Amkette’s EvoFox has announced the launch of EvoFox Deck, India’s first-ever smartphone gaming console, as described by the brand itself. This EvoFox Deck smartphone gamepad aims to elevate the mobile gaming experience for gamers by offering enhanced performance, features and an exclusive Android and iOS Application as well.
EvoFox Deck Gamepad: Price, Availability
The Deck is available at a launch price of Rs 2,999. It can be purchased via exclusively via Amazon India. The original price of the gamepad is Rs 3,299, as listed on the brand’s own website.
EvoFox Deck Gamepad: Features
The EvoFox Deck is a full featured gamepad, with native support for both Android and iOS platforms, a KeyMap Mode specially for Android for Touch Based Games and support for popular Cloud Gaming Platforms. The Gamepad sports Magnetic Hall Joysticks, RGB Halo Effect, backlit buttons with customizable mood lighting, and up to 8 hours of continuous gameplay.
The Deck offers two modes for Smartphones – The Dojo Mode with Native support on Android and iOS and the Keymap mode for Android only. In Addition the Deck also has a PC mode with X Input Support for Windows PC games.
The exclusive Dojo App for Android and iOS acts as a bridge between the smartphone and the gamepad for games with native controller support, offering setup guides, access to thousands of games across multiple genres, and a game centre for easy access and updates. Downloadable from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, the EvoFox Dojo app pairs with EvoFox controllers and will be constantly updated with new features, as per EvoFox.
With the Keymap Mode, users can map their touch points to the controller and play touch only games like BGMI, Free Fire, Genshin Impact (on Android), and Mobile Legends. The Deck also supports all popular cloud and game streaming platforms like Steam Link, PS Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Jio Cloud Games, as well as popular emulators such as PPSSPP, PSX, and N64.
The Deck features magnetic hall joysticks, providing 360° seamless and precise conrol. The digital microswitch triggers offer high responsiveness and tactile feedback. The gamepad is made with materials such as prime polymers and generous silicone.
Google Maps has received a set of new UI changes accounting for a redesign with a Sheets-based user interface. These changes were first spotted being tested back in February of this year, followed by another round of testing in May. Now, the redesign for Google Maps is rolling out to everyone.
As spotted by 9to5Google, these sheets in the UI, with their more rounded corners, display the map more prominently, highlighting the background layer. This redesign not only helps preserve context while navigating the App but also gives Google Maps a lighter appearance. If one wants to close these sheets, they’ll have to tap on a new ‘x’ button in the top-right corner of the sheet, or by swiping back from the left/right EDGE of the display, which is the normal back gesture used across the system.
Old UI (Left), New UI (Right); Image Credits: 9to5Google
Another significant change is in the directions search interface. While the initial UI for entering your destination, complete with the transportation methods switcher and a list of recent locations, remains unchanged as a fullscreen page, the post-entry interface has been updated.
Old UI (Left), New UI (Right); Image Credits: 9to5Google
Now, the top of the screen only displays the start and end locations, and the mode switcher has been relocated to the bottom for better reachability. According to the report, the Google Maps redesign is rolling out to users on Android only for now, as the change isn’t visible on the iOS version of Google Maps yet.
As for other news related to Google Maps, the navigation service is set to receive support for Satellite Connectivity according to a recent leak. Google Maps will allow you to update your location in the app via satellite at 15-minute intervals, up to five times a day. This could be a useful and probably a life-saving feature if you’re stuck in an area with no network reception.
Sony India has announced the launch of two new soundbars in India, including the Theatre Bar 8 and the Theatre Bar 9. The new premium soundbars from Sony come with features like 360 Spatial audio mapping, Sound field optimisation, and much more. Here’s everything they offer along with their pricing details.
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8, Bar 9: Price, Availability, Offers
BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 and Bar 9 soundbars will be available across Sony retail stores (Sony Center and Sony Exclusive), ShopAtSC portal, major electronic stores, and other e-commerce websites in India from today, 15th July 2024 onwards. The Bar 8 has a price tag of Rs 89,990 while the Bar 9 is priced at Rs 1,29,990.
There is an additional cashback offer of Rs 8,000 on Bar 8 and Rs 10,000 on Bar 9, which can be availed through selected credit cards in both online and offline channels. A special combo offer discount of Rs 8,000 is also available on the purchase of selected BRAVIA televisions along with the two new soundbars.
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8, Bar 9: Features
The Theatre Bar 9 and Bar support optional subwoofers and rear speakers to enhance your audio setup. The wireless subwoofer delivers deep bass with its powerful driver and passive radiator. Meanwhile, the wireless rear speakers, such as the SA-RS5, feature up-firing speakers and built-in batteries for flexible placement without the need for power outlets.
