Design (9 / 10)

There is something refreshingly unfussy about the Sonodyne Bandish G2 and Malhar G2. At a time when wireless speakers increasingly look like black plastic monoliths designed to disappear into a room, the Sonodyne duo are designed to be shown off. The Bandish G2 (Rs 40,000) and Malhar G2 (Rs 55,000) are a different proposition. Both wear a proprietary curved wooden enclosure in natural wood, and the sculpting serves a larger acoustic purpose too, beyond the mid-century styling.

The curved cabinet suppresses internal resonance by means of non-parallel sides and breaking up standing waves caused inside the cabinet by the transducers. Another positive side effect of this shape is better structural rigidity, and Sonodyne has really upped their game here compared to the previous gen models. Barring the naming convention, they share nothing in common! The Bandish is the compact one at 191 x 350 x 181mm and 4.5kg, while the Malhar is bigger and heavier at 250 x 440 x 220mm and 7.5kg. Controls for volume, bass, treble, input selection, and power sit on top of the cabinet, backed by a full-function IR remote, but we can't help but want a detachable remote control that could've sat in the same spot as the control panel since they're roughly the same size. Both models ship with a snug-fitting fabric grille, but I think they look more purposeful and prouder without it, with the drivers on show.

Tech (7 / 10)

Both are true stereo designs, the Bandish G2 being the smaller model with a 5" glass-fibre woofer and two 1" silk-dome tweeters with neodymium magnets, driven by 120W of Class D power. The Malhar G2 bumps it up to a 3-way design with a 6.5" woofer, two 3"  glass-fibre midrange drivers and the same tweeters, fed by 200W. Both are bass-reflex designs with dual rear ports so you may need a deep-ish shelf to accommodate them comfortably, so as to not block off any breathing room for the rear-firing ports. There is a Duet mode that allows you to connect a second unit of the same model for a wider stereo presentation and potentially a real soundstage too. Due to the lack of any wireless chops or an app at the moment, the pairing and syncing process is a ballet of manual button pushing for now. Connectivity covers Bluetooth 5.4, HDMI ARC, optical, USB and aux and comes with a dedicated Movie Mode and physical bass and treble controls for quick changes to the tonal balance.

Performance (7.5 / 10)

The upgraded transducers are tuned for neutrality and accuracy in the midband, and it is obvious from the very first track I streamed from my phone, which happened to be a beautiful acoustic cover of Bohemian Rhapsody by John Adams. There was a real presence and immediacy to the voice, without being shrill or strident. Moving on to another rousing cover of Clapton's unforgettable Layla by Marcin showed off the ability to handle transients, and the Malhar could dig deep into the lower octaves to give this track the propulsion it demanded. The larger model, with its added midrange drivers, offers extra headroom and keeps things composed as the volume climbs. For classic rock and 80s pop, it turned out to be a real banger of a speaker with no distortion or unruly vibrations from the cabinet to taint the experience.

Neither is shy on power output or peak volume, and being able to tune the speaker to your room with physical bass and treble controls is a real advantage. But the one attribute I kept wanting from both the models was more "air" and "sparkle" at the top end, and I don't mean the kind of sizzle you introduce by turning up the treble control. While there was a genuine sense of stereo-ness from a single chassis, especially palpable in the Malhar, neither speaker managed to project the sound out-of-the-box, and that final degree of openness is what I am referring to.

On paper, the Malhar's dedicated midrange drivers, larger woofer and deeper extension point to a fuller, more expansive sound better suited to bigger rooms, while the Bandish is the easier fit for smaller spaces. That's exactly what they deliver, with the convenience of adding a Movie Mode that accentuates the mids for a perceptibly more forward dialogue, making it easier to watch Guy Ritchie content without subtitles.

Conclusion

Sonodyne's second-generation wireless speakers are proper hi-fi in a wooden box rather than a plastic plaything. Sonodyne has taken a decidedly hi-fi approach to the wireless speaker category and its acoustic tuning reflects that philosophy too. There is no showboating here, with an evolved sonic presentation that is well suited to every genre. All it needs is a stable Wi-Fi platform to bring it up to 2027 standards and a little bit of energy in the highs for it to break free from the confines of the very pretty box. They both set the foundation for a serious stereo pair, with handsome cabinets, tone controls and a balanced sonic signature being key reasons to buy.

Editor's Rating: 7 / 10

Pros:

• Handsome natural wood cabinets
• Physical bass and treble controls
• Balanced sonic signature

Cons:

• Lacks AirPlay support
• Needs more top-end shine
• Stereo pairing not app-based

Verdict

The Vivo V80 gets key things right, from its premium design and excellent 144Hz AMOLED display to its versatile Zeiss camera setup and a large 7,200mAh battery. OriginOS 7 also adds plenty of personality and long-term software support. However, performance isn't its strength, especially at Rs 62,999, where rivals offer more powerful hardware. If your priorities are design, cameras, battery life, and a polished display, the V80 is worth considering. 

Design, display: refreshed look, still pretty!

[pdp-expert-review]
The refreshed Floating Camera design gives the Vivo V80 a more premium appearance, while its compact form factor and 144Hz AMOLED display make it comfortable for everyday use. The display is bright, vibrant, and smooth, although the jump from 120Hz to 144Hz isn't particularly noticeable in regular usage.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Vivo V80 gets a refreshed design that the brand calls the ‘Floating Camera' module. It features a large camera plateau with a transparent finish that adds to the phone's premium appeal. Personally, I like the design, and it makes the V80 look more expensive than it is. The phone is available in three colours: Sunrise Anthem, Horizon Blue, and Stellar Black.

Despite the design changes, the V80 retains the relatively compact form factor of the V70, with rounded corners and a flat frame. This remains a sweet spot for those who want a more compact phone without compromising much on screen size. We have the Horizon Blue variant, which looks pleasingly appealing in person. The V80 is also built to withstand the elements, with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with 360-degree all-round drop resistance certification.

Up front, the V80 features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness. The panel is crisp, vibrant, and smooth, making everyday scrolling and content consumption a pleasant experience. The refresh rate is an upgrade over the 120Hz panel on the V70, although the difference may not be very noticeable in day-to-day use. At the moment, even games such as Clash of Clans are among the few that can take advantage of the full 144Hz refresh rate. That said, the V80 still offers an excellent display that gets plenty bright and feels suitably premium for its segment.

Performance: capable, but not class-leading

[pdp-expert-review]
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 handles everyday tasks and gaming well, but occasional stutters and sluggishness hold the V80 back. At this price, rivals such as the OnePlus 15R and iQOO 15R offer more powerful chipsets and better performance.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Vivo V80 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, the same chipset as the V70. Interestingly, the V80 scored slightly lower than its predecessor on AnTuTu, and also trailed the OPPO Reno 16, which uses the same chipset. The gap becomes more noticeable against rivals such as the OnePlus 15R and iQOO 15R, which are priced lower while offering more powerful chipsets and better overall performance.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42040,41823,41310,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

In everyday use, the V80 is generally capable, but I did notice occasional sluggishness, particularly while multitasking or opening certain apps such as the camera. This may be because the phone ships with OriginOS 7, making it the first Vivo smartphone to ship with the latest software version. Some of these minor performance quirks may be addressed in future updates, though they could also be specific to our review unit. For the most part, the V80 handles everyday tasks and gaming without major issues, but its performance isn't quite as impressive as some of its more powerful rivals.

Cameras: versatile and feature-rich

[pdp-expert-review]
The Zeiss-branded triple-camera setup delivers good results, with the 3x telephoto particularly useful for portraits and zoom shots. The camera experience is further enhanced by features such as multi-focal portraits, cinematic video styles, and AI Creative Camera.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Vivo V80 features a Zeiss-branded triple-camera setup comprising a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. For selfies, there's a 50MP front camera. The hardware is largely unchanged from the V70, but Vivo has added several camera features, including cinematic styles for 4K video, multi-focal portrait modes, and AI Creative Camera, which lets you apply different styles such as Travel, Stage, and Anime. There's also a new Diwali Portrait 2.0 feature.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/IMG_20260924_124602-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/IMG_20260924_130009-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Before Diwali 2.0" after="After Diwali 2.0"]

In everyday use, the V80 delivers a capable and versatile camera experience. The main camera produces detailed images with punchy colours and good contrast in well-lit conditions. The 3x telephoto camera is particularly useful for portraits and closer zoom shots with different focal lengths. However, the details may not be very good since it's digital zoom. The Diwali Portrait 2.0 feature also helps by enhancing the subject and colours, giving it a more striking look. 

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We put the Vivo V80's cameras up against the OPPO Reno 16 to see how they compare.

Daylight

In daylight, both phones are fairly evenly matched, with each having an edge in different areas. The Reno 16 delivers better detail and sharpness, while the Vivo V80 produces more accurate colours and better contrast. The Reno 16 also has a slight advantage in dynamic range and exposure.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/vivo-v80-daylight-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/oppo_reno_16_daylight_10000-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Vivo V80" after="OPPO Reno 16"]

Ultra-wide

In ultra-wide shots, the Vivo V80 continues to deliver better colours and contrast, while the Reno 16 maintains its edge in detail. The Reno 16 also handles dynamic range and distortion better, giving it an overall advantage in this category.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/vivo-v80-uw-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/oppo_reno_16_uw_10000-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Vivo V80" after="OPPO Reno 16"]

Portraits

In portraits, the two phones take noticeably different approaches. The Reno 16 opts for a more natural look, while the Vivo V80 produces punchier colours. This gives the Reno 16 an edge in skin tones and overall colour accuracy. Both phones, however, do a good job of retaining the sunlight on the subject's face. Details and clarity are closely matched, with the V80 holding a slight advantage. The Reno 16, meanwhile, delivers more natural bokeh and more precise edge detection.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/vivo-v80-portrait-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/oppo_reno_16_portrait_10000-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Vivo V80" after="OPPO Reno 16"]

Selfies

The same trend continues with selfies, with the Reno 16 delivering more natural skin tones and better colour accuracy. Both phones are closely matched in terms of detail and clarity, while the Reno 16 has a clear advantage in dynamic range.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/vivo-v80-selfie-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/oppo_reno_16_selfie_10000-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Vivo V80" after="OPPO Reno 16"]

Low-light

In low-light shots, the Vivo V80 does a better job of controlling light flares and exposure than the Reno 16. However, the V80 introduces more noise, while the Reno 16 captures sharper images with better detail retention. The Reno 16 also delivers more natural colours and overall realism, giving it the edge in this category.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/vivo-v80-lowlight-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/oppo_reno_16_lowlight_10000-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Vivo V80" after="OPPO Reno 16"]

Night mode

With Night Mode enabled, the Reno 16 shows a significant improvement in controlling light flares and exposure. It also captures better details with less noise, while the Vivo V80 sees only a marginal improvement. Colours remain largely similar on both phones with Night Mode enabled.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/vivo-v80-night.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/oppo_reno_16_night-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Vivo V80" after="OPPO Reno 16"]

Overall, the Reno 16 has the edge in camera performance, particularly for detail, dynamic range, skin tones, portraits, and low-light photography. The Vivo V80, however, holds its own with better colour and contrast in daylight and ultra-wide shots, along with slightly better portrait detail. For those who prefer a more natural and consistent camera output, the Reno 16 is the better choice, while the V80 is worth considering if punchier colours and strong exposure control are higher on the priority list.

Battery life: a clear strength

[pdp-expert-review]
The 7,200mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day and can stretch into the next, while the 18-hour-plus PCMark result highlights its endurance. With 90W fast charging, the V80 is well suited to users who prioritise battery life and quick top-ups.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Vivo V80 packs a 7,200mAh battery, the largest yet on a V-series smartphone. Battery life is one of its strengths, comfortably lasting through a full day of regular use and leaving enough charge to stretch into the next day. This includes typical usage such as social media browsing, video streaming, and 5G connectivity.

The V80 also performed well in our PCMark battery test, lasting an impressive 18 hours and 36 minutes. A 30-minute YouTube session drained just 4 percent, which is fairly standard, while gaming resulted in a slightly faster drain compared to some rivals. It's still nothing particularly concerning given the large battery capacity.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42040,41823,41718,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

It supports 90W fast charging, among the fastest speeds in this segment. Overall, the V80's battery endurance and charging capabilities make it well suited to both regular and heavy users, with little reason to worry about running out of charge during the day.

Software: fun, feature-packed

[pdp-expert-review]
OriginOS 7 brings a refreshed interface, fluid Dynamic Glow animations and playful Pet Pals themes, alongside four OS upgrades and six years of security updates. However, the software still feels like it needs some refinement, with occasional stutters and sluggishness observed during our testing.
[/pdp-expert-review]

Vivo V80 runs OriginOS 7 out of the box. This is the latest software version, running Android 17 and the first Vivo phone to do so. The smartphone also gets 4 OS upgrades and six years of security updates, making it secure for the long term. OriginOS 7 brings subtle refinements like Dynamic Glow, which adds fluid animations that make touch elements bounce, stretch, and flow based on finger movement. The liquid, glass-like translucent material comes in three profiles—Real, Natural, and Soft—and lets users adjust elements such as the Quick Settings panel, navigation bars, and buttons from clear to tinted.

My favourite part of OriginOS 7 is the new Pet Pals themes. The series features three adorable cat and dog themes, with interactive elements that make the lock screen feel more lively. For instance, the pet blows a kiss when you unlock the phone and puts on headphones when you listen to music. Throughout the day, you may also spot it playing or eating. It's a small but delightful touch that makes the overall experience more fun and engaging.

It's worth mentioning, though, that OriginOS 7 is still fresh and new and might need refinement with more updates. We mentioned this in the performance section as we experienced noticeable stutters while navigating and multitasking on the phone. 

Final Verdict

The Vivo V80 gets most of the important things right, combining a stylish and relatively compact design with a vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display, versatile Zeiss cameras, and excellent battery life. The 7,200mAh battery is a particular highlight, while OriginOS 7 adds plenty of customisation and fun features, backed by four OS upgrades and six years of security updates. The camera setup is also capable, especially for portraits and zoom shots, though the OPPO Reno 16 has an edge in detail, dynamic range, and low-light photography.

One drawback is performance, as the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 doesn't quite match what some similarly priced rivals offer, and occasional software stutter further detracts from the experience. At Rs 62,999, the Vivo V80 makes the most sense for buyers who prioritise design, cameras, battery life and display quality. However, if performance and gaming are higher on your priority list, alternatives such as the OnePlus 15R and iQOO 15R offer more powerful hardware and are worth considering.

Editor's rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy

• The phone has a premium, good-looking design with a compact hand-feel.
• The 7,200mAh battery is reliable enough for regular and power users. 
• It has a versatile, feature-rich Zeiss-branded triple-camera setup.

Reasons to skip

• Performance could have been better, as the chipset is slightly underwhelming for this price point.
• Its low-light performance isn't great, and details can look grainy. 

I haven't experienced the Apple Vision Pro because it never launched in India, but based on my time with the Vivo Vision Discover Edition, I imagine the experience would feel quite similar, only heavier. The Vision Discover Edition looks nearly identical to Apple's MR headset, with a large visor-like display at the front, mesh panels on the sides, a separate battery pack, and a nose guard at the bottom. However, Vivo has done well to keep the headset relatively light at 398 grams, compared with the Apple Vision Pro's 750–800 grams.

My limited time with the Vivo MR headset made me appreciate its weight, which feels nicely balanced and is well supported by the dual-loop strap with Velcro and an adjustable grip. You can also customise the fit with four different light seals and eight foam padding options. For people who wear glasses, the Vivo Vision also supports prescription lenses, allowing them to enjoy a clearer view without compromising their vision.

The right temple of the Vision MR headset features a digital crown on the top edge that also doubles as a Home button, while the bottom houses the volume rocker. The headset has an array of cameras and sensors that track your eye and hand movements, letting you interact with the device, navigate the UI, launch apps, play games, and more. In the demo area, I could select apps with my eyes, pinch to launch them, zoom in and out of maps, and interact with the 3D characters on the screen pretty seamlessly.

Furthermore, the Vision provided a 360-degree immersive environment for multitasking and a giant 120-foot virtual theatre screen for watching videos. Vivo claims the headset even lets you view spatial images in depth and play mixed reality games that blend into the room around you. Built-in speakers further enhance the experience.

The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 SoC and dual 8K binocular micro-OLED displays handle all this for sharp visuals. In addition, the Vision Discover Edition comes with a separate, pocketable battery pack, roughly the size of a power bank, that connects magnetically to the headset via a proprietary cable.

"With the vivo Vision Discovery Edition, its first Mixed Reality (MR) headset, Vivo takes its premium experience beyond the smartphone and into spatial computing," said the company at its Next 2026 event.

It is unlikely that the headset will go on sale in India, with no details about its pricing, which was exactly the case when Vivo introduced it in China. That said, Vivo X Fold 6 customers in India can enjoy priority walk-in access to experience the Vision Discover Edition at select partner stores. This access is available until January 5th, 2027, at 15 Vivo Exclusive Stores across 10 cities, including Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Dehradun, Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Nagpur, and Mumbai.

Vivo X Fold 6 in-box content

• Vivo X Fold 6 in Nebula Teal
• Nebula Teal case
• 80W PD charger
• USB Type-C to Type-C cable
• SIM ejector tray
• Documents

Design: familiar

If you have used or are currently using the Vivo X Fold 5, the X Fold 6 will look familiar and offer a similar in-hand feel. For those who haven't, the smartphone features a book-style form factor with an aluminium frame sandwiched between glass layers. The back panel houses a large circular camera module, which has become a trademark of Vivo's flagship smartphones.

On the front, the smartphone sports a 6.51-inch AMOLED display with a centred punch-hole cutout, razor-thin bezels, and curved corners, except for those near the hinge. The secondary display is a foldable 8.01-inch AMOLED panel with visibly thin bezels and a corner-aligned punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The handset measures 157.16 x 74.26 x 9.4mm when folded, making it slimmer and more compact than Vivo's X300 Ultra.

When unfolded, the X Fold 6 measures 145.6mm in width and is just 4.4mm thick. While it still cannot beat the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in terms of thinness, the Vivo smartphone is not far behind. We had a comfortable experience using the smartphone in both folded and unfolded states. When folded, its in-hand feel is similar to that of a regular slab-style smartphone. Moreover, the smartphone weighs 228 grams, which is pretty impressive for a foldable with the biggest battery.

Other highlights of the Vivo X Fold 6 include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, a USB Type-C port, and a shortcut button in addition to the power button and volume rocker. Out of the box, the button functions like an alert slider, letting you toggle between ring and vibration modes with a single tap or hold, and turn on the flashlight with a double tap. Additionally, the Vivo X Fold 6 is IP58, IP59, IPX8, and IPX9 certified, ensuring protection from minor dust and high-temperature water jets.

As for the hinge, Vivo claims it is rated to survive over 6,00,000 folds and unfolds.

