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Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Review

A WORTHY COMPETITOR

HOW DOES IT FEEL OUT OF THE BOX?

Once again Xiaomi took the Indian market by storm with the launch of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 on January 19. Xiaomi is selling three variants of the Redmi Note 4 in India: the base model has 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage for just Rs. 9,999, then there’s a variant with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage for Rs. 10,999, and the top model is the one with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage, which is priced Rs. 12,999. We have received the top variant of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 for a review.

The Redmi Note 4 comes with a premium metal unibody finish. It has a solid build and feels good when you hold it. Compared to Redmi Note 3, both the device look exactly same, with slightly different curves and flat edges. Despite the flat edges, the corners don’t feel sharp in the hand. At 165g, the device feels lighter than many other 5.5-inch smartphones in this range. The phone adds a decent thickness to it. In my case, the slightly curved back and a texture make the device less slippery and comfortable to hold with one hand.

On the back, the rear camera module is located in the top center of the device, with the dual tone flash placed horizontally below it followed by the fingerprint scanner. On the bottom end of the back, you will find the Mi logo and an antenna strip. The speaker grill moved towards the bottom of the device beside microUSB slot.

Unlike the back, the front bears a very minimalistic look. A bigger 5.5-inch full HD (1920×1080 pixels) display sits in the middle and the three backlit touch capacitive buttons below it. Above the display, there is a speaker grill along with the front camera, ambient light, proximity sensors and the notification RGB LED. The Silver and the Gold color variants have the matching colored front which might be a distraction to you (atleast that distracts me), I would suggest opting for the Dark Grey color variant which has an all-black front.

HOW DOES IT PERFORM?

The Redmi Note 4 has an excellent spec for a phone of its price and screen size. It is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor and 4GB of RAM, the device was able to handle most of the task and games with a breeze. Daily tasks never show any hiccups, including multitasking. The overall performance felt close to a premium device and the processor, which is a 64-bit chip from Qualcomm proved to be quite good. There is no stutter in the UI anywhere, no frame drops, no jerking: it just works and continues working even with 40 apps installed. 3D games run very well too, we didn’t notice any performance or major heating issues when playing games such as Real Racing 3 and Modern Combat 4.

The device runs on MIUI 8, the latest version of Xiaomi’s operating system based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, although an update to Android 7.0 Nougat is currently in the works and available in beta version. There’s Dual Apps feature available, which lets you run two instances of the same apps. This means it allow you to run two WhatsApp or Twitter accounts on the same phone, which is not otherwise possible.

Call quality and network connectivity are flawless on the device and even the loudspeaker is pretty decent. It also supports all 4G networks in India. Despite the decent slim profile, the Redmi Note 4 packs in a 4,100 mAh battery, which can last a whole day on single charge.

HOW IS THE CAMERA

The phone’s 13-megapixel BSI CMOS camera is quick and delivers clear and crisp shots in most conditions. In outdoor shots, colors look accurate and the image doesn’t lose its crispness while zooming or viewed on a bigger screen. Even in low-light shots, colors look good and the amount of blur is minimal. Overall, it is an impressive camera with plenty of filters and camera modes such as time lapse, beauty and mode. The 5-megapixel front camera takes decent selfies, mostly impresses with its clarity and color reproduction. The images recognition function works fine and it also predicts the age of the person which is a nice addition. The low light performance of the smartphone is good but needs a little improvement on sensors.

RATINGS: 90/100

PRICED: ₹ 12,999/-VERDICT

The Redmi Note 4 offers a great specification and performance. It is a complete package that delivers best user experience and a large storage space of 64GB. In the price range of 13K, it is the best device you can go for.

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Corning collaborated with Micromax to incorporate Gorilla Glass for its Vdeo smartphones

http://www.thetechy.com/corning-micromax-incorporate-gorilla-glass/

Corning has collaborated with Micromax to incorporate Corning Gorilla Glass for its “value segment” Vdeo smartphones. Value-segment smartphone category ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 has the second largest smartphone market according to the recent poll.

“Value-segment smartphone customers typically spend a significant portion of their income buying a device,” said John Bayne, vice president and general manager, Corning Gorilla Glass. “Many of these first-time smartphone users simply cannot afford to repair or to replace a damaged device. That’s why it’s essential to protect these devices with a material such as tough, damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.”

