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vivo X500 Pro Max: Specifications, Features and Performance

vivo X500 Pro Max: Specifications, Features and Performance

vivo X500 Pro Max: Specifications, Features and Performance
The vivo X500 Pro Max takes a different approach to the usual thin-and-light smartphone design. It combines a large 6.85-inch 2K AMOLED display with an 8,000mAh battery, a 200MP periscope camera and the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro.

It was announced on September 21, 2026 and released on September 24. The phone runs on Android 17 with OriginOS 7 and is available with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

Rather than concentrating on one standout specification, the vivo X500 Pro Max brings together a high-resolution display, a large battery, advanced camera hardware and plenty of processing power.

Design and Build Quality

At 163.3mm tall, 76.8mm wide and around 8.1mm thick, the vivo X500 Pro Max is a sizeable phone. Its weight sits between 225g and 229g depending on the version, which is understandable considering the 8,000mAh battery and the camera hardware inside.

The phone has a glass front, an aluminium frame and a glass or glass-fibre reinforced plastic rear depending on the version. The design is also built around a large circular camera area at the back.

vivo has given the phone IP68 and IP69 protection, adding resistance against dust, water and high-pressure water jets.

There is also an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner beneath the display. The phone uses USB Type-C for charging and connectivity and does not include a 3.5mm headphone port.

Colour options include Black, Gray, White and Orange.

A Large 2K AMOLED Display

The 6.85-inch screen is one of the most noticeable parts of the vivo X500 Pro Max.

It uses an AMOLED panel with a 1440 x 3168 resolution and a refresh rate that can adjust between 1Hz and 144Hz. That range is useful because the screen does not have to remain at 144Hz for every task. Static content can use a lower refresh rate while scrolling and supported games can take advantage of the higher setting.

The display supports 1.07 billion colours, HDR and Dolby Vision. vivo lists up to 2,000 nits HBM brightness and a peak brightness of up to 4,400 nits.

For everyday use, that combination should make the screen well suited to watching videos, viewing photographs, browsing websites and playing games. The high resolution also gives text and interface elements a sharp appearance.

Dimensity 9600 Pro Performance

The vivo X500 Pro Max uses MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro, built on a 2nm process. Its eight-core CPU consists of two cores running at up to 4.55GHz, three at up to 4.35GHz and three at up to 3.1GHz. Graphics are handled by the Mali-G2-Ultra-NX GPU.

Memory configurations include 12GB and 16GB of RAM. Storage starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB, with UFS 4.1 storage used across the range.

There is no microSD card slot, so storage capacity is something worth considering before buying. Someone who regularly records high-resolution videos or keeps large games and files on the phone may have good reason to look beyond the 256GB version.

For normal use, the hardware is more than enough for social media, web browsing, streaming, photography and multitasking. The higher RAM options also give users more room for demanding workloads.

Three Cameras With A 200MP Periscope

The rear camera setup is one of the areas where the vivo X500 Pro Max becomes particularly interesting.

It has a 50MP main camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto camera and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The main camera has a large 1/1.28-inch sensor, f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilisation. The 200MP telephoto camera also has OIS and provides 3.5x optical zoom.

The telephoto camera uses an 85mm equivalent focal length and a 1/1.4-inch sensor. That is a substantial sensor for a periscope camera and gives the phone a strong hardware foundation for photographing distant subjects.

The 50MP ultrawide camera covers a 119-degree field of view and also supports autofocus.

vivo has included Zeiss optics and Zeiss T* coating, alongside features such as laser autofocus, a colour spectrum sensor, HDR and 3D LUT import.

The camera system is also built with video recording in mind. The phone supports 8K video at 30fps and 4K recording at up to 240fps. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR, 10-bit Log recording and 17 EV TrueDynamic Log according to the supplied specifications.

For selfies, there is a 50MP front camera with autofocus. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps.

8,000mAh Battery Changes The Equation

Battery capacity is probably one of the easiest specifications to notice on the vivo X500 Pro Max.

The phone has an 8,000mAh typical-capacity battery, with a rated capacity of 7,800mAh. vivo uses a single-cell design and its silicon-negative battery technology to fit the large capacity into the device.

Charging is rated at up to 90W through a wired connection and up to 40W wirelessly. Reverse wired charging is also supported.

The large capacity should appeal to people who spend a lot of time watching videos, gaming, using cameras or staying connected throughout the day. However, actual battery life will still depend on network conditions, screen brightness, applications and how the phone is used.

Android 17 and OriginOS 7

The vivo X500 Pro Max ships with Android 17 and OriginOS 7. vivo says the phone will receive up to five major operating system updates.

The software experience is backed by features such as an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, NFC and an infrared port.

Connectivity is also well covered, with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, USB Type-C 3.2 and multiple satellite positioning systems. The phone also has stereo speakers and supports high-resolution audio.

There is no FM radio and no 3.5mm headphone jack.

Gaming and Everyday Performance

The hardware gives the vivo X500 Pro Max plenty of room for demanding use.

The Dimensity 9600 Pro handles the processing, while the Mali-G2-Ultra-NX takes care of graphics. Add up to 16GB of RAM, UFS 4.1 storage and a 144Hz display and the phone has the components expected for demanding games.

