Rugged phones over the years have had some pretty huge battery capacities but the Doogee V Max is literally maxing out the battery power on a smartphone. At 22000mAh, V Max is the biggest battery capacity smartphone commercially available.
Set to be launched in February, the V Max is the culmination of Doogee’s battery superiority. On a single charge, it is capable of reaching up to an impressive 2300 hours on standby. According to marketing materials from the company, it can last for up to 25 hours of gaming, 35 hours of streaming, 80 hours of music, and 109 hours of phone calls.
It also comes with a reverse charge feature which allows using the Doogee V Max as a power bank to charge other devices. Indeed 22000mAh battery is excessively big so to charge it, the V Max comes with a 33W fast charger.
But there is more to the V Max than its massive battery. For starters, it runs on the premium MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor. Fabricated using TMSC’s 6nm process technology for better energy efficiency. That’s not all, the RAM on this phone can reach up to 20GB – 12GB base RAM and 8GB of expandable RAM. Paired with a base storage of 256GB which can be expanded up to 2 TB using a microSD card, this is the fastest memory and chipset pairing.
Moving on to other features, the front of the V Max is covered by a 6.58-inch 120Hz FHD+ display. The IPS display features include a 19:9 aspect ratio, 401 PPI, and a peak brightness of 400 nits. It is protected from scratches by a layer of corning gorilla glass.
Even though the V Max is a rugged phone, it doesn’t skimp on its camera sets. Its primary camera is a 108MP Samsung HM2 camera sensor. The second camera is a special one. Best this sensor from Sony is a night vision camera that is capable of taking pictures and videos in total darkness. Two infrared lights on the side make it possible. The final camera on the back is a 16MP ultra-wide camera with a 130° field of view. On the front, there is a 32MP selfie clicker from Sony.
The V max comes with dual stereo speakers that are tuned by Hi-Res. As expected it comes with the IP68 and IP69K ratings, MIL-STD-810H certification, a fast responsive capacitance fingerprint sensor on the side, and four navigational satellite GPS systems (GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and GPS). It also features NFC, dual nano sim card, and TF card slot.Â
V Max is expected to be launched a day before valentine’s day on February 13th. They will be available for purchase on AliExpress and Doogeemall platforms. It is priced at a starting price tag of $329.99 (this price point is only available on AliExpress) between February 13th – 17th.
Whether you work from home or on the go, it seems you can never have enough chargers for all of your various devices – especially when it comes to a power-hungry laptop and its massive battery.
There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a project outside of your office and seeing the low battery warning pop up. That’s why I’m a huge fan of having a couple of high-powered chargers around the house, as well as one in my bag for on-the-go.
Luckily, there are some reputable manufacturers out there like Ugreen that make high-powered compact chargers featuring GaN technology. If you’re unfamiliar with GaN technology, then here’s a quick synopsis.
GaN, or Gallium nitride, is a semiconductor material with increased efficiency that not only helps charge your devices faster, but also does so while staying cooler. That’s why it has become so popular in chargers over the past few years. It allows companies, like Ugreen and others, to create smaller and faster chargers to keep up with all of the latest high-capacity devices.
All of this brings us to Ugreen’s latest GaN chargers, the Nexode 100W and Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Stations which the brand was nice enough to send out for review.
Ugreen Nexode 100W USB-C Charging Station
The Nexode 100W USB-C Charging Station features a maximum charging rate of 100W, as the name suggests, it’s also compatible with Power Delivery 3.0 and Quick Charge 4+ charging protocols. What this means for you, is a desktop charger that is widely compatible with a variety of laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
For example, the Nexode 100W USB-C Charging Station is compatible with the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 12-14, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S21/S22, the Steam Deck, and more. In fact, it can safely charge the M2 MacBook Air to 100% in only 1.5 hours.
On top of all of this power and compatibility, the Ugreen Nexode 100W USB-C Charging Station also provides three USB Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port making it flexible and capable of charging several devices at once. However, it’s worth noting that only two of the USB Type-C ports support the 100W charging rate, while the C3 USB Type-C port and USB Type-A port are limited to a maximum of 22.5W of output.
