Best Soundbars Under ₹2,000 [DECEMBER 2023]

1) CrossBeats Blaze B24

2) Portronics Decibel 23

3) boAt Aavante bar 600

4) Blaupunkt SBA25 Gaming

Best 32 inch TVs Under ₹15,000 [DECEMBER 2023]

1) TOSHIBA V Series HD Ready Smart Android LED TV 32V35MP

2) Mi A series HD Ready LED Smart Google TV 2023 Edition

3) LG HD Ready LED Smart WebOS TV 2023 Edition (32LQ643BPTA)

Best TWS Under ₹5,000 [DECEMBER 2023]

1) Realme Buds Air 5 Pro

2) Oppo Enco Air3 Pro

3) JBL Tune 230NC

4) OnePlus Buds Z2

5) Nothing Ear (stick)

Best Tablets Under ₹25,000 [DECEMBER 2023]

1) Xiaomi Pad 6

The Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet made its debut on April 18, 2023, featuring an expansive 11.00-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2880x1880 pixels and a pixel density of 309 pixels per inch (ppi). Driving its performance is an octa-core Snapdragon 870 SoC processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM. Running on Android 13 and fueled by an 8600mAh battery, the Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a robust set of specifications. In terms of imaging capabilities, the rear of the tablet houses a 50-megapixel primary camera alongside a 2-megapixel camera, while the front sports a 20-megapixel camera. The Xiaomi Pad 6 operates on MIUI for Pad 14, based on Android 13, and offers ample storage with its 128GB inbuilt capacity. The tablet's dimensions are 253.95 x 165.00 x 6.51mm (height x width x thickness), and it weighs 490.00 grams. Available in Graphite Grey and Mist Blue colors, the Xiaomi Pad 6 provides diverse connectivity options, including USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS, and USB OTG. Equipped with various sensors such as an ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and accelerometer, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is priced at Rs. 26,999 in India.

2) Realme Pad 2

The Realme Pad 2 presents itself as a sleek and upscale tablet designed primarily for media consumption, offering budget-friendly performance. While it does not include optional accessories, its solid construction, featuring a blend of metal, glass, and polycarbonate, ensures commendable build quality. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, a chipset commonly found in budget smartphones and tablets, this device distinguishes itself with the added advantage of cellular connectivity, enhancing both its pricing and overall value. The tablet's camera performance aligns with typical expectations for a budget device, with smartphones at this price range generally offering superior capabilities. Nevertheless, the front-facing camera proves effective for video calls, complemented by a quad-speaker audio setup that enhances the immersive quality of games and movies. Notably, the Realme Pad 2 boasts excellent battery life, lasting a full three days on a single charge, regardless of whether a SIM card is inserted, making it a reliable companion for extended use, fitting the profile of a true road warrior.

3) OnePlus Pad Go

The OnePlus Pad Go tablet serves as a more affordable successor to the OnePlus Pad, which was launched earlier this year in February. Differing slightly from its predecessor, this latest tablet boasts a marginally smaller display, along with reduced resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness. In a departure from the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset of the OnePlus Pad, the OnePlus Pad Go opts for a MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, complemented by 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. Emphasizing portability and a lighter form factor, the OnePlus Pad Go is specifically tailored for extended multimedia use and prolonged streaming sessions. The tablet is equipped with an 8,000mAh battery to support these endeavors and incorporates quad Dolby Atmos speakers for an enhanced audio experience.

4) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet made its debut in October 2023, featuring an 11.00-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels. Running on an octa-core Snapdragon 695 SoC processor and equipped with 8GB of RAM, the tablet operates on Android 13 and is supported by a 5100mAh non-removable battery. In terms of imaging capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ sports an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera for selfies. Running on OneUI 5.1.1 based on Android 13, the tablet offers 64GB of inbuilt storage, expandable via a microSD card. It is a dual-SIM tablet that accepts both eSIM and Regular cards. The tablet's dimensions are 305.00 x 204.00 x 37.00mm (height x width x thickness), and it weighs 510.00 grams. Available in Grey, Silver, and Dark Blue colors, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ provides connectivity options such as USB Type-C, Wi-Fi, and GPS. Featuring sensors like ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and accelerometer, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is priced at Rs. 20,999 in India.

