Best Time to Buy New Air Conditioner in India

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Published On: May 5, 2024

Best time to buy an air conditioner in India

Indian summers have become infamous for scorching high temperatures, making air conditioners a need of the hour in most homes. Getting a new AC is also a long-term investment to ensure comfort and productivity. Previously, we discussed features one should look for while getting a new AC, such as choosing the right capacity, compressor type, and other features. In this guide, let’s understand the best time to buy a new AC in India.

Table of Contents

Best times of the year to get a new AC

The increasing affordability and extreme varying temperatures of the Indian climate have resulted in a steady demand for ACs throughout the year. Here are some key moments during the year when you can get your new AC at the best possible price.

Right Before Summer (January-February)

While it may sound like AC prices are the highest before the summer, this is prime time to purchase. Retailers often offer enticing discounts and flexible payment schemes to attract customers during January, February, and even the peak summer days.

This is also when vendors gather new stock for the season; hence, you will also see newer AC models. The first three months of the calendar year are a good time to get a new AC.

Diwali Sales

Diwali is the peak shopping season in India. As it is an auspicious occasion to buy new things, the home appliances market is filled with discounts, price reductions, and other schemes.

Since Diwali arrives just before the start of the winter, the demand for ACs is generally low during this period. Hence, you can negotiate a good deal in offline shops. Diwali becomes another suitable time to get your new AC when paired with the festive offers.

Online Mega Sales: Flipkart Big Billion Days, Amazon Great Indian Festival

The Big Billion Days Sale by Flipkart and the Great Indian Festival Sale by Amazon offer excellent deals on electronics. Although these sales are more dominant for laptops and smartphones, they also include incredible offers on ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, and other heavy appliances.

Flipkart and Amazon also partner with multiple banks, offering additional discounts of up to Rs 10,000 on credit and debit cards. Combining the sale prices with such bank deals can help you get your AC at a discounted rate, which can be hard to match in offline markets. These mega sales only occur once a year, usually around October-November.

Tips to get the Best Deal on your new AC

Exchange Offers: If you have a used AC that you want to replace, you can get exchange discounts up to Rs 5000, depending on your model. If your used AC has a copper condenser, you can negotiate good exchange values over it, which will help reduce your new AC’s purchase cost.
Look out for bank offers: Retailers often partner with select banks, offering discounts on specific payment modes. These can include instant discounts, cashback, no-cost EMI, or even accelerated reward points on credit and debit cards. Such offers are available at offline and online portals, and it’s a good practice to watch for such schemes.
Do not be shy to visit multiple stores: Visiting multiple offline stores and comparing prices with e-commerce websites is an effective way to get the best deal on your AC. Often, there can be a huge price difference across two shops on the same street for the same product. Even if it takes an extra couple of days, it’s wise to explore all nearby showrooms and compare prices for the AC models you are considering.
Consider getting the last-gen model: Unlike smartphones and laptops, air conditioners are slow-evolving products that don’t receive huge feature upgrades each year. In most cases, the latest model ACs are priced higher by a few thousand compared to last-gen models. If the new model does not have a must-need feature for your usage, getting a last-gen AC can help save some money.

Avoid These Mistakes When Getting New AC

Even after extensive research for your new AC, it is possible to get confused and make a mistake. Here are some points that you should take care of.

Don’t buy AC with lower energy savings

An AC with a lower energy savings rating, such as a 1-star or 2-star, can be significantly cheaper than an equivalent model with a 5-star rating. However, the running cost of the AC with lower energy savings will be much higher, which can almost double your ownership cost over a span of 10 years. Hence, getting an AC with better energy-saving ratings is recommended because ACs consume the most electricity among all home appliances.

Avoid Buying ACs without copper condensers

Some entry-level AC models come with aluminium or iron-based condensers, priced cheaper than copper-based ones. However, aluminium or iron-based condensers are of inferior quality and prone to leakage, rusting, and other problems that can severely affect cooling and increase maintenance costs. Hence, always buy an AC with a copper condenser.

Check All Hidden Costs

Getting a new AC involves installing and removing your used AC and other labour-focused work. Technicians often demand additional money to install your new AC. Hence, one should thoroughly clarify all costs at the showroom or on the online portal before making a purchase.

Sales executives can also influence you to get extended warranties or annual maintenance contracts (AMC). Usually, these add-ons are from third-party service providers and are priced higher than the normal market rates. You should get an extended warranty or AMC directly from your AC manufacturer instead of the shopkeeper or vendor.

Should I buy AC online or offline?

