Reviews
Asus Zenfone 10 Review
In terms of delivering powerful performance in a small space, Asus remains the leader in the smartphone market. Additionally, Asus phones tend to have great battery life, though their camera capabilities and software updates are not as advanced as those of Samsung and Google.
In conclusion, after having read this review of the Asus Zenfone 10, we can state with confidence that it would be a great buy for any Android user, regardless of whether they are looking for a smaller phone or not.
The Design of the Asus Zenfone 10
For the past few generations of Zenfone, Asus has put an emphasis on making their devices compact. This has not changed; the phone is still a 5.9-inch handset that is more diminutive than most other Android phones that can be purchased presently.
The Zenfone 10 can be distinguished from its predecessor by its rear cameras encircled by new rings and its distinct back panel texture; otherwise, it is quite difficult to tell the two Zenfones apart.
Weighing in at 6.02 ounces (172g), the Zenfone 10 is slightly heavier than its predecessor, but still quite lightweight. Its slender size allows for Asus to ensure that the phone can be comfortably used with one hand, making it a great option for those who want a smaller device.
The pleasure and productivity of being able to operate the Zenfone 10 with one hand while my other hand is occupied, like when I’m having a cup of coffee.
The Zenfone 10’s lightweight design is partially due to its bio-polycarbonate plastic back. Although the thought of plastic on a high-end phone may be a cause for concern for some, it does not feel in any way inexpensive. In fact, the material offers a unique, grippy texture that provides a reassuring feeling when held.
The Zenfone phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack along the top edge, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare on devices. To top it off, the phone also offers IP68 dust/water resistance, something many other flagship phones seem to lack. It makes one wonder why Asus can manage to provide both features.
For the Zenfone 10, Asus has presented a broad range of colours including Aurora Green, Midnight Black (shown), Comet White, Starry Blue, and Eclipse Red.
Assessing the Display of the Asus Zenfone 10
The Zenfone 10 is equipped with a 5.9-inch AMOLED display with FHD resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz which only works in certain games. For other uses, it still offers a smooth 120Hz performance which is on par with Samsung’s S23 flagships and better than the 90Hz peak of the Pixel 7.
It’s a pity that the Zenfone does not quite measure up to the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 when it comes to luminosity and colours. Despite its large-screen advantage, the Zenfone 10’s accuracy of colours and peak brightness are lower than those of the other two phones. Nevertheless, the Asus phone still provides a respectable colour gamut coverage.
Analysis of the Camera Feature on the Asus Zenfone 10
In terms of its camera setup, the Zenfone 10 may not be the most impressive. However, its 50MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide camera, and 32MP selfie camera are of good quality. The Galaxy S23 contains a telephoto camera, while Google’s Pixel 7 has some of the best photo processing technology on any phone. It’s in other areas where the Zenfone 10 can be seen to have value, rather than its photo kit.
The 50MP main camera on the Zenfone 10 doesn’t include a zoom lens, however it does permit up to 8x digital zoom with a pre-set 2x in the camera interface, which will deliver the same 12MP resolution as a normal 1x shot. This 2x zoom can be compared to what the S23 offers, as their main camera is also used for this magnification, whereas the dedicated telephoto camera starts at 3x.
The pictures taken by both devices are particularly noteworthy, although some may find the brighter and clearer photograph taken by the Galaxy S23 to be superior to the dimmer and softer photograph taken by the Zenfone.
When comparing the video capture capabilities of the Zenfone 10 to the S23, the difference is clear. The main camera of the former is equipped with a 6-axis hybrid gimbal system that stabilizes the phone up to 1.5 degrees in any direction, making the bobbing effect while walking much smoother. The results of this system are evident when panning motions are recorded.
The resolution of the selfie camera on the Zenfone has been modified by Asus, who have replaced the traditional RGGB sensor with one featuring RGBW pixels. This is believed to improve lighting and reduce noise.
In any case, the Zenfone 10 produced a darker self-portrait than the S23. Furthermore, the portrait mode effect of the Zenfone has not been able to cut me out as well. The Zenfone’s colours are more vivid, which make the bright areas of a photo stand out more and not cast a pallor over me as the S23 does.