The display should also make ordinary navigation feel smooth, particularly when the refresh rate moves towards 144Hz.

For everyday tasks, the phone does not appear to have any obvious hardware bottleneck on paper. Browsing, messaging, social media, streaming, photography and multitasking all sit comfortably within what this hardware is designed to handle.

vivo X500 Pro Max Specifications

Feature vivo X500 Pro Max
Network GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch September 2026
Dimensions 163.3 x 76.8 x 8.1mm
Weight 225g / 229g
Display 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1440 x 3168 pixels
Refresh Rate 1-144Hz
HDR HDR10+ / Dolby Vision
Peak Brightness Up to 4,400 nits
Processor MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro
Process 2nm
GPU Mali-G2-Ultra-NX
RAM 12GB / 16GB
Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Storage Type UFS 4.1
Rear Cameras 50MP + 200MP + 50MP
Telephoto 200MP periscope, 3.5x optical zoom
Front Camera 50MP
Rear Video Up to 8K at 30fps
Operating System Android 17
User Interface OriginOS 7
Battery 8,000mAh typical
Wired Charging 90W
Wireless Charging 40W
Fingerprint Ultrasonic under-display
Speakers Stereo
USB USB Type-C 3.2
NFC Yes
Infrared Yes
Water Resistance IP68 / IP69
3.5mm Jack No
microSD No

The vivo X500 Pro Max Experience

The vivo X500 Pro Max is built around a fairly clear idea: give users plenty of room to work, play, photograph and stay connected without making the battery an afterthought.

The 6.85-inch 2K AMOLED screen makes the phone particularly suited to people who prefer large displays, while the 8,000mAh battery gives it an unusually large power reserve. The 200MP periscope camera is another major part of the package, especially for users who take photographs from a distance.

Then there is the Dimensity 9600 Pro, up to 16GB of RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. These specifications put the phone in a position where demanding applications and games are part of its intended use rather than an afterthought.

The trade-offs are fairly straightforward too. It is a large and relatively heavy phone, there is no microSD slot and users who still rely on wired headphones will need to use USB Type-C.

Overall, the vivo X500 Pro Max brings together a large display, substantial battery capacity, high-end processing hardware and a camera system built around a 200MP periscope telephoto. Its specifications make it an interesting option for users who want a phone that puts equal attention on the screen, cameras, performance and battery.


How To Check Your NIN On Your Phone

How To Check Your NIN On Your Phone

How To Check Your NIN On Your Phone
If you have forgotten your National Identification Number, you do not necessarily need to visit a NIMC office to retrieve it. The National Identity Management Commission provides a USSD service that allows people who have already registered for a NIN to retrieve the number from their phone.

The official code for retrieving your NIN is *346#. You need to use the phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration. The service works across mobile networks in Nigeria.

A NIN is an 11-digit number assigned to an individual after registration with NIMC. If you have lost your NIN slip or simply cannot remember the number, the USSD service provides a way to retrieve it.

What You Need Before Checking Your NIN

Before using the NIN retrieval service, make sure you have access to the phone number you provided to NIMC during your national identity registration.

You should also have:

  • A working SIM card
  • Mobile network coverage
  • The phone number used during your NIN registration

You do not need mobile data or a smartphone to use the USSD service.

If you have multiple phone numbers, use the number that was provided to NIMC during your registration. NIMC's retrieval service is tied to that registered phone number.

How To Check Your NIN With *346#

NIMC provides *346# as the official USSD code for retrieving your NIN. The NCC also confirms that the code works across all mobile networks.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Your Phone Dialler

Open the normal Phone or Dialler app on your mobile phone.

Step 2: Dial *346#

Enter:

*346#

Then press the call button.

Step 3: Select The NIN Retrieval Option

Follow the options displayed on your screen and select the option for retrieving your NIN.

The menu displayed during a USSD session may change, so follow the instructions shown on your phone.

Step 4: Follow The Instructions

Continue through the prompts until the retrieval request is completed.

Make sure you are using the phone number you registered with NIMC. The NCC confirms that NIN retrieval through *346# is only available using the phone number registered with NIMC.

Step 5: Save Your NIN Securely

If the retrieval is successful, your NIN will be provided through the service.

Your NIN contains 11 digits. Check the number carefully and keep it somewhere secure.

Avoid posting your NIN or a screenshot containing it publicly.

Does Checking Your NIN Require Mobile Data?

No. The *346# service uses USSD, so you do not need an internet connection or mobile data to make the request.

You only need a working mobile network connection and the phone number used during your NIN registration.

This makes the USSD option useful when you do not have an active data plan.

Can You Check Your NIN On MTN, Airtel, Glo And 9mobile?

Yes. The NCC confirms that *346# works across all networks for NIN retrieval. You do not need a different NIN retrieval code for MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9mobile.

The important requirement is that you use the phone number provided to NIMC during your NIN registration.

What If You Have Lost The Phone Number Linked To Your NIN?

If you no longer have access to the phone number you used during NIN registration, you may not be able to retrieve your NIN through *346#.