Vivo X Fold 6 specs at a glance

Moving on to the hardware, Vivo has made a few notable changes to the X Fold 6 under the hood. The handset is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super Edition SoC, which should bring its performance more in line with other flagship foldables - something its predecessor failed to do. Furthermore, the OEM has upgraded the battery capacity from 6,000mAh to 6,900mAh, making it the largest battery on a foldable smartphone. It will be interesting to see how it fares in real-world usage. The handset is also backed by 80W Flash wired and 40W Flash wireless charging support for quick top-ups.

In terms of optics, the Vivo X Fold 6 replaces its predecessor's main camera with a more capable 200MP Samsung HPB sensor with OIS. It is paired with a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 50MP 3x telephoto lens with OIS. The upgraded camera setup, backed by Zeiss, should bring the foldable's photography capabilities on par with, if not ahead of, regular slab-style smartphones. We will be putting the cameras through their paces, so stay tuned for our full review.

Meanwhile, both the main and cover displays feature a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera, which houses a 20MP sensor. Both inner and cover displays are LTPO AMOLED type with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, HDR support, and up to 5,000 nits peak brightness. Contrary to the global variant, the Vivo X Fold 6 in India ships with the latest OriginOS7 layered atop Android 17 out of the box.

Thoughts...

The Vivo X Fold 6 comes with a Rs 2,19,990 price tag, making it significantly more expensive than its predecessor and even pricier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. That said, the Vivo foldable makes a strong case for its premium with a more capable camera setup and a larger battery, two areas that could give it an edge over the competition. If photography and battery life are your priorities when buying a foldable, the Vivo X Fold 6 looks a compelling proposition on paper and could be worth considering.

Design: Familiar looks, bigger battery, & new colours

The first thing I noticed after picking up the OPPO F35 Pro is its slightly taller form factor compared to its predecessor. This is primarily due to the larger 6.78-inch display, which pushes the phone's height to 162.6mm, while its width stands at 77.6mm. In comparison, the OPPO F33 Pro measures 158.4 x 75.2mm in height and width and features a smaller 6.57-inch display.

While the OPPO F35 Pro is only marginally wider, its weight has increased to 210 grams from 194 grams. The handset doesn't feel particularly heavy in hand, and I don't mind the for the extra battery, which the F35 Pro brings on board. The handset packs an upgraded 8,000mAh battery, backed by 80W SuperVOOC wired charging.

As for the design, it remains largely unchanged, with the new colours being the main difference. The OPPO F35 Pro is available in Sunrise Orange, Wave Blue, and Twilight Brown. I have the Twilight Brown variant with me, and it certainly lives up to its name. The camera module has a glossy glass finish, with a subtle hint of orange along the bottom edge, creating an effect reminiscent of the sun setting.

Unlike the other colour variants, the Twilight Brown version doesn't feature a pattern on the back panel. Instead, it has a matte finish and actually looks more black in person. The brown shade is more noticeable around the camera module. During my limited time with the device, I did notice it picking up a few fingerprint smudges, which were more visible on the camera module.

The edges are flat and easy to gripe. The right spine of the phone houses volume rocker and speaker grille, while the USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer is mounted on the bottom edge sandwich between the SIM-tray and a speaker grille.

Here's what you get under the hood

As for the hardware, the OPPO F35 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution, up to 144Hz refresh rate, and 1,800 nits of peak brightness. The smartphone bears razor-thin bezels on all four sides, a centre punch-hole for the selfie camera, and an in-display fingerprint scanner for security. The brightness feels on the lower side, but the display seems capable of vibrant visuals and smooth animations. The handset maintains responsive touch even in wet conditions.

At the core of the OPPO F35 Pro is the 5G-capable MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Max SoC, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. While the standard Dimensity 7360, rather than the Max variant, has powered several mid-range smartphones, including the Vivo V70 FE and Vivo S2, it has proven reliable for everyday tasks. The OPPO F35 Pro should feel no different, and to ensure it doesn't throttle a lot under intense load, there is a large 5000mm2 SuperCool VC System to keep its thermals in check.

Software-wise, the OPPO F35 comes pre-loaded with the ColorOS 16, based on Android 16. In terms of optics, the phone features a dual-rear camera setup comprising a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide lens. While it may not be the most versatile camera setup in the segment, it is good to see an ultrawide lens, which was missing on its predecessor.

OPPO has also upgraded the front camera to a 50MP sensor with a 100-degree FoV and 4K video recording support, allowing you to get consistent output across the front and rear cameras.

To keep the display running, the phone houses an 8,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC wired charging support. OPPO claims that the smartphone delivers six years of battery durability, retaining over 80 percent of its original capacity even after up to 1,800 charge cycles. Additionally, the OPPO F35 Pro supports 5G++ connectivity and AI LinkBoost 4.0 for stable network performance even in challenging or weaker-signal environments.

We will be testing all that and more in the full OPPO F35 Pro review, so stay tuned for that.

Thoughts...

The OPPO F35 Pro is priced in India starting at Rs 45,999. This puts it up against the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ and Redmi Turbo 5, which are more feature-packed and even powerful in some departments.

The OPPO F35 Pro stands out for its durability, large battery capacity, and capable front camera. If these aspects matter more to you than other features, the OPPO F35 Pro could be worth considering. However, if you already own the OPPO F33 Pro, there is little reason to upgrade, and you can comfortably wait for another F-series generation.

Design (7 / 10)

[gallery link="file" columns="2" size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="717351,717358"]

Sonodyne's SAMA 7000 lands in Indian stores this week, and the first thing you'll notice is how little it announces itself. It's a slim black bar, almost 44in wide and only 2.5in tall, allowing it to fit perfectly between the chicken legs of most 65in (and above) televisions. Dressed up in a discreet black body that feels hefty and superbly constructed, the aluminium front grille hides a basic scrolling-type single-line display to give you visual cues on inputs and sound modes. Sitting in the middle of the line-up of three new models, the SAMA 7000 is a 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos-capable soundbar, and the top-firing drivers positioned on either end of the chassis give it away. These two raised sections on the top deck are the single biggest physical difference between this and the SAMA 5000 that started this whole category for Sonodyne back in 2025.

[gallery link="file" size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" columns="2" ids="717353,717354"]

The 10-inch wireless subwoofer shipping alongside it is a properly sized box, not the compact plastic cube that comes with many mainstream brands, and it's a huge step up from Sonodyne's own last-gen model. There's no physical connection between the subwoofer and the soundbar, and the wireless syncing happens instantaneously, and all you need is a power outlet close to the sub. With its genuinely intentional physicality, it elevates this new generation of Sonodyne soundbars into the serious big-boy category.

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Tech (7 / 10)

Moving up to genuine 5.1.2 channels and a generous 850W of system power, the SAMA 7000 is a pretty well-featured unit. HDMI eARC carries 4K Dolby Vision passthrough, and the decoder list covers Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD, so there's little a UHD Blu-ray player or a compatible streaming app can throw at it that it won't decode natively. There's Bluetooth, Aux and Optical besides HDMI that complete the connectivity suite. Although a considerable section of the iPhone-using community may miss the presence of wireless streaming niceties like AirPlay or even Bluetooth Apt-X support. An on-screen display is missing too, which means switching between Movie, Music and Voice modes, or toggling Dolby Virtual on and off is validated by a scrolling confirmation on the front panel display through the perforations of the speaker grille. While the remote covers most of the controls, the only level you can actually dial in yourself is the subwoofer's, not the up-firing height channels.

Sound (8.5 / 10)

If you're using an iPhone to play music via Bluetooth or have an Apple TV hooked into the system, ensure that the ‘Reduce Loud Sound' option in the settings is turned off. It severely restricts dynamics and is switched on by default. Housekeeping aside, experiment with the placement and positioning of the subwoofer to get a seamless blend between the bar and the sub, and you're in for a serious treat. The SAMA 7000's wireless subwoofer is genuinely punchy, with headroom to spare in anything short of a very large living room.

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In Music mode, brighter recordings can push high-frequency energy a little too hard in reflective rooms, and it's worth toggling Dolby Virtual on to rein in that top-end excess when it happens. Where the SAMA 7000 does not compromise is dialogue. Clarity and speech intelligibility are excellent, and given that legibility is the primary job of any soundbar, Sonodyne has nailed the brief. Switch to a film soundtrack and the scale on offer is genuinely surprising, especially for a single-chassis bar, the soundstage feels expansive and enveloping rather than boxed into the TV cabinet. The top-firing speakers will, of course, be most effective when you have a ceiling that isn't 15ft high and does add genuine space and envelopment besides the obvious convenience of not having to invest in additional speakers and wiring. At this price, that kind of immersion is a staggering feat, and it is the SAMA 7000's strongest argument for itself.

Conclusion

At Rs 74,999 with the very capable subwoofer included, the SAMA 7000 sits in the middle of Sonodyne's Dolby Atmos soundbar range, a full Rs 15,000 above the 5.1 SAMA 6000 and Rs 25,000 short of the flagship 7.1.4 SAMA 8000. Judged purely on scale and dialogue clarity, SAMA 7000 is the more sensible buy, and arguably the sweet spot in the entire lineup.

Editor's Rating: 7.5 / 10

Pros:

• Expansive soundstage
• Excellent dialogue clarity
• Punchy, capable wireless subwoofer

Cons:

• Lacks wireless streaming like AirPlay
• Missing on-screen display interface
• Remote could've been backlit

Design and Fit

The LinkBuds Clip feature an open-back, clip-on design that attaches to your ear similar to a piece of jewellery. It takes a little getting used to, but once positioned, it provides a highly secure fit, even without the optional rubber inserts. The charging case matches this aesthetic by resembling a small ring box.

They come in colours like green, black, and lavender, and feature an IPX4 water resistance rating to handle light rain. However, the case lacks wireless charging, so you're limited to the USB-C port on the back.

Sound and Performance

These open-back earbuds are not designed for audiophiles seeking deep bass, nor are they suited for noisy environments like flights. Instead, they deliver clear vocals and good channel separation, making them excellent for podcasts and background music during work.

The LinkBuds Clip (model WF-LC900) are powered by 10mm drivers and support DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) to upscale compressed audio. They also utilise Bluetooth 5.3 and support dual-device connection (Multipoint), allowing you to seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop during the workday.

At full volume, the earbuds get fairly loud, yet they manage sound leakage exceptionally well. Unless you are in a dead-silent library, people nearby will not be able to eavesdrop on your music or calls.

Microphone and Battery Life

The microphone performs adequately for office calls, though heavy background commotion can make your voice sound muffled to the person on the other end. To combat this, Sony integrated AI-powered Voice Pickup Technology to help isolate vocals, though extreme real-world noise may still present a challenge.

Battery life is a strong point. You can expect 7 to 8 hours of mixed usage on a single charge, and up to 40 hours total with the charging case. This makes them highly reliable for an entire workday of continuous listening and meetings.

Verdict

Priced at approximately Rs 19,000, the Sony LinkBuds Clip are a premium investment for a very specific use case. If you are willing to trade immersive, audiophile sound for all-day comfort and environmental awareness, these are excellent companions for your workday.

Editor's Rating: 8 / 10

Pros:

• Keeps you completely aware of your surroundings
• Secure, jewelry-like clip-on fit
• Minimal sound leakage
• Excellent battery life
• IPX4 water resistance

Cons:

• Sound quality sacrifices deep bass due to the open-ear design
• The charging case does not support wireless charging

Design: there's a vegan leather option now

Unlike its predecessor, the Redmi 17C does give you a vegan leather colourway, named Coffee Brew. It is a rather apt name since my first impression of this device reminded me of the Mocha brew I had the other day, so nicely done there, Redmi. The phone is mostly flat, with slightly rounded corners to make it more comfortable to hold. The sides and the camera island are in a metallic bronze shade that complements the faux leather rather well.

The phone has a tall presence, which is only natural since it has a 6.9-inch display, along with some very visible bezels and a slight bottom chin. But, as is tradition, you get these bezels on a budget phone, so I'm not too bothered by them. The selfie camera is also notched, which feels dated.

On the bright side, the phone is very well balanced, and you don't really feel the heft despite its 211-gram weight. All in all, the device does feel rather good in hand, particularly so if you prefer taller displays.

To top it all off, there's an IP64 rating, which makes it resistant to dust and occasional water splashes. That's good enough for me at this price.

Display: plenty of screen for anyone

A 6.9-inch display is still unusual to me, but for anyone who uses their phone as their primary content machine, it is undoubtedly a boon. The display isn't as sharp since it's only an HD+ panel, and could noticeable if you are coming from FHD+ panel. You do get a 120Hz refresh rate, however, and that helps smooth things out, quite literally.

I set the custom refresh rate to 120Hz, and it makes a massive difference. Motion across the device and its UI is immediately more fluid and makes it pleasing to the eye. The colours on this panel are quite good too in the default Vibrant colour preset.

The Redmi 17C feels convenient to watch content for hours without any fatigue, which could be due to TUV Rheinland low-light, Flicker free, and Sarcadian eye-protection protocols in place, which surprisingly enough can be missing in phones at this price. 

My only real qualm so far is the mono speaker, since I'm so used to stereo output, and not having that takes some time getting used to. If you're coming from a stereo phone, you will notice the difference at once.

A short overview of the rest of the features

The Redmi 17C doesn't really try to go all-in on one particular feature or aspect. That is largely what I've derived from the specification sheet and my experience so far. The phone has just enough muscle to get through your day with a Dimensity 6300 and about 6GB of RAM and just enough space so that you don't run out of space soon at 128GB internal storage. If you do use up the space, don't fret just yet, the storage is expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card.

You get a 50MP rear shooter and an 8MP selfie camera, which is mostly there to help you click everyday moments with clarity and reliability. You don't get extensive camera hardware to move beyond that, since even video capture is limited to 1080p @30fps. Given the volatile smartphone market and the phone's current price, that is in line with the segment. A true test of the phone's camera capabilities will only be in the full review. 

The battery is about 6,000mAh and comes with a 33W bundled charger. It isn't the biggest capacity in this segment, and it doesn't need to be. One should easily expect roughly a full day of use out of it for moderate users. With the 33W charging support, you can expect a reasonable top-up time of around 1 hour for a full charge, although we'll know the exact time during our tests. 

Finally, talking about software, you get HyperOS 3 out of the box. While the brand hasn't specified the software update policy just yet, the Redmi 15C (review) was promised 2 OS upgrades and 4 years of security patches, so we can expect the same level of commitment here. The OS itself is rather feature-rich with multiple AI productivity features, customisation options and more. 

Initial thoughts

The Redmi 17C starts at Rs 20,999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant and Rs 22,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant. The phone's specification sheet, on its own, is nothing noteworthy, but think of it like building blocks. The device is trying to set a reliable foundation for everyday use, with a processor that should handle most basic tasks, a decent point-and-shoot camera system, a good amount of storage and a large, smooth display.

The phone is targeting users who want a phone they can use day after day without asking too much of it. With the current smartphone market and the surrounding turbulence caused by ever-increasing costs, major upgrades across generations have largely vanished. For users who tend to hold onto their phones for longer, the Redmi 17C could offer a fairly straightforward option without trying to do anything too ambitious.

A full comprehensive review of the smartphone will tell us how it actually performs in everyday use. For now, though, the Redmi 17C has made a reasonable first impression.

How successful the OEM's smartphone venture will be, only time will tell. For now, let's take a look at the Boltt Evo, an entry-level 4G smartphone from the brand priced at around Rs 10,000. Who should consider buying the handset? Read our Boltt Evo review to find out.

Design and display

[pdp-expert-review]
The Boltt Evo offers a fairly basic design and display experience, with its 120Hz refresh rate being the main highlight. However, its heavy build, fingerprint-prone back, and mono speaker setup hold it back. Overall, it is best suited for buyers seeking a smartphone with a smooth display rather than a well-rounded multimedia or gaming device.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Boltt Evo is a tall device, measuring 170mm in height, but thankfully, its 77.71mm width and flat edges make it comfortable to hold. However, weighing over 230 grams, it is quite heavy for a phone with a plastic build. This makes the Boltt Evo less convenient to use for extended periods.

The overall design language of the smartphone is fairly basic, with a glossy, glass-like back panel that easily picks up fingerprints and smudges. The phone houses a squircle-shaped camera module with three camera rings, although only one of them houses a functional camera. The same is true for the speakers. For some reason, Boltt has added three grilles that seem to be for the speakers: one on the top and two at the bottom, flanking the USB Type-C port.

However, only the grille to the right of the USB port outputs audio, making it a mono-speaker setup, which is standard for this price range. The speaker gets decently loud but can sound slightly muffled at maximum volume. The phone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which could provide a better listening experience.

Moving on, the Boltt Evo is available in five colour options: Arctic White, Berry Red, Lavender Bloom, Midnight Black, and Sky Blue. We received the Sky Blue variant for review, which gives the phone a cool, understated look. For security, the phone features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that does an acceptable job of recognising and unlocking the device accurately. That said, the power button and volume rocker offer muted feedback, which can result in you pressing them for longer than intended.

As for the display, the Boltt Evo sports a 6.79-inch LCD panel with an HD+ resolution, up to a 120Hz refresh rate, chunky bezels, and 600 nits of peak brightness. While these are fairly basic specifications, they are acceptable for a smartphone priced around Rs 10,000. The 120Hz refresh rate is the highlight, and it delivers a noticeably smoother experience, at least across the system UI and select apps.

Interestingly, users can also customise the refresh rate and set it to 90Hz, rather than being limited to just 60Hz and 120Hz. This is a useful addition that isn't available on many smartphones, including some that are priced slightly higher. I didn't find the refresh rate dropping even with a little bit of multitasking. This doesn't mean gaming will be an enjoyable experience, and the following section tells you exactly why.

Performance and software

[pdp-expert-review]
The Boltt Evo handles basic tasks reliably but struggles with smoothness during app launches and multitasking. Its clean Android 16 software is a highlight, although limited AI features and modest update support keep the overall experience fairly basic.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Boltt Evo is powered by a 4G-capable Unisoc T7250 SoC, paired with 4GB/6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB/128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. The storage can be expanded by up to 1TB using a microSD card, but the card shares the hybrid secondary SIM slot. This means users who rely on two SIM cards will have to choose between expandable storage and dual-SIM functionality.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42384,42318,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Coming to the performance, the handset is a reliable choice for basic usage, including calls, messages, streaming, and social media usage. Then again, don't expect the smartphone to be snappy or smooth. I found the smartphone to be stuttering and taking a little over a second to launch apps. Users can switch between apps and do a bit of multitasking, but not with a bunch of tasks going on in the background. This is pretty common for an entry-level smartphone, and so are the benchmark scores of the Boltt Evo.

[comparative-benchmark type="10" title="Geekbench single-core score" caption="Geekbench assesses the efficiency of the CPU's single and multiple cores (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42384,42318,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

[comparative-benchmark type="11" title="Geekbench multi-core score" caption="Geekbench assesses the efficiency of the CPU's single and multiple cores (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42384,42318,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

It's worth appreciating the software experience on the smartphone. The Boltt Evo runs Android 16 out of the box, and the OEM has done well to keep the software experience relatively clean, without heavy customisation or a bunch of pre-installed apps that could further impact performance. Instead, the interface stays close to stock Android, making it look clean, uncluttered, and relatively smooth.

