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Samsung Galaxy M55 5G Review: Respectable Mid-Ranger

Samsung has a set to capture the relative mid-budget segment market with M-series. The Samsung Galaxy M55 stands as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to innovation and meeting the demands of its diverse consumer base. Positioned within the mid-range segment, the Galaxy M55 boasts a fusion of performance, style, and affordability.

BUILD & DESIGN

Samsung has chosen a sleek and modern design language for the Galaxy M55, featuring clean lines and a minimalistic approach. The device has a slim profile with gently curved edges, providing a comfortable grip and a premium feel in hand. It is made of a combination of glass and plastic, making it lightweight yet durable. The camera module is seamlessly integrated into the rear panel, maintaining the samsung aesthetics. Despite being a mid-range phone, Samsung has maintained its reputation for delivering phones with solid build quality. The slim profile and curved edges enhance grip, reducing the likelihood of accidental slips. The Galaxy M55 feels sturdy and well-constructed, with no creaks or flexing observed during handling. The materials used offer a good balance between aesthetics and durability, ensuring that the phone can withstand daily use.

The placement of physical buttons are easy to reach. The size and weight of the phone are well-balanced, making it suitable for extended periods of use without causing hand fatigue. Whether browsing the web, streaming media, or engaging in productivity tasks, the Galaxy M55 offers a pleasant ergonomic experience. The slim bezels and notch design maximize screen real estate while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Additionally, features such as an on-screen fingerprint sensor and facial recognition further streamline the user experience, offering convenient and secure authentication methods.

PERFORMANCE

The Galaxy M55 is a mid-range smartphone positioned to offer a balance between performance, features, and affordability. It features a sleek and modern design with a sturdy build quality. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and use.

The device boasts a vibrant and immersive display, with a 6.7-inch SuperAMOLED+ and 1080×2400 pixels capable of running up to 120Hz. Colours are vivid, and viewing angles are excellent, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and gaming. Overall, Samsung didn’t compromise on visual quality and offered the best display for a mid-range smartphone.

Surprisingly, the Galaxy M55 packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset instead of its in-house silicon Exynos. It also comes with a maximum of 12GB RAM; the Galaxy M55 delivers smooth and responsive performance in day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, social media, and productivity apps. Multitasking is handled well, with no minimal lag or slowdowns. Running on Samsung’s One UI 6.1, the Galaxy M55 offers a user-friendly interface with many features and customization options. Like other similar mid-range devices, even Galaxy M55 shipped with multiple unwanted pre-installed apps.

The gaming experience on a Galaxy M55 is decent, thanks to the Adreno 644 GPU graphics processor. When playing casual games, the device can maintain high frame rates without overheating. However, when it comes to more demanding titles like BGMI and Call of Duty, the performance is average, with an occasional dip in frame rates.

The Galaxy M55 is a smartphone with impressive battery life. It comes equipped with a powerful 5000 mAh battery, lasting more than a day even with moderate usage on a single charge. I recently tested the phone’s battery life by watching an entire 2-hour 4K movie, and I was pleasantly surprised to observe that the phone only drained 30% of its battery. Considering the power-hungry nature of 4K videos and the movie’s length, this is an excellent result.

CAMERA

The Samsung Galaxy M55 features a triple-camera system on the back, led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). In daylight, the 50-megapixel primary sensor captures good detail and acceptable colour accuracy, producing sharp and vivid photos well-suited for sharing on social media or taking casual snapshots. The OIS also helps in taking steady images. However, the M55 struggles in low-light conditions, as photos can appear noisy with noticeable grain, and details get lost in darker areas.

The 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor provides a broader perspective for capturing landscapes or group photos in tight spaces. It performs well in well-lit environments but expects some drop in quality compared to the primary sensor.

After taking many photos, I noticed that the camera software over-processes photos, leading to slightly unnatural-looking colours. While this is pleasing to the eye for casual users, photography enthusiasts prefer more control over the final image.

This device also has a 2-megapixel macro sensor, which is quite common in its price range. While it can capture decent close-up shots, it may not deliver exceptional detail, given its limited resolution. Nonetheless, the macro sensor can be useful for day-to-day photography, especially if you’re looking to capture images of small objects or details up close.

If you like taking selfies, you will be pleased to know that the device features a top-of-the-line 50-megapixel front-facing camera. This camera takes sharp, high-resolution photos, making it an excellent choice for video calls or close-up portraits.

VERDICT

The Galaxy M55 is an all-around phone that focuses on providing the essentials. If you prefer a reputable brand with stunning display, extended battery life, efficient performance, and software support at a reasonable price, the M55 is an excellent option. However, if you prioritize having the best camera in this price range, there are other alternatives available.

Ratings: 3.5/5

Price starts: 26999

also read: Samsung Unveils New Era of AI TVs with Neo QLED and OLED Models

WD_Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD Review

The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD has been praised for its performance and features. We conducted a thorough test of the product and presented a detailed review.

DESIGN & BUILD

The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD is currently available with an optional heatsink, but the one we received already had a built-in heatsink. This thick heatsink will help maintain optimal performance by effectively dissipating heat. This design is particularly attractive for users who want to install the SSD inside a personal computer with a professional and minimalist look.

