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Use Your Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro As A Wi-Fi Booster with Wi-Fi Hotspot

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was launched in India on the 14th of February. At the time of its launch, the smartphone received great reviews and many hailed it as the best budget smartphone currently. Over the course of time, devices like the Asus Zenfone Max Pro have launched in India at a competitive price and similar specifications. The Redmi Note 5 Pro, however, hasn’t seized to amaze us as we recently discovered that the smartphone has Wi-Fi repeater.

Usually, smartphones use the 4G/3G mobile data to make a Wi-Fi hotspot but, with the Redmi Note 5 Pro, the same can be done using a Wi-Fi connection. For this, ensure that your smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Once connected, head to the settings menu and click on Personal Hotspot and enable the Wifi Hotspot. Once enabled, the smartphone will then use the Wi-Fi connection to create a hotspot. Users can share the password of their hotspot with other people to access the Wi-Fi without requiring a password for the main router’s Wi-Fi.

This feature can also help you get a slightly better signal as the phone can be used as a temporary network booster. Do note however, speeds are not extremely impressive and it dumbed down a 100 Mbps connection to just 7 Mbps when routed though the Red Note 5 pro. This however may not be a problem for those looking for a quick guest network or a wifi boost.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Overview

The 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 has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset and an Adreno 509 GPU to handle the graphics. The Redmi Note 5 Pro will be 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 fingerprint sensor is placed on the back of the phone and it has an aluminium unibody build, similar to the Redmi Note 5. Out of the box, the Redmi Note 5 Pro will also run Android 7 Nougat with MIUI 9 on top.

The Redmi Note 5 Pro will also have the infamous Face Unlock feature. It won’t be available out of the box but, will be introduced via an OTA update in March.

The Redmi Note 5 Pro has focussed a lot on the front camera. It has a 20MP Sony IMX376 camera on the front with an LED light. Unlike the Redmi Note 5, it has Beautify 4.0 software which will result in better portrait mode photos, the company claims. 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.

This new feature unearthed can come in handy in a lot of situations. Have you found any interesting feature in your Redmi Note 5 Pro? Let us know in the comments!

This story was made with inputs from Bharat Nagpal

May 8, 2018
Unboxing The Huawei P20 Lite
Huawei launched the Huawei P20 Lite along with the P20 Pro in India on the 24th of April. The Huawei P20 Lite is a budget offering from Huawei which yet again, runs on the Kirin 659 chipset. However, there are a lot of new features and design changes that make it an exciting prospect, especially at its price of Rs 19999. Both the smartphones went on sale via Amazon on 7th May and there will be more sales in the coming weeks.

The P20 Lite truly feels like a ‘Lite’ version of the P20 Pro. The Huawei P20 Pro has been grabbing all the spotlight with its Twilight colour variant and the triple-camera setup on the back. However, the P20 Lite appears to be the smartphone to get with its design and price in India.

[section label=”Unboxing”]

Inside the box of the Huawei P20 Lite
- Huawei P20 Lite
- Earphones
- Wall Charger
- USB C Cable
- Clear Case
- Sim Ejector Tool
[section label=”Initial Impressions”]

There will be a few documents in the retail unit which we did not have in our box.

The Huawei P20 Lite has a striking design that isn’t matched by many smartphones in this price category. It has an all-glass design with an aluminium frame that has the same colour as the glass so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. The dual-camera setup on the back is placed vertically which, ever since the iPhone X was launched, has become the norm. The fingerprint sensor is placed on the back in the middle at a very comfortable position. Thanks to its different texture, it is also very easy to recognise the fingerprint sensor when it is in your pocket.

The power button is situated on the right-hand side of the device along with the volume rockers. The left-hand side houses the SIM tray and that is it. The headphone jack (yes, it’s there) and the USB C port are situated at the bottom of the smartphone.

The 5.84 inch LTPS IPS LCD display is powered by a 3000 mAh battery with support for SuperCharge. The smartphone has an unusual 19:9 aspect ratio thanks to that notch. This means that even after stretching a YouTube video, it won’t use the entire screen real estate. However, on the brighter side, the notch will be hidden at all times while consuming visual content.

The P20 Lite runs on the HiSilicon Kirin 659 chipset which is coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The storage is expandable via hybrid microSD card slot.

The P20 Lite has a 16MP primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture coupled with a 2MP depth sensor. On the front is a 24MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture. Both the front and back cameras record 1080P videos while the front camera also has 3D Portrait Lighting, similar iPhone’s Portrait Lighting.

