Dell XPS 13 Plus Review: Minimalism turned to 100

By: Rohit Yadav

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Updated on: 30-Aug-2022

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Dell XPS 13 Plus Specifications

Design

The new Dell XPS 13 Plus is like no other laptop. The updated design might be polarizing when it comes to the functionality but none can deny the sheer charisma of the laptop. The XPS 12 Plus comes with an immersive InfinityEdge display and a high-quality metal build.

The borderless haptic touchpad gives it the appearance of being a laptop from the future. There are no visible lines separating the touchpad instead there is a seamless glass palm rest. Additionally, the top of the keyboard has light-up buttons instead of capacitive function keys that can switch between the usual Function keys or media keys. The keyboard itself has been changed. With bigger keys and no more room between them, it spans from one edge of the laptop to the other. There is white backlight for the keys. Although I have to admit that I kind of like it, it is something to be aware of. The keyboard has a strange accuracy to it, perhaps because the keys are so large and go edge to edge. The power button also doubles as a fingerprint reader.

In the end, the Dell XPS 13 Plus's outside appearance isn't all that different from XPS 13 notebooks from earlier generations. The Platinum model is a case in point. The Graphite model has that colour on the lid, which hasn't before been seen on an XPS notebook.

When talking about the size and weight, Dell XPS 13 Plus is comparable to its rivals like the MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 and others.

Display

With the InfinityEdge display, Dell has managed to squeeze a large 13.4 inch display in such a small form factor. Unlike other thin and light laptops that have a chin at the bottom of the screen, Dell XPS 13 Plus has extremely slim bezels in all four corners.

Dell XPS 13 Plus is offered in multiple display choices around the world including an 4K OLED screen. Sadly the OLED display is not available in India as of writing this review, rather you get a UHD+ LCD display with touch support. The InfinityEdge display can reach 500 nits of maximum brightness and has a Anti-Reflect coating to reduce the reflections on the screen. Though any LCD panel can not match the OLED when it comes to the contrast but XPS’s LCD panel has excellent contrast and colour reproduction.

The touchscreen on the XPS is fast and responsive due to which performing various multi touch actions were a breeze. It should be noted that the screen easily gets smudged and needs to be cleaned regularly.

Dell XPS 13 Plus Performance

The thin and light design might deceive many people into thinking that the Dell XPS has to skim on performance for that sleek design, but due to advancements in the processors the thin laptop provides a pro level of performance. The 12th Gen Intel i7-1260P powering the device had no problem in opening any app, there were no hiccups when bouncing between multiple apps or managing the tens of Google Chrome tabs.

When it comes to graphics the inbuilt Intel Iris Xe graphics can run some games just not very well, it might be that the Xe graphics have not been properly optimized. In most of the graphic intensive works the Dell XPS 13 Plus fell short of the Apple Macbook Air M2 and sometimes even the older M1 powered Macbooks. Because of the 28 W processor in the laptop we did see a dip in performance when the device overheated.

Heat and Noise

As we saw the XPS did lose several things for the slim and futuristic design. The good news is despite all the size restrictions by removing the function row Dell managed to put bigger fans in the chassis which according to the company manages a 55% increment in airflow. During light work, the XPS remained quiet and cool though there was a hit in performance when doing any heavy and long tasks.

Port Selection

This will be the shortest section of the review. The Dell XPS 13 Plus only features two USB-C ports on either side. That is it, Dell has even skipped on a headphone jack. Though for Dell’s credit there was a USC-C to 3.5mm and a USB-C to USB-A dongle in the box.

The good thing here is that both the USB-C ports are full fledged Thunderbolt 4 ports, that means each port has a bidirectional bandwidth of 40 Gbps. The lack of port might be a dealbreaker for some but it has to be said that the clean sides and minimum ports give the XPS a clean and attractive look.

Webcam

The Dell XPS 13 Plus is among the only few Intel EVO branded laptops to feature a 720p camera. Despite the low resolution the picture quality of the camera was amazing. The peashooter camera managed to do an amazing job capturing colours. It accurately captured the reds and greens without overblowing them.

Although there is a fair amount of noise and I would have prefered a 1080p camera, the Dell XPS’s 720p camera is easily usable for video calls. Despite the small bezel size Dell has managed to cram an Infrared sensor for Windows Hello.

Battery

The XPS 13 Plus managed to impress in all but one category, by no means the laptop has a bad battery life but when compared to the incredible battery life of its competitors it felt short by a margin. Where the M2 powered MacBook Air was able to last more than 15 hours in our daily workflow, the XPS managed to only last a little over 8 hours.

One saving grace for the Dell XPS 13 Plus was the ability to fast charging, the Express Charge technology can charge the device from 0 to about 80% in an hour. The lack of ports hurts the XPS here too, using one of the two USB-C ports for charging does not leave much room for many accessories.

Verdict

With the XPS 13 Plus, Dell is certainly ready for the future with the minimalist and sleek design. The thinness of the laptop doesn't interfere with the performance of the device. The jaw dropping edge to edge display is amazing to look at. No matter how good the display is, the polarizing design might not be for all. The ultra-minimalist aesthetics will be mesmerising for most including me.