The first option is to contact your mobile network provider and find out whether the number can be recovered. If you cannot regain access to the number, contact NIMC or visit an NIMC enrolment centre for assistance.

Do not register for another NIN simply because you cannot remember or retrieve your existing number. Your NIN is a unique identity number assigned to you.

What To Do If *346# Is Not Working

The USSD service may sometimes return an error instead of completing the request.

Try these steps:

Check The Phone Number

Make sure you are using the same phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration.

Check Your Network

Make sure your phone has a working network connection before trying the USSD code again.

Try Again Later

If you continue to receive an error, wait for some time and try the service again. Temporary network or service problems may affect a USSD request.

Contact Your Network Provider

The NCC advises subscribers who have registered for a NIN but continue to receive an error when using *346# to contact their service provider's help line.

Contact NIMC

If you still cannot retrieve your NIN, use NIMC's official support channels or visit an authorised centre.

NIMC's official website provides information about its services and enrolment centres for people who need further assistance.

Can You Check Your NIN With NINAuth?

NINAuth is NIMC's digital identity platform for accessing and using verified identity information through a mobile app.

However, NINAuth is not the main method to use when you have simply forgotten your NIN. The NINAuth service requires you to already have a NIN and a compatible Android or iOS smartphone.

For someone who does not remember their NIN, *346# remains the more direct retrieval method.

How To Get Your NIN Slip On Your Phone

If you already use NINAuth, the app also provides access to your official NIN slip.

NINAuth announced in June 2026 that users can download their official NIN slip directly through the app at no cost. The downloaded slip is the same document issued by NIMC and can be used where an official NIN slip is required.

This is different from simply checking your 11-digit NIN. If you only need the number, *346# is the simpler option. If you need an official digital copy of your NIN slip and already use NINAuth, the app provides that option.

NIN Retrieval And NIN Verification Are Different

Retrieving your NIN and verifying your identity are not the same thing.

NIN retrieval is simply the process of getting your existing 11-digit NIN when you cannot remember it or no longer have your NIN slip.

NIN verification involves confirming identity information against NIMC records. NINAuth is designed to provide secure digital identity verification and access to verified identity information.

Therefore, if a bank, government agency or another organisation asks you to verify your NIN, retrieving the number alone may not complete the verification process.

Keep Your NIN Private

Your NIN is sensitive identity information, so you should be careful about where you provide it.

Use NIMC's official website and recognised channels when you need information about your NIN or other NIMC services.

Avoid sharing your NIN, NIN slip, OTP, PIN or other sensitive information with people who do not have a legitimate reason to request it.

What To Do After Retrieving Your NIN

Once you have retrieved your NIN, check all 11 digits carefully.

Save the number securely so you do not have to repeat the retrieval process whenever you need it. You should also keep your NIN slip in a safe place if you have one.

If you use NINAuth, you can also download your official NIN slip through the app at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What code do I use to check my NIN?

Dial *346# on the phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration and follow the instructions displayed on your screen.

How many digits are in a NIN?

A National Identification Number contains 11 digits.

Can I check my NIN without mobile data?

Yes. You can use *346# without an internet connection because it is a USSD service.

Can I check my NIN from any phone?

Yes. You do not need a smartphone to use the USSD service. However, you must use the phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration.

Can I retrieve my NIN if I lost my SIM?

You may need to recover the same phone number first because NIN retrieval through *346# requires the number registered with NIMC. If you cannot recover it, contact NIMC for assistance.

Can I register for another NIN if I forgot my number?

No. Forgetting your NIN does not mean you should register for another one. Use the official retrieval process or contact NIMC for assistance.


Settings That Help Reduce Mobile Data Usage

Settings That Help Reduce Mobile Data Usage

Settings That Help Reduce Mobile Data Usage
Mobile data can run out faster than expected when apps keep working in the background, downloading updates or loading high-quality content. A few changes to your phone's settings can help you keep your data usage under control.

The exact settings and menu names can vary between Android phones, but most devices provide similar options for managing mobile data.

Turn On Data Saver

Data Saver is one of the easiest settings to use when you want to reduce mobile data usage. When enabled, many apps and services are restricted from using mobile data in the background.

To turn it on, open Settings and look for Network & internet, Connections or a similar option. Select Data Saver and turn it on.

You can usually allow selected apps to use unrestricted data if you still want them to work normally in the background.

Check Which Apps Use The Most Data

Before changing other settings, check which apps are consuming the most mobile data.

Open Settings and search for Data usage, Mobile data usage or App data usage. Your phone should show how much data individual apps have used during a selected period.

If an app is using more data than expected, check its settings or restrict its background data usage where the option is available.

Restrict Background Data For Selected Apps

Some apps continue to use mobile data even when you are not actively using them. Restricting background data can help prevent this.

Open your phone's data usage settings, select the app you want to manage and look for an option related to background data.

Do not restrict background data for apps that you rely on for important notifications or other features that need to work when the app is not open.

Set Google Play To Update Apps Over Wi-Fi Only

Automatic app updates can use mobile data if Google Play is allowed to download them over any network.

To change this, open Google Play Store, tap your profile picture and go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps.

