Orbital

Latest Episodes:

Is 2023 the year foldables go big? Jan 17, 2023

Show notes

Samsung has had the foldables smartphone segment to itself for a couple of years. Can 2023 change that?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about just that.

We discuss all the expected announcements in 2023, from the rumoured Pixel Fold to Samsung’s next generation of the Z Fold and Z Flip.

Along the way, we touch upon their pros and cons, and wonder what’s keeping the likes of Oppo and Vivo from entering the Indian foldables market.

But that’s not all for this episode — there’s one more thing.

An announcement from Orbital: Arora, who has hosted the flagship Gadgets 360 podcast for the last two years, is stepping away.

Pranav Hegde and Siddharth Suvarna — both of whom have guest hosted Orbital in the past — will be taking over. David Delima continues as Orbital producer.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Growing popularity (05:26)
Are they useful? (10:56)
Cameras (16:32)
Upcoming foldables (18:29)
A folding Pixel? (24:23)
CES and the future (26:03)
Farewell, Akhil! (30:59)
Outro (35:09)

Photo credits: Samsung, Vivo, Oppo.

Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G Review Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ was launched in India on Thursday. The phone is the successor to the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G that was launched in India last year.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital guest host Siddharth Suvarna to discuss Redmi's latest midrange smartphone.

The company's popular Redmi Note series has breached the Rs. 25,000 price point for the first time in India. Does it offer the same value for money as its predecessor?

We discuss the phone's design, its camera performance, battery life, and whether it's a good choice for gamers.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Camera performance (03:16)
Design (14:54)
Gaming performance (17:36)
Battery life (22:25)
Worth upgrading? (27:03)
Outro (34:09)

Photo credits: Gadgets 360/ Pranav Hegde.

Best Games of 2022 Dec 30, 2022

Show notes

From Elden Ring to BGMI’s ban, 2022 has thrown a lot at us in the realm of video games.

Industry insider and Orbital veteran Rishi Alwani and Screen Rant game guides editor Akshay Bhalla join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about the year of 2022 in gaming.

Read: Gadgets 360’s favourite games from 2022

We discuss the biggest news developments of the year, our favourite games from 2022, and what we want (and don’t want) in 2023.

Along the way, we touch upon the continued inventory struggles of the PS5, and how we feel about Web3 and blockchain “gaming” efforts.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Questions on Starfield (00:56)
The GTA VI leak (02:10)
BGMI goes poof (04:17)
Microsoft’s $69 billion troubles (05:49)
Our favourite games (17:25)
Looking to 2023 (21:46)
Where is true next-gen? (28:46)
Outro (35:10)

Cover composite: Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Rockstar Games, Insomniac Games, Activision Blizzard, Aneesh Arora, SuperGaming, Krafton, Bethesda, Capcom.

Realme 10 Pro+ review: money, money, money Dec 21, 2022

Show notes

Thanks to inflation and market factors, Realme’s new phone has lost its mid-range crown.

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari and reviewer Pranav Hegde join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about the Realme 10 Pro+.

We discuss how the 10 Pro+ is a couple of steps down on the 9 Pro+, launched in February this year, with a missing 3.5mm jack and optical image stabilisation (OIS). That said, you do get a new curved AMOLED display.

We also delve into Realme’s software struggles, with the 10 Pro+ float of bloatware and advertisements that were putting suggestive content front and centre, until it was brought to Realme’s notice.

But why is all this — from the incessant ads to features being removed — happening? Tune into the new Orbital episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Changing track (00:35)
But why?! (06:18)
What else is gone? (11:10)
The display (15:39)
Coming up (21:23)
Oh, Realme (24:33)
Outro (38:01)

Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360, Xiaomi

What is 5G like in India right now? Dec 16, 2022

Show notes

5G is now available both on Android and iPhone in India. But is it any good?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala, video producer Aditya Nath Jha, and senior sub-editor Siddhant Chandra join Orbital host Akhil Arora to tell us more.

Jha and Chandra talk about when and how they got access, and what their experience has been like so far.

Pardiwala details the differences in Jio and Airtel’s 5G approaches, and how it impacts what they are doing today — and tomorrow.

And towards the end, we attempt to answer a big question for many: should you switch from a 4G to 5G phone?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The setup (00:24)
The performance (09:34)
Should I bother? (23:48)
Outro (25:57)

Cover: Z z. Photo credits: Shiwa ID, Frederik Lipfert

Realme Pad X review Dec 09, 2022

Show notes

Apple is increasingly moving upward in iPad pricing, leaving room for competitors behind it.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and reviewer Pranav Hegde join Orbital guest host Siddharth Suvarna to talk about the Realme Pad X.

