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OnePlus Pad Vs Xiaomi Pad 5 – The battle of the best Android tablets

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!

Sony WH-CH720N Review: Premium Experience at Midrange Price

While I’ve been an audio fanatic myself since the days we’d have to share mp3 files over Bluetooth, I haven’t tested a wide range of headphones. I have been fixated on using wired or wireless earbuds for the longest time with the exception being the Sony WH-1000XM5 which I used for review purposes last year. Thus, I was sceptical to test out the WH-CH720N when it was offered to me. What interested me is the price tag of ₹9,990 and what this pair of noise-cancellation headphones bring to the table. I was pleasantly surprised with what CH720N has to offer to its listeners – Great sound quality with noise cancellation at an affordable price tag. However, is that all? Let’s find out –

Design – Pretty Straightforward

Minimalistic design has become a trend in recent years and the CH720N but Sony has been perfecting it since its inception. There are no gimmicks when it comes to the design of this pair. It is aesthetically pleasing and minimalist which matte coating that makes it a treat to hold. The headband is a little thinner than I would like it but the ear cups are comfortable with a wide design and thick memory foam. The right ear cup comes with physical volume control and noise-cancellation buttons that take some getting used to due to the placement. The left ear cup features a 3.5mm audio jack, a power button, and a USB-C port for charging. One design flaw with the CH720N is that they are not foldable, it was not a deal breaker for me but it could be for many out there who do not wish to have a dedicated headphone compartment in their bags. Overall, the design for Sony’s CH720N is a winner which walks the fine line between premium feeling and ergonomics.

Performance – Hit or Miss

Thanks to years’ worth of listening to music on higher volumes (and significant ear damage) I have grown accustomed to music which high bass. Sony’s midrange CH720N headphones seem to be tuned to push bass and treble which make up for a delightful listening experience in my opinion, but that won’t be the case for people who enjoy a balanced sound. Sure, there are EQ settings in Sony’s ‘Headphone’ application where users can fine-tune the audio output based on their needs, but the out-of-the-box experience remains bass boosted! The hit-or-miss aspect of the CH720N revolves around its noise cancellation settings. The Sony CH720N sport the V1 noise cancelling chip which surprisingly underperforms as opposed to the premium XM5’s. The ANC does just fine in standard aspects, however, it struggles when it comes to blocking out human voices. If you’re specifically looking to buy noise-cancelling headphones to block out chatty relatives at home then these are definitely not the one for you. On the other hand, the transparency mode offers amazing natural sound. My only complaint with the sound output has to be the lack of LDAC support.

The battery life is simply phenomenal on this one. Sony promises up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC turned on which somewhat undercuts its actual performance by over an hour. I could not kill the CH720N during my extensive testing under the promised battery lifetime. Sony has an impressive record of headphones with massive battery life and CH720N only forwards that legacy with flying colours.

Verdict

Sony WH-CH720N are a treat for audiophiles who do not wish to break the bank for their headphone needs. They perform better than expected for the price delivering solid sound output with high bass. These are easy to recommend to someone looking for a lightweight pair of headphones.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nothing Ear (2) Review: Cool Looks & Balanced Sound

What is your criteria when it comes to buying a pair of TWS? For me, it will always be the comfort and sound quality. Over the years I’ve used a number of wireless earbuds that are barely comfortable to wear for an extended period of time while giving an optimum sound experience. Thus, my scepticism while trying out the latest Nothing Ear (2) was soaring high. Nothing’s new addition to its product lineup surely leaves an amazing first impression thanks to its futuristic looks but there’s more to everything than what meets the eye. So, how good is Nothing Ear (2)? let’s find out –

Design

The design arena is where Nothing Ear (2) marks its elegance. However, the design is ‘nothing’ to get excited about as it is heavily borrowed from the first iteration of the TWS with minor tweaks here and there. There is an addition of a tiny metal plate for pressure-sensitive controls along with the ‘Ear (2)’ branding which is new for this iteration. Besides that, the looks remain unchanged. The futuristic aesthetic coupled with a plain white form factor makes the Ear (2) stand out from its competitors in the design aspect.