PERFORMANCE & SPEED

The WD Black SN850X is a Gen 4 solid-state drive that utilizes the high-speed PCIe 4.0 interface. This SSD is widely recognized for its outstanding performance, boasting impressive sequential read speeds of up to 7300 MBps and sequential write speeds of up to 6600 MBps. The drive’s exceptional speed makes it particularly beneficial for tasks that require rapid data transfer, such as gaming and other high-bandwidth applications. Additionally, the drive’s high performance and reliability will be a good choice among professionals who require fast and dependable storage solutions. Overall, the WD Black SN850X is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a top-performing SSD that can handle even the most demanding workloads.

DURABILITY & SUPPORT

The SN850X is an impressive piece of technology that you can rely on. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty, which ensures that you’re protected against any potential manufacturing defects or malfunctions during the first five years of ownership. Additionally, this device has an Endurance of up to 2400TBW, which means that you can write up to 2400 terabytes of data onto it before it reaches the end of its lifespan. This level of endurance is highly competitive in its class, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting device.

VERDICT

The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD is a robust choice for gamers and professionals seeking top-tier storage solutions. Its performance is near the top of its category, and it offers a thick heatsink for heat dissipation. While it is a bit expensive, its speed and reliability could justify the investment for users who require top-tier performance from their storage devices.

also read: Digitek DS-130S Dry Cabinet Review

Review – Moto Edge 50 Pro

The Moto Edge 50 Pro emerges as a true standout, boasting a level of visual excellence that’s bound to turn heads and elevate your everyday viewing experience to new heights. Let’s see what it holds within.

Design

Moto Edge 50 Pro is a smartphone that has been designed to perfection. Right from the moment you lay eyes on the Moto Edge 50 Pro, it’s evident that every detail has been meticulously crafted to grab the attention. The harmonious blend of silicone vegan leather finish and metal frames exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement. Available in two captivating colours – Luxe Lavender and Black Beauty, the vegan leather not only adds a touch of luxury but also underscores Moto’s commitment to sustainability. And for those with a penchant for opulence, the world’s first handmade design in Moonlight Pearl Finish offers a level of exclusivity that is simply unmatched. The device we received for review was of a blue colour with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

The Moto Edge 50 Pro arrives in eco-friendly packaging, a testament to Moto’s commitment to sustainability. As you peel back the layers, you’ll be greeted by materials that are not only gentle on the environment but also elegant in their simplicity. To make your smartphone experience sensorial, Moto has come up with the concept of ‘fragrance in an box’. As you lift the lid, a subtle yet tantalising scent wafts through the air, enveloping you in a unique sensorial experience. It’s a small touch, but one that elevates the unboxing process to new heights, leaving a lasting impression long after the initial excitement fades.

Display

At the heart of the Moto Edge 50 Pro lies the world’s first and only true colour display, validated by none other than Pantone, the global authority on colour. The core display specifications of the Moto Edge 50 Pro are nothing short of impressive, setting a new standard for what’s possible in mobile visual technology. With a generous 6.7-inch pOLED display, users are treated to a canvas that’s both expansive and immersive, perfect for indulging in your favourite content with the utmost clarity and detail. With support for a staggering 1.5K resolution, every image and video comes to life with breathtaking sharpness and clarity, pulling you into the heart of the action with unrivalled fidelity.

Thanks to its impressive 144Hz refresh rate, scrolling through your feed or engaging in fast-paced gaming feels smoother and more fluid than ever before, delivering a level of responsiveness that’s second to none. Combined with its 3D curved display, which not only enhances aesthetics but also adds to the overall immersion, the Moto Edge 50 Pro offers a visual experience that’s truly beyond compare. With HDR10+ support, colours are rendered with stunning vibrancy and contrast, elevating your viewing experience to cinematic levels of immersion.

Camera

The Moto Edge 50 Pro sports the world’s first AI-powered pro-grade camera system validated by Pantone, and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. The camera is not just about capturing moments; it’s about elevating them to art. With the AI Photo Enhancement Engine, even novice photographers can effortlessly achieve professional-quality images. From boosting dynamic range to refining software-based bokeh and reducing noise in low-light environments, every shot is a masterpiece waiting to happen.

At its core lies the segment’s widest aperture primary 50MP 2um camera with OIS, capturing stunning detail and clarity in every shot. Accompanying this powerhouse are the 13MP ultrawide+macro secondary camera, the 10MP telephoto camera with 3X optical zoom and 30X hybrid zoom, and the segment’s highest 50MP selfie camera with autofocus and an improved aperture of f/1.9. And let’s not forget its ability to record 4K videos on both the front and back cameras, ensuring your memories are preserved in stunning clarity.

Performance

The Moto Edge 50 Pro sports the formidable Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, a 4nm marvel that pushes the boundaries of performance to new heights. Thanks to its Generative AI features support, the smartphone offers a smoother gaming experience, support for higher resolution videos, and lightning-fast GPU/CPU speeds. And with faster 5G connectivity and greater power efficiency, the Moto Edge 50 Pro ensures that you’re always ahead of the curve, no matter where life takes you.

With a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this device is a multitasking powerhouse, effortlessly juggling multiple apps and tasks without breaking a sweat. Navigating the Moto Edge 50 Pro’s intuitive interface is a breeze, thanks to the innovative Hello UI. With all Moto apps conveniently housed in one place, customisation and personalisation have never been easier. And with the latest Android 14 onboard, along with assured 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of SMR updates, you can rest assured that your device will always be up to date and secure.

With IP68 underwater protection, the Moto Edge 50 Pro offers worry-free water usage, withstanding immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Whether you’re caught in a sudden downpour or accidentally drop your device in water, rest assured that the Moto Edge 50 Pro can handle it with ease.

