If you are a fan of Nothing, the London-based tech brand that makes transparent and customizable phones, you might be excited to hear that they are launching a new phone soon. The Nothing Phone 2a is a cheaper alternative to their flagship Nothing Phone 2, but it still promises to deliver a great performance, camera, and design. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Nothing Phone 2a, including its release date, features, price, and how Nothing has been hyping it up on their YouTube channel.
Release Date
The Nothing Phone 2a will be unveiled at a launch event on March 5, 2024. The event will start at 11:30 am UK time, which translates to 6:30 am ET and 3:30 am PT. You can watch the event live on the official Nothing YouTube channel, where you can also find some teaser videos and community updates. On Nothing’s website, you can sign up to receive a £20 discount when you pre-order the phone.
Features
Nothing has not revealed much about the features of the Phone 2a, but some leaks and rumors have given us some clues. According to various sources, the Phone 2a will have the following specs:
Display: 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, a chip co-engineered with MediaTek to offer better performance and efficiency than comparable Snapdragon chips which Nothing also confirmed themselves in their latest video.
RAM: 8GB or 12GB with an additional 8GB via RAM booster
Storage: 128GB or 256GB
Camera: 50MP main camera and 50MP ultrawide camera on the back, and a 32MP selfie camera on the front
Battery: 4500mAh with 45W fast charging support
Software: Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.5, a custom skin that features the unique Glyph Interface, which allows you to customize the light and sound sequences for each contact and notification type
The Phone 2a will also retain some of the signature design elements of the Nothing phones, such as the transparent back panel that reveals the internal components and the Glyph lights that glow in different patterns. The Phone 2a will also have a circular camera housing and a centered punch-hole selfie camera, unlike the Phone 2 that had a rectangular camera module and a cornered selfie camera.
Price
The Phone 2a is expected to cost €349 (£298) in Europe for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and €399 (£341) for the premium model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This makes it a very affordable phone compared to the original Nothing Phone that started from £399 and the Nothing Phone 2 that was £579 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The Phone 2a will also compete with other mid-range phones like the Google Pixel 7a and the Samsung Galaxy A54 that cost £449 each at launch.
Hype
Nothing has been building up the hype for the Phone 2a on their YouTube channel, where they have posted several videos that tease the phone’s features and design. For example, they have posted a video titled “Why Phone (2a)?”, where they explain their vision for creating a phone that focuses on the core user needs and offers a clear upgrade from the Phone 1. They have also posted a video titled “Fresh.Eyes”, where they announce the launch date and show some cartoon eyes that hint at the phone’s camera capabilities. Additionally, they have posted some videos that showcase the Glyph Interface and the Nothing OS 2.0, which are some of the unique selling points of the Nothing phones.
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 2a is a phone that aims to offer a lot of value for a low price. It has a sleek and transparent design, a powerful processor, a high-refresh-rate display, a dual-camera system, and a custom software that lets you personalize your phone. It will be launched on March 5, 2024, and you can watch the event live on the Nothing YouTube channel. If you are looking for a budget phone that stands out from the crowd, you might want to check out the Nothing Phone 2a.
Did you know that not all Samsung devices use One UI? If you own a budget Samsung phone, you might have noticed that your device runs on One UI Core, a lite version of One UI. But what exactly is the difference between the two, and why did Samsung create One UI Core in the first place?
One UI is Samsung’s custom Android skin that gives Galaxy devices their unique look and feel. It is designed to be user-friendly, versatile, and feature-rich. One UI Core, on the other hand, is a stripped-down version of One UI that is meant for low-end and mid-range Samsung phones. It has fewer features, but retains the same design language and some of the pre-installed Samsung apps.
One UI Core is not a beta version of One UI, nor is it an inferior version. It is simply a different version that is optimized for devices with lower specifications and performance. One UI Core still offers a smooth and enjoyable user experience, but with some limitations and trade-offs.
Some of the features that are missing from One UI Core are
Bixby Routines: This feature allows you to automate tasks and actions based on your location, time, or events.
Easy Mode: This feature simplifies the home screen layout and enlarges the icons and fonts for easier visibility and accessibility.
Edge Panels & Edge Lighting: These features add functionality and customization to the curved edges of some Galaxy devices.
Game Launcher: This feature organizes your games and optimizes your device settings for gaming.
Good Lock: This feature lets you customize various aspects of your device, such as the lock screen, the quick panel, the navigation bar, and more.
Link to Windows: This feature lets you connect your phone to your Windows PC and access your notifications, messages, photos, and apps.
Samsung Knox Security: This feature provides enterprise-grade security and protection for your device and data.
Samsung Health: This feature tracks your health and fitness activities and goals.
Samsung Pay: This feature enables you to make secure and convenient payments with your phone.
