Gran Turismo 7 (PS5) Review: Made for Newcomers & Veterans Alike

The Gran Turismo franchise had always felt…well, inaccessible to me. While I love driving, I can’t quite get into the series due to the intimidating mechanics that require a certain know-how to drive well and fully enjoy the game.

But that changes with Gran Turismo 7. Thanks to a number of qualify of life changes, this is (to me) the most accessible title in the franchise yet. With even more cars and tracks to drive on – compared to 2017’s Gran Turismo Sport – it’s a full-fledged Gran Turismo title too.

Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran, Gran Turismo 7 is sure to entertain – I certainly enjoyed this driving game much more than I expected.

What It Is

As mentioned, Gran Turismo 7 offers a wider variety of cars and tracks compared to Gran Turismo Sport. More specifically, there are over 400 cars to choose from with 90 tracks from around the world. Granted, it doesn’t have as many cars compared to over 1,200 models featured in Gran Turismo 6, but hey, 400 is still a respectable figure.

What’s new in Gran Turismo 7 is the introduction of Menu Books, which are found in the equally new Cafe. One of the first things you do in the game is to visit the Cafe to get Menu Books, which serve as a campaign mode of sorts for the game.

This is one of the biggest reasons why Gran Turismo 7 is especially accessible to newcomers. Not only do the Menu Books provide a form of progression for the driving game, it also offers interesting information on car culture.

The Good Stuff

As with most (if not all) games on the PS5, Gran Turismo 7 looks
stunning
 on the next-gen console. All the cars are rendered beautifully, the sceneries are awe-inspiring, and driving around the track with the realistic weather simulation really enhance the immersion of the game.

Speaking of which, I am
incredibly impressed
 with Polyphony Digital’s attention to detail in Gran Turismo 7. The studio said that the 400 cars featured in the games are “recreated to the highest quality ever seen in the history of the series,” and I couldn’t agree more.

I’m an owner of the
10th generation Honda Civic FC
, so when I saw the Civic Type R FK8 for sale in the game – which has a similar interior as my much more affordable sedan – I purchased it immediately. I wanted to see just how accurate the cabin of the car would be in Gran Turismo 7, and I’m pleasant surprised that it’s almost an
exact
 representation.

I obviously kept driving the car since then until I had to swap it out to enter a different championship.

Aside from that, each car in Gran Turismo 7 feels distinctively different too – this has always been a strong point of the franchise. Take the Toyota GR Yaris: thanks to its compact dimensions, it feels very nimble around the corners. Because it’s a four-wheel drive hatchback, it also offers better traction.

But if I take the bigger, more powerful Maserati GranTurismo S to the same track, it doesn’t allow me to be as aggressive in the corners, lest I risk oversteering and lose control of the car. Given that it’s a rear-wheel drive car, it doesn’t feel as “grippy” as the GR Yaris either, though it does offer higher speeds in the straights.

Of course, Gran Turismo 7 makes use of the more refined haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller too. The vibration changes if I drive off-track, and it even vibrates accordingly when I shift gears.

As for the adaptive triggers, it’s not used quite as extensively as other games – such as the recently released
Horizon Forbidden West
 – but the L2 trigger does offer resistance as I apply the brakes. The R2 trigger also rattles a little if I’m losing traction from accelerating too hard.

Last but not least is the new Menu Books feature in Gran Turismo 7. Basically, the Menu Books are missions for players to complete in order to progress through the game. These include competing in championships, completing license tests – while also teaching new driving techniques – and even collecting specific cars.

I’m personally most fond of collecting cars. Aside from the fact that I’m adding more cars to my collection, completing the Menu Book and bringing it back to the Cafe also sheds some interesting history on the cars that I’ve just collected.

However, the Menu Books are not perfect – I’ll elaborate in the next section.

The Bad Stuff

While the Menu Books are quite interesting in the beginning of Gran Turismo 7, they eventually feel repetitive after doing the same tasks over and over again. Granted, it does give me details on a wide variety of cars from different regions, but at the end of the day, it’s still a repetitive cycle.

One of the biggest advantages of the PS5 is fast loading times, and while Gran Turismo 7
does
 load very quickly – I can get in and out of races seamlessly – the loading times in certain parts of the game feel a tad too long. This is especially the case in the Livery Editor, for example.

I also have a small gripe with the dialogues in Gran Turismo 7: there were a fair number of typos here and there. Even though this is not a major issue by any means, it does affect the overall refinement of the game, in my opinion.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for one of the most realistic driving games, you cannot go wrong with Gran Turismo 7. Its wide variety of tracks and cars – which are recreated for the game with amazing attention to detail – along with sophisticated driving physics really make it an enjoyable driving game.

While the Menu Books do feel repetitive after some time, Gran Turismo 7 still offers a ton of other features, including licenses tests, Missions, Circuit Experiences, and of course, a number of online modes. These, coupled with the game’s stunning graphics, truly elevate Gran Turismo 7.

Gran Turismo 7 launches on the
PS5 and PS4
 on 4 March.


3 – 9 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up by Whopping 16 Sen, Others Unchanged

It appears the price of RON 97 is affected by the ongoing conflict in Europe. For the next seven days, RON 97 is going up by
a steep 16 sen per litre
. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.

From tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.45 per litre (up from RM3.29). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 3 to 9 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


Oppo Reno 7 Z Official With Snapdragon 695 – Arrives in Malaysia April 2022

Oppo just revealed the full specifications of its latest mid-ranger, the Oppo Reno 7 Z. Set to arrive in Malaysia in April 2022 next month, it’s a reasonably well-equipped device in this segment.

As previously revealed, the Reno 7 Z is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, putting it in the same league as the
Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
, for example. It also features a triple camera system made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 2MP monochrome sensor, and a 2MP macro lens.

Other specifications of the Reno 7 Z include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a 16MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 out of the box.

It remains to be seen how much the Oppo Reno 7 Z will be priced at, though we’ll find out for ourselves come next month in April 2022. That’s when the phone is set to be launched on our shores.


Apple Announces “Peek Performance” Event for 9 March – New iPhone & iPad Air?

Apple just scheduled a new event for next week! Set for 9 March at 2AM Malaysian time, rumours suggest the introduction of a new iPhone SE and iPad Air at the “Peek Performance” event.

This bit of information came from
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman
, who is often accurate with his Apple-related rumours. According to him, the upcoming iPhone SE will supposedly share the same design as the current one, but with a faster Apple A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity.

As for the latest iteration of the iPad Air, it is speculated to feature a new CPU and 5G connectivity for the cellular models. A new Mac equipped with Apple-designed chips are said to be launching sometime in March too, though we probably won’t be seeing that at next week’s event.

Nonetheless, these are still rumours until Apple itself officially confirm them. We’ll find out just what the new iPhone SE and iPad Air have to offer next week on 9 March at 2AM Malaysian time.


Oppo Enco Air 2 Review: Lightweight, Comfortable Wireless Earbuds, But Slightly Overpriced at RM249

Affordable wireless earbuds are aplenty in the market now, and the Oppo Enco Air 2 is yet another entry in this crowded segment. While it does stand out with its rather unique translucent “jelly” charging case, it doesn’t have the best audio quality for the money.

Retailing at RM249, the Enco Air 2 doesn’t offer particularly good value for money either, though it does have a number of winning qualities. Its value proposition may not be its strong suit, but if you like how these earbuds look, the Enco Air 2 is worth a consideration.

What It Is

Hardware wise, the Enco Air 2 features a 13.4mm “composite titanised diaphragm driver,” which is said to offer good audio quality – more in this further down the review. These earbuds also promise up to a whopping 24 hours of battery life: the earbuds themselves can last up to four hours on a single charge, which can be extended up to 24 hours with the charging case.

Another noteworthy feature of the Enco Air 2 is its IPX4 rating, making it water and sweat resistant. If you plan on wearing the earbuds for your workout sessions, you won’t have to worry about water or sweat damaging them – just make sure your workouts aren’t
too
 strenuous, given the loose fit of these earbuds.

The Good Stuff

While the Enco Air 2 doesn’t offer a snug fit due to the lack of silicone ear tips, it
is
 comfortable. The earbuds’ one-size-fits-all hard plastic design basically allow them to just sort of…rest in my ears, and its lightweight nature (each earbud weighs merely 3.5g) further enhance comfort.

That being said, it is jarring to just leave the earbuds “hanging” in my ears, though I haven’t had them fall out of my ears yet – thankfully.

Oppo’s quoted battery life for the Enco Air 2 is an impressive 24 hours, but as mentioned, the earbuds themselves are said to return four hours of use on a single charge. Well, in my testing, this is very achievable. I can effortlessly hit the four-hour mark with about 20% battery left.

The touch controls of the Enco Air 2 are decent as well. The earbuds can recognise my double and triple tap inputs without issue, and I love the fact that I can just hold on to the left earbuds to decrease the volume. Doing the same to the right earbud increases the volume instead.

Naturally, these inputs can be customised to my liking, though I do find it a little odd that the Enco Air 2 doesn’t support single tap inputs. Of course, it does eliminate accidental inputs when I adjust the earbuds for a better fit, for example.

One of the biggest drawbacks of wireless earbuds is bad latency; that’s when the audio doesn’t match up to what’s shown on the screen. This is especially noticeable when gaming, but the Enco Air 2 has a “game mode” that improves latency.

With the feature activated, it does improve audio latency quite a bit, though there is still a noticeable delay, unfortunately enough. Nonetheless, there’s still tangible improvement here.

And…what about the audio quality of the Enco Air 2? Well, it’s decent. It’s a great pair of wireless earbuds for a comfortable and relaxed listening experience with decent mid-bass and wide soundstage, but if you want better audio fidelity – especially at this price point – it leaves much to be desired.

The Bad Stuff

The audio quality of the Enco Air 2 is mostly affected by the fact that it uses an open design: the lack of silicone ear tips for a more secure fit affects the bass response of the earbuds. As a result, it offers just enough mid-bass to get your feet tapping, but not quite enough to appease bass heads.

On top of that, the Enco Air 2 doesn’t offer much definition or detail, and the fact that it has an open design means you get very little noise isolation. Granted, some folks may consider this a positive, as it allows them to be more aware of their surroundings.

Aside from that, at RM249, the Enco Air 2 is slightly overpriced for our market. After all, in China, these earbuds are priced at 199 Chinese yuan – that comes up to only about RM130. Yes, it would be unrealistic to expect Oppo Malaysia to price the earbuds here similarly to China, but for there to be such a big price gap…is quite odd.