The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 enhanced scratch resistance and reduced scratch visibility, incase scratch occurs. Formed using Corning’s fusion draw process, Gorilla Glass 3 also provides a smooth and sleek surface perfect for touchscreen devices. However, it’s worth mentioning that other popular smartphone brands already use the Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Bayne added, “For all mobile phone consumers, their device is critical. It is often the most valuable thing they carry on their person every day and something they use not just to communicate but, in many cases, as their primary access to information. We are thrilled that Micromax – one of India’s premier device manufacturers – has designed Gorilla Glass into its Vdeo smartphones to give value-segment users the protection that they not only need, but they deserve. This level of performance is not possible with other material options.”

“It is important for the entire ecosystem to come together to deliver a compelling and complete solution to consumer needs. With the Micromax Vdeo range we have broken the perception that a durable, high-quality display is limited to premium devices,” said Shubhajit Sen, chief marketing officer, Micromax. “We believe our continued collaboration with Corning will help propel adoption of smart phones with consumers in the value segment.”

Micromax’s Vdeo range of smartphones is fully loaded with best-in-class features including 4G VoLTE, Android Marshmallow, great battery performance, HD display and housed in a premium and stylish metal body.

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HERE’S THE MERCEDES-MAYBACH G650 LANDAULET AND ONLY 99 WILL BE MADE

http://www.thewheelz.com/2017/02/16/heres-mercedes-maybach-g650-landaulet-99-will-made/

The Mercedes Benz G-Class is on its way out and the German carmaker certainly wanted to send it off in style. And it may be surprising to many to see that Mercedes-Maybach was chosen as the ones to create that celebratory piece that will bid the G-Class its goodbye. Mercedes-Maybach is known for their luxurious barges on wheels and not for prepping up off-road juggernauts. But the end result is shockingly good and is more than worthy enough to be seated alongside the G63 AMG 6×6 and G500 4×4 Squared. Greet the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet – the first off-roader and the fifth vehicle to be produced by the revived Maybach division of Mercedes Benz.

Only 99 examples of this massive, super-luxury off-roader will be made. Powered by a biturbo 6.0-liter V12 engine from AMG, the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet has 630bhp of power and 1000Nm of torque. Ample enough to not just ride up the hill, but to relocate the whole mountain if it fancies so. 100 per cent differential locks, a low off-road ratio transfer case and similar portal axles as the G63 AMG 6×6 and G500 4×4 Squared are in place to validate the fact that this machine is not just meant to be parked in the parking lot of the biggest casinos in the Middle East and Europe. This bad boy is a serious off-roader by all means. The 450mm ground clearance and those huge 325/55 R22 wheels shout that fact out to those who have questions on Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet’s world-conquering capabilities.

Now comes the part where Mercedes-Maybach really got down to proving how good they are in making cars more luxurious than the mansions in Abu Dhabi. The first half of the roof which is above the driver and front passenger is hardtop. But the rear passengers are protected from the environment by a retractable fabric roof which when dropped down gives the occupants a relaxing and above all enjoyable open cockpit experience. The rear seats are the same as those seen in an S-Class, complete with reclining feature and a host of massaging features including a hot-stone massage. You also get a calf rest, thermal cup holders and two tables which fold out of the center console. And yes, individual infotainment displays are also there for the rear passengers to dive into when the scenery outside gets less interesting.

The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet will be available in four different shades with three different rear roof colors to choose from. Prices and more details will be revealed when the luxury off-roader makes it official world debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

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PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER AND CAYMAN LAUNCHED IN INDIA

http://www.thewheelz.com/2017/02/15/porsche-718-boxster-and-cayman-launched-in-india/

German luxury carmaker, Porsche today launched the new 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman in India at a price of Rs 85.53 lakh (ex showroom, New Delhi) and Rs 81.63 lakh (ex showroom, New Delhi) respectively. The last generation Boxster and Cayman were powered by a 3.6-litre petrol engine whereas these new variants get a new 2.0-litre turbocharged motor.The new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is good enough for 300PS of power and 370Nm of torque and the car is mated to a 7-speed PDK transmission. 0-100 acceleration can be achieved in 4.7 seconds.Speaking at the launch of the cars was Pavan Shetty, Director Porsche India. He commented, “The re-launched Cayman and Boxster are the sportiest of all time. It is remarkable how Porsche engineers have evolved the 718 concept to produce such outstanding increases in power and torque from the newly designed four cylinder engine, whilst managing substantial improvements in efficiency.”

