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Showing posts with label SMART PHONE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SMART PHONE. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Poco F7 Unboxing: A First Look at Xiaomi's New Flagship Killer | Azeem-USA

Poco F7 Unboxing: A First Look at Xiaomi's New Flagship Killer

The wait is almost over! We just got our hands on the brand-new Poco F7, and we're giving you an exclusive sneak peek before its official launch. While we're under embargo and can't reveal performance benchmarks or full specs just yet, we can dive deep into the design, build quality, and what you get straight out of the box. Let's get into the Poco F7 unboxing!

Man holding the black and yellow Poco F7 box.
Getting ready for the official Poco F7 unboxing.

The Classic Poco Unboxing Experience

True to its roots, the Poco F7 arrives in the signature black-and-yellow box that fans have come to love. It’s bold, it’s vibrant, and it sets the stage for something exciting inside. As per the embargo rules, we've had to be careful not to reveal the spec sheet printed on the protective plastic, but we can dive into everything else.

What's In The Box? A Look at the Accessories

Upon lifting the lid, we're greeted with the usual packet of paperwork, a SIM ejector tool, and something many brands are skipping these days: a case! Poco has included a high-quality, dark gray TPU case that feels great and will offer immediate protection. This is a fantastic value-add.

The included dark gray TPU case for the Poco F7.
A quality TPU case is included right in the box.

Digging deeper, we find the charging brick and a USB Type-A to Type-C cable. While we can't mention the exact wattage yet, it's great to see Poco continuing to include a charger when many flagship competitors have stopped.

Poco F7 First Impressions: Design & Build

The moment you pick up the Poco F7, you notice its premium feel. The phone has a satisfying heft without being too heavy, and the build quality is immediately apparent. This is a solid device.

Holding the white and black limited edition Poco F7, showing off its back design.
The unique and striking design of the Poco F7.

Build Quality and Materials

One of the standout features is the metal frame. The cool touch of the metal, combined with the visible antenna lines, confirms this isn't a plastic build. It gives the phone a rigid, flex-free structure that feels like a true flagship. The buttons are also metal, providing a satisfying, tactile click. The bottom of the phone houses a USB-C port, a SIM tray, and a speaker grille. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack.

A Look at the Display

The front of the Poco F7 is dominated by a beautiful display with impressively thin bezels on all sides. The screen looks incredibly vibrant, and the UI is buttery smooth, hinting at a high refresh rate panel. The small, centered punch-hole for the selfie camera is unobtrusive and modern.

Front view of the Poco F7 showing its slim bezels and vibrant screen.
The screen on the Poco F7 features impressively slim bezels.

The Unique Rear Design

This particular model is a "Limited Edition," and its back panel is a showstopper. It features a striking dual-tone black and white design with tech-inspired accents and a prominent camera module. The design is fresh, unique, and is sure to turn heads. The camera housing features two lenses and what appears to be a green reflective accent under the glass, adding a cool pop of color.

Close-up of the Poco F7's dual-camera module with green accents.
A closer look at the bold camera module design.

A Glimpse of the Specs

While the full spec sheet is under wraps until the 24th, the design gives us a major clue. Eagle-eyed viewers will spot a familiar red logo on the back panel: the Qualcomm Snapdragon logo. This confirms the Poco F7 will be powered by a Snapdragon chipset, which is fantastic news for performance enthusiasts!

Frequently Asked Questions (Poco F7 Unboxing)

What comes inside the Poco F7 box?

The Poco F7 comes with the phone itself, a USB-C charging cable, a charging brick, a dark gray TPU case, a SIM ejector tool, and standard paperwork.

Does the Poco F7 have a metal frame?

Yes! The Poco F7 features a premium metal frame, which gives it a solid, high-quality feel and excellent rigidity. The buttons are also made of metal.

Does the Poco F7 have a headphone jack?

No, the Poco F7 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Audio will be handled through the USB-C port or via a wireless connection like Bluetooth.

That’s all we can show for now! This Poco F7 unboxing has revealed a phone with a stunning flagship-level design and excellent build quality. Stay tuned for the full review on the 24th, where we'll cover everything from performance and gaming to camera samples and battery life!

Author: Azeem_USA

Monday, June 16, 2025

Nubia Z70S Ultra Review: A Photographer's Dream with Flaws? | Azeem-USA

Nubia Z70S Ultra Review: A Photographer's Dream with Flaws?

Nubia Z70S Ultra Review: A Niche Champion for Photographers

Just six months after its predecessor, the Nubia Z70S Ultra arrives with a promise of refinement. While the original Z70 Ultra was a solid device, it had room for improvement. This "S" model brings a larger main sensor and other tweaks, but does it address the key issues? Let's dive deep into this unique, photography-focused smartphone.

The Nubia Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition next to its retail box.
The distinctive look of the Nubia Z70S Ultra and its packaging.

What's in the Box?

The unboxing experience for the Nubia Z70S Ultra is straightforward. Inside the stylish package, you will find:

  • The Nubia Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition phone
  • A clear plastic protective case
  • A USB-C to USB-C cable
  • SIM tray ejector tool
  • Quick start guide

Notably, there is no charger included in the box. However, my review unit from AliExpress came with an optional 80W EU travel charger, which is a nice touch.

The contents of the Nubia Z70S Ultra box laid out on a table.
Standard accessories, but you'll need your own 80W charger.

