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BenQ PD2725U Monitor Review: A Boon for Creative Professionals

Be it projectors or monitors, BenQ is a trustworthy name when it comes to digital solutions. This was the very first time I got to try a BenQ monitor and it surprised me in various aspects. The BenQ PD2725U is touted as a monitor for creators i.e. for graphic designers, video editors, and more. As someone who is neither of the two, I got my hands on the monitor with some scepticism as I feared I wouldn’t be able to tap into the entire potential of this monitor. The solution – I handed it to my video editor who plugged it in using a Mac Mini and took his initial thoughts on it. Additionally, I tested the monitor as my daily driver for writing content, watching videos, playing games, etc. Here is the detailed review of the BenQ PD2725U Designer Monitor –

Design

benQ PD2725U’s design is perhaps one of its best features. The base of this monitor is exceptionally large and takes up a lot of space. However, the form factor of this base is thin so users can place their desktop companions like an action figure or more making that space usable. The monitor sports a minimal design which makes it a treat to look at, it definitely is aesthetically pleasing. The screen bezels are neither criminally big nor exceptionally slim. The screen real estate here is well-balanced for this 27-inch monitor.

One issue that I’ve witnessed in the past while reviewing monitors is the lack of connectivity options. Luckily, the PD2725U does not have any such issues providing a wide option of connectivity ports. There are two HDMI ports, and a USB 3.0 hub, coupled with a 3.5 mm jack. You also get the convenience of Thunderbolt 3 here which sure is appreciable but Thunderbolt 4 would’ve been better. One of my favourite features of this monitor has to be the external hotkey puck which allows users to simply switch between features and manage the brightness.

Performance

The BenQ PD2725U is powered by an IPS-grade panel with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160. It’s got the support of 100% sRGB/Rec. 709 and 95% DCI-P3 colour gamuts coupled with a vast colour palette of 1.07 billion colours. All the technical jargon basically translates to the monitor delivering solid visuals and colour accuracy. It is equipped with a 4ms response time which ensures that there are minimal inaccuracies in the colour reproduction.

It sports a peak brightness of 300 nits using DR10 VESA display technology. It is capable of producing some sharply contrasted images and deep details. During our video editing test of the monitor, our in-house editor was impressed with the colour accuracy of the display vowing it to be one of the best displays he’s worked on. The display is capable of producing some immersive visuals which can be easily adjusted thanks to the hotkey puck and the buttons placed under the bottom bezel. It is important to note that this monitor comes with an in-built speaker which is beyond underwhelming. It is not a substitute for your desktop speakers in any shape or form given its low sound output. The speakers and the absence of a Thunderbolt 4 port are some of the biggest weaknesses of this monitor which is placed at the premium ₹ 67,990.00 price.

Verdict

BenQ PD2725U is definitely one of the best monitors you can buy right now. It exceeded expectations for an IPS-grade monitor during our testing when it comes to producing a crisp and immersive visual experience. it provides an extensive connectivity hub which eases the job for creative professionals. The lack of a good speaker output leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐½

Infinix Zero 30 5G Long Term Review: Underrated Champion!

Infinix is not exactly the brand people consider when in the market to buy a new smartphone. I too am guilty of this prejudice however after using the Inifix Zero 30 5G as my daily driver for the past month, my opinions have drastically changed about the brand and its devices. Sure, Infinix delivers some of the best value devices in the Indian market at the budget segment but its latest Zero 30 5G has proven the company’s ability to compete in the mid-premium segment too. It’s not a perfect phone (none of them are) and there are some hiccups here and there but that does not take away from the fact that it delivers a value-for-money experience. Here’s my full review of the Infinix Zero 30 5G –

Design

This is easily the best part of this device as it looks at par or even better than many premium devices. It is available in two colour options – Golden Hour and Rome Green. I used the Golden Hour variant which has an aesthetic appeal to it. The device is sure to grab some eyeballs as you walk around with it. The Rome Green variant comes with a vegan leather back which adds more value to your money. The phone stands slim at only 7.9mm and weighs light at 182 grams. The volume rocker and lock buttons placed on the right of the device also have a good click to them and feel tactile. You get an in-display fingerprint sensor which is quick and snappy. It has an IP53 rating protecting the device from dust and splashes of water. The camera cutout is HUGE on this device and looks good on the Golden Hour variant as the cutout is golden colour too. However, the cutout is golden even for the green variant which is a bold decision from Infinix. The main attraction of the device is the curved AMOLED display but the overall aesthetic design language supporting it makes up for a great-looking and feeling device. Infinix hits the ball out of the park with the Zero 30 5G design in the sub-25K price category.

