Reviews

The art of being in and behind the frame

An OPPO Reno15 5G review

Published

February 13, 2026

MJ Jucutan

As someone who tells stories for a living, I’ve always stood behind the camera.

I know all too well that I’m exceptional at framing people and landscapes, capturing moments that make sense later.

When I flew to Northern Mindanao, I told myself I was going for a change of scenery. I wanted to exist inside my own narrative, too.

Bukidnon became the perfect backdrop for getting to know myself in and behind the frame. In my pocket was the OPPO Reno15 5G in Aurora White.

There were no expectations of the smartphone being part of the story. I just wanted to see if I could trust it to document my adventures.

Surprisingly, it did.

Refinement over noise

I’ve always been drawn to designs that stand out. Covering the Reno series from its earliest iterations up to the Reno15 has been a hallmark of my career in journalism.

I like pieces that catch attention. As a Leo, I’ve always loved it — in how I dress and in the items I carry. In the past, that meant bold finishes and loud statements, much like the Reno lines before this.

As I grew and aged gracefully, my taste evolved. I still want to demand some form of presence. I just don’t want it to feel abrasive.

The Reno15 demands attention without being loud. The Aurora White finish looks clean and polished from afar. Up close, the surface shifts under light and a shimmer reveals itself only when you move it.

The glass back flows seamlessly into the camera module, so the silhouette feels cohesive rather than decorative. It still carries that flat-edge familiarity people love to compare to an iPhone, and I get why.

In hand, the Reno15 5G feels substantial at 197 grams, yet it never became uncomfortable during long days of recording across different adventures.

The 6.59-inch frame sits comfortably when I’m scrolling one-handed or holding it up to film while moving, like when I rode a 4×4 to a ranch, gripping it tightly as rough terrain threatened to jolt everything out of place.

That said, I live actively. I move between environments without babying my devices. My arsenal looks like gear ready for battle, and that sums up what I need from a smartphone.

The Reno15 5G’s IP66, IP68, and IP69 protection means this beauty is tougher than it looks. It resists dust and handles water exposure. Add Splash Touch support, and even slightly damp fingers don’t interrupt what I’m doing.

Light under pressure

For someone who practically lives under the sun, the display became both a companion and a challenge.

When I was filming in open fields, the Reno15 5G’s screen sometimes struggled against harsh midday light. Even at 1200 nits in high brightness mode, the glare could be relentless.

I found myself stepping into pockets of shade, tilting the screen at careful angles, squinting just to confirm whether a shot was framed properly.

On days when there was no escaping the sun, I trusted the camera and my instinct for composition. I mounted the phone on my Ulanzi tripod, positioned myself in the scene, and focused on performing rather than obsessively reviewing every second.

There was a learning curve, but it reminded me that sometimes you have to let the moment unfold and stitch the story together later from whatever you captured.

Now Playing: Undercover Miss Hong

My life as a creative director isn’t all shooting and exporting. I consume as much as I create. Inspiration has always come from film and television.

Lately, I’ve been watching Undercover Miss Hong on Netflix, with Park Shin Hye playing Hong Keum-bo, an elite securities inspector who goes undercover as a rookie employee inside a suspicious investment firm.

Set in 1997 Seoul during the Asian Financial Crisis, the series commits fully to its time period. The palette leans into muted browns and dusty blues that echo economic tension.

Interiors feel dim and textured and office spaces look rigid. The fashion reflects the late ’90s without turning into a costume. Nothing is polished for surface appeal because everything feels rooted in its world.

On the Reno15 5G’s 6.59-inch AMOLED display, those tonal differences came through clearly. Dark scenes retained shadow detail instead of collapsing into flat black, while warm tungsten lighting looked rich without veering orange.

Beyond inspiration, I trim clips and scrub through footage I captured during my trip. The 120Hz refresh rate makes swiping and scrubbing feel fluid.

Where nothing lags

As someone fond of flagship devices like my OPPO Find X9 and iPhone 16 Pro, I know immediately when a smartphone feels like a compromise. The OPPO Reno15 5G is technically midrange, yet it never felt like one.

From setup to day-to-day use, everything felt smooth. Apps opened quickly so I switched between shooting, editing, messaging, and uploading without hiccups.

My neurodivergent brain appreciated that it could keep up with the constant mental tabs I have open.