Price wise, the new Porsches compete with the Mustang and the Audi TT and it would be interesting to see how they fare out against each other in a comprehensive road test. The joy of roof down motoring can be quite a delightful experience and the Porsche 718 Boxster is now another add to the convertibles that you can buy in India. Read out feature on convertible cars in India here.

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APRILIA SR150 RACE SPECIAL EDITION LAUNCHED IN INDIA

http://www.thewheelz.com/2017/02/16/aprilia-sr150-race-special-edition-launched-india/

Have you made up your mind to buy the Aprilia SR150? Consider shelling out an additional Rs. 3,088 over the standard version’s Rs. 67,200 (ex-showroom, Mumbai) price tag and you’ll get to ride home on a special edition of the sporty scoot from the Italian two-wheeler manufacturer. Bearing the badge which reads Aprilia SR150 Race, the limited edition model comes finished in a shade of grey and is decked up in the company’s MotoGP team livery.

The red and green body graphics are inspired by sticker job on Aprilia’s RS-GP race bike. They have also given a red finish to some of the components on the SR150 Race, the rear shock absorber being a good example. The front brake caliper is finished in gold which lends the scooter a sportier character. 14-inch “Fluo Rosso” red alloy wheels come as standard and a race boom exhaust is available as an option. Aprilia has taken the time to add something more than the visual gimmicks to make the SR150 Race more special. So the 154.8cc single-cylinder engine now comes with an acceleration enhancement kit for a little bit of additional zing. The CVT gearbox has received some tuning too, which translates to better acceleration.

Priced at Rs. 70,288 (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the Aprilia SR150 Race is in fact a better option to turn to when compared with the standard version. After all, it’s one of those rare special editions which offer the go with the show.

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Asus GTX 1050Ti 4GB OC – Review

http://www.thetechy.com/asus-gtx-1050ti-4gb-oc-review/

A BUDGET POWER HOUSE

HOW DOES IT FEEL OUT OF THE BOX?

Most of the Asus Graphics card sports Owl face from the front, and the Strix is an owl. But with the Asus 1050 Ti Strix, they went with the common design which doesn’t feel like owl anymore. If you are more concerned with Asus Owl design, you might have to take a look at other Asus Graphics Card. ASUS has completely changed the looks of the cooler for the GeForce 10th generation, giving it a simple look that relies on RGB LED’s to provide color. On the back of the card, you will find a sturdy metal blackplate that will protect components from being exposed.

Connectivity-wise, it offers two DVI ports, one HDMI 2.0 port and one DisplayPort 1.2 which enables support for4K @ 120 Hz and 5K @ 60 Hz or 8K @ 60 Hz with two cables. Simultaneously, you can use all four ports for multi-monitor setup.

The Asus GTX 1050 Ti are built around a new NVIDIA Pascal-based GPU. NVIDIA decision to go with a 128-bit wide memory bus to make it affordable. GTX 1050 is manufactured on Samsung 14nm FinFET process node, that means it comprised of 3.3 billion transistors in a die size measuring only 135mm.

HOW DOES IT PERFORM?

Now it’s time to reveal the performance of the new budget-friendly Graphics card. Although it’s an entry-level GTX 1000-series graphic card, it was able to pull some high-end GPU intensive games very well. We put Asus GTX 1050 Ti Strix into test by playing graphics intensive and popular games like Battlefield 1, The Division and GTA V. From the test result, we able to play Battlefield 1 at ultra setting with average 60fps, The Division at ultra setting with average 52fps and GTA V at high setting with average 75fps.

After benchmark, we can say that it performed quite well considering the price tag of the graphics card available in the market. Also, Asus Graphics Card GTX 1050 Ti is Overclock capable, that can increase the performance more than the stock speed.

SPECS:

Graphic processor: GP107 Transistors: 3300M Memory size: 4GB Memory type: GDDR5 Memory bus width: 128 bit Core clock: 1290 MHz+ Memory clock: 1752 MHz

RATING: 70/100PRICE: ₹ 16,500/-VERDICT:

The ASUS GTX 1050 Ti Strix performed relatively well throughout our testing, considering the affordable price points. If you are in the market for the latest and the greatest budget gaming cards, you should probably consider Asus GTX 1050 Ti 4GB OC over other budget Graphics cards.

WE RECOMMEND THIS GRAPHICS CARD TO THOSE GAMERS WHO ARE ON A TIGHT BUDGET.

