Realme X50 Pro

The Realme X50 Pro is part of Realme’s X-series lineup, which aims to offer flagship-level features at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme X50 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in early 2020, the Realme X50 Pro was one of the first smartphones to offer 5G capabilities in its price segment. It was positioned as a flagship device, aiming to provide users with top-tier performance, camera capabilities, and a high-refresh-rate display.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Realme UI on top.
  2. Display: 6.44-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 6 GB to 12 GB RAM with storage options of 128 GB and 256 GB.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera setup includes a 32 MP primary shooter and an 8 MP ultrawide lens.
  6. Battery: 4200 mAh non-removable battery with 65W SuperDart fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, dual stereo speakers, and UFS 3.0 storage.

Pros:

  1. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 865, the device handles everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming seamlessly.
  2. Fast Charging: The 65W SuperDart charging can juice up the phone from 0% to 100% in just about 35 minutes.
  3. Display: The 90Hz Super AMOLED display ensures a smooth and vibrant user experience.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup offers a range of shooting scenarios, from ultrawide selfies to zoomed-in shots.
  5. Value for Money: Given its specifications, the device offers excellent value, especially when compared to other phones in the same price range.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite its flagship positioning, the device lacks wireless charging capabilities.
  2. No Official IP Rating: The device does not have an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  3. Realme UI: While Realme UI offers a range of features, it might come across as heavy for users who prefer a stock Android experience.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme X50 Pro faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 8: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a cleaner software experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Featuring a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 depending on the region), and a versatile camera setup.
  • Xiaomi Mi 10: With its 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a 108 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Realme X50 Pro was announced in February 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

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

Conclusion:

The Realme X50 Pro is a commendable offering in the flagship segment, especially for users who prioritize performance and fast charging. With its 90Hz display, reliable performance, and impressive camera setup, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the lack of wireless charging and an official IP rating, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who want flagship features without the typically associated flagship price tag, the Realme X50 Pro is a strong contender.

Realme 5 Pro

The Realme 5 Pro is part of Realme’s lineup, which has been known for offering competitive specifications at an affordable price point. Launched in 2019, the Realme 5 Pro was positioned as a mid-range device, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a particular emphasis on camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 5 Pro:

Overview:

The Realme 5 Pro aimed to cater to users looking for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank. With a quad-camera setup and a powerful processor for its segment, it was targeted at both photography enthusiasts and general users.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme’s ColorOS 6, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4035 mAh non-removable battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging support (20W).
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and splash resistance.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup, especially the 48 MP primary sensor, allowed for versatile and detailed photography.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 712 chipset ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
  3. Fast Charging: The VOOC 3.0 fast charging could charge the device quickly, a significant advantage for users on the go.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme 5 Pro offered a compelling value proposition.

Cons:

  1. ColorOS Experience: While ColorOS offers many features, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android or other custom UIs.
  2. Build Quality: The device was primarily made of plastic, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass counterparts.
  3. No AMOLED Display: The device used an IPS LCD, which, while decent, couldn’t match the contrast and vibrancy of an AMOLED display.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 5 Pro faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Vivo Z1 Pro: With its 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Realme 5 Pro was announced in August 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with ColorOS’s aggressive RAM management.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally praised, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme 5 Pro was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, providing a balanced mix of features and performance. Its camera capabilities, fast charging, and overall value made it a popular choice among users. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of software experience and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Realme 5 Pro was a strong contender. However, those looking for a more premium build or cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Vivo Z1 Pro

The Vivo Z1 Pro was one of Vivo’s attempts to capture the mid-range smartphone market, especially targeting the younger audience with its gaming capabilities and punch-hole camera design. Launched in 2019, the Vivo Z1 Pro was positioned as a device that offers a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the Vivo Z1 Pro:

Overview:

The Vivo Z1 Pro was designed for users who wanted a device capable of handling gaming, multitasking, and day-to-day tasks with ease. With its large battery and dedicated gaming features, it aimed to cater to the younger generation who prioritize performance and battery longevity.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Vivo’s Funtouch 9 skin.
  2. Display: 6.53-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter located in a punch-hole design.
  6. Battery: A substantial 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated button for Google Assistant.

Pros:

  1. Large Battery: The 5000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last more than a day, even with heavy usage.
  2. Gaming Capabilities: With the Snapdragon 712 and software optimizations, the device was capable of handling popular games with ease.
  3. Punch-hole Camera Design: The punch-hole design for the front camera provided a more immersive screen experience.
  4. Camera Performance: The triple-camera setup was versatile and performed reasonably well in various lighting conditions.

Cons:

  1. Funtouch OS: Vivo’s Funtouch OS, while feature-rich, wasn’t to everyone’s liking due to its deviation from stock Android and the presence of bloatware.
  2. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device was a bit on the heavier side.
  3. IPS LCD: While the display was decent, it lacked the vibrancy and deep blacks of an AMOLED screen.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Vivo Z1 Pro faced competition from:

  • Realme XT: Offering a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor.
  • Redmi Note 7 Pro: With its 6.3-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 675, and a dual-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor.

Launch Date:

The Vivo Z1 Pro was announced in July 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users found Funtouch OS to be cluttered and not as intuitive as other custom skins or stock Android.
  2. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Build Quality: Some users felt the plastic build didn’t feel as premium as some of its competitors with glass backs.

Conclusion:

The Vivo Z1 Pro was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize gaming performance and battery life. Its large battery, gaming capabilities, and punch-hole camera design made it a popular choice among younger users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of software experience and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that can handle gaming and multitasking with ease while lasting through long days, the Vivo Z1 Pro was a top contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a more premium build might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Realme 3 Pro

The Realme 3 Pro was a significant release from Realme, a brand that quickly gained traction for offering high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price point. The Realme 3 Pro was designed to compete directly with some of the best mid-range smartphones in the market. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 3 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in mid-2019, the Realme 3 Pro aimed to challenge the dominance of brands like Xiaomi in the budget and mid-range segments. It combined a stylish design, powerful internals, and a competitive camera setup, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with Realme’s ColorOS 6 skin.
  • Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor (Sony IMX519) and 5 MP depth sensor. A 25 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 4045 mAh non-removable battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, microUSB port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 710 chipset ensured smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall performance.
  • Camera Capabilities: The primary 16 MP sensor, borrowed from some flagship devices, offered impressive photos for its price range.
  • Battery Life & Charging: The large battery combined with VOOC fast charging meant users could quickly charge their devices and get extended usage.
  • Value for Money: The device provided a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • ColorOS: While improved, some users still found Realme’s ColorOS to be cluttered compared to stock Android.
  • Plastic Build: The device, while looking premium, was primarily made of plastic, which didn’t feel as premium as glass or metal.
  • MicroUSB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB Type-C, the Realme 3 Pro still used the older microUSB standard.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the Realme 3 Pro faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Redmi Note 7 Pro: Offering a 48 MP primary camera, glass build, and the Snapdragon 675 chipset.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30: With its Super AMOLED display and a massive 5000 mAh battery.
  • Moto G7: With its clean software experience, glass design, and focus on camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Realme 3 Pro was announced in April 2019 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in ColorOS, especially related to notifications and app management.
Camera Processing: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced oversaturated images or struggled in low light.
Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was not the loudest and lacked depth.

Conclusion:

The Realme 3 Pro was a testament to Realme’s strategy of offering feature-packed devices at competitive prices. With its decent design, powerful internals, and impressive camera setup, it was a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its challenges, especially in terms of software, the overall value of the Realme 3 Pro made it a significant success for Realme, further cementing its position in key markets.proposition