I recently got my hands on the Spectre TWS from the house of Just Corseca. And, I must say that these earbuds had me curious from the get-go. Available in sleek Black and Silver, they looked pretty promising right out of the box. But let’s just be real as it is all about that sound quality and comfort, right? Well, after putting them to the test during my daily routines, I have got some thoughts to share. Let’s review them and see what these earbuds have to offer.
Let’s be honest. First impressions matter, right? And to be honest, the Just Corseca Spectre TWS doesn’t disappoint me at all. The earbuds come with an all-plastic build. They are lightweight at just 4.3g each and I was able to use them for more than a couple of hours at a stretch, without irritation. It has an ergonomic design and can stay comfortably in place whether you are on a jog or just lounging around. For review, I have got the Black color variant which looks premium and elegant.
On the Spectre TWS, the USB Type-C charging connector is placed at the bottom of the charging case. The case bears the logo of the brand. Along with the earbuds and additional ear tips, the package also includes a USB Type-A to Type-C cable. In order to learn the control commands, you will first need to refer to the instruction booklet that is included.
Sound Performance
Now, let’s come to the part that truly matters, the sound. The earbuds support SBC and AAC codecs, so you are guaranteed high-quality audio streaming. The Spectre TWS is powered by a 13mm dynamic driver and is tuned for bass. If you enjoy heavy bass, you might be disappointed with these earbuds. Although the audio from the earbuds is average, vocals are sometimes overpowered by bass, and the treble is decent enough. The bass is underpowered compared to the mids and I think this is what many Indian customers like me like to hear. Nevertheless, the overall sound quality is still very good, with the majority of genres finding their sweet spot in the mid-volume level.
The combination of ANC and ENC ensures that you are completely immersed in your music without being distracted by the outside world. And with four microphones, voice clarity was good for calls indoors and below average outdoors. For the price, these feature medium call quality and decent audio overall.
Connectivity And Pairing
The pairing process in Spectre TWS is simple and easy, thanks to Bluetooth 5.4. All you need to do is turn on Bluetooth on your device, choose ‘Spectre,’ and establish a connection.
When you lift the top cover, the TWS is prepared for pairing. The JL7003D8 chipset that they include guarantees dependable connectivity. If you ask me, I haven’t had any problems with my iPhone’s connectivity thus far. However, you can only link it with one device at a time because it lacks dual-mode connectivity.
The touch controls are hit or miss and do not respond half the time. Unlike a few other buds, you cannot customize the settings. This bud only allows you to answer calls, change the music’s volume, play or pause the tracks, and control the voice assistant.
Battery
When it comes to TWS earbuds, battery life is often a deal-breaker. However, the Spectre TWS nails in this. You can listen to music continuously for up to 7-8 hours on a single charge, which I think is great. When you combine that with the charging case, you can expect a whopping 45 hours of playback. Additionally, the Type-C interface allows you to recharge your device in less than 1.5 hours when it needs it. I personally didn’t need to charge the device once during my testing week, and that’s great.
At the price of Rs. 2,999, the Just Corseca Spectre TWS earbuds deliver solid comfort and impressive battery life. While the sound quality is decent, the bass can sometimes overpower vocals. With easy connectivity and reliable ANC, they are a decent pick, though bass lovers might want to explore other options.
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OPPO has been pretty aggressive with new product launches in the recent months. After refreshing its popular “Reno” and “K” smartphone lineup, the brand has again brought in a new option for the mid-tier consumers in India. The latest entrant is from the OPPO F series called the F27 5G which intends to take on the mid-range segment with its performance centric hardware. OPPO’s affordable smartphones have been proving as solid daily drivers meeting expectations of the users. The vanilla F27 5G will be joining its sibling F27 Pro flaunting a trendy design language and well-rounded spec-sheet (at least on papers). Does this phone packs all the necessary punch in real and will it make it worth an investment starting at Rs 22,999? Well, you’ll have to read the comprehensive review below to find out the same. To further simplify it for you, we have broken down the reviews in pros and cons.
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OPPO has been designing appealing smartphones that grabs your instant attention which is the case with the F27 5G as well. With its metallic flat frame design, it feels familiar as the previous-gen model. However, Cosmos Ring camera island wrapped with Halo Light gets it the necessary distinctions. You essentially get a vibe of a luxury mechanical watch dial with the rear camera module. This Halo Light glows with notifications such as calls, messages and also charging adding on its unique design approach. Seems like, it’s the new trend with smartphone designing; specifically in the mid-range segment.
As we mentioned earlier, you can select from Amber Orange and Emerald Green shades where we received the latter for review. Keeping the durability in check is the high-strength alloy framework construction along with IP64 certification. Thankfully, the rear panel isn’t a smudge or fingerprint magnet which is a big respite as you easily get to flaunt the unit without any case.
However, using a standard case is always an added protection which you shouldn’t avoid. If we speak of the overall usability, the OPPO F27 5G with its compact design is easier to use with a single hand. But if it’s gaming or some extensive app use, you might need both your hands for the operations. The power and volume key on the right spine are nimble with clicks. At the bottom panel, you get the USB Type-C port sandwiched between the SIM card tray and the speaker grille which is a usual design pattern we see with OPPO handsets.
OPPO has used a dual lens setup for the primary optics on the F27 5G. The main sensor tucked inside the round camera island is a massive 50MP lens with an f/1.8 aperture. It is clubbed with a 2MP secondary sensor to add bokeh effects. If you have used OPPO smartphones in the past, you might already be a fan of the ultra-clear photos which they provide with different backgrounds or scenarios.
The F27 5G’s main 50MP sensor also does a good job while capturing details. The clarity levels are great when you snap your memories in daylight. Edge detection is to the point and so is the dynamic range. You wouldn’t find the images casting any unnatural or oversaturated tones when the lighting conditions are apt.
There is dedicated Hi-Res shooting mode which you can use to snap natural sceneries and stationary objects with highest level of detailing. Other modes that you can access from the camera app include Pro, Portrait, Pano, and Night. You can also capture Time-Lapse and Slow-Mo videos using the F27 5G both of which offer a decent output when put to test.
While the daylight camera performance of the OPPO F27 5G is satisfactory, that might not be the exact case with the low-light shots. No, we aren’t saying the quality is bad, rather, it is average when we compare it with the daylight shots. Grains and noise is visible with the photos that are captured in night. And the Night Mode doesn’t make any significant enhancements. It does refine the image quality but not as expected with flagship grade cameras.
That said, the star of the camera performance is the Portrait mode. The bokeh effects that are added to the shots when clicked using the portrait mode looks natural. The subject is well defined with respect to the blurred backgrounds. OPPO has also kept in mind the advancing AI technologies driving the modern-age smartphones and have ensured users get to experience the same with the F27 5G.
The AI Eraser 2.0 is one of the best AI features improving the entire photography experience. This tool is handy to get rid of any unwanted person or object that could be photobombing your shot. And it’s a clean experience using this AI eraser tool. AI Smart Image Matting 2.0 and AI Studio are the remaining AI camera features that you get to use with the F27 5G for an enhanced photography experience.
If we speak of the selfie camera, you get a 32MP lens inside the punch-hole cutout upfront which comes with an f/2.4 aperture. Now, if you are one of those selfie fanatics or a budding content creator, this massive selfie snapper gets your job done with high quality output. The self portraits are ultra-clear that you can easily flaunt at social media platforms.
