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Asus ZenBook Duo 14 review: Two screens with one laptop!

How often do you feel that your laptop is lacking a second screen? For those who do, Asus has come up with the perfect solution. With the new ZenBook Duo 14, Asus aims to fill the gap that the market didn’t know existed. But is it a value addition or a marketing gimmick? We got a chance to find out when we reviewed the Asus ZenBook Duo 14. Here’s how it went:

First impressions:

Asus is known for offering uber luxury and distinction, which the ZenBook Duo carries forward seamlessly. The laptop gets two almost same-sized screens that provide a ton of information without taking up a ton of space. Asus is offering the ZenBook Duo with two Intel processor options, both of which promise to handle large performance requirements.

Along with a plethora of connectivity options, the laptop also gets audio equipment certified by Harman Kardon. Surprisingly, all this hardware is packed in a compact shell and weighs 1.6 kg!

Usage:

The ZenBook Duo 14 gets a 14-inch LED-backlit Full HD display. It offers an immersive viewing experience with a four-sided frameless NanoEdge display that’s super-bright and has ultraslim bezels for an expansive 93% screen-to-body ratio. Asus has also given it the new 12.65-inch tilting ScreenPad Plus, a secondary touchscreen that automatically tilts up to a 7-degree angle, reducing glare and reflections for improved readability. It is equipped with the new ScreenXpert 2 software and offers a plethora of built-in apps. It also provides a new Control Panel app, enabling you to change brush size, saturation, adjust layer opacity, and much more. The control panel is fully customisable, and it works with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Connectivity options include a pair of the latest Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, an HDMI 1.4, an audio jack and a microSD card reader. The Thunderbolt 4 ports support Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and with their 40 Gbps bandwidth, you can connect an external 8K display or two 4K UHD displays.

Verdict:

With a price tag of Rs 1.2 lakh, the Asus ZenBook Duo 14 might not be a casual buy. But for a purpose-oriented buyer who knows exactly what he wants from the laptop, there is hardly any offering better suited than the ZenBook Duo. A small size, coupled with two large screens, might be off-putting for some, and the considerably small keyboard size might also hinder some people with large hands. Nevertheless, Asus has once again offered a strongman in a kid’s body!

Trell App Review: Treading on Growth With Limits

Coordinate geometry may have been a tussle for many. However, if you ask someone to find a midpoint between two points, they will find it. But what is the midpoint of YouTube and Nykaa? The answer is Trell. Well, it is somewhere less than YouTube and more than Nykaa. Why? You have an app where you can make vlogs and buy your cosmetic products. But, why are you reading about Trell? This app has recently raised 45 million USD (somewhere around INR 335.3 Cr/- ). Wow, that’s a whopping figure. Let’s learn about this Trell app, which was hidden somewhere and got more recognition after the funding news through this article.

About Trell App

The very first time if you search about this app, Wikipedia can serve you with vital information related to it. According to Wikipedia, it is an online portal based on lifestyle socialization. If you want to download it, you need to open the Application Store on your smartphone. Now get info related to food, beauty, personal care, movie reviews, etc., through this platform.

Where is it top-notch?

Trell brings the concept of visualization among the people. There are different sections, using which you can find videos – trending, hashtags, and followers. You can select the language in which you want to see a specific video. I have attached the screenshots of selecting language and choosing a different section for a better app tour. Trell lets you watch a wide range of videos related to anything and everything. So, you may find something quite relevant to you and as per your taste. Trell also provides a space from where you can start making tutorials. If you want to become a vlogger, Trell has provided a 4-stage methodology, ranging from Beginner, Advanced, Pro, and Get Certified. However, you must know that you cannot jump to any stage without finishing the previous ones.

