I have already covered the hardware extensively in my unboxing post that went out the day the phone was announced. If you missed this or want to refresh your memory then I would recommend checking it out.

So now that you are all caught up let’s dive into the key features that distinguish this phone from the masses.

Hardware

There are some elements of this phone that I feel I need to highlight in the hardware department as they not only separate the phone for the wealth of midrange devices on the market but they also make this phone unique in the industry for the moment.

The first one I want to talk about is of course the materials that have been used to make the phone.

The phone is unique in this first aspect as it is (at least at the time of release) the only 5G-enabled smartphone that has a metal back panel which has been made possible by the use of a new antenna design.

This makes for a phone that has stood up well over the last month or so while it has been getting used. I have in fact suffered from the fate that every phone user fears. I dropped the phone when working on a server rack and it fell from the middle of the rack so about 3 to 4 feet onto a concrete floor. Now if this had been my Pixel 8 Pro then this would have potentially been a disaster as it hit the floor quite hard on one of the corners, not only that but it hit a few different levels on the way down. I am certain it would have broken the screen on the Pixel and done significant damage to the back. I dread to think what I would have done to my Pixel Fold!

The Nord 4 though came out of the ordeal relatively unscathed. It had a few dents and one significant indent on the upper left-hand corner which can be seen in the image below.

The next aspect of the hardware is the new antenna design I mentioned above. Now whilst this is not visible as it is under that glorious metal body it works very well. It is claimed that the design actually allows the casing to be utilised as a means to boost signal strength. Whilst I can’t actually test I’m this for certain I have found that I do get better signal strength than the Pixel devices I regularly use as my daily drivers. It also seems to be quicker to regain the signal when I do lose it which is something that OnePlus were very keen to talk about at their press event.

Next up is the display, this display is very very good and gets plenty bright in direct sunlight with a maximum brightness of 2150 nits when using auto brightness. It was perfectly usable under the glaringly bright Greek sunshine and when using it with sunglasses on everything was still perfectly legible.

I have not been able to test the touch response when the screen is wet as was shown in the keynote by a friend of the site JP. I do not doubt that this tech works but I will be honest I have not needed to test this yet as it has not rained very much in the last month. I also don’t want to deliberately put the phone in that scenario despite the IP rating that the phone has of IP65. The one thing I can say is that it works with sweaty fingers absolutely fine but it can get a bit slippery when things get sweaty!

Another hardware plus is the way that the phone feels in the hand. I just love how slim this device is. I also love the squared-off edges and the confidence that the metal construction offers when in the hand. The phone just feels well-built without feeling like a tank(which it is as seen above). When you pick it up and the back is cold you appreciate the feeling of the cold back. However, when it is being used intensively this can be a negative as it can get a bit hot especially when the camera is being used a lot. I did also find that the phone will absorb the ambient heat very quickly and it can take a bit of time to cool down. Whilst this made things a bit toasty I was not experiencing any significant drop in performance during these times, it’s just harder to hold on too! I have to say that back in the UK, I have not had these issues but then again I have not been pushing the phone with continuous camera use etc.

The phone’s speakers are also surprisingly good and more than adequate for playing YouTube clips and listening to podcasts. I have predominantly been using the phone with OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro though but when I have not had them to hand I have been very impressed. The speaker setup is your traditional bottom-firing loudspeaker with a front-facing earpiece. Whilst it is not as advanced as some setups it works well and there is okay separation on both channels.

That brings me into the alert slider which is a very handy feature and one that I love to see. Whilst it is no longer a unique feature to OnePlus as it has now been seen in some form on other devices (Vivo X Fold 3 Pro), it is something that I think every phone should have and credit to OnePlus for keeping it there as it is so easy to use to quickly change your sound profiles. It also makes for a great thing to fidget with!

Moving away from the hardware to the area always blurs the line between the performance.

Performance

A lot of this is driven by the hardware and I don’t follow the use of benchmarks as I prefer to experience the way the phone works day to day and gauge it on that.

In terms of battery life for me at least this is easily a two-day phone in my normal use case. If I was really hammering it then I could get the Nord 4 to dip below 20% before bedtime but that was very rare.

In terms of daily performance and app opening speed, I have not found there to be any real issues here at all as the apps work exactly as expected with no slowness that I could perceive especially when I have compared this to the likes of my Pixel devices and other phones that I have around me at the moment. I have been able to test it using the GPS for sustained periods and it was perfectly adequate for this even when using it on battery.

The ability of the phone to hold multiple apps open in RAM is very impressive which is again hardly surprising given that the phone comes with 16GB of RAM in the version I have. Even if you were to go for the version with 12GB of RAM, I don’t think you would ever be left wanting more as the Oxygen OS is very good at keeping on top of RAM demands. I was able to keep more than enough apps open in the background without them reloading for my normal use. I think the most I had open at one time that I was able to count was 40+ after which I stopped counting! This included a mix of games, streaming services, weather, maps and heavy hitters like Google Photos. So I think it is fair to say that you can have a substantial app load out if required. The RAM extends to more than just that though as it is a core component of the ability to multitask. Whilst this is not something I tend to do much on slab phones you can of course take advantage of some split-screen action if you want to. An example of this is shown below where I have had the Calendar app and the Booking .com app open at the same time. You have the apps sit one on top of the other as you would expect and you can also swap the app’s position by tapping the three dots in the middle. Whilst I have stated this is not something I tend to use on slab-style phones (I use it a lot on tablets and folding phones) it is helpful to have and to know that the phone can cope with it.

So we have covered the battery and multitasking the other big areas are gaming performance and heat build-up. Let’s cover the heat first.

This is one area where I have found that the phone did present some issues. I do want to add some context here though. I was predominantly using this phone in ambient temperatures of more than 30 degrees while I was doing the majority of my camera testing as I was away from the UK at the time. When I was using the camera intensively I did find that the phone was getting a tad warm. Now whilst this is not unusual for phones to get hot when using the camera it got uncomfortably warm. It was not only while I was using the camera though. I was finding that even using the phone for web browsing and doom scrolling on social media it was getting a bit toasty. The good news is that when I have been back here in the UK I have not had the same level of heat build-up, however, if I am being totally honest I have not been using the camera as intensively either. I think the issue is that the metal casing of the phone effectively becomes the phone’s heat sink and is being used to dissipate the heat. This can cause it to be uncomfortable. Don’t get me wrong I have experienced similar heat build-up on other devices (mainly my Pixel Fold), but I was just wanting to make you aware that if you are in a warmer climate than the UK then you may see this issue yourself.

That leads me to performance. I did not have the occasion to do any gaming testing whilst I was on holiday but if I have been using it for some light gaming in the evening since I returned from holiday and in the games I tested the max frame rates were being reached with ease and the phone did remain reasonably cool during longer sessions as well. I was playing Asphalt Unite for about 20 mins without any significant overheating and the games were running on max settings throughout.

It looks like the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip and the associated Adreno graphics are well-suited for this level of device. To be honest these days you will be hard-pressed to find a modern chipset that struggles with much of what can be done in terms of gaming performance on Android. Until we start seeing the Triple AAA games that Apple are introducing to the iPad/iPhone then we won’t need to worry about gaming chops yet.

Next up is the software.

Software

I have already indicated that the phone is running a skin over the Android core and this is called Oxygen OS. The version is 14.1 and the underlying Android version is Android 14. OnePlus has promised updates for the phone’s core OS for 4 versions of Android and security updates for 6 years Whilst this is not the same level as we are now starting to see from Samsung and Google this will take your devices up to Android 18 which is pretty good going. To be honest, by that stage, the phone will probably need to be replaced due to component wear and tear. That being said another claim being made is that the battery will maintain its peak health for 4 years as well due to the Battery Health Engine. OnePlus has also tested under TUV Rheinland conditions that the Software will remain fluent for up to 6 years. This is all part of OnePlus’s Fast and Smooth promise, only time will tell how long this will stay true but the fact that they have backing on the test performed by TUV Rheinland gives me some hope for the accuracy of the claims.

In terms of the software being Fast and Smooth now, I have to say I have not had any reason to find any fault with it. I do like what OnePlus has been able to do with the Oxygen OS UI. Now for those of you who read my reviews often you will know that this is not my normal stance on UI’s and normally I find them to be bloated and annoying. Now don’t get me wrong there is of course some bloat and app duplication here it wouldn’t be a UI from a Chinese manufacturer without it.

Apart from the apps shown in the screenshot above there is not too much other bloat that has been forced onto the device. There are also a few apps that I didn’t end up relegating to the folders of shame as they have actually proved to be useful. An example of this is the new Photos app from OnePlus. This now allows you to pull your images in from Google Photos (my go-to app for images) and view them within the app. In addition to this, it is also where some of the phone’s new AI features are hiding. So we have two new additions to the photos app.

AI Best Face is the first one and this will allow you to correct images from a photo where some of the subjects have perhaps blinked or have their eyes closed. This is an app that sounds like it was made for me and my family as I am constantly having to retake photos of my wife and son when they have their eyes closed or they have blinked at just the wrong moment. Unfortunately, it is an app I have been unable to use as it requires three faces to be seen in the photo for it to work its magic. I guess I just need to get some more friends to be able to test this. I just wanted to add that I have also never been able to use this feature on my Pixel devices either so this is not an issue specifically with OnePlus. Here are some sample images of what should happen.

Next up is AI Clear Face, this will allow again in a groufie image to improve the image by removing blur from the faces in that image. Again this is something I have not been able to test for real as I don’t take many “groufies” but here are some examples again to allow you to see what it looks like.

The last thing that AI will do in the photos app is AI Eraser, which will allow you to remove photo bombers and unwanted actions of an image, it will then fill that missing section with a fresh background to match the rest of the image.

Now this is something I was very keen to try on my photos from my holiday but I was stymied by the phone. So it turns out that AI Eraser will not work on PRO XDR images which is what the camera will default to using to take photos. This meant that whenever I tried to use AI Eraser on an image I had taken it wouldn’t let me unless I had remembered to turn Pro XDR off which needed to be done every time I took a photo! This was very annoying and it meant that I just didn’t edit the photos until I got home and did the edits on my Pixel. The good news is that this now seems to have been resolved since a software update as I am now able to use AI Eraser on any image I wish to.

Pretty impressive I am sure you agree. That is not all the AI will do though as it has a few more tricks up its sleeve but these two are some of the most visible ones. The AI will also allow you to summarize audio recordings from the Recorder App capturing the key points from that recording and transcribing them for future use. This is called the AI Audio Summary.

Another trick is an AI Article Summary which will scan a webpage pull out the relevant and important details from the page and present it in an easier-to-read format.

Next up in the AI arsenal is AI Smart Cutout, You can simply press and hold on an item from an image and it will allow you to use that section of the image somewhere else. For example, I could extract the watch from this image and use it in a document such as a review article!

This is a pretty neat feature and one that I think I may use more going forward.

There is one other big feature that I will mention now even though this is not a phone-based feature it uses the phone. If you are lucky enough to also have a OnePlus Pad or Pad 2 then you can set up a wireless connection between the two devices and drag and drop items between the phone and tablet. This allows for very quick and easy file transfers from one device to the other. It is so easy and quick it is exactly what I just did to move the files above from my phone to the tablet just now.

This is all part of the greater OnePlus Ecosystem and allows the software of different devices to share the same architecture behind the scenes. It is something that Apple and Samsung have been doing for a long time and I am pleased to see that OnePlus have joined the party.

In terms of other things that the software has you have the usual features of a floating sidebar which will house some of your AI functions and this changes depending on what app you are using. This is an example of AI Writer from the Gmail app

You also have the other normal features expected for a OnePlus Android 14 device, such as screen off gestures and Air gestures neither of which I have or intend to ever use as I just don’t find them helpful, with the notable exception of double tap to wake. Honestly, I just thought this was a standard OnePlus feature and couldn’t understand why it didn’t work until I turned it on in the settings menu!

I am quite impressed with the software of the OnePlus Nord 4 so much that I have been jumping in between this and my Pixel Fold almost daily as I really like how it works and feels to use daily.

Next up is the camera

Camera

The camera system on the OnePlus Nord 4 is a relatively simple affair as we have two rear cameras and one front-facing camera. The rear-facing units comprise a 50 MP Sony LYTIA Camera as the main camera which is supported by an 8MP Sony Camera. The front camera is an unbranded 16MP sensor.

In terms of specs these are as follows

Rear Cameras:

•  50 MP Sony LYTIA Camera, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
• 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm

Front camera

• 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm

Both cameras can support a wide variety of shooting modes and both will record at up to 1080p at 30fps if you want higher than that you will need to use the main rear camera which can go up to 4k at 60fps.

I have found that in good lighting conditions, the camera produces some very good images as shown below.

The video is also pretty darn good as well

Here are some close-up shots showing its close-up skills

When things get dark it becomes a little bit tougher for the sensor but it still works remarkably well all things considered. you do start to lose a little bit of detail but the below images were taken in a very dark environment so the camera has down well to pick up what it could.

As for Selfies I have included one with Portrait mode on and with it on at the strongest aperture settings and one without any modes on just normal camera settings.

Here is some low light video as well

You can see that there was some slight distortion there from motion blur but again not too bad a result.

You can see that the portrait mode is quite effective at blurring the background out without messing with the lines of my face too much. It has clipped a few of the extraneous hairs from my very messy bear which may be seen as a good thing to some.

Overall if your expectations are for a good point-and-shoot and you are not going to be using it too much in low light then the Camera setup will be fine for you however if you want a higher-performance camera then I would look at the like of the similarly priced Pixel 7A as it will include the use of Google Advanced Camera Algorithms for in my opinion the best camera experience that is available at the moment.

That wraps my review all that is left now is to draw some conclusions.

Conclusions

First and foremost this is a damn good phone and were I not a specs whore and addicted to Folding phones then I would be more than happy to daily drive this phone. It is solid it is nice hold and is well made. The software has some very nice features and touches and works very well with the rest of the OnePlus ecosystem. There is just enough sprinkling of AI on board to keep it relevant but most of it can be ignored if you want to and from what I can see all of it is included in the price no extra subs are required (unlike Google).

Is it the best value for your money though given its current asking price of £429 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage version or£479 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage version? Yes if you want the OnePlus experience and all that comes with that, SuperVooc charging at 100w, inter-device connectivity with OnePlus Pad/Pad 2/Go the Alert Slider and the only metal unibody 5G phone currently on the market.

However, if none of these things bother you then, there are other potentially cheaper options available. I am not going to list them here but I have mentioned one in the article above.

If you haven’t considered a OnePlus Nord 4 then it is a phone that is worth taking a look at as I have been very pleased with it and there are always some good deals to be had at the Oneplus website. For example, you can currently get the phone for the prices above which is £50 off RRP and you can choose from either a OnePlus SuperVooc 100W charger or Sandstone Case for free.

Check out the OnePlus Nord 4 at the link here

The post OnePlus Nord 4 – Review – The metal midrange king? is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Honor has come in strong with their new devices in the Honor 200 series. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to use the Honor 200 Pro for the past few weeks and it is now time to start the Review process so without further ado let’s get right into it.
I have already covered a hardware tor and comparison in my Unboxing post.

Hardware
before we get into the individual specs for the device it is time that we pull up a specs list for the phone,

Specs

It is a pretty impressive specs list for a non-flagship tier device. I do however want to single out a few key points on the hardware for further review.

Battery

This is the first thing I wanted to highlight as what Honor is currently doing with its battery technology is incredible. They are managing to squeeze bigger batteries into smaller spaces through the use of their first-generation 5200mAh Silicon-carbon. Not only will this be enough to get you through a full days usage, but it is also capable of recharging very quickly when used with the 100W wired charger. If you are not a fan of wired charging then you are still covered as the Honor 200 Pro can also be charged wirelessly at up to 66W again with the correct wireless charging stand.

I have been able to get through at least a full day of using the phone without the need to charge it up but I have to emphasise this is now the case for most phones I use as a daily device as I am very light on phone use during the day due to the demands of my day job.

Display

The next section I wanted to discuss was the display. Honer seems to be one of the few mainstream OEMs that are still using the curved style display on the edges of the screen. This practice has now been dropped by Google Samsung and OnePlus (at least they have with their Nord 4 devices anyway). I am a fan of the flattened screen edges as it means that you can use it right up to the edge of the display without having to worry about your finger not registering your tap. It also makes fitting a screen protector on the display easier. The screen does come fitted with a screen protector out of the factory and while I would normally remove this in favour of a glass one, that has not been the case here due to the curved edges. It is very hard to find a good quality glass screen protector for curved displays.

Before I leave the display I do want to give a nod to the dual camera array and the associated cut-out that this creates. It has been once again very carefully used for the Magic Capsule function we first saw on the Magic 6 Pro. I know this is a rip-off of Apple’s similar tech but I like it and the fact that it is still offering some limited functions such as media playback info etc.

Back Panel

The next one is a bit strange but I am just loving the back panel for this Honor 200 Pro. I have the Moonlight White variant here and it is glorious to look at however I was lucky enough to see the Ocean Cyan one in person and that is the one I would personally buy with my own money were I going to buy one. I love the texture of the back panel as it gives just the right amount of roughness to provide grip without feeling like sandpaper. The way it catches the light at various different angles, it almost has a mother-of-pearl sheen to it. Added to the fact that the materials used are conducive to allowing wireless charging through the panel, you can see that a lot of engineering has gone into the development of the back panels and this is something I appreciate.

Rear Camera

I am not going to go into the camera software here but I do quickly want to talk about the hardware and more importantly the layout of the cameras within the module. The three cameras used on the Honor 200 Pro are all high-end cameras in their own right. However, when they have been combined in the array in just the correct way allowing for the focal lengths to meet up correctly is one of the key aspects being utilised in the Studio Harcourt software algorithms to allow this phone to produce some stunning portrait shots.

What Honor has had to do is arrange the cameras in a very specific pattern to allow them all to work in harmony. Starting at the top camera we have a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with the following specs:

-1/1.3-inch H9000 ultra-large sensor
-OIS
-4-in-1 with equivalent 2.4 μm large pixel
-2-in-1 motor with 8-wire SMA AF + OIS
-f/1.9 aperture
-7P Lens

Below this is the 50MP Telephoto Camera
-HONOR x Sony IMX856 ultra-large sensor
-2.5x optical zoom
-up to 50x digital zoom
-OIS
-f/2.4 aperture

Finally on the bottom is the 12MP Ultra Wide and Macro Camera
-2-in-1 with wide angle & macro lens
-112° ultra-wide angle
-2.5cm ultra-short focus

All of these cameras work harmoniously with the AI-based algorithms learnt by Honor analysing Studio Harcourt photos in their thousands. using machine learning the AI then learned how to use the individual cameras to create the perfect portraits for three distinct camera modes Harcourt Vibrant, Harcourt Colour and Harcourt Classic.

Each mode has its character and subtlety about the produced image. I will delve into these images further in the camera section of the review though.

Air Gesture

Another camera-driven function is one that I had skimmed over initially but having now set it up I can genuinely see how it would be useful for me. The ability to use your phone via air gesture for basic navigation is very cool albeit a bit gimmicky. This uses the front-facing cameras (yes there are two) to construct a rough 3D image of your hand and the phone can then interpret certain gestures to allow tasks like scrolling up or down or switching a page in an ebook. You can also use it to go through your images in the Honor Gallery app if you use this.

An elegant feature to have but not an everyday one I think.

The above things are the key highlights for me in terms of the hardware that you can see and interact with however I do also want to quickly mention the Chip that is being used to power this portrait shooting phone. Inside the phone we have a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, this is the first time I have had the chance to use one of these chips and I am impressed. To the average user, you would not know that this is any different from the flagship chip in the form of the 8 Gen 3. I myself would have struggled to tell you of any significant differences. The key difference between the two chips is that the 8s is dialled back a bit from the 8 and that it uses a slightly slower CPU clock speed of 3000Mhz in the 8s Gen 3 vs 3300Mhz in the 8 Gen 3.

What this means in reality is that the phone is slightly slower across the board and if you are using it for graphically intensive activities such as gaming or video rendering then you will notice a slight drop in performance over its more powerful brethren. In the testing i performed i saw no such issue but hen i am also not the biggest gamer in the world so it is hardly surprising that I didn’t notice anything. (ED Note I have also used the latest SD 7 Gen 3 in the OnePlus Nord 4 and saw no significant issues there either).

In summary, unless you are trying to edit hours worth of 4K video and doing hours of AAA gaming without taking any breaks then you will not have any problem with this phone in terms of processing power at all. That takes me nicely to the next section which is the performance

Performance

Measuring the performance of a phone means many different things to different people. For me, I like to gauge it by a few metrics. How long can I use it before I have to charge? How warm does it get in normal usage? Are my calls clear and crisp? Can I use the phone on my normal day without compromising on anything?

As you can see these are quite subjective, particularly the last one. A typical day for me means that the phone comes off an overnight charge and will then be used for a combination of email and social media. I will normally also add in a bit of light web browsing. I then head out for work and for the most part, the phone will be sat in the van and unused save for notifications that are pushed through to whatever smart watch I am using (currently a Garmin Epix 2). At lunch there will normally be about a half hour of light YouTube use in a layby or car park in the middle of nowhere so the mobile signal is sometimes sketchy.

In the afternoon it goes back into its dormant state while I finish the rest of the day off. During the main parts of the day, it is rare for me to get or indeed make any calls but it can occasionally happen. I also sometimes use the phone for SatNav but this will be via wired Android Auto so it is charging anyway. In the evening it will be again used for surfing the web more social scrolling and YouTube (over Wifi). It is not unusual for me to end the day with more than 50% battery in most phones these days. I will then rinse and repeat this cycle for the next day until at the end of that day I will then need to charge my device up.

The TLDR version is I am a light user 99% of the time. When I attend a press event that changes to an intensive user I can normally chew through a full charge before dinner time!!

So with that in mind am I able to use the Honor 200 Pro without compromising my normal day, Absolutely yes I am, the phone will get me through a normal day of use with plenty left in the tank and I have been known to stretch this out to two full days especially when working. I was recently on holiday and even then I was able to get a full day’s usage out of it and that was whilst using it for a lot of photos, videos and sat nav use even with the ambient temps being in the 30 deg+ ranges.

That brings me to the next performance concern. Will it overheat and become too hot to handle? I am pleased to say that even whilst using it as a sat nav and roaming the phone was never a temperature where I would call it uncomfortable. Slippy yes, but not uncomfortable! I was able to capture the photographic delights of the Lindos Acropolis in Rhodes without any issue which is more than can be said for my son who gave up once we had climbed to the top and missed the best view of the pillars.

In answer to my final question as I have already mentioned I have been able to get through a normal day with the phone lasting over 16 hrs sometimes with no real issues. If you wish to find out more about the battery drain and how it compares to other devices then please watch this video by Ben from Lover of Tech as he is best at what he does for battery testing vids. Also if you like this sort of testing then give Ben a Like and Subscribe as I am sure he would appreciate it.

That concludes my performance assessment of the Honor 200 Pro. This is a phone that will perform perfectly adequately in all but the most extreme of conditions. I am hardly surprised given the components that have been utilised on the device as they are all sitting just below the flagship tier and they are certainly premium components.

Camera
What Honor has done with the 200 Pro is truly an exemplary example of what can be done when AI and machine learning are applied correctly. The use of machine learning to analyse the Studio Harcourt process. Capturing unique and classical style portraiture has taken what is capable of AI to another level
As a result, the end user is now able to utilise, the three Studio Harcourt photography modes available, by the toggle in the camera settings. To emulate what can be done by a DSLR camera.

How you enable this mode is extremely simple. Enter the camera, select portrait and then select the Studio Harcourt mode that you require You then point and shoot and the AI will work its magic in the background to help create a unique style of portrait shots that previously would have taken some real skill to create.

I am extremely impressed with the portrait shots that this camera has been able to catch.

However, This camera is more than just a portrait shooter. For close-up photos, the macro mode works to a satisfactory level. And for anything under 10 times zoom you can get good photographs. With good colour representation and accuracy.

Unfortunately, once you go beyond 10 times, things get messy and the digital cropping. Unfortunately, as a negative effect. The further away zoomed shots. This is shown in the photograph of the cathedral here in Milan where I have tried to zoom in on the Statute at the very top and all I was able to get was a bit of a blurry mess.

In terms of video quality, I have captured a few shots of video. You can see the results for yourself these were unusual for me to capture in portrait as opposed to landscape. But I think, I guess the message across Overall, I have been pretty pleased with the camera performance.

And, I think this will serve as a good camera for the intended Market which is in my opinion is 20 to 30 somethings. Who are interested in using their photography for the likes of social media and some vlogging capabilities. This is again, showcased by the fact that you have the Dual video functionality built into the camera as has been the case with every Honor number series device since the Honor 70 was released a few years ago.

Here are some shots that I have taken with the camera over the last few weeks on my travel both to Milan and Rhodes.

Software
In terms of software. The Honor 200 Pro is very similar to what we have seen before from the likes of the Honor Magic 6 Pro S and also the previous, the preceding Honor devices, Honor Magic UI is a middling skin, it isn’t too aggressive but it also does add certain functionalities.
One thing I do, find slightly annoying that it does add is there is a lot of app duplication here which, Creates an unnecessary deluge of apps.

I have enclosed a screenshot below showing the amount of pre-installed apps that come from the factory. These can all be deleted, but it is annoying that you have to do that.

In terms of AI Honor has enabled some AI functionality. However, there is a distinct lack of Google’s inbuilt AI functions.

On this phone. For example, there is no Circle to Search which is something that I do tend to use when I’m using my Pixel devices most days and The recording to notes function of Google’s recorder app on Pixel devices is another function that I am missing. However, that being said, If you are comfortable using Honors UI, then there will be no drastic changes here.

Some people have criticised Honor in the past for having a cartoon-like element to their user interface. But, That is something that I think is just being super critical. The interface is pleasing to the eye and it can be themed via the owner theme store. And there is a good selection of free themes in there if you don’t want to pay for them.

For the most part, Honor has improved their UI over the years. But, I would still like to see less bloatware and app duplication than we are seeing here. I think that will create a much cleaner and more user-friendly experience overall.

Conclusion

The Honor 200 Pro is a great device that has focused heavily on it’s camera skills, which is a good thing as it does work very well as. Camera particularly in close quarters. That being said it is by no means a one trick pony as it is a component phone for gaming and never let me down on the performance side of things. Whilst it is not quite flagship tier, it is so close that it is actually difficult to class it’s position in the brands lineup.