The soundbars utilise Sony’s Proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, where multiple phantom speakers are generated in locations where there are no actual physical speakers, such as above or to the side. This enables a 360 spatial sound experience that is optimized for a specific home setting, with a wide sound field.
With the new soundbars, one can experience 360 Spatial Sound Mapping using just a single soundbar. Additionally, compared to their predecessor models, the new Bar 8 and Bar 9 have more speaker units, producing a more immersive 360 Spatial Sound experience. In addition, as they support Sound Field Optimisation, the soundbars automatically adjust and tune each speaker based on the layout of your room to help find the optimum location to place your system.
The soundbars have support for audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos immersive audio and DTS, along with an IMAX Enhanced certification as well. Acoustic Center Sync feature integrates your sound system, such as a soundbar, with the TV so that the sound precisely matches the action on the screen. When you combine Bravia TVs and Bravia Theatre products, the Acoustic Center Sync function fuses the sound of the TV’s speakers and the soundbar seamlessly, “creating a cinema-like experience where the sound appears to come directly from the TV screen,” as per Sony.
The soundbars support Voice Zoom 3 technology that’s powered by AI. The feature helps recognizes human dialogue through an AI algorithm and then amplifies or reduces its volume, ensuring that even subtle dialogue sounds loud and clear. Settings for Voice Zoom 3 and the Bravia Theatre Bar 8 and Bar 9, when connected to Bravia, can be operated using the new Bravia Connect App (formerly Home Entertainment Connect App) without displaying the menu bar on the TV screen while watching a movie.
The Bravia Connect app also allows users to adjust settings, manage audio preferences, and access additional features. For those who are also into gaming, the soundbars offer support for 8K/4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). They further feature HDMI ARC and Optical Input for seamless connectivity with various devices.
Itel has launched a new budget 5G smartphone in India, the Itel Color Pro 5G. The brand’s new Color Pro 5G competes with the Realme C65 5G and Redmi 13C 5G in the segment. The new device from Itel packs a MediaTek Dimensity Chipset under the hood. Here’s what else it has to offer.
Itel Color Pro 5G: Price, Availability, Offers
The Color Pro 5G costs Rs 9,999 for the sole 6GB + 128GB model. Itel is also offering some benefits to consumers who purchase the device, such as a free screen replacement worth Rs 1,999 within 100 days of purchase. Buyers will also get a free Duffle bag worth Rs 3,000. The handset will be available in Lavender Fantasy and River Blue shades.
Itel Color Pro 5G: Specifications
The Color Pro 5G sports a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a Resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and a Refresh Rate of 90Hz. It packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC paired with 6GB RAM and up to 128GB of storage. At the rear, it gets a dual camera setup including a 50MP main sensor and an AI sensor. There’s an 8MP front-facing sensor for selfies and video calls.
The device is backed by a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. It also gets a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. Connectivity options on the device include 5G, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a USB-C port for charging.
Itel Color Pro 5G: Competition
The Itel Color Pro 5G’s main competitor is the Redmi 13C 5G. Priced starting at Rs 10,499, which is higher than the price of Color Pro 5G, the Redmi 13C 5G offers you lower RAM while the 6GB RAM model is priced at Rs 11,999. Both of these devices have a Dimensity chipset under the hood that offer a similar performance according to their respective on-paper specs.
However, because the Dimensity 6080 has a higher clock speed than that of Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G, you can expect slightly better performance on Itel’s handset, also because it is paired with more RAM. Moreover, the Itel device has an 8MP front-facing sensor while the Redmi device has a 5MP sensor. While we won’t comment on which one is better in real world, we can say Itel’s device has a better sensor on the basis of on-paper specs.
Design-wise, the device also offers a colour-changing back panel, which isn’t available on other devices in this segment. Overall, the Itel Color Pro 5G seems like a decent offering in its segment even while considering the competition from established brands like Xiaomi. Stay tuned for our detailed review of the handset that’s coming soon.
For a couple of months, HMD Global’s whole portfolio has been constantly leaked. New renders for the HMD Skyline now give us our first detailed look at the handset, which confirms that HMD is working on reviving the iconic Nokia Lumia design, which was a widely appreciated feature of Lumia smartphones back in the day. Here’s what it’ll have to offer.
