Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Quick Review: Closer to Practicality

The original
Samsung Galaxy Fold
 was a unique, eye-catching device, but it had some pretty major shortcomings. Naturally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 aims to solve all of these issues with an improved design, a more robust hinge, and a fast screen that’s
actually
made of glass now.

However, retailing at RM7,999, the Z Fold 2 is still a very costly device that’s tough to recommend. But if you’re willing to part with that kind of money, the Z Fold 2 will be able to serve you much better than its predecessor, though there are still a number of shortcomings.

What It Is

Display
7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2208 x 1768), 120Hz
6.2-inch HD+ Super AMOLED (2260 x 816), outer screen
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 3.09GHz octa-core
GPU
Adreno 650
RAM
12GB
Storage
256GB, non-expandable
Camera (rear)
12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS
12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)
12MP f/2.4 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
Camera (front)
10MP f/2.2
10MP f/2.2 (cover)
Battery
4,500mAh
Dimensions
159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9 mm
159.2 x 68.0 x 13.8-16.8 mm (folded)
Weight
282g
OS
One UI 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
RM7,999

Without a doubt the Galaxy Z Fold 2 features flagship-level hardware. Not only is the main screen a fast 120Hz panel, it’s also powered by Qualcomm’s best chipset yet, the Snapdragon 865+. On top of that, it has a reasonably large 4,500mAh battery as well, which can return very good battery life.

That being said, there are some oddities here and there. The Z Fold 2’s storage capacity, for one, is limited to only 256GB. Granted, this isn’t exactly a small capacity, but you’d expect to get a more generous storage space out of a RM7,999 device. Aside from that, the triple camera system isn’t quite as sophisticated as Samsung’s other 2020 flagship smartphones either, though it can still take some good-looking shots.

The Good Stuff

Compared to its predecessor, the most noticeable upgrade the Z Fold 2 received is a sleeker and bigger 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display. The weird screen cutout is no longer here, and in its place is a minimal notch. The result? More screen real estate that offers better utility.

Of course, the screen quality itself is also top-notch with deep blacks, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to a
very
 smooth user experience as well with excellent motion clarity. All in all, it’s a fantastic screen, and thanks to the use of Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), the panel itself feels more rigid and less “spongy” than the original Fold’s all-plastic screen.

Speaking of which, the Galaxy Z Fold 2’s cover screen is also much more usable now. It’s been upsized to a 6.2-inch 2260 x 816 Super AMOLED panel that covers almost the entire front of the phone, and I can actually use this display quite comfortably for my day-to-day tasks. Whether it’s replying to a message or reading an article, I don’t find the cover screen all that cumbersome to use, though I do wish it’s a tad wider.

Performance is also one of the Z Fold 2’s strong suits. After all, it’s powered by the latest Snapdragon 865+ chipset, which can keep up with any tasks I throw at it. Complemented by the 120Hz screen, gaming on this foldable phone is quite a joy, especially on such a big display.

And then there’s the hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which feels far more solid than its predecessor’s. It unfolds in a smoother, more reassuring manner, and it can even hold itself up at different angles. The size of the gap when the phone is folded has been reduced as well, so it’s ever so slightly less awkward to hold in this position.

Just like its predecessor, the Z Fold 2 has excellent battery life too. On average, I was able to get around six hours of screen on time throughout the review period. Needless to say, this is
very
 impressive battery life, especially for a device with such a big screen.

Well, now that we’ve got the good stuff out of the way, let’s talk about the shortcomings of this foldable phone.

The Bad Stuff

My biggest qualm with the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has to be its screen; more specifically, the plastic protective layer. Now, even though this foldable phone does have a glass screen, it is only one of five layers. The topmost layer is still (as mentioned) a plastic protective layer, so you’re not actually physically touching the glass layer.

Now, I’m not against screen protectors, but the one applied on the Z Fold 2 is…not great. It does not offer the same smooth surface as a glass panel, and it’s much too easy to leave fingerprints on it. To make matters worse, it’s difficult to clean as well.

Besides that, even though the Galaxy Z Fold 2’s cover screen is much more usable now, the phone itself still feels awkward to use in its folded position. It’s much too thick to comfortably hold for long periods of time, and the sheer heft of the phone – it weighs 282g – doesn’t help either.

Next is the camera performance of the Z Fold 2. It features a triple camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Overall, these sensors can take good-looking shots, but they are by no means fantastic.

Given the price point at which this foldable phone sits, it wouldn’t be unrealistic to expect (at the very least) the same level of camera performance as, say, the
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
 or
Note 20 Ultra
. Yes, the Z Fold 2’s camera system isn’t bad by any means, but it’s still not quite on the same playing field as the best in the market now, which isn’t great for a device that commands such a high asking price.

And that brings us to the biggest shortcoming of the Galaxy Z Fold 2: it’s expensive. Retailing at RM7,999, it’s not meant for the mainstream market, and you’ll be paying that amount of money simply for the fact that it is a smartphone with a foldable screen. Phones that cost half as much will still be able to offer the same level of performance minus the foldable display.

Is It Worth It?

It’s tough to recommend the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 to the general public, given its steep asking price and niche nature. But that doesn’t take away the fact that it is a very eye-catching, technologically impressive device. If you’re absolutely sure you want the utility of a foldable screen, the Z Fold 2 may just be the device for you.

More importantly, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a marked improvement over the original Fold in almost every way. With every iteration of this foldable phone, Samsung makes some meaningful changes. Hopefully, the day will come when Samsung releases a foldable phone that is just as practical as a conventional smartphone.

And maybe not cost as much.


Motorola Razr (2020) May Be Coming to Malaysia Soon

We’ve seen quite a number of smartphones with foldable screens in Malaysia, but if you want one in a flip phone form factor, only the
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
 offers such a design. Well, that could be changing in the near future: the Motorola Razr (2020) could be released in Malaysia very soon.

While we were going through SIRIM’s database, one device registered with Lenovo Malaysia just yesterday caught our eye. Carrying the model number XT2071-4, this is none other than the updated Razr flip phone. Curiously, SIRIM doesn’t state that the phone comes with 5G connectivity, even though it comes with the 5G-capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset.

Compared to
its predecessor
, the new Razr does bring a number of notable updates, including the aforementioned Snapdragon 765G chip instead of a slower Snapdragon 710 SoC. On top of that, it also has a slightly larger 2,800mAh battery now, which should be able to provide better battery life than the 2,510mAh cell of the previous model.

Other specifications of the 2020 Razr include (of course) a foldable 6.2-inch HD+ plastic OLED screen, an external 2.7-inch 800 x 600 OLED display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of non-expandable storage, a single 48MP f/1.7 rear camera, a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, and a rear fingerprint sensor; all for a cool $1,400 (about RM5,765).

At the moment, we haven’t heard from Lenovo Malaysia on the local availability of the 2020 Motorola Razr. But now that the phone has been registered with SIRIM, there’s a good chance we’ll hear from the company very soon.


Official: You Don’t Need to Scan MySejahtera When Refuelling

Many were confused whether or not they would need to use the MySejahtera app when they’re refuelling at a fuel station, and we finally have the answer to this conundrum. Basically, if you’re not entering the shop itself, and there is no face-to-face interaction involved, you don’t need to use the MySejahtera app.

This was confirmed by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a press briefing. Those who are refuelling either with a credit or debit card – where no face-to-face interaction with another individual is involved – there is no need at all to look for a MySejahtera QR code to scan.

Even if you’re paying for your fuel with cash, you won’t have use the MySejahtera app if you’re not entering the shop itself. So long as you’re using the provided counter outside of the store to perform the payment, you’re good to go; no scanning is required.

However, if you
are
 entering the shop, toilet, or surau, it is required to scan the MySejahtera QR code. Failure to do so will entail a RM1,000 fine.


Deal: Grab the Sony WH-1000XM4 For Less Than RM1,000 on 11.11

We’ve seen some good discounts for the
Sony WH-1000XM4
, but this one tops them all by quite a big margin. In conjunction with Lazada’s 11.11 sale, the noise-cancelling wireless headphones will drop
below the RM1,000 price point
 – that’s a big discount for a relatively new product.

This deal is offered by TechMall, a LazMall Flagship Store, so you know this is a legitimate promotion. According to the listing, the WH-1000XM4 will be priced
at only RM9x9
 come 12PM on 11 November tomorrow, though the product image seems to suggest that the sale will start from 12AM to 2AM instead.

Nonetheless,
for less than RM1,000
, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a lot of value for money. If you’re not quite sure it’s the right pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones for you, check out our
review of the XM4
.


MacBook Pro & MacBook Air With Apple M1 Chip Unveiled; First ARM-Powered MacBooks With up to 20-Hour Battery Life

The next generation of Macs powered by Apple’s own chip are here, starting with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. For the most part, these new MacBooks look identical to their Intel counterparts, but they’re powered by the Cupertino company’s brand new M1 chip, which promises “the world’s fastest CPU core and integrated GPU” – very lofty claims.

On the surface, this looks like a simple processor swap, but the M1 chip itself – aside from its promised high level of performance – introduces a slew of improvements and added capability to the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. For one, apps made for iOS and iPadOS will be able to run
natively
 on these new M1-powered MacBooks, which is quite a big deal.

As mentioned, Apple also said that the octa-core M1 chip is packed with the world’s fastest CPU core and integrated GPU. In fact, the M1-powered MacBook Air is claimed to be “faster than 98% of PC laptops sold in the last year.” As for the MacBook Pro, it is “up to three times faster than the best-selling Windows laptops in its class,” as Apple puts it. Basically, these two laptops (supposedly) offer incredibly good level of performance.

Another area where the M1 chip – which is built on a 5nm process – dramatically improves upon is power efficiency. For the MacBook Pro, users can expect to get up to
20 hours of battery life
 on a single charge with the new processor; 18 hours for the MacBook Air. It’s worth noting that the battery capacities of these new MacBooks are unchanged, so it’s purely the power efficiency of the M1 processor that’s returning better battery life.

Of course, it remains to be seen if the M1 chip can truly deliver in these areas, though Apple is confident enough to say that the M1 is “the best chip it has ever created.” Anyway, the new MacBook Air will retail from RM4,399 here in Malaysia, while the MacBook Pro starts at RM5,599; both base models feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.