Is It Worth It?

It’s tough to recommend the Oppo Enco Air 2, as you can get better value for money with other wireless earbuds at this price point. But if you like its design – especially the unique translucent charging case – and you want the open design of these earbuds, then yes, it’s certainly worth considering.

For what it’s worth, I do appreciate the comfort and lightweight nature of the Enco Air 2, not to mention its IPX4 water and sweat resistance. It’s also comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if the audio quality doesn’t quite hit the right chord for me.

Li Jin Soh contributed to this review.


Proton X50 – 100,000 Bookings Received, Best-Selling SUV in Malaysia

Just last month, Proton revealed that it has
sold over 100,000 SUVs locally
, securing its position as the number one SUV brand in Malaysia. Well, the national carmaker seems to be maintaining this momentum: it just revealed that the exceedingly popular
Proton X50
 has received over 100,000 bookings.

The X50 managed to achieve this impressive figure in only 16 months, making it the best-selling SUV in Malaysia. Just last month in February 2021, as many as 3,002 units of the B-segment SUV were delivered to customers.

Deliveries took a dip in January 2022 due to the floods, where 2,601 bookings of the X50 were fulfilled. As for the previous two months, as many as 4,310 and 4,010 units were registered in December and November 2021 respectively. In 2021 itself, the SUV found 28,774 homes.

Given the sheer value for money the Proton X50 offers, it’s certainly proving to be a success for the national carmaker. If you’d like to learn more about this highly sought-after SUV, watch our full review
right here
.


Proton’s February 2022 Sales Increase by 107% – Proton X50 Best-Selling Model

After the floods affected Proton’s sales in January 2022, the national carmaker fared much better the following month. In February 2022, Proton managed to sell 9,225 units; a 107% increase over the previous month’s figure of 4,453 units sold.

Leading Proton’s sales last month is none other than the
Proton X50
 with 3,002 units sold. In fact, Proton said that the X50 has received over
100,000 bookings in only 16 months
, making it the best-selling SUV in Malaysia.

In second spot is the Proton Saga with 2,951 units sold. Normally a best-seller for the carmaker, Proton said the A-segment sedan only managed half a month of normal production last month, “suppressing its full potential,” as the company puts it. In third spot is the Proton Persona (1,675), followed by the X70 (1,119), Iriz (321), and Exora (157).

“February’s rebound in sales is a direct result of the company being able to produce more cars. This was only made possible by the outstanding joint efforts of our vendors and Proton staff, who worked and continue to work ceaselessly to get us back on track,” said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.

“Thankfully, our order bank remains healthy, and we remain hopeful of catching up to our targets for this year,” he added.


Proton Now Requires All Dealers to Have 3 Months Holding Stock to Improve Aftersales Service

It’s no secret that parts shortage has been one of the major issues plaguing Proton’s aftersales service. In a bid to address this, the national carmaker now requires all dealers to have three months holding stocks to shorten waiting times.

“Proton is aware of the issues it faces regarding aftersales and parts availability. Our customers have reached out to us, and we deeply regret any inconvenience caused,” said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.

“I would like to reassure them we take every complaint seriously and senior management has identified several bottlenecks and operational issues that require fixing,” he added.

Among them is making it mandatory for all dealers to have three months holding stock of 22 fast moving parts. This applies to the national carmaker’s central parts centre too, which should shorten waiting times for customers.

“We are also strengthening the capability and knowledge of our dealers to provide excellent aftersales service to all Proton customers. There is still a lot left to do but we will give updates on our progress throughout the year,” Roslan elaborated.


Shopee 3.15 Consumer Day Is Its First Mega Sale of the Year

If you’re planning to do some online shopping soon, you may want to check out Shopee’s 3.15 Consumer Day sale. This is the e-commerce platform’s first mega sale of the year, and it’s happening right now.

Just like Shopee’s previous mega sales, every day leading up to 15 March will have
its own theme of sorts
. Today (4 March), for example, is free shipping day, so you can collect extra vouchers to get…well, free shipping for your orders.

The Consumer Day sale will culminate on 15 March, which will (naturally) offer the best deals and vouchers. If you want to get the best savings, add the items you want to your cart now and check out on 15 March itself – at the stroke of midnight, of course.

If you need more tips on how to make the most out of the Shopee 3.15 Consumer Day sale, you can check out our previous shopping guide for
Shopee’s 12.12 sale
; the same tips should be applicable. More details on Shopee’s 3.15 sale can be found
here
.


Realme 9 Pro & Realme 9 Pro+ Arrive in Malaysia From RM1,099 – Early Birds Get up to RM200 Discount

Realme recently unveiled two new phones for the Malaysian market, the Realme 9 Pro and the higher-end Realme 9 Pro+. While both phones feature a similar-looking design, they’re quite different under the hood.

Let’s start with the higher-end phone of the two, the Realme 9 Pro+. Retailing at RM1,599 in Malaysia for the sole 256GB + 8GB model, it features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary shooter with a Sony IMX766 sensor – it promises good low light performance – an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2MP macro camera.

Other specifications of the Realme 9 Pro+ include a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor with 5G connectivity, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 60W fast charging.

As for the more affordable Realme 9 Pro, it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset instead, along with a 6.6-inch 1080p IPS screen clocked at 120Hz, a triple camera setup (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

How much does these hardware cost? Well, only RM1,099 for the 128GB + 6GB model. If you want more RAM, you can get the 128GB + 8GB configuration for RM1,199.

The Realme 9 Pro+ will go on sale in Malaysia on 8 March through Lazada; you can grab it for only RM1,399 on that day, saving you RM200. The Realme 9 Pro will also be available on Lazada then at a discounted price (RM1,099, a discount of RM100).

If you can wait a little longer, you can get the more affordable 128GB + 6GB variant of the Realme 9 Pro for only RM949 on 15 March through Lazada. That’s exactly RM150 off.


Mode Sonnet Details Revealed – $299 for a 75% Custom Keyboard

Mode has been teasing a brand new 75% keyboard for quite some time now, and the brand finally revealed some key details. Enter the Mode Sonnet: the company’s first custom keyboard with a 75% layout and a rather interesting accent piece.

Looking at a (somewhat) exploded view of the Sonnet, the case appears to be a two-piece construction. The bottom piece looks to be secured to the keyboard assembly with just two screws, and the accent piece? Well, it seems to be magnetised!

Just like the
Mode SixtyFive
 and
Eighty
, the Sonnet looks to be customisable with different colours for each part. Chances are, it will be offered in various material as well. With a $299 starting price – that comes up to about RM1,250 – it’s also priced well for a 75% custom keyboard.

Unfortunately, these are the only details revealed for the Mode Sonnet so far, though the company said that more information will be revealed in the coming weeks. To get the latest updates, you can keep an eye on Mode’s social media pages (
Twitter
 and
Instagram
) as well as its
Discord server
.


We Tried 4 Interesting Thocky/Clacky Keyboard Switches You Can Buy in Malaysia Right Now

Over the past couple of years, it’s getting easier to get our hands on custom keyboard parts in Malaysia, thanks to the emergence of more local vendors. One such entity is NullKeyboards, which has brought in quite a number of switches to the Malaysian market.

NullKeyboards was kind enough to send us
22 different switches
 to try out; all of which are currently offered by the vendor…except for a couple that are sold out at the moment. Anyway, here are some noteworthy switches that we’ve received from NullKeyboards.

Gateron Oil King

Its unique name aside, the Gateron Oil King 80g linear switch is largely considered to be the true successor to the Gateron Ink Black – rather than the
Box Ink V2
 – with its deep, “thocky” sound profile. This can be attributed to its nylon top housing, as well as “ink-material” bottom housing.

It makes sense for the Oil King to have (what appears to be) the same bottom housing as the popular Ink Black, which explains its deep sound signature. Aside from that, the factory lubing on this switch is very good too. There’s no audible scratchiness at all throughout the downstroke, though there’s a slight leaf tick.

Priced at
RM30 for a pack of 10 switches
 from NullKeyboards, the Oil King is similarly priced to other high-end switches in the market now. If you want a low-pitched switch with a deep, “full” sound, the Oil King is a fantastic option.

JWK Poseidon by Moyu Studio

Designed by Moyu Studio, the Poseidon is a linear switch manufactured by JWK; one of the most recognisable names in the custom keyboard hobby. One of the most unique aspects of the Poseidon has to be its 58g
three-stage spring
 – not something you see very often.

Basically, there are three distinct sections to the Poseidon’s spring, making it a “slow” spring. Compared to shorter, “faster” springs, the slow nature of this three-stage spring offers more resistance at the very top of the downstroke, so there’s less chance of accidental key presses.

On top of that, the upstroke of the Poseidon is noticeably faster and more forceful with this three-stage spring, making for a more…well, responsive typing experience. Paired with a longer than usual POM stem, top and bottom housings made of nylon, the Poseidon is also a deep-sounding, “poppy” switch – you get this from the longer stem pole of the switch hitting the bottom housing.

How much does the Poseidon cost? Just like the Oil King, NullKeyboards is listing it at
RM30 for a pack of 10 switches
. In my opinion, this is a fair asking price for a linear switch
this
 good.

Owlab Tungsten

Don’t quite fancy the blue colourway of the Poseidon, but want the same deep, poppy sound profile? Then the Owlab Tungsten is right up your alley. Also manufactured by JWK, this linear switch has a full nylon housing and a long stem pole made of POM; just like the Poseidon. However, its stem isn’t quite as long as the latter.

However, the Tungsten does have one issue: the 63g spring is…noisy. Even at normal typing speeds, the spring ping is
very
 audible, which affects the overall refinement of this linear switch. Lubing the spring should help to remove this unpleasant sound, though it would’ve been great if it wasn’t so pingy in the first place.

At the moment, the Tungsten is currently priced at
RM29.50 for a pack of 10 switches
 from NullKeyboards, so it’s
ever so slightly
 more affordable than the Poseidon. But do note that the Tungsten’s noisier and shorter spring does not provide the same responsiveness afforded by the Poseidon’s three-stage spring.

SP-Star Duck

SP-Star makes
some of the clackiest
 – that is, high-pitched – switches in the market, and the SP-Star Duck is no different. Not only does this 58g tactile switch has a nice, pleasant clacky sound profile (in my opinion), its light tactile bump also makes for an interesting typing experience.