Battery

With the Moto Edge 50 Pro, you’re treated to not just one but two groundbreaking charging technologies. The segment’s only TurboPowerTM 50W wireless charging ensures that you’re always powered up and ready to go, without the hassle of tangled wires or cumbersome cables. And for those moments when time is of the essence, the 125W TurboPowerTM charging kicks into high gear, fully charging your phone’s 4500mAh battery in as little as 18 minutes under ideal conditions.

Verdict

Motorola has taken a conservative approach in a few areas to keep the pricing competitive. The Moto Edge 50 Pro does not have an ultra-high resolution screen or the most powerful zoom camera. It is not a benchmark setter in any critical area, but it offers a good combination of performance, camera capability, and general ease of use, complemented by ultra-fast charging. Compared to its predecessor, the Edge 50 Pro is superior in many ways, but we suggest purchasing it at an offered price rather than its actual price.

Price

8GB RAM/256GB with a 68W charger at ₹31,999 (offer price ₹27,999)
12GB RAM/256GB with a 125W charger at ₹35,999 (offer price ₹31,999)

Sales for the new Moto Edge 50 Pro will begin on April 9th, 2024 at 12 pm IST. The phone will be available for purchase on Flipkart, Motorola.in, and at major retail outlets, such as Reliance Digital. Additionally, Flipkart will offer exclusive early access to a limited stock of the Handmade Moon Light Pearl Finish variant during a live commerce event on April 8th, 2024 at 7 pm IST.

Also read: Review – HP Omen Transcend 14

Review – HP Omen Transcend 14

The HP Omen Transcend 14 laptop is specially designed for gamers and creators who want to play and create anywhere with an emphasis on portability. The laptop was unveiled at CES 2024 and labelled as the world’s coolest and lightest 14-inch gaming laptop. Like all gaming laptops, the HP Omen Transcend 14 is available in various customisable configurations. The machine we received for the review comes at a retail price of ₹1,74,999 and had an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

Design and Display

The HP Omen Transcend 14 boasts a sleek metal design with vibrant colours and a sturdy build. It lacks glowing logos but features an attractive RGB-lit keyboard. While the screen’s hinge doesn’t open to 180 degrees, efficient cooling ensures optimal performance. Connectivity options include Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and HDMI 2.1, though they are limited. Its touchpad offers smooth navigation and decent sensitivity for everyday tasks and light gaming, though the pre-installed software may be overwhelming.

The Transcend 14 is a remarkable machine that stands out from the crowd thanks to its blend of style, performance, and immersion. However, its true magic lies in its OLED screen, which is mesmerising when turned on. The display has a luminance of 398.3 nits in SDR, producing vivid and vibrant colours that bring images to life. With a resolution of 2880 x 1800, the display is a masterful canvas that can render text, images, and videos with exquisite detail and clarity.

The Transcend 14 also supports HDR and can shine with a brightness of up to 500 nits, which creates a realm of breathtaking realism. It may not be the brightest display out there, but it delivers a well-balanced performance that elevates your gaming and multimedia experiences to new heights of immersion. The cinematic wonder of the display brings your favourite movies and games to life with unparalleled clarity and depth, drawing you into the heart of the action.

Webcam, Biometrics and Speakers

The webcam of the Transcend 14, while boasting 1080p resolution, falls short on sharpness and vibrancy, even in well-lit environments. Regarding the microphone, it’s functional enough for clear communication, though not remarkable. Biometric features like the IR camera for Windows Hello login perform reliably across diverse lighting scenarios. The laptop offers decent audio quality along with spacious sound with high-end detail and low-end bass, but it can become shrill and lose clarity at higher volumes.

Performance

We got our hands on the Omen Transcend 16/22 Core Ultra 7 155H, equipped with 16GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an RTX 4060 laptop GPU. Despite opting for a slightly lower spec than its counterparts, it’s a sensible choice given the laptop’s slim profile and cooling capabilities, minimising throttling issues. In productivity and creative tasks, it competes closely with models like the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED and Acer Swift Go 14, slightly lagging in some benchmarks but excelling in others.

While gaming, it offers playable frame rates in AAA titles, albeit not at maximum settings or resolutions. For instance, in Returnal, it achieves 72fps at 1080p Epic settings but drops to 40fps at QHD and lower at higher resolutions. Despite its power, the Transcend 14 remains surprisingly quiet, with its fans emitting a mere whisper even under heavy load. Whether for work or play, it’s a versatile and efficient option, seamlessly balancing performance with portability.

Verdict

The HP Omen Transcend 14 is a fantastic gaming laptop that is also suitable for non-gamers. It boasts impressive gaming performance and features a stunning OLED display. The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for people who want a powerful yet easily transportable machine, but gamers who want maximum performance should look elsewhere.

OnePlus Nord CE4 Review

OnePlus Nord CE4 is a mid-range smartphone created by OnePlus to attract new users to their ecosystem. It is equipped with midrange-level specifications such as the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 platform, a stunning design, and a beautiful display. The phone is priced at ₹24,999 and it remains to be seen if it will be the best mid-range smartphone. Let’s explore its features and find out.

DESIGN

The Nord CE4 features a flat design and lightweight build, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand. The front features a center-positioned punch-hole cutout for the selfie shooter. The display is a 6.7-inch FHD+ Fluid AMOLED panel with a Narrow bezel.

