Saturday, December 9, 2023
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Xiaomi

Xiaomi Phone Buyer’s Guide

Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company that is known for its affordable and high-quality smartphones. Xiaomi phones are typically popular among budget-minded consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.As of October 2023, Xiaomi offers a variety of smartphones in different price ranges. Here is an overview of the key devices available from Xiaomi today:Xiaomi 13The Xiaomi 13 is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5MP telemacro sensor.The Xiaomi 13 is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price. It is especially well-suited for gamers and mobile photographers.Xiaomi 13 ProThe Xiaomi 13 Pro is a slightly more expensive alternative to the Xiaomi 13. It shares many of the same features as the base model, but it has a slightly larger 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a quad-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 5MP telemacro sensor, and a 5MP periscope telephoto sensor with 50x digital zoom.The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a good choice for users who want the most powerful and feature-rich Xiaomi smartphone available. It is especially well-suited for gamers, mobile photographers, and users who need a smartphone with a powerful zoom camera.Xiaomi 13 UltraThe Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the company’s ultra-premium flagship smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and comes with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a quad-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 5MP telemacro sensor, and a 5MP periscope telephoto sensor with 100x digital zoom.The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a good choice for users who want the best possible smartphone camera experience. It is also a good choice for power users who need the most powerful and feature-rich Xiaomi smartphone available.Xiaomi 12S UltraThe Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2022. It is still a great option for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP periscope telephoto sensor with 120x digital zoom.The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone with a great camera system. It is also a good choice for power users who need the most powerful Xiaomi smartphone available.Who is the target user for each Xiaomi device?Xiaomi 13: Power users, gamers, mobile photographersXiaomi 13 Pro: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers, users who need a smartphone with a powerful zoom cameraXiaomi 13 Ultra: Power users, mobile photographers, users who want the best possible smartphone camera experienceXiaomi 12S Ultra: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers

Xiaomi’s new fitness band costs just $40

Chinese smartphone manufacturer brand Xiaomi is quite famous for its fitness bands, the Smart band is Xiaomi’s most-selling fitness band around the world. Now, Xiaomi introduced its new Smart Band 8 feature-rich fitness band in the market which is a direct successor to the Mi Band 7. Design-wise, the latest band 8 is almost identical to the previous generation but the internals got some notable upgrades. The smart Band 8 retains the same 1.62-inch AMOLED screen with 600 nits of peak brightness and gets a new metallic design that looks attractive and premium. The screen has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top, protecting it from accidental falls and scratches. It has over 200+ watch faces, which means you get plenty of options to choose your watch face that matches your style. The fitness-focused smart band supports 150+ sports modes tracks data more efficiently and offers in-detailed insights. The pebble mode is a new addition that lets you attach the band to your shoe buckle. As for health features, Band 8 has 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Spo2 monitoring, sleep tracking, and more. It has a big 190mAh battery which easily lasts up to 7 days on a single charge and now it also supports fast charging tech which charges the band within an hour. It is rated at 5 ATM means you can go wild with the fitness band even in wet weather conditions. Despite the major upgrades, Xiaomi hasn’t hiked its pricing. The Xiaomi Band 8 is priced at $40/€39. Xiaomi offers a bunch of different material straps including TPU, leather straps, and metallic midframes for the band 8 which you have to buy separately. The Band 8 is now available for purchase via Xiaomi’s official website and other authorized resellers. 

I want to like this new Android phone, but there’s a big problem with it

The Xiaomi 13T Pro is faced with a legion of really excellent phones against which it has to compete, and as we found out in our review, that's a big problem.

Xiaomi’s newest wearables may make you want to ditch your Apple Watch

Xiaomi has launched two new wearable devices, the Watch 2 Pro and Smart Band 8. Here's a first look at the new smartwatch and fitness band.