Display

The Infinix Zero 30 5G sports a premium-looking curved 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. The bezel situation is pretty neat as they are slim on the sides and slightly thicker on top and bottom. It has a 144Hz refresh rate which can be switched between 60, 120, 144, and Auto options. The 144Hz refresh rate is addressed as ‘extreme’ in the phone settings and that’s exactly how I’d describe using the display, it’s extremely pleasing. The display produces some vibrant colours and it comes with Widevine L1 support so watching OTT in HD resolution will not be an issue. It has a peak brightness of 950 nits which means users will not have an issue in using the device under direct sunlight.

Performance

Infinix Zero 30 5G sports a Dimensity 8020 SoC coupled with 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM which can be extended up to an additional 9GB of RAM (21GB total) using the virtual RAM option. I did not add up any virtual RAM during my testing of the device as 12GB is more than enough for SoC it houses. The device comes with 256GB of UFS3.1 storage which is standard across the 8GB and 12GB variants of the device. Having 256GB as the standard storage option across the lineup is applaudable, but having an expandable storage option would seal the deal entirely. We could talk about GeekBench and AnTuTu scorecards where the device definitely scores higher than the majority of the devices in the price category but I’d let readers know how the device performs on a daily basis.

I’ve been using the device as my daily work phone for the past month which means attending constant calls, virtual meetings, approving video content, working on Google apps and much more. I was taken aback by how flawlessly the device took over all the tasks without any hiccups. I’ve been using the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G along with the Zero 30 5G which are comparable devices in many arenas, the latter always emerged better in both performance and user experience. Playing games like BGMI for extended periods of time was not an issue but the device did heat up considerably during my testing.

The UI experience is certainly improved from the previous Infinix devices I’ve used in the past. The experience is much more refined and visually pleasing. Yes, there are some bloatware and third-party applications here but not as annoying as some phones in this price category. What could be a deal breaker for many is that the company only provides one major Android update and 2 years of security patches.

It features a big 5,000 mAh battery with 68W fast charging support. You can get a day out of this battery easily and charge it up in nearly 50 minutes which is not bad by any standards.

Camera

Inifnix Zero 30 5G boasts a decent camera setup. You get a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 primary camera with IOS, a 13Mp ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens which I thoroughly believe brands should omit. There is a Samsung 50MP ISOCELL JN1 sensor which is capable of shooting crisp selfies. It is an AI-enhanced camera setup which is capable of shooting 4K at 60FPS on both the front and rear. The front camera is accompanied by a flash which is a surprising addition. It works well only if you can manage to not get blindsided by the front flash! Overall, it is a decent camera setup which is reliable under well-lit conditions and loses its ground under darker settings.

Verdict

The Infinix Zero 30 5G is a competitive mid-range smartphone that is definitely worth the money. The standout design coupled with a curved AMOLED display makes up for a good package itself. However, the cherry on the top is it being a well-performing and dependable device. Low light camera performance can be improved but besides that, it is a solid device!

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (G733P) Review: Amazing Performance with Minor Complaints

Let’s get real for a second here, the gaming laptop market is beyond oversaturated! There is a plethora of options for people to consider before they get their hands on their gaming companion. However, it becomes easier to choose a laptop when it packs top-end specifications. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 laptop goes all out with the latest and fastest AMD and Nvidia silicon which simply puts it on top of the gaming laptop food chain. So, should the Strix Scar 17 be your gaming machine in the near future? Find out below –

Design: A Familiar Touch

Asus has focused predominantly on the internal components of the Strix series thus we pretty much get a similar design from the 2022 variant. The highlight of this design has to be the popping LED trim which runs at the front base of the laptop which tenfolds the aesthetic appeal of the laptop. Sadly some flex can be experienced around the keyboard deck which is not a major issue but isn’t acceptable for a laptop at this price.

