Xiaomi has been on a roll since the turn of the year. The company has constantly launched either a budget or a flagship device in China and other markets like India. Honor, as well, has launched a few impressive budget smartphones in India in the past few months. The Honor 7X was a great device and so was the Honor 9 Lite. The company recently launched the Honor 7A and Honor 7C in India.
The Honor 7A is the more affordable of the two and is priced at Rs 8999 (3GB RAM) in India. The Xiaomi Redmi 5, even though starts at a price of Rs 7999, is priced at Rs 8999 for the 3GB RAM variant. While the Honor 7A is available via Flipkart and HiHonor.com, the Redmi 5 retails via Amazon and Mi.com Both the smartphones, unlike some of their more expensive counterparts, are readily available and users don’t have to wait for flash sales.
While both the smartphones sport an 18:9 aspect ratio, the bezels are thicker on both the devices compared to some premium devices. However, a screen-to-body ratio of over 75% for both the smartphones is a respectable number. The Honor 7A sports a 5.7 inch IPS LCD display with a 1440 x 720 px and a 2.5 D curved glass for protection. The Redmi 5 also has a 5.7 inch IPS LCD 1440 x 720 px display.
The main differentiating factor between the two smartphones is on the back. The Redmi 5 has a 12MP camera at the back with 1.25-micron pixel size and an f/2.2 aperture. The Honor 7A, on the other hand, has a dual-camera setup with a 13MP RGB sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The main sensor helps the smartphone to capture the picture and the secondary sensor adds the depth effect. While the Honor 7A is priced only Rs 1000 higher than the Redmi 5, it does offer better camera specifications thanks to the presence of a dual-camera setup. To the front of the Redmi 5 is a 5MP camera while the Honor 7A has an 8MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and an LED flash.
The Redmi 5 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset while the Honor 7A runs on the Snapdragon 430 SoC. The Honor 7A is only available in one variant with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage while the Redmi 5 has 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, and 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage. Both the smartphones offer storage expandability, although the Honor 7A has a dedicated microSD card slot while the Redmi 5 has a hybrid microSD card slot. The fingerprint sensor is placed on the back of both the devices.
Let’s now compare the specifications of both the smartphones. For a level playing field, we’re comparing the 3GB RAM model of the Redmi 5 with the Honor 7A since both the smartphones are priced exactly the same.
Specs
Specifications
Honor 7A
Redmi 5
Price
Rs 8999 (3GB RAM)
Rs 8999 (3GB RAM)
Display
5.7 inch
IPS LCD
5.7 inch
IPS LCD
Resolution
1440 x 720 px
18:9 aspect ratio
1440 x 720 px
18:9 aspect ratio
Primary Camera
13MP RBG sensor
2MP depth sensor
12MP f/2.2
Primary Camera Video
1080P @ 30fps
1080P @ 30fps
Secondary Camera
8MP
f/2.0
5MP
f/2.0
Chipset
Snapdragon 430
Snapdragon 450
Processor
Octa-core
4 x 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
4 x 1.1 GHz Cortex A53
There is no end to Amazon’s “tech listing” page. There are a ton of tech gadgets that don’t cost a lot but, can be useful. Then there is stuff that barely works is a sure shot way to disappointment. So, instead of going through thousands of products, it’s better to just watch iGyaan’s pick of the top tech and accessories under Rs 2000 which won’t disappoint you!
Running Alarm Clock
This one is for everyone who’s favourite button is “snooze.” This alarm clock doesn’t have any fancy technology but, does one thing pretty well. If you’re not quick enough in the morning to shut the alarm, this clock starts moving and more often than not, it’ll run away from you and even fall off the table and keep moving away. This essentially means that you have to get out of bed to shut the alarm hence, you’re up.
Bulldog Speaker
This quirky desk accessory has a powerful speaker built-in. It’s a Bluetooth speaker at its core but, has the looks of being a very handy accessory in a desk setup. The bulldog speaker is available in a plethora of colours on Amazon but, we picked up the red one. The device charges via micro USB port and also an AUX input. Buy this if you’re looking for an accessory that does more than just looking pretty.
Helmet Cooler
This one might be the best accessory for a rider. Summers can be tough on everyone but, especially if you are a bike rider. Wearing a helmet at all times can be suffocating and extremely hot inside. This clever tech accessory from Bluarmor is a cooler for helmets. It constantly lets in air to keep riders from feeling claustrophobic. While it retails for Rs 2299, for Team iGyaan especially, it is available for Rs 1999 for a limited time. Use the code GYAAN300 at the time of checkout.
Mi Body Composition Scale
Priced at Rs 1999, this body composition scale from Xiaomi is a must-have for fitness enthusiasts. Even those watching their weight and or suffering from a disease that makes them keep a check on their weight should have this tech accessory. It connects to your smartphone using the Mi Fit app and tells you more than just your weight. It has a white LED which lights up three seconds after someone stands on the scale. It shows muscle mass, BMI, visceral fat, bone mass, body score, body fat, weight, basal metabolism, water content, and more.
Another one for the riders! This bag is ideal for daily commuters or even people who like taking out their bikes for expeditions. It fits on to a bike’s fuel tank and gives users easy access to their smartphones. Now, it is very dangerous to use your phones while riding and we condone it. However, this can come in handy when you have Google Maps or Apple Maps (if you use that) on. It is even possible to use the phone while it is in the front pocket.
Crossbeats Connect
It is fair to say that not everyone has a Bluetooth speaker. A lot of people still use wired speakers and even have car stereo systems that aren’t Bluetooth enabled. This is where the Crossbeats Connect comes in handy. This Bluetooth receiver plugs into a 3.5mm port and converts a music system into Bluetooth music system. It is as easy as plug-and-play.
Tizum Laptop Stand
This laptop stand from Tizum is sturdy and good-looking. The stand gives a nice elevation to the laptop which can make it easier to work on for long hours. The stand is large enough to fit any sort of laptop without making it wobble. A must-have accessory for people who spend long hours typing on their laptop.
Moarmouz Headphone Adapter with DAC
The beloved headphone jack is being phased out. It’s a harsh reality that we have to face and we honestly can’t do much about it. Other than, of course equip ourselves with the right accessories to continue using our wired headphones. This is where this headphone jack adapter with a DAC comes into play. Unlike cheap adapters, this one will enhance the sound quality and allow you to still use your wired headphones if your new and shiny smartphone does not have the headphone jack.
