Author: Into Droid

Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro

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Xiaomi Black Shark 4
Xiaomi Black Shark 4

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro is a high-end gaming smartphone from Xiaomi’s gaming subsidiary, Black Shark. It’s designed to cater to the needs of mobile gaming enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Black Shark 4 Pro is part of Xiaomi’s dedicated gaming smartphone lineup. It builds upon the foundation set by its predecessors, focusing on enhanced gaming performance, tactile physical pop-up shoulder buttons, and a unique design language.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with JoyUI 12.5 on top.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12/16 GB RAM with 256/512 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 120W fast charging, promising a 0 to 100% charge in just around 15 minutes.
  7. Other Features: Magnetic pop-up shoulder buttons, under-display fingerprint scanner, RGB lighting, and a host of gaming-centric features and accessories.

Pros:

  1. Gaming Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888 and coupled with ample RAM, the device offers top-tier gaming performance.
  2. Display: The 144Hz Super AMOLED display ensures ultra-smooth visuals, which is crucial for gaming.
  3. Fast Charging: The 120W fast charging is one of its standout features, ensuring rapid battery top-ups.
  4. Physical Pop-Up Shoulder Buttons: These provide tactile feedback, enhancing the gaming experience compared to on-screen controls.
  5. Gaming-Centric Features: The device offers a range of features tailored for gamers, from its cooling system to its customizable RGB lighting.

Cons:

  1. Design: The aggressive gaming aesthetics might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a more understated design.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera is decent, it might not be on par with other non-gaming flagships in the same price range.
  3. Battery Life: Despite the fast charging, a 4500 mAh battery might not be sufficient for extended gaming sessions, especially when compared to some competitors with larger batteries.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket and category, the Black Shark 4 Pro faced competition from:

  • Asus ROG Phone 5: Another gaming-centric phone with a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and AirTriggers.
  • Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2: Featuring a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and a unique side-mounted pop-up camera for streamers.
  • Nubia Red Magic 6 Pro: With its 165Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and built-in shoulder triggers.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users found JoyUI to be a bit cluttered and not as refined as other custom Android skins.
  2. Thermal Management: While the device generally managed heat well, extended gaming or high-performance tasks could lead to noticeable warmth, despite its cooling mechanisms.
  3. Durability: The mechanical pop-up shoulder buttons, while innovative, might raise concerns about long-term durability.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro is a formidable gaming smartphone, offering a suite of features tailored for gaming enthusiasts. From its high-refresh-rate screen to its physical pop-up shoulder buttons, it’s evident that the device is designed with gamers in mind. While it might have certain shortcomings, especially in areas like camera performance and battery life, it excels in its niche. For those who prioritize gaming and want a device that stands out, the Black Shark 4 Pro is a compelling choice.

Nubia Red Magic 6

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Nubia Red Magic 6
Nubia Red Magic 6

The Nubia Red Magic 6 is a part of Nubia’s dedicated gaming smartphone lineup, designed to cater to the needs of mobile gaming enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nubia Red Magic 6:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Nubia Red Magic 6 continues the brand’s tradition of offering high-performance gaming smartphones with distinctive design elements and gaming-centric features.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Redmagic 4.0 on top.
  2. Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting an impressive 165Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5050 mAh non-removable battery with 66W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Built-in shoulder triggers, RGB lighting, a dedicated turbofan for cooling, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Gaming Performance: With the Snapdragon 888 and ample RAM, the device offers top-tier gaming performance.
  2. Display: The 165Hz AMOLED display, one of the highest refresh rates available, ensures ultra-smooth visuals.
  3. Cooling System: The dedicated turbofan and other cooling mechanisms help maintain optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions.
  4. Shoulder Triggers: These provide tactile feedback and can be customized for different games, enhancing the gaming experience.
  5. Battery and Charging: The 5050 mAh battery ensures extended gaming sessions, and the 66W fast charging ensures rapid top-ups.

Cons:

  1. Design: The aggressive gaming aesthetics might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a more understated design.
  2. Camera Performance: While decent for casual shots, the camera setup isn’t on par with other non-gaming flagships in the same price range.
  3. Software Experience: Redmagic OS, while feature-rich, might not be as refined or intuitive as other custom Android skins.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket and category, the Nubia Red Magic 6 faced competition from:

  • Asus ROG Phone 5: Another gaming-centric phone with a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and AirTriggers.
  • Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2: Featuring a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and a unique side-mounted pop-up camera for streamers.
  • Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro: With its 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and magnetic pop-up shoulder buttons.

Launch Date:

The Nubia Red Magic 6 was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches or inconsistencies within Redmagic OS, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Thermal Management: While the device generally managed heat well, extended gaming or high-performance tasks could lead to noticeable warmth, even with its dedicated cooling mechanisms.
  3. Build Quality: Some users raised concerns about the device’s long-term durability, especially with its moving parts like the turbofan.