While the design of the buds is top-notch, they do not tend to stick around in your ears during extended hours of music streaming or binge-watching. I had to plug the buds in from time to time while watching films as they would simply pop out which prompted me to not even risk working out while wearing them. The earbuds come with IP54 dust and water resistance which is an upgrade from the previous IPX4-rated Ear (1). The earbuds case is not any different from the first generation except for a slightly smaller form factor.

Audio and ANC

The most important aspect of any TWS is how good they sound. Companies often get lost in the sauce of delivering visually appealing earbuds at the cost of losing out on sound quality. Nothing Ear (2) does not fall into that trap and only gets better from the previous iteration. The previous Nothing Ear TWS featured powerful bass but lacked mids and treble which resulted in a muffled sound experience. However, Nothing Ear (2) strikes a beautiful balance between the three bringing in a much improved sound experience. Ear (2) does not obsess with high bass and delivers clear mids and highs making up for an overall enhanced listening experience. It features LDHC 5.0 which is refreshing to see in midrange earbuds.

The ANC and EQ settings sit tight in the NothingX application which offers a number of personalization options to the user. My favourite feature of Nothing Ear (2) has to be its Personalised ANC option which calibrates the level of ANC based on the user’s hearing sensitivity. The app offers a hearing test for users and fine-tunes the sound profile of the earbuds based on the test. During my testing, the sound experience did get better once I switched to personalised ANC.

The noise cancellation features here are not beyond anything other earbuds offer at this price range. It is pretty much a standard ANC experience which neither overwhelms nor disappoints.

Performance

At its core, Nothing Ear (2) comes off as capable everyday listening earbuds. I wouldn’t recommend using them during extensive physical activities as they tend to fall off easily even if you’ve got an ‘Ear Tip Fit Test’ done through the NothingX app. The music experience is well-rounded here and the earbuds do a fantastic job of operating the highs, lows, and mids of any given track. They support hi-res audio with only a limited bunch of Android devices. The call quality is amazing here. However, one gripe with the earbuds has to be their battery life. Nothing Ear (2) does not come with an impressive battery performance as they lose out on a big chunk of power within just two hours of usage with ANC turned on. While the charging case offers an additional 18-20 hours of battery life with ANC turned on, it is still underwhelming.

Verdict

Nothing Ear (2) build upon a solid foundation laid out by its predecessor and excels where Nothing Ear (1) lacked plenty. The balanced sound quality coupled with futuristic looks make up for a solid overall package for your audio needs. If your smartphone device comes with Hi-res audio support then the deal becomes a little sweeter, however the same cannot be said for an universal experience with the Nothing Ear (2). Ultimately, Nothing Ear (2) is a balanced upgrade which can be considered for your audio needs.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Electrolux Air Purifier PA91-406DG – Style & Substance

The importance of air purifiers in today’s time cannot be underestimated. If you live in a metropolitan city like Delhi or Mumbai, you know air pollution is one of the biggest problems right now which needs to be curbed. Individuals do not have any control over the air pollution outside their homes, but they sure can manage the air quality in indoor settings like their homes or offices. Thus air purifiers are rapidly becoming a necessary buy for many across the country and the globe. So, how good does the Electrolux Air Purifier PA91-406DG fair in terms of performance? Let’s find out

Design: Cylindrical Charm

An air purifier is usually placed in the corner of people’s homes where it minds its business until it’s time to change the filters. The Electrolux Air Purifier, however, is not just any other air purifier. It comes with a design statement that makes it more than just another piece of tech lying around in your living space. It demands attention with its aesthetically pleasing design which is sure to grab some eyeballs. The cylindrical purifier has a 315mm width on a 590mm height factor coupled with a 315mm depth. Each side of the purifier features a rubber handle to carry it around with a four-wheel base designed for easy movement. The top features a spider-web design and also houses a display which consists of power on/off and mode buttons along with important information like AQI and more. It has a slim and stylish look that blends well with any decor, and its touch controls are easy to use and navigate. It also has a relatively quiet operation, even at its highest fan speed, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or living rooms. Overall, the design of the PA91-406DG is a treat to look at.

Performance Beast

One of the most impressive features of the PA91-406DG is its five-stage filtration system. This includes a pre-filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ionizer, and a UV light. Each of these filters is designed to capture and eliminate different types of pollutants in the air.