Secure Folder: This feature creates a private and encrypted space on your device to store your sensitive files and apps.
You might be wondering why Samsung decided to create One UI Core and not just use One UI for all its devices. There are a few possible reasons for this:
To reduce the size and complexity of the software and make it easier to update and maintain.
To improve the battery life and performance of the devices by removing unnecessary features and processes.
To differentiate the product lines and offer more choices and value to the customers.
To comply with the regional and legal requirements and restrictions of some markets.
One UI Core is not a bad thing. It is a smart and practical solution that Samsung came up with to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers. Whether you have One UI or One UI Core, you can still enjoy the benefits of Samsung’s innovative software and hardware.
You probably know Xiaomi as a company that makes cheap and good smartphones, but did you know that they also make electric cars? Yes, you heard that right. The Chinese tech giant has just revealed its first EV, the Xiaomi SU7, a beautiful and powerful sedan that wants to compete with Tesla and Porsche. In this article, I will give you my opinion on the Xiaomi SU7 and tell you about its specs, price, availability, pros, cons and what it means for the car industry and the phone industry.
Specs
The Xiaomi SU7 is built on a new platform called Modena, which uses a cell-to-body battery design that saves space and weight. The car is 4,997 mm long, 1,963 mm wide, and 1,455 mm high, which makes it slightly bigger than the Tesla Model S. It also has an amazing wind resistance rating of Cd 0.195, the lowest among any production car, which improves its aerodynamics and efficiency.
The car comes in two versions: the regular rear-wheel-drive SU7 EV, and the all-wheel-drive SU7 EV Max. The first one has a single motor that makes 299 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, which lets it go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.28 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h. The second one has a dual-motor system that makes 673 horsepower and 838 Nm of torque, which lets it go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 265 km/h. That’s faster than both the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S!
The battery options are also impressive, from 73.6 kWh to 150 kWh. The regular SU7 EV has a 73.6 kWh battery that gives it a range of 600 km according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which is equivalent to about 492 km according to the more realistic WLTP standard. The SU7 EV Max has a 101 kWh battery that gives it a range of 800 km (656 km WLTP). Xiaomi also plans to offer 132 kWh and 150 kWh batteries in the future, which could give the car a range of over 1,000 km.
The charging speed is also amazing, as the SU7 EV Max can reportedly get 220 km of range with just 5 minutes of charging. Xiaomi says that the car can use both AC and DC charging, and can use chargers with up to 800 volts and 350 kW of power.
Price
The official price and availability of the Xiaomi SU7 are still unknown, but some reports say that the regular version might cost around $60,000 or £47,000 while the max version might cost around $75,000 ot £59,600. That’s cheaper than the Tesla Model S, which starts from $74,000 or £58,800 and the Porsche Taycan, which starts from $90,000 or £71,500. However, these prices are likely to be for the Chinese market only, and may change depending on the taxes and incentives in different countries.
Availability
The Xiaomi SU7 is currently in pre-production, but it is expected to be ready for sale in the first half of 2024. The car will first be launched in China, where Xiaomi has a strong presence and loyal fan base. However, the company is also thinking about expanding to other markets, such as Europe and India, where it also has a lot of customers for its smartphones and other products. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has said that he wants to make Xiaomi one of the world’s top five car makers, and that the SU7 is his final major entrepreneurial project.
Pros
There are many reasons to be excited about the Xiaomi SU7, as it offers a lot of value and innovation for its price. Some of the pros of the car are:
It has a gorgeous design that mixes elements from the McLaren and the Porsche Taycan, giving it a sporty and futuristic look.
It has a roomy and comfortable interior, with a big trunk and a frunk, and a simple dashboard that has a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster.
It has a high-performance drive train that delivers amazing speed and acceleration, competing with some of the best EVs in the market.
It has a long-range battery that can last for hundreds of kilometers on a single charge, and can be recharged quickly with fast chargers.
It has a smart operating system that connects with Xiaomi’s ecosystem of products and services, such as its smartphones, apps, smart home devices, and cloud platform.
It has advanced autonomous driving features that use high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, ultrasonic and radar sensors to provide a safe and convenient driving experience.
Cons
Of course, no car is perfect, and the Xiaomi SU7 also has some drawbacks that may discourage some potential buyers. Some of the cons of the car are:
It has a huge rear camera module that sticks out from the back of the car, which may affect its aesthetics and aerodynamics.
It is heavy, weighing around 2 tons for the regular version and 2.2 tons for the max version, which may affect its handling and efficiency.
It has no U.S. availability, as Xiaomi has not yet entered the American market, and may face regulatory and competitive challenges if it does.
It has no proven track record, as Xiaomi is a newcomer to the car industry, and may face technical and logistical issues in producing and delivering its first car.