AmazonBasics Camera Bag
Every video content creator needs a travel bag for their tools. This bag from AmazonBasics holds and protects 2 smaller SLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, and additional small accessories. For a short shoot just outside the city where you don’t need to carry your heavy-duty accessories, this Rs 1999 priced bag from AmazonBasics is the right fit.
ZAKK Twins
Usually retailing for close to Rs 3000, the ZAKK twins are a great pair of Bluetooth earbuds that won’t break the bank. However, the reason these are on our list is that for a limited time and only for Team iGyaan, the ZAKK Twins will retail for Rs 1999 on Amazon. At the price, these are pretty much unbeatable. Hurry up before they are sold out because that tends to happen when the deal is this great.
X-Mini Nano-X (Bonus)
This mini Bluetooth speaker from X-Mini is surprisingly loud. It literally fits in the palm of your hand and is extremely portable. Make sure to keep it separately in a pocket because it might be easy to lose it in the large pocket of a backpack. For a short trip or to even fill a small room, Nanp-X from X-Mini is a great choice.
For anyone who has followed the new in recent years knows about Xiaomi. The Chinese tech giant has been highly successful in India thanks to its budget smartphones. While India mostly witnesses Xiaomi’s smartphone prowess, the company has a much more diverse portfolio in its native country. One look at the Xiaomi China website and you’ll know all the crazy consumer products the company offers in China. From smart scooters to smart shoes, Xiaomi pretty much has it all. Gearbest, an international e-commerce website sells a lot of Xiaomi products and we have a list of top ten Xiaomi products that are not easily available in India!
Xiaomi Candle Light
This smart light from Xiaomi has a minimalistic design and a few smart features. The cylindrical shape of the light allows it to be compatible with all sorts of setups in a room or an office. The transparent top can be rotated to increase or decrease the brightness of the light. In case the light is away from a user, the light can be connected to the Mi Home app and the settings can be changed remotely using the app.
For everyone wondering what a robot is doing on this list, read on. This is Mitu Robot Kit by Xiaomi that can be connected to your phone and controlled. The blocks can be used to make all sorts of robots and then indulge in either robot fights or just some fun playing around a with a robot you built yourself!
Xiaomi’s product portfolio is diverse indeed! The Xiaomi Induction Cooker is meant to give the user granular level of control over the heat that cooks the food. It has 99 different fire levels to precisely control the cooking temperature. The cooker can even be controlled using Mi Home app, making it even easier for users to control the cooking time and temperature remotely.
Smartwatches have very quickly become the tech accessory to own in today’s world. A smartwatch allows users to track their fitness and even access mobile notifications without really searching for their smartphones all the time. While the Apple Watch Series 3 even has cellular feature now, it is also very pricey. The Amazfit Bip is a smartwatch that does a lot of things correctly. It has a heart rate sensor to give users an accurate data of their fitness and health. It connects to your smartphone using the Mi-Fit app which helps users access their notifications using the watch.
The US$ 128 Mi Band does a lot more than your average fitness band. While smartwatches are useful, not everyone prefers the feel of a watch. That gap is filled by fitness bands that are light and relatively more affordable. The Mi Band with ECG, as suggested by the name, has the ability to measure the ECG of a user. This can be very helpful for users who have to constantly keep a track of it due to the health reasons.
It’s all about smart products and touch screens everywhere. Xiaomi makes a tumbler that incorporates both! The tumbler has a display on top to keep a track of the temperature of whatever it is that you’re drinking. The tumbler looks good with a leather band and is made of stainless steel.
The Chinese tech giant even makes grooming products and that is not even surprising anymore. The electric shaver from Xiaomi is made of stainless steel and has a 360-degree cutting movement. Interestingly, the shaver charges via a USB C port (not even available in most smartphones these days) and can last for up to 30 days.
Multi-port USB chargers are the need of the hour for most users these days. With a lot of consumers owning more than one mobile device, it becomes imperative to use multi-port chargers. However, the only thing worse than no charger is a slow charger. Xiaomi’s 5-port USB charger fixes that by providing QC 3.0 charging speeds along with a USB C port as well.
A lot of people in India are adopting the smart home technology. Smart plugs are affordable, convenient and an easy step into the world of smart home. The Xiaomi Smart Plug connects to a user’s Mi Home app and lets users remote switch on or off the plug. Users can even set timers, which can come in handy to people who still fear that they’ll overcharge their smartphones or other mobile devices.
These car inverters from Xiaomi convert the lighter socket into a charging hub for all sorts of devices. While car chargers only allow for phones to be charged (via USB), these car inverters do much more. They have a socket to charge anything with a plug, like a laptop. This can come in handy for users who work a lot on the go and don’t necessarily drive themselves around town.
2018 so far, has been a great year for smartphone enthusiasts. Vivo became the first company to unveil a smartphone with an in-display fingerprint sensor. Concept phones like the Vivo APEX captured everyone’s imagination while flagship devices like the OnePlus 6, Huawei P20 Pro have been well-received by consumers and critics alike. The budget smartphone market in India has also seen a lot of really interesting launches in 2018 so far, from the Redmi Note 5 Pro to Huawei P20 Lite. So, here is a list of top budget smartphones to buy in 2018 if your budget is Rs 20,000 or less!
Launched along with the flagship P20 Pro, the P20 Lite is priced at Rs 19999. The Huawei P20 Lite has an all-glass design with a dual-camera setup. For a price of Rs 19999, the P20 Lite has a great build quality along with an impressive set of cameras.
The Huawei P20 Lite has a 5.84 inch LTPS IPS LCD display with a 2280 x 1080 px resolution. The Huawei P20 Lite runs on the HiSilicon Kirin 659 Octa-core chipset coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.
The Huawei P20 Lite has a 16MP RGB sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. In fact, this dual camera setup is similar to the one found on the Honor 7X. The Huawei P20 Lite has a 24MP front-facing camera with 3D Portrait Lighting effect. This is very similar to the Portrait Lighting effect found on the iPhone X.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was launched in February 2018 along with the Redmi Note 5. With the Redmi Note 5 an underwhelming upgrade over the Redmi Note 4, many believe that the Redmi Note 5 Pro should have succeeded the Redmi Note 4. It recently received a price hike and is now priced at Rs 14999 for the base variant.