OPPO F27 5G is a visual delight when you binge through shows and movies on its screen. The 6.67-inch tall panel of the F27 5G gets an FHD+ resolution support and also has a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. If your are amongst those users who are mostly on phone’s screen for entertainment, you’ll be deligted with the vivid visuals the F27 5G’s offers. The screen looks accurate with color production and provides high-resolution output with online streaming and also video playback via offline directory.
What further impressed us is the brightness levels of the F27 5G’s screen. This panel comes with an overall and peak brightness levels of 1200 nits and 2100 nits respectively. With such high peak brightness, you hardly strain your eyes while viewing content under harsh or direct sunlight. Gaming visuals are smooth too and you can enable medium to high settings for display while engaging with graphic intensive games.
The F27 5G integrates dual stereo speakers to produce loud and clear sound output which is firther combined with Ultra Volume Mode. This special sound mode allows tuning the audio levels to up to 300% with which you can enjoy your music listening or movie/ show watching experience without pairing any external speakers.
The OPPO F27 5G gets its juice from a 5,000 mAh battery pack. While this is standard setup you find across mid-range and affordable phones, it has enough juice to drive the unit for an entire day when usage is restricted to general. This means web browsing, calling, messaging, and occasional media playback won’t drain the handset entirely by the end of the day. You might need a second plug-in by the end of the day if the usage has been extensive. For instance, constant gaming or HD video playback will drain the battery faster. With its 45 W Supervooc fast charging, the refuel time also gets significantly reduced to less than an hour.
OPPO has surely designed the F27 5G as a well-rounded package which is driven by the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. The mid-tier 5G chipset from MediaTek is efficient with performing a variety of tasks without any noticeable lags or stutters. But for a price range starting over Rs. 20,000, we would have preferred slightly better processor. Nevertheless, you still don’t get any disappointments with the performance and can complete any task with ease.
You don’t have to worry about the F27 5G’s multitasking capabilities. With an onboard 8GB RAM, the handset switches effortlessly between the apps that are running in the backgroun. In fact, the app boot time is also quick. But the sole option for 8GB RAM is one pf the only few cons that you get with this handset.
OPPO F27 5G is launched with dual storage options which includes 128GB and 256GB. Also, you can expand the onboard storage by using an external microSD card. But since it comes with a hybrid SIM card slot, you can only use one SIM and a mmicroSD card simultaneously. There isn’t any provision with which you could use dual SIM cards and an external SD card together.
OPPO has installed the latest firmware inside the F27 5G, i.e., Android 14 OS which is topped with ColorOS 14.0.1 UI. Now, the UI has definitely advanced and is much smoother than the previous iterations. However, the UI is still a bit cluttered and is loaded with bloatware. Our preference has been a stock Android UI, but the pre-installed third party apps can be beneficial for certain user group.
Picture this: you are getting ready for a morning walk. Your favorite songs are lined up. But something is missing. That’s right, your earbuds. Well for me, earbuds are more than just an accessory. They are an essential part of my daily routine. Whether I am travelling through the crowded metro, taking an evening stroll, or simply tuning out the world, a good pair of earbuds are non-negotiable. And to be honest, when it comes to selecting the right pair, I am quite picky. However, there is one brand that never fails to catch my attention, and that is OnePlus.
OnePlus have consistently impressed me with their devices, especially in the audio segment. So, when the recently launched OnePlus Buds Pro 3 dropped, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. After using them for few weeks, I am here to share my experience. Let’s just know if its all about the hype or have joined my new favorite list.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 features a design that is both luxurious and minimalist. They have a pebble stone form factor and a two-tone design. It combines a leathery texture on the front and back along with a metallic finish on the sides. However, the case is not made from real vegan leather but rather hard plastic textured just to mimic the appearance of leather. Once you hold the case, you will get to realize it’s just a plastic.
The front and back of the case have the logos of OnePlus and Dynaudio, respectively. On the bottom, there is a charging port accompanied by an LED light for charging status. On the right, you will see the pairing button. Once you open the case, there’s two earbuds and another LED for pairing status.
The earbuds are compact yet spacious enough to fit-in serious drivers. They come pre-fitted with medium-sized silicone tips. Personally, I found the fit perfect, and the earbuds didn’t cause any discomfort, even after extended use. But for those who find the earbuds too big or too small, OnePlus includes three additional pairs of ear tips in the retail box, i.e., extra small, small, and large.
Each earbud has a rounded stem and a dual-tone finish. The stem features a unique slide function, with the designated slide area marked by tiny horizontal lines towards the front of the stem. I must say it is really a thoughtful design so that you can easily locate the slide area without fumbling.
The device is available in two classic shades: Lunar Radiance and Midnight Opus. I have got the latter one for the review, which looks elegant. Additionally, the earbuds come with an IP55 rating. This makes them resistant to heavy sweating during workouts or outdoor activities. The case does not carry an IP rating.
OnePlus has continued its collaboration with Danish audio company Dynaudio for a rich and immersive audio experience. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is equipped with an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter setup. The ANC on these buds reaches a depth of 50dB, and it does effectively block out unwanted noise.
These buds are made for audio lovers, and they did not disappoint me at all. I really enjoyed the Spatial Audio feature while streaming my favorite songs on various music apps. The balance between highs and lows is well-managed. The bass is punchy and delivers a solid output with great clarity. However, the mid-range sound can sometimes lack clarity.
The ANC is particularly impressive as it adjusts automatically based on your surroundings. Whether you are stuck in noisy traffic or trying to focus in a lively office, the ANC adapts seamlessly.
Each earbud features three microphones and a Voice Pickup sensor that enhances the call quality. This uplifts the clarity of your voice during calls. The voice is clear and loud enough for the receiver to hear with decent clarity.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks. The Buds Pro 3 lacks support for high-res codecs like AptX or LDAC. And it is a letdown for audiophiles. Additionally, there’s no support for Bluetooth LE audio or LC3.
Overall, the sound experience I got on the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is balanced and detailed. Through the HeyMelody app, you can access a six-band customizable equalizer. This allows you to fine-tune the sound to your preference. The earbuds also come with five Dynaudio-backed EQ presets, that is, Balanced, Bold, Serenade, Bass, and Dynaudio featured. The last preset aims to reproduce the sound of Dynaudio speakers for balanced bass, mids, and treble. While I am not completely sure if it achieves that or not, the sound is nonetheless pleasant and enjoyable.
Connectivity And Pairing
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 comes with Bluetooth 5.4 and support Google Fast Pairing. One standout feature is its dual connectivity. It allows you to pair the earbuds with two devices simultaneously. I personally found this feature super convenient as I keep switching between my phone and laptop.
On a positive note, pairing the earbuds was super easy. I paired them with my iPhone without a struggle, and the process was smooth and quick. You can also pair the earbuds using the HeyMelody app, available on both Android and iOS. The app provides a lot of control and customization options as well. During my usage, the connection remained stable even as I walked around the room. This stability is a definite plus.
Function
Left
Right
Play/Pause, Answer/End calls
Press
Press
Next track/Reject call
Double-press
Double-press
Previous track
Three-press
Three-press
ANC/Transparent mode
Press and hold for 1 second
Press and hold for 1 second
Increase Volume
Slide up
Slide up
Decrease Volume
Slide down
Slide down
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, each bud houses a 58mAh cell and the case has a 566mAh battery capacity. One can easily get up to 10 hours of playtime with full charge.
