As per the latest information by Leakster John Prosser, the Google Pixel 5 could retail at $700.
Don’t know how the search engine giant will be able to justify the $200 premium for Google Pixel 5. It is to be noted that the same processor and camera setup is seen in Google Pixel 4a 5G and Google Pixel 5.
Probably, there might be some add-ons such as more RAM and inbuilt storage space for Google Pixel 5.
Let’s wait for September 30 or else get disturbed by these leaks!!!
It’s not surprising to say that Poco is gaining popularity not just in the Indian market but worldwide for its great value-for-money. When everyone is waiting for Poco F2, this midrange brand has launched its new offering Poco X3 at ₹16,999.
By going through the positive reviews in the European market, the launch of Poco X3 was imminent. Moreover, the official listing by Flipkart confirmed its Indian release.
To the unaware, Poco X3 was officially launched in India on September 22nd and the sale would commence from 29th September. Let’s go through how impressive the hardware is to be packed under 20K range.
The Poco X3 sports a unique design with a 6.67-inch display and Full HD+ resolution. The screen panel has got a fluid 120Hz refresh rate and a touching sampling rate of 240Hz. This is really a great inclusion in this price range.
Protected by Gorilla Glass 5 covering, the smartphone is quite handy.
Under the hood, Poco X3 has got the latest octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset and Adreno 618 GPU. The company claims that the Adreno 618 GPU is 50% more effective than its last-gen in handling the graphics.
On the rear, the Poco X3 has got quad-camera setup. It includes 64mp primary Sony lens, 13mp ultra-wide lens, 2mp macro shooter, and 2mp depth sensor. The 20mp selfie camera is pretty good.
The first impressions say that camera’s performance is okay but lacks consistency. If you are a serious content creator, then stay away from it. Otherwise, a decent camera setup for day-to-day activities.
There’s a big bump in the battery segment. In contrast to the global variant’s 5120mAh battery, the Indian variant has got a massive 6000mAh battery that can easily standby for 2 days at least on paper.
I’ve observed a couple of negative reviews with respect to 5120mAh battery. Some users complained that it lasted just for 12 hours. That might be the sole reason to accommodate a bigger battery in the Indian variant.
For a big battery to charge, the Poco X3 needs decent fast charging support. That’s the reason, it supports 33W fast charging via USB Type C. Needless to say, Poco X3 is equipped with dual stereo speakers, sound quality optimization and voice changer with the new Game Turbo 3.0.
In order to keep thermals in check, the handset is equipped with LiquidCool technology than reduces the temperature by up to 6 degrees.
Though the Indian Poco X3 doesn’t support NFC, you get the other rewards including Ad-free experience, IP 53 flash resistance, and Google Discover feed.
On the connectivity front, the handset supports VoWi-Fi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB Type C support. If you are fond of MIUI 12 without ads, then Poco X3 will not disappoint you.
Clad in Cobalt Blue and Shadow Fray, the entry-level variant 6GB RAM + 64GB ROM is priced aggressively at ₹16,999. If you want to increase the internal space to 128GB then go for the mid variant that cost ₹18,499. The higher-end one 6GB RAM + 256GB ROM variant costs ₹19,999.
Though the Poco X3 has got impressive hardware, it has to challenge the competition thrown by Realme 7 Pro, Samsung Galaxy M31s, Realme Narzo 20 Pro and more in the future.
Overall, a great value for money which makes it hard to resist. Definitely, the best budget smartphone you can buy under 20K.
Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.
Also Read: Poco M2 with Helio G80 & 6GB RAM Priced at ₹10999 (Flipkart Exclusive)
Reliance Jio has been adding prepaid IPL plans to attract cricket lovers. The new ₹598 recharge offers Disney+ Hotstar subscription. Apart from that, it offers daily 2GB data and unlimited voice calls.
With IPL 2020 season starting on 19th September, the telecom companies are bundling their plans with Disney+ Hotstar membership. Generally, the VIP subscription of Disney Plus Hotstar costs ₹399 per year.
The premium membership plan offers access to live sports and all content (excluding American shows) on the Hotstar platform. Now with Reliance Jio in hand, you can watch IPL 2020 live in action as a complementary offer.
However, one should note that the validity of ₹598 recharge is 56 days. That means you can watch the entire IPL 2020 season for free when you recharge with Jio ₹598. To the unaware, Indian Premier League 2020 starts on 19th September and ends on 8th November.
