Huawei MatePad Pro & Watch GT 2e Pre-Orders Begin Tomorrow in Malaysia

Launched alongside the
Huawei P40 series in Malaysia
 today are two other products: the Huawei MatePad Pro Android tablet and the Huawei Watch GT 2e smartwatch. Just like the P40 smartphones, these two devices will also be available for pre-order tomorrow.

Before we get to the devices, let’s talk about their local prices first: the MatePad Pro retails at RM2,399 here, while the Watch GT 2e goes for only RM599. These are pretty competitive price tags, especially for the smartwatch, which is almost identical to the RM799 Watch GT 2.

What differentiates the Watch GT 2e from its predecessor boils down to its aesthetics. Where the Watch GT 2 is meant to look like a traditional wristwatch, the GT 2e sports a more…well, sporty design. It features a stainless steel frame, rubber or TPU straps, and the same 14-day battery life of the original Watch GT 2.

Other specifications of the Watch GT 2e include a 1.39 inch 454 x 454 AMOLED screen, a Kirin A1 chipset, 4GB of internal storage, a 455mAh battery, GPS support, and a 5 ATM water resistance rating, which allows it to be submerged underwater up to 50m.

As for the MatePad Pro, it’s a premium Android tablet with some neat features. Like many other tablets in the market now, it comes with a keyboard case dubbed Smart Magnetic Keyboard. Despite its compact layout, it’s actually quite comfortable to type on.

Besides that, the MatePad Pro also has a stylus in the form of the Huawei M-Pencil; it can detect 4,096 levels of pressure. It’s worth noting that the keyboard case (RM499) and stylus (RM299) do not come with the tablet, but those who pre-order the MatePad Pro will receive these two items for free while stocks last.

Other specifications of the MatePad Pro include two-way wireless charging, a 10.8-inch 2560 x 1600 display, a Kirin 990 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 13MP f/1.8 rear camera, an 8MP f/2.0 selfie shooter, 256GB of internal storage, and a 7,250mAh battery.

If you’re thinking of getting the MatePad Pro, do note that it doesn’t ship with Google Mobile Services, so it doesn’t come pre-installed with essential Google apps like the all-important Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and so on. Instead, you’ll have to use Huawei’s AppGallery to look for alternative apps.

Both the Huawei MatePad Pro and Huawei Watch GT 2e will be available for pre-order in Malaysia tomorrow on
Huawei’s official online store
. To recap, the MatePad Pro retails at RM2,399, while the Watch GT 2e goes for RM599.


Deal: Samsung Galaxy S20+ Price Drops to New Low – RM3,239

Previously, we saw the
Samsung Galaxy S20+
 go for
as low as RM3,249
. Well, in conjunction with the 4.4 Shopee Brands Festival sale, the flagship smartphone can be yours
for only RM3,239 toda
y
. Needless to say, that’s a very,
very
 good deal for a device of this calibre.

This deal is offered by Shopee retailer Ninja Mobile. It is listing the Galaxy S20+ for RM3,249, but you can collect a RM10 voucher from the store to bring down the price
to merely RM3,239
. Of course, warranty is provided by Samsung Malaysia itself.

If you’ve been eyeing to get the Samsung Galaxy S20+, this is an incredibly good deal for the Korean company’s latest flagship smartphone. Be quick though: at the time of writing, there are only
five units
 of the Cosmic Black model in stock
.


Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra With RM560 Discount

Not too keen to get the
Galaxy S20+ for only RM3,239
? Then this deal for its higher-end sibling, the
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
, may catch your fancy. Originally going for RM4,999, you can now get this flagship smartphone
for only RM4,439
.

Basically, you will be saving exactly RM560 with this deal. Just like the Galaxy S20+ offer, this promotional price for the Galaxy S20 Ultra is offered by Shopee retailer Ninja Mobile. While the phone is listed at RM4,449, you can collect a RM10 voucher from the store to reduce the price down to RM4,439.

Ninja Mobile is also offering the Galaxy S20 Ultra in Cosmic Grey and Cosmic Black; a total of 13 units are still available at the time of writing.

Of course, RM4,439 is still a lot of money for a smartphone, but you
are

saving RM560 with this deal
. Plus, warranty is also provided by Samsung Malaysia itself. If you’d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, you can do so
here
.


Unreleased Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite Landing in Malaysia Soon?

Previously, we reported that the
Mi 10 series
 is already on its way to Malaysia, given that the
Mi 10 Pro appeared in SIRIM’s database
. Well, it appears Xiaomi registered yet another device with the certification body, which could be the yet to be released Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite.

Back in 2 April, Xiaomi Malaysia registered a mobile device with the model number M2002F4LG with SIRIM. A quick Google search shows that this is very likely the Mi Note 10 Lite, so there’s a good chance Xiaomi is bringing in the upcoming phone to the Malaysian market.

Even though it carries the Lite moniker, the Mi Note 10 Lite is actually quite similar to its more costly siblings. That is, if leaks and rumours surrounding the unreleased phone are to be believed, which claim that the device will be powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset as the Mi Note 10 smartphones.

Besides that, the Mi Note 10 Lite is believed to feature a similar 6.47-inch 1080p AMOLED screen along with a 5,260mAh battery with 30W fast charging. Given these similarities, there’s a good chance this phone will share the same chassis as the other Mi Note 10 smartphones.

The Xiaomi Mi Note 10

So what differentiates the Mi Note 10 Lite from the rest of its siblings? Well, it’s said to be the camera system. Instead of the Mi Note 10’s sophisticated penta camera system headlined by a 108MP sensor, the Lite is said to sport a simpler camera system, though it will still offer five different sensors.

Most leaks are indicating that the primary camera of the Mi Note 10 Lite will be a 64MP shooter, which is complemented by two other 8MP sensors, a 5MP lens, and a 2MP camera. Unfortunately, there’s still no detailed breakdown of the penta camera configuration, though we reckon there will at least be an ultra-wide angle sensor.

Other rumoured specifications of the Mi 10 Lite include a 16MP selfie camera, at least two variants with different RAM and storage capacities, as well as Android 10 out of the box.

At the moment, there’s still no launch date given for the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite, which could be because of the current situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye on any announcement regarding the upcoming smartphone, including its Malaysian availability.

Correction 13 April, 4PM:
 This article originally stated the SIRIM certification could’ve been for the Mi 10 Lite 5G; recent developments show that it’s possibly the unreleased Mi Note 10 Lite instead. We regret the error.


PlayStation Plus Members Can Grab Uncharted 4 for Free Tomorrow on 7 April

PlayStation Plus members are in for a treat this month. If you have an active subscription with the service, you can grab Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End for free tomorrow on 7 April. On top of that, the off-road racing game Dirt Rally 2.0 is available as a free download as well.

Of course, these two games are offered as PlayStation Plus’ free games for the month of April 2020. Currently,
Shadow of the Colossus
 and
Sonic Forces
 – along with
Monster Hunter: World
 – are still available for download as part of
last month’s free games
. These two titles will be unavailable for download tomorrow, where they will be replaced by Uncharted 4 and Dirt Rally 2.0.

Out of the two games, Uncharted 4 is definitely the more exciting title. Not only does it mark the end of Nathan Drake’s journey – he’s the protagonist of the three prior games – it is also Naughty Dog’s latest work. At least, until The Last of Us Part II is out, which is currently delayed indefinitely.

Anyway, Uncharted 4 was released back in 2016, and its story is one of the game’s strongest suits. In fact, that’s what makes most of Naughty Dog’s games so compelling – the studio definitely knows a thing or two when it comes to storytelling. This entry in the franchise also introduces Nate’s older brother, Samuel Drake, which plays quite a big role in the game.

Speaking of which, before you jump into Uncharted 4, it’s highly recommended that you go through Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection – which includes the first three games in the franchise – first to get up to speed. This game was actually offered for free to PlayStation Plus subscribers back in January 2020.

Graphically, Uncharted 4 is a very gorgeous-looking game with sprawling landscapes, detailed character models, and overall, it just looks very polished and refined. These, complemented by the incredible voice acting of Nolan North and Troy Baker, really make this a must play game for anyone that owns a PlayStation 4 system.

Now that it’s offered as a free title for PlayStation Plus members, there’s no better time to dive into Uncharted 4 – provided you’ve played through the first three Uncharted titles to really take in the story.

Uncharted 4
 and
Dirt Rally 2.0
 will be available for download tomorrow for every PlayStation Plus subscriber. Once you’ve redeemed these two games, they are yours to keep as long as you have an active subscription with the service.


Deal: Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 (10,000mAh) With 18W Fast Charging Now Only RM53

Xiaomi’s annual Mi Fan Festival 2020 is happening right now, so expect a number of good deals on Xiaomi products from today until 9 April. In fact, you can now get the Chinese company’s Mi Power Bank 3 (10,000mAh capacity)
for only RM53
 – that’s a really good deal.

What makes this power bank particularly interesting is its 18W fast charging capability, and that’s
two-way
. Xiaomi says that the Mi Power Bank 3 can be fully charged in four hours, and it can output 18W for single-port charging. So if you’re using both of the power bank’s USB-A ports to charge your devices, you won’t get the 18W output.

Besides that, the Mi Power Bank 3 also supports two inputs for recharging: USB-C or microUSB. While this power bank is offered in both Silver and Black, only the latter is in stock at the moment.

For only RM53
, the 10,000mAh Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 is a really, really good buy for anyone that’s looking to get a slim, compact power bank. If you want to grab it at this low price, do so quickly: this deal is under Shopee’s Shocking Sale, so it’s only valid until 8AM today.


Honor 9X Pro With Kirin 810 Lands in Malaysia for RM999

Honor just launched its new mid-range smartphone on our shores, the Honor 9X Pro. Aesthetically, the 9X Pro bears a striking resemblance to the regular
Honor 9X
. In fact, both phones actually share the very same chassis, though the Pro does come with a number of upgrades.

For one, the 9X Pro features a faster and more efficient Kirin 810 chipset. Unlike the 12nm Kirin 710F SoC found in the standard 9X, the Kirin 810 is built on a more power-efficient 7nm process. Thanks to this, you can expect to get better battery life out of the Pro – in theory anyway.

