Anker is constantly pushing the smartphone and tech accessory market forward. However, the company made its bones on charging and the new Anker Prime 27 Power Bank adds another compelling option for users to charge devices. This hybrid charger can handle those situations both at or away from home.
Design
The first thing that really hit me on the Anker Prime 27 is the fit and heft of the build. This charger is highly premium when you take it out of the box. A mix of metals, plastics, and possibly glass makes this one of the highest-quality units Anker has ever produced.
The port selection is what you’d expect from Anker these days. You have two USB-C ports and a traditional USB-A. This offers a great option for legacy and current charging. Around the right side is a power button to turn the unit on and off.
The base features a similar build and ports, but the wireless charging of the Prime 27 power bank is the key feature. Atop the base, you have five pogo pins with corresponding conductors on the power bank. There’s also a strong magnetic surround on each device that not only helps it align but keeps it very stable while in use.
Around the right side of the Anker base, you have the same USB-C tandem and single USB-A ports. The power outputs are the same at 140W max via USB-C and 65W USB-A. The flexibility of having a base that recharges wirelessly at 100W and the additional ports make this the perfect at-home and on-the-go companion charger.
LED display and app
Moving to the front of the Anker Prime 27, you’re greeted with a crisp, LED display. This houses glanceable information showing the battery life, output wattage, and inputs. It even designates the ports currently being used on the power bank. It’s a nice addition for real-time updates of your power bank that Anker added to some of its lineup last year and seems to be expanding with the likes of the Prime 27.
The same is true for the Anker app. Here you can find even more real-time info via the Bluetooth connection. This offers similar displays of output, estimated battery life left, and even firmware updates. Anker has one of the better apps in the industry and it integrates well with the Prime 27.
Performance and battery life
Using the Anker Prime 27 and base on a daily basis has been fantastic. The high voltage output allows you to seriously charge any device you have that is compatible with USB power. For me, this has included iPads, phones, and even my Dell enterprise laptop.
I had to work while on a recent road trip a few days after receiving the Prime 27 from Anker. This offered me a great lab to test this power bank. Not only did it recharge my phone once on the 12-hour ride, but it was also able to top my laptop from 20% to full power.
I had plenty of juice to spare even after this. I think I could have come close to recharging my laptop again and possibly my phone again. The battery life will vary, but with 99.54Wh/27,650mAh of internal power, I can’t imagine this thing running out for most folks in a single day.
Conclusion
Anker has been in the business of innovating mobile charging for years. The Anker Prime 27 power bank and base continue this tradition in incredible fashion. With the premium build, 250 Watts of total power, and optional charging base, you have one of the most flexible charging solutions you can find.
You can purchase the Anker Prime 27 either as a standalone power bank for $180 or add the base station for another $70. It’s past an impulse buy, but if you are a consistent traveler, I think it’s well worth the investment. Better yet, maybe you can get your sourcing department to snag you one on the company.
Google’s Android, the establishment that continuously deliver new features for apps and devices worldwide has announced new features. These features are delivered in such a way as to make your Android apps and devices work better than before.
According to Google Blog, Android also promises that with these new features rolled out, users can improve productivity, connectivity, and individuality. Users will be able to keep on “top of tasks and stay connected on the go”.
Productivity on the go: digitize passes
It is now easy to easily access everyday tickets and passes anytime a user needs them. This feature is made possible with Google Wallet Pass photo import. It helps in getting digitize passes having barcode or a QR code such as a gym or library cards.
How to use: You may get started by simply uploading an image of the pass to store a secure, digital version of it in Google Wallet. Get started using photo import feature.
Surely, Android Auto will get new communication apps. Webex by Cisco and Zoom will enable a user start and join conference calls by audio and browse meeting schedules from the car. Users can mute the audio inside the car when needed.
AI assistance
There’s an Assistant At a Glance widget that uses AI to bring helpful information like high-precision weather alerts, dynamic travel updates, and upcoming event reminders. These will be seen on your phone home screen.
Image Q&A on Lookout enables better view of content through the use of AI to generate more detailed portrayals.
How to use: Open an image> type or use voice to ask follow-up questions to learn more about what the image contains. In addition to these new features, Lookout is getting 11 new languages on its app. These include Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. The total number of languages supported in the app will now be 34.
Finally, there’s the Fitbit or Google Fit activity and sleep data activity in personal routines. You can add your hours slept, sleep start time, and more to daily routine.
