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Google Pixel 11 series is here with Tensor G6, Gemini AI, upgraded cameras and new designs. Check Pixel 11, Pro, Pro XL and Pro Fold prices in India.

Google Pixel 11 Series Launched in India: Price, Specs & Features

Google has launched the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold with Tensor G6, enhanced cameras, deeper Gemini AI and new designs.

Google Pixel 11 Series Launched With Tensor G6 and Deeper Gemini AI

Google has launched the Pixel 11 series in India with Tensor G6, deeper Gemini AI integration, upgraded cameras and refined designs, alongside the Pixel Watch 5 and new Pixel accessories.

Google has officially announced its latest flagship smartphone portfolio, introducing the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Engineered around custom silicon and running the latest Gemini Nano model, the new lineup brings a more intuitive, proactive, and effortless AI experience directly to users. Alongside hardware refinements across the board, Google also expanded its wearable lineup with the Pixel Watch 5, new audio updates, and a redesigned range of accessories.
<h2>Custom Silicon and Built-in Security</h2>
At the core of the entire Pixel 11 lineup is the all-new <a title="Google's Tensor chip could be a re-branded Exynos processor from Samsung: reports" href="https://www.editorji.com/story/google-s-tensor-chip-could-be-a-re-branded-exynos-processor-from-samsung-reports-1628353397128" target="_blank">Google Tensor </a>G6 processor. Co-designed alongside Google DeepMind, the chip delivers fluid overall performance, up to 20 percent better power efficiency, 25 percent faster web browsing, and 50 percent more TPU computing power compared to the previous generation. Running the latest Gemini Nano model on-device, Tensor G6 handles complex local AI workloads&mdash;such as live translations and proactive assistance&mdash;with higher quality and lower latency.
Hardware security starts at the chip level with the new Titan M3 co-processor. Working in tandem with Tensor G6, Titan M3 utilizes post-quantum cryptography to guard against advanced digital attacks, matching gold-standard security certifications used for banking cards. Furthermore, all devices in the Pixel 11 series are backed by seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates.
<h2>Refined Designs and Brighter Displays</h2>
The <a title="Google Pixel 10a Review: The Smartest &ldquo;Mid-Range&rdquo; Phone You Can Buy" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/google-pixel-10a-review-the-smartest-mid-range-phone-you-can-buy-1772874508674" target="_blank">Pixel</a> 11 family introduces a masterfully redesigned camera bar with edge-to-edge glass flowing into a polished or satin metal frame. Across the series, the devices carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
The base Pixel 11 features a 40 percent thinner camera bar profile, a 3,000-nit Actua display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 12GB of RAM, and a 30+ hour Adaptive Battery. It is available in Frost, Hibiscus, Pistachio, and Obsidian.
The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL introduce a 3,600-nit Super Actua display featuring a new coating that makes the glass twice as scratch-resistant. Available in Canyon, Fog, Olive, and a new all-matte Obsidian, the Pro models include up to 16GB of RAM, an advanced cooling vapor chamber, and ultra-fast wired charging capable of reaching up to 75 percent power in approximately 30 minutes on the Pro XL.
For foldable enthusiasts, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold delivers big-screen capabilities in a package that is nearly 1mm thinner, 10 percent lighter, and three times stronger than its predecessor. Built with a ceramic cover glass, a composite back, and a redesigned hinge, the Pro Fold unfolds to a 20 percent brighter 8-inch Super Actua Flex display designed for seamless side-by-side multitasking.
<h2>Proactive AI Tools and Camera Upgrades</h2>
Google has integrated deep AI innovations into daily phone interactions:
HiLight Ambient LEDs: Exclusive to Pro devices, HiLight uses an array of LED lights built around the rear flash to output gentle, color-coded glows. This gives glanceable visual alerts when receiving calls from favorite contacts or when Gemini is listening and responding hands-free. Rambler Voice Input: This Gemini-powered feature transcribes natural speech cleanly, automatically removing hesitation filler words like "um" and "ah" to output polished text instantly.
Next-Gen Photography Features: Magic Capture automatically analyzes hundreds of frames in real time to select, unblur, and crop spontaneous photos into ready-to-share memories. Camera Looks enables sensor-level film style customization while preserving equitable skin tones via Real Tone technology.
Hardware Upgrades: The base Pixel 11 features a 48MP main camera with 56 percent greater light sensitivity and 30x Super Res Zoom. The Pro models boast a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP telephoto lens supporting up to 120x Pro Zoom, Instant Night Sight, and 8K Pro Stable Video. Pro users also gain access to the Creator Suite, which includes an integrated teleprompter and Storyboard editing tools.
<h2>Pixel Watch 5 and Other Accessories</h2>
Adding to their accessories, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 5 in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform, the watch runs 20 percent faster and introduces Offline Gemini assistance. Its new Health Guardian suite offers 15 percent more accurate sleep tracking alongside trend summaries for blood pressure and insulin resistance.
Audio updates were announced for the Pixel Buds Pro 2, including enhanced adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, Sleep Sync functionality to pause media when the user falls asleep, and a new Olive colorway. Additionally, Google unveiled magnetic Pixelsnap compatibility across its lineup, introducing color-matched magnetic cases&mdash;including clear cases for the first time&mdash;and Pixelsnap Ring Stands.
<h2>Pricing and Availability</h2>
Pre-orders for the Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 are open now, with retail availability beginning August 20, 2026.
In India, pricing for the lineup is as follows:
<ul>
<li>Pixel 11: Starting at ₹89,999</li>
<li>Pixel 11 Pro: Starting at ₹1,19,999</li>
<li>Pixel 11 Pro XL: Starting at ₹1,34,999</li>
<li>Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Starting at ₹1,86,999</li>
<li>Pixel Watch 5: Starting at ₹42,900 (41mm) and ₹45,900 (45mm)</li>
</ul>
To support the launch, Google is bundling 6 months of the Google AI Pro plan with all Pro and Fold purchases. Indian consumers can also take advantage of instant bank cashback with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, up to 24-month no-cost EMI plans, zero down payment loans through Bajaj Finance and IDFC FIRST Bank, and an assured buyback value of up to 62.5 percent after nine months via the Pixel Upgrade Program.

The Marshall Bromley 450 delivers powerful 400W sound, immersive 360° audio, premium amp-inspired design and impressive battery life, making it a stylish party speaker.

Marshall Bromley 450 Review: 400W Sound, 360° Audio & 40+ Hour Battery Life

The Marshall Bromley 450 combines iconic amp-inspired design with powerful 400W sound, 360&deg; audio and impressive battery life. It offers versatile connectivity and outdoor durability, but its ₹79,999 price and hefty build may give buyers pause.

Party speakers have never really been my thing. I understand the appeal of massive sound, thumping bass and enough volume to annoy an entire neighbourhood, but aesthetically, most of them leave me cold. The category is packed with large plastic boxes covered in RGB lighting, which might look perfect at home beside a pool or at a house party, but considerably less so in a nicely put-together living room.
So, when the Marshall Bromley 450 landed on my radar, I was genuinely curious.
At ₹79,999, it certainly isn&rsquo;t cheap, but Marshall is approaching the party-speaker formula rather differently. Instead of looking like oversized DJ equipment, the Bromley 450 borrows heavily from the brand&rsquo;s classic guitar amps, complete with that unmistakable rock-and-roll character.
There&rsquo;s plenty of muscle underneath, too. You get 400W of output, Marshall&rsquo;s 360-degree True Stereophonic sound and over 40 hours of claimed battery life.
I&rsquo;ve spent the past two weeks using the Bromley 450 at home, pushing it hard and, crucially, actually living with it. And I have some thoughts.
<h2>Marshall Bromley 450: A Classic Rock Look With a Modern Party Twist</h2>
The Marshall Bromley 450 immediately stands out with its unmistakable rock-and-roll aesthetic. The black-and-brass finish feels much more refined than the flashy designs you typically see on party speakers. The textured black vinyl covering gives it that classic Marshall amp character, while the brass logo, control knobs, and accents add just enough contrast to keep things interesting.
One of my favourite touches is the lighting tucked behind the front grille. Instead of going overboard with aggressive RGB effects, Marshall keeps things relatively understated, with three lighting presets that gently pulse and respond to whatever you&rsquo;re listening to. It adds some atmosphere without making the speaker look like a gaming accessory.
At 12.32kg, the Bromley 450 isn&rsquo;t exactly lightweight, although it is considerably easier to handle than the 23.9kg Bromley 750. There&rsquo;s a built-in handle to help with carrying it, but wheels would have made transporting it around much more convenient.
The IP55 rating is another practical addition, offering protection from dust and light water exposure. It even handled a surprise drizzle outdoors without any issues.
<h2>Marshall Bromley 450: Serious Hardware Under the Hood</h2>
The Bromley 450 isn&rsquo;t just about looking like a classic Marshall amp; there&rsquo;s plenty going on behind that grille. It packs two 6.5-inch woofers dedicated to handling the lower frequencies, along with four 2-inch full-range drivers that take care of vocals and the mid-range detail.
Marshall has also added a pair of passive radiators to help move more air and give the speaker deeper bass, reaching down to 42Hz. Powering the setup is a hefty 400W RMS output through custom-tuned Class-D amplification.
In practical terms, the Bromley 450 can get seriously loud, with output reaching up to 100dB at a distance of one metre. More importantly, it manages to maintain its composure when you start pushing the volume.
<h2>Marshall Bromley 450: Big, Balanced Sound That Fills the Room</h2>
I threw pretty much everything at the Bromley 450, from Fleetwood Mac and Daft Punk to Kendrick Lamar and Hans Zimmer, and it handled the mix of genres surprisingly well. Unlike many party speakers that push bass so hard that everything else gets lost, the Bromley 450 keeps the low end controlled and purposeful.
Daft Punk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Get Lucky&rdquo; was a great example. The bass had plenty of punch and warmth, without becoming boomy or overpowering. It won&rsquo;t shake the room like a speaker with a massive dedicated subwoofer, but the combination of its woofers and passive radiators delivers more than enough low-end presence for a living room or outdoor gathering.
What impressed me more was the detail higher up the frequency range. Guitars sounded lively, vocals stayed clear, and acoustic instruments retained their natural character. Even above 80% volume, I didn&rsquo;t notice any obvious distortion or unpleasant harshness.
The 360-degree True Stereophonic sound also works remarkably well. During a gathering, I could hear a consistent, immersive sound whether I was standing in front of the speaker or behind it. There&rsquo;s no obvious sweet spot, making it ideal when you want the entire room to be part of the listening experience.
<h2>Marshall Bromley 450: A Connectivity Powerhouse With Bluetooth 5.3</h2>
The Bromley 450 feels more like an all-in-one audio system than a conventional party speaker. Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.3, with support for SBC and AAC, while LC3 and Auracast &mdash; referred to as Broadcast by Marshall &mdash; add some welcome future-proofing.
The wired options are even more impressive. You get a 3.5mm AUX connection, RCA inputs, USB Type-C, and dual XLR/6.35mm combo inputs. That makes the speaker surprisingly versatile, whether you&rsquo;re connecting older audio equipment, plugging in instruments, or using it for a more involved setup.
Marshall&rsquo;s companion app gets the job done, although it feels a little basic. I would have liked more control over the EQ and lighting effects. Still, the presets are well judged, and the lighting manages to add atmosphere without making the speaker feel unnecessarily flashy.
<h2>Marshall Bromley 450: Battery Life That Actually Delivers</h2>
Marshall&rsquo;s claim of more than 40 hours of wireless playback sounded a little optimistic to me, so I decided to put it through a real-world test rather than simply taking the advertised figure at face value.
I used the Bromley 450 at around 50% volume for a week, which is more than sufficient for casual listening and background music at a gathering. The battery held up remarkably well, giving me roughly 38 hours of mixed playback before I had to reach for the charger. That&rsquo;s seriously impressive for a speaker of this size.
Running low isn&rsquo;t much of a headache either. A quick 20-minute charge can restore up to six hours of playback, which is handy when you&rsquo;re in a hurry.
Another thoughtful touch is the replaceable LFP battery. Once the battery eventually starts losing capacity, you can replace the pack instead of having to retire the entire speaker.
<h2>Marshall Bromley 450: A Premium Party Speaker That Looks as Good as It Sounds</h2>
The Marshall Bromley 450 is one of those speakers that manages to make a strong impression before you even press play. Its classic amplifier-inspired design looks fantastic in a living room, while the sound quality backs up the visual appeal. Vocals remain clear, treble has plenty of detail, and the bass delivers a satisfying punch without becoming messy, even when you push the volume.
The 360-degree sound projection is another big win, especially when you&rsquo;re entertaining. It spreads audio evenly around the room instead of forcing everyone into one listening position. Battery life is equally impressive, with more than 40 hours of playback, fast charging, and a replaceable battery pack. The microphone and instrument inputs are also a lot of fun, particularly for impromptu karaoke or jam sessions. Add the IP55 rating, and it feels well suited to parties and outdoor use.
There are, however, a few things to consider. At around ₹79,999, the Bromley 450 is undeniably expensive. Its 12kg-plus weight also means portability is limited, despite the built-in handle. The companion app could do with more advanced controls for EQ and lighting, too.
Still, I think Marshall has struck an excellent balance between style, performance, and practicality here. If you want a speaker that can handle a house party while looking genuinely premium in your home, and the price isn&rsquo;t a concern, the Bromley 450 is an easy recommendation.

Dell has launched the Alienware 16X Aurora, Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51 gaming laptops in India with Intel Core Ultra 9 processors, RTX 50 Series GPUs, OLED displays and Wi-Fi 7.

Dell Launches Alienware 16X Aurora, Area-51 Gaming Laptops with RTX 50 GPUs in India

Dell has introduced the Alienware 16X Aurora, Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51 in India, featuring Intel Core Ultra 9 processors, NVIDIA RTX 50 Series GPUs, OLED displays and upgraded cooling.

Dell Launches Alienware 16X Aurora, Area-51 Gaming Laptops in India

Dell has launched the Alienware 16X Aurora, Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51 in India with Intel Core Ultra processors, RTX 50 GPUs, OLED displays, advanced cooling and Wi-Fi 7.

Dell Technologies has expanded its premium gaming portfolio in India with the launch of three new Alienware laptops: the Alienware 16X Aurora, Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51. First unveiled globally at CES 2026, the new lineup combines Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs, redesigned thermal systems and high-refresh-rate displays to target everyone from enthusiast gamers to content creators.
<h2>Alienware 16X Aurora: OLED Display Meets Portability</h2>
The <a title="Alienware 15 Launched In India: AMD Ryzen Power, RTX Graphics &amp; 165Hz Display, Starting From ₹1.15 Lakh" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/alienware-15-launched-in-india-amd-ryzen-power-rtx-graphics-165hz-display-starting-from-1-15-lakh-1783061794438" target="_blank">Alienware</a> 16X Aurora is designed for users looking for a balance between premium gaming performance and portability. It features a 16-inch WQXGA anti-glare OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate, a 0.2ms response time, HDR True Black 500 certification and up to 620 nits of HDR peak brightness. Dell says the anti-glare coating reduces reflections and fingerprints while preserving the visual advantages of OLED technology.
Under the hood, the laptop is powered by Intel Core Ultra Plus processors and can be configured with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU. To keep temperatures under control, Dell has introduced a redesigned Cryo-Chamber cooling architecture.
The laptop also includes Alienware's Stealth Mode, which can be activated using the F7 key to reduce fan noise and switch the keyboard lighting for quieter productivity sessions. The system is available in a new Interstellar Indigo finish inspired by the night sky.
<h2>Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51: Flagship Gaming Machines</h2>
The Alienware Area-51 lineup sits at the top of Dell's gaming portfolio. The Alienware 16 Area-51 features a 16-inch WQXGA anti-glare OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, while the larger Alienware 18 Area-51 gets an 18-inch WQXGA display with a refresh rate of up to 300Hz and a 3ms response time.
Both models are powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processors and can be configured with up to <a title="NVIDIA, LG Group partner to build AI factory for robotics, mobility and data infrastructure" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/nvidialg-partner-for-ai-innovations-1780898270349" target="_blank">NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090</a> Laptop GPUs, 64GB of DDR5 memory and 2TB of storage. Dell says the systems are capable of delivering up to 240W of Total Performance Power on the 16-inch model and up to 280W on the 18-inch version. Other highlights include Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 support, a 96Wh battery, advanced thermal engineering and customisable RGB lighting.
<h2>Pricing, Availability and Launch Offers</h2>
The Alienware 16X Aurora is priced from ₹2,62,990, while the Alienware 16 Area-51 starts at ₹3,97,960. The larger Alienware 18 Area-51 is priced from ₹3,95,200. The laptops are available through Dell's website, Dell Exclusive Stores, large-format retail outlets, multi-brand stores and leading e-commerce platforms.
As part of the launch, Dell is offering discounted one-year extended warranty plans, promotional pricing on Alienware gaming headsets with eligible purchases, zero down payment financing and No Cost EMI options through select banking partners.

The Oppo Enco Air5 packs 52dB ANC, excellent sound quality, Bluetooth 6.1, dual-device pairing and up to 54 hours of battery life. Here's our detailed review after a week of testing.

Oppo Enco Air5 Review: Best Budget TWS Under ₹3,500 With 52dB ANC & 54-Hour Battery?

With impressive ANC, balanced audio, outstanding battery life and premium comfort, the Oppo Enco Air5 punches well above its ₹3,099 price tag. Here's our full review.

Oppo Enco Air5 Review: The New Budget Earbuds To Beat?

The Oppo Enco Air5 delivers excellent sound, class-leading 52dB ANC, 54-hour battery life and reliable comfort, making it one of the best value-for-money wireless earbuds under ₹3,500.

Hunting for a decent pair of affordable wireless earbuds can feel like a total nightmare right now, especially if you have never bought them before. The market is absolutely packed with random brands making massive promises on paper, only to completely fall flat the second you put them in your ears. Oppo usually plays a very different game, preferring to double down on useful, real-world features rather than cheap, gimmicky specifications.
The brand-new Oppo Enco Air5 lands in this crowded space at a launch price of ₹3,099. Instead of chasing flashy tricks, the company is focusing entirely on things you will actually notice during a long workday, like a massive battery life, smart noise control, and a shape that will not hurt your ears. I spent the last seven days putting these buds through a packed, chaotic routine to see if they can truly cut it as a dependable pair of daily drivers.
<h2>Oppo Enco Air5 Review: Design &amp; Comfort</h2>
Pop the Oppo Enco Air5 out of its box, and you can tell right away that the design team wanted to steer clear of the usual boring, generic budget earbud templates. I spent my time testing the Lavender Purple option, and the choice of colour is a massive win. It uses a muted, pastel-like hue that feels clean and contemporary without looking like a loud, plastic toy.&nbsp;
Oppo went with a smooth matte texture across the entire exterior this time around. This choice works beautifully to keep oily fingerprint smudges completely out of sight. Down on the bottom edge, the standard Type-C port sits right alongside a tiny, flush physical pairing button.
Oppo styled this case to match the visual language of the new <a title="Oppo Reno 16 Review: Oppo's Most Complete Reno Yet" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oppo-reno-16-review-oppo-s-most-complete-reno-yet-1782978859580" target="_blank">Reno16</a> smartphone lineup. It features a pebble-shaped design, and the case measures just a bit over 62mm wide, making it incredibly pocket-friendly. It slides right into a tight pocket without creating a weird bulge. Closing the hinge of the top lid is also incredibly smooth and satisfying.
The actual earpieces rely on a tiny, ultra-compact cavity shape. They weigh a mere 4.3 grams per side, and the contouring sits naturally in your ear canal. During my long testing sessions where I kept them in for four to five hours straight, I did not experience any annoying ache in my ears. They also stayed firmly locked in place whether I was pacing around outdoor streets or working at my desk. The fit instantly reminded me of the <a title="OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Review: Affordable Earbuds Done Right " href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oneplus-nord-buds-4-review-affordable-earbuds-done-right-1782375847906" target="_blank">OnePlus Nord Buds 4</a> I reviewed a while back; the overall ergonomics feel almost identical.
You get a solid IP55 dust and sweat resistance rating on the buds themselves to handle sudden rain or tough workouts. Just keep in mind that the case does not share this protection, so remember to wipe the stems dry before docking them.
<h2>Oppo Enco Air5 Review: Audio Quality</h2>
A lot of budget audio brands simply flood the soundstage with bloated, muddy bass to mask cheap hardware. The Enco Air5 sidesteps this issue by using a substantial 12mm dynamic driver. Oppo claims this setup delivers double the amplitude of the previous Enco Air4, and the real-world performance bears that out.
When throwing vocal-heavy tracks like Gehra Hua by Arijit Singh, I Think They Call This Love by Matthew Ifield, or Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez at these buds, the clarity is impressive. Mid-range vocals are pushed forward, staying cleanly separated from the low-end frequencies. The upper-mids are equally polite, avoiding any harsh, hollow peaks even at higher volumes.&nbsp;
Instrument separation is another area where these buds punch above their price tag. On dense tracks with layered acoustic strings and traditional percussion, the left-to-right stereo panning stays distinct rather than collapsing into a single, blurry mess, though a little congestion can creep in during chaotic musical climaxes.
The low-end is deep and punchy, yet it stays remarkably disciplined. Listening to GreenLight by Pitbull, Satan by Yo Yo Honey Singh, or All Black by Raftaar reveals a solid sub-bass rumble that anchors hip-hop and electronic tracks without drowning out midrange details. Still, it is not flawless. True bassheads might find the low-end a bit too flat, as it lacks that extreme sub-bass kick some genres demand. It is a signature better suited for acoustic and vocal-driven tracks than pure EDM, though that is a matter of personal taste.
On the tech side, the buds stick to standard AAC and SBC codecs. The companion app features a Sound Master EQ with three profiles: Ultimate Sound, Pure Vocals, and Thundering Bass. For deeper customization, you get a 10-band Pro Equalizer to tweak specific frequencies and share custom profiles.&nbsp;
Finally, Oppo Alive Audio adds a spatial algorithm that successfully broadens the horizontal and vertical soundstage, offering a nice surround simulation for movies without needing expensive head-tracking tech.
<h2>Oppo Enco Air5 Review: ANC and Call Quality</h2>
Oppo has made a massive leap with the active noise cancellation on the Enco Air5, especially given its price point. Each earbud features a clever triple-microphone setup. Two of these external mics are tasked solely with picking up environmental sounds, allowing the system to achieve a flagship-level 52dB of maximum noise reduction. Compared to the older <a title="Oppo Enco Buds3 Pro+ Review: ANC That Actually Works Under ₹2,500" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oppo-enco-buds3-pro-review-anc-that-actually-works-under-2-500-1766497263765" target="_blank">Enco</a> Air4, which maxed out at 32dB, this is a substantial upgrade.
In daily use, the difference is night and day. Inside a typical office space, the ANC works like a charm, blocking out more than 80% of the ambient hum to create a remarkably peaceful backdrop. It even held its own when put to the test in bustling markets and during peak rush hour on the Delhi Metro, offering a level of quiet that is genuinely stellar. For controls, you can manually cycle through High, Moderate, and Low modes, or switch on Smart Mode to let the software automatically adapt as you move from a quiet workspace to a hectic street intersection.
Voice calls, however, are where the hardware hits its limits. To be fair, if you are sitting in a quiet room or a low-chaos environment, the performance is perfectly fine. Conversations are clear on both ends, and the person on the other line will notice that background noise is pushed right down, keeping your voice front, centre, and natural. But things take a turn in chaotic environments. The moment you step into heavy noise, the mics struggle to isolate your voice, making for a somewhat unpleasant experience for the person on the other end of the line.
<h2>Oppo Enco Air5 Review: Connectivity and Controls</h2>
Oppo packed the Enco Air5 with modern Bluetooth 6.1, which brings along a massive quality-of-life feature: Dual Device Connection. This lets the buds stay tied to two different machines simultaneously, switching tracks between Android, iOS, and Windows without breaking a sweat. In my daily routine, I could easily stream a video on my laptop and jump straight into an incoming call on my main phone. There was no need to fiddle with menus, and the audio never dropped out.
If you do not use an Oppo phone, the HeyMelody app is an absolute must. It serves as your control center, housing all the sound profiles and feature toggles in one spot.
The touch pads on the stems are snappy and pick up gestures easily. Single taps are disabled initially to avoid accidental brushes, but you can turn them on later. As it stands, a double-tap skips forward a track, a triple-tap plays the previous song or triggers specialized tools, and a long press switches between Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation. You can map these gestures however you like.
You also get a handy shortcut called "Tap to Launch" that pulls up your voice assistant on the fly. Interestingly, the stems can even act as a wireless clicker to snap photos with your phone camera. If you travel a lot, the built-in AI Translate option is a fascinating tool, even if it still feels a bit primitive. It sets up a two-way chat where you speak into the buds and the other person talks into your phone. It is a highly practical ecosystem that makes daily use much easier.
<h2>Oppo Enco Air5 Review: Battery</h2>
The endurance on the Oppo Enco Air5 is easily a major selling point, standing out in a crowded market of small wireless earbuds. Oppo stuffed a 62mAh battery inside each lightweight earbud, alongside a healthy 530mAh reservoir inside the companion charging cradle.
If you look at the official numbers, running these with active noise cancellation turned off at half volume on the AAC codec should net you a massive 13 hours of continuous playback from a single session. When you combine that with the backup juice waiting in the case, the total up-time hits a whopping 54 hours.
Turning ANC on drops those estimates, but things stay incredibly practical. You can expect about 6.5 hours of standalone use out of the earbuds, stretching to a total of 27 hours before you need to hunt down a wall outlet. During my hands-on testing, my real-world mileage lined up remarkably well with those metrics.
Oppo also secured an official TUV Rheinland Battery Health Certification for this pair. This rating guarantees the cells will hold onto more than 80% of their original capacity even after surviving 1,000 full charge cycles. It is a reassuring touch, meaning the hardware is built to last for years of heavy daily use rather than degrading significantly after your first year of ownership.
To top it off, refuel times are quite fast. Getting the earpieces from empty to full takes just 55 minutes, while plugging in the whole package gets everything completely topped up in roughly 90 minutes.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should you buy it?</h2>
Priced at ₹3,099, the Oppo Enco Air5 makes a serious case for buyers who are tired of weak build quality and dead batteries. Oppo really nailed the fundamentals, offering an incredible 54-hour total runtime alongside a certified battery lifecycle built to last way longer than typical budget options.
If your daily rotation is packed with bass-heavy festival EDM, the flatter low-end might feel a bit tame. However, for acoustic playlists, casual podcast listening, or daily commuting, the mix of forward vocals and genuine 52dB noise reduction is an absolute bargain.
The microphones do struggle to stay clear during a loud metro commute, but the seamless dual-device pairing and real-time translation features are highly practical bonuses. For anyone seeking pure dependability and excellent silence without spending a fortune, picking these up is a remarkably easy decision.

Samsung Galaxy A27 review: Samsung delivers reliable cameras, a gorgeous AMOLED display, polished One UI 8.5 and long-term software support.