There is Google's Gemini onboard for AI capabilities, but the phone lacks built-in tools for live translation, writing assistance, and even Google's Circle to Search. Since the phone relies on Google Photos for its gallery, you can use its AI-powered tools to edit images after backing them up.

The Boltt Evo is future-proof with one major OS upgrade and a couple of years of security updates, which is pretty standard for the segment. Connectivity options include Dual SIM, 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth v5.0.

Cameras

[pdp-expert-review]
The Boltt Evo's camera hardware looks promising for the segment, although its real-world performance could use some fine-tuning. The selfie camera delivers more consistent results in good lighting, while the rear cameras can improve in areas such as detail, colour accuracy, and exposure.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Boltt Evo ships with a dual rear-camera setup, which consists of a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP auxiliary lens. Up front, the handset sports an 8MP camera in the punch-hole setup. The hardware looks pretty impressive for the segment, but the real-world performance leaves me wanting more. The handset smooths out details, oversaturates colours, and struggles with overexposure. Only the selfie camera feels a bit reliable, and that too in well-lit environments. The rear cameras can do better with a little bit of fine-tuning to take on competitors such as the Lava Virat V1.

Here's how the Boltt Evo performs against the Lava smartphone across scenarios:

Daylight

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Boltt-Evo-daylight.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Lava-Virat-V1-5G-daylight.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Boltt Evo" after="Lava Virat V1"]

In daylight, the Boltt Evo produces images with punchy colours that may look appealing at first glance. However, a closer look reveals a lack of detail and inconsistent highlight and exposure control. The Lava Virat V1 5G, on the other hand, performs better in these areas and produces images that look more natural and true to life.

Portrait

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Boltt-Evo-portrait.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Lava-Virat-V1-5G-portrait.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Boltt Evo" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro"]

For portraits, both smartphones offer near-identical edge detection and bokeh effects. However, the Lava Virat V1 5G has an edge in colour accuracy and detail. The Boltt Evo tends to add artificial tones, making colours more vibrant but less true to the actual scene.

Selfie

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Boltt-Evo-selfie.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Lava-Virat-V1-5G-selfie.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Boltt Evo" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro"]

The Boltt Evo outshines the Lava Virat V1 5G in selfies. It retains colours better than its counterpart, resulting in more lively-looking images. However, background exposure and dynamic range could have been better.

Low light

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Boltt-Evo-low-light.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/10/Lava-Virat-V1-5G-low-light.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Boltt Evo" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro"]

Let's be honest: these aren't the kind of smartphones that will shine in low-light photography. The Boltt Evo struggles with controlling light flare and noise, while colour accuracy also takes a hit. The Lava Virat V1 5G doesn't excel either, but it does a better job of keeping artificial light flare under control and retaining some finer details despite the graininess. The Night mode, which doesn't activate automatically on either smartphone, isn't anything to write home about.

Battery and charging

[pdp-expert-review]
The Boltt Evo offers solid battery capacity and can comfortably last a day with basic usage. However, its 18W charging is slow, taking over three hours for a full charge, while heavier usage can drain the battery before the day ends.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Boltt Evo houses a 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W wired charging, which is on par with other smartphones in this segment. A compatible charger is included in the box, but it takes more than three hours to charge the smartphone from 20 to 100 percent. That can be a tedious wait, although once fully charged, the handset should comfortably last more than a day, even if the PCMark battery test and our internal tests suggest otherwise.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42384,42318,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Boltt Evo lasted close to 11 hours in the PCMark battery test, which simulates a series of everyday activities. Meanwhile, an hour of video streaming and gaming resulted in a 24 percent drop in battery level. These numbers don't particularly speak in favour of the smartphone's endurance, but given its performance and intended use case, the battery life should be sufficient for regular usage.

Basic and limited usage should see the smartphone comfortably lasting an entire day. The standby time was also pretty decent during our time with the device. However, extended navigation, streaming, and multitasking could leave you high and dry before the end of the day.

Verdict

The Boltt Evo is a decent first attempt from Fire-Boltt at entering the smartphone market. However, it arrives at a time when brands are making compromises on features to keep their smartphones affordable, and the Boltt Evo is no different. The phone's design is anything but appealing; the cameras lack detail and accuracy; and the performance feels adequate only for basic usage.

There is no 5G support either. While this is understandable for a phone launched in 2026 at around Rs 10,000, offering 5G could have helped the Boltt Evo stand out from the competition. For now, you will have to spend an additional Rs 2,000 to get the Lava Virat V1 5G (review) or opt for its elder sibling, the Boltt Ace.

The Boltt Evo has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 10,999. It makes sense for buyers who prioritise a smooth display, clean software, and basic everyday usage over performance, photography, or multimedia.

Editor's rating: 7.8/10

Reasons to buy

• The 120Hz refresh rate delivers smoother visuals and animations.
• The software is clean with no unnecessary third-party apps and ads.
• The 6,000mAh battery delivers reliable all-day backup with basic usage.
• Selfie camera captures decent images in daylight.

Reasons not to buy

• Rear cameras need improvement in details, exposure, and dynamic range.
• Despite its plastic build, the handset weighs on the heavier side.

Design: nothing flashy

The earbuds use a conventional in-ear design with nominal-sized stems, giving them an understated look, especially with the all-black finish. The compact, pebble-shaped charging case weighs just 41g and also sports a matte black exterior, with iQOO branding and an LED light on the front, while the bottom features a Type-C port. When you open the lid, you find a yellow interior that matches iQOO's branding. Unlike others in the segment, such as CMF Buds Neo, the iQOO Buds come in a single Flame Yellow colourway.

As for durability, the case has endured visible wear and tear from being taken in and out of jeans and bag pockets and occasionally placed on hard surfaces. The earbuds' glossy finish hasn't picked up any scuffs or scratches, though. This suggests the case needs careful handling if you want to keep the earbuds looking new for long. While we haven't tested how the buds fare against liquid exposure, such as water and sweat, they're IP64 rated to mitigate damage. Overall, the design is functional and portable, but the durability may not be the best in its class.

Comfort and fit: doesn't leave you fatigued

The earbuds weigh just 3.8g and feature an ergonomic shape with silicone tips that create a secure yet pressure-free fit. During my use, I could wear the iQOO Buds for two to three hours straight without fatigue while watching shows or movies. Since the TWS doesn't feature ANC, the passive isolation from the tips helps provide a proper seal, though loud sounds such as traffic horns and metro announcements were still audible.

Specifications and features: offers the essentials

The iQOO Buds support Bluetooth v6.1 with multipoint connection, meaning you can connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them without disconnecting the other. In my experience, this feature worked flawlessly as I was able to instantly switch audio from my phone to my MacBook and resume media on either device.

As a brand that places heavy emphasis on performance and gaming, the iQOO Buds feature up to 42ms ultra-low latency mode for supported iQOO and Vivo smartphones, which should result in minimal audio delays in intensive games like BGMI and CODM.

For calls, the iQOO Buds automatically trigger AI Call Noise Reduction, letting users take calls in noisy environments by minimising wind interference, while the two microphones on each earbud prioritise vocals so the person on the other end can hear clearly. As for the actual calling experience, the iQOO Buds delivered clear, ample sound during calls.

iQOO has also added its own flair to the pop-up menu that appears on the phone's screen when you open the buds' lid. Exclusive to iQOO and Vivo smartphones, the battery pop-up menu can be customised using different pre-defined cat and dog themes. Users can furthermore customise this interface using their images and stickers.

Even though these are affordable earbuds, the iQOO Buds offer touch controls, such as double-tap, triple-tap, and touch-and-hold, to play and pause music, skip tracks, and take calls with a tap. You can tweak the touch controls, along with other settings and options, in the vEarphones companion app, available for Android phones and iPhones, while the app's core functions are built into the system on iQOO and Vivo devices.

Speaking of which, the vEarphones app has a minimal, well-defined look, with menus and options that are easy to identify at a glance. Unlike competitors such as Realme's Link app, it doesn't prompt users to sign in to use its functions. Some of the key additions of the app and the iQOO Buds themselves include Find My iQOO Buds to locate the earbuds by sound, Remote Camera Control, and triggering assistants like Gemini on Android smartphones.

Sound experience: suitable for everyday use

The iQOO Buds feature 10mm drivers, AAC and SBC codecs, and a PU+PEEK polymer diaphragm, paired with DeepX 4.0 Sound Effects featuring multiple sound profiles. Per iQOO, the Vivo Golden Ears acoustics team developed these profiles using advanced audio algorithms.

As for sound quality and experience, the iQOO Buds, even in the 'Standard' sound profile, are bass-focused, which is generally the case with most budget TWS. While the trebles (highs) are clear and lively, I felt their impact could be improved. The mid-range frequencies are done well for the price, with the vocals sounding near-perfect and crisp. I noticed this across several Mitraz songs. You can also use a 10-band EQ by selecting the 'Custom sound effect' to tweak the frequencies to your taste and preference.

One key feature the iQOO Buds lack is ANC, which is available on the similarly priced CMF Buds Neo. Also, they don't automatically pause or play music when you remove or insert the buds, which could be a deal breaker for some.

Battery and charging: lasts for days on a single charge

The company claims the buds can offer up to 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and up to 50 hours total with the charging case. During my time with the iQOO Buds, the case's battery lasted for around a week when using the earbuds frequently during travels for one to two hours a day and watching movies or shows during the night.

To top up the battery, I used Vivo's 90W adapter to juice up the iQOO Buds. Starting at 8 percent, the case's battery reached 72 percent in just over an hour, giving it enough power to last for a couple of days on casual to medium usage.

Final verdict

The iQOO Buds do a great job of focusing on the essentials that matter the most under Rs 2,000. While the charging case may not be durable enough to avoid regular wear and tear, these TWS offer easy portability thanks to their compact size and lightweight design. The pair also impresses with its battery life, comfort and a secure fit, low latency for gaming, and, most importantly, well-tuned vocals. The lows and highs leave room for improvement, though.

The lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a trade-off, for which you'll have to spend an extra Rs 300 on the CMF Buds Neo. Nevertheless, the iQOO Buds are a strong pair of earphones for everyday use, such as commuting, workouts, gaming, and long listening sessions that don't break the bank.

Editor's rating: 8.6/10

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design.
• Comfortable to wear for long durations with a secure fit.
• Bass-forward with well-tuned vocals.
• Solid battery endurance.

Cons

• Charging case gets scuffed relatively easily.
• The low and high frequencies could be improved.
• Misses out on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

But having a massive battery doesn't always mean that you'll get the sort of endurance you may expect from it. How efficiently the phone uses that capacity can make a big difference in everyday usage. So, we put the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max and OnePlus Nord 6 through a series of tests covering streaming, gaming, and regular daily usage to see how they actually compare.

Read on to find out which phone delivers longer battery life.

Battery capacity and charging speed

Winner: Redmi Note 17 Pro Max

When it comes to raw battery capacity, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has the clear advantage. It packs a massive 10,000mAh battery with support for 100W charging, while the OnePlus Nord 6 gets a 9,000mAh cell and 80W charging.

[comparative-benchmark type="4000" products="42075,41555,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The OnePlus, however, does have a slight advantage when it comes to charging speed. It took around 65 minutes to go from 20 to 100 per cent, compared to around 77 minutes for the Redmi. The difference isn't huge, especially considering the Redmi is charging a larger battery.

If we look at how quickly each phone can replenish every 1,000mAh, the Nord 6 takes roughly 8.1 minutes, while the Note 17 Pro Max takes around 7.7 minutes. So, while the OnePlus finishes its full charge a little quicker, the Redmi is actually marginally more efficient in terms of charging time per 1,000mAh.

PCMark battery benchmark

Winner: Redmi Note 17 Pro Max

For our first battery test, we used PCMark's battery benchmark, which puts the phones through a series of demanding tasks until their battery levels drop below 20 percent. We started both phones at 100 per cent battery and kept the display brightness at 80 per cent to maintain the same conditions.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42075,41555,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The test gives us a good idea of how a phone may perform in the hands of a moderate to heavy user, where multiple tasks are running over an extended period.

The OnePlus Nord 6 managed roughly 21 hours in the test, which is already an impressive result. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, however, went on to last around 24 hours, making it the highest score we've recorded in this test to date. That's a very impressive result and gives the Redmi a clear lead in this round.

YouTube streaming 

Winner: Tied

For our YouTube streaming test, we kept the display brightness at 80 per cent and volume at 50 per cent on both phones to keep the conditions as balanced as possible. After one hour of streaming, both the OnePlus Nord 6 and Redmi Note 17 Pro Max dropped by 4 per cent, making this round a tie.

The Redmi has a larger 10,000mAh battery, so that 4 percent represents roughly 400mAh, compared to around 360mAh on the OnePlus. However, since both phones lost the same percentage of battery, there isn't an actual advantage for either device in this test, and both delivered equally good streaming endurance.

Gaming performance

Winner: Tied

Gaming is one of the most demanding tests for battery life, so we tested both phones with Call of Duty: Mobile and BGMI. In both cases, we used the highest FPS settings supported by each phone, putting more load on the hardware and giving us a better idea of how they handle extended gaming sessions.

In Call of Duty: Mobile, the OnePlus Nord 6 dropped by 5 percent after 40 minutes, while the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max dropped by 6 percent. The OnePlus has a slight advantage here, although the difference isn't particularly significant.

The results flipped in BGMI, where the Redmi dropped by 5 per cent after 40 minutes, compared to 6 per cent on the OnePlus. Once again, the difference is small enough that both phones can be considered closely matched.

Overall, neither phone has a clear advantage in gaming battery life. Both managed to handle the highest supported FPS settings well, and the battery drain remained fairly close across the two games.

Conclusion

After looking at the results across all our tests, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max (review) emerges as the clear winner for battery life. Its 10,000mAh battery delivered the highest PCMark score we've recorded, while it also stayed close to the OnePlus Nord 6 in our streaming and gaming tests. The Nord 6 puts up an excellent fight and is by no means a poor performer when it comes to battery life.

The choice ultimately comes down to what you value more in your smartphone. The OnePlus Nord 6 (review) is slightly cheaper at Rs 46,999 and packs a much more powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, making it the more performance-focused option. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, meanwhile, is the clear choice if battery life is your biggest priority. Both are fairly bulky phones, so you will have to decide whether you want the extra longevity or higher performance.

How we test

Our camera comparison is based on hands-on testing rather than just looking at the specifications. We shot identical images with all three phones across different scenarios and compared the results directly.

For each image, we looked at a few key areas:

• Colour and detail: How accurately the phone reproduces colours, along with sharpness and detail across the frame.
  
• Portraits and selfies: How well it handles skin tones, facial details and subject separation.
  
• Low light: How well it manages detail, noise, stray light and lens flares in challenging conditions.

For each scenario, including daylight, ultrawide, portrait, selfie and low light, we compared the phones across these parameters before arriving at an overall result. This gives us a more consistent way to judge their camera performance beyond what the specifications suggest.

Daylight

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

On their own, all three phones are excellent daylight shooters, with vibrant colours, good sharpness and plenty of detail across the frame. For comparison, however, it is worth looking more closely at what each phone does better or worse.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL, in our opinion, has the best colour science. It renders the scene most faithfully, with good exposure and a balanced mix of warm and cool tones. The iPhone 18 Pro Max goes for a warmer look, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a cooler profile that adds more depth to the scene.

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When it comes to detail and sharpness, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes out on top, with the iPhone close behind and the Pixel at a distant third. The Galaxy also manages to retain more detail at higher zoom levels, while the iPhone loses some definition when you zoom in.

Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers the most consistent daylight images, with strong detail and colours that enhance the scene without looking too artificial. The iPhone follows closely, while the Pixel should appeal more to users who prefer realistic colours over outright sharpness.

5x Zoom

Winner: Pixel 11 Pro XL

Since these are flagship offerings, it is only natural to compare their zoom performance, an area each claims to dominate. We chose 5x zoom because it remains usable without introducing some of the problems associated with extreme zoom shots. For reference, you'll also find images from each phone at 1x. Keep note of how the colours and overall scene change when moving to 5x.

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We noticed the biggest colour shift in the Pixel's shot, with the 5x image introducing a little haziness and duller tones compared to its 1x image. The iPhone 18 Pro Max maintains roughly the same colour science at 5x, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra slightly increases the exposure, although it still remains lower than the Pixel 11. 

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Moving on to detail and sharpness, the Pixel 11's shot remains the most consistent and shows no major issues compared to the other two. Both the iPhone and Galaxy introduce slight noise at around 70 per cent zoom, while the Pixel maintains a cleaner image with minimal noise and detail loss.

Since colours can be adjusted in post-processing, but details and clarity are much harder to recover, the 5x zoom round goes to the Pixel 11 Pro XL as per our judgement.

Ultrawide

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Next up is the ultrawide shot, which we took indoors in a well-lit environment. The Galaxy S26 Ultra's native zoom level in this mode is 0.6x, which is lower than the 0.5x zoom offered by both the iPhone and Pixel.

Let's start with colour science, where the Pixel 11 Pro XL once again shows its dominance. It delivers the closest representation of the actual scene, followed closely by the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The iPhone 18 Pro Max sticks to its usual warmer profile, which has its appeal but makes the car's colour look richer than it is.

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When it comes to detail and overall clarity, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the weakest of the three. While the shot initially looks appealing, zooming in reveals that the image starts to fall apart around the edges and towards the sides of the frame, with slight noise and fuzziness also visible.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL does a better job of preserving detail, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best performer of the three in detail level. It maintains detail and sharpness better than its rivals, while also delivering good colours. Overall, we believe the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers the best ultrawide performance of the trio.

Portrait

Winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

Portrait shots are one of the most common use cases for a phone camera and help show how each device handles human subjects. We took each shot at the respective phone's optical zoom level, which is 5x for both the Pixel and Galaxy and 4x for the iPhone. We matched the scene so that the frames look identical, making it easier for both you and us to compare the results.

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At first glance, all three phones take very appealing shots. The Pixel 11 Pro XL continues to lead in terms of colour science and does the best job of replicating the actual scene, while the iPhone and Galaxy stick to their preferred colour tones. There is one big difference, however, and it works in the iPhone's favour. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra has some trouble separating the subject from the background and the Pixel's separation is slightly iffy, the iPhone 18 Pro Max nails the bokeh effect.

In terms of detail, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers the best results even at 60 per cent zoom, followed closely by the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Pixel 11 Pro XL struggles to capture facial details as well as its competitors. Looking at the overall results, including detail and how well each phone handles the bokeh effect, this round goes to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Selfie

Winner: Pixel 11 Pro XL

The selfie scenario was a surprising one, with some unexpected results as we tested the three phones. The Galaxy S26 Ultra had a lot of trouble avoiding lens glare when we tried shooting in the same spot or areas where we took selfies with the other two phones.

As a result, it produces a rather harsh glare towards the top right of the image, which takes it out of the race. Facial details and sharpness remain good, but the overall result is marred by the glare.