If you are – dare I say – a fan of Cherry MX Brown switch, then you’d definitely want to check out the Duck. Its tactile event is slightly more pronounced than MX Brown, but it’s not overly tactile like the
Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky
 or
Anubis
.

On top of that, you also get this bright yellow switch with an orange stem. You know, just like a…duck.

Bad pun aside, the SP-Star Duck is sold by NullKeyboards
at only RM23 for a pack of 10 switches
. That’s certainly a good price for a light tactile switch of this calibre.


SingaKBD’s Founder Is Selling Her 1/12 Unikorn Custom Keyboard for Charity – Starts at $500

The founder of Malaysian custom keyboard brand SingaKBD, Elaine, is donating her personal Unikorn keyboard for charity. The keyboard itself is a stainless steel, limited edition SG Unikorn, where only 12 units are available worldwide.

Given the unique nature of the SingaKBD SG Unikorn – and the fact that it’s owned by the founder herself – the starting bid is $500; that’s about RM2,090. This is a silent/blind auction, so you won’t know what is the highest bid at any given moment.

100% of the highest bid will be donated to GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. SingaKBD and Elaine will not profit off of this auction, naturally. The winning bidder won’t have to pay for shipping either; Elaine will ship the
2.7kg unbuilt
 SG Unikorn to the winner free of charge.

If you’re keen to place a bid, you can do so through
this Google Form
. The auction will end on 11 March this Friday, so make sure you place your bid before then!


Video: TX Stabiliser Review – Clip-In Stabilisers Can Be Good!

Who thought clip-in stabilisers can be as good as screw-in ones? Well, that’s exactly what the TX stabiliser has proved. We compare it to the
Staebies
 and Durock V2 in the video review above, and if you can get your hands on the TX stabiliser, you definitely won’t be disappointed!

All of these stabilisers were tested on an FR4 plate and PCB of the
Mode SixtyFive
 (stay tuned for our full review of this excellent custom keyboard). We lubed all three stabilisers with Krytox XHT-BDZ on the wires, and Krytox 205g0 on the housings – no mods of any kind were performed.

Unfortunately, the TX stabiliser is sold out right now, but it does get restocked somewhat regularly. You can check if it’s back in stock on
Rebult Keyboards
 if you’re in Malaysia, or
Mekibo
 for the international market.


Keychron Q3 TKL Keyboard Goes on Sale on 29 March From $154

The Keychron Q3 is finally going on sale at the end of the month. This TKL keyboard, much like the Keychron Q1, features a gasket mounting system, an aluminium case, and of course, a knob.

As its
product page shows
, the Q3 starts at $154 (about RM645) for the barebone kit. The fully assembled model, on the other hand, costs $174 (approximately RM725). Want to add a knob? Well, you’ll just have to add on $10 (around RM40).

Aside from its TKL layout, the Q3 also features the aforementioned gasket mounting system, a full aluminium body, a VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, and support for screw-in stabilisers. On top of that, it has silicone gaskets between the top and bottom cases as well to reduce case ping.

The Keychron Q3 will be available for purchase
right here
 on 29 March at 10PM Malaysian time. If you’re afraid you’ll miss the drop, you can use the notify feature on the product page to get an email when it’s on sale.


Dell G15 5510 Review: Surprisingly Good Value!

Dell’s range of budget-friendly gaming laptops (usually) don’t offer particularly great value for money; especially at launch. But that’s not the case with the Dell G15 gaming laptop. Retailing at only RM4,199 for an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU and a fast Intel Core i7 processor, its value proposition is…surprisingly good.

Of course, the fact remains that the G15 is a budget-oriented gaming laptop, which comes with its fair share of shortcomings, including so-so build quality. But for those who want the best value for their money at this price point, the G15 is one to shortlist.

What It Is

Display
15.6-inch FHD WVA (1920 x 1080), 120Hz
Processor
Intel Core i7-10870H (8C/16T, 2.2GHz with boost up to 5.0GHz)
GPU
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6
RAM
16GB DDR4 3200MHz
Storage
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Camera
720p
Battery
56Wh
Dimensions
357.26 x 272.83 x 24.9 mm
Weight
2.44kg
Audio
Bottom-firing stereo speakers
Ports
1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (DisplayPort)
1x USB-A 3.2
2x USB-A 2.0
1x HDMI
1x RJ45
Price
Unavailable; RM4,199 for equivalent Core i7-11800H model

Unfortunately, this review unit of the G15 is no longer sold, but the newer Core i7-11800H model is still available
for only RM4,199
. Of course, both configurations share the same hardware except for the processor, so this review remains (very much) relevant.

Anyway, at this price point, the G15 really does offer great value for money. You’d be hard-pressed to look for another similarly priced gaming laptop that offers both an 11th gen Core i7 processor and RTX 3050 Ti GPU.

The Good Stuff

Its value proposition aside, the Dell G15 has a number of other winning qualities as well. The combination of an RTX 3050 Ti and Core i7-11800H – along with 16GB of RAM – can deliver reasonably good gaming performance. Just take a look at the benchmark results below:

Games (max settings @ 1920 x 1080)
Average FPS
Borderlands 3 (DX11)
51.29
Control (DX11)
45.75
Witcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)
63.229

Granted, only Witcher 3 ran above 60fps at maxed out graphics settings in Full HD, but there’s no denying that the G15 can still run AAA games relatively well. With some tweaks to the graphics settings, you can definitely get both Borderlands 3 and Control to run at 60fps as well.

Outside of gaming, the battery life of the G15 is adequate too. When I’m doing productivity tasks with the power plan set to battery saver – I also dimmed the screen to a comfortable level – I can get between five to six hours of use on a single charge.

While this is not a fantastic figure, this
is
 a power-hungry gaming laptop with a 15.6-inch 120Hz screen.

Speaking of which, the 15.6-inch 1080p WVA display of the G15 is quite good as well. It can get bright enough for use outdoor, its viewing angles are wide enough, and the 120Hz refresh rate (even if it’s not particularly high) offers fluid, responsive user experience. The extra frames afforded by this refresh rate makes this panel a joy to use, even outside of game.

Surprisingly enough, the system noise of the G15 is quieter than I expected. It doesn’t kick up a fuss at all when I’m doing productivity work, and even when running demanding games, the fans don’t get too audible. In my opinion, the laptop’s speakers alone are enough to drown out the fan noise in heated gaming sessions.

One other aspect of the G15 that I find quite appealing is the keyboard. Not only does the layout take little time to get accustomed to, the keyboard itself provides a
comfortable
 typing experience. It has just enough key travel to not feel shallow, and the keys have a good amount of tactile feedback.

The G15’s trackpad is quite usable too. It is by no means as accurate as the trackpad of a productivity laptop, but for the most part, it doesn’t feel cumbersome to use at all.

The Bad Stuff

I’m going to circle back to the keyboard of the G15. Although it is comfortable to type on, I’m not a fan of the small arrow keys. Putting the page up and page down keys in the same cluster isn’t a bright idea either; I find myself constantly hitting them by accident when I just wanted to use the arrow keys.

Aside from that, the G15 also runs
hot
. After long periods of gaming, the CPU got up to a toasty 98°C, while the GPU peaked at 85°C. Thankfully, at least the palm rest area stayed cool throughout the gaming session.

Given the affordable price point of the G15, it’s no surprise that its build quality leaves much to be desired. Sure, the metal palm rest area feels great to the touch, but other exterior parts of the laptop are made from plastic, which don’t exactly look or feel premium.

There is one consolation though: the laptop’s chassis doesn’t creak with added pressure.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re shopping for a gaming laptop in the RM4,000 price range, the Dell G15 is really an option worth considering. This is especially the case if you want the most value for your money; it’s not easy to find an alternative that offers the same hardware at this price point.

After all, for only RM4,199, the G15 offers powerful enough hardware to game effectively. Yes, it doesn’t look or feel like a premium laptop, but hey, it’s positioned as a value-oriented product – it’s unrealistic to place such high expectations on a sub-RM4,500 gaming laptop.


Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Unboxing – The S Pen Returns!

Who would’ve thought we’d see a Galaxy S device with a built-in S Pen? That’s the reason why it’s quite surprising when the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was announced. Essentially a
Galaxy Note in all but name
, the S22 Ultra has all the winning features of a Note device, including the much loved stylus.

We just received a review unit of the S22 Ultra not too long ago, so if you’re wondering what you get in the box, here’s our unboxing of Samsung’s latest flagship phone. Oh, if you’re planning to get any phone in the S22 series, you may want to get a number of other accessories too, including a screen protector.

Naturally, the retail box of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is not all that different from its predecessor’s. It’s packaged in a sleek, slim box, because…well, a charger is no longer bundled with the phone. So yes, if you don’t have a spare USB-C charger around, you’d need to get one.

Fortunately, a USB-C to USB-C cable
is
 provided with the S22 Ultra, so you don’t have to shop for both a cable and charger. Now, if you want to make use of this cable, you’ll have to make sure you get a charger with a USB-C port instead of the more common USB-A connection.

You’ll have to remove the sheet of plastic on the display of the S22 Ultra

There’s also one more noteworthy change to the Galaxy S22 Ultra: it doesn’t come with a pre-installed screen protector anymore. Keep this in mind if you’re
shopping for a case to protect the phone
; you may want to grab a screen protector too.

And…that’s pretty much the unboxing of the S22 Ultra. Of course, there’s the S Pen neatly tucked into the bottom of the phone. A click on the top of the stylus allows you to grab onto it and pull it out to start scribbling. Thanks to its lower latency, the writing experience is more fluid than ever too.

Basically, it feels very natural to write using the S Pen on the Galaxy S22 Ultra; almost like I’m physically scribbling on a piece of paper. The S Pen itself sees a slight revision as well – it now has rubberised texture for a more comfortable grip. I also like the fact that it’s finished in black instead of matching the phone’s colour.

While we’re on the topic of colour, I’m quite a fan of the Burgundy S22 Ultra. Depending on the lighting, it can appear as a shade of dark red, brown, or even purple. If you want something more…professional, you can always opt for the Phantom Black or Phantom White colourways.

Aesthetically, the Galaxy S22 Ultra can easily pass off as a Note device with its flat top and bottom, giving it an angular appearance. The sides of the phone, however, are rounded; it’s almost like the display and glass back panel of the S22 Ultra are wrapping around the frame. All in all, this makes for a premium phone in looks and feel.