With the new 2022 iPad starting at Rs. 44,900, Android tablet makers have the budget segment all to themselves. (Unless you’re counting older models.)

Starting at Rs. 20,000, the Pad X offers a 10.95-inch display akin to the new iPad, though they aren’t of the same quality naturally.

That is also true of its cameras and performance, but when you’re paying less than half, this is what you ought to expect.

Tune into the episode to hear us delve into all those aspects — and what alternatives you should consider.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing (01:24)
Accessories (05:56)
Performance (12:28)
Display (16:37)
Cameras (24:32)
The competition (28:05)
Outro (33:44)

Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360

The Best Phones of 2022 Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

We’re into the final month of 2022, and naturally, it’s time to put the year in a nutshell.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about the best phones of 2022.

We discuss how continued supply chain troubles, China’s policy struggles with COVID-19 lockdowns, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine played havoc with smartphone parts prices.

Still, there were a fair few great phones this year.

Samsung continues to do great work with foldables (it’s the only one), while Google returned to India’s flagship segment in form. We also take note of specialist phones and ones that stand out in their segment.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pixel 7 (04:28)
iPhone 14 Pro (10:38)
iPhone 14 Plus (15:24)
Xiaomi 12 Pro (18:53)
OnePlus 10 Pro (21:43)
Galaxy Z Flip 4 (26:16)
ROG Phone 6 (30:07)
Nothing Phone 1 (34:10)
OnePlus 10R (37:42)
Galaxy S22 Ultra (43:32)
Vivo X80 Pro (49:23)
Outro (54:11)

Cover: Samsung. Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360, Apple, Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360, Samsung, OnePlus.

Asus ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro review Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

Nearly half a year after they were announced, Asus’ latest gaming phones are now in India.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital guest host Pranav Hegde to talk about the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro.

We talk about the improvements on the hardware front, the range of gaming peripherals they support, and how the five-month delay in being put up for sale poses an issue for Asus in India.

More importantly, there’s a big price jump. While the ROG Phone 5 and 5 Pro cost Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 70,000 respectively, their 6 and 6 Pro counterparts are now at Rs. 72,000 and Rs. 90,000. That’s asking a lot.

Should you consider the old over the new? Are the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro good enough on their own? Tune into our episode to find those answers.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing (03:54)
Performance (09:47)
Peripherals and accessories (12:10)
Overall experience (23:34)
The cameras (34:34)
Too late? (43:14)
Outro (47:05)

Cover: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360, Cerejo/Gadgets 360

The best earphones and headphones for every budget Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

Buying a pair of earphones or headphones can be very confusing, if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. There are a wide range of brands across various price segments, each offering several features.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala and Trakin Tech executive producer Ershad Kaleebullah join Orbital guest host Pranav Hegde to talk about the best wireless earphones available in India today.

Should you buy a pair of affordable TWS earbuds? Or is it better to save up for a while and buy a better pair of earbuds?

Not completely convinced that you need a pair of wireless earphones? Should you consider a pair of wired earbuds instead? Listen to this week's episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The price factor (01:12)
Are neckband earphones passé? (08:26)
Affordable TWS earphones (10:21)
TWS earphones near Rs. 10,000 (14:11)
High-end earphones (30:03)
Our top wired and wireless picks (41:57)
Outro (48:38)

Cover: Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360.

iPad (2022) Review Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

Apple recently launched the tenth generation of its entry level iPad. However, unlike recent models that have been relatively affordable, the iPad (2022) is priced much higher than last year's model.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about Apple's latest tablet, what it has to offer, and whether it's worth upgrading from an older model.

This year, Apple has brought a few upgrades, such as the addition of a USB Type-C port in place of its proprietary Lightning port and an improved front-facing camera located on the side bezel instead of at the top. However, using a first-generation Apple Pencil with the latest iPad could be a tricky affair.

Should you buy the latest iPad (2022) model or pick the one-year-old 9th generation model instead? What are the biggest upgrades with this year's model? Listen to this week's episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Specifications and upgrades (02:42)
Performance (12:15)
Accessories (17:37)
Pricing (22:57)
The competition (29:21)
Outro (41:37)

Cover: Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360.

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