Design and Display: A Full-Screen Beauty

The first thing you'll notice is the stunning, uninterrupted display. Thanks to an under-display front camera, there are no notches or punch-holes, offering a truly immersive full-screen experience. The 6.85-inch flat AMOLED panel is gorgeous, with slim, uniform bezels and a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate.

Key Design Features of the Nubia Z70S Ultra

  • Photographer Edition Finish: The back has a unique dual-texture design, with a faux leather finish and a metallic camera island that mimics the look of a retro camera.
  • Hardware Shutter Button: A major win for photographers is the two-stage hardware shutter button. A half-press focuses, and a full press captures the shot. It's tactile, responsive, and a feature more brands should adopt.
  • Build: The phone feels premium with a metal frame, weighing in at 228 grams. It's solid but not overly heavy.
A close-up of the rear camera module on the Nubia Z70S Ultra, showing the large main lens.
The camera module is chunky but has a very distinct, stylish look.

The Camera System: The Star of the Show?

The camera is the main selling point of the Nubia Z70S Ultra. It's built for photographers who appreciate a different perspective.

The 35mm Main Camera

The highlight is the 50MP main camera with its 35mm focal length. This is a rare and welcome feature, offering a more natural, less distorted field of view than the wider lenses on most smartphones. It's fantastic for portraits and street photography. While this "S" version gets a physically larger sensor, it unfortunately loses the variable aperture of the original Z70 Ultra, now fixed at f/1.7.

The Under-Display Selfie Camera Problem

Here's the biggest compromise. To achieve that beautiful, notch-less screen, the 16MP selfie camera is placed under the display. The quality is poor. Photos look soft, heavily processed, and video footage is simply not good. If you are a vlogger or take a lot of selfies, this is not the phone for you. It's a major weakness for a device so focused on photography.

Video Quality and Samples

The rear cameras perform much better. The main camera can shoot up to 8K at 30fps. The footage is sharp and detailed, but it lacks electronic image stabilization (EIS) at this resolution, as does the front camera. The 50MP ultrawide and 64MP 2.7x optical zoom telephoto lens provide good versatility, though the ultrawide camera's processing can be a bit aggressive.

Photo Samples

In good light, the Nubia Z70S Ultra can take some fantastic photos. The 35mm main camera produces natural-looking portraits with excellent skin tones and detail. The zoom lens is also very capable. However, the ultrawide camera's photos can look over-sharpened, and low-light performance across all cameras is inconsistent, with some shots showing an odd green tint.

A detailed photo of a cat taken with the Nubia Z70S Ultra's main camera.
The 35mm main camera captures excellent detail and natural colors.

Performance: Power Meets Heat

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and up to 16GB of RAM, the Nubia Z70S Ultra is incredibly fast and fluid in daily use. There is no lag or stuttering, and the UFS 4.0 storage is blazing fast. However, there's a catch for gamers.

Unlike its RedMagic gaming cousins, this phone lacks an advanced cooling system. During extended, high-intensity gaming sessions (like Genshin Impact on max settings), the phone gets very hot, leading to significant thermal throttling. It couldn't even complete the 20-minute 3DMark stress test. For casual gaming it's fine, but serious mobile gamers should look at a dedicated gaming phone instead.

Software, Battery, and Charging

The phone runs Nubia's AI OS, which is a clean and fast version of Android with minimal bloatware. The 6,600mAh battery provides solid all-day longevity, getting around 7-8 hours of screen-on time. While it supports 80W fast charging, a full charge takes just under an hour, which is good but not the fastest on the market.

Final Verdict: Who is the Nubia Z70S Ultra For?

The Nubia Z70S Ultra is a phone of compromises. It's a fantastic device for a very specific user: a photographer who loves the 35mm focal length and wants a unique hardware experience with a dedicated shutter button and a beautiful, uninterrupted screen. The performance is top-tier for everyday tasks.

However, its weaknesses are significant. The poor under-display selfie camera makes it a bad choice for vloggers and selfie-takers. The thermal issues mean it's not ideal for hardcore gamers. If you fit into its niche, you'll love it. If not, there are more well-rounded flagships available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the Nubia Z70S Ultra have a good selfie camera?

No. The 16MP under-display selfie camera provides poor quality for both photos and videos due to the technology's limitations. It is the phone's biggest weakness.

Is the Nubia Z70S Ultra good for gaming?

For casual gaming, yes. For intense, long gaming sessions, no. The phone lacks an advanced cooling system and gets very hot, causing performance to throttle significantly.

What is special about the 35mm main camera?

The 35mm focal length provides a more natural, less distorted perspective than the wider lenses on most phones (typically 24mm or 26mm). It's excellent for creating natural-looking portraits and street photography shots.

Does a charger come in the box?

No, a charger is not included in the retail box. You will need to purchase an 80W charger separately to take advantage of the fastest charging speeds.


Author Name: Azeem_USA

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Unboxing & First Impressions | Azeem-USA

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Unboxing & First Impressions

Hands-On: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Unboxing & First Look

A New Era for Huawei: The Pura Series

Huawei has redefined its iconic P series, introducing the new 'Pura' line, which stands for purity and beauty. Today, we're diving deep into the flagship models with a hands-on Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Unboxing and a first look at the Pura 70 Pro+. Let's see if the performance and design live up to the new name.

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Unboxing

The unboxing experience begins with two distinct boxes, the square package for the Ultra signaling its premium status. Upon opening the box, we're greeted by the stunning gold version of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. The first thing you'll notice is the massive, unique triangular camera module that truly makes a statement.