Exploring Videos Through Hashtag Section

It has Lacunae too

Well, here, you may feel some fear. When I thought about downloading this app, I saw the rating as 4. I thought this is what I needed. But, the main complaint is about the delay in delivery if someone is buying any product from the app. In addition to this, there are very limited brands (including Mamaearth, Wow, Lakme, Plum, and Biotique) when it comes to exploring the Trell online store. If you think that there is a section for face, hair, and lips, then halt yourself. Because even here, the products are basically related to these brands. The biggest problem with the app is that you cannot delete your account from the app. What? How to delete a Trell account? Well, for this, you need to write an email to hello@trell.in. And, lastly, you will constantly get notifications that this app is draining out your battery.

Conclusion – Trell App Review

Trell app has no doubt the potential to become a dashing platform that has almost everything. But, considering the years since its inception, it is not easy to digest the fact, they have not empowered and enhanced their store.

Mi Band 6 Overview: Enhanced Health Indicators

It’s MY band. A band that can keep me health conscious. The way health consciousness has captured the world is interesting. And, why won’t it be considering that one single virus and its constant and notorious mutation has clearly brought frustrations? Now, you just can’t open an e-Commerce store and order some heavy machines to use at home. Hence, you need something lightweight and easy to carry and track your health profile. For this purpose, the new Mi Band 6 can help you out. To know more about this new wristband, Exhibit is ready to take you on a Mi Band 6 overview.

Color Funk & Display

Jony Ive’s perception about colors in the movie JOBS and bringing them into the real world was correct. And, Mi Band 6 correctly follows this principle. This new band can offer you a wide range of color variants (a total of six). So, you can choose the choice that renders the funk quotient through olive, black, blue, orange, yellow, and ivory. All these colors comply with the latest styles. In addition to this, Mi Band 6 has a larger AMOLED display of 326 PPI (50% more than Mi Band 5). This display helps you to set a background theme. Pick a picture that you want to see every day whenever you wear this smart band.

SpO₂ Tracking

Economics tracks inflation in the form of demand and supply. The price of anything can go up if the demand increases or the supply goes down. And, humanity never thought that oxygen could become a part of economics. The way the second wave hit and brought the gigantic catastrophe, you would have understood the importance of oxygen. But, the new Mi Band 6 has taken care of this by providing appropriate biological sensors that can track SpO₂ is commendable.

Breathing When You Sleep

Breathing is important. Don’t you think? Ask Hrithik Roshan, who survived scuba diving in ZNMD. Well, Mi Band 6 has worked a lot on your breathing monitoring. Even when you are sleeping? What? Yeah, this new band can track your breathing during your sleep and evaluate your breathing score.

I Know When My Heart Rate is Pumping More

That’s just amazing, considering how the sensors and other equipment in this gadget can check out what you are doing. Before going to bed, you can check when the heartbeat rate was more compared to other times when it was low. For all these things, you can give credit to its activity intelligence feature.

MY Band is MY Trainer

Ohh Yes. If this is what you are looking for, Mi Band 6 is the perfect option. This new band has acquired the power of 30 fitness modes. If you think of Zumba, HIIT, pilates, etc., you get them here apart from normal exercises. Mi Band 6 can shrink the world of many trainers who are there out on YouTube and other platforms. In addition to this, the technology inducted in this gadget can automatically track your six fitness modes.

Stylish Design, Advanced Health Monitoring System, and Sophistication are the most crucial elements of Mi Band 6.

Water Resistance & Stroke Recognition

Al Pacino, you are no more El classico. Why? Mi Band 6. This new band has a 5 ATM waterproofing rating. What does it mean? It means if you are in Goa, Florida, or Gold Coast, buy this band and get ready for your swimming experience on beaches. Apart from this, it helps to track your swimming time as well due to stroke recognition.

Magnetic Charging

Mi Band 6 comes with magnetic charging. In addition to this, the battery that Mi has added to it is simply commendable. It is because it can have a battery life of 5 days after heavy use. That’s a whopping figure for sure. Get ready to give a standing ovation to this 125mAh Lithium polymer battery.

Launch Date & Price

If you are not a curious cat but a human, you must have started opening a new tab in your browser to check its release date. Well, hurry up. Set a reminder on your smartphone for tomorrow. Ohh! Great. 12 July is the date when this new band will hit the Indian market. But wait? Can price hit you badly? No, not at all. It’s just INR 4490/-.

