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Tecno Pova 5G Review: Packs All The Punch?

Tecno Pova 5G review

Tecno has been strengthening its smartphone product portfolio across the globe including India. The company has been following the strategy of launching power-packed devices at affordable pricing. And with all the smartphone OEMs gradually shifting towards the 5G race, Tecno has also finally made its move with the launch of the Pova 5G.

The Tecno Pova 5G is the company’s first 5G-ready handset for the Indian audience. Equipped with mid-tier hardware, the Pova 5G competes against the remaining Chinese counterparts with pocket-friendly pricing. You can buy Tecno’s latest offering at Rs. 19,999 in the Indian market. But the sub Rs. 20,000 segment is already flooded with 5G-backed Android phones.

This brings Tecno’s latest 5G phone some direct heat from other major players such as Realme, Poco, Oppo, Motorola, and Xiaomi. In fact, the device also goes up against Infinix’s first 5G phone, i.e, the Zero 5G. Now, you might be wondering what makes Tecno’s first 5G phone stand out of the crowd and if it indeed is worth considering over other available 5G handsets in India? Well, we were able to fiddle along with the handset for a while and have jotted down our experience with the Pova 5G.

Tecno Pova 5G Review: Bit Bulky And a Fingerprint Magnet

The Pova 5G features a signature Tecno design language. We are speaking of a tall form factor and a considerably bulky body. However, Tecno has improved the aesthetics a bit and trimmed down the excess body chunk. The Pova 5G is comparatively slimmer than most other recent Tecno mid-tier phones. But, we would have appreciated a thinner and lightweight profile.

The Pova 5G is all shimmering at the back with a dual-tone mix of textured and plain skin. A large vertical camera module with a slightly protruding design is positioned on the top-left. The iridescent panel featuring Manchester City Football club logo surely is a visual delight. However, it isn’t easy to keep clean if you wish to flaunt the panel by avoiding a protective case or cover. The rear panel is a fingerprint magnet and picks up prints and dust instantly. Thankfully, the retail box ships with a transparent case that will not just save additional bucks but also keep your device clean and protected from scratches.

Since the device has a slippery design, using a case becomes necessary. The remaining design aspects are standard as other Tecno mid-range phones. The side panel houses the volume keys along with the power key that integrates a fingerprint scanner. The device unlocking experience has been good with the scanner being accurate and quick in reading fingerprints.

You can find the SIM card slot on the left panel. It is a 3-way dedicated slot that will allow you to use dual SIM cards and a microSD card simultaneously. The bottom panel features the USB Type-C port sandwiched between the 3.5mm headphone jack and speaker grille. To sum up, Tecno has designed a good-looking phone which minus the hefty form factor and a slippery design would have made the design more practical.

Tecno Pova 5G Display Review: Suitable For High-Resolution Videos

Tecno Pova 5G’s massive form factor is justified by the 6.9-inches display. The company has stuck to a standard IPS LCD panel with its new 5G phone and upgraded the specs for a better output. It definitely is one of the tallest display panels that you would find on any affordable 5G phone in the market today.

While an AMOLED or OLED panel would have solidified the deal, the FHD+ LCD display isn’t a disappointment when it comes to video playback or gaming for that matter. You will be able to play 1080p videos online at platforms such as YouTube. The color production is decent and you wouldn’t find the panel oversaturating the content on screen.

But the blacks aren’t deeper as you would have expected on an AMOLED display. This might hamper the viewing experience while watching any dark TV show or movie on OTT platforms. The missing HDR10+ certification is another factor that would have enhanced the viewing experience. Nevertheless, the Tecno Pova 5G’s display supports a 120Hz refresh rate which allows for smother feedback and also better visuals with gaming.

The display’s brightness levels are average. It isn’t a super bright panel and you might struggle a bit with visibility levels under direct sunlight. Overall, the big form factor along with FHD+ screen resolution and 120Hz refresh rate saves the day for the Pova 5G in the display game.

Tecno Pova 5G Performance Review: Lag-Free With General Tasks

Tecno has used a new-generation Dimensity series 5G chipset by MediaTek to power the newest Pova 5G chipset. The first 5G Tecno phone employs the Dimensity 900 chipset which has octa-cores and is built on a 6nm TSMC fabrication process. This mid-range 5G processor can be found on some of the recent popular 5G phones including the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, Infinix Zero 5G, and the Reno7 5G.

Power delivery by the first Tecno 5G phone is good. That’s when you take general tasks into consideration such as web browsing and media playback. You wouldn’t find much difference in the handset’s performance with gaming and other tasks that require extensive processing.  

We have been satisfied with the Pova 5G’s multitasking performance. With a high 8GB RAM capacity, the Pova 5G makes it easy to toggle between several heavy apps running in the background without any flinches. The gaming performance has also been at par with the competitions.

The handset delivers a lag-free user experience overall with gaming. We tested the performance with Shadow Fight 4 and Asphalt 9 where the frame drops were less at the highest settings. As for the storage capacity, the Pova 5G offers an onboard capacity of 128GB. This you can further expand using an external microSD card. Storage-wise, the Pova 5G fits the requirements of general users.