The pre-filter is the first line of defence, capturing larger particles like dust and pet hair. The carbon filter then eliminates odours and harmful chemicals, such as smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The HEPA filter removes even smaller particles like pollen, pet dander, and mould spores, providing clean and fresh air. The ionizer then releases negatively charged ions into the air, which attach themselves to positively charged particles, making them heavier and easier to capture in the filters. Finally, UV light kills bacteria and viruses that may be present in the air, providing added protection against airborne pathogens.

In addition, the PA91-406DG also has a smart sensor that detects the air quality in your home and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. This means that it can automatically increase or decrease its cleaning power based on the air quality in your home, providing you with a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

The PA91-406DG is also easy to use and maintain. It has a filter replacement indicator that alerts you when it’s time to replace the filters. The filters are also easy to access and replace, making it a simple process to keep your air purifier running efficiently. Furthermore, it has a child lock function, ensuring that children cannot accidentally change the settings or turn off the purifier.

Verdict

The Electrolux Air Purifier PA91-406DG is an air purifier designed for modern homes. It makes its presence felt with its design coupled with good performance without making loud noises like other air purifiers present in the market today.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Exploring Galaxies – How good are the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ after a month?

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.

OnePlus 11R – The OnePlus redemption

OnePlus track record aside, the OnePlus 11 series, with the launch of the flagship OnePlus 11 first, followed by the OnePlus 11R, is a mighty impressive product range. The OnePlus 10R was, for better or for worse forgettable. The design was a straight-up copy, and the software was a nightmare. This year OnePlus is back to redeem itself among global users. Let’s take a look at the OnePlus 11R, the budget OnePlus flagship product, second to the OnePlus 11 in command. We shall take a look at the OnePlus 11R, arguably the most refined iteration of any OnePlus product in its history. At INR 39,999/- this phone is a flagship killer, and the one it kills is none other than the OnePlus 11 5G.

Big boy design

The OnePlus 11R looks almost identical to the OnePlus 11, and that in itself is impressive. From afar, it is practically impossible to identify the 11 from its 11R variant. Unlike the OnePlus 11, the 11R features a matte sandstone polycarbonate texture at its rear with glossy plastic sides designed to look impressive and feel lighter. The most impressive part of the design is the inclusion of a neatly curved 6.74-inch S-AMOLED adaptive 120Hz panel with FHD+ resolution. More on that later. Alert slider and IR sensor appeal to an exciting flagship design. Despite being priced in the upper midrange segment, this phone visually appeals as an entry-level flagship device from OnePlus.

Wow, display with powerful stereo sound.

The OnePlus 11R features a brighter 6.74-inch FHD+ adaptive refresh rate (40-120Hz) Super AMOLED HDR 10+ panel with more brightness than the OnePlus 11 5G at 1450nits. It also features 100% DCI-P3 colour reproduction and good sunlight visibility compared to the flagship OnePlus 11. Viewing content and playing multimedia on this phone is nothing short of a flagship experience. This is quite surprising for the price and coupled with the stereo speakers where the earpiece doubles up as a channel for stereo output, the display and sound are top-tier grades to say the least. OnePlus 11R makes no compromises on the display and sound features offering more than one can expect for the price.

Flagship performance

Powered by the updated Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and up to 16GB LPDDRX5 RAM on fast UFS 128GB or 256GB storage, the OnePlus 11R breezes through day-to-day tasks. Demanding gaming titles are no stress for this SoC. This is much better than the usual Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which has issues like overheating, throttling and other performance hurdles. The phone stays relatively cooler than most other phones in its category despite hours of gameplay, downloads, video playback and recording. Couple that with an excellent HDR-rich display, and OnePlus has a winner on their side this time around. Consider this the second-best chip after the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 featured in the OnePlus 11 5G and other top-tier flagship phones. Something as demanding as Genshin Impact was smooth for hours with graphic settings at high and 60fps. Mesmerising flagship performance at an affordable price. Call and data quality was at par with the flagship devices of the realm despite missing out on Wifi-7, IP ratings and wireless charging capabilities.

