Celebrating Excellence in Performance and Value

The Digit Zero1 Awards honour products that have demonstrated unparalleled performance in their respective categories. Our mission is to acknowledge and commend brands that prioritise innovation and invest heavily in research and development to push the boundaries of what’s possible. If you’re seeking the absolute best-performing products in the market, look no further than the upcoming Zero1 Award winners.

Complementing the Zero1 Awards, the Best Buy Awards 2024 spotlight products that offer exceptional value for money. These awards recognize items that not only perform admirably but also provide consumers with the best bang for their buck, ensuring top-tier technology is accessible to a wider audience.

Product categories of Zero1 Awards 2024

Check out the 40 categories of products we are considering for Zero1 Awards 2024:

Mobiles

Premium / Flagship (Over 50k)
Highend (35k – 50k)
Mid-range smartphone (20k -35k)
Budget smartphone (under 20k)
Camera phone under 30k
Camera phone (No budget)
Best Battery Phone (No Budget)
Best display phone (No budget)
Gaming smartphone (no budget)
Foldable Phone (Flip & Fold)
AI Smartphone

Laptops

Gaming Laptop (price no bar 250K+)
Gaming Laptop (151K – 250K)
Gaming Laptop (81K – 150K)
Gaming Laptop (Under 60K – 80K)
Mainstream Laptop (50-70K)
Mainstream Laptop (40-50K)
Creator Laptop
Premium thin and light Laptop

TVs

BEST OLED TVs
BEST Mini LED TVs

Audio

Bluetooth Speakers
Wireless Headphones
Premium Truly Wireless Earphones
Mid-Range Truly Wireless Earphones
Budget Truly Wireless Earphones
Gaming Headsets

CPUs

Desktop Processor

Storage

NVMe SSD
External SSD

Graphics

Graphics Card

Networking

Wi-Fi 6 Router (Under ₹10k)

Keyboard

Mechanical keyboard

Mice

Gaming mice

Wearable

Smartwatch (Price no bar)
Smartwatch (Budget below 15K and above 5K)
Smartwatch (Budget below 5K)

Tablets

Tablets

Monitors

Gaming monitors

Our Rigorous Testing Process

At Digit, we don’t just review products—we rigorously test them. Each product category undergoes a comprehensive and meticulous evaluation designed to assess performance without bias. Our testing process focuses solely on the product’s ability to deliver on its promises, excluding considerations for price, design, or additional features during the Zero1 Awards assessment. This approach ensures that the awards are a pure reflection of performance excellence.

Why the Zero1 Awards Matter

The Digit Zero1 Awards are unique in their singular focus on performance. Unlike other accolades that might factor in aesthetics or cost, we concentrate exclusively on how well a product fulfils its intended function. This makes the Zero1 Awards a definitive benchmark for consumers and industry professionals alike.

For instance, if you’re wondering which gaming laptop truly stands out in terms of performance in India, the Zero1 Award winner in that category is your go-to reference. It’s about identifying products that set new standards, prompting other brands to innovate and surpass these benchmarks in the coming year.

Eligibility and How to Participate

We invite brands to submit their products for consideration in the Digit Zero1 Awards 2024 and Best Buy Awards 2024. To ensure fairness and thorough evaluation, only products that have been launched and are available in the Indian market between November 15, 2023, and November 14, 2024, are eligible.

Due to the extensive testing required, we encourage early submissions to guarantee that your product receives the attention it deserves.

Digit Best Buy Awards 2024

Along with the Zero1 Award for best-performing products of 2024, we will also crown the Best Buy Award in each of the 40 categories of products in contention for this year. Unlike the Zero1 Award, which is price agnostic and only focuses on the performance of a product in each category, the Best Buy Award will only be awarded to products with the best value for money score in our category-wise product comparison sheet.

Digit Popular Choice Awards 2024

At Digit, we value not just expert opinions but also the voices of our vibrant community of readers and viewers. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the Popular Choice Awards 2024—your platform to vote for what you believe is the best gadget of the year. This is your chance to spotlight the devices that have truly made a difference in your life.

The Popular Choice Awards empower you to recognise products that have impressed you with their innovation, performance, and value. Whether it’s a smartphone that redefined your connectivity, a laptop that boosted your productivity, or a smart gadget that added convenience to your daily routine—we want to hear from you.

Participating is easy. We’ll provide a curated list of the top gadgets across various categories, and all you need to do is cast your vote for your favorites. Your votes will determine which products stand out as the most beloved by the Digit community.

Join Us in Celebrating the Best of 2024

The Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards are more than just accolades—they’re a celebration of technological advancement and consumer value. By participating, brands not only gain recognition but also contribute to setting higher industry standards for the future.

Stay tuned as we unveil the winners who have outperformed and outvalued the competition in 2024. Whether you’re a consumer eager to find the best products or a brand striving for excellence, the Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards are your definitive guide to the year’s top technology.

NVIDIA App: 50 per cent more responsive

One of the most noticeable improvements since the beta phase is the speed and fluidity of the app. Initially, the beta version felt sluggish, particularly when accessing the more advanced features like real-time performance monitoring and GPU tuning. These features, though conceptually strong, often came with slight stutters and load times that could deter anyone in the middle of a gaming session or while multitasking during content creation. The official release, however, addresses these concerns with a modernised interface that promises 50% more responsiveness than GeForce Experience.

During the beta, updates were frequent, and while they often fixed one issue, they sometimes introduced others. The current iteration feels more polished, with features easily navigable through well-organised sub-sections. The new Home tab, for instance, presents a tidy view of recent game activity, optimised settings, and direct access to NVIDIA’s other tools like GeForce NOW and NVIDIA Broadcast.

Unified In-Game Overlay

Perhaps one of the most standout features is the redesigned in-game overlay. The beta version’s overlay, while functional, had its quirks. Some users found that invoking it during gameplay occasionally caused minor frame drops, particularly on demanding titles. With the official release, the overlay runs smoothly even at 4K 120 FPS, powered by the new AV1 video capture capabilities. This improvement is especially significant for those using GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, where the AV1 codec not only enhances video quality but does so without the heavy disk space requirements that plagued earlier versions.

Moreover, the AI-powered filters introduced in the beta have been further refined. The RTX Dynamic Vibrance filter is a noteworthy addition, allowing gamers to tweak the visual appeal of their games with ease, avoiding the sometimes harsh oversaturation of the older Digital Vibrance setting.

Performance Tuning

A point of contention during the beta period was the performance tuning tool. While promising automatic overclocking with safety checks built-in, the tool’s early versions would occasionally yield inconsistent results. It was not uncommon for users to report crashes or see only marginal performance gains that didn’t justify the risk. In the current version, the tuning process is much smoother and more reliable. With just a few clicks, users can optimise their GPUs and set specific parameters, such as temperature thresholds and fan speed limits, allowing for customisation that caters to both hardcore gamers and professional creators.

The overlay now includes a customisable statistics panel that displays real-time performance metrics, making it easier to track your system’s behaviour during intense gaming sessions or demanding creative projects. While this feature existed in the beta, it was often cluttered and difficult to position correctly. The official release addresses these issues by providing more layout options and the ability to tailor the display according to user preference.