The 6500mAh battery lasted about a day and a half after shooting across cities and mountains. Charging took around 45-50 minutes from zero to 100% with 80W SUPERVOOC.

What I appreciated most was O+ Connect. I’ve used it before on the Find X9 and previous Reno devices, and it continues to make my workflow seamless.

It’s no secret that I exist deep within Apple’s ecosystem. My MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro are cross-functional tools for my work. I even switched to Apple’s Creator Studio.

Using the Reno15 5G as my primary content device during testing could have felt disruptive. Instead, O+ Connect allowed me to move files across devices easily.

I treated the Reno15 5G like a mirrorless camera, then refined everything on a bigger screen.

A playground for precision

Artificial Intelligence has ingrained itself into our devices in ways that don’t always feel natural.

I’ve seen AI productivity tools work well for people in high-pressure professions. For me, efficiency doesn’t mean teaching a system how to think before it works for me.

What stood out in the Reno15 series was AI Mind Space. It allowed my scattered brain to consolidate screenshots, schedules, references, and fragments of information into one hub that actually mirrors how I operate.

As someone who saves everything for later, it felt less like automation and more like organization that understands me.

Then there’s AI Motion Photo Popout. As a creative director, I don’t like posting stories the way everyone else does. I have a desire, deep in my bones, to stand out.

Popout lets me lift subjects out of the frame and turn them into layered visuals. I used it for Instagram Stories and thumbnails instead of settling for a random still from a Reel.

Being able to refine directly in the Gallery — erasing distractions or turning motion into cinematic snippets — meant I could act on impulse without sacrificing my love for curation.

Learning to be seen

During my time in Northern Mindanao, I stopped pretending I didn’t want to be in the photos.

For the longest time, I’ve been more comfortable orchestrating the frame than occupying it. I knew where to stand and how to direct, or where the light should hit… but for everyone else.

This past year, I’ve been learning to own the space I’m in and not dimming my light simply because I’m afraid of how bright it might be.

The OPPO Reno15 5G’s 50-megapixel ultra-wide front camera made that easier than I expected.

I told OPPO’s Creative Manager in passing that I genuinely liked the new hardware when he asked how the experience had been so far, and I meant it.

The wider field of view meant I didn’t have to overthink whether everyone fit into the frame. I didn’t have to do that subtle, Gen-Z arm stretch or step back awkwardly just to make room for the scenery.

I could capture more of the background without looking hideous in the process. The frame felt immersive, yet balanced: Faces looked natural and proportions didn’t warp.

There’s something powerful about not having to choose between yourself and the scenery. You can be the subject, or you can be part of the story. With this smartphone, you’re allowed to coexist with both.

I even asked my photographer friend, Neil Jimenez, to take my portraits using the 50-megapixel telephoto portrait camera.

Holding still in front of the lens felt unfamiliar. I tried to remain statuesque, composed, trusting him to see what I usually see in others.

The portraits came out vivid without distortion. The backgrounds softened, but never stretched or exaggerated.

It was strange to watch myself in those frames. To notice how the light rested on my cheeks, and see how my smile shifted when something genuinely amused me. To observe expressions I never see because I’m usually the one observing.

There’s another side of you that only appears when you let yourself be seen.

Behind the lens where I’m most comfortable

If being in the frame felt vulnerable, being behind it felt like home.

Bukidnon still feels like a dream when I replay it in my head: Horses moving across open fields, mountains layered into one another like watercolor washes.

I shot wide and then cropped in. The main camera gave me enough details to experiment. Whether I stayed at 1x or zoomed into 2x or 5x, I shaped the narrative the way I wanted people to experience it.

I framed lines and symmetry, and leaned into negative space. I played with contrast, like the way Alpine Village’s architecture stands against the surrounding greenery in Dahilayan.

There was room to explore. Room to make mistakes. It felt like the device in my hand wasn’t just a tool, but a collaborator responding to the way I see the world.

Filmed and directed by yours truly

After leaving the love of my life last year, I began documenting my trips. Maybe it was for content or healing. But I started treating my life like a film I had to direct and star in.

Acting in your own story while directing it at the same time is harder than it sounds. It requires vulnerability and believing that your perspective is worth documenting.

Bukidnon became my practice. I recorded clips using the OPPO Reno15 5G in 4K HDR because I wanted the footage to be stable and detailed even when I was moving.

