC gaming is also catching heat thanks to technological advancements, both hardware and software. Just like full-grown consoles vs handheld consoles, a good gaming PC will outperform a similar-priced mobile gaming solution. Games are becoming increasingly demanding, and to get the most out of your hardware, you might want to overclock your CPU and GPU. The gains come at the cost of more power draw and heat generation.
With the latest generation of hardware, the amount of heat and power draw is more than ever. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing this or don’t want to risk damaging your hardware, you can underclock it instead. This will still give you a performance boost and is more efficient, meaning your hardware will last longer. This is great if you intend to use your PC for many fruitful years with minimum hiccups.
Intel processors – CPU
Intel processors are some of the most popular on the market and some of the easiest to overclock. However, underclocking is just as simple. To underclock an Intel processor, you need to use the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU). This free download from Intel’s website is compatible with all their latest processors. Once you’ve installed XTU, you can open it up and click on the “Performance” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
AMD processors – APU, CPU and GPU
AMD processors are more challenging to overclock than Intel processors but are also more powerful. Underclocking them is a little simpler, but you must still use a tool like AMD OverDrive.AMD OverDrive is a free download from AMD’s website and is compatible with all of their latest processors. Once installed, you can open it and click on the “AMD OverDrive” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
Nvidia processors – GPU
Nvidia processors are some of the most popular on the market and some of the easiest to overclock. However, underclocking is just as simple. You need to use the Nvidia Control Panel to underclock an Nvidia processor. This free download from Nvidia’s website is compatible with all their latest processors. Once you’ve installed the Nvidia Control Panel, open it up and click on the “Manage 3D Settings” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
Trials and Errors
Like overclocking, underclocking, too, requires some trials and errors. Sometimes the voltages need to be higher for the processor to maximise its full potential. It is advisable to go down a couple of points at a time when underclocking and not more than 5-10 points when overclocking on the under-volt settings. It is advisable to check similar settings on the internet to get the best results as tried and tested by more experienced users. Under-volt and sometimes underclocking with more headroom for boost allows the processor to perform great under increased stress loads, especially when gaming for long. PCs produce heat with vigorous power delivery, and controlling it on some parameters allows us to enjoy the best of PC performance while allowing us to beat the heat.
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, from smartphones and laptops to appliances and transportation. However, the environmental impact of our reliance on technology has become a growing concern. The good news is that many companies are now investing in sustainable tech solutions that can help reduce our carbon footprint. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the sustainable tech innovations we use daily.
Renewable Energy
One of the most significant contributions to sustainable tech is renewable energy. Solar, wind, and hydropower are rapidly becoming more accessible and cost-effective. Solar panels can now be installed on residential and commercial buildings, and some cities are implementing wind turbines for energy production. Some companies are even developing portable solar panels for outdoor activities.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is another sustainable tech innovation that has become increasingly popular. Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats and smart lighting, can help to reduce energy consumption in our homes. One example is the Nest Learning Thermostat, which uses machine learning to learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjusts the temperature to save energy. The thermostat can also be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, allowing you to make adjustments from anywhere. Smart lighting systems can also be programmed to turn off when not in use or dim during low-traffic hours. Smart home technology not only helps to reduce energy usage, but it can also save homeowners money on their utility bills.
Electric Cars
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, but electric cars offer a sustainable alternative. Companies like Tesla, Nissan, Tata and Chevy produce electric cars that are becoming more accessible to the general public. Electric cars have zero emissions and are much more energy-efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, electric car charging stations are becoming more widely available, making it easier for electric car owners to travel long distances.
Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are another innovation in sustainable tech that is becoming more common. Energy Star-certified appliances, like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, use less energy and water than their non-certified counterparts. Smart appliances can also be programmed to run during low-traffic hours or when energy is cheapest. Some appliances even have sensors that can detect when they are not in use and automatically turn them off.
Eco-friendly gadgets
Sustainable smartphones and the use of materials in producing gadgets are not uncommon. Another essential device in our daily lives is the laptop, and there are several eco-friendly options. One such option is the Dell XPS 13, which is made from recycled ocean plastics and other recycled materials. The laptop also uses low-energy components and has an energy-efficient design, helping to reduce its carbon footprint. In addition, Dell offers a recycling program for its products, ensuring they don’t end up in landfills.