Samsung Galaxy A27 Review: Reliable Mid-Range Choice

<h3>The Galaxy A27 skips the specifications race and instead focuses on refined software, dependable cameras, a vibrant AMOLED display and six years of software support, making it a compelling everyday smartphone despite a few compromises.</h3>

The mid-range smartphone market has never been more competitive. Whether your budget is around ₹25,000 or stretches closer to ₹30,000, you'll find plenty of options promising better cameras, larger batteries, faster charging and more powerful processors. Standing out has become increasingly difficult, especially as rising component costs and memory prices have made meaningful upgrades harder to deliver without increasing prices.
After spending time with the Galaxy A27, it became clear to me that Samsung isn't trying to win the specifications race. Instead, it has focused on the areas where the Galaxy A series has traditionally excelled. You get a refreshed design, a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and One UI 8.5 based on Android 16.
On paper, several rivals offer more impressive hardware. But Samsung is betting on its polished software experience, reliable cameras and unmatched long-term software support instead. So, after using the Galaxy A27 as my daily driver, is that enough to justify its asking price? Let's find out.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 Design: Familiar Style, With Some Thoughtful Refinements</h2>
Samsung hasn't dramatically changed its design language over the past few years, and the Galaxy A27 continues that trend. It looks and feels very similar to last year's Galaxy A26. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because the previous design was already comfortable to use, but if you were expecting a major visual refresh, you won't find one here.
The Galaxy A27 uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for both the front, and back glass, along with a plastic frame. In the hand, it feels reassuringly solid and more premium than many mid-range phones with plastic rear panels.&nbsp;
At 7.8mm thick and weighing 200g, it isn't the lightest device around, but I never found it uncomfortable to hold during extended use. The flat frame offers a secure grip, while the slightly raised section on the right houses tactile power and volume buttons that are easy to locate without looking.
The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is quick and accurate most of the time, although at this price, I was expecting an in-display scanner. Every now and then, I noticed a slight delay when waking the phone, along with a somewhat sluggish unlock animation.
Around the back, Samsung has retained the familiar pill-shaped camera module, although it now gets a colour-matched border that blends more neatly into the rear panel. It's a subtle tweak, but I think it gives the phone a cleaner, more polished look.&nbsp;
Not everything is an improvement, though. The IP64 rating is actually a downgrade from the Galaxy A26, which feels like an odd decision.&nbsp;
My biggest complaint, however, is the haptics. The standard vibration motor lacks the crisp feedback I've come to expect at this price point.
Getting back to the positives, you get a hybrid SIM slot, so you can add a microSDXC card, &nbsp;making the overall experience feel a whole lot more positive than what others in this price range have started offering this year.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 Display &amp; Audio: Excellent Visuals, Ordinary Sound </h2>
The Galaxy A27 features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, support for around 16 million colours, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. On paper, it offers the sort of specification sheet you'd expect from a competitive mid-range smartphone, combining a high-resolution panel with smooth scrolling and a durable layer of protection.
After using it for a while, I came away fairly impressed with the screen itself. Samsung continues to deliver some of the best AMOLED panels in this segment, and that shows here. Colours look rich without appearing overdone, blacks are suitably inky, and contrast remains excellent whether you're watching videos, browsing social media or simply reading articles. The move to a modern punch-hole cut-out also makes the front look cleaner than older Galaxy A-series devices.
That said, the bezels are thicker and less symmetrical than I'd have liked, especially that bottom chin. The A27&rsquo;s competition, from practically every other major manufacturer at this pricepoint, comes with slimmer bezels. Another surprising omission is the lack of an Always-On Display, which feels unusual on an AMOLED phone.
Audio, meanwhile, is handled by a single bottom-firing speaker. It gets loud enough for casual use, but the sound profile is heavily biased towards vocals and higher frequencies, leaving music and movies without much bass or depth.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 Cameras: Reliable and Consistent</h2>
The Galaxy A27 features a triple-camera setup comprising a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 5MP ultrawide camera and a 2MP macro lens, while selfies are handled by a 12MP front-facing camera. On paper, it isn't the most exciting camera system in this segment, but after using it extensively, I found Samsung's focus on consistency more valuable than headline-grabbing specifications.
The 50MP primary camera is easily the star of the show. In daylight, it captures detailed images with natural-looking colours and well-controlled dynamic range. Samsung has resisted the temptation to oversaturate photos, so the results look realistic without appearing dull. I was particularly happy with the portrait mode, which produced accurate skin tones, dependable exposure and surprisingly clean edge detection, even around trickier subjects like curly hair. The background blur is software-generated, but it rarely looks distracting.
I also enjoyed shooting close-ups. Whether I was photographing flowers or everyday objects, the main camera retained plenty of detail and reproduced colours faithfully without relying on excessive sharpening or heavy processing.
The 5MP ultrawide camera is useful when you need a wider perspective for landscapes or group photos, although the drop in quality is immediately noticeable. Images lose fine detail, and softness around the edges becomes fairly obvious, so I generally preferred sticking to the primary camera whenever possible.
Low-light performance turned out to be better than I expected. The main sensor keeps noise under control, handles artificial light sources well and preserves a respectable amount of detail in darker scenes. Indoor shots also maintain a pleasing balance between highlights and shadows.
For video, the rear camera supports recording at up to 4K at 60fps or 1080p at 30fps. Footage is sharp, and the electronic stabilisation does a respectable job of smoothing handheld movement, even if some rivals still perform better.
The 12MP selfie camera is another highlight. I consistently got sharp selfies with accurate skin tones and good HDR performance, making it a dependable option for video calls and social media.
Overall, I found the Galaxy A27 to be a reliable everyday camera phone. It won't be my first recommendation for photography enthusiasts, but if your priority is predictable, natural-looking results across most situations, it gets the job done well.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27&rsquo;s Performance: Reliable, Day-in, Day-out</h2>
The Galaxy A27 is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. In day-to-day use, I found the phone to be perfectly capable of handling the basics. Apps launched quickly, multitasking felt smooth enough, and routine tasks such as messaging, web browsing, streaming videos, checking social media and using navigation apps never posed a problem. The fast UFS 3.1 storage also helps keep loading times short, making the overall experience feel responsive.
Even when I had multiple apps open, switched between emails, social media and Chrome tabs, or jumped into a video call, the Galaxy A27 kept up without any major hiccups. For the average user, there's more than enough performance on offer.
Where the phone begins to fall behind is under heavier workloads. At this price, several competing smartphones now ship with newer Snapdragon 7-series processors that offer noticeably stronger CPU and GPU performance. If raw power or gaming is high on your priority list, there are better options available.
Gaming, in particular, isn't the Galaxy A27's biggest strength. Casual titles run without any issues, but more demanding games require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth gameplay. During my testing, frame rates generally hovered between 50 and 55fps on smoother graphics presets. It's certainly playable, but it doesn't deliver the sort of performance I'd expect from the most powerful phones in this segment.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 Software: OneUI 8.5 Continues To Lead The Pack</h2>
If there's one area where the Galaxy A27 genuinely stands out, it's the software experience. The phone ships with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, and after using it for a while, I was reminded why Samsung's software remains one of the biggest reasons to buy its smartphones. It isn't just polished, it's packed with genuinely useful features that many competitors still don't offer.
Most of Samsung's familiar ecosystem features are present here, including Samsung Wallet with NFC tap-to-pay, Secure Folder, Good Lock, Edge Panels, Multi Window, Smart Switch and Samsung Knox. I particularly appreciate Good Lock, which lets me customise everything from the lock screen and quick settings to gestures and animations. If you enjoy tweaking your phone, there are very few Android skins that offer this level of flexibility.
Samsung has also brought a healthy dose of AI to the Galaxy A27. You get Gemini, Circle to Search, Object Eraser, AI Select, custom photo filters, Gallery editing suggestions, Voice Transcription and Read Aloud in Samsung Internet. The Now Bar is another welcome addition, displaying live information such as media controls, navigation directions and sports scores without needing to unlock the phone. There's even Direct Voicemail built into One UI, allowing calls to be sent to voicemail without relying on your carrier's service.
Bixby is still available, although it doesn't offer the more advanced AI capabilities found on Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series devices.
Perhaps the biggest advantage, however, is Samsung's long-term software commitment. The Galaxy A27 is promised six major Android upgrades along with six years of security updates, which is exceptional for a phone in this price range. When I combine that with One UI's smooth performance, clean interface and extensive feature set, it's easy to see why I consider the software to be one of the Galaxy A27's strongest selling points.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 Battery &amp; Charging: Dependable, But Slow Charging</h2>
The Galaxy A27 packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging. While that capacity is perfectly respectable, it's no longer class-leading. Several Chinese rivals in the same price segment now offer significantly larger batteries, giving them an edge when it comes to outright endurance.
Even so, I had little reason to complain during everyday use. With a mix of web browsing, WhatsApp, Telegram, social media, music streaming, phone calls and a bit of casual gaming, I consistently ended the day with around 20 to 25 per cent battery remaining. Screen-on time generally ranged between seven and eight hours, which is a noticeable improvement over the Galaxy A26.
Charging, however, remains the weaker part of the experience. Using a 70W charger, the phone still took roughly 90 minutes to go from empty to full, making it one of the slower-charging devices in its segment.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 Verdict: A Well-Rounded Phone That Gets The Essentials Right</h2>
After using the Galaxy A27 as my primary phone, I came away with the feeling that Samsung has focused on getting the fundamentals right rather than chasing flashy specifications. It isn't trying to offer the biggest battery, the fastest charging or the most powerful chipset in its class. Instead, it's built around a polished software experience, dependable cameras, a vibrant AMOLED display and the kind of long-term software support that very few brands can currently match.
That isn't to say it's without flaws. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is perfectly adequate for everyday use but falls behind several rivals when it comes to gaming and sustained performance. The IP64 rating is a step backwards from its predecessor; the single speaker is average, the haptics feel inexpensive, and 25W charging began looking dated aeons ago in this segment.
Even so, I don't think the Galaxy A27 is aimed at spec hunters. If your priorities revolve around stability, clean software, reliable cameras, useful AI features and the confidence of six years of Android and security updates, Samsung has put together a phone that's easy to recommend. It may not top benchmark charts or win every specification battle, but it delivers a refined, dependable experience that I think many buyers will appreciate long after the excitement of launch day fades.

The Oppo Reno 16 delivers flagship-grade cameras, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 performance, a 6,700mAh battery, premium design, and refined ColorOS. Read our full review.

Oppo Reno 16 Review: Premium Compact Phone With Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, Four 50MP Cameras & 6,700mAh Battery

The Oppo Reno 16 combines four 50MP cameras, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, a premium compact design, excellent battery life, and polished software. Here's our detailed review.

Oppo Reno 16 Review: The Most Complete Reno Yet

The Oppo Reno 16 impresses with flagship-grade cameras, premium compact design, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 performance, refined ColorOS, and excellent battery life, making it one of the strongest premium Android phones in its segment.

Reno devices usually carve out their own space by pairing sharp aesthetics with cameras that punch way above their price class. While Oppo uses the flagship <a title="Oppo Find X9 Ultra Review: A No-Compromise Ultra Phone" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oppo-find-x9-ultra-review-a-no-compromise-ultra-phone-1779876430160" target="_blank">Find X</a> lineup to show off its wildest innovations, the Reno family focuses on nailing the middle ground: style, photography, and smooth daily performance.
The Reno 16 sticks right to that formula rather than chasing pointless upgrades. It arrives with a refreshed look, a massive battery bump, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip, four separate 50MP cameras, and a handful of practical AI tools that help out without getting annoying.
I ran the Reno 16 as my primary daily driver for nearly two weeks, and it honestly impressed me. The build feels incredibly premium, the cameras are easily the best part of the hardware, and ColorOS feels faster and tighter than before. It is not totally perfect, and you will run into a few compromises. The real question is whether it is actually worth your money.
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Pricing</h2>
Oppo has priced ₹61,999 for the base 8GB + 256GB version of the Reno 16, while stepping up to the 12GB + 256GB variant pushes the price tag to ₹67,999. That is a massive price increase compared to the older Reno 15 lineup that hit shelves just a few months back. The ongoing global RAM supply shortage is definitely playing a big role in this price bump, though Oppo has traditionally positioned the Reno family at a premium price point anyway.
If you are looking to pick one up, retail sales kick off on July 9. The phone will be available across major platforms including Flipkart, Amazon, Oppo&rsquo;s official online and physical stores, along with standard retail partner outlets.
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Review: Design</h2>
Oppo always gets the styling right with their Reno lineup, and the Reno 16 keeps that streak going. My unit came in Stellar Purple, and it looks every bit as premium as the price suggests. The back features a ribbon-like pattern that plays with light, giving off a subtle, shifting shimmer depending on the angle. It catches the eye without being flashy, and the matte texture is fantastic at keeping fingerprint smudges away. That said, if I were choosing, I would go for the Starry White option. The floating 3D Pop Planet effect on that version just looks a bit more unique, though this purple one is a close second.
The build is another high point. Oppo went with an aerospace-grade aluminum frame here, so the device immediately feels rigid the moment you pick it up. I also like how the camera housing smoothly transitions right into the rear glass rather than looking like a separate piece slapped on afterward. It is a tiny detail, but it makes the hardware look far more polished.
The footprint is what really won me over, though. Compact Android phones are a dying breed, so using the Reno 16 feels like a breath of fresh air. This purple version measures just 8.22mm thick and weighs an easy 182 grams. You still get a 6.32-inch screen for gaming or streaming, but the actual chassis is small enough to manage comfortably with one hand.
Flat edges and a balanced weight distribution make a massive difference in daily comfort. Even the camera bump is kept surprisingly lean. It sticks out just enough to house the four lenses, but never makes the device feel top-heavy or awkward.
They didn't skimp on toughness either. You get full IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications, which is about as comprehensive as it gets for this price tier. Finally, there is the new physical AI Snap Key. It is marketed for Oppo's AI tools, but I found it way more practical to map it as a custom button to quickly turn on the flashlight, open translation apps, or fire up the camera.
Ultimately, it is just a pleasant phone to live with. It looks sleek, feels durable, and nails the core features without overcomplicating things.
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Review: Display &amp; Audio</h2>
Oppo loaded some great screen specs into this smaller frame. You get a 6.32-inch flexible AMOLED panel featuring a 1.5K resolution, 460PPI, a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a 10-bit panel. The company claims a peak brightness of 3,600 nits, with 1,800 nits hitting in high brightness mode. The spec sheet is definitely stacked, but thankfully, using it in the real world actually lives up to the hype.
The panel catches your eye immediately because it just looks incredibly clean. It is sharp, colors look vibrant without looking artificially boosted, and the contrast is exactly what you want from a quality AMOLED. Everything I watched on Netflix, checked out on YouTube, or browsed through on Instagram stayed crisp and well-calibrated. I really liked how the display treats skin tones. Faces look natural instead of getting pushed toward weirdly warm or hyper-saturated tones, which makes video playback feel way more realistic.
The narrow bezels deserve a nod too. They keep the front looking clean and give you a more immersive feel than you would expect from a compact phone. Despite the 6.32-inch size, I never wished for a bigger canvas. It hits a sweet spot between comfortable one-handed use and an enjoyable viewing experience.
That variable 120Hz refresh rate keeps everything fluid. Toggling between apps, scrolling social feeds, and moving around ColorOS feels snappy and fast. Brightness is another area where this phone shines. Even under the brutal Delhi afternoon sun, the screen stayed perfectly readable while I was replying to texts, reading articles, or framing up camera shots.
The built-in stereo speakers pair nicely with the display. They get plenty loud, give you good stereo separation, and keep vocals clear during movies or gaming. They are not replacing a solid pair of wireless earbuds, but for daily use, they are easily among the better setups in this price tier.
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Review: Cameras</h2>
The camera system remains the absolute headline feature for the Reno series, and the Reno 16 definitely doubles down on that legacy. Oppo went with an incredibly versatile quad-camera array featuring four individual 50MP sensors. This includes a Sony LYT-600 main shooter with optical image stabilization, a 3.5x optically stabilized telephoto lens, an autofocus-enabled ultrawide camera, and a 50MP front-facing selfie snapper boasting a wide 100-degree field of view. It is an impressive hardware mix for this price bracket, and it regularly churns out high-quality images.
The primary lens handled the bulk of my daily photography chores. It captures punchy, lively colors without crossing into over-saturation, preserves plenty of fine detail, and handles dynamic range brilliantly by balancing bright skies against deeper shadow areas. The phone rarely trips up on exposure, even when handling challenging backlight.
The 3.5x telephoto camera stands out just as much. It shines for portrait work, offering a far more flattering and natural perspective for faces than standard wide lenses. It also lets you pull distant subjects closer without the massive drop in clarity that usually plagues mid-range zoom lenses. Oppo uses what they call Natural Tone processing here, ensuring skin tones look accurate and fine facial details stay sharp without aggressive, artificial beauty filtering.
The rear ultrawide sensor completes the package. It matches the primary camera remarkably well in color balance and exposure, while its built-in autofocus allows it to handle close-up macro shots. Low-light results are equally respectable. Instead of overexposing night scenes to look like daytime, the software retains the actual atmosphere while cleaning up noise and pulling out enough shadow detail to keep the image looking grounded.
Up front, the 50MP selfie camera proves just as reliable. The broader field of view is ideal for capturing groups, the autofocus system keeps your subjects sharp, and the processing stays pleasantly realistic.
Video capability is another massive plus. You can shoot 4K footage at 60fps with HDR across all four cameras, allowing for smooth, color-consistent lens switching mid-shoot. The electronic stabilization holds steady, and built-in options like Dual-View Video 2.0 and Pop Cam provide excellent utility for creators. If you want the best camera setup in this segment, this remains the primary reason to buy the phone.
<h2>Oppo Bubble: A Clever Accessory</h2>
The Oppo Bubble looks like pure social media bait when you first see it. Give it some time, though, and it proves surprisingly practical. This little attachable screen lets you preview yourself through the rear cameras, which means you get to use the phone's best lenses for selfies.&nbsp;
Solo content creators and vloggers will find this incredibly handy. You can set the device on a tripod, check your composition on the Bubble, and trigger the shutter from a distance without constantly walking back to check the screen. It is just as useful for group photos, letting everyone see they are actually in the shot before you click. The Oppo Bubble is priced at ₹7,999.
Is it a mandatory purchase? Not really. But while most phone accessories end up forgotten in a drawer, this one fixes a genuine problem. It is easily one of the coolest add-ons launched with the Reno 16.&nbsp;
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Review: Performance</h2>
Oppo picked Qualcomm&rsquo;s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip to run the Reno 16, throwing in up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. Look, it won't beat premium flagship silicon in a shootout, but it really doesn't need to. This setup is built for reliable, everyday speed, not for bragging about benchmark graphs. To keep things stable, Oppo uses Qualcomm&rsquo;s Adaptive Performance Engine 4.0 and AI HyperBoost 3.0, mostly to handle thermals and battery draw quietly in the background.
Testing the hardware gave us an AnTuTu score of roughly 1.43 million. Over on Geekbench, the phone managed a 1,229 single-core score and 3,893 in the multi-core test. That is exactly where this Snapdragon chip should land, and those stats translate perfectly into real life. The phone never stuttered when I was jumping between open apps, answering emails, checking feeds, or editing photos. Tasks load quickly, multitasking feels seamless, and ColorOS keeps the general interface feeling fast.
Gaming was plenty of fun too. I played a lot of BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile, and the phone ran both games without hitting a single wall. The frame rate hovered right between 88 and 89fps during BGMI matches, which kept the action feeling incredibly smooth. I didn't notice any annoying touch lag either, even when the shooting got frantic.
Heat management is another win here. The top half of the back panel definitely warms up when you play for a long time, but it never gets too hot to hold comfortably. Honestly, for a phone this thin and compact, that is a solid design achievement.
You can definitely buy a faster phone at this price point if you only care about chasing peak benchmark scores. But for regular daily use, I never felt like this device lacked power. <a title="Oppo Reno 16 Series To Feature AI Snap Key, IP69K Protection, and Stunning New Design" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/oppo-reno-16-series-to-feature-ai-snap-key-ip69k-protection-and-stunning-new-design-1782213376939" target="_blank">Oppo</a> focused on smooth, consistent performance over flashy marketing metrics, and honestly, that is the right call for most buyers.
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Review: Software</h2>
ColorOS has been on a good run lately, and the version 16.1 software here just confirms it. It is clean, snappy, and generally knows when to stay out of the way. While plenty of other Android skins tend to bury you in unnecessary features, this UI strikes a great balance between deep functionality and clean simplicity.
That level of polish is immediately obvious when you use the phone. Apps launch instantly, UI animations glide along smoothly, and bouncing between heavy tasks feels effortless. During my testing period with the Reno 16, I did not run into a single random freeze or interface glitch. It just stays consistently fluid.
As expected for a phone launching in 2026, the device leans hard into AI capability. The good news is these tools feel genuinely useful rather than just marketing filler. Take the physical AI Snap Key, which quickly became a regular habit for me. I mostly mapped it to bring up the camera, but it works just as well for saving quick data to AI Mind Space, taking voice notes, or firing up other custom shortcuts. Speaking of AI Mind Space, it proved surprisingly practical. I ended up using it constantly to sort screenshots, quick notes, and random bits of web info that usually get lost in the shuffle.
The Google Gemini integration feels just as seamless. Features like Circle to Search, real-time live translations, and AI text composition tools feel native to the interface rather than like software slapped on at the last minute.
Customization is another high point. You can tweak the lock screen, home screen layout, or the always-on display without the menus feeling messy. Oppo also promises five major ColorOS updates and six years of security patches, giving you real long-term peace of mind. Ultimately, ColorOS 16.1 stands out as a massive win for the hardware. It is polished, highly dependable, and stands tall as one of the best software skins on the market right now.
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Review: Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
The 6,700mAh silicon-carbon battery inside the Reno 16 is a massive win, and it quickly turned into one of my favorite features. It completely kills off any sort of day-to-day battery anxiety.
Even on heavy days packed with camera testing, social feeds, streaming, GPS maps, and a bit of gaming, I still headed to bed with plenty of juice to spare. If you are a lighter user, stretching this thing to last a second full day should be an absolute breeze. Honestly, even during my busiest test days, I never once had to scramble for a wall outlet before turning in for the night.
When the percentage finally drops, the bundled 80W SuperVooc brick fuels it back up in a hurry. Even with such a massive cell under the hood, waiting around for a charge never feels tedious. Just plugging it in for a few minutes before you head out the door gives you more than enough juice to last the rest of the day comfortably.
<h2>Oppo Reno 16 Review: Verdict</h2>
My time with the Reno 16 proves Oppo focused exactly where it counted. They skipped the usual race for empty benchmark points or flashy marketing gimmicks that nobody actually uses. Instead, they put their energy into things that make a difference in regular daily use, resulting in a phone that is incredibly simple to recommend.
The camera array remains the primary selling point. The lenses are versatile and highly dependable, churning out great results whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits, selfies, or videos. When you mix that photography performance with the compact, high-end build, an excellent screen, killer battery life, and a highly refined software skin, the whole package comes together beautifully.
Granted, you can buy faster silicon in this price range, so hardcore gamers might want to look at other options. For the vast majority of buyers, though, that slight drop in raw speed is very easy to overlook.

OnePlus N6 review covering its 8,000mAh battery, Dimensity 6360 performance, cameras, display, OxygenOS 16 software, pricing and whether it's worth buying under ₹25,000.

OnePlus N6 Review: Battery Beast With One Big Catch

The OnePlus N6 prioritises battery life, clean software and dependable performance over flashy specs. Here's why it may still be one of the best phones under ₹25,000.

<h3 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="1134" data-end="1300">The OnePlus N6 prioritises battery life, clean software and dependable performance over flashy specs. Here's why it may still be one of the best phones under ₹25,000.</h3>
<h2 data-section-id="10btkw6" data-start="1302" data-end="1315">&nbsp;</h2>

For the longest time, I've looked at OnePlus as the brand you turned to when performance came first. Whether it was blazing-fast charging, fluid software or class-leading speed for the money, that identity remained remarkably consistent across its phones. The OnePlus N6, however, heads in a noticeably different direction.
What makes this launch particularly interesting is that it marks OnePlus' first N-series smartphone for India, and unlike its mainstream siblings, it arrives without the familiar Nord branding. Rather than building a spec sheet around raw horsepower, OnePlus has focused on the basics that matter over months and years of ownership. You get an enormous 8,000mAh battery, a sturdy build, a clean software experience and hardware that's aimed at dependable everyday use instead of headline-grabbing benchmark scores.
At the same time, it's impossible to overlook how much DNA the N6 shares with the Realme P4R. They have plenty in common, yet after using both extensively and putting the N6 through our full review process, it became clear that OnePlus has made a few deliberate choices to give this phone its own character. Here's how it all comes together.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Variants And Price </h2>
OnePlus has priced the N6 at ₹22,999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant, while the 6GB + 128GB model costs ₹24,999. That puts it squarely in India's fiercely contested sub ₹25,000 segment, where buyers are spoiled for choice.
Ironically, the phone it competes with most closely isn't from Samsung, Xiaomi or iQOO, but the Realme P4R. The similarities between the two extend well beyond the spec sheet, making them feel like products built from the same blueprint. The key difference is pricing, with the Realme undercutting the N6 by nearly ₹5,000.
As a result, the decision isn't simply about which phone offers better hardware. It's about which one delivers the more refined everyday experience, and that's where I believe the OnePlus N6 begins to justify its premium.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Design</h2>
The OnePlus N6 makes no attempt to disguise what it is. This isn't a phone that's chasing luxury finishes or eye-catching design trends. Instead, the emphasis is firmly on usability, durability and keeping the overall package sensible, something that becomes increasingly apparent the longer you use it.
Our Fresh Mint review unit reflects that philosophy well. The colour is subtle without being dull, while the flat edges and flat rear panel give the phone a clean, modern appearance. Rounded corners make it comfortable to grip, and the square camera island adds enough visual distinction to stop it from looking generic. Although the rear module appears to house three cameras, only the main sensor plays a significant role in day-to-day photography.
Anyone familiar with the Realme P4R will immediately notice the family resemblance. Beyond the redesigned camera housing, the two devices share an almost identical chassis, matching button layout, ports and overall ergonomics. It's fairly evident that both phones originate from the same underlying hardware platform.
The plastic frame and back panel might raise eyebrows in this price bracket, but they also make practical sense. Packing an 8,000mAh battery into a slimmer device is no easy task, and lighter materials help prevent the N6 from becoming unnecessarily cumbersome. Despite the huge battery, the phone never felt awkward or excessively heavy during extended use.
Durability is another area where OnePlus has invested its efforts. The ArmourShell protection system combines reinforced corners, internal shock absorption and strengthened glass, while MIL-STD-810H certification adds another layer of confidence. My only reservation is the IP65 rating. It offers protection against dust and water splashes, but an IP68 certification would have better matched the phone's otherwise rugged positioning.
The rest of the hardware is straightforward but functional. You get a responsive side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3 and a hybrid SIM tray that also supports microSD cards, a feature that's becoming increasingly uncommon. I would've liked to see eSIM support and OnePlus' Action Key make the cut, but neither omission significantly affects the overall experience. The N6 isn't designed to feel luxurious. It's built to withstand everyday use, and in that regard, it succeeds.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Display And Audio</h2>
The OnePlus N6 sports a 6.8-inch LCD display with an HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed peak brightness of 1,200 nits. While those numbers don't immediately raise any red flags, the actual experience leaves me with mixed feelings.
My biggest gripe is the resolution. At this price, I expected at least a Full HD panel. With several rivals already offering sharper displays, the N6's HD+ screen feels like a noticeable compromise. It's not something you'll constantly think about, but smaller text isn't as crisp and high-resolution videos lose some of their impact. If content consumption is a priority, you'll almost certainly notice the difference.
Thankfully, the panel gets a few important things right. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday interactions feel smooth, whether I was switching between apps, scrolling endlessly through social media or simply navigating OxygenOS. Brightness is another pleasant surprise. Even outdoors in bright daylight, the display remained easy to read, making maps, messages and notifications perfectly visible.
Being an LCD panel, however, it can't match the richer contrast or vibrant colours of an AMOLED screen. Blacks appear greyish in darker scenes, and the lack of HDR support means streaming content never looks quite as immersive as it does on competing devices.
The speaker setup follows a similar pattern. OnePlus has opted for a single bottom-firing unit instead of stereo speakers. Volume certainly isn't an issue, especially with the company's 400% Ultra Volume mode enabled, but the sound itself lacks fullness. Dialogue remains clear enough for YouTube videos, voice calls and social media clips, yet music sounds flat and films miss the sense of width that dual speakers create. It gets the job done for everyday use, but I'd still reach for a pair of wireless earbuds whenever I wanted a more enjoyable listening experience.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Cameras</h2>
OnePlus has kept things very simple when it comes to the N6's cameras. Despite the rear design suggesting a multi-camera setup, you're really working with a single 50MP primary sensor, while selfies are handled by an 8MP front-facing camera. It's a simple arrangement, but one that performs better than I initially expected.
In good lighting, the primary camera consistently delivers pleasing results. Photos come out with balanced colours that avoid looking artificially boosted, while dynamic range is good enough to preserve detail in brighter and darker parts of the frame. Sharpness is perfectly adequate for sharing on social media, and I found autofocus to be quick and dependable. For everyday photography, whether you're capturing food, pets or landscapes, the camera rarely lets you down.
The cracks begin to show once you move outside its comfort zone. Since there's no dedicated telephoto camera, zoom relies entirely on digital cropping, and image quality takes a noticeable hit as you magnify your shots. Night photography is similarly predictable. The camera can produce usable images after sunset, but finer textures soften considerably, noise becomes more visible and overall detail isn't particularly impressive.
Around the front, the 8MP selfie camera is functional without standing out. It captures decent-looking selfies in daylight, skin tones remain fairly natural and it's more than capable for video calls or the occasional social media post. That said, an 8MP sensor feels slightly behind the curve in this price segment.
Video recording tops out at 1080p at 60fps. While I would've welcomed the option to shoot in 4K, the higher frame rate does make handheld clips appear smoother, and that's likely to matter more to most buyers.
OnePlus also includes a healthy selection of AI editing features, including AI Eraser, AI Reflection Eraser, AI Unblur, AI Perfect Shot and AI Reframe. They can occasionally rescue a photo or tidy up unwanted distractions, but they're supplementary rather than transformative. As a whole, the N6's camera system is dependable instead of exciting, and for the audience this phone targets, that's probably the right balance.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Performance</h2>
The OnePlus N6 is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 6360 processor, paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. That combination isn't going to turn heads, nor is it intended to. Instead of chasing benchmark records, OnePlus has focused on delivering a phone that feels consistently responsive during everyday use.
Throughout my testing, the N6 handled routine tasks without complaint. Whether I was juggling multiple apps, checking emails, navigating with Google Maps or spending far too much time scrolling through social media, the experience remained smooth and predictable. Credit for that goes as much to OxygenOS as it does to the hardware itself.
The Dimensity 6360 is only a modest upgrade over the Dimensity 6300 used in the Realme P4R, with the biggest difference being a slightly faster graphics processor. Unsurprisingly, benchmark results are almost identical. The N6 scored just over 615,000 in AnTuTu, while Geekbench produced scores of 781 in the single-core test and 1,964 in the multi-core test. Those figures won't impress power users, but they're perfectly in line with what this hardware is designed to offer.
Gaming performance is respectable without being exceptional. BGMI maintained close to 60fps during my testing, and the large 5,300mm&sup2; vapour chamber kept temperatures under control even during extended sessions. Bypass charging is another welcome addition, especially if you like gaming while plugged in.
The N6 isn't the phone I'd recommend to someone looking for flagship-level gaming or demanding workloads. However, if your daily routine revolves around messaging, streaming, browsing, navigation and the occasional game, it performs reliably. It may not be the fastest device in its class, but it delivers a stable, fuss-free experience, and that's exactly what OnePlus set out to achieve.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Software</h2>
Software has long been one of OnePlus' biggest selling points, and the N6 continues that tradition. It runs OxygenOS 16 out of the box, and while the platform has gradually adopted many elements from Oppo's ColorOS, it still manages to retain an identity of its own. The result is an interface that feels familiar, straightforward and easy to navigate.
Using the phone day after day, I never came across anything that felt unnecessarily complicated. Menus are logically arranged, animations remain fluid, and moving between apps or changing settings is effortless. Rather than drawing attention to itself, the software stays in the background, letting the hardware do its job without unnecessary distractions.
There are a handful of pre-installed applications, which is expected at this price, but the overall experience remains refreshingly restrained. I wasn't bombarded with spam notifications or constant prompts to try additional services, something that can't be said for many competing budget smartphones.
OnePlus is committing to two Android version upgrades and three years of security updates, while also claiming the N6 will continue to feel smooth for up to five years through ongoing software optimisation. Whether buyers keep the phone that long is another question, but it's good to see long-term usability being taken seriously.
For me, OxygenOS is still one of the strongest reasons to consider a OnePlus device. It's polished, responsive and refreshingly uncluttered, making the N6 an easy phone to live with every day.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Battery And Charging</h2>
Battery life is where the OnePlus N6 truly separates itself from much of the competition. Its massive 8,000mAh cell easily lasted two full days during my testing, and on lighter workloads, I was able to push it to nearly four days before reaching for the charger. If longevity is your biggest priority, this phone delivers in a big way.
A bundled 45W SuperVOOC charger takes roughly one hour and 45 minutes to fully recharge the battery. That's hardly class-leading, but it's a reasonable trade-off given the sheer capacity on offer. OnePlus also includes useful features such as bypass charging, reverse wired charging and Night Charging Mode, rounding off an impressively dependable battery package.
<h2>OnePlus N6 Review: Verdict</h2>
The OnePlus N6 doesn't try to be the most powerful phone in its class, nor does it promise flagship-level cameras or cutting-edge hardware. Instead, it focuses on delivering a consistent, fuss-free experience, and after using it as my primary device for a couple of weeks, I think that strategy largely pays off.
Not everything is perfect. The HD+ display feels behind the times in this price segment, the single speaker leaves plenty to be desired, and the cameras are competent rather than memorable. Even so, those shortcomings never overshadow the phone's core strengths. Outstanding battery life, dependable day-to-day performance, clean software and a reassuringly solid build make the N6 an easy phone to recommend for the right buyer.
Its biggest challenge comes from the Realme P4R, a device that shares much of the same hardware. If the gap between the two stretches to several thousand rupees, the Realme is difficult to ignore. However, even though the P4R is cheaper by about ₹5000, I'd happily spend the extra on the OnePlus. OxygenOS 16 feels more refined, and that's something you'll appreciate every day. If reliability matters more than raw specifications, the OnePlus N6 is a worthwhile buy.

