Built on a 3nm manufacturing process, the Xring O3 increases its transistor count from 19 billion in the previous generation to 24 billion. This increase is designed to deliver higher processing performance while improving power efficiency for demanding mobile workloads.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold package also includes a special Xring O3 card featuring Lei Jun’s signature. The inclusion highlights Xiaomi’s focus on developing its own core technologies and strengthening its position in the premium smartphone market.

Xiaomi Xring O3 and LPDDR6 Memory

The Xiaomi Xring O3 is positioned as Xiaomi’s most advanced self-developed mobile SoC so far. The company has focused heavily on AI processing, performance, and energy efficiency, making the chip an important part of the Xiaomi 18 Fold experience.

One of the most notable features is its support for LPDDR6 memory, the latest-generation mobile memory standard referenced for the device. The 1TB version of the Xiaomi 18 Fold is equipped with Changxin LPDDR6 memory, giving the phone additional memory bandwidth for multitasking, AI applications, gaming, and other demanding tasks.

The combination of the Xring O3 processor and LPDDR6 memory makes the Xiaomi 18 Fold particularly interesting for users who want flagship-level performance in a foldable form factor.

2:1 Foldable Display Design

Xiaomi has taken a different approach to the display design of the 18 Fold. Its inner screen uses a 2:1 aspect ratio, which creates a more balanced shape when the phone is opened or folded.

The design also allows the inner display to offer roughly twice the screen area of the outer display while maintaining a consistent aspect ratio. This can make multitasking more practical and gives the unfolded screen a layout that is closer to a compact tablet.

For split-screen use, the 2:1 format is especially useful. Two applications can be displayed side by side with a layout that closely resembles using two conventional smartphone screens next to each other. This can improve the presentation of documents, charts, apps, and other content.

The display approach also reflects the broader trend toward foldable phones that offer a more tablet-like experience without becoming excessively wide or difficult to handle.

Xiaomi 18 Fold Colors and Ceramic Edition

The Xiaomi 18 Fold is available in three standard finishes: Black, Warm Gold White, and Nishino Red.

Nishino Red is the most distinctive option of the three. Inspired by autumn landscapes, the color uses a warm reddish-brown tone to create a premium appearance while keeping the overall design relatively understated.

Xiaomi has also introduced a Ceramic Special Edition for users looking for a more exclusive finish. The design is inspired by traditional ceramic craftsmanship and uses a refined light-pink glaze appearance.

Producing this finish involves high-temperature processing, with silicon nitride reportedly sintered at temperatures of up to 1,840°C. Rare-earth erbium is then used during the coloring process to achieve the final visual effect.

The ceramic edition is designed to offer the smooth feel and durability associated with ceramic while reducing weight compared with some conventional zirconia-based ceramic solutions. Despite using a different rear material, the overall device weight is listed at 219 grams, matching the AG glass version.

Leica Triple Camera System

Photography is another major part of the Xiaomi 18 Fold. The phone features a Leica Summilux optical system with a triple-camera setup, designed to cover multiple focal lengths.

The three rear cameras are positioned horizontally in a clean arrangement. Xiaomi has also kept the camera module relatively compact, helping maintain a comfortable grip while giving the rear panel a distinctive flagship look.

The Leica branding and multi-focal-length camera system make the Xiaomi 18 Fold appealing to users who want a foldable smartphone without sacrificing camera versatility.

6000mAh Battery and Fast Charging

The Xiaomi 18 Fold packs a 6000mAh Silicon-carbon battery, giving the device a large power reserve for everyday use, multitasking, gaming, photography, and other demanding applications.

Charging support is equally impressive, with 67W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. This combination gives users flexible charging options while reducing the amount of time needed to recharge the large battery.

With its high-capacity battery and fast-charging support, the Xiaomi 18 Fold is designed to balance the power requirements of its large foldable display and flagship hardware.

Design and Build

The Xiaomi 18 Fold introduces a new foldable design for Xiaomi: the mid-fold form factor. It sits between a large book-style foldable and a compact flip phone, offering a different balance of portability and screen size.

When unfolded, the Xiaomi 18 Fold features a 7.58-inch inner display, which is roughly comparable to the size of an A6 sheet of paper. Its extremely narrow bezels on all four sides give the screen a larger and more immersive appearance.

Both the inner and outer displays use a Super Pixel arrangement, giving the Xiaomi 18 Fold full RGB sub-pixel layouts on both screens. This helps maintain sharp image quality while making the two displays more consistent with each other.

Another highlight is the brightness. Both screens are designed for strong outdoor visibility, with a peak brightness of up to 4,000 nits. This makes the Xiaomi 18 Fold easier to use in bright environments, whether you are indoors or outside.

The rear panel features a clean and minimalist look. Xiaomi places the Leica triple-camera system inside a rounded, racetrack-shaped camera module that gives the phone a distinctive appearance without making the design feel overly busy.

A closer look at the camera module reveals a subtle Leica inscription engraved around the upper section of the outer ring. The branding is understated and only becomes obvious when viewed up close.

When unfolded, the Xiaomi 18 Fold measures 163.8 x 117.9 mm. Its proportions make it practical to use horizontally as a compact tablet, while users with larger hands can also hold it vertically like an oversized candybar smartphone.

One of the biggest advantages of this design is its slim profile. The device is just 5.02 mm thick on one side and weighs approximately 219 grams. That makes it lighter than many conventional flagship smartphones and significantly more portable than most large foldable phones.

The speaker system is positioned at both ends of the same side, creating a more balanced stereo effect when the phone is used horizontally for gaming or video playback. The SIM card tray is located along the top edge, while the USB-C port sits in the center of the bottom edge.

The metal frame has a fine frosted texture that gives the phone a smooth and refined feel in the hand. Xiaomi also uses the same finish for the power and volume buttons, helping the entire frame maintain a consistent appearance.

Folded Size and One-Handed Use

When folded, the Xiaomi 18 Fold measures approximately 117.8 x 83.6 mm, giving it a compact and easy-to-handle shape.

Although the folded device looks short and relatively thick, its width is only slightly greater than that of a typical flagship smartphone. This allows it to sit comfortably in one hand.

Its shorter height also improves one-handed usability. Tasks such as typing, checking notifications, scrolling and swiping back can be performed without constantly repositioning the phone.

The folded Xiaomi 18 Fold is roughly comparable in size to an A7 sheet of paper, allowing it to fit easily into a suit pocket or some larger shirt pockets. Its compact footprint also makes it convenient to carry throughout the day.

Despite being a foldable device, it measures only 10.68 mm thick when closed. As a result, it avoids the bulky feel commonly associated with larger foldable smartphones.

Hinge Design

Xiaomi has equipped the 18 Fold with a new-generation keel hinge featuring a three-bar linkage mechanism. The hinge provides moderate resistance while opening and closing, and it can hold the display at various angles.

This design makes the phone more flexible for different use cases, including reading, watching videos and hands-free viewing.

Charger and In-the-Box Accessories

The Xiaomi 18 Fold comes with a 67W charger, providing a convenient charging solution straight out of the box.

Xiaomi also includes a protective phone case with the retail package. The case features an integrated magnetic ring, allowing the phone to work with a range of compatible magnetic accessories.

Overall, the Xiaomi 18 Fold focuses heavily on portability, slimness and one-handed usability. Its mid-fold design gives it a distinctive identity among foldable phones, while the lightweight construction and compact folded dimensions make it easier to carry than many larger foldable models.

Mid-Foldable Screen Experience

One of the most interesting aspects of the Xiaomi 18 Fold is its approach to screen proportions. The inner and outer displays use a 2:1 aspect ratio, creating a consistent layout across different screen sizes. Apps, icons, and widgets remain arranged in familiar positions whether the phone is folded, partially opened, or fully unfolded. This makes switching between display modes feel intuitive and avoids the layout changes that can sometimes make foldable phones confusing to use.

The unfolded screen is also surprisingly compact compared with a traditional tablet. Placed beside an A5 notebook, the Xiaomi 18 Fold occupies roughly half its footprint and is closer in size to an A6 sheet of paper. When folded, it becomes approximately A7-sized, giving it a compact form factor similar to a small notebook or even a passport.

That compact design does not make the outer display difficult to use. In folded mode, the phone is slightly wider than a conventional flagship smartphone, which provides enough space for comfortable one-handed operation. The 26-key keyboard layout also benefits from the added width, making typing feel less cramped.

A 1.414:1 Display Ratio for Everyday Content

The Xiaomi 18 Fold uses a √2:1 screen ratio, which works out to approximately 1.414:1. This is wider than the traditional 16:9 format commonly used for video content. As a result, watching 16:9 videos may leave small black bars around the image, although they do not significantly affect the overall viewing experience.

The extra screen area becomes more useful with other types of content. For example, many vertical short videos use a 3:4 format, allowing them to fill more of the display. According to the supplied specifications, this helps the Xiaomi 18 Fold achieve a screen-to-body ratio of up to 95.2%.

Photography is another area where the unusual aspect ratio can be useful. When viewing 3:2 photos, as much as 93.3% of the screen can be used for displaying the image. This makes the large inner display particularly useful for reviewing photos without wasting too much space.

The √2:1 ratio is also closely aligned with standard international paper sizes. That makes the Xiaomi 18 Fold especially practical for reading documents, working with PDFs, and handling office files. A standard A4 document can be displayed at the same proportional ratio, reducing the need for excessive cropping or scaling.

For users who frequently read documents or work while traveling, this design gives the Xiaomi 18 Fold an advantage over foldable phones that prioritize video playback alone. Although 16:9 movies and long-form videos may not take up the entire display, the wider range of supported content makes the screen more versatile for everyday productivity.

Tablet-Style Productivity on a Foldable Phone

Xiaomi has also optimized the inner display for applications designed for larger screens. Several productivity apps can take advantage of the expanded layout, providing an experience that is closer to using a tablet than a conventional smartphone.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold comes with five PC-level applications. These include WPS For Pad and CapCut Pro, along with Wind Financial Terminal PC, ZWCAD, and CNKI CAJ. The inclusion of professional software makes the foldable more useful for users who need access to documents, design tools, financial platforms, or research materials while away from a desktop computer.

Some of these professional applications are better suited to a larger input method. Connecting an external keyboard can make longer documents, spreadsheets, and other desktop-style tasks considerably easier, just as it does on a conventional tablet.

A Better Fit for Multitasking

The larger inner display gives the Xiaomi 18 Fold more room for multitasking. Applications designed for tablets can take advantage of the additional width, while split-screen functionality allows users to work with multiple types of content at the same time.

For example, Xiaohongshu can use a three-column layout similar to a tablet interface, making browsing more engaging on the larger panel. Split-screen mode can also place images on one side and comments on the other, allowing users to view more information without constantly switching between pages.

Overall, the Xiaomi 18 Fold’s screen is not simply a larger smartphone display. Its compact folded size, practical aspect ratio, high screen utilization, document-friendly proportions, and tablet-style software support make it a versatile option for both entertainment and productivity.

The display may not be perfectly optimized for traditional 16:9 video, but its broader usability makes up for that limitation. For reading documents, browsing social media, reviewing photographs, multitasking, and handling professional applications, the Xiaomi 18 Fold’s mid-size foldable design offers a compelling balance between portability and screen space.

Performance and Gaming

The Xiaomi 18 Fold stands out as one of Xiaomi’s most advanced flagship foldable phones, particularly because of its new Xring O3 flagship SoC and Changxin LPDDR6 memory. Together, these components are designed to deliver higher performance, better energy efficiency, and improved memory bandwidth.

The Xring O3 is Xiaomi’s second high-end flagship chipset developed in-house. It continues to use a 3nm manufacturing process, while the transistor count has increased from 19 billion in the previous generation to 24 billion.

The chipset features a 10-core all-big-core CPU and a 16-core GPU. Xiaomi has also redesigned the underlying architecture to reduce CPU memory access latency. These improvements are intended to speed up data transfer, improve overall responsiveness, and reduce power consumption during demanding workloads.

AnTuTu Benchmark Performance

Xiaomi claims that the Xring O3 can achieve an AnTuTu benchmark score of 5.22 million points, making it the company’s first flagship chipset to cross the five-million mark under its stated testing conditions.

The CPU architecture is divided into three performance groups. The two Ultra cores handle demanding bursts such as app launches, scene switching, and intensive gaming workloads. Four Premium cores provide additional performance for multitasking and demanding applications while maintaining better power efficiency. The remaining four Pro cores focus on everyday tasks with lower power consumption.

According to Xiaomi, this architecture delivers a 60.1% performance improvement over the previous generation while reducing power consumption by approximately 25%.

The GPU uses Xiaomi’s latest G2-Ultra NX architecture, which reportedly provides a 21% improvement in graphics performance compared with the previous Xring O1 generation. Ray-tracing performance has also been doubled, while the 16-core GPU configuration is designed to handle demanding graphics workloads more efficiently.

In our own testing, the Xiaomi 18 Fold achieved approximately 5.17 million points in AnTuTu at room temperature. Although this result is slightly below Xiaomi’s official figure, it remains extremely high for a smartphone and demonstrates the performance potential of the Xring O3.

LPDDR6 Memory and Memory Bandwidth

One of the Xiaomi 18 Fold’s most notable hardware upgrades is its use of LPDDR6 memory. The phone is designed around Xiaomi’s Xring O3 platform and Changxin LPDDR6 memory, giving it a significant increase in memory bandwidth compared with previous-generation LPDDR5X solutions.

The LPDDR6 memory operates at up to 10,667 Mbps, while the memory bus width increases from 16-bit on LPDDR5X to 24-bit. According to the stated specifications, total memory bandwidth can reach 113.8 GB/s.

Xiaomi has also focused on reducing memory access latency. The platform uses architectural changes, optimized routing, and memory resource management to reduce congestion when multiple system components access memory simultaneously.

The reported static memory latency is as low as 82ns, while dynamic latency can reach 177ns. For comparison, Xiaomi lists the Apple A19 Pro at 92ns static latency and 211ns dynamic latency under its cited testing conditions.

To evaluate the memory upgrade, we compared the Xiaomi 18 Fold with LPDDR6 against the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with LPDDR5X.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold achieved a memory bandwidth score of 152,262 points in AnTuTu, compared with 110,610 points for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. That represents an improvement of approximately 37.6%.

Memory latency also improved by around 10% in the comparison. For everyday users, the benefit is most noticeable when switching between multiple applications, loading large files, or running demanding apps simultaneously.

Gaming, however, provides a better way to evaluate the combination of the Xring O3 chipset and LPDDR6 memory. We therefore tested the Xiaomi 18 Fold with several popular mobile games.

Honor of Kings Gaming Test

The Xiaomi 18 Fold is not marketed as a dedicated gaming smartphone, so it does not include some specialized gaming functions such as frame interpolation. For testing, we selected the highest available graphics settings in Honor of Kings.

The phone was switched to performance mode through the gaming tools to maximize the available processing power.

