Author: Into Droid

Realme Narzo 30 Pro

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The Realme Narzo 30 Pro is part of Realme’s Narzo series, which is aimed at younger consumers, emphasizing performance and gaming at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme Narzo 30 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Realme Narzo 30 Pro is positioned as a budget-friendly device within Realme’s lineup, aiming to offer a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and value, with the added benefit of 5G connectivity.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Realme UI on top.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro camera. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 30W Dart Charge fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated microSD slot.

Pros:

  1. 5G Connectivity: The MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset brings 5G connectivity to the budget segment, making the device future-proof.
  2. Display: The 90Hz refresh rate ensures a smoother user experience, especially when navigating the UI or playing supported games.
  3. Battery Life and Charging: The 5000 mAh battery can last a day with moderate use, and the 30W Dart Charge ensures a quick recharge.
  4. Software Features: Realme UI offers a range of customization options and features, enhancing the user experience.
  5. Value for Money: The device offers a good balance of specifications for its price point, especially considering the 5G capability.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While the primary sensor is decent for well-lit scenarios, the overall camera performance can be inconsistent, especially in low light.
  2. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic back and frame, which might not feel as premium as devices with glass or metal builds.
  3. Bloatware: Some users find the pre-installed apps in Realme UI to be unnecessary and would prefer a cleaner software experience.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme Narzo 30 Pro faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 10: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 678, and a 48 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: With its MediaTek Dimensity 720, 48 MP primary camera, and a 5000 mAh battery.
  • Moto G Power (2021): Emphasizing battery life with its Snapdragon 662 and a 5000 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Realme Narzo 30 Pro was announced in February 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates or patches.
  2. Camera Processing: While the primary camera is decent, the image processing can sometimes produce inconsistent results, especially in low light.
  3. Ads in UI: Some users reported occasional promotional content or suggestions in the UI, which can be considered intrusive.

Conclusion:

The Realme Narzo 30 Pro is a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for users who prioritize 5G connectivity and performance. With its high-refresh-rate display, capable chipset, and fast charging, it provides a well-rounded smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera setup and build quality, the overall package is compelling for budget-conscious consumers. For those seeking a balance between performance, 5G connectivity, and price, the Realme Narzo 30 Pro is a worthy contender.

Samsung Galaxy A32

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The Samsung Galaxy A32 is a part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is designed to offer a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and affordability. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A32:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is positioned as a mid-range option within Samsung’s vast smartphone lineup, catering to users who want a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 on top.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio G80 for the 4G variant and MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G for the 5G variant.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro camera, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic build.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 90Hz Super AMOLED display ensures smooth visuals and vibrant colors, which is impressive for its price point.
  2. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery can easily last a day or more with moderate use.
  3. Expandable Storage: The presence of a microSD slot allows users to expand storage if needed.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup offers versatility in photography for its price range.
  5. Software: Samsung’s One UI is feature-rich and offers a user-friendly experience.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: The MediaTek Helio G80 and Dimensity 720 5G are decent for everyday tasks but might struggle with intensive applications or heavy multitasking.
  2. Build Quality: The plastic build, while durable, doesn’t feel as premium as some other devices in its category.
  3. Charging Speed: While it supports fast charging, the 15W charger might feel slow, especially when charging the large 5000 mAh battery.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy A32 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 10 Pro: Offering an AMOLED display, Snapdragon 732G, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Realme 7 Pro: Known for its Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 720G, and 65W fast charging.
  • Moto G Power (2021): With its focus on battery life, Snapdragon 662, and a 5000 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A32 was announced in February 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags, especially when running multiple apps or playing graphics-intensive games.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Bloatware: Some users found the pre-installed apps and occasional ads/promotions in the UI to be a bit intrusive.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A32 is a solid mid-range offering, especially for those who prioritize display quality and battery life. While it might not be the most powerful device in its category, it offers a balanced package with the reliability of the Samsung brand. For users looking for a decent smartphone experience without spending too much, the Galaxy A32 is a worthy contender.