Ugreen Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Station
The Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Station shares a similar design with its more powerful cousin albeit with some key differences. The most obvious difference is the lower 65W charging maximum which it is capable of outputting on the C1 and C2 Type-C USB ports. While the two USB Type-A ports are limited to a maximum output of 22.5W.
Regardless of the Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Station’s lower output, it still features four total ports and is compatible with the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 12-14, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S22/21, Steam Deck, and more.
It will just take a little more time to charge depending on your device’s maximum charging rate and you may not be able to charge while actively using your laptop. That’s why the Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Station is more suited for mobile devices.
Final thoughts
Both the Ugreen Nexode 100W and 65W USB-C Charging Stations make a great companion when you’re looking to keep your various devices charged up. The Nexode 100W is more ideal for notebook computers but still offers the option to charge smaller mobile devices, while the Nexode 65W works best for tablets and smartphones.
No matter which you choose, both Ugreen Nexode chargers won’t disappoint thanks to the compact size, variety of ports, and powerful output. My only criticism would be that neither come with any USB cables, and that would have been appreciated.
Both of Ugreen’s Nexode Charging Stations are available from Amazon and Ugreen’s website at this time, with the Nexode 100W selling for $100 and the Nexode 65W retailing for $56.
Currently, both charging stations are offering coupons for additional savings on Amazon, with the Nexode 100W dropping down to $75 after the discount, and the Nexode 65W selling for as low as $46. If you’re in the market for a high-powered GaN charger, then you’ll want to pick them up now while the coupons are still active.
Company cell phones can be one of the best investments that your business can make. This can be a great way to build your business, create stronger ties and help your employees to feel safer while they are working for you. However, there are also some risks that you need to evaluate before bringing company cells into your business, as they can be highly damaging to a company too. Here is a short primer on what you need to know about company cells.
#1 Advantages of company phones
There are a lot of advantages to having company phones within your business. They can:
Help create a stronger tie of communication between managers, which can increase efficiency
Increase site security so your employees are so much safer and authorities can be contacted faster
Help when it comes to organizing meetings discreetly, so if there is a problem and you don’t want people to cause a fuss, you can send a quick message. It also means that you don’t have the risk of other workers seeing private information on a big computer monitor by accident.
#2 Risks
There are a lot of risks to having phones, too. This can be a shame, as they are such an important resource to your business. They can:
Distract some workers. This can mean that projects slow down, and your whole business suffers
They can also get broken or lost easily due to their size. This can get expensive if the phones are high quality or not under warranty.
#3 Allocation of company cells
You need to think carefully about the allocation of company cells. This is due to the fact that they can be a distraction, some employees might not use them correctly, and they can be expensive. You should make sure that you are only giving them to trusted employees, too, as company phones, in the wrong hands, can be a major security risk.
You will find that by making sure only workers that need phones, such as HR, first-aid workers, and team managers, have them, they will be able to take full advantage of the pros of company cells without increasing the risks quite so much.
To conclude
You will find that company cells are super useful and a great investment regardless of your business. On the one hand, this can be a great way to expand communication, boost safety, and keep employees’ privacy. However, on the other hand, you will find that it increases your risk of cyberattacks, can be a distraction, and might be expensive if not cared for. There are also other highly important factors, such as who gets phones and who doesn’t, as well as what models you get, how many you get, and the rules surrounding each cell phone and the user, to consider when providing company phones to workers.Â
Headphones with a lightweight design, comfortable fit, good sound quality, and noise cancellation support are the features everyone wants in their headphones. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones.
EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones offer a lightweight foldable design and tons of features and the main thing is, it comes in a very affordable price range. Are they worth purchasing, how do they perform, and what is the complete package? We put the EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones to the test to find it out. Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.
What are the EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
The EDIFIER WH500 are a pair of wireless headphones that cater to a younger demographic, one who may favor long-lasting battery over build quality. Priced to move at just $35, they sound surprisingly good and offer up to 40 hours of playback per charge.
Gallery
Features
30mm dynamic driver
2 hours fully charged for 40hours music playtime
Fast charging: 6 hours playback in just 10 minutes
Customize EQ and select various music modes via Edifier Connect app
Double protection for safe hearing: volume <85dB and a cut-off timer
Foldable and lightweight design. Ideal for daily use and travel
Trendy color options for users to match their style
Listen to the Episode
Be sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!