I see it this way, if you want the top of the line flagship specs then you have the Honor Magic 6 Pro which is a great phone from the limited time I had with it. However if you don’t need the top of the line in terms of specs and want to focus on the camera and particularly portraits then the Honor 200 Pro is a solid buy.

Just remember that the Ocean Cyan one looks the best!

You can buy the Honor 200 Pro from the Honor store right now for £599 but make sure to check for discounts as these appear regularly.

The post Honor 200 Pro, The portrait master, does it meet the hype? – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

The first is the unboxing of the OnePlus Pad 2 along with the OnePlus Smart Keyboard and the OnePlus Stylo 2.

This is the successor to the OnePlus Pad which came out last year and at the time of writing is the most powerful Android tablet on the market with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip powering it. Alongside this chip we have got 256 GB of Storage and 12 GB of RAM.

It has a very crisp and vibrant screen with 3K resolution from a 12.1″ diagonal LCD panel that is capable of up to 900 nits in brightness. The tablet follows a similar design to last years however now comes in a more toned down Slate gray colour way. We still have the centrally mounted 13 MP rear camera when the device is being held in landscape. This is very much the way the tablet is designed to be used which is also reinforced by the fact that the front facing 8MP camera is situated in the middle of the top edge of the device.

The OnePlus Smart keyboard is significantly different in design to the previous gen as it now has an extra row of tools along the top room of the keyboard and it has a bigger track pad area. One other major improvement is the fact that you can use the keyboard when it is not physically connected to the device via a Bluetooth connection. This is very useful as you can set the tablet up in a standing position using the magnetically attached back stand, which can fold to a variety of angles from near vertical to almost flat allowing a good range of adjustability. I am actually using the Smart Keyboard to write this article whilst on holiday in Rhodes! This combination of the OnePlus Smart Keyboard and the powerful Pad 2 does make it possible for this to be the “laptop replacement for mobile work” that I have been looking for since I had to give up Xperia Z4 Tablet many years ago due to it no longer being supported by updates.

The last piece of the tablet based kit is the OnePlus Stylo 2, which as the name suggests is the stylus based input for the Pad 2 and it is very good from the limited use I have given it so far. I have found that the accuracy of the pen on the screen is very good and when I have used it for writing notes the tracking works very well with the accompaniment of some audible feedback that makes it sound like you are writing on paper. There is also just enough resistance on the display so that it feels like you are getting some feedback. The Stylo 2 is capable of detecting up to 16000 levels of pressure which is more than I could ever discern!

All of this makes for a really easy to use mobile workstation, there are of course limitations but I will cover this more in the full review as for now this is merely a first impressions post.
OnePlus Watch 2R and the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro.

Next up we have got the OnePlus Watch 2R and the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro.

This video is a combo of the two in one as they are accessories but they do deserve some airtime in their own right.

OnePlus Watch 2R

This is the update to the extremely well received OnePlus Watch 2 which I previously reviewed for the site and was very impressed with. Again this is not going to be a full review but I have got an unboxing video below for your viewing pleasure.

In the above video I unbox both the Watch 2R and the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro I have been using the Watch 2R as my daily watch since the moment I unboxed it and as I mentioned above I am currently on Holiday in Rhodes and this has been performing extremely well during this time. I have been putting it through its paces and testing the water resistance which has been awesome. I have not been particularly kind to the watch as I have been using it in the sea and in swimming pools and it has barely skipped a beat.

I have still got some further testing to do before I form my final review thoughts. I will try and test it up against my Garmin Epix 2 that I have been driving daily for the past month or so. This will give me a true idea of its accuracy in terms of health metrics but so far I have been very impressed with the overall package.

Next up and last but by no means least are the new OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro

These have been in use a lot since I received them as they have been my headphones of choice for my trip.

They are comfortable and provide very good and adequate noise cancellation and can wear them for a sustained period of time which makes them amazing for traveling.

Yes they are a bit more basic in terms of functionality than the Google Pixel Buds Pro that I normally rely on exclusively but it is entirely possible that these may end up being my go to earphones for the future.

iF you want to find about any more about any of the specs or prices for the above products then please check out the OnePlus website.

I have included a gallery of some other pictures of the devices below if you want a closer look at them.

OnePlus Pad 2

OnePlus Watch 2R

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro

The post OnePlus Summer Launch – Unboxing extravaganza is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Before we dive into the tour of the device let’s just throw up the specs table in all its glory.

Specs

Now that is out of the way lest have a little closer tour around the phone in all its glory.

Starting as always at the top we have a pinhole mic, an IR emitter some antenna break lines on either side and a mystery aperture which I have never been able to determine what it is.

Next around the right-hand side is where we will find two more antenna break lines, below which sits the volume rocker and then the power button which can be configured to launch Google Assistant should you wish.

On to the bottom, we have some more antenna lines that are flanking the USB Type C port. It is also down here that we find the dual SIM card slot with its waterproof rubber ring seal. on the other side is the bottom-firing speaker.

Moving around to the left we have the all-important Alert slider which is one of the OnePlus phone’s highlight features for the brand. This is also flanked by antenna break lines.

The antenna design on the Nord 4 is very interesting as they have had to work with materials to get the best performance for your signals. Now obviously radio waves and metal are not good bedfellows. OnePlus has redesigned the internals of the phone to allow for a more compact antenna array, they have also managed to use the metal construction of the phone as a means to boost the signals coming into the phone. This is something I am keen to test in due course over the next few weeks.

Onto the back is where we will find snuggled up in the top third is the camera module. This contains the Lytia 50MP camera alongside the 8MP ultrawide. Both of these are accompanied by a dual LED flash. I do really like that they have used metal on the rear of the phone as I have missed this from phones like those from HTC back in the day. It is a nice change from the slippy and fragile glass that we saw on the previous-generation Nord CE 3 Lite. I am not to annoyed that I don’t have a case to put this in.

When we move around to the front at the very top is where we can find the 8MP front-facing camera that sits under an imperceptible small slit where the earpiece speaker is hiding. below this stretches out the expansive 6.74 inch 1.5K display containing a massive 450 PPI, the resolution is 2772 x 1240. The screen is a really crisp and vibrant colour and can max out a peak brightness of 2150 nits. Now I have not had much time with the phone but I will be testing this in some very bright conditions over the next few weeks so we will see how effective this screen is in some variable conditions.

On the screen is the obligatory factory-fitted screen protector which is included in most phones from Chinese-based manufacturers. The screen protector is not as annoying as it is on curved displays because it is a flat screen. I do like that we are seeing a trend of going back to flatter displays and more angular phones long may it continue.

A few more things I want to cover before I finish this post are to do with battery and also the water resistance. 

So first up is the water resistance level. It is an IP65-rated Nord series phone which I believe is a first for Oneplus and I am all here for it, particularly with the British summer going as well as it has been so far!

It also sports a large 5500 mah battery in a dual cell construction which will allow the SUPERVOOC charging of up to 100W with a compatible SUPERVOOC charger, which sadly must be bought separately.

That wraps up the unboxing and tour of the device. If you want to get yourself one of the Nord 4 devices then you can do so now by going to the OnePlus website and preordering now with prices starting at £429 for the 12GB RAM and 256 GB version and the 16GB RAM 512GB version coming in at £529.

The post OnePlus Nord 4 – Unboxing is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

One Plus Nord 4

First up I want to talk about the OnePlus Nord 4, this is a device that I was very lucky to have the opportunity to have hands-on with for a few days before the event as I got an early preview unit. However, that being said the unit I received was a special edition that was only unveiled at the launch event today. You can get the Nord 4 in one of 3 different “Nordtones” (or colours) the two tones that had been announced before the event were Mercurial Silver and Midnight Black. We had to wait until today to announce the third tone. It is called Oasis Green and it is the one I have been given. This was inspired by the extremely active OnePlus Community who had shown a great interest in the colour of a previous device the OnePlus Nord LE. I have done a separate boxing article on the Nord 4 here if you want to check it out in more detail.

If you preorder one today from the OnePlus store then not only can claim one of three free gifts but you will also be entered into a prize draw to win a Tumi Suitcases, worth 1150 EUR / GBP each the choices for the free gifts are one of the following:-

• -A TUMI Voyageur Persia Crossbody Bag (worth 210 EUR / GBP)
• -OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro (worth 79 EUR / GBP)
• A OnePlus Nord 4 case (worth up to 39.99 EUR /GBP)
• A OnePlus 80W SuperVOOC Adapter (worth 59.99 EUR/ GBP)

The next announcement was for the OnePlus Pad 2 Having recently reviewed the OnePlus Pad Go for the site I was particularly keen to see what the latest tablet from OnePlus was going to be about and I was not disappointed. The OnePlus Pad 2 comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor onboard and is supported by 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It still carries the same screen aspect ratios from the previous generation devices at 12.1′ diagonal but with an aspect ratio of 7:5 and a resolution 3,000 x 2,120 pixels at a density of 303 PPI. The screen will support up to 900 nits of brightness which will be great for use in all but the brightest of conditions. I will adjust the refresh rate depending on what is being done on the device at the time. The supported refresh rates start from 30Hz and go all the way up to 144Hz with various stops in between. There is an entire smattering of AI tools and cross-device tools on board here for you to use if you are within the OnePlus EcoSystem and I am excited to get into all of these in due course over the next few weeks.

The Oneplus Pad 2 is available to pre-order now from the OnePlus site and it will cost £499 for the one model that they are offering. As is usaula for a Oneplus launch there are various offers available and these are as follows:-

• Free OnePlus 80W Type-A Adapter (worth £39.99)
• AND the choice between a FREE OnePlus Pad 2 Keyboard (worth £149) OR a FREE OnePlus Pad 2 Stylo (worth £99) OR a FREE OnePlus Pad 2 Case (worth £59).
• There is also a £50 discount instantly applied for all preorders between today and the 1st of August

Next up is the OnePlus Watch 2 R, this is a tweak to the design of the OnePlus Watch 2 that came out earlier this year and was very well received by reviewers including myself. The new Onepluds watch 2 is a refinement of that original design They have moved away from the asymmetrical design to that of a more standard style watch but they have kept the internals predominantly the same as what made the Watch 2 such a success. We still have the dual architecture OS allowing the Watch 2R to last for up to 10 hours in normal use. It is still running the same Wear OS 4 /RTOS platforms and 2 GB or RAm with 32 GB pf memory. The Watch 2 R also features dual-frequency GPS for enhanced location tracking, which is something I was missing on previous Wear OS smartwatches like the Pixel Watch 2. There have been some significant changes to the O Health App that should make it a bit more user-friendly for your health metrics from the watch.

The OnePlus Watch 2R is available in two colourways: Forest Green and Gunmetal Gray the Forrest Green one is particularly striking due to the two-tone bezel design and the side buttons are now a bit more distinct more like what you would expect to see from a normal chronometer.

The OnePlus Watch 2R will be available to preorder from today and can be bought for £249. As you expect those who get in early will be rewarded and below is a list of what can be had:-

• £30 discount for orders placed today
• FREE gifts worth £69.98, including OnePlus Fluoro-rubber Strap (£ 34.99) and a OnePlus Watch 2R White charging base (£29.99).

Last but by no means least are the newest headphones the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro. These headphones bring most of the features of the OnePlus Buds 3 pro to the Nord family and do so with out breaking the bank. I was a big fan of the last gen Nord Buds and from what I have seen of this new version they should,d not disappoint either. They feature flagship-level hybrid adaptive ANC in a small but long lasting form factor. the battery life of put to 44 hours will be perfect for travelling. The charging case ha been redesigned to be more pocket-friendly than the previous gen with a pebble-shaped matte finish with some subtle metallic accents.

The Buds themselves feature a dedicated tetanized driver. Its 12.4mm extra-large diaphragm is crafted from high-quality TPU with a titanium coating to enhance the sound being delivered and will keep your music sounding clear and precise. The active noise cancellation will work at up to 49dB noise cancellation and an ultra-wide frequency range reaching 4,000Hz, It should provide near silence and isolation from most background noise including traffic and high pitched instruments. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro have received TÜV Rheinland for High Performance Noise Cancellation for their performance which makes them stand out at the price point being offered.

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro can be purchased today for £79 and they are available in Starry Black and Soft Jade. If bought alongside the OnePlus Watch 2R on launch day from oneplus.com will be rewarded with a £10 discount.

That is all we have for now from the press event i will be sharing more photos and video from the vent in due course and I will also have some more unboxings of the Oneplus Pad 2, The OnePlus Watch 2 and the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro in due course.

The post OnePlus Summer Launch Event 2024 is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

We can see that the phone will feature a dual camera design in what looks to be a glass section with a metallic panel below presumably made from stainless steel. In terms of other aspects of the design not much else has been shared with us so far but I would expect this to be around the 6.5″ sort of sizing of the previous generation Nord devices lineup.

I am very excited to see more of this phone and I will be lucky enough to be on the ground at the event in Milan when it happens. I will be bringing my first impression of the phone as soon as I can after the announcement has been made.

Here are some other images of the phone’s two colour versions by themselves.

First up Mercurial Silver

Next is the Obsidian Midnight

I do like the simplicity of the design here especially the ridged effect on the Mercurial Silver version.

That is all I have for now but more to come here on the 16th July.

The post OnePlus Nord 4 design revealed ahead of unveiling in Milan is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Honor has worked alongside Studio Harcourt utilising the power of AI to analyse thousands of photographs to “learn” how to use some of the pillars of of the Studio Harcourt process to allow your phone to capture the very best portrait images with ease. Having experienced this in a relatively controlled environment, I was very keen to get the phone into a normal atmosphere to allow me to really use it in anger. 

So without further ado let’s look at the phone in all its glory.

Hands-on video

Display

The display measures 6.78″ and is a Quad-Curved Floating AMOLED display covered in Aluminosilicate glass for protection. This screen is purportedly as tough as Gorilla Glass and Honor is claiming that the glass is extremely scratch-resistant. The screen has a resolution of  FHD+ 2700×1224 and an aspect ratio of 19.85:9. The screen will also output up to 4000 nits during peak brightness whilst watching HDR content. It has a colour gamut of DCI-P3 and its Delta E is 0.27. Lastly, it has a refresh rate of 120Hz and is DXI Gold mark certified.

Before I move away from the screen one last thing for those of you who are sensitive to PWM. The 200 Pro screen has a PWM frequency of 3840Hz which has been flicker-free certified by TUV Rheinland

On the top of the phone, we can find a couple of different things. The most prominent thing here is the upward-firing speaker grill which allows the sound to be pushed out to the side when you are using the phone for gaming, music or video viewing. The good news is it does really help and is not just a gimmick. Next to this, we have a a good old Honor favourite in the form of the IR blaster allowing you to control various IR compatible kit. Next to this is one of the various pinhole mics around the phone.

On the right-hand side of the phone is where we find the power/sleep/wake button, which as is the norm now can be doubled up as an assistant button. The volume rocker sits above this. The buttons are positioned in a way that they fall under the right-hand thumb nicely, it is a bit more awkward if you are left-handed though but this is quite normal in the phone world unfortunately.

On the bottom of the phone, we have got the USB Type-C port which will support USB 2.0 and more importantly up to HONOR 100W SuperCharge with a compatible charger (not included in the box, but currently being included as a gift when you buy the phone from Honor direct). We also have the downward firing speaker which like the one on the top of the phone works well. on the other side, we find another pinhole microphone and the Micro SD card slot which has a waterproof gasket on the inside to aid with the IP rating of the phone.

The left-hand side is void of anything at all not even an antenna break line. An interesting note here is that there are no visible antenna lines on the frame exterior which is nice to see and a nice nod to design simplicity.

On the back, we have a very pretty design which is inspired by the moonlight on the Moonlight White version we have here. On the Ocean Blue version, the phone has a wavelike pattern which resembles a meandering coastline. The final colour version is simple called Black to represent simple serenity. We have also got the camera module which contains three camera elements including a 50MP Portrait Main Camera, a 50MP Telephoto Camera, a 50MP Portrait Selfie Camera. net tot his is a dual-lens flash module. The camera module’s shape has been inspired by Guadi’s Cass Mila of Barcelona.

In terms of the profile below is the Honor 200 Pro being compared to the Google Pixel 8 Pro. You can see that the phone is very slim (8.2mm excluding camera bump) This is accentuated by the use of the curved screen and it makes for a comfortable feel in the hand. However, this curved edge screen does also have its downside mainly in that it can make the phone feel like it is going to slip out your hand. There is a reason why we are seeing a trend back towards flat screens again.

Again another comparison here with my Pixel 8 Pro which is on the right. you can see that the Honor 200 Pro is marginally narrower. It is also interesting to see the scaling of the displays at work here both these phones have their scaling and font size at their lowest settings. More on this in the main review though.

I have also added a Samsung device here in the form of the Galaxy A 34 to give a bit more of an idea of sizing.

So that covers my hand-on and unboxing of the phone. I have not included any of the in-box items as this is a review device and typically they don’t come with included accessories however I can confirm that the following items will be included in the box.

1. Phone (Built-in battery) x 1

2. Type-C Cable x 1 (Europe is C2C, other regions are A2C)

3. Quick Start Guide x 1

4. Eject Tool x 1

5. Warranty Card x 1*

6. TP protective film (Attached on the phone before delivery) x 1

The Honor 200 Pro is currently available to buy from the Honor Store. If you want to pick one of these devices up then you can currently get one for £599.99 (down from £699.99) and this will include the HONOR Earbuds X6 and HONOR SuperCharge Power Adapter (Max 100W) for free. Honor will also stand by their screen quality by offering a free 1-year screen replacement policy with a one-time use.

The post Honor 200 Pro – Unboxing is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

HONOR has revealed two industry-leading on-device AI innovations created to empower individuals and introduce a new level of user safety. During its keynote at MWC Shanghai 2024, titled “The Human-AI Synergy: Intelligent Devices Will Empower People Better,” HONOR showcased its latest advancements in human-centric AI, AI Defocus Eye Protection and AI Deepfake Detection. During the keynote session, the brand also reiterated its focus on human-centric on-device AI and its belief in the potential for AI-enabled hardware to empower users by delivering tailored services while protecting user privacy.

George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd

AI is revolutionizing our lives and driving the smartphone industry forward, but much of the industry has focused on cloud-based AI, which is just a part of the puzzle. On-device AI, which is run on smartphones that understand us better than any other devices, is uniquely positioned to deliver services that are tailored to us and our preferences,

At HONOR, we believe on-device AI has the potential to empower users and become more capable in everything they do. We invite all industry players to join us as we explore the untapped potential of on-device AI.

Wearing defocus glasses is proven to be conducive to eye health as they intentionally induce controlled defocus in the user’s peripheral visual field to help maintain clear central vision. This effect creates an altered visual perception that slows down the eye elongation process, which leads to nearsightedness. Taking eye protection from prevention to creating technology that can lead to relief for consumers, HONOR’s AI Defocus Eye Protection has been shown to decrease users’ transient myopia by 13 degrees on average after reading for 25 minutes, with some users experiencing a maximum reduction of 75 degrees.

Mitigating Fraud with AI Deepfake Detection.

Circumventing the risks presented by cloud-based “deepfake” AI technology, HONOR has introduced AI Deepfake Detection. To help prevent fraud and detect digitally manipulated content, AI Deepfake Detection examines frame-by-frame information such as eye contact, lighting, image clarity, and video playback to identify flaws that are imperceptible to the human eyes.

Additionally, the AI Deepfake Detection has been trained through a large dataset of videos and images related to online scams, enabling the AI to perform identification, screening, and comparison within three seconds. If synthetic or altered content is detected by the feature, a risk warning is immediately issued to the user, deterring them from continued engagement with the potential scammers for their safety.

HONOR is pioneering on-device AI and how it works with cloud-based AI, and these innovations are the perfect example of how its doing that. With deepfake ubiquity and sophistication on the rise from deepfake porn, government announcements and more, this detection on-device could be the future of what viewing content on a smartphone is really like globally

The post HONOR Unveils Industry’s First AI Defocus Eye Protection and AI Deepfake Detection. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

It is an invite to an event with OnePlus in the glorious city of Milan in Italy. The event is being held on July 16th at 3pm CEST (so 2pm UK time).

The invite is made of a single sheet of stainless steel which may be a clue for the build material of whatever is being launched at the event.

We know that OnePlus has recently announced a new tech in China but we don’t have any idea what we will be seeing when I get to Italy. Be rest assured that I will be on the ground at launch time to announce what is unveiled.

If you want to be kept in the loop then follow our X account

Until then here are some pictures of the invite for you.

The post OnePlus Invite to Summer event is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

In the current mobile tech environment where we have got standard smartphones with displays of bigger than 6 1/2 inches screen size and we also now have the newer book-style folding devices like the Honor Magic V2  and Pixel Fold, do we still need tablets and if so what is there purpose? So this is something I have been wrestling with for quite some time whilst I have been using the Pad Go

I have been fortunate enough to use some of the latest and greatest phones from a variety of manufacturers including the Honor, Google, Samsung and indeed OnePlus. I have used their normal candy bar-style devices and their book-style folding devices. I have been very happy with those devices and in the case of the folding style devices they have become a dual purpose device for me as they can act as phones and tablets simply by unfolding the device. For me, I thought that ticked the boxes for what I would need from a tablet. However just before this review period started I sold my Pixel Fold and I changed to a Pixel 8 Pro. This in turn meant that I did not have that dual functionality device anymore. My timing couldn’t have been better because the Pad Go arrived the day after I made the switch. This meant that for a significant cost saving, I now had a phone and a tablet albeit as two separate devices. Now the true test would be whether will I use them in the same sort of way I used my Pixel Fold.

Typically when I was out and about I would use the Pixel Fold in closed mode and I would limit myself to relatively basic phone functions, quickly skimming emails, on-the-go gaming and some very light media content in the form of either YouTube tube or music playback. When I needed to get more stuff done this is when I would typically unfold the device, for example, if I needed to respond to an email with more than a few lines, if I was editing an image I had taken, reading a PDF or watching a video of more than 10 minutes in length. All of these things I had identified as “tablet mode” tasks. These tasks were simpler on a larger screen and being able to have two apps open at the same time was advantageous. An example is when I was renewing my car insurance as I could be on a live chat at the same time as searching for price comparisons in a web browser.

So now that we have had some background on my uses for a tablet let’s see if the Pad Go can tick the boxes and see if it will work as part of a two-device mobile setup for me. Firstly let’s recap the hardware tour from the unboxing.

Design

As always with a device tour we will start on the top edge of the device and to avoid confusion I am going to be orienting the tablet in landscape mode as that is what is suggested as its normal use mode by the camera positioning.

This is where we can find the volume up and down buttons on the far left edge the next noticeable thing is the pinhole microphone that will be brought into function when the front camera is being used. on either end of the top edge, there are two antenna bands for the inbuilt connections.

Moving around to the right-hand side we will then find that there are two of the 4  speakers, nestling inside these you will find another pinhole microphone next to the USB type C port. This port does not support Display Out, unfortunately, but given the price point and target demographic, this is hardly surprising.

Moving around to the bottom of the tablet there is nothing to see here which makes holding the device in the landscape orientation comfortable.

Continuing to the right-hand side we can see that we have got the other two speakers but this time they are flanking a Nano SIM/microSD card slot. This allows the tablet to support LTE bands for full phone and data duties if you wish to use it as a phone! You can also expand the storage by up to 1TB via the Micro SD card slot. You can also find the sleep-wake/power button on this side. This is simply just a button there is no fingerprint reading going on here.

Around the back we have the Camera module that is mounted on the upper third of the device in a shinier section of the back cover, presumable this is where the twin Mint naming comes from. Incidentally, this colour is the only variant you can get in the UK and it matches up with a lot of the other OnePlus devices of late. The camera itself is an 8MP sensor which has EIS and will support 1080P/720P video recording at 30FPS.

Going around the front finally, we have got the 11.35″2.4K screen which has a pixel density of 260PPI, and a refresh rate of 90Hz. The screen is reasonably bright at 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 1500:1 and a colour gamut of 96% NTSC. As is the case on most devices these days the screen is set up for Eyecare as well meaning that it will automatically adjust in lower light settings to limit Blue light and adjust colour temperatures to suit the available lighting in your viewing environment. It is a TÜV Rheinland Certified Full Care Display. Very good to know especially if this is a purchase being considered for younger users.

Also at the very top of the display is where we find the 8MP front-facing camera.

Thickness comparison with RedMagic 9 Pro gaming phone

Overall I really do like the aesthetics of the design and the way the tablet feels in the hand. It is comfortable to hold due to the 7.5mm bezels surrounding the devices and the 7.:5 aspect ratio of the display means it is not too wide for a 11.35″ screen size. I can find that I can interact with the tablet easily enough but typing is a bit easier using the thumbs when in portrait mod. it is light enough to hold in one hand while poking at the screen with the other hand which is great if you’re doing a quick search for something to watch or listen to. It is also pretty useful for games as well as I found with a quick session of Asphalt 9. As I mentioned earlier the device has a quad-speaker setup which creates a very good sound stage. I was more than happy to have this playing music in the background as I was working on writing this review.

Hardware

The outside may be good to look at but none of that makes any difference unless the internal hardware is any good. thankfully we have got some pretty good-looking kit inside. bear in mind that this is by no means a flagship-grade tablet so the expectations need to be aligned to that. To start with we have got a MediaTek Helio G99 CPU powering the tablet. This is an octa-core CPU built on the 6 NM process it has 2x Arm Cortex-A76 up to 2.2GHz and  6x Arm Cortex-A55 up to 2.0GHz and is paired with an Arm Mali-G57 MC2. We also have 8GB of LPDDR4X and 128b GB of UFS 2.2 storage which will give a reasonably fast read and write speed but is not anything groundbreaking, more than adequate for streaming media and some light gaming. As I mentioned above the device has a SIM card slot and this is down to the CPIU being able to support 4G for both calls and data. Alongside that, you have the usual WIFI 5 and 2.4Ghz available frequencies and Bluetooth 5.2. Lastly, we have got support for GPS (L1), BEIDOU (B1I), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), and WLAN positioning. All in all, this is some pretty good spec for the price and is comparable with tablets from other players like Honor in the form of the Honor Pad 9u

We also have a standard suite of sensors that you would expect to see in an entry-level tablet; a Geomagnetic sensor, Light sensor, Acceleration sensor, Gyroscope, and Hall sensor.