I remember stressing over file sizes, wondering if I had overcommitted to quality. But when you care about storytelling, you’d rather have too much detail than not enough.

There were pine-lined roads. Snippets of conversations. Landscapes that felt cinematic without trying. And of course, me being a dramatic, slightly unhinged main character like I was starring in a Taylor Swift music video.

Getting out of my comfort zone meant taking the Reno15 5G — mounted securely on a tripod — to a 350-meter zipline ride. For a brief moment, I imagined I was Elphaba flying away from the Emerald City.

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A post shared by mj (@hemjaye)

I also brought it to the Razorback ride, using Dual-View Video to record the mountains stretching in front of me while capturing my own reaction at the same time.

I’ve done something similar during an ATV ride in Bohol, but this felt different. Higher stakes (and chances of falling if I abruptly stop). Faster wind (and a cold one, because we’re high up in the mountains). More nerves (because I’m not in control).

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I was terrified. The accelerator felt awkward under my control and the seatbelt didn’t feel secure. I’m short, so even sitting comfortably required adjustment.

There was a moment where I questioned whether I had overestimated my courage. But I survived. This story is published. The video is up.

Sometimes, being able to capture how a place made you feel — not just how it looked — is priceless. Vulnerability and honesty matters.

The courage to step into your own frame matters. It just helps when the device in your hand is capable enough to keep up with the story you’re brave enough to tell.

Is the OPPO Reno15 5G your GadgetMatch?

The OPPO Reno15 5G isn’t perfect. Priced at PhP 36,990, it sits a few thousand pesos higher than its predecessor, so the jump asks you to think twice.

What you’re really paying for is refinement. It has smarter AI integrations and a more cohesive overall experience.

But here’s the thing: this is the first Reno in a while that feels grown up. It makes storytelling easier for people who live half their lives online, with a camera system and performance that feel steady enough to rival devices in higher tiers.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s your GadgetMatch, consider a Swipe Right if you’re a content creator who values camera versatility, especially a strong front camera. If you move between Android and Apple ecosystems and need something that lets you shoot, edit, and publish on the go, this fits that workflow.

Swipe Left if you’re extremely price-sensitive or if you rarely go beyond basic point-and-shoot and don’t see yourself using the AI tools built into the system.

The OPPO Reno15 5G won’t transform your life. But if you’re already in the middle of writing your own story, it’s a dependable co-director and co-producer.

And sometimes, that’s all you need.

Health

Spring reset: Growing more at home with Auk Mini

From kitchen counter experiment to everyday habit

Published

May 21, 2026

Chay Lazaro

Spring and summer rolling around almost always makes me want to reset something in my routine.

A few years ago, it was growing broccoli sprouts in a jar. Getting the Auk Mini over Christmas felt like the natural next step.

From sprouts to something more

Starting with sprouts was easy. After having them at a family gathering, it clicked that I could actually grow something, even in our small apartment. Anyone, including my husband can do it on the kitchen counter, and upkeep takes less than a minute a day. Watching something grow and actually eating it made me realize how nice it is to have fresh greens around all the time.

The Auk Mini builds on that. Instead of just one thing in a jar, now I have herbs growing consistently at home.

Getting started was easy

This was the part I was most unsure about, but it ended up being very straightforward. Setup took a few minutes, the instructions were clear, and nothing felt overly technical. The kit comes with everything you need to start: Auk Mini itself, seeds for planting, coco fiber, and nutrients that you add to the water to support both growth and flavor.

Once it’s up and running, it mostly takes care of itself. The lighting system handles what the plants need throughout the day, and the watering system keeps everything consistent. I have been away on trips, and I still come home to herbs that are healthy and fresh, waiting to be trimmed and added to my food.

It fits real life and small spaces

Fresh herbs growing beside my microwave

Living in a New York apartment, space is limited. While there are community gardens I could participate in, it’s not as convenient as having access to your own, especially when you’re in the middle of a snowstorm or a heatwave.

The Auk Mini sits beside my microwave, on a table that used to be my desk. It doesn’t feel like I added a new project to my life – it just blends in. I have the black and walnut version, which works well with the rest of my space, but it also comes in white, with oak or cork as other finishes, if you want something lighter.

Watching and competing

My husband and I set it up together and turned it into a challenge: who would harvest first?