Select the option to update apps over Wi-Fi only if you want to prevent automatic updates from using your mobile data.

Set A Data Warning

Some Android phones allow you to set a warning when your data usage reaches a particular amount.

You can usually find this under Settings > Network & internet, SIMs or Data usage, although the menu can be different depending on your phone.

A data warning does not necessarily stop your connection. It simply alerts you when your usage reaches the amount you set.

Set A Mobile Data Limit

Some Android phones also allow you to set a mobile data limit. When your usage reaches the limit, your phone may automatically turn off mobile data.

This can be useful if you have a fixed data allowance and want to avoid using more data than planned.

Check your phone's Data usage settings to see whether this option is available.

Check Data Usage In Video Apps

Video streaming can consume a large amount of mobile data, especially when content is played at a high quality.

Open the settings of the video apps you use regularly and look for options related to video quality, mobile data or data saving.

Choosing a lower quality when using mobile data can reduce the amount of data used during streaming.

Check Video Calling Settings

Video calls can also use significant amounts of mobile data.

Some video calling apps provide their own data-saving settings. If you regularly make calls using mobile data, check the app's settings for an option that can reduce data usage.

You can also switch to Wi-Fi when making long video calls if a reliable connection is available.

Review Cloud Backup Settings

Photos, videos and other files can use mobile data when they are backed up or synchronised with cloud services.

Check the backup settings of the apps you use and look for an option to use mobile data for backups.

If you have limited data, you may prefer to allow large backups only when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

Use Wi-Fi For Large Downloads

Large app downloads, system updates, videos and other files can quickly use a significant amount of mobile data.

Whenever possible, use Wi-Fi for large downloads and updates, particularly when you have a limited mobile data plan.

Check Your Mobile Data Usage Regularly

Your phone's data usage section can help you see whether your settings are actually making a difference.

Check it regularly to see which apps are using the most data. If an app suddenly starts consuming much more data than usual, review its settings and background activity.

This is more useful than changing settings blindly because you can focus on the apps that are actually using your data.

Settings That Make The Biggest Difference

You do not need to change every setting on your phone to reduce mobile data usage.

Start by turning on Data Saver, checking which apps use the most data and restricting background data for apps that do not need it. Setting Google Play to update apps over Wi-Fi only can also prevent automatic updates from consuming mobile data.

For apps that use a lot of video or cloud data, check their individual settings as well. The available options will depend on the app and your Android phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Data Saver completely stop mobile data?

No. Data Saver mainly limits how much mobile data apps can use in the background. You can still use apps, browse the internet and stream content while it is turned on.

Why Is My Mobile Data Running Out Quickly?

Video streaming, social media, background activity, automatic updates and cloud backups can all use a lot of mobile data. Check your phone's data usage to see which apps are consuming the most data.

Do app updates use mobile data?

They can. If Google Play is allowed to update apps using any network, automatic updates may use your mobile data. Setting app updates to Wi-Fi only can help reduce how much data you use.

Can I stop one app from using mobile data?

Yes, on many Android phones. You can open the app's data usage settings and restrict its background mobile data access. The exact option depends on your phone and Android version.

How To Use Your Android Phone As Webcam

How To Use Your Android Phone As Webcam

How To Use Your Android Phone As Webcam
You do not always need to buy a separate webcam for your computer. If you have an Android phone with a good camera, you may be able to use it as a webcam for video calls, online meetings, classes and other activities.

There are two main ways to do this. Some Android phones support a built-in USB webcam feature, while phones without it can use a webcam app that connects the phone to a computer.

Check If Your Android Phone Supports Webcam Mode

Android added support for using a compatible device as a USB webcam with Android 14 QPR1. When supported, the phone can appear to a computer as a standard USB webcam. This allows computers running Windows, macOS, Linux or ChromeOS to use the phone's camera.

However, having Android 14 or a newer version does not automatically mean that every phone supports the feature. The phone manufacturer also needs to enable the required webcam functionality.

How To Use Your Android Phone As A USB Webcam

If your phone supports USB webcam mode, you can connect it directly to your computer.

  1. Connect your Android phone to the computer using a USB cable.
  2. Unlock your phone and open the USB options if they appear.
  3. Look for an option such as Webcam or USB Webcam.
  4. Select the webcam option.
  5. Wait for the computer to recognise the phone as a camera.
  6. Open the video calling or recording app you want to use.
  7. Open its camera or video settings.
  8. Select your Android phone as the camera.

The exact location and name of the USB webcam option can vary between Android phones.

Use A Webcam App If Your Phone Does Not Support USB Webcam Mode

If your Android phone does not have a built-in webcam option, you can use a third-party app instead.

One option is Camo. It has an Android app called Camo Camera and a desktop application called Camo Studio. Camo supports connecting an Android phone to a Windows PC or Mac through Wi-Fi or USB.

How To Use Camo To Turn Your Android Phone Into A Webcam

  1. Install Camo Camera on your Android phone.
  2. Install Camo Studio on your Windows PC or Mac.
  3. Open Camo Camera on your phone.
  4. Open Camo Studio on your computer.
  5. Connect the phone to the computer using USB or Wi-Fi.
  6. Select your phone from the device list in Camo Studio.
  7. Check the camera preview to make sure the video is working.
  8. Open your video calling or recording app.
  9. Select Camo Camera as the camera source.