While coming back to Jio ₹598 recharge, it offers daily 2GB data, 100 SMS per day and unlimited Jio to Jio calls. For non-Jio voice calls, you get 2,000 minutes. All with a validity of 56 days. Plus, Disney+ Hotstar subscription worth ₹399.
If Jio ₹598 prepaid plan is expensive for your wallet, then you can even try Jio ₹401 recharge that offers Disney+ Hotstar VIP Annual membership. This plan offers 90GB data (daily 3GB data + 6GB), unlimited Jio to Jio calls, 1000 minutes for non-Jio calls, and daily 100 SMS.
However, the validity of this pack is just 28 days. That means you can’t watch the full schedule of IPL 2020. You need to recharge again for availing the premium content access.
Bharti Airtel also started wooing the IPL lovers with its ₹401 plan. The new offering from Airtel packs 30GB data (validity 28 days) and Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription. Here, you will not get any voice calls or SMS benefits.
Coming back to Reliance Jio Disney+ Hotstar prepaid packs, there’s a ₹777 plan with 84 days validity. It offers 131GB data (1.5GB/day + 5GB), unlimited Jio calling, 3000 min of non-Jio calls, 100 SMS/day and Disney+ Hotstar annual subscription.
There’s a ₹2599 long term pack that comes with a validity of 365 days. In this pack, you get 740GB data (daily 2GB data + 10GB), unlimited Jio calling, 12000 non-Jio FUP minutes, daily 100 SMS benefit and Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription.
To activate the Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription,
In short, the prepaid mobile subscribers (whether you are with Reliance Jio or Bharti Airtel) can get a one-year Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription for free by recharging with the Cricket Plans as stated above.
Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.
Also Read: JioFiber Launches New Tariff Plans (With 30-Day Free Trial)
Starting today, Vi becomes the new brand identity of Vodafone Idea Limited. And thus, the final step in the integration of two telecom brands complete.
Though both the brands (Vodafone India and Idea Cellular) merged two years ago, it completed the network integration today. Filing the same with stock exchanges, the Vi is the largest telecom integration in the world.
Here onwards, there will be a single brand identity instead of separate Vodafone and Idea networks. The subscribers of Vodafone and Idea (both the prepaid/postpaid) can now do a single recharge (or postpaid payment) on a new website https://www.myvi.in/ and mobile Vi app.
As a result, the Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) stock hit its 15-month high of ₹13.45 during Friday’s intra-day trade and now settled at ₹12.40. To the unaware, Vodafone holds 44.39 per cent and Adity Birla Group holds 27.66 per cent in this JV.
It is to be remembered that nothing will change at the customer-end. Your existing SIM card continues on Vi. There will be no change in your prepaid/postpaid plan benefits including the validity. Your existing free subscriptions with Amazon Prime and Netflix will continue with Vi. 199 continues to be the customer care number.
It is to be noted that Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla is the chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited. According to Mr Birla, the Vi (read it as We) is future-ready and is committed to accelerate India’s progression towards a digital economy and build a better tomorrow.
In a similar note, Vodafone Group Plc. CEO Mr Nick said that with the new branding Vi, the company has promised a stronger, better, faster and future-fit network built on many principles of 5G architecture.
Vodafone Idea faces an outstanding AGR due of about ₹50,000 crores. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the telecom companies to pay 10% of the AGR due amount this year and the reaming balance in 10 instalments.
With this, the company has to go for fundraising plans to meet debt and future capital requirements. Shockingly, the company has already reported a net loss of ₹25,460 crores for the last June quarter.
A common brand is always a good thing. However, the industry analysts feel that there should be an improvement in network experience by upgrading infrastructure and customer support. If the rumours are to be believed, there is still a gap tower-wise integration is yet to complete.
Leaving it aside, let’s hope this new brand Vi paves for the growth of the third-largest telecom operator in the fiercely-competitive Indian telecom market.
Also Read: JioFiber Launches New Tariff Plans (With 30-Day Free Trial)
True to its claim, Xiaomi has earned a good brand image for its Mi Android One handsets. Undoubtedly, the Redmi Note series has a bigger market but Android One devices are equally popular all over the world.
