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The Oppo Find X9s brings strong cameras, smooth performance, ColorOS 16, and a huge battery. But is it worth ₹79,999? We find out.

Oppo Find X9s Review: The Balanced Flagship?

Editorji News Desk

Oppo

Oppo Find X9s

The Oppo Find X9s focuses on balance, bringing a strong set of cameras, polished software, premium design, and an excellent battery life.

The flagship smartphone race has become incredibly intense, particularly on the Android side of things. Brands are no longer just competing on raw performance or camera specs. The goal now is to create a phone that feels premium in every possible way, whether that&rsquo;s design, battery life, software smoothness, or long-term usability. With the Find X9s, Oppo seems less interested in showing off and more focused on refining the overall experience.
What impressed me most during my time with the phone was not one headline-grabbing feature, but the way everything comes together so naturally. The hardware feels elegant, the display is sharp and immersive, the Hasselblad-backed cameras are reliable across different situations, and ColorOS 16 feels mature and polished throughout daily use.
While some rivals may offer bigger numbers or more aggressive specifications, the Find X9s succeeds by feeling consistently refined. It delivers the kind of balanced flagship experience that simply works without demanding attention all the time.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Pricing: How much does it cost?</h2>
The Oppo Find X9s has arrived in India with a starting price of Rs 79,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. Buyers looking for more storage can opt for the 512GB version, which has been priced at Rs 89,999. With this pricing, Oppo is clearly positioning the Find X9s in the premium flagship segment, where it goes up against devices from Samsung, Vivo, and OnePlus.
Oppo has also confirmed that the Find X9s series will officially go on sale starting May 30. The smartphone is expected to be available through major online platforms as well as authorised retail stores across the country.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Design: A flagship design that feels polished</h2>
The Oppo Find X9s instantly feels like a proper premium flagship the moment you pick it up. Oppo has gone with a flat-frame, flat-panel design this year, but thankfully, the edges are gently rounded, so the phone never digs into your hand during longer use. It feels sleek, modern, and surprisingly comfortable despite being a large flagship device.
The matte glass back has a soft, smooth texture that feels refined in hand, while the aluminium frame gives the phone a sturdy and premium finish. At 7.99mm thick and weighing 202 grams, the Find X9s manages to strike a nice balance between solid build quality and everyday comfort. It never felt too heavy or awkward during my usage.
One feature I genuinely ended up liking was the new Snap Key. Oppo allows you to customise it for different shortcuts like opening the camera, turning on the flashlight, taking screenshots, or accessing Plus Mind tools. I mostly used it for productivity shortcuts, and over time, it became something I relied on more than expected.
I&rsquo;m also a fan of Oppo&rsquo;s squircle-style camera module. It looks cleaner and more elegant compared to the oversized circular modules we&rsquo;ve been seeing lately, while still giving the phone a strong flagship identity.
On the durability front, Oppo has packed in IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, along with SGS five-star drop protection, making the Find X9s feel properly built for long-term use.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Display: A panel built for content lovers</h2>
The Oppo Find X9s features a 6.59-inch 120Hz display, and I genuinely enjoyed using this panel throughout my time with the phone. The 1.5K resolution keeps everything looking crisp and detailed, whether you&rsquo;re endlessly scrolling through Instagram, reading articles, gaming, or binge-watching videos late into the night.
Even though Oppo uses an LTPS panel instead of LTPO here, the overall experience still feels smooth and premium in daily use. Animations are fluid, touch response feels snappy, and I never found myself missing LTPO during regular usage. Brightness is another major highlight. The panel reaches up to 1800 nits in High Brightness Mode, while local peak brightness goes all the way up to 3600 nits. Outdoor visibility under Delhi&rsquo;s unforgiving afternoon sun never became an issue.
What stood out to me most was the colour tuning. The display supports 10-bit colours and Dolby Vision, including Dolby Vision playback on Netflix, which makes movies and HDR videos look rich, vibrant, and immersive without going overboard on saturation. Whether it was YouTube, Netflix, or casual gaming, the Find X9s delivered a genuinely enjoyable multimedia experience.
The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded under the display also works brilliantly. It&rsquo;s quick, reliable, and unlocks the phone almost instantly.
Oppo&rsquo;s stereo speakers are equally solid. Audio gets loud enough, vocals sound clean, and there&rsquo;s enough depth to make gaming, videos, and music enjoyable, even if the bass could still use a little more punch.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Cameras: One of Oppo&rsquo;s best camera systems yet</h2>
The cameras are easily the biggest highlight of the Oppo Find X9s, and after using the phone extensively, I can confidently say Oppo has built a seriously impressive camera setup here. The Find X9s packs a triple 50MP system featuring a main camera, telephoto lens, and ultrawide shooter, all backed by Hasselblad tuning. And honestly, the difference is immediately noticeable.
In daylight, the phone captures excellent photos with plenty of detail, strong dynamic range, and colours that look rich without becoming overly saturated. I really liked how balanced Oppo&rsquo;s image processing feels this time. The photos look polished and social-media ready, but still natural enough to avoid that fake HDR-heavy look some flagships struggle with.
The telephoto camera is another standout. Sharpness remains consistently impressive even at higher zoom levels, while colour consistency between lenses is handled brilliantly. Oppo also avoids aggressive over-processing, which helps preserve texture and detail in zoom shots.
The ultrawide camera performs surprisingly well too. Details remain sharp, colours stay balanced, and the overall image quality holds up nicely even in tricky lighting conditions. In low light, the Find X9s continues to impress with controlled highlights, good sharpness, and clean-looking images without excessive noise reduction.
Portraits are another strong area for the phone. Edge detection is clean, skin tones look natural, and the background blur has a smooth, polished flagship-like quality to it.
For videos, the Find X9s supports up to 4K 60fps recording with Dolby Vision support. Stabilisation is excellent, colours look cinematic, and footage overall feels refined and consistent. I still would have liked to see 8K recording at this price point, though.
Even the 32MP selfie camera does a solid job, producing balanced selfies with natural skin tones and accurate exposure.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Performance: Smooth, reliable, and built for gaming</h2>
The Oppo Find X9s is powered by the Dimensity 9500s chipset, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. While there are a few phones in this segment that post slightly higher benchmark scores, I never once felt the Find X9s was lacking in real-world performance.
Day-to-day usage feels properly flagship-grade. Apps open quickly, multitasking remains smooth, and the overall experience stays consistently fluid even during heavier workloads. Whether I was editing photos, jumping between multiple apps, or handling demanding tasks, the phone remained fast and responsive throughout.
Gaming performance also ended up being better than I expected. Most games comfortably run around the 90FPS mark, but enabling AI frame interpolation pushes supported titles up to 120FPS, which noticeably improves smoothness during gameplay. More importantly, thermal management is genuinely solid here. Even during extended gaming sessions, the Find X9s only became slightly warm and never reached the point of feeling uncomfortable or heavily throttled.
Sure, benchmark-focused users may notice some competitors scoring higher in apps like Antutu, Geekbench, or 3DMark, but honestly, the real-world experience still feels extremely polished and flagship-like.
Connectivity is also very future-ready. Oppo includes support for WiFi 7, NFC, eSIM functionality, and Bluetooth 6.1, which is newer than what many rivals currently offer. The only thing that feels a little outdated is the USB 2.0 Type-C port, especially considering the premium pricing of the phone.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Review: ColorOS 16 finally feels truly refined</h2>
The Oppo Find X9s runs on ColorOS 16, and honestly, this feels like one of Oppo&rsquo;s cleanest and most polished software experiences yet. The UI feels fluid, animations are consistently smooth, and the entire system has a lively responsiveness that makes daily usage genuinely enjoyable.
Oppo also gives you plenty of room for customisation. From lock screen styles and icon packs to animations and interface tweaks, there&rsquo;s a lot you can personalise without the software ever feeling messy or overloaded.
The biggest highlight, though, is the AI integration. Features like AI Mind Pilot actually feel useful instead of existing purely for marketing buzzwords. What makes it interesting is how intelligently the system routes tasks between different AI models depending on what you&rsquo;re trying to do. During my usage, it felt quick, smart, and surprisingly practical.
The Luminous Rendering Engine also deserves mention because it keeps the overall UI experience feeling consistently smooth and polished. Combined with the deeper Hasselblad integration inside the camera app, the entire software experience feels cohesive and properly flagship-grade.
For long-term support, Oppo is promising 5 years of Android updates alongside 6 years of security patches, which definitely adds strong long-term value to the Find X9s.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Battery: Excellent battery life for power users</h2>
The Oppo Find X9s packs a huge 7,025mAh battery, and the battery life genuinely impressed me during daily use. Even with fairly heavy usage involving gaming, camera sessions, social media, streaming, and navigation, the phone comfortably lasted through an entire day without giving me battery anxiety. Oppo has managed to strike a really nice balance between endurance and overall usability here.
Charging speeds are solid as well. The phone supports 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, which takes it from 0 to 100 percent in roughly 55 to 60 minutes. It may not be the absolute fastest charging solution in this segment, but it still feels quick enough for most users. Oppo also includes reverse wired charging support for accessories, which is always a handy addition.
<h2>Oppo Find X9s Verdict: Worth the money?</h2>
The Oppo Find X9s feels like Oppo is finally perfecting its entry level flagship formula. Instead of relying on one flashy gimmick or headline-grabbing feature, the phone focuses on delivering a balanced experience across almost every area, with cameras clearly taking centre stage.
After spending time with the device, I genuinely enjoyed using it as a daily driver. The design feels premium yet comfortable, the display is vibrant and immersive, and the camera system is easily one of the strongest parts of the entire experience. Hasselblad&rsquo;s tuning gives photos a more natural and refined look, while both the telephoto and ultrawide cameras remain consistently reliable across different lighting conditions. Video quality is excellent too, although 8K recording support would have made the package feel even more complete at this price.
Performance may not dominate every benchmark chart, but in actual usage, the Find X9s feels extremely fast, fluid, and dependable. Gaming performance is solid, thermal management is impressive, and ColorOS 16 ended up being one of the biggest surprises for me. Features like AI Mind Pilot actually feel practical instead of existing purely as AI marketing filler.
Battery life is another massive strength. The large 7,025mAh battery comfortably powers through a full day of heavy usage without any stress.
Overall, the Oppo Find X9s feels like a polished, camera-focused flagship for people who want a premium experience without dealing with major compromises.

The Vivo X300 Ultra delivers mirrorless-style cameras, flagship power, strong battery life and premium design. See if it is worth ₹1,59,999.

Vivo X300 Ultra Review: A True Camera Flagship

Vivo 

Vivo X300 Ultra

The Vivo X300 Ultra is a full-blown camera-first flagship with superb imaging, strong performance, excellent battery life and a steep ₹1,59,999 price.

