Performance Phone On A Budget? POCO X6 Pro Is A Sheer Performer And A Gamer’s Delight.

POCO, as a brand, has been densely packing the most value in their smartphones. Adhering to the legacy of providing similar value is the POCO X6 Pro. This is one of many SKUs in the X6 series by POCO. Priced competitively, our unit kept impressing until the last minute writing this sentence.

Display

The POCO X6 Pro features an impressive, crisp 6.67” AMOLED 1.5K HDR 10+ 120Hz display. The content looks natural on the panel, and viewing angles with peak brightness sitting at 1800nits allow great display fidelity. Thanks to the entire Doly Atmos and Vision support, AV content and games genuinely come to life on this panel. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast, and overall, with the tonnes of display customisation in settings, the original colour PRO setting suits the best for viewing content as the creator intended.

Design

The design of the POCO X6 Pro is a matte-finished flat metal side, a flat display and a curved glossy back. The symmetrical speaker cut-outs and IR blaster make the design seem clean, while the camera setup island protrudes and allows the phone to not wobble on a flat surface when in use. The phone feels densely packed with a healthy battery size and weight balance.

Cameras

The 64MP OIS primary shooter on the X6 Pro clicks sharp images in all lighting conditions and consistently performs above average through our tests. The colour science and saturation are spot on, and the videos, although capped at 4K 30fps, have good stability, crisp audio and vibrant videos. The 8MP ultrawide is decent, and although the software algorithms maintain the colour science, sharpness is below average. The same applies to the 2MP macro shooter. HDR photos and videos maintain excellent HDR range and impress each shot.

Performance

Performance is POCO X6 Pro’s forte. Powered by a 4nm Dimensity 8300 Ultra with 4 performance cores clocked at 3.35Ghz, 512GB UFS 4.0 Storage, 12GB blazing fast RAM with expandable options and Xiaomi Hyper OS running on Android 14 make the POCO X6 Pro a true value performer. Games run at their maximum fidelity with BGMI support for 90fps and CODM support for 120fps. The gameplay, too, is smooth, with no heating issues. Android 14 bells and whistles feel familiar thanks to Hyper OS, which has UI features equivalent to its predecessor, MIUI 14. Overall, calls, camera performance, downloads, connectivity, app quality and performance is one of the best for the price category of the X6 Pro. Complementing the whole package are great set of stereo speakers and the 1.5K fast OLED panel. This phone absolutely defies the price to performance ratio in current smartphones, period!

Battery

POCO X6 Pro has a 5000mAh battery and paired with the 4nm SOC, it performs above average. The phone supports and comes packed with a 67W charger. The phone charges fast, depletes like a marathon runner and overall is an apt phone for mobile gamers and heavy users.

Verdict

POCO X6 Pro is priced competitively and packed to the gills with hardware and software superiority. Android 14 goodness with the newness of Hyper OS and the blazing fast SoC with one of the fastest memory onboard, the POCO markets this phone as the ultimate predator. Consider the POCO X6 Pro to be a sleeper performance car. It may look subtle and just like any other smartphone, but it very well performs like flagships of the realm at a mid-range price. We recommend this to anyone who wants a no-nonsense performance smartphone.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs Motorola Edge 40 | Edge to be noted!

Xiaomi is magnanimous in the Indian market with its products of absolute value, starting with Xiaomi smartphones. The Redmi Note series has witnessed many takers, and Xiaomi boasts a sales figure of upwards of 30 million units. Targeting a pie of the market share, Motorola has been consistently offering good products. You get the gist: we are comparing Redmi Note 13 Pro + against the similarly priced Motorola Edge 40. Let’s find out about Xiaomi’s new Redmi Note 13 series.

Design

Motorola Edge 40 claims to be the slimmest phone in its category, with a leatherette back. It lives up to the claim with a sleek design, curved display and unique Pantone colours. Xiaomi has offered the Redmi Note 13 series in 3 different personas. While the classic Note 13 and the Note 13 Pro are flat-screen phones, the Pro+ has a curved display and different choices of materials. The leatherette back on the Redmi is not as natural to touch as Motorola’s faux but real leather feel. Overall, both these phones are handsome, and the curves bring out a sleek design with nice metal soft touch flat side housing. Both these phones are IP68 compliant and bring good built quality. This is great to see on budget mid-range smartphones.