At a price of Rs 19999, the P20 Lite’s competition is dated. The design and build quality is somewhat matched by the Moto X4 which also has a glass build but that is about it. The P20 Lite might be the smartphone to get at this price but, we will leave that judgement for our in-depth review.

[section label=”Unboxing Video”]

Unboxing Video
May 8, 2018
iGyaan Tech Tips: How To Install Third-Party Apps On Xiaomi Mi TV 4
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.
May 7, 2018
Unboxing The Asus Zenfone Max Pro
Asus has officially launched the Zenfone Max Pro in India at an event in Delhi. The Zenfone Max Pro will go on sale in India via Flipkart. The Asus Zenfone Max Pro will be available in two variants in India for now, one with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage and the other with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage You can buy it by clicking here. At the launch, the company also announced that a 6GB RAM/128GB storage variant with better camera capabilities will be launched at a price of Rs 14999. However, no specific timeline for that launch was mentioned.

The new smartphone has a few interesting features and specifications and at this price, it will compete with the Redmi Note 5 Pro in this highly congested budget smartphone segment in India.

Asus, with the Zenfone Max Pro, is taking a different approach towards to the budget segment of the Indian smartphone market. There are a few aspects of the smartphone that will an “Asus-first,” especially for India. The Zenfone Max Pro launch is also a world first launch, just like the Redmi Note 5 Pro was.

[section label=”Unboxing”]

Inside the box of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro:
- Asus Zenfone Max Pro
- Documentation
- Micro USB Cable
- 10W Wall Charger
- Sim Ejector Tool
[section label=”Initial Impressions”]

Right off the bat, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro exuberates a sense of familiarity. The aluminium unibody design is prevalent across the budget category of smartphones and the Zenfone Max Pro is no different. The 18:9 aspect ratio and thinner bezels mean that a 5.99 inch display fits into the body of a regular 16:9 smartphone with a 5.5 inch display. Fair to say that the 18:9 aspect ratio has become the norm even in sub-15K smartphones. It is worth noting that even though the bezels are thin, they are still substantial and not as thin as some of the flagship devices.

Another interesting feature of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro is its OS. So far, we have become accustomed to the heavily customised ZenUI on all Asus Android smartphones. However, with the new Asus Zenfone Max Pro, the company has decided to go for stock Android OS. Now, it is not Android One, which means it is not completely stock OS and there are a few pre-installed apps as well. However, it is much lighter than ZenUI which should bode well with the powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset.

The back of the smartphone also houses a vertically placed dual-camera setup which looks uncannily similar to the Redmi Note 5 Pro. It appears that this trend of vertically placed dual-camera setup on the side of the smartphone also took off with the iPhone X. The dual-camera setup consists of a depth sensor which will be used for portrait mode shots. It has a 13MP primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and the depth sensor is a 5MP camera. The front of the device houses an 8MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture and an LED flash.

At a starting price of Rs 10999, the Zenfone Max Pro, despite its specifications matching the Redmi Note 5 Pro, will compete with the Redmi Note 5. Maybe, the launch of the Zenfone Max Pro will push Xiaomi into launching a follow-up to the Mi A1.
April 23, 2018

Huawei P20 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S9+ vs iPhone X Vs Moto Z2 Force: Camera Shootout!

Huawei recently launched its 2018 flagship Android smartphone, the Huawei P20 Pro. Apart from its design which is inspired by the iPhone X, the most exciting feature of the device is its camera capabilities. The P20 Pro is the first-ever smartphone to have a triple-camera setup on the back. Its global price is EUR 899 (Rs 71000 approx.) but, it is expected to have a lower price tag in India.

Over the years, camera performance of a smartphone has taken precedence over other features. A crappy camera can be the downfall of an otherwise great smartphone. The Essential Ph-1 is a great example of that. Similarly, a great camera can uplift a smartphone with other visible flaws. The 2016 Google Pixel smartphones did not have a great design, add-on features like wireless charging or water resistance. However, they had the best camera on the market which overshadowed much of their flaws.

So, we took the top flagship smartphones on the market right now and put their cameras through the paces. The smartphones in question here are the Huawei P20 Pro, the Galaxy S9+, Apple iPhone X and the Moto Z2 Force.