While the laptop looks sleek, it packs in heavy at nearly 3Kgs coupled with a power brick that is also thick! Hence, carrying it around from office to home was a hassle for me. While we have ample port selection over here, it can only be defined as awkward. Here’s why – you get two USB-A ports coupled with a 3.5mm port on the left whereas all the other ports are placed on the back. There is not a single port on the right side of the laptop which could have been used to at least have a single type-c port. The keyboard here is good consisting of individually backlit keys. The overall build quality here is just passable. It’s basically made entirely of plastic if we exclude the lid which sports an aluminium cover. The keyboard has a flex to it and the display has a little wiggle.

Screen: Visual Treat!

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 rocks a 17.3-inch IPS LCD panel clocked at 2560 x 1440 resolution at a 16:9 aspect ratio. What’s impressive is the high refresh rate of 240Hz which even Asus’ recently introduced Nebula displays lack at this point. The screen is anti-reflective and also supports the Nvidia G-Sync technology and Dolby Vision. Watching films and playing games on this laptop is no less than a visual treat as it is capable of producing some punchy colours. What sits on top of the display is an underwhelming 720P webcam which

Users will enjoy the display the most while playing cinematic games like The Last of Us or Detroit: Become Human. It’s not the brightest of the displays out there having a peak brightness of 330 nits. Thus using the laptop under direct sunlight won’t be a pleasant experience, though this is not the kind of machine one would use outside! Overall, there’s not much to complain about the screen here and users get an immersive display with perfect colour calibration.

Performance: BEAST!

Everything boils down to the performance when it comes to laptops in this segment. I am genuinely not surprised that the Asus Strix Scar 17 2023 performs the way it does. I tested out games like Marvel’s Spider-Man, Detroit: Become Human, The Last of Us, and Red Dead Redemption 2 while testing this one out. As expected, I faced no performance issues while testing these games out. Our review unit was maxed out with the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX SoC coupled with 32GB of DDR5 RAM. In the graphics arena, the laptop sports a GeForce Nvidia RTX 4090 which takes the graphics performance of this laptop to the next level. In the current performance standards, this gaming laptop gives performance output that is at par with any modern gaming desktop.

While pushing the laptop to play graphic-intensive games, the laptop does not get too loud. It is undoubtedly quieter than most of the gaming laptops in the market thanks to Asus’ updated Arc Flow Fans. Asus uses a vapor chamber design for heat dissipation which works just alright. On the software side, users get ample customization and Asus Armory Crate remains the best centralized control software for any gaming laptop in the market.

Verdict

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 gaming laptop is one of the best gaming laptops you can buy right now. It comes with the best hardware specifications coupled with high-end performance and a sleek design making a complete package. The 720P webcam and overuse of plastic stains the otherwise premium gaming machine, however, these nitpicks can be easily overlooked due to its heavy-duty performance.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review: A True Companion

2023 is definitely the year where Samsung does not bring in any major upgrades to its existing lineup. First were the Galaxy Flip and Fold 5 which refined the design factor with the devices finally closing without a gap in between. Now, Samsung’s Watch 6 is the latest device to hop on the minor update trend and redefine what the best of Android smartwatch looks and feels like. We’ve been testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE (SM-R945F) for nearly a week now and it graciously falls into the ‘Easy To Recommend’ category of devices. This might not be a monumental upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 5 but it undoubtedly is one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now! Jump right in for the full review of the Galaxy Watch 6 –

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Design

The Galaxy Watch 6 pretty much keeps the same design as last year’s Galaxy Watch 5. There’s the staple two size options here – 40 & 44 mm. I tested out the 44 mm LTE version of the watch with a silver strap. The Watch 6 also gets an interesting Gold colour variant which screams extravagance. Samsung might not have made major changes to the design of the Galaxy Watch 6 but there really is nothing to complain about it either. It is a known form factor which works well & is also comfortable. Even with the 44mm size, users will not feel the watch to be bulky or heavy on their wrists. A good indication of a comfortable smartwatch is when I do not have to remove it while typing my hours away at work, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 excels in that arena. The in-box silicon strap looks premium and feels comfortable.