What it means for the automotive and smartphone industries
The Xiaomi SU7 is a bold and ambitious move by Xiaomi, as it marks its entry into the fast-growing and highly competitive EV market. The car shows Xiaomi’s vision of combining its expertise in smartphones and IoT with its passion for cars, and creating a product that appeals to its existing and new customers. The car also shows Xiaomi’s ability to innovate and challenge the status quo, as it aims to change the technology stack of the car industry.
The Xiaomi SU7 will have a big impact on both the car and phone industries, as it will create new opportunities and challenges for the existing and emerging players. On one hand, the car will increase the demand and supply of EVs, especially in China, where Xiaomi has a strong presence and influence. The car will also attract more customers to Xiaomi’s ecosystem of products and services, and improve its brand image and reputation. On the other hand, the car will increase the competition and pressure for the established and aspiring EV makers, such as Tesla, Porsche, Nio, and BYD, who will have to deal with Xiaomi’s aggressive pricing and marketing strategies. The car will also be a threat to the traditional car makers, who are still trying to catch up with the EV transition. Moreover, the car will be a challenge to the phone manufacturers, who may see Xiaomi as a potential rival or partner in the EV space, and may have to rethink their own strategies and plans.
The Xiaomi SU7 is a game-changer for the EV market, and a milestone for Xiaomi’s evolution from a phone maker to a car maker. The car is a proof of Xiaomi’s vision, ambition, and innovation, and a reflection of its motto: “Innovation for everyone”. The car is not just a vehicle, but a smart device that connects and interacts with the user and the environment. The car is not just a dream, but a reality that is coming soon. The car is the Xiaomi SU7, and I am eager to see it on the road.
Mistplay is an app that pays you for playing games on your phone. It sounds like a dream come true for gamers, but is it really legit or just a scam? I decided to test it out and share my experience with you.
How Mistplay Works
Mistplay is an app that you can download from the Google Play Store or the App Store. You can sign up with your email or Facebook account and start browsing through a list of games that are compatible with Mistplay. You can choose any game you like and install it through Mistplay.
When you play a game through Mistplay, you earn points called Units. The amount of Units you earn depends on how long you play, how often you play, and your level in the game. You can also earn bonus Units by completing achievements and reaching milestones in the game.
You can redeem your Units for various rewards, such as gift cards, prepaid cards, or cash via PayPal. The minimum points required for redemption vary depending on the reward. For example, you need 2000 Units for a £5 Amazon or Mastercard gift card, but you need 3500 Units for a £10 Starbucks gift card.
My Experience with Mistplay
I downloaded Mistplay on my Android phone and signed up with my email. I got a welcome bonus of 200 Units for joining. I looked at the games and decided to try Lords Mobile and Doomsday, both from IGG Games. I installed them through Mistplay and started playing.
I noticed that there was a progress bar at the top of the screen that showed how many Units I was earning and how close I was to the next checkpoint. Each checkpoint gave me 100 Units and a bonus for reaching it. The checkpoints were measured by the amount of time I spent in the game, but I don’t know the exact intervals.
I played both games for the whole day and earned around 1800+ Units in total. I also completed some achievements and milestones that gave me extra Units. I was now at 2000+ Units, which was enough for a £5 Mastercard gift card. I decided to redeem it and see if it would work. I entered my details and confirmed the redemption. I expected to receive a confirmation email with a code for my gift card, but instead, I received a message that said my withdrawal was not approved. It also said that my account was put on hold and that I had to contact their support team for more information.
I wasn’t that shocked, but honestly I thought Mistplay was legit and that they would pay me for playing games. I wondered what I did wrong and why they rejected my withdrawal. I decided to contact their support team and ask for an explanation. I sent them an email with my account details and my withdrawal request. I am still waiting for their reply.
My Conclusion
Based on my experience, I can say that Mistplay is not a scam, but it is not very reliable either. It does pay you with real gift cards, but it takes a long time to earn enough points to withdraw them. And even if you do, there is no guarantee that your withdrawal will be approved.
So, if you are looking for a quick and easy way to make money online, Mistplay is not for you. But if you enjoy playing games and don’t mind waiting for your rewards, you can give it a try and see for yourself. Just be prepared for some possible disappointment and frustration.
Dream League Soccer 2024 is out now! The latest edition of the popular soccer game series has been released on 1 December 2023, four days earlier than many fans expected, I even mentioned it in my previous article on DLS. If you are a soccer lover and a gaming enthusiast, you don’t want to miss this exciting new version of DLS 24.
Dream League Soccer 2024 offers a range of features that make it the ultimate soccer game on Android. You can build your own team, customize your players and kits, and compete in various modes, including online multiplayer. The game also boasts high-quality graphics, realistic animations, and enhanced controls, giving you a realistic and immersive soccer experience.