Camera Samples

Huawei P20 Pro

Apple iPhone X

Samsung Galaxy S9+

Moto Z2 Force

Specifications

Huawei P20 Pro	Samsung Galaxy S9+	Apple iPhone X	Moto Z2 Force
EUR 899	64GB: Rs 65900 256GB: Rs 72900	64GB: Rs 82999 256GB: Rs 97999	Rs 34998
6.1 inch OLED	6.2 inch Super AMOLED	5.8 inch Super Retina OLED	5.5 inch P-OLED
2244 x 1080 px 18.5:9 Aspect Ratio 1:1,000,000 Contrast Ratio	2960 x 1440 px 18.5:9 Aspect Ratio 529 ppi	2436 x 1125 px 19.5:9 Aspect Ratio 458 ppi	2560 x 1440 px 16:9 Aspect Ratio 534 ppi
4000mAH SuperCharge	3500 mAh QuickCharge 4.0	2716 mAh Fast Charging	2,730 mAh TurboCharge
HiSilicon Kirin 970	Exynos 9810	A11 Bionic with a neural engine	Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
6GB	6GB	3GB	4GB
128GB Expandable Up to 256GB	64GB/256GB	64GB/256GB Non-Expandable	64GB Expandable Up to 256GB
40MP RGB f/1.8 8MP Telephoto Lens f/2.4 20MP Monochrome Lens f/1.6	12MP Wide-Angle f/1.5 12MP Telephoto f/2.4	12MP Wide-angle: f/1.8 12MP Telephoto: f/2.4	12MP RGB 12MP Monochrome f/2.0
4K @ 30fps 720P @ 960fps	4K @ 60fps 720P @ 960fps	4K @ 60fps 1080P @ 240fps	4K @ 30fps 1080P @ 120fps
24MP f/2.0 3D Portrait Lighting	8MP f/1.7 Auto HDR	7MP f/2.2 Portrait Lighting	5MP f/2.2 Dual-tone LED flash
Fingerprint Sensor Face Unlock	Fingerprint Sensor IP68 Certification Wireless Charging Intelligent Scanner	Face ID Wireless charging	Fingerprint Sensor Moto Mods

April 9, 2018

Unboxing The Nokia 7 Plus
HMD Global has officially launched the Nokia 7 Plus in India at a price of Rs 25999. The smartphone will be up for preorders from the 20th of April via Amazon exclusively. Subsequently, the Nokia 7 Plus will go on sale on the 30th of April. Unlike a lot of other smartphones, the Nokia 7 Plus is only available in 4GB RAM/64GB storage variant. However, it will retail in two colours, Black with Copper and White with Copper, both of these look extremely premium and well built.

Nokia has had a rocky start ever since making its return to the smartphone industry under a new management. In 2017, the company launched quite a few but, pricey budget smartphones in India. The brand Nokia picked up momentum when the Nokia 8 was launched in India at a very competitive price.

With the launch of the Nokia 7 Plus, the once celebrated phone brand has entered untested waters. At a price of Rs 25999, the Nokia 7 Plus will try to fill the gaping hole in a segment where the Moto X4 is a lone warrior. The company has moved on from an older-looking design and refreshed its highly successful (in China) Nokia 7 for the global market.

[section label=”Unboxing”]

Inside the box of the Nokia 7 Plus :
- Nokia 7 Plus
- Clear Case
- Documentation
- Sim Ejector Tool
- Earphones
- Wall Charger (Fast Charging compatible)
- USB Type C Cable
[section label=”Initial Impressions”]

The Nokia 7 Plus is a welcome refresh from HMD Global and that is visible the moment you hold the device. It has a metallic unibody design with a matte finish to the back which does not look cheap at all. On the contrary, it looks extremely premium and should give others in this range a run for their money.

Another significant change in the Nokia 7 Plus is the placement of the fingerprint sensor. Up until now, HMD Global either placed the fingerprint sensor on the front or decided to have a phone sans fingerprint sensor. However, with the bezels considerably shrunken on the 7 Plus, the fingerprint sensor resides on the back. However, it is very centrally positioned which means it is easy to reach and is distinguishable.

While the 7 plus sports a taller display with thin bezels, they aren’t the thinnest by any stretch, in fact, the phone has a significant forehead and chin. The Nokia 7 Plus has a 6 inch IPS LCD display with a 2160 x 1080 px resolution. The bezels are visible on all the sides of the device but, after a few minutes of usage, your eyes and mind get used to the black space around the display. Thanks to its taller 18:9 aspect ratio the 7 Plus, even with its 6 inch display is easy to use and unless you have tiny hands, the one-handed usage should not be an issue.

The Full HD+ IPS LCD display is bright and vibrant. It has great viewing angles and the 18:9 aspect ratio means the display can fit more content while the overall size of the smartphone has not changed drastically. The single bottom firing speaker is a let down hence, we suggest using external speakers or headphones for any sort of media consumption.