Color OS made for OnePlus = Oxygen OS

The OnePlus 11R features Oxygen OS based on Android 13. OnePlus commits to 3-year updates on the 11R compared to 4 years on the OnePlus 11. There are tonnes of customizations for making this phone unique to each user, while many other technical features seem overly simplified! Camera app, for instance, does not allow for any megapixel or resolution customizations, while the IR blaster comes in handy when required. Split screen, flexible windows and smart sidebar allow improved gesture-operated functionality on a large gorgeous display. Quick launch allows quick app access from a long press on the fast in-display fingerprint sensor. The UI is snappy and loaded with themes for fonts, sounds, and many other customizations. App performance is at par with the flagships of this era. Haptic feedback is satisfactory and customisable, while the games app brings consolidated support for all games installed. Performance enhancements include 4D vibrations, smart network switching and enhanced multi-touch response.

A much improved but lackluster camera setup

The primary sensor on the OnePlus 11R is similar to the primary sensor on the OnePlus 11 – 50MP OIS IMX890. Although it misses the Hasselblad text, the performance is identical, thanks to the shared algorithms. Colors, saturation, and details are retained in both day and low light. The hi-Res mode allows for 50MP shots with good detail capture. While the main sensor allows 4K 60fps recording, the 8MP Ultrawide is below average and limited to 1080p 60fps shooting. The 2MP macro sensor is meh, and nothing impressive here. The front 16MP fixed focus camera is decent in the day and low light with AI enhancements and auto HDR on all the camera modes. Overall, the OIS and EIS-enabled primary sensor is worth considering for multiple lighting conditions. This is not a camera-centric phone, but the latest Sony IMX890 sensor is excellent as a primary camera on the OnePlus 11R.

Sprinter running a marathon.

The 5000mAh battery and the efficient yet powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 bring good battery life to the OnePlus 11R. It easily suffices hours of high-fidelity gameplay, content viewing and camera usage. What’s insane is the inclusion of a Supervooc S charger inside the box enabling 100W charge speeds. This is precisely similar to the elder sibling, the OnePlus 11 5G. The OnePlus 11R features a brighter but FHD+ resolution on the SAMOLED panel but an efficient chipset and lesser resolution than the 2K displays of the realm; the OnePlus 11R enjoys good battery life and innate peace of mind with super fast charging speeds.

This is the OnePlus that kills flagships.

OnePlus 11R is the prime example for everyone who missed the OnePlus flagship-killer moniker. Priced at less than INR 40K for the base model and slightly more for the 16GB RAM variant, the OnePlus 11R is a quintessential example of the OnePlus smartphones of the past. The design retains all the flagship features with arguably more durable materials and miles of improvement from its predecessor. If you are someone who wants flagship performance and design but at a sensible price, there is nothing like the OnePlus 11R as of now.

AIWA bolsters Luxury Acoustics range, launches 3 New Category Leading Portable Speakers

9^th February 2023 l New Delhi: Bolstering its coveted Luxury Acoustics Range of Speakers, Aiwa India today announced the launch of 3 new class-leading products under its impressive Audio portfolio – Aiwa MIX- 440 Enigma Beta, RS-X 100 & RS-X 150 Natsukasii Pro.

AIWA’s newest products in the highly successful ‘Luxury Acoustics’ category are designed to meet the needs of avid audiophiles and hard-core music enthusiasts who are looking for exclusivity, luxury, and high-quality sound. The new stylish & high-performance range stays true to the Brand’s promise of perfect products for those who don’t like to settle for the ordinary. All 3 products can be used indoors and outdoors as they are portable and come with high-power rechargeable batteries. The speakers further enrich a range that comprises versatile form factors from Retro to Wooden Built to luxurious leather finish to exquisite metallic build. Taking the legacy forward for more than seven decades, technology and innovation have been the core strengths of AIWA products.

AIWA MIX-440 Enigma Beta Portable Bluetooth Speaker: MRP 54,990

Born to Thrill! Exceptionally Versatile & Dynamic Speaker. The younger sibling of Aiwa’s best-seller MI-X 450 Enigma truly outperforms with Best-In-Class Audio Experience. They were packed with True Wireless Stereo for high-quality output. A new league of its own with a BASS++ sound profile. High-performance portable speaker comes with an elegant & commanding character and comes equipped with best-in-class features and software high-resolution supporting 24-bit music quality audio over Bluetooth 5.0. Enigma Beta comes with two passive bass radiators (front+ back) for the even distribution of sound. This speaker also comes with a Type – C charging point that enables 4 hours of charging time and 9 hours of playback time, powered by a 15000 mAH Li-ion battery delivering a strong 80W of powerful Sound. The Speaker also comes packed with a cordless MIC for Karaoke enthusiasts. There is also a digital control panel, and a 3.5mm AUX–IN. The Speakers also have TSW Multi-Link technology as a standard, allowing consumers to link multiple products in tandem.