Display

At peak brightness, there is barely any difference in the illumination, crispness, saturation and contrast, and impressive HDR depth. These phones bring 6.67FHD+ pOLED panels with Motorola, allowing a 3-step version of LTPO technology on their pOLED panel up to 120hz or the option for 144hz fast display. Redmi Note 13 Pro + keeps it simple with auto and the option to select either 60hz or 120hz. Colours can be adjusted on both of these phones for personal preference. Motorola Edge 40 sports a more vibrant display, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro + provides the best Gorilla Glass Victus protection on a budget. Viewing angles are impressive on both of these phones.

Cameras

Redmi Note 13 features the tried and tested 108 MP primary shooter, while the Note 13 Pro and Pro+ feature a 200 MP primary sensor with other sensors supporting ultrawide and zoom capabilities. The 200 MP camera on the Note 13 Pro+ functions differently than the Note 13 Pro. 4K video is offered in 24fps or 30fps unlike only 30fps on the Note 13 Pro. Motorola Edge 40 on the other hand features a 50 MP primary shooter and is capable of shooting 4k 60fps. The 200 MP camera of the Note 13 Pro+ also offers full fidelity like the ultra-res 50 MP shooter on the Edge 40 but the details are more prominent on the Edge 40. That said, there are differences in details, colours, saturation, etc. While the Edge 40 manages crisp details, it enhances the image to make it pop on the display while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ captures almost true to life colours and is the better camera among the two in pure comparison.

Performance

Running on Android 13, both these phones feature different OS. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ runs all the ads, bells and whistles of MIUI 14 while awaiting an update for Hyper OS. Motorola Edge 40 runs a rather clean UI with close to stock Android features and Moto gestures we have come to love. The hardware is a mixed bag as both these phones feature 12GB + expandable RAM, 256gb fast memory running on Mediatek Dimensity processors. The Edge 40 packs a Dimensity 8020 SOC while the Note 13 Pro+ is powered by Dimensity 7200 Ultra. The latter is specialized for Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and thus gets additional performance boost in comparison to Edge 40. For eg. Games feature 90fps and hold higher frames as compared to the Edge 40. In day to day task, both are amazing performers and its a Mediatek issue where some apps crash. Hope both these manufacturers roll out patches to bring more stability. Call quality was excellent on both these phones with nice stereo speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. WiFi connections on the Edge 40 sports a winning edge over the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ on the same network.

Battery

Slimness comes at a cost since the Motorola Edge 40 features a 4400mAh battery while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boasts almost another 1K more mAh and thus performs much better. The Edge 40 does bring wireless charging to its slim profile with 65W wired charging. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ packs a 120W charger and needless to say, juices up quick, performs longer and is a good compromise. NFC capabilities are available on both these phones too.

Verdict

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a great evolution to the Note series. The prices though are a concern. What was once an affordable series is now competing with some amazing products, sometimes priced more competitively. The Motorola Edge 40 is a classic example. Thanks to the new IP68 and other IP ratings on the other Note series, the Redmi Note series is finally ready to take on competition and regain its charm.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

TECNO POP 8 to Launch in India on January 3rd, 2024

The TECNO POP 8 is an affordable smartphone that is set to launch in India on January 3rd, 2023. The phone has an HD+ display that is 6.6 inches in size. It also has a fast refresh rate of 90Hz and a small hole punch cutout for the 8MP selfie camera.

Talking about internals, the phone is powered by an octa-core Unisoc processor, which comes with a Mali-G52 GPU. It has three variants: 6GB + 64GB, 8GB + 64GB, and 8GB + 128 GB. Additionally, it supports extended RAM.

The phone has a dual rear camera system, a 13MP primary sensor, and an AI lens. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual speakers, FM radio, and a USB Type-C port. The phone comes with a 5000mAh battery that supports 10W charging and runs on Android 13 (Go edition).

The TECNO POP 8 will be available in four colours: Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, and Gravity Black. The phone will be priced under Rs. 7,000, making it one of the most affordable smartphones in the Indian market, with a 90Hz display and a Unisoc processor. It is expected to compete with other budget smartphones like the Itel A70, the Realme C25Y, and the Redmi 10 Prime.

