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Gadget Reviews Roundup: January 2021

2021 is off to a great start for consumer technology. We’ve seen new laptops, smartphones, and other devices in CES alone. We’ll definitely see many of those devices land on our shores and we can’t wait to get our hands on them. But before that happens, let’s take a look back at the gadgets we reviewed for the month of January.

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Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

Setting aside the processor versions, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is a good alternative to the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy S20+. It has good cameras, a 120Hz and AMOLED display, a large battery, a fashionable design, and offers a flagship-level performance at a lower price. This is the kind of phone that you’d be more than happy to use for everyday apps and tasks, and it is one of the best phones for the money now.

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

If you are coming from a smartphone with a 1080p display, it might take some time to get used to the Galaxy A42 5G’s 720p display. Still, if you’re not that nitpicky when it comes to the display category, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is undoubtedly one of the best smartphones on this tier. You get a huge 6.6-inch AMOLED display coupled with a 5,000mAh battery that can last a day or two. But if you are getting this device, we highly recommend getting the maxed out 8GB variant to take advantage of its chipset and storage.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G

The OnePlus Nord N10 is a really interesting addition to OnePlus’s mid-range line-up and currently one of the affordable 5G phones with a big screen, good enough camera, decent battery life, and acceptable performance at the price of PHP 14,990USD 255INR 21,655EUR 243CNY 1,860. The 90Hz refresh rate is also a nice feature, which does improve the daily user experience. However, there are smartphones around the same price that offers better screens, performance, cameras, and still 5G-enabled. But if you’re into OnePlus, this is the most affordable 5G phone you can get from the brand right now.

Infinix Note 8

The Infinix Note 8 is a solid device for people who do moderate tasks and casual gaming. You’ll get a great battery life, a decent set of cameras and performance, a super fast and secure fingerprint scanner, and a huge display. It might only have a 720p IPS panel, but it does have an immersive stereo speaker that can improve your multimedia experience.

Nokia 3.4

The Nokia 3.4 is priced at PHP 7,990USD 136INR 11,542EUR 130CNY 992, and honestly, we think it’s a good phone but too steep for its league. We still stand by our word that there are better-specced smartphones at this price range, but hey, it’s Nokia. You get an excellent battery life on this phone and a widescreen real estate, and not to mention, it’s pure Android! So if those are just some of the aspects you look for in a phone, then the Nokia 3.4 is one good choice.

Cherry Mobile Aqua Infinity

Cherry Mobile is known for its affordable smartphones with competitive specs. Even though they were quiet for most of 2020, we’re glad to see them back with new and better devices like the Aqua Infinity. It is designed for users who want a big screen, large RAM and storage, decent cameras, and long battery life without breaking the bank. It would have been nicer, though, if it had an FHD+ screen and an ultra-wide lens, but hey, you can’t have everything. Still, at PHP 7,999USD 136INR 11,555EUR 130CNY 993, the Cherry Mobile Aqua Infinity is a welcome competitor in the world of budget smartphones.

Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i

The Lenovo’s 2-in-1 convertible laptop packs versatile features that could match the professionals’ needs. Despite the absence of the usual I/Os, the laptop can perform smoothly, provide good connectivity features, and boast a decent battery life. Plus, it could also be a reliable companion device for multitasking and productivity, especially with the detachable keyboard, flexible kickstand, and the Lenovo E-Color pen, which artists will love.

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