AIWA RS-X 150 Natsukasii Pro Portable Retro Bluetooth Speaker: MRP 33,990

For those who don’t like to compromise. Upgrade to a Better Experience with Aiwa RS-X 150 Natsukasii Pro. Premium Retro looks with Seriously Good Sound Output, Features a Rich Speaker with Japanese Technology at the core. The Speaker comes with triple Drivers for deep distribution of sound. This speaker also features a Type – C charging point that enables 2 hours of charging time and 12 hours of playback time, powered by a 6000 mAH Li-ion battery delivering a solid 60W of pristine Sound.

AIWA RS-X 100 Natsukasii Pro Portable Retro Bluetooth Speaker: MRP 27,990

RS-X 100 Natsukasii Pro is tuned to Amaze the audiophile in you. Captivating Retro Styling with Seriously Good Sound Output, Compact and Built with Japanese Technology at the core. Like its elder sibling, it also features triple Drivers for deep distribution of sound, a Type – C charging point that enables quick charging and 9 hours of playback time, powered by a 4000 mAH Li-ion battery delivering a solid 40W of rich Sound.

Speaking on the launch, Mr Ajay Mehta – MD, Aiwa India said “We are overwhelmed with the response to our Luxury Acoustics Speaker Range. This has been the most successful range of products for Aiwa and the brand has been able to compete and establish its footing in the elite high-end speaker bracket comprising iconic international brands. We are proud to say that our consumers and channel partners have been highly appreciative of our products and we hope to continue building the ‘Aiwa Cult’ further with exciting products over the next few years. These products kick off new years’ portfolio for Aiwa India and we are ready with a number of exciting launches through the year.”

Consumers can buy the speakers on www.aiwaindia.com and also on Croma, Reliance Digital, and Select Partner Stores.

About AIWA

Founded in 1951, Japan-based Aiwa has established itself as a pioneer in the consumer electronics space and is considered one of the most recognizable brands in the personal audio segment. Best known for its speakers, boomboxes, and stereo systems, the company is also known as the creator of the iconic cassette tape recorder. The company was a leading manufacturer of audio products, including headphone stereos, mini-component stereo systems, portable stereo systems, minidisc players, CD, and cassette players, and car stereo systems throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The brand has returned to various key markets across the world, including India, with several devices using cutting-edge technology and innovative designs towards meeting the growing demand from consumers worldwide. The companies have a renewed commitment to designing and manufacturing cost-effective and high-quality consumer electronics accompanied by world-class after-sales service throughout the regions where it is present. Through its office in New Delhi, AIWA India Regional Headquarters (AIN-RHQ) has been established to manage all aspects of the AIWA brand and all AIWA products in India. AIWA India, as it is now called, is fully committed to designing, and manufacturing cost-effective and high-quality consumer electronics, including those that hoist the banner of ‘Made in India’, accompanied by a world-class after-sales service throughout the country.

2023 Android Flagship Battle – Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs OnePlus 11 vs Google Pixel 7Pro

2023 has begun with a bang. Most major android manufacturers have launched their top-tier flagships at the start of the year. Let’s look at three quintessential brands popular among android phone users. Starting off with the newest handheld machines on the block, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, a refined iteration of the beloved Galaxy S22 Ultra with a similar camera design for the entire line-up. OnePlus 11, the latest and greatest from OnePlus, adheres to all last year’s issues and updates hardware and software to match their potential buyers outside China. The Google Pixel 7Pro is also known as the smartest android phone money can buy, making its software reign over hardware.

Design & Specs

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+ and the S23 Ultra are iterative updates to their predecessors. We know these are flagship units from each manufacturer and hence are priced accordingly. Considering flagships from all the companies, let’s compare the top-tier Samsung S23 Ultra, arguably a better Note series from Samsung. Maybe the Note name is kindly reserved for something that matches the name? The Ultra now has a redesigned chassis with a more rounded rectangle design that fits the hands confidently and brings significant camera improvements. On the other hand, the Galaxy lower S23 series is more like a refreshed update bringing Ultra design to the Galaxy S23 and the S23+.