In my experience, I managed to get over 40 hours of total playback time from the earbuds without ANC, which is quite impressive. And with ANC turned on, the playback time reached about 25 hours. But I was still very pleased with the performance. When using the lossless LHDC codec with Smart ANC mode enabled and the volume set to over 60-70 percent, the earbuds, along with the case, provided a runtime of over 20 hours.
Now coming to the charging part, it takes over one hour to completely charge from 0 to 100 percent through wired charging process. Beside that, the device also supports wireless charging.
At Rs. 11,999, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 stands out as one of the best earphones you can buy if you are looking to up your audio experience. It has an elegant design, comfortable fit, and a great battery life. The ANC, good microphone quality, and great latency performance make it a well-rounded package. For the price, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 delivers all the key features that make it a winner.
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Are you on a search for the perfect budget smartphone? And not just affordable, but also filled with features that make you feel like you have hit jackpot? Well, you need not to worry. The newest player from Lava in the ever competitive under Rs. 15,000 segment is here, that is Blaze X. The smartphone has a sleek design, curved AMOLED display, and battery that lasts a long time. What’s more? While most budget phones come loaded with unwanted apps and ads you wish you could get rid of, Blaze X gives you a simple, ad-free UI experience. But can it shine bright in the fiercely competitive market of budget smartphones? Let’s take a closer look and find out in this in-depth review.
The first time I held the Lava Blaze X in my hand, I noticed how effortlessly it blended simplicity with sophistication. What really stands out is the minimalistic design. It’s a head-turner for sure. It has a rear matte-finish that feels smooth to the touch and also helps you stay away from those annoying fingerprints. The device has gracefully curved edges and thin bezels. This definitely adds to its premium look, making it a pleasure to hold.
The front camera is tucked away in a small punch hole cutout. It gives you more screen space to enjoy your content. And now the back. Well, it’s a clean slate, save for a dual-camera setup that is neatly position in the top-left corner. Yes, camera bump is there, but it is subtle enough not to cause any wobble when you lay the phone flat.
Ergonomically, Lava has nailed it. On the right side, there are power and volume buttons. They are positioned low enough that you don’t have to stretch your thumb awkwardly to reach them. And I love it. Unfortunately, the Blaze X skipped the 3.5mm headphone jack. However, Lava has included a Type-C connector in the box, so that you won’t be left hanging. How thoughtful.
Overall, the Lava Blaze X’s design is not just about looking good, but also feeling good in your hand as well as being easy to use on a daily basis.
Display
Arguably, the shining star of the Laval Blaze X is its display. When you power on the device, the first thing you will notice is how stunning the 6.67-inch curved AMOLED screen looks. With a peak brightness of 800nits, the display shines in outdoor visibility. Even under the direct sunlight, I didn’t have to squint or search for shade to see what was on screen. Also, let’s not forget about its 120Hz refresh rate. I have always been a lover of smooth scrolling, and Blaze X delivers in its spades. Be it browsing apps or taking notes, every swipe scroll feels smooth and responsive. Also, there’s the in-display fingerprint sensor, which is pretty responsive.
I have personally used many budget smartphones, but this one? It has a different league altogether. The colors are vibrant and the visuals are sharp, all thanks to its HD+ resolution. Whether I am scrolling through Instagram, watch a YouTube video, or just reading articles, everything looks lively.
I used the Lava Blaze X for around 10-15 days as my daily driver. If I talk about its performance, I would say that it falls into the “above average” category. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, up to 8GB RAM and 128GB memory. Together, they make a fairly smooth experience, at least for the basics. Whether I was scrolling through social media, making calls, or texting, the phone handled it all without breaking a sweat. However, the Blaze X showed a few signs of struggle when it came to multitasking. Switching between apps was not as snappy as I’d hope. Also, there was occasional lags that reminded me that I was using a budget phone. But for casual use, it is perfectly fine. If you’re someone who likes to juggle multiple apps at once, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more horsepower.
Gaming on the Blaze X is a mixed bag. It can handle demanding games, but you will need to lower the graphics settings to keep things running smoothly. During my time with the smartphone, I did not experience any excessive heating. It stayed cool and comfortable, which is more than I can say for some other phones in this price range.
Now, one of the standout features for me was the stock Android 14 experience. It is clean, bloatware-free, and simple. There’s no clutter or unnecessary apps, which is a rare find in budget smartphones. However, the phone does come with some trade-offs. The lack of advanced multitasking features is noticeable and the limited software support. It has just one OS upgrade and two years of security updates, that means the Blaze X might not age as gracefully as some of its competitors.
Overall, the Lava Blaze X delivers decent performance for everyday tasks. But, if you are looking for a phone that can handle more intensive use, you might find it a bit underwhelming.
Camera
The Lava Blaze X sports a dual rear camera setup. It has a 64MP primary sensor and a 2MP macro lens. The photos I took during the day were packed with detail, and the colors, while slightly punchy, were pleasing to the eye. Sure, they are a bit more vibrant than real life, but that just means fewer filters are needed before sharing on Instagram, definitely a win in my book.
Coming to the low-light photography, it is where the Blaze X shows its limitations. The images tended to lack the sharpness and detail that the camera otherwise handles well in brighter conditions. Even so, I did manage to capture some vivid images, though the colors were more saturated than I’d like.
One of the interesting features of the Blaze X’s camera is its AI mode. Unlike some phones where AI is always on by default, you need to switch it on manually here. I played around with this feature, clicking pictures with AI both on and off, and I noticed that AI mode adds a bit more texture to the images. It is a subtle difference, but one that photography enthusiasts might appreciate.
AI Off
AI On
AI Off
AI On
The Portrait mode on the Blaze X also deserves a mention. The edge detection is surprisingly accurate, which is impressive given that even higher-end smartphones sometimes struggle with this.
Speaking of the front camera, the Blaze X sports a 16MP shooter. It is pretty good for selfies, though I noticed that it doesn’t always nail the focus. Occasionally, when I tapped to focus on a subject, the final image turned out blurry. Although, it’s not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of if selfies are a big part of your smartphone usage.
Beauty Mode
Normal
Zoom performance on the Blaze X is decent as well. The 3x zoom gets the job done, and while it’s not mind-blowing, it’s more than acceptable for a device in this price range.
5x Zoom
10x Zoom
Overall, the camera on the Lava Blaze X is a decent performer, especially considering its budget-friendly price.
Battery
When it comes to battery life, the Lava Blaze X doesn’t disappoint. The device is powered by 5,000mAh battery. On a full charge, the phone easily lasted me through an entire day of typical use.
What’s even better is the 33W fast charging support via the USB Type-C port. During my usage, it didn’t take long to get the Blaze X powered up and ready to go again. This is always a plus if you’re on the move and don’t have time to sit around waiting for your phone to charge. Overall, the battery performance is impressive.
The Lava Blaze X stands out in the budget segment. It has a sleek design, vibrant display, decent camera performance, and impressive battery life. While it has some limitations in multitasking and low-light photography, it offers good value for its price. The phone is a solid choice for budget-conscious users.
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We all have those mornings where the world seems to move in slow motion. The strain of yesterday lingers with you like a shadow. If you will ask me, the best therapy to shake off that morning lethargy is to dive into my favorite music. Letting my favorite tracks carry me to a calm place before the chaos of the day begins.
Lately, my go-to music for mornings has been the CMF By Nothing Buds Pro 2. With just a tap, these stylish, compact earbuds have become my faithful friends on my early-morning adventures. They convert my fuzzy mood into one of blissful serenity. The soulful notes of Ali Sethi or the pop songs by BTS, the Buds Pro 2 have been filling my ears with a symphony that temporarily helps me forget about the outside world.