While the design factor remains the same, Samsung has now introduced a ‘One-Click’ solution to swap the strap. Users just need to hold the button placed at the base of the band and pull it to remove the strap. While the general user will most likely not swap the silicon bands often, it is a welcome addition to the smartwatch lineup.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Display

Smartwatch displays are pretty much a standard affair. The pack and parcel of the smaller displays include users having to cover the screen with their hands in order to see the finer details under direct sunlight. Samsung fixes this issue and goes miles ahead by 2,000 nits of peak brightness with the Watch 6. The previous iteration only featured 1,000 nits of peak brightness making the Watch 6 a notable upgrade in that aspect. Mumbai’s September bipolar weather sports both heavy rains & bright sunny days; I did not witness any issues while using the watch outdoors in either of those weather conditions.

The Galaxy Watch 6 series uses a Super AMOLED panel across the lineup. However, the size and resolution of these displays are not the same. The 44mm model sports a 1.5-inch 480 x 480 screen whereas the smaller 40mm model rocks a 432 x 432 screen at 1.3-inch. There is nothing but a small 0.1-inch difference between the Watch 5 and Watch 6 but it makes a bigger difference when it comes to a small display. You can scroll around the bezels of the smartwatch which will never NOT be cool!

Performance & Health Features

There is a plethora of health features on the Galaxy Watch 6. Samsung uses an activity tracking UI which is similar to Apple. Three rings which count your steps, active time, and calories close up every day, and in all honesty, it is fun and simple to follow. Samsung has gone all out when it comes to health features of the Watch 6, including a temperature sensor which automatically measures your skin temperature while you sleep. I tested out the sleep features more than the fitness tracking features on this watch as I am at least consistent with sleeping as opposed to hitting the gym.

The Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor allows users to scan their skeletal muscle, body water & fat, BMI, basal metabolic rate, and fat mass. It is crazy how far technology has come where we can find complex information about our bodies with just a few clicks on a smartwatch. The automatic workout detection feature remains my favourite feature of this watch. Besides this, Watch 6 offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, cycle tracking, blood oxygen tracking, ECG, and much more. Samsung Health application allows us to streamline all these features really well.

It runs on the Exynos W930 dual-core processor clocking in with 1.4GHz speed. The performance here is reliable without any lags or jitters. It is running on Wear OS 4.0 with the prowess of Samsung’s One UI 5.0 layered on top of it. I did not face any problems in the overall UI experience of the Watch 6. Be it notifications or the vibration motor, everything works as expected. Receiving and making calls on the Watch 6 is also smooth sailing. Users can also pair their Galaxy devices with the smartwatch to get a preview of their camera, a feature which came in handy for me while clicking a picture of my dog without alarming her!

The Galaxy Watch 6 has an exceptionally good battery life for a device which packs in this many features. I am not entirely a fan of always on display on smartwatches as they tend to become a distraction. However, the AOD on the Watch 6 is subtle and does not beg for your attention all the time. I was easily able to get through the day with the AOD feature with 30-40% battery remaining. The watch was connected to my Galaxy S23 throughout the entire testing period and the battery life was simply dependable. The charging experience is also a smooth sail. Ultimately, there is a lot to love and virtually nothing to complain about the Galaxy Watch 6.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch for Android users right now. Its extensive health features and simple design make it an easy pick.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Elevate your ANC Quest with OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC (Review)

OnePlus aims to maintain the popularity of neckband-style earphones as the brand recently launched the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC. The earphones stand out by incorporating active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 45 decibels, a feature notably absent in its predecessor neckband models. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Box Contents

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC neckband-style earphones
Different sets of ear tips (Small, Medium (Nestled) and Large)
USB Type-C cable
User manual

Available Colours

Booming Black and Grand Green

Design

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC has a robust plastic exterior with rubberised cable coatings akin to its prior iteration, enhancing its premium appearance and durability. The lightweight construction ensures comfort when worn around the neck for prolonged periods. Additionally, the earphones bear an IP55 rating, imparting resistance against water and sweat.

