It was back in 1979 when Sony introduced the portable audio player which revolutionized how we consume music with the Walkman. The first Walkman, TPS-L2, was a cassette tape player which quickly became a cultural phenomenon having sold millions of units since its inception. Over the years, the Walkman evolved and adapted to newer technologies like CDs, MP3 file formats and much more. The Walkman brand eventually expanded to include mobile phones and other portable devices, however, the peak 1980s OG and iconic Walkman series remains the golden standard. Cut to 2023, where smartphones and music streaming have pretty much become synonymous with one another, Sony has launched a new iteration of the Walkman which costs Rs 25, 990. This begs us to ask the question of whether this new Walkman is actually worth shelling out the price for or is it just nostalgia bait? Find out below –
Design and Features
The Sony Walkman NW-A306 is a high-quality digital audio player that brings back memories from an era bygone. It’s a compact and lightweight device featuring a 3.6-inch TFT display coupled with button controls on the side for ease of accessibility. While the Walkman is thicker than an average smartphone, it weighs lighter at just 113 grams. It has an eye catchy design that demands attention with its rippled wave design that covers the back of the device. The port selection consists of a 3.5mm Single-Enabled headphone output, coupled with a USB Type-C and an SD Card slot. The onboard storage is limited to 32GB with just 18GB out of it available for users to store offline music and load apps. It runs on Android 12 with connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
The Walkman supports playback of Hi-Res audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz which translates to the user enjoying their music with the utmost clarity and detail. The device also comes equipped with Sony’s proprietary Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE Ultimate) technology which is capable of upscaling compressed audio files to enhance their sound quality. As it runs on Android 12, all your favourite streaming apps can be downloaded on the NW-A306 and used seamlessly. Overall, Sony has built a compact and complete package for the audio geek.
Performance
At the first glance, the Sony Walkman NW-A306 comes off as an unnecessary device meant only for the truly indulgent among us. However, once you get to use the device and compare its audio quality to the standard smartphones we use to stream music nowadays is when you’ll realize its actual prowess. The device is designed to play/stream music and it does so flawlessly. Its audio output is incomparable when it comes to smartphones as they don’t flaunt the hardware features present in the Walkman. It features wireless HI-Res Audio with Sony’s premium wireless codec titled LDAC. On paper, LDAC technology allows 3X the bitrate of standard Bluetooth and provides a better listening experience. During my testing of the device, the experience through Bluetooth headsets and wired earphones was both unmatchable to any other device. However, the crispest audio quality from the Walkman can be achieved through FLAC files in the offline mode. I listened to the entirety of Adele’s studio album ‘30’ on the FLAC file format and it felt like she was singing right in front of me (no exaggeration) Standard 128Kbps and 320Kbps sound formats can be upscaled using the DSEE Ultimate feature present and the difference in sound quality after turning it on was always notable. Other features in the audio tuning section include Vinyl Processor, ClearAudio+, and DC Phase Linearizer along with a standard Equalizer. It comes with an auto power-off feature which always came in handy to preserve battery during a trek. The sound output here can be dialled up to 120 and no sound distortion or noise was witnessed at higher volumes. To sum it all up, the Sony Walkman NW-A306 is truly a treat for the audiophile. While some eyebrows are sure to rise when it comes to the NW-A306’s pricing, it is definitely justified for the premium performance you get for it.
Verdict
The Sony Walkman NW-A306 builds upon the legacy of the Walkman brand with flying colours. It rewrites the boundaries of personal audio consumption by offering high-quality premium sound features in a compact package.
Similar to the smartphone market, the smartwatch market has also seen a saturation point in the past few years. Where at one end there are key tech players like Apple and Samsung offering premium smartwatches at a higher price point, at the other end we’ve got smaller brands bringing their A-game with their offerings. One such brand is Noise which has managed to carve a niche for itself in the smartwatch section with devices that are bang for your buck. Noise has now launched its latest smartwatch – NoiseFit Halo at an affordable price of Rs 3,999. With devices priced in the budget section, scepticism around their performance is inevitable to arise. I got my hands on the NoiseFit Halo with a similar scepticism but was taken aback by surprise at its performance and premium look.
Design & Display
The prominent design aspect of the NoiseFit Halo smartwatch has to be its metallic build. This round dial watch features a metallic build that is barely present at this price point and gives a premium look and feel. The metallic dial is further complimented by multiple strap options ranging from leather to standard silicone. The variant I used was the ‘Forest Green’ version which was aesthetically pleasing, to say the least. Other options include Vintage Brown, Statement Black, Jet Black, Fiery Orange, and Classic Black respectively. The NoiseFit Halo flaunts a 1.43-inch AMOLED circular display with 466x466p resolution. It has the Always On Display support that did not drain the battery too much during my extensive testing of the device. The display is vibrant and gets pretty bright making it fit even for comfortable outdoor usage. The display supports gestures like Tap to Wake and Hold with Palm to turn off the screen. Overall experience with the display was top-notch. The watch comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Performance
All the expected health features such as heart rate monitor, Sp02 sensor, sleep tracker, step tracker, and more are present here. The health features work seamlessly and I did not face any issues or lags while using them. The watch can be paired with the NoiseFit app which has an array of features to explore. There are over 100 watch faces to choose from here along with the ability to add custom watch faces. The device supports Bluetooth calling with Tru Sync feature which allows the smartwatch to pair quickly with your mobile device and provide faster connectivity. The Bluetooth calling experience was hassle-free during my testing of the NoiseFit Halo. The brand promises 7-day battery life without extensive Bluetooth calling for the smartwatch. However, I experienced the device losing 50% of its battery in two-day usage with BT calling turned on for hours.