Another area where the 9X Pro has an edge over the regular model is the amount of storage it offers. Featuring 256GB of internal storage – further expandable with a microSD card – that’s twice as much over the standard 9X’s 128GB capacity.

Beyond the chipset and storage capacity, the 9X Pro is identical to the regular model. It features the same 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS display, which is quite vibrant with a good level of brightness. The viewing angles of the screen could be better, but there’s only so much you can ask from an affordable mid-range smartphone.

Battery life of the 9X Pro should see some improvement too, even though it’s still packing a 4,000mAh cell. As mentioned, the Kirin 810 chipset powering this phone is more power-efficient, so it’s entirely possible it can last even longer than the non-Pro model on a single charge.

To put this into context, we got about seven to eight hours of screen on time
in our review of the standard 9X
. If the Pro model can deliver even better battery life than this, we would be very, very impressed.

Rounding out the specifications of the 9X Pro include a triple camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 depth), a 16MP f/2.2 selfie shooter with a pop-up mechanism, and EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box.

Speaking of software, it’s worth noting that the 9X Pro does not come with Google Mobile Services like the regular 9X. Instead, it ships with Huawei Mobile Services, so you won’t get a number of Google services out of the box, including the Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and so on. To find for alternative apps, you’ll have to rely on Huawei’s own AppGallery store.

The Honor 9X Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM999. Every purchase of the mid-range smartphone will also come with an Honor Band 5i, though this is only available while stocks last.


Honor MagicBook Laptop Now in Malaysia for RM2,299

Honor just launched its very first laptop for the Malaysian market in the form of the
Honor MagicBook
. While we’re not getting
the latest iteration of the notebook
 for our market – this model is one generation behind – it is still a rather attractive productivity-focused laptop, thanks to its excellent value for money.

Since this is the MagicBook’s best selling point, let’s talk about its local pricing first. Only one variant of the laptop is available here, which comes with a very generous 512GB SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. How much does it cost with this configuration? Only RM2,299.

That’s right, you’re getting 8GB of RAM
and
 512GB of storage for only RM2,299. In a market where most laptop manufacturers are only offering half of the RAM and storage capacities at this price point, the MagicBook certainly stands out when it comes to value for money.

On top of that, Honor is also throwing in a number of freebies (worth RM1,017) for those who purchase the MagicBook early. Not only will you get a Bluetooth mouse and a Honor-branded laptop bag, you will also receive a complimentary
Honor MagicWatch 2
. Of course, these free gifts are only available while stocks last.

As for the MagicBook itself, it’s a reasonably well-equipped laptop for productivity tasks. Even though its AMD Ryzen 5-3500U processor isn’t quite as popular as Intel’s offering, it offers relatively comparable performance, as, say, a Core i5-8265U chip – that’s quite respectable.

Besides that, the MagicBook also features a Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU. It’s not an awfully powerful GPU, but it should be able to deliver high enough frame rates in less demanding games like
Diablo III
 and Dota 2. For an integrated solution, the Vega 8 actually offers rather impressive performance.

And then there’s the MagicBook’s 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display. It can get reasonably bright with vibrant colours, but the viewing angles are not quite as wide as expected. In our
brief time with the laptop
, we notice that the screen noticeable dims when looking at it from an angle. All in all, however, it should be good enough for most folks.

Other specifications of the MagicBook include a single USB-C port – which can be used for both charging and data transfer – two USB-A ports, an HDMI output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There’s also a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.

The Honor MagicBook will go on sale in Malaysia
later today on Shopee
 at 2PM for RM2,299. Alternatively, you can also purchase the laptop on
Honor Malaysia’s online store
, Senheng, as well as SenQ from tomorrow onwards (8 April) at 12AM.


This Is the New DualSense Controller for the PlayStation 5

While we still don’t even know what the PlayStation 5 will look like, at least we’re getting a look at the controller that will accompany the upcoming console. This is the new
DualSense controller
 for the PlayStation 5, and its design is quite a departure from previous iterations of PlayStation controllers.

Not only is the DualSense controller not using the DualShock moniker anymore, it also sports a number of new features that are quite interesting. These include adaptive triggers and haptic feedback; we imagine these two features are the inspiration for the DualSense naming.

Anyway, the adaptive triggers are implemented in the L2 and R2 buttons of the new controller. Based on what you’re doing in any given game, the “tension” of the triggers will adapt accordingly. We reckon this change in resistance of the triggers will add a new sense of immersion in games.

As for the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, PlayStation didn’t elaborate too much on this. However, the company did say that it “adds a variety of powerful sensations you’ll feel when you play, such as the slow grittiness of driving a car through mud.” Regardless, it should be able to provide a more refined vibration system than the current controller.

Design wise, Sony is moving away from the single colour scheme of its base controllers, opting instead for a two-tone design. Most of the DualSense’s exterior is finished in white, while a portion of the bottom half – surrounding the analog sticks – is painted black.

At a glance, the DualSense controller looks bulkier than its predecessors with a more rounded shape. PlayStation mention that the angle of the hand triggers has been changed, and subtle updates have also been made to the overall grip. Hopefully, these changes will make the controller feel more comfortable in extended gaming sessions.

Other notable changes the DualSense controller brings include an integrated microphone, a USB-C port, and a new “Create” button in place of the Share button on the DualShock 4. It supposedly allows gamers to “create epic gameplay content to share with the world,” and more details on this feature will be revealed closer to the launch of the PlayStation 5.

Now that we’ve got a look at the DualSense controller, there’s a good chance the design reveal of the PlayStation 5 is happening soon. According to Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Ryan, more information will be revealed in the coming months, “including the console design.”

The PlayStation 5 is set to be introduced by the end of 2020.


Vivo V19 Finally Official With Quad Camera & 33W Fast Charging

The Vivo V19 has been teased many, many times over the past few months, and it’s finally official now. Sporting a quad camera system, a hole-punch design, and fast 33W fast charging, this is quite a good mid-range smartphone that’s also rather sleek-looking.

Compared to
its predecessor
, the V19 brings a number of upgrades. For one, it is now powered by a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset. Paired with 8GB of RAM, you should get a reasonably good level of performance with this smartphone.

Besides that, the V19 also features a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED display. Given the inherent properties of OLED panels, you can expect to get deep, dark blacks, vibrant colours, and good viewing angles. Oh, there’s also an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top right of the screen for the two selfie cameras.

That’s right, the V19 now comes with two front-facing cameras. The primary sensor is a 32MP f/2.08 unit, which is complimented by an 8MP f/2.28 super-wide angle shooter. This camera combination gives you the flexibility to take both regular selfies and a wide-angle shot for group selfies.

On the back, the V19 sports a quad camera system. It’s made up of a 48MP f/1.79 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. There’s no telephoto sensor offered here, which isn’t exactly a surprise – mid-range smartphones usually omit the zoom lens.

And then there’s the fast charging capability of the V19. According to the phone maker, the 33W Vivo FlashCharge 2.0 technology can charge up the device’s 4,500mAh to 54% from completely empty in 30 minutes. That’s a reasonably fast charging rate, and the 4,500mAh battery should be able to return above average battery life.

Other specifications of the V19 include 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and FunTouch OS based on Android 10 out of the box.

The Vivo V19 will be coming to Malaysia soon, though it remains to be seen exactly when this will happen or how much the phone would cost locally. Based on the
V19’s product page
 on Vivo Malaysia’s website, it will be offered in two colours here: Sleek Silver – which seems to have a blue shade – and the more conventional-looking Gleam Black.


Dreams Universe Quick Review: So Much Potential (Waiting to Be Realised)

There is probably no game that is quite as unique as Dreams Universe, a PlayStation 4 exclusive title. In fact, it is both a video game
and
 a platform for creators to envision their idea of a game, animation, or even music, and…well, realise it. Dreams give players the tools they need to produce almost anything they want, and for this reason alone, it’s a very interesting title.

However, this game also relies quite a bit on user-generated content, which comes with its own set of shortcomings. But given some time, along with the right creators, Dreams Universe could really transform itself and reach its full potential.

What It Is

Developed by Media Molecule – the same studio behind the LittleBigPlanet franchise – Dreams Universe offers two main components: Dream Surfing and Dream Shaping. The former allows you to explore the creations of other “dreamers” (that’s what creators are called in the game), while Dream Shaping allows you to make your own creation.

Chances are, most users will be spending the bulk of their time Dream Surfing; that’s certainly the mode I find myself playing the most. I tried my hand at Dream Shaping, and while the tutorials are well-crafted, they are very elaborate and can get quite overwhelming.

Under Dream Surfing, there’s also a story mode of sorts in the form of a creation by Media Molecule itself: Art’s Dream. It’s meant to be a showcase of what can be accomplished in Dreams, and it’s really quite an interesting game.

The Good Stuff

Let’s start with the aforementioned Art’s Dream. Media Molecule has a number of creations in Dreams Universe, but this is by far the most elaborate one. It follows the story of Art, who is struggling with fear and doubt. In order to help him, players would have to delve into his dreams (obviously).

The whole of Art’s Dream consists of several different types of game genres. At one point, I’m playing through a point and click sequence, and in the next section, it shifts to a rather cute platform game. It reminds me quite a bit of LittleBigPlanet, in fact.

Art’s Dream is not a particularly long game – lasting only about two to three hours – but it’s certainly a fun experience that highlights Dreams’ potential. There are even a number of musical sequences in the game, and they are quite enjoyable, if not a little quirky.

That really is the biggest pull of Dreams Universe: the possibilities are practically endless, provided there are enough creators on board. I’ve looked through a number of other creations while Dream Surfing, and I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon a
recreation of Avatar
 by
Elca Gaming
. No, not James Cameron’s movie, but the animated series.

However, the Avatar fan game is far from finished, but it does show what can be done within Dreams Universe. There are also a number of other surprisingly polished creations, including a kaiju simulator titled
Ruckus – Just Another Natural Disaster
. It’s a short, simple game, but it’s absolutely satisfying to knock down buildings and shoot laser beams as a cute
little
 large kaiju.

Graphically, some creations on Dreams can look really, really good. Naturally, Art’s Dream looks fantastic with gorgeously rendered models and environments. Frame rate is also consistent, with no noticeable dip. But do note that I played through this game on the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro system instead of the base model.