Camo can work with popular video conferencing, recording and streaming applications.

USB Or Wi-Fi: Which Should You Use?

Both connection methods can work, but they have different advantages.

A USB connection is generally a better choice when you want a more stable connection and lower video latency. It also avoids relying on your Wi-Fi network for the camera feed.

Wi-Fi is more convenient because you do not need to keep the phone connected to the computer with a cable. Camo supports both methods for Android devices.

Position Your Phone Properly

Once your phone is working as a webcam, place it somewhere stable so the camera does not move during a call.

A phone stand or mount can help keep the camera at roughly eye level. You should also make sure there is enough light in front of you rather than directly behind you.

If your phone has multiple cameras, choose the one that gives you the framing and image quality you need.

Keep Your Phone Charged

Using the camera continuously can drain your phone's battery and may also make the device warm.

If you are going to use the phone for a long meeting, class or livestream, keep an eye on the battery level. A USB connection can also be useful because the phone remains connected to the computer during use.

What To Do If Your Android Phone Is Not Detected

If the computer does not recognise your phone as a webcam, try these checks:

  • Make sure the USB cable supports data transfer.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the phone.
  • Unlock the phone after connecting it.
  • Check whether your phone has a USB Webcam option.
  • Restart the webcam app if you are using one.
  • Make sure the required desktop software is installed.
  • Check that your video calling app is using the correct camera.
  • Try Wi-Fi instead if the app supports wireless connection.

For Camo on Windows, USB connections require USB debugging to be enabled on the Android phone. The process for enabling USB debugging varies between devices.

Can You Use Your Android Phone As A Webcam Without An App?

Yes, but only if your Android phone supports the built-in USB webcam feature.

Android provides USB webcam support from Android 14 QPR1, but the feature is not automatically available on every Android phone. If your phone does not provide a Webcam option in its USB settings, using a compatible webcam app is another option.

Can I Use My Android Phone With Zoom Or Google Meet?

Yes. Once the phone is recognised by the computer as a webcam, you can select it as the camera in supported video calling applications.

When using Camo, for example, you can select Camo Camera as the video source in applications such as Zoom and Google Meet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Android phone work as a webcam?

No. Built-in USB webcam support depends on the Android version and whether the phone manufacturer has enabled the feature.

Do I need a USB cable to use my Android phone as a webcam?

Not always. Some webcam apps support wireless connections, allowing the phone and computer to communicate over Wi-Fi.

Can I use my Android phone as a webcam for a laptop?

Yes. A compatible Android phone can work as a webcam for a Windows PC or Mac through USB or a supported webcam app.

Will using my phone as a webcam drain the battery?

Yes. Continuous camera use can consume a significant amount of battery, so it is a good idea to keep the phone charged during longer sessions.


Instagram Privacy Settings You Should Review

Instagram Privacy Settings You Should Review

Instagram Privacy Settings You Should Review
Instagram has several settings that give you control over who can interact with your account, see your content, mention or tag you and send you message requests. Reviewing these settings regularly can help you decide how you want to use Instagram and who you want to interact with.

Some privacy controls also help reduce unwanted comments, messages and other interactions on the platform.

Account Privacy

One of the main privacy settings to review is whether your Instagram account is public or private.

With a private account, you approve the people who can follow you and see your posts. A public account allows people to view content that is available publicly without requiring approval to follow you.

If you prefer to control who follows you and sees your posts, a private account may be more suitable.

Story Privacy

Instagram provides controls for managing who can see your Stories.

You can hide your Stories from specific people and use Close Friends when you want to share a Story with a selected group.

Review these settings if you regularly share personal updates through Stories and want more control over who sees them.

Activity Status

Activity Status controls whether other people can see when you are active or were recently active on Instagram.

If you do not want other people to see your activity status, you can turn the feature off.

Keep in mind that turning off your activity status also means you will not be able to see the activity status of other people.

Message Requests

Instagram provides controls for managing who can send you message requests.

You can review how requests from different types of accounts are handled and adjust the available options according to your preferences.

These controls can help you manage unwanted messages and reduce interactions from accounts you do not want to hear from.

Mentions

You can control who is allowed to mention your Instagram account.

Instagram provides options that can allow everyone, people you follow or no one to mention you in comments, captions or Stories.

If you receive unwanted mentions, reviewing this setting can help you limit them.

Tags

Instagram also lets you manage who can tag you.

You can control who is allowed to tag your account and use available controls for managing tagged posts.

Review these settings if you do not want other accounts adding your username to posts without your approval.

Comments

Instagram provides controls for managing comments on your posts.

You can limit who can comment and use tools to restrict unwanted comments. Instagram also provides filtering features that can hide comments containing words or phrases you choose.

These settings can be useful if you receive spam, offensive comments or other unwanted interactions.

Hidden Words

Hidden Words can help filter unwanted comments and message requests.

You can use Instagram's filtering options to hide comments and message requests containing offensive or unwanted words, phrases and emojis. You can also add your own words or phrases to the custom list.

