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Xiaomi Pocophone X3

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Overview: The Xiaomi Poco X3, often referred to as Pocophone X3 in some regions, is a mid-range smartphone that was launched in September 2020. It’s part of Xiaomi’s Poco lineup, known for offering high value for the price. Let’s delve into the pros, cons, and key features of the Xiaomi Poco X3.

Pros:

  1. High Refresh Rate Display: The Poco X3 boasts a 6.67-inch Full HD+ display with a remarkable 120Hz refresh rate. This results in smoother animations and improved gaming experiences.
  2. Impressive Performance: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor and available in multiple RAM and storage configurations, the Poco X3 delivers snappy performance, capable of handling multitasking and gaming with ease.
  3. Large Battery: With a substantial 6000mAh battery, the phone offers exceptional battery life, easily lasting a full day or more on a single charge.
  4. Fast Charging: The device supports 33W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
  5. Versatile Camera System: It features a quad-camera setup, including a 64-megapixel primary camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, offering a range of photography options.
  6. Stereo Speakers: The Poco X3 comes with stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience.
  7. Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed on the side, making it quick and easy to unlock the device.
  8. Affordable Price: One of the most significant advantages of the Poco X3 is its affordability, offering an impressive set of features at a budget-friendly price point.

Cons:

  1. Bulky and Heavy: Due to its large battery, the Poco X3 is quite bulky and heavy, which may not be comfortable for all users.
  2. MIUI Bloatware: The device runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which comes with some pre-installed apps and bloatware, which some users may find unwanted.
  3. Plastic Back: Like many mid-range phones, the Poco X3 features a plastic back, which may not feel as premium as glass or metal.
  4. No Wireless Charging: Despite its impressive features, it lacks wireless charging.
  5. HDR Content Limitation: The display is HDR10 certified, but the phone may not support streaming HDR content from all apps due to software limitations.

Comparison to Other Technologies: In its price range, the Xiaomi Poco X3 competes favorably with devices like the OnePlus Nord, Realme 7 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy M51. It stands out with its high refresh rate display and large battery.

Common Issue/Problem: One common issue reported by some users is occasional touch screen sensitivity problems, which may result in missed taps or swipes. This issue can be addressed with software updates.

Conclusion: The Xiaomi Poco X3 is a feature-packed mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for its price. With a high refresh rate display, strong performance, a versatile camera system, and long battery life, it caters to users seeking a balance between performance and affordability. While it has a few drawbacks, it remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Realme 7 Pro

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The Realme 7 Pro is part of Realme’s series that focuses on offering a balanced set of features with an emphasis on performance and value. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 7 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the Realme 7 Pro is positioned as a mid-range device, aiming to provide users with a premium experience in terms of display, camera, and fast charging, all at an affordable price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Realme UI on top.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with a whopping 65W SuperDart Charge fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Fast Charging: One of the standout features is the 65W SuperDart Charge, which can charge the phone from 0% to 100% in just about 34 minutes.
  2. Display: The Super AMOLED display ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing an excellent multimedia experience.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary camera captures detailed shots, and the overall camera setup provides versatility for different shooting scenarios.
  5. Value for Money: Given its specifications and features, the device offers excellent value for its price.

Cons:

  1. Plastic Build: While the device has a premium design, it uses a plastic back, which might not feel as premium as devices with glass or metal builds.
  2. Realme UI: While feature-rich, some users might find the UI to be heavy and would prefer a cleaner software experience.
  3. Lack of High Refresh Rate: Unlike some competitors, the Realme 7 Pro sticks to a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 7 Pro faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 9 Pro Max: Offering a larger battery, Snapdragon 720G, and a similar quad-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy M31: Known for its massive 6000 mAh battery, Super AMOLED display, and Exynos 9611 chipset.
  • Moto G 5G: Emphasizing 5G connectivity with its Snapdragon 750G chipset.

Launch Date:

The Realme 7 Pro was announced in September 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bloat: Some users reported bloatware and occasional ads/promotions in the UI, which can be considered intrusive.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in low-light scenarios.
  3. Weight Distribution: Some users mentioned that the phone felt a bit top-heavy, affecting the overall hand feel.

Conclusion:

The Realme 7 Pro is a compelling offering in the mid-range segment, especially for users who prioritize fast charging and a quality display. With its rapid charging capability, reliable performance, and versatile camera setup, it provides a well-rounded smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the plastic build and software experience, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users looking for a feature-rich smartphone without spending a fortune, the Realme 7 Pro is a strong contender.