Our kit came with basil and parsley. He planted basil, which sprouted first. I took on parsley, which grew much slower and wasn’t ready for harvest until a little over six weeks later. The competition was a small thing, but it made the whole process more fun. We started paying attention to growth day by day, and it’s satisfying when you finally get to use what you grew.

One thing we learned pretty quickly is that different plants grow at different speeds, which can make lighting placement a little tricky in a shared setup like the Auk Mini. Since the basil grew faster and taller, we had to angle the light unevenly so it wouldn’t burn the basil while still giving the parsley enough exposure to catch up.

It changed how I use herbs

Basil and parsley used to be something I added as garnish. Now I’m using them all the time because they’re right within arm’s reach.

Learned to be creative and made pasta from scratch, made better with fresh herbs

I’ve been making sauces, marinades, pesto, even building meals and cocktails around them. It’s expanded the flavors we use in home cooking, and forced me to experiment instead of defaulting to our go-to recipes inspired by East Asian cooking. In fact, the biggest hurdle I’ve encountered is not having enough recipes in my repertoire that use herbs.

Even when a dish doesn’t call for it, I’ll cut some and add it anyway. Every time I did, it made the dish better. When something is always available and always fresh, you naturally start using more of it. And if you trim it properly, it just keeps growing back. It doesn’t go bad or get forgotten in the fridge.

You can grow anything you want

One of my favorite things about Auk Mini is that it’s not a proprietary system. They do offer other kits like a chili and tomato set or an Italian cuisine mix, but you can also grow your own choices.

I joined a Facebook group of Auk growers, and it’s been inspiring to see how others are using and expanding their indoor gardens. It makes me excited to try things that are harder to find or expensive in the U.S., especially vegetables and herbs I grew up with, like pechay, moringa, lemongrass, pandan, and kangkong.

A small step toward something bigger

Constant fresh herbs within reach

Growing herbs indoors reminds me of something from years ago. In university, I did an immersion program in a low-income community. We recommended sustainable food systems for the stay-at-home moms we met — including hydroponics systems — both as a source of extra income and fresh food.

That experience stayed with me, but I never acted on it. This feels like a small, techie version of that idea: a hydroponic system that works in real life, in a small space, and is easy to keep up with.

Is the Auk Mini your GadgetMatch?

Starting with sprouts showed me I could easily grow something. The Auk Mini showed me I can keep going and expand it. Now I have fresh greens ready whenever I need them.

It starts at $239, which isn’t the cheapest way to get into hydroponics. If you don’t use herbs on the daily like I do, the cost is even harder to justify. But that’s also why I recommend it even more. It’s convenient, it’s fresh, and at the same time it challenges you to be more creative with food.

Basil and parsley keep growing in the Auk Mini after multiple harvests

Auk Mini’s ease of setup and maintenance, and flexibility make it worth it, especially if you don’t know where to start. It was a great hobby to start the year with, and an even better habit I’ve kept building on five months on. It’s given me confidence I can grow my own food for the rest of my life, one way or another.

Accessories

UGREEN MagFlow Air review: Airy Yet Mighty

Slim and light power bank with a strong suit and core

Published

May 20, 2026

Vincenz

Power banks (or battery packs on the other side of the world) have gone through loops of ups and downs.

While it’s ever-popular for juicing up smartphones and several devices in a pinch, it’s also notorious for making you flinch whenever your airplane’s overhead bin blows some white smoke all of a sudden. Or worse: engulfing flames when left unattended.

But, with the advent of bigger yet slimmer (and safer) batteries this 2026, it’s hard not to wonder and ponder when such tech will arrive in power-packed accessories most of us use.

Very, Very Airy

For a refresher, UGREEN launched the MagFlow series not too long ago. That’s specifically eight months from the time of this writing.

One of its standout features is its LED display. Removing that feat with some running on the treadmill gives you a power bank that managed to shed some weight and trim down its waist.

Thus, the UGREEN MagFlow Air truly stands out on the show floor.

By the numbers, UGREEN’s MagFlow Air takes it to the next level with its 13.9mm slim chassis and 213 grams of feather-lightness.

The regular MagFlow, on the other hand, is heavyweight at 254g and oh-so-juicy-thicc at 21mm.

I even tried putting the new model up against UGREEN’s first-gen MagSafe power bank I personally bought from 2023. My OG power bank was still thick at 19mm and weighed as much as 235 grams.