Sustainable Packaging
The packaging used for products can also have a significant impact on the environment. Sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable plastics and compostable materials, are becoming more common. Some companies are even using recycled materials for their packaging. In addition to reducing waste, sustainable packaging can also reduce the amount of energy needed for production and transportation.
Eco-Friendly Accessories
Even the accessories we use with our tech devices can be designed with sustainability in mind. For example, phone cases made from recycled materials or bioplastics can help to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of our devices. Companies across the globe offer eco-friendly phone cases and other stylish and sustainable accessories.
Sustainable tech innovations are becoming more accessible and affordable, offering a way to reduce our environmental impact. Renewable energy, smart home technology, electric cars, smart appliances, and sustainable packaging are just a few examples of sustainable tech we use daily. As consumers, we can make a difference by choosing products and technologies that prioritise sustainability.
Samsung’s Galaxy S series is the top-tier smartphone offering competing with the best smartphone market leaders. Each year, this series has refined its offerings, and this time, it’s the S23 series matching the year of launch numerics. Launch impressions aside, I have been using the Galaxy S23 twins, the S23 and S23+, as my daily drivers for over a month and here are my impressions on living with Samsung’s flagship series.
Premium and sturdy design
This year, Samsung bought the Galaxy S23 Ultra design for the rest of its siblings. It’s a neat design to begin with and a welcome change from the camera island on other phones. The most significant difference between the Galaxy S23 and S23+ is their size and battery life. Everything else remains the same. The S23 has taken a few drops with ease in my usage, and the new Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection is absolutely on point. Polished metal edges are great for holding the phone and inspire confidence, albeit being a literal fingerprint magnet. Overall build has shown little to no signs of heavy use throughout rigorous testing on flights, destinations and work runs.
When it comes to phones, size matters!
A smartphone is something we carry as our tech pokemon. For large-screen lovers, gaming, multimedia and insane battery life make sense on the Galaxy S23+, and many mistakenly believe it to be the Galaxy S23 Ultra thanks to the sheer size. The Galaxy S23, on the other hand, is a moderately sized 6.1-inch phone, and both these phones have slim symmetrical bezels making the design neat from front to back. I preferred the S23 as my primary and the S23+ as my secondary (mostly gaming/multimedia) smartphone, and the experience was nothing but the peak of current-era smartphone performance. With an improved 3900mAh battery on the S23, the battery life coupled with powerful yet efficient hardware is significantly better than the S22.
Display prowess
Samsung is one of the pioneers of display technology. Both these phones get super bright and dim without any noticeable shift in colour saturation, balance or contrast. Under direct sunlight, the Galaxy S23 series shines with maximum brightness and viewing in any condition was never a problem. In fact, these displays could be categorised as top-tier in their price range. HDR content, high-resolution videos, adaptive S-AMOLED goodness and crisp touch response make these displays a charm to use daily. Both these phones get 120Hz adaptive refresh rate displays with peak brightness similar to the Galaxy S23 Ultra at 1750nits!
Performance – Finally, they cured the Achilles’ heel!
Samsung Galaxy S series always had an Achilles heel, the processor. This was addressed in last year’s S22 series, but gen 2 is usually always better than gen 1. The made-for-galaxy Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a game-changer for the Samsung S23 series. Most flagship processors tend to heat, throttle and consume more battery, but the tables have turned this year. The custom-made (read overclocked) Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 finally brings a beautiful balance of performance and efficiency. Couple that with LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 / 4.0 blazing fast memories, and the seamless wireless connectivity of WiFi 6E and BT 5.3 standards; these newer Samsung Galaxy S23 series offer nonstop performance with loudspeakers and impressive displays. Haptic feedback, call quality and mic quality are better than most iPhones and professional mics. Samsung has done wonders with the mic on the S23 series. Add water and dust protection with durable materials and wireless charging with reverse wireless charging capabilities, and the S23 series simply works in every situation.