The Nokia 7 Plus runs stock Android 8 Oreo OS and also supports the Android One program. This means the smartphone will receive timely software and security updates for at least a couple of years. Just like the previous Nokia devices, it runs stock OS which means no bloatware. However, there are a few people who prefer a custom skin like MIUI over stock OS. For them, apps like the Nova Launcher is the only way to heavily customise their UI.

Under the hood, the Nokia 7 Plus has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset. In fact, it is the first ever smartphone launched in India that is powered by the chipset. The 2.2 GHz octa-core processor handles day-to-day tasks extremely well. The stock OS and lack of any sort of bloatware also help its cause. The smartphone feels snappy to use and handles gaming quite well.

The Nokia 7 Plus has a dual-camera setup on the back. The primary wide-angle sensor is a 12MP camera with an f/1.75 aperture coupled with a 13MP telephoto lens with an f/2.6 aperture. In our brief testing, we found the camera app to be a bit laggy and even while recording videos, the app stutters a bit.

With an impressive build and stock Android out of the box, the Nokia 7 plus promises to be an exciting seller in the market. However, India being extremely price sensitive, sales might change that opinion. Stay tuned for our full review!

[section label=”Unboxing Video”]

Unboxing Video
April 6, 2018
Unboxing The Huawei P20 Pro
Huawei’s P20 Pro may be a flagship for the company if you ignore their glossy limited edition Huawei Mate RS, but for a lot of others, it is a direct stab at flagship Android phones. The Huawei P20 Pro also makes a unique proposition with a triple rear camera setup which makes it unique for the flagship market too.

[section label=”Initial Impressions”]While we had leaks aplenty the phone managed to live up to expectations with the design and feature set. The design is extremely close to that of the iPhone X. While the notch is smaller the metal frame sandwiched between the glass front and back looks extremely good.

The company wanted to retain the fingerprint sensor on the front which means that you get a large chin. But, at least a very usable fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor also allows for the navigation to be moved off the screen.

The three cameras on the Huawei P20 Pro are, however, the most naturally noticeable feature of the phone. A massive 40 MP shooter makes for the primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture with an additional 20 MP (f/1.6) camera. The third 8 MP 3x optical zoom, telephoto lens equipped, shooter makes a good mix for excellent portraits and zoomed in shots. The camera gets a natural 3x zoom and a 5x hybrid zoom which allows for lossless zoomed in pictures. The front gets a 24 MP wide selfie camera.

[section label=”Unboxing”]

The unboxing experience is not very special for the Huawei P20 Pro, however, you do get a complete set of accessories
- Huawei P20 Pro
- Documentation
- USB Type C Earphones
- USB C to 3.5mm Adapter
- Sim Ejector Tool
- SuperCharge Wall Charger
- USB Type C Cable
The software experience of the phone is what makes the P20 Pro an interesting product. For starters, you get Android 8.1 out the box, with a promised update to Android 9 soon after release. The notorious notch can be hidden in software by making the status bar black, something which “no notch nazis” would like a lot.

You can customise the OS quite a lot, from removing the navigation keys to duplication of commonly used apps. The camera app is also quite extensive with lots of shooting options. The phone also shoots and records H.265 video at 4k which is good as most phones still use dated codecs.

The Huawei P20 Pro will come to India in April. Pricing is expected to be lower than the Euro 899 price it was launched for globally. The launch of the P20 Pro will also mark the return of the brand Huawei into India which stopped sales mid-2016.

[section label=”Unboxing Video”]

Huawei P20 Pro Unboxing Video

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iODL1MBpCYE[/embedyt]
April 2, 2018
Top Tech And Accessories Under Rs. 500

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9gI9yFnrPw[/embedyt]

It doesn’t take a lot of money to buy really good tech and accessories. iGyaan is back with its Top Tech series and we have a look at the top tech under Rs 500. Please note that the prices may fluctuate time and again.

Portable Light

This is a compact portable light with magnetic properties. The device needs 3 AAA sized batteries to operate, which has an LED light with variable brightness levels. One can hang this to a backpack using a built-in clamp. Similarly, this device can stick to any metal surface. This can also be used as an emergency lamp. There is a stroke flash mechanism, which comes handy in emergency situations. What more can we expect for Rs 325?

Engraving Pen

Don’t try to tattoo yourself using this tool, as it is made for engraving smoother materials like wood. The device operates on two AA sized batteries (sold separately). The company claims that the device can be used to engrave on Wood, Plastic, Glass, and even metal. However, considering the speed of the motor the engraving might not be that effective on materials like metal and glass. It does work well on a wooden surface, as demonstrated in our video. This is a bang for your buck deal for Rs 250 rupees.