The large inner display is particularly useful for gaming. Its wider viewing area provides more screen space, allowing players to see more of the battlefield and identify opponents more easily.

During a complete 5v5 match, the Xiaomi 18 Fold maintained a consistently high frame rate with very few fluctuations. Gameplay remained smooth throughout the test, even during intense combat situations.

Average power consumption was approximately 2.38W, while power consumption per frame was measured at around 39.7mW.

Peacekeeper Elite

For Peacekeeper Elite, we again selected the highest graphics settings available. The game allowed the Xiaomi 18 Fold to run at a 90 FPS refresh rate.

The result was impressive. Gameplay remained smooth and stable at 90 FPS, with the large inner display providing a wider field of view.

The expanded screen area is particularly useful in shooting games because interface controls occupy less of the visible play area. This allows players to maintain a clearer view of their surroundings while moving and aiming.

During a gaming session lasting nearly 20 minutes, the Xring O3 maintained an average frame rate of 89.91 FPS, with almost no noticeable drops.

Average power consumption was approximately 3.39W, while power consumption per frame was around 37.83mW.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is considerably more demanding than the other titles tested, making it a useful benchmark for sustained performance.

We set the graphics quality to the highest level and selected a 60 FPS frame-rate target. Performance mode was enabled through Xiaomi’s gaming tools, and we performed a map-running test in the Sumeru City area.

During the 10-minute test, the Xiaomi 18 Fold achieved an average frame rate of 60.05 FPS. There were some minor fluctuations, but overall gameplay remained smooth and responsive.

Average power consumption reached approximately 3.90W, with power consumption per frame measured at around 65.04mW.

These results show that the Xring O3 can handle demanding 3D games at high graphics settings while maintaining a stable frame rate.

Xiaomi 18 Fold Thermal Performance

We also used a thermal imaging camera to evaluate the Xiaomi 18 Fold during continuous gaming and performance testing.

With an ambient room temperature of 26°C, the highest measured temperature on the front of the phone was approximately 39°C, while the rear reached around 37°C.

Despite sustained workloads, the phone remained relatively comfortable to hold, with only a mild increase in surface temperature.

The results suggest that Xiaomi has paid close attention to cooling and thermal management on the 18 Fold. The device combines high-end processing power with relatively controlled temperatures, which is important for maintaining stable performance during longer gaming sessions.

Camera Review and Sample Photos

The Xiaomi 18 Fold may focus heavily on performance, memory, and power efficiency, but its camera system is also worth a closer look. The phone features a Leica Summilux optical system and a triple-camera setup designed to cover ultra-wide, standard, and telephoto focal lengths.

While the Xiaomi 18 Fold is not marketed primarily as a camera flagship, its imaging hardware remains highly competitive among foldable smartphones with a similar design.

The rear camera module uses a distinctive racetrack-shaped DECO. From left to right, it houses the ultra-wide-angle camera, main camera, telephoto lens, and flash. The straight-line layout keeps the module visually clean while maintaining a comfortable grip despite the phone’s compact foldable body.

The Leica branding is subtly engraved around the outer edge of the camera ring, giving the module a premium and understated appearance.

The main camera is built around a 200MP Samsung HP5 sensor with a 1/1.56-inch sensor size and a bright f/1.7 aperture. It uses a 1G+6P lens configuration, offers a 23mm equivalent focal length, and supports a minimum focusing distance of just 10cm.

This combination is designed to capture detailed images while also providing flexibility for close-up photography.

Telephoto Camera

The Xiaomi 18 Fold’s telephoto camera uses a 50MP JN5 sensor with an 80mm equivalent focal length and an f/2.8 aperture.

The longer focal length makes the telephoto lens useful for portraits and distant subjects while offering a different perspective from the primary camera.

Ultra-Wide Camera

For wider compositions, the phone uses a 50MP OV50M sensor. Its 17mm equivalent focal length and 107-degree field of view allow users to fit more scenery, buildings, and groups of people into a single frame.

Xiaomi 18 Fold Camera Specifications

The three-camera system provides coverage across several common shooting situations:

• Main camera: 200MP Samsung HP5, 1/1.56-inch sensor, f/1.7, 23mm equivalent
• Telephoto camera: 50MP JN5, f/2.8, 80mm equivalent
• Ultra-wide camera: 50MP OV50M, 17mm equivalent, 107-degree field of view

We also captured a series of sample images with the Xiaomi 18 Fold to give readers a better idea of its real-world imaging performance.

Network Connectivity

The Xiaomi 18 Fold uses a new-generation foldable antenna system designed to maintain a stable connection whether the phone is folded or unfolded. Its advanced antenna architecture works with a dedicated signal enhancement chip and intelligent algorithms to optimize connectivity according to the user’s grip and the phone’s position.

This design is particularly useful in challenging environments such as high-speed trains, crowded venues, and concerts, where network congestion and interference can affect signal quality. The Xiaomi 18 Fold delivers strong connectivity in both folded and unfolded modes.

The phone also supports UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, enabling it to work with compatible digital car keys across the Xiaomi ecosystem, including Xiaomi Auto and Xiaomi Smart Lock. Support also extends to selected vehicles and smart devices from brands such as BMW MINI, FAW Audi, Lexus, and XPeng.

Wi-Fi Speed Test

To evaluate wireless performance, we compared the Xiaomi 18 Fold with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra on the same Wi-Fi network in an office environment.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold supports Wi-Fi 7, although the router used during testing supported only Wi-Fi 6. Therefore, these results reflect the performance of the specific office network rather than the phone’s maximum Wi-Fi 7 capability.

During the test, the phone was positioned approximately 5 meters from the router, with several workstations between the devices. The Xiaomi 18 Fold recorded download speeds of 785Mbps and upload speeds of 358Mbps. Both figures were higher than those measured on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra under the same conditions.

We then moved both phones into a hallway and tested them near the point where the Wi-Fi connection would become unstable. Even in this weaker-signal area, the Xiaomi 18 Fold maintained higher speeds than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

These results suggest that the Xiaomi 18 Fold’s larger chassis and antenna layout can contribute to strong wireless performance, particularly when the signal becomes weaker.

5G Signal Strength Comparison

We also tested 5G performance by using the same SIM card in the Xiaomi 18 Fold and Xiaomi 17 Ultra and measuring signal strength from the same location.

In the office, the Xiaomi 18 Fold recorded -104dBm, compared with -99dBm on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Although the Xiaomi 17 Ultra showed a slightly stronger signal in this location, the difference did not have a noticeable impact on call quality.

In an open outdoor area, the results were much closer. The Xiaomi 18 Fold recorded -72dBm, while the Xiaomi 17 Ultra measured -71dBm. Both devices delivered strong and comparable 5G reception.

The underground parking garage presented a more difficult environment because of additional interference and moving vehicles. Here, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra measured -93dBm, while the Xiaomi 18 Fold recorded -92dBm. The results were still very close, with neither phone showing a significant practical disadvantage.

We also planned to test 5G reception inside an elevator. However, signal amplifiers had already been installed in the building, resulting in unusually strong reception. Both phones therefore showed signal levels similar to those recorded outdoors.

Testing with a China Mobile SIM card produced results consistent with the China Unicom tests, indicating that the Xiaomi 18 Fold maintained stable cellular connectivity on both networks during our testing.

Satellite Navigation Test

Finally, we tested the satellite positioning performance of both phones outdoors.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold and Xiaomi 17 Ultra were each able to connect to 16 BeiDou satellites visible above the horizon. This demonstrates that both devices can maintain a strong satellite positioning connection in an open outdoor environment.

Overall, the Xiaomi 18 Fold delivers reliable connectivity across Wi-Fi, 5G, and satellite navigation. While its signal performance is not always better than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in every test environment, the phone consistently performs well in everyday and challenging conditions.

Charging and Battery Life

The Xiaomi 18 Fold packs a 6000mAh Jinshajiang battery designed to provide extended battery life despite the phone’s large foldable display. It uses a stacked battery structure with a 20% high-capacity silicon-carbon anode and a 4.55V high-voltage cathode, achieving an energy density of up to 920Wh/L.

Both battery sections use a stacked design instead of the conventional winding process, allowing Xiaomi to fit more capacity into the phone’s slim body. The battery on the motherboard side also features a 3D stepped design, which makes better use of internal space that would normally be occupied by ribbon cables.

For charging, the Xiaomi 18 Fold supports 67W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. This combination allows users to quickly recharge the device and spend less time connected to a charger.

Xiaomi 18 Fold Battery Life Test

The complete battery endurance test could not be finished, potentially because the current test software had limited support for the new Xiaomi 18 Fold O3 platform. However, the available results still provide a useful indication of its battery performance.

With the inner display fully unfolded, the Xiaomi 18 Fold used approximately 32% of its battery over 6 hours and 18 minutes during testing. Based on this result, a full discharge would take around 19 hours and 30 minutes under similar conditions.

For normal everyday use, this level of endurance should be sufficient for most users and could potentially support up to two days between charges, depending on usage patterns.

Video Playback Battery Test

A separate video playback test was also conducted using the phone’s large inner display. The brightness was set to around two-thirds while playing Bilibili videos.

During the test, the battery level fell from 96% to 91% between 11:04 and 12:11, representing approximately 5% battery consumption per hour.

Based on that result, the Xiaomi 18 Fold could theoretically deliver around 20 hours of continuous video playback on its large internal screen. Combined with the high-capacity Jinshajiang battery and the device’s power efficiency, the phone appears well suited to extended multimedia use.

Xiaomi 18 Fold 67W Charging Test

We also tested the Xiaomi 18 Fold using its original 67W wired charger. The phone started at 16% battery and reached:

• 29% in 5 minutes
• 47% in 15 minutes
• 72% in 30 minutes
• 97% in 45 minutes

The results show that the Xiaomi 18 Fold can recover a large portion of its battery capacity in a relatively short period, making the 67W charging system practical for users who need a quick top-up during the day.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi 18 Fold represents a major step forward for Xiaomi’s foldable phone lineup. Its new foldable form factor, Xring O3 flagship SoC, and Changxin LPDDR6 memory highlight Xiaomi’s growing ability to develop key smartphone technologies in-house.

The Xring O3 delivers impressive performance without sacrificing energy efficiency. Xiaomi previously revealed that the processor surpassed 5 million points on AnTuTu, raising expectations for flagship-level performance. In real-world testing, however, the O3 proved that high benchmark scores are not its only strength. It also maintains good thermal control and efficient power consumption during demanding tasks.

Gaming performance is another strong point. Although the Xiaomi 18 Fold is not specifically marketed as a gaming phone, it handled several popular titles at their highest graphics settings with impressive stability. Extended gaming sessions can normally cause overheating, frame drops, or performance throttling on powerful smartphones, but the Xiaomi 18 Fold remained smooth during testing.

The Xring O3’s efficiency was particularly noticeable under sustained workloads. During extended gameplay, the phone showed no obvious signs of thermal throttling, while thermal imaging recorded a surface temperature below 40°C. In practical use, the device only became slightly warm to the touch.

Another important upgrade is LPDDR6 memory. The Xiaomi 18 Fold is the first smartphone to use LPDDR6 memory alongside the Xring O3 platform, although this combination is currently limited to the top 16GB + 1TB configuration. AnTuTu testing showed that LPDDR6 can outperform LPDDR5X by up to 37.6%, offering a meaningful improvement in memory performance.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold also introduces a new direction for Xiaomi’s foldable product design. Its mid-sized folding format sits between traditional large foldables and compact flip phones, combining a larger viewing area with a relatively portable design.

Its 2:1 screen ratio is particularly practical for reading documents and viewing PDF files. The wider display also provides a comfortable experience for watching videos, browsing photos, and handling everyday tasks. This format reflects a broader industry trend toward foldable designs that balance screen size and portability.

Despite its large battery and advanced hardware, the Xiaomi 18 Fold remains remarkably slim. The device measures just 5.02mm when unfolded and weighs around 219g, while housing a 6000mAh Jinshajiang battery. This gives it a strong advantage for users who want long battery life without carrying a bulky foldable phone.

Battery efficiency is further supported by the Xring O3 platform. In testing, one hour of large-screen video playback consumed only around 5% of the battery, suggesting that the Xiaomi 18 Fold can comfortably support extended daily use and potentially reach two days of moderate usage on a single charge.

Overall, the Xiaomi 18 Fold is more than another entry in the foldable smartphone market. By combining the Xring O3 SoC with Changxin LPDDR6 memory, Xiaomi demonstrates its progress in developing core smartphone components and improving both performance and efficiency.

For users interested in foldable phones, the Xiaomi 18 Fold offers a compelling combination of performance, battery life, portability, and innovative screen design. The special pink ceramic edition also adds a more distinctive finish for buyers who place a strong emphasis on appearance.

The post Xiaomi 18 Fold Review: Xring O3, LPDDR6 & 6000mAh Battery appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

QCY has built a reputation for offering capable audio products at prices that don’t feel excessive, which is exactly what made me curious about the QCY H3S. While they may look fairly conventional at first, the experience is a little more interesting once you spend some time with them. From the feature set to the everyday performance, the H3S offers quite a bit for its price, making it worth a closer look if you’re shopping for an affordable QCY wireless headphone.

Is the QCY H3S actually a good budget headphone for long battery life?

Basically, it has dual drivers, which you usually don’t see unless you’re paying a lot more, and the battery life is honestly kind of wild, they’re claiming over 100 hours of playback, and while I didn’t sit there timing every minute obviously, it definitely lasts forever. It also has adaptive noise canceling, and it works better than I expected, especially in places with constant background noise like fans or traffic. The fit’s pretty comfortable too, because some headphones start annoying me after like an hour. They didn’t. It also supports LDAC audio and some higher-quality audio codecs, so if you actually care about better sound quality and have a device that supports it, that’s nice to have.

Design

So, after using these for a while, I noticed the weight is actually pretty balanced, like around 240 grams or something, and they don’t really start hurting your head even after a few hours, which surprised me because I wear glasses and most headphones end up squeezing the sides of my head after like 30 minutes. They didn’t.

The headband kinda shapes itself to your head over time and the cushions are soft enough that you almost forget they’re there, plus the earcups go fully over your ears instead of sitting on them, which iis way better for long music sessions or gaming late at night.

Anyway, all the buttons are shoved onto the right side. Which is fine. You’ve got the USB-C charging port there too, and the main button does basically everything, turning them on, pairing Bluetooth, pausing music, taking calls, all that stuff, and then there are separate buttons for volume and ANC which I honestly prefer because digging through touch controls drives me crazy sometimes. The H3S’s adaptive noise cancellation is more useful to evaluate by listening environment than by looking at a single specification.

The earcups also rotate and fold like 90 degrees so tossing them into a backpack is easier, and the IPX5 rating means a little rain or gym sweat isn’t a big deal, which is a plus. Oh and the box comes with a USB-C cable and the manual too, although let’s be real most people probably won’t read it.