Xiaomi introduced a new folding phone- The Mix Fold 3

Xiaomi unveiled its latest Gen 3 foldable smartphone- the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 in China at Xiaomi’s annual event. Just like its predecessor this latest book styled foldable is exclusively limited only to the Chinese markets. So considering it for competition makes no sense but yes the latest foldable do come with notable improvements which worthy of praise. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 stars at ¥8,999 (~$1240/ £980) in China. Powering the Mix Fold 3 foldable phone by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The same chipset found on Honor, Motorola (Razr+ Review), and Samsung’s latest foldable phones. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is the first foldable smartphone in the segment that features a quad rear camera setup with a 50MP wide lens, 12MP ultrawide lens, 10MP telephoto lens, and 10MP periscope style telephoto shooter. On the front, there’s a 20MP selfie camera. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 flaunts a stunning 8-inch Samsung E6 AMOLED main display with a 2160 x 1916p resolution and the cover display measures 6.56-inch comes with the same Samsung E6 AMOLED panel with 2,520 x 1080p resolution and up to 2600 nits of peak brightness. Both displays have 120Hz refresh rate support ensuring a smooth and fluid scrolling experience.Xiaomi achieved remarkable numbers for the Mix Fold 3- when folded, the Mix Fold 3 is just 10.86mm thick. The latest foldable is slimmer than the predecessor which measures 11.2mm, making it the slimmest book-style foldable phone. When it comes it foldable the thickness matters, Currently Honor’s Magic V2 is the only foldable smartphone that has the title of lightest and slimmest book style folding which measures just 9.9mm thick when folded.Xiaomi also upgrades the hinge to achieve the best possible slim design while folding. Moreover, Xiaomi added a new rod structure in the hinge improving durability and flexibility of the foldable phone.  Xiaomi says it’s been tested to withstand 500,000 folds which is 3x more than the Samsung Z Fold 5’s 200,000 folds.It packs a massive 4,800mAh battery with support for 67W fast wired charging support as well as 50W wireless charging. Unfortunately, there’s no IP rating for Mix Fold 3. However, its rival the Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with an IPX8 water resistance rating.

Xiaomi Plans to ‘Catch Up and Beat’ the iPhone Following Mix Fold 3 Announcement

Xiaomi founder and chief executive Lei Jun this week said that the company is using Apple's iPhone as a benchmark

Xiaomi rolls out a new variant of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G smartphone

Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 12 series smartphone earlier this year in the global markets. The Redmi Note 12 series is comprised of the Redmi  Note 12, Note 12 Pro, and Note 12 Pro+ 5G. And now Xiaomi introduced a new variant for the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G smartphone. Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G now comes in 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, starting at Rs 28,999 (~$349). The smartphone comes in Stardust Purple, Onyx Black, and Glacier Blue color options. You can purchase the latest variant via Xiaomi’s official website and other retailers. Let’s take a quick look at the specifications of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G.Also Read:- Xiaomi Note 12 Pro+ 5G ReviewPowering the Note 12 Pro 5G smartphone MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor based on 6nm architecture coupled with ARM Mali-G68 GPU, up to 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage variant. It runs on Andriod 13 based on MIUI 14 out of the box. The device houses a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging support. Image- Scott Webster/ AndroidguysFor optics, it features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP primary camera joined by 8MP ultrawide sensor and 2MP macro lens and there’s a 16MP selfie camera. The smartphone sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, and HDR10+ support. 

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 with Leica Quad Cameras to launch in August

A day before yesterday, one of the big players in the foldable market- Samsung unveiled its latest 5th Gen Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 foldable smartphones in the market. Almost every major brand which is in the foldable market announced their latest foldable smartphone and now Chinese leading smartphone company Xiaomi officially announced its latest foldable phone- Xiaomi MIX Fold 3, which will launch in China in August. Regarding its global availability, we can hope that this time Xiaomi will bring the MIX 3 Fold smartphone outside China. Xiaomi teased a poster of its upcoming MIX Foldable 3 smartphone confirming its collaboration with Leica a well-known camera brand. The  Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 will feature a Leica quad camera setup to achieve the best possible results in photography, though camera specs haven’t been revealed yet. Rumors of MIX Fold 3 already surfaced online that suggesting the device will feature a Sony IMX800 primary sensor paired with an ultrawide shooter and telephoto lens with a 3.2x optical zoom, and periscope telephoto lens with 5x zoom.  According to rumors, the MIX Fold 3 will sport an 8.02-inch AMOLED QHD+ 120Hz inner display and a 6.56-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz cover display. The smartphone is said to feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. The device is expected to feature a 4,800mAh battery with support for 67W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging support. That is everything we know so far about the upcoming Xiaomi MIX Fold 3. As time passes more details will emerge, stay tuned with us for the latest updates. 

Xiaomi Pad 6 review: Should you buy it?