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra in hand

Image Source: Huawei Official Website

First Impressions and Ergonomics

Despite its large camera array, the phone feels surprisingly light and comfortable to hold. The rounded edges and thoughtful weight distribution make for excellent ergonomics. The grip is secure, and even with the prominent camera bump, your fingers rest naturally without any obstruction. It's a testament to the meticulous design behind this flagship device.

A Revolutionary Camera System

The main highlight of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Unboxing is undoubtedly its camera. The Ultra boasts a revolutionary main camera with a retractable lens mechanism and a 1-inch sensor. This allows the phone to maintain a slim profile while housing a powerful imaging system.

Zooming and XMAGE Capabilities

The zooming is incredibly smooth, transitioning from a 3.7x to a 10x optical zoom. What's fascinating is the subtle mechanical sound and the on-screen transition, giving it a professional camera feel. The imaging quality from this optical zoom is, as expected, exceptionally strong and detailed.

Huawei's XMAGE engine introduces a "personalized color card" feature with creative styles like Anime, Natural, and Film. You can adjust the color tone and saturation in real-time, making it incredibly easy to achieve your desired look without post-editing. The efficiency of producing high-quality, stylized shots is a huge plus for content creators.

Unboxing the Pura 70 Pro+

Next up is the Huawei Pura 70 Pro+. We unboxed the Rococo Red version, a deep, elegant color that looks more like a muted rose-red than a bright, flashy red. It's sophisticated and very appealing. The camera module on the Pro+ also features the triangular design but with a different configuration. It packs a Super Focusing Macro Telephoto lens, capable of both incredible close-ups and long-range zoom, with a 4x optical zoom.

Head-to-Head: Ultra vs. Pro+

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra and Pro+ side by side

Image Source: fonearena

Placing the two phones side-by-side highlights the subtle design differences. The Ultra's camera module is physically larger to accommodate its retractable lens, while the Pro+ maintains a sleeker profile. While their daytime photo performance is comparable, the real test will be in low-light conditions, where the Ultra's larger 1-inch sensor is expected to have a significant advantage. We look forward to bringing you a more in-depth camera comparison soon.

Software: The HarmonyOS NEXT Experience

Both devices run on Huawei's latest operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT (shown as version 5.1). This is a "pure-blood" version of the OS, meaning it's built from the ground up on Huawei's own kernel, completely independent of the Android Open Source Project. This promises a more seamless, integrated, and efficient experience across Huawei's ecosystem of devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between the Pura 70 Ultra and Pro+ cameras?

The Pura 70 Ultra features a revolutionary 1-inch retractable main camera sensor for superior low-light performance and a dual telephoto system (3.7x and 10x). The Pura 70 Pro+ has a Super Focusing Macro Telephoto lens, which excels at both macro photography and 4x optical zoom.

What is special about the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra's camera?

Its standout feature is the 1-inch main sensor with a physically retractable lens. This is a first in modern smartphones, allowing for a larger sensor and better optics in a slim body, drastically improving image quality, especially in challenging light.

What operating system does the Huawei Pura 70 series use?

The series runs on HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei's self-developed operating system designed for a smooth and interconnected experience across all Huawei devices.

Is the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra heavy?

No, one of the most surprising aspects noted during the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Unboxing is its weight. Despite the large and complex camera system, it feels remarkably light and well-balanced in the hand.

Tags: #HuaweiPura70Ultra #Unboxing #Pura70 #Huawei #TechReview #Smartphone #MobilePhotography #HarmonyOS #XMAGE
Author: Azeem_USA

Friday, June 13, 2025

Motorola Moto G56 5G Review: The Tough Budget King? | Azeem-USA

Motorola Moto G56 5G Review: Budget Phone with Premium Features

Motorola Moto G56 5G Review: Budget Phone with Premium Features

Author: Azeem_USA | Published: June 2025

Motorola Moto G56 5G

Image: Motorola Moto G56 5G - Source: Motorola Official

🚀 Introduction

Welcome back, tech enthusiasts! The Motorola Moto G56 5G has landed, and it's bringing some impressive features typically reserved for flagship devices to the budget smartphone segment. As someone who's constantly reviewing the latest tech, I'm excited to share my comprehensive Motorola Moto G56 5G smartphone review and unboxing experience with you.

This latest offering from Motorola promises to deliver premium features like water resistance, expandable storage, and the increasingly rare headphone jack - all at an affordable price point. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive deep into every aspect of this device.

Motorola Moto G56 5G

Image: Motorola G56 5G Color Options - Source: Motorola Official

📦 Unboxing Experience

The Motorola Moto G56 5G arrives in a surprisingly minimalist package. Here's what you'll find inside the box:

  • Motorola Moto G56 5G smartphone
  • Quick start guide and documentation
  • SIM ejector tool
  • USB Type-A to USB Type-C charging cable
  • Pre-installed protective case

Notable absence: Unlike some premium Motorola devices, the G56 5G doesn't come with that distinctive perfumed packaging - which honestly might be a relief for those who prefer their phones to smell like, well, phones.

The inclusion of a pre-installed case is a nice touch that shows Motorola's commitment to protecting your investment right out of the box.

🎨 Design and Build Quality

Physical Dimensions and Feel

The Motorola Moto G56 5G is a substantial device, measuring just over 6.7 inches and weighing 200 grams. While it's certainly not the most compact phone on the market, the weight gives it a premium feel that belies its budget price point.