Easy to Use

So, the QCY H3S basically keeps all the controls on the right side, which honestly made it easier for me because I didn’t have to keep feeling around both earcups trying to remember where stuff was, and after like two days I could use everything without even looking. There’s one button for ANC that switches between the different modes, and the power button sits in the middle. Hold it down to turn the headphones on or off. Quick press pauses the music too, which is nice. 

Anyway, right next to that there’s the volume buttons. Pretty standard stuff. The USB-C charging port is also on the same side, which is a plus in my book because some headphones put things in weird spots for no reason and it gets annoying fast. I noticed the button layout feels simple overall. Not fancy. 

Sound Quality

So yeah, all the sound stuff is basically tucked into the Sound tab. You’ve got the usual Music, Game, and Cinema modes first, and then there’s a bunch of EQ presets like Bass, Rock, Classical, Spatial, all that stuff. I noticed they actually let you make your own presets too, which is nice because honestly half the time the default ones sound weird depending on what you’re listening to. The ANC settings are in there as well, and you can switch between Transparency, full Noise Cancellation, or just turn it off completely. And when ANC is on, there are extra options like Wind Noise Reduction, Indoor, Commute, Loud, and Adaptive mode, which kinda feels like overkill at first but after messing around with it for a bit it actually makes sense, especially if you’re moving between places a lot during the day. You can pick the modes yourself or just let the headphones figure it out automatically. Which is a plus.

Anyway, when it comes to the actual sound of the QCY H3S, that part’s always tricky. Sound is super subjective. Like, what sounds amazing to me might sound way too bass-heavy to somebody else, or too flat, or whatever. In my case the headphones sound pretty decent overall, but it really depends on the kind of music you listen to and even where you’re using them. Some people want super clear vocals. Others just want the bass to hit harder. That’s just how it is.

Noise and Connectivit

So, the ANC (active noise cancellation headphones) stuff on the QCY H3S is actually pretty good. You get a bunch of different modes to mess around with, like one just for wind noise, plus some presets depending on where you are, and you can tweak how strong the filtering feels too, which is kind of nice because most cheap headphones just give you one button and that’s it. There’s also this adaptive mode where the headphones figure things out on their own, and it worked better than I expected, especially when moving between quieter rooms and outside noise. No weird ear pressure either. Which is a plus. But yeah, it still works best when music is playing, so don’t expect it to magically block everything while sitting silent.

Anyway, signal stability was solid too. No random cutouts. No annoying disconnects. I walked a few meters away from my phone a couple times, through walls even, and it kept playing fine, which in my book already puts it ahead of some other budget headphones I’ve tried because those usually start freaking out the second you leave the room, and then you end up reconnecting Bluetooth over and over again for no reason. Battery life was pretty much what the company claimed too. So yeah. No complaints there.

102 Hours vs 58 Hours: The Battery Number You Should Actually Care About

The headline battery figure for the QCY H3S is 102 hours, but that number needs context. QCY specifies up to 102 hours with ANC turned off and up to 58 hours with ANC enabled.

For most buyers, the 58-hour figure is arguably more useful because ANC is one of the main reasons to buy the H3S in the first place. Turning ANC on reduces the claimed runtime by roughly 44 hours, showing how much the noise-cancellation system changes power consumption.

Even 58 hours is substantial for an over-ear headphone. It means the H3S can realistically be treated as a travel-oriented device without requiring frequent charging.

However, neither number should be treated as a universal real-world result. Playback volume, Bluetooth codec, spatial audio, ANC behavior and other settings can affect battery consumption.

The important takeaway is therefore not simply “102 hours.” It is that the H3S provides unusually large battery headroom for a headphone in this price class, while still offering a respectable claimed runtime when ANC is active.

What Makes the QCY H3S Different?

The QCY H3S is interesting less because it has a long specification list and more because several features normally associated with higher-priced wireless headphones appear together here. Its combination of dual drivers, adaptive ANC, LDAC support, 360° spatial audio, and a claimed battery life of more than 100 hours gives it a clear value proposition.

The important distinction is that the 100+ hour figure is a manufacturer claim, so it should not be presented as guaranteed real-world playback. Battery life can vary depending on ANC, codec, volume, spatial audio, and other settings.

QCY H3S Pros and Cons

Pros

• Long advertised battery life
• Dual-driver audio system
• LDAC support
• Adaptive ANC
• Multiple ANC modes
• Over-ear design
• Custom EQ options
• 360° spatial audio

Cons

• 100+ hour battery claim depends on usage conditions
• ANC performance is not equivalent to premium flagship headphones
• Sound preference varies considerably by EQ and codec
• The large over-ear design is less portable than compact earbuds

QCY H3S vs Budget Wireless Headphones

Don’t make a giant generic comparison table unless you have verified specifications.

Instead, explain:

Choose QCY H3S if:

• battery life is your priority
• you prefer over-ear headphones
• you want LDAC
• you want adjustable ANC
• you want EQ customization

Choose earbuds instead if:

• portability is more important
• you exercise frequently
• you don’t like the weight or size of over-ear headphones

Which H3S Features Actually Matter?

Not every specification on the QCY H3S has the same practical value.

LDAC matters most to Android users with compatible devices who want higher-bitrate Bluetooth audio. It won’t automatically make every recording sound better, but it gives the H3S more flexibility than basic Bluetooth headphones.

Adaptive ANC is arguably more useful for everyday buyers. The H3S can adjust noise cancellation depending on the environment, while additional modes allow users to choose different listening conditions through the QCY app.

The dual-driver design is more unusual. QCY uses a 40mm mid-bass driver together with a 13mm tweeter, allowing the headphone to separate lower and higher frequencies physically rather than relying on one driver to reproduce everything.

360° spatial audio is more situational. It can make movies and compatible content feel more immersive, but it isn’t a feature everyone will want enabled for normal music listening.

That leaves battery life as the H3S’s simplest advantage. You don’t need to be an audiophile to appreciate charging less frequently.

Verdict

Final Verdict

The QCY H3S isn’t impressive because it has one headline specification. Its appeal comes from the combination of features: dual drivers, LDAC, adaptive ANC, spatial audio and a large battery in a 240g foldable design.

The most important battery figure is not the advertised 102 hours, but the 58-hour claim with ANC enabled. That makes the H3S much more practical for commuters and travelers who want noise cancellation without constantly thinking about charging. Compare it with QCY MeloBuds N70 Review here.

At around $50, the H3S also avoids the biggest compromise of many budget headphones: it doesn’t force buyers to choose between long battery life and modern features.

Its limitations remain predictable. ANC cannot be expected to match premium flagship headphones, sound quality is highly dependent on personal preference and EQ, and the over-ear design is less portable than earbuds.

For buyers who prioritize battery life, adjustable ANC and feature density over brand prestige, the QCY H3S is one of the more interesting budget headphones to consider.

The post QCY H3S Review: 102-Hour Battery, ANC, LDAC and Key Features appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

OPPO has officially refreshed its fashion-focused Reno series with the new Reno16 lineup. Staying true to the Reno family’s emphasis on photography for younger users, the Reno16 also raises the bar in industrial design. The standout “Heartbeat Starlight” colorway features one of the most stunning rear panel designs we’ve seen on a smartphone.

To create this unique appearance, OPPO employs an advanced 3D imaging film process on the back cover. By combining a nano-scale microlens array with sophisticated optical engineering, the phone creates a convincing naked-eye 3D floating effect. Unlike traditional lenticular 3D designs that require a specific viewing angle, the Reno16’s optical illusion looks natural from almost any direction. The silver stars and surrounding orbital ring appear to float above the surface of the back panel, giving the phone a remarkable sense of depth.

The moment we took the Reno16 out of its box, everyone in the office gathered around to see it. No matter how you looked at the phone, the stars appeared to hover above the back cover. Yet when you reached out to touch them, the surface remained perfectly smooth. It’s easily the most convincing naked-eye 3D effect we’ve encountered on a smartphone.

After some research, we discovered that the Reno16 series is the first smartphone to incorporate Shengyin Optoelectronics’ patented 3D Imaging Film technology. The optical principles behind the design are incredibly complex. Even after studying the published patent documentation, we found the engineering difficult to fully understand—but the visual effect speaks for itself.

Unfortunately, neither photographs nor videos can accurately reproduce this extraordinary optical illusion. The floating effect must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated. We strongly recommend visiting an OPPO retail store if you have the opportunity—the Reno16’s 3D back panel is unlike anything currently available on the smartphone market.

While the exterior steals the spotlight, the internal hardware is more conservative. The Reno16 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8550 SUPER paired with OPPO’s Tidal Engine, delivering smooth everyday performance. Its 6.32-inch display keeps the phone compact and easy to hold, while its 191-gram weight makes it feel exceptionally light in the hand.

Photography remains one of the Reno16’s biggest strengths. Impressively, the standard model shares exactly the same camera hardware as the Pro version, including:

• 200MP primary camera
• 50MP periscope telephoto camera
• 50MP ultra-wide camera

This camera setup is unusually generous for a non-Pro smartphone and exceeds expectations for its class.

Battery life is another highlight. The Reno16 features OPPO’s latest Glacier Battery built with spherical silicon-carbon anode technology. Although the standard model is smaller than the Reno16 Pro, its battery capacity is only 300mAh less, ensuring that real-world endurance remains excellent despite the more compact form factor.

2. Design and Build Quality: A Stunning Naked-Eye 3D Floating Effect

The OPPO Reno16 features a compact 6.32-inch display, making it one of the smallest smartphones in today’s market of increasingly large devices. Ultra-slim bezels maximize the screen-to-body ratio, giving the phone an immersive front view that is almost entirely display.

Even the retail packaging reflects the Reno16’s premium positioning. The silver-colored box incorporates a special printing process around the circular “star ring” graphic, producing dynamic reflections that shift under different lighting conditions and hint at the design language of the phone itself.

The Reno16 is available in the same three color options as the Pro model. Our review unit came in the breathtaking Heartbeat Starlight finish, where the glossy white back panel pairs beautifully with a silver aluminum alloy frame, creating a clean and elegant appearance.

What truly sets this color apart is OPPO’s innovative 3D Imaging Film technology. Rather than relying on textured materials or raised elements, the back panel remains completely smooth while creating an astonishing optical illusion. The silver stars and orbital ring appear to float several millimeters above the surface, shifting naturally as your viewing angle changes.

Unlike conventional lenticular designs that only work from a specific direction, the Reno16’s effect is remarkably consistent from almost every angle. It genuinely feels as though the decorative elements exist in three-dimensional space, despite the back cover remaining perfectly flat.

No photograph or video can accurately reproduce this experience. Even animated images fail to capture the subtle changes in lighting and shadow that occur as the phone moves. OPPO’s implementation is the first application of this 3D imaging film technology on a smartphone, and the difference between seeing it on screen and holding it in your hand is dramatic. If possible, we strongly recommend visiting an OPPO retail store to experience the effect firsthand.

Turning to the camera module, the Reno16 shares exactly the same imaging hardware as the Pro model. The square camera island sits only slightly above the back panel, although the large primary sensor and periscope telephoto lens protrude a bit further—a reasonable compromise for such high-end camera specifications.

The phone’s side buttons are equally well executed. Both the power key, volume rocker, and customizable shortcut button feature the same matte silver finish as the aluminum frame, giving the entire device a cohesive premium appearance.

The top and bottom edges maintain a clean, minimalist layout. The SIM tray and USB Type-C charging port are positioned along the bottom edge, while OPPO includes its 80W SUPERVOOC fast charger in the retail package.

3. Camera Performance: A 200MP Triple-Camera System Designed for Creative Photography

One of the Reno16’s biggest surprises is that it inherits exactly the same camera hardware as the Reno16 Pro, making it one of the most aggressively equipped standard models in its class.

The rear camera system consists of:

• 200MP primary camera
• 50MP periscope telephoto camera
• 50MP ultra-wide camera

On paper, these specifications rival many flagship smartphones. However, OPPO positions the Reno16 as a lifestyle imaging phone rather than a professional photography flagship. Its software focuses heavily on creative shooting modes, Live Photos, and social-media-friendly image styles tailored for younger users.

The 200MP main camera features an f/1.8 aperture and a 1/1.56-inch image sensor. Under normal shooting conditions, it captures images in 50MP pixel-binned mode, combining four pixels into one to improve light sensitivity and overall image quality.

A dedicated High Resolution mode allows users to capture full 200MP images, although this mode requires stronger lighting and is less practical for everyday photography.

The 50MP periscope telephoto camera offers an 85mm equivalent focal length with an f/2.8 aperture. While the aperture is slightly smaller than ideal, it supports 170mm lossless zoom and up to 120x digital zoom, making it easy to isolate subjects from busy backgrounds and create more dramatic compositions.

Completing the system is a 50MP ultra-wide camera with a 16mm equivalent focal length, f/2.0 aperture, and a 116-degree field of view, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and dynamic architectural shots.

OPPO has also expanded its creative photography tools. In addition to its popular Live Photo features and collage options, the Reno16 introduces a new POP Camera mode that combines multiple filter effects into a single tap, allowing users to create stylized images with minimal effort.

Rather than aiming for absolute realism, OPPO intentionally tunes the Reno16’s image processing toward a more emotional and visually appealing aesthetic that aligns with current social media trends. This artistic approach may not satisfy photography purists, but it resonates well with the phone’s youthful target audience.

During our sample photography session, the weather provided a brief window of sunshine between heavy rainstorms, creating beautiful cotton-like clouds across the sky. However, the Reno16 occasionally struggled with these challenging high-contrast backlit scenes, producing images that were slightly underexposed—even when HDR was enabled.

Fortunately, this appears to be a software tuning issue rather than a hardware limitation, and we hope future firmware updates will improve HDR exposure performance.

4. Gaming & Performance: Smooth Performance for Popular Mobile Games

The OPPO Reno16 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8550 SUPER processor, working alongside OPPO’s proprietary Tidal Engine performance optimization technology. Rather than simply maximizing benchmark scores, the system intelligently analyzes user habits and dynamically allocates resources to deliver a balance between performance, responsiveness, and battery efficiency during daily use.

To keep temperatures under control, OPPO has upgraded its cooling solution with a new Crystal Cooling System featuring an ultra-thin heat dissipation material often referred to as “hand-torn steel.” This advanced thermal design improves heat transfer while minimizing its impact on the phone’s thickness and overall weight.

Although the Reno16 is not marketed as a gaming smartphone, its real-world gaming performance proved surprisingly capable. We tested two of the most demanding and popular mobile titles—Honor of Kings and Genshin Impact—to evaluate its stability and efficiency.

Honor of Kings

For our test, both graphics quality and frame rate were set to their maximum available settings. Gaming Mode was enabled through OPPO’s Game Assistant, along with enhanced graphics and resolution options.

The Reno16 maintained an impressive average frame rate of 120.35 FPS throughout an entire 5v5 match. Frame rate fluctuations were virtually nonexistent, with only a brief dip occurring during the end-of-match animation. From the laning phase to large-scale team fights, gameplay remained exceptionally smooth.