Choosing between buying your AC online or a traditional physical store involves weighing specific pros and cons. Offline stores offer the advantage of an in-person experience. You can physically examine the AC, turn it on to assess noise levels, and get a feel for its size and design.

Additionally, sales staff can provide valuable guidance, explaining technical features and recommending suitable ACs based on room size and cooling needs. Offline stores may sometimes offer room for additional negotiation on price or throw in extra perks.

On the other hand, online platforms shine with their vast selection of options. You’ll have access to more AC brands, models, and features than any physical store can match. You can also compare prices and detailed specifications of different ACs side-by-side. Online mega-sales events and card-specific offers can lead to deeper discounts than offline.

Ultimately, the best way to buy your AC depends on your priorities. If you prefer a hands-on experience, appreciate expert advice, and enjoy the possibility of negotiating a deal, offline stores could be the way to go. If you prioritize immense choice and convenience of home shopping and want to ensure the best price possible, then buying online might be the better route.

We advise checking both offline and online portals and purchasing from wherever it’s cheaper. In both cases, a brand-certified technician will come and install your AC.

FAQs

1. Do ACs get cheaper during the winter season?

Yes, it is possible to get a new AC at a lower price during the winter. However, you may not have a wide variety to choose from.

2. Which is the best AC brand in India?

According to our MySmartPrice Home Appliance Satisfaction Study 2024, BlueStar and Voltas are among the top AC brands in India, with excellent customer satisfaction and good after-sales service.

3. What features should I look for in a new AC?

There are three main factors to look for in your new AC: the right capacity for your room size, a copper condenser, and an inverter compressor.

Instagram Brings New Interactive Stickers to Stories: Check Details

By

Chinmay Dhumal

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Published On: May 4, 2024

Instagram has introduced new interactive stickers for stories. Users will now have multiple options to post music and cutouts in stories using stickers. Here are all the latest features that you can use on Instagram stories.

Instagram Stories Get New Interactive Stickers

A notable new addition is the Reveal Sticker, which requires viewers to send a DM to the user to view the story. When this sticker is used, Instagram will blur the entire story. Viewers can DM the user to see what’s in the Story. You can also add a caption to the sticker to get relevant replies.

instagram reveal sticker — New Reveal sticker in Instagram stories

Instagram has now brought music support to the Add Yours sticker. Users can now post a story with any music, and ask other users to contribute and collaborate over the same story. This feature was previously limited only to images, which has now been extended to music tracks. However, users can only add songs from the Instagram Music Library.

The new Frames sticker creates an instant print version of the image. This design is best suited for highlighting past trips or memories. Viewers of the story will have to shake their phones to see the picture, similar to developing a physical instant print image.

Instagram has also finally introduced a Cutout feature for stickers. Users can now remove the background of any image saved on their phone and add it as a sticker to a story. It also allows users to create a cutout from their existing Instagram posts. These sticker cutouts can also be saved and shared with other people.

The new interactive Instagram stickers are available to all users on both Android and iOS platforms. They can be accessed from the stickers section while adding a new Instagram story.

MSP Explained: What is The Periscope Lens on Smartphones And How Does it Work

By

Chinmay Dhumal

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Published On: May 4, 2024

Smartphone cameras have evolved significantly over the last decade with generational upgrades in their zooming capabilities. Most flagship phones can now capture clear images. Modern smartphones have started including a periscope lens to enhance the zooming capabilities further. But how does this work, and what exactly is a periscope lens? This MSP Explained will help you understand the workings of periscope lenses.

Table of Contents

What Is a Periscope Lens?

A periscope lens, aka folded lens, has the same structure as a periscope found on submarines. These refract and reflect light onto the sensor, which magnifies the image more than any other lens.

To create a zoom effect, a longer lens is required. However, a longer lens can be difficult for smartphones to maintain their compact size. Hence, phone makers have taken inspiration from submarine periscopes, where the light is bent perpendicularly inside the phone, allowing a longer lens to fit inside. This helps achieve a higher level of zoom without compromising image quality.

How Does It Work?

The periscope lens structure (which tends to have a square opening) on a smartphone consists of three main parts,

The lens tube
The zoom lens (concave and convex lenses)
The prism or a mirror

periscope on phone — How periscope lens works on a smartphone (Image: OPPO)

Note: The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a tetraprism periscope lens, which doesn’t include a combination of concave and convex lenses but just a prism. Hence, it has a smaller setup.

When light hits your smartphone, the prism lens bends it by 90°. Then, the light hits a series of zoom lenses, which create the true optical zoom effect. This zoomed ray of light finally enters the imaging sensor, which you can see on your smartphone. This entire setup is placed in a tube (placed separately from your phone’s primary camera).

