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iQOO Z11x 5G review: Massive 7200mAh battery, solid gaming performance, and smooth UI under ₹20,000. Here’s whether it’s the best budget phone to buy.

iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Best Budget Phone Under ₹20K With 7200mAh Battery?

Looking for the best phone under ₹20K? The iQOO Z11x 5G packs a 7200mAh battery, strong performance, and smooth UI. Here’s a full review after real-world testing.

iQOO Z11x 5G Review: A Budget Beast With Insane Battery & Gaming Power

The iQOO Z11x 5G delivers strong performance and a massive 7200mAh battery under ₹20K. While the display and cameras are average, it excels as a reliable, no-nonsense budget phone for gaming and daily use.

These days, it's rare to find a phone that gets the core stuff right without some bizarre omissions in a bid to cut costs. But, the iQOO Z11x 5G pulls it off. The base 6GB + 128GB model starts at ₹18,999, which makes it for power users who are watching their spending habits. I spent over a week using the 8GB + 256GB unit in Prismatic Green as my daily driver, which is priced at ₹22,999.
While rivals pile on trendy extras, iQOO focuses on real needs: epic battery and solid performance. The 7,200mAh cell paired with Dimensity 7400 Turbo makes it great for gaming or streaming sessions. It&rsquo;s not pretending to be something it's not, which makes it great for people who want to be smart with their budget. Here's how this monster of a budget device, held up during my week living with it.
<h2>iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Unboxing and Design</h2>
Unboxing the iQOO Z11x is a standard affair, pretty much what you expect from a budget phone these days. You get the full kit in the box: a TPU case, SIM tool, USB-A to C cable, a 44W charging brick and obviously the phone, with a protective film, already applied.
The design is where things really pick up. From the moment I held the phone, the in-hand feel genuinely caught me off guard. While this is an upgrade in almost every way over the last model, <a title="iQOO 15R Review: The Performance Phone to Beat Under ₹45,000" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/iqoo-15r-review-the-performance-phone-to-beat-under-45-000-1772019743193" target="_blank">iQOO</a> skipped the loud, flashy look for something more restrained. I reviewed the Prismatic Green version here, though you can also find it in Titan Black.
The back is plastic, which makes sense given the price. There is a faint, strip-like pattern on the rear that only shows up when you tilt the phone under the light. The matte finish feels high-quality and is a total win for anyone who hates fingerprints. You can honestly go caseless without worrying about oily smudges or marks ruining the look. But given that massive glass display, I would strongly urge against it.
The camera island has changed too. iQOO swapped the old rectangle for a symmetrical square-ish design that looks much cleaner. It houses five elements: a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth lens, a flash, a dynamic light, and an IR blaster tucked with the depth sensor.
The layout around the edges is familiar. The right side has the volume rocker and a power button that doubles as the fingerprint sensor. We still do not have an in-display sensor here, but the one in the power button is quite snappy.&nbsp;
At the bottom you get a mic, a C-Type charging port and a speaker. The left side houses the SIM tray. Unfortunately there&rsquo;s no SD card support. Finally at the top you get a noise-cancelling mic too.&nbsp;
One thing you will notice is the weight. The battery jumped from 6,500mAh to 7,200mAh, pushing the phone to 219g, which isn&rsquo;t exactly lightweight, but is pretty common in this segment, if you&rsquo;re looking for a phone with a big battery. If you are coming from a lighter device, you will definitely feel that extra heft.
Durability is a massive win though. With IP68 and IP69+ ratings, it is built to handle way more than just minor splashes. Unless you are planning to explore the Titanic wreckage, this is plenty of protection. Overall, the Z11x feels like a much more refined and reliable package than its predecessor.
<h2>iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Display</h2>
Up front, the iQOO Z11x comes with a flat IPS LCD panel. Same as last year, no upgrade here. Now, I know, tech folks out there are going crazy for AMOLED these days, but honestly, at this price point, it's a bit unrealistic.
But, at 6.72 inches, it's huge, and that 120Hz refresh rate truly shines. Flipping through Twitter or switching apps were super smooth, no lag. No ghosting or blur like you see on bargain panels. Colors come out balanced, nothing punched up too hard, so Netflix binges felt easy on the eyes.
Now, HDR works fine on YouTube but skips Netflix. But don&rsquo;t expect flagship-level blacks here, because it is an IPS LCD panel afterall.&nbsp;
Design-wise, it's okay. Top and side bezels are not obviously the thinnest, but, slim for the price, and look pretty decent. However, that thick chin at the bottom is a constant reminder that this is a budget device. It truly kills that full-screen vibe.
Moving to the brightness and yes we do see an upgrade here. It hits 1200 nits peak HBM. Whether I was using it indoors or out in brutal noon sun, it came out sharp and vibrant. I read texts no problem, no squinting or hand-shielding.&nbsp;
As for speakers we get a dual stereo set up; interesting to note in this segment. Although iQOO claims that they have 400% audio boosters, but, in my experience though the loudness is decent. Watching content or listening to music sounds fine enough. Nothing extraordinary.
<h2>iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Performance</h2>
Let&rsquo;s be real for a second. We only really look at iQOO for the raw power, and the Z11x doesn't disappoint there. It is packing the <a title="MediaTek unveils new advanced Filogic 8000 family Wi-Fi 8 chipset at CES" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/mediatek-unveils-wifi-8-at-ces-2026-1767770813440" target="_blank">MediaTek Dimensity 7400 </a>Turbo under the hood. I put this chip through the absolute ringer with Antutu, Geekbench, and 3D Mark. Honestly, the results were a bit of a shocker for this price bracket.
My Antutu run hit around 9.6 lakh. That is practically knocking on the door of a million points. For some context here, I have reviewed plenty of other budget phones that can barely crawl past 5.5 lakh. I am not calling it a flagship killer just yet, but for a "budget" device, it is genuinely impressive stuff.
The hardware uses LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. Sure, those aren't the top-tier specs you see on 80k phones, but the actual day-to-day feel was buttery. I tried multitasking with three apps at once using split-screen and a floating window. Surprisingly, the phone handled the load without any lag, jitters or frame drops in the UI.
Gaming is where the Z11x really earns its keep. I spent a good chunk of time on Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI. COD stayed capped at 90 FPS while BGMI held a rock-solid 60 FPS. The best part? No random frame drops during heavy gunfights. As for the heat, yeah, it gets warm. Every phone does when you push it. But even after an hour of gaming, it never felt like a hot brick in my hand.
<h2>iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Camera</h2>
Let&rsquo;s get one thing straight: nobody buys a Z-series phone for elite photography. The Z11x comes with a 50MP main lens and a 2MP depth sensor. While 50MP sounds great on paper, we all know megapixels don't tell the whole story. In my time with it, the photos were decent enough for Instagram, but the colours aren't natural at all. There is a clear warm tint and a lot of processing happening behind the scenes. If you try to zoom in beyond 2X, details fall apart, and things get pixelated pretty fast.
The portrait mode is a bit of a hit-or-miss situation. The edge detection is okay, but it is mostly just for that casual bokeh effect rather than something professional.
Surprisingly, the 32MP selfie camera is actually quite good with colors, even if it tries to smooth out my skin a bit too much for my liking.
The biggest shocker for me was the video. Getting 4K at 30fps on both the front and back is something I honestly didn't expect at this price point. The stabilisation on the rear is decent enough to capture family moments or random clips, even if it isn't exactly a cinematic experience.&nbsp;
Furthermore, the phone also supports a dual view cam recording, meaning you can record from both the rear and the front cameras simultaneously. At this price point, it is a pretty rare feature.
You shouldn't buy this for serious content creation or YouTube vlogging, but for a budget phone, iQOO is finally showing they care about more than just gaming performance. It delivers exactly what it needs to for the price without making any wild claims it can't back up. It is a solid and practical setup for capturing everyday life.
<h2>iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Software, UI/UX &amp; AI Features</h2>
iQOO finally moved away from the Funtouch OS that was on the Z10x. Instead, the Z11x comes with OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 right out of the box. And let me just say, it is a massive upgrade.&nbsp;
The UI feels incredibly fluid and polished, with animations that honestly look like they were pulled straight from the flagship iQOO 15.
One thing I found myself using a lot was the Origin Island. It makes sharing files a breeze because you just drag and drop them. And the inspirations taken from that famous fruit brand for things like liquid glass like effect also look great here, nonetheless.&nbsp;
But, mind you, bloatware comes complimentary. Yes, it is cluttered with apps you probably won't ever need. You will have to spend about ten minutes just deleting things to get a clean experience.&nbsp;
I still don't understand why brands think this is a good idea for a phone that otherwise feels quite premium. Honestly, that&rsquo;s also something you can expect here.
The AI features are surprisingly useful, too. You get things like Circle to Search, Gemini support, and a bunch of productivity tools that are perfect for taking notes or summarising info. I also really liked the voice isolation feature for making calls in loud areas.
As for longevity, iQOO is promising two years of Android updates and four years of security patches. That is pretty much the industry standard now, but it is nice to see them sticking to it for a budget-friendly device.
<h2>iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Battery and Charging</h2>
The battery on the Z11x is a total beast. Jamming a 7200mAh unit into an 8.39mm slim frame is an engineering flex I didn't expect at this price. In my daily use, even with heavy gaming and 4K video marathons, I was easily getting close to two full days of life.
iQOO claims 40 hours of video playback, but I think that is a bit optimistic. I started a test at 68 percent battery, and it took 12 hours to hit 20 percent. That last bit of juice lasted another 3 hours. So, realistically, you are looking at 30 or 32 hours total.&nbsp;
For charging you get a 44W brick in the box. It takes roughly around an hour and a half to charge the phone from zero to full. That might feel a bit slow, but it is acceptable given the massive capacity. The good news is that just 30 minutes on the charger gives you enough power to last a whole day of normal use. Plus, it even supports reverse charging, which is great for topping up your earbuds when you are traveling light.
With a promised six years of battery health, this thing is definitely built to last. It is basically a high-capacity power bank that just happens to be a phone.
<h2>iQOO Z11x 5G Review: Should you buy it?</h2>
The iQOO Z11x 5G is easily one of the best value-for-money picks if you&rsquo;re on a very strict budget of ₹20,000. It doesn't try to do everything, but it nails the essentials like stable performance and that massive 7,200mAh battery. For students, pinching pennies, or even as a first smartphone for your grandparents, it is a fantastic, reliable choice that won't leave you hunting for a charger by evening.
Sure, you&rsquo;re not getting the best display or the best set of cameras on a smartphone with this one. But if you want a "no-nonsense" workhorse that just works, comes with an easy two-day battery, and performs like a beast, all without breaking the bank, this is a solid bet.&nbsp;

Is the Vivo V70 the ultimate daily driver? Our deep-dive review explores the Zeiss-powered cameras, massive 6500mAh battery, and stunning 1.5K display. Discover if it’s worth the ₹45,999 price tag.

Vivo V70 Review: The New Mid-Range Portrait King with 6500mAh Battery

We tested the Vivo V70 to see if it lives up to the hype. From the 5000-nit peak brightness to the clever bypass charging, here is everything you need to know.

The Vivo V70 is a sleek, 7.59mm powerhouse with a massive 6500mAh battery. It blends pro-level Zeiss portraits with a stunning 1.5K display and fast 90W charging, making it a reliable, high-end daily driver for under ₹46,000.

Vivo has a reputation for ruling the mid-range portrait scene, and the V70 proves they aren't ready to give up that crown. I spent a week with the Lemon Yellow unit, and it&rsquo;s obvious they are trying to steal some of that premium X-series magic for a cheaper price.
Starting at ₹45,999, this phone is a loud play for your wallet. It sits in that sweet spot where you get high-end cameras and a killer design. Sure, the processor isn't a massive upgrade, but the rest of the package feels fresh. The screen borders are basically gone and the battery is huge for a phone this thin. Here is my take on how it actually handles the real world.
<h2>Vivo V70 Review: Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
Unboxing the Vivo V70 felt a lot like catching up with an old friend who finally went to the gym. It is a familiar routine, particularly if you handled the <a title="Vivo V60 First Look: Is This 2025&rsquo;s Flagship Killer?" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/vivo-v60-first-look-is-this-2025-s-flagship-killer-1754912891557" target="_blank">V60</a>, but there is a refined edge here that is impossible to ignore. Inside the box, you get the essentials: a chunky 90W FlashCharge brick, the USB-C cable, and a SIM tool. Vivo did make one small change that might annoy some people. They swapped the old opaque case for a clear TPU one. It is decent quality, but we all know how yellow these get after a few months. Still, a phone this good-looking deserves to be seen rather than hidden under thick plastic.
The Lemon Yellow finish is easily the highlight for me. Vivo calls it a nod to optimism, but honestly, it just looks classy. It avoids that cheap, blinding neon look, opting for a matte pastel that stays remarkably clean. The back is premium glass with a texture that genuinely resists fingerprints and small scuffs. If you hate a greasy screen as much as I do, this is a total win. They also swapped the old plastic rails for a slate grey aerospace-grade aluminum frame. It feels expensive without feeling like a lead weight in your pocket.
The real magic is the way it feels in the hand. At 6.59 inches, it hits a sweet spot, which Vivo is calling the &ldquo;Golden Grip.&rdquo; I could reach the top of the display with my thumb without any awkward finger gymnastics. What blew me away was the thickness. It is only 7.59mm thin. You would never guess a massive 6500mAh battery is crammed in there, mostly because the weight balance is so spot-on.
The layout is clean and logical. You have the SIM tray and charging port at the bottom, while the right side houses very clicky power and volume buttons. I was thrilled to see the IR blaster still sitting up top next to the stereo speaker. I use that daily for my AC and TV. Even the camera bump looks more mature now, appearing integrated into the chassis rather than just stuck on. It takes the V60 DNA and gives it a much-needed premium polish.
<h2>Vivo V70 Review: Display</h2>
When I first got my hands on the Vivo V70, I noticed the body felt a bit more "together" than the V60, but my eyes went straight to the glass. Vivo really went for it here. You are getting this massive 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED that, frankly, looks way better than any photo of it suggests. I have to say, dropping those curved edges for a flat screen was the right call. It finally stops those accidental palm touches that used to drive me crazy when reaching for my keys. It just looks more grown-up.
Those borders around the edges? They are practically gone. Vivo says they are 0.125 cm, and honestly, it makes the whole front feel like it is just one big piece of glass. Because it is a 1.5K panel, the detail is ridiculous. I spent half of yesterday just scrolling through my news apps and checking out photos. Everything was sharp, and the colours had this punch that made it hard to put down.
Now, about outdoor visibility. If you live somewhere like Delhi, you know that 2 PM sunlight is where most phone screens go to die. Vivo is pushing a 5000-nit local peak brightness, and while that is mainly for those sharp HDR highlights, the actual outdoor visibility is what matters. Even if the HBM figures aren't exactly known to us, I never had to squint in the harsh afternoon sun. And at night, watching Netflix was like having a high-end cinema right on my desk.
At 120Hz everything &ndash; scrolling through social media, my favourite news websites, and even gaming &ndash; is buttery smooth. What won me over though, was the fingerprint sensor. Most phones in this range use optical sensors that fail the second your hands get a bit of sweat or dust on them. This one uses an ultrasonic sensor to map your finger in 3D. It worked every single time, even when my hands were a bit damp. I&rsquo;ve been using this for a few days now, and going back to a display with a regular, optical sensor is going to be tough.
<h2>Vivo V70 Review: Camera</h2>
If you only look at the spec sheet for the V70, it feels like a total "been there, done that" situation. 50MP main sensor, 50MP telephoto, Zeiss logo on the back&mdash;it is basically the V60 again, right? Well, not exactly.&nbsp;
After a week of shooting with it, I&rsquo;ve realised the real story isn't the glass; it&rsquo;s the brain behind it. Vivo finally stopped trying to turn everyone into a porcelain doll. Previous models were obsessed with smoothing out faces until they looked fake, but that&rsquo;s mostly gone now. Skin actually looks like skin. There is a bit of warmth to the colour, but it feels like a choice rather than a mistake.
I basically lived in the <a title="Vivo X200T Review: A new kind of flagship in Vivo&rsquo;s lineup" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/vivo-x200t-review-a-new-kind-of-flagship-in-vivo-s-lineup-1769504616979" target="_blank">Zeiss </a>Natural Colour mode. If you want photos that actually look like what you are seeing, stick with that. The Vivid mode is still there, but it can be a bit much, making skies and grass look a little too radioactive for my taste. The Natural setting stays grounded and doesn't try to make a gloomy afternoon look like a postcard. Plus, the portrait blur feels way more "real" this time. It doesn't look like a cheap digital cutout; the edges are soft and much more convincing.
The 3x zoom is actually useful, which surprised me. I was taking shots in the evening, and it held onto the detail without turning everything into a muddy mess. But a word of advice: don't go chasing 20x zoom. The software starts working way too hard there, and faces lose that natural texture. It&rsquo;s fine for a quick social media post, but it won't replace a real pro camera.
Low light is still where Vivo flexes. It handles street lamps and neon signs without those weird, glaring halos. The noise reduction is definitely a step up from last year too.&nbsp;
On the front, that 50MP selfie lens is wide enough that you won't have to squeeze your friends in.&nbsp;
And for video? Being able to hit 4K 60FPS on both sides is a massive win for anyone vlogging. The stabilisation is solid enough that you can leave the gimbal at home.
<h2>Vivo V70 Review: Performance</h2>
I&rsquo;ll be the first to admit that seeing the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 on the V70&rsquo;s spec sheet felt like a bit of a letdown. It is the same processor from the V60, and naturally, I was hoping for something fresh. But after using it as my primary phone for a week, my gut feeling changed.
Whatever under-the-hood tuning Vivo did is clearly working. I hit about 1.4 million on AnTuTu, which is more than enough for my daily chaos. Instagram, firing off emails, and flipping between WhatsApp groups felt instant. No lag. No waiting.
The secret to why it feels so snappy is probably the LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. It&rsquo;s fast. Like, apps-opening-before-I-even-finish-my-tap fast. One day during my testing, I had Spotify, Twitter, and a multitude of other apps, all running at the same time, and was constatlntly switching between them. The phone didn't even flinch, not once. It&rsquo;s just nice to have a phone that doesn't make me wait for it to catch up.
As for gaming, let's be realistic. This isn't a "pro" gaming phone, and it doesn't pretend to be. I played some BGMI and CoD Mobile, and both held steady at 90 FPS after I messed with the settings. It works fine for a casual match. But if you play for over an hour? Yeah, you'll feel it getting warm. That&rsquo;s okay, though. Gaming isn't what the V-series is about. It&rsquo;s a polished daily driver that handles real life without the drama.
<h2>Vivo V70 Review: Battery</h2>
It's crazy how a 6500mAh battery went from some rare brag to every mid-ranger's must-have these days. I grabbed the Vivo V70 last week and went all out trying to kill it in one day. Heavy YouTube binges, brightness maxed, notifications blowing up my screen left and right &ndash; and I still woke up with tons of juice the next morning. For my routine, it's easily a two-dayer with no sweat. Kills that panic scramble for a charger around lunch.
A big battery means nothing if charging drags. Thanks to the 90W FlashCharge brick in the box, charging time rips. I timed it in the real world: dead to 100% in about 54 minutes flat. Under an hour for almost two days of life? Sanity saver, especially when I'm out running between meetings.
But the killer feature for gamers is the &lsquo;Bypass Charging&rsquo;. During gaming sessions, it sucks power straight from the wall, skipping the battery completely. This keeps things cool and saves the battery&rsquo;s long-term health.&nbsp;
<h2>Vivo V70 Review: Software &amp; AI features</h2>
The Vivo V70 ships with OriginOS 6 built on Android 16, and I have to say, the speed is pretty incredible. The animations have this high-end polish that makes every swipe feel almost liquid. It is fast, responsive, and feels every bit like a premium flagship. But, even in 2026, Vivo still can&rsquo;t seem to quit its worst habit: pre-installed bloatware.
It is honestly a bit insulting to spend this much on a phone only to find stuff like Bubble Blast and Candy Crush staring back at you the moment you turn it on. I actually sat down and played them for a minute just to see, but they really shouldn&rsquo;t be there.&nbsp;
You can delete them fairly quickly, but seeing junk games on a device this sharp immediately kills that "new phone" high. It is a small annoyance, but it is one that simply shouldn't happen at this level.
Once you&rsquo;ve scrubbed the home screen clean, the AI features are actually quite impressive. As someone who writes for a living, the AI Caption tool was my absolute favorite. I tried it out with videos in both Hindi and English, and it was shockingly accurate.&nbsp;
What really sold me was how you can save those live captions into a note, and then the system summarizes the whole thing for you. If you are a student or someone who sits through long work meetings, this is a total game-changer.
Vivo also added some fun, localised touches like AI Holi Portrait and Floral Blessing, which adds digital petals to your photos. They are a bit of a gimmick, sure, but they&rsquo;re fun for a quick Instagram post. The AI Magic Weather tool is much more practical. It lets you swap out a depressing, grey sky for a bright blue one or a sunset. If you don't go overboard, the results look surprisingly real.
The best part is that this phone is built to last. Vivo is promising four years of Android updates and six years of security patches. That is a massive relief for anyone who doesn't want to buy a new phone every other year. Once you get past those first ten minutes of deleting bloatware, you are left with a software experience that is smart, snappy, and ready for the long haul.
<h2>Vivo V70 Review: Should you buy it?</h2>
The Vivo V70 nails what fans actually want from this brand. It doesn't pretend to be some gaming monster, and that's fine by me. Instead, they poured effort into that slick aluminium frame, the stunning bezel-free 1.5K screen, and a battery that laughs at one-day drains. Hands down, one of the most reliable phones I've touched this year.
That Zeiss collab is paying dividends too. Finally ditching those plastic-y fake skin tones for real, natural-looking portraits. Yeah, the same-old chipset might irk spec chasers, but in real life? Day-to-day zip, plus that zippy ultrasonic sensor, makes it feel flagship-level. Better than any past V-series I've tried.
Spend five or ten minutes nuking the bloatware, and you're golden. Slim, tough build with killer cameras that punch way above under ₹45,000. If portraits and style beat out FPS bragging rights for you, grab the V70.

HyperX Cloud Jet review: We test its comfort, sound quality, battery life, mic performance, and dual wireless features to see if this affordable gaming headset is worth buying in India.

HyperX Cloud Jet Review: Comfort, Gaming Performance & Battery Life Tested

Thinking of buying the HyperX Cloud Jet? Read our in-depth review covering comfort, sound, battery, mic, and dual wireless performance to find out if it fits your gaming and daily needs.

The HyperX Cloud Jet offers strong comfort, reliable gaming audio, and dual wireless support for PC and mobile. While great for competitive play, its flat music tuning, rigid design, slow charging, and average battery limit its appeal as an all-round headset.

Trying to find a wireless headset that doesn&rsquo;t look like a glowing sci-fi toy is a real chore. Most cheap options out there honestly feel like plastic junk that will break in a week. That is why the HyperX Cloud Jet is interesting. It launched in India for about ₹5,400, promising HyperX&rsquo;s famous comfort and solid sound without the usual high price tag.
It has a clean matte finish and lets you jump between your PC and phone, so it clearly wants to be the only headset you use. I spent a full week testing it out with a bunch of games and different music genres. I wanted to see if it actually holds up or if HyperX just cut too many corners to make it this affordable.
<h2>Design &amp; Build: Is it actually comfortable?</h2>
Unboxing this HyperX headset is super basic. No extra junk or fancy filler in the box, which I actually like. You just get the headset, the 2.4GHz dongle, a charging cable, and the usual manual.
When I first pulled it out, the weight caught me off guard. At 298g, it has this weirdly dense feel in your hand. Most budget headsets feel like hollow plastic toys that might snap if you look at them wrong. These feel solid and well put together. The cool part? That weight just disappears once you put them on. HyperX nailed the frame balance.
Thanks to the suspension strap, the weight spreads out so well. I never got that annoying digging sensation on top of my head. I've worn these for hours during long gaming sessions. Honestly, I didn't feel that typical urge to rip them off for a break. It's one of those rare pieces of gear that feels way lighter on your head than when you're just holding it.
I'm using the Blue version. It's a breath of fresh air. I'm so tired of <a title="CMF Headphone Pro review: Big style, bigger battery, bold sound all for ₹7,999" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/cmf-headphone-pro-review-big-style-bigger-battery-bold-sound-all-for-7-999-1768394697254" target="_blank">gaming headsets</a> that look like neon spaceships. This one skips the flashy RGB for a clean, matte finish. It looks professional on a desk. The branding is small and subtle. It doesn't scream for attention while you're trying to focus.
The ear pads use thick, padded mesh. If you get sweaty ears after an hour of playing, you'll love how much air these let in. But let's be real about the fabric. It's a bit more scratchy and textured than the smooth leatherette on pricier headphones. It felt a little irritating to me at first. You get used to it after a bit. Still, it's a different vibe if you're accustomed to that soft, buttery feel of high-end pads.
Every control is clustered on the left earcup. It's the main hub for power, the charging port, the volume dial, and the button to switch between dongle and Bluetooth. The mic is right there too. Swivel-to-mute design, which is my favourite. It's fast and intuitive. The arm is flexible but stays where you put it. No fighting with it mid-match.
The biggest headache? How rigid the frame is. The earcups have very little tilt and swivel. You can't really hang them around your neck comfortably on a break. If you try, the edges poke your chin. I eventually gave up and started leaving them on my desk every time I stood up. The headband isn't adjustable the traditional way either. The suspension strap works for most people. But if you have a larger head, the fixed frame might feel cramped. It's sturdy and quiet, but that lack of flexibility is the trade-off.
<h2>Sound performance and gaming audio</h2>
Under the hood, the HyperX Cloud Jet is rocking 40mm dynamic drivers, but let's be honest for a second, the tuning here is built strictly for the gaming crowd. If you are a music lover coming into this expecting a rich, hi-fi experience for your high-res audio files, you will likely walk away feeling underwhelmed.
I am quite picky when it comes to my music library, so I put these through the wringer with a massive variety of tracks. I listened to everything from Jazz and classic Rock to some really complex Indian Classical pieces and the latest Bollywood hits. To my ears, the soundstage just lacks the personality I want to hear at this price point. The audio profile feels a bit flat when you are actually trying to sit back and listen, missing that crisp high-end sparkle or the deep, rattling bass that makes a movie or song feel cinematic. It is perfectly fine for falling down a YouTube rabbit hole or listening to your favorite podcasts, but it won't impress anyone who prioritizes audio fidelity.
The experience definitely improves the moment you load up a game. I spent the bulk of my testing time on mobile titles like BGMI and COD Mobile, and the performance there was solid and predictable. Footsteps came through sharp and clear, making it easy enough to figure out exactly where an enemy was hiding. That is basically the main goal for competitive play. Over on my PC, I tried a few rounds of Apex Legends and found the spatial awareness was actually pretty impressive. It is clear that the "Signature HyperX Sound" is tweaked to boost the mids and highs. This makes the sound of a reload or a distant gunshot pop out more than usual. It isn't going to change your life, but it is very reliable gear for a daily gamer.
I also made a point to check the latency, especially for those who might try to use these for creative work or music production. Trying to use Bluetooth with a DAW is almost always a disaster, and this was no different. The lag over Bluetooth was so significant that trying to monitor audio in real time was basically impossible.
Switching over to the 2.4GHz dongle on my PC fixed the lag issues almost entirely. It brought the delay down to a point where it was barely noticeable for casual use. Even so, I wouldn't suggest picking these up if you are looking for serious studio tools. As for the audio codecs, the brand doesn't explicitly list them in the marketing, so I won't speculate too much. However, at the very least, you have support for the standard SBC and AAC formats.
<h2>Mic performance and call quality</h2>
The microphone on the Cloud Jet is a bit of a hit-or-miss situation for me. While hanging out on Discord, my teammates said I came through loud and clear without any real issues. I&rsquo;m a huge fan of the swivel-to-mute feature because it is just way faster than hunting for a tiny button during a frantic match. However, do not expect the noise filtering to pull off any miracles. It handles steady background hums okay, but it won&rsquo;t hide the loud clacking of a mechanical keyboard or people talking nearby. It is fine for casual squad comms, but it won't give you a silent bubble in a loud room.
For standard voice or video calls, the experience is basically the same. Most people won't wear a bulky headset while walking down the street, but I tested them in a crowded area just to see. Surprisingly, nobody complained about the ambient noise. It wasn't crystal clear, but it also didn't let the environment drown me out entirely. For basic calls, it works well enough. If you are gaming on your phone and an important call hits, you can take it without sounding like you are standing in a wind tunnel.
<h2>Connectivity and on-board controls</h2>
The way this headset handles connections is honestly its strongest selling point. It features a dual wireless setup that lets you switch between the lag-free 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth 5.3 with zero hassle. When you are sitting at your desk playing on a PC or console, the dongle is the way to go because the latency is basically invisible. That is a must-have for anyone playing fast-paced shooters where every millisecond counts. I personally treated the Bluetooth more like a convenient backup. It is great for answering a quick phone call or doing some light gaming on your mobile without needing to grab a different pair of headphones.
Regarding the actual controls, the layout is extremely straightforward. As I pointed out in the design part, everything is gathered on the left earcup. To recap, you get a volume wheel, the power button, and a dedicated switch to jump between the two wireless modes. It is a very clean, simple setup that does not force you to go digging through a user manual. You will likely have the muscle memory figured out within the first hour of using them.
If I am being picky, the total absence of a companion app is a bit of a bummer. You aren't going to find any deep EQ settings or custom sound profiles here. If you want to tweak the audio, you will have to rely on your device settings or whatever software you happen to be running at the time. While that is pretty common for more affordable wireless gear, having even a basic software suite would have made the entire experience feel a lot more polished.
<h2>Battery and charging</h2>
HyperX claims you can get about <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">25 hours on Bluetooth</a> or 20 hours using the dongle, provided you stay around 50% volume. In my actual testing, that low-battery warning usually starts chirping at me around the 19-hour mark. While 20 hours is enough to get through a few heavy gaming sessions, it feels a bit behind the curve when you consider that many competitors in this same price bracket are now pushing 40 or even 50 hours of life.
The biggest frustration is definitely the charging speed. It takes nearly four and a half hours to get back to a full charge, which is honestly a slog. If you forget to juice them up overnight, you will be tethered to a cable for basically the entire morning. It works if you are strict with your routine, but that slow charging feels very behind the times.
<h2>Price and where to buy</h2>
The box for the HyperX Cloud Jet shows a price of ₹6,976, but you really shouldn't pay that much. That is just the official MRP. You can almost always find it for much less at local stores or online. If you are trying to save some serious cash, I suggest keeping an eye on Amazon. It frequently goes on sale there, and I&rsquo;ve seen it drop as low as ₹4,999. It is definitely worth waiting for one of those price cuts before you pull the trigger.
<h2>Final verdict: Should you buy it?</h2>
Ultimately, the HyperX Cloud Jet is a specialized piece of gear rather than a crowd-pleaser. If your main goal is climbing the ranks in BGMI or Apex Legends, the solid spatial tracking and long-term comfort make it a dependable choice. Having that dual wireless connectivity is a massive plus too, since you can jump from PC gaming to a mobile call without any annoying setup changes.
Still, it falls short of being a true versatile daily driver. If you want a pair of headphones that actually brings some life and personality to your music collection, the flat tuning here will probably disappoint you. Combine that with the stiff, non-rotating design and the incredibly slow charging times, and it becomes much harder to recommend for people who need one headset to do everything. You should grab these if you only care about competitive gaming audio and a lightweight feel. For anything else, there are better options out there.

Lava Blaze Duo 3 review: Dual screens, 6.67” AMOLED display, smooth performance, clean Android 15, and long-lasting battery at ₹16,999.

Lava Blaze Duo 3 Review: Dual Screens, AMOLED Display & Smooth Performance at ₹16,999

Experience the Lava Blaze Duo 3 with dual displays, vibrant 6.67” AMOLED screen, clean Android 15, and reliable performance at ₹16,999.