I am pretty pleased with the hardware and especially happy to see that this device carries a battery with 8000mAh in it that is also capable of charging at 33W SUPERVOOC with the appropriate power supply unit (not included). This will allow for use for at least two days but it also supports a standby time of 514 hours according to OnePlus, which works out as just under 21.5 days. This is an important metric for a tablet as you tend not to use it constantly all day long. You will use it for a quick look at something or maybe to catch a TV Show watch a film etc. Having the ability to shut the screen off and then come back to it and still have some charge a few days later is a very useful feature.

The screen is plenty bright enough for use inside but it does struggle when in direct sunlight outside due to that max brightness of 400 nits. however, at this price point, you will struggle to find a much brighter screen. As you would also expect there is a lot of reflection in very bright conditions, however, I have yet to use a tablet that doesn’t suffer from this issue so I can let it slide.

Software

A key area for this tablet to be used in the way I am looking to use it is the ability of the device to work for the “tablet tasks” that I have identified above. the first of these that is important for me is long-form email. I have found that when typing up longer emails in the landscape orientation the keyboard spacing does prove to be a little bit of a stretch for me to thumb type. That being said though if the tablet is supported then I can type reasonably efficiently but it is far from ideal. This is where a keyboard attachment would have been advantageous for me. If I use the tablet in portrait then I can get on a bit better when thumb-typing as the keyboard is a bit more condensed but this is true of all tablets not just the Pad Go. Image editing is another area where having the bigger screen provides for a better experience and this was true for the Pad Go, particularly taking advantage of the fact that Google Photos has been enabled for tablet mode when using the in-built edit function. I can still see the full image and the tools easily as the tooling appears on the right-hand side of the image in a list view as shown in the image below.

Split Screen mode is something I have found to be very useful when using a folding device and I have been trying to use it as effectively on the pad go as well and for the most part it does work just as well. Using the split screen to reference something whilst working in a different app is extremely useful and productive. I will be going to Rhodes in the summer and have been able to do some sightseeing planning on the tablet by using the split screen. Whilst I could easily do this on my Pixel 8 Pro having the ability to have two apps open side by side does make this much easier especially when I want to show this to someone else as the device size is more conducive to doing so.

Media playback is another huge aspect of the tablet experience and I have been using this a lot for that function. I was away doing some training for my new job and having the pad Go with me during this time was a big advantage as I was able to stream Netflix on a screen that was big enough to be enjoyable for long durations in the evening instead of having to make do with watching the in-room TV  which was showing mostly football and reality TV rubbish. Again this is something that could be done on either my phone or Macbook but the Pad Go made the process easier and more flexible as I could take the Pad Go with me if I wanted to indulge in my viewing in the bar or the beer garden. What would have been useful in this scenario is a stand which I don’t have for review but there is one available from the OnePlus Store.

An area where I was hoping that I would be able to use the extra screen real estate was in the writing of this review but unfortunately, as the Pad Go does not have an attachable keyboard cover like the OnePlus Pad this was not a successful endeavour. Unfortunately, the keyboard takes up too much of the screen real estate to be used in this mode and this was enough to stop me from trying to get the review written up on the Pad Go. Admittedly I could have used a Bluetooth keyboard but the lack of a stand and and mouse made this prohibitive to me and it was more practical to use my laptop for this. The hardware deficiency is not the only issue here as this has been an issue with Android and if I recall correctly iPad tablets for some time so the Pad Go is not to blame here. This is one of the reasons I moved to a Chome-based solution the last time I had a tablet. While it is certainly possible to create content using a word processor and then copy this into our chosen platform (WordPress) it is not as fluid as it could or should be.

One nice surprise that I did get when doing this review was that the tablet was updated to Android 14 which is great to see as normally these cheaper tablets get left behind in terms of updates to the core OS. At the time of writing the Pad Go is on Android 14 and the Google Play system update is on the 1 May 2024.

Which is not too bad given that is the same as my Redmagic 9 Pro is, (my Pixel 8 Pro is on the latest beta version of Android 15 so the Google Play System update is a bit out of whack).

The Multitasking is smooth and you can choose to use an app in Picture in Picture mode if you wish as well as the split screen shown mode above.

So overall the Pad Go software is exactly what I was expecting it to be for a mid-range Android tablet. It does not have the extra hardware to support the possibility of being laptop replacement but it does have the benefits of the bigger size which makes it great for web browsing and media consumption whilst travelling or away from home (or just when you are kicked out of the living room).

Gaming is another thing that I have used Tablets for in the past and did use my Pixel Fold for and the Pad Go is perfectly adept at the medium-weight games that I have be playing recently The refresh rate is adequate for all but most intensive games and the brightness is okay for indoor gaming but you will struggle outside under direct sunlight. I tested the Pad Go by playing Asphalt 9 and Grand Mountain and both were fine. I do find that the hardware is a bit too big for my liking and i couldn’t get my Stadia Contoller to pair with the Pad Go correctly but I was still able to get by. It will not replace a dedicated gaming console or handheld by any means but the same can be said for any mid-range Android tablet that is over 10″ in size. I have found that the best-sized device for gaming is around 7″ to 8″ and it seems that the industry is in agreement with me as this is the screen size of the Steamdeck and the Nintendo Switch console.

There is also the Games app which is very useful for configuring your gameplay settings and keeping track of your games on the device.

Next up is the camera,

I will be honest the camera is an addition that I have never really looked to use on a tablet. They are not the best device to take photos with due to their size. However I have taken a few sample shots here to showcase what it can do and it is not terrible but still, the rear camera is for me largely superfluous. Video can be recorded at 1080p and 720p at 30fps as well. Although as you can see from the results below I probably wouldn’t bother if I were you!

The front camera on the other hand is more useful as it will allow the user to use the tablet for video calls etc. It is also not too bad for selfies but i feel that the video call experience has been what has been prioritised here. The camera will record at 1080p or 720p at 30fps. I have enclosed a sample of the video at 1080p below and a couple of static shots as well one with middling bokeh and one without any.

Conclusion

That about finishes up the review so we just now need to wrap things up.

The need for a standalone tablet is in my opinion coming towards an end. I can fill the need for a tablet and a phone in one device now as I have been bitten by the foldable bug in a big way. At the time of writing this, I have just re-bought my Pixel Fold back from the person I sold it to a few weeks ago.  However, not everyone is on board with the foldable phone concept and I can see where it would be useful to have a separate device like the OnePlus Pad Go as a secondary device for use around the house when travelling etc. This is where the Pad Go fits into a use case and it does so very well. However, this is not by any means a high-end device, which is fine as it is not meant to be. if you are looking for a laptop replacement then I would advise looking for a tablet like the OnePlus Pad with a keyboard or any of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 lineup (although be prepared to pay more for these).

I am glad I have had the opportunity to review the OnePlus Pad Go as it has answered a question for me that I had been pondering. Do I need (as someone who uses a folding phone) a standalone tablet? For me, the answer is no but that is because my phone will perform as one and I am happy with the compromises that foldable phones entail. if you prefer your phone to be non-folding but want the extra real estate sometimes then the OnePlus Pad Go would be a very good addition to your kit.

If you want to pick up the Oneplus Pad Go you can do so by going to the OnePlus website where you can get one for £269 and it will come with a free Folio case worth £39.99 included. You can also look at the bigger brother the OnePlus pad which has the option of Stylus use and an attachable keyboard as well.

The post OnePlus Pad Go – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Mobile charging specialists, CUKTECH, has announced the launch of the CUKTECH 10, a state-of-the-art 100W 10000mAh power bank designed to meet the diverse and demanding charging needs of modern users. This sleek and futuristic design power bank delivers unmatched performance, ensuring devices are charged at maximum speed, whether a laptop, smartphone, or gaming console

The CUKTECH 10 is the ultimate solution for high-power charging. It offers a single-port output capable of delivering an impressive 100W for laptops, up to 27W for iPhones, and 45W for Samsung Galaxy devices. This versatility ensures that devices remain powered up and ready to go in record time.

For gamers on the go, the CUKTECH 10 is a game-master companion, seamlessly compatible with handheld consoles. It can charge a Nintendo Switch 1.3 times, supports 45W fast charging for the Steam Deck, a remarkable 65W for the ROG, and a powerful 100W for the Legion Go, making it an ideal choice for uninterrupted gaming enjoymen

Rapid self-charging takes convenience to the next level as the CUKTECH 10 boasts a 90W MAX self-charging capability, ensuring the power bank is always ready for action. With the ability to achieve 55% capacity in just 15 minutes, users can quickly get enough power to fully charge an iPhone 15 once.

A vibrant TFT colour screen provides real-time visibility into crucial details such as voltage, current, battery level, power output, and the remaining time for both charging and recharging. This intuitive display keeps users informed and in control.

The CUKTECH 10 also features fast charging specifically for Xiaomi devices. The USB-C1 port delivers high-speed fast charging of up to 120W for all Xiaomi mobile phones and tablets, and up to 100W for Xiaomi notebooks. Built with automotive-grade 21700 power cells produced by top-tier manufacturers, the CUKTECH 10 ensures guaranteed quality and reliability. It supports single-port ultra-fast charging at 100W and offers two-way support with a combined USB-A and Type-C maximum power output of 133W. Compatibility with PD 3.1, PPS, and various fast charging technologies makes it a versatile power solution for a wide range of devices.

Despite its high-power capacity, the CUKTECH 10 maintains a portable and space-efficient design. Measuring just 143mm in length and 45mm in width, it is comparable to a Snickers bar and fits comfortably in the palm of the hand or in a pocket. Weighing a mere 10oz, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and performance.

Included with the CUKTECH 10 Power Bank is a 6A 240W C-to-C charging cable, an instruction manual, and an 18-month worry-free service backed by a dedicated customer service team committed to providing utmost satisfaction. CUKTECH prides itself on delivering products of equal or even better quality than more well known competitors in the market but at a more affordable price point.

The CUKTECH 10 is available on Amazon UK for RRP £49.99 (An additional 40  percent discount coupon is also currently live). It is also available on Amazon.com for RRP $59.99 (An additional $20 discount is also currently live).

The post CUKTECH Unveils the Ultimate Charging Companion: The CUKTECH 10, 100W, 10000mAh Power Bank with Fast Charging, 2 Ports, PPS PD, and Smart Display is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

The way the architecture to work is defined below.

1) At the base layer, Cross-device and Cross-OS AI form the foundation of an open ecosystem, which allows the sharing of computing power and services among devices and operating systems.

2) Building upon this foundation, the Platform-level AI layer enables a personalised operating system, allowing intent-based human-computer interaction and personalised resource allocation.

3) At the third layer, App-level AI is poised to introduce a wave of innovative, generative AI applications that will revolutionise user experiences.

4) Lastly, at the top, the Interface to Cloud-AI services layer provides users with easy access to massive cloud services while prioritising privacy protection, creating a truly holistic and future-forward AI experience.

A use case scenario of this new architecture would be for sharing a file from your phone to laptop seamlessly without having to export it via any cloud sharing services.

Another aspect of the AI architecture is going to allow the phone to learn about your habits and make it more useful item to allow ease of use of the functions that the phone can offer. For example, if you listen to music first thing in the morning then the phone will offer up the music app when you wake up without being prompted.

Another way that AI will be used on the newly announced Honor 200 series (which was also teased today) is to help implement. This has used AI to learn. This has allowed Honor to break down the entire portrait photography process into nine distinct steps, which is now being and implemented into the new AI-enhanced Portrait mode that will be present in the new Honor phones going forward.

Another nod to the increase in AI development with Honor is the fact that Honor will be using Google Cloud to help support the back end of the AI infrastructure

The new Honor 200 Series will be announced in Paris on the 12th of June and will come with all of the enhanced AI functionality that has been announced today.

It will also include the new AI-enhanced Portrait Experience that has been co-developed with Studio Harcourt. It will also include MagicPortal the industry’s first intent-based UI.

The MagicOS 8.0 update will start it’s rollout to the Honor Magic V2 and Honor 90 in the next few weeks as well.

The post Honor Announces 4-layer AI architecture @ VivaTech in Paris is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

A reliable MagSafe charger for travel is truly invaluable. That’s why the Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger (referred to as the ButterFly from now on) immediately caught my eye up on its initial release. Upon unboxing, the ButterFly charger has a distinct resemblance to a yo-yo with it’s circular shape, divided into two halves, evokes memories of that classic toy. Alternatively, it could be mistaken for a pocket watch or even a macaroon.

The metal exterior exudes a premium feel, while the vegan leather strap that secures the two parts and the faux leather interior add to the overall elegance of this accessory. The ButterFly charger includes instructions for using it in various orientations, and magnets seamlessly join the metal components together.

Specs:-
Charging Speed 15W/5W
Dimensions0.9 x 2.4 x 2.4in (2.35 x 6 x 6mm)
Weight4.2oz (119g)
Adapter included30W.

Pros:
Stunning Design: The accessory boasts an impressive and visually appealing design.
Dual Device Charging: It conveniently charges two devices simultaneously.
High-Quality Build: The build quality is top-notch, ensuring durability and a premium feel.

Cons:
Challenges with Standby Mode on Larger iPhones: Navigating Standby Mode can be a bit tricky, especially when using larger iPhones. It might take some extra effort to become fully comfortable with its functionality.
Uncertainty Regarding Long-Term Durability: While the initial build quality shows promise, questions remain about its long-term durability. Only time and extended use will reveal how well it stands up over the years.
Consider the Price Tag: Keep in mind that this accessory comes with a higher price. Before making the investment, weigh it against your budget and priorities.

The Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe charger is available for $129 or £129 on Twelve South’s website and Apple.com. The Apple retail seal of approval speaks volumes about the quality of this accessory. Although it’s a recent release, the charger has not been discounted during my testing period, and stock availability has remained steady.
To help mitigate the cost, the ButterFly charger includes a 30W USB-C charger, a braided USB-C cable, and international wall adapters. While it’s a thoughtful addition, I’ll likely only incorporate the cable into my collection. The power adapter, though not massive, still occupies nearly the same volume as the ButterFly itself. As for the international adapters, they might be redundant for anyone willing to invest in a £130 charger, as they likely already possess a solution for international plugs.

The ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger aims to fill the void left by Apple’s discontinued MagSafe Duo. While Apple occasionally releases charging accessories mid-cycle, it remains uncertain whether they will reintroduce the old Duo with a USB-C port.

If you already own and use a MagSafe Duo, I wouldn’t recommend trading it in for the ButterFly charger. Apple’s charger boasts an incredibly slim and well-constructed design. However, Twelve South’s charger does offer fast-charging capabilities for the Apple Watch and utilizes USB-C, which I found appealing—though these features aren’t absolutely critical for a nightstand accessory.

Compared to the Mophie 3-in-1 charger, the ButterFly charger gets my recommendation. Twelve South’s product is smaller and more affordable. While it lacks a third charging spot, I’m not convinced that such a feature is necessary.
For AirPods, you can power them up on the iPhone spot or, if you have AirPods Pro 2, charge them using the Apple Watch charger.
The leather-like strap connecting the two halves allows the charger to be folded and used in four specific ways: flat with two devices, watch-only, phone-only, or horizontally for StandBy mode.

The Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger boasts a truly unique design, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of a 2-in-1 charger. When unfolded, each charging panel is elegantly coated with soft vegan leather. While the iPhone side appears straightforward, the Apple Watch portion features a magnetic charger on a hinge that can be opened up, allowing your Apple Watch to rest in Nightstand mode.

If you only need to charge one device, simply fold the ButterFly back on itself—the magnets securely hold the pieces together. This configuration not only facilitates Nightstand mode for your Apple Watch but also serves as a clever solution for propping up your iPhone in StandBy Mode. Although not flawless, the two folded components act as a rudimentary kickstand, allowing your iPhone to rest at an angle in landscape mode.
For smaller iPhones, such as the iPhone 15, the ButterFly is particularly effective. However, if you own Apple’s larger iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, deploying the charger with the leather strap off to one side becomes necessary to prevent the weight of the phone from collapsing the stand. Despite its imperfections, this secondary feature adds a touch of functionality.

In addition to its design, the ButterFly charger comes with a charming velvety travel bag secured by a drawstring. The bag provides ample space for both the charger and the included USB-C cable, which features an attractive braided design. As expected, the features of a simple MagSafe charging unit are somewhat limited, but that doesn’t diminish its quality. The ButterFly MagSafe charger can charge any iPhone from the iPhone 12 onwards (regardless of size), delivering 15W of power. While faster than standard Qi wireless charging, it falls short of the speed achieved by plugging your iPhone directly into a power source. Additionally, the ButterFly can also charge Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods 2 with wireless charging cases—all at 15W.

On the other side, the Apple Watch fast charger provides 5W of power and is compatible with any Apple Watch model, from the original to the Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Notably, the Apple Watch panel can also charge AirPods Pro 2, so you’re not limited to pairing it solely with an iPhone.

While the ButterFly’s design sets it apart, it’s not the sole contender in the 2-in-1 charging market. Apple’s own MagSafe Duo charger is an alternative, but it’s equally pricey and lacks the same stylish appeal. Furthermore, it doesn’t include the necessary charger, making the ButterFly a better overall value.
Among our top picks for portable travel Apple Watch chargers, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station stands out. It’s a foldable 3-in-1 charger with clever design features and an additional charging station compared to the ButterFly. Similarly, the Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe offers similar functionality to the Anker, along with a convenient carrying case. Lastly, Ampere’s Unravel travel charger boasts a unique folding design and 3-in-1 charging capabilities. While capable, these alternatives fall short of the ButterFly’s premium aluminium finish and stylish leather coating. Ultimately, the ButterFly prioritizes form over pure functionality. Users seeking a more practical solution or those with multiple devices to charge may find better options elsewhere.

Conclusion:-
You should consider purchasing the Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger if:
You’re looking for a practical and stylish travel charger.
You own a MagSafe-compatible iPhone and an Apple Watch.
You appreciate compact and unique accessories.
However, you should avoid buying it if:
You don’t have a MagSafe-compatible iPhone or an Apple Watch.
You need to charge more than two devices simultaneously.
You’re specifically seeking the most budget-friendly charger on the market.

As someone who appreciates efficient ways to keep all my devices powered while traveling light, I find the Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger to be a valuable travel accessory. Its clever design accommodates both an iPhone and an Apple Watch in various positions. While it does have a few quirks, the primary drawback is its £129.99 price tag. Understandably, this cost prompts many to pause and question whether they truly need this device for their travels.

I agree that the value proposition isn’t ideal, especially when there are more affordable alternatives that achieve similar functionality. However, the ButterFly performs well overall, with only minor cosmetic considerations. If your budget allows or if frequent travel justifies the investment, the ButterFly is a reliable choice.

The post Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe charger – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Design

Here is a brief unboxing video showcasing the phone.

This is one of the biggest things when it comes to a gaming phone and the RedMagic 9 Pro (hereafter referred to as the 9 Pro). The phone has some very specific gaming cues. Time to take the tour around the device starting from the top edge.

On the top of the device, we find one of the side-firing speakers along with an IR blaster for controlling IR-equipped devices. In addition to this is something that is a bit of a rarity these days, a 3.5mm headset jack is sitting up there on the top. We also find one of the pinhole mics and some of the many antenna line breaks.

Moving around the right-hand side we have a lot going on so let’s go from the edges in. On the edges, we have the RGB shoulder trigger buttons which can be configured within games. The RGB lighting can be set in different modes from the software which we will cover more later on. The trigger buttons support up to 520hz touch detection making them very responsive for use in games. Next, we have one end of the fan channel, I believe this is the exhaust vent but I could be wrong. Next, we have the volume rocker switch which has good feedback and is distinctive when compared to the sleep/wake/power switch. The next thing here is again a hint at the gaming focus of this phone as we have a dedicated home mode slider switch. by moving this switch towards to power key then the phone will enter into its gaming mode where you have all the toggles from various software-led functions. I will cover these more later in the gaming section of this review. The last thing of note here is the presence of another pinhole mic.

On the bottom edge of the phone is another one of the side-firing speakers another pinhole microphone and the USB 3.2, Type-C with DisplayPort functionality, for plugging into an external display. This port will also support fascharing if you use the correct charger and the phone will charge at up to 80W giving a pretty good 0 to full charge time of under 35 minutes. We also have a dual SIM card slot.

Moving around to the left-hand side of the phone apart from the usual antenna break we have got the other end for the fan channel which I think is the intake end.

On the rear, we have got a fair amount of things going on alongside some graphical exuberance In the top right-hand corner we have a reference to this being the 9th Generation of RedMagic phones with a 09 that will illuminate when the phone is in gaming mode. Coming down from his but sticking to the right-hand side we have the “Win More Games” text written on the rear panel with the Redmagic Logo at the very bottom right. On the left-hand side at the bottom edge, there is again some text outing the phone brand name REDMAGIC and then as you move up the phone there are more text references this time under the camera array we have Ice Cooling System written around the middle section. above this is where things get a bit more interesting. we have what looks to be three camera modules in a vertical stack, however, this is not the case. The bottom of the stack is a very small but powerful fan. This fan will spin at a speed of up to 22,000 RPM and is fully customisable with RGB as well fitting into the gaming phone vibe very nicely. The fan can be quite loud when it is operating at max capacity but in normal use, it is barely audible over the background noise.. I have got is set to be one most of the time. I will hear it ramp up to full speed if I have it fast charging but otherwise it will just spin away pulling cold air through the cooling chamber for me.

Above the fan, we have two camera sensors which are both 50mp sensors one being an ultra-wide and the other being the normal aspect ratio. I believe that the lower of the two cameras has also got an OIS which is a first for a camera on a RedMagic gaming phone. Both cameras feature a 7-element lens and the sensors are from Samsung manufacturer. But that is not all as we also have an additional 2MP sensor off to the side sitting below the dual LED flash. This camera is there to pick up the macro shots duties as you would expect in this sort of set-up. Above the 2MP Macro camera is a Dul LED flash light which will also pull double duty as a torch if required.

A few things to note about the back cover is that this is incredibly slippy despite there being a texture to the glass panel which means that unless this is on a flat surface it will slip off things and make its way to the ground a lot. There is a clip-on shard plastic case included in the box but this does little to negate these inevitable tumbles. You can also buy an additional case from the RedMagic store but I cannot see this helping this situation much further. I have combated this by purchasing a skin for the rear panel which provide just enough grip to stop is sliding away from me all the time.

Moving around the the front of the phone is where we have the display along with the camera but we will come back to that in a moment. The display itself is really large and the panel under the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 surface is maxed out as much as possible. The screen is a 6.8 inches FHD+ panel and it is of the AMOLED variety. It has a brightness of up to 1600nits with a colour accuracy of △E＜1. The Screen-to-body ratio is 93.7% which is one of the highest I have used recently, and it has a resolution of 2480 x 1116 with a PPI of 400. The panel has a refresh rate of up to 120 hz (this can be adjusted in software). There are a couple more gaming-specific stats as well that I need to share and these are that the Instant touch sampling rate is 2,000Hz, with an overall sampling rate of up to 960Hz multitouch. I presume that these are meant to indicate that it will pick up on detections of input a lot quicker in fast-paced games.

Well, that concludes our tour of the device’s exterior. But as with all phones, we also need to investigate what is under the skin of the phone, in the hardware section.

Hardware

Firstly here is a specs table as there is lot of stuff going on here.

I am going to focus on the aspects that will take this from a regular phone to begin a gaming hone as all the other hardware is very commonly seen on most high-end phones these days, there are however some exceptions to this which I will cover later on in my review.

• Cooling system

As this is a gaming phone let’s start with the cooling system as this is the real headline grabber for this phone. As you can see from the specs sheet above the 9 Pro has got quite an elaborate system in place for cooling which is a combination of both heat dissipation foils and thermal pastes and active cooling via the cooling fan itself. The fan is a very small component as it is smaller than the diameter of a 5-pence coin. That being said it is very intricately built as it has 59 0.1mm fan blades that are capable of up to 22,000rpm to pull air into the cooling duct. As you will be able to imagine this cooling duct is where the main heat dissipation happens with the components that are generating the heat being located close to the cooling duct. The image below shows the various elements in more detail.

You can see from the above image that the Snapdarogn 8 Gen 3 Chip is located on the underside of the cooling channel to give the optimum exposure to the airflow being managed by the fan. In addition to this, there is an extensive area of thermally conductive material on the midframe to help stop any heat coming through the display from the motherboard. All of this means that the *gen 3 Chip can run at higher temp fro longer meaning that it can push more calculations through. This in turn will mean faster processing of files, quicker video rendering and most importantly for buyers of this phone a better gaming experience with higher frame rates being provided in the game with more fluid motion characteristics etc. There is however one very minor downside to this and that is that when you have got the fan cranked up to max it is audible.

I have recorded this small clip to give you an idea of the difference between the fan on and off. I was using the phone plugged in whilst playing Asphalt 9 in the mode called Diablo Mode which is when everything it maxed out and the processor and GPU are both running at full power.

Hopefully, that will demonstrate my point, Please be aware though that this was an extreme scenario and the fan is not normally quite as noticeable during normal gaming use, it would be easily cancelled out with a pair of headphones or by the sound from the game itself, I only bring this up to be thorough. next up we have the shoulder triggers which are a standout feature of the 9 Pro.

• Shoulder trigger buttons,

Unlike some gaming phones that offer generic shoulder buttons, the  9 Pro’s triggers are built for serious gamers. You can map specific in-game actions to each trigger, giving you more control over your gameplay. Imagine using them for aiming and firing in shooters, or activating abilities and spells in MOBA games – all while keeping your thumbs free for movement and other on-screen controls. This frees up valuable screen space and allows for more natural and intuitive control schemes. The 9 Pro doesn’t just offer basic buttons; these triggers boast high accuracy and a satisfying tactile response. This means your in-game actions will register precisely when you press the triggers, minimizing any lag or missed inputs. Not everyone has the same finger pressure. The 9 Pro understands this and allows you to fine-tune the sensitivity of the triggers. This way, you can set them to activate exactly when you want them to, reducing accidental presses during intense gaming moments. The shoulder triggers benefit from the phone’s incredibly high touch sampling rate of 520Hz. This translates to near-instantaneous responses when you press the triggers, further enhancing the feeling of precise control and minimizing any perceivable delay between your action and the in-game response. You can also have the buttons pull double duty as they will work as notifications LEDS when you get an event you need to be notified about.

The 9 Pro’s shoulder triggers are more than just buttons; they’re customizable tools designed to give you a significant edge in mobile gaming by providing a more precise and responsive control experience.