OEMs use different types of periscope lenses for their phones. There’s practically no upper limit for optical zoom with a periscope lens, but typical smartphones range between 2.7x to 10x optical zoom. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra featured a 10MP periscope lens with 10x optical zoom. The latest iPhone 15 Pro Max also features a 12MP teraprism lens with 5x optical zoom.

Difference Between Periscope and Telephoto Lens

Both help achieve optical zoom using a physical camera setup to bring the subject closer to the camera. A telephoto lens can be directly attached to the camera sensor without additional accessories. However, periscope lenses require a separate setup with a prism and a combination of multiple lenses. While using a regular zoom lens instead of a periscope on smartphones is easier, there are some drawbacks.

A typical zoom lens can introduce distortion and a fish-eye effect beyond a certain limit. This phenomenon can also be easily noticed in high-power prescription spectacles. Using a thicker lens creates a bigger camera bump and may also affect the phone’s weight distribution. Periscope lenses eliminate these flaws to a huge extent.

The tetraprism telephoto zoom lens is designed to emulate the results of a 120mm lens of a full-frame camera. — Tetraprism periscope lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max

In addition to optical zoom and periscope lenses, smartphones also have digital zoom. Instead of using additional physical hardware, the phone uses software algorithms for zooming. For instance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 100x Space zoom is digitally achieved. Devices also use AI to sharpen the digitally zoomed image. However, optical and periscope lens zoom is always superior to digital zoom.

Limitations of Periscope Lenses on Smartphones

While a periscope lens on phones is a great hybrid solution to get the best possible optical zoom, they have their limitations,

A periscope lens requires more internal space in a phone, often larger than a primary camera.
This setup can increase production costs.
A periscope setup uses a combination of multiple lenses that refract light through the prism and therefore, doesn’t give the best results in low-light conditions.

Phones With Periscope Lens Camera

The Sharp 904, launched in 2004, came with 2x zoom and is touted as the first phone with a periscope lens setup. The ASUS Zenfone Zoom took this further in 2014 and supported 3x optical zoom using a periscope lens.

Huawei took the concept mainstream in 2019 and introduced periscope lenses with 5x optical zoom on the Huawei P30 Pro. The phone gathered huge attention for its ability to capture clear images of the moon.

Samsung soon followed suit by using a 4x zoom periscope lens on the Galaxy S20 Ultra in 2020. Since then, the Ultra model of Samsung’s flagships has always featured a periscope lens.

In addition to flagships like the OnePlus 12, Pixel 8 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Vivo X100 Pro, periscope lenses are now arriving on midrange devices, as we saw on the Realme 12 Pro+. Here’s a list of phones available in India featuring a periscope zoom lens.

As of now, periscope lenses are mainly found on high-end flagship phones. The feature is expected to be widely available on mid-range smartphones over the next few years.

Conclusion

A smartphone with a periscope lens will provide a better zoomed-in photo without physical limitations. But this isn’t a must-have feature you need on a smartphone. If you enjoy clicking zoomed-in shots, you can opt for a smartphone with a periscope lens. Otherwise, optical zoom or even digital zoom (in most cases) can suffice.

Plus, smartphones are among the most complicated engineered devices that we use. In an era where companies supposedly got rid of the innocent 3.5mm headphone jack as it took a lot of space, the periscope lens may get phased out in favour of larger primary camera sensors. That said, companies are more likely to retain it until they find a better solution for zooming.

Xiaomi 15 Launch Timeline Leaked; Could Launch Sooner Than Expected

By

Basith Rahman P P

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Published On: May 4, 2024

Xiaomi 14 First Impressions - MySmartPrice (1)

Xiaomi is reportedly preparing its next-gen flagship, the alleged Xiaomi 15 for which it is undergoing testing of the Xiaomi 15 series smartphones. Renowned tipster Digital Chat Station has now revealed the phone’s launch timeline. Have a look at the details.

Xiaomi 15 Could Debut as the First Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Powered Smartphone

It is revealed that Xiaomi will debut the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4-powered smartphone in mid-October 2024. This could be the Xiaomi 15 and the Xiaomi 15 Pro. This matches the timeline of the Xiaomi 14 launch in China. The phones will most likely go global in Q1, 2025.

Yogesh Brar, another well-known tipster on X (formerly Twitter), previously confirmed that Xiaomi has the exclusive rights to debut the first Snapdragon 8 Gen 4-powered smartphone. The alleged AnTuTu V10 scores for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset went live online recently. The listing reveals that the chipset scored 17,69,083 points, which is a lower score as compared to the current flagship chipset.