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That leaves us with the Pixel and iPhone, and even this comparison was easier than we expected. The iPhone 18 Pro Max does a good job of balancing exposure and produces a decently detailed image without sacrificing too many finer details. The subject's face is a little smoother and more likeable as a result. We found the image a bit too warm for our liking, however, which takes away from the natural look of the environment.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL was the dark horse of this round and surprised us in a good way. It managed exposure extremely well and delivered a stunning selfie, with rich facial details, authentic colours and an overall very likeable image. As a result, the Pixel is our winner choice in the selfie scenario.

Lowlight

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

This is arguably one of the hardest scenarios for any phone camera. For the low-light test, we chose a scene with plenty of light sources, distant objects and humans to see how each device performs. Let's first talk about colours, and as you may have guessed, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is once again ahead of its competitors when it comes to authenticity. It delivers the closest representation of the scene to what you'd see with the naked eye.

The Pixel's image, however, isn't as competitive in other areas. It struggles to capture as much detail as both of its competitors and doesn't do as good a job of managing light flares and ambient light. The light bleed around the sources is quite evident and makes the scene look slightly hazy.

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" size="full" ids="716745,716746,716744"]

The iPhone 18 Pro Max does a better job of managing stray light and flares and also delivers better detail than the Pixel. It enhances colours as well, with a deeper blue sky and more vibrant yellows and greens. Its picture, however, is not as sharp as some of its peers, and you can observe some softness once you zoom in closer. 

The Galaxy S26 Ultra sits somewhere in the middle. While it also enhances colours and makes them appear more vibrant, it does a better job of managing light flares and bleed around objects. It handles stray light better and, in turn, brings out more detail from the environment, particularly in the ground and distant objects, and delivers a sharper image. All these factors make it the best low-light shooter among the three based on our metrics.

Conclusion

After putting all three phones through the same set of scenarios, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (review) comes out as the overall winner in our comparison. It delivered the most consistent results, particularly in detail, sharpness, and handling difficult lighting conditions. Its ultrawide performance was excellent, while its ability to manage light flares and retain details in low light gave it an edge over the other two. If you want a device that consistently takes good images no matter the scenario, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will suit your needs the best. 

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL (review), meanwhile, was best for colour science. It consistently produced the most natural-looking colours and did particularly well in the selfie test. Its 5x zoom performance was also impressive, with a clean image and minimal noise. If you like natural colours and zoom farther often, the Pixel is a more suitable camera phone for you. 

The iPhone 18 Pro Max follows closely, with its own strengths. It delivered pleasing colours, good detail, and the best portrait performance of the three, especially in subject separation and the bokeh effect. Its colour consistency at 5x zoom was also better than what we saw from the other two phones. If you take a lot of images with human subjects, the iPhone is a great performer in this scenario and is a better buy for you. 

If you're in the market for a flagship camera phone right now, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 11 Pro XL and iPhone 18 Pro Max all offer capable camera systems and should comfortably last for several years. If you're not in a hurry, however, waiting for the next generation like the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra is worth it, especially if you want to see what Samsung plans to improve with its upcoming flagship.

Design and build

It's slim and lightweight, just about 5.3mm at its slimmer point, and weighs just under 300 grams, so you can easily slip it into your backpack and take it with you. The anodised aluminium base helps make it sturdy. And when work calls, and you need to get into hustle mode, fish out your phone or tablet, power the E9050L keyboard on, and get cracking.


The keyboard is compatible with a bunch of different devices and operating systems, so you can use it with your Android phone or iPhone, your tablet, your smart TV, and when the situation calls for it, even your MacBook or Windows laptop. Plus, it can work over Bluetooth 5.0 or 2.4GHz RF, and a USB dongle for the latter is provided in the box. However, there's no onboard storage for the dongle, and can be misplaced easily if you are not careful. While using the keyboard in Bluetooth mode, you can switch between three different devices seamlessly using the hotkeys.

My review unit comes clad in a Mumbai Indians theme, so it's decked up in white, while the row of function keys on top is blue. The letters "M" and "I" on the keyboard are also blue, and there's a Mumbai Indians logo on the space bar, along with a Rapoo logo. On the top left edge, behind the Escape key, you'll find a Type-C port for charging, along with a three-way slider key. Moving this key towards the left turns on Bluetooth, while moving it to the right switches the keyboard to RF. Moving the slider back to the middle turns it off. The base of the keyboard has rubber feet to ensure it doesn't slip during usage, but the typing angle can't be adjusted. There are no folding legs available.

Usage

Pairing the keyboard with your devices is a breeze — it works plug and play in RF mode, while Bluetooth pairing is also a simple, quick process. The 78-key layout includes 12 function keys which double up for multimedia playback and common functions. The low-profile keys offer ample travel and, despite the compact size of the keyboard, don't feel cramped. Typing is intuitive and comfortable, with the chiclet keys working quietly and reliably for text input. The 500mAh battery is rated to up to 90 days of use, and while I didn't get that long to verify this, I can confidently say that battery life on this keyboard does seem quite good.

Verdict

The Rapoo E9050L Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard is listed at Rs 2,250 online and, for its asking price, offers a bunch of features that make it a useful accessory. It's not perfect, of course, and the fixed typing angle and lack of storage for the RF dongle are the main gripes. However, the multi-device capability, support for different operating systems, option to use Bluetooth or RF, all combine with its sleek form factor, long battery life and comfortable typing to result in a device that makes for a worthwhile purchase.

Editor's rating: 8 / 10

Pros:

• Sleek & lightweight
• Support for multiple devices and operating systems
• Comfortable to type on
• Good battery life

Cons:

• No storage for the USB dongle
• Fixed typing angle

The MA320UG has been tailor-made for creators who use a Mac, which, as anyone who has walked into a co-working space lately can confirm, is a very large and fast-growing group, in India as much as anywhere else. It also lands in an interesting spot. Apple refreshed its Studio Display in March this year, but it still comes only in 27 inches, and it discontinued the 32-inch Pro Display XDR at the same time. Apple currently sells no 32-inch display. That makes the MA320UG an extremely appealing option for anyone who wants a large, high-resolution screen that works seamlessly with Apple devices.

While the MA320UG has been designed with professionals in mind, after using it for a couple of weeks, I am inclined to say it is equally suitable for gamers and cinephiles. Let me explain why.

First, the price. The BenQ MA320UG sells for Rs 82,998 in India. That is a substantial sum, but the comparison that matters is what Apple charges for a smaller (though higher-resolution) screen.

Specs

• Panel: 31.5-inch IPS with LED backlight, Nano Gloss coating
• Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 (16:9), 140 PPI
• Refresh rate: 120Hz, with FreeSync Premium and VESA MediaSync
• Response time: 5ms (GtG)
• Brightness: 450 nits (typical and peak HDR)
• HDR: HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 400
• Native contrast: 2000:1
• Colour coverage: 98% P3, 99% sRGB, 1.07 billion colours
• Colour modes: Display P3, sRGB, HDR, M-book, Cinema, Game, ePaper, User
• Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 4 upstream (96W power delivery), 1 x Thunderbolt 4 downstream (15W, daisy chain), 1 x USB-C upstream (35W), 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, 7.5W), 1 x USB-C downstream (15W), 3.5mm headphone jack
• Audio: 2 x 3W speakers
• Stand: 150mm height adjustment, tilt (-5 to 20 degrees), swivel (15 degrees each way), 90-degree pivot; VESA 100 x 100
• Weight: 9.64kg with stand
• In the box: Thunderbolt 4 cable (1m), USB-C cable, cleaning cloth

Design: familiar and built for a big screen

The MA320UG carries forward the same design ethos as the earlier MA monitors, and that is a good thing. It feels premium, the build is sturdy, and it offers plenty of connectivity, which matters more than usual here because a 32-inch screen tends to become the centre of a desk rather than an accessory to a laptop.

The bezels are thin on three sides. The frame itself is a touch thicker than you might expect, but that is hardly an issue because it makes room for the built-in speakers, and I would take a pair of speakers over a couple of millimetres of trim any day.

The stand is the same fully adjustable unit BenQ has been bundling across the series, and it deserves a mention because Apple still treats height adjustment as a paid upgrade. You get 150mm of height travel, tilt, a 90-degree pivot into portrait and 15 degrees of swivel in either direction. The swivel is more useful than it sounds on a screen this wide. It lets you angle the panel towards a colleague for a quick review without dragging the whole monitor across the desk, turn it slightly away from a window as the light shifts through the afternoon, or line it up neatly with a second display if you daisy-chain one. Viewing angles are pretty decent too, rated at 178 degrees both ways, so colours hold up when you are looking at the screen from off-centre.

Round the back sits a generous port selection: two Thunderbolt 4 ports (one upstream with 96W of power for the Mac, one downstream at 15W for daisy-chaining a second 4K 120Hz display), a USB-C port with 35W charging, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two 10Gbps USB-A ports, a USB-C downstream port and a headphone jack. One cable handles video, data and charging for a MacBook, and there is still room for a PlayStation and a Windows PC on the side. Daisy-chaining, for what it is worth, needs a Mac with a Pro, Max or Ultra chip, since the base M-series chips only drive one external display.

Features that elevate usage

Every software feature that made the MA270S stand out when we reviewed it in June is on the MA320UG, and it matters just as much on the bigger screen. The starting point is Display Pilot 2, BenQ's companion app for macOS. Most monitor apps are a slower way of reaching the on-screen menu. This one changes how you use the monitor. iKeyboard Control lets the brightness and volume keys on a MacBook drive the monitor directly, so the external screen behaves like a native Apple display rather than something you adjust with buttons under the bezel.

Desktop Partition splits the 32-inch canvas into snap-to zones, which is the quickest way I have found to keep a timeline, a preview and a chat window tidy on one screen. ICCsync changes the macOS colour profile automatically when you switch the monitor's colour mode, so the M-book mode matches the MacBook's own panel without you touching System Settings. The Visual Optimizer sensor adjusts brightness to the room, which sounds trivial at first but then you realise that it casually but effectively removes a common inconvenience.

Then there is Smart KVM. You can plug a Mac into the Thunderbolt port and a Windows laptop into the USB-C port, and one keyboard and mouse control both. Switch on Picture-by-Picture and the two systems sit side by side on the same panel, and you can copy text and files between them. If you edit on a Mac but a client's tools live on Windows, this alone justifies a good chunk of the price. Auto Pivot rotates the picture the moment you turn the screen to portrait, PIP and PBP handle a console or a second machine in a corner of the screen, firmware updates arrive over USB, and BenQ's eye-care set (flicker-free backlight, hardware low blue light, TUV Eye Comfort 3.0 certification and an ePaper mode for long reading sessions) rounds things off.

Display and sound: the blacks are the surprise

The panel is a 31.5-inch IPS unit with 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 450 nits of brightness, HDR10 support with DisplayHDR 400 certification, 98% P3 coverage, 1.07 billion colours and a 2000:1 native contrast ratio, all behind BenQ's Nano Gloss coating.

I was expecting top-notch colour accuracy, because BenQ never disappoints in that department, and I got it. Colours match my MacBook closely enough in M-book mode that I stopped checking. What I did not expect was how deep the blacks are. That 2000:1 contrast figure is double what a typical IPS panel manages, and the glossy coating stops dark scenes from washing out the way they do on a matte screen. But I never thought I would compare an IPS LED panel with an OLED when it comes to deep blacks, but I stand corrected. This monitor can walk toe-to-toe with OLED monitors in normally lit rooms, and I am not exaggerating.

Peak brightness of 450 nits is decent rather than spectacular, and it should hold up well for most users; indoors I rarely needed it past the two-thirds mark. HDR viewing was immersive too and, importantly, not overly dark, which is a common problem with monitors that carry an HDR badge without the brightness to back it up.

The built-in speakers are a pair of 3W units. They get fairly loud, and while I will always recommend a dedicated soundbar for a fully immersive experience, you can rely on these for decent sound across calls, YouTube, and casual viewing.

Put it all together, and this monitor can easily be your primary media consumption device as well. With its large size, 4K resolution, excellent colour accuracy, and built-in speakers, it is pretty much a complete package on its own.

Day-to-day usage

If you are a creator, whether that means video editing, graphic design or anything in between, a 4K panel spread across 32 inches gives you the perfect canvas for the job. Does that mean the monitor is only meant for those professions? A big no. Most professionals now depend on a multi-monitor setup for everyday multitasking, and the 32-inch panel lets you keep several windows open side by side without the hassle of a second monitor, another stand and the wires that come with it. Add the seamless sync with MacBook controls and the butter-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which BenQ pairs with adaptive sync, so it behaves much like ProMotion on a MacBook Pro, and regular work feels like a breeze. Scrolling a long document, scrubbing a timeline or dragging windows around all feel closer to the laptop's own screen than any 60Hz external display can manage.

One thing I would like to highlight before you buy this monitor is that at 140 pixels per inch, macOS scales this panel differently from a 5K screen such as the MA270S. Text is sharp, and the default scaling looks right, but if you are coming from a 218 PPI Retina display and sit very close, you will notice the difference.

Gaming

With a 4K 120Hz panel in front of me, I had no way I wasn't going to try gaming on the MA320UG, and as you would expect, the experience was pretty amazing. FreeSync Premium keeps frame pacing smooth from a console or a PC, and the HDMI 2.1 ports mean a PS5 or an Xbox Series X can run at 4K 120Hz without any fuss.

The one thing to note is the 5ms GtG response time. This monitor cannot keep up with dedicated gaming monitors in this price range, several of which are now OLED with response times measured in fractions of a millisecond, so competitive shooters are not what it is built for. If you want a laid-back gaming experience, though, this monitor will not let you down one bit.

Verdict

This monitor fills a gap Apple left in its portfolio: a 32-inch, high-resolution display that works seamlessly with Apple devices. At well under half the price of even the 27-inch Studio Display, which starts at Rs 1,89,900, the MA320UG is the ultimate upgrade most professionals can make to their work setup while staying in the comfort of their own ecosystem, with the laptop and the monitor controlled from the same keyboard.

That said, Rs 82,998 is still a substantial amount of money, and the MA320UG does not do everything. There is no built-in webcam, so Mac mini and Mac Studio owners will need to adjust their budget for one, and the speakers are good rather than great. Neither is a dealbreaker for the people this monitor is aimed at. After a couple of weeks with it, I struggled to think of a 32-inch monitor I would rather have on my desk, and that is a big compliment in itself.

Editor's rating: 8.7 / 10

Pros:

• Excellent colour accuracy and surprisingly deep blacks
• 4K at 120Hz on a 32-inch canvas
• Seamless macOS integration through Display Pilot 2
• Thunderbolt 4, Smart KVM and daisy-chaining
• Fully adjustable stand and built-in speakers

Cons:

• No built-in webcam
• Still an expensive purchase

Putting desktop-class ambitions into a laptop comes with its own set of compromises. A machine this large and powerful needs to justify its size, weight, and price, particularly when there are increasingly capable high-performance laptops that are considerably easier to carry around. The Pro Max 18 Plus therefore raises a simple question: how much workstation performance can Dell deliver in a laptop form factor, and is that performance worth the considerable bulk that comes with it? Let's find out…

Chasing durability and easy maintenance

The Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is a large, serious-looking machine with a dark gray finish and a relatively understated exterior. Like the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus, there are no flashy accents or gaming-inspired design elements either. The lid carries a subtle Dell logo, and the overall chassis has a clean, business-focused appearance. The top and bottom covers are made primarily from recycled magnesium, while Dell also uses recycled plastics in parts of the chassis. The result is a rigid and sturdy machine that is built as a professional tool rather than something designed to impress on a showroom floor. It is also MIL-STD 810H tested and certified to handle typical wear and tear from daily use.

There is no getting around the sheer size of the machine. It measures 402 x 279.95 mm with a maximum thickness of 31.7 mm and a starting weight of 3.25 kgs. Thus, it is more of a desktop replacement that can be moved around when necessary than a laptop you'd want to carry with you everywhere. The large footprint does at least give the laptop a reassuringly planted feel on a desk, and the substantial chassis leaves plenty of room for the hardware inside.

Speaking of which, serviceability is another area where the Pro Max 18 Plus stands out. The bottom panel is divided into two sections, with one of them designed specifically for quick access to the most important upgradeable components. It is held in place by a single screw and a slide-lock mechanism at the top, so removing it is considerably easier than dealing with a conventional laptop bottom cover. Once removed, the panel provides access to the machine's four SSD slots, the battery, and the single 128GB memory module.

Notably, the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus and the 16-inch variant are one of the first products to ship with the new class of CAMM2 RAM in addition to supporting traditional SO-DIMM. Dell is also using its DGFF module (Dell's Graphics Form Factor) so that the GPU can be swapped out easily, while the USB-C ports also feature a modular design. For a workstation that is likely to be used for demanding workloads over several years, having this sort of flexibility is a welcome design choice.

Dell has also taken a practical approach to connectivity. The left side houses the Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, two Thunderbolt 5 ports, an SD card reader and, depending on the configuration, a Smart Card reader. On the right are another Thunderbolt port, two USB-A ports, the 3.5mm audio jack and a security lock slot. With this many ports built directly into the chassis, the Pro Max 18 Plus is well suited to a workstation setup where users may need to connect external displays, storage, networking equipment and other peripherals without immediately reaching for a dock or USB hub.

A huge screen built for productivity

The Pro Max 18 Plus can be configured up to an 18-inch 2560 x 1600 (QHD+) IPS anti-glare panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, Dell does not offer the laptop with an OLED panel, which is something that we absolutely loved on the Pro Max 16 Plus. Nonetheless, the sheer size of the screen makes a noticeable difference to the overall experience. You get plenty of room for multitasking, with two application windows sitting side by side. Text and UI elements also look sharp at this resolution, so the large panel does not feel like it is simply stretching a lower-resolution image across a bigger surface.

Image quality is impressive, and the panel gets bright enough for use in well-lit environments, while the matte anti-glare finish does a good job of keeping reflections under control. Dell claims peak brightness of up to 500 nits and up to 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which is a great match for a workstation aimed at creative and professional workloads. The 120Hz refresh rate is another welcome touch. It makes scrolling, window movement and general desktop interaction noticeably smoother than a conventional 60Hz panel, and it also makes the enormous screen a little more versatile when the machine is used for entertainment or gaming.

Full-size keyboard for a full-size workstation

The Pro Max 18 Plus makes excellent use of its enormous chassis when it comes to the keyboard. There is plenty of space for a full-size layout, and Dell has included a dedicated number pad without making the main keyboard feel cramped. The power button placed on the top right corner doubles as a fingerprint sensor that works fast and accurately. The keys are well spaced and have a comfortable amount of travel, with a firm actuation that makes the keyboard particularly well suited to long typing sessions. It doesn't have the particularly deep or tactile feel of some business-focused ThinkPad keyboards, but the overall experience is comfortable, and I rarely found myself making accidental presses.

The keyboard is also backlit, which is useful when working in darker environments. The overall layout is conventional enough that there isn't much of a learning curve, although users moving between different Dell keyboards may need a little time to adjust to some of the secondary key placements. Given the Pro Max 18 Plus's workstation focus, I appreciate that Dell has prioritised a practical full-size layout over trying to make the keyboard look sleek by sacrificing useful keys.

