RØDE has today introduced the new DS3, the next generation of its professional desktop studio arm, building on the popular DS2 with greater load capacity, improved adjustability and enhanced stability for today’s creator setups.

With a 1.5kg payload capacity, DS3 supports heavier equipment for the modern-day creator, from broadcast-grade XLR microphones like RØDE’s PodMic to other large-diaphragm microphones, cameras, lights and accessories. An integrated, precision-engineered ball head delivers smooth, controlled and virtually silent positioning, allowing on-the-fly adjustments without disrupting a recording or broadcast in progress, while a central locking mechanism secures equipment at the desired angle in a single motion.

Like DS2, DS3 uses a weighted base instead of a traditional desk clamp, allowing it to be positioned anywhere on a flat surface, independent of a desk edge, with no wobble or risk of tipping. The redesigned base delivers greater stability for heavier setups while keeping a compact footprint, leaving more desktop space free for other equipment.

Each finish features its own acoustic isolation pad, designed to dampen vibration as much as elevate the DS3’s aesthetic. The Classic Black variant is finished with a soft-touch silicone pad inlaid on and beneath the base, while the Crisp White variant features natural cork on both sides. Cable clips keep XLR and USB cables neatly routed and out of sight, reducing desk clutter for a cleaner workspace.

Included 3/8″, 1/4″ and 5/8″ thread adaptors ensure broad compatibility across microphones, cameras, lights and accessories, providing everything needed to mount mics and creator equipment straight out of the box.

With an 8,100mAh battery, extensive durability credentials and a starting price of AED 899, HONOR’s latest affordable smartphone focuses its attention on the essentials that matter in everyday use.

By Srijith KN, VAR

The affordable smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with manufacturers having to make careful decisions about where specifications matter and where compromises can be made. The HONOR X7e Plus 5G takes a fairly straightforward approach to that challenge.

Rather than positioning itself around flagship-level performance or photography, the device concentrates on three areas: battery life, durability and everyday usability. After spending time with the phone, those priorities become immediately apparent.

A Surprisingly Solid Design

The Desert Gold review unit makes a strong first impression. Despite using a plastic rear panel, the X7e Plus 5G does not immediately look or feel like an inexpensive smartphone. Its rounded edges, restrained HONOR branding and gold finish give it a clean appearance, while the overall construction feels reassuringly solid.

It is, however, a substantial device. Users who prefer smaller or lighter smartphones will notice both its dimensions and weight. That trade-off becomes easier to understand once you consider the unusually large battery inside.

Durability is also central to the proposition. HONOR claims certified drop resistance of up to 2.5 metres, complemented by IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings for protection against dust and water.

Those certifications should not be mistaken for indestructibility, but they provide additional reassurance for users working outdoors or regularly using their phones in more demanding environments.

Battery

If there is one feature that defines the X7e Plus 5G, it is the 8,100mAh battery.

In everyday use, the additional capacity changes the relationship users have with charging. With moderate to relatively heavy usage, getting around two days from the device is realistic, although actual endurance will naturally depend on individual usage.

That makes the phone particularly interesting for field professionals, frequent travellers and users who simply do not want to think about finding a charger every evening.

HONOR complements the battery with 45W HONOR SuperCharge, while reverse charging enables the smartphone to provide power to other compatible devices. The charger and cable are also included in the box — increasingly worth mentioning at a time when complete smartphone packages have become less common.

Display and Everyday Performance

The front is dominated by a large 6.87-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its size makes the X7e Plus 5G particularly comfortable for video consumption, reading and navigation, while 120Hz helps scrolling and general interface animations feel fluid.

This is not, however, a performance-focused smartphone.

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 handles browsing, messaging, streaming and routine applications adequately, but users accustomed to higher-end hardware will notice the difference in responsiveness. That distinction matters: the X7e Plus 5G makes considerably more sense as a dependable everyday device than as a smartphone for demanding gaming or performance-heavy workloads.

Camera: Functional Rather Than Exceptional

The camera system follows a similar philosophy.

The 50MP main camera can produce respectable photographs when lighting conditions are favourable, while video recording reaches 1080p. For casual photography, sharing on social media and documenting everyday moments, the results are perfectly usable.