Expanding Creative Horizons

NVIDIA’s focus on catering to creators is evident in the seamless integration of apps like NVIDIA Broadcast and NVIDIA Canvas. The beta version had limited interoperability between these applications, leading to minor frustrations when switching between tools. The final release removes these barriers, allowing creators to move effortlessly from one task to another, whether it’s enhancing a video call with AI-driven noise reduction or transforming a rough sketch into a lifelike landscape.

Additionally, the app now offers HDR filters that inject a new level of vibrancy into games that don’t natively support HDR. For those with HDR-compatible displays, this feature is a game-changer, elevating even older titles to modern visual standards.

Driver Management Simplified

One of the more understated but essential updates is the revamped driver management system. Gone are the days of scouring forums to check which driver version worked best for a specific game. The app’s Drivers tab now highlights what’s new and what’s been fixed in a straightforward format. This section also allows for easy rollback to previous drivers—a crucial feature that was clunky and often buried in the beta version.

More good stuff on the way

The official release of the NVIDIA app marks a significant improvement over its beta version. The app has matured into a capable and reliable platform that centralises crucial tools for gamers and creators alike. With NVIDIA promising continued updates, including further integration of Control Panel settings and potential new AI enhancements, the app seems poised to become an indispensable part of any NVIDIA user’s arsenal.

While it isn’t without its growing pains, the new NVIDIA app represents a meaningful step towards simplifying and enhancing the user experience. For those who were hesitant to migrate from GeForce Experience or NVIDIA RTX Experience, now is the time to reconsider. The unified approach may not yet be perfect, but it has undeniably moved in the right direction since its beta days.

At the heart of this corporate schism lies a series of alleged breaches of the licensing agreement by Qualcomm. ARM contends that Qualcomm’s shift toward offering more complete chip designs encroaches upon Arm’s own business model, which traditionally revolves around licensing IP rather than directly competing with its own consumers. This feud reached a boiling point when Qualcomm began utilising its architectural licence to develop the Oryon cores, a move that Arm perceived as a direct threat to its core business.  

The fact is that Qualcomm’s acquisition of Nuvia is what allowed Qualcomm to advance its custom design which now lies at the heart of the new Oryon cores. And Nuvia had its own set of licences from ARM. Moreover, this isn’t the first lawsuit against Qualcomm by ARM. There was another in 2022 when Arm suspected that Qualcomm was building its own custom designs. The key concern here being that by letting Qualcomm design custom cores using ARM’s instruction sets, ARM fears losing grip over the standardisation and uniformity that have been pivotal to its success in the mobile and embedded markets. The cancellation serves as both a punitive and protective measure, aiming to safeguard ARM’s interests while sending a message to other licensees contemplating similar paths.  

So who stands to lose and who stands to gain? When you look at the SoC space for smartphones, MediaTek occupies a 40 per cent market share by units shipped followed by Qualcomm who has a 25 per cent market share. So it goes without saying that MediaTek could benefit a lot with ARM favouring it more than Qualcomm with regards to newer Core designs and instruction sets. That being said, there won’t be any short term upheaval because technology companies work on products years in advance. So there are already several generations of mobile SoCs for smartphones and laptops already planned. Intel and AMD could breathe a sigh of relief given that they’ve certainly been feeling the heat. 

ARM needs to get Qualcomm to the table because if they don’t then the hundreds of other companies which rely on ARM designs could soon harbour similar dreams of building their own cores. Also, if this issue isn’t resolved properly, then these very companies might start exploring other architectures such as RISC-V as a safer and more flexible alternative.  

Also Read: The ARM processors’ enterprise boom

As long as the supply-chain for the existing chips aren’t affected Qualcomm’s customers need not worry. There are numerous smartphone manufacturers and automobile manufacturers relying on a healthy supply of Qualcomm’s SoCs to ensure that their production lines stay on track.  

Arm’s decision reflects a desire to maintain control over its technology and preserve its licensing business model. However, by taking such a hardline stance, Arm risks alienating key partners. The semiconductor industry thrives on collaboration and mutual dependencies. If companies perceive Arm as a litigious or restrictive partner, they may seek alternatives, undermining Arm’s market position in the long run. The December trial will be a critical juncture. If the court sides with Arm, Qualcomm will need to scramble to find alternative solutions, possibly delaying product launches and ceding market share. If Qualcomm prevails, it might embolden other licensees to push the boundaries of their agreements, further challenging Arm’s control.  

In the short term, consumers might not notice significant changes. Devices powered by Qualcomm’s current chips will continue to function, and new product launches may proceed as planned. However, prolonged legal battles and market uncertainty could eventually lead to reduced innovation, higher costs, or delays in the availability of cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, a shift away from Arm architectures could fragment the software ecosystem. Developers might need to optimise applications for multiple architectures, increasing complexity and resource requirements. On the flip side, this could also drive the adoption of cross-platform solutions and more efficient coding practices. 

In an industry where innovation and collaboration are intertwined, the Arm-Qualcomm feud serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of intellectual property, competitive strategy, and the ever-evolving quest for technological supremacy. The ultimate impact remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the semiconductor landscape is on the cusp of significant change. 

The event was centred around NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX AI PCs, machines that harness the power of Tensor Cores—dedicated AI accelerators present in all GeForce RTX GPUs. These PCs are designed to meet the growing demand for advanced AI capabilities across various domains. With over 100 million GeForce RTX and NVIDIA RTX GPUs already in users’ hands worldwide, NVIDIA claims that they are pushing the envelope to deliver AI acceleration in more than 600 games and applications.

ChatRTX

One of the standout demonstrations was that of ChatRTX. This demo app allows users to personalise a GPT large language model (LLM) by connecting it to their own content—be it documents, notes, images, or other data. Leveraging retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), TensorRT-LLM, and RTX acceleration, ChatRTX enables you to query a custom chatbot and receive contextually relevant answers in real-time. We had the opportunity to mess around with ChatRTX firsthand. ChatRTX could easily pull out individual references from some of the technical documents that were present on the machine and even explain some of the concepts within those documents without having to connect to the internet. ChatRTX relies on the prowess of the selected AI model so if an LLM is selected, it can easily comb through text but images will be a problem. But, you can always switch to an image model such as CLIP and then ChatRTX can sift through all your images and locate certain photos based on your prompts. The responses were not swift but they were fast enough, much faster than combing through hundreds of PDFs of images. The fact that this all runs locally on a Windows RTX PC or workstation adds a layer of security and speed that’s hard to overlook.

NVIDIA Audio2Face

Another highlight was Audio2Face, a set of AI-based technologies that generate facial animation and lip-sync purely from an audio source. The demo showcased how simple brushstrokes or audio inputs could be transformed into realistic facial animations, complete with nuanced expressions and lip movements that synced perfectly with the speech. The potential applications for this technology are vast. For game developers and animators, Audio2Face could significantly reduce the time and resources needed to animate characters. For content creators, it opens up new avenues for dynamic storytelling and engagement. We saw a preset model narrate stories, rap and even lament its fate. You get an array of sliders to tweak emotions such as Joy, Anger, Cheekiness, etc. and since the model detects emotions from the text, you can also ramp up the Emotion Detection Range if you feel that the virtual actor isn’t putting its best foot forward.