Mi Band 6 Overview – Conclusion

That is something cool coming out. Well, such a rich set of features can enlarge the eyes of this band’s competitors. So, till the time, nothing new comes out, Mi Band 6 will have the monopoly due to features and traits.

Qualcomm Launches $1500 ‘Smartphone For Snapdragon Insiders’

US-based chip making giant Qualcomm, which manufactures Snapdragon processors and modems for almost every primary Android device, is now launching its Flagship. Qualcomm and Asus have collaborated on a custom device called ‘Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders.’

As the name suggests, Qualcomm will sell the $1500 phone directly to members of its Snapdragon Insider Fan Community, which was launched earlier this year. It is much of a token of appreciation for the community keen on learning about Qualcomm’s developments before anyone else.

Smartphone For Snapdragon Insiders Specifications

The flagship smartphone runs Android 11, Snapdragon 888 chip, has 16 GB of Ram and 512 GB of storage, a 6.78-inch, 144 Hz Samsung OLED panel with Gorilla Glass Victus, and offers a rear fingerprint scanner.

However, the Snapdragon 888 processor feels like an odd choice for a device this expensive since the company has already launched a more powerful 888 plus model. Although there is very little difference between the vanilla and the Plus variant, the latter is supposed to handle graphics better. The smartphone offers a 4000 mAh battery, which is again not the biggest we have seen in a smartphone.

Snapdragon Insider features a three-camera setup at the back, with the main one featuring a Sony IMX686 64- megapixel image sensor. There is also an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front camera offers a 24-megapixel lens. The phone can shoot 8K at 30 frames per second and 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second.

What stands out in Flagship is Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Sound classification, which other Android devices have not yet offered. It promises a hi-fi music playback at up to 24 bit 96 kHz. Also, it includes some Master & Dynamics earbuds, which eventually appears to be MW08 earbuds with Snapdragon Logo on them. These earbuds sell in the market for $299 if that makes you feel any good about the $1499 price tag!

Snapdragon also boasts of offering the most comprehensive support for all key 5G wavebands in a single device. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.

In addition, the phone also includes a 65W Quick charge 5.0 charge, USB C to USB C, and USB C to USB A cables.

Biggest Setback

The major setback for the Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders is that the device does not feature the company’s latest processor. Neither does it push the technology any further than what most powerful smartphones have to offer. OnePlus 9 Pro and Galaxy S21 Ultra provide the exact specifications for far less money.

The glowing Snapdragon logo at the back doesn’t make the smartphone worth the premium price tag.

Launch

The Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders will be first available in the US, China, UK, and Germany by August. It will launch in India soon, and the price could nearly equal 1,12,200, although no official data is available about the release.

Samsung Galaxy M32 review: M-azing or M-bitious?

If there is a brand synonymous with variety, it has to be Samsung. Right from bank-breaking technological marvels to pocket-friendly mobiles, the Korean tech giant has something for everyone. Its latest offering is the Galaxy M32, which we recently got our hands on. With a price tag comfortably below the 20k mark, let’s see if this smartphone is yay or meh.

First impressions:

The box it comes in is quite simplistic and not extravagant, which is evident for a smartphone in this price range. Apart from the smartphone, users will also get a charger, ejector pin and manual.

The phone itself is Light Blue and gets 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. Although it has a 16.21 cm display, its rounded corners reduce the overall size to 15.87 cm. Not that it is terrible, but it is still a compromise. That said, the Super AMOLED Display does ensure all details are vividly seen.

Usage:

Holding the phone is a breeze due to its ergonomic design. That said, I have always been against fingerprint sensors on the lock screen, but that’s just my personal opinion. The phone doesn’t make its weight felt despite being packed with intensive hardware.

The Galaxy M32 gets a quad-camera setup at the back, with a 64-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide shooter, a 2-megapixel macro shooter, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. A 20-megapixel front camera ensures the most explicit selfies with bright colours. The camera quality is not the best-in-class, but it offers everything to desire in its segment.