Lava Blaze Duo 3 packs a 6.67&rdquo; FHD+ AMOLED, 1.6&rdquo; secondary screen, MediaTek Dimensity 7060, LPDDR5 RAM, and clean Android 15. Dual displays, vibrant visuals, smooth daily performance, and a sleek, standout design at ₹16,999.&nbsp;

The Lava Blaze Duo was a pretty solid phone, especially for its price. It stood out mainly because of its dual-display design, 6.67-inch curved screen, and an incredibly reliable battery life. So it&rsquo;s successor, the Lava Blaze Duo 3 had a lot to live up to. And it does. The design has changed, but still, we don&rsquo;t see a lot of radical changes here. Even the pricing is more or less the same. The Lava Blaze Duo 3 is easily available at a price of Rs 16,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant. Now, I have been daily-driving the Blaze Duo 3 for a couple of weeks, and I have to say, what Lava&rsquo;s offering here for the price, is genuinely impressive. Here are my thoughts.&nbsp;
<h2>Design&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
From the moment I picked up the phone, it didn&rsquo;t quite feel like the Lava Blaze Duo I used last year. That&rsquo;s when it hit me: the design has changed noticeably this time. The finish, especially on the white colour variant that I&rsquo;m using, has this shiny, star-dust look to it. Lava calls this colour, the Imperial Gold. It&rsquo;s easy on the eyes and looks pleasant, though it may not appeal to everyone. Lava is also offering the phone in a Moonlight Black option.&nbsp; At the back, there&rsquo;s a massive rectangular camera module placed at the top, housing a a main 50MP camera sensor and a QVGA camera, which is pretty pointless. We also have a vertically stacked LED flash. In the other half of the camera module, we get a smaller, 1.6-inch AMOLED display, a feature that really sets the Duo Blaze 3 apart from all other phones in this price bracket. More on this, later.
 The entire camera module sticks out slightly, and on top of that, the two cameras have their own deco rings. All of this is quite subtle, but, you do get a very slight wobble when you place the device screen-side up on a table.&nbsp;
 The back panel is plastic but comes with a glass-like finish that gives it a slightly premium look. The shiny frame follows a flat design, which improves grip and makes the phone comfortable to hold. At 7.55 mm, it&rsquo;s a pretty slim phone, although not the slimmest in its segment. That said, it is pretty light, weighing just 163 grams, which makes it pretty easy to carry. The weight, along with the slim built, ensures that this slips in and out of pockets without any trouble.&nbsp; You get the he power button and volume rocker sit on the right side, positioned very ergnomically, if you have smaller hands. At the bottom, you&rsquo;ll find one of the stereo speakers, a dual nano SIM slot, and at the top, you&rsquo;ll see even a built-in IR blaster, which is a nice extra feature to have. &nbsp;Durability-wise, we do get an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. However, there is there is no word on what sort of glass has been used for the main display.
<h2>Display&nbsp;</h2>
Speaking of displays, we are getting a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. In real usage, the refresh rate mostly switches between 60Hz and 90Hz, but navigation remains smooth overall. The display curves very slightly at the edges, which helps in gripping the phone. What I was surprised by is that it is a 10-bit panel, which produces over 1 billion colours. We rarely get to see this at this price point. And yes, it is has Widevice L1 support. So on OTT platforms, colours pop out and everything looks sharp and vibrant.&nbsp; Brightness wise, we are limited to about 800-nit HBM, but I didn&rsquo;t come across a lot of issues, even when I was outdoors.&nbsp;
 Now, the smaller display. The AMOLED secondary display, first introduced on the Lava Blaze Duo 2, makes a return here, but its slightly bigger this time as it goes from 1.58-inch to 1.6-inch. It&rsquo;s actually pretty cool. It supports basic functions like checking the time, viewing notifications, and clicking pictures, mainly selfies.&nbsp;
I found myself using this screen mostly for notifications, especially during meetings, or when I didn&rsquo;t feel like unlocking the phone just to check a message. You can also control music playback from here, and surprisingly, even step tracking shows up on the outer display, which feels like a nice little bonus. Coming to the audio, the stereo speakers are just about average, not too loud, not too flat but paired with the main display, they do the job well enough for casual media consumption.&nbsp;
<h2>Battery&nbsp;</h2>
The Lava Blaze Duo 3 packs a 5,000mAh battery and supports 33W wired charging. While that&rsquo;s decent, it does feel slightly underwhelming when other phones in this price range are offering much higher battery capacity. &nbsp;
That said, battery life turned out to be better than I expected. With moderate usage which included clicking a lot of pictures, watching a couple of videos, and taking calls the phone easily lasted close to a day and a half before needing a recharge.&nbsp; Charging is fairly quick as well. The phone goes from zero to full in about an hour, which is convenient and removes the anxiety of having to top up right before stepping out.&nbsp;
<h2>Camera&nbsp;</h2>
The phone comes with a 50MP primary camera featuring a Sony IMX752 sensor, along with an 8MP front camera. You also get a QVGA camera on the back, which is pretty pointless. Compared to the 64MP camera on the Blaze Duo 2, the 50MP sensor looks like a downgrade, on paper at least. However, you are getting a much better sensor and better tuning which makes up for it. In daylight, photos turn out bright, sharp, and fairly detailed. That said, colours are slightly boosted and don&rsquo;t always look true to life. There&rsquo;s also a noticeable green tint in some shots, which can be distracting at times. The 2x digital zoom works reasonably well, with decent detail and colour consistency. Once you push it to 3x, sharpness drops, but the images are still usable for casual shots.&nbsp;
Selfies are detailed, though again, skin tones appear a bit saturated. You also get modes like Dual View Video which lets you capture videos from both front and rear cameras at the same time.&nbsp;
<h2>Performance&nbsp;</h2>
The Lava Blaze Duo 3 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7060, a mid-range chipset designed for basic usage. Benchmark results reflect that clearly;483,000 on AnTuTu and 1,062 (single-core) and 2,510 (multi-core) on Geekbench. Performance is pretty decent and average. Apps open quickly, multitasking isn&rsquo;t very smooth, but is not exactly an issue, and routine tasks like browsing, clicking photos, or using ChatGPT run smoothly. The phone is available with 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, paired with 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. You also get expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card slot, which is good to see.&nbsp;
<h2>Software&nbsp;</h2>
The Lava Blaze Duo 3 runs Android 15 out of the box and offers a clean, straightforward UI. There&rsquo;s barely no bloatware, and that&rsquo;s easily one of the phone&rsquo;s strongest points.&nbsp; Now, Lava has promised that the device will see an Android 16 update, and at least two years of software support. Beyond Android 16, there is no word. This is a bit odd, especially when you consider that brands like Samsung are offering up to six years of updates, and even Poco promises at least four years for devices at this price point,.&nbsp;
<h2>Verdict&nbsp;</h2>
At ₹16,999, the Lava Blaze Duo 3 carves out a clear identity in a crowded segment. You get LPDDR5 RAM paired with UFS 3.1 storage, which is still not a given at this price, along with a sleek design and a genuinely vibrant AMOLED display. The secondary screen remains its standout feature and adds real everyday convenience, whether it is for quick notifications, music controls, or selfies.
What also works in the phone&rsquo;s favour is the clean, near-stock software experience. It feels refreshingly clutter-free, runs smoothly in daily use, and is backed by performance that holds up well for everyday tasks. The camera system, while not class-leading, is reliable enough for casual photography and social media use. Where the Blaze Duo 3 really earns its appeal is in the overall experience it delivers. It may not chase headline numbers everywhere, but it focuses on usability, thoughtful design, and a fuss-free UI. Add to that the made-in-India branding, and the phone makes a strong case for buyers who value a clean Android experience, a good display, and something that stands out visually.

Oakley Meta HSTN shows how smart glasses can fit daily life with solid audio, a practical camera, and hands-free AI, even if battery life still needs planning.

Oakley Meta HSTN review: Smart glasses that finally fit daily life

<h3>The Oakley Meta HSTN brings AI, audio, and a hands-free camera in a sporty frame. Here&rsquo;s how Meta&rsquo;s smartest glasses yet perform in real life.</h3>

Smart glasses have promised the future for a long time, but they have rarely earned a permanent spot in daily life. Meta&rsquo;s latest push into eyewear, supported by its long-term partnership with EssilorLuxottica, makes it clear this is no longer a side project.
With the Oakley Meta HSTN arriving in India at ₹41,800, the discussion changes. This is less about whether smart glasses actually work and more about whether they fit into everyday tech habits, especially in a market that cares deeply about both price and how things look.
By blending Meta&rsquo;s AI features with Oakley&rsquo;s performance-driven design, the HSTN suggests a future where smart glasses are worn all day, not just pulled out to show off.
<h2>Oakley Meta HSTN Smart Glasses: Are they comfy? </h2>
The Oakley Meta HSTN comes in multiple frame and lens options, which makes sense because these aren&rsquo;t glasses you wear once in a while. They&rsquo;re designed to stay on your face for most of the day.
You get PRIZM Polar lenses for outdoor use, transition lenses for mixed lighting, and clear lenses if you want the most low-key look possible. I used the version with transition lenses, and they&rsquo;re easily the most practical. Indoors, they behave like regular glasses. Step outside and they darken just enough to stay comfortable. Not full sunglasses-dark, but enough that you&rsquo;re not squinting your way through the day.
For the most part, people assumed these were normal glasses. That illusion only broke when they noticed the camera lens or saw the LED blink while recording.
Fit is where Oakley&rsquo;s sports DNA really shows. The glasses sit snug and don&rsquo;t wobble. I used them on the treadmill and during workouts with plenty of movement, including burpees, which I regret doing but respect for testing purposes. The glasses stayed firmly in place the entire time, which is exactly what you want from something aimed at active users.
Long-term comfort is a bit more mixed. The straight, narrow temple arms help with stability, but after a few hours they&rsquo;re not as forgiving as the curved arms on the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Some rubber padding at the tips would have made a noticeable difference.
The glasses themselves are IPX4 rated, so sweat, light rain, and the occasional splash aren&rsquo;t an issue. You can work out, run outdoors, or get caught in a drizzle without stressing. The charging case, however, doesn&rsquo;t offer any water protection. For a product clearly aimed at sports and fitness users, that feels like a missed opportunity.
<h2>Oakley Meta HSTN: Sound, Calls, and the Camera You Actually Use</h2>
Audio turned out to be one of the quiet highlights of the Oakley Meta HSTN. It&rsquo;s not flashy, but it&rsquo;s genuinely useful. The open-ear speakers let you listen to music or podcasts without cutting you off from the world around you.
This makes a big difference during everyday use. Walking on busy roads, commuting, or working out, you can still hear traffic, conversations, or someone trying to get your attention. Your music stays in the background instead of taking over. Once you get used to it, regular earbuds start to feel a bit antisocial.
Calls are handled well too. The five-mic setup, spread across the arms and near the nose pad, does a solid job of isolating your voice. Even while moving or dealing with wind, calls stayed clear. No awkward &ldquo;can you hear me now?&rdquo; moments, which is more than I can say for some wearables.
The camera is where these glasses start to feel genuinely different from most gadgets. It shines in situations where using your phone feels like extra effort. Crowded streets, quick errands, or moments where your hands are already full. You see something, tap the glasses, and you&rsquo;re done.
The jump to 3K video sounds bigger than it looks. The footage itself doesn&rsquo;t suddenly become dramatic or cinematic. What you do notice is better stabilisation. Videos stay steady even when you&rsquo;re walking or moving around, which makes them far more watchable later.
This is not an action camera replacement, and it doesn&rsquo;t try to be. The quality works well for quick clips, short videos, and casual sharing. Taking photos or recording video is simple. Press the button or use voice commands. A white LED lights up to show recording is active. It won&rsquo;t silence every privacy concern, but it&rsquo;s a visible reminder that the camera is on.
Over time, I found myself using the camera for very ordinary things. A quick clip in the kitchen. Snapping a photo while shopping with both hands full. Capturing something mid-walk that I&rsquo;d usually forget about five minutes later. The glasses remove just enough friction to make those moments feel worth recording.
That&rsquo;s where the Oakley Meta HSTN makes the most sense. It&rsquo;s not chasing cinematic shots or trying to replace your phone. It&rsquo;s about making it easier to capture everyday moments without breaking your flow. And once that habit sets in, it&rsquo;s surprisingly hard to unlearn.
<h2>Oakley Meta HSTN: Talking to Your Glasses (And When It Actually Helps)</h2>
Meta AI works best when you don&rsquo;t treat it like a serious tool. The moment you stop trying to &ldquo;test&rdquo; it and start using it casually, it clicks. You say &ldquo;Hey Meta&rdquo; and ask simple things. Weather before stepping out. A nearby caf&eacute;. Something random because you&rsquo;re killing time on a walk. Most of the time, it does what you expect.
Things get more interesting once you involve the camera. Standing outside a metro station, I asked what I was looking at. The first answer was broad and slightly lazy. I followed up with another question, and it got sharper. That&rsquo;s how Meta AI tends to behave. It often needs a second push, but once it understands what you want, it becomes genuinely useful.
I tried this again while walking through a park, asking about trees and plants around me. As far as I could tell, it got most of them right. It even went on to explain basic plant care, which I didn&rsquo;t ask for but didn&rsquo;t hate either. It&rsquo;s not something I would ever bother typing into Google, but saying it out loud felt oddly natural.
That said, the AI still has its limits. Ask too many questions back-to-back and it can lose track of the conversation. One minute it&rsquo;s doing a decent job as a tour guide, the next it forgets what you were talking about entirely. Rephrasing usually helps. The best way to think about it is not as an expert, but as a smart friend who occasionally zones out.
At home, I asked Meta what I was looking at while the TV was on. It correctly identified that I was watching a video game trailer on YouTube, but guessed the wrong game. Close enough to be impressive, wrong enough to remind me not to trust it blindly. That balance comes up often.
All of this is handled through the Meta AI app, which works on both Android and iPhone. If you&rsquo;ve used Ray-Ban Meta glasses before, the layout will feel familiar. You can manage photos and videos, adjust settings, and connect services like Spotify, Apple Music, Strava, Garmin, and Audible. You can also add multiple glasses to the same app, which is handy if you&rsquo;re already in deep.
There&rsquo;s support for Be My Eyes as well, which allows people with low vision to connect with volunteers for help with everyday tasks. It&rsquo;s not something you&rsquo;ll use daily, but it&rsquo;s one of the more thoughtful features here.
The app itself is mostly easy to use, though not without flaws. Some settings are buried deeper than they should be, and the gallery could have been easier to reach. I also ran into a crash or two while poking around the AI settings. Nothing serious, just reminders that this whole experience is still being refined.
<h2>Oakley Meta HSTN: How Long They Actually Last</h2>
Battery life on the Oakley Meta HSTN is decent, but you do need to plan around it. If you use the glasses the way they&rsquo;re meant to be used&mdash;taking photos, recording videos, listening to music, and chatting with Meta AI&mdash;you&rsquo;re not getting through a full day on a single charge. By the time evening rolls around, the charging case becomes part of the routine.
The good news is that this is still an improvement over the first-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Meta claims up to 8 hours of use on the glasses themselves and up to 48 hours with the charging case. In real-world use, I saw closer to 6 hours on a single charge and roughly 40 hours when using the case. It&rsquo;s not the big leap Meta advertises, but it&rsquo;s a clear step forward compared to the Ray-Bans, which topped out at around 36 hours with their case.
Fast charging helps smooth things out. Pop the glasses into the case for about 20 minutes and you get roughly half the battery back. It&rsquo;s the kind of feature you don&rsquo;t think about until the day you forget to charge them, and suddenly it feels essential.
The one setting worth being careful with is 3K video. While it sounds like a major upgrade, it doesn&rsquo;t noticeably improve how your videos look. What it does do is drain the battery faster. Unless you really need it, sticking to 1080p makes more sense. You&rsquo;ll get similar-looking footage and noticeably better battery life.
<h2>Oakley Meta HSTN: The India Verdict</h2>
The Oakley Meta HSTN doesn&rsquo;t suddenly turn smart glasses into an essential purchase, but it gets closer than Meta ever has before. With a starting price of ₹41,800, this is clearly not aimed at everyone, especially in a market like India where price matters just as much as features. You do need to be aware of battery limits, and Meta AI still has its off days. This is very much a product that&rsquo;s growing into itself.
That said, when everything clicks, the experience is genuinely satisfying. The audio feels natural and useful, the camera turns out to be far more practical than expected, and the hands-free nature of it all slowly changes how often you bother pulling out your phone. Add Oakley&rsquo;s snug fit and performance-first design, and these glasses start feeling like something you can actually live with, not just test and put away.
The Oakley Meta HSTN isn&rsquo;t trying to replace your phone, smartwatch, or action camera. It&rsquo;s meant to sit quietly alongside them and take care of small, everyday moments with less effort. If you&rsquo;re curious about where smart glasses are headed and don&rsquo;t mind paying early-adopter prices, this is the strongest case Meta has made so far. If not, it still offers a clear and convincing preview of what this category could become in the next few years.

Read our in-depth Redmi Note 15 Pro+ review. We test the 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery, 100W HyperCharge, and 200MP camera in real-world Indian conditions.

Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Review: A 6500mAh Titan Built Like a Tank

Xiaomi just changed the mid-range game. Our week-long test of the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ reveals if that massive 6500mAh battery and IP69K rating are actually worth your money.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is a 6500mAh beast that ends battery anxiety for good. With its rugged vegan leather build, stunning 3200-nit screen, and 100W charging, it&rsquo;s a premium powerhouse built for the real world. A true mid-range titan.

For the longest time, the whole point of the Redmi Note series was just to hit that sweet spot where price meets performance. But honestly, with this new Redmi Note 15 Pro+, it feels like Xiaomi is tired of just playing it safe in the middle ground. They are clearly trying to push this phone into a much more premium category. On the spec sheet, you&rsquo;ve got some pretty wild numbers like a 6500mAh battery and a 200MP camera, plus some really gutsy calls, especially with how they&rsquo;ve totally rethought the camera setup this time around.
I&rsquo;ve been carrying the Coffee Mocha version of this phone as my main device for the last week to see if these changes actually matter when you&rsquo;re out in the real world. I wanted to know if these upgrades are genuine or if it is just more marketing fluff designed to look good on a box. After living with it for seven days, here is my honest breakdown of how it actually stacks up.
<h2>Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
When most smartphone brands decided to ditch everything but the phone and a cable to save on costs, <a title="Redmi Note 15 5G Review: Slim, comfortable, and playing a different game" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/redmi-note-15-5g-review-slim-comfortable-and-playing-a-different-game-1767941831177" target="_blank">Xiaomi</a> went the other way by keeping the box packed with everything you actually need. It feels like a genuine "full kit" right out of the gates. You get a protective case that actually feels sturdy, which is a nice change from those flimsy clear ones that usually turn yellow within a month. It is refreshing to see a brand not nickel and diming their customers for the basics.
The real highlight here is that massive 100W HyperCharge brick sitting in the box. Honestly, this is a genius move on their part. It puts them miles ahead of competitors who brag about fast charging speeds but then expect you to pay extra for the actual charger. Moving from the 90W brick on the older <a title="Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G Review (Champagne Gold Edition): A good mid-ranger with a touch of class" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/redmi-note-14-pro-5g-review-champagne-gold-edition-a-good-mid-ranger-with-a-touch-of-class-1751890714900" target="_blank">Redmi Note 14 Pro+</a> might seem like a small tweak on paper, but in daily use, it is a very solid step forward for convenience.
Holding the phone for the first time is a bit of a surprise, especially in this Coffee Mocha finish. It has this "Rugged Sophistication" vibe that you just do not expect for this kind of money. The back uses a rich vegan leather that feels expensive and soft to the touch. The best part is that it gives you a really secure grip and stays completely clean from those annoying oily fingerprints. I spent a week testing this out, and the back held up perfectly against scratches from my keys or coins in my pocket.
What really impressed me was how slim the phone feels, even though there is a huge 6500mAh battery tucked inside. This Coffee Mocha leather version is about 8.47mm thick, while the plastic back versions are even thinner at 8.19mm. The weight is balanced so well that it never feels like one of those bulky, top-heavy battery phones. Even at 208g, it sits comfortably in your hand. The other colours might be a tiny bit lighter, but honestly, you will not even notice a difference when you are actually using it.
<h2>Display</h2>
Honestly, I wasn't expecting the screen on the <a title="Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Bigger battery, brighter screen, sharper focus" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/redmi-note-15-pro-first-look-bigger-battery-brighter-screen-sharper-focus-1769756688081" target="_blank">Redmi Note 15 Pro+</a> to stick with me like it did. Usually, you see these massive spec sheets and think, "Yeah, looks good on paper," but then the actual experience feels totally flat. After a week of having this as my daily driver, though, I&rsquo;ve completely flipped my stance. The display ended up being one of my favourite parts of the whole package, mostly because it doesn't feel like it&rsquo;s trying to show off with fake colours or weird visual tricks. It just works.
It is a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel, and it's just&hellip; clean. Everything looks sharp and vibrant without feeling artificial. After a day or two, I actually forgot I was using a "mid-range" phone. You only really feel the quality difference when you pick up a different device and realise how washed out other screens look compared to this one.
Xiaomi calls this an "All-Around Liquid Display," which is just marketing speak for the glass curving a bit on all four sides. I&rsquo;ll be the first to say I was worried about this. I&rsquo;ve had some pretty annoying experiences with curved glass before, think accidental palm touches and those weird reflections that make it impossible to see the edges. But after living with it, those fears kind of vanished. Whether I was firing off WhatsApp replies or just doom-scrolling late at night, I didn't hit a single ghost touch. It actually felt stable and reliable.
Using it day-to-day feels incredibly smooth, thanks to that 120Hz refresh rate. Everything from the animations to the scrolling feels natural, not forced. The 1.5K resolution is the sweet spot too; it&rsquo;s crisp enough to look high-end but doesn't absolutely murder the battery. I spent a lot of time on YouTube and Netflix, and with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, the contrast and colours are honestly, excellent for a phone at this price.
One small win was the fingerprint sensor. Usually, in this bracket, they&rsquo;re a total toss-up. But this one? It worked on the first tap almost every single time. It&rsquo;s one of those things you stop thinking about after a few days, which is exactly how good tech should be.
Brightness is another area where it genuinely shines. It peaks at 3200 nits, which sounds like a lot because it is. I was riding out to Greater Noida in the middle of a super bright afternoon with Google Maps open, and even with the sun beating down, I could see every turn perfectly. No squinting or trying to shade the screen with my hand. And for the night owls, that 3840Hz PWM dimming is a lifesaver. My eyes didn't feel like they were burning even after a long session of reading in the dark before bed.
The screen is wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which gives you a bit of a safety net. I&rsquo;m not exactly gentle with my phones; it goes in and out of my pocket with keys and stuff, but so far, not a single scratch. As for the sound, the speakers get surprisingly loud. Xiaomi lets you boost the volume up to 400 per cent using their software. To be fair, you lose the bass, and it gets a bit tinny at that level, but if you&rsquo;re just trying to hear a voice note or a reel in a noisy room, it gets the job done.
<h2>Camera</h2>
Xiaomi really rolled the dice on the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ cameras by cutting the rear setup down to just two sensors. It is a pretty bold departure from the triple camera array we saw last year, and I will be honest, I am not entirely sold on the change. While that 200MP main shooter is an absolute monster in terms of raw power, it is really tough to overlook the fact that the telephoto lens has been axed. The Note 14 Pro+ had a versatile system that just worked, so losing that dedicated zoom feels like taking a step backwards. Once you try to zoom in now, the image quality basically drops off a cliff, leaving you with blocky pixels and none of that sharp optical detail you would expect from a pro plus model.
On the bright side, the 200MP primary camera is a total champ when you have decent lighting. What I appreciate most is that the shots actually look like real life. You aren't being hit with that aggressive, fake-looking AI processing or neon colours that look like they were cooked in a lab. The photos stay grounded and realistic, which makes them much nicer to look back at in your gallery. Portrait shots are also quite solid. The way it separates the person from the background is usually spot on. Even if the software gets a little carried away with smoothing out skin textures every now and then, the final image still feels balanced and authentic enough to post on social media without a second thought.
The 8MP ultra-wide lens is really just a role player in this setup. It handles the job for wide landscapes or squeezing friends into a group photo, but we have to be realistic here; it is not trying to match the main sensor for clarity. It feels more like a backup tool than a flagship feature. For the selfie lovers, the 32MP front camera actually does a surprisingly good job. It keeps things sharp and handles video calls really well without any weird flickering or blurring around the edges.
When it comes to video, the rear camera can hit 4K at 30fps, while the front is stuck at 1080p at 60fps. I was actually caught off guard by how steady the footage was from the main back camera during my week of testing. It might not be as smooth as a high-end flagship, but for a mid-range device, it is more than respectable. At the end of the day, the camera situation feels a bit uneven. That main 200MP sensor is truly impressive, but if you are the type of person who is constantly zooming into subjects, you are definitely going to feel the loss of that telephoto lens.
<h2>Performance</h2>
To be completely fair, I already had a pretty good idea of what the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 was going to offer before I even unboxed the Redmi Note 15 Pro+. It is built on a 4nm process, which sounds great, but let&rsquo;s be real for a second. This isn't the kind of chipset that exists just to brag about massive numbers on a spec sheet. If you are the type of person who stays up late obsessing over benchmark charts to see who is on top, this phone probably wasn't made with you in mind.
However, when it came to my actual day-to-day usage, it really did hold its own. Honestly, it performed a lot better than I originally expected. My daily routine is usually a bit of a disaster, bouncing between dozens of open apps, firing off emails, messing with documents, and watching a ton of video. I even tried a bit of light video work just to see if it would choke. Through all that mess, the phone stayed impressively smooth. I didn't run into those annoying random freezes or the tiny stutters that usually start to get under your skin after a few days of heavy use.
I did end up running those standard benchmark tests anyway, mostly because I wanted to see where it landed. On AnTuTu, my unit hit a score of nearly 8.1 lakh. Geekbench showed 1238 for single-core and 3218 for multi-core. I also threw it at 3DMark Wild Life, where it stayed in that 4100 to 4200 range with frame rates around 25 FPS. I actually thought about skipping that one, but I figured I might as well see the whole picture. These are solid, middle-of-the-road results. They aren't going to set the world on fire, but they are exactly what you should expect from this kind of hardware.
Gaming was the part that actually caught me off guard. I spent a good amount of time playing BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile, and I have to say, both games felt really stable. Yeah, the frame rate is capped below 90 FPS, but the experience stayed consistent. I didn't see those sudden frame drops or weird slowdowns that usually ruin a match, even during the longer gaming sessions.
Some people might complain about the UFS 2.2 storage being used here. On paper, it is definitely slower than the newer standards we see in flagship phones. But in real-world usage? I honestly barely noticed it. Unless you are constantly moving massive files around every single hour, it really isn't going to change your life much.
What actually impressed me the most was the heat management. Most phones in this price bracket start getting uncomfortably hot once you start gaming for a bit. That just didn't happen here. After a full hour of heavy gaming, the temperature was sitting around 37 degrees. Even when I pushed it toward two hours, it stayed near 39 and never even touched 40. Finding that kind of thermal control at this price point is actually pretty rare.
<h2>Software, UI/UX &amp; AI Features</h2>
On the software front, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ ships with HyperOS 2 built on top of Android 15. In my daily testing, the whole experience felt very zippy and responsive. The interface is fluid, apps open up without any delay, and the animations have a nice snappiness to them. If you have used a Redmi device in the last few years, you will feel right at home with the layout and navigation.
However, I really need to call out Xiaomi for the amount of bloatware pre-installed on this device. It is honestly everywhere. I really don't understand why anyone would need half a dozen random puzzle games pre-loaded on a brand new handset. It just clutters up the home screen and takes away that "new phone" feeling. While you can go in and manually delete most of this junk, I ended up spending my first ten minutes with the phone just cleaning up the app drawer, which is never a great way to start.
On the plus side, the way they have integrated AI tools for productivity is actually quite impressive. The HyperAI suite includes features like AI Writing, Speech Recognition, and a built-in Interpreter. I found these surprisingly helpful for knocking out emails and drafting articles when I was in a rush. Having Google Gemini and Circle to Search right there also makes finding information feel completely effortless.
As for longevity, the update promise is pretty respectable. You get four years of major OS updates and six years of security patches. Even though it didn't launch with Android 16, it is still a solid choice if you plan on keeping your phone for a long time rather than upgrading every single year.
<h2>Battery and Charging</h2>
To be totally honest, the battery life on the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is just flat out nuts. It is running on a 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery and supports 100W fast charging. While those specs look fancy on a website, it is the actual day-to-day endurance that really caught me off guard.
I basically got to a point where I just stopped thinking about where my charger was. Xiaomi says you can get a full top up in under 40 minutes, and in my testing, that was pretty much spot on. Even if you only have about ten minutes to spare for a quick plug-in, you get enough power to stop worrying for the next several hours.
The real highlight, though, is how it handles a massive workload. On my most chaotic days, when I was gaming for hours and binge-watching high-res videos, I would still finish the day with about 37 per cent left in the tank. If you are not a hardcore power user and just stick to the basics like making phone calls or scrolling through Instagram, you could easily go over two and a half days without even looking for a wall socket. They even added 22.5W reverse charging, which is a genuine lifesaver if your earbuds die or a friend&rsquo;s phone is about to give up on them.&nbsp;
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ really hits the mark in just about every way that actually matters. There is no doubt that this device represents a significant step up across almost every single category. That massive 6500mAh battery combined with the 100W charging speed means the phone just keeps going and going, while the display remains incredibly smooth and exceptionally bright. Having that 3200 nits of peak brightness is a huge plus. The vegan leather finish on the back adds a high end feel and does a great job of staying free from messy fingerprints, while the 200MP primary sensor captures photos that actually look realistic. For those of us who create content, the AI features baked into HyperOS are genuinely helpful, and the overall performance handles the daily grind without any noticeable issues.
Of course, the pre-installed junk apps are a bit of a headache, and I know that photography fans will definitely feel the sting of not having a dedicated telephoto lens. Also, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 is not exactly going to be breaking any speed records. However, when you look at the price and consider the IP69K durability, the long-term update promise of four years of OS and six years of security patches, and that impressively slim 8.47mm body, it really is a fantastic deal. It is a perfect choice for heavy users who care more about battery life and a top-tier screen than flashy gimmicks.

Realme P4 Power 5G review based on real-world testing, covering battery life, charging, display, performance, cameras, software, and long-term usability.

Realme P4 Power 5G Review: 29 Hours Later, It Still Wouldn’t Die

We tested the Realme P4 Power 5G with its massive 10,001mAh battery to see if it truly delivers unmatched endurance in daily use.

Realme P4 Power 5G is built around a massive 10,001mAh battery, delivering extreme endurance, a smooth 144Hz display, and dependable performance for users who value long battery life over everything else.