At the end of the day, the Zenfone is able to go head-to-head with the Galaxy S23, even if it isn’t able to surpass it in any particular category. Unfortunately, it lacks a telephoto camera which is a shame, as Asus had to likely opt for cost-effectiveness or to save internal space. For the price one would pay for this phone, it would be nice to have a third rear camera to cover all essential phone photography requirements.
Performance
Asus has certainly not been stingy with the Zenfone 10 when it comes to the chipset. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and you can choose between 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB of RAM depending on where you purchase it and the amount of money you are willing to spend. Therefore, you are getting similar performance to the Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, or even more memory than what is available on the much pricier Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The investment Asus put into the RAM and processor of the Zenfone certainly showed in our benchmark tests. It was able to either beat the Galaxy S23 or come close to it, despite the latter having much less RAM but possessing a top of the line Snapdragon chip. The Pixel 7, on the other hand, with its Google Tensor G2, was not able to compete in these tests, even though it offers other advantages that the tests were unable to measure.
The storage capacity on the Zenfone 10 ranges from 128GB to a whopping 512GB, so you’re sure to have enough space for all your files regardless of how much you use your device.
The Battery and Charging capabilities
The battery capacity of the Zenfone 10 is quite impressive, given its compact size, at 4,300 mAh. This is more than the 3,900 mAh offered in the Galaxy S23 and almost matches the 4,355 mAh in the Pixel 7. What is remarkable is that despite its smaller size, the Zenfone still manages to offer a greater amount of battery power than the other two devices.
Recharging doesn’t take place rapidly, unfortunately, as the most it can do is 30W. This is especially slow when compared to a device such as the OnePlus 11, which has an 80W charging speed. After 30 minutes plugged in, a depleted Zenfone 10 only reaches 54% battery life, which is not particularly speedy in today’s standards.
Fortunately for Asus, the Galaxy S23 charges rather quickly, achieving 55% in a 30-minute period. Additionally, the Zenfone 10 surpasses the S23 and Pixel 7 by including a charger in its package.
The charging rate of 30W remains the same as the Zenfone 9, but the Zenfone 10 has added 15W wireless charging. We weren’t able to test it, but according to Asus it should take two hours to charge the device wirelessly. Even though it’s a lengthy process, it’s still convenient to have as an option to charge your phone without looking for a cable.
The Software and Unique Elements on the Asus Zenfone 10
At initial inspection, the surface of the Zenfone 10 appears like the run-of-the-mill Android, but Asus has implemented a few one-of-a-kind touches. The power menu, volume controls, lock screen and quick settings all have an alternate aesthetic, and are structured to give more options with fewer taps than traditional Android, something I definitely appreciate.
Using ZenTouch, further shortcuts come in handy when you swipe on the fingerprint-reading power button. My favoured ZenTouch shortcut is to open and close the notifications shade/quick settings window, yet one could also use this feature to scroll through webpages or skip through YouTube videos.
The Zenfone 10 has a useful QuickShot feature that activates the camera with a double-press of the power button and takes a series of pictures in a row. Furthermore, the Edge Tool provides a fast way to access apps and shortcuts with a swipe from the side of the screen, though it is not as customizable as Samsung’s Edge Panels.
The future holds more from Asus. An upgrade to the Zenfone 10 will bring a semantic photo search feature, similar to those on iPhones and certain Android devices, that will make it simpler to look for pictures of specific topics or containing certain words in the gallery.
Despite the numerous impressive features of the Asus product, its update schedule is a major letdown. It only offers two years of full Android software updates and four years of security updates, as opposed to Samsung and Google, who both offer four and three years of full updates, respectively.
The size of the current market for sub-6-inch phones is uncertain, however, the Asus Zenfone 10 appears to have created a stronghold in this area.
Finding something similar to the Zenfone in terms of size and quality is hard. If you’re looking for a smaller Android phone, the 6.1-inch Google Pixel 7a or the basic Samsung Galaxy S23 might be a good option. However, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 could be a more suitable choice since it can be closed up to reach a smaller size. But when it comes to cost, power and power efficiency, the Zenfone is the best alternative among these phones, unless you prioritize photo quality above all else.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R was officially announced on May 17, 2024, and has been available for purchase since the same day.