This can be useful for reducing spam and other unwanted interactions.

Limits

Instagram's Limits feature can help reduce unwanted interactions during periods when you receive a large number of comments or message requests.

Depending on the available options, you can limit interactions from people who do not follow you or who have only recently followed you.

This can be particularly useful when an account suddenly receives a large amount of unwanted attention.

Restricted Accounts

Restrict is another option for managing interactions with specific accounts without blocking them.

When you restrict someone, their interactions with your account are handled differently. For example, comments from a restricted account can be managed before other people see them and you do not receive notifications for comments from that account.

Use the Restricted Accounts section to review accounts you have previously restricted and remove restrictions when they are no longer necessary.

Blocked Accounts

It is also worth reviewing your blocked accounts.

Blocking prevents an account from interacting with you in various ways on Instagram. Instagram also provides an option that can extend blocking to other accounts that a person may already have or create.

Review your blocked accounts occasionally and make changes when necessary.

Connected Apps And Websites

If you have previously connected third-party apps or websites to Instagram, review the services that have access to your account.

Remove access from apps or websites you no longer use or do not recognise.

Meta provides account controls that allow users to review permissions and the apps they have given access to their information.

Account Security

Security settings are separate from privacy settings, but they are important to review alongside them.

Check your password, login activity and two-factor authentication settings. Review the devices or sessions connected to your account and take action if you notice activity you do not recognise.

These checks can help you protect your account from unauthorised access.

Review Your Instagram Privacy Settings Regularly

Instagram's privacy and interaction controls give you several ways to manage who can contact you, interact with your content, mention you and tag you.

Review your account privacy, Stories, messages, mentions, tags, comments, Hidden Words, Limits, restricted accounts and blocked accounts from time to time.

It is also worth reviewing connected apps and your account security settings so you know which services have access to your account and which devices are signed in.

Taking a few minutes to review these settings can help you maintain better control over your Instagram account and your interactions on the platform.


How To Create Google Forms

How To Create Google Forms

How To Create Google Forms
Google Forms makes it easy to create online forms for collecting information, responses, registrations, feedback and other types of data. You can create a form from your phone or computer and share it with other people.

Whether you want to create a questionnaire for a school project, collect customer information or organise an event, Google Forms provides different question types and settings to help you build the form you need.

What Is Google Forms?

Google Forms is an online tool for creating forms, surveys and quizzes and collecting responses. You can add different types of questions, organise them into sections and customise the appearance of your form.

Responses are collected in Google Forms and can also be linked to Google Sheets when you need to organise or analyse the information in a spreadsheet.

How To Create Google Forms

  1. Open your web browser and go to forms.google.com.
  2. Sign in to your Google Account if required.
  3. Select Blank form to create a new form.
  4. Enter a name or title for your form.
  5. Add a description if you want to explain what the form is about.
  6. Select Add question.
  7. Enter your question and choose the type of answer you want.
  8. Add the available answer options when required.
  9. Turn on Required for questions that respondents must answer.
  10. Add more questions as needed.
  11. Use the available settings to control how people can respond.
  12. Preview the form to check how it will appear.
  13. Publish the form when you are ready to allow respondents to access it.

Add Questions To Your Google Form

After creating the form, you can add different questions depending on the information you want to collect.

Google Forms provides question types such as short answer, paragraph, multiple choice, checkboxes, dropdown and file upload. You can select the option that best matches each question.

For example, you can use a short-answer question to collect a name, multiple choice when respondents should select one option or checkboxes when they can select more than one answer.

Make Questions Required

If a question must be answered, you can make it required.

Select the question and turn on the Required option. Respondents will then need to provide an answer before they can submit the form.

This can be useful when collecting important information such as names, email addresses or registration details.

Add Sections To Your Google Form

You can divide a longer form into different sections to make it easier to complete.

Select Add section and give the section a suitable title. You can then place related questions together.

For example, a registration form could have separate sections for personal information, contact details and other required information. Each section starts on a new page.

Customise Your Google Form

Google Forms lets you change the appearance of your form.

You can choose a theme, change the colour and background colour, add a header image and adjust the font style. These options can help you make the form suitable for its purpose while keeping it easy to read.

Preview Your Google Form

Before publishing your form, preview it to see what respondents will see.

Check the title, questions, answer options and required questions. It is also a good idea to test the form yourself before sending it to other people.

This can help you find missing questions or incorrect answer options before responses start coming in. Google Forms provides a Preview option at the top right of the form.

How To Publish And Share Your Google Form

Google Forms now requires you to publish a form before respondents can access it.

When your form is ready:

  1. Select Publish at the top right.
  2. Choose who should be able to respond to the form.
  3. Manage the responder access settings if necessary.
  4. Select Publish.

Depending on your settings, you can give access to specific people, groups or anyone with the link. After publishing, you can share the form through email, social media or other supported methods. You can also copy the responder link and share it through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.

How To Control Who Can Respond To Your Google Form

Google Forms gives you control over who can access and respond to your form.

You can share a form with specific people or groups and, where available, allow anyone with the link to respond. You can also limit a form to one response per person or allow respondents to edit their responses after submitting them.