Sticky Pad

The two dissimilarly shaped sticky pads will cost Rs 380. These pads can stick to any surface including Glass, Wood, and Plastic. One can easily pop-on a smartphone or a power bank in a second. As these are based on glue, the pads might accommodate dust. However, remove the pad from the surface and rinse it with water to remove debris.

Screwdriver Set

If you are a DIY guy, then this Rs 449 priced device will come in handy in different scenarios. This is a precision screwdriver set with 25 screwdriver heads and a magnetic body. Similarly, the user can adjust the tightness of the bit and the body by screwing mechanism. From outside, the package looks like a pouch. However, inside it houses different screw bits.

Hybrid SIM adapter

If you have a smartphone with dual hybrid SIM slot, then this tool will come handy to use two SIM cards and a micro SD card simultaneously. We tried this on a Xiaomi Redmi 5 and it worked as advertised. However, make sure to get a genuine or you might screw-up your smartphone. For a price of Rs 200, you will get a dedicated micro SD card slot.

Card Pocket

This comes in handy for those who forget to carry their wallets and not their smartphone. This is a self-adhesive card pocket for mobiles and tablets. For the price, it has a premium build quality. The card pocket is available in multiple colours, which can stick to a smartphone’s back or a case.

Survival Compass

This is a multi-tool tech package with plenty of features. The kit is priced at Rs 399 and has a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and a compass. Inside the tool, it has a reflector and a magnifying glass built on a tiny scale. Additionally, there is a flashlight, which will come handy when you are trucking in a jungle. The best of the tool is the survival whistle, which can create a high pitch noise.

Philips SHE3700RD Earphones

In a budget of Rs 500, you’ll be hardpressed to find a better pair of earphones. Philips, especially, is known for its audio devices and the Philips SHE3700RD earphones do not disappoint. The earphones do miss out on aniline microphone which can be a bummer for a few people. However, these earphones are an ideal blend of looks and sound quality at this price.

Outdoor Match Kit

You would’ve have seen n number of matchboxes in your lifetime. But, nothing like these, we bet. The outdoor match kit come in a plastic container, which can light up the fire even in a wet situation. These have a longer burning time compared to a typical matchstick and a great tool for your next trucking. These are priced at Rs 265, which is a bit high compared to other accessories.

S-Biner

Our last top tech pick comes handy for those, who travel a lot. These S-biners can be used to attach your luggage to one another. These S-biners come in a pair and will cost you Rs 475, which can carry load up to 45 KG. Similarly, these biners will be available in different colours and different capacities.

March 21, 2018
Unboxing The Xiaomi Redmi 5
Xiaomi started 2018 with two great budget smartphones, the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro. While the Redmi Note 5 is essentially the Redmi 5 Plus that was launched in China, many expected the Redmi 5 to never hit the Indian shores. That, however, changed on the 14th of March when Xiaomi held a live stream event and launched the Redmi 5 in India.

At a starting price of Rs 7999, the Redmi 5 is a peculiar device for the India market. That doesn’t mean that it won’t sell because Xiaomi appears to have cracked the code for India. With three variants launched, there are a few options to consider. But, the base variant is expected to be the popular choice because the Redmi Note 5’s base variant essentially cancels out the other two models of the Redmi 5. Pricing:
- 2GB RAM/16GB storage: Rs 7999
- 3GB RAM/32GB storage: Rs 8999
- 4GB RAM/64GB storage: Rs 10999
So, does the Redmi 5 have enough firepower to have an impact on the increasingly congested budget smartphone segment of India? Let’s unbox the device and find out:
- Xiaomi Redmi 5
- Documentation
- Wall Charger
- Micro USB Cable
- Clear Case
First Impressions

Usually, the difference between a regular and a plus variant of a device is usually substantial, size wise. However, that is not the case with the Redmi 5 and Redmi Note 5 (Redmi 5 Plus). At a glance, the difference between the two is barely noticeable. The design and build quality of the Redmi 5 resembles the Redmi Note 5 with the same 18:9 aspect ratio. That being said, it still possesses considerable bezels which are even more prominent if you buy the Gold colour variant.

One of the two main differences between the Redmi 5 and Note 5 is the display. It has a 720P display which measures 5.7 inches.

Specifications

Under the hood, it has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, a 1.8GHz octa-core processor, Adreno 506 GPU, 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage which will be expandable via microSD card. In fact, the Snapdragon 450 is an underclocked Snapdragon 625 chipset, which is used in the Note 5.

