IPAD PRO
The new iPad Pro represents a big performance leap for the tab. At its heart is Apple’s new A12Z Bionic chip. The eight-core GPU in the A12Z Bionic, along with an enhanced thermal architecture and tuned performance controllers, leaves many laptops in the shade. This eight-core CPU teams up with the powerful Neural Engine, which enables next-generation apps and offers speedier LTE and Wi-Fi connections. The new Pro sports an edge-toedge Liquid Retina display (it comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches) that’s one of the most advanced on any portable device. Whether you’re watching videos or gaming, the 120Hz display that features P3 wide colour support adds to its immersive appeal. Other |display highlights include Apple’s proprietary True Tone high brightness and an antireflective coating for a stellar viewing experience. Although cameras are not a big purchase driver for tablets, it’s good to have a capable shooter handy. The camera set-up includes a 12MP lens that also shoots 4K video and a new 10MP ultra-wide cam that zooms out two times for a much wider field of view. The device’s AR capabilities get a boost with the new LiDAR Scanner. iPad OS 13.4 adds trackpad support to iPad enhancing its productivity creds. Apple has also added a new Magic Keyboard to its suite of iPad Pro accessories.
Rs 71,900 onwards
SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S6
Samsung’s top-of-the-line tab has premium stamped all over it. It’s slinky, weighs just over 400 gm and boasts of a vibrant 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display (2560 x 1600 pixels / 287 pixels per inch). This gorgeous display is backed up with Dolby Atmos Quad speakers, making it the perfect binge-watching and gaming device. The hardware spec sheet includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor coupled with 6 GB of RAM and a 7080 mAh battery that won’t let you down. Our test results validate Samsung’s claim of 15 hours of video playback. There’s 128GB of Internal memory and room for a Micro SD card (up to 1TB) that allows you you to carry all your work files or favourite HD movies with you. The Tab S6 offers two key productivity tools. Samsung’s versatile S-Pen is bundled with the device. The new scribble to text feature that can convert your notes into Word docs is extremely useful. And then there’s Samsung’s optional keyboard that finds the balance between a compact form and typing comfort. Samsung’s DeX, a handy solution that mimics a laptop style navigation is another useful feature alongside the laptop style trackpad. It all adds up. This is the best Android tab out there.
Rs 59,900
Four things you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Flip, probably the best foldable you can buy right now:
• It feels great in your hand: The clamshell is back. This one take you back in time when flip or foldable phones were trendy. At 180-odd gms, it’s remarkably light and can slip into your tiniest pockets once its folded.
• An immersive display: Samsung has pioneered an ultra-thin glass folding display. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display (1080 x 2636 pixels) features a unique 21.9:9 aspect ratio. There’s also a 1.1-inch cover display that’s useful to check alerts, ensuring you don’t have to keep flipping open the phone all the time.
• It aces everyday tasks: Concept devices sometimes struggle with routine tasks; the Z Flip is a rare exception. It’s powered by a Qualcomm 855+ processor coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of Internal Memory, there’s a 3300 mAh battery that should please most users. The dual rear cam shoots stellar lowlight images.
• Go handsfree: Samsung allows you to make best use of the split screen, thanks to its proprietary Flex Mode. You can prop up the device on a table or surface and do video calls hands-free, or even snap selfies.
Whether you’re running outdoors or on a treadmill, this neckband won’t let you down. An IPX 5 rating means you are covered for a run in a mild drizzle too. These in-ear wireless earphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 for better power management and battery life (about eight hours). Powered by 10mm drivers, the BNB-01 delivers rich, pure HD Sound. The noise-isolating earbuds block up to 90 per cent of ambient noise, so you can tune into your playlist with minimal external interferences. Rs 2,999
MI WIRELESS POWER BANK
Xiaomi’s new Mi Wireless Power Bank (with 10W wireless charging) is the brand’s first wireless charging solution. The power bank features a non-skid wireless charging surface/pad, and comes with two-way 18W fast charging on both USB Type-A output port and USB Type-C input port. It offers simultaneous charge on two mobile devices and uses high-quality lithium polymer batteries for maximum safety. Rs 2,499
POCO X2
This is a comeback device of sorts for Xiaomi’s POCO line. The biggest talking point is the 120Hz display that adds a magical fluidity. POCO calls it RealityFlow Engine and it enhances your gaming or video consumption experience. Its powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, and features a 4500mAh battery (with 27W charging) under the hood. The X2 becomes the first smartphone in India that touts the Sony IMX686 64 wide-angle sensor as part of its quad-cam rear set up. Rs 15,999 onwards