The Redmi Note 5 Pro has a 5.99-inch display with a 2160 x 1080px resolution which translates to an 18:9 aspect ratio.
Under the hood, the device runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset along with an Adreno 509 GPU to handle the graphics. The Redmi Note 5 Pro is available in two variants, 4GB RAM/64GB storage and 6GB RAM/64GB storage. The 6GB RAM variant is a great prospect for users who multitask a lot.
The Redmi Note 5 Pro has a 20MP Sony IMX376 camera on the front with an LED light. To the back of the smartphone is a vertically place dual-camera setup. It is a 12MP colour sensor f/2.2 and 5MP f/2.0 colour sensor setup. The smartphone will click portrait mode photos from the front and rear cameras.
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro was launched in India on April 23rd. Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the Zenfone Max Pro is its battery capacity. It is powered by a 5000 mAh battery while the size and weight of the smartphone are almost equivalent to that of the Redmi Note 5 Pro. For context, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is powered by a 4000 mAh battery.
That 5000 mAh battery will be powering a 5.99 inch IPS LCD display with a 2160 x 1080 px resolution. Under the hood, the Zenfone Max Pro runs on the Snapdragon 636 chipset coupled with 3GB/4GB of RAM along with either 32GB or 64 GB storage. There will be a 6GB RAM variant which will launch later in the year with improved camera capabilities.
The device has a 13MP primary sensor on the rear along with a 5MP depth sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The dual-camera setup can record 4K videos @ 30fps which is impressive for the price point. To the front is an 8MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture with a bokeh effect.
The Nokia 6 was launched in India in early-April after launching it in China on January 2018. The smartphone does not have an 18:9 aspect ratio like the other devices in the list. However, it carries the sentiments of the Nokia brand and also has decent specifications for the price. The device is priced at Rs 16999 for the base model and the Nokia 6.1 is priced at Rs 18999 for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant.
The Nokia 6 2018 has a 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 px IPS LCD display with 16:9 aspect ratio. Under the hood, the smartphone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 Octa-core chipset with 4GB and 32/64GB storage. Like the original Nokia 6, the storage is expandable up to 256GB using a micro SD card.
The has a 3000 mAh sealed battery with support for fast charging via USB type C port. The fingerprint sensor now sits on the back of the device. This is a peculiar decision by the company since it has retained the 16:9 aspect ratio. Smartphone makers usually revert to a rear-facing fingerprint sensor when they shrink the bezels and don’t have enough space to place the sensor on the front.
This smartphone also has a Zeiss certified single 16MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture and an 8MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture. The primary camera can record native 4K videos, whereas the front-facing camera maxes out at 1080p @ 30fps.
The Amazon Summer Sale has commenced and there are some really good deals on everything ranging from household products to clothes. However, it’s the tech the matters the most! iGyaan lists the top tech deals that are ideal for anyone looking for a smartphone to a smart speaker.
The budget smartphone from Huawei’s sub-brand was launched in December 2017. The 4GB RAM variant usually retails for Rs 16999 but, is available for Rs 14999 during the sale. There are also no cost EMIs available for users.
At the time of its launch, the Honor 7X was the only budget smartphone to offer an 18:9 aspect ratio. Since then, even though devices like the Redmi Note 5 Pro and Zenfone Max Pro have launched, the Honor 7X is still an impressive device.
The Honor 7X has a 5.9 inch LTPS IPS LCD display with a 2160 x 1080 px display. It runs on the HiSilicon Kirin 659 chipset, Mali-T830 MP2 GPU, 4GB of RAM and 64GB onboard storage. The onboard storage is expandable up to 256GB via microSD card. The device is powered by a 3340 mAh battery and runs Android 8 Oreo with EMUI 8.0 on top.
The smartphone has a dual camera setup at the back. One of the cameras is equipped with a 16MP sensor while the other one is a 2MP depth sensor. The camera setup at the back has PDAF and records 1080P videos at 30fps. On the front is an 8MP camera which also records 1080P videos.
Despite the Moto G6 series of smartphones launching recently, the Moto G5s Plus is still the latest budget smartphone from Motorola in India. The smartphone retails for Rs 16999 but, will be available for Rs 12999 during the sale. There are also no cost EMIs available for users.
The Moto G5S Plus has a 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 px display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on top
The smartphone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz with 4GB RAM and 64GB of onboard storage which can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. The G5s Plus is powered by a 3,000 mAh battery TurboCharge capabilities. The Moto G5S Plus runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat with little customisation done by the manufacturer resulting in stock Android OS experience.
The Moto G5S Plus features rear-mounted 13MP dual-cameras with an f/2.0 aperture. On the front is a wide-angle 8MP camera with a single LED flash and a panoramic mode. The rear cameras capture videos in 4K at 30 FPS and the front camera records videos in 1080P at 30 FPS.
The Xiaomi Redmi 5 was recently launched in India after the success of the Redmi Note 5 Pro and Note 5. Launched at a price of Rs 7999, it’ll be available for Rs 7499 during the sale.
The Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a 5.7-inch 1440 x 720 px display with an 18:9 aspect ratio.
Redmi 5 has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, a 1.8GHz octa-core processor, Adreno 506 GPU, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage which will be expandable via microSD card. Powering the device is a 3300 mAh battery which, Xioami claims has a standby time of up to 12 days.
The Redmi 5 has a 12MP camera at the back with 1.25-micron pixel size. To the front of the device is a 5MP camera with Beautify 3.0, which is Xiaomi’s software for enhanced selfies.
The Amazon Echo Dot is one of the most affordable smart speakers in India available right now. The speaker retails for Rs 4499 but will be available for Rs 2999 during the sale. For Rs 3000, the Echo Dot is an ideal smart speaker for users just starting to get the hang of a smart home.
The Amazon Echo Dot is the smallest Echo sibling and has all the functionalities that an Echo possessed but, with a lower sound quality. The device measures 83.5 x 83.5 x 32 mm and weighs 163 grams. A good thing about the Echo Dot is that it can be connected to other speakers for a better soundstage and still retain its core ‘smart’ features.
Even though the Google Home Mini has launched in India and the Assistant is getting some crazy new features in the future, Alexa cannot be discarded as many smart home products are Alexa-compatible. For Rs 3000, the Echo Dot is a great start.