There is a fingerprint sensor placed at the back of the phone just below the camera. However, that is mainly a signature Xiaomi decision and not due to the lack of bezels on the front. Powering the device is a 3300 mAh battery which, Xioami claims has a standby time of up to 12 days. The battery is charged via a micro USB slot which means no fast charging.

Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi Note 5 AI in China that, surprisingly, runs Android 8 Oreo. However, that is not the case in India as the Redmi 5 still runs Android 7 Nougat with MIUI 9 on top.

The device has a 12MP camera at the back with 1.25-micron pixel size. The camera surprisingly only records 1080P videos at 30fps. To the front of the device is a 5MP camera with Beautify 3.0, which is Xiaomi’s software for enhanced selfies. However, unlike the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro, the device misses out on Face Unlock feature.

Buy The Redmi 5 Here
March 17, 2018
Convert Your Dumb TV Into A Smart TV Using These Accessories

Xiaomi recently launched the Mi Smart TV 4 and 4A in India at very competitive pricing. These televisions are powered Android operating system with support for Wi-Fi. The USP of these TV is the “Smart TV” status, which differentiates them from the competition.

People, those who bought a new TV without the smart features might feel sad about their decision after Xiaomi smart TV launch. However, worry not, as you have three ways to convert your normal television into a smart television in less than Rs 5000.

To convert your standard television into a smart television, just plug-in the device and go through the on-screen setup process.

However, it is worth noting that your TV should have an HDMI port and a high-speed Wi-Fi connection.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Amazon Fire TV Stick is available on Amazon for Rs 3,999. The device has received a massive response for its compact form factor and easy UI. One needs to have Amazon account and to access the contents of Amazon Prime Music and Prime Video. Similarly, the device comes with a pre-installed browser, which can be used to access the internet. The retail package also includes a remote, which can be used for the UI navigation. The device comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage, which can stream content up to 1080p.

Google Chromecast 2

Google Chromecast 2 works in a similar fashion with additional advantages. The device is priced at Rs 3,399 on Flipkart, which is a bit cheaper than the Amazon’s offering. One can connect their smartphone or laptop to the same network and can stream anything from games to movies. As this is developed by Google, the app support is also quite extensive. However, the retail package does not include a dedicated remote, as any smartphone can be used as a remote.

Xiaomi Mi TV Box

The Xiaomi Mi Tv Box is currently available on GearBest for US$ 67.5 (Rs 4387). Do note that, the shipping charges are also included in the price. The device runs on custom Android OS with 2GB RAM and 8GB Storage. This has an advantage over the other two devices, as the Xiaomi Mi TV Box can stream content up to 4K resolution. The device also has an additional USB port, which can read most of the video formats.

Buy the Mi TV Box here

March 10, 2018
Unboxing The Samsung Galaxy S9+
Samsung has launched the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in India at a starting price of Rs. 57900. Both the smartphones will go on sale via Flipkart and Samsung.com from the 16th of March. However, the preorders began a day after its official global launch. The Samsung Galaxy S9+ and S9 succeed the highly popular S8+ and S8 from early-2017. So, do the new Galaxy S9 flagship smartphones have enough to replicate the success of 2017?

Let’s unbox the Samsung Galaxy S9+ and see what we get:
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Documentation
- Sim Ejector Tool
- AKG Earphones
- Wall Charger
- USB Type C Cable
Samsung Galaxy S9+ First Impressions

The first noticeable aspect of the S9+ is its familiarity. If you’ve ever held a Galaxy S8+, this device won’t feel all too different. The screen size is the same while the bezels have been ever so slightly trimmed. The infamous Bixby button retains its place on the left side of the Galaxy S9+. The power button can be found on the right while the volume rockers are situated just above the Bixby button.

Bixby Button

One of the most requested changes in the Galaxy S9+ and S9 is the placement of the fingerprint sensor. In our review of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, we mentioned the unusual placement of the sensor which prompted many users to use the iris scanner instead. This time around, the fingerprint sensor is placed below the camera module. While there was barely any difference between the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, things are a bit different this time around.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 has a single camera on the back while the Galaxy S9+ has a dual-camera setup, similar to the Galaxy Note8. Despite its large 6.2 inch display, it isn’t cumbersome to hold the S9+. One-handed usage will be tough for people with smaller hands and ghost touch is still an issue. Although Samsung has optimised its software to prevent accidental touches, it isn’t foolproof yet.

Samsung Galaxy S9+ Specifications

As is with its smaller sibling, the Galaxy S9+ has the same screen size as the Galaxy S8+. It sports a 6.2 inch Super AMOLED display with a 2960 x 1440 px resolution.