Materials and Finish

The standout feature is undoubtedly the soft-touch matte finish on the back panel. This isn't your typical glossy plastic - it's a sophisticated faux leather texture that provides excellent grip and resists fingerprints remarkably well.

Available Colors:

  • Gray Mist (appears more like a soft blue)
  • Dazzling Blue
  • Dill
  • Black Oyster

All colors are Pantone-approved, ensuring consistent and appealing aesthetics across the range.

Durability Features

The Moto G56 5G impresses with its durability credentials:

  • IP68 rating: Full water submersion protection
  • IP69 rating: High-pressure water jet resistance
  • Gorilla Glass 7i: Front panel protection
  • Drop-resistant back: Non-glass construction prevents shattering
Motorola G56 5G Water Resistance Test

Image: Motorola G56 5G Water Resistance Test

📱 Display Performance

The Motorola Moto G56 5G features a 6.72-inch LCD display with Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). While it's not OLED, this choice brings several advantages:

Display Specifications

Feature Specification
Size 6.72 inches
Resolution 2400 x 1080 pixels (Full HD+)
Technology LCD
Refresh Rate 120Hz
Protection Gorilla Glass 7i

Visual Experience

The LCD panel delivers surprisingly good visual quality with punchy colors in vivid mode. While you won't get the deep blacks of OLED, the contrast is respectable, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions.

Brightness levels are adequate for outdoor use on reasonably sunny days, though direct sunlight viewing can be challenging.

⚡ Performance and Software

Chipset and RAM

The Moto G56 5G is powered by MediaTek's new Dimensity 7060 chipset, making it one of the first smartphones to feature this processor. The UK model comes with 8GB of RAM, though some regions offer a 4GB variant.

Software Experience

Running Android 15 with minimal Motorola customizations, the software experience is refreshingly clean. Key software highlights include:

  • Update Promise: 4 years of security patches, 2 Android OS updates
  • Storage: 256GB internal storage (UK model)
  • Expandability: microSD support up to 2TB
  • Connectivity: Both physical SIM and eSIM support

Gaming Performance

For gaming enthusiasts, the G56 5G handles optimized titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile smoothly. The integrated Game Time mode offers useful features like call blocking, performance optimization, and screen recording.

Moto Apps Suite

Motorola includes several useful applications:

  • Moto: Device customization and gestures
  • Moto Secure: Security and privacy tools
  • Smart Connect: Device pairing and webcam functionality
  • Family Space: Parental controls and kid-friendly mode
Motorola G56 5G Camera Test

Image: Motorola G56 5G Camera Samples - Source: Motorola Photography Tests

📸 Camera Capabilities

Rear Camera System

The camera setup on the Motorola Moto G56 5G is straightforward but functional:

  • Primary Camera: 50MP Sony Lytia 600 sensor
  • Ultra-wide Camera: 8MP basic sensor
  • Front Camera: 32MP selfie shooter

Camera Features

Available shooting modes include:

  • Pro mode with RAW capture support
  • Ultra-Res 50MP mode
  • Night Vision for low-light photography
  • Portrait mode with background blur

Photo Quality

In good lighting conditions, the 50MP primary camera produces decent results with reasonable detail and color reproduction. Portrait shots are particularly impressive for a budget device, though performance drops noticeably in challenging lighting conditions.

Video Recording

Limitations: Video recording is capped at Full HD resolution (1080p) at either 30fps or 60fps. There's no 4K recording capability, which might disappoint content creators.

🔋 Battery Life and Charging

The Motorola Moto G56 5G packs a substantial 5,200mAh battery that easily provides all-day usage, even with intensive activities like gaming, video streaming, and photography.

Battery Specifications

  • Capacity: 5,200mAh
  • Wired Charging: 30W fast charging
  • Wireless Charging: Not supported
  • Battery Life: Full day usage, weekend usage for light users

While 30W charging isn't the fastest available, it's adequate for a budget device and provides reasonable charging times.

📋 Technical Specifications

Component Specification
Processor MediaTek Dimensity 7060
RAM 8GB (UK) / 4GB (other regions)
Storage 256GB + microSD up to 2TB
Display 6.72" LCD, 2400x1080, 120Hz
Rear Camera 50MP + 8MP ultra-wide
Front Camera 32MP
Battery 5,200mAh, 30W charging
OS Android 15
Water Resistance IP68/IP69
Audio 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos

⚖️ Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Excellent build quality with premium feel
  • IP68/IP69 water resistance
  • 3.5mm headphone jack retention
  • Expandable storage up to 2TB
  • Clean Android 15 experience
  • Reliable fingerprint sensor
  • Excellent battery life
  • Competitive pricing
  • 120Hz display refresh rate
  • Dual SIM and eSIM support

❌ Cons

  • No 4K video recording
  • Limited OS update commitment
  • Asymmetrical bezels
  • No wireless charging
  • Camera struggles in low light
  • Some pre-installed bloatware
  • Plastic frame prone to scratches
  • 30W charging relatively slow
  • LCD instead of OLED display

🌟 Overall Rating

★★★★☆

4/5 Stars

The Motorola Moto G56 5G delivers exceptional value with premium features at a budget price point.

🎯 Final Verdict

The Motorola Moto G56 5G successfully bridges the gap between budget constraints and premium features. It's a phone that doesn't compromise on the essentials while delivering extras that many flagship devices have abandoned.

Who should buy this phone?

  • Budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features
  • Users who value water resistance and durability
  • Those who still prefer wired headphones
  • People needing reliable all-day battery life
  • Users wanting clean Android experience

Who might want to look elsewhere?