The Indian TV industry, especially the smart TV industry was disrupted by the launch of the Xiaomi Mi TV 4. Since then, we have seen a reaction from other TV makers and TCL also launched a few smart TVs in India recently. However, it continues to sell its LED TVs as well and the 39 inch Full HD TV is available for Rs 16999 during the sale. There are also no cost EMIs available for users.
The TCL LED TV is not a smart TV and for some people, it might be a good thing. As much as we want to believe that the television industry is on the verge of extinction, it is not true. A lot of people still watch TV and don’t really care about smart features. Rarely any content on TV is 4K which means a Full HD display should suffice for many.
Day 2 Deals
Boat Dual Port QC 3.0 Car Charger (Rs 399): Buy it here
House of Marley EM-JE041-CP Earphones (Rs 999): Buy it here
Photron Tripod with Pan Head (Rs 700): Buy it here
TP-Link Wi-Fi Range Extender (Rs 1299): Buy it here
The Xiaomi Mi TV 4 was launched in India on the 14th of February along with Redmi Note 5 and 5 Pro. At the time of the launch, the smart TV was priced at Rs 39999 which disrupted the Indian smart TV market. Since then, companies like Thomson, TCL etc have also launched affordable smart televisions to compete with the Mi TV 4. However, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4 now costs Rs 44999, which Xiaomi claims is in an effort to ramp up the supply after recent changes in PCBA import taxes and the depreciation of INR since the beginning of the year.
In our review of the Mi TV 4, we were really impressed with the product. The company’s AI-powered Patchwall UI needs a few more updates to be considered a real feature but, it works. Our main issue with the television was lack of native support for content streaming services like Netflix, Hoststar, Amazon Prime Video etc. We initially tried to install apps but, to no avail.
However, after a few and hit and misses, we have finally figured out a way to install apps on the Xiaomi Mi TV 4 for a much better content consumption experience. Follow these steps to the T and you should be able to enjoy Netflix, Hotstar and lots of other apps on your mi TV 4.
Download the Apptoide app from here and copy it on a USB pen drive
Go to Settings, then Security and allow Unknown Sources
Then plug in the pen drive to your TV
The moment you plug in the pen drive, a pop window will show up, make sure to press cancel
Go to TV Manager, then head to Install apps via USB and select your pen drive. Then install the Apptoide app
Once installed, go to the Apptoide app and install the apps of your liking
Apptoide is an app store for smart TVs wherein users can download video streaming apps, Android games and even social media apps like Facebook.
Weekend plans, for a lot of people, revolve around what’s new on Netflix. Right from Sci-Fi to Standup Comedy, the video streaming service has some of the best content available. So, we have listed the top 5 Netflix Originals you need to binge-watch this week.
Ricky Gervais: Humanity
Cast: Ricky Gervais
Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes
If you love standup comedy and don’t get offended very easily, then the new Ricky Gervais Netflix special is a treat to watch. The 1 hour 18 minutes long standup special takes a dig at everyone from the society to some famed celebrities. While some people had doubts because of the effect of a seven-year hiatus, Gervais, in his typical snarky style, addresses that, too.
The last few minutes see Gervais narrate a personal story with a brilliant ending. A fan of Brit humour or not, this special from Ricky Gervais is something special!
Marvel has been killing it in the cinema business. Marvel and Netflix have struck up a great partnership as well in the TV sphere. What started with Daredevil and crumbled a bit with The Defenders, Jessica Jones season 2 revives it. The second season follows the dark and sarcastic Jessica Jones in the aftermath of Killgrave’s death. All this while, she also deals with now being a superhero, constantly defying the fact that she isn’t one.
The rise in popularity of ‘special people’ plays an important part in the narrative as well. Patsy Walker, this season, has a great character arc which takes an unexpected turn during the fag end of the season. With 13 episodes, this season is the perfect binge-watching material this weekend!
Altered Carbon
Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Martha Higareda, Dichen Lachman, James Purefoy
No. Of Episodes: 10
A TV series that so far, has divided many opinions. Altered Carbon is a cyberpunk TV series that isn’t for everyone. While the show looks extremely beautiful and the dystopian world is almost believable, the show has a few shortcomings. The series, at its core, is a murder investigation with AI, replaceable human sleeves and some over-the-top characters.
However, beyond the spectacular, the human emotions and especially the connection between key characters are lost. That being said, Altered Carbon is worth a shot thanks to its visuals and the representation of a mindboggling dystopian world.
The Confession Tapes
No. Of Episodes: 7
Although an old show, The Confession Tapes is a chilling docuseries about people coerced into confessing a crime. The series breaks down six cases in the US where specially trained police officers allegedly influenced innocent people into confessing crimes they did not commit.
From a mother believing she killed her daughter to a man committing to having drowned his own kids, the series sheds light on the gruesome process of interrogation in the US. While there are a couple of episodes that show the stone cold coercion in confession, a few episodes really leave you questioning the suspect and whether they actually committed the crime or were fed some lies.
The Punisher
Cast: Jon Bernthal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ben Barnes, Amber Rose Revah
No. Of Episodes: 13
The second season of Daredevil showed us to what extent Wilson Fisk will go to attain his goal. But, it also showed us a glimpse of a very unusual bromance between Daredevil and the Punisher. The character of Frank Castle/Punisher was well-received in Daredevil Season 2 which pushed Netflix into giving the character its own standalone series.
Jon Bernthal plays The Punisher and completely owns it. A few minutes into the series and you can’t imagine someone else playing this manic character. The series falters in the middle and unlike Jessica Jones, the flashback episode barely solves its purpose. However, the last three episodes are worth the drop in the middle.
Music is the strongest form of magic. Listening to music cheers any soul that requires relaxation. In fact, we have multiple genres of music. Hindustani, Karnatik, Folk are originally from India, whereas Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop, and RAP belongs to western countries. Be it the 90s Jazz or the latest I am in love with the shape of you, everyone has a different taste in music.
With the mobile data plans getting cheaper day by day, these music players not only play locally saved tracks but can stream the latest song at free of cost.
Here are the top music players that are available for Android smartphones for free of cost.
