STACK #239 September 2024

TECH FEATURE

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From quality entry-level and mid-range phones, to premium models with all the bells and whistles, there’s a smartphone to suit your spend and needs.We’ve selected some of the latest and greatest phones that run the gamut of features and functionality. Words Bec Summer SMARTPHONES FOR EVERY BUDGET

OPPO Reno12 series 5G

OPPO continues making a name for itself with its powerful, stylish, and affordable Reno series of phones. The latest models are the Reno12 and Reno12 Pro, featuring an Ultra-Clear Triple Camera system and enhanced AI powered abilities. Both models sport a big, beautiful 6.7-inch AMOLED display, with a 2412 x 1080 resolution and a refresh rate up to a silky smooth 120Hz. They’re running on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, powered by a beefy battery that provides up to 38 hours of non-stop talk time on a full charge. The 80-watt SUPERVOOC Flash Charging will get it back to 100% in under an hour. The Reno12 packs 256GB of internal storage space, while the Pro model doubles that to 512GB. Reno12 models have a triple camera system on the back, including a telephoto, ultra-wide and macro lenses, plus some of the most detailed selfie cameras you’ll find on a phone this year. On the Reno 12 that’s 50MP + 8MP + 2MP cameras at the rear, and a 32MP round the front, while the Reno 12 Pro jumps up to a 50MP + 50MP + 8MP rear camera trio and a 50MP selfie cam. Other new features include AI Portrait Expert tools that let you tweak photos, like erasing unwanted people or objects in the background, increasing clarity and detail in faces, picking each person’s best face across different takes, and a range of creative studio options. If you’re looking for premium features in a stylish mid-range phone, the OPPO Reno12 series has you covered. Internal storage: 256GB (Reno 12)/512GB (Pro) Expandable memory: Up to 1TB with microSD card Battery life: Up to 38 hours Cameras: Rear 50MP + 8MP + 2MP, front 32MP/50MP (Pro)/Rear 13MP, front 8MP (Pulse) Durability: IP65 | Wi-Fi 6E

HMD Pulse and Pulse Pro 4G

The HMD Pulse is a cool alternative to the big players, with a focus on affordability, repairability, and a great design that HMD calls a “celebrity vibe”. The Pulse features a 13MP dual main and 8MP selfie camera and boasts a neat, gesture-based selfie function that starts a three second countdown with a simple thumbs-up. A three-day battery life and 128GB of storage – plus MicroSD card support – lets you continually capture and create content with confidence. And in the event of a cracked screen, bent charging port or a dead battery, the Pulse is designed for easy DIY repairs via the dedicated HMD online repair hub (see page 16). The HMD Pulse comes in two models, the Pulse and Pulse Pro, with the latter sporting a 50MP + 2MP main and 50MP selfie camera, and either one is a great fit for everyday snappers and content creators. If you want a cool looking phone with essential features and functions at a price that won’t break the bank, get your fingers on the Pulse. Internal storage: 128GB Expandable memory: Up to 256GB with microSD card Battery life: Up to 59 hours Cameras: Rear 50MP + 2MP, front 50MP (Pro)/Rear 13MP, front 8MP (Pulse) Durability: IP52 | Wi-Fi 5

20 SEPTEMBER 2024

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