I have been saying this for some time now that 2025 was all about AI and cameras, with far less attention given to on-paper specifications. At the same time, the market has seen strong demand yet feels oddly fragmented. On one end, there’s no shortage of compact phones, many of which arrive with clear compromises. On the other hand, there are Ultra models with large screens, bold designs and equally large price tags delivering excess where restraint might have been welcome. What’s missing are options in between, phones that don’t go overboard, yet refuse to cut corners on performance, display quality, features and, most importantly, the camera experience. That’s exactly why I decided to review the Oppo Find X9.

Among the many big-name launches this year, the Find X9 has already managed to grab attention for its camera capabilities and its promise of being an all-rounder. But beyond the spec sheet and the initial hype, I wanted to understand something more specific: how Oppo has actually tuned this phone, especially after the success of the Find X8. Has the brand played it safe, or has it refined its formula in ways that matter for everyday use?

So this time around, instead of rushing to conclusions, I spent time with the Find X9 to see how it fits into this oddly neglected space in the market. And here’s my take. 

Design:

Starting with the obvious, Oppo has clearly reset its design thinking with the Find X9. If the Find X8 leaned a bit too hard on visual flair with that circular camera bump, this one takes a calmer, more confident route. The rear panel now gets a squarish camera island that doesn’t draw attention. No dramatic curves, no flashy finishes, just a clean look. It feels like Oppo is more interested in getting the basics right than chasing the instant wow factor.

The moment you pick the phone up, the flat edges, softened just enough around the corners, make the Find X9 comfortable to hold for long periods. At under 8mm thick, it also feels slimmer than you would expect from a full-fledged flagship. It’s slightly lighter and thinner than the Find X8, and that genuinely helps with one-handed use, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in this segment.

The switch to a matte glass back is another sensible move. It doesn’t attract fingerprints as easily and offers better grip than the glossy finish on the previous model. More importantly, the phone feels well-balanced. 

Oppo has also refined the camera bump in a way that actually matters. Placed neatly in the top-left corner and aligned with the frame, it stays out of the way when you’re holding the phone vertically and doesn’t dig into your fingers during landscape use. It’s a small change, but one you notice over weeks of use.

The biggest change, I think, is the removal of the alert slider. In its place is a customisable Snap Key. Longtime Oppo users may need time to adjust, but the added flexibility- camera shortcuts, sound profiles, even AI functions- does make practical sense.

It features IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings along with tougher Gorilla Glass, which makes it a durable option. And speaking of the colours, you can get Find X9 in Space Black, Titanium Grey and Velvet Red. 

Display 

At this price point, you will find many phones that promise a great display, and for me, the Oppo Find X9 comfortably sits near the top of that list. It comes with a 6.59-inch AMOLED panel featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. On paper, it looks interesting, but in real life, it has more to offer. 

First off, the 6.59-inch panel hits a sweet spot that’s becoming increasingly rare in the flagship segment. It’s large enough to feel immersive while watching videos or browsing, yet compact enough to remain manageable for everyday use. Oppo has opted for a flat AMOLED panel with ultra-slim, symmetrical bezels, and it’s a decision that pays off. 

Brightness levels are strong too, offering excellent visibility indoors and outdoors, while OLED’s deep blacks ensure excellent contrast for HDR content. In our testing, in manual mode, it comfortably crosses 1,300 nits, while adaptive brightness can push well past that when needed (at 3,000 nits).

And what impressed me was how well the display is tuned. In our Calman test using the SpectraCal C6 colourimeter, we got an average Delta E of around 1, which is outstanding by smartphone standards. In real-world terms, colours look accurate, restrained, and mature. Skin tones appear natural, whites don’t drift, and there’s no artificial oversaturation trying to impress you in the first five seconds. Simply put, this display is built for people who care about photography, video and visual consistency. 

Performance

On paper, the Find X9 is clearly positioned as a serious performance flagship, and in day-to-day use, it largely delivers on that promise. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500, built on an advanced 3nm process, this is one of those phones that feels fast without constantly trying to prove it. Everyday tasks like scrolling through social media, jumping between apps, and editing photos on the go are handled with an ease that feels almost boring, and that’s a compliment. Nothing stutters, nothing hesitates.

Where things get more interesting is in gaming. Camera-centric phones often compromise here, but the Find X9 doesn’t. In our testing, it managed consistent 120FPS gameplay in BGMI, even during extended and intense sessions. Yes, the phone does warm up, as any performance-focused device will, but thermal management is clearly well optimised. 

Benchmark numbers back this real-world experience. The device scored an AnTuTu score of around 3.44 million, slightly ahead of the Vivo X300. In Geekbench 6, we got 3142 (single-core) and 9721 (multi-core), while in the PCMark’s Work 3.0 test, the device scored 12,597. 

That said, it’s not flawless. During CPU throttling tests, the phone retained about 70 percent of its peak performance, which is decent but not class-leading. I expected a bit more stability given the hardware on offer. Still, the bigger picture remains positive: the Find X9 feels faster, cooler, and more refined than its predecessor, with optimisation doing as much heavy lifting as raw power. For most users, this is performance you’ll appreciate every single day, not just in benchmarks.

Camera

Oppo has always treated the Find X series as a showcase for its imaging ambitions, and with the Find X9, that philosophy is very much intact. On paper, the Hasselblad Master Camera System sounds ambitious, but what matters is how it behaves once you step outside the spec sheet, and this is where the Find X9 largely earns its reputation.

The triple 50MP rear camera setup feels well thought out rather than excessive. The main camera, with its large 1/1.4-inch sensor and wide f/1.6 aperture, consistently delivers sharp, high-contrast images without drifting into the over-processed look that has become common in flagship phones. Daylight shots are particularly strong: colours are vibrant but controlled, skin tones look natural, and edge detection in portraits is clean enough to pass casual scrutiny without artifacts. Bokeh rendering feels realistic rather than artificial, which is something Oppo seems to have prioritised.

The 3x periscope telephoto is another highlight. It holds detail well and remains usable beyond its optical range, especially in good lighting. During my time taking photos in Goa, the telephoto proved reliable for candid shots and distant subjects, capturing images that looked crisp without aggressive sharpening. The ultra-wide camera is impressive too, maintaining consistent colour science across lenses, which is still something many brands struggle to get right.

Low-light photography is where the Find X9 quietly impresses. The combination of optical stabilisation and Oppo’s LUMO Image Engine allows the camera to pull in plenty of light while keeping noise under control. Night shots retain texture and colour accuracy, instead of smearing details for the sake of brightness. The results look balanced and believable, not artificially bright.