The lower scores are due to the heavy CPU throttling since it is an engineering sample of the SoC. The benchmarking platform has revealed that Qualcomm will equip the chipset with two high-performance and six-efficiency cores. The high-performance cores could have a clock speed range of 3.6GHz and 4.0GHz.

The upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is tipped to score 2,700 points in single-core and 10,000 points in multi-core tests. Xiaomi is tipped to equip the Xiaomi 15 with a 6.36-inch flat AMOLED display housing an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. The vanilla device is also tipped to sport a new 50MP primary camera.

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Which is the right pick?

By

Shimul Sood

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Published On: May 4, 2024

Realme has just introduced the Realme P1 in the Indian market, with a starting price of Rs. 15,999. We couldn’t resist comparing it to the recently launched Moto G64, which offers similar features and pricing. If you’re searching for a smartphone under the 20,000 price segment and are considering either, we’ll help you decide which suits your needs and budget. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Price

Realme P1	Moto G64
Rs. 15,999 (6GB RAM + 128GB Storage)	Rs. 14,999 (8GB RAM + 128GB Storage)
Rs. 18,999 (8GB RAM + 256GB Storage)	Rs. 16,999 (12GBGB RAM + 256GB Storage)

The Realme P1 starts at Rs. 15,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. In contrast, as the table above indicates, the Moto G64 is priced a thousand rupees lower for its 8GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration. However, Motorola provides more RAM at a reduced cost. This may be attractive to users seeking additional RAM at a lower price.

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Display, Design

Realme P1	Moto G64
6.67-inch AMOLED	6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD
1080 x 2400 pixels	1080 x 2400 pixels
120Hz refresh rate	120Hz refresh rate
1200 nits of peak brightness	560 nits of peak brightness

The Realme P1 boasts a noticeably larger screen than the Moto G64, as shown in the table above. The colours on the Realme P1 appear vivid, particularly when consuming video content across various applications. Additionally, the screen is exceptionally bright, ensuring visibility even under glaring sunlight.

The Moto G64 features a smaller screen and lacks uniform bezels. Its thick chin seems rather peculiar while browsing through social media apps in light mode. Viewing content becomes challenging under direct sunlight. However, the colours appear appropriately saturated when indoors.

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As for the design, the Realme P1 sports a brushed finish that enhances its aesthetic appeal. Because of the flat design and larger screen estate, it becomes uncomfortable to hold after a while. In this case, slapping a case helped for comfortable usage. The circular camera module at the back is quite large, which attracts a lot of attention when in a crowd.

In contrast, the Moto G64 initially closely resembles its predecessor, the G54. If you perceive no discernible changes, unfortunately, that’s the reality. Nevertheless, its comfortable in-hand feel will resonate with those who prefer smaller and compact phones.

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Performance

Realme P1	Moto G64
MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G	MediaTek Dimensity 7025
Mali-G68 MP4 GPU	IMG BXM-8-256 GPU
8GB RAM	12GB RAM
256GB Storage	256GB Storage
Antutu v10 Benchmark: 568006	Antutu v10 Benchmark: 497471
Geekbench 6 Single-Core Test: 961	Geekbench 6 Single-Core Test: 1025
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Test: 2247	Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Test: 2459

The Realme P1 outshines the Moto G64 in the Antutu benchmark score, but when it comes to Geekbench 6 single-core and multi-core tests, the Moto G64 steals the spotlight.

Performance-wise, the Realme P1 excels in day-to-day tasks. Scrolling through social media apps, multitasking with multiple apps, streaming YouTube videos, and jamming to my favourite tunes felt like a breeze. Unfortunately, the app animation is missing on this device.

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For gaming, we test the P1 with three heavy hitters: Call of Duty: Mobile, BGMI, and CarX Street. In smooth plus extreme settings, this phone worked like a charm. Sure, the phone started warming up after an hour, but that did not slow down the gaming experience.

The Moto G64 handles everyday tasks like a champ—browsing, calls, texts, and social media scrolling are smooth sailing. Light games such as 2048 and Candy Crush run quite well, and the phone stays cool. When it came to games like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile, the G54 worked quite well in HD settings initially, but we started experiencing lags and stutters after about 20 to 25 minutes of use. It does tend to heat up near the camera module.

iQOO Z9

725,780

vivo T3

722,484

Moto G64

497,235

Tecno Pova 6 Pro

441,943

realme P1

418,175

AnTuTu Overall benchmark score analysis

So, if gaming’s your main priority, the Realme P1 is your go-to. But for everyday use, both phones will serve you well.