Gaming Reimagined

There can’t be an NVIDIA event without an RTX demo and we saw NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 in action with Ray Reconstruction within Star Wars Outlaws built using Massive Entertainment’s Snowdrop Engine. The game features stunning ray-traced visuals and includes NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 with Ray Reconstruction, ensuring that the graphics are not only realistic but also rendered at high frame rates.

Another fascinating demo was from Perfect World Games’ “Legends.” This NVIDIA ACE and digital human technology demo introduced Yun Ni, a character that can see gamers and identify people and objects in the real world using the computer’s camera powered by ChatGPT-4. What really stood out was that the character could perform world building on the spot and generate in-game lore around the world and the many characters that it had to interact with during the course of the game.

For content creators, the demonstration of ComfyUI was an interesting one. As one of the most popular Stable Diffusion applications, ComfyUI is renowned among advanced users for its flexibility in various workflows. The demo showcased the ability to take a selfie and transform it into multiple superhero representations within seconds, thanks to RTX acceleration for Stable Diffusion. This kind of speed and flexibility can significantly enhance workflows in creative industries, allowing artists and designers to iterate quickly and bring their visions to life with unprecedented efficiency.

In conversations with NVIDIA representatives, it was clear that the company sees immense potential in the Indian market. The focus is on democratising access to advanced AI technologies, ensuring that students, professionals, and enthusiasts alike can harness these tools to innovate and excel.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX AI PC Tour in Bangalore was more than just a showcase of cutting-edge technology; it was a glimpse into the future of computing. The seamless integration of AI into various aspects of PC usage—from gaming and content creation to professional applications—signals a shift towards more intelligent, responsive, and personalised computing experiences.

“The new Intel Core Ultra 200S series processors deliver on our goals to significantly cut power usage while retaining outstanding gaming performance and delivering leadership compute. The result is a cooler and quieter user experience elevated by new AI gaming and creation capabilities enabled by the NPU, and leadership media performance that leverages our growing graphics portfolio,” said Robert Hallock, Vice President and General Manager of AI and Technical Marketing, Client Computing Group

Intel Core Ultra 200S SKU List and Specs

The first wave of the new Intel Core Ultra 200S processors will feature five SKUs starting with the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF going all the way up to the flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.

Here’s the full list of SKUs:

Energy efficiency is reportedly a standout feature of this series. Users can expect up to a 58% reduction in package power during everyday applications and up to 165 W lower system power while gaming. Despite these power savings, the processors still claim to deliver up to 6 per cent faster single-threaded performance and up to 14 per cent faster multi-threaded performance compared to their predecessors. Intel’s previous processors would run the AI workloads on the integrated GPU and the CPU. The NPU’s introduction allows for offloading AI functions, which frees up other components of the processor package to do what they’re best designed for.

Complementing the processors is the new Intel 800 Series chipset, which extends platform compatibility with up to 24 PCIe 4.0 lanes, eight SATA 3.0 ports, and ten USB 3.2 ports. This ensures enthusiasts have access to the latest connectivity, storage, and other technologies. Additionally, the series brings overhauled overclocking functionality with fine-grain controls and a new memory controller supporting up to 192 GB of fast DDR5 memory. Connectivity gets a substantial boost with 20 CPU PCIe 5.0 lanes, support for integrated Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. The inclusion of Intel Killer Wi-Fi enhances wireless performance, enabling seamless, immersive online gameplay through intelligent bandwidth management and application prioritisation. Several top Z890 motherboards even feature Wi-Fi 7 capabilities with full 320 MHz bandwidth. 

The new Intel Core Ultra 200S processors will hit the shelves on October 24, 2024 along with the motherboards featuring the new 800-series chipsets.

Which begs the question – What prompted these large cloud providers to design their own processors, and what does this mean for the big guys who’ve been raking it in all along until now? At the core of this shift lies the desire for greater control over performance and power consumption. In the cloud computing world, efficiency matters more than ever. Data centres, which host tens of thousands of servers, are heavily focused on power consumption. You’ve got data centres building massive solar farms and even powering up nuclear reactors for their power needs. The cost of running their facilities scales directly with the amount of power they consume, and this has significant financial and environmental implications. Hyperscalers are under constant pressure to reduce their energy footprints while simultaneously delivering more computational power.

ARM-based processors, with their simpler and more efficient architecture, offer significant advantages over traditional x86 processors in this area. ARM chips are known for their power efficiency, a crucial factor for hyperscalers who are managing thousands of even millions of servers. AWS, Google and Microsoft, with their massive cloud infrastructures, are looking to squeeze every possible watt of efficiency out of their hardware. This is where custom processors come into play.

By designing their own chips, these companies can optimise them for the specific workloads that they need to run. Instead of relying on general-purpose x86 processors, which are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks, AWS, Google and Microsoft can tailor their chips to excel in the kinds of workloads that they handle the most. And it’s not just CPUs that these big players are making, they’ve even started building custom AI chips. Though nowhere close to what NVIDIA’s chips are capable of, their attempts will eventually lead them to building competitive products.

The x86 folks have found themselves somewhat caught off guard by the rapid rise of these custom ARM-based chips. And the rise of these custom processors threatens the dominance of Intel and AMD. Part of the challenge for the x86 processors lies in their legacy. The x86 architecture was designed in a different era, and while it has been continually updated, it still carries a great deal of complexity, particularly in the instructure set. Legacy features, such as support for 16-bit and 32-bit instructions, contribute to a larger, more power-hungry design than what can be achieved with ARM designs.

Enter x86s – an initiative to come up with a slimmed-down x86 instruction set. By doing this, Intel hopes to make its processors more competitive in terms of power efficiency, and perhaps even close the gap with ARM-based designs. But will it be enough?

ARM’s inherent advantages are difficult to ignore. ARM processors are designed to be both power-efficient and highly customisable. This allows companies such as AWS, Google and Microsoft to optimise their chips for specific tasks in ways that traditional x86 processors simply cannot. By focusing on specific workloads, these hyperscalers are able to build chips that are equally fast, if not faster, and more efficient than what’s available in the open market.

All of this sounds a little too good to be true, right? Well, there are downsides. One of the immediate concerns is fragmentation. As each cloud provider builds its own custom chips, they introduce a level of divergence in the market. Software that runs great of Graviton might not run just as fast on an Axion or a Cobalt, and vice-versa. Developers will have to come up with optimised middleware for each cloud provider’s unique hardware. Thankfully, the abstraction between hardware and software would mean that this level of customisation wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for anyone. But it will be a problem. A short-lived one since everyone wants a unified standard and historically, all attempts to fragment standards have eventually led them to being converged somewhere down the line.

The rise of these custom ARM-based processors from hyperscalers marks the beginning of a new era in the enterprise market. While x86 processors will remain a key player in the foreseeable future, their position is no longer as secure as it once was. For the big guys to stay relevant, they’ll have to be open to coming up with custom ARM-based designs themselves since coming up with a new instruction set is out of the question, especially considering that building a new ISA is a multi-decade endeavour. Which way do you think the pendulum will swing?

