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Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

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The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is a part of Xiaomi’s Mi 11 series and represents the pinnacle of Xiaomi’s smartphone offerings for 2021. Positioned as a premium flagship, the Mi 11 Ultra was designed to compete with the best in the industry, boasting top-tier specifications, a unique camera setup, and innovative features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra:

Overview:

The Mi 11 Ultra was Xiaomi’s statement piece, showcasing the best of what the company could offer in terms of technology, design, and camera capabilities. It was targeted at users who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12.5.
  2. Display: 6.81-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Additionally, there’s a 1.1-inch secondary AMOLED display on the back.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: 8 GB/12 GB RAM options with 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor, 48 MP periscope telephoto lens (with 5x optical zoom), and a 48 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 67W fast charging, 67W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, IP68 dust/water resistance, and 5G connectivity.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The Mi 11 Ultra’s camera setup was among the best in 2021, offering versatile shooting options, impressive low-light capabilities, and top-notch video recording.
  2. Display Quality: The primary AMOLED display was vibrant, sharp, and smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the device offered blazing-fast performance for all tasks.
  4. Charging Speeds: Both wired and wireless charging speeds were impressive, ensuring rapid battery top-ups.
  5. Secondary Display: The rear display was unique and could be used for notifications, always-on display features, and as a viewfinder for rear camera selfies.

Cons:

  1. Size and Weight: The device was quite hefty and might be cumbersome for some users.
  2. MIUI Experience: While MIUI is feature-rich, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android or other custom UIs.
  3. Price: Being a flagship, the Mi 11 Ultra came with a premium price tag.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Mi 11 Ultra faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Offering a dynamic AMOLED display, Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888, and a versatile camera setup.
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: Featuring a Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system with LiDAR.
  • OnePlus 9 Pro: With its Fluid AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and a camera system co-developed with Hasselblad.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was announced in March 2021 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional bugs and glitches with MIUI, although subsequent updates aimed to address these.
  2. Battery Life: While the device had a sizable battery, the high-resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate could drain the battery faster under heavy usage.
  3. Availability: In some regions, the Mi 11 Ultra was hard to come by due to high demand and limited stock.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was a technological marvel, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone, especially in terms of camera capabilities. It offered a premium experience in almost every aspect. However, its size, weight, and price made it a device that’s not for everyone. For tech enthusiasts and users who want the absolute best that Xiaomi has to offer, the Mi 11 Ultra was an excellent choice. However, those looking for a more compact device or a more stock-like software experience might have considered other options available in the market.

OnePlus 9 Pro

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The OnePlus 9 Pro, unveiled in 2021, is a part of OnePlus’s continuous effort to solidify its position in the premium smartphone segment. With the 9 Pro, OnePlus emphasized its partnership with Hasselblad to enhance its camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 9 Pro:

Overview:

Introduced in March 2021, the OnePlus 9 Pro was designed to compete with the best in the premium smartphone segment. With a focus on camera improvements through its collaboration with Hasselblad, the device aimed to address one of the historically weaker aspects of OnePlus phones.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with OxygenOS based on Android 11.
  2. Display: 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: Options of 8 GB or 12 GB RAM with 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.1).
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 50 MP ultrawide sensor, 8 MP telephoto lens with 3.3x optical zoom, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 65W Warp Charge fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance (for select markets), 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, and Bluetooth 5.2.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 120Hz QHD+ Fluid AMOLED display was lauded for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations.
  2. Fast Charging: Both wired and wireless charging were incredibly fast, ensuring the device could be quickly topped up.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 888, combined with ample RAM, ensured top-tier performance across all tasks.
  4. Camera Improvements: The partnership with Hasselblad led to noticeable improvements in color accuracy and overall camera performance.
  5. Build and Design: The device featured an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass on both the front and back, emphasizing its premium positioning.

Cons:

  1. Price: The OnePlus 9 Pro was priced in the premium segment, moving further away from the brand’s “flagship killer” origins.
  2. Camera Consistency: While the camera was improved, it still wasn’t always consistent, especially when compared to competitors in the same price bracket.
  3. Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery, while decent, wasn’t the best in its class, especially with the display set to QHD+ and 120Hz.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the OnePlus 9 Pro faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Offering a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100), and a versatile camera setup.
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: With its Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple A14 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system with LiDAR.
  • Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: Featuring a AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 888, and a comprehensive camera setup.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 9 Pro was announced in March 2021 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Overheating: Some users reported overheating issues, especially when using the camera for extended periods or during intensive tasks.
  2. Software Bugs: Early software had a few bugs, though OnePlus was quick to address these with updates.
  3. Camera Expectations: Despite the Hasselblad partnership, some users felt the camera didn’t live up to the hype, especially in terms of consistency.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 9 Pro was a testament to OnePlus’s ambition to compete directly with top-tier flagships. With a focus on refining the camera experience, a stellar display, and rapid charging, it offered a compelling package for those in the premium segment. However, as with any device, it had its set of challenges, especially concerning its camera consistency and price point. For users who value a high-refresh-rate display, fast performance, and rapid charging in the premium segment, the OnePlus 9 Pro was a strong contender. However, those prioritizing camera performance above all else might have considered other options in the same price range.

Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2

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The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 is a part of Lenovo’s gaming smartphone lineup, designed specifically for mobile gaming enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth review of the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 is the successor to the original Legion Phone Duel. It’s packed with features that cater to gamers, such as shoulder triggers, a unique cooling system, and a design that emphasizes landscape use.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Lenovo’s ZUI 12.5 (Legion OS) on top.
  2. Display: 6.92-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels, 144Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12/16/18 GB RAM with 128/256/512 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor and 16 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a motorized pop-up 44 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5500 mAh non-removable battery (split into two 2750 mAh cells) with 90W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Physical pop-up gaming triggers, RGB lighting, a side-mounted charging port, and an advanced cooling system.

Pros:

  1. Gaming Features: The physical pop-up gaming triggers, RGB lighting, and the side-mounted charging port make for an enhanced gaming experience.
  2. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the device is well-equipped to handle any game or app.
  3. Display: The 144Hz AMOLED display ensures ultra-smooth visuals, crucial for gaming.
  4. Fast Charging: The 90W fast charging can charge the phone incredibly quickly, minimizing downtime.
  5. Unique Design: The phone’s design, with its central “spine” and rear camera placement, is optimized for landscape use, which is how most games are played.

Cons:

  1. Bulk and Weight: The phone is quite bulky and heavy, which might not be ideal for non-gaming everyday use.
  2. Software Experience: While Legion OS offers gaming-centric features, it might not be to everyone’s liking, especially those used to more mainstream UIs.
  3. Durability Concerns: The unique design, especially the motorized front camera, might raise concerns about long-term durability.
  4. Lack of 3.5mm Jack: Despite being a gaming phone, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, which some gamers might miss.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 faced competition from:

  • ASUS ROG Phone 5: Another gaming-centric phone with a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and AirTriggers.
  • Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro: Featuring a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and physical pop-up shoulder buttons.
  • Nubia Red Magic 6: With its 165Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and built-in shoulder triggers.

Launch Date:

The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 was announced in April 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Overheating: Some users reported overheating issues, especially during extended gaming sessions.
  2. Software Bugs: Early adopters mentioned occasional software bugs and glitches in Legion OS.
  3. Bulkiness: The phone’s design, while unique, also made it less pocket-friendly and harder to use one-handed.

Conclusion:

The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 is a gaming powerhouse, offering features and design choices that cater specifically to gamers. While it excels in its gaming capabilities, it might not be the best choice for users looking for a more traditional smartphone experience. Its unique design, while optimized for gaming, also brings about concerns regarding everyday usability and durability. For mobile gaming enthusiasts, the Legion Phone Duel 2 is a top contender, but for the average user, it might be a bit overkill.

Xiaomi Mi 11X

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The Mi 11X is part of Xiaomi’s Mi 11 series, which offers a range of devices from mid-range to flagship. The Mi 11X is positioned as a premium mid-range device, providing a blend of performance and features at a competitive price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Mi 11X:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Mi 11X aims to offer a flagship-like experience without the flagship price tag. It focuses on providing a high-refresh-rate display, solid performance, and a versatile camera setup.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 on top.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and 5 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4520 mAh non-removable battery with 33W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 120Hz Super AMOLED display ensures a vibrant and smooth user experience, making scrolling, animations, and media consumption a pleasure.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset, while not the top-tier Snapdragon 888, still offers robust performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
  3. Battery Life & Charging: The 4520 mAh battery combined with the efficient chipset ensures good battery life, and the 33W fast charging ensures a quick recharge.
  4. Value for Money: Given its specifications, the device offers excellent value for its price, especially when compared to other phones in the same price range.
  5. Stereo Speakers: The stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience compared to single-speaker setups.

Cons:

  1. MIUI Experience: While MIUI offers a plethora of features, it might come across as heavy for users who prefer a stock Android experience. Additionally, there have been reports of occasional ads in the UI.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is versatile, the performance might not be on par with flagship devices, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. No Expandable Storage: The device does not support microSD cards, which means users are limited to the built-in storage options.
  4. No Official IP Rating: The device lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Mi 11X faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 9R: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 870, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme X7 Pro: Featuring a 120Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ chipset, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy A72: With its 90Hz Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 720G, and a versatile camera setup with optical zoom.

Launch Date:

The Mi 11X was announced in April 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters in MIUI, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in low-light scenarios.
  3. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming sessions or while using the camera for prolonged periods.

Conclusion:

The Mi 11X is a commendable offering in the premium mid-range segment, especially for users who prioritize a high-refresh-rate display and solid performance. With its 120Hz AMOLED display, reliable performance, and fast charging, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera performance and software experience, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who want a near-flagship experience without the associated flagship price tag, the Mi 11X is a strong contender.