HMD Skyline Renders
As leaked by a Belgian retailer listing (now deleted) and tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore on X, the new Skyline will likely be available in at least two colours, such as black and pink. The HMD Skyline will also have a dual rear camera system and an LED flash.
The HMD Skyline’s frame will be rectangular with sharp edges, while inside, there’ll be a display with curved corners, resembling the Fabula design language first introduced with Nokia Lumia devices years ago. Because Antenna bands can be noticed on the frame, we suspect it will be made of metal, which should account for a premium in-hand feel.
What’s also interesting is the presence of a textured third button on the left spine, aside from the power and volume buttons on the right side. It is possible this button could serve various purposes for triggering certain functions of the device, or it could also be re-mappable. While the bezels around the display won’t be even on all sides, it surely is set to have a distinctive look over other handsets from different brands available in the market, all of which have a similar form factor nowadays.
As per a previous report, the Skyline will purportedly sport a 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Processor under the hood. It’ll have up to 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage.
On the rear, it will have three cameras, including a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a tertiary 2MP macro or depth sensor. For selfies, there’ll be a 32 MP snapper. The handset is expected to sport a 4,900mAh battery with support for 33W fast wired charging.
It will be IP67 certified for dust and water resistance and will run Android 14 out of the box. It could also employ an optical under-display fingerprint sensor and a stereo speaker setup.
In the evolving landscape of Indian retail, online marketplaces have become pivotal in enhancing the consumer shopping experience, particularly for personal electronics. Despite a rich legacy of offline channels, the past decade has seen a significant shift towards online buying.
This trend is driven by factors such as electronics products’ non-perishability and portability, innovations in supply chain logistics, and the wealth of information available on different platforms. Electronics, especially personal electronics like smartphones, have emerged as a key offering on e-commerce platforms, contributing over 50% of the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of marketplaces in India.
TechArc conducted a comprehensive survey to evaluate which marketplace—Amazon or Flipkart—offers a better experience for purchasing personal electronics. This evaluation focuses on critical categories such as smartphones, smart TVs, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, and soundbars.
Smartphones
Smartphones are a crucial category in personal electronics, accounting for more than 60% of the electronics GMV on marketplaces (Amazon and Flipkart), according to research by TechArc.However, Amazon holds a slight advantage due to its cleaner interface and the use of multiple product images, which enhance user engagement and make complex technologies more comprehensible.
For instance, Amazon’s listing for the OnePlus 12 (Flowy Emerald, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage) showcases the camera setup and fast-charging mechanism through images, aiding buyers in quicker decision-making. In contrast, Flipkart’s listing for the same model is informative but less visually engaging.
Amazon’s Strength: Visual Engagement
Clean Interface: Amazon’s product pages are designed for ease of navigation.
Engaging Images: Multiple product images help demystify complex technologies.
Flipkart’s Strength: Comprehensive Details
Informative Listings: Flipkart doesn’t lag far behind, offering extensive product details.
User Reviews: Flipkart’s review system helps potential buyers make informed decisions.
Smart TVs
The report says Smart TVs straddle the line between personal and consumer electronics and are often seen as a family device in India. The detailed descriptions of smart TVs on Amazon provide consumers with a higher level of confidence in their purchase decisions. The LG 80 cm (32 inches) HD Ready Smart LED TV M563BPTC, for example, is listed on Amazon with exhaustive information about its features and specifications, compared to a basic description on Flipkart.
Amazon’s Strength: Exhaustive Information
Detailed Descriptions: Amazon provides comprehensive details about features and specifications.
User Confidence: Detailed information increases buyer confidence.
Flipkart’s Strength: Organized Layout
Ease of Use: Flipkart’s organized layout makes it easy to find key information quickly.
Comparative Listings: Side-by-side comparison features help users evaluate different models.
TWS Earbuds
The TWS earbud category is highly competitive, with numerous domestic and global players. Detailed information on features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and audio enhancement technologies like Dolby support is crucial for consumers. Amazon excels in providing comprehensive details about TWS earbuds, as evidenced by the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 listing, which includes extensive product information, compared to the more succinct listing on Flipkart.
Amazon’s Strength: Comprehensive Details
Feature-Rich Listings: Detailed information about features like ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Dolby support.
Visual Aids: High-quality images and sometimes videos to showcase the product.
Flipkart’s Strength: User Feedback
Detailed Reviews: User reviews provide insights into real-world performance.
Rating System: Star ratings help users quickly gauge product quality.