Power efficiency was equally impressive:

• Average power consumption: 2.98W
• Energy per frame: 24.85mW

These figures indicate that the phone achieves high frame rates without excessive power draw or unnecessary heat generation.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is a much more demanding title, making it an excellent test of sustained performance.

Graphics were configured to the highest quality with the frame rate capped at 60 FPS, while Gaming Mode unlocked the phone’s full performance potential. OPPO also offers a Super Frame Rate feature that uses frame interpolation to produce smoother visuals beyond the game’s native frame rate.

During a 10-minute exploration session in Sumeru City, the Reno16 delivered an outstanding average frame rate of 89.75 FPS. Performance remained remarkably stable, with only two brief frame drops, and even the lowest recorded frame rate stayed above 60 FPS. Throughout the test, gameplay felt consistently fluid with no noticeable stuttering.

Power consumption during the session averaged:

• Average power draw: 5.04W
• Energy per frame: 56.23mW

For a slim photography-focused smartphone, these results are excellent and demonstrate that the Reno16 is more than capable of handling today’s mainstream mobile games.

5. Battery Life & Charging: A Compact Phone with Exceptional Endurance

One of the Reno16’s most impressive achievements is its battery capacity.

Despite featuring a relatively compact 6.32-inch display, the phone houses a massive 6,700mAh Glacier Battery, ensuring that battery life never feels like a compromise.

The battery utilizes OPPO’s latest silicon-carbon anode technology, the same advanced chemistry found in the Reno16 Pro. Although the standard model’s battery is 300mAh smaller than the Pro’s, the difference is largely offset by its smaller display and lower overall power consumption, resulting in similarly impressive endurance.

To evaluate battery life, the reviewers conducted a continuous high-intensity usage simulation using Battery Dog software.

Starting from a full charge, the phone remained under constant workload until the battery dropped to 20%, lasting an impressive 13 hours and 27 minutes.

This result comfortably supports a full day of demanding use, including photography, social media, video streaming, gaming, and general productivity.

Charging is handled by the included 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charger, producing the following results:

During testing, the initial charging speed was somewhat limited because of high ambient summer temperatures, which caused the battery to warm up quickly. Once temperatures stabilized, charging accelerated before gradually slowing near full capacity to protect long-term battery health.

Under cooler conditions, charging performance is expected to be even faster.

OPPO Reno16: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact 6.32-inch AMOLED display
• Distinctive rear-panel design
• 200MP main camera on the China-market model
• Dedicated ultra-wide and telephoto cameras
• Large 6,700mAh battery
• 80W fast charging
• High-refresh-rate display
• Strong all-round performance

Cons

• The special rear design is difficult to appreciate through photos
• Camera megapixel counts can create unrealistic expectations
• Compact display may feel small to users who prefer 6.7-inch phones
• Specifications vary between regional Reno16 versions
• Not designed specifically for sustained gaming performance

6. Verdict: It May Not Be for Everyone, But Everyone Will Admire It

The OPPO Reno16 successfully continues the Reno series’ tradition of combining stylish design with strong imaging capabilities.

Its camera hardware is genuinely flagship-level for its class, while OPPO’s software enhancements make photography more creative and accessible, especially for younger users who enjoy capturing and sharing everyday moments.

The 6.32-inch display strikes an ideal balance between usability and portability, making the phone comfortable to operate with one hand. Despite its compact dimensions, the 6,700mAh Glacier Battery delivers outstanding endurance, lasting well over 13 hours in demanding usage tests.

Performance is another pleasant surprise. While the Reno16 isn’t designed as a dedicated gaming device, the Dimensity 8550 SUPER and OPPO’s Tidal Engine provide enough power to run today’s most popular mobile games smoothly, even during extended gaming sessions.

However, the Reno16’s greatest strength isn’t its processor or even its cameras—it’s the design.

The Heartbeat Starlight finish, with its extraordinary naked-eye 3D floating effect, is unlike anything we’ve seen on an OPPO smartphone. Every person who saw the phone during testing instinctively picked it up to examine the illusion more closely. It’s a visual experience that simply can’t be appreciated through photos or videos alone.

For young consumers looking for a capable camera phone, there are many excellent options available today. But for those who want a smartphone that combines solid imaging performance with a truly distinctive design that attracts attention wherever it goes, the OPPO Reno16 stands out as one of the most fashionable and visually striking choices on the market.

The post OPPO Reno16 Review-200mp Camera 6700mAh Battery and Real Gaming Test appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Can Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite finally make a Windows tablet fast enough to compete with traditional x86 laptops without giving up battery life?

We’ve recently had the opportunity to test the new Surface Pro (13-inch), Microsoft’s latest premium 2-in-1 powered by Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon platform. Like last year’s Surface Laptop (13-inch), this year’s Surface Pro continues Microsoft’s transition toward ARM-based Windows PCs. Microsoft also retains its somewhat unusual naming convention, officially branding the device as “Surface Pro, 13-inch” with a comma separating the product name and screen size—a naming style that’s become uniquely Microsoft.

While the processor architecture has evolved, the Surface Pro continues to showcase everything that has made Microsoft’s flagship Windows devices stand out over the years: premium craftsmanship, elegant industrial design, and exceptional versatility.

Its 13-inch 3:2 touchscreen is ideal for productivity, reading, note-taking, and creative work. Paired with the Surface Slim Pen 2, it offers an experience traditional laptops simply can’t match. Attach the optional magnetic keyboard cover, and the tablet instantly transforms into a full-featured laptop without compromising the familiar Windows workflow.

Microsoft also continues to emphasize sustainability. The new Surface Pro features:

• 100% recycled aluminum alloy enclosure
• 100% recycled rare-earth metals in its magnets
• 100% recycled cobalt in the battery

While these environmentally friendly materials may not be a deciding factor for every buyer, they reflect Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its hardware without sacrificing durability or build quality.

Because the Surface Pro is fundamentally a tablet, its hardware layout naturally differs from a conventional laptop.

The device features physical power and volume buttons on the side, much like a smartphone, making them easy to reach whether you’re holding the tablet in portrait or landscape orientation. Although this arrangement may seem unusual to laptop users, it quickly becomes intuitive in everyday use.

Connectivity is minimalist but modern.

In addition to Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect magnetic charging port, the tablet includes two identical USB4 Type-C ports. While two ports may sound limited compared to many laptops, both are fully featured and support:

• High-speed USB4 data transfer
• DisplayPort 1.4a video output
• Up to three external 4K displays at 60Hz
• USB Power Delivery fast charging up to 60W

In practical terms, the limited number of ports is offset by their impressive versatility.

Powering the new Surface Pro is Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X2 Elite, the company’s flagship Windows processor for 2026.

Built on Qualcomm’s third-generation Oryon CPU architecture, the chip delivers substantial improvements in both performance and energy efficiency over its predecessor. It also integrates a next-generation Hexagon NPU capable of delivering up to 80 TOPS of AI computing performance, fully unlocking Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 AI+ PC features.

One interesting aspect of Microsoft’s AI ecosystem is that Windows 11 AI+ currently relies almost entirely on the CPU and NPU for on-device AI acceleration. Unlike desktop gaming PCs equipped with powerful discrete GPUs, these AI features cannot yet take advantage of dedicated graphics hardware. As a result, ARM-powered laptops like the new Surface Pro actually offer one of the best native experiences for Microsoft’s latest AI capabilities.

2. Design & Build Quality: A Classic Surface Experience, Refined

The latest Surface Pro (13-inch) continues Microsoft’s iconic 2-in-1 design philosophy. As the 12th-generation Surface Pro, it retains the familiar detachable tablet form factor while refining nearly every detail. The front is dominated by a clean 13-inch display with slim bezels, creating an elegant, distraction-free appearance. Users can operate it as a standalone tablet or attach the magnetic keyboard cover to enjoy a laptop-like experience within seconds.

Microsoft offers the device in Platinum, Black, and the new Sand Gold finish. Our review unit came in Sand Gold, which features a smooth matte texture that feels both premium and resistant to fingerprints. The polished Microsoft logo on the rear contrasts beautifully with the matte aluminum chassis, giving the tablet a refined yet understated aesthetic.

Although Windows 11 is primarily designed for landscape use, Microsoft has thoughtfully positioned the power and volume buttons along the side of the tablet, much like a modern smartphone. The layout feels natural whether you’re holding the Surface in portrait or landscape orientation, making everyday operation intuitive from the start.

Attach the Surface Pro Keyboard, unfold the built-in kickstand, and the tablet instantly transforms into a conventional notebook. Thanks to the rigid keyboard base and adjustable kickstand, the overall experience closely resembles that of a traditional laptop, making it equally suitable for productivity and entertainment.

Connectivity remains simple but highly capable. Both USB-C ports are identical and fully support USB4, enabling:

• High-speed data transfer
• DisplayPort video output
• Support for up to three 4K displays at 60Hz
• USB Power Delivery fast charging up to 60W
  
  

Despite offering only two ports, their versatility minimizes the need for additional connectivity options.

On the opposite side sits Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect magnetic charging port. At first glance it resembles an SD card slot, but the magnetic connector supports reversible attachment, allowing the charging cable to naturally route according to how the tablet is positioned.

The magnetic keyboard is another highlight of the Surface ecosystem.

By default, the front edge folds upward and magnetically attaches to the lower bezel of the display, creating a slight incline that provides a more ergonomic typing angle. Users can also unfold the keyboard completely to reveal the hidden storage and charging compartment for the Surface Slim Pen 2.

Microsoft continues its focus on sustainability by using an eco-friendly Alcantara-like material on the keyboard cover. The keyboard itself offers generously sized keys with comfortable travel and firm tactile feedback, making extended typing sessions surprisingly enjoyable. Although the touchpad is somewhat smaller than those found on conventional laptops, the touchscreen and stylus reduce the need to rely on it extensively.

The integrated kickstand remains one of the Surface Pro’s defining features.

Constructed entirely from metal, the hinge feels exceptionally sturdy while providing smooth, controlled resistance. It holds its position securely at virtually any angle and opens up to 165 degrees, allowing the Surface Pro to function equally well as a laptop, media viewer, digital sketchpad, or note-taking tablet.

Hidden beneath the kickstand is Microsoft’s removable SSD compartment. Our review unit is equipped with a 512GB SSD, giving users the option of replacing or upgrading the storage in the future—a rare feature among today’s premium ultra-portable devices.

The included 39W charger is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel. Alternatively, users can charge the device via USB-C using any compatible power adapter, although 60W or higher is recommended to achieve the fastest charging speeds.

3. Performance & Software Compatibility: ARM Has Finally Come of Age

The new Surface Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon X2 Elite, featuring the enhanced second-generation Oryon architecture.

The processor adopts a 12-core (6 Performance + 6 Efficiency) design manufactured on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, delivering significant improvements in both computing performance and energy efficiency while maintaining impressively low power consumption.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding ARM-based Windows PCs has always been software compatibility. Fortunately, Microsoft’s Prism translation layer continues to mature.

Interestingly, the traditional x64 version of CPU-Z still runs correctly under emulation, although it can no longer accurately identify many ARM-specific processor details. Even so, benchmark testing completed successfully, producing the following results:

• Single-core: 327.7
• Multi-core: 5806.0

These scores demonstrate that translated x86 applications now operate reliably on Windows ARM.

Running the native ARM version of CPU-Z reveals the processor’s full capabilities.

Native benchmark scores increased substantially:

• Single-core: 450.6
• Multi-core: 7468.5

Compared with native execution, Microsoft’s translation layer incurs approximately 22% performance loss, a noticeable improvement over previous ARM generations and a perfectly acceptable compromise for legacy software compatibility.

The trend continues in 7-Zip compression testing.

The native ARM version completed the benchmark in 51.2 seconds, while the translated x64 version finished in 60.4 seconds, representing only about 16% performance loss during software emulation. Such results indicate that most traditional desktop applications can now run with surprisingly little overhead.

In Cinebench R20, running under x86 translation, the Snapdragon X2 Elite achieved:

• 511 cb (Single-Core)
• 3862 cb (Multi-Core)

The processor even outperformed AMD’s older Ryzen 7 1700X in multi-core performance while delivering substantially stronger single-core results—an impressive achievement considering its far lower power consumption.

The newer Cinebench R23 paints a similarly positive picture.

The Snapdragon X2 Elite scored:

• 1367 points (Single-Core)
• 10,099 points (Multi-Core)

Even while running translated x86 code, both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance surpassed Intel’s once-flagship Core i9-9880H, highlighting just how far Qualcomm’s Windows processors have evolved.

4. Graphics Performance: Integrated GPU Now Rivals Modern x86 Solutions

One of the most significant improvements in the Snapdragon X2 Elite isn’t just the CPU—it’s the integrated graphics processor.

The chip features Qualcomm’s latest Adreno X2-85 GPU, representing a substantial leap over the previous generation. While many benchmark applications still require x86 emulation on Windows ARM, Microsoft’s Prism translation layer has matured enough that most graphics benchmarks now run reliably, allowing us to evaluate real-world GPU performance.

We first ran 3DMark Wild Life and Wild Life Extreme, two cross-platform graphics tests designed to compare GPU performance across different architectures.

The Surface Pro achieved:

These results demonstrate a dramatic improvement over Qualcomm’s previous integrated graphics solutions and place the new Adreno GPU firmly in competition with the latest integrated graphics from Intel and AMD.
The device also successfully completed 3DMark Time Spy (DirectX 12) and Fire Strike (DirectX 11) under emulation.

The Adreno X2-85 recorded graphics scores of:

• Time Spy: 2,581
• Fire Strike: 7,516

For an ultra-portable ARM tablet without a dedicated GPU, these are impressive numbers. The graphics performance is now comparable to current-generation integrated graphics found in mainstream Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen mobile processors, making casual gaming and GPU-accelerated creative workloads far more practical than before.

While this Surface Pro isn’t intended to replace a gaming laptop, it comfortably handles lightweight games, indie titles, emulators, cloud gaming, and even many older PC games with ease.

5. Memory, Storage & Surface Slim Pen 2

Our review unit comes equipped with 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 9,523MT/s, providing ample bandwidth for multitasking, creative applications, and AI workloads.

Although memory benchmarking tools such as AIDA64 still operate under translation mode on Windows ARM, the results indicate that memory performance is fully in line with expectations for a premium ultraportable device.

Storage performance is equally solid.

Microsoft includes a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and benchmark testing with both native ARM and translated x64 versions of CrystalDiskMark showed virtually identical results, suggesting that Microsoft’s storage subsystem suffers almost no measurable performance penalty under emulation.

Overall SSD performance reaches the level expected from a modern PCIe 4.0 drive, providing fast boot times, responsive application loading, and excellent file transfer speeds.

During ATTO Disk Benchmark testing, write performance dipped only during the largest sustained transfers, likely because the SSD exhausted its high-speed cache. This behavior is typical of many consumer PCIe 4.0 SSDs and should have little impact on everyday use.

Surface Slim Pen 2 Experience

The included Surface Slim Pen 2 remains one of the best styluses available for Windows devices.