Key things to consider when choosing PC components

Compatibility 

Ensuring compatibility between components is essential for a smooth build. This involves making sure your CPU fits the motherboard socket, that your RAM type and speed match the motherboard requirements, and ensuring your power supply is sufficient for all your components. Websites like PCPartPicker can be invaluable in checking compatibility, helping you avoid costly mistakes. 

Also, ensure that your case can fit all your components—especially the GPU and cooling solutions, which can be bulky. For example, if you’re opting for a high-end GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 4080, you’ll need a larger case with good airflow. 

Value for Money (VFM) 

Maximizing value is essential when building a PC, particularly if you’re on a budget. Aim to allocate your budget wisely—spending more on parts like the CPU and GPU, which will impact your performance the most. Storage and RAM are areas where you can find excellent performance without overspending. Look for components that balance cost and performance, rather than the latest and greatest tech with features you might not use. 

In the entry-level build, consider AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processors with integrated graphics to avoid spending extra on a dedicated GPU. The mid-range build should include dedicated GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 4060, offering great performance without breaking the bank. The high-end build allows for top-tier components like the RTX 4080 and AMD Ryzen 9, but you should still check if high-tier features (such as SLI support or multiple PCIe lanes) are actually necessary for your use case. 

Smart Buying Tips and Tricks 

1. Purpose: Define your use case—gaming, content creation, or general office work. Each has different hardware needs. 
2. Future-Proofing: Consider buying components that leave room for future upgrades. However, this should not be your primary guide, as technology evolves quickly. 
3. Second-Hand Components: You can save significantly by purchasing second-hand items like monitors or cooling fans. Always verify their condition. 
4. Reviews and Research: Always read reviews and performance benchmarks before purchasing. They provide real-world insight into component reliability and performance. 
5. Warranty: Ensure you get components with solid warranty and after-sales support. Reading forum experiences for specific brands in your country can be helpful. 

What to consider when buying a CPU (Central Processing Unit)? 

The CPU is the heart of your PC, determining how fast tasks can be processed. 

• Entry-Level: A good starting point is the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G or Intel Core i5-12400, both of which offer good performance for general tasks and light gaming. The AMD models include integrated graphics, reducing costs by eliminating the need for a GPU. Budget around ₹10,000-₹12,000 for these processors. 
• Mid-Range: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core i5-12600K are solid options here. These CPUs provide enough power for gaming and content creation, without being overly expensive. 
• High-End: For gaming enthusiasts or professionals, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Intel Core i9-13900K are excellent choices. However, high-end CPUs can face diminishing returns for purely gaming-focused builds. 

What to consider when buying a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?

Your GPU plays the biggest role in gaming and content creation. 

• Entry-Level: Integrated graphics like those on the Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 should suffice for light gaming and general use. 
• Mid-Range: A discrete GPU such as the NVIDIA RTX 3050 or AMD RX 6600 is perfect for gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. These GPUs support modern features like ray tracing, which enhance gaming visuals. Budget between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000. 
• High-End: The NVIDIA RTX 4080 and AMD RX 7900 XT are ideal for 4K gaming or resource-heavy tasks like 3D rendering and video editing. Expect to spend ₹80,000 or more on these high-tier GPUs. 

When choosing a GPU, ensure your power supply can handle the increased power demand. Use tools like OuterVision to estimate the PSU requirements. 

What to consider when buying storage for your PC?

Fast storage is essential for reducing load times and improving the responsiveness of your system. 

• Entry-Level: Opt for a 256 GB or 512 GB NVMe SSD. These offer significantly faster boot and load times compared to traditional SATA SSDs or HDDs, especially as your system ages. 
• Mid-Range: A 1 TB NVMe SSD paired with a larger HDD (2 TB or more) provides the best balance between speed and storage capacity. This setup allows you to store large files (e.g., videos or games) on the HDD while keeping frequently used applications on the SSD. 
• High-End: High-end builds should include multiple NVMe SSDs (1 TB or more) to separate the operating system, applications, and games for optimal performance. HDDs may still be useful for backup or mass storage but can be skipped for a purely speed-oriented setup. 

What to consider when buying RAM? 

Memory is another key component for ensuring smooth performance, especially when multitasking. 

• Entry-Level: At least 16 GB of DDR4 RAM at 3200-3600 MHz is recommended. While 8 GB might seem cost-effective, it will limit your ability to run multiple applications or games simultaneously. 
• Mid-Range: Stick with 16 GB but opt for higher clock speeds (3600 MHz and above). DDR5 is an option if your budget allows and you are buying compatible components. 
• High-End: For high-end builds, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM at speeds of 4800 MHz or higher will ensure no bottlenecks when running memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or gaming at high resolutions. 

What to consider when buying a motherboard?

Your motherboard connects all your components, so its features should match your needs. 

• Entry-Level: Budget-friendly motherboards like the AMD A520 or Intel H610 offer all the basics—enough USB ports, expansion slots, and onboard audio. Wi-Fi or extra M.2 slots can add to cost but aren’t essential at this level. 
• Mid-Range: Look for boards with more PCIe lanes and M.2 slots for future upgrades. Chipsets like the AMD B550 or Intel Z690 are ideal, with more robust VRMs for stable overclocking. 
• High-End: Enthusiasts should opt for motherboards with the latest features, such as PCIe 5.0 and Thunderbolt support. Top-tier chipsets like the AMD X670E or Intel Z790 will give you ample room for expansion and fine-tuning performance. 

What to consider when buying PSU (Power Supply Unit)? 

The PSU powers your entire system, so choosing a reliable one is essential. 

• Entry-Level: A 450-550 W PSU with 80 Plus Bronze certification should be sufficient for most entry-level builds. Reliable brands include Corsair, EVGA, and Seasonic. 
• Mid-Range: A 600-750 W PSU with 80 Plus Gold certification is recommended for mid-range builds. This allows for future upgrades and ensures better energy efficiency. 
• High-End: High-end builds should use PSUs of 750 W or more with at least 80 Plus Gold certification to handle powerful GPUs and CPUs. Brands like Corsair, Seasonic, and Cooler Master offer high-efficiency PSUs with great warranties. 

What to consider when buying the chassis? 

The PC case protects your components and helps with airflow and cable management. 

• Entry-Level: A basic ATX or micro-ATX case with decent airflow should suffice. Look for cases that include front or top fans, but avoid spending too much here. 
• Mid-Range: Mid-tower cases with tempered glass panels and better airflow control can enhance both the performance and aesthetics of your build. Look for cases with dust filters and good cable management options. 
• High-End: High-end cases, such as those from Cooler Master or Fractal Design, provide excellent airflow, cable management, and space for advanced cooling solutions like AIO liquid coolers. High-quality materials, tempered glass, and RGB lighting are standard at this level. 

The build 

Building a DIY desktop PC is a rewarding process that not only provides you with a powerful custom machine but also gives you a deeper understanding of how computers function. Once you’ve chosen the right components, the assembly process can be straightforward with the right tools and preparation. 