We all expected that by 2026, the fear of a dead phone would be a distant memory, but most of us are still hunting for charging ports by mid-day. The Realme P4 Power 5G feels like it was designed out of pure spite for that struggle. It aims to be the final solution for anyone tired of living on a low-battery warning.
While other manufacturers are playing it safe by inching toward 7,000mAh, Realme has gone nuclear with a 10,001mAh Titan Battery. It is a massive jump that honestly makes every other flagship look outdated. I have been using the TransSilver edition as my daily driver to see if this is just a spec-sheet flex or a real game-changer. A huge battery means nothing if the phone is a brick or lags under pressure.
Launching today, January 29, the P4 Power 5G starts at ₹25,999 for the 8GB+128GB base model. I tested the 12GB+256GB version, priced at ₹30,999, to see if it can actually survive the ultimate endurance test.
<h2>Unboxing &amp; Design: The "Power of Paradox"</h2>
The unboxing experience feels refreshingly grounded to me. In the box, I get the phone, a standard clear TPU case that protects the back without hiding the TransSilver finish, which is also available in TransOrange and TransBlue, and a full 80W SuperVOOC charger. It is a relief to see a brand still including both the charging brick and a solid cable, as it means I can get the advertised charging speeds from day one without buying anything extra.
Once I remove the plastic, it is immediately clear that <a title="Realme 16 Pro+ Review: Real-World Performance, Big Battery, Serious Cameras" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/realme-16-pro-review-real-world-performance-big-battery-serious-cameras-1767698966416" target="_blank">Realme</a> was not aiming for subtlety. The TransSilver unit I have been using is built around a bold, two-part design that demands attention. The top section is dominated by the TransView window, a transparent panel that reveals circuit-inspired patterns and exposed screw details. It has a gritty, mechanical character that feels intentional and loud. This design clearly leans into a tech-forward, expressive identity, favouring personality over the safe, minimal glass slabs that dominate the market.
The lower half of the phone takes a more practical direction. It transitions into a matte finish exactly where my palm naturally grips the device. I see this as a smart functional choice because the added texture provides better grip and a sense of security that glossy phones often lack. The contrast between the transparent top and the matte bottom gives the phone a distinct identity without making the design feel cluttered.
The camera island follows the same confident design language. It is a raised rectangular block with two large circular rings stacked vertically, along with a slim strip housing the third sensor and the flash. You do notice the bump when the phone is placed flat on a desk, but the layout feels deliberate rather than something added as an afterthought.
What impressed me most is the engineering behind the size. Packing in a massive 10,001mAh battery usually results in a phone that feels like a brick, yet Realme has managed to keep the thickness to just 9.08mm. In my view, this is the biggest highlight of the phone itself. It feels dense and substantial, but the quad-curved display and the way the back panel tapers into the frame help it sit comfortably in my hand.
At 219 grams, I do notice the weight when coming from a smaller phone, but it is lighter than several flagship devices with much smaller batteries. More importantly, the weight distribution feels well balanced. It never feels top-heavy while I am typing or scrolling, which helped avoid the hand fatigue I expected. It is a large phone, but one that remains practical for daily use.
<h2>Battery and Charging: Entering the 10,000mAh era</h2>
Since the <a title="Realme P4 Power 5G First Look: 10,001mAh battery, crammed into a slim design" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/realme-p4-power-5g-first-look-10-000mah-battery-crammed-into-a-slim-design-1768974283807" target="_blank">Realme P4 Power 5G</a> is essentially a gigantic battery pack with a phone attached, the battery performance deserves real attention. While most brands spent 2025 cautiously nudging capacities to 6,000 or 7,000mAh, Realme threw caution to the wind. After using the phone for a few days, my idea of what &ldquo;good&rdquo; battery life actually means shifted completely. The 10,001mAh Titan Battery is not just a spec-sheet flex. It genuinely changes how you treat the device day to day.
To see if those numbers actually held up, I decided to be a bit unreasonable. I charged the phone to 100% and let 4K YouTube videos loop continuously. No power-saving modes, no lowered brightness, just raw, constant playback. Most phones would struggle to make it through a workday like this, but the P4 Power took three full hours just to drop its first 10%.
After 12 hours of straight playback, the battery was still sitting at a healthy 57%. By the 24-hour mark, I was genuinely tired of checking the percentage, yet it was still holding on at 22%. It finally dipped to 20% after 24 hours and 29 minutes of nonstop 4K streaming.
I expected that final 20% to drain quickly, but that did not happen. The phone did not shut down until the 29-hour and 31-minute mark, meaning the last stretch alone delivered nearly five additional hours of runtime. Realme claims around 32.5 hours of YouTube playback, and since I was not using any power-saving features, those lab numbers actually seem fairly conservative. For most users, this is easily a two-day phone, and stretching it to three days is very realistic if you are not glued to the screen.
A big reason this works is the battery technology itself. Realme is using a silicon-carbon anode battery, which allows far higher energy density without turning the phone into something that feels like a brick. There is also a &ldquo;Titan Long-Life Algorithm&rdquo; baked into the software, which Realme claims can keep the battery healthy for up to eight years. That is a bold promise, but charging the phone far less often does make the maths for longer battery life add up.
Despite the massive capacity, charging is surprisingly quick. The 80W UltraDart charging took the phone from zero to 100% in about one hour and 11 minutes. A 36-minute top-up gets it to 50%, which, on this phone, is enough to last an entire day.
I also ended up using the 27W reverse charging more than expected. With such a large battery, the P4 Power effectively doubles as a high-speed power bank. I plugged in my Realme 14 Pro+ and saw it jump from 31% to 41% in roughly 33 minutes. Combined with bypass charging, the entire power setup feels thoughtfully engineered rather than just oversized.
<h2>Display: 144Hz HyperGlow 4D Curve+</h2>
The best thing I can say about the display on the Realme P4 Power 5G is that I stopped noticing it after the first hour. That is usually a good sign. When a screen disappears into the background, it means it is doing its job well. On paper, this is a 1.5K 144Hz HyperGlow 4D Curve+ panel, and in everyday use, it makes the phone feel far more premium than the price would suggest. The quad-curved edges allow the glass to flow neatly into the frame, which visually trims down the phone and makes it feel less bulky than it actually is.
The 144Hz refresh rate is exactly as smooth as I expected. Scrolling through social feeds, switching apps, or moving through settings feels quick and fluid. While the full 144Hz mode is limited to supported apps and games, general motion handling remains consistently smooth. It is not an LTPO panel, but during my time with it, the LTPS technology felt efficient enough without any obvious drawbacks.
Brightness is where this display really stands out for me. Realme claims a peak brightness of 6,500 nits, which is clearly a lab figure, but the real-world performance still impressed me. Even under harsh midday sunlight in New Delhi, I had no trouble reading messages or checking maps. I never felt the need to search for shade just to see the screen clearly.
The colour tuning is also well judged. It looks punchy without slipping into that artificial, over-saturated look that many mid-range phones suffer from. Skin tones look natural, and with HDR10+ support, Netflix content feels dynamic, with good contrast and highlights that pop. I also appreciated the eye-care mode, which stays comfortable without turning everything yellow. Overall, this is a well-balanced panel that remains easy on the eyes, which matters when the battery encourages very long screen-on time.
<h2>Performance: Sustained power</h2>
The <a title="Realme P4 Pro Review: Best phone under ₹25,000?" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/realme-p4-pro-review-best-phone-under-25-000-1756028306605" target="_blank">Realme P4</a> Power 5G is not trying to win benchmark trophies with its MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra, and that feels deliberate. Built on a 4nm process, the chip is clearly tuned for consistency and reliability rather than headline-grabbing numbers. On paper, it is not a flagship processor, but that spec sheet does not fully reflect how the phone behaves in daily use.
In my day-to-day usage, performance felt surprisingly snappy. I usually keep far too many apps running in the background, but the phone handled that without slowing down. Opening apps like Instagram or Chrome was quick, and I did not run into the random stutters that often show up on mid-range phones. This is the kind of performance sweet spot most people actually want, where everything works smoothly without drawing attention to the hardware.
Out of curiosity, I ran a few benchmarks to see if the numbers matched my experience. On AnTuTu, the phone scored just over 8.7 lakh. Geekbench 6 returned a single-core score of 1060 and a multi-core score of 2942. These are not eye-catching figures, but they are solid for the price and line up with the stable behaviour I saw in real-world use.
Gaming was where I had some concerns, especially with such a large battery and whether Realme would need to throttle performance. The company claims a stable 90 FPS in BGMI, and in my testing, that claim held up. Gameplay felt fluid, with no sudden frame drops during intense moments. While the phone does allow higher frame rates in some cases, sticking to 90 FPS delivered the most consistent experience.
Thermals are something to keep in mind. In my tests, the phone started at around 24 degrees and climbed to 34 degrees within the first twenty minutes of gaming. After an hour, it hovered near 40 degrees, and by the two-hour mark, it reached roughly 44 degrees. At that point, the warmth becomes noticeable in your hands. Interestingly, I did not see this behaviour during my 24-hour YouTube playback test. The heat only showed up when the GPU was being pushed hard.
Overall, if you can tolerate some warmth during long gaming sessions, the P4 Power delivers stable, dependable performance that feels stronger than its price suggests. It comes across as a reliable workhorse rather than just another budget phone.
<h2>Software, UI &amp; UX, and AI</h2>
The Realme P4 Power 5G runs Realme UI 7.0 on top of Android 16, and from the first boot, the software feels fairly mature. The interface is smooth, and the animations feel quick without trying too hard to be flashy. Realme highlights its new Flux Engine for smoother transitions and improved background app handling, and in my daily use, it actually makes a difference. The phone stays responsive even when I am bouncing between multiple apps.
That said, this is still very much a Realme phone, which means there is a noticeable amount of pre-installed bloatware waiting for you out of the box. It is not the cleanest Android experience you can get. The upside is that most of these apps can be uninstalled. After spending a bit of time cleaning things up, the software feels far more manageable and less cluttered.
The UI becomes more interesting once you start using the AI features. I usually approach these with low expectations, but some of them are genuinely useful. AI Captions, for example, worked well for me while watching videos in noisy environments, and the accuracy for English content was better than expected.
There are also creative tools like AI Instant Clip and AI Perfect Shot, clearly aimed at people who post regularly on Instagram or Reels. They make it easy to fix framing or add lighting effects like AI LightMe without needing a separate editing app. Importantly, these features run smoothly on the hardware, which is not always the case on mid-range phones.
In terms of longevity, Realme promises three major Android updates and four years of security patches. For a phone in this price segment, that feels fair. Overall, the software is not perfect, mainly because of the bloatware, but it is stable, feature-rich, and well optimised.
<h2>Camera</h2>
The Realme P4 Power 5G uses a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera paired with an 8MP ultra-wide, a setup we have seen plenty of times before. In daylight, the main camera does a decent job. Photos are sharp enough for most people, but it is clear that the software is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Colours are noticeably boosted, especially greens and blues, giving shots an instant Instagram-ready look. It works well for social media, but calling the output natural would be a stretch.
Dynamic range is where the limits show up. Bright skies are handled reasonably well, but in high-contrast scenes, shadows tend to lose detail and turn into dark patches. The phone gets the shot, but it does not always balance the scene cleanly.
Portraits are surprisingly decent for the price. Edge detection usually holds up, though it still struggles with messy hair. The background blur feels a bit too aggressive for my taste, but it looks fine on a phone screen. My main issue is skin tones. Realme has moved away from the heavy plastic smoothing of older models, but there is still a visible AI-processed layer that makes faces look slightly artificial. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is noticeable.
The 8MP ultra-wide is fine for quick landscape shots, though the drop in sharpness compared to the main camera is obvious. On the positive side, colour consistency between the two lenses is good, so the gallery looks cohesive.
Selfies are good enough for video calls, even if they share that same processed look. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps and looks sharp, but stabilisation shows its mid-range limits. It is fine when standing still, but walking footage has visible shake. Overall, this is a social-media-first camera setup that prioritises convenience over precision.
<h2>Verdict: Should you buy it?</h2>
If you are tired of carrying a power bank everywhere, the Realme P4 Power 5G makes a very strong case for itself. It feels tailor-made for students, frequent travellers, or anyone who spends hours streaming videos and just wants a phone that can last through a long weekend. That massive 10,001mAh battery, paired with a 144Hz display, turns it into a genuinely solid device for media consumption.
That said, it is not trying to please everyone. If mobile photography is a priority or if you cannot tolerate a phone that warms up during long gaming sessions, this is probably not the right pick. The cameras are clearly tuned for quick social media shots, and sustained GPU-heavy gaming does bring noticeable heat.
Ultimately, this phone knows exactly what it is meant to be. If you want a reliable workhorse that simply refuses to run out of juice, it is hard to beat right now. It prioritises real-world endurance over chasing benchmark glory.

Vivo X200T delivers flagship cameras, Dimensity 9400+ power, strong battery life and premium design at ₹59,999. A balanced flagship that quietly makes sense.

Vivo X200T Review: Flagship Dimensity 9400+ performance & triple 50MP camera set up

Priced at ₹59,999, the Vivo X200T sits in an interesting spot, offering flagship performance and cameras while blurring the lines between the X200 FE, X200 Pro, and newer X300 models.

Vivo&rsquo;s X-series has traditionally followed a fairly clear hierarchy, which is why the Vivo X200T feels immediately intriguing. This is the first time Vivo has introduced a &ldquo;T&rdquo; model in its flagship X lineup, and its placement is anything but straightforward.&nbsp;
Starting at ₹59,999 the X200T sits much closer to the X200 FE than the X200 and X200 Pro, and&nbsp; yet its underlying hardware tells a different story altogether. On paper, the Dimensity 9400+ chipset positions the X200T above even Vivo&rsquo;s X200 and the X200 Pro, which were proper flagships. This already complicates things.&nbsp;
Add to that the presence of the newer X300 series, and the lineup starts to feel even more crowded. Where exactly does the X200T fit now? Is it a performance-first alternative, a stopgap flagship, or Vivo deliberately blurring its own boundaries? We try to find out.
<h2>Vivo X200T Review: Design</h2>
We start with the design, because that is where the Vivo X200T immediately establishes its identity.
From the back, the X200T looks unmistakably like a proper X200-series phone. The large, circular camera module placed right at the centre gives it a strong flagship vibe. I like how deliberate it looks, and more importantly, how practical it is. When I place the phone flat on a table, it stays stable, with none of the wobble you often get from off-centre camera layouts.
The camera module itself is cleanly executed. Like the X200 and X200 Pro, the flash sits outside the circular camera island instead of being tucked inside it. I prefer this approach. It keeps the module from looking cluttered and makes the design feel more premium.
There is an issue, though. Because of the hardware, the X200T feels slightly top heavy when I first picked it up. It is quite noticeable initially, but after a short while, it stops being distracting and never feels uncomfortable in daily use.
The X200T is a large phone, but it is not as heavy as I expected. At around 203 grams and 7.99mm in thickness, it feels manageable for its size and does not come across as bulky during long scrolling sessions or video playback. The weight feels reasonable, even if the balance could have been a touch better.
Button placement is straightforward and familiar. The USB-C port sits at the bottom alongside the speaker grille and SIM slot. There is no expandable storage, which is worth noting. The power button and volume rocker are positioned on the side, and both feel tactile and well-built, with a reassuring click.
Build quality is excellent overall. The back panel feels like glass and has a soft, sand-blasted, silly texture that does a good job of resisting fingerprints.&nbsp;
The flat aluminium alloy frame feels premium and solid in the hand, adding to the phone&rsquo;s sturdy feel. Up front, Vivo uses Schott Xensation glass, and with IP68 and IP69 ratings, I never felt the need to treat it like a baby.
The X200T comes in two colours, Stellar Black and Seaside Lilac. I have the Lilac version here, and it looks subtle yet distinctive under different lighting.&nbsp;
Overall, the X200T feels well-built, premium, and confidently designed.
<h2>Vivo X200T Review: Display</h2>
The Vivo X200T features a 6.67-inch LTPS AMOLED display, and it delivers a sharp and polished experience in everyday use. The panel is completely flat, which I genuinely appreciate. But what I was more surprised by, was just how slim the bezels are. Both of these, make interacting with the display feel more precise and gives the phone a cleaner look from the front.
The display runs at a 1.5K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, so naturally, text appears crisp, icons are clean, and scrolling feels consistently smooth.
Colour reproduction is excellent too. Colours look rich without being oversaturated, and contrast levels are strong. HDR10+ support adds to the experience when watching compatible content. HDR videos on YouTube look punchy, and Netflix shows and movies feel immersive, with deep blacks and good detail in darker scenes.&nbsp;
As for the brightness I found it to be good, but not class-leading. With a peak high brightness mode rating of 1600 nits, the screen remains usable outdoors, even in harsh sunlight. However, under direct sun, I did notice that it does not push quite as hard as some panels even from Vivo&rsquo;s own line up. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is noticeable.
One clear advantage is the fingerprint scanner. The X200T uses an ultrasonic sensor, and unlocking feels fast and reliable.&nbsp;
Audio performance is solid as well. The stereo speakers get loud, sound balanced, and offer better bass presence than I expected.
<h2>Vivo X200T Review: Cameras</h2>
Cameras are where the Vivo X200T really starts to shine, and this is one area where I spent a lot of time testing things properly. With Zeiss branding across the entire setup, expectations are naturally high, and for the most part, the X200T delivers results that feel confidently flagship-grade rather than merely impressive on paper.
The X200T comes with an all-50MP camera setup, and it shows Vivo was not cutting corners here. You get a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide. All three cameras carry Zeiss&rsquo; T* coating, and that consistency across the stack makes a real difference in how dependable the results are, across all cameras.&nbsp;
Starting with the main camera, the output is flagship-grade. Photos are packed with detail, colours look natural, and skin tones are handled very well. There is a slight tendency to underexpose in some scenes, but highlights are controlled beautifully, which I prefer. Thanks to CIPA 4.5 professional image stabilisation, shots stay sharp even in tricky lighting or when shooting handheld. It is a reliable camera that I felt confident using in almost any situation.
The telephoto camera is another strong point. It delivers sharp, high-resolution images even at longer zoom levels, and detail holds up impressively well as you push the zoom further. This is one of those lenses that feels genuinely useful rather than just there to tick a box.
The ultrawide camera is also very solid. Having a 50MP sensor here means you do not see the usual drop in detail when switching lenses. Colours stay consistent with the main camera, and images remain usable even in lower light. In night shots, the X200T&rsquo;s ultrawide clearly holds on to more detail and texture than lower-resolution alternatives.
Portraits are handled well too. Edge detection is reliable, background separation looks clean, and the bokeh has a soft, natural character rather than an artificial blur.&nbsp;
Video performance is strong across the board. The X200T can shoot 4K at 60fps with solid stabilisation, and HDR video support adds extra dynamic range in challenging scenes.&nbsp;
For selfies, the X200T uses a 32MP front camera. Vivo could have used a 50MP camera here as well, but I wll give them this, I love the colour tuning here. Skin tones look natural, and the overall output feels pleasing rather than overly processed.
There is also a Classic Negative Film Style mode, that mimic several of Fujifilm&rsquo;s stock looks, like you would get in a Fujifilm mirrorless camera nowadays. It is easily one of my favourite creative options on the phone.
<h2>Vivo X200T Review: Performance</h2>
Performance on the Vivo X200T is exactly what you would expect from a phone sitting this high in the lineup.
The X200T is powered by a chipset that sits just a step below the Dimensity 9500, which already puts it in very strong territory. On paper, this actually positions the X200T above even the X200 and X200 Pro in terms of raw silicon hierarchy. Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, it is a clearly performance-focused setup.
In day-to-day use, the phone feels fast and responsive. App launches are quick, multitasking is smooth, and moving between heavier applications never feels sluggish. While the jump to UFS 4.1 storage does not dramatically change everyday interactions, I did notice slightly quicker load times when dealing with large files and heavier games. It is not night and day, but it is there if you pay attention.
Benchmarks make the gap far more obvious. Vivo claims an AnTuTu score north of 3 million, and while my unit topped out closer to 2.9 million, that is still an excellent result. Geekbench scores are strong as well. 3DMark results tell a similar story, confirming that there is plenty of graphical headroom here.
That performance translates well into gaming. I spent time playing BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile, and the phone handled both without breaking a sweat. The X200T supports higher frame rates, going up to 120fps where supported, and gameplay felt smooth and consistent throughout my sessions.&nbsp;
More importantly, sustained performance holds up well. Thanks to the new liquid cooling vapour chamber with its updated wick structure and nano-fluid design, thermals stayed under control. I noticed some warmth during longer gaming sessions, but never anything alarming.
One thing worth highlighting is how well the X200T works with Vivo&rsquo;s V2 imaging chip. Powered by the BlueChip technology stack and optimised across eight key domains, it fully unlocks advanced imaging features without impacting overall performance.
In regular use, the phone simply feels powerful without constantly reminding you of it, which is exactly how a flagship-class device should behave.
<h2>Vivo X200T Review: Software, UI and AI</h2>
The Vivo X200T runs Android 16 with OriginOS 6 straight out of the box, and that is a big deal if you care about longevity. Vivo is promising five years of Android updates and seven years of security patches, which already puts this phone in a very comfortable spot for long-term use. More importantly, Vivo is also talking about sustained smoothness over those five years, not just ticking update boxes, and that is something you actually feel in daily use.
I am not going to deep-dive into OriginOS itself since I have already spent a lot of time with it before, but OriginOS 6 feels noticeably more polished than earlier versions. The transparent, liquid-style UI gives the whole interface a modern, premium vibe. Yes, the inspiration from Apple is obvious, but in everyday use, it works. The interface feels clean, cohesive, and easy to live with.
What really stood out to me was how fluid everything feels. Animations are smooth, app launches are quick, and basic interactions like unlocking the phone or pulling down notifications feel seamless. Nothing stutters or feels half-baked. Lock screen customisation has also been expanded, letting you personalise things without turning the UI into a cluttered mess.
Origin Island is another feature I like. It is clearly inspired by the Dynamic Island, but Vivo has made it feel playful and genuinely useful. Live activities like navigation, music controls, and timers sit neatly at the top of the screen. That said, I do wish more third-party apps supported it right now, because the idea has a lot of potential.
Vivo has also put real effort into cross-device features. Office Kit adds tools like phone-to-PC mirroring, cross-device file sharing, remote PC control, and collaborative notes. If you work across multiple devices, these features actually make life easier rather than feeling like gimmicks.
AI is present throughout the system, but thankfully, it stays mostly practical. The AI photo suite includes tools like Weather Filters, Passerby Erase, Scene Transformation, and AI Landscape Master. You also get Google Gemini features like Circle to Search. These are tools I found myself using naturally, not just once for testing and then forgetting about.
<h2>Vivo X200T Review: Battery</h2>
Moving on to battery life, the Vivo X200T packs a 6,200mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than what I expected for a phone this size. Vivo could have pushed this further, but battery life has been solid for me. The X200T comfortably lasts a full day with regular usage, including gaming, navigation, and streaming, without any anxiety. In my initial testing, I did not notice any noticeable shortcomings.
Charging is also pretty much on point. You get 90W wired charging, plus, you also get 40W wireless charging on top of that, which adds real convenience to daily use.
<h2>Vivo X200T Review: Verdict</h2>
The Vivo X200T ends up being a phone that makes sense only once you stop trying to label it. It is not a cheaper X200 Pro, nor is it an overgrown X200 FE. Instead, it feels like a cut-down version of the X300. It feels like a blend of flagship design, serious camera hardware, and top-tier performance, stitched together with very few obvious compromises.&nbsp;
What impressed me most is how balanced the experience feels. The display is excellent, the cameras are genuinely dependable across all focal lengths, and performance never becomes a talking point because it simply works. Battery life holds up well, charging is fast and convenient, and the build quality inspires confidence without trying too hard.
Yes, the pricing places it in a slightly awkward position, and Vivo could have made its lineup clearer. But taken on its own terms, the X200T delivers a premium, polished experience that justifies its existence. If you want flagship performance and cameras without chasing labels, this phone quietly earns its place.

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro offers a bold design, periscope zoom, and smooth AMOLED display. A well-balanced mid-range phone worth considering.

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Style Meets Substance

<h3>The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro blends bold design, a periscope camera, and clean software into a well-rounded mid-ranger, with minor compromises in video and eSIM support.</h3>

Nothing has built a reputation for making phones that stand out because of their unique designs and features, but it seems that with the Phone (4a) Pro, it feels like the focus has shifted towards delivering a more rounded experience.&nbsp;
Starting at Rs 39,999, this is no longer just about design or novelty. It aims to offer a dependable mid-range package with a distinct identity. You get a full aluminium build, a periscope telephoto camera, and the Glyph Matrix, which still feels refreshingly different in this segment.
What works in its favour is how cohesive it feels. It does not come across as a watered-down flagship or a spec-driven experiment. Instead, it feels intentional. A phone that balances individuality with everyday usability, which is not easy to achieve.
Having used the phone as my daily driver for a week or so, I found it comes together well as an overall package. It delivers on most fronts, even if there are a few areas where it could have pushed things further.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Design</h2>
Nothing takes a bold new approach with the Phone (4a) Pro, and it lands rather well. The transparent glass back that once defined the brand is gone, replaced by a full aluminium body. The shift is immediately noticeable. The phone feels sturdier, more refined, and clearly more premium than any previous Nothing or CMF phone, from the moment I pick it up.
Measuring just 7.9mm thick and weighing in at 210 grams, it is incredibly comfortable to hold and feels well-balanced in the hand. There is enough weight to make it feel substantial, but it never tips into feeling bulky. The flat frame paired with the flat display gives it a clean, straightforward look that I really enjoy. It is available in Black, Pink, and Silver, and the Silver unit I tested easily stands out as the most striking of the lot.
Around the back, Nothing&rsquo;s personality is still very much intact. The cyberpunk-inspired design language continues to shine through. The camera module is large and does remind me slightly of an iPhone, but it never feels like a direct imitation.
You also get the Glyph Matrix from the Phone 3 Pro, and it is more than just a visual flourish. I found it genuinely useful in daily use, adding both character and function in a way most phones in this segment simply do not.
On durability, there is IP65 resistance, so it can handle splashes and light rain, but I would still avoid taking it near water. Gorilla Glass 7i protects the front, and essentials like NFC and Wi-Fi 6 are present. The only real drawbacks are the missing IR blaster and the lack of eSIM support in India, which feels like a sharper omission.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Display</h2>
The 6.83-inch flexible AMOLED display on the Phone (4a) Pro is easily one of my favourite parts of the phone. On paper, it sounds impressive with a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, support for over a billion colours, and a peak HDR brightness rated at 5000 nits. For this price, that is a very solid setup.
In my day-to-day use, the display consistently impressed me. Colours looked rich without feeling over-processed, blacks were deep, and everything from YouTube to Instagram to Netflix looked sharp and vibrant. It genuinely feels like a panel that sits above what I usually expect in this segment, and I found myself enjoying content on it more than I expected.
Outdoor visibility has also been reliable. The panel can hit around 1600 nits in high brightness mode, and I had no trouble using it under harsh sunlight. It is not the absolute brightest out there, but in practical use, it holds up very well.
There is one thing to keep in mind. While HDR playback is supported, Netflix HDR10 and HDR10+ certification are missing. In real-world use, I did not find this to be a major issue, as content still looks very good, but it is worth noting.
You also get an optical in-display fingerprint scanner, which has been dependable in my experience. It is quick, accurate, and rarely misses, although, an ultrasonic scanner would have been better.
The dual stereo speakers also stood out to me. They get surprisingly loud and sound fuller than expected, which, combined with the display, makes watching videos or even casual gaming feel more immersive.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Cameras</h2>
The cameras on the Phone (4a) Pro are easily one of its biggest strengths, and in my time using it, that became obvious pretty quickly. The setup includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP 3.5x periscope telephoto, and an 8MP ultra-wide. That periscope lens is the standout here, especially at this price, and it gives the phone a clear edge over most rivals.
In everyday shooting, I found the main camera to be very dependable. It captures a good amount of detail, and more importantly, the colours stay natural. Nothing&rsquo;s processing avoids the usual over-sharpened, over-saturated look, so photos come out closer to what I actually saw. The ultra-wide is fine for casual shots, but I did notice it can underexpose slightly, especially in tricky or uneven lighting.
Low-light performance reflects the same philosophy. The phone does not try to artificially brighten everything, which keeps images realistic, but it also means some shots can look a bit flatter compared to phones that rely heavily on processing to boost exposure and contrast.
Zoom is where the Phone (4a) Pro really stands out. The 3.5x periscope telephoto makes a clear difference in real use. I could push zoom all the way up to 140x, and while that extreme range is more of a novelty, even at more practical zoom levels, images retain better detail. Portrait shots also benefit from this, as the optical zoom creates more natural depth compared to digital cropping.
The 32MP front camera has been reliable in my use, delivering sharp selfies with balanced colours across different lighting conditions.
Video performance is where things feel a bit limited. The footage itself looks good, with stable output, decent dynamic range, and colours that stay consistent with the rest of the camera system. But being capped at 4K at 30fps in 2025 does feel restrictive, especially when others in this segment are pushing further.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Performance</h2>
The Phone (4a) Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, and in my time using it, it became abundantly clear that Nothing is focusing on consistency rather than raw power.&nbsp;
For everyday use, it does the job without any friction. Browsing, streaming, switching between apps, or even mindless scrolling all felt fluid, which is exactly what I expect at this level.
The phone pairs LPDDR5X RAM with UFS 3.1 storage. While the RAM keeps things snappy, the storage is a step behind newer standards, and that does show up occasionally.&nbsp;
I noticed slightly longer app load times, particularly with heavier apps or when quickly taking a tonne of photos with the camera. It is not something that disrupts daily use, but it is noticeable if you are paying attention.
Gaming performance turned out better than I expected. During extended BGMI sessions, the phone held close to 118 to 119fps quite consistently. What stood out more was how well it managed heat.&nbsp;
Even after longer gaming sessions, it never got uncomfortably warm, which points to solid optimisation and thermal management.
Synthetic benchmarks reflect a similar story. The numbers are not pushing the limits of the segment, but they align well with what the hardware is meant to deliver.&nbsp;
More importantly, performance feels stable in real-world use. Unless you are specifically chasing top-tier flagship power, this setup strikes a practical and well-balanced middle ground.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Software</h2>
Running Nothing OS 4.1 on top of Android 16, the Phone (4a) Pro delivers one of the cleanest software experiences I have used in this segment. From the first boot, it felt fast, uncluttered, and visually distinct. The dot matrix elements, monochrome icons, and minimalist UI give it a clear identity that does not blend into the usual Android crowd.
What I ended up appreciating more was how deeply customisable it feels in a practical sense. Widgets are a big part of the experience here, but they are not just for show. Through Nothing Playground, I could add community-created widgets that actually changed how I interacted with the home screen. It felt functional rather than decorative. The Glyph Matrix adds to this in a meaningful way, surfacing live information and notifications in a way I gradually started relying on.
Essential Space has seen useful improvements too. Screenshots can now be grouped into Essential Memories and synced across Nothing devices, which makes organising saved content much easier.
The software stays largely free of clutter. Apart from Facebook and Instagram, which can be removed quickly, there is very little pre-installed junk.
Nothing is committing to three years of Android updates and six years of security patches, which feels balanced for this category.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Battery</h2>
The Phone (4a) Pro comes with a 5,400mAh battery, and in my usage, it proved to be consistently reliable. You&rsquo;re looking at a one-day easily handled phone here. Through a typical day that included browsing, streaming, social media, and calls, I was able to get through without worrying about topping up midway. It is not aiming to set new benchmarks, but it delivers the kind of endurance most people would be happy with.&nbsp;
Charging is capped at 50W, and a full charge takes around 60 to 65 minutes. It is not the fastest you can get in this segment, but it is quick enough to comfortably fit into a daily routine.
There is also 7.5W reverse wired charging, which I found handy for quickly topping up smaller devices like earbuds. Wireless charging is missing, which feels like a slight omission at this price, though not entirely surprising.
Overall, the battery setup feels steady and dependable without trying to overcompensate.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Review: Verdict</h2>
Spending time with the Phone (4a) Pro, I came away feeling like Nothing has finally nailed the balance it has been chasing. At Rs 39,999, this feels like a genuinely well-rounded mid-range option rather than just a design-first device. The new aluminium build gives it a more premium feel, the display is smooth and vibrant, and the camera system, especially the periscope telephoto, adds a level of versatility that is still rare in this segment.
Nothing OS 4.1 continues to be a highlight for me. It feels clean, responsive, and different in a way that actually improves day-to-day use instead of just looking unique. Battery life has also been steady in my experience, easily lasting through a full day without any anxiety.
There are a few compromises. The 4K 30fps video cap feels limiting for 2025, the lack of eSIM support in India remains frustrating, and while performance is smooth, it does not match the raw power some competitors offer.
Even so, if you want a phone with a strong identity that also delivers where it matters, this is an easy pick at this price.

Tech

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: refined design, Privacy Display, top-tier performance, improved cameras, and strong battery life. Not a huge upgrade on paper, but one of the most polished Android flagships you can buy in 2026.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Everything You Need to Know

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Pros, Cons & Real-World Test

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Familiar on the surface, the Galaxy S26 Ultra focuses on refinement. You get a great display with Privacy Display, top-tier performance, improved cameras, and solid battery life&mdash;making it a very polished, if expensive, flagship.
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Xiaomi 17 combines top-tier performance, Leica cameras, and a compact design. A premium flagship experience without the usual bulk.