What about the display quality of the S22 Ultra? As expected, it’s a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. According to Samsung, this is the brightest screen ever on a Galaxy S device with a peak brightness of
1,750 nits
. It also supports HDR10+ with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut.

Of course, the S22 Ultra’s display has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate too, and it can go as low as 1Hz, depending on the content shown on the screen.

In the performance department, the Malaysian market is getting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 version of the Galaxy S22 Ultra instead of the Exynos 2200 variant. This is quite a surprise, given that our market usually gets the Exynos version of the Galaxy S series.

Nonetheless, this Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-equipped S22 Ultra feels very fast and zippy; what you’d expect out of a 2022 flagship chipset. I also played a quick session of
Genshin Impact
 with the phone, and it’s…well, quite promising. Stay tuned to our full review for an analysis of the S22 Ultra’s performance.

Naturally, the quad camera system of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is a sophisticated one. It’s made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP telephoto lens that can do 10x optical zoom.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a very promising, very refined flagship smartphone. Not only is it the first device in the S series to get a built-in S Pen, it also offers fast performance, a bright, stunning display, and an even more capable camera system.

But all of these impressive features also demand a matching price tag:
starting at RM5,099
 for the base 128GB model – up to RM5,899 for the range-topping 512GB variant – there’s no denying that the Galaxy S22 Ultra carries a premium price tag.

Now, whether or not this asking price is justified…we can only fairly assess in a full review of the S22 Ultra. Stay tuned for that!


2022 iPhone SE Pre-Orders Now Open in Malaysia From RM2,099

Introduced just last week, the brand new iPhone SE is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Although it looks identical to the
2020 model
, the updated iPhone SE is powered by the blazing fast Apple A15 Bionic chip. That’s right, this affordable iPhone features the
same
 chip as the current
iPhone 13
 lineup.

Retailing from RM2,099
, the new iPhone SE only costs RM100 more than its predecessor. Given that you’re getting the powerful A15 Bionic chip with this new model, only needing to pay RM100 more is quite a good deal. On top of that, you’re also getting 5G support, even if 5G connectivity in Malaysia isn’t widely available yet.

Of course, RM2,099 is for the base model of the iPhone SE with 64GB of internal storage. If you want more storage space, you can go for the 128GB or 256GB variant, which will set you back RM2,299 and RM2,799 respectively.

Rounding out the specifications of the updated iPhone SE are a 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 IPS screen, an IP67 rating, better battery life (thanks to the more power-efficient A15 chip), as well as the same chassis as its predecessor, but with tougher glasses on the front and back of the phone.

You can pre-order the 2022 iPhone SE in Malaysia from Apple itself
right here
; shipping will begin from 24 March onwards. Want a higher-end iPhone instead? Well, the
iPhone 13 in Green
 and
iPhone 13 Pro in Alpine Green
 are also available for pre-order now.


2022 iPhone SE Official – A15 Bionic, Same Design, $429

Apple just unveiled the new iPhone SE, and it looks…well, identical to the 2020 model. The differences all lie under the hood, including the blazing fast Apple A15 Bionic chip. That’s right, this affordable iPhone features the
same
 chip as the current iPhone 13 lineup.

For the US market, the new iPhone SE retails from only $429; that comes up to about RM1,795. No word yet on the Malaysian pricing of the affordable new iPhone, but we expect to hear from Apple very soon regarding this.

Rounding out the specifications of the updated iPhone SE are a 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 IPS screen, an IP67 rating, better battery life (thanks to the more power-efficient A15 chip), as well as the same chassis as its predecessor, but with tougher glasses on the front and back of the phone.

The 2022 iPhone SE will hit store shelves in the US on 18 March. It remains to be seen exactly when the new iPhone will be offered in Malaysia, but rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.


2022 iPad Air Updated With M1 Processor & Similar Design for $599

Aside from the iPhone SE, Apple also updated the iPad Air with a new chip: the Cupertino company’s very own M1 processor. This makes the 2022 iPad Air the fastest tablet in the Air lineup yet; on par with the more costly iPad Pro.

Interestingly, even with the newer, much more powerful M1 chip – Apple claims it is twice as fast as Windows laptops in the same price range – the iPad Air retains its $599 (about RM2,505) price tag in the US. It remains to be seen if this will be applicable to the Malaysia market as well. For context, the current iPad Air starts at RM2,599 locally.

Beyond the new M1 chip, the updated iPad Air also gets a 12MP front-facing camera now with support for Apple’s Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps you in the frame. Aside from that, the new tablet should have the same hardware as its predecessor, including a 10.9 Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology.

The 2022 iPad Air will go on sale on 18 March next week in the US; that’s the same launch date as the new iPhone SE. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the new iPad.


Mac Studio Unveiled – Basically a Thicker Mac mini With New M1 Ultra Chip From $1,999

Just as rumoured, Apple unveiled a brand new desktop for creative professionals, the Mac Studio. On the outside, it looks like a far thicker Mac mini, but it also packs some powerful hardware under the hood, including the all-new M1 Ultra chip.

Compared to the M1 found in the Mac mini, the new M1 Ultra is said to be “nearly”
eight times
 faster, thanks to its 800Gbps memory bandwidth, a 20-core CPU (with 16 high performance cores), and a 64-core GPU. Needless to say, it is made for folks that need the absolute best level of performance.

Of course, if you don’t need the blazing fast M1 Ultra, the Mac Studio can still be configured with an M1 Max chip, which makes sense. After all, you can still get the Mac Studio that way without paying top dollar, especially if your workload doesn’t demand such a high level of performance.

The Mac Studio starts at $1,999 (about RM8,360) for the M1 Max model. If you want the more powerful M1 Ultra configuration, it retails from a cool $3,999 – that comes up to around RM16,725.


2022 iPhone SE With A15 Bionic Retails at RM2,099 in Malaysia – Only RM100 Price Increase

Apple just revealed the Malaysian pricing of the brand new 2022 iPhone SE.
Retailing at RM2,099
, it only costs RM100 more than its predecessor, which was launched back in 2020.

Given that you’re getting the powerful Apple A15 Bionic chip with the new iPhone SE, only needing to pay RM100 more is really quite surprising. On top of that, you’re also getting 5G support with the new iPhone, even if 5G connectivity in Malaysia isn’t widely available yet.

Of course, RM2,099 is for the base model of the iPhone SE with 64GB of internal storage. If you want more storage space, you can go for the 128GB or 256GB variant, which will set you back RM2,299 and RM2,799 respectively.

Nonetheless, the 2022 iPhone SE will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 18 March next week. It will hit store shelves the following week on 25 March.


2022 iPad Air Costs RM2,699 in Malaysia – RM100 Price Hike

As expected, Apple also unveiled the Malaysian pricing of the new 2022 iPad Air.
Now starting at RM2,699
, the updated iPad costs exactly RM100 more than the previous model – this is despite the fact that the price of the tablet is actually maintained for the US market.

Nonetheless, for RM2,699, you’re getting the new iPad Air with 64GB of internal storage; the more generous 256GB model costs RM3,349 instead. If you want cellular capability, you’ll have to add on RM650.

The biggest upgrade to the new iPad Air is none other than the M1 chip powering the tablet; Apple claims it is twice as fast as Windows laptops in the same price range. On top of that, it also gets a 12MP front-facing camera now with support for Apple’s Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps you in frame.

Unfortunately, even though the Malaysian pricing of the 2022 iPad Air has been revealed, it remains to be seen exactly when it will be available locally. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new iPad.


Mac Studio Starts at RM8,799 in Malaysia – RM16,799 for M1 Ultra Model

Intrigued by Apple’s powerful new desktop? Well, the Cupertino company just listed the Malaysian pricing of the new Mac Studio, and it starts
at a cool RM8,799
.

For that kind of money, you’re getting the Mac Studio with an M1 Max chip. If you want to equip the desktop with the fancy new M1 Ultra chip, that will set you back RM16,799 – that’s almost
double
 the price of the M1 model.

While that’s
a lot
 of money, the M1 Ultra does offer blazing fast performance. Compared to the M1 found in the Mac mini, for example, the M1 Ultra is said to be “nearly”
eight times
 faster, thanks to its 800Gbps memory bandwidth, a 20-core CPU (with 16 high performance cores), and a 64-core GPU.

Just like the 2022 iPad Air, it remains to be seen exactly when the new Mac Studio will be available for purchase in Malaysia. Nonetheless, you can look at its
product page here
 for the full price list and configuration options.


10 – 16 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up 30 Sen, Others Unchanged

The price of RON 97 continues to be affected by the ongoing conflict in Europe. For the next seven days, RON 97 is going up by
a steep 30 sen per litre
. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.

From tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.75 per litre (up from RM3.45). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 10 to 16 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


Pre-Orders for PS5 Open Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 12 March

More than a year after its arrival in Malaysia
, it’s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after PlayStation 5. If you’re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.

Well, sort of. In order to be in the running for a
chance
 to pre-order the PS5, you’ll have to fill up
this Google Form
. If you’re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted on 14 March to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.

Do note that you only have until 12 March at 2PM this Saturday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn’t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you’re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.

While it wasn’t mentioned, it’s likely that stocks are very limited, so don’t be disheartened if you’re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list – if the store has one.


Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Now in Malaysia – Three Variants, up to 430km Range, RM200k to RM260k

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) unveiled yet another electric vehicle (EV) for the Malaysian market. Enter the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is dubbed by HSDM to be a “Crossover Utility Vehicle” (CUV). With up to 430km of range (and powerful performance), the Ioniq 5 is certainly an interesting EV.

Of course, the Ioniq 5 also carries a premium price tag. The base Lite model, for one, retails at RM199,888, which offers a 58kWh battery (good for up to 384km range) and rear-wheel drive. The mid-tier Plus variant, on the other hand, is a better-equipped version of the Lite for RM229,888.

As for the range-topping Max, it costs RM259,888 for a larger 72.6kWh battery (returning up to 430km range) and dual-motor AWD. Do note that as announced at
Budget 2022
, the Ioniq 5 is
fully exempted
 from import and excise duties, as well as road tax. Needless to say, this is a very good incentive to get the EV…if it fits your budget.