Hungama:
Hungama is one of the oldest music player, that exists. The clean user interface is one of the highlights of the Hungama. One can play songs which are locally saved on the smartphone or just search for newer song altogether. The app is free to download, however, one can also choose a premium version which offers ads free user experience with the free MP3 download. In fact, this is the only app that allows the native MP3 download. The app looks a bit dated, with an unpolished user interface. The Hungama Pro plan stars at Rs. 99 per month.
Pros: Free music streaming + offline download
Cons: Boring user interface with annoying ads
Gaana:
Gaana is pretty similar to Hungama, with a few drawbacks. One can stream free music on Ganaa, but one has to subscribe to Gaana+ to save tracks offline. The app is free for download, which plays in-app ads in the free version. If we look at the UI, the Gaana looks more polished than that of the Hungama. The choice of music is unlimited, you can choose from Hollywood to Bollywood. One can experience premium Gaana Plus service for free for the first 14 days, later on, one has to pay Rs. 99 per month.
Pros: Modern user interface
Cons: No option for offline downloads for free
SoundCloud:
SoundCloud is one of the most used music distribution services. The Berlin-based company provides a platform for users to create, record, or to share the originally created music or sound bits. Most of the music found on SoundCloud is created by users. It also gives a platform for the new music creators with free access to the ever-growing library. However, this app cannot play native MP3 files, which makes it a bummer.
Pros: Brilliant UI with unique music collection
Cons: Doesn’t support native MP3 playback
JioMusic:
This is one of the best free music apps for the Android platform. It offers ad-free user experience, free streaming, free offline-downloading. However, the access is limited to Jio network users. One has to have a Jio SIM card with an action plan to use this application. Using Jio Music, one can set caller tune for free of cost at a click of a button.
Pros: Ad-free UI with extensive library of music
Cons: Restricted to Jio network
Wynk:
This music service is run by Airtel. Users of Airtel network will get free access to millions of songs, but the experience is not ad-free. To get ad-free user experience, one has to make get a premium account by paying Rs.99 per month. If you are an Airtel user, then Wynk is a must-have application, which can fulfil all your music needs.
Pros: Open to all with a privilege for Airtel users
2017 was a great year for smartphones. The bezels shrunk, dual cameras became a norm, and AI gained a few strides. 2018 promises to be another great year for a smartphone enthusiast and the early leaks and rumours are very promising. Let’s take a look at the top five upcoming smartphones of 2018:
Samsung Galaxy S9/Galaxy S9+
The first big launch of 2018 will be that of the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+. The smartphones will be launched at MWC 2018 and will possibly be the first to run on the Snapdragon 845 chipset. After weeks of renders and leaks, Samsung will finally unveil two of the most anticipated smartphones of 2018.
Design wise, the two phones won’t look different than their predecessors which is not a bad thing. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are still two of the most stunning devices on the market. The top and bottom bezels will be slightly thinner and the fingerprint sensor will be repositioned. Unlike last year’s, the fingerprint sensor will now be placed below the camera module instead of next to it. That is a great design change which was called for by many Galaxy S8 and Note8 users.
To compete with Apple’s Face ID, Samsung is rumoured to introduce Smart Scan as well. Apparently, the new feature is a combination of face and iris scanning. This extra layer will improve accuracy and security of the system in extremely dark or lit up environments. These are the situations where iris scanning and facial recognition systems fail. There have been reports that suggest the Samsung Galaxy S9 devices might have a 3D sensor equipped front-camera for improved biometrics.
There are no rumours or leaks about an upcoming Xiaomi Mi A2 or Mi A1(2018). However, considering the popularity of the Mi A1 in India, the company will be hard-pressed to launch a successor in 2018. The Mi A1 had a more 2016 design with thick bezels but, with budget smartphones also moving on to an 18:9 aspect ratio, the Mi A2 will also have a modern design.
The Xiaomi Mi A1 was launched as the Mi 5X in China and the Mi 6X could be the Mi A2 in India. So far, there have been a few leaks pertaining to the Xiaomi Mi 6X. According to leaked images, the Mi 6X will have an iPhone X-like vertically placed dual-camera setup along with fingerprint sensor and an aluminium unibody build.
Up until the Xiaomi Mi A1 was launched, Motorola’s Moto G5 Plus and G5s Plus had the best cameras in the segment. However, the Xiaomi Mi A1 had a great dual-camera setup as well and the Mi A2, in order to sway customers will have to have a great camera performance as well. The Xiaomi Mi A2 is expected to have the same “wide-angle and telephoto lens” combination for the primary cameras. The dual-camera setup on the front is becoming popular as well, meaning the Xiaomi Mi A2 could also have a dual-camera setup on the front as well.
If Xiaomi does launch the Mi A2 or Mi A1 (2018) in India, it is expected to do well, considering budget smartphones from Honor will have EMUI and a lot of consumers still prefer stock Android OS.
The OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T saw a rise in price which many people weren’t happy about. There was also no water resistance even though OnePlus decided to increase the price of its new flagship considerably. However, early rumours of the OnePlus 6 are in and it appears that the company will be refreshing its smartphone lineup earlier than expected. A report from Android Marvel claims that the OnePlus 6 will be launched in March of 2018 and have a few new features which the OnePlus 5T is missing.
Inspired by Face ID, the OnePlus 6 will also have its own version of facial recognition. The OnePlus 6 is expected to have a camera hardware setup similar to the iPhone X, complete with a 3D camera module that will use infrared light to measure depth. However, the OnePlus 6 will not have an iPhone X-like notch. Instead, the handset is expected to have a full top bezel where the extra sensors should be found.
The OnePlus 6 is expected to have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset under the hood along with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Storage options will most probably be the same with 64GB or 128Gb variants of the phone. OnePlus has shown its tendency to launch limited edition variants of its devices and it is fair to assume that the company will do something similar with the OnePlus 6 and possibly, the OnePlus 6T.
Apple iPhone X Plus
2018 Apple iPhone lineup
It’s tentative but, we might see a bigger version of the iPhone X in September of 2018. The iPhone X, launched in September 2017 saw a radical shift from the traditional iPhone design we were accustomed to, since the launch of the iPhone 6. While the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were similar to their predecessors, the iPhone X was the special 10th-anniversary device, billed as the true successor to the original iPhone which was launched back in 2007.