The trackpad is similarly geared toward productivity. Its large surface provides plenty of room for cursor movement and multi-finger gestures, while tracking is accurate and clicks feel consistent across the surface. The sheer size of the laptop means Dell could arguably have gone even larger with the trackpad, it is nevertheless responsive and comfortable to use.

Plenty of power for professional workloads

The Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is powered by Intel's Core Ultra 9 285HX, part of Intel's Core Ultra 200HX family based on the Arrow Lake architecture. It is a 24-core, 24-thread processor with a 55W base power rating, making it one of Intel's highest-end mobile CPUs for demanding workloads. Our review unit pairs it with 128GB of CAMM2 memory running at 6400 MT/s, providing plenty of capacity for heavy multitasking and professional applications. Storage comes in the form of two 1TB PCIe Gen 5 SSDs configured in RAID, giving the laptop 2TB of total storage while also helping it achieve exceptionally high transfer speeds.

In CrystalDiskMark, the RAID array reached a maximum sequential read speed of around 24,000 MB/s, while sequential write speeds peaked around 23,000 MB/s. Those are extremely impressive figures and considerably higher than what we typically see from a single laptop SSD, although the real-world benefit will naturally depend on the workload.

Moving on to CPU and productivity performance, the Pro Max 18 Plus delivers the kind of performance you'd expect from a machine built around Intel's top-end mobile processor. I compared it against the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus, MSI Titan 18 HX AI, ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and HP Omen Max 16, all of which feature similar high-end processors and discrete GPUs. In Cinebench R24's multi-core test, the Pro Max 18 Plus scored 1,785, compared with 1,982 for the smaller Pro Max 16 Plus, 2,140 for the MSI Titan 18, 1,935 for the Strix Scar 16 and 1,928 for the Omen Max 16. Its single-core score of 125 also trailed the other systems, which ranged from 132 to 137.

Interestingly, the Pro Max 18 Plus performs better in broader system-level workloads. Its 10,114 PCMark 10 score was higher than the Pro Max 16 Plus, Strix Scar 16 and Omen Max 16, although the MSI Titan 18 was ahead at 10,853. In PCMark 10 Extended, the Dell scored 13,777, comfortably ahead of all four laptops in the comparison.

Geekbench 6 produced a somewhat mixed picture where the Pro Max 18 Plus scored 2,891 in single-core and 19,751 in multi-core, with the latter putting it ahead of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16's 16,540 but behind the Pro Max 16 Plus and MSI Titan 18. Its OpenCL result of 248,606 was also the highest among the five machines tested, narrowly beating the Titan 18 at 241,274 and the Pro Max 16 Plus at 239,234. In professional creative workloads, the Pro Max 18 Plus also performed well in PugetBench for DaVinci Resolve, scoring 10,444 compared with 9,179 on the Pro Max 16 Plus, 10,869 on the Titan 18, 9,205 on the Strix Scar 16 and 10,747 on the Omen Max 16.

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The graphics benchmarks show that the Pro Max 18 Plus is no slouch either. Its RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell is configured with a 175W TGP, putting it in the same power class as the RTX 5090 in the MSI Titan 18 and RTX 5080 GPUs in the Strix Scar 16 and Omen Max 16. In 3DMark Time Spy, the Pro Max 18 Plus scored 21,344, behind the Titan 18 at 22,823 but ahead of the Strix Scar 16 at 20,377 and Omen Max 16 at 20,528. Time Spy Extreme followed a similar pattern, with the Dell scoring 11,466, compared with 11,973 for the Titan 18, 10,707 for the Strix Scar 16 and 10,653 for the Omen Max 16. In Fire Strike Extreme, however, the Pro Max 18 Plus managed 27,948, ahead of the Strix Scar 16 and Omen Max 16 but behind the Titan 18's 29,327.

The Pro Max 18 Plus isn't really a gaming laptop, and that's not what Dell designed it to be. However, a 175W professional GPU with this level of performance means it can certainly handle games when required. In GTA V at 1080p, the laptop averaged 186.46 FPS, essentially matching the MSI Titan 18 HX AI at 187 FPS in the same test suite. So while gaming is unlikely to be the primary reason anyone buys the Pro Max 18 Plus, the machine has more than enough graphics horsepower to deliver a smooth gaming experience when work is done.

Endurance takes a back seat

Despite its much larger chassis, the Pro Max 18 Plus uses the same 96Wh battery as the smaller 16-inch model. In typical use, you can expect around five to six hours of battery life, which isn't particularly impressive for a laptop of this size but is understandable given the high-performance hardware inside. This is still a workstation that makes the most sense when plugged in during demanding workloads.

In our PCMark 10 Video Loop Benchmark, tested with the Balanced power profile and display brightness set to 80%, the Pro Max 18 Plus lasted 6 hours and 56 minutes. That's remarkably close to the 7 hours and 7 minutes recorded by the Pro Max 16 Plus, despite the 18-inch model's larger display.

Dell ships the laptop with a 280W USB Type-C power adapter, which is a nice touch for a workstation with this level of performance. The brick is understandably large, but using USB-C for charging is more convenient than relying on a proprietary connector and gives the Pro Max 18 Plus a more modern approach to power delivery.

Verdict

The Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is a workstation in the truest sense. The top-of-the-line hardware gives it the performance and expandability that demanding professional workloads require. Add in excellent connectivity, a comfortable full-size keyboard and unusually good serviceability, and Dell has built a machine that is remarkably practical for users who need serious computing power on the move.

At over 3.2kg before factoring in its large 280W power adapter, the laptop is closer to a portable desktop than a conventional laptop. Battery life is another compromise, with roughly five to six hours in typical use and just under seven hours in our video-loop test. The lack of an OLED option is also a notable omission, particularly given the creative focus of this class of machine.

Ultimately, the Pro Max 18 Plus makes the most sense for professionals who value performance, screen real estate and long-term upgradeability over portability. It doesn't try to disguise its size or make compromises to become a more conventional laptop. Instead, Dell has embraced the desktop-replacement approach and built a powerful, highly serviceable workstation around it. If that is what you need, the Pro Max 18 Plus delivers a compelling combination of performance and practicality. 

Editor's Rating: 8.5 / 10

Pros:

•  Top-tier performance
•  Impressive upgrade potential
•  Large screen real estate
•  Heavy-duty construction 

Cons:

• Bulky to carry around
• No OLED panel option

Durable build, charming AMOLED display

The OPPO K14 Plus arrives in two colourways, Star White, which we received for review, and Solar Orange. Built entirely from polycarbonate, both options flaunt a smooth finish with a marble-like texture, housed in a boxy chassis with flat sides. The smartphone retains the K14 series' identity with a pill-shaped camera module reminiscent of the vanilla OPPO K14 and K14x. Despite its beefy 8,000mAh battery, the phone feels relatively light in hand, weighing 208g.

While the rounded corners are a nice touch for comfort during extended use, the back panel is prone to slipping out of your hands if you don't hold it tightly. Fortunately, OPPO bundles a transparent TPU case to give the device a firm grip. As for durability, much like several previously released OPPO phones, the K14 Plus is protected using a 360-degree Armour Body that is claimed to mitigate the damage caused by drops, while the IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings ensure the phone can withstand heavy jets of water and submersion.

Upfront, there's a flat 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate, 1,800 nits high brightness, and 3,600 nits peak brightness, paired with the support of Splash Touch for interacting with the screen even with wet fingers. This seems to be a capable display for sharp visuals and smooth and fluid experience while scrolling.

Optimistic performance and endurance

Running on the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 MAX, the OPPO K14 Plus isn't chasing top-tier performance. Instead, it offers a solid level for most use cases, like medium-intensive gaming and multitasking, while delivering strong battery endurance with an 8,000mAh cell on board. While we haven't run benchmarks yet, OPPO claims the smartphone can score over 1 million on AnTuTu, which is a tad higher than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 found in the similarly priced POCO X8.

The processor is paired with a 5,000mm2 vapour chamber, UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR4X RAM, all of which should work in tandem to deliver a smooth, flowing experience in the long run. The phone comes in three storage variants, including 6+128GB, 8+128GB, and 8+256GB. With the display supporting up to a 144Hz refresh rate, the OPPO K14 Plus should deliver a satisfactory gaming experience with no hiccups or stutters.

As mentioned above, with an 8,000mAh battery, the OPPO K14 Plus is built to last, providing hours of gameplay, video watching, and app use on a single charge. The smartphone is claimed to last over 12 hours of continuous BGMI gameplay at 60 frames per second and over 20 hours of YouTube on a full charge. Stay tuned for the full review to find out the real-world endurance of the smartphone's battery.

Latest Android version with capable camera hardware

On to the software, which is a rather interesting bit, the OPPO K14 Plus runs ColorOS 16.5 based on Android 17, making it the first OPPO smartphone in India to release with the latest Android version out of the box. You get the usual ColorOS niceties, such as the vast lockscreen clock and homescreen customisation options, and an AI suite that features tons of imaging and productivity features, such as AI Recompose, AI Eraser, AI Portrait Glow, AI Writing and Translation, and more.

On the camera front, the OPPO K14 Plus features a 50MP 1/2-inch Smartsense SC532HS main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, paired with a 2MP monochrome rear camera. A 16MP selfie camera sits in the display's circular punch-hole for selfies and vlogs. On paper, that main sensor looks stronger than the Realme P4s' 50MP 1/2.88-inch unit and POCO X8's 1/2.76-inch sensor, which should, in theory, lead to better real-world shots.

Closing thoughts

Starting at Rs 29,999 for the base 6GB RAM with 128GB storage variant, the OPPO K14 Plus directly rivals the POCO X8 and is slightly more affordable than the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion. While the smartphone may not have an in-built fan like last year's K13 Turbo, it still seems capable enough to deliver an enjoyable gaming experience with a 144Hz refresh rate, a large vapour chamber, and fast UFS storage speeds.

Like most smartphones, the OPPO K14 Plus' battery remains one of its biggest highlights, making it a worthy phone for all types of use cases, and the 1.5K AMOLED display is a great addition for binge-watchers and heavy social media users. Given the specifications, the OPPO K14 Plus could be a good catch for performance enthusiasts.

On the optics, though, the K14 Plus misses out on an ultrawide lens. That said, a full review of the OPPO K14 Plus will be up on 91mobiles very soon with detailed findings, so stay tuned.

Quick verdict

The Lava Virat V1 Pro is well suited to users looking for a capable 5G smartphone on a low budget that can handle daily tasks reliably while offering bloatware-free software. The handset also features one of the highest RAM and storage combinations in its range, so users can store more media for viewing on the phone's tall LCD display. The cameras and software design, however, still need some improvement.

Design: nothing extraordinary

Starting with the design, the Virat V1 Pro sports a typical reflective rear panel with a matte finish, unlike its younger sibling, Virat V1 5G (review). The only highlight is the squarish camera module, which includes a 50MP primary camera, an LED flashlight, and an auxiliary lens, all divided by two pill-shaped housings. While our review unit came in the blue Sikkim Midnight colourway, the Virat V1 Pro is also available in the silver Spiti Forest shade.

As for handling and comfort, it's a considerably tall phone because of its thick chin, while its 207g weight and 8.68mm profile make it mostly manageable to hold for long periods once you get used to it.

Like most Lava phones released in the past, the Virat V1 Pro is IP64-certified for protection against water and dust exposure. Additional perks include a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom, which should make up for the lack of stereo output from the speakers. The SIM card slot also includes a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion of up to 1TB. Lava also bundles a transparent soft TPU back cover that gives the device extra grip.

Display: outputs sufficiently vivid tones

With a 6.75-inch IPS LCD display featuring a U-shaped cutout, HD+ resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate, the Virat V1 Pro offers a visual experience nearly identical to that of the Virat V1 5G, given their identical specifications. The colours are sufficiently vibrant and don't distort much when viewed from the side. As for details, casual viewers may find the 720p resolution decent enough for everyday use, while power users may find the clarity limiting.

Thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, certain casual games like Clash Royale offer smooth interaction, while the system and apps also take advantage of the high refresh rate for seamless scrolling. Though I did notice the screen stutter when opening or closing apps, likely due to the restrictive hardware and unfinished software optimisation. On YouTube, the phone can make the most of a video's bitrate by supporting up to 2160p (4K) resolution.

Performance and software: requires some refinements

Performance is an area where the Lava Virat V1 5G and Virat V1 Pro differ little, since both use the 6nm Unisoc T8200 processor with clock speeds of up to 2.3GHz and a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. The Virat V1 Pro should fare better in the long run, since it packs 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, giving users more memory and storage capacity to load apps, while the Virat V1 5G comes in a single 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant.

The phone scores over 5 lakh on AnTuTu and 1,810 on Geekbench's multi-core test, giving it a fair advantage over the similarly priced Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G (review).

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42381,42392,41369,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

[comparative-benchmark type="10" title="Geekbench single-core score" caption="Geekbench assesses the efficiency of the CPU's single and multiple cores (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42381,42392,41369,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

[comparative-benchmark type="11" title="Geekbench multi-core score" caption="Geekbench assesses the efficiency of the CPU's single and multiple cores (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42381,42392,41369,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

As stated in the display section, the phone may not always deliver a smooth scrolling experience, but that's mostly limited to opening and closing apps. Other tasks, such as loading social media feeds, playing videos, browsing the web, and playing light games, are handled well without many hiccups.

As for the software experience, like the standard Virat V1 5G and Shark 2 5G, the Virat V1 Pro runs a custom skin based on Android 16 with no third-party apps by default. The phone builds on the aforementioned phones by adding a dedicated "AI Smart Services" section in Settings, featuring nifty functions like AI Translate, AI Text Assistant, AI Pets, and AI Agents, which we previously saw on Lava Agni 4.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="716775,716776"]

While the features work as intended, the user interface looks bland and dull. Speaking of which, other prominent areas of the UI, such as the lockscreen, About phone page, and certain pop-up menus, carry an outdated interface.

On the other hand, I am happy to report that Virat V1 Pro includes one of the most essential AI features for Android users: Google's Circle to Search, which allows you to easily look up content on the screen by circling the area. Then there's the usual set of features, such as call recording without announcement, three-finger screenshot, a sidebar to open apps from the edge of the screen, Anti-Peeping that greys out specific parts of the display, and more.

As for updates, the Virat V1 Pro will be upgraded to Android 17 and receive two years of security patch updates, which is pretty standard for the segment.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42381,42318,41369,42392," pias="31,34,32,60,"][/comparative-benchmark]

Battery: offers great endurance

With a 6,000mAh cell, the Lava Virat V1 Pro doesn't disappoint in the battery department, at least compared to its close competitors. In our in-house PCMark Battery Drain test, which emulates daily tasks such as watching videos, opening and reading documents, browsing webpages, rendering mp4 files, and more, the phone clocked over 14 hours of runtime from 100 to 20 percent.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42381,42392,41369,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

These numbers are significantly higher than those of the HMD Vibe 2 (review), which also has a 6,000mAh battery, and the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro. Standby drain is low, with the phone lasting over four days on a single charge while also handling tasks like playing Clash Royale and CODM, scrolling through Instagram, capturing and viewing photos, and more.

In our tests, the Lava Virat V1 Pro took just over two hours to charge from 20 to 100 percent, which is much faster than the HMD Vibe 2. Overall, the Virat V1 Pro's battery should suit most use cases, lasting at least a day with light gaming and 5G usage.

Camera: usable results, but may need work

The Lava Virat V1 Pro has a 50MP primary camera on the rear, while the front features an 8MP unit in the display's notch cutout for selfies and video calls. Key camera modes include Night Mode, Beauty, Document Correction, Dual-View Video, GIF, Pro Mode, Motion Photo, Panorama, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, and multiple filters.

In real-world use, the Virat V1 Pro delivers usable results, with colours kept on the natural side to the point that some may find them dull. Nevertheless, a bit of editing and touch-ups can bring out the vibrancy in images. What editing can't change, though, is the level of detail, which, as expected, is on the lower end due to the small camera sensor size. Even though the phone does a decent job keeping the sky and background colours natural in daylight, challenging scenes where the sun takes up most of the frame still blow out highlights and the sky's blue.

In selfies, even with ample sunlight on the face, the Lava Virat V1 Pro adds blue-greenish hues, making the image appear artificial and unappealing. At night, the images turned out soft and noisy, while the colours aren't accurately represented.

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To further assess the cameras of the Lava Virat V1 Pro, we pitted it against the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro:

Daylight

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-daylight-1-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260917_163901_990-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

In daylight, while the Lava Virat V1 Pro captures more detail, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro delivers accurate colours and retains the sky's colour instead of blowing out the highlights. Furthermore, the Lava handset leans more towards the contrasty side, which some may prefer over the Tecno's almost flat look. 

Portraits

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-portrait-1-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260917_163739_008@1687943464-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

Portraits are where the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro impresses. It captures more accurate skin tones and colours, resulting in a natural-looking image. The handset also delivers better detail and clarity compared to the Lava Virat V1 Pro. Edge detection is more evenly matched, with the Tecno handling hair better, while the Lava does a slightly better job around the clothes. The bokeh effect is similar on both phones, with little to separate them.

In portraits, both smartphones look evenly matched at first glance, but on closer inspection, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro edges out the Virat V1 Pro in detail and colour retention, while the edge detection and bokeh are identical on both.

Selfies

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-selfie-1-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260917_163812_495-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

The Lava Virat V1 Pro adds strong cool tones to the overall image, including the face despite the scene having strong sunlight. In this regard, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro does a much better job of depicting the actual scene while also retaining slightly more detail.

Low-light (night mode)

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-night-mode-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260918_223157_223_NIGHT-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

With night mode enabled on both smartphones, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro does a better job of controlling the light sources, resulting in fewer flares, while the Lava Virat V1 Pro retains slightly more clarity.

Final verdict

The Lava Virat V1 Pro is another 5G offering from Lava, with many similarities to the standard Virat V1 5G, including the 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display, Unisoc T8200 processor, 6,000mAh battery, and familiar clean software experience. Priced Rs 1,500 more than the Virat V1 5G's 4GB + 128GB variant, the Virat V1 Pro adds 6GB of RAM and a high-resolution primary camera, while also bundling several software perks, such as a full-fledged AI suite and Circle to Search.

So, if you prioritise AI features in your daily use, spending the extra on the Virat V1 Pro could be worthwhile. Additionally, the 6GB of RAM should help the device handle added workloads down the line. On the other hand, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G, priced at Rs 15,999 for 4GB + 128GB of storage, delivers more polished software and capable cameras but lacks 5G. Alternatively, the HMD Vibe 2 5G is equally capable, but it doesn't offer as much battery life as the Virat V1 Pro.

Ultimately, if you can overlook minor software inconsistencies and sub-par cameras, the Lava Virat V1 Pro, at Rs 15,999, is worth considering for casual users or those upgrading from feature phones or 4G devices.