Powering the 58kWh RWD models of the Ioniq 5 – that is, the Lite and Plus variants – is a rear motor that outputs 170PS and 350Nm of torque, allowing them to do the century sprint in 8.5 seconds. As for the higher-end Max model with a dual-motor AWD configuration, it offers a whopping combined output of 305PS and 605Nm of torque; it can go from 0-100kmph in only 5.2 seconds.

Other specifications of the Ioniq 5 include seven airbags, fabric upholstery for the Lite (leather for the Plus and Max trims), Hyundai SmartSense – it includes lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with stop and go – a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch for the Max.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV is now available for booking in Malaysia. You can also place your booking online for RM1,000 through HSDM’s “
Cl!ck to Buy
” platform.


Video: MWStudio MW65 Lite Sound Test With Akko CS Silver

2022 is shaping up to be the year of fantastic affordable custom keyboards, and this keyboard, the MW65 Lite by MWStudio, is no different. Set to retail from only 429 Chinese yuan (that’s about RM285/$68), you’re getting incredible value for your money.

For that kind of money, the MW65 Lite offers an attractive feature set. These include an isolated gasket mount system, a polycarbonate plate with flex cuts for extra flexibility – it has a nice, soft typing feel – a hotswap PCB, a polycarbonate case (though this prototype unit has an acrylic case instead), and even a rotary encoder.

At this price point, MWStudio’s MW65 Lite really does offer
fantastic
 value for money. Stay tuned to our full review of this affordable custom keyboard!


2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA Launched in Malaysia – CBU From Germany, 429km EV Range, 190PS, RM278k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) just launched its entry-level electric vehicle (EV) on our shores, the Mercedes-Benz EQA. Fully imported (CBU) from Germany, the all-electric SUV is exempted from import and excise duties; in line with Malaysia’s
Budget 2022 announcement
.

Thanks to these incentives, the EQA is priced at RM278,201.25 on-the-road without insurance. That’s just RM7,036.41 more than the locally assembled (CKD) GLA 250 AMG Line, which is essentially the petrol version of the EQA.

Naturally, the electric SUV also comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty. As for the battery, it is protected by an eight-year or 160,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

Powering the EQA is an electric motor that drives the front wheels with a single-speed gearbox. It’s capable of producing 190PS and 370Nm of torque, allowing the EV to do the century sprint in 8.9 seconds. It can also travel up to 429km (according to the WLTP cycle) on a single charge.

Speaking of which, the EQA’s 66.5kWh battery can be charged up from 10% to 100% state of charge (SOC) in five hours and 45 minutes with the EV’s 11kW onboard AC charger. Of course, with a DC fast charger (100kW), it can be recharged from 10% to 80% in only 32 minutes.

It’s also worth noting that the first 1,000 EQA owners in Malaysia will get a one-year subscription to JomCharge, giving them 50% discount at all JomCharge charging stations. MBM will also install 13 DC fast chargers across its dealerships nationwide this year, which can be used by all EQA owners for free until the end of 2023.

Other specifications of the EQA include Driver Assistance Package – it offers adaptive cruise control with stop and go and active lane keeping assist – 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, sports seats, and two 10.25-inch screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system; the latter comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is now available for booking in Malaysia. Deliveries of the electric SUV will begin from April 2022 next month.


Astro Ulti Box Now Supports Netflix

Back in November last year, Astro added
support for Netflix
 to its 4K-enabled Ultra Box. Unfortunately, this wasn’t available on the more affordable HD Ulti Box…until now. From today onwards, you can start streaming Netflix through the Astro Ulti Box.

This makes it more compelling to purchase
Astro TV packs
 that have Netflix bundled together; the most affordable one is the Entertainment Plus Pack for RM129.99/month. If you want both Netflix and
Disney+ Hotstar
 in the same TV pack, there’s Premium Pack 3 for RM154.99/month. Access to HBO GO is also offered in this bundle.

Of course, you don’t have to purchase these TV packs to access Netflix on Astro’s Ulti Box. As long as you have an active subscription to the streaming service, you can log on to Netflix without any issue. It’s just a little bit more convenient to include the subscription cost into a single bill, especially if you fancy other content in the TV pack.

To access Netflix on the Astro Ulti Box, just find for the streaming service on the home screen. Alternatively, you can tune in to Channel 741 to start streaming.


Honda City Gets New Ignite Red & Meteoroid Grey Metallic Paints

Honda Malaysia just introduced new colours for the
Honda City
 sedan: Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Grey Metallic. These two options replace the B-segment sedan’s Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel metallic paints respectively.

Those who have been keeping tabs on new Honda model launches may find these two colour options familiar. Well, that’s because both of them were first available on the
City Hatchback
, which were subsequently offered on the
2022 Civic
 as well.

It’s worth noting that the Honda Accord also receives the Meteoroid Grey Metallic colour, which is also replacing the Modern Steel Metallic option. Interestingly, the D-segment sedan doesn’t get the Ignite Red Metallic colour, though this is likely because it wasn’t available in a red paint job for our market to begin with.

If you like these new colours for the Honda City and Accord, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also book them online
here
, or even through the HondaTouch app – you can download it from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.


Honda City – 32,500 Units Sold to Date, Honda Malaysia’s Best-Seller in January, February 2022

Back in December last year, Honda Malaysia revealed that
over 22,000 units
 of the fifth generation Honda City were sold locally. Fast forward to today, the Japanese carmaker announced that the number has grown to an impressive 32,500 units.

This means the carmaker managed to sell over 10,500 units of the City between December 2021 to February last month. In fact, the B-segment sedan was actually Honda Malaysia’s best-seller in January and February 2022, contributing to 38% of the company’s total sales in that period.

Chances are, the introduction of the
City V Sensing in November 2021
 bolstered the sales of the sedan. After all, it adds on the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems for only RM3,650.91 more than the standard V model.

Got your eyes on the Honda City? Or even fancy the sedan’s new
Ignite Red Metallic or Meteoroid Grey Metallic
 colour options? Then head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also book it online
here
, or even through the HondaTouch app – you can download it from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.


Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Review: No Longer the Budget Phone It Once Was

Redmi smartphones had always offered great value for money, but one of their biggest shortcomings is the fact that they also feel…well, cheap. That changes with the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: not only does it sport a more premium design, it also continues to offer excellent value for money.

Of course, it is still not without faults. But if sheer value for money is what you look for below the RM1,500 price point, the Note 11 Pro 5G is one of the best options out there.

What It Is

Display
6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2400 x 1080), 120Hz
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 2.2GHz octa-core
GPU
Adreno 619
RAM
6/8GB
Storage
128GB, expandable
Camera (rear)
108MP f/1.9
8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)
2MP f/2.4 (macro)
Camera (front)
16MP f/2.4
Battery
5,000mAh with 67W fast charging
Dimensions
164.19 x 76.1 x 8.12 mm
Weight
202g
OS
MIUI 13 based on Android 11
Connectivity
5G
LTE
NFC
Bluetooth 5.1
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
USB Type-C
Price
RM1,199 (128GB + 6GB), RM1,299 (128GB + 8GB)

Two variants of the Note 11 Pro 5G are offered in Malaysia, which comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This review is focused on the latter, though there shouldn’t be much of a difference between the two models.

Anyway, starting from only RM1,199, the Note 11 Pro 5G is packed with a Snapdragon 695 chipset – it’s quite a capable chip – a 120Hz AMOLED screen, a generous 5,000mAh battery, and a decent triple camera system. More on these hardware in the following sections.

The Good Stuff

My favourite aspect of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has to be its design and build quality. Thanks to its glass back and flat frame, it feels really nice to hold in my hands. While the plastic frame doesn’t feel quite as premium as the glass back, it still gives the phone solid, reassuring build quality.

I also appreciate the minimal bezels surrounding the screen of the Note 11 Pro 5G, especially on the bottom “chin.” Gone are the days when budget Android phones had large bottom bezels. It’s also nice to see the relatively small hole-punch cutout on the screen for the 16MP selfie camera.

Speaking of display, the Note 11 Pro 5G’s 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED screen is (naturally) really nice to look at, especially at this price point. It has bright, vibrant colours, deep, true blacks, and of course, wide viewing angles. The 120Hz refresh rate also lends to a responsive user experience.

Performance level of the Note 11 Pro 5G is quite decent too. Throughout my time with the phone, the Snapdragon 695 did not feel sluggish at all, even when I’m juggling between different apps and completing my daily commissions in
Genshin Impact
.

Of course, I can’t play that demanding mobile game at maxed out graphics on this phone, but with some tweaks to the graphics settings – and the framerate set to 60fps – it’s certainly playable.

One area where the Note 11 Pro 5G absolutely excels in is battery life. Packed with a 5,000mAh battery, I can get up to
seven hours
 of screen on time with this phone, and I’m quite a heavy smartphone user. If you don’t use your phone quite as much, I reckon you can even get two days of use on a single charge.

The triple camera system of the Note 11 Pro 5G is reasonably good too, especially the 108MP primary sensor. Even in low light conditions, it can still take flattering shots, even if some of them look a tad too saturated. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:

Last but certainly not least is the value proposition of the Note 11 Pro 5G. Really, for only RM1,199, you’re getting so much value for your money, including a capable Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED screen, excellent battery life, and a good camera system…for the most part.

The Bad Stuff

Even though the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G’s 108MP primary camera can take good-looking shots, the same cannot be said for the 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor. Sure, it comes in handy when you need to fit a larger subject into the frame, but the image quality leaves much to be desired, as you can see below.

It performs well under ideal lighting

Not so much in low light conditions

Aside from that, software experience is still Redmi’s – and effectively, Xiaomi’s too – biggest weakness. While MIUI has improved quite a bit, there are still some niggling issues here and there that affect the overall refinement of the software.

Here are some examples: I don’t like the fact that the “always on” screen isn’t actually always on (there’s no way to constantly have it displayed), and the software doesn’t feel as responsive as it should be. This is especially noticeable when I want to swipe away notifications.

More often than not, I need to do the swiping motion more than once before it
actually
 dismisses said notification.

Is It Worth It?

Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the best value for your money in the sub-RM1,500 price range, then the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is an excellent choice. For the same amount of money, it’s tough to find an alternative that offers the same feature set.

However, if good software experience is high up on your list, then the Note 11 Pro 5G isn’t the best option. Granted, the software itself is serviceable with no major bugs or issues, but other versions of Android – Samsung’s One UI, for example – offers a more refined software experience.

Nonetheless, there’s no denying the excellent value proposition of the Note 11 Pro 5G – it remains to be Redmi’s best selling point.