As usual, even though the Malaysian pricing of these M1-powered MacBooks have been announced, it remains to be seen exactly when they will be arriving on our shores. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.


PlayStation 5 Arrives in Malaysia 11 December; From RM1,869

It’s finally here: the PlayStation 5 is set to arrive in Malaysia next month on 11 December. On top of that, the local pricing of the console has been revealed too. Retailing from RM1,869, it’s quite a well-priced next generation console.

Of course, RM1,869 is for the more affordable PS5 Digital Edition; the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray disc drive retails at RM2,299 instead. Pre-orders for both systems will begin from tomorrow onwards on 12 November from
these participating retailers.

Aside from that, PlayStation also shared the pricing of accessories for the PS5. The DualSense controller, for one, is set to retail at RM349. You can also get the charging station for the DualSense (which can charge two of them at the same time) for RM149. There’s also the Pulse 3D wireless headset (RM469), HD Camera (RM279), and Media Remote (RM149).

While we won’t be getting the PS5 at the same time as other markets – it’s set to be available globally on 19 November – it’s still a pleasant surprise that the Malaysian market will receive the console this year. After all, the PS5 is practically sold out globally; consumer demand for the next generation console is definitely high.

To recap, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition retails at RM1,869, while the standard PS5 costs RM2,299. You can pre-order both models tomorrow from
these retailers
.


Perodua’s Next SUV Spotted in Malaysia

We’ve seen a a lot of SUVs enter the Malaysian market these past few months, including the highly anticipated
Proton X50
. If none of them piqued your interest, Perodua’s upcoming SUV – codenamed D55L – may be the one for you; it’s just been spotted here in Malaysia.

The
folks over at Paul Tan
 managed to get a shot of the Perodua D55L right outside of JPJ’s Putrajaya office. Despite the camouflage, there’s no mistaking it for any other SUV. Compared to the Daihatsu Rocky or Toyota Raize – which the D55L is based on – the camouflaged SUV definitely looks similar.

Seeing how the Perodua D55L will be based on the Daihatsu Rocky, the former should be sporting similar equipment as Daihatsu’s offering. The Rocky sits on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), and under the hood is a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 98PS and 140Nm of torque. Paired with this engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Aside from that, the Rocky also features a suite of active safety features. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assist system. It’s not confirmed yet if these features will be made available on the Perodua D55L as well, though it is said to come with level 2 autonomous driving.

The Daihatsu Rocky

The Perodua D55L is expected to be introduced in Malaysia sometime next year in 2021; perhaps in the first quarter of the year. No word yet on exactly how much it will cost, but given its more modest list of equipment, expect the D55L to be more affordable than the
Proton X50
.


You Can Pre-Order the PlayStation 5 on Shopee Tonight

The PlayStation 5 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards, and if you’re eager to get your hands on the next generation console, you can do so from tonight onwards at 12AM from Shopee’s Sony Flagship Store.

Now, do note that this Shopee store is handled by Sony Centre Sunway Pyramid; not Sony Malaysia itself. Anyway, as expected, stocks of the PS5 are limited. Based on the listing, only 50 units of the
standard PS5 (RM2,299)
 are available from Sony’s store on Shopee. Stocks for the
Digital Edition of the console (RM1,869)
, on the other hand, are
even more limited
 at only nine units.

Aside from the console, other accessories for the PS5 will be available for purchase as well. These include the
DualSense controller (RM349)
,
Pulse 3D wireless headset (RM469)
,
HD Camera (RM279)
, and
charging station for the DualSense (RM149)
. Interestingly enough, the Media Remote (RM149) for the PS5 isn’t listed yet.

Pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 and its accessories will begin at 12AM tonight on Sony’s Flagship Store on Shopee. Be quick if you want to be one of the first to get your hands on the next generation console.


Proton Launches Its Own Website for Pre-Owned Cars; Aims to Boost Resale Value of Proton Models

Proton just launched its
used car website
, which offers a range of Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) vehicles, as well as cars from other brands that available at 36 dealers nationwide. On top of that, the PCPO website also allows customers to quickly trade-in their existing cars.

Of course, cars sold on the PCPO website are checked thoroughly; each of them underwent a comprehensive 201-point inspection. On top of that, they are also given a new battery, fresh engine oil, and the oil filter is replaced too. To sweeten the deal, PCPO cars get an extended one-year warranty for the engine and transmission too, as well as one free service that’s redeemable up to six months from the date of registration.

Besides that, PCPO cars are also required to meet a number of criteria. Not only do they have to be less than seven years old, their mileage has to be less than 130,000km at the time of trade-in. Naturally, only vehicles that have no flood or major accident damage are accepted as PCPO cars, as these may affect their structural integrity.

As mentioned, cars from other brands are also offered on the PCPO website, though these vehicles won’t come with extended warranty from Proton. Of course, they are still thoroughly inspected and repaired if necessary before they are put up for sale.

According to the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, the aim of PCPO “is to help stabilise and gradually build the residual value of Proton vehicles.” “By offering high quality used cars, we hope to see a general lifting of prices for all our models, making it easier for customers to obtain competitive financing rates and raising trade-in values when they want to buy a new car,” he added.

If you’d like to check out these PCPO cars, head on to the website
right here
. You can also trade-in your current car on the website.


Rama Works’ Kara Finally Available for Pre-Order – 60% Keyboard With MUTE Mounting for $160

Rama Works is renowned in the custom mechanical keyboard scene for its range of high-end, premium keyboards. Of course, these products don’t come cheap, which is why the company’s latest keyboard, the
Rama Works Kara
, is very exciting. Not only is it Rama’s most affordable keyboard to date, it’s also quite unique-looking.

Of course, retailing at $160 (about RM660) it’s not exactly a super budget-friendly custom mechanical keyboard. But for that kind of money, you’re getting a lot of neat features. These include Rama’s own MUTE mounting system, which is “engineered for a responsive typing feedback experience and dampened sound signature.”

Aside from that, the Kara also has an ABS housing with a PC plate. While the ABS case wouldn’t feel quite as premium as aluminium, it does bring down the price of the keyboard. Plus, Rama added that ABS was chosen for its flexible properties and minimal warping, which allows for a better assembly experience by “providing an allowance for comfortable interlocking of parts,” as Rama puts it.

As for the plate material, Rama added that the PC plate is meant to complement the MUTE mounting system with its rigidity. This, in turn, provides a “dynamic yet stable typing experience.” Of course, if you prefer an aluminium plate instead, it’s offered as an add-on, though the Kara will still ship with the PC plate.

Another neat feature of the Kara has to be its hotswap PCB. This lets users easily swap out switches without the need to solder them, making it a very beginner-friendly custom keyboard. Naturally, the PCB can be configured with VIA and QMK as well, along with support for per-key RGB.

Do note that since the Kara is a keyboard kit, it doesn’t include three major components for a complete build. These include switches, keycaps, and stabilisers. You can either buy these parts separately or opt for Rama’s
Starter Kit for the Kara
.

The Rama Works Kara is now available for pre-order
right here
 until 31 December. It’s expected to start shipping sometime in Q1 2021, which is quite a short waiting period for the company. After all, Rama’s other keyboards usually take much longer to ship, up to a year even.

If you want something even more affordable, consider KBDfans’ upcoming
KBD67 Lite
; it’s a gasket-mounted 65% keyboard – also with an ABS case and hotswap PCB – for only $99 (about RM410). Alternatively, there’s also the
Glorious GMMK Pro
 for those who want a 75% custom keyboard instead.


Don’t Pre-Order the PS5 Above Retail Price

The PlayStation 5 is finally coming to Malaysia
next month on 11 December
, and pre-orders for the next generation console just started yesterday. Of course, quite a number of folks didn’t manage to get into the pre-order list, which opens up the possibility for certain folks to take advantage of the situation.

If you’re one of many who didn’t manage to pre-order the PS5 (myself included), try to not purchase the console with marked up prices. After all, stocks will always be limited at launch, but eventually, the system will be widely available. Why benefit scalpers who want to make a quick buck?

Of course, there’s no telling exactly when more stocks of the PS5 will be available locally, but it is really only a matter of time. Impulse Gaming, one of the most renowned local game stores, urged those who didn’t manage to pre-order a unit to be patient. “This is not a limited time release, most retailers in Malaysia will have restocks for it,” the store wrote
in a Facebook post
.

Speaking of game stores, in the flurry of PS5 pre-orders yesterday, there is one retailer that drew ire from Malaysian gamers: Gamers Hideout. When the store took pre-orders for the console, Gamers Hideout made it compulsory to get the console with a number of additional items. These include one PS5 title, a “Mystery Game Pack” which include three PS4 titles of a specific genre, as well as a silicone case and “trigger kit” for the DualSense controller.

Image source:
Twitter (@najmi)

Collectively, this drives up the price of the console – the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray disc drive – to a whopping RM3,098.60 instead of RM2,299. Not surprisingly, Gamers Hideout’s pre-order for the PS5 is still sold out despite these compulsory add-ons.

With this in mind, we strongly believe that no one should be paying more than what’s necessary for the PS5. Granted, the willing buyer, willing seller sentiment applies here, but it’s not exactly very ethical to take advantage of the situation (the limited availability of the PS5) for a quick profit.

While it would be nice to be one of the first in Malaysia to own the PlayStation 5, you’re not exactly missing out on
too
 much by waiting it out a little bit longer for future restocks of the next generation console. We’ve laid out a number of reasons why it’s
okay
 to not pre-order the PS5 right now in a
previous article
 – give that a read if you’re disheartened about not being able to secure an order for the system!


14 – 20 November Fuel Price: Prices up Across the Board

Fuel prices are going up across the board this coming week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 go up by 1 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a higher price hike of 6 sen per litre.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.62 per litre (down from RM1.61) and RON 97 to RM1.92 per litre (RM1.91 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.74 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.68 previously.

These prices will be in effect from 14 to 20 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Video: NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition Quick Review

We took a look at the
NK65 Aluminium Edition
 previously, and now, we bring you a review of (essentially) the more affordable variant of the custom mechanical keyboard, the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition. Sporting a polycarbonate case instead of aluminium, the NK65 Entry offers fantastic value for money with a $95 price tag, which comes up to about RM390.