Early reports claim that Apple will continue the trend and launch three new iPhones in 2018. While two of them will continue to have an OLED display, the smallest of the three iPhones will be cheaper thanks to the LCD display. However, the design of all the three iPhones will be similar to the iPhone X with the notch at the top of the display and vertically placed dual cameras.
Under the hood, an upgraded A12 (tentatively named) chipset is expected which will, as always, perform better than the previous generation and go toe-to-toe with the Snapdragon 845 chipset.
Apple made it clear that it will emphasise a lot on the use of AI and machine learning with the introduction of ARKit. This is expected to be taken a notch higher with the next generation iPhones. What will be interesting to see is the nomenclature of all the three iPhones.
Google Pixel 3/Pixel 3 XL
The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launched amidst a lot of anticipation. Google was expected to deliver two of the best Android phones of the year and while the software and AI integration of the two phones was commendable, Google lost the race in the hardware department.
In 2018, especially after having the HTC smartphone personnel on board, Google will be expected to rectify those mistakes and deliver great Android devices which will compete with the likes of the Galaxy S9 and the OnePlus 6.
Similar to the Pixel 2, the Pixel 3 and its bigger sibling will focus a lot on AI and machine learning, and deliver smooth software experience thanks to the stock Android OS. 2018 will see the launch of Android P and the Pixel 3 devices will be the first Android phones on the planet to run o the new Android OS.
The Pixel 2 smartphones had the best camera on smartphones and achieved dual-camera capable features on their single camera setup thanks to Google’s incredible machine learning and AI implementation. We expect similar results from the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
Not so slowly, Xiaomi has gone on to become one of the most successful smartphone brands in India. A market that is so price sensitive, Xiaomi seems to have cracked the code to succeed here. Every few months, the company launches a smartphone that in one way or another, is a great device for its price bracket.
Apart from just launching budget devices, the company has introduced some great high-end smartphones as well. But, with so many Xiaomi smartphones in the India market right now, which ones are the best? Let’s take a look!
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
The priciest Xiaomi smartphone available in India, the Mi Mix 2 was launched in October 2017. At the time of its launch, it had the best “design+specs” combination under Rs. 40,000. The OnePlus 5 looked archaic when put next to the Mi Mix 2 and the LG G6 had an older chipset. However, the launch of the OnePlus 5T changed that a bit. Even though the OnePlus 5T was launched in November, the Mi Mix 2 continues to be a great device at a price of Rs. 35999.
The Mi Mix 2 has a stunning tri-bezel less design with a ceramic back panel. This means that the Mi Mix 2 is a fingerprint magnet but, due to a darker shade, the fingerprints aren’t too prominent. It is also much more compact than the Mi Mix of 2016.
It has a 5.99 inch 2160 x 1080 px LCD display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. Xiaomi reverted to an 18:9 aspect ratio since the Mi Mix had a 17:9 aspect ratio. Also, in 2017, the 18:9 aspect ratio became the norm for flagship devices.
Under the hood, the flagship smartphone has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, Adreno 540 GPU, 6GB RAM and storage options of 64GB, 128GB or 256GB. The smartphone sports a 12MP Sony IMX386 sensor with 1.25-micron pixels, an f/2.0 aperture 4-axis optical image stabilisation, 5-piece lens, and facial recognition. On the front is a 5MP which features facial recognition as well.
Xiaomi Mi A1
The Mi A1 is the only Xiaomi device in India that runs stock Android OS. At a price of Rs. 13999, the Mi A1 continues to be a fan-favourite and there isn’t much wrong with the device. It has a great dual-camera setup, a reliable Snapdragon 625 chipset and is even available in a red colour variant now. The Honor 7X has a more modern design, however, it runs EMUI which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The Mi A1 has a 5.5 inch LTPS display with a 1920 x 1080 px resolution. The smartphone has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, 8x ARM Cortex A53 2.0GHz 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB of onboard storage which is expandable via microSD card.
The Xiaomi Mi A1 has a 12MP equipped with a wide-angle lens with an f/2.2 aperture while the other one is a 12MP telephoto lens with an f/2.6 aperture. For landscape shots, Xiaomi has introduced a wide angle lens while on the front is a 5MP camera.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
The most successful Xiaomi smartphone by the company’s own admission, the Redmi Note 4 continues to do well in the Indian market. The Redmi Note 4 was launched in early-2017 and had astonishing specifications for a smartphone priced at around Rs. 10,000. It sold like hotcakes in India and it is evident that consumers are eagerly waiting for the Redmi Note 5 to launch in India.
The Redmi Note 4 has a 5.5 inch LCD display which has good visibility indoor and outdoor, along with wide viewing angles. Under the hood, it has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 16GB or 32GB of storage.
The front houses a 5 MP camera, and the rear a 13 MP shooter with decent colour optimisations.
Xiomi Redmi 5A
At a price of Rs. 4999, the Redmi 5A is as good a smartphone you can get. When HMD Global launched the Nokia 2 at a price of Rs. 6999 running on Snapdragon 212, the Redmi 5A was launched with the Snapdragon 425 chipset.
The Redmi 5A has a 5 inch LCD display with a 1280 x 720 px resolution. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset, has a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4GHz, along with 2GB/3GB of RAM, 16GB/32GB of onboard storage which can be expanded up to 128GB via microSD card. The dual-SIM Redmi 5A is powered by a 3000 mAh battery.
The Redmi 5A has a 13MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, burst mode, panorama mode, HDR mode, and more. To the front is a 5MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture. The smartphone records 1920 x 1080 px videos.
Xiaomi Mi Max 2
As bezels get thinner, the lines between a smartphone and phablet become blurier. However, the Mi Miax 2 continues to be a true blue phablet in the Indian market. With great battery life, the Mi Max 2 is ideal for people whose primary media consumption happens on a smartphone. It is priced at Rs. 13999 for the 32GB storage variant and is worth the price!
The Mi Max 2 has a unibody metal design along with a 6.44-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 px resolution.
It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, has 3GB or 4GB of RAM along with 32GB or 64 of onboard storage.
To the back of the phone is a 12MP camera and the front houses a 5MP camera.
Which is your favourite Xiaomi device right now? Let us know in the comments!
The On 7 Pro is Samsung’s budget offering in the sub-10K category. It packs a 5.5-inch 1080 x 720 px display along with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset. On the camera front, the device features a 12MP rear-facing camera with an f/2.1 aperture and a front-facing 5MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It usually retails for Rs 9490 but is available for Rs 7490 right now.