Preparing the Workspace 

Before you begin, it’s essential to set up a clean, well-lit workspace free from static electricity. An anti-static wristband and mat can help prevent damaging sensitive components. Make sure all your tools, like screwdrivers, are easily accessible, and keep all screws and small parts in an organized manner. So, here’s a quick run-down of the process of putting it all together – 

Step-by-Step Assembly 

Start by installing the CPU on the motherboard, as it’s easier to do this before placing the motherboard in the case. Gently place the CPU into the socket, aligning the notches to ensure a correct fit, and secure it with the retention arm. Next, install the RAM in its designated slots, ensuring they click in firmly. 

Once the CPU and RAM are installed, mount the motherboard into the PC case, ensuring the standoffs are properly aligned with the screw holes on the motherboard. Tighten the screws but avoid overtightening to prevent damage. 

Next, install the power supply unit (PSU) at the bottom or rear of the case, depending on the design. Ensure all the necessary cables, like the 24-pin motherboard connector and the 8-pin CPU connector, are routed efficiently. 

For storage, secure your NVMe SSD or SATA SSD in the respective slot or drive bay. Mount your GPU in the PCIe slot, making sure it clicks into place, and secure it with screws on the back panel. Finally, plug in all necessary power and data cables. 

Testing the Build 

After assembly, it’s crucial to test the build before closing the case. Double-check all connections, then power on the system. If the machine boots successfully into the BIOS, you can proceed with installing the operating system. After that, you can stress test your system using a suite of benchmarks to ensure stability.

Digit – We’ve heard from the competition that they’re targeting an ASP (Average Selling Price) of USD 799 and above with the release of the new chips. Most of their designs will start from that price point and go higher and there are very few SKUs. However, Intel has a much wider portfolio, so what kind of opportunities do you perceive, especially in markets like India where the ASP is usually around INR 60,000-to-70,000? 

Santosh – We’ve already shipped 20 million odd PCs of the 1^st Generation. We think that as we get into the next year 2025-26 and beyond, more than half of the PC stack is going to be an AI PC. So, eventually I think the volume economics is something that will start to waterfall at all different price points. You’ve already started seeing that with the 1^st Gen i.e. with the Intel Core Ultra (Series One) processors. Now with the Intel Core Ultra (Series Two) processors, you’ll see a breadth of offers that are going to come into the market as well. So, I think it’s a question of, you know, the scale that you’ll start to see, the innovation that our systems partners come up with, and then what the software builds on top of it. That’s going to go make this available at different price points.

Also read: IFA 2024: Lenovo unveils Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, Yoga Pro, IdeaPad 5x and IdeaPad Slim laptops featuring Intel, AMD and Qualcomm processors

Digit – And in terms of capturing markets, there’s usually these ‘refresh’ years or periods wherein companies want to get their products out in time to target the major IT companies who buy 10,000-20,000 units in each country. So when is the next Inflection point or major refresh cycle in your perspective and what kind of processors or which architectures are you targeting for that? 

Santosh – I think the major inflection, or the major refresh point is now, right? Why do I say that? Because I just think that the AI PC is just another tipping point for us in many ways, because it redefines the way you work. It redefines the way data can be used, right? As we said, everything need not be processed in big, large data centers, you can really use your local data and harness that. So, it redefines many of the use cases that enterprises have today with their data. I think that the most important part for the Industry as well as for enterprises is that it is a moment that doesn’t come very often. It’s a moment that is here now where the PC is getting reimagined. It’s a whole new way of looking at PC and how it becomes an AI engine for you and the use cases are just starting off. So, it’s a great time for us to jump in and refresh and give it in the hands of the users, give it in the hands of your employees. Because then the innovation cycle begins. That’s what happened when you just imagine the old days, when you moved from fixed computing to Wi-Fi. And then you started to see the whole innovation cycle that you could work anywhere, and you could start to build stuff anywhere. And it freed you and you saw creativity being on wheels. This is a moment where intelligence is going to be on wheels in many ways. And it spurs up models and usages that are going to be very different from what we’ve done in the. 

Also read: Sneak Peek: Intel’s Robert Hallock on What to Expect from Lunar Lake

Gokul -The other big thing is the enterprise sector always looks for security and manageability, and the kind of things that comes with the OS,  and the kind of applications that they build on top of the AI infrastructure. So, making sure that you have the right combination of platform, operating system and their software assets that they’re building on AI, is also another big decision point for the enterprise. And clearly, we’re strongly positioned there with our enterprise SKUs. And Microsoft Copilot might drive some. And a lot of the GSIs who are building their own assets, how they manage large deployments, and how they service that with AI is going to be a big one riding on top of it, as well as what the silicon provides. Like Santosh said, I think all of them are coming together now.  

Santosh – And traditional cycles are getting redefined. We used to always have a cadence like every four years there might be a refresh or every six years there might be a refresh. The refresh cycle is tied to your innovation cycle, right? Here’s something new that can dramatically change and solve my problem, increase my productivity, make my output better for my customers. Then you refresh now, right? And if we go back and do something very different next year and we bring in innovation, then the refresh cycle shortens even further. I think both are closely tied and there’s no fixed cycle of innovation. If it’s so compelling, you will do it. Otherwise, you won’t be in business, right? So that’s the whole cycle that we have to keep up with. 

Digit – True, but companies tend to have budget allocations for two-to-three years, after which they tend to refresh. And that’s usually what major OEMs tend to target. 

Santosh – Yeah, absolutely. And I feel that it’s changing for our industry. Many years ago I used to work for an OEM and you’re right. It used to be that a major software update would drop and then something doesn’t work any longer and then you do a refresh. The tendency is to go for a delayed refresh cycle, right? Like I want to stretch the asset as far as I can so that I can go and refresh only when needed. So that my capital allocation is not stuck on that.  

Also read: Hands-On with Intel Lunar Lake AI Laptops, Claiming Unmatched Battery Life and GPU performance

I think that model is slowly shifting because of two things which are tied to the different models in which financing is done today. Even from your books, you’re starting to see companies innovate on device-as-a-service or any of the other financial model in which they giving it as an asset. Second, these companies realise that if there is a big innovation and they’re not part of it, the cost of delay is a cost of business. If my competitors are going in, it’s no longer a spend. It’s more a business essential that if I’m not there quick enough to go in a way, then I’m going to miss out on the opportunity to go make revenue on it. So it’s eventually a cost of business. I think you’re going to start to see some of this change even more rapidly in the years that we go ahead.

Digit – We are in this AI TOPS race where everyone’s gunning for that magical number of getting Microsoft Copilot+ certification, and then racing further and further. How long would it be until it becomes enough? Once you hit that baseline threshold where all your day-to-day productivity applications are just handled because you have, let’s say 80 TOPS? Then there’s no need to worry about marketing it. After that point it becomes sort of like a commoditised aspect. 

Gokul – TOPS is right now looked at as a number but the effectiveness of the TOPS is more important. How much can you eke out performance for every one of those? Let’s say, on paper, you’re having the tops and if you can’t even load the application, then that TOPS is just sitting there unused when the app can’t even run, right? So, you have to look at that. We’ve made sure that our developers who are building are actually tuning and making it more effective than fumbling with getting their basic app working. So that’s kind of fundamental now. “How much is enough?” — is a function of “as it gets deployed and more and more people use it, you’re going to figure that out.” It’s similar to the transition that phones had from dual core to octa core and all of that stuff. And then it started to kind of plateau after a point. We ‘re probably going to go through that. 