Battery 

Battery life is where the Oppo Find X9 really earns its keep, and it does so in a way that actually matters in daily use. While most flagships are still playing it safe around the 5,000mAh mark, Oppo has gone all in with a 7,025mAh silicon-carbon battery. What’s impressive is not just the number, but the execution. Even after a bigger battery, it does not feel chunky. Instead, it remains slim, well-balanced and comfortable to hold.

In our PCMark battery test, we got 21 hours and 2 minutes, which means with a typical mix of social media scrolling, photography, navigation, video streaming and some casual gaming, the Find X9 easily gets through a full day and still has enough left for the next morning. And on less usage, it can stretch to over two days. 

Even the charging speeds remain in the flagship territory. The 80W wired charging can help you charge from 0 to 100 per cent in around 86 minutes, which is good given the battery size. 

Verdict 

It's obvious that Oppo has focused on getting the basics right, and for the most part, it succeeds. The design is cleaner and more practical than before, and the display is nicely tuned. The performance feels consistent. 

The camera system is where the Find X9 justifies its positioning, delivering reliable, natural-looking results across lighting conditions without excessive processing. Battery life is another strong point, offering genuine endurance that reduces the need to think about charging throughout the day.

It’s not without its limitations. Sustained performance could be more stable under prolonged stress and some longtime Oppo users may need time to adjust to design changes like the new Snap Key. Still, these are relatively minor trade-offs in an otherwise well-balanced package.

Ultimately, the Find X9 feels like a phone designed for people who actually use their devices all day, every day. It doesn’t try to impress in the first five minutes, but it holds up well weeks later, and that’s arguably the more important test.

With the Realme 16 Pro, Realme has made an unexpected and somewhat confusing shift in its mid-range lineup. Instead of continuing with the Snapdragon chipset used in the Realme 15 Pro, the company has moved to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Max. It is a change that immediately sets the tone for what this phone is trying to be, especially since much of the rest of the hardware remains familiar, and in some cases, almost unchanged. Priced starting at Rs 31,999, the Realme 16 Pro positions itself in a highly competitive part of the market where expectations around performance, cameras and long-term value are naturally higher. This is also where the phone starts raising questions. While the focus this time is clearly on cameras rather than raw performance, the chipset choice feels like a step sideways, if not backwards, considering the pricing. Battery capacity, meanwhile, stays the same as its predecessor.

After using the Realme 16 Pro as a daily device for a while, the real question is not whether it is a good phone, but whether it justifies its asking price.

Realme 16 Pro: Design and build quality

For the first time in the number series, Realme has collaborated with Naoto Fukasawa, and the overall aesthetic reflects that intent. The phone looks clean and measured rather than expressive. The camera module, however, feels familiar, borrowing cues from recent flagship designs rather than attempting something truly distinctive. This is not necessarily a flaw, but it does mean the phone blends in rather than standing out.

The Pulse Light found on the earlier Realme 15 Pro has been removed, and its absence does not feel like a compromise. The review unit I received came in Orchid Purple, a colour that avoids being loud or overly reflective. It looks restrained and practical, which suits the overall design direction.

The back panel is plastic, but the build quality feels solid enough. The power and volume buttons are tactile and responsive. Front bezels are slim, contributing to a modern look, though the phone itself is large. One-handed use is not particularly comfortable, especially during prolonged use. That said, the phone does not feel excessively heavy, which is notable given the battery capacity.

Durability is one area where Realme clearly pushes harder than most competitors. The Realme 16 Pro carries IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K certifications, offering protection against dust, full water immersion and even high-pressure water jets.

The phone includes stereo speakers that can be pushed to a 300% volume level. At maximum output, clarity drops, but loudness is not an issue. An IR blaster is also present, allowing the phone to control compatible household appliances. The fingerprint scanner works reliably, though its placement sits slightly lower on the display than ideal.

Realme 16 Pro: Display

The Realme 16 Pro features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. In daily use, the display feels fluid and responsive, particularly during scrolling and browsing. Motion handling remains smooth, and the high refresh rate is consistently maintained.

I tested the device in Vibrant colour mode. In this setting, colours appear punchy without looking artificially boosted, and viewing angles remain stable. Long viewing sessions, including streaming content, do not reveal obvious shortcomings.

In display testing, the panel recorded an average Delta E of 1.7 in Calman colour testing, with 96% colour gamut coverage. These figures are acceptable for the segment, though they do not quite match class-leading panels that prioritise accuracy over saturation.

Realme claims a peak brightness of 6,500 nits and 1,400 nits in high-brightness mode. In testing, the panel reached approximately 2,620 nits. This is more than sufficient for outdoor visibility and ensures comfortable use even under direct sunlight.

Realme 16 Pro: Performance

The Realme 16 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Max SoC. Despite the updated naming, this chipset is functionally the same as the Dimensity 7300 Plus used in the Realme 15 5G. More importantly, it represents a downgrade from the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 found in the Realme 15 Pro, despite the launch price remaining unchanged.

The review unit came equipped with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. In everyday usage, the phone performs reliably. App launches are quick, scrolling remains smooth, and general multitasking does not introduce noticeable stutter or lag. For typical usage, the experience is stable and predictable.

Gaming performance, however, highlights the limitations of the chipset. During extended sessions of BGMI, frame drops were noticeable. Thermal behaviour remains controlled, but sustained performance does not improve over the previous generation. This reinforces the positioning of the Realme 16 Pro as a general-use device rather than one aimed at performance-focused users, which feels harder to justify at this price point.

Benchmark results reflect this behaviour. Realme claims an Antutu score of around 971,000, and the review unit scored close to one million. In the CPU throttling test, performance stabilised at 95%. Geekbench scores measured 990 for single-core and 2,875 for multi-core performance. The phone scored 2,177 in the 3DMark Wild Life test. These numbers are consistent with expectations, but they also underline the lack of a meaningful performance upgrade.

Realme 16 Pro: Camera

Cameras are clearly the central focus of the Realme 16 Pro. The phone features a 200MP main sensor, paired with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. This is the most visible upgrade over the Realme 15 Pro 5G and is where Realme is clearly attempting to justify the pricing.

In daylight conditions, the main camera performs well. Images are sharp and detailed, with colours that remain close to natural. Highlights and shadows are handled competently, and dynamic range is solid across most scenes. The camera slightly brightens human subjects, but facial detail is retained rather than aggressively smoothed.

