Tech In Times Of Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world as we knew it. With almost the entire world in lockdown and a large number of people in self-quarantine, the struggle to get basic necessities is taking a toll on the health of the global citizen.However, the ongoing crisis didn’t stop some of the best smartphone makers in the world from launching their flagship phones. Several smartphone makers, like Oppo, OnePlus, Xiaomi and Huawei held ‘online-only’ launch events and announced the release of their upcoming phones.In a bid to live up to the expectations of the tech enthusiasts amid the global pandemic, the smartphone makers brought their A-game and released nifty pieces of gadgets which were running high on tech. Here’s a look at all the smartphones that were launched in the pandemic. iPhone SE
Industries and businesses across the globe are taking a hit due to the Covid-19 crisis and the world economy is in a bad shape. On April 15, in order to appeal to consumers struggling to copy with a bleak economic backdrop, Apple launched an entry level iPhone SE, which costs $399 (approximately Rs 30,642). Apple made the announcement in a statement, forgoing the normal splashy product launch events of the past few years.Apple chief executive Tim Cook, who in the past hosted large media events, limited his comments to a tweet, calling the new handset "our most affordable iPhone,"and a "fantastic option in our lineup to help you stay connected, informed and entertained."Apple trimmed costs by leaving out some of high-end features such as facial recognition, giving iPhone SE a fingerprint sensor and a home-screen button which fans will remember from previous generations. It features a single rear camera instead of the multiple lens in the newest iPhone 11.(With inputs from AFP)OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro
One of the launches that was probably the most-awaited and was being looked forward to by tech enthusiasts all around the world was the OnePlus event where OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro were revealed. The Chinese smartphone maker’s first ever online-only event took place on 14 April, as countries around the world struggled to cope with the Covid-19 crisis. OnePlus 8, in terms of design is light, curvy and thin. In addition to Onyx Black and Glacial Green, the OnePlus 8 will be available in Interstellar Glow. It will come in two storage variants - 8GB + 128GB at $699 (approximately Rs 53,730) and 12GB + 256GB at $799 (approximately Rs 61,417).OnePlus 8 Pro, on the other hand, sports a 120 Hz QHD+ AMOLED Display, and silky-smooth, matte-frosted touch and increased haze levels. It will come in two storage variants - 8GB + 128GB at $899 (approximately Rs 69,112) and 12GB + 256GB at $999 (approximately Rs 76,800).Also launched at the event were Warp Charge 30 Wireless which charges 60 per cent in 30 minutes and lightweight OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z.Oppo Ace 2
With a powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, quad camera and 40W wireless charging, Oppo Ace 2 is a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone space. The new offering from the Chinese smartphone maker was launched on April 13 when the Covid-19 pandemic had reached its peak in several countries around the world.Ironically, Oppo Ace 2 was first launched in China, which also happens to be the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Not much is known about its global availability. Interestingly, Oppo let go the ‘Reno’ brand name completely and marketed ‘Ace’ as an entirely different series.Apart from having the fastest wireless charging, Oppo Ace 2 has a 90 Hz refresh rate along with a 65W wired charging support much like its predecessor.The Oppo Ace 2 has been launched in China for CNY 3,999 (roughly Rs 44,000) for the 8GB/128GB version, CNY 4,399 (approximately Rs 48,000) for the 8GB/256GB model, and CNY 4,599 (roughly Rs 50,000) for the 12GB/256GB storage model. Huawei P Series
Come 2020, Huawei launched 3 of its much-awaited smartphone variants which are a part of the P Series: P40, P40 Pro and P40 Pro+. Huawei launched the three variants on March 26 in an online launch event.Huawei P40 offers 5G connectivity and so do the other variants, P40 Pro and P40 Pro+. P40 also comes with a HiSilicon Kirin processor and a 22.5W fast-charging support. It costs €799 which is approximately Rs 66,780.Huawei P40 Pro comes with a HiSilicon Kirin processor, a triple rear camera setup (50 MP+40MP+12MP), 8 GB RAM and a powerful 4,200 mAh battery. The P40 Pro costs €999 which is approximately Rs 83,400.P40 Pro+, on the other hand, also has a 4,200 mAh battery, offers a 40W wireless charging support, 8 GB RAM along with a penta rear camera setup. P40 Pro+ costs €1399 which is approximately Rs 1,16,891.