Sunday's here, and that means one thing—another episode of #AskArun! But this time, we’re trying something new. Not just a Q&A format, but a full-blown discussion involving tech experts like Irshad and Sajid. We’re here to answer your questions, dive into the hottest tech trends, and give you our take on everything happening in the tech world. From the iPhone 17 rumors to the latest Galaxy S24 FE leaks, this episode covers it all. So grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into everything from the best Big Billion Day (BBD) deals to the most exciting smartphone updates.
A Peek Behind the Curtain: Cell Season and Content Creation Woes
It’s no secret—the sale season is a whirlwind, especially for content creators. Week after week, we’re covering deals, comparing gadgets, and creating content nearly 24/7. The pace can be relentless, but the excitement is palpable. People want to know about the best tech to buy, and we’re here to help. We took a breather from the madness to bring this episode, but back-to-back video production is still in full swing. Thankfully, we found some time to answer your questions and discuss hot tech products that are reshaping the industry.
Studio Tour: A Sneak Peek You Shouldn’t Miss
Before we jump into the tech talk, let's quickly touch on something we’re very proud of—our newly renovated studio. For those who haven’t caught the studio tour video, it’s a must-watch. We worked hard on it, and viewer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many creators and tech enthusiasts found the space inspirational, which is what we aimed for. If you haven’t seen it yet, bookmark it for later. Trust me—it’s worth your time.
Viewer Feedback: A Surprise
Many people were surprised at how extensive the setup was, and we got some amazing feedback. One comment in particular stood out where someone pointed out an important aspect of our setup. But, no spoilers here—go watch the video to see what we mean!
The Latest Tech: Pixel 9 Series and iPhone 16 Series
Two major launches recently shook the smartphone world: the Pixel 9 series and the iPhone 16 series. To be frank, neither of these launches have blown us away. The Pixel series, which once led the camera and software game, seems to be falling short. While Google has improved hardware, their software still lacks refinement, especially when compared to Apple’s A16 chipset.
However, it’s not all bad news. Apple’s latest iPhone 16 models are still compelling, although some fans are holding off on purchases, waiting for the iPhone 17’s rumored updates. If you're thinking of upgrading now, you might want to pause and consider the future direction of smartphone AI integrations.
Cameras Getting Boring?
The camera battle of smartphones has reached a point where almost every flagship device performs similarly. Whether you go for an iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Galaxy S24 Ultra, personal preference dictates which "look" you prefer. For example, many on our team favor the X100 series for its sharp image quality, though Pixel fans remain loyal, arguing the subtle tweaks Google offers can't be matched.
Nothing Ear (Open) Launch: Is It Worth the Hype?
The latest release from Nothing, their Ear (Open) buds, might seem like an audiophile product, but don’t be fooled. Priced at ₹18,000 in India, this is aimed more at sports enthusiasts than hardcore audiophiles. These buds wrap securely around your ear, making them ideal for running or gym workouts.
But here’s the catch: India hasn't received review units yet, and the pricing suggests there might be limited interest in the Indian market for this product. However, it’s a different story in Europe and the US, where sports-centric gear is much more in demand. If you’re looking for everyday earphones, this might not be for you, but if you’re willing to test it, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Flagship Chipset Showdown: MediaTek, Apple, Qualcomm
Now, for the tech enthusiasts out there, the chipset battle is heating up. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 is turning out to be incredibly powerful, and in benchmarks, it’s actually outperforming Apple’s A18 Pro chipset. But don’t count out Qualcomm Gen 4 either—it’s showing promising results and might close the gap between Apple and Qualcomm.
MediaTek’s Rise and the Challenges
MediaTek is certainly improving, but they face a big challenge: they’re not getting enough partners for flagship handsets, mainly because of consumer perception. Qualcomm, Apple, and even Samsung still dominate people’s expectations when it comes to high-end devices. MediaTek’s strength lies in offering flagship performance at more affordable prices, but they need more premium brands on board to take them to the next level.
Best BBD Deals: The Sales to Watch
Everyone always wants to know the best Big Billion Day deals, and this year’s sales haven’t disappointed. From laptops to smartphones, the prices are looking better than they have in years. Recent advancements in AI have played a big part in this, allowing for smarter pricing and better deals for consumers.
Both Sajid and I snagged a couple of deals for the office, and our advice is clear: if you’re in the market for a new laptop, go for a MacBook this sale season. Sales like these bring the price down to reasonable levels, and you don’t want to miss out.
iPhone 11 in 2024: Is It Still Worth It?
A common question we've been getting is: Should you buy an iPhone 11 under ₹40,000? Honestly, it’s still a solid deal if you’re on a tighter budget. However, if you can push your budget to around ₹50,000, we’d recommend going for something newer like the iPhone 12 or even waiting for the iPhone 13 if you can stretch a little more.
The iPhone 11 is a decent option for light users or those who just want a solid smartphone experience without any bells and whistles. But if your focus is on longevity and future-proofing your investment, it’s better to consider a model from the 12 series or later.
Upcoming Smartphones: S24 FE and iPhone 17 Major Update
Just when you think the smartphone wars couldn’t get any better, the Galaxy S24 FE leaks are creating buzz. Expected to feature an “underclocked” chipset version, this phone is still going to be a solid performer. Not to mention the rumors about the iPhone 17 series—you’ll likely get 120Hz refresh rates on the base model, and the Pro versions might include under-display Face ID.
Finally, the Redmi Note 14 series is set to launch, boasting bigger batteries (up to 6,200 mAh) with a focus on durability—think IP68 and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. If you're looking for a reliable mid-range option in 2024, this series should be on your radar.
Inside Scoop: Qualcomm and Intel Market Dynamics
The tech world is buzzing with a potential game-changing move—Qualcomm might take over Intel. What was once an unimaginable proposition, Qualcomm is now catching up to Intel in terms of market valuation. Nothing is confirmed yet, but if it happens, this could be huge not just for Qualcomm but for the future of the chip industry as a whole.
Green Screen and Motherboard Woes: A Lingering Problem
We can’t ignore the elephant in the room—green lines and motherboard issues in OnePlus and many other devices. This isn’t just a one-brand problem, though. Across the board, smartphone brands are grappling with hardware defects. While most brands fix this through software updates, the mystery behind it remains unsolved. This is one of those industry "black holes" that might take years to fully understand, but brands must start addressing it openly and clearly for consumers.
Your Feedback Drives Us Forward
What do you think of the new format? We’re always adapting based on your feedback, and we want to make sure this isn’t just a monologue but a conversation. Drop your thoughts, suggestions, or additional questions using #AskArun in the comments. We want to know what’s on your mind and how we can make this platform even more useful for you.
In this episode, we covered everything from the iPhone 17 major update rumors, exciting smartphone launches, and the best BBD deals you shouldn’t miss. What’s coming next? Only you can shape how we evolve this series, so keep the feedback rolling in.
We’ll be back soon with even more insights and discussions from the ever-evolving world of tech. Until next time—happy tech hunting!