Editor's rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy

• The large LCD display delivers enough vibrancy for everyday content viewing.
• The software is devoid of bloatware, resulting in a fairly clean interface out of the box.
• The 6,000mAh battery easily delivers a working day's worth of backup on a full charge
• It offers one of the highest RAM and storage capacities in its price range.

Reasons to skip

• The cameras lack details and vibrant colours.
• Several parts of the UI features an outdated design and inconsistencies.

Verdict

Like most phones this year, the Note 17 Pro couldn't escape the memory chip crisis, so sub-Rs 30,000 pricing was never on the cards. What it does deliver is a genuinely stellar battery and a sharp AMOLED display, enough to make it worth considering if you're upgrading from an older Redmi Note, though Note 15 Pro owners can safely skip it. For raw performance under Rs 40,000, the POCO X8 Power, Vivo T5, and iQOO Z11 are the better picks, but the Note 17 Pro counters with class-leading battery life, Pro Max-grade durability, and a software update promise that beats some rivals.

Design and display: impressive inside and out

[pdp-expert-review]
As for design, the Redmi Note 17 Pro offers a solid build and impressive durability with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance, though its weight might cause wrist fatigue for some. The AMOLED display on the Redmi Note 17 Pro leaves little to complain about, though its 120Hz refresh rate might sound underwhelming compared to 144Hz panels you can find in this segment.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Note 17 Pro weighs 226g and carries IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certification, protection against dust, immersion, and high-pressure water jets that is a rare sight even in this price segment. It's not the lightest phone in its class; the Vivo T5 undercuts it by nearly 30 grams, but that weight buys genuine peace of mind, as it feels solid in the hand. That said, at 226 grams, it may cause wrist fatigue for those who prefer one-handed use. Xiaomi has carried the same durability certification over from the pricier Pro Max, which is nice to see.

The 6.83-inch AMOLED display supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed 3,500 nits of peak brightness. It's a strong panel for the price, but it's not the fastest screen in its segment. The Vivo T5 pushes to 144Hz, and if buttery scrolling is what you care most about, that's worth knowing. But the Note 17 Pro's brightness claim holds up, as the screen delivered good visibility outdoors in bright sunlight. 

The display on the Redmi Note 17 Pro leaves little to complain about. The panel delivers enough sharpness and vibrancy to make browsing and watching content a pleasing experience. 

Performance and software: chooses longevity over speed

[pdp-expert-review]
Overall, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 powering the Redmi Note 17 Pro isn't the fastest chipset under Rs 40,000, but Xiaomi has optimised it well to deliver better sustained performance than rivals. Moreover, its 4+6 years software support promise is admirable and should allow you to keep the phone for a long time, provided the chipset holds up well.[/pdp-expert-review]

The Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 powers the Note 17 Pro. It's a reliable processor, but not the fastest in its price bracket. In our testing, it posted an AnTuTu score of 949,300 and Geekbench scores of 889 single-core and 2,691 multi-core, numbers that trail the POCO X8 Power (by a small margin), OnePlus Nord CE6 and the Vivo T5 (by a big margin). If you're chasing raw horsepower, you might want to look at the OnePlus, Vivo, and POCO phones instead of the Redmi Note 17 Pro.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42262,42378,42128,42000," ][/comparative-benchmark]

What's more encouraging is how the chip behaves once you push it for a while. Our burnout test, which measures how much performance a phone retains under prolonged stress, had the Note 17 Pro holding onto 67.3 percent of its peak output, ahead of the POCO X8 Power and Vivo T5 and just behind the OnePlus Nord CE6. That's the kind of result that should translate to steadier frame rates in a long gaming session, rather than a phone that looks fast for the first five minutes and then tapers off. A separate CPU throttle test showed 31 percent under sustained heavy load, which was better than all its rivals. 

[comparative-benchmark type="888" title="Burnout Score" caption="Burnout assesses CPU throttling and sustained performance under heavy load (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42262,42378,42128,42000," values="67.30,56.70,44.60,69.80,"][/comparative-benchmark]

Gaming frame-rate capture didn't run cleanly on our review unit during testing, so I can't speak to exact average FPS in Call of Duty or BGMI, but nothing about day-to-day use suggested the phone was struggling to keep up.

The Note 17 Pro ships on HyperOS 3. Xiaomi promises four years of major OS updates and six years of security patches, which is a solid promise for a phone at this price and beats what Vivo is offering on the T5.

Overall, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 powering the Redmi Note 17 Pro isn't the fastest chipset under Rs 40,000, but Xiaomi has optimised it well to deliver better sustained performance than rivals. Moreover, its 4+6 years software support promise is admirable and should allow you to keep the phone for a long time, provided the chipset holds up well.

Battery: best endurance in its class

[pdp-expert-review]
Battery life is where the Redmi Note 17 Pro stands out. Its 9,000mAh battery delivers exceptional real-world endurance and even scored close to 22 hours in our synthetic PCMark battery test, outlasting every other phone tested in this segment this year. You won't have to reach for a charger frequently, which is a good thing given it charges relatively slowly at 67W.
[/pdp-expert-review]

This is where the Note 17 Pro actually stands out. The 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery ran for 21 hours and 55 minutes in our overnight PCMark test, the best result we recorded this year for a phone under Rs 40,000. It even pulled ahead of the POCO X8 Power's 10,000mAh battery at 20 hours 45 minutes despite that phone's larger cell, and comfortably beat the Vivo T5's 14 hours 42 minutes. A 60-minute YouTube streaming test backs this up at a smaller scale, just a 4 percent battery drop, essentially matching the POCO and beating the Vivo T5's 5 percent. In practice, that means a phone that comfortably lasts two days before you need to reach for the charger.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42262,42378,42128,42000," ][/comparative-benchmark]

That's good because charging is the one place this advantage comes with a trade-off. The Note 17 Pro's 67W wired charging took 96 minutes to go from 20 to 100 percent in our testing, noticeably behind the POCO X8 Power's 100W charging at 79 minutes for a similar top-up. Neither phone offers wireless charging.

Cameras

The Redmi Note 17 Pro gets the same 50MP main and 8MP ultrawide rear camera setup as its pricier sibling. The difference lies in the front camera, with the Note 17 Pro getting a 16MP sensor and the Pro Max getting a higher-resolution 32MP sensor. The primary camera performs well enough in daylight, capturing pleasing stills with good colour reproduction and detail. The ultrawide and front camera deliver passable photos, nothing more.

[smartslider3 slider=2195]

To show how the Redmi Note 17 Pro fares, I compared it with the Realme P4s, which features an identical camera system.

Daylight

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/redmi-note-17-pro-daylight.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/realme-p4s-daylight-1.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro" after="Realme P4s"]

In daylight scenes, the Redmi Note 17 Pro captures slightly better dynamic range, and it leans toward a warmer tone. The Realme P4s delivers punchier colours and marginally better sharpness when zooming in. I prefer the Redmi phone's more natural colour output compared to Realme here.

Ultrawide

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/redmi-note-17-pro-ultrawide.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/realme-p4s-ultrawide.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro" after="Realme P4s"]

What the Redmi phone does well is offer consistency in colours when switching between the main and ultrawide cameras. And while you can only expect so much from an 8MP sensor, the Redmi Note 17 Pro retains better clarity, especially in the leaves of the trees on the left, compared to the Realme phone when zooming in.

Portrait

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/redmi-note-17-pro-portrait-1x.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/realme-p4s-portrait-1x.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro 1x" after="Realme P4s 1x"]

The Redmi Note 17 Pro delivered surprisingly better portrait results than the Realme phone, in both 1x and 2x crop. In 1x, the Realme phone's portrait shot looked soft and almost like a water-colour painting, whereas the Redmi phone retained better sharpness throughout and good subject separation.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/redmi-note-17-pro-portrait-2x.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/realme-p4s-portrait-2x.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro 2x" after="Realme P4s 2x"]

Low-light

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/redmi-note-17-pro-lowlight.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/realme-p4s-lowlight.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro" after="Realme P4s"]

Low-light is where things get interesting. The Realme P4s performed better than the Redmi Note 17 Pro in my test. In the image above, you can see the Note 17 Pro's main camera letting in a lot more light and blowing out the image, which sacrifices the shadows and overall mood of the scene. The Realme P4s does a much better job of capturing the warmth of the fairy lights and controlling the light to keep the darker areas dark while maintaining the exposure and colour of the leaves in the foreground.

Selfie

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/redmi-note-17-pro-selfie.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/realme-p4s-selfie-portait-final.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro" after="Realme P4s"]

In selfies again, both the Realme and Redmi phones deliver almost the same level of sharpness. The choice comes down to which colour profile you like more. The Realme P4s leans towards a more saturated look, punching up the colours, while the Redmi Note 17 Pro chooses realistic colours, which can sometimes look dull in comparison.

It's clear that the Redmi Note 17 Pro isn't a camera-first phone. Both the Redmi models, in fact, lack a dedicated telephoto lens, which feels like a real miss, especially on the Pro Max variant given its price. But the reality, at least in the sub-Rs 40,000 segment, is that most phones that have come out this year offer a similar 50MP+8MP setup, with some exceptions being the Motorola Edge 70 Pro (review) with its 50MP rear and front cameras and Tecno Camon 50 Ultra (review), which offers a telephoto lens. With that 50MP+8MP setup, the Redmi Note 17 Pro does a decent job in daylight, but it still leaves you wanting more.

Final verdict: should you buy the Redmi Note 17 Pro?

Like many phones launched this year, the Redmi Note 17 Pro is a victim of the ongoing memory chip crisis, so it doesn't get the sub-Rs 30,000 pricing potential buyers might have hoped for. Still, I think it makes more sense than its Pro Max sibling priced at Rs 50,000. The Redmi Note 17 Pro delivers on what it sets out to do: offer a stellar battery backup and an impressive AMOLED display. If these are your main criteria, the Redmi Note 17 Pro will not disappoint. I wouldn't recommend that Redmi Note 15 Pro users upgrade to the Note 17 Pro, but older Redmi Note users should consider this device for its segment-leading battery life.

If you're looking for a high-performance phone under Rs 40,000, the POCO X8 Power, Vivo T5 and iQOO Z11 are better options out there. However, the Note 17 Pro wins in battery life and a durability rating that matches the more expensive Pro Max. It also gets a software update promise that beats Vivo's. All of this adds up to a reliable, all-round smartphone.

Editor's rating: 8/10

Pros:

• Stellar two-day battery life despite not having the largest capacity in the segment
• Better sustained performance than its rivals
• Solid durability with IP66/68/69/69K certifications
• Four years of OS updates and six years of security patches

Cons:

• Not the fastest chipset in the segment
• Slower to charge than some rivals, such as the POCO X8 Power
• 120Hz refresh rate when rivals like Vivo T5 and iQOO Z11 offer 144Hz panels

Practical design

Unlike the Ultra Thin Magnetic Power Bank, the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh features a boxy design that may not be pocket-friendly but is still easy to carry around. It weighs 238 grams, which is lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and comes with a built-in 19cm Type-C cable. The cable has a dedicated housing that forms a loop when not in use, making it convenient to carry the power bank around.

The built-in cable can be used to charge devices and even juice up the power bank using a PD charger. There is also a separate Type-C port on the power bank, which supports both input and output. The added port allows you to charge two devices simultaneously. Moreover, the power bank comes with Qi2.2 support to magnetically attach to and wirelessly charge iPhones and other compatible smartphones such as Google Pixel 11 series.

The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh features a button on the right spine to check its battery status. There are four LED lights next to the cable that indicate the battery level. All four light up when the battery is at 100 percent, with the number of illuminated LEDs reducing to one as the battery level drops. Once there is no juice left, you are notified with a blinking white light. An LED light on one side of the power bank lights up when it is wirelessly charging a phone.

My only real qualm with the power bank's design is its colour. While the matte finish looks good, the white shade can pick up stains easily and may be difficult to clean.

Features

• 10,000mAh capacity
• 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging
• 45W wired fast charging
• 30W self-charging capability
• Charges three devices simultaneously
• 16 advanced battery safety technology

Charging

You can refer to the image above to check out all the safety features of the power bank. It can be used to charge your smartphone, tablet, accessories, wearables, and even laptops. The maximum Qi2.2 wireless charging speed is compatible with only select models in India, including the iPhone 16 and later models, Pixel 10/11 series, and the latest Motorola Edge 70 Max.

If you own any of these smartphones, the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh can fast-charge them at up to 25W. The charging speed drops to 20W, 15W, 7.5W, or 5W for non-Qi2.2 devices, depending on the supported charging standard. Simultaneously, also making the power bank less convenient to carry around. I used the Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging to charge my iPhone 16, which took almost 60 minutes to go from 0 to 80 percent.

The power bank's magnets are strong enough to hold on to my device, making it more convenient to carry it around. The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank also supports PD3.0/2.0, PPS, and Qualcomm quick charge through wired charging. It can fast-charge a range of devices at up to 45W. A phone with a 5,000mAh battery should achieve a full charge in roughly an hour. Xiaomi claims that the power bank can charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 45 percent, Redmi Note 15 Pro+ to 30 percent, Google Pixel 10 Pro to 35 percent, and Samsung Galaxy S26 to 37 percent within 30 minutes with wired charging. 

I also used the power bank to provide backup to my MacBook Air while it was in use. Although Xiaomi hasn't specifically designed it for laptops, I was pleased to see it keep my MacBook running for longer and even add some charge at its own pace. While not a reliable charging solution, it can come in handy during emergencies.

The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh, meanwhile, feels more than capable of handling accessories and wearables. I used it to charge my Pixel Watch and earphones, sometimes both simultaneously. It's worth noting that if you plan to charge more than one device simultaneously, the charging speeds will drop. You can also use Qi2.2 wireless charging alongside the USB Type-C ports. However, this further reduces the charging speeds, making the feature feel rather gimmicky. The power bank also requires an additional step (a long press of the battery check button) to use Qi2.2 charging alongside a wired connection.

The Xiaomi power bank lacks a USB Type-A port, making it less convenient for charging wearables that use a Type-A charging cable. As with any power bank, there is some power loss during charging. In this case, the loss is roughly 15 percent, which is fairly standard, meaning the power bank can realistically deliver around 8,000mAh of usable capacity between charges.

To recharge the power bank, you can use the built-in cable with a PD charger or connect it via a USB Type-C cable. It supports up to 30W of input power, allowing the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh to reach a full charge in around 90–100 minutes when paired with a compatible charger.

Verdict

What makes the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh stand out is its 45W wired charging capability, an area where most magnetic power banks in this segment compromise. It is also among the few to offer up to 25W wired charging solution, with strong magnets for added convenience.

However, Xiaomi could have addressed a few shortcomings. The boxy design makes it less pocket-friendly, while the lack of an adhesive metal ring makes charging non-MagSafe phones less convenient. The absence of a USB Type-A port may also limit compatibility with some accessories.

Nevertheless, for its asking price of Rs 3,999, the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh is a versatile backup charger that gets most things right. Its combination of 45W wired charging, 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging, a built-in Type-C cable, and support for charging multiple devices makes it useful for more than just topping up a smartphone.

Editor's rating: 8.5/10

Pros

• 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging
• Strong magnets
• 45W wired charging
• Built-in Type-C cable

Cons

• Lacks USB Type-A port
• No adhesive ring for non-MagSafe phones

Reasons to buy the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max

The 10,000mAh battery is the biggest selling point

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max's biggest advantage is its 10,000mAh battery, and it delivers exactly what you'd expect. The phone managed 24 hours in our PCMark battery test, which is the highest score we've recorded in this test so far.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Real-world usage is equally impressive. Even with moderate to heavy usage, the phone can comfortably last two days. Heavy users who spend a lot of time gaming, streaming or browsing should also be able to get through a day and a half without much trouble.

The 100W charger takes around 77 minutes to charge the phone from 20 to 100 per cent. You also get 27W reverse wired charging, which can be useful for topping up accessories or another phone.

The 1.5K AMOLED display is great for content

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max gets a large 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 12-bit colour depth. It also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it well-suited for watching films, shows, and other content.

The panel is vibrant and sharp, and the 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling and animations smooth. It is not the brightest display in this segment, and some rivals offer better outdoor visibility, but there is still plenty to like here.

The stereo speakers support Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a 400 per cent volume boost. I found the output a little underpowered compared to some competing phones, while the highest volume setting can also introduce some distortion.

It is built to last

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max may be large and heavy at 229 grams, but Redmi has done a good job with durability. The phone comes with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and gets IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings.

That gives it strong protection against water, dust, scratches, and accidental drops. You'll notice the weight, but I found the phone fairly comfortable to use once I got used to it.

The design itself is fairly simple, especially in the black finish, although the other colour options add more character. If durability matters, the Redmi has plenty going for it.

Long software support

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 and offers four years of OS updates along with six years of security updates. That should keep the phone supported for several years.

The software experience is fairly easy to use, with features such as HyperIsland, smoother animations, depth, and cinematic wallpapers, as well as a range of AI tools.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," pias="62,30,46,53,"][/comparative-benchmark]

There are 62 apps pre-installed, including 20 third-party apps, which is still a little more than I'd like to see. However, the third-party apps can be removed during the initial setup, making the experience much less cluttered than some other phones in this segment.

Reasons to skip the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max

It is expensive for what it offers

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 49,999, which puts it in a very competitive part of the market. At this price, you can find phones that offer better cameras, better performance, or a more balanced overall package.

The huge battery is certainly a major advantage, but it also feels like the phone is asking you to pay a premium for it. If you don't particularly need two-day battery life, some of the compromises elsewhere become harder to overlook.

The cameras don't quite match the price

The 50MP primary camera with OIS can take good daylight shots with likeable colours and decent detail. However, the overall camera setup doesn't feel quite as strong as what some rivals offer at this price.

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Human subjects, especially in portrait shots, can sometimes look a little soft, with less facial detail than I'd like. The 8MP ultrawide is also nothing special, with a noticeable drop in detail compared to the primary camera.

The cameras are perfectly usable for everyday photography, but if taking good photos is a priority, there are more capable options at this price.

Performance falls behind the competition

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is perfectly capable for regular use. Switching between apps, browsing, and other everyday tasks don't cause many problems, but the limitations become clearer once you start doing anything demanding.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Games such as Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves can run around 60fps on lower settings, while supported titles such as BGMI can reach 90fps. However, the phone is still among the less capable performers in this price segment.

This is perhaps the biggest hardware compromise on the phone. You won't spend your day dealing with lag, but the performance gap becomes noticeable when you push the device harder.

Should you buy the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max?

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max (review) does a lot of things well, especially if battery life is your biggest priority. The 10,000mAh battery is very impressive, while the display, durability, and software support make it a capable everyday phone.

The problem is its Rs 49,999 starting price, since the competition in this segment is also pretty strong. Some alternatives offer better cameras, performance, or a more balanced hardware package.

The Note 17 Pro Max could become a more appealing deal with discounts or offers, particularly for buyers who really value its huge battery. At its current price, however, you need to ask yourself how much that extra battery life is worth and whether it makes up for the compromises elsewhere.