But for the ones who are looking for a more traditional laptop experience will be better off with the likes of Acer Swift 5 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 and if you are inclined towards the Macs, the M2 MacBook Air is an excellent choice, even the older M1 powered MacBooks will be an excellent choice if you can get them on offer.

Dell XPS 13 Plus Price in India

The Dell XPS 13 Plus price in India is Rs 1,74,490 for the base variant powered by the Intel i5 1240P while for the i7 1260P powered laptop you need to shell out Rs 1,94,490.

Itel Zeno 10 to Launch in India This January 2025

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 30-Dec-2024

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Itel is gearing up to expand its budget smartphone lineup with the launch of the Itel Zeno 10 in India this January 2025. Aimed at Gen-Z customers, the phone promises to deliver modern features at an affordable price, starting under ₹6,000. With an emphasis on style and functionality, the Zeno 10 is expected to be a game-changer in the entry-level smartphone market.

Launch and Pricing

The Itel Zeno 10 may be introduced in the Indian market in January 2025, with sales exclusively through Amazon. The teaser poster on the Amazon microsite hints at the starting price, showcasing the tagline "₹5XXX," which confirms the handset will cost less than ₹6,000. While this price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers, higher RAM and storage variants may come at slightly higher costs.

Design and Display

The Zeno 10 features a youthful and stylish design with a square rear camera module housing dual sensors and an LED flash. It comes in black with eye-catching red and white patterns. The phone has a centered waterdrop notch for the front camera, slim bezels, and a thicker chin, giving it a modern look. Volume and power buttons are conveniently placed on the right for easy access.

Performance and Software

The Itel Zeno 10 will run on Android 14, offering a smooth and updated user experience. It includes unique features like a Dynamic Island-like collapsible bar for multitasking. Powered by a 5,000mAh battery, the phone ensures long-lasting usage, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and everyday tasks.

Key Specification

Conclusion

With its dual rear cameras, modern design, robust battery, and the latest Android 14, the Itel Zeno 10 offers an excellent value proposition for budget smartphone buyers. The affordable pricing under ₹6,000 ensures accessibility to a wide range of customers, particularly Gen-Z users looking for a stylish and feature-rich handset.

As Itel continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian smartphone market, the Zeno 10’s launch could further establish the brand as a go-to choice for budget-conscious buyers. Stay tuned for the official launch details and a closer look at what this promising handset has to offer.

Lava Yuva 2 5G Launched for ₹9,499 with 50MP Camera and Notification Light

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• Lava Yuva 2 5G launched in India for ₹9,499.
• Features a 50MP main camera, a 5000mAh battery, and a notification light.
• Comes in Marble Black and Marble White color options.

Lava has launched the Lava Yuva 2 5G, their newest low-cost 5G smartphone, in India. This phone, which costs ₹9,499, is unique because it has a notification light built into the back camera module. This light is distinct in its category since it blinks in response to incoming calls and app notifications.

The phone can be bought at physical retail outlets and comes in Marble Black and Marble White color options. For extra convenience, Lava also provides free at-home service and a one-year warranty.

Specifications and Features

Pricing and Availability

The Lava Yuva 2 5G is priced at ₹9,499 and is currently available at retail stores across India. The company has not yet confirmed its online availability. The introductory price makes it an excellent choice for users looking for an affordable 5G phone with standout features.

With its budget-friendly price, unique notification light, and solid performance, the Lava Yuva 2 5G is a promising option for buyers seeking value-for-money smartphones.

Google Partners with Anthropic to Improve Gemini AI, Using Claude

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• Google is using Anthropic’s Claude AI to compare and refine responses from its own Gemini AI.
• Contractors hired by Google analyze the outputs for quality, focusing on factors like truthfulness and clarity.
• Claude has stricter safety measures, while Gemini offers detailed but less rigid responses to unsafe prompts.

Google’s Collaboration with Anthropic’s Claude

Google is enhancing the functionality of its own AI system, Gemini, by collaborating with Anthropic's Claude AI model. Google has engaged contractors to assess the responses produced by Gemini and Claude. These contractors evaluate both models' responses to the same prompts and offer comments based on important criteria like:

• Truthfulness
• Clarity
• Verbosity

This feedback helps Google identify areas where Gemini needs improvement, ensuring it becomes more accurate and user-friendly.

How the Evaluation Process Works

Contractors follow a structured approach to assess the AI models:

1. They are given responses from Gemini and Claude for the same prompt.
2. Each response is carefully evaluated based on predefined criteria.
3. Contractors have up to 30 minutes to rate each answer.

This process enables Google to refine Gemini’s output quality and identify where it may fall short compared to Claude.

Claude vs Gemini: Key Differences

Unusual Patterns and Speculations

During the evaluations, the contractors observed some odd trends. Gemini's answers occasionally contained analogies such as "I am Claude, created by Anthropic," which raised questions regarding the connection between the two systems. Given that Google finances Anthropic, this initiated discussion about the possible proximity of Gemini and Claude.