No announcements, no promotions, HUAWEI really surprised its fans with the unexpected launch of the Mate X5 foldable phone. The latest Mate X5 is the direct successor to the Mate X3. Regarding internals, HUAWEI notably did massive upgrades while the design mostly remains the same as the predecessor.
HUAWEI Mate X5 sports a stunning 7.85-inch LTPO OLED main display with 2496 x 2224p resolution and the external screen has a large estate measuring 6.4 inches. Both displays support an up to 1Hz- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. It has a Kunlun Glass protection on top to protect it from accidental falls and scratches. The smartphone weighs 243 grams and is just 11mm thick when folded and 5.3mm when unfolded. Currently, there’s no foldable phone in the market that is close to the Honor Magic V2 foldable when it comes to slim factor- measures just 10mm. However, Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 3 holds the second position in the slimmest foldable race while the Mate X5 is in the 3rd.
HUAWEI hasn’t officially revealed the processor details of the Mate X5 foldable but the reports claimed that HUAWEI uses a Kirin 9000s processor based on a 7nm process under the hood, the same processor the brand used in the recently launched Mate 60 series. The device has up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The foldable runs on Hongmeng OS 4.0 out of the box.
For lenses, the Mate X5 has a triple rear camera setup at the back, featuring a 50MP main camera paired with a 13MP Ultrawide lens, and a 12MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom. On the front, the foldable has two 8MP snappers for selfies and video chats.
It packs a larger 5,060mAh battery with support for 66W fast wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 7.5W reverse wireless charging tech. The device has IPX8 ingress protection which means you can use the device in wet weather conditions without worrying about damage.
HUAWEI hasn’t officially the pricing of the Mate X5 foldable smartphone but it is now available for pre-order in China. The Phantom Purple is the new addition to color options along with the Feather Black, Feather White, Feather Gold, and Green Mountain. Also, HUAWEI hasn’t confirmed yet whether it’s coming to the global market or not.
The Pixel has always been my Android phone of choice. The 1st party offering from the giant Google has always made sense with outstanding cameras and smooth, stock Android software. One of the newest additions to Team Pixel is the budget-minded Pixel 7a.
How does this once-compromised smaller sibling add up to the hero lineup? You’ll find out in this full review that it’s as compelling as ever if you’re shopping for a new Made by Google device. We’ve been using a sample provided by our friends over at AT&T for a few weeks and I’m convinced it’s the new “just right model” for me.
Design
Pixels have fallen into a very uniform design language between iterations. The Pixel 7a can easily be mistaken for any of its siblings the Pixel 7 or Pro at first glance. You get the same uni-body design with the now-infamous camera bar on the back.
The left side is vacant while the power button and volume rockers flank the right. The bottom houses the USB-C port and two downward-firing speaker grilles. The understated framing of the Pixels is present in the 7a, and those of us who like that will find this appealing as in previous models.
The front of the Pixel 7a is a 6.1-inch OLED display capable of 1080×2400 resolution and 429 ppi density. It also marks the first a-series Pixel to have a 90Hz refresh rate even though it’s off by default in Settings. It’s also an Always on Display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for shatter protection.
Internally, Google has updated the Pixel 7a with the latest Tensor G2 CPU and Mali-G710 MP7 GPU. Our review unit is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for just enough space and plenty of performance for most users.
The sizing of the Pixel 7a’s overall build is fantastic. I’m still a sucker for a “small” smartphone, and Google has nailed that here. Much like the Fold while closed, it’s roughly the same size as my iPhone 13 with slightly slimmer aspect ratios.
Software and Performance
This is where Pixels have always shined and the Pixel 7a is no exception. The clean interface and fast transitions of the Pixel Launcher are excellent. There’s very little difference, if any, in using this phone over the flagship 7 Pro. The base software is rock solid.
It’s running Android 13 with all the Google bells and whistles onboard. You get the same Google Assistant, Now Playing, and cool array of wallpapers as any other Pixels. The same goes for free photo backups using Google Photos.
Performance has been great as well. In my usage, you’d have zero issues using the Pixel 7a coming from any Android phone, but especially another Pixel. The snappiness and fluidity of the interactions is what you’d expect from another offering from Google.
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Battery Life
This might be my biggest negative. Much like my Pixel 6 running the Tensor G1, Google still has a long way to go in optimizing battery life and heat. The Pixel 7a only sports a 4385mAh battery. That will get you through most days but still lags behind what Qualcomm and Apple are making standard in other handsets.