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Cameras

Realme P1	Moto G64
50MP Primary Camera (f/1.8)	50MP Main Camera with OIS (f/1.8)
2MP B&W Camera (f/2.4)	8MP Ultrawide Camera (f/2.2)
16MP Selfie Camera (f/2.45)	16MP Selfie Camera (f/2.4)

The Realme P1 snaps decent pictures with its 50MP primary camera in daylight conditions, albeit requiring a touch of editing before sharing on social platforms. Portrait shots also turn out well, effectively blurring the background. However, when it comes to low-light photography, it tends to lose out on accurate details. There’s noticeable noise in dim lighting, and the colour reproduction could do with some improvement.

Realme P1 Camera Samples

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The Realme P1 delivers social media-ready pictures, smoothing your face like the actors in K-drama if that is something you prefer. There’s no need to spend time editing; just snap and post.

In contrast, the Moto G64 ships with a 50MP main camera featuring OIS, alongside an 8MP ultrawide camera. Both cameras perform admirably in daylight conditions. Regarding low-light photography, the Moto G64 impresses with its ability to capture nice shots considering its price, surpassing the Realme P1. While some noise persists in the pictures, the clarity is notably superior.

Moto G64 Camera Samples

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Additionally, the 16MP selfie camera on the front produces satisfactory results, though a slight red tint may create the impression of blushing.

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Software

Realme P1	Moto G64
Realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14	Android 14
Two years of OS updates	One year of OS update
Three years of security patches	Three years of security updates

The Realme P1 offers a range of customisation options, allowing you to tailor your phone to your preferences. It boasts numerous themes for lock screen customisation. However, it comes with abundant bloatware that can be deleted.

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On the other hand, the Moto G64 delivers the simplicity of stock Android, offering a clean user experience. It is an excellent choice if you prioritise a clutter-free interface. It also features convenient gestures for the flashlight, camera, and security functions. The phone has app suggestions, but they can be easily uninstalled.

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Battery and Charging

Realme P1	Moto G64
5,000mAh Battery	6,000mAh Battery
45W Fast Charging	33W Fast Charging

The Realme P1 took 30 minutes to charge from 0 to 52% and took 1 hour and 12 minutes to reach a full charge with a 45W fast charger. During the PC Mark battery test, the smartphone lasted for 13 hours and 29 minutes. So, if you’re a heavy user, this phone can last 7-8 hours.

Conversely, the Moto G64 reached 35% in 30 minutes, but it took 1 hour and 35 minutes to charge fully, given the bigger battery. Despite its slower charging support, the Moto G64 is the clear winner in terms of battery capacity. During the PC Mark battery test, the smartphone lasted (will add once done). It can easily last you an entire day with light to moderate usage.

Verdict

There’s fierce competition in the under Rs. 20,000 price segment, with contenders like the iQOO Z9, Tecno Pova 6 Pro, and Vivo T3, among others. So, if you’re in the market for a smartphone under 20K, you’ve got plenty of options to sift through.

However, when it comes down to choosing between the Realme P1 and the Motorola G64, if you need a smartphone that excels in everyday tasks and heavy gaming, then the Realme P1 is the way to go. Conversely, if you prioritise camera quality and a clean user experience, the Moto G64, along with seamless day-to-day performance, is your go-to choice.

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Choosing Your Mid-Range Champion

By

Keval Vachharajani

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Published On: May 4, 2024

Samsung and OnePlus have recently expanded their portfolio with their sub-Rs 25,000 offerings. Samsung has the Galaxy M55 while OnePlus has the Nord CE4. So, if you’re on the hunt for a mid-ranger and are stuck between these two, you’ve come to the right place. We have been using both devices for a while now, and here’s our take on it.

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Price in India

Smartphone	Configuration	Price
Galaxy M55 5G	8GB+128GB	Rs 26,999
Galaxy M55 5G	8GB+256GB	Rs 29,999
Nord CE 4	8GB+128GB	Rs 24,999
Nord CE 4	8GB+256GB	Rs 26,999

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Design

	Samsung Galaxy M55	OnePlus Nord CE4
Dimensions	163.9 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm	162.5 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm
Weight	180 g	186 g

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Samsung has been following the same minimal design language for all its smartphones. Whether it’s their top-of-the-line Galaxy S24 series or the budget lineup like the M15, they all have almost identical appearance, and the Galaxy M55 is no exception. However, they differ in terms of the material used in these devices. The flagship S24 series comes with a glass back and titanium frame. Mid-rangers like the Galaxy M55 boast a plastic frame and back, which is not that bad as it keeps the weight in check.