I was initially skeptical of the build quality of the EDIFIER WH500 headphones but once I put them on and listened to music, I was sold. The price point matches the build quality but the battery life far exceeds expectations.
These headphones are very light, and fold up rather compact, but they don’t come with a travel bag. The black and neon green color combo is a catchy one however the accent is mostly obscured once you wear them.
I found the headphones to be comfortable, thanks largely to the weight; however, the ear cushions are incredibly soft. These make a great starter pair of headphones for teens and those with lesser demands.
Where to buy the EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
The EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones are priced at $49.99 and come in three color options- Black, Blue, and White. The headphones are available for purchase through Amazon.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, lovebirds are racking their brains to find more creative gifts than traditional flowers or chocolate to express love. Luckily, BLUETTI has rolled out loads of savings on a wide selection of solar generators as of Feb. 6 to bolster the sweet celebration with someone special at home, outdoor entertainment, or RV trips on the road.
BLUETTI AC500+B300S: Upgraded Modular Power at Earlybird Price
AC500+B300S : Starts at C$5199, C$800 off retail price C$5999
AC500: Starts at C$2599, C$500 off retail price C$3099
B300S: Starts at C$2599, C$200 off retail price C$2799
As the most prominent model launched in 2022, the AC500 is sold at a favourable price now on the BLUETTI Canada website and Amazon store. With a powerful 5,000W inverter and an expandable capacity from 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh by teaming up with B300S LFP batteries, AC500 can help you get throught long blackouts or extended camping trips. The max. 8,000 input rate (PV+AC) allows a lightning charging speed, 0 to 80% capacity charging takes less than ONE HOUR.Â
Earlybird prices will end on February 28. Don’t miss out on the best offers!
BLUETTI AC300+B300 Combo: Expandable Power Center
AC300+B300 starts at C$3999 (was C$4598), Save C$599
AC300 is another modular model that has established a distinct presence in the market. Boasting up to 12,288Wh capacity and a 3,000W PSW inverter for securely running high-load devices, it’s an ideal gift for both outdoor enthusiasts and DIYers.   Â
BLUETTI AC200MAX: Versatile Power Monster
Starts at C$2199 (was C$2599), Save C$400
It’s frustrating to lose power unexpectedly while spending quality time at home or in the wild. AC200MAX, one of the most popular models in BLUETTI Store, will never let you down. It adopts safe and reliable LifePO4 battery to provide 3500+ life cycles to 80% of the original capacity. It also has a 2,200W PSW inverter and 2,048Wh capacity to fulfill most power demand. Not enough? Then consider connecting with B230 or B300 expansion battery to extend the capacity for increasing power needs.   Â
BLUETTI AC200P:
Starts at C$1899 (was C$2299 ), Save C$400
Coming with 2,000Wh capacity, 2,000W stable power and 17 different plug options, the AC200P is a powerful, long-lasting battery storage solution that can keep your appliances running in an outage, or power your electricity needs on an extended camping trip. And with available solar panel charging, up to 700W, it can keep you powered for several days in the wild. When combining the solar panel and the brick for 1,200W max Fast Dual charging, the solar generator can be ready for use at a moment’s notice. Â
BLUETTI EB3A/ EB55/ EB70S: Portable Solar Generator Lineup
Walk through the wonderland of nature, where there’s clean air, acres and acres of woods, and mountain streams flowing by. Carry along a portable power station such as BLUETTIEB3A, EB55, or EB70S to conveniently charge your cellphone, walkie-talkie, camera, coffee maker, mini fridge, and more.So you will always have enough power to stay connected, every precious moment together will be captured without delay.
By connecting either with Bluetooth or WiFi, remote control, real-time monitor, and OTA firmware update can be done merely with clicks on the cellphone!