These settings can be useful when creating forms for registrations, surveys, applications or other situations where you need to control access.

How To View Google Forms Responses

Google Forms collects responses when people submit your published form.

Open the form and select Responses to view the information that has been submitted. You can view a summary of responses or review individual submissions.

If you need to organise or analyse the responses in a spreadsheet, you can link the form to Google Sheets from the Responses section. You can also download responses as a CSV file.

How To Stop Accepting Responses

You can stop accepting new responses when you no longer need to collect information.

Open your published form and select Published at the top right. Under Accepting responses, turn off the option to stop receiving new submissions.

Google Forms also allows you to set a closing date and time or automatically stop accepting responses after reaching a specified number of responses. You can also customise the message respondents see when the form is closed.

Can You Create Google Forms On Your Phone?

Yes. You can create and manage Google Forms from a phone using a web browser. Google provides forms.google.com as the starting point for creating a new form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Google Account To Create A Google Form?

You generally need to sign in to a Google Account to create and manage your own forms.

Can I Share A Google Form On WhatsApp?

Yes. After publishing the form, you can copy its responder link and share it through WhatsApp or other messaging and social media platforms.

Can Google Forms Collect Responses Automatically?

Yes. Responses are collected when people submit your form and can be viewed from the Responses section. You can also link the responses to Google Sheets for easier organisation and analysis.

Can I Stop A Google Form From Receiving Responses?

Yes. You can turn off Accepting responses or set a close date or response limit to stop collecting new submissions.


Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro: Specifications, Features and Performance

Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro: Specifications, Features and Performance

Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro: Specifications, Features and Performance
The Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro is a large-screen smartphone designed for users who want a long-lasting battery, smooth everyday performance and useful features. It combines a 6.9-inch 120Hz display with a 7,500mAh battery, a 50MP main camera and stereo speakers.

The phone also runs Android 16 with HyperOS 3 and is powered by the MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset. With expandable storage, dual-SIM support and a 3.5mm headphone jack, it offers several practical features for everyday use.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro has a large body measuring 170.1 x 78.4 x 8.8 mm and weighs 232g. Its size and weight are noticeable, but they also make room for the large display and high-capacity battery.

The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, while the back is made from plastic or silicone polymer with an eco-leather finish depending on the version. The frame is also made from plastic.

The phone has an IP64 rating for dust protection and resistance to water splashes. It also supports two Nano-SIM cards.

The Poco C95 Pro is available in Green, Blue and Black.

Display

The phone features a 6.9-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling through menus, websites and supported apps feel smoother.

The display has a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, a 20:9 aspect ratio and approximately 254 pixels per inch.

Brightness is rated at 675 nits typically and up to 825 nits in High Brightness Mode. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.

The large screen makes the Poco C95 Pro suitable for watching videos, browsing the web, using social media and playing games. The 120Hz refresh rate also gives everyday navigation a smoother feel.

Performance and Processor

The Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset, built on a 12nm process.

Its octa-core CPU consists of two Cortex-A75 cores running at up to 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores running at up to 1.8GHz. Graphics are handled by the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.

The phone comes with either 6GB RAM and 128GB storage or 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Storage can also be expanded using a microSDXC card, although the card shares the slot with one of the SIM cards.

The hardware is suited to everyday activities such as messaging, social media, web browsing, video streaming and regular app use. More demanding games will depend on the game and graphics settings.

Camera Features

The Poco C95 Pro has a dual rear camera setup led by a 50MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and PDAF. An auxiliary lens is also included alongside an LED flash.

The rear camera supports HDR and can record video at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second.

For selfies, the phone has an 8MP front camera with an f/2.1 aperture. It also supports HDR and 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second.

The camera system is aimed at everyday photography, including outdoor photos, social media content, selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is one of the strongest features of the Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro.

The phone packs a 7,500mAh silicon-carbon lithium-ion battery, giving it a much larger capacity than the 5,000mAh battery commonly found in smartphones.

It supports 45W wired charging and USB Power Delivery. A full charge from 0 to 100 per cent is listed at around 96 minutes.

The phone also supports 22.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to provide power to compatible devices.

The large battery makes the Poco C95 Pro particularly suited to users who spend a lot of time browsing, streaming videos, using social media or playing games.

Software and Features

The Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro runs Android 16 with HyperOS 3.

The phone includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security. Other sensors include an accelerometer, compass and virtual proximity sensing.

It also features stereo speakers, which can provide a fuller sound experience when watching videos or playing games.

Unlike many newer smartphones, the Poco C95 Pro retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect wired headphones without an adapter.

For connectivity, the phone supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BDS. NFC is also available depending on the market or region.