On the other hand, the Nord CE4 is an absolute stunner in terms of looks. It comes in two colourways: Dark Chrome and Celadon Marble. Both colours look spectacular, but the marble finish option is more attractive. It looks unique, premium, and refreshing at the same time.

The Nord CE4 comes with the IP54 rating, which is not the ultimate protection. But it can save the device from accidental water splashes. It’s good that there’s some IP rating, as the Galaxy M55 misses out on that aspect.

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Display

	Samsung Galaxy M55	OnePlus Nord CE4
Type	Super AMOLED+, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)	Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 900 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak)
Size	6.7 inches	6.7 inches
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)

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The display has always been Samsung’s forte, and the Galaxy M55 proves that again. It flaunts a flat Super AMOLED+ display that produces vibrant colours with excellent viewing angles. The screen is fast and responsive, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, so scrolling through the UI or social media apps is fun. While it’s not the brightest display in town, content legibility under direct sunlight is not too bad either.

We watched a series called Haunting of the Bly Manor on the device, and the experience was quite good. The colours were vivid, the blacks were deep, the details were sharp, and the device managed darker scenes impressively.

The Nord CE4 also has a flat AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and almost identical brightness. We watched The Office on the device, and the overall experience was quite pleasant. The colours were vibrant and punchy but not too over the top.

However, the interesting part is that if you like to tweak display settings like the mode or colours, the Nord CE4 allows you to do that, unlike the Galaxy M55. So keep that in mind if that matters to you.

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Performance and UI

	Samsung Galaxy M55	OnePlus Nord CE4
OS	Android 14, One UI 6.1	Android 14, ColorOS 14
Chipset	Snapdragon 7 Gen 1	Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
CPU	Octa-core (1×2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (1×2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU	Adreno 644	Adreno 720

The Galaxy M55 packs the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, which feels a bit dated as it was launched in 2022. However, the device is not targeted towards gamers or performance enthusiasts. It’s meant for a casual user and passes with flying colours. The device handles everyday tasks like switching between multiple apps, doom-scrolling through Instagram Reels, or easily playing games like Clash of Clans. It also allows you to play heavy titles like the BGMI up to HDR graphics and Ultra frame rates without major hiccups.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G

813,629

Samsung Galaxy M55 5G

584,312

AnTuTu Overall benchmark score analysis

OnePlus devices are known for their fast, performance-centric smartphones, and the Nord CE4 is no exception. It draws power from the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, launched in November last year. Daily tasks and playing games are a piece of cake for the Nord CE4. It also allows the player to play BGMI at up to “Ultra HDR” graphics quality and “Ultra” frame rates.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G

1,132

Samsung Galaxy M55 5G

1,020

Geekbench single-core benchmark score analysis

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G

2,911

Samsung Galaxy M55 5G

2,529

Geekbench multi-core benchmark score analysis

In terms of software, both smartphones run Android 14-based UI and come with a host of pre-installed apps that you can thankfully uninstall. However, the Galaxy M55 shines the most here. Samsung has promised to offer four years of OS and five years of security updates, whereas OnePlus has only promised two years of OS and three years of security updates.

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Camera

	Samsung Galaxy M55	OnePlus Nord CE4
Rear Cameras	50-megapixel, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS 8-megapixel, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2-megapixel, f/2.4, (macro)	50-megapixel, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS 8-megapixel, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Front Camera	50-megapixel, f/2.4	16-megapixel, f/2.4

The 50-megapixel primary sensor on the Galaxy M55 captures good images with the signature Samsung look. The photos taken during the day offer details and punchy colours. The portrait mode on the device allows some customisation and detects edges quite well; the important thing is its consistency.

Samsung Galaxy M55 Camera Samples

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Apart from that, when it comes to low-light photography, the images are quite good. But the night mode, which kicks in automatically, takes forever to capture the image. While the OIS helps to avoid shakes to a certain level, the chances of missing out on your special moment are very high.

OnePlus Nord CE4 Camera Samples

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The Nord CE4 has a 50-megapixel Sony LYT600 primary sensor, which captures some great images with punchy colours and adequate details when the sun is up. The images captured from the Nord CE4 leaned slightly towards the warmer tones, but it doesn’t overdo the saturation or the vibrancy. Apart from that, the portrait mode on the Nord CE4 is wonderful. The edge detection is superbly accurate in almost every photo and manages the colours of fabric and skin tones quite well.

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy M55 packs the standard 5,000mAh battery, whereas the Nord CE4 takes it a little further with the 5,500mAh battery. The phone lasted about 11 hours in our PCMark Battery test, proving our real-life usage. It supports 45W, a first for an M-series device. However, you will have to buy the charger separately.