The stupendous success of Mi A1 has raised the hopes on Mi A2 series. However, the moderate battery and lack of 3.5mm headphone jack had a negative effect despite its great camera. Without digging the past further, let’s move on to the latest 3rd generation Android One offering.
The 6.08-inch Mi A3 handset is made of glass and metal. Yet, the phone looks gorgeous in design and build. With Triple Gorilla Glass 5 protection, the handset is nice and sturdy to hold.
“More than White” color variant has got a huge fan base when compared to the other variants (“Not just Blue” and “Kind of Grey”).
Leaving the color aside, the clean software of Mi A3 makes it’s a right ambassador of Android One program. At one go, you feel like holding Google Pixel as the icons and wallpaper look one and the same. It has got AMOLED display with 720p (1560x720) resolution.
Though there’s a bit of negativity (Redmi Note 7 Pro has 2340x1080) with respect to the resolution, AMOLED would definitely click for an average user.
For the first time, Mi has got an in-display fingerprint sensor and it’s pretty good in terms of screen unlocking.
The imaging specs of Mi A2 were really great. And, the Xiaomi continued its legacy by getting 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 sensor with f/1.79 aperture in Mi A3. The camera has delivered pretty shots with great color representation.
On the front, a 32-megapixel camera has got AI support.
Performance-wise, the Mi A3 is a powerhouse with Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset and 4GB RAM (retailing at ₹12,999). It has also got higher variant 6GB RAM+128GB storage that costs ₹15,999.
The bigger 4030mAh battery and 18W fast charging support (bundled with 10W charger) make it durable enough to last a day and beyond.
The stock Android 9.0 Pie (Google software) makes it a clear winner when compared with the likes of Redmi Note 7 Pro, Realme 5 Pro, Samsung Galaxy M 30, etc. In short, Xiaomi Mi A3 is a great package with an excellent battery and stock Android experience.
However, if you are not bothered by clean Android software then there are many options.
Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S First Impressions: Redmi Note 7 Plus 48MP Camera
Gone are the days of getting a compromise in budget handsets. Whether it is specs or features, there’s a smartphone for every need. Recently, the Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has extended its product line up by announcing the launch of Redmi Note 7S in the Indian market.
Interestingly, the new launch added confusion to the existing Redmi 7 series. To the unaware, Xiaomi has got 4 handsets in this Redmi 7 series (namely Redmi Note 7 Pro, Redmi Note 7, Redmi 7, and the latest Redmi Note 7S).
Specs wise, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S sits exactly between the popular Redmi Note 7 and the Redmi Note 7 Pro. If one has to go by the rumours, the Chinese electronics giant has decided to phase out the Redmi Note 7 handset. And this position will be occupied by the latest Redmi Note 7S.
Though there’s a scope for confusion, the company’s stand should be appreciated for offering the best in the package. Let’s find out whether the Redmi Note 7S is a good buy or one should consider the possible alternatives before investing hard earned money.
The latest Redmi Note 7S carries the same design sported by Redmi Note 7 and the Redmi Note 7 Pro. The glass body with Aura design (Dual Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection) gives it a premium yet sturdy feel. The P2i coating protects against the accidental splashes.
It has a 6.3-inch full HD+ Dot Notch display with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution having 19.5:9 aspect ratio. With Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AIE octa-core processor and 4GB RAM, one can expect graphics intensive games like PUBG in a butter smooth note. The 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM is equally good in real time scenario.
The 4000mAh mammoth battery supported by Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 technology gives the handset run for the money. However, the sales box package just includes the 5V/2A charger. The inclusion of 5V/2A charger and USB type-C cable, 3.5mm headphone jack, IR blaster, hybrid SIM tray are other important inclusions of this package.
The USP of Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S is its 48MP + 5MP AI dual rear camera set up. The AI scene detection with f/1.8 aperture lens makes it a good handheld night photography gear. The 13MP selfie shooter with f/2.0 and AI scene detection extends its trustworthiness.
48MP camera is the talk of the town. However, one should note that 48MP resolution is activated only in the Pro settings. By default, the Redmi Note 7S sports a 12MP camera shooter. Thus, if you want to explore the USP one should manually tap those settings.
Unless you require a DSLR performance, a 12MP shooter will always be sufficient enough for the normal day to day usage.
What’s Your Opinion?