The Tensor G2 also runs hot when using it for moderate sessions. I had similar issues during my time with the Pixel Fold and suffered the same Android Auto shutdowns and general concerns over the phone overheating.
Thankfully, the engineering lords at Google have finally added one of the most sought-after hardware features to the Pixel 7a. This year’s model includes Qi wireless charging. It’s slow, but still more than functional for overnight top-offs. Its true value is debatable, but this once and for all brings the smallest and cheapest Pixel on par with its rivals from Apple.
Cameras
I’ve found I prefer the output of Pixels more than any other smartphone camera and I’m happy to report that Pixel 7a creates similar shots. Honestly, I can’t tell any difference between my Pixel 6 results and the 7a from the final photos.
Unless the lighting is just atrocious, the Pixel 7a outperforms almost any other Android devices I’ve used. Night Sight works great, and the new addition of Long Exposure is a nice touch of more integrated exposure shots. The same is true for Portrait and the wide-view camera. They just work. Consistently.
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Final Thoughts
The Pixel 7a is by far the best bang for the buck member of Google’s smartphone family. For $500, this phone ticks almost every box you could want now. Reasonable size while still 6 inches, has great cameras, and finally wireless charging.
You can snag a new Pixel 7a from our friends over at AT&T right now. The full retail price is $499, but if you prefer monthly leases, it’s just $5 per billing cycle. That’s a great way to get this Pixel iteration. Hit the link below to purchase yours now.
In the ever-expanding realm of tech accessories, Oraimo emerges as a brand that aims to combine innovation, reliability, and user-centric design. With a commitment to redefining the way we power up our devices, Oraimo recently introduced a number of new products that cater to the very basic, if not diverse, needs of tech enthusiasts.
Level Up is where we explore the gear that actually makes a difference, whether that’s in how you live, work, or unwind. Each edition brings together standout products, whether tied by brand or by theme, that turn the everyday into something a little more exceptional.
Oraimo GaN 65W Charger: Power, Portability, Performance
The Oraimo GaN 65W Charger is your passport to the future of fast charging. This sleek and compact charger delivers a whopping 65W of power, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops. And with three ports to work with you’ll have two USB-C and a USB-A outlet to tap into.
Its HyperGaN technology ensures maximum efficiency and minimum energy loss, resulting in faster charging and reduced heat generation. Its foldable plug design makes it incredibly portable and perfect for travelers. With multiple safety features, including overcurrent and overheat protection, the Oraimo GaN 65W Charger is the ideal companion for anyone seeking high-speed charging without compromising on safety.
Targeted towards tech-savvy individuals who demand rapid charging for their array of devices, this charger’s standout selling point is its power-packed performance in a sleek and portable package. $24
The Oraimo Nylon Charging Cable is engineered to endure the rigors of daily life while providing versatile compatibility. Its robust nylon braided construction ensures exceptional durability, preventing fraying and tangling.
This cable is a universal solution for charging various devices, whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or other gadgets. It’s tailored for individuals seeking a reliable and long-lasting charging cable that can adapt to their ever-evolving tech needs.
And because it’s 10 feet long, you’ll be able to plug this into outlets that are more out of the way than normal, leaving other plugs available. $16
The Oraimo HyperGaN 120W 4-Port Charger is more than just a charger; it’s a statement of charging excellence. With a 120W output, this charger is a powerhouse, capable of rapidly charging laptops, smartphones, and more.
Its HyperGaN technology not only ensures lightning-fast charging but also reduces energy loss, making it an eco-conscious choice. The foldable plug design adds a layer of convenience for travelers, fitting easily into pockets or bags. Safety is paramount with features like overcurrent protection and overheat protection.
Charge up to four devices at one time and get the optimal speeds that your old chargers don’t provide. It’s time to toss out those aging chargers from a few years ago and go with an all-in-one like this.
For the tech aficionado seeking versatility, efficiency, and portability in their charger, Oraimo’s HyperGaN 100W Charger is the standout choice. $40
Conclusion
In a world where our devices are at the center of our lives, Oraimo is redefining how we keep them charged. Whether you need a high-speed charger or a versatile cable, Oraimo’s products stand out as dependable, innovative, and designed to enhance your tech experience. Upgrade your charging game with Oraimo and embrace a world where power and reliability meet style and convenience.