Turning to the back, the Nord CE4 sports a sizeable oval-shaped camera module housing dual camera sensors and an LED flash. The Celadon Marble colour option is striking and catches the eye with its distinct, marble-like texture on the back panel. It features a beautiful blend of green and white shades that create a visual depth, giving it a unique appearance. The finish is smooth to the touch, providing a comfortable grip and a premium feel to the device.

The button placement is straightforward, with the volume rocker and power button on the device’s right side. Sporting OnePlus’s signature sleek and modern design, the device boasts a slim profile and lightweight build, making it comfortable to hold and use.

PERFORMANCE

The OnePlus Nord CE4 is an attractive option in the mid-range smartphone market due to its blend of performance, design, and affordability. Its 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, which are enhanced by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offering a seamless experience for multimedia and gaming. The device is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 mobile chipset and 8GB of RAM, which provides smooth day-to-day performance and light multitasking capabilities. This hardware combination ensures that the device can handle various tasks efficiently, such as browsing the web, using productivity apps, streaming videos, and playing games. The phone runs OxygenOS 14, which is based on the latest version of Android 14. The software includes many useful customizations, features, and optimizations that enhance the user experience.

Gaming on the OnePlus Nord CE4 is quite satisfactory, thanks to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. The gaming performance is commendable, and high-end games such as BGMI and Call of Duty run at an average of 30-40 FPS. Other casual games run smoothly with good graphics, and with a 120Hz refresh rate, the gaming experience is quite enjoyable.

The device has an impressive battery life that can last an entire day due to its sizable 5500mAh battery. After using the device for the past week, I found that it has a good battery life and can last for a day on a single charge with moderate usage such as browsing the internet, watching reels and YouTube videos, and playing casual games while traveling. Additionally, the device comes with 100W fast charging support which is useful when you’re on the go and need to quickly top up your device before heading out.

Camera

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 boasts a triple-camera setup, with the primary camera being a 50-megapixel sensor. In well-lit conditions, the primary camera captures impressive detail and vibrant colours. The images are generally sharp and have a good dynamic range, making them suitable for social media sharing and casual photography. However, the performance tends to drop slightly in low light conditions, with some noise creeping into the images. Night mode helps alleviate this somewhat, but it may not match up to the low-light performance of more premium smartphones. Complementing the primary sensor is an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The ultra-wide angle lens expands the field of view, allowing users to capture more of the scene in a single frame. It performs admirably in well-lit conditions, offering decent detail and minimal distortion towards the edges of the frame. However, in low-light situations, the performance suffers, with images exhibiting more noise and less detail than the primary sensor. Portrait shots taken with this sensor generally turn out well, with accurate subject detection and pleasing background blur. However, like the other sensors, its performance diminishes in low light.

On the front, the OnePlus Nord CE4 features a 16MP selfie camera in a punch-hole cutout. Selfies taken with this camera are sharp and detailed, with natural skin tones. The camera app offers users various beauty modes and filters to enhance their selfies further. In good lighting conditions, selfies turn out impressive, but like the rear cameras, low-light performance is mediocre.

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 supports video recording up to 4K resolution at 30fps. The video quality is decent, with good stabilization and detail in well-lit environments. However, the lack of optical image stabilization can produce shaky footage, especially when shooting handheld. The dynamic range could also be better, with highlights sometimes getting blown out in high-contrast scenes.

Verdict

The OnePlus Nord CE4 offers a compelling package with its blend of affordability, decent camera performance, and overall features. While it may not be the best phone on the market, it stands out as a strong contender in the mid-range segment. Its capable processor, smooth software experience, and respectable camera system make it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between performance and value. However, whether it’s the best phone depends on your needs and priorities. If you prioritize camera performance above all else, other options may be worth considering. Nonetheless, for users looking for a well-rounded smartphone that doesn’t break the bank, the OnePlus Nord CE4 deserves serious consideration.

TECNO POVA 6 Pro 5G Review: Light It UP

The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is a mid-range smartphone with impressive features, such as a 120Hz AMOLED display, a powerful 108-megapixel primary camera, and a huge 6,000mAh battery with fast charging. The most striking feature is the back panel, which was inspired by a motherboard. The new LED design features over 200 LEDs and 100+ customization options. However, before making a purchase, it’s important to consider a few trade-offs.

DESIGN

The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is a smartphone that strikes a balance between having a powerful battery and a slim design, while also incorporating some eye-catching elements. Despite having a massive 6,000mAh battery, the phone has an impressively slim profile of just 7.88mm. This makes it surprisingly comfortable to hold in one hand, especially when compared to other phones with similar battery capacities. Also, at just 195g, the phone is lightweight and still looks good.

Instead of using the typical glass or plain plastic back design, Tecno has opted for a textured design that looks cool. The phone is available in Comet Green or Meteorite Grey, and the most significant feature apart from the back panel is the customizable LED strip that runs alongside the rear camera module. This strip can light up notifications, charging status, or even while gaming, adding a touch of personalization and a light show. However, it may be seen as gimmicky to some users while others may find it appealing.

The front of the phone sports a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera. The bezels are relatively thin, offering an excellent screen-to-body ratio for an immersive viewing experience. The rear camera module houses the triple-lens setup and the LED strip. It protrudes slightly from the back but shouldn’t cause significant wobbling when placed on a flat surface. Surprisingly, the Pova 6 Pro has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is rare to see on a smartphone. There is even a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion.

The phone has an IP53 rating, which means it’s resistant to dust and can withstand light splashes. However, it’s not fully waterproof, so it’s best to avoid using it near pools or in heavy rain.