On the pricing side, one can grab the 3GB+32GB ROM variant at ₹10,999 and the 4GB+64GB ROM at ₹12,999. If you happen to compare the price with that of Redmi Note 7 then the 7S is definitely 1K premium owing to its 48MP shooter.
In simple words, if you’re looking at a 48MP camera than consider this budget king Redmi Note 7S. Or else, grab the Redmi Note 7 at the cheap end before Xiaomi phases it out. If you’re little open with the 14K budget then there’s nothing better than Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro with flagship Snapdragon 855 processor.
Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi Y3 First Impressions – Best Budget Selfie Camera
Vodafone Idea Limited, India’s largest telecom operator, has upgraded its 4G network in Central and Eastern India including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand states.
Though the Idea Cellular network has 4G coverage in all these 4 states, its partner Vodafone is still on 3G. With the latest upgrade, all the customers in these 2 telecom circles will be able to enjoy high-speed internet 4G services.
As per the report, the Vodafone Idea 4G is now available in 4565 towns of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh telecom circle. It includes the important towns covering Bhopal, Bhilai-Dur, Bilaspur, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Ujjain etc.
Similarly, the Vodafone Idea 4G rollout has taken place in 2471 towns of Bihar and Jharkhand telecom circle including Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bokaro, Darbhanga, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Ranchi etc.
As a launch offer, Vodafone Idea Ltd has announced complimentary usage of 4GB of 4G data with a validity period of 10 days. The subscribers just need to upgrade their SIM and handset.
The Mumbai-headquartered PAN-India GSM operator has made all the arrangements to meet accelerating demand for 4G network. With the latest 4G rollout, over 9.5 million users of Vodafone Idea network in Bihar and Jharkhand Telecom Circle will be benefitted.
Similarly, the new 4G upgrade will have a positive impact on 3.2 crore subscribers in the Central Indian state Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh telecom circle.
On this special occasion, Vodafone Idea has also launched a new ₹119 prepaid plan to counter Reliance Jio’s ₹98 recharge. The Vodafone’s offering has unlimited voice calls, 1GB of 4G/3G/2G data with no SMS benefits.
The validity of the new plan is 28 days. Though the plan is currently limited to specific Telecom circles, it will soon be a PAN-India offering.
The best thing about this ₹119 prepaid plan is that it doesn’t have any FUP voice calling limit. However, the main constraint is its ZERO SMS benefits.
Also Read: Vodafone Super VoLTE Services Now in Rajasthan Circle
After a lot of criticism and complaints, the statutory body of the telecommunications sector has finally stepped in.
If reports are to be believed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sent separate letters to Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea asking them to provide information to the subscribers immediately.
The information should be clear and transparent manner. The SMS should include the details and the validity of the plan. It is said that the SMS should clearly specify the minimum recharge plan. The TRAI also directed that the minimum recharge can also be debited from the subscriber’s prepaid account balance.
TRAI made it mandatory not to deactivate SIMs till such time the subscriber maintains sufficient balance equal to the minimum recharge amount.
What’s Your Opinion?
The latest decision by TRAI is nothing more than an eyewash for the millions of rural and downtrodden people. In the name of bumping ARPU, the telecom companies can’t charge for the incoming facility.
Hope TRAI warns the Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea companies to reconsider their new pricing strategy.
Reliance Jio in its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) has announced the launch of Jio GigaFiber. This is nothing but Reliance Jio’s FTTH home broadband solution. Though the company has been testing it on a trial basis, Mr Mukesh Ambani has officially launched the service.
The JioGigaFiber is meant to provide the most advanced fibre-based broadband services enabling a faster internet experience. The ultra-fast 1Gbps internet speed will now be a reality. Addressing the gathering, Isha Ambani quoted, “Gone are the days of Mbps, now it will be about Gbps.
In the Jio GigaFiber setup process, the user will get access to a router and GigaFiber Set Top Box (STB) that will offer a 4K resolution on its channels. Apart from this, the user can place calls to Giga TV devices or mobile users across India. It provides a virtual reality experience where one can control switches in the house from outside as well. The Jio GigaFiber is an all-in-one solution for landline, broadband, cable TV, home surveillance, and home automation.
Also Read: Reliance JioFiber to Offer Broadband Plans with 100GB Data at ₹500 in 100 Towns
The Jio Giga TV Set-top Box promises 600 plus movie channels and millions of songs as per the customer demand. The STB will enable multi-party video conferencing from your living room. Undoubtedly, this will first disrupt the home broadband segment and then the cable TV service providers.
