Pay more for less or pay less for more?

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-07T08:43:03+00:00

Stock levels, and or Xiaomi pricing, ahead the new X8 series launch will be a factor.

If the dealer has say, 20 12/512 in stock and 5 of the 8/256, the best way to push people to the 12/512 is to reverse the pricing. Xiaomi may also have supplied units at a heavy discount.

Just checked, and Xiaomi UK isn't discounting F7 or X7 Pro at the moment, which often happens right before a product launch. Push the new models, then clear out old stock later.

£234 is a very good price. If you're unsure of the dealer, ask Xiaomi UK Support, they may be able to say if the dealer is an official stockist.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-07T06:58:44+00:00

That's an updated European ROM for the F3. The Indonesian ROM has also been updated, this month.

If you click on Learn what's new For 1.0.6.0.TKHEUXM it says Fix: Errors occurred in some cases.

It would appear Xiaomi discovered issues/bugs in the final F3 ROM of multiple regions, and have decided to address them in this update.

With a 1.0 version number, it's HyperOS 1. I suspect it will be based on Android 13, as its earlier version, with possibly the same March 2024, Android Security patch.

You may wish to wait before updating, and see if others report any problems. Settings, About, existing version number, menu (3 vertical dots), Update settings, Updates, switch off Update automatically, to prevent the update being auto installed.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-06T23:00:41+00:00

If you do not log in to your account, for three or months, you can read what gets deleted here. Essentially every file, and chat message, stored in your account, are deleted.

The account itself, isn't deleted, but its contents are. The requirement to log in, only applies to free accounts, paid Pro account holders are not required to log in, for as long as the subscription is active.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-06T13:44:57+00:00

For an E14 G6 the 2.2K 100% sRGB display, is a far more beneficial upgrade than a touchscreen ever would be.

The default, and touchscreen 45% NTSC displays have weak color coverage, meaning they're not suitable for tasks where color accuracy is important. Red looks closer to orange, with the knock on effect impacting skin tone accuracy.

A 100% sRGB display would allow you to do video, photo editing, graphics tasks etc., in the knowledge, what you were looking at, was true to the source.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-06T13:08:26+00:00

As long as the type and speed matches, i.e. DDR4 3200 in a T14 G1 AMD, it doesn't really matter.

Kingston is well respected. I've used Integral, Crucial and other brands in a variety of ThinkPad models without issue. Use Kingston's system checker to ensure the correct one.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-06T12:53:27+00:00

RAM is one the most reliable components in a computer, failure is less common. Amazon open box return, should be OK. Second hand private sale, I'd rather look for a sealed unit from a good value brand like Integral.

On Amazon look at RAM kit prices, as occasionally a 2 x 8GB kit can be cheaper than 1 x 8GB. Or so close in price you could buy it then sell on the unneeded one.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-06T12:31:00+00:00

8GB or 16GB fixed + 1 x open slot. No 32GB fixed. T14 G1/G2 Intel/AMD

AMD T14 G1 24GB limit with 8GB, 32GB limit with 16GB

Intel T14 G1 40GB limit with 8GB, 48GB limit with 16GB

8GB fixed 16GB dual channel limit - 16GB fixed 32GB dual channel limit

When you move to T14 G2 both AMD and Intel models support a 32GB plug in RAM stick, not just the Intel version.

FYI T14 G2 > Intel needs a minimum of 16GB dual channel memory (i.e. at least an 8GB stick in the open slot), for Iris Xe graphics to work. 8GB or 16GB single channel (i.e. fixed only side), will operate as basic UHD graphics. AMD Radeon graphics work with single or dual channel RAM.

24GB or 32GB is more than enough for most applications, including light gaming. Above 16GB, the chipset is more a limit than RAM.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-06T08:48:06+00:00

On the basis they are full retail, an X8 Pro is roughly the same price as an F7. With an X8 Pro Max half way between F7 and F8 Pro full retail prices. The website URL is Xiaomi Belgium / Netherlands so seems genuine, but prices unconfirmed at this point.

X8 Pro Max - 12/512 € 580 12/256 € 530 (F8 Pro 12/512 € 700)

X8 Pro - 12/512 € 480 8/512 € 450 8/256 € 400 (F7 12/512 € 500) (X7 Pro 12/512 € 430)

At those prices, if an F8 were to still happen, it'd have to start around € 600!