Tecno has pre-installed the older Android 11 OS in its first 5G smartphone. The handset also features a custom UI, i.,e HiOS 8.0. While the swift hardware performance comes as one of the biggest advantages of the Tecno Pova 5G, the cluttered UI could be a bummer for most of you.

As soon as you pull up the app drawer, you would see several third-party and system apps pre-installed. Despite the cluttered UI, you get all the Android 11 goodies in place. The firmware also brings along an updated Eye Care feature along with a bunch of dedicated health modes and an enhanced Game Space 2.0 feature.

Tecno Pova 5G: Camera Review

Camera hardware is one of the prominent features that directly impact the popularity of any smartphone amongst the audience. And Tecno has been targeting the budget audience by offering a good imaging experience with most of its smartphones. The Pova 5G is the latest example of a well-loaded Tecno camera phone. The device sports three cameras at the back where the main sensor is a 50MP lens. The primary sensor is clubbed with a 2MP macro sensor and an AI lens. The camera performance has been satisfactory in general scenarios.

The large 50MP main camera is able to capture a good level of detail with every shot. By default, the Pova 5G’s rear cameras click 12MP pixel-binned shots. With the EIS (electronic image stabilization) and additional camera models such as HDR, AI cam, and AR shot, the image quality could further be enhanced. You can also capture hardware-based bokeh shots. The color production is a bit saturated.

The additional sensor helps with the same. The portrait shots look natural if the images are captured with good background lighting. The blurs don’t appear artificial in such scenarios. The same goes for the image quality of the shots captured in broad daylight situations. You will see cleaner edges and less noise in the captured shots. But that isn’t the case with low-light shots.

While the camera app offers a dedicated Super Night mode, the output isn’t super refined. The camera output tends to get hazy with detail when you capture images in low-light scenarios. The camera stabilization is good with the video recording. You can record 960@fps slow-motion videos and also 4K Time-Lapse. The Pova 5G uses a 16MP camera for selfies and video calling. You get high-resolution self-portraits that you can flaunt on social media platforms.

Tecno Pova 5G: Battery Backup

The Tecno Pova 5G gets its power via a mammoth 6,000 mAh battery. This massive battery size is one of the prime factors that add to the heft. Nevertheless, the battery backup is enough to drive the unit for more than a day on a single charge.

That’s even when you perform extensive tasks at a stretch. The battery doesn’t require an additional re-plug if you stick to moderate usage. The battery gets 18W fast charging support which allows for quicker refuels.

Tecno Pova 5G: Final Verdict

The Tecno Pova 5G has joined a competitive race in the smartphone league. An affordable pricing and mid-tier hardware are the biggest highlights of the new Tecno phone. Specifically, the 5G network connectivity which is the future of smartphones in India. The Pova 5G is will fill in as a daily driver but with modern technical aspects. You can consider the Pova 5G as your next mid-range phone backed with the latest 5G network support.

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Accessories Reviews Tech News

Sony WF-C500 TWS Earbuds Review: A powerful Package In The Affordable TWS Segment

There has been a consistent surge amongst the Indian audience demanding a good range of TWS audio products. A plethora of brands have forayed into this audio segment catering to budget as well as premium audiences. Sony is the first name when we are speaking of high-end audio products. Despite the stiff competition, the Japanese tech giant has maintained a lead in the audio market. The WF-1000XM4 launched recently has been grabbing all applauds with its refined audio and premium user experience. For the budget-conscious audience, the company had introduced the WF-C500.

Priced at Rs. 5,990, the new Sony TWS earbuds bring improved ergonomics and audio to fill daily users’ requirements. The Sony C500 is equipped with some new days technologies including the latest Bluetooth version, multiple audio codecs, and voice-based digital assistant support. But what exactly makes the Sony WF-C500 worth a buy? Is it the good audio or fit or the overall package? We have shared our feedback in this review article. Read on to know:

Sony WF-C500 Review: Design, Wearing Comfort

The Sony WF-C500 ships with a pill-shaped case that has a translucent lid. The packaging box includes the TWS unit, one USB Type-C charging cable, and two additional pairs of ear tips. The charging case is compact and it can be easily slid into pockets or a bag. The case’s built quality isn’t as premium as the high-end model, i.e, WF-1000XM4, but is decent for daily usage. The USB Type-C port for charging is placed at the back of the case.

It’s the overall matte texture that gives this new pair a premium appeal. As for the earbuds, they are slightly smaller compared to the WF-1000XM4, but offer the same level of comfort and fit as the high-end model. But these TWS earbuds don’t come with touch-sensitive controls. They rather have soft-click keys to control media playback, answer calls, and also summon the voice-based digital assistant.

The left earbud allows you with audio adjustment and also answer/ reject incoming calls. On the other hand, you can change tracks or activate the digital assistant including Google Assistant and Siri for voiceless commands. You can also play/pause music using the right earbuds. The fit overall is good.

Wearing the Sony WF-C500 for a longer duration is a good experience. You don’t get tired. This makes it suitable for daily commute. You also don’t have to be super cautious while using this pair for outdoor activities. That’s possible with the snug-fit design. One of the most important aspects of the WF-C500’s design is the IPX4 certification. This makes the TWS earbuds dust and water-resistant.