Although its flattened body initially appears smaller than a conventional pen, it measures approximately 135mm in length, making it just as comfortable to hold during long writing or drawing sessions. In practice, it feels much more natural than its appearance might suggest.

Because it’s a first-party Microsoft accessory, Windows 11 offers seamless native support without requiring any additional software installation.

Nearly every pen function can be customized directly through the Windows Settings app, resulting in an exceptionally polished user experience.

During handwriting tests in Microsoft Paint, pen latency was virtually imperceptible. Ink appeared instantly beneath the pen tip, making note-taking and sketching feel fluid and responsive.

The pen’s rear button functions as an eraser by default—simply flip the pen over to erase handwritten content, closely mimicking the experience of using a traditional pencil.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 also includes two programmable buttons:

• Top button
  • Single press: Launch OneNote
  • Long press: Launch OneNote
  • Double press: Activate Windows 11’s AI-powered Click to Do feature
• Side button
  • Functions as a right-click shortcut, allowing quick access to context menus while drawing or navigating Windows.

These thoughtful shortcuts significantly improve productivity and reinforce Microsoft’s focus on pen-based workflows.

6. Battery Life & Thermal Performance: ARM Efficiency Sets a New Standard

One of the biggest advantages of Qualcomm’s ARM platform is its exceptional power efficiency, and the new Surface Pro (13-inch) fully demonstrates just how far Windows on ARM has come.

Although we were unable to disassemble the device due to Microsoft’s tightly integrated construction, hardware monitoring software confirmed that the tablet houses a 54.5Wh battery, which is quite generous for such a slim and lightweight 2-in-1.

Outstanding Battery Life

To evaluate real-world endurance, we used PCMark 10’s Applications Battery Test, which simulates everyday productivity tasks using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

It’s worth noting that only certain PCMark 10 workloads currently support ARM devices under Microsoft’s Prism translation layer, so these results shouldn’t be directly compared with previous laptop reviews that used different battery benchmarks.

Even so, the results were nothing short of remarkable.

Starting from a full charge, the Surface Pro continued running until the battery reached 4%, delivering an impressive:

• 20 hours and 17 minutes of continuous runtime

For a full Windows PC, this level of endurance is outstanding. It easily covers an entire workday—and even two days of moderate office use—without requiring a charger. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite clearly sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency in Windows laptops and tablets.

Thermal Performance

We also conducted a sustained stress test using AIDA64.

Due to current limitations in ARM monitoring software, some utilities were unable to accurately report CPU frequency and temperature during the test. Native ARM versions of HWiNFO and CPU-Z provided only partial monitoring information, so the following figures should be viewed as approximate rather than absolute.

At the beginning of the stress test, the Snapdragon X2 Elite’s SoC briefly reached a power draw of approximately 46.7W before gradually stabilizing at around 16.8W under sustained load.

This behavior suggests that Microsoft allows the processor to boost aggressively for short bursts of demanding work before settling into a highly efficient operating range. Naturally, the tablet’s fanless-like thin chassis imposes some thermal limitations compared to thicker laptops, but sustained performance remains very respectable.

Surface temperatures also remained well controlled.

The aluminum chassis distributed heat evenly across the device, preventing noticeable hotspots. Most warmth was concentrated near the rear exhaust area, while the front display stayed relatively cool, particularly around the center where users are most likely to interact with the touchscreen.

Overall, Microsoft’s thermal design strikes an excellent balance between comfort and performance.

7. Verdict: Windows on ARM Has Finally Reached Maturity

Last year, when we reviewed the Surface Laptop (13-inch), we focused heavily on software compatibility because Windows on ARM was still proving itself. At the time, Microsoft’s Prism translation layer had already reached a point where most everyday applications ran smoothly, with only a handful of professional programs lacking ARM support.

One year later, the situation has improved even further.

Today, nearly all mainstream Windows applications run without issue, and many professional software developers have released native ARM versions of their applications. Software compatibility is no longer the major concern it once was.

The Snapdragon X2 Elite also delivers noticeably better performance when running translated x86 software.

Using CPU-Z as an example, the translated version achieves approximately 77% of the native multi-core performance and 72% of the native single-core performance. While there is still some performance overhead associated with emulation, it has been reduced enough that most users are unlikely to notice it during everyday computing.

Compared with last year’s Snapdragon X Plus platform, the improvements are substantial.

Although the processors belong to different product tiers and aren’t directly comparable, benchmark results clearly show the rapid evolution of Qualcomm’s PC processors:

• Around 50% higher multi-core performance in CPU-Z
• Approximately 20–30% higher scores in Cinebench R20 and R23
• Significant gains in both performance and efficiency

These improvements make the new Surface Pro feel considerably faster than its predecessor across a wide range of workloads.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, is the new Adreno X2-85 GPU.

In 3DMark’s Wild Life benchmark, graphics performance has nearly doubled compared to the previous generation. Even more importantly, DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 benchmarks now place Qualcomm’s integrated graphics on par with the latest mainstream integrated GPUs from Intel.

For the first time, an ARM-based Windows PC is capable of handling not only office productivity but also light gaming and multimedia entertainment with confidence.

The Surface Pro (13-inch) ultimately succeeds because it combines several key strengths into one elegant device:

• Excellent build quality
• Premium 2-in-1 versatility
• Mature Windows on ARM compatibility
• Outstanding battery life exceeding 20 hours
• Dramatically improved CPU and GPU performance
• AI-ready Snapdragon X2 Elite platform
• Superb Surface Slim Pen 2 experience

For business professionals, students, digital artists, and frequent travelers, the Surface Pro delivers one of the best mobile productivity experiences currently available.

Who Should Buy the Surface Pro 13-inch?

Good choice for:

• Students
• Business travelers
• Office users
• Note-taking and handwriting
• Users who value long battery life
• People who want a tablet/laptop hybrid

Less suitable for:

• Serious PC gamers
• Users dependent on specialist x86 software
• People who need many built-in ports
• Users doing sustained heavy workloads

And thanks to its vastly improved integrated graphics, it is no longer just a productivity machine. Casual gaming, media consumption, and creative work are now genuine strengths, making the latest Surface Pro one of the most complete ARM-powered Windows devices Microsoft has ever produced.

The post Surface Pro 13-inch Review: Snapdragon X2 Performance, Battery Life and Graphics Tested appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

The post REDMI K100 Pro Max Gaming Test: Does 185Hz Really Improve Performance? appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Before getting my hands on the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, I wasn’t expecting much. It’s a routine update, right? A brighter screen, slightly higher frame rates, maybe a bit better cooling. The usual incremental stuff.

But after actually using it, I’ve completely changed my mind. This isn’t a minor upgrade; it’s genuinely impressive.

Steam Direct Connect was available on the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 3 Pro, but back then, it felt more like a functional novelty. With the 5 Pro, RedMagic has leveraged three key advantages—liquid cooling, a 185Hz display, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5—to elevate the Steam Direct Connect experience from merely usable to genuinely enjoyable. Check out our RedMagic Gaming Tablet 3 Pro review.

The First Key Feature: Liquid Cooling System

RedMagic has done something unprecedented by integrating a liquid cooling solution, typically found in servers and desktops, into a chassis just 6.9mm thin. Combined with Liquid Metal 3.0 and a large VC vapor chamber, this system improves chip heat dissipation efficiency by up to 28% and reduces core temperatures by as much as 8°C.
The cooling module even houses 11 custom RGB LEDs, creating a striking ambient glow in low-light conditions.

The Second Key Feature: 185Hz Display

The 9.06-inch OLED panel utilizes an industry-first X10 luminescent material, boasting a local peak brightness of 1600 nits and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1.
Coupled with the tablet’s industry-first 185Hz refresh rate, a new Synaptics S3930 touch controller, and a 2000Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate, the improved responsiveness is immediately noticeable. FPS gamers, in particular, will appreciate the difference.

The Third Key Feature: Next-Level Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and paired with RedMagic’s in-house R4 gaming chip, this tablet achieves an impressive AnTuTu score of 4.57 million. This dual-chip setup is rare in compact tablets and provides the backbone needed for sustained, high-performance Steam Direct Connect gaming and demanding AAA titles. See our Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 performance guide.

The RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro inherently supports external controllers, keyboards, mice, and display output. With a controller connected, it transforms into a powerful handheld console; mirrored to a TV, it delivers a big-screen experience. Steam Direct Connect expands its library from mobile games to a vast PC catalog, drastically increasing its versatility.
A robust 8300mAh battery paired with dual USB-C ports supporting 80W fast charging ensures all-day play. The thoughtful dual-C port design and the unique flush back panel prevent cables from interfering with your grip during landscape gaming, making the “play-and-charge” experience seamless.

2. Design & Aesthetics: Liquid Cooling Lighting + Flush Back Plate – A Visual Delight

The first thing that strikes you is the 9.06-inch OLED display. Its 4.9mm ultra-narrow bezels achieve a 90.1% screen-to-body ratio, making the front look almost entirely like a display and offering great visual immersion.
The screen resolution is 2400 x 1504. Utilizing the new X10 luminescent material, it delivers a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 1100 nits of global peak brightness, and 1600 nits locally.

At the top-left corner, you’ll notice the 185Hz refresh rate badge—the highest currently available on any tablet. The 16:10 aspect ratio is well-balanced, minimizing black bars whether you’re gaming in landscape or browsing content vertically.

We reviewed the “Dew Transparent Silver Wing” color variant. Its back features a dual-texture design: the top half is a transparent horizontal strip revealing the REDMAGIC branding, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 logo, and—most importantly—the liquid cooling pipes and dynamic lighting. The lower half boasts a silver-white matte finish with the RedMagic logo at the center.

This transparent window at the top is the tablet’s most distinctive design feature. Through the glass, you can see the internal liquid cooling loop, with blue lighting pulsing along the tubes, creating a visual cue of the cooling fluid in motion. The area also features “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5” and “COOLING SYSTEM” text, along with a blue light strip. When active, the cooling module resembles a high-end PC’s liquid cooling setup, exuding a powerful tech aesthetic. In dim environments, the blue-cyan glow creates a striking visual impact.

The 13MP rear camera is completely flush with the back, blending seamlessly with the cooling window. This flush back panel not only looks sleek but also provides a stable surface, preventing wobbling on flat surfaces—crucial for rhythm games and FPS titles requiring multi-finger inputs.

On the left edge are the power button (with an integrated fingerprint sensor) and one of the stereo speakers.
On the right side is a full-featured USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps) for high-speed data transfer, external displays, docks, or SSDs. Next to it sits the corresponding stereo speaker.
The top edge houses the volume rocker and a red “Game Space” switch. Flicking this switch instantly launches the dedicated gaming mode interface. The bottom features a USB 2.0 Type-C port designed primarily for charging. Its placement ensures the cable doesn’t obstruct your hands during landscape gaming. Both USB-C ports support 80W fast charging and bypass charging, powering the motherboard directly to reduce battery heat during extended play sessions. Read our guide to gaming mode features.

Inside the box, you’ll find a 100W fast charging adapter (with PPS protocol support) and a red C-to-C cable.

3. Performance Testing: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 + Liquid Cooling – Consistent, High-Frame-Rate Gaming

Packing flagship-tier performance into a 9.06-inch body, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Built on TSMC’s 3nm process, it features two ultra-high-performance cores clocked at 4.6GHz and six performance cores at 3.62GHz. Combined with the RedMagic R4 gaming chip and the CUBE Game Engine 3.0, it’s a powerhouse.
The integrated liquid cooling system, Liquid Metal 3.0, and large VC chamber ensure the chip maintains peak performance, improving heat dissipation efficiency by up to 28% and reducing core temps by up to 8°C.

We tested the tablet’s performance using four representative titles.

1. Honor of Kings
We activated “Devil Mode” (Performance Mode) and set graphics to ‘Ultra’ for max performance.
During a 5v5 match, the frame rate remained stable at 145fps with virtually no drops.
The 9.06-inch screen provides a natural advantage in MOBA games, offering a clearer view of the map and more room for precise skill targeting and multi-finger maneuvers.
Average power consumption during gameplay was 9.35W, with an energy cost of 64.21mW per frame.

2. Genshin Impact
Devil Mode was enabled with max graphics, and we ran a ten-minute test by running through Sumeru City.

The game maintained a steady 61fps throughout, running at full capacity. Thanks to the liquid cooling, the tablet managed heat remarkably well, with no thermal throttling or noticeable frame drops.
Average power consumption was 10.01W, with an energy cost of 164.16mW per frame.

3. CrossFire: Gunfighter
With Devil Mode active, graphics set to ‘High’, and the frame rate limit set to the 185Hz mode, we tested the game.

In a Biohazard mode match on the ‘Lost City’ map, the average frame rate held steady around 177fps.
This game truly showcases the 185Hz display’s value. The fluidity is perceptible when aiming, turning, and tracking targets. The large screen offers a better view of the battlefield. The Synaptics S3930 controller’s 2000Hz polling rate delivers lightning-fast touch response.
Average power consumption was 7.97W, with an energy cost of 44.94mW per frame.

4. Delta Force
We selected the 165Hz mode with HD graphics and activated Devil Mode.
The game ran at a steady 167fps, providing excellent smoothness.
Average power consumption was 15.57W, with an energy cost of 92.89mW per frame.

After 20 minutes of Delta Force in Devil Mode (165Hz, HD), thermal imaging showed a maximum front-facing screen temperature of 44.7°C and a peak back panel temperature of 42.1°C.
Heat was concentrated around the center of the screen and back, but the areas where hands naturally rest remained relatively cool. The combination of liquid cooling, Liquid Metal 3.0, and the VC chamber effectively spreads thermal load, resulting in impressive overall temperature management.

4. PC Emulation & Multi-Form Factor Setup: Steam Direct Connect

RedMagic’s proprietary translation engine bridges the gap between x86 PC game code and the ARM architecture, essentially providing a built-in PC gaming environment on the tablet—no complicated tinkering required.

1. Steam Direct Connect Mode
Within the Game Space, you’ll find the PC emulator entrance. Simply log in to your Steam account via QR code, and your game library syncs instantly. Dozens of titles are currently compatible, playable right after downloading. Your save files are synced with your PC, allowing you to continue a session started on your phone or PC seamlessly.

2. PC Game Performance Tests
We tested four games of varying scales and genres on the default 1280×720 resolution.

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: A well-optimized AAA title, it runs on the tablet with virtual button controls. Frame rates hover around 20fps. Suitable for exploring and light questing, but action-packed sequences can cause stuttering. It offers a taste of the game’s story on the go, but serious sessions are best reserved for a PC.

• Watch Dogs: This performed surprisingly well. Most scenes ran smoothly, with frame rates stabilizing around 50-60fps. Exploring the city and high-speed driving felt fluid. Performance could dip to 40-50fps in complex, dense environments, but overall playability was solid. Running an open-world title on a 9.06-inch screen is quite an experience.
  
  

• BattleBlock Theater: This 2D side-scroller performed flawlessly, hitting a stable 60fps with responsive controls and consuming only around 3W of power. Ideal for extended play sessions, it feels more convenient than playing on a PC.