Sound Quality

The earphones are equipped with a 12.4mm driver and deliver robust audio output while maintaining sound clarity along with a strong bass. OnePlus has transitioned from producing well-balanced audio headsets to those with an excessive emphasis on bass since they have understood consumers strongly prefer bass-heavy sound. The active noise cancellation feature excels in both voice calls and audio playback, thereby enhancing the overall auditory experience beyond what was attainable with the previous model. The HeyMelody app by OnePlus grants access to personalised sound adjustments, and essential earphone features, including three distinct ANC modes and a transparency mode. Further sound customisation is enabled by including four preset equaliser settings and the option to craft a bespoke configuration.

Voice Call Quality

Highlighted by a tri-microphone configuration, the earphones incorporate AI-powered call noise cancellation technology to suppress background noise during voice calls. While effectively reducing ambient noise, this mechanism occasionally results in declining voice quality. Consequently, optimal performance for voice calls is achieved in environments with minimal or no ambient noise.

Battery Life

A notable advantage of these earphones lies in their battery life and rapid charging capabilities. OnePlus proclaims a commendable battery life of 28 hours when ANC is deactivated and 20 hours with noise cancellation active, and at some length, it’s accurate. A mere 10-minute fast charge session also yields approximately 15 hours of battery life.

Functionality and Connectivity

The newly introduced OnePlus Bullets feature a play button situated alongside the volume controls, inadvertently leading to unintended adjustments in sound levels while attempting to play or pause a track. The recently incorporated function button offers limited utility, primarily concerning pairing options that were previously integrated within the play button of earlier-generation neckband models.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 2,299, these neckband-style earphones excel through their multi-point connectivity and active noise cancellation attributes. These distinguishing features are notably absent in wireless earbuds within the same category.

Good

Audio quality
Long battery life with fast charging
IP55 ratings for dust and water resistance

Bad

Bass-heavy

Ugly

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Xiaomi X Series 65-inch (L65M8-A2IN) Review: Bigger & Affordable

Televisions have evolved to become an integral part of our lives. While some users are glued to the screen enjoying their favourite shows and movies, others prop up their living room with a television that compliments their aesthetics. However, one thing I thoroughly appreciate about television in the last decade is that they have become accessible. A buyer can now spend as little as 9-10K to get a TV up in his room, on the other end of the spectrum we also have TVs which cost upwards of 10 Lakhs. Xiaomi however, has always played its cards right offering feature-packed Smart TVs at an affordable price. The latest in the roster is the Xiaomi X Series 2023 variant. This time around, Xiaomi is offering the X Series TV at the massive 65-inch option which simply stuns with its superior picture quality. So at ₹61,999, is this the television you should be going for? Let’s find out –

Design

With the latest X-series, Xiaomi sticks to the tried and tested design aesthetic. It is a pretty standard design which does not scream premium but surely is minimalistic. The design is pretty much synonymous with the previous X series TVs. There is only a single colour option (Black) and I stand firm on the belief that Xiaomi should introduce TVs with a wide range of colours now, it’s high time! Xiaomi’s logo is placed right at the centre which is not a distraction in any way. The bezels around the screen are slim and do not bother the viewer while watching films, etc. However, the bottom bezel is slightly larger than the others. The television isn’t entirely slim but not thick to the point where it’s a hindrance. We tested the TV using the in-box plastic stands which hold their ground really well. The remote also maintains pretty much a standard Xiaomi design. During our interaction with a Xiaomi India spokesperson for the briefing of this television, we recommended Xiaomi integrate a better remote design for future televisions. Let’s see if that comes to fruition in the near future.

Performance

Xiaomi clearly does not like to experiment when it comes to the software experience of its televisions. While some might call that playing it safe, I call it playing with sense. The singular software experience across all its televisions builds a UI language that has become synonymous only with Xiaomi TVs and no other brand. The Xiaomi TV X-Series is powered by a quad-core processor powered with 2GB of RAM. The internal storage available here is also just 8GB with 4.3GB available for users. This surely works for people who stick to a few mainstream streaming applications. People keen on side-loading third-party app stores and downloading heavy games to test them out will not exactly have a pleasant experience.

A 65-inch TV is definitely Xiaomi’s flagship offering and 2GB RAM does not ring flagship in any sense. Additionally, having more space would also be beneficial. The UI works smoothly and shifting between apps will not be a hassle for users, at least until they don’t load up the storage with apps. The software here is the latest Google TV UI which is patched along with the Patchwall. Google TV’s features like Assistant and Chromecast work without any issues.