Embrace the future with the Realme GT5 Pro ft. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The Realme GT5 Pro takes centre stage in its much-anticipated debut in China, marking its status as a true flagship with shared components from the illustrious OnePlus 12. Nestled within its sleek frame is the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, harmoniously paired with a choice of 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage capacities ranging from 256GB to an astounding 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The Realme GT5 Pro is adorned with a vegan leather back available in the striking hues of Red Rock and Bright Moon. Adding to its aesthetic charm is the Starry Night variant, featuring a textured glass finish. The front unveils a stunning 6.78-inch 2780x1264px AMOLED display, boasting a mesmerizing 144Hz refresh rate, a touch sampling rate of 2,160Hz, and an extraordinary 4,500 nit maximum brightness.

A fingerprint scanner seamlessly integrated into the panel ensures security with a touch of sophistication. Mirroring the prowess of the OnePlus 12, the Realme GT5 Pro houses a robust 5,400 mAh battery, surpassing industry standards, and supports blazing-fast 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

While the main camera aligns with the OnePlus 12’s 50 MP LYT-808 1/1.4-inch sensor and 23mm f/1.69 lens, the additional cameras offer uniqueness, a periscope zoom camera with a massive 50 MP IMX890 1/1.56-inch sensor and a 65mm f/2.6 lens, reminiscent of the Oppo Find X6 Pro, and an 8MP f/2.2 fixed-focus ultrawide camera, albeit with a slight downgrade.

The smartphone arrives with Dolby Atmos-tuned stereo speakers, complemented by a sophisticated linear vibration motor for unparalleled haptic feedback. This technological marvel is not just aesthetically pleasing but also robust, boasting an IP64 rating for full dust protection and safeguarding against water splashes.

Infinix launches Hot 40 series smartphones with 5000 mAh battery and Xboost gaming engine

Infinix has just unleashed the Hot 40 series, a trio of smartphones that promises a symphony of power, style, and gaming prowess. The Hot 40 Pro, Hot 40, and Hot 40i converge with a formidable 5,000 mAh battery, accompanied by the cutting-edge Xboost gaming engine software. The Xboost gaming engine operates as a sophisticated software layer, meticulously fine-tuning hardware parameters during gaming sessions, ensuring peak performance and efficiency across the trio of devices.

The Hot 40 Pro

The Infinix Hot 40 Pro is the undisputed powerhouse of the lineup, wielding a formidable 6nm Helio G99 chipset. Its expansive 6.78″ LCD display boasts a full HD+ resolution, dances at a mesmerizing 120 Hz refresh rate, and has a lightning-fast 240 Hz touch sampling rate. The phone will be available in Palm Blue, Horizon Gold, Starlit Black, and Starfall Green colours.

The device offers 8 GB RAM and an option for either 128 GB or 256 GB storage. Its groundbreaking 108 MP main camera achieves picture perfection, accompanied by a 2 MP macro lens and a mysterious “AI cam.” The selfie game is strong with a 32 MP sensor nestled within a punch hole, surrounded by the enchanting Magic Ring—a Dynamic Island-type notification zone that adds a touch of magic to every interaction.

The Hot 40

The Hot 40 echoes its majesty with a 90 Hz refresh rate on the same 6.78″ LCD canvas, now boasting a mind-boggling 270 Hz touch sampling rate. The 50 MP main camera takes centre stage, accompanied by a 2 MP macro lens and AI companions. The phone is powered by a 12nm Helio G88 chipset, 8 GB RAM, and storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB, the Hot 40 is a performance symphony available in the same dazzling quartet of colours.

The Hot 40i

The Hot 40i is the most affordable amongst the lineup, sports a Unisoc T606 chipset, an octa-core CPU, and a Mali-G57 MC1 GPU, creating a budget-friendly powerhouse. A 6.56″ LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate sets the stage. The 5,000 mAh battery bows to 18W charging, ensuring longevity without breaking the bank. The Hot 40i is available in Black, Blue, Gold, and Green colours. 

With the Redmi Note 13 series, Xiaomi is prepared to have a dynamic start to 2024

Smartphone enthusiasts are going to have an electrifying start to the new year as Xiaomi gears up to launch the Redmi Note 13 series in India in January 2024. The Chinese tech giant, known for its innovation, dropped the news during the Redmi 13C launch on December 6. While the exact launch date remains shrouded in mystery, anticipation is building for the arrival of the Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and the flagship Redmi Note 13 Pro+ on Indian shores.

