How to Activate New Airtel 5G SIM: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jio Choice Number: What is it and How to Buy Jio Fancy Number Using Different Methods

Jio, one of India's leading telecom providers, offers users the flexibility to choose a special or fancy mobile number through its Jio Choice Number service. Whether you want a number that matches your birth date, vehicle registration, or simply an easy-to-remember sequence, Jio makes it convenient to get one. This service caters to both prepaid and postpaid users, ensuring that everyone can personalise their mobile experience. Here's everything you need to know about Jio Choice Numbers, including how to buy one through different methods.

What Is A Jio Choice Number?

A Jio Choice Number is a customised mobile number that users can select based on their preferences. Instead of being assigned a random number, customers can pick a fancy number with a unique combination, such as repeated digits, a specific pattern, or a number that holds personal significance. This service is ideal for individuals who want an exclusive identity, businesses looking for an easy-to-recall contact number, or those who prefer a number similar to their vehicle registration.

Jio offers a variety of fancy numbers, including:

• VIP Numbers: Premium numbers with unique patterns or repeated digits.
• Lucky Numbers: Numbers based on birth dates, anniversaries, or personal preferences.
• Business Numbers: Easy-to-remember combinations for professionals and enterprises.

How to Get a Jio Choice Number?

Jio provides multiple ways for customers to obtain a choice number. Whether you prefer an online method or an offline purchase, the process is seamless. Below are the different ways you can get a Jio Choice Number.

How To Buy Jio Choice Number Online via the Jio Website

1. Go to www.jio.com and navigate to the “Choice Number” section.
2. Use the search feature and select your preferred number:
3. Enter your existing contact number to receive an OTP for verification.
4. Once verified, select the number and proceed to checkout.
5. You can either opt for home delivery or pick up the SIM from a nearby Jio store.
6. Provide the required identity and address proof to complete your KYC and activate the new number.
7. Once verification is complete, the new SIM with your choice number will be issued.

How To Buy Jio Choice Number via My Jio App

1. Download and open the My Jio App from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Use your existing Jio number or create a new account.
3. In the app menu, look for the ‘Fancy Number' or ‘Choice Number' section.
4. Check availability and choose your preferred combination.
5. Enter your mobile number and authenticate the request with an OTP.
6. Some VIP numbers may require an additional fee.
7. Choose your preferred method to receive the SIM card.
8. Provide the required documents and complete the verification process.

How To Buy Jio Choice Number From Jio Store

1. Visit your nearest Jio store using Google Maps or the My Jio App.
2. Ask for available choice numbers
3. The store executive will provide a list of available fancy numbers.
4. Choose the number that suits your preference.
5. Carry a valid Aadhaar card, passport, or driving licence for verification.
6. Complete KYC and pay any applicable charges.
7. The store will issue your SIM, which will be activated after verification.

Benefits of Fancy Jio Number

• Personalised Identity: Stand out with a unique number tailored to your preference.
• Easy to Remember: Useful for businesses and individuals who want a simple and catchy number.
• Enhanced Brand Value: Professionals and businesses can benefit from an exclusive number that strengthens brand identity.
• Ideal for Special Occasions: Choose a number that reflects a meaningful date or lucky combination.
• VIP Treatment: Premium choice numbers may come with added perks, making them more valuable.

FAQs

Do I need a new SIM Card when choosing a Jio Choice Number?

Yes, opting for a Jio Choice Number requires a new SIM card. Your existing number cannot be converted into a fancy number. Once the new SIM is issued, you can use it after completing the KYC process.

Is Jio Choice Number prepaid?

Jio Choice Numbers can be used for both prepaid and postpaid connections. During the booking process, you will be given the option to select your preferred plan type.

Will I get a new SIM by opting for a Jio Choice Number?

Yes, once you purchase a Jio Choice Number, you will receive a new SIM card linked to that number. You must activate it by following the standard verification process.

Can I book multiple series numbers that are similar to those of my family/friends?

Yes, Jio allows customers to book multiple numbers with similar patterns, making it convenient for families and businesses to have matching or sequential numbers.

I have a vehicle with a VIP number, so can I use a similar number as my mobile number?