Flip phone markets are very saturated nearly every brand has its own flip-and-fold phone portfolio. Some of the major players in the flip phone markets are Samsung, OPPO, Vivo, and Motorola, and now an emerging Chinese brand Tecno is all set to launch its first Flip smartphone- the Phantom V Flip in Singapore on September 22. Although, Tecno has its Phantom V Fold phone in its portfolio which was unveiled back at MWC 23.
The Phantom V Flip launch is just a few weeks away and apart from the launch teaser poster Tecno hasn’t revealed any details of the upcoming Flip phone. Leaks suggest Tecno will use MediaTek’s processor for its first flagship Phantom V Flip phone- probably the midrange Dimensity 8050 processor that was announced a month ago.
The latest trend with flip phones is the big cover screens but that isn’t the case here. So far Leaked renders suggest the Phantom V Flip phone will sport a circular cover screen that is embedded within the camera island, measuring 1.32-inch. On the rear side a big circular dual rear camera island, featuring a 64MP primary camera paired with a 13MP ultrawide lens.
Other details include a 6.9-inch inner screen which is slightly larger than the Galaxy Z Flip 5, a 3,900mAh battery with 45W fast charging tech. Luckily, we don’t have to wait longer to know all about the Phantom V Flip as the launch is just two weeks away.
PowerA, a company known for enhancing interactive entertainment with officially licensed gaming accessories has announced its latest innovations. In partnership with Lumectra Zone, The Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra is here. This announcement comes with that of Lumectra RGB 18-foot LED light strip. Lumectra Zone’s LED light is seamlessly controlled by the Advantage Wired Controller.
This is in a move to elevate and illuminate the gaming experience with latest technology.
PowerA’s Spectra Infinity has gone through its newest evolution. It is a controller that works with the wired controller for Xbox Series but now has better features. This upgraded controller has been licensed by Xbox, and is primed for gaming excellence.
Better style and gameplay
PowerA’s new innovation based on the controller boasts new features such as the upgraded multi-zone RGB lighting, impulse triggers, a 10-feet USB-C cable, and more. With longer cable, the controller is more ideal for gamers who want to gain an edge. However, it does make it look great as well.
The gamepad also boasts 3-way trigger locks, dual rumble motors, and gaming buttons. These allow great configurations on the fly. The fact that The Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra is licensed to Xbox is additional advantage.
Now, Lumectra RGB technology will be included in other PowerA’s product lines. It all starts with The Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S.
Lighting up the gaming room is one way for gamers to truly immense themselves while entertaining on the gaming. This controller features four distinct RGB lighting zones, 24 colors, three dynamic lighting modes, and other features that provides thousands of color combinations for all styles of gamers. PowerA has entered the new ecosystem of lighting accessories that allows gamers to customize and personalize their gaming space.
Price and availability
The Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra is available in colors black and white. Buyers can get it from PowerA, Amazon, and other major retailers worldwide for $44.99 in the U.S.
Also, The Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra is also available with a 4-foot RGB LED strip for $54.99. For gamers who want more as regards lighting their room, Lumectra RGB LED Light Strip – 18 ft. This comes separately at PowerA, GameStop, and Amazon for $19.99.
Google Chrome is having a great day as today marks its 15th birthday. As such, Google is announcing a complete redesign of the Chrome experience. The new features will come to desktop based on its Material You principles, updated Chrome Web Store and new search tools at the side panel.
The fresh look is meant to celebrate Chrome’s birthday. It comes on desktop but a few updates will be rolled that will make users to be able have a quick browser, and one that’s easy to use.
Chrome continues to build on original goal
When it was born 15 years ago, the creators of Chrome wanted something fast, reliable, secure, but easy to use. The determination to maintain these ethos continue in 2023. This goal drives every improvement made over the years.
In 2023, Chrome achieved fastest load speeds in benchmark tests. It has also promoted stronger security by pushing for HTTPS by default. Users are able to protect and manage their passwords now more than ever before.
Updates have come to billions of users faster than any other browser could afford, and developers have been helped to improve their site performance. Also, machine learning is enabling accessibility and personalized browsing experience.
Material You personalization
Chrome’s icons have been refreshed and users will see the new changes over the next few weeks. The new changes based on Material You will focus on legibility. Color palettes have been created to compliment tab and toolbar.
Users can quickly and easily distinguish between profiles such as work and personal accounts at a glance. Dark and light modes have been better integrated with operating systems so Chrome preferences can easily adapt OS-level settings.