Initially unveiled in China last September, these smartphones promise to redefine your visual experience with a captivating 6.67-inch 1.5K full-HD+ AMOLED display. The series maintains a consistent front, featuring a 16-megapixel camera to capture your best moments in stunning clarity.

Distinguishing themselves under the hood, the Redmi Note 13 and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boast MediaTek Dimensity SoCs, while the Pro model flexes its muscle with the formidable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. Xiaomi, in a bold move, used the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G to shoot the entire launch event of the Redmi 13C, a testament to the prowess of this cutting-edge device.

As the countdown to the Indian debut continues, speculation abounds regarding the pricing. In China, the Redmi Note 13 starts at CNY 1,199 (roughly ₹14k), the Redmi Note 13 Pro at CNY 1,499 (roughly ₹18k), and the flagship Redmi Note 13 Pro+ at CNY 1,999 (roughly ₹23k).

Beyond the pricing intrigue, Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering top-notch specifications remains unwavering. With features like a 120Hz refresh rate, powerful processors, and impressive camera setups, the Redmi Note 13 series is poised to make a splash in the Indian smartphone landscape.

Affordable Redmi 13C 5G Arrived in India starting at ₹9,999

Xiaomi had a global launch of its latest budget-friendly 5G smartphone, the Redmi 13C 5G. The device will mark a significant step forward in Xiaomi’s mission to make 5G technology accessible to a broader audience.

The Redmi 13C 5G is poised to revolutionize the smartphone market with its exceptional features and competitive pricing. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, the device offers seamless performance and enhanced connectivity, ensuring a smooth user experience. The Redmi 13C 5G also boasts a large 6.5-inch HD+ display, providing immersive visuals for gaming, streaming, and everyday tasks.

Catering to the needs of budget-conscious consumers, the Redmi 13C 5G is available in three storage variants: 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128GB, and 8GB+256GB.

Xiaomi’s commitment to providing smartphones at affordable prices is evident in the Redmi 13C 5G’s pricing strategy. The 4GB+128GB variant is expected to be priced at ₹9,999. In contrast, the 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB variants are expected to cost ₹11,499 and ₹13,499, respectively.

The Redmi 13C 5G will be available through Mi.com, Amazon India, and Xiaomi’s authorized retail stores starting December 16, 2023.

Honor’s Magic6 Trio Takes Center Stage, Joined by the Elegance of a Porsche Design Edition

Excitement is building as Honor gears up for its highly anticipated flagship series, the Magic6. According to insider leaks, this upcoming lineup promises not one, not two, but three extraordinary phones—envisioned as the Vanilla, Pro, and Ultimate variants. Adding to the allure, there’s even a tantalizing possibility of a sleek Porsche Design edition, potentially giving the Ultimate a run for its money.

Diving into the details spilled by the leakster, each of these cutting-edge devices boasts a distinctive feature—an oval punch hole housing not one but two selfie cameras. Described as “middle size,” “large size,” and “extra large size,” the first two flaunt a chic circular camera island, while the largest variant flaunts a unique shape somewhere between a circle and a rectangle, drawing parallels to the iconic Magic5 Ultimate, yet shrouded in a bit of mystery.

Could this be the “new Porsche Design,” or are we in for a surprise with an entirely novel smartphone concept? For those unfamiliar, Porsche Design holds an esteemed pedigree, founded by the visionary behind the iconic Porsche 911 sports car of the ’60s. Already having left its mark in the mobile world with several BlackBerry smartphones, the design studio embarked on a game-changing seven-year collaboration with Huawei.

Honor is poised to take a giant leap forward in its journey from student to master. Already reigning supreme as the top smartphone company in China, the prospect of inheriting the Porsche Design partnership from its former owner is a bold stride, reinforcing Honor’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the world of cutting-edge mobile technology.

Best Cameracentric Phones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2023

The modern world is dominated by pixels, lenses, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect shot. Having a smartphone with superb cameras instead of the actual camera is the trending nature of today’s generation. So, here, we present a lineup of smartphone marvels that aren’t just phones – they’re visual sorcerers, capturing moments with finesse and flair.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Say hello to the smartphone camera maestro that not only dances circles around its price tag but also throws some slick moves at the iPhone 15 Pro and casually outshines the iPhone 14 Pro Max without breaking a sweat. The flagship smartphone from Google is like the James Bond of the smartphone universe – smooth, suave, and armed with a camera license to thrill. The name is 8 Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t take photos; it gives them a spa day. With a new RAW capture feature, it unleashes the full potential of its 50MP sensor, making other cameras look like they’re stuck in a pixelated time warp. And if you’re feeling like the Spielberg of your own life, the pro controls mode hands you the director’s chair, letting you tweak and twist your images to perfection.