Sony WF-C500 Review: Audio Performance

Sony has been a leader in the audio market with its high-range products. The WF-C500 comes as yet another promising audio device from the Japanese tech giant. The TWS earbuds employ 5.8mm drivers that deliver a frequency response range of 20Hz- 20,000Hz. While the frequency range is standard, the audio delivery by the WF-C500 isn’t any disappointment.

This pair lives up to the expectation with its rich sound stage that isn’t impacted at the highest audio levels. All the aspects that you look for when it comes to sound profile are in place. The mids and lows are balanced and aren’t overpowered by the bass. The sound output is balanced and you would enjoy tuning in to your favorite tracks. The bass offered by this pair is punchy. It isn’t super hefty but does the job perfectly fine.

The CF-W500 also features Sony’s in-house DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) technology for audio refinements. This definitely aids with better sound production in every situation. This pair comes void of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. However, our experience with this pair with outdoor commute has been good.

Despite noisy surroundings, you get to listen to your favorite music tracks or watch movies/ shows without any disturbances. The earbuds are designed tactically to omit the background noises effectively during audio playback. This is a savior when you are commuting. As for the audio leak, there isn’t any even if you turn up the volume levels to the max. Also, there is no muffling or distortion at the peak volumes. That’s what we always expect from Sony audio products whether it’s affordable or high-end.

Sony WF-C500 Review: Connectivity, Calling Experience

The Sony WF-C500 is equipped with Bluetooth technology for easy pair-up with smartphones, laptops, PCs, and other supported devices such as smart TVs and tablets. The pairing process isn’t a hassle. All you need to do is take out the earbuds from the cases. Once you see the LED lights on the earbuds flashing blue, look for the device name in the Bluetooth settings of the device to be paired. This TWS earbud comes with Fast Pair support which allows for easy connectivity with other devices.

Likewise the high-end model, the WF-C500 is also compatible with Sony’s Headphone Connect app. This allows you to make additional adjustments or refinements with the audio output. You can not only tweak the equalizer but also toggle on 360-degree Reality Audio using the Headphone’s Connect app.  

Sony WF-C500 Review: Battery Backup

Coming to the battery backup, the exact capacities aren’t specified by the brand. However, the brand has claimed a backup of around 10 hours (earbuds) on a single charge. During our usage, the WF-C500 delivered close to eight hours of backup. Of course, the numbers vary compared to original claims.

The audio levels are the major factor determining the backup. You get a lower backup at higher levels and vice versa. Also, the charging case packs an extra 10 hours of fuel. Sony has also added fast charging support where the pair gets up to an hour of refueling with just 10 minutes of charge. This is handy during traveling.

Sony WF-C500 Final Verdict: Is It A Complete Package?

Sony has been trying to mark its presence in the affordable audio segment in India and across the globe for a long now. The WF-CXX series has been filling in for the brand when we speak of the budget segment. The WF-C500 has all the necessary features that one needs in a good TWS earbuds.

A premium-looking design that is practical in all sense along with a refined sound stage offered by the earbuds gets this pair a lead in its segment. Besides, Sony has designed this pair to be the best fit for day-to-day usage. Not just the audio and fit, the battery backup is also good which combined along with other factors make the WF-C500 a complete package. You would find this pair worth every penny.

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Accessories Reviews

OPPO Enco M32 Wireless Neckband Review: A Powerful Package Under Rs. 2,000

OPPO has been a prominent player in the smartphone space. But the company has been expanding its reach to other segments as well; specifically, the audio segment. And similar to the smartphones, OPPO’s audio product lineup has also been catering to the wide genre of audience. The OPPO Enco series is one of the best examples that is feeding the budget audience with high-end audio devices at affordable priced.

The Enco M32 is one of the recent wireless neckbands under Rs. 2,000 by OPPO. The company has launched a new green variant of this wireless neckband along with the same high-end features and refined sound quality. We at Giznext has received the Enco M32’s new green shade and have been using it as our daily driver. We have shared our feedback on its daily-life performance and also why it makes worth a buy. Take a look:

OPPO Enco M32 Wireless Neckband Design: Improved Ergonomics And Sturdy

The Oppo Enco M32 brings a wireless neckband design to the table which is comfortable yet robust. The neckband strap is made of a rubberized-texture plastic whose smoother finish and lightweight form factor makes it super comfortable to wear all day long. What grabs your attention here is the dark greenish shade with a matte appeal. It is a flexible neckband which doesn’t get impacted with hard twists and turns.

The neckband’s stem on either side and the cables connecting the earbuds have a good build quality. You can feel the sturdiness the moment you grab this wireless neckband.  Besides, the earbuds have magnetic latch that helps the pair from accidentally falling off during outdoor usage. The in-ear design offers a snug fit design which along with the rubber grips on both eartips aid with passive noise cancellation.

The rubber layering also helps with added grip during extensive usage. The controls along with the USB Type-C port are placed on the right end. One of the useful features that you can’t miss out using the OPPO Enco M32 is the intelligent magnetic latch that power off the neckband when the eartips are hooked using it. This is essentially an automatic on/off, play/pause feature.