Beyond the different case material, the NK65 Entry is practically identical to the costlier Aluminium model. In fact, thanks to the fact that it has a polycarbonate case, it doesn’t suffer from any case pinging, which is typically associated with aluminium cases. This makes for a more neutral sound profile, which could be a desirable trait for certain folks.

If you want to pick up the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition, you can do so sometime
towards the end of this month
 – that’s when 1,000 units of the NK65 Entry (in N65 Purple) will be available for purchase
on NovelKeys’ website
.


Don’t Buy PS5 Skins – Dbrand

Dbrand is one of the most well-known names when it comes to skins for a wide range of tech products, including the
PlayStation 5
. Well, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on the PS5, the company is
actually
 urging customers to not skin the next generation console – bizarre, isn’t it?

In fact, Dbrand will refund everyone who pre-ordered any form of PS5 skin from the company. The logic behind its decision is simple:
the skin wouldn’t look great
. Dbrand even took a video from Dave Lee to show its point.

As you can see in the video, the inner panel of the PS5 will still be white; Dbrand’s “simple to apply” skin for the console would look very similar to that. Of course, the company considered to make a “full coverage” version of the skin, but it would be too difficult for the average consumer to apply. “The truth here is that we have no interest in selling a product that will generate a dozen customer complaints for every purchase,” the company said.

Even if the skin was applied perfectly to the PS5, Dbrand mentioned that “high-contrast white seams” would still be visible. While some consumers may not mind this, it’s enough of a shortcoming for Dbrand to cancel selling skins for the PS5, unfortunately enough.

If you’re thinking of slapping on a skin to the PlayStation 5 in hopes of getting a black version of console, you may want to reconsider. After all, even a renowned skin company like Dbrand – which stands to earn quite a bit of profit from such a product – says so.


2020 Toyota Vios Facelift Teased; Launching Together with Yaris Facelift?

After
opening bookings for the facelifted Yaris
 earlier this month, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) recently started teasing the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift on its Facebook page. Chances are, both the new Vios and Yaris will be launched together in the near future.

In fact, the updated Vios was actually
teased together
 with its hatchback sibling side by side. It would make a lot of sense for the two models to be launched simultaneously; both of them are essentially the same B-segment car, only with different body styles.

Given the similarities it shares with the new Yaris, the facelifted Vios should feature similar – if not the exact same – equipment. The range-topping G model, for one, should be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense. It includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there’s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA alerts the driver when the car is unintentionally getting out of lane.

Under the hood of the new Vios should be the same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine that outputs 107PS and 140Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven-speed Shiftmatic mode. Of course, the infotainment system should be updated to support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.

No word yet on exactly when the new Toyota Vios will be launched or open for booking, but now that UMWT is already teasing the facelifted B-segment sedan, we expect it to happen very soon. As for pricing, expect it to cost
slightly more than the Yaris
. You can register your interest for the updated Vios
right here
.


HP Envy 13 With 11th Gen Intel Chips Now in Malaysia; From RM4,499

A number of laptops powered by Intel’s latest 11th generation processors are
slowly making their

way into Malaysia
, and the latest one to arrive here is the HP Envy 13. Sporting a rather sleek-looking design with a dedicated GPU
and
Microsoft Office pre-installed, it’s quite an interesting productivity laptop.

We spotted the Malaysian availability of the new Envy 13 from renowned retailer Tech Hypermart. Two variants of the laptop are offered in Malaysia: the base model with a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM
retails at RM4,499
, while the higher-end Core i7-1165G7 configuration with 16GB of RAM
costs RM5,499
.

Basically, you’re paying RM1,000 extra to get the Envy 13 with a more powerful processor and double the RAM. As mentioned, this laptop also comes with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed, which makes it ideal for folks who need access to the software for productivity tasks.

Other specifications of the Envy 13 include a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, an Nvidia GeForce MX450 dedicated GPU, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a 51WHr battery that can be charged up to 50% in 30 minutes. Weighing 1.3kg with a 16.9mm chassis, it’s quite a portable laptop too.

The HP Envy 13 is currently available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i5 model
goes for RM4,499
, while the Core i7 configuration
retails at RM5,499
.


2020 Toyota Vios Facelift Bookings Open; Priced From RM76k to RM89k

Not long after UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)
started teasing the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift
, bookings for the new B-segment sedan are now open. On top of that, we have estimated pricing of the updated Vios too. Set to retail from RM75,701 to RM89,232, the sedan is priced very closely to its closest competition, the 2020 Honda City.

Three variants of the Vios are offered in Malaysia. The base J variant is said to cost RM75,701.00, while the mid-tier E model goes for RM85,674. As for the range-topping G trim, it is priced at RM89,232. Interestingly, these estimated prices are with SST included, which suggests that deliveries for the car may only begin next year.

After all, the 100% sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars is only valid until the end of 2020.

Anyway, just like the
facelifted Yaris
, the new Vios will come with Toyota Safety Sense. The two safety features highlighted are Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). PCS automatically applies the brakes – and warns the driver – when there’s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA will alert the driver if the car is unintentionally going out of lane.

Under the hood of the facelifted Vios should be the familiar Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine that does 107PS and 140Nm of torque paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven-speed Shiftmatic mode. On top of that, the new sedan will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.

The facelifted Toyota Vios is now available for booking at Toyota showrooms nationwide. More details on the new B-segment sedan can be found
here
.


Dell Exits Retail Market in Malaysia & Singapore

It appears retail stores in Malaysia and Singapore will not be carrying Dell products in the near future. According to an official statement from the company, Dell will “transition out of the retail market in Singapore and Malaysia,” though that doesn’t mean you cannot buy a Dell laptop anymore in these two markets.

This news was
first shared by Lowyat.NET
, which has received an internal memo sent to Dell retailer partners in Malaysia and Singapore. According to the memo, Dell is exiting the retail market in these two countries after the company reviewed its presence in a number of regions. As such, effective immediately, Dell will no longer accept new orders from retail stores.

Of course, any form of existing contractual agreement between Dell and its retail partners – as well as customers – will still be honoured despite this move.

Now, it’s worth noting that this does not mean retail stores will immediately cease the sales of Dell products. You can still head to your local retail store and pick up a Dell laptop, but if you want the latest product offerings from the company, you can only get them from
Dell’s Malaysian online store
.

Speaking of which, that will be the only channel to get new Dell products – for those in Malaysia and Singapore – moving forward. These include the
latest XPS 13
 and
XPS 13 2-in-1
 with Intel’s 11th generation Tiger Lake processors. Basically, retail stores will only be carrying older Dell products from now on.

In the grand scheme of things, this does not affect the availability of Dell products in Malaysia and Singapore; you can still purchase them directly from the company
on its online store
. Of course, this does mean you won’t be able to try out new Dell laptops at retail stores in the near future.


Huawei Pay Now in Malaysia, But Only for ICBC UnionPay Cardholders

Huawei just announced the arrival of Huawei Pay in Malaysia. This service is brought here locally thanks to the Chinese company’s partnership with UnionPay International as well as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), making it easier for Huawei users to perform cashless payments.

However, according to Huawei, only ICBC UnionPay cardholders will be able to use Huawei Pay; credit or debit cards issued by other banks are not supported by the service just yet. After all, Huawei Pay takes advantage of UnionPay QuickPass to perform the cashless transaction.

Anyway, quite a number of Huawei smartphones support Huawei Pay, though it’s mainly made up of its flagship series. These include the Mate lineup – ranging from the Mate 9 to the latest Mate 40 – the P10 to P40 smartphones, as well as the Nova 7 5G.

As for where you can use Huawei Pay, the company gave quite an exhaustive list. These include McDonald’s, KFC, Family Mart, 99 Speedmart, Parkson, Village Grocer, Adidas, Nike, and even Sports Direct. Basically, anywhere that supports UnionPay QuickPass.

The Huawei Pay service is now live in Malaysia. To celebrate the launch of the payment method here, ICBC UnionPay cardholders who register their cards with Huawei Pay can get up to 50% cashback for every transaction above RM20. On top of that, the top monthly spenders also stand a chance to win a Huawei P40, Huawei FreeBuds 3, Huawei Watch GT 2E, or a number of other prizes.


Logitech MX Anywhere 3 Arrives in Malaysia for RM399

Logitech makes some of the best mice in the market, and its range of MX mice are particularly well-liked by consumers. If you’re in the market for a new compact wireless mouse, consider the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which has just landed in Malaysia.

For the Malaysian market, the MX Anywhere 3 retails at RM399. It’s worth noting that there are actually two variants of the compact mouse, though the difference between the two is very minor. The standard model comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, while the “MX Anywhere 3 for Mac” is packaged with a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.

Aside from that, it’s worth noting that the Mac version is only offered in Pale Grey, while the regular model is available in two additional shades: Graphite and Rose.

One of the biggest upgrades the MX Anywhere 3 received is the new MagSpeed scroll wheel; the very same one that was first introduced on the MX Master 3. The scroll wheel is made out of machined steel, and it employs an electromagnetic scrolling system that lets you easily switch between ratchet or “hyper-fast” mode for a resistance-free scrolling experience.

Of course, since the MX Anywhere series is basically the downsized version of the MX Master mice, the MX Anywhere 3 is designed to be a compact mouse. Now, despite its smaller footprint, Logitech says that this mouse will still be comfortable to use for hours. On top of that, it also offers up to 70 days of battery life on a single charge.

The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 will be available for purchase on
Logitech.com
 and retail stores in Malaysia from 24 November onwards for RM399. The Mac version, on the other hand, will be released sometime in the near future. It’s worth noting that the regular MX Anywhere 3 will still work with macOS and iPadOS, so it’s not entirely necessary to wait for the Mac version.


The Oppo X 2021 Is a Concept Phone With a Rollable Screen

Oppo just showed off a rather interesting smartphone at its second annual Inno Day: the Oppo X 2021. What makes this device particularly unique is its rollable screen, which transforms the phone to a tablet in a matter of seconds.