The camera mix is like a gourmet meal for your visual taste buds. It’s got a higher-megapixel wide-angle lens that’s sharper than your grandma’s wit, and a telephoto lens so good, it might as well have a superhero cape. Video? It’s taken a leap from Pixel 7 Pro, though it’s still trying to catch up with the iPhone Pro Max – like the underdog in a blockbuster movie, getting there but not quite stealing the spotlight.

With a design sleeker than a catwalk model, a screen mightier than a superhero’s punch, and the promise of software support for seven whole years (yes, you heard right), it’s basically the Benjamin Button of smartphones, ageing like fine wine. So, if you’re looking for a smartphone that’s more than just a status symbol, consider your search officially over. Cheers to the phone that’s as smart as it is pixel-perfect!

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the reigning monarch of camera phones, a visual virtuoso that laughs in the face of photographic challenges. With more lenses than a bug’s eyes and features that could make a Swiss Army Knife jealous, this phone is the superhero of snapshots – there’s no photo it can’t conquer. Sure, other phones might flex slightly better muscles in specific situations, but the S23 Ultra is the Virat Kohli of the camera world, handling everything from macro close-ups to nocturnal escapades to zooming in on the neighbour’s barbecue three blocks away.

The 12MP ultrawide and the dynamic duo of 3x and 10x 10MP telephoto sensors might feel like your old pals, but hold on to your selfie stick – the S23 Ultra throws a plot twist. Out with the old 108MP primary sensor, in with the new 200MP powerhouse, making Samsung the Beyoncé of smartphone photography, slaying the game with unprecedented resolution. The S23 Ultra’s 200MP Adaptive Pixel Sensor is like a maestro conducting a symphony of pixels, ensuring a consistent and jaw-dropping experience that would make even the toughest critics break into applause.

Now, for those who like to dive into the nitty-gritty of photography, the Expert RAW mode is your backstage pass, belting out up to 50MP of pure visual genius. Feeling a bit extra? Snap a 200MP still (in jpeg form), because why settle for anything less than the full sensor’s glorious detail? While other Android phones are stuck in the stone age, Samsung’s playing chess, ensuring your pics and videos get the red carpet treatment, leaving your followers in awe and envy. It’s a visual masterpiece in the palm of your hand. Say cheese, world!

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the Chuck Norris of smartphones. It’s a pocket-sized powerhouse thicker than a bowl of oatmeal but packs a punch that will leave you wondering if you accidentally bought a superhero’s gadget. Sure, it’s got some girth, but don’t let that fool you. The little beast boasts a footprint so compact, it’s practically doing yoga in your pocket. And photographers, rejoice! The camera and power combo is like a match made in tech heaven – an offer you can’t refuse.

I’m not saying it’s perfect, as there’s no pro mode for manual photography, but the automatic mode’s photo processing is like the Gandalf of phone photography – you shall not pass without capturing stunning shots. The 5x telephoto camera is like having a spyglass that sees further and clearer than your nosy neighbour peeping through the curtains. Beautiful natural blur on portraits? Say no more – the Pro Max has got your Instagram game covered.

The iPhone 15 range has joined the 21st century by adopting the USB-C port. It’s like Apple finally realised we’re not living in the era of dial-up internet anymore. Now, you can connect to monitors and camera accessories with the ease of a hot knife through butter. The price is up there in the stratosphere, but think of it as an investment in your happiness. The iPhone 15 Pro is like that reliable friend who never lets you down – powerful, long-lasting, and always ready for a good time.

Google Pixel 7a

The Google Pixel 7a – is the Cinderella of budget camera phones, proving that you don’t need a royal budget to capture breathtaking moments. In fact, it might just be the belle of the ball, giving its pricier sibling, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, a run for its money in the photo quality department. The 7a is priced at midrange money, so Google had to make a few sacrifices. Compared to its elder siblings, there are fewer cameras onboard, and wireless charging is a distant fairytale dream. But hey, who needs a magic carpet when you’ve got Google’s wizardry?