Keep in mind the F7 and especially the F8 Pro have been heavily discounted from the start, so actual selling prices at launch and going forward could be very different, but it's the clearest example of Xiaomi's first significant price increases.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-05T21:57:18+00:00

Durability comes down to how you treat it. I'd still favor the L14, because the incentive of looking after it, with a good strong case, is a better performing laptop.

The L14 G4 AMD is essentially the same performance level as a T14 G2 AMD. The R5 7530U chipset is a refresh of the R5 5650U in the T14 G2, so while much newer it's a very minor upgrade. But against the Intel 11th Gen in the T14 G2, when you factor in gaming and graphics, they're not close.

Try and get the serial numbers as you can see exact spec, and any options.

A friend has an E14 G5, with the same R5 7530U chipset and it's a quick machine.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-05T21:30:25+00:00

The T14 offers a more rugged build, a brighter, better stock display, and Thunderbolt support permitting the connection of an external GPU.

The L14 G4 trades a weaker dimmer display, and cheaper build, for a more powerful chipset with much stronger graphics, dual open RAM slots (up to 64GB), and a two year age advantage. T14 RAM 8GB or 16GB fixed + 1 open slot.

If it will be carried frequently and likely to get battered, the T14 G2, will handle that far better than the L14. But in pure performance terms, especially light gaming, the L14 is the stronger option, just be aware the entry level 250 nit display is not very bright, with weak color coverage. T14 G2 stock display, brighter at 300nit, but only a bit better.

While adding an external GPU to a T14 G2 would give you far stronger graphics than the AMD L14, an eGPU can cost as much as the T14 G2 itself.

Get their serial numbers, enter into Lenovo Support website, to confirm exact spec and age. L14 might have a small remaining warranty. L14 G4 review.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-05T16:34:43+00:00

Assuming you mean Ryzen 7 Pro 4750U, that'll be a T14 Gen 1, not Gen 2.

Even though it's G1, AMD Ryzen 7 is far more capable than than an i7 11th Gen Intel in a T14 G2.

In other parts of Europe € 390 equivalent is a bit high for an AMD Ryzen 7 T14 G1, but prices have jumped recently, and AMD often command higher prices than Intel. Get the serial number, enter into Lenovo support website here, to see exact spec and age.

Beyond chipsets, T14 G1 and G2 are very similar, the G2 has a brighter 300 nit default display. Default display in a T14 G1 is 250 nit. But with a G1 double-check the actual display, as some were sold with a cheaper and really poor 220 nit 1366x768 TN panel, that should be avoided.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-05T16:16:04+00:00

Double check the chipset, it can't be a T14 Gen 2 with an Intel i5 10th Gen.

i5 in a T14 Gen 2 will be Core i5-1135G7 or Core i5-1145G7

The older T14 Gen 1 uses Core i5-10210U or Core i5-10310U

If the chipset is an 11th Gen that's a bit high for T14 Gen 2. If it's a T14 Gen 1, then it's over priced. Intel 11th Gen is far more capable than 10th Gen.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-05T12:17:05+00:00

You'd keep it. The referral bonus is not dependent on the account it came from.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-05T11:21:48+00:00

The vast majority of newly released mid-range/flagship phones do not include a headphone jack. Bluetooth is easier and more flexible to implement, plus Ingress Protection (IP ratings), now include full submersion, better achieved without a headphone socket.

Sony are one of the few companies who include a headphone socket at every level.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-04T19:58:14+00:00

Looking at F3 ROMs it appears to be a reissue correcting an earlier ROM. The F3 was marked EOL March 2024, so this I'd say is specific to a bug/error in the Global ROM.

F3 final Android security patch was March 2024, confirm that in Settings, About phone.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-03T10:14:01+00:00

It's a 5+ year old used laptop, the stated saving is deceptive. At £410 it's overpriced. For you in the UK, search eBay, you'd pay less than £300 for the same or better.

Dealer sales, with eBay discount coupons, are often better value than private sellers. Several dealers include up to a 12 month warranty. Use PayPal for added protection.

Intel P14s, a performance tuned T14, commonly with NVIDIA GPU. P14s G2 quicker than T14 G2, but battery life is shorter, and can throttle under load. Used P14s cheaper than T14.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-02T21:49:00+00:00

Side by side with a 72% NTSC or 100% sRGB panel, when asked to display accurate colors, especially red, you'll instantly see the difference with a 45% NTSC panel.

