Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
Price: Rs 1,15,890/8+256GB
Samsung bucked the trend of brands pushing out slab-like devices in 2019 with the foldable Galaxy Fold and, in 2020, quite literally flips the concept with the Galaxy Z Flip. While it is undeniably premium priced, the Z Flip feels like a step in the right direction for foldables.
Sheer flaunt value
Gone is the intimidating and somewhat bulky size of the Fold — the Flip when folded becomes this small, somewhat thick but altogether fun form factor that slips easily into any pocket. It opens up into a bright 6.7-inch OLED panel and stays open at any angle all the way back, which makes for fun applications like hands-free video calls or pictures, or simultaneously using two apps split across the top and bottom halves. In use, it’s much like any Samsung flagship from last year — a Snapdragon 855+ chip, 8GB of memory and 256GB of fast UDS 3.0 storage takes care of anything you throw at it, though not using the latest Snapdragon 865 does mildly take the sheen off a bit — really, what you’re paying a premium for is the experience and exclusivity that comes with a foldable. The wide/ultra-wide 12MP shooters take good images for the most part but are outclassed by the latest S20 series. The 3,300mAh battery supports 15W fast charge and wireless charging/reverse wireless charging. Of course, likely the biggest reason you’re considering this — sheer flaunt value.
Treat it carefully
The fat protective bezels aside, the crease in the middle of the display is a mild distraction, one that serves as a constant reminder to treat this pricey bauble carefully. No IP rating. Secondary 1.05-inch AMOLED “Cover Display” has limited utility — basic notifications, a selfie viewfinder and taking calls on the speakerphone.
Redmi Note 9 Pro Redmi
Redmi Note 9 Pro
Price: Rs 13,999 onwards
The Redmi Note series almost has a storied legacy to live up to, having placed the brand on the map in India. With the Redmi Note 9, you yet again get a smartphone that prioritises value and an above-average feature set for a tempting starting price, but the competition, both within (Poco X2, Note 9 Pro Max) and without (Realme 6/Pro) is a little too close for comfort.
Impressive macro shots
Picking it up, the Note 9 Pro is a handful, weighing a chunky 209g, but the even weight distribution allows somewhat comfortable one-handed use, and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a welcome addition. A tall 6.67-inch full-HD+ LCD display delivers punchy colours, but the brand missed a trick by not kitting the Note 9 Pro with a high refresh rate panel like its competitors. The Snapdragon 720G chipset with Adreno 618 graphics held up to the demands of PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 at High settings, and the 5,020mAh battery lasts a good day of heavy usage and then some. The 48MP Samsung GM2 sensor turns out good daytime photos with spot-on colours and dynamic range, but quality takes a dip in low light. Macro shots are impressive. Support for India’s NavIC satellite for navigation is a bonus.
Bloatware and notification spam
Glossy Gorilla Glass 5 rear panels are smudge magnets and, like any phone running MIUI 11/Android 10, you get the usual bloatware and notification spam. Overlapping price points between this and the Note 9 Pro Max means that only the base Rs 12,999 variant is competitive. Faster 33W charging is reserved for the 9 Pro Max, as are the higher resolution front and rear cameras.
Tushar Kanwar is a tech columnist and commentator. Follow him on Twitter @2shar. Mail your tech queries to t2onsunday@abp.in