Once you pull off the eartips the neckband powers on. This is useful when you are in a rush and wish to tuck it in the bag rather than powering off the unit entirely. The OPPO Enco M32 also has IP55 certification with which it becomes dust and water resistant. The OPPO Enco M32 gets all ticks when it comes to design.

OPPO Enco M32 Wireless Neckband Audio: Powerful Sound Stage

The OPPO Enco M32 delivers high-resolution audio via 10mm composite titanium-plated dynamic audio drivers. The wireless neckband offers a frequency response range of 20Hz- 20,000KHz. This range is standard for affordable audio neckbands and headphones. The Enco M32 features SBC and AAC audio codecs. However, this time OPPO has skipped the Sony Hi-Res LDAC codec which has been the biggest highlight in the previous-generation model.

But the clarity levels aren’t entirely compromised. The audio quality is premium with the sound stage being wide and rich. The bass fills through the room when you have the neckband. All thanks to the independent bass chambers in each earbud that helps with this enhanced bass delivery. The audio listening experience has been flagship grade throughout despite it being a budget pair.

Be it music of varied genre, movies or shows, and gaming, the performance has been satisfactory. The audio output remains unaffected at peak levels. No distortion or muffling is what we are speaking of. The audio leakage isn’t an issue as well at the loudest levels. What impressed us more is the pair doesn’t sound shrill or hollow. You listen balanced output whenever you plug in this pair with good bass levels.

OPPO Enco M32 Review: Connectivity, Battery Performance

The OPPO Enco M32 is packed with Bluetooth 5.0 that helps with wireless connectivity. The wireless neckband is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs. It even support modern days smartTVs that support Bluetooth connectivity. There have been no issues with the connectivity or pairing process. You just need to power in the wireless earphones and wait for the Bluetooth pairing command and complete the pairing from the settings menu of the device to be connected. The pairing process hasn’t been a hassle at all. The added dual-connection option helps with multiple device pairing which is another welcome feature offered by the affordable wireless OPPO neckband.

As for the calling experience, it has been good as well. There were no audio stutters or audio breakage on either the caller or the receiver’s end. The Enco M32 uses an omnidirectional MEMC microphone that offer ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) with voice calls. This technology is beneficial with better voice clarity with both incoming and outgoing calls.

As for the battery backup, the OPPO Enco M32 is a beast. It is touted to deliver up to 28 hours of backup with a single charge. The numbers vary with audio levels. However, you get more than a day of backup on a single charge. The Enco M32 also has fast charging support where 10 minutes of quick refueling adds 14 to 15 hours of backup.

OPPO Enco M32 Wireless Neckband Review: Final Verdict

If you step out to buy a budget wireless neckband in India, you will have numerous options in the sub Rs. 2,000 category. But the OPPO Enco series has been a popular choice for the audience in this segment. We have tested the Enco M32 extensively and found it to be the at par with the competitions. In fact, it is well ahead in its league with the improved ergonomics and premium sound signature at an asking price of Rs. 1,799. Besides, the new green color variant stands out of the crowd with its overall appeal.

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Accessories Reviews

Sony WF-1000XM4 ANC TWS Earbuds Review: Redefining Premium Audio Experience

Sony has been at the forefront of audio technology and has been consistently feeding the Indian market with premium audio products. This time the brand just redefined the flagship TWS segment with the WF-1000XM4 in India. Sony has introduced a completely overhauled successor to the WF-1000XM3 TWS earbuds. A new design language and improved internals are what you see with the new TWS earbuds.

Sony has priced the WF-1000XM4 at Rs. 19,900 in India and is selling it via both online and offline retail channels. If you are wondering how worthy the Sony WF-1000XM4 is of an upgrade, you have stopped at the right place. We at Giznext, have received this premium TWS earbuds for review and are sharing our feedback on its audio as well as overall user experience.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Design: Finally A Compact Design

Remember the WF-1000XM3’s big charging case and earbuds? You don’t see that anymore with the WF-1000XM4. Sony has completely redesigned the new TWS earbuds from scratch. From charging case to eartips and even the packaging, the WF-1000XM4 has it all new. The TWS earbuds ship inside specially designed recycled paper packaging. With this, the company has tried to get rid of the excess plastic wrappings and casings used for retail box shipments.

The WF-1000XM4’s charging case is now compact and designed pill-shaped. You wouldn’t struggle this time with sliding this TWS earbud down your pockets. The charging case is lightweight so are the earbuds. So, you don’t just get an easily portable unit but also one that comfortably sits in your ear.  The earbuds still appear bulky, but then looks can be deceptive at times.  No silicone eartips; the 1000XM4 sets this league-high with memory foams. This allows for comfortable wear along even for a longer duration.

Likewise the previous-generation model (WF-1000XM3), the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are also touch-enabled. The left earbud has the preset modes to activate Ambient Sound and ANC, while the right erarbuds lets you control audio and media playback. You wouldn’t find any issues while using the tap/slide gestures. Note, the digital voice-based assistant is also supported by this pair which you can activate and use via the left earbud. Sony has also neatly designed the outer microphones that aid the Active Noise Cancellation feature.