Under the hood, it is powered by the Exynos 9810 chipset.The Galaxy S9+ is available in 6GB RAM/64GB storage and 6GB RAM/256GB models in India.

Intelligent Scan

Out of the box, the Galaxy S9+ runs Android 8 Oreo with Experience 9.0 on top. Powering the smartphone is a 3500 mAh battery, just like the Galaxy S8+. The smartphone will support wireless charging as well. Similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S9+ also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

The main difference between the two S9 models this year is in the camera department. Unlike its predecessor, the Galaxy S9+ has a dual-camera setup on the back. The Galaxy S9+ has one wide-angle 12MP camera with an f/1.5 aperture and the other is a 12MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture. The telephoto lens is the same one found on the Galaxy Note8, which means it has OIS. On the front of the smartphone is an 8MP camera with an f/1.6 aperture and records 4K videos.
March 6, 2018

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Vs Honor 7X Vs Xiaomi Mi A1: Camera Shootout!

Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi Note 5 Pro in India at a starting price of Rs. 13999. Keeping up with the industry trends, the Redmi Note 5 Pro has an 18:9 aspect ratio and a dual-camera on the back. Unlike a lot of other smartphones with a dual camera setup, the Redmi Note 5 Pro has two RGB sensors.

At this price tag, the Note 5 Pro directly competes with the likes of the Honor 7X and Xiaomi’s own Mi A1. The Honor 7X and Mi A1 also have the best cameras in this price segment. Despite the 18:9 aspect ratio, the Redmi Note 5 Pro has thicker bezels than the Honor 7X which are even more prominent in the Gold colour variant. The Mi A1 has a 16:9 aspect ratio and definitely looks archaic when put next to the Note 5 Pro and Honor 7X.

Where the Mi A1 one-ups the other two devices is the software. It runs stock Android OS and is part of the Android One program. Hence, it will get the latest software update for the next two years at least. However, the same cannot be said about the Honor 7X and Redmi Note 5 Pro since they run custom UI on top of Android. In fact, the Honor 7X and Note 5 Pro still run Android 7 Nougat, while the Mi A1 has been updated to Android 8 Oreo.

With the three devices priced similarly, we decided to put them through their paces. Let’s see which one came out on top:

Camera Samples

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

Honor 7X

Xiaomi Mi A1

Specifications	Redmi Note 5 Pro	Honor 7X	Xiaomi Mi A1
Price	Starting Rs. 13999	Starting Rs. 12999	Rs. 13999
Display	5.99 inch 18:9 Aspect Ratio IPS LCD	5.93-inch 18:9 Aspect Ratio LTPS IPS LCD	5.5 inch 16:9 Aspect Ratio LTPS IPS LCD
Resolution	2160 x 1080 px 403ppi	2160 x 1080 px 407 ppi	1920 x 1080 px 403 ppi
Battery	4000 mAh	3340 mAh	3080 mAh
Chipset	Snapdragon 636	HiSilicon Kirin 659	Snapdragon 625
RAM	4GB 6GB	3GB 4GB	4GB
Storage	64GB Expandable Up to 256GB	32GB 64GB Expandable up to 256GB	64GB Expandable up to 128GB
Primary Camera	12MP f/2.2 5MP f/2.0 1.25-micron	16MP 2MP depth sensor	12MP f/2.2 Wide-Angle 12MP f/2.6 Telephoto 1.25-micron
Primary Camera Video	1920 x 1080 px @ 30fps	1920 x 1080 px @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Secondary Camera	20MP Sony IMX376 Beautify 4.0 LED flash	8MP	5MP f/2.0
Add-Ons	Fingerprint Sensor	Fingerprint Sensor	Fingerprint Sensor

Photos are extremely subjective, hence, we will let you choose your winner. Let us know your choice in the comments below!

February 19, 2018

Unboxing The Moto Z2 Force
Lenovo-owned Motorola has launched the Moto Z2 Force in India. It is priced at Rs. 34,999 in India and will go on sale at midnight via Flipkart and Moto Hub stores. Motorola has launched the device in India, almost six months after its global launch. Although the Moto Z2 Force is competitively priced, it won’t be long before the OnePlus 6 is launched at a similar price and Snapdragon 845 chipset.