Though this depends on individual creations made in Dreams, most games have good, tight controls. Thanks to this, platforming sequences are a breeze to solve, and it never feels frustrating even when I fail to complete a complicated part.

The Bad Stuff

Unfortunately, Dreams Universe does have a number of shortcomings that can be a dealbreaker to some. As I’ve mentioned early on, this game is very reliant on user-generated content. While there are quite a number of creations available right now, most of them feel…unpolished. It’s understandable, of course, given that these are not made by a team of professional developers.

Granted, there are a handful of creations by Media Molecule in Dreams, which are a lot more refined. But most of them can be completed in a short period of time, so you’ll run out of content from the studio very quickly. At the end of the day, the creations of other dreamers are the ones that will pull in players to Dreams.

The only objective in this game: run
really fast
 around the map

What about Dream Shaping? Well, if you’re thinking of making your own game in Dreams, prepare to put in a lot of work. Yes, very powerful tools are at your disposal, but you’ll need a lot of time and effort to really take advantage of them.

Is It Worth It?

It depends on your expectations. Dreams Universe, on paper, offers so much potential. But that potential can only be realised in the form of user-generated content, which is a tall task that will take quite some time to materialise, if at all.

Games that rely on user-generated content
can
 succeed, but it requires a large number of users with the right level of expertise. Take Super Mario Maker: before it was even an official game, there’s a whole community that’s been building Mario levels for many years. This is one of the biggest reasons behind the game’s success.

So the question is: can Dreams Universe achieve the same dream? It’s a possibility, but the quality and quantity of its creations – and creators – will need to grow, which will take time. Until then, Dreams will not reach its full potential.

At least, not yet. It’s still much too early to tell, given that Dreams has only been released for a couple of months. If you’re keen to get this game, it’s now available on the Malaysian PlayStation Store
for RM169
.


More Google Pixel 4a Details Leak; Snapdragon 730, Hole-Punch Design, No XL Model

There have been quite a number of leaks and rumours surrounding Google’s upcoming mid-range smartphone, the
Pixel 4a
. Thanks to an exclusive
new leak by 9to5Google
, we now know almost everything about the device, including its list of specifications.

For starters, 9to5Google claims that the Pixel 4a will only be available in one screen size, indicating that there may not be an XL model like the
Pixel 3a
. If this is true, it’s quite an interesting decision, given that Google had always released its Pixel smartphones in two sizes prior to this.

Since the Pixel 4a is believed to be offered in only one screen size, Google will supposedly split the difference in size between its two predecessors. 9to5Google says that the mid-ranger will sport a 5.81-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED panel, which is slightly larger than the Pixel 3a’s 5.6-inch display, and a tad smaller than the 3a XL’s 6-inch screen.

Besides that, the Pixel 4a is said to feature a plastic construction, just like its predecessor. This should keep the price of the phone low – well, relatively – while offering the Pixel experience; it’s a winning formula, given the success of the Pixel 3a. If the build quality of the 3a is any indication, the 4a should still feel solid despite its plastic body.

Naturally, the Pixel 4a will come with a number of upgrades, most notably in the performance department. Leaks suggest that it will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 SoC, which is faster and more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 670 found in the Pixel 3a.

Previous render of the Pixel 4a

If the Pixel 4a does come with a Snapdragon 730 chipset, it will address one of the biggest complaints with the Pixel 3a, which had a number of performance issues. Granted, the Snapdragon 730 isn’t Qualcomm’s most powerful or latest chipset – even in its own series – but it should still be able to offer a respectable level of performance.

Design wise, the Pixel 4a will very likely sport a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera; it’s said to be the very same sensor used by its predecessor. Given the lack of a top bezel, the Motion Sense radar chip – enabled by Google’s Project Soli – found in the
Pixel 4 smartphones
 is unlikely to be offered by the Pixel 4a.

Image source:
Evan Blass

This may or may not be a disappointment to some folks, but we do think it’s not an exclusion many will miss. After all, Motion Sense doesn’t exactly offer much utility, not to mention the fact that the feature itself is disabled in a number of countries, including here in Malaysia.

Anyway, the camera system of the Pixel 4a is also detailed by 9to5Google. According to the site, the 4a will feature a single 12.2MP camera on the back, and…that’s it. There’s no telephoto or ultra-wide angle lens on offer here, just like how it was with the Pixel 3a, for better or worse.

Understandably, this is likely done to bring down the cost of the phone, but we imagine some folks will be disappointed that the new telephoto lens found in the Pixel 4 will not be brought to the more affordable Pixel 4a. Nonetheless, the singular camera module should still be able to offer the excellent picture quality Pixel smartphones are known for.

In the software side of things, the Pixel 4a will offer a similar software experience as the higher-end Pixel 4 smartphones. Not only is it said to feature the
new Google Assistant
 that’s very fast and seamless to use, it’ll also come with three years of guaranteed software updates.

When it comes to battery capacity, the Pixel 4a is believed to be packing a 3,080mAh battery. While that’s just barely bigger than the Pixel 3a’s 3,000mAh cell, it’s worth noting that the 4a is expected to feature a more power-efficient 8nm Snapdragon 730 chipset. With that in mind, it’s possible the Pixel 4a will have slightly better battery life than the Pixel 3a.

Rounding out the rumoured specifications of the Pixel 4a include 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, 18W fast charging via a USB-C port – no wireless charging support here – a rear fingerprint sensor, and the return of the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Google Pixel 4a is On It's Way…
pic.twitter.com/rJclXg1Yqo
— TechDroider (@techdroider)
April 9, 2020

The Google Pixel 4a was supposedly set to be unveiled at Google I/O 2020, but given the current COVID-19 situation, the event had to be cancelled. That being said, retail boxes of the Pixel 4a recently appeared in a leak, so it’s entirely possible the mid-range phone will be released in the next couple of months.

As for how much the Pixel 4a will go for, it’s expected to retail from $399, which comes up to about RM1,720. The phone will likely be offered in two colour options: Barely Blue and Just Black.

(Featured image:
Evan Blass
)


This Could Have Been the Google Pixel 4a XL With Dual Camera

Yesterday, we reported that
only one variant of the Google Pixel 4a
 will be released, thanks to a leak by 9to5Google. Well, it seems like during the development of the upcoming mid-range phone, Google mulled the idea of a
Pixel 4a XL
, and get this: it had a dual camera system.

This is based on an
eBay listing
 of what is claimed to be the back panel of the Pixel 4a XL. While it looks strikingly similar to the
Pixel 4 XL
, the addition of a cutout for the rear fingerprint sensor puts it more in line with the leaked design of the Pixel 4a.

But as mentioned, what makes this alleged Pixel 4a XL so intriguing is the camera module, which appears to be able to house two camera sensors. Chances are, Google considered to use the Pixel 4’s dual camera system with the Pixel 4a XL – if this back panel is indeed made for the latter.

If Google had decided to proceed with the Pixel 4a XL, the dual camera system would’ve been an interesting hardware to differentiate the XL model from the regular one. Alas, with 9to5Google’s report that Google will only introduce the smaller Pixel 4a – and the site does have a good track record – the XL model will remain a prototype.

Image source:
Evan Blass

Nonetheless, the Pixel 4a itself does look like a promising mid-range smartphone, even if it’s said to only offer a singular 12.2MP camera on the back. Unlike the Pixel 4 smartphones, which had large top bezels, the more affordable 4a model will likely sport a much sleeker hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen. The cutout supposedly houses an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera.

As for the display itself, the Pixel 4a is believed to feature a 5.81-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED panel. It’s worth noting that this screen size is slightly larger than the Pixel 3a’s 5.6-inch panel, and a bit smaller than the 3a XL’s 6-inch display. It’s a good screen size that’s neither too big nor too small.

Other leaked specifications of the Pixel 4a include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a 3,080mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, a rear fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

There’s no release date yet for the Google Pixel 4a, but given that its
retail packaging has been leaked
, it may be introduced very soon. The mid-range smartphone is expected to retail from $399, which comes up to about RM1,720.


Deal: Get the Samsung Galaxy S10+ (1TB) With Over RM2,600 Discount

If the new
Samsung Galaxy S20

series
doesn’t quite catch your fancy, you may be interested in one of its predecessors. While the
Samsung Galaxy S10+
 is no longer the latest flagship from the Korean company, it’s discounted very, very heavily now: you can even grab the 1TB variant with
over RM2,600 discount
.

This deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer Urban Republic, so rest assured, this is a legitimate offer. The 1TB Galaxy S10+ with 12GB of RAM is listed by the retailer
for only RM3,399
. Compared to its original RM5,999 price tag, you’re saving a whopping RM2,600.

However, only one unit of the Ceramic White model is left at the time of writing. It’s best to act quick if you’re keen to grab it at this price.

But even if the 1TB model is sold out, there’s still the very practical 512GB option. This variant of the Galaxy S10+ is offered
for only RM3,199
, which is RM1,400 off the original asking price (RM4,599). At the moment, only three units are available: one of them is the Ceramic Black model, while the other two are Ceramic White units.

Although it’s been a year since the Samsung Galaxy S10+ was introduced, it’s still a very capable smartphone with a lot more storage than the company’s current S20 series, which only offers 128GB of space for our market. Not sure if the S10+ is for you? Then check out
our comprehensive review of the 2019 flagship
.


Realme 6i With Helio G80 Coming to Malaysia on 16 April

After introducing the
Realme 6 on our shores last month
, the Chinese company will be adding a new member to the series later this week: the Realme 6i. Set to be unveiled on 16 April, the 6i is a more affordable alternative to the Realme 6.

Given its more affordable price point, the Realme 6i isn’t quite as well-equipped as the Realme 6. Instead of the latter’s MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, the 6i is powered by a Helio G80 processor. Even though it’s not as powerful as the G90T, the G80 should still be able to provide a reasonably good level of performance.

To ensure the Realme 6i can keep going in long gaming sessions, this mid-range smartphone features a very generous 5,000mAh battery; this is even larger than the Realme 6’s 4,300mAh battery. Thanks to the sizeable battery capacity, the 6i should be able to return respectable battery life, and it supports 18W fast charging too via the USB Type-C port.

Unlike the higher-end Realme 6, the Realme 6i does not come with a fast 90Hz 1080p display. Instead, it has a conventional 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 IPS display. On top of that, it doesn’t have a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera either, opting instead for a notched screen.