If you're after both value and grunt in an Android tablet, it's hard to look away from the Xiaomi Pad

Xiaomi Pad 6 – designed for effective work and more entertainment

Xiaomi has released a new device, the Xiaomi Pad 6 in a bid to ensure that business professionals find multi-tasking easier. At the same time, professionals can enjoy their entertainment any time they deem fit.Xiaomi announced the release, specs and features on its global online platform as this device is meant for the international market.Introducing Xiaomi Pad 6For a quick look, the device features an 11-inch WQHD+, having 2880 x 1800 display. The 309 ppi delivers sharp, clear images. It is powered by Snapdragon 870 which ensures powerful performance throughout the day. The battery is a large 8840mAh which enables the user to quickly switch between open applications.See Also: Xiaomi Pad 6 goes official in IndiaImprove your productivity at workIt is a high performance tablet built meet the needs of professionals who are busy all-round the working week. The MIUI for pad software helps to meet this need. Other good stuffs are the upgraded Xiaomi Pad Smart Pen (2nd Gen), Pad 6keyboard. In case you need to activate small font sizes that are easy to read, the device display’s higher pixel density enables it.Video calls and microphonesXiaomi Pad 6 has a centered ultra-wide front camera with FocusFrame function that automatically adjusts the camera so the user could focus on the middle of the shot. There are four microphones included so that the user’s voice will sound loud enough and significantly reduces background noise in busy locations like airports, cafes, and others.Xiaomi Pad 6 makes entertainment betterThe user can watch videos or join gaming on social media and still view the experience as an entertainment center that offers amazing visual experience. It’s Dolby Vision, DCI-P3 color gamut enables for bright compelling images and the display refresh rate of 144Hz offers fluid gaming experience. Users can also enjoy the Low Blue Light ensures that hours of viewing will not harm the eyes.Price & availabilityXiaomi Pad is available starting today. It is available in three colors of gravity gray, gold and mist blue. The 6GB+128GB price starts from EUR 399, while the 8GB+128GB starts from EUR 429. However, the 8GB+256GB starts from EUR 449.

Xiaomi Pad 6 goes official in India

Xiaomi India brings the Successor to the Xiaomi Pad 5- the Xiaomi Pad 6 which was announced in April in China and now it goes official in Indian markets. Notably, the Pad 6 gets major upgrades in terms of design, camera, and battery performance over its predecessor. Xiaomi also launched the Redmi Buds 4 Active TWS earbuds alongside Xiaomi Pad 6. Let’s take a look at the specifications and pricing of the Xiaomi Pad 6. Xiaomi Pad 6 comes in two variants options in India- the base 6GB + 128GB model costs Rs 26,999 while the 8GB + 256GB retails at ₹28,999 and the sale begins from June 21 via Mi.com, Amazon, and other retail stores. The Pad 6 accessories such as the Xiaomi keyboard, Xiaomi smart pen second generation, and Xiaomi Pad 6 smart cover kicks off at ₹4,999, ₹5,999, and ₹1,499 respectively. Xiaomi Pad 6 flaunts an 11-inch 2.8K resolution display with a 144Hz variable refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support. It has a corning gorilla Glass protection on top, protecting it from accidental falls and scratches. For optics, it has a 13MP single rear camera at the back and an 8MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats. Under the hood, the Pad 6 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. The tablet runs on Android 13 based on MIUI 14 out of the box. You’ll get a massive 8840mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging tech. Other highlights of the Pad 6 include quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support, Xiaomi Keyboard, and Smart Pen support.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra goes official in Hong Kong, to launch in Europe on June 12