Also read: How Intel’s Lunar Lake is Taking the Fight to its Competition

There is a rush to think that there’s a lot needed. And there is a diversity of workload that’s needed for AI. So, you want to build the diversity bit into your architecture first. You know the burst, the media, the sustain. How much of each one of them do you need right now is what matters. Everybody is rushing towards a the Max and I think it’s important to go for max, but more importantly, once the max is achieved, can you use it versus trying to figure out how to even get it up and running? I think that’s kind of where we feel it’s going towards.

Digit – So would that mean that later down the line, Intel would also look at a P-Core + E-Core kind of hybrid approach wherein you have small cores and big cores for different types of AI models that are being utilized? 

Gokul – It can run on any one of our IP blocks depending on where it’s most effective. There’s a performance-per-Watt and energy efficiency tradeoff for all of all of them. 

Santosh – I think the most important part to recognize is that you forget about TOPS and the speeds and the clocks. What do the users want? Is the performance enough? It’s never enough. If someone had predicted that you’d only need this many transistors on a chip today, then everyone would stop developing stuff. Our CEO has spoken about a trillion transistors on a single chip by 2030. So I think the need for performance, the need for us to better across all the different vectors that Gokul mentioned, that’s a constant rise because that demand of compute is never enough. So I think the cycle of innovation will continue, whether it’s the race for one particular parameter that you’re measuring a success today, will that parameter remain the same? I don’t think it’s going to be one static parameter. Just like how gigahertz or number of cores and all of those, were parameters that were used as proxies keep changing because our workloads change and our usages change. And therefore, parameters will start to change, but the sheer need for building world class performance on the chip and making it smaller, faster, better, that is definitely going to continue.  

Like last year’s event, this year’s launch saw four iPhones being announced just as last year – a vanilla iPhone 16 and an iPhone 16 Plus with a slightly larger screen and battery. Then there are the two Pro models that come with better display features, battery construction materials, a souped-up SoC, bigger batteries and much better camera features. Looks pretty standard for a launch event. But this is Apple we’re talking about, a company that tends to go overboard with tall claims. This is not to detract from the fact that Apple’s products are well-built and the user experience is quite polished right from the factory floor. 

Apple’s been playing it safe for a while now. It includes features that have been tried and tested by others first. For early adopters and prosumers, Apple has slowly ceased to be the “must buy” gadget of the year. Does that mean it’s time for Apple folks to jump ship? Good heavens, NO! It goes without saying that if you’re neck-deep into the Apple ecosystem then you’re completely fine with switching to the new iPhone 16 series. In fact, we’d recommend that you stick to Apple products so that your day-to-day activities don’t get hampered. We’ve said it in the past and we’ll probably continue saying this – Apple does make good products.

What’s new?

So what did Apple unveil that was new and earth-shattering? Nothing. That’s the sad reality of one of the most financially viable companies to have ever existed. On the bright side, we’ve got a reduction in prices thanks to local manufacturing and reduced import taxes.

Moving onto features, there are several new features to talk about including – the Apple A18 and A18 Pro SoC, Apple Intelligence,  48 MP ultrawide camera, higher frame rate video capture, Wi-Fi 7, a new camera button and 25 Watt fast charging. We’re comparing the very best of the iPhone 15 series with the very best of the newly launched iPhone 16 series for a proper apples-to-apples comparison. That was an accidental pun right there. 

Apple A18 Pro – Faster than the competition?

Let’s start off with the SoC, shall we? On the notebook front, Apple’s Silicon is top-notch. For the kind of performance efficiency it provides, one really wonders whether Apple has been a silicon company for decades because bringing out an SoC this good takes years of R&D. Unfortunately, the mobile SoC is anything but top-notch. During the keynote, Apple put up some impressive graphs comparing their latest A18 SoC to their predecessors.

Notice something? There’s no A17 on the list. Quite likely because the comparison wouldn’t yield a high delta gen-on-gen. At this point, you’d want to see the graph for the A18 Pro, right? After all, that’s the SoC that’s featured in the top-of-the-line Pro Max model. Every tech company always makes it a point to showcase the very best SoC in all their presentations because that’s where the highest performance gains can be witnessed. Alas, we never saw an Apple A18 Pro performance graph, and we wonder why…

Ah well, we can only make do with what we have. So let’s take the numbers for the A17 Pro and project some benchmarks based on what was said during the keynote – that the A18 Pro, supported by 17 %  higher memory bandwidth, was 15 % faster than the A17 Pro in Apple Intelligence features. There is a very high probability that most of the performance gains are because of the improved memory and not because of the improvements to the silicon because the NPU is the exact same with 16 Cores at a peak performance of 35 TOPS. But given that 15% is the only delta we’ve been given, we’ll work with that. As for the GPU, we heard that it delivers 20% better graphics. With that in mind, here are the projections. Benchmark numbers are sourced from official leaderboards which take into account a large sample set and calculate the median values. Sources – 3DMark Wild Life Extreme and Solar Bay, Geekbench Android and Geekbench iOS, Antutu Android and iOS. 

Obviously, you should want to wait till the actual benchmarks are done but this is what we’re estimating. It would appear that the new A18 Pro is behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Antutu, 3DMark Wildlife and even 3DMark Solar Bay. Geekbench puts the A18 Pro over the 8 Gen 3 in both single and multi-threaded runs. Suffice it to say, it becomes clear why Apple didn’t talk much about the performance gains of the new A18 Pro. Now, we’ve compared the projected numbers of the A18 Pro against an older-generation Snapdragon SoC. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 that will be announced in October would be expected to beat the A18 Pro. It’s already besting the Apple SoC in AI performance, GPU performance and we’ll learn about CPU performance whenever we get our hands on the devices. Not off to a great start, are we?

At the end of the day, synthetic benchmarks aren’t indicative of how well the phone will perform on a day-to-day basis. Apple has the distinct advantage of maintaining stringent control over the software and hardware in the ecosystem which makes apps run smoothly on their phones. 

Apple Intelligence  

Apple’s Glowtime event also showcased several new Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone, but many of these innovations are not as groundbreaking as they might seem. In fact, Google Pixel devices have been offering similar functionalities for quite some time. For instance, Apple’s new real-time transcription and translation features are strikingly similar to Google’s Live Transcribe and Interpreter Mode, which have been available on Pixel phones for years.

Additionally, Apple’s enhanced photo editing tools, such as automatic background removal and advanced object recognition, mirror Google’s Magic Eraser and other AI-driven photo enhancements. Google has consistently been at the forefront of integrating AI into its devices, providing users with practical and innovative tools that enhance everyday experiences.

While Apple’s implementation of these features is polished and seamlessly integrated into its ecosystem, the fact remains that they are playing catch-up in areas where Google has already set the standard. This trend raises questions about Apple’s ability to lead in AI-driven smartphone technology, as they seem to be following rather than innovating. Also, Apple Intelligence features are region-locked to the United States. You can gain access by switching your Apple Store region to the US but that will also mean that a lot of your payment options will start failing. Not a great tradeoff. Also, selling phones at a premium by advertising features that aren’t available for months … yikes!