Digital zoom performance is better than expected. At 2x, images remain clean and detailed. Even at 4x, results remain usable, which is not always the case in this segment.

Portrait mode is another strong area. Background separation appears natural, and edge detection is generally reliable. The phone allows portrait shooting at five different focal lengths, though most testing was done at 2x. In some situations, facial softness is visible, particularly under uneven lighting.

The ultra-wide camera maintains consistent colour tuning with the main sensor, but detail levels are noticeably lower. Images tend to look soft, and on a few occasions, photos exhibited a visible green tint.

Video recording is supported up to 4K at 30 frames per second. The output is usable but unremarkable. Stabilisation is adequate for casual use, but this is not a phone aimed at video-focused creators.

On the front, the 50MP selfie camera delivers strong results. Selfies are sharp, with good detail and controlled processing, making it one of the more reliable selfie cameras in this category.

Realme 16 Pro: Software and AI features

The Realme 16 Pro runs Android 16 with Realme UI 7 layered on top. The interface is functional but busy. There is pre-installed bloatware, though most of it can be removed. While the UI remains intuitive, the overall experience lacks the restraint seen in cleaner Android implementations.

Realme promises three years of Android updates and four years of security patches. This level of support is competitive for the segment and aligns with expectations at this price.

Several AI features are included. AI Framing Master automatically adjusts framing and zooms when capturing images. An AI Genie feature within the Photos app allows users to make changes such as altering clothing in images. Google Gemini Live is also present, enabling users to share their camera feed during live conversations. These features work as intended, though their real-world value will depend on individual usage habits.

Realme 16 Pro: Battery life and charging

Battery life is one of the Realme 16 Pro’s strongest attributes. The phone packs a 7,000mAh battery, paired with 80W fast charging.

In PCMark battery testing, the device delivered close to 22 hours of screen-on time. In real-world usage, this translates to a full day of heavy use without concern, and up to one and a half days with moderate usage.

Charging from 0 to 100% takes approximately 96 minutes. While this is slower than some competitors, it is reasonable given the battery capacity, and fast top-ups during the day remain practical.

Realme 16 Pro: Verdict

The Realme 16 Pro is, by most measures, a good mid-range phone. It delivers strong battery life, a capable 200-megapixel main camera, and a smooth, bright display that performs well in everyday use. As a daily driver, it is reliable and easy to live with.

However, it is difficult to ignore the pricing. At Rs 31,999, the decision to move from a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 to the Dimensity 7300 chip feels like a compromise driven by rising component costs rather than user benefit. This effectively makes the current performance level the new default for Realme at this price, while the Realme 16 Pro Plus retains the Snapdragon chip at a significantly higher cost.

For users upgrading from the Realme 15 Pro, the 16 Pro only makes sense if camera improvements and battery life are your top priorities. Otherwise, the overall experience remains largely familiar, with no clear performance advantage.

For new buyers, the Realme 16 Pro is a sensible phone, but not an aggressively priced one. It is good at what it does, yet its value proposition is weakened by the chipset choice at this price point.

On most workdays, my desk looks like controlled chaos. There are multiple Chrome windows open at once, a half-edited article waiting in the background, WhatsApp Web buzzing with messages, and at least one document that exists purely because I was afraid I would forget an idea if I did not write it down immediately. Some days involve writing extensive features, others are packed with interviews and last-minute calls. In the middle of all this, the one thing that I am constantly using is my mouse.

That is why a good mouse matters far more than people realise. When your workday involves endless scrolling, switching between devices, and clicking for hours at a stretch, even small inefficiencies start to add up. A mouse that does not feel right quickly becomes distracting, and one that works well almost disappears into the background. The Logitech MX Master 4 fits directly into this kind of workflow. It is clearly built for people who spend long hours at their desks and need a tool that can keep up without demanding attention. 

Also read: Asus Vivobook 16 review: A dependable 16-inch laptop for work and study

After using the insanely powerful mouse as part of my everyday setup for almost a week, it feels less like a product designed to impress at first glance and more like one meant to be lived with. It is familiar, deliberate, and clearly aimed at people whose workdays are anything but simple.

Logitech MX Master 4: Design and build

At first glance, the MX Master 4 looks instantly recognisable as a productivity-focused mouse. The sculpted right-handed shape, tall palm support, and angled thumb rest make it clear that this is designed for long work sessions rather than quick, casual desk use. Logitech has not tried to slim it down or chase flashy aesthetics, and that restraint works in its favour. Comfort remains the priority here.

What stands out is the material choice. Logitech has opted for a silicone-based surface that feels tough and well-finished, giving the mouse a more durable and premium feel in hand. This is especially noticeable around high-contact areas like the thumb rest and side panel, which are built to handle daily use without feeling delicate. The surface strikes a good balance between softness and structure, making the mouse comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Grip is excellent throughout. Despite its smooth appearance, the mouse never feels slippery during use. If anything, it feels planted and controlled, particularly during precise movements. The side panel also does a good job of resisting fingerprints and smudges, which sounds minor but makes a real difference when you are using a mouse for eight to ten hours a day.

The weight, however, is impossible to ignore. This is a heavy mouse, and very much by design. That added weight contributes to stability and control during productivity tasks, but it also makes it clear that this is not meant for gaming or fast-paced movements. Quick flicks and rapid directional changes are not its strength, and Logitech is clearly prioritising control and comfort over agility.

Buttons, scroll wheels, and the joy of infinite scroll

The button layout feels intuitive and well thought out. Left and right clicks are quiet and soft, making them ideal for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. The main scroll wheel remains the star of the experience. Logitech’s MagSpeed scroll wheel effortlessly switches between precise line-by-line scrolling and free-spinning infinite scroll.

For anyone who regularly works with long documents, large spreadsheets, or endless web pages, infinite scroll is something that will come in handy very often. It turns what is usually a slow, repetitive action into something fluid, effortless, and honestly, fun. When precision is needed, the standard scroll mode feels just as refined, with consistent resistance and accurate control.

The horizontal thumb wheel adds another layer of usability. Once you get used to scrolling sideways through timelines, wide documents, or large canvases, it becomes difficult to go back to a mouse without it. Video editors and audio professionals, in particular, will appreciate how naturally it fits into their workflow.

Logitech has also included an extra programmable thumb button along with a dedicated button for the Actions Ring. These additions do not overcrowd the mouse. Instead, they expand its flexibility for users who enjoy customising their setup without making the layout feel intimidating. Let’s talk more about the Actions Ring in the next section.