For a little over two weeks, the Vivo X300 Ultra became my primary phone, and honestly, it did not take long for me to figure out what Vivo was aiming for here. The first time I started shooting photos and videos with it, one thing became immediately obvious: this is a phone built almost entirely around the camera experience.
Over the past few years, Vivo has slowly turned itself into one of the biggest players in smartphone photography. While other brands chased flashy AI tricks and raw performance numbers, Vivo consistently focused on imaging, and the results have shown. Its X-series phones regularly delivered some of the best camera systems on any smartphone. The frustrating part, at least for Indian buyers, was that the Ultra models never officially made it here. We usually got the standard and Pro variants, while the real camera monsters stayed limited to China.
That finally changes with the X300 Ultra. Vivo has now brought its top-tier flagship to India alongside the X300 FE, entering a space already packed with serious competition like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with the Oppo Find X9 Ultra expected soon. In 2026, though, calling a phone &ldquo;Ultra&rdquo; is no longer enough. Every brand is chasing the same dream of building the ultimate flagship.
Which also makes Vivo&rsquo;s pricing strategy pretty bold. At ₹1,59,999, the X300 Ultra costs even more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra, two phones most buyers instantly associate with the premium segment.
So what exactly makes the X300 Ultra stand out?
For me, the answer comes down almost entirely to the cameras.
Of course, the phone delivers everything else you would expect from a modern flagship too. But unlike most rivals that try balancing everything equally, the X300 Ultra feels like a device designed around photography first, with the rest of the hardware supporting that vision. The bigger question is whether Vivo&rsquo;s camera-first approach is enough to justify that massive asking price.
<h2>Vivo X300 Ultra Review: Cameras</h2>
Talking about the Vivo X300 Ultra almost automatically means starting with the cameras first. Everything else about this phone feels like it exists to support Vivo&rsquo;s imaging ambitions, and after using it extensively, this easily feels like one of the most serious camera systems on any smartphone right now.
The hardware itself is loaded. Vivo is using a 200MP Sony LYT-901 main sensor with gimbal stabilisation, alongside a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPB periscope telephoto camera with an 85mm focal length, 3.7x optical zoom, OIS, and an f/2.7 aperture. The ultrawide camera uses a 50MP Sony LYT-818 sensor with a 14mm focal length, dual-pixel autofocus, OIS, and a 116-degree field of view. Up front, there is a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus.
What immediately changes the feel of the main camera is Vivo&rsquo;s decision to use a tighter 35mm focal length instead of the typical 24mm look most smartphones rely on. Photos end up looking far more natural and cinematic, especially for portraits, food shots, and street photography.
On paper, Vivo has slightly narrowed the aperture to f/1.9 this year, and pixel sizes are also smaller. But in actual usage, the large 1/1.12-inch sensor still delivers excellent detail, strong dynamic range, and surprisingly reliable motion handling.
Vivo&rsquo;s colour science continues to be one of the best in the business. Images look cinematic without becoming overly sharpened or aggressively HDR-heavy. Colours are slightly richer than reality, especially greens and reds, but the processing usually makes photos look more vibrant rather than fake.
The standout camera here is easily the 85mm telephoto sensor. Zoom shots remain impressively detailed even at longer ranges, while the gimbal stabilisation genuinely helps reduce shaky results. I also ended up using the telephoto camera heavily for macro photography. Instead of relying on the dedicated Super Macro mode, the 7.4x telephoto zoom produced cleaner close-up shots with better subject separation and more comfortable framing distances.
Portrait mode is excellent too, and this is one of the few phones where the Zeiss branding actually feels meaningful. Edge detection is clean, skin tones mostly stay natural, and the background blur looks softer and more camera-like than what most phones manage.
The ultrawide camera is surprisingly strong as well. Vivo is using a massive sensor here, and unlike most ultrawide cameras that feel noticeably weaker than the primary sensor, this one stays consistently sharp with strong low-light performance and well-controlled distortion.
What impressed me most overall was the consistency between all three rear cameras. Switching between the main, telephoto, and ultrawide rarely feels jarring because colours and exposure remain cohesive across lenses. The only time I noticed slight differences was in lower light, where the ultrawide and telephoto cameras became slightly more prone to motion blur with fast-moving subjects.
Video has clearly become a huge focus this year too. The X300 Ultra supports 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording across all rear cameras, while the selfie camera supports 4K 60fps Dolby Vision recording. You also get 10-bit LOG recording, LUT support, and extensive manual controls in Pro Video mode. Most casual users may never touch these features, but their presence makes it clear Vivo is targeting serious creators alongside regular users.
The 50MP selfie camera is excellent too. Selfies come out detailed, autofocus works reliably, and skin tones mostly stay natural. Vivo still adds a slightly warm tone to faces sometimes, but overall, the results look clean and pleasing.
<h2>Vivo X300 Ultra Review: Design</h2>
The first thing that stood out to me about the Vivo X300 Ultra was just how massive and substantial it feels in the hand. This is unapologetically a big flagship, and that gigantic camera module on the back makes the phone feel slightly top-heavy during one-handed use.
Thankfully, Vivo has still paid attention to ergonomics. The aluminium frame uses softly curved edges, which makes the phone more comfortable to hold compared to some aggressively flat-sided rivals. The matte finish on the frame also helps with grip while keeping fingerprint smudges under control.
The rear design looks premium without feeling overly flashy. Vivo has used a clean two-tone glass finish, and in this Victory Green colourway, the upper section leans heavily into the camera-inspired aesthetic while the lower half stays far more minimal. It gives the phone a distinct identity without looking excessive.
The camera module itself is enormous, but because it sits centrally, the phone surprisingly does not wobble much when placed on a table. My only minor complaint is that the module sits low enough for my index finger to occasionally brush against the housing and sometimes even the lenses while adjusting my grip.
You also get an IP69 rating, so the X300 Ultra can comfortably handle water immersion as well as high-pressure water exposure.
<h2>Vivo X300 Ultra Review: Display</h2>
The Vivo X300 Ultra features a massive 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display that can show over 1 billion colours, and gets a 144Hz refresh rate. We also get Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and 2160Hz PWM dimming.
In daily use, this is easily one of the best smartphone displays I have used in a long time. The panel looks incredibly sharp, colours appear vibrant without feeling artificially boosted, and the slim bezels make the entire front feel almost edge-to-edge. Watching HDR content, gaming, and even regular scrolling simply feels fantastic on this screen.
The adaptive LTPO refresh rate can intelligently scale between 1Hz and 144Hz depending on the task, helping the phone stay smooth while also managing battery life efficiently. Animations feel fluid throughout the interface, and high-refresh-rate gaming feels especially responsive.
Brightness is another area where the X300 Ultra performs exceptionally well. With 1,800 nits of high brightness mode output and a claimed peak brightness of 4500 nits, outdoor visibility remains excellent even under harsh sunlight.
One thing worth noting is that the phone does not run at full QHD+ resolution by default. Vivo dynamically adjusts resolution depending on usage to balance performance and battery life. Honestly though, the default setting already looks more than sharp enough in everyday use.
The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner also deserves credit. It is quick, reliable, and positioned comfortably for natural unlocking.
<h2>Vivo X300 Ultra Review: Performance</h2>
The Vivo X300 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm&rsquo;s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is currently the chipset powering most serious Android flagships. Vivo has also paired it with its custom VS1+ imaging chip, giving the phone an absurd amount of processing power for both photography and everyday performance.
The variant I tested came with 16GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, and the overall experience feels incredibly fast. App launches are instant, multitasking feels effortless, and large file transfers happen ridiculously quickly.
The benchmark numbers reflect that too. The phone scored over 3.8 million on AnTuTu, while Geekbench 6 delivered 3595 in single-core and 10,302 in multi-core tests. More importantly, those numbers translate into genuinely smooth real-world performance. The phone never really feels like it is struggling, regardless of what you throw at it.
Gaming performance is excellent as well. BGMI and COD: Mobile both support 120fps gameplay, while Genshin Impact runs at up to 60fps. Thermals are handled fairly well too. During the demanding 3DMark Wild Life Extreme stress test, temperatures rose from roughly 36&deg;C to 51&deg;C, which is not unusual for a benchmark this heavy.
In regular usage, the phone stays mostly under control. It does get noticeably warm during long outdoor camera sessions, especially while recording high-resolution video, but Vivo&rsquo;s large vapour chamber cooling system helps bring temperatures down reasonably quickly afterwards.
The stereo speakers are excellent too. They get impressively loud, stay clear at high volumes, and offer strong stereo separation while gaming or watching videos.
<h2>Vivo X300 Ultra Battery Life: Big battery, fast charging</h2>
The X300 Ultra packs a huge 6600mAh battery, and thankfully, Vivo hasn&rsquo;t built a camera monster that constantly lives next to a charger. Battery life here is genuinely dependable.
On lighter days with mostly messaging, browsing, music streaming, and some casual photography, the phone can comfortably spill into a second day. But even during heavier usage involving gaming, long camera sessions, and navigation, I never really found myself stressing about battery life before the end of the day.
That said, this is still a phone designed for power users, and once you start pushing all the high-end hardware simultaneously, the battery does begin to move. Shooting a lot of 4K video, especially at higher frame rates, using the camera outdoors at max brightness, or gaming for long stretches, definitely drains it faster.&nbsp;
What I like is that the battery performance feels predictable. Some flagship phones randomly nosedive once the camera gets involved, but the X300 Ultra remains fairly consistent even during intensive use.&nbsp;
Charging is predictably fast too. The phone supports 100W wired charging and 40W wireless charging, and with Vivo&rsquo;s bundled adapter, the speeds are seriously quick for a battery this large. Around 20 minutes gets you close to 50%, while half an hour takes it comfortably past 70%. For a 6600mAh battery, that&rsquo;s honestly kind of ridiculous.
<h2>Vivo X300 Ultra Review: Software</h2>
The Vivo X300 Ultra runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, and honestly, Vivo&rsquo;s software experience has improved massively over the past few years. At this point, it is genuinely difficult to complain about how polished the overall experience feels.
What I like most about OriginOS is that it manages to feel playful and feature-rich without becoming overwhelming. There are customisation options almost everywhere, including lock screen layouts, icon styles, animations, wallpapers, and multitasking tools, but the interface still feels organised instead of turning into visual chaos.
Vivo has also added several genuinely useful AI and smart features. The live screen translation works surprisingly well, the recorder app&rsquo;s transcription tool is extremely handy during meetings or interviews, and the AI summary feature saves time when dealing with long notes. Even Origin Island, which initially sounds gimmicky, becomes genuinely useful once you start dragging screenshots, files, and content between apps regularly.
The experience is not completely perfect, though. There are still a few pre-installed apps that most users will probably uninstall immediately, along with the occasional App Store notification that feels unnecessary on a flagship phone at this price.
On the bright side, Vivo is promising 5 years of Android updates alongside 7 years of security patches, which is exactly the kind of long-term support expected from a premium flagship in 2026.
<h2>Vivo X300 Ultra Review: Verdict</h2>
The Vivo X300 Ultra does not feel like another flagship chasing attention with flashy AI features and oversized spec sheets. This is a phone that has been very clearly built around the camera experience first. The consistency between sensors, the cinematic colour science, the incredible telephoto system, and the sheer flexibility for both photography and video make this one of the most capable camera phones available right now.
What impressed me even more is that the rest of the phone still holds up extremely well. The display is excellent, performance is ridiculously fast, battery life remains dependable, and OriginOS feels far more refined than older Vivo software ever did.
Of course, the X300 Ultra is not flawless. That enormous camera module makes the phone feel heavy during daily use, and the occasional pre-installed app still feels unnecessary at this price point. The phone also gets noticeably warm during long outdoor camera sessions, especially while recording high-resolution video.
Then there is the pricing. At ₹1,59,999, Vivo is entering territory dominated by phones like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is never an easy comparison.
But if smartphone photography and videography matter more to you than almost anything else, the X300 Ultra absolutely belongs in that conversation. In many ways, this might be Vivo&rsquo;s strongest camera flagship yet.

The OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite packs a massive 7,000mAh battery, 144Hz display, Dimensity 7400 chip, and clean OxygenOS experience under ₹25,000.

OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite Review: Best Budget Battery Phone Under ₹25,000?

With a huge 7,000mAh battery, smooth 144Hz display, clean OxygenOS, and strong everyday performance, the OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite feels like one of the smartest budget phones of 2026.

OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite Review: The Smartest Budget Buy of 2026?

OnePlus

OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite

The OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite delivers a massive 7,000mAh battery, smooth 144Hz display, solid gaming performance, and clean OxygenOS, making it one of the smartest budget phones under ₹25,000.

Finding a solid phone under ₹25,000 in 2026 is becoming a bit of a nightmare. With the constant price hikes in the smartphone industry, things have become a little messy. And of the options that are actually available at that price point, there honestly isn&rsquo;t much to write about.&nbsp;
The OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite, though, seems to challenge that belief.&nbsp;
Starting at ₹20,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model, OnePlus basically decided to go all-in on two things with this one: a crazy battery life and a build that can actually take a beating.
With OnePlus throwing in a massive 7,000mAh battery in there, it feels like they chose to focus on what people actually care about. It is fast, lasts surprisingly long, and doesn't feel like a compromised budget device at all, at least as far as the in-hand feel is concerned.
This is probably the most practical budget phone I have tested in a while. Here is why the Lite might actually be the smarter pick this year.
<h2>Nord CE6 Lite: Unboxing and Design</h2>
OnePlus is staying the course with the Nord unboxing. You still get the full setup here. The signature blue and black box still holds everything you actually need &mdash; a 45W power brick, that iconic red cable, and a protective case right in the box.&nbsp;
There is even a screen protector pre-applied. It is just a basic plastic film, so you will likely want to swap it for tempered glass at some point, but it is nice to have that protection from day one.
The case they included is just a standard, clear one. It is a little basic, but it works fine until you decide to buy something more personalised. The phone itself looks and feels much more premium than you would expect for the price. It is built out of high-quality plastic, but the matte finish is excellent.&nbsp;
It does a great job of hiding oily smudges and fingerprints, so the phone stays looking fresh even after a long day of use. Despite the plastic build, it feels dense and well-assembled. It definitely doesn't feel like a cheap toy.
If you look at the back, the pill-shaped camera layout definitely has some <a title="Realme P4x Review: Budget performer with a beast of a battery" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/realme-p4x-review-budget-performer-with-a-beast-of-a-battery-1765358964468" target="_blank">Realme P4x </a>vibes. OnePlus kept the controls simple by putting all the buttons on the right side. The power button also acts as your fingerprint sensor, and it reacts quickly when you tap it.&nbsp;
With a massive 7,000mAh battery tucked inside, the device is slightly on the thicker side, but just 8.5mm. It weighs 208g, so it has a solid, reassuring heft without being a literal brick in your pocket.
In terms of durability, the Nord CE6 Lite offers an IP64 rating, which is pretty solid for keeping out dust and surviving accidental splashes. But the MIL-STD-810H certification is the bigger deal. That military-grade drop protection means this phone is built to handle the kind of drops and tumbles that happen in the real world. For a budget-friendly device, it is a surprisingly tough piece of hardware.
<h2>Nord CE6 Lite Review: Display</h2>
OnePlus has made a bold move by bringing a 144Hz refresh rate to the <a title="Nord CE6 Review: Big Batteries, Smarter AI, and Better Display" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/nord-ce6-review-big-batteries-smarter-ai-and-better-display-1778158589065" target="_blank">Nord CE6 </a>Lite. It is a segment-leading feature that makes every scroll and animation feel incredibly fluid. While navigating the UI, the scrolling feels remarkably smooth, though the actual viewing experience reflects its budget-friendly positioning.
The Nord CE6 Lite uses a 6.72-inch LCD panel. Yes, the Lite series no longer features an AMOLED in this budget. As I said, welcome to the AI era.&nbsp;
The bezels here are a constant reminder that this is a budget phone, especially when you look at that noticeable chin at the bottom of the screen. While the display is quite punchy for an LCD, it lacks the deep blacks found on more expensive AMOLED screens. You get HDR support for YouTube playback, but Netflix is limited to standard dynamic range.&nbsp;
But, in terms of content consumption, the display does a pretty decent job. During my time with the phone, I never faced any issues, whether I was watching a movie or scrolling through random social feeds. It&rsquo;s not the kind of experience that you would probably get on an AMOLED, but it&rsquo;s decent enough for the price tag.
As for brightness, its peak brightness hits 1000 nits in HBM, which is bright enough for most daily use cases but struggles a bit more than premium panels when used in direct, harsh sunlight.
Durability and usability are big focus areas here as well. The screen features a specialised touch technology that maintains 97% touch accuracy even with wet hands. This ensures you can still reply to texts or navigate the phone with sweaty fingers without the sensor going haywire.&nbsp;
For a phone in this price bracket, having that level of reliability in difficult conditions is a significant addition that most people will actually appreciate during daily use.
<h2>Nord CE6 Lite Review: Performance</h2>
The processor of the Nord CE6 Lite actually turned out to be the biggest surprise of this entire review. We get the MediaTek Dimensity 7400, and for storage, you get up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, whereas RAM tops out at 8GB. OnePlus hasn&rsquo;t exactly shared what kind of RAM we have in this. Still, we get to see a massive jump in power, especially compared to other current phones at this price.&nbsp;
I ran the usual benchmarks and saw an AnTuTu score of 999,565, while Geekbench 6 pulled in 1077 for single-core and 2978 for multi-core. Seeing that kind of speed at this price is pretty rare.&nbsp;
It makes the UI feel much smoother than I expected for a budget device, so daily tasks feel pretty much effortless.
Gaming was another area where it punched above its weight, hitting a solid 90 FPS in BGMI and COD Mobile. It isn't perfect, though.&nbsp;
I did catch a few small stutters during those long marathon sessions. It also gets a bit warm after a while; after two hours of playing, I could definitely feel the heat against my palms. It clearly doesn't have the high-end cooling tech you get on the more expensive models.
Still, you have to remember this chip isn't built for pro-level gaming. Even with a bit of heat under heavy load, it offers a very snappy experience for most people. If you just want a fast phone for multitasking and casual gaming that won't break the bank, this is a huge step up.
<h2>Nord CE6 Lite Review: Camera</h2>
The camera setup on the Nord CE6 Lite is a bit of a mixed bag. OnePlus decided to stick with the same basic configuration we have seen before, featuring a main 50MP sensor and a 2MP depth lens. I was really hoping they would finally add an ultrawide this year for some much-needed versatility, but instead, we are still stuck with a pretty limited dual-camera layout.
That said, the primary camera actually does a solid job of keeping colours looking natural. It doesn't over-saturate things like a lot of other budget phones tend to do. If you&rsquo;re just posting to social media, your portraits will look decent enough, even if they aren't going to win any awards.&nbsp;
A surprising highlight here is that the Lite actually supports 4K video on the rear camera. You don't always see a lot of phones at this price point doing that, so it is a nice feature for anyone who records a lot of clips.
Flip the phone over and you are dealing with an 8MP selfie shooter. While it's a step down from the 16MP on the previous OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite, it works fine for quick snaps or video calls, but the lack of a high-res sensor is pretty obvious if you try to crop in.&nbsp;
Most of the heavy lifting is handled by the software processing.&nbsp;
Still, the main 50MP sensor is reliable enough to make this a decent daily driver for the average person. It is a very basic, no-frills camera package that just focuses on getting the essentials right.
Nord CE6 Lite Review: Software, UI/UX &amp; AI Features The Nord CE6 Lite is hitting the market with OxygenOS 16 right out of the box, running on top of Android 16. It is that classic OnePlus experience: incredibly fast, smooth, and thankfully stripped of the bloatware that usually clutters up budget phones.&nbsp;
The interface feels high-end, making app switching feel almost instant during daily use. It is great to see this level of polish on a device that doesn't cost a fortune.
The AI features here are surprisingly practical. The AI Creative Tools do some heavy lifting; AI Eraser is perfect for getting rid of photobombers in your snaps, while AI Detail Boost can actually save those low-res shots that would normally be useless.
Google Gemini is also baked into the system as a daily assistant, and I found Circle to Search to be one of the most useful additions for quickly figuring out what is in my social media feeds.&nbsp;
Beyond those, the phone is packed with several other AI tools that feel genuinely useful for anyone living in today&rsquo;s digital world. It is clear that OnePlus is finally taking AI seriously, even for their budget devices, and not just for their more expensive, premium offerings. They are making it a standard part of the OnePlus experience, even for their more affordable models.
<h2>Nord CE6 Lite Review: Battery and Charging</h2>
The battery on the Nord CE6 Lite is easily the biggest reason to buy it. That 7,000mAh battery is massive for the price, and it&rsquo;s also a huge jump from the 5,500mAh cell in the previous generation. I put it through my usual daily routine, and it easily lasted almost two full days before I had to even think about a charger.&nbsp;
The 10W reverse charging is also a clever touch. I actually used it to jumpstart my dead earbuds while I was on the move, so for basic power ups you can easily count the Nord CE6 Lite on as your charging buddy.
It uses a 45W SUPERVOOC charger when you finally run out of juice. It would have been nice if OnePlus stuck to the 80W chargers that previous Nord and Nord Lite devices came with.
Still, the phone charges pretty quick. It takes about an hour and a half to hit a full charge, which is fine since it beats out most other phones in this bracket anyway. Just ten minutes on the plug gave me enough power to get through a workday.
You also get Bypass Charging with it. It is great for gaming because the phone pulls power from the wall instead of the battery while you play. This keeps the heat down and stops the battery from wearing out too fast. If you hate constantly worrying about your battery percentage, this thing is the new benchmark for budget phones.
<h2>Nord CE6 Lite Review: Verdict</h2>
The Nord CE6 Lite is probably the most balanced budget phone I&rsquo;ve handled this year, one that costs roughly ₹20,000. It doesn't bother with flashy features that don't work. Instead, OnePlus has covered most of the practical essentials that you&rsquo;d probably demand on a budget device.
Sure, there are certain trade-offs; losing the AMOLED screen is a bummer if you&rsquo;re a big movie buff. But for most of regular users, that 7,000mAh battery is a fair trade. You&rsquo;re getting a clean, fast UI without any of the junk apps that usually ruin budget phones.&nbsp;
At ₹20,999, it&rsquo;s just a solid, dependable tool that isn't going to die on you by lunchtime. If you just want a phone that stays alive and doesn't lag, this is easily the smartest pick in its price range.