Verdict:

Samsung Galaxy M32 packs a 6,000mAh battery claimed to deliver up to 130 hours of music playback, 40 hours of talk time, or 25 hours of video playback on a single charge. The phone also supports 25W fast charging, though it is bundled with a 15W charger in the box.

With a starting price tag of Rs 13399, the phone seems like a good offer. But we’ll have to use it for a while before passing the final verdict!

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Review: To Tab Or Not To Tab?

Samsung recently launched a bunch of Galaxy products, albeit in the budget segment. Among the lot was the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, which is expected to fall in the mid-range tablet segment. While we are yet to explore it fully, here’s a quick review of what we have learnt so far:

First Impressions:

The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite comes in a simple white box. Apart from the tablet, its contents include a travel adaptor, a data cable, an ejection pin, and a manual. Samsung has also provided a book cover for the Tab, though I doubt it will be offered as a standard accessory. The cover itself is priced at 2199, which is still considerable, should a potential customer opt for it.

The model we received gets 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage. There is also a higher version available with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. Both models share an 8.7-inch HD Display that might not be the best in class, but it does its job flawlessly. The tab gets an 8MP camera at the front and a 2MP unit at the rear. Neither are excellent for photography, but a tablet isn’t supposed to be used for severe photography either!

Usage:

Being equipped with just 3GB RAM means the tablet is rather sluggish. Honestly, I felt a slight lag right from the time I booted it up. The interface is typical Samsung with nothing to admire, though Samsung loyalists will find no fault. The usual Samsung paraphernalia is included in the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, while it also gets an optional e-educator. It’s a nifty addition, especially in current times.

The tablet is not bulky to hold and feels more like an enlarged phone. However, its awkward dimensions mean that fluent operation is more of a habit than intuition. The display, however, is classic Samsung and shows all colours in vivid beauty. However, the lack of a suitable processing system and supporting hardware means that the Tab’s potential might be untapped, should it have any.

Verdict:

Samsung has given the Tab a 5100mAH battery. While it is not monstrous, it should suffice for a day’s worth of light or medium usage. It is clear that Samsung aims to market this Tab as a jack of all trades, and it is doubtful that it will be a master of any. That said, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a suitable pick for anyone looking for a multi-purpose utility tool without too high expectations and while also being reasonably priced. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is available in 3GB + 32GB and priced at Rs 14,999 for LTE and Rs 11,999 for WIFI model.

Asus Vivobook review: Larger than life!

Asus is a brand synonymous with extravagance. Be it smartphones or laptops; the brand always offers something extra. But is it always good? We got a chance to answer that question when we reviewed the Asus VivoBook 17 M712. Here’s how it went:

First impressions:

With a 17.3-inch Full HD NanoEdge display, the laptop ensures an immersive and crystal clear visual experience. That, coupled with SonicMaster audio technology, translates to a theatre-like experience in a closed room. It also has an 85 per cent screen-to-body ratio that could have been better, but it looks good.

Usage:

The laptop functions fantastically as a professional device. After all, with the AMD Ryzen 5 Processor and AMD’s integrated Radeon graphics equipped, it is sure to offer smooth performance. However, it is more of a generalist than a specialist and can be best used for productive multitasking, multimedia editing, or casual gaming. It gets 16GB RAM and a PCIe SSD storage that offers quite substantial storage and run speeds. Asus also provides additional storage alongside the SSD, with 1TB SATA HDD.

However, the downside of its enormous size is its keyboard. Although it is a full-size backlit keyboard, it is relatively far from the base of the laptop. Probably because the mouse tracker occupies significant space, but that pushes the keyboard further towards the screen. This makes it slightly cumbersome to use over extended periods, and prolonged usage is almost guaranteed to cause wrist pain. The keys have 1.4mm of travel, which allows feather-touch typing, but their proximity and flatness can lead to frequent mistype under speed.