The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 delivers class-leading 52dB ANC, 54-hour battery life, low-latency gaming and punchy sound, making it one of the best budget TWS earbuds in India.

OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Review: 52dB ANC, 54-Hour Battery & Premium Sound Under ₹3,500

With 52dB ANC, 54-hour battery life, 12mm titanium drivers and gaming-friendly latency, the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 punches well above its price.

OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Review: Affordable Earbuds Done Right

The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 combines powerful 52dB ANC, excellent audio quality, ultra-low gaming latency and a massive 54-hour battery life, making it one of the best budget TWS options available today.

How often do you see a budget earbud actually live up to its hype? The affordable wireless audio market moves at a crazy pace, but the Nord lineup usually keeps OnePlus a step ahead in India. Now, they are trying to tighten their grip on that top spot with the new OnePlus Nord Buds 4.
Priced at ₹3,099, the spec sheet looks seriously impressive on paper. We are talking about a segment-leading 52 dB active noise cancellation, punchy 12mm titanium drivers, and a massive 54-hour total battery life. OnePlus also completely refreshed the design for this generation and threw in an AI standby suite.&nbsp;
I spent a full week running the Astral Teal version as my main daily driver. After taking them through chaotic morning commutes and long typing marathons at my desk, here is how they actually handle the real world.
<h2>Design &amp; Comfort</h2>
Anyone familiar with older Nord Buds is going to find the new look a bit jarring. OnePlus completely ditched the smooth, rounded pebble shape of the Buds 3 case, choosing a much sharper, boxier aesthetic instead. Even with the total redesign, you still get a clear hint of the usual family resemblance when looking at the actual earpieces.
The charging case gets a clean, matte texture that feels way more premium than its price suggests. The best part? It completely fought off fingerprint smudges and oily marks during my whole testing phase. I spent my time with the Astral Teal version. It looks incredibly sleek, offering a fresh, modern vibe without screaming for attention. If colorful audio gear isn't your thing, there is always the standard Stellar Black option.
As a whole package, the case is feather-light and slips easily into a coin pocket. Flip it over, and you will find the Type-C port right next to a flush physical pairing button on the bottom rim. The earbuds themselves feature a subtle, glittering marble finish on the stems, which feels like a direct nod to the pricier <a title="OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro review &amp; comparison with CMF Buds Pro 2" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oneplus-nord-buds-3-pro-review-comparison-with-cmf-buds-pro-2-1721547762672" target="_blank">OnePlus Buds 3 Pro</a>.
The absolute highlight, though, is the sheer comfort. Weighing just 4.3 grams per side, these are practically lighter than anything else I have reviewed lately. OnePlus apparently scanned over a thousand different ears to map out this specific shape, and honestly, the research paid off. I noticed zero weird pressure points. In fact, I wore them straight through a grueling four-hour writing and editing session and entirely forgot they were plugged in. They hold up just as well for workouts, locking tightly in place through heavy sweat and outdoor runs. Plus, the IP55 rating means they easily survive sudden rain storms or gym grime without an issue.
<h2>Audio Quality</h2>
The internal hardware is where the Nord Buds 4 actually show their true potential. Most cheap wireless earbuds try to fool you by just pumping up a muddy, artificial bass boost that completely ruins the rest of the track. It makes it incredibly hard to catch quiet details, like a faint guitar riff or subtle backing harmonies. OnePlus completely avoids that trap, delivering a much cleaner balance thanks to its 12mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers.
To really put them to the test, I ran the buds through a diverse playlist covering quite a few genres. When playing bass-heavy hip-hop and electronic tracks like Boomshakalaka, Mercy, Mirchi, or Not Like Us, the drivers kicked out a punchy, deep low-end that added plenty of energy without drowning out the rest of the mix. That said, the sub-bass can feel a bit loose sometimes, meaning tiny instrumental details occasionally get lost in complex, chaotic songs.
On the flip side, the mid-range genuinely shines on vocal-forward acoustic tracks and simpler melodies like Raabta, Photograph, Say You Won&rsquo;t Let Go, or Love Yourself. Vocals sound crisp, upfront, and full-bodied rather than thin or distant. The instrument separation is also quite impressive for the price, preventing strings and percussion from blending into a messy blur.
For entertainment and gaming, <a title="OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite Review: The Smartest Budget Buy of 2026? " href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oneplus-nord-ce6-lite-review-the-smartest-budget-buy-of-2026-1778499359462" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> includes 3D Spatial Audio along with a specialized Game Sound Spatial Audio engine to improve directional awareness. This makes it a lot simpler to pinpoint footsteps and environmental cues while playing.
More importantly, the earbuds tackle audio delay exceptionally well. OnePlus claims a low latency of 47ms. While I cannot measure that exact figure in a lab setting, my real-world gaming tests showed that the on-screen action and corresponding sound effects stayed completely in sync. If you want to tweak the sound further, you can use the Master Tuning options and fully adjustable EQ profiles inside the companion HeyMelody app to match your personal listening preferences.
<h2>ANC and Call Performance</h2>
The headline upgrade this time around is the jump to 52dB Active Noise Cancellation. OnePlus claims this offers a massive 200% improvement over what the older Nord Buds 3 could manage, and honestly, you can feel that difference immediately in daily use. When you step into a chaotic marketplace or a busy office workspace and toggle the ANC on, the ambient noise just fades into the background. The tech does a stellar job of cutting out low-frequency rumbles from engines and the constant hum of office conversations.
However, don't expect absolute, dead silence from these. Sharp, sudden spikes in sound, like a high-pitched metallic clang or a loud table slam, will still cut through the barrier, even if they end up sounding quite muffled. It works beautifully for locking in and focusing during a long writing session, though I did notice that familiar cabin pressure sensation after keeping it pinned to the maximum setting for a couple of hours. Because of that, you will definitely want to give your ears a quick break every now and then.
When it comes to voice calls, the earbuds rely on a three-microphone array per side, working alongside an AI algorithm designed to suppress wind noise up to speeds of 25 km/h.
I tested the microphone setup by hopping on a call with a friend who always gives me completely blunt feedback. When I was sitting in a perfectly quiet room, he said everything sounded fine. But the overall call quality drops off significantly the moment you step out into a noisy environment. I tried handling a conversation during my evening metro commute with loud commuters around me and the train tracks rattling away. While the ANC kept things quiet on my end so I could hear him perfectly, the experience was pretty unpleasant for the person on the other end. My voice made it through the line, but the microphones simply couldn't filter out the heavy, chaotic background roar of the train ride.
<h2>Connectivity and Controls</h2>
On the wireless side, these earbuds run on Bluetooth 6.1, and the connection stayed completely solid without a single dropout during my testing phase. If you use them with a compatible OnePlus phone, there is a Smart Bluetooth feature that stretches the outdoor range up to 250 meters. Setting them up is incredibly fast right out of the box because you get both Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair support.
The dual-device pairing feature was a lifesaver for my daily workflow, allowing me to switch between two sources instantly. If you are watching a video on your laptop and a phone call rings through, the audio automatically routes to your phone. It saves you from ever having to dig into your Bluetooth menus to swap devices manually. Managing the finer details is straightforward too, as the companion HeyMelody app gives you all the essential tweaks and custom settings you need.
The touch sensors on the earbud stems respond quickly to inputs, but the smarter software tools are what actually caught my attention. OnePlus included an AI on Standby suite that adds some genuinely practical features. The AI Translate tool gives you real-time translation, which is super useful when navigating places where you do not speak the local language, even if the translation accuracy is not totally flawless just yet.
You can also pull up your phone's digital assistant, whether you use Google Gemini, standard Google Assistant, or Siri, with a quick touch shortcut to check the weather, set alarms, or look up trivia on the fly. As for audio formats, things stay pretty basic here, with the earbuds sticking to the standard AAC and SBC codecs.
<h2>Battery</h2>
The battery life on these things is honestly fantastic. You get a 62 mAh battery tucked into each earbud, plus a 530 mAh reservoir inside the charging case. If you just leave the active noise cancellation switched off, you can squeeze a massive 54 hours of total playback out of the package.
Using the main features will obviously change those numbers. Keep ANC off, and the standalone buds run for about 13 hours straight. If you turn the noise cancellation on full blast, that single-charge runtime drops to roughly 6.5 hours, giving you around 27 hours total when you count the case refills. OnePlus also got a T&Uuml;V Rheinland certification for the battery, which bodes well for longevity since it promises healthy performance even after 1,000 charge cycles.
The fast charging completely killed off any battery anxiety for me. Leaving them on a Type-C cable for just ten minutes gives you a whopping 11 hours of playback. I didn't even bother timing how long a full zero-to-hundred percent charge takes because they just never died during my week of heavy testing. I would simply plug the case in for fifteen minutes while grabbing a morning coffee or showering, and that quick top-up easily handled my entire workday and a two-hour commute. When you are constantly on the move, that kind of reliability means everything.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
If you have three grand to spend on wireless earbuds, save yourself some time and just grab the OnePlus Nord Buds 4. At ₹3,099, the sheer value you are getting here is honestly wild. The sound coming out of those 12mm drivers is incredibly crisp and punchy, and the noise cancellation actually holds its own against stuff that costs twice as much.
It is not perfect, of course. The microphones will definitely choke if you try to take a call from a loud, rattling metro car. But honestly, who cares when the rest of the package is this good? The fit is so light that you can leave them in all afternoon without any ear ache. Plus, gaming mode keeps the audio perfectly tight with zero lag, and that absurd 54-hour total battery life means you can basically lose your charging cable for a week. If you want solid silence and massive battery life on a strict budget, picking these up is an absolute no-brainer.

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) turns two gorgeous 3K OLED displays into a genuinely useful portable workstation, but its ₹2,78,990 price keeps it firmly in enthusiast territory.

Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) Review: The Dual-Screen Laptop That Makes Multitasking Better

<h3>Two 3K OLED screens, strong performance and a 99Wh battery make the Asus Zenbook Duo unlike most laptops.</h3>

Reviewing tech for a living means it takes something genuinely different for a laptop to get me excited. I&rsquo;ve used countless thin-and-lights, ridiculously powerful gaming machines and plenty of experimental form factors, so the novelty wears off pretty quickly. Somehow, though, the Asus Zenbook Duo still scratches that itch.
Now in its second generation, it remains one of those rare laptops that makes me want to experiment with how I use it, especially with that dual-screen setup.
Asus has also given it some meaningful upgrades this year. You get two 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreens, Intel&rsquo;s Core Ultra 7 355, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, a 1TB SSD and a huge 99Wh battery.
Our configuration costs ₹2,78,990, which makes this a seriously expensive machine. So, does the Zenbook Duo actually do enough to justify that price?
<h2>Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) Review: Design</h2>
With the keyboard attached, the Zenbook Duo could almost pass for a slightly chunky 14-inch laptop. Pull it away, though, and you suddenly have a completely different machine, with a second full-sized display underneath.
The keyboard connects magnetically using pogo pins, which also keep it charged. Detach it and the second display automatically switches on, while the keyboard moves over to Bluetooth. From there, you can stack both screens vertically, rotate the Duo for a book-style setup, use the second display flat, or go back to a conventional laptop layout.
I mostly stuck with the vertical setup. The built-in kickstand is reassuringly sturdy, and having two displays stacked wherever I was working became surprisingly addictive. The redesigned hideaway hinge helps too, reducing the gap between the screens by roughly 70 per cent while allowing the laptop to open completely flat to 180 degrees.
Despite all these moving parts, the Duo feels remarkably solid. The Ceraluminum chassis has a premium finish, while the Moher Gray colour keeps things understated. You also get MIL-STD 810H certification.
At 1.65kg, it certainly isn't the lightest 14-inch machine around, but considering you're effectively carrying two displays and a detachable keyboard, I found the weight perfectly manageable.
Connectivity is excellent too, with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1 FRL and a 3.5mm jack. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 handle wireless connectivity.
<h2>Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) Review: Display &amp; Speakers</h2>
The two displays were easily among my favourite things about the original Zenbook Duo, and Asus has managed to make an already excellent setup even better this time around.
You get two identical 14-inch ASUS Lumina Pro OLED touchscreens, both with a 2880 x 1800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and refresh rates of up to 144Hz.
And they look absolutely gorgeous. Colours have plenty of punch, blacks are wonderfully deep, and everything from text to high-resolution photos looks incredibly crisp. Crucially, I couldn't spot any meaningful difference in quality between the upper and lower panels, so moving content between them feels completely natural.
For creators, both displays cover 100 per cent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and are Pantone validated. You also get VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification, with Asus claiming 500 nits during regular use and up to 1,000 nits for HDR content.
There's an anti-reflective coating that does a decent job of controlling reflections, although harsh outdoor lighting can still make visibility tricky. T&Uuml;V Rheinland and SGS Eye Care certifications are welcome additions too, especially when you're potentially staring at two displays all day.
The 144Hz refresh rate also makes a noticeable difference. Scrolling, animations and simply dragging windows between screens all feel beautifully smooth. Both panels support touch and stylus input as well.
Audio is another pleasant surprise. The six-speaker Harman Kardon-tuned system combines four woofers with two tweeters and supports Dolby Atmos. It gets properly loud without becoming muddy, while vocals remain crisp. There is some bass, although the tuning definitely favours vocals.
For serious multitaskers, though, those displays remain the Duo's killer feature. It's effectively a portable dual-monitor workstation without the hassle of carrying an external display.
<h2>Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) Review: Keyboard, Trackpad &amp; Webcam</h2>
The detachable keyboard is a huge part of the Duo experience. It snaps into place magnetically, charges through pogo pins, and automatically switches to Bluetooth when detached. I had no issues with connectivity during my time with it.
Typing is comfortable too, thanks to well-spaced keys and 1.7mm of travel, although the feedback does feel slightly mushy.
The large precision touchpad is responsive and supports edge gestures for adjusting brightness, volume and media controls. I expected them to be gimmicky, but ended up using them quite often.
You also get an FHD webcam with an IR sensor for quick Windows Hello logins. Microsoft Pluton and firmware TPM add another layer of hardware-level security.
<h2>Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) Review: Performance &amp; Software</h2>
Our Zenbook Duo gets Intel&rsquo;s Core Ultra 7 355 with 8 cores and 8 threads, alongside 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. There&rsquo;s also an NPU capable of 50 TOPS, with Intel&rsquo;s integrated GPU handling graphics.
For everyday productivity, performance is excellent. I regularly had both displays packed with browser tabs, documents, Slack and other apps, and the Duo barely broke a sweat. Even with both screens in constant use, I never felt like the unusual setup was dragging performance down.
Creative workloads are where the Duo really comes into its own. Photoshop is fantastic on those colour-accurate OLED panels, but Premiere Pro is where the dual-screen setup really shines. I could keep my timeline on one display and move the preview, effects and other panels to the second. It genuinely feels like a portable editing workstation.
Performance holds up well too. Scrubbing through 4K 60fps footage with multiple effects and elements on the timeline was smooth, without any major hiccups. Thermals are equally well controlled, with the laptop staying comfortable during everyday use and heavier workloads.
Gaming, however, isn't its forte. Lighter titles are perfectly manageable, but the lack of discrete graphics rules out serious AAA gaming. GeForce NOW offers a neat workaround if you have a fast enough connection, particularly given those 3K 144Hz OLED displays.
On the software side, you get Windows 11 Home with Copilot+ features such as Recall, Live Captions and Windows Studio Effects. ScreenXpert makes managing apps across both displays much easier, while MyASUS handles updates, diagnostics and performance settings.
My main gripe is the bloatware. McAfee LiveSafe, Adobe offers and other bundled apps simply shouldn't be cluttering up a laptop costing nearly ₹2.8 lakh.
<h2>Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) Review: Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
Two 3K OLED displays running at up to 144Hz sounds like a recipe for terrible battery life. Thankfully, the Zenbook Duo surprised me here.
Asus has squeezed in a huge 99Wh battery, up considerably from the 75Wh unit in the previous generation. With medium to heavy usage and both displays regularly active, I consistently managed around 7 to 8 hours on a single charge.
That was enough for me to comfortably use the Duo as my primary work machine without constantly worrying about finding a power socket. For a laptop built around portable dual-screen productivity, that matters quite a bit.
The bundled 100W USB-C adapter handles charging, with a complete top-up taking around 90 to 95 minutes in my testing.
Given that it is powering two high-resolution OLED panels, the battery life Asus has managed here is genuinely impressive.
<h2>Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) Review: Verdict</h2>
At ₹2,78,990, there&rsquo;s no pretending the Zenbook Duo is affordable. But with laptop prices going slightly bonkers lately, that figure doesn&rsquo;t feel quite as outrageous once you consider what Asus is offering.
You&rsquo;re getting two excellent 14-inch 3K 144Hz OLED displays, strong performance, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, solid build quality and a massive 99Wh battery. More importantly, the second screen actually changes how you work. I quickly got used to spreading research and documents across both displays or turning Premiere Pro into a genuinely useful dual-screen workspace.
There are compromises. At 1.65kg, it isn&rsquo;t particularly light, there&rsquo;s no discrete GPU, and the bundled bloatware feels especially unnecessary at this price.
Still, few laptops make me excited about experimenting with the form factor anymore. The Zenbook Duo does. It&rsquo;s expensive and definitely not for everyone, but for serious multitaskers who work on the move, this is one of the most interesting laptops you can buy.

Tech

Our Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro review tests its rugged build, 5,200mAh battery, 120Hz display, Helio G81 performance, cameras, AI features and charging.

Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro Review: Rugged Build, Battery Life & Performance

A rugged build, 5,200mAh battery and useful AI features make the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro an interesting budget phone. Here’s how it performs in daily use.

Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro Review: Rugged Build Meets Everyday Essentials

The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro offers a rugged build, dependable battery life and useful AI features, but its basic cameras, slow charging and lack of 5G limit its appeal.

Finding a value-for-money, no-nonsense budget phone these days feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. With recent market price hikes, most companies have quietly stripped away basic essentials just to protect their bottom line. So, when the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro landed on my desk with a starting price of Rs.15,999, I was genuinely curious to see what Tecno had managed to pull off.
Rather than chasing pointless gimmicks or pretending to be a specification beast at its price, this phone focuses on surviving actual, messy daily life. I swapped my primary SIM into this handset for a full week, taking it through crowded commutes and endless calls, to see if it genuinely earns your money. Here is my breakdown of how it actually held up.
<h2>Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
Opening the box threw me off in the best way possible. Right next to the 10W brick, a Type-C to Type-C cable, and the SIM ejector pin, Tecno has packed in a pair of wired Type-C earphones. They will not blow you away with deep bass or crazy volume, but with the retro trend of people ditching wireless buds and going back to wired earphones, seeing them included in the box earns Tecno some massive brownie points.
Pick the phone up, and it becomes obvious where <a title="Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Review: The case for bigger batteries in slim phones" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/tecno-pova-curve-2-5g-review-the-case-for-bigger-batteries-in-slim-phones-1771573690938" target="_blank">Tecno</a> is drawing its inspiration from. Still, I think it looks sharp. The all-plastic rear has a neat matte texture that stayed fairly clean on my Eclipse Black unit, though you can also get it in Burgundy Red, Sunrise Orange, or Mist Silver. The real smudge magnet is the large rectangular camera island housing the lens and IR blaster, which has a glossy finish that picks up grease instantly.
The button placement feels natural. On the right, you get the volume keys and the power button, which also doubles as a snappy fingerprint scanner. Both offer good, tactile feedback. The left side houses the SIM tray with a dedicated microSD slot, while the bottom houses the Type-C port, microphone, and main speaker.
Tecno has also thrown in a second speaker on the top edge. Getting a genuine stereo speaker setup in this price tier is rare these days, especially after the recent market price hikes. Honestly, they sounded pretty loud and packed enough bass that I was not even expecting from a phone at this price.
The phone feels huge in hand, but at just 194g, the weight distribution is definitely balanced.
Where the phone truly shines is build toughness. This is the segment&rsquo;s first phone to come with IP69 and IP68 water and dust resistance, along with an SGS drop-resistance certification. With new budget rivals from brands such as Boltt entering the market, this rugged setup gives Tecno a massive edge. I did not toss it into an ocean or smash it onto concrete, but after handling it daily on my desk and during rough commutes, the chassis feels solid, dense, and built to survive accidental abuse.
<h2>Display</h2>
I spent a lot of time testing the 6.79-inch IPS LCD display. Right out of the gate, you cannot miss the chunky bezels. That bottom chin, in particular, stands out quite a bit, so every time I put on a film or a video clip, I was instantly reminded of the entry-level price tag. Still, I was really relieved that Tecno picked a modern centre punch-hole cutout for the front camera instead of sticking us with that tired old waterdrop notch.
Watching content felt fine for what the phone costs. Colours pop well enough on YouTube, and skin tones do not look overly washed out. You do not get HDR on YouTube, so, obviously, Netflix HDR is out of the picture too, but honestly, nobody expects that here. My main gripe came down to overall sharpness. Stretching an HD+ resolution (720 x 1526 pixels) across a huge 6.78-inch frame drops clarity down to about 260 PPI. Whenever I spent time reading long tech write-ups or news threads on Chrome, the edges around text felt noticeably soft and fuzzy.
Tecno claims a 120Hz refresh rate on paper. In my daily use, though, the UI mostly sat locked around 90Hz while jumping through apps and the home menu. Only a handful of screens ever pushed the 120Hz smoothness. That said, I did not run into any weird jitter, so simple feed scrolling still felt fluid enough under the thumb.
Outdoor legibility was where I struggled the most. The screen tops out at 580 nits in high-brightness mode. Sitting in my room or walking around under decent shade, visibility was never an issue. Step out under direct, blazing noon sun, though, and I found myself cupping my palm over the panel just to see directions on Maps or reply to a text. It gets the job done for casual indoor browsing, but you will definitely feel the pinch on bright, sunny days.
<h2>Camera</h2>
Let us be real here: you do not buy a phone at this price expecting extraordinary photo quality. The 13MP rear sensor on the Spark Go 3 Pro performs right in line with expectations. While numbers alone rarely show how a camera actually shoots, here, the 13MP tag tells you most of what you need to know.
During my outdoor daytime walks, it captured perfectly usable photos. Colours looked pleasant enough, and the shots work fine for quick Instagram Stories or snapping bills and documents. That said, if you are looking for crisp sharpness, rich dynamic range, or accurate skin tones, this setup will not wow you. Once the sun set, it really struggled. Streetlights suffered from heavy light bleeding, and darker areas quickly dissolved into soft, noisy patches.
The 8MP front camera gave me clear enough video calls on WhatsApp and decent quick selfies in bright rooms, but it stays strictly basic.
On the video side, both lenses let you record at up to 2K at 30fps. Standing still, it produces clear enough clips, but without proper stabilisation, any step you take turns the footage shaky.
At the end of the day, having wild expectations here would be unfair. It covers the bare essentials, and for the money, that is totally fine.
<h2>Performance</h2>
Tecno went with the MediaTek Helio G81 processor here. My review unit came with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of internal storage, though there is a 128GB option floating around too. Tecno loves to slap a &ldquo;12GB RAM&rdquo; badge on its marketing, but you should know that 8GB of that is through virtual memory pulled from your storage. At its core, it is a 4GB RAM phone.
I ran both AnTuTu and Geekbench straight away. The scores were fairly basic, around 3 lakhs on Antutu, exactly what I expected from a chip in this bracket. Despite the low score, what actually surprised me was how smooth the phone felt in day-to-day use. Basic apps opened without long, painful loading pauses. I could jump between WhatsApp, my browser tabs, and YouTube without the system randomly choking or killing apps in the background.
Obviously, you are not buying a budget phone to play competitive titles. Casual games runs fine without hiccups. To see how much it could take, I downloaded BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile. Both titles were surprisingly playable for the first 10 or 15 minutes. Once I crossed the 20-minute mark, though, the phone started getting warm around the camera island, and frame drops had an impact on the gaming performance.
For everyday chores, scrolling through feeds, and light use, the overall speed works just fine.
<h2>Software, UI/UX &amp; AI Features</h2>
The phone runs on Tecno&rsquo;s HiOS based on Android 16, and right after setting it up, the heavy iPhone influence is hard to miss. From the lock-screen font styles and wallpapers to the text-selection pop-ups and translucent blur effects, it feels unmistakably<a title="iPhone 17 Review: Why the entry iPhone is now the one to get" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/iphone-17-review-why-the-entry-iphone-is-now-the-one-to-get-1759225187581" target="_blank"> iOS</a>-like. Still, navigating through the menus felt clean.
As you would expect in this price bracket, there are several pre-installed bloatware apps you will have to manually clean up. My bigger concern is software longevity. Tecno offers two years of security patches, but there&rsquo;s no word about any major Android OS upgrades. If you plan on holding on to this phone for three or four years and want fresh Android versions, that is something worth checking out.
What really caught me off guard was the AI toolset. A couple of years ago, most of these tricks were reserved for expensive flagships, so seeing them on a budget device is great. The Tecno AI suite gives you quick writing tools, AI caption generation, and contextual text suggestions. You also get Circle to Search and Google Gemini baked right in, which made looking up on-screen text and images quick and seamless.
Add in the AI noise cancellation that cleans up background traffic noise on regular calls, and the software offers far more practical daily utility than most rivals in this segment. But do not forget: it is a 4G phone.
<h2>Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
Battery life was easily my favourite part of using this phone. Sure, it does not touch the massive 7,000mAh packs we are starting to see floating around, but 5,200mAh is still huge for a phone this affordable.
With my normal mix of scrolling, YouTube streaming, and WhatsApp calls, it easily got me through an entire day without breaking a sweat. On lighter days, I even had enough juice left to carry over into the next morning. Now, if your screen time regularly crosses seven to eight hours, you will definitely be reaching for a plug before hitting the bed, but I never had to worry about it dying on me during my daily commute.
What really tested my patience was the charging speed. Tecno gives you a basic 10W charger in the box, and it is painfully slow. Juicing this big battery all the way from dead flat to 100 per cent took me nearly three hours. You basically have to plug it in overnight because quick daytime top-ups are out of the question.
That said, I am just glad Tecno actually gave us a power adapter in the box instead of making us buy one separately like the bigger brands do now. At this price, you cannot complain too much.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
Living with the Spark Go 3 Pro for a week made one thing clear to me: you have to judge it for what it is, not what it is not. No, you will not be running heavy tournament matches on it, and the missing 5G tag might bother spec nerds.
Yet, for anyone pinching pennies, the trade-offs feel totally fair. Having real IP68 and IP69 certification at this price point is wild, and the battery simply refuses to die on a normal workday. I see this fitting right into the hands of college kids managing tight monthly allowances, folks stepping into Android for the first time, or even as a simple, durable gift for elderly parents who just need WhatsApp, YouTube, and loud calls. At Rs.15,999, it does the everyday basics surprisingly well.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE first impressions: Explore its design, display, Exynos 2500 performance, cameras, battery, and software before the full review.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: A Worthy Upgrade?

The Galaxy S26 FE brings Exynos 2500 performance, a versatile camera setup, 45W charging, and seven years of updates. Here’s what stands out so far.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: Promising, But Pricing Matters

Samsung&rsquo;s Galaxy S26 FE brings better performance, premium build, versatile cameras, and longer software support, but familiar hardware and pricing will determine whether it delivers compelling value.