OnePlus Nord CE6 delivers an 8000mAh battery, rugged IP69 durability, smooth 144Hz AMOLED display, strong gaming performance, and practical AI features.

OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: 8000mAh Battery, 144Hz AMOLED & AI Features

Massive battery, rugged build, smooth 144Hz display, and practical AI make the Nord CE6 stand out.

OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: The Ultimate No-Anxiety Smartphone

OnePlus Nord CE6

OnePlus Nord CE6 combines a massive 8000mAh battery, rugged durability, smooth 144Hz AMOLED display, strong gaming performance, and practical AI features into a reliable mid-range package.

Finally, the OnePlus Nord CE6 is out from behind the curtain, and this time, OnePlus is doing something different. Instead of the usual minor spec bumps, the Nord CE6 feels like a tool built for the actual world. It starts at ₹29,999 for the 8GB/128GB model, and honestly, it is a huge pivot away from those fragile mid-rangers that always feel like a compromise. It feels like a direct answer for anyone who wants a reliable, high-end experience without draining their bank account.
By doubling down on a massive battery and a build that can actually take a beating, this phone is moving into much more specialized territory. I have spent the last week pushing this thing to its absolute limit to see if these rugged upgrades are actually worth the cash or if the trade-offs are just too much to live with every day. It is a bold move for a brand that usually focuses on speed alone.
<h2>OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
OnePlus is staying consistent with the unboxing of the Nord CE6, and honestly, that is great news for buyers. While most brands are busy stripping chargers and cases out of the box to save money, OnePlus still includes the full kit. You get that signature blue and black box, and inside, everything you actually need is right there.&nbsp;
There is a solid protective case, the famous red cable, and an 80W SUPERVOOC adapter. It is such a relief to not have to buy a brick separately. They even put a screen protector on for you, though it is just a basic plastic film that you will probably want to swap for tempered glass eventually.
The whole package feels way more complete than what you get from most competitors. Instead of those cheap, clear cases that turn yellow and look gross after a few weeks, you get an opaque one that actually feels premium. It makes the hardware feel substantial the moment you pull it out.
When you actually get the <a title="OnePlus Nord 6 Review: The new endurance king that almost has it all" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oneplus-nord-6-review-the-new-endurance-king-that-almost-has-it-all-1775570208573" target="_blank">Nord</a> CE6 in your hand, it looks and feels like it belongs in a higher price bracket. The back has this smooth matte texture that is fantastic at hiding oily smudges and fingerprints. Even though the frame and back are plastic, the finish is so good it looks exactly like glass. The build is tight and doesn't have that hollow, cheap sound when you tap on it.
The design has definitely shifted toward a more "pro" aesthetic. The camera island is now a square, which looks a lot like the OnePlus 15 flagship. It gives the phone a more serious vibe than the older, more playful Nord designs. They kept things simple with all the buttons on the right side, and they have a nice, clicky response. Plus, the fingerprint sensor is under the glass, which keeps the front looking modern and clean. Interestingly, there is no Plus Key to be found here.
Even with a massive battery inside, the phone stays fairly thin at 8.55mm. It isn't a featherweight, but it doesn't feel bulky either. At 215g, it has a reassuring heft that makes it feel like it can actually survive a drop. The biggest highlight is the ruggedness. With IP66, IP68, and even IP69K ratings, this thing is a tank. It can handle high-pressure water jets and has military-grade toughness, so it is clearly built to take a beating.
<h2>OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: Display</h2>
OnePlus really went all out on the screen here. Honestly, seeing a 144Hz refresh rate on a Nord is a huge win. It is a big deal for a mid-range phone because it makes every single swipe feel incredibly smooth. You really notice that extra speed when you are flicking through a long Instagram feed or jumping between apps. It just gives the whole interface a much more expensive, snappy feel that you don't always get at this price.
The actual panel is a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED, and it looks fantastic. One thing I caught immediately was how much thinner the bezels are this time around. They look way more symmetrical than last year, which really helps you get lost in a video. The colors are punchy but they don't look fake, and since it supports HDR on Netflix, it is a great little device for catching up on shows.
I also took it out into the bright Delhi sun and it held up surprisingly well. You get 1800 nits of peak HBM brightness, so I wasn't constantly hunting for a shadow just to read a WhatsApp message. It stays perfectly readable even under direct light. Plus, the in-display fingerprint sensor is a nice touch. It reacts fast and feels a lot more modern than those side-mounted scanners we usually see in this segment.
Then there is the toughness. They used Crystal Guard Glass to keep it safe from scratches, but the Aqua Touch 2.0 is what actually saved me. It basically means you can still use the screen if your hands are sweaty or if it starts drizzling. The display doesn't freak out or register random ghost touches when it gets wet. When you mix that kind of ruggedness with the 144Hz speed, this screen is very hard to beat.
<h2>OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: Performance</h2>
I&rsquo;ll be totally honest, the performance here really caught me off guard. OnePlus made a pretty weird choice by going with a dual-chip setup, pairing the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 with something they call a Touch Reflex Chip. I know some spec-heads are going to complain about them ditching the old Dimensity 8350, but in my hands, this thing felt incredibly quick. I spent the week jumping between heavy apps and multitasking, and it was just liquid smooth. Everything opens the second you hit the icon, which is that snappy feel people want from this brand.
I ran some benchmarks to see how it handles actual pressure. It hit over 1.1 million on AnTuTu and the Geekbench 6 scores were just as solid. But stats aside, the phone simply doesn't stutter when you are pushing it. When I loaded up BGMI and COD Mobile, it stayed locked at a steady 90 FPS. It felt so stable that I&rsquo;m betting we will see 120 FPS support via an update soon. That dedicated touch chip actually seems to help keep the lag down during competitive play.
The cooling was the biggest surprise for me. Even after an hour of grinding, the device only got a little bit warm. I didn't see any of that annoying thermal throttling where the frame rate suddenly tanks to save the hardware. Whether you are editing a quick video or in a long gaming marathon, the Nord CE6 just keeps up. It is a reliable, fast experience that finally makes a mid-range chip feel like a flagship.
<h2>OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: Camera</h2>
The camera situation on the Nord CE6 is honestly a bit of a mystery. I was pretty floored when I realized OnePlus swapped out the ultrawide lens for a 2MP depth sensor. It feels like a big step backward in terms of what you can actually do with the camera, even though that main 50MP sensor is actually quite impressive. It is hard to justify trading a functional lens for a placeholder, but I suppose these are the kind of compromises we have to expect as phone prices keep climbing.
That main camera does a great job, to be fair. My shots around town had plenty of crisp detail, and the dual-axis OIS is a huge help if your hands aren't perfectly steady. But when you switch to video, the limitation comes back because you are capped at 4K at 30fps. Losing the 60fps option that older Nords had feels like a weird move for 2026. I ended up just using 1080p at 60fps most of the time to avoid that jittery look.
At least the color science is on point.<a title="OnePlus Pad 4 Review: This Might Be the Android Tablet to Beat" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oneplus-pad-4-review-this-might-be-the-android-tablet-to-beat-1777537959030" target="_blank"> OnePlus</a> kept the saturation in check, so your photos look realistic instead of looking like a neon cartoon. The portraits are okay for social media, but that 2MP sensor isn't doing much work. The real highlight is the 32MP selfie camera. Having autofocus on the front is a total game changer at this price. It keeps your face sharp in every shot and even records in 4K. It is a fantastic front setup, but I still really wish I had that ultrawide for landscapes.
<h2>OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: Software, UI/UX &amp; AI Features</h2>
The software on the Nord CE6 is exactly what I was looking for. It runs OxygenOS 16 on Android 16, and the whole thing is just fast and remarkably clean. You don't get that bloated, heavy feel that usually kills mid-range phones.&nbsp;
Instead, the UI feels high-end and jumping between big apps is basically instant. But the real headline is the long-term support. OnePlus is promising six years of longevity. Knowing a phone at this price will stay smooth and secure until 2032 is a massive win for anyone who hates upgrading every two years.
The AI stuff here actually feels useful for once. Having Google Gemini as a built-in assistant really changes your daily workflow. And Circle to Search is one of those features I ended up using way more than I expected just to identify stuff in my feed without closing apps.&nbsp;
On the photo side, the AI Eraser and Detail Boost tools are genuinely handy for fixing up a ruined shot or sharpening something that looked a bit soft. It is clear that OnePlus is making AI a core part of the system rather than just a gimmick. It feels like a natural part of the phone.
<h2>OnePlus Nord CE6 Review: Battery and Charging</h2>
OnePlus has really moved the goalposts this year with the battery performance on the Nord CE6. I have been using it as my main device for a week now, and that 8000mAh cell is just incredible. In my actual daily use, I was consistently getting through two full days without needing a plug. It is a weird but great feeling to stop worrying about your charger until the second night rolls around.
The 27W reverse charging is another feature that actually turned out to be useful. I ended up using the phone like a portable power bank to juice up my earbuds while I was out and about. It is one of those things you might ignore at first but really appreciate when you are in a pinch. When the phone finally does hit zero, the 80W SUPERVOOC brick gets that massive tank back to full in about an hour.
Gamers are also going to love the Bypass Charging mode. It lets the phone draw power straight from the wall instead of the battery while you play, which keeps the heat down and saves the battery health in the long run. If you are someone who deals with constant low battery anxiety, the Nord CE6 has basically set a new benchmark. It is a total powerhouse that makes you wonder why every other mid-range phone isn't built this way.
<h2>Verdict: Should you buy it?</h2>
Choosing a phone is getting harder as prices keep climbing. We aren&rsquo;t seeing the same crazy value that older Nords used to offer, but the Nord CE6 still feels like it has that original DNA, even if it costs a bit more now.
It is a rugged tool for anyone who is sick of fragile glass and hunting for a plug by lunchtime. If your job keeps you outside or you just play games for hours, that 8000mAh battery and the tough build are genuine lifesavers. They make the price feel justified.
Yes, losing the ultrawide lens hurts, but the rest of the cameras are fine for daily shots. What you are really buying is a phone that survives a monsoon and lasts two days. If you want something fast and indestructible, this is a great deal. Photographers will hate the lack of lenses, but for anyone else, it is the ultimate "no-anxiety" phone.

The Vivo X300 FE combines ZEISS cameras, flagship-grade performance, slim design, and massive battery life in a surprisingly balanced package.