Xiaomi 17 Review: Proper Flagship Power In a Pocket-Friendly Size

<h3 data-start="376" data-end="491">A rare compact flagship that delivers speed, strong cameras, and all-day battery without feeling like a compromise.</h3>

Among all the glitz and glamour surrounding the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the younger sibling in the 17 series, the Xiaomi 17, has largely slipped under the radar. That feels a little surprising, especially at a time when compact flagship phones are starting to enjoy something of a revival.
Starting at ₹89,999, the Xiaomi 17 may seem expensive at first, especially when you compare it with other compact phones currently available. But a closer look at the spec sheet quickly reveals that this is not a trimmed-down or quasi-flagship.
Instead, the Xiaomi 17 is a full-fledged flagship, complete with a flagship chipset, a flagship display, and hardware you would normally expect from a much more expensive device. As with any Xiaomi flagship, the Leica-powered camera system again takes centre stage.
I spent a week using the phone as my daily driver. Xiaomi India even took me to Phu Quoc, Vietnam, for a series of photowalks and to thoroughly test out the phone, and see whether this compact phone truly delivers the full flagship experience, or if there are compromises hiding beneath that smaller form factor. And honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by how good the Xiaomi 17 came across.&nbsp;
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Review: Design &amp; Build Quality</h2>
The Xiaomi 17 is a properly compact phone, and I absolutely loved the way it felt in my hand from the moment I took it out of the box. The rear panel is made from fibreglass, but much like the Ultra, it feels remarkably close to glass. In practical terms, that means the phone still feels plush and premium when you hold it. The flat panels and the flat aluminium frame further reinforce that flagship feel, giving the device a clean and solid presence in the hand.
Our review unit comes in the Black finish, and it handles fingerprints and smudges reasonably well. It is not completely immune to them, but the surface does a good job of hiding marks for quite a while before they become noticeable. If black is not quite your style, Xiaomi also offers the phone in Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, and Venture Green.
Despite being a compact device, the Xiaomi 17 feels reassuringly dense in the hand. It measures 8.06mm in thickness and weighs just over 191 grams, which gives it a sturdy, well-balanced feel. The phone feels tough and solid, almost as if it has been built like a small tank rather than a delicate compact device.
The durability credentials back up that impression as well. The phone carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Up front, Xiaomi uses its own Shield Glass for protection. While it may not be the latest Corning glass, it has proven reliable in handling the occasional drop, and in my experience devices using Xiaomi&rsquo;s Shield Glass tend to hold up quite well against everyday scratches.
Apart from the size, the most obvious difference between the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the regular Xiaomi 17 is the camera module design. The Xiaomi 17 uses a square camera island with rounded corners. It still houses three cameras and a flash, but each element now sits in its own individual housing, giving the module a slightly more structured look.
Button placement is exactly where you would expect it. Unlike the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, however, the volume controls use a traditional single-bar rocker. Being a flagship device, the phone also supports eSIM, along with NFC, an IR blaster, and a USB Type-C port rated at USB 3.2, rounding out a design that feels both compact and properly premium.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Review: Display and Audio</h2>
The Xiaomi 17 comes with a 6.3-inch &ldquo;CrystalRes&rdquo; OLED display, and apart from the smaller size, it is almost identical to the panel on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. It uses a 2656 &times; 1220 resolution panel with a pixel density of 460ppi, which is actually higher than the Ultra. In day-to-day use, I found the display to be extremely sharp, with text and images looking crisp and detailed.
Just like the Ultra, Xiaomi uses a 12-bit panel that can produce over 68 billion colours. The display also supports a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, which means it can dynamically switch between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on what I was doing. Scrolling through apps and social media felt very smooth, while the adaptive refresh rate helped conserve battery when the screen was mostly static.
HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support are present, even on Netflix. While watching content across YouTube and Netflix, the display consistently looked vibrant and immersive. Colours felt lively without appearing oversaturated, and the blacks were deep and inky thanks to the OLED panel. The display also covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut, which helps maintain strong colour accuracy. Peak HDR brightness reaches 3500 nits, and during my time using the phone outdoors in bright Vietnamese sunlight, I never struggled to read the screen.
Like most 2026 flagships, the Xiaomi 17 also gets an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. In my experience it was quick, reliable, and positioned comfortably for one-handed use.
For audio, the stereo speakers get reasonably loud with Dolby Atmos, but the compact size limits bass. Hi-Res and Hi-Res Wireless audio support are also present.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Review: Cameras</h2>
The Xiaomi 17 comes with a triple-camera setup, and on paper it looks very similar to what Xiaomi has been doing with its recent flagships. The main camera uses a 50MP Light Fusion 950 sensor with OIS and Leica&rsquo;s tuning. You also get a 50MP telephoto camera with OIS, again paired with Leica&rsquo;s colour science. The ultrawide camera is another 50MP sensor with a 17mm field of view, slightly narrower than last year&rsquo;s 14mm lens, but surprisingly it still lacks autofocus.
Now, the images from the Xiaomi 17 are not quite as wildly characterful as what I have seen from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, particularly when I compared shots from the telephoto lens. That said, the overall camera system is still very capable, even if it does not quite reach the same level as the Ultra when placed side by side.
The main camera produces excellent daylight photos. I consistently saw wide dynamic range, balanced contrast, and reliable white balance. Colours appear vibrant without looking exaggerated, and fine details remain sharp while still retaining a natural look. The default 12.5MP output strikes a very nice balance between clarity and processing.
Low-light performance from the main camera is also impressive. Exposures remain well balanced, highlights stay controlled, and shadows retain good detail. Images remain clean overall, although the level of detail can look slightly less natural compared to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
The ultrawide camera is the weakest part of the system. Colours and dynamic range remain decent, but the lack of autofocus also limits its usefulness for close subjects. In low light, that softness becomes more noticeable at times
Zoom performance, however, is very impressive. The 2x crop from the main sensor delivers sharp images, while the dedicated 2.6x telephoto adds extra reach with natural colours and strong detail. Even the 5x zoom remains quite usable.
Portraits look excellent, with sharp subject detail, natural skin tones, and convincing background separation. The upgraded 50MP selfie camera adds more detail and autofocus, although colours could occasionally appear slightly more vibrant.
For video, the phone supports up to 4K60 across all cameras and 8K30 on the main sensor, with strong stabilisation and good dynamic range in daylight footage.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Review: Performance</h2>
Do not be fooled by its compact size or the absence of a &ldquo;Pro&rdquo; or &ldquo;Ultra&rdquo; label, because the regular Xiaomi 17 packs performance that comes very close to what the Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers. Like its bigger sibling, the phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and fast UFS 4.1 storage.
In everyday use, I immediately noticed how fluid everything felt. Scrolling through the interface, downloading large files, switching between apps, and multitasking all felt quick and effortless. The phone simply keeps up with whatever you throw at it. Benchmark numbers reflect that experience as well.
In AnTuTu, the Xiaomi 17 scored just over 3.1 million points. That figure is slightly lower than what the Xiaomi 17 Ultra manages, but it is still an extremely strong result and firmly places the phone among the fastest Android devices right now. Geekbench results also come very close to the Ultra, which further shows how capable the hardware is.
That said, the smaller frame does introduce some limitations. Because the phone is more compact, it does not dissipate heat quite as effectively as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, even with Xiaomi&rsquo;s 3D IceLoop cooling system.
I noticed this during longer gaming sessions. When I played BGMI for about an hour, the phone maintained a solid 120fps, but it did begin to warm up. It never became uncomfortable to hold, though the heat was noticeable. To be fair, this is fairly common with compact flagship phones.
In normal day-to-day use, however, the Xiaomi 17 barely seemed to break a sweat. Even while testing the phone outdoors in the harsh Vietnamese sun during my time in Phu Quoc, I did not notice any performance drops.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Review: Software and AI</h2>
I will not go too deep into the software side of the Xiaomi 17 because it is essentially the same experience as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The phone runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, and most of the core features remain unchanged.
In everyday use, the interface feels polished and responsive. Animations look smooth, apps open quickly, and navigating through the system rarely feels sluggish. Xiaomi has clearly taken some visual inspiration from Apple in certain areas. The Control Centre, for example, has a layered and minimal layout that feels somewhat similar to iOS. Xiaomi has also introduced touches of what it calls its &ldquo;liquid glass&rdquo; design language across parts of the interface.
One of the more noticeable additions this year is Super Island. Positioned around the camera cut-out, it displays contextual information from apps running in the background. In practice, it works in a very similar way to Apple&rsquo;s Dynamic Island.
AI features are another major focus. Xiaomi groups these under HyperAI, which includes AI writing, speech recognition, AI interpreter, AI subtitles, and AI-powered wallpapers. The gallery app also gets AI editing tools for removing objects from photos.
Xiaomi promises five Android updates and six years of security patches.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Review: Battery</h2>
This is where things get a little interesting. The international Xiaomi 17 comes with a smaller battery than the Chinese variant, 6330mAh versus 7000mAh. Even so, the compact Xiaomi 17 actually packs a larger battery than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which gets a 6000mAh unit.
In my use, battery life was noticeably better than what I experienced with the 17 Ultra. I was easily getting 45 minutes or so more than the Ultra, which itself gave me an SoT of over 6-7 hours.
Charging is also faster. The Xiaomi 17 supports 100W wired charging compared to the Ultra&rsquo;s 90W, which means a full charge takes roughly 50 minutes to an hour. You also get 50W wireless charging and 22.5W reverse wired charging.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Review: Verdict</h2>
The Xiaomi 17 proves that a compact phone does not have to compromise on flagship performance. Even without the &ldquo;Ultra&rdquo; branding, it delivers most of the same core experience. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 keeps everything feeling extremely quick, the LTPO OLED display is sharp and vibrant, and the overall build quality feels every bit like a proper premium flagship.
What I appreciated the most during my testing was how manageable the phone felt in daily use. The smaller form factor makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use one-handed, without sacrificing power. Performance remained consistently strong across multitasking, heavy apps, and gaming, while the larger battery actually gave me slightly better endurance than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
The camera system is also very capable. The main sensor and telephoto camera produce excellent results in most conditions, although the images do not quite have the same character or consistency as what I saw from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The ultrawide camera also remains the weakest part of the setup.
At ₹89,999, the Xiaomi 17 is not cheap, but if you want flagship power in a genuinely compact phone, it makes a very convincing case.

Xiaomi Pad 8 delivers Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 power, a sharp 3.2K display, premium metal build, and strong battery life at a smart price.

Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Premium Performance at a Smart Price

<h3 data-start="782" data-end="909">Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 power, a crisp 3.2K display, and premium build make the Xiaomi Pad 8 one of the smartest tablet buys today.</h3>

The Xiaomi Pad 8 has some pretty big shoes to fill. The Pad 7 turned out to be wildly popular, mostly because of the kind of value it offered. It delivered strong performance, a great display, and premium build quality, all at a price that made it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a good Android tablet.&nbsp;
Naturally, that also means expectations are fairly high for the Pad 8, especially now that Xiaomi is trying to build on the success of the previous model.
At first glance, the Pad 8 looks like a fairly straightforward upgrade. Xiaomi has refreshed the hardware with a faster Snapdragon chip, a sharp high-resolution display, and support for accessories like a floating keyboard and stylus that push it closer to being a proper productivity device.
But the landscape has also shifted since the last model. Tablet prices across the industry have crept up, and starting at ₹33,999 for the 8+128GB variant, the Pad 8 does not feel quite as aggressively priced as its predecessor once did.
So the real question becomes fairly simple: does the Xiaomi Pad 8 still deliver the same kind of value that made the previous model so compelling, or has the balance changed this time around?
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Design and build</h2>
The Xiaomi Pad 8 immediately gives off the kind of premium feel you would normally expect from tablets that cost significantly more. Xiaomi has used a full metal chassis, and the tablet feels solid, well finished, and reassuringly sturdy in the hand. At just 5.75mm thick, it is also impressively slim, giving the device a sleek and modern profile.
What I noticed fairly quickly while using the Pad 8 was how manageable it feels during everyday use. The tablet is noticeably smaller than many large-screen tablets, and that makes a big difference when it comes to ergonomics. At 485 grams, it is also quite light for a tablet in this category. Because of that, I found it far easier to hold for longer periods, whether I was reading, browsing, or watching videos. Even when using it with one hand, the tablet remained comfortable to handle and never felt awkward or unwieldy.
That is not to say that the tablet feels flimsy. It is extremely well built and feels tough as nails.&nbsp;
Xiaomi has also included pogo pins on the rear of the tablet for connecting accessories such as keyboards or other add-ons. Their placement does look a little unusual at first glance, but they work as expected for accessory support. The camera module on the back is another design element that stands out. While it is functional, the way it sits on the rear panel makes it look slightly out of place compared to the otherwise clean design.
On the connectivity front, the Pad 8 gets a USB Type-C port at the bottom that supports USB 3.1 speeds. That is actually a big win because some tablets in this price range still cut corners here. Xiaomi has also included an IR blaster, which can come in handy for controlling appliances or TVs.
We do have some disappointing omissions in terms of biometrics and cellular connectivity. There is no fingerprint scanner on the device, and the unit I tested does not include a SIM card slot. That means there is no 5G connectivity, no eSIM support, and no expandable storage either.
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Display and speakers</h2>
The Xiaomi Pad 8 comes with an 11.2-inch display, and during my time using it, I immediately appreciated how manageable the overall size felt. The panel has a resolution of 3200 &times; 2136, which Xiaomi refers to as a 3.2K display. Because the screen is relatively compact while maintaining such a high resolution, the pixel density climbs to about 345ppi. In everyday use, I found text looking extremely crisp and images appearing sharp across the interface.
You get somewhat slim bezels, which goes with the way the tablet is built. On tablets, you want some bezel to make holding the tablet easy, and the Xiaomi Pad 8 absolutely nails the balance.
Xiaomi has gone with a 3:2 aspect ratio for this panel, which gives the screen a more square-like shape compared to traditional widescreen tablets. In practice, I found this format much better for productivity. When I was working on documents, browsing through spreadsheets, or even scrubbing through video timelines, the extra vertical space made the experience noticeably more comfortable.
The display itself is an IPS LCD panel, but Xiaomi has packed it with a long list of display features. It supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate and uses a 12-bit panel capable of displaying over 68 billion colours. The screen also supports DCI-P3 colour, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR Vivid, and Xiaomi&rsquo;s Pro HDR processing.&nbsp;
Even though LCD panels do not produce the same deep blacks you get from AMOLED displays, I still found the viewing experience to be quite impressive. Content on Netflix and YouTube looked vibrant and colourful, and the colour depth helped scenes appear rich and lively. You get HDR support on YouTube, and Netflix shows both HDR10 and Dolby Vision content.
Brightness goes up to around 800 nits in high brightness mode, and in my testing, I did not find outdoor visibility to be an issue. The display also includes useful features like Reading Mode and Adaptive Colours, which help reduce eye strain during longer usage sessions.
For audio, the Xiaomi Pad 8 uses a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support. In my experience, the speakers get sufficiently loud for movies, music, and gaming. However, while the volume levels are solid, I did feel that the overall sound character lacks a bit of depth compared to some other tablets I have used. The good thing is, you get support for Hi-Res &amp; Hi-Res Wireless Audio.
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Cameras</h2>
The Xiaomi Pad 8 comes with a 13MP rear camera, and in my experience, it performs exactly the way most tablet cameras do. It is perfectly usable for scanning QR codes, capturing documents, or taking a quick photo when your phone is not nearby. That said, I would not expect anything particularly special from it. The quality is serviceable, but clearly not designed to replace a proper smartphone camera.
On the front, the tablet gets an 8MP camera that works well enough for video calls. One feature I particularly liked is Xiaomi&rsquo;s FocusFrame, which tracks your face and keeps you centred in the frame during calls.
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Accessories</h2>
Xiaomi offers a couple of accessories for the Pad 8 that really change how the tablet can be used day to day. The two main ones are the Focus Keyboard, which costs ₹8,999 and the Focus Pen Pro, costing ₹5,999, and having used them extensively, I found that they push the Pad 8 much closer to being a proper productivity and creative device rather than just a tablet for watching videos.
The Focus Keyboard is easily the more interesting of the two. Xiaomi has gone with a floating keyboard design here, very similar to the Magic Keyboard on the iPad. In practice, this makes the whole setup extremely simple to use. I could just attach the tablet and start working. There is no need to deal with folding stands or awkward covers. Once attached, the tablet sits suspended above the keyboard, and the whole thing opens and shuts like a compact laptop. For writing documents, replying to emails, or working on spreadsheets, it feels surprisingly natural.
The keyboard also includes a backlight, which I genuinely appreciated when working in low light. That said, the keyboard layout itself is not perfect. The keys are noticeably small, and during longer typing sessions, I did find myself adjusting to the tighter layout. The Enter key in particular feels unusually tiny. The trackpad is also a bit cramped for my liking, although it still supports gesture controls for navigating through the interface.
The Focus Pen Pro is the other accessory that really adds to the Pad 8&rsquo;s versatility. In my experience, the stylus feels responsive and precise. Latency is low, pressure sensitivity works well, and writing or sketching feels natural on the display. Plus it weighs just about 17 grams
Xiaomi has also added a few gesture controls to the stylus. In the MiCanvas app, I could slide along the pen to increase or decrease brush size, pinch to bring up a quick menu while sketching, and double-tap to switch between brushes. These small touches make the stylus particularly useful for note-taking and drawing.
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Performance</h2>
The Xiaomi Pad 8 runs on Qualcomm&rsquo;s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, and in day-to-day use it feels extremely capable. Xiaomi offers the tablet in two variants: an 8GB LPDDR5X RAM model paired with 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and a higher-end version with 12GB of LPDDR5T RAM and 256GB of faster UFS 4.1 storage.
In benchmark testing, the tablet delivered strong results. On AnTuTu, the Pad 8 scored around 2.29 million points. In Geekbench, it posted a single-core score of 2031 and a multi-core score of 6347.&nbsp;
GPU performance also held up well during testing. In 3DMark&rsquo;s Wildlife Extreme stress test, the tablet maintained solid loop scores with stability hovering around 87 percent and sometimes higher. Considering how compact the tablet is, those are impressive results.
Gaming performance is also very solid. During my testing, Call of Duty: Mobile ran consistently at 120FPS without noticeable drops. BGMI held steady at around 90FPS during extended gaming sessions. I did not see 144FPS modes enabled in the titles I tested, but the gameplay experience still felt smooth and responsive.
What stood out more to me, however, was how the tablet behaved during everyday tasks. Benchmarks are useful for context, but they only tell part of the story. In real usage, the Pad 8 felt fast and reliable across a wide range of activities. Exporting video files in VN, downloading large files, switching between multiple apps, and scrolling through social media all felt fluid and consistent.
Thermal management also seemed well under control. Even during longer gaming sessions or heavier workloads, the tablet remained comfortable to hold without noticeable overheating. Overall, performance on the Pad 8 feels more than capable for both productivity and entertainment.
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Software</h2>
The Xiaomi Pad 8 runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, and during my time using it, the software felt reasonably well optimised for a large-screen device. That is not always the case with Android tablets, but Xiaomi seems to have spent time adapting the interface to the tablet form factor.
The overall visual style will feel familiar if you have used a Xiaomi phone before. However, the layout scales well across the larger display. Interface elements are sized appropriately, apps make good use of the available screen space, and nothing feels awkwardly stretched or oversized.
At the same time, some parts of the interface are starting to look a little dated. The icons and certain visual elements still feel closer to Xiaomi&rsquo;s older design language rather than something that feels completely fresh.
Despite that, the overall experience remains smooth. Animations and transitions generally run well. In daily use, the interface feels stable and consistent rather than flashy, which actually works well when you are using the tablet for longer sessions.
HyperOS also includes several multitasking features designed for tablets. One of the more interesting additions is Workstation Mode. When enabled, the interface shifts to something that feels closer to a desktop environment. Apps can open in resizable windows, and multitasking becomes easier to manage.
There are a few preloaded apps on the tablet, but most of them are practical additions designed for productivity and note-taking rather than unnecessary bloat. Overall, the software experience feels well-suited to a tablet.
Xiaomi has also introduced a set of AI-powered tools under its HyperAI suite. These include features such as AI Calculator, Xiaomi Creation, AI Writing, AI Live Subtitles, and AI Voice Enhancement. In practice, these tools are designed to assist with productivity, content creation, and communication tasks, adding a layer of smart functionality to the tablet&rsquo;s software experience.
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Battery and charging</h2>
The Xiaomi Pad 8 packs a 9,200mAh battery, and in my experience, it delivers very solid endurance. With my typical usage that included browsing, streaming, note-taking, and occasional gaming, the tablet comfortably lasted about two days before I needed to reach for the charger. For a device of this size and performance level, that kind of battery life feels reassuringly dependable.
Charging speeds top out at 45W, which is reasonably quick for a tablet. Xiaomi has also included 22.5W reverse wired charging, which means I could use the Pad 8 to top up smaller devices like my TWS earbuds or even give my phone a quick boost when needed.
<h2>Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Verdict</h2>
The Xiaomi Pad 8 ends up being a tablet that focuses on getting the fundamentals right. In everyday use, it feels fast, stable, and dependable. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 handles gaming, multitasking, and heavier tasks like exporting video files without slowing down, and across most tasks the tablet simply feels smooth and responsive.
At ₹33,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, the Pad 8 also sits at a very attractive price point. For that money, you are getting a premium metal build, a sharp 3.2K display with a 144Hz refresh rate, strong performance, and battery life that comfortably stretches to about two days with regular use.
The accessories also add meaningful value to the experience. The Focus Keyboard is easy to live with thanks to its floating design, backlit keys, and the pogo-pin connection that lets it attach instantly without setup friction. The Focus Pen Pro also performs well, with good pressure sensitivity and intuitive gesture controls that make writing notes or sketching feel very easy and intuitive.
If you want a powerful Android tablet without overspending, the Xiaomi Pad 8 makes a very convincing case.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra brings a 1-inch Leica camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 power, and a stunning AMOLED display. A true camera-first flagship for 2026.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: A Leica-powered Camera Beast Built for Serious Photography

<h3 dir="ltr">The Xiaomi 17 Ultra puts photography first with a one-inch Leica camera and 200MP periscope zoom. Paired with a sharp AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance, and solid battery life, it stands out as one of 2026&rsquo;s best camera-focused flagships.</h3>
&nbsp;

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the company&rsquo;s latest attempt at building a no-compromise flagship, and it becomes clear very quickly that Xiaomi still treats the Ultra series as its playground for serious camera hardware.
On paper, the phone checks most of the boxes you would expect from a top-tier device in 2026. There is a large AMOLED display, Qualcomm&rsquo;s newest Snapdragon silicon, a sizeable battery, and a camera system built around a one-inch sensor.
To really put that camera system through its paces, Xiaomi flew me out to Phu Quoc in Vietnam, where I spent several days shooting photos and videos around the island. From bright coastal sunlight to evening street scenes and long outdoor days, it turned out to be a great setting to see what the cameras could actually do outside controlled test conditions.
Now, with a price tag of ₹1,39,999 for the sole 16GB+512GB variant, it isn&rsquo;t cheap. You&rsquo;re certainly paying a Leica tax here. But, one thing became abundantly clear, the more I used the phone. This phone knows exactly what it wants to prioritise, and that is its camera.
However, that doesn&rsquo;t mean that the rest of it has been put together just for the sake of it. No. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, for the most part, is uncompromising in every way imaginable.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Design and build</h2>
When I first picked up the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, it immediately felt familiar. If you have used any of Xiaomi&rsquo;s previous Ultra phones, the overall silhouette will look recognisable. But once I started using it, a few small refinements became obvious. Xiaomi has moved to completely flat panels on both the front and the back this year. Combined with the composite fibreglass rear panel and the flat aluminium alloy frame, the phone feels cleaner and more modern than older models. In the hand, it comes across as minimal and surprisingly comfortable for a device carrying this much hardware.
Of course, the moment you turn the phone around, the camera module grabs your attention. The camera bump is still huge and still sits high on the back, occupying a big portion of the upper half of the phone. Xiaomi has tried to make it look a bit tidier this year. The layout appears slimmer and a little more organised, largely because the company has dropped one sensor from the module. Normally I am not the biggest fan of camera bumps this large, but considering Xiaomi is using a one-inch sensor here, I can honestly live with it.
That camera hardware does affect the weight balance. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is not a light phone, and you can definitely feel a bit of top heaviness when you first pick it up. That might also explain Xiaomi&rsquo;s decision to use a fibreglass back instead of frosted glass. My review unit is the black variant, and visually it still resembles a frosted glass finish, but the fibreglass construction probably helps keep the overall weight under control.
The camera island itself is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, which is reassuring given how prominent that module is. Despite packing such serious camera hardware, the phone remains impressively slim at just 8.29mm.
In day-to-day use, I never found the weight uncomfortable. It is definitely not a light phone, but Xiaomi has managed the weight distribution well enough that long usage sessions never became tiring.
The black finish on my unit might actually be my favourite Xiaomi Ultra finish so far. The fibreglass surface feels soft to the touch and the back panel is pleasant to hold. It also does a great job resisting fingerprints, which is rare for a dark coloured phone. The only small downside is that it can feel slightly slippery, so using a case is probably a good idea.
Button and port placement is exactly where you would expect on a flagship Android phone. I also really like the rounded volume buttons on the side. They have this very retro vibe to it, and I personally love it. Plus, they feel tactile and are very easy to reach.
For durability, Xiaomi has given the 17 Ultra both IP68 and IP69 ratings, so it should handle dust, water immersion and even strong water jets without trouble. The display is protected by Xiaomi&rsquo;s Shield Glass 3.0, which the company says is way more shatter-resistant than any other hardened glass . During my time using the phone, it held up without any issues.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Display and audio</h2>
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra gets a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED display that can produce over 68 billion colours. In all likelihood, Xiaomi is using a 12-bit panel here. Resolution comes in at 1200 &times; 2608 pixels, which technically puts it in the 1.5K category rather than a full 2K display.
In practical use though, that distinction barely matters. At roughly 416 PPI, the screen looks extremely sharp. Text appears crisp, images carry plenty of detail, and even when I compared it with some newer flagships that push a full 2K resolution, I genuinely struggled to notice a meaningful difference in day-to-day use.
Being a proper 2026 flagship, the panel comes loaded with all the expected features. You get a 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO technology, high-frequency PWM dimming, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and several T&Uuml;V certifications. Watching content on this screen is genuinely enjoyable. Whether I was watching Netflix, scrolling through YouTube, or reviewing videos I had just shot on the phone, the display consistently looked vibrant. Colours feel lively without appearing oversaturated, and the blacks are deep and inky, which adds to the sense of immersion.
The display also covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut, which helps with colour accuracy. Peak brightness goes up to 3500 nits in HDR, and during my time testing the phone outdoors in bright Vietnamese sunlight, the screen never really struggled. I used it frequently for navigation, reviewing photos and videos, and general browsing, and at no point did I feel like the display needed to be brighter.
Xiaomi has also included several eye-protection certifications. The panel is T&Uuml;V Rheinland low blue light certified, T&Uuml;V Rheinland flicker-free certified, and T&Uuml;V Rheinland circadian friendly certified, which should make longer viewing sessions easier on the eyes.
Under the display, you get an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. Xiaomi has positioned it sensibly, making it easy to reach. In my testing, it proved quick and reliable. Even with slightly wet or sandy fingers during outdoor shooting sessions, the scanner unlocked the phone without much trouble.
The audio setup is also quite good. The phone gets stereo speakers that are impressively loud. Because the device itself is fairly large, the speakers manage to produce a bit of depth and bass, which gives the sound more character than most smartphones. I would even go as far as saying these are among the better smartphone speakers available right now.
You also get Dolby Atmos support along with Snapdragon Sound, and for wireless listening the phone supports Hi-Res Audio as well.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Camera performance</h2>
Now, coming to the star of the show, the cameras. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra packs a 50MP main camera with a one-inch sensor and OIS, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 200MP periscope telephoto with a continuous optical zoom range from 3.2x to 4.3x.&nbsp;
On paper that already sounds impressive, but in actual use the camera system is easily the highlight of the phone.
Starting with the Leica-powered main camera, the one-inch sensor really makes a difference. In my testing, photos consistently came out sharp and detailed, but without the overly processed look some phones tend to produce.&nbsp;
Colours are vibrant yet still natural, and the auto white balance is very reliable. Xiaomi is also using LOFIC sensor technology, which allows the camera to capture HDR information in a single exposure instead of stitching multiple frames together. The result is faster capture, excellent highlight control, and very clean shadows.
Portrait shots from the main camera look excellent too. Skin tones appear natural, facial details are well preserved, and there is already some optical background separation even without enabling portrait mode.&nbsp;
The Leica-tuned 50MP ultrawide camera performs better than expected as well. Ultrawide photos are noticeably sharper than what this hardware usually produces, with excellent colours and strong dynamic range. In many scenes, the gap between the ultrawide and the main camera is surprisingly small.
Then there is the Leica-tuned 200MP telephoto camera, which uses a periscope setup with a movable lens system. This allows continuous optical zoom from 3.2x (75mm) to 4.3x (100mm), and across that entire range image quality remains excellent. Detail is superb, colours stay consistent with the main camera, and both focal lengths work beautifully for portraits. The natural background blur at 75mm especially makes portrait mode almost unnecessary.
Beyond that range, the phone can push to 8.6x zoom (around 200mm) using in-sensor cropping, and then go beyond, digitally. In good lighting, these shots remain surprisingly usable with solid detail, although darker areas can start to soften slightly.
The selfie camera has also been upgraded this year. Xiaomi now uses a 50MP sensor with autofocus, replacing the older 32MP setup. Selfies look detailed and well balanced, and the autofocus helps keep faces sharp even when framing changes.&nbsp;
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra can record up to 8K at 30fps across its rear cameras. For 4K, the main and telephoto cameras go up to 120fps, that too with Dolby Vision, or log, while the ultrawide tops out at 4K60.&nbsp;
In daylight, videos look very good with strong dynamic range and accurate colours, and all three cameras match each other fairly well. Stabilisation is excellent across all cameras.
Overall, this is easily one of the most versatile and capable camera systems I have used on a smartphone this year.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Photography Kit Pro</h2>
Xiaomi also sent me its Photography Kit Pro with the 17 Ultra, and it genuinely changes how the phone feels when you use it for photography. The kit includes a new camera grip, a case, and an interchangeable ring that sits around the camera module. The case already comes with one ring installed, while the second ring lets me attach 67mm filters like ND filters or polarizers.
The camera grip connects to the phone through a USB-C port, and once attached, the phone feels much more like a proper camera. I get a dedicated shutter button, a separate video recording button, and a zoom toggle. Xiaomi has also added a rotary dial next to the shutter this year. Most of the buttons can be remapped. For instance, I set the dial to control shutter speed instead of exposure compensation.
There is also a small thumb rest on the back that improves grip while shooting. A side lock secures the grip to the case so it does not slide out. At the bottom, you get an indicator light, a USB-C charging port, and a loop for a lanyard. Xiaomi includes one in the box, and during my Phu Quoc photo trip, I ended up using it more than expected.
The grip also houses a 2000mAh battery, which can top up the phone in emergencies.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Performance</h2>
Powering the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage on my unit, the phone has more than enough muscle for anything you throw at it.
In daily use, the phone simply feels effortless. Moving through the interface is quick, animations remain smooth, and jumping between apps happens instantly. During my testing, I often kept a large number of apps open in the background, but the system handled it without slowing down or aggressively closing them. Everything stayed responsive, which is exactly what I expect from a device in this price category.
Gaming performance has also been very solid. I spent quite a bit of time playing BGMI, usually in sessions lasting around 40 to 45 minutes. Even during those longer sessions, the phone maintained stable performance. Frame rates stayed consistent and the device only became mildly warm.
Xiaomi has also clearly worked on the cooling this year. The 17 Ultra uses a 3D dual-channel vapour chamber cooling system, and in practice it does a very good job of managing heat. The phone never became uncomfortably warm, and I didn&rsquo;t notice any obvious throttling or sudden dips in performance.
Overall, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra behaves exactly like a flagship should. It feels fast, stable, and reliable, whether you&rsquo;re just scrolling through apps or pushing the hardware harder with demanding games.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Software and AI features</h2>
On the software front, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. In daily use, I found the interface to be quite polished, although Xiaomi has clearly taken a bit of visual inspiration from Apple in some areas. The control centre, for instance, has a very clean and layered look that reminded me a little of iOS. It is not a direct copy, but the visual style definitely leans in that direction. I also noticed touches of what Xiaomi calls its &ldquo;liquid glass&rdquo; design language across parts of the UI.
One of the biggest UI additions this year is something Xiaomi calls Super Island. It appears around the camera cut-out and shows contextual information for apps running in the background. If the idea sounds familiar, that is because it works in a very similar way to Apple&rsquo;s Dynamic Island. In my usage, it proved quite handy for things like timers, music playback, and quick notifications without needing to open the full app.
Since this is a 2026 flagship, AI features are everywhere. Xiaomi groups most of them under what it calls HyperAI. You get tools such as AI writing, AI dynamic wallpapers, speech recognition, AI interpreter, and AI subtitles. The gallery app also gets a number of AI-powered editing tools that can quickly clean up photos or remove unwanted objects.
You also get Google&rsquo;s Gemini built into the system, which adds another layer of AI capabilities.
Xiaomi has added some useful connectivity tools as well. I was able to share photos and videos not just with PCs but also with an iPhone. Once everything was set up, transfers were quick and smooth, although I did find the initial setup slightly convoluted.
In everyday use, I found HyperOS 3 to be quite responsive. It may not feel as polished as OriginOS or OxygenOS yet, but during my testing the system remained smooth and reliable
Xiaomi also promises five major Android OS upgrades along with six years of security updates, which is reassuring for a flagship device in this price segment.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Battery and charging</h2>
Quickly touching on the battery, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra packs a 6000mAh unit. That is slightly disappointing on paper because the Chinese version of the phone actually gets a larger 6800mAh battery. Even so, in my time using the phone, battery life was never really an issue.
During a long day out in Phu Quoc, I was taking a huge number of photos and videos, using Google Maps for navigation, and running the display at high brightness under the sun. Even with that kind of heavy use, the phone comfortably lasted the entire day and I still ended it with around 40 percent battery remaining.
With more typical usage, I was easily getting about a day and a half, and sometimes close to two days.
For charging, the phone supports 90W wired charging, which means the device can go from a 0 to a hundred in under an hour, perhaps even faster. You also get 50W wireless charging. It is not magnetic like Apple&rsquo;s MagSafe, but it still works reliably. You also get reverse wired charging at 22.5W and reverse wireless charging at 10W.
<h2>Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: Verdict</h2>
After spending time with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, what stands out most is how clearly the phone understands its purpose. Many flagships try to balance everything equally, but Xiaomi has very obviously centred the experience around the camera system.
The one-inch main sensor, versatile telephoto setup, and Leica tuning combine to produce one of the most capable smartphone camera systems I have used this year. For anyone who treats their phone as a serious photography tool, the 17 Ultra offers an experience that very few other phones can currently match.
The rest of the hardware holds up well too. The large AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, performance from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 remains consistently smooth, and the battery easily keeps up with long days of shooting and heavy use.
Of course, none of this comes cheap. The ₹1,39,999 price tag, and that additional Rs 19,999 for the Photography Kit Pro, certainly does add up. But if camera performance sits at the top of your priority list, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of the most compelling flagship phones available right now.&nbsp;

Google Pixel 10a review after a week of testing. Explore its Tensor G4 performance, 3,000-nit display, AI camera features, battery life and whether it’s worth ₹49,999.

Google Pixel 10a Review: Tensor G4 Power, 3,000-Nit Display and 7 Years of Updates

Google’s Pixel 10a brings flagship AI features, the Tensor G4 chip, a bright 3,000-nit display, and seven years of updates to the mid-range segment. Here’s our full review after a week of use.

Google Pixel 10a Review: Cameras, Performance, Battery & AI Tested

The Google Pixel 10a combines the Tensor G4 chip, a bright 3,000-nit display, strong AI camera features, and seven years of updates, making it one of the smartest mid-range smartphones you can buy.