Soundbars
Well, on the Soundbards front Report highlights that they are gaining traction as they enhance the audio/video content consumption experience. They are becoming a must-have electronic gadget in homes, mini-home theatres, and public places. Detailed product information is essential for consumers to make informed decisions. Explaining via an example, reports said that Amazon’s boAt Aavante Bar Tune listing provides extensive details, helping consumers understand the product better. In contrast, Flipkart’s listing for the same model is less detailed.
Amazon’s Strength: In-Depth Listings
Comprehensive Descriptions: Detailed product information helps consumers understand the nuances of different models.
Enhanced Discovery: Amazon’s algorithm helps users discover soundbars that match their preferences.
Flipkart’s Strength: Accessibility
User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and well-organized product pages.
Detailed Specifications: Clear and concise product details.
Take Away
The availability of comprehensive product information is a key enabler of trust and confidence among potential buyers. In TechArc’s comparative analysis of Amazon and Flipkart, Amazon consistently provides more detailed and deeper information about personal electronics. This aligns with the needs of today’s information-driven buyers and helps eliminate potential roadblocks that could hinder the buying process. By offering exhaustive product details, Amazon ensures a seamless and fast buying process, allowing consumers to make quicker but informed purchases.
While Amazon could further enhance the immersive experience by incorporating more videos and interactivity leveraging AI, according to the TechArc report, it currently stands out as the better marketplace for purchasing personal electronics in India.
The findings highlight the importance of information availability in fostering consumer trust and ensuring a smooth shopping experience. As personal electronics continue to be a significant category in e-commerce, marketplaces must prioritize providing detailed and accurate product information to retain and attract customers.
Qualcomm, a major player in the semiconductor industry, will soon launch a new Snapdragon 5G Chipset aimed at budget smartphones priced around $100. This strategic move is set to democratize access to high-speed internet, making 5G technology more accessible to a broader audience.
Sources familiar with the development told The Mobile Indian, “The Snapdragon 5G Chipset that will power budget smartphones that cost less than Rs 8000 will be unveiled on July 30 data event in Delhi.” The launch will signify Qualcomm’s strategic move to capture a segment that MediaTek has predominantly dominated and help Indians stay connected.
Last month, in an interview with The Mobile Indian, Savi Soin, President of Qualcomm India, said, “We are working with our partners to bring 5G to the affordable segment, and consumers can expect an announcement in the second half of this year just after the Cricket T20 World Cup.”
Currently, the cheapest 5G smartphone in India is the Lava Yuva 5G, which is priced at Rs 9,499 and features the Unisoc processor.
Even Saurabh Arora, who heads Mobile, Compute, and XR Business Development at Qualcomm India, confirmed to The Mobile Indian in May this year that the chipmaker is working with its partners to bring down 5G smartphone prices to a sub $100 price point, which is approximately Rs 8,000 when converted to INR. “We are on track with our goal to bring 5G to the masses at an affordable price tag,” said Arora.
Soin had also said, “Qualcomm has started working on bringing AI capabilities to budget and mid-budget processors; we will see them in action at the end of 2024 or maybe early 2025.”
Brand and Operator Partnerships
Qualcomm will share details about the new processor’s capabilities and features on July 30. However, according to our sources, who are familiar with the development, announcements regarding Qualcomm’s brand partnerships and operator collaborations will be made at a later stage. These partnerships are crucial as they will determine the rollout and availability of smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s new Processor across different markets.
Potential Early Adopter: Xiaomi
Xiaomi is expected to be among the first brands to launch smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s new processor, according to our sources. It is anticipated Xiaomi, known for its prominent position in the budget smartphone market, may also unveil 5G smartphones priced under $100 (approx Rs 8,352), utilizing the new Qualcomm processor.
Furthermore, given Qualcomm’s extensive collaborations with major global smartphone manufacturers, it is predicted that many well-known brands will swiftly adopt this new technology. Incorporating this chipset into their product lines will play a pivotal role in making affordable 5G smartphones more accessible.
Budget Market
In India’s dynamic technology market, MediaTek, the global semiconductor giant, powered 47% of the 311 smartphones launched in 2023, according to research by The Mobile Indian.
In 2023, MediaTek became the leading player in the Indian smartphone market, with an impressive 47% share of the 311 smartphones launched in India being powered by their chipsets. This was 20% higher than their closest competitor, Qualcomm, which powered 84 smartphones. Interestingly, MediaTek’s portfolio included a perfect budget and premium 4G and 5g chipsets.
Chipset Distribution in Smartphones launched in 2023
The distribution breakdown further revealed MediaTek’s significant lead at 47%, followed by Qualcomm at 27%, Unisoc at 13%, Exynos at 7%, Apple Bionic at 4%, and Google Tensor at 2%.