Yes, Jio Choice Number allows you to select a mobile number that matches your vehicle registration number, provided it is available. This is a popular option for those who prefer a consistent numeric identity.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/ZdbFNc4

Dil Dosti Aur Dogs OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

A new heartwarming film, Dil Dosti Aur Dogs, is set to premiere on JioHotstar, bringing an emotional story that intertwines friendships, relationships, and the love for dogs. The trailer gives a glimpse into how dogs play a crucial role in human lives, helping people navigate their struggles. With a mix of drama, comedy, and heartfelt moments, the film aims to capture the essence of companionship between humans and their pets. The film's premise revolves around multiple characters who find solace and joy through their four-legged friends, exploring themes of bonding, personal growth, and emotional healing.

When and Where to Watch Dil Dosti Aur Dogs

The film Dil Dosti Aur Dogs is scheduled for release on February 28, 2025. The streaming rights have been acquired by JioHotstar, allowing viewers to watch the film exclusively on the platform. With its engaging storyline and emotional depth, the film is expected to appeal to audiences who cherish pet companionship and heartfelt storytelling.

Official Trailer and Plot of Dil Dosti Aur Dogs

The trailer, which runs for 1 minute and 45 seconds, introduces the central characters and their unique relationships with their dogs. A couple struggling with their marriage is advised to adopt a dog in an attempt to strengthen their bond. Meanwhile, another family brings a dog into their home to cope with personal difficulties. Neena Gupta's character also finds comfort in her pet, portraying the impact of dogs in bringing emotional stability and companionship. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when one of the dogs goes missing, leading to an emotional journey that highlights the deep connections formed between humans and their pets. The film focuses on themes of love, friendship, and the unwavering loyalty of dogs, making it a compelling watch for pet lovers.

Cast and Crew of Dil Dosti Aur Dogs

The film features an ensemble cast, including Neena Gupta, Masumeh Makhija, Sharad Kelkar, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Keerti Kelkar, Tinu Anand, Ehan Bhat, and Tridha Chaudhary. Their performances bring life to a story that aims to touch hearts with its emotional depth. The film's direction and storytelling promise to bring an engaging experience, making it a much-anticipated release on JioHotstar.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/5dGYPeA

Realme 14 Pro Series Global Launch Confirmed at MWC Barcelona; ‘Ultra’ Model Reportedly Teased

Realme 14 Pro series debuted in India last month and its global launch has now been confirmed. The company has announced that its lineup, comprising the Realme 14 Pro and 14 Pro+, will be launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona. The event takes place between March 3-6 in the aforementioned nation. This also confirms the company's participation at one of the world's biggest technology showcases of the year. Realme has also reportedly teased an Ultra variant that could join the lineup as a new offering.

Realme 14 Pro Series Global Launch Confirmed

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Realme shared a short video clip which confirms that it will launch a smartphone with a “DSLR-level” smartphone camera at MWC Barcelona. While it did not officially reveal its name, it is widely believed to be the Realme 14 Pro series based on its appearance. Both models, the Realme 14 Pro and Realme 14 Pro+, are expected to have similar features and specifications as their Indian counterparts.

What is this real DSLR-level smartphone camera in Francis's hands? The answer will be revealed at MWC 2025! #realmeMWC2025 #TechDrivesStyleThrives pic.twitter.com/ZQqcBAJAxx

— realme Global (@realmeglobal) February 24, 2025

This includes a cold-sensitive colour-changing technology that reacts to temperature changes. The phone's back cover claims to change from pearl white to blue when the temperature drops below 16 degrees Celsius. It will return to its original shade when the ambient temperature increases. Other specifications include AMOLED 120Hz screens, 50-megapixel cameras with optical image stabilisation (OI)S, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, and IP66+IP68+IP69 rating.

Meanwhile, Realme has also reported to have teased a new “Ultra” variant which might join the Realme 14 Pro series at the upcoming MWC Barcelona. It is said to have a camera sensor “larger” than other flagship models, although it remains unclear which devices the company is referring to here. The teaser shows a phone's silhouette featuring a large, circular camera module which occupies the entire top-half of its back panel.

Realme 14 Pro Series Price in India

Realme 14 Pro 5G price in India starts at Rs. 24,999 for the 8GB+128GB model, while the 8GB+256GB variant is priced at Rs. 26,999. It is available in Jaipur Pink, Pearl White, and Suede Grey finishes.