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Krudul Duo by Brainwavz Audio Launches in India

http://www.thetechy.com/krudul-duo-brainwavz-audio-launches-india/

Brainwavz introduced Krudul Duo, an earphone accessory made in two individual parts; Krudul Monitor and Krudul Vertical, is used to store earphones in an inventive and creative way.

Krudul Duo is designed specifically as an earphone management system, to allow convenient storage of earphones right by your monitor, desk space or workstation. Made from die-cast aluminum, the Krudul Duo attaches onto surfaces using a 3M VHB, a strong double-sided acrylic foam tape making the Krudul Duo a trusty and dependable earphone hanging solution. These accessories are designed to keep your earphones safe and tangle-free.

KRUDUL-MONITOR:

Krudul Monitor sticks behind a monitor or vertical back surface area, so users can hang their earphones nearby your workstation, keeping your space clean and tidy and your earphones safe and secure.

FEATURES:

Self-adhesive

All-Metal

Sleek and stylish

Convenient, Tangle-Free Storage

SPECIFICATIONS: (MONITOR)

Weight: 32 g

Width: 86 mm

Depth: 50 mm

3M VHB Tape

KRUDUL-VERTICAL:

Krudul Vertical can be stuck on any vertical surfaces to allowing safe and secure earphone storage. Krudul Vertical can be used in house or even in your car to store your earphones efficiently.

FEATURES:

Self-adhesive

All-Metal

Sleek and stylish

Convenient, Tangle-Free Storage

Attaches anywhere

SPECIFICATIONS: (VERTICAL)

Weight: 33 g

Width: 32 mm

Height: 60 mm

3M VHB Tape

The Krudul Monitor and Vertical are priced at Rs. 1199 and it comes with a 2-year warranty. Currently, it is available at Brainwavzaudio.in and on Amazon.in

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http://www.thetechy.com/zte-blade-a2-plus-launched-exclusively-flipkart/

ZTE Blade A2 Plus launched exclusively with Flipkart, goes on sale from February 7, 2017.

ZTE has finally launched the much anticipated Blade A2 Plus at Rs.11,999 and will go on sale from February 6 exclusively on Flipkart. It comes with a massive 5000 mAh battery and a full-HD display(1080X1920).

Talking about the ZTE Blade A2 Plus, Sachin Batra,CMO, ZTE India Terminal said “ZTE has established high-trust and credibility of consumers and clients globally through its path breaking innovation, customization and high-quality services. We are committed to establish ZTE in the Indian market by launching innovative products at disruptive prices to connect with the consumers”.

It comes with a 13 MP rear shooter which can capture full HD videos and a 8 MP front camera. The Blade A2 Plus runs Android 6.0 Marshmellow out of the box and the company claims that on a full charge the massive 5000 mAh battery will be good enough for 22 hours of talktime. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek MT6750T processor clocked at a speed of 1.5GHz coupled with 4GB RAM and Mali T860 GPU for the graphics. With VoLTE integrated, Blade A2 Plus will support higher quality calls and will connect calls much faster than a traditional GSM or CDMA call. It has a built-in 32GB internal memory storage, which can be expanded via dedicated microSD card slot.

Specs and price wise, the ZTE Blade A2 plus will directly compete with the Asus Zenfone 3S max which is launching on February 7 in India. Stay tuned to thetechy.com for a detailed review of the same.

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HTC 10 Evo now available in India for Rs. 48,990/-

HTC launched its new top-end smartphones, the HTC 10 in India. The HTC 10 Evo features a 5.5-inch QHD Display with latest Corning gorilla Glass 5 and runs Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box. The smartphones feature a metal unibody and come with IP57 certified water, splash and dust resistant.

The HTC 10 Evo is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM. It also packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded via. microSD card. The smartphone supports HTC BoomSound Adaptive Audio. As far as Camera are concerned, the HTC 10 Evo packs a 16MP camera with OIS(Optical Image Stabilization) and a 8MP front camera for selfies.

One of the biggest features of HTC 10 Evo is it packs USB Type-C “dual adaptive” earphones that tailor the sound to your ears’ unique hearing abilities for a truly illuminating audio experience.

Making the announcement, Mr. Faisal Siddiqui, President-South Asia, HTC said, “I am confident that the HTC 10 Evo with its attractive pricing coupled with sophisticated style and technology features will be popular with the discerning Indian smartphone buyer. Inspired by light this big screen entertainer will keep you engaged throughout along with the next generation audio technology and professional level control to give you the best of photos and selfies at all times.”