You Can Now Access Your PS5 Game Captures on the PS App in Malaysia

You can finally view your PS5 game captures through the PlayStation App in Malaysia! Initially available in the US, the feature has finally been rolled out to the Malaysian market (as spotted by
Aksiz
). This makes it much, much easier to access your PS5 screenshots and game clips.

To enable this convenient feature, you have to first link your PS5 to the PlayStation App. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have to leave your PS5 in rest mode and have the “Stay Connected to the Internet” setting enabled – this is necessary for the console to automatically upload game captures to SIE’s cloud servers.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to manually upload PS5 game captures; it has to be done automatically in order to access them on the PS App. Uploaded game captures will be available on the app for 14 days after they’re created on the PS5, which include non-4K videos under three minutes and screenshots taken from the Create Menu or Create button shortcuts.

If you need more details on how to set up this new feature, you can refer to this
PlayStation Support page
. You can also download the PS App on the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.


Huawei Nova 9 SE Now in Malaysia for RM1,099 – Early Birds Get FreeLace Neckbuds Worth RM379

Huawei just unveiled a new phone for the Malaysian market, the Huawei Nova 9 SE. Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset with a quad camera system, early pre-orders of the phone will be bundled with a Huawei FreeLace neckbuds worth RM379.

Only one variant of the Nova 9 SE is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, this mid-range phone is priced at RM1,099. It will be
available for pre-order until 18 March
, and the first 1,000 buyers will get the aforementioned
FreeLace neckbuds for free
.

Design is one of the main highlights of the Nova 9 SE. Thanks to the sleek-looking glass back with minimal bezels surrounding the 6.78-inch 1080p IPS screen – it also has a 90Hz refresh rate – this is quite a handsome device.

Other specifications of the Nova 9 SE include a Snapdragon 680 chipset, a quad camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.

Do note that this phone – as with all recent Huawei phones – do not come with Google Mobile Services, so certain apps and services from Google will not be available out of the box.

The Huawei Nova 9 SE is now
available for pre-order in Malaysia
 until 18 March for RM1,099. To recap, the first 1,000 buyers will also get a Huawei Freelace neckbuds (worth RM379) for free.


MWStudio MW65 Lite Review: The Best Sub-RM300 Custom Keyboard?

2022 is shaping up to be the year of (fantastic) budget custom keyboards, and one such keyboard that fits that description is the MWStudio MW65 Lite. Sporting a
very
 affordable price tag with features typically found on more costly options, the MW65 Lite is a compelling custom keyboard, especially for beginners…to an extent.

Although its value proposition is one of its best selling points, the MW65 Lite also has a number of shortcomings that can potentially be a dealbreaker. That being said, there’s a good chance the final production unit will address these issues – keep on reading this review of the MW65 Lite to find out more!

What It Is

For this review, we received a prototype of the MW65 Lite from MWStudio. This being a prototype unit, there are a few differences worth pointing out. While this unit features a sandblasted acrylic case, the actual retail unit will come with a polycarbonate case instead with the same finishing.

On top of that, MWStudio is also looking into changing the position of the USB-C port and redesigning the bottom case of the MW65 Lite. These are two important changes to the budget keyboard, and I’ll explain why further down this review.

Anyway, the MW65 Lite itself is a 65% custom keyboard with an isolated gasket mounting system. It also features a polycarbonate plate and hotswap PCB with quite a number of flex cuts, which lend to a soft, flexible typing feel. Oh, there’s also an option to add on a knob on the top right corner of the keyboard.

With this prototype of the MW65 Lite, the knob has to be manually soldered, and it remains to be seen if the same applies to the production unit. If you don’t fancy using the knob, you can just install a switch in the same position: a hotswap socket is already installed there.

As for pricing, the MW65 Lite is offered at only 429 Chinese yuan (about RM285) for the groupbuy. If you want to wait for the in-stock sale instead – yes, it will be sold as an in-stock product in the future – the keyboard will be priced at 480 yuan (approximately RM315) instead.

Needless to say, these are competitive price tags for the MW65 Lite, especially with its feature set in mind – let’s get to them in the next section.

The Good Stuff

One of my absolute favourite features of the MW65 Lite has to be its sound signature. Thanks to the keyboard’s isolated gasket mounting system, polycarbonate plate, and acrylic case – not to mention a PE foam between the switch and PCB – this keyboard has a clean, “poppy” sound profile.

It’s worth noting that the final production unit may offer a lower-pitched, deeper sound signature with its polycarbonate case. After all, acrylic – which is the case material used for this prototype – tends to be higher-pitched than polycarbonate, though it
may not
 be applicable to this particular keyboard.

And then we have the typing feel of the MW65 Lite. As mentioned, the flex cuts on both the polycarbonate plate and hotswap PCB make for a soft, comfortable typing experience. If you’re tired of the stiff typing feel of most pre-built keyboards, you’ll really appreciate the amount of flex the MW65 Lite offers.

As with all custom keyboards that feature a rotary encoder, the knob support of the MW65 Lite should be highlighted as a plus point. While we’re seeing more keyboards with such a feature in the custom scene, it’s still not quite as mainstream yet.

Last but not least is the sheer value for money the MW65 Lite offers. Again, for less than RM300, you’re getting
excellent
 value for your money. Not only does it have a pleasant sound signature (in my opinion), the MW65 Lite also has a soft, flexible typing experience, and even the addition of a knob…for not a lot of money.

In my opinion, this makes the MW65 Lite the ideal custom keyboard for those who are new to the hobby. However, not everything about this keyboard is great, especially when it comes to build quality and…well, ease of assembly, which can be a dealbreaker to a beginner.

The Bad Stuff

Remember when I said MWStudio is looking into redesigning the bottom case of the MW65 Lite? Well, that’s because it’s quite complicated to assemble it. Not only do you need to arrange the acrylic pieces in a certain order, putting the difference pieces of the bottom case together is not an easy process either.

In fact, it took me a good one hour
just
 to get the bottom case assembled. For a custom keyboard that’s meant to appeal to beginners, the difficult assembly process is not exactly compelling. Did I mention that the bottom case also has a tendency to creak with added pressure?

Another aspect of the MW65 Lite that I don’t quite like is the exposed USB-C port. Not only is it not aesthetically pleasing, it also gives the impression of…an unfinished product. Thankfully, the production unit will move the USB-C port to the centre of the keyboard in the bottom case, which looks much, much better.

In retrospect, my two biggest qualms with the MW65 Lite – the creaky, difficult to assemble bottom case design and exposed USB-C port – will (and should) be resolved in the final retail unit of the budget keyboard. But until MWStudio revealed more information on the production unit, keep these issues in mind.

Is It Worth It?

Given its low price of entry and attractive feature set, the MWStudio MW65 Lite is a very easy custom keyboard to recommend. This is especially the case for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option with excellent value proposition.

But it will also depend on whether or not MWStudio can solve the MW65 Lite issues mentioned above. If it can, and there are no changes to the pricing of the keyboard, the MW65 Lite is a no-brainer purchase below the RM300 price point – it’s
that
 good.


Xiaomi 12 Pro Unleashed in Malaysia – Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120W Charging, RM3,899

Xiaomi’s latest flagship phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro, has just been launched in Malaysia. Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset with blazing fast 120W charging, this phone is also quite sleek-looking with its dual curved AMOLED screen.

Only one variant of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the flagship phone is priced at RM3,899 on our shores. For that kind of money, you’re getting a high-end phone through and through.

Its triple camera system, for one, consists of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 50MP telephoto lens. Thanks to the IMX707 sensor on the primary camera, Xiaomi says the 12 Pro can capture “large amounts of light” – which should translate to good low light performance – along with fast focus speeds and good colour accuracy.

Rounding out the specifications of the Xiaomi 12 Pro include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a 6.73-inch 1440p LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,600mAh battery with support for 120W wired fast charging (50W wireless), and MIUI 13 based on Android 12 out of the box.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia
right here
 at 10PM tonight. To recap, the sole 12GB + 256GB variant retails at RM3,899 on our shores.


The Compact Xiaomi 12 Now in Malaysia – Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 For Only RM2,799

Aside from the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the more affordable Xiaomi 12 has also been launched in Malaysia. Just like its higher-end sibling, the standard Xiaomi 12 is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, but in a more compact form factor and lower price tag.

Two variants of the Xiaomi 12 are offered in Malaysia. The 8GB + 128GB base model is priced at RM2,899, while the 8GB + 256GB configuration costs RM2,999. Do note that the more affordable base model can only be purchased through Shopee and Lazada. If you’re quick, you can get it for RM2,799 through a flash sale on both e-commerce platforms.

Compared to the higher-end (and more costly) Pro model, the Xiaomi 12 omits the telephoto camera for a 5MP telemacro shooter. Complementing that sensor is a 50MP primary camera and a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens; reasonably versatile camera configuration.

Rounding out the specifications of the Xiaomi 12 are a compact 6.28-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as MIUI 13 based on Android 12 out of the box. Despite its more compact form factor, Xiaomi still managed to pack a 4,500mAh battery into this phone with support for 67W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

You can pre-order the Xiaomi 12 in Malaysia at RM2,899 (or RM2,799 in a flash sale) and RM2,999 for the 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB models respectively at 10PM tonight. The former can only be pre-ordered through Shopee and Lazada, while the latter is available
here
.


Xiaomi Watch S1 & S1 Active Now in Malaysia – AMOLED Smartwatch From RM649

Launched alongside the
Xiaomi 12

series
 in Malaysia are two smartwatches from the Chinese company, the Xiaomi Watch S1 and Watch S1 Active. Retailing from RM649, these are reasonably affordable (and sleek) wearables.

Out of the two smartwatches, the sporty Watch S1 Active is the more affordable option with a RM649 price tag. The classier-looking Watch S1, on the other hand, is priced at RM899. Interestingly, the S1 is bundled with both leather and fluororubber straps.

The Xiaomi Watch S1

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

Of course, you’re not just paying more for the S1 to get the extra strap; its display is also protected by sapphire glass. Compared to regular glass, sapphire glass is much more resistant to scratches. Complementing this hardy glass is the stainless steel case of the S1 for a more premium look and feel. The S1 Active has a plastic case instead.