The Galaxy S26 FE has a tough act to follow. Last year&rsquo;s Galaxy S25 FE was a big hit in India, winning over enthusiasts while also delivering strong sales for Samsung.
And that really is the appeal of the FE series. For Samsung fans who want the Galaxy S experience without paying flagship prices, these phones have traditionally offered a pretty compelling middle ground. You get a lot of what makes the premium S series desirable, but at a more accessible price.
The smartphone market, however, looks very different today. Rising RAM and storage costs have pushed prices up, and outside the premium segment, we&rsquo;re increasingly seeing phones that struggle to justify what they cost.
So, can the Galaxy S26 FE still make the FE formula work in this market? I&rsquo;ve spent some time with it, and here are my initial impressions.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: Design</h2>
The Galaxy S26 FE doesn&rsquo;t stray too far from Samsung&rsquo;s familiar design language. The overall shape remains largely unchanged, but the rear cameras now sit together on a raised island instead of using three separate camera rings.
My review unit is the Pistachio variant, which I find the most interesting of the three available colours, with Blueberry and Graphite being the other options. Samsung has switched to a glossy finish this year, and while it looks premium, I personally preferred the subtler matte finish on the <a title="Vivo X200 FE vs Oppo Reno 14 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: The ultimate camera test" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/vivo-x200-fe-vs-reno-14-pro-vs-s25-fe-the-ultimate-camera-test-1759300685064" target="_blank">S25 FE</a>. The glossy back also picks up fingerprints quite easily.
Build quality, however, remains excellent. The phone uses an aluminium alloy frame, gets Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Overall, it feels sturdy and appropriately premium in the hand.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: Display</h2>
The Galaxy S26 FE gets a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed peak brightness of 1,900 nits.
As you would expect from <a title="Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Samsung&rsquo;s Small Foldable Makes a Big Impression" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/samsung-galaxy-z-flip8-review-samsung-s-small-foldable-makes-a-big-impression-1787741847511" target="_blank">Samsung</a>, the panel looks great. Colours are vibrant, contrast levels are excellent, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smooth. It also gets bright enough to remain comfortably visible outdoors.
The problem is that there isn't much here that feels new. It is very similar to the S25 FE's display, right down to the slightly uneven bezels and thicker chin. You also don't get the broader adaptive refresh rate range found on Samsung's LTPO flagship displays, with the S26 FE switching between 60Hz and 120Hz instead.
It's an excellent display overall, but certainly not a meaningful generational upgrade.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: Performance</h2>
Performance is one area where the Galaxy S26 FE gets a more substantial upgrade. Samsung has equipped the phone with the Exynos 2500, paired with 8GB of RAM.
So far, the experience has been quite good. The S26 FE feels snappy in everyday use, apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and I haven't noticed any major slowdowns or stutters.
Samsung has also added a fairly large 5,526mm&sup2; vapour chamber, which should help with thermals during longer gaming sessions and other demanding workloads. I'll be testing that more extensively for the full review.
That said, the Exynos 2500 isn't Samsung's most powerful chipset, while 8GB of RAM feels a little modest for a near-flagship phone in 2026. Even so, there's a clear performance improvement over the Galaxy S25 FE, and the initial experience has been promising.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: Cameras</h2>
Samsung is putting a lot of emphasis on the Galaxy S26 FE&rsquo;s cameras, with photography taking centre stage, followed by video and portrait capabilities.
The actual camera hardware, however, hasn&rsquo;t changed much. You still get a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.
Based on my initial testing, the main camera is easily the strongest of the three. It captures plenty of detail, handles dynamic range well and delivers the vibrant colour processing we&rsquo;ve come to expect from Samsung. The ultrawide also performs well in good lighting, while the dedicated 3x telephoto gives you more flexibility than phones that depend entirely on digital zoom.
Samsung is also focusing heavily on low-light photography this year, backed by its computational photography and AI processing.
Still, I would have liked to see some meaningful hardware upgrades. The 8MP telephoto, in particular, is starting to feel dated, especially in low light. I&rsquo;ll be testing all three cameras much more extensively for the full review.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: Software, Features and AI</h2>
Software is perhaps where the Galaxy S26 FE comes closest to delivering on Samsung&rsquo;s promise of bringing the flagship Galaxy experience to a more accessible phone.
It ships with Android 17 and One UI 9 out of the box, along with several features that have trickled down from Samsung&rsquo;s more expensive devices.
One of the more interesting additions is My FanCam, which we recently saw on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. You also get AI-powered features such as Audio Eraser, along with productivity tools including DocuSign integration.
There&rsquo;s Digital Car Key support for compatible vehicles from select manufacturers, wireless charging, and access to Samsung&rsquo;s wider suite of Galaxy AI features.
More importantly, Samsung is promising seven years of major OS upgrades. If you tend to hold on to your phones for several years, that level of long-term software support remains a major advantage for the Galaxy S26 FE.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26 FE First Impressions: Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
The Galaxy S26 FE comes with a 4,900mAh battery, but the bigger upgrade this year is support for 45W wired charging.
Samsung says the phone can go from empty to around 70 per cent in 30 minutes, which is a welcome improvement over the relatively slow charging speeds we&rsquo;ve seen on several Galaxy phones in the past.
As for endurance, my initial experience has been promising so far. However, I&rsquo;ll need considerably more time with the S26 FE before drawing any conclusions about its real-world battery life.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Early Impressions: Promising, But Pricing Will Be Crucial</h2>
The Galaxy S26 FE sticks closely to the formula that has worked well for Samsung, while making a few meaningful upgrades where they matter.
Performance is better, build quality remains premium, the display is excellent, and the cameras offer plenty of versatility. You also get several flagship-level AI features and Samsung&rsquo;s excellent long-term software support. At the same time, quite a bit of the hardware feels familiar, particularly the display and camera setup.
That makes the price incredibly important.
On paper, the Galaxy S26 FE still looks like a compelling entry point into Samsung&rsquo;s premium ecosystem. But with smartphone prices climbing across the board, simply being a good phone isn&rsquo;t enough anymore. It also needs to offer good value.
Whether the Galaxy S26 FE manages to strike that balance is something I&rsquo;ll explore in the full review.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 review: A lighter design, excellent displays, useful FlexWindow and solid battery life make this Samsung’s most polished clamshell yet.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Samsung’s Best Clamshell Foldable Gets Even Better

<h3>The Galaxy Z Flip8 is slimmer, lighter and more useful than ever, with excellent displays and solid battery life, though slow charging and performance throttling remain compromises.</h3>

Samsung&rsquo;s Flip phones have traditionally been the easier entry point into foldables. Instead of chasing the tablet-like experience of the Fold series, they took a familiar smartphone and made it smaller, more pocketable and considerably more fun.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 is perhaps the best execution of that idea so far. It is slimmer and lighter, packs more powerful hardware, and its FlexWindow has become useful enough that I could handle several everyday tasks without unfolding the phone.
But Samsung has complicated matters this year.
The new Galaxy Z Fold8 adopts a much more compact passport-style design, making the Fold experience considerably easier to live with. Having used both, the gap between Samsung&rsquo;s two foldable philosophies suddenly doesn&rsquo;t feel quite as wide.
That leaves the Flip8 facing an unusual question. It might be Samsung&rsquo;s most polished clamshell yet, but with the Fold8 stealing some of its compactness advantage, is the Flip still the more appealing foldable?
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Design</h2>
There is very little about the Galaxy Z Flip8 that immediately separates it from its predecessor. Samsung has largely retained the same clamshell aesthetic, so the improvements here are less about how the phone looks and more about how it feels once you start using it.
Weight makes the biggest difference. The Flip8 comes in at 180 grams, compared to 188 grams for the Flip7, while its unfolded thickness has dropped to 6.1mm. Close it and you&rsquo;re looking at 13.1mm. Individually, these changes sound fairly modest, but together they make the phone noticeably more comfortable to carry. I especially appreciated the reduced heft when using it one-handed, while its compact footprint makes slipping it into a pocket remarkably easy.
The Armour FlexHinge has been improved too. When folded, both sides meet cleanly without leaving a gap, and the mechanism itself has a reassuring amount of resistance. It stays firmly in position at different angles, which makes Flex Mode particularly handy for taking photos, joining video calls or simply propping the phone up for a video.
Samsung has also continued its assault on the infamous foldable crease. It hasn&rsquo;t disappeared entirely, but it is now subtle enough that I stopped paying attention to it fairly quickly. You&rsquo;ll still spot it with the display switched off or under certain lighting, and your finger can detect it when scrolling across the centre.
Materials remain suitably premium. The frame uses Armour Aluminium, the exterior gets Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and IP48 protection provides some reassurance against dust and water. My Pink review unit also hid fingerprints surprisingly well, with Mint, Graphite and Cream completing the colour choices.
The side-mounted fingerprint scanner remains quick and conveniently placed. Connectivity covers USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC and eSIM.
It may look familiar, but the Flip8&rsquo;s physical refinements make a meaningful difference where it counts.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Displays</h2>
The FlexWindow has gradually evolved from a glorified notification panel into an important part of the Flip experience. On the Flip8, it measures 4.1 inches and uses a Super AMOLED panel with a 948 x 1048 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. It is sharp, fluid and bright enough to remain perfectly usable outdoors.
More importantly, there&rsquo;s now plenty you can do without opening the phone. Notifications, quick settings, calendar appointments, weather updates, Now Brief and music controls are all accessible here, while Gemini works directly from the cover display. I frequently used the FlexWindow for quick replies, navigation and controlling music, although some apps still struggle to adapt properly to its unusual dimensions.
Open the Flip8 and you&rsquo;re greeted by a much more conventional 6.9-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. It has a 1080 x 2520 resolution and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz.
As expected from a Samsung flagship, there&rsquo;s very little to complain about. Colours look rich, contrast is excellent, HDR10+ content has plenty of impact, and visibility remains strong under bright sunlight. The elongated 21:9 format also works particularly well for reading and endlessly scrolling through social media.
Flex Mode adds another dimension by splitting supported apps between content and controls across the two halves. Interestingly, Samsung&rsquo;s passport-style Galaxy Z Fold8 doesn&rsquo;t offer the same feature. The crease, meanwhile, becomes surprisingly easy to overlook once the display is showing content.
Stereo speakers complement the screens nicely, offering good volume, clear vocals and respectable separation. Dolby Atmos broadens the presentation slightly, although bass remains limited.
Neither display needed a dramatic overhaul, and Samsung wisely hasn&rsquo;t forced one.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Performance</h2>
Samsung has equipped the Indian Galaxy Z Flip8 with its new Exynos 2600, a flagship chipset built on the 2nm process. It is accompanied by 12GB of RAM, with either 256GB or 512GB of speedy UFS 4.0 storage.
There&rsquo;s certainly no shortage of raw performance. The Flip8 managed 2,727,135 points in AnTuTu, while Geekbench 6 produced scores of 3,080 and 10,668 in the single and multi-core tests respectively. Away from benchmarks, that translates into a suitably slick experience. One UI runs smoothly, apps are quick to open and juggling multiple applications doesn&rsquo;t cause any noticeable slowdown.
The more revealing result comes from 3DMark&rsquo;s Wild Life Extreme Stress Test. Its strongest loop reached 7,094, but that figure eventually fell to 2,813, giving the Flip8 a stability score of only 39.6 per cent. In other words, peak GPU performance drops considerably once the phone is pushed continuously.
That&rsquo;s hardly surprising given the hardware Samsung is working with. When unfolded, the Flip8 is just 6.1mm thick, leaving precious little room for an extensive cooling solution. Throttling becomes necessary once enough heat builds up.
In practice, however, I didn&rsquo;t find this particularly troublesome. Games ran well, everyday performance remained consistently responsive, and those benchmark limitations rarely surfaced during normal usage.
The Flip8 isn&rsquo;t the phone I&rsquo;d choose for hours of sustained gaming or demanding workloads. But for its intended audience, there&rsquo;s easily enough performance here to deliver a flagship experience.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Software</h2>
The Galaxy Z Flip8 ships with One UI 9 on top of Android 17, bringing Samsung&rsquo;s familiar combination of extensive features and deep customisation. The interface remains easy enough to navigate despite everything packed into it, while Samsung&rsquo;s long software support gives the Flip8 another advantage for long-term ownership.
But One UI becomes far more interesting when you start using the FlexWindow. Straight out of the box, the cover screen handles notifications and offers widgets for weather, calendar, music and Now Brief. Gemini is available here as well, so simple questions and tasks can be handled without opening the phone.
Unfortunately, Samsung still doesn&rsquo;t let you freely run regular apps on the FlexWindow by default.
To do that, I had to download Good Lock from the Galaxy Store, install the MultiStar module, and then choose apps through its Launcher widget. None of this is particularly difficult, but it feels needlessly complicated for such an important part of the Flip experience. It&rsquo;s also something I&rsquo;ve complained about with previous generations, so seeing the same restriction again is frustrating.
Go through the setup, though, and the FlexWindow becomes significantly more useful. I could reply on WhatsApp, follow directions through Google Maps, browse Spotify and access several other apps without unfolding the Flip8. Not everything scales neatly to the compact display, but having that freedom makes a huge difference.
Galaxy AI adds the usual collection of photo editing, writing and translation features, alongside Now Brief.
One UI 9 is excellent overall. It&rsquo;s just baffling that Samsung still keeps the FlexWindow&rsquo;s best functionality tucked behind additional software.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Cameras</h2>
Camera hardware isn&rsquo;t where Samsung has spent its upgrade budget this year. The Galaxy Z Flip8 carries forward a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera with OIS, accompanied by a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide and a 10MP selfie camera on the folding display.
Thankfully, the 50MP main camera remains dependable. In good light, it captures plenty of fine detail, handles highlights and shadows well, and delivers the saturated colours typically associated with Samsung&rsquo;s processing. Skin tones are handled naturally, while portrait mode produces convincing separation around subjects. Without a dedicated telephoto, the 2x crop becomes the only option for getting closer, and the results hold up surprisingly well.
Low-light performance is respectable too, although darker scenes expose some of the hardware&rsquo;s limitations. Fine textures become softer and noise starts creeping into shadow areas.
The ultrawide follows a similar pattern. Daylight results are good, with colour tuning that remains fairly close to the primary camera. Once lighting deteriorates, however, detail takes a more noticeable hit. Autofocus would have made this camera considerably more versatile as well.
Where the Flip8 gets genuinely interesting is how you can use these cameras. I particularly like turning the FlexWindow into a viewfinder and shooting selfies with the 50MP primary instead of relying on the 10MP inner camera. The improvement in quality is substantial.
Flex Mode effectively provides a built-in tripod for hands-free shots, while Camcorder Grip offers a dedicated Zoom Rocker. Super Steady&rsquo;s Horizontal Lock also helps keep moving footage level.
The sensors may be unchanged, but few conventional phones can match the Flip8&rsquo;s sheer shooting flexibility.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Battery Life and Charging</h2>
The Galaxy Z Flip8 retains the same 4,300mAh battery as the Flip7, which seems rather small by modern flagship standards. However, the efficiency gains from the 2nm Exynos 2600 help Samsung make surprisingly good use of that limited capacity.
With WhatsApp, social media, photography, YouTube, music streaming and occasional navigation thrown into the mix, I could comfortably make it through a working day. Most days ended with enough charge remaining that an evening top-up wasn&rsquo;t necessary.
Charging is where the Flip8 feels decidedly behind the curve. Wired speeds remain capped at 25W, with a full charge taking just over an hour during testing. You also get 15W wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare.
I would certainly prefer faster charging, but dependable all-day endurance is ultimately the more important win for a compact foldable.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: Verdict</h2>
The Galaxy Z Flip8 isn&rsquo;t trying to reinvent Samsung&rsquo;s clamshell. Instead, almost every improvement is aimed at making an already successful formula better to use.
The slimmer, lighter body makes it more pocketable, both displays are excellent, performance is suitably flagship-grade, and battery life reliably lasts through the day. Its folding design also continues to give the familiar camera hardware capabilities that conventional phones simply cannot offer.
I particularly enjoyed using the FlexWindow, although requiring Good Lock and MultiStar to unlock regular apps still feels unnecessarily cumbersome.
At ₹1,24,999 for 12GB + 256GB and ₹1,44,999 for 512GB, the Flip8 is undeniably expensive. The 25W charging and performance throttling also leave room for improvement.
Its toughest competition, however, comes from the excellent Galaxy Z Fold8. But for anyone specifically looking for a compact clamshell foldable, the Flip8 remains Samsung&rsquo;s most accomplished effort yet.

Realme P4s 5G review: We test its 8,000mAh battery, 144Hz 1.5K AMOLED display, Dimensity 7400 Ultra, HyperVision+ gaming and 80W charging.

Realme P4s 5G Review: 8,000mAh Battery, 144Hz Display and AI Gaming Tested

The Realme P4s 5G packs an 8,000mAh battery, 144Hz AMOLED display, Dimensity 7400 Ultra and HyperVision+ AI gaming. Here’s how it performs in real-world use.

Realme P4s 5G Review: Big Battery, Smooth Gaming and Serious Value

The Realme P4s 5G combines an 8,000mAh battery, 144Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras and AI-assisted gaming, making it a well-rounded mid-range phone with only a few compromises.

Figuring out India's mid-range smartphone space in 2026 feels more complicated than ever. With prices shifting constantly and recent devices pushing entry-level specs under mid-tier price tags, pinning down genuine value is tough.
The Realme P4s 5G looks to break away from that frustrating pattern, offering a compelling set of internals starting at ₹34,999 for the base model. Instead of just offering minor tweaks over the previous P3 lineup, Realme loaded this handset with a colossal 8,000mAh Titan battery, a sharp 144Hz 1.5K Samsung AMOLED screen, and a custom Hyper Vision+ AI display processor running alongside the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra.
I daily-drove the Titanium Grey edition for a full seven days before launch to see how it actually holds up in real life.
<h2>Realme P4s 5G Review: Unboxing and Design</h2>
Unboxing the Realme P4s brought an immediate sense of relief when I saw the complete 80W charging brick tucked inside the package. Given how soaring hardware prices have pushed companies to trim retail contents, getting a full-speed adapter is no longer guaranteed. Brands like iQOO dropped the <a title="iQOO Z11 Review: A Balanced Mid-Range Powerhouse" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/iqoo-z11-review-a-balanced-mid-range-powerhouse-1787209803814" target="_blank">Z11</a> down to 44W after shipping a 90W charger on the older model, so I appreciate that Realme did not cut corners. Alongside the phone and 80W brick, the packaging includes an 8A Type-C cord, a standard transparent TPU sleeve, and a SIM ejector.
Holding the Titanium Grey variant, the styling heavily mirrors the <a title="Realme P4 Power 5G Review:29 Hours later, it still wouldn&rsquo;t die" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/realme-p4-power-5g-review-29-hours-later-it-still-wouldn-t-die-1769672775457" target="_blank">Realme P4 Power</a>. What sets it apart visually are the orange highlights on the power button and a matching orange plate bearing "VOOC" right beside the rear camera module. That square camera deck features two working sensors, a flash, an IR blaster, and an extra cosmetic lens added purely for visual balance. It looks great initially, but the glossy rear surface attracts oily fingerprints the second you pick it up. Keeping the provided cover on is virtually mandatory if you dislike constant smudging.
Button and port placement remains familiar. The right spine houses a tactile power switch and volume rocker. The base contains the dual-SIM slot, USB Type-C port, main mic, and speaker vents, while the top edge holds the second speaker and another mic. The left frame is bare. Media playback through the stereo pair delivers solid volume, even if low-end bass feels somewhat lean.
An 8.6mm thickness is fairly typical now that phone makers know how to pack massive cells tightly. What surprised me was the overall feel in hand. The spec sheet quotes 208g, yet the balance makes it feel way lighter than most 8,000mAh devices. When evaluating rivals like the Redmi Note 17 and Poco M8 Power with identical 8,000mAh capacities, both pushed past 225g. Realme definitely got the weight balance right.
Full IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings round out the chassis, giving you solid protection against heavy downpours and unexpected water dips.
<h2>Realme P4s 5G Review: Display</h2>
Dominating the front is a flat 6.78-inch Samsung 1.5K AMOLED screen shielded by AGC DT-Star D+ glass. Ditching curved glass in favor of a flat surface made typing with one hand and gaming free of accidental palm triggers far more practical. While the surrounding borders might not break industry records, they are noticeably slimmer than on most competitors in this price tier, letting you watch videos or scroll through long reads without visual distractions.
Realme opted for an LTPS panel here. General swiping and system animations stay smooth, with menus and popular apps hovering between 90Hz and 120Hz. The top-tier 144Hz refresh rate is not for the everyday interface; it is aimed directly at supported gaming titles like BGMI.
Video streaming on this display is genuinely enjoyable. The factory color profile avoids the cheap, oversaturated look, keeping tones realistic and natural. Streaming HDR content on Netflix and YouTube worked without hiccups, delivering deep shadows and crisp contrast during dark movie scenes.
Visibility outdoors never gave me trouble. While the screen lowers its output nicely for comfortable late-night reading, stepping out under bright afternoon sun showed off its real punch. With high brightness mode hitting 1,400 nits and local HDR highlights reaching up to 6,500 nits, reading maps and browsing text remained sharp with zero washed-out gray cast.
The in-screen optical fingerprint scanner proved snappy and dependable throughout my testing. Thanks to the phone's dimensions and thoughtful scanner placement slightly above the bottom chin, unlocking the screen felt completely natural without any awkward thumb gymnastics.
<h2>Realme P4s 5G Review: Camera</h2>
On the photography side, the Realme P4s 5G brings a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP front camera for selfies. Seeing a genuine ultra-wide shooter included here felt like a breath of fresh air. With several phone makers removing secondary lenses to save money and leaving buyers with a single usable camera, Realme deserves credit. The brand built its early reputation around delivering capable camera hardware on a sensible budget. I still rely on my <a title="Realme 14 Pro+ Review ft. Comparison with Poco X7 Pro!" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/realme-14-pro-review-ft-comparison-with-poco-x7-pro-1737041107332" target="_blank">Realme 14 Pro Plus</a> as a daily phone, and even after nearly eighteen months, it continues to take impressive photos for what it costs. After feeling let down by some recent launches, taking the P4s out for testing was a pleasant surprise.
The 50MP main sensor delivers great results in standard daylight shooting. Photos look sharp with plenty of resolved detail, well-controlled highlights, and wide dynamic range. The color processing leans slightly punchy and saturated, which works well if you prefer photos that look vibrant right away. The 8MP ultra-wide lens handles the essentials. It serves its purpose when you need to capture a broad scenery shot, though fine details soften up significantly in lower light.
Having a 16MP selfie shooter is another welcome inclusion over the disappointing 5MP or 8MP sensors rivals throw into budget phones. In daily use, however, my impressions were mixed. The front camera tends to smooth out facial textures aggressively, even with all beauty enhancements turned off. Selfies and portrait shots reproduce pleasant skin tones, but background separation proved inconsistent, sometimes smudging stray hair strands and collar lines. You do get portrait selfie support as well.
Video capture reaches up to 4K at 30fps on the rear camera and 1080p at 30fps on the front. Rear video looks detailed with punchy colors, though walking introduces minor jitters. The front camera shows even more movement while recording on the go, so keeping your hands steady is important.
<h2>Realme P4s 5G Review: Performance</h2>
Under the hood, the Realme P4s relies on the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra, a familiar 4nm processor seen across several devices lately. While it is not cutting-edge flagship silicon, Realme backed it with a custom HyperVision+ AI chip that leverages frame interpolation and software optimizations to lift the gaming experience.
My test device packed 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, with support for virtual memory expansion using the internal drive.
Synthetic tests reflect dependable mid-tier power. The phone hit 988,338 points in AnTuTu, alongside Geekbench results of 905 in single-core and 2,995 in multi-core. Thermal stability stood out during the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test, where it scored 99.7 percent consistency with high and low loops of 1,031 and 1,028.
Daily workloads run without hiccups. Flicking through social feeds, video conferencing, media streaming, and juggling multiple apps felt snappy from start to finish.
Mobile gaming is where the P4s shows its real value. In BGMI, which is natively locked to 90FPS, the phone held an average of 71 to 72FPS over a 30-minute run. Toggling the HyperVision+ chip activates frame interpolation, lifting visual delivery on screen to around 143 to 144FPS.
That boost translates to real visual fluidness you can immediately feel, especially when compared directly against competitors like the Vivo S2, iQOO Z11, or Infinix Note 60 Pro. It also lets you finally take advantage of the 144Hz panel during matches.
Heat control holds up admirably as well. The device gets slightly warm under load, but noticeable warmth only built up during back-to-back benchmark runs and after around 55 minutes of non-stop gaming, helped by the 7,000 sq. mm AirFlow VC cooling setup.
It might not break synthetic record boards, but mobile gamers will find a lot to like here.
<h2>Realme P4s 5G Review: Software and UI/UX &amp; AI Features</h2>
Setting up the Realme P4s 5G puts you on Realme UI 7.0 running atop Android 16, with Realme noting that phones will shift toward ColorOS as the year winds down. Let's be real, custom Android skins feel increasingly interchangeable these days since nearly every brand is borrowing from Apple's glossy, translucent style.
Even so, navigating this interface offers that familiar Realme touch: responsive, quick, and easy to figure out. App launches glide along nicely without attempting to reinvent anything drastic.
You will still spot pre-loaded apps, but the clutter is way better managed here. Rather than packing trashy arcade games that drag down the handset's vibe, the bundled apps are mostly mainstream social platforms or practical utilities, all easily removed in seconds. For pure daily stability and polish, Realme UI remains an easy recommendation, backed further by their 72-Month Smoothness promise.
The integrated AI features also proved genuinely practical instead of gimmicky. For drafting quick text, summarizing articles, and sorting daily notes, the productivity suite turned out to be a solid time-saver. Whether you are studying, working an office gig, or writing daily like I do, these tools deliver genuine convenience alongside steady security updates.
<h2>Realme P4s 5G Review: Battery and Charging</h2>
Fitting a massive 8,000mAh cell inside the Realme P4s 5G easily turns battery life into its most impressive feature. With my typical daily use, coasting through two straight days without plugging in was completely hassle-free. Light users who stick to quick messaging and casual web scrolling could easily stretch that runtime into a third morning.
To test its limits, I topped the battery up to 100 percent and subjected the device to a solid three-hour drain test, which included half an hour of gaming. Even after that sustained workload, the battery gauge stayed at 83 percent, proving just how power-efficient this setup is.
Replenishing the phone was just as dependable. Realme advertises a zero-to-full charge time of around 75 minutes, and my real-world testing with the included 80W brick landed right near that estimate. Having bypass charging built in was another great touch.
If you are sick of lugging power banks around, this phone solves that problem entirely
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
Instead of attempting drastic gimmicks, the Realme P4s 5G zeros in on solving daily annoyances that matter most to users. Packing an enormous 8,000mAh battery that avoids feeling heavy in hand, paired with a bright flat 1.5K screen and a dedicated AI gaming chip that truly leverages high frame rates, it delivers serious value for money.
It is not without small compromises: the glossy rear finish is a magnet for oily fingerprints, the front camera softens facial details too much, and there is no expandable microSD storage. Even so, if you care primarily about trouble-free two-day battery endurance, dependable daily software response, and sustained gaming without uncomfortable heating, the Realme P4s 5G is easy to stand behind.
In a confusing segment filled with underwhelming options, this is a sensible, well-rounded phone that delivers real substance.

The iQOO Z11 packs a Dimensity 7500 Turbo chip, 7,050mAh battery, 144Hz 1.5K AMOLED display and 50MP camera. Here’s our detailed review.

iQOO Z11 Review: Powerful Dimensity 7500 Turbo, 7,050mAh Battery and 1.5K AMOLED Display

With a huge 7,050mAh battery, Dimensity 7500 Turbo, 1.5K AMOLED display, capable cameras and impressive thermals, the iQOO Z11 makes a strong case in the mid-range segment.

iQOO Z11 Review: A Balanced Mid-Range Powerhouse

The iQOO Z11 delivers excellent battery life, cool and stable performance, a vibrant 1.5K AMOLED display and capable cameras, though slower charging, bloatware and limited 60 FPS gaming hold it back.