Google is back with its A-series device in the Google Pixel 10a and once again they are challenging the notion of what a "mid-range" phone should be. While the &ldquo;A-series&rdquo; is traditionally seen as a scaled-back version of the flagships, this year Google has packed it with premium hardware, including the high-end Tensor G4 chip and a stunning 3,000-nit Actua display.&nbsp;
Priced at ₹49,999 in India for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, it enters a highly competitive segment with a clear focus on longevity and intelligence. After spending a week with the stealthy Obsidian model, here is a detailed review to understand if this refined AI powerhouse truly justifies its place in your pocket.
<h2>Google Pixel 10a review: Unboxing &amp; design</h2>
Unboxing the Pixel 10a is a pretty straightforward affair. The packaging is pretty clean and straightforward, just like any Google device. It keeps things minimal with only the phone, a USB-C to USB-C data cable, and the SIM ejector tool inside. The whole unboxing feels standard for Google, nothing extra or flashy.
The phone itself reminded me a lot of the <a title="Google Pixel 9 &amp; Pixel 9 Pro XL review: Best flagship Android phones? Check pros &amp; cons" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/google-pixel-9-pixel-9-pro-xl-review-best-flagship-android-phones-check-pros-cons-1725436128070" target="_blank">Pixel 9a</a> the moment I picked it up. If you have used that model, this one matches it in so many ways. It has the same composite matte back with a plastic build and satin aluminum on the side frame.
Google made just a few small changes to the layout this time. The SIM tray moved from the bottom on the 9a to the left side of the frame now. The right side still has the volume and power buttons. At the bottom, you get dual stereo speakers and the USB-C port. The top holds only a noise cancellation microphone.
What really stood out to me,is the camera bump. They got rid of it completely, making it almost flush. You don&rsquo;t even get the minimal protrusion like before. The back lies perfectly flat now, so the phone sits stable and even when you put it down face up on a table.
The size feels well-balanced and compact in your hand. At 183 grams, it comes across as genuinely lightweight yet premium to hold.
One downside I noticed right away is how the back picks up fingerprints fast. It gets smudged and marked up quickly, so most people will probably want a case. I tested the Obsidian colour, a solid black and grey that looks premium enough. Google also sells it in Berry, Fog, and Lavender if you prefer something else.
All in all, the design sticks close to the previous model but comes off just a bit more refined.
<h2>Google Pixel 10a review: Display</h2>
It shouldn&rsquo;t come as a surprise that the Pixel 10a gets a pretty solid display. We have a6.3-inch Actua Display. It feels like a solid upgrade overall. Google opted for a fully flat panel, which lends a sharp, contemporary edge to the design.
But, extremely honest opinion; the noticeable bezels puzzle me on a phone like this. Google points out they are slimmer and more consistent than on the previous model, yet they remain quite conspicuous.&nbsp;
We live in a time where displays have gone edge-to-edge, so Google definitely lags here. It shows up when you stream videos or browse, detracting from the high-end impression.
Still, the display delivers where it counts. It rocks a 20:9 aspect ratio on pOLED tech with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. That makes flipping through social media or jumping between apps feel effortless and quick. Colour accuracy held up great in my hands-on time, with no complaints there. Vibrancy stayed strong through movies, shows, and photos too.&nbsp;
The under-display optical fingerprint sensor gets the work done. It surprised me with how reliable and fast it performed during testing. Deep down, though, I was wishing for an ultrasonic unit. Many brands have already brought those to this price tier, and it would have felt like the right move.
Next comes the brightness and it steals the show on this panel. It hits a peak of 3,000 nits HDR and 2000 nits of HBM brightness, making text, maps, or notifications crystal clear even in brutal midday sun. I stepped out on bright days and never once strained to see the screen. No squinting needed, which made outdoor use a breeze.
Google also bumped up protection on the Pixel 10a with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. This represents a big improvement over the Gorilla Glass 3 on prior models. It offers stronger defence against everyday scratches, scuffs, and those accidental drops we all deal with. The added durability gives peace of mind without adding bulk.
<h2>Google Pixel 10a review: Camera</h2>
Pixel cameras have never been just about specs, but the hardware here sets a familiar baseline. You get a dual rear setup with a 48MP main sensor, 13MP ultrawide, and 13MP selfie cam. The numbers look like a repeat, yet real-world shots proved far more capable during my time with the phone.
Looking over my test photos, skin tones jumped out first. They render so naturally. Take one portrait I snapped of a girl on a rooftop. Her complexion came through lifelike, free from the heavy smoothing you see on other mid-rangers. Highlights stayed balanced, and the white balance often warmed up to a golden-hour glow that gave images real personality. The main lens nails natural bokeh too, pulling subjects forward cleanly without looking fake.
However, the missing telephoto hurts, though. Google's Super Res Zoom, which is what they call it, works well up to about 8x, but beyond that, the AI processing shows. Text holds some sharpness, sure, but faces start to look reconstructed and painterly. It suits close details fine. For far-off subjects, you sense the hardware gap right away.
Night Sight remains a standout for me. I pushed it on a tough rooftop shoot with light spilling everywhere, a usual headache. The 10a tamed it perfectly, pulling sharp details from shadows via heavy AI without overdoing it. Results impressed every time.
Along with that you also get a tonne of AI &nbsp;features dedicated for the camera this time which takes things further. The new Camera Coach taps Gemini for live framing advice, handy for beginners. Honestly, it did not click for me personally. I skipped it most days.
Two features won me over, though. Add Me lets you insert yourself into group shots post-capture, seamless for solo travelers. Auto Best Take swaps in better expressions from extra frames if someone blinks, saving so many retakes.
Selfies hold strong with crisp details and punchy colors, even outdoors in harsh light. Video shines too. Rear cams record steady 4K at 60fps. I loved the speech enhancement on a windy street test. It pulled my voice clear while killing crowd noise. Night clips stayed usable and detailed, making this a steal for budget creators who shoot on the go.
<h2>Google Pixel 10a review: Performance</h2>
The Pixel 10a runs Google's Tensor G4, borrowed straight from the Pixel 10 flagships, paired with 8GB of RAM. Right off the bat, daily use felt quick and responsive. Apps popped open fast. I jumped between Chrome tabs, Spotify, and messages during my commute&mdash;no stutters at all. Exactly the kind of smooth flow you need in a main phone. Plus, that G4 chip lets Gemini Nano AI features process locally, skipping the cloud lag most of the time.
Curious about the raw specs, I fired off the usual benchmarks. AnTuTu landed at 1.3 million&mdash;not bad, though no one's rewriting records. Geekbench 6 gave me 1,683 on single-core and 4,321 on multi-core. Then the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme stress test: peak score of 2,677, stability around 77.7 per cent. Solid numbers overall. They prove that the G4 handles real work fine without trying to win synthetic races.
Gaming told a different story. I played BGMI first, and it&rsquo;s locked at 60 FPS, which is totally playable, but even budget phones do that. Maybe with the future updates, you can expect a higher frame rate playing experience on it though. Call of Duty Mobile however, pushed higher to 120 FPS early on, so clearly, the chip is capable. But man, the heat kicked in quick. The phone was noticeably warm right along the frame after just 15 minutes or so. So the device is fine for casual gaming sessions, but definitely not ideal if you're grinding matches for hours.
Day-to-day stuff never let me down, though. I kept a bunch of apps running in the background while out and about and the phone switched seamlessly every time. For normal users, it's plenty reliable.&nbsp;
<h2>Google Pixel 10a review: Software, UI/UX &amp; AI features</h2>
This is the area where the Pixel 10a pulls ahead of rivals. It comes out of the box with Android 16 and zero bloatware, giving that clean premium feel from the first boot.&nbsp;
The stock interface shines with Google's touch: swipes and animations snap along nicely, no delays anywhere. As a first-party <a title="Google Pixel 10 review: AI gets smarter than ever&mdash;is this peak Pixel?" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/google-pixel-10-review-ai-gets-smarter-than-ever-is-this-peak-pixel-1757681671962" target="_blank">Google phone</a>, it always gets new Android updates ahead of everyone else.
The big draw is seven years of OS and security patches, taking support through 2033. For buyers wanting a phone that lasts, this seals the deal. Google doubles down on AI too, prepping the device for years of smart features.&nbsp;
Gemini 3 integration stands tall, handling multimodal chats where you talk about your screen or point the camera for instant advice.
In fact, I tried Gemini Live on a walk to jot review notes for the article. The back-and-forth felt genuinely conversational. You could cut in mid-sentence to switch topics, and it kept up without missing a beat.&nbsp;
Outside camera tricks like Add Me and Best Take, everyday tools are genuinely useful and impressive. Now, I can&rsquo;t explain all of them here, because there are too many of them .&nbsp;
But, tools like &lsquo;The AI Weather Report&rsquo; spits out a quick written forecast summary, Circle to Search pulls facts on anything you circle, Call Assist keeps delivering: Hold for Me waits through elevator music, Call Screen kills spam dead. These alone make Pixels worth it.
<h2>Google Pixel 10a review: Battery and charging</h2>
Smaller Pixel phones have not always been known for great battery life, but the Pixel 10a feels like Google finally taking that criticism seriously. The phone packs a 5100mAh battery. On paper that might look modest, especially when some rivals are now pushing 6500mAh cells, but real-world usage tells a more reassuring story.
Google claims up to 30 hours of mixed use, and in my testing the number was surprisingly realistic. I did not quite hit the full 30-hour mark, but the claim certainly does not feel exaggerated. For most users, the Pixel 10a comfortably lasts a full day without any battery anxiety.
Of course, how you use the phone matters. When the Tensor G4 is pushed hard with extended gaming sessions at high frame rates or long stretches of 4K60 video recording, the battery drains noticeably faster. That is fairly typical behaviour for a compact phone.
Charging has also seen a small but welcome upgrade. Wired charging now goes up to 30W, compared to 27W on the previous generation. The Pixel 10a also supports 10W wireless charging.
In my own usage, the phone held up well through a typical day. A mix of emails in the morning, social media through the afternoon, and some streaming in the evening left about 25 per cent battery by bedtime. On another day with GPS navigation, calls, and regular use, the battery dropped to around 15 per cent after roughly 11 hours. Gaming does take a bigger toll, obviously.&nbsp;
Overall, the Pixel 10a delivers dependable battery life. It may not chase the biggest battery numbers in the segment, but in day-to-day use it proves reliable enough to get through a full day without stress.
<h2>Google Pixel 10a review: Should you buy it?</h2>
The Pixel 10a is a rare device that doesn't feel like a compromise. By packing the Tensor G4, a 3,000-nit display, and a 7-year support window into a more affordable chassis, Google has created one of the best "value" phones on the market, if not the best.
If you are coming from a Pixel 8a, the leap in display quality and AI capability is massive. Even for Pixel 9a users, although I felt only slight differences between the two.&nbsp;
But, things like the addition of Macro Focus, faster charging, and a much more durable design makes this a worthy upgrade. If you want the smartest phone in the room without the "Pro" tax, the Pixel 10a is an easy recommendation. It&rsquo;s smart, it&rsquo;s durable, and in Obsidian, it looks fantastic.

Nothing launched the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro announced in London, focusing on design upgrades, new Glyph lighting and improved cameras. The brand also introduced Headphone (a) with active noise cancellation and Hi-Res audio.

Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro Launched: Design Changes, Periscope Camera and India Pricing

Nothing launched the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro announced in London, focusing on design upgrades, new Glyph lighting and improved cameras. The brand also introduced Headphone (a) with active noise cancellation and Hi-Res audio.

Most smartphone launches follow a familiar rhythm. A dark auditorium, a giant screen, and a procession of slides filled with specs.
Nothing&rsquo;s latest event in London felt like something else entirely.
Instead of a conventional tech venue, the company hosted the launch at Central Saint Martins in King&rsquo;s Cross, one of the world&rsquo;s most influential art and design schools. Walking into the space, it didn&rsquo;t feel like a press briefing. It felt closer to an exhibition.
Phones sat under carefully placed lighting, displayed more like design objects than gadgets. Guests drifted between demo tables, inspecting them the way you might study sculptures in a gallery.
It was a fitting environment for Nothing. The company has always leaned heavily into design as its defining trait, and this launch made it clear that approach isn&rsquo;t changing anytime soon.
The reason for the gathering was the debut of two new phones: the Nothing Phone (4a) and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.
But the bigger story is what these phones represent.
Earlier this year, Nothing confirmed it would not launch a flagship phone in 2026. Instead, the company is focusing on its mid-range lineup, building successors to the Phone 3a and 3a Pro.
So in a year without a flagship, these devices are doing more than just filling a gap in the lineup. They&rsquo;re carrying the spotlight.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro and Phone (4a): A New Direction for Nothing&rsquo;s Design</h2>
If you&rsquo;ve followed Nothing&rsquo;s previous phones, you&rsquo;ll know the brand built its identity around a very specific visual language: transparent backs that offered a stylised peek at the phone&rsquo;s internals, combined with LED &ldquo;Glyph&rdquo; lights scattered across the rear.
The Phone (4a) Pro marks the biggest shift yet from that formula.
Gone is the translucent back panel that defined earlier models. Instead, the phone moves to a metal unibody design, available in black, silver, and pink.
The change makes the device feel noticeably more solid in hand, but it also signals that Nothing is experimenting with a more refined aesthetic.
That doesn&rsquo;t mean the brand has abandoned its love for LEDs.
On the back of the Phone (4a) Pro sits the Glyph Matrix, a dense grid of 137 mini-LEDs placed beside the camera system. It&rsquo;s larger and brighter than the lighting system used on the Nothing Phone 3, and when notifications arrive or timers run down, the pattern of lights immediately grabs attention.
In person, it feels less like a gimmick and more like a visual signature.
Nothing also describes the Phone (4a) Pro as its slimmest phone yet, measuring 7.5mm thick. And while the design does carry a slight resemblance to some flagship phones on the market, the shift in materials also improves durability.
The phone now carries an IP65 rating for water resistance, and the metal body helps with heat dissipation as well.
The standard Phone (4a) takes a slightly different path.
Here, Nothing sticks closer to the aesthetic it&rsquo;s known for. The translucent design returns, but with updated colours including white, black, blue, and pink.
Instead of the complex Glyph lighting system, the 4a introduces something simpler called the Glyph Bar. It runs as a straight strip beside the camera module and lights up in segments to show things like charging progress, timers, or incoming notifications.
It&rsquo;s a cleaner, more restrained interpretation of Nothing&rsquo;s lighting idea and probably the most practical version yet.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) Pro and Phone (4a): Display and Performance</h2>
Both phones come with large AMOLED displays designed to keep up with modern flagship-level expectations.
The Phone (4a) Pro features a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, which should make scrolling and animations feel extremely smooth. Nothing says the display can reach a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, making it easier to read outdoors.
The standard Phone (4a) has a slightly smaller 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 4,500 nits.
The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, which Nothing says offers significantly better scratch resistance than the previous generation.
Under the hood, both phones are powered by Qualcomm&rsquo;s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor.
It&rsquo;s not the same class of chip used in flagship devices, but it&rsquo;s designed to handle everyday workloads comfortably, including gaming, multitasking, and the AI features Nothing has been gradually adding to its software.
Both phones also come with a 5,080mAh battery, which Nothing claims can deliver up to 17 hours of use on a single charge.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro Cameras Get More Ambitious</h2>
One of the biggest upgrades this year is the camera system.
Both the Phone (4a) and the Phone (4a) Pro include four cameras, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 32-megapixel front camera, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto camera.
The Pro model&rsquo;s standout feature is its 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, which allows for significantly improved zoom capabilities.
It supports 3.5x optical zoom, along with digital zoom that can reach up to 140x.
The regular Phone (4a) also gets a telephoto lens, though it focuses on delivering 3.5x optical zoom and up to 70x ultra zoom.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro: Software and AI Features</h2>
Both phones run Nothing OS 4.1, based on Android 16.
The latest version introduces several software additions, including Essential Search, which allows users to look up information across apps, and Essential Space, which stores and organises saved content referred to as &ldquo;Memories.&rdquo;
There&rsquo;s also Nothing Playground, an AI-powered feature that allows users to create custom widgets and personalize their home screen.
Nothing says the phones will receive three years of Android updates and six years of security patches, which is increasingly important as people hold onto their devices longer.
<h2>Nothing Headphone (a): New Over-Ear Headphones Join the Launch</h2>
Phones weren&rsquo;t the only hardware announced at the event.
Nothing also unveiled the Headphone (a), a more affordable pair of over-ear headphones that sit below the company&rsquo;s original Headphone (1).
They keep the distinctive square earcup design that Nothing introduced previously, but arrive with a more accessible price tag. Despite that, the company is still promising a fairly premium experience.
The Headphone (a) supports active noise cancellation, with three adjustable levels depending on how much background sound you want to block out. There&rsquo;s also a transparency mode, which lets ambient sound through when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
Nothing says the headphones can deliver up to five days of battery life, along with support for Hi-Res audio.
Controls are built directly into the earcups, allowing users to adjust volume, switch noise cancellation modes, or navigate music without reaching for their phone. There&rsquo;s also a customizable button that can trigger shortcuts like switching between apps or even taking photos.
Using the Nothing X app, users can also tweak an eight-band EQ and save custom sound profiles that can be shared with other Nothing users.
Like the phones, the headphones come in several colours including black, white, pink, and a limited-edition yellow version.
<h2>Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro: India Pricing and Availability</h2>
Nothing has announced India pricing for both phones, with multiple configurations available.
The Phone (4a) will be available in black, white, blue and pink in three variants:
<ul>
<li>8GB RAM + 128GB storage &ndash; ₹31,999</li>
<li>8GB RAM + 256GB storage &ndash; ₹34,999</li>
<li>12GB RAM + 256GB storage &ndash; ₹37,999</li>
</ul>
The Phone (4a) Pro will be available in black, silver and pink in three configurations:
<ul>
<li>8GB RAM + 128GB storage &ndash; ₹39,999</li>
<li>8GB RAM + 256GB storage &ndash; ₹42,999</li>
<li>12GB RAM + 256GB storage &ndash; ₹45,999</li>
</ul>
Both phones will go on sale in India starting 13 March 2026 via Flipkart, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Croma, and other leading retail stores across the country.
Nothing will also host an exclusive first drop at the Nothing Store in Bengaluru on March 7 at 6PM IST, giving early buyers a chance to get their hands on the devices before the official sale.
Nothing has yet to announce India pricing or availability for its latest over-ear headphones, the Headphone (a).
&nbsp;

iQOO 15R delivers Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 power, a 144Hz 1.5K AMOLED display and a massive 7600mAh battery for serious speed and stamina.

iQOO 15R First Impressions: Performance-Led and Purposeful

iQOO 15R combines flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 performance, ultra-smooth 144Hz visuals and a huge 7600mAh battery in a focused, performance-first package.

Earlier this year, iQOO introduced the iQOO 15 as its 2026 flagship, a phone that went all in on performance and headline specs. The iQOO 15R now steps in as the more accessible alternative, carrying over much of that same DNA but at a starting price of ₹44,999, without any bank offers or launch discounts.
The idea here seems simple: keep the core experience intact, trim where necessary, and deliver something that still feels serious. On paper, it looks anything but watered down. You still get a flagship-level SoC in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a 144Hz 1.5K AMOLED display, a massive 7600mAh battery with 100W charging, and OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, along with a solid built quality.
I have been using the 15R as my main phone for the past few days, and before the deep-dive testing begins, here is how it feels in real-world use so far.
<h2>Design and in-hand feel</h2>
The iQOO 15R makes a strong first impression the moment you pick it up. It feels properly premium right away. Not the &ldquo;for the price&rdquo; kind. Just solid, well-built, and confident.
I&rsquo;ve been using the Titanium Silver variant, and while it looks great, it definitely shifts more towards a blue or slightly purple tone depending on the light. It is not a traditional silver, but it does stand out. The back feels like glass and has this subtle racing flag pattern etched into it. iQOO&rsquo;s performance DNA is still there, but this time it feels a bit more toned down and mature.
The camera module is slightly squarish with two lenses placed horizontally. It did remind me of the Nothing Phone 2a at first glance. It is a design choice that might divide opinion, but it is distinctive.
What surprised me most initially is how comfortable it feels. The phone is fairly compact, which makes one-handed use easy. Even though it feels solid, it does not feel heavy in the hand. The balance seems right so far.
At 8.1mm thick for the Silver variant, it is impressively slim, especially when you consider there is a 7600mAh battery inside.
You also get IP68 and IP69 ratings, along with Schott Xensation Alpha protection on the front. On paper, it looks tough, so I&rsquo;ll be pushing that further in the full review.
<h2>Display and multimedia</h2>
Up front, you&rsquo;re looking at a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED with a 144Hz refresh rate. And honestly, you feel that smoothness immediately. Scrolling through social media, hopping between apps, even just flicking through settings, feels ridiculously fluid.
Colours look punchy without being cartoonish. Blacks are deep, contrast looks strong, and the tuning feels sensible instead of overly dramatic. It does not feel like the display is trying too hard to impress you.
Gaming at 144Hz is where things get fun. In supported titles, animations feel sharper and more responsive. Fast-paced shooters and racing games especially benefit from that extra headroom. So far, it feels snappy and quick to react.
iQOO claims up to 5000 nits of peak local brightness. In real-world use, outdoor visibility has been more than comfortable. And on platforms like Netflix and YouTube, content looks rich and vibrant. HDR content, especially has been very impressive.
We also get a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which has been very fast and reliable so far.
<h2>Performance</h2>
Performance is clearly one of the big selling points of the iQOO 15R. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which immediately sets expectations pretty high.
In my initial testing, it looks very strong. In AnTuTu, I got a score of just under 3.1 million. Yes, that is lower than iQOO&rsquo;s claimed 3.5 million, but let&rsquo;s be honest, 3.1 million is still ridiculous performance for this segment.&nbsp;
These are early numbers, and I&rsquo;ll be putting it through a much more detailed benchmark run in the full review.
In everyday use, the phone feels effortless. Scrolling through Instagram, switching between apps, streaming on YouTube and Netflix, everything feels fluid and responsive.&nbsp;
Gaming is where it really starts to show off. Thanks to the combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and that 144Hz display, in BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile, I was seeing frame rates hovering above 140 FPS during my early sessions.&nbsp;
That said, I still need to test how well it sustains this performance over longer benchmarking and gaming sessions. That&rsquo;s something I&rsquo;ll cover in detail in the full review.
<h2>Software</h2>
Like most recent Vivo and iQOO phones, the 15R runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 out of the box.
In my early use, the software experience has been genuinely pleasant. Unlocking the phone, jumping into apps, pulling down notifications, everything feels smooth and well put together. There&rsquo;s a level of polish here that older versions simply did not have. You also get plenty of customisation options, and thankfully, they are easy to access. You can tweak the look and feel without digging through endless menus.
There is definitely a slight iOS 26-inspired liquid glass vibe in parts of the interface. But it does not feel like a lazy imitation. The animations and visual elements feel thoughtfully adapted to fit Vivo&rsquo;s own style.
And yes, AI is everywhere. You get AI-powered photo editing tools, along with Google&rsquo;s full AI suite, including Call Translation, Gemini, and Circle to Search, all baked in from day one.
<h2>Cameras</h2>
The iQOO 15R gets a 50MP main sensor with OIS, paired with an 8MP ultrawide. I have to admit, the cameras have left a strong early impression.&nbsp;
From what I have shot so far, the main camera looks very capable. Colours feel balanced, dynamic range seems well handled, and there is plenty of detail, even when shooting at 2X.
The 8MP ultrawide feels more average in comparison. Colours are fine, but detail levels are noticeably lower.
Selfies come from a 32MP front camera, which has been reliable in my initial use. Both front and rear cameras support 4K60 video.
<h2>Battery</h2>
Battery life looks very promising so far. The iQOO 15R packs a massive 7600mAh cell, and in my early use, it has been holding up extremely well. Even with gaming, camera testing, and plenty of streaming, I was comfortably getting through a day and a half. With lighter use, two days seems realistic.
Charging is handled by 100W fast charging, and in my initial test, it went from zero to 100 per cent in just over an hour.
<h2>Early Impressions</h2>
After a few days with it, the iQOO 15R feels like a phone that knows exactly what it wants to prioritise. The performance is fast, the display is properly smooth, and the battery life already looks like one of its biggest strengths.
The cameras, especially the main sensor, have shown promise, even if the ultrawide feels more average. Software feels polished, and the hardware feels solid in the hand.
There is still a lot to test, especially sustained performance and long-term camera consistency. But at this stage, the 15R has definitely made things interesting. The full review will dig deeper.

Mobiles

Vivo X200T vs X200 FE compared on design, cameras, performance and battery. Find out which phone actually delivers better value in 2026.

Vivo X200T vs Vivo X200 FE: Which one makes sense in 2026?

<h3>The Vivo X200T and X200 FE offer two distinct flagship experiences. One prioritises power, longevity and future-ready hardware, while the other focuses on compact design and everyday balance.</h3>

Vivo&rsquo;s X-series lineup has usually been easy to understand, which is why the X200T immediately raises eyebrows. It sits right between the regular X200 and the wildly popular X200 FE, and that positioning alone makes it an interesting phone to evaluate. The X200 FE, in particular, has built something close to a cult following. It is compact, feels genuinely flagship, and hits a price point that makes it hard to ignore. Throw in the X300 series, and things become even more complicated.
So this naturally raises a big question. Does the Vivo X200T actually make sense, or does it end up stuck in an awkward middle ground? It is slightly more expensive than the X200 FE, and in 2026, buyers are far less forgiving about paying extra unless the upgrade is obvious. To answer that, it makes sense to put both phones side by side and see where the real differences show up in everyday use.
<h2>Vivo X200T vs Vivo X200 FE: Design</h2>
From the back, the X200T looks far more like a traditional X200-series phone than the X200 FE, and the camera module is the main reason why. The X200 FE uses a vertical, pill-shaped camera layout, with one camera and the Aura Light sitting outside the main housing. The result is a phone that tends to wobble when placed flat on a table.
The X200T adopts the large, centrally placed circular camera module seen on other X200 models. This makes it far more stable on flat surfaces, though it does introduce a slight top-heavy feel compared to the X200 FE. Build quality is excellent on both phones, with glass-like backs that have a smooth, velvety texture and aluminium frames.
The X200T is the bigger device overall, but not as heavy as expected. It weighs around 203 grams, while the X200 FE comes in lighter at roughly 183 grams. Both phones also carry IP68 and IP69 ratings, so everyday exposure to water and dust is not a concern. For screen protection, the X200 FE uses Gorilla Shield, while the X200T opts for Schott Glass. Personally, the compact size of the X200 FE makes it feel denser and more comfortable in hand, but that largely comes down to preference.
<h2>Vivo X200T vs Vivo X200 FE: Display</h2>
On paper, the displays look quite different, but in real-world use, the gap is smaller than expected. The X200 FE features a 6.31-inch LTPO panel, while the X200T steps up to a larger 6.67-inch LTPS panel. Beyond size and panel technology, the core specifications are nearly identical. Both phones offer a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support.
Despite the larger screen, the X200T looks just as sharp as the X200 FE, and clarity is never an issue on either device. Colour reproduction is also extremely close, thanks to Zeiss Master Colour Display tuning on both phones. HDR content on YouTube looks punchy, and Netflix shows and movies appear vibrant and well-balanced.
Outdoors, the X200 FE has a slight advantage. Its 1800 nits high brightness mode makes it a bit easier to see under harsh sunlight compared to the X200T&rsquo;s 1600 nits. The X200T does pull ahead with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which feels quicker and more reliable than the optical solution on the X200 FE. Both phones also deliver strong stereo speaker performance, though the X200T has slightly better bass.
<h2>Vivo X200T vs Vivo X200 FE: Cameras</h2>
This is where the comparison gets genuinely interesting. Both phones clearly lean on Vivo and Zeiss&rsquo;s flagship camera tuning, and it shows in everyday shooting. The X200 FE comes with a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP 3x telephoto with OIS, and an 8MP ultrawide. The X200T, meanwhile, goes all-in with 50MP sensors across the board, including the main camera with OIS, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide.
On paper, the X200T looks like the clear winner, but in practice, the difference is smaller than expected. Photos from the main cameras on both phones are excellent, with strong detail, natural colours, accurate skin tones, and well-controlled highlights. Both cameras tend to lean slightly underexposed at times, but the results are difficult to tell apart for most users.
The gap becomes more noticeable when switching to the ultrawide camera. The lower-resolution sensor on the X200 FE does fall behind the X200T, especially when you look closely. Low-light performance follows a similar pattern. The main cameras perform very well on both devices, but the X200T&rsquo;s higher-resolution ultrawide gives it a clear edge.
Portraits are reliable on both phones, with good edge detection and natural-looking background blur. Zoom performance is also solid across the board. Video recording is nearly identical, with both phones supporting 4K at 60fps, good stabilisation, and HDR. For slow motion, the X200 FE tops out at 1080p 120fps, while the X200T can push up to 240fps.
Selfies are one area where the X200T takes a small hit. It uses a 32MP front camera compared to the X200 FE&rsquo;s 50MP sensor. While sharpness is not dramatically different, the colour output from the X200T is more pleasing overall. Taken as a whole, it is a close contest, but based on personal usage, the X200T feels slightly more versatile.
<h2>Vivo X200T vs Vivo X200 FE: Performance</h2>
Performance is another area where the X200T pulls ahead, at least on paper. It runs on the Dimensity 9400+, which actually places it above even the X200 and X200 Pro in raw performance terms. The X200 FE uses the Dimensity 9300+, which is still a very capable chip.
Both phones use LPDDR5X RAM, but storage is where the X200T gains a meaningful advantage. The X200 FE sticks with UFS 3.1, while the X200T upgrades to faster UFS 4.1. In everyday use, both phones feel quick and responsive, but the X200T handles heavier files and demanding apps more comfortably.
Benchmarks make the difference clearer. In AnTuTu, the X200T leads by nearly a million points. Geekbench narrows the gap, though the X200T still stays ahead, and 3DMark shows a similar trend. In real-world usage, however, both phones feel smooth enough that the performance gap often fades into the background.
Gaming performance reflects this. Both phones handle titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile without issues. The X200 FE tops out at 90fps, while the X200T can push up to 120fps. Heat management is better on the X200T, while the more compact X200 FE tends to warm up sooner during longer gaming sessions.
<h2>Vivo X200T vs Vivo X200 FE: Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
Battery capacity is one area where Vivo has made an unexpected move. The X200T packs a 6200mAh battery, which is smaller than the 6500mAh unit in the X200 FE, despite the larger body. In practice, battery life on both phones is solid, with either device comfortably lasting a full day.
On paper, the X200 FE should have an edge thanks to the larger battery and LTPO display, but in early testing, the difference is hard to notice. Charging is where the two phones clearly split. Both support 90W wired charging, but the X200T adds 40W wireless charging, giving it more flexibility.
<h2>Vivo X200T vs Vivo X200 FE: Verdict</h2>
This turned out to be a much closer comparison than expected. The Vivo X200T is the more future-ready phone, offering stronger raw performance, faster storage, a slightly more capable camera setup, and longer software support. At the same time, the X200 FE never feels left behind. It is lighter, more compact, still very fast in daily use, and its cameras are more than good enough for most people.
Choosing between the two comes down to priorities. If you want maximum power, features, and long-term value, the X200T makes more sense. If you prefer a smaller phone that still delivers a flagship-level experience, the X200 FE remains an excellent choice.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ brings a 6500mAh battery, 100W charging, 200MP camera and a brighter AMOLED display. Here is a closer first look.

Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Big upgrades, sharper focus

<h3 data-start="337" data-end="473">The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus feels like a meaningful evolution rather than a routine refresh. With a larger battery, faster charging, brighter display, and a refined design, it positions itself as a more mature and confident mid-premium phone.</h3>

The Redmi Note series has always been about delivering as much hardware as possible without crossing into flagship pricing, and with the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, Xiaomi seems to be doubling down on that philosophy. On paper, this is a phone that has quietly grown up. Compared to the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, it brings meaningful upgrades across performance, battery life, charging speeds, display brightness, and long-term software support.
That said, not every change will be universally liked. Xiaomi has reworked the camera setup, dropping the triple-camera system in favour of a simpler dual-camera approach led by a high-resolution 200-megapixel main sensor. Whether that trade-off makes sense will depend on how much you value versatility over raw detail.
After spending some initial time with the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, it is clear that this is not a minor refresh. It feels more refined, more confident, and more focused than its predecessor. Here is a closer look at how it stacks up in real-world use.
<h2>Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Design</h2>
The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus is one of those phones that does not shout about its upgrades, but once you spend a few minutes with it, the improvements start to feel obvious. Compared to the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, this feels like a more confident, better-finished version of the same idea. It is slightly thinner, better balanced, and more comfortable to hold, despite being a large device.
The Coffee Mocha colour with the vegan leather back stands out immediately. It looks premium, feels great in the hand, and is easily the most attractive finish in the lineup. There are fiberglass-backed options as well, but if you plan to use the phone without a case, the vegan leather variant is the clear pick.
Button placement is sensible, with clicky power and volume keys. At the bottom, you get a speaker grille and a USB-C port, although it is still USB 2.0, which could be limiting for users who move large files often. Durability is a strong point, with IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, making this phone far tougher than most in its segment. You also get an in-display fingerprint scanner, eSIM support, and even offline communication features, which is unusual at this price.
<h2>Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Display</h2>
Up front is a large 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Despite the size, the curved edges help keep the phone manageable in the hand. The panel is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which adds some peace of mind for everyday use.
Brightness is one of the biggest highlights here. With a claimed peak brightness of 5000 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent, and the display remains perfectly readable even under harsh sunlight. Colours look punchy, animations are fluid, and overall, it is a clear upgrade over the previous generation.
<h2>Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Cameras</h2>
This is where the biggest change has happened. The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus drops the triple-camera setup and moves to a dual-camera system. The telephoto lens is gone, replaced by a 200-megapixel main camera with OIS. Whether this is the right trade-off will divide opinions.
In early use, the main camera delivers sharp images with good dynamic range and restrained night processing, which is a positive. The secondary 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera is serviceable but nothing special. On the front, the 32-megapixel selfie camera performs well without aggressive skin smoothing, keeping faces looking natural.
<h2>Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Performance</h2>
The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Day-to-day performance is smooth and dependable, with clean animations, stable gaming, and well-controlled thermals thanks to Xiaomi&rsquo;s IceLoop cooling system.
Benchmark scores land where you would expect for this chipset. It is competitive within the segment, though not class-leading. More importantly, it never feels slow or gets in the way during regular use.
<h2>Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
Battery life is another major upgrade. The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus packs a massive 6500mAh battery, paired with 100W fast charging. In early usage, the phone hits around 50 percent in under 30 minutes, which is impressive given the battery size. Long-term endurance testing is still pending, but initial signs are very promising.
<h2>Redmi Note 15 Pro+ First Look: Initial thoughts</h2>
The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus quietly improves on almost every meaningful aspect over the Note 14 Pro Plus. You get better performance, a larger battery, faster charging, a brighter display, longer software support, and a more refined design overall.
The removal of the telephoto camera is the one decision that may be hard to accept for some users, and it is something that will need closer evaluation in a full review. Still, as an upgrade package, this phone feels more serious, more polished, and easier to recommend than its predecessor.

Realme Buds Clip review: Lightweight open-ear earbuds with 3D audio, long battery, and comfy fit for workouts, commutes, and daily use.

Realme Buds Clip Review: Lightweight Open-Ear Earbuds with Long Battery & Good Sound

Discover the Realme Buds Clip: Lightweight, comfy open-ear earbuds with 3D audio, long battery life, and perfect for workouts and daily use.

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The Realme Buds Clip are lightweight, comfortable open-ear earbuds with dual 11mm drivers, 3D audio, and 36-hour battery life, making them ideal for workouts, commutes, and long listening sessions without isolating you from the world.&nbsp;
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When Bose launched the Ultra Open earbuds last year, I was sceptical about their use case and how well they would actually perform. I carried similar doubts while picking up the Realme Buds Clip. Open or clip-on earbuds often sound good on paper, but for most people, this style struggles to justify itself in everyday use. That said, this pair genuinely surprised me. On paper, it ticks all the right boxes. You get 11mm dual drivers, a 45ms low-latency mode, a solid IP55 rating, and the promise of strong battery life. I&rsquo;ve been using the Realme Buds Clip for a few days now, and here&rsquo;s what my experience with it has been.
<h2>Design and Build&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Starting with the design, the earbuds look modern, aesthetic, and properly fashionable, almost as if they were designed by a luxury accessory brand. They have been shaped to follow the natural contours of the human ear. While they may look a bit odd at first glance, they are actually quite comfortable, and I found them to be impressively stable once worn. The charging case features a frosted finish and comes in two colour options: black and gold. I received the gold variant. The plastic case does not feel cheap and appears to draw some inspiration from the Shokz OpenDots, though it adds its own touch with a circular ring light on the front. This light glows red, white, or green to indicate different statuses. Inside, the case has a dual-tone finish, and the earbuds follow the same design language, complete with a metal-finished front. Strong magnetic pins keep the buds firmly in place. I even put them through an unplanned drop test, which they passed without any issues. At the bottom, there is a USB Type-C charging port along with a physical button to power the case on or off.&nbsp;
Moving on to ergonomics, the case is compact, pocket-friendly, and easy to carry around. The buds themselves feature a round, clip-like design that sits on your ears much like an earring. Weighing just 5.3 grams each, they feel almost weightless.&nbsp; Touch controls are also responsive&mdash;double-tap to pause or play music, and triple-tap to reject or disconnect calls. They work reliably and don&rsquo;t feel gimmicky.
I started using them during workouts, and they did not come off even once, which makes them both practical and comfortable. The IP55 rating also means they are well-suited for intense workout sessions where heavy sweating is involved. The buds use a titanium alloy C-bridge, which keeps them extremely light and comfortable even during extended use. I have been using traditional TWS earbuds and headphones for quite some time now, and I usually cannot wear them for more than two hours at a stretch. With the Realme Buds Clip, however, I was able to use them for much longer periods, which makes me confident in saying that they are suitable for extended listening sessions.&nbsp;
The portion of the buds that rests behind the ear does not create any pressure or tension, even after prolonged use. To further test comfort, I even wore them at night while lying down and listening to music, and I did not experience any discomfort. The only downside is that you may need to adjust their position slightly from time to time to get the fit just right.
<h2>Connectivity and Sound&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>
Connectivity is seamless, thanks to Bluetooth 5.4. Pairing is quick and hassle-free across multiple devices, with a stable connection of up to around 10 metres. In terms of codec support, you get SBC and AAC. Now, speaking as a bit of a headphone snob, the Realme Buds Clip come equipped with dual 11mm drivers, and the overall sound quality is decent. I have been using them daily during my commute as well as during work, and the experience has been genuinely praiseworthy for this form factor.&nbsp;
While listening to playlists by Michael Brook and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, I noticed that the bass is serviceable, but the treble is where the sound starts to fall flat. That said, this is not a major issue if your listening leans towards softer genres like Sufi music. The earbuds also offer 3D spatial audio support, which adds a sense of openness and makes them more engaging to use while commuting or working out.
There is also a 45ms low-latency mode, which I tested while gaming, and once again, it turned out better than expected. Audio sync felt tight enough to not break the experience. Voice calling is solid as well, with effective noise cancellation. The dual-microphone setup does a good job of filtering out background noise. While occasional traffic sounds like honking can still make it through, call quality remains largely clear and reliable. Touch controls are straightforward. A double tap pauses or resumes playback, while a triple tap lets you reject or end calls. There is some level of customisation available through the Realme Link app, which is available on both Android and iOS. The app also includes several AI-driven features, such as face-to-face mode for real-time conversation translation, AI live translation for meetings, and an Ask AI option for quick queries. Another feature I found particularly useful is &lsquo;Find My Earbuds&rsquo;, which comes in handy for someone like me who tends to misplace things often.
<h2>Battery life and charging</h2>
Let&rsquo;s talk about battery life. Each earbud packs a 45mAh battery, while the charging case houses a 530mAh unit. On a single charge, the buds last around 7 to 8 hours, with total playback stretching up to 36 hours when you factor in the case. Unfortunately, there is no charging cable included in the box. That said, the case uses a USB Type-C port, so you can charge it with pretty much any compatible charger you already have. There is also no wireless charging support, which is a bit of a miss at this price point.
<h2>Things I didn&rsquo;t like&nbsp;</h2>
The experience overall was great, but there is no active noise cancellation, which is a bummer, especially in busy areas like Chandni Chowk. Sometimes, the sound feels like it is running in the background and not in your ear. But that is classic of all open ear designs. You cannot compare it to a regular TWS earbuds. It is meant for open listening, without drowning you in the music, but keeping you planted in the real world. It is best enjoyed when you&rsquo;re by yourself in your room. The soundstage that it provides when you&rsquo;re in a controlled environment is simply phenomenal.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re looking for complete immersion, something that completely cuts you off from this world, the Clip earbuds aren&rsquo;t the ones to go for.&nbsp;
<h2>Verdict&nbsp;</h2>
The overall experience has been largely positive, but the lack of active noise cancellation is a bit of a let-down, especially in busy areas like Chandni Chowk. At times, the audio can feel like it is playing in the background rather than directly in your ears. That said, this is a limitation common to all open-ear designs. You simply cannot compare them to regular TWS earbuds. These are meant for open listening. The idea is not to drown you in music, but to keep you aware of your surroundings and connected to the real world. In that context, they make the most sense when used in quieter environments. When you are by yourself in your room, the soundstage they deliver in a controlled setting is genuinely impressive. If you are looking for complete immersion or something that fully shuts out the world around you, the Clip earbuds are not the right choice. They can easily replace silicone-tipped earbuds for everyday use, but when it comes to pure sound quality, I would still pick a classic TWS or a proper pair of headphones. That said, these earbuds make a lot of sense as a companion device. They work especially well during long flights or extended workout sessions, where comfort and awareness matter more than isolation. For that reason alone, I would confidently recommend them as a solid secondary pair.

The Realme P4 Power 5G packs a massive 10,001mAh battery, 80W fast charging, and a 144Hz display. Is this the ultimate battery-first phone?

Realme P4 Power 5G First Look: 10,001mAh battery in focus

Realme P4 Power 5G packs a massive 10,001mAh battery, 80W fast charging, and a 144Hz display. Is this the ultimate battery-first phone?

<h3>The Realme P4 Power 5G is built around one core idea: extreme battery life. With a massive 10,001mAh cell, fast charging, and solid performance, it targets users who want endurance above everything else.</h3>

Realme is all set to launch the Realme P4 Power 5G and it is clearly built around one simple idea for 2026: battery anxiety should be a thing of the past.&nbsp;
Battery life and battery endurance has been steadily improving over the last year. Smartphones with 7,000mAh batteries only just starting to feel like the new normal in 2025 across devices.&nbsp;
Realme, however, has chosen not to play that incremental game. Instead, it has gone straight for a headline-grabbing approach, equipping the P4 Power 5G with an enormous 10,001mAh battery designed for users who simply want their phone to last.
<h2>Monster battery, crammed into a slim package</h2>
On paper, a 10,001mAh battery sounds insane. In real life, it genuinely changes how you use a phone. Realme&rsquo;s lab claims make that intent clear, with figures of up to 32.5 hours of YouTube, 11.7 hours of BGMI, and around 21.4 hours of navigation. For the right kind of user, this is the sort of battery that makes carrying a power bank feel unnecessary.
To put that into perspective, I have only had the phone for three days. Even in that short window, the battery behaviour has been impossible to ignore. I have been pushing it hard, taking calls, watching videos, shooting clips, snapping photos, and generally not holding back. Despite that, I was still ending the day with close to 50 percent left.&nbsp;
Based on this alone, I would not be surprised if the Realme P4 Power 5G becomes an easy one-and-a-half-day phone on a single charge, and possibly more with lighter use.
The obvious concern with a battery this large is whether the phone feels like a brick. Surprisingly, it does not. Realme has managed to keep the thickness at 9.08mm, which is impressive for what is packed inside.&nbsp;
It is not exactly compact, and the 219g weight is noticeable if you are coming from something lighter. That said, the quad-curved display and curved back help it feel smoother and more comfortable in the hand than the numbers suggest.
Once you move beyond the usual 5,000 to 6,000mAh range, the conversation is no longer just about endurance. Heat, long-term reliability, and battery health over time start to matter more. Realme says the battery should hold up better because you will charge it less often, which makes sense, even if it cannot be fully proven in a short review window.
Charging is more practical than expected. You get 80W fast charging, and in my testing it hit 50 percent in under 40 minutes with smart rapid charging enabled. There is also 27W reverse charging, which is genuinely useful for topping up earbuds, charging a second phone, or having backup power in a pinch.
<h2>Top-tier performance &amp; display in a budget</h2>
Performance and display are where the Realme P4 Power 5G quietly overdelivers for a budget phone. It runs on the Dimensity 7400 Ultra 5G, built on a 4nm process. This is the same chip used in the Realme P4, and while an Antutu score of just over 8 lakh is decent rather than impressive, real-world performance feels better than the numbers suggest. Day-to-day use is smooth, apps open quickly, multitasking holds steady, and the phone never feels like it is struggling.
For gaming, Realme is clearly prioritising consistency. Like the P4 and P4 Pro, the P4 Power gets the Hyper Vision AI chip, which brings AI-driven optimisations to improve how games look and run. Realme claims stable 90 FPS in BGMI, and in testing, that&rsquo;s exactly what I got. There is a sizeable cooling system as well, though if you push max settings for long sessions, some fluctuation is still expected over time.
What I like is that Hyper Vision AI is not limited to gaming. It also works with video, through features like AI Hyper Clarity, which upscales 720p content to roughly 1.5K, making videos look cleaner and more detailed.
The display itself is a 1.5K 144Hz panel. The full refresh rate is limited to supported apps and games, but even otherwise, it looks sharp, fluid, and well-balanced for everyday use.
<h2>Future-forward design</h2>
Design-wise, Realme is clearly chasing a bold, future-forward look, though the semi-transparent back is not quite what the term suggests. It is less transparent and more like a two-part design.&nbsp;
The top section features a crystal-style window that highlights internal-structure detailing, while the lower half switches to a matte finish that feels grippier and does a better job resisting fingerprints.
The camera module adds to that statement-heavy approach, with a raised rectangular island, two large camera rings stacked vertically, and a slim side strip housing the extra lens and flash. Overall, this is a phone that will appeal if you want something visually different. If you prefer clean, minimal designs, it may feel a bit too loud.
<h2>Software </h2>
On the software front, Realme is promising three years of Android updates and four years of security patches, which is decent for this segment. If the phone ends up priced close to ₹20,000 to ₹22,000, as expected, that update commitment feels fair and in line with what buyers should reasonably expect at this level.
<h2>Initial thoughts</h2>
Because of embargos, I cannot talk about some aspects just yet, including camera performance. That will come later. What matters right now is understanding what the realme P4 Power is actually built for.&nbsp;
This phone is unapologetically focused on battery life. If your usage involves long gaming sessions, heavy media consumption, or days away from a charger, it makes a lot of sense.&nbsp;
But if you prefer compact phones or charge your phone every night anyway, this will feel more like a flex feature than a genuine must-have for most everyday users.

Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G offers a 12.1-inch 2.5K Dolby Vision display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 performance, and a massive 12,000mAh battery, making it a reliable large-screen tablet for work, media, and multitasking.

Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: 12.1-Inch Dolby Vision Display Meets 12,000mAh Endurance

Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G delivers a big 12.1-inch Dolby Vision screen, reliable Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 performance, and a massive 12,000mAh battery, focusing on multitasking and endurance over flashy gimmicks.&nbsp;

The Redmi Pad Pro set the tone for what an affordable large-screen Android tablet could be, and the Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G clearly sticks to that blueprint. This is not a radical rethink or a dramatic reinvention.&nbsp;
Instead, Xiaomi has taken a conservative approach, focusing on improving areas that genuinely needed attention rather than chasing novelty. Most of what you see and feel here will be familiar if you have used the previous model, but under the surface, there are a few meaningful upgrades that define this refresh.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: Design&nbsp;</h2>
Visually, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro stays close to its predecessor. The dual-tone rear panel returns, with a mostly metal body paired with a plastic strip that houses the camera module. The grey colour variant looks understated to the point of being a little dull, with the only real flourish being a subtle triangular pattern etched into the plastic strip.
The matte finish on the back is a welcome touch, as it resists fingerprints far better than before. The rear design also includes two circular cutouts, although only one contains an actual camera sensor. The second ring is purely decorative, used to house the LED flash and maintain symmetry.
Ports and buttons are sensibly laid out. There is a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom, which is still nice to see on a modern tablet. On the side, you get a SIM tray for 5G connectivity along with microSD card support for storage expansion. The unit here comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
Despite being slightly heavier than the original Pad Pro, the tablet remains easy to carry in a backpack. However, its large 12.1-inch footprint does make prolonged handheld use a bit tiring, especially for users with smaller hands.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: Display&nbsp;</h2>
The display hardware remains largely unchanged from the previous generation. You still get a 12.1-inch LCD panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 2.5K resolution, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support. Peak brightness tops out at around 600 nits.
One notable change is colour depth. The older Pad Pro supported 12-bit colour, while this panel is limited to 10-bit. On paper, that sounds like a downgrade, but in real-world use, the difference is difficult to notice. Colours look vibrant, well balanced, and properly tuned. Streaming content on Netflix looks good, with full HD playback supported thanks to Widevine L1 certification and Dolby Vision handling HDR content nicely.
The panel does reflect light more than some might prefer, but the smooth 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling, animations, and general navigation feeling fluid and responsive.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: Performance</h2>
Powering the Redmi Pad 2 Pro is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, a reliable mid-range processor that feels well suited to a tablet of this size. In everyday use, performance is consistently smooth. Apps open quickly, multitasking feels responsive, and switching between workloads does not introduce noticeable lag.
Even gaming performance holds up well. Titles like BGMI run without major issues, making this tablet capable of handling both productivity and entertainment. Overall, this feels like a device designed for extended sessions rather than quick, casual bursts of use.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: Software</h2>
The tablet runs HyperOS 2, based on Android 15, and the experience feels more polished on a larger screen. Visual refinements, smoother animations through the updated HyperCore system, and Gemini integration all contribute to a more cohesive tablet experience.
There are some pre-installed apps, but most of them are practical rather than intrusive. Multitasking is where the software really shines. You can run up to four apps at once, using split-screen layouts alongside floating windows, which works particularly well for productivity and media-heavy workflows.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: Cameras</h2>
Camera hardware is fairly basic, which is expected for a tablet. The rear houses an 13MP camera that works well enough for scanning documents or QR codes. On the front, there is another 8MP sensor that handles video calls adequately, though expectations should remain modest. These cameras are functional rather than impressive, and that is perfectly acceptable for this category.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: Battery</h2>
Battery life is one of the biggest talking points this time around. The Redmi Pad 2 Pro packs a massive 12,000mAh battery, which is 2,000mAh larger than the previous model. Xiaomi claims this is the largest battery in a 12-inch tablet and suggests over 14 hours of video playback.
Real-world testing will ultimately decide how accurate those claims are, but expectations are understandably high, especially since battery life was not a strong point of the earlier Pad Pro. Charging is handled at 33W, which feels slow given the battery size. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach 20 percent, but the trade-off makes sense if you are charging infrequently.
An interesting bonus is 27W reverse charging, allowing the tablet to act as a power bank for smaller devices like phones or earbuds.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: Accessories</h2>
Xiaomi offers two accessories for the Redmi Pad 2 Pro: a keyboard case and the Smart Pen. The second-generation keyboard is exclusive to this tablet and offers a comfortable typing experience with decent key travel. It also doubles as a protective case when folded shut.
However, some omissions are hard to ignore. There is still no backlighting or trackpad, and the keyboard connects via Bluetooth rather than POGO pins, meaning it needs to be charged separately over USB-C. The same applies to the Smart Pen, which also requires independent charging.
That said, the Smart Pen itself performs well. It is responsive, supports handwriting recognition, offers reliable palm rejection most of the time, and works nicely for note-taking and sketching. While it does not magnetically attach to the tablet, the included pen holder on the keyboard case helps keep it secure. Unlike the keyboard, the Smart Pen is also compatible with the previous Pad Pro.
<h2>Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G First Impressions: How does it fare?</h2>
The Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G plays it safe, but it does so intelligently. Rather than chasing flashy upgrades, Xiaomi has focused on refining performance, battery life, and software multitasking, which are the areas that matter most on a large tablet. Design changes are minimal, and some accessory decisions feel dated, but the core experience is solid.
The WiFi only variant starts at ₹24,999 while the WiFi +5G varian starts at ₹27,999, but based on first impressions, this feels like a dependable upgrade for users who want a large-screen Android tablet built for long sessions, media consumption, and productivity without unnecessary gimmicks.

Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. A 12.9mm phone that opens into a razor-thin 3.9mm, 10-inch 4:3 AMOLED tablet with 200MP camera, flagship power, multitasking, and no India launch. 

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Hands-On at CES 2026: 10-Inch AMOLED Triple-Foldable, Specs, Trade-Offs & Availability

Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. A 12.9mm phone that opens into a razor-thin 3.9mm, 10-inch 4:3 AMOLED tablet with 200MP camera, flagship power, multitasking, and no India launch.

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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold stands out as a bold, engineering-driven foldable that unfolds twice into a 10-inch 4:3 AMOLED tablet, reaching an astonishing 3.9mm thin when fully opened.&nbsp;
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CES 2026 in Las Vegas has no shortage of spectacle, but this wasn&rsquo;t something you stumbled upon while wandering the show floor. I saw the Samsung Galazy Z TriFold at a closed-door Samsung event, the kind where phones are handed to you instead of being locked behind glass.&nbsp;
With fewer people and more time, it became very clear why Samsung chose to show this off privately. This isn&rsquo;t a crowd-pleaser gimmick. It&rsquo;s a serious experiment in how far foldables can stretch in 2026.
<h2>Triple folding changes how it feels in real life</h2>
The first thing you notice when you pick it up folded shut is the thickness. At 12.9mm, it&rsquo;s clearly chunkier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and yes, you feel that bulk immediately in the hand and pocket. But the moment you start unfolding it, the experience flips completely.
Fully opened, the TriFold measures just 3.9mm thin. In person, that&rsquo;s the moment people around me actually stopped and stared. Laid flat, it&rsquo;s thinner than the Fold 7, and it genuinely feels more like holding a sheet of glass than a traditional phone.
Unfold it twice and you&rsquo;re suddenly holding a 10-inch tablet with a beautiful AMOLED screen and impressively slim bezels. What surprised me most is how manageable it feels. Despite the size, it never feels top-heavy or awkward. Samsung has clearly nailed the weight distribution, because even fully opened, it&rsquo;s comfortable to use standing on a crowded CES floor.
<h2>More engineering than it lets on&nbsp;</h2>
Calling the Galaxy Z TriFold a phone with &ldquo;one extra hinge&rdquo; really misses what Samsung has done here. Adding a third folding panel introduces a whole new layer of mechanical complexity, and Samsung has clearly obsessed over the details.
Behind the scenes, the TriFold uses two different types of magnets that either push or pull depending on their position. In practice, this means the folds guide themselves as you open the device. There&rsquo;s no fumbling, no awkward resistance, and no moment where it feels like you&rsquo;re forcing something that shouldn&rsquo;t move.
The end result is that opening the TriFold&rsquo;s main display feels almost as effortless as opening the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It&rsquo;s a small engineering trick you don&rsquo;t see, but you definitely feel it every time you unfold the phone.
But one of the smartest changes Samsung has made with the Galaxy Z TriFold isn&rsquo;t the extra hinge, it&rsquo;s the shape of the screen itself. The 10-inch main display uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, and that decision quietly transforms how the device is used.
On the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the almost square inner display often feels like a compromise, especially for video. On the TriFold, movies and TV shows sit more naturally across the screen. There&rsquo;s more horizontal breathing room, less wasted space, and the content finally feels like it belongs on a large display.
It&rsquo;s the kind of upgrade you don&rsquo;t notice in a spec sheet, but the moment you start watching something, it clicks. This is Samsung treating the TriFold as a tablet first when it&rsquo;s fully open, not just a phone that happens to unfold.
<h2>Multitasking is where it quietly flexes</h2>
Performance is flagship-level, as expected, but the real wow moment is multitasking. This is the first foldable where running multiple apps side by side doesn&rsquo;t feel like a demo trick.
I had apps stacked, floating windows open, content playing, messages coming in, and nothing felt cramped. There&rsquo;s enough screen here to actually work. This is large-screen productivity that finally feels practical, not forced.
<h2>The trade-offs are real</h2>
The Galaxy Z TriFold packs a 200MP main camera, and in my quick hands-on shooting, it delivers solid, reliable results. The zoom camera, though, feels more average than you&rsquo;d expect on a device this ambitious.
Battery-wise, there&rsquo;s a 5,600mAh cell powering that massive display. Samsung claims around eight to nine hours of heavy use, and based on how much screen you&rsquo;re driving here, a midday top-up feels like something power users will need to accept. Another drawback of the TriFold is how unforgiving that large display can be. On a near 10-inch panel, flaws stand out more easily, and the jump from 1080p to 2K or 4K becomes very obvious. Once you&rsquo;ve seen high-resolution content stretched across this screen, lower-resolution video starts to feel soft in a way that&rsquo;s hard to ignore.
<h2>A bold glimpse of the future, with a catch</h2>
Walking away from the booth, this felt less like a product launch and more like a statement. Thicker in your pocket, thinner in your hands, and easily one of the most fascinating phones I&rsquo;ve seen at CES 2026.
That said, there&rsquo;s one important detail. As of now, Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy Z TriFold is not coming to India. At least for this generation, it remains a glimpse into where foldables are heading next, rather than something you&rsquo;ll actually be able to buy back home.
And honestly, after seeing it in person, that might be the most frustrating part of all.

Nothing Phone 4a brings a transparent design, Glyph Bar lighting, 1.5K AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 performance, and smooth Nothing OS experience.

Nothing Phone 4a Review: A Stylish Mid-Ranger That Stands Out

<h3>Nothing Phone 4a stands out with its transparent design, new Glyph Bar lighting, sharp 1.5K AMOLED screen, capable cameras, and a playful Nothing OS experience.</h3>

The Nothing Phone 4a is another reminder that Nothing is willing to walk a path most smartphone brands avoid. In a market where many companies chase the same formula of bigger numbers and louder spec sheets, Nothing continues to focus on design, software personality, and the overall experience of using the phone.
With the Phone 4a, that philosophy becomes even clearer. The phone keeps Nothing&rsquo;s signature transparent aesthetic, introduces the new Glyph Bar in place of the traditional light strips, and upgrades the display to a sharper 1.5K AMOLED panel. Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and ships with Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16, which remains one of the more distinctive Android experiences available today.
Pricing also plays a key role here. The Nothing Phone 4a starts at ₹31,999, but with launch offers it effectively drops to ₹24,999.
After spending time using it as my daily phone, the 4a feels less like a spec race contender and more like a phone built around experience.
<h2>Nothing Phone 4a Review: Design and build</h2>
The Nothing Phone 4a sticks to the brand&rsquo;s signature design language, but after spending some time with it, I feel like this is more mature. The Cyberpunk-inspired look is still very much there, but the overall execution feels cleaner and more mature than some of Nothing&rsquo;s earlier experiments.
The first thing that caught my attention was the asymmetrical camera module. Nothing has clearly tried to keep things a bit more restrained here. It still looks quirky enough to stand out, but it feels more balanced and less chaotic than some of the designs the company has experimented with in the past.
Then there is the new Glyph Bar, which is easily the most interesting design change on the Phone 4a. Instead of the sweeping LED strips that Nothing phones usually use, this one has a row of seven square segments made up of tiny microLEDs. In day-to-day use, I actually like this approach quite a bit. It gives the lighting system a more granular feel, and visually it sits somewhere between the traditional Glyph interface and the Glyph Matrix that we saw on the Phone 3.
The rest of the construction will feel familiar if you have used a Nothing phone before. You still get the transparent glass back that picks up smudges like crazy, the plastic frame, and the exposed design elements underneath that give the phone its distinctive personality. The Phone 4a measures 8.55mm thick and weighs 204 grams, which, in my hand, feels solid without being overly bulky. Durability is also handled fairly well, with Gorilla Glass 7i protecting the front. Water and dust protection is rated at IP 64.
Button placement has changed slightly this time. The power button and volume rocker now sit on the same side, while the opposite edge houses the Essential Key. Unfortunately, that key still cannot be remapped. If you are not particularly interested in using Essential Space, it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity.
There are also a couple of practical omissions that stood out to me. The Indian variant still does not support eSIM, even though the global version does. You do get NFC, but there is no IR blaster here either.
<h2>Nothing Phone 4a Review: Display &amp; Speakers</h2>
The Nothing Phone 4a gets a 6.78-inch display, which is almost the same size as the Nothing Phone 3a, but the real upgrade here is in resolution. This time, Nothing has moved to a 1.5K panel, which is a noticeable step up from the older Full HD+ screens the company has used before.
In daily use, this change is quite easy to spot. The Phone 4a pushes pixel density up to around 440PPI, and that extra sharpness becomes very clear when you start looking closely at text or fine details in images. Whether I was scrolling through articles, reading long threads, or just browsing social media, everything looked noticeably crisper.
The bezels are still a little chunky by today&rsquo;s standards, but thankfully they are uniform all the way around. That helps the phone look balanced, and in practice, I stopped noticing them pretty quickly.
Beyond the resolution bump, the rest of the panel specifications remain very solid. The Phone 4a uses a flexible AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which keeps animations and scrolling feeling smooth. It is also a 10-bit panel capable of displaying over a billion colours, so gradients and colour transitions look natural rather than banded.
Brightness is another area where the Phone 4a has improved. Peak HDR brightness goes up to 4500 nits, and high brightness mode reaches 1600 nits. In real-world use, this translates to better outdoor visibility. Even under harsh sunlight, I found the screen remained readable without having to strain.
Watching videos on the Phone 4a is a pleasant experience overall. YouTube supports HDR playback and it works well, especially with high-quality content. Netflix, however, still does not show HDR support on this device, which is a bit disappointing.
Audio is handled by dual stereo speakers, and for casual viewing, reels, and short-form content, they get the job done just fine.
<h2>Nothing Phone 4a Review: Performance and day-to-day usage</h2>
Nothing has never really chased raw benchmark numbers, and the Phone 4a follows that same philosophy. The company has always been more focused on delivering a smooth, polished experience rather than topping performance charts, and the hardware choices here reflect that approach.
Under the hood, the Phone 4a runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, which is essentially the next step up from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 used previously. It is not a flagship chip, but it is a sensible generational upgrade and fits well with the kind of experience Nothing is aiming for.
A more important improvement, in my opinion, is the storage. Nothing has often been criticised for sticking with UFS 2.2 even in relatively expensive phones. With the Phone 4a, that finally changes. It now comes with UFS 3.1 storage, which makes a noticeable difference in certain situations. RAM remains LPDDR4X, which is perfectly adequate for a device in this segment.
If you are someone who judges a phone purely by benchmark numbers, the Phone 4a will not blow you away. The scores are respectable, but they are not chart-topping. That said, in actual day-to-day usage, the phone feels consistently smooth. Scrolling through social media, jumping between apps, and streaming content all feel fluid. Compared to older Nothing phones, I noticed that animations and general navigation feel quicker and more responsive.
One area where the faster storage really helps is during system updates. When the phone has to optimise apps after an update, the process feels noticeably quicker than devices that still rely on slower storage.
Gaming is also fairly solid for a phone in this category. The Phone 4a supports 120FPS gameplay in BGMI right out of the box, and during my testing it handled extended sessions without excessive heating. It is not meant to be a hardcore gaming phone, but for casual to moderate gaming, it performs comfortably.
<h2>Nothing Phone 4a Review: Software and user experience</h2>
The Nothing Phone 4a ships with Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16. Yes, we are in the fourth iteration of Nothing OS, an the best way I can describe Nothing OS after using it for a while is simply this: it still is genuinely fun to use.
The interface feels clean, fast, and visually distinct without becoming overwhelming. It still carries that signature Nothing aesthetic with the dot matrix elements, monochrome icons, and minimalist design language.
Yes, there are a couple of preinstalled apps, namely Facebook and Instagram. Some people have criticised Nothing for this, but personally, I do not see it as a big issue. There are only two of them, and both can be uninstalled in seconds. Considering the costs involved in building and shipping smartphones today, this feels like a reasonable compromise.
Where Nothing OS really shines is in customisation and small, thoughtful features. If you enjoy tweaking the look and feel of your phone, this software gives you plenty to play with. From icon packs to lock screen layouts and widgets, there are many ways to personalise the experience.
Essential Space, which is Nothing&rsquo;s productivity hub, also gets a few useful updates here. Screenshots can now be sorted into what Nothing calls Essential Memories, and they can be synced across other Nothing devices through the cloud. It is a small addition, but it makes organising information far easier.
AI features are also part of the package in Nothing OS 4.1. However, the focus here is less on flashy editing tricks and more on assistant-style tools integrated into apps like Essential Space and Essential Recorder. On top of that, you still get Google&rsquo;s AI ecosystem, including Gemini.
The Glyph Bar continues to be one of the most distinctive parts of the experience. I found it surprisingly useful for quick updates. It can show countdown timers, live updates from apps like Zomato, Uber, and Google Maps, and notifications for calls or messages. It becomes a clever way to stay informed without constantly picking up the phone.
Nothing also continues to lean heavily into widgets. You can download additional widgets from Nothing Playground, which is essentially a community-driven repository of creative widgets. I ended up using a fidget spinner widget just for fun, and an H2O tracker that helped me keep an eye on my daily water intake.
In terms of support, the Phone 4a is promised three years of Android updates and six years of security patches. That is solid for this segment and gives the device a fairly long usable life.
<h2>Nothing Phone 4a Review: Cameras</h2>
The Nothing Phone 4a comes with a fairly versatile camera setup. You get a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3.5X optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. On the front, the phone uses a 32MP selfie camera.
In day-to-day use, the main camera performs quite well. Photos come out sharp and detailed, and the colour tuning feels pleasing without going overboard. I found the images to have a balanced look overall. Colours are vibrant enough to pop on social media, but they do not feel overly processed.
The ultrawide camera is serviceable and fits well with the rest of the setup. It keeps colours fairly consistent with the main camera, which helps when switching lenses. Sharpness does drop a bit compared to the primary sensor, but that is fairly typical given the hardware.
The periscope telephoto lens is where things get interesting. At 3X zoom, the phone pretty solid shots that are genuinely fantastic, especially in good lighting. I found it particularly useful for portraits and tighter framing without having to move physically closer to the subject.
Low-light performance is also fairly good. The main camera manages to retain a good amount of detail while keeping noise under control. Night shots look clean without the phone aggressively smoothing everything out.
Video recording goes up to 4K at 30fps on the rear camera. Plus, you also get HDR recording, which is rare at this price point. In my testing, colours remained consistent and stabilisation was reliable enough for handheld clips.
Portraits continue to be one of the stronger aspects of Nothing&rsquo;s camera systems. The bokeh looks soft and natural, and edge detection is quite accurate. Even in regular shots, the phone often produces a pleasant depth effect, which makes portrait photography on the Phone 4a particularly enjoyable.
<h2>Nothing Phone 4a Review: Battery and charging</h2>
Battery life on the Nothing Phone 4a has been fairly solid in my experience. The Indian variant packs a 5400mAh battery, which gives it plenty of endurance for daily use. In my testing so far, I have been averaging around six to seven hours of screen-on time. With my typical usage that includes social media, streaming, camera use, and some gaming, the phone comfortably lasts a full day.
Charging is also reasonably quick. The Phone 4a supports 50W fast charging, and going from zero to 100 percent takes a little over an hour. It is not the fastest charging in this segment, but it is still quick enough that topping up the phone does not feel like a long wait.
<h2>Nothing Phone 4a Review: Verdict</h2>
After spending some time with the Nothing Phone 4a, what stands out most is how confidently the phone sticks to Nothing&rsquo;s philosophy. While many brands are busy chasing bigger numbers and louder spec sheets, Nothing continues to focus on creating a device that simply feels different to use.
The design remains one of the phone&rsquo;s biggest strengths. The transparent styling still looks unique in a sea of similar-looking slabs, and the new Glyph Bar adds personality without feeling like a gimmick. It ends up being both visually interesting and surprisingly useful for quick notifications.
The upgraded 1.5K display is another welcome improvement. Text looks sharper, videos look crisp, and brightness levels make the phone comfortable to use even outdoors. Performance from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 is not meant to break records, but in daily use the phone feels smooth and responsive. Social media, streaming, multitasking, and casual gaming all run without issue.
Nothing OS continues to be one of the most enjoyable Android skins around. The clean interface, playful widgets, and thoughtful features like Essential Space and the Glyph notifications give the phone a personality that most Android devices lack.
At an effective price of ₹24,999 with offers, the Phone 4a feels like a thoughtfully balanced smartphone. It may not chase every spec headline, but the overall experience makes it easy to recommend.