Ethical and Competitive Concerns

To make these comparisons easier, Google provides an internal platform that lets contractors compare various AI models side by side. However, utilizing Claude to develop or train other AI systems is forbidden by Anthropic's terms of service. Given that Google is an investor in Anthropic, it is unclear if this restriction applies to Google.

In response, Shira McNamara, a spokesperson for Google DeepMind, clarified that comparing AI models is a standard practice in the industry. She firmly denied any claims that Google used Claude to train Gemini, calling these allegations inaccurate.

Competition in the AI Industry

This partnership shows the intense competition the AI market is becoming. Big companies like Google are improving their AI models by utilizing both external collaborations and internal innovation. However, it also calls into question how businesses strike a balance between cooperation and rivalry while navigating moral boundaries.

As the AI sector develops, collaborations such as these show how businesses are continuously pushing the boundaries of technology while coming under scrutiny for their moral behavior. Google and Anthropic's partnership serves as a reminder of the prospects and difficulties in the competition to create the most cutting-edge AI systems.

iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition Set to Launch in January 2025

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition launches in January 2025 in China.
• Features a 6,400mAh ultra-thin blue ocean battery with advanced tech.
• Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC for top-tier performance.
• Available in blue, black, and white color options.

iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance

In January 2025, the iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition, a long battery-life version of the Z9 Turbo, is expected to make its formal debut in China. Although the precise release date is still unknown, tech fans are buzzing about the phone because iQOO has been teasing its interesting features on social media.

The original iQOO Z9 Turbo, which debuted in April 2024 with a 6,000mAh battery, was a hit, and this new version expands on that. By adding a 6,400mAh battery, the Endurance Edition goes one step further and promises better performance and longer usage.

Innovative Battery Technology

The notable characteristic of the iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition is its ultra-thin blue ocean battery technology. Reports indicate that it might employ silicon-carbon anode technology, which is comparable to OnePlus' Glacier battery technology, though specifics are few. Benefits of this cutting-edge battery technology include:

• Longer battery life for extended usage.
• Stable voltage supply for consistent performance.
• Faster charging speeds to minimize downtime.

With these enhancements, the 6,400mAh battery positions the Endurance Edition as a powerhouse for users needing dependable, long-lasting performance.

High-Performance Hardware

The phone is equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, a 4nm processor featuring:

• A Cortex X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz.
• Four Cortex A720 performance cores running at 2.8 GHz.
• Three Cortex A520 efficiency cores tuned at 2.0 GHz.

This combination ensures smooth multitasking, high-speed gaming, and efficient power usage.

Shared Features with iQOO Z9 Turbo

The Endurance Edition is expected to retain many features from the standard iQOO Z9 Turbo, including:

• A 6.78-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 4,500 nits peak brightness.
• A 50MP + 8MP dual rear camera setup for versatile photography.
• Connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4.
• Support for 80W fast wired charging, ensuring quick power-ups despite the large battery size.

Availability and Colors

In China, the phone will be pre-ordered via shop.vivo.com. It will be available in three attractive colors—white, black, and blue—to suit all kinds of style preferences. It is yet unknown, though, if the iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition will be released in markets other than China, such as India.

Anticipation for January Launch

The iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition is positioned to be an important release because of its large battery capacity, cutting-edge technology, and high-end specifications. More information is anticipated to become available as the January launch draws near, heightening interest in this potentially powerful smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Expected to Launch on January 22: New Blue-Grey Colour Revealed

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event is rumored for January 22, 2024.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a new blue-grey color.
• Four smartphones are expected: Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and S25 Slim.
• High-end specs include up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage for the Ultra.

Samsung’s Upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung is preparing for its yearly Galaxy Unpacked, which may be scheduled for January 22. According to leaks, four new smartphones—the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the brand-new Galaxy S25 Slim—are going to be unveiled at this event. In addition to these, Samsung is anticipated to release the Galaxy Ring, a wearable of the future.

New Blue-Grey Color Variant Leaked

A new blue-grey color variation of the Galaxy S25 Ultra has been leaked ahead of its official launch. The phone's color is described as a delicate blend of grey and blue, which might appeal to consumers looking for a high-end, modern design. Space grey, deep blue, and light blue are among the other colors that have been talked about in earlier leaks.

Specs for Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to offer top-tier specifications:

• 16GB RAM will be exclusive to the 512GB and 1TB storage models.
• The base model with 256GB storage will come with 12GB RAM.

This sets the Ultra apart as the flagship model in the S25 lineup, focusing on performance for demanding users.

Pre-Order and Sales Timeline

In South Korea, pre-orders are anticipated to start on January 24 and may end on February 3, 2025. Similar timelines are anticipated for other markets, including the US, where devices will be available for sale by February 7, 2025.

Samsung's launch approach has been constant, as shown with the January 2024 release of the Galaxy S24 series.

Galaxy Unpacked Event

Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked events have always been a highlight for tech enthusiasts. With the unveiling of smartphones and the innovative Galaxy Ring, the January 22 launch promises to set the tone for 2025’s tech landscape.