PERFORMANCE

The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, which works in conjunction with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, depending on the model you choose. This allows for effortless handling of daily activities such as web browsing, social media, and video streaming. App loading times are reasonable, and multitasking is seamless. The base model offers a generous 256GB of storage, which should suffice for most users, but can be further expanded with a microSD card if needed.

Tecno’s HiOS 14 skin, which is layered on top of Android 14, may take some time to get used to for users who are accustomed to standard Android. Although it offers some additional features, it can feel bloated at times. Upgrades may take longer compared to established brands. It even has its own branded store and apps, along with other pre-installed apps that can make the device UI appear cluttered. Fortunately, some of the pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, although it can be a tedious task for a new user.

The phone can handle most casual games like Asphalt 9 without any problems. However, more demanding games like BGMI or Call of Duty Warzone with high graphics settings may experience some frame drops or stutters. If you’re a hardcore gamer, there may be better options available with more powerful processors.

Although benchmarks are not the only indication of processing power, they provide a general idea of a phone’s performance. The Dimensity 6080 scores modestly in benchmarks compared to the latest flagship processors. However, it is comfortably situated within the mid-range segment, offering similar performance to other phones in its price range.

After using the phone for a week, it manages heat dissipation well during everyday tasks. However, under heavy loads like gaming or prolonged video editing using VN editor, the phone may get warm to the touch.

CAMERA

The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is a smartphone equipped with a triple-lens rear camera system. The high-resolution primary sensor is the standout feature with an impressive 108-megapixel. This means that photos taken with this phone should have exceptional detail, particularly in well-lit environments. The primary sensor is accompanied by two 2-megapixel sensors, one for depth information and the other with an unspecified purpose. These additional sensors are typically found in budget phones and do not add much to image quality.

In terms of daylight performance, the 108-megapixel sensor can capture detailed photos with accurate color reproduction, although there may be slight processing issues that result in a loss of sharpness in some areas. As with most mid-range phones, low-light performance can be a challenge. Photos may appear noisy and lacking in detail. Tecno’s night mode can help somewhat, but it is not as effective as high-end phones. The phone can record videos up to 1440p resolution at 30fps, which is sufficient for basic recording.

The 32MP front-facing camera can capture decent selfies with clear details and accurate colors in well-lit environments. However, in low-light situations, the camera may struggle to produce good quality images, resulting in grainy or blurry photos.

VERDICT

The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is an excellent choice for those who are on a budget and want a phone with a long-lasting battery, a smooth display, and a unique techie design. The camera system is good, and the performance is sufficient for most everyday tasks. However, the slightly outdated processor prevent it from being an outstanding phone.

ViewSonic VX2779-HD-PRO Monitor Review: Work and Play

The ViewSonic VX2779-HD-PRO is a 27-inch Full HD (1920×1080) monitor designed for gamers. It has several features highly desired by gamers, including a high refresh rate of 180Hz, a rapid 1ms MPRT response time, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync technology. These features make it a strong contender for gamers on a budget who want smooth, tear-free visuals.

WHAT WE LIKE

The VX2779-HD-PRO monitor has several impressive features, making it an excellent choice for gaming, creative work, and entertainment. Firstly, it has a high refresh rate of 180Hz, making visuals appear silky smooth, especially in fast-paced games like Vanquish or Apex Legends. The 1ms MPRT response time ensures sharp visuals during intense action sequences by minimizing ghosting and blurring.

Secondly, this monitor utilizes an IPS panel, offering wide viewing angles and good colour accuracy with 104% sRGB coverage. Therefore, it provides vibrant and accurate colours and a great viewing experience regardless of the activity.

The monitor also supports HDR10, which may not be as impressive as high-end displays but still offers improved contrast and colour depth compared to standard monitors.

Additionally, the AMD FreeSync technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with compatible AMD graphics cards, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a more fluid gaming experience.

Lastly, it has two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.2, allowing flexibility when connecting different devices. The monitor also includes features like a Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free technology to reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions.

DOWNSIDE

The first downside is that the monitor only offers Full HD resolution, which may need more for some users. Those who prefer sharper visuals should consider a higher resolution, such as 1440p, especially if they are going with a 27-inch display.

Regarding HDR performance, it’s worth noting that this monitor has some limitations compared to high-end options. While it supports HDR, the peak brightness is lower than you might find on more expensive displays. Additionally, this monitor doesn’t have local dimming technology, which can help to improve contrast and overall picture quality when displaying HDR content.

It’s worth noting that the speakers built into monitors are often not as powerful as standalone speakers. This holds true for the monitor you are using as well. To get the most out of your audio experience, it’s recommended that you use headphones or external speakers.

VERDICT

The ViewSonic VX2779-HD-PRO is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a responsive and smooth gaming monitor. It has a high refresh rate, quick response time and is compatible with AMD FreeSync, making it perfect for competitive games. However, consider other options if you prioritize high resolution, premium design, or exceptional HDR performance.

Samsung Galaxy A35 & A55 Review

Samsung Galaxy A35 and A55 are part of Samsung’s popular A-series lineup, known for offering impressive features at a competitive price. Here’s a detailed review of both smartphones.

DESIGN

The Galaxy A35 and A55 smartphones are undoubtedly eye-catching and share a strikingly similar appearance. Both devices have a sleek, modern design with a glossy glass finish on the back. The phones are crafted from high-quality and durable materials that offer a premium feel when held in the hand. Because of the sharp edges on the sides, it is difficult to hold longer. Interestingly, the design of these phones bears a striking resemblance to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24. The A35 has an aluminium finish that gives it a more classic and timeless look, while the A55 boasts a brushed metallic finish that adds a touch of luxury and refinement to its design.