Xiaomi finally launched its most advanced camera-centric Xiaomi 13 Ultra smartphone in collaboration with Leica (The brand is very famous for advancing mobile imaging Technology) in Hong Kong. It was introduced in China back in April now the smartphone make its debut internationally with the Hong Kong launch and Xiaomi revealed, Xioami 13 Ultra will launch on June 12 in the European markets.  The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a new member of the Xiaomi 13 flagship series smartphones. Xiaomi 13 Ultra kicks off at HKD 8,999 (~$1148) for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The smartphone will be available in three beautiful color options- Olive Green, Black, and White. Pre-orders for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra start tomorrow i.e. June 8 and the smartphone will start shipping from June 13 in Hong Kong.Xiaomi’s this latest smartphone offers a professional camera experience no matter what are the conditions and delivers outstanding photography results. Xiaomi and Leica pack a Summicron Lens in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offers high imaging performance. Let’s have a look at the specifications and pricing of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra smartphone.Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a Quad camera system at back with Leica’s customized optical lens covering focal lengths. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra has an ultra-large 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera with a two-step aperture switching between f/1.9 and f/4.0, Hyper OIS, EIS, and 8P Lens support. The primary lens is paired with a 50MP Ultrawide shooter (with a focal length of 12mm), a 50MP super-telephoto lens (with 120mm focal lengths), and a 50MP telephoto lens with 75MM focal length. In addition to that, there are also 46mm and 240mm lengths through the In-sensor-Zoom. The camera has the ability to offer users more freedom in customizing the exposure settings based on different scenarios. It has a 32MP under-display snapper for selfies and video chats. The device is capable enough to record stable 4K 60fps video recording without frame rate drop due to temperature. Under the hood, the device is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor which adopts 4nm process technology paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The smartphone inherits Xiaomi’s self-developed Loop LiquidCool technology which ensures equivalent thermal conductivity of more than three times that of traditional VCs and heat dissipation capacity exceeds 10W.In terms of design, Xiaomi 13 Ultra boasts the classic look of Leica’s M camera series and it has a big circular camera module embedded with a unibody metal frame and leather texture finish. The leathery back finish design offers a more secure grip and resists smudges and fingerprints, and it has a second-generation antibacterial nanotech silicone coating and its bacterial inhibition rate can reach as high as 99% which the brand claims are nearly suitable for any environment. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra flaunts a 6.73-inch Pro Grade WQHD+ AMOLED curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2600 nits of peak brightness. The smartphone has Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support which offers an immersive viewing experience, vivid colors, and astonishing brightness and contrasts. It has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top. The device boots Andriod 13 based on MIUI 14 out of the box and it weighs 227 grams. Xiaomi packs a big 5,000mAh battery in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with 90W fast charging tech. Xiaomi also added a new Hibernation Mode in the device which automatically detects the low battery and limits background activities and extends battery life up to 60 minutes. 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ review