Vivo X300 FE Review: Small Phone, Big Flagship Energy

Vivo

Vivo X300 FE

<h3 data-start="589" data-end="740">The Vivo X300 FE feels like the sweet spot of Vivo&rsquo;s X-series, balancing cameras, battery life, and usability surprisingly well.</h3>
&nbsp;

Over the past few years, Vivo has been on a serious roll with its X-series phones. Devices like the Vivo X300 and X300 Pro came across as polished, dependable flagships when I tested them, combining strong cameras, solid day-to-day performance, and battery life that comfortably survived heavy usage. That formula has clearly carried over to the Vivo X300 FE as well. On paper, it promises the same premium X-series experience, but in a package that is supposed to feel slightly more accessible.
The problem is, the pricing places the X300 FE in a slightly confusing position. Starting at ₹70,000 for the base 12GB+256GB unit, the X300 FE lands dangerously close to the standard X300, while also competing against the newer X200T, which is still very fresh in the market.
After using the X300 FE for around 10 days, I think I finally understand exactly where this phone fits into Vivo&rsquo;s lineup.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE: Pricing and availability</h2>
The Vivo X300 FE is priced at ₹79,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. If you need more storage, the 12GB RAM and 512GB version sits higher in the lineup at ₹89,999.
Vivo is also selling the telephoto extender kit separately for ₹15,999, while the additional accessory bundle costs another ₹3,999. If you pick up the complete photography setup along with the 12GB + 256GB variant, the total comes to ₹95,997 after a ₹4,000 discount on the bundle.
The Vivo X300 FE will officially go on sale starting 14th May 2026.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE Review: Design and build quality</h2>
Vivo has played it fairly safe with the design language of its recent X-series phones, especially around the cameras. That changes with the X300 FE. The moment I picked it up, the biggest difference was impossible to miss. Instead of the oversized circular camera setup seen on the X300 Pro and Ultra, Vivo has switched to a much slimmer pill-shaped module that stretches horizontally across the back. It looks cleaner, more modern, and honestly, far less aggressive. The ZEISS branding, flash, and triple-camera setup are tucked neatly into the module without making the rear panel feel cluttered.
More importantly, the slimmer camera housing changes how the phone feels during actual use. The X300 FE does not have that heavy-top sensation some flagship camera phones suffer from. Compared to the regular X300, the balance feels better distributed, which made the phone noticeably more comfortable during long usage sessions.
Despite the redesign, Vivo has not cut corners elsewhere. The X300 FE still feels every bit like a premium flagship. The aluminium frame keeps the chassis rigid, while the matte glass finish on the rear adds grip and resists smudges surprisingly well. At 191 grams and just under 8mm thick, the phone manages to feel sleek without becoming fragile or overly thin.
I also liked the size. The 6.31-inch display sits in a sweet spot where the phone feels manageable without looking small. Reaching across the screen never felt awkward, and one-handed use was far easier than on most modern flagships.
The Lilac Purple finish on my unit gives the phone a younger, more playful vibe, though Vivo also offers subtler Urban Olive and Noir Black variants. Around the front, the slim bezels and flat panel help keep the design sharp and symmetrical. Vivo has also packed in almost every modern connectivity feature you would expect, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, eSIM support, an IR blaster, and USB Type-C.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE Review: Display and audio</h2>
The display on the Vivo X300 FE ended up surprising me more than I expected. On paper, the specs already look solid, but once I started using the phone daily, it became clear that Vivo has tuned this panel really well. The device comes with a 6.31-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2640x1216 or about 1.5K. At 460PPI, it's noticeably sharp. Text looks cleaner, fine details stand out more, and high-resolution videos simply feel more refined.
What I appreciated most, though, was the colour reproduction. Vivo&rsquo;s ZEISS Master Color Display tuning avoids the usual trap of making everything look unnaturally vibrant. Instead, colours appear more controlled and realistic. Skin tones look accurate, HDR videos feel balanced, and photos do not get that exaggerated contrast-heavy treatment many AMOLED panels tend to push.
The panel also supports the P3 wide colour gamut along with HDR10+ playback on streaming platforms like Netflix, so movies and shows look punchy without feeling overprocessed. Vivo has also included 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, which genuinely helps during late-night usage. I noticed far less eye fatigue during long scrolling sessions in dim environments.
Brightness has been excellent too. In regular outdoor conditions, the panel comfortably pushes close to 1800 nits in high brightness mode, which kept visibility perfectly manageable even under aggressive sunlight. HDR highlights can climb all the way up to 5000 nits, allowing bright scenes and reflections in supported content to pop without affecting the darker areas of the image.
The LTPO technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate depending on what you are doing, which helps balance smoothness and battery efficiency nicely. Vivo has also equipped the phone with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, and throughout my usage, it remained consistently fast and accurate.
As for audio, the stereo speakers are clean and sufficiently loud for videos, gaming, and casual content consumption. They do not have the deep, room-filling sound signature of the X300 Pro, but for a phone this size, the speaker setup still performs well.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE Review: Cameras</h2>
Cameras have consistently been one of Vivo&rsquo;s biggest strengths, especially across the X-series lineup, and the X300 FE definitely feels like it belongs in that family. After using the phone extensively, I came away feeling that Vivo has focused less on flashy tricks and more on building a camera system that feels dependable across different situations.
The hardware itself is interesting. The phone packs a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor, paired with a 50MP Sony IMX882 telephoto camera and an 8MP ultrawide shooter. At first glance, the ultrawide sensor does feel slightly underwhelming on paper, especially when the rest of the setup looks considerably more premium. But once I started using the cameras properly, the overall tuning and consistency mattered far more than the raw numbers.
The main camera is easily the backbone of the experience. Vivo&rsquo;s ZEISS partnership continues to pay off here because the image processing feels restrained in a good way. Instead of pushing unrealistic saturation or over-sharpening everything, the X300 FE focuses on cleaner, more natural-looking results. In daylight, the phone is incredibly reliable. Photos consistently came out detailed, exposure handling was balanced, and highlights were controlled nicely without crushing darker areas of the frame. It is the kind of camera setup where you can quickly pull out the phone, tap the shutter, and trust that the shot will look good.
The telephoto camera ended up being my favourite part of the entire setup. The 50MP IMX882 sensor paired with OIS gives the X300 FE far more flexibility than most phones in this category. Vivo&rsquo;s AI True Clarity Engine also plays a role here, helping preserve details when zooming into distant subjects. Whether I was shooting buildings, street scenes, or random details far away, the phone retained a surprising amount of clarity without making images look artificially processed.
I also tried Vivo&rsquo;s Telephoto Extender Gen 2 kit, and honestly, it is more useful than I expected it to be. The attachment extends the focal length to roughly 200mm, allowing you to capture distant subjects with noticeably better reach. More importantly, it does not simply magnify the image digitally. Details in structures, signs, and textures remain much cleaner and more readable compared to standard zoom crops. The overall image quality still holds together surprisingly well at longer distances, which makes the setup genuinely fun to experiment with.
The ultrawide camera is clearly the weakest sensor in the system, but it is not unusable by any means. The 8MP sensor cannot match the sharpness or dynamic range of the main and telephoto cameras, though for casual landscape shots, group photos, or social media uploads, it still performs adequately.
Low-light photography is another area where the X300 FE performs confidently. The primary sensor manages highlights well while still retaining shadow details, which helps photos look cleaner and more natural at night. Noise control is decent too, and Vivo avoids going overboard with aggressive night processing.
Portraits are especially strong here. Vivo includes ZEISS multifocal portrait options ranging from 23mm all the way to 100mm, and that flexibility genuinely changes how you can frame your shots. Some focal lengths work better for environmental portraits, while others create tighter, more dramatic compositions. It makes the camera system feel more versatile rather than locked into one particular look.
Video capabilities are equally comprehensive. The X300 FE supports 4K recording at 60fps, along with 4K at 120fps and even 8K at 30fps for users who want extra flexibility while shooting. Stabilisation is solid, and the phone feels perfectly capable for casual content creation or vlogging.
On the front, Vivo has added a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus support, which is always a major plus. Selfies look sharp, skin tones remain natural, and autofocus helps keep things consistently crisp during both photos and video calls.
After spending time with the X300 FE, I think Vivo has delivered a camera system that feels balanced and mature. The ultrawide camera may not be class-leading, but the combination of a strong main sensor, an excellent telephoto camera, reliable image processing, and ZEISS-backed tuning makes this one of the more enjoyable compact flagship cameras I have used recently.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE Review: Performance</h2>
Performance was one of the areas I was most interested in testing on the Vivo X300 FE, mainly because compact phones sometimes struggle to sustain flagship-level power over longer sessions. Thankfully, that is not really the case here. The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, and throughout my time using it, the experience felt consistently fast and polished.
Vivo has paired the chip with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, and the difference is immediately noticeable in daily usage. Apps launch almost instantly, multitasking feels seamless, and heavier tasks like editing photos or transferring large video files happen without any frustrating delays. Even after loading the phone up with multiple apps running in the background, I rarely noticed slowdowns or stutters.
Benchmark performance is solid too. I recorded AnTuTu scores hovering around the 2.7 million mark, which comfortably places the X300 FE in flagship territory. While some larger phones may score slightly higher, the important part is that the real-world performance genuinely matches the numbers.
Gaming performance ended up being particularly impressive. I spent long sessions playing BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile at 120FPS, and frame rates stayed remarkably stable throughout. Vivo&rsquo;s vapour chamber cooling system deserves credit here because the phone manages heat surprisingly well for its size. Even during longer gaming runs, temperatures remained controlled, and I never noticed major thermal throttling affecting gameplay.
Overall, the X300 FE feels every bit like a proper flagship performer. It delivers speed, stability, and sustained performance without sacrificing comfort or portability.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE Review: Software and AI</h2>
The Vivo X300 FE runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, and after using it daily, I found the software experience surprisingly polished. Vivo has clearly focused on making the interface feel fluid without stuffing it with unnecessary clutter. Animations are smooth, app transitions feel consistent, and the overall UI responds quickly no matter what I was doing.
One thing I genuinely liked was the amount of customisation available. OriginOS gives you plenty of ways to make the phone feel personal without turning the settings menu into a maze. I spent quite a bit of time changing lock screen layouts, experimenting with Text Vibe styles, and setting up widgets in a way that actually suited my workflow. Dynamic wallpapers and smaller visual tweaks also help the interface feel more alive over time.
AI features are deeply integrated, especially around the camera experience. Tools like AI Erase, AI Reflection Erase, and AI Photo Enhance turned out to be far more practical than I initially expected. I regularly used them to clean up distracting objects, improve lighting, or sharpen details in photos without needing a separate editing app. Features like AI Magic Move and AI Image Expander also make edits feel quick and approachable rather than overly technical.
Vivo&rsquo;s AI True Clarity Engine quietly works in the background too, improving textures, colours, and fine details across different scenes.
Outside photography, features like Origin Island, Drag &amp; Go, and Shake &amp; Share make multitasking and file sharing feel smooth and intuitive. Vivo is also promising 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches, which adds a reassuring layer of long-term value.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE Review: Battery and charging</h2>
Battery life has easily been one of the strongest parts of my experience with the Vivo X300 FE. Despite the relatively compact form factor, Vivo has managed to fit in a huge 6500mAh battery, and the endurance you get from it is genuinely excellent. Even on heavier days involving camera use, navigation, social media, and a lot of YouTube streaming, the phone comfortably lasted me an entire day without triggering battery anxiety.
On more demanding usage days, I was consistently getting over 7 hours of screen-on time, which is impressive for a flagship device in this size category.
Charging speeds are solid too. The 90W FlashCharge support gets the battery topped up quickly, making short charging sessions genuinely useful. Vivo has also included 40W wireless charging, which adds a nice layer of convenience for everyday use.
<h2>Vivo X300 FE Review: Verdict</h2>
The more time I spent with the Vivo X300 FE, the more this phone started making sense to me. It is not trying to be the most extreme device in the X-series lineup. Instead, it focuses on delivering a flagship experience that feels easier to live with every single day.
For me, the biggest strength here is the balance Vivo has managed to achieve. The phone feels slimmer and more comfortable to carry around than the X300, yet somehow feels more premium in the hand than the X200T. That sweet spot between portability and flagship feel is something Vivo has nailed surprisingly well.
The rest of the experience follows the same philosophy. The display looks crisp and natural, performance stays consistently fast no matter what I threw at it, and the cameras, especially the primary and telephoto sensors, remain dependable across different situations. Add to that the excellent battery life, and the X300 FE becomes a very easy phone to rely on daily.
My only hesitation comes down to pricing. Since it lands so close to the X300, the decision becomes harder if value is the priority.
Even so, if you are specifically looking for a compact flagship that still feels unmistakably like an X-series phone, the X300 FE holds its ground very well.

Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch review covering display, brightness, gaming, audio, and smart features. Is this the best Mini LED TV under ₹75K?

Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65 Review: Best Value Mini LED TV?

From Mini LED contrast to Dolby Vision performance, here’s how the Xiaomi TV S 65-inch performs in real-world use, gaming, and everyday viewing.

Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65 Review: Premium Display at a Mid-Range Price

Xiaomi

Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch 

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Mini LED brilliance meets solid performance in the Xiaomi TV S 65-inch. With strong brightness, great contrast, and smooth smart features, it delivers a premium viewing experience at a competitive price, despite minor trade-offs.
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There&rsquo;s a very specific moment when you upgrade to a bigger TV. You sit down thinking you&rsquo;ll just check something quickly, and suddenly two hours have passed. The frame feels wider, details start showing up in places you never noticed before, and content you&rsquo;ve already watched somehow feels new again.
That&rsquo;s pretty much what happened when I set up the Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch in my living room.
Part of what makes this TV interesting is where it sits in the market. Pricing starts at ₹51,999 for the 55-inch model, ₹71,999 for the 65-inch, and ₹99,999 for the 75-inch. At that price, you&rsquo;re usually looking at QLED options, not Mini LED with this kind of hardware.
So the real question is simple... Is it actually any good or just another spec-heavy TV that looks better on paper than in your room? That&rsquo;s what I wanted to find out.
<h2>Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch Review: Design &amp; Connectivity</h2>
The design isn&rsquo;t trying to win awards, and I think that&rsquo;s intentional. The bezels are slim enough that they disappear once you start watching something, while the metal frame gives it just enough structure to feel solid without drawing attention to itself.
Yes, the back and stands are plastic, and you do notice that when you&rsquo;re setting it up. But once it&rsquo;s in place, it fades into the background completely, which is exactly what you want from something that&rsquo;s meant to be watched, not admired.
I also appreciated the flexibility with the stand. You can keep it centered if your TV unit is narrow or move the legs outward if you have more space. It&rsquo;s not something you think about every day, but when you&rsquo;re setting it up, it makes life easier.
You get three HDMI ports (including one with eARC), USB ports, Ethernet, optical audio out, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi.
In practical terms, that means you can hook up a console, soundbar, and set-top box without juggling cables constantly.
<h2>Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch Review: Display &amp; Picture Quality</h2>
On paper, you&rsquo;re getting a QD-Mini LED panel with a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), and roughly 384&ndash;392 local dimming zones depending on the variant.
That&rsquo;s one of those specs that doesn&rsquo;t mean much until you actually see it working.
The difference shows up in contrast, especially in scenes where bright and dark elements exist together. I went back to watching The Batman, mostly because it&rsquo;s a nightmare for most TVs. Dark scenes, subtle lighting, a lot of shadow detail. On a typical LED panel, blacks tend to look washed out, like the TV can&rsquo;t fully commit to being dark.
Here, things felt more controlled. Shadows had depth, highlights stayed contained, and the overall image looked more intentional. It&rsquo;s not OLED-level black, but it gets close enough that you stop thinking about it after a while.
The next day, I switched to an IPL match, and the TV felt like it had completely changed its personality. Bright stadium lights, fast camera pans, and vivid greens all looked lively without feeling exaggerated. That balance is what stood out to me.
HDR content is where this panel really stretches.It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, and with peak brightness going up to around 1200 nits, highlights feel punchy without becoming overwhelming.
At the same time, the 94% DCI-P3 color gamut helps keep colors rich without tipping into oversaturation, which is something you notice more over time than in the first five minutes.
The panel runs at a native 60Hz but uses DLG and MEMC to push things up to a perceived 120Hz when needed.
In real-world use, that translates to smoother motion during sports and gaming without things looking artificially processed.
I&rsquo;m not a heavy gamer, but I did plug in a console. The TV supports ALLM, so it automatically switches to low latency mode, and there&rsquo;s a Game Boost mode that helps with smoother visuals.
It&rsquo;s not a full high-end gaming display, but for casual use, it feels responsive enough.
There&rsquo;s also a light sensor built in, and paired with adaptive brightness and color temperature adjustments, the TV subtly changes how it looks based on your room lighting.
During the day, it boosts brightness to stay visible, and at night, it tones things down. It&rsquo;s not something you actively think about, but after a few days, you realise you haven&rsquo;t touched the settings at all.
<h2>Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch Review: Audio Performance</h2>
You&rsquo;re getting a 34W quad-speaker setup with Dolby Audio, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X support.
For everyday use, it works well. Dialogue is clear, volume is more than enough, and the tuning is decent for casual watching.
But when you switch to movies or live sports, you start wanting more depth. It doesn&rsquo;t quite deliver that room-filling immersion, which makes a soundbar feel like a natural upgrade.
<h2>Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch Review: Software &amp; Smart Features</h2>
The TV runs on Google TV with <a title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: The Camera Phone to Beat in 2026" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/xiaomi-17-ultra-review-the-camera-phone-to-beat-in-2026-1773215036737" target="_blank">Xiaomi</a>&rsquo;s PatchWall layered on top, backed by a quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage.
In day-to-day use, it feels smooth enough. Apps open quickly, navigation is straightforward, and everything from Netflix to YouTube works as expected.
PatchWall ended up being more useful than I expected, especially for cross-platform content discovery.
Casting is seamless too, with support for Chromecast, AirPlay, and Miracast, so switching between devices feels effortless.
The only limitation is the RAM. For normal use, it&rsquo;s fine, but if you&rsquo;re jumping between multiple apps frequently, you might notice the occasional slowdown.
<h2>Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch Review: What I Didn&rsquo;t Like</h2>
There aren&rsquo;t any major flaws here, but there are a few compromises worth mentioning.
The plastic stand and back panel feel a bit basic during setup. The 2GB RAM can occasionally feel limiting if you&rsquo;re pushing the system harder than usual. And while the audio is good, it doesn&rsquo;t quite match the quality of the display.
None of these take away from the core experience, but they do define where the trade-offs are.
<h2>Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch Review: Verdict</h2>
The Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 65-inch isn&rsquo;t trying to reinvent the TV experience. It&rsquo;s simply trying to deliver a really good one at a price where you&rsquo;d usually expect more compromises.
And for the most part, it succeeds. You&rsquo;re getting Mini LED with precise dimming, strong brightness, <a title="Vu Premium 4K TV launched in India with Dolby Vision, HDR10" href="https://www.editorji.com/story/vu-premium-4k-tv-launched-in-india-with-dolby-vision-hdr10-1583999391016" target="_blank">Dolby Vision</a> support, solid connectivity, and a software experience that mostly stays out of your way.
Yes, there are trade-offs. But when you sit down and start watching, those details fade quickly. And that, more than anything, tells you this TV is doing something right.