I have played the game myself, and I can say that it is one of the best soccer games I have ever tried. The gameplay is smooth and responsive, the graphics are stunning and detailed, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The game also has a lot of content and variety, with different leagues, tournaments, and challenges to keep you entertained for hours.
If you are looking for a fun and engaging soccer game on Android, you should definitely check out Dream League Soccer 2024. You can download it for free from the Google Play Store or from the official website. You can also follow the game’s Facebook page for updates and news. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
To give you a glimpse of what the game looks like, here are some screenshots from the game below. Enjoy!
The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for the smartphone industry, with many new innovations, features, and designs that have pushed the boundaries of mobile technology. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly device, a powerful performer, a camera beast, a gaming monster, or something else, there is a smartphone for you in 2023. In this article, I will share my personal opinion on the best smartphones of 2023 in different categories, based on the available information and reviews from various sources. Note that this article is not based on any hands-on experience, but only on research.
Best Affordable Phone: Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
If you are looking for a smartphone that offers 5G connectivity, a decent performance, a good battery life, and a nice design, without breaking the bank, then the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a great choice. This phone was launched in January 2023, and it is priced at $199.99. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display, a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 48MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, a 13MP selfie camera, a 5000mAh battery, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. It runs on Android 12 with One UI 4.0 on top. The Galaxy A14 5G is a solid mid-range phone that can handle most tasks and apps smoothly, and it supports 15W fast charging. It also has a sleek design with a gradient back and a punch-hole display. The Galaxy A14 5G competes with other affordable 5G phones such as the Motorola Moto G Power 5G, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G, and the TCL 20 5G.
Best Performance Phone: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
When it comes to performance, no other phone can match the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, which was launched in September 2023. This phone is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic chip, which is the most advanced processor in the market, with a 5nm+ process, a six-core CPU, a five-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a stunning 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 2778×1284 resolution, and HDR10 support. It has 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage options, and it runs on iOS 17. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has an impressive camera system, with a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner. It can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports Dolby Vision, ProRAW, and Cinematic mode. The front camera is also a 12MP sensor with Face ID and Animoji support. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4500mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, MagSafe accessories, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ultimate performance phone that can handle any task or game with ease, and it offers a smooth and fluid user experience. It is priced at $1,199, and it faces competition from other flagship phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, and the OnePlus 12 Pro.
Phone with the Best Camera: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
If you are a photography enthusiast, or you just want to capture the best moments of your life, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone for you. This phone was launched in February 2023, and it has a remarkable camera system that consists of a 108MP main camera, a 12MP periscope telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a laser autofocus sensor. It can record 8K video at 30fps, and it supports HDR10+, Super Steady mode, and Director’s View. The front camera is a 40MP sensor that can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports Night mode and Live Focus. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also has a gorgeous 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 1440×3200 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. It is powered by the Exynos 2200 chipset in some regions, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in others, both of which are based on a 4nm process and have an integrated AMD GPU. It has 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with One UI 4.0 on top. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery that supports 45W wired charging, 25W wireless charging, and 15W reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an S Pen support, and 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best camera phone of 2023, as it offers a versatile and powerful camera system that can capture stunning photos and videos in any situation. It is priced at $1,199.99, and it rivals other camera phones such as the Huawei P60 Pro, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, and the Oppo Find X5 Pro.
Best Gaming Phone: Asus ROG Phone 7
If you are a hardcore gamer, or you just want to enjoy the best mobile gaming experience, then the Asus ROG Phone 7 is the phone for you. This phone was launched in July 2023, and it is a gaming beast that has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1440×3200 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 300Hz touch sampling rate, and HDR10+ support. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 12GB, 16GB, or 18GB of RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. It runs on Android 12 with ROG UI on top. The ROG Phone 7 also has a massive 6000mAh battery that supports 65W wired charging, 30W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. It also has dual front-facing speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a quad-microphone system, an RGB logo, an AeroActive Cooler 7 accessory, and a side-mounted port for other accessories. The ROG Phone 7 also has a decent camera system, with a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro camera, and an 8K video recording support. The front camera is a 24MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 60fps. The ROG Phone 7 is the best gaming phone of 2023, as it offers a superb performance, a smooth and responsive display, a long-lasting battery, a loud and clear sound, and a range of gaming features and accessories. It is priced at $999, and it competes with other gaming phones such as the Lenovo Legion Phone 3, the Nubia Red Magic 7, and the Black Shark 5.