On the other hand, the Nord CE4 lasted around 19 hours and 8 minutes in the PCMark battery test, which are some great numbers. But the best part is that it supports 100W fast charging, which takes your device from 0 to 100% in about 45 minutes. You will not have to buy it separately; the 100W charging brick comes with the device.

Verdict

Both the OnePlus Nord CE 4 and the Galaxy M55 are powerful contenders and exceptional bang for your buck. They have superb displays and dependable cameras. Their distinctive design elements set them apart.

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If you are a Samsung fanboy or if those extra two years of software support matter to you, then the Galaxy M55 emerges as the ideal choice. But if you want that extra bit of fast charging capabilities without paying extra for the charger, along with amazing performance, then you should pick the OnePlus Nord CE4.

Ubisoft’s Free FPS Title, XDefiant Will Be Released on May 21

By

Manoj

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Published On: May 3, 2024

After several delays, Ubisoft has announced the release date for XDefiant, a free-to-play first-person shooter title. It will hit the shelves on May 21 for the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Ubisoft Connect. The game is considered a competitor for Activision’s Call of Duty.

Table of Contents

XDefiant Coming Soon: All You Need to Know

XDefiant will launch straight into a six-week Preseason, offering a taste of the content before Season 1 will start. As mentioned in the official blog post, XDefiant will have 14 maps – 10 “arena” style maps and 4 “progression” style maps at launch. XDefiant throws you into the fight with a deep arsenal – 24 weapons with 44 attachments to customize your loadout.

The fast arena shooter you've been waiting for is almost here! XDefiant drops on May 21 on Playstation 5, XBox Series X|S and Ubisoft Connect PC.https://t.co/HHRux4t0Tg pic.twitter.com/Jl9mamFdmf
— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) May 2, 2024

XDefiant will launch with five playable factions inspired by Ubisoft franchises—Echelon (Splinter Cell), Phantoms (Ghost Recon), Cleaners (The Division), and Libertad (Far Cry). Dedsec (Watch Dogs) joins the fray later through unlock or purchase. Players can jump into five diverse game modes, including Domination, Hot Shot, Occupy, Escort, and Zone Control. A 4v4 Ranked mode will also launch, featuring Domination, Occupy, Escort and Zone Control.

Xdefiant release date — Preseason (Image via Ubisoft)

XDefiant Roadmap after Preason

Ubisoft has released a roadmap detailing new content arriving after the Preseason. XDefiant’s first year contains 4 seasons and each new season will launch with three new maps, three new weapons and a season-specific battle pass.

Year 1 will feature four additional factions, 12 new weapons, and 12 fresh maps following the six-week Preseason launch content. Players can tackle a 90-tier Battle Pass each season for rewards, battle it out in Ranked matches, and even create private lobbies for custom battles with friends. Additionally, XDefiant boasts a dedicated progression mode with cross-progression enabled across all platforms.

Originally slated for a summer 2023 release with a closed beta held in April 2023, XDefiant’s launch was pushed back due to console certification issues. It has undergone several delays, including missing its targeted October 2023 and March 2024 launch windows.

MSP Gaming is the gaming arm of MySmartPrice. We are a one-stop destination for everything gaming. Join our community for regular tournaments and stay updated about the gaming ecosystem – https://bit.ly/msp_gaming_community

Helldivers 2 PC Players Now Required to Link PlayStation Network Accounts: Check Details

By

Manoj

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Published On: May 3, 2024

As part of a recent update, Arrowhead Game Studios announced that Helldivers 2 PC players will now have to create a PlayStation account, which needs to be linked to the Valve app for security purposes. The developers took it to social media to make the announcement earlier today.

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Helldivers 2 Need a PS5 Account

New PC players joining Helldivers 2 (Steam) need to connect their Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network account from May 6. Existing PC players will be shown a mandatory login page from May 30, and they should link their Steam account to a PSN account by June 4.

Developers of Helldivers 2 say linking PlayStation Network accounts to Steam is key to maintaining a safe and secure gaming environment. This allows them to take action against players who engage in disruptive behaviour while providing a clear appeals process for those who believe they’ve been banned unfairly.

Helldivers 2 is Getting a New Premium Warbound this Month

In other news, Arrowhead announced a new premium content pack for Helldivers 2 called “Polar Patriots.” It offers new arctic-themed armor sets with various passive boosts, alongside new weapons like the high-damage AR-61 Tenderizer assault rifle and the trap-setting PLAS-101 Purifier.