Speaking of which, this phone comes with a 16MP f/2.0 selfie shooter.

In the camera department, the Realme 6i sports a quad camera system. It’s made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. It’s not a very sophisticated camera configuration, but it will do in a pinch.

Rounding out the specifications of the Realme 6i are up to 4GB of RAM, two storage options (64GB and 128GB), a microSD card slot, a rear fingerprint sensor, Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box, and two rather unique-looking colour options: Green Tea and White Milk.

It remains to be seen if Realme Malaysia will bring in both colour options of the device, but based on the teasers posted on its
Facebook page
, it’s highly likely.

The Realme 6i will be launching in Malaysia this Thursday on 16 April at 8:30PM. It’ll be interesting to see just how affordable this mid-range smartphone will be for our local market. For comparison, the Realme 6i retails from 249,900 kyat (about RM760) in Myanmar for the 64GB variant with 3GB of RAM.


Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Review: First-Generation Troubles

The Samsung Galaxy S20 series marks a new chapter for the Korean company. More specifically, this range-topping model of the lineup, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. Not only is it the biggest Galaxy S series device so far, it also sports the phone maker’s most ambitious camera system yet.

While the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s quad camera setup is impressive – it can take some amazing shots – it also falls short in areas you wouldn’t expect Samsung would; something you would expect from first-generation tech. On top of that, with its steep asking price, the S20 Ultra is not for everyone.

Specifications

Display
6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3200 x 1440)
Chipset
Samsung Exynos 990 2.73GHz octa-core
GPU
Mali-G77 MP11
RAM
12GB
Storage
128GB, expandable
Camera (rear)
108MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS
Periscope 48MP f/3.5 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, Hybrid Optic Zoom (10x)
12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)
DepthVision (ToF)
Camera (front)
40MP f/2.2, PDAF
Battery
5,000mAh
Dimensions
166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8 mm
Weight
220g
OS
One UI 2.1 based on Android 10
Connectivity
5G
LTE
NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)
USB Type-C
Price
RM4,999

Hardware wise, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is very well-equipped. The quad camera system is sophisticated, it has a large 5,000mAh battery, it is IP68-rated, there’s 5G connectivity, and the Exynos 990 can keep up with any given task. Whether it’s multitasking or gaming, expect this chipset to deliver excellent performance.

That being said, there is one piece of hardware that doesn’t quite fit in: the 128GB internal storage. While it’s not particularly small, you’d expect at least 256GB of storage for a phone at this price point. You
can
 use the microSD card slot for further expansion, but more native storage would’ve been much better.

Design

There’s no denying that the Galaxy S20 Ultra is Samsung’s sleekest-looking device yet. The tiny Infinity-O hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen doesn’t look all that distracting, the bezels surrounding the display are quite minimal, and the screen now has much more subtle curves on either sides, which make for a more ergonomically-sound device.

However, I do have one gripe with the new curved display: the palm rejection isn’t great. Throughout my time with the S20 Ultra, the phone would occasionally register taps from my palm just
slightly
touching the edge of the screen. Needless to say, this can get annoying quick.

But there is one easy way to solve this issue. Once I’ve slapped on the casing that comes with the S20 Ultra, it’s not as easy for my palm to touch the sides of the display anymore. Does this solve the problem? Yes. Could it have been avoided entirely if it had better palm rejection? Definitely.

Given that this is a RM4,999 device though, I would highly recommend protecting it with a casing as soon as possible.

On the back of the S20 Ultra, there’s the curved glass panel, which makes the phone quite comfortable to hold. However, I’m not a huge fan of the equally huge camera module on the back of the phone. On top of that, the whole module protrudes out of the back panel quite a bit. I haven’t seen or felt a camera bump this noticeable for a long time.

Anyway, as a whole, the Galaxy S20 Ultra feels like a premium, high-end smartphone with excellent build quality. It’s also quite a heavy phone, tipping the scales at 220g. I like the extra heft, but some folks may not be a fan of this.

User Experience

One UI 2.1 on the Galaxy S20 Ultra feels very polished and intuitive to navigate around, and this has been the case with the software experience of Samsung smartphones for the past couple of years. I’ve been using this phone for well over a month now, and never did I encounter any major software issue.

This really speaks volume for how far Samsung has come when it comes to software, and to date, I still think One UI has one of the best always on displays. At a glance, I can see if there are any missed calls, messages, or notifications from any given app. The best part is, it just
works
. I didn’t have to fumble around the settings page for it to show notifications from specific apps and what not.

While the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s software experience is great, the same can’t be said of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen. Just like its predecessor, it’s a finicky sensor that has trouble recognising my fingerprint consistently. It does feel
a tad
 more accurate, but it’s still not quite as quick or seamless to use as, say, the
OnePlus 7 Pro
‘s optical fingerprint sensor.

But let’s move on to something more positive: the gorgeous 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every single motion on this screen looks
extra
 smooth, giving the impression of an even faster device.

Even if I’m just casually browsing through the home screen, or playing a mobile game that supports 120Hz, there’s a noticeable difference. In fact, when I switch back to 60Hz, it feels like the phone is “stuttering,” even if it’s not at all. Really, the extra frames afforded by the 120Hz refresh rate improves the user experience quite a bit.

Of course, we can’t ignore one of the biggest limitations of the 120Hz mode on the S20 Ultra: this high refresh rate is only limited to 1080p. If I change the resolution to native 1440p, the refresh rate can only be set to 60Hz. Personally, I don’t find this to be a big issue. It’s not easy to tell the difference between 1440p and 1080p resolution on a screen this size.

As for the Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen itself, it’s fantastic. After all, Samsung is one of the biggest display makers in the industry, and it only makes sense for its range of smartphones to feature some of the best screens in the market. The S20 Ultra’s display have vibrant colours, wide viewing angles, deep, true blacks, and as far as I can tell, the white balance is calibrated wonderfully well too.

What about performance? As expected, the Exynos 990 powering the Galaxy S20 Ultra can deliver excellent processing power. No matter what I throw at the phone, it can handle any given task effortlessly and seamlessly. The phone is unfazed even when I’m multitasking with different apps or playing games like PUBG Mobile at maxed out settings.

Battery life of the Galaxy S20 Ultra is, for the most part, more than good enough for most users. On average, the 5,000mAh battery can return between five to six hours of screen on time, which is really quite good for any given smartphone. I’m quite a heavy user too, and I enabled the 120Hz mode at 1080p along with the always on display activated to get this level of battery life.

I’m confident I can get even better battery life if I set the display’s refersh rate to 60Hz, but I wasn’t able to test this before the movement control order (MCO) is in effect in Malaysia. Any battery life estimate I get in this period wouldn’t reflect actual real life use, which is why it’s not included in this review.

Charging rate of the S20 Ultra is quite respectable as well. Within 30 minutes of charging with the in-box charger, the battery percentage got up to about 60% from completely empty.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoy using the Galaxy S20 Ultra as my daily driver. It’s fast, the software experience is pleasant, the Dynamic AMOLED display is stunning to look at, and it has above average battery life. Now, let’s move on to the phone’s most troubled hardware: camera.

Camera

When the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s quad camera system was unveiled on stage, it shows a lot of potential. The 108MP sensor promises an incredible amount of detail, the 48MP telephoto lens is lauded for its 100x zoom, and to top it off, Samsung already proved itself when it comes to mobile photography. So then, it
has
 to be a good camera system, right?

Unfortunately, the reality is not quite as picturesque.

For one, since launch, the Galaxy S20 Ultra has received numerous updates to improve the camera performance. That’s good, because it shows that Samsung is actively improving the camera of its flagship smartphone. However, it also shows a lack of refinement in the first place.

Anyway, after the slew of updates it received, the S20 Ultra’s quad camera system certainly got better. One of the most noticeable improvements is much faster autofocus. Before this, it takes quite some time for the phone to lock in focus, and it had a tendency to hunt for focus too.

While the autofocus performance definitely improved after the updates, it’s
still
 not quite as seamless for the S20 Ultra to lock in focus at a moment’s notice – something that is expected of a Samsung flagship. I’ve compared the autofocus performance between the S20 Ultra and the one-year-old
Galaxy S10+
, and the latter is noticeably faster.

It’s also worth noting that the S20 Ultra’s 108MP primary sensor has very,
very
 shallow depth of field. Basically, close-up shots will be affected the most by this: the area that is in focus will be quite limited in tighter shots, so what you end up with is an image that is only focused on a small area.

The shallow depth of field does make for a more dramatic-looking shot
But oftentimes, subject matters are not properly focused. The focus point is on the ground in this picture, rather than the felines

Granted, this is an inherent trait of larger sensors like the one in the S20 Ultra, and you can always use the telephoto shooter instead if you want sharper close-up shots right? Well, not really. As is the case with other smartphones with multiple camera sensors, the telephoto lens simply cannot match the image quality of the 108MP camera.

Beyond this issue with close-up shots, the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s quad camera configuration can deliver in other areas. The 108MP main sensor takes good-looking shots with subjects that are a certain distance away (I leave it at its default setting to output 12MP images), wide angle snaps are handled very well by the 12MP ultra-wide shooter, and the 48MP telephoto camera – which kicks in at 4x zoom – can take great-looking images too.

Okay, but what about the much highlighted 100x zoom capability of the S20 Ultra? Yes, you can achieve that level of zoom, but the results are often a blurry mess; even at 30x zoom things don’t look particularly great. But keep it below 10x, and you’ll be very happy with the results.

12MP ultra-wide angle
108MP primary
48MP telephoto (5x)
48MP telephoto (10x)
48MP telephoto (30x)
48MP telephoto (100x)

The 100x zoom may be a gimmick – and let’s be honest, it sounds great on paper – but there’s no denying the fact that the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s telephoto sensor can take some impressive shots. Perhaps even better than most smartphones in the market now.

All in all, except for the iffy autofocus performance and the 108MP sensor’s shallow depth of field, I do enjoy shooting with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Could it have been better? Of course, but this
is
Samsung’s first attempt at a new camera system in quite some time. With some refinement here and there down the road, I’m sure this quad camera array can really shine; just not right this moment.