• Display

Mobile gamers will likely be impressed by the 9 Pro’s display, which boasts a combination of features designed to deliver an exceptional gaming experience. The phone’s large 6.8-inch AMOLED screen offers ample space to enjoy even the most visually complex games, while the sharp 2480 x 1160 resolution ensures crisp and detailed visuals. Unlike some displays that use LCD technology, AMOLED displays are known for their rich colours and deep blacks, creating a more immersive and vibrant gaming atmosphere. However, the true strength of the 9 Pro for gaming lies in its refresh rate and touch response. The 120Hz refresh rate means the screen refreshes the image 120 times per second, resulting in noticeably smoother visuals. This is a significant advantage in fast-paced games like shooters or racing titles, where every frame counts and a smooth refresh rate can give you a competitive edge. To complement the high refresh rate, the 9 Pro boasts an incredibly responsive touch screen with a 2000Hz instant touch sampling rate and a 960Hz average touch sampling rate. In layman’s terms, this means the phone can recognize your touch commands near-instantaneously, minimizing input lag. With minimal delay between your touch and the corresponding action on screen, you can react faster and more precisely in-game. Further enhancing the immersive experience is the phone’s under-display camera. Unlike some phones with notches or punch-holes that intrude on the viewing area, the 9 Pro keeps the display uninterrupted. This allows you to enjoy a truly fullscreen view without any obstructions while gaming, maximizing your immersion in your game, although in reality I barely noticed the camera on my other phones so this would not be a major difference to me based on my experience. Brightness is another crucial factor for mobile gamers, and the 9 Pro appears well-suited for various lighting conditions. While exact specifications may vary, some sources claim the screen can reach a remarkable 1600 nits in HDR mode. This means you can comfortably play games outdoors on a bright day or in a dimly lit room without compromising on the visuals. The 9 Pro’s display presents a compelling option for gamers seeking a large, clear, smooth, and responsive experience with minimal distractions. The phone’s combination of a high-resolution AMOLED display, a fast refresh rate, an ultra-responsive touch screen, and an under-display camera creates a feature set specifically tailored to enhance your mobile gaming experience.

• Processor

The 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor throws down the gauntlet for smooth and visually impressive mobile gaming. This cutting-edge chip boasts significant performance improvements over its predecessors, translating to noticeably smoother gameplay in even the most graphically demanding titles. This translates to a competitive edge, especially in fast-paced games where split-second reactions are the difference between victory and defeat. Unlike some phones that struggle to maintain peak performance during extended gaming sessions, the 9 Pro takes a different approach. Its robust cooling system specifically addresses this concern by preventing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 from throttling. This ensures you can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay with consistent frame rates, allowing you to focus on the game and not on thermal limitations. The benefits of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 extend beyond raw power. It works in perfect harmony with the 9 Pro’s 120Hz display. By enabling the phone to render graphics at high frame rates that match the display’s refresh rate, the processor unlocks the display’s full potential. This translates to a buttery smooth and graphically immersive gaming experience, making every in-game action feel incredibly responsive. Imagine perfectly rendered explosions and lightning-fast character movements coming to life with minimal lag – that’s the kind of visual fidelity the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 120Hz display combination can deliver. But the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 isn’t just about brute force. It boasts some exciting features that cater specifically to mobile gamers. One such feature is the Snapdragon Game Super Resolution. This technology can upscale the visuals of mobile games to an impressive near-8K quality when connected to a high-resolution monitor through RedMagic Studio. This takes mobile gaming visuals to a whole new level, offering an unprecedented level of detail and sharpness that can further deepen your immersion in the game world. Imagine playing your favourite mobile games on a large monitor with visuals that rival high-end consoles – that’s the potential of Snapdragon Game Super Resolution.

It’s important to consider some potential trade-offs, however. Powerful processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 can drain battery life faster. While the 9 Pro packs a large battery of 6500mAh, extended high-performance gaming sessions might require more frequent charging to keep you powered up throughout the day. Additionally, not all games may be fully optimized to leverage the full potential of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 just yet. However, this is likely to change over time as both game developers and Qualcomm release updates that improve compatibility and performance for this cutting-edge mobile chipset. With ongoing optimization, the  9 Pro with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor has the potential to be a future-proof option for mobile gamers who prioritize smooth performance, high frame rates, and support for innovative features.

Camera

The 9 Pro might be a gaming powerhouse, but it doesn’t neglect to capture those winning moments. Let’s delve into what this phone can do in the camera department, A triple-camera system graces the back, with the 50MP main sensor taking the lead. This Samsung GN5 sensor with an f/1.9 aperture excels in bright environments, ensuring crisp and vibrant photos – perfect for commemorating victories, adventures, or casual hangouts. A big upgrade from previous models is the 50MP ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture (courtesy of a Samsung JN1 sensor). Now you can capture those sprawling landscapes or ensure everyone fits in for epic group selfies. Rounding out the trio is a 2MP macro camera for those interesting close-up textures or tiny objects begging to be photographed. The 9 Pro shines when it comes to daylight photography. The main sensor delivers sharp images with accurate colours, making it ideal for outdoor gaming sessions or sightseeing. However, low-light performance might be a bit of a challenge. Photos might show more noise (grain) and reduced details in darker environments. If low-light prowess is a priority, you might want to explore other options. Just like most smartphones, the 9 Pro uses digital zoom to magnify images. Remember, excessive zooming can significantly reduce image quality and introduce blur. Sticking to the phone’s native zoom range will ensure sharper results. The phone boasts a near bezel-less look thanks to the under-display selfie camera. While convenient for casual selfies or video calls, the under-display technology might not deliver the same level of detail and sharpness as the rear cameras – a trade-off for the sleek design.

Overall, the RedMagic 9 Pro’s camera prioritizes usability over professional-grade photography. It delivers good image quality in well-lit conditions and offers versatility with the ultrawide and macro options. If you’re a gamer who wants a phone that captures everyday moments without needing the best low-light camera, the RedMagic 9 Pro is a capable choice. But serious mobile photographers might crave a phone with more advanced camera features.

Here are some sample shots that I have taken on the camera to give you an idea of what the camera can do.

All in all in daylight the shots are pretty good. 

here si a sample of the video recording (this was recorded at 1080p at 60fps but has been downsampled to allow it to be shared via WordPress)

There is a fair bit of camera wobble going on here as I don’t think the stabilization is the best but as you can see I was walking while shooting this clip.

Finally here are some samples of how the camera performs in low light

Software

The 9 Pro avoids cluttering the user interface with unnecessary software, keeping things clean. However, it caters to gamers with a dedicated gaming mode activated by a red slider on the phone’s side. This gaming mode provides a central hub to customize and fine-tune various settings to optimize your gaming experience. I have included some shots of the gaming mode UI below to give you an idea of what it can do. 

One of the options that you can get when you get the 9Pro is the Shadow Blade 2 gamepad (pictured below), however, I was not able to get one of these sent out as part of the review kit so I sadly don’t have one. I do however have the next best thing which is the GameSir Galileo G8. This actually the exact same unit as the Shadow Blade 2. When you combine the two you can then get a similar experience to something like the Razer Edge Wifi however this is more powerful due to the better chipset

Shadow Blade 2 Gamepad

The inclusion of the gamepad made this such an interesting prospect for me when I first tried this, at MWC back in February. Now whilst the Galileo G8 is not completely set up correctly to work with the 9 Pro out of the box I have found that for the most part, it will work with the games I have been testing it with. I have got some pictures below to show you what it look like below.

The above picture shows that the 9 Pro is in gaming mode, which is activated primarily by the toggle switch on the side of the unit. Within the is software you can change various different settings for your in game experience. I have found that using “Diablo Mode” gives you all the power when you need it. However, that being said I have not been able to find a game that runs at anything higher than 60FPS yet. In this Game suite, you can also set up specific details for a game. So for example, if I wanted my game to run on the Highest performance then I can set this up on a per-game basis by editing the “Cube” settings for that game. I can also change the way the game will looking by changing the “show” mode which will change how the colours are displayed in the game which may help with the gameplay experience.

The in-game menu is accessible via a double swipe in the top right or left-hand corner. The menu on the left-hand side is all the various Plugins that you can enforce on the games if you wish too. On the right-hand side, you have other controls such as turning on the RGB LED effects, blocking calls during gaming etc. It is fairly intuitive and easy to use the right-hand menu but the one for the plug-ins can be adjusted in more detail if required, if you were a gamer and you really wanted to take advantage of the extra tools then I am sure that there would be plenty to dig into here. I have only really looked over it but I have not delved much further than that.

other than the Gaming mode we are presented with a very clean version of Android 14 albeit with the Redmagic UI on top of it. I like how they have not messed around too much with the UI apart from the increased icon size which is all too common on anything other than a Pixel these days. In terms of updates I have not had a firmware update since I received the phone however I have had a Play systems update which is currently on the March 24 version, however, the Security update is still on October 23 so this is not great but I have seen worse. I don’t know how often and frequently these updates will be delivered to the phone as it tends to be the case that instead of issuing an update the phone is superseded by the next model version. Whether this will be the case with the 9 Pro only time will tell.

Conclusion

So should you buy a RedMagic 9 Pro? Well, that really depends on where your priorities lie. if you want what is one of the most powerful phones on the market for gaming currently then for the bang for your money then I would say this is a good option, especially when you factor price into the mix. For a starting price of £579.00 as reviewed, you are not going to find another Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powered phone for anything close to that price. to get the same sort of footprint you would need to consider something like the ROG Phone 8 which is currently retailing for £949.00 for the equivalent spec.

If the camera is the main focus for you then I would recommend looking elsewhere as this is not the best camera on the market, dont get me wrong it is good again when factoring in the price but there are better options out there the recently launched Pixel 8a would actually be a better alternative for near the same price (£559) for the 256GB version. 

If you want the best of both worlds, then maybe consider one of the Samsung Galaxy S 24 Line up as they give great gaming performance and are also backed by some fantastic support from Samsung regarding software updates. they will also offer a good enough gaming experience.

You may also wish to look into the sister brand for this phone which is Nubia (they are both operated by ZTE) as they have a very compelling camera-focused version of the Redmagic 9 Pro in the form of the Nubia Z60 Ultra but this adds a couple of hundred pounds to the asking price for the better optics.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the RedMagic 9 Pro but for now I am going to be hanging it up for my daily driver and returning to my Pixel 8 Pro, I may however dig it back out for some gaming sessions when i want that customisable gaming experience to hand.

The post RedMagic 9 Pro – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Design

As always with a device tour we will start on the top edge of the device and to avoid confusion I am going to be  orienting the tablet in landscape mode as that is what is suggested as its normal use mode by the camera positioning.

This is where we can find the volume up and down buttons on the far left edge the next noticeable thing is the pinhole microphone that will be brought into function when the front camera is being used. on either end of the top edge, there are two antenna bands for the inbuilt connections.

Moving around to the right-hand side we will then find that there are two of the 4  speakers, nestling inside these you will find another pinhole microphone next to the USB type C port. This port does not support Display Out, unfortunately, but given the price point and target demographic, this is hardly surprising.

Moving around to the bottom of the tablet there is nothing to see here which makes holding the device in the landscape orientation comfortable.

Continuing to the right-hand side we can see that we have got the other two speakers but this time they are flanking a Nano SIM/microSD card slot. This allows the tablet to support LTE bands for full;l phone and data duties if you wish to use it as a phone! You can also expand the storage by up to 1TB via the Micro SD card slot. You can also find the sleep-wake/power button on this side. This is simply just a button there is no fingerprint reading going on here.

Around the back we have the Camera module that is mounted on the upper third of the device in a shinier section of the back cover, presumable this is where the twin Mint naming comes from. Incidentally, this colour is the only variant you can get in the UK and it matches up with a lot of the other OnePlus devices of late. The camera itself is an 8MP sensor which has EIS and will support 1080P/720P video recording at 30FPS.

Going around the front finally we got the 11.35″2.4K screen which has a pixel density of 260PPI, and a refresh rate of 90Hz. The screen is reasonably bright at 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 1500:1 and a colour gamut of 96% NTSC. As is the case on most devices these days the screen is set up for Eyecare as well meaning that it will automatically adjust in lower light settings to limit Blue light and adjust colour temperatures to suit the available lighting in your viewing environment. It is a TÜV Rheinland Certified Full Care Display. Very good to know especially if this is a purchase being considered for younger users.

Also at the very top of the display is where we find the 8MP front-facing camera.

Thickness comparison with RedMagic 9 Pro gaming phone

Overall I really do like the aesthetics of the design and the way the tablet feels in the hand. it is comfortable to hold due to the 7.5mm bezels surrounding the devices and the 7.:5 aspect ratio of the display means it is not too wide for a 11.35″ screen size. I can find that I can interact with the tablet easily enough but typing is a bit easier using the thumbs when in portrait mod. it is light enough to hold in one hand while poking at the screen with the other hand which is great if you’re doing a quick search for something to watch or listen to. It is also pretty useful for games as well as I found with a quick session of Asphalt 9. As I mentioned earlier the device has a quad-speaker setup which creates a very good sound stage. I was more than happy to have this playing music in the background as I was working on writing this review.

Hardware

The outside may be good to look at but none of that makes any difference unless the internal hardware is any good. thankfully we have got some pretty good-looking kit inside. bear in mind that this is by no means a flagship-grade tablet so the expectations need to be aligned to that. To start with we have got a MediaTek Helio G99 CPU powering the tablet. This is an octa-core CPU built on the 6 NM process it has 2x Arm Cortex-A76 up to 2.2GHz and  6x Arm Cortex-A55 up to 2.0GHz and is paired with an Arm Mali-G57 MC2. We also have 8GB of LPDDR4X and 128b GB of UFS 2.2 storage which will give a reasonably fast read and write speed but is not anything groundbreaking, more than adequate for streaming media and some light gaming. As I mentioned above the device has a SIM card slot and this is down to the CPIU being able to support 4G for both calls and data. Alongside that, you have the usual WIFI 5 and 2.4Ghz available frequencies and Bluetooth 5.2. Lastly, we have got support for GPS (L1), BEIDOU (B1I), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), and WLAN positioning. All in all, this is some pretty good spec for the price and is comparable with tablets from other players like Honor in the form of the Honor Pad 9u

We also have a standard suite of sensors that you would expect to see in an entry-level tablet; a Geomagnetic sensor, Light sensor, Acceleration sensor, Gyroscope, and Hall sensor.

I am pretty pleased with the hardware and especially happy to see that this device carries a battery with 8000mAh in it that is also capable of charging at 33W SUPERVOOC with the appropriate power supply unit (not included). This will allow for use for at least two days but it also supports a standby time of 514gours according to OnePlus, which works out as just under 21.5 days. This is an important metric for a tablet as you tend not to use it constantly all day long. You will use it for a quick look at something or maybe to catch a TV Show watch a film etc. Having the ability to shut the screen off and then come back to it and still have some charge a few days later is a very useful feature.

The screen is plenty bright enough for use inside but it does struggle when in direct sunlight outside due to that max brightness of 400 nits. however, at this price point, you will struggle to find a much brighter screen. As you would also expect there is a lot of reflection in very bright conditions, however, I have yet to use a tablet that doesn’t suffer from this issue so I can let it slide.

In terms of the hardware that is all I have at the moment for initial first impressions as I need to spend d a bit more time with it but I am impressed with things so far.

As I have only been using the device for a short period I have been unable to draw any conclusions about the software yet but I am happy to say that it all looks pretty good so far. There has been a lot of development on the adaptation of Oxygen Os to accommodate the larger display and the tablet is better for it. I would have appreciated it if the device was running Android 14 but it is currently still on Android, With that being said though the tablet did receive a security update a few days ago bringing it up to March 2024 for security patches which is okay. it will be interesting to see if they can get this more aligned with Android in terms of the OS platform as we are not that far away from Android 15 being launched by Google. I have an older Oneplus Nord CE 3 Lite that is running more up-to-date software than the PadGo so it should be possible for them to push through the update to keep at least near relevance regarding the the core OS.

So for the moment that is all I have got for the OnePlus Pad Go and my brief time with the device.

if you are interested in picking one of them up for yourself or a family member it is definitely worth considering it, especially as at the moment OnePlus is giving a £30 discount on its RRP which is normally £299. You can pick one up from the OnePlus website for £269.00 from this link.

I will continue to run this device and will follow this up with a full review after a bit more time with the device during which I will be trying to use it for some gaming and also more consumption of media. Check back in with me in a few weeks for some more.

The post OnePlus Pad Go – Unboxing is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

PITAKA, the No.1 Aramid Phone Case Brand, has announced the release of its latest innovation, the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize your driving experience with its advanced features and sleek design. Equipped with powerful MagSafe magnets, this car mount offers a secure attachment between a phone and mount, ensuring stability even on the bumpiest roads or during sudden movements.

With Qi2 certification, the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 supports 15W fast wireless charging when paired with a charger boasting a 20W output. This ensures that devices remain powered up throughout the journey, providing uninterrupted connectivity and convenience. Compatible with both iPhones and Android phones using a MagSafe case, it offers versatility for users across different platforms.

Enhancing convenience and safety while driving, the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 features three customized NFC shortcuts. Users can easily access their preset apps by attaching their NFC-enabled phones to the mount, activating their desired apps with a simple switch of the NFC shortcut. This innovative functionality streamlines phone usage on the road, minimizing distractions and maximizing efficiency.

Designed with user experience in mind, the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 incorporates numerous air vents for effective heat dissipation. This prevents excessive heat accumulation, safeguarding the phone’s battery health and ensuring optimal performance during prolonged usage.

Boasting a universal swivel ball with a 17mm diameter, the car mount is compatible with a wide range of car brands and models, providing versatility and ease of installation for users. Additionally, its durable construction with vacuum-plated PC and Aramid fiber weave ensures longevity and resilience against daily wear and tear, while its streamlined design seamlessly complements your vehicle’s aesthetics.

Elevate the driving experience with the PITAKA MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2, the ultimate MagSafe car mount charger offering seamless connectivity, fast charging, and enhanced convenience on the road. Experience the future of car mounts today.

The PITAKA MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 is available from Amazon and the PITAKA website for $53.99 using the 10 percent discount currently available.

The post Introducing the PITAKA MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2: The Ultimate MagSafe Car Mount Charger for Seamless Connectivity and Fast Charging on the Go is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Product Specifications:

• Material: Aramid fiber, TPU, Nappa leather
• Thickness: 1.86mm (0.07inch)
• Weight: 34.77g (1.23oz)
• Color: 1500D black/grey

PITAKA, a trailblazer in innovative smartphone accessories, proudly unveils the latest addition to its lineup: the MagEZ Case Pro 4 for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Crafted from top-grade aramid fiber, this case sets a new standard in durability, functionality, and style.

Premium Material, Unrivaled Strength.

In a departure from conventional practices, the MagEZ Case Pro 4 for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is meticulously woven from top-grade aramid fiber. Renowned for its superior strength and resistance to scratches and corrosion, aramid fiber delivers unmatched protection for your device. To further enhance durability and impact resistance, PITAKA combines this robust material with flexible TPU, ensuring a protective case without unsightly seams.

Innovative PinButton Design.

Setting itself apart, the MagEZ Case Pro 4 features three customizable PinButtons on the side of the case. With a simple press, users can access preset apps, streamlining navigation and enhancing convenience. Say goodbye to cumbersome app searching and hello to effortless efficiency.

Comprehensive All-around Protection

Designed with every angle in mind, the protective Galaxy S24 Ultra woven case provides all-around protection for vulnerable components. A soft Nappa leather lining safeguards the back of the device, while precisely designed camera rings protect lenses from scratches and damage. Additionally, a subtle screen bezel ensures added protection against face-down drops.

MagSafe Compatibility for Enhanced Convenience.

With built-in MagSafe magnets, the Galaxy S24 Ultra woven case enables effortless attachment to MagSafe chargers and accessories. Samsung users can now enjoy the convenience of MagSafe charging and accessory connectivity, expanding the possibilities of their devices.

Seamless Integration with PITAKA’s MagEZ Ecosystem.

Experience a seamless user experience across devices and gadgets with compatibility with PITAKA’s MagEZ ecosystem. From the MagEZ Slider (a MagSafe charger) to the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 (a MagSafe car mount), users can enjoy a cohesive and connected experience like never before.

Understated Elegance with Superior Protection.

The MagEZ Case Pro 4 boasts a 1500D black/grey plain finish, exuding understated elegance that complements the sleekness of the titanium Galaxy S24 Ultra. Embrace minimalist style without compromising on protection.

Screen Protector Friendly

Worried about compatibility? Fear not. The protective Galaxy S24 Ultra woven case works seamlessly with most screen protectors on the market, allowing users to add an extra layer of defence to their devices.

The MagEZ Case Pro 4 for Samsung Galaxy S24 is available from PITAKA website for $69.99

The post PITAKA Introduces the MagEZ Case Pro 4 for Samsung Galaxy S24: Unmatched Protection Woven from Premium Aramid Fiber is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Mixx, known for its premium yet affordable audio solutions, has announced the Mixx StreamBuds Ultra Mini True Wireless Earbuds range. They provide the ultimate audio immersion with a beautifully designed, robust zinc alloy charge case and sound settings that are fully customisable via the Mixx Control App. With hands free calling, personalised touch sensor control and quick charge, they are ideal for use when exercising, on a daily commute or on a holiday break. The earbuds are made from a silicon stem design, perfect for those that prefer the more traditional stem design. They come with three sizes of silicon cushions for the perfect fit to make them comfortable enough for all day use. The MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are available from MIXX in a choice of black gun metal, silver white or champagne for a very affordable RRP of £69.

Find it:

The App has another useful function which may prove invaluable to many who are constantly misplacing earbuds. Just use ‘find it’ and it will show the last location the Ultra Mini earbuds picked up signal and by pressing the ‘click to play’ button it will produce a noise to help find them

Clear Voice:

‘Beam-forming’ technology is used to focus the four 4 built-in microphones which pick up more of the voice and less of the surrounding noise, making phone calls sound much clearer. Ideal in a noisy environment, a busy office or for a conference call from home. 

Quick charging:

The Ultra Mini earbuds offer 6 hours of playtime on a single charge with the magnetic flip top case adding another 18 hours of charge totaling an impressive 24 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop. The digital display on the charging case shows the battery status so users know when a recharge is needed. Ideal for long commutes, for holiday travel or to keep the tunes coming all day long.

The MIXX Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are the ultimate partner for a premium, customisable audio journey and at only £69 offer true value for money too.

The post MIXX launches its new StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds offering true customisation of sound and touch control at an affordable price. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Specifications:

• Bluetooth Version: V5.3
• Output Power: 2x 15W
• Bluetooth Protocol: A2DP, AVRCP, HFPHSP
• Frequency Response Range: 50~20KHz
• Frequency Band Range: 2402-2480MHz
• Maximum Transmission Power: ?6dBm
• Battery: 2400mAh
• Play Time: 24 hours(At 60% volume with XBass off)
• Charging Time: About 4 hours
• Waterproofing Grade: IPX7
• Size: 198.5mm x66.5mm x 70mm
• Weight: 1.76 lb

Once upon a time, discovering a decent Bluetooth speaker was akin to navigating a minefield. The market was flooded with tinny options that distorted sound more than they delivered full-range audio. Established brands cautiously introduced solutions, but their sky-high prices left many potential buyers hesitant. Then came the explosion—the entry of companies like Tribit—offering a harmonious blend of affordability and quality. Suddenly, finding the perfect speaker became music to everyone’s ears.

As this trend unfolded, compact speakers capable of delivering impressive audio output within the £50-£99 price range became increasingly commonplace. These are the kind of speakers you’d happily take along on your travels—whether it’s a road trip, a beach day, or a cozy picnic. And among these portable companions, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 Wireless Speaker stands out, ready to amplify your adventures with its tunes

This portable speaker is incredibly versatile—it slips effortlessly into almost any backpack. Comparable in size and performance to the Bose Soundlink, it boasts typical features you’d expect from a modern Bluetooth speaker. Plus, it strikes a balance with its reasonable weight.

What sets it apart? Well, it’s IP7-rated, meaning it can handle quite a beating. Whether you’re caught in a sudden rain shower or navigating dusty trails, this speaker won’t flinch. It’s the perfect all-around companion for both wet and dry adventures.

Button Layout and Features on the Tribit XSound Plus 2 Wireless Speaker

Similar to most speakers, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 places all its buttons conveniently at the top. These physical buttons are not only durable but also offer a range of useful functions:

1. Power Button (Single Press):
   • Turns the speaker on or off.
   • A simple press gets the party started or brings it to a graceful pause.
2. Bluetooth Button:
   • Initiates pairing mode, allowing seamless connection between your devices.
   • Pairing your phone or tablet is a breeze.
3. Volume Buttons:
   • Adjusts the speaker’s volume to your liking.
   • Crank it up for a dance party or dial it down for a cozy evening.
4. Multi-Function Button (Double or Triple Tap):
   • This versatile button serves as both play/pause control and track selection.
   • Double-tap to skip to the next track, or triple-tap to go back.
5. EQ Button (Second from Right):
   • Directly switches between different sound modes:
     • Normal Mode: Balanced sound for most situations.
     • Audiobook Mode: Optimized for clear dialogue and spoken words.
     • XBass Mode: Adds extra bass for a richer audio experience.
6. TWS Pairing Button:
   • Enables True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing.
   • Pair two Tribit XSound Plus 2 speakers for immersive stereo sound.
   • Remember, the second speaker should pair exclusively with this one for the best results.

The back of the speaker contains a USB-C connection for charging, which is now the world standard, helping to cut down on cable clutter. You can thank the EU for that one. The EU’s battles with companies like Apple have led to this outcome. There is also a 3.5mm AUX input for plugging a wired device into it when you have something that doesn’t support Bluetooth.

Unboxing the Tribit XSound Plus 2 Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth speakers, by design, keep things refreshingly straightforward. When unboxing the Tribit XSound Plus 2, you’ll find the essentials:

1. Simple Set of Instructions:
   • The included instructions guide you through all the speaker’s features.
   • Fear not; there’s not much complexity to unravel.
2. USB-C Charging Cable:
   • The basic USB-C cable ensures hassle-free charging.
   • Keep your speaker juiced up for hours of music.
3. No AUX Cable Included:
   • Note that there’s no AUX cable in the package.
   • If you plan to connect the speaker to a wired device, you’ll need to provide your own cable.
4. Clear Instructions:
   • The provided manual is concise and easy to follow.
   • You’ll likely spend just a few minutes reading it—no PhD in speaker science required!