The Vivo T5 Pro packs a massive 9020mAh battery with solid performance and smooth UI. But does it compromise on camera and power? Full review inside.

Vivo T5 Pro Review: 9020mAh Battery Beast With Solid Performance

With a 9020mAh battery, smooth performance, and cool thermals, the Vivo T5 Pro is built for endurance—but comes with a few trade-offs.

Vivo T5 Pro Review: This Phone Refuses to Die

Vivo T5 Pro 5G

The Vivo T5 Pro offers a massive 9020mAh battery with smooth performance and great thermals. However, it compromises on camera versatility and doesn&rsquo;t deliver top-tier power for its price.

I just finished a week-long stint using the Glacier Blue Vivo T5 Pro as my primary device. Right off the bat, this doesn&rsquo;t feel like just another boring seasonal refresh. It feels like Vivo is trying to see exactly how much juice they can shove into a phone without making it feel like a literal brick.
Most brands are currently playing it safe with 6,500mAh or 7,000mAh tanks. Vivo, however, decided to cross the 9,020mAh line. It isn&rsquo;t the largest though; the crown is still held by Realme P4 Power with a 10001mAh battery. But, it is a bold move that puts the T5 Pro in a very small category of hardware.&nbsp;
Throughout my testing, I kept looking for the catch. Usually, a battery this big means the phone is either too heavy to hold or the performance takes a hit to save power. For ₹29,999, the 8GB and 128GB model makes a strong argument on paper, but I wanted to see if the actual user experience holds up under heavy daily use.
<h2>Unboxing &amp; Design</h2>
Opening a Vivo box is a bit like a comfort ritual at this point. Unlike many brands that now ship empty-feeling boxes, Vivo still gives you the full kit. Inside the T5 Pro packaging, you actually find the essentials: a decent TPU case, the SIM tool, and the charging cable. The best part is the 90W Flash charge brick is still included, so you won't be scrolling through Amazon for a compatible adapter on day one.
While you can grab this in Sleek Black, the Glacier Blue unit I&rsquo;ve been using is the real standout. It has this icy, shifting look that honestly looks great when the light hits it. The back panel uses a new matte texture with a faint wave pattern that feels smooth but grippy. Even though the frame is plastic, it doesn't feel like a budget phone, and it is surprisingly good at keeping those nasty fingerprint smudges away.
The design itself is pretty minimal. The cameras live in a pill-shaped island with two big lenses stacked on top of each other. There is some nice metallic detailing around the housing that gives it a bit of a premium touch, very similar to what we saw on the <a title="Vivo V70 FE Review: Style Meets Serious Battery Power" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/vivo-v70-fe-review-style-meets-serious-battery-power-1775122467551" target="_blank">V70 FE.</a>
In terms of the physical layout, all the buttons sit on the right side, leaving the left edge completely flat. It has dual speakers and a USB-C port at the bottom, but keep in mind that the SIM tray doesn't have a spot for an SD card. I&rsquo;m a big fan of the move to a flat screen here. It feels much more secure in your hand during a long gaming session compared to those slippery curved displays. It is also tough, coming with IP68 and IP69 ratings to handle water and dust.
The weight is the biggest change. It went from 192g on the T4 Pro up to 213g. Honestly, I think that is a small price to pay for a 9,020mAh battery. Even with that massive cell, it is only 8.25mm thick. It is well-balanced, but you will definitely feel that extra weight if you're coming from a lighter device.
<h2>Display</h2>
A phone's display can really make or break the whole experience. Vivo clearly knew this when they picked the 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel for the T5 Pro. It looks great as soon as you wake it up. While it might not be the most premium glass on the market, it fits perfectly for a phone at this price point.
I&rsquo;ve said it before, but moving to a completely flat screen is such a massive relief. I&rsquo;m honestly over curved displays. They look fancy in renders but are a nightmare for accidental touches and finding screen protectors that actually stay on. This flat glass makes every tap feel more deliberate and simple.
The bezels are quite thin, so watching videos feels really immersive. The color tuning is solid too. It&rsquo;s vibrant and bright without looking like an over-saturated neon mess. Now, the box says 144Hz, but the reality is a bit different. Most apps and even the UI seem to stay at 120Hz. I didn't see it hit that 144Hz peak during my gaming tests either.
Brightness is where the T5 Pro really smokes the older <a title="Vivo T4 Pro Review: All-round performance with epic battery &amp; cameras" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/vivo-t4-pro-review-all-round-performance-with-epic-battery-cameras-1757937579734" target="_blank">T4 Pro</a>. It goes up to 2000 nits in high brightness mode. That 5000-nit local peak is mostly for the spec sheet, but the real-world impact is huge. I could read my messages in the middle of a sunny street without squinting or trying to cover the screen with my hand.
For security, the fingerprint sensor under the glass is snappy. It never gave me any trouble during my week with the phone.
If you're a big Netflix fan, there is one weird quirk. YouTube supports full HDR, but Netflix is capped at Full HD and lacks HDR certification. It&rsquo;s not the end of the world, but it&rsquo;s something to know if you stream a lot. For protection, Vivo used a toughened glass that isn't branded as Gorilla Glass, but it seems plenty tough. It survived a week in my pocket with keys and change without picking up any scuffs.
<h2>Performance</h2>
It&rsquo;s honestly confusing why Vivo chose the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 over the 7 Gen 4 we saw in the previous T4 model. If you just look at the spec sheet, it feels like a step back. But in the real world, the phone actually holds its own. My daily apps opened up fast and I didn't run into any annoying lag while jumping between tasks during a busy workday.
The benchmark numbers tell a similar story. I clocked an AnTuTu score of roughly 1.17 million, and my GeekBench 6 tests came in at 1,242 for single-core and 3,172 for multi-core. One thing that stood out was the 99.6 percent stability in the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme test. That is a great number, even if the best loop score of 1,136 was a little lower than I wanted to see for a device in this price bracket.
Gaming on the T5 Pro is actually a decent experience. I tested both BGMI and COD Mobile, and they both stayed locked at 90 FPS. It is a bit of a tease having a 144Hz screen when the games aren't hitting those speeds yet, so I&rsquo;m really hoping for a software update soon to unlock the full potential. The gameplay is buttery smooth at the start, but I did notice some stuttering and frame drops once I got past the 90-minute mark in a heavy session.
The best part, though, is how cool the phone stays. I&rsquo;ve used plenty of phones that turn into heaters after 20 minutes of play, but the T5 Pro stayed surprisingly chilled. I didn't even notice any real warmth until I was over two hours into a gaming marathon. It is easily one of the best devices I&rsquo;ve handled recently when it comes to managing heat under pressure.
<h2>Camera</h2>
The camera situation on the T5 Pro is a bit of a letdown if you look at the specs. Vivo basically took the triple-camera array from the T4 Pro and replaced it with a dual-lens system. You get a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor and a 2MP bokeh lens. This means the dedicated telephoto lens is officially dead. For selfies, you&rsquo;re looking at a 32MP shooter.
On the bright side, that main 50MP sensor actually does a decent job. Vivo is using their RAWHDR algorithm to fix things in the background, and it shows. Skin tones look very natural and highlights don't blow out, even if the processing leans a bit too much into warm, yellow tones. Portrait mode is okay, but you really feel the missing telephoto hardware the second you try to zoom in. The digital crop just looks soft and blurry compared to a real lens. For a phone at this price, that is a tough pill to swallow.
That said, portraits still look good because of how OriginOS tunes the images. The AI occasionally misses a few strands of hair, but the background blur feels deep and realistic. I also liked the selfie camera. It doesn't turn your face into a smooth piece of plastic like other brands do, so your actual skin texture stays intact for your social media posts.
Video performance is where you really hit a wall. You are capped at 4K at 30 FPS on the rear cameras. It is fine for basic clips, but the stabilization is a bit shaky. If you want "Ultra" stabilization, you have to drop the quality down to 1080p. It is a decent setup for an average user, but it lacks the professional flexibility we usually expect from Vivo.
<h2>Software, UI/UX, and AI</h2>
The T5 Pro boots up with OriginOS 6, sitting on top of the new Android 16. The first thing you notice is how quick the animations feel. It is genuinely fluid. Vivo has done a great job making the interface look and feel like a modern, high-end product.
But it&rsquo;s not all great news. The second you get to the home screen, you&rsquo;re hit with a wall of pre-installed bloatware. It&rsquo;s a real mood killer on a brand new phone. You can uninstall most of the junk, but having to spend twenty minutes cleaning up your fresh device is a letdown.
The AI features actually earn their keep here. Tools like AI Transcript and AI Creation aren&rsquo;t just gimmicks; they are massive time-savers for summarizing meetings or fixing up PDFs on the go. The AI photo tools are also surprisingly smart for quick edits.
I&rsquo;ve also found myself using Origin Island constantly. It lives at the top of the screen and acts like a smart hub for music or timers. The Drag and Go feature is a sleeper hit too, making it way easier to share files or do image searches without jumping through hoops.
One big win is the update promise. Vivo is offering three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. Knowing the phone won't be a paperweight in two years adds a lot of value.
<h2>Battery and Charging</h2>
The battery life on the T5 Pro is basically the phone's entire identity. It&rsquo;s got a massive 9,020mAh cell, which is a huge step up from the 6,500mAh unit in the last model. Most other brands are just starting to aim for 7,000mAh, so Vivo basically just skipped a few years to take the lead. In my testing, those big numbers actually translated to real performance.
I&rsquo;m usually pretty skeptical of official battery stats. What actually matters is how much juice you have left when you're heading home after a long day. This phone easily lasted me over two full days of normal use. To really push it, I streamed 4K YouTube for 12 hours straight, and the battery only dropped to 74%. Even after a busy weekend with gaming, benchmarks, and Netflix, I still had 23% left by Monday morning.
Filling up such a giant tank could have been slow, but the 90W charger in the box is a beast. It takes about 65 to 68 minutes to get from zero to 100%. A quick 35-minute charge gets you to 50%, which is honestly enough to last a whole day for most people. I also found the Bypass Charging really useful for keeping the phone cool while playing games, plus the reverse charging is a nice touch for topping up my earbuds.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should you buy it?</h2>
The Vivo T5 Pro is a classic case of give and take. It completely kills off that constant battery stress we all have, but it does it without actually feeling like a heavy brick in your pocket. If your day is mostly gaming or traveling for work, having a 9,020mAh tank under the hood is a massive win.
You just have to be fine with some obvious shortcuts. The camera setup feels like a downgrade from the older T4 Pro because they ditched the telephoto lens, and the chip is built for staying cool rather than breaking any speed records. If you&rsquo;re a photography nerd who needs serious zoom, this probably isn't for you. But if you want a sharp, good-looking phone that can easily go two or three days without seeing a charger, the T5 Pro is pretty much in a league of its own.

HyperX Pulsefire Saga review: A modular gaming mouse with customisable design, 26K sensor, and 8K polling rate. Is this wired mouse worth it in 2026?

HyperX Pulsefire Saga Review: Modular Gaming Mouse with 26K Sensor & 8K Polling

Discover the HyperX Pulsefire Saga, a modular gaming mouse that lets you customise shape, buttons, and feel. Powerful sensor, ultra-light design, and serious performance.

HyperX Pulsefire Saga Review: The Customisable Gaming Mouse You Can Rebuild

HyperX

HyperX Pluesfire Saga Wired mouse

The HyperX Pulsefire Saga stands out with its modular design, letting users customise shape and feel. Combined with a 26K sensor and ultra-light build, it delivers top-tier performance with minor trade-offs.