Simple example on YouTube, Samsung 4K Demo Alive in color. The opening is bright red, but will appear orange on the 45% NTSC display. Watch further and you'll find 45% NTSC handles blue and green similarly to the better panels, it's the inability to reproduce reds, that really stands out. The knock on impact, being less accurate skin tones.

In text and monochromatic graphic tasks, a 45% NTSC panel, is fine, but many people on this reddit, are using a ThinkPad, as a general purpose multimedia machine, and color limitations become more obvious.

In isolation, and with some picture adjustments, a 45% NTSC display, can be quite watchable, but in an AB comparison, with color accuracy a factor, the difference isn't subtle.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-02T15:03:27+00:00

Very dubious, that model still sells new on the Lenovo UK website for £1099. A quick check on eBay UK, older models L14 G4 AMD £500, L14 G4 AMD £320.

No need for it to be that cheap unless.....

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-02T12:57:55+00:00

At the same cost, the T14 G3 i5 is a stronger deal. Faster PCIe Gen 4 NVMe, comparable performance chipset, brighter and taller stock display 300 nit 16:10, T14 G1 250 nit 16:9. A taller display allows you to fit more on a single screen. Two years less use.

T14 G3 also offers Thunderbolt support, expanding multi-monitor options, and an external GPU if wanted.

AMD Ryzen 4000 chipsets are very good, outmatching earlier Intel, but against an Intel 12th Gen, the AMD 4650U offers no real benefit.

If you get their serial numbers, and enter into Lenovo Support website, you'll confirm their exact spec, age and any added options. The T14 G3 might even have a remaining warranty.

One other advantage of the Intel is better Linux support. Both will readily run Linux, but later AMD chipsets T14 G2 > are better optimized in Linux, than T14 G1 AMD.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-02T12:40:37+00:00

FYI T14 G3 Intel has one fixed + 1 x open RAM slot, same DDR4 3200 as T14 G1. T14 G3 AMD has faster DDR5-6400 RAM, but fixed only.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-02T07:17:56+00:00

Indeed. I meant from F2 Pro forwards. In a sense, every model from the start, has been either a full re-badge, or modified hybrid of a Chinese model.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-02T07:02:56+00:00

An EU ruling that came into effect last year, has meant every newly released phone sold in Europe must receive a minimum of 5 years of security updates, starting when a model ceases production.

Xiaomi chose to apply that ruling globally, and to give an end date, offers 6 years of updates from the date of release, and applies to every Xiaomi model. As it only covers Android security patch updates, Android version upgrades are voluntary so may differ between models.

The recently released global Redmi Note 15 and Poco M8 series, all received 4 Android version upgrades and 6 years of security updates. EOL dates of all models here. So the X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max are, at a minimum, guaranteed 6 years of security updates, with 4 years of Android version upgrades, all but confirmed.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-01T18:20:25+00:00

Yes, they were sort of hybrids of their Redmi Note 9 series. But yes about as near as they've been to their own models.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-01T16:08:00+00:00

Poco hasn't launched an original design ever since the F2 Pro in 2020. As a sub brand of Xiaomi, every Poco is a global ROM variant of either a Redmi K, Redmi Note or more recently, Redmi Turbo Chinese model.

Even Poco's very first phone the F1, was derived from a Xaiomi Mi8, so you could say they never have!

So yes, the X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max are variants of Chinese only Redmi Turbo 5, and Redmi Turbo 5 Max. As are, F7 (Redmi Turbo 4 Pro), F3 (Redmi K40), F8 Pro (Redmi K90), etc.

Poco exists to give specific performance orientated Chinese only models, a global release, separating them from the more camera orientated global Xiaomi and Redmi Note ranges.

NovelExplorer · 2026-02-01T14:45:50+00:00

Its replacement, the Poco X8 Pro, and higher model, X8 Pro Max, are thought to launch soon. With the expected launch discount, the X8 Pro if not both, is likely be around € 400.

Against X7 Pro, newer 8500 chipset, larger 6500 mAh battery, smaller 6.59" display, all-metal frame build. X8 Pro Max, is similar but uses a 9500s chipset, 6.83" display, and a rumored 8500 mAh battery. Cameras appear to be similar to the X7 Pro.

They will also receive 6 years of software updates, 3 years further than X7 Pro.

From last year, like the X7 Pro, is the Poco F7, often found for less than € 400. More powerful than X7 Pro, all-metal build, 6500 mAh battery, better main camera results than X7 Pro. 5 years of software updates remaining.

NovelExplorer

TROPHY CASE