In summary, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 keeps things simple, letting you focus on enjoying your music without any unnecessary fuss.

When it comes to performance, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 Wireless Speaker places a strong emphasis on mids and highs, with a modest attention to lows. Given its compact footprint, there are inherent limitations, but the results are still commendable. This is precisely why you’ll likely find yourself frequently engaging the XBass mode for that extra punch.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics:

1. Bluetooth 5.3 Advantages:
   • Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, you enjoy extended battery life and an impressive physical range between the speaker and your connected device—up to 150 feet.
   • Bluetooth 5.3 also brings better compression, improved battery efficiency, and other perks that elevate the sound performance of Bluetooth devices.
2. Surprising Volume Output:
   • Despite its diminutive size, this little speaker packs a punch.
   • It delivers a remarkable 30W of sound, defying expectations.
   • For an even more immersive experience, consider pairing two of these speakers together (although we haven’t personally tested this yet).
3. Fine-Tuning with the Tribit App:
   • The Tribit app allows you to fine-tune the speaker’s performance via an actual EQ (equalizer).
   • Personalize your sound preferences by adjusting settings to suit your taste.
   • You can also switch between some of the same settings available via the physical buttons on top of the speaker.
   • Plus, keep your speaker up-to-date by installing firmware updates through the app.

In summary, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 defies its size, delivering impressive sound quality and versatility. Whether you’re rocking out solo or pairing it up for stereo bliss, this little powerhouse won’t disappoint.

Our Verdict: The Tribit XSound Plus 2 Wireless Speaker

This speaker packs a punch, belting out impressive sound across various environments, including the great outdoors. Its IP7 water resistance rating ensures it can handle splashes, making it ideal for poolside parties, beach outings, and other wet scenarios.

Here’s what stands out:

1. EQ Customization:
   • The ability to set a custom EQ via the app adds a personal touch.
   • But fear not—the essential controls are also available via physical buttons, ensuring ease of use.
2. User-Friendly Design:
   • Minimal steps, maximum enjoyment.
   • Whether you’re grooving to jazz or rocking out to heavy metal, this speaker adapts seamlessly.
3. Surprising Sound Output:
   • While it doesn’t boast thunderous bass (understandable given its compact size), it still delivers more sound than expected.
   • Passersby will raise an eyebrow when they discover the source of the music—it’s a delightful surprise!

In summary, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 strikes a harmonious balance between convenience, performance, and unexpected volume

The post Tribit XSound Plus 2 Wireless Speaker – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

GameSir, a leading brand in gaming peripherals, introduces the GameSir Nova and Nova Lite, two revolutionary multi-platform gaming controllers that redefine the gaming experience. Featuring cutting-edge technology, including anti-drift Hall effect sticks and tri-mode connectivity, these controllers offer unparalleled precision, versatility, and affordability. Embracing the motto “Just In Game”, GameSir is dedicated to providing gamers with a superior gaming experience through its exceptionally cost-effective controllers.

The GameSir Nova: the ultimate multi-platform gaming controller.

Nova Product Specifications:

• Working Platform: Switch, Android, iOS, PC, Steam
• Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired connection
• ABXY Buttons: Membrane
• Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
• Analog Triggers: No, hair triggers for faster response
• Rumble Motors: Yes, 1 RH rumble motor in each grip
• 6-Axis Gyro: Yes
• Back Buttons: Yes, 2 mappable back buttons
• Battery: 1200mAh
• Colorway: Retro White or Neon Teal
• Product Size: 155*104*61mm / 6.10*4.09*2.40 in
• Net Weight: 217g / 0.48 lbs

The GameSir Nova stands as the epitome of unrestricted gaming experience, seamlessly adapting to the Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Steam and Android devices. This cross-platform adaptability makes it the go-to gaming controller for users seeking a versatile and immersive gaming experience. With anti-drift Hall effect sticks for precision and consistency, the Nova provides unparalleled consistency and smoothness, maximizing gaming performance with specially optimized algorithms. It also includes interactive motion controls to tilt, shake, or rotate the controller for ultimate gaming immersion.

The personalized RGB lighting effects allow users to tailor their gaming experience with a spectrum of colours and saturations, so gamers can immerse themselves in a unique and heightened gaming experience by customizing the appearance of the controller to match the atmosphere of the game. The Nova also boasts tri-mode connectivity for unparalleled flexibility with three connectivity options—Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired connection to seamlessly switch between devices for hassle-free gaming. Dual HD Rumble Motors in the grips provide strong and subtle vibrations, offering real and precise feedback for impacts, gunshots, and surface irregularities.

Gameplay is enhanced with 2 macro back buttons, allowing for the execution of complex combo motions with ease and specially tuned tactile face buttons with 5-million-click micro switches reduce travel distance to only 0.6mm. The soft rubber pads produce satisfying yet cushioned button presses.

The GameSir Nova is available for £39.99/$35.99 from Amazon UK, Amazon and the GameSir website,

The GameSir Nova Lite: affordable gaming excellence.

Nova Lite Product Specifications:

• Working Platform: PC, Steam, Android, iOS, Switch
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wireless Dongle, Wired
• Battery: 600mAh
• ABXY Buttons: Membrane
• Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
• Analog Triggers: Yes
• Rumble Motors: Yes, one motor in each grip
• Colorway: Stellar White or Space Purple
• Product Size: 155*104*61mm / 6.10*4.09.2.40 in
• Net Weight: 205 g / 0.45 lbs

The GameSir Nova Lite offers an affordable yet exceptional gaming experience. Equipped with Hall effect sticks, analogue triggers, 20Hz Turbo function and 2 motors in the grips, it caters to gamers’ requirements without compromising on performance or quality. Like the Nova, the Nova Lite is also featured packed with anti-drift GameSir Hall effect sticks for long lifespan and tri-mode connectivity for hassle-free gaming. The Lite also includes a 20Hz turbo function with customizable buttons, providing a convenient way to enhance gameplay with faster response times.

In addition, the Nova Lite includes a multi-function M button, offering control over vibration intensity, ABXY layout, and sticks’ dead zone to seamlessly adjust various settings as and when required with ease.

Nova Lite is available for £29.99/$24.99 from Amazon UK,  Amazon and the GameSir website.

The post GameSir unveils budget-friendly controllers: Nova and Nova Lite is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

The post Twelve South introduces ButterFly, the world’s smallest 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe charger . is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

About OXS

OXS is an immersive audio brand created by Rayleigh Labs – an acoustic solution team formed with experts in the sound algorithm, digital sound processing, hardware design, and industrial design field, from Harman and Philips. Engineers have been deep-diving into the audio industry for a decade. After they came together as Rayleigh Labs, they started to work with well-known brands such as Jamo, Jacob Jenson, Marley, and more

Specifications:

• Material: ABS & Metal
• Audio Channel: Dolby Atmos 5.1.2
• Speaker Driver: 2* 0.75” Tweeter, 2* 2.5” Full-range Driver, 4* 1.5” Full-range Driver, 4* Passive Radiators
• EQ: Standard, FPS, RAC, MOBA,
• Soundbar Output Power: 80 watts
• Soundbar Peak Output Power: 160 watts
• Bass Output Power: 40 watts
• Frequency: 75Hz-20kHz
• Distortion: <1%
• Sound Level: 96dB

OXS, a leading innovator in gaming audio technology, proudly unveils the Thunder Pro Dolby Atmos® 5.1.2 Gaming Sound System, an unparalleled audio experience that takes gaming audio to the next level. This ground-breaking system offers a truly immersive 3D audio space for gamers and movie-buffs alike and stylish aesthetics to compliment any gaming setup.

At the heart of the OXS Thunder Pro is its 5.1.2 Channel Dolby Atmos technology, designed to precisely position each sound in a three-dimensional space, providing gamers and movie watchers with a detailed and rich audio environment that puts them in the midst of the action.

The sound system comprises two 0.75” Tweeters, two 2.5” Full-range Drivers, four 1.5” Full-range Drivers and four passive radiators to boost bass, delivering a peak output of 160 watts (80 RMS). The EQ options include Standard, FPS, RAC, MOBA. Users of the Thunder Pro will feel like they are closer to the action than ever before, transporting them to the battlefield and hearing every bullet and explosion happen around them. Switch to FPS mode to gain a competitive edge by enhancing the sound of footsteps to detect opponents’ movements more accurately. Activate RAC mode for a hyper-realistic auditory experience, where every skid, break, and roar of the engine is vividly brought to life. Engage MOBA mode to enhance the clarity of character skills sounds and team communications, ensuring you never miss a critical moment in team play.

Compact yet powerful, the Thunder Pro can even fit seamlessly under most monitors, taking up around 40% less space while filling the entire room with loud and rich audio. The Reactive Gaming RGB Light further enhances the gaming experience by bringing games to life with atmospheric lighting, ensuring a deeper level of immersion.

Additionally, the Thunder Pro boasts ultra-low latency, a crucial feature that ensures even the slightest in-game movements are noticeable. This not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also provides gamers with a distinct competitive advantage, enabling flawless execution of their character’s movements.

To allow users to change audio settings quickly and easily, the Thunder Pro features Toggle Control, enabling users to quickly manage volume levels and EQ modes to suit their preferences. The soundbar also comes equipped with a convenient remote control, granting users access to essential settings. This allows for seamless switching between audio sources, game modes.

To complete its versatility, the OXS Thunder Pro is designed to be compatible with most of the current major gaming consoles, including PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Users can connect to their gaming console via HDMI IN and HDMI eARC, experiencing the full effect of Dolby Atmos® 3D audio. And the HDMI IN supports 8K video or 4K UHD 120FPS video transmission. The sound system also supports Bluetooth 5.0, and includes AUX-in, USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm stereo jack with a 3.5mm MIC-in. It also has the option of upgrading to 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos when purchasing the optional neck pillow speaker with USB dongle.

The OXS Thunder Pro is available from Amazon US and Amazon UK for $599.99/£599.99 – NOW Currently only $499.99/£499.99 using discount code THUNDER100

The post OXS introduces its Thunder Pro Dolby Atmos® 5.1.2 Gaming Sound System is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR 90 Smart. Featuring a 108MP Superior Main Camera, a long-lasting 5,330mAh battery, and 200% high volume speakers, the HONOR 90 Smart provides extended battery life and impressive hardware that caters to a variety of needs throughout the day. With its well-rounded features and affordability, the new HONOR 90 Smart offers users an exceptional, uninterrupted user experience.

Superior Photography Capabilities for Crystal-sharp Visuals

The HONOR 90 Smart boasts a 108MP Main Camera with a 1/1.67-inch sensor. Boosting light intake massively, the HONOR 90 Smart supports 9-in-1 pixel binning to achieve a pixel size measuring 1.92µm, enabling the camera to capture bright and vivid shots even in challenging low-light conditions, ensuring that night colours are faithfully reproduced in the images. The HONOR 90 Smart also features the Portrait Mode that supports 2X zoom, providing a diverse range of use that allows users to capture a wide variety of moments with versatility and flexibility. In addition to the camera, it offers multi-video recording feature that enables the front and rear cameras work at the same time, making people and sceneries shot in a more harmonious manner.

Long-lasting Battery to Support All-day Use

The HONOR 90 Smart has equipped with a 5,330mAh ultra-large battery, delivering an outstanding battery performance for daily usage. On a single charge, the latest HONOR 90 Smart can support up to 16.6 hours of video streaming, 17.9 hours of social media browsing or 37.8 hours of calls making it a reliable companion for users who are on the go.

The cell of the HONOR 90 Smart comes with a higher energy density and a reduced thickness thanks to HONOR’s innovative battery technologies, which immensely contribute to the device’s long battery life and slim form factor, enabling users to stay connected without constant recharging. Additionally, the battery exhibits exceptional longevity, with the ability to maintain over 80% of its health even after three years of usage.

Immersive Audiovisual Experience with Hyper-Transmissive Display  

Featuring a 6.8-inch[5] HONOR FullView Display with a 91.3% screen-to-body ratio, the HONOR 90 Smart supports an FHD+ resolution and a color depth of 16.7 million colors, delivering visuals with stunning clarity and vibrant hues. Delivering the brand’s commitment to human centric technology, the HONOR 90 Smart comes with industry-leading eye comfort features including Circadian Night Display and Dynamic Dimming. Received the certification from TÜV Rheinland for its low blue light emissions, the HONOR 90 Smart is suitable for extended usage without causing eye strain, perfect for today’s digital-savvy generation who spend long hours viewing content on their smartphones.

Furthermore, the HONOR 90 Smart incorporates advanced audio capabilities, thanks to the sound field expansion algorithm and scene-based audio optimization with dual stereo speakers, ensuring the 200% high volume and an immersive audio experience. Whether users are indulging in entertainment or focusing on work-related tasks, the HONOR 90 Smart is well-equipped to meet the demands of various real-life scenarios, providing users with an enjoyable and captivating experience across different outdoor activities.

Uninterrupted Access and Ample Storage Capacity.

Users who enjoy keeping their media always accessible at their fingertips can fully leverage the expansive 128GB storage drive, which can keep over 28,000 pictures, 11,000 songs or 450 HD videos locally. The HONOR 90 Smart is also equipped with the HONOR RAM Turbo (4GB+4GB), an HONOR proprietary technology that moves a portion of flash memory to RAM, meaning 4GB RAM can be increased to 8GB, enabling users to carry on with their tasks seamlessly with ease.

Pricing and Availability

Designed for a style-conscious audience, the HONOR 90 Smart is available in two stunning colours Emerald Green and Midnight Black. Starting from today, the HONOR 90 Smart will be available to purchase in the UK via HONOR.com/uk, Argos, Amazon, Currys, Very and Vodafone for an affordable price starting at £199.99 RRP. On HONOR.com/uk, customers can also receive FREE Earbuds X6 (worth £39.99 RRP) when they purchase an HONOR 90 Smart, whilst stocks last.

The HONOR 90 Smart is also available from Three. Tariffs start from just £17.50 a month with £0 upfront cost, For more information, visit HONOR online store at www.honor.com/uk

The post HONOR Introduces the New HONOR 90 Smart. is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

I am of course talking about the recently announced OnePlus Watch 2, which I have had the pleasure of using for the last few weeks. OnePlus launched this device with a smallish off-site event at MWC in February and I have been eager to get my muggy mits on one since they announced it. They had one big headline claim that this was a Wear OS smartwatch that could last for 4 days without having to recharge it! This proved to be very intriguing to me and I had to get one.

Now before the arrival of the OnePlus Watch 2, I had been using my faithful and reliable Pixel Watch 2 (Wifi). I was able to normally stretch the battery to this out to 2 days with light use. My use case is very light as I only really have the watch as a way of monitoring my steps during the day and my sleep at night. I also have notification coming through from my normal daily which is my Pixel Fold. I was not using always on display and I did not have other always on display active. I also ran a very dark theme which extended the battery as best as it could. I feel that is important to cover this as it will give you a metric of what can be reasonably expected for my usage case.

Normally for a review, I will split it up into two different posts the first of which will be an unboxing with some very quick first impressions. However, I was so keen to get the watch on my wrist and start using it that I skipped this step and started using it immediately. I have now shot a brief tour of the device for you to enjoy along with the box contents which you can see below.

Design

The watch has a nice good-looking design and mixes the nuances of being subtle but also has a decent-sized screen for me without appearing too much. There is some clear inspiration for the OnePlus phone lines of late in particular the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open

In terms of size, it is on the large size with a screen measuring 1.43″ which is significantly larger than my Pixel Watch 2 which came in at 1.2″ Now while 0.2″ doesn’t sound much it makes a big difference when it comes to actually using the screen more on this later though.

The screen is also significantly tougher than the Pixel Watch 2 as it is made of sapphire crystal glass instead of the Gorilla Glas 5 used on the Pixel Watch 2 Bezels on both watches are bigger than what I would have liked especially when compared with the best from Samsung however this is something i can get along with without too many issues.

I am a bit torn on the next design choice as on both the Pixel Watch 2 and the OnePlus Watch 2 there is no raised physical bezel on the screen which is great for the look and the design of the watches as it makes a smooth uninterrupted surface which is great to interact with using your fingers. However it does mean that the first thing to come into contact with a surface is glass, and as a great man has said many times “Glass is glass and glass breaks” (Thanks Zak @jerryrigeverything). The lack of the raised bezel does however mean it is less bulky allowing you to slide a shirt sleeve over the top of the watch which is very welcome when you are breaking out the formal wear.

The OnePlus Watch 2 comes in two different colour ways which have appropriate coloured straps alongside the different watch body colours. I have got a Radient Steel version here which comes with a green fluroelastomer band. The other colour  Black Steel will come with a Black version of the same strap. The strap is plenty comfortable and is easily swappable with a standard 22m strap thanks to the universal strap lugs being used.

On the controls side we have got two side-mounted buttons one of which looks like it should have been a rotating crown but is not functional. A lot of talk has been made about why this was used but not enabled in the software as we have crowns on other watches that are used for navigating the software. OnePlus states that by having it as a free spinning crown the chances of it breaking are reduced. A lot of my contemporaries are also speculating that this will be a feature that is opened up by software in the future. I have not seen any evidence for this so I remain undecided, personally, it is not something I ever used much on my Pixel Watch 2 so it doesn’t bother me. Out of the box, this crown/button is set up as the home button with a long press activating Google Assistant. The second lower button is for Power on a long press and other functions. It can be configured in the watch menu under Controls. I have mine set for one press to open the most recently used app and two will open the Sleep mode.

On the back of the watch, we have of course the sensor array which hides a multitude of sensors for health tracking shenanigans. The sensors are made up of an optical heart rate sensor and an optical pulse oximeter. It is also where we will find the Pogo Pins for charging the watch which is a bit disappointing to see as it means that this is a proprietary charger. This is again no different from the Pixel Watch 2 which also now uses Pogo Pins for charging which I discovered at my cost whilst I was out at MWC as my watch ran out of charge on the second morning of the trip. of course, I didn’t have my charger and due to the lack of wireless charging I was left unable to recharge my watch despite having multiple devices capable of delivering reverse wireless charge. In fairness to the Pixel Watch 2, I would have had the same issue with charging the OnePlus Watch 2 but based upon my usage to date I wouldn’t have needed to as the battery would have run out!

The only other thing of note down here is the speaker which is more than loud enough for notifications and the occasional if embarrassing hands-free call when you trigger it by accident!

Other items included with the watch are the obligatory OnePlus charging cable albeit not in OnePlus Red, we also have the removable charging puck which of course has the Pogo Pins as previously mentioned. On one side it has a USB Type C input capable of supporting OnePlus 7.5W VOOC Fast Charging, which means that when it comes to charging the watch, it is done quickly from zero to full in under 60 mins!

I do like the idea of the removable sharing puck/base as it means that I don’t have to unplug the whole cable which is normally wrapped around or secured to my bedside table or desk in some elaborate way. With the puck, I can pick it up and throw it in my bag or pocket as I head out for work and then plug it back in when I need it to any USB Type C Cable.

That about wraps up the design of the watch and now it is time to do a deep dive into the hardware of the watch which is where things get really interesting.

Specs comparison vs Pixel Watch 2

Hardware

So why is this more interesting than any other Wear OS 4.0 Smartwatch currently on the market? Well, it is very simple this watch has two brains, however, it goes further than that. The watch is capable of using both these brains as and when needed and it does so seamlessly. This is the key difference and what separates this from other long-life Android smartwatches like the TicWatch Pro 3 G Ultra GPS that I used to have and the newer TicWatch Pro 5 from Mobvoi.

So the Mobvoi watches used to allow you to have the option of a low power mode which will effectively run the watch like a non-smart watch. This did help to stretch out the watch’s battery life but the switching was not the greatest experience and it made for a laggy UI (based on My Experience of TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS).

The OnePlus Watch 2 use the new Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 when it is working on parts of the UI that require Wear OS 4.0 to function. i.e. if using 3rd party apps like Spotify Strava etc. However, in normal operational mode, it will run RTOS (Real Time OS) for simpler tasks such as health tracking processes etc. This means that you will be effectively running 2 OS platforms in the same container. Now for this to work Google have needed to address the way Wear OS works and this is the first watch to have this new system in place.

If I am being honest based on my experience so far this is the way forward as it works really well. If I didn’t know what was going on and I was new to smartwatches I would assume this is how they all work. I have yet to come across anything in using the watch that has slowed down or lagged. I can run the watch the way I want to with the features I want in place and I can use a more complex watch screen without having to worry about the battery life.

Coming back to battery life this is powered by a 500 mah battery which has as you would expect from the above two estimated longevities. In Smart Mode (how I have been using it) you can expect anything up to 100hrs ( have achieved this). In Power Saving mode you can expect up to 12 days of runtime, however, this mode will lose the Wear OS features as it relies solely on RTOS.  There is also of course the Heavy Smart mode and this is when you are using the watch with all the bells and whistles on ie using Always on Display, and a Third-party watch face. If you are interested in the differences in the power modes as they are defined by OnePlus then check out these images below.

I liken the way the watch works to a Hybrid Car which will work on battery power when it is just trundling along in town but then when you hit the accelerator and ask for more power you get the petrol engine kick in. You don’t notice the difference in terms of the driving as it just transitions between the power units for you with the only difference being you can hear the engine working when the power is applied.

I think this is a great way to solve the problem of the short battery life for Android-powered smartwatches and I am excited to see where this can be taken and developed in the future. It is perfect of course not but in terms of the underlying hardware experience it is great now we just need the software to match.

Software

This is really what is going to make or break the Dual-Engine Architecture and I am happy to say for the most part it does work well, however, this is new software on a new system so it will of course come with some teething issues. These limitations come from the low-powered RTOS as this is essentially a “dumb OS” in the simplest possible terms. What I mean about that is that any third-party apps needs to run on the Wear OS side of the architecture. This brings some limitations to the watch.

An example is that I wanted to run the same watch face that I run on my Pixel Watch 2 and I was advised that doing so will dramatically reduce battery life. Okay fine, I will run an RTOS one, if I want to use Google Fit for complications on a watch face then I again get the warning message saying reduced battery life.

Now, whilst this is by no means a deal breaker you can just accept that the running of the Wear OS app will require more power. I would like to see a low-power alternative natively created by Google as they will hopefully offer a better alternative to those offered by RTOS. What we end up with is a bit of a hodgepodge of health and fitness readings which contradict each other.

If I am being honest this is one of the reasons why I ended up moving to the Pixel Watch 2 as I can use my Google Fit apps with no real problem. Now dont get me wrong Google has not got this 100% correct either as they also have Fitbit which is also active and only offered as a trial version for the full features, which some could say is worse. In an ideal world, we would have a version of Google Fit Lite that could run on a low-power custom Tensor chipset. Sadly though we don’t have that yet, this is the next best thing we have.

I have been using the Oneplus Watch 2 to track watch to track my steps with both the RTOS Step counter and the Google Fit step counter running as well and the results from a recent walk are shown below.

Unfortunately, as you can see there is a difference between the total on both services. As to which one is wrong, I don’t know but I have grown to rely on Google Fits tracking over a bunch of different smartwatches in the past so I am inclined to stick with Google here.

The main feature of the RTOS operating system is of course the Health Tracking service OHealth here is a video of the overview app on the watch.

It is much more than the actual watch software as OHealth is the companion app. for the phone. Without the OHealth App, you will not actually be able to pair the phone watch with the phone. This is very similar to the likes of the latest Samsung Watch as you need to use the Samsung Wear app to set one for the new generation watches. You have to use this watch for pulling data from the watch along with setting all your functions on the watch up. I have included some screenshots below for the OHealth App so you can check it out.

This is what things look like on the phone but on the smartwatch, as you saw above it is much simpler.

Overall in terms of the software I am left a bit torn as I want to love the OnePlus Watch 2 and I do really like the hardware but there are just some things about the software that annoy me a bit too much for my liking. There are also some features that I have grown accustomed to with my Pixel Watch  2 which would be missed, The main one being something that will not really affect the normal user but for me is nearly enough to be a deal breaker. I am talking about the ability to transfer the watch from one phone to another without having to complete a full reset of the phone.

At the moment if you want to move from one phone to another then the only way to do that is to delete the pairing of the other phone with the watch and then set the pairing again on the phone which loses all your settings and also any OHealth fitness data that had been accumulated. This feature is a core feature of Wear OS 4 and it should be present. I can only presume that it is missing due to the complicated setup of the RTOS being active all the time and Wear OS then sitting beside it. Hopefully, this is something that Google and OnePlus will keep working on it!

Just one final note before I move on the OnePlus Watch 2 will only run on Android as you cannot get the OHealth app currently on iOS, who knows if this will change in the future but it is something to be aware of if you are using an iOS device.

That pretty much concluded my thoughts about the OnePlus Watch 2 software.

Conclusion

I really do think that the OnePlus Watch 2 is the smartwatch to usher in the next-gen of Android Wear OS that uses this new Dual-Engine Architecture. There will as always be work that needs to be done to iron out the kinks which have come out on the OnePlus Watch 2. I do feel that Google and OnePlus are good partners in this development as Google can work out the issues on a device that essentially isn’t part of their own hardware lineup with little risk if it were to go wrong. OnePlus however benefit by having Google’s expertise in the Wear OS field whilst also getting the tech nerds like me all buzzing about their newest wearable.

I suppose the real question is would I buy one for myself and should you be considering one for yourself as well?

So on the first question, Would I buy one for myself? I am very very tempted as all the little niggles bar one I could certainly live with given the massive benefit that the Dual-Engine Architecture offers me in terms of Battery life. I don’t use that much in the way of third-party apps on my smartwatch so it is one watch that I am strongly considering.

The second question I posed is for you the reader should you buy one? Well if you use a lot of third-party apps on your smartwatch then I would say that this is not the watch for you, get a Pixel Watch 2 or Galaxy Watch 6, both of these options will give you a competitive battery life with the Galaxy giving slightly more than the Pixel. If however like me battery life is one of the key factors and you can live with some of the RTOS niggles (which to be honest are minor) then grab one of the OnePlus Watch 2 and relax into knowing that you have a few days between charges instead of a few hours!

The Oneplus Watch 2 is available from  https://www.oneplus.com/uk/oneplus-watch-2 now for £299, however, keep an eye on their website and Socials as they do like to launch offers all year around.

The post OnePlus Watch 2 – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

HONOR  has unveiled the HONOR Band 9. Boasting a modern design and advanced fitness & health monitoring features, the Band 9 is equipped with a 1.57-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 60Hz. With an astounding 96 training options, the HONOR Band 9 goes above and beyond. With trendy Always-on Display designs and an impressive battery life of up to 14 days, the HONOR Band 9 serves as an exceptional fitness companion that guides users towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Sleek Design with Contemporary Aesthetics.