There are also more improvements to make it easy to use Chrome. These have to do with Google Translate, Google Password Manager, and some others. Users may click the three dots to the top right to see what options they have.
In addition, users can find more extensions in the new Chrome Web Store. These include AI-powered extensions and Editors’ spotlight. There are other recommendations to try out as well.
You can try out the public preview today. Click here to see it.
Camera phones have undergone significant advancements over the past five years, particularly in the realm of selfie cameras. You can now capture stunning 4K video at 60 frames per second using the front-facing camera. However, there’s a caveat: despite featuring top-notch camera sensors and tools, no phone has managed to truly dominate the selfie camera game.
Transsion Holding’s subsidiary, Infinix, is stepping into the spotlight with its latest camera-centric smartphone, the Infinix Zero 30 5G. The Infinix Zero 30 5G boasts impressive camera hardware, solidifying its position as an outstanding camera smartphone in its category. Notably, it features a 50MP selfie camera on the front, promising an exceptional photography experience.
In addition to its exceptional camera capabilities, Infinix has equipped the Zero 30 5G with flagship features, including MediaTek’s Dimensity 8000 series processor, a captivating curved display, respectable battery life with rapid charging, and much more. Infinix is placing a significant emphasis on its ultra-high-resolution front camera, even though the market offers several alternatives such as the Pixel 7a, Nothing Phone 1, and Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, albeit at slightly higher price points.
It has been a week since I began using the Infinix Zero 30 5G smartphone. One of the standout features is its captivating glass back with a color-changing design, which exudes an attractive aesthetic. Moreover, the device boasts robust hardware, a curved AMOLED panel, and the impressive 68W fast charging technology, making it the best choice within the mid-range segment. Let’s delve into what Infinix brings to the table with the Infinix Zero 30 5G and assess whether this phone deserves a strong recommendation.
Infinix Zero 30 5G: Unboxing
Infinix Zero 30 5G: Pricing and Availability
Infinix unveiled the Zero 30 5G smartphone on September 1st, and it is currently open for pre-orders in various markets. This phone is offered in a single variant, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a price tag of Rs 24,999 ($339). Pre-orders for the Indian market are set to commence on September 2nd through Flipkart.
Pros
Premium color-changing Glass Back design
Best camera hardware package in the mid-range segment
3D Curved AMOLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate
Long-lasting battery life with 68W charging
Cons
Only one Android OS update support
Loads of Bloatware
Infinix Zero 30 5G: Design
A Mesmerizing color-changing glass back
3D Curved AMOLED 144Hz display
Dual Stereo speakers
When given the choice, I prefer a curved panel over a flat one. A smartphone with a curved display instantly elevates its premium look and feel, and the Infinix Zero 30 5G is a perfect example of this. Infinix has truly excelled in designing its first camera-focused Zero 30 5G Smartphone, featuring a striking color-changing glass back that exudes a premium and alluring aesthetic.
Infinix offers two enticing color options for the Zero 30 5G: Golden Hour and Rome Green. I have the Golden Hour variant, which showcases a glass-back design. In well-lit conditions, the smartphone’s back panel starts to exhibit a captivating “X” shape pattern, adding to its mesmerizing appeal. On the other hand, the Rome Green variant boasts a finish in vegan leather, providing not only a comfortable grip but also a premium in-hand sensation.
While curved displays have the advantage of enhancing the device’s ergonomics, it’s important to note that the phone does have its drawbacks. The 3D curved display, combined with the glass back and the curved sides of the phone, featuring a matte glossy silver coating, could have contributed to a better in-hand feel. However, there’s a trade-off as it makes the phone somewhat slippery during use. Fortunately, Infinix includes a TPU case in the package, and I highly recommend using it to ensure a secure grip and protection.
On the rear side of the phone, you’ll find a sizable square-shaped camera island that accommodates a triple rear camera setup, complete with a circular LED ring light. Weighing in at a mere 185 grams and boasting a slim profile of 7.9mm, the phone feels exceptionally lightweight and comfortable to hold.
Beneath the display, an in-display fingerprint sensor is present. However, it is positioned a bit lower on the screen, which can make it slightly challenging to access when using the phone. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the sensor is both fast and accurate in its functionality.