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is true powerhouse of a phone with cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. The latest in Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series pretty much sets a new standard for mid-range smartphones. From its sleek design to its stunning display, versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery life, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a device that seamlessly blends style with substance. Seriously, whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a multitasker, or a gamer, this smartphone caters to your every need. Do not be fooled by the price tag.Read on to learn more about what I thought of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.Design: A Blend of Elegance and DurabilityXiaomi does a fantastic job of walking the line between elegance and durability; the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ stands out in a crowded market.The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is both sleek and sophisticated in its design. Its glass back panel with a gradient finish and a robust metal frame offer a premium look and feel. My Sky Blue review unit was gorgeous, dancing in sunlight, almost requiring a closer inspection.The placement of physical buttons and fingerprint sensor is ergonomic and comfortable. It’s not as if they are in an unusual position, but they do feel “right” with their placement. Display: Immersive Visuals that MesmerizeThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts a captivating display. With its 6.67-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED panel, you’ll be treated to stunning visuals with vibrant colors, sharp details, and impressive contrast levels. Browsing photos, streaming videos, and playing games all look terrific on the display of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers an immersive experience that brings content to life.One of the standout features of the display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which means smooth and fluid animations. Every swipe and scroll feels responsive and buttery. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s display also supports HDR10+ technology, enabling a wider color gamut and better contrast for more lifelike visuals. HDR content appears more vibrant and detailed, with richer colors and deeper blacks, bringing out the finer nuances in movies, videos, and games. And when it comes to checking out your photos, well, that’s even more fun.The display offers excellent brightness levels, making it easily readable even under bright sunlight. As we spend more time out in the sun over the next few months the last thing we want to do is seek out shade so we can read a few quick texts.To protect the display from scratches and accidental drops, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ features Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The durable and robust glass adds an extra layer of protection yet doesn’t compromise visual clarity.Software: MIUI Delivers a Feature-Packed ExperienceThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers a feature-packed software experience with its MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom user interface. Designed to enhance user productivity and provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, the software offers up a ton of customization options and system-wide enhancements, but also a plethora of pre-installed apps and services.Customization and ThemesMIUI allows users to personalize their Redmi Note 12 Pro+ according to their own unique tastes. With a seemingly endless supply of themes, wallpapers, and icon packs to choose from, users can give their device a truly personalized look. The ability to customize the layout, font size, and icon styles further enhances the user’s ability to tailor the interface to their liking.System-Wide Dark ModeLet’s face it, we’re pretty much all-in on dark mode with apps on our devices these days. One of the standout features of MIUI is its system-wide dark mode. This mode not only enhances visual comfort during low-light conditions but also helps conserve battery life on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. By applying a dark color scheme across the entire interface, users can enjoy a more immersive experience and reduce eye strain. Pre-installed Apps and ServicesFor better or worse, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ comes with a comprehensive set of pre-installed apps and services. Designed to add value to your smartphone experience, some users simply refer to this as bloatware and get to uninstalling right away. From productivity tools such as file managers, note-taking apps, and weather applications to entertainment apps like music and video players, users have a range of options readily available at their fingertips. If you haven’t settled on a favorite app for these types of things, then you might like what’s on offer. But for the vast majority of us who have taken to specifics, (often from Google), you might feel as if there’s quite a bit of redundancy here.To be clear, there are quite a few additional titles installed ahead of time, each of which can be removed. Present on my review unit were AliExpress, Crazy Juicer, Dust Settle, Jewels Blast, LinkedIn, Netflix, QEEQ, Solitaire, TikTok, Tile Fun, and others.Multitasking and ProductivityThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a range of features to enhance multitasking and productivity. MIUI supports split-screen mode, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously, making it easier to multitask and access information from multiple sources. Additionally, the device incorporates a floating window feature, enabling users to use certain apps in a smaller window while performing other tasks. Some of these features are pretty nifty to have once you get used to them. Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Google introduce a little more of this in the Pixel experience. MIUI provides a smart assistant that offers personalized recommendations, quick access to frequently used apps, and a convenient search function. It can also provide relevant information, suggest actions, and daily routines. Again, if you have not settled on Google Assistant as your go-to in this area, I can see how one might appreciate what Xiaomi does.Performance: Powerhouse Performance for MultitaskingPowered by the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset, the handset delivers exceptional performance and responsiveness.With 8GB of RAM, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ ensures seamless multitasking and smooth app transitions. As one might exepect juggling multiple applications, running graphics-intensive games, or editing photos and video don’t prove to be a challenge. In the time I’ve spent with the phone I’ve found it to be a lag-free and fluid experience.The powerful Mali-G68 GPU and CPU combination ensure smooth gameplay, with high frame rates and detailed graphics. Paired with the display, it’s a lot of fun to play games on this so-called mid-range phone.The phone offers ample storage space at 256GB, allowing you to store pretty much all of the apps, photos, videos, and files you might need without worrying about running out of space. The fingerprint reader is located in the right side with the power button and is really quick to respond. I will always hold my phone the same way but I don’t always pick it up the same. That’s probably why I am starting really like it when manufacturers employ this option.Camera: Versatile and PreciseThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ really shines when it comes to its camera capabilities. It’s a versatile and feature-rich photography experience that comes from a triple-camera setup with advanced imaging smarts. At the heart of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s camera system lies a 200MP primary sensor. This high-resolution sensor captures exceptional detail, enabling users to zoom in or crop images without compromising quality. Time and again I found it produces sharp and vibrant images with excellent dynamic range. One of the main reasons I tend to carry two phones with me when reviewing is because I always defer to my Pixel for photos. For years it was the safe bet for point and shoot with minimal effort and nearly zero retouching. Things have certainly changed as of late and handsets like this make me think twice about dealing with a secondary device.Images stored on Google Photos have resized but otherwise untouchedThe 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens expands the field of view, allowing users to capture breathtaking landscapes, group photos, and architectural shots. With its wide-angle perspective, users can fit more into the frame and unleash their creativity, creating visually stunning compositions. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s ultra-wide-angle lens adds depth and dimension to photographs, enhancing their overall impact.In addition to the primary and ultra-wide-angle lenses, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is equipped with a dedicated 2-megapixel sensor for macro photography and depth sensing. The macro sensor enables users to capture intricate details up close, such as the delicate petals of a flower or the texture of an object. The depth sensor enhances portrait photography, allowing for excellent subject separation and bokeh effects, resulting in professional-looking portraits with pleasing background blur. And my favorite part is that I don’t have to use the portrait mode to do it.The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to automatically detect and optimize settings based on the scene being captured. This feature ensures that each photo is well-balanced, with accurate colors and optimal exposure. Whether it’s a landscape, food, or a sunset, the handset does a great job of recognizing the scene and adjusts the settings to capture the best, most true-to-life shot.Battery: All-Day Power and Fast ChargingThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers remarkable battery life with its 5,000mAh battery capacity. The phone easily gets through a full day of moderate to heavy usage with juice to spare. Additionally, the device comes with a 120W HyperCharge charger for downright ridiculous charging speeds. Plug in for a few minutes anywhere along your day and you’ll more than certainly add hours of life to the phone.Parting ThoughtsThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ lives up to its reputation as a power-packed smartphone that excels in multiple areas. Its elegant design, immersive display, feature-rich software, robust performance, and long-lasting battery life make it a strong contender in its price range. Not only do I like the camera, I trust it. Color, accuracy, brightness, and all of the other things that make for a great camera are present here. Sure, 200-megapixel might sound like a gimmick, and pixels don’t really matter in the scheme of things, but this is one of the first devices in a long time that’s given me serious pause for consideration.The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers exceptional value for money, catering to users seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone. The price point puts it in a crowded space but I have no reservations recommending the phone for folks looking to change things up. As much as I love the Pixel series and its take on Android, I have come to dig the MIUI experience and its wide range of customization. I know it’s not for everyone, and I get that some may have reservations about buying a device that’s not as readily accessible. With that said, if you live in a market where the Xiaomi brand is easy to get your hands on, you’d be wise to consider the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for your next handset.