Visual differences aside, I’ve held it enough to say the size and weight differences were truly felt from every inch within.

But at what cost?

Just like its THICCer brother, the UGREEN MagFlow Air shares the same Qi2 wireless charging standard alongside the inclusion of Apple’s legendary MagSafe feature.

But, to achieve its thinner and lighter form factor, UGREEN clearly needed to make some sacrifices.

MagFlow Air vs MagFlow vs PB206

First and foremost: its wireless charging capabilities.

The first MagFlow power bank boasts as much as 25W wireless charging speeds. That has been downgraded to just 15W wireless in the newer MagFlow Air.

And another: the removal of its special LED display. This hinders possible buyers from checking if it actually fast charges one’s device.

Although some users prefer it, others don’t. It’s something that ends up on the buyer’s priorities at the end of the day.

Which further brings me to my extensive charge tests and how I tried conducting it.

Feel that fill

With the absence of that dedicated display, knowing the power bank’s overall charge status relies on the conventional 4-bar indicator.

While percentage accuracy is clearly impossible, it didn’t hinder me from conducting my GadgetMatch Charge Test.

With my smart watch timer and dedication on keeping tabs with the power bank’s actual battery level, the test was still a success.

UGREEN claims this 10,000mAh power bank can be charged up for around two hours.

I am not sure what type of charger and cable UGREEN used for their test. On my end, I used two of the most extreme combos I have with me.

First, their very-own UGREEN 100W Uno GaN charger paired with ADATA’s magnetic USB-C to USB-C cable that supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge (QC 3.0) speeds.

For another, vivo’s newest 100W FlashCharge adapter — now with a better USB-C port (instead of USB-A).

	*UGREEN 100W Uno + ADATA* *Magnetic USB-C to USB-C cable*	*vivo 100W FlashCharge +* *vivo USB-C to USB-C cable*
*START TIME (from 0%)*	1:57PM	3:15PM
1 bar	approx. 45 minutes	approx. 50 minutes
2 bars	approx. 1 hour 5 minutes	approx. 1 hour 5 minutes
3 bars	approx. 1 hour 20 minutes	approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
4 bars	approx. 1 hour 30 minutes	approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
*END TIME (Full Bar 100%)*	4:18PM approx. 2 hours 20 minutes	6:02PM approx. 2 hours 45 minutes

While UGREEN did not explicitly specify if it’s exactly a two-hour charging time, these results prove that you can fully fill the power bank to the very brim as long as you got the fastest chargers and cables around.

Power up to the top

My extensive charging benchmarking doesn’t end there.

Just like any other power bank in the market, smartphones are also built different. While flagships lead the race in having the best charging speeds possible, modern-day midrangers barely feel “mid” now especially with their behemoth battery tanks.

For the most objective yet inclusive test possible, I’ve decided to use the MagFlow Air and its built-in USB-C cable to charge two phones from my stash: the all-new vivo X300 Ultra and the TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G.

ICYMI, vivo’s X300 Ultra boasts a 6600mAh Si/C battery that supports speedy 100W wired FlashCharge speeds.

However, that’s not just limited to its bundled charger and cable. Thanks to a leveled-up USB-C PPS protocol, I was able to maximize its charging speeds even with just MagFlow Air’s stationary body cable.

On the other hand, the TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G has a gargantuan 8000mAh battery. Albeit, slower charging at 45W with the absence of PPS.

That said, my test shows differences affect overall charging time.

	*vivo X300 Ultra* *6600mAh* *100W FlashCharge Hi-Speed*	*TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G* *8000mAh* *45W Super Charge*
*START TIME (from 0%)*	4:54PM	3:53AM
5 minutes	5%	2%
10 minutes	13%	8%
15 minutes	20%	17%
*30 minutes*	47%	21%
45 minutes	68%	31%
*60 minutes*	96%	40%
75 minutes	–	46%
90 minutes	–	53%
*120 minutes*	–	72%
150 minutes	–	88%
*END TIME (100%)*	4:18PM 1 hour 8 minutes	6:43AM 2 hours 50 minutes
Status Bar Indicator	1 battery bar	1 battery bar

Moreover, this not only proves how fast and sturdy the built-in USB-C cable of the MagFlow Air is. It was also able to live up to its 10,000mAh battery capacity with both tests being able to keep one (1) battery bar alive and kicking.