Phone with the Best Battery: Motorola Moto G Power 5G
If you are looking for a phone that can last for days on a single charge, then the Motorola Moto G Power 5G is the phone for you. I know you thought I was going to talk about an itel device, but no we’re with Motorola. This phone was launched in April 2023, and it has a huge 6000mAh battery that supports 20W wired charging. It also has a 6.8-inch LCD display with a 1080×2400 resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a punch-hole design. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, which is a 5G-enabled processor with a 7nm process, an octa-core CPU, and a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. It has 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with My UX on top. The Moto G Power 5G also has a decent camera system, with a 48MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a 1080p video recording support. The front camera is a 16MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The Moto G Power 5G is the best battery phone of 2023, as it offers a phenomenal battery life, a large and smooth display, a 5G connectivity, and a clean and simple software. It is priced at $249.99, and it faces competition from yes, the itel S23+, P40 and P40+, it’s hard not to mention these two.
Best Foldable Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
If you want a phone that can transform into a tablet, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the best foldable phone for you. This phone was launched in August 2023, and it has a stunning 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 2208×1768 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display camera. It also has a 6.2-inch cover display with a 2268×832 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of storage. It runs on Android 12 with One UI 4.0 on top. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 also has an impressive camera system, with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and an 8K video recording support. The cover camera is a 10MP sensor, and the under-display camera is a 4MP sensor. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 4400mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IPX8 water resistance, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an S Pen support, and 5G connectivity. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the best foldable phone of 2023, as it offers a versatile and powerful device that can switch between a phone and a tablet mode, with a seamless and smooth user experience. It is priced at $1,799.99, and it competes with other tablet-style foldable phones such as the Huawei Mate X3, the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold, and the Google Pixel Fold.
Best Customizable Phone: OnePlus Open
If you want a phone that you can customize to your liking, then the OnePlus Open is the best customizable phone for you. This phone was launched in October 2023, and it has a unique design that allows you to swap the back cover, the camera module, and the battery with different options. You can choose from various materials, colors, and styles for the back cover, such as leather, wood, metal, glass, or fabric. You can also choose from different camera modules, such as a 50MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 16MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, or a 48MP monochrome camera. You can also choose from different battery capacities, such as 4000mAh, 4500mAh, or 5000mAh, and different charging speeds, such as 30W, 50W, or 65W. The OnePlus Open also has a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 1440×3216 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage. It runs on Android 12 with OxygenOS 13 on top. The OnePlus Open also has a 32MP selfie camera, an in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and 5G connectivity. The OnePlus Open is the best customizable phone of 2023, as it offers a modular and flexible device that you can personalize to your preference, with a premium and elegant design. It is priced at $1,699, and it faces competition from other customizable phones such as the Nothing Phone (2), Motorola Moto Z5, the LG Wing 2, and the Fairphone 4.
Best Selling Phone: Apple iPhone 15
If you want a phone that is popular and widely used, then the Apple iPhone 15 is the best selling phone for you. This phone was launched in September 2023, and it has sold over 100 million units worldwide as of November 2023, according to Counterpoint Research⁵. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 1170×2532 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 support. It is powered by the Apple A17 Bionic chip, which is the most advanced processor in the market, with a 5nm+ process, a six-core CPU, a four-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and 4GB of RAM. It has 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage options, and it runs on iOS 17. The iPhone 15 also has an Impressive camera system, with a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner. It can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports Dolby Vision, ProRAW, and Cinematic mode. The front camera is also a 12MP sensor with Face ID and Animoji support. The iPhone 15 has a 3095mAh battery that supports 20W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, MagSafe accessories, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 15 is the best selling phone of 2023, as it offers a reliable and smooth performance, a stunning and durable design, and a loyal and satisfied customer base. It is priced at $799, and it competes with other popular phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23, the Google Pixel 8, and the OnePlus 12.
Phone with the Best Speakers: Sony Xperia 1 V
If you want a phone that can deliver loud and clear sound, then the Sony Xperia 1 V is the best speakers phone for you. This phone was launched in June 2023, and it has a dual front-facing speaker system that consists of a top speaker and a bottom speaker. The speakers support Dolby Atmos, which enhances the sound quality and creates a surround sound effect. The speakers also have a dedicated amplifier, which boosts the volume and reduces distortion. The Xperia 1 V also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which supports high-resolution audio and LDAC. It also has a built-in DAC, which converts digital signals to analog signals for better sound quality. The Xperia 1 V also has a stunning 6.5-inch OLED display with a 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with Xperia UI on top. The Xperia 1 V also has an impressive camera system, with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 3D ToF sensor. It can record 4K video at 120fps, and it supports Cinema Pro, Photo Pro, and Real-time Eye AF. The front camera is an 8MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The Xperia 1 V has a 4500mAh battery that supports 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and 5G connectivity. The Xperia 1 V is the best speakers phone of 2023, as it offers a superb sound quality, a high-resolution display, a powerful performance, and a professional camera system. It is priced at $1,399.99, and it competes with other phones with great speakers such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, and the Asus ROG Phone 7.