The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G is priced at Rs.29,999 for the 8GB+128GB version, and an is8GB+256GB costs Rs. 31,999. A 12GB+256GB storage model is available for Rs. 34,999. It is sold in Bikaner Purple, Pearl White, and Suede Grey colourways.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/tSw9AYM

Qualcomm’s Foray Into Budget Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Chipset: Five Things You Should Know

The first wave of AI PCs, or as Microsoft calls them, Copilot+ PCs, hit India in the second half of 2024. Snapdragon led the race with its X series chipsets, and several OEMs introduced AI-enabled laptops in the country. While these devices generated a buzz given the hype around artificial intelligence (AI) and the new Copilot-driven features in Windows 11, the impact on the PC market was not significant, with the consumer PC segment witnessing a meagre 2.6 percent shipment growth year-on-year (YoY) in India in 2024, as per market research firm IDC.

While the reasons for this can be speculative and multi-faceted, one key aspect was price-based accessibility in a price-sensitive market. In 2024, only two Snapdragon X series chipset models were available — X Elite and X Plus — and both catered to the premium segment. As a result, the laptops that entered the market were priced steeply and primarily focused on enterprise users. With generative AI capabilities still in its nascent stage in the PC space, the majority of Indian PC buyers are left out of the Copilot+ PC experience.

However, Qualcomm likely prepared for this by introducing new eight-core variants of the X Plus chipset, which are aimed at bringing down the prices of Copilot+ PCs. Then, at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, the chipmaker further solidified its intent with a new Snapdragon X chipset aimed at devices in the $600 (roughly Rs. 52,000) price segment.

After a month's wait, the Snapdragon X chipset was officially launched in the Indian market. Consequently, Asus opened pre-reservations for the first two laptops — Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 — that were equipped with this chipset. With a starting price (of Vivobook 16) of Rs. 65,990 (Zenbook is pricier at Rs. 99,990), these Copilot+ PCs have entered a more massy segment and become more accessible to buyers. But before you go book your potentially first AI PC, there are some things you should know about the newly launched chip.

Snapdragon X Comes With 45 TOPS of AI Performance

Currently, nine different chipset variants are available across the entire Snapdragon X lineup, with varying cores, clock speeds, and GPU performance. However, one unifying factor is the dedicated Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU) with 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), which can also be found in the new chipset built for budget devices.

For those new to AI parlance, TOPS is essentially a metric used to measure the computational performance of AI hardware, particularly in deep learning and machine learning applications. The higher the metric, the faster an AI model can process information and execute tasks. The metric is also important for developers and those working with AI, as it determines the computation power of a device required to train an AI model. Further, the metric also indicates how power-efficient a chipset is.

With the same 45 TOPS available in the high-end X Elite chipset, Snapdragon X-powered devices will likely offer similar AI processing even in the budget segment. However, since OEM optimisation determines a large part of this, it can vary from brand to brand.

Eight Cores, Slower Clock Speed and No Performance Cores

A CPU can benefit from a more powerful NPU, but at the end of the day, the primary metric is always the CPU performance. Unsurprisingly, since the chipset is aimed at budget laptops and PCs, it does offer lower performance compared to the X Elite and X Plus platforms.

The Snapdragon X is a 4nm chip with eight Oryon CPU cores with a max clock speed of up to 3GHz. In contrast, the X Plus chipsets sport a maximum of 10 cores with up to 3.4GHz peak clock speed on efficiency cores and up to one performance core with 4.0GHz max clock speed, and the X Elite features 12 cores with up to 3.8GHz max clock speed, and up to two performance cores peaked at 4.3GHz.

For the layperson, this means the Snapdragon X chipset gets the lowest performance among the entire lineup. Despite that, the company boasts that “This platform delivers up to 163 percent faster performance at ISO-power than our competitors who also require 168 percent more power at ISO-performance.”

However, in the footnote, the company does reveal that the comparison was done against the Intel Core Ultra 5 120U processor, which was launched in January 2024 and offers more cores and higher clock speeds compared to the Snapdragon X.

The Market Strategy Behind Snapdragon X

In an exclusive conversation with Gadgets 360, Qualcomm's Senior Vice President of Product Management, Kedar Kondap, highlighted the vision behind entering the budget PC segment with the newly launched processor.

The chipmaker currently has a multi-pronged approach in the retail space, both generating more awareness about AI PCs and creating brand awareness about Snapdragon's role in the space. Snapdragon became a key partner for Microsoft in introducing Copilot+ branded PCs to the world. The first Surface devices with AI capabilities were also equipped with X series chipsets.