Boasting a sleek and lightweight design, the HONOR Band 9 captivates with its symmetrical aesthetics, emphasizing a waist-cinching design with curved edges. Weighing a mere 16.3g and measuring a thickness of 9.49mm, this bracelet strikes the perfect balance between slimness and lightness for ultimate comfort. The HONOR Band 9 features a metal style case middle that exudes sophistication, thanks to its Non-conductive Vacuum Metallization (NCVM) finish. To further enhance user experience, the HONOR Band 9 is complemented by a quick-release strap that can be easily detached, enabling users to effortlessly change their strap to match their style.

All-round Fitness & Health Features

Designed to elevate users’ fitness and health journeys, the HONOR Band 9 is equipped with a host of innovative features. Featuring the Fitness Age, the bracelet runs body age assessments based on users’ maximal oxygen uptake, providing jargon-free evaluations of fitness levels. With insights into overall fitness and progress tracking, the HONOR Band 9 enables users to plan and improve their wellbeing effectively.

The HONOR Band 9 goes above and beyond by offering an impressive range of 96 workout modes. From track and field sports to dance, water sports and ball games, users can access accurate data to optimise training sessions. In addition to fitness tracking, the HONOR Band 9 offers comprehensive all-day health monitoring such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep quality, stress levels and menstrual cycles, empowering users and informing them about their well-being as they strive to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Superb Battery Performance with Captivating Displays

The HONOR Band 9 impresses with its battery performance and display capabilities. Packed with a 180mAh battery, the HONOR Band 9 offers a remarkable battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge. Furthermore, the bracelet supports magnetic charging, enabling quick and convenient power-ups whenever needed.

Featuring a 1.57-inch AMOLED display, the HONOR Band 9 displays icons in a two-row layout launcher page, delivering an intuitive display of information and enhanced interaction with the bracelet. With a peak brightness of 500nits and a refresh rate of up to 60Hz, users can enjoy crisp and clear notifications, including weather updates, messages, music playback and phone finding. Offering a range of trendy watch faces for the Always-on Display, users can personalise their bracelets according to their unique styles and preferences, allowing them to curate a look that truly showcases their personality.

Colour, Pricing and Availability 

The HONOR Band 9 is available in three colors: Purple, Blue and Black.  On sale this week, the HONOR Band 9 will be available to purchase in the UK via HiHonor for an affordable£49.99 RRP, with a £5 off early bird voucher.

For more information, please visit HONOR online store at www.hihonor.com/uk. 

The post HONOR unveiled the All-new HONOR Band 9 with an Unmatched Wellness Experience is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 12000mAh
• Max Output: 65W By USB-C Port
• Max Input: 60W By USB-C Port
• C1+C2 Output: 45W+20W
• Input Ports: 2*USB-C
• Output Ports: 2*USB-C

Baseus Technology, a global consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of its innovative new product, the Baseus Blade2 Ultra-Thin Laptop Power Bank. Recently showcased at CES 2024, this sleek and advanced power bank represents a new era of portable battery intelligence technology. Both lightweight, compact and powerful, the Blade2 is a very convenient product to carry around and power up devices on the go.

The Blade2 Ultra-Thin Laptop Power Bank stands out with its impressively flat and weightless design, weighing approximately 11 ounces. Its sleek dimensions of approximately 0.4” thickness, and just 0.3” at its thinnest point, make it effortlessly portable, easily slipping into computer bags without occupying much space. This convenient new portable power bank from Baseus provides recharging capabilities anywhere, without the hassle.

Despite its thin dimensions, the Blade2 boasts huge power density packed into its small form factor body, with an impressive 12000mAh Polymer Lithium battery. Utilizing EV-grade Silicon Carbon Anode battery technology, it boasts over 20,000 recharging cycles for long-lasting performance, extended battery life, and heightened safety.

With the Blade2’s 65W fast charging output, it provides a solution for laptops and other devices alike. Supporting a PD60W self-charging input too, it provides real-time visibility of the device’s charging status through a custom digital display interface powered by BDIP digital power technology.

Another standout feature is the Baseus Intelligent Control App, which enables seamless real-time monitoring, personalized settings, and invaluable charging insights on the go so that users can tailor their charging experience as they wish.

The Baseus Blade2 Ultra-Thin 65W Laptop Power Bank can now be found on Amazon, and the Baseus website  priced at $99.99 RRP. For the launch day promotion, it’s currently discounted to $69.99. – promotions available 8^th March – 25^th March using code: 30OFFBLADE

The post Baseus Blade2, an Ultra-Thin 65W Laptop Power Bank that revolutionizes portable charging is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

In a statement HONOR’s CEO, George Zhao, shared the news confirming that the brand is in the final stages of these new devices.

 “This year we are preparing for the flip phone launch — now that we are internally in the final stage.” Both products are set to launch later in the year, with an exact date is still to be confirmed. This will be the technology firm’s first vertical-folding smartphone, adding to HONOR’s multiple foldable phones available for purchase, including the HONOR Magic V2 that launched in 2023.

As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding the name of Honor’s upcoming flip phone. However, there’s strong speculation that it might adopt the moniker ‘Magic’, a name that has graced several of Honor’s previous mobile devices. Interestingly, Honor’s book-style devices have often featured a distinctive ‘V’ branding, which subtly alludes to the shape they form when elegantly unfolded. If Honor follows this trend, we might just see their flip phones affectionately referred to as ‘F’ devices. Alternatively, it may simply be known as the ‘Honor Magic Flip’. We’ll have to wait and see.

Honor has yet to disclose a precise release date for its newest phone. However, during an interview with CNBC in February 2024, CEO George Zhao indicated that the company was gearing up for a launch within this year. Furthermore, he mentioned that the phone was in its final internal stages, which strongly suggests that we can anticipate an official launch before the close of 2024.

Regarding a more precise release date, making predictions is akin to trying to predict the winning lottery numbers blindfolded. However, given Honor’s historical patterns, we can anticipate an initial launch in China, followed by a global release several months later. Considering this, it’s conceivable that the phone won’t grace European shores until early 2025, but please note that this is purely speculative at this juncture.

Interestingly, Honor has been subtly adjusting its binoculars towards the global market. This year’s launch might just be the one where the device sees the light of day simultaneously in both China and Europe. However, there’s a twist in this international tale: Honor has yet to sprinkle its magic dust on the United States. So, if you’re across the pond, don’t hold your breath for a sudden change in that tradition.

As of now, there is no official information available regarding the price of the upcoming Honor flip phone. Given that this will be the manufacturer’s inaugural device of its kind, we lack any historical context to estimate its potential cost based on previous generations. However, it’s worth noting that Honor’s most recent book-style foldable, the Magic V2, comes with a price tag that is more budget-friendly compared to its counterparts from Samsung or Google.

Given the current landscape, our anticipation is that the forthcoming Honor flip phone will be priced either below or at least on par with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (starting at $999.99/£1,049) and the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (also priced at $999/£1,049).

However, it would be a feather in Honor’s cap if they manage to undercut the regular Razr 40’s price of £799 in the UK. Let’s hope they pull off this budget-friendly magic trick

Honor has yet to officially unveil details about its forthcoming flip phone. However, according to Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station (via GSMArena), the inaugural flip foldable from Honor is expected to boast a 4,500mAh battery, which would be the most capacious among such devices.

During the MWC 2024 tech show in Barcelona, Honor placed significant emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). While several features are slated for the flagship Magic 6 Pro (a conventional slab phone), it would be a delightful twist if these innovations also found their way into the realm of the flip phone.

Honor’s AI is poised to evolve into a more sophisticated entity over time, potentially introducing novel AI features by the flip phone’s launch. Assuming the device falls into the high-end category, it will likely be powered by either Qualcomm’s current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the upcoming 8 Gen 4. Brace yourselves for a main display that surpasses the Magic V2’s modest 6.43-inch cover screen, perhaps even rivaling the Magic 6 Pro’s 6.8-inch panel.

During the same CNBC interview, Honor’s CEO, George Zhao, spilled the beans about an intriguing project: a smart ring that could very well lock horns with Samsung’s Galaxy Ring. As for the release date of this mysterious ring, it remains more elusive than a ninja in a foggy forest. However, one thing seems certain: these two devices are destined to dance harmoniously within Honor’s ecosystem

The post Honor announces its first flip phone is coming is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Starting March 4th, the OnePlus Watch 2 will be available for general purchase on OnePlus.com in Europe, India, and North America.

Pre-orders are set to commence on (TODAY) February 26th, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to secure their device before the official launch.

The OnePlus Watch 2 will come in two color variants: Black Steel and Radiant Steel, catering to varying style preferences.

With a starting price of £299 / €329 / $299, the OnePlus Watch 2 aims to deliver a compelling blend of features and affordability. This pricing reflects the device’s advanced capabilities, including a dual-engine architecture, extensive battery life, and integration with Wear OS by Google.

As the release date approaches, anticipation for the OnePlus Watch 2 continues to build. Its availability and pricing details underscore the brand’s commitment to offering innovative yet accessible technology. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a fitness aficionado, the OnePlus Watch 2 presents an enticing proposition worth considering.

It’s good to see WearOS is still being used by manufacturers like OnePlus to offer consumers a wider choice in the smartwatch market.

Stay tuned for further updates as we explore the features and functionalities of the OnePlus Watch 2 in more detail once we get our hands on one, don’t forget our man Garry is on the ground at MWC in Barcelona this year so check out some of his coverage of this years event.

The post OnePlus – Watch 2 – Available to pre-order now is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

A New Era of Mobile Imaging with Xiaomi and Leica
Xiaomi has taken its partnership with Leica to new heights with the Xiaomi 14 Series. This collaboration is pushing the boundaries of mobile photography, integrating Leica’s famed Summilux optics to deliver unparalleled imaging experiences. The Xiaomi 14 Series isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating art on the go.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra: ‘A Marvel of Engineering’

The standout of the series, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, is a dream come true for photography aficionados and tech lovers alike. With its eye-catching circular camera module and a design that screams elegance, the Ultra variant doesn’t just perform – it impresses. Its robust build, featuring high-strength aluminium and vegan leather, is both durable and chic.
But what truly sets the Xiaomi 14 Ultra apart is its camera system. Sporting a professional quad-camera setup with focal lengths ranging from 12mm to 120mm, the Ultra promises exceptional image quality across all scenarios. And with support for 8K video shooting across all four cameras, the possibilities are limitless.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes with 1 storage variant (16+512GB) with an RRP of £1299

Those who purchase between 25th February 2024 and 18th of March 2024 will receive a free camera kit and £300 to spend on Xiaomi ecosystem products.

Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra will include 4 generations of Android OS upgrades, as well as 5 years of security patches. Users of the two devices can get 100GB of

Google One cloud storage for 6 months, 3 months of YouTube Premium with ad-free access to YouTube and the YouTube Music app.¹⁰

The Xiaomi 14: ‘Compact, Yet Powerful’

For those who prefer something a bit more compact without compromising on performance, the Xiaomi 14 is the answer. It features a triple-camera setup that promises comprehensive photography experiences, from ultra-wide shots to detailed close-ups. Plus, with its CrystalRes AMOLED display, every image looks stunningly vibrant.

Xiaomi 14 comes with 2 storage variants:

Xiaomi 14 12+256GB will go on sale with an RRP of £849.

Those who purchase between 25th February 2024 and 31st of March 2024 will receive a free Xiaomi Pad 6 and Xiaomi Band 8 Pro.

Xiaomi 14 12+512GB will go on sale with an RRP £1099.

Those who purchase between 25th February 2024 and 31st of March 2024 will receive a free Xiaomi Pad 6.

More Than Just Smartphones

Xiaomi also introduced the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4, Xiaomi Watch S3, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, and Xiaomi Watch 2, expanding its ecosystem of smart devices. Each product is designed to integrate seamlessly, offering users a unified and intelligent experience across devices.

Special Offers and Availability
Xiaomi is kicking off the launch with some enticing offers for early buyers, including freebies like the Xiaomi Pad 6 and cash to spend on Xiaomi ecosystem products. And with a commitment to long-term updates and security, Xiaomi is ensuring that your investment remains future-proof.
The Xiaomi 14 Series represents a significant leap forward in mobile technology, offering something for everyone, from photography enthusiasts to performance chasers. With its innovative features, sleek design, and the promise of a connected ecosystem, Xiaomi continues to cement its place as a leader in the tech world. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the Xiaomi 14 Series might just be what you’ve been waiting for.

Here are a few hands on shots of the Xiaomi 14 anf the Xiaomi 14 Pro. I have also included some shots of the New Wear Os powered watch that was launched as well.

The post MWC – Xiaomi 14 Series and More Announced is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

So the glitz and glamour of a Live launch event have now finished. We have had some time to give the devices a look over on the stand in all the glory. Now however is the time to get up close and personal with the new Honor Magic6 Pro, in a more comfortable environment (my hotel room). So let’s have a look at what is in store with the unboxing.

As you can see we have got what looks like a pretty special device, I have to say I am so chuffed that Honor provided me with the Epi Green version as the colour just makes it stand out a little bit more from the crowd.

Let’s have a quick run around the device in closer details

Starting as always at the top, we find the top-mounted speaks, an IR blaster and a microphone pinhole

Around on the right-hand side is where we can see the power switch which pulls double duty as an assistant prompt on a long press. Then we have the volume Rocker both are nicely positioned and nicely damped as well as giving solid feedback when pressed.

Continuing around to the bottom we have the USB Type C 3.2 port that is flanked by the bottom speaker and the dual sim slot, we also have another mic port here as well.

On the left-hand side, there is nothing to see apart from alone of the many antenna break lines which are spread about the phone.

Moving around the back is where we can find the bit that is going to interest a lot of people and this is the giant camera array that is housed on a bump, which to be fair is not that large in terms of depth and it doesn’t protrude from the back of the phone anywhere near as much as the ones that I have seen from competitors. Inside this camera array we have got 3 cameras;

• 50MP (wide, f/1.4 – f/2.0, OIS, PDAF)
• 50MP (ultrawide, f/2.0 AF)
• 180MP (telephoto, f/2.6, 2.5x optical zoom)

On either side of the top sensor, we have the Dual tone flash to the left and the laser and sensor for the laser-assisted autofocus. For added measure the is also one more microphone port as well.

If we continue around the front hen we have a dual camera cut-out at the top of the display that houses a 50MP camera and a Time of flight sensor for depth-sensing and biometrics. What is cool is also works as the Magic Capsule area which will show an actionable area for enhanced functionality when using certain apps i.e. media players as shown below.

This is the first time I have seen this on an Android device but iPhone users will be right at home here.

As for the main screen, this is a glorious 6.8-inch All-range Low-power LTPO Eye Comfort Display, that is coated with Honor NanoCrystal Sheild for protection. This coating will give up to 10 times the protection of regular nanocrystal glass when dropped and should offer a more scratch-resistant coating as well. This is all of course hidden under a pre-applied plastic screen protector. The screen will also be able to offer up to 5000 nits brightness when using HDR Content but it will use an average brightness in normal max condition of 1600 Nits which is still plenty bright enough as you saw from the video where I turned it up to the maximum settings. I have not had any issues seeing the screen in the sunshine that we have got poking through the clouds here in Barcelona

So that about finishes things off for the hands-on tour of the phone as for the rest of the specs check out the specs list below for some more details.

As I had one lying around I thought I would also share some comparison shots of the phone next to an S23 Ultra which whilst not its direct competitor is a good representation of the size of the device etc.

As always I will be using the phone as my daily driver for the next few weeks to allow me to get a real grip on the phone and all of its features. Once I have got some time under its belt a full review will of course be posted on Coolsmartphone for your viewing pleasure.

If you can’t wait that long and want to buy one right away you can pre-order today from Honor’s store for a full RRP of £1099.99 for the spec I have here.

If you are preordering then please take advantage of the discount code AM6PP250 to get £250 off the device once you have subscribed to HiHonor, you will also get 12 months of screen protection cover included when buying directly from HiHonor.  You will also have the option to add the recently announced Pad 9 for £149.99 (down from £299.99 RRP) if you fancy going all in on Honor kit

The Honor MagicI6 Pro is also available to pre-order from the 1^st March with sales from the 8^th March with a complimentary launch bundle worth £359 including HONOR Earbuds X6, HONOR 100W SuperCharger and HONOR Pad 8 from Amazon, Very and Currys.

The post #MWC24 – Honor Magic6 Pro – Unboxing is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

It was full of all the Glitz and Glamour that we have come to expect from big MWC launches. But what you really want to see is the hard facts.

So the event’s main focus was the Honor Magic6 Pro Global Release. However, they were also talking about the already announced, the Porsche Design HONOR Magic V2 RSR, the Honor Pad 9 and the AI PC HONOR MagicBook Pro 16

We were shown all the future proposals for AI and how Honor is going to integrate AI via their newly announced Magic Portal platform across all their devices ie phones wearables tablets and PC. This is going to be seen for the first time on the new Honor Magic6 Pro

Qualcomm had their moment to shine when they came out to talk about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

We then got around to talking about the Honor Magic6 Pro first going into the screen and its high brightness of up to 5000nits peak brightness in HDR conditions. The screen is also one of the best phones so far in terms of the eye car having the 3 THUV Rheinland Certifications.

We were then treated to a very cool video where they were showing off the durability of the NanoCrystal screen but firing the Magic6 Pro at other devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Aax and S24 Ultra.

The next big highlight is the 2nd Gen Silicon Carbon battery to gives extreme battery life and is currently Number 1 on DXO Mark Battery life test.

They then moved on to the AI Powered Honor Falcon Camera System which is designed to help capture fast movement but still retain clarity even in the background. Alot of time was being spent on the camera and rightly so as these cameras do sound technically very impressive. The proof however will be in the testing A lot of the new camera tech is going to be helped by the onboard AI that is being provided by the onboard chipset. They also created a new word Sportography!

A lot of DXO Amrk awards here

We have now moved on to The MagicBook Pro 16

powered by Intel and NVIDIA GPU

Now we have got Porsche Design on stage to talk about the collaboration with Honor

They are planning on redefining luxury together through the partnership.

We then got a tease about the Porsche Design Honor Magic6 RSR but not much was unveiled apart from some images of the camera and the fact that is is coming in March

On last hero shot and the we were done

The post #MWC24 – Honor Magic6 Pro launched is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Whilst I will be in the audience and soaking up all the knowledge that I can from the event in person you can also watch the event via the Livestream that Honor will be sharing. The event will kick off at 13:30 CET

https://youtu.be/7AclUra_5Vo

We will of course have the full story for you to share after the event right here on Coolsamrtphone.

The post #MWC 24 Honor Discover the Magic Event is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

It has been a long time since I have been able to use the title above for an article but we have arranged for me to attend Mobile World Congress in the beautiful city of Barcelona!

I am currently sitting in Stanstead Airport overlooking the runway awaiting to get my flight to Spain for the mobile tech feast that is MWC 2024.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our generous host for the trip Honor UK who allowed this trip to happen. As they are graciously hosting us I will be of course attending their event tomorrow to kick things off for the next few days.

In addition to this, I will be running around the venue halls to capture as much as I can in the short time that I am there!

If you want to keep track of my antics I will be posting some quick news on our X account @coolsmartphone and more in-depth coverage will of course be done right here on the site

The post We are heading to MWC 2024!! is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

HONOR has announced the global launch of the HONOR Pad 9, the latest addition to its tablet lineup. Boasting an impressive 12.1-inch 2.5K HONOR FullView Display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an eight-speaker audio system that incorporates HONOR Histen sound tuning technology, and a powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 6 Gen 1 chipset, the HONOR Pad 9 is a feature-packed tablet that offers exceptional user experience and a distinctive design.

Immersive Display Incorporates with Advanced Eye Protection Technology 

Featuring a 12.1-inch HONOR FullView display with a screen-to-body ratio of 88%, the HONOR Pad 9 supports a resolution of 2560×1600  pixels and 1.07 billion colors, delivering breathtaking detail and true-to-life colors for an immersive entertainment experience. The HONOR Pad 9 also offers an adjustable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, delivering buttery smooth visuals on select apps and optimizing battery life when using less demanding applications, bringing a more intuitive and flexible user experience.

Upholding its dedication to human-centric technology, the HONOR Pad 9 incorporates industry-leading eye comfort features such as Dynamic Dimming that simulates ciliary muscle activity and reduce eye fatigue, ensuring optimal comfort for the human eye. It also comes with HONOR’s Circadian Night Display technology, automatically adjusting the display into warmer colors to reduce the amount of blue light, promoting the secretion of melatonin and ultimately enhancing users’ sleep quality. Earned both TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) Certification and TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certification, the HONOR Pad 9 provides a comfortable viewing experience, making it the ideal choice for the tech-savvy generation.

Incredible Audio Experience with Eight Speakers.

Offering an incredible audio experience, the all-new HONOR Pad 9 is surrounded by eight speakers, with two being positioned at the bottom, delivering immersive sound from multiple directions. With amplified volume levels and a deeper, richer bass, users can reveal in a more powerful and well-balanced sound, enjoying a full-range stereo effects that enhances their audio enjoyment, whether they are at home or on the go. Featuring the HONOR Histen sound tuning technology, the HONOR Pad 9 generates vibrant and dynamic 360° audio, taking any listening experience to new heights. The two bottom speakers are also designed to fire downwards and bounce off surfaces, creating a more cinematic surround sound experience for listeners.

In addition, the HONOR Pad 9 supports Bidirectional Vocal Enhancement technology, delivering precise sound reproduction that enhances the clarity of the human voice and reduces background noise, elevating the overall sound quality. Whether it’s audio calls or online meetings, users can expect a superb audio experience with exceptional clarity.

Smooth User Experience Powered by Enhanced Hardware.

Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform at its core, the HONOR Pad 9 offers exceptional capabilities. This powerful processor delivers a notable 35% increase in GPU performance and a 40% increase in CPU efficiency, ensuring smooth and seamless productivity and entertainment at all times.

To further enhance its performance, the HONOR Pad 9 features a 8GB memory and large 256GB storage drive, which can hold 57,000 pictures, 23,000 songs or 226 HD videos locally. Additionally, the HONOR Pad 9 features the innovative HONOR RAM Turbo (8GB+8GB), which leverages a portion of the flash memory as RAM. It means that the 8GB RAM can effectively be expanded to 16GB, providing users with even more storage space for their multimedia collections and ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance.

The HONOR Pad 9 is also equipped with a high-capacity 8300mAh battery, providing long-lasting connectivity for users throughout the day. With a single charge cycle, the HONOR Pad 9 delivers up to 11 hours of video streaming, 11 hours of social media browsing or 15 hours of music streaming, making it the perfect companion for users who are constantly on the go. Thanks to its 35W Wired HONOR SuperCharge technology, the HONOR Pad 9 enables users to quickly charge their device to usable levels within several minutes using the provided charger, swiftly powering up their tablet for an uninterrupted music and video streaming experience while on the move.

Sleek Design, Smart Experience.

Featuring a premium design crafted from lightweight aluminum alloy, the HONOR Pad 9 weights just 555g and measures a mere 6.96mm in thickness, offering a comfortable and ergonomic feel when held in users’ hands. The tablet’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by its curved edges and exquisite frosted finish, providing a smooth touch and exuding a premium look and feel.

Running the latest MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13 (The device supports 1 Android upgrade), the HONOR Pad 9 offers users access to a wide range of upgraded and personalized smart features, including Network Sharing between HONOR devices, HONOR Connect (Connected Notification, Connected Call and Connected APPs between HONOR devices), HONOR Notes (users can bookmark interesting articles, helpful resources, or any web content that they want to revisit offline later with a simple three-finger swipe down gesture), and Multi-screen collaboration. With these intelligent capabilities, the HONOR Pad 9 takes the smart user experience to new level, making remote working more convenient and efficient than ever before.

HONOR Pad 9 will be easily equipped with all the accessories needed for productivity, with premium quality and affordable price. You can buy the HONOR Pad 9 alone or choose the option with an inbox Bluetooth keyboard. The keyboard is in UK layout and provides a PC-level typing experience, suitable for office work. The vendor will sell separate pen for tablet at a very affordable price on its official website in April as well.

Pricing and Availability.

Drawing inspiration from the vastness of the universe, the HONOR Pad 9 is available in Space Grey. Starting from 25^th Feb, for £299.99 RRP or £349.99 including a keyboard. The HONOR Pad 9 willbe available to purchase in UK and Ireland via HiHonor, Argos, Amazon, Very, Currys online. On HiHonor, consumers can benefit from a £50 discount on the keyboard option, meaning the tablet and keyboard combination is the price of the stand-alone tablet.

For more information, please visit the HONOR online store at www.hihonor.com/uk.

Update from MWC Honor Event show floor here are some hands-on shots of the Honor pad 9 with the Keyboard from the Launch event.

The post HONOR Introduces the Feature-packed HONOR Pad 9 is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Well in a first for us at Coolsmartphone towers both me and Gary were given a Honor Magic V2 for review at the same time, we can’t thank Honor enough for this. In Gary’s, review he concentrated on hardware and the phone in general and I took my Honor device on a week long trip to the Big Apple where I could use it as my daily driver, using like most people do in a point and shoot capacity, and reviewing the software in day to day life.

Good Points

• Face unlock as fast and as reliable as IOS 
• Really nice case included.
• Lightening fast fingerprint.
• Incredibly thin and light foldable design.
• Near-invisible inner crease.
• All day battery life and fast charging. 

Bad Points.

• Some Bloatware installed such as booking.com, TrainPal,
• The screen appears to be a bit of a dust magnet.
• Not the latest processor
• £300 more than the Magic Vs
• MagicOS could be more customisable
• No wireless charging

For a long time, my major issue with using foldable phones has been how they feel in the hand. It started with the Galaxy Z Fold (and still remains the same with the Galaxy Z Fold 5), which feels like holding two regular candy phones together. We got closer to a slab phone-like form factor on a foldable with the OnePlus Open, but it’s still thick. The Honor Magic V2 solves this problem with a thinner, lighter, and better form factor than ever.