Best Dynamic Phone: Nothing Phone 2
If you want a phone that can adapt to your needs and preferences, then the Nothing Phone 2 is the best dynamic phone for you. This phone was launched in July 2023, and it has a unique design that features multiple LED lights on the back, which can be used for notifications, charging progress, camera fill light, and more. It also has a blinking red light on the back, which indicates video recording. The Phone 2 also has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1080×2412 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display camera. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB or 512GB of storage. It runs on Android 13 with Nothing OS 2.0.2a on top. The Phone 2 also has a dual-camera system on the back, with a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. It can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports live HDR, OIS, and EIS. The front camera is a 32MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The Phone 2 has a 4700mAh battery that supports 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, NFC, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and 5G connectivity. The Phone 2 is the best dynamic phone of 2023, as it offers a novel and customizable device that can change its appearance and functionality according to your mood and situation. It is priced at $599, and it faces competition from other dynamic phones such as the OnePlus Open, the LG Wing 2, and the Fairphone 4.
Best Rugged Phone: CAT S63
If you want a phone that can survive harsh conditions and environments, then the CAT S63 is the best rugged phone for you. This phone was launched in October 2023, and it has a 5.7-inch LCD display with a 1080×2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio P95 chipset, which is a reliable and efficient processor with a 12nm process, an octa-core CPU, and a PowerVR GM9446 GPU. It has 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with CAT UI on top. The CAT S63 also has a decent camera system, with a 16MP main camera, a 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a FLIR thermal imaging camera. It can record 1080p video at 30fps, and it supports HDR and Panorama. The front camera is a 8MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The CAT S63 has a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W wired charging, 10W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. It also has dual speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and 4G connectivity. The CAT S63 is the best rugged phone of 2023, as it offers a durable and tough device that can withstand drops, shocks, water, dust, extreme temperatures, and more. It also has a thermal imaging camera that can detect heat sources and measure temperatures. It is priced at $799, and it rivals other rugged phones such as the Blackview BV9900 Pro, the Ulefone Armor 13, and the Doogee S97 Pro.
Conclusion
These are some of the best smartphones of 2023, in my opinion, in different categories. Of course, there are many other great phones that I did not mention, and you may have your own preferences and opinions. However, I hope this article gave you some insight and information about the latest and greatest smartphones of 2023, and helped you decide which one suits you best. This article is part of a 2023 wrap up series, where I list the best tech gadgets made in the year. The series also includes laptops, tablets, electric cars, and audio devices. Stay tuned for more articles in this series, and feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day!
Dream League Soccer is a game that has captivated millions of soccer fans around the world with its realistic and addictive gameplay. The game allows you to create your own dream team from over 4,000 FIFPRO™ licensed players, compete in various leagues and tournaments, and customize your stadium, kit, and logo. The game also features stunning 3D graphics, motion-captured animations, immersive commentary, and an exclusive soundtrack.
But the game is not resting on its laurels. The developers are working hard to bring you the latest and greatest version of the game, Dream League Soccer 2024, which is expected to be released on December 5, 2023. This version will introduce a new era of mobile soccer, with new and improved features that will take your gaming experience to the next level. Here are some of the things you can expect from Dream League Soccer 2024:
New and Improved Gameplay: Dream League Soccer 2024 will have new animations and improved AI to revolutionize the soccer experience on mobile. The game will also continue to capture the true spirit of the beautiful game, with realistic physics, dynamic weather, and varied camera angles.
Dressed for Success: Dream League Soccer 2024 will let you customize your manager from a host of different options, including hairstyles and outfits. You can also import your own creations for your team’s kit and logo, or choose from the many available designs.
Conquer the World: Dream League Soccer 2024 will let you compete against players from across the globe with Dream League Live, a feature that puts your club against other elite teams. You can also take part in regular seasons and events to win unrivalled rewards and climb the global leaderboards.
Build Your Soccer Empire: Dream League Soccer 2024 will let you build your soccer empire from your own stadium to medical, commercial, and training facilities. You can also upgrade your stadium to increase its capacity and atmosphere, and unlock new items and bonuses.
More Content and Challenges: Dream League Soccer 2024 will have more content and challenges than ever before, with new players, teams, leagues, and tournaments to discover and enjoy. You can also unlock legendary players and iconic kits from the history of soccer, and test your skills against the best teams in the world.
Dream League Soccer 2024 is a game that will not disappoint you. It will offer you a thrilling and satisfying soccer experience on your mobile device, with endless possibilities and fun. The new era of mobile soccer awaits you!
As someone who loves to chat with friends and family online(like everybody else), I was curious to try out Talk Chart, a chat application that claims to be the first Zimbabwean-owned chat app that allows people to connect seamlessly from any part of the world. I downloaded the app from Google Play Store and installed it on my phone. Here are my thoughts on Talk Chart and its features.