Of course, the Oppo X 2021 is still just a concept smartphone, so it’s not a consumer-ready product yet. Regardless, it’s still a very intriguing piece of tech, and you can see the rollable display in action below. A simple gesture is all that’s needed to activate the motors that roll the flexible OLED screen.

pic.twitter.com/rhoApUh05q
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce)
November 17, 2020

Needless to say, it looks very impressive in action. Curiously, the user interface seems to adjust accordingly too as the Oppo X 2021’s 6.7-inch screen is expanded to a squarer, tablet-like 7.4-inch panel. Then again, we imagine this won’t be the case with any given app.

It’s worth noting that Oppo isn’t the only phone maker that teased a similar form factor. LG, for one, is said to be releasing a smartphone with a rollable screen in March next year. Codenamed Project B, it’ll be interesting to see how that phone will compare to this Oppo concept device.

Given that the Oppo X 2021 is a concept smartphone, it’s hard to say if the rollable screen tech will make it into a consumer-ready device from the Chinese company in the near future. Chances are, however, we may see more devices with a similar form factor in 2021.


2022 Honda Civic Prototype Unveiled With More Traditional Looks

The 11th generation Honda Civic is taking shape: the Japanese carmaker just revealed the prototype of the upcoming C-segment sedan. Sporting a more traditional look with some design cues from the
Honda Accord
, the new sedan may appeal to folks who didn’t quite like the much more aggressive-styling of the
current 10th generation Civic FC
.

Now, although this is only the prototype of the 11th generation Civic, it should be very close to the design of the final production unit. Gone are the “ketam” C-shaped taillights of the Civic FC for a more subtle L-shaped LED lighting; the front DRLs has the same L-shaped lighting too. The silhouette of the new Civic, on the other hand, is very reminiscent of its D-segment sibling, the Accord.

As for the new Civic’s interior, we only get a sketch of what it would look like. Just like the exterior, it appears the cabin will also be a lot more minimalist and modern. There’s now a floating infotainment screen, the centre armrest is no longer partly exposed, and the air vents are cleverly integrated into the honeycomb mesh that stretches across the dashboard.

Of course, this being just the reveal of the prototype 11th generation Civic, we don’t know what engine will be found under the hood of the new sedan yet. All Honda said is that the new Civic will come with “more powerful engine options,” so expect it to be faster than the current model.

The 2022 Honda Civic is set to debut sometime in spring 2021, though it’ll be much longer before the production-ready version of the C-segment sedan arrives here in Malaysia.


Proton X50 Open for Booking in Brunei

It seems the
Proton X50
 is already heading to Brunei; bookings for the B-segment SUV is now open in the country. This makes it the first market outside of Malaysia to get the Malaysian-made SUV, just like how it was with the
Proton X70
.

The availability of the X50 in Brunei was revealed by
Pad Motors Proton Brunei
 on its Facebook page. Although the dealer did not detail the variants available for the market, it should be similar to the models offered here. After all, this was the case with the X70.

If all variants of the X50 are available in Brunei, four models will be offered there: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. The first three variants are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder MPI engine that outputs 150PS and 226Nm of torque, while the range-topping Flagship trim gets a more powerful 1.5L TGDi mill, which churns out 177PS and 255Nm of torque. Both engine options are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Naturally, the Flagship X50 is also the only model to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This suite of active safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

As of October 2020, as many as
27,400 bookings were already made
 for the Proton X50 in Malaysia with 447 units delivered. With such high local demand, it’ll be interesting to see how Proton will handle the fulfillment of bookings made locally and in Brunei.


Acer Swift 3X With Intel Iris Xe Max Dedicated GPU Lands in Malaysia for RM3,799

Unveiled just last month globally, the
Acer Swift 3X
 with the Intel Iris Xe Max dedicated GPU is now available in Malaysia. On top of that, the refreshed – and more affordable – Acer Aspire 5 with Intel’s latest 11th generation Tiger Lake chip has also arrived on our shores.

Two variants of the Swift 3X are offered in Malaysia. The base model with a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM retails at RM3,799, while the higher-end Core i7-1165G7 configuration with double the RAM (16GB) goes for RM4,599. Regardless of which model you go for, you get the brand new Iris Xe Max discrete GPU, a 14-inch 1080p IPS screen, and a 512GB SSD.

Aside from that, the Swift 3X is also quite a portable laptop. Weighing 1.37kg with a 17.95mm thin chassis, you can easily lug it around in your backpack. On top of that, it also has a quoted battery life of up to 17.5 hours. It’s a very impressive figure, and it’d be interesting to see if it can really achieve that in real life usage.

As for the Aspire 5, it is offered in two sizes (14-inch and 15.6-inch), either a Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 processor, as well as an optional Nvidia GeForce MX350 dedicated GPU for extra graphics performance. All variants of the Aspire 5 also come with 4GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Here’s the full list of Aspire 5 configurations (and retail prices) for the local market:

Both the Acer Swift 3X and Acer Aspire 5 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. It’s worth noting that both of these laptops come with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed, and those that purchase either laptops can also redeem up to RM100 Touch ‘n Go eWallet credit, a personalised laptop sleeve, and a backpack. These gifts can be redeemed right
here
.


2020 Honda City Received Close to 9,000 Bookings; 2,400 Units Delivered

The
all-new 2020 Honda City
 was launched here in Malaysia just last month, and the Japanese carmaker just revealed that close to 9,000 bookings have been made for the B-segment sedan. On top of that, over 2,400 units have been delivered to customers as well.

Of the 9,000 bookings, the V variant of the City – it sits right below the range-topping RS e:HEV model – is the most popular option, making up 54% of the total bookings. Speaking of which, it’s worth noting that the 9,000 bookings are solely from the three variants (V, E, and S) launched. After all, the top-of-the-line RS model will only be available here sometime in January 2021.

Anyway, powering the V, E, and S variants of the new City is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. As for the RS e:HEV model, it features a Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that delivers 108PS and 253Nm of torque.

Standard safety equipment across the range of the 2020 City include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX anchor points, and rear seatbelt reminder. As for airbag count, only the RS and V variants get six airbags; the E and S models get four airbags instead.

Of course, one of the contributing factors for the City’s popularity has to be the 100% sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars until the end of 2020. The full price list of the sedan – including with and without tax exemption – can be found below.

Honda City Variant
Price with sales tax exemption
Price without sales tax exemption
Price difference
S
RM74,191.27
RM76,800
RM
2,608.73
E
RM81,664.82
RM84,800
RM3,135.18
V
RM86,561.45
RM89,800
RM3,238.55

The all-new Honda City is now available for viewing and test drive at 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide. You can also learn more about the B-segment sedan
right here
.


Logitech G Pro X Superlight Gaming Mouse Weighs Only 60g for $150

Logitech just released a new wireless gaming mouse, and it’s
extremely
 lightweight. Weighing just 63g, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight is even lighter than Logitech’s other high-end gaming mouse, the G Pro Wireless. Of course, such a lightweight mouse does demand a higher asking price.

For the US market, the G Pro X Superlight retails at $150, which comes up to about RM615. For the sake of comparison, the G Pro Wireless costs $130 (approximately RM530) there. Without a doubt the Superlight is a costly gaming mouse, though you do get some impressive features for that kind of money.

For starters, even though the Superlight weighs 63g, you can actually remove the magnetic plate on the bottom of the mouse to reduce the weight to merely 60g. It also has much larger “zero-additive” PTFE feet for a smoother glide, not to mention up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge.

But compared to the G Pro Wireless, the G Pro X Superlight does exclude a number of features. It doesn’t have as much LED lighting, the DPI button on the bottom of the mouse has been removed, and despite its ambidextrous shape, it no longer has the modular, removable buttons on the right side of the mouse for left-handed gamers.

On the bright side, the Superlight does use the same sensor as the G Pro Wireless, so you can expect to get the same level of performance.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight will be available for purchase in the US from 3 December onwards. Malaysian availability of the wireless gaming mouse has not been revealed yet, but given that Logitech’s range of peripherals are usually available here, we expect the Superlight to arrive on our shores eventually.


21 – 27 November Fuel Price: Prices Are Up Again

Fuel prices are going up yet again across the board this coming week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 go up by 2 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees an even higher price hike of 7 sen per litre.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.64 per litre (up from RM1.62) and RON 97 to RM1.94 per litre (RM1.92 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.81 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.74 previously.

These prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


KBDfans’ KBD67 Lite Pre-Orders Open 27 November for $109

Initially announced
back in August
, KBDfans finally revealed more information on its latest budget-friendly custom mechanical keyboard, the KBD67 Lite. As promised, the keyboard kit will be available for pre-order next week on 27 November in conjunction with Black Friday.

However, KBDfans made a number of changes to the KBD67 Lite. Curiously, the price has been increased to $109 (about RM445) from $99 (approximately RM405), though a keyboard case is now bundled with the keyboard kit. Aside from that, the plate is no longer aluminium either; it’s been swapped for a polycarbonate plate instead.

KBDfans did not elaborate exactly why it made these changes, but the vendor did mention production will be faster for polycarbonate plates than aluminium. On top of that, KBDfans also said that if less than 1,000 pre-orders are made for the KBD67 Lite, it will only take a month to deliver the keyboard kit to buyers – that’s pretty darn quick.

Delivery time aside, other specifications of the KBD67 Lite remain the same. It’s still a gasket-mounted 65% keyboard with a “mute silicone” in between the plate and PCB, option for solderable or hotswap PCB with support for VIA and QMK – with what appears to be south-facing LEDs for best compatibility with various keycap profiles – an ABS case, and Cherry screw-in stabilisers.

It would’ve been great if KBDfans retained the KBD67 Lite’s original retail price, but for $109 – which is, again, about RM445 – it’s still a keyboard kit that offers great value for money. If you’re planning to pre-order it next week on 27 November at 8AM (Malaysian time)
right here
, do note that you need switches and a keycap set to complete the build.


Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon With 966g Chassis Now in Malaysia From RM4,629

Officially introduced
just last month
, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is now available for purchase in Malaysia. What makes this productivity-focused laptop particularly interesting is its lightweight nature: it weighs merely 966g, making it one of the lightest laptops in the market now.