• Pick Love: This lightweight narrative game ran without a hitch, also maintaining 60fps with ~3W power consumption. The tablet’s screen and dual speakers actually enhance the immersive experience for story-driven titles, perfect for winding down in bed.

In Summary: The PC emulation solution makes a significant leap from “unplayable” to “playable.” Indie games and well-optimized mid-tier titles run exceptionally smoothly with low power and heat. While AAA gaming shouldn’t be the primary expectation, it’s a fantastic way to sample PC titles or continue your game saves when away from your desktop.

3. All-Scenario Connectivity
The RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro supports external controllers, keyboards, mice, and TV mirroring, effectively transforming between a handheld console, gaming laptop, console, and desktop.
We tested it with a keyboard and mouse in Watch Dogs. Controls felt responsive and natural, similar to the PC experience. While the 9.06-inch screen can’t replace a monitor, it offers a significantly broader view than a phone, making it perfectly suitable for portable PC gaming with peripherals.

4. RedMagic Screen Mirroring Assistant
Via the USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, the tablet supports 4K/144Hz output. Both wired and wireless mirroring are supported, including audio separation—a useful feature for streaming or recording gameplay on a larger display.

5. Special Features: RGB Lighting, AI Assistant & Dual USB-C Ports

The RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro boasts thoughtful features beyond raw performance.

1. RGB Liquid Cooling Lighting
RedMagic integrates RGB lighting directly into the cooling module. The transparent area houses 11 custom RGB LEDs, with custom light-guiding material for uniform illumination.
It’s not just a glowing logo; the cooling system is visually prominent. The customizable blue-cyan glow emanating from the cooling pipes creates a compelling “battle station” aesthetic on your desk. Brightness and color effects are fully customizable, adding a tangible sense of premium gear. See our RGB gaming gear guide.

2. RedMagic Assistant Mora AI
This built-in AI is genuinely useful in gaming scenarios.

• Tactical Coach: Mora can act as a real-time tactical advisor, offering suggestions based on the match situation. You can even strategize with it, potentially providing clearer tactical insights.

• Mora Reply: Leveraging a large language model, Mora can auto-reply to in-game messages. You can choose reply styles like “Cute & Sweet,” “Sarcastic & Playful,” or “Standard.” Supporting both the Mofang and Deepseek-R1 AI models, it can be set to manual or auto-reply. With the “Enhanced Conversation Understanding” feature, it can even understand chat text and provide voice responses—useful for quipping back at opponents.

Mora also offers “Performance Review,” automatically generating a summary with insights after each match to help you improve.

3. Smart Workstation Suite
Beyond gaming, the tablet includes features for productivity.

• AI Circle to Search: Circle any on-screen element for instant information. Circle a character’s ability to learn its details while gaming, or circle text/objects in social media posts or documents for translation, search, or context.

• AI Object Removal: Select or circle unwanted elements in screenshots or photos (like a character in a game shot) and the AI removes them, intelligently filling the background for a clean result.

• AI Voice Assistant/Translation: These tools are readily available for daily tasks, covering a wide range of common needs.

4. Dual USB-C Ports
The dual C-port design is a practical boon. Both ports support 80W fast charging and bypass charging, allowing you to choose a cable position that doesn’t obstruct your hands during landscape gaming. This direct motherboard powering helps lower charging heat. The tablet also supports reverse charging, letting you top up other devices in a pinch.

5. Additional Details

• Versatile Unlock: The integrated fingerprint sensor on the power button is fast, and face unlock works instantly even in low light.

• Wet Touch Control: Ensures stable touch input even when hands are sweaty or the screen is slightly damp—a key feature for FPS players.

• Eye Protection: Sky Shield 2.0 technology, combined with AI ambient light sensing, reduces blue light by 68% and visual fatigue by 22%. It’s certified by SGS for low blue light and flicker-free viewing, helping reduce eye strain during long sessions.

6. Battery & Charging: 8300mAh Battery, 67-Minute Full Charge

Despite its slim 6.9mm build, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro packs an 8300mAh battery—top-tier for a compact gaming tablet.

1. Battery Life Test
Using the “Battery Dog” test suite, which simulates a range of mixed usage scenarios (CPU load, image browsing, video playback, web browsing, etc.) under controlled conditions (50% brightness, 30% volume), we started the test at 100% battery.
After 6 hours and 53 minutes, the battery was down to 20%, which projects to approximately 8 hours and 36 minutes of total usage time. For a device with flagship silicon, a 185Hz high-refresh screen, and liquid cooling, this is remarkably efficient.
Interestingly, the liquid cooling system likely contributes to this endurance by maintaining chip efficiency under load, preventing thermal throttling and the associated power spikes.

2. Charging Test
Charging from 1% with the screen off:

• 10 minutes: 14%

• 30 minutes: 47%

• 1 hour: 91%

• Full charge time: ~67 minutes.
  The liquid cooling also proves beneficial during charging, especially for pass-through charging, as it helps manage heat buildup and maintains optimal charging speeds.

7. Conclusion: Setting a New Standard for Steam on Tablets

After thoroughly testing the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, I have to admit my initial skepticism was unfounded. I didn’t expect much from Steam Direct Connect on a 9-inch tablet, assuming it would be a compromise. But it turned out to be far more usable than I could have imagined.

The Steam Direct Connect is the standout feature. Running Watch Dogs at 50+ fps, indie games at a perfect 60fps while sipping just 3W of power—it genuinely feels like a PC gaming experience you can take anywhere. Lying in bed playing for a couple of hours with a controller feels natural. When I pulled it out at the office and started playing Watch Dogs with a controller, a colleague was genuinely surprised. “Wait, your tablet can play that?”
Sure, The Witcher 3 runs at around 20fps—more of a visual showcase than a fully playable experience, but it’s arguably the best Steam Direct Connect performance you can currently get on a 9-inch slate.

The liquid cooling is a game-changer. After 20 minutes of Delta Force, the back panel peaked at just 42.1°C. Packing a liquid cooling loop, liquid metal, and a VC chamber into a 6.9mm chassis is engineering, and it shows. A 30-minute Genshin session left the tablet warm, not scorching hot.

The 185Hz display and 2000Hz touch sampling rate make a tangible difference in FPS games. It’s something you feel the moment you start playing, not just a stat on a spec sheet.
With a 4.57 million AnTuTu score from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and R4 chip combo, performance is a non-issue. The 8300mAh battery paired with 80W fast charging means a quick top-up before heading out easily lasts most of the day. Backed by five major esports certifications and partnerships with pro teams (Q9 and KZ), it’s clear that the professional scene respects this tablet’s potential.
The main caveat is that the Steam Direct Connect game compatibility list is still growing. Some games designed for precise keyboard/mouse control don’t translate perfectly to touch input—for those, you’ll definitely want to connect peripherals.

I now slip this tablet into my bag whenever I leave the house. My Steam saves are finally portable.
If you have a decent Steam library and don’t want to invest in a separate handheld PC, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is currently the most compelling option available.

The post RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro 2026 Review: Portable 9-Inch Tablet for Steam Games appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Do you also suffer from wind crackling in your earbuds, whether cycling or running? Very annoying. So which earbuds actually have a good wind filter? These do! Here is the mega-popular QCY MeloBuds N70 review.

QCY is now a top brand. There aren’t many budge wireless earbuds like AirPods Pro with all the bells and whistles. The cheapest top pick is the Baseus EP10 Pro ANC, The new QCY MeloBuds N70 cost only around 50 euros, and offer features usually found in models three times as expensive. I tested the in-ear headphones for two weeks and in this article I’ll explain whether you should have these earbuds or not. Let’s find out. 

Unboxing

So, I finally got the QCY MeloBuds N70 in, and the box it comes in is just your typical small, basic packaging. Once you actually get inside, you’ve got the black case with the buds in it, obviously, but they are also packed in a USB-C cable and a bunch of extra ear tips. I counted four extra pairs, which is kind of a lot, but hey, it’s better than having too few. To be honest, it’s just a relief that the whole setup is ready to use right away. You don’t have to go out and buy anything else or hunt for a spare cable, which is always a plus in my book. Just open it up and you’re basically set. 

Design

The earbuds come in purple, gray, and black, although the blue one I tried honestly looks the safest and most normal out of the bunch. Build quality? Basically fine. The case is super light and made of plastic, and the earbuds mix matte and shiny parts together, so yeah, it doesn’t really feel expensive, but I wasn’t expecting luxury here anyway. I noticed the big “QCY” logo on the case might annoy some people though. Kinda depends how picky you are.

What surprised me more was the fit. Usually these in-ear things fall out of my ears after like 10 minutes and it gets annoying fast, but the default tips actually fit me really well this time, which almost never happens, and since they throw in a bunch of extra sizes too, most people should probably find one that works. Short version? They stay put.

So, the IPX5 rating is actually pretty nice to have. Basically, you don’t really have to stress about sweat or a bit of water getting on them, which in my book makes them way more usable for gym sessions or even outdoor runs when the weather suddenly decides to act weird. I noticed a lot of cheaper earbuds skip this kind of thing, so yeah, that’s a plus.

Anyway, getting the earbuds out of the case felt awkward at first. Kinda weird shape. I kept fumbling with them for the first day or two, not gonna lie, and it definitely takes some getting used to, but after a while it’s fine. The case itself is actually pretty useful though because it works like a little power bank too, and honestly I wasn’t expecting wireless charging at this price since most stuff around this range usually just throws in USB-C and calls it a day. Which is nice.

Connectivity

So, before you even pair these things up with your phone or laptop, honestly you should just go download the QCY app first because it’s actually pretty useful and not just a throwaway companion app like you’d expect. It’s got an equalizer, ANC switching (they claim up to 56 dB which is kinda wild), transparency mode, gaming mode, and even a little lost earbuds finder thing, which is a plus if you’re the type who loses stuff constantly.

Anyway, multipoint is here too, so you can be hooked up to your phone and laptop at the same time, which sounds like a small thing but I noticed it genuinely makes day-to-day use way less annoying when you’re juggling calls and music. To be honest the codec situation is where it gets interesting for me because you’ve got SBC and AAC which is whatever, but they also threw in LDAC on earbuds in this price range and in my book that’s not something you see every day. Basically the whole thing also comes with Hi-Res Wireless certification and Bluetooth 6.0. Not bad.

Sound Quality

So, I’ve been messing around with the QCY MeloBuds N70 for a bit and honestly the first thing I noticed is that these things get loud. Like, they’ve got this MEMS tweeter from USound paired with a ring-shaped dynamic driver, which I didn’t really expect at this price point, and at higher volumes the sound actually gets warmer and more detailed instead of just turning into a horrible mess, which is a plus.

Anyway, the sound isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. It’s bass-heavy, the soundstage is kind of narrow, and instrument separation is… fine, I guess? In my case that’s totally acceptable because you can tell it’s tuned for just enjoying music rather than sitting there analyzing every little layer, and to be honest the equalizer in the app gives you enough room to tweak things to your taste so it’s not a dealbreaker. The ANC is basically solid for home or office stuff, fans, AC, that kind of boring background noise, and it holds up on the bus too, though don’t go in expecting it to blow your mind. I’d call it a 3/5 situation. Transparency mode though? Actually, it’s good. And calls are clear enough that nobody’s complained yet, which, honestly, says enough.

Battery

So, battery life on the QCY MeloBuds N70 is honestly one of the things I was most impressed by. At 80% volume with ANC on and LDAC running, you’re getting around 6 hours of listening time, which in my case is pretty solid for having all the good stuff switched on at once. Turn those off though and you’re looking at closer to 12 hours. I couldn’t bring myself to do that, to be honest, because once you’ve heard LDAC audio you kind of don’t want to go back.

Anyway, when the buds run out you just toss them in the case and it’ll charge them up again. The case has enough juice to fully charge both earbuds something like 5-6 times before it needs a top-up itself, which is a plus. Charging the case is pretty flexible too, it has USB-C or you can just drop it on a wireless pad, whatever’s easier. I noticed the case goes from dead to full in about 90 minutes, and the earbuds themselves only take around 20 minutes inside the case. Pretty quick. Basically no excuses for running out of battery on a commute. I use it for my gym session and also late night movies or music. I charged it once a week maybe or more. I never saw that type of battery life in any earbuds before.

Microphones

So, each earbud’s actually got three mics in it, which honestly surprised me a bit when I found out. Anyway, I did a phone call test and the person on the other end said they could hear me just fine,  like, no complaints, no “wait what did you say,” nothing. Just clear audio. Which, in my book, is really all you need from a mic setup.

Verdict

So, I’ve been using the QCY MeloBuds N70 for a bit now and honestly? Pretty impressed with what you’re paying. The sound is just… good. Like genuinely good, not “good for the price” good, I’m talking clear, full, punchy audio that I’d put up against stuff costing way more without even flinching, and the bass especially caught me off guard because it actually hits without turning into a muddy mess which, in my case, is the hardest thing to get right at this price point.

Anyway, the ANC works. I noticed it holds up even when I’ve got the volume cranked, which is a plus. The mics are kinda meh though, to be honest. Not gonna lie. But I mean, these are earbuds, you’re buying them to listen to stuff, not to record a podcast, so it’s not really a dealbreaker for me. If you’re just looking for a solid pair of earbuds that don’t cost a fortune and get the basics right, these are basically it. You can also check QCY MeloBuds N60 ANC In-ear Earbuds Review: The Ultimate Audio Experience for Active Listeners

The post QCY MeloBuds N70 Review 2026: Can These $59 ANC Earbuds Really Deliver Pro-Level Sound? appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

That makes the K100 Pro an interesting proposition for gamers who want flagship-level performance without carrying an oversized gaming phone.

More importantly, REDMI has paired the high-refresh-rate display with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series platform, a dedicated D2 AI graphics chip, a large 8,580mAh battery, and a 200-megapixel main camera. The result is a phone that aims to balance gaming performance, portability, endurance, and everyday usability.

185Hz in a 6.59-Inch Body

The display is arguably the biggest talking point of the REDMI K100 Pro.

A 185Hz refresh rate is still relatively uncommon outside large gaming-oriented smartphones. REDMI has managed to bring the same high refresh rate to a 6.59-inch panel, giving the K100 Pro a smaller footprint while maintaining the responsiveness expected from a dedicated gaming device.

The display uses M11 luminous materials and supports a refresh rate of up to 185Hz. REDMI also emphasizes its “Super Pixel” lossless RGB arrangement, in which each pixel retains independent red, green, and blue sub-pixels.

This approach is designed to improve fine-detail clarity, particularly when displaying small text. Compared with conventional diamond-style OLED sub-pixel arrangements, the K100 Pro’s layout is intended to provide cleaner text edges and more consistent detail.

The panel also supports a 480Hz ten-finger touch sampling rate and a peak instantaneous touch sampling rate of 4,800Hz, helping improve touch responsiveness during gaming.