The metallic touch on these outer speakers adds to the premium appeal. The charging case has a magnetic flip design and an LED strip is placed right below the flip. A USB Type-C port is mounted at the back with which you can refuel the case. Lastly, an IPX4 certification makes this pair splash-resistant. Sony hasn’t disappointed us in terms of WF-1000XM4’s design this time. But what about the audio? Is it as premium as the last few models or a notch above? Below is our take on the same:

Sony WF-1000XM4 Listening Experience: Yet Again No Audio Compromise

Sony has entirely re-engineered the WF-1000XM4’s internals to deliver the same but improved rich audio experience you expect from any premium audio handset. Specifically, from Sony’s audio product lineup. The WF-1000XM4 doesn’t fail to deliver on the same with its integrated V1 processor. This new Sony in-house audio chipset is promising and we can say it has enhanced the sound stage majorly. Sony has also integrated this pair with DSEE Extreme whose functionality is to upscale any compressed digital audio file in real-time to produce high-res audio.

So, expect a premium listening experience with online music streaming. Additionally, the WF-1000XM4 also supports LDAC Bluetooth audio which is the first for any premium range TWS earbuds in India. And when we speak of premium listening experience, it’s a balanced and pleasant sound output with clear details and punchy bass is what we mean. That’s what you get on the WF-1000XM4. The sound detailing is on higher levels and the bass fills through the room marginally without disturbing the other audio elements. That said, the mids and highs also have balanced notes and don’t overlap with the bass.  

We tried this pair with varied music genres and have been totally impressed. At no point, you’ll see the audio distorting or muffling. That’s even at the peak volume levels. The integrated V1 processor also allows for an improved ANC experience. Sony has been leading the audio space when it comes it Active Noise Cancellation technology. The WF-1000XM4 comes as a class leader in the ANC audio segment. Thanks to the additional outer microphones, the outdoor noises are effectively canceled out. You will enjoy binge-watching shows and movies on the go and also get hooked to your favorite music playlists both outdoors and indoors without any disturbances.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Review: Connectivity, Battery Performance

The Sony WF-1000XM4 uses the latest Bluetooth technology that allows for easy pairing with smartphones, laptops, tablets, and PCs. We have also tried pairing this TWS earbuds with one of the smartTVs and were successful with the same without any hassles. It features Google fast pair technology with which it can be connected to any Android smartphone in a jiffy.

Nevertheless, if in case you are unable to somehow get done with the pairing processor, just press and hold both earbuds until you listen “Bluetooth Pairing” command. Go back to the Settings menu on your respective devices and refresh the device list.

Similar to the previous-generation WF-1000XM series TWS earbuds, the support for Sony Headphone Connect mobile app is present here as well. You can head to this smartphone music app to make use of the additional features. Take for instance, activating Quick Attention Mode, Speak to Chat, and 360-degree Reality Audio. This last feature is one of the best to tune into a 360-degree spatial sound experience. The Sony Headphone Connect mobile app also lets you toggle on the Adaptive Sound settings with which the pair optimizes sound output depending on the surrounding environment.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 delivers big on battery backup. The company claims a backup of up to 8 hours (earbuds). It’s close to what we got during our testing. The TWS earbuds deliver over 5- 6 hours of backup with medium/ high volume levels. The case packs additional 16 hours of juice. It doesn’t matter if you’re are short of time for a full recharge. The fast charging support comes to the rescue here.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Final Verdict: The Hype’s All Valid

The Sony WF-1000XM4 can be tagged as one of the best premium TWS earbud in the Indian market. Sony has definitely raised the bars with this re-designed flagship wireless earbud. It is amongst the only few audio products where none of the aspects be it design, audio output, and the battery is compromised. Besides, you can’t really miss out on the improved dynamics courtesy of modern technologies and Sony’s expertise. Keeping it short we just have to add that the Sony WF-1000XM4 ticks all the boxes in the premium TWS audio category.

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Mobile Reviews

Tecno Camon 18 Review: Long Lasting Battery, Decent Camera Saves The Day

Pros

  • Large 5,000mAh battery
  • 90Hz refresh rate
  • 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons

  • No AMOLED display
  • No 5G support

Several smartphone makers have launched devices in the affordable segment and Tecno is one of them. In fact, Tecno has recently announced the launch of the Camon 18 smartphone in India. The smartphone is priced at Rs. 14,999 and is already available on Flipkart.

The device is known as the successor of the Tecno Camon 17 device that was launched in July last year. The handset features 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It comes with the MediaTek Helio G85 processor and it is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery along with an 18W Type-C flash charger.

Meanwhile, we got a chance to review the Tecno Camon 18 smartphone and this is what we think about the newly launched device.

Tecno Camon 18 Review: Plastic Back With Glossy Finish

Let’s start with the design of the Tecno Camon 18 smartphone as it is one of the good-looking devices launched by the company. It is visible that the device is an upgraded version of the previous smartphones launched in the same series.