Oddly enough, although we were told last month the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon will retail from RM4,399 here, this doesn’t seem to be the case. At least, that’s what the listing on the
company’s online store
 is suggesting. The most affordable variant with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor costs RM4,629, while the higher-end configuration with a Core i7-1165G7 chip goes for RM5,159.

Beyond the different processor, both variants of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon have identical hardware. These include an Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 50WHr battery that promises up to 15 hours of use on a single charge. On top of that, this laptop is also pre-installed with Microsoft Home & Student 2019.

Another interesting hardware of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon has to be its 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS non-touch screen. Not only does it cover 100% of the sRGB colour space, it is also has a 16:10 aspect ratio. Compared to a more conventional (and narrower) 16:9 display, you get more vertical space with this laptop’s screen, which is ideal for productivity tasks.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is now available for purchase on
Lenovo’s Malaysian online store
. To recap, the base Core i5 model retails at RM4,629, while the Core i7 variant costs RM5,159.


Rumour: 2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Facelift to Sport 4AT Gearbox; No New Proton Model Next Year

Here’s a Proton news that’s not related to the highly sought-after
Proton X50
 for a change. After the introduction of the X50, the national carmaker is expected to give its B-segment offerings, the Persona and Iriz, another facelift for 2021. One of the biggest changes is expected to be a switch from the current CVT to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

This bit of news comes from
Funtasticko
, which spoke with a source familiar with the matter. According to the source, the upcoming 2021 Persona and Iriz will be equipped with the same four-speed automatic transmission – which is sourced from Hyundai – that’s currently found in the
Proton Saga
. If you’re not a fan of CVT, we imagine you’ll like this (rumoured) change.

On top of that, Funtasticko’s source also said that there’s a chance Proton won’t be introducing any new model next year. Instead, the national carmaker will focus on updating its current lineup, such as the aforementioned Persona and Iriz facelift. Speaking of which, a crossover-styled variant of the Iriz could be in the pipeline as well.

Funtasticko’s source elaborated that Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak is currently assembling quite a number of two special edition models: the Persona “Black Edition” and the Iriz R3. Just like the
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
, these two new models are said to be clad in black with some yellow accents.

Now, despite the “R3” branding of the Iriz R3, expect it to come with the same engine as the regular Iriz.

No word yet on exactly when Proton will introduce these special edition Persona and Iriz. But given that it’s already approaching the end of the year, we expect it to only happen in early 2021.


MSI Modern Series Laptops With 11th Gen Intel Chips Land in Malaysia; From RM3,699

MSI just launched its latest Modern series productivity laptops in Malaysia, which is made up of the Modern 14 and Modern 15. Retailing from RM3,699, these two laptops with Intel’s latest Tiger Lake processors are pretty sleek-looking machines with some eye-catching colours.

For the Modern 14, only one variant of the laptop is available here. Retailing at RM4,499, it’s packed with a 14-inch 1080p screen, a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as an Nvidia GeForce MX450 dedicated GPU. It’s only offered in the Bluestone colourway at the moment, though MSI said more colour options will be available soon.

As for the Modern 15, two configurations are sold here. The more affordable model (RM3,699) features a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, as well as a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 screen that covers 45% of the NTSC colour space.

The higher-end Modern 15, on the other hand, features similar hardware as the model above, but it has a better 15.6-inch Full HD screen that covers 72% of the NTSC colour space, just like the Modern 14. It also features a dedicated MX450 GPU for better graphics performance, all for RM4,399. In terms of colour choice, only the Carbon Grey option is available at the moment.

Both the MSI Modern 14 and Modern 15 are now available for purchase in Malaysia, including MSI’s own
official store on Shopee
.


2021 Hyundai Elantra With Wireless Android Auto Arriving in Malaysia Soon

It appears Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is gearing up to launch the 2021 Hyundai Elantra here in Malaysia very soon. Compared to its predecessor, the new C-segment sedan sports a much more aggressive design language; it definitely stands out against its segment rivals.

HSDM started teasing the local availability of the seventh generation Elantra
on its Facebook page
. Unfortunately, the teaser image doesn’t reveal any estimated launch date or pricing for the new sedan, though the post does seem to suggest that the new sedan will be arriving here in the near future.

The teaser posted by HSDM

As mentioned, the 2021 Elantra’s unique, aggressive styling is one of its standout features. It wears the “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, with a wide, cascading grille on the front and sharp lines throughout the exterior. The interior is quite modern-looking too, and the 10.25-inch infotainment screen – or an 8-inch display for the base model – supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well, which is said to be a segment-first.

Under the hood of the new Elantra is a 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine that produces 147hp and 179Nm of torque. It’s paired to the Korean carmaker’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), its own version of a CVT gearbox. IVT is said to provide “superior efficiency and simulates gear shifts” like conventional automatic transmissions.

There’s also the Elantra Hybrid, which has a smaller 1.6L GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that delivers 43hp (32kW), giving a combined output of 139hp and 264Nm of torque. This engine is mated to Hyundai’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

No details yet on exactly when the 2021 Hyundai Elantra will be launched in Malaysia, but given that HSDM has started teasing the new C-segment sedan, it should arrive here very soon. That being said, the government’s sales tax exemption – which is ending next month – is unlikely to be applicable to the new Elantra.


Microsoft Surface Laptop Go Now Available in Malaysia From RM2,758

Initially opened for pre-orders earlier this month, Microsoft’s latest laptop, the Surface Laptop Go, is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Positioned below the
Surface Laptop range
, this productivity-focused machine is meant to appeal to those who want a more budget-friendly Microsoft laptop.

Three variants of the Surface Laptop Go are offered for the Malaysian market. The base model (RM2,758) comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the mid-tier variant features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage for RM3,388.

The top-of-the-line configuration, on the other hand, sports 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage for RM4,288. There’s actually a higher-end model with 16GB of RAM instead, but that’s only offered to business customers.

Beyond the different RAM and storage configurations, all three variants of the Surface Laptop Go have the same hardware. These include an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor – yes, it’s still just a 10th generation chip – and a 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 PixelSense touch-enabled screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio; the extra screen real estate makes this aspect ratio ideal for productivity tasks.

Aside from that, it’s also worth noting that this is Microsoft’s most lightweight Surface Laptop yet. Tipping the scales at 1.1kg with a 15.69mm thin chassis, you can easily lug this laptop around in your backpack. It also has a quoted battery life of up to 13 hours on a single charge.

To recap, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is now available for purchase in Malaysia, including
Shopee
 and
Lazada
. The 64GB + 4GB base model retails at RM2,758, while the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 8GB variants go for RM3,388 and RM4,288 respectively.


Poco M3 Official: Snapdragon 662, 6,000mAh Battery, From RM499

Poco’s latest smartphone is here, and it’s quite an intriguing budget-friendly device. Not only does the Poco M3 come with a very generous 6,000mAh battery, it also sports a rather interesting back design with a competitive price tag.

For the Malaysian market, the Poco M3 is offered in two variants. The base model features 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM for RM599, while the 128GB option – also with 4GB RAM – costs RM699. Early birds can save RM100 on either one of these two variants
from Lazada
 this Friday on 27 November.

Design wise, the Poco M3 certainly looks quite unique with an “anti-fingerprint” textured back. It mimics the appearance of leather – though it doesn’t feel like leather at all, since it’s plastic – and the camera module, while quite sizeable, certainly gives the phone a unique aesthetic.

Other specifications of the Poco M3 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, a 6.53-inch 1080p notched screen, a triple camera system (48MP f/1.79 primary + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth), an 8MP f/2.05 selfie camera, a huge 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

The Poco M3 will go on sale this Friday on 27 November from Xiaomi’s
official global store on Lazada
. The 64GB model costs RM599 (RM499 for early birds), while the 128GB variant goes for RM699 (RM599 for early buyers).


Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Quick Review: Keeping the Essentials

Samsung’s flagship smartphones are usually positioned as premium products with equally premium price tags, which is why the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE – that stands for Fan Edition – is particularly interesting. Not only does it cost quite a bit less than its higher-end siblings, it still retains the essential hardware of a flagship device.

If you want a flagship smartphone that doesn’t cost upwards of RM4,000, consider the Galaxy S20 FE – it retains the essential features of a high-end phone at a more affordable price point.

What It Is

Display
6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (2400 x 1080), 120Hz
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 2.8GHz octa-core
Samsung Exynos 990 2.73GHz octa-core
GPU
Adreno 650 (Snapdragon 865)
Mali-G77 MP11 (Exynos 990)
RAM
8GB
Storage
256GB (Snapdragon 865), 128GB (Exynos 990), expandable
Camera (rear)
12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS
12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)
8MP f/2.4 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
Camera (front)
32MP f/2.2
Battery
4,500mAh
Dimensions
159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
Weight
190g
OS
One UI based on Android 10
Connectivity
5G (Snapdragon 865 only)
LTE
NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)
USB Type-C
Price
RM3,399 (Snapdragon 865), RM2,699 (Exynos 990)

Compared to the rest of the
Galaxy S20
 smartphones, the S20 FE sacrifices on a number of hardware. These include a more modest triple camera system, a lower resolution 1080p screen, and a less premium plastic construction. However, it still has
essential
 flagship features like a fast 120Hz screen, a high-end processor – either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 chip – and an IP68 rating.

The Good Stuff

Even though the Galaxy S20 FE doesn’t have the sharp QHD+ displays of its other siblings, at least the 120Hz refresh rate is retained. This is a very good tradeoff: I would happily use a fast 120Hz screen instead of a higher resolution display with only a conventional 60Hz refresh rate.

Thanks to the Galaxy S20 FE’s bright and vibrant Super AMOLED 120Hz screen, every single animation on the display looks extra smooth. This, in turn, makes gaming on this phone particularly enjoyable, though only certain mobile games support the high refresh rate. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed playing games like Genshin Impact on this device.

Speaking of which, the Galaxy S20 FE offers fast performance as well. Samsung sent over the higher-end S20 FE 5G model with a Snapdragon 865 chipset for this review, and without a doubt it can keep up with any tasks I throw at it. Based on my experience with other Samsung flagship smartphones, I reckon even the Exynos 990 chip – which powers the 4G variant of the S20 FE – will be able to deliver a similar level of performance.