We have all been there. You spend days hovering over the "Buy Now," hoping the hump height or the button placement on a new mouse actually fits your hand. Most of the time, you just end up adapting your grip to the hardware because the hardware definitely isn't changing for you. That is exactly why the HyperX Pulsefire Saga feels like such a curveball in today's market.
Priced at ₹5,193 and backed by a solid two-year warranty, this is less of a standard peripheral and more of a modular toolkit. It essentially invites you to pull the shell apart and rebuild the mouse to an ergonomic scheme until they actually fit your palm, almost as well as a glove.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Adjustable&rdquo; mice or mice that allow you to change out a few panels to get that perfect grip isn&rsquo;t exactly new, there have been a tonne of options, but usually, they cost a bomb. The HyperX Pulsefire Saga comes in at ₹5,193, but you can pick it up for as low as ₹3,990 online.
But in a world moving toward seamless wireless tech, is a "build-it-yourself" wired mouse still a smart bet?
<h2>HyperX Pulsefire Saga Design: More "Lego Set" than peripheral</h2>
Unboxing the Pulsefire Saga doesn't actually feel like opening a standard mouse. It feels more like you just bought a specialised kit. Usually, when you drop big money on a high-end gaming or productivity mouse, you only get a spare sticker or a manual. <a title="HyperX Cloud Jet Review: Is this the best budget wireless pick?" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/hyperx-cloud-jet-review-is-this-the-best-budget-wireless-pick-1770889510267" target="_blank">HyperX</a> went the opposite direction here by packing the box with genuinely useful hardware.&nbsp;
You get an alternate button cover set, a pair of swap-on side buttons, an extra top shell, and even replacement PTFE skates. They even included four pieces of grip tape for the flanks and main buttons. That is a massive win for anyone who deals with "gamer sweat" or just prefers a bit more friction under their fingertips.
At first glance, the Saga is surprisingly quiet. It is a sleek, matte-black unit that doesn't try too hard to look like a "gaming" device. Being a gaming mouse, it does come with some RGB that you can control through the app, but it is pretty minimal. It adds just enough of a highlight without becoming a desk distraction.&nbsp;
You have your two side buttons tucked into the left edge, and if you flip the thing over, you will find six skate pads and a dedicated DPI button.&nbsp;
Within five minutes of having it on my desk, I already had the "hood" off the mouse.
This modularity isn't just marketing fluff. For me, it was the absolute standout of the whole experience. The top shell and the button covers are anchored by magnets that feel remarkably sturdy. There was no wobbling or creaking once I snapped them into place.&nbsp;
I actually spent my first hour just fiddling with the various combinations of the shell and side buttons. There is something oddly satisfying about the process. Hearing that sharp click as a new piece seats itself is a nice throwback to the early days of modular tech, but it feels completely modern.
If you have ever found yourself wishing your mouse was just a hair wider or that your side buttons sat a little deeper in the frame, this is one of those devices I have used that actually lets you sit in the designer chair and fix it yourself.
<h2>HyperX Pulsefire Saga Review: Living with a "Tail"</h2>
As someone who has moved almost completely to wireless peripherals in my personal setup, I was a bit sceptical about going back to a wired setup. However, the HyperFlex 2 cable on the Saga is the closest thing to "invisible" I&rsquo;ve ever experienced.&nbsp;
At 1.8m in length, it&rsquo;s a paracord-style cable that is so light and floppy that it doesn't "push back" against your movements. During a frantic session of <a title="Apex Legends Mobile: PUBG को टक्कर देने आ गया ये गेम; जानिए कब होगा लॉन्च" href="https://www.editorji.com/hindi/tech-and-auto/apex-legends-mobile-coming-to-mobile-phones-launch-expected-in-may-1651565306576" target="_blank">Apex Legends</a>, I never once felt that annoying cable-drag that is usually quintessential to wired mice. I even used it for a complex video editing project, and the experience was seamlessly similar.&nbsp;
At 69 grams, the mouse hits a sweet spot. It doesn't feel like a hollow plastic toy, but it&rsquo;s light enough that my wrist didn't feel the usual fatigue after an eight-hour shift of writing and editing.
One of the best things about this mouse is the finish; its matte finish stays completely fingerprint-free across the entire body. However, I would strongly suggest pairing it with a high-quality mouse pad, as the skates underneath are absolute dust magnets.&nbsp;
<h2>HyperX Pulsefire Saga Performance: Beyond the numbers</h2>
Now, let&rsquo;s actually talk about those specs. On a typical marketing sheet, a 26K Sensor and an 8,000Hz polling rate just look like bigger numbers designed to sell a box. In practice, they translate into a buttery smoothness that you only really notice once you go back to a cheaper mouse.
When I was doing precision work, like masking an image in Photoshop or rotoscoping a complex subject in After Effects, the difference was immediate. The cursor feels less like a tool and more like an extension of your own arm. There is literally zero jitter here. You don't have to fight the sensor or drag your hand across the desk just to get a simple task done. It is incredibly responsive.
The HyperX Optical Switches under the main buttons provide a sharp, mechanical "snap" that stands out. You always know exactly when you have actuated a click. There is no guessing or mushy travel.
For me, the real "aha" moment came during a late-night session of Counter-Strike 2. At 8,000Hz, the tracking felt almost too fast at first, but then I realised it was not seeing that tiny bit of lag I had grown used to on other devices.&nbsp;
It is the kind of performance that spoils you. After a few days with the Saga, going back to a standard office mouse feels like trying to draw with a thick crayon when you&rsquo;ve become used to a fine-point pen.
<h2>HyperX Pulsefire Saga Review: The "Real World" friction</h2>
Of course, no piece of hardware is perfect. The Pulsefire Saga has its own specific quirks that you should know about before diving in. While the modular components are a stroke of genius, the side buttons feel like they came from a slightly different design philosophy.&nbsp;
They are made from a plastic that feels a bit thinner or "cheaper" than the premium material used for the main body. They perform their job without any missed inputs, but they just do not have that same high-end, solid click you get from the rest of the unit.
Then there is the scroll wheel. It is a bit on the smaller side and it has a surprising resistance to scrolling. If you are a power-scroller or the kind of user who flies through endless research PDFs, Excel sheets or deep Twitter threads, you might find this wheel a little too stiff for comfort.&nbsp;
It is clearly tuned for competitive gaming, where an accidental scroll could mean switching your weapon at the worst possible moment. For general office productivity, or for basic usage, however, it can feel like a bit of a workout for your index finger over an eight-hour shift.
I also spent some time digging into the HyperX NGENUITY software. While it is functional, the experience is definitely on the basic side. You can certainly hop in to tweak your RGB lighting modes or adjust your DPI stages, but do not expect anything extraordinary.
It lacks the deep customisation options that some of its high-priced rivals offer. It feels more like a "set it and forget it" tool rather than a comprehensive command centre. Besides, I really didn&rsquo;t like the fact that I had to install a 500MB app, just to tweak the RGB lights on my mouse.&nbsp;
None of these issues is a deal-breaker, though. They are simply the trade-offs you have to weigh against that incredible modular flexibility. In a world of over-engineered software and flashy marketing, the Saga feels like it is prioritising the physical build and raw sensor performance over the "extra" bells and whistles.
<h2>Verdict: Is it Worth the Desk Space?</h2>
The HyperX Pulsefire Saga is a rare breed of hardware that actually wants you to tinker with it. It doesn't try to be the one-size-fits-all solution that most brands force on you. Instead, it offers a level of personalisation that you would rarely find elsewhere. Certainly not at this price point.
Sure, the software is basic, and the scroll wheel is a bit of a thumb workout, but these feel like minor trade-offs for such a precise sensor and a cable that basically feels like air. If you are tired of adjusting your hand to fit a mouse and want a device that actually listens to you, the Saga is a fantastic investment. It&rsquo;s a performant, tactile, and genuinely fun tool that will give you a really hard time going back to your old mouse.

Samsung Galaxy A57 and A37 review covering design, performance, camera, battery, and software. Are they worth buying in 2026?

Samsung Galaxy A57 & A37 Review: Specs, Performance, Camera, Should You Buy?

A detailed look at the Galaxy A57 and A37, covering design, display, camera, performance, and battery. Do they still stand strong in a competitive market?

Samsung Galaxy A57 & A37 Review: Safe Choices or Falling Behind?

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A57 & A37

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Samsung Galaxy A57 and A37 offer polished design, strong displays, and reliable performance with long software support. Solid picks for everyday use, but rivals offer better specs for the price.
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It takes a certain kind of nerve to release a phone that barely looks or acts any different from the last one. It is not that Samsung ran out of ideas. It feels more like they are convinced they have already hit the sweet spot and there is simply no reason to fix what isn't broken.
That is exactly the energy behind the new Galaxy A57 and A37. These handsets aren't here to blow anyone away with experimental tech or wild designs. They are basically built for people who value a sense of familiarity over anything else. While that reliability is a huge plus for the average buyer, those of us who live and breathe tech specs might find this "playing it safe" strategy a little bit boring.
If we look at the pricing in India, the Galaxy A57 5G lands at ₹56,999, while the A37 5G is sitting at ₹41,999. These tags put both phones in a very tight spot. The A57 is basically walking into a fistfight with performance heavyweights like the OnePlus 15R.
Meanwhile, the A37 has to prove its worth against the <a title="Google Pixel 10a Review: The Smartest &ldquo;Mid-Range&rdquo; Phone You Can Buy" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/google-pixel-10a-review-the-smartest-mid-range-phone-you-can-buy-1772874508674" target="_blank">Pixel 10a</a>, which is a massive hurdle when it comes to camera quality.&nbsp; Now, Samsung has to show that a polished, predictable user experience is actually worth more than the flashy features the competition is throwing around.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A57 &amp; A37: Design</h2>
Samsung isn't exactly reinventing the wheel with these two phones. But spend some actual time with them, and you start to see where the real effort went in.
The Galaxy A57 definitely feels more like a premium device. It has a much thinner metal frame at just 6.9mm thick and weighs only 179 grams. You notice that right away when you pick it up. It feels incredibly light and easy to handle, with a balance that makes it seem way more expensive than your typical mid-range phone. It does not quite reach "Ultra" flagship territory, but it certainly leans that way.
The biggest highlight for me is the durability. Samsung gave the A57 a full IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a solid upgrade. What surprised me even more is that the more affordable A37 got the same treatment, moving up from IP67 to IP68. That level of protection across both models is a huge win for anyone who has ever worried about a spill or getting caught in the rain.
The A37, on the other hand, sticks to a more traditional approach. It keeps the plastic frame and feels a bit chunkier at 7.4mm thick and 196 grams. It does not feel cheap at all. Still, it comes across as more of a utility phone next to the A57's sleek design. You will notice that extra weight in your pocket, and the overall finish lacks the same polish.
Visually, both phones follow Samsung's current playbook. They sport a clean, minimal look with a glass-like back and a camera layout pulled straight from the Galaxy S series. It is a smart choice. The design makes them look high-end from afar, even if the materials feel more basic up close.
The one real downside is that glossy finish. It looks great for about five seconds. Then you start using it, and it turns into a total fingerprint magnet. If you skip the case, plan to wipe down the back every ten minutes or so.
For colors, the A57 comes in Navy, Icy Blue, and Lilac. The A37 offers Lavender, Charcoal, and Gray Green. I have been using the Navy A57 and the Lilac A37 side by side for a while now. For me, the Navy wins every time. It feels subtle and professional, and it hides smudges better than the lighter shades. The Lilac is fun if you want something that stands out, but it lacks that timeless quality.&nbsp;
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A57 &amp; A37: Display</h2>
Everyone knows Samsung nails displays, and these two prove it again. The A57 and A37 both run huge 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screens at 120Hz. It's the usual Samsung magic: vibrant colors, inky blacks, buttery-smooth scrolling through feeds or crisp video playback.
Sure, the A57 steps up to Super AMOLED Plus for better efficiency and calibration. But honestly, I could barely tell them apart in daily use. They both feel flagship-level. Whether I'm poking around menus or streaming shows, the visuals impress across the board.
Front protection is Gorilla Glass Victus+, which holds up nicely. Settings let you switch Adaptive or Standard refresh for battery tweaks. Peak brightness tops out near 1,900 nits; mine performed strong in sunlight and dazzled inside.
The A57 gets a small win with HDR10+ for more nuanced shadows and highlights in supported content. Fingerprint sensors are optical, in-display, quick, and spot-on. Only gripe: position it a hair higher for thumb comfort.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A57 &amp; A37: Camera</h2>
The camera department is where these two phones look the same on paper but start to tell a different story in your actual photo gallery. Both the Galaxy A57 and A37 are equipped with a 50MP primary sensor, a 5MP macro lens, and a 12MP selfie camera. The real fork in the road is the ultrawide lens. The A57 sticks with a 12MP ultrawide, while the A37 gets a lower resolution 8MP version.
When you actually start snapping photos, that gap becomes pretty obvious. The main sensors on both devices do a great job in broad daylight, giving you that classic Samsung look with vibrant colors and plenty of detail. However, I noticed the A57 is just a bit smarter with how it handles highlights and shadows, keeping the exposure a bit more balanced than its cheaper sibling.
The ultrawide on the A57 is surprisingly decent even when the lighting isn't perfect. It holds onto enough detail to be genuinely useful. On the A37, that 8MP sensor starts to struggle much sooner, especially when you move indoors or into the shade. The images come out looking a bit softer and less polished.
If you are into video, both phones can handle 4K at 30fps. The stabilization is good enough for a casual walk, though it won't replace a gimbal. Once the sun goes down, both phones take a hit. Low-light shots are fine for social media, but you will definitely notice some grain and a loss of sharpness if you start zooming in. Then there is the macro camera, which feels like it is mostly there just to fill space on the spec sheet since it doesn't really add much to the experience.
Samsung has also tucked more of its AI tricks into the Galaxy A57. The Best Face feature is great for group shots where someone always blinks, and the Auto Trim tool makes quick video edits a lot less of a headache. The Object Eraser has also been refined, so you can scrub out photobombers with much cleaner results. Plus, having the built-in voice transcription in the recorder app is a nice little productivity bonus that I found myself using more than I expected.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A57 &amp; A37: Performance</h2>
The Galaxy A57 is powered by the new Exynos 1680 chip, and while it starts with 8GB of RAM, you can actually spec it up to 12GB if you really want that extra headroom. It comes with 256GB of storage as standard. The A37, on the other hand, runs the <a title="Samsung Galaxy A55, Galaxy A35 launched in India: Check specs, features, and more" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-a55-galaxy-a35-launched-in-india-check-specs-features-and-more-1710156719444" target="_blank">Exynos 1480.</a> What&rsquo;s interesting here is that Samsung is actually giving you more choices with the cheaper model.
You can get a base 128GB version with 8GB of RAM, or go all the way up to a 12GB/256GB setup if you need it.
If you are just looking at the spec sheet, both of these processors show some decent growth. The Exynos 1480 in the A37 is a noticeable step up from what we saw last year, especially when it comes to the CPU and graphics. But the real shift is in the AI processing.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s clearly designed to handle more of the background tasks and newer software features that Samsung is pushing. The A57&rsquo;s Exynos 1680 feels like a more careful upgrade. It isn't a massive leap in raw power, but it is built to run cool and keep things steady under pressure.
In my actual testing, the A57 just feels more "together." It handles heavy multitasking without breaking a sweat and stays remarkably consistent even when you are pushing it. A lot of that comes down to the larger vapor cooling chamber, which does a great job of keeping the heat in check. It isn't just about being a little faster. It&rsquo;s about the phone feeling stable even after you&rsquo;ve been using it for hours.
The A37 is perfectly fine for your typical daily routine, but you will definitely find its limits a lot faster than the A57. If you start jumping between heavy apps or settle in for a long gaming session, you might run into the occasional stutter or slowdown. It&rsquo;s a dependable phone for sure, it just lacks that extra bit of silkiness you get with its more expensive sibling.
Gaming is actually a decent experience on both. I spent some time with BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile, and both phones ran the games smoothly without getting uncomfortably hot to the touch. Even while I was charging the phones during a match, the temperatures stayed well within a reasonable range.
The audio quality really rounds out the whole package. You are getting hybrid stereo speakers on both models that get plenty loud and offer a surprising amount of depth. The sound stays clear even at higher volumes without that annoying distortion you often hear on mid-range phones, which makes a big difference when you are watching movies or gaming without headphones.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A57 &amp; A37: Software &amp; AI</h2>
Samsung keeps shining in the software department. These models ship with One UI 8.5 built on Android 16, backed by a solid six-year commitment to OS updates and security fixes. That kind of longevity really boosts their staying power over time.
This round puts extra emphasis on AI, particularly Samsung's push toward what they term agentic AI. Gemini now steps in to handle actions across different apps, letting you switch tasks smoothly without constant manual hopping.
On top of that, you find handy tweaks like an improved Bixby for casual chats and searches, plus Circle to Search for fast info grabs. AI even handles call and recording transcription. It does not match the depth of flagship offerings, yet it makes daily use feel sharper and more integrated.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A57 &amp; A37: Battery</h2>
Each phone carries a 5,000mAh battery, and real daily performance lines up closely between them. Light to moderate habits see you through an entire day with room to spare. Push it harder, and you still make it to evening without plugging in.
Charging stays at 45W wired speeds for both. No bump for the A57 this time around, but the A37 catches up to match it perfectly. Samsung promises about 60 percent in half an hour, and tests confirm it delivers in practice.
Curiously, these mid-tier options outpace the pricier Galaxy S26 on charge times, which stands out as unusual.
All in all, it offers solid, no-fuss charging: speedy for quick boosts yet not revolutionary enough to wow.
<h2>Verdict: Safe Picks or Missing the Moment?</h2>
The Galaxy A57 and A37 do a lot of things right. You get clean software, a design that feels premium enough, and performance that holds up well for everyday use. For most people, that&rsquo;s honestly enough.
But this price segment is packed right now. There are phones that go harder on raw power, battery life, and even cameras. That makes things a bit tricky for Samsung here.
Where these phones start to make more sense is during sales. Samsung tends to drop prices quite a bit, and at those rates, they become much easier to recommend.
So it really depends on what you care about. If you want stability, long-term updates, and a no-nonsense experience, these are safe choices. If you are after the best specs for your money, you might want to look around a bit more.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro review covering sound quality, ANC, design, battery, and features. Are these the best premium earbuds under ₹25,000 in India?