On the right side of the smartphone, you’ll find a volume rocker and power button, whereas the SIM card tray is on the left side of the smartphone. The USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio jack, and speaker grille are at the bottom of the device, whereas the back panel supports a triple camera setup along with a quad flashlight. Then, there is a Tecno Camon branding at the bottom of the back panel.

Although, the smartphone is big and cannot be operated via a single hand, still, the glossy finish looks good and premium. The Tecno Camon 18 features a plastic body and is prone to fingerprint smudges.

On the display front, the Tecno Camon 18 features a 6.8-inch LCD display, a screen resolution of 1080×2460 pixels, and a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a bit disappointing as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G, Realme Narzo 30 5G, and the Samsung Galaxy M32 comes with a 90Hz refresh rate. On top of that, all devices are under Rs. 15,000.

The display also has 396 ppi and a peak brightness of 500 nits. Overall, the display is large enough for those who play games and watch content on YouTube and other OTT applications. Besides, the display is bright enough in the sunlight, provides good viewing angles, and offers bright colours.

Tecno Camon 18 Review: Triple Rear Camera Setup At The Back

On the imaging front, the Tecno Camon 18 comes with a triple camera setup at the back, including a 48MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro unit. The back camera also supports modes like Super Night, Portrait, Beauty, AI Cam, Film, Ultra HD, Wide Selfie, time-lapse, and AR Shot.

The imaging experience from the rear camera seems decent at night, while it captures ample details during the daytime. In short, the triple camera at the back produces good colors and clear images. In fact, the images that came out are much better than expected from the back camera.

Moving to the upfront, it has a 48MP selfie camera. The front camera also supports AI Cam, Beauty, Super Night, AR Shot, Ultra HD, Slow Motion, Wide-Selfie, and time-lapse.

In addition, there is a mode called Film, where you get different segments Vintage, Travel, Street, Party, Family, and Performance. There is another mode called Short Videos you can upload videos on social media platforms. Overall, the front camera captures good images in a proper light but struggles at night as images appeared grainy.

Tecno Camon 18 Review: 5,000 mAh Battery, MediaTek Helio G88 Processor, And Connectivity

The battery life of the newly launched Tecno Camon 18 is good enough for two days with normal usage and can last for 24 hours with heavy usage. The 5,000 mAh battery takes one hour 10 minutes to get fully charged. Besides, the screen time can range between seven to nine hours.

Also, the device comes with Ultra Power and Power Boost features that enable you to save the battery. Coming to the performance, the Tecno Camon 18 feature is equipped with MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which you will find in the Realme Narzo 50 A, Moto G31, Tecno Pova 2, Infinix Hot 10s, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9.

The Tecno Camon 18 features 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. There is also 3GB of RAM support. The smartphone works smoothly in performing everyday tasks. Similarly, there was no lag during playing high-end games for the long run; however, there were some heating issues. The Tecno Camon 18 18 seems quite better than its predecessor in terms of performance.

On the connectivity front, the Tecno Camon 18 supports 4G, USB OTG, FM radio, 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, USB OTG, and FM radio. Additionally, there are ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and fingerprint sensor on the device.

The fingerprint scanner works fine and is integrated into the power button on the right side. The sound quality is also nice in comparison to the device that comes under the same price segment.

Tecno Camon 18 Review: Android 11 OS And Benchmark

The newly launched device is powered by Android 11 OS along with HiOS 8, which is similar to the Infinix smartphones. But, the major drawback of this smartphone is its interface as it is not clear and has several third-party applications, which keep sending notifications. However, Tecno allows you to uninstall all third-party applications.

Apart from the pre-installed applications, the Tecno Camon 18 features a Game mode that increases the performance of the device. On the benchmark front, the Tecno Camon 18 achieved 8141 points on the Work 3.0 performance score. Also, it has managed to get a 710 score on the Wild Life, 349 points on the single-core, and 1230 points on the multi-core benchmark.

Tecno Camon 18 Review: Should You Buy It Or Not?

The Tecno Camon 18 smartphone comes with a good design and battery backup. In fact, it can offer good shots during sunlight. Also, if you are looking for a smartphone that looks good in your hands, then you might go for the Tecno Camon 18 device.

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Reviews Tech Gadgets

Qubo Smart Cam 360 Review: Fits All The Bills

Key Highlights

  • Indian consumers are starting to adopt smart home technology, and this trend will only accelerate
  • Hero Electronix’s subsidiary Qubo has been consistently supplying goods related to smart home security
  • These include locks, doorknobs, alarms, and cameras

Smart consumer electronics products are one of the most rapidly growing sectors across the globe. And ever since smartphone brands have started venturing in this space, the competition has grown stiffer. Not just audio products, but the market has to offer a plethora of smart products such as smart TVs, smart bulbs, and even CCTV cameras. In this article, we are reviewing one of such useful devices which have become a must for modern day’s lifestyle. We are speaking of 360-degree CCTV security cameras.

Giznext has received the latest Qubo 360 CCTV security camera from Hero Electronix. The smart 360-degree security camera is integrated with the latest innovations such as AI, motion detection, and 1080p FHD video recording. It tags a price tag of Rs. 2,890 in the country and is aimed towards delivering 24 x 7 security for smart homes as well as small offices and businesses.