  • Mobile photographers needing 4K video
  • Users prioritizing long-term software support
  • Those wanting wireless charging
  • People preferring OLED display technology

Overall, the Motorola Moto G56 5G represents excellent value in the budget smartphone segment, offering a compelling package that addresses real-world user needs without breaking the bank.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Motorola Moto G56 5G waterproof?
A: Yes, it has both IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning it can be fully submerged in water and withstand high-pressure water jets.
Q: Does the Moto G56 5G support wireless charging?
A: No, it only supports 30W wired charging via USB-C.
Q: How many Android updates will the G56 5G receive?
A: Motorola promises 2 major Android OS updates (to Android 16 and 17) plus 4 years of security patches.
Q: Can I record 4K videos with this phone?
A: No, video recording is limited to Full HD (1080p) at 30fps or 60fps.
Q: Does it have a headphone jack?
A: Yes, the Moto G56 5G retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a rare feature in modern smartphones.
Q: How much storage can I add with a microSD card?
A: The phone supports microSD cards up to 2TB in addition to the 256GB internal storage.
Q: Is the display OLED or LCD?
A: It features a 6.72-inch LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution.
Q: What colors are available?
A: The Moto G56 5G comes in Gray Mist, Dazzling Blue, Dill, and Black Oyster, all Pantone-approved colors.

👨‍💻 About the Author

Azeem_USA is a dedicated technology reviewer with years of experience testing and reviewing the latest smartphones, gadgets, and tech innovations. Known for honest, detailed reviews that help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, Azeem brings both technical expertise and real-world usage perspective to every review.

Follow for more tech reviews and stay updated with the latest smartphone releases and industry news.

Keywords: Motorola Moto G56 5G, Motorola Moto G56 5G Smartphone Review and unboxing, budget smartphone 2025, Android 15 phone, water resistant phone, headphone jack smartphone, expandable storage phone, MediaTek Dimensity 7060

© 2025 Azeem_USA Tech Reviews. All rights reserved.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

OnePlus 13S Smartphone: Redefining the Small Flagship - A Full Unboxing and Review!

OnePlus 13S: Redefining the Small Flagship - A Full Review
One Plus 13S Smartphone unboxing and review, small flagship phone, best battery life phone, compact smartphone, OnePlus 13S review

OnePlus 13S: Redefining the Small Flagship - A Full Review

Redefining the "Small Flagship"

The era of truly small, sub-6-inch flagship phones, like the legendary Xen Phone 10, appears to be over. Manufacturers have shifted their focus, and with that, the definition of a "small flagship" has evolved. For 2025, the new benchmark seems to be set at screens under 6.3 inches. In this exciting new landscape, phones like the iPhone 16 (6.1-inch), Galaxy S25 (6.2-inch), and Xiaomi 15 (around 6.3-inch) now lead the charge for compactness.

Enter the OnePlus 13S. At precisely 6.3 inches, it positions itself as one of the best contenders in this newly defined category. For many, this device could be the spiritual successor to the Xen Phone 10, resurrected for the modern smartphone user. This One Plus 13S Smartphone unboxing and review will delve into what makes this phone a standout, despite its limited availability in certain markets like the US.

OnePlus 13S compact design
Image: OnePlus 13S

Flagship Specs & Premium Design

The OnePlus 13S doesn't compromise on raw power. On paper, it boasts full flagship specifications, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience:

  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • RAM: 12GB of fast RAM
  • Storage: Up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage
  • Display: A stunning 6.3-inch display with incredibly even bezels. It offers nearly 1440p resolution, a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, and brightness ranging from an astonishing 1600 nits down to 1.1 nits with PWM dimming, making it exceptionally easy on the eyes.

Beyond the impressive numbers, the phone *feels* like a flagship. Its compact form factor doesn't detract from its build quality; it's rock-solid with satisfyingly clicky buttons. The back features a premium satin glass finish, perfectly aligning with the trendy flat front and back aesthetic prevalent in 2025 smartphones. While the camera square is relatively normal-looking, the phone's overall dimensions make it lighter, more reachable, and more comfortable than larger flagships, offering a truly ergonomic experience.

Video Source: Amazon. OnePlus 13S.
The "OnePlus Thing": Historically, "doing the OnePlus thing" has meant a few consistent characteristics. With the 13S, this translates to the absence of wireless charging and a camera system that, while passable, isn't the primary reason to purchase the phone.

The Battery Beast: Unrivaled Endurance

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the OnePlus 13S is its absolutely incredible battery. Packed inside this compact device is a massive 5,850 mAh battery. To put that into context, many flagship phones barely touch 4,000 mAh, with 5,000 mAh being considered excellent. The 13S blows these figures out of the water.

This translates to an easy two-day battery life with normal usage, reminiscent of the long-lasting performance once offered by the Zen Phone series. Even under heavy use, with high brightness and high refresh rates, the phone simply keeps going. As the cherry on top, it supports blazing-fast 80-watt wired charging, meaning a quick plug-in for a few minutes every couple of days is all you need to stay powered up.

Initially, such a massive battery in such a small phone led to assumptions of silicon-carbon battery technology, which allows for higher energy density in smaller spaces. Surprisingly, the global version of the OnePlus 13S achieves this incredible feat with a conventional lithium-ion battery. This is genuinely shocking and a testament to engineering optimization.