12MP ultra-wide angle
108MP primary
48MP telephoto (5x)

Competition

Retailing at RM4,999, the Galaxy S20 Ultra sits at the top of the price range for flagship smartphones. Granted, its price has gone down since launch, even
hitting the RM4,439 mark during big sales
. Still, even at this price point, it has a number of alternatives, and most of them are more affordable too.

OnePlus 8 Pro

What was once a brand that offers flagship smartphones at an affordable price point has steadily risen in both cost and refinement. The
OnePlus 8 Pro
 is the Chinese company’s latest offering, and it impresses in a number of areas. For one, the range-topping model with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM retails at RM4,099 – that’s RM900 less than the S20 Ultra’s official price tag, which also offers only half the amount of storage at 128GB.

For that kind of money, the OnePlus 8 Pro comes with an equally fast 120Hz 6.78-inch 3168 x 1440 Fluid AMOLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a rather promising quad camera system (48MP f/1.78 main + 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 8MP f/2.44 telephoto + 5MP f/2.4 colour filter), as well as OxygenOS, an arguably cleaner version of Android compared to Samsung’s One UI.

Naturally, the S20 Ultra does have its fair share of advantages over the OnePlus 8 Pro. Its zooming performance is most definitely better, thanks to its periscope-style telephoto lens that can get closer to further subjects. On top of that, the S20 Ultra should have better battery life too: its 5,000mAh battery is markedly more generous than the OnePlus 8 Pro’s 4,510mAh cell.

Samsung Galaxy S20+

If you still want a big and vibrant screen, Samsung’s software experience, as well as a fuss-free camera, then the
Samsung Galaxy S20+
 is a great alternative. It has a similar 120Hz 6.7-inch 1440p Infinity-O display as the Galaxy S20 Ultra, it offers the exact same software experience, and its camera system, while not quite as far-reaching, doesn’t suffer from any autofocus issue or shallow depth of field.

But the best reason to get the Galaxy S20+ over the S20 Ultra is its price advantage. Right now, you can easily get the S20+ well below its RM3,999 launch price. If you look hard enough, you can even get it for
as low as RM3,239 on a good day
. That’s well over RM1,000 of difference compared to the Ultra, even at its discounted price.

But what are you missing out by going with the S20+? Well, the S20 Ultra still offers a more sophisticated and versatile camera system (even though it has its own issues), along with better battery life. After all, you’re paying a lot more money for this range-topping smartphone.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra impresses in many areas, but it also falls short in a number of vital aspects. Its camera performance isn’t what we’ve come to expect from Samsung, the screen has finicky palm rejection, and most of all, it is an
expensive
 smartphone. In a price-sensitive market like Malaysia, any device at this price point has to have little to no flaws to really succeed.

Unfortunately, the Galaxy S20 Ultra isn’t quite there yet: it has one too many first-generation troubles. While the hardware of the quad camera system is very impressive, the overall refinement of it leaves much to be desired. That really is the Ultra’s biggest shortcoming, which is usually not something you’d have to worry about with a Samsung flagship.

But is the Galaxy S20 Ultra a flagship smartphone worth buying? Yes, it is. The screen quality is excellent, it’s a fast smartphone with an equally fast 120Hz display, and the camera can still shine even in its current state. I’ve never used a smartphone that can deliver this level of zoom performance until now, and that’s an amazing feat.

As with all new technology, the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s camera needs some time to fully mature. As it stands, there is still room for improvement, but it’s entirely possible the camera performance will only get better in time through software updates.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra may not meet the lofty expectations set by Samsung, but the continued improvement of the phone’s camera does show the Korean company’s commitment to deliver better user experience. This level of support is not something you get from all phone makers, and Samsung deserves commendation for it.


Oppo Ace 2 Official With 40W Wireless Charging & Snapdragon 865

Oppo just launched a new high-end smartphone in China, the Oppo Ace 2. As its name suggests, it is the successor to the
Oppo Reno

Ace
, though the Chinese company is dropping the Reno brand name with the Ace 2. What makes this phone particularly unique is its fast charging capability, which is rated at 40W…wirelessly.

Thanks to that, the Ace 2 has one of the fastest wireless charging rates in the market along with the
Huawei P40 Pro+
, which also supports 40W wireless charging. That being said, Oppo’s offering can charge up even faster in wired mode with the company’s proprietary 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 technology. It offers two-way wireless charging as well.

Just like its predecessor, the Ace 2 comes with some pretty high-end hardware. For one, under the hood of this phone is an even faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, which also gives it 5G connectivity. In comparison, the Reno Ace was powered by a Snapdragon 855+ SoC.

When it comes to display, the Ace 2 features a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While that’s not quite as fast as 120Hz panels found in other high-end smartphones, 90Hz is still plenty fast. There’s also a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 16MP f/2.4 selfie camera.

Curiously, Oppo is going against the current trend of square camera modules with the Ace 2. This phone has a circular camera module that houses four sensors: a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.

That’s right, for some reason, the Ace 2 does not offer a telephoto lens. Given that its other hardware are decidedly high-end – and the fact that its predecessor actually had a telephoto sensor – this quad camera system does appear quite pedestrian.

Other specifications of the Ace 2 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), a 4,000mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and ColorOS 7.1 based on Android 10 out of the box.

At the moment, the Oppo Ace 2 is only available in China. It will be sold there from 20 April onwards starting at 3,999 Chinese yuan (about RM2,460) for the 128GB variant with 8GB of RAM. The 256GB model with 8GB or 12GB RAM, on the other hand, goes for 4,399 yuan (approximately RM2,705) or 4,599 yuan (around RM2,825) respectively.


The Nubia RedMagic 5G Is the First Gaming Phone With a 144Hz Screen for RM2,500

As more and more phone makers adopt 120Hz screens for their smartphones, Nubia takes it a step further with its 2020 gaming smartphone, the Nubia RedMagic 5G. Not only does it offer excellent value for money, it is also the first-ever smartphone to sport a 144Hz screen.

You read that right, the RedMagic 5G gaming smartphone comes with a blazing fast 144Hz display. No other mobile device until now offered that high of a refresh rate, which really makes the RedMagic 5G a unique, compelling smartphone.

As for the panel itself, it’s a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a touch sampling rate of up to 240Hz. Thanks to this, you will get very little to no input lag when you’re gaming; an ideal feature for a gaming smartphone.

It’s also worth noting that the RedMagic 5G’s display is free of any cutout, so you don’t have to worry about any notch or hole-punch cutout obstructing the viewing area of any given game. The only downside of this? You do get some bezels at the top and bottom of the phone. They’re not ridiculously large by any means, but it certainly doesn’t look quite as sleek as other smartphones in the market now.

Performance wise, the RedMagic 5G naturally has Qualcomm’s best chipset to date under the hood, the Snapdragon 865 chipset. Given the phone’s relatively affordable pricing (for a high-end smartphone, that is), it’s really quite a surprise to get this level of performance at this price point. Of course, you also get 5G connectivity with this SoC.

To cool down the phone in long gaming sessions, the RedMagic 5G also has a dedicated fan
inside
 of the phone in tandem with the liquid cooling system. Together, both of these features should be able to keep the phone cool, though we’d have to put them to the test first to see if they’re a gimmick or not.

Other specifications of the RedMagic 5G include two capacitive shoulder buttons on the side of the phone, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 55W fast charging, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

The RedMagic 5G is now available for pre-order in certain markets. In the US, for example, the gaming smartphone retails from only $579, which comes up to about RM2,510. That’s a very, very good price tag for a device of this calibre, and given
Nubia’s presence here in Malaysia
, there’s a good chance the RedMagic 5G will officially land here in the near future.


OnePlus 8 Series Unveiled: 120Hz 1440p Display, Quad Camera, 30W Wireless Charging

The OnePlus 8 series is here, and as expected, there are two devices in the lineup: the standard OnePlus 8, and the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro. Compared to their predecessors, these two new phones naturally come with some notable upgrades, including faster displays and more sophisticated camera systems.

Let’s start with the range-topping OnePlus 8 Pro. One of the most highlighted hardware of this device is its 6.78-inch 3168 x 1440 Fluid AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. This is a slight upgrade over the
OnePlus 7 Pro
‘s 90Hz screen.

And then there’s the quad camera system of the OnePlus 8 Pro. It’s made up of a 48MP f/1.78 main sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/2.44 telephoto lens that can do 3x hybrid zoom or 30x digital zoom, and a 5MP f/2.4 colour filter camera. On paper, it’s not an amazing camera system, but it’s befitting of a flagship smartphone.

Naturally, the OnePlus 8 Pro features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset as well. You can expect to get excellent processing power out of the SoC, and the inclusion of that chip also gives the device 5G connectivity – as with all high-end smartphones in the market now.

Thanks to the OnePlus 8 Pro’s 4,510mAh battery, you should get reasonably good battery life with this smartphone. On top of that, OnePlus is
finally
 adding wireless charging support to this device, and it’s rated at 30W too for both wired and wireless charging. Interestingly, it can also do two-way wireless charging.

Rounding out the specifications of the OnePlus 8 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and get this: IP68 rating. This is the first OnePlus device to be water- and dust-resistant.

If you want something more affordable, there’s the regular OnePlus 8. Unlike the Pro variant, this standard model is a smaller, more compact flagship smartphone with a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. That’s right, only 90Hz; it doesn’t get the Pro’s faster 120Hz panel.

In the camera department, the OnePlus 8 doesn’t have the Pro’s more sophisticated quad camera array either. Instead, it has a triple camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.75 main sensor with OIS, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. There’s no telephoto camera on offer here, which is quite odd for a flagship-tier smartphone.

Another rather big exclusion on the OnePlus 8 is wireless charging support and an IP68 rating. Unfortunately, these two features are only available on the Pro model. The good news? At least this more affordable variant still gets 30W wired charging.

Other specifications of the OnePlus 8 include a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera positioned in the hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 4,300mAh battery, 5G connectivity, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

Both the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are now available for pre-order in selected markets. In the US, the standard OnePlus 8 retails at $699 (RM3,030) and $799 (RM3,460) for the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB options respectively.

As for the OnePlus 8 Pro, the 128GB + 8GB variant goes for $899 (RM3,895), while the top-of-the-range 256GB + 12GB option costs $999 (RM4,325). As usual, Malaysian availability of the two phones have not been revealed yet, though there is a good chance they will be sold here in the near future.