However, this might change as Qualcomm has been notably absent in the budget 5G category, which has seen significant growth and competition. Now, as it gets ready to enter the budget 5G space, Mediatek will face a challenge.
Qualcomm plans to make 5G smartphones affordable, ensuring that devices powered by Qualcomm technology are accessible across various price brackets. Qualcomm would be hoping that the new Snapdragon processor will play a major role in getting Indians on the 5G highway.
Supporting Design in India Initiatives
Interestingly, the expected launch of an affordable Snapdragon 5G chipset aligns with the government of India’s ‘Design in India’ push. Our sources have said that Qualcomm’s India team has played a major role in its development, highlighting the country’s growing expertise and capabilities in advanced technology design and development.
What can consumers expect?
Qualcomm’s expected introduction of a budget 5G chipset will provide consumers with more processor choices and the option to transition from 4G to 5G at a cost of around Rs 8,000, offering enhanced digital experiences at a lower price.
Until now, Qualcomm’s 5G SOCs have been mostly available in higher-end and mid-end smartphones, which often come at a price tag that not all mobile users can afford. Qualcomm’s new chipset aims to change this by making the benefits of 5G, such as faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity, accessible to a larger market.
Outlook
The launch of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 5G processor will represent a step towards making high-speed internet more accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, by aligning with national initiatives and leveraging local expertise, Qualcomm aims to significantly contribute to the mobile technology landscape in India and beyond.
This move aligns with Qualcomm’s ongoing efforts to expand the reach of 5G technology globally. Qualcomm is set to facilitate the adoption of 5G in emerging markets and among budget-conscious consumers by lowering the cost barrier. This development is particularly significant for regions with limited high-speed internet access due to the cost of compatible devices.
Honor has announced the launch of two new foldables in China, including the Honor Magic V3 and the Magic Vs3. The Magic V3 comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 under the hood with a display that can reac up to 5000 nits of peak HDR brightness. The Vs3, on the other hand, offers Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor under the hood.
Honor Magic V3: Specifications, Price
The Honor Magic V3’s 12GB + 256GB model is priced at CNY 8,999 (approx Rs 1,03,600) in China. The 16GB + 512GB model costs CNY 9,999 (approx Rs 1,15,100), while the 16GB RAM variant with 1TB of storage costs CNY 10,999 (approx Rs 1,26,600).
The Honor Magic V3 is just 9.2mm thin when folded and 4.35mm when unfolded. has a 6.43-inches outer cover screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio, a Resolution of 2376 x 1060 pixels, with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, 5000 nits peak brightness and 4320Hz PWM Dimming. It is protected with Glory Rhino glass.
The inner LTPO OLED panel is 7.92-inches in size with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 2344 x 2156 pixels resolution. Both displays carry support for 10-bit color depth and can cover up to 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. There’s stylus support for both the displays.
Under the hood, the smartphone houses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. On the software front, it boots Android 14-based Magic OS 8.0.1.
The device features a triple camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP f/1.6 primary sensor with OIS, a 40MP f/2.2 ultra-wide unit with Autofocus and macro mode support, and a 50MP telephoto snapper with OIS and f/3.0 aperture. Further, it has a pair of 20MP f/2.2 shooters, one in the inner screen and one in the outer cover display.
Connectivity options on the handset include dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, IR blaster, NFC, and USB 3.1 Gen1 (Type-C). Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, dual stereo speakers with support for DTS: X Ultra and 3 microphones. Finally, the device packs a 5,150mAh battery and suppprts 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. The handset is also IPX8 rated.
Honor Magic Vs3: Specifications, Price
The Magic Vs3 is priced at CNY 6,999 (approx Rs 80,600) for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB configurations are priced at CNY 7,699 (approx Rs 88,600) and CNY 8,699 (approx Rs 1,00,100), respectively.
The Honor Magic Vs3 also has a 6.43-inches LTPO OLED outer cover screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio, a Resolution of 2376 x 1060 pixels, up to a 120Hz refresh rate, 2500 nits peak brightness and 3840Hz PWM Dimming. It also supports Dolby Vision.
The inner panel is 7.92-inches in size with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 2344 x 2156 pixels resolution. Both displays carry support for 10-bit color depth and can cover up to 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. There’s stylus support for both the displays.
Under the hood, the smartphone houses Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It comes with a Dual TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) Security System co-developed with Qualcomm for hardware-level security. On the software front, it boots Android 14-based Magic OS 8.0.1. In addition, it packs up to 16GB storage and up to 1TB of storage.