The battery life of the Galaxy S20 FE is also one of its winning qualities. On average, the 4,500mAh battery can consistently return over six hours of screen on time throughout the review period. It’s worth noting that I got this level of battery life with the display set to 120Hz; turning down the refresh rate to 60Hz should further improve the phone’s already impressive battery life.

And then there’s the camera performance of the Galaxy S20 FE. Its triple camera system is made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto camera. Collectively, these three sensors can take good-looking shots, especially the 12MP primary shooter, as expected. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.

Overall, the Galaxy S20 FE has plenty of good qualities. Despite having to sacrifice on a number of hardware to bring down the price, it still feels like a proper flagship smartphone. That being said, no smartphone is perfect, so let’s get to the negatives of the S20 FE.

The Bad Stuff

Given its more affordable price tag, the Galaxy S20 FE certainly feels a notch below its higher-end siblings when it comes to build quality. It has a polycarbonate (read: plastic) back panel, which doesn’t feel quite as premium as the other S20 phones with a more solid glass back. Of course, if you plan to slap a case onto the phone, this won’t be a problem at all.

Aside from that, there’s also the finnicky fingerprint sensor of the S20 FE. Unlike its other competition with a similar sensor, this phone’s optical fingerprint reader isn’t quite as accurate as I would’ve hoped. This is by no means a huge issue, but it is a little annoying having to try multiple times before the sensor can accurately read my fingerprint.

Last but certainly not least is the asking price of the Galaxy S20 FE. Yes, it offers good value for money, but there are other devices at this price point that offers
even better
 bang for your buck. The
Xiaomi Mi 10T
, for one, offers a faster 144Hz screen with the same Snapdragon 865 chipset for only RM1,699 – that’s
half
 the S20 FE 5G’s RM3,399 price tag. Granted, the FE does have a more impressive Super AMOLED screen along with superior camera performance over the Mi 10T.

Is It Worth It?

If you’ve always wanted a flagship smartphone from Samsung that doesn’t cost too much money, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is made for that very reason. It may not offer the best value for money, but it has a fast, vibrant 120Hz screen, high-end performance, great battery life, and a reasonably good camera system.

Yes, RM3,399 for the 5G variant of the Galaxy S20 FE with a Snapdragon 865 processor is a little steep, but that’s why Samsung released the 4G model as well. It costs quite a bit less at RM2,699, and while you’ll only get 128GB of storage (instead of 256GB) and an Exynos 990 chipset, it’s still very similar to the costlier 5G variant.

All in all, the Galaxy S20 FE is a fantastic flagship smartphone from Samsung, and it’ll be interesting to see if the Korean company will replicate this strategy with its other flagship-tier phones, such as the Galaxy Note series. Keeping the essential features of a flagship device while lowering the price tag is proving to be a winning strategy for the S20 FE.


2021 Hyundai Elantra for Malaysia Will Come With IVT & 1.6L Engine – 123PS & 154Nm Torque

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) just dropped
another teaser
 for the
2021 Hyundai Elantra
 for Malaysia. The company now confirmed the exact engine that will be under the hood of the new C-segment sedan for the local market, including the transmission it will be paired with.

According to HSDM, the seventh generation Elantra will come with Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is essentially its take on a CVT gearbox. Compared to a conventional CVT, the Korean carmaker’s IVT uses a chain belt instead of a metallic belt, which improves efficiency in power delivery. The chain belt is said to be maintenance-free with a longer lifespan as well, making it more reliable.

On top of that, Hyundai’s IVT also mimics the shifting pattern of a manual transmission with eight virtual speeds. This “better reflects the driver’s intent and driving conditions, making it feel more responsive in general,” as Hyundai puts it. The carmaker further elaborated that in the case of the IVT fitted into the Elantra, it offers 4.2% better fuel economy and a 5-8% reduction in engine power loss.

Speaking of which, the engine that will be powering the Elantra for the Malaysian market is a 1.6L SmartStream four-cylinder MPI engine that offers 123PS and 154Nm of torque. As a point of comparison, the previous sixth generation Elantra for our local market had a bigger 2.0L Nu MPI engine that outputs 152PS and 192Nm of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

At the moment, we still don’t know exactly when HSDM will officially launch the 2021 Hyundai Elantra in Malaysia. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any news regarding the local availability of the C-segment sedan.


M1-Powered MacBook Air, MacBook Pro & Mac Mini Registered With SIRIM; Available in Malaysia Soon?

Initially unveiled to the world
on 11 November
, the new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini powered by Apple’s brand new M1 chip may be available in Malaysia very soon. After all, all three of these products have been certified by SIRIM.

In fact, the Mac mini with the new M1 chip just appeared in SIRIM’s database today; it was registered under Apple Malaysia with the model number A2348. As for the M1-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, both of them were certified by SIRIM with the model number A2337 and A2338 respectively earlier this week on 23 November.

The Mac mini
The MacBook Air
The MacBook Pro

Even though we already know the Malaysian pricing of these three M1 products, Apple did not reveal exactly when they will be arriving in Malaysia. Chances are, the Cupertino company wants to get them certified with SIRIM first before announcing their local availability.

To recap, the M1 Mac mini retails from RM2,999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage; you can get the RM3,799 model if you want to upgrade the SSD storage to 512GB. The M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, on the other hand, start at RM4,399 and RM5,599 respectively; both base models feature 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.

Now that the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini with Apple’s M1 chip have been certified by SIRIM, we reckon they will be sold here very, very soon. We’ll keep you guys updated on the local availability of these products, so stay tuned to Nextrift!


KBDfans Releases KBD67 Lite Sound Test Ahead of Tomorrow’s Pre-Order

KBDfans’ budget-friendly
KBD67 Lite
 custom mechanical keyboard kit will be available for (unlimited) pre-order
tomorrow on 27 November at 8AM
. If you’d like to hear how the keyboard sounds like before you place your pre-order for it, good news: KBDfans just released a sound test of the board.

It’s a rather short sound test done with the new Gateron Cap switches, but it does give us a good idea of the KBD67 Lite’s sound profile. Thanks to its polycarbonate plate, plastic case, and “mute silicone” between the PCB and plate, the keyboard does sound like a gasket-mounted board with a clean sound profile. We’re quite a fan of the tone.

In the video above, KDBfans also showed off the different lighting effects of the KBD67 Lite. The effects can be cycled with a keyboard shortcut, and the brightness can be adjusted on the fly as well. These come as no surprise, of course: the PCB can be customised with VIA and QMK, after all.

Other specifications of the KBD67 Lite include a hotswap PCB – you can easily install and swap out switches without the need to solder them – with per-key RGB lighting, Cherry screw-in stabilisers, as well as a USB-C port. A carrying case is also bundled with the keyboard kit.

The KBDfans KBD67 Lite will be
available for pre-order tomorrow
 on 27 November until 3 December for $109, which comes up to about RM445. Three colour options are offered (Transparent, Black, White) – shipping will begin sometime in the first quarter of 2021.


The iPhone 12 mini Is the Most Exciting iPhone This Year

The
iPhone 12

series
is quite a bit more exciting than its predecessors. For the first time in many years, Apple released a brand new iPhone in a compact form factor, the iPhone 12 mini. But unlike other phone makers, the Cupertino company isn’t compromising (too much) on the hardware of the compact phone.

Sporting the same processor, camera, and OLED screen as the bigger iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 mini is easily the most exciting 2020 iPhone to me. In a smartphone landscape dominated by much bigger devices, it’s refreshing to see such a compact phone that doesn’t sacrifice on processing power, among other aspects.

Plus, the iPhone 12 mini is also the most affordable 2020 iPhone.

Why Is the iPhone 12 mini So Exciting?

The biggest reason is definitely its compact form factor. Not only can I easily operate the iPhone 12 mini with only one hand, it just feels incredibly comfortable to hold. It’s lightweight, it feels proportionate to my hand, and I love the squared-off aluminium sides of the iPhone 12 mini, which makes it easy to get a good grip on the phone.

What about the iPhone 12 mini’s display? Is it too small for practical use? Of course, a small screen is one of the major shortcomings of a compact phone, but in the case of the mini, its 5.4-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED panel is completely usable. Sure, it’s not the most ideal display size for content consumption or gaming, but it’s certainly big enough without feeling too cramped or cumbersome to use.

As for the quality of the screen itself, it’s befitting of a premium phone like the iPhone 12 mini. It’s an OLED panel, so it has inherently deep blacks, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. On top of that, this display can get very bright as well, so outdoor visibility will not be an issue at all. Basically, it’s a high quality screen through and through, and I love that the bezels surrounding the screen are so minimal.

When it comes to processing power, you get the same level of performance as any other 2020 iPhone – yes, even the top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max – with the iPhone 12 mini. The A14 Bionic is one of the fastest (if not
the fastest
) mobile processors in the market now, and the fact that a compact phone like the mini is powered by this chip is very…exciting. How often do you see a phone this pocketable that packs so much power under the hood?

And then there’s the camera performance of the iPhone 12 mini. Just like the iPhone 12, the mini features a dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.6 primary sensor and a 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle lens. Not a super sophisticated camera system – and it would’ve been great if it had the telephoto shooter of the Pro models – but it can still take some good-looking shots.

In my brief time photographing with the iPhone 12 mini, it feels very competent with a fuss-free shooting experience; this is what we’ve come to expect of any modern iPhone. Granted, I haven’t put the camera through its paces yet – especially in more challenging lighting situations – but I’m confident the mini will not disappoint.

Surely the iPhone 12 Mini Has Some Shortcomings?

Of course. There’s only so much space to work with for a compact phone like the iPhone 12 mini, so naturally, it has a smaller battery capacity than the rest of its siblings. This means its battery life won’t be quite as good as other 2020 iPhones, which can be a dealbreaker to some folks. I haven’t had the chance to use the iPhone 12 mini as my daily driver yet to get a feel for its battery life, but I’ll do so in the near future.