The Magic V2 is the thinnest foldable phone ever, at only 10.1mm. The Ultimate version with a vegan leather back is even slimmer at 9.9mm.Compared to other foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (13.46mm), Google Pixel Fold (12.1mm), and OnePlus Open (11.7mm), the Magic V2 is much sleeker. It is also closer to slab phones like the new Galaxy S24 Ultra (8.7mm) and Google Pixel 8 Pro (8.8mm) in thickness. The Magic V2 is a perfect balance between these

The Magic V2 is also lighter than most foldable phones, at 237 grams. The OnePlus Open, the closest competitor, is eight grams heavier. The Samsung and Google foldables are much heavier, at 253 grams (Galaxy Z Fold 5) and 283 grams (Pixel Fold). The Galaxy S24 Ultra, a slab phone, is almost the same weight, at 233 grams. The Magic V2’s thin and light design is impressive for a foldable phone.Honor achieved this by improving the material, hinge, and battery. First, it used a special steel that is 25% thinner and 20% stronger than the previous Magic Vs. Second, it used titanium for the hinge, which is 42% lighter. Third, it used a silicon-carbon battery that is thinner than the usual lithium-ion ones.

Magic V2 compared to S23 Ultra

Magic V2 Compared to iPhone 15 Pro Max

The Magic V2 also has a 21:9 aspect ratio cover display, which makes it look like a slab phone. Most flagship phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max have a similar aspect ratio. But foldable phones have different shapes and sizes — from the tall Galaxy Z Fold 5 to the wide Pixel Fold. The OnePlus Open is the only foldable phone that matches the Magic V2’s cover screen. This is good because it makes apps run smoothly, and they look like they do on a normal smartphone.The Magic V2 gives a great everyday experience because of these features. It feels like one phone, not two phones stuck together. It is easier to hold and use for browsing, social media, and reading than other foldable phones. It also fits in my pocket comfortably, like a regular phone. The thin and light design makes a big difference.

Honor achieved this by improving the material, hinge, and battery. First, it used a special steel that is 25% thinner and 20% stronger than the previous Magic Vs. Second, it used titanium for the hinge, which is 42% lighter. Third, it used a silicon-carbon battery that is thinner than the usual lithium-ion ones.

The Magic V2 also has a cover display with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which resembles a slab phone. This is similar to most flagship phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max. But foldable phones vary in shape and size — from the tall Galaxy Z Fold 5 to the wide Pixel Fold. The OnePlus Open is the only foldable phone that matches the Magic V2’s cover screen. This helps apps run well, and they appear like they would on a normal smartphone.

The Magic V2 gives a great everyday experience with these features. It feels like a single phone, not two phones joined together. It is more convenient to hold and use for browsing, social media, and reading than other foldable phones. It also sits in my pocket nicely, like a normal phone. The design is thin and light, which makes a big difference. The Magic V2 is different from other foldable phones. It doesn’t fold a big screen into a slab phone shape. It unfolds a regular phone into a big screen. That is an impressive achievement.

The Magic V2 has a 6.43-inch cover display and a 7.92-inch foldable screen. They are both OLED panels with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate and Honor Magic Pen support. The screens are bright and clear, even in sunlight.I liked watching movies and videos on this phone, especially when I folded it in half on tight flights. But it doesn’t have Dolby Vision. I used the Honor stylus to take notes, but I didn’t bring it with me because there was nowhere to put it on the phone or its case. You need to carry the Magic Pen separately if you want to use it.The hinge is strong and stays where you want it. The crease is much less noticeable than the Galaxy Z Fold 5, but the OnePlus Open still has the best foldable screen with hardly any crease. 

Software. 

Software is the Magic V2’s biggest weakness. It ships with MagicOS 7.2 based on 2022’s Android 13, not Android 14 as you should expect from a new device in 2024. Honor will only provide four years of Android updates and a total of five years of security updates from release, too, which is at least two full years short of the benchmark set by Google, Samsung and Apple. That said I never felt like the OS was slow, in fact it felt very fast and fluid, but the OS felt “old” like something that Huawei was shipping on there phones a few years ago.

You can’t swipe down on the home screen to open notification shade,  you have to wiggle your thumb all the way to the top, but not just the top it has to be the top left, the top right opens the settings panel, I cant tell you the amount of times I nearly dropped the phone wile trying to do this. 

You can’t double tap the power button to quick launch the camera, something I’ve had years of muscle memory of. As I was travelling in the US the world travel clock popped up on the always on display, nicely showing dual time zones, but for some reason it showed both locations as my home, and I couldn’t for the life of me find a way to correct this.  

Sometimes the on screen was all in capital’s and other times not, and there didn’t seem to be any consideration of where words split when text wrapping on the screen. The system watch dog constantly reminded me of power hungry apps, or apps may behave differently if used across two screens, and I couldn’t find a way of stopped them resurfacing every day. 

I couldn’t find a easy way to change the font on the device and the only way I could find was using the Theme Store, but then you need a Honor ID to download anything. 

View through the room window

Snap taken with auto settings in good light

Night photo auto settings

Lots going on in this photo some blurring at the edges

Indoor night photo again a lot for the camera to capture, auto settings

Full zoom to the statue of Liberty

Full zoom again

City at night

Focus on the rose

The Magic V2 has a 5,000mAh battery with 66W fast charging. It was my main phone and it lasted all day. I was using all day to navigate around New York, I did have the device in power saving and even with this heavy use it easily lasted a full day.

Conclusion.

I enjoyed my time with the Magic V2 the form factor should be what a folding device is, i.e no thicker or heavier than a normal phone, is was so easy to forget there was a giant screen hiding inside.

But the software is just not as polished or capable as rivals, nor is it supported for long enough. While camera performance is a little weak in some areas, I found it better than other folders in others. None of these issues are outright deal breakers and many could be fixed with updates. But they are disappointing for a device of this price. Without a doubt, Honor’s Magic V2 is a remarkable device. Its slim and lightweight design gives you the feeling of using a typical smartphone, until you decide to unfold it. If only its software was as streamlined as its hardware. But fingers crossed future updates will improve this. 

The question is would I buy the Magic V2 with my own money, (well with some vouchers and registration of interest you can bag one for just over £1200) despite the software failings I would definitely purchase one for myself. 

The post Magic V2 Review – Part 2 is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

This is an important phone for Honor as mentioned as it is them making a statement that they want to play in the Foldable market on the global stage (the previous Magic V was a Chinese-only release) and they have come out strong and also undercut their rivals in the space in doing so. However, I do feel that whilst the hardware is something for the most part I prefer, with the exception of the hinge mechanism which is too prone to unfolding when you don’t want it to, there is still work to be done on software.

The last time around I compared the Honor Magic Vs with the only real competition which was the Galaxy  Z Fold 4. Today I will be comparing the phone primarily with the Pixel Fold which has been primarily my daily driver since it was released last summer. I have also been lucky enough to have used the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Open during this time. A lot of people will wonder why I am comparing it with the Pixel Fold as there are a lot of jaded opinions from reviewers out there of the folding pixel. I however have lived with that phone for going on 6 months and I honestly think of it as one of the best book-style folding phones for the average person, especially given that you can get one for nearly half the price of the RRP if you know where to look.

With the above being said the Honor Magic V2 needs to be bringing its A-game to compete, thankfully as you will see during this review it has done just that.

Design and Hardware.

I have gone through the hardware of the Magic V2 in the course of my unboxing post which you can find here. I was very impressed with it and now having spent a bit longer with the phone my feelings toward it have not changed. This is a beautifully designed piece of hardware and other manufacturers need to take note. the screen sizes on both inner and outer displays are great and the image those screens produce is crisp and clear as you would expect from any flagship phone. However, where Honor makes a big difference is in the crease or lack thereof.

Internal Front Camera

The crease is still there but it is very barely noticeable. Now I know that you will have read this all before in previous reviews but I do mean it. When viewing the phone straight ton you will not really see it in normal use and when you move your digits around the screen then you will barely notice the small rippl that is present. When I compare it with my Pixel Fold then it is like night and day one is a small ripple akin to a wide speed bump in a housing estate whereas the other is more like a sinkhole that has gouged the road out and will swallow you whole! Okay, that’s a bit dramatic but I think you see my point.

Before I leave the verdant expanse of the screens I want to touch on smoothing else that I have not been able to test and that is the fact that we have stylus support from the Honor stylus for both screens. Now unfortunately as I said this is not something I have been able to test as I don’t have an honor Stylus and they are currently not for sale here in good old Blighty. I have confirmed though that if you source one from the distant shore so fo China then it will work after you have turned on the setting on the phone. Oh, and I should probably add it works on both displays not just the internal one. Would have been nice to have it as an optional accessory at the time of the phone’s release here but the option is there if you want it and can afford it. When I checked the Honor Stylus is currently for sale for around £150 on eBay

The other aspect of the design that I am a huge fan of is the big headline for the Magic V2, at the time of writing this the Honor Magic V2 is the thinnest book-style folding phone available worldwide. This phone when unfolded is seriously thin at 4.7mm at its thinnest point ( the camera module is a bit thicker). Even when you fold the phone into its closed position then it is still under 10mm thick. This is especially impressive given that the phone still has the hardware onboard to pack the same punch as any other foldable on the market today (in the UK at least). For manufacturers that say they can’t pack in all the features that we want into a thin form factor then honor just upened the apple cart on that. They have done this because of two major components, the hinge and the battery. Firstly the hinge is made out of Titanium which is very on trend at the moment and they have reduced the hinge thickness by 75 percent in the process of changing from the previous aluminium design. The next key element is the dual battery design which we have again come to expect from foldable now but this is a little bit different the batteries are the thinnest batteries I have ever seen or heard of. They are not much thicker than a credit card but since they are made from silicone carbon over more traditional cell construction they still pack a 5000mah punch. This goes a very long way in reducing the overall thickness of the phone. As a comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is 13.4mm folded and 6.1mm unfolded and the Pixel Fold is 12.1mm folded and 5.8 unfolded. Admittedly these phones do both have wireless charging coils but these are not really that chunky so what Honor has done is still not to be sniffed at.

Those are the main selling points regarding the design of the phone but the phone also packs some very good albeit slightly out-of-date hardware on board. So let me first address that statement. This phone was first announced in China back in July around the same time the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5 were announced. At that time the ship of the moment was the Snapdragon 8  Gen 2, which is what powers the Honor Magic v2, the OnePlus Open and the Z Fold 5 (the odd one out is the Pixel Fold as it is Tensor G2). So in terms of folding phones, this is bang up to date.

However, the chipset world is an ever-moving treadmill and now as January has drawn to a close and we enter 2024 things have moved on. The chipset of the moment is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and this is what people now expect in a flagship phone being released in 2024. Now whilst I do understand where these people are coming from for the consumer the chip in the phone is not all that important as long as it does your normal phone tasks quickly and without delay. It is for this reason that I don’t care that this does not have the newest Chip and I can forgive Honor for not using the newest 8th Gen 3 in this phone. The phone is fluid and fast and it will support all the normal use apps that most people will throw at it in its lifetime. What is more important is that the phones are fluid and fast and this is more down to the software implementation than the hardware. With that being said though there is a part of the hardware that helps to keep things moving quickly and that is RAM, fortunately, the Magic V2 has a boot full of this as it comes with 16GB of it alongside 512GB of storage space for all your digital goodies.

The Magic V2 is also a bit of a champ when it comes to receiving those all-important mobile network bands signals and wifi signals as they have designed the antennas to allow for an additional 10% more reception capability than the Magic VS by using some nifty design on the antennas and the use of the Honor C1 RF enhanced chipset. I have found that I am less likely to lose my mobile signal with this than I am with some other phones I have used but it is not a massive difference. When I have been on calls the other party can hear me clearly and has not complained of me breaking up to bad signal either. In terms of my Wi-Fi signal, I have found it to be pretty much on par with my Pixel Fold which also adopts a similar antenna design layout. I have tested the Wifi in a very unscientific test later on in the review.

As for the other bits of hardware, you have all the other bits you would be looking for in a flagship in terms of Bluetooth connections more sensors that you can throw a stick at USB 3.1 with OTG support and Dsiplay out for using Honor’s Desktop UI which is serviceable but nowhere near as user friendly as Samsungs DEX implementation. You also have one feature that is not often seen on phones designed primarily for the Western markets, an IR blaster which you can use with the Hoor Smart Remote control app to control the likes of your TV or Radio etc.

I have included a spec sheet below if you want to check all the specs out in further detail otherwise onto the cameras!

The specs are pretty on par for a flagship foldable for the current generation. If you are looking for a high end flagship grade foldable and are not too bothered about Qi charging then this is a real contender.

Now onto the camera.

Camera

The camera for this phone is as you expect like the rest of the phone a high-end unit with 3 lens composed of:-
50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF, 8×8 dToF Laser AF, OIS
20 MP, f/2.4, 62mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2.5x optical zoom, OIS
50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm (ultrawide), AF

The camera supports a large variety of shooting modes including all your standard go-to options such as;-

The camera system also includes 2 of Honor’newest party pieces HONOR Falcon Camera System, which uses a combination of AI and fast lenses to capture much more detail from fast-moving subjects and HONOR AI Motion Sensing Capture which will use AI to take a picture when it detects movement in the frame which is a great feature to have when you have a built-in stand due to the folding form factor.

Video recording duties are supported at up to 4K@30/60fps (10-bit), 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+, OIS which is pretty good going for a phone this slim again.

The rear cameras take good photos as can be seen for the sample shots here. I found the photos easy to capture and the result was pleasing to the eye.

I am no pixel peeper I just want my camera to be easy to take shots and then for me to be able to use them on things like calendars and the occasional standard-size print. Any image I have captured on the Honor Magic V2 is going to tick that box perfectly especially when they’re taken in the optimal conditions.

I include an array of samples below for you to check out for yourself below.

Here are some samples of the various Zoom levels for you to see as well.

I have not been able to put the video capture to the test mainly as I have not had anything to take a video of in these dreich and dreary months of January and February. So I can’t really comment on the video quality.

The front camera is about as expected even disabling the normal beauty mode that is ever present on phones for far eastern shores I find that there is still an aspect of manipulation within the images which some may like but I am not a huge fan of.

Check these selfies to see the results for yourself.

That about sums up my camera insights but we will be having a camera special from my colleague Ian after he has had the chance to use the camera in slightly more picturesque locations as he is taking his Honor Magic V2 to New York when he travels there in the next week or so

Next up is the software.

Software

This is an area where the Magic V2 needs to get things right. I am very pleased to say that one of the biggest annoyances that had from my time with the previous folding effort from Honor is that they have now added the App drawer back as an option to have turned on which is awesome as it was silly that it was there, to begin with. That was really one of the biggest things I was hoping that the magic v2 would bring but there are other things we need to talk about.

With its being a folding phone you need to be able to pull off Multitasking well and the Magic V2 is on par here with the Pixel Fold in that you can have two apps open in full size at the same time but if you try and push it beyond that you will get stuck very quickly. In terms of the pure ability to multitask with multiple windows, this is a weak point of both the Pixel Fold and the Honor. However, the Honor does have one party piece that the pixel does not. You can have one app as the main view and the other two will be available as 2 floating apps that you can minimise down to a mini window to essentially hide when you don’t need it. This puts the Honor on a slight level up on the Pixel Fold I would say B+ for Multitasking. If you need more multitasking windows then you might need to look at Samsung or OnePlus or a laptop/tablet/2 in1!!

There is however another way to get more Multi-tasking action though and that is, of course, to plug the phone into another display using USB Type C and you have a Desktop to meet all your multitasking dreams unless browsing the web is one of these dreams as this is, not an app that I could get to show up when I plugged into my display. Also, the icons in this mode can be a little odd looking with some of them being very pixelated. This again is a function that is not to be found on the Pixel Fold or indeed on the OnePlus Open so bonus point here for the Magic V2.

Unfortunately, the good also comes with the bad. One of the most annoying things is when you are using a non-optimised app then when you transition between folded and unfolded some apps will display weirdly. Examples of it are shown below in the Yu Life app that I use for my work and the Mewe Social app.

Another issue that we are never going to be rid of is the amount of Honor apps that come preloaded as this is something that we get with manufacturers but it is not an issue found on the Pixel Fold as that has no bloat to speak of. I counted all the apps up as I was segregating them into their own folder there are 24 apps preloaded!

Now some of these are Honors own apps and are genuinely useful such as the inbult compas. However, if wanted TikTok then I would be quite happy to add it don’t need anyone to do it on my behalf.

If I had to really pick out other issues then another one would be a particularly foldable phone-related issue. When you’re in a full-screen app ie the web browser then you don’t have the very helpful dock that I have been able to find on the other foldable that I have used. The feature is there in a form, but I had to hunt for it in the settings menu. Instead of coming up on the side it pops in from the side if you swipe in from the side and then pause it will then bring up the dock for access to all your other apps. I didn’t like the way that this worked and I found that a lot of the time I would end up going back to the app I was in which caused frustration.

I think the persistent dock on the Pixel Fold is a much more elegant solution as this mirrors your front home screen dock with the addition of a recent app icon.

That about sums up my thoughts on the key software features that I wanted to compare with the Pixel Fold. I would say that the software is on par with what Google can offer with the Honor giving a bit of an edge on the multi-tasking abilities if you can live with the app switching. I do find the ability to have two windows open at the same time handy. I did use it a few times in this mode instead of grabbing my laptop which was genuinely useful, however, I could have had the same experience on any folding phone.

Other than that the software is pretty much all of the stuff you would expect to find in an Android 13 folding phone these days. Android 14 is coming very soon and is rumoured to be arriving on the phone with a Magic UI update alongside it very soon. Hopefully, this will arrive in time for Ian to give you his thoughts as my time with the phone has come to an end and it does need to be sent back to Honor very soon.

In terms of software updates Honor has promised five years of security patches and four years of Android updates, which is aligned with both Samsung, OnePlus and Google. At the time of writing, I am on the January Security update which arrived on my phone two days ago. I am also on the latest Google Play system update as well.

Another pain point is with notifications as these don’t always come through on time which can be irritating especially if you are awaiting time-sensitive alerts. I can see a notification come not my Pixel Fold and then it can be an age for it to arrive on the Magic V2. I have allowed some apps to get them quicker but then I have to put up with the ever-present high battery drain notice coming up.

I also do not like the way that the settings shortcuts and notifications are now separated and require you to perform the gesture on a specific side of the display. I would gladly see this disappear please Honor.

So that sums up the software experience. How about other stuff well let’s give you a quick run-through.

• Sound and speakers.

These sound great and you can really feel the effect of having the separation afforded by having the speakers on either end of the phone when you are watching content in the landscape orientation. The phone produces a good sound stage for watching content, however, that being said the majority of the playback i experienced using the phone was over Bluetooth headphones which worked very well and I had few interruptions with the Bluetooth signal.

• Bluetooth and  Wifi connectivity.

I have been running the phone with my Pixel Watch 2 smartwatch for the entirety of this review period and I have had no issues with it connecting and reconnecting at all., the only thing of note was that the watch did run down a bit quicker than I have seen when it was connected to my Pixel Fold but this also happens with Samsung devices so not a fault of the Magic V2. In my car, the Bluetooth has worked great and Android Auto connected with no issue over a wired connection as sadly my car needs to use that archaic process! (ED Note 1st world issue!!)

In terms of Wifi, I have experienced brilliant Wifi connectivity all over my home and when have been at work and never found reason to fault this at all. The wraparound antenna design and HONOR C1 RF Enhanced Chipset do really work and I am glad to have had them onboard. In a very unscientific test, I was able to have my Magic V2 pick up a wifi booster on the other side of my house with a better signal strength than on my Pixel Fold with a difference of 7 dBm which is significant. Even with the router which was under 1 m away, there was a difference in Honor’s favour of 1 dBm.

• Phone signal

Again this was an area where I did not have any noticeable issues at all calls were clear and crisp and had no connection issues or issues holding a call once it had connected. I had no complaints from the other party on the call either about background noise bleed.

• Charging speed and battery life

Sadly I did not have a supper charge to test the phone’s super fast charging but I was very pleased to say that I didn’t need to worry about being able to charge at super-fast speeds as the battery life was excellent easily allowing me to get through near two days full usage. Now to be fair I can normally stretch my Pixel Fold out to the same level but I don’t open the Pixel Fold into unfolded mode as much as I was doing on the Magic V2. When I did have to charge it from a regular charger I was able to charge it with no significant issue in a couple of hours. It would have been nice to have QI charging as an option but I didn’t miss it too much.

• Gaming

I don’t have time for games any more but I will ask if Ian can give his thoughts in his follow-up review and impressions piece as he might have some time while he is on his flight stateside.

Conclusion

I am really quite keen on the Honor Magic V2 5G. The hardware is fantastic and it feels as good after a few weeks of usage as it did on day 1 when it came out of the box, The hinge is smooth and the motion is fluid the lack of crease is so nice to see and use. The screens are crisp and clear no matter what the lighting. The external display size makes this feel like a normal slab phone but you have the benefit of that extra real estate when you unfold it.

In terms of software, Honor has stepped up here and I think they have improved upon the Magic VS and I expect more will come in the update to Magic OS 8.0. Multi-tasking is more capable than the pixel fold if you want to use it but the basic of two apps on the same display works brilliantly. The Magic OS implementation has become more in line with the Android ‘Stock” feel that people think of without needing to use all the bells and whistles to get stuff done.

The cameras are great and I wasn’t ever really left lacking in terms of their performance but I am by no means an expert here.

The phone really does pack a great punch and I have thoroughly enjoyed using it. However, would I buy one? If I am being honest if it was this of Pixel Fold then I would have to pick the Pixel Fold. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I just keep getting drawn back to that phone. I have owned 3 now having sold two previously!!

However, it is not me who is looking at this phone to buy it is you the reader and if you have made it his far then you may have already decided and I wouldn’t blame you for thinking about buying one of these as they are great and particularly love design then this is the foldable phone to get at the moment. Don’t be put off by the lack of QI charging as I know one of my colleagues was as it is not a big issue especially as if you take advantage of the offer on Honor’s website you get a Supercharger included with your purchase.

If you want to get the Honor Magic V2 5G then head on over to the Honor website and pick one up now while the offers are still on as this will reduce the asking price down to as low as £1119.99 (Normal RRP is 1699.99) if you use a trade-in and subscribe to get a voucher. This makes the Honor Magic V2 5G not only the thinnest bookstyle foldable phone but one of the cheapest as well!

Be sure to keep an eye out for Ian’s camera special and follow up after he has used it on his holiday back here on Coolsmartphone.com!

The post Honor Magic V2- Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

So the day has come when I can share the unboxing of the new to the UK market, Honor Magic V2 5G. I have a little spoiler for you though, I am impressed by this foldable’s hardware very impressed!

So let’s get into the video for you then.

As you can hopefully see from above I am enjoying the hardware on this folding phone it is so much sleeker than any other folding phone I have used before and I have used most of them! I currently use a Pixel Fold as my main phone (when I am not doing reviews) and this is quite a significant step on from what the Pixel Fold offers in terms of design. I still can’t wrap my head around how they have managed to get this phone so slim (more on that later) especially when you think that it has got a 5000mah Silicon Carbon battery inside! The battery isn’t the only great spec inside the Magic Fold V2, we also have a Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8th Gen 2 as the processor and this is backed up with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of Storage and this is the only option. Of course, the phone has all the other goodies that you would expect to see on this type of phone for Connectivity specs:-

• Bluetooth 5.3, BLE, SBC, AAC, LDAC, APTX, APTX HD
• USB Type-C, USB 3.1 Gen1, DP1.2
• 2.4GHz：802.11 b/g/n/ax/be, MIMO
• 5GHz：802.11 a/n/ac/ax/be, MIM
• Support NFC, eSIM
• Wraparound antenna

Rear Camera Module

The camera array is pretty impressive with a triple header setup with the following details:-
Triple Rear Camera
• 50MP Ultra Wide Camera (f/2.0)
• 50MP Wide Camera (f/1.9) 8, OIS
• 20MP Telephoto Lens Camera (f/2.4), OIS

Around the front we have got two cameras there are two screens
• 16MP Wide Camera (f/2.2) (Interior screen)
• 16MP Wide Camera (f/2.2) (Exterior screen)

The rear cameras will support videos at 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Whilst the front will support up to 4K@30fps. These front cameras will also support a basic face unlock.

Side profile, Unfolded

As for the rest of the visible hardware, we have the power keys on the right side when the phone is unfolded and the volume rocker on the left.This is quite a nice setup for both folded and unfolded use cases. When the phone is unfolded the buttons are not in your way and it is easy to develop a muscle memory to find where the buttons are. When the phone is closed the buttons are then sitting above each other but they are still easily defined by the separation from the buttons being on either half of the phone.

Power and Volume key placement

External 6.79″ Display

Coming to the screens which is what you came here for these are both very good quality screens with the outer being a 6.43″ display with a screen-to-body ratio of 91.2%. the PPI is 402 and the resolution is 2376 x 1060 which is a nice 20:9 ratio and more akin to a normal phone. The screen will go up to 2500nits in terms of brightness which is plenty to see on the dreak days of January! It is protected with Nanocrystal Glass which is good to see but would have preferred to see some G0rilla Glass Victus here. There is also factory fitted screen protector which is removable but I have kept mine in place for the time being.

Internal 7.96″ display

The inner display consists of a 7.92′ panel with a screen-to-body ratio of 90.4%. The PPI is the same 402 with a resolution of 2344x 2156 which means a near square 9.78:9 ratio. The interior screen is not quite as bright at 1600 nits, but if I am out and about I have found that I am less likely to open the display up so this lower brightness is fine on a foldable for me. There is no glass screen protector here but you do get a very well-fitted plastic screen protector covering the Ultra Thin glass underneath. This one should not be removed but if you buy one early enough then you can get at least 6 months of Honor Care included to repair the screen if needed for free!

That leads me to the hinge the real crux of the folding phone, this is very easy to describe. It is smooth with a nice flick at the end of the opening motion. there is enough tension for the phone to be kept open at a variety of angles but not quite as many as my Pixel Fold. It will stay open at angles up to about 150 degrees before the flick closes, this is an improvement over the previous Magic Vs. When closing the hinge will snap closed once you get past approx 15 degrees and it is a satisfying snap at that. When closed the two halves sit flush to each other like all good folding phones do now.

Bottom showing USB Type C 3.1 port, Speaker and Sim tray

Something I was very keen to see is how the hinges affected the screen crease and I am extremely pleased to say that this is a vast improvement over what I have become used to in the Pixel Fold and the likes of any of the Galaxy Z Fold line up. It is very near to being invisible and it is barely noticeable when you are viewing the inner display. In terms of the feel you will notice it but your finger does not feel like it drops into a canyon when crossing the crease area, which is a great feeling.