BLUETTI PV68/ PV120/ PV200/ PV350: Easy Access to Solar Energy
PV200 starts at C$569 (was C$599), Save C$30
Enjoy a solar lifestyle by hooking up with BLUETTI solar panels, covering from PV68, PV120, PV200, PV350. They use monocrystalline solar cells and multi-layered ETFE to ensure better light transmittance, higher efficiency, and longer lifespan. Simply set up the solar panel and adjust the tilt based on the sunlight intensity or angle to generate the optimal solar intake. Given up to 23.4% high conversion rate of the solar panel, your battery can sip power from the sun at high speed and run your electronics for hours on end. Achieving power self-sufficiency has never been easier!  Â
In addition, BLUETTI will launch a BLUETTILOVE campaign during Valentine’s Day Sale. Participants can either upload photos and share the sweetest memory/ love story with their lovers or post anonymous SMS to express their affection. Free EB3A, PV68, and C$20 coupons are available to lucky winners. Click https://www.bluettipower.ca/pages/valentines-day-sale to learn more.
About BLUETTI
With over 10 years of industry experience, BLUETTI has tried to stay true to a sustainable future through green energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use while delivering an exceptional eco-friendly experience for everyone and the world. BLUETTI is making its presence in 70+ countries and is trusted by millions of customers across the globe. For more information, please visit https://www.bluettipower.ca/.
It’s tax season and that has all of us wondering if we’ll get a refund this year, and if we do, how much can we expect to get back? However, some of us are wondering how much we’ll end up owing the tax man. Lucky for you, AT&T has some great deals for prepaid customers running through April 20, including one for a free phone. So, whether you’re getting a big refund or none at all, there’s something to fit any budget.
Let’s start with the free phone, because I know that’s what has everyone’s curiosity piqued. The Motorola G Pure features a 6.5-inch HD+ display and sports 13MP+2MP rear cameras. It is currently available for free when customers port their number and activate a new unlimited plan with AT&T. Alternatively, you can grab the Motorola G Pure for $29.99 when you activate a new line with any monthly plan with AutoPay enabled.
That brings us to the rest of the deals, going in order by price, we have the Samsung A03s for $19.99 when you port in your number and sign up for an unlimited plan. Just like with the previous deal, if you choose to activate without porting in your number, it’ll set you back $39.99 with any monthly plan with AutoPay.
Next up, is the Samsung A13 LTE and AT&T Radiant Max 5G, both of which are available for $49.99 when you port in your number and activate an unlimited prepaid plan. If you choose to not port in your number, then you’ll end up paying $69.99 for either of these smartphones when you activate a monthly plan with AutoPay.
Finally, we have the Moto g 5G, which starts at $69.99 when you port in your number on an unlimited plan. The price jumps up to $99.99 when you sign up for a monthly plan with AutoPay enabled without porting your number.
As I mentioned above, this promotion will only be available until April 20, 2023. That should still give you plenty of time to see what kind of refund or bill you can expect from the IRS before you commit to one of these deals.
Tax time is almost here, and you know what that means, some of us are going to get hit with a big bill. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a brand-new shiny smartphone. To take the sting out of paying the tax man, Boost Mobile is running a promotion between now and tax day offering a free phone when you switch to Boost Mobile.
The carrier isn’t offering just any smartphone though, but there is a pretty extensive list. Some of the stand outs include the 5G capable Samsung A13 5G, Samsung A14 5G, Moto G 5G, Moto G Stylus 5G, Celero 5G, and the TCL 30 XE 5G. If you haven’t jumped on the 5G train yet, now’s the perfect time to snag a new phone for free and check out what all the fuss is about.
Whether you end up getting money back or not, it’s hard to pass up a deal like this, and nothing relieves the stress of tax time like the low low price of free. Unfortunately, the deal isn’t available online, and you’ll need to head on down to your local Boost Mobile store and switch over in person if you want to snag one of these phones free of charge.
The gaming mouse both wired and wireless has changed a lot in recent years in terms of ergonomics and features. There are lots of brands in the market, many that offer gaming mice with lower latency and great ergonomics.
In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse.
Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse has fully nine customizable programmable buttons and an ergonomically designed shape that offers a proper grip to your hand. The Redragon M910-K gaming mouse has a high response time and is ideal for gamers and casual users.
What is the Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse
The Redragon M910-K is a wired gaming mouse designed for entry-level needs. With a fair amount of customization, it’s compatible with Windows and Mac systems, however only Windows users can get the full programming capabilities. The ergonomic design is comfortable, leading to longer gaming sessions.