Specifications

Feature Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro
Network GSM / HSPA / LTE
SIM Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Dimensions 170.1 x 78.4 x 8.8 mm
Weight 232g
Build Glass front, plastic back or eco-leather, plastic frame
Water Resistance IP64
Display 6.9-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz
Resolution 720 x 1600 pixels
Protection Gorilla Glass 7i
Operating System Android 16, HyperOS 3
Chipset MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra
CPU Octa-core, up to 2.0GHz
GPU Mali-G52 MC2
RAM 6GB / 8GB
Storage 128GB / 256GB
Memory Card microSDXC
Rear Camera 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Front Camera 8MP, f/2.1
Rear Video 1080p at 30fps
Front Video 1080p at 30fps
Speakers Stereo
Headphone Jack 3.5mm
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Bluetooth 5.4
NFC Yes, market/region dependent
Radio FM radio
USB USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Fingerprint Sensor Side-mounted
Battery 7,500mAh
Charging 45W wired, PD
Reverse Charging 22.5W wired
Colours Green, Blue, Black

Gaming and Everyday Performance

The MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra places the Poco C95 Pro in the entry-level to lower mid-range performance category.

For everyday activities such as WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, browsing and streaming, the phone is equipped for regular use. The 120Hz display also helps make navigation and scrolling feel smoother.

The 6GB and 8GB RAM options give users a choice depending on their storage and multitasking needs. More demanding games may require lower graphics settings for a smoother experience.

The large display provides plenty of screen space for gaming, while the stereo speakers add to the experience when playing without headphones.

The Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro Experience

The Xiaomi Poco C95 Pro focuses on features that matter to everyday smartphone users, particularly its large 120Hz display and 7,500mAh battery.

Its 45W charging helps reduce the time needed to recharge the large battery, while reverse wired charging adds another useful feature for powering compatible devices.

The 50MP main camera provides the main photography hardware, while the 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. Expandable storage, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack and dual-SIM support also add to the phone's everyday practicality.

With Android 16 and HyperOS 3, the Poco C95 Pro brings together a large display, substantial battery and practical hardware in a phone aimed at users who prioritise battery life and everyday functionality.


Best Apps For Converting Text Into Voice

Best Apps For Converting Text Into Voice

Best Apps For Converting Text Into Voice
Converting written text into spoken audio can be useful when you want to listen to documents, articles, books or other content instead of reading everything on your screen. Text-to-speech apps can also help with studying, accessibility and listening while doing other activities.

There are several apps that can read text aloud, but their features are not exactly the same. Some focus on documents and webpages while others offer more voice options, audio controls or the ability to save spoken content.

Here are some of the best apps for converting text into voice.

ElevenReader

ElevenReader is a dedicated text-to-speech app from ElevenLabs that can turn books, PDFs, documents, webpages and other written content into spoken audio.

You can also paste or type text into the app and listen to it using its selection of natural-sounding voices. It supports formats including EPUB, PDF, DOCX and TXT, as well as webpages and scanned pages. ElevenReader is available on Android, iPhone, iPad and the web.

The app is particularly useful if you want to listen to longer written content such as books, articles or documents.

Speechify

Speechify is a text-to-speech app designed to turn written content into spoken audio. It can read PDFs, documents, books and other text while allowing you to adjust the reading speed.

The app also supports more than 60 languages and can scan printed material with a phone camera before reading it aloud. Speechify is available on Android, iPhone and other platforms.

It is a useful option for students, professionals and anyone who prefers listening to written content.

NaturalReader

NaturalReader converts written content into speech and supports a wide range of files. These include PDFs, TXT files, EPUB, Word documents, PowerPoint files, spreadsheets, images and webpages.

Its mobile apps are available for Android and iPhone. The app also offers different voices and playback controls, while some advanced features such as MP3 conversion and OCR require a subscription.

NaturalReader is a good choice if you regularly work with different types of documents.

Voiser

Voiser is an AI voice app that can convert text into spoken audio. It is designed for users who want to create voice content from written text and also offers features such as voice cloning and AI dubbing.

The service has mobile apps and supports multiple languages. Its mobile app is available through both the App Store and Google Play.

Voiser can be useful for people who want to turn written scripts into voice content rather than simply listen to documents.

Text to Speech

Text to Speech by Alpaca Works is a straightforward option for converting written content into spoken audio. You can enter text directly into the app or use it to read webpages and supported document files.

The app supports PDF, TXT, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX and several other file formats. It also lets users adjust reading speed and pitch and save the resulting speech as an audio file.

It is a practical option if you want a simple text-to-speech app with support for different file types and audio saving.

Which Text-to-Speech App Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on what you want to do with your text.

If you mainly want to listen to books, articles and documents, ElevenReader, Speechify and NaturalReader are strong options. If your focus is creating voice content from written scripts, Voiser may be more suitable. For a simpler option that supports several document formats and can save audio files, Text to Speech by Alpaca Works is worth considering.

Before choosing an app, check its available voices, supported file formats, language options and free features to make sure they match how you intend to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a text-to-speech app?

A text-to-speech app converts written text into spoken audio so you can listen to the content instead of reading it on screen.

Can text-to-speech apps read PDF files?

Yes. Many text-to-speech apps can read PDF files, although the supported features and document handling can vary between apps.

Can I save text as an audio file?

Some text-to-speech apps allow you to save converted speech as an audio file. Whether this feature is available for free depends on the app.

Can text-to-speech apps read webpages?

Yes. Several apps can read webpages aloud either by accepting a webpage link or through built-in browser and sharing features.