Top view showing Speaker, IR blaster and mic

Vegan Leather back view

That about wraps up the main things that make this phone what it is apart from one of the headliners the dimensions! Normally I don’t get too excited by these measurements but you can feel the difference. In terms of when the phone is folded, this phone is 156.7mm high, 74.1 mm wide and 9.9mm thin. When it is unfolded the height remains the same but the width goes out to 145.1mm and the depth becomes 4.7mm (excluding the camera bump)! To say this phone is thin is an understatement. When the phone is folded up it has about the same 3D footprint as the likes of a regular 6.5″ screen slab phone but it is still thinner than most. When you unfold it then the slimness goes to a different level and it is truly remarkable. However, the great news is even with this thinness the phone does not feel fragile which was a surprise. Honestly, if you compare this phone to the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and 5 it feels like the fatter cousin! I nearly forgot the other important figure for this phone which is the weight or the lack of it. The phone in its Vegan leather version is only 231g (the glass-backed version is 237g) My Pixel Fold is the right fat boy in comparison!

So in terms of the hardware and initial unboxing experience, I have been very impressed by the Honor Magic V2 5G and it matches up to the hype I have been seeing for the last 6 months since I first saw it being released in China. However, hardware alone does not make the phone and I will be reporting back on the software in my full review once I have used it for a bit more time.

All that remains now is to let you know that if you want your own Honor Magic V2 5G then you can buy one now from Honor directly at the hihonor.com/uk website and they have got some launch offers that can reduce the price to £1199.99 via vouchers from the full RRP of £1699.99, if you act fast then you will get a bundled Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal headset via redemption that are worth £399!

Pre-orders are open now and shipping can be as soon as the beginning of next week.

The post Honor Magic V2 5G- Unboxing is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Ever wondered who iQOO is? They are an independent sub-brand of vivo, a well-known smartphone manufacturer. If you’re unfamiliar with vivo, you’re not alone. They were once part of the BBK Electronics conglomerate, which also houses Oppo and OnePlus. Within this group, vivo operated as a separate entity. But now, vivo has achieved independence, and iQOO (pronounced eye-koo) is poised to become a prominent force in the smartphone market. Their focus is on producing high-performance devices that cater to both photography enthusiasts and hardcore gamers.

Irrespective of the legacy of these mobile phone brands, the iQOO 12 possesses a strong enough reputation to adorn the official BMW M Motorsport branding on its Legend edition. This collaboration demonstrates the iQOO 12’s exceptional performance and its ability to cater to the demanding standards of passionate motorsport enthusiasts.

Powered by Qualcomm’s latest third-generation Snapdragon 8 mobile platform, the iQOO 12 Pro boasts a cutting-edge 4nm TSMC process, a 1+5+2 64-bit architecture, and a Cortex-X4 ultra-core that can reach an astounding 3.3GHz clock speed. This powerful combination delivers a remarkable 30% performance boost over the previous generation Snapdragon 8, while also achieving a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. Additionally, the iQOO 12 Pro leverages LPDDR5X and UFS4.0 technologies to elevate its performance even further, forming a formidable “Iron Triangle of Performance” that sets new standards for mobile gaming and overall responsiveness.

In essence, the iQOO 12 Pro harnesses the full potential of the Snapdragon 8 mobile platform to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience, while also maintaining exceptional energy efficiency. This makes it the ideal choice for demanding mobile gamers who seek the ultimate in performance and power.

Key Features at a glance:

• 50MP main wide-angle, f/1.68, OIS, 23mm equivalent (1/1.3inch sensor)
• 50MP ultra-wide-angle, f/2.0, 15mm equivalent
• 64MP telephoto, f/2.57, 3x/70mm equivalent, OIS
• 16MP selfie camera, f/2.45, 27mm equivalent (video: 1080P only)
• 8K 30p, 4K 60/30p, Full HD 240p
• 6.78inch screen, AMOLED, 144Hz, up to 3000nits brightness
• 5000mAh battery, 120W charging
• 12/16GB RAM, 256/512GB storage options
• Android 14
• 163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1mm
• 203.7g weight.

Good Points:-

• Flat screen design.
• Amazing battery life.
• 120W Fast charger included in the box.
• Deicated gaming mode.
• Dual Stereo speakers.
• IR Blaster.
• Claimed 3 yrs of OS updates, and updates4 yrs of security updates.
• 6.78 inch screen, 144Hz, with 517PPI

Bad Points:-

• Quite a bit of bloat.
• Very slippery without the case.
• Annoying app notifications from the V App Store.
• Camera bump seems larger than necessary.
• Lots of recommended app pop ups.

Whats In The Box.

The phone, SIM tool, some BMW performance leaflets a Clear TPU case a 120w charging brick, and cable.

Design:-

In terms of aesthetics, the iQOO 12 Pro embraces a range of captivating color schemes to suit diverse preferences. The classic “Legendary Edition” exudes a timeless elegance with its gleaming white enamel textured glass back. This premium finish not only enhances the phone’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a comfortable and secure grip. The iconic BMW M Motorsport branding has been subtly incorporated into the design, adding a touch of motorsport flair without compromising the phone’s sleekness.

The iQOO 12 Pro’s vibrant and immersive display takes center stage, featuring a groundbreaking 6.78-inch E7 AMOLED panel. This cutting-edge display boasts a stunning resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, translating to a pixel density of 517 PPI, ensuring exceptional clarity and detail. Whether you’re engrossed in an intense gaming session or captivated by a visually captivating movie, the iQOO 12 Pro’s display delivers an unparalleled visual experience. To further enhance the visual feast, the display supports a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid transitions between scenes, whether scrolling through web pages or navigating through demanding applications. This rapid refresh rate also elevates the gaming experience, eliminating stutters and tearing for a truly responsive and immersive gameplay experience.

The in-screen fingerprint reader works well, and the phone offers rapid charging at 120W. However, the lack of wireless charging is a little bit of a shame. There’s an always-on AMOLED display with a fast refresh rate of 144Hz; which will be great for the gamers out there. The phone has an IP64 rating, which should mean it’ll survive a light rain shower.

On the top of the device is one of the stereo speakers, the IR blaster and microphone, on the right is the volume rocker and power button, the left hand side is clear, and along the bottom is the sim tray, usb type-c port, second speaker and another microphone.

In Use.

Once unboxed and set up, a few things immediately struck me about the IQOO 12 Pro, the device does have a lot of bloat pre installed, like Hot apps folder, that has 12 recommended apps, Hot Games folder with 12 recommended games. Doubling up of apps was present as well eg 2 App Stores, 2 messaging apps, imanger the same as device care. That said they were all easily dealt with and removed.

The device is possibly one of the most slippery (est) phones I’ve ever used, those who remember the Nexus 5 ( a device that could slide off a perfectly flat table) well the IQOO 12 is right up there, thankfully the included TPU case deals with this, and keeps the devices aesthetics.

It was then on to setting up the face unlock and under screen fingerprint reader, the face unlock is not as secure as Apple’s offering, but the IQOO 12 Pro unlocks loads quicker than my iPhone, the face unlock was so quick that the device was unlocked before, I had even a chance to use the fingerprint unlock, on the point of fingerprint unlock again this was blistering fast.

Then it was on to the screen, the 6.78-inch 144Hz 1.5K flat panel display on the iQOO 12 is of excellent quality in terms of colour accuracy, brightness, and sharpness, featuring a 1.5K resolution screen, with a 517PPI compared the iPhone 15 pro at 460PPI and the S23 Ultra’s screen coming in at 500PPI, what does this mean, well the screen is gorgeous to look at and use with smooth and silky scrolling. The display, which supports HDR video streaming on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. Additionally, it is a high refresh rate panel with up to a 144Hz refresh rate and support for LPTO technology, which can lower the screen refresh rate to as low as 1Hz to reduce power consumption—an advantageous feature for users who utilise always-on display.

Once i’d loaded up all the relevant Google accounts. It was on to using the device, The first thing I’ve got to say is this thing absolutely flies, with absolutely no lag at all. flicking between apps opening and closing processes, there is no stuttering, this will be down to the snapdragon Gen. 3 chip and the oodles of Ram available. Then I enabled what IQOO are dubbing Monster Mode which basically ramps everything up to 10

One thing I did notice, though, was that the developer options were already enabled, thus, meaning the device was slightly not as secure as others straight out of the box.

The IQOO 12 Pro runs Android 14 with Funtouch OS running over the top, it has 16GB of RAM which can be dynamically extended to by up to another 16GB, the device also comes with 512GB of storage.

In the first couple of days the device received 3 software updates, but the Android security update was sitting at the 1st November.

Despite the device having a very South East Asian influence it was pleasant suprise to see the Google Feed on the far left of the home screen.

There is a version of Samsung’s edge panel, ( something I use a lot on my S23 Ultra ) named smart side bar, but I found it more of a quick launch panel rather than the full edge panel experience that said I used it to give a more uncluttered home screen.

Gaming with the Q1 Chip.

As well as packing the very latest flagship-grade mobile processor, memory, and storage, iQOO debuts Supercomputing Chip Q1, a customized display chip that offers Game Super Resolution, Game Super Frame Rate and Game Display Enhancement – features that radically enhance the mobile gaming experience.

With one touch users can activate Game Super Resolution, boosting image contrast and overall clarity through enhanced edge sharpness of graphical characters. Users can enable Game Super Frame Rate to experience mobile gaming at incredible high frame rates of up to 144 FPS. While many mobile games cap frame rates at 60 FPS or 90 FPS, peaking at 120 FPS, Super Frame Rate uses frame interpolation to provide users with smooth 144 FPS gaming, matching the native 144Hz display refresh rate to reduce tearing and stuttering on even the most demanding games.

iQOO 12 uses an LTPO AMOLED display that can dynamically switch between high and low refresh rates. This lowers power consumption by reducing refresh rates when a static image is displayed, while allowing refresh rates to be pushed to the maximum to provide the ultimate viewing experience when watching movies or playing games.

To give gamers a physically immersive experience, iQOO 12 packs a Large X-Axis Linear Motor that produces accurate haptic feedback triggers during gameplay. In terms of audio, iQOO 12 uses a Symmetrical Dual Stereo Speaker design that gives gamers directional cues in first-person-shooter games, making gunshots and footsteps more pronounced and clearer during gameplay. During audio playback, users can enjoy incredible instrument separation, with a large 1.2cc speaker chamber providing improved bass frequencies.

To keep things calm during extended gaming sessions, iQOO 12 uses a Four-Zone Cooling System that ensures a comfortable in-hand experience in key contact areas. A 6K Vapor Chamber ensures rapid and effective heat dissipation from the CPU, with heat buildup further reduced with a Low temperature sensitivity design and a specialized Under-Display Graphite Cooling Film that mitigates hot spot

What does all this mean in the real world, firstly let me say I am by no means a full on mobile gamer, but that said I do have Call Of Duty Mobile installed in all my devices, so I had to install it on IQOO 12 Pro as well.

I had all the settings ramped up there max and the game played fluidly with no dropped frames, stutter or glitches, that said it certainly didn’t make me any better of a player.

The IQOO 12 Pro’s gaming mode gives you loads of settings, ranging from Battery Saver Mode, Balanced, and Monster Mode (ramp everything up to 10). You also have the options to enable motion control, gaming resolution, block notifications and reject calls., all to enhance the game play.

Camera

Flagship smartphones have become increasingly standardized in their triple camera setups, leading manufacturers to seek innovative ways to differentiate themselves. Samsung’s Galaxy S22 and S23 Ultra series stand out with a fourth telephoto camera featuring an impressive 10x optical zoom. Google, on the other hand, emphasizes computational photography and AI-powered features to simplify capturing specific shots.

The iQOO 12 deviates from the norm with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 50MP main camera, and a unique 64MP 3x telephoto macro lens, similar to the one found on the Xiaomi 13 Pro. It also boasts an Astrography mode, which iQOO claims can capture the majestic Milky Way. While testing under clear skies has not been possible yet, the iQOO 12 offers a unique AR Planetarium feature that virtually overlays constellations onto your night sky photos, while preserving the original unedited image of the stars. This fusion of technology and creativity makes the iQOO 12 a standout in the smartphone camera landscape.

The problem with reviewing a camera in the UK in December is there isn’t always the best light, but the IQOO 12 Pro’s camera was still able to snap some decent shots.

A snap of the moon up there with the S23 Ultra.

Indoor night shot with flash.

Indoor night shot no flash

Frost on the trees.

Zoom in to the Teddy

The camera app is filled with different modes, ranging from the standard modes Night, Portrait, Video, Pro Mode etc. but then there is High Resolution, Pano, Ultra HD Document, Slow Mo, Time Lapse, Long Exposure, Super moon, Astro, Tilt Shift, and Fisheye.

 Some Astro shots, where the Star map is overlayed the final picture.

Battery Life

The iQOO 12 Pro’s robust battery life is assured by its hefty 5100mAh power source, augmented by a revolutionary graphite stack reconfiguration technology that seamlessly blends high capacity with lightning-fast charging capabilities. This innovative approach surpasses its predecessor’s endurance, ensuring extended usage throughout your demanding days. Although the iQOO 12 Pro’s 120W flash charger may seem like a minor inconvenience, it delivers exceptional charging speeds that cater to everyday needs. Additionally, a 50W wireless flash charger provides flexibility for those who prefer wireless charging. With these versatile charging options, the iQOO 12 Pro caters to diverse charging preferences and ensures your device remains powered up when you need it most.

The IQOO 12 was easily lasting me a full day of heavy use, and with moderate use I was getting 2 days out of it. That said when plugged into the included 120W charger and cable the device went from 0 to 100% in a eye watering 31mins, although charging at those speeds everyday won’t be the best for battery longevity.

Conclusion:-

The iQOO 12 Pro doesn’t look like what we call a “gaming phone”. As the title says, it has a powerful performance but looks so elegant. It’s similar to the Xiaomi 14 Pro, with photography first, and performance second. Whereas the iQOO 12 Pro is all about gaming and then the photos are pretty good too. Which one to choose depends on whether you prefer photography or gaming

I absolutely loved my time with the IQOO 12, once I had sorted the extra apps and bloatware out, it was a joy to use, in fact in some aspects better than my S23 Ultra. The device did seem snappier and I would say that the camera was a good 90% of Samsung’s offering.

It’s a shame that this device may well get overlooked by the main players in the Android world, but this clearly should not be the case, if you want a change from the mainstream the IQOO 12 Pro is well worth considering. It’s currently available here in the UK from Wondamobile for £669

The post IQOO 12 review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

Specification Highlights

• Single Earbud Weight: 4.6 g, Case Weight: 34.8 g
• Earbuds Size: 26 × 21 × 29 mm, Case Size: 24 X 43 X 62 mm
• Single Earbud Battery Capacity: 43 mAh, Case Battery Capacity: 410 mAh
• Earbuds Charging Time: 60 mins, Case Charging Time (with cable): 120 mins
• Speaker Impedance: 16 O, Bluetooth Range: 10 m
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth® 5.3, Bluetooth Protocol: HFP / A2DP / AVRCP

Playtime (ANC Off)

• Earbuds Fully Charged: 7.5 hours
• Case and Earbuds Fully Charged: 30 hours

Playtime (ANC On)

• Earbuds Fully Charged: 5 hours
• Case and Earbuds Fully Charged: 20 hours

1MORE a globally distributed premium consumer audio company, has brought to the table a new addition to its famed PistonBuds series with the introduction of the PistonBuds Pro Q30 TWS Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds, designed to provide an unparalleled listening experience. Its latest earbuds incorporate cutting-edge technology to redefine audio quality, noise cancellation, and create immersive soundscapes.

One of the standout features of 1MORE’s new PistonBuds Pro Q30 earbuds is the revolutionary QuietMax active noise cancelling technology, which delves deep into a wider frequency range to eliminate ambient noise with exceptional clarity. Whether listening to them on a busy street, in a crowded airport, or simply seeking tranquility, these earbuds guarantee a serene auditory escape.

For those that only accept the very best sound quality when on the move, 1MORE has this covered too. The Pistonbuds Pro Q30 earbuds feature a 10mm diamond-like-carbon (DLC) dynamic driver that delivers powerful bass, vibrant vocals, and intricate details, ensuring a well-balanced audio output that will please any audiophile. There is also a 1MORE Music App available for users to elevate their listening experience even further with the Spatial Audio feature. A 360-degree listening environment is available, and which is widely compatible with various audio sources and devices.

The Pistonbuds Pro Q30 earbuds also come equipped with versatile listening modes, enabling them to adapt to the user’s surroundings. Activate Transparency Mode to engage in conversations, hear important announcements, or remain aware of surroundings. Wind Noise Resistance (WNR) mode mitigates wind-induced microphonics, while Adaptive mode automatically adjusts to suppress unwanted background noise.

With up to 30 Hours of Battery Life users can Enjoy up to 7.5 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC off, with the charging case extending total playtime to 30 hours. A mere 10 minutes of quick charging provides an extra 2 hours of playback. And with the latest Bluetooth® 5.3 Technology a stable connection can be enjoyed, with minimal transmission delays for uninterrupted enjoyment of music.

Keen gamers will also appreciate the low latency Gaming Mode, which ensures audio-visual synchronization for a more immersive gaming experience, making every gaming session a multisensory triumph.

The PistonBuds Pro Q30 earbuds are also great for lovers of the great outdoors. Being IPX5 Water Resistant, they are resistant to water and sweat and are therefore ideal for workouts, hikes, and outdoor adventures.

Also useful when having to take a call in noisy environments, the new earbuds from 1MORE feature six built-in microphones and an AI-enabled algorithm that work in tandem to filter out ambient noise and ensure that the user’s voice remains front and centre.

1MORE continues to push the boundaries of audio technology, and the PistonBuds Pro Q30 TWS Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds exemplify their commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality and a superior listening experience.

The 1MORE PistonBuds Pro Q30 TWS Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds are currently available for £39.99 on Amazon UK and $39.99 on Amazon US using the 20% discount available (RRP’s £49.99 and $49.99 respectively). They are also available on the 1MORE UK website and US website soon.

The post 1MORE introduces PistonBuds Pro Q30 is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.

iQOO, an independent sub-brand of vivo, today announced iQOO 12, an all-new flagship smartphone designed to push the boundaries of design, speed and performance to new heights, giving users an unparalleled mobile gaming experience. Combining the very latest high-performance Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 processor from Qualcomm, plus a customized Supercomputing Chip Q1, iQOO 12 takes inspiration from BMW M Motorsport to deliver an unrivaled and breathtaking flagship gaming experience like no other.

Created to exude superior quality and refinement on every level, iQOO 12 boasts cutting-edge performance with premium build quality and design using the finest materials. It features a high definition 144Hz AMOLED display, a triple rear camera system with Porthole Design and immersive gaming features that redefine the mobile gaming experience.

Torres Zhou, Head of iQOO Overseas Market.

The new iQOO 12 flagship smartphone was created for people craving the absolute pinnacle of technology and design. We paired the most powerful processor platform on the market, Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3, with our customized Supercomputing Chip Q1, and an exquisite Porthole exterior design to create a smartphone that exudes exceptional quality both inside and out. Embracing the spirit and adventure of BMW M Motorsport, iQOO 12 surpasses all expectations to deliver the ultimate mobile gaming experience

As one of the very first smartphones to feature the industry-leading Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, iQOO 12 harnesses the performance advantages of a new processor architecture manufactured using the latest 4nm technology. Coupled with a custom Supercomputing Chip Q1 that further enhances in-game performance, fast memory, and lightning quick flash storage, iQOO stands unopposed in terms of gaming prowess

The latest Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform from Qualcomm features a newly evolved 1+5+2 CPU architecture that combines a prime Cortex-X4 prime core , five Cortex-A720 performance cores, and two additional Cortex-A520 efficiency cores – a balanced octa-core design that combines groundbreaking performance with ruthless power efficiency. Dominant gaming performance is guaranteed by the all new Adreno 750 GPU and gamers can expect ultra smooth and fast app loading and switching thanks to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB of the latest high-speed, low latency UFS4.0 flash storage, enough capacity to install dozens of the latest mobile games without worrying about space constraints.

 iQOO 12 is powered by a Pro-Performance Graphite Battery equivalent to 5000 mAh (TYP)  that supports 120W FlashCharge. Graphite battery technology offers significantly improved energy density compared to traditional battery solutions. A feature unique to iQOO 12, users will appreciate having a high performance battery that is 9% larger in capacity compared to the previous generation, without having to compromise on slim design. Power saving features include Battery Saver Mode and 0% Battery Instant Startup.

Visually Enhanced Gaming with Supercomputing Chip Q1

As well as packing the very latest flagship-grade mobile processor, memory, and storage, iQOO debuts Supercomputing Chip Q1, a customized display chip that offers Game Super Resolution, Game Super Frame Rate and Game Display Enhancement – features that radically enhance the mobile gaming experience. 

With one touch users can activate Game Super Resolution, boosting image contrast and overall clarity through enhanced edge sharpness of graphical characters. Users can enable Game Super Frame Rate to experience mobile gaming at incredible high frame rates of up to 144 FPS. While many mobile games cap frame rates at 60 FPS or 90 FPS, peaking at 120 FPS, Super Frame Rate uses frame interpolation to provide users with smooth 144 FPS gaming, matching the native 144Hz display refresh rate to reduce tearing and stuttering on even the most demanding games.

When simultaneously enabled, Game Super Resolution and Game Super Frame Rate combine to give gamers a visually optimized game experience like no other. A great example of these enhancements is the ability to play top-tier games like Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, PUBG New State, and League of Legends Mobile at 144 FPS.

Game Display Enhancement optimizes graphics quality by reconstructing images with sharper details, and includes General Filters that enhance gameplay. Filters include dark-scene enhancement which allows gamers to better identify the enemy in dark scenes such as tunnels or night-time battles. Game Super Touch Control gives gamers better accuracy and touch response, preventing unwanted slips and accidental edge touching, while also improving accuracy when perspiration becomes an issue.

Pure Gaming Immersion.

Today’s mobile gamers demand a game experience that provides immersive visual, physical and aural interaction during gameplay. iQOO 12 features a high-definition 6.78-inch, 144Hz AMOLED LTPO display with a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1260), 452 PPI pixel density, an incredible 80,00,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDR10+ support (3,000 nits of local peak brightness). Accurate color reproduction is guaranteed with 105% NTSC color gamut and 100% DCI-P3 accuracy ratings. To further improve the viewing experience iQOO 12 also supports high-frequency 2,160Hz of PWM dimming and low blue light eye protection.

iQOO 12 uses an LTPO AMOLED display that can dynamically switch between high and low refresh rates. This lowers power consumption by reducing refresh rates when a static image is displayed, while allowing refresh rates to be pushed to the maximum to provide the ultimate viewing experience when watching movies or playing games.

To give gamers a physically immersive experience, iQOO 12 packs a Large X-Axis Linear Motor that produces accurate haptic feedback triggers during gameplay. In terms of audio, iQOO 12 uses a Symmetrical Dual Stereo Speaker design that gives gamers directional cues in first-person-shooter games, making gunshots and footsteps more pronounced and clearer during gameplay. During audio playback, users can enjoy incredible instrument separation, with a large 1.2cc speaker chamber providing improved bass frequencies.

To keep things calm during extended gaming sessions, iQOO 12 uses a Four-Zone Cooling System that ensures a comfortable in-hand experience in key contact areas. A  6K Vapor Chamber ensures rapid and effective heat dissipation from the CPU, with heat buildup further reduced with a Low temperature sensitivity design and a specialized Under-Display Graphite Cooling Film that mitigates hot spots.

A Window to the World: Porthole Triple Cameras

iQOO 12 uses a triple rear camera system with Porthole Design inspired by discovery and adventure. The unique design features an Astrography Camera with an ultra large main sensor, complemented with a Periscope Telephoto Camera, and Wide-Angle Camera. 

The Astrography Camera is the most powerful iQOO camera ever, boasting a 50MP (f/1.68) 1/1.3-inch large sensor that provides improved color reproduction featuring the latest VCS2.0 biomimetic spectral technology, improving low-light image quality and signal-to-noise ratio, while offering more accurate, true-to-life colors. Four-in-one pixel binning technology offers an effective pixel size of 2.4µm, further improving performance in low-light environments. Video recording includes support for 8K@30 FPS, 4K@30/60 FPS, and 720p,1080p video at up to 240 FPS for stunning slow motion shots. Sharp, crisp photography is assured with both OIS and EIS stabilization support.

Users can employ Ultra-Long Zoom using the Periscope Telephoto Camera which features a 64MP (f/2.57)1/2” sensor, 3X Optical Zoom, and 10X Zoom. An impressive 100X Digital Zoom is achieved using the N.I.C.E. (Neural Image Computational Engine) algorithm, an image processing algorithm used by astronomical telescopes and high-end microscopes. The captured image is re-written from scratch using AI-powered noise cancellation, and detail enhancement algorithms. iQOO 12 also features an Ultra HD Document 3.0 algorithm that combines with the telephoto lens to deliver clear results when capturing screen presentations.

For amazing wide-angle shots users will appreciate having a dedicated Wide-Angle Camera with a 50MP (f/2.0) 1/2.76” sensor, and support for several wide-angle photography modes. 

Inspired by BMW M Motorsport: Legend and Alpha

iQOO 12 is available in Legend (white) and Alpha (black) editions. Elegantly designed to inspire a sense of adventure and a passion for speed and performance, iQOO 12 Legend takes inspiration from BMW M Motorsport, the concept of ergonomic perfection is realized with contoured edges and a white Porcelain Enamel Glass composed of countless three-dimensional pyramid nano-optical textures. Adorned with iconic tri-color stripes, the Clous de Paris pattern conveys the racing spirit of BMW M Motorsport, the established style of the iQOO series.

iQOO 12 Alpha focuses on the effects of light and shadow, using a black Fluorite AG glass body that creates a perfect and unique black with a subtle cold glow. At 8.1mm, iQOO 12 is ultra slim and feels light, yet reassuringly classy at only 203.7g. Born for outdoor living, iQOO 12 is IP64 dust and water-splash resistant. Users will also enjoy FuntouchOS 14, which is based on the latest Android 14 operating system.

Here at Coolsmartphone towers we will have this new device in hand so stay tuned for a full review coming soon.

The post The New iQOO 12 Boasts Snapdragon® Gen 3 Processor Under the Hood, Pushes the Boundaries of Ultimate Performance and Design is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.