OnePlus 9

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Oneplus 9
Oneplus 9

The OnePlus 9 was a significant release for OnePlus, emphasizing its partnership with Hasselblad for camera improvements. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 9:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the OnePlus 9 was part of OnePlus’s continued effort to offer flagship-level specifications and features at a competitive price point. The device, alongside its Pro sibling, was particularly marketed for its camera capabilities, thanks to a partnership with the renowned camera brand, Hasselblad.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 11.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. A 16 MP front camera. The camera system was co-developed with Hasselblad, emphasizing color accuracy and improvements in software processing.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 65T fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, and an aluminum frame.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 888, combined with OxygenOS, ensured top-tier performance, making the device suitable for everything from daily tasks to gaming.
  2. Display: The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations.
  3. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 65T provided a rapid charging experience, with the ability to charge the device from 1% to 100% in around 29 minutes.
  4. Camera Improvements: The partnership with Hasselblad brought noticeable improvements in color accuracy and overall image processing.
  5. OxygenOS: Known for its near-stock experience, speed, and customization features, OxygenOS was a highlight for many users.

Cons:

  1. Lack of Telephoto Lens: Unlike its Pro sibling, the OnePlus 9 lacked a dedicated telephoto lens.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While the device had some form of water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating for water and dust resistance (except for T-Mobile’s variant in the US).
  3. Plastic Frame: The frame, although looking metallic, was made of plastic, which felt less premium compared to the Pro version.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2021, the OnePlus 9 faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21: Samsung’s flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and One UI software.
  • iPhone 12: Apple’s offering with its A14 Bionic chip, OLED display, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Google Pixel 5: Known for its clean software, consistent updates, and camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 9 was announced in March 2021 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Expectations: While the Hasselblad partnership brought improvements, some users felt the camera system still lagged behind some competitors, especially in terms of versatility.
  2. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm, especially during intensive tasks or prolonged camera usage.
  3. Software Bugs: As with any device, some users encountered occasional software glitches, though OnePlus was relatively quick with updates to address reported issues.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 9 continued the brand’s tradition of offering high-end specifications at a competitive price point. With its focus on camera improvements through the Hasselblad partnership, it aimed to address one of the longstanding criticisms of OnePlus devices. While it made strides in this area, some felt there was still room for improvement. Overall, the OnePlus 9 offered a balanced package of performance, design, and features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a flagship experience without the highest flagship price.

Samsung Galaxy A52

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Samsung Galaxy A52
Samsung Galaxy A52

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a mid-range Android-based smartphone developed and manufactured by Samsung Electronics, forming a part of its popular Galaxy A series. The device was announced on March 17, 2021, and serves as the successor to the Galaxy A51. It was later followed by an upgraded variant, the Galaxy A52s, in August 2021.

Features and Specifications:

  • Design: The Galaxy A52 boasts a sleek design with matte color options, a departure from the glossy gradient finishes of its predecessor. It features an Infinity-O display with a central cutout for the selfie camera.
  • Display: The device sports a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering a 90 Hz refresh rate for the 4G model and a 120 Hz refresh rate for the 5G and “s” models.
  • Performance: Depending on the variant, the A52 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G, Snapdragon 750G 5G, or Snapdragon 778G 5G chipsets.
  • Camera: The A52 features a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, and two 5 MP sensors for macro and depth functionalities.
  • Battery: The smartphone is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, supporting 25W fast charging. However, the box includes a 15W charger, necessitating a separate purchase for the 25W charger.
  • Storage and RAM: Depending on the model and region, the A52 offers configurations ranging from 4 GB to 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB to 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Software: The device initially shipped with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI 3.1. As of early 2023, it has received an update to Android 13 and One UI 5.0.
  • Other Features: The A52 includes a 3.5mm audio jack, stereo speakers, an under-display fingerprint scanner, and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.

Pros:

  • Versatile Camera: The quad-camera setup offers a range of shooting options, catering to various photography needs.
  • Smooth Display: The high refresh rate ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
  • Durable Design: The IP67 rating provides added peace of mind against accidental splashes and dust.

Cons:

  • Charger Limitation: The inclusion of a 15W charger in the box, despite the device supporting 25W fast charging, can be a point of contention for some users.
  • Software Concerns: While the device has received updates, some users might find Samsung’s One UI to be bloated compared to stock Android.
  • Mid-Range Performance: While the Snapdragon chipsets offer decent performance, they might not be on par with flagship devices in terms of speed and multitasking.

Comparison to Other Technologies:

The Samsung Galaxy A52 competes directly with other mid-range smartphones in the market. Its primary competitors include devices from brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. While the A52 offers a balanced set of features, its camera capabilities and Samsung’s brand reputation give it an edge in certain markets.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and design. While it has its set of drawbacks, it stands as a compelling option for users seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.