Without a doubt the OnePlus 8 series is more expensive than its predecessor, and this upward trend has been OnePlus’ pricing strategy over the years. Of course, it’s entirely possible the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro can command these premium price tags – we’ll reserve judgment until we have the devices in for review.


Does the OnePlus 8 Have IP68 Rating? Some Models Do

The
OnePlus 8 series
 has just been announced, and as expected, the OnePlus 8 Pro gets all the neat upgrades, including support for fast 30W wireless charging and an IP68 rating. Officially, the standard OnePlus 8 doesn’t have these two features, but as it turns out, there’s a chance the more affordable flagship phone
is in fact
 IP68-rated.

In the US market, OnePlus 8 models sold by certain carriers (including T-Mobile and Verizon) do in fact carry IP68 rating. However, unlocked models – units that are not bought from carriers – do not have any IP rating. This lines up with official information from OnePlus itself: only the OnePlus 8 Pro is confirmed to be IP68-rated by the phone maker.

I'm seeing lots of confusion around the OnePlus 8's water/dust resistance, which isn't surprising!
Here's what I heard:
-Carrier models (T-Mo, VZ) *are* IP68
-The unlocked ones aren't
-BUT the carrier & unlocked models are nearly identical
Ergo: they're all effectively IP68
https://t.co/qTrBMBmnqV
— Michael Fisher (@theMrMobile)
April 14, 2020

That being said, there doesn’t seem to be any significant difference between carrier models and regular units of the OnePlus 8. In fact, Michael Fisher, one of the most prominent figures in the mobile industry, believes that all variants of the OnePlus 8 are effectively IP68-rated.

Chances are, it’s possible that carriers pay for the IP68 certification for the OnePlus 8, which lets them advertise the device with the rating. On top of that, previous OnePlus smartphones – such as the OnePlus 7 series – were actually
quite water-resistant
 despite not being IP-rated.

However (and this is important), if the device
does
 get damaged by water, there’s a good chance it will not be covered under warranty because of the lack of IP rating.

Nonetheless, the OnePlus 8 itself, even if it’s not dust- or water-resistant, is quite a respectable flagship smartphone. For starters, it features a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. That’s not quite as fast as the Pro model’s 120Hz screen, but it’s still better than a conventional 60Hz panel.

Besides that, powering the OnePlus 8 is none other than Qualcomm’s best offering to date, the Snapdragon 865. This gives the phone 5G connectivity along with an excellent level of performance. After all, the Snapdragon 865 is found in the majority of flagship smartphones this year.

In the camera department, the OnePlus 8 is packed with a triple camera system. It’s made up of a 48MP f/1.75 main sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. That’s right, this phone does not offer any dedicated zoom lens, which is quite an odd omission for a flagship smartphone.

Rounding out the specifications of the OnePlus 8 include a 16MP f/2.45 front-facing camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 4,300mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging (no wireless charging here), and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

At the moment, Malaysian availability of the OnePlus 8 series has not been revealed yet. But given that the OnePlus 7 series eventually made its way here, there’s a good chance the OnePlus 8 smartphones will be officially available in Malaysia in the near future.


The New Level51 Forge 15R Features Desktop-Grade AMD Ryzen 3000 CPU & Refreshed RTX GPUs

Level51 just added a new gaming laptop to its lineup, and it’s quite an interesting machine. This is the Level51 Forge 15R, and not only can you configure it with desktop-grade AMD Ryzen 3000 series processors, it’s also shipping with the quietly refreshed Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 GPUs.

While fitting a desktop-class processor into a laptop is not a new concept, the Forge 15R has a trick up its sleeve. According to Level51, it’s possible to swap out the processor of this gaming laptop for another, giving users the freedom to upgrade accordingly. Of course, the processor would have to be compatible with the CPU socket.

As mentioned, the Forge 15R can be configured with a range of Ryzen 3000 series processors. The most affordable option is the Ryzen 5 3500 CPU, but if you want the best possible performance, you can opt for the blazing fast Ryzen 9 3950X. Given the amount of heat this processor can generate, it’ll be interesting to see if the laptop’s cooling solution can cope with it.

There are quite a number of GPU options for the Forge 15R as well. You can choose from a GTX 1660 Ti GPU – which provides
excellent performance for the money
 – or the new 115W RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 Max-P graphics cards. According to
Notebookcheck
, these refreshed GPUs boast higher clock speeds than their previous iterations, so you can expect to get slightly better gaming performance.

Beyond the CPU and GPU, you can also customise the Forge 15R’s screen. After all, Level51 lets customers pick the parts they want for its range of gaming laptops, and the Forge 15R is no exception. Anyway, all display options for this laptop are 15.6-inch 1080p panels; only the refresh rates are different, which are either 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz.

Other specifications of the Forge 15R include 16GB of RAM, a 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, an RGB keyboard (naturally), and a 62WHr battery. Of course, you can add more RAM and storage if you wish to do so on
Level51’s website
, though do note that the laptop does not come with an activated copy of Windows 10 by default.

The Level51 Forge 15R is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. The most affordable
GTX 1660 Ti model
 starts at RM3,899, while the higher-end
RTX 2060 variant
 retails from RM4,950. The gaming laptop is expected to start shipping to customers by the end of April 2020.


This Is the iPhone SE 2020: As Powerful as the iPhone 11 for Less Than RM2,000

It’s been expected for quite some time now, but here it is: the second-generation iPhone SE is finally official. While it doesn’t look particularly modern – it shares the same chassis as the iPhone 8 – the iPhone SE 2020 is one serious smartphone; it has the same processing power as the latest iPhone 11 for a
fraction
of the price.

You definitely read that right. Under the hood of the new iPhone SE is none other than Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, the very same one that powers the iPhone 11 smartphones. The best part is, you’ll only have to fork out RM1,999 for the iPhone SE
right here in Malaysia.

Of course, that’s for the 64GB variant. If you want the more practical 128GB option, it’ll cost you RM2,199 – that’s only RM200 more for twice the amount of storage. If you want even more space, you can opt for the 256GB model for RM2,699. Three colour options are available: White, Black, and Product Red.

So what’s the caveat with the iPhone SE? Well, for one, it doesn’t look particularly sleek with thick bezels at the top and bottom of the 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 IPS screen. After all, this
is
 the very same chassis used by the iPhone 8, which was released back in 2017.

In fact, you can think of the iPhone SE as the iPhone 8 with a much more powerful processor and camera. Speaking of which, the new SE sports a singular 12MP f/1.8 camera with optical image stabilisation. Naturally, there are no ultra-wide angle or telephoto sensor to be found here, which isn’t surprising given the relatively low asking price of this device – by Apple’s standards, that is.

Nonetheless, Apple proudly claims that the iPhone SE’s sole 12MP camera is the “best single-camera system ever in an iPhone.” We’ll have to put this to the test ourselves, but given Apple’s expertise when it comes to mobile photography, we’re inclined to take the Cupertino company’s word for it.

Other specifications of the new iPhone SE include a 7MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, battery life that’s “about the same as iPhone 8,” and an IP67 rating, allowing it to be submerged up to 1m for 30 minutes.

For the Malaysian market, the iPhone SE 2020 is priced from RM1,999. However, even though the local pricing of the compact smartphone has been revealed, it remains to be seen exactly when it will start shipping. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new iPhone SE.


Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro Arriving in Malaysia 22 April

We’ve been closely following the Malaysian availability of the Xiaomi Mi 10 series, and after
appearing in SIRIM’s database
 for quite some time now, Xiaomi Malaysia is finally teasing the arrival of its latest flagship smartphone. Chances are, the range-topping Mi 10 Pro will be launched here first on 22 April.

This teaser image of the Mi 10 series was posted by Xiaomi Malaysia on its social media accounts. The camera module shown in the teaser is that of the Mi 10 Pro, so at least we know the Pro model is coming to our market. It remains to be seen if the regular Mi 10 – or even the Mi 10 Lite – will be launched at the same time.

The headline feature of the Mi 10 Pro has to be its sophisticated quad camera system, which consists of a 108MP f/1.69 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm), a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (94mm), and a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera.

If this camera configuration looks familiar, that’s because it is: it’s the exact same camera hardware found in the
Xiaomi Mi Note 10
, just without the addition of a macro lens. That doesn’t mean it has the same camera performance, of course.

According to Xiaomi, improvements have been made in the software side of things with the Mi 10 Pro’s camera. It also gets performance boost from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset under the hood.

Speaking of which, you will definitely get an excellent level of performance with the Mi 10 Pro’s Snapdragon 865 chipset; this SoC is found in the majority of high-end smartphones launched this year, after all. Of course, you also get 5G connectivity with the Snapdragon 865.

Another interesting hardware of the Mi 10 Pro is its 6.67-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 20MP f/2.0 selfie camera. What makes this panel particularly intriguing is its 90Hz refresh rate, which will noticeably improve motion clarity.

Rounding out the specifications of the Mi 10 Pro are up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of non-expandable storage, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 50W fast charging or 30W wirelessly, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

More details on the Malaysian availability of the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is expected to be revealed on 22 April next week. Hopefully, the local pricing of the flagship smartphone will also be detailed then.


Realme 6i With 5,000mAh Battery Lands in Malaysia; Starts at RM699

As promised, Realme just launched its latest mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Realme 6i. Based on its hardware and positioning in the series, the 6i is meant to serve as a more affordable alternative to the higher-end
Realme 6
, and it’s certainly priced as such.

Two variants of the Realme 6i are available for the Malaysian market. The 64GB model with 3GB of RAM retails at RM699, while the 128GB option with 4GB of RAM goes for RM899. Two colour options are offered: Green Tea and White Milk.

Even though it’s not the most well-equipped mid-range smartphone, the Realme 6i offers reasonably good value for money. Powering this device is none other than the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, which should be fast enough for day-to-day use. Realme says that the 6i is the first device with the Helio G80 in our market.

But processing power is not the Realme 6i’s most appealing hardware: it’s battery life. Featuring a generous 5,000mAh battery – this is even larger than the Realme 6’s 4,300mAh cell – this phone should be able to return very respectable battery life. It also supports 18W fast charging (as well as reverse charging) through the USB-C port.