Gallery
Features
5 Adjustable DPI levels
9 RGB backlit modes
9 Programmable buttons
Ergonomic contour for long-lasting comfort
Compatible with Windows 2000/ME/XP/03/XP/VISTA/7/8/10/11 system and Mac
Listen to the Episode
Be sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!
Similar to the Elise K615 keyboard, this is an entry-level product aimed at consumers getting started in the world of PC gaming. It’s priced low but features a fairly decent set of customization.
I like the different color and lighting modes and adjustable DPI levels which make it so that it can work well in gaming and office environments. Those who use the mouse with a PC can dive deeper into customization using the drivers available at Redragonzone.
As someone who only dabbles in the occasional PC gaming experience, I like the low cost of the M910-K. It provides a fairly robust suite of features without going overboard in price or capabilities.
Where to buy Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse
The Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse comes in Black color option and starts at $15.99. The gaming mouse is available for purchase via Amazon.Â
Roughly ten months after the debut of the POCO X4 Pro, the successor hits the streets in the form of the (you guessed it) POCO X5 Pro. Is it more evolution or revolution this time around? As it turns out, I’m happy to say it leans more toward the latter.
The POCO X5 Pro, available in Blue, Black and the brand’s signature Yellow, dials things up in nearly all of the right places. It runs an Android 12-based MIUI 14 software experience and comes with a starting price of about $300 USD.
As is to be expected, a standard version of the POCO X5 also makes its debut with a handful of differences. It launches with a $250 price; however, both come with early bird discounts of $50 each.
Design
The Poxo X5 is a snappy looking phone, at least in yellow, but it’s not overly flashy. Both the front and rear are flat with the backside offering a matte finish and a bit of glass around the left half of the camera module.
Design-wise, it’s hard to do anything special to stand out and POCO plays it safe and familiar here with the X5 Pro. The right side has the volume buttons and a yellow power button that doubles as an always-on fingerprint reader.
Along the top of the phone you’ll find a speaker, a 3.5mm audio jack, an IR blaster, and microphone. The bottom has a microphone, speaker, USB Type-C port, and the SIM tray. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5.
Generally speaking, the POCO X5 Pro looks and feels nice in hand, and comes across as evenly balanced. It has a reasonable amount of weight and size to it with it for a phone that provides a 6.67-inch screen.
Speaking of which, the 6.67-inch AMOLED display has a 1,080 x 2,400 pixel resolution with up to 240Hz touch response and 120Hz refresh rate. The phone offers three preset color modes and a custom one for individual tuning, giving users plenty to work with in that area.
The high refresh rate is visible in most places, including the overall UI and apps but it does appear to dial down to 60Hz when interacting with the camera app and playing/streaming video.
The POCO X5 Pro houses a 5,000mAh battery with support up to 67W wired charging. Our review unit comes with a European charging plug so we were not able to test that out. That said, we did use a few chargers around the office and I found it to be incredibly efficient at replenishing.
Software
The POCO X5 Pro runs a custom MIUI 14 experience which is built atop Android 12. I’ve spent time with previous versions of MIUI and usually come away generally pleased with things. I tend to want my Android to be as close to stock as possible but I don’t mind if the right “extras” are added.
One of the touches that I appreciate is the lighting effect for notifications. It’s a simple one in that it lights up the edges of the display but it helps catch catch the eye. I miss notification colors and LEDs so this is one of those additions that I like.
Similarly, there are settings for split screens and floating windows for select apps. They’re not the sort of thing I use often, but I find them helpful for multitasking.
Theming of Android phones has been around since day one; MIUI does a great job of curating customizable designs, with wallpapers, icons, ringtones, and other settings. It may require a little bit of tweaking on your end to get things precisely the way you want, but there are scores of options to get started.
There are also settings for an Always-On Display which can help users more quickly see what’s happening, or has happened since they last glanced at their handset.
Pulling down from the top of your phone results in two different outcomes. The left side will bring up your Notification Center while the right side reveals the Control Center for system settings and options. You can swipe left and right between them for quicker navigation and you can also disable the Control Center.