At the bottom of the smartphone, there’s a USB Type C port for charging, a primary microphone, a single stereo speaker, a SIM tray, and Infinix ditched a headphone jack in the Zero 30 5G. On the left side, you’ll find the volume rocker and power button while the top of the phone houses the stereo speaker and secondary microphone. Surprisingly, the Zero 30 5G is IP53-rated which protects the device in wet weather conditions.
All in all, the Zero 30 5G boasts a robust build that exudes a premium feel. Its attractive glass back design and meticulously crafted curved panel contribute to a comfortable and ergonomic grip. Within the mid-range segment, there’s simply no other device that can match the premium aesthetics of the Zero 30 5G.
Infinix Zero 30 5G: Screen
3D Curved AMOLED panel
144Hz Refresh rate
The Infinix Zero 30 5G showcases an impressive 6.78-inch 3D 60° Golden curved AMOLED panel, boasting a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and a resolution of 2400 x 1080. To safeguard the screen from accidental scratches and drops, a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass is applied. This panel is notably bright, with a peak brightness rating of 950 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in outdoor environments. Additionally, the device offers a dedicated High Brightness mode that automatically increases screen brightness in strong light conditions.
The high-resolution AMOLED display delivers vivid and vibrant colors, enhancing the sharpness of images and videos and elevating the overall viewing experience. Unlike some other curved-screen smartphones, the Zero 30 5G maintains consistent brightness when watching movies or videos, despite the content near the curved edges of the screen. Furthermore, it features a dual stereo speaker system tuned by DTS, which produces clear and robust audio output.
The device supports an impressive maximum refresh rate of 144Hz, delivering an exceptionally smooth scrolling experience. The Zero 30 5G offers users the flexibility to manually adjust the refresh rate to 60Hz, 120Hz, or the maximum 144Hz. Additionally, it features an Auto-Switch refresh mode that intelligently adapts the refresh rate based on the content displayed on the screen. Even when set to the highest 144Hz refresh rate, I didn’t detect any lag or inconsistencies; the device maintains a consistently smooth and fluid performance in everyday use.
In terms of the curved screen, my experience has been quite positive. The screen exhibits vibrant and captivating colors with immersive viewing angles. The dual built-in speakers deliver a stereo effect, enhancing the movie-watching experience. Furthermore, there’s an eye care mode that reduces eye strain when viewing the phone’s screen in low-light conditions, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Infinix Zero 30 5G: Full Specs
Category
Infinix Zero 30 5G
OS
XOS 13.1 based on Android 13
Display
6.78-inch 144Hz 3D Curved AMOLED, 2400×1080, 950 nits max brightness
Chipset
MediaTek Dimensity 8020, 4 x 2.6GHz Cortex A78, 4 x 2.0GHz Cortex A55, Mali-G77, 6nm
The brand’s inaugural camera-centric smartphone boasts robust camera hardware. The Zero 30 5G features a formidable 108MP primary camera on the rear, equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). Complementing the primary camera, it includes a 13MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro camera. On the front, there’s a 50MP sensor with autofocus support for both video and photography. The camera interface remains largely unchanged and closely resembles that of the GT 10 Pro smartphone. Additionally, it comes with Google Lens integration, which is a valuable added feature.
The Zero 30 5G offers a variety of shooting modes to cater to different photography needs, such as AI Cam, 108MP for high-resolution shots, portrait mode, super night mode, and a professional mode. Although there is no dedicated zoom lens, you can achieve digital zoom of 0.6x and 3x using the 108MP module. When it comes to video recording, the smartphone’s rear camera supports resolutions up to 4K at 60fps. After capturing some videos with the Zero 30 5G, I observed that the video quality was impressive and free from noise; however, the stabilization could be improved. To address this, there’s also an ultra-steady mode that allows for the capture of relatively steady videos while on the move.
When it comes to image quality, Infinix has delivered commendable performance with its camera setup. The rear camera consistently captures excellent shots with a wide dynamic range. Image processing is natural and clear, preserving lifelike colors and intricate details.
The Super Night mode featured in the Zero 30 5G is particularly impressive, although it does require some processing time. Nonetheless, the results are generally characterized by detailed images with well-balanced contrast, color, and lighting. It’s worth noting that the absence of a dedicated zoom lens, while expected in this price range, means that digital zooming, up to 3x through the primary camera, yields decent but less detailed results.