5) Lenovo Tab M10 5G

The Lenovo Tab M10 5G tablet was introduced on the 14th of July 2023, featuring a 10.61-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1200x2000 pixels. Powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 695 5G SoC processor and accompanied by 6GB of RAM, the tablet runs on Android 13 and is supported by a 7700mAh non-removable battery. In terms of photography, the Lenovo Tab M10 5G is equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera for selfies. Running on Android 13 and offering 128GB of inbuilt storage, the tablet measures 8.30 x 160.34 x 252.74mm (height x width x thickness) and weighs 490.00 grams. It is available in the Abyss Blue color variant. Connectivity options on the Lenovo Tab M10 5G include USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and GPS. Priced at Rs. 24,999 in India, the tablet provides a comprehensive set of features for users seeking a versatile and capable device.

Best Phones Under ₹15,000 [DECEMBER 2023]

1) Motorola G54 5G

On September 6, 2023, Motorola introduced the G54 5G mobile phone. Equipped with a 6.50-inch touchscreen display boasting a 120 Hz refresh rate, the phone offers a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels (FHD+) and an aspect ratio of 20:9. Running on the Android 13 operating system, the Motorola G54 5G is fueled by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor. It comes with two RAM options: 8GB or 12GB. The device features a non-removable 6000mAh battery for sustained usage. In terms of imaging capabilities, the rear of the Motorola G54 5G hosts a dual camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel camera. For selfies, it incorporates a single front camera with a 16-megapixel sensor. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB of inbuilt storage. The phone supports dual SIM cards and is available in Midnight Blue, Mint Green, and Pear Blue colors. Notably, it possesses an IP52 rating for dust and water protection. Connectivity options encompass Wi-Fi, GPS, and USB Type-C, with active 4G support on both SIM cards. The starting price for the Motorola G54 5G in India is Rs. 14,999.

2) Realme Narzo 60 5G

The Realme Narzo 60 5G smartphone made its debut on July 6, 2023. Boasting a 6.43-inch touchscreen display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, the phone delivers a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels (FHD+). Powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor, it is equipped with 8GB of RAM. Operating on Android 13 and fueled by a 5000mAh non-removable battery, the Realme Narzo 60 5G supports 33W Fast Charging. In the camera department, the rear of the Realme Narzo 60 5G features a dual-camera setup comprising a 64-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel camera. For selfies, it houses a single front camera with a 16-megapixel sensor. Running on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13, the phone offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Measuring 160 x 73 x 8mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 182.00 grams, the Realme Narzo 60 5G is available in Cosmic Black and Mars Orange colors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, and USB Type-C. The phone incorporates various sensors such as an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The starting price for the Realme Narzo 60 5G in India is Rs. 15,999.

3) Redmi 12 5G

The Redmi 12 5G mobile phone was unveiled on August 1, 2023. Featuring a 6.79-inch touchscreen display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2460x1080 pixels (FHD+), the display incorporates Gorilla Glass for added protection. Powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, the device is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM. Running on Android 13 and equipped with a 5000mAh non-removable battery, the Redmi 12 5G supports proprietary fast charging. In the camera department, the rear of the Redmi 12 5G boasts a dual-camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel camera. For selfies, there is a single front camera featuring an 8-megapixel sensor. Operating on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, the phone offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB, expandable up to 1000GB via a dedicated microSD card slot. It is a dual-SIM mobile device. Measuring 168.60 x 76.28 x 8.17mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 199.00 grams, the Redmi 12 5G is available in Jade Black, Moonstone Silver, and Pastel Blue colors. It boasts an IP53 rating for dust and water protection. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS, Bluetooth v5.00, NFC, and USB Type-C, with active 4G support on both SIM cards. The phone incorporates various sensors, including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, proximity sensor, and fingerprint sensor. The starting price for the Redmi 12 5G in India is Rs. 11,999.

4) Samsung Galaxy M14 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G smartphone made its debut on March 8, 2023. Featuring a 6.60-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2408x1080 pixels (FHD+), the phone is equipped with an octa-core processor. It offers two RAM options: 4GB or 6GB. Running on Android 13 and powered by a 6000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G ensures lasting performance. In the camera department, the rear of the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G boasts a triple camera setup, including a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel camera, and another 2-megapixel camera. For selfies, it features a single front camera with a 13-megapixel sensor. Operating on OneUI based on Android 13, the phone provides 128GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded via a microSD card with a dedicated slot. It is a dual-SIM mobile device. Measuring 166.80 x 77.20 x 9.40mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 206.00 grams, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is available in Dark Blue, Blue, and Silver colors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v5.20, and USB Type-C. The starting price for the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G in India is Rs. 11,990.