Of course, using the USB-C port (given you have the right type of cable) can supply your phones and other devices as much as 30W of maximum charging output.

1-bar wonder?

As preluded to earlier, knowing the actual charge of the power bank after using it was never possible at all. Still, that never stopped me from trying to use it even under such a silly circumstance.

	*vivo X300 FE* *6500mAh* *100W FlashCharge Regular*	*vivo X300 Ultra* *6600mAh* *100W FlashCharge Hi-Speed*
*START TIME (from 0%)*	11:55AM	1:45PM
5 minutes	1%	7%
10 minutes	2%	–
15 minutes	4%	–
*30 minutes*	10%	–
45 minutes	20%	–
*FINAL PERCENTAGE*	27%	8%
Power bank dead after	59 minutes	7 minutes

With that 1-bar left. it’s nothing but a guessing game. A battle against your anxious mind if it will actually help charge up your device or not.

This is also another testament that wired charging standards and protocols also matter as much as the charging cables and bricks we are also using for our power banks.

Safety is a HUGE priority

If you worry about bringing this in your upcoming trip, the UGREEN MagFlow Air is definitely allowed when you board your airplanes with its “airline-friendly” or “travel-friendly” mark.

My only cause of concern: Despite the brand originating in Mainland China, they still don’t put that much-needed CCC (triple C) Certification. Personally, this affected my work trips last year going to China.

Not being able to bring any certified power bank made me struggle — especially as someone who uses my phone as the main device when taking snaps and stills while still being connected to the internet via foreign SIM card (and/or eSIM).

Hopefully, UGREEN will secure all needed safety standards and certifications for it to be deemed as a “travel-friendly” power bank.

That said, even without China’s strict regulation against portable power packs, UGREEN’s multiple safety protections still make it a safe product to use whenever you’re out and about.

More so, that ThermalGuard feature that intelligently controls the overall temperature of the power bank when being used. A clear sign that it regulates heat caused by charging even in prolonged usage periods.

And now that we’re already at it, this is a friendly reminder not to use unauthorized third-party chargers and/or cables.

As much as you want your power banks, phones, and other devices to be safe from unsolicited battery blowouts, you should also be able to invest on authentic power adapters and charging cables that won’t harm or degrade the MagFlow Air.

Is the UGREEN MagFlow Air your GadgetMatch?

With a price of US$ 79.99, UGREEN’s MagFlow Air is definitely a power bank (or battery pack) worth considering and purchasing.

Without an ounce of doubt, the UGREEN MagFlow Air is a solid Super Swipe and deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

If you’re not being too nitpicky about the lack of a dedicated status display or the slower 15W wireless charging speeds, the MagFlow Air is still as powerful as its MagFlow brother alongside other power banks in the same league.

While it’s overall slim and light, it still has a strong suit and core that makes it a must-have accessory to bring — especially if you’re the type who lugs, roams, or travels out a whole lot.

Reviews

The Infinix GT 50 Pro has the most inspired design for a gaming phone

Liquid cooling that actually shows the liquid cooling.

Published

May 20, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

I have a love-hate relationship with Infinix. While I appreciate how affordable its phones are, there’s always some little thing that makes me cringe: an uninspired design, a lackluster processor, or a deluge of bloatware, for example. Now, after an age of testing Infinix’s phones, the brand might have finally released a smartphone that ticks all the boxes. Ladies and gentlemen, here’s the Infinix GT 50 Pro.

The most inspired transparent design I’ve seen

Smartphone designs today are soooo boring. I miss the days when brands weren’t scared to try something daring for their devices. By far, the only design philosophy that manages to wow me is the transparent rear popularized by Nothing.

The Infinix GT 50 Pro has something similar. The chassis features a nice matte red finish that also feels pleasant to the touch. It also has a carbon fiber pattern and some futuristic decals that light up.

The highlight, however, is a transparent portion of the rear, enclosed by glass. Although, compared to Nothing, Infinix’s take does not pretend to give you a peek into the inner workings and the chips inside. Rather, it shows the actual pipes used for the phone’s liquid cooling. And yes, it works. While the phone’s under a heavy load, you can see the liquid circulating.