The Actions Ring and haptic feedback

The reason that the MX Master 4 stands out when compared to its last generation is haptic feedback, paired with the new Actions Ring. This is where Logitech has taken a more experimental step, but one that largely pays off.

The haptics are subtle and controlled rather than flashy. You feel gentle feedback when engaging certain actions, switching devices, or interacting with the Actions Ring. There are multiple intensity levels, and you can turn it off entirely if you prefer a more traditional feel. At higher settings, the feedback adds a sense of intention to interactions, making the mouse feel more responsive rather than noisier or distracting.

Now, let’s talk about the feature I loved the most- Actions Ring. It is essentially a contextual shortcut system that lives under your thumb. Pressing the ring button brings up a customisable overlay of actions, either system-wide or app-specific. You can easily assign various shortcuts to this overlay via the Logitech Options+ app. The Actions Ring reduces reliance on keyboard shortcuts by putting frequently used commands within easy reach. And as someone who turns her screen brightness down, changes volume, and takes multiple screenshots while working among other things, the Actions Ring is incredibly useful. The only challenge is to remember that it is there in the first place. Since this is a new feature, many people might take their time getting used to it and that’s fine. Because once you make this a habit, your productivity is bound to go up.

How useful this feels also depends on your workflow. For video editing, design work, and multitasking-heavy use, it can genuinely speed things up once you invest time in setting it up. For lighter workloads, it may end up being used less frequently. The key thing is that it feels optional rather than forced. Logitech gives you the tools, but does not insist you change how you work.

Connectivity and multi-device switching 

Connectivity is another area where the MX Master 4 excels. Bluetooth pairing is fast and painless, and switching between devices is as simple as pressing a button. Moving from a laptop to a tablet to a desktop takes seconds, and the mouse never felt confused about where it was supposed to be.

The mouse supports up to three devices, which has become essential rather than a luxury. Modern desks are rarely single-device setups anymore, and the MX Master 4 fits neatly into that reality.

Logitech also includes a Logi Bolt USB-C dongle, which brings both advantages and compromises. On the plus side, USB-C allows easier compatibility with modern laptops, tablets, and even phones. It also offers strong, stable wireless performance for desktop setups where Bluetooth can be unreliable.

The downside is practical. Many laptops still have limited USB-C ports, and plenty of desktops continue to prioritise USB Type-A. Using a Type-C dongle may require an adapter in some setups, which slightly undermines the plug-and-play appeal. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is certainly worth a mention.

Software and battery life

Logitech Options+ remains central to the MX Master 4 experience. The software is polished, intuitive, and powerful. You can create app-specific profiles, assign complex macros, tweak scroll behaviour, and fine-tune almost every input the mouse offers.

For power users, this depth is a major strength. For more casual users, the learning curve is reasonable, and you can get meaningful customisation without diving too deep.

Coming to battery life, Logitech claims up to 70 days on a full charge, and the mouse therefore can easily go weeks without needing attention. During my limited time with the mouse, I didn’t face any battery issues. Charging is handled via USB-C, and the mouse can also be used while plugged in. So, even if you do run out of juice, you can just plug the mouse in and continue using it as it charges. Moreover, the mouse also supports fast charging and Logitech claims that it can deliver several hours of use with just one minute charging.

Should you buy?

The MX Master 4 makes its users very clear. This is not a mouse for competitive gaming, lightweight portability, or minimal desks. With a price tag of Rs 15,995, this is built for people who spend long hours working and want the ultimate premium experience. 

Its weight, shape, and features all point towards productivity first. Casual gaming is possible, but it is not the focus. So, if your work involves repetition, precision, and constant context switching, this mouse earns its place quickly. 

And once you get used to it, a basic mouse will feel like unnecessary friction. So, if productivity is something you take seriously, the MX Master 4 quietly makes a strong case for itself.

Also read: Acer Nitro Lite 16 review: A stylish laptop for gamers and creators under Rs 1 lakh

Modern laptops often sacrifice ports for slimness, which can frustrate users with multiple accessories. The ALOGIC Fusion Pro Nexus USB-C Universal Video Dock is a compact “pocket-sized powerhouse” that expands a single USB-C port into a versatile array of connections. It offers dual 4K display support, high-speed data, and even laptop charging through one hub – a promising one-stop solution for general consumers, IT professionals, and students alike.

Also read: As AQI in Indian Cities Decay, In-House Air Quality Solutions Rise

Design and Build Quality

The Fusion Pro Nexus sports a sleek two-tone design (space gray top, black sides) with aluminum and ABS plastic construction for a premium yet durable build. The aluminum top adds a modern look while the impact-resistant ABS body handles everyday bumps. Despite its solid feel, the dock is very lightweight (~88 g) and slim, easily slipping into a bag or pocket. The integrated 23 cm USB-C cable tucks into the chassis when not in use, keeping the unit neat and ultra-portable.

Port Selection and Connectivity

A major strength of this dock is its comprehensive port selection. It effectively provides all the common ports (and even some legacy ones) you might need:

• Video: 1 × HDMI 2.0 and 1 × DisplayPort 1.4 (both support 4K @ 60 Hz), plus 1 × VGA (for older displays)
• USB: 1 × USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps data or DP Alt Mode, also accepts 100 W PD input) and 2 × USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps each)
• Network: 1 × Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) 
• Audio: 1 × 3.5 mm combo jack (headphone/mic) 

This wide array covers both modern and legacy needs, and you can even use many of them simultaneously. In practice, it’s possible to connect two external monitors, a wired network, and multiple USB peripherals all at once, effectively turning a thin laptop into a full workstation. The inclusion of VGA means you’re prepared for older projectors or monitors whenever needed.

Performance in Real-World Use

The Fusion Pro Nexus performed impressively in varied scenarios. In the home office it drove a dual-monitor setup (HDMI + DP) on a Windows laptop with no hiccups, providing ample screen space. On the road, its plug-and-play versatility shined, the VGA output saved the day for an old projector during a presentation, and the Gigabit Ethernet gave a stable connection when Wi-Fi was spotty. Even for casual gaming and streaming, the dock delivered: I noticed no lag using a gaming mouse through it, and running a game on one screen while monitoring chat on another was smooth. In each case, it felt like devices I've connected directly to the laptop, which is exactly what you want from a docking station.