Kondap explained that the company worked to develop compatibility for hundreds of apps that now run natively on Snapdragon PCs. Additionally, the Arm emulator Prism offers reliable performance for those apps that aren't natively supported. Qualcomm is also working with a large number of large language model (LLM) developers. Its Qualcomm AI Hub offers easy deployment and inference running of AI models and a unified interface to let developers use the LLMs to power their apps.

While he shied away from revealing whether the company plans to partner with OEMs on Snapdragon-exclusive stores, the Snapdragon executive highlighted that the company is focusing on being closer to the consumer to build trust in a device that runs on Snapdragon CPUs.

During the launch event, Qualcomm also announced that it has partnered with Flipkart Minutes to enable the delivery of devices equipped with the Snapdragon X chipset within ten minutes in India.

All of these factors work for Snapdragon when entering the affordable PC segment, where consumer trust plays a big role. However, the company is still a reasonably new name compared to that of Intel or AMD, which have established themselves in this space.

The Snapdragon Experience Zone

Last week, Qualcomm announced the launch of its first-ever Snapdragon Experience Zone in India in partnership with Croma. The retail footprint showcases ecosystem products such as smartphones, PCs, wearables, and audio products featuring Snapdragon chipsets. The store's employees have been trained to demonstrate the processor's capabilities, including on-device AI processing.

Buyers will be able to interact with these devices, get hands-on experience, and seek expert advice from the staff. This new initiative allows the company to be closer to the end consumer and not rely on OEMs to set narratives about the brand.

This appears to largely be a marketing-driven move instead of a new revenue channel, and it can boost the company's perception among potential buyers. Some smartphone buyers already look for Snapdragon-branded processors when deciding to purchase a device, and the company is likely aiming for a similar play in the PC segment with the new Experience Zone.

Optimisation and Power Consumption on Snapdragon X

This section requires a disclaimer first, so here it is. At present, there is no way for us to know exactly how power-efficient the Snapdragon X chipset is since the first Copilot+ PCs with the processor will not be available in the public domain before March 3. Instead, we are focusing on the claims made by the company, conversations we've had with company executives, and our experience with other Snapdragon-powered AI PCs.

During the launch event, the company claimed that Snapdragon X offers a battery life “that can go for multiple days on a single charge." Usually, a claim like that would get an incredulous look from most laptop users, as typically, even with modest usage, devices barely last a day on a single charge, let alone multiple days.

But, as we have seen in our reviews of Snapdragon-powered AI PCs such as the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q (here), HP OmniBook X (here), and Dell XPS 13 (here), these devices have consistently offered a battery backup between 14 hours to more than a day with moderate usage. These premium devices also feature OLED screens that generally tax the battery life. It is possible that with LCD screens and with less power-intensive tasks, the budget laptops could deliver multi-day backup. It still is a tall claim, however.

Last year, Mike Roberts, Vice President & Global Head, Product, Partner and Technology Marketing at Qualcomm, spoke with Gadgets 360 and shed light on the company's approach towards power optimisation.

He said, “I think our key advantage is performance per watt. Performance is great, but if my battery life stinks, nobody's going to want to use it. And to me, that's the core of who we are as a mobile company. So, we have a sustainable advantage of ARM versus x86.”

A large part of this optimisation comes from the parallel processing of the dedicated NPU, which is why Intel and AMD's chipsets with NPU have also seen an increase in battery life. However, a lot more is done at the architecture and fabrication level, which might be the case with the Snapdragon X chipset.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/vRGZEXr

iPhone 17 Pro Models May Reportedly Offer Improved Video Recording Capabilities

Following the launch of the iPhone 16e as the latest entry-level model from Apple, the focus has now shifted to the flagship iPhone 17 lineup which is slated to debut later this year. According to claims by a seasoned journalist, Apple is aiming to improve the camera capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro models but it will not just stop at still photography. The Cupertino-based technology company is also expected to emphasise on improvements related to video recording this time around.

Improved Video Recording on iPhone 17 Pro Models

In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman highlighted Apple's ambitions of its iPhone 17 Pro models potentially being the go-to video recording devices for the vlogging community and other video content creators. The company is reported to deliver a “significant” upgrade, especially with the top-of-the-line Pro models, with a particular stress on improving the video recording prowess.