When the iQOO Z10 landed last year, it quickly became an easy phone to recommend to anyone on a tight budget. It focused on raw speed, offered ridiculously long battery life, and cost very little. But the market has moved relentlessly fast, and with the new Z11, iQOO is actively stepping out of that entry-level tier and into the proper mid-range ring.
Priced at ₹31,499 for the base 6 GB + 128 GB variant, that shift changes the game completely. Once you cross into this price bracket, buyers stop forgiving cheap plastics, washed-out displays, or sub-par cameras just because a device promises performance.
The Z11 arrives with a fresh chipset, a noticeably slimmer build, and huge battery numbers on paper, but stepping up in price means facing much stiffer competition. I spent the last week using it as my daily phone to see if it actually justifies the upgrade.
<h2>Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
Unboxing the iQOO Z11 brings an immediate reality check: nestled inside is a 44W FlashCharge adapter. That is a noticeable step down from the snappy 90W brick shipped with last year&rsquo;s Z10. The rest of the retail package is standard fare, including a USB Type-C cable, a SIM eject tool, and a clear TPU case. It looks like faster charging was sacrificed to keep the internal hardware affordable.
Pick the device up, though, and it immediately wins you back with its ergonomics. While massive batteries are practically becoming the standard across the segment, the Z11 actually dips slightly to a 7,050mAh cell compared to the massive 7,300mAh capacity inside its predecessor, the Z10. While that is a compromise of sorts, at least on paper, I am genuinely impressed by how slim and light it feels despite that hardware.&nbsp;
Measuring just 7.99mm thick and tipping the scales at 199g, the weight distribution is spot-on; it never feels like a bottom-heavy brick during extended gaming sessions or single-handed scrolling.
The Aurora Green unit that I have for review looks remarkably understated, swapping aggressive gamer accents for a clean, minimalist matte aesthetic. Indoors, it pulls off a calm sage-green tone, catching vibrant blue undertones under direct sunlight. The only downside is that the smooth back panel attracts smudges easily, so popping on the bundled case is practically a must. Also, if green isn&rsquo;t your vibe, iQOO also offers the device in sleeker Phantom Black and Lunar Silver colourways.
Around the back, the camera module gets a major structural redesign. The old circular dial of the Z10 is gone, replaced by a horizontal pill-shaped island clearly inspired by the Vivo X300 FE or the recently launched <a title="Vivo S2 Review: Massive Battery, Premium Design, Minimal Compromises" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/vivo-s2-review-massive-battery-premium-design-minimal-compromises-1786105671836" target="_blank">Vivo S2</a>. Alongside the dual lenses sits the flash, which also doubles as a mini dynamic light. It works fine as a soft fill light, though it lacks colour options, which makes it less exciting.
Rounding out the hardware is an IR blaster on top and genuinely balanced dual stereo speaker grilles at either end. As for durability, it gets IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings, and honestly, that is more than enough for most people.
<h2>Display</h2>
The very first time I turned the Z11 over, the curved glass threw me off a bit. Pretty much every handset landing on my desk these days rocks a flat slab, so seeing the curved panel on a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel felt slightly retro. I am usually the first person to complain about curved edges because of issues with false touches, but the taper here is subtle enough that I never dealt with annoying phantom touches while gaming or typing. The bezels are trim too, meaning the screen easily blends into the background whenever I fire up a movie.
iQOO talks up a 144Hz refresh rate on the spec sheet, but in real life, you will not see that figure running constantly. Since this is an LTPS screen rather than an LTPO unit, I noticed the system hopping mostly between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz depending on what I opened, saving the full 144Hz for just a few supported apps. Still, browsing my feeds, reading long documents, and navigating around the UI felt plenty responsive.
Streaming on this screen was easily one of my favourite parts of testing it. Out of the box, the colours look clean and grounded, avoiding that neon, oversaturated look you often get in this price bracket. Thanks to the 449 PPI density, text in PDFs stayed sharp, and HDR playback kicked in right away on Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, with solid shadow detail.
Outdoor visibility genuinely impressed me. Walking around under the brutal afternoon sun of Delhi&rsquo;s summers, the 2,000-nit High Brightness Mode and 3,000-nit local peak brightness meant I never had to squint or shield the glass with my hand just to read a text or pull up directions. Indoors, the auto-brightness handled dark rooms without blinding me.
I also liked the in-display optical fingerprint scanner. Instead of placing it right against the bottom edge, iQOO positioned it slightly higher, so I never had to stretch my thumb awkwardly to unlock the phone.
<h2>Camera</h2>
The <a title="iQOO Z11 Shows What Useful Smartphone AI Should Look Like" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/iqoo-z11-shows-what-useful-smartphone-ai-should-look-like-1786614402824" target="_blank">iQOO Z11</a> packs a dual-rear camera setup featuring a 50MP Sony main sensor with OIS paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens on the back. I usually associate iQOO with raw performance rather than photography, so the Z11 surprised me. Most brands in this budget have practically given up on multi-camera setups, ditching everything in favour of a single usable sensor. Seeing a functional ultra-wide lens alongside the main shooter here was a very welcome change.
Shooting outdoors during the day, the primary camera captures plenty of sharp detail. The colours lean slightly saturated at times, but I personally prefer that vibrant look straight out of the phone without needing extra edits. Highlights are handled well, and the dynamic range holds up nicely in bright sunlight.
The front camera is another solid win. Instead of tossing in a cheap 5MP or 8MP unit meant only for video calls, iQOO packed in a 32MP selfie shooter that actually delivers crisp, usable shots. You can also take portrait selfies with it. Speaking of portraits in general, the rear camera does a decent job with subject separation, though edge detection remains hit-or-miss. I noticed odd smoothing around stray hairs and clothing borders, which clearly needs some software tuning.
For video, having 4K recording at 30fps on both the front and rear cameras is a massive perk at this price point. The rear footage stays steady enough for casual clips, but the front camera lacks decent stabilisation, resulting in noticeable jitter if you try vlogging while walking.
Overall, while it is not a dedicated camera flagship, iQOO has clearly put genuine effort into the optics this time instead of treating them as an afterthought.
<h2>Performance</h2>
The iQOO Z11 runs on the new MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo. It is also one of the first phones in India to launch with this chipset. Day to day, it never felt sluggish or choked up. Opening apps was practically instantaneous, while UI transitions and jumping between half a dozen background tasks never triggered random app closures or stutters.
To see what the silicon could really do, I put it through a heavy run of benchmarks. On AnTuTu, my unit scored 1,103,367 points. Geekbench 6 posted 1,094 in single-core and 3,188 in multi-core, which comfortably edges out a good chunk of rival phones around this price. Over on 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, it logged a best loop score of 1,165 with 84.8% stability, while the CPU Throttling test held up at an impressive 94% of maximum performance.
Where the device genuinely surprised me was heat control. I fired up two back-to-back AnTuTu rounds, jumped straight into a pair of Geekbench runs without letting it rest, and then, after just ten minutes of downtime, pushed it through 3DMark before immediately loading the CPU throttling test. Even with that kind of abuse, the surface temperature never climbed past 38&deg;C. It warmed up gently, but I never felt an uncomfortable hot patch under my fingers.
Gaming told a very similar story. I threw both BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile at it. In BGMI, the frame rate hovered at a rock-steady 58.9 FPS on average, with 99.8% stability and roughly 3.24W of power consumption. Both games are stuck at 60 FPS for now, which honestly is a bit of a letdown since the chipset clearly has the muscle to push 90 FPS. Hopefully, iQOO pushes an update soon to unlock that headroom. Until then, you get smooth, locked-in 60 FPS gameplay paired with superb thermals.
<h2>Software, UI/UX &amp; AI Experience</h2>
Out of the box, the Z11 boots OriginOS 6.0 on top of Android 16. Swiping around the interface gave me that immediate, snappy responsiveness that you associate with iQOO phones. App launch animations are clean, moving between tasks feels light, and the UI never felt bogged down during my daily grind.
What really tested my patience, though, was the sheer pile of bloatware. I found myself staring at multiple random bubble-shooter games and redundant utility apps that nobody asked for. You can delete most of them manually, of course, but having to spend my first ten minutes unpicking spam from a brand-new handset always chips away at that new-phone excitement.
Once I stripped the junk away, the onboard AI tools ended up being surprisingly useful. iQOO skipped the usual marketing gimmicks and focused on features that actually help you get work done. The real-time webpage translation, quick voice-note summaries, and drafting aids inside the Notes app slotted right into my daily writing and editing routine. In fact, with great accuracy, you can also get a word-for-word transcription of a live, ongoing meeting. If you are balancing coursework or managing articles and drafts throughout the day, these shortcuts save genuine effort.
On the longevity front, iQOO promises three years of Android version updates alongside five years of security patches, backed by a 60-month smoothness guarantee. As long as you do not mind that initial clean-up chore, the software delivers a genuinely fast and dependable day-to-day experience.
<h2>Battery and Charging</h2>
The battery is easily my favourite part of using the Z11. That 7,050mAh cell inside is no joke; with regular use, I rarely had to think about plugging it in before the second night.
To see how far I could push it, I took it off the charger at 100% and put it through over three hours of non-stop torture, including multiple benchmark loops and a 30-minute gaming session. When I finally put it down, the battery was still sitting at 77%. Getting through that kind of punishment with three-quarters of the charge left tells you everything about its efficiency.
Topping it back up is just as drama-free. Plugging the bundled brick into a completely dead phone got me back to 100% in a little over an hour and ten minutes. Sure, it is not the fastest out there compared with some of the crazy high-wattage technologies available, but I never felt stuck waiting on it. Considering the battery is built for long-term health, taking roughly seventy minutes to deliver what can amount to two full days of usage feels like a totally fair trade.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
At ₹31,499, the iQOO Z11 steps out of the budget zone and into cut-throat territory, and mostly pulls it off. You lose the blazing 90W fast charging of its predecessor, and having to purge bloatware on day one remains annoying. Plus, mobile gamers will rightly gripe until iQOO unlocks 90 FPS support.
Yet, what you get in return makes a compelling case. The battery endurance is ridiculously good, the Dimensity 7500 Turbo runs remarkably cool under heavy loads, and the curved 1.5K display makes media consumption a treat. Add in dependable cameras, capable 4K front video, and solid IP68/IP69 protection, and the Z11 stops being just another spec-sheet brawler.
If you want a reliable daily driver that prioritises two-day battery life, snappy productivity tools, and balanced sustained performance, the Z11 is easy to recommend.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 review: A slimmer design, 5,000-nit display, Snapdragon Wear Elite and an 800mAh battery make this Samsung’s best Ultra yet.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Review: Samsung Finally Nails Its Ultra Smartwatch

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 brings a slimmer design, brighter display, bigger battery and stronger fitness features, making it Samsung&rsquo;s most complete smartwatch yet.

Samsung took two years to follow up the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, and that extra breathing room seems to have paid off. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 isn't a dramatic reinvention, but Samsung has made meaningful upgrades in almost every area that mattered on the original.
The familiar 47mm &lsquo;pizza in a box&rsquo; design, (Samsung calls it a cushion design) remains, but the watch is now thinner, gets a slightly larger and significantly brighter 5,000-nit AMOLED display, and switches from Samsung's Exynos silicon to Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset. More importantly, the battery has jumped from 590mAh to a massive 800mAh, addressing one of my biggest complaints with the first Ultra.
Samsung has also leaned harder into the 'Ultra' part of the name. You now get improved Trail Running features, proper diving support, turn-by-turn navigation, new health and recovery insights, and Gemini integration through Wear OS 7 and One UI Watch 9.
On paper, then, this is the Galaxy Watch Ultra Samsung probably wanted to make the first time around. But does it actually feel that way on the wrist after weeks of use?
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Review: Design</h2>
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 doesn't look dramatically different from its predecessor, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Samsung has retained the same chunky 47mm design, with a circular display sitting inside a squarish titanium frame. It is still a big watch, though, and with no smaller size available, people with slimmer wrists may find it a little overwhelming.
The biggest change is something you notice more on the wrist than in photographs. Samsung has reduced the thickness from 12.1mm to 10.7mm, which makes the Ultra2 feel noticeably less cumbersome. That's particularly impressive considering the battery has grown substantially. There is a very slight increase in weight, but it still is manageable at just a hair under 62 grams.
Build quality continues to be excellent. You get a Grade 4 titanium frame and sapphire crystal over the display, along with IP68, IP69K and 10ATM water resistance. There's MIL-STD-810H certification too, while the new EN13319 certification allows the Ultra2 to function as a dive computer down to 40 metres.
The familiar three-button arrangement returns, with the customisable Quick Button sitting between the Home and Back buttons. I still wish Samsung had given us a physical rotating bezel, especially for outdoor use. The touch bezel works reasonably well, but it simply isn't as precise or satisfying.
Samsung has also redesigned the strap, making it softer and lighter. Combined with the slimmer case, it makes a surprisingly big difference to comfort, especially when wearing the Ultra2 throughout the day and overnight.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Review: Display</h2>
The display gets one of the more noticeable upgrades this year. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 uses a slightly larger 1.52-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 498 x 498 resolution, up from the 1.47-inch, 480 x 480 display on the original Ultra. The difference in size and sharpness isn't something you'll immediately notice, but the increase in brightness certainly is.
Peak brightness has jumped from an already impressive 3,000 nits to a massive 5,000 nits. The original Ultra was never particularly difficult to read outdoors, but the Ultra2 takes visibility another step forward. Even under harsh sunlight, text, workout information and notifications remain exceptionally easy to read. That additional brightness should also prove useful underwater, particularly given Samsung's greater emphasis on diving this generation.
As before, the AMOLED panel itself is excellent. Colours are vibrant, blacks are properly deep, animations look crisp, and touch response is excellent. There's also an always-on display, although keeping it enabled naturally has an impact on battery life.
The display continues to be protected by sapphire crystal, while the slightly raised bezel provides some additional protection against accidental knocks and scrapes.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Review: Performance And Tracking</h2>
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 gets a major change under the hood, with Samsung ditching its Exynos chipset for Qualcomm's 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite. Paired with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, performance is excellent. Apps open quickly, animations remain fluid and moving between workouts, notifications and widgets feels consistently responsive. That said, the original Ultra was already pretty smooth, so the difference isn't transformative in everyday use.
Tracking is where the Ultra2 starts earning its name. Samsung's BioActive sensor handles heart rate, SpO2, ECG and body composition, while the watch also tracks HRV, skin temperature, stress and sleep. You also get newer metrics such as Daily Cardio Load, Fitness Index, Heart Health and Vitals, which use your accumulated data to provide a broader picture of recovery and overall fitness.
Workout tracking is equally comprehensive, with support for more than 100 activities and dual-frequency GPS. Heart-rate tracking appears particularly dependable.
Trail Running gets more attention this year. The Ultra2 can provide turn-by-turn route guidance, elevation information, pace suggestions and hydration reminders based on estimated sweat loss. Samsung has also expanded the diving functionality. The watch is certified to 40 metres and can measure depth and water temperature, with more advanced Mares-powered diving features arriving later.
Sleep tracking remains detailed, covering stages, blood oxygen, heart rate, respiratory rate and skin temperature. The sheer size of the Ultra2 still makes sleeping with it something of an acquired taste, but the lighter strap and thinner chassis make overnight tracking noticeably easier than before.
Automatic workout detection is useful for everyday walks and runs, while advanced running metrics provide detail for anyone interested in improving form.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Review: Software</h2>
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 runs One UI Watch 9 on top of Wear OS 7, and if you've used a recent Galaxy Watch, you'll feel right at home. Samsung hasn't dramatically changed how you navigate the interface, but everything feels polished, responsive and particularly well suited to the Ultra2's large display.
The bigger changes happen around the watch. Both Samsung Health and Galaxy Wearable have been redesigned, with cleaner layouts that make it easier to find health data, change watch faces and customise settings. Samsung Health remains particularly good at taking the enormous amount of information the Ultra2 collects and presenting it without becoming overwhelming.
Gemini is now integrated more deeply as well. You can use it to answer questions, send messages, set timers, create reminders or interact with supported apps. There's also a new raise-to-talk gesture, letting you lift your wrist and immediately speak to Gemini. It's a great idea, although reports suggest that activation can still be inconsistent.
Gesture controls go beyond Gemini. You can double-pinch to make selections, use a knocking gesture to launch an assigned app, or shake your wrist to dismiss calls and alarms.
The biggest advantage remains Wear OS itself. You get proper third-party apps including Spotify, Strava and Google Maps, alongside calls, messages, NFC payments and LTE connectivity without needing your phone nearby.
Samsung is also promising five years of major OS upgrades, giving the Ultra2 considerably more longevity than most people will realistically need from a smartwatch.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Review: Battery</h2>
Battery life was one of my biggest complaints with the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Samsung has addressed it properly this time. The Ultra2 packs a massive 800mAh battery, up from 590mAh, despite the watch itself becoming thinner.
That translates into noticeably better endurance. With the always-on display enabled, you can realistically expect close to three days of use, even with regular health tracking and a few GPS-enabled workouts thrown in. Turn the always-on display off, and four days of use is entirely achievable depending on how heavily you're using GPS and LTE.
That's a significant improvement over the roughly two-day endurance I experienced with the original Ultra, and it makes the Ultra2 considerably more practical for weekend trips, long treks or endurance activities where charging isn't always convenient.
Charging speed is a more mixed story. The Ultra2 introduces Samsung's first fast-charging support on a Galaxy Watch, with the company claiming up to 40% battery in 30 minutes. In practice, though, that improvement is hard to spot. A full charge from empty still takes around 90 minutes to two hours on the bundled 10W wireless puck.&nbsp;
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Review: Verdict</h2>
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 feels like the upgrade Samsung's original Ultra deserved. Waiting two years has allowed the company to make improvements that actually matter, rather than simply changing a few specifications and calling it a new generation.
The slimmer design makes it more comfortable, the 5,000-nit display is fantastic outdoors, and the Snapdragon Wear Elite keeps everything running smoothly. More importantly, the move from a 590mAh to an 800mAh battery addresses one of my biggest complaints with the original. Getting close to three days with the always-on display enabled makes a substantial difference to everyday usability.
Samsung has also strengthened the 'Ultra' proposition. Improved Trail Running, hydration guidance, dual-frequency GPS and proper diving support make this a considerably more capable adventure watch, while Samsung Health remains one of the most comprehensive health platforms available on Android.
There are still compromises. It's enormous, charging remains slow, there's still no physical rotating bezel, and some health features work best within Samsung's ecosystem.
But if you want a rugged Android smartwatch with excellent health tracking, proper Wear OS functionality and genuinely good multi-day endurance, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is easily Samsung's most complete smartwatch yet.

Samsung's latest foldables refine every aspect of the experience. Here's my first impression of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra & Z Flip 8: A More Mature Foldable Family

I spent time with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 in London. Here's how the redesigned foldables impressed me in my first hands-on.

<h3>Samsung's latest foldables refine every aspect of the experience. Here's my first impression of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8.</h3>

Samsung's foldable lineup feels more focused than it has in years. Instead of building three devices that largely chase the same audience, Samsung has given each of its latest foldables a clear purpose. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is positioned as the everyday entertainment device, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is aimed squarely at power users and creators, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 continues to refine the compact clamshell experience.
I had the opportunity to spend some time with all three devices ahead of their global debut at Galaxy Unpacked in London, and what stood out immediately wasn't any single specification. It was the level of refinement across the lineup. Every phone feels exceptionally well built, the redesigned hinge inspires far more confidence than before, and the crease has been reduced to the point where it quickly disappears from view during normal use.
None of these devices feels like a dramatic departure from its predecessor, but that's clearly not what Samsung was trying to achieve. Instead, this year's updates focus on improving the experience in ways you'll actually notice every day. Based on my first impressions, the company's latest foldables feel more polished, more purposeful and more complete than any generation before them.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 First Impressions: A New Form Factor</h2>
The Galaxy Z Fold series has traditionally been about pushing productivity on a smartphone, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like Samsung has shifted its priorities. After spending some time with it, I came away feeling that this is the Fold most people are likely to enjoy. Whether I was catching up on YouTube, reading long-form articles or simply browsing social media, the larger display made everything feel immersive without demanding that I constantly multitask.
That experience starts even before you unfold the device. Samsung has widened the 5.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Typing feels less cramped, replying to messages is easier, and I found myself using the outer screen far more often than I expected. The adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, 428ppi pixel density and Vision Booster ensure it remains sharp, fluid and easy to read outdoors.
Opening the phone reveals a stunning 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 403ppi pixel density and peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits. Samsung has also added a low-reflection coating, making the display comfortable to use even under bright lighting. More importantly, the crease is subtle enough that it quickly fades into the background, allowing the display to take centre stage.
Samsung has also refined the hardware in meaningful ways. At 201g, this is the lightest Galaxy Fold yet, making it noticeably easier to hold for longer sessions. The redesigned Armour FlexHinge feels reassuringly robust, while the Flex Titanium display structure gives the phone a reassuring sense of rigidity.
Power comes from Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, paired with up to 16GB of RAM, as much as 1TB of storage and a 4,800mAh battery supporting 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. The dual 50MP cameras also make clever use of the foldable form factor through features like Dual Recording and My FanCam, adding another layer of versatility to what already feels like Samsung's most approachable Fold yet.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra First Impressions: The Productivity Flagship</h2>
If there was one device that showcased just how far Samsung's foldable engineering has come, it was the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. While the standard Fold 8 feels tailored for entertainment, the Ultra is clearly aimed at people who want to replace more of their laptop workflow with a smartphone. The larger display, flagship hardware and creator-focused features all reinforce that ambition.
The highlight is undoubtedly the expansive 8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display. With a sharp 422ppi pixel density and an adaptive refresh rate that scales from 1Hz to 120Hz, it feels incredibly fluid whether you're juggling multiple apps, editing documents or simply browsing. The crease is still present, but like the standard Fold, it quickly fades into the background once you begin using the phone. The 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display is equally impressive. It's spacious enough that I comfortably replied to emails, browsed the web and handled day-to-day tasks without constantly opening the device, while Vision Booster kept everything clearly visible outdoors.
Despite housing such a large display, the Fold 8 Ultra feels surprisingly manageable. At just 4.1mm thick when unfolded and weighing 215g, it's remarkably slim without sacrificing rigidity. Samsung's redesigned hinge feels reassuringly robust, making every fold feel smooth and confidence inspiring.
Under the hood, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is paired with up to 16GB of RAM, as much as 1TB of storage and a larger 5,000mAh battery that supports 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. Samsung has also equipped the Ultra with a 200MP primary camera, alongside a 50MP ultra-wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto sensor. Features such as enhanced Nightography, 8K recording using Samsung's APV codec and Cine LUT support make it clear that content creators are a key part of the target audience.
After my brief hands-on, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra felt like Samsung's most refined foldable yet. More importantly, it finally delivers a premium foldable experience without many of the compromises that once came with the category.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 First Impressions: The Flip Finally Grows Up</h2>
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 doesn't rely on nostalgia to justify its existence. Instead, Samsung has refined almost every aspect of the experience, making this feel less like a fashionable alternative and more like a genuinely practical flagship. After spending some time with it, I came away convinced that the Flip series has become a lot more than a compact foldable.
The biggest change is the new 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow. Running at up to 120Hz and enhanced by Vision Booster, it has evolved into a display that you can comfortably use without constantly unfolding the phone. During my hands-on, I replied to messages, checked navigation, interacted with Gemini and experimented with Samsung's AI-powered tools, all from the cover screen. Features such as Now Brief also surface useful contextual information at a glance, making the outer display feel genuinely functional rather than an afterthought.
Open the phone and you're greeted by a larger 6.9-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate and a sharp 400ppi pixel density. Colours look vibrant, animations feel exceptionally smooth, and, perhaps most importantly, the crease quickly disappears from your attention during everyday use. Samsung has also redesigned the hinge, which now feels sturdier and noticeably smoother when opening and closing the phone.
Despite these upgrades, the Flip 8 remains incredibly compact. Weighing just 180g and measuring only 6.1mm when unfolded, it's the slimmest Galaxy Flip Samsung has produced so far. It slips comfortably into a pocket, feels balanced in the hand and continues to showcase the biggest advantage of the clamshell design: portability without sacrificing a flagship experience.
Powering everything is Samsung's new Exynos 2600 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage and a larger 4,300mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The 50MP primary camera and 12MP ultra-wide sensor are complemented by foldable-specific features including Flex Mode, Cover Screen Preview, Camcorder Grip, Super Steady and Horizontal Lock. Together, they make the Flip 8 one of the most enjoyable smartphones for casual photography and content creation.
<h2>Early Impressions</h2>
Samsung's latest foldables don't feel like products chasing the next big headline feature. Instead, they feel like the result of years of refinement, with every improvement focused on making the overall experience better. After my hands-on in London, what stood out most was how clearly each device fits into a different role. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 prioritises entertainment and everyday usability, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra caters to users who want a true productivity powerhouse, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 continues to make the clamshell form factor more practical than ever.
Across the lineup, the hardware feels noticeably more polished. The redesigned hinges inspire greater confidence, the creases are far less noticeable than before, and One UI 9 appears far better optimised for foldables. That said, this was only an initial hands-on. I'll need considerably more time to evaluate camera performance, battery life and sustained performance before drawing any firm conclusions. Even so, Samsung's latest foldable family already feels like its most cohesive and well-rounded lineup to date.

Mobiles

OnePlus has confirmed the end of OxygenOS. OxygenOS 16 will be the final version before all future OnePlus phones transition to Oppo's ColorOS with Android 17.

OnePlus Ends OxygenOS: ColorOS to Replace It on Future Phones Starting with Android 17

OnePlus has officially confirmed that OxygenOS is being retired. Here's what the move to Oppo's ColorOS means for future OnePlus phones, existing devices and software updates.

The End of OxygenOS: OnePlus Confirms Transition to Oppo's ColorOS

OnePlus has confirmed OxygenOS 16 will be its final release. Future OnePlus phones and existing supported devices will transition to Oppo's ColorOS, while promised Android updates will continue.

OnePlus is about to lose one of the things that made it unmistakably OnePlus. After more than a decade, the company has confirmed that OxygenOS is coming to an end, with future smartphones set to ship with Oppo's ColorOS instead. OxygenOS 16 will be the final release under the branding, while existing OnePlus devices will also make the switch as part of future software updates, a transition that's expected to begin alongside Android 17.
For years, OxygenOS wasn't just another Android skin. It was a key part of OnePlus' identity, earning a loyal following for its clean interface, fluid performance and restrained approach to software. At a time when most Android manufacturers were packing their phones with increasingly feature-heavy interfaces, <a title="OxygenOS 16 Review: OnePlus sets the benchmark on how smartphones should do AI" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/oxygenos-16-review-oneplus-sets-the-benchmark-on-how-smartphones-should-do-ai-1760628833515" target="_blank">OxygenOS</a> stood out by doing the opposite.
OnePlus insists this isn't the result of a full merger with Oppo, maintaining that its hardware business will continue to operate independently. Even so, after integrating its after-sales service network with Oppo earlier this year, the move to ColorOS is another sign that the two brands are becoming increasingly intertwined, even if they continue to wear different logos.
<h2>OnePlus is retiring OxygenOS, but existing update promises will be honoured</h2>
According to OnePlus, OxygenOS 16 will be the final release under the OxygenOS branding. Every new OnePlus smartphone launched after the transition will run Oppo's ColorOS instead, while current devices will gradually migrate to the new software during their update cycle.
Importantly, OnePlus says all existing software support commitments will be honoured. Devices promised Android version upgrades and security patches will continue receiving them, even after switching to <a title="Oppo Find X9 Ultra Review: A No-Compromise Ultra Phone" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oppo-find-x9-ultra-review-a-no-compromise-ultra-phone-1779876430160" target="_blank">ColorOS</a>.
Although the company has repeatedly dismissed rumours of a full merger with Oppo, it has acknowledged that certain processes are being streamlined between the two brands. The move to a single software platform is the latest example of that strategy.
Earlier this year, OnePlus also integrated its after-sales network with Oppo in India, allowing OnePlus customers to visit Oppo service centres for repairs and warranty claims. Together, these changes point towards a closer operational relationship between the two companies, even if they continue to operate as separate consumer brands.
<h2>OxygenOS and ColorOS: Same foundations, but different</h2>
For many enthusiasts, the news may feel more emotional than practical.
At their core, OxygenOS and ColorOS already share the same software foundation. Ever since OnePlus merged OxygenOS with ColorOS' underlying codebase in 2022, the two operating systems have steadily grown closer. The fact that almost every Android skin has also been borrowing interface ideas and features from iOS has only narrowed the gap further.
Even so, OxygenOS managed to retain its own personality.
Compared to ColorOS, OxygenOS offered a cleaner, more restrained interface with fewer visual flourishes. It was generally regarded as slightly lighter and more responsive in everyday use, particularly among long-time OnePlus users who preferred a near-stock Android experience. ColorOS, by comparison, leans into greater customisation, richer animations and a broader suite of AI-powered tools for editing, productivity and personalisation.
The practical differences between the two are no longer dramatic, but the philosophy behind them remains distinct. OxygenOS appealed to users who wanted simplicity, while ColorOS has increasingly focused on offering as many features as possible.
<h2>A Defining Part of OnePlus' Identity</h2>
From a purely technical standpoint, consolidating software development makes sense.
Maintaining multiple Android skins that already share much of the same code requires separate development, testing and quality assurance teams. Moving OnePlus onto ColorOS should allow Oppo to streamline development, roll out updates more efficiently and quickly, fix bugs faster and concentrate resources on new features rather than maintaining parallel software experiences.
But software has always been about more than features.
For years, OxygenOS represented what made OnePlus different from every other Oppo brand. Even as the hardware became increasingly similar across Oppo, OnePlus and Realme devices, OxygenOS remained a reminder that OnePlus still had its own identity.
With ColorOS now set to replace it entirely, that distinction becomes much harder to see.
OnePlus says its hardware business will continue to chart its own course, and that may well prove true. Yet with service operations already integrated and software now being unified under Oppo, OxygenOS' retirement feels like the end of an era for a brand whose identity was built as much on its software as the hardware of its smartphones.

Nothing Phone (4b) makes a strong first impression with its transparent design, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, 6000mAh battery, Nothing OS 4.1 and capable cameras.

Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Premium Design, Big Battery & Clean Software

Nothing Phone (4b) combines a unique transparent design, polished software, dependable cameras and a huge battery. Here's our first impressions after early testing.

Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: A Promising New Mid-Range Contender

Nothing Phone (4b) impresses with its signature transparent design, clean Nothing OS 4.1, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset and a massive 6000mAh battery, making it a promising new mid-range smartphone.