The design is clean overall, and the display is curved upfront while looking symmetrically beautiful at the rear. The camera housing for individual sensors is carried on with the entire line-up this year. The outer glass is now industry-leading Gorilla Glass Vitcus 2 on both ends, with armour-grade aluminium for the chassis for better fall protection. Overall the changes on the outside are minor, but there’s better hardware this time around. Newer to the device is the new Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, slightly overclocked for Samsung devices with a brighter 6.8-inch Dynamic SAMOLED 2K 120hz panel with HDR10+ supporting 1750nits of brightness in scenarios necessary. It still retains all the good parts like an IP68 rating, 45W charging with a 5000mAh battery, standard and reverse wireless charging, WiFi 6E, BT 5.3 and one of the fastest in-display fingerprint sensors. This is an apt design for someone who wants a sophisticated, premium, and functional flagship phone. The S-Pen is retained with all the necessary sensors. Pen hardware and software are still crisp and work as well as the earlier editions. Samsung One UI 5.1 brings goodies of Android 13, S-Pen features and updated apps like Samsung Pay with a multitude of features. Improved 200MP OIS primary wide with 10MP OIS (10X) periscopic zoom, 10MP OIS (3x) optical zoom, and 12MP EIS Ultrawide cameras complete the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera setup. The new 16MP front camera, as opposed to the 40MP earlier, has better AI algorithms (that may take some OTA updates to get better) for better colour tones and 4K capabilities. At the same time, the rear can shoot 8K 30FPS, but the file size would require Galaxy-level storage.

OnePlus 11

The OnePlus 11 was launched in China many months ago and has finally landed in India with Oxygen OS 13 based on Android 13. The most considerable improvements include a newer Hasselblad camera design with improved AI and hardware. Exterior design improvements bring back the alert slider and retain the matte finish sandstone rear glass. Like most phones on the market, this is a large phone with a nice balance, but it feels dense despite its slim circumference. Unlike the newer Samsung Galaxy S23 series glass, the OnePlus 11 features gen 1 Gorilla glass Victus upfront and Gorilla glass 5 at its rear.

Hasselblad computation has improved on the 50MP OIS primary camera sensor with 32MP (2x) telephoto lens, 48MP ultrawide sensor and an improved 16MP autofocus front camera. Despite the lower pixel counts upfront, the algorithm has improved. A new LTPO3 E4 2K AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300nits max HDR 10+ brings software support for Dolby Vision, 8K 24FPS capabilities limiting FHD for the front camera, BT 5.3, WiFi 7 are welcome generational update.

Google Pixel 7Pro

The Pixel design by Google is exciting and flagship-grade, to say the least. It includes a similar glass setup to the OnePlus 11 and was launched last year, but it is safely the most intuitive android phone to use. This is authentic vanilla android as cooked by Google. The software is the main king compared to the hardware. Hardware is no slouch at 6.7-inch LTPO 2K AMOLED 1500nits max bright panel with excellent touch response. The Tensor SOC is no match to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 of the others, but this time around is much more balanced for all the multitasking expected out of a flagship device.

It gets an IP68 rating for water and dust protection like Samsung and Apple devices with similar wireless and reverses wireless charging despite no charger in the retail box. This is the only phone among the lot with low UFS 3.1 storage compared to UFS 4.0 on others despite LDDR5 RAM on all of the contenders. The most impressive feature on Pixel devices, apart from the fantastic ML AI algorithms throughout the UI, must be the 50MP OIS primary camera, 48MP OIS (5x) telephoto and 12MP ultrawide camera with an autofocusing 4K recording 10.8MP front camera. The battery on the Pixel 7Pro is 5000mAh, and WiFi 6E makes it apt for heavy users.

Display

We consumed some media, and honestly, there is nothing as impressive as a Samsung display. No wonder iPhones get their displays from Samsung. Isolated, the OnePlus and Pixel 7Pro bring a large, crisp, colour-rich display viewing experience. Outdoor viewing was never an issue on any phone while being the best on the S23 Ultra. The colour balance in dim conditions showed some flaws on the OnePlus 11 and Pixel 7Pro. No such issues with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Camera

The camera setup on all the phones is interesting and different in their own hardware and algorithms. Here are some camera samples clicked in auto from the same distance as the other phones. 10X samples, ultrawide, front camera samples and more for your perusal. The Ultra wins hands down in the portrait department with a clean cut out on my hair. The Pixel algorithm has a mind of its own at times and selects colours it likes that are far from reality. Samsung and Pixel perform great at video stabilisation, while the OnePlus 11 struggles to maintain stability. Night photography is more than satisfactory on all the phones, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra and OnePlus 11 being marginally better than the Pixel 7Pro.