Thanks to home entertainment reaching its full potential due to the pandemic, there is a lot of UltraHD and high-dynamic content readily available on streaming services for viewers to enjoy. I watched hours’ worth of content on the immersive 65-inch screen of this television which left me truly stunned. Mission Impossible: Fallout was the one film that looked the best as it took advantage of the entire screen real estate using a bigger aspect ratio in certain scenes. Watching shows like Taali & Barry on JioCinema was also a surprisingly delightful experience given the streaming service is notorious for having a low bitrate even for 4K content. UHD content was the sharpest to watch, however, some details looked washed out. Watching series/films in a well-lit room with natural light was also not a hassle at peak brightness. The speakers here provide 30W of sound output. We do not get support for Dolby Atmos from this set of speakers. However, the TV is loud, crisp and clear even at moderately low volumes. The latest Patchwall+ service which brings a traditional cable TV experience to the smart TV is definitely a welcome addition.

Verdict

Xiaomi X-series 65-inch is one of the best affordable big-size TVs you can buy right now. It brings a classy minimalistic design coupled with a powerful performance for a complete package.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐

LG S95QR Soundbar Review: Sets a New Benchmark in Surround Sound

What comes into your mind when you think about a soundbar? If you ask me, it is a singular wide bar that does not have a style aesthetic but is designed to produce optimum sound. LG looked at this traditional design language of the soundbar and said “Nah, we’re not doing that” with the LG S95QR as it just might be the most aesthetically pleasing soundbar to have launched in the Indian market. LG has a good reputation in the audio market which the LG S95QR Soundbar not only maintains but goes beyond to deliver an immersive sound experience.

Design

The LG S95QR soundbar sports a unique 9.1.5 configuration coupled with a dedicated wireless subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers. This makes it an out & out home theatre system as opposed to just a soundbar. What you get in the box is one soundbar, one wireless subwoofer, two wireless rear speakers, one HDMI cable, four AC power cables and one remote. On the design front, the soundbar itself maintains a slim form factor that sits below your TV without being obstructive. The highlight of the soundbar design has to be the three grilled circular up-firing speakers on the top edge which compliments the overall aesthetic of the system really well. The design is both futuristic and minimalistic. This is the first time that we’ve seen a soundbar feature three top-edge drivers, most soundbars feature just two. The rear speakers, wireless subwoofer, and the in-box remote are pretty much a standard affair when it comes to the design.

Performance

The LG S95QR takes the high road when it comes to the channel count claiming a massive 9.1.5 channel experience. During our time with the system, we watched a number of movies like Top Gun: Maverick & Avengers: Infinity War where the surround sound experience was truly ecstatic. LG is clearly not focused on creating a clear surround sound with the S95QR but has gone a step further to make an immersive experience that wraps the audience in a ‘Meridian’ of sound.

The humongous 810W of claimed power is shared amongst the drivers of this system which was more than enough to rock the entire room during our testing. LG’s flagship soundbar is capable of playing both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats which are standard to the current audio formats in home entertainment. The soundbar as a standalone act also ended up creating an immersive experience in my small room. The massive range of format support options like Dolby Vision HDR (through compatible TV), HDMI eARC & Lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS:X is a treat for cine and audiophiles alike.

Verdict

The LG S95QR soundbar is one of the best in the premium segment for both music and movies. It’s a versatile system that delivers an immersive experience through its 9.1.5 channel.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review / Poco M6 Pro 5G – A Glass Canvas of Innovation

The Poco M6 Pro 5G is a tactile masterpiece, embraced by a glass panel adorned with refined metallic edges. Its sleek rear, reflective as a mirror, reflects an air of sophistication reminiscent of its Redmi counterpart. Yet, the Poco M6 Pro 5G sets itself apart with a bold rectangular backdrop encircling its camera hub, a visual anthem that defines distinction.

Design

Encased within a glass panel on its rear surface and accentuated by flat edges adorned with a refined metallic paint finish, the Poco M6 Pro 5G offers a tactile delight in its handling. The glass rear panel exudes a high degree of reflectivity, imparting an air of elegance. However, It is notable that a distinct semblance exists with the Redmi 12 5G in terms of design and specifications.