This lower price tag pits the Qubo 360 against the Xiaomi Mi Home security camera and the Realme 360-degree security camera. How well the Hero Electronix’s offering fair against the competition and is it suitable for your daily usage? We have broken down all the aspects of whether you should go for it or skip it. Take a look:

Also Read: Best CCTV Camera Under Rs. 5,000 With Memory Card Support In India

Qubo 360 Security Camera Design: Fits Best Indoors

The Qubo 360 security camera will give you a familiar design appeal at the first look. It is a sphere-shaped camera with the upper casing housing a rotatable lens. You’ll be able to relate the design with Xiaomi’s MI Home security camera. It’s the bottom mount that gives both indoor cameras a distinctive appeal.

The overall build material is plastic (except for the lens). The quality is decent and doesn’t seem like the brand has compromised here on the durability aspect. Besides, it offers a compact form factor and would take the least of space on your desk or the corner of the wall you would want to mount it. The smaller size also makes it unnoticeable if it’s tucked in any corner adding to the stealth factor.

It is advised to seat this camera in the areas from where its blind spots can be avoided. Yes, there are a few blind spots since the camera rotation isn’t entirely 360-degree. It rather seems to be flat 180-degree. A microSD card slot supporting up to 256GB storage is placed right below the lens (on the black portion).

The lower mount inscribes the Qubo labeling at the front and speaker grille at the rear along with a microUSB port and the “Set” key. It is worth adding that the company ships a charger and a USB cable with the retail box. There is also an LED that confirms the status of the camera (active/ inactive).

Also Read: Hero Electronix Launches Smart Cam 360 And Smart Door Lock: See Here For Details

Qubo 360 Security Camera Installation Process: Is It Easy?

Installing the Qubo 360 security camera isn’t a big task. You don’t need any specific professional help to get this camera mounted on the tabletop or wall. Once you have finalized the location for the indoor cctv camera to be placed, just get the connections done. This is where you will need the USB cable and the power brick that ships with the retail box. But make sure you have an active power connection close by.

Once you have plugged in all the electricals, you would need to download the Qubo app on your respective Android or iOS smartphones. After the installation is complete, launch the app and select the hamburger icon from the ‘Devices’ tab and then click on “Add Device.” You will now need to select the ’360 cam’ option to get started. That’s all the steps you would need to perform to install the Qubo 360 camera and pair it with your smartphone.

Qubo 360 Security Camera Review: Features, Performance Feedback

It is worth mentioning that to use all the features you would first need to register your account with Qubo. You just need your basic details such as name, phone number, and email address handy. This is an important procedure as you will need a valid account to buy subscription plans later on. As mentioned in the beginning, the  Qubo 360 security camera is fully-loaded with features.

It comes with AI tech and supports FHD and SD recording. Speaking of the specifications, the Qubo 360 security camera packs a 2MP GC2053 sensor which supports 10X Digital Zoom and 106-degree FoV (Field Of View). You can set the camera recording in FHD or SD from the app itself.

This camera also records in the night or low-light situations without compromising on the quality. This is something which we liked. Also, using the app you can set night recordings to infrared or color as per your convenience. The latter would require a bit lesser of space compared to the colored recordings.

The company has also packed in some nifty features which enhance the overall security layers offered by it. Motion detector, Face tagging, and trigger alarms are a few to be named. You can also play police siren audio to fend off intruders in your absence. The audio quality offered by the cam is loud enough to warn people around. Our overall user experience with this new indoor security camera has been satisfying.

No complaints related to the features and video quality. But one of the aspects which we would like to highlight is the absence of dual-band Wi-Fi support. The camera only has 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi which makes, so you’ll have to switch to the same network on your smartphones. It also has Digital voice assistant support which you will come across first during the setup process. Alexa and Google Assistant are the voice assistants that are supported.

Qubo 360 Degree Indoor Camera: Is It Worth An Investment?

The Qubo 360 indoor security camera is a complete package overall in our opinion. You should invest in this product if you want to enhance security in your home or any other required space. The wider coverage area with the moving lens and good image/video quality isn’t the only factor that makes it the best fit for modern days smart homes but the advanced AI features as well.

The only shortcomings we found are the dated microUSB port and single-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz). Besides, the company is promising a secure environment for the data to be stored both online as well as offline. The data is claimed to be safeguarded with end-to-end encryption which makes it private even at the company servers. If you are considering upgrading your in-house security using a 360-degree security camera, the Qubo 360 is worth an investment. The credit goes to its cheaper price tag and all the advanced set of features.

Also Read: Everything You Should Know About Qubo Handheld Gimbal

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Reviews

JioPhone Next Review: A Complete Package For First-Time Smartphone Users!

The Indian smartphone market is one of the most crowded when we speak of the budget segment. We have seen some major growth in this segment with numerous devices being introduced by the Chinese as well as homegrown brands. While a major chunk of the budget audience has transitioned from feature phones to smartphones, there’s still a large number that is yet to get on board with this process. Reliance Jio is one of those few brands which have been ruling the feature phone market ever since it ventured into the mobile space in the Indian market.