The device features a triple camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP f/1.9 primary sensor with OIS, a 40MP f/2.2 ultra-wide unit with Autofocus and macro mode support, and an 8MP telephoto snapper with 5x Optical Zoom and f/3.4 aperture. Further, it has a 16MP f/2.2 shooter each on the inner and outer screens.
Connectivity options on the handset include dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, IR Blaster, NFC, and USB 3.1 Gen1 (Type-C). Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, dual stereo speakers with support for DTS: X Ultra and 3 microphones. Finally, the device packs a 5,000mAh battery and suppprts 66W wired charging paired with 50W wireless charging.
Oppo has announced the launch of two new Reno series devices in India, dubbed the Reno 12 and the Reno 12 Pro. Both of these have launched internationally but the Indian models differ from international models in terms of specifications. Here’s what the nee Oppo Reno 12 5G and the Reno 12 Pro 5G have to offer.
Oppo Reno 12 Series: Price, Availability
The Reno 12 Pro is priced at Rs 36,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model and Rs 40,999 for the 12GB + 512GB model. The Reno 12 comes in a single model, including 8GB + 256GB priced at Rs 32,999. The devices will be available for purchase via Oppo’s e-store, Flipkart, and other leading retailers. The Reno 12 Pro will go on sale from July 18 while the Reno 12 will be available starting July 25.
The Pro model can be availed in Sunset Gold and Space Brown shades while the standard model is available in Sunset Peach, Astro Silver, and Matte Brown shades.
Buyers can avail cashback of up to Rs 4,000 on purchase of Reno 12 series with select bank cards.
Oppo Reno 12: Specifications
The Reno 12 5G gets a 6.7-inch AMOLED quad curved-edge screen with FHD+ Resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, 1200 nits peak brightness, HDR10+ support, 240Hz touch sampling rate, Gorilla Glass 7i protection, 2160Hz PWM dimming and a 120Hz refresh rate. It gets a 32-megapixel f/2.0 front-facing camera with auto-focus and EIS.
Its rear-facing triple camera system gets an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 f/1.8 main camera, an 8-megapixel IMX355 f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, and a 2-megapixel f/2.4 macro sensor.
The Reno 12 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy Edition chipset coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage which is also expandable. The device has a 5000mAh battery with 80W Fast charging support.
As for other additional features, there is an in-display optical fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, IR Blaster, and a USB-C port for charging. It runs on ColorOS 14.1 based on Android 14 and is also IP65 rated.
Oppo Reno 12 Pro: Specifications
The Reno 12 Pro 5G (Review) gets a 6.7-inch AMOLED quad curved-edge screen with FHD+ Resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, 1200 nits peak brightness, HDR10+ support, 240Hz touch sampling rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming and a 120Hz refresh rate. It gets a 50-megapixel f/2.0 Samsung JN5 front-facing camera with auto-focus and EIS.
Its rear-facing triple camera system gets an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 f/1.8 main camera, an 8-megapixel IMX355 f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, and a 50-megapixel Samsung JN5 f/2.0 portrait camera with 2x hybrid optical zoom.
The Reno 12 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy Edition chipset coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 512GB UFS 3.1 storage which is also expandable. The device has a 5000mAh battery with 80W Fast charging support.
As for other additional features, there is an in-display optical fingerprint sensor along with stereo speakers. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, IR Blaster, and a USB-C port for charging. It runs on ColorOS 14.1 based on Android 14 and is also IP65 rated.
Oppo has tried to maintain its position in the Indian market within the mid-range segment with its Reno series smartphones for a while now, also making them the best set of devices, both hardware and specs-wise, the company has to offer in the region as of now. This year, the brand’s attempt to capture the segment is with its Reno 12 series devices, out of which we’ll be reviewing the Pro model with a starting price tag of Rs 36,999. Is it worth spending that much on, or should you skip it? Let’s have a look.
Design & Display
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro is attempting to redefine a commonplace design reminiscent of what we’ve seen on multiple smartphones before. It has the standard rectangular camera module housing three Sensors and an LED flash unit, and that’s about it.
However, the sunset gold variant we got, is quite unique in its own due to the colour shade Oppo has opted for. Then, the camera array has a shiny and reflective finish while the majority of the back panel is covered with a matte finish, creating a contrasting look between the camera module and the rest of the device. The camera housing also has a boundary made of small ridges which looks elegant.
The bottom half of the device also has the same reflective finish as the camera module, further giving the device a dual-tone look. Separating them is a strip that has the Oppo branding.