Nonetheless, the Poco M6 Pro 5G distinguishes itself by featuring a decorative black rectangular backdrop encircling the camera enclosure. This design element stands as the primary discriminator between this model and the Redmi counterpart. The backdrop showcases three discrete rings, housing two camera lenses, a flash unit, along with a Poco branding.

In terms of ergonomics, the phone possesses a slightly broader profile, gently curved corners, and a compact, 8.17mm thick rectangular form factor. Noteworthy features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner seamlessly integrated into the power button and a 3.5mm headphone jack positioned at the top. While at the bottom of the device, it sports the speaker cutout and USB-C port.

Display

The Poco M6 Pro 5G is graced with an extensive 6.79-inch display that showcases a strategically positioned punch-hole to accommodate the selfie camera, leading to an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 91 per cent. This LCD panel boasts an FHD+ resolution of 2460 x 1080 Pixels, presenting sharp and well-defined visuals. The user experience is further enhanced by its 90Hz refresh rate and luminance of 550nits, contributing to a seamless and vibrant viewing encounter.

While the handset does feature tangible bezels and a notable lower frame, it’s worth noting that such design attributes are prevalent within the realm of smartphones within this particular price range. Notably, the device is fortified with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing a layer of durability and assuaging concerns. When it comes to visual quality, the display of the Poco M6 Pro 5G commands respect within its price spectrum – it is smooth, responsive and offers commendable viewing angles and colour rendition.

Performance

The Poco M6 Pro 5G is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which brings substantial performance enhancements compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 SoC. The upgraded chipset ensures a smoother and more efficient user experience. The review unit we received was 6GB RAM and 128 Storage variant. The phone scored 2114 points on the multi-core Geekbench 6 test and 921 points on the single-core Geekbench 6 test. The GPU score on Geekbench 6 was recorded at 406 points for OpenCL.

Camera

The phone is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP portrait lens. On the front, there is an 8MP selfie camera. The camera’s performance is noteworthy within its segment, producing clear and sharp images in various everyday scenarios.

The 50MP main sensor captures intricate details, enabling well-defined photographs even when faced with challenging lighting circumstances. Whether capturing vibrant landscapes or detailed close-ups, the camera consistently delivers reliable colour accuracy and an impressive dynamic range.

The 2MP portrait lens enhances images with an appealing bokeh effect, introducing depth and distinction to portrait shots. The inclusion of Night Mode significantly improves image brightness and reduces noise in dimly lit scenes, enhancing visibility and preserving details. While a marginal decrease in sharpness is noticeable, the overall performance satisfactorily supports spontaneous night photography.

As for the 8MP front camera, its performance is decent, albeit without noteworthy features. While it doesn’t disappoint, it also lacks standout qualities. Regarding video capabilities, the M6 Pro 5G supports 1080p recording at 30 frames per second for its rear and front cameras. The quality of recorded videos is respectable for an entry-level smartphone.

Battery

The Poco M6 Pro is equipped with a standard 5,000mAh battery that ensures prolonged operation even during intensive usage throughout the day. Despite including a 22.5W charger in the package, the Poco M6 Pro utilises an 18W charging solution, which takes approximately two hours to completely charge the battery from 0 to 100 per cent.

Verdict

The Poco M6 Pro 5G stands out as a proficient and feature-rich device. Its performance-centric approach is complemented by an understated design accentuated by a high-quality glass back. However, it’s important to note that the camera’s performance in low-light scenarios is subpar, and the charging speeds are comparatively slow. Nonetheless, with a starting price of ₹10,999*, the smartphone delivers a commendable overall smartphone experience.

The Good

50MP Dual AI Camera

Premium Glass Back Design

Powerful Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 4nm chipset

The Bad

No 4K recording support

The Ugly

Rating

⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Available Colours

Forest Green and Power Black

ASUS ROG ALLY Review: Your True Gaming Ally

I remember the time when the PSP was an aspirational piece of tech. The handheld gaming market may have been revived by the Nintendo Switch but it was during my testing of the ASUS ROG Ally is when the nostalgia hit me hard. The ROG Ally is going up against two main beasts i.e. Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck, so how well does it hold its own? Here’s what we found out during our time with the ASUS ROG Ally –

Design

ASUS has managed to cramp in a whole Windows PC at lightweight 608 grams. It fits extremely well in hand. Being a first-time user of a handheld gaming PC, It didn’t take me a long time to figure out how the controls work. We get a familiar ABXY button pad coupled with a D-Pad on the left. One gripe would be the absence of a touchpad, however, the ample button choice makes up for it.