As someone who has long used the app drawer for opening apps and games, I tend to default to that with custom builds. MIUI will sometimes give users the option to toggle between using app drawers and home screen icons but the POCO X5 Pro only gave me the former this time around.
If you’re fond of the Google Discover page on your home screen you’ll be pleased to know that it’s an option here. You can disable it if you’d like and even replace it with Xiaomi’s App Vault widget pane with smart suggestions.
As far as additional applications are concerned, our review unit comes with a few proprietary clients for music, videos, file management, photos, and a Mi Remote (IR blaster). There’s also a Security app for managing data and battery, free up memory, scan malware, and more.
Memory Extension is active by default, and lets users choose between 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB storage to be reserved as RAM extension.
Then comes the topic of so-called “bloatware”, or value-added apps and games. Our review unit came with quite a list of titles, all of which looked to be removable. That being said, you may find yourself with AliExpress, Amazon Shopping, Bubble Shooter, Crazy Juicer, Dust Settle, Facebook, Genshin Impact, Jewels Blast, LinkedIn, Mi Browser, Netflix, QEEQ, Solitaire, TikTok, Tile Fun, and WPS Office.
Performance
The POCO X5 Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778 5G chipset which features an octa-core processor at 2.4GHz. It’s paired with an Adreno 642L GPU and an X53 5G modem.
In the area of memory and storage you have two options: a base configuration of 6GB LPDDR4X RAM with 128GB UFS 2.2 storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. There is no microSD slot.
It’s really hard to imagine wanting more from a phone at these prices. It’s well-balanced and offers fantastic performance, and acts like a handset that might cost another hundred dollars (or more).
This is by no means a gaming phone or even a flagship device but I suspect most users would be hard-pressed to need more from a device as 2023 gets rolling.
The fingerprint reader speed and accuracy delivers on expectations, and you can choose between a touch or a press. The latter makes it harder for errant and accidental reads, and feels more intentional to me. You can also choose to set up face unlocking as an option if that’s your preferred method. I found both to be easy to configure and snappy.
The POCO X5 Pro speakers are loud and offer a little more bass than anticipated. The Dolby sound setting can be toggled off but I’d suggest keeping it on for a more rich and subtly layered sound.
There are four total cameras on the POCO X5 Pro, three on the rear and one on the front in the hole punch cutout. Diving a little deeper, the back houses a 108-megapixel high-res primary, an 8-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel macro cameras. The selfie camera is a 16-megapixel shooter.
The camera app is pretty straightforward and easy to figure out. I imagine it won’t take but a few times to understand how things are configured and how to navigate the menus and icons.
If you’re the type who likes to open the app and snap a picture, you’ll be happy with things. Conversely, if you like to tinker a bit, using filters or shooting long exposures, time lapse shots and the like, there’s a lot hidden away. I think the Long Exposure mode is a cool one, personally, as it gives presets for neon trails, skies, star trails, and more.
Indeed, you can also edit things to make it easier to hop into a specific feature. Of course there’s always Pro mode which gives you control all of the usual settings.
The main camera captures good results without much tinkering; contrast and colors are excellent and there’s little noise. They look great on a phone and only get better if you spend some time with them in a nice editing app.
Zooming in a bit or looking at them on a computer reveals some artifacts and noise but nothing that gave me concern. Using the AI and preset filters works well but occasionally ends up with a pic that seems manipulated or over-processed.
The ultrawide pics are also good, with decent detail and colors but dynamic range and contrast will sometimes skew mediocre. Macro shots were the weakest of the bunch but they’re also the stuff I shoot the least of, anyhow.
Low-light images fared reasonably well in my experience with the Auto Night mode kicking in to help when it deems necessary. More often than not I was glad to see it step in but I do like that I can turn that feature off if I am trying to capture a specific type of shot. And, just as a helpful rule, maybe stand still one extra moment after snapping the photo.
Keeping in mind the price of the phone, I am more than pleased with the results. I’m quite amazed at what can be achieved by phones in this price range. I’ll revise this post with more camera samples over time so that you can get a good sense of things.
Conclusion
I’m a sucker for $300-$400 phones for a number of reasons. They’re easier on the wallet than flagships, yes, but they’re also still more than enough to satisfy my needs.