The JBL GO Bluetooth Speaker is a great budget Bluetooth speaker. It is available in 8 colours for you to choose from. At 132 g, it is extremely light and portable. It has a 3.5mm jack to connect your device via an AUX cable and charges through a micro-USB port. It has a built-in microphone to receive calls as well. The JBL GO speaker usually retails for Rs 2699 but is available for a price of Rs 1375 right now.
As smartphones get thinner, battery performance, unfortunately, takes a hit. In such times, a good power bank helps. There are plenty of power banks available in the market and a 10,000 mAh capacity is a standard for good power banks. The Intex 11,000 mAh power bank usually retails for about Rs. 1899 but, during the Great Indian Sale, it is available for Rs. 649 which is a steal!
One of the most underrated smartphones of 2017, the LG V30+ has all the specifications and design of a modern-day flagship. It has the very capable Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Unlike a lot of dual-camera setups found on smartphones these days, the LG V30+ has a normal lens and a wide-angle lens on the back. It has thin bezels around the display, and in the era of companies getting rid of the headphone jack, the LG V30+ has a HiFi Quad DAC for superior sound quality.
The weekend is here and it is time to get the cash out again as we look at the top tech and accessories that are on discount right now. From wireless chargers to hoverboards, lots of exciting tech is available at a reduced price on Gearbest right now, and iGyaan brings you the pick of the lot!
Tochic Qi Wireless Charger
Wireless charging will soon become a norm in smartphones. While premium smartphones as of now, have features like wireless charging, there are rumours that more smartphone makers will implement wireless charging in their flagship and mid-range smartphones. The Tochic Qi wireless charger is available at US $10.99 and it has fast charging enabled. This is a great deal for a fast wireless charger!
Wireless seems to be the future of technology. When the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were launched without a headphone jack, it was predicted that this would be the end of the beloved headphone jack. Over the past year, more smartphone makers have decided to go the wireless route. The QCY wireless earbuds are truly wireless earphones and are priced at US $39.99 which is a great deal.
Hoverboards are a lot of fun. The Hiwheel Q3 Hoverboard has a 36V 4400mAh battery and nice LED lights for greater visibility if you are riding at night.
Smartphones have slowly become the primary mode of media consumption as well as gaming. As smartphones become more competent hardware wise, more people will start gaming on them primarily. That is where a gamepad comes into play. It gives a better alternative to touch controls and because it is just a regular sized controller, people can carry it with them everywhere. The MOCUTE Bluetooth gamepad is available for US $11 and is an ideal gamepad for anyone looking to start gaming on their smartphones more regularly.
Techies would understand the importance of a good backpack. This backpack has a lot of space, an outlet for a USB cable to charge your device and looks good. It is priced at US $ 36 right now and looks like a steal!
After a holiday spending spree, maybe it’s time to look at some useful tech and accessories that won’t break the bank. iGyaan is back with its Top Tech series and this month, we’re checking out some of the best tech accessories under Rs. 500.
Deepcool N19 Laptop Cooler
At a price of Rs. 470, this laptop cooler does the job and it looks good while doing it. It has a blue LED light which glows when turned on and looks better than your average laptop coolers. It doesn’t lift up the laptop a lot, which means that it won’t hinder the comfort level of your laptop and connects via a standard USB port.
Amkette Xcite Neo Keyboard and Mouse Combo
An affordable combo of a USB keyboard and mouse, it is ideal for gamers who are just starting out. It would fit in perfectly with a budget gaming setup. The keys have a nice travel and ideal for gaming.
USB-C Dock
This can be a nice little desk accessory for people who own a smartphone that charges via a USB C port. It can fit almost every USB C smartphone and it keeps the device upright for easy access to lock screen notifications.
Remax USB-C OTG
USB C is the future of smartphones and keeping up with that prospect, this USB-C OTG is ideal for travellers. Store all your media on a USB and connect to your phone via this USB-C OTG to preserve storage on your phone whilst keeping movies and songs with you on the go.
Gigza Clean Kit
A cleaning kit is a must-have accessory for any techie, or rather anyone who knows a gadget. This cleaning kit combo works perfectly to clean any tech accessory or gadget around you and it is very inexpensive as well.
Tizum Headphone Splitter
The Tizum headphone splitter is a great accessory for people who like sharing media with their friends or colleagues or anyone for that matter. It is well built and does the job for the price tag it has.
Smartphone Grip Ring
While pop sockets were all the rage in 2017, this smartphone grip ring is a more sturdy and well-built alternative. People with small hands and big phones would really appreciate this nifty gadget that can help them handle their phone in a more secure manner.
SIM Case
Priced at Rs. 499 it might invaluable for people who travel with a lot of SIM cards and microSD cards. It has a sticky surface that stores all the cards and even has the option to write the owner’s details at the back in case they misplace it and someone finds it. It is well-built and definitely worth the money it asks for.
Cable Ties
With lots of wires in the house, comes the responsibility of wire management. These reusable cable ties will help you keep a clean look of your desk by managing all the cables at the back. It is also helpful for storing all the cables you might not be using at that particular time and keeps the storage neat and tidy as well.
Shengshou Cube and Spinner
Moving on from the fidget spinner craze of 2017, these two gadgets can be extremely entertaining and keep you away from technology which can be good for you. They’re inexpensive and a great substitute to smartphone games to kill time on your commute to work or back home.
Ever since the OnePlus One was launched back in 2014, the Chinese smartphone maker’s devices have been considered to be the flagship killers. Year after year, the company has launched Android phones with high-end specifications at nearly half the price of devices by other tier brands. While 2017 saw a lot of flagship devices being launched under Rs. 40000 bracket, the OnePlus 5 and then the OnePlus 5T priced at Rs. 32999 for the 64GB variant remained a fan favourite.
However, Honor has recently announced the price of its Honor View10, the Kirin 970-powered affordable flagship phone. At a price of Rs. 29,999 the Honor View10 has a high-end chipset, dual cameras, nearly bezel-less display and an emphasis on AI. All of that, and it is still cheaper than the OnePlus 5T. So, does the Honor View10 take the crown of the best affordable flagship? Let’s find out:
Design
Both the OnePlus 5T and Honor View10 share a similar design language. Both the devices sport a tall display, thin bezels and dual-cameras at the back. The dual-cameras on both the devices protrude a little which means that a case might be necessary to protect the camera glass. The OnePlus 5T and Honor View10 have matte finishes to the back which means the devices can be a bit slippery but, both the companies provide a clear case inside the box.