48 MP ultrawide camera

Camera improvements are always a welcome change. Apple has always been pushing the boundaries on the camera front but of late, the improvements are more software-driven rather than hardware. The iPhone 16 Pro series isn’t the first to feature a 48 MP Ultrawide camera. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra had one back in 2021. That’s a good three years before the folks over at Apple saw it wise to incorporate one into their top-of-the-line smartphone. Competitors have had them for more than three years now.

This is where the smart ones will point out, that just having the hardware isn’t enough. It’s how you leverage the hardware by using good software that you can really make photos look surreal. If you go by DXOMark, then Huawei and Oppo have been leading the charts for some time now. And if you go by what blind camera comparison tests conducted by the likes of MKBHD who take a considerable effort to get statistically viable data, then the Google Pixels have been dominating the scene until now. So we’re looking at Apple being behind on the software and hardware front in the camera department.

4K120 High frame rate video capture

Aside from the 48MP ultrawide camera, the other major feature that Apple talked about was the ability to capture 4K120 video. Is it the first? Well, no. The Sony Xperia 1 II launched in 2020 had 4K120 video capture. Even the enormously popular OnePlus 9 Pro can record 4K120 video. Then again, the iPhone 16 allows you to record 4K120 with log. Again, log capture isn’t restricted on Android phones at all. All you need is a camera app that can record in log. Mcpro24fps and Filmic Pro are apps that anyone can download from the Play Store to record log footage. So if your Android phone supports 4K120 recording, then you can record in log. There are very few devices that will have the Camera API shut down completely so the list of compatible devices is quite long.

Wi-Fi 7

The current generation of Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6, is quite powerful and most folks will never saturate the bandwidth for a considerable amount of time. However, we’re talking about ‘who had it first’ and with that in mind, all Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 devices have had Wi-Fi 7 support. The first of which would have launched around February or March of 2023. That’s two generations, in phone years. 

Dedicated camera button

Let’s put aside the fact that dedicated camera buttons have been a thing since 2002 back when the Sony Ericsson P800 launched. The whole idea of putting a touch control button on the side feels unintuitive, especially for a company that prides itself on putting out intuitive products that “just work”. Some of the settings such as the zoom, exposure and focal length require a granular level of control and having a lot of real estate helps with adjusting these settings as you see fit. Cameras have dedicated buttons for each of these settings and they’ve had it for ages. At the end of the day, this was one unnecessary addition. Gimmicky features are used in marketing to grab attention and are often employed when there’s lack of substantial content or features to talk about.

25 Watt fast charging

Fast charging has evolved by magnitudes. It was back in 2019 that we first saw 25 Watt fast charging and that was on the Samsung Galaxy S10. But it was also back in 2019 that Oppo went wild and introduced 65 Watt SuperVOOC fast charging. More recently, Realme GT3 has one of the most ridiculous fast-charging technologies and that’s 240 Watts. That’s nearly 10 times as much power as the Apple iPhone 16 series. 

Apple’s 25W fast charging feels outdated and underwhelming. While Apple has always prioritised battery health and longevity, the slow adoption of faster charging technologies puts them at a disadvantage in a market where consumers increasingly value quick and efficient charging solutions. Apple’s conservative approach may appeal to some loyal customers, but it risks alienating tech enthusiasts who seek cutting-edge features.

So, is there anything noteworthy?

The iPhone 16 doesn’t offer anything truly revolutionary. With competitors offering more advanced features at faster rates, Apple seems content to play it safe. While loyal customers may appreciate the refinement, tech enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge innovation may find the iPhone 16 underwhelming. One thing is for sure: the iPhone 16 certainly didn’t “glow up” this time.

Among the key announcements were several high-end models designed to elevate user interaction. These include the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15″, 9), powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, and the Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14″, 9), featuring AMD’s powerful Ryzen processors. Additionally, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 series, including the 13-inch and 15-inch models, further underscores Lenovo’s focus on offering flexible, AI-enhanced laptops that cater to various user needs, whether professional, personal, or creative.

“At Lenovo, we are focused on our commitment to bringing Smarter Technology for All. Our announcement of Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad devices and solutions embodies this commitment,” said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Business Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. “These new products are designed to be more personalised and empower their users by stimulating creativity, increasing productivity, and fitting in seamlessly into the increasingly dynamic, tech-centric lives that they lead.” 

IFA, Europe’s largest and most significant consumer tech expo, has long stood as a premier destination for global technology giants to showcase their latest innovations. Often seen as the European counterpart to CES in the United States, IFA serves as a vital stage for companies to unveil cutting-edge products that span everything from smartphones and smart home appliances to laptops, robot vacuums, and AI-powered solutions. Occurring annually at the close of summer, IFA 2024 opened its doors in Berlin on September 6th, running through September 10th.

The electric buzz surrounding IFA is not confined to the event halls. As visitors pour into Berlin from across the globe, the entire city comes alive. With IFA taking place at the tail end of summer, Berlin is often graced with sunny, warm days, a rare treat that both locals and visitors embrace. Against this backdrop of excitement, Lenovo’s own event in the heart of the city added an extra layer of anticipation. Journalists, industry insiders, and tech enthusiasts flocked to see Lenovo’s latest innovations, marking another highlight in what was already shaping up to be a monumental week to kick off Techtember 2024.

New Lenovo Yoga Slim, Yoga Pro and IdeaPads

At Lenovo Innovation World 2024 in Berlin, Lenovo introduced a diverse lineup of new laptops designed to enhance productivity and creativity through advanced AI integration. Spanning a range of sizes and specifications, these laptops cater to both casual users and professionals. Featuring powerful processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, the devices incorporate AI-driven features like enhanced performance, smarter workflows, and intuitive user experiences. Below is a closer look at six key consumer models launched at Lenovo Innovation World:

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15-inch Gen 9)  

The fruit of a multi-year collaboration effort between Lenovo and Intel, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is all about providing users with a premium computing experience that blends high performance with AI-driven features. Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra processors (Series 2) codenamed ‘Lunar Lake’, this laptop is poised to offer great performance thanks to the 8-Core processor coupled with RAM that can hit clocks of up to 8533 MT/s. On the AI front, the NPU that Intel has packed onto the SoC claims to offer more than 45 TOPS which is a boon for folks that rely heavily on AI features that more and more applications are incorporating by the day. So why is Lenovo calling this an ‘Aura Edition’? It’s because of the Smart Modes that are built into the laptop. Accessed via a simple widget on the desktop, these Smart Modes dynamically adjust performance based on user needs, allowing users to seamlessly switch between work, relaxation, and creative activities.

One of the standout features is “Attention Mode,” which helps users maintain focus by blocking distracting websites, while “Shield Mode” safeguards privacy through features like privacy alerts and automatic VPN prompts. For those working on extended sessions, the laptop offers wellness-focused features like eye-care and posture alerts, reminding users to take breaks. Additionally, the laptop integrates collaboration tools such as low-light video enhancements and virtual background options, enhancing the remote work experience. 