Every so often you’ll encounter a phone that with a random specification or feature that doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the package. That’s not the case here; it’s a very balanced device.
The POCO X5 Pro is a phone device with modern software that’s fully customizable. Moreover, it features enough memory, storage, and overall performance to keep me happy for another generation.
I might have liked a microSD expansion card slot but, then again, I may not ever miss it with this much space and the aid of Google Photos. And while we’re on the subject of removed features, I should point out that the FM radio is gone, too.
Those two features are not deal breakers for me, and the fact that there’s no wireless charging sits just fine with me. They may mean more to you, but it’s tough to ask for that at this cost.
There is a lot on offer in the POCO X5 Pro and I’m more than happy to recommend it. It’s a worthy upgrade over its predecessor to be sure.
The main problem this handset faces is that this price range begets a lot of stiff competition. There’s the Samsung Galaxy A53, Motorola G82, and Google Pixel 6a to contend with in the space. Each, I suggest, comes from a more reputable if not bigger name, for US consumers. And getting your hands on them may be easier, too.
Competition aside, if you’re on the fence about the Poco X5 Pro, count me in as someone who suggests you grab it.
What About the POCO X5?
The POCO X5 offers a slightly different approach and comes with a lower price tag. Key differences here include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor and comes with a microSD expansion card slot. It has the same amount memory and storage but that external space could be a key differentiator for some.
The screen size is the same at 6.67-inches, with the same 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution, but it’s an 8-bit panel protected by Gorilla Glass 3. The POCO X5 Pro has a 10-bit panel with the aforementioned Gorilla Glass 5.
The camera configuration is made up with a 48-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel ultrawide, 2-megapixel macro, and 13-megapixel front-facing shooter. Video capture is capped at 1080p whereas the POCO X5 Pro allows for 4K video.
Although the same 5,000mAh battery is present, its charging speed taps out at 33W, which is still fast.
I would suggest that unless you have strong need of a microSD card, spend the extra fifty bucks for the Pro model.
Availability
The POCO X5 Pro 5G will come in Black, Blue, and Yellow and will be available in two variants: 6GB with 128GB storage and 8GB with 256GB storage.
The POCO X5 5G will come in Green, Blue, and Black and will be available in two variants: 6GB with 128GB storage and 8GB with 256GB storage.+128GB and 8GB+256GB.
You can learn more about each device at POCO’s global website where it will hand you off for purchase if you’re inclined.
Edifier comes a long way, from the budget range to the premium one Edifier offers a variety of audio products that showcases design excellence and technological innovation. And the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds’ latest product from audio specialists is no exception. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds.
EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds feature wing doors of the super GT-inspired eye grabbler design and offer H+ special game sound effects which take the gaming experience to the next level. What are its complete features, how do they perform, is it good for gaming or not, and is it worth purchasing? Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.
What are the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds
The Hecate GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds deliver clear high quality audio and look sweet doing it. Plus, these fit right in with your cyberpunk cosplay. You’ll hear every footstep and frag at zero delay thanks to Game Mode which delivers 60ms low latency. Paired with the Edifier Connect app you can dial in that perfect sound that will be as personal as the awesome streaming setup you have and the GX07’s even throw in RGB lighting.
Gallery
Features
Unique design with RGB lighting effects enhances your gaming vibe
Game mode with specially tuned H+ sound effect and 60ms low latency
Hybrid ANC technology (-38dB) with ambient sound mode
Dual-Mic ENC (Environmental noise cancellation) for clear phone calls
Infrared in-ear detection: the music is automatically played/paused when earbuds inserted/removed
Tap control for easy operation
Personalize your settings and find more with the EDIFIER CONNECT APP
Ergonomic in-ear design with 3 pairs of ear tips ensures the comfort of long-time wearing
IP54-rated dust and water resistance for outdoor scenarios
Listen to the Episode
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Whether you’re on the go IRL or just perusing the information superhighway the Edifier Hecate GX07 Earbuds will keep you cranking out tunes. Throw in Active Noise Cancelling and an IP54 rating and you’ll be gleaming the cube in no time flat. Solid across the board.
Where to buy the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds
The EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds start at $149.99 and come in two color options- Grey and Black. The earbuds are available for purchase from Amazon.