Gadget Review

Real-world OPPO K14x 5G review after 7 days of use. We test battery life, gaming, camera, charging speed and software. Is this the most reliable 5G phone under ₹15,000? Find out before buying.

OPPO K14x 5G Review: Best Battery Phone Under ₹15,000? 

Huge 6500mAh battery, smooth ColorOS 15 and stable daily performance — but average camera. We used the OPPO K14x 5G for a week to see if it's the best budget 5G phone under ₹15K.

The OPPO K14x 5G focuses on reliability over power. You get exceptional battery life, stable daily performance and modern software, but only average cameras and limited gaming capability.

Looking for a good phone on a budget usually means deciding which features you are willing to give up. The OPPO K14x 5G tries to flip that script by focusing on the things that actually impact your daily life. Launched at a starting price of ₹14,999, this isn't a device trying to do everything that you can think of, all at once. Instead, it finds its own lane by doubling down on a massive battery life, reliable software, and a design that looks far more premium than what the price tag would suggest.
Whether you are a student looking for a steady device for college or you want to give an elderly parent their very first 5G experience, the K14x 5G is built to be a simple and effective workhorse. It skips the over-the-top gimmicks to focus on being a tool that stays out of your way and just works. I spent a week living with this phone to see if it truly delivers on its promises or if it is just another budget option lost in a crowded market.
<h2>Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
Setting up the <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">Oppo</a> K14x 5G is a refreshingly simple process that sticks to what actually matters. While most brands strip out chargers and cables from the box to save a few bucks, Oppo keeps the basics right there for you. You get the phone, a 45W SUPERVOOC flash charger brick, the USB-A to USB-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool. They even include a decent opaque case, which comes in handy the instant you rip off the plastic wrap and want some protection.
That Prism Violet finish that we tested is a real standout. The "Metallic Deco" camera housing lends it a premium, almost flagship feel that totally outshines its price point. The back has this velvety matte glass texture that feels great to hold.&nbsp;
Unfortunately, it turns into a fingerprint magnet pretty quick. You already know how this goes: the phone looks sleek for maybe five minutes before the smudges start to pile up. Most people will probably just reach for the bundled case to keep that finish looking halfway decent.&nbsp;
There is really no getting around the fact that this device feels substantial in your hand. That is the trade-off you make when squeezing in a massive 6,500mAh battery. Since it weighs roughly 210g and measures 8.61mm thick, there is some serious heft here. The build feels rock solid overall, but if you are switching from a featherweight phone, you will definitely notice that extra weight in your pocket right away.
One key thing to note is the Prism Violet colour variant that I got weighs around 212g; however it is also available in an Icy Blue colour, and depending on that, the weight may differ.
The layout is about as practical as it gets. Volume rockers and a snappy power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor sit on the right side. The left side holds the SIM tray, and it actually features a dedicated SD card slot. That is a genuine rarity these days.&nbsp;
The bottom edge gets a bit crowded since it houses the USB-C port, a mic, the primary speaker, and the 3.5mm headphone jack (I know, that&rsquo;s like spotting a unicorn!) Mind you though, it only gets a single speaker, no stereo set up here. &nbsp;
The phone is built rough, and it feels like the design can take a serious beating. It is even backed by an IP64 rating to shrug off the occasional splash or dust intrusion.
<h2>Display</h2>
To really get what the Oppo K14x 5G is about, you have to remember it is a budget phone. While some of its specs might seem a bit modest next to a flagship, you really have to judge it within its own lane.&nbsp;
It sports a large 6.75-inch LCD panel that has this tiny curve at the edges that makes it feel much better in your palm. You will definitely see the bezels, and that bottom chin is pretty thick. It is a constant reminder of exactly what price bracket we are dealing with here.
Surprisingly, Oppo didn't skimp on the refresh rate, giving us a full 120Hz. Honestly, it is pretty impressive to find this level of smoothness on such an affordable device, especially when you consider how long some big-name brands took to bring high refresh rates to even their priciest models.&nbsp;
Scrolling through social media was fluid. For catching up on OTT shows, the experience is reliable. Whether I was on YouTube or Netflix, the colours looked pretty good for a daily driver. It is a solid setup for anyone&rsquo;s first smartphone, though you should know there is no HDR support for Netflix.
The brightness is another area where this phone actually holds its own, peaking at 1,125 nits HBM, and it worked perfectly during my outdoor tests. Even navigating with a map under the blazing afternoon sun, I never had to squint once to see the screen. It is easy to read both indoors and out.&nbsp;
While an LCD is technically a step down from AMOLED, that&rsquo;s a bit unrealistic at this price point. The punch-hole camera design keeps things looking modern and it is a good enough experience for late-night binge-watching without feeling like a major compromise.
<h2>Camera</h2>
When you look at the cameras, the Oppo K14x 5G takes a pretty standard budget-friendly route. That rear island features a 50MP main sensor along with a basic 2MP depth lens for those bokeh effects. Honestly, don&rsquo;t let that 50MP number fool you into expecting flagship-tier shots. It is just another reminder that high megapixels don't always mean high-end quality. Since there is only one real focal length to work with for regular photos, you don't have a lot of room to get creative.
In my day-to-day use, the main sensor took pictures that are fine for a quick social media post, though the colours don't always feel natural. The processing is a bit heavy, often giving images a noticeably warm tint. While it handles highlights okay, you&rsquo;ll find that fine details are often missing. If you try to zoom in even a little, the quality falls apart and starts looking pixelated quite fast.
Portrait mode is about what you would expect in this bracket. The edge detection is decent enough to give beginners that blurry, "professional" background look. Up front, the 5MP selfie cam does its job for video calls, but it definitely struggles to keep white balance and exposure consistent.
Video performance also shows the phone's budget roots. Both the front and back cameras are stuck at 1080p at 30fps. It works for a quick memory to share with friends, but it isn't a tool for any serious content creation. The stabilisation leaves a lot to be desired, as you will see plenty of jitters if you try to film while walking. Ultimately, this isn't a specialised camera phone, but it delivers exactly what it was built for at this price point.
<h2>Performance</h2>
To really understand the Oppo K14x 5G, you have to look at how it behaves during a regular day of use. It runs on the <a title="Oppo Find X9 Pro First Impressions: The New 200MP Camera King!" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/oppo-find-x9-pro-first-impressions-the-new-200mp-camera-king-1761672855335" target="_blank">MediaTek Dimensity</a> 6300, and honestly, the benchmark results were exactly what you would expect from a budget phone. AnTuTu hovered around 5.6 lakhs. Not impressive, but not disappointing either. It sits right where its price suggests.
I tried a few hours of gaming, mostly BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile. Gameplay was playable but not flawless. During intense gunfights, frame drops did show up, especially in crowded matches. Since both games are limited to 60FPS here, you never really get that ultra-smooth competitive feel. For casual matches while passing time, it works. If you play seriously or grind ranks, you will notice the limitation.
Where the phone actually surprised me was day-to-day usage. Switching between Chrome, Instagram, and WhatsApp felt stable. Apps did not randomly reload and basic multitasking stayed reliable. It is not fast, but it also never felt frustrating.
Thermal management wasn&rsquo;t exactly an issue. After almost an hour of gaming, the phone was only slightly warm. Many phones in this range heat up quickly, but the K14X stayed comfortable to hold. Oppo clearly focused on consistency and control rather than chasing raw performance numbers.
<h2>Software, UI/UX &amp; AI Features</h2>
One of the best things about the Oppo K14x 5G is that it comes with ColorOS 15 based on Android 15 right when you take it out of the box. Now, many may complain that it&rsquo;s still not Android 16, but it is actually quite rare to see the latest software in this price category so early. The overall interface is classic Oppo, meaning it feels snappy, smooth, and very predictable. I found the app opening animations to be quite polished, and moving through the different menus generally felt effortless without any frustrating stutters.
Oppo is promising that the device will be buttery smooth and fluent for 48 months, by ensuring that the software and hardware are optimised to maintain a smooth, lag-free experience for up to four years of regular use.
Since this is a budget device, you should expect to see a fair amount of bloatware. The home screen comes cluttered with several pre-installed apps, which is a standard trade-off for phones at this level. Fortunately, you can easily uninstall most of them to get back to a much cleaner and more organised setup.
Oppo has also brought over several AI features that used to be exclusive to their more expensive lines. You get tools like AI Eraser, AI LinkBoost, and AI Portrait Retouching, all of which add a nice layer of functionality to your daily photos and connectivity. And of course, you get Google Gemini. You also get features like split screen view on this phone which is also a nice add-on for productivity.
In terms of software longevity, the company is promising two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches. While it might not reinvent the wheel, having the newest Android version paired with a stable UI makes it a very dependable daily driver.
<h2>Battery and Charging</h2>
If one thing really carries the OPPO K14x 5G, it is that massive 6,500mAh battery. No contest. While I was using it, the phone felt like a total marathon runner that just didn't know when to quit. I was basically glued to the screen for a couple of heavy days and still rolled into day two without even hunting for a cable.&nbsp;
Marketing claims 22 hours of video, but my real-world mileage was closer to 20. Honestly? That is a huge win for a budget phone. Zero complaints from me.
You would think a cell this big would take a decade to charge. But the 45W SUPERVOOC brick in the box is surprisingly snappy. It took me about an hour and 15 minutes to go from a dead battery to a full 100%.&nbsp;
If you are in a rush, a 40-minute top-up gets you halfway, which is plenty for a normal day. I actually grew to love the 5W reverse charging, too. It isn&rsquo;t fast, obviously, but it is a total life-saver when your earbuds die. It is these little practical extras that actually matter in the real world.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>
The OPPO K14x 5G knows its lane and sticks to it. After living with it for a while, the real question is whether you should actually drop your cash on one. Honestly, if you are a heavy gamer or someone trying to build a career in content creation, just skip this. You are going to want something with more raw speed and actual stabilisation.
But for a student watching their wallet? Or maybe as a first-time smartphone for a parent? It is a solid, dependable pick. That massive battery, combined with smooth everyday software, makes it a reliable workhorse for just getting through the day. It doesn't pretend to be some flashy flagship. Instead, it just handles the basics with the kind of consistency you rarely see at this price. For your average user, it&rsquo;s just a smart, sensible purchase. No bells and whistles, just a phone that actually works when you need it to.

iQOO 15R delivers Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 power, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and a 7600mAh battery, blending flagship speed with two-day endurance.

iQOO 15R Review: Performance Meets Endurance

<h3>Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 muscle, 144Hz AMOLED smoothness and a 7600mAh battery make the iQOO 15R a near-flagship phone with some serious stamina.</h3>

The iQOO 15R might sit below the iQOO 15 in the lineup, but calling it the &ldquo;cheaper one&rdquo; feels a little unfair once you actually use it. This is not some stripped-back compromise machine. The foundation is still very much a flagship. You get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 running the show, a sharp 144Hz 1.5K AMOLED panel, a huge 7600mAh battery backed by 100W charging, and OriginOS 6 layered over Android 16. On paper alone, that already sounds serious.
What stood out to me, though, was how self-assured it feels. Yes, it clearly leans into performance, but it does not forget the essentials. The build feels reassuringly solid, the display pulls you in, and the software experience is noticeably more refined than what older iQOO phones delivered.
Starting at ₹44,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, it enters a fiercely competitive space. So the real test is simple: is this a properly balanced near-flagship, or just a speed demon hiding a few compromises?
<h2>iQOO 15R&rsquo;s design: Total flagship vibes</h2>
The iQOO 15R might be positioned below the iQOO 15, but you would not guess that from the way it feels in hand. This is easily one of the most polished phones iQOO has released in a while. The moment I picked it up, it felt properly premium. Not impressive for the price. Just premium. At no point did it give off &ldquo;cut corners to save cost&rdquo; energy, which is rare in this segment.
I have been using the Titanium Silver variant, and despite the name, it shifts between silver and a subtle blue depending on how light hits it. It looks sharp. The glass back has a lightly etched racing flag-inspired pattern that adds texture and character without screaming for attention. If you prefer something more low-key, the Dark Knight colour in black feels cleaner and slightly more sophisticated. The Silver has more personality, but the black is the safer, more understated pick.
The camera module uses a squarish layout with two lenses arranged horizontally. It gives off faint Nothing Phone 2a vibes, and I can see how opinions might be split. Personally, I was neutral at first. But after a few days, it just blended into the overall design and stopped drawing attention, which honestly is not a bad thing.
Thanks to the 6.59-inch display, the phone feels relatively compact by today&rsquo;s standards. Even at 206 grams, it never felt bulky. The weight distribution is spot on, making one-handed use comfortable. It is also impressively slim. The Silver measures 8.1mm, while the black variant comes in slightly thinner at 7.9mm. What genuinely surprised me is how iQOO managed to fit a massive 7600mAh battery inside, along with a proper vapour cooling system, without making the phone feel chunky.
Durability has clearly been taken seriously. You get IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, plus Schott Xensation Alpha protection on the front. It feels built to survive daily chaos. I would still recommend using the bundled TPU case though. Glass and metal may look sleek, but gravity does not negotiate.
Feature-wise, it ticks almost every box. There is an IR blaster, NFC, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and all the usual flagship essentials. You get USB-C, though limited to USB 2.0 speeds, and there is no SD card slot. Minor misses, yes, but in the context of everything else on offer, they are easy to overlook.
<h2>iQOO 15R&rsquo;s display and audio: Smooth visuals, sensible sound</h2>
Smartphone screens have improved across the board, so a good panel is no longer a luxury. Still, the iQOO 15R manages to stand out, not because it chases crazy numbers, but because the overall execution feels right.
Up front, you get a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Everything feels instantly fluid. Scrolling, app switching, gaming, even basic navigation all feel consistently smooth. The bezels are impressively slim too, with side bezels measuring just 1.25mm, which gives the phone a clean, immersive look from the front.
This is an LTPS panel, so it dynamically adjusts between 144Hz, 120Hz, 90Hz and 60Hz depending on what you are doing. It does not drop down to 1Hz like LTPO displays, but in real-world use, I genuinely did not feel like I was missing anything. The phone still feels responsive while managing power efficiently.
Brightness is where it gets interesting. Peak local brightness goes up to 5000 nits on paper, which is huge. It supports over a billion colours, and while streaming HDR content on Netflix and YouTube, visuals looked vibrant and sharp without going overboard. There is no Dolby Vision here, but you do get HDR10+ support along with Netflix and Amazon HDR certifications. Colours look lively, blacks are deep, and highlights are controlled. The tuning feels balanced rather than artificially boosted, which actually helps during longer binge sessions.
Outdoor visibility is solid as well. With a peak HBM brightness of 1800 nits, reading messages or checking maps under harsh sunlight was never an issue.
You also get a 3D ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, which works reliably even if your fingers are slightly damp or dusty. Not long ago, that felt like a proper flagship feature.
As for audio, the stereo speakers get reasonably loud and offer decent clarity for short videos and casual gaming. They are perfectly fine for daily use, but they are not replacing a proper Bluetooth speaker anytime soon.
<h2>iQOO 15R&rsquo;s performance: Proper flagship muscle</h2>
If there is one area where the iQOO 15R feels completely unapologetic, it is performance. This thing does not tiptoe around its positioning. It goes all in. You get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. On paper, that already reads like a flagship checklist, and in actual use, it behaves like one.
In AnTuTu, I scored just under 3.1 million. That is slightly below iQOO&rsquo;s claimed 3.5 million, but 3.1 million is still huge for this segment. Geekbench returned 2793 in single-core and 9017 in multi-core, comfortably sitting in flagship territory. In 3DMark, stability came in at 56.2 per cent, which shows this phone is not just chasing peak numbers for screenshots. It is built to sustain performance.
Day-to-day use feels effortless. Scrolling through Instagram, jumping between apps, streaming Netflix or YouTube, and running heavy apps in the background all feel consistently smooth. There were multiple moments where I genuinely forgot this is supposed to be the &ldquo;more affordable&rdquo; option.
iQOO has also added its Q2 Supercomputing chip along with a dedicated Network Enhancing chip. The Q2 chip kicks in during graphically intense tasks, especially gaming, while the network chip optimises 5G and WiFi stability. It sounds like textbook marketing, but during longer gaming sessions, the difference felt noticeable. Frame rates stayed stable and connections felt steady.
Gaming is where the 15R really shines. With the 144Hz display and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 working together, the experience feels incredibly fluid. In BGMI, I averaged around 143fps. Even though the game caps at 120fps, frame interpolation helps smooth things out further. You can also tweak settings to upscale visuals closer to 1.5K clarity, even if the game renders lower internally.
What impressed me most is how well it handles heat. The IceCore vapour chamber cooling system, combined with a dual-layer graphite sheet, keeps thermals in check. Even during extended sessions, it never felt uncomfortably hot.
For raw performance, there is barely anything here to nitpick.
<h2>iQOO 15R&rsquo;s software: Clean evolution, smarter execution</h2>
The iQOO 15R runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 right out of the box, and it is honestly one of the biggest upgrades the brand has made in years. If you remember the older FunTouch OS era, this feels like a complete reset. The interface looks more modern, animations are tighter, and the entire experience feels smoother and more cohesive.
In daily use, the polish is noticeable. Unlocking the phone, switching between apps, pulling down notifications, everything feels fluid and properly optimised. There is also a healthy amount of customisation built in. Flip Cards, Live Photo wallpapers, layout tweaks and visual adjustments are all easy to access, and you do not need to dig through endless menus to personalise the phone.
There is clearly some inspiration from iOS 26&rsquo;s liquid glass design language, but it does not feel like a lazy copy. The implementation feels thoughtful. Origin Island, for example, takes cues from Apple&rsquo;s Dynamic Island, but in practice, it feels less distracting and more seamlessly integrated. Live notifications and background activities appear in a way that feels functional rather than flashy. But best of all are the additional AI features that they get.
Speaking of which, AI features are everywhere, as you would expect from a 2026 device. You get AI Creation tools, AI Captions, and multiple AI-powered photo editing options. Google&rsquo;s AI ecosystem is fully baked in too, including Gemini, Call Translation, and Circle to Search.
iQOO is promising 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches, along with claims of five years of consistently smooth performance. That kind of long-term commitment makes the software story even stronger.
<h2>iQOO 15R&rsquo;s cameras: Solid results, within reason</h2>
iQOO has never really chased the &ldquo;camera king&rdquo; title. The brand has always leaned more into raw performance. That said, over the last few launches, imaging has clearly improved, and the 15R continues that trend.
You get a 50MP main sensor with OIS, paired with an 8MP ultrawide. On paper, it is not the most ambitious setup in this segment, but the main camera genuinely surprised me. In good lighting, it captures plenty of detail with pleasing colours and decent dynamic range. The processing does a respectable job of balancing highlights and shadows, though the colour tone can lean slightly warm at times.
Is this the best camera system around this price? No. But it is far from disappointing. For most users, especially those not obsessing over pixel-peeping, it delivers more than acceptable results. The imaging pipeline feels refined enough to consistently pull out good shots without too much effort.
The ultrawide, however, is where compromises are more visible. Colours remain fairly consistent with the main sensor, but sharpness takes a noticeable dip. In low light, its limitations become clearer, with softer details and more visible noise.
Portrait shots are generally solid. Edge detection holds up well in most scenarios, and skin tones look natural without going overboard on smoothing. The 32MP front camera handles selfies well enough. It may not blow you away, but it is reliable for social media and video calls.
For video, both front and rear cameras support up to 4K at 60fps. Rear stabilisation is decent and usable, while the front camera&rsquo;s stabilisation feels slightly less refined and could use some fine-tuning.
<h2>iQOO 15R&rsquo;s battery: Easily a two-day companion</h2>
Battery anxiety is simply not a thing with the iQOO 15R. Packing a huge 7600mAh cell, this phone is clearly built for endurance. During my testing, which included long gaming sessions, camera usage, benchmark runs, and hours of YouTube and Netflix, it consistently lasted around a day and a half. With more regular, everyday use, hitting two full days on a single charge feels very achievable.
When it finally does run low, the 100W fast charging makes topping up painless. Going from zero to 100 per cent took just over an hour, which is genuinely impressive considering the size of the battery inside.
<h2>iQOO 15R review: A performance-first phone that mostly gets it right</h2>
After spending proper time with the iQOO 15R, it is clear that this phone knows where it wants to win. Performance is the headline, and not just in benchmark charts. In everyday use, it feels fast, stable and completely unfazed by heavy multitasking or long gaming sessions.&nbsp;
The 144Hz display keeps interactions looking crisp and fluid, and that massive 7600mAh battery is genuinely one of its biggest strengths. Being able to push close to two days on a single charge feels like a real advantage in this segment.
The camera setup is not class-leading, particularly the ultrawide, but the 50MP main sensor delivers consistently solid shots. Unless mobile photography is your absolute priority, most users are unlikely to feel disappointed with what is on offer here.

Infinix Note Edge 5G review covering price in India, specs, slim 7.2mm design, curved AMOLED display, Dimensity 7100 performance, AI features, camera quality, and 6,500mAh battery with 45W fast charging.

Infinix Note Edge 5G Review: Slim Design, Curved AMOLED, and Balanced Performance

Infinix Note Edge 5G blends a slim 7.2mm design, curved AMOLED display, Dimensity 7100 performance, AI features, and a 6,500mAh battery with 45W charging, offering a balanced mid-range smartphone experience.

Infinix Note Edge 5G blends a slim 7.2mm design, curved AMOLED display, Dimensity 7100 performance, AI features, and a 6,500mAh battery with 45W charging, offering a balanced mid-range smartphone experience.

Some smartphones try to overwhelm you. More megapixels, bigger numbers, louder claims. Others take a quieter route. The Infinix Note Edge 5G belongs firmly in the second camp.
It is a phone that looks confident on a spec sheet, feels surprisingly refined in the hand, and then calmly reminds you that it was never trying to be a flagship killer in the first place.
On paper, the Note Edge checks a lot of boxes. Curved AMOLED display, a large 6,500mAh battery, MediaTek&rsquo;s Dimensity 7100 chipset, modern AI features, and a design that flirts with premium territory.
At a price hovering slightly above the $200 mark, the question is not whether it does many things, but whether it does the right things well enough.
After spending time with it, the Infinix Note Edge comes across as a phone with clear priorities. Some of those priorities land beautifully. Others reveal the compromises Infinix had to make to hit this price.
<h2>Price, Variants, and What You Get in the Box</h2>
The Infinix Note Edge 5G enters the Indian market with pricing that clearly targets the upper mid-range segment. The base variant starts at Rs. 21,999 for 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, making it relatively accessible for a phone with a curved AMOLED display and a large battery.
There are two higher configurations as well. The 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant is priced at Rs. 23,999, while the top-end 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option comes in at Rs. 25,999.&nbsp;
Internally, the phone uses LPDDR4X RAM paired with UFS 2.2 storage. This is not flagship-grade memory, but it is fast and reliable enough for the kind of everyday performance the Note Edge is designed to deliver.
Where Infinix really leans in is the unboxing experience. Even at this price, you get a TPU case, a 45W fast charging brick, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a pre-applied screen protector in the box.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/tecno-pova-curve-2-5g-review-the-case-for-bigger-batteries-in-slim-phones-1771573690938">Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Review</a>
<h2>Design: Comfortable, Confident, and a Bit Playful</h2>
The first thing you notice about the Infinix Note Edge is how thin it feels. At just 7.2mm, it is impressively slim for a phone carrying a 6,500mAh battery. That thin profile, combined with the curved edges, makes it feel lighter and more manageable than its size suggests. It is the kind of phone that disappears into your hand instead of constantly reminding you of its dimensions.
Infinix offers the Note Edge in three color variants: Silk Green, Stellar Blue, and Lunar Titanium. While all three aim for a premium look, Silk Green is easily the standout. Instead of a glossy or metallic surface, it features a silk-like, fabric-inspired texture that feels genuinely different to the touch.
It is soft, slightly grippy, and avoids fingerprints entirely. More importantly, it feels intentional, not gimmicky. This is one of those finishes that you notice every time you pick up the phone.
The Stellar Blue and Lunar Titanium variants take a more traditional route with metallic-style finishes. They look clean and polished, offering a safer, more conventional premium aesthetic. If you want something familiar, these are solid options. But if you want personality, Silk Green is where the phone truly finds its identity.
The back panel still houses Infinix&rsquo;s Active Halo Light, a small LED that responds to calls, notifications, and charging. It is subtle, customizable, and adds a touch of playfulness without screaming for attention. The camera module keeps things simple, despite the visual illusion of multiple sensors, with a single main camera doing all the work.
There is also a dedicated One Tap Key with a green accent on the side. By default, it launches the camera and works as a physical shutter button, but it can be reassigned or turned off completely. It is a small detail, but one that adds to the phone&rsquo;s usability.
Despite its slim profile, the Note Edge does not feel fragile. The build feels solid, the curves are well-balanced, and the phone carries an IP65 rating for water resistance. Add in stereo speakers tuned by JBL and an IR blaster at the top, and the overall design feels thoughtfully engineered rather than simply styled.
<h2>Display: Big, Curved, and Mostly Impressive</h2>
The Infinix Note Edge features a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. On first glance, it is one of the phone&rsquo;s strongest features.
Scrolling is smooth, animations feel fluid, and colors are punchy without going overboard. The bezels are even, the curves are aggressive, and the overall presentation feels modern. Gorilla Glass 7i protection is a welcome addition and suggests Infinix is thinking about durability.
There is an in-display fingerprint scanner positioned low on the screen. It works quickly and reliably, though you do have to stretch your thumb a bit to reach it.
There are compromises. There is no HDR support, which is noticeable if you stream a lot of high-quality content. Brightness outdoors is acceptable, but at very low brightness levels, visibility drops more than expected. You can force the display to stay at 120Hz, drop it to 60Hz, or leave it on auto. Auto works well and is the sensible choice.
Overall, this is a display that looks great in everyday use, even if it skips a few premium extras.
<h2>Software: XOS Has Grown Up</h2>
The Note Edge runs Android 16 with Infinix&rsquo;s XOS 16.1 on top. Infinix promises three years of Android updates and five years of security patches, which is genuinely impressive for this segment.
XOS has matured significantly over the years. The interface feels cleaner, animations are smoother, and the icon design feels more intentional. There are visual flourishes inspired by other ecosystems, especially in the quick settings panel, but they are mostly contained and do not overwhelm the experience.
Pre-installed apps are present, but most can be uninstalled. Multitasking features like split screen and floating windows work well, and there is support for multiple user profiles.
For long-time Infinix users, this software evolution will be obvious. For new users, it simply feels stable and modern, which is exactly what it should do.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/vivo-v70-review-the-refined-portrait-master-1771504089465">Vivo V70 Review</a>
<h2>AI Features: Ambitious and Surprisingly Useful</h2>
There is a dedicated Infinix AI section in the settings, and it is clear the company wants to be part of the AI conversation. These features rely on an internet connection rather than on-device processing, but that is expected at this price.
Circle to Search is one of the highlights, especially for identifying music playing nearby. There are also AI call summaries, recording summaries, writing assistance, document tools, and a voice assistant called Folax that can replace Gemini.
None of these features are revolutionary on their own, but together they give the Note Edge a sense of modernity. Infinix deserves credit for not treating AI as a buzzword and actually integrating usable tools.
<h2>Performance: Reliable, Not Reckless</h2>
The Infinix Note Edge is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, a chipset that focuses more on efficiency and stability than raw horsepower. Paired with up to 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, everyday performance feels fluid. Apps open quickly, background processes stay in memory longer than expected, and general navigation feels smooth and predictable.
This is not a phone built for benchmark bragging rights, and that is obvious the moment you push it hard. Casual gaming and popular titles run without issue, but extended gaming sessions or higher graphics settings can introduce frame drops over time.
That said, thermal management is solid. The phone does not aggressively heat up, which makes longer usage sessions more comfortable. For day-to-day use like social media, streaming, browsing, and multitasking, the Note Edge performs reliably.
It responds when you need it to and stays out of your way, which is arguably the most important thing for its target audience. Performance here is sensible, measured, and well-aligned with what the phone is trying to
<h2>Cameras: Good Enough, With Clear Limits</h2>
On the back, the Note Edge uses a single 50MP camera, despite the design suggesting more. On the front, there is a 13MP selfie camera.
In good lighting, the main camera performs well. Photos are sharp, detailed, and colors are pleasing. Skin tones are handled nicely, which is not always a given at this price. Digital zoom goes up to 15x, but the usable range tops out at around 2x.
Low-light performance is respectable. Noise is controlled reasonably well, and images remain usable, though not exceptional.
The selfie camera delivers good detail and dynamic range. Video recording maxes out at 2K at 30fps on both front and rear cameras. For 60fps, you need to drop to 1080p, and electronic stabilization is limited to 1080p at 30fps.
For casual photos and family videos, the camera system is fine. For serious video work or creative photography, this is not the phone to rely on.
<h2>Battery Life and Charging: Good, Not Great</h2>
The 6,500mAh battery is one of the headline features, and expectations are naturally high. In practice, battery life is solid but slightly underwhelming given the size.
You can comfortably get through a full day of use, but stretching into a day and a half is less consistent than expected. With some software optimization, this could improve.
Charging is reliable. The included 45W charger takes the phone from zero to full in just over an hour, which helps offset the battery performance.
<h2>Final Verdict: A Sensible Phone With a Clear Audience</h2>
The Infinix Note Edge is not trying to be everything. It is not chasing flagship performance, extreme camera versatility, or record-breaking benchmarks. Instead, it focuses on comfort, design, software maturity, and everyday usability.
It looks good, feels good, and covers the basics with confidence. The display is strong, the software is surprisingly polished, and the included accessories add real value. At the same time, battery life does not fully capitalize on its capacity, and the camera setup feels limited for the price.
This is a phone for someone who wants a well-rounded, modern device without unnecessary flash. A phone that feels thoughtful rather than ambitious. If that sounds like your kind of device, the Infinix Note Edge makes a compelling case for itself in a very crowded mid-range market.

The Oppo Pad 5 packs a 2.8K 120Hz display, Dimensity 7300 Ultra, 10,050mAh battery and quad speakers. A reliable all-round tablet under ₹30K.

Oppo Pad 5 Review: A well-balanced tablet under ₹30K

Oppo Pad 5 packs a 2.8K 120Hz display, Dimensity 7300 Ultra, 10,050mAh battery and quad speakers. A reliable all-round tablet under ₹30K.