Over the past few years, Nothing has steadily expanded its smartphone portfolio with flagship and upper mid-range devices. Now, the company is taking a different approach. The Phone (4b) introduces an entirely new 'b' series, a fresh lineup that Nothing is positioning squarely in the mid-range segment.&nbsp;
Importantly, the brand avoided stripping away the core features that put it on the map. This device holds onto a lot of flagship character, retaining the iconic see-through aesthetic, the functional Glyph Bar, Nothing OS 4.1, and their newest AI integrations.
Launching a competitive device around the ₹ 35,000 price point is an uphill battle especially in today&rsquo;s climate. Spiking hardware costs and an incredibly tight global memory supply mean manufacturers everywhere are forced to compromise. It is a tough reality that both Nothing and its sub-brand CMF understand perfectly. So some compromises should be expected.
Our limited time with the Phone (4b) though, made us realise that Nothing made the right calls, though the complete review will tell the full story.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b): Price and Launch Details</h2>
Nothing is dropping the Phone (4b) in Blue, Black, and White. You can pick between two configurations. The base 8GB+128GB version starts at ₹34,999, while doubling the storage to 8GB+256GB costs ₹38,999.
Thankfully, launch offers makes the pricing more palatable. An instant 7.5 per cent bank discount and exchange promotions temporarily lower those prices to an effective ₹29,999 and ₹33,699. Open sales begin on July 14. You can grab one via Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, or authorised physical retail shops.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Design</h2>
Nothing continues to reject the sea of generic smartphone designs, and the Phone (4b) confidently doubles down on that distinct identity. Heavily inspired by the <a title="Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: This One Finally Feels Complete" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/nothing-phone-4a-pro-review-this-one-finally-feels-complete-1773988838263" target="_blank">Phone (4a) Pro</a>, this model retains the signature transparent rear panel and a sleek unibody construction. The biggest visual shift centres around a subtly redesigned camera module, which now seamlessly integrates the updated Glyph Bar.
While plastic builds often suffer from a cheap reputation, the 4b&rsquo;s full-polycarbonate body tells a different story. A clever matte finish prevents smudges and fingerprints from spoiling the aesthetic, complemented by a textured upper segment that adds a nice touch of contrast. Additionally, the rounded edges ensure comfortable handling during extended browsing sessions.
The structural rigidity here is particularly impressive. Subjecting the device to twists and pressure revealed zero flexing or cheap creaks, demonstrating a level of build quality rarely seen in this price bracket.
The Glyph Bar remains a standout, highly functional feature rather than a simple visual trick. It easily tracks active countdowns, charging progress, and app notifications, all while the display stays asleep. It is also great to see the brand retain the iconic red recording LED found on its premium models. It is a minor touch that successfully anchors the company's design language.
Durability takes a step forward as well. The device secures an IP64 dust and splash resistance rating, and the updated frame structure is designed to handle bending pressures far better than its predecessor. A definitive conclusion requires long-term testing, but these initial impressions point toward reliable everyday endurance.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Display</h2>
Testing the Phone (4b) reveals a highly capable 6.77-inch FullHD+ Super AMOLED display. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures that navigating the user interface and scrolling through content feels incredibly fluid, all while managing power consumption intelligently. Everything from daily social feeds to streaming media appears perfectly crisp.
Some users might express disappointment over the lack of a sharper 1.5K panel at this price point. However, with component costs rising sharply, it is completely understandable why Nothing prioritised a balanced overall package over purely chasing extra pixels. It feels like a sensible trade-off.
Despite being an 8-bit panel, the colour accuracy is impressive. Nothing avoided the temptation to over-saturate tones, meaning you still get the rich, deep blacks and vibrant contrast that AMOLED panels are known for. While peak brightness held up well during early testing, a definitive judgement will have to wait until the screen is tested under punishing, direct sunlight. For the time being, it is simply a very satisfying display for daily use.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Camera</h2>
The imaging hardware setup is quite standard. Nothing relies on a 50MP Samsung primary sensor equipped with both OIS and EIS, paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 16MP front-facing shooter. While these specifications do not necessarily sound revolutionary on paper, the real-world performance is surprisingly impressive.
Images captured by the primary camera deliver excellent results. Beyond the high level of detail, the natural colour calibration is a major highlight. <a title="Nothing Phone 4a Review: A Refreshingly Different Take On The Mid-Range Smartphone" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/nothing-phone-4a-review-a-refreshingly-different-take-on-the-mid-range-smartphone-1772709668233" target="_blank">Nothing</a> avoids aggressive over-saturation, allowing photos to remain true to life while preserving plenty of rich contrast.&nbsp;
The HDR processing balances challenging exposures effectively, protecting details in bright skies and deep shadows without creating an artificial, over-processed appearance. As expected, the ultra-wide lens shows a slight drop in outright sharpness, but its colour profile remains highly consistent with the main sensor.
Daytime selfies offer accurate skin tones and crisp facial details. On the video front, options include 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, along with Ultra XDR, slow-motion, and dual-capture capabilities. A definitive verdict requires pushing the image stabilisation and low-light capabilities further over the coming days, so keep an eye out for the full breakdown.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Performance &amp; Gaming</h2>
Under the hood, the core specifications look solid. Nothing opted for a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset to power the Phone (4b), pairing the silicon with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a maximum of 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage.&nbsp;
The brand claims this package delivers a healthy step up in processing muscle and graphics capabilities compared to the older model. To keep temps in check when you are pushing the hardware, they have also buried a generous vapour chamber cooling system inside the frame.
On the gaming front, Nothing claims the phone can push BGMI up to 90fps, while less demanding games such as Wild Rift or Subway Surfers can max out at a fluid 120fps. Throw in a highly responsive 1,000Hz touch sampling rate alongside dual stereo speakers, and you have a hardware combination that ticks every major box for casual players.
All of this points to a snappy, hassle-free daily experience, and my brief time with the device confirms just that. Apps launch without hesitation, hopping between different tasks feels entirely seamless, and the camera shutter snaps instantly. For everyday chores, it just works beautifully.
That said, the most rigorous testing is still to come. I will need to put the phone through my usual benchmark stress tests, check closely for thermal throttling, and spend some serious hours gaming before delivering a final verdict.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Software</h2>
Clean software continues to be a major draw for Nothing devices, and the Phone (4b) carries that torch beautifully. It arrives running Nothing OS 4.1 on top of Android 16, serving up the same minimalist, bloat-free user interface found on its premium siblings. Refreshingly, the brand skipped the usual budget-phone cost-cutting, keeping the exact same flagship Essential AI features intact.
That means utilities like Essential Search, Essential Voice, and Essential Space are fully available. The handy Live Updates feature makes a return as well, working in tandem with the rear Glyph Bar to flash real-time alerts for delivery statuses, navigation cues, or upcoming calendar entries. The newly introduced Soundscape widget is another great addition, letting you quickly trigger relaxing ambient audio when you need to focus or wind down.
Future-proofing looks equally reassuring. Nothing commits to three years of major Android system upgrades and a full six years of security patches, giving long-term buyers plenty of confidence.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
The power department is undeniably a headline feature for the Phone (4b). Indian retail units pack a colossal 6,000mAh battery, marking the highest capacity Nothing has ever crammed into a phone. During my initial days of testing, any form of battery anxiety completely vanished.
When it is time to top up, the device handles 33W fast charging. Nothing claims this allows the phone to zip from 1 to 50 per cent in roughly 27 minutes, with a full charge taking close to 80 minutes. There is also 7.5W reverse wired charging support on board, which is handy if you need to revive a dying accessory. I will run formal endurance benchmarks and log exact charging metrics for the full review, but these initial figures look stellar.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4b) First Impressions: Final Thoughts</h2>
Testing the Phone (4b) shows that Nothing is off to a really solid start with this new 'b' series line. Instead of just loading up a spec sheet to look good on paper, they focused on everyday balance. It pays off, giving you a completely unique look, incredibly polished software, reliable cameras, and what looks like massive battery life.
Naturally, a price this aggressive means you have to accept some cut corners. A crisper 1.5K display and faster UFS 3.1 storage would have been excellent additions, but I get the realities of the market right now. Spiking component prices mean every phone maker has to make tough compromises.
An initial hands-on only gives you a partial picture, though. I still need to run my standard benchmark tests, track gaming frames, shoot in tricky lighting, and see how the battery handles real-world drain. For now, it is a really compelling package, and I can't wait to see how it holds up during my long-term testing for the full review.

The iQOO Z11 takes a practical approach to smartphone AI with Gemini, AI Caption, lecture summaries, writing tools, translation and more.

iQOO Z11 AI Features: How Its Smartphone AI Actually Helps Users

From AI captions and lecture summaries to writing, translation and content creation, the iQOO Z11 puts practical AI tools at the centre.

iQOO Z11 Shows What Useful Smartphone AI Should Look Like

The iQOO Z11 takes a practical approach to smartphone AI, using Gemini-powered tools for studying, productivity, communication, translation and content creation.
&nbsp;

AI features on smartphones are quickly moving beyond party tricks and into tools people actually use. According to data cited by iQOO from CMR and Counterpoint, 71% of users now engage with generative AI features multiple times a week, while 59% consider AI capabilities when choosing their next smartphone. With the Z11, iQOO is trying to tap into that shift by focusing on AI features designed around studying, productivity, communication and content creation.
<h2>iQOO Z11 Uses Multiple AI Engines</h2>
Rather than relying on a single AI model for every task, the <a title="iQOO Teases Z11 Lite With AI Tools, Military-Grade Durability and a 6500mAh Battery" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/iqoo-teases-z11-lite-with-ai-tools-military-grade-durability-and-a-6500mah-battery-1784021289323" target="_blank">iQOO Z11</a> uses a multi-engine approach. Its AI Caption feature, for instance, combines Google Gemini and Microsoft Azure, with multimodal processing designed to retain elements such as pauses, rhythm, emphasis and pronunciation while generating transcriptions and translations.
The phone also uses skill-based AI routing. Different Gemini variants are benchmarked and assigned to tasks including writing, summarisation, brainstorming and creating social content. The idea is to route each request to the model considered best suited for that particular job.
iQOO has also built the system around a real-time streaming architecture, allowing responses, captions and translations to appear progressively rather than making users wait for the entire output.
<h2>AI Features Designed for Everyday Tasks</h2>
For students, one of the more practical applications is lecture assistance. The Z11 can record lectures, generate transcripts, summarise them and turn the information into structured notes, potentially cutting down the amount of manual note-taking required.
Similar tools extend to work and everyday productivity. Users can draft emails, summarise meetings, extract action points and refine documents using AI-powered writing assistance. Real-time captions and translation can also help with multilingual conversations, meetings and videos.
Circle to Search provides another familiar AI-powered tool, letting users search for information about something visible on their screen without jumping between apps.
Content creation is another focus. Users can brainstorm ideas, rewrite passages, polish social media captions, generate reviews or adjust the tone of existing text using AI.
<h2>Follow-Up Prompts Make AI More Conversational</h2>
The Z11's AI system also retains conversational context. That means a user can generate something and then follow up with instructions such as &ldquo;make it shorter&rdquo;, &ldquo;translate this&rdquo; or &ldquo;add a conclusion&rdquo; without having to begin again. The phone builds subsequent requests on the previous response, making the interaction closer to an ongoing assistant than a collection of isolated AI tools.
Underpinning these features is the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo, which<a title="iQOO 15 Review: A premium leap that finally puts iQOO in the top tier" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/iqoo-15-review-a-premium-leap-that-finally-puts-iqoo-in-the-top-tier-1764157011221" target="_blank"> iQOO</a> says makes its India debut with the Z11. Its eighth-generation NPU is claimed to deliver up to twice the AI performance of the previous-generation processor.
Ultimately, iQOO's pitch with the Z11 isn't simply that it has AI. It is that AI should save users a few steps, whether they're sitting through a lecture, working on a document, translating a conversation or creating content.

iQOO has teased the Z11 Lite with AI-powered productivity tools, a 6500mAh battery, military-grade durability and four years of security updates ahead of its July 24 India launch.

iQOO Teases Z11 Lite With AI Tools, Military-Grade Durability and a 6500mAh Battery

<h3>iQOO's upcoming Z11 Lite packs AI productivity features, a 6500mAh battery, military-grade durability and launches in India on July 24.</h3>

India's budget smartphone segment is becoming increasingly competitive, even as rising component costs continue to push prices higher and force brands to make tougher compromises. Looking to carve out a space in this crowded market, iQOO has teased the upcoming Z11 Lite, a smartphone aimed squarely at students and young users.&nbsp;
The device promises a mix of AI-powered productivity features, a massive battery and a rugged design, with iQOO positioning it as a companion for everything from online lectures and note-taking to everyday multitasking.&nbsp;
While the company has revealed several of the phone's headline features, it is still keeping key specifications, including the chipset, display and camera hardware, under wraps.&nbsp;
<h2>AI-Powered Productivity Takes Centre Stage</h2>
The iQOO Z11 Lite will run OriginOS 6 and comes equipped with a suite of AI features aimed at making everyday tasks more efficient. The highlight is AI Creation, which can summarise lengthy documents, refine assignments, generate content, translate text and even help users brainstorm ideas.
The phone also gets AI Captions, enabling real-time transcription, instant translation and one-tap summaries. According to iQOO, these tools are designed to help students capture lectures, organise notes and review important discussions with minimal effort. The company has also confirmed that the device will receive four years of security updates.
<h2>Big Battery Meets Rugged Durability</h2>
Powering the iQOO Z11 Lite is a 6,500mAh battery paired with 44W FlashCharge support. iQOO says the battery is designed to comfortably handle a full day of heavy use while offering five-year battery health for improved long-term reliability.
The company has also focused on durability. The Z11 Lite features Military-Grade Durability and carries an SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance certification, offering additional protection against accidental drops, bumps and the rigours of everyday commuting.
<h2>Stylish Design With a Student-Friendly Focus</h2>
The iQOO Z11 Lite will be available in two colour options: Solar Flame and Midnight Blue. It features a minimalist camera module alongside Dynamic Light, which provides visual alerts for incoming calls and notifications.
The smartphone will be manufactured at vivo's Greater Noida facility as part of iQOO's Make in India initiative. The company also says customers will have access to more than 670 company-owned service centres across India for after-sales support.
While iQOO has remained tight-lipped about pricing, the overall feature set suggests the Z11 Lite is likely to be priced at around ₹20,000. The company has confirmed that the smartphone will make its official debut in India on July 24.

Samsung Galaxy A27 5G first impressions: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 120Hz Super AMOLED display, AI features, 50MP OIS camera, six years of updates and pricing.

Samsung Galaxy A27 5G First Look: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, AI Features & 6 Years of Updates

Samsung's Galaxy A27 5G gets meaningful upgrades with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, a 120Hz AMOLED display, smarter AI features and six years of updates, making a strong early impression.

<h3>Samsung's Galaxy A27 5G gets meaningful upgrades with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, a 120Hz AMOLED display, smarter AI features and six years of updates, making a strong early impression.</h3>

Samsung Galaxy A27 5G First Impressions: A Familiar Formula Gets Some Meaningful Upgrades Samsung has expanded its Galaxy A-series lineup in India with the launch of the Galaxy A27 5G, positioning it below the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57. While the phone follows the familiar Galaxy A design language, it also brings a few notable upgrades that could make it one of Samsung's most compelling mid-range smartphones this year.
The biggest talking point is the move to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, a welcome change for users who have long preferred Snapdragon-powered Galaxy devices. Alongside that, Samsung is promising six years of Android and security updates, a vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display, AI-powered software features and a camera system led by a 50-megapixel sensor with optical image stabilisation.
We've spent some time with the Galaxy A27 5G ahead of its sale, and while a full review will require more extensive testing, here are our first impressions of Samsung's latest mid-range offering.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G Pricing &amp; Availability</h2>
The Galaxy A27 5G will go on sale in India from July 3 through Samsung's online and offline retail channels. It is available in Light Green, Light Pink and Black colour options.
The smartphone starts at an effective price of Rs 28,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant after a Rs 3,000 bank or UPI cashback. The 8GB + 128GB model is priced at Rs 31,999, while the top-end 8GB + 256GB variant costs Rs 37,499. Samsung is also offering zero down-payment EMI schemes and flexible financing options through select lending partners.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G Design &amp; Display</h2>
At first glance, the Galaxy A27 5G looks unmistakably Samsung. The flat frame, clean rear panel and centred punch-hole camera continue the company's established design language, although the refreshed colour palette helps distinguish it from earlier Galaxy A devices.
Our Light Green review unit is particularly interesting. Despite its name, the finish carries subtle blue undertones that shift depending on the lighting, giving the phone a more premium appearance than expected. The matte finish around the camera module also blends nicely into the rear panel, while the flush-mounted LED flash keeps the design clean and understated.
Samsung has also made some practical improvements. Gorilla Glass Victus+ protects the front, the phone carries an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, and Samsung claims it can survive drops of up to two metres. The 7.8mm chassis feels reasonably slim, while the 200g weight gives the device a reassuring heft without making it uncomfortable to hold. The bezels, particularly along the bottom, are still noticeable, but they don't significantly detract from the overall experience.
The display continues to be one of the Galaxy A27's biggest strengths. It features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colours, deep blacks and fluid animations. Peak brightness reaches 1,400 nits, with 800 nits available under High Brightness Mode, which should make outdoor visibility reasonably comfortable.
In our brief time with the phone, the panel looked excellent. Scrolling felt smooth, colours were punchy without appearing overly saturated, and viewing angles were impressive. We'll reserve judgement on outdoor visibility and colour calibration until our full review, but the early signs are promising.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G Performance &amp; Software</h2>
Perhaps the most significant upgrade this year is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor. Samsung claims sizeable improvements in CPU, GPU and AI performance over the previous generation, while pairing the chipset with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage for faster app loading and multitasking.
Initial performance has been encouraging. Navigation feels responsive, animations remain smooth, and app switching is quick during everyday use. The real test, however, will come under sustained gaming loads and extended multitasking, areas we'll explore in greater detail in our full review.
On the software side, the Galaxy A27 ships with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 and stands out by offering six Android OS upgrades alongside six years of security updates, placing it among the best-supported phones in its segment.
Samsung has also packed in a generous selection of AI features. Circle to Search now supports multiple objects simultaneously, Object Eraser has been improved, while Live Transcription, Google Gemini, Perplexity integration and Bixby enhancements aim to make everyday tasks more convenient. Unlike many competitors, several of the editing tools work natively on the device rather than relying on cloud processing.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G Cameras</h2>
The Galaxy A27 5G features a triple rear camera setup comprising a 50MP primary camera with OIS, a 5MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro sensor. Selfies are handled by a 12-megapixel HDR front camera.
From our initial testing, the 50MP main camera looks very impressive , particularly thanks to the inclusion of OIS and support for 4K video recording on the rear camera. The macro camera feels like a less useful addition than a dedicated telephoto lens would have been, but Samsung's image processing has generally delivered reliable results on previous Galaxy A-series phones.
We haven't spent enough time with the cameras to draw any firm conclusions yet. Daylight performance appears promising, and OIS should help in low-light situations, but we'll need more time to evaluate portrait quality, video stabilisation, dynamic range and zoom performance before delivering a final verdict.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G A27 Battery</h2>
Powering the Galaxy A27 5G is a 5,000mAh battery with support for 25W wired fast charging. While the battery capacity is now fairly standard in this segment, Samsung's optimisation, combined with the efficient Snapdragon chipset, could translate into dependable endurance.
Based on our initial experience, the phone should comfortably last a full day on a single charge, with lighter users potentially stretching it into a second day. Charging speeds remain modest compared to several rivals, however, and this is one area where Samsung continues to lag behind the competition.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G First Impressions</h2>
The Galaxy A27 5G doesn't reinvent Samsung's mid-range formula, but it makes several sensible upgrades where they matter most. The Snapdragon processor, excellent Super AMOLED display, long software support, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and useful AI additions combine to create a well-rounded package.
The higher starting price compared to its predecessor may raise a few eyebrows, but Samsung appears to be justifying the premium with better hardware and significantly longer software support. Whether that translates into one of the best phones in its segment will ultimately depend on real-world camera performance, sustained gaming capabilities and battery life, all of which we'll be putting through their paces in our full review. For now, though, the Galaxy A27 5G has made a solid first impression.

The Samsung Galaxy A27 5G comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, Awesome Intelligence, 50MP OIS camera and six Android updates.

Samsung Galaxy A27 5G launched with AI, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3

<h3 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="2458" data-end="2634">Samsung has launched the Galaxy A27 5G with a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, Awesome Intelligence AI features, 50MP OIS camera and six Android OS upgrades.</h3>

Samsung has expanded its Galaxy A-series smartphone lineup with the launch of the Galaxy A27 5G. Positioned as the successor to the Galaxy A26 5G, the new device brings a refreshed design, upgraded performance and a broader suite of AI-powered features aimed at making everyday smartphone use more intuitive. The Galaxy A27 5G will go on sale in select global markets from July 3 and will be available in Black, Blue, Light Green and Light Pink colour options.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G Display: Bigger screen, slimmer design</h2>
One of the biggest changes on the Galaxy A27 5G is its display. Samsung has equipped the phone with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED panel that supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
The display also adopts Samsung's Infinity-O design, replacing the older notch with a centred punch-hole camera. Combined with slimmer bezels, the new design gives users more usable screen space while offering a cleaner, less distracting viewing experience.
Despite the larger display, Samsung has managed to keep the phone relatively slim at 7.8mm, making it easier to hold and use throughout the day.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G Performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and upgraded cameras</h2>
Powering the Galaxy A27 5G is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, built on a 4nm process. Samsung says the chipset delivers faster app switching, improved multitasking and better graphics performance for gaming and video streaming, while also improving power efficiency.
On the camera front, the phone features a 50-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilisation, alongside a 5-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. Selfies are handled by a new 12-megapixel front camera, which Samsung says captures more natural colours and improved dynamic range across different lighting conditions.
The smartphone packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging and also includes microSD card expansion of up to 2TB.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A27 5G AI Features: Gemini, Perplexity and long-term software support</h2>
Samsung is also bringing more AI features to its mid-range lineup through what it calls Awesome Intelligence. Circle to Search with Google now supports recognising multiple objects within a single image and can even suggest virtual outfit try-ons directly from search results.
Other additions include an improved Object Eraser for cleaner photo edits, Voice Transcription with live translation support across 22 languages, and deeper integration with both Google Gemini and Perplexity AI assistants. Samsung has also upgraded Bixby into a more conversational assistant capable of controlling phone settings through natural language commands.
The Galaxy A27 5G will receive up to six generations of Android and One UI upgrades, along with six years of security updates. Security is handled through Samsung Knox Vault, providing hardware-backed protection for sensitive data.

Redmi Note 17 review: Find out if its 8,000mAh battery, AMOLED display, 50MP camera and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 make it worth buying at ₹24,999.

Redmi Note 17 Review: 8,000mAh Battery, AMOLED Display & More

The Redmi Note 17 delivers an 8,000mAh battery, 120Hz AMOLED display and capable 50MP camera, but its software and performance have some limitations.

Redmi Note 17 Review: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Redmi Note 17 combines an 8,000mAh battery, 120Hz AMOLED display and capable 50MP camera with solid everyday performance, but average speakers, basic video and cluttered software hold it back.

There was a time when recommending a budget or mid-range smartphone in India was almost ridiculously easy. If someone wanted good hardware without spending a fortune, chances are a Redmi Note was somewhere near the top of the list. That formula worked incredibly well for Xiaomi, turning the Note series into one of its biggest success stories in India.
But the playground is a lot more crowded now. Realme, Motorola, CMF and iQOO are fighting aggressively for the same buyers, while POCO gives Xiaomi some competition from within its own house. Prices have gone up too, so the Redmi Note badge alone doesn't carry quite the same weight anymore.
Enter the Redmi Note 17.
Redmi is playing to its strengths here, with a large display, capable everyday performance, a promising primary camera and an absolutely enormous battery.
Prices start at ₹27,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model, dropping to ₹24,999 with bank offers, while the 8GB + 128GB variant costs ₹30,999.
So, can the Note 17 still stand out?
<h2>Redmi Note 17 Review: Plastic, But Far From Boring&nbsp;</h2>
For a phone built almost entirely out of plastic, the<a title="Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Review: A serious upgrade that plays it safe" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/redmi-note-15-pro-review-a-serious-upgrade-that-plays-it-safe-1770104872693" target="_blank"> Redmi Note</a> 17 does a surprisingly good job of not looking boring. A lot of that comes down to the Starlight Purple variant I&rsquo;ve been using. The back has this lovely starry finish, with a shooting-star effect that reveals itself as you move the phone under light. It&rsquo;s playful without going completely overboard. If that isn&rsquo;t your thing, Arctic Blue and Dark Night are the more restrained alternatives.
I also quite like what Redmi has done with the cameras. The squarish camera island houses a pill-shaped section for the lenses and flash, giving the back some visual identity without an enormous camera bump.
What&rsquo;s more impressive is how Redmi has squeezed an 8,000mAh silicon-carbon battery into an 8.4mm body. There is a trade-off, though. At 225 grams, the Note 17 is undeniably heavy, and I could feel that weight during longer one-handed sessions. The plastic frame and back don't exactly scream premium either, but the phone itself feels sturdy.
You get Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, and a reinforced chassis. HydroTouch 2.0 is useful too, keeping the touchscreen responsive when your fingers are wet.
The connectivity package is fairly straightforward, with USB Type-C 2.0, Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5. Redmi has also retained the IR blaster, which is always handy. More importantly, there&rsquo;s microSD expansion for up to 2TB, something that&rsquo;s becoming increasingly difficult to find even at this end of the market.
<h2>Redmi Note 17 Review: Bright, Vibrant and Seriously Smooth</h2>
The 6.9-inch Full HD+ TrueColour AMOLED display is easily one of my favourite things about the Redmi Note 17. It&rsquo;s big, bright and generally a lovely screen to use, whether I was catching up on YouTube, scrolling through Instagram or squeezing in a quick gaming session. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps everything looking smooth, while the 240Hz touch sampling rate makes the phone feel responsive enough during games and everyday use.
I particularly liked the way Redmi has tuned the colours. With 100% DCI-P3 coverage, there&rsquo;s plenty of punch without everything looking unnecessarily saturated. You also get the deep blacks and excellent viewing angles you&rsquo;d expect from AMOLED, while the Full HD+ resolution keeps things suitably sharp.
Unfortunately, HDR and Dolby Vision are both missing. That takes some shine off the experience if you watch a lot of OTT content, although videos still look quite good thanks to the panel itself.
Outdoor visibility is excellent too. Redmi claims 1,800 nits of peak brightness, and I had no difficulty reading messages or using the phone under harsh sunlight. HydroTouch 2.0 also keeps the touchscreen working reliably with wet or oily fingers.
For eye comfort, there&rsquo;s 960Hz PWM, DC dimming and T&Uuml;V Rheinland Low Blue Light and Circadian Friendly certifications.
I just wish the speakers were equally impressive. The stereo setup gets seriously loud, especially with the 200% volume mode, but sound lacks bass, depth and character. It&rsquo;s perfectly fine for Reels, Shorts and casual videos, but for movies or OTT shows, I found myself reaching for earphones instead.
<h2>Redmi Note 17 Review: Cameras That Punch Above Their Weight</h2>
The Redmi Note 17 keeps things fairly simple when it comes to cameras, with the 50MP primary sensor doing most of the work. Thankfully, it&rsquo;s a pretty capable shooter for the price. Give it plenty of daylight and you can get some genuinely good-looking photos, with plenty of detail and respectable dynamic range. Colours are pleasing too, although Redmi&rsquo;s processing tends to favour slightly cooler tones.
There&rsquo;s also a 2x in-sensor zoom, which I found surprisingly usable. Images at 2x retain a decent amount of detail and are perfectly good for sharing on social media. Go any further, however, and the limitations of digital zoom become obvious, with finer details quickly turning soft.
Things are understandably less impressive once the sun goes down. Low-light photos are usable, with decent highlight control, while the dedicated Night Mode does a reasonable job of brightening darker scenes. Portraits fare well too, with mostly accurate edge detection and fairly natural background separation.
You also get AI HDR, AI Scene Detection, Dynamic Shots, AI Bokeh and an AI Editor for tweaking photos afterwards.
Video is more restrictive, topping out at 1080p 30FPS. Colours are fine, but stabilisation could certainly be better, particularly when recording while walking.
Finally, the 8MP front camera gets the basics done. It&rsquo;s absolutely fine for video calls and the occasional selfie, but anyone serious about selfies will want more.
<h2>Redmi Note 17 Review: Built for Consistency, Not Speed</h2>
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 powering the Redmi Note 17 isn&rsquo;t going to win any benchmark battles, but that&rsquo;s not really what this phone is trying to do. This 4nm chip is geared more towards efficiency and consistent everyday performance, and for the most part, it delivers.
My review unit came with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, along with another 8GB of virtual RAM if needed. There&rsquo;s also microSD expansion for up to 2TB.
Day-to-day performance was pleasantly smooth. Apps opened quickly, jumping between them wasn&rsquo;t a problem, and I rarely encountered stutters or slowdowns during regular use. An AnTuTu score of around 6.35 lakh reinforces that this is firmly mid-range territory.
Gaming follows much the same story. BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run at around 60FPS, and while that won&rsquo;t excite competitive gamers, frame rates remained remarkably consistent during longer sessions. The massive 10,416mm&sup2; graphite cooling layer also keeps temperatures nicely under control.
Redmi&rsquo;s Long-Term Fluency Engine supposedly manages resources to maintain performance over time, with the company promising 48 months of lag-free use. I obviously can&rsquo;t test that claim yet, but it&rsquo;s reassuring for anyone planning to keep the Note 17 for several years.
<h2>Redmi Note 17 Review: HyperOS Comes With Baggage</h2>
<a title="Xiaomi 17T Review: A Camera-First Flagship That Gets Almost Everything Right" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/xiaomi-17t-review-a-camera-first-flagship-that-gets-almost-everything-right-1780568820261" target="_blank">HyperOS 3</a>, based on Android 16, feels pretty much exactly how you&rsquo;d expect on the Redmi Note 17. It&rsquo;s smooth, animations look polished, and there are enough customisation options to make the phone feel like your own. If you&rsquo;ve used a recent Xiaomi or Redmi device, you&rsquo;ll feel at home almost immediately.
Unfortunately, some familiar annoyances have made the journey across too. There are plenty of pre-installed apps, along with system ads that make the software feel unnecessarily cluttered straight out of the box. Most can be removed or disabled with a little effort, but I&rsquo;d much rather not have to clean up a new phone in the first place.
The AI toolbox is fairly extensive. You get AI summaries, AI photo editing and Google Gemini, alongside Circle to Search. Xiaomi also includes HyperIsland for live notifications, while its Intelligent AI Engine can learn your usage patterns and prioritise frequently used apps.
The strongest part of the software package, though, is long-term support. Redmi promises four Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, which is excellent for this segment and makes the Note 17 a much easier phone to consider keeping long-term.
<h2>Redmi Note 17 Review: Built to Outlast Your Weekend&nbsp;</h2>
Charging the Redmi Note 17 every night quickly became unnecessary. With an 8,000mAh silicon-carbon battery inside, I could comfortably use the phone for two days before reaching for the charger. More conservative users could potentially squeeze even more out of it.
And with that much battery available, Redmi lets you share some of it. The Note 17 supports 22.5W reverse wired charging, so it can double up as an emergency power bank for another phone or your accessories.
Eventually, though, you will have to plug it in. The bundled charger delivers 45W wired charging, which feels relatively slow when there&rsquo;s an enormous 8,000mAh cell to fill.
Longevity looks promising on paper as well. Redmi says the battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity even after 1,600 charging cycles, which should be reassuring if you intend to keep the phone for several years.
<h2>Verdict: Still a Note Worth Considering&nbsp;</h2>
After using the Redmi Note 17, I don&rsquo;t think it needs to be the fastest or most feature-packed phone around ₹25,000 to make sense. Its strength lies elsewhere: it gets the fundamentals right and then throws genuinely exceptional battery life into the equation.
That 8,000mAh silicon-carbon battery is easily my favourite thing about the phone. Two days between charges became completely normal during my time with it, and the fact that Redmi has managed this without creating an unwieldy brick makes it even better. The large AMOLED display is another highlight, especially for watching videos and scrolling through social media.
Elsewhere, things are more straightforward. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 is perfectly comfortable with everyday tasks and casual gaming, while the 50MP camera can take some impressive daylight photos. Redmi&rsquo;s promise of four Android upgrades and six years of security patches is another meaningful advantage if you don&rsquo;t replace your phone every couple of years.
There are rough edges. The speakers sound rather lifeless, video capabilities are basic, demanding games quickly expose the chipset&rsquo;s limitations, and HyperOS 3 still comes with unnecessary clutter.
Would I buy it? At the ₹24,999 offer price, yes, especially if battery life and display quality sit high on your priority list. At ₹30,999 for the 8GB model, no. There are simply too many stronger options once you cross ₹30,000, especially when you look at last year&rsquo;s phones.
The Note 17 isn&rsquo;t a return to Redmi&rsquo;s giant-killing days, but at the right price, it doesn&rsquo;t need to be.