Verdict

The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro stands out with its durable design, high-refresh-rate display, and the added convenience of bundled Type-C earphones. However, its lack of 5G support and weak performance hold it back from being a more well-rounded budget smartphone. Those looking for stronger performance or future-ready connectivity may want to consider other options.

Design, display: stylish and durable 

[pdp-expert-review]
The Spark Go 3 Pro stands out with its stylish design and strong durability credentials, including IP68/IP69 ratings and SGS-certified drop resistance. The 120Hz display is good for everyday use and entertainment, although limited brightness leaves room for improvement.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro has a good-looking design for its price. It features a large camera plateau on the back, which bears some resemblance to the iPhone 17 Pro models, although it doesn't look out of place. The phone is available in four colours: Basalt Titanium, Burgundy Red, Eclipse Black, and Sunrise Orange, giving buyers plenty of options to choose from.

Durability is one of the phone's key highlights. The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, making it one of the few phones in this price segment to offer this level of protection. It also has SGS-certified drop resistance of up to 1.5 metres, adding another layer of durability for everyday use.

On the display front, the phone features a large 6.78-inch HD+ IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, and up to 580 nits of brightness. These specifications are fairly standard for the segment, although the display doesn't offer anything particularly standout. The brightness, in particular, could have been higher, as the screen can be difficult to view under direct sunlight.

That said, the display is good enough for everyday tasks such as scrolling, browsing, and watching videos. Its large size also makes the Spark Go 3 Pro well-suited for entertainment, particularly when watching content for longer periods.

Performance, software: not for power users

[pdp-expert-review]
The Helio G81 is adequate for everyday tasks but falls behind similarly priced rivals in performance. Social media, streaming and casual gaming are fine, but demanding games aren't the phone's strongest suit, which is understandable. HiOS 16.3 offers a smooth and customisable experience with useful AI features.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 4G chipset, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. Performance is one of the phone's weaker areas, which is reflected in its relatively low AnTuTu and Geekbench scores. The phone is also visibly not very snappy, but nothing too unmanageable. This becomes more apparent when compared with similarly priced phones such as the Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G and HMD Vibe 2 5G, which deliver better benchmark results.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42392,42381,41369,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

That said, the Spark Go 3 Pro is adequate for everyday tasks. Social media browsing, WhatsApp, streaming videos, web browsing, and other routine activities are handled reasonably well. The phone can also run games such as COD Mobile and BGMI, but you'll need to stick to lower graphics settings for a smoother experience. Overall, the Spark Go 3 Pro is better suited to users looking for a phone for basic use rather than demanding gaming or performance-intensive workloads.

On the software front, HiOS 16.3 comes with around 60 pre-installed apps, most of which are games. Thankfully, you can uninstall them if you prefer a cleaner interface. Beyond this, the UI is intuitive and generally smooth. The app drawer has a search bar at the bottom, while apps are neatly categorised based on their usage, making them easy to find.

Some of the wallpapers and the clock style also have a strong iOS-like resemblance, making the inspiration quite noticeable. If you can look past that, there's plenty of customisation to explore, along with several fun themes that let you personalise the phone. The software also includes several AI features, including Circle to Search, AI Caption, Translation Assistant, and AI Writing. These tools can be useful in everyday scenarios and are a welcome addition on a phone in this price segment.

Cameras: better than expected

[pdp-expert-review]
The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro's 13MP primary camera is limited on paper but performs better than expected, particularly for portraits and selfies. Daylight images are decent, while low-light photography remains average. 
[/pdp-expert-review]

For photography, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G features a 13MP rear camera with autofocus and an 8MP front camera. The setup is fairly standard for this price segment, although some rivals offer more capable hardware. For instance, the Lava Virat V1 Pro packs a 50MP primary camera, while the HMD Vibe 2 5G offers a dual-camera setup.

Nevertheless, the Spark Go 3 Pro is capable of handling everyday photography reasonably well. Its portrait shots are particularly impressive, with good detail and colour retention, while daylight photos also turn out decent in well-lit conditions. However, the camera setup doesn't offer much beyond the basics.

To get a better idea of its camera performance, we compared the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G with the Lava Virat V1 Pro.

Daylight

In daylight, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro's 13MP primary camera holds its own against the Lava Virat V1 Pro's 50MP sensor. The Lava captures slightly more detail, but the Tecno does better with colour accuracy and retains the sky's natural colour, which appears blown out in the Lava's shot. Both phones are closely matched in dynamic range and exposure, although the Tecno has a slight edge in these areas.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-daylight-1-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260917_163901_990-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

Portraits

Portraits are where the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro impresses. It captures more accurate skin tones and colours, resulting in a natural-looking image. The handset also delivers better detail and clarity compared to the Lava Virat V1 Pro. Edge detection is more evenly matched, with the Tecno handling hair better, while the Lava does a slightly better job around the clothes. The bokeh effect is similar on both phones, with little to separate them.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-portrait-1-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260917_163739_008@1687943464-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

Selfies

Selfies are another area where the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro comes out ahead. The difference is noticeable at first glance, with the Lava Virat V1 Pro adding what appears to be a ring-light effect even in bright outdoor conditions. This results in less accurate skin tones and colours compared to the Tecno. The Lava's image also looks more oversharpened, while the Tecno produces a more natural-looking selfie with better detail and clarity. Dynamic range is fairly similar on both phones, although the Tecno does a slightly better job. 

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-selfie-1-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260917_163812_495-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

Low-light (night mode)

Neither phone is particularly reliable for low-light photography, which is understandable given the price segment. For comparison, however, the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro handles light flares and exposure better than the Lava Virat V1 Pro. Both images have noticeable noise, although the Lava captures slightly more detail. However, the Tecno does better with colour accuracy and realism, while the Lava struggles to reproduce some colours accurately.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/tecno-night-mode-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/IMG_20260918_223157_223_NIGHT-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G" after="Lava Virat V1 Pro "]

Battery life: reliable enough

[pdp-expert-review]
The 5,200mAh battery delivers around a day's usage, but endurance is weaker than some rivals. Heavy users may want to look at phones with larger batteries and faster charging.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G packs a sizeable 5,200mAh battery with support for 15W charging. However, the battery capacity is relatively modest for this price segment, where several competing phones offer 6,000mAh batteries or larger. On the PCMark battery test, the phone lasted 10 hours and 36 minutes, which is in line with what we'd expect from its battery capacity.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42392,42381,41369,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

In everyday use, the Spark Go 3 Pro 4G should comfortably get you through most of a day, while its standby time is reasonably good. However, the 15W charging support is on the slower side, and the phone also appears to have room for improvement in terms of battery optimisation. It lost 7 percent battery after 60 minutes of YouTube streaming, which is slightly higher than what we observed on some competing phones. The battery drain was also higher than rivals after 30 minutes of BGMI and COD Mobile.

As a result, while the battery should be sufficient for regular usage, heavy users may find the Spark Go 3 Pro 4G's endurance and charging speeds underwhelming compared with some of its rivals.

Final Verdict

The Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G gets several important things right for an everyday smartphone. Its stylish design, IP68/IP69 protection, 120Hz display and useful software features make it an appealing option for buyers who prioritise durability and everyday usability. The cameras are also better than the specifications might suggest, particularly for portraits and selfies.

However, its limitations become harder to ignore at Rs 15,999. The Helio G81 SoC isn't particularly powerful, and the battery is smaller than what several rivals offer. The biggest consideration, though, is the lack of 5G connectivity. At this price, there are alternatives such as the Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G and HMD Vibe 2 5G (review) that offer 5G alongside stronger performance or different hardware advantages.

The Spark Go 3 Pro therefore makes more sense for buyers who prioritise design, durability, a large 120Hz display and decent cameras over performance, charging speeds and 5G.

Editor's rating: 7.7/10

Reasons to buy

• The smartphone has a good-looking and durable design with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. 
• Despite having modest cameras, the phone manages to capture better-than-expected photos, especially portraits and selfies.
• The Tecno phone has a large display with HD+ resolution but you get a 120Hz refresh rate, which helps improve the overall experience. 

Reasons to skip

• The phone doesn't support 5G, which feels lacking even at this price point.
• The chipset is quite underwhelming, delivering low benchmark scores and not being suitable for heavy usage.

Design: tough with a cool factor 

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is comfortable enough despite its 229-gram weight, but the black variant is rather plain for me. The Secret Sunrise is a much more interesting finish that adds character to the device. You also get great IP ratings and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which makes the phone extremely durable.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has a difficult job when it comes to design. A 10,000mAh battery naturally adds weight and bulk, so the phone needs to do a good job of distributing that weight. At 229 grams and around 8.6mm thick, it is certainly not a light phone, but it doesn't feel particularly unwieldy either. I got used to the weight after a couple of days of use, so Redmi did a good job here. 

The flat display and slightly rounded edges also make the phone comfortable enough to hold. The black variant I received, however, is rather boring to look at. It has a simple matte rear panel without much going on, so there isn't really anything here that makes the phone stand out.

The Matcha Green version or the Secret Sunrise finish is probably the one I'd have liked to try more. The latter can reveal a scenic pattern on the rear when the phone is exposed to sunlight, which gives the design more character. Alas, I didn't get the chance and thus cannot say much about them. 

The rest of the design is fairly standard, with uniform bezels around the display and power and volume buttons that are easy to reach. It isn't a phone that tries too hard with its looks, but the build quality is where it makes a much better impression.

[comparative-benchmark type="1000" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

You get IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings, along with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the display. That gives the phone a good level of protection against water, dust, scratches and the occasional drop. For a phone built around such a massive battery, I appreciate that Redmi has still managed to give it this level of durability.

Battery: no less than a power bank

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max's 10,000mAh battery delivers exceptional endurance, with a record 24-hour PCMark battery benchmark score and up to two days of real-world use. The 100W charger takes around 77 minutes to fully charge it, while 27W reverse charging is a great add-on to charge your accessories. 
[/pdp-expert-review]

The 10,000mAh battery is easily the biggest reason to consider the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, and in my experience, it more than lives up to the promise. The phone managed 24 hours in the PCMark battery test, which is the highest score we've recorded in this test to date. Considering that the test stresses the phone quite significantly, that is an excellent result.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

In actual daily use, the battery is just as impressive, if not more. Even with moderate to heavy usage, the phone can comfortably last two days, so you'll never really care about battery life. If you're a heavy user who spends a lot of time gaming, streaming or browsing, you should still be able to get through 1.5-2 days without much trouble.

The 10,000mAh capacity means you won't get the fastest charging speeds, but the included 100W charger makes up for it. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max took around 77 minutes to go from 20 to 100 per cent. You also get 27W reverse-wired charging, which can be useful for topping up accessories or another phone in a pinch.

[comparative-benchmark type="4000" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

We've tested plenty of phones with large batteries, but the Note 17 Pro Max has set a new benchmark for endurance in our testing. If battery life is high on your list of priorities, this is easily the phone's best feature.

Display: great visuals, but I'd like it to be brighter 

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has a vibrant 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, making it well suited for gaming and content. However, it falls behind some rivals in brightness and speaker output, while the 400 per cent audio boost can distort sound.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max gets a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 12-bit colour depth and up to 3,500 nits peak brightness. You also get HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, so there is plenty here for watching content and gaming. The panel is vibrant, sharp and generally a pleasure to use.

There is one area, however, where the competition is ahead. Compared to phones such as the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and Motorola Edge 70 Pro+, the display doesn't get as bright as I'd like, especially outdoors. It remains usable, but if you're expecting higher brightness in this segment, the Redmi falls a little short.

The 120Hz refresh rate is more than enough for everyday use and supported games, even though some competitors offer higher refresh rates. Content consumption is also helped by the large screen and Dolby Vision support.

[comparative-benchmark type="2000" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The stereo speakers are another weak point when you consider the competition. They support Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and a 400 per cent volume boost, but I found the output a little underpowered compared to some competing phones. The 400 per cent boost can also distort the sound, so I found the 200 per cent setting to be a better middle ground.

Overall, the display is still one of the phone's better parts, but it doesn't quite top the charts. The panel quality is good, but brightness and speaker output leave some room for improvement.

Cameras: good enough stills, not much else 

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max's primary camera takes good daylight shots with likeable colours, but the 8MP ultrawide and portrait shots can lack detail. So, the overall setup falls short at this price. Some rivals offer better hardware and more detailed results at a similar price.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max gets a 50MP primary camera with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide. The primary camera takes pretty good daylight shots, with likeable colours and decent detail. Given the phone's price, though, I expected a bit more from the overall camera setup.

This is where rivals like the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ have an advantage. Both offer better camera hardware, including dedicated telephoto cameras, 50MP ultrawide sensors and larger primary sensors. The difference is quite apparent in the results, with the competition generally producing shots with more detail and better texture.

I noticed the biggest drop in quality with human subjects. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max can produce pleasing colours, but people, especially in portrait shots, can sometimes look a little soft, with less facial detail than what I'd like to see. The processing isn't bad, but the images don't have the same level of definition that some of its rivals can deliver.

[smartslider3 slider=2192]

The 8MP ultrawide is also nothing special to talk about. There is a big drop in detail compared to the primary camera, and you don't get the same output that a higher-resolution ultrawide can offer. This makes the device feel limited when you want to do more than just shoot with the primary camera. Photography isn't one of the reasons I'd pick this phone.

I directly compared the phone's cameras against the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro to give you a better idea of its performance. Check it out below.

Daylight

When comparing the standard daylight shots of both phones, there are a few differences that are immediately apparent. The (4a) Pro's image is much sharper and more detailed across the frame compared to the Note 17 Pro Max. You can notice it in the tree cover towards the left, the shrubs in the front, and the ground texture. 

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Redmi-Note-17-Pro-Max-daylight-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Nothing-4a-Pro-daylight-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro Max" after="Nothing Phone (4a) Pro"]

The Note 17 Pro Max's only advantage in this scenario is that it renders the colours more accurately than the (4a) Pro, which enhances the contrast to make the image have more impact. 

Ultrawide

The same differences that we observed in daylight shots carry over to the ultrawide images. The Note 17 Pro Max's image has better colour continuity with its daylight counterpart, while the (4a) Pro's ultrawide image is even darker than its daylight shot.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Redmi-Note-17-Pro-Max-ultrawide-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Nothing-4a-Pro-ultrawide-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro Max" after="Nothing Phone (4a) Pro"]

Moving on from colours, the (4a) Pro is still substantially better in terms of details and sharpness than its competitor. 

Portrait

The (4a) Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, but for the sake of this comparison, we shot the scene at 1x, so it's still a comparison between the primary lens of both phones.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Redmi-Note-17-Pro-Max-portrait.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Nothing-4a-Pro-portrait-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro Max" after="Nothing Phone (4a) Pro"]

The Note 17 Pro Max, once again, has better colour science and outputs results closer the actual scene. In all other aspects, namely detail level, edge detection and subject and background separation, the (4a) Pro does things better. 

Selfie

In this particular scenario, the (4a) Pro reproduces the subject's skin tone and colours better than the Note 17 Pro Max. It also manages to preserve better facial details than its competitors while keeping the shot sharp across the frame.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Redmi-Note-17-Pro-Max-selfie-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Nothing-4a-Pro-selfie-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro Max" after="Nothing Phone (4a) Pro"]

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max manages to output a pleasing shot as well, but it does smooth out the subject's face and brightens up the skin tone. 

Lowlight 

With the dedicated night mode enabled on both phones, you'll immediately notice large discrepancies in both images. The Note 17 Pro Max's shots are slightly hazy, the details are softer, and its lens flare and ambient light correction aren't as good as its competitor. 

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Redmi-Note-17-Pro-Max-nightmode-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/Nothing-4a-Pro-nightmode-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Note 17 Pro Max" after="Nothing Phone (4a) Pro"]

The (4a) Pro manages to output a substantially sharper and better-detailed shot and also addresses the ambient light and lens flares rather well. It also doesn't increase the exposure and keeps the scene quite close to reality, which in turn means a clearer, more appealing image. 

Performance and software: could have been better 

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max handles everyday tasks without much trouble, but its performance is among the weaker aspects of the phone. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max promises four years of OS updates and six years of security support, which is decent. The device performs sufficiently for everyday use, but demanding games and heavier workloads expose the hardware's limitations. 
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage. On paper, this should be more than enough for regular tasks, and in my experience, the phone handles basic usage, app switching and everyday multitasking without much fuss.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

However, performance is one area where the Redmi is a little behind. Even when compared with camera-focused phones or devices that aren't particularly performance-oriented, the Note 17 Pro Max is still one of the less capable performers in this price segment.

[comparative-benchmark type="10" title="Geekbench single-core score" caption="Geekbench assesses the efficiency of the CPU's single and multiple cores (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

With memory and storage costs pushing up BOM prices, I can understand some of the compromises, but Redmi could have used the budget to improve performance a little more.

[comparative-benchmark type="11" title="Geekbench multi-core score" caption="Geekbench assesses the efficiency of the CPU's single and multiple cores (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," ][/comparative-benchmark]

You won't find the phone lagging all the time or struggling with basic tasks, but the difference becomes apparent when you start doing anything demanding. Games such as Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves can run at around 60fps on lower settings, while supported titles such as BGMI can go up to 90fps. However, you will feel the hardware limitations much more once you push the phone beyond regular usage.

Thermals are pretty decent, with the temperature increasing by around 4 degrees after 30 minutes of gaming. Overall, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is very usable for everyday tasks, but performance is one of the areas where I think the phone could have done more, especially at this price.

On the software side, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. The interface is largely easy to use, with features such as smoother animations, HyperIsland, depth and cinematic wallpapers, and a range of AI tools for writing, transcription, searches and image editing.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42075,41800,42053,41555," pias="62,30,46,53,"][/comparative-benchmark]

The pre-loaded apps count is also not unreasonable, with 62 apps installed out of the box, including 20 third-party apps. That is still on the higher side, but you can remove a lot of the third-party apps during the initial setup, which makes the process less tedious. Redmi also promises four years of OS updates and six years of security updates, which should keep the phone supported for a good few years.

Competition: a lot of good options

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max finds itself in a very competitive segment, with plenty of phones offering a different take on what a good device at this price should be.

The Nothing Phone 4a Pro (review) is a more camera-focused option. It gets a dedicated telephoto camera and better camera hardware across the board, along with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, a cleaner software experience and, in my opinion, a more interesting design. Its 5,500mAh battery is nowhere close to the Redmi's, though, while the software support is also slightly shorter.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ (review) takes a more balanced approach. It is powered by the Dimensity 8500 Extreme chipset and packs a 6,500mAh battery, while also offering good cameras with a dedicated telephoto lens. It also has a better design and cleaner software experience. There isn't an obvious limitation here, which makes it a fairly complete option for someone looking for an all-rounder.

If performance is your main priority, the brand's own Redmi Turbo 5 (review) is another option worth considering. It also uses the Dimensity 8500 chipset and packs a large 7,560mAh battery, while also offering a similar software commitment. It is slightly more compact than the Note 17 Pro Max and has stronger overall hardware, making it a decent alternative if performance matters more.