Power Delivery and Charging

Another highlight is the dock’s power delivery (PD) capability. The Fusion Pro Nexus supports up to 100 W PD input and can pass through roughly 85 W to charge your laptop (it reserves ~15 W for itself). In practice, you can plug your laptop’s charger into the dock’s USB-C port, and the dock will keep your computer powered while simultaneously running all your devices. This makes for a true single-cable solution – one connection handles everything (power, data, and video), cutting down on clutter. Most ultrabooks and 13–15″ laptops get full-speed charging from the 85 W output, and even larger machines will at least hold their charge under load. Only the power-hungry 16″ gaming laptops laptops might need more juice than this dock provides. For the vast majority, being able to dock and charge with one cable is a huge convenience.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

Setup is straightforward and driver-free. The dock works plug-and-play with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS – just connect it and your displays and devices are ready to go. MacBook users should note that macOS allows only one external display via this dock (the second screen will mirror), whereas Windows and ChromeOS can extend two independent monitors. This is a limitation of macOS, not the dock itself. Otherwise, any device with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (and ideally USB PD) will work fine with the Fusion Pro Nexus.

Portability and Convenience

Portability is excellent – the Fusion Pro Nexus is compact and lightweight, and the built-in cable means no extra wires to carry. It easily fits in a bag, and its sturdy build can handle travel wear and tear. This all-in-one design is incredibly convenient for students or professionals on the move, sparing them from lugging multiple dongles. You can set up a complete workstation in seconds with just one cable.

Value for Money

At around Rs 9,990, the Fusion Pro Nexus is an investment, but it delivers strong value for its feature set. It’s essentially a full docking station condensed into a travel-friendly hub. By replacing multiple adapters (display, USB, network) with one device, it can save you money and hassle over time. The high-end features – dual 4K monitor support, 100 W pass-through charging, extensive port options – plus the solid build, with a 2-year warranty, make it stand out.

Also read: ASUS ExpertBook P1 First Impressions: A No-Nonsense Business Workhorse with Surprising Power

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extensive Port Selection: All key ports are here – USB-C, HDMI, DP, VGA, USB-A, Ethernet, audio.
• Dual 4K Monitor Support: Drives two 4K@60 Hz external displays on compatible laptops.
• 100 W Pass-Through Charging: High-capacity PD (up to ~85 W to host) keeps your laptop powered while docking.
• Compact & Durable: Travel-friendly design (foldaway cable, aluminum/ABS build)
• Plug-and-Play: No drivers needed; works on Windows, macOS (one-display limit), and ChromeOS seamlessly.

Cons:

• Mac Display Limit: macOS allows only one external display via this dock (OS limitation) 
• No Card Reader: Lacks SD/microSD slots, so media folks need a separate reader.
• Short Fixed Cable: Integrated 23 cm cable can be limiting for some setups and isn’t replaceable if damaged.
• Price vs. Basic Hubs: Costs more than simple adapters (but offers far more functionality in return).

Verdict

The ALOGIC Fusion Pro Nexus is a versatile USB-C dock that lives up to its “universal” promise. It’s best suited for users who frequently connect multiple devices or monitors to their laptop. Students, remote professionals, and content creators will appreciate how it streamlines their setup. If you only occasionally need an extra port, a simpler dongle might suffice – But if you're a power user, then the ALOGIC Fusion Pro Nexus might just be the USB-C dock you're looking for.

Also read: Slim, Smart, and Seriously Capable – Meet the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition

Before I begin the Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier Review, I think we should all confront the uncomfortable truth. It's super important to think about the air we're breathing in our homes and offices. Think about all the stuff floating around – dust, cement particles, unburned carbon, and even those weird-sounding volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This list is not just long but contains particles that are dangerous enough to cause a serious case of Bronchitis.

Enter air purifiers, our modern-day heroes with their fancy HEPA filters and all, swooping in to clear out these pesky intruders. This makes a huge difference, not just for our lungs but also for our overall mood and productivity, especially at work. So, when we dive into something like the Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier, it's like we're checking out a crucial gadget for our health and comfort.

Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier Review: Key Specifications

• Size and Weight: 290×628×290 mm; 6.5 kg.
• Filters: Includes a HEPA (H-13) filter, Pre-Filter, Amino acid Activated Carbon, and Ionizer.
• Filter Life: Lasts up to 6 months, varying with use and environment.
• Coverage: Effective in areas up to 54 Sq. m/581.25 Sq.Ft.
• CADR: 450 m3/hr.
• Noise: Ranges from 30 to 66 dB across 5 fan speeds.
• Features: Comes with a dust and tilt sensor, multicolor LED air quality indicator, and a 40W power rating. Additional features include Auto Mode, Sleep Mode, Child Lock, a 24-hour timer, and a filter change alert.
• Warranty: 1 year.

Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier Review: Design And Features

The Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier is a mid-range air purifier, which costs Rs 16,700 on Flipkart, at the time of writing. It comes encased in a sleek, cylindrical, white-colored shell, and if you've white furniture, the VAP55TWV will go along nicely with it. Not only that but it also has a lightweight design so you can easily pick up and put it anywhere you want. However, its lack of wheels slightly limits its mobility across various indoor spaces.

The Voltas VAP55TWV purifier boasts a touch-control panel and it is pretty responsive, provided it or your fingers aren't smudgy. It has a range of functional settings, including a 24-hour timer, multiple fan speeds, and a child lock feature. This air purifier works really quietly, so it's great for use at night because it won't disturb your sleep. It also doesn't have any bright or annoying lights.

The purifier's filtration arsenal is very extensive. It includes a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter, capable of trapping 99.95% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including harmful contaminants like mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. Complementing this is an amino acid activated carbon filter, an ionizer, and a pre-filter, together targeting a broad spectrum of pollutants.

The ionizer component, which imparts an electrical charge to air particles causing them to clump and settle, plays a critical role in the purifier's effectiveness. However, ionizers are more limited in their efficiency and do not effectively remove gaseous pollutants or odors.

In real-world usage, the Voltas VAP55TWV demonstrates a swift and significant reduction in air pollution levels. Its strong airflow, which can be manually controlled, adds to its adaptability across different environmental needs and seasons.

Despite its strong performance, the purifier's portability is somewhat limited due to the absence of wheels. It also lacks remote/app control, which could add to the convenience of use. Its price point is on the higher side, potentially a consideration for some buyers.

To summarise, the Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier stands as a robust and user-friendly option, particularly effective for those seeking to improve indoor air quality or dealing with respiratory conditions. While it presents some limitations in terms of mobility and additional features like remote control, its high-performance filtration system and quiet operation make it a valuable investment for healthier indoor air.

Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier Review: Comparison And Conclusion

When comparing the Voltas VAP55TWV Air Purifier with its competitors in the Indian market, it's clear that each has its unique strengths and is better suited for different users.

The Philips AC3257, priced higher at ₹32,995, offers a larger coverage area (1108 sq ft) and advanced features like intelligent auto purification, making it suitable for users needing extensive coverage and willing to invest more. The SHARP Room Air Purifier FP-F40E-W, with its Plasmacluster Ion technology, is ideal for those seeking advanced technology for small to medium-sized rooms. In contrast, the Enerzen High Capacity Commercial Ozone Generator is geared toward commercial use in large spaces.

The AIRTH Home Air Purifier, with its coated HEPA filter and real-time environmental monitoring, caters to users needing effective purification in large spaces like offices or conference halls. Philips High-Efficiency Air Purifier AC2887/20 focuses on removing airborne viruses and bacteria, making it suitable for bedrooms. The MI Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, comparable in coverage to Voltas and with smart control options, appeals to tech-savvy users.

Overall, the Voltas VAP55TWV, with its high-efficiency HEPA H13 filter and additional features like an amino acid activated carbon filter, strikes a balance between performance and price. It's a solid choice for those seeking a combination of effective purification, user-friendly features, and a mid-range price point. However, those with specific needs like larger coverage, smart controls, or advanced technologies can also consider other air purifiers as well.

Before I jump into my super long Spiderman 2 Review, I want to talk a bit about Sony PlayStation’s history. In the past, very few games have been good enough to achieve the title of “system sellers,” a term coined for extraordinarily amazing games that manage to sell a gaming console on their own. Each console has its list of system sellers including Nintendo Switch and Microsoft’s Xbox. But living in India, most of us never really had the chance to experience any other console than the Sony PlayStation.

In my memory, the first system seller which I can recall was the God of War 3, which managed to give the Sony PS3, arguably the least popular PlayStation console, a huge boost in sales. Similarly, by the time PS4 launched Sony had figured out the formula for creating memorable single-player games and as a result, we saw many amazing titles during the same console generation.

However, Spiderman PS4 stood the tallest among all Sony PS4 exclusives, selling more than 33 million copies as of June 2022. So naturally, the game’s direct sequel, Spiderman 2 was hugely anticipated around by millions of fans around the world. Therefore, it had pretty big shoes to fill. And after playing the games for more than two weeks I am confident to say that the Spiderman 2 is indeed another system seller for Sony.

The review contains spoilers for 2018 Spiderman PS4 and Spiderman: Miles Morales.

Spiderman 2 Review: The Story So Far

In Spider-Man (PS4), Peter Parker has been Spider-Man for eight years and has settled into his role as protector of New York City. However, things take a dark turn when Wilson Fisk, a powerful criminal mastermind, is arrested, and a new villain named Mr. Negative emerges to fill the power vacuum, alongside other familiar adversaries. Throughout the game, Peter tries to balance his life as a scientist and a superhero, and even mentors Miles Morales, who later gets bitten by a genetically altered spider.

Fast forward to Spider-Man: Miles Morales and the story picks up with Miles now having spider-powers. Miles initially struggles with the responsibility but steps up when Peter goes abroad. As the new Spider-Man, Miles discovers a war between the Roxxon Energy Corporation and a high-tech criminal army, the Underground, led by the Tinkerer. Throughout his journey, Miles learns the importance of community, family, and accepting help from others. By the end, he matures into his role, saves Harlem from a catastrophic explosion, and solidifies his place as a worthy successor to Peter, protecting the city with a style uniquely his own.

The sequel picks up about nine months after Spider-Man: Miles Morales, with Peter grappling with personal loss while Miles navigates the trials of young adulthood. Their personal lives become even more complicated with the re-emergence of Harry Osborn, adding another layer to the evolving narrative. As the story progresses, the symbiote's dark influence becomes a central plot point, creating a grim internal and external struggle for our heroes. This chapter in the Spider-Man saga challenges Peter and Miles not just to save their city, but to explore their inner selves and the bonds that tie them together, amidst action-packed sequences and high-stakes battles against formidable foes.

Spiderman PS5 Review: Refined Gameplay

In Spider-Man 2 on PS5, the gameplay loop is extremely satisfying with the right mix of exploration, combat, and story progression. Much like its predecessors, the game invites players to swing through an expanded New York City, combating foes, completing missions, and uncovering the city's secrets.

The gameplay loop intricately weaves main story missions with side quests and random crime events, alongside an enticing exploration of the city for collectibles and Easter eggs. A notable feature is the quick switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, each adorned with unique abilities and their own story arcs and unique side missions.

This seamless switch, facilitated by the PS5's SSD, and the fast traveling makes the game even faster than before as there are virtually no loading times at all. Adding a layer of customization and strategy are over 65 new suits teased in the game, each likely bearing unique abilities or cosmetic changes, allowing players to tailor Spider-Man to their liking and potentially altering their approach to combat and exploration.

The fast travel feature has been significantly enhanced, with players able to select travel points on the map to quickly traverse the expansive city. The PS5's capabilities have reduced load times drastically, making fast travel almost instant and ensuring players can dive into action wherever they choose with minimal downtime. These gameplay mechanics, working in harmony, keep the gameplay loop engaging and fresh.

Spiderman PS5 Review: All Graphics Modes Explained

Spider-Man on PS5 offers various graphics modes to enhance the gameplay experience depending on player preferences. Here's a breakdown of the different graphics modes:

• 4K 30FPS Fidelity Mode
• 4K 40FPS Performance Mode
• 4K 60FPS Performance Mode
• 120Hz Mode and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Support

Ray tracing is enabled across all the graphics modes in Spider-Man on PS5. This feature significantly enhances the game's visual appeal by providing more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. These graphics modes allow players to choose between better visual quality or smoother performance based on personal preference, thereby enhancing the overall gaming experience on the PS5.

Spiderman 2 Review: New And Improved Combat

Spider-Man 2 on PS5 is abundant with references and Easter eggs, much akin to its predecessors. The city of New York in the game is meticulously crafted with references that players can stumble upon, enhancing the linkage to the broader Marvel universe and other Spider-Man titles.

In Spider-Man 2 on PS5, combat has seen an evolution with new features compared to the previous titles, offering an enhanced and more immersive experience. Notably, Peter now utilizes mechanized Spider-Arms as a default part of his combat loadout, a departure from the original game where it was a customizable suit power.