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: Flagship Sound, ANC & Premium Features

Flagship sound, elite ANC, and a refined design—Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro aim to dominate the premium earbuds space in 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: Best Premium ANC Earbuds in India?

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro offer premium sound, powerful ANC, and a refined design, making them one of the best flagship earbuds&mdash;especially for users in the Samsung ecosystem.

Samsung has certainly taken a winding path through the wireless audio world. We have witnessed everything from those strange bean shapes to several stemless iterations, but last year&rsquo;s Buds3 Pro truly flipped the script with that sharp Blade look.&nbsp;
This year, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro takes that foundation and polishes it into something much more sophisticated. I lived with the Black model for a full week, and it is obvious that Samsung was not just looking to ship a minor refresh.&nbsp;
They were clearly aiming for a genuine flagship feel. With a price tag of ₹22,999, these are sitting in the high-end bracket, promising top-tier construction and sound. I put them to the test during noisy morning commutes and quiet late-night sessions to see if they actually earn that premium investment.
<h2>Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: Design &amp; Comfort</h2>
Unboxing the Galaxy Buds4 Pro makes it clear that Samsung has evolved its design language well beyond the earlier models. They have traded the soft, pebble-like curves of the <a title="Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Review: The Ultimate Earbud Upgrade?" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-pro-review-the-ultimate-earbud-upgrade-1725106261982" target="_blank">Buds3 Pro </a>for a more architectural and boxy look that feels fresh. The case has a satisfying weight and premium texture, although that translucent lid is a massive fingerprint magnet. If you like your gear to stay spotless, you will definitely be wiping it down every few minutes since it holds onto every smudge.
The bottom half of the case uses a consistent matte finish that actually provides some grip. While I am testing the professional Black version, you can also find these in White or an online-exclusive Pink Gold. I really appreciate that the USB-C port and pairing button are hidden on the top edge. It is a smart move that keeps the rest of the chassis looking clean and totally uncluttered.
The earbuds themselves show off a more mature take on the "Blade" aesthetic. The metallic accents along the stems make them look like high-end tech jewelry rather than just another plastic accessory. Even if critics say they are starting to resemble AirPods, the actual build quality and finish feel distinctly like a Samsung creation.
The real win, though, is the actual comfort. Samsung apparently used a giant database of ear scans to refine the shape, and you can really feel the difference. I wore these for a five-hour writing marathon and genuinely forgot I had them in. They sit deep enough to stay put during a workout but avoid that annoying high-pressure feeling that usually causes ears to itch after an hour.
Durability is another strong point thanks to the IP57 rating. This means the buds are fully equipped to handle a sweaty gym session or an unexpected downpour during your commute.
Finally, the stem controls have been completely revamped. The new pinch and swipe sensors are incredibly responsive. Squeezing the blade to manage calls or music feels very natural, and sliding a finger along that metallic trim to adjust volume is much more precise than the old, finicky touch pads.
<h2>Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: Audio Quality</h2>
If you&rsquo;re dropping a massive amount of money on a set of flagship earbuds, you really shouldn't have to settle for a compromise. Since I&rsquo;ve spent six years working as a musician, my ears are probably a bit of a curse because I&rsquo;ve become hyper-aware of every tiny detail.&nbsp;
I am constantly on the lookout for the subtle things that Bluetooth compression usually kills off, like the actual physical vibration of a bass string or those clever stereo pans in a guitar track that give a song its real texture.
<a title="Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Pros, Cons &amp; Real-World Test" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review-pros-cons-real-world-test-1773923373353" target="_blank">Samsung</a> actually pulled off a serious technical win here. They went with a dual-way speaker setup that uses a 5.5mm tweeter for the highs and a revamped 11mm woofer for the low end. But the real reason these sound so different is the Dual Amplifier system.&nbsp;
Most buds just use one amp to drive everything, which is why they can end up sounding muddy or cluttered. On the Buds4 Pro, the woofer and tweeter are powered separately. This lowers the interference and lets that bigger woofer really breathe. The result is a bass response that feels authoritative and punchy without ever becoming bloated or messy.
I pushed these with a pretty diverse mix of tracks to see exactly where they would stumble. Starting with the remastered version of "Imagine" by John Lennon, the soundstage felt surprisingly open. Each piano note had its own room to resonate instead of feeling like it was fighting for air.&nbsp;
Then I pivoted to Indian classics like Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. The vocal reproduction was a major highlight for me because it captured the raw, emotional weight of their voices without that thin, "digital" harshness you get with cheaper hardware.
For a low-end stress test, I threw on Divine&rsquo;s "Azadi" and Eminem&rsquo;s "Rap God." A lot of brands try to trick you by cranking the bass until it covers up the vocals, but the Buds4 Pro kept things tight and well-separated. Even on those complex Coke Studio arrangements like "Bewajah," the stereo imaging stayed incredibly sharp.
If you happen to be using a Galaxy S23 or a newer device, you get the Samsung Seamless Codec for 24-bit UHQ audio. That basically means you&rsquo;re getting a studio-grade experience while you&rsquo;re out and about. If the stock tuning isn't for you, the Samsung Wearable app includes a 9-band EQ.&nbsp;
I personally found the "Dynamic" preset to be the most fun for my daily listening, but being able to dial in a custom profile is a massive plus for anyone who cares about their gear. It doesn't feel like you&rsquo;re listening to a heavily processed file. It just sounds like the music was meant to be heard this way.
<h2>Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: ANC and Call Quality</h2>
If your main priority is simply shutting out the noise of the world, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro have officially made a case for being the best in the business. I have put plenty of flagship earbuds through their paces, but the Adaptive ANC on this specific pair feels like it is on a totally different level. The very moment you switch it on, you get this immediate sense of isolation. It honestly feels like you have just stepped into a private, silent bubble.
What really stood out to me was how well these buds handle those tricky, erratic sounds that usually sneak through other hardware. Whether I was on my daily metro commute or just walking through a chaotic local market, those deep low-frequency hums and engine rumbles just seemed to vanish. This makes them a fantastic tool if you are trying to meditate or just need to stay in the zone while writing in a loud environment.
Samsung also added some of the smartest transparency features I have seen in a while. In the app, you can turn on things like Voice Detect and Siren Detect. I actually had a moment where I was waiting for a delivery rider with my ANC at full blast when an ambulance went past. The buds picked up the siren immediately and shifted into ambient mode so I wasn't caught off guard.
In the same way, if you start talking to someone, your music dips and the outside world filters in automatically. It saves you from having to fumble with your phone or the stems every time. You even have granular control over the ambient levels, so you can decide exactly how much of your surroundings you want to let in. I will say that keeping the ANC on for several hours did cause a tiny bit of ear strain for me, but let's be honest, that is generally the case with almost every high-end earbud out there.
Call quality is another area where these didn't break a sweat. Samsung is using a six-microphone system paired with a machine-learned Deep Neural Network to strip away background chaos. I tested this by calling a friend who usually complains about my audio whenever I am outside. Whether I was in a noisy office or a crowded street, he actually went out of his way to tell me how clear I sounded.&nbsp;
Even while gaming, I never faced any issues with the call quality. My teammates were able to hear me clearly, and we never had any miscommunication due to poor audio.
Plus, the Super Wideband support ensures your voice carries a lot more detail. It sounds much more natural than the robotic tone you usually get from cheaper buds.
<h2>Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: Connectivity and Controls</h2>
It honestly feels like Samsung designed the Galaxy Buds4 Pro specifically for those of us who obsess over future-proofing our gadgets. While most manufacturers are happy to stick a Bluetooth 5.4 chip in their flagship buds and call it a day, Samsung went ahead and included Bluetooth 6.1 support. During my week of testing, the connection remained rock solid.
I was able to walk into a different room or put a couple of solid walls between myself and my phone without experiencing any of those annoying stutters that usually ruin a good listening session.
If you are using an Android device, getting these set up is basically instant because of Google Fast Pair. However, I have to be clear that the experience definitely hits another gear if you are already living in the Samsung ecosystem. To truly unlock the potential of these buds, you really need to use the Samsung Wearable app to manage all the high-level settings.
I actually made it a point to pair these with a Realme phone just to see how they would behave for a standard Android user who isn't using a Galaxy device. Even without the exclusive One UI 8.5 integration, the app still offers a massive amount of flexibility.&nbsp;
Looking at the physical controls on the stems, they are generally quite snappy, though I will be honest and say I still prefer old-school tapping over the newer pinch gestures. I found that while sliding my finger for volume was smooth, I occasionally struggled to get the pinch pressure just right when I was trying to toggle through ANC modes in a hurry.
The level of depth inside the app is genuinely impressive. You can remap your gestures, mess with a 9-band EQ to find your ideal sound, or even enable those futuristic head gestures. Being able to just nod your head to take a call or shake it to reject one is a massive help when your hands are full.&nbsp;
You also get very reliable voice commands for things like volume or playback, and the in-ear detection is incredibly fast. It pauses your media the very second you pull a bud out, which is exactly the kind of high-end polish you want when you are paying for a flagship device.
<h2>Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: Battery &amp; Charging</h2>
I would honestly describe the battery performance on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro as a reliable daily driver. It is not going to set any new world records, but for most people, it definitely gets the job done without any issues.&nbsp;
Samsung claims you get around 6 hours of life with the noise cancellation active, and about 7 hours if you decide to turn it off. In my own day-to-day testing, those numbers were pretty much spot on, so I didn&rsquo;t run into any strange surprises or disappointments during my usual routine.
By no means are these the longest-lasting earbuds you can buy today, but being realistic, they carry enough of a charge to survive a standard workday or a long cross-country flight. You really won't find yourself stressing about them dying right in the middle of a phone call or a project.&nbsp;
I actually didn't even bother timing a full charge from zero to a hundred percent because I just never felt the need for it. The fast charging is what really saves the day here anyway. If you just toss them back into the case for 10 or 15 minutes, you are basically set for a two or three hour commute back home.
When it is time to top up the case itself, you have some very solid options. It handles both USB-C wired charging and Qi wireless charging without any hitches.&nbsp;
I found the wireless route to be a perfect fit for my specific workflow. I would just leave the case sitting on my desk pad while I was busy typing away, and it would slowly fill back up in the background. It is just one of those straightforward features that fits right into your daily life without giving you a single headache.
<h2>Final Verdict: Should you buy it?</h2>
Spending ₹22,999 on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro is certainly a significant commitment, but Samsung has finally delivered a flagship that can actually compete with the heavy hitters from Sony and Apple. It feels like they have officially moved beyond their experimental phase to produce something that is genuinely premium.
You should definitely consider picking these up if you are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem and want that high-fidelity, studio-quality audio experience. They are also a great choice if you felt the earlier "blade" designs were a bit too loud and want something more elegant for long hours of wear. If your daily life involves a noisy commute, the adaptive noise cancellation is a total lifesaver.
On the other hand, you can probably give these a miss if you are an iPhone user, because you will end up missing out on the best proprietary features like the Seamless Codec. Additionally, if you are working with a strict budget, the standard Buds4 offer a lot of the same core technology for a much lower price. When you look at the big picture, these are easily the best-sounding earbuds that Samsung has ever brought to market.

OnePlus Nord 6 launches April 7 with a massive 9000mAh battery, 165Hz AMOLED display, and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Here’s everything you need to know.

OnePlus Nord 6 First Look: 9000mAh Battery, 165Hz Display, Snapdragon 8s Gen 4

The OnePlus Nord 6 brings a 9000mAh battery, 165Hz AMOLED display, and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset. Here’s a complete first look before launch.

OnePlus Nord 6 First Look: Biggest Battery, 165Hz Display & Flagship Power

The OnePlus Nord 6 brings a 9000mAh battery, 165Hz AMOLED display, and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. With 80W charging and gaming-focused features, it aims to redefine performance in the sub-₹40,000 segment.