As per Gurman, Apple wants to make sure that its iPhone 17 Pro models replace standalone cameras for creators. The company is expected to advertise these improvements during the keynote at its anticipated September event with the debut of the iPhone 17 series.

While specifications remain unconfirmed, previous reports suggest Apple will equip the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, an upgraded version of the 12-megapixel camera currently found on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The phones may also come with a 24-megapixel selfie camera as opposed to the 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera on the current lineup.

Recently surfaced renders of the smartphones also suggest they may undergo a drastic change in terms of design, with the Pro models potentially sporting a Pixel-style camera layout along with dual-toned rear panels.

However, it is worth noting that there are several months until the iPhone 17 series is launched, and these leaks are advised to be taken with a grain of salt. More details about the handsets are likely to surface in the months leading up to their debut.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/jegPJb8

Vivo V50 Review: Fancy Design Backed by Big Battery Life

Vivo, a brand known mainly for its mid-premium segment smartphones, is seeing increasing competition with every passing year. While it was difficult to find features such as a good camera and battery life in this segment a few years ago, the competition has now caught up. Xiaomi's Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (which was earlier a part of its budget series of devices) is now delivering good value priced from Rs. 30,999. And the same applies to brands like Poco and Realme, which have gotten increasingly aggressive with pricing. With Vivo now fully aware of the competition, inching closer with every passing year, it has now come up with what we believe is a tolerable successor for its mid-range V40 series. The Vivo V50 has plenty of upgrades over the previous models, and for once, some of these actually make sense.

Vivo V50 Design: Quad-curved display done right

• Dimensions - 163.29 x 76.72 x 7.57mm
• Weight - 199g
• Durability - IP68 + IP69

Unlike its predecessors, the Vivo V50 has a slim, rounded design that looks and feels premium. The phone comes in three finishes—Titanium Grey, Starry Night and Rose Red. The glass rear panel of the Rose Red unit we received has a smooth matte finish. It's nice to see that the odd keyhole-shaped camera module does not stand out as much because it, too, has been given the matte-finish treatment. Vivo's Aura ring light has grown bigger in diameter, providing better coverage than the previous implementation.

The Vivo V50 has a smooth, satin-like finish for its rear panel but packs a solid IP69 rating for dust and water resistance

 

The rounded pebble-like design is very comfortable to hold, and the chrome-finished polycarbonate frame (also the chassis), apart from helping reduce weight, also makes the phone easier to grip. The phone still has a heft to it at 199 grams, but you need to keep in mind that it packs in a 6,000mAh battery.

Unlike most smartphones we have seen in the premium segment, Vivo indeed got the micro quad-curved display right with its V50. With most micro-quad-curved display panels, the deal is to make the content appear a bit immersive without the content sliding too far into the curved sides and hence appearing distorted. The upside of using this tech is that even the display border appears thinner if done right. On most premium smartphones (usually by Chinese manufacturers), micro-quad-curved panels are typically accompanied by mid-frames with flat sides, which breaks the flow of the design by pairing rounded and flat surfaces.

The Vivo V50 has well-rounded, quad-curved panels and a curved mid-frame, which lend it a very comfortable grip and hand feel.

 

Vivo managed to pull this off well. Thanks to its unique combination of a quad-curved rear panel, a curved mid-frame, and a quad-curved display, it has a seamless look and feel. It reminds me of the older all-metal iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6, which also had a flat front and back but rounded sides.

My only nitpick about the Vivo V50's design would be the slightly sharp cutout for the USB port and speaker grilles at the bottom.

 

This splendid design is backed up by a solid IP68 and IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning you could take this phone for a swim in freshwater. However, do keep in mind that Vivo's warranty (just like most manufacturers) does not cover damage caused by liquid ingress.

Vivo V50 Display: Looks great, and works great!

• Display size - 6.77-inch, 2,392 × 1,080 pixels, FHD+ (387 PPI)
• Display type - AMOLED, 6-90-120Hz
• Display protection - Schott

Looks aside, the display has thin borders all around, and the curved edges also mean more reflections when viewing the display outdoors, which can get distracting. Outdoor legibility, thanks to the claimed 4,500 nits of peak brightness, was not a problem, and the same can be said about the display's colours, which appeared natural in all types of lighting conditions. The display also supports HDR10 content, and it appeared as expected.