The design itself looks attractive, aesthetic, and premium. The shiny frame of the handset can attract fingerprints. Because the device is slimmer, it creates a decent grip while being held in one hand. It’s also not heavy, which further helps in a comfortable and secure handling experience, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
The buttons are on the right and have a good tactile feel. The bottom has the USB-C port, SIM tray, mic, and speaker grille. The top gets an IR blaster along with another mic.
The speakers are loud and balanced. You can expect to feel and hear some bass. The haptics, however, are not strong enough and give off a budget smartphone vibe.
Then, for additional protection, Oppo is also offering a free first-party case within the box—the best I have seen any brand provide with the device itself. The smartphone case features a series of small, evenly-spaced bumps across its width. This design adds a unique texture and enhances grip, making the phone less likely to slip from your hands. The sides also have a patterned texture in areas where your fingers rest when you hold the phone, improving grip.
Aside from being premium, Oppo claims the handset is also considerably durable. It employs Oppo’s new all-round armour architecture with a high-strength alloy framework. The handset is also SGS-certified for multi-scene protection. In addition, the device is IP65-rated as well, while the screen is protected with the Corning Gorilla GlassVictus 2.
The display is one of the handset’s USPs. The Oppo Reno 12 Pro gets a 6.7-inch AMOLED quad curved-edge screen with an FHD+ Resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, 1500 nits peak brightness, HDR10+ support, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and a dynamic Refresh Rate of up to 120Hz.
This quad-curved screen is actually one of the best I have used. It not only makes the Reno 12 Pro one of the most comfortable smartphones I have held and used but also provides an enjoyable and immersive viewing experience. While the bezels aren’t uniform, they are kept as small as possible.
The display is highly responsive to the touch and gets adequately bright outdoors under direct sunlight. It also supports HDR10 in the Netflix app. The panel reproduces sharp content with vivid and punchy colours, making content consumption quite a pleasant experience on the handset.
Although I primarily used the handset with the 120Hz refresh rate selected, I didn’t experience any unnecessary drops even when it was set to auto. The software also well handles accidental touch protection.
If you watch a lot of videos, shows, or movies on your handset, this device will provide you with a good experience paired with a good set of stereo speakers and an immersive panel.
Performance & Software
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G packs a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy Processor which Oppo claims is custom-built for Reno. It is paired with 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
In our experience, the handset’s performance remained decent. While I did face a couple of minor hiccups when loading the device, it performed fine for the most part.
We feel Oppo could and should have opted for a better chipset, considering the device’s price segment and how tough the competition is in this territory. Competition, including the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, which has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and the Realme GT 6, which has a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, among others, is far better when it comes to handling tasks like gaming.
While the handset doesn’t show signs of slowing down in daily use, a better processor could have definitely appealed to the audience looking for a more demanding experience. For instance, casual games such as Bullet Echo run fine on the handset, but the device begins to struggle with games like Call of Duty.
Comparatively, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is using a similar, if not better, Chipset than the CMF Phone 1, which gets the Dimensity 7300 SoC and has a starting price of Rs 15,999. In our opinion, the processor choice was disappointing. To further add to it, the device gets LPDDR4x RAM, which is again uncommon in this segment, as the competition has LPDDR5x.
As for the software, Oppo has paid attention and equipped the handset with a good set of AI features in addition to the regular customisation options we see in ColorOS.
These comprise the AI toolbox that houses features like AI Speak and AI Summary. These help in reciting what is written on the web page in a summarized manner, or show you a summary of what’s written there, respectively. There’s also an AI writer feature that can be accessed when you are writing or posting comments on social media. However, you cannot access AI writer anywhere on the device, unlike Samsung’s version that is baked into its Proprietary keyboard and is accessible across the system.
The AI recording summary feature allows you to capture useful summaries from audio content you have recorded. These summaries are exported to the Notes app, where details such as to-do lists, time, and locations are highlighted and formatted for easy reading.
The AI Recording Summary is based on Google’s Gemini Ultra model. Currently, the feature supports speech-to-text conversion in Hindi, English, and more with a maximum of 45,000 characters. As per Oppo, more languages will be supported in the future.
In addition, the handset’s customisation options and other features include the regular ones we have seen from the brand, such as various Always-on display styles, wallpaper-based colour theming, a number of fonts, a smart sidebar, themes, EDGE lighting, fingerprint animation, and much more.
The overall experience was quite likeable, except for a couple of issues, one of which was bloatware. There are a lot of pre-installed apps, such as Meta services, Facebook, Hot apps, Hot games, Tile Match, and about three to four more apps. Fortunately, all of these, including Oppo’s own App market, can be disabled.