With its design-centric and affordable products, Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has undoubtedly made a name for itself. The company recently launched the CMF Buds Pro 2 at Rs. 4,299. We at Giznext also received these products for review. So, are these buds the best in this price range? How was my overall experience? Let’s get to know here in this full-fledged review.
Let’s start with my first impression. The CMF Buds Pro 2 share a diverse design language that is beautifully in sync with their other products, the CMF Phone 1 and CMF Watch Pro 2. I personally found it exactly like the CMF Buds. The squire-shaped case, made of plastic, has a soft-touch. It has a matte finish that feels smooth and blissfully free from those annoying fingerprints that leaves glossier marks. It is the kind of case that doesn’t slip out of your hand and can easily slide around in your pockets. Though, it’s worth noting that the case doesn’t come with any IP ratings, so don’t go testing its durability with a splash or two.
Innovative Rotatable Dial
Let’s now discuss the small rotatable dial on the case. Unlike the metal lanyard ring from the earlier CMF Buds, the Buds Pro 2 features an innovative smart dial. It lets you manage everything from volume to ANC without ever opening the case. It’s one of those features that makes you wonder why more earbuds don’t have something similar—it’s that convenient.
When you open the lid, you can see the earbuds that are completely secured in place by perfectly sized magnets. It’s easy to pick them up. All you have to do is lift them, and they are good to go. It’s even simpler to put them back in their cozy little homes; the magnets almost seem eager to clasp them there. A small LED on the case quietly communicates the status of pairing and charging, keeping things simple.
Fit And Comfort
The earbuds are a beautiful blend of glossy and matte textures. Each bud features three microphones to ward against annoying wind noise. The CMF-branded touch-sensitive section serves as your command center for volume, ANC, and play/pause functions. Additionally, these buds can withstand mild drizzles and dust as they have IP55 rating.
Now coming to the fit and comfort. Well, I’ve had trouble finding the perfect earbud fit, so I was happy to discover that the CMF Buds Pro 2 fit my ears rather nicely. They stay in place comfortably whether I am cruising along at a fast pace or just relaxing. I rarely ever notice these buds because they are so light and comfortable on the ears. All in all, the CMF Buds Pro 2 offer a design that’s not just thoughtful, but thoroughly enjoyable to interact with.
Just one word – Solid. For earbuds in this price range, they deliver sound quality that’s surprisingly good. It comes with the 11mm titanium-coated driver and 6mm tweeter. These buds are ideal, especially if you’re into bass-heavy tracks. The soundstage is not the widest out there, but it’s certainly not cramped either. The vocals come through clear, and the bass? Well, it’s definitely something you will feel. Also, the EQ presets give you the flexibility to fine-tune it for other genres too. You can pick from five different levels of bass intensity in order to get just the right amount of thump. Honestly, when it came to the sound quality, I couldn’t find much to complain about. The CMF Buds Pro 2 handled different genres like a pro.
Noise Cancellation
And let’s not forget about the ANC. I found it impressive for buds in this price range, as it is more than capable of dulling out strong noises. Though, at higher ANC levels, you might experience a bit of that vacuum-like sensation in your ears. The adaptive ANC feature adjusts automatically to the noise around you. But, if you’re picky like me, you can always tweak it to your liking through the Nothing X app.
Overall, the CMF Buds Pro 2 offer a sound experience that’s hard to beat at this price. Whether you’re jamming out to your favorite tracks or just trying to tune out the world, these buds have got you covered.
Connectivity And Pairing
I had no trouble getting started, and the connection was instant. Don’t worry if you use an iPhone, these earbuds are equally compatible with iOS devices. I synced them with my iPhone 13 and adjusted the controls and sound settings using the Nothing X app.
Playback control is simple with the touch sensors on top of the stem. All it takes is a tap to start, stop, or switch between tracks. Opening the case will enable Bluetooth. You just have to follow the instructions that are required for pairing with your phone.
Dual connection lets you connect to two devices at once, though it does require a quick reboot to toggle the feature. The Nothing X app unlocks more features like LDAC support, spatial audio, ANC, and even voice assistance with ChatGPT.
Call Quality
The call quality on the CMF Buds Pro 2 is impressive. I had no complaints from people on the other end, they hear me loud and clear and vice-versa. The six microphones, combined with Nothing’s Clear Voice tech, do a great job of delivering crisp audio during calls.
Nothing claims that the input is analyzed by sophisticated algorithms that reference more than 28 million sound samples, making it more efficient than earlier versions. I found that Wind-Noise Reduction 2.0 totally eliminated wind noise for the receiver. And I think it’s a huge improvement. But there were still some sounds from outside, like traffic and footsteps. Overall, the CMF Buds Pro 2 performed admirably. However, they might not rival Nothing’s flagship earbuds in terms of performance when it comes to outdoor call noise cancellation.
Battery
In terms of battery life, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are fairly competitive. With a 60mAh battery, the earbuds themselves should last roughly 10 hours when not using ANC and 6.5 hours when using it. During my usage, I was able to attain slightly over five hours with LDAC and noise cancellation turned on. The volume was roughly at roughly 60-70 percent, which I think is good.
Charging the case and earbuds completely takes over an hour. But the fast charge feature is a lifesaver. With just 10 minutes of charging, it gives you seven hours of playback without ANC.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 deliver solid sound, easy pairing, and a stylish design, all at an affordable price. With a great fit, seamless connectivity, and convenient features like the smart dial, they offer great value. For anyone seeking quality earbuds without breaking the bank, these are a strong contender.
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Realme is back with another number series within just a few months of bringing in the Realme 12 lineup. This time the company has introduced the Realme 13 series which comes with the promise of offering the best-in-class camera performance combined with AI. This time as well, the new lineup comes with dual variants including the Realme 13 Pro and the Realme 13 Pro+.
The new series is equipped with Realme’s Hyperimage+ camera system, a vivid screen, fast charging enabled battery module, and more. But does the new models makes it worth a buy when we speak of overall features and performance? At Giznext, we have received the Realme 13 Pro+ for review and in this article, we are sharing the long term user review. Read on to find out of the Realme 13 Pro+ is really worth an investment for its price range starting under Rs. 35,000:
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The Pros
Luxurious Design And Comfortable Grip
Realme has got its game better with smartphone designs over the last few years. The company has introduced some of the classiest handsets even in the budget segment. The number series has been getting fairly decent makeover and the 13 Pro+ isn’t different. You can opt from the Monet Gold and Emerald Green shades where the former gets Monet-inspired light and shadow texture flow on the back, while the latter offers a textured vegan leather design.
We have received the Emerald Green shade which undeniably feels all luxurious to touch and hold. The phone is also slim which allows for a slip-free and comfortable grip. The large circular camera island with a metallic ring does add to the looks overall. This handset gets an IP65 certification which makes it dust and water splash resistant.
This is necessary feature that keeps you worry free in case of emergency rains and similar scenarios outdoors. If we speak of the ports and keys, all get a standard placement. The right spine accommodates the volume rockers followed by the power key, whereas the bottom panel has the USB Type-C port positioned between the speaker grille and the SIM card tray. Up front, the things are pretty neat too. The curved display us rounded off with slim bezels and a punch-hole camera cutout on the top. The While the design language of the Realme 13 Pro+ is all premium, you would find it familiar when compared to its predecessors.