Similarly, Miles has two distinct colorings for his bio-electrical Venom powers which are intertwined with his story arc. Both mechanical and electrical powers come with their own skill trees, allowing players to unlock Area of Effect (AOE) attacks, multi-foe launchers, and more as they earn XP.

The iconic web-shooters remain a crucial part of the combat system but now come with an increased capacity of twelve slots. Additionally, new gadgets have been introduced to control crowds; for instance, "Upshot" deploys a drone to attack enemies, while "Web Grabber" pulls enemies (and objects) towards Spider-Man, setting them up for an AOE strike.

A headline addition to combat is the Black Suit, which comes with its own skill tree and offers new combat abilities. Players can now toss out tendrils to grab and slam enemies or morph into a writhing mass to launch enemies backward with the Symbiote Strike. The Symbiote Punch and Symbiote Surge abilities provide powerful new options in combat, emphasizing a more brutal and aggressive fighting style compared to the regular Spider-Man suits.

Lastly, the utilization of the PS5's DualSense controller's haptic feedback has been harnessed to provide more situationally accurate feedback during combat. This adds to the immersion and tactile sensation of wielding different powers, enhancing the overall combat experience.

Spiderman 2 Review: Tons of Easter Eggs

Spider-Man 2 on PS5 is abundant with references and Easter eggs, much akin to its predecessors. The city of New York in the game is meticulously crafted with references that players can stumble upon, enhancing the linkage to the broader Marvel universe and other Spider-Man titles.

Notably, there are 21 fun Easter eggs and references sprinkled throughout the game, encompassing elements discoverable while exploring New York and those embedded in mid and end-credit scenes. Among these Easter eggs, players can find nods to various iconic Marvel characters like the Avengers, Black Panther, and Wolverine, which enrich the game's connection to the larger Marvel universe.

There's also a specific Spider-Verse Easter egg to uncover, which entails collecting all 42 Spider-Bots spread across the map. These Spider-Bots themselves act as Easter eggs, referencing certain characters from the movies. The Spider-Verse Easter egg is a testament to the depth of engagement the game offers, allowing players to delve deeper into a blend of Spider-Man and Marvel lore.

Spiderman 2 Review: The Controversy

Mechanically and visually the game is pretty sound but that doesn’t mean that it is not without faults. First and foremost, some character models lack detail. Compared to Peter and Miles, Mary Jane’s character looks a bit less detailed and even wooden at times. Some fans were already unhappy with the way Mary Jane’s character looked worse than it did in Spiderman PS4. And there does seem to be some truth to it.

Secondly, the game does contain some progressive narratives and side missions. Although one might call them “woke” I think most of them are not in your face and remain separate from the main story. Lastly, I did face some game-breaking bugs towards the end of the game which forced me to restart from a much earlier save file. But overall, the controversy surrounding the game is true to some extent but so much that it’d ruin your experience.

Spiderman 2 Review: Is It Worth It?

The answer is a resounding yes! In 20 or so hours of main campaign, Spiderman 2 builds upon the original game and Miles Morales in a fantastic way all the while introducing us to a storyline that feels personal and engaging. The game won’t move you to tears like how God of War: Ragnarok did but it will definitely keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end.

One of the more popular statistics known to science nerds is that the known universe is 99.9999999999999999999958% empty space. Bethesda’s latest game, Starfield, goes out of its way to reinforce this. The game, marketed by the developer as being ‘25 years in the making’ is undoubtedly massive. If its 125-ish gigabyte install size didn’t make that apparent, then you would probably notice the scale of Starfield over the ~20-160 hours of gameplay (source: HowLongToBeat) that the game has in store for you.

Personally, it was after an hour and a half of gameplay that I shut it down and started scouring the modding community in an effort to make the gameplay less tedious. Another six hours later, I was torn between appreciating the work done by the modders and the agony of what can only be described as painstakingly lazy storytelling in the guise of something revolutionary. At the nine-and-a-half-hour mark, I promptly uninstalled the game and moved on to more worthy pursuits. Like writing this review to convince you to put your ₹4,999 (or, God forbid, ₹6,699) into the stock market or something.

What? Just… What?

There’s something about Starfield that bothered me from the get-go. I’m not a huge AAA gamer, so unlike some other players out there, I don’t find myself as jaded by high-end graphics, hyper-realism and detail. I found both Shredder’s Revenge and Baldur’s Gate 3 enjoyable when I played them.

For the purpose of this game, the PtB (Powers that Be) procured a way more powerful AMD 7800 XT to get the complete experience. I’d installed the game on an SSD (the Starfield page says this is a requirement) and my rig was powered by an i5-12600K (okay, maybe not a top-of-the-line processor, but pretty solid) and 32GB of RAM. Essentially,within recommended requirements and well above the average when compared to what most people play on, as per Steam’s latest Hardware and Software survey.

Despite this, I still found the look and feel of Starfield a lot more dated than some of the newer games of the same calibre. Maybe it’s the flat, dull looks of the characters as they speak. Maybe it’s the fact that every base looks like a facsimile of the other 30 you’ve visited. Maybe it’s the fact that when one hovers over a fern, the game informs you that the plant is called a ‘succulent’ (Mirriam-Webster defines ‘succulent’ as ‘having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture’. Why is that the name of a fern? Don’t know, don’t care.) Maybe it’s the fact that my health bar, along with any useful information, is lost in a corner of an unnecessarily complex HUD and convulated game menu. Or that you need either a secondary controller (assuming like me, you like playing FPS games with a keyboard and mouse) or a third hand to participate in orbital aerial dogfights effectively. Or the inconsistency in the game’s RNG environments. Or even, and admittedly, I’m nitpicking at this point, it’s the fact that all objects weigh the same on planets with different gravity.

Maybe – just maybe – it’s all of the above and hundreds of other issues that the Starfield modder community has fixed in 0.3% of the time that Bethesda’s marketing material says it took to create the game; including, but not limited to, Starfield’s ridiculous inventory management system. To the mod community at large, thank you. And to quote Keanu Reeves, you’re breathtaking.

Saving Grace?

In the nine and a half hours of my life that I shall not be getting back, I cannot recall one NPC who stood out, one story point that seems intriguing, or one visual, aural or sensory stimulus that did anything for me, at all. I can say that the star maps look authentic (NASA ftw) and I garnered a whole new appreciation for Nexus Mods and all the hopeful, enthusiastic nerds out there who took it upon themselves to do Bethesda’s job for them. There is a cynic in me that thinks the developer took undue advantage of the community’s Aspergian compulsion to fix broken and incomplete things, all while cashing in on the promise of AAA value. However, there’s a genuinely impressed gamer in me who appreciates all the work put in; and a geek who’s deeply satisfied knowing that there’s a decent chance that the one-two combo of modders and digital pirates that may make this game worth returning to in a few years.