Aside from that, both the S1 and S1 Active share the same hardware. These include a 1.43-inch 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display, a heart rate sensor, the ability to monitor blood oxygen level, a 5 ATM water resistance rating, as well as a 470mAh battery that can offer up to 24 days of standby time in battery saver mode.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 and S1 Active are now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM899 and RM649 respectively. Early birds who get the S1 by 24 March will also receive a Redmi Buds 3 Pro (worth RM239) for free, while the S1 Active will be bundled with a Redmi buds 3 Lite (worth RM99).


Keychron K8 Pro Kickstarter Now Live – $74 Wireless TKL Keyboard With QMK/VIA Support & Hotswap PCB

Keychron just launched a Kickstarter for its new keyboard, the Keychron K8 Pro. What makes this keyboard particularly interesting – aside from its $74 (about RM310) starting price – is the fact that this is a wireless TKL keyboard with support for QMK and VIA.

Custom keyboards with QMK and VIA compatibility are usually wired, which is what gives the K8 Pro wireless keyboard its unique appeal. Of course, there’s also its affordable pricing,
starting at only $74
 for the barebone version, which doesn’t come with switches or keycaps.

If you want the fully assembled version of the K8 Pro, it will set you back $84 (approximately RM350), though you’ll only get white backlit lighting. If you want RGB lighting, you’ll have to add on $10 (around RM40). There is also a more premium version of the keyboard with an aluminium frame for $104 (about RM435).

As mentioned, the K8 Pro is a TKL keyboard with wireless capability via Bluetooth 5.1, and it can be paired with up to three different devices. The mapping of the keyboard can also be changed through QMK and VIA, and thanks to the hotswap PCB, you can easily swap out switches without desoldering.

The Keychron K8 Pro is now
available for backing on Kickstarter
 until 15 April next month. Shipping will begin the following month in May 2022, so you don’t have to wait too long to get the keyboard. We also received a unit of the aluminium version from Keychron, so stay tuned for our review of the K8 Pro!


17 – 23 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up 25 Sen, Others Unchanged

The price of RON 97 continues its upward trend. For the next seven days, RON 97 is going up by
a steep 25 sen per litre
. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.

From tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.00 per litre (up from RM3.75). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


Genshin Impact 2.6 Livestream Set for 18 March – Kamisato Ayato Making an Appearance

Hoyoverse – this is now Mihoyo’s global branding – just announced a livestream for Genshin Impact 2.6. Set to take place this Friday on 18 March, Kamisato Ayato is prominently featured in the teaser image alongside his sister, Kamisato Ayaka.

With this in mind, there’s a good chance Ayato will be a playable character in Genshin Impact 2.6. After all, he was
teased by Hoyoverse
 in February last month; every character previewed by the developer has consistently made his or her in-game debut as a playable character in the following version update.

Version 2.6 of Genshin Impact is dubbed Zephyr of the Violet Garden, which could very well be a reference to Ayato. As with previous version update livestreams, redemption codes (and other goodies) offering Primogems will be given during the livestream as well.

You can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 2.6
on Twitch
 this Friday on 18 March at 8PM for us here in Malaysia. If you missed the stream, don’t worry: the special program
will also be on YouTube
 on 19 March at 12AM.


Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Arrives 30 June – New Monsters, Improved Gameplay, Master Rank

Capcom revealed the launch date for the
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
 expansion. Set to arrive on 30 June for the Nintendo Switch and PC, Sunbreak will introduce a slew of new monsters, improved gameplay, and the Master Rank difficulty.

Three new monsters are highlighted for Sunbreak: the elder dragon Malzeno, Garangolm, and the fanged wyvern Lunagaron. Collectively, these monsters are referred as the “Three Lords” that threaten the Kingdom, a new area in the expansion.

Sunbreak will also introduce new Silkbind attacks for all 14 weapons in Monster Hunter Rise, and you can even initiate a wall run by simply dashing, falling, or performing a mid-air evade towards a wall now. Of course, Master Rank quests will be available in Sunbreak too.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak will be available on both Nintendo Switch and PC on 30 June. You’ll need a copy of Rise in order to play Sunbreak, so with that in mind, the base game will be discounted until 31 March on the
Nintendo eShop
. It’s also on offer right now on
Steam
 until 21 March.


Neotez Enters Malaysian Market With 3 Monitors – 34″ 144Hz Curved Ultrawide For Only RM1,899

Neotez, an Australian brand, just entered the Malaysian market with three new gaming monitors: the Aquila 24, Aquila 27, and the biggest of the lot, the Aquila 34. Retailing from only RM799 right now, these monitors certainly offer good value for money.

Of course, the RM799 starting price is for the
Aquila 24
, a 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate. It’s actually priced at RM899, though it’s currently listed with a RM100 discount. Moving up the price range is the
Aquila 27
, which features a 27-inch 1440p IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate for RM1,399 (discounted from RM1,549).

And then there’s the
Aquila 34
. Retailing at only RM1,899 (discounted from RM2,099), it offers a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 curved VA panel with a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. This being a gaming-centric monitor, it also has a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR400 certification; just like the Aquila 27.

All three monitors come with a three-year warranty, and you can even return them within 14 days if you don’t like them. You can also add on the NeoCare Plus or NeoCare Pro warranty service for an extra year of coverage – the latter even offers one-to-one exchange for a
single
 dead pixel.

You can now purchase these three monitors in Malaysia from Neotez through its official stores on
Shopee
 and
Lazada
. Given that these monitors are currently discounted – you’ll even get a free monitor arm – it’s not a bad idea to get them right now.


SingaKBD’s Founder Sold Her 1/12 Custom Unikorn Keyboard (For Charity) at RM32,500

Remember the
custom SingaKBD Unikorn
 keyboard – belonging to the founder of the Malaysian keyboard brand herself – that went up for auction last week? Well, it was sold at a whopping $7,778, which comes up to about RM32,585.

Given that the custom keyboard itself is a stainless steel, limited edition SG Unikorn (only 12 units are available worldwide), it’s no surprise that it managed to fetch such a high price. It’s for a good cause too: 100% of the winning bid has been donated to GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

Compared to a standard Unikorn, one of the most unique features of the custom SG Unikorn is its choice of material. Made of stainless steel, it weighs
2.7kg unbuilt
. Keep in mind that this is also a compact 60% keyboard, which really shows just how heavy it is.

If you’re keen to get the SingaKBD Unikorn, you’ll be happy to know that the
in-stock raffle sale
 for the popular keyboard will be happening soon. So far, four colours have been teased: Berlin Blue, Reseda Green, Flamenco Red, and Pewter Grey.


Samsung Galaxy A33, A53, A73 Official – IP67 Rating Across the Board, No More 3.5mm Jack

Samsung just unveiled its 2022 Galaxy A lineup, which consists of the Samsung Galaxy A33, Galaxy A53, and the highest-end device of the lot, the Galaxy A73. Compared to last year’s offerings, the new Galaxy A phones are quite interesting: all of them are now IP67-rated, though they lose the 3.5mm headphone jack too.

That’s right, even the most affordable Galaxy A33 has an IP67 water and dust resistance. It also features a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy A33

The Samsung Galaxy A53

A tier up is the Galaxy A53. Just like the A33, it is powered by an Exynos 1280 chip with a 5,000mAh battery. The difference lies in the display, among other things. Not only does it have a slightly larger 6.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen, it’s also a faster 120Hz panel.

The quad camera system of the Galaxy A53 is slightly different too. It’s made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh sensor, and a 5MP macro camera. On the front, it’s packed with a 32MP selfie shooter.

Last but not least is the Galaxy A73. As the range-topping (and biggest) device in the series, it’s packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset and a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen. Naturally, it also has a 120Hz refresh rate, just like the A53.

Other specifications of the Galaxy A73 include a more sophisticated quad camera system (108MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and of course, a 5,000mAh battery. It is the only phone in the series to be offered in the Awesome Mint colour as well.

Speaking of which, the 2022 Galaxy A series is offered in a multitude of colours, including Awesome Peach, Awesome Blue, Awesome White, and Awesome Black. For the Malaysian market, all Galaxy A devices feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, though the A33 is only offered with 128GB of storage.

No word yet on when the Samsung Galaxy A73, A53, and A33 will be available in Malaysia, though we reckon their local availability will be announced by Samsung Malaysia very soon. It’ll be interesting to see how these mid-range devices will be priced at on our shores.


2022 Samsung Galaxy A Series Hands-On: Water-Resistant Mid-Rangers? Yes Please

Samsung’s 2022 Galaxy A series are here, and as expected, they’re packed with some notable upgrades. But beyond the new chipsets, faster displays, and more colour options for the Galaxy A73, Galaxy A53, and Galaxy A33, the most important upgrade (in my opinion) is the fact
all of them
 are now IP67-rated.

Given that this is a rare feature in the mid-range segment – heck, even some flagship phones are not water-resistant – the 2022 Galaxy A series certainly stands out. If you’re shopping for a new phone in this segment, these three new devices are worth considering.

The Samsung Galaxy A33

Let’s start with the most affordable – and the one that sees the most improvement – device in the series, the Galaxy A33. The biggest upgrade this phone received is an IP67 rating, allowing it to be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes. Of course, you won’t have to worry about accidental water damage either.

Design wise, I’m a fan of the Galaxy A33’s matte frame. Yes, the frame and rear panel of the phone are both plastic, but the device itself does not feel cheap at all. The phone feels good in my hands, and it’s quite a hefty device too with its 5,000mAh battery. In fact, all three phones in the series are packed with a 5,000mAh cell.

What I don’t quite like is the notched display and thick bottom bezel (or “chin”) of the Galaxy A33. It gives the phone a…well, dated-looking design.

Aside from that, the Galaxy A33 is also powered by Samsung’s new Exynos 1280 chipset, which looks to be reasonably capable. In my brief time with the phone, it certainly feels fast and responsive. Samsung’s own chips may not be as popular as Qualcomm’s, but I reckon the Exynos 1280 will be able to provide a good level of performance.

And that’s a good segue to the Galaxy A53, which is also powered by the same Exynos 1280 chipset. Instead of a matte finish, its frame has a glossy finish instead; a design element that’s shared between the A53 and A73. Of course, the build material of the two phones is still plastic, though it’s worth noting (again) that they don’t feel cheap.

Speaking of the A73, it’s the only phone in the series to be powered by a Qualcomm chip. More specifically, a Snapdragon 778G chipset, and it feels quite fast and capable in my short time with the phone.