For the Chinese market, however, there's an even more intriguing variant. This version reportedly swaps out the 32MP selfie camera for a smaller 16MP unit and *does* incorporate a silicon-carbon battery, boosting the capacity to an astonishing 6,260 mAh. The thought of that phone's battery life is truly mind-boggling.

OnePlus 13S exceptional battery life
Image: OnePlus 13S battery performance

Camera Performance: A Familiar Story

As mentioned earlier, if cutting-edge camera performance is your top priority, the OnePlus 13S might not be the ideal choice. The cameras are "fine" and "passable," a sentiment often echoed for past OnePlus devices. It utilizes the same main sensor found in phones like the ROG Phone 9 and Moto Edge 50. Peculiarly, this main sensor is paired with a 2x telephoto lens, rather than a more versatile ultrawide or a stronger zoom, which limits its photographic flexibility compared to competitors.

For example, an S25 with its triple-camera setup or even other dual-camera phones featuring an ultrawide lens will generally offer more versatile and often superior photographic results. The OnePlus 13S's camera won't disappoint for casual shots in good lighting, but it won't win any awards for innovation or low-light prowess.

OnePlus 13S camera system
Image: OnePlus 13S camera module

OnePlus AI and the New "Plus Key"

OnePlus has officially joined the AI bandwagon with the integration of its own AI features on the 13S. These features are designed to be either fully embraced or completely ignored, depending on user preference.

A significant change marking this AI integration is the replacement of the beloved alert slider with a new, customizable button called the "Plus Key." Similar to Apple's Action Button, this key can be configured to perform various actions. By default, it's set to save content to "Mind Space," an AI-organized memory bank for screenshots and other information, allowing for easy retrieval and action later. This concept is quite similar to Nothing Phone's Essential Space and can be quite useful for capturing information like concert posters from screenshots.

However, a notable drawback is Mind Space's lack of multiplatform sync, meaning data is locked to the phone and cannot be accessed or triaged on other devices like a laptop. This breaks a fundamental rule for organizational software.

Beyond Mind Space, the OnePlus AI suite includes:

  • An AI editor in the photos app capable of unblurring moving objects, erasing reflections from glass, and removing background objects.
  • A dedicated translate app offering live audio translations for multilingual conversations.

While these AI functionalities are not groundbreaking or unseen on other phones, it's a positive step for OnePlus to integrate them natively rather than relying solely on Google's solutions. These AI features are also expected to arrive on the standard OnePlus 13 via a software update, though that phone will still retain the alert slider, requiring a three-finger swipe-up gesture to access AI functions.

OnePlus 13S AI capabilities and Plus Key
Image: OnePlus 13S AI interface

Price and Other Notable Features

The OnePlus 13S is positioned competitively, with a rough US equivalent price of around $650. This pricing further solidifies its "Xen Phone reincarnated" vibe, offering flagship-level experience without breaking the bank.

During the One Plus 13S Smartphone unboxing and review, a few minor observations were made:

  • Fingerprint Reader: The under-display fingerprint reader is optical rather than the faster ultrasonic type. While not a deal-breaker, it's a common compromise at this price point.
  • Camera Quick Launch: The lack of a default double-tap power button shortcut for the camera is an odd omission, as it's a standard feature on most Android phones. However, users can remap the new Plus Key for quick camera access.
  • Oxygen OS 15 Gesture: A genuinely clever feature in Oxygen OS 15 is the "icon pull-down gesture." This allows users to simply drag all home screen icons to the bottom corner for easy, one-handed access, a particularly useful innovation for larger phones.
OnePlus 13S Smartphone Unboxing Contents
Image: OnePlus 13S Smartphone Unboxing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What defines a "small flagship" in 2025?

A: In 2025, a small flagship phone is generally considered to have a screen size under 6.3 inches. The OnePlus 13S fits this new definition perfectly at 6.3 inches.

Q: Does the OnePlus 13S have wireless charging?

A: No, the OnePlus 13S does not feature wireless charging. This is consistent with some past OnePlus devices.

Q: How good is the battery life on the OnePlus 13S?

A: The OnePlus 13S offers exceptional battery life, boasting a 5,850 mAh battery that can easily last two days with normal use. It also supports 80W fast wired charging.

Q: Is the OnePlus 13S camera system good?

A: The camera system on the OnePlus 13S is considered "passable" or "fine" for casual use, but it's not its strongest feature. It's comparable to sensors found in phones like the ROG Phone 9 and Moto Edge 50, and lacks a dedicated ultrawide lens.

Q: What is the "Plus Key" on the OnePlus 13S?

A: The "Plus Key" is a new customizable button that replaces the traditional alert slider. By default, it's linked to "Mind Space" for AI-organized memory banking, but it can be remapped for other functions like a camera quick launch.

Q: Is the OnePlus 13S available in the US?

A: According to the review, the OnePlus 13S is not expected to be officially released in the US market and may not have all the necessary network bands for optimal performance there.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 13S emerges as a compelling contender in the redefined "small flagship" segment. It delivers a full-fledged flagship experience in a remarkably compact and ergonomic package. Its standout feature is undeniably the extraordinary battery life, offering two days of usage and lightning-fast 80W charging, a true highlight in this One Plus 13S Smartphone unboxing and review.

While the cameras remain merely adequate and the absence of wireless charging is a minor ding, the smooth Oxygen OS 15 software, strong performance, and integrated AI features (accessed via the new Plus Key) round out a highly attractive device. If your priority is a powerful, compact smartphone with unparalleled endurance, the OnePlus 13S is undoubtedly the phone to consider, assuming you can get your hands on it.