With up to 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, and a 70 WHr battery, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is a powerhouse that delivers both on performance and battery life. It also features Wi-Fi 7 along with Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and is certified carbon neutral, furthering Lenovo’s sustainability goals. Moreover, Lenovo is also including a 2-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud with this laptop.

Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14-inch Gen 9):  

Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 brings AI-driven performance enhancements, including up to 50 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of neural processing power, which accelerates creative workflows. The Yoga Pro series is all about giving more performance to the user so you’ll find more of the top-tier hardware packed into the Pro models.

The Yoga Pro 7 features Lenovo’s X Power Software Accelerate, which speeds up software previews, rendering, and exports, making it ideal for users working with large multimedia files. Additionally, the X Power Hardware Boost ensures that the laptop stays cool even during heavy workloads, offering sustained performance without overheating. The 14.5-inch PureSight Pro OLED Display offers 2.8K resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and 100% Adobe RGB colour coverage, making it perfect for graphic designers, video editors, and content creators who need precise colour accuracy. At just 15.6 mm thick and weighing 1.54 kg, the Yoga Pro 7 combines portability with power, making it an excellent choice for professionals on the go.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14-inch Gen 9):  

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a versatile convertible laptop that offers flexibility for both work and content creation. Powered by the new Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor with a 45 TOPS neural processing unit, this AI-enabled laptop ensures efficient performance across a wide range of tasks. With 16 GB of Dual-Channel LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1 TB of SSD storage, the device offers smooth multitasking and ample storage for creative professionals. The Qualcomm SoCs are usually paired with really fast memory allowing them to get more out of the SoC in less time.

The 14-inch OLED touchscreen provides vibrant colours and sharp visuals, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and creative tasks. And the 16:10 aspect ratio has also seen favourable reception in the corporate space, so for folks who’d like to have more real estate to work with will definitely like these units. Then there’s the 2-in-1 aspect that defines the series. The device’s 360-degree hinge allows it to switch between laptop and tablet modes effortlessly, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of users. And since flexibility often raises concerns about durability, Lenovo ensures that these laptops meet the MIL-STD-810H standards, ensuring it can withstand tough conditions. Weighing just 1.49 kg and featuring the top of the line connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a powerful and portable solution for users who need flexibility in their workflows.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14-inch Gen 9):  

Designed for users who prioritise both portability and performance, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x is a powerful, AI-enabled laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, the same that was also announced at IFA this year. With up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage, the Slim 5x delivers fast and responsive computing for professionals who require power on the go.

The 14-inch-inch WUXGA OLED display provides excellent colour accuracy, while its compact, full-metal chassis makes it a durable yet lightweight option for mobile users. Weighing just 1.48 kg, this laptop ensures users can stay connected and productive wherever they are. Its long battery life, thanks to the new Qualcomm ARM-based processors makes it an ideal choice for professionals who need a device that can handle work both in the office and for those instances when work comes home.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15-inch Gen 10)

For users who need a larger display without sacrificing portability, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 offers a good balance of power and size. Powered by AMD Ryzen 7000 processors, there’s a wider set of processors to pick from for this series. So we’ll see a similarly wider set of models across different price brackets. This range starts off from 699 € so there’s the added affordability aspect as well.

The 15-inch model comes with a 2.5K 165 Hz OLED display but despite its larger screen, the laptop remains lightweight at 1.49 kg and claims to offer excellent battery life, making it ideal for professionals who need to work on the go. On the other hand, the 13-inch model is designed for users who prefer a more compact form factor but still need the power and flexibility to handle demanding tasks. Like its 15-inch counterpart, the 13-inch model is powered by AMD Ryzen 7000 processors and offers up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM with up to 1 TB of SSD storage.

Both display panels have the exact same set of specifications with the only exception being size and maximum brightness levels. The 13-inch panel goes up to 400 nits whereas the 15-inch panel goes up to 300 nites. In a way, the 13-inch model seems more favourable of the two. Coming to the weight, it’s just 1.15 kg for the smaller 13-inch model so this laptop is also great for folks who have to move around a lot.

More choice for the Indian consumer

What makes these announcements particularly relevant for Indian consumers is Lenovo’s decision to launch an entire range of laptops that span all three of the major processor families: Intel’s Core Ultra processors, AMD’s Ryzen AI processors, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus processors. This diverse selection ensures that Indian consumers will have more options than ever before, allowing them to select devices that align perfectly with their specific needs and budgets. As the Indian market grows increasingly competitive in the technology space, Lenovo’s latest offerings ensure that consumers are not only presented with a wealth of choices but also benefit from the power of AI to enhance their everyday computing experiences.

While Lenovo certainly commanded attention with its AI-driven laptops and premium design ethos, it was not the only player in the game. Other major brands also launched new devices around the city, contributing to a competitive landscape. Lenovo’s decision to offer laptops powered by Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm processors allows it to offer consumers a plethora of designs suited for a wide assortment of use cases. With battery life extending significantly and power-efficient designs becoming standard, these AI-driven laptops cater directly to the needs of mobile professionals and creators. While gaming laptops were absent from this particular event, Lenovo has promised more gaming-centric launches later in the year.

One of the most dominant trends at IFA and throughout the tech world is sustainability. Lenovo has embraced this movement, with several of its new launches being certified as carbon neutral. Consumers are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly products, and Lenovo’s focus on sustainability, alongside its cutting-edge AI integration, places it firmly at the forefront of this trend.

Pricing and Availability

While official pricing for the Indian market has yet to be confirmed, Indian consumers can expect these devices to arrive in the coming months, bringing with them a range of choices and price points tailored to different user needs. For now, we have the EMEA prices.

• Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15”, 9) is starting at 1399 €.
• Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9) is starting at 1699 €.
• Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14”, 9) is starting at 999 €.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, 9) is starting at 899 €.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15”, 10) is starting at 699 €.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13”, 10) is starting at 699 €.

Lenovo Creator Zone is expected to be available starting October 2024 with support for the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, with support for other Lenovo Yoga devices to follow.

IFA 2024 @ Berlin

The atmosphere at Messe Berlin, home to the IFA expo, was as grand as ever, with the entire city dressed in the familiar branding of one of the world’s largest technology expos. The event sprawls across multiple halls and floors, creating a labyrinth of booths, product showcases, and press conferences. Navigating through this massive complex is no small feat, but for those in attendance, the effort is more than worth it. This year, the tech community descended on Berlin with palpable excitement, as September 6th marked the official opening of IFA to the public. However, most major product launches, including Lenovo’s event, took place earlier, between the 3rd and 5th of September.

As with previous years, IFA continues to uphold its reputation as a hotspot for smart home technologies, with much attention given to smart appliances that are slowly adopting the Matter standard. Despite this widespread focus on a variety of tech verticals, Lenovo, one of the world’s largest and most influential PC makers, opted for its own separate event around the same time. The Lenovo Innovation World 2024 event, held in Berlin but outside the official IFA grounds, was where Lenovo introduced its next-generation laptops.

Lenovo’s latest lineup of laptops and gadgets underscores the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI-enhanced computing. As Lenovo continues to evolve its product offerings, the combination of innovative AI-driven features, sleek design, and attention to user needs will undoubtedly resonate with both global and Indian consumers.