Obvious downgrades aside, I also noticed that the quad-curved panel introduced this year does lose a few pixels. The Vivo V40's curved-edge display had a resolution of 2,800 × 1,260 pixels, while the new model offers a slightly lower 2,392 × 1,080 pixels. The differences in sharpness will be minor, so it will be hard to tell the difference.

The Vivo V50's quad-curved display produces some unnecessary reflections when viewed outdoors

 

The display is of the adaptive variety and switches between 60, 90, and 120Hz depending on the application or content being viewed. During the testing period, I noticed random instances where the refresh rate of the display would drop to something well below 30Hz, leading to some supremely slowed-down, sluggish animations when using the phone. These were quite random, and the phone would sort itself out in about 5-10 seconds. However, after a recent bug fix and security update, I did not face the abovementioned issue.

Vivo V50 Software: AI add-ons

• Software version - Android 15
• Software - Funtouch OS 15
• Software commitment - X years of software, X years of security updates

Funtouch OS has now moved on to Android 15, making it Funtouch OS 15. The mobile operating system remains typically Vivo, with a focus on customising the minutest of details that other manufacturers usually don't bother with. The OS with Android 15 is now a lot more stable and smoother (except for the random hiccups I experienced) and comes with some minor visual enhancements like icon and theme customisation.

The main chunk of Funtouch OS 15's add-ons comes with new AI tools. On the V50, I experimented with the AI Erase tool in the image editor but found the results unsatisfactory, as the tool struggled to perform even the most basic image edits successfully (or up to expectations). Next, I tried out the AI Call Translator tool, and it surprisingly worked well both for Hindi and Marathi callers, provided the caller spoke fluently.

Vivo's Funtouch OS 15 has some new AI-infused features but these don't work as expected. Customisation features (pictured) are a big plus.

 

Vivo V50 Performance: Gets the job done

• Processor - Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
• RAM - 12GB (LPDDR4X)
• Storage - 256GB (UFS 2.2)

Quick product refresh cycles are a thing with most Chinese smartphone brands, especially in the budget and mid-range smartphone segments. Vivo is no stranger to such product release cycles, and so we saw the Vivo V30 and the Vivo V40 getting launched just 5 months apart! With such quick release cycles, it's common for brands to retain design elements along with camera hardware while upgrading the processor and battery/charging performance.

And so we end up with Vivo's processor of choice, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, which has been used in the past two generations of the V series. While I'd expect it to be tried and tested and reliable, I did find its performance a bit lacklustre while playing FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, where the phone just could not maintain a smooth or steady frame rate. Even at the highest settings, Asphalt Legends: Unite performed smoothly. The display was just about tolerable in terms of sensitivity, so if you are into mobile gaming, this isn't the phone for you.

The Vivo V50 gets two rear-facing cameras accompanied by a larger ring light than the V40

 

In terms of benchmarks, the Vivo V50 does not fare well when stacked against the competition, as better-performing smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoCs are available at and around this price point.

Benchmarks	Vivo V50	Realme GT 6	Poco F6
Chipset	Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm)
Display resolution	FHD+	FHD+	FHD+
AnTuTu v10	8,20,958	14,05,190	14,57,491
PCMark Work 3.0	10,496	18,828	15,743
Geekbench 6 Single	1,121	1,944	1,835
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,110	4,895	4,693
GFXB T-rex	60	60	120
GFXB Manhattan 3.1	60	60	112
GFXB Car Chase	42	60	71
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	5,481
3DM Slingshot	8,289	Maxed Out	4,655
3DM Wild Life	5,251	Maxed Out	Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Unlimited	5,468	11,325	11,734

The stereo speakers can get very loud at full volume, but the sound lacks any bass whatsoever. The resulting audio is clear even though it does not sound full and rich. Haptic vibrations are far from crisp. Given the smartphone's price tag, I expected better.

Vivo V50 Cameras: A mixed bag

• Primary camera - 50-megapixel, f/1.8, AF, OIS
• Ultrawide camera - 50-megapixel, f/2.0, AF
• Selfie camera - 50-megapixel, f/2.0, AF

Vivo V50 ultrawide camera samples (tap images to expand)

 

The ultrawide camera snaps 12-megapixel binned images, and the results are average at best. There's noticeable lens barrel distortion around the edges of the image and plenty of purple fringing in the brighter areas. The colours are alright, but there's some oversharpening and aggressive noise reduction, which produces flat, oil-painting-like textures even in daylight. In low light, there's reduced dynamic range, meaning there are little to no details visible in the shadows. Noise is under control, but just like the daylight captures, it comes at the cost of horribly reduced resolved detail.