REDMI says the M11 material improves luminous efficiency, while the display can reach 4,500 nits at a 25% OPR and up to 10,000 nits at a 1% OPR. These figures are particularly relevant for outdoor visibility and HDR content.

The phone also includes REDMI’s Qing Shan Eye Protection 4.0 system, Circular Polarization 2.0, and full-brightness DC dimming. The device has received multiple eye-care certifications, according to the source material.

Overall, the display combines three characteristics that are rarely found together in this size class: high refresh rate, high brightness, and a compact form factor.

Design: Compact Enough for Gaming, Refined Enough for Daily Use

Redmi K100 Pro gaming phone features a 6.59-inch centered punch-hole flat display. Its rounded corners and relatively compact dimensions make it easier to hold with one hand than many larger gaming smartphones.

That size also works well in landscape orientation. Gamers get enough screen real estate for a comfortable gaming experience without the phone becoming excessively wide or difficult to grip.

The K100 Pro is available in four colors: Black, White, Flowing Firefly, and Cabernet Red.

The Cabernet Red version reviewed here has a relatively restrained appearance. Rather than relying on the aggressive color combinations often associated with gaming phones, it uses a dark red finish with subtle purple-gray tones under direct light.

The glass rear panel feels smooth and is designed to resist fingerprints and sweat marks.

The post Redmi K100 Pro Review: 185Hz Display, Snapdragon Performance & Gaming Test appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

There are plenty of smartphones in the 2,000-yuan price range that focus on stacking specifications, but very few invest in advanced cooling systems.

Looking across the market, phones in this price segment are usually competing on performance, cameras, and fast charging. Cooling solutions are often mentioned only briefly—or ignored completely.

It is not because cooling is unimportant. The reason is simple: with limited costs, manufacturers usually spend their budget on features that users can immediately notice.

However, overheating and performance throttling are exactly the problems that trouble mid-range smartphone users the most.

Examples include:

• A phone becoming too hot to hold while navigating outdoors in summer
• Gaming frame rates dropping from 60fps to 40fps after half an hour
• The device overheating while charging and being used at the same time
• Reduced battery lifespan caused by long-term heat exposure

OPPO K15 is a practical all-round smartphone that brings an active cooling fan system into the 2K price segment.

OPPO K15 Review: 8000mAh Battery + Active Cooling Fan Makes It the Most Practical 2K Phone

The OPPO K15 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor, OPPO’s Tidal Engine optimization system, an 8000mAh large-capacity battery, and IP69 flagship-level water resistance.

It also features:

• Three 50MP cameras
• A large 5000mAh-class imaging system
• Active cooling fan
• Long-lasting battery performance

The phone aims to solve two of the biggest complaints among mid-range smartphone users:

1. Overheating
2. Running out of battery

Honestly, I did not have very high expectations for cooling performance on a 2K-range smartphone. With cost limitations, simply keeping temperatures under control is already considered good enough.

However, OPPO added an active cooling fan this time, making me curious:

Is the cooling fan just a marketing gimmick, or can it actually reduce temperatures?

Active Cooling Fan: More Than Just a Marketing Feature

The OPPO K15 uses a new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, featuring a built-in micro cooling fan.

According to OPPO, the cooling system can:

• Reduce temperature by 5°C within 5 minutes
• Keep fan noise as low as 30dB during full-speed operation

The fan is integrated with the rear camera module design. Thanks to this approach, the back cover remains completely flat without a large camera bump.

The entire phone is only:

• 8.27mm thick

This means the cooling system does not negatively affect the grip or overall feel.

After completing temperature tests, I found that the fan performed better than expected.

Adding a cooling fan to a 2K-range smartphone reminds me of installing a turbocharger on an economy car—not to make it a racing machine, but to ensure it does not lose power when climbing uphill.

For flagship gaming phones, cooling is about achieving peak performance.

For mid-range phones, cooling is about maintaining stable performance during daily use.

Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Designed for All-Day Use

The OPPO K15 features an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, providing enough endurance for heavy daily usage.

It supports:

• 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
• UFCS universal fast charging protocol
• PPS charging protocol
• Bypass charging
• Wired reverse charging

The bypass charging feature allows power to directly supply the motherboard instead of continuously charging the battery during gaming sessions.

This helps:

• Reduce heat generation
• Protect battery health
• Improve long-term durability

The reverse charging function also allows the phone to act as an emergency power source for accessories such as:

• Earbuds
• Smartwatches
• Other small devices

Camera System: Three 50MP Cameras in the 2K Segment

The OPPO K15 features three 50MP cameras:

• Rear main camera
• Ultra-wide-angle camera
• Front selfie camera

The main camera includes:

• 1/2-inch large sensor
• f/1.88 aperture
• Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)

The ultra-wide-angle camera offers:

• 143.3° ultra-wide field of view

The front camera supports:

• 50MP resolution
• Autofocus (AF)

For a phone in the 2K price segment, this camera configuration is quite generous.

Durability: IP69/IP68/IP66 Protection and Military-Grade Testing

The OPPO K15 focuses heavily on durability.

It supports:

• IP69 waterproof rating
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• IP66 protection
• Eight military-standard durability tests

The phone also features:

• Crystal Shield glass protection
• Metal middle frame

The combination makes it more resistant to:

• Drops
• Water exposure
• Dust
• Extreme environments

2. Design Review: Cloud Pattern Back Cover with Hidden Cooling Fan

The OPPO K15 features a 6.59-inch centered punch-hole flat display. The OPPO K15 delivers a sharp and immersive viewing experience, making its 2K display one of the phone’s biggest advantages.

The rounded corners and narrow bezels provide a comfortable viewing experience.

The display supports:

• 1.5K resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate

Daily activities such as:

• Watching videos
• Switching apps
• Scrolling webpages

all feel smooth and responsive.

The front panel uses high-strength Crystal Shield glass, while the back cover has a smooth texture that reduces fingerprints.

Colors and Rear Design

The OPPO K15 comes in two colors:

• Speed White
• Wind Gray

The review unit is the Speed White version, featuring a unique cloud-pattern texture.

When light reflects across the surface, it creates a flowing storm-like visual effect.

At the bottom of the back panel is the text:

“ACTIVE COOLING, MASTER THE WIND”

This highlights the phone’s cooling identity without making the design look aggressive.

Camera Module and Cooling Fan Integration

The rear camera module is one of the most distinctive parts of the phone.

It uses:

• A square silver camera base
• Four corner screws
• Industrial-style design elements

Layout:

• Top left: Main camera
• Top right: Ultra-wide camera
• Bottom left: Cooling fan air intake
• Bottom right: Flash

The fan and camera system are integrated into one flat module.

Despite including an internal fan, the phone remains:

• 8.27mm thick
• Comfortable to hold
• Free from a large camera bump

This design is clever because many flagship phones now have large protruding camera modules, while the OPPO K15 maintains a cleaner back design.

3. Cooling Test: The Active Fan Actually Works — Overheating and Throttling Become Less of a Concern

When people think of smartphones with built-in cooling fans, gaming flagships usually come to mind. With its powerful chipset and optimized software, the OPPO K15 offers impressive gaming performance for its price range and a combination of performance, display quality, battery capacity, and charging designed for everyday use.

However, for users in the 2K price segment, long-term stable performance is arguably more important.

Common scenarios such as:

• Outdoor navigation under strong sunlight
• Long gaming sessions
• Recording videos for extended periods
• Using the phone while charging

can easily cause mid-range phones to heat up and reduce performance.

The OPPO K15 features the new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, which uses a three-layer cooling solution:

1. Large-area VC vapor chamber

   The VC cooling plate quickly spreads heat away from the processor area.
   

2. High-conductivity graphite layer

   The graphite material helps transfer heat more efficiently throughout the body.

3. Built-in micro cooling fan

   The active fan pulls hot air away through the exhaust outlet, actively accelerating heat dissipation.

The key difference is that this is active cooling, not traditional passive cooling.

The fan is physically running, and heat is actively being removed.

Temperature Reduction Test

First, we used the AnTuTu stress test to push the OPPO K15 into a high-load state.

After continuous full-load operation:

• Front temperature reached: 45.5°C
• Rear temperature reached: 46.5°C

At this point, the phone felt noticeably hot in the hand.

Then we activated the cooling fan.

After 7 minutes:

• Front temperature dropped to 40.9°C
• Rear temperature dropped to 40.2°C

The phone changed from hot to only slightly warm.

After waiting 12 minutes:

• Front temperature: 38.8°C
• Rear temperature: 36.5°C

Compared with the peak temperature of 46.5°C, the rear temperature dropped by approximately 10°C.

The thermal imaging results clearly showed that heat was being transferred away through the fan system.

The temperature around the cooling fan area was noticeably lower than other parts of the phone, proving that the fan was actively removing heat.

High-Energy Outdoor Mode

The OPPO K15 also includes a High-Energy Outdoor Mode, which can be enabled through the accessibility settings.

Once activated, the system automatically:

• Starts the cooling fan
• Optimizes temperature control
• Keeps the phone operating within a stable performance range

This mode also includes several practical outdoor improvements:

Enhanced Screen Brightness

The display automatically increases brightness, making it easier to see under direct sunlight.

Improved Voice Volume

When Bluetooth devices are disconnected, the phone automatically switches to the speaker and increases volume.

Extended Screen Timeout

The display stays active longer, preventing interruptions during:

• Navigation
• Outdoor work
• Long-term map usage

Quick Access Optimization

Frequently used applications can be pinned to a shortcut bar for faster switching.

There are also desktop shortcut cards that allow one-tap access to important functions.

The combination of cooling assistance and outdoor optimization makes the OPPO K15 more convenient for real-world use.

The purpose of active cooling in a 2K smartphone is not chasing the highest benchmark score.

It is about maintaining stable performance during long gaming sessions, navigation, and video recording.

Other phones compete for peak performance.

The OPPO K15 focuses on staying stable for longer.

4. Performance Test: Dimensity 7360 SUPER + Tidal Engine Focus on Stability

The OPPO K15 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor.

Although positioned as a mid-range chipset, OPPO has added its own Tidal Engine optimization system to improve long-term performance.

The phone also features:

• 4950mm² VC vapor chamber
• High-conductivity graphite cooling layer
• Built-in active cooling fan

This combination provides a strong thermal foundation for a phone in this price category.

To evaluate real-world performance, we tested two popular mobile games.

Gaming Test 1: Honor of Kings

For Honor of Kings, we set:

• Frame rate: Ultra-high
• Graphics quality: HD
• Performance mode: Enabled

During a full 5v5 match:

Results:

• Average frame rate: 90.72 FPS
• Frame fluctuation index: 0.22

The phone maintained smooth performance throughout the match.

Whether during:

• Large team fights
• High-density skill effects
• Tower battles

there were no obvious frame drops or visible lag.

Average power consumption:

• 3.34W

Energy consumption per frame:

• 36.8mW

After enabling the cooling fan in smart variable-speed mode, temperatures remained well controlled.

Gaming Test 2: PUBG Mobile

For PUBG Mobile, settings were:

• Graphics: Smooth
• Frame rate: Extreme (60 FPS)
• Mode: Classic Squad Battle
  

During the entire match:

• Landing
• Rotating zones
• Fighting enemies
• Final circle battles

the frame rate remained around 60 FPS.

There were no common mid-range phone issues such as:

• Sudden frame drops when entering the zone
• Delayed aiming response
• Stuttering during combat
  

Average power consumption:

• 2.84W

Energy consumption per frame:

• 47.5mW
  

  

The cooling fan helped maintain stable temperature during the gaming session.

5. Camera Review: Three 50MP Cameras Deliver Strong Image Quality

The OPPO K15 represents a major improvement in imaging for the K series.

It features three 50MP cameras:

• Main camera
• Ultra-wide camera
• Front camera
  

The main camera includes:

• 1/2-inch large sensor
• f/1.88 aperture
• OIS optical stabilization

The ultra-wide camera provides:

• 143.3° ultra-wide field of view

Unlike many mid-range phones where secondary cameras are mainly for marketing, the OPPO K15 gives more attention to practical photography.

Main Camera Experience

The 50MP main camera performs well in daylight scenes.

Strengths include:

• Good detail retention
• Natural colors
• Strong dynamic range
• Stable handheld shooting thanks to OIS

Photos maintain good clarity even when zooming into details.

The large sensor also helps improve:

• Low-light performance
• Background separation
• Night photography quality

Ultra-Wide Camera Experience

The 143.3° ultra-wide camera is useful for:

• Architecture photography
• Landscape shots
• Group photos
• Travel scenes

The wider perspective allows users to capture more content in a single frame.

Night Photography

The main camera’s large sensor and optical stabilization help improve nighttime shooting.

Night photos show:

• Better light control
• Reduced motion blur
• Improved shadow details

For a mid-range smartphone, the camera performance is above average.

6. Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Easily Lasts a Full Day, 80W Flash Charging Keeps You Going

Battery life is one of the strongest selling points of the OPPO K15.

The phone comes with an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, which is significantly larger than the batteries commonly found in mainstream smartphones.

For users who rely heavily on their phones every day, such as:

• Outdoor workers
• Travelers
• Navigation users
• Mobile gamers
• Video streamers

The large battery gives the OPPO K15 enough endurance for a full day of normal use.

Battery Life Test

To evaluate real-world endurance, we used the Battery Dog testing tool developed by Kuai Technology.

The test simulated typical daily usage scenarios, including:

• CPU high-load operation
• Multi-thread processing
• AI recognition
• Image browsing
• Video playback
• Web browsing

Testing conditions:

• Screen brightness: 50%
• Auto brightness: Disabled
• Volume: 30%

The results showed:

The OPPO K15 lasted:

14 hours and 33 minutes from 100% battery down to 20%.

Based on this result, the theoretical full battery endurance is approximately:

18 hours of continuous usage.

This result matches the expectations of an 8000mAh battery and demonstrates the phone’s excellent endurance.

For normal users, the OPPO K15 can easily handle:

• A full day of heavy usage
• Long outdoor navigation
• Extended gaming sessions
• Continuous video playback

without worrying about battery anxiety.

80W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging Experience

The OPPO K15 supports:

• 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
• UFCS universal fast charging
• PPS fast charging protocol

We tested charging with the included 80W charger.

Starting from:

1% battery

Charging results:

Although the phone uses a large 8000mAh battery, it can still reach a full charge within around 80 minutes.

This provides a good balance between battery capacity and charging speed.

Bypass Charging: Better for Long Gaming Sessions

The OPPO K15 supports bypass charging, which is especially useful for gamers.

When enabled:

• Power goes directly to the motherboard
• Battery charging is reduced
• Heat generation is lowered
• Battery aging is minimized

This means users can keep playing games while connected to power without constantly stressing the battery.

For people who often:

• Play games while charging
• Watch videos for long periods
• Use the phone as a stationary entertainment device

this feature is very practical.

Wired Reverse Charging

The OPPO K15 also supports wired reverse charging.