Secondly, the app opening animations are inconsistent. If you quickly open and close the app, the animation originates from the app icon, which is how it should always happen. However, these animations usually originate from the middle of the screen, resulting in a regular zoom-in animation that we generally see on budget handsets.
We have already received one update since we took it out of the box which introduced some bug fixes and enhancements to the camera. It also integrated the latest July 2024 security patch within the first week of July.
The device is set to receive 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of security patches which is a decent update policy and is in line with the competition. Moreover, we haven’t seen Oppo lag behind in updates so the experience in this particular area should easily match your expectations.
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G has a 5000mAh battery with 80W fast wired charging support. According to Oppo, the provided 80W charger can charge the device from 1% to 100% in 46 minutes, but in our tests, the results varied. The device took about 35 to 40 minutes to charge from 23% to 100%.
As for the backup, I was quite impressed. I could easily squeeze out about 32 hours of use from the handset, which included some casual gaming, browsing the web, scrolling through social media, and some YouTube streaming.
With the said usage pattern, I could get about 5.5 hours of screen-on time. In another cycle, I could easily reach 8 to 9 hours of screen-on time with increased active use, which is excellent. The standby drain could be improved, as I was losing about 3 to 4% each night when the device was just sitting idle.
Cameras
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro packs a triple rear camera setup, including an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 f/1.8 main camera, an 8-megapixel IMX355 f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, and a 50-megapixel Samsung JN5 f/2.0 portrait camera with 2x hybrid optical zoom. It gets a 50-megapixel f/2.0 Samsung JN5 front-facing camera with auto-focus and EIS.
Before discussing the photography experience, let’s talk about some of the AI features Oppo has implemented within the camera. One of the features is AI Portrait retouching for selfies that can enhance up to 296 facial features, such as removing blemishes. The camera app also allows switching between 0.8x, 1x, and 2x and zooms in selfie mode.
Original Photo (Left), Edited with AI Eraser 2.0 (Right)
Then, AI Eraser 2.0 uses generative AI to remove distractions in a photo and fill that space with other apt objects or with items that match the photo’s content. This feature worked quite well and gave us good results, as seen in the photo above. Next, the AI Clear Face feature enhances the facial features if you edit the photo in the Photos app post-capture.
The AI Best face feature can recognise closed eyes in a photo and then correct it with AIGC technology. Finally, there’s the AI studio feature that turns any of your photos into a digital avatar or a profile picture. You are given some credits to use the service for free and when you exhaust them, you’ll have to pay to use this particular service.
Coming to the photography experience, let’s just say we were quite impressed with the cameras on the Reno 12 Pro, and it stands as one of the strongest points in favour of the handset.
The photos shot with the main sensor have excellent dynamic range. The colours are rich with contrast and pop, which makes the photos look more appealing. Detailing and sharpness in the shots are also on the higher side. The shutter lag is also well contained. These shots do have a slightly warmer tone, but the overall photo is excellent.
The ultra-wide-angle photos from the second sensor have a slight colour shift compared to the shots from the primary sensor, as these have a cooler tone. While the edge distortion is well handled, the detailing takes a slight hit. The edges also have some noise. However, the colours still look decent.
The third telephoto sensor is quite useful in taking shots of far-off subjects. Two-x zoomed photos retain high detailing and showcase vivid colours. At the maximum 20x zoom, the details start to struggle, as these photos have that oil-painting effect. However, the text is still readable in such shots, as seen in the photo above.
The telephoto sensor also helps in shooting outstanding portraits. Not only is the edge detection of subjects amazingly accurate, but the bokeh effect in the background also looks natural and effective. Paired with the same impressive colour science as shots with the main sensor, the portrait photos I clicked with Reno 12 Pro are some of the best I have seen.
For selfies, the HDR is overapplied in some scenarios, but the sharpness and details of the photo are likeable. The skin tones could have been handled better, as they look too warm and aren’t close to the natural ones.
The Reno 12 Pro handles photos under artificial lighting without breaking a sweat. It captures accurate colours and doesn’t miss out on details at all. Even under low-lighting conditions, you can expect excellent results from this camera, as there’s no noise in the shots, while again, the detailing is retained to the maximum.
Finally, night photos looked average to me as pitch black conditions made the camera struggle a little. That’s because the photos looked soft. But, turning on Night mode solves that too, as the photos not only become brighter but are also well-detailed with better exposure and dynamic range handling.