<h3>The Oppo Pad 5 is a dependable all-round tablet with a sharp 2.8K display, stable performance, strong battery life and solid multimedia experience under ₹30K.</h3>

The Oppo Pad 5 is clearly designed to be an all-rounder. It is not trying to reinvent the tablet category or chase one dramatic headline feature. Instead, it positions itself as a balanced device that covers all the essentials without cutting obvious corners.
On paper, the spec sheet looks reassuring. You get a 12.1-inch 2.8K display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor, up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, a large 10,050mAh battery, stylus support, quad speakers, and Dolby Vision. It reads like a checklist Oppo did not want to leave incomplete.
In India, the tablet starts at ₹26,999 for the Wi-Fi variant and ₹32,999 for the 5G model, which puts it in a competitive but important price bracket.
After spending a good two weeks with it as my choice of device aside from my phone, which meant using it as my streaming device, productivity companion, note-taking slab, and occasional gaming machine, I wanted to see whether this balanced approach actually works in real life. And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.&nbsp;
<h2>Oppo Pad 5 Review: Design and build quality</h2>
Let us start with the design, because with tablets, design is not just about looks. It is about how the thing feels after 40 minutes of Netflix, or two hours of note-taking.
The Oppo Pad 5 keeps things simple and controlled. The proportions are neat. The bezels are evenly balanced. The flat edges give it that modern, 2026 tablet vibe without trying too hard to look futuristic. It feels confident, but not loud.
My unit came in Aurora Pink, and honestly, it looks better in person than in pictures. It has this soft mauve, marble-like finish that catches light in a subtle way. Indoors, when you tilt it slightly, you see this shimmery texture that adds depth. It does not scream for attention, but it definitely does not feel basic either. If pink is not your thing, there is a black version that keeps things clean and low-key.
The back is polycarbonate, but it does not feel cheap. There is no flex when you twist it. No hollow sound when you tap it. It feels dense and reassuring, which is what you want from something you will carry around daily. The frame looks metallic and feels sturdy. The flat edges make it comfortable to hold in landscape mode, especially while watching content. On a desk, it sits flat without wobbling, which sounds small, but it matters.
At around 6.8mm thick, it is slim enough to feel sleek without feeling fragile. The Wi-Fi variant weighs 597 grams, and the 5G version is 599 grams. That two-gram difference means nothing in real life. What matters is that it feels balanced. It is light enough for long reading sessions, but not so light that it feels toy-like.
The rear camera module is clean and minimal. There is a small decorative ring around the lens, which adds a bit of character without being flashy. For some strange reason, though, you don&rsquo;t get a flash with the rear camera.
Now, I tested the Wi-Fi unit, so there&rsquo;s no SIM tray here. If you want 5G, you will have to go for the 8GB + 256GB model.&nbsp;
As for accessories, the Pad 5 does support stylus input, and Oppo also sells a new stylus, the Oppo Pencil 2R, separately for the Pad 5. For this review, I used the OnePlus Stylo 2 instead, and it worked perfectly. Pressure sensitivity felt accurate, latency was low, and handwriting recognition worked smoothly. Even scribbled calculations were picked up correctly. So, if you want, you can use a third-party Bluetooth stylus without any issues.&nbsp;
Surprisingly, though, there is no dedicated folio cover for the Oppo Pad 5, not even from Oppo. However, you can use the folio cover from the OnePlus Pad Go 2, as they are almost identical in dimension.&nbsp;
Overall, the Pad 5 is comfortable, practical, and for a tablet you will use every day, truly dependable.
<h2>Oppo Pad 5 Review: 12.1-inch 2.8K display and quad speakers</h2>
Now let me talk about the display, because this is honestly where I felt the Oppo Pad 5 steps up.
It has a 12.1-inch 2.8K LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the moment I unlocked it, it felt premium. This is technically a 12-bit, or 8+4-bit panel, and I could actually see the difference. Colours have depth instead of looking flat. In Vivid mode, it covers 98 per cent of DCI-P3, and in Natural mode, it hits 100 per cent sRGB. Gradients look smooth. Dark scenes do not show harsh banding. It feels refined.
Streaming was a good experience, too. I watched HDR content on YouTube and Netflix, and the panel held up well. Dolby Vision support is present, HEVC decoding works, and Netflix streams in Full HD without restrictions. At this price, I appreciate that nothing feels artificially capped.
The 120Hz refresh rate makes daily use feel fluid. Scrolling through long articles feels effortless. Swiping between apps is responsive. After using it for a few days, going back to 60Hz genuinely feels slower to me.
Brightness peaks at 900 nits in high brightness mode. Indoors, it looks excellent. Under shade outdoors, I had no issues. In direct harsh sunlight, it can struggle slightly, but that is expected in this segment.
I also like the 7:5 aspect ratio. It feels balanced for productivity, very similar to most iPads. Split-screen apps actually get enough space to be usable. Reading long documents feels natural and not strained.
The quad speakers surprised me. They get loud without distorting quickly. There is a hint of bass, dialogue is clear, and music does not sound thin.
For Netflix, YouTube, or even background music while working, I felt the multimedia experience was complete and well-sorted.
<h2>Oppo Pad 5 Review: 8MP Cameras that do the job</h2>
Let us be honest, nobody buys a tablet for its cameras, and the Oppo Pad 5 is no different.
On the back, you get an 8MP sensor. It is not trying to be artistic. It is there for practical stuff. Scanning documents works smoothly. Clicking whiteboard notes is quick and clear. Reference shots look sharp enough for everyday use.
The front is also 8MP, and in good lighting, it does the job well. Video calls look natural. Skin tones are balanced. Exposure is handled properly.
You are not buying this for selfies or to record videos of any previous moments. It is meant for your online classes and Zoom meetings, and in those specific use cases, it works just fine.
Oppo Pad 5 Review: Dimensity 7300 Ultra performance The Oppo Pad 5 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. I tested the 8GB plus 256GB variant.
This is not a performance-first tablet on paper, but in daily use, I never felt like it was struggling to keep up.
In my testing, it scored just under 985,000 on AnTuTu. Geekbench returned 998 in single core and 3136 in multi core. On 3DMark, stability was an impressive 99.4 per cent, with loop scores sitting between 860 and 865. The numbers are respectable, but what mattered more to me was how consistent they felt.
From what I experienced, Oppo has tuned this device conservatively. It does not spike aggressively for short benchmark bursts. Instead, it focuses on sustained stability, and that shows in real-world usage.
I ran split-screen apps, floating windows, multiple Chrome tabs, background downloads, and YouTube playback at the same time. Everything remained smooth. App switching felt fluid, and I did not notice random frame drops.
Gaming performance is also pretty decent if you just want to enjoy a larger display. I tried games like BGMI, and it ran comfortably well. COD Mobile can hit up to 90FPS on low graphics, and gameplay was pretty stable. That 3DMark stability score actually reflects the experience I had.
While the Pad 5 may not be a tablet that is trying to top benchmark charts and gaming scores, &nbsp;it is a balanced, dependable performer built for everyday reliability.
<h2>Oppo Pad 5 Review: ColorOS 16 software experience</h2>
The Oppo Pad 5 runs on ColorOS 16 based on Android 16, and I have to say, it feels familiar in a good way.
The interface is clean and easy to understand. Nothing feels cluttered. There is a slight glassy look to parts of the UI, but it is subtle. It does not feel like it is trying too hard. I get the same customisation options that I have seen on recent Oppo and OnePlus phones, so if you have used one before, you will feel at home. The Flux theme is here as well, and I like how it matches app icons to the overall theme. It keeps everything looking neat.
This being 2026, there are a ton of AI features, but they do not feel forced. I tried AI summaries for text, and they worked fine for quick overviews. There are several AI photo editing tools built in, and Google Gemini support is integrated too. I did not feel like these were gimmicks, but I also did not feel like they were revolutionary. They are just useful additions.
Where I genuinely enjoyed the experience was multitasking. I used split screen a lot, and it ran smoothly. Floating windows were responsive. You also get a ton of cross-device features, which were easy to use in my testing. Phone mirroring worked consistently, and moving files between Android phones, iPhones, and even my PC felt intuitive and hassle-free.
Oppo says it will keep performance smooth for four years. For a tablet, long-term stability is important, and I appreciate that commitment.
<h2>Oppo Pad 5 Review: 10,050mAh battery and 33W charging</h2>
Battery life ended up being one of the most reassuring parts of my time with the Oppo Pad 5.
It packs a 10,050mAh battery, and in my usage, it comfortably lasted around a day and a half. That included streaming shows, browsing, taking notes, some light gaming, and a few video calls in between. I never felt anxious about the battery dipping too quickly, which is exactly what I want from a tablet.
The standby drain was low as well. When I left it idle overnight, the percentage barely moved, which tells me the optimisation is doing its job.
Charging is rated at 33W, and Oppo includes a 45W charger in the box. From low to full, it took me roughly an hour and a half. It is not class-leading fast, but it is practical and predictable.
For a tablet this size, the endurance feels stable and dependable, which honestly matters more than flashy charging speeds.
<h2>Oppo Pad 5 Review: Verdict</h2>
After spending two weeks with the Oppo Pad 5 as my go-to secondary device, I think Oppo has played this one smartly.
This is not a tablet that wins you over with one dramatic headline feature. It is not the fastest, not the flashiest, and not trying to redefine the category. What it does instead is quietly get almost everything right. The display is sharp, colour accurate, and genuinely enjoyable for streaming. The quad speakers add to that immersive feel. Performance is stable and consistent, whether I was multitasking, browsing, or playing games casually. Battery life is dependable enough that I never felt nervous stepping out without a charger.
Even the design, while not radical, feels practical and comfortable for long sessions, which matters more than bold aesthetics on a tablet.
At ₹26,999 for the Wi-Fi model and ₹32,999 for the 5G variant, I feel the Oppo Pad 5 offers a well-balanced package. If you want a tablet that can handle content consumption, productivity, note-taking, and some gaming without obvious compromises, this makes a strong case for itself. It is not trying to dominate one category. It is trying to be reliably good at all of them, and in my experience, it succeeds.

The Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G packs an 8000mAh battery in a slim 7.42mm body. Bold design, curved AMOLED and solid endurance at ₹27,999.

Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Review: 8000mAh battery beast

<h3>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G packs an 8000mAh battery into a slim 7.42mm body, offering standout endurance, a curved 144Hz AMOLED display and stable mid-range performance at ₹27,999.</h3>

Tecno isn&rsquo;t hiding what the Pova Curve 2 5G is about. This is a phone built around one clear headline: an 8,000mAh battery inside a slim 7.42mm body. In a mid-range market where big batteries usually translate into bulky designs, Tecno is betting that this combination alone is enough to grab attention.&nbsp;
Pair that with a curved AMOLED display and an unapologetically bold design, and the Pova Curve 2 positions itself as a device that wants to stand out visually and practically.
That positioning carries into the pricing. The Pova Curve 2 5G is available in two variants: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage at ₹27,999, and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage at ₹29,999. Tecno is also offering cashback benefits of up to ₹3,000 through select banks and NBFC partners, which brings the effective price closer to more aggressively priced rivals.&nbsp;
At these numbers, Tecno isn&rsquo;t chasing value-for-money headlines alone. Instead, it&rsquo;s asking buyers to pay for endurance, design, and day-to-day usability.
The bigger question, then, is whether the Pova Curve 2 delivers beyond its standout battery and design. To answer that, it&rsquo;s worth looking closely at how it holds up in real-world use across display quality, performance, cameras, software experience, and charging.
<h2>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Design &amp; Build</h2>
Tecno clearly wasn&rsquo;t interested in playing it safe with the Pova Curve 2, and that&rsquo;s evident the moment you flip the phone over.&nbsp;
The back is dominated by a triangular camera module with dual cutouts, a layout that feels deliberately unconventional in a market obsessed with circular islands and iPhone-adjacent rectangles. It&rsquo;s a look you don&rsquo;t encounter often, and that alone gives the phone a distinct visual identity.&nbsp;
Adding to this is a secondary triangular accent near the bottom-right corner, which leans hard into a sci-fi, almost spaceship-like aesthetic. A continuous strip running across the back ties these elements together, making the design feel intentional rather than ornamental.
Design, of course, is deeply personal. But after two decades of watching smartphone aesthetics oscillate between bold experimentation and conservative minimalism, this feels like a refreshing deviation from the norm.
At a time when most brands are content with muted finishes and familiar silhouettes, the Pova Curve 2 dares to be loud. That also means it won&rsquo;t appeal to everyone. If your taste runs toward clean lines and understated elegance, this phone may feel a bit too expressive. For everyone else, it&rsquo;s a guaranteed head-turner.
Despite the visual drama, the phone itself is impressively slim at just over 7.4mm. In the hand, it feels lighter and thinner than you&rsquo;d expect, and that slimness is immediately noticeable during everyday use. There are compromises, though.&nbsp;
Both the frame and the rear panel are plastic, which slightly undercuts the premium aspirations of the design. Tecno does try to offset this with small touches, like the textured orange power button. It&rsquo;s easy to find by feel and adds a bit of character without being gimmicky.
Overall, the Pova Curve 2 feels like a device designed to stand out in a sea of sameness. It may not win over minimalists, but for users who want their phone to look different and aren&rsquo;t afraid of a bit of sci-fi flair, this is a design that confidently charts its own course.
<h2>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Display</h2>
Tecno&rsquo;s approach with the Pova Curve 2 display is clearly about creating impact first and refining the experience around it. Front and centre is a large 6.78-inch AMOLED panel that stretches edge to edge with a subtle curve along the sides.&nbsp;
The curvature is restrained rather than dramatic, which helps avoid accidental touches and keeps the phone practical for daily use. Resolution sits at Full HD+, sharp enough for everything from social feeds to long video sessions.
Where the panel tries to flex its muscles is in smoothness. The screen is rated for a 144Hz refresh rate, but in real-world usage, it behaves more intelligently than aggressively. Most interactions feel fluid without the phone constantly locking itself to the highest refresh setting. Only select games are able to tap into the full 144Hz capability, which is in line with how most high-refresh displays are handled today.
Brightness is another headline feature, with Tecno claiming a peak output of 4,500 nits. Indoors and in shaded environments, the display looks vibrant and punchy, with colours that don&rsquo;t appear oversaturated. Outdoors, the screen generally holds up well, though in very bright sunlight, you may still find yourself squinting or angling the phone slightly to read finer text.
One area Tecno seems keen to emphasise is eye comfort. The Pova Curve 2 uses high-frequency PWM dimming, which essentially means the display manages brightness changes at a speed fast enough to reduce perceived flicker.
During late-night use, the screen felt easy on the eyes, with no immediate discomfort during extended scrolling or video playback. However, this is the kind of feature that reveals its true value only after weeks, not days, of use.
Sound output is handled by speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos support. Volume levels are more than adequate for casual viewing, and dialogue in shows and videos comes through clearly. The stereo effect is present, but the bottom speaker does most of the heavy lifting, so how you hold the phone can affect the listening experience.
<h2>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Performance</h2>
At the core of the POVA Curve 2 is MediaTek&rsquo;s Dimensity 7100, a 6nm chipset that prioritises efficiency and consistency over raw firepower. It&rsquo;s paired with generous memory and storage configurations, including 8GB of physical RAM with additional virtual expansion, and UFS 2.2 storage in both 128GB and 256GB variants.&nbsp;
On paper, this places the phone squarely in familiar mid-range territory, especially when you consider that some battery-centric rivals, like Realme&rsquo;s Power series with the Dimensity 7300 and Dimensity 7400, do offer a noticeable step up in outright performance.
In everyday use, though, the Curve 2 holds its own. App launches are quick, multitasking feels fluid, and the phone doesn&rsquo;t show signs of hesitation during routine workloads. More importantly, the performance feels predictable rather than spiky, which matters far more than peak scores.
Gaming performance reflects the same philosophy. Titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run comfortably at 60fps for extended sessions, with no obvious stutters or aggressive throttling.&nbsp;
The phone doesn&rsquo;t chase ultra-high frame rates or maxed-out graphics, but it delivers stable gameplay without turning warm or dropping frames unexpectedly. For casual and mid-level gamers, it&rsquo;s more than adequate.
Where Tecno genuinely tries to carve out a point of difference is in connectivity. The POVA Curve 2 adopts a triple-chipset setup, pairing the Dimensity 7100 with two dedicated signal-processing chips.
In theory, this approach shifts network-related tasks off the main processor and onto specialised hardware, which should help maintain more consistent call and data performance in challenging conditions like crowded areas or weak-signal zones.
In real-world use with a Jio 5G SIM, the impact felt more subtle than transformative. I didn&rsquo;t notice a dramatic improvement compared with other phones in this segment, but just as importantly, I also didn&rsquo;t run into connectivity problems.&nbsp;
Calls remained stable, data throughput stayed consistent, and 5G signals held up where expected. It&rsquo;s the kind of feature that quietly underpins a reliable experience rather than one that jumps out as a game changer.
There&rsquo;s also an added emphasis on off-grid communication. The phone supports direct device-to-device connectivity over distances of up to two kilometres, without needing mobile data, Wi-Fi, or even a SIM. It&rsquo;s a niche feature, but one that could prove genuinely useful in emergencies or outdoor scenarios where networks are unreliable.
<h2>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Software</h2>
Software on the Pova Curve 2 feels more deliberate than flashy. HiOS 16, based on Android 16, doesn&rsquo;t try to overwhelm you with features, but it does show that Tecno is paying closer attention to how the phone actually gets used. The interface leans into softer visuals and layered effects, which makes it feel lighter and less cluttered than older versions of HiOS.
One feature that quietly improves daily use is Tecno&rsquo;s Dynamic Port. Instead of being a visual gimmick, it surfaces useful information like OTPs at the top of the screen, letting you glance and move on without breaking your flow. It&rsquo;s the kind of addition that fades into the background once you get used to it, which is usually a good sign.
Ella, Tecno&rsquo;s in-house AI assistant, replaces Google&rsquo;s offering by default. It handles basic tasks well enough, and the company&rsquo;s focus on local data handling may appeal to some users. That said, the option to switch to another assistant remains, which is the right approach.
There&rsquo;s some preloaded software, and a bit of early notification noise, but nothing that can&rsquo;t be cleaned up quickly. More than anything, HiOS 16 here feels calmer and more considered. It doesn&rsquo;t redefine the Android experience, but it no longer feels like an afterthought either.
The phone ships with HiOS 16 based on Android 16 out of the box and is guaranteed two major Android version updates, along with three years of security patches. That puts it in line with what most mid-range phones in this price bracket offer, without overselling longevity.
<h2>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Cameras</h2>
Camera hardware on the Pova Curve 2 5G is fairly straightforward, and Tecno isn&rsquo;t pretending otherwise. The phone relies on a 50MP main rear sensor, paired with a secondary 2MP unit that plays more of a supporting role than a meaningful creative one.
Video recording goes up to 2K at 30fps from the rear camera, which is still not a given in this price segment and is a practical win for users who shoot a lot of clips for social media.
In good daylight, the main camera delivers serviceable results. Photos have enough detail and contrast for everyday use, but the processing can be inconsistent. Colours tend to lean on the punchy side, and fine textures occasionally break down into visible grain, even when lighting is favourable. It&rsquo;s not a deal-breaker, but it does remind you that this isn&rsquo;t a camera-first device.
Low-light performance is where the limitations become more apparent. Noise creeps in quickly, and the camera struggles to preserve detail without aggressive smoothing. Night shots are usable for casual sharing, but expectations need to be kept in check. This is a camera that prioritises speed and convenience over accuracy.
The 13MP front camera mirrors the rear setup in philosophy. It supports 2K video recording, which is great to have for video calls and vlogging, but still images can be hit or miss. Skin tones sometimes look a little over-processed, and dynamic range is limited, especially under harsh lighting.
Overall, the Pova Curve 2&rsquo;s cameras are adequate rather than impressive. They get the job done for social media, video calls, and quick captures, but they don&rsquo;t stand out in a crowded mid-range market. Tecno&rsquo;s strengths with this phone lie elsewhere, and the camera setup feels like a functional addition rather than a headline feature. &nbsp;
<h2>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
Big batteries in slim phones are no longer rare. We&rsquo;ve already seen several devices with 7,000mAh to 7,500mAh cells manage respectable thickness without feeling cumbersome in daily use. Tecno isn&rsquo;t breaking new ground by pairing a large battery with a slim profile.
Where the POVA Curve 2 stands apart is in how far it stretches that formula. Stepping up to an 8,000mAh battery usually introduces compromises, but here the phone remains just 7.42mm thick. In the hand, it doesn&rsquo;t feel like a typical &ldquo;power bank phone,&rdquo; and the weight distribution stays comfortable even during long sessions.
That extra capacity delivers tangible gains in endurance. For most users, the phone can comfortably last close to two full days on a single charge. With heavier usage, including gaming, streaming, and constant connectivity, it still gets through a long day with enough reserve to avoid charging anxiety. Lighter usage patterns can push it well beyond the 48-hour mark.
Charging such a large battery is handled sensibly rather than aggressively. The POVA Curve 2 supports 45W fast charging, and Tecno includes the charger in the box. A full charge takes roughly an hour and forty minutes, which is reasonable given the battery size. More importantly, short charging sessions are genuinely useful, adding several hours of use in a brief plug-in.
The result is a phone that doesn&rsquo;t chase extremes in one direction. The POVA Curve 2 doesn&rsquo;t just offer a big battery for the sake of numbers; it integrates it into a slim, usable design, delivering endurance that feels practical rather than excessive.
<h2>Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G Review: Verdict</h2>
The Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G is a phone that knows exactly what it wants to be. Its biggest win is battery life, delivering long, stress-free usage without turning the phone into a heavy or uncomfortable slab. The slim design and curved display help it feel more premium than most battery-focused phones, and everyday performance remains stable and predictable.
That focus does come with compromises. Camera performance is serviceable but unremarkable, the chipset prioritises efficiency over raw speed, and the software experience, while improved, still requires some cleanup out of the box. None of these are deal-breakers, but they do define the kind of user this phone is meant for.
If you want a phone that looks different, lasts significantly longer than most, and handles daily tasks without fuss, the Pova Curve 2 makes a compelling case at its effective pricing. It doesn&rsquo;t try to be the best at everything, but it executes its core strengths well, and in a crowded mid-range segment, that clarity works in its favour.

Vivo V70 Elite packs Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 50MP 3X telephoto, 6500mAh battery & 90W charging. A polished premium mid-ranger worth ₹52,000?

Vivo V70 Elite Review: A premium mid-ranger with a flagship set of cameras

<h3>The Vivo V70 Elite delivers a balanced premium mid-range experience with strong cameras, refined software, and dependable performance. At ₹52,000, it focuses on consistency over spec-sheet theatrics.</h3>

The Vivo V70 Elite steps into one of the most competitive price brackets right now. With a starting price of ₹52,000, it sits in that tricky space where a phone is expected to deliver a near-flagship experience without actually being one. On paper, it ticks plenty of premium boxes. There&rsquo;s the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 running the show, a sharp 1.5K AMOLED panel with slim bezels, a 50MP 3X telephoto camera with OIS, a massive 6,500mAh battery, and Vivo&rsquo;s refined OriginOS 6 tying it all together.
That sounds impressive, but this is also a segment where rivals are not holding back. Oppo, iQOO, OnePlus and Realme are all chasing bigger numbers, faster charging, stronger chipsets and flashier camera setups.
So the question isn&rsquo;t about whether the V70 Elite performs well, because it does. The real discussion is whether it offers enough of an edge to feel worth ₹52,000 in a market where simply being good just does not cut it anymore.
<h2>Vivo V70 Elite&rsquo;s design: Comfort meets confidence</h2>
The first thing that struck me was how naturally the V70 Elite settles into the hand. A 6.59-inch display usually means some finger gymnastics, but here it just feels balanced. It is large, yes, but not awkward. The glass and metal build sits comfortably in the palm, and I found myself using it one-handed more often than I expected, without constantly readjusting my grip. That everyday ease genuinely matters.
A lot of that comfort comes from the finish. The back has this velvety texture that feels soft yet grippy, almost cushioned without being rubbery. It adds a sense of security when you are holding it casually. The frame helps too. At 7.59mm, it is slim enough to look sleek without chasing extreme thinness. Weighing 197 grams, the phone feels evenly balanced, so it never tips forward or strains the wrist. The Passion Red unit we tested looks bold and premium, though the Authentic Black and Sand Beige variants may differ slightly in weight and dimensions.
The build quality backs up the feel. You get a glass rear panel paired with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, and together they give the device a solid, refined character. The camera island switches things up with a squarish layout instead of the circular module seen on some other Vivo devices. The 50MP main and 50MP telephoto lenses each sit within their own subtle accent ring, while the 8MP ultrawide, Aura Light, and a small Zeiss logo complete the setup.
Durability is not just cosmetic here. The V70 Elite carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with an SGS five-star drop resistance certification. It feels sturdy enough for daily life, though it remains a glass build, so basic care still makes sense.
Ports and buttons are laid out sensibly. The dual Nano SIM slot, speaker grille and USB 2.0 Type C port sit at the bottom. Volume controls and the power key are on the right, and there is even an IR blaster placed on top.
<h2>Vivo V70 Elite&rsquo;s display and audio: Premium vibes all around</h2>
Displays in this segment have improved massively, so the V70 Elite had to come prepared. It features a 6.59 inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the first thing you notice is how seamless the front looks. The bezels are extremely slim, which makes the screen feel expansive and gives the phone a polished, near-flagship appearance.
The specifications back that up. You get HDR10 and HDR10+ support, peak local brightness rated at 5000 nits, and full DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. On paper, that already sounds serious, and in daily use, it absolutely holds up. HDR content on YouTube and Netflix looks punchy, with strong contrast and controlled highlights. Bright scenes retain detail instead of blowing out, and darker scenes maintain depth without crushing shadows. Colours are vibrant but not exaggerated, striking a good balance between lively and accurate.
The panel is capable of displaying over a billion colours, which strongly suggests a 10-bit display, even though that has not been officially confirmed. Regardless, gradients appear smooth and natural. Games like Honkai Star Rail look rich and immersive, with depth in textures and colour transitions that you do not always see at this price point. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling fluid and animations clean, adding to the overall premium feel.
Outdoor visibility is reassuringly strong. While we do not have an exact high-brightness mode figure, the display remains readable under harsh sunlight. Text stays sharp, and colours do not wash out easily, making everyday use outdoors comfortable.
The ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor is another highlight. It is fast, accurate, and works reliably even when your fingers are slightly sweaty or oily, which is a practical advantage over optical sensors.
Audio performance is solid as well. The stereo speakers get loud enough for casual streaming and gaming, with a decent sense of separation and a noticeable hint of bass. At maximum volume, there can be slight distortion, but for the most part, they stay clear, punchy, and enjoyable for everyday use.
<h2>Vivo V70 Elite&rsquo;s performance: Real-world speed over raw hype</h2>
At the heart of the V70 Elite sits the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It might technically belong to last year&rsquo;s silicon cycle, but this is still a 4nm, flagship-grade processor that has plenty of muscle left. Paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, the hardware setup is undeniably serious and built for heavy use.
In everyday performance, the phone feels quick and confident. Apps pop open without delay, multitasking stays smooth even with multiple background processes, and the UI maintains a consistent fluidity. There is a sense of responsiveness that makes the device feel premium rather than mid-range. Whether it is rapid app switching, scrolling through social feeds, or juggling work apps, it handles it without stutter.
That said, Vivo&rsquo;s V series has never chased record-breaking benchmark numbers purely for headlines. The focus has always been stable, sustained output, and that philosophy is clear here. Instead of short bursts of peak performance followed by throttling, the V70 Elite prioritises consistency.
The benchmark numbers reflect that balance. It scores around 1.85 million on AnTuTu, which is comfortably high. On Geekbench, it posts 1933 in single-core and 4908 in multi-core tests. In 3DMark&rsquo;s Wildlife stress test, it maintains 79 per cent stability, suggesting it can sustain performance reasonably well under prolonged load.
In real gaming scenarios, it delivers dependable results. BGMI runs at an average of 88 to 89 FPS over a 20-minute session with no major frame drops. Given the chipset, 120FPS support would have been ideal, but even so, gameplay feels stable. Thermals stay controlled, and heavier tasks like exporting videos in VN are handled smoothly without excessive heating.
<h2>Vivo V70 Elite&rsquo;s software: Polished, playful and future-ready</h2>
If you have followed Vivo&rsquo;s recent phones, the software experience here will feel familiar in a good way. The V70 Elite ships with OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, and it is easily among the cleanest Android skins available right now. This does not feel anything like the older Vivo software many people still remember. The interface has been completely refined and feels far more cohesive.
Vivo has embraced a transparent, liquid-inspired design language that looks glossy and modern without going overboard. There is a hint of Apple-like finesse in the smoothness and layering, but it still feels distinctly Vivo. Lock screen customisation is more flexible than before, with additional layout options and styling tools that are easier to set up. Animations across the system are fluid, and even the dynamic island-style pop-up feels thoughtfully integrated rather than gimmicky. Updated icons and cleaner transitions give the UI a mature, premium character.
What stood out most during my usage was the consistency. Apps open quickly, the ultrasonic fingerprint unlock is instant, and scrolling through notifications or social feeds feels seamless. The redesigned control centre is sharper and better organised, making quick toggles more accessible. Origin Island adds a bit of interactive flair, while phone-to-PC mirroring and cross-device connectivity proved genuinely useful during daily work.
AI features are deeply integrated, many powered by Google Gemini. Tools like AI Creation, AI Search and Circle to Search are built in. The AI Photography Suite adds creative flexibility, letting you adjust moods or themes after capturing a shot. You can give images a winter aesthetic or experiment with beach-style edits, and even try India-specific options like AI Holi Portrait.
Not every feature is essential, but they are enjoyable to explore. Vivo is also promising four major Android updates and six years of security patches, which adds meaningful long-term assurance.
<h2>Vivo V70 Elite&rsquo;s cameras: Practical setup, powerful results</h2>
On paper, the V70 Elite does not try to overwhelm you with wild numbers, but it quietly checks all the right boxes. You get a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP 3X optical telephoto with OIS, and an 8MP ultrawide at the back. Up front, there is a 50MP selfie shooter, and yes, it comes with autofocus. It feels less like a spec flex and more like a setup designed for real-world use.
In daylight, the main 50MP sensor produces crisp, lively images without going overboard on saturation. Colours are slightly restrained, which actually helps scenes look more natural. Highlights stay under control, skies do not blow out easily, and dynamic range is handled well. There is plenty of detail for social posts, and even light cropping holds up nicely.
Low light performance is solid, too. The main camera manages exposure well, keeping images sharp and avoiding strange colour shifts. It may not dominate extreme comparisons, but the output is bright, clean and dependable for this price range.
The 50MP 3X telephoto is where things get interesting. In daylight, zoom shots look sharp and detailed, with colours staying consistent. Even stretching to 5X or 10X delivers surprisingly usable results. At night, it still performs confidently, retaining good detail with only minor warmth creeping into certain scenes. If you enjoy shooting from a distance, this lens genuinely expands your creative options.
The 8MP ultrawide is the only area where you notice a slight step down. In good light, it handles landscapes and group shots well, keeping colours fairly aligned with the main camera. In low light, finer details soften a bit, but the images remain shareable.
The 50MP front camera performs reliably, delivering sharp, well-exposed selfies. Autofocus makes a real difference when you are moving. Portrait mode produces clean edge detection with pleasing background blur. Video recording goes up to 4K at 60FPS, offering stable, sharp footage that works well for vlogging and everyday content creation.
<h2>Vivo V70 Elite&rsquo;s battery and charging: Big cell, quick top-ups</h2>
The V70 Elite comes with a 6500mAh battery and 90W fast charging. For this price, that is solid, although I cannot help but feel Vivo could have gone even bigger. With rivals like Oppo, iQOO, OnePlus and even Realme pushing 7000mAh and even 7500mAh batteries, Vivo definitely had room to be more ambitious.
Still, real-world endurance is dependable. On heavy days filled with gaming, navigation over mobile data, and long video sessions, the phone easily lasted a full day. On lighter usage, it stretched close to a day and a half before I needed the charger.
The 90W charging is properly fast, taking about 55 minutes to go from nearly empty to full. Wireless charging would have sweetened the deal, but bypass charging does add practical value.
<h2>Verdict: A polished premium all-rounder</h2>
After spending proper time with the V70 Elite, it is clear that Vivo has crafted a well-balanced device. The design feels refined and comfortable in hand, the display is genuinely impressive for this segment, and the camera setup delivers meaningful versatility.&nbsp;
The 50MP 3X telephoto stands out as a practical addition rather than a numbers game. Performance is smooth and dependable, focusing on stability over flashy benchmark figures.&nbsp;
Battery life easily handles demanding days, and the 90W charging keeps downtime to a minimum. OriginOS 6 further elevates the experience with its polished look and genuinely useful features.
Pricing, though, could have been better. At ₹52,000, expectations are high, and a slightly lower entry point would have made it even more appealing. Features like wireless charging could also have added extra value, especially with the top variant crossing ₹60,000.
That said, if you want a premium mid-ranger that delivers consistency across design, display, cameras and software, the V70 Elite proves itself as a confident and capable choice.

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