The OnePlus Nord 6 is set to launch in India on April 7, bringing a range of updates across battery capacity, display technology, and performance hardware.
While the official pricing is yet to be announced, the company has already confirmed several key specifications that position the device within the upper mid-range segment.
Here&rsquo;s a detailed look at everything the OnePlus Nord 6 offers based on our first look.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Unboxing: Standard OnePlus Package</h2>
The unboxing experience follows OnePlus&rsquo; familiar approach. The device comes in a blue and black retail box. Opening the box, the first thing visible is the documentation. Inside, you get a grey silicone case, an 80W wired charger, a red USB-A to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and the handset itself.
A screen protector is also pre-applied on the device. The contents remain consistent with what OnePlus typically includes in this segment.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Design and Build</h2>
The variant shown here is the quicksilver finish. The back panel features a ribbon-like pattern that runs across the surface and extends around the camera module. This design element creates a distinct visual layout across the rear panel.
In terms of materials, both the back panel and the frame are made of polycarbonate.
The camera module is positioned in the top-left corner and follows a squarish layout. It houses two large circular camera rings along with the flash and an IR blaster. The camera deco is made of aluminium, which contrasts with the rest of the body.
For button placement, the power button and volume rockers are located on the right side of the frame. The Plus Key is placed on the left.
At the bottom, the device includes a dual SIM tray, a microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille. The top houses additional microphones.
The device features rounded corners and slightly softened edges. The back panel shows visible fingerprint smudges during regular handling.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Battery and Charging</h2>
One of the key highlights of the <a title="OnePlus Nord 5 Review: Balanced to the core!" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/gadget-review/oneplus-nord-5-review-balanced-to-the-core-1752038704404" target="_blank">OnePlus Nord</a> 6 is its battery capacity. The device is equipped with a 9,000mAh battery, which is significantly larger than what is typically seen in this segment.
The battery uses silicon-carbon technology with approximately 15% silicon content. This allows for higher energy density, enabling a larger battery capacity within a relatively compact form factor.
The device supports 80W wired fast charging. OnePlus claims that the battery can be fully charged in approximately 70 minutes.
Additional charging-related features include bypass charging, which powers the device directly during extended use cases such as gaming or video recording, reducing stress on the battery.
The Nord 6 also supports 27W wired reverse charging, allowing it to charge other compatible devices such as smartphones or accessories.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Display</h2>
The OnePlus Nord 6 features a 165Hz AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution. Due to embargo restrictions, the front of the device cannot be shown at this stage.
The higher refresh rate is designed to enable smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay in supported applications.
OnePlus has stated that the display supports sustained 165 frames per second in select games.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Cameras</h2>
The camera setup on the OnePlus Nord 6 includes a dual rear camera system. On the back, the device features a 50MP primary sensor along with a secondary camera
For selfies, the phone includes a 32MP front-facing camera.
In terms of video capabilities, the rear camera supports recording at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
Further evaluation of image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance will be covered in a full review.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Performance and Hardware</h2>
The OnePlus Nord 6 is powered by the <a title="Qualcomm launches Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 with advanced AI, Poco F6 to debut with new chipset in India in May" href="https://www.editorji.com/tech-news/mobiles/qualcomm-launches-snapdragon-8s-gen-3-with-advanced-ai-poco-f6-to-debut-with-new-chipset-in-india-in-may-1715680223330" target="_blank">Snapdragon 8s Gen 4</a> chipset, built on a 4nm process. The chipset supports clock speeds of up to 3.2GHz. The device is available with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage.
These specifications are intended to support faster data access, improved multitasking, and overall system responsiveness.
OnePlus claims that the Nord 6 can achieve AnTuTu benchmark scores of over 2.5 million. Independent benchmark testing will be conducted as part of the full review process.
The device also includes a G2 Wi-Fi chip, which is designed to improve connectivity performance in high-density network environments.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Connectivity and Network Features</h2>
The Nord 6 includes support for advanced connectivity features. The G2 Wi-Fi chip is intended to provide more stable and consistent wireless performance, particularly in crowded environments such as public networks or gaming scenarios.
In addition, the device supports advanced 5G capabilities, with OnePlus stating improved peak data speeds when paired with compatible network infrastructure.
These features are designed to enhance streaming, online gaming, and data-intensive applications.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Gaming Capabilities</h2>
With the combination of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and the 165Hz display, OnePlus is positioning the Nord 6 as a performance-focused device for gaming.
The company claims that the device can sustain 165fps gameplay in supported titles such as BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Free Fire Max.
Additional features such as bypass charging are intended to support extended gaming sessions by reducing heat and maintaining consistent performance levels.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 Pricing Expectations</h2>
The official pricing of the OnePlus Nord 6 will be revealed on April 7 at 7 PM. OnePlus has confirmed that the Nord 6 will feature the largest battery in the ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 segment. This suggests that the device will be priced under ₹40,000.
The previous generation launched at ₹31,999. Since then, smartphone prices have increased due to higher component and manufacturing costs.
As with previous launches, bank offers and introductory discounts are expected to be available.
<h2>OnePlus Nord 6 First Look</h2>
The OnePlus Nord 6 introduces updates across multiple areas, including battery capacity, display refresh rate, and processing hardware.
It features a 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, a 165Hz AMOLED display, and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, along with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Other additions include 80W fast charging, reverse charging support, a G2 Wi-Fi chip, and a dual-camera setup with 4K video recording.
Further details regarding real-world performance, camera output, battery endurance, and overall user experience will be evaluated after the device is fully reviewed following its launch.

Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+ bring refined cameras, strong Exynos 2600 performance, and premium displays. See if they justify their price in 2025.

Samsung Galaxy S26 & S26+ Review: Exynos Delivers, Big Time

Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26

<h3 data-start="711" data-end="849">Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+ deliver smooth Exynos 2600 performance, refined cameras, and top-tier displays in a polished flagship package.</h3>

The Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ are not phones that impress instantly on a spec sheet. At ₹87,999 for the S26 and ₹1,19,999 for the S26+, they sit firmly in premium territory, yet on paper, they feel very close to last year&rsquo;s models. That, however, only tells part of the story.
What Samsung has done this year is refine rather than reinvent. The cameras feel more polished, the new Exynos 2600 delivers performance that genuinely surprised me, and the displays remain among the best you will find on any Android phone.
The S26 continues to stand out as a compact flagship done right, while the S26+ builds on that experience without pushing you into Ultra-level pricing. The real question is whether these quieter improvements feel worth it at this price point in 2025.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Review: Design</h2>
When I first picked up the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+, they felt instantly familiar. At a glance, both look almost identical to last year&rsquo;s models, and the changes are subtle rather than dramatic.
The most noticeable update is around the camera module. This time, the lenses sit on a slightly raised platform instead of directly on the back. The camera rings are slimmer and colour-matched to the body, which makes the whole rear panel look cleaner and more refined. It is not a big redesign, but it does feel more polished in hand.
Beyond that, I genuinely had to look twice to tell these apart from their predecessors. The S26 still feels like one of the best compact Android flagships you can buy, while the S26+ continues to sit in that middle space between the standard model and the Ultra.
The dimensions have not changed much either. The S26+ is 7.3mm thick, and the S26 comes in at 7.2mm. Both feel slimmer and easier to handle than the Ultra, especially if you prefer something lighter. Weight is also nearly identical. The S26+ stays at 190 grams, while the S26 goes up slightly from 162 grams to 167 grams.
That familiarity is not a bad thing. The moment I held them, both phones felt just as solid as before. The Armour Aluminium frame and matte glass back give them a premium, grippy feel. The matte finish also helps keep fingerprints in check, and the Cobalt Violet variant, in particular, looks great. The S26, thanks to its smaller size, is especially comfortable for long use.
There is a small trade-off with the new camera design. Both phones wobble slightly when placed on a flat surface. The S26+ does it a bit more, but it is not a major issue and feels similar to last year.
Durability is still a strong point. I get Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, an Armour Aluminium frame, and IP68 water resistance. Connectivity is well covered too, with WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and a USB 3.2 Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.2 support. I still do not understand why Samsung skips an IR blaster, though.
In India, the S26+ comes in Cobalt Violet and Black, with Pink Gold and Silver Shadow available online. The S26 adds Sky Blue and White, giving it a slightly wider range of colours.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Review: Displays</h2>
Samsung has clearly saved the bigger display upgrades for the Ultra. The S26+ sticks with a 6.7-inch panel, while the S26 gets a small bump to 6.3 inches from 6.2 inches last year.
What stood out to me immediately was how slim the bezels feel. They look even thinner this time, though Samsung has not shared exact figures yet. Either way, both phones look sharp and modern from the front.
The core experience remains familiar. Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate, peak brightness of 2600 nits, and HDR10+. They are LTPO panels as well, so the refresh rate can shift between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on what you are doing. In day-to-day use, that means I could leave the always-on display active or glance at notifications without worrying about battery drain.
Resolution is where things split. The S26+ keeps its 1440p panel, while the S26 stays at 1080p. Personally, I never found the lower resolution on the S26 to be an issue. At this size, it still looks sharp, landing at around 411ppi. The S26+, on the other hand, is noticeably crisper and actually ends up being the sharpest in the lineup, even edging past the Ultra in pixel density.
One thing worth noting is that the Privacy Display feature is still limited to the Ultra.
In daily use, though, I had very little to complain about. Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, and the colour reproduction is excellent. Even with 8-bit panels, banding is handled well. Blacks look deep, colours pop nicely, and HDR content on Netflix looked consistently great thanks to HDR10+, even without Dolby Vision support.
Outdoor visibility held up just as well. Even under harsh sunlight, I had no trouble using maps or reading messages.
Both phones also come with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the display, and it worked flawlessly during my testing. It is quick, accurate, and easy to reach.
For audio, you get stereo speakers on both. The S26+ sounds slightly fuller, likely due to its larger size, but both get loud enough. There is no headphone jack, but wireless audio support is solid, with codecs like aptX, aptX HD, Samsung SSC, AAC, SBC, and LDAC all supported.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Review: Cameras</h2>
With the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+, Samsung has clearly leaned into refinement rather than big hardware changes. On paper, the setup looks familiar. Both phones get a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto.
Up front, there is a 12MP selfie camera, now with a slightly wider field of view. I found this genuinely useful, especially when trying to fit more into the frame without awkward positioning.
After spending time with both, it is clear that the focus here is consistency. In daylight, the main camera delivers excellent results. Images are detailed, textures look natural, colours stay balanced, and dynamic range is handled confidently. I also noticed a bit of grain in darker areas, but instead of looking messy, it actually helps photos feel more natural and less over-processed. Portraits come out clean with accurate skin tones, although the background blur can sometimes feel slightly aggressive.
The 2x crop from the main sensor ended up being more useful than I expected. I found myself using it often for portraits, as it holds detail really well without a noticeable drop in quality. The 3x telephoto is reliable too. It may not lead its class in detail, but colours and dynamic range stay consistent. Zoom goes up to 30x, though beyond a point, the results start to lose clarity.
The ultrawide works best in good lighting. It captures vibrant colours and decent detail for landscapes and group shots, though I would avoid using it for close-ups. Selfies, on the other hand, were a strong point. They come out sharp and well-exposed, and the wider framing makes a real difference.
Low-light performance is where things get interesting. Samsung&rsquo;s automatic Night mode runs quietly in the background and improves detail while reducing noise. I did find that manually enabling it gives more consistent results. If you want more control, the Camera Assistant app adds extra settings that are worth exploring.
Video remains a strong area. I could shoot up to 4K at 60fps across all cameras, and 8K on the main sensor. Footage looks sharp in daylight, holds up reasonably well in low light, and stabilisation is dependable. Features like Horizon Lock, Log recording, and LUT support add extra flexibility if you like tweaking your footage.
These cameras are not chasing dramatic upgrades. Instead, they deliver a steady, reliable experience that holds up in everyday use, and that ends up mattering far more.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Review: Performance</h2>
Performance is where things start to get interesting with the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+, and I will be honest, one result here genuinely caught me off guard.
Samsung has moved back to its in-house silicon this year, with the Exynos 2600 powering both devices. After using Snapdragon on last year&rsquo;s non-Ultra models, this shift feels significant. On paper, the contrast is clear. The Ultra&rsquo;s Snapdragon chip sticks to an octa-core design, while the Exynos 2600 goes with a deca-core setup. It is a different approach, and one Samsung seems confident about.
In everyday use, that confidence shows. With 12GB of RAM across both storage variants, I found performance to be consistently smooth. Whether I was scrolling through apps, browsing, or just hopping between tasks, everything felt fluid and responsive.
The benchmarks tell a layered story. In AnTuTu, the S26 scored 3.07 million and the S26+ reached 3.14 million, while the Ultra pulled ahead at 3.73 million. That gap was expected. Geekbench results were closer, especially in multicore performance, where both phones held their ground without any surprises.
The real twist came in sustained performance. In the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme Stress Test, the S26 and S26+ delivered better stability than the Ultra. The S26 recorded a stability of 58.6 per cent, and the S26+ came in at 54.2 per cent. Even in terms of the best loop score, the S26+ outscored the S26 Ultra. The Ultra also had the lowest loop score, and dropped to 42.7 per cent stability.
That means these Exynos-powered phones not only held performance better over time, but also avoided the sharper drops seen on the Ultra. It is not something I expected going in, especially given how things have played out in previous years.
Gaming performance reflects this too. Titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile ran smoothly at up to 120fps in my testing. The phones do warm up during longer sessions, but thermals feel better controlled this time. Samsung&rsquo;s larger vapour chamber and improved thermal design seem to be doing their job well.
For now, this is a strong showing. The bigger question is how the Exynos 2600 holds up over time compared to the Snapdragon chip in the Ultra. But based on what I have seen so far, it is putting up a far more convincing fight than I expected.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Review: Software, AI and UI</h2>
On the software side, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ feel very close to the Ultra. Both run One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, and in day-to-day use, I am getting nearly the same experience. The only real omission is anything tied to the S Pen, which remains exclusive to the Ultra.
Everything else carries over. All the Galaxy AI features are here, so if you have seen what the Ultra can do, this feels largely identical.
Using it daily, One UI 8.5 comes across as clean, fluid, and well-optimised. Animations are smooth, transitions feel quick, and the overall experience feels polished in a way that only a handful of brands consistently manage.
That said, one long-standing annoyance is still here. Samsung continues to duplicate core apps. I still get two browsers, two app stores, two note apps, and even two voice assistants. It is not a dealbreaker, but over time, it does make the app drawer feel unnecessarily cluttered.
The AI features are where things get more interesting. Photo Assist now lets me edit images using simple prompts. I could describe what I wanted changed, and the phone would handle it. It works well for tasks like removing objects or tweaking colours, and Samsung adds an AI watermark to generated edits, which feels like the right move.
Bixby has also improved, with better natural language understanding and access to web results. Even then, I still found myself leaning towards alternatives like Gemini Live for most things.
The more intriguing addition is Perplexity AI, which I can trigger with a simple voice command. It integrates with system and third-party apps and can handle more complex, multi-step tasks, which makes it genuinely useful.
Features like Document Scan have also improved, doing a better job of cleaning up scans and correcting distortions. Meanwhile, Now Brief and Now Nudge feel smarter this time. Brief does a better job of organising my day, while Nudge offers timely suggestions based on what I am doing. They are subtle additions, but they grow on you.
Samsung is also promising seven years of OS updates and security patches for the S26 lineup, matching what Google offers with its Pixel devices. That kind of long-term support adds real value over time.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Review: Battery</h2>
Battery and charging are where the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ feel a bit unchanged. The S26+ sticks with a 4900mAh battery, 45W wired charging, and PD 3.0, while wireless charging sees a bump to 20W. The S26 gets a small upgrade to 4300mAh, but charging remains at 25W wired and 15W wireless.
In daily use, both phones take just over an hour to fully charge. The S26 is slightly slower despite the smaller battery, mainly due to its lower charging speeds. There is no built-in MagSafe-style support either, so you will need compatible cases for magnetic charging. Both phones do support 4.5W reverse wireless charging, which is handy for accessories.
Battery life itself has been reliable. I was consistently getting around six to seven hours of screen-on time, even with heavy usage outdoors.
That said, this is one area where Samsung feels behind. Rivals are pushing larger batteries and faster charging, and the 25W limit on the base S26, in particular, now feels overdue for an upgrade.
<h2>Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Review: Verdict</h2>
After spending time with the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+, I walked away more impressed than I expected, especially with how the Exynos 2600 performs in real use.
The S26 is an easy pick for me. If you want a compact flagship that feels premium, performs well, and does not push you into Ultra pricing, this makes a lot of sense at ₹87,999. It is one of the most well-rounded small Android flagships you can buy right now.
The S26+, at ₹1,19,999, is a harder recommendation. This has always been a tricky spot in Samsung&rsquo;s lineup, and it feels even more so this time. It is a great phone on its own, but the gap between it and the Ultra feels smaller than before, which makes the decision less straightforward.
Taken together, both phones feel polished and reliable. Samsung has not changed the formula, but it has clearly refined it.

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

iQOO

iQOO Z11x 5G

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;

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

Nothing

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

<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.

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

Xiaomi 17

<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

Xiaomi Pad 8

<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.

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

Nothing Phone 4a

<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.

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.

OPPO K14x 5G Review: The Most Reliable Budget Phone Right Now?

Oppo K14x 5G

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

iQOO 15R

<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.

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.

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