OnePlus 8T

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OnePlus 8T
OnePlus 8T

The OnePlus 8T is a notable release from OnePlus, building upon the foundation set by the OnePlus 8 and introducing several enhancements. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 8T:

Overview:

Launched in late 2020, the OnePlus 8T was positioned between the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro, offering a blend of features from both. With a focus on fast charging, a smooth display, and a refined software experience, the 8T aimed to solidify OnePlus’s position in the premium smartphone segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with OxygenOS 11 on top.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with an impressive 65W Warp Charge, promising a 0 to 58% charge in just 15 minutes and 0 to 100% in 39 minutes.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity, and an aluminum frame.

Pros:

  1. Fast Charging: The 65W Warp Charge is one of the device’s standout features, ensuring ultra-rapid battery top-ups.
  2. Display: The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display provides a buttery-smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
  3. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 865, the device offers top-tier performance, suitable for everything from multitasking to gaming.
  4. OxygenOS: Widely praised for its speed, customization options, and near-stock experience.
  5. Build and Design: The device offers a premium feel with its glass back and aluminum frame.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is versatile, it might not be the best in its class, especially when compared to more premium flagships.
  2. Lack of Wireless Charging: Unlike the OnePlus 8 Pro, the 8T does not support wireless charging.
  3. Lack of Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the phone had some form of water and dust resistance, it didn’t come with an official IP rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the OnePlus 8T faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, versatile camera setup, and wireless charging.
  • Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro: With its 144Hz IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 865, and 108 MP primary camera.
  • Google Pixel 5: Known for its stock Android experience, excellent camera software processing, and compact size.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 8T was announced in October 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Inconsistencies: Some users found the camera software processing to be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  2. Thermal Management: A few users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming or high-performance tasks.
  3. OxygenOS 11 Controversies: While OxygenOS is generally well-received, the 11th iteration brought some design changes that weren’t universally loved.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 8T is a testament to OnePlus’s commitment to delivering a premium experience at a relatively more accessible price point. It offers a combination of features and performance that challenges many flagship devices in the market. While there are areas that could be improved, especially in the camera department, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a high-end experience without the traditionally high-end price tag. The device further solidified OnePlus’s position in the premium smartphone market.

Google Pixel 4a (5G)

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Google Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 4a 5G

Overview:

The Google Pixel 4a (5G), unveiled in 2020, was a part of Google’s endeavor to bring 5G connectivity to its more affordable Pixel lineup. Positioned between the Pixel 4a and the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a (5G) aimed to offer a blend of features from both devices, making it an attractive option for those wanting 5G capabilities without the flagship price.

Features:

  • Operating System: Launched with Android 11, benefiting from direct and prompt updates from Google.
  • Display: 6.2-inch OLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G Octa-core.
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup with a 12.2 MP primary sensor and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. An 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3885 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and 5G connectivity.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, and deep Google Assistant integration.

Pros:

  • Value Proposition: The Pixel 4a (5G) offered a lot of the features of the Pixel 5, including the same primary camera and processor, but at a lower price point.
  • 5G Connectivity: Ready for next-gen network speeds, making it future-proof for the coming years.
  • Camera Capabilities: Retaining the Pixel series’ reputation for excellent photography, the device delivered impressive shots, especially given its price.
  • Larger Display: The 6.2-inch display was appreciated by those who prefer larger screens for media consumption and browsing.
  • Pure Android Experience: The device offered a bloat-free, stock Android experience with the promise of timely updates.

Cons:

  • No Wireless Charging: Unlike the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a (5G) lacked wireless charging capabilities.
  • Build Material: Made of polycarbonate, it didn’t have the premium feel of some competitors.
  • No Water Resistance: The device wasn’t IP-rated for water or dust resistance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2020, with the rise of 5G and a focus on affordable yet powerful devices, the Google Pixel 4a (5G) faced competition from:

  • OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz display, multiple cameras, and a competitive price point.
  • Samsung Galaxy A71 5G: Samsung’s mid-range 5G offering with a large display and versatile camera setup.
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation): Apple’s budget-friendly offering, though lacking 5G, was known for its powerful A13 Bionic chip and compact design.

Launch Date:

The Google Pixel 4a (5G) was announced in September 2020 and released in November 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Availability: Initially, the availability of the Pixel 4a (5G) was limited in certain regions, leading to some frustration among potential buyers.
  • Speaker Quality: Some users reported inconsistencies in speaker quality, especially when comparing the top and bottom speakers.
  • Battery Life Variability: While many found the battery life sufficient, some heavy users or those in areas with weak 5G signals reported faster battery drain.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 4a (5G) was a strategic device for Google, aiming to strike a balance between affordability and performance, especially in the realm of 5G connectivity. It successfully brought many of the beloved features of the Pixel series, particularly the camera capabilities, to a wider audience. While it made some compromises compared to the flagship Pixel 5, it was generally well-received for its value proposition and overall user experience.