Aside from that, the iPhone 12 mini – as well as the rest of the 2020 iPhones – still has the wide notch at the top of the screen for Face ID. This doesn’t give the phone a particularly modern aesthetic, not to mention the fact that the screen’s refresh rate is still limited to 60Hz.

Last but definitely not least is the asking price of the iPhone 12 mini. Even though it’s the “most affordable” 2020 iPhone, it
still

starts at RM3,399
 for the base model; that’s a lot of money for a phone with only 64GB of storage. If you want the 128GB or 256GB variant instead, it will cost you RM3,599 and RM4,099 respectively here in Malaysia.

Is the iPhone 12 mini Worth It?

If you like the idea of a compact smartphone with class-leading performance, competent camera, and vibrant OLED screen, the iPhone 12 mini is absolutely worth it. It may not have the more sophisticated camera setup of the Pro models, but its compact form factor easily makes it the most exciting iPhone this year. Well, to me at least.

Yes, retailing from RM3,399, the iPhone 12 mini is still not exactly an affordable smartphone, but this has always been the case with the latest and greatest iPhones. If given the choice, I’d happily go with the iPhone 12 mini over the rest of the iPhone 12 models – it’s not so hard on my pocket, and it can fit into my pocket much more comfortably.


2021 Hyundai Elantra Open for Booking in Malaysia; Priced at RM1xx,888

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) just opened bookings for the
2021 Hyundai Elantra
 in Malaysia. According to the company, the new C-segment sedan will actually be launched here before the end of 2020, and it will only be offered in a single variant.

HSDM did not reveal exactly how much the seventh generation Elantra will cost in our market, though it did say the sedan will retail at RM1XX,888. The sole variant will be powered by a 1.6L SmartStream four-cylinder MPI engine that offers 123PS and 154Nm of torque paired with Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), its version of a CVT gearbox.

Just like the rest of its competition, the Elantra will come with a suite of driver assistance systems as well, courtesy of Hyundai SmartSense. These include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go function, and Lane Following Assist (LFA).

Aside from that, the new Elantra for the Malaysian market will also come with 17-inch wheels, a 10.25-inch Supervision digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch infotainment screen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a wireless charging pad for smartphones. More features of the C-segment sedan will be revealed closer to launch.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is now available for booking in Malaysia with a RM777 booking fee. You can register your interest for the seventh generation sedan
right here
.


28 November – 4 December Fuel Price: Prices Are Up Yet Again

Fuel prices are going up across the board yet again this coming week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 go up by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a higher price hike of 4 sen per litre.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.67 per litre (up from RM1.64) and RON 97 to RM1.97 per litre (RM1.94 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.85 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.81 previously.

These prices will be in effect from 28 November to 4 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Video: RM3,000 Custom Mechanical Keyboard – Vega By ai03 & Kevinplus

This is the Vega, a custom mechanical keyboard by ai03 and Kevinplus. We were lucky enough to secure a unit during the in-stock drop, and we spent a total of RM3,000 to complete the keyboard…give or take. That’s right, RM3,000 for a (
fantastic
) mechanical keyboard.

Now, it’s worth noting that the Vega itself “only” cost $359, which comes up to about RM1,460. But shipping and import duties drove the price up to approximately RM1,700, and together with the GMK Fuyu keycaps – which cost us RM1,000 since we got it from the extras sale – C3 Tangerine V2 switches (RM250), and JWK screw-in stabilisers (RM50), the total cost is RM3,000.

Yes, RM3,000 is a lot of money for “just” a keyboard, but the Vega is an
absolute joy
 to type on; watch the video above to see what we mean. If you’re keen to get the Vega, the group buy is set to begin this Sunday on 29 November at 1AM Malaysian time
right here
. It will cost $329 (about RM1,340) for the group buy instead of $359, and the keyboard kit will begin shipping sometime in the middle of 2021 next year.


Zhongli Coming to Genshin Impact on 1 December; Joined by Xinyan, Razor & Chongyun

Mihoyo just confirmed exactly when Zhongli will be added to Genshin Impact. Set to drop this Tuesday on 1 December, the new 5-star character’s “Gentry of Hermitage” banner will be joined by three other 4-star characters: Xinyan (who is new), Razor, and Chongyun.

As with all of Genshin Impact’s event banner, the “drop rate” of Zhongli, Xinyan, Razor, and Chongyun will be increased. In the case of Zhongli, the first 5-star character that you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If it wasn’t Zhongli, the
next
 5-star character you roll is guaranteed to be him.

Do note that Genshin Impact’s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star item every 90 attempts, so you’ll need to roll 180 times for a guaranteed Zhongli.

Same goes for the 4-star characters, but given that there are three 4-star units featured in this event banner, it’s a little bit more random. Basically, when you’re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Xinyan, Razor, or Chongyun.

Besides the new banner, the story quest for Zhongli, Historia Antiqua Chapter, will also be added on 1 December. Genshin Impact offers one the most
engrossing storylines of any RPG game
, so we’re confident the new story will expand the character development of Zhongli quite a bit. Plus, completing the story quest will reward players with adventure experience as well.

The new Gentry of Hermitage banner with Zhongli will go live on Genshin Impact this Tuesday on 1 December. For us here in Malaysia, the banner will be available from 6PM onwards on that day.


Acer Swift 3X Hands-On: Well-Rounded Productivity Laptop

Acer’s range of thin and light Swift laptops got more interesting with the Acer Swift 3X. Not only is it the first laptop to come with Intel’s very own dedicated GPU – the Iris Xe Max – it’s also a well-rounded (and premium) productivity machine that doesn’t cost too much money.

After spending a brief time with the Swift 3X, I’m quite impressed with its feature set and performance. Of course, it does have a number of shortcomings here and there, but overall, it’s definitely a thin and light productivity laptop worth considering.

First, let’s talk about hardware. The Swift 3X I tested is the top-of-the-line RM4,599 model with a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, the aforementioned Iris Xe Max discrete GPU, a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, and a 512GB SSD. There’s also the more affordable Core i5-1135G7 model with 8GB of RAM that costs RM3,799; its other specifications are the same as the Core i7 configuration.

Yes, the Swift 3X is not exactly a super affordable productivity laptop, but this has always been the case with the company’s Swift series. After all, for that kind of money, you are getting a slim and light machine. The Swift 3X weighs only 1.37kg with a 17.95mm chassis, so it’s really quite a portable laptop that you can easily lug around.

Now then, let’s talk about the user experience of the Swift 3X, starting with performance. Naturally, powered by a Core i7-1165G7 processor, this laptop feels very fast and responsive. As for the Iris Xe Max dedicated GPU, it can run less demanding games like
Genshin Impact
, Dota 2, and
Diablo III
 without much issue, though don’t expect to get particularly high frame rates in more graphically intensive games without tweaking the graphics settings.

Moving on, we have the 14-inch 1080p IPS display of the Swift 3X, which is quite good. It’s a bright panel with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for both content consumption and productivity tasks. I do wish the bottom bezel of the screen was a bit smaller for a sleeker-looking design, but the laptop still has a screen-to-body ratio of 84%; a respectable figure.

Given its focus as a productivity laptop, the battery life of the Swift 3X has to be good. According to Acer, this laptop’s 58.7WHr battery can return up to
17.5 hours of use
 on a single charge. This is a very lofty estimate, so I’ll definitely put it to the test in a full review.

When it comes to port selection, the Swift 3X is…alright in this regard. It offers two USB-A ports, a single USB-C connection with Thunderbolt 4 support, and an HDMI output. Not the best connectivity options we’ve seen on a productivity laptop, but it’s not exactly the worst either. Besides that, the fingerprint reader is quite fast too.

And then there’s my biggest qualm with the Swift 3X: its keyboard. While it’s great that it has a standard keyboard layout, the typing experience itself leaves a lot to be desired. The keys have
very
 limited travel, which make for a shallow typing experience. The tactile feedback isn’t particularly pronounced either, so I tend to mistype quite a bit with this keyboard. Granted, I’m sure I can get used to it over time, but as far as first impressions go, it’s not very favourable.

What about the trackpad of the Swift 3X? For the most part, it’s serviceable. I wish it was a tad bit more responsive with a smoother surface, but overall, the trackpad is accurate enough to not feel cumbersome to use. It can recognise gestures without any issue either.

Even though the Acer Swift 3X’s input devices are not particularly great (especially the keyboard), it’s still a well-rounded productivity-focused laptop. It offers a good level of performance, the screen is bright and vibrant, and its lightweight, slim chassis makes it easy to lug around, which can be an important factor for folks who are always on the go.

But whether or not it’s worth spending RM4,599 for the Swift 3X – or RM3,799 for the Core i5 model – only a full review can shed some light on this. If the laptop can really deliver up to 17.5 hours of use on a single charge, I will wholeheartedly recommend the Swift 3X to anyone that wants a good productivity machine.

Besides that, it’s great that the Swift 3X also comes with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed. This will be especially useful to those that need access to this software.


The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Is the New Value Champion – Faster Than RTX 2080 Super for RM1,880

Nvidia released a slew of new graphics cards lately, and this latest one, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, is arguably its most exciting GPU yet. Not only is it faster than the RTX 2080 Super (!), it is also the most affordable RTX 3000 series graphics card so far.

According to
Lowyat.NET
, the RTX 3060 Ti will retail from only RM1,880 for the Malaysian market. Given the level of performance it offers, you are getting a lot of value for your money at this price point. After all, even the RTX 2080 Super – which is, again, slower than the RTX 3060 Ti – is still listed above the RM3,000 price point
right now
.

In terms of hardware, the RTX 3060 Ti is actually very similar to the RTX 3070. Both of them use the same GA104 GPU with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, though the 3060 Ti do come with less CUDA cores (4864 versus 5888) and lower clock speeds.

Despite that, the RTX 3060 Ti can actually match the performance level of the RTX 3070 quite a bit. Looking at early benchmarks done by
Tom’s Hardware
, the 3060 Ti is only about 2% to 7% slower compared to its higher-end sibling; that’s very, very respectable.

According to Nvidia, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti will be available for purchase in Malaysia from today onwards. Gigabyte, for one, already revealed the local prices of its RTX 3060 Ti GPUs, which start at only RM1,969 for the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Eagle 8G.