Design and Build
The Redmi Note 13R features a sleek design with dimensions of 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm and a weight of 205 grams. It boasts a glass front, a plastic frame, and a glass back, providing a premium feel while maintaining durability. The device supports dual Nano-SIM cards with dual standby and is rated IP53 for dust and splash resistance.
Display
Equipped with a 6.79-inch IPS LCD screen, the Redmi Note 13R offers a high refresh rate of 120Hz and a brightness of 550 nits. The display resolution is 1080 x 2460 pixels, resulting in a sharp density of approximately 396 ppi and an impressive screen-to-body ratio of around 85.1%.
Performance
Running on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS overlay, the Redmi Note 13R is powered by the Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset built on a 4 nm process. Its octa-core CPU consists of 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6×1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, paired with an Adreno 613 GPU for smooth graphics performance.
Memory and Storage
The smartphone offers multiple memory configurations:
– 128GB storage with 6GB or 8GB RAM
– 256GB storage with 8GB or 12GB RAM
– 512GB storage with 12GB RAM
All variants use UFS 2.2 technology for faster data access and storage efficiency. Note that there is no memory card slot available for expandable storage.
Camera System
The dual-camera setup on the rear includes:
– A 50 MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, and a pixel size of 0.64µm
– A 2 MP macro sensor with an f/2.4 aperture
This setup is complemented by features such as LED flash and HDR, and can record videos at 1080p@30fps. The front camera houses an 8 MP wide sensor capable of the same video recording quality.
Audio
For audio enthusiasts, the Redmi Note 13R includes a loudspeaker, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and supports 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio.
Connectivity
The device supports a range of connectivity options, including:
– Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band)
– Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP and LE
– GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for positioning
– NFC for contactless payments
– An infrared port for remote control functions
The device features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
Additional Features
The Redmi Note 13R includes several sensors, such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, an accelerometer, and a compass, along with virtual proximity sensing for enhanced user interaction.
Battery and Charging
The phone is equipped with a non-removable 5030 mAh battery, supporting 33W wired charging, ensuring long-lasting usage and quick recharge times.
Colors and Pricing
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R is available in three colors: Black, Blue, and Silver. It is priced at approximately 180 EUR, making it a competitive option in its segment.
In summary, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R combines robust performance, a versatile camera system, and a high-refresh-rate display, all within a budget-friendly package.
OPPO has officially unveiled the front image rendering of its highly anticipated Reno 12 series of smartphones. This new series is set to introduce a fresh wave of innovation and design to the market. According to OPPO, the Reno 12 series incorporates a built-in anti-accidental touch algorithm designed to prevent unintended screen interactions. Additionally, the company has optimized the device’s ergonomics, ensuring it “feels good when held horizontally or vertically.” The official launch date for the Reno 12 series is set for May 23rd.
Design and Display
The Reno 12 series features a distinctive “four-curve soft-edge straight screen” design, akin to the “equal-depth slightly curved screen” concept. The screen curves gently on all four sides, giving it a straight-screen appearance from the front. This design not only enhances the phone’s aesthetic appeal but also improves grip comfort and usability. Available in two colors—silver and purple—the Reno 12 series exudes sophistication and elegance. The metallic purple variant, in particular, offers a smooth, gemstone-like feel under a glossy glass finish.
The Reno 12 Pro model boasts a 6.7-inch 1.5K 120Hz equal-depth quad-curved screen. This model is expected to feature a curved glass back and an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. OPPO’s innovative system-level technology enhances the phone’s fluency and stability, promising a smooth user experience even after 48 months of use. The device’s 3D curved design ensures that both the screen and back cover fit comfortably in hand, providing an exceptional feel.
Performance and Cameras
The Reno 12 series includes the standard Reno 12, equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 8250 processor, and the Reno 12 Pro, which features the more advanced Dimensity 9200 + Starspeed processor. These processors ensure fast performance, efficient battery life, and seamless multitasking capabilities.