The brand has now opted for a new strategy of grabbing the audience with its first feature-rich smartphone. Called the JioPhone Next, the most affordable 4G phone in the market has finally arrived in the country and is already up for pre-bookings. Bundled with several user-friendly features, this device aims at getting 2G users to get a taste of the fast-speed 4G networks.

Reliance has launched the JioPhone Next at Rs. 6,499 in India and can be purchased in black and blue shades. We at Giznext managed to get our hands on India’s most affordable 4G phone and below is our feedback if it makes the cut. Will the affordable pricing or the user-friendly features save the day for this handset? Or will the budget Chinese phones have an edge? We are breaking it down for you in this quick review:

JioPhone Next Review: Design And Display

We’ll start things off with design since appeal is a crucial aspect in determining the success of a handset. The JioPhone Next doesn’t fall in line with modern-day’s smartphones where you get a slim and tall profile and non-removable battery setup. Rather, it brings a basic entry-level design where you get thick bezels without any notch or punch-hole and a removable back/battery setup.

While this might not be suitable if you are an ardent smartphone user, it is practical for users who are transitioning from feature phones to smartphones for the first time. What we liked is despite a thick body (plastic built), the handset is lightweight which makes it all practical for daily usage. As mentioned earlier, the device comes with a removable back. It has dual SIM and microSD card storage support.

Do note that you will have the option to use one Jio SIM and one SIM from any other operator. The internet connectivity/ mobile data can be used only via the Jio SIM. The remaining design aspects are the same as you would find on any other budget handset. It has the volume and the power keys on the right spine, while the bottom panel only accommodates the micro USB port. The speaker grille is at the lower bottom of the back panel. You get a textured back that allows for a good grip.

Speaking of which, the JioPhone Next flaunts a 5.45-inch display that supports standard 720 x 1440 pixels screen resolution, 18:9 aspect ratio, and 60Hz refresh rate. It gets a Corning Gorilla Glass layer that safeguards the panel from accidental scratches. The display does its job fine and you will have no issues consuming 720p videos on the go. Besides, the compact form factor makes single-hand usability quite easy. The brightness levels seem optimum, but it might not be sufficient outdoors. But, that’s okay considering this is an entry-level phone and has all the basic elements in place.

JioPhone Next: Camera Review

The JioPhone Next features basic camera hardware with both rear and front panels featuring a single sensor for imaging. At the rear, this budget phone packs a 13MP main camera. The image clarity is ample if you are clicking pictures in broad daylight or well-lit areas. The edge-detection as well as the color production is decent in such scenarios. The camera app has an integrated Google lens support which comes in handy to get details related to any image. 

Several pre-set shooting modes will enhance the imaging experience. But, the night shots would be average and it would be criminal to expect a high-resolution output from a budget phone with a single camera. To capture selfies and video calling, the JioPhone Next features an 8MP camera up front. The selfie camera setup is adequate for social media platforms. You get clean and subtle-looking self-portraits which you can easily flaunt at Instagram, Facebook, and other similar websites.

JioPhone Next: Hardware, Software User Experience

The JioPhone Next runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon QM215 processor. This is a low-end Qualcomm chipset that has quad-cores and a clock speed of 1.3GHz. This processor is specifically designed for budget phones with Android Go Edition. That said, the device will ship with Pragati OS which seems to have borrowed some key aspects from the Android Go.

During our brief usage, we didn’t notice any major lags while loading apps or using them. Several pre-loaded apps make user operability simple. The device has been launched with 2GB RAM and a 32GB storage configuration. The RAM capacity is also ample for a low-end phone that uses a quad-core chipset. The JioPhone Next also has an expandable microSD card support which will take care of the additional storage space. Performance-wise, this handset lives up to the expectations.

As far as the UI is concerned, there are all the Google apps pre-installed along with a few other third-party apps. You also will get a bunch of Jio apps pre-installed including MyJio, JioTV, JioSaavn, JioMeet, JioMart, and others. The UI experience is decent and isn’t too laggy. Thankfully, the company hasn’t added any extra set of customizations over the interface (Pragati OS) that would hamper the user experience.

JioPhone Next: Battery Performance

The JioPhone Next, unlike most budget smartphones, packs rather a smaller 3,500 mAh battery unit. You can get a setup bigger than 4,000 mAh on the competitions. There is no fast charging support, but the device still gets a complete refuel within an hour. We are yet to test the battery capacity to its full potential. But with the brief testing, we can say that the device can last more than half a day on a single charge.

JioPhone Next: Verdict

Reliance had a successful run with the Jio feature phone lineup. The brand’s primary focus right from the beginning has been on the budget audience which doesn’t change with the latest offering. The JioPhone Next also caters to price-conscious consumers in India. Specifically, this device comes as the best option for users who are yet to own a smartphone. So getting used to a large touch display and other modern features would be easy for such masses. Besides, the company aims to get onboard the large number of masses that are still using a 2G internet connection. The JioPhone Next comes as an all package deal for the audience looking for a 4G handset that retails below Rs. 7,000.