Google’s not one to flex muscles in the hardware gym; it prefers a PhD in cleverness. The Pixel 7a is no exception. Armed with the Google Tensor chip – think of it as the Dumbledore of smartphone brains – it boasts features like an under-display fingerprint scanner, unlocking your phone with a touch so discreet it’s practically a secret handshake. And let’s not forget the AI photo editing powers – it’s like having a personal Photoshop sorcerer in your pocket. Sure, it might not bench-press as much as its beefier counterparts, but the 7a is a camera ninja. 

Google’s software magic transforms it into a powerful shooter, snapping pics that make other budget phones blush. And who says budget can’t be stylish? The 7a mounts its stuff with a design so playful, it’s practically doing the cha-cha in your hands. So, while the hardware might be sipping a decaf, the Pixel 7a is a budget superhero, delivering a bang for your buck that feels more like a dynamite explosion. Who needs wireless charging when you’ve got brains, beauty, and budget brilliance?

Vivo X90 Pro

Tired of seeing the prominent names? Now, you’ll see a different name in the list. Armed with a 1-inch primary sensor that’s practically the Beyoncé of the camera world, the Vivo X90 Pro is the Picasso of smartphone photography. If cameras were superheroes, the X90 Pro would be the one with a cape and a dazzling smile. Accompanying this camera juggernaut is a 50MP telephoto sensor, a.k.a. the portrait lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, because who needs limits when you can go wide and wild? 

Now, we’ll admit, there were a couple of bumps in the road when we first took this camera for a spin – the watermark on photos and the beauty mode for portrait shots were like uninvited guests at a party. Our advice? Disable those party crashers pronto. The Zero Shutter Lag feature is like having a magical genie that grants your photography wishes in the blink of an eye. Lighting is on point? It’s like catching the perfect moment before it even realises it’s perfect. And the sensor? Oh, it’s so high-quality, it practically moonlights as a professional photographer. 

And let’s not forget the selfie camera, a 32MP resolution wizard that turns every selfie into a masterpiece. The natural depth of field effect is like having a built-in Instagram filter that says, “I woke up like this.” The portrait camera is a rockstar, but let’s spill the beans – the bokeh effect is like having a backstage pass to a rock concert. The X90 Pro is a magic show in your hands, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. So, if you want a smartphone that’s more camera than a phone, say hello to the Vivo X90 Pro.

MOTOROLA EDGE 40 NEO – Masterstroke!

The Motorola Edge 40 Neo has been the talk of the town, especially during the festive sale season in India. The device was selling like hotcakes and getting sold out in minutes. Whenever any device is hyped up to this level it brings a certain level of scepticism. After having used the device for nearly a month I can confirm that the newest addition to the Edge lineup is a worthy piece of tech. Find out whether the Edge 40 Neo stands its ground in the oversaturated 25K price category –

DESIGN

The design element of the Edge 40 Neo sets it apart from the crowd. Phones in this price segment tend to be big bricks whereas this one has a much more poised and elegant form factor. The colour scheme here has been inspired by the Pantone catalogue and the version we used is named ‘Caneel Bay’ The vegan leather finish at the back made up for a good grip but I predominantly used it with the cover provided in the box. The curved screen panel reminds you of some of the premium devices. I used the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo as my two daily drivers and often found myself jumping on to the Neo as it felt more premium even though the OnePlus is priced a little higher.

DISPLAY

Another great aspect of this device is the display which offers a higher refresh rate than the competition at 144Hz. It shares the same display as the standard Moto Edge 40 with HDR10+ support and a max touch sampling rate of 360Hz. But how well does that translate in real-life usage? The display is simply immersive. A curved display with 144Hz at Moto’s standard POLED quality is something to feast your eyes on. It produces warm and punchy colours.

PERFORMANCE

With Dimensity 7020 SoC under the hood, the Moto Edge 40 Neo is designed for a balanced performance. It runs on nearstock Android, an added benefit of buying Moto devices. For an average consumer who uses their phone for social media browsing, watching content, and playing casual games, this device is more than what you’d expect. It is not designed to handle heavy games but still puts up a respectable performance during extended gaming sessions with minimal heating. The camera performance is balanced here though night photography is not exactly its cup of tea. With a 5,000 mAh battery and a bundled 68W charger, the Edge 40 Neo is a dependable device.

VERDICT

The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is one of the most balanced devices you can get your hands on in the current smartphone market. It boasts a premium design and a powerful chipset which make up for a reputable overall experience.

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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