The Reno 12 Pro’s camera setup includes a 50-megapixel JN5 front camera, a 50-megapixel IMX890 main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 50-megapixel JN5 2x telephoto lens. This quad-camera configuration is designed to capture high-quality images and videos, making it an attractive option for photography enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging
The Reno 12 series is powered by a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. The series also supports 80W fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge their devices. This feature is particularly beneficial for heavy users who need to keep their phones charged throughout the day.
Special Features
A standout feature of the Reno 12 series is its support for the Live Photo function on the Android platform. This feature addresses common issues with live photos on Android, offering a more seamless and enjoyable photography experience. The series also supports wireless Bluetooth calls, enabling users to make hands-free calls with ease.
The OPPO Reno 12 series marks a significant upgrade from its predecessors, offering a unique design, powerful performance, and advanced camera capabilities. The “four-curve soft-edge straight screen” design is likely to appeal to users who value both aesthetics and functionality. Additional features like the Live Photo function and wireless Bluetooth calls enhance the phone’s overall appeal, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a feature-rich smartphone. As the launch date approaches, tech enthusiasts and consumers are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the Reno 12 series firsthand.
Sony’s latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 VI, has made its grand entrance, boasting a plethora of features tailored to cater to photographers and audiophiles alike. Released on May 15, 2024, the Xperia 1 VI promises to deliver an exceptional user experience, blending cutting-edge technology with Sony’s renowned craftsmanship.
Design and Display
Crafted with a sleek glass back adorned with a “textural rear panel finish” for enhanced grip, the Xperia 1 VI exudes elegance and functionality. Available in three sophisticated shades – Khaki Green, Platinum Silver, and Black – the device features a durable metal frame and a dedicated shutter key, catering to photography enthusiasts. Moreover, with dimensions of 162 x 74 x 8.2mm and weighing just 192g, the Xperia 1 VI strikes a perfect balance between portability and comfort.
Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, the device ensures robust durability and resistance to scratches. Its 6.5-inch OLED display, boasting a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, captivates users with vibrant visuals and immersive viewing experiences. Despite a downgrade in resolution to FHD+ (1080 x 2340), the Xperia 1 VI’s screen offers improved brightness and features AI-driven enhancements for optimal contrast, color, and clarity. Additionally, its variable refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, guarantees seamless performance across various applications and activities.
Camera and Battery
The highlight of the Xperia 1 VI lies in its remarkable camera capabilities, particularly its 12MP telephoto lens, enabling users to zoom from 85mm to 170mm for unparalleled versatility. Complemented by a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP front-facing camera, the device excels in capturing stunning photographs and videos in any setting. Equipped with AI-driven autofocus and image processing technologies, the Xperia 1 VI ensures superior image quality and precision, making every shot a masterpiece.
In terms of battery life, the Xperia 1 VI impresses with its 5,000mAh battery, delivering up to two days of usage under typical conditions and up to 36 hours of continuous video playback. Enhanced by Xperia Adaptive Charging technology, the device prolongs battery lifespan while supporting wireless charging and reverse wireless charging functionalities, ensuring uninterrupted usage throughout the day.
Specs and Features
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Xperia 1 VI promises blazing-fast performance and ample storage for multitasking and multimedia consumption. Running on Android 14, the device guarantees seamless navigation and access to the latest features and updates.
Boasting a microSD card slot, a rarity among high-end handsets, the Xperia 1 VI offers expandable storage options for added convenience. Furthermore, with a commitment to three years of Android updates and four years of security patches, Sony ensures long-term reliability and security for its users.
Beyond its impressive hardware specifications, the Xperia 1 VI incorporates a host of software features tailored to enhance user experience. From an FPS optimizer for optimized gaming performance to advanced audio technologies such as High-Resolution Audio and LDAC support, the device caters to the diverse needs of modern consumers. Additionally, with its Music Pro feature leveraging AI to deliver studio-quality sound, the Xperia 1 VI redefines the audio experience on a smartphone.
In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 1 VI emerges as a powerhouse of innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with premium design aesthetics to deliver an unparalleled smartphone experience. With its focus on photography, audio excellence, and overall performance, the Xperia 1 VI stands poised to captivate users and elevate the standards of flagship smartphones in 2024 and beyond.
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