Author Name: Azeem_USA

Friday, June 6, 2025

Redmagic 10S Pro Review & Unboxing: Ultimate Gaming Powerhouse? | Azeem_USA

Redmagic 10S Pro Review & Unboxing: Ultimate Gaming Powerhouse?

Redmagic 10S Pro Smartphone Review and Unboxing: The Tweaked Beast!

Introduction: What's New with the 'S'?

Welcome to our comprehensive Redmagic 10S Pro Smartphone Review and unboxing! The 'S' models from Redmagic are always the tweaked, slightly upgraded versions of their flagship releases, and the 10S Pro is no exception. It aims to push the boundaries of mobile gaming performance even further. Let's dive in to see what this beast has to offer.

Redmagic 10S Pro held in hand

Image Source/Credit: Redmagic

The core of the upgrade lies in a further refined Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which Redmagic calls the "Leading Version." This means even higher clock speeds for both the CPU and GPU, promising a slight edge in raw power. Coupled with an improved cooling system, Redmagic aims for sustained peak performance for longer gaming sessions.

Unboxing the Redmagic 10S Pro

It's always great to see manufacturers still including essential accessories. Inside the Redmagic 10S Pro box, you'll find:

  • The Redmagic 10S Pro smartphone itself.
  • An 80W GaN charger (compact and powerful).
  • A distinctive red Type-C to Type-C cable.
  • A plastic hard case, designed to protect the corners while keeping the shoulder triggers accessible.
  • SIM ejector tool and documentation.
Redmagic 10S Pro unboxing contents

Redmagic 10S Pro unboxing

The included case is a nice touch, offering basic protection without hindering the gaming-specific features like the triggers and allowing the cooling fan to breathe.

Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refined

The Redmagic 10S Pro maintains the signature gaming aesthetic of the series. The back features a glimpse into the internal components, including the cooling fan, which now spins at an impressive 23,000 RPM. The phone feels solid, weighing in at around 229 grams with a thickness of 8.9mm. Essential ports like the 3.5mm headphone jack are thankfully still present, a must-have for latency-free gaming audio. It also features a Type-C port with video-out capabilities and three microphones for clear communication.

Redmagic 10S Pro

Performance and Cooling: The Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Version

This is where the Redmagic 10S Pro truly shines. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (Leading Version) chipset. Compared to the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite:

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Version of Redmagic 10S Pro

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Version

  • The CPU's max turbo is 150MHz faster.
  • The GPU is 100MHz faster, clocking up to 1200MHz.

Redmagic has also upgraded its cooling to Liquid Metal 2.0 and the ICE X cooling system. This includes the aforementioned 23,000 RPM fan. Redmagic claims this results in up to 5°C lower temperatures on average during gaming. In stress tests, the phone showed good stability (around 77.4%), maintaining constant performance after an initial dip around the 5-minute mark. However, it can still get quite hot to the touch (up to 54°C internally), especially around the frame, during extended, demanding gaming sessions. Despite the heat, it throttles less than many other Snapdragon 8 Elite phones thanks to its active cooling.

Storage is UFS 4.1, delivering very fast read and write speeds, contributing to the overall snappy performance. AnTuTu scores are impressive, hovering around the 2.8 million mark, with particularly strong GPU performance.

AnTuTu benchmark score of Redmagic 10S Pro

AnTuTu benchmark score of Redmagic 10S Pro

Display: Smooth and Bright

The Redmagic 10S Pro boasts a flat 144Hz screen, which is fantastic for gaming, offering an incredibly smooth visual experience. There's no notch or cutout, thanks to the Under-Display Camera (UDC), providing an uninterrupted viewing area. The display can reach up to 2000 nits peak brightness, making it reasonably legible in direct sunlight, though not the absolute brightest on the market. Touch responsiveness is excellent with an instant sampling rate of 2500Hz and a constant sampling rate of 960Hz. Crucially, there's no noticeable PWM flicker, which is great for eye comfort. You also get options for 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz refresh rates, not just the extremes, which is a welcome feature for balancing performance and battery life.

Software: Redmagic OS 10.5

The phone runs on Redmagic OS 10.5, based on Android 15. The experience is close to stock Android with gaming-centric additions. The software is stable, and I encountered no significant bugs after a recent update. Bloatware is minimal, which is always appreciated. The OS also includes Redmagic AI features and settings to control the cooling fan and light strips.

Audio and Haptics

A standout feature for gamers is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring zero-latency audio. The stereo speakers are quite good for a gaming phone, offering decent volume, a hint of bass, and clear mids – Redmagic has clearly made improvements here. Haptics are reasonably strong and precise, enhancing the gaming experience, though perhaps not the absolute best in the market. Call quality is also solid, with active noise cancellation seeming to work effectively.

Redmagic 10S Pro speaker and audio jack

Redmagic 10S Pro speaker and audio jack

Gaming Experience: Triggers and Game Space

The dedicated gaming switch instantly launches you into the Redmagic Game Space, a hub for all your games and performance tweaks. Here, you can customize game profiles, manage notifications, and configure the excellent 520Hz shoulder triggers. These triggers are highly responsive and can be mapped to emulate on-screen touches, offering a significant advantage in FPS games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile. I typically map one trigger to aim (scope) and the other to fire. This setup is intuitive and frees up your thumbs for movement and other actions. Performance in games like Genshin Impact (at top settings) and PUBG Mobile (at 120fps) is incredibly smooth and fluid.