In short, the launch of Jio GigaFiber can trigger the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Starting from ultra high-definition entertainment to virtual reality experience, Jio GigaFiber will revolutionize Indian Homes and enhance the competency making India future-ready.
The Reliance Jio company is planning to roll out Jio GigaFiber service in 1100 cities. Starting 15th August, one can register for the same at MyJio and Jio.com. The highest number of registrations will get the first priority in the largest greenfield fixed-line broadband rollout of the world.
Along with the announcement of Jio GigaFiber, Mr Mukesh Ambani also launched JioPhone 2 at an introductory price of ₹2999. Starting August 15, the JioPhone will now have YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp apps that can even work on voice commands.
As said earlier, Reliance Industries launched a high-end variant of JioPhone named JioPhone 2. It sports a 2.4-inch QVGA (240x320 pixels) display and runs on KaiOS operating system. Powered by 512MB RAM, it has an internal storage space of 4GB. Using a microSD card, one can expand it up to 128GB. Optics wise, it sports a 2-megapixel rear camera and 0.3-megapixel VGA front-facing snapper.
Backed by a 2000mAh battery, the JioPhone 2 is a dual-SIM smart feature phone that has LTE, VoLTE and VoWi-Fi. The second SIM just supports 2G. The other connectivity options include GPS, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, and FM. Incidentally, the latest version supports Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp apps. Starting 15th August, the JioPhone 2 will be open for booking at Jio stores across India.
Furthermore, you can replace older JioPhone for a new Jio Phone 2 for just ₹500. Starting July 21st, the new Monsoon Hungama Offer enables the user to exchange their existing feature phone at just ₹501. With more than 25 million JioPhone users and the addition of JioPhone 2 to its portfolio will definitely mark exciting times ahead.
Also Read: Jio4G VoLTE Feature Phone Unveiled for an Effective Price of ₹0
The Taiwanese electronics company, Asus, launched its flagship smartphone in India. Powered by higher-end specs, Asus Zenfone 5Z will take on other affordable flagship smartphones including OnePlus 6 and Honor 10.
Launching the latest smartphone via Asus official social media channels, the company has made Flipkart as its exclusive partner for its online sales. Starting July 9, the handset will be available in 3 variants including 6GB RAM/64GB ROM, 6GB RAM/128GB ROM, 8GB RAM/256GB ROM at a price tag of ₹29999, ₹32999 and ₹36999 respectively.
Also Read: Vivo X21 Claims to be India’s First In-Display Smartphone at ₹35990
Asus has got Apple iPhone X like a notch on top.
The flagship Asus Zenfone 5Z sports a 6.2-inch Super IPS FHD+ (2246x1080 pixels) display (18:7:9 aspect ratio) with an iPhone X like a notch on top. It features an all-glass unibody design and the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.
Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and Adreno 630 GPU, the smartphone comes in 3 variants. With 6GB RAM as the base variant, it goes up to 8GB RAM providing 256GB internal storage space, further expandable up to 2TB via microSD card.
The Asus Zenfone 5Z packs a pair of cameras on the back. The primary rear camera is a 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 sensor with f/1.8 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization support. The secondary lens is of 8-megapixel OmniVision 8856 sensor with f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree wide-angle lens supporting bokeh and Portrait mode.
On the front, it sports the same 8-megapixel sensor for selfies and video calls. The handset supports 4K video recording at 60fps. The camera also supports Artificial Intelligence and Face Unlock feature too.
The Asus Zenfone 5Z runs on Android Oreo-based ZenUI 5.0 and Android P update is in the pipeline. On the connectivity side, this is a dual-4G VoLTE handset that offers dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.0, USB OTG, GPS/A-GPS, USB Type-C and 3.5mm headphone jack. The handset is enabled with Carrier Aggregation 3CA to support the highest speed offered by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel telecom network.
As a launch offer, Asus and Flipkart have tied up with ICICI Bank to offer ₹3000 instant discount on the payment through ICICI Bank debit and credit card. Similarly, the Reliance Jio users will get ₹2200 cashback and 100GB additional data on the purchase of Asus flagship smartphone.
Also Read: OnePlus 6 Review - 6 Reasons to Buy OnePlus 6 & 2 Reasons Not to Buy