Gadget Review

The Vivo S2 combines a massive 7,050mAh battery, premium curved AMOLED display, reliable cameras, and excellent thermals. Read our in-depth Vivo S2 review.

Vivo S2 Review: 7050mAh Battery, AMOLED Display & Camera Test

With a huge 7,050mAh battery, premium curved AMOLED display, dependable cameras, and impressive thermal performance, the Vivo S2 delivers one of the most balanced smartphone experiences in its segment.

Vivo S2 Review: A Premium Mid-Ranger That Nails Battery Life

The Vivo S2 impresses with exceptional battery life, a premium curved AMOLED display, dependable cameras, and efficient thermals, making it one of the most balanced premium mid-range smartphones despite modest benchmark scores.

Back in 2019, Vivo struck a sweet spot with the original S1 by pairing distinct flair with a budget-friendly price point. Jump forward seven years, and its direct follow-up, the Vivo S2, enters a far more crowded landscape. Today&rsquo;s mid-range market frequently trades away essential features just to chase eye-catching designs or massive battery claims.
Vivo tackles that exact compromise by stuffing a massive 7,050mAh battery inside an impressively thin shell, without skimping on display quality or everyday power.
Starting at Rs 39,999 for the 8GB + 128GB tier and stepping up to Rs 44,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model, it sits in a higher price tier. That said, premium positioning has become the norm for capable mid-rangers today.
I spent two weeks testing the S2 as my main phone to see if it carries the legacy of the original S1 forward.
<h2>Design</h2>
Holding the Vivo S2 for the first time, the hand feel immediately catches your attention. The Silk White unit I reviewed comes in at 199 grams with an 8.10mm profile&mdash;a surprisingly manageable footprint considering the massive battery tucked inside. For those who prefer different aesthetics, the Sapphire Blue and Regal Bronze options shave off a bit more bulk, dropping to 197 grams and a slim 7.99mm thickness.
Instead of glossy plastic, Vivo went with a subtle satin glass finish across the back plate. It reflects ambient light smoothly without turning into a smeared, greasy mess after a few minutes of handling. Up top, the camera module draws heavily from the <a title="Vivo X300 FE Review: Flagship Performance in a Pocket-Friendly Body" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/vivo-x300-fe-review-flagship-performance-in-a-pocket-friendly-body-1778065708933" target="_blank">Vivo X300 FE</a> layout, housing the camera hardware next to the circular Aura Light. It looks minimalist, refined, and uncluttered.
Button placement feels completely natural. The volume rocker and power key sit along the right rail. The bottom edge houses the dual-mic setup, primary speaker, SIM slot, and USB-C port, while the top edge packs an IR blaster and an extra speaker unit. The resulting stereo setup gets loud enough for daily media consumption, prioritizing voice clarity rather than heavy low-end punch.
Robustness is another solid suit here. Vivo packs in MIL-STD-810H shock resistance alongside IP68 and IP69 water and dust certification. While I didn't dunk the phone in a pool to prove a point, it easily offers more than enough protection against sudden rainstorms, kitchen accidents, or accidental desk slips.
<h2>Display</h2>
The front panel is dominated by a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel featuring 3D curved glass. While most manufacturers are rapidly shifting toward flat panels, Vivo's decision to stick with curved sides stands out as an intentional design choice.
According to Vivo, this approach specifically targets users who want a sleek, high-end feel coupled with an immersive view for media consumption and gaming.
Practically speaking, those tapered edges make edge-swipe gestures feel incredibly natural. The screen pushes a 2800 &times; 1260 resolution at 449 PPI, rendering sharp text and vivid tones without pushing colors into artificially saturated territory. Native HDR playback functions smoothly across both YouTube and Netflix right away. Tucked under the glass, the optical fingerprint sensor triggers fast and accurate unlocks.
Screen brightness handles real-world scenarios with ease. Indoor visibility is a breeze, but outdoors, the 2,000-nit High Brightness Mode shines. Overcast Delhi weather initially limited sunlight testing, but a trip to Greater Noida via Rapido changed that. When the driver's phone died mid-route, using the S2 for direct-sunlight navigation proved how legible the panel remains under bright skies. Peak HDR brightness tops out at a massive 3,000 nits.
Instead of an LTPO display, Vivo sticks with an LTPS screen, though the 120Hz refresh rate maintains smooth scrolling throughout UI navigation. The panel uses VM9 light-emitting materials backed by SGS eye-comfort certifications, which actively cuts down glare and keeps late-night reading sessions easy on the eyes.
<h2>Camera</h2>
Vivo has built a strong track record with smartphone photography, and the S2 sticks to that formula. Its rear array pairs a 50MP main camera driven by Sony&rsquo;s IMX852 sensor with a secondary 2MP lens.
Daytime shots turn out sharp and detailed, featuring clean shadows and balanced dynamic range. While this model drops Zeiss branding and custom color modes, Vivo's default image processing keeps everyday scenes looking natural rather than oversaturated.
Low-light performance is where the setup really gets fun, mostly due to the integrated Aura Light ring. Instead of glaring like a standard flash, it operates more like a pocket studio light. You can tweak its brightness across Photo, Portrait, and Video modes, yielding soft, flattering illumination on faces without washing out key details.
Portrait shots deliver clean edge separation around fine hair and outfit borders. Human skin tones lean a touch brighter than actual life, which might not suit purists, but the photos look punchy and ready for social feeds right from the gallery.
Up front sits a 32MP selfie shooter. Many brands in this market tier treat front-facing sensors like low-priority extras, but Vivo avoids taking shortcuts here. It captures consistently detailed selfies with pleasing face tones.
Video capture tops out at 4K resolution at 30fps across both front and back cameras. Main camera video stays steady with realistic colors, though the front camera skips stabilization, causing noticeable jitter during handheld walking clips. You also get a Dual View Video mode to capture simultaneously from both sides for quick vlog recording.
<h2>Performance</h2>
Under the hood, the Vivo S2 runs on MediaTek's Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset, backed by 8GB of RAM and snappy UFS 3.1 storage. Being realistic, high benchmark scores were never the main goal here. Synthetic tests backed this up: AnTuTu posted roughly 965,906 points, Geekbench 6 clocked 1,043 in single-core and 2,954 in multi-core, and 3DMark&rsquo;s Wild Life Stress Test recorded a peak loop result of 3,161. These metrics fall short of topping segment leaderboards, but numbers do not show the complete picture.
Day-to-day usability stays consistently snappy. Applications open fast, feed scrolling remains smooth, and jumping between background tasks never triggered random app kills or crashes.
Gaming output delivered a pleasant surprise. Extended sessions across BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile ran smoothly throughout. Even capped at 90fps, frame delivery held steady in heavy firefights without jarring stutters or drops. Hardcore competitive players might look elsewhere, but casual gamers will find little to complain about.
Heat handling stood out as the biggest highlight. Plenty of slim mid-rangers heat up quickly after short gaming sessions, but the S2 stayed barely warm even after two straight hours of heavy gaming. 3DMark verified this efficiency with a strong 99% stability rating under long stress loads. Real-world execution easily outshines what raw benchmark sheets imply.
<h2>Software, UI/UX and AI Features</h2>
The Vivo S2 boots up with OriginOS 6 running on top of Android 16. Vivo commits to three major OS upgrades alongside five years of security updates, guaranteeing solid future-proofing.
In daily operation, the UI feels fast and fluid. Origin Island stands out as a particularly neat trick, expanding around the selfie punch-hole to surface active media controls, charging status, and incoming alerts without cluttering the display.
On the downside, the system comes bundled with a noticeable amount of bloatware right away.
The built-in AI tools actually offer practical everyday utility. Gallery integration includes an AI Erase feature that lets you draw a circle around stray objects or people to erase them cleanly with few visual defects. Circle to Search quickly became a daily go-to for translating snippets or looking up items directly from social feeds. Deep Google Gemini integration allows live camera and screen sharing for instant contextual help.
<h2>Battery and Charging</h2>
Endurance stands out as the single strongest reason to consider the <a title="Vivo X300 Ultra Review: This Flagship Is Basically a Mirrorless Camera" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/vivo-x300-ultra-review-this-flagship-is-basically-a-mirrorless-camera-1778668885531" target="_blank">Vivo</a> S2. Squeezing a huge 7,050mAh cell into a slim 8.10mm frame sounded like a recipe for hidden trade-offs, but actual runtime blew past my initial expectations.
Under demanding daily use, the phone easily stretches close to two full days. My usage involved heavy camera testing, endless social feed scrolling, active GPS navigation, and routine gaming sessions.
An hour of playing BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile drained just 9% of power, while an hour of Wi-Fi video streaming on YouTube barely registered. Range anxiety simply is not a concern here.
When the battery hits zero, the included 44W FlashCharge brick tops it back up to 100% in a little over an hour and ten minutes. For a battery of this scale, that speed is remarkable.
Vivo claims the cell will retain good health over six years across roughly 1,600 charge cycles. There is also a Bypass Charging option that manages heat during plugged-in gaming, meaning you can leave the portable charger at home.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
The Vivo S2 shines by prioritizing real-world practicalities over headline-grabbing spec sheets. It concentrates on core user priorities: phenomenal battery endurance, a reliable camera setup backed by the flexible Aura Light, and remarkable thermal efficiency under long gaming loads.
It will not draw in benchmark chasers, and pre-installed bloatware remains a downer. Nevertheless, given its IP68 and IP69 ratings, vivid 120Hz curved AMOLED panel, steady 4K video recording, and five years of security patches, it provides a well-balanced overall package.
Priced at Rs 39,999, it faces stiff market rivalry. Even so, if you want a sleek, dependable phone that delivers outstanding battery life without thermal issues or mid-day battery drain, the Vivo S2 earns a easy recommendation

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 combines a wider passport-style design, flagship performance, premium displays, dependable battery life and Samsung's best foldable software experience yet.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: A Foldable That Finally Feels Complete

<h3 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="593" data-end="748">Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 finally fixes the biggest flaw of earlier Folds with a wider passport-style design and delivers the best foldable experience yet.</h3>

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 doesn't feel like another routine hardware refresh. Instead, it marks a shift in how Samsung thinks a book-style foldable should fit into everyday life. Rather than chasing slimmer dimensions or shaving off a few more grams, the company has focused on fixing the biggest weakness of previous Galaxy Folds: usability.
That decision is most obvious in the new passport-style form factor. The wider cover display finally feels like a complete smartphone screen instead of a placeholder until you unfold the device. I found myself replying to messages, reading articles, navigating with Maps and catching up on emails without automatically reaching for the larger display. When I did unfold the phone, it was because the task genuinely benefited from the extra space, not because the outer screen felt restrictive.
That subtle change completely transforms the ownership experience. Closed, the Fold 8 is comfortable enough to replace a traditional flagship. Open it, and it becomes a capable tablet for multitasking, editing documents or simply enjoying content on a much larger canvas. It's the first Galaxy Fold where both displays feel equally purposeful.
The Fold 8 isn't flawless. A dedicated telephoto camera is still missing, and a few software quirks remain. Even so, those compromises are easy to overlook because Samsung has finally built a foldable that works around the user, rather than expecting the user to work around the foldable.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Design</h2>
Samsung has spent years refining the Galaxy Fold by making it thinner, lighter and tougher, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like the first time the company has questioned the design itself. Instead of treating the narrow cover display as an unavoidable part of a book-style foldable, Samsung has completely reworked the proportions. The result is a passport-style device that's shorter, considerably wider and, in my experience, far more intuitive to use.
That redesign changes the way you interact with the phone from the very first day. Previous Galaxy Folds almost encouraged me to unfold them for everything beyond a quick reply. The Fold 8 doesn't. I comfortably replied to WhatsApp messages, cleared emails, browsed Chrome, navigated with Maps and even typed lengthy messages without ever feeling restricted by the outer display. It brought back memories of the BlackBerry Passport, although Samsung has refined the idea into something that feels natural rather than experimental.
Ironically, the biggest difference isn't the cover display itself. It's how often you stop thinking about it. I only unfolded the Fold 8 when I genuinely wanted more screen real estate for editing articles, reviewing documents, multitasking or watching a film. For the first time, the two displays complement each other instead of one compensating for the other.
The Fold 8 also feels exceptional in the hand. At 201g, it's surprisingly light for a device that doubles as a smartphone and a tablet, while its 9.7mm folded and 4.5mm unfolded profile makes it far easier to carry than its dimensions suggest. The wider chassis improves grip, the weight distribution is excellent, and even extended reading sessions never became tiring.
Samsung may market the Fold 8 Ultra as the productivity-focused model, but I never found the standard Fold lacking. Whether I was reviewing spreadsheets, editing Word documents or juggling multiple apps, it felt just as comfortable as it did while streaming Netflix or catching up on YouTube.
The engineering deserves praise too. The new Armour FlexHinge feels solid and precise, the Flex Titanium display structure makes the crease easy to ignore, while Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 3, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the Advanced Armour Aluminium frame and an IP48 rating inspire confidence when using the phone every day.
Samsung has also shown admirable restraint with the styling. My Lavender review unit looked understated yet premium, while Graphite, Cream and Pistachio offer equally attractive alternatives. My only real complaint is the prominent camera bump, which makes the Fold 8 wobble noticeably whenever it's placed screen-side up on a table. Apart from that, this is easily Samsung's most complete and thoughtfully designed book-style foldable to date.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Display</h2>
The Galaxy Z Fold 8's displays aren't impressive simply because they're bright, sharp or packed with flagship specifications. Samsung has been doing that for years. What makes this phone stand out is how naturally the two displays complement one another. For the first time on a Galaxy Fold, I never felt like one screen existed purely to compensate for the other.
That change begins with the 5.5-inch cover display. On paper, it's a WUXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a sharp 428ppi pixel density, an adaptive 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster for improved outdoor visibility. In reality, it's the wider passport-style aspect ratio that makes all the difference. I found myself replying to WhatsApp messages, working through emails, browsing Chrome, navigating with Google Maps and reading long articles without once feeling rushed to unfold the device. Even typing lengthy messages felt surprisingly comfortable. More often than not, I finished what I was doing, locked the phone and carried on with my day.
Unfolding the Fold 8 still feels rewarding, but now it serves a different purpose. The 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display, with its 1848 &times; 2448 resolution, 403ppi pixel density and adaptive 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate, isn't there to rescue a compromised outer screen. Instead, it becomes the display I reached for whenever I needed more room to work. Editing articles, reviewing documents, comparing webpages and multitasking across multiple apps all felt far more comfortable than on earlier Galaxy Folds. The revised proportions also make video content more enjoyable, with smaller black bars helping films and YouTube videos make better use of the available screen.
Display quality is exactly what I'd expect from Samsung. Both panels are exceptionally bright, colour accurate and wonderfully fluid, while Vision Booster keeps them readable even under harsh sunlight. HDR10 and HDR10+ support also ensures HDR content looks excellent, despite the absence of Dolby Vision.
The stereo speakers deserve credit too. They produce impressive volume, surprising bass and clear vocals for a device this slim. My only criticism is that their positioning favours the left side in landscape orientation, making the soundstage feel slightly lopsided during gaming and while watching films.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Performance</h2>
Flagship smartphones have reached a point where outright performance is rarely a concern, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is no exception. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, the phone is available with 12GB of RAM on the 256GB and 512GB variants, while the 1TB model comes equipped with 16GB. As expected, it has more than enough headroom for demanding workloads.
What stood out during my time with the Fold 8 wasn't how fast it was, but how consistently smooth it remained. Whether I was editing photos, exporting videos, jumping between dozens of Chrome tabs or making use of Galaxy AI features, the phone handled everything without hesitation. One UI 9 also plays a big role here. Split-screen multitasking, floating windows and drag-and-drop between apps feel fluid enough that they quickly become part of your everyday workflow instead of features you occasionally show off.
Gaming performance is equally strong. BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile comfortably hovered around 118 to 119fps during my testing, with no noticeable frame drops even in longer sessions. The larger inner display also makes the Fold 8 an excellent device for emulation. I spent more time than I'd care to admit revisiting classic NES and PSP titles, and the combination of flagship hardware and a spacious display made for a genuinely enjoyable handheld gaming experience.
If benchmark scores matter to you, the Fold 8 comfortably crossed 3.1 million points in AnTuTu, while Geekbench returned 3,517 in the single-core test and 9,752 in the multi-core benchmark. Samsung has also redesigned the internal cooling system with additional graphite to improve heat dissipation. Although the phone became warm during extended gaming sessions and long hours outdoors in Delhi's summer heat, I never experienced meaningful throttling or any slowdown that affected real-world performance.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Cameras </h2>
Samsung has taken a refreshingly restrained approach with the Galaxy Z Fold 8's cameras. Rather than trying to match the Fold 8 Ultra feature for feature, it focuses on getting the essentials right. You get a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide and 10MP selfie cameras on both the cover and inner displays. On paper, it may not look as versatile as some flagship rivals, but in day-to-day use, I rarely felt limited.
The primary camera does most of the heavy lifting, and it does it exceptionally well. Photos are packed with detail, dynamic range is excellent and Samsung continues to strike a good balance with colour reproduction. Images look vibrant and lively without appearing overly processed. The ultrawide also deserves praise for maintaining consistent colours and exposure, making it easy to switch between the two cameras without the final results looking noticeably different. Portrait mode remains reliable too, producing clean edge detection in most lighting conditions. I also found Samsung's default shooting mode to be the better choice, consistently delivering brighter and more balanced images than the full-resolution mode.
The only area where I genuinely felt the Fold 8 fall short was zoom photography. Without a dedicated telephoto camera, anything beyond 2x starts to lose fine detail. Samsung's image processing does a respectable job of controlling noise and sharpening, but there's only so much software can do when optical hardware isn't there.
Video recording is another highlight. The Fold 8 supports recording at up to 8K 30fps and 4K at 30fps, 60fps and 120fps, while optical image stabilisation keeps footage from the primary camera impressively steady. Beyond image quality, the folding design itself unlocks features that conventional smartphones simply can't match. The cover display can act as a live preview for your subject, the rear cameras double up as excellent selfie cameras, and tools like Dual Recording, Picture-in-Picture video and Galaxy AI editing make the Fold 8 feel like a genuinely capable pocket content-creation studio.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Software</h2>
A foldable is only as good as the software that ties its two displays together, and this is where Samsung continues to stay comfortably ahead of the competition. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 ships with One UI 9 based on Android 17, and while it doesn't radically overhaul the interface, the experience feels far more cohesive on the Fold 8's wider layout.
The improvements are most obvious when multitasking. The wider inner display gives apps more breathing room, making split-screen far more practical than on previous Galaxy Folds. I often found myself researching while writing, keeping Slack open beside my inbox or comparing multiple webpages simultaneously. Although the Fold 8 can comfortably handle three apps at once, I usually settled on two, which struck the right balance between screen space and usability. Samsung's taskbar, floating windows, drag-and-drop gestures and app pairs are so well integrated that they quickly become second nature rather than features you actively think about using.
AI also plays a bigger role this year. Alongside Google's growing suite of AI tools, Samsung's Galaxy AI introduces genuinely useful additions such as My FanCam, which intelligently tracks a selected subject in a video and creates a ready-to-share cropped clip. Smaller refinements, like independent auto-rotate settings for the cover and inner displays and the dedicated Google Search bar, also make day-to-day navigation feel more intuitive.
It's not entirely flawless. I occasionally came across apps that struggled to transition smoothly between the cover and inner displays, and I still think Samsung could do more with Flex Mode on this wider design. Even so, no other Android foldable currently delivers a software experience this mature. Add Samsung's promise of seven Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, and the Fold 8 remains the software benchmark for book-style foldables.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Battery</h2>
Battery life ended up being one of the Galaxy Z Fold 8's biggest strengths. Despite using a relatively modest 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery, it comfortably lasted a full day of heavy use. Whether I was multitasking, streaming videos, taking photos, navigating or constantly replying to messages, I usually finished the day with around 15% charge remaining.
Charging speeds top out at 45W wired and 20W wireless. They're no longer class-leading, but they proved fast enough for everyday use. My only real complaint is that Samsung still hasn't adopted built-in magnetic wireless charging, something I'd have liked to see on a flagship foldable.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Verdict</h2>
Samsung didn't just refine the Galaxy Z Fold 8; it redefined what its standard book-style foldable should be. The wider, passport-style form factor completely changes the ownership experience, making the cover display practical enough to function as a proper smartphone while preserving the advantages of a large inner display whenever you need it. It's a deceptively simple change, but one that has a profound impact on how the device fits into everyday life.
The rest of the package leaves very little to complain about. The displays are exceptional, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers effortless flagship performance, battery life is dependable, and One UI 9 continues to offer the best software experience on any Android foldable. The cameras may lack the versatility of the Fold 8 Ultra's setup, but they remain more than capable for the vast majority of users.
Starting at ₹1,79,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is undeniably an expensive device. I still wish Samsung had included a dedicated telephoto camera and built-in magnetic wireless charging. Even so, those omissions do little to overshadow what Samsung has achieved here.
If you've been waiting for a book-style foldable that feels natural, practical and uncompromising in everyday use, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the easiest recommendation in its category. It doesn't just raise the bar for Samsung's foldables; it sets a new benchmark for the entire segment.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra delivers a slimmer design, improved displays, flagship cameras, strong battery life and the best foldable software experience.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Review: Samsung’s Most Complete Foldable Yet

<h3>The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra combines a slimmer design, better cameras, dependable battery life and polished software, but remains a luxury purchase.</h3>

For years, foldable phones have promised the future while asking buyers to accept a few compromises. They were thicker than conventional flagships, rarely matched the best camera phones, and the crease across the main display constantly reminded you that two panels sat beneath the glass. Considering their eye-watering prices, those trade-offs never felt insignificant.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra though, suggests that Samsung is finally ready to move beyond that formula. Instead of relying on a routine chipset upgrade, the company has refined the hardware in meaningful ways. The phone measures 4.1mm when unfolded, is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and features an inner display where the crease is barely visible.
What makes this launch interesting, however, is Samsung's lineup. The redesigned Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers a wider, conventional approach, leaving the Ultra to perfect the tall foldable formula. After spending two weeks with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra as my phone, I wanted to find out whether its upgrades make it the flagship to beat in 2026.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra&rsquo;s Design &amp; Build: Built To Fold, Built To Last</h2>
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra doesn't try to impress you with flashy styling. Instead, it's the engineering that grabs your attention. The moment you pick it up, it's difficult not to wonder how Samsung has managed to fit flagship-grade hardware into a chassis this slim.
Folded shut, the phone measures just 8.9mm, putting it in the same league as many conventional flagship smartphones. Unfolded though, it sits at 4.1mm. That in itself is pretty incredible. Samsung has managed to shave off 0.1mm from the Z Fold 7, and while it may not seem that big a deal, trust me, it is.
More importantly, it weighs only 215 grams, making it surprisingly comfortable to carry and use throughout the day. Earlier Fold models often felt hefty after prolonged use, but that is no longer the case. The weight distribution is well balanced, and the phone never feels cumbersome despite housing two displays.
Samsung has also redesigned its hinge. Dubbed the Armor FlexHinge, it combines titanium alloy with Armour Aluminium to deliver a reassuringly solid feel. Opening and closing the device is smooth and controlled, with just the right amount of resistance. The two halves shut completely flat without leaving a visible gap, while the unfolded display locks firmly into place with virtually no flex or unwanted movement.
Durability has also seen subtle refinements. The Fold 8 Ultra retains an IP48 rating, offering protection against freshwater immersion as well as larger dust particles. It still isn't a phone I'd casually take to a beach, but it feels robust enough for everyday life.
My review unit in Violet Shadow looked particularly striking, although Graphite and Cream are available for those who prefer understated finishes. The satin-textured rear glass resists fingerprints well, helping the phone maintain its clean appearance. Everything about the Fold 8 Ultra, from the materials to the fit and finish, reinforces its position as Samsung's premium flagship foldable.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's Displays: Two Excellent Screens, One Much Smaller Crease</h2>
One of my biggest issues with Samsung's earlier Fold devices was the cover screen. It always felt a little too narrow, especially when typing with two hands, which meant I would often unfold the phone even for relatively simple tasks. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra improves that experience considerably.
The 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display now feels much closer to using a conventional smartphone. The wider aspect ratio makes browsing, replying to messages and navigating apps far more comfortable. Two-thumb typing is also considerably easier, although the proportions still take some getting used to.
Samsung hasn't cut corners on display quality either. Both panels support an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate and can hit 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Outdoor visibility is excellent, while scrolling and animations remain wonderfully fluid.
Unfold the phone and you get the real attraction: an 8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Colours are rich, blacks are appropriately deep and HDR10+ content looks fantastic. The squarish aspect ratio means some videos still have noticeable black bars, but the sheer size makes watching content incredibly immersive.
More importantly, Samsung has made the crease far less distracting. It hasn't disappeared completely. You'll still spot it under overhead lighting or when viewing the screen from certain angles, but during normal use, I rarely noticed it. Even running a finger across the centre produces only a slight indentation.
Samsung's anti-reflective coating and Vision Booster further improve the experience, particularly outdoors or under harsh lighting. Whether I was reading articles, editing documents, watching videos or running apps side-by-side, the inner display remained the biggest reason I enjoyed using the Fold 8 Ultra.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's Cameras: Flagship Cameras, Foldable Flexibility</h2>
Camera performance has often been one of the biggest compromises on foldable phones, but that gap has narrowed considerably with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Samsung has retained the excellent 200MP primary sensor from last year's model, and it continues to deliver the kind of results you'd expect from a premium flagship.
In daylight, photos are packed with detail, colours look vibrant without appearing overprocessed, and Samsung's Quad Pixel autofocus locks onto subjects quickly. The 2x in-sensor crop is particularly useful, producing sharp images that don't feel like digitally zoomed shots. Once the sun goes down, the combination of the bright f/1.7 aperture and optical image stabilisation helps retain detail while keeping noise under control.
The biggest hardware improvement comes from the ultra-wide camera. Samsung has swapped the older 12MP sensor for a much sharper 50MP unit, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Landscapes look cleaner across the frame, distortion around the edges is well managed, and the addition of autofocus means the lens doubles as a surprisingly capable macro camera.
Completing the rear setup is a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS. Portraits come out looking natural with pleasing background separation, while images remain sharp up to the optical zoom range. Push beyond that and finer details begin to soften, although overall quality remains respectable.
Selfies are handled by two 10MP cameras. The outer camera is better suited to everyday selfies, while the wider inner camera works well for group shots and video calls.
Video recording is another area where the Fold 8 Ultra impresses. Stabilisation is excellent thanks to the combination of OIS and gyro-EIS, autofocus tracks subjects confidently, and footage remains smooth even while walking. You can record in 8K at 30fps or 4K at up to 120fps, with support for both 10-bit HDR and HDR10+ recording, producing footage with impressive dynamic range and colour depth.
My only real complaint is the noticeable colour shift when switching between lenses mid-recording. It isn't a deal-breaker, but it does interrupt what is otherwise one of the most polished camera experiences on a foldable smartphone.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's Performance: Flagship Power Without Breaking A Sweat</h2>
Powering the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the fastest Android phones you can buy today.
The synthetic benchmarks reflect that performance. The Fold 8 Ultra scored 3,351,472 in AnTuTu, 22,054 in the 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test, while Geekbench returned scores of 3,617 in the single-core test and 10,845 in the multi-core test.
Those numbers translate well into everyday use. Throughout my time with the device, I never encountered slowdowns, regardless of the workload. Running multiple apps side by side on the expansive inner display, editing 4K videos in VN or jumping between demanding apps felt effortless, with the phone remaining consistently responsive.
Samsung has also improved thermal management with a redesigned graphite cooling structure, and the difference is noticeable during extended gaming sessions. BGMI comfortably held close to 120fps whether I played folded or unfolded, while temperatures stayed surprisingly well under control. The phone only became noticeably warm during benchmark testing, which is expected from any flagship chipset.
For a device this slim, the Fold 8 Ultra delivers outstanding sustained performance without compromising on stability or efficiency.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's Battery: Better Endurance, Faster Charging</h2>
Battery life has traditionally been one of the weaker aspects of foldable phones, largely because fitting a large cell into such a slim chassis isn't easy. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra changes that with Samsung's first-ever 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, allowing the company to improve efficiency without increasing the phone's size.
In everyday use, which included emails, web browsing, photography, streaming and a bit of gaming across both displays, the Fold 8 Ultra comfortably lasted an entire day. By bedtime, I usually had around 20 to 25 per cent battery remaining, making it reliable enough for heavy users.
Charging has also improved. Samsung's new 45W dual-path charging system takes the battery from empty to around 65 per cent in roughly 30 minutes, with a full charge taking under an hour. Wireless charging now tops out at 20W, although you'll still need a MagSafe-style case if you want magnetic accessories, as Samsung continues to omit built-in magnets.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's Software &amp; AI: Where The Foldable Truly Comes Alive</h2>
Great hardware is only half the story with a foldable. What ultimately sets the experience apart is how well the software takes advantage of the larger display, and this is where Samsung continues to stay ahead of the competition.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra ships with One UI 9 based on Android 17, and it makes excellent use of the expansive inner screen. The persistent taskbar gives the interface a tablet-like feel, making it easy to launch recently used apps or switch between tasks. Multitasking is effortless. Running three apps side by side, opening floating windows or dragging content between applications all feels intuitive rather than gimmicky. Over time, I found myself relying on these features far more than I expected.
Samsung's Galaxy AI suite also feels meaningfully integrated instead of existing purely for marketing. Live Interpreter with Dual Screen View is one of the standout features. Fold the phone partially, place it on a table, and each person can view translated conversations on their respective side of the display, making face-to-face communication remarkably natural.
I also came to appreciate Note Assist during long meetings. It can transcribe conversations, generate concise summaries and even identify action points directly within Samsung Notes, making it a genuinely useful productivity tool. The Generative Photo Editor is equally polished, allowing you to remove distractions, extend backgrounds or refine images in just a few taps, with results that are often surprisingly convincing.
Rounding things off is Samsung's software support promise. The company is committing to seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates, ensuring the Fold 8 Ultra remains relevant long after most smartphones would have reached the end of their software lifecycle. On a device at this price, that level of long-term support is reassuring and adds meaningful value beyond the hardware itself.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's Verdict: The Most Complete Foldable Yet</h2>
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra isn't a revolutionary leap over its predecessor, but it doesn't need to be. Instead, Samsung has focused on refining the experience in all the right places. The phone is slimmer, lighter and easier to use than previous generations, the crease is less distracting, the cover display finally feels practical, and the cameras no longer feel like a compromise compared to traditional flagship phones. Add dependable battery life and class-leading performance, and you have a foldable that delivers on almost every front.
What stood out to me most was how quickly the novelty of the folding screen disappeared. Rather than constantly reminding me I was using a foldable, the Z Fold 8 Ultra simply behaved like a premium flagship that could transform into a compact tablet whenever I needed more screen space. That's exactly how a foldable should feel.
At ₹2,00,000 for the base 12GB + 256GB variant, this is undeniably a luxury purchase. But if you're after the most polished foldable experience currently available, whether for productivity, entertainment or simply having the most versatile smartphone on the market, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is easy to recommend. It sets a new benchmark for what a premium foldable should be.