What is Talk Chart?
According to the app description, Talk Chart is a fast, reliable, and secure chat app that lets you stay connected with your friends, family, and colleagues. You can send and receive text messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and more. The app also uses state-of-the-art encryption to keep your messages safe and private. Sounds pretty good, right?
Well, not so fast. The app also promises to offer some features such as buying airtime, electricity, and sending or receiving money through Talk Chart. There’s nothing bad about these though, my greatest concern is that they don’t have Ecocash or Paynow integration even though their target market is Zimbabwe. Crazy right?
How does Talk Chart compare to other chat apps?
The first thing I noticed when I opened the app was how familiar it looked. The app’s interface is almost identical to Whatsapp, the most popular chat app in the world. The app has the a green and blue color scheme, the same layout of tabs, the same icons, and the same fonts.
I was disappointed by the lack of originality and creativity in the app’s design. It felt like the developers just copied Whatsapp and changed a few things here and there. I was expecting something more unique and innovative, something that would reflect the Zimbabwean culture and identity, something that would make me proud to use a local product.
The app’s functionality is also very similar to Whatsapp’s. You can create or join groups, make voice or video calls, send or receive media files, and use emojis or stickers. Although the app doesn’t use Whatsapp’s sticker pack, that’s still not a green flag for me. The app also has a dark mode and a light mode, which you can switch between easily. The app works fine, but it does not offer anything new or different from Whatsapp.
The app’s performance is also not very impressive. The app consumes a lot of data, which is a problem for many Zimbabweans who have limited access to affordable internet. The app also drains the battery quickly, which is another inconvenience. The app also has frequent updates, which can be annoying and time-consuming. The app also has some bugs and glitches, such as messages not being delivered or received, calls being dropped, notifications not working properly and the most annoying one was that I couldn’t set up a profile picture.
What are the pros and cons of Talk Chart
To sum up, here are some of the pros and cons of Talk Chart that I found:
Pros:
It is a Zimbabwean-owned chat app, which is a rare and commendable achievement.
It is easy to use, as it has a familiar and intuitive interface.
It is free to download and use, as it does not charge any subscription fees or ads.
Cons:
It is not original or unique, as it copies Whatsapp’s design and functionality.
It is not innovative or creative, as it does not offer any new or different features.
It is not data or battery efficient, as it consumes a lot of resources.
It is not stable or bug-free, as it has frequent updates and glitches.
My verdict on Talk Chart
Overall, I think Talk Chart is a decent chat app, but it is not a great one. It is not a game-changer, as the developers claim. It is not a one-stop shop, as it does not have the features that it promises. It is not a Zimbabwean pride, as it does not reflect the Zimbabwean spirit.
I appreciate the effort and ambition of the developers, and I support their vision of creating a local product that can compete globally. However, I think they need to work harder and smarter to make Talk Chart stand out from the crowd. They need to improve the app’s design, functionality, performance, and stability. They need to add the features that they promised, and maybe some more that would surprise and delight the users. They need to make Talk Chart more than just a chat app, but a platform that connects, empowers, and enriches the Zimbabwean people.
That’s all for today, guys. Thank you for reading my article. If you have tried Talk Chart, let me know what you think about it in the comments. If you have not tried it yet, you can download it from the Play Store or the App Store and give it a try. if you’re looking for another app by Zimbabwean developers, check out Ruvara Rwakasiyana and Kai.
itel, a Chinese smartphone brand, has recently launched its latest model, the itel A70, in the Philippines. The itel A70 is an entry-level smartphone that runs Android 13 Go Edition and is powered by Unisoc T603 CPU and Mali-G57 GPU. The gadget has internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB and RAM capacities of 3GB and 4GB. It comes with a dual-rear camera setup of 13MP + 0.08MP and a single 8MP selfie camera. The display is 6.6 inches IPS LCD while the screen resolution is 720 x 1612 pixels. It also supports Dual SIM (Dual stand-by). It is fueled with a 5000mAh battery + 10w wired charging. The sensors include a Face ID, fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, etc.
One of the most interesting features of the itel A70 is the dynamic bar, which is a notification bar that mimics the notch or pill-shaped cut-out found on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max. The dynamic bar is a small dialog that shows all the notifications and can be swiped to see them one by one. It also supports music controls, text message controls, and volume controls. The dynamic bar can be customized to fit the user’s preferences, such as the size, position, background color, transparency, and edges. The dynamic bar can also be accessed from the lock screen and has a small setting bar that provides useful accessibility features like taking a screenshot, phone screen lock, and power options.