Vibrant memories
The 50MP OIS primary sensor works wonders in day and night conditions. The 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP 3X telephoto also manage decent colour accuracy similar to the primary sensor. The selfie camera is an autofocus 12MP wide angle, and all the sensors are capable of shooting at 4K, while the main sensor can do 8K 30FPS! The Galaxy S23 series has serious improvements in the end results despite almost equivalent hardware as last year, thanks to the improved SoC. 8K and 4K videos maintain frames throughout with no time limits. Memories are captured on point with great details and Samsung level saturation, pleasing most eyes. The camera performance is so good you could keep your mirrorless camera at home for your next travel.
One UI, many updates
Out of the box, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ run Android 13 based on One UI. There is some bloatware, but the memory management is excellent. Apps run flawlessly in the background, and I was surprised when I paused a game in the evening a day before, used the phone for an entire work day and went back to the game, only to find it paused and managed brilliantly by the S23+. The software is dense and filled with customisations, from colour palettes to unique edge panels that house split-screen apps in an instance, always-on display, and many more. Samsung also includes Galaxy stores for adding more customisations and themes and allows you to change fonts; personalisation is available in plenty. Over just a couple of weeks, my review units got four security and software updates.
Flagship justice
Samsung has improved the Galaxy S23 series to become a mature flagship performer, unlike the S series of the past. Over a month of use, the updates have only improved my experience with these flagship siblings. The improved battery life on the newer series with improved hardware has polished the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ experience. Samsung promises four major android updates and five years of security updates. This market has stiff competition, but there is barely a no-compromise smartphone. These are undoubtedly the ones.
I enjoy taking on new challenges, actively setting objectives for myself, and establishing new benchmarks as a leader for my team and the brand. Additionally, I practice discipline in my personal and professional lives to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I am also constantly seeking newer ways to do bigger and better things as an individual and as a member of society.
Q2. What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
In my opinion, dedication is the core value that aspiring leaders should instil in themselves. Dedication is the key to success, one must adhere to the rules that have been set for the growth of the business to achieve the company’s vision for the larger good of society.
Q3. One thing you believe is essential for sustained growth.
Consistency, rooted in business practices, can become a major growth driver and is the underlying secret ingredient to all your strategies and daily operations. It ensures success since entrepreneurs do what they enjoy. It will keep you motivated to work harder and push through everything necessary to achieve your daily goals.
Q4. One book that you love and the one you’ve bookmarked?
I love reading books, especially biographies and anthropology books. My current favourite book is Negotiating the non-negotiable, written by Daniel Shapiro. The book offers a useful framework for understanding identity through the five pillars (BRAVE) – beliefs, rituals, allegiances, values, and emotionally meaningful experiences – and how conflicts can arise when one of them is threatened.
Q5. Leadership quotes that inspire you
I truly believe in Dare to act and get inspired by your past mistakes, it’s a life hack; we must develop self-confidence in order to learn from our own mistakes. By overcoming our shortcomings, we become stronger as we know our strengths and weaknesses. It wouldn’t be as easy for us to understand ourselves without the mistakes we have made. More than quotes, it is people who inspire me. Thanks to my work, I keep coming across amazing personalities with something unique to offer and learn from.
Q6. What is your unique way of maintaining a work-life balance?
Make a plan and stick to it. In my opinion, maintaining a healthy balance in both areas is extremely important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. My life as an entrepreneur is tremendously demanding, and this stays consistent the entire year. Since most of my time is spent in the office, I make sure to take time out for my family, especially post work and during the weekends. Being a morning person, I wake up at 5 AM and stay strictly offline and focus on my morning ritual with my family, which includes practising Yoga and exercise, followed by a healthy breakfast and spending some quality and precious time with my children. After finishing my morning ritual, the next thing I do is to make daily goals and keep my to-do list handy, which assists me in focusing on specific goals that I must achieve before the end of the day. Knowing when and what to do makes me more comfortable at work.
Q7. Significant learning in the past couple of years?
Both personally and professionally, I’ve learned how important it is to be agile in all situations and stay positive to be able to lead a balanced life. Another key learning is that focusing on one goal at each stage allows us to plan for the future more effectively.