5) Vivo T2x 5G

The Vivo T2x 5G mobile phone was unveiled on April 11, 2023. Sporting a 6.58-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1080x2408 pixels (FHD+), the device is powered by an octa-core processor and is available in configurations of 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM. Operating on Android 13 and featuring a robust 5000mAh battery, the Vivo T2x 5G supports proprietary fast charging for efficient power replenishment. In terms of imaging capabilities, the rear of the Vivo T2x 5G hosts a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel (f/1.8) primary camera and a 2-megapixel camera with autofocus. For selfies, it incorporates a single front camera with an 8-megapixel sensor. Running on OriginOS 13 based on Android 13, the phone provides 128GB of inbuilt storage, expandable up to 1000GB via a dedicated microSD card slot. It is a dual-SIM (GSM and GSM) mobile that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM cards. Measuring 164.05 x 75.60 x 8.15mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 184.00 grams, the Vivo T2x 5G is available in Aurora Gold, Glimmer Black, and Marine Blue colors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C, 3G, 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India), and 5G. The phone is equipped with various sensors, including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and fingerprint sensor. The starting price for the Vivo T2x 5G in India is Rs. 11,999.

WhatsApp to soon let you search users by their username

As depicted in the screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, the upcoming update will introduce a search bar, enabling users to search for others by their username. This enhancement aims to streamline the connection process and enhance privacy by eliminating the necessity to share personal phone numbers. According to the report, configuring a username is entirely optional, and users will retain control over this feature, with the ability to remove their current username at any time. This update provides users with the opportunity to connect without revealing their phone numbers, offering particular benefits for those seeking a level of anonymity or control over their personal information. The feature is currently in development and is expected to be included in a forthcoming app update.

WhatsApp to allow sharing status updates on Instagram

Meta is reportedly working on supporting the sharing of WhatsApp stories to Instagram, as discovered by WABetaInfo. Testers using the latest beta version of the Android app found an option to link their Instagram account with WhatsApp under Settings → Privacy → Status → Share my status updates. This link enables mirroring WhatsApp status updates directly to Instagram as ephemeral Stories. While still in development, this feature could set WhatsApp apart from its messaging app competitors and streamline the process of reposting updates across platforms. However, if you maintain clear distinctions between content shared on WhatsApp and Instagram, this integration may be less useful. Although specific details are not yet available, it seems that WhatsApp and Instagram will maintain independent controls to limit audiences for status updates and stories. Another consideration is that Instagram's story creation tools are more advanced, featuring dynamic stickers for weather, time, and location, not yet available on WhatsApp. The hope is that future WhatsApp updates will bridge this gap. The development progress of this feature will be closely monitored.

BGMI 2.9 Update adds Ranveer Singh as a playable character

The latest update for Battlegrounds Mobile India, version 2.9, has just been released, bringing with it some exciting additions, especially for Bollywood enthusiasts. Notably, the renowned actor Ranveer Singh is making an appearance in the game as part of this update. Players can anticipate fresh voice lines, dance moves, and enticing rewards associated with the actor's persona. Additionally, the game is revamping its map, introducing the 'Royale Pass Ace,' and has established a partnership with the automaker Pagani. Following the installation of the BGMI 2.9 update, players can enjoy having Ranveer Singh as a playable character. Two new player model skins, namely 'RS Dark Stealth' and 'RS Swaggy Baba,' will be available, offering players an experience reminiscent of the Bollywood superstar. The voice lines in the game will be inspired by Ranveer Singh himself, complemented by new emotes reflecting the actor's famous dance moves. It promises to be an entertaining experience, allowing players to embody the charismatic actor within the Battlegrounds Mobile India environment, complete with his distinctive fashion sense showcased in the player skins. Additionally, a special Ranveer Singh crate will be introduced, providing the chance to obtain the RS Swaggy Buggy (in-game vehicle), RS Fury M249 (in-game gun skin), RS Pan-cho (in-game melee skin), and other rewards, including emotes and a unique voice pack. Players can open this crate by spending 60 UC (in-game currency), and as a promotional offer, the first crate of the day can be opened for just 30 UC. Lastly, the update brings Ranveer Singh Discovery & Play and Win Events, allowing players to progress through these events and earn exciting in-game items by playing the BGMI 2.9 update. RS tokens collected in the game can also be exchanged for various items. The RS event is scheduled to run from December 1 to January 25, providing players with ample time to participate.