Let’s unbox the Moto Z2 Force and see what we get inside:
- Moto Z2 Force
- Documentations
- Sim Ejector Tool
- Earphones
- Type C to 3.5mm dongle
- USB Type C Cable
- TurboCharge Wall Charger
First Impressions

To maintain the device’s compatibility with Moto Mods, the Z2 Force doesn’t look too different from its predecessor. It is thinner for sure and has a very sturdy build. This time around, Moto has implemented s dual-camera setup on the back which has become a norm. At a price of Rs. 34999, along with the TurboPower Mod, the Moto Z2 Force is a great alternative to the OnePlus 5T.

Moto Z2 Force With TurboPower Mod

Moto Z2 Force Specifications

The Moto Z2 Force has a 5.5 inch P-OLED display with a 2560 x 1440 px resolution. The Z2 Force does not have Corning Gorilla Glass on top, instead has a plastic shattershield coating on top. This means that the Z2 Force will survive drops more than a regular device with Corning Gorilla Glass. However, thanks to the presence of a plastic coating, it would be more susceptible to smaller scratches.

Moto Z2 Force

Under the hood, the device has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset along with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. The storage is expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card. The fingerprint sensor is placed on the front of the smartphone as it retains the size and design of a ‘Moto Z’ device. As a result, the Z2 Force is compatible with Moto Mods.

Probably, a possible let down could be the missing of the 3.5mm headphone jack. However, it will come with a dongle inside the box to still use your beloved wired headphones.

Another modern element, which has now truly become a norm is in the camera department. The Z2 Force, like many flagship phones, has a dual 12MP camera setup on the back with an f/2.0 aperture. One of them has an RGB sensor while the other one has a monochrome sensor. The smartphone records 4K videos at 30fps. On the front of the device is a 5MP camera with a dual-tone LED flash.

Moto Z2 Force

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdrhrkUMFMg[/embedyt]
February 15, 2018
Honor 7X Red Limited Edition Goes On Sale Today

Honor 7X was launched in India in December 2017 at a starting price of Rs. 12999. At the time of the launch, the Honor 7X was available in Blue, Black and Gold colour variants. Now, the company has launched a special edition red colour variant of the Honor 7X at the same price as the other variants.

While 2017 saw the trend of shrinking bezels and taller displays catch on, another trend seems to be egging on at this time. A lot of smartphone makers have launched a special edition red colour variant of their popular devices. Companies like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Apple have all released a limited edition variant of their devices and Honor is the next one on the list.

While many people anyway use a case to protect their phones, a different colour does make sense. Smartphones have become increasingly similar nowadays in terms of specifications and sometimes, a different colour option can sway a customer to your device. Honor seems to have done the same and the Honor 7X is also the cheapest smartphone in the market available in a red colour variant and has an 18:9 aspect ratio.

Buy it here

Honor 7X Specifications

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The Honor 7X has a 5.9 inch LTPS IPS LCD display with a 2160 x 1080 px display which translates into an 18:9 aspect ratio.

Under the hood, the Honor 7X has 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 which charges via a micro USB slot. Since the device has thin bezels, the fingerprint sensor is placed at the back of the below the dual-camera setup.

The Honor 7X runs Android 7.0 Nougat with EMUI 6.0 on top which gives a user more options for customising their phones.

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.

February 9, 2018
Unboxing The Bose QC 35 II
Bose recently launched the next iteration of its highly popular noise cancelling headphones, the Bose QC 35 II. Priced at Rs. 29,393 in India, the Bose QC 35 II do not come cheap but, you get what you pay for. Bose is one of the most renowned audio accessories makers in the world and the QC series has garnered great reviews over the years.

Let’s unbox the new Bose QC 35 II and see what we get:
- Carrying Case
- Bose QC 35 II
- Documentations
- 3.5mm Cable
- Charging Cable
First Impressions

The Bose QC 35 II headphones have a really good build. They fit comfortably and the noise cancellation is spot on! For a price of Rs. 29393, these might not be everyone’s cup of tea but, if you travel a lot and prefer to listen to your music instead of all the noise, these are ideal for you.

The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II has a battery life of up to 20 hours. It has Bluetooth 4.1 for connectivity and comes with a cable in case the battery runs out. Just like the QC 35, the same controls remain on the right ear-cup, audio volume, and the multi-function button for incoming calls and accessing Siri. And now, there’s a new Action Button on the left earcup to connect to your Google Assistant without having to grab your phone, unlock it, and find the app.

Bose Connect App

Like its predecessor, the QC35 II’s noise cancellation is fully activated when the headphone is on, but, the Bose Connect App now lets you choose to keep it on (high), turn it down (low), or disable it completely (off). The Connect App also lets you change the Action Button’s functionality, so you can control the noise settings from the ear-cup when you want, and switch back to your Google Assistant when you want.
February 8, 2018