Realme has loaded the 13 Pro+ with one of the solid camera hardware further refining its capabilities with AI features. The hardware comprises of a 50MP primary sensor which is a Sony LYT-600 Periscope lens with an f/2.65 aperture and OIS support. The secondary telephoto sensor is also a 50MP lens but is a Sony LYT-701 sensor with OIS support and 3x optical zoom. There is an 8MP ultra-wide sensor as well which comes with 112° FoV and f/2.2 aperture.
Performance-wise , the Realme 13 Pro+’s cameras definitely offer an improved performance when compared with the previous-gen model. Thanks to the added AI tech, optics is much better with capturing details in every click. The images snapped are brighter with the larger sensor which is capable of intaking more light now. Also, the dynamic range has improved with specifically with the daylight shots. You’ll be impressed with the level of detailing each snap captured with the Realme 13 Pro+ has.
AI Portrait
AI Portrait
AI Portrait
With this Realme number series phone, you’ll also get high-quality of portrait shots. The background blurs don’t appear gimmicky. Rather, all these bokeh shots have ample detailing to the subject. Realme has also thrown in the HYPERIMAGE+ camera tech which uses three-later AI photography architecture to boost the image quality. It helps with retaining natural color tones so that the photos doesn’t look artificial with color production.
As for the night photography, the Realme 13 Pro+’s primary camera setup does a decent job here as well. The quality is much better than the previous-gen models and you’ll be able to capture images with low noise during night. Of course, you can enable the dedicated Night Mode for enhanced picture clarity in low-light conditions.
Videos recorded are of high quality as well. The Realme 13 Pro+ can record 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps and 30fps, and 720P @ 60fps / 30fps videos. You can always opt for the highest 4K @30 fps setting to record clear and crisp video quality. Specifically, if you are content creator, you will be satisfied with the camera’s performance overall.
Realme 13 Pro+ is a powerhorse with its capacious 5,200 mAh battery pack. You generally get to see a standard 5,000 mAh or lower battery capacity in this segment. However, the extra power with the battery is essential to drive the unit for more than a day; specifically, with moderate to light usage. Even with an extensive usage, you can expect the Realme 13 Pro+ to last more than half a day on a single charge.
If you intend to play graphic hungry, you wound’t have to worry about the battery getting drained too quickly. In fact, you would need a re-plug towards the end of the day and with the compatible 80W Fast charging, expect faster refuels as well. That said, it takes less than an hour for the battery to get a full re-charge from 0- 100 percent using the 80W fast charger.
Crisp And Vivid Display Enhances Visual Experience
Display game is also getting stronger for Realme. The Realme 13 Pro+ has been packed with a tall 6.7-inch display. The panel used for this latest Realme number series phone is 10-bit AMOLED which delivers exceptional quality with a variety of content. The panel has an FHD resolution support and 120 Hz refresg rate which further helps with a smooth picture production.
Now, the panel brightness has also improved when its compared with the Realme 12 Pro+. The latest model supports 2000 nits of peak brightness which is higher than the 950 nits brightness levels offered by the previous-gen model. We had no difficulties with watching content under direct sunlight which makes it less straining on the eyes. Visuals with OTT and other streaming platforms have been solid too. You get clear visuals while watching online TV shows or movies. The similar is the experience with gaming visuals, where you get vivid visuals even with graphic-intensive games.
The Realme 13 Pro+ has the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor under its hood. While this Qualcomm chipset is primarily designed for the premium mid-tier Android phones, it is the same as used by the Realme 12 Pro+. This is the sole factor why the chipset is being tagged in the cons section. Otherwise, the Realme 13 Pro+ is a good performer irrespective of the tasks thrown at it.
The phone can smoothly process heavy apps and games and you’ll also hardly notice any major lags with its performance. The lowest RAM is 8GB, while the highest RAM option available is 12GB. Both these variants are capable of providing a smooth multitasking irrespective of the number of the apps that are running in the background.
You also won’t notice any major heating issues while using the Realme 13 Pro+ extensively. The 9-layer cooling system combined with a large tempered VC (vapor chamber) helps with the heat dissipation. You might come across slight warm up when the device is plugged in for charging and is being used with some extensive app simultaneously. But that wouldn’t be anything you need to be concerned about.
Just like its predecessor, the Realme 13 Pro+ also features a hybrid SIM slot. This means you will be limited with using one SIM card and one microSD card simultaneously. Now, this could be a bummer for the audiences who prefer a dedicated 3-way SIM slot which allows using dual SIM cards along with a microSD card for storage expansion. This is one of the only few cons that you get with the Realme 13 Pro+. However, the onboard up to 512GB storage is sufficient for storing general files and documents also the captured high-res photos and videos.
The Realme 13 Pro+ comes as one of the most solid contenders in the premium mid-tier segment with a starting price range under Rs. 35,000. It’s AI enabled camera is undeniably the standout highlight which lets you capture your favorite moments with unmatched clarity. This phone with a luxurious design and well-loaded hardware makes it a worthy buy if your budget doesn’t exceed over Rs. 35,000. Consider it if your requirement is a photography-centric handset that can also take on extensive operations including gaming.
The Vivo V40 is finally here. Yes, we have got another affordable smartphone from the house of Vivo. Successor to the last year’s Vivo V30, this smartphone is a tone down version of its elder brother Vivo V40 Pro. It has got Zeiss dual optics and does especially well for portraits. And today, I am super excited to share my hand-on experience with the newly launched Vivo V40. The phone is a standout in the mid-range category and trust me it’s got a lot to offer. From a slick design to a camera collaboration with Zeiss, there is a lot to talk about. Let’s dive right in and get to know if it’s a great purchase in a crowded mid-range market.
First things firsts, the premium glass design of the Vivo V40 is absolutely stunning. It has solid metallic frames, a curved screen and an extremely slim profile, which definitely makes it ahead of many rivals. You can get this Vivo smartphone in three colors, that is, Lotus Purple, Titanium Grey, and Ganges Blue that I received for this review. This is personally my favorite color variant. Its rear features a texture of flowing water that appears to honor the glorious journey of India’s most important river- Ganga. The particles shimmer as the phone is rotated gently which looks great. The device weighs just 193 grams which makes it super easy to hold and use it with one hand. The pleasant curvature of the back further enhances the comfortable grip.
Coming to the button placements and ports, the phone features volume rockers and a power button on the right. A dual SIM slot, primary microphone, USB Type-C connector, and speaker grill are all jammed onto the bottom section. There’s an additional microphone up top.
Now coming to the camera module. Well, its unique and eye-catching. It includes two 50MP Zeiss lenses. Right below, it has the right LED which the company named it Aura light for special portrait photography. The front punch-hole of the phone holds a 50MP selfie camera. The fingerprint sensor is an optical in-display kind. It has good haptic feedback. Plus, it has got an IP68 rating, making it water and dust resistant. So, no worries if you got caught in the rain.
Overall, the Vivo V40, without any doubt, stands out as one of the finest-designed phones in its segment. This smartphone doesn’t look like any other phone out there, and I love it.
Bright And Beautiful Display
The Vivo V40 features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5k resolution. The curved screen complements the design perfectly. If I talk about one of its standout features, then it is the peak brightness of 4500nits. This means you will have no trouble seeing your screen even in the bright sunlight. The colors are vibrant, thanks to its 1.07 billion color output.