Gaming on Redmagic 10S Pro with shoulder triggers

Gaming on Redmagic 10S Pro

Battery and Charging: Power Through Your Sessions

7050mAh Dual Battery, 80W GaN Charger, Up To 100W Fast Charging

7050mAh Dual Battery, 80W GaN Charger, Up To 100W Fast Charging

The Redmagic 10S Pro is equipped with a massive 7050mAh battery (though some apps report it slightly lower, likely due to dual-cell design). With the included 80W charger, the phone charges from 0 to 100% in about 35 minutes, which is excellent. In terms of battery life, expect around 9 hours in PCMark's fixed test at 144Hz. Real-world usage can yield 6.5 to 7 hours of screen-on time at 144Hz, which is decent considering the powerful chipset and high refresh rate display. Lowering the refresh rate will, of course, extend this further.

Camera Performance: Gaming Phone Optics

Cameras are typically not the primary focus of gaming phones, and the Redmagic 10S Pro follows this trend. It features a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 2MP sensor primarily for portrait depth information. The front camera is a 16MP Under-Display Camera (UDC).

  • Front Camera (UDC): Selfies and video quality are subpar due to the UDC technology. Even with improved algorithms, images and videos can look blurry or smudged, especially in challenging lighting. Not ideal for vloggers.
  • Rear Cameras:
    • The 50MP main camera can capture good, detailed shots in daylight, like the photo of Snow (the cat). However, colors can sometimes be oversaturated (e.g., red hibiscus) with some clipping.
    • The 50MP ultrawide offers a wider field of view, but there's a noticeable drop in quality and color consistency compared to the main sensor. It also tends to overexpose shots.
    • Portrait mode stitching is okay but can struggle with beautifying effects if left on. Turning beautifying off yields better results.
    • Night shots tend to be grainy and not flagship-grade.
    • Video recording is available up to 8K@30fps and 4K@60fps from the main camera. However, you can't switch to the ultrawide on the fly while recording at 4K. Stabilization on the front camera video is poor.
Camera sample from Redmagic 10S Pro

Image Source/Credit: gsmarena

Overall, the cameras are serviceable for a gaming phone but don't compete with camera-focused flagships. The phone also supports Widevine L1 for HD streaming and Camera2 API Level 3.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Slightly tweaked CPU/GPU clocks and improved cooling.
  • Throttles far less than other Snapdragon 8 Elite phones thanks to the 23,000 RPM fan.
  • Massive 7050mAh battery with fast 80W charging.
  • Flat 144Hz screen with no cutout or notch (great for gaming).
  • 3.5mm headphone jack is still present!
  • Excellent shoulder triggers and gaming software.
  • Very fast UFS 4.1 storage.
  • Minimal bloatware.

Cons:

  • Bad front camera quality due to UDC technology.
  • Rear cameras are not flagship grade; should be better for the price.
  • Can get quite hot to the touch (50+ degrees C) during extended gaming, especially on the frame.
  • Software updates can be slower than mainstream brands.

Conclusion: Is the Redmagic 10S Pro Worth It?

The Redmagic 10S Pro is essentially the same fantastic gaming phone as the Redmagic 10 Pro, but with minor, incremental improvements. It offers top-tier performance, excellent cooling that minimizes throttling, a superb gaming display, and features that gamers will love, like the 3.5mm jack and responsive shoulder triggers.

Redmagic 10S Pro

If you already own the Redmagic 10 Pro or even the 9S Pro, there's no compelling reason to upgrade to the 10S Pro. The differences are marginal in real-world use. However, if you're in the market for a new, dedicated gaming smartphone and prioritize raw performance, an uninterrupted display, and gamer-centric features over camera prowess, the Redmagic 10S Pro is a formidable contender. It delivers an exceptional gaming experience, though be prepared for it to get warm and don't expect flagship-level photography.

The Redmagic 10S Pro is for the serious mobile gamer who wants peak performance and features tailored for gaming, and is willing to compromise on camera quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main improvements in the Redmagic 10S Pro over the 10 Pro?

A: The 10S Pro features slightly higher CPU and GPU clock speeds from its "Leading Version" Snapdragon 8 Elite, an improved Liquid Metal 2.0 cooling system which Redmagic claims reduces temperatures by up to 5°C on average, and minor software tweaks including an updated AI algorithm for the front camera and storage optimizations.

Q: How is the camera quality on the Redmagic 10S Pro?

A: The rear main 50MP camera can take good shots in daylight but can oversaturate colors. The ultrawide is decent but shows a quality drop. The front Under-Display Camera (UDC) provides poor quality for selfies and video, a common trade-off for an uninterrupted screen. Overall, cameras are not flagship-level.

Q: Does the Redmagic 10S Pro overheat during gaming?

A: While the active cooling system with its 23,000 RPM fan does an excellent job at preventing significant performance throttling, the phone's frame and screen can still get quite hot (potentially over 50°C) during long, intensive gaming sessions. This can be uncomfortable for some users.

Q: Is the Redmagic 10S Pro good for everyday use, not just gaming?

A: Yes, it's a very capable phone for daily tasks thanks to its powerful processor, ample RAM, fast storage, and large battery. However, its bulkier design and subpar cameras might not appeal to everyone as a primary non-gaming device.

Q: Does the Redmagic 10S Pro have a 3.5mm headphone jack?

A: Yes, it thankfully retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a big plus for gamers seeking latency-free audio.


Review by: Azeem_USA