Overall, the Infinix GT 50 Pro doesn’t really break what a normal smartphone looks like these days. However, the addition of the transparent liquid cooling chamber just adds so much. It’s so inspired. Sure, it’s gimmicky, but it’s one that doesn’t force you to engage with it every two seconds.

This is truly a gaming phone

Though the subtle design hides the phone’s nature, the Infinix GT 50 Pro is a true gaming phone. It has the Dimensity 8400 Ultimate, a screen capable of 144fps framerate, and a pressure-sensitive trigger. Rounding this out, you’re also getting 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.

“Capable” is one way to describe the abilities of this phone. But you can just as well use “powerful” or “impressive”. As usual, my favorite test is Zenless Zone Zero. Though the game can be run on lower machinery, it can also push phones to their limits.

That said, the GT 50 Pro doesn’t seem to have any limits. Though the game defaulted to medium settings at first, the phone had no complaints about pushing the settings to its absolute maximum, including framerate. The game performed quite well for hours.

Even better, the phone didn’t really get to an uncomfortably hot level. The liquid cooling really does work. Despite not needing one, the package also has a plug-in fan you can attach with a MagSafe-like case. It’s overkill, but I appreciate the additional love.

The phone also has two pressure-sensitive triggers on the left and right sides. If you’re more attuned to console gaming, the triggers add a feeling of familiarity.

A decent camera package

So far, I’m loving the GT 50 Pro. But you can’t really win them all.

The phone has a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. It’s capable of shooting videos at 4K resolution and 60 fps.

Now, these two cameras are very decent at their jobs. The photos are more on the vibrant side. They’re neither too warm nor too cool. This was in comparison to the default settings of my daily driver, the Nothing Phone (3).

Quality aside, the bigger problem is the lack of zooming capabilities. The cameras can only zoom optically by 2x. Beyond this, there’s a digital zoom going up to 10x, but the quality, buoyed heavily by enhancing software, is barely anything to speak out.

The UI finally gets it right

Throughout all the times I’ve reviewed an Infinix phone, I’ve always had a problem with the brand’s operating system and its overabundance of bloatware. When you first open a new Infinix phone, the chances are high that it’s drowning in unnecessary apps (or suggestions for them).

The Infinix GT 50 Pro is the first time that I feel like I’m holding an actual phone, rather than a repository of ads for apps. The UI is slightly based on Apple’s Liquid Glass. The icons are customized with a futuristic aesthetic. It’s the cleanest I’ve seen in an Infinix device.

To be fair, there’s still a few dedicated folders for suggested games and apps, which includes, disgustingly, casino apps. The difference is that it’s only in two folders, rather than scattered all over the system. And thankfully, this can be turned off with a single switch.

Still, it’s a welcome improvement.

It can last how long?

The Infinix GT 50 Pro has a huge 6500mAh battery. On paper, this doesn’t seem like a huge jump from the norm. But the way it handles all this juice is impressive.

The phone lasted for exactly six hours playing Zenless Zone Zero. As I said previously, the game was on the highest possible setting. Lasting up to six hours on a stress test is an impressive feat.

For regular use, the phone is just as notable. It can last an entire day on less intensive software. If you don’t mind lighter gaming, you can squeeze out a lot more juice on a single charge. For example, I took the phone out for a spin while playing only the mobile version of Balatro, the day ended without me feeling even a slight tinge of battery anxiety.

Meanwhile, battery charging was not as notable, but that’s alright. For me, the norm is already at a pace that I’m more than happy with. Like others, the GT 50 Pro can charge to full in only an hour and 30 minutes. It will also naturally slow the charging down at 80 percent after an hour. In the unlikely event that you’re about to run out of battery while you’re going through your day, even a small break can keep you going for a while.

Is the Infinix GT 50 Pro your GadgetMatch?

It’s rare for a phone now to wow me as the Infinix GT 50 Pro did. The phone’s interesting design is more than just a foot in the door. If you’re tired of today’s uninspiring designs, Infinix’s latest phone will convince you that there are still some designers out there who aren’t afraid to experiment.

On the inside, the GT 50 Pro can match its bark with its bite. It’s gaming without limits. Plus, the durable battery and cool exterior is just the right amount of overkill to keep you satisfied for long gaming sessions.

With all that, the Infinix GT 50 Pro is a good Super Swipe for me. It’s a perfect gaming phone by today’s standards.