Ashwin Rajagopalan brings you the weekly tech guide to the coolest gadgets, accessories, and a few must-buys that should be on your tech radar.
Google Pixel 4a
We’re unlikely to see the Pixel 5 or the Pixel 4a 5G debut in India. The Pixel 4a is your best bet for that pureplay Android experience with the latest OS versions and security updates. (Read our deep-dive review) We dig the form factor – at 143 gm, this device feels great in your hand and is designed for one-handed navigation. The 5.81-inch OLED display boasts of crisp colours while the 3140 mAh won’t let you down. And then there’s that famous Pixel camera – a 12.2MP rear lens (f/1.7 aperture) that rides on Google’s brilliant software optimisation to deliver great results.
(Buy it at Rs 29,999 on Flipkart)
Skullcandy Indyfuel
As far as brand backstories go, Skullcandy has an interesting tale to tell. This sporty brand’s genesis began on the ski slopes of Utah, USA. Skullcandy’s sporty origins come to the fore in the design language that include rubber accents on the top of the earbuds. (Read our review) There’s built-in support for Tile, allowing you to track them down in case you lose them under a cushion or couch. But it’s wireless charging at this price point that is the killer feature.
(Buy it on Amazon at Rs 7,999)
Apple iPad Air
Apple iPad Air closes the gap between the Air and the top-of-the-line Pro and comes in a choice of five colours including a brilliant new sky blue. (Read more about Apple’s new launches) The home key gets a boot, the display gets way better – it’s now a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with 3.8 million pixels. It’s powered by Apple’s all-new A14 bionic chip that is at the heart of the new iPhone 12 devices. This iPad also makes the switch to USB Type-C offering for flexibility, faster transfer speeds and connectivity. The new Air works well with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and a whole lot of accessories including the latest Apple Pencil.
(Buy it from Rs 54,900 onwards on the Apple India online store)
Amazfit Neo
If retro design is your thing, then this wearable might rock your boat. The design language of the Amazfit Neo is straight out of a Casio-type digital watch playbook – a rectangular 1.2-inch black and white, STN (Super-twisted nematic) display and a plastic frame (it comes in red, green and black) with a polyurethane strap. It’s easy to forget that this is a smartwatch with a bunch of capabilities. (Read our Neo review here) You can pass it off as a retro fashion gadget. The Neo ticks some key boxes on the fitness front for its affordable price tag. It tracks steps, heart rate, counts calorie burns and your sleep. The 28-day battery life is a bonus.