The 13MP ultrawide lens performs admirably, capturing shots that are rich in detail. These images are typically free from noise, and the dynamic range is impressively wide. The presence of a large ring flash light integrated into the camera island enhances low-light performance, ensuring better coverage in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, there’s an LED flash on the front, contributing to improved selfie quality, particularly in very low-light settings.
The focal point of the phone undoubtedly lies in its 50MP selfie camera, a notable feature in this segment. Speaking of the selfie camera, it unquestionably excels in capturing high-quality selfies with intricate details, and it reproduces skin tones naturally. Additionally, you can record videos with the front camera at resolutions of up to 4K at 60fps, resulting in mostly detailed footage that’s free from noise, accompanied by excellent audio quality.
In summary, the camera performance is highly impressive. The phone consistently captures outstanding shots with exceptional details, and the selfie camera is particularly noteworthy. This solidifies its position as one of the best mid-range camera phones currently available in the market.
Infinix Zero 30 5G: Performance and Battery
Dimensity 8020 chipset
12GB RAM of RAM + 256GB of storage
Massive 5,000mAh battery
68W fast charging is the best in the segment
The Infinix Zero 30 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset, which is based on a 6nm architecture. MediaTek’s recent naming convention for their chipsets can be somewhat confusing. The Dimensity 8020 can be seen as a refined version of the Dimensity 1100, which was introduced last year. It retains the same internal configuration, featuring four Cortex A78 cores clocked at 2.6GHz and four Cortex A55 cores running at 2.0GHz. The chipset is complemented by an Arm Mali-G77 GPU with 9 cores, effectively handling resource-intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming. The Cortex A55 cores ensure seamless performance, from swift app switching to smooth UI navigation.
In the seven days since I started using the Zero 30 5G smartphone, it has consistently delivered a smooth and enjoyable user experience. I haven’t encountered any slowdowns or lag. This device boasts up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage, providing ample power for a variety of tasks. While it’s not marketed as a gaming phone, I decided to put the processor to the test by playing demanding titles like PUBG Mobile on the Zero 30 5G. I was pleasantly surprised by the performance, as I was able to run PUBG on the highest settings without any issues. However, it’s worth noting that during prolonged gaming sessions, the device can experience throttling.
Nonetheless, it’s important to emphasize that this phone is not designed for gaming but rather caters to photography enthusiasts and content creators, which is evident in its capabilities and performance.
The phone consistently achieves significantly higher scores than most of its competitors in benchmark tests. It holds a notable advantage over its closest rivals, such as the Nothing Phone 1, with performance gains ranging from 5% to 10% in most benchmark tests. Here are the benchmark test results I have conducted on the Zero 30 5G smartphone so far.
Infinix Zero 30 5G Benchmark scores
Category
Infinix Zero 30 5G
Nothing phone (1)
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
947
821
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
3242
2915
3DMark Wild Life (score)
4341
2579
3DMark Wild Life (FPS)
23.00
15.4
3DMark Wild Life Extreme (score)
1245
698
3DMark Wild Life Extreme (FPS)
7.46
4.2
In terms of battery life, the Zero 30 5G boasts a substantial 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day without any concerns. What’s even better is that there’s no need to purchase a separate fast charger because Infinix includes a 68W fast charger in the box. Starting my day at 6 AM and using the phone continuously for activities like scrolling through social media, camera testing, making calls, messaging, and occasional gaming, I observed that it had only reached 12% by 9 PM. After nearly 12 hours of usage, the phone still had plenty of battery life remaining, making it a dependable choice. With the 68W fast wired charging, it took just 58 minutes to fully charge the device, and it reached the 50% mark in just over 20 minutes.
Infinix Zero 30 5G: Software
Loads of Bloatware
Runs on Infinix XOS based on Android 13
Smooth but the software needs to be polished
The Infinix Zero 30 operates on Infinix’s customized XOS 13 interface, which is built on the Android 13 platform. As I previously mentioned in my GT 10 Pro review, I find that XOS 13 is highly tailored, and the same holds true here. Undoubtedly, XOS 13 offers a plethora of customization options. Navigating the user interface is smooth and intuitive—swiping down brings down the notification panel, swiping to the right reveals the app drawer, and swiping to the left opens a summary of recently used apps, displaying health data, important dates, and more.
Compared to the GT 10 Pro, the XOS 13 user interface has seen significant improvements. Infinix has shifted away from its previously aggressive square icon styling in favor of a more modern curved design, which not only looks appealing but also enhances the overall visual experience. The animations also feel more polished and refined.