The cost of the Polar Patriots Warbond hasn’t been officially confirmed, but based on past Warbonds, it’s expected to be 1,000 Super Credits (around $10). It is set to release on May 9 for PS5 and PC. Click here for more details.

MSP Gaming is the gaming arm of MySmartPrice. We are a one-stop destination for everything gaming. Join our community for regular tournaments and stay updated about the gaming ecosystem – https://bit.ly/msp_gaming_community

	4.4 ★	4.4 ★	4.3 ★	4.6 ★	3.8 ★	3.8 ★
	realme P1	vivo T3	Moto G64	vivo T3x	Lava Blaze Curve 5G	Tecno Pova 6 Pro
	₹ 15,986	₹ 19,999	₹ 13,999	₹ 13,499	₹ 17,999	₹ 19,999
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 7050	MediaTek Dimensity 7200	MediaTek Dimensity 7025	Snapdragon 6 Gen 1	MediaTek Dimensity 7050	MediaTek Dimensity 6080
Display	6.67″ (16.94 cm) 120Hz Display	6.67″ (16.94 cm) 120Hz Display	6.5″ (16.51 cm) 120Hz Display	6.72″ (17.07 cm) 120Hz Display	6.67″ (16.94 cm) 120Hz Display	6.78″ (17.22 cm) 120Hz Display
Rear Camera	50+2 MP Rear	50+2+2 MP Rear	50+8+5 MP Rear	50+2+2 MP Rear	64+8+2 MP Rear	108+2+0.08 MP Rear
Front Camera	16 MP Front	16 MP Front	16 MP Front	8 MP Front	32 MP Front	32 MP Front
RAM & Storage	6 GB RAM 128 GB Storage	8 GB RAM 128 GB Storage	8 GB RAM 128 GB Storage	4 GB RAM 128 GB Storage	8 GB RAM 128 GB Storage	8 GB RAM 256 GB Storage
Battery	5000 mAh 45W Charging	5000 mAh 44W Charging	6000 mAh 33W Charging	6000 mAh 44W Charging	5000 mAh 33W Charging	6000 mAh 70W Charging
OS	Android v14	Android v14	Android v14	Android v14	Android v13	Android v14

Battery Capacity	5000mAh
Fast Charger	45W SUPERVOOC
Charging Time	1 hour 12 minutes
PCMark Battery Test	13 hours 29 minutes

Battery Capacity	5000mAh
Charger	44W FlashCharge
Charging Time	1 hour 44 minutes
PCMark Battery Test	15 hours 35 minutes

Battery Capacity	6000mAh
Charger	33W
Charging Time	1 hour 35 minutes
PCMark Battery Test	9 hours 24 minutes

Battery Capacity	6000mAh
Charger	44W FlashCharge
Charging Time	1 hour 54 minutes
PCMark Battery Test	10 hours 48 minutes

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro Geekbench Listing

Top Phones With Long Battery Life Under Rs 20,000: Side-by-side comparison

Realme P1: Everyday Tasks + Heavy Gaming

Vivo T3: 24-hour Battery Life?

Motorola G64: Remarkable Battery Capacity

Vivo T3x: 6000mAh Battery at an Affordable Price

Lava Blaze Curve 5G: A Day’s Worth of Power But Slow Charging

Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G: 2 Days of Battery Life

Our Battery and Charging Testing Methodology

Six Test Rounds

Finally…

Best times of the year to get a new AC

Right Before Summer (January-February)

Diwali Sales

Online Mega Sales: Flipkart Big Billion Days, Amazon Great Indian Festival

Tips to get the Best Deal on your new AC

Avoid These Mistakes When Getting New AC

Don’t buy AC with lower energy savings

Avoid Buying ACs without copper condensers

Check All Hidden Costs

Should I buy AC online or offline?

FAQs

Instagram Stories Get New Interactive Stickers

What Is a Periscope Lens?

How Does It Work?

Difference Between Periscope and Telephoto Lens

Limitations of Periscope Lenses on Smartphones

Phones With Periscope Lens Camera

Conclusion

Xiaomi 15 Could Debut as the First Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Powered Smartphone

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Price

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Display, Design

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Performance

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Cameras

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Software

Realme P1 or Moto G64: Battery and Charging

Verdict

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Price in India

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Design

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Display

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Performance and UI

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Camera

Samsung Galaxy M55 vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Battery Life and Charging

Verdict

XDefiant Coming Soon: All You Need to Know

XDefiant Roadmap after Preason

Helldivers 2 Need a PS5 Account

Helldivers 2 is Getting a New Premium Warbound this Month