SHOOT FOR THE STARS: OPPO Reno 7 Pro
The new OPPO Reno 7 Pro comes in a stunning Startrails Blue that swings from blue to purple. OPPO claims that it’s the first phone to use LDI (Laser Direct Imaging) processing.
It’s chiselled with over 1.2 million micro- rasters reminiscent of shooting stars. OPPO manages to stretch the screen:body ratio to 92.8 percent, with a narrow 1.55mm. The thin (7.45 mm) frame adds to its immersive appeal. The 6.55-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display (2400 x 1080 pixels) packs 402 pixels per inch (PPI). It gets a 32MP selfie camera that is the first to feature a Sony IMX709 camera sensor, while therear set-up includes a 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide cam, and a 2MP macro cam that shoots decent close-up shots. (Rs 39,999)
TICKET TO RIDE – Garmin TACX BOOST
Don’t let the sultry weather dampen your ride. The Garmin TACX BOOST provides a realistic ride feel to cycling enthusiasts and is ideal for training all year-round. It is integrated with 10 different levels of adjustable resistance and can deliver up to 1,050 watts via the lever attached to the handlebar. You can apply resistance or lighten it with the magnetic brake to maximise your indoor riding experience.
The flywheel installed in the indoor training device simulates a realistic pedal stroke, while the closed resistance unit helps reduce noise, which allows you to ride anywhere without being heard. Set up is a breeze too. (Rs 29,990)
RETRO-ACTIVE VIBES: Logitech Pop Keys
Funky colours meet a vintage aesthetic in the Logitech Pop Keys. This cool wireless keyboard comes with a matching POP mouse in a trio of groovy colours. Our pick is Blast — a bold combination of black, grey, and arcade game yellow. We dig the old-school typewriter-style mechanical keys with a click, clack, and pop with every press. POP Keys comes with eight swappable emoji keys that you can easily mix and match to suit your mood. The Easy Switch keys option allows you to pair up with up to three devices (including laptops, tabs, and smartphones), and switch typing between them with a single tap. (Rs 9,995)
WFH PROOF – Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is one of the best tabs you can buy under Rs 20,000, and it is perfect for online meetings when you’re in WFH mode or online classes. It’s kitted with a 10.5-inch WUXGA (widescreen ultra-extended graphics array) display (1920 x1200 pixels). Colours are vibrant on this TFT display; the Dolby Atmos surround sound on the quad speakers adds to its entertainment cred.
The edgy design of the Tab A8 is an improvement over the A7, and plays out particularly well in the silver colour variant. It’s just under 7 mm, and weighs about 500 gm, making it both portable and comfortable to clasp for extended gaming sessions. The 3.5mm headphone socket — an increasingly rare sight, is a handy addition. (Rs 17,999 onwards)
FLAGSHIPS BEWARE – OnePlus 9RT
OnePlus’ all-new 9RT takes over from last year’s 9R as the brand’s key offering in the affordable flagship segment. It comes in two colours, including a glossy Nano Silver. We prefer the Hacker Black, a new version of matte black with a smooth, almost sandstone-type finish.
Speed is a given with OnePlus devices, this device gets a bump from the 9R with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. You can choose from two hardware configurations: 9GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB. The 6.62-inch display (1080 x 2400 pixels / FHD+ / 397PPI) features a 120Hz refresh rate and is truly binge proof. The triple rear cam combines a 50MP primary lens, a 16MP ultra-wide cam and 2MP macro camera. (Rs 42,999 onwards)
EXPAND YOUR WORLD – Viewsonic CPB701-4K
The Viewsonic CPB701-4K is the company’s newest 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 resolution) projector, and offers HDR and HLG support. It weighs under 3kg, and is easy to cart around. Set up is mighty simple. It comes with a handy, built-in USB power output (5V/1.5A) that can be used to supply power to HDMI wireless dongles, like a Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters when streaming your favourite multimedia content.
You can stretch the projection size all the way to 300 inches, as long as you have a wall big enough and a 36 feet projection distance. (Rs 1,99,999)