The HTC 10 Evo runs the latest Android 7.0 Nougat and is powered by non-removable 3200 mAh battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge support. The HTC 10 Evo is priced at INR 48,990 and available in Cast Iron and Pearl Gold colors.

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Asus Zenfone 3S Max Launched in India at Rs 14,999

Asus has launched the Zenfone 3S Max in India at Rs 14,999. The Zenfone 3S Max will be available from 7th of February across all retail outlets and e-commerce portals.Powering the 3s Max is a 1.5 GHz octa-core processor coupled with 3 gigs of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory which can be extended further with a micro-SD card. At the rear are a 13-megapixel shooter and a 8 MP camera at the front. Both the cameras have decent performance and nothing extraordinary to talk about. What this phone focuses on is a strong battery life and good looks in the budget space. It comes with a 1.5-Ghz Octa-core MediaTek MT6750 with Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box and a custom Asus ZenUI 3.0 skin.Commenting on the launch, Peter Chang, Region Head – South Asia & Country Manager for ASUS India said, “The dependence on smartphones in today’s fast-paced world has increased multi-fold. Their role has moved beyond being simple communication devices to being the preferred medium for entertainment, internet browsing, shopping, travel and accessing social media. An extended battery life is extremely crucial to support the users’ 24/7 smartphone usage. The all-new Zenfone 3S Max has a powerful battery, along with tasteful aesthetics and superb camera making it well-suited for the needs of today’s users.”http://www.thetechy.com/asus-zenfone-3s-max-launched-india/

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Intex launches three new smartphones in India

Intex has launched three new smartphones called Aqua 4.0 4G, Aqua Crystal, and Aqua Supreme+. Aqua 4.0 4G is a 4-inch Low-end smartphone, Aqua Crystal is a mid-range smartphone and Aqua Supreme+ is the premium smartphone from Intex. The smartphones are priced at INR 4,199, INR 6,990 and INR 9,490 respectively.

Commenting on the launch of these two new smartphones, Ms. Nidhi Markanday, Director & Business Head, Intex Technologies said, ‘These smartphones are designed keeping in mind the real needs of our consumers’ today. By constantly innovating our products, we have introduced two of our new smartphones which come equipped with unique performance, features, and design. We are confident that these devices will appeal to our tech-savvy users who are seeking for both, innovation and style in a device.”

Intex Aqua 4.0 4G is one of the low-budget VoLTE capable devices that features 4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 360×640 pixels that produce vivid 16.7 million colors. Powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core Spreadtrum SC93832A processor coupled with 512GB of RAM, this device has a 4GB internal memory and an expandable memory of 64GB. The Intex Aqua 4.0 4G is available in champagne, black and blue.

Coming to the Intex Aqua Crystal, the smartphone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS and offers a premium glass finish. The smartphone sports a 5-inch HD 720×1280 pixels IPS display and offers value added services to access a wide range of apps such as LFTY- a left screen concept of using content and utility services, Tap & Buy – a simplified way of online shopping by the use of artificial intelligence. It’s powered by a 1.25 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6737 processor, the device is equipped with 1 GB RAM and 8 GB ROM with an expandable memory up to 128 GB. This time, Intex also has integrated smart tracking for lost phones as a part of its VAS and digital services ecosystem. The Intex Aqua Crystal is available in colors of black and white.

Coming to the last smartphone, Intex Aqua Supreme+ runs Indus OS based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow that supports multiple languages. Powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6737 processor, the device is equipped with 2GB RAMand 16GB internal memory with expandable storage up to 128GB. Camera-wise, it includes a 13-megapixel rear camera with flash and a 5-megapixel front camera. for artwork. The device is powered by a 3000mAh Li–poly battery which provides talk time up to 6 hours and a standby time up to 300 hours. The smartphone is available at Intex retail stores in champagne and black.

Commenting on the launch of the new smartphone, Ms. Nidhi Markanday, Director & Business Head, Intex Technologies said, ‘We, at Intex, are committed to innovation and bringing the best technology to our consumers. In partnership with Indus OS, Aqua Supreme+ is a breakthrough for it being the first ever multilingual 4G Volte smartphone for regional users. This phone has been specially designed keeping in mind the needs and language limitations of an Indian consumer and is a step towards creating a regional smartphone ecosystem. We are extremely delighted to announce the launch and will continue to strive and bring in such technological innovations for consumers in future as well.”

http://www.thetechy.com/intex-launches-new-smartphones-india/