In night photography, the OnePlus Hasselblad setup works wonders, followed by S23 Ultra, and then the Pixel makes things appear as it wants. Pixel photos look great outdoors, but the OnePlus and Samsung somehow manage better details in photos and videos. Let us know in the comments which would be your phone of choice for capturing memorable moments.

Performance and Processors

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is finally catching up with Apple’s processing power. Both the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the OnePlus 11 eat up any task thrown at them. Gaming at the highest fidelity is no problem for both phones, but the Pixel 7Pro struggles on max settings. We noticed considerable frame drops, and while most games play flawlessly on all three devices, demanding titles will struggle on the Pixel 7Pro. We set a tie for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the OnePlus 11 regarding sheer flagship performance. Regular tasks and straining downloads were not an issue on either device. Speaking of performance, the software cannot be ignored. While the Samsung and OnePlus devices make a strong case on paper, the Pixel 7Pro is a software king among the lot. The purest form of android with all permissions running flawlessly and ML AI built inside, like most iPhones, the Pixel 7Pro flies miles above any other android device when it comes to phone UI and app usage. This year, Samsung has a trick up its sleeve with social media platforms, especially Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok (where it’s still not banned). The collaboration allows these apps to use the Samsung camera algorithms inside their apps, allowing them to shoot at full fidelity offered by the improved Samsung Galaxy S23 series camera setup. Battery life on all these phones is more than adequate for a typical work day and then some with all sporting ultra battering saving modes.

Which one should you buy?

This is a tricky question, especially with such amazing products from all the brands. All the phones are amazing packages. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra brings unique functionality to people who want the S-Pen along with hardware and software that surpass most spec sheets on any smartphone. The OnePlus 11 is a tough competition, but the hardware and software package cuts corners, acceptable for the price. Speaking of which, the Google flagship Pixel 7Pro still proves to be the best software package with amazing AI and ML capabilities on the hardware and HDR-rich images. One cannot go wrong with either phone, and all the phone manufacturers make the Android phone market better than ever. If the price was not a bar, there is nothing in a clamshell design that matches the sheer functionality, self-charging S-Pen, premium experience and a well-rounded flagship like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. If money does a concern, the S23 series, OnePlus 11 and, to some extent, even the Pixel 7Pro are great options. All offer ad-free user experience and flagship-grade performance in daily use. Our winner among these Android flagships is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. OnePlus 11 offers good functionality but misses out on some essential features that make flagship phones desirable, but the cameras are much better than predecessors. Google’s Pixel 7Pro is up for an update, but the overall Android UI with intelligent features like whispering “stop” to stop an alarm make it the smartest Android phone in the Indian market.

Redmi Note 12 Pro Review: Midrange Winner?

The Redmi Note series has undoubtedly been Xiaomi’s trump card in the Indian market. The series has been beloved by Indian consumers for the longest time as it is usually placed in the budget segment and offers great value for the price. This time around with the Redmi Note 12 series, things were a little different. While the Redmi Note 11 Pro was introduced at ₹16,999 in India, its successor was introduced at a hefty asking price of ₹24,999 pushing it to the midrange section. So, does the Redmi Note 12 Pro justify its price? Let’s find out –

Design and Display

The Redmi Note 12 Pro sports a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with 2400 x 1080 pixels. It sports a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. Running the device on 120Hz offers a buttery smooth experience. The display is also equipped with HDR10+ support that works beautifully for YouTube, Netflix and other OTT platforms. A rarity in this price segment is the Dolby Vision support which is a treat to the eyes while streaming content on YouTube. Adaptive refresh rate allows the device to switch between 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz depending on content. I watched hours’ worth of content on the Redmi 12 Pro and there was never a dull moment. The display produces punchy colours and ample brightness for an immersive viewing experience. The tiny punch-hole camera sits at the top of the screen which doesn’t intrude while watching content. Above the display rests the earpiece that also doubles as a secondary speaker. The in-hand feel of the device is superb and it’s built like a flat brick. It is just 76mm wide and 7.98mm thick weighing 187 grams which makes it easy to hold.