Connectivity options are plentiful in the VivoBook, with one USB Type-C port, featuring an any-way-up design that makes connecting devices as easy as possible. In addition, there is one USB 3.1 Gen 1 and two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 output, and a microSD card reader. All these options ensure that the user can opt for multiple inputs for the laptop.

Verdict:

A starting price tag of Rs 62,990 might make the user consider other options, but anybody who opts for the VivoBook 17 with a generalist approach will not be disappointed. However, it would be nice if Asus could update the keyboard design in its future models to increase the comfort level of using its laptops.

Asus ROG Phone 5 review: Gaming redefined

When ASUS sent the ROG Phone 5 for review, there was something that said it wasn’t a typical gaming phone. Be it its suave packaging or its sheer presence; the ROG Phone 5 enamoured us even before we booted it up. Having experienced ROG Phone 3 prior to this, we knew we were in for a treat. Nevertheless, after thoroughly examining it and testing its limits, here’s our review of the ASUS ROG Phone 5:

First impressions:

The phone reeks of performance, and it is made clear right from the get-go. It is equipped with heavy-duty machinery explicitly designed for gaming. It gets a 6.78” HDR10+, 144Hz, AMOLED display custom made for ROG Phone 5 by Samsung. It is one of the fastest displays available. The display is 23% brighter than the previous ROG Phone while allowing a minimum brightness of only five nits. The ROG Phone 5 gets a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform paired with up to 16GB of RAM. It is accompanied by an overclocked Adreno 660 GPU that delivers 35% better performance than the last generation of the ROG Phone.

Performance:

As if those specifications didn’t speak for themselves, the phone is a monster in gaming. It utilises an MMT design consisting of two 3000mAh batteries that allow for 65W charging while discharging will produce less heat during demanding tasks such as gaming. The 2-cell design also makes it possible to position the motherboard in the middle of the frame, creating a perfect weight balance and superior cooling solution. This ensures extended hours of gaming without the phone becoming a microwave oven!

The highlight of the phone is the AirTrigger 5 – Invisible ultrasonic buttons and Motion sensor trigger. It offers better sensitivity, better positioning (closer to edge for smaller hands) and plenty of new motion control gestures. Up to 18 specific touchpoints on the screen can be mapped (with the AeroActive Cooler 5 and ROG Phone 5 Pro or Ultimate). Owners can even use the AirTrigger 5 system outside of games to activate beneficial actions or apps with a simple squeeze motion while in portrait mode.

Verdict:

While the phone demands a respectable starting price tag of Rs 50,000, it is undoubtedly one of the best gaming devices available on the market. Although it has drawbacks such as a heavy body and an average camera, an ardent gamer would be more than happy with the performance that the ROG Phone 5 offers!

Fossil Gen 5E Smartwatch Review: Modernized Fossil

Fossils are usually considered to be reminiscent of the past and a gateway into the yesteryears. However, with technology evolving rapidly every day and with novelties being put up on the table almost incessantly, it is acceptable to redefine many erstwhile notions. One of them is the perception of fossils, or rather the word fossil. Deviating from the dust-filled bones and rocks of the past, American company Fossil has offered unique yet relatable items in the fashion industry. Recently I got a chance to explore the Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch, which I will be talking about in this article.

First impressions:

Fossil is a brand synonymous with style, and Gen 5E is fiercely loyal to its heritage. Featuring a sleek, jet-black design on a stainless steel body, the smartwatch reeks of suavity and elegance. The 44mm dial does a fantastic job of displaying all the content clearly, though it can be slightly cumbersome to operate beyond its set purpose. That being said, the watch has a plethora of features to offer, making it a solid competitor in its segment.

Usage:

Gen 5E connects to your smartphone via the Wear OS via the Google app. It syncs almost all phone data to the watch, diminishing the need to operate simultaneously. Right from controlling music playback to sending messaging and making calls, Gen 5E has everything available at the touch of a button. However, these features can make the watch feel cluttered and getting to a specific app can mean incessant swiping on the screen, which can get irritating after a while.