Verdict
The NoiseFit Halo is the perfect blend of premium looks and budget pricing. The metallic build makes it stand out from the competition at the Rs 3,999 price point.
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.
9th 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 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.
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.
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.
Hyundai has become a popular brand among automobile lovers. When one thinks of Hyundai, they unanimously agree on an impressive feature list, the absolute unit of value propositions on roads and a reliable customer service network. Let’s not forget the era demands larger, sassier-looking cars that meet not just one’s demand but eventually everyone connected with the one. Adhering to modern automotive demands, Hyundai’s global best-selling product is now available in India – Hyundai Tucson. A question arises, what makes this product an international bestseller? What other way to find out than driving this beauty on a road trip? Where are we headed? We’re heading towards the answers.
Is it the bold, premium and sporty design?
Hyundai designers were briefed to make Tucson an iconic and bold design. Thanks to the brief, Tucson now feels angular, humongous and beautiful. The front fascia feels like a sizeable smiling grille. Kudos to the clever engineering covering the five-point dark chrome parametric DRLs with nickel metal coating. Turn them on, and Tucson gets a distinct identity like no other car on Indian roads. Sharp creases on the body neatly camouflage the enormous length of the Tucson and bring a contemporary design language familiar to supercar manufacturers making a large vehicle. If that was not enough, the tail section is a piece of art with connected LED taillamps finished in mesmerising lit textures and a neatly hidden rear wiper underneath the spoiler. Complementing the design are 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, purpose-built for tackling any road. Overall the new Tucson feels refreshing and eye-pleasing from the outside.
The ivory-clad interior and plush ventilated seats with unique metal accents add a sense of space and splendour, coupled with a voice-enabled panoramic sunroof. The lines inside the cabin flow in a minimalistic design, adding to the definition of opulence. The LWB enables oodles of legroom and headroom with deep recline angles for the rear passengers and a boss mode found in premium sedans a segment or two above Tucson’s asking price. The interior of the Tucson makes it a comfortable, spacious abode with a focus on comfort, the luxury of a serene driving experience and class-leading safety features, including ADAS level 2 aided by front and rear radars with a front camera. This makes Tucson one of the safest cars available in India.
Is it the features, performance, luxury, safety or something else?
Available in multiple engine options – a 2L petrol (156PS and 192Nm) and a 2L diesel (186PS and 415Nm) with an AWD variant featuring multi-terrain modes (snow, mud and sand), the Tucson offers versatility. The transmission options include a 6-speed automatic on the petrol, while the diesel variants have a sleek shifting 8-speed automatic. The engines and transmission options offer linear, smooth power delivery, with the diesel tickling the enthusiast’s senses. The NVH levels are so darn impressive; they’re unlike any Hyundai we’ve experienced. Couple that with the ivory-clad spacious interiors, customisable seat positions on the front row and deep recline angles on the rear along with passenger walk-in mode, amplifying the sense of sumptuousness, unlike most competitors. With 4 disc brakes on all 4 tyres, level 2 ADAS with 19 class-leading features safeguard you, pedestrians, other cars and the precious Tucson from any nuances on the road. The braking performance is also linear despite all discs on all tyres and adds to the overall experience of plushness.
Hyundai Tucson is one of the safest cars on Indian roads. The level 2 ADAS makes it almost impossible to collide the car with anything on the road. There are tonnes of customisations to customise the ADAS aids as per personal preference. Here’s a list of all the advanced driving-assistance system safety features for your reference. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist + Junction Turning, Front collision warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & GO (SCC with S&G), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Surround View Monitor (SVM). The 360-degree cameras offer high resolution and enable dynamic parking assist lines for added convenience. The considerable safety net with numerous features cocooned in luxury makes this car seem much more valuable than its asking price.
Why is Tucson Hyundai’s global bestseller?
We scouted out with the Tucson, searching for answers to why it is Hyundai’s global bestseller. Tucson’s unaccountable features, extensive safety net with the best-in-class package, and plush feel of the ivory-clad interiors make it a fantastic premium SUV for anyone looking to upgrade their driving experience into grandeur daily drives. Hyundai designers and engineers have hit the ball right out of the park regarding the new Tucson. No wonder this car is a global bestseller featured in blockbuster cinemas and is now available as a blockbuster in our daily drives.