You Can Now Get the 2020 Honda City With RM2,000 Discount

The
all-new 2020 Honda City
 was officially launched in Malaysia just a couple of months ago, but you can already get the B-segment sedan with RM2,000 discount. This is offered by Honda Malaysia itself as part of its 12.12 Special Sales campaign.

Of course, there are a number of caveats. For one, only the S and E variants of the City are eligible for the RM2,000 discount; the higher-end V variant is not a part of the promotion. On top of that, only bookings made until 12 December will be eligible for the discount.

Honda City Variant
Price with sales tax exemption
Price without sales tax exemption
Price difference
S
RM74,191.27
RM76,800
RM
2,608.73
E
RM81,664.82
RM84,800
RM3,135.18
V
RM86,561.45
RM89,800
RM3,238.55

Even though you are required to place a booking for the City by 12 December to enjoy the RM2,000 discount, you do have until 31 December 2020 to register your City. Of course, you will be able to take advantage of the 100% sales tax exemption from the government as well, which is only valid until the end of this year. Refer to the table above for the prices before and after tax exemption.

Under the hood of the S and E variants of the new City is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. Speaking of which, these two models also feature 15-inch alloys.

As for safety, the S and E City come with four airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX anchor points, and rear seatbelt reminder.

Honda Malaysia’s 12.12 Special Sales promotion for the 2020 Honda City is certainly a good opportunity for folks that are interested to get the S or E variants of the new B-segment sedan. It would’ve been great if the V model can enjoy the RM2,000 discount as well, but given that it accounts for
54% of total bookings
, perhaps Honda Malaysia wants to focus on the other two variants instead.


Shopee Working Together With Brick-and-Mortar Businesses For Its 12.12 Birthday Sale

For Shopee’s 12.12 Birthday Sale, the e-commerce platform is working with a number of brick-and-mortar businesses, which are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, Shopee is engaging over 1,000 of these offline businesses to offer a number of products.

Brick-and-mortar businesses Shopee has roped in for the 12.12 Birthday Sale include FamilyMart, Starbucks, Gong Cha, TGV Cinemas, and even MBO Cinemas. Among the items that can be purchased on Shopee from these businesses include merchandise, set deals, and even cash vouchers.

Of course, as with all of Shopee’s sale events, a number of promotions will also be running throughout the 12.12 Birthday Sale. From now until 12 December, the minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping will be reduced to only RM12. Aside from that, there will be RM1 deals as part of the platform’s Shocking Sale.

There’s also a rather interesting game called Shopee Kotak Duit, which offers shoppers a chance to win up to a whopping RM12,000. According to Shopee, two winners have already walked away with that amount of money. To join the Kotak Duit game, you just need to get a unique code through the Shopee app, and tune in to the Shopee Live event – from Monday to Thursday – to see if your code is chosen.

Naturally, there will be special Kotak Duit sessions on 11 and 12 December as well.

Shopee’s 12.12 Birthday Sale is currently ongoing, with the best deals happening on 12 December itself. More details on the sale event can be found
right here
. You can also download the Shopee app on the
Apple App Store
and the
Google Play Store
.


Proton X50: 1,756 Units Delivered in November 2020, Best-Selling B-Segment SUV

Proton just released its monthly sales report, and that includes sales number for the national carmaker’s very popular B-segment SUV, the
Proton X50
. For the month of November 2020, 1,756 units of the new model have been delivered to customers.

According to Proton, this is enough to place the X50 as the best-selling (five-seater) B-segment SUV for the month of November 2020 in Malaysia. Aside from that, the carmaker also delivered 11,411 vehicles last month for both local and export markets. This brings the total number of vehicles sold by Proton to 96,410 units this year.

Given that over 27,400 bookings have been placed for the X50, the total number of units delivered so far – which is 2,203, taking into account the other 447 units delivered in October – isn’t exactly a whole lot. Well, according to the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, “deliveries of the Proton X50 have not ramped up to maximum capacity.”

“We are being deliberate in our approach to ensure our customers get the best product that meets their expectations. Still, we target to increase our volume each month to shorten waiting times so we urge everyone to please remain patient,” added Roslan.

Hopefully, more units of the Proton X50 will be delivered to customers before the end of the year; that’s when the 100% sales tax exemption from the government is set to end. What do you think? Have Proton done enough to meet consumer demands for the X50? Let us know in the comments section below.


Realme Launches Its First Smart TV in Malaysia; From RM899 to RM1,499

Surprise surprise, Realme is entering the smart TV market in Malaysia. The aptly named – if not particularly imaginative – Realme Smart TV is offered in two sizes, and given its rather affordable price point, it is ideal for those who are on a tight budget.

Let’s start with the most affordable 32-inch Realme Smart TV, which retails at only RM899 in Malaysia. It’s a decent price tag for a TV running on Android TV – not to mention the fact that it’s powered by a MediaTek chip – though as with most 32-inch TVs, this model only features a 1366 x 768 display.

And then there’s the 43-inch Realme Smart TV. Naturally, it’s better equipped than the aforementioned model, given its bigger size and price tag (RM1,499). For that kind of money, you’re getting a 43-inch 1920 x 1080 panel with the same Android TV operating system.

One of the major selling points of the Realme Smart TV has to be its proprietary “Chroma Boost Picture Engine” technology. According to Realme, this tech uses “advanced algorithms to enhance overall picture quality and improve brightness, colour, contrast, and clarity.” The panel itself is said to have a peak brightness of 400 nits as well.

To recap, the Realme Smart TV retails at RM899 and RM1,499 in Malaysia for the 32-inch and 43-inch models respectively. Even though the local pricing has been revealed, it still remains to be seen exactly when the smart TV will be available on our shores.


Deal: This Is the Most Affordable Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU in Malaysia

The brand new Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is now available for purchase in Malaysia. If you’re eyeing to get the most affordable version of the graphics card, we got you covered: the Colorful GeForce RTX 3060 Ti NB-V Battle Ax can be yours for only RM1,899.

At the moment, two retailers currently have this particular GPU in stock: Colourful Malaysia’s own
Flagship Store on Lazada
, as well as the renowned
Brightstar Computer
. The former only has one unit in stock, while Brightstar has five units available right now.

Given that this is one of the most affordable variants of the RTX 3060 Ti, its clock speeds are very similar to the Founders Edition, maxing out at 1665MHz. Still, you can expect to get a good level of performance out of this GPU, given just how similar it is to the higher-end RTX 3070.

If you want to grab the Colorful GeForce RTX 3060 Ti NB-V Battle Ax for only RM1,899, you can do so
here
 and
here
. Not many units are left at the time of writing, so be quick!


2020 Honda City: Over 5,100 Units Delivered

The
2020 Honda City
 is proving to be a popular choice in the B-segment sedan market. Previously, Honda Malaysia revealed that
9,000 bookings have been placed
 for the new City with over 2,400 units delivered. Well, that number has now grown to over 5,100.

According to
Paul Tan
, which got in touch with Honda Malaysia, total deliveries of the 2020 City stands at 5,100 units at the end of November. As a point of comparison, only
2,203 units of the Proton X50
 – which was launched just two weeks after the City – have been delivered by the end of last month.

The Honda City 1.5L V

No variant breakdown of units delivered for the new City, though it’s worth noting that the V trim – the range-topping petrol variant of the B-segment sedan – make up
54% of total bookings for the City
. The top-of-the-line RS e:HEV model is not taken into account, given that it is only set to be available here sometime in January 2021.

Anyway, under the hood of the S, E, and V variants of the City is the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. The V model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, while the more affordable S and E trims get 15-inch alloys.

Honda City Variant
Price with sales tax exemption
Price without sales tax exemption
Price difference
S
RM74,191.27
RM76,800
RM
2,608.73
E
RM81,664.82
RM84,800
RM3,135.18
V
RM86,561.45
RM89,800
RM3,238.55

If you’re looking to purchase the all-new 2020 Honda City, you can actually get a RM2,000 discount right now
on top
 of the 100% sales tax exemption (outlined above) given by the government until the end of the year. Granted, this discount is only offered for the S and E models, but it’s still a noteworthy offer. More details on this can be found in our
previous article
.


Video: Dell G5 15 Review – Your Average Gaming Laptop

We’ve been using the Dell G5 15 for about a month now, and overall, it’s a decent gaming laptop with strong gaming performance and relatively long battery life. However, despite its positioning as a value-oriented product, it doesn’t offer particularly good value for money; it’s rather lacklustre in a number of areas too.

For this review, we tested the G5 15 with an Intel Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 VA screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. Overall, a decent list of hardware, so you can definitely game quite effectively with this machine.

But a good gaming laptop isn’t entirely defined by just raw performance, and unfortunately enough, the Dell G5 15 doesn’t impress quite as much in other areas. Watch our review video above to find out why.


Asuz ROG Zephyrus G14 With Ryzen 9 4900HS & 120Hz Screen Now in Malaysia for RM7,499

The
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
 is one of the most exciting gaming laptops introduced this year, and now, you can finally get the range-topping model with a faster screen. Previously only offered with a 1440p 60Hz panel, the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS configuration of the laptop is now available with a more gamer-centric 1080p 120Hz screen.

Originally retailing at RM7,699, you can actually get this variant of the Zephyrus G14 at a lower price point right now.
This listing on Shopee
, for one, is offering the gaming laptop for only RM7,499. The retailer only has one unit in stock at the time of writing, so if you want to get it at this price point, act fast.

Beyond the faster 1080p screen, other hardware of this particular Zephyrus G14 is identical to the previous
range-topping model we reviewed
. It still comes with the blazing fast Ryzen 9 4900HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU. On top of that, there’s also a very generous 1TB SSD.

What makes the Zephyrus G14 particularly interesting is the fact that it is a premium gaming laptop in a 14-inch form factor; a combination that is not offered by any other brands. It also brings excellent processing power and long battery life, so it can serve as a pretty darn good productivity laptop. That being said, do keep in mind that this gaming machine – for some reason – does not have a webcam.

If you’d like to learn more about the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, check out our
comprehensive review
 of the gaming laptop. Now that it is available with a 120Hz screen, it’s that much more compelling to folks that want a gaming laptop in a compact form factor.