The watch offers almost unlimited customisation and personalisation, meaning that you can make your watch stand out in whatever way you like. Be it watch faces or battery duration; the watch can adapt fluidly to meet user demands. Speaking of battery life, Fossil is nifty enough to specify the three modes of Gen 5E’s battery usage. Users can alter the watch between four primary modes, of which three are preset, and the fourth is a custom mode.

Verdict:

A price tag of Rs 18,495 immediately puts the Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch in the luxury fashion category, meaning potential buyers cannot compare it with the FitBits and Amazfits of the world. Nevertheless, it is a solid offering for its price tag and will fulfill all its user requirements, no matter how complex the demand.

OPPO F19 Pro review: A strong mid-ranger or a nominal update?

OPPO has been generous in its offering for the mid-range segment, with many options covering various features. While the OPPO F19 Pro+ is 5G ready and also ready to set benchmarks, I got a chance to test its vanilla cousin, the F19 Pro. Is it a worthy competitor or a professional failure with a price tag crossing the Rs 20k mark? Here’s what I think.
First impressions:
The F19 Pro is built for style, and it shows. The highly vibrant back looks fantastic, and being a sucker for gradients, it caught my attention immediately. The grey (or Crystal Silver as OPPO calls it) smoothly transitions from light to dark from top to bottom, and the clear PTFE cover that is provided in the box flawlessly serves its job of keeping the phone spot-free. The 160mm height and 172g weight make this a decently sized phone. While it won’t be a burden on your pocket (literally and figuratively), it will still make its presence felt in hand.
That said, the OPPO F19 Pro has its set of shortcomings. Being aesthetically too similar to its lineage, it does not stand out as a new offering and can be confusing to identify for some. It also has a similar screen size and feature as the F17 Pro, further adding to the confusion. The F19 Pro gets a 6.4-inch FHD+ (2,400 x 1,080) AMOLED display. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts will notice that the pill-shaped dual punch-hole camera has been replaced by a single corner cut out on the left side.

Usage:
OPPO has only given the F19 Pro an AMOLED panel but not a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate in a somewhat surprising turn of events. That said, only a screen is not sufficient to provide an immersive audiovisual experience. This is where the F19 Pro lacks, as there are options in its price range that offer better speakers and, consequently, a better media experience.
OPPO has also carried forward the MediaTek Helio P95 chipset found in the F17 Pro. It is stuck with a somewhat outdated chipset, which acts as a big disadvantage for the new phone. Its benchmark score is not only way behind its competition, but it also fails to offer a fresh experience as its predecessor. That said, the phone gets 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, though a beefier 256GB storage variant is also available.
Operating on the Android 11-based ColorOS 11.1, the F19 Pro offers a unique experience from other standard Android devices. However, that also implies that the phone is burdened with pre-installed apps such as Snapchat, Soloop, Flipkart, Facebook, OPPO browser, and more. Adding to the disappointment is the inability to uninstall some of these apps, thus occupying some storage space.
The primary contributor to the F19 Pro’s weight gain is its bigger 4310 mAh battery pack. Well, relatively bigger, as it is an increase of only 310mAh. That said, the phone comes with a 30W fast charger that can fully juice up the phone from a dead battery in a little over an hour. With a full battery, the phone lasted almost half a day with moderate use. I expect its battery life to decrease as its use gets more intense. The phone also heats up under use, and playing graphically heavy games for extended periods can get uncomfortable.
The camera quality is pretty decent and offers a range of options to customise the image further. What’s more, the F19 Pro also comes with dual-shooting mode, allowing you to shoot from both cameras while recording videos. This gives the resemblance of a video-call recording, albeit with HD quality. However, this proves to be more of a gimmick than a regularly usable feature.

Verdict:
The F19 Pro cannot be considered an upgrade for existing OPPO users since there are hardly any updates from the F17 Pro. It would be wiser to opt for the F19 Pro+ as it gets 5G support, something the Pro misses. OPPO has given the F19 Pro a base price of Rs 21,490, increasing with the increase in storage.
What you get for that kind of money is a solid and good-looking phone, but something that considerably falls back from its competition.