Vivo V50 super macro camera sample (tap image to expand)

 

The same camera is also in charge of macro photos and can be accessed through the Super Macro mode. And this is where the ultrawide camera makes itself a bit more useful. It does a decent job of snapping macro photos, letting you get really close to your subject, but the images lack resolved details. In short, they appear fine until you zoom in and check for detail, where you are greeted by an oversharpened mess. The primary camera lets you get about 10-15cm away from the subject, but its shallow depth of field means the fall-off is a bit excessive, leaving a very small patch to focus on.

Vivo V50 daylight camera samples. Top: 1X (primary camera), Middle: 2X (digital zoom), Bottom: 2X (digital zoom) (tap images to expand)

 

The primary camera, too, does an average job when snapping photos under daylight. The dynamic range and colours are fine, but the captures are low on resolved detail and sharpness. Shooting at 2X digital zoom sees better and sharper output, resulting in usable photos when snapped in daylight. However, in low light or under artificial light, the resolved detail is a little lower, leading to photos that appear flat. This also applies to the Portrait mode.

Vivo V50 low-light camera samples (tap images to expand)

 

The main camera's low-light images are surprisingly good. They come out sharp and clear, packing good detail and dynamic range. This is probably down to the camera's Night mode imaging algorithms, which also take a bit of time to process once an image has been captured, making you wait for a few seconds until you can capture the next shot.

Selfies in low light (pictured) come out really well, thanks to the Aura ring light. Daylight selfies are also sharp and pack in good detail with good edge-detection (tap image to expand)

 

Videos recorded at 1080p at 30fps come out a bit soft but have good colour and stabilisation. 4K 30fps videos are also well stabilised but only manage a marginal improvement in terms of detail. Videos captured from the selfie camera have blown-out backgrounds when shooting in bright outdoor environments, so it's best avoided.

In low light, 1080p video recordings appear a bit too soft and lack both detail and dynamic range. 4K footage manages better detail along with good stabilisation. Things are far from ideal, as there's visible noise, and dynamic range isn't handled well, with blown-out highlights in bright areas and missing details in the darker patches when shooting street-lit scenes.

Vivo V50 Battery: Downright impressive!

• Battery capacity - 6,000mAh
• Wired charging - 90W
• Wireless charging - NA

The Vivo V50's battery easily lasted me well over a day with casual use and mixed connectivity, which includes staying connected to 5G and Wi-Fi networks. Indeed, battery life is not an issue with this phone, whether you are a casual user who just scrolls through social media apps or a power user who is constantly on calls, switching between several apps, including camera usage and gaming.

The Vivo V50 measures just 7.5mm at its thinnest point but somehow has a 6,000mAh battery stuffed inside.

 

In our standard battery video loop test, the phone managed a solid score of 29 hours and 12 minutes, which is impressive even for a mid-ranger. Charging is also surprisingly fast (for a device with a 6,000mAh battery), with the Vivo V50 managing a 56 percent charge in 30 minutes and 81 percent in one hour, completing the charging just 5 minutes later.

Vivo V50 Verdict

Vivo's abnormally quick product release cycle for its V series makes it obvious that many may hold off on upgrading to the new V50 despite its advancements over the V40 released last year. Given last year's release schedule, we can expect a Vivo V60 to be launched in the next 5 months, well before the year ends. Even if the upgrades are minor, they will still matter because we expect the pricing to stay the same.

We have nobody but Vivo to blame for this conundrum. Those who own a Vivo V20 can now finally upgrade to the V50, which offers a big jump in overall performance. Vivo V30 upgrades also benefit from improved battery life and a better set of cameras.

If a sleek design and battery life matter most to you, then the Vivo V50 is a good choice for the average consumer. But if performance matters, then you are better off with devices like Realme's GT 6 (Review), which is priced a wee bit higher, or even the Poco F6 (Review) that's priced a lot lower than the V50. Xiaomi's Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (Review) is also a solid contender (at a much lower price), as it offers better battery life than the Vivo V50.

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/WvYleQu