Q8. Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
I mainly use health monitoring and team collaboration apps to streamline my day. With just one swipe on my realme phone and smartwatch, I can easily navigate my daily health chart to any important meeting, even on the road. The applications I’m hooked to are: Whatsapp and Twitter are my top favourites. Twitter allows you to connect with your target audiences and express yourself freely. Whatsapp keeps me updated and stays connected with my family, friends, and work team.
Q9. What is your technology detox?
Technology detox for me is spending as much time as possible with my family and loved ones alongside my daily morning exercise routine.
Q10. If money was not a bar, what piece of tech and automobile would you own?
I think with hard work and perseverance, I have managed to achieve a decent lifestyle. Over the years, I have seen the power technology holds and how it can bring the best of citizen services to an entire population and provide the right tools to empower youth. I, along with my team at realme, are working towards making technology more accessible to the youth by making smartphones and the entire connected TechLife ecosystem, including hearables, smartwatches and smart appliances, available to them at relevant price points with a mission to help the youth Dare to Leap and achieve success in what they do.
I’m a Marwari, and there is a business in my blood. I believe in the equality of women and opportunities for all because I’m a Mumbaikar. Lastly, I’m an Indian, so I believe humanity and kindness are above money and power.
Q2. What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Sociology. You need to learn more about society and people to find opportunities for change and improvement.
Q3. One thing you believe is essential for sustained growth.
Good health and stable wealth.
Q4. One book that you love and the one you’ve bookmarked?
The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership by Steven Sample.
Q5. Leadership quotes that inspire you
“It is better to be feared than to be loved if one cannot be both.” – Niccolò Machiavelli
Q6. What is your unique way of maintaining a work-life balance?
Hang out with the people who expand your mind and your heart.
Q7. Significant learning in the past couple of years?
Being open-minded to reinventing yourself and being relevant to newer generations.
Q8. Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
I want to try the Notion app for OKRs.
Q9. What is your technology detox?
Deleting social media apps from my phone from Monday to Friday.
Q10. If money was not a bar, what piece of tech and automobile would you own?
I believe in owning tech and automobile companies, not just the product.
I am a fun loving person who loves motorcycles and everything to do with them. I take great pride in punctuality and am always open to experimenting with new things, the latest of which is learning to ride on the racetrack.
Q2. What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
One of the most important subjects aspiring leaders should concentrate on is the willingness to be a good listener. Always be open to feedback and allow your colleagues to express themselves. It’s only when you listen clearly, you can lead clearly.
Q3. One thing you believe is essential for sustained growth.
Attention to detail is critical. It’s the simplest yet most overlooked aspect in a person’s quest for growth.
Q4. One book that you love and the one you’ve bookmarked.
I like “Beyond the Last Blue Mountain”, the biography of Mr JRD Tata. In fact, biographies are one of my favourite genres, and I have recently bookmarked Valentino Rossi: MotoGenius by Mat Oxley and Mick Doohan.
Q5. Leadership quotes that inspire you
“Live Life a little dangerously” – JRD Tata
Q6. What is your unique way of maintaining a work-life balance?
I am the first person to reach the office, so I always start my day slightly early, enabling me to finish on time and leave work to spend time with family.
Q7. Significant learning in the past couple of years?
I come from an automobile background, but I was not riding big bikes until I joined Ducati. I learnt how to ride big bikes in multiple circumstances – I rode to Spiti and back on the Multistrada, started attending track days on the Panigale V4, and sometimes commuted to work on a Scrambler. The idea is to adapt and place myself in the rider’s shoes to understand our clients’ psyches.
Q8. Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
I am old school, so I don’t use many apps except Apple notes and the MS Outlook calendar.
Q9. What is your technology detox?
I love to listen to my favourite music on my Apple + Bose ecosystem. It works wonders for a good night’s sleep.
Q10. If money was not a bar, what piece of tech and automobile would you own?
I would love to buy a Ducati Superleggera V4, a Lamborghini Urus, or a Ferrari Purosangue!