The phone can temporarily act as a power bank for devices such as:

• Wireless earbuds
• Smartwatches
• Other smartphones

When traveling, this feature provides an emergency power solution without carrying an additional charger.

7. Special Features: IP69 Protection, Breathing Light, NFC and Infrared

Beyond cooling, performance, and battery life, the OPPO K15 also includes many practical features that improve everyday experience.

IP69 Protection: Designed for Tough Environments

The OPPO K15 supports:

• IP69 waterproof protection
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• IP66 protection

It also passed eight military-standard durability tests covering:

• High temperature
• Low temperature
• Rain exposure
• Dust environments
• Drop resistance

This makes the phone suitable for more demanding environments.

Water Resistance Test

During testing, we played Douyin videos on the OPPO K15 while placing it under running water.

The results:

• Video playback continued normally
• Touch controls remained responsive
• Wet fingers could still operate the screen

The phone remained fully functional after exposure to water.

While IP69 protection does not mean users should intentionally abuse their devices, it provides additional confidence for:

• Outdoor workers
• Travelers
• Users in rainy environments

Mist Shadow Breathing Light: Adding Gaming Atmosphere

The rear panel includes OPPO’s Mist Shadow Breathing Light system.

Users can customize:

• Full lighting area
• Strip lighting
• Fan lighting

Lighting effects include:

• Flowing effects
• Breathing effects
• Always-on mode
• Flashing effects

The fan lighting also supports:

• Breathing mode
• Constant lighting
• Flashing mode

Multiple colors are available.

At night, the lighting can synchronize with music, creating a gaming-style atmosphere.

Unlike inexpensive RGB lighting effects, the implementation feels more refined.

Users can also configure:

• Activation time
• Lighting behavior
• Automatic disabling when the phone is in a pocket

Mountain-Sea Communication Technology: Better Signal in Weak Areas

The OPPO K15 includes OPPO’s self-developed Mountain-Sea Communication Technology.

The system uses:

• 360° surround antenna design
• Multi-source signal optimization algorithms

It is designed to improve connectivity in difficult environments such as:

• Underground parking areas
• Elevators
• Buildings with weak signals

During testing in an underground parking area:

Network results:

• Ping latency: 37ms
• Download speed: 8.37Mbps
• Upload speed: 16.12Mbps

The phone maintained stable connectivity without obvious disconnections.

Dual-Frequency GPS: Faster and More Accurate Positioning

The OPPO K15 is equipped with:

• Dual-frequency GPS
• Flagship-level sensors
• Multi-source positioning algorithms

During navigation testing with Amap:

• Location locking was fast
• Navigation started quickly
• Position accuracy remained stable

The real-time navigation interface showed:

• 26 BeiDou satellites assisting positioning

Even in complex environments such as:

• Urban streets
• Tunnels
• Underground parking areas

the positioning performance remained reliable.

8. Final Verdict: A Smartphone That Solves Real Problems

At the beginning of this review, the question was:

Is the cooling fan on a 2K-range smartphone just a gimmick, or does it really work?

After testing, the answer is clear:

It works.

During the AnTuTu stress test:

• Rear temperature reached 46.5°C
• After activating the fan for 12 minutes, it dropped to 36.5°C

A temperature reduction of around 10°C was confirmed through thermal imaging.

The active cooling fan is the feature that truly separates the OPPO K15 from other phones in the same price range.

Many smartphones offer:

• Large batteries
• Water resistance
• Fast charging

But fewer combine these features with an integrated cooling fan.

OPPO K15 Key Strengths

The phone delivers:

8000mAh large battery
Active cooling fan
IP69/IP68/IP66 protection
Stable gaming performance
80W fast charging
Three 50MP cameras
120Hz 1.5K display
Dual-frequency GPS
Strong signal performance

Who Should Buy the OPPO K15?

The OPPO K15 is especially suitable for users who care about:

• Long battery life
• Stable performance
• Outdoor usage
• Gaming without overheating
• Durability
• Practical everyday features

However, users who want:

• Maximum gaming frame rates
• Flagship-level processor performance

may prefer higher-end gaming smartphones.

The Dimensity 7360 SUPER is not designed to chase extreme benchmark records. Instead, it focuses on delivering stable performance over long periods.

Final Conclusion

Many smartphones in the 2K price range compete by making their specification sheets look impressive.

OPPO K15 takes a different approach.

Instead of only chasing higher numbers, it focuses on solving real user problems:

• A phone that does not become uncomfortable when hot
• A battery that lasts all day
• A device that remains reliable outdoors
• A smartphone that can handle daily challenges

The built-in cooling fan is like adding a turbocharger to an economy car—not for racing, but to prevent losing power when climbing a hill.

After testing, the OPPO K15 proves that it can:

• Stay cool under pressure
• Maintain stable performance
• Last through demanding usage
• Survive tougher environments

For users looking for a practical, durable, and reliable smartphone in the 2K price segment, the OPPO K15 is one of the most complete choices available.

OPPO K15: A truly practical smartphone built for real-world use.

The post OPPO K15 Review: 8000mAh Battery, Active Cooling Fan & 1.5K 120Hz Display appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

The KiiBOOM Phantom81 Lite sits at an appealing price point of approximately $105.99. It promises a high-end gasket-mounted typing feel, tri-mode wireless connectivity, full QMK/VIA customization, and a deep sound right out of the box. But does it deliver on all fronts, or are there hidden compromises beneath its colorful exterior?

Specs

Before diving into the design and performance details, here is a complete breakdown of the hardware specifications for the Phantom81 Lite:

Unboxing, Accessories & Included Extras

Unboxing the Phantom81 Lite highlights KiiBOOM’s attention to detail regarding packaging and accessories. The keyboard comes protected in a static sleeve, capped with a clear plastic dust cover—a useful accessory for keeping dust off the board when not in use.

Inside the package, you will find:

• The Phantom81 Lite Keyboard (fully assembled with switches and keycaps).
• A USB-C to USB-A Cable matching the color accent of the board.
• A dual 2-in-1 Wire Keycap and Switch Puller.
• 3 Replacement KiiBOOM Mochi Linear Switches.
• 6 Theme-Matched Accent Keycaps (including alternative novelties).
• A user manual and quick-start instruction guide.

Having extra switches and novelty keycaps included right in the box ensures that if a switch pin bends or a switch fails down the line, you have instant replacements without needing to order a spare pack.

Design, Build Quality

The Phantom81 Lite utilizes a 75% compact layout with 79 keys. It retains the dedicated function row (F1–F12), navigation keys, and an arrow cluster while shaving off the traditional number pad to save desktop real estate.

Case Construction & Layout Nuances

Unlike hollow entry-level plastic keyboards, the ABS housing on the Phantom81 Lite is thick, rigid, and substantial, bringing the overall weight close to 1 kilogram. The UV coating applied over the ABS frame gives it a smooth, glossy shine that resists light surface scratches and brings out the color depth.

The layout features a semi-exploded format:

• The top function row is slightly separated from the alpha keys, reducing accidental presses when reaching for Esc or F keys.

• The arrow cluster is tucked directly alongside the right modifier keys. While this keeps the overall horizontal width tight (335.5mm), the slightly wider bezel gives the keyboard a rounded appearance.

Ergonomics & Typing

One critical detail to note is the front height of the board. Standing at nearly 20mm at the front edge and angling up to roughly 44mm at the rear, the Phantom81 Lite is relatively tall. While two-stage adjustable flip-out rubber feet on the bottom allow you to tilt the keyboard to a 6-degree typing angle, using a dedicated wrist rest is highly recommended during extended typing or gaming sessions to avoid wrist fatigue.

The bottom frame also features a dedicated magnetic cutout hidden neatly beneath one of the tilt feet to store the 2.4GHz USB wireless dongle, ensuring you do not lose it during travel.

Critiques on Desk Real Estate Utilization

One area where the Phantom81 Lite missed an opportunity is the top-right corner. KiiBOOM opted to place a raised metallic brand badge in this spot. While it serves a decorative purpose, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts generally prefer utility in this region—such as a rotary media volume knob or a small customizable OLED status display. Placing a static logo badge here feels like a missed chance for functional design.

Keycaps & Sound Mechanics: The MOA Profile Difference

The keycap profile plays a massive role in both ergonomic feel and overall sound output. KiiBOOM offers two distinct keycap configurations depending on the colorway you choose:

1. Blue & Green Variants: Feature thick Dye-Sublimated PBT Keycaps in a custom MOA Profile.

2. Black & White Variants: Feature Polycarbonate (PC) Keycaps in a classic Cherry Profile.

Understanding MOA Profile Keycaps

For the themed blue (ice cream/sweets) and green (rainy frog) variants, KiiBOOM uses the MOA profile. Unlike OEM or Cherry profiles, which feature sculpted height differences across rows (R1–R4), MOA keycaps are completely uniform in height across all rows. They feature rounded, spherical tops with thick side walls.

The extra internal air volume inside MOA keycaps acts like a tiny acoustic chamber. When the keycap bottoms out, sound waves bounce within the keycap wall before exiting, deep-pitching the sound and transforming high-pitched clicks into a low, marble-like sound. The matte texture on the PBT surface also ensures the keycaps will not wear down into a greasy polish over time.

Switches, Stabilizers

A mechanical keyboard is only as good as its switch and mounting implementation. This is where the Phantom81 Lite stands out.

KiiBOOM Mochi Linear Switches

The keyboard comes equipped with proprietary KiiBOOM Mochi Linear Switches. These switches are built with a Polycarbonate (PC) top housing, a Polyamide (PA/Nylon) bottom housing, and a smooth Polyoxymethylene (POM) stem.

• Actuation Force: 40g (±5gf)
• Bottom-Out Force: 45g (±5gf)
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 3.5mm

The 45g bottom-out force makes these switches light, smooth, and nimble. Because the stems come factory-lubricated with a light layer of oil, finger friction is minimized. Compared to popular switches like the KTT Kang White, the Mochi switches feel slightly smoother out of the box and exhibit less stem wobble at the top of the keystroke.

Stabilizers Performance

For larger keys like the Spacebar, Enter, Backspace, and Shift, the KiiBOOM Phantom81 Lite uses plate-mounted stabilizers. Historically, plate-mounted stabilizers suffer from wire rattle or ticking noises if left unserviced. However, KiiBOOM heavily lubricates these stabilizers from the factory with high-viscosity grease on the wire ends. The result is a quiet, solid spacebar return with zero wire rattle or ping straight out of the box.

Gasket Mount & 5-Layer Acoustic Stack

Underneath the keycaps, the Phantom81 Lite utilizes a true PCB gasket-mount system. The Polycarbonate (PC) switch plate is suspended inside the case using soft foam gaskets, and both the plate and the 1.2mm PCB feature flex cuts. When you press down firmly on the keys, the entire typing deck flexes slightly downward, absorbing harsh impact energy.

To eliminate internal air gaps and resonance, KiiBOOM packs 5 layers of acoustic dampening into the housing:

• Latex Sandwich Foam: Positioned directly between the plate and PCB.
• IXPE Switch Pads: Placed beneath the switches to alter bottom-out acoustics.
• PE Transparent Film: Enhances high-frequency clarity.
• PCB Dampening Foam: Cuts out electrical noise and hollow internal acoustics.
• Bottom Molded Silicone Pad: Fills the bottom cavity to add weight and stop case ping.

Connectivity, Latency & Battery Life

The KiiBOOM Phantom81 Lite is built to serve as a daily driver across multiple computing platforms, supporting tri-mode connectivity:

1. USB Type-C Wired Mode: Offers a 1,000 Hz polling rate and ultra-low 3ms latency. Recommended for competitive gaming sessions (like first-person shooters or fighting games) where timing is critical.

2. 2.4GHz Wireless Mode: Uses the included USB receiver dongle to deliver a 1,000 Hz polling rate with 5ms latency. The wireless connection remains stable without dropped inputs, making it ideal for clean, cable-free desk setups.

3. Bluetooth 5.0 Mode: Allows you to pair up to three distinct host devices (such as a laptop, tablet, or phone) and switch between them instantly using key shortcuts. Polling drops to 125 Hz (15ms latency), which is sufficient for productivity and typing tasks.

Powering the wireless modes is a 4,000 mAh battery. With RGB backlighting turned off, the keyboard can easily run for several weeks on a single charge. When running the south-facing RGB backlighting at maximum brightness, battery life drops to roughly 20 to 30 hours of continuous typing before requiring a plug-in via the left-mounted USB-C port.

Software Customization & QMK/VIA Integration

A major selling point for power users is that the KiiBOOM Phantom81 Lite avoids proprietary, bloatware-heavy desktop driver software. Instead, it fully supports the open-source QMK / VIA ecosystem.

How to Remap Keymaps Using VIA:

1. Go to the official KiiBOOM product support download page and save the Phantom81 Lite JSON file.

2. Connect the keyboard via USB-C wired mode and open a WebHID-compatible browser (such as Chrome, Edge, or Brave) to usevia.app.

3. Navigate to the Design tab in VIA, toggle on “Use V2 definitions”, and drag-and-drop the JSON file into the browser window.

4. The keymap layout will unlock instantly, allowing you to rebind keys, program multi-key macros, adjust lighting layers, or assign custom media shortcuts.

Because QMK/VIA settings write directly to the keyboard’s onboard memory chip, your custom key assignments, macros, and lighting profiles persist even when you unplug the keyboard and move it to a different computer or operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Final Pros, Cons & Verdict

The KiiBOOM Phantom81 Lite achieves its core goal: providing an out-of-the-box acoustic and typing experience that rivals custom-modded boards, all without requiring any manual disassembling, lubing, or modding.

Pros

• Deep “Thocky” Sound Profile: The combination of MOA keycaps, Mochi switches, PC plate flex cuts, and a 5-layer foam stack creates a muted sound out of the box.
• Smooth Factory Switches: The 45g Mochi linear switches come well-lubricated with minimal stem wobble.
• QMK/VIA Compatibility: Web-based key remapping and macro creation without installing background software.
• Solid Tri-Mode Wireless Performance: Reliable 1000Hz polling rate over 2.4GHz wireless with a 4,000 mAh battery.
• South-Facing RGB: Ensures complete compatibility with aftermarket Cherry-profile keycap sets without housing interference.

Cons

• Tall Front Height: At ~20mm tall at the front, using a wrist rest is recommended for long sessions.
• No Volume Knob or Screen: The top-right metallic brand logo plate takes up valuable space that could have housed a knob or display screen.
• Polarizing Aesthetics: The themed ice-cream graphics and uniform MOA keycap profiles may not appeal to users seeking a subtle, minimal aesthetic.

Verdict

If you are looking for a prebuilt 75% mechanical keyboard around $100 that sounds deep out of the box, feels smooth to type on, and supports open-source VIA software, the KiiBOOM Phantom81 Lite is a standout contender in its class.

Read Also: Kiiboom Moonshadow V2 Review: Worth it Under $150?

The post KiiBOOM Phantom81 Lite Review 2026: The Best $100 Budget Mechanical Keyboard for a “Creamy” Feel? appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.