Upon booting up the phone, you’ll receive a warm welcome, but it also comes with a considerable amount of pre-installed bloatware, primarily comprising third-party apps like media players, health apps, document scanner apps, and more. Fortunately, you have the option to disable most of these third-party apps if you wish.
You’ll also find Infinix’s dedicated call dialer, messaging app, and keyboard pre-installed, which is convenient. However, if you prefer to use Google’s alternatives, you’ll need to download them from the Play Store.
On another note, it’s worth mentioning that Infinix commits to providing only one major Android OS update (Android 14) and two years of security updates for the Zero 30 5G. This is somewhat disappointing, as many brands in the same price range offer up to three years of OS updates and four years of security updates. It’s an area where Infinix needs to make improvements in its software support.
You should buy this if..
You want a great camera phone in the mid-range segment
You want a 3D curved AMOLED panel
You want a long-lasting battery life that lasts all day
You want the best hardware package in the segment
You shouldn’t buy this if..
You need a flat-panel
You want a clean software experience
You want long-term software support
Final Thoughts
The robust 50MP front-facing camera on the Zero 30 5G guarantees striking selfies for your photo albums. With support for maximum 4K 60fps recording, it also enables you to capture your cherished memories in high-quality videos. Notably, it’s not just about the selfie camera; the rear 108MP camera consistently delivers excellent images with impressive quality. Infinix has undoubtedly excelled in the camera department, and it shows.
The dual speakers on the phone produce loud and clear audio, making it ideal for enjoying movies and games. However, the only drawback I find relates to software support—it will receive only one major OS update, which prevents me from instantly recommending it.
With top-tier camera hardware, a potent MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor, a captivating 3D curved 144Hz AMOLED panel, long-lasting battery life complemented by 68W fast charging, and a color-changing glass back, the Zero 30 5G stands out as an outstanding camera-centric smartphone in the mid-range segment without breaking the bank.
If software support is not a concern for you and you are willing to invest more, there are several other smartphones in the market that offer long-term software support, fast charging, and superior video quality. Some options to consider include the Google Pixel 7a, Nothing Phone 1, and Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus.
GoPro finally unveiled its most anticipated Hero 12 Black latest action camera. The new action camera brings a worthy of upgrades in terms of battery life, camera quality, and new design addition over the predecessor Hero 11 Black. The most of improvements are centered around the battery life on the latest iteration although GoPro also added some must-have features this time in the GoPro Hero 12 Black which is great.
As I mentioned above the battery improvement, maybe if you are expecting more battery life in the latest action camera that’s not the case here. You get the same Hero 11 Black’s Enduro 1,720mAh battery in the Hero 12 Black but GoPro made some dramatic improvements in battery which extends the battery life of the camera. With the highest 5.3K 60 fps recording mode, the Hero 12 Back lasts 70 minutes on a single charge almost doubling from the Hero 11 Black’s 35 min battery life. The rest of the supporting video modes are 5.3k 30 fps (in 16:9 aspect ratio) with a battery life of 1.5 hours, 4K 120 fps, 2.7k 240 fps, (in 8:7 and 16:9), and 1080p 30 fps extending the battery life to over 2.5 hours.
Another important feature GoPro added which is very useful for content creators. GoPro Hero 12 Black now gets support for Bluetooth headsets that basically allow you to record the audio via Bluetooth earbuds or headphones simultaneously with the in-camera mics. The action camera now comes with a 9:16 aspect ratio i.e. vertical capture mode most suitable for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube shorts video platforms.
The two new additions in GoPro Hero 12 Black- first the GP-Log which is GoPro’s logarithmic shooting mode makes color grading eye catchy in video and photos. Second, the Timecode sync easily synchronized the recordings that were shot on multiple GoPro Hero 12s which makes editing easy. The Hero 12 is waterproof to 33ft underwater.
The most appealing feature finally GoPro added is a built-in regular tripod mount (1.4-inch 20 thread) located at the bottom that easily attaches most of the camera tripods without the need for an adapter. You get the same 27MP large sensor as its predecessor for capturing photos with high dynamic range and a 24.7MP lens handles video-sided things, it uses GoPro’s HyperSmooth 6.0 technology for smooth and crisp stabilized videos.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black retails at $399 and other accessories such as the Max Lens Pod, additional battery, head strap, and a carrying case will get you under $100. The action camera is currently available for pre-orders while the open sales will commence on September 13.