The Samsung Galaxy A53

The Samsung Galaxy A73

Now let’s talk about the displays of the three phones. All of them feature a Super AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution: 6.4-inch for the A33, 6.5-inch for the A53, and 6.7-inch for the A73. The latter two have 120Hz panels, while the A33 settles for a 90Hz refresh rate.

Not surprisingly, all three phones have very pleasant screens to look at; yes, this applies to even the A33. After all, their Super AMOLED panels offer bright, vibrant colours, wide viewing angles, and deep, true blacks. These are inherent advantages of an AMOLED display.

Previously, Samsung’s Galaxy A devices were offered in a wide variety of colours, so it only makes sense that the same still applies to this year’s lineup. Five colours are available: Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Peach, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Mint. The last colour option is exclusive to the A73.

In the camera department, all 2022 Galaxy A devices feature a quad camera system with different implementations. The A33 has a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP bokeh lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The A53, on the other hand, comes with a 64MP main shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh camera, and a 5MP depth sensor.

As for the Galaxy A73, it sports a similar camera configuration as the A53, but it swaps out the 64MP primary shooter for a more sophisticated 108MP sensor. This allows the range-topping phone to take better-looking shots, naturally, though it’s a little odd that the A73 loses out on its
predecessor’s telephoto camera
.

Anyway, I briefly tested the camera performances of the 2022 Galaxy A phones, and they’re quite good! But it’s worth noting that the media briefing for the three devices took place in a well-lit area, it’s no surprise that they can take good-looking shots; all modern phones should be able to do this at the bare minimum.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to share any photos taken with the Galaxy A phones at the media briefing, which is why there are no sample shots in this hands-on. Nonetheless, stay tuned for a more thorough impression of the phones’ camera performances once review units are sent out by Samsung.

All in all, the Samsung Galaxy A73, A53, and A33 are promising mid-range devices, though you do have to pay quite a bit more for them now. For the sake of comparison, last year’s Galaxy A phones retailed from
RM1,099 to RM1,899
, but the prices have now increased to RM1,499 to RM2,099.

Given all of the upgrades these phones received, a price hike is not surprising. Nonetheless, RM1,499 for the Galaxy A33 with its IP67 rating and other improvements…does sound like a good deal.


Samsung Galaxy A73, A53 & A33 Malaysian Pricing Revealed – Starts at RM1,499

Samsung Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of its 2022 Galaxy A lineup, which consists of the Samsung Galaxy A33, Galaxy A53, and the highest-end device of the lot, the Galaxy A73. Compared to last year’s offerings, the new Galaxy A phones see quite a bit of a price increase.

Only one variant of each 2022 Galaxy A device is offered in Malaysia. The Galaxy A33 (8GB + 128GB) costs RM1,499, while the Galaxy A53 goes for RM1,849. The range-topping Galaxy A73, on the other hand, is priced at RM2,099.

The Samsung Galaxy A33

The Samsung Galaxy A53

One of the biggest upgrades to the updated Galaxy A devices is IP67 rating; all devices in the series now carry that rating. That’s right, even the most affordable Galaxy A33 has an IP67 water and dust resistance. It also features a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.

A tier up is the Galaxy A53. Just like the A33, it is powered by an Exynos 1280 chip with a 5,000mAh battery. The difference lies in the display, among other things. Not only does it have a slightly larger 6.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen, it’s also a faster 120Hz panel.

The quad camera system of the Galaxy A53 is slightly different too. It’s made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh sensor, and a 5MP macro camera. On the front, it’s packed with a 32MP selfie shooter.

Last but not least is the Galaxy A73. As the range-topping (and biggest) device in the series, it’s packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset and a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen. Naturally, it also has a 120Hz refresh rate, just like the A53.

Other specifications of the Galaxy A73 include a more sophisticated quad camera system (108MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and of course, a 5,000mAh battery. It is the only phone in the series to be offered in the Awesome Mint colour as well.

Speaking of which, the 2022 Galaxy A series is offered in a multitude of colours, including Awesome Peach, Awesome Blue, Awesome White, and Awesome Black.

To recap, the Samsung Galaxy A73 retails at RM2,099 in Malaysia. If you want something more affordable, you’ve got the Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A33, which are priced at RM1,849 and RM1,499 respectively.


Realme GT 2 Pro Launching in Malaysia 24 March – “Most Affordable” Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Phone

Realme will be launching its latest flagship smartphone, the Realme GT 2 Pro, right here in Malaysia next week on 24 March. What makes this device particularly interesting is Realme’s claims: the GT 2 Pro is said to be the “most affordable” Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone in Malaysia.

If Realme does make good on this promise, the GT 2 Pro will be priced quite competitively. To put this into context, one of the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones on our shores now is the Motorola Edge 30
for RM2,699
. There’s also the
Xiaomi 12
, which starts at RM2,899.

Beyond its chipset, the GT 2 Pro also features a 6.7-inch 1440p LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle + 3MP micro-lens), a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, as well as a 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.

We’ll find out exactly how much the Realme GT2 Pro will be priced at in Malaysia come 24 March next week. You can catch the livestream of the local launch on
Realme Malaysia’s Facebook page
 at 2PM on that day.


Neotez Aquila 27 Review: Only RM1,399 for a 27″ QHD IPS 165Hz Gaming Monitor!

Shopping for a budget-friendly gaming monitor can be…constraining. More often than not, these monitors sacrifice on certain key features to bring down the price, but the Neotez Aquila 27 isn’t quite like that. Not only is this a 27-inch gaming monitor with a complete feature set, it also offers
excellent
value for money.

Of course, given its affordable nature, there are some aspects of the Aquila 27 that could’ve been better. But if what you want is a fast gaming monitor with a good quality IPS panel, you will be very happy with the Aquila 27. After all, you’re only paying RM1,399 for this 165Hz QHD gaming monitor.

What It Is

Okay, technically, the Aquila 27 retails at RM1,549, but it is
listed at only RM1,399
 until 30 April 2022. For that kind of money, you’re getting a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. This panel also meets the HDR400 standard, and it covers 100% of the sRGB colour space too.

Aside from that, the Aquila 27 supports adaptive sync as well, so you won’t have to deal with screen tearing when you’re gaming. You can also adjust the height of the monitor, swivel it, and even pivot it; features not typically found on affordable monitors.

Oh, you get a pair of 3W built-in speakers with the Aquila 27 too, but the audio quality leaves much to be desired – more on this further down this review.

The Good Stuff

Image quality is one of the most important features of a gaming monitor, and the Aquila 27 has a great-looking screen. Its IPS panel offers vibrant colours, a good level of brightness, and of course, adequate viewing angles. However, colours do wash out a tad bit when you’re looking at the monitor from an extreme angle.

Regardless, the Aquila 27 is a blast to play games on, especially in highly competitive games like Valorant and Apex Legends where you need lightning quick responses. The 165Hz refresh rate of the monitor is a godsend in this regard, and I did not notice any screen tearing at all throughout the review period.

The 1440p resolution of the Aquila 27 is worth a mention too. At this price point, a 1080p panel is much more common, so the fact that you’re getting a QHD panel with the Aquila 27 – which is also clocked at 165Hz – just shows how much value you’re getting with this monitor.

Assembly process of the Aquila 27 is easy as well. I did not need to use a screwdriver, and it took me less than 10 minutes to have it all set up; no manual required! I also appreciate the small footprint of the monitor’s stand. For folks that don’t have a lot of table space, this is a welcomed space-efficient design.

Last but certainly not least is the fantastic warranty coverage of the Aquila 27…if you do decide to purchase the NeoCare Pro extended warranty. Not only does it add an extra year to the standard three-year warranty of the monitor, you can even get a one-to-one replacement for a
single
 dead pixel.

It is rare (especially here in Malaysia) for a monitor brand to offer such a comprehensive warranty coverage. As someone who is very particular about dead pixels on a display, I’m very happy with the warranty service of Neotez, even if the NeoCare Pro warranty is a RM280 add-on.

The Bad Stuff

Remember the Aquila 27’s 3W speakers I mentioned earlier? Well, they’re not great. While I appreciate the convenience of having speakers built right into the monitor itself, the audio quality is tinny with little to no bass. It will work in a pinch, but you’ll definitely want to get proper speakers for content consumption.

Build quality is also not a strong point for the Aquila 27. The monitor itself feels very plasticky, and same goes for the stand. Granted, you probably won’t be moving the monitor around, so you won’t “feel” the mediocre build quality much. Still, this is one area where the budget nature of the monitor really shows.

And then there’s the
unintuitive
navigation of the on-screen display (OSD). The button controls are all placed on the back of the Aquila 27, and since there’s no joystick to navigate the OSD, trying to get to specific parts of the menu is…quite a challenge.

Is It Worth It?

Given its feature set and sheer value for money, the Neotez Aquila 27 is very,
very
 easy to recommend, especially right now when it’s going for only RM1,399. At this price point, you’d be hard-pressed to find for an alternative that offers the same feature set.

Sure, its build quality and unintuitive OSD are some shortcomings of the Aquila 27, but these are hardly dealbreakers in comparison to the value proposition of this gaming monitor. If you like the Aquila 27’s feature set, and its price fits your budget, go for it – you will not be disappointed.


Genshin Impact 2.6 Arrives 30 March With Kamisato Ayato & New Chasm Area

Genshin Impact 2.6 has been announced! Set to arrive in the next two weeks on 30 March, the Version 2.6 update will introduce Kamisato Ayato – yes, he is Ayaka’s older brother – as a playable 5-star character, along with the new Chasm area.

In contrast to Ayaka who is a Cryo character, Ayato wields a Hydro vision and a sword like his sister. He is able to deal a large amount of Hydro damage in a short period of time, and he can even buff the party’s normal attacks. It should be quite fun to build a team around his abilities.

Aside from that, the Chasm will finally be accessible in Genshin Impact 2.6. Located at the westernmost of Liyue, the Chasm will progress the main story with the new Archon quest “Requiem of the Echoing Depths,” where Dainsleif (and maybe even the Traveler’s twin) will make an appearance.

Other new content coming to the Version 2.6 update include a new Ruin Serpent boss in the Chasm, the Irodori Festival in Inazuma – you can recruit Xingqiu through this event, even though he’s a Liyue character – and of course, Ayato’s event wish.

Genshin Impact 2.6 will go live on 30 March. Once the update drops, Ayato’s banner will be available alongside Venti. For the second phase of the event wish, Ayaka will have her own rerun banner.