OnePlus 5T
Display
The OnePlus 5T is a refreshed variant of the OnePlus 5 with a modern 18:9 aspect ratio and thin bezels. The Honor View10 also has thin bezels and a tall display and even manages to retain the front-facing fingerprint sensor, something that the OnePlus 5T had to give up for smaller bezels. Both the devices have a resolution of 2160 x 1080 px, however, while the Honor View10 has an IPS LCD panel, the OnePlus 5T has an Optic AMOLED panel.
Software
After photos and sound, software is the most subjective aspect of a smartphone. Just like some people prefer bass-heavy sound over a flat soundstage, some people prefer the bells and whistles of a custom skin over stock Android OS. There is no denying that the OnePlus 5T will always be ahead when it comes to software updates but, EMUI on the Honor View10 has come a long way since its inception as well. The Honor View10 has a slight advantage thanks to the NPU present in the Kirin 970 chipset. Honor has been able to add some nifty features that take full advantage of AI. For example, thanks to Honor View10’s facial recognition software, the phone only displays a preview of notifications on the lock screen only when it recognises the face, otherwise, the notifications remain hidden.
This is just a small example of what implementation of AI does to the overall user experience. However, if you are a stock Android enthusiast then the OnePlus 5T is ideal for you.
Performance
Honor View10
Both the devices are powered by two flagship chipsets. The OnePlus 5T has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, 6 or 8GB of RAM along with 64GB or 128GB of storage. The Honor View10 has the HiSilicon Kirin 970 chipset, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. The storage on the Honor View10 can be expanded up to 256GB via a microSD card while the OnePlus 5T doesn’t provide an option for expanding the onboard storage.
Both the devices run day-to-day tasks with ease and even high-end gaming is buttery smooth on either device. If you want a device for heaving gaming, then neither of the phones will disappoint your gaming needs. Thanks to the tall displays on both the devices, multitasking is a joy and the snappy processors made sure both the devices held up well in extreme multitasking situations.
Camera
Photographs are extremely subjective, and both the devices have a dual camera setup at the back albeit, different implementations. The OnePlus 5T, unlike its predecessor, has a 16MP and 20MP setup with an f/1.7 aperture which OnePlus claims, will result in better low-light photographs. The Honor View10 has a 16MP RGB sensor and a 20MP Monochrome sensor with both having an f/1.8 aperture. Here are a few camera samples of both the devices:
OnePlus 5T
OnePlus 5T
OnePlus 5T
OnePlus 5T
Honor View10
Honor View10
Honor View10
Honor View10
Specifications
OnePlus 5T
Honor View10
Price
[amazon_link asins=’B0756ZFXVB’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’igyaan-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’48299d3c-f20e-11e7-b46f-e55f80314c8c’] Starting at Rs. 32,999
At the end of the day, the OnePlus 5T and Honor View10 are two great phones with best in class specifications and an affordable price tag. Honor seems to have struck gold with its pricing and the real question here is whether stock Android is worth the extra money or not. If yes, then the OnePlus 5T should be your choice. But, if you are on a tight budget, the Honor View10 has a lot more to offer in terms of user experience and will cost less than the OnePlus 5T.
Netflix India still doesn’t stream Friends yet which might be called an abomination by a few. But, Netflix has recently added some amazing shows to its repertoire while one of the most famous TV series ever released its new season. So, if your plan for the weekend is to Netflix and chill, then these five shows need to be on your list:
Dark
If watching Narcos was tough with all the Spanish being thrown around, then Dark can cause another level of confusion for us non-German speaking peoplem, if we don’t pay attention that is. The first-ever German language Netflix original has elements of Stranger Things and Twin Peaks but, has its own twists to make it a brilliant little series. The show has everything from time travel to corporate conspiracy set in a small town of Winden, Germany. The first season has 10 episodes and Netflix has already announced that the show will return for a second season. Without giving much away about the show, it follows the lives of people of a small town in Germany and the secrets surrounding a nuclear plant. Secrets start unravelling when kids from around the town start disappearing. The series has a supernatural angle but, tries to justify the events through science.
Black Mirror
This British black comedy gained mainstream attention when Netflix bought the rights after its second season. The dystopian thriller is an analogy and the fourth season consists of six episodes. The show examines modern society, particularly with regard to the unanticipated consequences of new technologies. Even though it is considered to be a comedy and satire, there are a few episodes of Black Mirror where it is tough to laugh at something which might be true in the coming years. The fourth season of the show along with the previous seasons is streaming on Netflix right now.
Mindhunter
Sometimes, it is hard to fathom that what you’re watching is based on real events that happened to real people. Mindhunter takes you through a similar journey. The series follows two FBI detectives who travel from city to city interviewing convicted serial killers to build a profile of a serial killers. It is a fascinating yet sometimes gut-wrenching story of how the term “serial killer” was coined. Excellent performances and great cinematography combined with a satisfying story arch make the Mindhunter an absolutely brilliant series. It will be surprising if Mindhunter doesn’t bag a few awards this year.
Manhunt: Unabomber
Another series based on real events, Manhunt: Unabomber has received a lot of media attention for apparently fictionalising the events that lead to the capture of the infamous Unabomber. Agent Jim Fitzgerald is a new profiler on the FBI block and immediately becomes an integral part of the country’s longest and costliest manhunt till now. It is a fascinating deep dive into the trials and tribulations of a law enforcement officer looking for the most famous terrorist the country had ever known until that point. With great actors like Paul Bettany and Chris Noh, the series is a visual and mental treat for the lovers of a good police drama.
The Sinner
There have been numerous TV series and movies that chronicle a murder investigation. But, what leads to a murder? What is going on inside the head of a person while committing the crime? The Sinner, a gripping mini-series tries to unravel just that. The series follows the aftermath of a murder on the beach in a small town as the detective in charge tries to find the reason behind the main character’s abrupt actions. The main character, Cora Tannetti is played Jessica Beil who is also the executive producer of the show delivers an outstanding performance. The series consists of eight episodes, just enough to help you through a lazy Sunday!