Performance and Camera

The Redmi Note 12 Pro runs on an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC chipset. The D1080 is paired with 6 or 8GB of RAM, the device we used was the 8GB RAM variant coupled with 256GB storage onboard. The 12 Pro also gets RAM expansion of up to 5GB of virtual memory. Sadly, the device sports Android 12 out of the box which is a disappointment. However, Xiaomi has promised an Android 13 update. With the D1080 and 8GB of RAM, day-to-day tasks like social media and streaming content on the device were a smooth ride. While playing graphics-heavy games like COD on the Redmi Note 12 Pro, some frame drops were experienced but they were negligible. Overall, the device provided a stable performance overall. It packs a large 5000mAh battery that can be juiced up with a 67W charger.

Redmi Note 12 Pro houses a 50-MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor which is its highlight. The same sensor was present in yesteryear’s multiple devices with impressive results. It also includes an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro camera. It houses a 16MP camera in the front for selfies. The primary camera of this device is capable of clicking some awesome photos with crisp details. Some over-saturation could be witnessed during low-exposure shots. Check out the camera samples of the Redmi Note 12 Pro below –

Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 is a capable device that can pretty much handle everything you throw at it. There are some features like Dolby Vision and adaptive refresh rate that are usually not present in devices at this price point. While it is a solid option for people looking for a device under ₹30K, I am not sure about it being the best value for your money.

What’s Good

Amazing screen with adaptive brightness
Battery life
Smooth performance
Dolby Vision

What’s Bad

Android 12
Bloatware

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

OPPO Reno 8T 5G review: Eye Candy!

The month of February will be seeing a plethora of releases in the smartphone category. While OnePlus will be launching its much-awaited OnePlus 11, Samsung will be launching the S23 series. Between the noise of big releases, OPPO has found its own voice and launched the OPPO Reno 8T 5G. The Reno series has been OPPO’s midrange champion bringing capable devices at the apt price point. Keeping true to the Reno branding comes the 8T 5G which increases the style quotient to a considerable degree. Check out what we think about the OPPo Reno 8T 5G below –

OPPO Reno 8T specifications

The OPPO Reno 8T 5G comes with the budget king chipset – Snapdragon 695. It sports a 32MP selfie camera and 108MP primary camera coupled with a 2MP depth and a 40x microscopic lens. It comes with a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and a slim 7.7mm size. Reno 8T 5G also flaunts a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4800mAh battery that is powered by 67W Supervooc charging. It comes with 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage options.

What’s Good

During our extensive testing of the device, the USP of the Reno 8T 5G was undoubtedly its slim design and curved display. There’s no doubt that the curved display screams flagship even in 2023 and OPPO implements it beautifully. it is not just how the display curves but also how well it performs. Watching YouTube videos and films on OTT is a treat on this device. There’s widevine L1 support here that allows users to stream HD content on Netflix/prime. The entertainment experience on this device is only made better with its stereo speakers and the Loud ultra volume mode that boosts the audio level to 200, this is the first time I’ve seen a device do this and I am blown away.

The camera here is a 108mp primary portrait camera coupled with 2mp depth and 40x microlens that is capable of clicking some amazing shots. There’s also dual view video mode that shoots videos from both the front and back at the same time. Check out some camera samples below –

The 67W Supervooc charging is fast, however, we received an 80W charger in the box which was confusing, to say the least. The sunrise gold variant with its chameleon-like colour-changing design is a visual trip.

What’s bad

I am not saying that the Snapdragon 695 is a bad processor to any degree as many budget and midrange devices sport it flawlessly. But at a price point where other players are offering let’s say, a Dimensity 1080, this falls a little short. There are not too many bad points when it comes to the OPPO Reno 8T 5G as it’s definitely a device to flaunt but the Color OS with its out-of-the-box bloatware is a sight that sores the eyes.

Verdict

The OPPO Reno 8T 5G is a stylish device that is built for users who like to flaunt their smartphones. The ‘Eye Candy’ factor in this smartphone can easily become the sole purpose people go for it. The curved and punchy display coupled with capable performance makes up for a balanced experience with the OPPO Reno 8T 5G.