Both phones are equipped with stunning 6.6-inch Super AMOLED displays for an immersive viewing experience that transports you to another world of colours. The high 120Hz refresh rate of the displays and the peak brightness of 1000 nits ensure smooth scrolling, and the phone can be used under direct sunlight without struggling to watch the content. The 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution of the displays ensures that everything on the screen looks razor-sharp and incredibly clear, so you won’t have to blink or strain your eyes to read text or view images.

PERFORMANCE

The Galaxy A35 is powered by the Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset and offers 5G connectivity. It performs well for everyday tasks, but it could be a powerhouse. Benchmarks suggest that it’s an average performer. On the other hand, the Galaxy A55 uses the Exynos 1480 chipset, which is a step up from the A35. The A55 has a maximum RAM storage of 12GB, while the A35 is limited to a maximum of 8GB. However, both devices can add up to 8GB of virtual RAM.

Both phones should handle browsing, social media, and streaming videos without issues. Lag or stuttering was not seen on any of these phones during regular day-to-day use. For gaming, both phones can handle casual games, but demanding titles might experience graphical limitations. Lower the settings on both the A35 and A55 for a smooth gaming experience. The A35 might exhibit some heating issues during extended gaming sessions or intensive tasks, while the A55 manages heat slightly better.

Regarding software, both phones benefit from Samsung’s commitment to software updates. They are eligible for four years of major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, ensuring a longer lifespan and access to the latest features. Samsung also has one of the cleanest UIs, called One UI, which is available on both the Galaxy A35 and A55. The UI has a clean and simple look and is easy to navigate, making it my favourite UI on Android devices. Apart from the UI, both phones come with Samsung’s exclusive services that enhance the overall functionality and security of the devices. The SmartThings app is one of the most noteworthy features that allow users to manage and control various smart devices in their homes, such as thermostats, lights, and other appliances. Another significant feature of these phones is the Knox security system, which encrypts and secures all data on the devices, making it almost impossible for unauthorized users to access sensitive information. This feature is especially important for individuals who regularly store personal and confidential data on their phones.

Additionally, the wallet app is an excellent feature for users with multiple credit cards as it can store most of them, including UPI. This feature makes it easy to tap and pay at point-of-sale (PoS) terminals without having to carry around multiple cards. The wallet app also offers an added layer of security by requiring a password or biometric authentication before any payment can be made.

The Galaxy A35 and A55 have 5,000mAh batteries, providing the potential for all-day use on a single charge. Light to moderate users can stretch the battery to two days. However, heavy users with constant gaming or streaming might need to top up before the end of the day. Both phones support 25W fast charging, but the charger isn’t included in the box. This adds an extra cost if you still need a compatible charger.

We conducted a thorough stress test to compare the battery performance of Galaxy A35 and A55 while streaming 4K content. After rigorous testing, we found that both phones exhibited similar results. Even after continuous streaming of 4K content for more than 30 minutes, the battery consumption was only 10%. This means that you can watch an entire movie without worrying about running out of battery on either device.

CAMERA

The Camera setup of the A35 and A55 is similar; both have three cameras. While the primary camera sensor of both devices is a 50-megapixel sensor with Optical Image Stabilization(OIS), the A55 has a bigger 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor compared to an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor on the A35. The third lens is a macro lens; both have a 5-megapixel sensor.

Taking pictures on both devices in bright daylight gives excellent photos. We took multiple apps on both phones, and the quality and clarity of the pictures look similar. The A35’s processing keeps things natural, while the A55 might offer slightly punchier colours. In low-light situations, both phones struggle with noise, providing grainy images. Switching to Night mode can help brighten things up but at the cost of some detail.

Neither phone boasts a dedicated telephoto lens, so zooming in reduces quality. The A55’s 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor has the potential for more detail and a wider field of view than the A35’s 8-megapixel sensor. Regardless of using the ultrawide sensor, both devices took average wide-angle shots. It struggles in low light, but both devices take decent pictures of inadequate lighting. Both phones have the same 5-megapixel macro sensor, suitable for capturing close-up details of flowers, insects, or tiny objects.

The A35 has a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies, while the A55 has a 32-megapixel higher-resolution sensor. Regardless, both should capture decent selfies in good lighting.

In video recording, both phones offer 4K video recording at 30fps on the rear camera. Both have similar sensors, so both take nearly identical quality videos. However, recording at 4K 30fps, the Galaxy A35 doesn’t offer wide-angle recording, while the Galaxy A35 does show ultra-wide and zoom buttons on the Galaxy A55. The front-facing camera on both can record in 4K as well.

VERDICT

The mid-range smartphone market has many players, and Samsung’s latest offerings, the Galaxy A35 and A55, have entered the market with a range of impressive features at an affordable price. While the devices have a price difference of approximately ₹12000, they both offer a capable camera system, long-lasting battery, and smooth performance for everyday tasks. Although there are some differences in the processor, selfie and ultrawide camera sensor, both models offer excellent value for money in the mid-range segment.

Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Review: Toughness Redefined!

Samsung has recently launched the Galaxy XCover7, a smartphone specifically designed for enterprise customers in India. This is the first time that Samsung has released an enterprise-exclusive smartphone for the Indian market, which is also manufactured in India. Unlike other smartphones, the Galaxy XCover7 is built to withstand extreme conditions and aims to ease the lives of professionals.