You have got various screen color modes, i.e., standard (default), professional, and bright, from which you can select your preferred one. It also got smart switch that helps you choose between 60Hz or 120Hz. With the V40’s visual upgrade, apps like Netflix and YouTube have better color and contrast for more dramatic display effects.
Overall, the display is just a treat for your eyes, whether you are watching videos or scrolling through social media.
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset powers the Vivo V40’s internal components. This is a high-performance chip which is manufactured in a 4nm process. It has 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth performance, whether you are multi-tasking or gaming. I played some high-end games on medium settings and it handled them like a champ with no heating issues even after an hour-long session.
In terms of software, the phone is powered by Funtouch OS 14 on top of Android 14. It offers improved multitasking, a smoother visual experience, enhanced personalization, and a lock screen clock with three layout styles and eight font styles, among other features. Also, it comes with this new AI erasing feature which we had already seen on other phones.
In addition to three years of Android security updates, Vivo offers software support for at least two generations of Android OS upgrades. At the very least, you should be able to get security updates for three years along with updates to Android 15 and 16.
Zeiss Collaboration Shines
Now, let’s talk about the cameras, which is definitely the highlight of the Vivo V40. The smartphone comes with a dual 50MP rear camera setup. It has a 50MP Zeiss OIS Main Camera and a 50MP Zeiss ultra-wide camera. It has got many features like AR stickers, Pro mode, extended exposure, 50MP mode, supermoon, and much more.
The primary camera, with its OIS, captures crisp and detailed images. Daylight photos have great dynamic range. And while they can be slightly oversaturated, I found it perfect for social media. The wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes, though it lacks a bit of detail compared to the main lens.
Better light intake is made possible by the F2.0 aperture, which produces crisp nighttime landscapes and portraits. OIS ensures detailed nighttime photographs by minimizing blur from trembling hands. The night mode automatically switches to ultra dark mode when there is extremely little light, which is better but takes a few seconds to process.
Aura Light
The 50MP front-facing camera is great for selfies. It offers a wide-angle 92-degree field of view. Portrait mode is accurate, with perfect edge detection and background separation.
The front and back cameras can record 4K video at 30fps. And let’s not forget the Aura Light feature, which is three times brighter than the previous generation. It is customizable and perfect for low-light conditions. It undoubtedly gives your portraits that extra pop.
Battery Lasts All Day
Despite its slim design, the Vivo V40 packs a 5,500mAh battery that easily lasts a full day with moderate usage. And when you do need to charge, the 80W fast charger juices it up to 100 percent in just about 30 minutes. No more waiting around for your phone to charge.
Pricing
The starting price of the Vivo V40 is Rs. 34,999 for 8GB + 128GB model. You have to pay Rs. 36,999 for 8GB + 256GB variant and Rs. 41,999 for 12GB + 512GB model. The sales of the Vivo V40 is scheduled to begin on August 19.
The Vivo V40 is a great mid-range smartphone with top-notch features. Its stylish design, bright AMOLED display, smooth performance, and impressive camera setup make it a great choice for anyone looking for a balanced and reliable smartphone. Not only this, the collaboration with Zeiss brings a professional touch to your photography. If you’re in the market for a new phone, the Vivo V40 is definitely worth considering.
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As a watch lover, I’ve always been fascinated by the elegance of classic timepieces and the innovation of modern smartwatches. My collection ranges from vintage pieces with intricate mechanical movements to the latest tech-savvy gadgets that can do everything except make my morning tea. So, you can imagine my excitement when CMF by Nothing sent me their latest unit, the CMF Watch Pro 2, for review.
The moment I unboxed it, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The sleek design, the promise of cutting-edge features, and the interesting branding of CMF all hinted at an exciting adventure ahead. Join me as I dive into this experience, exploring every tick and tock of the CMF Watch Pro 2, and discover if this watch is truly worth adding to your collection.
The CMF Watch Pro 2 isn’t just another smartwatch, it’s a bold statement of style, thanks to Nothing’s unique touch. If you’re tired of the usual square smartwatches under Rs. 5,000, this one will catch your eye with its cool circular face. It’s like a breath of fresh air in a sea of boring designs.
With its aluminum alloy body, sleek dimensions (255 x 45 x 13.6mm), and interchangeable bezels, this watch looks super stylish. The case with a raised border around the screen doesn’t just look sharp, it also keeps the screen safe from everyday bumps and scratches.
One of the coolest things about the CMF Watch Pro 2 is how customizable it is. You can swap out the bezels to match your mood or outfit. Feeling bold? Go for a dark bezel. In the mood for something lighter? Try the silver one. The vegan leather strap is comfortable, but looks average.
Weighing just 44 grams, this watch is as light as a feather, perfect for average to small wrists. It’s also got an IP68 water resistance rating, so it can handle splashes and sweat without breaking a sweat. The leather straps add a touch of elegance, although they aren’t waterproof.
Changing the straps and bezels is a breeze. The watch uses a simple pin buckle, so you don’t need any special tools. Right now, the bezels come in dark grey and silver, but imagine future versions with more styles, maybe something with a vintage military vibe. That would be awesome!
Display Quality
With a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, the 1.32-inch AMOLED display on the CMF Watch Pro 2 is great. This indicates that everything is clear and crisp. It also features a peak brightness of 650 nits and supports a refresh rate of 60Hz. That means, even in bright sunshine, the screen is completely visible. For outdoor activities like walking or cycling, it is quite useful.
The brightness can be changed, and doing so is easy. To access quick settings, simply swipe down from the top. In addition to adjusting the brightness from 1 to 5, you can also increase the screen timeout to 20 seconds. The watch’s ambient light sensor allows it to automatically change its brightness on your behalf.
The watch also features an always-on display, but it’s not turned on by default, which is a smart move because it saves battery life. If you do turn it on, just know it might use up more juice. Besides, you can swipe down from the top to access quick settings like DND mode, Power Saver, Raise to Wake toggle, Brightness adjustment, Flashlight, and more. Everything you need is right there.
Overall, the CMF Watch Pro 2 has an awesome display, especially for the price. You’ll love how easy it is to see everything clearly.
User Interface
Navigating the CMF Watch Pro 2 is simple. You can press the digital crown on the right or use the touchscreen. Swipe up for notifications, down for quick settings, and left or right for your “cards” like weather and sleep. It’s easy to press the side button to quickly access settings and view all menus in one list.
The watch works with the CMF Watch app on both Android and iPhone. The app has a chic, Nothing-like vibe to it and offers a good selection of watch faces. All the relevant data, including steps, minutes, calories, distance, and more, is displayed on its health tab. Additionally, there are tabs for blood oxygen, exercise, stress, heart rate, sleep, activity score, and training load.
Handy Features
Contacts: Add up to 30 contacts for quick dialing, with a search option for easy addition.
Sports and Monitoring: Manage your sports list, toggle 24/7 heart rate or blood oxygen monitoring, and enable auto stress monitoring.
Notifications: Enable notifications for any app and incoming calls.
Reminders and Alarms: Set up standup reminders, water reminders, alarms, DND mode, edit quick replies, and more.
Smooth Performance And Great Call Quality
One of the best things about the CMF Watch Pro 2 is that it’s almost bug-free. Taking calls on the smartwatch is simple, thanks to its microphone quality and AI Noise Cancellation. I even took a call in heavy traffic, and the person on the other end didn’t hear any background noise. The speaker is loud and clear too, making it easy to take calls directly from the watch. The watch also includes handy features like Water Reminders and stand-up warnings to keep you healthy and active.