The power button also doubles up as a fingerprint sensor which works well and is reliable. The top of the Ally also rocks a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-C port, a microSD card reader, and a Gen 2 display port. The white and black colour aesthetic of the ASUS ROG Ally is eye candy!

Performance

This is where scepticism rises as I did not expect a handheld gaming PC to hold up this well. The entirety of our office spent considerable time with the ROG Ally as each one of my team members wanted to try it out. We played titles like The Witcher 3, COD, Asphalt 9, Paladins, and Moving Out. Extended periods of gaming did not result in a drop in performance. The 7-inch 1080P display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 120Hz refresh rate is a treat to look at. While it would be good to have an AMOLED display here, it can be excused as the display is vibrant and punchy.

The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip is backed by 16GB LPDDR5 RAM which results in top-notch performance overall. The battery life of the ROG Ally is disappointing as it lasted us only an hour while playing graphic extensive games. Whereas, playing lighter games also did not get us past the three-hour mark. The haptic response and sound quality of the ROG Ally is simply phenomenal.

Verdict

Being a first-gen product, the ROG Ally does all things right when it comes to gaming performance. The battery life could have been better but the handheld gaming PC does not disappoint.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐

ViewSonic LS610HDHE Projector Review: Sets a New Standard!

It was only at the start of this year that I reviewed ViewSonic’s X2 projector. It took me by surprise to how many features that projector managed to pack in a small form factor. When I was tasked to review the ViewSonic LS610HDHE projector, the excitement went above the roof as I was expecting another smart Android-based projector from the company. However, to my disappointment, the LS610HDHE projector is a pretty standard affair which does not cramp up features. It takes a different approach of being a projector suited for classrooms, boardrooms, and similar settings. So, is the ViewSonic LS610HDHE not worth exploring? I beg to differ as it definitely stands in a league of its own when it comes to picture quality.

Design & Features

ViewSonic LS610HDHE is rated to produce 4,500 ANSI lumens and comes with Full HD resolution at 1920 x 1080. For a business and education projector, it weighs pretty light and it won’t be an issue for users to move this one around. It also boasts some high-end features like HDR, HLG and 4K signal support. When it comes to the design, the ViewSonic LS610HDHE does not innovate in any sense but presents a known design aesthetic which was not an issue for me in any way.

What comes with the 4,500 ANSI lumens is the capacity for the projector to cut through ambience lighting and present some sharp images even in the brightest settings. Testing the projector out in a dark room was a grave mistake I made as its brightness prowess nearly blinded me for a second. What users also get here is a maintenance-free sealed light engine which keeps dust and moisture away from the lens.

Performance: Beyond Impressive

One of the few reasons why people opt for projectors is to get the best picture quality out of their films and series. On the performance side, the ViewSonic LS610HDHE is one of the best projectors you can buy right now. It not just produces a sharp picture quality but takes it a notch further by allowing users to choose between multiple color modes. Users get to choose between Brightest, Standard, Photo, Movie, User 1 and User 2 options. The ‘Brightest’ color mode has a green tint to it and is suitable only for ambiences with plenty of light. I found myself sticking to either standard or movie mode during my testing of the projector.

LS610HDHE houses a standard control panel on the top which allows users to quickly play around with the settings. It houses a power button and keystone buttons coupled with color mode, menu, source, and more. There is also a handheld remote control which gets the job done with ease.

The projector also houses a standard 10W speaker system which works well enough given it’s not the premium Harman Kardon speaker system which the X2 boasted. The projector can handle 4K content generally but downscales it to 1080P. I watched films like Avatar: The Way of Water & Spider-Man: No Way Home during my testing of the projector and I was glued to the superior picture quality of it.

Verdict

If you’re in the market looking for a capable projector and do not obsess over smart Android features which modern projectors offer then the ViewSonic LS610HDHE is definitely the one for you. It produces some punchy colours which can be enhanced furthermore using the color management features.