DESIGN

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 has a rugged design, which makes it appear like it comes with a pre-installed rugged case out-of-the-box. The device looks bulky, but its ruggedness enhances its durability. The device is 10 cm thick and weighs 240 grams, making it sturdy for enterprise-level usage.

Samsung designed this device with a removable back cover, making it easy to quickly swap out the battery in the field without interruptions. Removing the back cover reveals both the removable battery and SIM slot. The back body is made of plastic, which may feel flimsy when removed, but the device feels sturdy when attached to the device. The removable cover reveals a 4050 mAh removable battery, which also accommodates the NFC antenna for NFC payment or any NFC-enabled software.

The device supports dual SIM, with one physical slot and one eSIM, and also has a slot for a MicroSD memory card. However, the phone’s battery must be removed to access these physical slots. The Galaxy XCover7 has 128GB of storage but can be expanded up to 1TB, providing ample storage space. Samsung added a big customizable functional key named XCover key on the left side of the device, which can be customized within the software. There are two options, a Single Press and Press and Hold option; both are customizable. It acts as a quick shortcut. For example, a single press can be configured to Turn ON the flashlight and a long Press to Turn the Camera ON. This can also be accessible even when the phone is locked, that can be enabled or disabled depending on the need.

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, as it comes with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. This means that the device is well protected from dust, sand, and water and can survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as 30 minutes. Additionally, the device has undergone military-grade testing and can withstand drops up to 1.5 meters without getting damaged. Overall, the Galaxy XCover7 is a rugged device that can handle tough situations and environments with ease.

The device has a 6.6-inch display and is reinforced with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, a premium glass material known for its exceptional durability and resistance to scratches and cracks. The device can be used without worrying about damaging the screen. However, it’s worth noting that the device’s thick bezel around all sides may be noticeable to some users.

In addition to the Type-C charging port, Samsung has also included POGO Pins on the smartphone, which are used to charge the device with a POGO charging dock, available separately. The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 can be charged with a maximum 15 watt wired charger. Samsung only provides a Type-C charging cable, so adapters need to be purchased separately.

PERFORMANCE

With the enterprise in mind, Samsung has created the Galaxy XCover7, ensuring that it provides adequate performance capabilities without increasing the product cost. The device is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ octa-core processor supported by 6GB of RAM, which enables it to efficiently handle the latest Android 14 operating system and ONE UI. I put the device to the test by running a variety of everyday work related apps such as Mail, Calendars, and social media and performed multitasking. The device performed smoothly without any noticeable lags. The processor’s high clock speed ensures the device can handle multiple tasks simultaneously and switch between them without delay. The 6GB of RAM provides ample memory to keep multiple apps open in the background without affecting the device’s performance.

Not everyone might want to play games on this phone, but it can play any casual game without experiencing lags. However, when it comes to heavy gaming titles like BGMI and Call of Duty, there is a slight frame drop after prolonged gaming. While playing BGMI, I achieved an average of 30 FPS, which is decent for gaming on this phone. It’s worth noting that this phone wasn’t primarily designed for gaming, so these results are expected.

The Galaxy XCover7 is known for its exceptional security features. It comes with Samsung Knox Vault, which stores all security data, such as password patterns and critical information, on separate tamper-resistant hardware. Additionally, the Galaxy XCover7 Enterprise Edition offers a Knox suite subscription for 12 months, providing users with the essential tools to secure, deploy, and manage their devices throughout their lifecycle.

The phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display that offers a decent colour and an impressive viewing angle with high resolution. However, its refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, which means that the visual transitions on the screen may not be as smooth as some high-end phones. Moreover, the display’s maximum brightness is just 600 nits, making viewing in bright or under direct sunlight difficult. On the bright side, the phone’s touch response is impressive and accurate, so you can use it conveniently, even with thick gloves or wet hands.

With medium day-to-day usage, the 4050mAh battery of Galaxy XCover7 can keep the phone running for a full day. It can be quickly charged with a maximum 15 Watt fast-charging, which takes nearly 3.5 hours to fully charge the phone up to 100%. The phone has a removable battery, which can be swapped without turning off the smartphone. While connected to the charger, the phone can stay ON for up to 10 seconds, giving the user enough time to quickly change the battery without turning it off.

CAMERA

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 is a reliable and durable smartphone with a single primary camera and dual LED flash. A 50-megapixel primary camera primarily optimized for multiple barcode/QR code scanning. This feature makes the Galaxy XCover7 an ideal choice for professionals who need to scan codes frequently for their work. The camera also delivers decent image quality, whether you’re taking photos in low-light conditions or bright outdoor environments. Additionally, the smartphone features a 5-megapixel front camera that delivers crystal-clear selfies and video calls.

VERDICT

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 is a smartphone designed specifically for enterprise-level use, focusing on durability and harsh environments. Its rugged design provides protection from drops, water, and dust, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require a device that can withstand everyday wear and tear. The device also features a removable battery, offering added convenience. With 5G connectivity, the XCover7 allows for faster and seamless communication across India, providing businesses with a reliable method of staying connected. If you are a business owner in need of a smartphone that can handle the demands of daily use, the Samsung Galaxy XCover7 is an excellent option.

POCO X6 Neo 5G Review: Eye Candy!