While there are some minor software issues, they don’t get in the way of the overall experience. All in all, there’s barely any room for complaints on this front.
Packed With Health Features
You get 120 Sports Modes in the CMF Watch Pro 2. While I didn’t test all of them, I did try out the walking modes. It showed total steps, average stride, and step rate. Sleep tracking is another strong point. The companion app gives detailed sleep data, from sleep duration to detailed sleep graphs.
The watch includes blood oxygen monitoring, 24×7 heart rate monitoring, and stress reminders. For women, there’s menstrual cycle tracking. You also get Active Score and Training Load. Active Score rates your weekly fitness out of 100, while Training Load analyzes your workout intensity.
To avoid having to manually select the training mode, you can use workout detection. For thorough fitness tracking, the watch also syncs with Strava, Google Health Connect, and Apple Health.
Battery Life That Goes The Distance
The battery of the CMF Watch Pro 2 is 305mAh. Nothing states that it can last 11 days with “typical use,” but I discovered that it lasts about four to five days with the always-on display turned on, receiving notifications, and workout tracking during the day. Not bad, right? If you turn off the always-on display, you might get even more days out of a single charge, depending on your activity level.
Charging is simple with the magnetic charging dock. You can plug it into a USB port on your PC or laptop, or even use a power bank in low-power mode. It takes about two hours to go from 0 percent to a full charge. But don’t worry about the charging time too much as this watch lasts for over a week, so you won’t be charging it often.
The CMF Watch Pro 2 dazzles with its stylish, adaptable design, vivid display, and additional features. Despite a few small software bugs and a limited amount of UI customization, the watch is a great buy at Rs. 5,499. It is a good option for people looking for a flexible and reasonably priced smartwatch because it combines design and functionality with ease.
The CMF Watch Pro 2 is a wonderful investment because of its dependable performance and abundance of health and fitness tracking possibilities. It’s especially worth it for people who want to stand out with a stylish and useful accessory.
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OPPO has been a diverse smartphone brand with its expertise being in the affordable segment. The OPPO K series which is amongst its prominent budget lineup has been just expanded with the K12x 5G model. This time OPPO has come up with a new take in the sub Rs. 15,000 by bringing in a 5G phone that too with a robust Armour body design, a clear 120Hz screen, and a 45W fast charging supported beefy 5,100 mAh battery.
We have seen a couple of new handsets that have been launched in the same price segment. Speaking of the prices, the OPPO K12x 5G is contests in the budget 5G race with a starting price of Rs. 12,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The high-end variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage has just Rs. 15,999 price label. At Giznext, we have received the OPPO K12x 5G for review and we have broken down the pointers what makes it a hit and what doesn’t?
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The OPPO 12x 5g has been designed as one of the most durable smartphone in its league. What stands out in its design is the 360° Damage Proof Armour body combined with High-Strength Alloy frame. The solid construction of the K12x 5G further adds damage protection with the Sponge Bionic cushioning design which improves shock absorption.
That’t not just it, OPPO’s emphasis on the durability is further established with the MIL-STD-810H military grade certification. OPPO K12x 5G’s gets standard port placement which makes it easy to use. The right panel has the volume and power key, whereas, the bottom has the USB Type-C port placed in between the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the speaker grille.
Camera island is an oval-shaped module housing dual sensors and an LED flash. Upfront the design is pretty straight forward with the punch-hole cut out at the centre top and decent bezel thickness at the bottom. Single hand operations is also smooth with the K12x 5G’s slim profile measuring at 7.68 mm. Now despite featuring a robust construction, the K12x is fairly light at 186 g.
The large 6.67-inch screen of the OPPO K12x serves its purpose of delivering a clear picture quality well. The screen is IPS LCD which is justified for the price range. It comes with a standard 720p HD+ resolution but supports 120Hz refresh rate for added smoothness with the visuals and touch responsiveness. To balance things up, OPPO has thrown in Amazon HD and Widevine L1 certification that helps with HD visuals at popular OTT platforms.
Our experience with the video playback has been good if we speak of the overall color production and picture clarity. Now, don’t expect it to deliver a quality like an AMOLED panel where you get deeper blacks and richer colors. But you wouldn’t be disappointed with the panel’e performance with video playback and general gaming. Its 1000 nits of brightness level has delivered a decent visibilty outdoors without us struggling to see the content while-on-the-go.
To power this latest budget Android phone, OPPO has opted for the octa-core Dimensity 6300 chipset. The mid-range 5G processor from MediaTek clocks is fabricated using a 6nm process and clocks at 2.4 Ghz. Combined with up to 8GB RAM, the user experience with a range of apps and games have been satisfactory.
We hardly got to see any delayed response while using this phone for daily tasks. General usage that primarily includes social media and web surfing frequently. OPPO’s proprietary trinity engine is also beneficial with improved speeds.
Also, the K12x 5G has the RAM expansion feature with which it offers additional up to 8GB RAM which is sourced from the onboard storage. So expect a speedy performance delivery while multitasking. As far as storage is concerned, you will get up to 256GB option and if you need additional space, you can use up to 1TB of microSD card.
The OPPO K12x has a 5,100 mAh battery to keep the processor ticking. It’s definitely a beefy setup that helps with almost a day of backup and even more if your usage is limited to basic tasks. The battery pack is combined with 45W SuperVOOC fast charging technology. It takes less than 1.5 hours for a full recharge (0- 100 percent).
OPPO has a good rapport with mobile camera technology. In fact, OPPO’s budget phones are also equipped with best-in-class optics. The K12x 5G’s camera hardware at the rear has a 32MP main camera which is aided by a secondary 2MP depth sensor. Following the industry trend, the K12x 5G also has AI-enabled camera which captures decent shots when the backgrounds have sufficient lightings all around.
You can access a range of camera modes including Dual video which is tailored specifically for the content creators. The 8MP selfie snapper up front has also been a decent performer and you can easily get your perfect social media uploads. The camera performance is decent but the reason we have tagged it as a con is the availability of larger primary sensors in the same price range. We will be soon adding up a variety of camera samples that will help you judge its performance.
The OPPO K12x features the latest Android version, i.e., the Android 14 OS and also has the newer Color OS user interface. OPPO has improved its UI over the last few years, but it isn’t entirely bloatware free yet. The operations is overall smooth. However, the minimum two years of major OS support is what made us tag this in the cons section. You will get three years of security patches which will ensure a lag-free experience even after extensive usage for a year or two.
When Nothing first came out, it quickly became known for making stylish and cool tech products. Their sub-brand, CMF by Nothing, inherited this inventiveness and just unveiled the CMF Phone 1, their first smartphone. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the CMF Phone 1 early. After a week of using this customizable phone, I’m here to share my thoughts in this review.
Coming from using high-end smartphones with all the fancy features, I was curious and a bit skeptical about trying out the CMF Phone 1. This phone stands out with its unique modular design. This gives you more customization options than with other phones. But is this cool look just a cover for average performance? Keep reading as I dive into my full review of the CMF By Nothing Phone 1 to find out if it truly shines or falls short.
The CMF Phone 1’s greatest selling feature is its design. In contrast to Nothing’s standard Glyph LED lighting, the CMF Phone 1’s mechanical design aims for a distinctive appearance. It has a detachable, rotatable dial and an interchangeable rear panel with four exposed screws around the sides. These sturdy screws and the rotating wheel give it a distinctive appearance. You can attach different back panels in various colors and textures, or add accessories like a pouch, phone stand, or lanyard cable. Each accessory is sold separately. Simply unscrew the back panel and swap it out. Our review model came in Black color with a matte texture that feels durable and nice to the touch.