Unlike the Realme 6’s 90Hz screen, the Realme 6i settles for a more modest 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 IPS notched display with a conventional 60Hz refresh rate. While this panel doesn’t sound quite as impressive, the lower resolution and refresh rate do reduce the power consumption of the screen, which should further improve the phone’s battery life.

In the camera department, the Realme 6i features a quad camera system. It’s made up of a 48MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera. Not the most sophisticated camera setup, but certainly good enough for a smartphone at this price point.

Other specifications of the Realme 6i include a 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a microSD card slot, a rear fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.

As mentioned, the Realme 6i is priced at RM699 and RM899 for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively. The base 64GB variant will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 23 April onwards, while the 128GB option will be sold on 25 April. Early birds can also grab the 64GB model for only RM599 from Shopee on 23 April at 12AM.


Kia Seltos Appears on Local Website & Spotted in Malaysia; Launch Happening Soon?

Kia’s brand new B-segment SUV, the Kia Seltos, could be launching in Malaysia very soon. Not only has it appeared in Kia Malaysia’s official website – revealing some of its key equipment – the SUV has also been spotted on a trailer right here on our shores.

In fact, the Seltos was actually previewed in Malaysia back in February at a dealer-only event, so it’s no secret that the SUV will be making its way here. That being said, it’s worth noting that the Seltos was only briefly shown on Kia Malaysia’s website; the product page has since been taken down.

But before it disappeared from the website, we did manage to get a glimpse of the SUV’s list of equipment for the Malaysian market. For one, it appears we’re only getting the 1.6L MPI four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 123hp and 151Nm of torque paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Yes, it’s unlikely we will get any turbo mill for our market.

Besides that, two trim levels of the Seltos are shown, which are the EX and GT Line models. The differences between the two variants are not specifically outlined, but expect the GT Line to get most of the creature comforts. These include fully automatic temperature control, faux leather seats with the GT Line logo, a 7-inch LCD supervision instrument cluster, and even a head-up display (HUD).

Based on what we’ve learned over the past few months, the Seltos for our local market are likely completely built-up (CBU) units from India. Since it’s not locally assembled (CKD), expect the Seltos to cost quite a bit more than other B-segment SUVs in the market now, such as the CKD Honda HR-V.

As mentioned, what seems to be local units of the Seltos have also been spotted being transported on a trailer. This image was posted by
The Ajerul on its Facebook page
, which shows three different colours of the SUV. These should be the Intense Red, Glacier White Pearl, and Gravity Grey colourways.

Image source:
The Ajerul

It remains to be seen exactly when the Kia Seltos will be launched in Malaysia, but it should be happening very soon, based on its appearance on Kia Malaysia’s website – albeit only briefly – and the presence of the car locally. It’ll be interesting to see how much Naza Kia Malaysia will price the Seltos once it’s available in our market.


iPhone SE 2020 Only Has 1,821mAh Battery & 3GB RAM – Should You Be Concerned?

The second-generation
iPhone SE
 was unveiled a few days ago, and it didn’t take long for folks to figure out the exact RAM capacity and battery size of the compact smartphone. As expected, the new iPhone doesn’t really impress in these two hardware: it’s said to only feature a 1,821mAh battery and 3GB of RAM.

These two hardware details
come from 9to5Mac
, which found the relevant information from a
Chinese telco’s listing of the iPhone SE
. That being said, it’s worth noting that the battery and RAM capacities of the iPhone have since been removed from the listing; quite peculiar.

Regardless, given the similarities between the new iPhone SE and the iPhone 8, we’re quite confident the 1,821mAh battery is accurate; it’s the exact same cell capacity found in the latter. To be sure, it’s a small capacity, and in a market where most – if not all – smartphones come with batteries
twice
 as big as that 1,821mAh cell, it doesn’t look great for the iPhone SE.

However, when we talk about battery capacities, iPhones usually don’t have the largest cells, but they still deliver reasonably good battery life. This can be attributed to iOS’ power optimisation, which is quite impressive. Of course, you can only squeeze so much battery life out of the 1,821mAh cell, but will you struggle to get at least a day’s worth of use?

Well, until we have the iPhone SE in for review, we can’t say with pinpoint accuracy. But given that the iPhone 8 can return good enough battery life for most consumers, we see no reason why the iPhone SE wouldn’t be able to do the same. According to the Cupertino company, the SE has about the same battery life as the iPhone 8.

Okay, but what about the “measly” 3GB RAM of the iPhone SE? Well, to put this into context, both the
iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
 only has 4GB of RAM; that’s just 1GB more than the SE. Trust us, the 3GB of RAM is enough to keep up with the phone’s fast A13 Bionic chip.

Really, you should be able to get comparable performance as the far more expensive iPhone 11 smartphones with the second-generation iPhone SE. After all, these devices are powered by the very same chip.

You might be wondering: if an Android smartphone only has a 1,821mAh battery and 3GB of RAM, it wouldn’t be as well-received as the iPhone SE 2020. But that is precisely the point – you cannot compare Android and iOS smartphones based on hardware alone (well, to an extent). Both operating systems behave differently, and the truth of the matter is, Apple makes better use of hardware with iOS.

See, iOS’ closed ecosystem allows Apple to optimise the operating system on many levels. Compare this to Android’s far more fragmented nature; it’s a lot harder to achieve the same level of optimisation on the platform. iOS’ restrictive nature and Android’s openness each have its own benefits and drawbacks, but when it comes to efficient use of hardware, iOS is – most of the time – superior.

So to answer the question: should you be concerned about the iPhone SE’s 1,821mAh battery and 3GB RAM? Performance wise, you have nothing to worry about, but you do have to manage your expectations when it comes to battery life. We reckon the SE will be able to last through a day of use for most users, but don’t expect it to last as long as the iPhone 11 series.


Vivo V19 Set to Launch in Malaysia on 23 April

Vivo just confirmed that its latest mid-range smartphone, the
Vivo V19
, will be landing in Malaysia later this week on 23 April. Featuring a quad camera system, a reasonably sleek design, and 33W fast charging, the V19 is quite an interesting smartphone.

Naturally, the V19 comes with a number of notable upgrades over its predecessor,
the V17
. For one, it’s powered by a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset; the V17 only had a Snapdragon 675 SoC. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the V19 should be able to offer a good level of performance.

As for the phone’s quad camera system, it is made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. It would’ve been nice if it offered a telephoto sensor as well, but it’s typically not offered in this segment.

Vivo smartphones have always focused on delivering good selfie cameras, and the V19 is no different. Positioned on the top right of the phone’s screen in a hole-punch cutout, there are two front-facing cameras: a 32MP f/2.08 main shooter, and an 8MP f/2.28 super-wide angle shooter. Thanks to this camera configuration, you can take both regular selfies and a wide-angle shot for group selfies.

The display itself, on the other hand, is a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen. This being an OLED panel, you can expect to get vibrant, punchy colours, along with wide viewing angles. On top of that, this screen should offer very deep blacks as well, which would make content consumption that much more enjoyable.

When it comes to battery life, the V19 features a 4,500mAh battery. It’s a generous battery capacity, which should be able to return respectable battery life. It also supports 33W Vivo FlashCharge 2.0 technology; Vivo claims that the battery can be charged up to 54% from completely empty in 30 minutes.

Other specifications of the V19 include 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot if you need even more space, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and FunTouch OS based on Android 10 out of the box.

The Vivo V19 will be launched in Malaysia this Thursday on 23 April via an online live stream on
Vivo Malaysia’s Facebook page
. It’s set to take place at 6PM, and those who watch the online launch event also stand a chance to win one of three units of the V19.


Black Shark 3 Gaming Smartphone Launching in Malaysia 30 April

One of the first gaming smartphones unveiled this year is finally making its way here. Black Shark Malaysia confirmed on its Facebook page that the Black Shark 3 will be launching on our shores next week on 30 April. Sporting a high level of performance with a slew of gamer-centric features, it’s an enticing smartphone for mobile gamers.

There are two variants of the gaming smartphone: there’s the standard Black Shark 3, and the more feature-packed Black Shark 3 Pro. It’s not confirmed yet if both models will be brought here; we’ll just have to wait for the local launch event to find out.

Out of the two devices, the Black Shark 3 Pro is naturally the higher-end model. Not only does it have a massive 7.1-inch 3120 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, it is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset like the majority of other flagship smartphones in the market now.

As this is marketed as a gaming smartphone, the Black Shark 3 Pro screen also supports 270Hz touch sampling rate. What this basically does is improve the responsiveness of the panel, which should reduce any input lag to a minimum. Needless to say, this is an important feature for gamers.

Besides that, the Black Shark 3 Pro also comes with two physical shoulder buttons on the right side of the phone. That’s right,
physical
 shoulder buttons that actually
pop-up
 when you need to use them. This is a very unique feature, and we imagine mobile gamers will appreciate it.

Other specifications of the Black Shark 3 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.2 depth), a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and of course, 5G connectivity.

As for the more affordable Black Shark 3, it shares some of the Pro model’s hardware, including a Snapdragon 865 chipset, a 90Hz screen with 270Hz touch sampling rate, the same camera system (including the selfie shooter), and even 65W fast charging, though the battery capacity has been reduced slightly to 4,720mAh.

Besides that, the regular Black Shark 3 also has a more compact 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED panel, though it is by no means a small screen. It doesn’t have the physical shoulder buttons of the Pro model either, opting instead for more conventional capacitive buttons.

As for storage and RAM capacities, the Black Shark 3 comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, while its RAM capacity maxes out at 12GB.

The Black Shark 3 will be launching in Malaysia on 30 April next week. Hopefully, Black Shark Malaysia will bring in both variants of the high-end gaming smartphone.


Raya Bersama Shopee Campaign Offers Daily Necessities for Only RM10

The COVID-19 pandemic and the movement control order (MCO) that follow to contain the disease in Malaysia are making it quite difficult to get daily necessities and what not. To make it easier – and cheaper – to get these items, Shopee is launching the Raya Bersama Shopee campaign; you can get daily necessities from only RM10 throughout the sale period.

From today until 26 May 2020, Shopee will offer a number of daily essentials from RM10. These include products like Milo, chicken, beef, dates, rice, and even cooking oil. On top of that, certain home appliances will also be offered for only RM10, including a Tefal blender worth RM149.