POCO recently launched its POCO X6 series, which includes the POCO X6 5G and POCO X6 Pro 5G. Both models have received a lot of attention since their release. Recently, POCO introduced the youngest member of the X6 family in India: the POCO X6 Neo 5G. Price starts from ₹15,999; this smartphone competes in the highly competitive sub-₹20,000 segment.

DESIGN

The POCO X6 Neo is a well-designed smartphone, considering its price. Despite its plastic body, the phone looks impressive due to its slim profile, which gives it a sleek and refined appearance. In addition, the POCO X6 Neo is lightweight at just 175 g, making it comfortable to hold. The back design of the POCO X6 Neo phone looks great, especially in the Martian Orange colour that I received for review. The texture is beautiful, but it’s important to note that the back is made of plastic and can be scratched easily without a protective case. Thankfully, POCO includes a soft black rubber case to protect the phone, but it does hide its beauty. The POCO X6 Neo does not have a pre-applied screen protector. If you want to keep the screen scratch-free, you’ll need to purchase a screen protector separately.

Surprisingly, the device includes a 3.5mm audio jack located on the top. Only a few brands offer this audio jack nowadays. Additionally, there is an infrared blaster to control TVs, ACs, and other electronics. This feature is handy as it eliminates the need for multiple remotes for each electronic device in the house, making it easier to manage.

On the right side, you can find the power and volume buttons that are conveniently placed. At the bottom is a Type-C port that supports up to 33 watts of fast charging and a speaker grill.

The POCO X6 Neo features a flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Upon first use, you will notice the thin bezel on the device. Reducing the bezels from all sides gives the phone a more premium and appealing look. POCO has done an impressive job in this aspect.

PERFORMANCE

The POCO X6 Neo is a budget smartphone priced at under ₹20000, and its specifications are decent. It runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, which offers reliable performance. Recently, budget processors have become so powerful that you won’t notice any lag in everyday usage. Scrolling menus, surfing multiple websites, watching 4K YouTube videos, and Netflix worked without noticeable lag. All thanks to its 12GB abundant RAM, multitasking was a breeze. I could open as many Chrome tabs, and it still performed smoothly.

For those who are interested in benchmark scores, I have run tests on some popular apps. The Antutu Benchmark resulted in a score of 464489. The Geekbench score was 767 in Single-core and 2070 in Multi-core. Additionally, I performed the Wildfire Extreme Stress test, and the phone achieved the best loop score of 371. All of these scores indicate that the phone has a decent level of performance.

The POCO X6 Neo is powered by an MIUI 14 operating system based on Android 13. It features a POCO launcher with a clean and easy-to-use user interface. While there are no significant drawbacks to using Android 13, since it is a new smartphone, it could have been better to run on the latest Android 14 out of the box. However, the company has announced that it will release an Android 14 update for the POCO X6 Neo in the coming months. This means users can expect the device to perform even better with future updates.

One of the major issues with POCO phones is the presence of unnecessary pre-installed apps. Although some apps pre-installed on POCO X6 Neo were useful, many are unnecessary and can make the device feel cluttered. While removing most of these apps is possible, the process is often tedious and time-consuming, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to quickly set up your phone.

Playing games on the POCO X6 Neo is a lot of fun! I’ve tried many different ones, including my favourite BGMI, Call of Duty, and the racing game Asphalt 9. This budget-friendly smartphone runs on a mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. The games run smoothly at an average of 30fps, enough for a decent gaming experience.

The POCO X6 Neo supports up to 120Hz refresh rate, making the device feel smoother when scrolling through your social media feeds on Instagram or Facebook. The phone comes with a 5000mAh battery and supports up to 33-watt fast charging, which can charge the phone fully in approximately 2 hours. With medium usage, the battery lasted a whole day. However, if you’re a heavy user, using intensive games or the camera for extended periods, expect to charge the battery by evening.

During our testing, we performed a battery drain test on the POCO X6 Neo while playing 4K YouTube content on the phone. We monitored the device’s battery level and found that it went from 28% to 20% within a 30-minute period of playing 4K video.

CAMERA

The POCO X6 Neo boasts a dual-camera setup on its back, with a primary sensor of 108 MP and a depth sensor of 2 MP for portrait mode. However, it lacks an ultra-wide or dedicated telephoto camera sensor, which can be expected for this budget.

The 108 MP camera sensor functions as a telephoto and can digitally zoom up to 10X. This phone’s camera can take above-average pictures in various lighting conditions, whether in low-light or well-lit environments. It captures decent shots with reasonable levels of detail and vivid colours. However, the dynamic range can sometimes be inconsistent, making some highlights overexposed and hard to manage. Despite this, it still takes photos that are overall decent. When it comes to close-up photos, the sharpness can be hit-or-miss, resulting in occasional slightly soft images. Overall, the camera does a decent job producing satisfactory images but may struggle in more challenging lighting conditions. Portrait photos are mediocre – the edge detection is not the best, and detail retention could be better. Additionally, the phone tends to overexpose the entire photo in harsh light.

Selfie pictures are of good quality in daylight, but their quality quickly degrades in low-light conditions. Low-light pictures taken with the primary camera often have a lot of noise and lower sharpness.

VERDICT

Overall, the POCO X6 Neo offers a sleek design and lightweight build, making it ideal for everyday usage. Its slim bezels and bright AMOLED display ensure an immersive visual experience. However, the phone falls short in certain areas, such as having average cameras and pre-installed bloatware apps that can be bothersome. Nonetheless, the question remains: Is the phone worth its price? The answer is yes. This beautifully designed smartphone offers decent performance and supports fast charging, making it a great choice in this price segment.