Thursday, July 1, 2021

Gadget Reviews Roundup: June 2021

We’re now in the second half of 2021, but we can still expect a ton of devices to launch from your favorite brands. But before we get excited, let’s take a look at our reviews from last month, which include the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G, realme 8 5G, 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max, and the ASUS TUF Dash F15, to name a few. Check out our Gadget Reviews Roundup for June 2021.

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POCO M3 Pro

The most upgrade from its predecessor is its 5G capable MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, 90Hz refresh rate display, and a higher configuration option, so it didn’t really go too far. Nonetheless, on its own, the POCO M3 Pro 5G sure is one of the most “sulit” 5G smartphones that you can get with mid-range qualifications. So it’s a perfect choice if you’re on a strict budget but still want a phone that’s reliable enough for your day-to-day casual use.

ASUS Zenfone 8

The ASUS Zenfone 8 8GB + 128GB is priced at PHP 34,995, while the 16GB + 256GB model is at PHP 39,995. Those are lovely price tags for a flagship smartphone, especially the base model. This also puts the Zenfone 8 as one of the most affordable 16GB RAM-equipped smartphones in the Philippine market. It’s not a simple decision to make, though, considering that in that price range, you’ll also start considering the likes of the OnePlus 9 5G, Xiaomi Mi 11, ROG Phone 5 Classic, and even the Zenfone 8 Flip. But if you really want a smartphone with a compact build and have the most RAM for the budget, get the Zenfone 8.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G

Many sacrifices were made to make a very affordable 5G phone at this point, and it seems that we’ve made it past the point that the phone is sadly a let-down especially compared with its LTE siblings, and with 5G technology still in its infancy, these trade-offs don’t seem to make sense if you’re just looking for a cheap, reliable phone you can use as a daily driver. However, if you’re in an area that already benefits from better speeds 5G can offer and don’t mind the tradeoffs this phone has, then definitely this is for you.

ASUS BR1100F Student’s Laptop

With the laptop’s features, flexibility and durability—it is indeed one reliable device to drive students’ online learning. The ASUS BR1100F is definitely true to its claim as child-friendly, as it comes equipped with clever protective features, such as an all-around rubber bumper, military-grade durability, spill-resistant keyboard, and a sturdy hinge. For these reasons, this one’s worth getting, especially for those looking for an affordable laptop that can also cope with the students’ needs.

Infinix HOT 10S

Even with its shortcomings, this smartphone is still a solid daily driver. You’ll get a 90Hz screen refresh rate on its large 6.82-inch display, a decent set of cameras, and a massive battery. If you’re a casual user who needs a device for streaming content and playing light games, this one will serve you well. The micro-USB port, though, can be a downer for some, but it’s not a serious disadvantage considering its asking price. At PHP 5,990 for the 4GB + 64GB and for PHP 6,990 for the 6GB + 128GB, the Infinix HOT 10S is one of the most affordable Helio G8-powered smartphones you can get right now.

OPPO A54

The OPPO A54 with 4GB + 128GB costs PHP 9,499, for PHP 500 more at PHP 9,999, you can get the 6GB + 128GB variant, which has more RAM. OPPO made several compromises to keep the price low as possible, like the absence of a 1080p display, a slightly low camera resolution, and not having 5G connectivity. Some of its competitors even have more powerful chipsets with 5G connectivity and updated OS at a lower price. If you’re a casual user looking for a solid daily driver, the OPPO A54 is a good one. But given the price and competition, it’s a tough sell in terms of value.

2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max

The Ford Ranger FX4 Max is a pretty good vehicle on its own. Apart from being multipurpose, it also exemplifies a good balance between performance and efficiency. But after having spent some good time with it, it doesn’t seem to uphold features that strike us the same way the Wildtrak or Raptor has. And considering the lack of anything new apart from a few cosmetic changes, it feels as if these are less meant for the seasoned trucker, and more meant for first-timers who are looking to begin their 4×4 journey. Which again, isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but we do hope to see a major update soon.

realme 8 5G

The realme 8 5G has an SRP of PHP 11,990, making it a worthy contender in the affordable 5G smartphone market. It is slightly better than the 5G-ready POCO M3 Pro and Redmi Note 10, but if 5G connectivity isn’t much of a priority for you, there are better options available in its price range. Nonetheless, if 5G connectivity is something you really want to experience, which by the way will still depend on if it’s available in your area, then the realme 8 5G is a recommendable smartphone for you.

ASUS TUF Dash F15

The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is one of the most interesting laptops in the series so far. It’s the company’s solution to provide people with mobility, functionality, and durability all at a relatively affordable price. Although it’s not without any problems of its own, it still checks the boxes with its good performance, great battery life, and aesthetically pleasing form factor.

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