Verdict

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 49,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Rs 55,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. There are quite a few things to like about the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. The 10,000mAh battery offers unmatched endurance, the 1.5K AMOLED display is good for both gaming and content, and the phone has a durable build that should hold up well over time. The software support is also quite good, and the overall experience is reliable for everyday use.

The problem is that the asking price puts it in a segment with plenty of good alternatives, as I mentioned above. Some offer better cameras, others deliver greater performance, and a few offer a more balanced package without such compromises.

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max could still make sense with the right offline discounts or partner offers, especially for buyers who put battery life above everything else. At its current asking price, though, it is difficult to justify the phone's value on battery life alone. It is a capable and durable device, but whether the huge battery is enough to make up for its compromises is something each buyer will have to decide.

Editor's Rating: 7.8/10

Reasons to buy:

• The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max offers excellent battery life, easily lasting two days even with moderate to heavy use.
• The 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colours, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.
• With IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings, along with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the phone offers a high level of protection.
• Four years of OS updates and six years of security updates should keep the phone relevant for years.

Reasons not to buy:

• The phone isn't a good performer compared to the wider segment.
• The overall camera performance isn't quite as good as the competitors.
• The phone's price is high for the value it currently offers.

Reasons to buy Infinix Hot 70 Pro

Best-in-class durability

The Infinix Hot 70 Pro carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is still uncommon in this price segment. This gives the phone better protection against dust and water exposure than a typical budget smartphone, adding some reassurance for everyday use.

Sharp FHD+ display

The Infinix Hot 70 Pro stands out with its 6.76-inch FHD+ LCD display, which delivers sharper visuals than the lower-resolution panels increasingly found in this price segment. It also supports a 144Hz refresh rate, although the phone mostly operates at 90Hz in regular use. The display supports HDR playback and FHD resolution on supported streaming platforms, making it well suited for watching videos and other multimedia content.

Reliable everyday performance

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="41913,42273,42230,42370," ][/comparative-benchmark]

At the core of the Infinix Hot 70 Pro lies the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 SoC, which delivers dependable performance for everyday tasks such as calling, messaging, navigation, streaming, and social media. Its benchmark performance is also broadly competitive with similarly priced smartphones. Moreover, its 6,000mAh battery can comfortably last a full day with regular usage, while 45W charging is included in the box.

Long-term software support

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="41913,42230,42273,42453," pias="60,51,41,33,"][/comparative-benchmark]

The Hot 70 Pro runs Android 16-based XOS 16 and is promised three major Android upgrades and five years of security updates. This is longer than the 2+3-year software support commonly offered in this segment, making the phone a more suitable option for users who plan to keep it for several years. Infinix also offers useful AI features such as Context Awareness, Intelligent Suggestions, Circle to Search, and Recording Summary.

Reasons not to buy

Not ideal for heavy users

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="41913,42273,42230,42370," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Dimensity 7100 is capable of handling everyday tasks, but the phone starts showing noticeable stutters when multiple demanding activities are performed simultaneously. The 6,000mAh battery also falls behind several rivals that now offer 7,000mAh or larger batteries, while gaming can result in relatively high battery consumption.

Cameras could be better

[gallery link="none" columns="1" size="large" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="715521,715523,715524,715522"]

The Infinix Hot 70 Pro sports standard dual rear cameras with a 50MP primary sensor, which produces usable images. That said, detail reproduction isn't its strongest suit. Colours can also appear oversaturated, while skin tones in portraits aren't always natural. Low-light images retain a reasonable amount of detail, but the camera can overprocess colours, particularly around artificial lighting.

Verdict

If performance and cameras matter more to you than everything else, then alternatives such as Moto G77 Power (review) and iQOO Z11x (review) are worth considering. The Moto G77 Power delivers superior camera performance, while the iQOO smartphone outshines the Infinix offering with a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo SoC and a 7,000mAh battery for a few extra bucks.

The Infinix Hot 70 Pro, on the other hand, makes sense for users who prioritise display quality, durability, and long-term software support. The handset is priced in India starting at Rs 24,999.

This power bank came to me at the right moment. I've been using last year's iPhone 17 as my primary phone, and its battery health has dropped to 95%. While its battery life was nothing to write home about even at launch, it's only gotten worse over time. I use the iPhone 17 for its compact, handy form factor, and you can read my long-term review here for my detailed thoughts on how its battery has aged. The Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank is almost perfect for iPhones, especially the iPhone 17, since it doesn't add much to the thickness or weight.

It's all about that ultra-thin design

The name says it all. The Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic 5,000mAh Power Bank is designed to be sleek and compact, so it sits comfortably (and discreetly) in your hand. It's only 6mm thick, making it almost as slim as the iPhone Air, and it ensures the phone and power bank slide into your pocket with ease. It weighs just 98 grams, which Xiaomi says is less than the weight of two eggs (try to imagine holding two eggs in one hand, or better yet, do it and don't blame me if you drop them!).

The body uses an aluminium alloy shell that feels extremely soft to the touch, plus a fibreglass panel on the wireless charging side. Despite its thinness, it doesn't feel flimsy in hand. Xiaomi sells it in three colours, Radiant Orange, Glacier Silver, and Graphite Black, and the orange and silver options happen to line up neatly with Apple's own iPhone colourways if that's the ecosystem you're in.

The magnetic attachment itself is strong once it's properly aligned, holding on even when you pick the phone up one-handed. The one thing worth knowing is that case thickness matters. Xiaomi puts the limit at around 2.5mm before grip strength starts to suffer, so a rugged or heavy-duty magnetic-compatible case on a phone is likely to fight the magnets rather than work with them.

If you remove the Mi branding on the power bank, you might think Apple designed it, given how its curved edges almost perfectly match the corners of the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. It only proves the power bank was designed with the iPhone in mind, although its charging speed is better optimised for Xiaomi's own flagship. More on that in the next segment.

Convenience over charging and capacity

Xiaomi's UltraThin power bank supports up to 15W wireless output, but (and this is an important "but"), you will only get that full 15W speed on Xiaomi's own Xiaomi 17 series. Every other Qi-compatible phone, iPhones included, tops out at 7.5W wirelessly. Since the power bank isn't MagSafe Certified, the iPhone will charge slowly wirelessly as Apple caps wireless charging speed for anything that isn't certified, regardless of how well it attaches magnetically. To get the full 22.5W this power bank can deliver, you'll need to plug in over USB-C instead.

One thing you need to know is that while the Xiaomi UltraThin is marketed as a 5,000mAh power bank, it delivers a rated capacity of around 3,000mAh. This is typical of all power banks - the actual usable battery (rated) is always lower than the marketing number (typical). This means that a fully charged Xiaomi UltraThin is good enough to juice up the iPhone 17 (with a battery of 3,692mAh) from 20 to 100 percent once, while any phone bigger than that, such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro series, Galaxy S26 Ultra, etc will only charge up to 40-50 percent before the power bank is fully depleted.

Another thing to know is that the power bank can get noticeably warm or hot during charging because of its ultra-slim 6mm aluminium alloy profile, which can cause the phone to heat up and occasionally throttle charging speeds to manage the temperature.

Depending on the wall adapter and cable you use, it will take anywhere between 1.5 to a little over 2 hours to fully charge the Xiaomi power bank.

The Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic 5,000mAh Power Bank is not designed to compete with bulkier, cable-first power banks. It promises convenience over speed and capacity, and it delivers on that front.

Verdict

I mentioned earlier that the Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic 5,000mAh Power Bank is perfect for iPhones, but there are two sides to this coin. If you're using a base iPhone like the iPhone 17, the power bank provides almost a full charge before running out of juice, which is enough to last about a day and a half. But if you're using the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, don't expect a full top-up, as the power bank has a rated capacity of around 3,000mAh. Moreover, if you're planning to buy the new iPhone 18 Pro, this power bank makes even more sense, given that the new iPhones are heavier than their predecessors.

The Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 15W is priced at Rs 5,599 in India, which isn't cheap for a 5,000mAh power bank. You can find slimmer wired options from Xiaomi itself for less, and a 20,000mAh power bank at a similar price if raw capacity is what you're after. Neither of those gets you this form factor, though.

The case for buying this one comes down entirely to what you value. If your priority is charging speed or maximum battery backup per rupee, better options exist at this price, including options from Xiaomi itself, such as the 20,000mAh compact power bank at Rs 2,249 or the new Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000 45W available for Rs 3,999. But if you want something you can leave attached to your phone all day without noticing it's there, or slip into a pocket for a day out without the bulk of a traditional power bank, the UltraThin Magnetic 5000 makes a genuinely strong case for itself. It's a power bank built around convenience first, and on that specific promise, it delivers.

Editor's rating: 8 / 10

Pros:

• Extremely slim at 6mm and light at 98g
• Strong magnetic grip when paired with a compatible or thin case
• Supports simultaneous wired and wireless charging

Cons:

• Full 15W wireless charging is limited to Xiaomi's own flagship series
• iPhones cap out at 7.5W due to the lack of MagSafe Certification
• Gets warm during charging, which causes the phone to throttle charging speeds

Priced at Rs 79,999 in India, the Galaxy S26 FE enters a competitive segment with several capable alternatives. So, who should consider buying the Galaxy S26 FE? Let's find out in our detailed review.

Verdict

The Galaxy S26 FE gets several important things right, including its premium design, excellent AMOLED display, versatile cameras, and long-term software support. Its performance is capable of handling most tasks, if not extended gaming sessions. Moreover, its 4,900mAh battery may seem smaller than what some rivals offer, but it delivers reliable endurance for casual usage. To sum it up for you, the Galaxy S26 FE makes a compelling case for buyers who prioritise Samsung's software experience, display quality, and cameras.

Display, design: Large, bright and immersive

[pdp-expert-review]
The Galaxy S26 FE offers a premium and durable design with an aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and an IP68 rating. Its 6.7-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers vibrant colours, slim bezels, and enough brightness for comfortable outdoor use. The stereo speakers further enhance the multimedia experience with loud and clear audio.
[/pdp-expert-review]

As mentioned above, the Galaxy S26 FE shares the same design language as the Galaxy S26 and S26+. In fact, it is similar in size to the Galaxy S26+, giving it a tall and relatively large form factor. Despite its size, the phone feels light in hand and is comfortable to hold. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, an aluminium frame, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front, which together create a sturdy, durable build.

You can read more about the Galaxy S26 FE's design in our detailed first look here. The smartphone is available in three colour options: Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio.

Up front, the Galaxy S26 FE features a large 6.7-inch FHD+ (1080 × 2340 pixels) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,900 nits of peak brightness. The display specifications are largely the same as those on the Galaxy S26 and S26+, although the peak brightness is lower on the FE. That said, the panel gets bright enough for comfortable outdoor use.

Samsung's displays have always been a personal favourite, and the Galaxy S26 FE is no exception. The panel delivers vibrant, punchy colours that make not just watching content but even everyday scrolling feel more immersive. The slim bezels also leave plenty of screen real estate, which I particularly enjoyed while reading 'manhwa' (webtoon). The visuals take up almost the entire screen, while the rich colours make the artwork stand out.

The experience is further complemented by the stereo speakers, which get loud without compromising on clarity. The speakers also offer a fairly immersive, surround-sound-like experience, making the Galaxy S26 FE well-suited for watching videos and other forms of entertainment.

Cameras: Consistent and reliable

[pdp-expert-review]
The Galaxy S26 FE offers a versatile camera setup with a 50MP primary, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP 3x telephoto lens. It delivers good daylight shots with accurate colours and detail, while also performing strongly in low light. Compared with the OnePlus 15R, the S26 FE offers a more consistent overall camera experience, particularly in colour accuracy, dynamic range, and noise control.
[/pdp-expert-review]

For photography, the Galaxy S26 FE features a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. For selfies, there's a 12MP front camera. Overall, this is a versatile camera setup that covers most of the key use cases you'd expect from a smartphone in this segment. The handset captures good daylight images with accurate colours and plenty of detail. It also gets a 3x telephoto lens for zoom shots and portraits, although the results can lack some detail and sharpness.

[smartslider3 slider="2185"]

For a better understanding, we compared the Galaxy S26 FE's cameras with the OnePlus 15R, which has a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 32MP front camera. 

Daylight

In daylight photography, the OnePlus 15R captures images with finer details and superior dynamic range. However, the Galaxy S26 FE does a better job with colour accuracy and contrast, as the 15R tends to produce slightly oversaturated colours. 

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/s26-fe-daylight-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/15r-daylight-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Samsung Galaxy S26 FE" after="OnePlus 15R"]

Ultra-wide

Moving on to the ultra-wide camera, the Galaxy S26 FE's 12MP sensor captures better details and colour consistency than the OnePlus 15R. The latter also tends to overexpose shots, making the sky appear unnatural. While the 15R offers a wider dynamic range, the S26 FE does a better job of controlling distortion.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/s26-fe-uw-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/15r-uw-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Samsung Galaxy S26 FE" after="OnePlus 15R"]

Selfies

Coming to selfies, the Galaxy S26 FE delivers more natural-looking skin tones and better colour consistency, while the OnePlus 15R produces images that may look more appealing for social media. Both phones capture a similar level of detail, although the S26 FE has a slight edge. The S26 FE also performs significantly better in terms of dynamic range.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/s26-fe-selfie-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/15r_selfie_10000-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Samsung Galaxy S26 FE" after="OnePlus 15R"]

Portraits

Portraits tell a slightly different story. Although it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, the OnePlus 15R reproduces natural-looking skin tones and the subject's T-shirt colour better. It also captures slightly better details and clarity, although there is noticeable smoothing. This doesn't detract from the overall natural look, and it preserves shadows well. Edge detection and bokeh are closely matched, but the 15R produces a slightly more natural-looking portrait overall.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/s26-fe-portrait-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/15r-portrait-1-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Samsung Galaxy S26 FE" after="OnePlus 15R"]

Low-light

The Galaxy S26 FE has a clear lead in low-light photography. It handles light flares and exposure better than the OnePlus 15R, while also delivering less noise and better details. In terms of colour accuracy, the 15R tends to add too much contrast, resulting in a less natural look. The S26 FE, on the other hand, produces colours that appear closer to reality.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/s26-fe-lowlight-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/15r-lowlight-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Samsung Galaxy S26 FE" after="OnePlus 15R"]

Night mode

With Night Mode enabled, the OnePlus 15R shows a slight improvement in controlling light flares and exposure. However, the Galaxy S26 FE continues to have the edge in noise control and detail retention. Colours also look more natural and accurate on the S26 FE.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/s26-fe-night-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/15r-night-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Samsung Galaxy S26 FE" after="OnePlus 15R"]

Overall, the Galaxy S26 FE delivers a more consistent camera experience, particularly in low light and with its ultra-wide camera. The OnePlus 15R has its strengths in daylight details and portraits, but the S26 FE's better colour accuracy, dynamic range, and noise control give it the edge overall.

Software: Latest version with useful upgrades

[pdp-expert-review]
The Galaxy S26 FE offers a polished software experience with One UI 9 based on Android 17, along with seven OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. The latest interface adds subtle visual and usability improvements, including a waveform in the minimised music player, thicker brightness and volume sliders, and a resizable media player. Together, these additions make the software experience feel more interactive and refined.
[/pdp-expert-review]

When it comes to software, Samsung has always had an edge, offering an intuitive and interactive experience with plenty of customisation options. The brand was also among the first to extend software support to seven years, making its phones a strong choice for long-term use. The Galaxy S26 FE has an advantage here, running the latest One UI 9 based on Android 17 out of the box, with Samsung promising seven OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.

One UI 9 brings some subtle visual changes that add to the overall experience. For instance, the minimised music player now displays the music waveform, adding an interactive touch that is reminiscent of older desktop music players. The brightness and volume sliders are also thicker, making them easier to adjust, while the media player can be resized into a square tile or expanded into a full-length widget. These additions may seem minor, but they make the interface feel more polished and add a little more personality to everyday use.

Performance: good for everyday use

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The Galaxy S26 FE delivers capable performance with the Exynos 2500, handling everyday tasks, multitasking, streaming, and gaming with ease. It also maintains good frame rates in demanding games, although the phone tends to heat up during extended gaming sessions. Overall, performance is solid, but thermal management could be better.
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The Galaxy S26 FE is powered by the Exynos 2500 chipset, the same processor found in last year's Galaxy Z Flip7. Built on a 3nm process, this deca-core chipset delivers respectable performance in our in-house benchmark tests. The phone scored 2,471,984 on AnTuTu, while Geekbench returned scores of 2,346 in the single-core test and 7,911 in the multi-core test. These results indicate that the Galaxy S26 FE is well-equipped to handle everything from everyday tasks to more demanding workloads.

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In real-world usage, we did not encounter any noticeable performance issues. Our usage primarily involved multitasking, scrolling through social media, streaming content, and some light gaming, all of which the phone handled with ease.

However, the phone does tend to heat up (not uncomfortably) slightly during extended gaming sessions or multitasking. After 30 minutes of playing COD Mobile and BGMI, the average temperature increase was slightly higher than what we recorded on some of its rivals. On the positive side, the Galaxy S26 FE maintains good frame rates in both games, making it a capable gaming phone despite the thermal concerns.

Battery: ideal for casual users

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The Galaxy S26 FE's 4,900mAh battery may look modest, but it can get through most of a day with regular use. Heavy usage may require a top-up by the end of the day. The phone supports 45W wired charging, which may not be the fastest in the segment but is respectable for a sub-5,000mAh battery.
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Battery life is not the Galaxy S26 FE's biggest strength. The phone packs a modest 4,900mAh battery, which is considerably smaller than what many similarly priced rivals offer, with some featuring batteries of 7,000mAh or more. This difference is reflected in both our benchmark results.

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However, in everyday use, the phone can comfortably last through most of the day. Heavier usage, such as gaming, video recording, or prolonged hotspot use, may have you reaching for the charger by the end of the day. This shouldn't be a major concern, though, thanks to the 45W wired charging support, which is adequate for the sub-5,000mAh battery. You will need to purchase a compatible PD charger separately, but with one, the S26 FE can charge from 20 to 100 percent in around an hour. The smartphone also supports 15W wireless charging.

Final Verdict

The Galaxy S26 FE brings much of what makes Samsung's flagship phones appealing to a more accessible price point. It has a premium and comfortable design, an excellent AMOLED display, capable cameras, and one of the strongest software support commitments in the segment. One UI 9 also adds a polished and feature-rich experience, while the Exynos 2500 delivers reliable performance for everyday use and gaming.

The smartphone comes with some compromises, particularly for power users, in terms of thermal efficiency and battery life. However, it remains a compelling option for those who prioritise Samsung's software experience, display quality, cameras, and long-term software support. If these are your key priorities, the Galaxy S26 FE is worth considering.

Editor's rating: 8.5/10

Reasons to buy

• The handset's display produces bright and punchy colours, while offering a smooth scrolling experience.
• Despite its tall and large frame, the phone is quite lightweight.
• It comes with seven years of software support, making it highly reliable for long-term use.
• The smartphone takes good daylight photos with accurate colours and plenty of detail.

Reasons to skip

• Heavy usage may drain the battery before the end of the day.
• The phone may get slightly warm during extended gaming sessions.