POCO F5 Pro review: Premium extras at an affordable price

Wireless charging and a QHD+ screen for under £600? What's the catch?

Xiaomi 13 Ultra Limited Edition Custom Color Variants announced

Xiaomi finally launched its most advanced camera-centric Xiaomi 13 Ultra smartphone in collaboration with Leica (The brand is very famous for advancing mobile imaging Technology) at the 13 Ultra’s launch event, and Xiaomi also introduced its new Mi Band 8 smart band, Xiaomi TV master Mini LED 86-inch and Xiaomi Pad 6 alongside the smartphone. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a new member in the Xiaomi 13 flagship series smartphones. Xiaomi’s best camera smartphone Xiaomi 13 Ultra initially launched with three color options- Olive Green, Black, and White and now the Xiaomi 13 Ultra gets three more color options including Starry Sky Blue, Ginkgo Yellow, and Chixia Orange. These Limited Edition Custom color variants will be available in a sole 16GB + 512GB model option and are priced at ¥6,499. Pre-orders for these three new custom color variants will start from May 6 in China via Xiaomi’s official website and one thing to keep in mind it will available in Limited quantities. Xiaomi’s this latest smartphone offers a professional camera experience no matter the conditions, it delivers outstanding photography results. Xiaomi and Leica pack a Summicron Lens in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offers high imaging performance. Let’s have a look at the specifications and pricing of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra smartphone. Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a Quad camera system at the back with Leica’s customized optical lens covering focal lengths. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra has an ultra-large 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera with a two-step aperture switching between f/1.9 and f/4.0, Hyper OIS, EIS, and 8P Lens support. The primary lens is paired with a 50MP Ultrawide shooter (with a focal length of 12mm), a 50MP super-telephoto lens (with 120mm focal lengths), and a 50MP telephoto lens with 75MM focal length. In addition to that, there are also 46mm and 240mm lengths through the In-sensor-Zoom. The camera has the ability to offer users more freedom in customizing the exposure settings based on different scenarios. It has a 32MP under-display snapper for selfies and video chats. The device is capable enough to record stable 4K 60fps video recording without frame rate drop due to temperature. Under the hood, the device is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor which adopts 4nm process technology paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The smartphone inherits Xiaomi’s self-developed Loop LiquidCool technology which ensures equivalent thermal conductivity of more than three times that of traditional VCs and heat dissipation capacity exceeds 10W.In terms of design, Xiaomi 13 Ultra boasts the classic look of Leica’s M camera series and it has a big circular camera module embedded with a unibody metal frame and leather texture finish. The leathery back finish design offers a more secure grip and resists smudges and fingerprints, and it has a second-generation antibacterial nanotech silicone coating and its bacterial inhibition rate can reach as high as 99% which the brand claims are nearly suitable for any environment. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra flaunts a 6.73-inch Pro Grade WQHD+ AMOLED curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2600 nits of peak brightness. The smartphone has Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support which offers an immersive viewing experience, vivid colors, and astonishing brightness and contrasts. It has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top. The device boots Andriod 13 based on MIUI 14 out of the box and it weighs 227 grams. Xiaomi packs a big 5,000mAh battery in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with 90W fast charging tech. Xiaomi also added a new Hibernation Mode in the device which automatically detects the low battery and limits background activities and extends battery life up to 60 minutes. Xiaomi 13 Ultra comes in three variant options in China- the 12/256GB starts at RMB 5,999 (~$870), the 16/512GB variant costs RMB 6,499 (~$943) and the 16/1TB variant is priced at RMB 7,299 (~$1059). Source

I tested 2 of the year’s best camera phones — it was brutal

Does Leica or Zeiss, two big names from the camera world, make the best smartphone camera? We try the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Vivo X90 Pro to find out.