The dynamic bar feature is not exclusive to the itel A70, as it was also seen on the itel S23 Plus, which is a higher-end smartphone that was launched in September 2023. The itel S23 Plus has a 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate. It also runs on Android 13 with itel OS 13 and has a Unisoc Tiger T616 CPU and Mali-G57 GPU. The itel S23 Plus has a 50MP + 0.08MP dual rear camera and a 32MP front camera. It has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It also has a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. The itel S23 Plus also has an in-display fingerprint sensor, NFC, and a Dynamic Island feature, which is similar to the dynamic bar but has a different shape and design.
The greatest question is how itel managed to incorporate the dynamic bar feature on a phone with a waterdrop display, which is the case for the itel A70. The waterdrop display is a type of display that has a small notch at the top center that houses the front camera. The dynamic bar feature is usually seen on phones that have a punch hole notch or a pill-shaped cut-out, such as the iPhone 14 Pro series. The answer to this question lies in the software implementation of the dynamic bar feature, which does not depend on the hardware design of the display. The dynamic bar feature is essentially a software overlay that can be placed anywhere on the screen, regardless of the shape or size of the notch. The dynamic bar feature can also be hidden or shown according to the user’s preference. Therefore, itel was able to create a dynamic bar feature for the itel A70 by using a software solution that does not interfere with the waterdrop display.
The dynamic bar feature is a creative and innovative way to use the notification bar on Android phones. It adds a touch of style and functionality to the phone’s display and makes it more interactive and customizable. The itel A70 is one of the few budget phones that offer this feature, along with the itel S23 Plus, which is a more premium phone. The dynamic bar feature is a unique selling point for the itel A70 and the itel S23 Plus, as it sets them apart from other Android phones in the market.
Sasai was once hailed as Zimbabwe’s first and leading super app, a global social payments and digital marketplace platform that aimed to improve the overall quality of life for all Africans. Launched in 2019 by Cassava Fintech International, a subsidiary of Econet Wireless, Sasai offered a range of services such as money transfer, bill payment, chat, music streaming, gaming, and more. It was available in over 50 African countries and supported 40 languages, including local dialects.
Sasai seemed to have a promising future, especially after partnering with some of the continent’s leading brands such as DStv, Kwese, and Showmax. It also claimed to have over 5000 low-cost and free Wi-Fi hotspots across Africa, as well as a feature that allowed users to earn money by watching ads on the app. Sasai’s vision was to become the “WeChat of Africa”, a reference to the Chinese super app that has over a billion users and offers a variety of services from social media to e-commerce.
However, despite its ambitious goals and impressive features, Sasai failed to gain traction among the African users. According to the Google Play Store, Sasai had only 500,000+ downloads as of September 2022, a far cry from its target of 100 million users by 2020. The app also received mixed reviews from the users, who complained about its poor user interface, frequent crashes, high data consumption, and lack of customer support. Some users also questioned the security and privacy of the app, as it required access to many permissions and personal information.
So, what went wrong with Sasai? Why did it not live up to its hype and potential? There are several possible reasons for its downfall, such as:
Competition: Sasai faced stiff competition from other established and popular apps in the African market, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, M-Pesa, Jumia, and Uber. These apps already had a loyal and large user base, and offered similar or better services than Sasai. Sasai also had to contend with the dominance of mobile network operators, who controlled the access and pricing of data and voice services in most African countries.
Complexity: Sasai tried to do too many things at once, without focusing on its core value proposition and differentiating factor. It was not clear what problem Sasai was trying to solve, or what benefit it was offering to the users. Sasai also lacked a clear and consistent branding and marketing strategy, as it used different names and logos in different countries and platforms. Sasai’s app was also cluttered and confusing, with too many features and options that overwhelmed and frustrated the users.
Culture: Sasai failed to understand and adapt to the diverse and dynamic needs and preferences of the African users. Sasai assumed that what worked in China or other markets would work in Africa, without conducting proper research and testing. Sasai also ignored the local context and realities of the African countries, such as the low internet penetration, high data costs, low smartphone adoption, and regulatory challenges. Sasai also did not engage with the local communities and stakeholders, such as developers, merchants, influencers, and media, to build trust and awareness.
Sasai’s story is a cautionary tale for any aspiring or existing app developer or entrepreneur who wants to succeed in the African market. It shows that having a good idea and a lot of resources is not enough, if you do not understand your target audience and deliver value to them. It also shows that being a super app is not a goal in itself, but a result of solving a specific problem and satisfying a specific need. Sasai may have been a super app in theory, but it was not a super app in practice.
You probably know Xiaomi as a company that makes cheap and good smartphones, but did you know that they also make electric cars? Yes, you heard that right. The Chinese tech giant has just revealed its first EV, the Xiaomi SU7, a beautiful and powerful sedan that wants to compete with Tesla and Porsche. In this article, I will give you my opinion on the Xiaomi SU7 and tell you about its specs, price, availability, pros, cons and what it means for the car industry and the phone industry.