Conclusion:

The Nubia Red Magic 6 is a compelling offering in the gaming smartphone market. With its high-refresh-rate screen, top-tier performance, and dedicated gaming features, it’s evident that the device is designed with gamers in mind. While it might have certain shortcomings, especially in areas like camera performance and software, it excels in its niche. For those who prioritize gaming and want a device that stands out, the Red Magic 6 is a strong contender.

Asus ROG Phone 5

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ROG Phone 5
ROG Phone 5

The Asus ROG Phone 5 is a flagship gaming smartphone from Asus, designed specifically for hardcore mobile gamers and enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus ROG Phone 5:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is the successor to the ROG Phone 3, skipping the number 4 due to its association with bad luck in some cultures. The phone is packed with top-tier specifications, gaming-centric features, and design elements that make it stand out in the crowded smartphone market.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with ROG UI on top.
  2. Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2448 pixels, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 8/12/16 GB RAM with 128/256/512 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 13 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 24 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh non-removable battery with 65W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: AirTrigger 5, RGB lighting, stereo speakers with Dirac HD sound, under-display fingerprint scanner, and a host of gaming accessories available separately.

Pros:

  1. Gaming Performance: With the Snapdragon 888 and up to 16GB RAM, the device offers unparalleled performance, especially for gaming.
  2. Display: The 144Hz AMOLED display ensures ultra-smooth visuals, crucial for gaming.
  3. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensures extended gaming sessions without needing a recharge.
  4. Gaming-Centric Features: AirTrigger 5, customizable RGB lighting, and a range of gaming accessories enhance the gaming experience.
  5. Audio: The stereo speakers are among the best in the industry, providing an immersive audio experience.

Cons:

  1. Size and Weight: The device is bulky and heavy, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  2. Camera Performance: While decent, the camera isn’t on par with other non-gaming flagships in the same price range.
  3. No IP Rating: The device lacks any official water or dust resistance rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket and category, the Asus ROG Phone 5 faced competition from:

  • Lenovo Legion Phone Duel: Another gaming-centric phone with side-mounted pop-up camera, Snapdragon 865+, and 144Hz display.
  • Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro: Featuring a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and magnetic pop-up shoulder buttons.
  • Nubia Red Magic 6: With its 165Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and built-in shoulder triggers.

Launch Date:

The Asus ROG Phone 5 was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Glitches: Some users reported occasional software bugs or inconsistencies within the ROG UI, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Thermal Management: While the device generally managed heat well, extended gaming or high-performance tasks could lead to noticeable warmth.
  3. Durability Concerns: Some early durability tests highlighted potential structural weaknesses, especially when subjected to bending.

Conclusion:

The Asus ROG Phone 5 is a dream device for mobile gamers, offering a suite of features and performance metrics tailored for gaming. From its high-refresh-rate screen to its customizable AirTriggers, it’s evident that a lot of thought went into crafting a device that caters to the needs of gamers. While it might not be the best all-rounder, especially in areas like camera performance, it excels in its niche. For those who prioritize gaming above all else, the ROG Phone 5 is hard to beat.

Redmi Note 10

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The Redmi Note 10 is a part of Xiaomi’s popular Redmi Note series, known for offering solid specifications at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi Note 10:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Redmi Note 10 is positioned as a budget-friendly option within Xiaomi’s lineup, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience for users who seek value for money.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 on top.
  2. Display: 6.43-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 33W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, and IP53 dust and splash protection.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, which is impressive for its price point.
  2. Battery Life and Charging: The 5000 mAh battery can easily last a day with moderate use, and the 33W fast charging ensures rapid top-ups.
  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 for its price range.
  5. Software Features: MIUI offers a range of customization options and features, enhancing the user experience.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 678 is decent for everyday tasks, it might not be the best for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking.
  2. MIUI Bloatware: Some users find the pre-installed apps and occasional ads/promotions in MIUI to be intrusive.
  3. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic frame and back, which, while durable, doesn’t feel as premium as some other devices in its category.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi Note 10 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy A32: Offering an AMOLED display, MediaTek Helio G80, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Realme Narzo 30 Pro: Known for its MediaTek Dimensity 800U, 90Hz display, and 5000 mAh battery.
  • Moto G Power (2021): With its focus on battery life, Snapdragon 662, and a 5000 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Redmi Note 10 was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches or inconsistencies within 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 challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Ads in UI: One of the common criticisms of MIUI is the presence of ads within the user interface, which some users find intrusive.

Conclusion:

The Redmi Note 10 continues Xiaomi’s tradition of offering value-packed devices at an affordable price point. With its AMOLED display, decent camera setup, and solid battery life, it provides a well-rounded smartphone experience for budget-conscious consumers. While there are certain compromises, such as the processor performance and build quality, the overall package is compelling for its price. For users looking for a balanced smartphone experience without spending too much, the Redmi Note 10 is a strong contender.