Low-light photography exposes more of the hardware’s limitations, while the 5MP front-facing camera could deliver better light capture and detail. There is also no optical image stabilisation.

Photography enthusiasts should therefore look elsewhere. The cameras fulfil their purpose, but they are not the reason to buy this phone.

AI Gets a Dedicated Button

HONOR has also incorporated several AI-oriented features, including AI Image-to-Video 2.0, which can transform still photographs into short video content using prompts and templates.

More interesting from an everyday usability perspective is the dedicated AI Button. Separate from the power key, it can provide quick access to selected functions, while a double press can launch the camera from the lock screen. Gestures can also be customised to launch different applications and tools.

Dedicated AI and programmable hardware buttons are becoming increasingly common across smartphones, and HONOR’s implementation adds another useful shortcut rather than fundamentally changing the experience.

Audio performance is similarly straightforward. The speakers provide sufficient clarity for dialogue, calls, YouTube and casual music listening, although users seeking a richer entertainment experience will still benefit from headphones or an external speaker.

VAR Verdict

At AED 899, the HONOR X7e Plus 5G is a smartphone built around clearly defined priorities.

Performance is adequate rather than exciting, the cameras are not a standout feature, and its considerable size and weight will not suit everyone. But HONOR has compensated in areas that may matter considerably more to its intended audience.

The combination of an 8,100mAh battery, 45W charging, 120Hz display and extensive durability credentials creates an appealing proposition for users who prioritise endurance and resilience over outright performance.

For field professionals, outdoor workers, frequent travellers or simply anyone looking for a large smartphone that can comfortably handle everyday essentials without constantly reaching for a charger, the X7e Plus 5G makes considerable sense.

It isn’t trying to be the fastest or most sophisticated smartphone at AED 899. It is designed to keep working, and that clarity of purpose is arguably its greatest strength.

Price & Availability

The HONOR X7e Plus 5G is priced from AED 899 in the UAE and is available in Desert Gold, Meteor Silver and Velvet Black through HONOR’s online store and authorised retail partners.

OPPO has expanded its Reno smartphone portfolio in the UAE with the launch of the Reno16 Series, bringing upgraded imaging capabilities, AI-powered creative tools and larger batteries across the new lineup.

Following the regional launch, OPPO showcased the devices at a hands-on event in Dubai, where media and content creators explored the new smartphones alongside the brand’s latest ecosystem products.

The Reno16 Series introduces OPPO’s new 3D Pop Planet Design, with the Pop White variant using HoloVerse 3D Technology to create a floating planet-like visual effect that changes with surrounding light.

Photography remains a major focus of the lineup. The series offers 50MP ultra-wide selfie cameras, up to 200MP main cameras and 4K video recording, alongside AI-powered features designed for mobile content creation. These include Pop Cam, AI Remix Collage and additional creative capabilities delivered through ColorOS 16.

Battery capacity reaches up to 7,000mAh, complemented by 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, while selected devices carry IP68/IP69 ratings for resistance against water and dust.

OPPO is also expanding the ecosystem surrounding its smartphones. The new OPPO Bubble, priced at AED 499, is a 35-gram magnetic companion with an AMOLED display that can function as a live rear-camera viewfinder, remote shutter and custom visual display.

The OPPO Enco Clip2, meanwhile, is priced at AED 649 and will be available in Luminous Gold and Slate Grey.

UAE Pricing and Availability

The Reno16 Series is available in the UAE in Pop White, Starlight Black, Twilight Violet and Dream Purple, depending on the model.

The flagship Reno16 Pro 5G is priced at AED 3,299, while the Reno16 5G costs AED 2,499. The Reno16F 5G starts at AED 1,799 for the 8GB + 256GB configuration, rising to AED 2,099 for the 12GB + 256GB variant.

OPPO is also offering post-launch bundles for purchases made from August 7. Reno16 Pro 5G buyers receive an OPPO Magnetic Case, OPPO Enco Air4 and a 12-month extended warranty. Reno16 5G and Reno16F 5G purchases include an OPPO Magnetic Case, OPPO Enco Buds3 Pro and extended warranty coverage.

A trade-in campaign running until August 16, 2026 offers an additional bonus of up to AED 200 on eligible devices. OPPO is also bundling three months of Google AI Pro membership, including 5TB of cloud storage and Gemini Pro access.