The POCO M8 Power packs an 8000mAh battery, Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, AMOLED display, and long software support. Read our in-depth review to see if it's worth buying.

POCO M8 Power Review: 8000mAh Battery Champion Under ₹25,000

The POCO M8 Power delivers excellent battery life, a vibrant AMOLED display, dependable performance, and six years of security updates. Here's our full review after a week of testing.

POCO M8 Power Review: Massive 8000mAh Battery, AMOLED Display & Great Value

The POCO M8 Power impresses with exceptional battery life, a bright AMOLED display, reliable everyday performance, and long software support, making it one of the easiest mid-range phones to recommend.

Shopping for a mid-range phone usually means picking your poison. Buy something fast, and the cameras take a hit. Look for a huge battery, and you end up saddled with a washed-out screen.
POCO is trying to balance those trade-offs with the new M8 Power. It brings an 8,000mAh battery, a bright 120Hz AMOLED panel, refreshed styling, and Qualcomm's latest mid-range silicon under one roof.
Starting at ₹24,999 for the 6GB + 128GB version, the spec sheet checks the right boxes. Still, strong specs on a press release do not always translate to a great daily experience.
I used the M8 Power as my main phone for a week before launch. Here is how it actually holds up in hand.
<h2>Design</h2>
POCO gives the M8 Power a distinct look that sets it apart from typical mid-range phones. I reviewed the green model, which sports a clean matte finish without any oversized logos plastering the lower back panel. The shade is understated and subtle, though the matte material tends to collect finger smudges easily. Unless you want to wipe it down constantly, a case is practically essential. If green isn't your thing, orange and black options are also available.
My favorite detail is the rectangular camera module, which is split evenly into four quadrants. The company logo is tucked away discreetly in the lower-right section rather than drawn across the center.
The right side houses tactile volume and power keys that deliver a satisfying click. At the top sits an IR blaster, while the bottom frame holds the USB-C port, main microphone, a mono speaker, and a SIM tray with microSD storage expansion. The single speaker gets loud enough, but the audio lacks depth and hits weak notes on bass-heavy tracks.
Packing a massive 8,000mAh battery into an 8.4mm chassis is a remarkable engineering trick, keeping the profile deceptively thin. That said, the 225g heft is hard to miss when holding the phone one-handed during longer sessions.
On the build quality front, the display is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and the device carries an IP65 rating to protect against routine dust and water exposure.
<h2>Display</h2>
Up front, the phone packs a massive 6.9-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display capable of refreshing at 120Hz. Considering how spotty mid-range phone releases have been recently, landing a proper AMOLED display at this price point is a huge relief. Not long ago, I tested the <a title="Realme 16T 5G Review: Battery anxiety officially cancelled " href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/realme-16t-5g-review-battery-anxiety-officially-cancelled-1779439487282" target="_blank">Realme 16T</a>, which hit the market around this same price bracket but forced users to settle for an LCD panel. POCO opting for AMOLED on the M8 Power gives it an immediate competitive advantage.
In everyday use, the quality difference is hard to miss. Text looks crisp, contrast is deep, and streaming video looks punchy. The only obvious missing feature is HDR playback support across major apps like Netflix and YouTube.
Outdoor readability, on the other hand, is excellent. With a rated peak brightness of 1,800 nits, you never have to squint when using the phone outside. During a recent trip through Lajpat Nagar while searching for a music shop under a harsh afternoon sun, the screen stayed bright and perfectly legible the whole time.
As for the front layout, while the side borders are fairly slim, the bottom chin is noticeably thick and gives the device a slightly older look. The optical fingerprint reader embedded near the bottom of the glass is quick and reliable, but its low placement on the chin forces an awkward thumb stretch if you have smaller hands.
Finally, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling across the system interface, it isn't applied everywhere, as plenty of third-party apps still drop back to standard 60Hz.
<h2>Camera</h2>
Historically, <a title="Poco X8 Pro Max Review: Big Battery, Bigger Ambitions" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/poco-x8-pro-max-review-big-battery-bigger-ambitions-1774081790902" target="_blank">POCO </a>prioritizes raw performance over camera capabilities, but the primary sensor on the M8 Power performs better than anticipated. The 50MP main rear camera captures sharp daylight shots featuring vibrant colors and strong highlight management.
When taking photos of people, the camera preserves natural skin tones with a subtle warm cast. It stays far away from the heavy smoothing or artificial processing common in budget devices.
Low-light performance was another pleasant surprise. The lens controls glare from streetlights well and retains clean structural detail, showing noticeable noise only in extremely dark environments. While it will not shock high-end camera enthusiasts, the results exceed standard expectations for this price bracket.
Portrait shooting holds up well, too. The software applies a soft, natural background blur that is ideal for social media feeds, even if edge detection stumbles slightly on loose hair strands.
Conversely, the 8MP selfie shooter delivers strictly entry-level performance. It functions adequately for video calls, but selfies lack crisp detail and dynamic depth.
Video capabilities are basic. Both the front and main rear cameras top out at 1080p resolution at 30fps. Although color rendering stays accurate in video mode, the lack of effective handheld stabilization makes motion footage look shaky when you walk.
<h2>Performance</h2>
POCO&rsquo;s M8 Power brings the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chip to India for the first time, pairing it with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage.
Benchmark testing put the numbers at roughly 628,000 on AnTuTu, alongside Geekbench scores of 942 for single-core and 2,318 for multi-core. Sure, on paper, those figures lag behind what mid-rangers from a couple of years back delivered.
Real usage is what counts, though. In hand, the phone feels snappy. Apps load right away, social timelines scroll smoothly, and juggling a few open windows rarely bogs things down.
Gaming performance is decent, too. Titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile stay stable and keep cool, even if you are locked to 60FPS. If you need 90FPS or higher for competitive play, look elsewhere. For an everyday casual match or two, this handles business just fine.
<h2>Software and UI/UX &amp; AI features</h2>
Running Xiaomi HyperOS 3 over Android 16, the POCO M8 Power brings a noticeably smoother user experience. I have never been a big fan of HyperOS, but this build feels far more refined than earlier versions. Useful additions include Hyper Island, deeper Xiaomi ecosystem integration, and baked-in Google tools like Circle to Search and Gemini.
On the AI front, POCO bundles basic writing aids alongside handy photo editing options for quick touch-ups.
Third-party bloatware comes installed right out of the box, which is annoying, though you can wipe almost all of it in a few minutes.
The biggest highlight here is long-term software support. POCO promises 4 years of major Android updates and 6 years of security patches, giving this mid-ranger exceptional future-proofing.
<h2>Battery and charging</h2>
An 8,000mAh capacity is the main selling point here, and it makes power worries irrelevant. Reaching two full days on a single charge happened without breaking a sweat. If you use your phone mostly for quick messages and light social browsing, getting through part of a third day on the same charge is completely doable.
Replenishing a cell this size takes time, but the included 45W power adapter keeps the process manageable. Expect a full zero-to-hundred top-up in about ninety minutes.
You also get 22.5W reverse wired charging support. That transforms the handset into a fast portable battery for topping up your wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or another phone when you are out and about.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
Picking a phone in this price bracket comes down to trade-offs. The POCO M8 Power doesn't try to be a high-end camera phone or a competitive gaming device, and it doesn't make fake promises. Instead, it targets everyday practical problems.
If what you want most is a battery that lasts two straight days, a sharp AMOLED panel for watching videos, and long-term software support that keeps your device current, this is an easy buy.
Sure, you'll have to live with a few obvious compromises. The body feels heavy in the hand, the bottom chin is on the thicker side, and games peak at 60FPS. But for most regular users, none of those issues are deal-breakers. The M8 Power gets the fundamental stuff right, making it a reliable pick that delivers strong overall value.

Marshall Milton ANC review: Premium on-ear headphones with LDAC, Active Noise Cancellation, 80-hour battery life, repairable design, and signature Marshall sound.

Marshall Milton ANC Review: Premium On-Ear Headphones with ANC, LDAC & 80-Hour Battery

Marshall finally adds ANC and LDAC to its iconic on-ear headphones. Here's our in-depth Marshall Milton ANC review covering design, sound quality, battery life, features, pros, cons, and whether it's worth ₹20,000.

Marshall Milton ANC Review: The Best Premium On-Ear Headphones Yet?

Marshall Milton ANC builds on the Major V with ANC, LDAC, Bluetooth 6.0, and an 80-hour battery while retaining its iconic design, lively sound, repairable build, and excellent everyday usability.

The Marshall Major V set a high bar for premium on-ear headphones. Thanks to impressive audio, a rugged frame, and iconic retro styling, they built a massive fanbase and remained an easy recommendation even two years after release.
Even so, they were starting to show their age. Modern buyers expect features like high-res Bluetooth audio and Active Noise Cancellation, two key omissions that left the Major V trailing behind its main rivals.
The new Marshall Milton ANC fixes those exact flaws. Marshall finally brought Active Noise Cancellation into the fold, expanded codec support, and polished the overall user experience with several smart tweaks.
Most importantly, Marshall left the core formula untouched. The signature looks, durable construction, and energetic sound profile are all still front and center, making the Milton ANC feel like a genuine, well-earned upgrade rather than an unnecessary reinvention.
<h2>Marshall Milton ANC: Design</h2>
Marshall could have completely redesigned the Milton ANC, but sticking to what works was the right call. It keeps everything great about the Major V: the amp-style textured finish, the brass joystick control, and the customizable M-button. The moment you pull them out of the box, they look and feel like classic Marshall gear.
The biggest visual shift is where the cups attach to the headband. <a title="Marshall Major V headphones launched in India: Check price &amp; specs" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/marshall-major-v-headphones-launched-in-india-check-price-specs-1721125374245" target="_blank">Marshall </a>dropped the Major V&rsquo;s exposed wire frame for solid support arms. It makes the headset look much cleaner and feel far sturdier. There are no ratchets for adjustment, but you honestly won't miss them. The gold logos pop nicely against the dark body without looking tacky.
Comfort gets a noticeable bump too. The ear pads are larger, packed with softer memory foam, and wrapped in faux leather. For an on-ear design, they stay remarkably comfortable whether you're working at a desk, riding the Metro, or relaxing at home. They weigh around 200 grams, so they never feel heavy. If you have a larger head like I do, you might feel a bit of clamping force, but it never gets painful.
The main downside is heat. Faux leather holds onto warmth, so your ears will get sweaty after two or three hours in hot weather. Beyond that, build quality is rock solid. The headband is flexible, the folding mechanism feels durable, and the bundled pouch is surprisingly tough&mdash;even if a hard-shell case would offer better protection.
What stands out most is repairability. Both the battery and the ear pads are user-replaceable, which is a rare win for long-term usability.
On the wireless side, Bluetooth 6.0 holds a rock-solid connection up to 30 feet. You also get a USB-C to 3.5mm cable for wired listening. Bizarrely, the headphones have to be turned on for the cable to work. If your battery drops to zero, plugging them in won't save you, which feels like a strange design oversight.
<h2>Marshall Milton ANC: App &amp; Features</h2>
Marshall actually nailed the companion app here. Most headphone apps feel like bloated junk, but this one stays out of your way with a clean, simple layout that makes finding settings effortless.
Right on the home screen, you can toggle between ANC and Transparency mode. From there, you get options to tweak the EQ, remap the M-button, set up Spotify Tap, turn on Auracast, set auto-off timers, and toggle battery preservation settings to help the hardware last longer over time.
You also get location tracking through both Apple Find My and Google Find Hub. You hopefully won't need to track down missing gear, but having dual support built in offers solid peace of mind.
Multipoint switching is equally smooth. I jumped between a phone, <a title="2024 Apple iPad Pro is more powerful than MacBook Pro: See why" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/2024-apple-ipad-pro-is-more-powerful-than-macbook-pro-see-why-1715330336084" target="_blank">iPad,</a> and MacBook throughout my review, and the connection swapped sources instantly without dropping a signal or stuttering.
My favorite thing about the software, though, is that you rarely have to use it. Once I spent five minutes tweaking everything to my liking, I barely touched the app again. Since the brass joystick and M-button handle almost every daily task right on the earcups, the app acts as a helpful backup rather than a daily requirement.
<h2>Marshall Milton ANC: Audio Performance</h2>
Right off the bat, the Milton ANC focuses on pure enjoyment over clinical precision. Marshall did not aim for a flat, reference-style response. Instead, they dialed in a warm, lively sound signature that hits the spot for mainstream music genres.
The out-of-the-box Marshall Signature profile sounds great as is, so I almost never felt compelled to tweak the EQ. If you do want to alter the sound, the app provides two fully custom EQ slots alongside presets for Bass Boost, Mid Boost, Mid Reduction, and Treble Boost. However, the default setup already handles Bollywood, Punjabi tracks, rock, and indie numbers exceptionally well.
Upgraded 32mm drivers deliver a clear step up in detail and separation. On tracks like Ghost&rsquo;s "Mary On A Cross," electric guitars retain their grit while cymbals stay crisp, all without pushing into harsh, tiring high frequencies.
Testing across different styles proved just as satisfying. Heavy-rotation albums like Dhurandhar and the Manmarziyaan soundtrack show off a punchy low end that keeps high-energy tracks engaging without smothering the vocals.
Slower, vocal-centric tracks like Passenger&rsquo;s "Let Her Go" and Keane&rsquo;s "Somewhere Only We Know" showcase how balanced the overall output is. The bass remains tight, the midrange preserves vocal warmth, and the upper frequencies reveal subtle details without irritating your ears.
A welcome upgrade over the Major V is high-res wireless audio. Marshall finally added LDAC support alongside standard SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. They also included their proprietary spatial audio feature, Soundstage, though I personally would have preferred proper Dolby Atmos.
If your library leans heavily toward acoustic arrangements or Indian classical tracks, flatter-sounding options might serve you better. But for nearly everything else, the Milton ANC delivers exactly what Marshall does best: pure entertainment.
<h2>Marshall Milton ANC: Battery Life</h2>
Marshall has a solid track record with battery performance, and the Milton ANC keeps that streak alive. Official claims promise up to 80 hours of playback without noise cancellation, or roughly 50 hours with ANC turned on. While I did not run a laboratory drain test, my real-world testing came very close. Mixing ANC on and off easily gave me five to six days of heavy use before I ever needed to plug in.
That kind of mileage completely eliminates battery anxiety. On days when I slipped up and forgot to charge, plugging them in for just 15 minutes added another day or two of juice. Recharging the battery back to full takes about two hours.
Marshall also added clever battery management tools inside the app. You can set charge limits to slow down long-term chemical degradation and adjust auto-sleep timers so the headset does not drain while sitting idle.
The absolute best feature here, though, is repairability. Both the internal battery and ear pads are user-replaceable. Instead of throwing away a perfectly good headset in a few years when the battery degrades, you can simply swap in a new one yourself. It is a rare win for repairability that guarantees these headphones stay in your setup for a very long time.
<h2>Marshall Milton ANC: Verdict</h2>
The Milton ANC occupies a sweet spot in the current headphone market. At ₹20,000, it sits above standard offerings from JBL, Soundcore, or mid-range Sony sets, yet remains far more affordable than ultra-premium flagships like the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max.
What stands out is Marshall's refusal to play the spec-chasing game. Instead of obsessing over raw noise cancellation numbers or flat studio tuning, the focus went toward building a pair you will actually look forward to using daily. That strategy pays off.
You get iconic styling, rugged build quality, multi-day battery endurance, high-res Bluetooth codec support, a clean companion app, and user-serviceable batteries and ear cushions. Pair that with a warm, lively sound profile, and the result is a headset that makes listening genuinely fun.
A few flaws remain. Transparency mode is merely average, Soundstage spatial audio feels uninspired, and on-ear active noise cancellation naturally cannot block as much noise as over-ear designs. Requiring power for wired mode is another minor drawback.
Still, those compromises are easy to look past. If you want a stylish, great-sounding pair of on-ear headphones built to last and easily repairable, the Marshall Milton ANC comes highly recommended. It feels less like a basic upgrade to the Major V and more like the complete realization of that concept.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema blends instant photography with digital creativity through QR video prints, retro filters and premium design. Here's our full review.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema Review: The Most Creative Instant Camera Yet?

The Instax Mini Evo Cinema isn't just an instant camera—it prints memories with QR-linked videos, offers 100 creative filter combinations and delivers a premium retro experience. Here's our full review.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema Review: Nostalgia Meets Modern Creativity

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema blends instant photography with digital creativity, offering retro filters, QR-linked video prints and premium design, making it a unique hybrid camera for creators and nostalgia lovers.

Fujifilm completely changed the instant photography game when they dropped the first Instax Mini Evo around five years ago. It wasn't just another camera. It nailed a hybrid setup that gave you the pure, physical joy of instant film while keeping a digital safety net so you never wasted a shot.
Let&rsquo;s be honest, nobody buys an instant camera for tack-sharp image quality anymore. Your smartphone already takes sterile, perfect photos, which is exactly why Fujifilm went in the complete opposite direction.
I spent over a week testing the stealthy black Instax Mini Evo Cinema, and it is honestly just a blast to use. Forget about the megapixel race. This thing relies entirely on nostalgia, combining digital era filters with physical prints and letting you stick short video clips right onto the film borders via QR codes. But with a price tag of ₹37,999, does this highly styled machine actually earn a place in your everyday setup?
<h2>Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
Unboxing the Instax Mini Evo Cinema makes one thing clear right away: this doesn't feel like the cheap, toy-like plastic gear we usually get with instant cameras. <a title="Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 instant camera launched in India" href="https://www.editorji.com/story/fujifilm-instax-mini-40-instant-camera-launched-in-india-1619166519942" target="_blank">Fujifilm</a> actually went for a premium build here. The shape is vertical and retro-futuristic, clearly taking inspiration from old-school movie cameras. They call the aesthetic "Modern Heritage Design." Strip away the marketing speak, and that just means you get a textured black faux-leather body paired with subtle green accents over a clean matte finish.
You also get two modular accessories in the box that completely change how you handle the camera. Alongside the standard wrist strap and a USB-A to USB-C cable, Fujifilm packs in a Grip Attachment and a Viewfinder Attachment.
The Grip Attachment screws directly into the bottom quarter-twenty mount. It adds some real chunkiness to the build, giving you a secure hold that feels like you are shooting with a vintage Super 8 camera. The only real design flaw is that this grip completely covers up the tripod thread. If you want to use a tripod, you have to spin the grip off first.
The Viewfinder Attachment is easily the coolest part of the whole package. It uses magnets to snap right over the tiny 1.54-inch rear LCD screen. When you look through it, the display magnifies to create an immersive, old-school filming vibe. It honestly makes you feel like a classic director.
Even with these add-ons, the camera stays remarkably compact. Without the accessories attached, it is thin enough to slide right into a jacket pocket or a small slot in a gear bag. That makes it way more portable than a bulky Polaroid or a standard square Instax shooter. Loading film is painless too. A secure door on the side pops open for standard Instax Mini packs. You just line up the yellow marks, snap it shut, and start shooting. The finished prints slide right out of the top slot.
Up front, a tiny selfie mirror sits next to the fixed 28mm f/2.0 lens, right between the flash and a red LED. That LED acts as a charging status light and blinks when the two-second or ten-second self-timer counts down. The shutter button sits just below the lens on the front face, while the rest of the physical controls live on the left side. Finally, the USB-C charging port for the internal battery and the MicroSD card slot are hidden away underneath the handle grip.
<h2>Controls</h2>
If you love tactile, clicky switches and physical dials, you are going to appreciate this control layout. Fujifilm designed the camera for easy one-handed operation, placing all the essential buttons right where your fingers naturally rest.
The power button features a distinct green accent and requires a quick press-and-hold to turn the device on or off. While its tiny footprint fits the minimalist aesthetic, it is honestly a bit too small. I really wish it were larger so you could press it quickly without fumbling around.
Right below the power switch, you will find the Frame Switch alongside a dedicated CINE/STILL toggle for swapping between photo and video modes. The Frame Switch lets you turn visual overlays on or off, making it simple to add vintage timestamps or retro recording graphics to your footage on the fly.
The real highlights are the two physical dials. On the side, a tactile Eras Dial cycles through ten different era filters spanning from the 1930s to the 2020s. Meanwhile, the Degree Control Dial circles the lens ring, letting you tweak the intensity or style of the selected filter across 10 separate steps. This combo gives you 100 different creative looks to play with. Down at the bottom right, there is a dedicated Zoom Lever with plus and minus markings. Just do not expect smooth focal pulls here, as testing showed it simply jumps through rigid digital steps.
Flip the camera around to find the rest of the navigation keys right under the 1.54-inch <a title="Samsung Display to end all its LCD production" href="https://www.editorji.com/story/samsung-display-to-end-all-its-lcd-production-1585662830628" target="_blank">LCD </a>screen. This area uses a standard layout featuring Menu, Back, and Play buttons wrapped around a clicky control wheel with a central OK button. You will use the OK and Back buttons constantly when shooting video. Every time you stop recording a clip, the interface forces you to either save it by hitting OK or delete it immediately using the Back button.
Lastly, there is the Analog Print Lever. Styled exactly like an old-school film advance lever, you pull it back until it clicks to start printing. It feels incredibly satisfying to use, though if you ever find the physical motion annoying, you can ignore the lever entirely and trigger your prints from the smartphone app instead.
<h2>Image Quality</h2>
Shooting with this camera feels incredibly similar to using the older model, mostly because the built-in era filters do all the heavy lifting. The back screen gives you a clear preview of the shot before you ever hit the print button. It is a perfect setup for framing, meaning you only spend money on the photos you actually want instead of throwing cash away on ruined frames. This hybrid design serves as a massive safety net. When a single piece of film costs around ₹70 to ₹80, having that preview screen keeps your wallet from taking a serious beating.
If you come looking for pixel-perfect sharpness or smartphone-grade clarity, you are going to be disappointed. But honestly, judging a camera like this by modern sensor benchmarks completely misses the point. The whole appeal lies in the vintage look. It purposefully messes with the image to mimic the raw texture of different time periods.
The internal sensor behaves a lot like a cheap point-and-shoot or a webcam from the early 2000s. Still, that lack of clinical sharpness is exactly why it works so well. Once the image hits the actual film, the chemistry mixes with those digital flaws to create a really charming print. You get two basic color settings to play with: Natural Mode for softer, realistic tones, and Rich Mode if you want punchy, warm colors. Pair that with the built-in flash, and you have a fun little setup for quick portraits or street photography.
The experience gets way more interesting when you start spinning the filters on the side dial. The 1930 option gives you a gritty, high-contrast black-and-white image. Turning it to 1940 drops you into early color processing, complete with weird green scratches that feel straight out of an old Western movie. The 1950 filter switches back to monochrome, but turning up the intensity adds tracking lines right across the frame.
The 1970 setting serves up a bright, highly saturated look that perfectly captures that 70s Hollywood Western vibe. For pure nostalgia, the 1990 filter is tough to beat. It targets the era when regular people started buying cameras, serving up a spot-on VHS tape look with tracking glitches and all. Stepping up to the 2000s yields that flat, retro webcam appearance, while the 2010 option replicates the warm, low-res processing of early camera phones.
<h2>Video Quality</h2>
What makes this Cinema edition special is its ability to capture video clips through the dedicated CINE mode. However, there is a major catch you need to keep in mind. The camera enforces a strict fifteen-second limit on every single clip you record. On top of that, you have to physically hold down the shutter button on the front face the entire time. The footage only records while your finger stays pressed down, and it cuts off the moment you let go.
The way these video files are put together is actually a very clever feature for on-device editing. Even though each finished clip tops out at fifteen seconds, you do not have to capture everything in one single take. You can easily shoot a quick three-second snippet, let go, change your angle, swap out the era filter, and hold the button again to keep building onto that same running file until the timer hits its limit.
You can shoot vertically or turn the body sideways for a wider horizontal frame. Just keep in mind that flipping it sideways does not give you a true 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio. Also, certain choices like the 1990s VHS option can look a bit distorted because those retro tracking lines stay fixed to the physical sides of the sensor. While there is no need to go over every single option, the gritty 1930s look and the 1990s VHS tape aesthetic completely won me over again.
<h2>Instax App &amp; The "Hybrid" Printing System</h2>
Printing a video clip places a clean QR code directly onto the white frame of the physical Instax Mini print. Scanning this code with a phone pulls up a web page that streams the full 15-second video along with its audio.
To kick off the process, you pull the mechanical print lever on the camera. This hybrid system completely ditches ink cartridges. Instead, it exposes the instant film digitally and runs it through motorized rollers, popping a built-in chemical pod that fully develops the photo in about 90 seconds.
For the video feature to work, the file has to travel from the camera over to Fujifilm's cloud servers using the companion Instax Mini Evo app. Keep in mind that there is a catch: Fujifilm only hosts these video clips for two years before wiping them out. This means the printed QR code will eventually stop working, so you will need to find another way to archive the clips if you want them saved forever.
You will definitely want the companion app, which is available on both iOS and Android, to get the absolute most out of this camera.
Connecting the two opens up incredibly useful tools like Remote Shooting. This option turns your smartphone screen into a wireless live viewfinder, allowing you to frame, focus, and capture photos or videos from afar. You also get Direct Print, which transforms the camera into a portable photo printer for any shot sitting in your phone's camera roll. Lastly, the app lets you pull your captured photos and videos right off the MicroSD card so you can share them online.
<h2>Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
At ₹37,999, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema is undeniably a gorgeous hybrid camera, but it is strictly a luxury buy meant for a niche crowd. You are paying a heavy premium for nostalgia, those modular add-ons, and the unique on-device video setup. If you are just looking for a simple point-and-shoot or flawless smartphone-quality images, you should definitely look elsewhere.
That said, if you want a distinct tool to spice up your creative work, or you are hooked on the idea of printing physical clips with QR codes, this retro black machine is incredibly fun. It beautifully bridges the gap between digital ease and analog film chemistry. Just remember to factor in the recurring price of film packs and the two-year cloud deadline before pulling the trigger.

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