On a pill-shaped bulge in the upper left corner is the dual camera arrangement. The front has a flat display with narrow bezels. The phone has a plastic body that feels solid with no creaking sounds or bending. On the left side, across from the power button on the right, is the volume rocker. The buttons are clicky with good tactile feedback.
The CMF Phone 1 lacks a 3.5mm audio connector and features a single bottom-firing loudspeaker. Because the SIM tray is hybrid, you can use a microSD card or an additional nano-SIM card. It has an under-display optical fingerprint reader, which is both fast and accurate. Facial recognition is also available but could be slightly improved.
The CMF Phone 1 is splash-resistant thanks to its IP52 certification. Overall, the phone feels very solid in hand, with no flex or hollowness in the chassis.
CMF Phone 1Display: Smooth And Bright
The CMF Phone 1 sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a crisp 1800 x 2400 pixel resolution. And the refresh rate is a buttery smooth 120Hz, making everything from scrolling through your Instagram feed to intense gaming sessions feel like a breeze. With typical brightness between 500 to 700nits and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, you won’t be squinting to see your screen even on the sunniest days.
Now, they’re calling this refresh rate “adaptive,” meaning it switches between 120Hz and 60Hz. It’s a bit like having a car that only drives at 60 or 120mph, no cruising at 90 here. The screen is flat, and instead of indulging on Corning’s Gorilla Glass, Nothing went with Dragontail Pro Glass. Don’t worry; it’s as tough as Gorilla Glass 5, so your phone is in safe hands.
Visually, the display is sharp and clear, although the colors might not be as vibrant due to a warmer tone. Think of it like your favorite movie with a cozy filter, not too bad, right? It’s perfect for daily tasks, scrolling through social media, and binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession. The brightness levels are on point, making outdoor use a breeze. Everything will be very obvious to you, even in bright sunshine.
The 120Hz refresh rate really ups the game, making everything super smooth. In the display settings, you get to pick between two color modes: Alive and Standard. Both do a great job with color accuracy. Reading content on this screen? No problem at all, thanks to its decent brightness and clarity. So go ahead, enjoy those cat videos and meme marathons on the CMF Phone 1’s dazzling display.
CMF Phone 1Performance: Punching Above Its Weight
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, this phone packs a punch, especially for its price. You usually don’t see this kind of powerhouse under the Rs. 20,000 mark. Web surfing, casual gaming, and scrolling through social media are all smooth sailing with CMF Phone 1.
The smartphone comes with up to 8GB of RAM, and Nothing’s RAM Booster technology gives you an extra 2GB. My review unit has 128GB of internal storage. When it comes to gaming, the CMF Phone 1 holds its ground. Games run at medium graphics settings without any hiccups at a steady 30fps. However, pushing it to 60fps makes things a bit unstable, but for everyday gaming, it’s more than capable. Plus, Nothing has done a great job managing the phone’s thermals, so it stays cool even during intensive use.
One standout feature of the CMF Phone 1 is its clean user interface. It runs on Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.6, which is as clean as it gets. No bloatware, no annoying ads, and a minimal number of pre-installed apps make for a seamless user experience. NothingOS also brings a fresh approach to home screen organization, allowing you to place quick setting widgets right on your home screen for easy access to specific settings.
So, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or just browsing, the CMF Phone 1 delivers a solid performance without breaking a sweat.
Let’s chat about the CMF Phone 1’s camera setup, which is both simple and surprisingly capable. You get a single main camera with a 50MP sensor and a 16MP selfie camera. The main lens uses a Sony IMX882 sensor, which isn’t top-tier but does a solid job, especially considering the phone’s price.
In daylight, the 50MP main camera performs well, capturing clear and detailed shots. The sensor does a good job of capturing topic and foreground details. For taking portraits, the second lens is a 2MP depth sensor. While portrait mode shots are decent with clean clipping and reliable subject detection, it doesn’t exactly blow us away. Edge detection is impressive for a budget phone, though. Under artificial lighting, it tends to brighten and soften facial details, resulting in a slightly warmer tone compared to standard images.
The main camera handles low-light conditions admirably. It captures plenty of detail with minimal noise, and the colors look natural. Contrast is good, and HDR stacking ensures well-developed darker areas and highlights. Light sources don’t get blown out, making for a great overall performance.
Selfie shots are decent. Facial features and colors look nice, though we wished for a bit more skin texture. My skin lacked a little texture, but my complexion appeared natural.
Now, the CMF Phone 1 doesn’t have a telephoto lens, and the digital zoom can go up to 10x. However, anything beyond 2x zoom tends to disappoint, with photos losing sharpness as the algorithm smooths out noise, resulting in a loss of detail.
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Videography is where the CMF Phone 1 shines. You can record 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos at up to 60fps. It also provides 30fps HDR filming at 1080p resolution. The front camera enables HDR recording and can capture at up to 60fps in 1080p. For the price, the CMF Phone 1’s camera configuration is generally respectable.
CMF Phone 1Battery: Reliable
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 packs a 5,000mAh battery, which means it’s got plenty of juice to keep you going all day and then some. With moderate use, you can expect it to last through a whole day and still have enough charge left for another half-day.
On the charging front, it supports wired charging up to 33watts. There is no wireless charging support. Plus, you’ll need to buy the charger separately for Rs. 799 since it’s not included in the box.
During our testing, we didn’t have the official Nothing charger, so we used a OnePlus 80W charger instead. Charging speed wasn’t particularly impressive. In 15 minutes, we went from 17 percent to just 30 percent, and a full charge took over an hour. While that’s not terrible, you can find faster-charging options in this price range.
Overall, the CMF Phone 1 offers solid battery life that will comfortably get you through a busy day. Just be prepared for average charging speeds and remember to factor in the cost of the charger when making your purchase.
CMF Phone 1Price: Value For Money
Before our final verdict, let’s break down the pricing for the CMF Phone 1. The 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model is available for Rs. 15,999, while the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage version will set you back Rs. 17,999. Accessories are sold separately, so if you want to jazz up your phone, you’ll need to budget for a few extras. Each accessory, like the lanyard, stand, and card holder, costs Rs. 799.
The removable back covers come in a range of colors: Blue, Black, Orange, and Light Green. These will cost you Rs. 1,499 each, letting you switch up your phone’s look whenever you fancy a change.
Also, don’t forget the charger. You’ll need to grab one separately for Rs. 799, but there’s a little perk if you’re buying the CMF Phone 1. So, when you add it all up, you’re looking at a bit more than the base price if you want to deck out your phone with all the accessories.
Giznext’s Final Verdict: Should You Go For The CMF Phone 1?
Absolutely, yes! The CMF Phone 1 is a standout choice, and here’s why. The team at CMF deserves a high-five for bringing something truly unique to the table. The removable back cover and the quirky dial knob add a touch of individuality that you won’t find with other smartphones. It’s a design that shines without skimping on the essentials.
Sure, it’s not a flagship device, but not everyone is on the hunt for the latest high-end specs. The CMF Phone 1 offers solid performance, impressive battery life, and decent camera capabilities, all wrapped up in a package that won’t break the bank. It’s a great pick for younger users who love to switch up their devices or anyone who values simplicity and affordability over top-tier features. So, if you’re looking for a phone that stands out from the crowd while delivering the essentials, the CMF Phone 1 is definitely worth considering.
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