Right now, Starfield looks like a mix of No Man’s Sky, Skyrim, Fallout and Mass Effect – the nepo baby who expects to coast on the hard-won legacy of its parents.

Return to Skyrim

A few days later, just to verify my suspicions, I reinstalled The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Not the Special Edition. Or the Legendary Edition. Plain, old, unmodded, untouched ESV Skyrim, before the massively active community added the bells and whistles over the past decade. I bought the game back in 2013, and after a few hours, realised the time sink that the game posed, and made the adult decision to back off and play it very slowly over the years. The last time I fired it up was a few years ago when Bethesda dropped the Anniversary upgrade and I had way too much time on my hands, à la COVID.

But I digress.

What I was getting at is, even after over 20 years, an hour of the first iteration of Skyrim felt simpler, yet richer and more fulfilling than the smorgasbord of drivel that Starfield throws at you over several hours of gameplay. Which begs the question: “Why?”

Why would you, Bethesda, firstly, release a game that looks like it’s been co-written by a bunch of unpaid middle-school interns over summer break? Why would you claim to have spent 25 years developing said game? Why would you do so in an era when something as basic as Dave the Diver and Vampire Survivors is making waves in the gaming community? Not to mention the phenomenon that is Baldur’s Gate 3 – Larian practically set the benchmark for game developers with an open beta period that can only be outstripped by Warframe and whose results make most AAA developers look like amateurs. Even indie development studios are making the message crystal clear: Take your time, do it right, and you will be appreciated. Else you’ll be a footnote lost in annals of gaming history.

Get with the programme.

Discalimer: the last competitive tower defense game I really enjoyed playing was Sanctum 2 on the PC. Or maybe one of the Orcs Must Die! games. Be as it may, KRAFTON's mobile games haven't been disappointing, in any way, so when we got the beta codes for Defense Derby (Android and iOS), I jumped into it quite quickly.

The game, created by game developer RisingWings, Inc, incorporates some interesting elements from other mobile games and does a great job putting it all together. Spoiler alert: Despite being called Defense 'Derby', the game has no connection to horses. This might be important to some people. Possibly.

That said, the game does have a bit of a learning curve, which people may or may not find somewhat frustrating. Personally, I found the challenge refreshing. Although, if I'm nitpicking, I would've liked to have a training ground, of sorts. An offline PvE arena where you can see your builds in action before taking on real players.

The Basics

Defense Derby's arena (aka, Derby) comprises a 3x3 grid of units, with a hero in the middle of the cube. You and three others face the same waves of enemies. Each player starts with two units (plus the hero) from their deck, and after each wave of enemies that you beat (or survive), you either get a random unit from your own loadout, or bid on a random unit from any of the four players' decks to fill your arena.

The bidding system requires some strategy and foresight on the players' part. Outbidding or underbidding gives players a chance to get ahead, or push their rivals out of their derbies.

The units are categorised in three factions: Human, Beast, and Spirit; each dealing one of two types of damage: Physical or Magical. Lining up your units to match either faction or damage type gives bonus stats to each unit. This is something players need to keep in mind not only when creating their own loadout, but also when bidding for units. I've seen it make a crucial difference when winning and losing games.

The units and heroes in the game can also be upgraded (Common to Mythic) or levelled up to improve stats like attack speed, damage and buffs/debuffs. So... Just another two things to keep in mind.

Your loadout consists of one hero, eight units and three artifacts. Five artifacts are dropped every day by completing your daily quests, and can be upgraded with multiple drops of the same artifact. These give specific buffs to your loadout, and can be swapped out in your loadout based on your playstyle.

The Gameplay

Ranking up in the game playing Derby Games has an impact on several gameplay elements. Primarily, your Derby's hit point bar.

The first two winners of each battle are ranked up, the third winner keeps to their rung on the rank ladder. The loser ranks down. Essentially: Avoid being dead last.

Winning regularly also drops two currencies that allow you to try your luck in the game's spin-to-win menu, and also to purchase unit upgrades. These change weekly and seasonally, respectively, so fair warning to resource hoarders, you may find yourselves in trouble when the cycles refresh.

There are two main game modes: Derby and Blitz. Derby games help players rank up by playing PvP. Blitz games are purely PvE and currently seem to be the only way to gain talent points, which can be redeemed in the game's Talent menu to give buffs to particular factions or unit types. There are several smaller game modes in the 'Adventure' menu of the game. There's the Valley of Trials which refreshes each day to help you improve your game with variations of factions and types. There's the 'Friendly Derby' which allows for friends to play together. And the Themed mode where the developers seem to try small variations to keep Derby games interesting. There's also an 'Arena' in development.

Defense Derby has a Guild system in place, which would indicate a potential 'Guild Wars' element in future updates. For readers interested: SKOAR! has its own guild, open to players, so search for SKOAR, if you'd like to join us.

Money, money, money

Despite having eight different currencies in the game, Defense Derby does a pretty good job keeping it fair. There is a paid currency, but players won't really feel the need to indulge in micro-transactions because reward drops, even for the paid stuff, are steady throughout the game.

Here's a quick lowdown on the currencies in the game:

Gems are the premium currency of the game and can be bought and consumed for unit cards or other currencies. Cubics are the more common reward drops and can be used to get more unit cards. Faction Crystals are three types, one for each faction. They're rarer and work like Cubics, but guarantee units from a specific faction. Crystals are essentially faction crystals, but can be used as replacement currency for any of the faction crystals. Gold and Elixir are used to upgrade and level your units. Eternal Feathers and Doubloons are the spin-to-win currencies.

Personally, just doing my dailies and weeklies, I've found it all to be fairly easy to level up my account and rarely find myself underpowered. That said, there may not be enough pay-to-win players in the game right now, so the playing field may change, given time.

The Verdict - Defense Derby

All-in-all, Defense Derby's kept me engaged longer than I expected. The balance of RNG and strategy is great, allowing players to rely on skill, adaptive thinking and luck equally to move forward. For all you mobile gamers out there looking for a fun game to pass time on long commutes and in-between waiting on world bosses to spawn: Give it a shot!

Also read: Road to Valor: Empires - Paved with Good Intentions