Of course, Shopee usually throws in free shipping for purchases made on the e-commerce platform, and you won’t have to pay for shipping with a minimum spend of RM19.

That being said, the minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping on Shopee will be reduced to only RM10 on four dates: 23 and 24 April (Jualan Hebat Raya), and well as 14 and 15 May (Pesta Jualan Raya). However, do note that the lowered minimum spend is only valid from 12AM to 2AM on the specified dates.

While getting free shipping is nice, that’s not the only reason to get your shopping done in those four days. According to Shopee, the platform will offer up to 80% discounts on these dates, along with RM1 deals for certain items. Chances are, we reckon it will also give out discounts vouchers to further entice users.

Besides these sales, Shopee is also introducing a new section in its app: Salam by Shopee. This section is meant to make it easier for users to look for halal products, prayer items, and even Muslim fashion on the platform. There are also a number of deals and vouchers exclusive to the Salam by Shopee section.

If you want to, you can even donate to charity organisations such as the Islamic Aid Malaysia, MERCY Malaysia, MAKNA, and NKF from the Salam by Shopee section itself. In fact, Shopee has raised over RM450,000 as of 20 April for the Malaysian Medical Association Foundation to help medical frontline workers.

To recap, the Raya Bersama Shopee campaign is happening right now, and it will end next month on 26 May. Whether you’re looking to get daily necessities or Raya-related products, you’d want to check out this campaign. The Shopee app can be downloaded over at the
Google Play Store
 and
Apple App Store
.


Samsung Galaxy A31 With 5,000mAh Battery & Quad Camera Arriving in Malaysia Soon

Samsung may be more known for its range of high-end, flagship smartphones, but the Korean company’s more affordable devices are actually quite interesting as well. This is especially the case with its newer offerings, such as the Samsung Galaxy A31 – we believe this mid-range smartphone is coming to Malaysia very soon.

While we were going through SIRIM’s database, we notice that Samsung Malaysia registered a device with the model number SM-A315G/DS just yesterday on 20 April. We did a little digging, and we managed to find a support page of the device in question on
Samsung Malaysia’s website itself
. This is, in fact, the recently launched Galaxy A31.

Introduced to the world late last month, the Galaxy A31 offers a number of features that are quite interesting for a budget-oriented smartphone. For one, it comes with a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging. Not the fastest charging rate we’ve seen, but good enough for a phone in this segment.

Besides that, the Galaxy A31 also features a quad camera system on the back. It’s made up of a 48MP f/2.0 main sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 5MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens. While it doesn’t have a telephoto sensor, this is quite an elaborate camera setup for a mid-ranger.

Just like any other Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy A31 features a 6.4-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with an Infinity-U design; that is, there’s a U-shaped notch at the top of the display. What’s even more interesting is the fact that this smartphone also has an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

However, some folks may not be thrilled by the chipset that powers the Galaxy A31: a MediaTek Helio P65 SoC. It’s a decidedly mid-range processor launched last year, and while it’s not an awfully powerful chip, it should be able to offer a reasonably good level of performance for everyday use.

Other specifications of the Galaxy A31 include a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, two storage options (64GB and 128GB), a microSD card slot, as well as four colour options: Prism Crush Blue, Black, Red, and White.

It remains to be seen exactly when the Samsung Galaxy A31 will be offered in Malaysia, but given that it has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be happening very soon. It’ll be interesting to see exactly how much Samsung Malaysia will price the Galaxy A31 for our market. For the sake of comparison, the Galaxy A51
retails at RM1,299 when it was first launched here
.


Xiaomi Mi 10 Series Now in Malaysia; Retails up to RM3,899

Xiaomi just launched its latest flagship smartphones in Malaysia. Both the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro have landed here, and retailing from RM2,799 to RM3,899, these are the Chinese company’s most expensive smartphones yet for our market.

That’s right, for the first time ever, the Mi 10 series is approaching the RM4,000 mark. Naturally, it’s the Mi 10 Pro that is priced at RM3,899. For that kind of money, the Pro model comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM; reasonably big capacities. Only this sole variant is available for our market.

As for the more affordable Mi 10, two options are offered here: the 128GB model goes for RM2,799, while the 256GB variant retails at RM2,999. Regardless of which option you go for, you’ll get 8GB of RAM.

Given the steep asking prices of the two phones, they do offer some impressive hardware. The Mi 10 Pro, for one, features a sophisticated quad camera system. It consists of a 108MP f/1.69 main shooter, a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm), a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (94mm), and a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera.

In DxOMark’s review of the Mi 10 Pro’s camera performance, the phone receives a
combined score of 124
, putting it in third place alongside the
Oppo Find X2 Pro
. It’s right behind the
Huawei P40 Pro
 and Honor 30 Pro+, which is not a bad spot to be in.

Powering the Mi 10 Pro, on the other hand, is a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G connectivity. Other specifications of this flagship smartphone include a 6.67-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 20MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 50W fast charging – 30W wirelessly – and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

And then there’s the standard Mi 10, which shares a number of hardware as the Pro model. These include the same Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G, a 90Hz display, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 20MP front-facing camera. That being said, the regular Mi 10 comes with a simpler quad camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.

Interestingly, despite sharing the same chassis as the Mi 10 Pro, the standard Mi 10 is packing a slightly larger 4,780mAh battery. But the wired fast charging of this model is only limited to 30W, though it can also do 30W charging wirelessly along with support for reverse wireless charging, just like the Pro variant.

The
Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro
 and
Mi 10
 are now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Those who place their order by 30 April will also receive a freebie: every pre-order of the Mi 10 Pro will come with a Mi True Wireless Earphones worth RM329, while pre-orders of the Mi 10 will come with a
Mi Band 4
 worth RM149.

To recap, the Mi 10 Pro retails at RM3,899 for the sole 256GB + 8GB variant, while the standard Mi 10 costs RM2,799 and RM2,999 for the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 8GB options respectively.


Asus TUF Gaming A15 & A17 Coming in May 2020; First Ryzen 4000 Gaming Laptops in Malaysia

We’ve just received word that Asus is bringing in two of its latest gaming laptops to Malaysia: the Asus TUF Gaming A15 and A17. Initially unveiled at CES 2020, these products are set to be the first
AMD Ryzen 4000
 gaming laptops to reach our shores, and that’s quite a big deal.

Compared to Intel’s offerings, the new Ryzen 4000 processors – which are based on the chipmaker’s Zen 2 architecture – can deliver excellent performance in a power-efficient package. After all, AMD’s new mobile chips are fabricated on a 7nm process, giving them superior performance per watt than the competition.

Anyway, for both the TUF Gaming A15 and A17, they can be configured with either a Ryzen 9 4900H, Ryzen 7 4800H, or Ryzen 5 4600H processor. It remains to be seen exactly which option will be available here in Malaysia, but there’s a good chance the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 models will be brought in first. The former is actually quite exciting: early benchmarks have shown that the Ryzen 7 chip is
quite the performer
.

But what impacts gaming performance the most is the GPU, and in this regard, the TUF Gaming A15 comes with either an Nvidia RTX 2060 or a GTX 1660 Ti GPU. The TUF Gaming A17, on the other hand, is listed only with a GTX 1660 Ti option.

Regardless, both of these GPUs are powerful enough to handle most – if not all – AAA titles with high graphics settings. The
performance disparity between the two
 are not that big either if you don’t care about RTX-specific features like ray tracing.

More and more gaming laptops are now shipping with fast displays, and the same applies to the TUF Gaming A15 and A17. The A15 comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p “IPS-level” screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, and there is also a 60Hz option. The A17, on the other hand, has a larger 17.3-inch panel with a 120Hz or 60Hz refresh rate.

Other specifications of the TUF Gaming A15 and A17 include up to 32GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, up to 1TB of PCIe 3.0 SSD, two SSD slots for storage expansion as and when necessary, and of course, these wouldn’t be gaming laptops without an RGB keyboard.

The Asus TUF Gaming A15 and A17 are expected to arrive here in Malaysia sometime next month in May 2020. No local pricing have been revealed yet, though it’s worth noting that the TUF Gaming lineup usually offers good value for money, such as the
FX505
 we reviewed a while ago.

Read more:

Asus Launches AMD Ryzen 4000 Laptops in Malaysia, Including TUF Gaming A15 From RM3,499

Asus TUF Gaming A15 Hands-On: Powerful, Affordable Ryzen 4000 Gaming Laptop


Vivo V19 With Dual Selfie Camera Lands in Malaysia for RM1,699

Vivo has launched its latest mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Vivo V19. Priced at RM1,699 for our market, the V19 is quite costly for a mid-ranger, though that’s exactly how much its predecessor, the
Vivo V17
, was priced at when it was launched here back in December 2019.

Compared to the V17, the V19 brings a number of notable improvements. One of the most important upgrades is in the performance department: powering the V19 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset, which is faster than the V17’s Snapdragon 675 SoC.

On top of that, the V19 also comes with 8GB of RAM, so you should be able to get reasonably good performance and multitasking capability with this mid-range smartphone.

Besides that, the V19 has a quad camera system too. It’s made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. There’s no telephoto camera here, but the zoom lens is typically omitted in this segment anyway.

If there’s any feature that has always been an area of focus for Vivo, it would be the selfie camera. In this regard, the V19 is packed with two front-facing cameras: a 32MP f/2.08 main shooter, and an 8MP f/2.28 super-wide angle shooter. This camera configuration gives you the flexibility of capturing both regular selfies and wider shots for group selfies.

Another hardware of the V19 that’s worth highlighting is its 4,500mAh battery. That’s quite a generous battery capacity, and we reckon it would be able to return above average battery life. Thanks to Vivo’s 33W FlashCharge 2.0 technology, the company claims that the V19 can be charged up to 54% from empty in 30 minutes.

Other specifications of the V19 include a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot for further expansion, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, FunTouch OS based on Android 10 out of the box, and two colour options: Sleek Silver and Gleam Black.

The Vivo V19 will go on sale in Malaysia from 25 April onwards for RM1,699. Again, it’s quite a hefty price tag for a smartphone in this segment, but if its feature set catches your fancy – such as the dual selfie camera – it may be worth the money for certain folks. You can purchase the V19 on
Vivo’s official online store
 as well as
Shopee
.