It was in late November 2022 when the ViewSonic X2 projector launched in India, five months after its global release. The projector is placed sweetly right over the entry-level segment for a price of Rs 1,43,517, however, its launch price was up to Rs 2,25,000. With the X2, ViewSonic has put heavy emphasis on smart features for viewing content and gaming thanks to its low input lag. So, does the ViewSonic X2 actually make up for a capable entertainment experience? The answer is definitely yes! Check out the detailed review below –
Features
The ViewSonic X2 is a native 1080P projector with a short throw lens. It is packed with 3100 Lumens on the 1080P resolution that allows it to produce bright images under even fairly lit room conditions. It is packed with HDR10 and ViewSonic’s native Cinema SuperColor+ technology that allows the projector to produce vibrant colours. In the title of this review, I’ve called the ViewSonic X2 a ‘Versatile King’ and that is due to its flexible installation settings, connectivity options, and ample ports like USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI. However, what seals the deal to make it one of the best overall performers in the projector market are the premium Harman Kardon speakers that are loud and crisp. The software experience on the other hand is fairly average as the X2 houses an app store of unknown origin. Users can sideload app stores like Aptoide which works with no issues. However, the native app store does offer apps like Netflix for your streaming pleasure. Special mention for its included remote as the backlit feature is aesthetically pleasing.
Performance
During my extensive testing of the ViewSonic X2, I watched hours’ worth of content. Its lightweight form factor made it easy to be carried from the office to my home and back from time to time which was definitely a plus point. The Full HD content produced by the ViewSonic X2 is clear, sharp, and vibrant. However, the out-of-the-box colour calibration did need some work before it was a smooth ride. It has six picture modes for both HDR and SDR which are labelled as Brightest, TV, Gaming, Movie, User 1, and User 2. Most of the content I watched on the projector was done through streaming applications. The highlight of my streaming experience on the ViewSonic X2 was binge-watching the original Home Alone trilogy on Christmas Eve. The in-built Harman Kardon speaker is surely a treat to the ears as it is capable of producing rich and loud sound even in outdoor settings.
Verdict
There is a lot to love in the ViewSonic X2 projector as it provides a number of features at a reasonable price. There is surely a lot of room for improvement in its apps and app store functionality but can be looked over thanks to its overall cinematic experience.
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, and Joel David Moore
The wondrous lands of Pandora took everyone by surprise back in 2009’s Avatar which became the highest-grossing film to date. After 13 years of anticipation and production delays, James Cameron has finally made his way to the water to deliver a sequel. There is a lot of hype and scepticism surrounding Avatar: The Way Of Water and I entered the cinemas after wrapping up work on a Friday evening expecting a visually stunning cinematic experience, the film definitely delivers in that arena. However, does having stunning visual effects at a time when CGI-heavy films release every Friday enough to captivate the audience? This is where Avatar: The Way Of Water takes a beating!
Story
Over a decade has passed since the first film in the Avatar universe and Jake Sully has gotten busy building a family with his Na’vi love Neytri played by Zoe Saldana. The family and his tribe face an imminent threat from the ‘Sky People’ aka human beings who return to Pandora to resume their exploitative activities and seek revenge. This threat brings out the protective father inside Sully who travels across the seas to seek refuge on a coral reef Island with the Metkayina clan. This is pretty much the story of the new Avatar film without jumping into spoiler territory.
The first Avatar film was not a pioneer in its story either, these films rely on a simple story structure but are backed by awe-inspiring visuals which make up for a cinematic delight. However, this time round the visual spectacle did fall short to make up for a half-baked story. There are indeed plotholes here and there sprinkled throughout the film and Jake’s sudden decision to go from a clan leader to seek refuge away from the forest does not entirely make sense. The water sequences in ‘The Way Of Water’ come roughly after 50 minutes in the film and stay till the end. It is clear that Cameron wanted to shed a light on humanity’s ill-treatment of our ecological resources. There is a well-drawn-out whale hunting sequence in the film that broke my heart and made me shed a tear. Overall, while the story is stretched out and feels repetitive at times it is bearable.
Visuals
One clearly does not watch blockbuster films for their Shakespearean narrative. People are drawn out to the cinemas to experience the extraordinary stimulus of breathtaking visuals with films like Avatar, and there is no doubt that the film hits the ball out of the park in that arena. Some shots here will have you wondering ‘How the hell did Cameron pull this off?’ All the water sequences in the sequel are beyond just stunning. Cameron plays around with the frame rates during sequences which adds on to the hyper-reality he’s built in this franchise.
Stunning In Parts
It is easy to set high expectations from blockbuster films to ultimately be disappointed. However, my expectations with Avatar: The Way Of Water were set pretty low thanks to the internet discourse around the film franchise. Even with low hopes, the film fails to captivate the audience’s attention to the highest degree. It can easily be chopped down by at least 10 minutes to keep it crisp. Character motivations are all over the place, some plot points don’t entirely make sense, and the conclusion leaves more to be desired even though a long climax takes place right before it. Cameron takes heavy inspiration from his previous film Titanic for The Way Of Water’s climax, which is not a complaint! Ultimately, the second visit to Pandora was overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time.
